Christian Photographers Community

I have Auslogics Boost Speed, Nita.  You do have to pay after the 15 day trial.  Personally, I find it worth the small outlay of money....and I don't have an excess of that.  Have found that it out-performs the Advance Care and does have more features.  All a matter of what one wants.  I have had my computer for nearly 7 yrs. without needing any techs. to service it....find small investments in care saves large expenses to repair.  Again, all a matter of choice. 

Liz

Well, here we  are this morning.  Overcast so far, though supposed to change to partly cloudy later.
We got our car back.  The water pump had frozen up, and that broke the timing belt, so had to have both  replaced. Between five and six hundred dollars!  But at least it's working well now.  Marbeth's going to  her quilting group  this morning, but I  have to stay here, 'cause the UPS man is coming to pick up our old AT&T stuff that we used before switching to Suddenlink's high-speed internet.

Al How in the world did the pump freeze up?  That buffalo's me how that could happen this time of year....Bug $$$$ to fix it too.

We have been given a van, like the one we own, to replace the parts on our van that need replacing.  We have a friend picking it up this weekend.  From what the guy (From our church) said, the body is in better shape than ours, and this is indeed a God send.  Will let you know how that turns out.

Elizabeth is home today and we are on our way out to do more gardening.  The weeds do grow faster than the seed.  There is no rain on the horizon, so we will be watering the garden this weekend. When we are done that we will go swimming.  Kass is at school for her music exam. It will be an easy one for her, then she is going out with friends.  So a good time for both girls.

I was at the doctor yesterday.  My BP is 101/69.  No wonder I feel so tired, at least I am not in line for a stroke. 

Pat any update on Phil?  Didn't sleep well last night so took time to pray for all the needs here.

Got to run

Hi everyone.  Just back from coffee, a quick stop at the grocery store, walking at the gym and finally a quick visit to the library to pick up a book.  I think that is outings for today unless Pat decides she wants to go out to eat this evening.

Pat left a few minutes ago to have two teeth filled.  She wasn't looking forward to it as they are lower teeth and apparently in difficult places for the dentist as he told her he wasn't looking forward to it either when she had the exam.  She told him she didn't suffer in silence.  This should complete her dental work for awhile.  I am still facing having the crown work done and will schedule it soon.  

I saw the dermatoloist yesterday and had a place removed from my lip.  Other than getting the pain medication is really was painless and over in a flash.  Sure should have done it much earlier.  He thought there was little chance of cancer but sent off a biopsy just to be sure.

Liz, it sounds like you do goo computer maintenance.

Etta Sue, that was good thinking in terms of how to solve Kitty's computer problems and accomplish what she wanted done.

Janet, glad to see that the doctors are finally deciding to do something.  Also glad to hear you will have a bed to rest in for a few more nights.

Al, glad things worked out so well for you with your car.  I have been told on my older car that if the timing belt breaks it would ruin the motor.  Glad they are able to fix your car and that you weren't stranded out somewhere and now have the car back.

Pat, so sorry to hear of the accident and the injuries to your SIL.  Back injuries are so hard to heal from, if you ever do.  

Liz, thanks for the additonal info on the headsets.

While I was out yesteday I decided to get another wireless mouse for my laptop, which has a much smaller USB receiver to stick out from the USB port.  It laser mouse and I really like.  Now I am going to install the wireless mouse I was using on the laptop to use here on my desktop.  I thought about a wireless keyboard but decided to not go that way at this time.

It is going to be very hot here today, perhaps as high as 97 degrees.  It is already very warm this morning.

Judy, my blood pressure yesterday was a little over 100/52.  It always runs low but I do take medication to keep the heart from having to work too hard and it is also paced with the pacemaker.  However, have always had low blood pressure.

Judy - I wondered that too.  Of course it has nothing to do with "freezing," as in cold, but really "seizing" up - like what happens when something isn't lubricated properly.  Apparently this particular water pump  lacked water, due to a small radiator leak.  Anyway, the timing belt hadn't been changed since about 100,000 miles ago, so it was due.  Thankfully, these days you can get a "kit" that includes water pump and belt.  Costs less that way.

ok That makes more sence.  If a person is handy that would save a lot of money.  Thankfully both John and Doug are mechanically inclined.

Pat:  Thinking of you - and now your SIL and grandson are recuperating from a car crash.  This has been quite a year for you. 

Janet:  It is a good thing you are there to speak up - continue to make your opinions known. Someone has to listen. 

Larry: My gums and teeth are feeling better today but with all that work on the very top back tooth, now I have swollen gums - it will get better.  Just tell Pat to rinse with warm salted water.

Don went for a walk after I did my walk and he then fixed breakfast.  Now he is listening to a DVD from the library with show tunes.  Banana bread with chopped pecans - I exchanged almost all of the oil with applesauce and used less sugar.  Fat and sugar - the big fight to not eat too much each day. 

Hi All-

Janet and Pat you are in my thoughts and prayers today! Hope all is going well and pray so to be...You both have had alot your plates!

It rained more yesterday/night and this morning. The weather man says were to dry up- But the rain was beautiful this morning-I listened to my sermons and it inspired me to go out and just give God lots a praise, so content to let the rain fall, not cold or anything but felt like a great cleansing rain...Joy be to God for all things!!! He watches over us always!  

Maybe after Dh comes from work and dinner maybe we'll go for a walk at Beaver Creek State Park...It is a most beautiful park!

I am posting a note I got from my niece this morning, they hosted the family reunion last week.  I think it is all self-explanatory, and will save me some typing.  Hope you don't mind!  And excuse my typos, I'm still adjusting to this keyboard.

On Thu, Jun 18, 2009 at 7:12 AM, Rex and Barb Ruppert <rexr@mvtvwireless.com> wrote:

Dear Janet,
I wish you could have been here to go to the Terry Redlin Museum. I have been there 3 times and just love the place. I thought of you all day while we were looking around. I think Jeanie and Shirley really enjoyed it too. I know that mom did. We had taken her before.

What hospital are you at? Our Pastor from Oakland lives and preaches in Wichita now. I was going to call them and see if they could come by and visit you. They would be willing to help you in any way possible I am sure. They are great people.

I wish I lived closer so that I could come and spell you for awhile. I know that this has been hard on you. Just seeing her suffer has to be terrible. I heard that you are having to move out of the Ronald McDonald house. Have you found another place to stay? And then what about Beth? Mom said that they wanted her moved to some sort of nursing home. She couldn't remember exactly what it was. Are you finding anything like that that you are looking for? What a tough time for you all.

Let me know if there is anything that I can do to help from this far away.
We love you,
Barb
----- Original Message -----
From: Janet Damon
To: Rex and Barb Ruppert
Sent: Wednesday, June 17, 2009 9:52 PM
Subject: Re: family reunion


Hello, Barb,

I'm so glad you all had a good time.  I would have loved the Terry Redlin place, so would Darrel.  He loves Terry's work as much as I do.

I am getting very tired of being away from home, and so is Beth--tired in so many ways, poor girl.  Today she had two more X-rays and another CT scan.  Her feeding tube had plugged last night, and they had to remove and replace it with a new one.  She is eating some now, so her nutritional status is improving.  She is one tough gal.

Thanks for keeping us in your prayers.

Love,

Janet

 



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  >:(THAT'S NOT WHAT I WANTED TO POST!!    I will try one more time...........


Dear Barb,

We are at Via Christy, St. Francis....it is at 929 N. St. Francis.  She is in the burn unit ICU, third floor, room 25-02.  And we would welcome visits and prayers!

So far I am still at Ronald McDonald House, and am praying no more babies have to be hospitalized, no more premies transferred here, and no mor high-risk pregnancy women show up!  Since it is a children's charity, those get priority.  So far, they just fill up and someone moves out, so I don't have to, and I believe it is because people are keeping us in their prayers.  I don't have a car here, and Security drives me back and forth, R. Mc.D is only $15 per night, compared to $70+ elsewhere, so it is really a blessing.

I think, after talking to other doctors and her nurses, that what Dr. Jost was talking about was moving Beth out of the ICU, to another floor here which has the same level of care, but will free up this ICU room.  They told me today it will be 'weeks' before she will get out of here.  Sigh........  I miss Darrel so much, but being here is just too hard on him.  I am trying to leave for a couple hours a day, started yesterday, to sort of 'wean' Beth, as I don't know how much longer I can be away from home.  Dr. Abou Jaoude told us today that she is getting a little bit better each day, and is no longer critical.  He said to her "That is different talk than at first.  I told your family when you first came that I didn't think you would make it, but you are strong!"  It's been a long journey, and will be even longer, but Beth wants to stay here on earth longer, and I want her to stay as long as she wants to stay.

Yes, believe it or not, there is something you can do from that far away!  St. Francis has a website, and from it, you can send messages via email---they print them out in the office and bring them up to her.  Her face brightenes each time she gets one, so if you can find that link and share it with others, that would bless us.

I'm  so glad Darrel bought me this laptop last week!  I'm sitting in one of the waiting rooms, and using the hospital internet, with it plugged in, so not even having to use battery power!    I am even learning to use 'finger mouse!'  God is good.

Darrel and I still  want to come to Minnesota to visit you, and when we do you can take us to Terry Redlin's place.  We will look forward to that!

Thanks for the emails, sure helps to know we are thought about and prayers are still going up for us.

Love,

Janet
- Show quoted text -



On Thu, Jun 18, 2009 at 7:12 AM, Rex and Barb Ruppert <rexr@mvtvwireless.com> wrote:

Dear Janet,
I wish you could have been here to go to the Terry Redlin Museum. I have been there 3 times and just love the place. I thought of you all day while we were looking around. I think Jeanie and Shirley really enjoyed it too. I know that mom did. We had taken her before.

What hospital are you at? Our Pastor from Oakland lives and preaches in Wichita now. I was going to call them and see if they could come by and visit you. They would be willing to help you in any way possible I am sure. They are great people.

I wish I lived closer so that I could come and spell you for awhile. I know that this has been hard on you. Just seeing her suffer has to be terrible. I heard that you are having to move out of the Ronald McDonald house. Have you found another place to stay? And then what about Beth? Mom said that they wanted her moved to some sort of nursing home. She couldn't remember exactly what it was. Are you finding anything like that that you are looking for? What a tough time for you all.

Let me know if there is anything that I can do to help from this far away.
We love you,
Barb
----- Original Message -----
From: Janet Damon
To: Rex and Barb Ruppert
Sent: Wednesday, June 17, 2009 9:52 PM
Subject: Re: family reunion


Hello, Barb,

I'm so glad you all had a good time.  I would have loved the Terry Redlin place, so would Darrel.  He loves Terry's work as much as I do.

I am getting very tired of being away from home, and so is Beth--tired in so many ways, poor girl.  Today she had two more X-rays and another CT scan.  Her feeding tube had plugged last night, and they had to remove and replace it with a new one.  She is eating some now, so her nutritional status is improving.  She is one tough gal.

Thanks for keeping us in your prayers.

Love,

Janet

Whew!  I am tired of trying to pare all that down, so just please ignore parts of it.  Anyway, it gives you the update on us here in Wichita.

I have been keeping busy with feeding Beth, scratching her nose (it itches a lot!) sponging off her face, repositioning her hands, arms, feet and legs, giving her drinks of water, finding the nurse when her IV thing starts that annoying beeping, reading Scriptures and stories to her, reading her emails and cards, finding places for her balloons (she has quite a few of those now!) and asking questions of the doctors and nurses.  

Her main, or I should say, the general doctor's name is Dory Abou Jaoude.  He is a very kind and compassionate man and always takes time to explain to us what is going on.  Today I asked him what is his nationality, and he said "I am Lebanase.  My name, in Arabic, means 'the father of goodness."  Now, isn't that a great name for a doctor?  He is a blessing.  Everyone has been so good, and have done so many things to save Beth's life.  It is amazing the resources they have here that are not available in a small hospital.

Now, about that tube....I finally got an explanation I can live with.  They say they are allowing her colon to heal around the tube, and that the tube being blocked is actually a good thing, as it makes the waste go out in the normal way (and route.)  It still has a little leakage around the tube, and that is what comes out the wound.  But it is much less now than a few days ago.  So I feel more peaceful about that.

Dr. Langendorf came in this morning and removed the last of the three JP drains she had, so less tubes now.

I must run, sorry to make you read so much.  Love you all, and please keep praying---and emailing!!

Janet ~ You typed all you want and we will read all we want....which will be all of what you type for me.  When you are typing, it lets us know that Beth is okay for you to leave awhile and that you are dried eyed enough to type!  So type away, girl friend!   

Kitty emailed me today.  She was having problems with her photos that she was putting on a different movie and couldn't save the photos in .jpg...only .tiff!  She was talking to someone and they said, Kitty...where it says .tiff, scroll down!  She did and there was the choice to save as .jpg.  I will be so glad when she gets this demonstration over.  She is brain dead! 

Ivalou and I went to Noblesville and ate Chinese at the China Inn...a buffet.  They must have a new cook....all the food was superb!  Was always good but today it was outstanding!  Then we went to WalMart.  I got a new purse.  I am having to carry my programmer for the InterStim Therapy all the time and needed a bigger lighter-weight purse.  Found one.  If I really like it, I will go back and get a winter color.  A big slouch purse...I could pack my clothes in there for a weekend!!!  Not really...

Then I stopped by the Stoney Creek Golf Course and got two 18 hole green fees with golf cart to auction off in a silent auction at the church picnic, June 28th.  Worth up to $90!

Then I came home and mowed the lawn.  While mowing I realized I mowed just 5 days ago but it was really high again.  And then I came in and showered and washed my hair again.  I am turning into a prune...two showers and head washings in 6 hours!! 

Oh, yes!  It rained this morning...so the Class of 1960 Wiener Roast is canceled!  Not re-scheduling...canceling!  Suppose to rain tomorrow and Saturday also!

I forgot....Nita, what Liz said about Auslogics is right.  You can check it all out at www.auslogics.com.  The Auslogics BoostSpeed is free for 15 days then it is a one time purchase of $29.95.  That's way cheaper than a guru working on your computer if you don't have a guru friend or relative...

Janet, I, for one, would read every word you typed or copy and pasted or any way you want to do it.    Beth is really one strong girl.  And she has one strong mom.  This is good news, Janet!! 

Etta Sue, I went ahead and downloaded the Auslogics that you're talking about.  So far I can't find anything it does that Advance System Care doesn't do. I optimize, defrag, plus memory and registry defrag, repair registry, short cuts, clean up (though I usually use ccleaner for that.) There are more tools, but I can't remember them now.I'm sure Auslogics is good, but unless it's better at what it does than AWC, then I think AWC does the same things.  There are lots more options if I want to pay for it but so far I'm happy with free.


Now, aren't we faithful to our favorite software? lol  I think I will go compare ratings just in case I decide I want it.

My sister is moving back in with me until she leaves for California in November.  She's going there to help her daughter while her husband is gone.  Her hubby is Mexican.  He's lived here since a small boy, and his parents are here too.  They have a business, own a home and still are illegal.  He wants to go to Mexico and start there to become legalized.  Sue is going to help take care of the kids while mom works.   Until then, she will get a job here in Coos Bay (she's a very good caregiver)and stay with me. 

Tyson, my dog, will be ecstatic.  I think he loves her as much as he does me.  Maybe more.  He sits on her lap all the time she's here visiting.  He sits there, head leaned back and stares up at her.  You can just see the love in his eyes.  He does that to me too.  I'm glad he loves Sue.  Rocko prefers me, so that works fine.

Janet:  How nice that you have long-distance offers to help - a bit more encouraging with your news today. 

Praying for all who are in stress.

Well, tonight's another hard-to-get-to-sleep night (ummm - I see it's morning now!).

At any rate, let me dash in here first to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Janet! You got there just about a month before I ring the same number of bells. God be with you this new year, comfort, strengthen, and guide you.

I've spent quite some time in reading each post, digesting them, praying over them, etc.

What a precious group of people are on this site!

Y'all have a good day.

Ruth Ann

Ruth Ann i hope you get some sleep this morning.  I have had nights like that too.

Happy Birthday Janet!!!I pray today is a more peaceful day than the last few have been.

Got to get the girls off to school.  Bye till later

*Ride To Church*

A teenager who had just received her learner's permit offered to drive her parents to church. After a hair-raising ride, they finally reached their destination.

The mother got out of the car and said, "Thank you!"

"Anytime," her daughter replied.

As the woman slammed the door, she said, "I wasn't talking to you. I was talking to God."

*Thanks to Pastor Tim for this joke!*
http://www.cybersalt.org/cleanlaugh


(I've been there!)

CWF, Clarksville Womens Fellowship was fun last night.  Next month we are starting a Bible Study.  I opened my mouth and now I am going to make cards for everyone to help them memorize Bible verses.  One Bible study I was in had little cards...maybe 1.5" x3"...that has the Bible verse on one side and on the back side...just the first letters of each word of the verse.  Surprising how easy it is to memorize by reading just the first letters.  Also I am in charge of making papers for Secret Sisters to fill out so we may know more about them and therefore, what to give them throughout the year. 

Then, like Ruth Ann, I woke up and couldn't go back to sleep last night.  Thought I might have those old memory verse cards on the desktop but I don't so will have to make them new. 

Also, Larry, I am probably the only person around that doesn't have a DVD player other than on my laptop and desktop.  Is there a way for me to use my laptop and connect it to my TV so the screen will be larger?  The Bible Study has a DVD to show each month and I have CWF here in August.  I know I have video/audio in or out on the TV but none on the laptop.  I know they used something when I went to guild to project the monitor screen on the overhead screen.  What kind of cord?

Nothing much today.  Just going to work with my friend in Mexico and print out a form for him and mail it to someone in the states for him.  And I have to make phone calls to the class members that doesn't have email and tell them the wiener roast is canceled.

Ivalou is leaving with Betty and Marge around noon to go to a wedding in northern Indiana...will be back Sunday afternoon.  I get so lonesome knowing she is gone...

Thanks for the birthday greetings!  The first thing Beth said when I walked in this morning was "Happy Birthday!"  My daughter Diane and grandson Curtis both called with birthday wishes, too, so I know I'm not forgotten.  Lonely, but not forgotten.

This morning, they installed a WOUND VAC in Beth's big wound.  My goodness, what a process that was!  It is to suction the drainage from the wound into a cannister, thus keeping her skin and bedding drier, and also is supposed to begin to draw the wound together.  I don't see how that works, though, because they put sponges inside the wound, even back underneath the skin as far as the doctor's knuckles (the ones closest to the thumb.)  It was really rough on Beth,. and she vomited when they were about through.  Now she feels worn out and is taking a much-needed nap.

Yeaaa!  I noticed on the board at R. Mc's this morning that there are three empty rooms, so if they don't fill up today, I am still safe for a while yet.  God is so good.  

Thanks for being such faithful friends here.  You really help keep my spirits up and keep me from being so lonesome.  God bless you!

Pat, where are you?  I miss you.

Happy Birthday, Janet.  This birthday will probably go by in a blur as all of your energy is on Beth, but it is still your birth day.  Maybe not having to leave R Mc house would be a nice birthday present.

It is raining here today. I guess I'll stay in, and maybe bathe the dogs.  Or start getting the upstairs bedroom ready for my sis to move in.  Not sure when she's doing that, but I want it all ready.

Blessings everyone.

What an experience we had this morning!  We decided, as we occasionally do, to go out to breakfast.  We went up about 12 miles to Trinidad, a little fisherman's  port north of here.  There's a fairly long pier there, and  next to  the land end of  it is a place called Seascape  Cafe.  It's a nice little place, and as you eat you can look at Trinidad Bay, the pier, etc.  The pier streches out into the bay about, maybe 100 yards or so.  Over on each side of it, and anywhere up to 200 yards or so away from  it, many, many fishing boats  are anchored.  A runabout takes people to their  boats when they want to go.  On the left side of the pier there's a cove that's probably  80 or 90 yards wide down at the end.  On the right side of the cove is Trinidad Head.  It's just a  relatively small harbor, though there's much more  room over on the left side of the pier, where the greater number of boats are anchored.

Well, today, and about 80 yards or so away from  the pier, there were four small fishing boats anchored,  maybe 10 or 12 feet from each other.  All of a sudden, up comes a seal, breaking the surface, and plops himself right into  the boat closest to the Head side of the  cove.  He  just flopped around in there, looking over everything.  After he'd been in there for, maybe 15  minutes, the  "taxi" boat  came over to chase him out of the boat. He got way  over on the side furthest from them, then, when they got too close, he dived into  the  water, broke the surface at  the next nearest boat, and plopped himself  into it.  They came over his  way,  and, when they got too  close, he dived in again, and  up into the first boat again!   He  was playing tag  with them!  He did this whole routine several times.  Finall, the taxi people got tired of  the game and  left him to himself.  He simply stayed in the first boat for quite a while, 'til  he got tired of it,  then back into  the cove  again.  He'd  had enough games for one day, I guess.

Hi, friends,

That night's morning's sleep was really good, and I'm refreshed. As usual, have been going through old papers to shred and discard. This job's nearly at an end, thank goodness. It will be SO good to actually be retired!


Janet, yes, God is SO good, all the time. A friend of mine had the wound vac on her feet when she had nonhealing wounds on the bottom of each foot. It was so amazing the way those wounds would be smaller each day. This was during the time the machines were being first marketed, and the rep actually came and photographed the wounds which originally stretched completely from side to side in the arch area of her feet. In 2 months they were totally healed and then she could learn to walk again. So, you've got real cause for hope, I believe.

It's sunny and HOT today in Nashville, and supposed to be that way for the next week - into the mid and upper 90s.

Al, such an intriguing time of it y'all had at breakfast. I really enjoyed your seal tag story.

Y'all have a great day with our Lord.

Ruth Ann

HAPPY  BIRTHDAY, Janet!

What a neat story, Al.  I used to love watching seals, when living closer to the ocean.  They seem to have a real sense of humor.  You captured it in your post....

A cooler day, here on the island.  Nice walking weather and I went down to the library for books that came in.  Like to order them on my computer.  It is about a one hour walk (return) and really pleasant.

I just finished reading a mystery book, based on 'The Shakers' and found it most interesting.  Went into their history and beliefs in depth.  Strange how so many things are similar, yet so far apart.  Rather sad how it ended after such a long time of struggle.  (I mean for real, not the book).  This little hymn is rather nice:

'Tis the gift to be simple, 'Tis the gift to be free,
'Tis the gift to come down where you ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.
           

Well, I must go and turn the robot loose on my floors.  Sure is easier on my back than using a mop.  Misty brings in half the garden on a regular basis.  Pets!!

Pleasant Day/Evening and God Bless.

Liz

Came to wish you a Happy Birthday, Janet, and am so relieved to see that Beth is doing better.  I hope to get over to see you next week so will need to touch base to see when you will be at the hospital & not "on duty".  I understand about wanting to be on the spot when the doctors stop by and needing to rub Beth's itchy nose...  

Al, you mention Trinidad so I'm guessing being coast & all, you are in CA?   Are you familiar with the Larrupin Cafe?  The lady that owned it (not sure she is still there...or still owns it), Dixie.... and I were cheerleaders in high school together.  I haven't seen or talked to her for more than 55 years.  We weren't "best friends", she was a year ahead of me, but she was a fun person to be around.  Life gave her some difficult knocks from what mutual friends tell me, but I'm sure she laughs her troubles off.... My memories of her are all good, she had a big heart and kind to everyone. She was also Homecoming Queen all those many years ago.  I love your day with the fun loving seal, what a delightful memory.

Ruth Ann, we have nothing but HOT to send on down for as long as our weatherman predicts.  Near 100° with lows of mid to upper 70s... and humid.  Sorry.   

Hello to all.

I know it has been quite a few days since my last post but I can explain. The homework to get these last few credits has been intence but well worth it. As mom has neglected to say (love you) my school's graduation was today. As I am one credit short [therefore taking summer school] I was not included in the graduating class of 2009 however did recieve an academic award. I have the Senior Math and Buisness academic award which has taken a lot of work to acheive.

Mariah is doing many more things now, from walking to dancing to talking to screaming to singing, the list of things she does has grown and mutiplied and it is hard to keepup with all the new things she does.

However it is late and it has been a busy day.

I will hopefully be on in the ext few days

Melaura.

I try to leave this kind of great news to you to give.  You can be proud my dear of the hard work and determination you have shown despite the obstacles.  Way to go!!!

The weather up here has finally caught up to the season norms.  I am not complaining, I love the heat, just not the cold.

Pat how was the funeral?  When do you go south?

Off to bed Night all

There were about 900 at the funeral.  Nearly all were students.

It was ok.  Lots of tears.

I found out yesterday that a classmate's husband passed away so I called another classmate, Judy, and we went to the viewing last evening and then out to eat Mexican.  Judy had never eaten there but said the food was superb.  Her first husband was Mexican so she would probably know what superb Mexican food is. 

Then it was back home and the dark clouds moved in.  Didn't see a sunset last night for the dark clouds.  Then lightening was streaking up and down, left and right...really a beautiful sight to see.  Then the rains came.  For sure we would get stuck going to the woods tonight so I am glad I called off the wiener roast when I did. 

Today has been the usual busy Saturday morning plus some added things.  After lunch I am to go to Kitty's and play computer again...she is still having problems.  Wish we knew what Kitty's register name, password, or use name or whatever was so I could get online at her house with my laptop.  I don't have a clue where to find that out and we have tried every name possible that Kitty can think of.  If she ever gets a new laptop or desktop, she will need to know.

Hello from St. Francis.  Yesterday Darrel came and surprised me for my birthday.  Man, I have never been so happy to see anyone in my life!  I was really needing to see him, talk to him, and feel his support.  Thank you, God, for Darrel.

Daughter Diane sent me a fresh fruit bouquet for my birthday.  Beautiful and delicious!  Beth and I mad short work of those three chocolate-covered strawberries!    There are also plain strawberries, cantaloupe, honeydew, a bit of pineapple, and two white candy-covered strawberries.  Beth loves strawberries, so do I, and Darrel is eating the honeydew, which neighter Beth nor I care for.  Very thoughtful and unique gift!

I had calls from several family members and friends as well, and it is so nice to know we are being remembered in our "isolation" here in the hospital.

This moring when I arrived, I got the scare of my life!  In Beth's room was a strange man!    Then a nurse quickly told me they had several burn patients admitted last night,  so had moved Beth to MICU on the 4th floor, room 17.  I wish they had called me and saved me the shock.  The nurse in MICU ran me out and I had to wait until 8:30 to go in and feed her, so I used that time for a good cry.   

Darrel will stay until Sunday afternoon or Monday morning.  I'm SO glad he is here!

Al, thanks for sharing the antics of the seal.  How I would love watching that show!

Thnaks for all the birthday wishes.  I pray next year will be much better.  But it was nice to go out to dinner with Darrel, rather than eating hospital food. 

We promised Beth we will go try to find a Bierock Kitchen her nurse told us about that is near here, and bring her a bierock for lunch, her favorite food.  So it'stime to do that now.

Love you all!

Oh!  Larry, you asked what time our free nights and weekend minutes kick in---I  think it's either 8 or 9, but all hours on weekends.  Thanks.