The little bags are originally delivered by school children, church groups and various local clubs'  charity Christmas giving. After retrieving the "essential" chocolate, we usually re-give to the men on our floor. 

I feel like I should be in bed and behaving like a 92 year old should behave. However........We have our last Choir program of the year, in about one hour from now. My Gary and Dori plan to attend so naturally I must be there and perform. so I will don my prettiest duds, and get my body downstairs.

Janie, I am glad you are at home and medicated. Now take care of you the way you would take care of one of your kids. I think the WM grey back tied shut with a red ribbon would be a very good Christmas wrapping, and would save a lot of excess paper that goes to a land fill somewhere after it's use.

Bis, I hope you and Linda had a good visit and perhaps plans for the future. I love you.

Hal, just because you are feeling a bit more normal doesn't mean you should start getting frisky and end up more sick than before.

We had a nice rain last night. I woke up at 2:30 with leg pain and had to go walk it off in the hallways, so that was when I discovered the rain. It was still dripping on my 7 o'clock wake up. My house keeper has been and done her duties. And I have had a trip down to the clinic where they have put in a call to the doctor..worrying about an infection reaching the bone. Whatever will be will be. I know what I will decide.

Off I go to get dressed for our performance.

June--GREAT that Gary and Dori are going to attend your Choir Program.  Linda and I had a good visit, but it was so short.  She'll be back again after the first of the year.

Good late afternoon, on another cold and bustery day, although better the cold and wind gust to 59 miles per hour.

i have had quite a busy week, Monday heart doctor, he want me to have and echo cardiogram, but I am going to wait until next year. Yesterday had Red Hat Christmas party it was fun. The invitations said, wear black and white,bling, diamonds, and rubies. Must dress up with a red hat. Every one came all dressed up, full make up and all their jewels.  I wore a neckles and ear rings my husband gave me about 4o years ago. I also wore my fur coat that my mother gave me. The resturant  even added a chocholate  fountain for deserte, that really was fun.  Today went with Homemakers to another Christmas party. Needles to say, I am tired Please excuse all the mispelled words, but you know what I mean.
I forgot to come in here yesterday, so I still have two more pages of reading.

Gloria it sounds as if you had a great time except for the doctor visit! I have three parties plus the one here scheduled for next week and the following weekend. But I think I may be a Grinch and stay home!

Angelface, I'd invite you to be grinchy with me but I don't want to share my germs.  I even told Cathy not to come by to check on me.  She does assessment visits to senior citizens every day and I wouldn't like her to get my germs and pass them around.  She protested at first but then she saw the wisdom of it!

I'm off to scrounge up some supper.  I think I might finish off the veggie soup and have an English muffin with it. 

Gloria D, I had an echocardiogram last week and got a good report.  I hope you get the same.  It took less than an hour and, fortunately for me, I had it in a building about six miles from here and, of course, Tom drove.  I expected it to take longer so sent him home but I think he went to a Mc D's nearby to wait for my call.

We are at 17 degrees now.

I am about finished with my Christmas cards.  Tom put the last of them in the mailbox except for one and that will go out tomorrow.  I wanted to find a picture to put in one card and I finally found it and printed it. 

Mary Ann

Linedancer--For the most part, you've had enjoyable events to attend this week.  That's GREAT!!

angelface--You don't like to go to parties?

Janie--I pray you are well enough to enjoy the season.

Mary Ann--It sure is cold there.  You are ahead of me.  I haven't even started my Christmas cards.

wow you good folks sure have been busy today. we still haven't got the bad weather here but not too far away and they are still threatening us here with it.
i was lazy and late feeding the cows but they didn't seam to mined they came on up when they heard the tractor coming  but not like they were starving.
you all have a good evening and sweet dreams tonight. c u all later. oh yes I cook my sausage and eggs in the same skillet.  I start out with my sausage
about 1" thick and go around squeezing the middle with my thumb and fore finger until it is thin in the center lay it in the skillet and rotate it smashing it with a big stainless spatula i made until I know it is done all the way through.
then brake two eggs next to each other ant if i have enough oil in the skillet I flip the hot oil on it until they are done on top if not i turn them over easy trying not to brake the yellow's swet dreams. i sure do not like what the weather people are saying for the rest of the weak for us.

Lloyd

I am back from the Choir performance and finally rested up. Gary and Dori could not stay as Gary had another appt. coming up. Everything went well, so we are through till Easter time.

Bis, time with our loved ones always passes too quickly, but I know you both enjoy the time together.

Gloria De, I am so happy that you have been well enough to attend the red hat parties and others. We have a very active group of Red Hatters here, and I have been invited to join them, but I playing it quiet now. Body is telling me to say No, Thanks, so I do.

Gary had heard from our Clinic with the info that I will be taken into an adjoining city on Wed. for my Doppler on the leg artery.

We had a cool dry day here but winds are starting up so we may get more rain, hopefully. I'm going to have supper at home and another early to bed. I will be back to tuck you in.

The forecast is for the snow to start around 11 p.m. tonight and continue into tomorrow.  They are still predicting anything up to 16 inches.  It will be a good day to stay in and get some things done.  I just heard today that my daughter and SIL will be coming up for 2 days next week for Christmas.  I guess I better coax the vacuum out of the closet and scoot it over the carpets.  This is one of those weeks that I wish I had one of those "Roombas" or a nice available cleaning lady.

Well our weather here is in a transitional phase(s).  Tonight, drizzle and fog and not really all that cold.  Tomorrow, it is going to be a spring day. 70-80 degrees, depending on who's forecast you listen to and then on Sunday the bottom falls out.  Wind and cold, chill factors in the teens.

I really felt funk tonight, upset stomach and no life at all.  Then to top it off, wife brought some chocolate in and I ate a piece and when the sugar hit my throat I had a coughing fit.  Anyhow, I will be happy when the antibiotics kick in, I have had only two of them, these you only take one a day, hopefully they will start doing their magic tomorrow.  The Mucex is loosening thing up, but not like I would like it.  It is still just loose and not turning loose to where you can get it out of my system.

Nite, nite, Sweet Dreams and God Bless

I am here to tuck you in for the night my dear, good friends. I am so happy we are all still here together. I will read until the eyelids get heavy, then hope for a full nights sleep. God Bless, wake well and happy. Love, Hugs and Prayers for whoever needs them. God knows your name.

Well I am up and about and ready to " untuck " you....but I will be generous and let you sleep on....

Good Saturday morning, Everyfriend.   There's a Denny’s Grand Slam breakfast to accompany your coffee or tea. I wish everyone a good day!!





Dead Mother

A man and his blonde wife are relaxing at home when the phone rings. She answers and within a minute is sobbing. After she hangs up, her hubby gently holds her and asks what's wrong.

She replies that her mother has died. He finally gets her calmed down and the phone rings again. She answers and starts crying again. She turns to her hubby and manages to choke out, 'Honey, it's my sister and you won't believe this, but her mother died, too!'



The Anchor of Hope

By Rebecca Heys
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 6:13-20

We who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.
Hebrews 6:18-19
The writer of Hebrews uses the image of an anchor to describe the confident hope we can have in God. When a boat is in open water, away from a dock, nothing can keep it in place but an anchor. The anchor keeps the boat from drifting off in any direction. No wonder Hebrews calls hope “an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” That is what an anchor is for a boat, and that is what hope is for our souls.
Hebrews 6 tells us about two people who assure us that hope in God is an anchor for the soul. The first is Abraham. God promised Abraham land and descendants. Even though those promises were threatened many times during Abraham’s life, Abraham hoped in the anchor of God’s promises, and those promises eventually were fulfilled. The second person is Jesus, “our forerunner.” Jesus ran ahead of us. He ran the race of human life. He ran through death, and he returned victorious to life, rising from the dead. Following in his footsteps gives us an ¬anchor for our souls. Because he lived, died, and rose, we have hope that God will also give us new life after death.
When the waters of life get rough, or when we can’t see the shore, let our hope in Jesus be the anchor for our souls.
Faithful God, we often feel like a boat that is far from shore. At those times, and at every time, give us the sure anchor of hope in you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.



“Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new beginning.”

~ Author Unknown

Good morning everyone.

We didn't get the snow overnight they were calling for but it is lightly snowing now.Yesterday went well and we were home in good time. My goodness the room was full of people of all ages getting a treatment. One young man (younger than my son) came in carrying a bag and I knew right away what was in it.He had one of our cancer quilts and I could hear him praise this quilt to others in the room. Made my heart smile that he enjoyed his quilt..
Today is laundry,bake and go to the drug store day.

Good morning Jackie..

Joan,thank you for breakfast.

Enjoy your day everyone.

Good morning everyone. No sleep again so have been playing at the PC. Thought I would check in ad then see if I can get a couple of hours of Z's.

CALLIE  glad we didn't lose power. As bitter cold as it was it would have cooled off fast in here.

JOAN  I have been through hurricanes before but never heard the wind like that, but I never lived on a third floor before. I think it is this corner of the building. Where my apartment is , is like al eL and the wind swirls around in it. I started snowing here about an hour ago and not much fallen so far.

JANE  glad you got to see the doctor and are feeling a bit better.

JACKIE  my oldest son had just started to realize I cannot do a fraction of what I used to do. He is starting to have more patience.

GLORIA de  if I went out as much in a week as you have I would be so tired I would not be able to do anything for a week. Glad you can get out and enjoy yourself.

JOAN  I have never bee to a Denny's so have no idea what a Grand Slam is but I will try it. Chuckles, no that was a dumb blonde. I never thought of hope as being anchor but I cas see the meaning in today's Food for Thought. Thank you for all today's goodies.

AMY  glad yesterday went good Nice to know someone enjoys the quilts you ladies make.

Think I will go see if I can sleep a couple of hours.

Good morning, Amy.  I am glad things went well yesterday.  How nice that you saw someone there using one of your beautiful quilts and telling others about it.

Gloria--Good morning.  We could have met in the PWP for coffee.  It's too bad that that howling wind prevents you from sleeping.  I hope you're able to get a couple more hours of sleep.

Old LaurenKat couldn't sleep either, Gloria.  She isn't getting enough exercise with the cold wind.  They go out & sit in the pool area to look over their domain & may go over the fence for a few minutes, but don't stay out long.  They have never done the playing in the house that "normal" cats do.  Sometimes over the years, Lauren would race the length of the house a couple times and then go down the steps to use her litter box.  She is a smart old girl & knows what she needs to do. 

Larry, I got to thinking (with this severe weather warning out today, tonight & tomorrow), the cardio doctors warned Cas about not getting out in the cold, breathing in the cold air, after his by-passes..... they didn't say a word to me.  They also told him "only one donut & one hotdog a year"......no warnings to me.  Did your doctors give you all those instructions?  I'm wondering if they just figured I'd do what I want anyway~~ I do cover my mouth & nose with a knit scarf when I'm cleaning the driveway or even just going from car to store, when it's really cold-cold, just tuck my nose down into the scarf & go. 

The surgeon I had retired & I never saw him but once after.  The cardio Dr. just gives me a hug and has never thought I could be "sick" (or fragile).  He didn't believe the numbers of the Echos, until he did the heart cath & saw the problems.  I dread when he retires because the doctor that put in all of Cas' stents is a "no nonsense" type, very good, but expected the patient to do exactly what HE thought, including meds.  Much as I respect him, I don't think I will go to him.  The one I see every 8 months is not a whole lot younger than I am & has moved into a group/clinic with 6 or 8 others. 

Oh, Amy, I'm sure it gave your heart a big hug when you saw how much your quilt meant to that person.  You do so much for everyone.  We are supposed to get some blowing snow today & temps dropping to the bottom tonight.  If the snow ends before dark I will clean it off the driveway so I don't smash it with car tires in the morning.  Once we drive over it & turn it to ice, it lasts for days & no way to get it off.  I use the salt sparingly because the wildlife/birds drink from the gutters in the street & don't think that salt is good for them.  Laundry day here, too.

Jane & Hal, sure hope you get that bug under control.  I don't know why doctors don't give shots like they did in the old days, that puts the stuff right into the system fast.  Hugs & extra prayers for you both.

Joan, nice that you had a little visit from your daughter.... mine has a married son (with 3 of her grands) plus another daughter that lives here so we don't get a whole lot of "one on one" visiting on holidays.  I am going to re-think having the whole clan here at once & invite each family to drop by separately, for a plate of crackers with meat spread & pimento cheese spread.... and sweets from the candy tree.  I don't get a chance to visit when all are here at once, and I'd like the little ones to realize it's time to learn to sit at a table to eat & not make a mess.  Not sure they are ready for that.    

I can't believe Christmas in only a week away.... I am NOT READY!  I used to take down decorations the day after Christmas when I put them up the first of December..... but expect they will stay in place until after New Year this time, and will do some sorting at that time.  I didn't drag out half the stuff & don't plan on doing this much next year.

Well, been sitting here long enough I guess I'll go feed cats & fix my breakfast.  That should put me back to sleep except today I really must get the to-dos done! 

Good Morning Everyfriend!  Everything offered this morning was good.  I like the comparison to an anchor, too.

Shirley, I've cut way back on my decorating also.  The day that I was going to finish what I planned on doing was the day I went to the dr.  Those boxes are still sitting in the hall and now I'm debating if it's really worth doing any more decorating.  I always do the outside first...not much...just my three Christmas flags and a large wreath on the end of the house and small ones on both doors.  That's so my neighbors don't think I'm Scrooge. 

I actually think I feel considerably better today.  We'll see what the day brings.  It's snowing out but it sounds more like sleet so we'll see what develops as the day goes on, both with the weather and with my head. 

I called my daughter and told her that I didn't think it would be a good idea to come here and expose herself to whatever it is that I have and then go back to her office and her client visits.  Part of her job is assessing seniors for services and taking germs to them would not be good.

I hope Everyfriend has a great day full of things that bring joy to your lives.  Stay warm!

Good Morning everyone!
Vanilla-Jackie the 6 hours deference let's great us most of the time. you are not
bothering Nancy she seams to get her best sleep after I get up. but when a get a good last half of the night's sleep I miss visiting with Peter, he is 6 hours defferant also but eats and goes on another side of the world to visit. cant win them all but I di the best I can, Have a great day. Glory  Hope you get a good nap they sure help me. Shirley good to see you. glad you enjoy the cats. each his own . i will always think of you as a good friend but would never live in the same house with your cats.there was a time I did and even slept with the before I figured out they will lick on the butter dish and shed hair all over the house for me to get in my mouth. Have great day.

Lloyd

JaneS I don't see how your neighbors could think of any thing except the great person you are not a  Scrooge. have a great day

Lloyd

Good morning Joan  and all.

I have missed several mornings this  week.  Just been busy trying to get things in order for the holiday.

I have a new little great-granddaughter.   And her name is Iris Joy.   I am so pleased that my grand daughter has given her my name  for her middle name.  After so many boys, I now have 4 sweet little great-grand daughters.  They live in Connecticut, so I am sure I won't be seeing her for  a while.  Have to depend on pictures for now.  I am very close to my one and only grand daughter.  She is special.

It is a very icy morning here in the north  central part of Maryland.  Lots of bad accidents already this morning.  Glad I don't have to go out anywhere.  Will try to finish up my Christmas cards and maybe get a few gifts wrapped.  Saturdays and Sundays are very quiet here where I live.  Nothing much else going on.

Have a good Sat. and hope you can stay warm,  if it is cold and snowy where you are. I envy the ones who live in the warm South !.

Joy

Good morning, Shirley.  You sure are a busy bee.  I'm not doing much decorating this year--nobody sees it but me.

Janie--Good morning.  I hope you REALLY do feel better.

Good morning, Lloyd.  I take it you're not fond of cats.

Joy--Good morning.  Congratulations on the new great granddaughter.  How nice they gave her your name for a middle name.  We are supposed to have a new high for this date--in the high 80s.

Joanie, the only way I'll see the high 80s is if I turn up the thermostat or wait for July.

Bis cats are alright , they have a place but not in the house the barn shop or garage is OK as long as they are house broke catch the mice before they get in the house.

Lloyd

Hi everyone.  We are looking forward to it getting up to the mid-60's today and staying in the 60's through the night and then into the 70's tomorrow.  It didn't get out of the low 40's yesterday.  When I read the temperatures many of you are enduring I am certainly not complaining.  I think the main activities today will be to get Christmas mailing done, including taking a small package to the Post Office.  I also plan on making some more sausage muffins for Pat and probably a few more kitchen duties.

Joan, we did fix the chili and it turned out well although initially I didn't get enough chili powder in it but Pat came to my rescue.  I guess her toe problem is gout as she had it once before.  There used to be a medicine they prescribed for it but apparently the FDA had it taken off the market. 

Gloria, it sounded like the quilter on the tractor only sewed strips together and must have put them into a quilt later in her house.

JaneS, glad to read yesterday that you were feeling better.  We are getting a lot of those Walmart plastic bags as the online orders of groceries items will only have one or two items in them.  Hope you didn't get the 16 inches of snow. 

Sandy, had you turned your temperature down or could the heating system just not get your apartment warmer.  That isn't a very comfortable temperature.

Patricia, shame on you ladies for depriving the men of the chocolate.  Do the ladies take the chocolate from the men's gifts?

Amy, did you speak with the man with one of your cancer quilts.  I bet he would like to meet one of the folks making the quilts.  Glad your husband's treatment went well. 

Shirley, I had the lectures on what to eat and not eat.  However, was never warned about the cold air but found this out on my own and when it is pretty cold I will hold my hand up over my mouth and that helps.  Of course, I am never outside very long and it usually isn't really cold down here in the South.  When I moved this last time I left my snow shovel with the house as I would try to shovel snow now and would just stay in the house until it is gone or at least the cement areas are clear. 

Joy, always wonder to have another great grandchild.  That is a pretty name.     

Good Morning Everyone,  from the  cold and snowy, rocky coast of Maine.

It always looks so pretty outside when the snow is falling.

This old building that I live in has 155
apartments.   Since I am on the South East part  (in a corner apartment),  when the temps drop real low  (down in the teens with wind chill factor below zero),  my apartment is harder to heat.   This only happens a few days a Winter.  Normally,  I am have more then enough heat.

I keep the temp around 72 deg, normally.  These spells of freezing below normal temps are so few that I  have found ways to keep myself safe and toasty.   

My sleeping habits have changed in the last few months.  I used to go to bed at 9 pm and wake up at 6 pm.    Now I stay up much later and go to bed between 11 pm and 12 AM  and sleep in until 9AM,  most days.       

I don't know why the change in my sleeping schedule..  but I like it,  so I am not complaining...    Just wondering why,  after  a whole life time going to bed early and waking up early,   I now don't.   

Have a nice weekend,  everyone. 
Sandy

Janie--How well I remember the length of very long, cold winters from all the years we lived up that way.

Lloyd--With cats and dogs, it's "whatever floats your boat".

Good morning, Larry.  I remember my father having gout and think the medicine he had for it was colchichine (sp??).

Sandy--Good morning.  It's fortunate you don't have many terribly cold days or you'd have to find a way to add some heat.

Sandy, I changed my sleeping hours on purpose and I find I sleep longer, which ain't bad!  I would go to bed about 10 pm and get up at 5 am, compute, then go back to bed about 7 and stay in bed until 8 or so.  I found I did not go to sleep until midnight.  Now I am trying to go to bed about 11 pm and I may still go to sleep around midnight, but I have been known to sleep through the night, or have only one time to get up about 3 am.  The main reason for my change is the lack of posts on the computer and the lack of anything I want to watch on TV.  There is no point in getting up with nothing to do or watch.

Mary Ann