Christian Photographers Community

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"Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth."

Psalm 73:25 NLT


Heart's Desire


In The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe when the Beavers inform the children that Aslan is on the move, the children feel a strange stirring in their hearts. Peter in particular says he's "longing" to meet this Aslan....he doesn't say he's curious; he says he's longing, and that carries a very different meaning....

To long for something means you've had it in your mind for a while, the way you fix your heart on getting that iPod for Christmas.... Longing carries with it the concept of desire.

Yearning Desire. It's a theme that weaves throughout the life and works of C. S. Lewis. In Surprised by Joy, he introduces the concept of longing as the signature quest of his childhood and young adulthood.

It wasn't until Lewis converted to Christianity that he eventually realized what he'd been longing for: God. Not the Norse gods of the pagan world, not even the gods or spirits of fantasy worlds, but the God of the Bible — a real, living Being in whom we can have life forever.

With our own friends, part of our role is to help them understand that their longing comes from an inborn desire to know the King of the universe. And, like the Beavers with Peter, we are to tell our friends about the King — that his return is imminent, that he is on the move even now.

We're all longing to meet the true King. Will you recognize his name when you hear it? Will you help others do the same?

Adapted from Walking Through the Wardrobe by Sarah Arthur (Tyndale) pp 77-83

So often I long to "go Home" as I see our Almighty God moving in our world.  ain one sirtuation, the Middle East problems are escalating, as they are here at home.  We see fewer and fewer people leaning toward our Lord on one hand and on the other more are coming to a saving knowledge of Him.  Hold on God is moving, we need to long more for him daily!

Janet yes I did have surgery on my left hand 2 years ago Oct. 7th, That is the hand that still bothers me the most, I do have arthritis in both hands but it isn't all that bad that they are deformed. That lft hand forefinger has Reynauds syndrome ever since the surgery so I goes all white and completely numb and ice cold for a short period of time, the joint that was replaced at the base of my thumb is what hurts the most.

I am sitting here with a plastic bag covering my hair to keep it warm unti.l the time is up to rinse the color  out and apply the conditioner. Yep I am coloring my hair this morning.

I bought the latest edition of PSP yesterday for only $24.99 the Cyber Monday deal. I have used a pirated version on my old computer but I didn't want to take a chance on putting that on this new computer. I am only using licensed versions of any software I add to this computer.

I had a pleasant, very pleasant, surprise this morning.  I got a call from our dear friend, Ruth Ann.  She was in Greenfield, Indiana.  So I directed her to my house for hugs and a visit.  She didn't stay long because I had to leave by 9:30 to take Ivalou to her surgeon for an appointment...which went very well!  Next time, Ruth Ann, you need to let me know sooner and we can spend the day together and you the night here!

And Saturday night I got a different surprise!  I found a leak in my garbage disposal.  When I got to church yesterday I asked a handy man if he knew a good plumber.  He gave me the number of a kid he graduated from high school with that is a licensed plumber.  I called Carl after I got home from church and eating out...told him what I wanted...to take out the garbage disposal and plumb it so it doesn't have one since I am on septic and afraid to use it anyway!  He said he could do that...would I be home this afternoon?  Yes.  So he came around 3 and left at 4:30.  Not bad.  $75.  The big problem was the dork that put the garbage disposal in used floor sealant instead of what he was suppose to use.  It sealed but it had to be chipped off with pliers!  That's what took Carl so long.  Anyway I have the number for a good plumber now. 

I don't care for those inflatable decorations either.  Seems the poor likes those and they are kind of expensive!

I am going to the Doctor tomorrow to discuss that chest pain incidents of almost two weeks ago and also the drastic change in my cholesterol going fro 141 to 263 in the 3 months since she took me off Crestor.

Yikes, Marilyn! Be sure to go and also let us know of the results. Thankfully, we pray for and with each other all the time, but, of course, knowing some of the issues helps prayer to be more specifically directed.

Etta Sue, it was truly so good to see you. And, her decorations are simply lovely! I started to laugh and tell her the amount of decorations in my home - 1 nice little decorated evergreen on the kitchen table that will go to my son in law's farm after the holidays

Now, to rest - that trip was necessary, and God provides the strength, but I'm ALSO very grateful that He has provided a nice warm apartment with a comfy bed. I'm feeling somewhat better now, but upon arriving home this afternoon, I reached for my nightie, took the night meds, and turned in. Whew! Little by little, I keep telling myself.

Now, to move onward. Tomorrow's an appointment for the old lady who rides to doctor appointments with me, and Wednesday is an appointment for me-THIS old lady  !

May our Lord grant peace and safety to each of those who come by here, and also to their families and loved ones.

Good night, friends.

Ruth Ann

Thank you, Judy B. for the devotion from CS Lewis.  What an interesting man. 

Marilyn:  It has been two years since your hand surgery - hard to believe.  Sorry about the problems you are having and the pain as well.  Well, it is good to take care of your other numbers so the doctor will have answers for that too. 

How nice that Etta Sue and Ruth Ann were able to get together even for a short time. 

I went for a mammogram and the machine was down so tomorrow at noon it should be fixed.  So, we went to see the movie, "Lincoln" and it was really a good movie.  Home to eat the last of the leftovers.  Then, I put in a call to an older cousin who had just driven to Arizona from Minnesota to thank him for all the family history that arrived in today's mail.  It has been another good day - such a great gift. 

Carol Lincoln is the Free Senior Movie tomorrow morning. We are both going, I will be sure to report back in after the Doctor appointment and let you know what she said and what if any tests she orders. I think I amy not have told them about the Mitral Valve Prolapse but she did hear the murmur the last time I was there. I will be sure that gets in my chart tomorrow.

I have had many family physicians in my life and only one said I had a heart murmur.  Every time she got that stethoscope out and checked me, she said 'There it is!  Your heart murmur.'  No other doctor has told me that!

Today is SAMS and I thought Ivalou was going but she just called and said her legs were wobbly today.  But tonight is the Meal on Us and she said she thought she might go to that if I am going.  Less people tonight to run into her!

Ruth Ann, hope you got some much needed rest last night.  Driving can be very tiring.

Hi everyone.  We had an overcast morning and now a little after noon it is skrinking but not too chilly today.  I had a good time at my men's luncheon yesterday with 4 other men.  When you have Mexican for lunch you don't need dinner.  I am just back from attending a meeting and that will be it for today.  I am looking forward to reading more of my John Grisham novel and resting this afternoon and evening.  I know this isn't very exciting but it is my life for today.  I did make Pat her breakfast this morning and she says I am getting pretty good at scrambled eggs and toast.  I also peeled her a "Cutie", which is a Clementine.  I have been enjoying a couple of these every morning for the past few days.  Stacey is sort of homebound due to her battery failing in her wheelchair.  She awaiting a call from the Scooter Store as to when they can come and replace the batteres.  She has had experience with being out and having the batteries totally fail. 

Judy, thanks for the devotional thoughts for this week.  Interesting points the author makes regarding the longing in each of us to find the God of our understanding.  Also thanks for posting the hymn.

Marilyn, it sounds like you got a good price on the PSP. Hope your doctor's appointment today goes as you wish it would and you don't have any particular heart problems.

Ruth Ann, glad you made the trip safely and hope you are feeling much more rested today.

Etta Sue, nice surprises and good outcomes.  I agree it isn't wise to use a garbage disposal with a septic system.  We haven't had a garbage disposal since we lived in Maryland for that very reason.  Stacey was very pleased to find that she had one in her new apartment.

Carol, I understand that the movie "Lincoln" is very good.  We will wait to see it on DVD or Netflix.  I think I am going to get the ebook on Lincoln that Doris Kerns recently released although it is a very long book.  I have always been fascinated by Lincoln and consider him of the the best Presidents we have ever had.

I'm so thankful to be back home here at CP. Yes, it was great to rest as long as I needed this morning. Now, it's about time to give this apartment some "mother love".

Y'all have a good day.

Ruth Ann

I am just back home from a meeting in Garden City.  I went with our Senior director, it was a meeting on Kancare, which is taking the place of Medicaid in our state.  When we got back, the gal who works for LaVonne asked, "What did you learn?"  And my answer was that we learned we should have stayed home!  What a waste of time!  Made me so aggravated!  Oh, if you are a welfare, single, obese, pregnant mother, there is a lot of new stuff:  They PAY you to go to the doctor, pay for Weight Watchers classes, then give you a $50 gift card for going; give you a baby shower (!?!), new clothes for both you and the baby, give you money to buy "professional clothes" to go for an interview, Pay for your kids to join a kids' club, etc., give you a free cell phone with 250 minutes per month, if you agree to receive texts from them to remind you of your appointments (wouldn't want to miss out on getting paid for that!)....and it went on and ON!  Talk about the Nanny State--cradle to grave care.  There was lots more.  And I only went to learn what changes are in store for Beth, didn't learn one thing about that!    I hate having my time wasted!!

Anyhow!  How are all of you?  I need to make an outline for my talk tomorrow to the Rotary club in Boise City, choose which clothes to wear (nobody bought me a new PROFESSIONAL OUTFIT), and generally get myself settled and pray over the talk.  If you would, please pray the talk will be well received and books will be sold.  Thanks.

Larry, thanks for putting in the link to the charitable organizations comparison.  I can't find it, guess I must have deleted it, I get SO much email.  And I couldn't find it by Googling, either.

I'd best be getting busy here.  See you later.

I went to my Doctor appointment today I saw the Nurse Practitioner. She put me on Pravastatin for the high cholesterol. When I got home I discovered that I still have 26 Crestor tablets left from when the Dr. took me off them So I will mention that when I go back next month for labs. I am also wearing a Holter Monitor for 48 hours to check my heart and may be having a stress test later, she is going to talk that over with the Doctor. So that's the report more will come after I get the Holter Monitor report.

Lincoln was a wonderful movie, I recommend it to all.

I'm just stopping by to bid you all a good morning before I leave for Boise City.  That is 100 miles from here, so I must leave early, need a little time to find the place where they meet.  It's so many years since I lived there, I can't remember where the Scout Hut is located.  It's a small town so shouldn't be too hard to find!

Curtis and family came up last night, and he hooked up my Christmas gift!  When we built this house, we put ceiling speakers in, and Darrel had all the wires coming into a closet in the corner of the living room.  So those wires have just hung there for about 17 years now, and I finally told Darrel I am tired of waiting for music!  So Curtis got online and ordered everything we needed; the boxes arrived, and he came and hooked it all up!  Now I can listen to CDs, radio or whatever, anywhere in the house!    Darrel will pay for the equipment, of course, and my gift from Curtis is his work.  Love my guys! 

Please remember to send up a little prayer for me today, for safety on the road and success with my talk!  Thanks!

There were several at SAMS yesterday but Ivalou called about an hour before us leaving and said she wasn't going.  But she would like to go to Meal on Us in the evening.  So Meal on Us was a great meal...and I was glad that Ivalou got out and visited with some other people.

I am waiting now on Kitty.  She is coming to see my Christmas decorations and then we are going to the Swim Shop and the Apple Store.  Then find somewhere for lunch.  She will bring me home and then I am heading back that direction to go to the pool. 

Tomorrow....nothing to do!

Hi nice to join you for "coffee" this morning. This is a very busy week for me. Doing a lot of baking. Church is having a bake sale on Saturday. So, baking for that and also for a former work boss. He plows snow for me and his wife asked me to do their Christmas baking. They have 3 small kids and works full time as a nurse. Therefore she is very busy. I do enjoy baking though as that was my profession. I probably won't be able to "visit" CP much this week. God is so good and always provides.
Blessings

Welcome, Chrisle! You will be instantly accepted and loved by this wonderful group of Christians. I can't wait to learn more about you. It sounds as if you live a rich and fulfilling life.

Janet, may God go with you each step of your way today. So many times when we go to meetings such as that new state-led insurance, we don't come away with what we wanted to hear, but at least you are aware of what's going on. Therefore, I always try to attend for tidbits to share with others.

Marilyn, the Pravastatin seems to be a good medication for me. My muscle pain essentially went away with the change to it. So, good luck with your Holter monitor - in the 70's and early 80's, I wore one at least once a month, so the medical personnel will use the information gained to be able to be of more assistance to you.

Larry, hope you feel well today.

Carol, I enjoyed your comments yesterday.

Al, hope that your wife gets better.

Judy, please let Pat know we love her and care.

Etta Sue, as busy as you stay, it's hard to believe you have one of my "do-nothing" days.

If I missed your name, please know that I enjoy reading all posts, and hope you'll forgive me.

Love to y'all,
Ruth Ann

Ruth Ann, it sounds as though you are feeling better today.  I hope I'm not being overly optimistic.   

Chrisle, welcome to this warm and loving Christian site.  If you have any questions, just ask and someone will have an answer.  Would you please cyber-send some of those home baked goodies my way?  I used to do a lot of baking (and cooking in general), especially when my three kids were all teenagers and "inhaled" food.   

Good Morning Chrisle Welcome to this group of loving praying Christians. We are so happy that you have joined us, when you have some spare time please tell us more about yourself.  I live in Oregon with Keith, 2 cats and 2 dogs. I have 5 grown children of my own and 3 of his. I have 15 grands and 9 great grands. I am 72 yrs young I am a web designer and graphic artist and work as a volunteer at the local Spay and Neuter Clinic as one of the recovery bed techs. I am a retired Geriatric Care Manager. (Care Giver) Now its your turn. 

Chrisle  it is good to see you hopping right in and joining the conversation.

Larry which John Grishom are you reading? I think I have read most, however there may be a new one out that I don't know about yet.

This is another year for knitting.  I thought I was about done, only to have 2 family members speak up and put in requests so I have 3 more to go. Yikes and it is almost December first.  One will be for a January birthday, so that gives me a bit of time.

Have a great day everyone, may God bless you all!

Hi everyone.  I was gone all morning so am now eating some lunch and catching up on the message boards.  Right after coffee I stopped Krogers to pick up a couple of items and a prescription I will need on Friday.  Then I headed to Kaiser for my annual physical.  Since I had had blood tests a few days ago it wasn't necessary to get anymore.  I did get the wax removed from my ears so should be set to hear well for a long time.  The only thing that came out of it was an order to get a bone density test done, something I have never had.  Pat has just left to have lunch with a friend at the pizza place close by.  They like the Greek salads they can get there.  Then we plan to eat out this evening as it has been several days since we went out to eat. 

Janet, I don't blame you for being disgusted with the results of your seminar.  I just Googled "charitible organization leaders pay" or something like that to get that link.  How nice to have the speaker system now working.  We had that in one home we had and did enjoy it.

Marilyn, it sounds like the PA gave you quite a few things to keep you busy.  I just bought the new Liincoln book that Doris Kerns Goodwin has written and read the first few pages.

Chrisie, welcome to CP.  We hope you will become a regular participant.  Our church is having its annual bake sale and craft fair the next Sunday.  The senior ministry is helped by the proceeds or special things like new tables for the Fellowship Center are purchased.  Are or were  you a chef or pastry cook?

Ruth Ann, I do feel well today. 

Hi Jeanne.  Young folks can sure put the food away.  I have to marvel at how some families with several children can afford to feed them with todays prices.

Judy, last night I finished the Grisham book "The Rackateer".  As always it was good and an easy read.

Good afternoon everyone, and a special welcome to Chrisle 

Maybe I should introduce myself, since it's been so long since I've made an appearance here.    Sorry 'bout that, I've been busy... or at least I've been thinking about a lot of other things and so seldom have anything to say that's worth reading.  Not that this is!  I do read here every day, when I'm notified of new messages.  Which, reminds me:  I was not getting notifications for about a week or 10 days.  Had to come in the back door just to see who had been here.   

Today I bought myself a Christmas present (or two).  I was at Wal-Mart and saw a really neat "entertainment center" ... looks like the oldtime radio, but is 5 in 1 ... a radio, CD player, cassette player, and a 3 speed record player!  I came home and looked online and it was $30 more online, so I went back to the store and picked it up.  (I did pay for it as I went by the checkout stand! )  I had already been checking online for a combination VCR/DVD, went ahead and ordered that while I was at it.     Now I'm all set (or will be when the VCR/DVD is delivered) for Christmas -- or anything else I might be in the mood for.  I have a large collection of records, as well as cassette tapes, DVDs and CDs. 

My neighbor passed away the 8th (2 days after the election).  He's the man who has been so very helpful to me, by building, repairing, doing yard work, etc.  He had been in Hospice care for a couple weeks, but he said he wanted to live until after the election.  He did that, by a day and a half.  He also believed he would be alive when Jesus returns, but he didn't make that one.  His wife went home with her daughter, who lives in Washington, but emailed that she will be back on Friday.  I've had the keys to her house and mailbox so I could pick up her mail and keep an eye on her home.  She does that for me whenever I'm gone, too, so it's a neighborly thing to do. 

As a matter of fact, I need to go out and get the mail now, while we are between showers here.  The wind is starting to pick up and we are scheduled to have three storms coming in off the Pacific ... one after the other, starting this evening.  We've already had rain off and on today.  Oh, well, this is Oregon after all.

I'll be back later, so y'all behave while I'm gone. 

Ruth Ann does the Pravastatin cause you any digestive problems. The NP told me that  it is one of the older medications and well tolerated, and does not interfere with other medications. She said "You can even drink grapefruit juice with this drug" I told her I don't like grapefruit juice.

Hi Jane maybe we need to welcome you back to this coffee shop. 

Judy I have been working on getting a baby afghan crocheted so I can get it i  the mail before to arrive in South Carolina before Christmas.

I have good news about my grand daughter, she is finally off the heroin so i do thank yhou for all your prayers. God did and interventions for her. She is now a mamma of a beautiful baby girl.

A hearty welcome to Chrisle!   I'll have any leftovers from your baking - thank you.  Come back soon so we can all chat with you more.   I live just southwest of Denver. 

I was able to get to Wed. bible study and they finished on Job today.  The book of Job helped me personally at a dark time so it was nice to go over the lessons learned.  What a great and good group at our table and I can't be thankful enough for meeting my study friends.  In the afternoon, I went to the new book club in our area and a friend came with me so she was happy to meet and chat about the books we will be reading.  So far, the choices have been uplifting. 

#3 child came for a dinner as I made Shrimp Etouffee.  He brought his dog along because Loki (the dog) has hurt his paw from jumping so we are trying to keep him quiet until the next appointment with the vet. 
Tomorrow, back to the salt mine ---- I mean that house duties are calling. 

Whew! It's been a tiring day. But the long, long visit with the doctor was really productive. We are MOST thankful for good doctors who willingly work for a long period with a patient. I know he lost money on me today, but that's why I've been his patient for 20 years - he's a good man. And a wonderful doctor.

So, we're still dealing with a few medication changes. And he was very pleased with the additional 10 lbs. weight loss - all together, this brings the total to exactly 50 lbs. How very thankful I am!

Now, to rest, and prepare to go shopping for groceries, and spend a bit of time with my oldest son.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

A belated welcome to Chrisie!  I'm just finishing my coffee and catching up on y'all.  Marbeth was doing better yesterday, so I'm praying that wull ciontinue today.

Good morning!  I had a good day yesterday; my talk was well received, and several books were sold.  I went by and visited my former sister-in-law, so that was nice, too.  On the way home I stopped at my daughter's store and also got to see Abby for a minute.  So God answered prayer!  Thanks!

Marilyn, I cannot take any form of statin drugs.  They cause terrible joint pain.  My cholesterol is always high, but every cell in our bodies is bathed with cholesterol, so I was told that isn't the problem.  The problem is when it starts to stick in our arteries, and our heart doctor told us to take B-50 every night and that will prevent the sticking.  That's what I am doing, and I feel great.  If I should die suddenly, I'm the winner!  I really don't worry about it.  I also have common mitral valve prolapse, never have had a sign of a problem with that, either.  I go to the doctor when they will no longer renew my two little prescriptions for blood pressure, which is maybe once a year.  How very thankful I am for excellent health!

Ruth Ann, how have you lost the weight?  Just watching your diet?  I want to lose some, and we are now going back to the gym.  That helps so much, because the exercise actually cuts your appetite.  That's a good thing!  So glad your health is improving! 

Jane, so good to see you here again!  I know you have as much to say as any of us, you just choose not to say it!    There are times I could take lessons from you.    But we miss you when you stay quiet.

Chrisle, welcome!!  Come in and chat, any time!  As you can see, we just talk about whatever we choose.  Sometimes important, oftentimes trivial, but we area all friends in here.

Today  will involve going to the gym, visiting Beth, visiting dear Lillian (whose story I put here a while back) as Pat told me last evening she isn't doing at all well, and they are afraid she is about to go home to heaven, deciding on how much decorating I will do for Christmas, hunting something I "put away" and can't find (yet) and maybe interviewing another lady.

See you later!

Hey there, Al!  You posted while I was typing.  Glad to hear Marbeth is improving and hope she will soon be home.  Also hope you are doing better each day.

Good early morning, friends,

It's great to be able to come here and see my friends, old and new.

I'm going to take it easy for a couple of hours, then prepare to do several errands with my oldest son.

And, friends have come back after visiting in Virginia for several weeks - so, they would like to meet for a meal later.

Y'all have a wonderful day with our Lord.

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  Got up a little late this morning but have nothing planned for today so will be a laid back and relaxed day.  Pat and I did enjoy a nice dining out last night.  It was Italian night at this local sports bar, which has a nice dining room and is never too busy.  It is owned by two Italian guys, whom I have met and talked with a bit.  They have many TV's around the walls but keep the sound off on them.  So you can watch the games, if on, but not be bombarded by the noise.  It looks like it will be another nice day here up into the 60s this afternoon.  Stacey got new batteries for her power chair yesterday so is now not afraid to venture from the apartment for fear the batteries will give out entirely.  They last just a little 12 months but she uses the chair a lot.  She did have another fall as she was dizzy, like she was when she broke her hip.  Fortunately, no damage done.

Jane, nice to see your posts and you certainly have something to say.  Nice to see you are treating yourself to some things you want and will enjoy.  Nice of you to keep an eye on your neighbor's place and get her mail while she has been gone.

Marilyn, that is good news about your grand daughter and that is why we never give up on them.  I have never had any side effects from the statins I have taken for many years.  I am now on Lipitor generic. 

Carol, isn't it interesting that we seem to get what we need when we need it such as from your study of Job.  I almost think we hear differently when the lessons are to help us.

Ruth Ann, losing 50 pounds is indeed an accomplishment. My doctors at Kaiser also seem to take whatever time is needed with me.

Al, hope Marbeth is doing even better today.  Are you able to go see her? 

Janet, you are so fortunate to be in such good health.  It is indeed a blessing.  It sounds like your plate is full for today.

I had bad joint pain  with both Lipitor and Zocor That's why the Dr first tried me on Crestor with samples. I didn't have the joint pain with Crestor , So I've always dreaded trying a new statin drug and avoided it as long as possible in fear of that awful pain..

And when I tried the (very expensive!) Crestor, it was the worst of all for me!  Isn't it strange how different drugs affect us differently from others?

We have been to the gym and worked out, I have showered and am ready to tackle the rest of the day.  I have hunted and hunted for a new set of music CDs I bought, and cannot find them.  Have prayed for God to remind me where I put them, and am trying not to think maybe someone came in and stole them!   

I plan to go to the senior center for lunch.  They are having lasagna, which I like a lot but Darrel doesn't, so he may not go.

It's time to decorate this place for Christmas! 

And a big WELCOME to Christle!  Do come back and let us know some great things about you!

Kitty and I went shopping yesterday morning...I got a new swimsuit and she bought some stocking stuffers.  Then we went to Don Pablos for lunch. 

She brought me home, I came in and changed shoes and got in the car and went back the same route to the pool.  I am sore today!  So the bed felt wonderful...so wonderful, I didn't get up until real late.  But today is a do-nothing day so why not? 

My nephew may call and then I have to go to my garage and move my mower and maybe some other things so he can put his Corvette in my garage.  It is in Kaye Don's garage now but he is renting his house to a neighbor who sold his house and has to be out by Dec 1st.  How do you move into a house or rent when the closets are full of clothes, the drawers are full, the bathroom and kitchen cabinets are full?  I guess it is better than renting a motel room for however long.  Kaye Don told them to take their time...just as long as they are gone by the end of April when they come back from Florida!

Today is a bright and sunny day.  Looks warm out ...but it isn't!

Hi, folks,

It has been an eventful day today, with several things happening.

So, I'm achy and tired, and headed to bed.....zzzzzzzzzzzz kof-kof

Ooops - better put on my Cpap!

RuthAnn

Etta Sue, your brother must really trust those folks, to "rent" them his house, with all their stuff in it!  Wouldn't it be a much nicer world, if EVERYBODY  could be trusted?  I hope all goes well with that arrangement.

Ruth Ann, didn't I tell you NOT to work so hard?     I know, I know....we do what we feel we need to do, or have to do.  But please do take care of yourself!

Ol' "doubting Janet" found those CDs this morning...praise be to God!

I think I have been talking way too much, so will leave this one short!

The people renting Kaye Don and Barb's house are neighbors who have sold their house and don't have a new house to move into yet.  They spent the winter last year renting a mobile home beside of Kaye Don and Barb in Florida so they know how well Joy keeps house and all.  Mel is also the sod farmer that used to raise sod on the acreage that Kaye Don and Ivalou has.  So they aren't strangers...in fact, it will be a comfort for someone to be close for the winter. 

And I have a 'Vette in my garage.  Kaye Don's oldest daughter, Robin, and her husband had their 'Vette stored in Kaye Don's garage for the winter.  So Kaye Don asked me if I had room in my garage for it so that Mel and Joy could park their car/truck in their garage.  So I have a pretty black 'Vette convertible in my garage!  Don't know what year...forgot to ask!

I got my blood drawn this morning...only two sticks!  Why are the nurses so confident that they can do the job?  I even told her to use a butterfly and the back of my hand.  Nope, she tried the left arm and no go!  She tried the butterfly in the left arm and it was slow but she got it! 

Nothing else pressing for the rest of the day.  Just enjoying the bright sunshine and warmer temps!

Hi everyone.  it has been a busy day so far but think i am now home for the rest of the day.  it started with coffee at the Senior Center.  They have the center decorated for Christmas and it looks very nice.  There is a beautiful Christmas tree in the Center.  Then came home for a few minutes and then took the car to get it filledvwith as as the tank was almost empty.  then went on to the grocery store for several ite.  As soon as i got home it was time to take Pat to a meeting as she had felt a bit dizzy when got up this morning.  Then came back toour little town and attended our ROMEO's at 11:30.  We had nine men attend today.  then i had to go back to where Pat had gone to lunch with friends and we are now home and it is already sfter 2 pm and finally able to rest for a couple of hours.  I stayed up rather late last night to watch the Atlanta Falcons beat the New Orleans Saints.  It was a fun game if you are a Falcon's fan.  Not much else to talk about today.

Hello everyone. Just now have a few mimutes on the computer. I finished up my orders. Baking done! Well,at least for today. DH will be looking for something sweet . I must have done 60 dozen cookies plus squares and sweet breads. Yes, I was a pastry cook and also a chef before I retired.  Mentioning that because some have asked. Also taught in a Christian school for a five year period as Supervisor and then principal. This reply is going to be a little short, sorry.  I have to get supper ready. But I did want to acknowledge the wonderful welcomes that was given to me. Forgive me that I did not mention personal names. I will get to know you all I am sure and I will tell you a little more about me when I get a minute to breathe!   ha-ha.
God bless

Chrisle:  Now I know where I can go for a cookie or bar.     Not to worry about mentioning names - we tend to figure it out as we go along. 

A "J" night for me (Chrisle, that is a name for Janet and her sleepless nights).  I went along with Don for his new hearing aid visit and was able to drink strong coffee while knitting and waiting.  He has 30 days to check them out but we won't be home that long so he has about three weeks.  I did like it so much when he could hear me talking to him from behind.  We shall see if this works - otherwise, he won't use the VA aids that sit in his drawer. 

We had the bathroom redo owner over and gave him a list of about 8 or 9 problems with his company and told him we could not recommend his service.  He graciously gave us money back on tile - they put in a more expensive tile than we had chosen so that was very nice. 

Etta Sue:  Do you have the keys to that "vette"?  Road trip!!!!

Hi, friends,

Well, for a change, this has been a "do almost nothing day."

I took a friend to lunch, and that was the sum total of the effort I spent today. And, the lunch was also enough for dinner, too, so it truly was a restful day.

May God be with each of us here and all our extended families is my prayer for this evening.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Yea for Ruth Ann, for taking it easier for at least one day!

I will be driving over to Moscow after while, to baby-sit my three great granddaughters.  I told Curtis I have to be home BEFORE two, because our church Christmas party starts then.  It is just for the ladies.  I have no idea what other plans have been made for the season at church.

I got my little three foot tree down, set up, and the new LED lights put on it.  I really wanted to use the 7 foot tree, but Darrel said, no, let's use the little one again.    I plan to do a little more decorating....seems once I start, I tend to keep getting more stuff out.

How about another story?

                                                    FRANCES "SHANNY" HIGGS

Our Legacy Star this week is Frances "Shanny" Higgs.  Frances was born near Fowler, Colorado on June 2, 1921, the youngest of three sisters.  She grew up there on a farm, attending the Fowler school, until around the age of 12.  At that time, the family moved to another farm near the tiny town of Karval, Colorado.  They only stayed there for a few months, while her father got his crops in the ground and going good.  Then they went on their first (and only) family vacation, to visit some cousins.  When they returned to Karval, they were greeted with the terrible sight of completely destroyed crops, beaten flat by hail.  This was so discouraging that they packed up and moved back to the farm near Fowler again.

After sixth grade, Shanny transferred to the Olney Springs school for her junior high years, then back to Fowler for high school.

I asked how she got the nickname "Shanny," and she told me that when she was a very young child, she was riding in the car, sitting on her daddy's lap pretending to drive, and some friends were in the back seat.  They asked her what her name was and she replied, "Shanny."  The name stuck and she has been called Shanny all her life since then.

While still in high school, Shanny went to a dance.  She saw a girl she knew from school, Leta, dancing with a boy she hadn't seen before.  She thought "Huh!" and decided she would go cut in and dance with him herself.  She did this, not knowing the boy was her friend Leta's brother.  He was Willard Higgs, who was born in Missouri, had moved several times before winding up near Fowler.  Shanny and Willard began to date, and were married in March of 1939.

Shanny says she never regretted quitting school to marry Willard, as she had never liked school, anyway.  She says he was a wonderful husband, very patient with her.  She didn't know how to cook, as her job had been helping with the cleaning, and her eldest sister helped with the cooking.  One day Shanny baked some potatoes, and Willard said, very lovingly and patiently, "Shanny, if you had washed these potatoes, I like eating the skins."  He also helped her around the house, sweeping, washing dishes, etc., and she gradually learned all the necessary skills.  She still appreciates her husband's patience with her as she learned how to be a good wife.

Shanny and Willard had seven children.  They lost their second child, a boy, at eleven months of age.  He had been diagnosed as having "too much water on his brain" after Shanny's parents noticed him holding his head to one side.  They were told at that time he may not live a full life span.  Later, he was hospitalized and they were told he had meningitis.  They stayed at the hospital with him until his death.  Shanny said his death wasn't as hard on her as it would have been if she hadn't been warned he might not live long.  She had mentally prepared herself for losing him, so wasn't devastated by it as she would have been otherwise.

They also lost a daughter, Janice, at the age of 49, to cancer.  Janice had children, one of whom was a senior in high school at the time.  This was terrible for Shanny and of course, for Janice's family.

The living children of Shanny and Willard are: Darla, Carl, Lou Ann, David and Tracie.

Shanny said the first new car she remembers them buying was an early 40s black Chevy sedan.  It cost in the neighborhood of $500.00, and if her memory is right, Willard sold some cattle and paid cash for it.  They never bought things on credit, but waited until they had the money for what they wanted.  Shanny says the cars are so much different now from what they were then.  Things like power steering and air conditioning are really nice to have!

"If I wanted something I saw in town, I'd ask my husband first about buying it," Shanny says.  He would always say, "Well, Mother, you have the checkbook, you know if we have the money.  If we do, and you want it, get it."  "I paid all the small bills (not the farm bills, though) and we always got along very well as far as money was concerned."

Shanny says she didn't go to church much herself, but she always saw to it that the kids went to both Sunday school and church.  Four of the kids were baptized at one time, along with Willard's much younger brother, who was the same age as one of them.  Shanny said she usually stayed at home to prepare Sunday dinner for the family, but she did attend occasionally with her husband, and they always tried to life in a Christian way.

Losing their daughter Jan was the worst thing that has happened to Shanny.  The best thing was finding a truly good man to marry.  "We had our fights, but we always made up," she said.  Once, she went home, but her wise dad suggested she go back home, so she did, forgave whatever it was (she no longer remembers) and they made up again.

Shanny didn't know how to swim, so she was determined that all her kids would learn to swim.  They did, and she was going to take lessons along with them, but the minute her nose went under the water, that was the end of that, so she never learned to swim.  The kids also were in 4-H; they did projects and learned a lot of responsibility from that.

In school, they had wonderful plays, and the parents saw to it that they learned their parts.  That was such good training for them.  This was while they were going to school in Olney Springs, Colorado.  They also had Christmas programs, with a big tree, Santa there to hand out gifts and give each child a sack of candy.  Those were fun times for the whole family.

The person who most inspired Shanny was her husband Willard, "because he taught me a lot of things and helped me to become the person I was meant to be."

Her most admired people were her wonderful dad and mother.  "They were kind to us children.  They always dressed up to go places; they wanted to look nice, impressing on us the importance of appearance.  They did discipline us, but never harshly or in anger.  They were an inspiration in every facet of life."  One example of her daddy's discipline is seen in an incident she related to me.  She said the family had a large dining room, as they had harvest crews to feed, also had lots of company.  Shanny's place was on the side, next to her dad at the end of the table.  She thinks what she was doing was throwing her silverware on her plate; her dad didn't say a word, just reached over with his big hand, got hold of her and sat her down in her chair.  She said, "I knew I was wrong, and I never did that again."

"There are a lot of differences here in Southwest Kansas since we first moved here," she said.  "The school bus routes are very different (they were always run well).  There is much more irrigation now than then; bigger farms, with bigger equipment.  A good change is that we now have the care home, The Legacy, and the assisted living facility, Park View.  I'm glad we have this new facility (the Legacy).  I lived in Western Prairie for a few years before this was built."

One memory of Shanny's from the dust bowl days is that when the family was moving to Karval, her mother wanted everything to be clean and fresh and ready to put away in the new location, so she had washed and ironed everything.  She packed it carefully into her husband's old truck and he started for Karval.  On the way, he ran into a 'black duster', so you can just imagine what condition everything in the truck was in when he arrived!  "I remember staying home from school to help my mother clean the house.  She was going to have 'club' at her house, and of course, everything had to be sparkling clean for that!  I remember using a shovel to carry dirt out of the house, and it was a pretty nice farmhouse, for those days.  But we got everything all shined and ready, and the food ready in time for Club!"


Shanny never worked outside her home except during the time they opened a Western store here in Ulysses.  She did work there some.  She joined a lot of clubs and always enjoyed that.  One of her favorites was the ESA Sorority, where she served in various offices, including president.  They had one business meeting and one social meeting per month.  "It was a lot of work and a lot of fun.  We did a lot of good works, such as taking children to Pueblo to have their eyes checked, and various other things.  And at the social meetings, we usually entertained our husbands," she said.



Willard farmed all his working years, raising sugar beets for many years.  They celebrated their 50th anniversary in March 1989, and got to enjoy 14 more years together before Willard's death in 2003, after 64 years of marriage.

Marriages no longer seem to be the real lifetime commitment they once were, Shanny says.

Some of the games she remembers playing as a child were:  Annie, Annie, Over, Tag, and Red Rover, Red Rover.  Talking about the games brought back a memory of a little girl who lived around the bend of the river from Shanny's family.  This little girl used to run away from home and come over to play with Shanny.  The last time she did that; her daddy came to get her and made her walk all the way home in front of the car.  She learned her lesson that day!

Shanny remembers they lived near a big Spanish camp, which was two long rows of adobe buildings.  Many Spanish families lived there year round; it was their regular homes.  They loved Shanny's dad, Frank, and at Christmas time, the children would come to their door and say, "Treat, Mr. Frank!"  And her parents always had candy on hand for the kids, and gave it to them.  (This is a custom from Mexico, for children to dress up in colorful clothes and go through the villages asking for treats.)  The residents of this camp also had their own baseball team, complete with uniforms.  They also had regular dances.

The accomplishment of her life that gives Shanny the most satisfaction is having raised her children to be good, solid citizens.  She said she had only ever seen one baby before she had her own baby, so she had it all to learn!  But "I did everything right," she said.  And her wonderful husband helped with the children too, even to changing them, not often done by daddies in those days.

If she could offer some advice to younger folks it would be this:  take time to sit down and read!  If you don't read, and your parents don't have time to read with you, you will miss out on learning so much valuable information.  Learning, both in Sunday school and in school is invaluable.  Read, read, and read!!

Shanny would like to be remembered as a person who was kind and enjoyed doing things for others.  "I believe I raised a family that loves me, even if they didn't always think I was right," she says.  "They usually came around to agreeing with me.  And I want them to remember that I loved and admired their father."

In preparing for the future, Shanny says she has given back to each child the things he or she gave the parents, also let them choose what things they wanted from things the parents had kept for the kids.  "This will make the kids' job easier when I'm gone," she said.  Looking around, she said, "All I have left is what's right here in this room."  But if she starts missing something, all she has to do is ask, and the one who has it will bring it to her to enjoy for as long as she likes.

A favorite memory from Shanny's early life was this:  "A black family lived in our back yard until they finally got their own place, a little farm just east of us.  There was a man, his wife, and the wife's elderly mother.  This elderly lady helped the doctor deliver me, and always had a soft spot in her heart for me.  We girls had a little white pony, and I would ride over to visit them.  I would sit on my horse, under the mulberry tree, eating mulberries, while the lady sat on a wooden stool smoking her pipe and visiting with me.  They were always our special friends, and were like family to us.  They spent every Christmas Eve with us.  This is a memory I have cherished through the years, and one that always bring good feelings and a smile to my face."

Another special memory is that Shanny's daddy always carried her to bed on his back. She isn't sure how old she was when he stopped this practice, but remembers that it always made her feel special.

We talked about pets, and Shanny said, "I had a little black puppy that I really liked, but the most special pet I ever had was a little chicken.  He was a real sweet pet.  We would let him in on the porch, and he loved to be petted.  I cried and cried when the ironing board fell over on him and killed him."

Her dad would come in from the field and say, "reach in my pocket, Shanny.  I have something for you," and it would be a little field rabbit.  She was only allowed to keep each one for about a day, as they knew if they kept them longer, they would die.  So she got to love them for a day, then they took them back to near where her dad caught them and released them.

Shanny enjoys very much having people come to the Legacy to visit her.  Her room overlooks the main front driveway, so she often sees her family approaching, and this always pleases her.  She enjoys having the Methodist minister visit, also ladies from the clubs she was a part of, friends from way back, and just EVERY visitor.  Please come visit Shanny, I promise you will enjoy it!

Janet, Shanny sounds like someone I'd love to know!   

We got a little snow overnight - [robably less than an inch but with these temperatures it's sure sticking.  December announcing itself!   

Hi everyone.  It is a beautiful day here in Georgia and is to be in the high 60s today.  Went to coffee this morning with three other men at Burger King.  We will be glad when the McDonald's remodeling is completed although we are treated very cordially at Burger King the food isn't as good and the prices a little higher on senior coffee.  I decided to stay home this morning, and probably all day.  I have paid the bills for the month except those that don't come until the middle of the month.  So the bookwork is basically done for this month.  I am looking forward to late this afternoon when the SEC football championship game between Georgia and Alabama will be played.  If Georgia can win all indications are they will play against Notre Dame for the national championship in early January.  If they lose they should still be assured of one of the big bowl games so it has been a good year.  It has been around 30 years since Georgia won the national championship in football.

Christie, wow, that is a lot of cookies and what do you do with all of those baked goods?  Do you have special ovens?  Thanks for sharing that background with us.  Just nice to see you post regardless of how long or personally directed. 

Carol, I hope Don will be able to adjust to the hearing aids.  I have several friends who use them and it sure makes a difference for them.  Glad you got some satisfaction from your contractor.

Ruth Ann, sometimes just going to coffee and then going out to a luncheon group is plenty to do for a day.  Glad you could have a quieter day. 

Janet, you sound like Pat in Christmas decorating.  We are now down to three big plastic bins of Christmas things.  I don't think our tree is even one foot tall but we have used it since our son gave us their very large TV and there was no room for our larger tree.  We got rid of that several years ago so will never be tempted to put it up again.  Enjoyed Shanny's story and she sounds like the kind of person I would like to meet and know.  Her story sure brings back some memories such as childhood games. 

I had ordered some oranges from the Lapel Lions Club and they were to be picked up today.  So I got them and split the box with Ivalou.  First I had to make sure she could cut them and she could.  She loves fruit...I love it but it is not in my diet as much.  But I love these oranges!  So today I will have an orange with my lunch!

I wish I had a key for the 'Vette!  How cool that would be.  I had forgotten the sound of those rumbling mufflers!!  Really brought back memories from old days when I heard the 'Vette rumble in my driveway! 

Not much going on today...just hope to do some printing and thanks to Larry's reminder, need to pay deduct bills from my check book.  That's about it for the day! 

I thank God that I have leisure days when I don't have anything scheduled to do!!

Good afternoon,folks. Just got home from the bake sale. I believe that we did quite well with it. There were other bake sales going on near by. Very chilly here I did not check the thermometer but the truck sounded like it had molasses in it for oil when I started it this morning. Will have to start plugging it in at night. I am not fond of winter now as when I was younger. Just like to cuddle up with a good book and be a regular couch potato.
I should be more constructive though and start writing again. It is just the get up and get to it thing. I have a lot of Christian poems I should compile. I need a few more added I think to make a nice mini book. I need to wait on the Lord for his direction on this. Words are just words without him speaking through them.  I also have written several plays and puppet scripts that I would have liked to had published.  Silly me, gave them all away. They did go to church work so I do feel better about that. I did let this ministry go idle, life gets in the way. That should never be!
Well looks like supper time here.
God bless your day.

I got home from Moscow in time to shower and change, pick up my food and gift and get to the party on time.  I ate too much, so that makes me feel bad.    So many great snacks there!

Thanks for the comments on Shanny's story.  She really is a nice person to know!

Christle, just where do you live that it is cold enough to plug in your vehicle?  I live in central Indiana, USA, and we don't do that.  I dislike winter also the older I get!

I got my big envelopes for the calendars printed and under the tree.  Also printed Christmas cards but not envelopes for them yet!  I have all the calendars printed but one.  Marge is always late to church so she is to give me some additions to her calendar.  When?  She may not get her calendar until January late!

I am all ready for church.  I am running the projector system today.  Today is my third week so I can rest for 9 weeks before having to run it again, I hope!  Let someone else do it this year at Christmas.

Everyone sounds so busy with baking decorating and such.  I have most of my baking done, Thumbprint cookies and a gingerbread house left.  I am doing the house with John as something different this year.  He is going to design it and help baking, and decorating.

I will be away all of next week, a friend needs help with alterations, so that is my agenda. 

Carol "J" nights are common for all us "J" people.  Janet, Jane, Jeanne and Judy.  I have found they are a good way to be able to lift up all my family and friends in prayer.  It can be frustrating though when a big day is planned for the next day.  I have changed schedule many times because of "J" nights!

This is the day that the Lord has made. let us rejoice and be glad in it!

Hi everyone.  Another beautiful and mild day here in Georgia.  Slept in until 8:30 this morning and am now waiting until it is time to go to church.  Pat is still asleep as she is having trouble getting to sleep at night and then sleeps late in the morning.  I doubt that she will try to go to church with me today as she wasn't walking well yesterday.  I did help her make a recipe of caramel corn but the glaze went to sugar so she is not going to take it for the bake sale. She did make a new recipe for peanut butter fudge late last evening and it cooling in the refrigerator overnight before being but.  Other than church and watching some football and resting nothing else now on the schedule.  I have no idea at this point what we will do for lunch.


Etta Sue, we have been getting the Clementines and really enjoying them.  I also bought a gallon of orange juice the other day and that is  something we seldom keep in the refrigerator.  We really wanted it for the container.  I bet they took the "Vette" keys for a reason as didn't want to look out and see you zipping down the road with the top down. 

Christie, I hadn't thought about all those cookies being for a bake sale.  Glad you did well on it.   In what state do you live where it is so cold in the mornings.  I remember when I lived in Alaska having a head bolt heater to plug in at night so the engine would start.  We didn't have a garage nor did most people in Anchorage. 

Judy, what is a thumbpriint cookie?  There won't be much baking at our house this year and doubt that Pat makes much more candy or caramel corn although she said last night she would likely make a batch of caramel corn for Christmas and so that Scott and his wife can take some home with them.  Hope you can share of picture of your gingerbread house this year as it sounds like it should be interesting.  Sure glad my name starts with "L" so I don't have "J" nights.

Larry it is a cookie rolled in crushed nuts and a dent put in the center.....a thumb print...and filled with jam.

Heading out, be back later!

We are having warm and lovely days here on the High Plains of New Mexico lately.  I know Winter will come, it always does.  Sometimes it stays around most of the Spring though. I love these Fall days, the foliage colors have been spectacular this year.  Our Lord really gave us a gift of beauty to enjoy.

Y'all can add me to the "J" night list.  I never can sleep all night anymore, so I just go to bed later.  That is not much help, I still wake up too early. 

Church was great this morning.  Our senior adult choir sang for us, Christmas theme of course.  I would love to be able to join that choir, but just not able to do it.  Chronic pain sure is a bummer. 
Now that my daughter has retired, she has been playing piano for this choir.  She also plays the organ for most Sunday services.

Musical ability skipped a generation when it came my turn...but I do enjoy making a joyful noise unto the Lord.  My grandfather made and played violins, so did my uncle.  My dad played guitar, both of my children excelled in music in school, and then both of my gr-dtrs the same thing...one in choral music, the other in band.  All four of them were selected for All State in their particular area of music. 

Blessings to all,
~Janice

Good evening everyone, I had to refresh my computer ylast night as it was giving me problems closing down, It would not shut down So I found out that "Refreshing" also means reformatting. It went back to the way it was when it arrived, therefore, I had to download and reinstall a bunch of my programs, that took most of today. Now I am all set again. Thank you Jesus that is over. 

Yesterday it was so busy at the clinic I had to call Keith to come down to help out in the cat room where they are kept awaiting surgery, he had to take care of them while they were going down so they wouldn't lay on their nose and suffocate.  Then he had to get the crates cleaned and ready for them to go back into when they were ready to go home.  We had 15 dogs, 15 male cats and 31 female cats. some were left to do today, we didn't get out of there until after 6 last night. The reason  there were so many animals is that the curry County Shelter brought double the amount they were supposed to bring.

I am just about finished with the Afghan I am making for Kendra, I hope to get it to them before Christmas.

Janice:  How wonderful that your daughter attends your church.  My children have been with us for Christmas Eve and otherwise, they go their own way.  Sometimes, I think back to when the 4 little ones and us totaled six and took up nearly an entire pew.  Always someone to cuddle before they went off to SS.  Memories. 

We set the alarm because we do leave just after 7 AM for the first service in the chapel.  I checked on my iPad today and found that Podcasts are available on the sermons and it is so neat.  We can check out the church when we are away or have the sniffles.  Always about 1 1/2 of a week later.  Practicing my machine sewing for several hours today and still do not feel ready to sew the top of the table runner.  Am praying.  Don watched football for hours it seems and still another one on tonight.  He used the new hearing aides at church and said they helped him hear about 80% of the sermon.  Music was still all noise to him and that will never change.  He does think these aides are better than the ones from the VA.  We shall see. 

Larry:  So sorry about the Georgia team.... what a shame.  We are all holding our breath about the Broncos here. 

Dinner was Scalloped potatoes and meatloaf.  The freezer and fridge are slowly getting more empty.  Did I mention that there is a fire burning in Rocky Mountain National Park, very near Estes Park - set by an illegal campfire in October?  It has been burning slowly but came alive with high winds and there are 500 houses evacuated, some are cabins.   We are so in need of moisture.   

I had a good day today!  Darrel and I went to Hugoton to church, they had a special speaker.  Beth was to attend the service at the care home, so I didn't have to worry about her.  It just felt SO wonderful to be in the atmosphere of God's love, and the Holy Spirit ministered to so many, me included (about the sleeping problem.)  He spoke again this evening, and Abby wanted me to stay and help her make fudge this afternoon, so I did.  Darrel came on home, with the promise to pick me up on the hill (the halfway point) after church tonight.

So I got to be in two wonderful church services, plus spend the afternoon with Abby.  Got to see her boyfriend Brighton again, he seems to be a really nice boy. He lives in Elkhart.  Anyway, this grandma is so happy that Abby seems to be wanting to spend some time with me again, after not having time for me for the past few years.  God is good!  Also saw Curtis and his family, they attend My Father's House, too.  It is good to attend church with family!  Love it!  If it weren't for needing to take Beth to church, we would probably attend there all the time, as we haven't been happy in our church for a long time now, mostly because of the racket they call music.  I know, I know---SHUT UP, Janet. 

I must check the calendar and see what's on deck for tomorrow!

How refreshing it was to come late this evening and enjoy the conversation. Those steaming mugs of tea, hot chocolate, and coffee inspired me to have a couple of cups of cinnamon/apple tea myself. Oh, how refreshing it was!

Now, to rest and refresh after a busy day.

May our Lord bless each of us with His own special loving and caring as we rest in Him tonight.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Good morning!

Good morning! Wet  here today. No snow just the rain. Rain is better, I don't have to shovel it .
Larry, I live in New Brunswick,Canada. Yes it gets quite cold here. Usually not until late December and lasts until mid February.  The reason I plug in the truck is that it is cheaper than running it to warm it up. Block heater keeps the oil warmer. Gasoline here is at times $6.00 a gallon. Ironically we live about 50 miles from Canada's major oil refinery.....hmmmm, go figure!
Fortunately we do live handy the Maine,U.S border so we cross over to get out gas all summer. Winter we are home bodies and just go into our local town to get groceries and small needs.
I have a cake baking in the oven. In early so that I can have it ready by lunch. Then it is housework to catch up on after last week's baking!
Have a great day everyone and may God bless you in it.

Hi everyone.  We have a glorious day here in Georgia and by afternoon it is to be around 74 degrees.  Not bad for December 3rd. Other than attending church yesterday we did have a quiet day.  I went by Firehouse Subs for sandwiches for lunch.  They really have good subs.  The housekeepers are here this morning and should soon finish their work and I expect the yard people today.  This will be there only visit in December but there are a lot of leaves for them to deal with today although we only have a Bradford Pear tree in the front yard.  Today our men's group is going to meet at Panera bread.  This is the first time for this group to meet there although I have been there a few times.  I have a meeting to attend this evening and that will be it for today.

Judy, the thumbprint cookie sounds delicious. 

Janice, sounds like your daughter is a talented musician and the rest of the family is talented as well.  Some of the church music beyond the traditional hymns has quite complex music as the accompaniment.  It was a sad day when I dropped out of the choir after last year's Christmas Cantata but have reached the point that I usually have to drop out a verse of the hymns to get enough energy to rejoin the singing so not singing in the choir became a necessity.  The choir is doing their annual Christmas Cantata this coming Sunday night and will have a professional orchestra back of the choir. 

Marilyn, I never heard of a computer doing what yours does unless you pressed the reset key which would go back to factory settings.  Have you found the restart or turn off command under the settings in the right hand popout for the Windows 8.  I find that if I just restart the problem will have been solved.  Your volunteer work is beginning to sound like a major job. 

Carol, our church has posted podcasts of the sermons online for several years.  I started it when I was the webmaster for the church several years ago.  At that time they didn't get much use but we continued with them anyway.  The Broncos winning yesterday assured Atlanta won their division for the year.  So thanks Denver for your assistance.  I had not heard about the fire.

Janet, sounds like you had a wonderful day yesterday.   It is nice that Abby is finding some time in her life for you again. 

Ruth Ann, glad you were able to rest after a busy day yesterday. 

Christie, I will have to look up and see where New Brunswick, Canada is in relation to where Pat and Judy live and where Ruth lives.  I see it is close to Maine so that gives me an idea that you are closer to Pat and Judy than you are to Ruth by many miles although expect you are a long ways from Pat and Judy. 

God is GOOD    He supplies not only our needs, but also, in His time, our "wants". 

I've had a great camera, an Olympus CS450 with a wonderful 10x zoom and fantastic macro for nearly 10 years.  Wonderful, but heavy and bulky - not a camera to carry in my purse and I seemed to miss some of the best pictures.  So about 3 years ago, after pinching a lot of pennies I managed to get a nice little pocket size and carried it with me all the time.  About a year and a half ago I let someone else use that little camera to take pictures of an installation ceremony I was involved in.  She dropped it.  Onto a cement floor, with the lens extended.  Her only comment was "It still works", not realizing that with the lens knocked askew the pictures were worthless.  Repairs would cost more than the camera was worth, and would come within the deductible of my homeowners insurance.  So back to only the bigger camera and missing what I thought would make good photo ops.

Scene 2:  The trailer park issued new regulations to enclose all decks/porches with either closely installed spindles or lattice work.  $$$! Two members of my church offered to install everything, if I would pay for the materials.  My wonderful daughter and priceless son-in-law advanced me money to pay for the material.  One of those men was remodeling his yard and had taken down a lot of lattice work and I only needed to buy one panel.   Of course this left a substantial balance in the money I had been given.  I called my daughter to let her know a refund was coming and she insisted I keep all of it and use if for something I really wanted. 

Scene 3:  (getting tired of reading this saga yet?) I started looking at cameras and found just what I wanted.  It's the same size with about 3 times the pixels and zoom of the broken one and the cost was about 1/3.  And that was only about half of what I had available to spend!  So now I'm carrying a camera in my purse all the time and I have money to spare. 

So I repeat:  God is GOOD!

Now shut up Jeanne!

Hooray for God!  He is so good to our Jeanie!  Thank you, Father, for loving Jeanie with an all-encompassing love;, and giving her an even better camera! (Isn't that just like Him?) 

We have been to the gym for our workout, I also had a chiropractor appointment, came home and got out more Christmas stuff, for the dining room table and coffee table in living room.  Now it's time to go to lunch, and I am hungry!  So I will drink a full glass of water before going, maybe that will help me not to eat as much.

Hi, Larry!  Hello, Chrisle! 

Well, some nights my name becomes Jetta Sue!     But when those nights come, they really aren't funny!  I usually think of Hawaii and some of the fabulous times I have had there and the calming brings on sleep...sometimes!

I enjoyed a nice nap yesterday afternoon waking up in the dark!  Then it was find something to eat and watch some TV. 

Today I went to the pool...they are saying that next week the Noblesville Rehab pool will be opened again.  That saves me 10 miles round trip!  I will miss the strong jets though! 

Then I went to Arby's for lunch and home to a visit with Ivalou.  Seems that every time I talk with her, she has pain somewhere else!  The surgery arm is doing fine but now she says the whole right side (stroke side) is painful.  I think she has too much time to think and thus pain.  Her legs and feet are swelling but I found out that she has been sleeping in her glider chair ever since she has been home alone!!  When I went in today, she was in her bed but propped up.  Still needs to lay flat to get rid of the swelling, I think! 

She hasn't been to church since surgery in October.  She is afraid that someone will bump into her and cause her to fall!  So I told her that if she would go next Sunday, I would stay by her side, which ever side she wants me to be, and no one would bump her and she could hold onto my arm!  She acted pleased but we will see what Sunday brings. 

Saturday is Christmas with Kaye Don's family...he and Barb are in Florida but we are invited to attend.  And next Sunday evening is our Church Cantata.  Always great music that night!  And I think the little kids are going to sing also!

Christle, thanks for telling us you are from New Brunswick.  I always thought I would love to go to New Brunswick and see the sights but haven't been yet!

This is a must listen!

Where's The Line to See Jesus

Here's the story behind the song:

About the Song

While at the mall a couple of years ago, my then four year old nephew, Spencer, saw kids lined up to see Santa Claus. Having been taught as a toddler that Christmas is the holiday that Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus, he asked his mom, "where's the line to see Jesus"?

My sister mentioned this to my dad, who immediately became inspired and jotted words down to a song in just a few minutes. After putting music to the words, and doing a quick recording at home, he received a great response from friends. He sent the song off to Nashville without much response, except for a Christian song writer who suggested adding a bridge at the end of the first chorus.. My dad then asked if I wanted to record the song to see what we could do with it. I listened to the song, made a few changes to the words to make it flow better, and we headed to Shock City Studios.

It was at the studio where Chris, owner and producer, rewrote the 2nd verse and part of the chorus... with goose bumps and emotions high, we were all hopeful and felt like we had something special. The demo was recorded in just under 2 hours and sent off again to Nashville... still no response.

Then 2 weeks before Christmas last year, my cousins Greg and Robbie decided to do a video to see what we could accomplish on YouTube. The first day we had 3000 hits and it soared from there. We received e-mails, phone calls, Facebook messages from people all over asking for the music, CD's, iTunes, anything.... we had nothing. After a couple of meetings with Chris following the amazing response, we got serious. We headed back into the studio this past spring... this time with guitars, drums, bass, pianos, choirs... the real deal.... and here we are today.

Getting iTunes set up, a website put together, and loving that thousands upon thousands of Christians have come together... remembering the true meaning of Christmas. Out of the mouths of babes come profound truths that many adults can not understand. Hopefully Spencer's observation will cause people all over to reflect on the love of Jesus, and that one day we will all stand in line to see Him. We are most thankful to our Heavenly Father to have this chance to share our music with you. Merry Christmas everyone.

Judy that song brought tears to my eyes.

Hi, friends, it's been a busy day today - and now, I'll be heading to bed pretty early for me. My niece will be having a C-section tomorrow morning at 8 Central time. May our Lord be gracious to this mom to be and grant her a routine surgery with a wonderful awakening to her new life with the little one and her hubby.

The music is truly beautiful.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Judy, that song is beautiful. What a perfect reminder of what Christmas is all about. The birth of our precious Lord and Saviour! Thank you so much for allowing us to watch the video.
God bless

YOu are so welcome.  I was in tears as I watched it.

I'm at Pat's, having a lovely visit.  On to Kitchener then to London and more running back and forth to be back here for the night Thursday night. 

HAve a good day folks, I will be back, as I will have assess to hi-speed all week!!  Woohoo

Hi everyone.  It is going to be another record breaking warm day for December here in Atlanta.  The sun is out and I already had to remove my sweater that I usually wear all the time.  We had a good lunch yesterday at Panera Bread company and I even brought home a loaf of sourdough bread that was delicious.  I had some of it with jelly and juice for my breakfast this morning.  Today should be pretty quiet as only have one thing on the schedule for this morning.  The yard people didn't come yesterday so think we may now be scheduled in two weeks for the December cleanup of the yard.  By that time most of the leaves should be on the ground.

Judy, beautiful song-thanks for sharing the link and the back story of the song.  Glad you are able to spend some time with Pat this week.  Do hope she is feeling better.

Etta Sue, hope Ivalou will be comfortable enough to go to church with you as long as you stay at her side.  I can understand her concern. 

Hi to Marilyn, Janet and all who stop by today. 

Hi, friends, I'm sorta back in the corner listening to everyone today. It's a "concentrate, Ruth Ann" type of day.



Love to all,
Ruth Ann

I have a do-nothing day today but hope to finish my Christmas cards and then crochet a bling scarf for a 2 year old!  Her Mom wants it for her Christmas Stocking. 

It is raining today so a great day to stay inside.  We are having great temps...someone just moved here from California and said 'If I wanted warm temperatures, I would have stayed in California.  Where's the snow?'  Uh...Canada, maybe?

Judy, I enjoyed the song, too--and that girl singing it is beautiful!  Please give Pat a big hug for me!

The Christmas dinner at the Care home is tonight, I need to make something to take.  Beth wants her tiny tree, so I have it and the decorations in the car, along with a tray/table to set it on, but need to buy a string of lights.  We have hundreds, but I don't want to take the time to untangle one small string from the mess. 

Kristi was really hard on me at the gym this morning, at least my body is complaining!

Time to go to lunch.  See you later.

Hi, Larry, Chrisle, Etta Sue, Ruth Ann, and whoever else pops in today!

Please pray for my Pastor's wife Michele, She is having surgery Thursday for a large tumor n her rectum. She is at Stanford University hospital  in Palo Alto, Ca. Her 4th time with cancer.

   It is morning here and I am sorry that I have been away so long.   Noreen and I have been very busy with our grand kids and of course my oldest son has been living with us so our house has not been quiet at all.  My son Tim and his wife have purchased a new older house and they get possesion on the 12th. and I think that they move on that weekend.

I think that I told you before that Noreen has to have a knee on her right side replaced and it should be in the new year and she has a lot of pain.

Judy B.  Thanks for the beautiful song I remember this from last year .  Hope all is well up in the north  Please tell Pat to give me a call when she can 

Larry:  Hope you and Pat are doing well I have read the post and see that you were a bit under the weather please look after yourself. Good to here  that you had your daughter over.  May the Lord richly bless you and Pat.

Hi Christe.  Welcome to C.P. and we hope that you will stay with us.  God's richest blessings.  Gordon.

Well I must get to sleep as it is getting very late and I have to do volunteer in the morning hope that you all have a wonderful week. God's richest blessings to all the rest that continues to post.  By for now.

Pat.  Big sis.  I hope that you are O.K. and must be enjoying having Judy there. Please get in touch.  Love ya.  Gordon.

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