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I just noticed the time....I gotta run!!!! 

Thank you for that good beginning for our new week. What a devotional to think about for this week. I certainly don't want to be a stone thrower, I'd rather aspire to be so close to God that He would allow me to catch a glimpse of Heaven.

Y'all have a good day with our Lord.

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  As usual on Sunday was able to sleep in a little later.  We will not be attending church today as have to take Stacey back to Atlanta and at 2 pm attend a presentation at the hospital across the street from her apartment related to the knee replacement surgery.  So it will be late when we get home this afternoon.  We have enjoyed having Stacey here with us for a day.  She seems to have gotten along well with her walker here at the house.  Last evening we went out to eat for our Father's Day celebration and Stacey gave me a new summer shirt, which I am wearing today.  Yesterday was a beautiful day weatherwise and it looks like it will be a little warmer today.

Janet, glad your book signing went so well.  Have a great trip.  I will be looking forward to hearing from you in far away places.

Ruth Ann, Glad you enjoyed a good day yesterday.  It sounds like you had a busy one.  Hope your granddaughter is soon back to normal. 

Etta Sue, thanks for the new devotional thoughts for this week.

Thank you Jeanne, and Etta Sue.

Thanks Etta Sue and Jeanne for your good works. 

Two of our four children could make it here today and we had to  put the air on for the first time.  It is hot and windy outdoors.  I had to water the miniature purple petunias twice today - there is another name for the flowers.  The other two sons called on SKYPE so we could see them and one is in Montana for a few weeks. 

Janet:  Have a lovely and safe trip - whenever you leave. 

Well, today's the day - I have to retake the driving test this afternoon.  Please pray tlhst I'll have my wits about me for thst.

Hi everyone.  Another beautiful day here in Atlanta.  After coffee this morning my friend and I walked for about 30 minutes in the park as the humidity was low and it was relatively cool.  My Monday Men's group are going to eat at the airport restaurant and then I have a meeting to attend this evening. The housekeepers are here but about to finish up and the yard people will be here later today. They always clean my office first so that when I get home from coffee it is done and I can stay out of their way.  Yesterday we took Stacey back to her apartment and stopped at Wendy's for lunch.  She has a Wendy's maybe three blocks or so from her apartment building.  Then we went to one of the building at the hospital across the street from her to an orientation class on hip and knee replacement.  The room was full and the briefing took about 90 minutes but it was time well spent as they answered a lot of questions about the surgery, recovery and rehab.

Carol, nice you had contact with all of your children and able to visit face-to-face with those out of the area.  My DIL called last evening to wish me a Happy Father's Day as our son was working yesterday until Public's closed.  He really likes his job at Public's and is getting good hours in each week and has been able to stop working at Pizza Hut, which he hated. 

Al, good driving today and hope you come back home with that renewed driver's license. 

Yesterday, my left eye was giving me fits.  It felt like pins and needles were sticking it.  It watered so much, I thought I had lost a pound of water!  Finally it quit.  Last evening was the same thing.  I think I am reading too much and tiring my eyes out!  Today it is watering but not as bad.  Do I call the doctor or do I not?  Sometimes it feels like something is in my eye way up under the eyelid.

I woke up this morning with the tree trimmers cutting limbs off of Ivalou's trees.  The man said he looked online and instead of saving my Tulip Poplar, it needed to be cut down.  So it is on the ground right now.  And my big maple behind the house is going to be topped.  Of course, that will be more $$ but will make a better maple tree in time.  It is so hot today, they have just left for the day!  Too hot to be working hard labor!

Tonight is the first night for VBS.  I am going to be at the registration table.  The instructions say that we are to have pre-registration but we don't have any kids pre-registered!  So all of it will be done tonight....signed in and assigned which tribe they will be in.  Glad I have a partner.  Last year was a little un-organized.  Hope this year is better. 

We thought it was going to rain all day yesterday but again, the wet stuff passed us up!  No rain now in sight until Friday!

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It is so hot today and the car had a dead battery Don was able to get going right to the nearest garage.  There is some smokey smell to the air to be expected and it is too windy today.

Etta Sue:  I would say call your eye doctor regarding the irritation.  They know the answer.  Use a ton of eye wash too.  Pollen will irritate your eyes.  Good for you for helping DVBS - I used to help and even taught years ago with the sweet little ones. 

Al:  I am with you regarding checking out our wits on a daily basis.  There are too many distractions - hope you passed the test today. 

Hi everyone I have been busy this morning and trying to catch up with the emails from the various groups I am in. I went to the gym, took a 20 minute walk when I got back from there. I've done 4 loads of laundry some left from before we left. stripped the bed, baked a cake,  prepared lunch for Keith and I and am waiting for the groomer to call me to go pick up the dogs. When I called them this morning  I was asked if I wanted them bathed silly question, after 10 days in the stable why would I bring them home without a bath.

. First we went up the coast to Newport Oregon, about 2 hours from home for 3 days.  We got rained on, went to the Newport Aquarium, walked the waterfront looking at the stores there, and took walks everyday. then we went over to the east side of the Cascades in the high desert to Sunriver. The weather was great, not too hot and not too cold. We rode bikes for miles every day and walked a lot there too, went to the Village everyday to the Country store to buy something to eat, and window shopped the other stores. The condo is right on the golf course so there were golfers driving their golf carts by all day long. Keith BBQ'ed every day. we had steaks twice, burgers twice and chicken all the rest of the time. i still have the photos in my camera  but after I get them downloaded, edited and uploaded to Photo Peach I will post the link here.

Well, I took my driver's test.  Once again, I neither passed nor failed.  The lady said I drove too slow part of the time (it was because she had me make left and right turns, and I was always expecting her to tell me to do that).  Anyway, I'm still able to drive.  They may have me do another one after while to see if I go faster.

Oh Dios Mio Al you have to go at least the speed limit.

Hi, friends,

It has been a good day, with a meal with good friends, then a bit of shopping at WalMart.

May our wonderful Lord bless us this day, as only He can know our needs.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Marilyn, I think you are mistaken.  There are times and circumstances when the posted speed limit is not an advisable speed to be driving.  And it should never be "at least", only "at most".

(PS - even in Spanish that is taking the name of God in vain.)

Amen Jeanne

This is a muggy day.  Overcast and hot.  Even the dogs are not wanting to stay out, They are content to lay around.

Have a great day folks. 

I read a wonderful editorial in Saturday's paper, wherein the writer was speaking about what must be going on in Heaven. He posed this scenario:

One day, the saints and angels in charge of rejoicing and praising were preparing to bless the Lord with praises. One of them said, "See! It's time to get ready to praise Him."

And, another said, "Never mind, it was just someone down on earth using God's name in vain. - False Alarm!"

Maybe we could sing together a verse of "O For a Thousand Tongues to Praise."

Much love to everyone.

Ruth Ann

I called my eye doctor.  I was told that what I am feeling in that eye is where they put a big needle in it to numb the eye for surgery.  I thought the numbing was from the I.V. in my arm!  I am to use an eye drop...Systane...and it should go away soon.  It's funny...it feels like something under my upper lid...then a few minutes later, it feels like something under my lower lid.  My eye waters and sometimes I do get matter out.  Then suddenly the feeling goes away!!  Mysterious! 

I went to the pool today and then to the grocery store to purchase items to make a salad for Euchre this evening. 

The tree trimmers didn't come today....a family emergency Kaye Don said.  My Tulip Poplar is down...full of ants they said.  My big Maple is the front isn't done and the one in the back isn't done.  Well, actually...all that is done is the Tulip Poplar is down but it is still in the yard! 

That's about it!!

Hi everyone.  I was gone all morning seeing the cardiologist and making a quick trip to Microcenter where I got Pat a new laptop.  She has been using an old and slow one that doesn't work as well as it should.  So as soon as I finish reading my message boards I will begin to fix it the way she wants it.  That isn't hard but takes some time.  I should have it functioning correctly by later this evening.  I will be having an echo cardiogram done in the morning and based on the results of that may have a third wire put into my heart for the pacemaker.  I should know shortly after the test tomorrow.  If that happens the replacement of the pacemaker/defib will require an overnight stay otherwise it will be a relatively simply procedure taking about 45 minutes with a two hour recovery and then I would be dismissed. 

Marilyn, welcome home.  Sounds like you had a great time.

Al, sorry that was another exercise is frustration for you but at least they didn't fail you.

Etta Sue, glad you called your eye doctor.  Good to know what is happening.

Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing
By: Charles Wesley

Oh, for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer's praise,
The glories of my god and King,
The triumphs of his grace!

My gracious Master and my God,
Assist me to proclaim,
To spread through all the earth abroad
The honors of your name.

The name of Jesus charms our fears
And bids our sorrows cease,
Sings music in the sinner's ears,
Brings life and health and peace.

He breaks the power of canceled sin;
He sets the prisoner free.
His blood can make the foulest clean;
His blood avails for me.

Look to the Lord, who did atone
For sin, O fallen race.
Look and be saved through faith alone,
Be justified by grace.

See all our sins on Jesus laid;
The Lamb has made us whole.
His soul was once an offering made
For every human soul.

To God all glory, praise, and love
Be now and ever given
By saints below and saints above
The Church in earth and heaven.

Funny I am singing along with the words without the music!

QuoteMarilyn, I think you are mistaken.  There are times and circumstances when the posted speed limit is not an advisable speed to be driving.  And it should never be "at least", only "at most".

Well Duh!! I know that and I'm sure that Al does too!! I have the "At Least" in the wrong place.

Quote(PS - even in Spanish that is taking the name of God in vain.)

I did not know the OMG was taking the God's  name in vain. I think it depends on the intonation it is verbalized.

Marilyn, it is my understanding that any time His name is taken, whether it's as an initial or in full, it is taken in vain unless it is an actual prayer.

Well the way I used it in Spanish was not meant to be disrespectful, When I used the letters it wasn't meant as disrespect either. Or as  using the name in vain. I used it rather than type out the Spanish again.

Larry thank you for the welcome home.

Etta Sue I see you have a new avatar.

OK I will go to my corner until I have something to say., which may or may not be anytime soon.

I'm peeking in the door - literally too tired to type.

May our Lord bless and keep each of us in His holy will.

Love to everyone,
Ruth Ann

Hello from Linz, Austria!
We are having a marvelous time!  Yesterday was my birthday and they made a big deal of it, making me feel really special!  :)
Today we went to a concentration camp, a very sobering experience.  Hard to even imagine the horrors that went on in those places, even will standing in the gas chamber or looking at the incinerators where they burned the bodies.  May God never allow us to forget, or for those awful things to be repeated!!

We have another tour this afternoon, to Cesky Krumlov (I have no idea, but will find out!)  And tonight we have a German lesson.  Oh!  I just remembered, the trip this afternoon is into the Czech Republic!

I will post again when we have a connection, we do not always have it as the ship moves from place to place.

Hi eveyone.  Like a large part of the country we will experience very hot temps on this first day of summer.  I did get most of the work done on Pat's new laptop yesterday afternoon and evening.  She left me a note concerning a few things that need attention but nothing serious.  It took about 6 hours to get everything set up, recovery disks made, and the software downloaded and organized as she likes it.  Today's main activity will be to go back to Kaiser for the echo cardiogram at 10 am and then I hope to have a quieter day after that. 

Janet, what an experience it must have been to visit the concentration camp and I am sure seeing that makes it all very real rather than something we read about or hear someone describe.  Happy Birthday and glad they gave you a special recognition.  Have a wonderful day and keep in touch when you can.

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!  :yikes:

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.   :D

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!

(https://www.christianphotographers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi195.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fz77%2FEttaSue%2FCP%2FAnis%253Cbr%2520%2F%253E%2FGoodMorning.gif&hash=b2d927f6e637e57c1c5c18c900beaa0a77c11763) 


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.   <3

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.

:) :angel2:

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/554691_10151849365070367_1805173139_n.jpg)


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.

Relative to Cayla, my prayer echoes that of Jeanne.  God grant you to see things as He sees them.

Pat I'm so sorry to hear about Cayla Joy,, she is now healed and whole. Prayers for your family and her parents.

Hi everyone.  I am up and ready for another day.  We had a great rain last evening that was much needed and appreciated.  It looks like it is going to be clear and hot again today.  I did get Pat's new computer pretty well setup the way she wants it.  I am just having one problem and think I will need to go to the library to get it solved as it involves downloading audiobooks on it.  She does it on the desktop but for some reason when the book is downloading on the laptop it wants to open in Open Office and not the right audio player.  I will probably take the other laptop I bought back to MicroCenter later today to get the full refund.  I have it all back in the box as it was was to the best of my ability.  It will be another busy day.

Janet, you sound like Pat with the UFO's.  :)  She eventually gets most of them done but it might be 10 years later.  She hasn't felt much like working on projects lately.

Ruth Ann, thanks for the interesting information on the street papers.  It sounds like a very worhtwhile proejct.  Hope you have a wonderful time with your son.  Will he soon be in Nashville to stay permanently?

Pat, we send our condolences to you, Paul and the Cayla Joy's family.  The loss of a young child is very, very difficult for all concerned.  I am glad the parents have found peace with the situation.  Having lost a grandson in the early months of his life and having a son who has never found peace with the loss gives me some idea of the pain you all are experiencing.  I am so glad your and Paul were able to spend a little time with this child as the memories will always be there and the Lord does provide the peace we need.

Strollin, I haven't noticed the humidity being too bad yet this year but know it is on its way. 

Judy, wonderful to match the hymn to Pat's memorial of Cayla Joy.   

Just want you all to know about the real California - it rained yesterday and the niglt before.  It does that sometimes, even here.

Well, I did get a hearing set up on my driving test.  It'll be Tuesdaly morning.  Please pray that I'll know what to say and what not to say.
'

Al, I thought California didn't have rain, only liquid sunshine!   :D

I'll be praying that you not only have control over what you say and don't say, but what you do and don't do, and that you pass the test with flying colors.  :thumbsup:

Pat, such a loss is so difficult, especially since she was able to be with y'all for 8 weeks. I truly hope all famiy members will gain a measure of peace and comfort, knowing she's now healed of all illness and is truly safe in His arms. won't it be joyous when y'all are together again in Heaven!

Haven't heard yet when my son will arive. Eventually, he will make his home here in Nashville, but has a few other plans before arriving for good.

Much love to all,
Ruth Ann

We don't understand why a little child is born with health problems.  We surely don't understand why that child isn't healed.  When we see a beautiful little girl like Cayla Joy, we may understand why God wants her with him for eternity.  And our gift from God is salvation.  Cayla Joy's family will see her again...happy and whole, without pain and all those tubes and things trying to keep her alive.  Isn't that what life is all about?  I believe is hard to lose a child but knowing that eternal life is promised to believers makes it all better.  Pat, Paul, Linda, Lowell and Samuel...you all have my prayers.  And Pat, what beautiful work in your cocoon for Cayla Joy!

Another day of sunshine in my neck of the fields!!  A gentle breeze today.  I may just take a book outside and enjoy the outside today!

Just stopping in to say good night to you all.  And sending a big hug to Pat, in memory of sweet little Cayla Joy.

See you tomorrow, if we have a connection!

I sold four books today!!   :) :) :) :)  My tour director even walked up to me and asked if he could buy one!!  PTL!!

Good night!

I'm praying for you and your family, Pat.

Here is the link to the photos I took at Newport Oregon, Some are not very good (terrible) It was rainy and over cast part of the time. The ones in the Aquarium were hard to get at times especially of the Stingray.  More photos to come of Sunriver.

http://photopeach.com/album/19qxmkr (http://photopeach.com/album/19qxmkr)

Part Two of our vacation, this part was taken at Sunriver in the high desert east of the cascades.
http://photopeach.com/album/12t35i9 (http://photopeach.com/album/12t35i9)

Looks like you had a great vacation, Marilyn.   :)

Janet, He does keep leading to to people who want to buy your book!    :thumbsup:

Pat let Linda and the family know we are praying for them during this time.  What Etta Sue said is so true,

Well, a bad headache kept my son in Georgia today, but he expects to be here tomorrow.

G'nite, all!

Ruth Ann

I had another lazy day yesterday of reading.  I must get back to crocheting.  Cancer doesn't wait on me. 

Ivalou has company.  A sister-in-law from Texas and her two children...adults...one from Texas and the other from Michigan.  Mike and Cindy are great to do all the cooking and clean up while Mom and Aunt visits!  I went over to talk to them yesterday afternoon.  They are going to stay for a week. 

Tony broke his foot at work Friday.  He was reaching for something on un-level ground, twisted his foot and broke it.  Left foot so he drove himself to the Med Check and back home.  Work is 45 minutes away from his home.  AND he is going back to work tomorrow doing light duty and going to the bone specialist at 4:30pm. 

And I have a niece, Debbie, in Alabama who received a bone marrow transplant at AUB hospital Friday.  Her brother, Mike, was the donor.  My heart filled with joy when I read that on Facebook. 

I am ready for church so heading out the door now......

Hi everyone.  Last evening we had an unexpected rain shower for a few minutes.  It was hot but not unbearable yesterday.  It looks like today will be a nice day.  I plan on attending church this morning.  We are honoring our pastor with a special service and a guest minister, who is retired but a long time friend and mentor of our pastor.  Following that will be a reception for the minister in our courtyard.  We don't plan on participating in that as Pat can't stand for very long and by the time church is over I am usually pretty tired.  Late yesterday afternoon I did return the first computer that I bought for Pat last week.  No hassle, just a 30 minute trip each way. We had a quiet evening catching up on a couple of recorded programs we hadn't seen but are following. 

Marilyn, thanks for sharing your vacation photos.

Etta Sue, sorry to hear of Tony's broken foot but glad to see he was able to continue his work with light duty.  Since he was work when he broke it is he eligible for workmen's comp of he needs it?  Nice that Ivalou will have someone with her for a week as sure that takes some of the stress off of you.

The Lord has granted us the start of a new week so it's time to open a new topic for the week of June 24, starting HERE (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=12283.0)