HELLO from Austin, Texas!

We had a 7 AM flight, so had to get up very early and have a car service pick us up at the crack of dawn!  It is less than a 2 hour flight. 

Son Brian and wife Cathy leave tomorrow for Sydney Australia.  They will be gone for 10 days.  They are staying in Manly and will be just resting and such.  No traveling all over the place like they normally do. Brian has a herniated disc in his back and he twisted wrong a few days ago and is in misery.  He went to his doc and they gave him some steroid tablets that they hope will give him some relief. 

We will be taking care of their Australian Laberdoodle while they are away.  He is now six months old and has grown so much since we saw him at Christmas.  He is a cutie!  We just hope we will be able to keep up with him as he has a LOT of energy!

AMY, I am so happy to read that your girl did well with the surgery.  I could just imagine how it looked as you had her out for a middle of the night potty stop in the rain!  I hope she continues to do well. 

LARRY, I am Happy, happy to read that Scott will be fixing you all a nice meal tonight while you all enjoy each other's company.  I will have to ask Dr. Dave about the locks on the lockers for them in a OR setting.  Pretty sad that you would have to worry about your possessions in a secure area like that.  But then, there are humans in there working, so anything can happen.

ANGELFACE, I saw the news about the amount of real chicken in our food!  Pretty sad!

JUNE, this is the first Ash Wednesday that I have not been to church and it did seem strange. I have o admit that I did not realize when we made these flight plans a long time ago that it was Ash Wednesday. 

GLORIA de, I, too, am pleased to read that you grandson has progressed so well and he can now use a cane to walk.  Bless his heart...he has come a long way. 

JACKIE, it sounds like Toby wants to strong arm you into playing that game with him early in the morning!  I can hear the jingle of R counting his coins! Funny.

I must run.... have a great night! 

Jenny

Bis, I didn't know you have been sick all week. Either you didn't say, or I didn't read. In any case, I am sorry and I hope by now you are feeling better. Was it tummy, chest, temperature ? I just petered out today too. All of a sudden, just completely tired, so put on comfy clothes and staying at home. I will go down to check my mail box later and that's it.

Jenny, it seems you no sooner get home and off you go to dog sit or other helping of your family. You are a true "gooder" ! I think it keeps you young.

I have things to attend tomorrow afternoon, so I hope I feel more spunky by then.

Janie, I hope your later hours at WM went well.

We had our usual Wednesday family lunch today at Bob Evans.  I intended to put on a light weight coat but Tom came out of the house before I had a chance to go back in to get the coat.  The temperature was 44 degrees and chilly, but not bad.  When we got back, the temperature had dropped, but we got right into the car, then from car into the house.  We got back about 2:30 pm and by 3:30 the ground was covered with snow.  It is now 8:30 and we have dropped to 28 degrees.  Brrr.

Terry's wife is leaving Monday to fly to South Pasadena to be with their son and DIL at the time their son is born, probably Tuesday.  If it is Tuesday, it will be one month to the day when the twin girls were born.  Our family is growing fast.  Norm would be so pleased.

Jenny, you are the travel-most couple I know of. 

Mary Ann

I'm  home and I'm beat right down to my sox.  I've taken care of my needs and those of the doggies, put on my jammies and now I'm going to Loaf!  Then I'm going to go to bed.  I'm glad I was there tonight because I saw some friends that I haven't seen for a while and got some news of other friends. 

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

Jenny,
I hope your son Brian and wife Cathy enjoy their time in this city.  Manly is a great place to relax and from there it is a Ferry ride to the city.  My son certainly enjoyed Colorado.  J

Good late evening, I just came in to read my post, it is almost 10PM, will be getting ready for bed soon.

Joan, I am so sorry to read that you have not been feeling well. Prays are  going your way. Please get your rest and do no worry about us. We just want you well.

I also want to thank once again for all the prays and good thought that have been sent our way over the past year. Miracles do happen to those who believe.  A year ago April things looked after for my g.son after he had the emergency surgery to remove the tuma from his spine. After one week in ICU the doctor said they did not think he would get the use of his left leg back.  the last spine hospital did wonders. after weeks of PT he was sent home, and more PI, he went from wheel chair to walker and now this week a cane. He also has a strong mother, who fought right alongside of him.

Joanie, get better.  Cant afford to have you down, what would we do without you.  You will be included in my prayers.

Jenny, welcome back to Texas.  You brought this nice weather with you, a little breezy but springtime out there.  So enjoy.

I too am tired, we went out for supper tonight with oldest daughter and hubby, went to a local restaurant and I had some cheese enchiladas.  And they were good, especially the chili that was on them.

Got my taxes finished up and filed today.  Even get a little money back.

Good Night everyone, sweet dreams and God bless.

JENNY...
...yes treats and food is all Toby wants me for, and maybe add a little playtime in too..
Now Jenny, dont let young Oliver run circles round you...
..............................

Well for once woke up at reasonable and more sensible a time, well for me it was...6.40am...compared to yesterdays 4.am start...I did get up once through the night for one of my usual loo trips, but got straight back into bed, and off to sleep again.....It is now 8.30am and R is still in his bed, wont move for another hour at least..

Good Morning everyone! Have a great day.
dry mouth so drink of water and back to bed C U all Later.

Lloyd

Good Thursday morning, Everyfriend.  There's your choice of hot or cold cereal and a fruit to accompany your coffee or tea. I wish everyone a good day!!




Lessons

I bought one of those CDs to teach you Spanish in your sleep. During the night, the CDs skipped.  Now I can only stutter in Spanish.


Echoes of God’s Forgiveness
By Arthur Schoonveld
Scripture Reading: Matthew 18:21-35

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32
The story in this parable seems almost impossible to imagine. Why would anyone who has just been forgiven a million-dollar debt refuse to forgive a debt of a few dollars? It doesn’t make sense.
Consider, though, how hard it can be for us to forgive others. How long have we held a grudge against someone, even for a simple mistake? Or how about refusing to forgive someone for saying something that hurt youâ€"perhaps so long ago that you can’t remember what they said? Or maybe the offense was more serious. Perhaps a spouse betrayed you, a coworker lied and got you fired, a parent abused you, or a bully made life miserable for you.
Only the grace of God makes it possible to forgive people who sin against us. Only when we begin to realize how much God has forgiven us in Christ can we learn to forgive.
A Facebook post told the story of a basketball coach, Monty Williams, whose wife was killed by an erratic driver, leaving him a single parent with four children. At the memorial service he urged the people there to pray for the driver and talked to them about the importance of forgiveness. He understood the words of the apostle Paul, that we are to forgive each other just as in Christ God has forgiven us.
As Christians, we are called to be echoes of God’s forgiveness. Are you living that way?
Father, thank you for forgiving us each day. Teach us how to forgive, because of Jesus. Amen.


“Work for a cause, not for applause.  Live your life to express, not to impress, don’t strive to make your presence noticed, just make your absence felt.”

~ Author Unknown

Good morning everyone

High winds and snow so far today with a temp of +2F,I am thankful it is + and not -. Really enjoyed the warmer weather while it is here for a few days, think I was spoiled by it. Nothing on the agenda, light cleaning then I am going to finish cutting out another quilt.

Linedancer, miracles do happen!!

Hal your dinner sounds delicious.

Shirley hope your feeling a lot better.

Patricia, thank you for that information on pillows, I am going to look for them next time I am in the city.

Joan, I will take hot cereal today please and I think you should take it easy and rest......hope you feel better soon.

Enjoy your day everyone..

Good Morning Everyfriend!  I think I found the secret for sleeping all night and for sleeping later in the morning.  It's very simple.  STAY UP LATER!  I went to bed later than usual the last two nights and I slept in until almost 7 both mornings!  I need to explore this phenomon a bit more but I think I'm on to something!

Or maybe it's because I changed pillows a couple of nights ago!  Well, it sure was something and I liked it!

I hope you all have a great day!  Grab it and do what you wish with it.  This is the day which the Lord hath made....

Good morning, Amy.  I honestly don't know what to have for breakfast.  I have NO appetite, but know I must eat.  Believe me I am resting, because I have no energy for anything else.

Janie--Good morning.  Great that you are able to sleep longer.

Good morning, Joan.  I sure do hope that you are feeling better this morning.  I don't remember reading that you had been under the weather. I know the feeling you are having.   I finally have been making myself do things.  Makes me feel a little better, but I, too, have so little energy.  I think that the less you do, the more tired you get.  I  find that happens to me.

It is a pretty sunny morning, but the wind sure did blow all night long.  At times, it sounded like the roof was going to blow off.  I have a big long line of huge pine trees right across the driveway from me.  The are still blowing hard.  I am on the 4th floor  (top floor) of the building and if these trees decide to topple over, I hate to think of the results.

I need to get myself moving in a little while. I need to go down and pay my rent and take some mail down to go out.

Again, Joan, do hope that you will feel better,. 

A good day to all.

Joy

Good morning everyone.
well i was typing and nearly had my post finished  and joy came in fast and the after currents blue me away.
good luck on sleeping all night Jane.
I sleep with the mask for my breathing machine,it gives me a dry mouth.
so mother calls usually around 3:00 A M and I have to get up for a water change. It is 27 deg. and bright sun here. when I was trying to do the deg. thing it takes my post away, so as i figured that out and Joy is off the hook.
when it done that the first time was when Joy cumming in and I just thought it was here fault. Have a good day.
I am going to get some relief the girls bought Nancy a round trip plane ticket to go celebrate our son's chris. birthday. she leaves tomorrow and gets back late Tuesday evening.

Lloyd
go seblrate son chirs birthday they all three are going .

Hi everyone on a much cooler morning.  We had a thunderstorm during the evening hours but it is sunny this morning and will get into the lower 60's this afternoon. The schedule is light today as only have coffee this morning with the men as the minister had to cancel our Wisdom group for today.  Late this afternoon Pat has an appointment for a haircut.  Beyond that I plan on just taking things easy. 

I did get my pacemaker checked yesterday and still have about 3 years of battery life left before it will have to be replaced.  The plans for dinner were changed as Scott filled in for someone last night who was having car trouble.  He came out around 12:30 and spent 90 minutes or so with us.  Then after his daughter had taken him to work we came out and spent the evening with us helping grandma get the enchiladas put together and made a nice lettuce salad.  We had a nice visit with her.  I did retire early last night as hadn't felt up to par yesterday and had to take nitro a couple of times, which always wipes me out. 

Carol, the classes Don is participating in sound like something I would really enjoy.  I also have loved to play cribbage since I was a young lad as my grandfather and father liked to play.  I have the cribbage board that my grandfather had that has ivory pegs in inlaid wood.

Hal, so sorry that your walking and pain are back to square one.  Just take it easy.  Are you able to be out of pain as you are sitting or reclining?

Joan, I am so thankful for the headphones that both Pat and I have that can be used to listen to the TV.  Unfortunately, Pat doesn't use her set all the time.  While I am in my office I can play music and it deadens the sound I hear from the family room as she watches TV in the mornings.  Joan, you hadn't mentioned being sick this week and I sure hope today finds you feeling much better.  Your Food for Thought for today is another one I have saved in my Devotional folder. 

June, hope you are feeling better today with more gumption.  Several years ago my cardiologist prescribed a pain medication with a narcotic in it as he said being in pain wasn't good for the heart, especially if it was heart related.  Fortunately there were not too many times I had to take it and ultimately discarded it.  While I try to limit my fluid intake I do not measure it as my cardiologist suggested. 

Jenny, good idea to use the car service to take you to the airport as you didn't have to deal with parking and then getting into the airport.  I remember the Denver airport.  Enjoy your 10 days dog sitting.

Junee, nice to see your posting from yesterday.  Hope you are doing well. 

deAngel, it never hurts to have a strong advocate, such as your grandson's mother, to be there for us when we re not so strong. 

Lloyd, does your CPAP machine has a water tank built into it?  The ones that Pat and I have do.  I have no problem with dry mouth but Pat does as she breathes through her mouth rather than her noise.  She keeps a bottle water by the bedside to deal with the dry mouth during the night.  When you click on Post and get the message that a new reply has been posted just scroll down on the page and you should see your posting and be able to go on with the posting process or amend it as I have just now done as you posted while I was writing.  I just added my comments to you and I will click on the Post button and my message such post. 

Several have mentioned they didn't know I was sick.  You didn't know because I didn't tell you.  They wanted me if the hospital, but I refused.  In retrospect, that's probably where I should have gone.  I am a tiny bit better--but back to the couch I go.

Good morning everyone, a bright sunny one but very windy. It was warmer when I went to bed last night than it is now. My CNA  could not come yesterday, her grandma was rushed to the hospital and she had been taking care of her. They sent a different one and I had her before, a good worker with a great sense of humor.

LLOYD  when arthritis sets in there really is nothing they can do to help much. At least I am not so crippled I can not do anything. I agree, when little ones are potty trained life is easier for the Moms.

JANE  you are so right, we have the best “elf” here in the SS.

JOAN  I keep seeing the ads for My Pillow and wonder if they are really worth the price. I remember growing up when all the pillows we had were feather pillows. Now there are so many different ones. I did sleep good last night for a change and no stiff neck this morning either.

LARRY  right now my back feels great and yesterday I took only one pain pill.

HAL  I have found the back shots do not last very long.Right now I am not in pain but I know it will be back maybe tomorrow or maybe in a few weeks. Who knows. I just know I will not do too much standing.

PATRICIA  I don't sleep in the same position all the time. Depends on the position I can get most comfortable with.

JENNY  hope your son's back does not bother him too much on that long flight. I know I cannot sit too long.

JOAN  hot cereal with blueberries, please. I so agree with Food for Thought. Holding a grudge does nobody any good.  Thank you for today's goodies.

AMY  weather forecaster is calling for snow here Saturday.

JOAN  I have no appetite and eat because I know I have to. Take care of YOU. You are not one to tell us when you do not feel well. Hugs and prayers for you.

LLOYD  wish Nancy a safe round trip.

JOAN...
...you must mention it, you should have mentioned it...most, and I say most Soda Shoppe members want to know how our members are coping, and do take a serious interest in wanting to know....I know for a fact, I am one of them...
Joan I am guessing the fear of landing up back in hospital was something you were trying best to avoid, and I hope and pray your decision was - is the right one...I hope you are not alone, and someone somewhere is checking on you on a regular basis...

Good day!  The trip Jenny's son is making to Australia sounds so interesting. Hoping that he feels alright - that is a long flight.

Joy:  Wind gets tiresome anywhere - did it keep you awake much?

June:  Love your attitude!

Joan:  Sometimes, it is good to let people wait on you. 

Jenny:  Flying in special dogsitter - now, that is something to write about.  Enjoy.

Lindancer:  Great upbeat story.

Gloria:  I like your thoughts about people holding grudges - it is such a self-destroying way to live. 

Larry:  Hugs to you and Pat! 

Take care everyone - Hal, do hope you get some pain relief.

Today, someone is coming to clean our air ducts - there was a coupon for the entire house cost of $47 so we thought this older place might need a cleaning.  We are lining up days of company arriving - even a brother from Washington this month.  The ALEXA is playing a radio station from Denver and it is very clear - for under $40 this has given us so much entertainment.  We listen to chosen music , and ask questions - weatherwise and so forth.  Much too long of a post!!!!!

Good Morning dear hearts. I am determined to get some things done today that I have been neglecting. We shall see what the mind and body allows.

Bis, I understand your need to stay at home rather than in hospital. I really dislike being hospitalized. In my experience it was "lay and wait". Day in and day out. However, if you do not improve as each day passes, I think you should have a nurse with you at home. It may be costly but you would be taken care of and still allowed to use your own mind. My girl friends mother was a R.N. and that was her occupation...home care.She was well loved. Does Joe know you are needing assistance ? I think you should put him "in charge" as I did Gary.

Gloria, I too would like to know if any of our members have tried the "My Pillow". It surely is highly advertised.

Carol, thank you..I don't remember what my attitude was, all I know is our usual behavior is a reaction to what we receive from others. And this group here in the S.S. is superb.

Joan,  I'm so sorry to learn that you are ill and hope you are better very soon.

At least the substitute CNA was a good worker.  I got my Sleep Number pillows at Bed, Bath and Beyond.  I figure folks don't want to hear me whine about being sick.

Vanilla-Jackie--Thanks for the kind thoughts.  I have a nurse from Senior Care Management that checks on me daily.

Carol--I hate to sometimes admit I need some help.  That's a good price for air duct cleaning.  I paid twice that much.

Joe most always knows what is going on with me.  However, they are on vacation at Grace Bay, Provedinciales, Turks and Cacos Islands.

Thanks, Callie.

JOAN....
...thankfully we are all different...if as you put it, some people dont like hearing, quote: "whining " they can easily bypass the post...and leave it to the ones who genuinely do want to hear...Personally I dont view any form of illness or sickness as a person " whining.... " plus they shouldn't have to deal with it alone, that is why we have this forum, and Soda Shoppe to share our concerns...It would be a sad day when members are afraid to mention they have been ill...

Joan I feel some form of Relievement knowing a nurse is on hand and keeping an eye on you...

Hi Callie! 

The ducts are clean and such an interesting man.  He emigrated from Israel and has a lot to say about what has been happening here over the years.  He has his own company and is a happy new grandfather - nice to meet a content family man.   

Glora I gave her your message.

Larry yes it dose have tank and a heater in it both. But I tend to breath through my mouth after I go to sleep. guess I cant keep my mouth shut day or night.
Nancy tells me i talk in my sleep. but not too much about my girl Friends.
It has warmed up to 56 . I hate this win 10 it wont let me put the (alt 167 )
In it witch puts the degree sign on .

Lloyd

A good Thursday HELLO to EVERYFRIEND!

We are getting ready to head for the airport. I am so excited for our kids to go on this trip.  They have traveled extensively, having visited some 35 countries, and they are happy to add another country to their list. 

Granddog Oliver is quite the boy!  He ðŸ'" his GrandBob so much.  Brian is feeling a little left out at the moment!  We sure hope he will not miss his mom and dad too much after they are gone!  We will see! 

Thank you, HAL.  We are happy to be back in Texas and look forward to our two week stay.  We feel a bit of nip to the air here today.  Might have needed to bring a few warmer clothes!  We know how to layer though and will get by just fine.

JOAN, I am sorry to read you are not feeling all that well.  I can appreciate you not wanting to make a big deal over how you are doing to all of us, HOWEVER, please know that we do want to know and would like to up the prayers when more are needed.  Good to know that you have a nurse checking on you daily.  Hugs to you.

JUNIE, I am super happy to see your post..... knowing that you know exactly where my son will be. You know I sure would like to be there with them!  Someday we hope to make this trip ourselves.  I remember you saying how much your son enjoyed seeing Colorado!  We are blessed to have the abilities to get around like we do. 

I am being told it is time to go.......

Jenny

Afternoon everyone!  Went to my men's group at church this morning and had my usual taco and some food for the soul, we are studying Daniel.  Interesting, very interesting.

Larry, I do get relief from the pain when sitting or laying down.  My problem is walking and difficulty in getting up, especially from a low seat.  My SIL has a Mercedes and I feel like I am sitting on the ground when I get in that car.  Like most new cars you don't get in them, you put them on.  Anyhow I have some Lidocane patches (5%) that doctor gave me that kills the pain very well.  It was just so nice right after my shots to be able to walk like a normal human and not waddle and stagger like a drunk.  Anyhow I will see my pain doctor on the 10th and we will see what he has for me.

Joanie, remember something, you are home alone and I know if I was I would not worry about taking care of myself, just couldn't be bothered, especially if I was not feeling well. So if push comes to shove, listen to the professionals and talk to your family.  At least in the hospital you would be nourished and hydrated. And help would be just down the hall.

Amy, I hope your "patients" are doing well.  And you as well.  Keep us posted.

Well, Lloyd, think you got enough vittles put up to hold you over while Nancy is visiting the youngins?  Always scrambled some eggs and fry up some sausage and taters.  Maybe even throw some biscuits in the oven.

Everyone have a great day.

Lloyd--I am sorry you continue to have trouble with Windows 10.

Jenny--I hope your kids have a wonderful trip.  Prayers are appreciated.

halkel--Glad you have those lidocaine patches.  I'm thinking this malady is taking too long too show an improvement.  If my breathing doesn't improve by the first  of the week, I believe I'll have to head  for the hospital.

JOAN...
...please dont take any chances...if your gut feeling is telling you, you are not feeling right...it makes plenty of sense to act on it...

It is now 11.40, I have been dozing on and off at the computer, so taking myself to bed for the usual few hours of, I hope, interrupted sleep..