Christian Photographers Community

Ohh, nice hymn.  I love that one, Judy!

For any who have been following Paul's daughter, Linda's blog, here is her latest entry:

http://ourpreciouscaylajoy.blogspot.ca/2012/05/hi-i-am-finding-it-hard-to-get-to.html?spref=fb

There are photos at the bottom.  She's certainly a little sweetie pie.

This afternoon I'll be attending the memorial service for my friend Dale. He was the first person to witness to me in a loving, nonjudgmental, gentle way.  He and his wife Joy were instrumental in my joining my first church family as well. 

Though he may be gone, as our friend Judy B pointed out, I am assured that I will see him again.

I am thankful for the friendship, the teaching...as my first Bible study leader, and the loving, caring, strong Christian he was in my life.

( I tried to post Ray Bolz's song, The Anchor Holds, but could not figure out how to do it) That certainly seems to fit as I think about the life Dale lead before he accepted Christ...so many years ago.

I love that song.  What is happening with the  photo challenge? I see that voting was until may 2nd and there has been no follow up.

Yesterday I changed my cell phone from the "freebie" to the AT&T service I had been happy with in the past.  I left to go to the AT&T store just after 2:00, expecting the transaction to take maybe 1/2 hour.  I got home at 6:20!     But now I'm all set.  The longest part was the cancelling of the free service and transferring the number to the new phone.  The free folks sure didn't want to let go of me!  The most annoying thing was realizing that if I hadn't fallen for the "too good to be true" sales pitch I could have saved all that time, to say nothing of the cost of a new phone and the activation fee.  I guess we're never too old to learn.

Marilyn, I've been tied up with "real world" stuff.  The announcement of the winners is just about ready and will be posted in the next day or two.

Hi everyone.  Another beautiful day to be in the low 80's here in Georgia.  Yesterday late afternoon was so nice as the humidity was low.  We went out to eat and then stopped at a new custard shop that we have nearby.  We had not tried it before and it was delicious.  They always have vanilla and Chocolate and a flavor of the day.  Yesterday that was lemon and that is what I had and it was delicious.  Pat had the chocolate and that was very good as well.  We will be going back.  Today was Bible study but our minister is not available so we viewed a video on King Herod.  When I told Pat about this she responded who is "King Harold" and we had a good laugh over her hearing something other than what I had actually said.  After Bible study I met with a member of our ROMEO lunch group to help him with his new IPAD 3 that he bought yesterday.   Pat just left for an appointment with the eye doctor this afternoon.  (I haven't read postings since yesterday but need to rest so will come back later and catch up on things.)

Hi, friends,

It's also a beautiful, warm day here in Nashville. I've rested almost all day, and the back pain is subsiding.

Now, to get to the bank, then to the dentist, then...who knows! 

Y'all have a wonderful day with our Lord.

Ruth Ann

Came back to read messages and decided I wanted to make another comment or so on what I have read.

Etta Sue, by now your  eye procedure is over and hope you are feeling fine and the procedure was a total success.

Janet, what a sad experience to attend such a funeral.  It is good that there were witnesses so there is no doubt about what happened just no answer as to why.  Will her parents now be raising their grandchild?

Carol, I have seen that bread mix brand.  We have a bread machine but haven't used it in a very long time.    What kind of camera did you get.

Ruth Ann, sounds like you need a blue tooth ear peace to use with your phone if it has that ability.  I think most cell phones now have that as a standard feature, not just he smart phones.

Betty, sounds like you have some good news on the health front and some terrible news.  You can now begin the countdown until you retire--an exciting time.  I bet what you can't get done on your job before you retire will get done by someone else if it is important.  I certainly found that to be true as when I retired the office went on well without me.  Of course, I understand not wanting to leave burdens for your co-workers.

Strollin, unless you use a hyperlink to another website where the hymn is, it must be on the CP server to get it to play.  Those hymns that Judy and others post here with the link and words were prepared especially for this website and reside on the server for this website.  I see Jeanne found in our library of hymns that we have.  Thanks Jeanne for posting it.

Marilyn, you sure had a busy day yesterday.  Did you have a repeat today?

Today.  Driver was here by 5:10am.  He had to pick up a man in Cicero...about 10 miles north and 8 miles west.  Then to the ESI.  Got my eyes checked and the little hitch hiker was still in my right eye.  Asked about the left eye and the doctor said to give it time.  Both eyes check out as 20/20.  So my brain still needs to be trained to use the left eye to see far away and the right eye for close up.  Right eye reading is great! 

So I went upstairs and the surgeon came to talk to me after getting my IV and all prepped for surgery.  He said today was a freebie for me...no charge to my insurance.  But the little booger needed out of there or I would have inflammation in that eye sooner or later!  So off I went to surgery. 

The driver on the way home asked me if today was my second eye surgery.  No my third!  He didn't know what to think.  So I explained why three surgeries.  I was back home before 10am and its a 45 minute drive from the surgery center.

Now I go back tomorrow for the right eye check up.  My drops are different for each eye now.  Left eye is the second week.  Right eye is the first week.  You taper off the drops but won't be completely done until June 20th! 

And yes, I opted for the mono-vision.  Left eye is for far distance and right eye is for nearer distance.  I can read the important things like cell phone, computer monitor, my house plan books and check writing.  Even see my finger prints.  I will need a magnifying glass if I have to read the real small print on medicine bottles and such. 

Not sure when my next appointment will be after tomorrow....one week?  10 days?  two weeks?  Not sure. 

I took a nap and called Ivalou.  She drove us to Applebee's in Fishers.  Today was another fundraiser day for Jacob.  Scary ride!  She drives too fast.  She jack rabbit starts.  She jack rabbit stops.  She ran over the curb with both right tires turning into Applebee's.  And all her bobbles...it was the other guys fault...not hers!  Scary!  Glad I couldn't see real well!  But I made it home!

Euchre was great yesterday.  One lady fixed a Pumpkin Pie Cake.  Similar to mixing the pumpkin for a pumpkin pie but putting it in a loaf cake pan.  Then you put a yellow box cake mix on top of that.  Then melt 2 sticks of butter and pour over that.  Then chopped pecans on top and bake!  We all said we want the recipe.  And yes, Cool Whip is always good on Pumpkin anything! 

Thank you, Jeanne, for posting the words to The Anchor Holds. 

The memorial service for Dale was really special and filled with both tears and laughter. After singing Create in Me a Clean Heart as well as Jesus My Redeemer, we each took a moment to share how we met Dale and a bit about what he meant to us.  That is where the laughter came ...and some of us broke down after sharing. 

One thing that was very clear throughout the sharing time was that Dale was the sort who would take the time to listen, to care, and to hug, anyone who was in need at any given moment, no matter what might be going on in his own life, physical or otherwise.  He was sure of where he was going, and eager to share that confidence with anyone whose faith was being tested.

Someone mentioned mono glasses. My lazy eye makes it nearly impossible for me to focus without the help of bifocals.

The weather here the last few days has been wonderful, the sort of weather I would prefer for the coming summer; warmth without humidity.  Living in an area bounded by three of the Great Lakes means we occasionally have oppressive humidity. 

My graduation is coming up, on the 31st of May.  I am eager to see my classmates again, and it will be nice to have the diploma in hand.

Even if I have not mentioned any names in my post, please know that I am reading all posts and praying for each concern.

Bonnie

Etta Sue I want that recipe too.

  I had a nice post written earlier and lost it to cyber space. I baked a triple Chocolate Cake with Chocolate icing today and a loaf of Dark Rye Bread. Keith is going to barbeque Chicken again tonight. He likes to BBQ and that's fine with me I just do the side dishes, he even dries the dishes for me when I do some by hand. I think he's definitely a keeper.

Yes, Marilyn, Keith sure sounds like a keeper.   

My strawberry rhubarb crisp is cooling on the counter.  I'm looking forward to having some for dessert tomorrow night. If there is any left I'll send it home with Gary.

Bonnie

I'm already yawning, and it's just now 7:00!  Another busy day around here, but we are making progress.  I wonder how many of the family will show up for reunion?  They aren't doing very well at giving me feedback! 

Larry, I assume the grandparents will raise the little girl; however, part of the reason Mallory was so distraught was that the baby's daddy was to get custody of her for the summer.  I don't understand how that could happen when he claimed she wasn't his and never paid one thin dime in child support.  Seems his mother wanted him to get the little one, as she wants her.     Oh, if only we could get girls to understand the awful consequences of wrong relationships!  And the guy who had recently broken up with her is old enough to be her dad.  Really sad, and she was so beautiful, smart (except in picking men!) and talented--as well as very hard-working.

And tomorrow I need to attend yet another funeral, for a guy who used to paint with me.  He was a welder, and his wife is a friend of mine.

I think I will give up trying to keep my eyes open and go to bed.  Seems like I have my days and nights confused.....

Well, it was nice to drive home today with my Rx sunglasses. Ah, how comfortable they are!

By the way, Etta Sue, please always be careful to wear sunglasses (and, if you can, get the ones that have the wider earpieces to block the rays from creeping into your eyes from the side). That will help keep you from getting macular degeneration. And, I didn't know to wear them, so that's why I have it - and to kind of bear that out, it's the left eye (and I'm always the driver) that has the problem. Of course, the visors helped from the front, but the side window was the problem.

And, of course, that's the arm and hand that have the problems with sun damaged skin cancers, too. So, now, a bit late, I arm myself with sunblock and with good sunglasses.    Why didn't I know that earlier?

Now, the good news is that we had a great meeting of our seniors group at the church across the street. Such kind, sweet people, many of whom have known my family members for many years, so it's good to feel comfortable with that group.

Y'all have a wonderful rest of this day with our Lord, and rest well, knowing He cares for us day and night, and will walk again with us tomorrow.

Ruth Ann

ESI gave me sunglasses that block the sun from the top and the sides and the lenses block the sun rays and reflection.  They are cheap frames but good blockers!

I am ready to go again to ESI.  My 6th trip.  But...the flag across the road is clear!  They dilated my left far vision eye yesterday and today it is clear!!  Maybe the dilation woke it up!

I don't have anything I have to do today other than go to the eye center.  Maybe another day of rest other than my ordinary, regular chores. 

Bright and sunny again today with a tiny bit of wind.  A great day!!

Etta Sue, glad your eyes seem to be doing great!  It's nice to see clearly!

Ruth Ann, glad things are going well for you, too.

Another busy day---is there any other kind?  I really think I am trying to avoid being so busy, but am not succeeding very well, it seems.  I have another funeral to attend this afternoon, then tonight our Bible study group is meeting here with us.  So Darrel has chili simmering on the stove, and I have banana nut bread in the oven.  And the house is clean!  And the garage is half clean!  Just the back half (50 ft) yet to do, but I don't think we will work on it today.

The sun is shining, the wind is blowing.....this must be Kansas!   

The sun is shining and the temperature is perfect and too bad it will be hot this afternoon.  Don made biscuits and gravy and we brought it all over to a neighbor who just has a bone scan looking for cancer.  Our friend won't know for over a week.  They are well able to handle any situation as they are strong in faith. 

Larry:  It is a Kodak Easy Share 30 X zoom.  There is a one year warranty as the company is going out of business as you know and we are not too bothered by that fact.  It is much too hard to learn everything on it. 

Last night, at grandson's band and jazz concert, Don made a short movie.  I haven't looked at it.  Our grandson had a shaved head because of swim team and there were a few other likewise - they kept rubbing their heads.  120 students in the music programs and the entire evening was fantastic.  The auditorium was rocking - a  professional jazz band has been working with the kids and the music was way above par.  Don can't identify the music anymore but he can if it is percussion. 

 

Hi everyone.  Another beautiful day in Georgia but not as hot as yesterday. Pat and I attended an awards ceremony and luncheon put on by the County Council For Seniors, which represents the interests of seniors in our County to the County Commission.  I was fortunate enough to be presented the Volunteer of the Year award for our Senior Golden Games.  I was presented with a certificate, a gift sack and  a $25 American Express gift card.  They served one of the better catered luncheons I have ever attended. Each organization represented on the Senior Council makes an award each year.  The event last 2 1/2 hours and we came home and both took a nice nap.

Etta Sue, glad that third surgery is over for you.  You are not alone needing a magnifying glass for the really small print.  I keep a magnifying glass handy at my desk and use it occassionally.  I am sure your brain will adjust soon to the difference in the lens.  I think I might find some reasons not to be riding with Ivalou.  I wonder if her children are aware of her driving situation.  That sounds like a very rich cake you had yesterday but very good.

Bonnie, a wonderful tribute to your friend Dale.  He sounds like the type of person I would like to be. 

Marilyn, your dinner last night sounds delicious.  I have an agreement with Pat that if she will do the cooking I will do the cleanup and sometimes she presents me with some pretty good challenges. 

Janet, you have had to attend too many funerals lately but it seems they have a tendency to come in bunches.  You have to wonder if the grandparents of the little child will now have to have a court battle over custody.  It is so sad.  Janet, that must be some garage you have if you still have 50 feet of it to clean when the job is half done.

Ruth Ann, thanks for the info on the sunglasses.  Fortunately, Pat has used that type for a long time as her eyes have been sensitive for many years.  She wears them even on overcast days. 

Carol, I think Kodak has always made good cameras.  It is sad they have had to go out of the camera business.  Sounds like you all enjoyed a great band concert. 

   Larry:  Congratulations on being named Volunteer of the Year for seniors.  How fun!  Were you surprised?  I understand naps after chatting with people as somehow, visiting really tires me out anymore. 

We have not turned on air conditioning but it will be inevitable much earlier this year.  The temp has gone up to 80 F. in the afternoons and we try to pull in the cooler air the minute it is a tad cooler outdoors.  Of course, the basement would be cooler. 

Sleep well everyone.   

Hi, friends,

Larry! Way to go! We knew you were one of the best, and now this affirms our feelings. 

Wow, a day of handling financial affairs and going back to the dentist.

This evening, though, the blessing came from an in depth study of Matthew 7. We read from several translations and discussed it thoroughly. And, we ended up singing the old chorus, "The Wise Man Built His House Upon the Rock" complete with hand gestures, and then, since we had discussed how the Lords Prayer gives us a model for how to make our requests to God, we ended up saying it.

What a wonderful blessing to be in a group with some of several faiths including Baptist, Messianic Jew, Seventh Day Adventist, Methodist, and Nazarene, amongst others. Imagine - no conflict at all, just sincere reading and discussion of the Bible and then prayer requests.

Much love to all,
Ruth Ann

Hi everyone. It is a truly beautiful morning here with low humidity and the temperature neither too hot or too cold.  I made a quick trip to Kroger before coffee at the senior center.  Today is our ROMEO's men's luncheon and we are going to a Mexican restaurant.  My friend will pick me up as Pat needs the car this morning.  That will pretty much be it for today so don't have to rush to get anything done.

Carol, I wasn't surprised as the President of the Senior Golden Games had contacted me a couple of months ago to see if I would accept the award.  I told him I would be pleased to do so.

Ruth Ann, thanks for the kind words but I just kept working over the years and certainly never expected to be recognized with an award-but didn't turn it down when offered.

Larry, may I add my congratulations on your award, too?  It's good to know that your faithful work over the past few years was recognized, appreciated and valued.  You deserve it! 

I have been over to Pat's and she did my hair, so I'm all set for the Mother-Daughter banquet tonight.  This is the annual one given by our Senior Center, and this time we had to move to the civic center because so many have signed up to come!  My guests will be daughters Diane and Beth and granddaughter Abby.  They are also having the monthly barbecue at the care home, but Beth chose the banquet, as they do a barbecue once a month for them.

Yesterday after the funeral, I went by the care home to see how things were going.  They were having a "fondue party" and it was so cute---have you ever seen a roomful of people with chocolate on their faces?  They had a chocolate fountain, with fruits, etc., to dip, and those were one happy looking bunch of folk!    And yes, I was invited to partake, as well.  Love those chocolate covered strawberries!! 

The following appeared in The Ulysses News yesterday:

The Legacy@ Park View will be hosting a reception and book signing for Beth Brandt and Janet Damon on Thursday, May 24, 2012 from 7-9 PM.  Janet's book Rising Above: Facing the Dragon of Neurofibromatosis, is the true account of Beth's indomitable, uplifting spirit while coping with a disfiguring and disabling disorder of her central nervous system.  Told by her mother, Janet, along with snippets of Beth's story in her own words, Rising Above will encourage those going through a difficult time, inspire those who are facing or have faced trials, and educate those who may not be aware of this tragic condition.  Copies of Janet's book will be available for purchase.

Stop by The Legacy and meet with Beth and Janet.  If this is your first time visiting the new building, tours will be available.

So I would appreciate your prayers of agreement for a good turnout for this, and that a good number of books will be sold.  Thanks! 

Yes, it is amazing what a difference a day makes....in the vision of my left eye!  After coming back from my 5th, not my 6th, trip to ESI, I decided I wanted a Wendy's and drove to Noblesville.  I could read all the signs and no halos on anything!!  Great! 

I even went to a clothing shop and purchased a couple of tops to reward myself and to wear to Nashville, IN, to be with my classmates.   

I searched online and I found...Pumpkin Pie Cake.  It sounds exactly like what Jan made except she used two 15 oz. cans of pumpkin.

Ivalou called last evening and said she was going with Jane to Shipshewana today...that's close to Michigan.  And that Barb and a niece were going to Michigan.  And Kitty is in St. Louis.  Kaye Don is working at the golf course.  And wouldn't you know, no one to run around with and I want to go somewhere!!  Can't think of anywhere to go alone so I will probably just stay home! 

I haven't mentioned much about Jacob lately.  He had a set back and was in ICU but is out now and continuing on his road to recovery.  At first, Shepherds said if he hasn't come out of his coma by May 23, he would have to leave and come back home.  Since his set back in ICU, they have extended that by a couple of weeks.  He's on Day 72 today since the accident and is in stage 3 of a coma still.  He had made many improvements but has so many to go.  But with the grace of God and many prayers, Jacob will do it!!

It's wonderful to hear from everyone today. I'm looking foward to "loving" my apartment some more, maybe seeing my son and his kitty Sasha, and then resting.

Such good reports from y'all, it gives me a smile to read of how you're handling daily living.

May God be with us all today.

Ruth Ann

Good Morning Etta Sue i hope Jacob makes some improvement real soon. Glad to hear that you eye has improved so much.

Janet  I have  agreed with you in prayer that you will have a good showing at the book signing and sell lots of books.

Larry Congratulations from  me as well.

Ruth Ann that bible study group sound so wonderful.

It is a beautiful day here on the Oregon coast. I have shampooed my hair this morning and am waiting for it to get dry. Keith will be home soon for lunch and we are going out to meet with his high school friends for dinner at the Mexican place in the mall.

Good afternoon all.

Mother's Day was a trying day for me perhaps because of all the other caring things I do. This does sound like a poor me but getting enough sleep to cope is very difficult.  I did call Judy B and that helped a lot.

We have a sunny day and that sure is uplifting as well.

Larry:  Congratulations.
Ruth Ann: The bible study group sounds wonderful
Etta Sue:  Is Jacob in a drug induced coma or the real thing.  Many years ago my brother-in-law had been in a coma for closing in on 30 days when he woke up and we had been told the same about recovering but now after 20 plus years he is well except for a leg brace which he has to wear for the rest of his life.   God is good.
Janet: I sure would love to have  with you.