Christian Photographers Community

• Prayer and Praise (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?board=3.0)    Thanks for visiting this area of our site to share prayer requests and items for praise!

• See the last photos uploaded to our Gallery (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?action=gallery)

---

Thank you Jeanne

Hi, friends,

I agree, Marilyn, it was almost like tagging around after y'all and having a restful, beautiful vacation, too. :) Lovely photos.


My son will be here in about 5 hours - s, signing "over & out!" ;)

Ruth Ann

Thank you all for liking my photos.

Hi everyone. Yesterday was really hot and today to be the same.  We did attend church yesterday but did not go out to eat as Pat wasn't feeling up to it.  So we came home and found some leftovers and then had a restful and calm afternoon and evening.  Today is the usual Monday Men's luncheon.  We will be meeting at the new Olive Garden close by.  This evening I have a meeting to attend and that will be it for the day other than going to coffee at McDonald's in a few minutes.

Jeanne, thanks for the new Thoughts for the Week.  Our Spiritual tools are very important in dealing with this world and its many temptations. 

55*F out today, Sweat shirt and jean weather. 

How often does the enemy of our soul attack up during the night or early waking hours...Speaking of the things that will tempt us and cause us to sin.  How often do we catch this deception.  He is the enemy of our life and our Lord.  I woke up thinking and praying.  This hymn came to mind. 

[/color]

Jeanne, thank you for the devotion.

Yes, thank you, Marilyn, for the photos of your vacation.  Newport I recognized but I have never been to the interior of Oregon...just the coast line.  I don't mean 'just'.  Oregon coastline is the best!!

I called the tree trimmer guy today.  His wife answered.  Said that he was planning on being here today!!  I went out to get the license plate number from the trailer.  In Indiana, you are suppose to license utility trailers.  This guy hasn't!  Unlawful!  Please God, have Randy return and finish the job he said he would do!

I didn't feel the greatest after church yesterday and took a nap of maybe 4 hours!!  Then I tossed and turned all night.  I may have to start setting my alarm to get up in the mornings.  I tend to have my nights and days mixed up! 

Ruth Ann, so happy your son got to Nashville.  I know you will have much to catch up on!

Pat has headed south......should be there now.....for the funeral of the baby.  Please pray for the family, Mom and Dad are having a rough time second guessing their movements leading up to Cayla's passing.  I pray God's peace be with them in the coming days.

Once again I must ask you to pray for John, Gilbert's FIL I spoke to Ann yesterday and she tells me the Dr's have given John no more than two more weeks of life, please add that part of my family to your daily prayers. everyone is taking it  very hard. Gilbert, Sarah the kids especially Savannah and forest and of c course Ann.

I have sent a card to Linda.  If anyone would like the address to send a card just ask me.  The funeral is tomorrow.  I am continuing to read Linda's blogs.  So touching.  It is heart breaking.

Hello everyone!  Internet connection has been very spotty, so will post while we do have a connection.  We are now in the lovely town of Wertheim, the center of glass blowing in Germany.  This morning we had a glass blowing demonstration on the ship, then when we docked, we had a walking tour of the old city, then free time for the rest of the day!  Nice to have a little free time, as we have been really busy.  We walked around looking at some of the shops, bought some good German chocolate and some of the glass done by the fellow who did the demo on our ship.  He is a master glass blower!  Gorgeous stuff--wish I could afford a larger piece, but did purchase a couple small pieces.

We walked back to the ship to put away the packages, now I am going to take the little "choo-choo train" up to the old castle!  Am I having fun?  You betcha!  ;)

Marilyn, I will look at your vacation photos after I get home, no time just now, but thanks for posting them.

I must write an email or two--see you fine folks later!

My prayers this morning was for God to grant the tree trimmers more jobs so that he can finish the job he started with me.  I called the number he gave me yesterday and talked to his wife...or a woman, at least, that sounded like the woman he introduced to me as his wife.  She said he planned to come to my house yesterday.  He didn't.  I am thinking, he is trying to find another job, get some money, then to my house to finish the job and move on.  I think he does things backwards...gets the money, pays his guys, then his guys doesn't want to work because the money is all ready paid to them.  Oh, well!  Live and learn!

I am ready to leave for the pool and then SAMS is at Applebee's this month.  Then home.  I must get more done this afternoon than sitting and reading.  I am getting some tan since I am sitting on the deck reading...red yesterday but today tan!

I am trying to watch my carbs.  I have lost 15lbs. since the 4th of June.

Hi everyone.  This is to be another very hot day here in Georgia.  However, most thankful we are not experiencing the terrible rains that those south of us are getting.  Just back from coffee and then my friend and I met at the park and walked for a few minutes.  There was a nice breeze this morning and low humidity so was very pleasant. I have a light schedule today with just my usual Tuesday morning activities.  Then I will stay in where it is cool. 

I did hear from the cardiologist who will be replacing my pacemaker that my echo cardiogram showed a 5% decrease in my ejection factor since 2010, meaning that my heart continues to weaken.  It is now at 20% whereas normal is above 50%.  I was not surprised as have needed more rest over this last year.  He will be placing a third wire in my heart to try to make it work more efficiently, which he said may help my energy, and they will  pace the left side of the heart to work in better harmony with the right.  So I will be spending one night in the hospital on July 6.  My son and DIL were planning to be here on the 7th to celebrate with us our wedding anniversary.  We have postponed any celebration until Pat recovers from her upcoming knee surgery but they will still come over early Saturday morning and then come over to the hospital to pick me up.  That will be a big help to Pat.  It will all work out and have asked a good friend to be on standby for transportation if needed.

Judy, it sounds like it is quite chilly up your way. Judy, so sorry to read that Cayla's parents are second guessing themselves.  I have learned that we are doing the best we can at any given time and sure they did everything possible for the child.  Having Pat and Paul there should be of comfort to the grieving mom and dad. I know this is something that they will never really get out of their minds but time will help heal the misery they now feel.

Marilyn, I will pray for John and the family during this very difficult time for all of them. 

Janet, so nice to read that you are 'having fun" as you certainly deserve it. 

Etta Sue, your tree trimmer situation would be a worry.  Do hope he showed up yesterday to finish his work.  Sure hope you haven't paid him in advance (however, your comment today makes me think you have).  Hope you had a good nights rest and are feeling better today.

I am going to be gone again  in July. I am leaving the 17th to go to California to visit some of my kids that I haven't seen in 20 years. I will return on the 25th. I am really looking forward to this trip. I will be going by train and I think that will be a lot of fun.

Marilyn - I have taken that exact same train trip that you are going to take, and it IS fun!

By the way - I've had my hearing at DMV.  They did not reverse my suspension, but instead they have set me up for a new driving test Jul. 9.  I had a fairly lengthy discussion of my previous tests, she gave me a new booklet that supposedly helps me get ready for the new test. Please pray I'll absorb that material and be ready for the new test.

I will pray for you AL. I am really looking forward to the train  trip. I got a great deal on the tickets with my senior Discount and insurance only $143.00. I couldn't drive there for that. I transfer to a bus in Sacramento after an almost two hour layover. Coming home I take the bus to Martinez then get on the train.

Hi everyone.  Have a few minutes before leaving for coffee so will see what I can get done.  I had a quiet day and restful afternoon and night.  Today should also be relatively light in terms of activities as after Bible study this morning and the usual Wednesday morning activities the rest of the day is clear. 

Marilyn, seeing your children after 20 years should be joyous and hope you have a great time.  You will be able to enjoy the scenery by taking the train and not having to worry about a car and other drivers.

Al, at least you haven't hit a wall in terms of potentially getting  your driver's license back.  Perhaps the third test will be the charm and you will be able to renew your license.

Al:  Praying for you to be totally prepared for the next test. 

I accidentally got on the early posts of the time we were away and Janet, I did not know about the last episode of Beth's new problems in her mouth - praying for Beth. So much can change in a few weeks.

Late yesterday afternoon, the winds picked up to 60 mph.  We can see the smoke from Colo Springs and on my drive to the west side of town was a new fire (almost under control) near Boulder.  Traffic was slow because of so many looking at the huge plumes of smoke.  It is so dry here that it would take years of normal rain plus to get back to an average moisture content so anyone could lose their house.  The Springs fire moved so fast that it is a miracle the firefighters got out safely.  Lots of homes lost - I still cannot imagine and surely would not want to even think about it.  We know this is the reason our cabin cannot even get sold because of fire danger is on everyone's mind.  Pray for all impacted by this - and for those involved in the Canadian fires as well. 

Yesterday I looked at the radar screen for the United States.  A little bit of rain in Washington and some in Maine and a storm in Florida...that was the only places for rain!  I think in June we have had minus precipitation!!

Yes, Larry...all three of us paid Randy in full.  None of us knew the other was doing that...thinking he would be back for one of us and we could catch him then.  I know it is hot out there but it isn't at 7am.  I think what upsets me most is now I need to figure out what to do with wood in my front yard and his trailer in my back yard!  I can't move either!

Yesterday, Ivalou's sister-in-law, Betty had a project for me.  She knows I crochet and she had a hot pad that she would love to make more but couldn't figure out how to do it.  So I brought it home and made one, writing down the instructions.  Then I took a picture of the hot pad, put it on WORD and typed out the instructions.  She was surprised when I took back two hot pads and the instructions.  Also there was another sister-in-law, a niece, Ivalou's daughter, Jo and Lydia, a granddaughter.  Mike was in the family room reading and all of us 'hens' were having a hen party in the living room.  So much fun! 

I didn't come home until after 11pm.  I read for awhile until I was sleepy.  It was almost 2am when I went to bed.  I woke up at 8am and thought, I will sleep until 9am.  I got up at 11am!!!  Now I have to stay awake today.  And I used to be a morning person! 

Hi, friends, just checking in for a brief post. It's truly wonderful being with my son again.

Y'all have a good day with our Lord.

Ruth Ann

Marilyn, lucky you!  I love to travel by train!   :thumbsup:

Our power went out at 12:45 a.m. and came back on at 5:30, went out again at 5:45 and came back permanently at 7:10.  Both times that it went out there was a boom along with it.   It seemed to be widespread as I couldn't see any sign of light anywhere around.  Since it came back the electric company crews have been working right around here - first working in all of the junction boxes in the area and then they brought in a backhoe and have been digging a trench next to the road, little by little.  The dig a while, then one of the men gets into the trench and after he comes back out they dig some more.  I'm glad for their sake this didn't all happen last week when the temperature and humidity were so unbearable. 

I get totally disoriented if it's completely dark, so I had kerosene lamps in the living room and on the dining room table and a candle in the bathroom.  That gave me enough light to walk around without banging into anything or tripping.  I spent a good deal of the time thanking God for my blessings and thinking how hard it would have to be for people with tiny babies, and people who had to get up and get ready to go to work in the dark.  At least this time it looks as though the park has invested in a generator for the pump at the well because for the first time we didn't lose our water.  God is good!  :yes:

Al, prayers that you study and absorb the material in the booklet and pass that driving test with all correct answers, and then drive like a real pro!  ;)

Today we were in Heidelburg.  We toured the huge castle there, and then came down and were treated to a wonderful piano concert by a man who has been teaching music in the huge college (over 50,000 students there!) for over 40 years.  He first told us a bout the composer and the piece he was about to play, then played it.  He performed eight pieces by Mozart, Mendelsshon, etc.  I have a list of them, just don't want to dig it out right now.  But it was great!
Next we went to restaurant where we ate "feed bags" and apple strudel, then had free time to do whatever we wanted.  Too much free time, in fact.  The ship couldn't fit in the locks on the river than goes to Heidelburg, so we went by bus and came back to the ship near Frankfurt this evening.

I'm worn out and ready for a shower and bed!

Marilyn Sorry I didn't respond to your trip.  I have been overwhelmed with the death of the baby.

Al See if you can find a friend at church who is good driver who can take you out and help you with some skills training.  Pat has done that for many of our 80+ friends and relatives.  Sometimes that is all it takes is having someone you trust to help you.

Ruth Ann I am glad you are having a good visit.

I didn't get a hymn posted today, I will post one tonight before bed and it will be there for tomorrow.

Thank y'all for advice & prayers re my driving test.  May our Lord bless it all and lead me through Jesus Chlrist my Lord.

Al, as much as we're all praying and wanting you to pass the test with flying colors, if the Lord wills otherwise He has a reason.  Maybe this test is just His test for you.   :)

And while we're on the subject of driving, here's another one from Pastor Tim:

Name Warning


On a street, where the speed is limited to 30 mph the police stop a driver.

"Not only have you been driving too fast, you've been passing cars where it is not allowed.  Your lights don't work, your tires all completely worn out.  This is surely going to cost you a lot.  What's your name?"

"Schtrathewisizeski Vocgefastilongchinic."

"Well, I'll let you go this time but don't do it again."

Judy, I hope your dial-up problems get solved quickly.   ;)

Thank you Jeanne.  Couldn't stay on line last night or this morning for anything.  Can't wait till we have high speed in our area.

It is suppose to get to triple digits today in temperature today in Indiana!  Whew!  But I still plan to sit out under my umbrella and read.  This series of six books are so interesting.  Yesterday I read how in sewing leather together, it was discovered that instead of taking a bone awl and pushing the sinew through the holes, that they put a hole in the end of the awl, then put the sinew through the hole and then poked a hole in the leather and pulled the awl through the leather.  Thus a thread-puller was invented!

Ivalou's company is all gone now.  I saw her DIL was there yesterday and no other cars.  I thought maybe they all were gone while Linda cleaned Ivalou's house.  But later Linda was gone and no cars.  So I called Ivalou and she was in a clean house all alone!  She said it felt good to not have the hustle bustle of others around.  She can do what she wants to do when she wants to do it! 

I am doing some laundry.  After catching up online and having lunch, then I will be outside reading.  I don't sit in the sun but I am getting brown!

Hi everyone.   I went with Pat this morning as she got a blood test done.We  got my handicapped placard renewed as it expires in early July  and went to Walmart.  Thank goodness for the riding carts. Now we will stay in for the rest of the day.

A couple of days ago I got a nice check as a thank you for the computer work I did this year for the Senior Golden Games.  I plan on using it for a new desk chair and a new floor mat under the chair. 

Pat talked with her aunt in St. Petersburg this morning and she said they all weathered the tropical storm well.  The water had gotten to the top of the seawall at the back of her yard but not up into the yard and the rest of the family was fine.

I have read all the postings but just too tired to make individual responses.  Time for a nap as just finishing lunch.

Tonight we are in Rudesheim, and tomorrow morning early we head up the stretch of the River Rhein which has castles all along it.  Many of them!  So I plan to be up on the sun deck, camera in hand!

I got an email from the DON at the care home, saying Beth is fine.  I have been so concerned about her having that procedure when I wasn't there for support.  They say she still need the scope thing done,and has an app't for July 10, but I'll be there to go with her.  Said she is at risk for getting food or drink into her lungs, want her to bend her head forward while eating.

I read all the posts, but it's late and I'm tired, so heading to bed.

Blessing to each of you!

Larry:  Stay cool this summer.  It is good news that Pat's auntie is fine re: the storm. 

Janet:  My brother was stationed near Rudesheim, Germany and enjoyed many trips to the little area.  Don and I spent an afternoon there once.  I bought six glasses and toted them home, could not resist.  keep on enjoying.  Mercy prayers for Beth. 

All:  I don't mention every name but do think of you fondly and send up a prayer of blessing. 

God is good to Janet!!  When I woke this morning, it was pouring down rain, and that wouldn't make for good photos of the castles!  But I just thanked God for another beautiful day, dressed and went to get coffee, read my Bible and prayed, ate breakfast, and by then it was clearing.  By 8:00 when we started sailing, the weather was just perfect!  And with the morning sunshine, the photos all look to be great!  With some help, I will get some posted soon.

We are now docked in Koblenz, and will soon leave on a walking tour of it, followed by a cable car ride to Ehrenbreitstein.   :) :) :)  I have really enjoyed being out in the sunshine and fresh air and walking so much, and noticed this morning that, like Etta Sue, I am turning brown!  8)  :cool:

I need to get an email off to Beth, see you later!

Hi everyone.  Bracing for a record high temperature here in the Atlanta area today.  We are suppose to reach 100 degrees or more today and the next several days breaking heat records for us.  I had a rather strange day yesterday as went through the day feeling a bit dizzy and like my eyes wanted to cross.  However, I wasn't dizzy and they didn't cross just the feeling it was going to happen.  It seems to be gone this morning.  I have a light day today with just coffee this morning and then the ROMEO's meet at a new place, a Bistro, for lunch.  Then I will just stay in where it is cool. 

Janet, what a wonderful trip you are having and it sounds like a very healthy one with all the walking and sunshine.  I am looking forward to the pictures you will share with us when you return.  Certainly glad to read that Beth is OK and know it relieves your mind to have word about her.

Carol, we keep seeing the terrible news concerning the fire and seeing whole neighborhoods burned out.  What a disaster.  Glad that neither you nor Jenny and families are in danger. 

I see there hasn't been much activity here since I posted yesterday afternoon.  Hope all are OK and being able to stay cool as the country cooks.

Carol, I can't imagine what it would be like to be in the area of those terrible fires, or to have loved ones there. 

Janet, what a wonderful tour you're having.  Don't forget I'm here to help with your pictures in any way, when you return.

Larry, I know that "almost dizzy" feeling - kind of disoriented.  When it happens to me I find sitting down and just having a glass of water seems to help.  Of course, it's also usually because I've gotten up and started moving much too quickly.  One of these days I'll remember that I'm 80, not 20!   :D

[/color]

I finally turned on the news last evening and was seeing those Colorado fires!  Terrible!  And to watch them coming toward you...how devastating! 

And to be on a cruise in Europe!  Wow!  The sights Janet is seeing!  I would love it!

It did reach triple digits here yesterday.  104°.  It hasn't be 100 degrees here for 25 years, they say...whoever 'they' are.  I went outside to read and didn't stay long.  Even in the shade it was hard breathing that hot air.  I maybe was out a half hour but came back in.  I went out around 8pm and read and it was still hot!  My Droid Razr says it is 96 degrees already today! 

Just saw the mailman put something in my mailbox.  So I guess I will walk out and get that ad!

The heat in Stockton Ca. is something I am certainly NOT looking forward to during my visit there.

Marilyn, I don't blame you!  But maybe it will cool down a little while you're there.   ;)

Hi everyone.

Larry, I can relate to what you are going through re your pacemaker. My defib implan/pacemaker, which should not, according to worldly measurements, need replacing until mid 2013, will need to be replaced in the coming fall. The readings taken in my most recent visit to the defib clinic show that the unit is running out of "juice" earlier than expected.  The Lord has brought me through so much re my physical health that I am not overly concerned.

Al, I tend to agree with Jeanne re the possibility that God has His hand in the possible removal of your driver's licence.  I am praying for the desired result.

Marilyn, I am so glad you have an opportunity to visit your children in California.  I am praying for that situation too.

Please pray for the families who have lost loved ones in the mall collapse in Elliott Lake, Ontario. 

I forgot to "sign" my note.

Bonnie

Today has been an exciting day in some ways.  I posted some pictures of the dogs, HERE (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=12288.msg173704#new) as they watched me mow the lawns. Today was a hot day with heavy winds.  While I was working on the back portion I saw black smoke rising above the tree line.  I quickly put the dogs in and went smoke chasing.  Concerned for our friends and neighbours I followed where the smoke seemed to be coming from.  Our friends were safe at that point and the smoke seemed to be further up the road.  Tomorrow I will go looking again.  First there was a helicopter circling the area then water bombers came and soon all was out.  I don't believe anyone was hurt, will know when I watch the news.

There has been at least one death in the Elliott Lake Mall collapse.  Not everyone has been located yet.  it has been close to a week.  I agree with Bonnie we need to pray.

Just heard there were 2 deaths. in Elliott Lake

[/color]

Hi, friends,

A brief note before leaving to help my son at the house.

My goodness we both got hot yesterday - no WONDER, the temp was all time high for any day in recorded history here in Nashville - 109!

Well, must go and get busy.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  Just back from coffee and then a quick trip to Office Depot.  It is already 86 degrees here with heavy air and suppose to go up to 106 degrees today, which will be an overall high for the Atlanta area since weather records have been maintained.  I will not be venturing out but perhaps to the mailbox.  I got a new desk chair after sitting in about 30 chairs.  It was the one that seemed to fit me best and be the most comfortable.  I also got a new floor mat to go under the chair as the one I have has many breaks and deep use spots, which make it almost impossible to move it without getting it. While there I also got Pat and new Brother's inkjet printer for her birthday, which willl be next Saturday.  The one she has, an HP, isn't very old but has never worked right and was difficult to use.  This one also has the individual color cartridges so you don't have to throw away ink if one color runs out.  Needless to say I am pretty exhausted as was tired when I got up this morning.  The heat really seems to do a number on me and they warm people with heart or lung problems not to be outside for any extended period of time. 

Jeanne, you described the dizziness very well.  After about 24 hours the strange eye crossing feeling seems to have gone away but still am fighting a bit of dizziness and uncertainty on my feet (which is a new element).

Bonnie, my pacemaker will have lasted about 81 months.  Sure hope I last another 81 months after it is replaced (wouldn't want to waste any of the available time on it.)  :)

Judy, not only exciting by also frightening with a fire in your area.  Glad they got it snuffed out quickly.

June 29...2pm  I am visiting with Ivalou when the TV reports that a storm warning for us is between 3pm and 7pm.  Not a cloud in the sky!!  Bright sunshine. 

3pm  I walked home and notice there were some clouds but white clouds.  Hardly any wind. 

3:29pm  Sudden darkening of the clouds and sudden gusting winds.  (and I mean sudden!)  The lights went out!  Then heavy rain...marble sized hail.  Thunder.  Lightening.  Winds from all directions! 

4pm  Stopped raining but still looks bad out there.

5:30pm  I called Kitty to see if her lights were out.  Left a message.  A minute later I got a call from Kitty.  She was still in Ohio where the storm was then.  She said half of Lapel, her BIL and the house across the street from them was out of electricity.  At 5:32pm the lights came back on so Kitty knew theirs were also.

5:35pm  Ivalou called saying she was getting ready to open her garage door and put her potted plants inside the garage when the lights went out.  Said the plant on her bistro was blown over, the dirt and plant is there but the pot is gone!  I walked around my house and I have no idea where her pot is!  I did pick up a piece of wood left by the trimmers.  A wedge of the trunk about 12" from end to end like a slice of watermelon and maybe 7" wide.  The ground was dry under it!!  So we didn't get much rain. 

Then before daylight this morning, it rained, thundered and lightened.  Some puddles in front of my drive that are gone now.  Precip today 0.47".  For the month of June...0.95".  Since Jan 1...only 3.36"!  That is really dry for Indiana!!

Right now it is overcast with 76% humidity and 78 degrees.  The flag across the road is hanging straight down!  A muggy day out there! 

Other than the weather...there just isn't anything to talk about in Central Indiana.   ::)   :-\

Etta Sue, that kind of weather report sure seems like plenty to talk about!  :D

We lost power from midnight to about 7:15 a.m. Thursday morning, but not from a storm.  I don't know what caused it, but after it finally came back on, the power company had a crew working in my immediate area.  First they were checking junction boxes all along the road, then they brought in a backhoe and dug a trench about 3 feet deep and maybe 20 feel long, next to the edge of the road.  There are still little orange flags along the road edge and my lot has several spots of orange paint.  I don't know if anyone else's lot is marked and I have no idea what any of it means.  But so long as I have electricity, I guess it doesn't matter.   ;)

I've had a busy last few weeks with retirement activities. I can now say I'm officially graduated from my work. I've been reading entries, but haven't had much time for writing - however, I have been praying.
I have some mixed feelings about retiring, but I guess that is normal. I'll miss the people I worked with, but not the constant pressure of the job. It's been good though.

Hello from Amsterdam!  This is the last day of our lovely trip.  And again, God is blessing us with pleasant weather.  I am dreading going back to hot and dry weather, maybe we will get some rain at home.

We just got back from a canal boat tour of the Venice of the North, as this place is called.  Really interinting, and so many really OLD buildings.  Now we have packed most of our stuff, and I am going to put a book in the ship's library that a lady gave me, which I'm really not interested in reading.  She said it is not well written, and is about time travel, so I don't think I'll waste my time on it.

This will be the last post from me until we get home.  We have a 10:30 flight tomorrow, direct from Amsterdam to Denver.  I hope the smoke isn't really bad in Denver, and that they are getting those awful fires under control around Colorado Springs.  I pray for the safety of the residents, and for the firemen involved.

Etta Sue, your weather report was much more thorough than the ones on TV!

Larry, stay in and take care of yourself!

Yesterday was a cloudy day with off and on sprinkles...not rain...just sprinkles.  Not near enough rain for this dry state.  Open fires and fireworks have been banned in my county, it is that dry.  The local volunteer fire department had two field fires and a double house fire plus a vehicle fire Friday night alone! 

I did get some laundry done, some crocheting done and I finished book #3 of a series of 6 books.  Now off to number 4.

I am ready for church and Sunday School.  We will have a new Sunday School teacher today...a retired minister.  Then I imagine we will go out to eat somewhere.  Then this evening at 5 we...meaning Ivalou and I...are to attend Brenna Rose's First Birthday party.  Brenna is the happiest little girl I have ever seen and is Ivalou's youngest g-granddaughter...my g-g-niece!

Half of 2012 is officially in the past now!!

Hi everyone.  We are just back from having breakfast at a Cajun restaurant.  They had a very nice buffet but some pretty spicy food.  We wanted to get out and back home before it got too hot but was still 96 degrees on the car as we drove back.  We elected to not attend our church service this morning as by the time it is over the car is blazing and it just saps what little energy I have right out of me.  Today is also a code red day and perhaps will go to purple (which I never heard of until yesterday on the weather report).  We will now just have a quiet day for the remainder of it.

Etta Sue, quite a storm experience.  Sure glad you got your power back so quickly.  I am reading and hearing on the news about the areas around DC and some places may be out or power for a week.  Did the tree trimmers ever come back and finish the job for you and the others?

Jeanne, glad you got your power back.  At least during the night it wouldn't be as hot as the day. 

Betty, Congratulations on your retirement.  It probably won't take you long before you find more than enough things to keep you as busy or busier than you want to be.  I have greatly enjoyed and appreciated my retirement of 16 years.  It is nice not having someone else directing your time.

Janet, it seems your time on your trip has gone by very quickly but you sure have done a lot of things to make the most of it.  I hope you have an enjoyable trip home and find the fire situation improved in Colorado but it sure doesn't sound like it is.

Happy birthday Canada and the USA! 

It is time to start a new week Here (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=12289.0)