Larry, I,  have found that most stores will not put in a  new battery for you.  The last time I needed one,  I was out with a friend, and we stopped at a Battery Warehouse.  And, they were happy to put in a new one and it was even cheaper than the store.

I think Battery Warehouse is a national chain.  So,  you might have one close by you.

Joy

  Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!   

Happy Thanksgiving to All...... first thanks to God for all He does, next goes to Pat Scott Halbach go giving us this place to meet.  I am most grateful to have all of you good people in my daily life, the kindness & consideration you show every single day.

Got to tell you, I have a great family that is having a breakfast/brunch today instead of more turkey!  All of them took any left overs from Sunday and ready to "pardon another turkey".  Good idea, huh?

Amy, best wishes for you & your husband, be watching for your report.

Jane, June & any others interested in religion comments, my dear friend of nearly 50 years has been an active  member of the Episcopal Church as long as I've known her.... when we compare notes about the services she enjoys (a member of the choir, etc)...  I've told her many times that "their services are more Catholic than the ones at my church", because I attend the early Mass that has no music & less "pomp".  She loves the formal services that are still held at my church, but are at "prime time".  Growing up with a Catholic mother & Methodist father (that didn't go to church on Sundays) but was a 32nd Degree Mason as was his father, and a husband that didn't go to church but Believed & prayed, I firmly believe that "everyone is good or bad when they are judged by rules they believe in." 

Larry, if all fairness, I think the doctors were trying to calm his fears about the battery power, knowing it would outlast his heart.  They had probably already turned off the defib part long before but pacemaker still active.  He had so many procedures but always on a "need" basis so never had time to research.  I know Cas did research and found procedures available other places not offered here, but his doctors really cared for him as a person and did what they could.

Good news, heard from my brother last night, he is home & they are celebrating Thanksgiving with sons & families.  His daughter lives in FL & they will be seeing them Christmas when all gather at their house for the party, and then my brother & wife spend the rest of winter in FL about 50 miles from where their daughter lives. He didn't explain the reason for his trip to the hospital, too busy.  Out of town kids stay in motels, 5 kids multiply & they do what they can to make it easier on Mom & Dad... but they do keep busy all days! We will talk after the holiday, before Christmas rush.

Jenny, I went back & back but couldn't find what procedure Jackie was having today.... like everyone here, my thoughts & prayers are with her.

Larry, I discovered Battery Warehouse was the place to get mine... only don't wear a watch since FitBit keeps perfect time & does so much more! 

I'd better get dressed to head to that brunch & meet the new great grand.  Love to All.... Shirley

Joy--We don't have a Batteries Warehouse, but have Batteries Plus that will do the same thing.

Thank you, Sandy.

Good morning, Shirley.  Breakfast/brunch is a good idea.  Glad you heard from your brother that he is home.  Enjoy your day with family.

Good morning and HAPPY THANKSGIVING to EVERYFRIEND! 

I just want to say that I am thankful for ALL of you this wonderful day. 

We are watching the Macy's Parade, and there were dancers...made me imigine I was watching CALLIE's Ms Ellen!  I would not be surprised IF one day we would see her on our TV's, or even in person on a stage.

SHIRLEY, your plans for the day with the family sound perfect.  I hope the new baby and mama are doing well. 

I, too, am a Episcopalalian....and agree that it is always nice to share the basis of what ones religion is. 

Enjoy your day, where ever you are spending it. 

JOAN, my wish is that you could be in Fairhope with your family today....I know you will be in spirit!  HUGS to you! 

Thinking about you today, JACKIE.  Hope all is going well and you will hear some good news about your procedure. 

Thank you most of all to those who help make this Soda Shoppe so special!

Jenny

I guess we are an anomaly here as I have had watch batteries changed at both Zales and another mall jewelry store in the recent past. I always felt it was a standard service.

I  am also a life-long Episcopalian and to my knowledge, there are two main types with other variants of those two. The first, of which my church is one is what is referred to as "high" Episcopalian, the high meaning first and not better. This type is the older one and is similar to Catholicism. The second is "lower" Episcopalian, again the lower refers to second rather than less. Lower Episcopalian is similar to Protestants rather than Catholicism.

In my church or version of Episcopalian, there are traditional services, usually three. The first early service has no music and more traditional procedures; the second, music and ceremony while the third is geared towards families.All three have readings from the bible and the priest's sermon. There are several biblical societies and groups for men and women striving to know more and be more in the church.

I am not familiar with other churches other than superficially, but I'm sure they are similar in some ways with only a few tweaks here and there. It's like that old saying about everyone putting their pants on one leg at a time.

Patricia, you mentioned Zales and other jewelry stores for replacing watch batteries.  I found out our Meijer stores do not change batteries several years ago.  Fortunately we have a jewelry store nearby and I've had them change the batteries for up to $10.  Supermarkets and other stores do not change the batteries.

Tom and I will join Annie, her friend and his daughter for T-day dinner at a restaurant/grille for a buffet today.  I'll have to watch what I pick to eat because I'll want to try everything.

I hope everyone has a good Thanksgiving.

Mary Ann

Wishing Everyfriend Everywhere a day filled with blessings

Jenny,   As I watched the dancers I was thinking that Ellen could do just as well!  Don't know when the auditions are for next year - but I'd bet she'll be there trying!

The dressing and dessert are ready to go - and so am I.   

There's a store here called Batteries and Bulbs.  They have every kind of each that you could imagine.  For $18.00, you can have a watch battery changed without charge "forever".  They put a little sticker inside the watch to indicate you've purchased this.
Since the store is right next door to the restaurant where I play Bridge,  I take full advantage.

I have a  seiko solar powered watch.  Never have to change a battery.  had it for about three or four years. Keeps perfect time.

My WM still sells and changes watch batteries.  A customer told me Tuesday to give him a minute to get his watch back on because he just had the battery changed at the jewely counter. 

I'm off to my daughter's to do my share in helping a turkey lose weight!

Jenny--I wish I could be in Fairhope, too, but it's not to be.  I thank you for your words of appreciation.

Phyllis--And the same to you.

angelface--I am not very well versed in the Episcopalian religion so learned something from your post.

Mary Ann--Enjoy the Thanksgiving buffet and the time with family/friends.

Callie--Batteries and Bulbs has a unique policy for changing watch batteries.

halkel--My husband had a watch like yours.

Janie--The WM I used in AR used to change watch batteries.  Then one day I went to the jewelry counter to get one changed, and they told me they no longer provided that service because they had ruined some watches getting the back off.  Enjoy the turkey and your family.

Thank you so much for all your prayers!! THEY WORKED!!!We are home and hubby is now running on all cylinders   pray that his heart behaves and stays this way. Driving was horrible ,we left here at 5:15 driving at 60 k roads were snow covered and slushy. Our trip home was a lot nicer! I had a waltz with the snow blower and our driveway is clean ,a path to the wood piles and the dog path is done. I am going to be like a lazy dog now and do nothing!!!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone.!!

Amy--GREAT news that your husband is now running on all cylinders.  I will continue to pray for you both.  You've had a hectic day between the procedure, getting to and from the hospital and doing snow removal--so you deserve a big rest.

Thank you to all who were thinking of me today having my " flexible Cystocopy procedure..." I, and my bladder, have been given the " all clear " I have a healthy bladder, much to my relief, and have now been signed off.....It doesn't matter that they haven't found where the daily watery bleed comes from, ( they cant see any bleed....)... No blood shows in my urine, ( which is still leaving me baffled,) but it does come from my urine in my underwear, since my bladder function has changed since my MS diagnoses....The main thing is all is as it should be, no signs of cancer, unlike my late father who also had this procedure 28 -29 years ago who did pass away from penis cancer, that is what is written on his death certificate....This for me has been one long one and a half years on the go, just so thankful its all done and dusted....I dont care now that I have a daily watery bleed stain in my underwear, I can live with that, it is not causing me any harm nor discomfort, and I dont have to worry of cancer anymore...nor any future treatments or operations running into the next year...
As far as both the Gynaecologist and the Urologist states, both my bladder and womb are in good health... just glad some parts of me still are....    

We have much to be thankful for today..... if you've read all the posts you will agree!  God Bless Us, Everyone! (smile on my face from just polishing off 5-6? of those little fun size Hersheys...BAD Shirley 

My neighbor has a houseful of guests and still thought to send over a full plate with some of everything they're having - enough for at least one more full meal and an extra sandwich.  And a sample of the dessert they're having hasn't arrived yet. 

We're back from a very nice Thanksgiving dinner.  This place was miles south of Grand Rapids and I live way north and had never heard of the place.  It is a big restaurant but also has a banquet hall.  We were in the hall and it was packed.  So was the parking lot and I saw one car parked on the grass beside the road of the parking area.  I had something of everything I wanted - turkey, dressing, mashed potato and gravy, cranberry sauce, sliced apple, pumpkin pie, rolls and coffee.  Since it was a buffet, I could have had second helpings, but I refrained!  I am full!

Jeanne Lee, what a nice neighbor you have.

Mary Ann

Vanilla-Jackie--Prayers do work.  I know you are very relieved that there is no cancer and the things that concerned you are healthy.

Shirley--I just had 4 Hershey's dark chocolate nuggets.

Jeanne Lee--You sure have great neighbors.

Mary Ann--Sounds like you picked the things that you wanted to eat from the buffet. 

I certainly do have some great neighbors.  There are two other families in this cul de sac and they are both very caring.  What one doesn't do for me the other one does. 

Hello Everyfriend!  I'm so happy to hear the good news from Canada and England that I'd like to dance!  Amy, you sure do deserve to rest after the day you put in and Jackie, you deserve to rejoice at your good news after such a long wait.

Dinner was good and it was also FUN.  If you've never had Thanksgiving with three 24 year old young men who all call you "Grammy" you haven't lived.  Kyle brought 2 friends along to dinner and we laughed our way through all courses.  And Courtney shared with me that she's "seeing" a very nice young man.  She was flipping through pictures to show me what he looks like and I said, "Before I even look at the picture, tell me...Is he nice?"  She said he's VERY nice and I really enjoy being with him.  Then I looked at the picture and he's cute, too.

Now I'm going to rest.  It's been a busy day here, too. 

"Home again, home again, jiggety jog"

Good dinner, good company, good time.

Miss Ellen "joined" us via Facetime on her sister's phone.  She was at a friend's apartment, preparing baked ham and sweet potato casserole.  Five other friends will bring more food.  Sounds like a Good Time In New York City.

We could see shoppers lined up well out into the parking lot when we drove past one of the big Malls on the way home.
As Joan says,  "Different strokes for different folks".

So glad to read the good reports from Amy and Jackie.....and also see that others have had a good day with family and friends.

Jeanne Lee--You are very fortunate.

Janie--"Dinner was good and it was fun"--I'm happy for you.

Callie--Well, I'm glad all aspects were good.  Sounds like Miss Ellen was in the spirit of the day.

No June today.  I hope all is OK.

A very Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving dear hearts.

Janie, Exactly….you said it just as we had it at our Church also. And it was good. What I am finding is we did not study the whole bible, verse by verse as some other churches do. The Sermons were great teaching, believe me dear I loved my Church and the various Pastors we had. We were "High" Church, very catholic minded, and I loved it. I was an Associate of the Sisters of St. Mary, went to yearly Quiet Days at a Convent in Santa Barbara , the whole nine yards..I am so thankful for those years. But now I am learning in a different manner. And it is good also.

Larry, you have such a good attitude. I am proud of you.

Tisie, I read sometime ago…wish I could remember who wrote it…"Going to Church doesn't make you a Christian, any more that standing in a garage makes you a Car." I have known a lot of very, very good people that are Godly that have never been to Church.God made us, God gave us life, and God loves us. The rest is up us. Our choice.

Amy, thank you so much for the good report on your husband. May he continue to have better and better health as the days go by. NIce news for Thanksgiving.

Jackie, I rejoice with you on your good news. It must be a great relief to you after all this time to get that report.

Jeanne Lee, you just gave us another good reason to be Thankful today. You are well cared for by a wonderful neighbor. May God Bless them greatly.

Bis, I am so very sorry to be so late. I have enjoyed the sharing post so much. I woke at 4 a.m. took a shower and shampoo at 5 a.m., then I got involved in medications from our clinic. We have changed drug companies that fill our prescripts and I didn't understand what they were doing…I still don't, but will go down again tomorrow, to show them my changes in prescripts that the hospital ordered. had an early dinner downstairs with friends and reallly enjoyed their company. A song popped into my head while we were eating…remember, "We gather together to ask the Lords' Blessing"…..and we couldn't remember the rest…I found it on Google. I came home and fell asleep for nearly three hours. So that is why I am so late.

Good Night Everyfriend!  May God bless us, every one!

Good Friday morning, Everyfriend.   There's poached eggs on toast to accompany your coffee or tea. Make it a good day!!




Psychic Hotline

A frog telephoned the Psychic Hotline and was told, "You are going to meet a beautiful young woman who will want to know everything about you."

The frog said, "That's great! Will I meet her at a party, or what?"

"No," said the psychic, "Next term--in her biology class."


The Value of Experience
(By Alan Smith)

"Sir, What is the secret of your success?" a reporter asked a bank president.

"Two words."

"And, sir, what are they?"

"Right decisions."

"And how do you make right decisions?"

"One word."

"And, sir, what is that?"

"Experience."

"And how do you get experience?"

"Two words."

"And, sir, what are they?"

"Wrong decisions."

There's a measure of truth in that. Though we can (and should) learn from the mistakes of others, experience truly does seem to be "the best teacher." The experience of making wrong decisions in the past should help us to learn so that we make better decisions in the future. But are we willing to learn?

Paul is a great example of someone who learned from his past mistakes and, as a result of that experience, made better decisions in his effort to serve God.

"And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man...." (I Timothy 1:12-13)

I love the way that I've heard Randy Harris put it: "God loves you wherever you are........but He loves you too much to leave you where you are!"

"Father, once again I come asking forgiveness for the many times I've let you down. As I confess to you my transgressions, I pray that you will help me to learn from my mistakes -- to recognize the consequences of following my stubborn will, to realize the heartache you feel when I turn a deaf ear to you, to learn from my error the need to follow your word more closely. I have made wrong decisions, but I pray that the experience of doing so will help me to develop the wisdom necessary to make better decisions in the future, as I strive to draw closer to you. In Jesus' name, amen."




A computer is almost human - except that it doesn't blame its mistakes on another computer.

--Author Unknown

Good morning everyone..

Woke early and have a wash on the go, no hanging out today as they are calling for rain!

We are heading back to the city this morning, the report from hubby's last surgery,it wasn't what we wanted to hear but chemo will hopefully take care of it. Today we are meeting the oncologist to see what route they are going to take.

Thankfully the drive in today will not be as bad as yesterdays...

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving,you made my mouth water with all the goodies you were baking/eating...yes Shirley even your wee chocolate bars!!

Joan, thank you for breakfast.

Enjoy your day everyone.

Good morning, Amy.  I will be praying that the chemo takes care of your husband's cancer.  I know you both are anxious to hear what the oncologist has planned.  I wish you safe travel.

Good Morning Everyfriend!  I didn't sleep very well last night.  I was so tired when I went to bed that I think it made me restless.  When I finally went sound asleep it was after 3 a.m. because that's then last time I remember seeing on the clock. 

I have to work this morning and I'm sure it will be busy with residual customers who didn't go in last night when the sales all started.  When I come home from work, my daughter and my granddaughter (her niece) will be picking me up to go to the Amish store.  I bet I'll be tired again tonight!  But I wouldn't miss spending a couple of hours with them for anything!

My pies were a hit yesterday but I didn't find that out until late last night.  We were all "stuffed" after dinner and we opted to have the pie and coffee later.  I brought mine home and I'm having it for breakfast.  I got texts from them after they had theirs and they were all complimentary.  That's the easiest part of the dinner and I'm happy to contribute that.

Amy, be safe on your way to the city and back.  I'm praying that the Dr. will offer you hope for your hubby. 

A special good morning to you, Joanie and a thank your for the readings this morning.  I pity the frog and I'd have been happy to give up that part of my education when I was in high school.  The inspiration reading struck home and the food for thought was exactly that...food for thought!  I've often wondered how many hours you put in for us finding all that you contribute! 

I wish Everyfriend a terrific day full of whatever pleases you most.  Make it a good one!

Good morning, Janie.  Sorry you found it hard to get to sleep last night.  With little sleep, working and shopping at the Amish store today with daughter and granddaughter, you sure will be tired when bedtime comes tonight.  I spend a fair amount of time finding "stuff" but it's worth it when folks enjoy my first post each day.