Seniors & Friends

Good Sunday morning, Everyfriend.  There's beignets to go with your coffee or tea.  I wish ALL a blessed day.






Circle the Block

A driver tucked a note under her windshield wiper and dashed off:

"I've circled the block for 20 minutes. I'm late for an appointment, and if I don't park here I'll lose my job. Forgive us our trespasses."
Returning, she came back only to find a parking ticket and this note:
"I've circled the block for 20 years, and if I don't give you a ticket, I'll lose my job. . . Lead us not into temptation."



Will You Build Bridges or Walls?
(By Rick Warren)

Too many immature Christians spend all their time taking pot-shots, belittling, and criticizing other believers who reach out to unbelievers, instead of doing what Jesus commanded us to do. Jesus repeatedly commanded that we love EVERYONE - even those we disagree with. Whenever I'm asked why I accept invitations to speak to non-Christian groups, my answer is, "It's what Jesus would do!"

Mark 2:16-17 tells us that when the religious teachers saw Jesus associating with and befriending irreligious people - the so-called "sinners and tax collectors", they asked Jesus' followers [in essence], "Why does Jesus fellowship with unbelievers?" Jesus replied, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." I want to be like Jesus.

To be like Jesus, we MUST build bridges of love to people of no faith, to people of other faiths, and to people we disagree with. In contrast, prideful self-righteousness builds walls of fear, refuses to love, or even get to know those who believe differently, and then hurls accusations against those of us who do what Jesus commanded.

Never allow the fear of criticism to cause you to disobey what Christ tells you to do. Live for an audience of one. Last month, I attended a Jewish Sabbath service, a Catholic mass, spoke to a group of Muslims, and had a private conversation with a gay leader who is a friend - all in the same week. Why? Because God has never created anyone he doesn't love. And Jesus died for the whole world and he wants everyone to know him.

But before your neighbors can trust in Christ they usually have to trust you first.

I challenge YOU to start building bridges of love, instead of walls of fear.

(One warning: bridge builders are always feared and criticized by wall builders.)



Prejudice melts in the face of compassion.

--Author Unknown

Good morning everyone..

Looks like we are in for more snow!! After VON leaves we are going to nip into town for a few groceries. Have some baked beans on cooking, haven;t had those in a while. I did try to find lima beans but no one seems to have any dried one, just the frozen ones.

A day of rest here, may play with a new to me sewing machine or just start another quilt....not sure just what I will do.

Linedancer Happy Birthday!!!! May you have a wonderful day!

Joan thank you for breakfast.

Enjoy your day everyone..

Hi everyone.  While the morning starts for me at about 63 degrees we will be close to 80 before the day is over.  Pat and I will attend Sunday School and Church, get something to eat, come home and rest and then go back to the Church this evening for the Valentine's Banquet put on for Seniors by the young people of the Church.  We attended last year and it was delightful.  I did stay home all day yesterday and did get my tax information together except for one document that should be here later this month.  Yesterday afternoon I fixed cole slaw for dinner using a sour cream dressing recipe from Bobby Flay of the Food Network.  It turned out well.

Hal, as I looked at that website for computer repair the chat box popped right up.  I didn't chat as wasn't ready.  I did read a series of reviews and some were fully satisfied and others were very displeased with the service but most of those had to do with someone coming to the home to do some type of service for them.  I have asked my son to advise me. This company joined with another and most of the complaints seemed to relate to the other company. 

June, glad to read that you will let the nurses help you not be in such pain.  When Stacey was under Hospice care she was given mophine and was to call the Hospice nurse before taking a dosage.  The morning following Stacey's passing I was at her apartment and the nurse stopped by and took possession of the morphine and said all was accounted for that was suppose to be left. 

deAngel, Happy Birthday. 

Amy, did you wear your other sewing machine out? 

I am brief today as have limited time this morning but have appreciated all of the postings.

Linedancer!!
Have a great day on your special day.
Bis  enjoyed your chuckle. it brought a memory of a ticket I got years ago in KC Mo. I went to a store and was in there just a few min. had a ticket on my windshield. a address that you could mail in . I did mail the amt it said in form of a check along with a nasty note. stating i was in the store picking up a order that was already ready to be picked up. ( the note said I hope you all enjoy your blood money ,hope you will go ask the business licensed merchant how he enjoyed the loss of business from ticked customers) In about a week my chuck was returned thanking me for my response. next  time I was up there i went to that place of business and told them what had taken place. he laughed and said good deal but next time drive around the block and park in the lot behind the store.

Lloyd

Good morning, Amy.  At least today you didn't have to do any dancing.  Baked beans sound good on a chilly day.

Larry--Good morning.  Glad to hear Pat feels well enough to go to Sunday School and church with you.  How nice that the young folks put on a Valentine's banquet for the Seniors.  You are really becoming a gourmet cook using Bobby Flay's recipe.  I have a question for you.  I saw in another discussion that someone wished you a Happy Birthday.  It's not on the calendar.  Is it your birthday?

Good morning, Lloyd.  You were lucky to get your ticket money back.

Good morning everyone, starting to snow again.

JOAN  glad Linda was able to get out of Boston and hope she has left Nashville by now. Good thing she travels so much, for me I would have been lost as to what to do. Good thing she is not still here because another possible foot of snow for the Boston area again.

LLOYD  we have to keep after you to take care of yourself. Sure you feel good now but you will do too much and get worn down again. That we do not want to happen.

LARRY  hope you continue to feel good. After the mild January we had this month is making up for it with the snow.

GLORIA de  if I have to cancel the appointment for this Wednesday it will be the third time. Will cancel my CNA again, too. Don't know if she will make it tomorrow with the snow in the forecast.

JEANNE LEE  when I was driving I never let snow keep me home but now the thought of being on the roads  scares me. Too many on the roads now who are not good drivers.

HAL  I used to have Malwarebytes but after HP had this machine again I downloaded it and picked up a bug with it. My grandson had to come and clean it out. Now I have Superantispyware, even scans my external. My grandson has kept me running and I am glad of that but he does not know the different programs I use. I still miss the tech I had for years till he moved to Florida.

PATRICIA  one reason why we do not like mild winters here. Last month it was so warm my son started pruning his trees and when he went in the house he found a tick. Not normal here at all.

JOY  like you I saved the site Hal posted. The price is good if they do a good job.

SHIRLEY  hope you start feeling much better soon. Sure isn't like you to get knocked down by anything. Take care of yourself, that is the important thing.

JENNY  when your son moves he sure moves fast. Hope they enjoy the Boston area.

PHYLLIS   good graphic for Valentine week, the words are great, too. You are talented. Thanks.

JOAN  never had a beignet, better tie a bib on for all that sugar. Laughed with Circle the Block. Thank you for all today's goodies.

AMY  we are in for more snow, too.

Happy birthday Linedancer and Larry.  HOpe you both ave a good one.  GOt to get ready for church, wife is staying home and I will make second service.  HAve ro do money. Count today.

Good morning, Joan and all the other friends.   I am slow moving this morning.  Pretty dreary, rainy day today.  I am having a hard time waking up.

Joan, thank you for the beignets.  I don't remember whether I have had them before or not. Always wanted to go to New Orleans to be able to try them.  I  am sure I would like them, so I will just enjoy a cyber one,

Happy Birthday to Larry and GloriaDe.  It is also my grand daughter's 24th birthday.  She got a special gift this year.... her own little 2 month old daughter, Iris Joy.  They live in Connecticut, so I will have to be satisfied to see pictures today.

Nothing special going on today.  Yesterday, I did get around to doing some laundry that I have been putting off for a while now.  I really miss having my own washer and dryer.  The laundry room is right across from my apartment, and I usually wait until later in the day when I usually have the whole room to myself.  Just takes me so long to make up my mind to do it.  Still have some more to do, which I will get around to later in the week.

I hope that everyone will have a good day.  I hope the weather in the upper north east won't be too bad today.  We have been very lucky and have very little snow so far.  But, winter isn't over yet. LOL.  However,  I do notice that the days are getting longer, and it is only 4 weeks before we turn the clocks forward.  So, that is a good sign that spring is on the way.

Joy

]

Good morning, Gloria.  Linda finally got home.  She hopes she doesn't have to go back to Boston this winter, but she does have to go to NYC and Philadelphia.  Beignets are soooo good, but they are messy.

Good morning halkel and Callie.

Joy--Good morning.  I sure would miss having my own washer and dryer.

Happy Birthday to Gloria De and Larry.

I just got home from having breakfast/brunch with Dot where we tried to solve all of the world's problems.  Dot does the driving now and when she stopped at my place, the weather wasn't doing anything.  By the time I got out, snow was coming down and I noticed it snowing during our service but when we came out, the snow had stopped.  We are to get rain, then snow today and our temp is about 35 or so. 

I heard a noise downstairs so Tom is still home.  He drove for Uber last night and got in earlier than usual, but still late.

Mary Ann

Good morning not a nice day. I want to thank everyone for all the birthday wishes. Love you all

Joan, I had beignets, when I was in New Orleans, it was at a famous name restaurant,  but I for got the name. I even liked their coffee.

Phyllis, thanks for the graphic, lovely saying.

Shirley, I hope you start to feel better soon.


MaryAnn, got a call last night from my nephew in Calf. He has been driving for Uber quite a while.  This week he lost his job, as they found out he got a traffic ticket in 1984, in NY which he did not pay.So he is trying to get that straightened out he does not even remember it.

Gloria, we just had a sleet storm, now it is snowing. Roads are going to be bad later they say.

Larry, Happy Birthday to you also.  I also say, it is Lincolns birthday, but he is a little older!

Happy joint Birthday's Lindancer and Larry Hanna...

Mary Ann--Sounds like your weather can't decide what to do today.

Linedancer--Could that restaurant where you had the beignets be Cafe du Monde?  I hope you don't have to go out in that bad weather.

Hi Vanilla-Jackie.

Joan... :hello:

Joan,  I also was trying to remember the name of the famous place in NO where they have the good beignet's.  And, I do remember reading somewhere about how good their coffee is, also.  I will have to do some searching and see if there are any places around my area that have them. 

Joy

Joy--I sure haven't found anyplace around here that has beignets.:(

Snowing like the dickens here now.maybe 3 inches so far. We went to town and I picked up some vegetables, green ,red,yellow and orange peppers ,cauliflower and tomatoes.

Larry, no my machine is still going,not that I haven't used it a lot lol. I tend to collect old machines and have a "few" This machine was given to me by a friend .

Amy--It sounds like you may be dancing before the day is over.

Good after noon, and it is still snowing, weatherman, said we will have a Nor'easter to day and to morrow very high winds again.

Joan, yes that is where we ate, when we first arrived New Orleans, I know it was night, and the place was packed. No I do not plan to go out. There is good golf on TV.

Thanks Jackie, for the good wishes. Hope you are doing OK

Amy, please be careful if you have to go out, we have ice under the snow to day.

 :balloons: Happy Birthday, Gloria de!

:happybday: Happy Birthday, Larry!

When Tom was stationed in Biloxi, Mississippi, we drove over to NO and ate at Café du Monde where I had my first beignet (delicious) and coffee with chicory (awful).

I see as usual it is your midafternoon to my morning, but I wanted to wish Gloria de and Larry, a very happy birthday!

Up until now we've been lucky and most of the winter weather has stayed mostly south of us.  But this time it looks like we'll make up for it all.  Weather Warning started at 7:00 this morning and will stay in force until 7:00 p.m. tomorrow.  Guesswork says 6 to 15 inches of snow and it sure looks like that's optimistic.  :)  Already it looks like 6 or 8 inches. 

On Tuesday I have another doctor's appointment which has been rescheduled twice already due to risky roads.  And then another twice delayed on Wednesday. 

And that's what a normal winter is like in the north country.   ;D

Joy,  this must be Granddaughter Birthday Day!  Miss Ellen is also 24.  She was supposed to have been born closer to her Mama's birthday in April but decided to do it on her own terms....and she's been doing things that way ever since!

Just got home from church and OTL with the usual Lunch Bunch.   Mary Ann,  I'm sure we settled whatever world problems you and Dot didn't get around to.   :thumbup:

Linedancer--I think that NO restaurant is always packed.

Phyllis--I don't care for the coffee with chicory either.  It's way too strong for me.

Jeanne Lee--I hope you have all the supplies you need with that bad weather expectation.

Callie--Happy 24th Birthday to Miss Ellen.

I sure am missing Janie. 

Good day to all, we had several days of drop-in visitors and had to take a day off just to recuperate from all the talking.   ::) 

Frozen soups and sweets are on hand again - just in case we get unexpected visitors.  The crock pot has been a life-saver so many times. 

Don is listening to Il Divo music.  It is wonderful because he can hear the that classical music clearly. 

Tomorrow, I will bring the iPad in for a new battery.  We just did not feel comfortable about putting a battery in ourselves - the price is $89.  What a terrible price but this iPad is a gift from our children so it is special. 

I had to answer four questions to an investment firm and could not think of where we lived in the 70's - a rental house for five months.  They wanted a special number - so, I had to appear in person with 4 ID's and so forth.  Isn't it something?  born in the USA and it is great to see that kind of security but that is rare and not the norm. 

Good Sunday afternoon my friends. Not such a great day for this one. Woke feeling bad and it hasn't improved, so I am Home for the day. I can't say what is wrong..no big pain, vitals are all o.k., I just have nothing left to offer in the line of news or happy chatting. Very, very, tired is all I can say.

I do want to wish my dear friends Gloria de and Larry a VERY Happy Birthday, and lots more of them to come. We all have so much to be thankful for, especially the added years that God has given us.

Bis, I too am wondering about our dear Janie. The last post I recall, she said something had come up, and she didn't sound very happy about whatever it was. I pray she is well, and "things" are working out for the best for her.

Janie, if you pop in...you are so loved and missed by all of us. I pray all is well with you. God loves you as do we.

 :happybday:   :hb3:   :hb2:  GloriaD (Linedancer) & Larry, a big Happy Birthday from Kansas !!!   :hb2:  :hb3: :happybday:

Carol--With all the company you have a crockpot sure would get good use--and you can freeze ahead.  That's wonderful that Don can hear classical music.

June--So sorry this is a bad day for you.  I hope I didn't do anything to offend Janie.

Hi Shirley.

Bis, I am sure you have NOT done anything to offend our Janie. I don't think there is a one of us here that would ever do that to another. Janie may have a personal problem that she is working through. God knows that each of us has "stuff" that needs to heal. I'm just praying that there is not a medical problem in her family.

I have spent a whole day being worthless. Started, and on the way to finishing, a book about the Amish folks. It is really interesting to learn about their day to day lives. I'm reading Novels of course. I don't think the Amish themselves care to be recognized personally.

I did walk down the hall to our Lobby where there is a big refrigerator we are allowed to share, so I have stashed some frozen dinners there.
Decided to have a personal size pizza for early supper/late lunch. And I did go down for a bandage change,and of course I have meds delivered to my door six times a day. They are spaced as there are 15 of them. Also have blood pressure checks, and a nitro patch placed on my arm each morning. I take them off before bed at night and cleanse the area with soap and water.

And so the days go by. Tomorrow I plan to do nothing...again.

Oh June,

Well tomorrow (Monday of the big dance) after a good nights sleep and some get up and go , you'll be ready to expand your challenges of yesterday.
Happy you did go for a walk :) and your eating, that pizza sounded good :)
So here is to a better feeling June …..........with all better feeling tomorrow's from here on out :)

Mycheal

Look's like you all have been very busy today while i was taking Gloria's advice
and taking it easy. sweet Dreams and good night.

Lloyd

June, let me pile on on what Mycheal said. I hope you shake those bad "vibes" and the pizza hit the spot with you.  I have to admire you, no matter what you do try moving around and do. 

God Bless Everyone, Good Night and Sweet Dreams

JACKIE, for about one week a couple of years ago I actually had all four of my son's living in the metro area and it sure was wonderful!  I doubt that will ever be the case again!  😩

Thank you, JOAN, four our nice new spot for the week.  Our family will be living in Weston, right by where Joe and Family lived.  I am looking forward to the opportunity to spend more time in the Boston Area.  My son flew there this afternoon to be present for the home inspection tomorrow.  Seems strange as it is a brand new build, but I guess you do one these days no matter what.  This is the first time he will see the house in person.  I hope he takes and shares some pictures. 

Holding JANIE and SHIRLEY close in my thoughts tonight. 

JUNE, I am happy you felt up to fixing yourself a pizza.  Hope you enjoyed it. 

Happy Birthday wishes the two 24 year olds, Miss Ellen and your granddaughter, JOY. 

CAROL, we sure are enjoying our visit here.  Denver temps have fall n again and snow is expected. 

Pleasant dreams to all of my dear friends, and good morning, JACKIE. 

Jenny

Dear Hal, Mycheal and Jenny....thank you for your good thoughts. The pizza is sitting just fine in a happy stomach, and I just now finished a bottle of vanilla Ensure. That is a good nourishing drink. So all is well that ends well, and this day is drawing to a close. Tomorrow I will do more walking.

Looking out through my blinds I see a bright joyful moon lighting up our part of the world. Thank you, God.

I pray you all have a Blessed night of peace, and health. I send you all a big hug, and thank you for being my friends. See you in the morning. June

JENNY....
...I remember the time when all 4 boys were near to you...sadly nothing stays good forever, that is one thing I have learnt...but as my late father would often say...Jenny, " never say never..." it could happen again sometime in the future...  :yes:

Good Monday morning, Everyfriend.  There's breakfast tacos to accompany your coffee or tea . I wish everyone a nice day!!





Technology

The gas pumps of today can pump $40 in the same amount of time it took just a few years ago to pump $20. Amazing!




One Single Seed
By Arthur Schoonveld
Scripture Reading: Luke 13:18-19

The kingdom of God . . . is like a mustard seed. . . . It grew and became a tree.
Luke 13:18-19
Each year the Cable News Net¬work (CNN) selects ten individuals who have made a big difference in the lives of other people. Out of those ten CNN Heroes, the network ¬chooses one person who in their ¬opinion has made the greatest impact. In 2015, the person chosen was a 21-year-old woman who, after graduating from college, decided to live in Nepal. She started a home for young girls who had been abandoned and abused and had no place to go. Seeing the faces of those young girls was a living testimony to what one person can ¬accomplish.
Watching that story made me think of the parable of the mustard seed. According to the Lord Jesus, God’s kingdom here on earth is like a mustard seed, which starts out very small and can grow into a tree.
Sometimes our efforts seem so small and insignificant. What good is one prison visit, and what can an occasional Bible study at a rescue mission possibly accomplish? What good is one card or email sent to someone who’s hurting? What good is that small church compared to that megachurch down the street?
Reread today’s parable and be assured that the Lord Jesus can turn even our smallest ¬efforts into something great for his kingdom! As someone put it, “Of course you can’t do everything, but you can do something!”
Father in heaven, help us to see that you will use even our smallest efforts to build your kingdom. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.



“Everyone is different and everyone has a talent.  And if we put all those talents together, it can make something that no one’s ever thought of before.”

~ Sasha Etheredge

Good morning everyone..

The snow has stopped but it did put more down after I cleaned 7 inches of it last night. Will clean it up again when it gets light out and then enjoy the day.
Have a pot of baked beans to finish off and some peppers to chop up for the freezer and that is all my duties today..

Gloria, did you get a lot of snow your way?

June, hope today is a better one for you...shhh...don't tell anyone but I just had cold pizza for breakfast! :thumbup:

Joan,thank you, I shall just have a cuppa tea this morning..

Enjoy your day everyone.

Good morning, Amy.  You keep in good shape with all the dancing you do.  My kids used to eat cold pizza for breakfast--not me.

Good Morning Everyone from the snow covered,  calming blizzard, her in the center of the arts district of the Portland Maine.   

It certainly  is beautiful out there,  as long as I remain inside, peaking out of my windows to the world, over looking the snow covered "Arts District"...       

I understand that the worst is now over but the time to clean up will be many hours to come here in Winter Wonderland! 

Nothing to do for me but to sit back and enjoy it. 

Yesterday I broke up four wooden dining room chairs which I did not need and threw them down the trash shoot...   breaking up furniture is a good way to take out any frustrations that I might have    (but really don't have) .   I only have a need to
do more cleaning out  to get rid of stuff that is just taking up space and not needed here.       

I have more to do today,  so I will be kept very very busy breaking down some of my "stuff " so that it is easier for me to to handle. 

All is well.    Just enjoying the fading Blizzard.
Sandy
:snowball:

Good morning Sandy.  You must be mighty strong to be breaking up chairs.  I'm glad I no longer live where blizzards occur.  Another "whatever floats your boat".

Good morning everyone, sun is shining and the trees are covered with snow and beautiful. Windy today and on the TV they are talking about branches falling with the wind. Some schools are closed again today.

JOAN  glad Linda finally made it home. I hope she never has to get here in the north east again in winter. A DD jelly doughnut with powdered sugar is messy so I can imagine what a beignet is like.

GLORIA de  no sleet here, just snow.

JEANNE LEE  like you I have an appointment Wednesday and that has been cancelled twice already. I do dislike winter appointments.

LLOYD  not only me. We all want you to be careful and start slowing down on all the work you do.

JOAN  in the time I have been reading the clouds have covered the sun again. Looks like it could start snowing again. Chuckles is too true. One Little Seed can be a miracle. Thank you for all today's goodies.

AMY  we got about 5 inches of snow yesterday. They are moving cars in the parking lot to plow and sand.

Good morning, Gloria.  Linda travels so much and has several trips to Boston, NYC and  Philly on her schedule before winter is over so she'll probably have to endure more snow.  Sounds like you are going to be snowed in again.

It looks like the storm is about over - for now.  The predicted 6 to 15 inch accumulation turned out to be about 7 inches.  That should mean there won't be much problem with the roads for tomorrow afternoon.  I may just be able to keep one appointment.  Wednesday doesn't look too hopeful, though.  That appointment has already been changed three times. 

Yup!  Winter in the north of New York State.   :D

Hi everyone.  It is going to be another beautiful day here going up to about 68 degrees this afternoon and zero chance of rain. 

We had a delightful time last night at the Valentine's Banquet at the Church for we Seniors.  The tables were nicely decorated and we had name cards at our designated table.  As you checked in a young person directed us to our assigned table.  We were served with a delicious lasagna, salad and bread meal topped off with a nice slice of cheesecake.  Then the young people presented a nice program of Praise Music, interpretative and tap dance numbers, corny jokes and the highlight was a video called Car Karaoke that one youth made with several members of the senior group.  It was clips of these individuals in a car with the young man who was one of the MC's of the program.  The group included his grandfather who was a riot and really didn't seem to be able to carry a tune. 

The only down side to the evening was as we arrived one of the ladies had fallen outside the church entrance and hit her head on the pavement.  The ambulance was called and took her to the hospital.  I spoke briefly with the minister as we left last night and he said she had been admitted to the ICU for observation because of hitting her head. 

My schedule is light today as just plan on attending my Monday noon meeting and if I have the energy will stop at the Men's Warehouse to look for a sports coat that would look nice and be appropriate to wear to church.

Thanks to all of you for the Happy Birthday wishes.  It was a nice day.

Gloria, I have never heard of the Superantispyware program.  I do use Malwarebytes plus a virus checker.

Joy, I noticed the last few days when I have been outside and the sun is shining that there is definite warmth to the sunshine. 

deAngel, having our birthdays on Lincoln's birthday has always helped me remember the date.  It used to be the Lincoln's as well as Washington's Birthdays were recognized separately rather than just the President's Day of now.  Too bad your nephew lost his Uber job over something in 1984.  Hope he can get that cleared up and get his job back. 

Amy, the lady that sold me the Singer Featherweight for Pat's Christmas also collects Featherweights and apparently has quite a few.  Unfortunately, right now Pat is not feeling like sitting and sewing but that hasn't slackened the arrival of packages from the Missouri Star Quilting company.  :)

Carol, I like Il Divo and almost all Irish Tenors and have a lot of them on my playlists on Spotify. 

June, hope today finds you feeling much better.  You are so right that we do have much to be thankful for and having lots of good friend, like you all, it high on my list.

Jenny, it seems that even with new homes there are always somethings to go on a punch list.  I hope your son and family enjoy the new home and the Boston area.   

Joan, yes yesterday was my 76th birthday.  I am certainly no gourmet cook and think it would have been hard to mess up the cole slaw dressing as I just wanted general proportions.  I didn't follow it exactly as he had onion in his cole slaw and I don't care for it in cole slaw. 

Once again, thanks to you all for the delightful birthday wishes. 

Morning all.
Would you beliieve the Oaks are budding.   They may get fooled.  No fruit trees around my house, but I know those with orchards must be hol.ding their breath.

Tom sent a link to me this morning.  It shows a $2.5M house on fire near Petoskey.  Bay Harbor is a very expensive area on a bay off Lake Michigan at the top of the lower peninsula.  Tom said it was a "live feed" and I am not sure it was live, but it was a video.  I could see flames coming from the top of the house.  Tom loves northern Michigan in the Petoskey area and would live up there if finances allowed.  Actually, his finances allow him to live in Grand Rapids with Aunt Mary Ann!!!

I really had posted the link to the fire but apparently it has been removed, so I deleted it from here.  I'm sorry, because it was spectacular.

We are in the low 30s now and I doubt we'll get over 40 degrees, but the sun is shining and as I often say 'any day is nice when the sun shines'. 

I don't know what is on the agenda for today, so I'll probably be back later.

Mary Ann

Good morning, sun is shinning, few clouds, but we have North East wind warnings posted till 6 to night. guest could get up to 60

Thank you Jenny for my greeting. My brain feels like 16, but the body is saying 93.

Joan, I am not a fan of cold pizza, but my g.daughter will eat it for breakfast also.

Larry, I had a friend who use to make good cole slaw and she put crushed pineapple in it.

June, glad to see you are moving around. Hope your new wound heals faster.

Gloria, when I got up my cleared walk is a sheet of ice, and I see the road in front of my house is also iced up.  I am surprised that have not sanded, I have not seen one car go by. Of course to morrow I have a doctors appointment.

Gloria D, my brain tells me I can do things, but my body says I can't.  I'm sorry about all of the ice you're having.  It does make getting around difficult.

I remember having cabbage and pineapple and liking the combination.  I haven't had it in ages. 

I might eat pizza for breakfast but I think I'd heat it in the microwave. 

Presidents Day - no mail today.

Mary Ann

Good Afternoon Everyone,  from the very snowy, blizzard driven,  rocky coast of Maine.   

I got up this morning and went in and finished what I doing in my back room....   I finally shreaded the futon and threw it away.   

Now will wait until my kids come to take apart  the couch frame that it was sitting on.    I can still use this frame to set some of my large plastic storage containers on..  So the room is looking very neat right now.    I moved a large bureau in there also,  for storage.   

I want to dismember this and toss it too,  but I need someone stronger to help me rip it apart.     So for now it is storage.

I am slowly,  slowly getting rid of a lot of the stuff that I had accumulated after coming off the road.     First I had to get a lot of stuff,  because all I had was in my van,   now that I have accumulated  too much stuff,  again,  I am paring down.... 

Trying to keep it simple.     I just do not need so much stuff hanging around any longer.       And the futon couch was so uncomfortable that I decided to get rid of it permanently.     

I might get me a single bed to use in the back room,  just in case someone needs a place to crash for a bit.     
You know kids and Grand kids.     
So far I have been able to help out two of them,  and
there are still a lot more to growing up.   

So maybe a twin bed is in my future. 

I know one thing.    I am tired and have worked too hard today,  so I am done until the spirit hits me again.

Have a good day,  everyone... 
Sandy
:dizzy: :crash:

Good Morning all...I finally made it in before noon Ca. time. I keep forgetting that most of you are two and three hours later.

I was wakened at five a.m.for another blood test. They think my droopiness may be anemia, so it will interesting to find out. I had a blood test a week ago to see how all those salt tablets are sitting in my guts. So far, so good. Then began a series of more pills. Thyroid at 6 A.M., and a nitro patch, four meds and two salt tablets at 8:30, then two vitamens at 10a.m. With five more scattered down the line. I was complaining till I heard a lady on the second floor has to take 26 pills all in the early hours of the day, and all at the same time. Her poor stomach lining must be a mess.

Today is a "free" day, but I will go down for lunch, then on to return a book to the library and pick up a fresh one. I like to have three on hand in case I can't make it down when I need to. I am reading one by Louis L'Amour at the present time. He was my older son's favorite author at one time. All I read from books is light and relaxing. I save the hard stuff for my computer. Today I looked up Osteoporosis. A friend told me she has it. Yesterday I found via the computer that Congress does have a method of rewriting something to over-ride the Supreme Court. Very interesting.

We are having a nice sun-shiny morning in Stanton, Ca. It will feel good to get out and walk in it, which I will do before lunch time.

Right after I posted to Gloria this morning, my internet went down.  I called my provider right away, and he just now left after fixing things.

June, I've been griping to myself about taking 16 pills a day, some of them morning and night.  I'd hate to take 26 pills a day, all at the same time.  Yours seem to include more prescription pills than I have as some of mine are self chosen, but with doctors' knowledge and permission (vitamins).

I've been watching the weather on both sides of the country.  How vastly different, but also very threatening.  The Oroville Cam crisis is much worse than the snow, although the heavy snow is keeping Sandy inside.  I would be, too.

In September 1986 we had rain every day of the month.  I live on a pond and if the water had risen another foot, it would have been at the edge of my patio and another six inches would have put it at my patio/slider door in the lower level.  We haven't had such rain since.

Mary Ann

Mary Ann--And aren't you glad you haven't had rain like that since 1986?

Mary Ann, I think two of my pills are vitamins..a multi vitamin and a C, and the C is given twice a day. The patch used to be a pill,but they claim the patch is better because it is absorbed throughout the day, not just as it passes through the stomach....whatever it keeps me going.

Just finished another book that I started last night. It was O.K. but not one I will remember.Also had another nice nap  :)

MaryAnn and June, I take 11 pills, but you said I take by choice Mult. Vit, Folic acid , and fish oil with doc. approval.  I have nitro to take when needed.My walk way still on ice on it, so my neighbor put ice melt on it. I have a doctors appointment to morrow AM

Joan, yes I am glad we haven't had weather like that since 1986 and I hope we never do as long as I am living here.  The two coasts are being clobbered and I'm glad I live in Michigan!  We do get bad storms and we occasionally have tornado alerts, but I don't know anywhere in Michigan where we'd have mudslides or dam situations such as the west coast gets.  I'm used to snow and now I don't have to worry about it, or being out in it.

Mary Ann

Gloria de, I hope you have some really good news from your Dr. visit tomorrow. To me the best news of all is "You are doing O.K. Keep doing what you are doing". So, I just came back from a walk down the hall ways and also outside to take a trip around our big garden area. It is all well lighted and it is fun to see all the apt. lights and know the people are well.

My girl/nurse just came in with two meds, cholesterol and blood pressure, and she will be back again around 9 with one more, Lorazapam. That assures me of a good nights sleep. I am Blessed.

So, I will get this body ready for bed and book, and look forward to seeing you all in the morning. God grant you a peaceful night and a happy healthful tomorrow. Love, Hugs and more prayers. June

Jeanne Lee
as long as you think you need the doctor appointments for you and not just making them richer go for it. other wise bale put and save your money. I am going back to bed now Have a great rest of the night's sleep.

Lloyd

Good Tuesday morning, Everyfriend, on this Valentine’s Day.   There's bear claws to accompany your coffee or tea. I wish everyone a Happy Valentine’s Day!!




Radio Shack

Do those guys at Radio Shack ever get on your nerves, asking you for a bunch of personal data when you're just there to buy something as simple as a couple AA batteries? I think we should inconvenience these people as much as they do us. A while ago I was in Radio Shack buying a printer cable adapter and the guy asked me for my name.

"Ghosseindhatsghabyfaird-Johnson," I replied.

(blank look of confusion)

"How do you spell that?" he asked, obviously not wanting to know.

"With a hyphen," I clarified.

"Once more?" he asked.

"Ghosseindhatsghabyfaird-Johnson"

"Could you please spell that?" he asked, glancing at the half dozen people waiting behind me.

"Oh ... just like it sounds," I said non-chalantly.

Putting down "Johnson," he went on and asked about the address.

"Washburn, Wisconsin, 14701 N.E. Wachatanoobee Parkway, Complex 3, Building O, Appt. 1382b," I replied.

Almost through writing all this down, I said, "Or did you mean current address?"

Stopping, he said, (becoming irritated) "Yes. Current address."

"Diluthian Heights, Mississippi, 1372 S. Tinatonabee Avenue, Building 14C, Suite 2, Box 138201," I replied quite slowly.

Waiting until he finished I said, "No, wait, it's NORTH Tinatonabee Avenue." Annoyed, he backed up and changed it.

"I think," I interjected.

"And is all this correct?" he asked in a standard manner.

"Of course not," I replied, leaving, "If you want my REAL name and address, look at the credit card receipt."

A little mean, I must admit, but no jury would convict me ... at least, none that had been to Radio Shack.



Girls Come With Instructions
(By Ron Hutchcraft)

When my son was a teenager he used to read the Sunday cartoons, and I heard him laughing out loud one day. He called out to me, "Hey, Dad, come here. They got this one right!" He could really relate to this particular cartoon, and knowing that this was something that would help my intellectual development, he let me read it.

There's a young man standing at his locker in school and he says, "Could it be? I'm almost certain that she did! I'm sure that new girl, Angie, smiled at me when I passed her in the hall just now!" See, my guys could relate to this. Then this guy says, "Then again, maybe she's just friendly and smiles at everyone like that." Then he says, "Or maybe she was smiling at someone else and not at me at all." And then the final panel he says, "(Sigh)...I wish girls came with instructions." They do.

I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Girls Come With Instructions."

Now, our word for today from the Word of God comes from 1 Timothy 5:2 . It's part of a passage that gives us instructions on how a Christian man should treat various groups. And then, we get to how he should treat the women; especially the younger women. Here's what it says, "Treat the younger women as sisters with absolute purity."

Well, what do you know? Girls do come with instructions. And the instructions are, "Treat them as sisters with absolute purity." I'll tell you, that's a pretty revolutionary concept for modern male/female relationships. We men are raised to treat women as conquests, not sisters; as someone to know mostly on a physical level, not as a person in a family kind of relationship.

Interesting! Sometimes you'll hear someone describing something that's relatively unexciting in this way, "Oh, it's sort of like kissing your sister." You know, a relationship with your sister is not primarily physical; it's a family deal. The point of what Paul is saying is, "That's what we ought to be seeking as men in our relationships with women."

The bonds between a brother and sister aren't based on a physical relationship; it's a friendship - a bonding based on something much deeper, shared experiences, laughing together, crying together, shopping, eating, arguing, and celebrating.

Relationships between men and women become much more complicated, much more tense, much more unnatural, when they're dominated by a romantic agenda or a sexual agenda. If only we could turn in our hunting license and quit looking for girlfriends, and start looking for girls who are friends.

One characteristic of a brother's love is protection. Man, I'll tell you, a brother won't let anything happen to his sister. Well, you know, it's time we men start to protect every woman around us from being used, from being cheapened by physical involvement, to begin to give them the royal treatment and the loyal treatment that a sister deserves. And it's time women begin to tell men that they want real relationships that are centered in Christ and committed to purity; to tell them that by the way they dress, and the way they move, and the way they talk.

Men and women? Well, they're always going to be a mystery to each other, but we've made it much more confusing than it needs to be. Start looking for sisters to build up, not lovers to conquer; people to minister to.

That's how we were created to be with each other. I know that, because I've read God's manufacturer's book, and girls do come with instructions.



"Samson with his strong body had a weak head or he would not have laid it in a harlot's lap."

- Benjamin Franklin

Good Morning Everyfriend!  I think I feel better this morning.  I'll let you know for sure after I've been up a while.  Make today a good one!

Good morning everyone.

No dance this morning :clap: but I had better not gloat too much as they are calling for more snow today and tomorrow!!!
Not sure what is on the agenda today, I know I have things to do in the house but hubby mentioned going to Costco.

Took my van in for an oil change yesterday, they seem to come around quicker now with all the Dr appointments.

Jane, have a great day..

Joan, thank you for breakfast.

Happy Valentines Day everyone.. :smitten:

Good morning, Janie.  I am so glad you feel better.

Amy--Good Morning.  I know you're happy you don't have to dance this morning.  I wish we had a Costco near here.  The closest one is on the other side of Florida.

Happy Valentines Day everyone!
well I have up about 20 min. took my vitals and had a cup of hot tea and a slice of home made angel food cake'should hold me until Nancy fixes breakfast.
Amy glad you had no more snow to contend with. and please turn it all where it misses us here in central Mo. I have a appointment with the vampire at 11: A M. I will be glad when they decide I no longer need that rat Poisson. have had no more blood clots.

Question  (i microwave my tea 2 Min.) in deffer-ant cups all ceramic glassed.
and some of get the handles so hot it burns your hands and others do not.

Lloyd

LLOYD, check the ones that get very hot for cracks or chips.  Even a minute crack or chip will allow the microwaves to heat the ceramic and that's what makes the handles and/or the cups hot.  I try to avoid using the chipped ones in the microwave.

Thanks JaneS
I will look and see what I can see.

Lloyd

Good morning, Lloyd.  Our Janie is very smart and had the answer for you.

Thanks Janie.

Bis I some times think the older the dumber I get. especially after the head knock in 2014. I am getting some better but lot of my thoughts come late.
( can't chew gum and walk at same time any more ) Have a great day.

Lloyd

Good morning everyone, sun is shining and it looks like the wind has finally calmed down. It is a cold 21°.

JOAN  I do not envy your daughter with all the traveling she does especially in winter. Just hope it is not snowing tomorrow. I have an appointment that I have rescheduled 2 times already. My son will be taking me this time.

JEANNE LEE  like you my appointment for tomorrow has been rescheduled twice already.

LARRY  Looks like the Valentine dinner at your church was fun. Hope that lady who fell will be OK. I have used the Super Antispyware for several years. I used Malwarebytes till the PC came back from HP last time. When I installed it again  a bug sneaked in with it so deleted it and cleaned this machine. I have a virus program, too.

HAL  hope the fruit trees in your area do not start budding. My son had a couple of years that happened and then a late freeze killed the buds and he had no crop.

MARY ANN  I agree with you about sunny days.  Lifts our spirits after several gloomy days.

GLORIA de  we did not get above freezing yesterday and with that wind it felt really cold. I have put pineapple in coleslaw at times, also grated apples into it a few times.

JUNE  I would not be happy if anyone woke me in the morning for a blood test or to take pills, especially on an empty stomach. Hope you are enjoying the Louis L'amour book. My daughter has most of his books and a collection of Zane Gray books, too.

JOAN  a bear claw will be a tasty treat this morning. Chuckles-no wonder Radio Shack stores are closing down. Food for Thought should be required reading for everyone. Thank you for all today's goodies.

JANE  good seeing you this morning, you have been missed.

AMY  my daughter misses having a Costco to go to.

LLOYD  I seldom use my microwave and never heated a cup of anything in it.

Lloyd--You are a wise man.

Good morning Gloria.  I hope you can get to your appointment tomorrow.  Linda is working in Philadelphia this week. 

Hi everyone on this Valentine's Day.  We should get to the mid 70's today with no rain.

Yesterday was a pretty uneventful day.  I did attend my meeting and then stopped at Men's Warehouse but didn't buy anything as their sales are on the weekends.  I am simply not going to pay well over $300 for a sport coat. There was an Atlanta Bread Company near where I stopped so I went in and bought a loaf of French bread.  It is the biggest loaf of bread I have ever purchased and will share half of it with Scott and Jennifer tomorrow afternoon. 

Nothing on the schedule for today unless we go out to have our big meal to celebrate Valentine's Day.  I doubt that Pat will want to do that since we will be going to a nice restaurant tomorrow afternoon to celebrate my Birthday a few days late.

Hal, I am sure the peach farmers around here are also holding their breath as things are budding out.  My neighbor across the street has been watering her front yard and it is starting to turn green.  Mine can stay brown until it naturally starts to green up as my water bills are high enough as it is. 

Mary Ann, that house fire would be a terrible loss but expect it would be fully insured if people could afford such an expensive home. 

deAngel, I have often had that same thought that my mind doesn't feel old although I am beginning to experience problems of recalling things on an immediate basis or saying the wrong words when I am thinking of something else.  I am hopeful it is just age as my friends about my age or older say they also experience the same thing.  Pineapple in cole slaw is good.  I like pineapple chunks on cottage cheese as it makes a tasty side dish.  Sure hope your ice melted yesterday and you can make your appointment today.

June, it seems the doctors keep adding pills and seldom eliminate them.  You do take a lot of pills.  All of my pills are heart related except for an OTC allery pill.  Like Mary Ann I take 14 or 16 pills a day but half in the morning right before breakfast and half after dinner. 

JaneS, good to see you post and I sure hope you are feeling better. 

Lloyd, glad you no longer need the Warfarin.  You must be doing better. 

Gloria, I have never thought about apples in cole slaw but know that would be good.  We have become regular customers of COSTCO as it is only about 2 miles or so from us right off the Interstate. 

Larry i did not look back to see what i said , but I confused you I am still on the rat poison.what i intended to say was I will be glad to get off of it.

Lloyd

Good morning, Larry.  You get to celebrate your birthday and Valentine's Day in one outing.  I keep my bread in the refrigerator.  With only me to eat it (and I only have one or two slices a week) it goes bad pretty fast.  I like pineapple with cottage cheese, too.

Good morning, Callie.

Regarding Warfarin: 

This is a miracle drug for someone like me with Afib, 
which can cause blood clots to form,  and strokes to happen.

I can never stop taking it,  because it is working as it should,
by keeping me alive and healthy.

When I count my blessings Warfarin is at the top of the list.

(As you can see,  my testimony if filled with I's  and Me's,
and not a reflection of any one else's testimony)

Sandy
  :smitten: Happy Valentines Day  :smitten:


   

Larry, apple and cherry growers here have the same anxieties about early frosts, then thaws and repeats.  We also have peach growers, not as many as in Georgia, but several types are well known in the mid-West.

I am not so sure the burned house was occupied.  The article gave the owners as a Real Estate company and construction repairs were being done.  I read somewhere that the house was a total loss and they were fortunate to save the house next door which escaped with some singed shingles and smoke damage.  When I would visit Tom when he lived up there, he'd take me for a ride in that area.  Beautiful, very expensive homes in a very desirable location on a bay off Lake Michigan.  Go to PetoskeyNews.com for further info.  I haven't been there this morning, but I'm going to see what they have - soon.

Sandy, I took Warfarin at one time and eventually told to discontinue it.  When I was diagnosed with A-Fib, I started taking Eliquis and will take that forever. 

Larry, I take 11 pills in the morning and five at night.  Plus I have eye drops that I must put in each evening.  Those are another prescription med.  The benefits of getting old.

Now I'll see if the mailman left any mail.

Mary Ann

Larry, don't bother trying to find more news about the fire because the article they have is the same as yesterday.  That paper publishes Monday through Friday so I don't understand why no update, but there is no news.

In replies at the end of the article, someone posted that the house was for sale and another person posted that it had been bought and was being remodeled.  I sure hope they had insurance.

Mary Ann

Sandy--I am glad the Warfarin manages your A-fib.

Mary Ann--I have A-fib, too, and take Metoprolol.

Joan,

I take Metoprolol,   also ....  the coumadin came in after the strokes.    I believe that both of these are tried and true medications for afib issues...       Good thing too,  because they are relatively inexpensive.

We are all very fortunate to have so many very good medications for all of our varied issues....  Some pretty reasonably priced!!! 

Sandy

I take Metoprolol Succ, which I think is a generic version.  I've taken that since 2002 and the Eliquis since 2014.  Originally, the Metoprolol was for BP only, but they continued it when I was diagnosed with A-Fib. 

Mary Ann

Sandy--Yes, some meds are reasonable and others are atrocious.  Just one of my inhalers (lasts a month) costs $316.00.  The other one lasts a bit longer and costs $150.00.

Mary Ann--It's the same with me with the metropolol--originally for high blood pressure.  Then along comes A-fib and my cardiologist doubled the dose.

I see  a pattern here that we all  have apparently followed...    (regarding Afib) ....   
I know that other meds are out of control and out of sight..
unfortunately, for many people.  :'(

well i thank V A and all you tax payers for my med's . If it weren't for you all I most likely been gone long time ago. thank you and have a good day.

Lloyd

Sandy--I've heard about some people who go without food to pay for their meds.   Sad.

Lloyd--Unfortunately I don't have the benefits you do.

Well, Joanie and Lloyd and all, I don't have the kind of money or insurance or the VA on my side but I guess I have something even better.  God has seen that I don't need any of those expensive pills.  The only thing I need is eye drops that might be costing me about &115.00 a month if it were not for the goodness of my eye doctor.  They have been supplying me with pharmaceutical samples for at least 2 years now.

About the microwave and the cups....when microwaves were introduced, I was working regularly for my Father-in-law, in aTV and appliance business.  They were asked to send someone to a class at the distributor so that each store had someone who knew about this new appliance.  When he read the letter, everyone looked at me.  So I was the one who went to a 3 day seminar and I was the demonstrator at the store.  It's probably the only appliance that I knew more about than my FIL.  He was one smart cookie but he didn't really care about the microwave.  I did!

I worked this morning so now that I've had some lunch and the doggies have had their snack, I'll go let them out again and go see if there are any zzzs floating around in the sofa or my bed.  I'm really tired... 

Janie--Now we know who to come to when we have microwave questions.  How lucky you are to get eye drop samples from your doctor.  I hope you found some ZZZ's.

I am very fortunate with my medical insurance from the company where I worked those many years.  So far, I have not paid a dime for the insurance itself.  I have both dental and medical.  As you know, Medicare pays 80%.  My insurance company pays 80% of what Medicare does not pay and I pay the balance.  I have five prescriptions that are mailed to me every three months.  I think the most I've paid for any of them has been $40 for a 3-month supply and one of them is less than $10 for a 3-month supply.  The company puts a certain amount into a fund to take care of retiree medical expenses.  They recently changed their procedure for current employees and I think the employees pay something or are given an allowance for them to find their own insurance.  The company is self assured and the insurance company administers the program.

My insurance does not cover glasses or hearing aids.

I know things can change but I've been retired over 30 years and gotten good mileage out of the program so far.

Mary Ann

Good day from the Interior, where it is five minutes after twelve. I have been out for the past couple of days with that same sinus issue, but I'm glad to be back, if not wholly functional!

We are at thirty degrees and skies are no longer simply white.

I hope everyone is having a nice day and Happy Valentine's!

Mary Ann--You certainly are fortunate to have such good medical insurance.

angelface--Glad to hear your sinus problem is somewhat better.  I guess 30° is warm for there?

Joan, February is our coldest month of the year, sometimes remaining below minus thirty to minus forty for six weeks. We have had highs about minus six to minus seven with lows in the minus twenties so having a low about minus one and a daytime high of plus thirty without any humidity to chill, its a very good thing!

  ❣️ HAPPY VALENTINES DAY EVERYFRIEND ❣️

I don't know what happened to today, but it has escaped me. I got an early start..up at 6:30..or maybe it was 7:00 Did my usual devotions, went down for bandage change..they had doctors calling today, so left to come back after lunch. Got on the computer, and I guess that was my mistake…I got involved in answering emails and then it was time for lunch, Came home for  a nap….as I recall…then down for Balance and Mobility at 2:45…home for more reading, and it was suddenly time for supper. And now here I am. Have read all your posts.

Janie, it is a delight to see you posting, and I am sorry you were ill. I pray you will not have a recurrence.

Gloria, I usually have a good eight hours of sleep every night..more or less…so I am glad to be awakened early, or I may just keep on sleeping the whole day away. Seriously…I never seem to get enough sleep, and can nap three or four times during the day. I finished the Louie L'Amour book and picked up another one. There are quite a few in the library but they are all hard back and quite thick. Too hard to try and read while laying down, and that is how I do Most all my reading. Paper backs are more my style now.

Larry, I too like pineapple with cottage cheese and also in cole slaw. They use quite a bit of pineapple here, so it must be good for us. They also use melon and strawberries, but they have no flavor. They must be imported or hot house grown.

Bis, I keep my bread in the freezer. I use so little that I would be throwing it out if it were not frozen. A few seconds in the microwave thaws it out.

I had supper tonight with a lady that was from Australia, she married a Navy man during the WW11 era, and has been in the U.S. ever since. A lovely outgoing lady. The meals today also had special desserts for Valentines day, and when we woke this morning there were hand made valentines hanging from our door knobs. We are so nicely treated here.

Hi Jenny. Hope you had a good day.

Time for me to close and get ready for bed.
Have a blessed peaceful night and a happy tomorrow. Hugs, Love and Prayers. June

Good night Everyfriend and may God bless us, every one!

Good Wednesday morning, Everyfriend.  There’s blueberry toaster strudel to accompany your coffee or tea. I wish everyone a great day!!



Questionnaire

An Army private filling out a questionnaire for a correspondence course was stymied by the question, "How long has your present employer been in business?"
He thought for a moment, then wrote, "Since 1776."




Ants on the Battlefield
(By Chris Long)

I just got back from battle. And boy am I exhausted!

I have hope that maybe this time, I FINALLY have won...but I'm not so sure.

What am I talking about, you say?

ANTS!

A few weeks ago, I noticed a couple of them in the bathroom, killed them and thought nothing more of them.

A few days later, and a few more appeared - this time in the kitchen - which I again killed and thought little of them.

Then they started showing up in the den. This time there were several, so I went out and saw where they were coming in and dutifully sprayed them. Problem solved, I thought. Boy I can sure be naive! Ants, I have discovered, are quite the tenacious little critters!

For a few days, all was calm...and THEN, several were in the kitchen - not a lot mind you, but enough that they were becoming a problem. I killed all the ones I could see and then I went outside and found a whole trail of ants and sprayed them. Again, all seemed fine for a few days.

Then tonight, they were all over the kitchen, high up on the walls, above the pantry, at the sink - you get the picture. Subsequently I discovered that they were also in the living room. I even found one lone ranger in the den.

It took me hours to clean up and do a full house perimeter check - spraying all around the house.

For now, I'm thinking that maybe, just maybe, I've showed them who's the boss and they won't be dropping by for a visit again anytime soon. Then again, I may just be living in some fantasy land. I'm not quite sure. The Orkin Man may be my next call... :)

But, you know, these pesky ants got me to thinking.

About sin. And about spiritual warfare.

You know, unlike most of my previous ant experiences, these ants were a tricky bunch. They didn't just all show up one day in one location and make it easy for me to eliminate them. No, they initially showed up a few at a time, making it easy for me to dismiss them as "not really a problem".

How often this has this been my experience with sin!

The devil knows that often times the easiest way to snare someone is not to rush at them all at once - to lay a giant temptation. No, he often starts with small, seemingly little things - things that lull us little by little away from God and His desires for us - all the while maintaining a false sense of security. Then the devil lays out the big one - the big trap. Weakened by so many of the little compromises we've already made, it is then much easier for us to give in.

Had the devil tried to lay the big one from the outset, we probably would instantly recognize it as a problem and resist. But by drawing us little by little away from the things of the Lord, we become desensitized to the voice of the Lord and in our weakened state, we're just like a deer caught in the headlights waiting for the car to come and take us out...

When I first saw those ants, what I SHOULD have thought was: "ANTS!!! They shouldn't be here! I'm going to kill them and then go make sure there are no others!" But, instead, I mostly ignored them, not realizing that a much larger ant problem was soon to be in my future. Because I took a passive posture, rather than an active one, I set myself up for so much more trouble than I might otherwise have had.

And that's how it is with sin. Whether we like it or not, the reality is that there is major spiritual warfare going on all the time behind the scenes. When we accepted Christ as our Savior, we actively chose Jesus and moved from the kingdom of the devil into the kingdom of God. But the devil, he just ain't content with that. No, he will still try to woo us and he loves for us to live weak, sin-filled, ineffective lives - where we aren't a good witness for Jesus Christ.

There is spiritual warfare going on in the spiritual dimension over us. And we are a participant whether we want to be or not. It is a part of the cosmic struggle between the devil and God. We were once on the side of the devil (whether we knew it or not). When we chose Jesus, we transferred onto God's team. But we don't get to just sit on the sidelines. And God doesn't intend for us to sit on the sidelines.

The Bible tells us to be active. We are told to "put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." (Ephesians 4:22b-23) Did you catch it? "Put off", "Put on": These are action words. Same thing a bit later in the well known part of Ephesians 6 where we are told: "Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." (Ephesians 6:11) We've got to actively put on that armor. We've got to stand our ground. We've got to take up our shield, put on our helmet, wield our sword (the Word of God!). We've got to be prepared for battle and maintain a healthy, vibrant prayer life.

If we're not active, we're passive. And if we're passive, we're just asking for it because the devil and his cohorts are NOT passive: they are QUITE active and they WILL be paying you a visit (and like my ants, they'll keep coming back!). You can count on that.

So as believers in Jesus Christ, we really only get one option if we want to live vibrant, joyful, powerful, abundant lives: We MUST actively fight. We're told in God's Word to "Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16).

We're told in Philippians 4:8, to think on (put into our minds) things that are "noble", "right", "pure", "lovely", "admirable", "excellent", and "praiseworthy."

If a believer spends their days and nights listening to worldly music, watching worldly t.v. shows and movies, engaging in worldly entertainment, focussing on the world's gadgets and gizmos, etc. then it probably shouldn't come as a big surprise why they are not living the victorious, abundant life God wants them to live. I mean, if a movie has inappropriate language and/or sexual situations (stirs up lust) and/or messages and themes contrary to Scripture (i.e. "revenge", "living together before marriage is ok", "homosexuality should be celebrated", etc.) then we really need to ask ourselves what part of that is "noble", "right", "pure", "lovely", "admirable", "excellent", and "praiseworthy."

It's the little compromises that set us up for bigger failures. If we're not active in fighting the "good fight of faith" (1 Timothy 6:12a), then we're passively just awaiting the devil to come and tweak us out and rip us off. Jesus, aluding to the devil, said: "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." (John 10:10)

If we will take the time to really read and study God's Word, talk to God in prayer, spend time with other believers, and put good and edifying things into our minds, we will reap a beautiful harvest. We will truly live the type of God-honoring lives where not only are we living the abundant life Jesus talked about (which is only found in Him), but it will be a tremendous witness to those around us as well. (sidenote: our witness with others is one of the key things the enemy is after!)

In the end, God's Word tells us how this great longtime struggle between God and the devil (with the other fallen angels) turns out. They lose. God wins. End of story. They've actually already lost; the outcome isn't even in question. Colossians 2:15 tells us that the devil has already been disarmed by Christ at the cross. So, actually, largely what the devil comes at us with is deception. He makes himself seem a lot scarier than he really is. But we must stand in these realities for them to be realities in our lives. We rest in the finished work of the cross, but out of that reality, we also maintain an active posture of resisting the devil. For our own sake and the sake of those around us, we cannot afford to be inactive.

Back to those ants: You know, I don't know whether they're going to show their pesky little ant faces again. I'd like to think they are but a distant memory. But I know this: the next time I see one or two of them, I have no intention of ignoring them.

Because, you know what?

Those ants mean business.



The best way to avoid temptation is to avoid the tempting situation.

--Author Unknown

Good morning everyone.

We did take off yesterday and shopped at Costco. Our timing was perfect as most of the items were on sale! Dogs love it when we go there to as they get to share a hot dog.
Have a date this morning, not much snow to move but it does have to go.

Joan, thank you for breakfast.

Enjoy your day everyone..

Good morning, Amy.  You treat your dogs well--hot dogs.:)  Sorry you have to dance with snow removal equipment.

It's errand day for me, so I'll be getting out early to beat the crowds.

Good Morning Everyfriend!  It's cloudy and cold here today.  It's my day to go in later this afternoon to work today so I didn't set the alarm last night and we slept until 7 a.m.!  That's really late for me.  So far this morning, I ground coffee, made dog food, fed the dogs and had my own breakfast.  That's after the doggies did their inspection of the yard.

Now I'm ready for the day.  Like Joanie, I have a few errands to run including stopping at the court house for dog licenses....a job I've put off until it's LATE for getting it done.  And I need to have someone find my ears.  If the right girl is in the shop, I might do that today, also.

Yesterday, I made Jambalaya for my supper.  It was so good that I put some in the hidey hole to share with anyone who likes it.  I've made it many times and it's never the same twice.  It was all that talk about New Orleans and beignet that reminded me I hadn't made it for a while. 

Make today a good one!

Good morning, Janie.  You've done lots already this morning.  Hopefully the right girl is in to find your ears.:)  I love jambalaya.  Thanks for putting some in the hidey hole.

Good Morning Everyone,  from the cold and rainy  (right now),  rocky coast of Maine... 

I was up late last night watching the snow removal going on here,  to get rid of all the snow left by the last storm.   They didnt' get rid of it all but the rain today should help clean things up before the big snow starts to fall tonight.... 

And so it goes here in Maine in the Winter  (as we start to look forward to the Spring) ...   (Panting)
:missyou: 

All is well here.  I am tired as I was up listening to the News  and that ain't pretty,  but very tiring. 

Have a good day,   Everyone... 
Sandy
:walkwhistle:

Hi everyone on a dark, cloudy morning here in South Carolina with a very high chance of rain today.  We stayed in all day yesterday and it was a beautiful day but today Pat has PT this morning at eleven and we plan on going to the Chop House to complete celebrating my birthday.  It is becoming a new tradition to go to this nice restaurant to celebrate birthdays and special occasions.  Since we will be eating a big meal in the middle of the afternoon we will not be going to the Wednesday night dinner at church. 

Lloyd, I misread your message about the rat poison you still have to take.  Sorry.

Joan, we have had that problem as well with bread going bad, especially during the summer when there is a lot of humidity.  Like June, I sometimes put part of a loaf in the freezer and then just microwave it for a few seconds and that seems to work. 

Sandy, I know that some people must stay on Warfarin and glad it is keeping you safe.

JaneS, interesting that you had special microwave training.  I am sure the your eye doctor receives the eye drop samples free so it is nice he has helped you out with the expensive medicine.  There is a good site to check local prices of drugs called goodrx.com . You put in your medicine name and dosage and it will give you prices for pharmacies around your area.  There sometimes are large variations in prices of the same drug among pharmacies. 

Amy, what does COSTCO charge for a hot dog and drink at their food counter?  Here is is $1.50 and it is a big hotdog and drink. 

Good Morning Everyone!

Our weather here is kinda in between, not cold, not warm, sunny but.....well just but.  We  are at that time of the year where we have the heat on in the mornings and a/c on in the afternoons.  It's Texas.

Amy you will soon have the type of weather I hated in Canada when things start to thaw and you have the pot holes, nasty cars, all the accumulated sand at intersections and dog poo and thrash coming out of the snow that has been pushed to the sides of roads.  But you did learn to appreciate the warm weather.

Well, tomorrow I have an eye appointment and then on Friday I get my shot in my lower back.  I have to come off the blood thinners starting today and the worst part go all the way across town to a surgical center and of course it is in one of the most congested/busy areas in town.  They put you out for the shot, I just hope it helps.

Got a phone call early yesterday morning from the wife of one of the folks I worked with telling me her husband had died during the night.  He had had a stroke a few weeks ago so it wasn't unexpected.  Boy-o-boy it seems our friends are dropping like flies.  I have to think hard to remember who is still alive.  Mostly just wives, us old men seemed to move on to our new homes. 

You know what sounds good.  Smothered steak, mashed potatoes, green beans, a nice lettuce and tomato salad.

Larry, you talking about living over a fault, San Antonio is built over a very large aquifer, covers a couple of hundred miles, but they assure us that it is stable and not longer active......oh, and we "used" to get all our water from this aquifer.  Long, long story.  Hope you never have to use the insurance.

LARRY, thanks for the tip.  I'll check it out but the reason my eyedrops are so expensive is that they are not on the approved formulary for most drug plans.  I keep checking that and so far nothing.  When the dr. prescribed them, we went trhough a lot of possibilities and they were all out of my financial reach.  I think that's why they keep supplying me.  All I have to do is go in with the almost empty vial and they give me another.  And it's not even out of my way.  It's on my way to almost anywhere I go and not even 5 minutes from home.

Sandy--Good morning. I think you have some time to wait before Spring arrives.  If it makes you tired to listen to the news, how about turning it off?

Good morning, Larry.  I've never been to a Chop House, but have heard their food is great.  The closest one to me is  in Orlando.  Guess I should try putting my bread in the freezer.

halkel--Good morning.  I hope that shot in your back helps.  That menu you listed sounds good.  Are you cooking?

Janie--I've asked many times for medicine samples and think only twice did I ever get any.

Good Afternoon Joan... 

I do turn off the news.    Have been turning it off for a very long time....    Unless something compelling is happening,  the my curiosity kills this cat...    (giggle)

I hope that everyone has a great day!

Good Morning all, :headspin:

Finally getting in at a decent hour. I have just a few minutes before I head down for Bible Study, but once I go out it seems my day is gone. All your messages have been read and enjoyed. Will be back later.  :smitten:

Sandy--I usually watch the local weather, but that's about it.

June--Enjoy your Bible Study.

Home again, and it will soon be time to head downstairs for lunch. Bible study was very interesting..Jeff Davis is an excellent speaker, and brings the Bible alive.He will be leaving for three weeks on a mission to Aftrica, so we will be keeping him in Prayer. He is about Gary's age and I like him.

There is a Valentines Party downstairs at two p.m., so if I am awake I will attend.

I hope you are all having a nice, pain free, relaxing afternoon. I have a bunch of hugs that want to be spread around, so if you like to be hugged, grab on to some. :hugs: :hugs: :hugs: :hugs: :hugs:

June, thank you, I did grab onto a hug and here is one back (((((((June))))))
I managed to clean the driveway and out back, then I went into town for some meds...hubby is having a very rough day and maybe this med will help..I sure hope so.
Got our dogs nails done , just have the neighbours dog to do, he is so easy to do..love him to bits!

June--Glad you enjoyed the Bible Study.  Thanks for the hug.  Here is a big one for you. :hugs:

Amy--Sorry your husband is having a rough day and hope the med you picked up will help.

Amy and Bis, thank you for the nice hugs...there is something so heart warming about hugs.I got a real one from one of our workers downstairs this morning, and a nice compliment that made my day..I'll not mention what she said as it would sound like I was bragging or prideful, and God doesn't like either of those things. But believe me, every chance we get to warm someone else's heart, we should do it.

Just about time to head down for the lunch "second seating" in the small dining room in our building. I'm getting so I prefer eating there instead of the big fireplace dining room, which is so filled with conversations and busy-ness, it is not what one could call relaxing. I loved it when I first came here, but I am a year older now and getting a bit "testy" in my ancient age.  ::)

 

Amy:  Hugs for you and your husband.  I do hope he can get the pain relief he deserves quickly.

Oh, my memory of having a beignet is walking down the street in New Orleans with a cup of coffee and the powdered sugar flying all over - something to see with men in dark suits walking to work & chewing their breakfast treats. 

June:  Thanks for your sweet hugs - I grabbed as many as I could hold.


Copied from June:
Amy and Bis, thank you for the nice hugs...there is something so heart warming about hugs.I got a real one from one of our workers downstairs this morning, and a nice compliment that made my day..I'll not mention what she said as it would sound like I was bragging or prideful, and God doesn't like either of those things. But believe me, every chance we get to warm someone else's heart, we should do it.
June, you are so thoughtful of others.  Good advice to be positive and not dwell on negativity that crushes our health and friendships. 

June--Carol said it well about you.  Nice that you have a choice of dining rooms to eat in.

Carol--Those beignets sure are messy, but they are sooo good.  I think they should supply bibs to those eating them.:)

Another good evening at work.  It's nice to see some of the people who come in later.  I had a nice chat with a high school senior who is relatively new.  I've seen her but never close enough to chat between customers.  She seems to have her life pretty well in hand.  She's a senior in high school and looking forward to college in the Fall.  And she thinks I'm about 65.  She couldn't believe it when I told her I'm 81.  She expects to own her own space ship in about 40 years.  I told her that's within the realm of possibility.

I think I'll watch a little TV through my eyelids and then head for bed.  Good night Everyfriend and may God bless us, every one..

HUGS for everyfriend...especially JUNE!!

Oh, Boy...I feel so loved with all those wonderful hugs you gave me. Janie, Bis , Carol, and all of you good people here. I feel so Blessed. I meant to go down for supper tonight....they were serving chicken fried steak, but somehow, my get up and go, got up and left. So I will have a light supper at home, and an early bed. Sleep well dear hearts. We each really need one another. Hugs, Prayers and Love. June

Good Thursday morning, Everyfriend.  There's Western omelets to accompany your coffee or tea. I wish everyone a good day!!




Newspaper Classifieds
(Actual excerpts from classified sections of city newspapers)

10. Get rid of aunts. Zap does the job in 24 hours.

9. Man, honest. Will take anything.

8. Dog for sale: eats anything and is fond of children.

7. Man wanted to work in dynamite factory. Must be willing to travel.

6. Mixing bowl set designed to please a cook with round bottom for efficient beating

5. For sale: antique desk suitable for lady with thick legs and large drawers.

4. Tired of cleaning yourself. Let me do it.

3. Wanted. Man to take care of cow that does not smoke or drink.

2. We do not tear your clothing with machinery. We do it carefully by hand.

1. Our bikinis are exciting. They are simply the tops!



Why Are We Here?
By Arthur Schoonveld
Scripture Reading: Matthew 25:14-23

Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!
Matthew 25:23
Several years ago two young women wrote a book, The Unique Challenges of Life in Your Twenties. According to their story, they were disappointed with the way life was turning out for them. Instead of finding fulfillment after college, they found themselves disillusioned. In their own way they began asking, Why are we here? They were experiencing what they called “the quarterlife crisis.”
Whether it’s because of a quarterlife crisis, a midlife crisis, or a retirement crisis, the same question is asked by millions of people: Why am I here? or What is the purpose of my life?
Jesus’ parable about the bags of gold (or talentsâ€"measures weighing about 75 lbs. each) helps to answer that question. Each of us is created for a purpose, regardless of whether we believe or don’t believe in God. And to fulfill our purpose, the Lord has entrusted us with gifts and resources, to be used to serve him and to build his kingdom here on earth.
Each of us in our own way and in our own setting has been placed on the earth to love God and to love our neighbors. It’s up to us to use the gifts and resources we have been given to begin serving our Lord in our everyday lives.
When we use the gifts we’ve been given, we will someday hear him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
Father, thank you for entrusting us with your gifts. Encourage us to use them in your service and in the service of others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


“I cannot let the fear of the past color the future.”

~ Julie Kagawa

Good morning everyone. Here I am really early for me. Even with my shade down I woke to flashing red lights. The rescue truck was here. They come in quiet but those lights sure get through the cracks at the sides of the shades.
That doctor appointment was time wasted yesterday. I was taken in an hour late for my appointment. Then I did not see the doctor, one of his PA's saw me. All she talked about was surgery. Thanks but no thanks. She told me it would be about a month in rehab after. Then it might not help. I was worn out when I got home. Was in bed about 7 last night.

JANE  I made Jambalaya once, my ex asked if I was trying to kill him serving that to him. The kids and I enjoyed it. I made it often after that.

HAL  you did not mention the muddy yards when the ground starts thawing out. That can be a real mess. That must be some shot in your back to put you out. I pray it does help you.

JOAN  like you I like to watch local weather reports and local news. National/world news can get too depressing.

JUNE  thanks for the hugs, they are always welcome and feel so good.

AMY  how often do you do the dogs' nails? Hope the med helped your hubby.

CAROL  you are so right about having positive thoughts. There are a couple of ladies here everyone tries to stay away from because they are always so negative about everything.  I feel like telling them if they do not like it here to move but keep my mouth shut.

JOAN  breakfast looks good this morning. Love those classifieds. Why Are We Here, I think many of us have asked that question at one time or another. I know I did many years ago. Thank you for all today's goodies.

Good morning, Gloria.  Too bad you were awakened by those flashing lights.  Sorry your appointment yesterday was a waste of time--bummer.  I hope you were able to go back to sleep.

Good morning, Lloyd.

Good Morning everyone!
I had a good one for you all but when I posted it a err came up. (explain)
Coca-Cola hired a actor to ride a subway train and just out of the blue start laughing. before you knew it the whole train of people were Laughing. try it and see how good you feel. smile and the whole world smiles with you. the nic thing about a smile is (you can keep it and give it too everyone you see at the same time) Have a great smiley day.

Lloyd

Lloyd--I don't know why you got an error message.  :idiot2:

doesn't matter try the smile or laugh thing and see what happens today.

Lloyd

Good morning everyone.

No dancing this morning :thumbup: Temp is -16 C and a cloudy day so far.

Not sure what is happening today...just take it as it comes. I do need to chase dust bunnies  around .

Gloria, I do their nails every two weeks.

Joan ,thank you for breakfast.

Enjoy your day everyone.

Good Morning Everyfriend!  It's cold here but not as cold as Amy's weather.  I think I'll take mine!  The days are definitely getting a bit longer!  As Sandy says, "Spring is just around the corner!"  I, for one, can't wait!

The only two items on my agenda today are getting the rest of my tax stuff together so I can give it to my son when he picks up Kiran this afternoon; and dropping the doggies off at the groomer at 10.  Both of those things have a lot a prep before they are don so I better get started. 

Make today a good one!

Good morning, Amy.  If you aren't dancing, you're chasing dust bunnies.:)

Janie--Good morning.  I know those darling dogs will be proud when they are all spiffed up.  I need to get on the ball and get my tax stuff together, too.

Just walked over to the neighbours to clipped the dogs nails and oh my is it cold out!! Even though the sun is shining the wind is like a knife and cuts right though you!!! Going to stay in and hug the fire!!!

Hi everyone.  We have a beautiful day ahead getting up into the mid-60's.  Yesterday started out with some heavy rain but by the time Pat got to the PT at the hospital it had pretty well stopped for the day.  I had a great afternoon.  As planned we went to the Chop House for a delicious meal and as I went to pay the bill my son took it and paid the bill as my birthday present.  My granddaughter had baked a chocolate  Birthday Cake for me.  To top it off Pat gave me a big box of Russell Stover Chocolates for Valentine's Day.  I need to stop at the Credit Union to take care of some business this morning before I pick up my friend to go to coffee and after I take him back to his residence I plan on going back to the church for the Wisdom group.  That will be it for the day.

Hal, I will happily pay the insurance premiums and hope I never need any of it as that means something bad has happened. 

Joan, the Chop House food is very good and it is a beautiful restaurant.  They do have lunch specials in the $7 to $10 range.  They have a Del Monaco steak that was $42 and when my son saw that he quickly went on to something else.  I had a delicious bluefin crab cake and four large shrimp on pasta and a salad and bread and it was a lot of eat and very good. 

Amy, I hope your husband is feeling much better today. 

June, nice you have a quieter dining area available to you all. 

Joan, loved the humor for today.  I shared it with other family members.

Gloria, sorry to read that your doctor's appointment did not go well.  The soil here in South Carolina is a mixture of sand and clay so we don't have to worry much about mud.  Of course, I try to stay on the pavement. 

Lloyd, I try to smile at everyone and most often I get a smile in return. 

Amy--I'd stay inside in your weather, too.

Good morning, Larry.  Sounds to me like the Chop House is a restaurant one only goes to on special occasions.  How nice that your son treated you and your granddaughter baked you a cake.  I  am always glad when folks share some of the stuff I post.

Good Morning from the slippery and sloppy, Rocky  Coast of Maine.   

All is well here ! 

Looking forward for the weather to clear and the streets to dry off.   

Have a good day,  Everyone!

Sandy
:thinking:

Good late morning, sun is shining, but very windy

Joan, I got a laugh out of those classifieds.

Gloria, I am sorry after waiting, you did not have a good visit to the doctor. I had that happen last year, I saw one of the other doctors in the group, and she wanted me to go to so many more doctors.

Jane, my neighbor took me shopping to Target (sorry), but I always try to go to the check out that has a very friendly  lady, I always imagine she is like you, also helpful, when I have trouble seeing all the things I have push when using the credit card.

June :rose: :hugs:

Good Morning dear hearts,
Woke to a deep fog this morning, and our day out here is to be partly cloudy, with heavy flooding forcast for the next two days.Just for So. Ca. though.

Either my brain power is improving, or God is feeling sorry for my stupidity, but my laptop seems to have adjusted to the errors I made and it letting me use it today. My desk top is fine, but I like to keep in touch with the lap top. It is called a MacBook Air, whatever that means.

Gloria de,I am sending :hugs:back to you my dear friend,and I pray your day will be all you  can need or hope fops

I am going back to the desk top now. But I am so happy I was able to use the laptop.

Sandy--Glad all is well with you.

Linedancer--Glad the classifieds made you laugh.

June--We had fog here this morning, too, but that burned off and now it's sunny.  Glad your laptop is working good for you. 

Joan, I did have a dance...but it was with the wet mop and I lead!! Floors are clean dust bunnies hidden.Nipped into town to pick up meds for hubby and now have beans on to soak to bake tomorrow...guess I can go play now  :thumbup:

Larry ,thank you he is feeling a bit better.

June, the nice things about hugs is one size fits all..

My mopping the floor is over today - Tucson sure does get dusty.  Amy:  you beat me to that chore. 

Our daughter had a business trip to Toronto and she did not even get outdoors -from the plane right to taxi to office to hotel at night -and same reverse the next day.  So sad when there was no chance to see any sights.  Anyway, she was told about a law at the border control - no one is allowed to enter Canada who has a DUI on their record - even a passenger in a car.  I just read it.  Why on earth can we not get a control like that???? 

A couple we knew years ago has rented  a house here - he knew Don through his work.  We are trying to show them how to get around here - especially after noticing his mind is slipping.  Perhaps his latest surgery is still affecting him? 

Amy:  Do you quilt applique?  I am so stressed over this little project that it may have to wait until we get home. 

Off to a lecture on war in the mid-east this afternoon - Don likes to go and I am a history buff myself. 

Amy--I guess you just have the need to dance.:)  I think now it's time to rest.

Carol--My housekeepers do my mopping.  I just can't do that anymore.  As you know, my daughter also travels extensively and rarely sees any sights.  Enjoy the lecture.

Carol, I had no idea of that law...I had to google it and came up with this.

http://www.canadaduientrylaw.com/

I haven't done applique yet..maybe one day I will try it. My Triple Irish Chain has been sent off to the long arm and I can't  wait to see what she does with it.

Howdy everyone!  Been in the doctors office all morning.  Sitting and waiting.  What a procedure.  Anyhow got home, finally.  Now got to go to the grocery store for the wife and get some things.   I use the shopping cart as a walker.....

Hi Amy.

halkel--It seems the MO in most doctor's offices these days is hurry up and wait.  How nice of you to grocery shop for your wife.

Had a really good lunch with friends..a hamburger, macaroni, tomato blend that I used to make when I cooked. I really enjoyed. Then on to  Choir practice, and directly following that was the balance and stability exercises. Now I am home for the day, and enjoying it.

Had phone calls from both Dori and Gary today, and that is always a treat.I prefer when they call me, as I know I am not interrupting their busy life style, but leaves me knowing they care.

Hal, was this the day for the dreaded needle in the tummy ? They should NOT make you wait to be tortured, that is cruelty on top of cruelty. You are a good man to go shopping for your wife.

I haven't heard or read a tittle or a jot of any news so far today, so I will go let Google look for some for me.

No June, eye doctor.  She now wants to remove my cataracts.  I told her I would think about it.  Otherwise just a routine appointment.

Hello Everyfriend!  I accomplished everything I intended to do today except for picking up my mail.  I'm on a dead end street and my mailbox is down at the corner.  I was going to walk down and get it but it was too windy and cold.  It can wait until tomorrow when I go to work. 

I found myself with just under a pound of ground turkey already browned and decided to wing it.  I threw in an envelope of dry onion soup mix, a can of cream of mushroom soup, some shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a small can of shrimp, and a bag of that new riced cauliflower.  Added some salt and pepper and dumped it all in a casserole.  Then I shredded a little more cheese on top and baked it for 30 minutes.  It was delicious.  If anyone feels adventurous and wants to try it, leftovers are in the hidey hole.

I'm going to fold a dryer full of laundry and put the clean dishes away and then I'm going to rest for the remainder of the evening and then go to bed.

I live very near our local hospital and I heard the Life Flight helicopter come in early this evening.  Whenever I hear it I say a prayer of thanks that I don't need that kind of service and a prayer for whoever is on it that God will be there, too.

Hal, I had two cataract surgeries over ten years ago and I only use glasses for very small print. Surgery was a snap, recovery was so easy, and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. But you will know when you need it.

Janie, I like the fact that you pray for those in emergency recovery...That is a very needful time for those being taken care of and for the care takers as well.

I have had a very lazy evening and it's time to heat up some supper, I think I will have some fish sticks and left over sides...like mac. salad and some Bushes' beans.

Supper has been eaten, my brain is weary, so it is time for book and bed.
May you all have a peaceful night and a great day tomorrow. Big Hugs. June

JANE S....
....our God has blessed you to have feelings and a caring nature....I often wonder when people are driving on the road, then get held up by a road accident only for the drivers to impatiently complain they are being held up...when in fact they should do as you do, say a prayer for the unfortunate person-people who are holding them up, and thank God that they are safe In their car, and not waiting to be placed into that waiting ambulance....

That is so true, Jackie!

Good Friday morning, Everyfriend.   There's Egg McMuffins to accompany your coffee or tea. Make it a good day!!





Fast Talker

At a country-club party, a young man was introduced to an attractive girl. Immediately he began paying her court and flattering her outrageously. The girl liked the young man, but she was taken a bit aback by his fast and ardent pitch. She was amazed when he seriously proposed marriage after only 30 minutes.

"Look," she said, "we met only a half hour ago. How can you be so sure? We know nothing about each other."

"You're wrong," the young man declared. "For the past five years I've been working in the bank where your father has his account."




The Stranger at Home
By Arthur Schoonveld
Scripture Reading: Luke 15:25-32

The older brother became angry and refused to go in. . . . He answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders.
Luke 15:28-29
The older brother was upset! Of course he was. Ever since he was young, he had worked on his father’s farm, without ever asking for any kind of recognition. But when his good-for-nothing brother came home penniless after squandering his inheritance, his father not only welcomed him with open arms but even put on a banquet to celebrate. It was too much.
No matter how much the father pleaded with him, the older son refused to join the celebration. Like the Pharisees who served God out of a sense of duty, the older son had served his fatherâ€"not out of devotion but because he felt he had to. The Pharisees had complained that Jesus welcomed sinners and ate with them (Luke 15:2). Similarly, the older son griped about his father’s welcome of his decadent younger brother.
The response of the older son forces us to look at ourselves. Do we serve the Lord with gladness? Do we come to worship because we love the Lord, or out of a sense of duty? Do we give cheerfully or because it is expected of us? Are we willing, like God the Father, to forgive people in our lives who have hurt us? Do we understand that we are as much in need of forgiveness as the younger son, even though we may not have left for a distant country?
Lord, our God, help us to search our hearts, to serve you with gladness, and to truly rejoice when a sinner comes back to youâ€"because of Jesus. Amen.


“Go as far as you can see: when you get there you’ll be able to see further.”

~ Zig Ziglar

Good morning Everyfriend!  And thank you, JOANIE for being there for us every morning and for bringing the "goodies". 

It's very cold here this morning and supposed to stay that way most of the day.  But the sun is supposed to shine and I can weather the cold if the sun shines.  I'm just very tired of dreary weather.

Puppies are ready for breakfast and the coffee is finished so I'll try to come back later.  Make today a good one, Everyfriend!

Good morning, Janie.  It's my pleasure to be able to post the daily "goodies" for you.  Supposedly this is the coldest morning (by our standards) that we've had this winter.  Once the fog burns off the sun is supposed to come out.

Good Morning everyone!
well I see three girls are here,I have been reading but busy fixing equipment and not posting Like I should. several of our friend's keep a close eye on me
thanks for that. I do try to listen but am too deep in debt to quit. i do get a chuckle out of some Like Amy dancing with the snow blower,I admire her for that.I cant run such as that or a tiller any more and fortunately have not had snow like that here in a long time. years back we did have big snows and drifts on the road's back then I worked for the county and kept a road grader here at the house. when it was snowing I would get in the grader and go to work all defferant hours of night or day,and long hours in it too. when I first went to work for them I got the junk graders , but later on when I had more seniority I got a new grader every year. I rember one year it was relay drifted bad, there was one place i had a drift to clean and a shut inn needing doctors care and a drift on both sides of his house. the drift was 6-8 feet deep and a 1/4th mile long clear across the road. I would set the blade at a sharp angle and run in it as far as i could and use the blade circling side to side while spinning in reverse pooching my self out and repeat until i got through it then set the blade out to the side and go through it several times widening it out.
It took 8 hours to di that. I would work 18 -20 hours straight and go by home and eat and take a nap and repeat it again. last measurable snow we had here was in 0-14 the year i got all the head knocks the first was when the handy jack kicked and broke my nose in three places and the cerement in one. leaked according to the doctor over half of my blood out before they got it pluged off, I do not need any more of those years. Have a great day everyone,

Lloyd

you girls must have went back to bed, I went and showerd shaved and put on clean close so i am ready for the day. and amy if you would like to send some of that snow here in the form of rain would be great it is getting very dry here, Have a great day.

Lloyd

Good morning, Lloyd.  You sure have done lots of hard work.

Good Morning Everyone!

Waiting on my ride to get my shot in the back.  Wife just left to get her stent taken out.

Not to bad out.  Sun shinning brightly and suppose to be warm today.  But they are saying possible bad weather on the way with severe storms starting Sunday.

Talk to you when I get home from doctor.  Maybe

Good morning everyone, beautiful blue sky this morning but still windy. CNA day for me, after missing Wednesday she will be busy today.

JOAN  no nap yesterday but I sure slept good last night.Had my recertification yesterday so am all set for another year here. Apartment was inspected and no complaints.

AMY  those nails grow fast. I know a few that take their dogs to the groomer to have their nails clipped every 4 or 5 months. Good thing you know how to do it.

JANE  like you I will be glad to see warmer weather. I am so tired of winter jackets and having to bundle up every time I go outside. Just saw on local news we now have just over 10 hours of daylight.

LARRY  glad you had a great birthday meal, and to top it off with a chocolate cake.

GLORIA de  I do my shopping these days on the computer.  Then make sure to check everything to make sure I have the funds to pay for it. Saves me from buying something I really do not need. The WANTS are something I do not buy.

JUNE  my older son was telling me he finally bought a new computer, a Mac this time.  He is enjoying learning all the new things in it. His old PC still had XP on it.

HAL  time waiting in a doctor's office is very tiring for me. Sitting in one place for an hour the other day made my back really hurt. On the rare occasion I get to the market I use the cart as a walker, too.

JOAN  I will enjoy an Egg McMuffin, that is always tasty. Looks like Fast Talker was more interested in the Dad's bank account. Thank you for all today's goodies.

LLOYD  no wonder your body is giving you problems now. You have worked hard all your life.  Time to take care of YOU.

Hi everyone.  It is another clear and beautiful 54 degree morning and headed to the low 70's.  Yesterday was a very nice day and I felt really good, which make it even better.  Today's schedule is light.  I have things ready to fix Pat's breakfast when she gets up.  As soon as I finish with the message boards this morning I am going to fix labels for the tops of all of the many jars of spices.  Pat found this really great set of baskets that to on the inside of the pantry door with six large baskets.  They will hold the spices but the names need to be on the top of the jar to read them.  Then I need to make a quick trip to Aldi's and, if I still have the energy I will stop at Belk's department store to look at sports coats.  That is my exciting plan for today.

June, glad you are using your laptop some.  I bet you will come to enjoy using it as it is so handy. You had a full day yesterday. 

Jackie, you make a good point about waiting out on the road.  Yesterday afternoon I was driving along a frontage road back to our home and saw there was a double lane backup of cars and trucks of at least 4 miles.  They are doing road work and it back everything up.  It was similar to the one I got caught in on Monday.   

Lloyd, I well remember some of the very heavy snows that occur in Missouri as lived in Missouri for 30 years of my life.  I can remember wading though deep snow to get the cows in the barn for milking.  I felt sorry for the cows having to be out in such cold and miserable weather.  I also appreciated the folks who cleared paths through the snow drifts on the roads and helped keep at least one lane open. 

Amy, was good to see that your husband was feeling better yesterday and I hope even better today. 

Carol, I am at a loss to understand why Canada would deny entry to someone who was just a passenger in a car being driven by someone given a DUI.  However, there are many things I don't understand.  Hope you found the lecture on the war in the mideast informative.

Joan, I don't think folks who travel a lot get to do much sight seeing unless they stay over weekends and have someone to sight see with as doing it alone isn't too enjoyable.   

Hal, if one doesn't wait in the doctor's waiting room you usually end up doing so in the exam room.  I have found my smart phone helps occupy those waiting minutes. 

Good morning everyone.

I thought I had posted but I guess I was wrong . Nice  sunny day here despite starting out at -24 this morning. Going to make the baked beans today and let them cook slowly in the cookstove..I think after that I am going to take some snow off the roof, we have a long handled roof rake and I can draw the snow away with that then get the snow blower to take it off the verandah when I do that part.
Not sure what else will follow today...

Lloyd, we are to get rain next week and I am not too happy about that!!! Will try and send it your way.  :thumbup:

Joan, thank you for breakfast.

Enjoy your day everyone..

Good morning halkel.  I hope all goes well with your getting that shot in your back and with your wife getting her stent removed.

Gloria--Good morning.  I hope your CNA gets busy and gets the work done.  Glad you slept well and your recertification was A-OK.

Good morning, Larry.  GREAT you've had a couple days of feeling good.  On occasion, Linda has stayed over a weekend when she travels to see the sights.  Most frequently she stays over when she goes to London.

Amy--Good morning.  PLEASE be very careful when removing that snow from the roof.

Good Morning,

Don't know what kind of pollen is in the air but my nose doesn't like it!!!!  :tissue:

Just got home from the annual tax talk with the CPA.  He wasn't too happy about one issue that may take some time to straighten out but, then, that's what I hire him for.

Went to see the movie "La La Land" yesterday.   It was a refreshing break from all the Drama Angst, crime and loud special effects so prevalent these days. I'm glad to read that it's been nominated - and has won - quite a few awards.

I feel pretty good as long as I'm not doing anything - so that's exactly how I plan to spend the rest of the day.

Hope Everyfriend Everywhere has an Enjoyable Day.

Good Afternoon from the sunny and cold, rocky coast of Maine.       

It is really lovely out,  with the sun shining.    I walked down street to CVS this morning and I was very comfortable.   Of course,  I dressed for the occasion,  and that does make a big difference.       

The air is lovely, making it easy to breathe!     

Warmer weather predicted for the next few days. 
Hooray!   

Have a good day,  Everyone.
Sandy

Callie--Sorry the pollen is bothering you.  It's bad here, too.  I still have to see my CPA.:(  Glad to know "La La Land" was enjoyable.

Sandy--It sure does make a difference if your dressed for the weather in that very chilly winter weather you get.

Good Morning from a cold So. Ca. our high for the day is to be 60, but it feels a lot colder than that. It is very cloudy and windy, and rain has been predicted for the next two days, but nary a drop so far.

Oops, just noticed some very fine drops of rain on my windows. YAY !

Jane, what is the age of your two four legged kids ? You sure give them the Good Life, and I know they return your caring love.

Lloyd, you have labored hard during your life, now I wish you could take it slow and easy and let that poor beaten up head of yours to really heal.

Hal, you and your wife are blessed to have loving, caring daughters to help out when necessary. Plus you have an attentive son in law that helps you get places too. I wish you the best with that shot today.

Gloria, I am sure your son is going to enjoy his Mac. They are well built, and easy to operate.

Larry, I am really glad I have the lap top. As the years go by, there may be more days of being stuck in a bed, and I found that lap top really was a blessing when I was at the care facility for eight days.

Amy, you certainly are a hard worker. I don't remember in the years in Minnesota where I grew up of anyone cleaning the snow off their roofs. So many homes back there were two and three stories high so it would take a big ladder to reach the snow up top.

Callie, I notice a lot more nose trouble since I moved from a dry climate back to the beach area..so much sneezing . And yet, when we left Mn. and came to Long Beach, Ca. it cleared up the hayfever and sinus problems I had in Mn. My day is going to be one of leisure for sure,not a single program I am interested in. Altho there will be a documentary on the big t.v. downstairs this evening…I'll wait and see.

Sandy, I used to shop at CVS all the time when I had a car. They carried groceries as well as other good stuff to browse through.

It is nearing lunch time..I will go downstairs to our small dining room and avoid the wind outside. The small rain has stopped, but more expected.

June--Enjoy your lunch.

The lecture was most interesting - an optomologist brought his family to Afghanistan where he volunterred for many years. They did have to evacuate or seek safety a few times - they were in smaller cities.  He was very truthful in saying that is was both good and bad for the family - conditions really rough for instance and the safety factor.  He knew 9 people who were killed in a group - all volunteers too.  There is no way I could have done what he did - what a story.

Amy:  Thanks for the site - I found the same news.  I made an Irish Chain years ago - laid it out on the floor and the real estate gal wanted to bring a couple through before the house was listed.  I told her that I was not moving the quilt pieces - the people made a full offer in less than 20 minutes while I stood outside - upset at the intrusion.  :)  They liked the quilt - it went to our youngest son for a wedding gift.  That is my Irish Chain story.  Wish you could help me with an applique - it is too daunting to even begin. 

Time for laundry. 

I'm home and the closest I plan to get to outside is to open the door for the doggies...and before I forget, JUNE, Annie is 11 (she'll be 12 in July)  Mickie is 9 (10 in April).  They are as frisky as puppies sometimes when they are playing together and the vet always remarks how healthy they are.  They go to the groomer every 8 weeks and that's where they get a really good bath.  When I give them baths, I think I skimp a bit because it's so hard for me to lean into the bathtub and then cleaning it after is the pits.

I'm being told that it's supper time so I guess I'll concede.  I try to tell them it's my choice what time they eat but they don't agree.

I'm going to have some of my "surprise casserole" for my supper.  I'm reminded of the dinners my father used to make.  He called them "Meal in a Dish" and they were never the same twice.  I told my sister that I think I'm following in his footsteps when I mix up leftovers and cupboard stuff and she said, "He would be proud of you!"

I'm off!

Carol--The lecture you attended sounds very interesting.

Janie--"Surprise Casserole" sounds good to me.  You're very innovative when it comes to putting foods together.

Joe called about an hour ago. He has to attend a conference in Orlando, so he'll be arriving at my house tomorrow.

I am home and in no pain, just a bit tired.  The anesthesiologist came in to talk to me and told me to rest easy he promised I wouldn't feel a thing and the last thing I remember was him asking if I felt sleepy and someone putting something cold as ice on my back and then I was in recovery with a nurse checking and writing.

The gave me four shots two each side of my spin.  And pain doc came in before hand and explained it all to me, wont go into it here, but just say nothing in the spine itself.  So far the old back feels pretty good.  He did tell me his experience with his back shots.  Hmmmmm, maybe I should ask him who gives him his shots...LOL

Anyhow, back to the couch.

Amy i got your email and wrote in it like you would a regular email. and i hit send and it said err and some Greek to me .any way it wont send it. If I had your regular email address I would send yo pictures.

Lloyd

Lloyd, my email is on my profile page. Just wanted to show you the amount of snow we get here. :)

I'm about to fall asleep for no reason at all and if I do, I won't be back in here tonight.  When I fall asleep at this time I wake up in "zombieland"  and it's all I can do to get myself ready for bed.  Tomorrow is another day!  I bid you all a very good night and may God bless us, every one.

We have had rain all day, since it started about 11 a.m. and it is still falling. The report I have is to rain all night and into tomorrow. I love it !

Janie, thanks for the info on your dear doggies. Mickie probably keeps Annie feeling young and frisky. I always bathed our dogs in the tub and I agree it is a real chore, but we only had one dog at a time. I did adopt another after my husband died, but she wanted to rule Penny, the elder one, and she was a real terror when we walked, so I had to return her to the shelter. I'm glad you have your "girls", they are a gift, for sure.

Bis, enjoy your time with Joe tomorrow. I know it will be a treat for you to have him there.

Hal, It sounds like you had a nice nap while the doctor gave you the injections. I'm happy for you, and I pray they give you the necessary comfort for a good long time.

No news from here, a nice quiet rain is lulling me into sleepy-time, so I will get myself ready for bed, and be back to see you all tomorrow. Hugs, Love and Prayers. June

Good Saturday morning, Everyfriend.   There's scrambled eggs and toasted English muffins to accompany your coffee or tea. I wish everyone a good day!!



Two Requests

A woman from New York was getting her affairs in order. She prepared her will and made her final arrangements. As part of these arrangements she met with her pastor to talk about what type of funeral service she wanted, etc.

She told her pastor she had two final requests. First, she wanted to be cremated, and second, she wanted her ashes scattered over Bloomingdales.

"Bloomingdales!" the pastor said. "Why Bloomingdales?"

"That way, I know my daughters will visit me twice a week."


When you thought I wasn't looking
By a Child

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me, and I learned that little things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn't looking I heard you say a prayer, and I knew there is a God I could always talk to and I learned to trust in God.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don't.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I felt you kiss me good night and I felt loved and safe.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw tears come from your eyes and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I looked at you and wanted to say, "Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking.'"

Each of us, parent or friend, influence the life of a child. Let us remember to always act as though our children are watching, even when we think they're not.




"Of all commentaries upon the Scriptures, good examples are the best and the liveliest."

- John Donne

Good Morning Everyfriend!  And a special good morning to you, JOANIE!  I thought I was late because I slept in a bit this morning but everyone must be sleeping in! 

The doggies have been out and the coffee is ready so I'll go feed them and get my day jump-started with a cup of coffee.  I'll be back later to see what Everyfriend is up to.  Our temps are supposed to go up into the high 50s today.  I know, that's cold for some of you but for us, it's almost a Spring day!

Good morning everyone...

Jane, I slept in also!!! After my tea I will get the laundry going and then later we will take the garbage to the dump.

I think some baking will be done too ,only store bought cookies here at the moment.

I had better get a move on..

Joan, thank you for breakfast.

Enjoy your day everyone.

Good morning, Janie.  It's nice when you can sleep in. I haven't had breakfast yet, so when I get done here, I'll have to eat.

Amy--Good morning.  If you bake today, would you PLEASE put a sample in the hidey hole?:)

Hi everyone.  We have an overcast morning but still suppose to get up into the 70's again this afternoon.  I expect to have a nice quiet day today.  I don't really plan on going anywhere and may work more on my taxes.  Yesterday I finished up a project to put labels on the jay lids of all of Pat's spices (and she has a lot of them).  She now has them in the new shelves she got for the pantry door and will be much easier to find what she is looking for.  I also made a quick trip to Aldi's for a few items.

On Thursday I did find out that the lady who fell over backwards and hit her head on the pavement outside the church has been taken out of ICU  and admitted to a regular room as of Thursday.  She did have some brain bleed and at the time of the accident didn't even know her name.

Amy, when you take the snow off the roof does sit come down on you?  Hope it is a bit warmer up your way today.

June, like you I don't remember us every having to get the snow off the roof of our house or the outbuildings.  However, I sure do remember the long ice cycles hanging from the eaves and how much fun it was to break them off. 

Joan, glad you are being blessed with another family member's visit so soon after your daughter visited.  Your "Food for Thought" today is very good. 

Hal, I hope this morning with a back that feels much better.  Will you likely have to repeat these shots in the future?  Enjoy the couch.

Good morning everyone, nothing new here. Supposed to get warmer today, up to the low 50's and that will feel good. I think those eye drops are doing their job, my eyes are not itchy like they were. The eye doctor told me not to be at the PC as much as staring at the screen stopped me from blinking enough. I have been watching more TV than anything else, boy does that get boring.

AMY  glad you have the roof rake. Safer than climbing up to the roof to clear that snow.

JOAN  my CNA  was busy yesterday, Had to do laundry and wash floors. Because of my appointment Wednesday she was not here and with Monday being a holiday she will not be here. I am not messy so some days when she is here there is not much for her to do so she polished furniture or finds something to keep busy.

JUNE  we have had a lot of wind the past week. One day when I bundled up and went our for a walk I did not get far with the wind pushing me back and when I turned around to come back in it sure hurried me along the way.

JOAN  I know you will enjoy seeing Joe today.

HAL  I hope those shots work and last a long time. The first one I got from the pain doctor lasted about 3 weeks and the second ones did nothing. Will be glad to see him  in another week.

JOAN  I will enjoy your breakfast, both things I like very much. I love today's Food for Thought. Very touching. Thank you for all today's goodies.

JANE  you are so right, today's temperatures will feel like spring, even with all the snow in piles from the plows.

AMY  I will be looking for some homemade cookies later in the hidey hole.

Have a great day.

Good morning, Larry.  It's sure nice of you to make labels for all of Pat's spice jars so they can be seen when the spices are in the baskets she bought for them.  Joe's visit will be short, but I enjoy every minute when my children come.

Gloria--Good morning.  Glad the eye drops seem to be helping.  Guess some get Monday off for President's Day.  I had to check the provided schedule to see if that includes trash pickup--it  doesn't.  It is supposed to be in the low 80s here today.

Good Morning Everyone!

It is a nice warm, beautiful morning, lot of sunshine and suppose to get on up in temps later today.  But bad weather is being forecast, Sunday being the target day with storms and hail and of course some cooler temps.  But we shall see if it comes as predicted, I hope we don't get hail.

Larry and Gloria.  Yeah my back does seemed to feel better, well it does feel better and I can certainly walk better.  I am not sure if it is the Lidocane or the Steroids working.  Back is a bit sore where he put the shots in and my hand is swollen and somewhat discolored where the nurse put my IV, she had to stab me twice.  Not nice.  Like you Gloria, I hope it last.  My pain doctor had a short conversation with me before the procedure and he gave me a pain diary he wants me to keep for 10 days and bring back my next appointment.  The way he explained it to me Gloria was that they are trying to located to source of the pain, it can be one of any number of places on the spin and by me keeping the diary it helps them to zero in.  He also explained that yesterday was actually just the starting point and there were lots of things they could try to stop the pain.  At any rate, other than the time spent traveling and waiting I had no bad experience and no pain, well except for the IV thing and old age plays a part there, the old veins and skin just aint like it used to be.  They did go to special efforts to be sure the adhesive tape did no injury.

Oh, one bad experience.  I cant find my car keys, they have to be in the house somewhere, I used them to get in the house and didn't go anywhere yesterday.  Any of you seen them?  Grrrrrrrrrrrr  I even called my SIL to see if I left them in his truck, nope he said, he went out and looked.  And I looked from driveway through garage into house, even pulled wife's car out, she was gone when I got home, and not under her car.    I hope they turn up.

I woke at four, had a bit of leg pain, but not enough to call for a pain pill. I just walked the floor a bit, then back to bed and massaged the leg and though how good it would feel to just sit in the shower and let the warm water flow down till it turned cold. That day will come. The sore is healing much more quickly than the other one did. My thyroid pill was taken, so I decided to get the sponge bath over and done with, then on to the mornings readings and prayers and a song, and now I am doing what I do best…eat and visit with all of you. I have had a bowl of honey-nut Cheerios and a sweet roll and second cup of coffee.

We have had a light smattering of rain but more is predicted. I think the big storm is past and now the clean up will start. There were many mud slides and one man said he had lost everything in his home. Unfortunately,too many greedy contractors build these big expensive homes in areas that were not meant to dig into, like the side of a mountain with a gorgeous view…and mud slides.

Amy, my baking days are long gone, but we are provided with good things here where I live, there are two coffee stations with goodies where we can help ourselves throughout the day, and I do.

Bis, Have a good visit with your son today. That is a special treat, I know.

Larry, you are a good husband to make and label the spice jars for your wife, they can be a messy bunch if not properly organized, and her being on the door shelves will be very handy.

Gloria, I think I strain my eyes more with book reading than on the computer. I should make a practice of blinking frequently, and I do keep over the counter eye drops close at hand. It is also a good exercise to look out in the distance once in a whole.

Time to don some "walking clothes" and go pick up some of the afore mentioned baked goods.

Hal, if you had to use the keys to get into the house, they have to be in the house...or still in lock of the door.

Gloria, when you mentioned a holiday for Monday, I had to look at my calendar because I thought last Monday was President's Day.  My calendar agrees with you.

I lived dangerously this morning.  Tom and I went to breakfast (two eggs, hash browns, raisin toast and decaf) and my outer garment was my sweater.  I was very comfortable and our temp is in the low 50s now.  I think all week we will be in the 50s, but that doesn't mean winter is over, not by a long shot.  But it's great while it lasts.

Mary Ann

Good morning, halkel.  I sure hope the shots you got really help long term.  Those keys will turn up when you least expect it.

June--Good morning.  Good news that the latest wound is healing well.  How nice that they have areas where you can pick up baked goods on site. 

Good morning, Mary Ann.  Wow--warm enough to just wear a sweater there in February.  Your breakfast sounds good to me--better than mine.

Good morning from the Interior! I seem to finally be on the mend from my sinus cold and the weather is staying warm and the barometric pressure steady. So I should continue to be better. Farrah is doing her usual watch the ravens out the windows while they surf the air currents. I hope everyone is having a good day!

The day is not going as planned..... I did get laundry done, then took the garbage to the dump then hubby wanted to go over to a village for lunch.
Our snow is building up by the mail box so I proceeded  to shovel it away.our neighbour came over to help.As we were working at this the highway man came with his tractor and cleaned it all for us!!! I could have hugged that man to pieces as the job was hard going with all the ice in it!! I went and got a load of wood,which we are not burning much at this lovely temp of 48° F...such a lovely day!!!
I have run out of umph so no baking today...maybe tomorrow???
Larry, with this long rake you can get far enough back that you don't get snowed on but it was deep walking in.

angelface--Sure glad your sinus infection is clearing up.

Amy--How nice that man helped you with the shoveling.  Things didn't go as planned, but seems you had a pretty good day.

We met our oldest son and DIL for dinner last night- we and they drove to south Tucson  (Phoenix where she has taken a two-year job).  It is so nice to have at least one of the children in the area.  They had used our empty home for a few days and gave us a nice selection of chocolate coffee creamer - our favorite and hard to find now.  We are now planning a trip to Mexico - for  a walk over the border and only a couple of hours just to show them what we do once per year.  Coming back in is a good search of everything we carry with guard dogs too. 

Amy:  Anyone who helps with snow shoveling is a traveling angel in my opinion.

Hal:  Losing your keys - I do understand.  You will find them eventually. Don't fret - it doesn't do your health any good to fret about it. 

Our daughter was going to fly to the mid-west and had a sudden case of flu so she spent the day and night sleeping and resting. 

Hal, you have my sympathy regarding lost keys.  You may recall I lost mine around Christmas.  I felt sure mine had to be in the house because I had used them to get into the house.  Mine were gone a month before I decided to look one more time and found them in a purse I was transferring the keys to.  I hate to admit it, but the lining of that purse was torn and the keys went behind the lining.  The only reason I used that purse was because it is red and I wanted to wear red to a Christmas tea at church.

I know you won't find your keys in a purse, but look in another pair of trousers, or behind a piece of furniture.  Good luck.

Tom went crazy with tube rolls - too many for only two people so I think I will bake some for breakfast and another batch for "just because" (he bought two kinds - breakfast/sweet and regular).

Mary Ann

I have meat loaf and scalloped potatoes in the oven.  I haven't decided what veggie to add to it.  I'm leaning toward baked beans because I can put them in the oven too. 

I stripped my bed, washed the sheets and the blanket and put them back on and it's all ready for tonight.  I also vacuumed the hall, living room and my bedroom (with lots of rest periods between.  I'm thinking of spending some of my "ill gotten gains" on a housekeeper.  Vacuuming really bothers my back and getting down to do floors or even just mopping is getting harder and harder.  I think I understand why people our age have housekeepers or younger relatives living with them. 

I've been looking on line for cleaning people in this area and I found a few and even one that does windows. 

I lost my keys once and didn't find them until the next time I needed to wear my dress coat somewhere.  Never thought to look in that pocket.  And once I found them in the bottom of the laundry basket when I sorted the laundry. 

Time to decide if I'm going to put beans in the oven while I have it on or just microwave a veggie.  Hope Everyfriend's day is going great.  ENJOY!

Carol--Lucky you to have one of your children in the area. 

Mary Ann--Guess you'll be eating rolls for a few days.:)

Janie--You're having two of my very favorite things for supper--meatloaf and scalloped potatoes.  You certainly accomplished lots today.  I hope you can find good housekeepers.

I would love to be able to hire a housekeeper as it is harder to get up and down or to reach any high shelf. When I could no longer change the belts on my vacuum, I purchased an indoor-outdoor vac which works great and no belts!

My printer is a concern as I always need to take it downstairs to the office in hopes someone will take pity on me and change the inks. And scrubbing an oven or a pot? I no longer have the hand strength I used to. My arthritis has robbed me of more than my disability ever did!

Going back to that housekeeper, the most inexpensive here advertises for fourteen dollars an hour with a minimum of six hours!! I work faster than that. :-\  A CNA requires that you be housebound and unable to cook. That's not me or at least not yet!

Hi Kids, I wore myself out shopping at Amazon this aftennoon. Placed one order, then remembered I needed a new coffee pot so placed another order. With Prime it looks like they will arrive at the same date, not that I am in any hurry. I could live without all that I ordered, but it was fun shopping.

My Dori stopped by at lunch time..I was eating my my hot turkey sandwich, so she asked for my keys as she had some stuff to put in my apt. I quick ate part of my lunch then came home to be with my darling daughter. She had brought a new bed skirt to use with the new comforter they gave me for Christmas, and here she had undressed the bed, moved the mattress, put on the bed skirt and re-made the bed. What an Angel she is. Then we settled in for a nice visit. She is truly a gift from God. I just love her to pieces. She and Gary will be on the go for the next two days, then Gary will be here on Wed. for Bible Study.

Bis I hope you had a lovely visit with your son today. We don't get to see our busy, busy kids very often but it sure is a joy when we do get to have them, if only for a few hours.

Hal, I am wondering if you found your keys yet, and WHERE did you find them ??? In a pocket, in the door, on the floor, ??? this curious old lady needs to know. I

I am planning to go down to the club house at 6:30. to hear the Ultimate Duo do their thing. They are husband and wife. She is the pianist, he is the singer and drummer and/or guitar, and they are SO cute for an older married couple. They seem to love what they are doing and it is very easy to see that they love and enjoy one another. Especially her. She is personality plus and looks like she could take a bite of her guy. A nice bite that is.

We only had a few light sprinkles today...no wind, thank goodness. We had enough yesterday to take care of a full season.

I ordered just an eight cup coffee maker this time..I never use the popular 12 cup, and I'm hoping if will take up less space on my small amount of counter. I had a Black and Decker, ordered a Mr. Coffee. It was fun spending money while sitting in my living room. I also ordered a pair of jeans, my size 14's kept falling off my hips.

Janie and Patricia...I do hope you can both find reasonable and GOOD housekeepers. Lots of folks, older ones too, are hard workers, sturdy and well, and willing to work for a reasonable wage. It is something they can do in their spare time, and still pick up the necessary extra money.I have known where the housekeeper turns out to be a valued friend as well as worker.

Good evening from the very soggy Valley of the Sun!  It was a very dreary day and the rains just kept coming.  Sadly, I think we are in store for more rain tomorrow. 

All of my grandchildren have been in the area for days now, and I have not seen any of them yet.  There are plans for us all to get together tomorrow and I sure hope it happens.  My reason for being here was to see my dad and get a 4 generation picture of us all. 

Today a group of my high school friends got together for lunch.  It was sure fun, and we sure enjoyed ourselves.   3 of us ladies there will celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary in the next few months.  One in April, then June and ours in July. 

Hope you all will have a good night of rest.  Pleasant dreams, 


Jenny

JENNY...
....that is quite a milestone to reach, and to think, three have almost reached it together...Will you three couples again get together for the celebrations? it would be nice if you all could...

I hope all goes to plan in getting all 4 generations in one spot together, for that special one off photo...

Well it is now 4.50am, woke up with a ticklish cough so got up from my bed, and now up and about, after getting out for my trip to the loo...

Seems we posted almost same time...

A new week for Soda Shoppe begins HERE (http://www.seniorsandfriends.org/index.php?topic=317.0).