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Again, thank you, Brother Al.  I truly appreciate your nudge as others do as well.

Well, howdy there!  Looks like I get to be first (after Etta Sue) today.

Our reunion was a success, I believe.  We had almost double the number of attendees we expected, and everyone seemed to have a great time, so that made it worth all of our hard work.  Now almost everything is put back in its place, most of the food is gone, and if I can get rested up, that will be good!  On Friday, Abby and I took Darrel to the hospital about 4:30 in the morning.  He was having trouble breathing, and got quite scared.  Dr. said he had bronchitis, but prescribed him the same meds he did me, with the addition of a shot.  His fever spiked a few times each day, and he had to come in the house and lie down where it was cool for a while, but he is doing better.  Both of us are still quite congested.

This is National Nursing Home Week, and they had a nice steak dinner tonight, which Darrel and I attended with Mom and Beth.  Both of them really enjoyed the reunion.  We went and picked them up each morning, took them back each evening, so that was nice.  It was also the main reason for having the reunion here, so they could attend.

Scotty, thanks for that link to my photos.  I enjoyed looking at them again!  I need a young one like you around to help me post some more.  When things are changed I have a hard time learning to post pictures again.  Today I even had trouble finding the ones on my computer that I had just unloaded from my camera!!  :-[ :-[ :-[

I have to go back to work tomorrow, tired or not, so I'd best get to bed.

Hi everyone.  Will check in early this morning in case I don't get back during the day.  I really don't have a busy day planned but sure I will find something interesting to do.  That is the nice thing about the computer in there are always new adventures to take.  I do have a meeting to attend this morning and think that is it for the day.

Janet, I am happy for you that the reunion turned out to be such a success and was happy to see that you all had decided to just have Beth and your mother as day guests.  That must have taken some of the stress off of you and Darrel.  Sure sorry to hear that Darrel is also ill but sure glad the shortness of breath wasn't caused by his heart.  When we have heart problems that is always the first thing we think about.  Do hope you will find time to rest or do restful and fun things this week.  Is Abby with you all week?

Etta Sue, thanks for the devotional. 

Scotty, nice to see that your father and the birds are getting along well.

Hope this is a wonderful day for all those on CP. 

Good Morning; Well 2 more days and I am off on my vacation I will be gone until the 29th. Bill from across the street is taking care of the dogs. My next door neighbor is going to park her car at my house so it will look like someone is here. Keith is going to call Gilbert and let him know where we are going before we leave. So it looks like everything is going smoothly. I plan to meet Jane and Nita for coffee and talk on Friday morning.

Ruth Ann I have shared my faith with Keith He is a Christian. 

Janet so sorry to hear that both you and Darrell have had this  bronchitis type thing. Those awful coughs can take so much out of a person.

Good devotional Etta Sue. Thank you.

Hello Everyone...

Well, I'm here in Virginia but we're without any power in the house from the city.  There were terrible storms that went through here yesterday just as we arrived.  It was a twister-like event and the power went off.  Paul has a generator but with the price of gasoline, even that's expensive to run.  So we'll just turn it off and on as we need it. 

Sunday was a good day travelling and it was nice for Paul to have Father's Day with two of his children.   

I'll be back as I'm able.

Enjoy your day everyone.

Larry, Abby had to go home Sunday night, as she had promised to babysit on Monday.  She is only 10, but she babysits FOUR kids for this gal.  She does a really good job, but gets paid very poorly.  Her Mom is getting sort of fed up about the gal treating Abby that way.  Abby is happy for whatever money she gets, so at her age she doesn't understand that if she does an adult job, she deserves an adult's pay.  She is also working for her parents in the store and gets paid well for that.  She bought herself a really nice digital camera with her earnings!  :)  Diane told me that as soon as they got in the car to go home, Abby burst into tears!  When asked what was the matter, she said "I'm not ready to go home yet!"

Darrel is just home from the doctor, with another round of antibiotics.  I probably should go again, I'm still coughing like crazy.

Marilyn, have a nice trip.  Where are you going?

Pat, hope you get the power restored soon!  Thanks for checking in.

I need to get some water to drink.  See you later.  I'm going to work at 2 today.

Hello friends!

I know I'm not very regular in this section, but I do want to stop in and say hello now and then.  I do think of you all and remember you all in my prayers.  Especially Andy's family this Father's Day.  I know it must've been quite hard for them.  Even 7 years since my own dear father passed away, still a little sadness creaps into my heart on Father's Day.

Our girls went to youth camp last week and had a wonderful time in the mountains.  It snowed on them one day, though and warmed up by the end of the week. 

MY HAPPY NEWS!!!-My youngest rededicated her life to Christ as she had been fighting against God for some time lately.  I knew she was getting quite tired and even suffering physically from the struggle.  I could see it and it was so painful to watch and I felt so helpless.  I knew it had to be her decision and that camp would be a great environment for her to possibly finally give in to what she knows is the truth, and sure enough...with me on my knees all week...God answered my fervent prayers for her.  Praise HIM!!!!!!!

I've been enjoying my backyard full of birds and trying to get some good shots of them.  Boy, those little buggers move fast!  Maybe I'll have a good shot of them for the "Motion" challenge.  We'll see.

Guess that's the best of what's going on with me...still struggling with asthma and aspiration pneumonia from reflux, and of course my eyes, but keeping the faith.  I know things could be worse and that keeps me positive...most of the time anyway.  Looks like from your posts there are several illnesses that people are dealing with, not to mention the weather related things.

Well, you all take care and have a fantastic day!
Blessings, Kathleen
Here's my hubby and girls on Father's Day...I am so blessed!
(https://www.christianphotographers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fshekinahphotography.smugmug.com%2Fphotos%2F313965850_ZBitP-S-1.jpg&hash=bbb7bc7a0daf41f2a9a359581a32fa638b3416d0)

Well I am back after a busy weekend.

Sunday after church we had a picnic lunch prepared by Kassie.  She knew we had to stay in town and wait for the CO's dinner, and she decided to prepare the picnic.  The girls went swimming, and had a blast.  John and I sat back and had a relaxing day. 

We were initially told that "coctails" would be at 5:00 nad dinner would be at 6:00.  Welllll Coctails consisted of water, not even coffee or a fruit punch was offered, and dinner didn't start till 7:30.  Mind you  once dinner was served, the food was good.

The girls got their promotions, Elizabeth is now a Flight Corporal.  This is now a position which has been created between corporal and sargent.  She also received a certificate for perfect attendance.
Kassie went from the lowest level of AC, to LAC, (where she should have been all year,) then to Corporal.  She also received a certificate for perfect attendance.  When she received her stripes the gentleman who is to be Captain next year told her that in September she would receive her Fleight Corporal stripes.  She enjoys Cadets more than Elizabeth does, but Elizabeth is doing really well as well.

Our puppies are growing so fast that Mommy is having problems keeping up with the feedings.  As a result I have picked up some soy based formula and I am supplementing them.  I will be putting them onto a soppy milky puppie chow on Friday.  They will be four weeks then and food won't be a problem.  My concern is that if I supplement them to much too fast they will develop digestive problems.  Slow and steady.

On Friday on the way home I just about hit a turtle.  As a child/teen we had a turtle which dad brought home.  Painted turtles are quite pretty.  I instructed the girls to release it into the creek......only to find they didn't and "she" laid 3 eggs in the tub they provided her with.  She has now been released, and the eggs are still in the tub!  I wonder how long it takes for painted turtle eggs to hatch!.

Well I have a class to set up, and other work to finish.

Bye for now, and I am praying for the needs represented here.

JudyB

Janet I don't know the final destination of the trip it is to be a surprise to me, It is somewhere in central Oregon, takes 4 hours to get there from where he lives. I will try to be in touch some where along the line even if I can't get on a computer I can always call Jane.

hello all from a busy busy oklahoma. we have been preparing the house to get everything moved... saturday is the day... we are moving the entire house so that makes it a little easier (everyhing moved in one load :P) tomorrow i have go to liberal for a class for work :( anyways must be off to study on somethings before going to work ttyl
Sarah

So many folks are so busy today. I actually left the work computer on and will get back on it, but came home with a headache, so will take some medicaton and lie down shortly.

Sorry about the power, Pat. Janet, it's good to hear about the reunion. Sarah, my goodness, how difficult - as busy as your life already is that you're moving, too. Carol's looking for a home. JudyB's taking care of puppies and girls and working, Larry's having meetings, Marilyn's going on vacation, and Savannah is dealing with allergies and eyes (among other things).

Y'all have a good day, and if the headache improves, I'll check in later.

Janet - we had that awful thing you & Darrel have, and it's just now pretty much gone.  It took the better part of a month and a half!  I pray it's less for you, but hang in there.

Al, I sure hope it doesn't last THAT long!  :P  I think I am somewhat better tonight.

Ruth Ann, I wanted to tell you that we have had a PT Cruiser for four years or so.  I like it a lot, and the back seats lay down so easily, you can haul as much in that car as you can in a pickup!  I have hauled a multitude of "stuff" in that little car!  I hope you enjoy yours as well.  Mine is white, but I would love the purple one!  ;)

Work today was pretty easy, and I was glad, since I'm not feeling up to par.  Now I'm off to bed!

Euchre was today and then I mowed the lawn.  It was actually a little chilly out there.  Cooler temperatures today and still quite windy. 

Tomorrow I may not be on here.  Kaye Don's Barb is having knee replacement.  I don't really think she needs it.  She doesn't limp.  She walks normally.  But she told someone that she feels she will need knee replacement some day so she wanted it done now before it became painful.  And if she has it done now, then she will be able to go to Florida when Kaye Don wants to go in October and she will be able to walk around the RV Park with the ladies.  I KID YOU NOT!!  She has about as much pain tolerance as a thimble could hold.  I wonder if she showed Kaye Don how to do laundry?  Washer and dryer is in the basement.  And how she will get in the house...three steps no matter what.  And she won't be riding in the truck even with running boards...left knee replacement.  I asked their DIL who is a nurse how Barb could get surgery without really needing it.  She said that she probably whined and complained of it hurting until he decided to go ahead to shut her up!!  They don't get along very well because Barb is always sick or complaining about herself some way or another.  Barb doesn't recover very well.  She is still hurting from her eyelid surgery last October!!

So Ivalou, Lydia and I are going to the hospital to be with Kaye Don until one of their kids comes in the evening.  Big day tomorrow. 

Kathleen!

What a lovely photo of hubby and the two girls!  And what absolutely wonderful news as well about your youngest girl.  Praise His name!  I'm so happy for you.

Thanks, Pat!

I forgot to mention that my oldest daughter is starting a forum called Youth4Christ.  She has invited her new friends from camp to join, as well as our youth at our church and other Christian friends she knows.   :thumbsup:

Kathleen that is such great news.

Etta Sue I know a person who has her identity in how sick she is.  She will deliberately skip her meds just so she is sick and gets the attention she wants.  Her whole family knows this about her and everyone in her family is frustrated.  Not much you can do with a person like that, just love them and pray.  I understand how you feel, and the frustration that goes with it.

We are having a wet year this year,  The forcast for the coming week is rain, rain, rain, and more rain.  The question was asked if the rain would ever stop.  I sure hope so we have such a short season as it is and to have that season taken up with rain is rather disturbing.  The mosquitos are really bad too.  We have all the dogs in the house because it was getting too wet for them too.  Thankfully the hydro dam is open so there is no flooding.

STILL

Etta Sue:  Thanks for the devotions.  It is always good to remind us of our stewardship.

Scotty Boy:  Thank you for your comment on our house hunting.  We wanted everyone to move here but that was impossible so we love our children and do want to live closer. 

Larry:  I am glad to read that your daughter is able to take the bus to her appointment as that frees you from hours of waiting plus the stress of driving the freeways.  One of the biggest reasons we are moving is the awful freeway driving. 

Nita:  Pit Bulls are banned in some of our counties.  Not enough banned until there are more than a few tragedies. 

Janet:  Coughing just wears a person down - I am so sorry that you go through so many periods of exhaustion.  Can you do anything to cut back ?  Thinking of your life and Darrel's - please take care. 

There are now three Mallard eggs in the plants along our front walkway.  The parents come and go - am glad that traffic is stopping at our front door so I hope that soon-to-be ducklings will survive. 

Morning, everyone!

I think there were about 60 or more birds in our backyard this morning!  They're such a joy to me.  I'd like to be able to use a wide angle and get all of them in one frame, but they are all over the yard so that may not be possible, at least not before they see me and fly away.

I took my mom a dozen red long stem roses yesterday, in memory of her anniversary had my father lived.  They had 35 years and this would've been their 42nd. ann.  She and my girls and I went to a dollar movie.  Nim's Island.  Cute movie.  My girls spent the night with my mom. 

Today's my mother's birthday so she will bring the kids home and we'll go to lunch.  I got her a really nice birdfeeder that she asked for and some feed, she may or may not be glad she asked for it depending on how much it will cost her to feed a bunch of birds. haha  It's a really nice feeder that she can hang or put on a post.  Maybe next year I will upgrade to a better feeder.

Lost more sleep again last night due to the reflux and asthma attacks.  I sure am tired and my lungs hurt.  But, I'm counting my blessings!

I will go for now.  I want to get on early, but it's really hard to see in the morninng until my fuchie eyes clear up a bit.  You all have a great day!
Blessings, Kathleen

I am sorry Kathleen that you are loosing sleep.  Try calcium for the legs, sometimes helps.  I am glad your girls are spending time with Grandma.  They will treasure the memories when they are older.

Pit Bulls are banned in Ontario.  They have a bad name, but being the doggie person that I am I have never had a problem with them.....now collie dogs, like Lassie, have bit me.

We have a canarie in the bedroom.  With our large picture window in the room he gets the most light.  At 5 - 5:30 he starts singing.  I love waking up to his song, but John grumbles.  I guess he wants to sleep longer!

Well back to work

JudyB

Good Morning everyone from Virginia...

It's a lovely day here.  The sun is shining and it's just over 70 F  We're working at getting some things sorted and tomorrow we're meeting Paul's brother and sister-in-law for lunch.  That will be very nice indeed.

I just posted a photo of my backyard birds here, if you want to see it.  :)

http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=7085.new#new (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=7085.new#new)

Those birds are lovely, Kathleen.

It's so nice to have lots of birds around.

Yep, and those seem to be all one type.  I have seen several different types of birds at other times.

Better go, birthday girl will be here soon!

Happy Birthday to your Mum Kathleen! Will take a look at your birds. Jeannine was able to take panoramic photos with her camera when she was here and they turned out awesome! By the way JudyB..sounds like you are getting some Irish weather ::)! Jeannine went home from N.Ireland with a suntan.....now no one in living history ever came to Ireland to get bronzed! It was never heard tell of. Rusted yes but tanned no!

Hi everyone else. God bless.

I received the results of last weeks blood draw.  In the CBC every thing was normal. Cholesterol 6 months ago was=268 now=221. HDL was=66 Now=69, LDL (bad) was=191 now=136. Triglycerides was=72 now=77. Over all  great improvement. Kate the PA made little notes like "great", "Fantastic improvement" on the sides of the paper. Fasting Blood glucose 85.

I am taking Red Yeast Rice pills and watching what I eat.

I am thankful for another easy day at work.  Easy, except for waking up at 5:30 to get there!  Now I'm off until Saturday.  She scheduled both my sister Jeanie and I for both weekend days--payback for having last weekend off, I guess.  I do NOT like working on Sunday mornings and missing church, and besides, I have to work alone, and that is one of the biggest meals of the week!  >:(

I wonder what tomorrow will bring?  ???

We had a sudden fluctuation in the electricity last night, and it seems to have knocked out my new(est) television set.  We can't get it to come on for any channel.  :(

Thanks, Carol.  I am hoping to get rested up again.  My cough is almost gone now.  If I continue to be as tired as this, the job will just have to go.  Not worth ruining my health!

QuoteWe are having a wet year this year,  The forcast for the coming week is rain, rain, rain, and more rain.  The question was asked if the rain would ever stop.  I sure hope so we have such a short season as it is and to have that season taken up with rain is rather disturbing.  The mosquitos are really bad too.  We have all the dogs in the house because it was getting too wet for them too.  Thankfully the hydro dam is open so there is no flooding.

STILL
THIS IS THE DAY THAT THE LORD HAS MADE,
LET US REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT!!!

Judy - your post made me think.  I truly believe we complain way too much about the weather, which is, after all, sent by God.  It's as if we flew in His face and said, "God, You made a mistake!"

Thanks for the reminder.

Hi everyone.  Since I posted yesterday morning things have been in a bit of a turmoil.  Our daughter experienced severe chest pain about 11 am yesterday so called 911 and they transported her to the county hospital.  She spent the night in the ICU (think that may have been more a matter of where there was room rather than needing that type of care).  She called us about 10 this morning saying she would be going to the cath lab soon.  By the time we got to the hospital they had taken her there.  About noon today she had another cath of her heart done and had a 90 percent blockage at the site of her first stent.  Since they don't do stents at the county hospital anymore they transferred her to another hospital downtown and about 5 pm she finally went to the cath lab there and the doctor put in another stent.  She did well on the procedure and about 7 pm we left for home.  She called a little while ago saying they had removed the sheath and finally brought her some food.  She hadn't eaten since yesterday morning.  She is a severe diabetic and this is a bit of a problem but guess she tolerated it ok.  She is in a private room so should get some needed sleep tonight as didn't sleep last night.  She was in a room with someone on a respirator and it an alarm on it that sounded like an airhorn really often. 

Needless to say Pat and I are really tired tonight and I am about ready to retire for the night. 

I have read all the messages posted but will not comment individually as am just too tired.

Sorry to hear about Stacey's continuing heart/health problems. I will remember her in prayer along withJanet's Beth.

I may not post tomorrow and will post from Oregon on Friday if I get a chance.

A few of you have expressed your concern for me and my vacation with  Keith. I appreciate your concern, I am  fine, please don't  continue to worry about  me. You know who are. Just  keep me in your prayers for travel mercies. Everything else is fine.

Much love to everyone here.

My gratitude for today is that the doctor's office did a blood test last week to determine if I can donate 2 pints to myself in preparation for the knee replacement. Today, I learned that this is doable and also that I'm to contact the Red Cross to set up appointment(s) for those 2 donations. Praise the Lord!

Y'all have a great rest of the day.

Marilyn - I'm sure you and Keith will be fine on your trip.  But is the trip itself "fine" in God's eyes?  Is it a good testimony?  I'm concerned.

I heard in SrNet that Photobucket was hacked by someone in Turkey.  But I see it is okay today.  I use photobucket for my animations.

Al ~ God sends us bad weather so that when we have a day of sunshine and no winds like we are having today in Indiana, we appreciate it so much more!!  Yes, we complain about the weather but there isn't a thing we can do about it.  Right or wrong, that's the way we do.

Barb's surgery went well and very little loss of blood.  Today they are to get her up to stand.  I hope she does what she is told and bares the pain or she won't walk again.  She was told to do exercises before the surgery.  She didn't do them...she did some other exercise instead... :clobber: 

Etta Sue, your SIL Barb sounds like a real "pill."  A friend of mine once said "Some people ENJOY ill health all their lives."  Maybe Barb is one of those.  Personally, I cannot imagine having a knee replacement until and unless absolutely necessary!  Nevertheless, I wish her well.

Larry, so sorry about your daughter's latest round of problems.  It is really hard on the parents--as I well know.

Today is my birthday, and I am feeling quite low.  I think I have overdone things for too long, and today I can barely go.  Darrel wanted to go to Garden to get me a new TV, but I asked him if we can wait until tomorrow.  After lunch, I plan to just go to bed and try to rest.

See you later.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JANET!  <3

Lotsa hugs for you today  <3   :-* :grouphug:

Gets some rest ... :sleep:

Happy Birthday Janet.......I pray that you recieve the desires of your heart, and that you will have a wonderful day with the Lord to share in your celebration...... :hbirthday: :groupwave: :clap: :hbirthday: :groupwave: :cheer: :thumbsup2: :hbirthday: :clap: :bible: :cheer:

LarryBoy

 Happy Birthday, Janet!


  I hope you feel better soon. So you can do this, :) :sidedance: :roflBig: instead of this.  :-[  :-\  :'(

Well Brother Al thank you for your concern.  I was not going to name names, You and I did talk on the phone.

Hi everyone and a special Happy Birthday wish to you Janet.  It sounds like you need and afternoon of rest. 

On update on our daughter.  She called this morning saying they had gotten her up to walk a bit about 1 am and that she was feeling better and thought she would be able to come home today.  However, about 12:30 she called and said something has shown up in her blood work and they are transferring her back to the County hospital (Grady) for observation and/or futher testing.  I don't know what this is all about.  We haven't heard from her since but she has her cellphone.  So I will not be making a trip to Atlanta this afternoon as I thought, unless things change again. 

Marilyn, I hope you enjoy your vacation and have a safe drive.

Etta Sue, glad that your sister-in-laws surgery went well.  It is hard to understand why anyone wants to be sick but there are many others.  I remember when we were growing up one of my father's cousins seemed to walk that road as was always sick for no apparent reason. 

Ruth Ann, that is good news on being able to donate your own blood.  It was through blood tranfusions in 1987 that I contracted the hepatitis C.

Hi Everyone:

I'm baacckk!!


Missing Pat & Paul.


Love Ruthie

Welcome back, Ruthie!!!

I'm glad the stenting procedure went well, Larry.  I pray this latest problem may be minor and easily taken care of.

What a stressful day at work! People are finding more and more things to call to ask for help on, to come by my desk with questions they should have asked months ago, etc. So, I guess it was the stress, but by 11:30 am (after a nice breakfast) I had a bad blood sugar low.

Fortunately the lady in the next cube heard me ask for her help. But, I had trouble verbalizing what I needed because it dropped so fast.

When something like that happens, it seems to drain the life from me for several hours thereafter. And, our cable tv and internet access were out for hours, so I chose to eat a few beans for protein and carbs, then headed straight for bed.

This will pass, thank goodness, and tomorrow will be much better.

Janet, hope you're recovering, too, and that you'll be bouncing back to your usual self right away.

May God's blessings be with you on this birthday, and throughout the new year, as well.

Larry, how difficult to know your daughter is undergoing so much with her health. We'll continue to pray for her and to be thankful for her life changes that have been so affirmative recently.

Hello everyone!

We've had a busy day.  We went today to have lunch with Paul's brother and his wife nearby here.  They were up from further south in Virginia to attend their granddaughter's graduation from school.  I really like them a lot and they've invited us down for a visit to their home for a weekend.  They live nearby to Chesapeake Bay. 

We had a wonderful lunch!  I had Broccoli and Cheese soup!

If anyone has any questions about how to open an album or upload photos in our new gallery, PLEASE post HERE (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=7057.0)

I'm new to the gallery software too and Oldiesmann will reply to any of your concerns or questions.

Yuk Pat.....Broccoli and Cheese soup :P!

Hi everyone.  It looks like it is going to be another nice day here in Georgia.  Not much to write about since I posted last night.

Our daughter did get transported back to the county hospital and she called us late last night to say they are concerned she may be experiencing a problem with her pancreas.  They were going to observe her overnight and I am sure continue to monitor her blood.  She seems to be doing OK from the stent procedure.  I have to go down to Atlanta this afternoon so hope that I will be able to pick her up.  I sure don't look forward to having to go down there this weekend as the Interstate through Atlanta is being taken to one lane each way due to major road repair and construction.  They are doing this work on weekends and it is a nightmare for people in their cars.

Hope everyone has a great day.  Time for coffee at the senior center.

Hi Larry...

It's such a concern as parents when one of our children are ill--no matter what the age and we're praying for her and you both as you care for her.

Thanks for the update.

Quote from: Colin on June 20, 2008, 02:44:18 AM
Yuk Pat.....Broccoli and Cheese soup :P!

Ohh, it was such a lovely bowl of soup, Colin!  :lol:

Colin Don't knock it till you try it!  It is one of my favourites, and llooks like one of Pat's too!

Happy Birthday Janet.  I wasn't on the site yesterday.

Larry I am praying.

Al:  Amen about complaining about the weather, re-reading my post I was complaining too.  Thank you for the come-up'ance!

Ruth Ann It is scary when the sugar fluctuates like that.  Be careful and keep a granola bar or something closeby.  Praying for you sis.

Ruthie Welcome back.  I have missed our prayer phone meetings.  I have a lot to share.  I will call you Sunday evening after church.  Have a great week.

Everyone else I am praying for the needs represented here.

Good morning from Oregon. Foggy here this morning. I am  going to meet with Jane and Nita at 10 am for coffee. Just checking in here to read the posts.

G'Morning ...  First day of summer "they" say.   ;)

Larry, I am so sorry you are going through such trying times with your daughter's health.  I pray whatever "problem" with her pancreas will turn out to be nothing and that her other health issues will improve rapidly.  This is such a worry for parents, as Pat says.

All y'all have a good day and I'll be back d'rectly. 

Marilyn this fog will burn off in an hour or so and then we are s'posed to have "almost summer" weather for the rest of the day.  I heard "30% chance of showers" tomorrow .... we'll see.   :-\

It's sunny here. 

We're supposed to go to my grandparents house again today. So I might go down to the beach and take some pictures. I may even go fishing!

Quote from: Pat on June 20, 2008, 08:14:48 AM

Quote from: Colin on June 20, 2008, 02:44:18 AM
Yuk Pat.....Broccoli and Cheese soup :P!

Ohh, it was such a lovely bowl of soup, Colin!  :lol:

I'd like to try a bowl. It sounds really good.

I for got to tell y-all:

My son  let the cat out of the bag last night. We called him so Keith could tell him where we are going  they talked privately for a bit and the the phone was given back to me. Giblert says to me "I have been through Sun River before"  I said  you weren't suppposed to tell me that" He said no one told me that, oh well to late now".

So now all y-all know where I am going.

So sorry Janet, that you aren't feeling up to par.  Here's hoping that today is much better and that your (https://www.christianphotographers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi195.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fz77%2FEttaSue%2FCP%2FAnis%253Cbr%2520%2F%253E%2FBirthdaysmiley.gif&hash=a97532253fd39490b52b2c1f588fc38f37bf4426) was exactly how you wanted it.  Now go to Garden and get that new TV!

Last evening Aaron and I went out for salads and then stopped by the hospital to see his g'ma.  She looked good but said she has been hurting ever since they got her up to walk.  Walked in the morning and still hurting at 6pm!

I had my coffee out on the deck this morning....just me, the birds and the airplanes.  Wonderful place to read my daily devotions.

Morning everyone, from Spudville!

Well, it's supposed to be up to 92 degrees today.  Yuck!  We will see what it turns out to be.  We've had a longer spring this year, weather-wise and I am so grateful.  This will be our first day of 90 or above, I believe. 

I DID IT!  I actually finally uploaded a photo into the new gallery.  I don't quite understand how to use that new gallery, but eventually, I will.

Colin-Don't you know that just about anything smothered in cheese or cheese sauce is yummy?  At least that's what I've always told my kids when I serve them veggies they don't like.   :lol:  I like broccoli cheese soup, but cauliflower cheese soup is my favorite cheese soup.  YUM! 

Well, I'm off...we are housing two of the teenage workers that are coming to help with our VBS next week and I only have till tomorrow to get their room ready and I have to have my girls to a birthday party 17 miles from our house by 4pm today.

Have a wonderful day, everyone!

Congratulations, Kathleen...

I've uploaded one photo so far.  I will try to get at it more when I have more time.

Just a Little Reminder...

This is a Christian site.

We try to abide by all of the Christian principles set out in God's Holy Word.  We are a Family Site and we will not allow anything to be said or posted on this site that will be detrimental to our younger users of which we have a few and many who read the site and don't post or of our younger believers who have not been saved that long and are still being fed on the "milk of the Word" rather than full course scriptural meals.

We assure our parents who allow their children to access this site that this is a safe site for their children and that it is a Christian one. 

So with regard to this, could we ask please that you don't post anything about your lifestyle that would not be in line with how God wants us as Christians to act in our lives?  We want our conversation and actions to be honouring and pleasing to a Holy God--a God who sent His only begotten son into this very sinful world to die for us.  He shed His precious blood on that cross of Calvary in order that we might be saved.  ("...and without shedding of blood is no remission." Hebrews 9:22)  What a wonderful Saviour we have! 

If we administrators of the site see anything detrimental, in word or photos,  on this Christian site, the posts will be removed in order to protect our members.

Thank you so very much for agreeing to this simple request.  We should post it more often I know.




Pat Halbach
Administrator and Owner of
Christian Photographers.


Please read the words of this hymn prayerfully and allow the Lord to Search Your Heart in these very trying days and in this very sinful world...

Now Pat you know that Irish Stew or Irish homemade soup is the best in the world and anyway....I don't like cheese, brocoli, peas, tomatoes.... puny being that I am!  ::) I made Jeannine a feed of champ/chump and boy did she enjoy it!
Nice reminder about the rules of this site Pat and ones I agree with so much. Hope you and Paul are keeping well.

Hi JudyB and Kathleen...now you know what not to feed me when I visit..ahem!

So sorry about your daughter Larry.

Hi everyone else!  :thumbsup:

Champ is tops, Colin!  Love it!  Just has to have a nice dollop of butter and not marg melting in the centre!  Oh, wow!

BUT, you must branch out, Colin!  This is 2008 now!  It's not Ahoghill or Murlough Bay or Kells Water either!  It's a big world out there and we just must try new things like cheese and cauliflower, broccoli, tomatoes, etc.  They are great veggies and with cheese they are even better!  :lol:  :lol:

Pat It is good that you remind us that this is a family website.  I am sure in many homes the attitude is "anything goes".  On this site I have always been thankful for the Christian content and the witness it provides.  Thank you Pat and Keep up the good work.

Pat you are too funny.  As a child I balked at eating unpeeled carrots, and because my big sister didn't eat parsnips except under duress, I would never eat them.  Carrots are a famioy favorite now but I have never served parsnips!!!  I have taken the attitude with my children that they must have at least a teaspoon of everything served, even the foods they don't care for.  I have never been embarrassed by their likes or dislikes in a restaurant or someone elses home.

Oh and I wondered for an instant who Patricia Halbach was!   lol I will get used to that.         

I had a very nice meeting with Jane and Nita, How ironic Pat the we discussed the very thing you posted in your  Just a Reminder post.

I grew to like parsnips, Judy as they were one of Jack's favourite veggies and did you know that you can use cooked parsnips mashed up in place of mashed bananas in things like muffins or banana bread?  I tried it once and I was surprised.

Glad you had a nice meeting with Nita and Jane, Marilyn.  I wish I were close enough to have coffee with them and you!  Oh well, maybe someday we'll visit Paul's brother out in Oregon and make a visit to Coos Bay.

Quote from: Pat on June 20, 2008, 04:28:27 PM

Glad you had a nice meeting with Nita and Jane, Marilyn.  I wish I were close enough to have coffee with them!  Oh well, maybe someday we'll visit Paul's brother out in Oregon and make a visit to Coos Bay.

A big time YEA, Pat!  I look forward to that "someday" being not so far off ....  Would be so great to have coffee with you and Paul!   :D

hello everyone,
just a quick breeze thru as i head off to work then its back home to pack up more of the house.... we are moving TOMORROW!!!! not ready for that but we have a good group comming in to help us get it done in one day well at least getting our house from point a to point b and all of our stuff (we are taking our house with us) anyways off to work i go have a great day(WE HAVE RAIN!!!)
sarah

Pat I never did develop a taste.

I am taking in sewing for other people.  I am going to have to invest in a serger.  Thankfully I am able to use the sergers here at the store, and try out which one to buy.

Thank you all so much for the lovely Birthday wishes!  I really appreciate them--and YOU.  <3  And now I know what is wrong with me---I'm as old as Pat!!  :lol:

Pat--Darrel and I both had broccoli-cheese soup for lunch today at Applebees in Garden, and it was SOOO good!  Come on, Colin, give it a try!  ;)

We both felt a lot better this morning, so we did go to Garden, but then we started feeling "punk" again, and came home.  Went to purchase two items, didn't get either of them.  I have to work for the next three days, so certainly hope I feel stronger by morning.

Prince Caspian (next in the Narnia series) is showing locally and I really want to see it so must decide which evening to go.

I know this isn't the "prayer" section, but there is a situation right now in WNC that I just have to share about.

Tuesday, a state trooper stopped a man on I-40, near where I live.  The man was compliant, until the trooper started to arrest him.  He then shot and killed the trooper.

If that was all there was to the story, it would be heartbreaking, but, there is more.

He and his wife had just had their first child 17 or 18 days before he was killed.  The baby was born 7 week premature and is still in the hospital in critical condition.  IF the baby makes it, it will have to have surgery at 4 mos. 

Please pray for this young women.  I do not know her from Adam's housecat, and our only "connection" is that I saw her husband a few hours before he was killed in my mom's neighborhood, talking to a friend and they are local.

You can read about it here http://citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080619/NEWS01/80618106 (http://citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080619/NEWS01/80618106)

Oh Karma That is so sad.

I will be praying for the family and community.

God Bless

What a sad loss for everyone in that community.  I read the stories and looked at the photos--beautiful young couple.  My prayers are with his family.

I would really love to be able to eat anything but if it is going to make me boke I will not touch it! :-\ I was demonstrating to Jeannine how to make the well in the mashed potatoes and to have the sides nice and smooth so the warm milk would not escape through the sides of the champ. I threw in a big dollop of butter, added the milk and it went everywhere! So much for me being the expert Champ...ion Irishman.  :idiot: Jeannine did laugh so hard because hers was perfect!
That is terrible about the Trooper Karmat. Will pray.

Goodnight everyone!

Okay, you two, what IS "champ"?  Sounds like maybe something similar to mashed potatoes with gravy, but you certainly have me guessing!  :D

Marilyn, I'm so glad you, Nita, and Jane were able to meet this morning. I sure wish I could have brought my teacup and met y'all. Oh, well, retirement's coming and maybe someone will help me with travel miles to be able to get out there cheaper than it would cost otherwise...at least I can HOPE, can't I!!

I guess this is kinda like life itself, either you have the time or you have the money, but not often does it seem that you have 'em both at the same time. :)

Y'all have a good rest of the day. I know I haven't "spoken" to everyone, but know that I really enjoy your posts, read every one and rejoice with those who are praising our Lord, cry with those who are suffering emotional, physical, or financial difficulties; and pray with and for those who request prayer.

May God's richest blessings be with you and those you love today.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JANET!  Several more and you will be as old as me...

Wonderful weather today.  I went for a walk, went out in the garden and read a mystery book, talked to the nice next door neighbor, then did some work...We have had so much rain, I had almost given up on spending time in the garden. 

We have all kinds of squirrels playing in the garden.  The neighbor likes to feed them, so they are very tame.  Even take peanuts out of my daughter's hand.  Also lots of birds.  One thing not so great is a raccoon that has  made a home at said neighbors place, under their garden shed.  It came right up to my door and was looking inside the other night.  Gave me a shock!!!  It is a worry.  This is happening because of all the development forcing them out of their homes and into ours....I will try to get some pictures if the weather stays nice.  Boy, that is a big IF???

Today my daughter told me that they are taking me to see Sarah Brightman when she comes in Dec.  It is to be my delayed Birthday present.  Something nice to look forward to.  I love her music.

Sad about the shooting and will pray for the family.  I went to your site, Karmat.  Notice that you have been reading about the mystery of the 'feet' turning up on our beaches.  Now that is a puzzlement!

Here is a sort of little smile:

Funny Proverb - Savings

A Year 5 teacher was giving her Primary pupils a lesson in developing logical thinking.

'This is the scene', said the teacher.

'A man is standing up in a boat in the middle of a river, fishing. He loses his balance, falls in, and begins splashing and yelling for help.

His wife hears the commotion, knows he can't swim, and runs down to the bank. Why do you think she ran to the bank?'

A little girl raised her hand and asked, 'To draw out all his savings?

                  Yes Jane, I know... :clobber:

Pleasant Day/Evening and God Bless.

Liz

Good morning everyone.  At least it is morning for me.  I had a good nights sleep but woke up about 4 am and couldn't go back to sleep so just got up and got ready for the day, had my breakfast and am now doing my daily readings and postings. 

Yesterday turned out to be a busy day.  The good news is our daughter is our of the hospital as of 5 pm last evening and looks a lot better.  She does not have a pancres (hope that is spelled right) problem.  Her trigliceredes are way too high and that combined with her diabetes are affecting her vision. 

After my appointment to check my pacemaker (which went fine) we headed down Peachtree Street, which is right through the downtown area and after some difficulty finally got to the parking garage at the hospital.  We spoke with her on the phone and decided to wait for her release at McDonald's, which is adjacent to the hospital parking garage. 

About an hour later she came out and we took her back to her apartment.  I was greatly relieved, not only that she is out of the hospital, but also that we don't have to make a third trip to Atlanta, especially since the Interstate through downtown is down to one lane for road work this weekend.  It was almost 9 pm when we got home last night.

I am looking forward to a much quieter day today as we only have one thing on the agenda for later this morning.

Pat, it would probably be good to post your policy statement about the CP site once a month or so because we do have new folks visit us and join with us. 

Karmat, so saddened to hear of the tragic death of the patrolman.  We are having that happen around the Atlanta area all too often as well.  It seems there is no reverenance for life and police work, which is so important to protect us all, is so dangerous.  Every instance with an unknown individual is a potentially life-ending one in that line of work. 

Liz, I have no love for squirrels.  While they are cute and can be fun to watch, they can also be very destructive.  We had squirrels make nests in our attic, eat through out singles and do a lot of damage.  It was a very expensive proposition to get the repairs done to prevent that happening again.  I like to hear Sarah Brightman sing also as she has a rather unique and well trained voice.

Ruth Ann, glad you asked Colin the question about "champ".  Colin, do I understand you correctly that you pour more milk into the little pocket you make in your potatoes?  My wife sometimes adds a little milk to mashed potatoes as she prepares them.

Janet, as we get a little older my experience has been that I no longer can do what I used to do.  I sure hope you feel better today and don't put yourself back into a bad state by the three days in a row of work. 

Judy, my wife has had two sergers.  The first was one put out under the Bernina name but was extremely hard to thread and she didn't use it very often.  I don't remember the brand of the second one that she currently uses, but think perhaps it is an Elna machine.  She seldom uses it and has it put away in a cupboard.  She is anxiously awaiting her new Horne sewing table and the new chair to go with it.  She thought it might be here this week but she didn't hear from them.  This is something she has wanted for a long while as she currently has her machine set on top of her old sewing cabinet and it really isn't at the right height for sewing. 

Sarah, good luck on your move this week.  I know that is a lot of work. 

Jane, Nita and Marilyn, glad you all were able to meet and have some coffee and conversation.  It sounds like you all had a nice time.

Kathleen, hope your VBS goes very well.  It is nice to have young people from other churches come to help out and I am sure they will get a lot out of their service.

Etta Sue, sounds like you all are finally having some nice weather.  I heard it raining this morning when I got up.  I think it is suppose to rain more today and I sure hope so.

I appreciate all the concern expressed and prayers offered on behalf of our daughter and for us. 

Larry the diversity in The Horn cbinets is amazing, something for every need.  Sergers can be hard to thred, we deal in White, Singer and Husqvarna.  The Huskylock is the easiest to understand and work.  I am questioning whether I want the 910 or the 936.  The main difference is that the 926 has a stitch that hems as well.  Both are good machines.

Haven't you noticed with the highways and roads that there are only 2 seasons, winter and construction?  It seems anywhere you go in the summer there are roads torn up.  Chicago has to be the worst though.

I pray your daughter's health continues to improve and that they get the triglicerides back under control.

I stayed in North Bay last night.  John needed the van so I an dependent on a friend to drive me to work.  Unfortunately I didn't sleep well, so today will be a bit of a struggle.

It is interesting how life goes.  The older new mothers, the ladies who have waited and planned their families, are using cloth diapers.  These diapers are not like the ones we used, with pins and rubber pants, rather they are velcroed into position and have a waterproof outer that is breatheable.  These diapers cost $50 for 5 diapers.  The cost is unbelievable and only select places sell them.  Still the mom's say that using these diapers is cheeper than buying disposables.  We sell the fabric used to create diapers, and more and more young moms are going this route.  Another concern is the alergic response babies are having to the materials in the disposable diapers.  It is interesting how everything that was old is new again, with some improvements.

I have to leave in about half an hour so I am off here for this morning.

Have a great God filled day everyone.

Good morning.  Another bright sunny day in Indiana.  Again I read my devotions outside on my deck with a cup of coffee.  Nothing but the me, the birds singing, crickets singing, tractors, cars, trucks and airplanes whirring.  Very enjoyable! 

So sad about the trooper in WNC.  A senseless crime that has so many people at a loss.

I have my State Fair photography entries on a CD.  I found out this morning that Staples will print them while you wait!!  So I am headed to Noblesville once I get caught up on line. 

Karma, what a horrible act!  I'm so sorry.  We'll all have to pray for this dear wife and mother with this little baby who needs medical treatment.  Thank you so much for telling us.

I was hoping Pat would tell you all about Champ.....I was just wondering why it is called champ. Maybe it is because we use the word champ to mean mash or bruise something. Anyway, its just mashed potatoes with a little bit of added warm milk to it then scallions or spring onions are added as well. I dont like them so I leave them out! The champ is served on a plate. I dont think this neccessary to do but we make a "hole" in the middle of the plate of champ and try to make the walls water....er..milk tight. We pour warm milk into this hole...add a big dollop of butter as well then lift the mashed potatoes from the outside of the walls and dip it in the butter liquid and eat. It is yum!

Hi everyone...take care all.

Ohhhh, Colin!  I'm sorry.  I was waiting for you to talk about "champ".  I first learned of "champ" in 1960 when Jack came over from N. Ireland.  The more spring or green onions in the potatoes the better!!!  And I never put much milk in the "hole" as I use lots of milk in the potatoes themselves but that hole is certainly necessary to hold the rather large dollop of butter that will melt all through those gorgeous "flowery" mashed potatoes!  It's a meal in itself!

We sometimes put crumbled bacon bits in it and it even tasted better!  Champ without the green onions just isn't champ, Colin!  :lol:

When I was young, we nearly always did our mashed potatoes this way but never had it as a meal in itself as they do in N.Ireland.

I love champ!!!

Just found this:


Easy Champ

For those of you who don't know what champ...<da dummmm da dummmm>  it's a traditional Irish recipe, made with our staple... the humble spud! Follow the BBC recipe below for a tasty, traditional meal.....won't it be interesting in years to come when our kids are passing out McDonald's recipes as a traditional family favourite!? Hmm .. ok...maybe not!

Champ, the easy way!

Prep time: 30mins

Cooking time: 10-30mins

Ingredients
125g/4oz spring onions, chopped, or 40g/1½oz chives, chopped
300ml/10fl oz milk
6-8 potatoes
salt and pepper
75g/3oz butter

Method
1. If using onions, simmer these in the milk until soft.
2. Boil the potatoes in salted water until just cooked, then mash.
3. Add the onions and their milk and the chives, if used, together with the milk which you have heated separately.
4. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Let the butter melt over the finished dish

As with all things Irish....enjoy in moderation....your waistband will thank you!

Pat - I tend to suspect that your waistband will thank you even more profusely if you simply don't eat it at all!  Pure starch!  Whew!  Lots of pounds (sterling of course) added on to your averdupois.

Irish Champ

SUBMITTED BY: Maeve           (https://www.christianphotographers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.allrecipes.com%2Fsite%2Fallrecipes%2Farea%2Fcommunity%2Fuserphoto%2Fsmall%2F8429.jpg&hash=480beae84c6b1c3bd06e282c1b2ed4833d522d3d)

"Looks similar to colcannon, but champ is native to the North of Ireland. It's made by blending scallions or green onions with creamy mashed potatoes. Great on it's own, served steaming hot with extra butter which will melt through it. But it's also the perfect side dish for good quality sausages."
PREP TIME     15 Min
COOK TIME     25 Min
READY IN     40 Min
SERVINGS & SCALING
Original recipe yield: 4 servings


INGREDIENTS

    * 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and halved
    * 1 cup milk
    * 1 bunch green onions, thinly sliced
    * 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
    * 1/4 cup butter
    * 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper to taste



DIRECTIONS

   1. Place potatoes into large pot, and fill with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, and cook until tender, about 20 minutes.
   2. Drain well. Return to very low heat and allow the potatoes to dry out for a few minutes. (It helps if you place a clean dish towel over the potatoes to absorb any remaining moisture.)
   3. Meanwhile, heat the milk and green onions gently in a saucepan, until warm.
   4. Mash the potatoes, salt and butter together until smooth. Stir in the milk and green onion until evenly mixed. Season with freshly ground black pepper. Serve piping hot in bowls. Set out some extra butter for individuals to add to their servings.

Wow there are time when Kass is not feeling well that she craves potatoes.  I will give her this instead!  Actually it will serve as a dinner dish, with a chicken breast or leg instead of pork. 

See pictures of Bentley the Second here! (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=7103.new#new)

Hmm....wonder how champ would go over at Park View?  (The place where I cook.)  Sounds yummy.  I do love potatoes, once in a while, not too often.  Thanks for the recipes!

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, do any of you have any natural remedies for helping a person sleep?  I was awake all night again, fell asleep about 30 minutes before having to get up and go to work.  I don't really know how I manage to keep going, with so little rest.  The choices between sleepwalking through the days, having brain fog, and having blurry vision are not good choices.

My sister brought me a beautiful Gerbera daisy with baby's breath, and a cute "sister" mug filled with Hershey's Kisses, plus a funny card today.  Happy birthday to me!  :)

Liz, I always enjoy your jokes.  Kids say the cutest things, don't they?

My daughter Diane has a BabyLock serger which she really likes, when she has the time to use it.  I'ts probably considered an antique by now!

Hello, Colin!  I just now noticed you sent me a shout last night.  Very observant of me, huh?  :-[

Naw Pat....I can have champ without scallions and I say the best way to eat it is with the well of warm milk and butter. It was alot of fun as a youngster trying to eat around the wall without making a hole to let the milk escape.
Hi all and goodnight from N. Ireland.

Hi everyone.  Thanks for the discussion and explanation of "champ".  It sounds very similar to what we often have as mashed potatoes, although the I have never seen it served with the milk in the center or everyone dipping in the center for the milk and butter.  That almost sounds like the idea of fondue but you eat the container as you go along.  One more question, what happens when someone takes the serving that breaks the wall and the milk/butter escape? 

Judy, Pat had hoped to get the cabinet last week but as it worked out with us dealing with our daughter in the hospital it was good that they were not ready to deliver.  She is paying someone to bring it and set it up for her.  This is the man who does the machine repairs and he isn't in that store everyday.  So the delivery is dependent on his availability.

Janet, do you worry during the night about oversleeping and not getting to work on time?  I used to have this problem and still do when I know I need to get up earlier than usual.  Then I will set my alarm and not worry about it and usually sleep better, at least until close to the time I want to arise.  I don't see how you can continue to push yourself and not get enough sleep and rest and not have it break down your health.  It almost sounds like things are "falling off the edge of your very full plate" and your health could be one of them.  I know this is none of my business but I do care about you, as I do for all the folks here on CP.

Etta Sue, it is nice to sit on the porch and just enjoy being outside, reading or relaxing, and not being in a rush.  Pat was doing this yesterday when I came home from coffee and I joined her on the porch for a little bit. 

I am ready for church and expect we will go out to eat although I know a couple of the couples are not in town today that we usually go with.  If nothing else Pat and I will go out.  Hope you all have a worshipful and joyous Sunday. 

Quote from: JudyB on June 21, 2008, 08:06:14 AM
Haven't you noticed with the highways and roads that there are only 2 seasons, winter and construction? 

In Michigan, the state flower is the orange barrel.

Ed, I left Michigan 25 years ago (today I think!) and it was orange barrel then!  I learned to drive in road construction. :crazy:

That's my favorite animation again.  Watch it for a bit!  Surprise!!

Janet ~ It seems every Saturday night, I have a fitful sleep.  I am like Larry, I think it is because I have the alarm set to get up for church.  I try not to look at the clock during the night.  I take deep breaths and think of Hawaii and then I can go to sleep.  It is when I wake up later that I can't go back to sleep.  I did this morning though.  I woke up and I knew it was after 5 because it was beginning to get daylight.  But I went back to sleep and the alarm went off at 6:30am.  Maybe you are toooooo tired!  That happens to me sometimes, too.  Tooooo tired to sleep! 

Greenfield had one of those days yesterday that it was bright and sunny one minute and the next was a dark cloud dumping water everywhere and lightening.  A gully washer.  Lightening even zapped the sound system in the sanctuary.  We had an 'old fashioned' service with music on sheets of paper passed out, the worship leader with a hand mic and accompanied by only the piano and the organ.  No recordings today.  THEN I went to the gym and the music about blasted me back out into the hallway.  But worth it to hear Danny preach. 

A few minutes ago, the sky started rumbling and turned dark.  The wind picked up.  But I think we only got a few drops of rain.  Teasing us. 

A beautiful day here on the coast of Oregon.  I babysat for a few hours for my great grand baby.  I sat out with her and she was mesmerized by the movement of the trees with the slight breeze.  Her little face reminded me of the awe I sometimes feel at all of God's creation.

BUT.....speaking of God's creation.  While we were sitting there I heard noises that I'd heard the night before.  It was a baby raccoon under my house.  I saw his little face.  I called a friend to come and look, but he couldn't find him, and then after he left, I heard the coon again.  He's a good hider. Tomorrow I'll see if I can get a live trap and catch him to take out in the woods somewhere.  I surely don't want a raccoon family under my house.  Phil said he saw signs of tunneling too.  This isn't good.  I haven't heard any sounds of big ones, but I did hear some chewing a week or so ago and thought it was rats, so put some poison under the house.  I hope I didn't kill his mama.  Phil said there was nothing under the house.

Speaking of potatoes!  I like new potatoes with peas and cream sauce.

Hi everyone.  Not much new to write about this morning.  I will leave shortly for coffee with my friends.  Later this morning or this afternoon I will try to get the haircut I have needed for several days and I am meeting two men friends for lunch at Chili's.  Beyond that I think my day is clear.

Ed, I think many states could have the orange barrel be the state flower.  Georgia is certainly no exception.  It seems that about every road I drive on around here has some project on it or on the shoulder.  They are doing a lot of work putting in storm sewers in our area.

Etta Sue, it sounds like your church was prepared in case they lost their power.  We got very little rain over the last few days although it had been predicted and we are hearing that the "experts" say our drought situation here in the SE is only going to get worse. 

Nita, having coons under your house is certainly nothing to fool with as they can do a lot of damage.

Hope everyone had a nice weekend and will enjoy a good week.

Time to start a new week!

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