Christian Photographers Community

Carol...
...I often forget I have a lovely solid crockpot - stewpot ( Le Creuset ) sitting empty and unused for a long time in my home, I completely have forgotten it is sitting there...Carol, when we can put practically anything into a crockpot and come up with a hot and hearty meal for next to nothing in money...my  expensive crockpot is well worth its money...now all I need to do now, is get it out and carry on using it...more so now Winter is on its way...

Hi everyone.  We expect to get up into the mid-70's today, which will be nice.  I have a busy schedule on tap as have someone meeting me here at 10 this morning for an hour and then we plan on attending the monthly Senior Luncheon at the Church.  I will come home and rest for a little while and then have an appointment at 3 pm to meet a friend at Panairo's.  Then this evening is our annual Homeowner's Association Meeting.  It is held at our fire station, which is about a half mile from where I live.

Yesterday Pat got on a cooking bent and we now have 3 1/2 quarts of chili for future meals and three more meals of the beef vegetable stew that we enjoyed for our dinner last night.  I had to help her quite a bit in getting things out for the recipes and washing up all of the dishes and pans involved.  Today I think she plans on making apple butter today although that could wait until tomorrow.   

Ruth Ann, glad you checked in yesterday and that you are joining me in counting steps.  I got about 1700 in again yesterday and hope for about the same number again today.

Janet, that is a pretty good incline on the treadmill and a pretty fast pace.  When I attended cardiac rehab quite a few years ago we had treadmills and leg machine and I would use them but for short periods.  I would also walk a mile around the gym where the rehab was held.  It seems I can always find something to fill my hours each day.  They now have medications that will heal up ulcers and sure too bad that John won't take care of himself and seek the treatment he needs. 

Carol, yesterday must have been national vegetable and related soup days.  The stew Pat made was more like a soup than a stew as it has a lot of juice.  It tasted different than any stew she has made before because she used several different spices.  I got out the big crockpot for Pat to use to make the apple butter.  Yesterday she just fixed the chili on the stove rather than the Instant Pot.  Years ago we had our kitchen remodeled and put in a Kitchen Aid cabinet type range that had a deep well and also grill unit that could be put in and taken out.  It was really a mess to clean and I sure would never want another stove like it.   

Jackie, I hope you will be able to use your crockpot for some meals as it sure beats standing at a stove and stirring things.  Do you like chili and stews and soups?     

Keith is now in surgery and will be there for a few hours, praying that all goes as planned and the robotic surgery will be successful.

Larry Hanna...
...I cant eat, nor will I eat spicy, as I suffer with a Hiatus Hernia...had it since 2002...

Marilyn...
...is Keith coming home after his surgery or will they be keeping him in overnight?....I shall be holding good thoughts for his successful surgery...

Marilyn, sending good thoughts and prayers upward for  Keith, and hugs to you.  Sitting around a hospital is one of the most stressful and tiring jobs one can have.

I also need to use my crockpot and Instant Pot more.  The instant pot has very confusing controls, that's why I have only used it two or three times. We do enjoy soups and stews, though.

I'm so aggravated at the publishing company I'm trying to work with this time!  Seems it's something every day!  Yesterday my project manager emailed me that they needed my photo for the back cover, along with the text for the back of the book.  I had already sent her both those things twice!!  Now she has them three times!  and today I got the proof of back cover, and it isn't right.  Grrrr!!  Lord, please grant me patience!

I must get away from this computer and do something else!!

See you wonderful folks later!

ORANGE?  I guess I hit the wrong key!  Sorry!

Marilyn:  Best wishes to a quick recovery from the surgery.  Good wishes for your energy level when he gets out of the hospital!  I hope all goes well.

There is a bit of time this afternoon for laundry and sewing bindings on hot pads.  It is the beginning of thunder and my dental appointment is in two hours.  When it rains in the desert, we have to be careful not to drive into a flooded area - there are warnings galore.

I like to make soups and stews and it gets to be too much so two of my neighbors were happy to have mason jars filled with leftover.  Don can take only so much with my leftovers - I cook for a big family and it is so hard to cook just a little. 

Janet:  I didn't know you were a Bronco's fan?      Sorry about your stressful issues with the publisher. 

One of the children had a procedure today and just called  - all is well.  How comforting it is to hear those words.  It was not a serious surgery but anything in surgery is cautious in my mind. 

I guess I should be posting this in the newbies section since it has been sooo long since I logged on here. I have been thinking about the group so thought I would drop in and say hello. Hope all are doing ok.

Every thing is good on my end, God is good. 

Don

Greetings Ruth  Thank you for the welcome to the site

Greetings Larry   My hubby likes stews and soups.  And some Chinese meals.

Hello there, Don!!  Please don't be a stranger, come back and visit with us.

Carol, I like the Broncos okay.  The Chiefs are having a good season for a change, which makes my hubby happy.  Happy Spouse, Happy House! 

John said he was eating again yesterday, so maybe he will go along again the same, until the next bout. 

Darrel finally got a smart phone, so he is on a learning curve.  Daughter asked, "Why did he get a smart phone?  He never uses his phone!"  I told her he decided he wanted one because everyone in the family had fancier phones than his.   

I sent two emails to the gal at the publishing company.  If I don't hear again tomorrow I will call her. 

Hi Everyone.  It is going to be a beautiful day and hopefully pretty quiet one.  The high is suppose to be around 72 degrees with sun all day.  The only thing on my schedule as of now for today is to fix Pat's breakfast and then this evening we will go to the Church for the Wednesday night dinner.  This is Taco Bar and Ice Cream Bar night for our dinner and who could want more.  Scott starts his week's vacation today and will be off for 8 days.  He has really been looking forward to it.  He will join us for dinner and then expect he will come out to the house for awhile.  The activities of the last few days finally caught up with me and I was very tired last night when I got home from the Homeowner's Association Meeting.  It was pretty well attended and most of the discussion dealt with the landscaping as the landscaper was at the meeting.  The good news was that there will be no increase in our fees for 2019.  They haven't increased all the time we have lived here.  The meeting I had planned yesterday for 3 pm at Paneria Bread Company was cancelled and that gave me more time to rest yesterday afternoon when we came back from our Senior Luncheon. 

The man who is going to pressure wash my house and do a few minor repairs and maintenance projects just stopped by and we agreed on a price.  He has done work for us before. 

Marilyn, looking forward to the good report on Keith's surgery.  I am sure that was a long waiting time for you while he was in surgery. 

Jackie, I understand why you wouldn't want to eat spicy.  I have a small Hiatus Hernia but it hasn't bothered me for many years but is partly why I sleep with my head up to prevent the reflux.  Years ago my doctor told me that almost everyone will have at least a small Hernia like that and may not even know it. 

Janet, I agree with you about how unpleasant it is to sit in a hospital waiting.  At least the patient gets to lay down and is put asleep.  For some reason they never seem to have very comfortable chairs or couches for visitors.  Perhaps that is to encourage us to go home.  I am sure you will come to like the Instant Pot after you have used it a few times.  Sorry to see you continue to be unsatisfied with the publishing company.  Are there many companies that a person can use for self-publishing? Glad to read that John is eating again.  I hope Darrel likes his smart phone.  They really aren't to difficult to use as one gets used to using them.  What brand did he get and is it a large one. 

Carol, it sure wouldn't be worth taking any chances to drive into standing water.  I understand the flooding can occur very quickly and I remember how the roads were just laid on the contours of the ground.  Fortunately I don't get tired of leftovers and glad we have them as it is much easier for Pat.  We ate our main meal out yesterday, will this evening and again tomorrow as we take Scott out to celebrate his birthday.  Glad you child had good results with the procedure. 

Don, glad you stopped by as it is nice to see you post again. I agree with you that God is good. 

Rebot, stews and soups make fairly easy meal and are very filling.  We haven't had Chinese very often since we moved as sort of burned out on it before we moved as often went to a Chinese Restaurant.   

Update on Keith
He did well in surgery, it took 4 hours. The Dr. went in through the top of the bladder on down to the prostate, which was very enlarged. He removed a lot of the tissue from the inside of the prostate and sent that off to the pathology lab for testing. Keith got up to his room by 12:30 and was pretty out of it trying to get out of bed. I left at 1:30 to come home and do a few things, feed the animals etc. Went back at 3pm. He was doing much better. He carried on animated conversations with all the staff and was feeling pretty good when I left after sharing my dinner with him, He said he wasn't hungry when I ordered mine but was by the time it came, So I gave him most of mine. He is receiving saline directly to the bladder to flush it. He was still all hooked up to telemetry when I left. His cell is here at home and he doesn't want to answer the room phone. He may get to come home today IF he can pass gas.

This has. been a rough day. Slept in, then car trouble and 1/2 hour late for a doctors appointment.

I have a condition the opposite to diabetes. Low blood sugar.  Diagnosed a year and a half ago.... I went to the Dr. to see if there was a drug that I can take that will level out the lows. There is nothing..... I go back in Jan. however what is the use. nothing will change the fact that I have to just live with it.  ya know it is such a pain to always be thinking about food.....I eat most days every 2 hours.....skip a "meal" and I am in trouble.

I don't shop alone, walk alone, do anything alone.....

Doug, our son, said to be thankful for this.....I asked why? Really confused.  His response had me in tears.... Because Mom you get to spend time with the people you love.

I remember the verse In everything give thanks for this is the will of God concerning you......

John started whistling We Bring The Sacrifice of Praise..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vh4qiU6AFhs

I am so thankful for these two men in my life.

Hi, friends,

It's so comforting to come here and see such excellent messages. 

I can't respond personally to everyone tonight, but I read and as appropriate, I pray for you.

Each day I see less clutter from the move back into my apartment. I'm addressing it and deciding where the contents of the current box are to be put.

May our Lord bless each person who comes this way.

Much love,
Ruth Ann

Hi Everyone.  It is a cool morning here in South Carolina and is suppose to be cloudy all day with a high of 64.  Since this is Thursday I will be picking up my friend at the assisted living facility and we will go downtown for coffee.  Either before or after coffee I have to pick up a couple of prescriptions for Pat at the Walmart Pharmacy.  Today is our son's 55th birthday and he didn't want to go to a nice restaurant as we have done in the past but elected to go to Diablo's.  He has started his week's vacation and he may join me at coffee this morning as I told him I would buy his breakfast. 

We did enjoy the Taco Bar and Ice Cream Bar at our dinner last night.  We had all the trimmings one would want with both.  Yesterday I sent off our absentee ballots so that is done for this election cycle. 

Marilyn, glad that surgery is over for Keith and that he did well in the surgery.  I hope he will be able to come home today.

JudyB, so sorry that you have this medical condition for which there is no treatment.  At least you know what you are dealing with.  Having to eat every two hours would sure be a challenge.  Doug is obviously a very caring son and I know John is there for you. 

Ruth Ann, doing a little bit each day you will soon be settled back into your apartment. 

Greetings JudyB   My hubby knows what it is like, with  low blood sugar episodes. I know them as hypoglycaemic attacks, or in shortened form, hypo's.

His blood sugar readings can go down from an average of 5.5-7.0, to 3,1 and under.  Recently he had a short synacthen test, this assesses how much of a steroid hormone called cortisol your body is producing.  I will post in about two weeks on the outcome of the test. 

Judy - What a beautiful tribute from your son.  -- Sorry about your problem with low blood pressure.  I hope you can get everything level.  Would having sugar pills or candy nearby help?  Thanks ever so much for the YouTube music.  Peppy and meaningful!  I play "Bless the Lord, oh my soul" 10,000 Reasons by Matt Redman and that reminds me of the mega church I attend with my friends.  It is another joyful song - we need more joy in our lives and these songs are a good reminder. 

Larry:  Good news that your homeowners fees are not rising. 

Don:  Very nice post to read from you.

Ruth Ann:  It takes a lot of energy to put everything back in place and have important things handy.

Today, Don is still sleeping.  He felt light headed early and must be exhausted - I am checking him.  I had a goofy mishap earlier  - sitting in the chair, having a coffee cup and I tried to place it on the pad - I coughed/sneezed and dropped the cup right on yarn and puzzle book (which is always by my chair).  I rinsed the skein of yarn and it is sitting in the sunshine - trashed the puzzle book and cleaned all around.  So, does that mean my housework for the day is over?  Probably not 

Greetings Carol  I think Judy was talking about low blood sugar readings.   

Hello, Gang!
We went to Liberal today to get hearing aid batteries, wash the car, and take son-in-law Jeff to lunch.  Stopped in Hugoton to visit a little with daughter Diane.  She's dealing with a lot of pain in her knee; had a cortizone shot in it last week, but today it was hurting in a different spot.  She asked if we have a cane she can use; we do; we also have a good walker (the kind some call a rollator, I think.)  We will make sure to get those to her soon.  I sure hate to see her having pain, even though I know she's not a complainer.  Just want her to NOT hurt!

I'm really concerned about the mob headed toward our southern border with intent of invading our country!  They must be stopped!!

We've had another quarter inch of rain over the past 3 days or so, and it's been pretty chilly.  We are having our high for today right now, at 64* and it feels pretty nice out there!

No news, really, just wanted to come in and see you all!

Hi, friends,

My goodness! Cold rainy weather usually signals winter for us here in Nashville.  Brrr, I'm not ready this year. The temps, while not cold, are in the 50s, and the rains are here.

It is so good to see everyone today.

May our Lord bless us this evening.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Keith is still in the hospital. He has had a terrible time with constipation. They have given him  some different kinds of meds to help him go but nothing has happened. I am praying for fully functioning results so he can come home today.

Hi Everyone.  It is a damp and chilly morning here with a few showers predicted throughout the day.  I just got back from meeting a friend at a restaurant for breakfast.  It was most enjoyable but I didn't care for the dish I ordered so only ate a bit of it and when I got home I had my usual breakfast.  I plan on a very quiet rest of the day.  Scott plans on coming out late this afternoon and is going to fix our dinner for this evening and spend the evening with us.  We did celebrate his birthday yesterday afternoon late with a meal at Diablo's and then he came out and spent the evening with us. 

Carol, I agree that we do need joy in our lives and I know I always feel better when I can laugh a bit.  A smile given and often returned is a joyful gift to me.  Those sneezes are powerful and usually unexpected.  However, it sounds like there was no real harm down just a little aggravation.  I hope your yarn wasn't harmed as know that is not inexpensive anymore. 

Ruth Ann, it sounds like you are experiencing about the same weather we have here this morning.  This evening is the beginning of the Halloween Festival in our downtown area so it is going to be pretty chilly for the activities including a concert by someone I have never heard of before (which isn't unusual as I don't keep up with the music of today). 

Marilyn, I hope this will be the day Keith is able to come home.  I am sure those are long hours for him in the hospital and he will be much more comfortable at home. 

Janet, it is always nice to be able to have a meal with a child.  Sorry that Diane is suffering from bad knee pain. Since Pat had one knee and one hip replaced she no longer seems to suffer with the knee pains that she put up with for so long.  Is Diane a candidate for a knee replacement?   

Rebot, I hope it is a bit warmer where you are than what we have today.  I sort of got chilled when I went out for breakfast and Pat had set the thermostat down a couple of degrees when she came to bed.  I just now put it back to where we normally keep it and the furnace come on so hope to warm up soon. 

Good day all,

Rebot:  I should have typed blood sugar regarding Judy - thanks. 

This morning, the first item on "The List" is to go to the store and tell them I paid for several things that were not in the bags from shopping yesterday.  Partly my fault because.... I am always chatting with everyone. 

The weekly email came yesterday - the one from my bible study group at home.  One of my good friends lost her husband (our good friend too) last year and she is starting a bible study in her home - once a week and the gals will change homes too.  So proud of her - she has limitations from a hard fall on ice last year with her right hand.  Still always so strong in faith and upbeat. 

Janet:  You mention the border crisis - I have to tell you there are leaks all the time.  There is a road we turned  into one year and read a huge bill board.  It said to turn around - dangerous area - do not proceed further.  This is right in the USA.  We turned immediately. 

Ruth Ann:  It sounds like sweater weather to me.  Keep warm!

Carol, I know there are hundreds of illegals sneaking into our country every day!  We need that wall!  Other countries do not allow this, neither should we!  (imo, of course.) 

Larry, I'm sure by now you are all cozy and warm again.  I also dislike being cold.  It's almost time for me to go for my hair appointment.  It will likely be a mess by Tuesday when we leave, then I'm on my own with it until I get home! But I'm sure I will manage. 

Larry, I'm pretty sure that a knee replacement is in Diane's future.  But she's young enough that they want to try some other options before going that route.  We might drive down this afternoon to take her the cane, the walker, and also some special insoles I ordered for her that are supposed to help greatly with knee and hip pain.  We don't like to see any of our loved ones (or others!) in pain.

Marilyn, I hope things "turn loose" for Keith so he can come home.  Is he more confused in the hospital than at home?  I know being in unfamiliar places makes it worse sometimes for people with that condition.  Prayers for you, for strength and patience to cope with whatever comes.

Time to go get beautiful!   

Greetings Larry  Thanks

Talking of pain...I just want to wake up one morning and find my PP-MS has gone, and not to endure another day of it...but that will never happen...When we are given an illness that " nothing can be done for it, and told it is to get worse " we have no choice but to live with it daily and we do get used to our " new body " but we will never ever welcome our " new  body "...I now have a body that controls me, not the other way round...Anyway, got that off my chest...I am only one of thousands with this degenerative disease...yet only one in 10% or 15% percent with the Primary Progressive type...The only thing I can say is that nobody will ever get through life unscathed, we get what we get...some medical issues can be resolved, some cant...
Anyway, God has my future mapped out...

NICE ( not nice ) has even taken the one thing away from us with PPMS that may have helped us in UK...Link...

https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/2018/09/12/nice-rules-against-bringing-ocrevus-into-nhs-for-primary-progressive-patients-in-uk/

Just want to add...in my world it is " survival of the fittest " and what I mean by that is when one has endured all three during their lifetime ( and ones life is not over yet ) of physical, sexual and verbal abuse as I have, one can survive almost anything...It makes one tougher and more determined...I am sure our Marilyn can related to this too...I have read your profile...We remain here for a reason...that reason is yet to be known.. 

If anyone needs a booster ( I do ) just watch the " Invictus Games "...

Just watched the tail end of a tv film I have never seen before...Goodnight Mr Tom...just what I needed...

Hi Everyone. After a really rainy and chilly day yesterday today is suppose to be clear and up into the 60's.  Our little town's Halloween Jubilee started yesterday afternoon and evening and was suppose to have a concert but due to the damp weather it had to be cancelled. They were expecting up to 25,000 people to attend but sure that number will be greatly reduced.  Tonight there is another concert with Diamond Rio and Mark Chestnut so expect there will be a large crowd downtown for it. 

Scott did come out late yesterday afternoon and Pat had decided on a change of menu.  He fixed biscuits and sausage gravy for both of them and I don't really care for that so I had some frozen waffles and I had that for my dinner. This morning I will attend my meeting and then stop at Aldi's for some eggs.  This afternoon I will be watching college football.  This is the big annual weekend where the teams from Georgia and Florida Universities play their game in Jacksonville, Florida. 

Carol, I have had that happen when I walked off without all of my groceries.  I hope you got your items replaced.  Home Bible study groups are nice and know you will miss not being there to participate. 

Janet, I heard something yesterday about Mexico providing a way for at least some of the illegals to register and be able to stay in Mexico.  Scott's wife also needed knee replacements but the doctor's didn't want to do it due to her age.  As a result she suffered terribly with them and at one time basically was confined pretty much to a wheelchair. 

Rebot, thanks for the greetings and I share the same thoughts with you today. 

Jackie, I am sure your days are long with the pain and other problems you have with the MS.  We just have to make the best of each day that we can and know that when this journey is over we will be freed from the medical conditions and pain that many of us have. I read the article you linked and so sorry as that seems to take away the hope that some could have of slowing the progression of the terrible disease. You must be a pretty strong person to have survived what you describe.  I seldom watch a movie.