Christian Photographers Community

How can we complain when Antartica recorded a record below 139. degrees F.  ?    Don said it was something that we actually felt warmer outside yesterday at 9 degrees F.  A thaw is comng on Thursday. 

Ruth Ann:  I feel so bad for you regarding the angry outbursts from the man you are helping.  Sometimes that happens in dementia cases and it is so sad.  It helps to keep the cabinet doors open near the pipes too when it is freezing outside. 

We have another possibile national publicity crisis here - there is a rally this weekend for a bakery owner who refuses to make a wedding cake for a "different" marriage.   Two men from the state of MA. came to the little store and demanded a cake and were refused for the religious beliefs the owner stands by.  Now it will be a lawsuit and another publicity stunt. 

Yes, we love our family and one grandson will be home soon too - he surprised Don with a phone call. 

Yesterday, I finished making all of the hot fudge sauce and peanut brittle to be divided.  Napped a little.We have a concert with 2nd. grandchild tonight and tomorrow is my potluck for women's group.

I've just spoken to Judy.  She has been fighting a really miserable cold and is not feeling at all well - and she sounds bad, too.  I scolded her for delaying the heat in the house until afternoon and told her (actually I ordered her  ) to get the heat going and to wait until she feels better to come back to Christian Photographers.  So prayers for her recovery will be most welcome.

Prayers going upward (actually, DOWN from our position seated with Christ beside God's throne!) for Larry, Judy and Ruth Ann to feel better.  During this season it is really inconvenient to not feel well.  But please do take care of yourselves while your bodies regain strength.  Love you all!

I went back to the gym this morning.  Did a mile and a half on the treadmill and then some stretching.  Don't want to overdo it when I missed more than a week.  But am so thankful the cold is gone!  Praise God!

Darrel has gone to Liberal for yet another treatment.  We will both be happy when he is finished, I think he may have two more.

And guess who STILL doesn't have her Christmas tree up?     I don't know why I am dragging my heels about that!  But I am. 

The combined Thanksgiving/Christmas dinner at the care home is tonight.  They call it the holiday dinner, but I refuse to do that.  I will take a pie and some guacamole and chips.  The home does the meat, potatoes, gravy and bread and the families of the residents are to bring salads and desserts.  Beth has four guests coming, including me.  They limit the number, because some people will take advantage at every opportunity.

Marilyn, you sound like me, in that I don't really care about the age of my car, as long as it looks reasonably presentable and runs good.  I just want it to get me there and back, and be dependable!

Pat, how are you feeling now?  And are you in Virginia or Guelph? 

Talk to you all later!

Well it's about 20 degrees outside. I enjoyed the sun today, but the wind was a problem.

I thought I'd let you know that my father in law is doing much better after his sinus surgery. They found a yeast infection and some fluid in one ear, but nothing else! We were over at his house on Sunday evening and we played Dominos. Gerhard looked 1000% better and he was making some of his old comments during the game.  He has also been able to decrease the times between doses of pain medication which he had been taking every 2 hours. He has a visiting nurse that comes over, and a physical therapist too. (He's been confined to the house or in the hospital since September.) I think he is finally free of the head pain that has been plaguing him all this time.

Hi, friends,

Smokey - Good to see you with us again.

Thanks for all the kind comments. It must be "buy a battery for the car" time. Had to call AAA for assistance today. So, when I go to get checked for renewing the auto license plate, I'll go to Sams Club and get the battery and a large bag of cough drops.

Otherwise, it's time to rest and renew this evening.

Y'all have a great rest of the day with our Lord.

Ruth Ann

Larry I do try to take good care of my car, I would be lost without it., Its a good car and it runs great. I only worked two days this week and don't go back until next Monday. I am hoping to get some Christmas shopping done. Keith's oldest son and his wife, are expecting twins, we don't know the gender yet. The little boy Jackson  just turned 2 yesterday. I am just no getting enthused about that yet. I will have to make something, I feel so inadequate  because Keith's ex is such a wonderful knitter, and makes such beautiful things. Well I suppose I should get myself a little be enthused and start crocheting something.

Smokey, good to 'see' you again!  Glad your father in law is better.  come by and chat more often.

Marilyn, please don't compare yourself to anyone else; just be the best YOU you can be!  That is all anyone who loves you should expect, and the others don't matter.    See, I could really 'down' myself, because I do NOT kinit at all!  Not one stitch!    But it doesn't matter; I do other things.

Our temp rose from 4 up past 40 yesterday!!  Yippee!

Darrel is ready to go to the gym, so bye!

Hi everyone.  We finally have a clear sky today but it was in the 20's this morning but going into the low 50's.  I went to coffee but plan on staying home the rest of the day as still not feeling up to par.

Carol, glad it will finally warm up for you all out Denver way.  I saw the bakery owner interviewed on Fox News yesterday.  I agree with you about the publicity stunt but unfortunately they will probably get a judge who will rule against the bakery owner. Grandchild concerts are very special and hope you really had a good time last night. 

Jeanne, thanks for sharing the info regarding Judy and I hope she will soon be feeling better.

Janet, glad you have overcome the cold.  I am sure you will know the right time to put up that tree so please don't fret about it.  Hope you had a good time at the dinner at the care home. I agree with you on the car and as soon as I got the PT Cruiser I joined the GM Motor Club so if I have any car problems I can get help.  At least now Pat could come and get me if the car is towed. 

Smokey, glad your FIL is doing well after his sinus surgery.  Being free of head pain after so long must certainly be welcome. 

Ruth Ann, cold weather is hard on a battery as it weakens over time particularly when a car has to stay outside in the elements.  Hope your cough soon gets better.

Marilyn, expecting twin grandchildren would be very exciting.  I wouldn't worry about your gift as it will be filled with love and when we do our best I don't think we need to be compared to anyone else.  (I see Janet share my opinion on the comparison.)

Janet, you have so many skills and things you do when would you ever find the time to knit.   

Larry:  So sorry to read  that you are still not feeling up to par.  It is a ridiculously hyper time of the year so I hope you can stay out of the whirlwind outside your home. 

Marilyn:  You will make a well-loved present, I am sure. 

We had the brunch feast at church today.  Amazing food all around - you can't help but think of the rising numbers of those homeless in our city vs. the abundance of our area.  This church has a huge input for food, clothing and shelter but the entire city can't keep up with the poorest of the poor. 

Hi, friends,

Marilyn, I once took a doll making seminar (1 day) and we were supposed to complete a doll during that day. So, I found cute pastel-colored scraps of fabric and make a knock-off of a pillow that had a sort-of triangle shaped head on one side, then, cut out arms and legs out of flesh colored knitted material. That Humpty Dumpty ended up being my daughter's most favorite doll, and one which she still owns all these years later. It didn't look gorgeous to my eyes, but she instantly loved it and named it Humpty Dumpty.

I can't knit a stitch either, and my mom really tried. I CAN crochet, but knitting just didn't click with me. But, then, I had computer skills my mom didn't have, so was content with my different set of skills.

Thankfully, when Sam's Club tested my battery, Larry, it tested out good. So, I just must have kept the radio and my lights on too long in the cold weather, while the motor was shut off. Another senior moment, no doubt.

What a busy day today: got tested for and then purchased my license plate renewal for the year, got the battery tested, bought some groceries at Sam's and as I was checking out, the man ahead of me coughed, thus precipitating a dash back to get the big bag of sugar free cough drops, then bought the rest of groceries at a regular grocery, and finished up by getting a haircut. Whew!

So, it's time to make a bit of dinner and then rest for the evening.

Love to all, and more love to our Lord,
Ruth Ann

Thanks for the compliments and encouragement. I'm sure I will crochet something very nice for the twins. I did some Christmas shopping today and am crocheting a Mobius Cowl for Savannah in Winter White. That is a scarf that has a twist and is also called a neck warmer. I am going to make earring for Sarah's mother Ann and for the wife and girlfriends of Keith's son. So I am getting busy  and need to get those earrings made by next weekend because Dr. Craig, Stephanie and Baby Jackson are coming  for a short visit.

Hi everyone on a cold but sunny morning.  I have no plans on going anywhere today as still feeling sub-par.  Just getting around the house leaves me exhausted and I still have no appetite.  I had wanted to get Pat's files moved from her old computer to her new one but that may have to wait until tomorrow or later.  Pat has a doctor's appointment late this afternoon. 

Carol, other than go to the local jewelry store to see if I can find a nice watch for Pat my participation in preparations for Christmas will be limited to writing some checks.  Pat put out a few decorations and our little Christmas tree on Monday when the housekeepers were here to help with the containers and getting the tree lights hooked up. Christmas day will be the big day when we all go down to spend Christmas with Stacey.  Our son and DIL are planning on coming over and I will ask him to drive us downtown.  We had an email from our church yesterday with an emergency request from the food bank our church members support.  Apparently they did not receive the normal influx of food at Thanksgiving time.  I think the food banks are being overwhelmed.

Ruth Ann, interesting story and memory of "Humpty Dumpty".  Children see things with children's eyes and see beauty where perhaps adults would not.  Glad you didn't have to buy a new battery.  My PT Cruiser sounds an alarm if I try to leave the lights on after taking out the key and the radio stops at that time also. 

Marilyn, it sounds like your home factory will be very busy for a few days as you make lovely gifts. 

Marilyn, isn't it great what a few words of encouragement can do for us?  Glad you've made some decisions about what to make for gifts.

Larry, sorry you are still not feeling up to par, and hope your strength and energy will soon return.  Remember, there are a lot of folks who love you and pray for you, and do continue to take it easy.  Our food bank seems to have been hit harder than usual this season, as well, and I see and hear appeals for more food for it.


I am also feeling sub-par today.  Had a terrible night with restless legs syndrome and just feeling crazy.  My throat is trying to get sore again, so I'm taking the vitamin C and zinc again.  And I didn't go to the gym this morning.  When I finally got to sleep sometime after 3 AM, I slept until nearly 7.  So my day feels really mixed-up.  But I have prayed for strength for today, and God hasn't failed me yet!  I'm sure He never will.

I finally got the package with Abby's gift yesterday.  It had been shipped about 10 days earlier, was transferred from UPS to USPS for some reason.  It's a Bible; NASB/Amplified parallel.  That's what she told me she wanted and I was thrilled with her choice of a Bible for her gift.  The Bible she is using now is the one she's had since she was small, a children's version of some kind.  Now I am waiting for Mark's and Darrel's gifts.  I'm doing most of my shopping online, and now most of the sites have free shipping!!

Darrel has been having terrible night sweats lately.  We think it is caused from his diabetes, so he will start being more careful about monitoring that and about what he eats before going to bed.  It does get me to wash the sheets often! 

See you later!

Hi, friends,

Janet, it could be that your husband's blood sugar is dropping low in middle of the night. I had lots of night sweats till I learned that I must eat a snack containing a bit of protein, carbs, and fat. A slice of peanut butter toast can do nicely in this instance, or a slice of cheese and crackers - just something light.

Today has been a stay-in-and-love-the apartment day. So, I just fixed a glass of almost eggnog using light soy milk and sugar free accompaniment. Refreshing.

Time to go and try to finish my to do list for today.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Thanks, Ruth Ann!  That is what Kristi (at the gym) told him, too.  He really needs to be more regular about taking care of the diabetes, so it doesn't get worse.

I just had a lovely phone call from my sister Shirley.  How I wish we lived close enough to each other that we could visit more!

Time to go see if we got any mail!

Today has been my stay at home day after I went to the gym. I did laundry and finished that scarf/cowl for Savannah, I made it out of a very soft Homespun yarn. It is soooo soft, I hope she likes it and will wear it. They seem to be the "in" scarf at this time with the young people. Now to get busy on some earring for the rest of the gifts, i have to set up my jewelry making  materials on the dining room table and it is pretty cold in the dining room.

Keith only worked ½ day today so he is preparing for a fire in the fireplace. No sun to ay the forecasters said the we were to have freezing rain starting after 1pm today. Not happening yet. sometimes I wonder where they get their information. Weather guessers for sure. 

Janet you came in while I as typing.  I hope Darrel is more conscientious about his diabetes. My older kids Dad  never did what he was supposed to, even had a kidney transplant and that didn't' even set him straight according to what my kids have told me. He dies about 24 years ago.

The Broncos just lost the game.  Not a fine game day.  Don finished the cards while I scraped ice and snow from the front driveway which faces north.  Hence, the ice.  I have always in our marriage shoveled snow since Don was either traveling or I would not let him shovel because he was told very early that he had a heart murmur.  Just a few years ago we found out there is no murmur.  It feels good to be out in the fresh air anyway.  He does have diabetes as well and strenuous work has sometimes affected him so we just try to keep things on an even keel here. 

A lot of packages are sent UPS and from there to our post office where they lay around for some extra time.

Carol, maybe they think our packages are cheese, better when aged.    You be careful of that shoveling, too!  I don't mind doing that, but I tend to go at it like "killing snakes" and overdo before I realize how hard I'm pushing myself.  Sorry about the Broncos!

I am waiting for my friend Pat to call.  She is going to color, cut and style my hair this morning, (if she ever gets home from a Dr. app't!)  So I have been doing 'stuff' while waiting for her call.

Tonight we are going with friends to Dodge City for a Christmas dinner play called A Christmas Cactus.  That should be fun!

Gotta run!  See you later!

Hi everyone.  On the way to the Senior Center this morning my neighbor and I (we ride together on Friday's for coffee) went by McDonald's where the lobby lady Ellen had two plates of goodies for us to take to share with all the guys at the Senior Center.  She had a big plate of fudge and also a big plate of lemon pound cake.  The guys all appreciated it.  Ellen, treats of like kings and waits on us when we are there and we guys think the world of her.  We don't tip her for her services but twice a year take up a very nice amount of money to give to her. 

I had a very good nights sleep last night after a day when I really didn't feel good.  Pat looked up heart failure on the American Heart Association's website and the way I have been feeling fit exactly what she read so at least I know why I am feeling as I have been.   So far today am not having the sick, nauseous feeling that I have had since last Sunday but still have no energy and doing anything physical like walking here in the house leaves me huffing and puffing.

Janet, my doctor has told me the way I am feeling is the natural progression of heart disease, which I have been dealing with for about 25 years.m  I am not optimistic of my strength returning but sure hope the sick feeling isn't going to be permanent.  I appreciate all the prayers and am thankful for my life as God has been taken very good care of me over the years and I am still enjoying life, just making adjustments where needed.  I have a very supportive wife, which I appreciate.  So sorry to hear of your terrible night and know that restless legs syndrome is a very unpleasant thing to endure.  It does sound like Darrel is having some diabetic conditions with the sweats.  Stacey often speaks of the same thing. 

Ruth Ann, It is nice to stay home on certain days.  I see you use a "to do list" also.  They are helpful. 

Marilyn, I hope the freezing rain misses you but if it doesn't that it won't stay on the ground very long. 

Carol, I didn't realize there was a game last night.  Sorry your team lost.  That scraping ice and snow was how I discovered I had heart disease as was shoveling snow and it just about did me in.  We have had several things that we ordered delivered by the Post Office.   
   

I just have the need to come in here and ask for prayers for parents and children of a high school in the area - it looks like the boy who did the shooting lives very close to us within walking distance.  He would normally go to the high school that is nearby.  I was wondering why the helicopters were circling while I was out shoveling again.  We are told that the authorities and the children in school practice lock-downs so all knew what to do.  Isn't that a sad thing to think about - it makes us just sick at heart.

Larry:  You are so good in educating all of us as our bodies begin to slow down and to claim our faith.  Hugs to you.  I am sure that your friend appreciates a gift on money especially during this time of the year. 

On a happier note, I made biscotti for tomorrow's brunch and am considering making a bacon/egg/cheese quiche in the morning.  There will be leftovers.  Oh yes, the cleaning lady (me) did a reluctant but good job today.  The warming tray I bought at a thrift store is ready for all the hot dishes others bring - it is cold enought that we could put chilled food out on the deck.  Don was so irked that I bought this huge warming tray and hauled it all the way back from Arizona but everyone really thinks it is perfect when a group comes over so I have my "I told you so" moments.   

Hi, friends,

Janet - about those nighttime sweats...I forgot to mention that I determine whether a snack is needed by taking my blood sugar just before time to sleep. For me, the determination is whether the number is below 100. I've learned that the lows don't occur if I have that snack right before I go to sleep. And, if a bit concerned, I keep a Coke (not diet) at the bedside along with a package of cheese crackers. Why? because my legs get weak and wobbly when blood sugar is in the 50s or below, so it's better to keep emergency supplies right at hand. I always keep a supply of Cokes on hand, even though I really dislike their taste. Definitely, that's not a trigger food for me!!

All week, the forecaster have said we would get sleet/snow tonight, followed by rain all day tomorrow. Now, the temps are not dropping, so they revised it to be rain beginning about bedtime and continuing tomorrow. Thank goodness! Maybe Sunday will be a dry day so I can go to church. I fear ice on the steps leading up to the church while wearing this boot - it makes me clumsy.

Larry, I'm so sorry you have the health problems. We all truly love and respect you and want only the best for your health.

Marilyn, that was fast crocheting that scarf! Those types of projects I'd never undertake, although I have a dream of one day making an afghan for the living room.

Carole, I can't say I'd be out shoveling - I'd probably be groveling at the feet of a neighborhood teenager who would love getting a bit of ca$h for helping old ladies out of a bind! 

If I didn't mention you, do understand I love and appreciate all who are here. May our Lord bless us all, as only He knows best.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  It is rainy, dark and dreary morning here in Georgia and suppose to be this way all day.  Fortunately it is not too cold.  I went to coffee this morning but both Pat and I plan on staying in the rest of the day.  I am happy to finally be able to say I am feeling much better, starting yesterday.  We even went out to eat some Mexican food last evening.  I am finishing up transferring Pat's files from her old desktop to her new one.  It finally dawned on me to use the external hard disk I have on my desk and now have the files being loaded on her computer and then think my setup work on her computer is basically completed. 

Carol, I thought of you and Jenny when I heard the terrible news and then realized the high school was in your vicinity.  Regardless of where the school is it is a terribly sad and troublesome thing.  I saw them interviewing a couple of the children from the school and it sounded like they knew exactly what to do.  I liked your "Told You So" moment.  Glad your cleaning lady did a good job for you as sure hate to think of you scolding yourself. 

Ruth Ann, it sounds like you have learned through experience to be prepared at nighttime for a drop in you blood sugar.  We have the rain today but expect a sunny Sunday.  I realize that I complain too much when I don't feel good and guess I start thinking it will not get better, which experience shows is not the case so just have to be patient when the less than par times occur.  They sure help me appreciate the good days.  I don't even own a snow shovel and don't intend to to leave the house if the walks and streets are slick.  At least the driveway gets the morning sun and so things melt quickly. 

Hi, friends,

I just returned from watching a great movie with friends. We all gathered in the Multi-Purpose Room and watched "Homeless for Christmas." Wow! What an uplifting movie with a christian ending about a family where the dad was hard-driving and always on call at his job. Then, he was let go for something not his fault. It showed how he went through various stages of trying to recover from the job loss, searching high and low for a job, etc., and how, through the grace of God and after even losing the family home and living in a tent for a while, God's mercy brought him through to a good ending. And how that helped him to completely turn around his thinking about others and helping those less fortunate.

Now, I'm waiting to hear from the Philippines, then have all my dirty laundry gathered up to go downstairs to wash clothes.

Y'all have a great rest of the day with our Lord.

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone on a Sunday morning here in Georgia.  The rain is suppose to be over but it is to be partly cloudy today.  We will go to church and out to lunch and then rest this afternoon.  This evening is our annual Children's Christmas Program followed by the Chancel Choir Christmas Cantata.  They will have a small ensemble of instruments accompanying them and they are doing a Cantata we did two or three years ago.  I am looking forward to hearing it again as I remember it as being very meaningful with beautiful words and music. 

Ruth Ann, that sounds like a wonderful movie. 

I see it has been pretty quiet here since I posted yesterday.  Maybe folks computers are snowed or iced in. 

I really need to do some shopping but it is a Sunday.  Of course, everything is open - except Chick Fil A or Hobby Lobby  .

It is sunny and warm enough this morning that I have the sliding door open to the deck that is off the kitchen.  Do hope it melt the ice that is in front of the house on the north side - wishing for a flame thrower to melt that thick ice.  It is supposed to be warm for awhile and then I heard "cold snap" again (not listening to the weather forecasts now). 

Don and I talked about how blessed we are this morning.  There are families with multiple problems and including health or their children's major needs.  We have made it through some tough times and give thanks for so many of those episodes ending. 

Have a very good Sunday. 

How good it is to come in here and read the uplifting posts of my friends!  Thank you!

Larry, no--you do not complain at all, you are just being thoughtful in letting us know when you don't feel up to par, because you know we all love you and that's the only way we can know when you need special prayer.  Thank you for doing that, and I'm delighted to know you are now feeling better.  I'm sure you will enjoy tonight's Christmas program.  I guess I won't get to see/hear any Christmas programs this year.  Our church is having a special time next Sunday morning at the High School Auditorium, but we will be in Wichita for Abby's pageant, so will have to miss it.  And they aren't doing a children's program.

Carol, it is good to think back and thank God for all he has brought us through, and all he prevented us from going through!  God is so good to us, isn't He?

Ruth Ann, glad you are still going, in spite of that foot.  Is it getting better? (I know it is, because I prayed for that!)     Thanks for the diabetes hints, they are appreciated.

I went to Liberal yesterday to watch Abby dance.  Their Christmas parade was at 6:00, and they had entertainment preceding that.  It was all enjoyable with the exception of one poor little girl about 12 years old who sang.  Oh, my!  It was SO bad.  And she didn't stop at one song, but went on and on, to sing about eight songs!  And the little dancers were waiting their turn, practically turning blue in the cold.  They obviously didn't audition for that program.  I felt bad for her.  Abby said it is hard to dance on the bumpy street!  But she did a lovely job of her solo dance to Swan Lake.

I am going to the care home soon to put up a little Christmas tree for Beth and one for my friend Maxine.  Maxine will be 97 on Christmas Eve.  She told me Friday she couldn't remember how old she is.  She kept telling me, "I was born on Christmas Eve," but when I asked her what year, she just said the same thing again.  Her hearing has improved and I'm so thankful for that.

My little tree still is wearing only its lights.  So it's pretty at night, but pretty blah during the daytime, unless I plug it in.    Maybe I will get that done later, too.

We had a really full house this morning at church! 

Time to start a new topic for this week...

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