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And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.  Matthew 25:40 KJV

For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them. Matthew 18:20 NIV

A Serving Spirit

Big Miracle is a 2012 family film, is based on the 1989 book Freeing the Whales by Tom Rose, which covers Operation Breakthrough, the 1988 international effort to rescue gray whales trapped in ice near Point Barrow, Alaska.

Three California gray whales, trapped in a hole in the ice of the Arctic Circle, are discovered by television news reporter Adam Carlson (John Krasinski). Their plight is publicized after he does a feature on them, which he hopes might be his opportunity to move up to a larger TV market. His news story draws international attention and sets into motion a massive effort to free the whales from the ice.

Drawn into the collaborative rescue work are several normally hostile factions: Inupiat whale hunters, a Greenpeace environmental activist, an oil executive, ambitious news reporters, the National Guard, the American president and politicians on the state, national and international levels. Also joining in the effort are two entrepreneurs from Minnesota, who provide de-icing machines to help keep the hole open. Finally an enormous Soviet ice-breaker ship arrives to remove the last barrier before the whales.

We all see horrendous things happening on the news these days, many of us have had terrible things happen in our lives or in the lives of family and friends.  There are fires, devastating health reports, family problems, rebellious teens and for that matter adults who are rebelling against God.  All of these things discourage us beyond belief. 

As in the movie help can come from all directions.  With the fire that devastated Pat's Grandson's home help came from every possible source imaginable. Welfare folks gave, the wealthy gave, people who didn't know Angela, Steve, James and Sean, gave. It wasn't just the "family" around them who gave.  Hands gave.

Many times we feel the situation is hopeless and our hands are tied.  Yet Jesus Christ said whatsoever we do for the least of these we do for Him.  We are His hands when we offer to help, the hand on the shoulder in comfort, the meal prepared for a sick person or someone who has suffered a loss. The gathering of resources for those devastated by weather, fire, or earthquake.  The relief for The parent with a rebellious child.  We are His hands.

Thank you for that very thought provoking devotional today, Judy, and the most appropriate hymn.

This morning I'm convinced that fall is indeed on the way, despite the slow color changing.  I woke up to a chilly 48 F and it's expected to only reach about 70 F this afternoon.  Time to put the fans back in storage and clean the furnace.  Summer always seems to pass so quickly!   

Hi everyone.  Another very nice day here in Atlanta.  I got up and went to coffee at McDonald's and then two other men and I stopped at the park and walked probably a half mile.  They were doing another round when I left but I needed to stop as was getting arm pain.  It is gone now.  I have my Monday men's luncheon at 1 pm and a meeting to attend this evening so it will be a full day or at least as full as I want it.  Generally this would be the day for the housekeepers but we traded our regular day for tomorrow so our friends could have them clean from them today as they have company coming.  The yard people will be here later today to mow and clean up the yard. 

Janice, so nice of your granddaughter to honor you on Grandparent Day with a lunch she prepaped.  Glad you didn't have to go to the ER and that you are getting back to normal.  It is unsettling to have a house robbery but just glad you were away.  Years ago we had a burglary while we were out getting dinner and it was broad daylight.  I had left a garage window up and hadn't locked the door from the garage into the house.  Sounds like Jackie will keep you company and keep you busy.

Judy, thanks for the good devotional thoughts for this week.  We are indeed in God's hands and he has a plan for each of our lives.  We need to pray for His will to be done in our lives and for the strength and courage to listen for and carry out that plan.

Jeanne, the leaves will probably all change overnight. I am beginning to see the leaves dulling and some brown showing up.  The grass however, is still very green.

Another song by Casting  Crowns that I had on my mind as I prepared the devotional.... Check out the words.

"If We Are The Body"

It's crowded in worship today
As she slips in trying to fade into the faces
The girl's teasing laughter is carrying farther than they know
Farther than they know

But if we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching?
And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them there is a way?
There is a way

A traveler is far away from home
He sheds his coat and quietly sinks into the back row
The weight of their judgemental glances
Tells him that his chances are better out on the road

Jesus payed much too high a price
For us to pick and choose who should come
And we are the body of Christ

Jesus is the way

I am back home the Memorial/ Celebration of John's life was so awesome. His sister made a beautiful DVD of his life from his birth to the end. It truly celebrated his life. Keith decided at the last minute to go with me and he was so glad that he did. There was so much food that Ann's refrigerator was so full Sarah had to bring a whole banana box of containers home with her. We got home yesterday around 4pm, and were both so tired we went to be at 7pm. I slept straight through until 5:30 this morning, didn't wake up even once during the night. I've been so busy so far today, baked a cake, made a oaf of whole grain bread, went to the gym and I still need to go buy 1 or 2 more Scrub tops for work at clinic. so I better get going.

Hi, friends, I'm a bit tired after a lovely weekend. My great grandson's birthday was a special time with friends and family from Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia there. They even had a birthday cake pinata, and the children loved hitting it with a small baseball hat until the candy all tumbled out.

What good, homespun fun, and great fellowship with in-laws and, just maybe, an "out-law" or two. 

Sunday included church with our birthday boy and brunch afterwards. The boys (almost 1 and 3) played about the yard while we adults enjoyed the wonderful weather and lack of pests. What a great relaxaing time with 4 generations represented.

Now, it's time to scurry around this week and prepare for next weekend's "adventure"!

Love to all, and most of all, love and adoration of our Lord.

Ruth Ann

   Well I am finally back.  It has been a long time since I have been here.  I talked to Pat yesterday and then I had read a lot of post's before I talked to her. It seems that you all have also been having a busy time.  We went to a cottage at the Beginning of August for two weeks and the kids and grand kid's came for the first week then we were on our own for the last week so that was a great time.  Then since we were up north we went and visited some of our niece's and nephews and my wife's sister so we were gone for most of the month of August.  But when I was away I had a problem with my left leg swelling and when I got home it kept doing it and then I a very small cut on it and it got infected so I had to go to the doctor and he gave me an antibiotic which it seems to be working.

We are going to Disney World this coming Sunday with my oldest son and his family to celebrate his daughter's 5th birthday and it will be a lot of fun

My wife is still having the same problems with her back and also her knee which today she had a M.R.I. to see if they can find a problem with it. 

So keep us both in your prayers.  Larry good to see that you are still managing to keep going look after yourself and Pat.

Etta Sue.  My wife has the same problem as you when she has to go to get blood work done it can be a real pain, but they started to use pediatric needles and they do not have the same problem so you should tell them about that and see what happens.

Well as you all see I am still a night hawk and I must get to sleep so may the Lord be with you all this week and may he give you all many op-pertunities to be a witness for him.  Good morning to all.  Gordon and Noreen.

Hi everyone.  Even though I didn't go to coffee this morning Pat asked me to go to McDonald's to get her some eggs and sausage for breakfast.  The housekeepers are here and it wasn't convenient for her to fix breakfast while they are trying to clean the kitchen.  While out I made a quick trip to the Post Office.  It is so nice out at 69 degrees and low humidity.  Pat has physical therapy at 11 am this morning and that will be the agenda for the day.  The yard people were here yesterday afternoon and the yard looks so nice as it is still green. 

Marilyn, glad you had such a positive experience ath the Celebratiion of John's life.  Glad that Keith went with you on the long trip.

Ruth Ann, it sounds like you had a wonderful time at the birthday celebration.  You are so fortuante to be able to enjoy these special times with your family. 

Gord, what a nice vacation.  Sorry to read about the swelling of your leg.  Do you have Disney World up your way?  Is your wife having to use a cane when she walks.  My wife has gotten to the point she doesn't take a step without the cane in her hand or where she can hold on to something else as doesn't trust her bad knee.

Larry no there isn't a Disney here they will have to go to Florida.

We have winter coming......No I am not happy about that. I think I need to become a snow bird!  There was frost on the ground two nights in a row now.

Yesterday I had Rambo our male spaniel to the vet to have his eye operated on.  In rough-housing with the cats they clawed him in the inner eye lid and that created a cherry eye.  I have an ointment to apply 3 - 4 times a day and antibiotics twice a day.  HE is really disoriented with the cone around his neck, and I am having to guide him around corners and into his kennel.  I take him out on leash for walks to relieve himself, as he tries to take the cone off.  I really don't blame him, as I am sure it interferes with his vision.

Today is to be a wonderfully warm day, a real treat after all the rain on the weekend and the cold nights!

Well, maybe not quite that cold, but 35 F at 6:00 a.m. comes close.   

Having the grass crunching under your feet as you walk at 8:30 am......comes close as well!  At least we didn't have a frost in August as we often do, that really messes up the end of summer!

I am just stopping by to tell you I'm back home again.  I will  be back later to tell you about my wonderful few days in Nebraska.  I was feeling bad when we left, worse when we got home, but am some better today.

Later!

Ooops!  I didn't post yesterday! 

Well, yesterday was a full day!  I had an appointment with the Nurse in the morning.  All my numbers are much better except I am almost anemic!  So I purchased some iron pills today and some stool softeners since iron pills cause constipation!  I know, TMI!

Then after lunch yesterday Kitty and I went to the movies...'2016--Obama's America'.  Re-affirmed what I have felt for over 4 years!!

Then last evening was Church Council meeting.  We hired a lawyer to go to bat for us in changing the person in charge of the drainage permit.  He is asking that the church purchases more acreage and then we have to have a 3-acre retention pond!  He is wanting us to solve the drainage problem for all of Clarksville and surrounding area!  This lawyer has butted heads with Mr. Ward before and won!!  We need a new church...this one is falling down!

Today was the pool, eating breakfast out and WalMart.  Now I have everything purchased for Euchre here at my house next Tuesday.  Now I can concentrate on cleaning and then cooking! 

I am way behind on recorded TV shows so I need to do that and crochet.  Also need to mow tomorrow and then next Monday...need a nice pretty yard for company!

We left early Friday morning for the drive to Hershey, Ne.  (About 15 miles or so from North Platte.)  We stayed until Monday morning, and in that time, we packed in: visiting, cooking, tying a quilt, going to church, going to a movie--2016--everybody should see that!, picking produce from Sis's garden, lots of laundry and dish washing, going shopping together, four sisters, a sister-in-law and a niece, and other stuff I'm not remembering just now.  Oh, yeah, we all ate at Applebee's together, too--another first!

One sister remarked a couple of times that this might be the last time we are all together.  I hope it won't be, but we are all into our seventies now, and some have failing health in some ways, so we don't know.

We had such fun shopping together!  We hit the thrift stores!  And some were as nice as other clothing stores, and we loved the prices!  Niece JoAnne would make a wonderful "personal shopper" as you only needed to tell her what you were looking for, and she could find it!  We had a ball.  And we went to another store where prices were from 55% to 90% off, so almost as good!  Ha!

Good to see you posting again, Janice!

Darrel and I were up at 3:30 this morning to drive John to the airport in Garden City; then we drove straight back home and went back to bed!

I will close and talk to you later!

A couple of comments.  I believe this coming election is the most importsnt one we've had in my entire lifetime.  I just want to ask every one of you to pray, to seek our Lord's direction for your vote.    I urge you all to pray  for God's direction for you, your relatives and friends, and everyone you know.  Not that we deserve it, but may God have mercy upon us all through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen and AMEN, Al.

I had to go back to the Physical Therapist today for another manipulation, At yoga class this morning I had to go from a sitting position to  laying flat on my back the the room started to spin. Upon returning home I immediately called the therapist office and got in this afternoon.

Marilyn, is that the Epley Maneuver that you are getting done?  I have read about that, but there is no one around here who does that treatment. 

Hi, friends, I'm so relieved, for Judy and Bonesy helped my son make up his mind about a career. He leaves on Sunday for training school.

Also more praises - had a great telephone visit with my disabled son last evening - how good to be able to have a conversation with him!

May God bless each of us real good - He alone knows our needs and how to be with us through our Comforter each hour of each day.

Love to y'all,
Ruth Ann

   I am so glad to back on here.   I am going away on Sunday for  a week but will do my best to get back on as soon as we come back home. 

Ruth Ann.  It is so good to here that you were able to be able to talk to your kids and keep in touch as it is so important to stay in touch with them .  We miss them when you don't here from them and you think that they have fallen of the earth.   We have to leave them with the Lord and he will work things out.  God bless for now.  Gordon.

Hope that you will have a wonderful rest of the week. Love in Christ.   Gordon and Noreen.

I have spent some time revising/adding to the interview questions I use for my stories about the people in the care home.  My sisters helped me a lot, to add new ones.  I don't want the stories to get repetitive at all.

Gord, good to have you back.  Enjoy your week away and come back soon.

I have a chiropractor appointment in a little while, then plan to get busy doing some laundry.  I am feeling better each day and not coughing nearly so much now.

Can you believe that, even though the Chicago school teachers are on strike and the schools are closed, they are still open for breakfast and lunch?  To the tune of $3,000,000 per day!

Oh, how we do need to pray for our country!  If we don't, as President Reagan said, we will be "a country gone under."

Ruth Ann, so happy for your good news!

I must get dressed, see you later.

We do indeed need to pray for our country, and for God's leading in the coming election.  I have primary voting tomorrow and at least one of the positions still has me wavering.  There are two candidates from the same party and both have recently said or done something to "turn me off".   It will have to be God's hand that fills in the right circle. 

Janet the Ontario teachers are in an uproar here because the government has taken away their right to strike as well as their right to "bank" their sick days, among other things.  One teacher in 21 years has banked over 30 000 dollars.  I know of no other public sector job that allows banking sick days, also at 20 days in a 10 month year!  As a result to get the big end of career payout they go to school sick, infecting more students and teachers.    The thing that bothers me about this is the inequality to other vocations.  John doesn't get sick days, if he is off sick it is on our dime, and he works all holidays unless he specifically asks it off, even then it may not be granted.

Rambo is doing well.  he likes the ointment I put in his eye, I know it relieves the dryness and pain.  The "cone of shame" as Kassie puts it is imparing his vision, the only way I  can explain it is he no longer knows the size of his head!  He is funny to watch, however I am keeping him kenneled most of the day as that keeps him from trying to rub his eye.

I didn't feel the grass crunching when I went out this morning. furnace has been turned off, the sun  is shining, and I have a room to paint.  I am looking forward to it being done, then we can move the furniture back!

I bought the puppy's cat collars yesterday.  there is one very timid pup who needs a special home.  She is a little lover, however she tends to be timid and stress pees.  she will need someone patient with her, who won't get upset with the stress reaction.  I would keep her however 4 dogs is too many!

Have a great day everyone.

Judy, what is a puppy's cat collar?  New one on me!

I think teachers get treated pretty darn good, myself, and don't have that much to complain about.  The Chicago ones are upset that Rahm Emmanuel wants them to be proficient teachers and have students' grades prove it.  What's wrong with that?  IMO, the teachers unions should be abolished.  Okay, off my soapbox now.

I need to get more laundry going, fold a load, too.

Janice, No not the Epley maneuver did not work for me and neither did the other one I found online, The therapist said that those aren't  sufficient for what was going on in my ear.  There are 3 tubes in the ear shaped like loops. When a Calcium crystal breaks loose and starts floating in one of those tube, the Therapist has to perform certain moves with my head in order to know which tube it is in. Then does the movement for that particular tube to move the crystal out of the tube. He said that Doctors are not specifically trained to do the moves or to know what to look for, most of them will give a hand-out and tell the patient to do the moves themselves. No one does them properly without being specifically trained.

I got pleasantly surprised last evening.  My SIL called and asked what I had planned for dinner.  Nothing planned...maybe some popcorn.  So Kaye Don, Barb, Ivalou and I went to Famous Dave's BBQ.  It's a new restaurant at a fairly new shopping center in Noblesville.  I got the BBQ Buddies....miniature sandwiches for 4 different larger versions.  Now my problem is...they were all so good, I don't know which I would choose if I were to get the larger sandwich. 

Today I have already mowed the grass.  Hopefully, I can mow next Monday and the yard will look nice for Euchre Tuesday!  Now I am doing some laundry!

Need to get my agenda planned so I will be ready for Euchre at 3pm Tuesday!

Marilyn, I thought your explanation of the treatment for your vertigo sounded soooo complicated and confusing.  Then I saw the diagram and got even more confused!    I'm glad you've found a qualified therapist who know what he's doing and who is really helping you.

Hi everyone.  We have been gone all morning as Pat felt up to attending Bible study this morning and then we went over to the donut shoppe for another hour.  So we are seeing progress.  I am eating a bite of lunch and trying to catch up on the messages and discussions that I follow.  Nothing else on the schedule for today and I am ready for a rest period after lunch.

I have read all the postings but it is late today so will not make any individual comments.  I should have more time tomorrow.

Jeanne maybe I can make it easier to understand.  See the vestibule that is where the calcium crystals are formed, why ? they just do. If one breaks loos and goes into one of those 3 tubes, The therapist has to do a vestibular manipulation to get the crystal back into the vestibule. He turns the head is such a manner as to make that happen. 

Hi, friends, we've been hurry-scurry all day today addressing things on my son's checklist prior to leaving for his training.

So, you know who is tired this evening.

No more news except to say that our Lord is good. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the scripture in Psalms 136. In fact, the first 2 verses of this song were the ones I chose to teach our children at the day care I founded at our church many years ago. To this day, those verses are precious to me.

On another day when not so tired, I'll tell you a wonderful story about how praying that prayer ended up bringing one of the adults who attended the day care center to our Lord and Saviour.

For now - may our Lord richly bless each person who comes to this discussion.

Love, Ruth Ann

I just heard from Pat, @ 9:00. She was 3 hours from their home in VA.
Her home phone is out of service. Pray for safe travels for the balance of the trip as well that her left shoulder doesn't give too much pain.

Good Thursday morning to all of you!

It rained a tiny bit, there are a couple little puddles on the driveeway, but it is still overcast and cool.  So we are praying that we get more rain, to break this awful drought.  Our God is able!

I am better again today, and soon will be able to say I'm completely over this coughing junk.  The chiropractor told me yesterday that lots of people around here have the same thing.  I want to go meet our new baby, have been waiting for this to pass, as don't want to spread any germs around her.  But my friends who also have it and went to the doctor, said he told them it isn't contagious.  Maybe I can go today if it fits into their schedule.

One week from today we leave on that Cape Cod/Martha's Vineyard trip with the seniors from Hugoton.  So I think I'd best be getting prepared!  I have some vegetables from my sister's garden to do something with, also she gave me a bunch of lovely fresh herbs!  I have those drying, will then package them.

My Bro-in-law works part time around a feedlot there in Nebraska.  About a year ago, a bull elk decided he wanted  to hang out in the cattle pens, and now he thinks he's the protector of the cattle.  Vernon took us over to see him, and it was spectacular!  There, head and shoulders above the backs of the cattle, rose that majestic head with a huge rack of antlers!  So majestic, and against a setting sun, would have made such a wonderful photo, but guess who didn't have her camera in hand?  Why?  Makes me so aggravated at me when things like that happen.  But I have the picture in my mind, and that has to be enough.  Vernon said the elk loves to play with the calves, that he very carefully puts his head down, and making sure his antlers aren't touching the calf's head, they have a pushing match--so cute to see!  During the daytime, he jumps the fences and disappears into the cornfield across the road.  Isn't God good, to bless us with such creatures?

I must get busy!

Hi everyone.  This should be a quieter day.  I think yesterday may have been almost too much for Pat as she was really in a lot of pain last night at bedtime.  However, she is feeling better this morning and has PT at 10:30.  I actually fixed her breakfast for her so she could save her energy for the PT.  I have nothing else on the schedule for today.

Marilyn, I have never heard about the vestibule in our heads.  Interesting.

Ruth Ann, hope you can have a less busy pace today so you don't get exhausted.

Janet, your BIL will have to hope the elk doesn't teach those calves how to jump the fence by example.    That sounds like quite a site.  Glad you are feeling better.  This is fall allergy time here in Georgia and it has come early due to the weather we have been having. 

Today is my class lunch.  The gal that sends out emails to remind us...even though we have been going somewhere the second Thursday of the month for years...is in Florida and didn't send out emails.  But one other gal called me so if no one else shows up, it will be Judy and I.  We need reminded...all these people are my age!

Larry~What does this mean? 

QuoteHost Process for Windows Services stopped working and was closed. 
A problem caused the application to stop working correctly.  Windows will notify you if a solution is available.

This window started popping up yesterday.  The only problem I have seen lately is when I shut the lid on my laptop, it doesn't want to shut down.  Do you know what this all means?  Guru person, please!!

I best go and get dressed. 

It was cloudy but now it is bright and sunny!  Looks to be another nice day in Hoosier Land!

Thank you, Marilyn.  I am glad you have been able to get the help you need.  I tried to do those maneuvers myself, like you mentioned, with no luck.  There is no one around here that treats for the vertigo.  I have found that it will eventually go away, and I quit going to doctors as they had no real answers.  The best thing I can do to get temporary relief is just to be still and keep my head level, either lying down or sitting. 

God bless all of you today as you go about your activities.
I will be busy preparing for company this weekend...I have to pace myself in order to get anything done because of being so limited in ability to stand very long.  My back is never going to get any better so I have had to learn to adjust.  I use a walker a lot, and at church I sit on the second row so I can see during singing.  Otherwise I would be looking at people's backs...and almost ALL of the singing is done standing up.  I still love to sing so I do take part. 

Ruth Ann, you inspire me, you are a true servant of the Lord, always thinking of others and what you can do for them. 

Etta Sue, don't over-do it getting ready for Euchre....what is that anyway?  I wish I had energy like you do, could you share some?
~Janice

    Good afternoon to all.  Up here in Canada it is a beautiful day and the warm weather is just so good.  It is so good to here all about each one of you and the many things that you all are involved in.

Marilyn.  It must be such a rewarding thing to be doing the volunteering and helping all the animals. I would be able to do that as I just love all animals.

Larry;  I am so glad that you and Pat do pace yourself because there are so many seniors who do not.  How is your son and daughter doing?  I do hope that they are O.K.  God blessing's on you both.  Gordon.

Janice:  I am so sorry that the vertigo procedure did not work for you or Marilyn as when I had that problem it seem to help me and then a few weeks later I got some problems back but praise the Lord it is gone.

Ruth Ann:  You do inspire us very much and I thank you for that it is so wonderful when  people come to the Lord and we get so excited and we should. Do not overdo things then you won't be able to do things so take it easy.  God bless you.   Gordon.

Janet:  My you are such a traveler you must have so many pictures of your trips.  Hope that you and your hubby have a wonderful time and also be safe.
Well I am getting excited about going to Disney World in Florida this Sunday and my granddaughter will celebrate her 5Th. birthday there so she is very excited Please pray that we have a safe flight there and also back home.   God's richest blessing's to you all.   Gordon and Noreen.

Hi everyone. Just back from coffee at the senior center and a quick walk around the park.  Our group was small this morning for some reason.  I have nothing on the schedule for today unless Pat needs me to drive somewhere and unless she is feeling a lot better than yesterday I expect she will stay home.  It is a bit cooler this morning and suppose to be cooler for the next few days. 

Etta Sue, that message is not familiar to me but a Google search indicates it is related to a VISTA problem.  I did find an article that says it provides a work around.  Here is the link: http://www.mydigitallife.info/host-process-for-windows-services-has-stopped-working-error-workaround-fix/

Janice, I think I understand what you are talking about in not being able to stand long.  With my wife it is her hip that is so painful and after standing a few minutes she needs to sit down.  We keep a chair close by that we can roll into the kitchen when she is going to be there any length of time.

Gord, our children are doing OK at the moment.  My DIL was in the hospital last week with a bleeding ulcer in her stomach but is now feeling better.  Enjoy Disney World.

Yikes!  Looks like I missed yesterday completely! 

Marilyn, thank you for the explanation, but it still goes right over my head.  I guess this is just one of those things where I'm so glad you and your therapist understand - and I don't need to.    

Ruth Ann, I would love to read your story about the day care verses bringing an adult to Jesus!

Gord, I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm one of the seniors who does pace myself - sometimes maybe too much!   

Larry, I hope Pat's therapy goes well today and she doesn't overdo again.  Also glad you seem to be getting back to your previous level of strength - and you're smart enough not to push too much.

Etta Sue, have you tried shutting down using the Start button before you close the laptop?

The world news against the USA is not good - praying for all the people involved. 

We have been in Seattle for a few days and it has been wonderful seeing close relatives plus friends I have not seen in years.  Don and I wind down each day with a short drive to the shore and just watch the sunset.  An Janet mentioned, nature is so lovely and it is our gift. 

My son and I had a great day yesterday preparing for his new job and for other real estate matters.

Today, it's go to the records division to check out something, then to see about ordering his absentee ballot.

We ate at a Memphis-style barbecue restaurant last night to celebrate his new career. He ordered a started or crawfish tails with cajun dressing. Surprisingly, although I don't normally eat shrimp, those things were tasty!

That restaurant has an absolutely wonderful salad - chef salad size, and topped with great smoked turkey. It's so tasty, and also fairly low calorie, since I have dressing put on the side to control portion size.

Well, it's time to go. May our Lord bless each of us today with our going out and coming in, and with the way we interact with others.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Thanks, Larry!  Apparently Windows Services stopping working  doesn't cause a problem.  But I did what that site said so it should pop up again! 

Janice, Euchre is a card game...mostly Indiana and Ohio.  It's played with 9 through Aces, all four suits.  But the Jacks are high after trumps are made!  So if hearts are trumps, the Jack of hearts is high, the Jack of Diamonds, is next, then Ace, King, Queen, 10 and 9.  If you and your partner get all the tricks, you get 2 points.  If you get three tricks, you get 1 point.  BUT if you don't get at least 3 tricks, then you are Euchred!!!  The other couple gets 2 points and the ones who got Euchred put a quarter each in the kitty!  We have two tables of 4 women.  We play partners and play 8 hands.  Then write down your score and go to the next game, changing ladies until you have played 8 hands with each lady...7 games.  Then we eat!!! Clear as mud, isn't it?

Well, the house is dusted and swept.  I moved the furniture in the living room and I think I can put two card tables and 8 chairs in the living room.  Then I have the extra leaf in the dining room table so when it is time to eat, I can have them bring 4 chairs to the table and we can all eat around the table.  I think it will work! 

Need to do some printing and then go to Kitty's and check on her two cats while they are gone to Ohio.

Today I got 'beautiful' again--hair color, cut and styled.     Also, after lunch at the senior center, I helped get out tons of stuff for the garage sale tomorrow, then to the home to read to Beth, deliver a book to a lady and tell another that her story will be in next week's paper.

I learned something yesterday I needed to know!  Even Jesus took a nap when he felt he needed it!  Remember when he was in the ship with the disciples and said they were "going across to the other side" ....then a big storm came up, so much   that it filled the boat (but it wasn't sinking!) Jesus was in the back of the ship, asleep on a cushion, and the disciples had to wake him up.  The storm didn't wake him, the waves didn't wake him, the scared disciples woke him!  So, if even Jesus needed a nap sometimes, I'm not going to feel at all bad about taking one when I need one.

We had a lovely, cool and not windy day today, love it!

Yes, Janet, and just as the disciples turned to Him when they were scared, how true that we can also turn to Him when we are scared or worried and know that He is in charge! 

Hi everyone.  It is a sunny morning here in Georgia.  Nothing special planned for today.  I wasn't up to par yesterday and went to bed last night right after supper and was asleep fairly early.  The activities for today, depending on whether I feel up to them as the day goes on, is a trip to the grocery store and perhaps attending a meeting this morning.  I expect to watch quite a bit of football later today and this evening. 

Jeanne, Pat has concluded that perhaps she is trying to do too much of her exercise program at one time and it is aggravating her fibromyalgia, which is pretty debilitating in itself.  I think she is going to try to pace herself a little better as she gets extremely tired with a minimum of activity.  Fortunately, the pain is only when she is on her feet so she is not in constant pain, although the tiredness is there.

Carol, I was shocked to hear that our Marines guarding the Egyptian Embassy were not allowed by the State Department to have bullets in their guns.  Why bother with the guards.  Our country is appearing very weak to the rest of the world right now.  Sounds like you and Don are having a wonderful vacation.

Ruth Ann, where does your son have to go for his training.  Is he going to be a truck driver?  I love chef salads and had one out just last week.

Etta Sue, sounds like you play Euchre for really high stakes.    That is a nice way to create a prize rather than having to buy something that no one really wants or needs as a prize.  It sounds like you are ready for your hosting duties.

Janet, our first duty is to God and then it is to ourselves because if we don't take care of ourselves we will be of little use to others.  (Now I will get off the soapbox-at least for today).  I worry about you working so hard and pushing yourself so much.  I know from my own experience what stress can do to a person's health.

Etta Sue Euchre sounds almost like Pinocle as it is also played with 9 through ace .

Not much new here I have to work for the next 4 days at the clinic. I really love my job there.

Marilyn, I never did conquer Pinocle.  It is too much fun playing Euchre.  Kaye Don tried to teach me but I never learned.

Also in Euchre, we each put a dollar in a basket...$8 total.  We have tallies that I print on the computer.  The person with the highest score gets $5.  Second highest gets $2 and the lowest score gets $1.  The person with the most 'lones' (plays without their partner and gets all 5 tricks and scores 4 points for them and their partner) gets all the quarters from the Euchre everyone had.  And we have a gift bag with something inexpensive that the last person to get a 'lone' gets.  I usually have 3 knitted wash clothes in my gift bags which I just remember to fix up and it is all ready now.  So yes, we are big spenders and big winners.  When it gets touchy is when there are ties.  It is all in fun...none of us take the game seriously.

It's fun to visit with everyone....and of course, eat!

My township emergency trucks just went by the house.  They were going slow like they was looking for an address.  So I ran outside.  They stopped about a quarter of a mile from me where an elderly lady lives.  Then an ambulance came with sirens on.  I just saw two trucks go back west but not the ambulance yet.  Hope she is okay.

Janet, I love to sleep.  I take naps often and especially Sunday afternoon.  It's a treat for me!  I sure don't feel guilty because I sleep.  Besides living by myself, who knows if I am working or sleeping?  I don't fight sleep but sometimes sleep fights me!  J nights!

It's another bright and sunny day in Hoosier Land.  The temperatures are cooling since my birthday!!  As I went through my utility room this morning, I felt heat from my heat pump.  I have it set on Auto so if it is too hot, it cools and if it is too cool, it heats!  Love my AC/Heat pump!

Another week is gone---where?  It seems they just fly by anymore, doesn't it? 

Today I went to the library and visited with my scrapbooking friends.  I wasn't doing scrapbooking, I was making cards.  And it went so well, I got 25 cards made today!  That's a record, for me!  I enjoyed just doing that and not worrying about anything else.  I am still coughing and have been sneezing quite a bit today, so I think it is largely allergies, even though I'm not usually bothered by allergies.  I just hope it is completely cleared up before we leave for Cape Cod!

I know the reason I have always felt guilty about taking a nap is because when I was a kid, any time mom caught me not working, I was screamed at and punished.  If I was so tired I couldn't keep going, I would go somewhere and hide and try to take a nap, but be so scared I usually couldn't go to sleep.  Strange how those things stay in your sub-conscious forever, even though you know it's  okay to rest when you need to.  So it has taken a lot prayer and time for this old girl to feel good about taking a nap in the daytime.  But I am getting good at it these days!     

I need to get out a suitcase and start packing!  Don't want to wait till the very last minute!

If you would, please pray for favor for me as I go to trial on Monday regarding that accident I had early last month.  I will appreciate it so much.  Thanks.

Hi, friends,

Yes, Larry, he will be a truck driver. His school is in southeast Indiana. He and I shared Psalms 121 prior to breakfast this morning.

About naps - well, this ole mom was worn out with all the hurry-scurry this week. So, I took a "long winter's nap" and it's not even winter here in Tennessee!

Well, I don't know too much more for today, but am thankful for the Lord's loving, saving grace.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

   Hi to all just to say a quick hi and by as we leave in the morning for Florida to Disney World and our granddaughter will have her 5th birthday there on Thursday so it will be exciting to see her with all the different caricature's.   

We will be back on the 22nd. so it is just a week but looking forward to it.  May the Lord be with you all this weekend.  By for now

Gordon and Noreen.

I am ready to leave for church.  Looks like another beautiful day in Hoosier Land that the Lord has made for us. 

I may be scarce the next couple of days.  Seems I wait until the end is close and hurry scurry!

Hi everyone.  Up and ready for church after having my breakfast and doing a couple of chores in the kitchen.  Other than church I expect today to be a quiet day.  The Atlanta Falcon's play tomorrow evening but will probably watch a little of a few other games.  It is overcast here this morning and they are predicting that some rain is on its way.  I sure hope so as fertilizer was applied to my yard three or four days ago and needs to be watered within 10 days.  I can no longer water the yard so have to depend on Mother Nature to do it for me.

Etta Sue, I see you still have to do a gift bag.  I guess that is not the problem for ladies that it is for men.  Hope your neighbor is OK. 

Janet, I agree the days fly by too quickly.  I am being bothered by allergies also as they are bad this time of year down here.  I see you give yourself permission to rest when you need it.  The work will still be there when you have rested.  I do understand about it being hard to change old habits that we were raised with.

Ruth Ann, thanks for the info on where you son will receive his truck driving experience.  Nice you could spend the time with your son at breakfast yesterday.

Gord, have a great family time.  Disney World is the place to do it.

Just a note as I wait for Darrel to finish eating his oatmeal!  We will then go to pick up Beth and head to church.

Today is grandson Curtis' birthday, and his mom Diane is making supper to take to their house, and has invited the grandparents, too.  I'm so happy, as that gives me another chance to see that darling baby--and the other two, of course.  I want to get some closer pictures of Jenna, as the ones Toni took with my camera were too far away.  They stay tiny for such a short time, and the others were so far away we only got to see them once or twice while they were tiny.

We have sunshine, but I haven't been out the door to see what the weather is today.  See you all later!

Oh!  Etta Sue, it sounded to me like you started preparing for your evening of Euchere quite some time ago.  Have a great evening with your friends.

Hello Everyone from Virginia!

It's that time again to close this topic and open our new one.  You can get there by Clicking Here and I do pray that you'll receive a blessing from Jack's next devotional in Psalm 23.