Christian Photographers Community

Today is our first HHH day of the summer.  It's supposed to get near 90 and very humid today and tomorrow.  My fans will certainly all be running on high! 

Marilyn, I'm sure you didn't mean to be disrespectful, you just weren't aware that those terms are wrong to use except in prayer.   

Happy Birthday Janet.  Glad you are having a great time, however going to those concentration camps would be difficult for me.  Hope you are getting lots of pictures.

Took the dogs out to play with the frizbee,  It is so muggy and hot that even Rambo who will chase anything, anytime, stopped after a couple of throws. 

I have been going through pictures.  What memories.  Gradually dividing them up ready for albums and some for scanning onto CD.  Thoroughly enjoying this work.

Have a great day.

Euchre was fun.  Jan, the hostess, is a step-mother of a Veterinarian.  It seems that across the road from the clinic a cat had 4 kittens.  She moved one and never came back for the other three.  So Jan has them now.  They weren't even weaned yet but they are now.  They are so tiny!  Two black ones and a tiger.  Two females and a male but Jan doesn't know which is which.  Anyway, Jan would put them in a bedroom that has a child gate at the door.  Well, they have learned how to get out of prison!!  Jan would come back to the living room followed by three little kittens!  She also has two dogs...poodles.  So when we left we thanked her for the hospitality and especially the entertainment.  Those kitties were everywhere!!

We didn't get home last night until 10:30pm.  A buzz saw woke me this morning.  The tree trimmers are gone already...too hot.  I don't understand.  Why don't they come early in the morning and get more work done before it is too hot.  Now they have to come back tomorrow!  Three-four hours of work a day isn't bad for what they are getting from Kaye Don, Ivalou and I!!  Bad for us...good for the trimmers!

I am doing laundry and was thinking that's all I need to do today.  I forgot about VBS.  So I guess I will go again tonight.  If they don't have more kids show up, then I am going to see if I can come back home soon after registration!

Hi, friends, I've been out and about since early morning, so now plan to try to have a little "siesta" this afternoon before going to church.

May we each receive God's blessings today. How wonderful is He.

Ruth Ann

I put the 2 young dogs in their pen this morning, and a little later decided to bring them in because of the heat.  They are cooler out there than in the house.  They have shelter shade and a constant wind blowing, with a HUGE supply of water.  So outside they have stayed!

It is HOT, humid and hot.I expect we will be into a thunder boomer tonight or tomorrow!

Well, now the ultimate problem has indeed occurred.  As I previously mentioned, I again didn't pass the driving test, this time (of all things) because I was going too slow!  Well she said I'd probably have to have another test.  But today, in the mail, I received a suspension of my driving privileges.  I can get a hearing, which I will attempt to do, but otherwise, my license is no good on and after the 23rd if this month.  Please pray that the hearing will reverse this and that it will be soon,

Indeed, Al, I am praying for this to be reversed in your favor .... it is important that you have transportation.  You've got a couple days to practice going faster, y'know .... 

Al:  Prayers for you and Marbeth regarding your transportation. 

Janet:  It sounds like you are on a river cruise.  Enjoy the peaceful way of travel and all the sights and keep us posted.  Safe travel for you two.

Larry:  It seems as though anything on the computer takes so much time.  Good thing is you are 'puter smart.  I am currently sewing a baby quilt for a gift and there are so many UFO's that they can't be counted. 

UFO  means unfinished fabric I believe in the quilter's dictionary.   

My goodness, I'm tired! Will check in tomorrow after a training session I'll be attending.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  I guess I shouldn't say much about our temperature here in Georgia in view of how hot it is north of us and to the east.  I think we got to 90 yesterday and will hit that again today.  Just back from coffee and have the rest of the day available for little projects here at my desk.  Pat has gone to get her hair cut.  I am looking forward to a peaceful and enjoyable day.  I just had a call from Kaiser saying the time I have to arrive at the hospital on the 6th of July had been moved from 9:30 to 11 am, which is a much better time for us as won't have to fight the rush hour traffic on the Interstates. 

Jeanne, hope you were able to stay cool yesterday.  It is the humidity that really gets to me.

Judy, you know it is hot when your dog doesn't want to play fetch. 

Etta Sue, I bet the guests had to watch carefully where they walked so as not to trip over on the Jan's animals.  I hope you had a lot of kids show up for Bible School.

Al, so sorry to read of the suspension of your license.  I wonder why the examiner didn't tell you at the time.  Hope the hearing goes in your favor.

Carol, glad you defined UFO's in quilters terms.  I would never have guessed that although Pat probably could have enlightened me.

Ruth Ann, hope your training session today wasn't too stressful. 

Yes, when we were on our feet at Jan's house we did have to be careful to not step on a kitten or even a dog!  One table had chairs with rollers and the kittens loved to play under them.  You had to be careful there, too!  They were cute to watch but I sure wouldn't want that many animals roaming around in my house...not my thing!

Well, the tree trimmers were to be here by 9am.  Another no show day!  I am not pleased with two trees...I can touch the leaves so I can't see how they say that is 'lifted'.  I could have done that with pruners.  They left logs in my front yard saying Kaye Don's SIL would get them.  I call him and he didn't know anything about that!  And they haven't touched the tree in the back and that's the one that I wanted done the most!  I am pleased with their work but not all pleased!!

Today Ivalou and I are going to the China Buffet and then get our haircut.  Then VBS this evening.  I came home within the hour last evening since I am only at the registration table.  No one comes after a half hour. 

It was suppose to rain last night and today!  NOT!  There isn't a cloud in the sky and it is bright and sunny.  I think we have had 90 degrees and above for over a week and no significant rain all of June!  Saturday, it will be three weeks since I mowed and even the weeds aren't growing!  And the poor corn and soy bean fields...they are desperate for rain!!

Another HHH day today, but supposed to be a break tomorrow.  My computer doesn't even want to work today.  It is taking ages for each task I start.  Can't blame it, though.  I'm the same way.   

In this morning's email this very appropriate joke:



How Hot Is It?


The birds have to use potholders to pull worms out of the ground.

The trees are whistling for the dogs.

The best parking place is determined by shade instead of distance.

Hot water now comes out of both taps.

You can make sun tea instantly.

You learn that a seat belt buckle makes a pretty good branding iron.

The temperature drops below 95 and you feel a little chilly.

You discover that in August it only takes 2 fingers to steer your car.

You discover that you can get sunburned through your car window.

You actually burn your hand opening the car door.

You break into a sweat the instant you step outside at 7:30 a.m.

Your biggest bicycle wreck fear is, "What if I get knocked out and end up lying on the pavement and cook to death?"

You realize that asphalt has a liquid state.

The potatoes cook underground, so all you have to do is pull one out and add butter, salt and pepper.

Farmers are feeding their chickens crushed ice to keep them from laying boiled eggs.

The cows are giving evaporated milk.



*Thanks to Pastor Tim for this joke!*

QuoteYou realize that asphalt has a liquid state.

Jeanne that comment made me smile at a memory driving across Nevada in the truck with a heavy load..  The asphalt was so hot that the tires were sinking into it.  We were watching closely pulling over often for somewhat of a cool down.  One tire did go flat which with a heavy load is dangerous.  John was driving so he slowed down dead slow and got to the next exit.  Do you know how many gas stations are in that country? Not enough.  The company had to call someone from miles away and get the tire changed.  While he was at it he checked the rest of the tires and made sure they were ok.  Yes it gets that hot.  This time of year we see a lot of gators (peeled tires) on the road.  Avoid them they can do immense damage to the undercarriage of a car.

Be safe, stay cool, and remember Who is Sovereign.

Thanks for the laugh, Jeanne.

Yes, Carol, we are on a Great Rivers of Europe Cruise.  Really nice!  And they have had a lot of rain, so the rivers are really full now.  Last time we were on a river cruise, they were so concerned about the low water level, afraid they would have to suspend operations until they got rain!

Judy, the concentration camp visit was hard, but I think people need to visit, so the suffering and deaths are not forgotten, and pray those thing never happen again.  They told us ahead of time (as if it were necessary!) that it would not be a fun trip.  And it wasn't.  There were lots and lots of school kids there, which I think is a really good thing, they need to know what actually happened, so they won't believe the lie that it never happened.

I just got back from a concert you would hav e loved, Larry!  We are in Regensburg, Germany, and it was a boys' choir---well, that's what they said, but actually, it was more like a quartet!  Four young men (no longer boys!) but from the first note, I was in awe!  They had perfect pitch and harmony.  It was wonderful!

Tomorrow holds new adventures, and I must get to bed.  I have been up since 5 AM and it is now after ten! Later, peeps!

Thank you for "Beneath the Cross" - it means a lot especially today. 

Hi, friends, (actually, I think I should welcome us all to the new day!!)

I'm enjoying "Beneath the Cross of Jesus" music as I write.

Those hymns have such wonderful meanings, and seem to lift my heart in pure worship of our Lord

In reading a poem written by a formerly homeless woman, I was so impressed it. Here's how it reads:

STEPPING STONES IN MY LIFE
Carla Bluie

I've found the stepping stones in my life...

God
Faith
Hope
Peace
Serenity
Love
Laughter
Family
Happiness

God is the most important step
Faith you got to have - faith in him and yourself
Hope is what keeps you going to fulfill your dreams
Peace is my favorite stone - that's what I am
Serenity. I love this stone
Love is what makes the world go around
Laughter - that's when you know you've crossed almost every stone
Family and happiness - that's what makes our lives worth living

These are my stepping stones.

This was published by "The Contributor" - June 14-27, Page 8.

This newspaper is sold by those who are working toward finding a way out of homelessness. Nashville has the largest circulation of any such newspapers published and sold by the homeless anywhere in the country.

The cost is $1, but I always try to add a bit more for these sweet people who are working so hard to help themselves.

Much love to everyone.

Ruth Ann

So far, our day has been packed full!  After an early breakfast, we boarded buses which took us to  nearby Monastery for "Bavarian, Baroque and Beer," an optional tour.  First we entered the old church, constructed centuries ago, where a local guide explained a lot of the symbolism to us.  I really liked that, as I am not Catholic, so had no idea what all the statues and paintings were about, other than a vague idea of the connections to Biblical characters.  We were allowed to take photos, even using flash, which is unusual.

Then we went into the courtyard where they have a biergarden, and were served beer and huge pretzels.  This monastery has been brewing beer for hundreds of years.  Well, I am not a drinker, never had a beer in my life, but decided to be a good sport and try it.  It tasted like bad wine to me!  I managed to drink about half a glass, then poured the rest into Darrel's glass. 

We walked down to a pier where we boarded a ship for a trip through the most dangerous gorge on the Danube River, then back on the bus and up to a structure called Liberation Hall.  It is beautiful, looks sort of like a temple (no religious significance, though) and it has 14 statues around the outside to commemorate famous German field marshals, generals, etc.   Inside are 34 beautiful, large white Italian marble statues of angels........oops!  Time to go to our home-hosted Kaffee klatch, gotta run!

 


Well, the tree trimmers are a no show again today.  He did stop yesterday and let me know his MIL had a heart attack and was in an Indy hospital.  There are 16 hours of daylight now and they work maybe 4 hours a day....when they work!  I am thinking of what he has done so far for me that I couldn't do myself is maybe $400 worth.  He hasn't started on the one tree that I wanted done the most!!  He actually tried to talk me into another tree being cut all the way down and I said 'NO!  I have given you enough money so far.  If that tree falls on my house then my home insurance will pay for it!'

I sure hope I haven't been duped!  He still has things to do at Kaye Don and Ivalou's house, too!

VBS had 24 kids last night.  Organized chaos!  I am thinking the tribe leaders are too young to control those little ones!!  Again, I came home at 6:30pm...but this time in a pouring down rain.  I even used an umbrella to come to the house but it soon stopped. 

Today you can't tell it rained a drop...  

I think I am calling the Eye Specialist of Indiana.  My left eye still hurts...mostly in the mornings and stops in the afternoon!



   

Hi everyone.  Summer is certainly here.  We are going up into the lower 90s today and understand it is worse other places.  Summer has come on with a vengeance.  Yesterday morning Pat came into my office and told me she just hated the new computer I had set up for you as it was too big and it had a keypad, which threw off the keyboard she was used to.  I said no problem as we can take it back for a full refund within the first 15 days.  I spent most of the morning finding another computer with a bit smaller screen and no numerical keypad.  I found one at BestBuy, which was the same brand and memory capacity as the other one.  I called them and it was in stock so asked them to put my name on it and late yesterday afternoon, on our way to dinner with friends, I stopped and bought it.  After we got home I set it up and it took about half the time the the first one as had all the downloaded programs and license numbers at hand.  I still have a few other things to do on it today and it should be ready to go.  That will be my big activity for today.

Jeanne, loved the Pastor Tim joke.  I had seen a few of these but some new ones added.

Janet, the concert does sound like my "cup of tea".  Glad you could attend it.  Your cruise sounds delightful.  Your activities today sound very interesting as well.   

Ruth Ann, I had never heard of the homeless newspaper.  The man who did our carpentry work a few days ago had experience homelessness and are still struggling.  I was glad I could give him the work as his work is excellent and it brought the face of homelessness directly to me.   

I'm back!  But only for a few minutes!  There is something going on in the lounge in a few minutes.  The President of Grand Circle Cruises is on board and it's something to do with his presence, I think.

Carol, I call UFOs UnFinished Objects--be they craft projects, paintings, sewing projects, whatever.  And I always have some of those around!

Al, I'm so sorry about your driving privileges, and pray you will be reinstated and given another chance to pass the driving test.  Try to lean on the Lord and not get all clenched up with anxiety.  And remember, we all love you!

Our home hosted event was nice, except that they put ten people in our group, which is really too many for an hour and a half visit.  There are always two or three who dominate the conversation, asking dumb questions, asking things that were just explained, etc.  Sorry... my irritation is showing.  I WILL be kind, I WILL be KIND, I will be KIND.....please help me, Lord.

I am able to email Beth, which I hope will prevent her being too lonely, as she really misses us when we are away.  And I need to do that right now!

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Hello everyone,  can't type much right now as I have a cat lounging in my lap who keeps moving around.

Hi, Marilyn, good to see you today. Kitties are fun. I love my son's cat without a tail named Sasha. This is part Manx, and they can either have no tail at all, a little stub (like Sasha's) or about half a tail.

Yes, Larry, the premise is that the people who sell these papers purchase a certain amount of them, then go to a specific location where they stand. They must be friendly, clean, and learn to present themselves well. People make relationships with them, for ultimately, we all wish for all humanity to be in more comfortable circumstances. Then, when they're saved enough money, they move into small apartments that are furnished through donations of household goods. Two ladies in a suburb of Nashville actually serve as decorators for these apartments, using donated paint, etc. It's so wonderful to see that this has truly become a way out.

Each paper is locally produced, so in various cities, they have different names. It just warms my heart to be able to speak a few words at roadside and give encouragement and share the love of our Lord with each other. And, the papers are really interesting. Here's the statement about The Contributor:

"THE CONTRIbuTOR is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and a member of the North American Street Newspaper Association (NASNA). Our goal is to provide a diversity of perspectives on homelessness and to highlight the contributions of homeless and formerly homeless individuals while providing a source of income and creating community between vendors and customers. THE CONTRIBUTOR is published twice a month and is distributed through a vendor program that provides an income for individuals from the homeless community. All of the vendors selling THE CONTRIBUTOR are either currently or formerly homeless and they keep the profit from each paper they sell.

Where Your Money Goes: Our vendors buy each paper from us for $0.25 and sell them for $1.00 each + tips, keeping the profit."

I'll probably be missing a few days. My son who has lived abroad for years is to be here with me tomorrow, so I want to spend as much time with him as possible.

Love to everyone and praise and adoration for our Lord,
Ruth Ann

Our precious granddaughter, Cayla Joy, is in the Precious Arms of our Saviour now in Heaven--which is far better. She passed away at 3:05 p.m. Eastern Time.

Please pray for Linda and Lowell and Samuel. Linda said on the phone that God is giving them wonderful peace.

Pat, I saw (and responded to) this news on Facebook.      I am so sorry for the loss of this precious little life, but know that our Heavenly Father had a purpose .... I pray for His peace to continue for Linda, Lowell and Samuel ... and that it will surround all of you and cushion you in His warm embrace.   

Pat, she is in the most wonderful place and in the most wonderful arms.  May our Heavenly Father continue to give peace and comfort, as only He can, to the family.

Hi Pat. I replied on Facebook, but wanted to make sure I did so on here too.  Your little granddaughter may have only been here on earth with you for a very short time, but you will see her again in heaven.  Glad she is no longer suffering.

Praying for you and your wonderful family as you go through the grieving process.

Marilyn, as a "fellow" cat owner, I can totally relate to your comment about your cat moving around on your lap. My Bella loves to walk across the keyboard, especially when I am chatting and/or sending an email, lol!

Larry, though it was not quite as hot here today as it had been for the last few days, it was quite humid. I am getting quite tanned, and now have a sunburnt neck. I think it's time to pull out my straw hat. No time for vanity here, my health and comfort are more important.

I made this little cocoon for Cayla Joy and had the privilege of delivering it in person to Ashtabula, Ohio on our way north.  I think she looks so sweet in it and I believe she's almost smiling.