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Happy New Year!

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Morning Devotional...







Calvary Covers It All
T. Green

And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him,..." —Luke 23:33

I have often praised God, as unabated tears flowed froms my eyes, tracing their unbidden way into the Lord's eternal storage bottle (cf. Psalm 56:8 ) as these words were sung:


(1)  Far dearer than all that the world can impart
Was the message came to my heart.
How that Jesus alone for my sin did atone,
And Calvary covers it all.

Chorus
Calvary covers it all,
My past with its sin and stain;
My guilt and despair
Jesus took on Him there,
And Calvary covers it all.

(2)  The stripes that He bore and the thorns that He wore
Told His mercy and lover evermore
And my heart bowed in shame as I called on His name,
And Calvary covers it all.

Chorus
Calvary covers it all,
My past with its sin and stain;
My guilt and despair
Jesus took on Him there,
And Calvary covers it all.

(3)  How matchless the grace, when I looked in the face
Of this Jesus, my crucified Lord;
My redemption complete I then found at His feet,
And Calvary covers it all.

Chorus
Calvary covers it all,
My past with its sin and stain;
My guilt and despair
Jesus took on Him there,
And Calvary covers it all.

(4)  How blessed the thought, that my soul by Him bought,
Shall be His in the glory on high;
Where with gladness and song, I'll be one of the throng
And Calvary covers it all.

Chorus
Calvary covers it all,
My past with its sin and stain;
My guilt and despair
Jesus took on Him there,
And Calvary covers it all.


S. Franklin Logsdon said, "But this is only part of the story.  Calvary covers the present as well as the past, and has provided lavishly for the future..."  I'm sure you have uttered yourself or heard someone say, "I've got you covered."  Well, God has us "covered."  Covered with a blood-soaked shroud that hides our past, an over-coming blood that gives us victory now (cf. Rev. 12:11), and a glorious future clothed in robes made white by the blood of the Lamb (cf.  Rev. 7:14).  What transpired that sun-darkened, earth-shaking day on Cavary was the price a holy and righteous God demanded for the vile, putrefying sins of all mankind.  Jesus Christ paid the debt owned to God--in full!

The songwriter asked the melodic question:

"Are you washed in the blood,
In the soul cleansing blood of the Lamb?
Are your garments spotless? Are they white as snow?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?"

For God's glory, Christ's kingdom and your sake, I trust you are!"









I'm so thankful for this devotional by Tim Green.  This hymn is one of my favorites.

Thank you, Pat, for this great new spot in our forum. I, too, love that hymn. I'll be humming it as I read messages on email.

It was busy today, and then I discovered that while I was in hospital, the annual auto license bill came. It showed up when I was going through some papers I had missed. So, tomorrow I'll be getting the car inspected and then, hopefully, licensed early tomorrow.

Rain is threatened, so I'd rather get on out and, hopefully, miss the raindrops. I'd rather have them fall on the top of the car after it's parked safely in the lot here at the apartments.  :thumbsup:

Y'all have a wonderful rest of the day with our matchless Lord,

Ruth Ann

Happy final day of 2012, everyone!  I am happy to report my sweet husband is back home and feeling fine.  And it's SNOWING!!  :)  I am dressed to go to the gym, but when I called a little while ago, there was no answer, so I am not sure if they are open today.

I finished reading through the Bible this morning, using the one year NLT translation.  I am thinking I might read the one year in chronological order one for 2013.  I had a few questions about the timing of things this time through, and that should answer them.  How thankful we should be to live in a country where we can STILL own as many copies of God's Word as we like, and how we should take advantage of reading them!  I am guilty of letting so many days fly by in the past, while ignoring the Word lying right at hand.  I have repented, and vowed to do better.  I have read through the Bible each year for the past few years, so am improving, but there is always room for more.

I am going to forward a funny email to several of you, about an auctioneer.  So if you don't want to see it, just delete.  ;)  It's a short one.

If this snow keeps up, we won't be taking Beth along when we take John to Dodge City for his flight on Thursday.  I certainly wouldn't want to be caught out in bad weather with her on board, and also, the van doesn't handle nearly as well as the car on slick roads.

Ruth Ann, I didn't know you had been hospitalized.  I'm sorry.  Here are some hugs for you! (((((hugs)))))  <3

Would you like another story?

Hi everyone.  Just back from coffee at McDonald's.  We liked their new rehab of the place.  They have changed it quite a bit and should soon be finished and the construction trailers removed from the parking lot.  This is going to be a pretty much normal Monday for me as have a men's luncheon at Longhorn Steakhouse at 11:30 am.  This is the ROMEO's group and it is titled the Fiscal Cliff luncheon and am sure that will be a subject of some discussion, not that we can do a thing about it at this point.  Then this evening I will attend a meeting.  The rest of the day will be spent here in my office, resting and enjoying my easy chair and probably watching some football games.  Unfortunately, the Atlanta Falcons lost to Tampa Bay yesterday.

Marilyn, it sure is obvious you are enjoying your volunteer work at the animal clinic.

Gord, sure hope the flu doesn't keep Noreen from her scheduled appointment regarding the knee replacement.

Carol, glad you have found a nice quilting group to be involved with there in Phoenix and your project plans sound very worthwhile.  Glad you found a church where Don is able to hear. 

Janet, a frightening time for Darrel and you with his ER visit in the middle of the night.  I hope it was just a false alarm.  Glad he didn't have to stay in the hosopital another night. 

Pat, thank you for the new devotional thoughts for this week. 

Ruth Ann, glad you found the license bill and hope you don't have to pay a late penalty.

We just had a call from Stacey that she is headed to the ER at the nearest hospital after talking with her heart doctor's nurse.  She told Stacey that she may be having another heart attack.  She wasn't feeling well yesterday or last night.  Not a good way to start off the new year.

"Bo" Crocker was born on May 11, 1914 at Ford, Kansas.  He is now ninety-eight years of age.  He grew up in Colorado and Kansas, moving often during those years.  His dad was a registered pharmacist, who worked in drug stores in Hoisington and Great Bend, among other places.  The dad had trouble with alcohol, so frequently changed jobs and locations.  Bo, his sisters and his mother did whatever work they found in order to help out with the finances.  One job he remembers was picking cherries.

Bo had two older sisters and two younger sisters: Helen, Thelma, Roberta and Virginia.  The kids played marbles, and the girls played jacks, hop-scotch and jumped rope.

One unusual teacher he remembers was bald on top of his head, and let his hair grow very long on one side, and then combed it over, in a futile attempt to hide his baldness.

Bo's dad was an alcoholic.  He would do fine for months, then go on a 'bender' and get so bad he had to be hospitalized to get dried out again.  He once went for ten years without a drink, then had a time of stress and took that one fatal drink that sent him on another binge.  He was hospitalized in Colorado several times.

Bo attended many different schools, more in Colorado than in Kansas.  He said he never attended the same school two years in a row.  He graduated from Tribune high school in 1933 in a class of 19 students.  He went on to attend Ft. Hays State University for three years, then to Kansas University, where he only spent six weeks.  His dad always wanted Bo to become a doctor, but that wasn't Bo's dream.

After being at KU for that short time, Bo's dad learned there wasn't a movie theater in Ulysses.  (His dad was running movies at that time in the high school auditorium in Tribune.)  Howard Pfifer, Verlan Phillips and George Dougherty drove to Tribune to talk to Bo's dad about the possibility of starting a movie theater in Ulysses, and he later came here to look the situation over.  Bo decided that was a good time to stop school and go into the theater business, and his dad went to Kansas City to purchase the needed equipment.  The first location was 117 North Main, where there had been a theater before, but there wasn't much left there by that time.  They remodeled the building and put in the new equipment in October of 1936, and operated there through the 1940s. 

They decided they needed a bigger building more suited to being a theater, so they had the present theater built on the corner and opened there in 1948.  At first, Bo's brother-in-law and Bo operated it, taking turns working here and working in Tribune, to keep that one going.  A farmer from Tribune was in partnership with Bo's dad at first, but then the partnership was dissolved and the farmer took the theater in Tribune and the Crockers kept the one here in Ulysses.
Bo met his future wife Ethelynne here in Ulysses.  Her cousin had a date and no car, so Bo drove him and his date to Copeland.  Ethelynne, affectionately called "Etch" by her friends, rode back with them, and three months later, on the 4th of July, Bo and Etch got married, between the theater's afternoon matinees.  The Justice of the Peace married them outdoors across the street from where the Post Office now stands.

The Crockers lived at first by the football field, in a small basement apartment.  Later, they moved into a small 12' X 12' building.  They kept adding on, dug a basement and built over that, kept working on it, and the house is still there, at 203 North Durham.  They had one of the earliest indoor swimming pools, which was dug by hand.  Very progressive, for the 1960s when it was done!

Bo and Etch had one son, Ben C., born in 1939, and one daughter, Delores Darlene, born in 1940.  Darlene passed away in July of 1975, at the young age of 35, from cancer.  Since Bo had sold the theater to Richard Dudley in 1972, he and Etch were able to spend the last three months of her life with Darlene.  She had three children, ages 13, 7 and 3, and her husband had left her, as he couldn't cope with her illness.

Etch drowned at Zapata, Texas in 1980.  They had been going there for the winter for a number of years, from November until March.  They were out on the lake on a nice day, when a sudden storm blew up, capsizing their boat and throwing them into the water.  They were holding onto the boat, someone threw them a rope which Etch missed but Bo caught, and they took him to the dock.  They went back for Etch and found her floating about a foot beneath the surface of the water.  They had been married for 43 years, and her loss was a terrible blow to Bo.

Two years after Etch died, Bo married Hazel Merritt.  The Crockers and the Merritts had been friends for many years, and all wintered at Zapata.  Mr. Merritt had passed away earlier, and Bo and Hazel started spending time together.  They decided to marry, and since Hazel thought so much of Rev. Hubbard, pastor of the Christian church here for years, she wanted him to perform their ceremony.  So quite a large number of people (20 or more) journeyed to eastern Kansas where Rev. Hubbard lived then, for the wedding.  Bo and Hazel enjoyed 25 good years together before her passing in January 2007.

Ben C. passed away in 1995 in Wichita, Kansas.

Two years after opening the new theater, they felt the need for a drive-in theater, so they built that on the East side of Ulysses.  They kept the drive-in open in the summer and the indoor one open in the winter.  The other small theater also kept operating for a short time as well, then was closed, and remodeled into a mercantile.  The building has been used for various businesses over the years.  After the break-up of the partnership, Bo's brother-in-law went to Tribune to operate the theater there, and Bo stayed here.

Bo said they had a lot of fun running the theaters, along with their share of problems.  He recalled having the fences built around the drive-in.  He had hired Jerry Rouse and Leonard Hill to build one fence, and they worked so hard on it.  But the night after it was completed, there came a huge dirt storm which totally flattened and buried their new fence!

Bo's main help at the theater was his wife, Etch, who usually served as cashier.
He remembers lots of stories about the theaters, saying so many people have come to him and told him, years after the fact, the ways they used to sneak into the movies and the drive-in, to avoid paying for their tickets.  He said at the first small theater, one or two kids would come and pay for their tickets, then go sit on the front row.  One would sneak to the back door and open it for friends who were waiting outside, and they would come in and also sit on the front row.

Another incident he told me about was when one boy brought a bunch of baby rabbits in and turned them loose in the theater.  That created some pandemonium!

They only had one fire during all the years Bo ran the theater.  A light was left on accidentally, shining on a reel of film.  The film was very combustible, and caught on fire, making lots of black smoke.  The fire chief, Chet Riley, was running the machine, and it really scared him!  He couldn't get out of there fast enough!

During the dust bowl, people would come to the theater swaddled up to keep the dirt out of their hair and eyes, and tell them "We just had to get out of the house for a while!"  The movies provided a much-needed distraction for them.  Bo said, "It was a hard time to start a business, but we made it.  There sure isn't much social life when you run a theater, because when other people are socializing, you are working!"

About the condition of the world now, Bo says "It seems to me we are in a devil of a mess.  The only way things will straighten out is for the Lord to take over.  All we can do is live a day at a time and wait for God to help us.  But we must ask for his help and then allow Him to do it."

I asked him about his hopes for our country, and he said, "We need to leave it up to the Lord; we don't have the brain power to solve the problems."

He says things are more commercialized and expensive today; that there is too much greed and violence; and that we should all have the right to keep and bear arms, as stated in the Second Amendment.

Bo' hobbies are golfing and fishing.  Etch also loved to fish.  They spent 27 years in Zapata, always in the same camp, and going back each year was like going home, the people were all so friendly and happy to see them again.

Bo once went to Arizona and hunted rocks with Etch's brother.

The achievement that gave Bo the most satisfaction was paying off the loan on the theater building.  The whole family attended the burning of the mortgage; Bo's dad was especially happy and proud, as he had been the main instigator of the enterprise.  Bo added, "And living to the age of 98 is quite an accomplishment, too!

A valuable lesson he would like to pass along is this:  "Live a good, creative life.  Go to church and see that your family goes to church.  Love one another and show love to others, neighbors and all."

The first thing Bo saved his money to buy was a bicycle.  He had been standing on a street corner in Colorado Springs selling newspapers, and finally got a route, so he needed the bike.  It cost less than $20, and it took him five or six weeks to save that amount.  He was about 14 years old at the time.

The wildest thing he recalls doing as a teen was hunting rabbits by himself.
B o's favorite holiday song is "I'll Be Home for Christmas."  His favorite foods include desserts (he is especially fond of ice cream),  and any kind of good meat.
His favorite movies from the thousands he saw during his years in the theater business are The Ten Commandments, Gone With the Wind, and Ben Hur.
Bo's first car was a 1941 Ford Super DeLuxe, which cost $962.00 brand new!  It was a dark blue color.

His scariest time was driving home from California, pulling a trailer on icy roads.  He and Etch, who was pregnant with Ben C., had gone to move Bo's two sisters home from college.  As he was driving on a mountain pass with a big drop-off, he felt the car slipping, and was really scared.  But he maintained control of the vehicle and all turned out well.  Another scary time was in 1965 when a tornado hit Topeka, where daughter Delores was living.  A neighbor across the street from Delores was killed, but Delores was fine.  Bo and Etch could get no word about her for some time, so that was really worrisome.

Bo admired a Methodist preacher, Rev. Schuster, because he spent time with Bo's dad.  Rev. Schuster inspired Bo to love others more and to be more productive.

A banker once advised Bo to do well the things he knew how to do, and to hire people to do the rest, rather than spending his time trying to do it all himself and not getting good results.  He says he followed that advice and it proved to be good.

I asked Bo what time period of his life were his best years, and he said, "The early years of retirement, when I could fish and golf as much as I liked.  I had two good wives and enjoyed both marriages very much.  I was fortunate to have such good women."

The first president Bo voted for was Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
The worst crime he remembers is the Clutter murders, because that happened so near here.

I asked if he'd ever had his mouth washed out with soap and he said, "Oh, yeah!"
Bo's favorite comic strip is Beetle Bailey.  His favorite book is the Bible, which he is reading a lot.  He also enjoys Louis L'Amour novels.

He remembers lots of items being rationed during World War Two, such as food items, gasoline, oil, and tires.

I asked him to tell me about some of the changes he has seen come to Western Kansas since he moved here, and he said there is lots of growth around Ulysses.  We now have a good school system, good medical care, the Civic Center is a wonderful addition, and is used for so many things, we have a nice swimming pool, nice parks, entertainment.  We try to give our kids things to do, if they will do it.

Bo and Etch started attending church in Ulysses in the 1960s and took the kids to church, too.

The worst things to happen to Bo were the deaths of so many members of his family.

The best thing in his life was marrying two of the best wives a man could have.
Bo would like people to remember that he gave them good times and enjoyment in the theater.  "We had some good times together," he said.

The greatest lesson he learned during his years is to be truthful and honest at all times.

A favorite memory of Bo's is the births of their children.  Their daughter arrived before Bo could make it to Lakin from Ulysses.  This was a happy time because they had thought she would have physical problems, but she was born perfectly healthy.  They were so happy both children were healthy babies.

Bo's favorite kind of music is Big Band music.  He especially enjoyed The Lawrence Welk Show.

His favorite scripture is the Shepherd Psalm (Psalm 23) The Lord is my shepherd....
A favorite TV show of his is Jeopardy, and he enjoyed The Johnny Carson Show.
He said his punishment for misbehavior was usually a good swat across the butt.  But his dad favored talking to them, felt he accomplished more that way.  At school, they got rapped on the hand with a ruler.

I asked how he acquired the nickname Bo, and he explained that his mother always called him "Boy,"and his sister, two years older (Thelma) tried to call him that, but could only say the first part, "Bo," and it stuck.  So he has been Bo for his whole life.

Pets he remembers are a cocker spaniel and a white spitz dog.
Bo likes roses, red ones!

Come to Park View and visit Bo.  You will be happy you did, as he is really a fun person with whom to visit!

Hi everyone! We got quite a snow storm.  Actually two in 4 days both giving about 8 inches each. Have not been out yet Plan to later this afternoon to go out and clean off the steps.  We were plowed but the wind is filling in the drive way again.  We have a long drive way so it will be quite a trip getting down through it. Good that I have a 4 wheel drive. Really don't want to pay again to have it redone.
I was trying to upload the weather icon on the bottom of my signature.  When I do all that copys is the code. Just wondering if someone could help me with this.
Sun has come out at last so I should go do those steps.
Happy New Year and God bless you!

Chrisle, if you'll give me your zip code, or the town and state where you live, I'll see if I can remember how to get the graphic to show.   ;)

When I got to church yesterday and church started with announcements, the first announcement was the church has no water!!  It seems that a well-drilling company has tried and tried to find what is wrong that the church doesn't have water to no avail.  So it is determined that the well is dry and we need a new well!  And the county commissioner says we need a 3-acre retention pond for drainage.  And the well went dry!  Actually no one knows where the well is.  They know where the septic tank is and where the water comes into the church but not where the well is.  They know where the well is on the property north of the church.  But we are going to have a new well drilled so that when the new church is built, it will be for it also.  They have already gotten a permit to run a line under the street to the existing church building that is close to 150 years old! 

Then after church, 4 of us ladies went to Logan's Steak House for lunch.  Home. And a nice nap in the afternoon.

This morning the heat pump guy came and all he discovered was the unit outside had ice in it against the fan blade and when it isn't turning, cool air will come out of the inside unit.  But he says there are heaters now that goes under the outside unit and keeps ice melted away.  So he is going to see if he has one or needs to order one and will come back!

Tony came this morning also.  I love it when he comes.  I love spending time with Tony even though I feel half the time he doesn't hear me.  I wish they would spend their money on hearing aids for him and new dentures instead of Smart TV's and new vehicles!!  Oh, well! 

Then I called Ivalou and asked if she wanted to go to Dollar General with me.  Yes, so while she was in Dollar General, I went next door to Subway for lunch.  We got done about the same time.  She said she needed to go to the drug store for some RX's.  So I went to the bank for myself to get some money...so she got some money also.  Then the drug store and then she told me she would buy me a cappuccino if I went to Ricker's.  So I got us both a cappuccino. 

Then home and I helped take her things in.  And came home.

It was predicted that at 1pm we were to get snow and up to 6 inches by 11pm!  It was almost 2 when I got home and no snow yet.  But buy the time I got sat down here to the laptop, it started snowing.  Marge, Betty and I are suppose to go to Ivalou's for pizza and a movie tonight.  Betty has already cancelled...she's afraid of the snow storm that is to come.  Now I am tempted to cancel also since I have to walk to the road, then walk to Ivalou's drive and walk up her drive to her house.....and back when I come home after dark.  The snow isn't sticking on the roads yet or the drives....but....

Everyone have a safe New Year's Eve!!

How interesting to read that, Janet!!!  I'd love to visit "Bo"!  And I hope that Darrell is a lot better.

Hi Christie!  If Jeanne forgets, I'll help you with the temp "thingy".  I love to view what th weather is like for others in various parts of the world.

Hi Ruth Ann!  Please feel better.

Larry, we'll be telephoning you soon!

Hi Etta Sue!

Pat, now why would you think I might forget?   :lol: 

Janet, I did mean to tell you how much I enjoyed Bo's story.  (but I forgot....  ;D )  Also, I enjoyed that auctioneer email.  One of those "I really shouldn't laugh, but HAHAHAHAHA!!" 

Larry, Stacey is always on my prayer list - and you and Pat as well.

Pat!  How lovely to see a post from you!  I need to be reminded of my password on Seniors and Friends, maybe I would see you more there?

I have been taking down the Christmas stuff, have most of it done.  Our snow is getting deep!  John came to take a shower, and when he tried to leave, he couldn't see where the ditch was, across from the house, backed off into it and was stuck.  While we waited for a friend to come with his 4-wheel drive pickup to pull it out, John and I did some shoveling--and it was hip deep to John in front of our garage!  WOW!  We haven't had snow that deep in ages!  Roy got the van out, then drove in front of John to "break trail" for him all the way to the highway.  So good to have friends!  ;)  This is the friend whose wife is doing dialysis now, and for whom I make deviled eggs often.

Time for my program!  Be back later!

Pat, thanks so much for the comments on Bo's story.  You, too, Jeanne, and glad you enjoyed the email, too!

Jeanne, well, I forget so guess I think everyone does?  :)

Janet, I can re-set your password on S&F if you tell me what you want it to be in an email.  Send me an email and I'll do that for you.  I know the folks would love to see you posting there.

How many of you all have a New Year's service at your church?

If so, are you going?

How late do you stay up?

Janet that's a good story about B. he was  quite a man. Very interesting, I like to \hear the stories of the elders. I use to sit for hours and listen to my clients tell me about their younger lives.

Hi Pat, no plans for New Years eve or anything different for tomorrow, Well I will take down the Christmas tree tomorrow. Tonight go to bed at the usual early hour of 8-8:30 watch TV for a while go to sleep, wake up at midnight when all the firecrackers and guns go off, that will go on of a couple of hours, then If I am lucky I will go back to sleep until around 6am.

Larry Yes I sure do love the work I do at the clinic.

Thanks Marilyn.

Sounds like me this year.  ;)

Sounds like me, too.  I'll probably be shutting down everything around 9:00, falling asleep at 11:00, awake at 2:00, and sleeping from 4:00 to 7:00.  That's pretty much the regular schedule these nights.  Fortunately, there has never been much noise in this neighborhood to celebrate the new year at midnight.

 Jeanne and Pat The only thing different about tonight from every other night is the midnight exterior disturbances.

Have a happy New Year everyone.

And here is my wish for everyone for this coming year:

May you be blessed, enjoy good (or improving) health, and experience a measure of happiness and contentment this year. Our Lord is the same yesterday, today, and forever, so we can look forward eagerly in the coming year to His daily presence and guidance.

May God bless us all this day,
Ruth Ann

Well, there wasn't much noise at midnight here.  A few pops and bangs around 9, then everyone apparently went to bed.  I like that.  Imagine what it'll be like when the eternal day begins!

Hi everyone.  It is a rainy day here in Georgia to start the new year.  I have been working this morning to finish up the 2012 Financial Reports for 2012 and the 2013 Budget for a group I have served as treasurer for the last three years.  I am hoping at their meeting tomorrow night they elect someone to be the new treasurer as have told them I will not serve another term. As I think I had  posted here yesterday Stacey went to the ER as wasn't feeling good.  They did a heart cath on her yesterday afternoon and found a 90% blockage at the site of another stent.  They put in another stent to open the blockage and she, of course, spent the night in the hospital.  We haven't heard from her this morning but would expect she might be able to go home today, although she sounded terribly tired and weak last evening after she had been brought back to her room.  Her enzymes were elevated so she may have actually had another heart attack as hadn't been feeling good for two days.  I have a quiet day planned today and will watch some of the bowl games today. 

I am writing no personal remarks to the postings as just don't feel up to it today, although they are certainly interesting postings.  Hope this is a nice day for everyone--stay warm.

Good morning and Welcome to 2013. Happy has to go for his monthly appointment at the Vet tomorrow to today is bath day for both dogs. First for me I am about to be on my way to the gym fr a nice workout, then over to the church as they are doing a public giveaway this morning, I don't know yet what they are giving to the public but I will sure find out when I get there.

Happy New Year everyone.  I pray 2013 is one filled with the Joy of the Lord, and the peace of God!

I spent the midnight hours on the road coming home from a loooong trip to London Ontario.  Heather needed help with the move and a trip that was to start at 9:30, didn't begin till 2:00 in the afternoon, thus extending our day till 2:15 am whe n we finally rolled into the driveway.  Looks like it will be a quiet day today.

I forgot, too!  I loved the story of Bo.  I have always enjoyed stories that the elder tell.  Now I am hoping others enjoy my stories since I am now an elder!!  And the auctioneer story was hilarious! 

And Larry, sad to hear Stacey had another blockage.  Hope she didn't have another heart attack.  So glad she is close to the hospital!

Our church doesn't have a New Year's Eve service....we had a Christmas Eve service that was solemn and touching.  Last night?  Well, I was in bed by 10pm.  I read before shutting off the light.  Just west of me is a lane with a few houses on it.  According to their vehicles they don't have much....but they seem to have fireworks for every holiday!!  So I did hear a few fireworks before turning off the light.  Then later, I heard quite a few of them...booming ones...not just firecrackers!  But when I woke up this morning and go up and about, the world looks the same as yesterday!

Ivalou was going to have Betty, Marge and I over last evening for pizza and a movie but we cancelled out.  Betty cancelled first...she worries about everything so she was worrying about the snow that we got yesterday afternoon and into the evening.  I went out and got the mail and took it to Ivalou and told her that if it got below 32 degrees, then the drives would be ice and I didn't think I wanted to walk on ice after dark.  (the snow is too deep to go across door to door)  So she cancelled the party!  I am glad.  We sure don't need to start the new year with accidents! 

The heat pump worked great last night.  Must have been a glitch somewhere since it is below freezing and it didn't ice up! 

I plan to watch the Rose Bowl Parade that has already started but I am recording so I can watch it and fast-forward through the commercials.  Then I will probably read a book.  Lazy day!  Hope the rest of the days in 2013 is like today!  Well, some of them.

I just got this in an email....I just had to share.  It's about bear tagging in Ontario!  So funny and so cute! 

Happy New Year!  Now I have to remember that it ends with 13.  These years are passing much too quickly. 

Janet and Larry:  You two have surely had too much concern over heart problems in the family this week.  May you find comfort in our promise that all of us send up a prayer for each of your concerns.

Janet:  Thank you for thinking of our boys - we have three sons and our daughter was a tomboy as well.  I used to have to dress warmly and check on everyone hiding in their homemade igloo when we lived in Minnesota and she was there with her brothers and the boy next door.  She would have a dress on for church and SS and disappear at the last moment we were in the car ready to go - wearing jeans.  I just got so disguested that we would drive with her to church with her boy jeans - what a pickle!  We talked with everyone yesterday so I feel good - I wish we could all live together like the Walton's but am sure they wouldn't take kindly to that anymore.     She is in dresses now & a marketing executive not afraid to speak her opinion but mainly a loving family woman. 

I was watching the Rose Parade and remembering when Grandma & Grandpa sold their farm in Minnesota and moved to Pasadena - we used to go there and walk a few blocks to sit on the sidewalk.  The flowers were stunning.  Now there is  a football game on t.v. - we are quite chilly this morning and not going out for anything.  No church services I can see - everything was yesterday. 

We went to a favorite & lovely thrift shop in Scottsdale and I found a new iron for $4.60 then to a Jo-Ann Fabric store going out of business - sad that all are losing jobs.  Barely any fabric places in this area.  But we had our highlight of going to In-and _Out Hamburger place.  The coffee is great and the prices are super - great little hamburgers. 

I would like to revive the weather thingy too. 

Everyone enjoy your new day. 

Judy, what a lot of driving you and John had.  I hope Heather appreciates it.   ;)  I'm so glad the Lord brought you home safe and sound.

Etta Sue, more days like today?  Well, I could stand it if they were a little warmer.   :D

Carol, my daughter had two older brothers and she was a tomboy, too.  It was always a struggle to get her out of jeans and into a dress, so I really know what you mean.   :)

My best wishes to everyone for a great and blessed New Year.

Here are my HAPPY NEW YEAR'S wishes to everyone, too!  We are having a lazy day here, for sure!  We watched the rose parade WITH NO COMMERCIALS!!! on Hallmark channel, so nice!  It takes all the enjoyment out of it when they have so many commercials or somebody you don't care for singing something you don't like!  So "Hooray for Hallmark!" I say!  ;)

Larry, I sure hope Stacey is much better by now.  I feel bad even mentioning my small troubles when your family deals with such serious ones on an everday basis.  Blessings to you and yours!

Etta Sue, thanks for sharing about the bear tagging.  That's something most of us won't ever see, other than on a video!

Carol, we have never lived anywhere we got enough snow to build an igloo, but if we had, I think my kids would have loved doing that--at least once!  Those memories are so precious.

I stripped our bed and washed everything, then helped Darrel (or he helped me!) put his Christmas gift on the bed--a heated mattress pad.  He will enjoy that a lot, and I probably will seldom turn my side of it on!

I need to call Beth and John, see what they are doing today.  The county came and graded our road, which shocked us, for them to do that on a holiday!

Judy, that's too late for me to be out driving, especially in snow!  Glad you made it home safely.

Jeanne, smiles for you today, along with a big warm HUG!.

Al, blessings to you, too!  I pray this proves to be a much better year for you than last year.  Good to see your post today.

Ruth Ann, Happy New Year to you, and many rich blessings from our Lord.

And to all whose names I didn't mention, the same!

Quote
I would like to revive the weather thingy too. 

Everyone enjoy your new day. 

Carol, give me your Zip Code/Postal Code and I'll get you your temperature thingy.  I love seeing what the weather is doing in various places.

Quote from: Etta Sue on January 01, 2013, 12:08:17 PM

I just got this in an email....I just had to share.  It's about bear tagging in Ontario!  So funny and so cute! 

Bear Tagging (http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=vJRDpTUIrJI&vq=medium)

Etta Sue, that's so funny!   And interesting.  Thanks so much!

I wish I could see it. With dial-up the link is too slow.

Today is turning into a lazy day, john leaves in the morning most of his food is ready, so this begins the next 2 years before his retirement.

I have been whistling this song all afternoon.  Pat and I used to sing it together. 

 
 

Pat, are you in Canada or Virginia just now?

Janet, I'm in Canada for a few days.  We're supposed to be going to Florida to see Paul's son and then his brother.

Wow--so much driving, then.  Hope you are feeling good.

Quote from: Etta Sue on January 01, 2013, 12:08:17 PM

I just got this in an email....I just had to share.  It's about bear tagging in Ontario!  So funny and so cute! 

Bear Tagging (http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=vJRDpTUIrJI&vq=medium)

Etta Sue, thank you for the link!!  We have seen those bears around here...... just hope they/we stay a long distance away!!

Thanks to you for visiting the Bear Tagging.  I enjoyed it so much, I just knew my friends would enjoy it also.  Judy...click it on...then go make a cake or something.  When you come back, it will be loaded!!   :lol:  It's worth the wait and watch.

It got so cold last night that the heat pump didn't work...only works above 12°, I think.  I woke up around 6am and was cold.  I got up and put my throw on top of the bedspread.  Then I was toasty warm!  I also turned on the fireplace so now it is comfy once again in here.  The furnace is set at 69°. 

Kitty mentioned in an email that she fixed ham and beans for lunch.  Well, I had some dry beans so I soaked them over night and now that cornbread is done, I plan to have cornbread and beans for lunch.  That should warm me up! 

When I went to Ivalou's yesterday to take her trash to the road, her step was a sheet of ice.  It does that this time of year.  It happens because the roof on the house and the roof on the garage shares one eave.  It freezes and then overflows when all the snow melts off both roofs.  It is really dangerous.  (it would be one thing that I would get fixed no matter what!  But Ivalou's thinking is it only happens about a week a year so why spend the money to get it fixed!!)  I got in the house and then put salt down.  I got her trash and the salt just made it slicker!  So I tried the front door.  Too much snow there so I couldn't go that route.  Finally I salted more on the back step and got out!  I am hoping that she doesn't try to go anywhere!  I did see that Marge was there last night.  Maybe the salt I put on the step took care of it for awhile.

I watched the Rose Bowl Parade on HGTV with no commercials.  Beautiful parade as always.  No football for me!  I watched HGTV the rest of the day!

The sun is shining beautifully today!  The snow is still white.  That
means it isn't brown from all the dirt on the roads and melting.

Hi, friends,

Well, it's to be a busy day today. A little girl in our church has a birthday, and since the family has no car, I'm taking them to one of those play places featuring jump-on-and-have-fun inflatables. Then we're to have pizza afterwards.

What fun - a great way to start a new year.

Love to everyone,
Ruth Ann

Etta Sue now that Heather has moved south my means of seeing U-Tubes has gone.  I have tried to leave one loading all night and in the morning the internet has shut down and no video uploaded.  I will be gettinh a Rogers Hub in a month so I will have the equivalent to high speed then.  I can't wait.

It is a clear sunny COLD day up here in the north, john is traveling even further north then over to Minisota later in the week.  After a week off he is missed.  The countdown to his retirement is on. 

I have to head into town today so had better get busy and get ready.

Hi everyone.  It is a much more enjoyable day here than yesterday.  The rain has gone and it is partly cloudy this morning so not uncomfortable outside.  The good news is that Stacey was dismissed from the hospital this morning with doctor's orders to have bed rest for the next week.  I am just back from Bible study.  Our housekeepers were here this morning and helped Pat get the Christmas decorations put away and they took the two big plastic bins back out to the garage.  It was a good week for out Georgia teams in their bowl games as both Georgia Tech and Georgia University won their games.

Etta Sue, Stacey did have her 8th heart attack probably Saturday or Sunday. 

Carol, the Joanne's fabric store here recently cut their retail space in half but it still a large store.  Most of the quilt shops around here have closed. 

Janet, we forgot about the parade yesterday until the very end.  We did get there in time to watch the young lady named  Coco and couldn't understand a word she said but she was certainly animated.  It is interesting that I feel like you do but in reverse in that our problems don't seem very large when I think of what Beth experiences everyday.

Judy, has John's term as the special truck representative ended or is it for a longer period? 

Larry it has oficially ended however he and the team will continue as needed till the new team has been selected.  That will be in March.  After that as the new team is streached thin John's team will pick up the slack. John has about 23 months left till total retirement from the truck.  We are looking forward to that time. He is getting tired, the squeeky wheels are getting all the south work now, and he is getting the work where he can and usually does encounter winter storms from across Lake Superior.  The fair weather drivers won't take these trips they insist on Georgia and Florida.......That is where he would love to go to get away from the cold for a bit.  He is "old faithfull" and does the job well regardless of weather conditions.

Pat:  I just sent a message to you but am not sure it went through correctly.  Our zip at home is 80130 in case you don't receive that note.  Wow - driving all the way to Florida.  I hope you can stay there long enough to relax and soak up some sunshine.

Judy B:  Two years until John retires from trucking - bless his heart. 

Well, my back was giving me fits this morning.  I awoke to an unplugged radio in the other room on a talk station and this has happened when we have had company too.  It is so perplexing because we don't know what we are missing in turning that thing off.  So, somehow I went back to sleep (which is rare) and awoke this time with a dislocated spine.  At least it feels that way.  But the invention of Ibuprophen is helping right away and Don made breakfast for me.   :coffee:

Larry:  Nice that your cheering for Georgia teams has helped them tremedously.  We put out so few things for Christmas because our family didn't meet at our house this year. 

Done Carol!

Larry, poor Stacey.

Sounds like she's following in her Dad's footsteps.  :(

I'm so sorry that she's having such a terrible time.  Praying for her.

Afternoon folks! Chilly here today so I didn't go out of the house. Doesn't get any better tomorrow. It is the wind chill factor that reaaly cuts through. I need to go into town just the same and do a few errands.
Thanks for putting the weather graphic up for me. I  like to see the weather around the world as well. Mine is odd though, if I click on it it shows that I am in Nunavut, yet the temperature is for my area. I guess it must be because of the CA. It is reading California instead of Canada! Oh well, that's okay. Happy that it is there and I thank you again for which ever one (or both) of the girls that put it up.

I too enjoyed watching the video of the bear tagging. It was funny yet very interesting. I have an internet friend who  lives in that area. Now I know what she means by living in bear country! Yikes, I don't think that I would risk walking wood trails up there.

Judy, I know what it is like trying to download on dial-up. Computer used to shut down on me .....right when I was using it.  I now have satellite connection. Not great, but better than dial up. It is gated to what I use in KBs so if I go over then they lower my speed to almost dial up mode.  Doesn't take long to use it up in U tubes, also we like to watch some live streaming church services. The slow speed lasts about 12 hours. :(  Then they give you your speed back.

Pat, have a save and enjoyable trip.

Sending greetings to everyone else too.

Have a wonderful day/evening in the Lord
God bless

Are you ready for another story?  I hope I haven't posted this one before.


                                                 LILLIAN   SKARE


This week I would like you to get to know a lovely lady named Lillian Skare.  Lillian was born during World War One, at Lake Ellis, Minnesota on June 15, 1917, so she is presently 95 years of age.

Lillian was one of eight children of farm parents.  She grew up working around the farm, as all the children helped with chores: tending garden, milking cows, working with horses, and all the other work usual on a farm.

Her education began in a one room school at Lake Ellis.  This school housed eight grades, and when she finished eighth grade, her parents couldn't afford to send her to high school, so she began working at that time to help the family.

Her favorite teacher "Always let me sing.  I still love music," she said.  When I asked about childhood fun, she said in Minnesota there was always lots of snow, so they sledded, played lots of games in the snow and tried to ski.

Punishment for misbehavior was usually taking away things.  She said she was seldom punished, as she was working all the time.

The family home had no indoor plumbing and no electricity, but after her dad bought it, he began to fix it up and modernize it.  She remembers using kerosene lamps for light. 

When asked about dating, Lillian said, "I never dated."  I asked how she met a man and got married, and she said she was looking after an older lady who owned sheep; there was a fellow there who tended the sheep and Lillian and he got acquainted.  She thinks either his grandma or hers suggested they get married, so they did.  He was 29 and she was 27 when they married.  The couple had three children.
There was a large Indian population in that area of Minnesota, and as a rule, they drank a lot and couldn't control their drinking.  The couple used to attend the Indian dances every Saturday, but when the Indians started drinking, the Skares took off and went home.  They had an old Indian man as a neighbor who was a good fellow.  "He helped us, and we helped him.  He used to help us get the kids to school in the snow," Lillian said.

Her oldest daughter liked Indian bread a lot, so she used to make it for the kids.

Lillian had a little niece, the daughter of her sister, who spent most of her time with Lillian.  When she was three or four years old, the sister's house burned and little Betty died in the fire.  This was a terrible blow to Lillian, and she still talks about it today.

Her husband's grandma had a spinning wheel.  She made socks and gloves for the men, and taught Lillian how to crochet.  Lillian's husband taught her to drive and she would often take the grandma out for a drive, but her husband's uncle complained that women shouldn't drive.

Lillian always wanted to be a nurse, and finally got the opportunity to do that.  She took night classes once the two oldest children were in school and her husband watched the youngest while she worked days in a doctor's office.  She says she learned an awful lot just by watching others.  Later, she worked for a hospital, (it was a tuberculosis sanitarium) and if the snow was too heavy, she could stay upstairs there.  She did housekeeping, took temperatures, made beds, brought water to the patients, bathed them, whatever was needed, she was willing to do.  She worked for doctors in a place for neglected and sick children.  Many were from Indian families whose parents drank.  Lillian took care of the children: bathing, feeding and dressing them and giving them shots.  She always wore uniforms to work through all the ten years she was at that job.
She told me she also taught the kids to mind, to behave, or "get their britches tanned," ....not only her own kids, but those in the hospital!  She used to bring books from home to let the hospitalized kids read at bedtime.  That was a very fulfilling job for her, and she earned just a bit over two dollars a day.  She especially enjoyed working with the babies and took pride in always keeping those in her charge clean and dressed in clean clothes.

The Skare family moved to Ulysses after work dried up in California.  They stopped here in 1973, and have been here since that time.  Her husband is buried here. 

I asked Lillian what was the first thing she saved up her money to buy, and she said, "A sewing machine, which I bought for $1.00.  I had gone to the shop and looked at it, decided I wanted it, so went back with some money and asked the man how much he wanted for it.  He said $1.00, which really surprised me, as I had expected to pay more.  But I bought it (it was a used machine).  I taught myself to sew, making clothes for both the girls and the boys.  I used it for a long time and made lots of clothes on it.  This brought to mind a funny memory which she related to me.  She said her father-in-law often came over for coffee in the morning and they were sitting at the table drinking coffee one day.  She had just made her son a new pair of pants, which he put on, then went out to play.  The grandpa said, "There he goes!"  Lillian looked out the window, and the boy was out in the mud, covered all over, new pants and all.  Another day, grandpa said, "There he goes again!"  The boy had thrown a ball against the side of the house so hard it rebounded straight toward the wide open door of the outhouse.  (The kids were always told to keep the door shut.)  He didn't want to lose the ball down the toilet, so was running as fast as he could, trying to catch the ball.  Lillian rushed outside barely in time to catch the boy's feet as he was falling headfirst into the toilet hole!

The person Lillian most admired was her husband.  She said, "He did so much for me.  He built a table for the kids that exactly matched the big table.  He also built a potty chair which I used for all our kids.  He always kept things repaired.  One daughter still has the table he made.  He was a mechanic and worked on cars."

She always had a big garden and raised and canned lots of stuff.  She would put the kids in the wagon and walk down the road looking for foods that grew wild, which she picked and used.  She canned 300 quarts one summer.  They had apples, cherries, raspberries and strawberries.

The first new car Lillian ever owned was a 1975 black and white Chevrolet.  She said they had always had old cars until then, and hers often wouldn't start, so her husband would have to take her to work.  They never bought things until they could afford them, so having a new car was special.  "I was pretty good at keeping that boy away from that car," she said, referring to her son.

Lillian remembers a plague of grasshoppers when they had to cover children's faces to prevent them from being bitten by the hungry horde.

She kept her kids in church because her family didn't go to church while she was growing up and "I wanted to make myself and my kids different.  When I was working in the hospital and had to work some Sundays, my husband took the kids to church."

The worst thing in her life has been moving into the care home.  She says she took care of so many people all her life, and now there is nobody to take care of her.  "I was used to being alone, doing my work, doing my stuff, whatever I wanted.  I still want to get out of here and have my own home," she said.
The best thing that has happened to her was getting to work as a nurse for ten years, then working in care homes for eight years, and later taking care of an elderly lady.

Lillian has traveled once by train and once by air.  At one time, they had a camper.

Lillian later worked in care homes in California and elsewhere.  Her husband was a school custodian and when he got sick, she helped with that work.

When she lost a breast to breast cancer, she cried a lot afterwards for about three months.  When her husband asked why she was crying, she said, "Because they took my breast and threw it into a can!"  She said she really didn't know what they did with it, but that's what she thought.  After she thought about it, she realized it was gone and there was nothing she could do, so she must go on and live with it.  Then she didn't cry over it any more.

The best pet she ever had was a dog.  This particular dog would sit beside her daughter, while the girl said her prayers on her knees, making little sounds all the while.  When she finished praying, the dog would shake her hand.

Some helpful advice Lillian offers is:  Always be respectful to elders and those in authority.

She says, "So much is different now.  I'd just like to go back to the old days.  We had everything we needed; we milked cows, raised a garden and had a good life.  Kids used to play outdoors all day with the cats, dogs, etc.  Now they stay indoors and watch television."

The first presidential election in which Lillian voted was when Herbert Hoover was elected.

Lillian's husband was in the military and his feet were frozen twice, so they gave him problems for the rest of his life.  In later years, he developed problems with his lungs, so she took care of him until he died, on Veteran's Day in 1993.  She has also taken care of many grandkids, great and great-great-grandkids through the years.  After her husband's death, a neighbor lady took Lillian under her wing and looked after her.  They helped each other all the time, even to helping each other with showers.

Some favorites of Lillian are:  Flowers:  roses, either pink or red; Food:  mashed potatoes; scripture: the 23rd Psalm: sacred song:  Just As I Am; and Christmas song:  Silent Night.

Lillian would like to be remembered as a person who always tried to help others and who was honest and hard working.  I know one thing---she is a delightful lady and I so enjoyed our visit!

Note:  Sadly, this dear lady passed away since I interviewed her, but she did get to see the joy of her family in reading her story.  She was very special.

Chrisle, could you give me your exact postal code and town please?  I'll try to fix your weather thingy.

Etta I laughed and laughed at the Bear video t was too funny.

Janet I really enjoyed meeting Lillian.

I took Happy to the Vet today, He is doing well and will sta on his meds probablyfor the rest of his life. after I had some lunch I took them for their walks.

I am one tired gal tonight.  Had a "J" night and then missed my nap this afternoon to go do an interview.  Tomorrow we leave at 10 to take John to his plane.  We are going to take the car, as the van doesn't handle well on icy roads and there will still be icy patches at least.  This means that Beth cannot go along, but I don't think she is too disappointed, as she is worn out.  She has another UTI and is on daily injections of Rocefin.   :(

Marilyn, glad you enjoyed Lillian's story.  We wanted to do more, as her granddaughter wanted to know how Lillian did cooking, laundry, etc. when she was young.  But she took a turn downhill (but would up going UP!) before we could do any more of her story.  She was a sweetie!

I'm heading to bed.  "Night, all! :sleepy:

Love your profiles, Janet.

Lillian was great to read about.

Drive safely.

Pat:  Thanks for the weather notice.  It sure is cold at home. 

I met about 8 women this afternoon and helped cut filling for quilts then we did tie a full quilt.  Nice group - they meet weekly in the afternoon so I will go to help when free.  Called two cousins and they are now here from Minnesota and we will get together one of these days.  Salad and a small pork chop for dinner then a brownie for dessert.  Now for a book or a movie.  It is so dark here as there are few streetlights in Arizona under their light laws and so easy to look at the sky but you sure don't want to be out walking in pitch black areas. 

Janet:  Sorry that Beth has another UTI.  Safe trip on that ice - I hope they salt the road when it is icy. 

Chrisle, I'm glad Pat got your weather gizmo, and yours too, Carol. 

I now have the information about what needs to be done, so if anyone else wants to add one to your signature line just let me or Pat know, with your zip/postal code.

As you can see from mine, it's a wee bit chilly here in northern New York today!  [attachimg=1]

Hi everyone.  It is a typical winter day look outside as is overcast.  However, I don't think there is any rain in the forecast and get into the high 40's today.  I have a completely blank calendar for today and nothing that I know of that will require me to get out.  Pat and I went out for dinner last night and she is making a stew in the crock pot for this evening.  I did get word yesterday that there was a new treasurer elected at the group meeting last night so I will now get things in order to hand over the papers and checkbook to the new treasurer.  We will need to meet at the bank in order to change the signature card on the bank account as all revenues are deposited and all expenses paid by check.  It makes for very simple accounting and each transaction is documented with backup copies of checks or what generated the payment.  I don't plan on taking anymore volunteer commitments that are long term.  Pat just spoke to Stacey and she had a good nights rest.  She was headed out to go to her bank as she needed to get a money order to pay her rent for this month.  Today was her payday.  The bank is only about a block away so that should be a quick and easy trip.  We went ahead and ordered her birthday present, an electric heater that oscillates and has a remote control.  She got home yesterday in time to have it delivered and now has it set up.  She said it really produces the heat so her bedroom now should not be chilly.

Judy, it sounds like John may need to become more of a squeaky wheel to get better trips with his truck. 

Carol, sure hope your back is feeling much better today.  I have been most blessed in not having any lasting back pain.

Pat, thanks for the concerns for Stacey.  She has gone through some terrible times in the last six years. 

Christie, I wouldn't like that gated internet service at all.  However, sometimes we have few choices available.  Stay warm up your way. 

Janet, thanks for sharing the story of Lillian.  I am sure Beth will miss John until he can visit again.  Hope the trip went well and that you started the day today rested after a good night's sleep.

Jeanne, sounds like good weather to stay inside where it is warm.  Aren't you glad you don't have to get out and so someplace on days like today unless you want to.  This is one of the great benefits of being retired.

John is here packing his things, and as soon as I get the rest of his clothes dried, we will head out to Dodge City.  Cold here, but the sun is shining, so I am hoping the roads are clear.

Thanks for the comments on Lillian's story.  It was one I thoroughly enjoyed doing.  I am working on one now that is interesting, as the man got BOTH hands cut off on the job, using a machine he built himself!  I talked to him for about two hours yesterday but we didn't get it all done.

I must go get those clothes into the drier, pronto!

It was one of those nights for me last night.  The dogs were restless in the couple of hours before bed and then a phone call, (I didn't answer) left me a little on edge.  I really wish people wouldn't call after 10:00.  Midnight is far too late for a phone call unless it is an emergency.  With this person if there is an emergency She would miss me as I don't answer the phone that late at night.

We have another cold day here today.  However the fire is going and the house is warming up nicely.

We have a couple of new members from Austrailia here at CP.  I was wondering what there winters are like down under.  They are in their summer season right now. Check out the pictures being posted they are beautiful!

I must go get a few things done.  Back later.

I would loved to have talked with Lillian!  And I will some day..... in heaven!

Sorry to hear that Beth has another UTI.  And my, Stacey is really having a time of it.  I can't imagine 8 heart attacks.  And bed rest for a week?  And she went to the bank! 

Glad that John can see retirement soon!  This coming March, I will be retired for 20 years!!  It doesn't seem possible but I love it! 

Remember Jacob...the boy in the accident last March?  Today is 203 days of recovery.  He is still in a coma but responding some.  He is home and his parents have worked out work schedules and with Jacob's brother so that someone is with Jacob all the time.  People bring in dinner's to them.  That is wonderful that Sheree doesn't have think about cooking.  Anyway, I read on FB that Jacob had to go to the ER last evening with a fever.  He, too, gets UTI's and that's what they think this was.  He is spending the night in ICU.  Hopefully he will come back home soon.  Everyone is still praying for a complete recovery for him. 

I am getting tired of being chilled.  It's terrible to be chilled in your own house!  When I am watching TV, I am wrapped up in a blanket.  When I go to bed, I put that blanket on the bed and I am warm.  Sitting here at the computer, my back and legs are chilled.  And my toes feel like ice cubes!  But it is cold for Indiana...colder than we have been for a few years.  I have heat but I am determined NOT to turn it up!  I will just add more clothes and blankets!

Today I want to go to the pool.  But first I want to go to a jewelry store to see if I can get my Hawaiian Coral and Opal ring fixed.  It broke about 3 months ago and I think it is time to get it fixed.  Also I have a necklace that the chain broke near the clasp.  My vision won't let me fix it.  You should see me trying to thread a needle!!  And I have some cheap earrings that I really like that has come unglued.  So four things to the jewelers...and then to the pool!  Hope the water is warm today. 

We still have bright white snow.  That is unusual to have white...white snow this many days in a row!  No signs of dirt anywhere on it!  What sunshine we have had has packed the snow...it isn't as deep or fluffy as it was.  I even walked across the yard from Ivalou's yesterday after taking her mail to her! 

This computer has a mind of it's own.  It keeps changing pages.  So far I haven't lost this page.  So I had better post before I do!

How much I enjoyed reading the news this evening. I feel a bit tired - went to Salvation Army meeting this morning, then took my oldest son out to do some errands this afternoon.  So, I've been resting since about 5 pm.

Thank you for the stories, Janet. These are so uplifting. Our Lord has certainly given you a talent for writing.

Well, must rest. Tomorrow early will be another time to take someone to not one, but TWO appointments, then I have an appointment for myself in mid-afternoon. So, all together, I need to be well rested upon awakening tomorrow.

Much love for all,
Ruth Ann

We are home, have been for a while already.  It was a beautiful day today, NO WIND and bright sunshine.  And Dodge City had fewer people out and about than I had ever seen before!  So it was a nice, restful sort of day.  We took John to lunch before we took him to the airport.  He is somewhere far away by now!

I really am enjoying doing the stories.  Maybe I have found my "calling."

Etta Sue, I dislike being cold, too.  But dislike even more, paying high heating bills.

Kansas State is playing in a bowl game tonight.  We will be watching that--anyway Darrel will be.  I 'sort of' watch until I get tired and then I go to bed!  Don't tell my K-State grandsons that!  ;)

I will post another story tomorrow, maybe!

Janet we are watching that game. University of Oregon VS K State. We are winning so far.

Heating bills?  When the furnace runs as much as it has this week, it not only means more propane, but also higher electric bills because the blower fan is run by electricity.   :(

I've been laughing about the increase in Social Security payments for this year.  I get $14 a month more than last year.  And my lot rent went up $10 a month.  A net increase of $4 a month!!!   :lol:

Hi everyone.  It is chilly outside, only 32 degrees, and to early to tell if we will see sun today.  Finally yesterday afternoon the sun came out and that was nice. I have been to  coffee at the Senior Center and later this morning I need to go to Kroger's for a few items we need.  If Pat is up to take I will take her to a meeting at eleven and then pick her up later.  Beyond that my day looks pretty free. 

Judy, I also find that late phone calls usually aren't good news.  However, my sister-in-law talks with Pat often fairily late as knows that Pat stays up late and she is an hour earlier than us in terms of the time zones.

Etta Sue, I wasn't surprised that Stacey was out yesterday even for a little while.  With her chair she doesn't have to exert herself as if she were walking and she didn't stay out very long.  However, she is very tired.  You have more years of retirement than I as I am just going on 18 years next month.  Thanks for the update on Jacob and what an ordeal this has been for all concerned.

Ruth Ann, sounds like you will be appointment weary after today.  One in a day is plenty.  Glad that only one is for you.

Janet, sorry about Kansas State losing to Oregon last night.  They had something in that game I never knew was possible that was a one point safety.  We were talking about it at coffee this morning.  Glad you had a nice trip to Dodge City yesterday and didn't have to fight the weather.

Marilyn, sure you are happy with the outcome of that game. 

Jeanne, now don't go on a spending spree with all that extra Social Security money.  :)

You ae right about hydro charges going up in the winter, Jeanne .  Our wood for the most part is free but we still have higher hydro bils because of the fan running almost continually.  Also because of my birds we have an electric heater going to keep a steady heat in the room where they are.  It really becomes difficult when our expenses continue to rise higher than our income. 

I had a good night last night, and woke just before the plow went through.  I have shoveling to do, not looking forward to that.

I have been thinking on the verse Romand 6:1  What shall we say then shall we continue in sin that Grace may abound?  God forbid! How can we who are dead to sin live any longer in that sin.
I know so many people who sin and know that what they are doing is sin, yet their attitude is "Oh well God will forgive me!" Where is the change in their lives that separates them from the world. 
Can we as a group of individuals live like we are dead to sin and leave it behind us?  A dear friend upon becoming a Christian made a move in her life to get out of an immoral life and live alone, striving to be more like Christ.  Can you join me today as I  make that my aim, to be more like Christ in how I live?

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Ah....sunshine!  It sure makes it seem warmer even if it is only 22°!!  My solar heat is even running off and on! 

I know, Jeanne.  I am wondering where I might spend $21 more a month this year!  I am sure someone's hand will be out to collect it! 

I went to the pool yesterday after taking the jewelry to the jewelry store to be repaired.  Even that is expensive but replacing said jewelry would be much more.  I would love to afford to return to Hawaii and replace the ring with another one but I can't so I will pay for it to be resoldered.  Then the two pairs of earrings that needed fixed will cost way more than the cost of the earrings.  But I like those earrings so I will pay!  He did fix the necklace while I was waiting for free! 

Then I browsed Dollar General in Noblesville.  It is a larger store than Lapel's store.  I even found self-threading needles!  Who would think they would be at Dollar General? 

Last evening was watching TV and trying to keep warm.  The bed felt sooo good! 

I really need a haircut but I don't know when that will happen!

Is anyone else experiencing a pop up bar at the bottom of the screen?  When I close it, the letter 'T' is on a square to the bottom right.  It just started today!  It seems to be about Biblical sights so is it something to do with CP?  If so, is there a way to get rid of it?  I don't care for it.   

I don't have a pop up bar Etta Sue.

Etta Sue I get that from time to time, I think it has something to do with Windows 8, I sure can't find where to get rid of it.

Yeah, that game started out bad for Kansas State, and didn't improve as time went on!  A 90+ yards run back for a TD on the first kick was not the way K-State fans wanted to see the game start!  Boy!  Those Oregon boys can RUN!!

Jeanne, try not to spend all of your big raise at once!  I think I am now getting around $30 more in Social Security than my Medicare costs.  So I can really go wild, too!  ;)

Judy, I cannot imagine all the extra work of your old house, using wood for heat, having to do lots of shoveling, etc.  It should keep you healthy, provided it doesn't kill you!  You and John must love it up there in the Northland, or I guess you wouldn't still be there.  But I do hope you can find ways to make it easier on yourselves, as none of us is getting younger!

Etta Sue, besides the warmth, the sun just makes you feel more cheerful, more hopeful, doesn't it?  But boy, is it ever BRIGHT out there, glaring off the wonderful, beautiful snow!

Larry, I didn't know about a one point safety, either.

I brought Beth's little Christmas tree, the swag from her door, and her decorations home.  Lots more to do to get her room back in order.  Poor John!  His plane was to leave at 1:45, and he called Beth at 4:30 to say he was still sitting there in the Dodge City Airport!  I hope it didn't cause him to miss the rest of his connections!  Am anxious to have him call Beth and let us know.

I had a great workout this morning; Darrel went to the doctor.  He was still waiting when I got there after the gym; and Dr. Appling says he does need to go to the cath lab again, and I was able to move our appointment up from the 15th to the 8th.  He told us to be prepared to stay for a few days.  (That is in Amarillo.)

See y'all later!

QuoteYeah, that game started out bad for Kansas State, and didn't improve as time went on!  A 90+ yards run back for a TD on the first kick was not the way K-State fans wanted to see the game start!  Boy!  Those Oregon boys can RUN!!

The like to start the game with a Bang, and yes they sure can run, that kid that made that touchdown is from Los Angeles and he was a track star in high school and played foot boall as well for two team, one in school and one for an inner city team Coached by Snoop Dog A Rap artist.

About time for us to leave for our regular Friday   night Mexican dinner with friends.

Hello everyone, I tried to send a post last night but lost it before I could get it posted.  Now I have forgotten most of what I said, it must have been real interesting, huh? 

Jeanne, I have got you beat for the lowest SS raise.  Mine is all of $4.   :)   I only worked part time the last several years before I quit working though, so it  did not add up to much.  I do have another income however, that is enough to pay oll of the bills adequately.  My husband retired from Civil Service many years ago, and was drawing his annuity.  Now I get the survivor annuity because he took a reduced annuity in order for me to be covered later.  Besides the SS, I also received a notice this week from OPM about the raise for this year.  That raise is some better than the SS raise.  That is the good part.  The bad news is, upon examining that notice, I found that they did not withhold any income tax in 2012 from my annuity.  Now I will have to pay all of that when I figure the 1040 for this year.  I used to have a small tax business  and have always done all of our returns.  (I was a bookkeeper when I worked for the public and not myself). 
I went online and now OPM will withhold income tax beginning Feb. 1.  I had no idea they were not withholding tax, I just assumed they were.  Actually I thought that was required. 

It snowed some again here today.  Not a pretty snowfall, real fine flakes and seemed to be kind of dry (blowing around).  I guess that is what they call powder. On the TV weather reports for NM they tell of conditions at the ski resorts and I often hear the terms, "powder and packed powder".

Gonna call it a day, it is getting a little late.
G'night all.  --Janice

Good morning folks. Slow day here. Have pretty much everything caught up for this week. A wash to do do later but that's all. I might go out for a short walk.  Too much snow and cold to do much else outside.  Too old for sledding ;D    News is scarce in NB. I plan to be a couch potato today.  Perhaps play around with some photo editing. Trying to do some perspective photography.
May you find joy,love and laughter in your day.
God bless

Hi everyone.  Just back from coffee at McDonald's with three other fellows.  It is a beautiful morning  with the sun shining brightly.  I have no specific plans for today so will just do whatever comes up.  Late this afternoon and this evening the pro-football playoff games start so will watch some of the two games on today. 

Etta Sue, I haven't experienced the pop up bar of which you wrote.

Janet, interesting that Darrel's doctor told you to go prepared to stay for a few days as usually going into the cath lab results in a person being able to be released at least by the next day unless there has been a heart attack where additional monitoring for a day or two is necessary.  Of course, he might have been referring to a possible delay in getting an appointment for the cath.  Hope Darrel gets good news. 

Janice, I also chose the survivor annuity for my wife when I retired about 18 years ago.  Actually the federal retirees receive the same percentage raise as the SS recipients, ie., 1.7%.  I do have withholding from my civil service retirement check each month as is much easier than doing quarterly estimates.

Chrisle, it is nice to be a couch potato once in a while. 

I received an email this week from a friend.  In the email it said to take a jar an each day as God blesses us to write the blessing down and put it in the jar.  when you are discouraged, take the slips of paper out and read God's blessings and realize even when discouraged that God is blessing you!

Judy, I read a similar thing:  it said to take a jar and every day, write something on a slip of paper for which you are thankful, then read them with your family on Thanksgiving.  Both would bless us, I'm sure.  Guess I need to look for a suitable jar!

Larry, I thought the advice to be prepared to stay was because if they have to put in another stent, Darrel would probably be hospitalized for at least one or two nights/days.  We had planned to do some clothes shopping for me, but if we can't, that's all right, too.  I do have clothes!

Chrisle, I have been vegging out today so far, but getting some things done, too.  I am reading a fascinating book called Binding the Strongman in America, which is really good information on spiritual warfare, and explains how the sins of one group of people, or government, etc. against another, can create a pathway for evil that will persist until someone takes authority and destroys it.  It almost makes my hair stand on end to read of some of the awful things that were done to the Native Americans in this country!  But I decided I needed to put the book down and check my email; then I will go to town to conclude my interview with George.

Janice, sorry your post got snatched by the cyber gremlins, but glad you wrote another one!

I shall return!

I figured the pop up bar at the bottom is either Windows 8 or Firefox since I saw it on another website other than CP.  It has several clickables that is related to the website you are on.  It's just annoying.  And even when I minimize it, it will come back when I change pages!  Marilyn, if you find out how to get rid of it....please, let me know and I will do the same!

Nothing planned today so not much to say!  It is sunshiny and bright out there.  Still white snow with tinges of gray on the edges of the paved roads!  I guess that means that we are breathing clean air here in Indiana!!

Just finished watching a movie, a short one, but a tear jerker, called "The Grace Card".  It was on secular TV!!  This is a movie about faith grace and forgiveness.  If you can find it on your computers it is a worthwhile watch.  I recorded it earlier in the week.  It was created by a church in TN and has a few hi powered actors in it.....Louis Gossett Jr for one.  If you are able to get and watch it, have the tissues handy!

John will be home later today and is leaving tomorrow again.  He called asking i prepare some food for him for the coming week. Guess I'd better get at that!

I was in Memphis, TN in that very church a couple of years ago. Many in the congregation took pivotal roles in the movie.

Yes, it's really a good one - makes us think, doesn't it.

Well, I'm off to be with family (2 sons) so will talk with y'all later.

May our Wonderful Lord be praised today.

Ruth Ann

I go down about 2 miles to a Starbucks almost every dsy.  They're s wonderful bunch of employees in there.  They treat me almost like a family membe.  There's often another fellow there when I' m there by the name of Daniel.  He turned out to be a Christian, snd so we've fellowshipped quite s lot when we've both been there.  What a blessing thats been!  He may come to our church this Sunday.

Ruth Ann do they actually use the Grace Card?  I watched it again today with John.  WHat amazes us is that this was on Public TV not a Christian Station!  An amazing testamony for that church!!!

Got John's meals ready and supper was waiting.  That makes tomorrow easier. 

Off to bed Night all!

When I was working, my best friend was Rose.  We were together at work and our families were together a lot after work.  I was with Rose and some other co-workers the day I found out Ivalou had a stroke three years ago.  Rose was fine then.  I found out that Rose had to go through chemo for lung cancer.  She was pronounced cancer free.  But a few months later, it was back.  I believe she has had two or more rounds of chemo since.  I did take her a Chemo Wrap last summer.  I asked her sister how Rose was doing since Christmas.  But yesterday another sister let me know that Rose has brain cancer.  There is nothing that the doctors can do.  It will be quick...maybe around two months.  Rose has gone through so much.  I know she is ready and I am so glad that her and Jim found God.  Soon she will be in the arms of our loving God.  I need to go see her this week.

I am all ready for church.  Ivalou is going also today!  It is above freezing this morning.  First for this year!!  It snowed some last night but I don't see any signs of new snow!

Just know that I feel a nap coming on this afternoon!

Hi everyone.  It is an overcast morning.  I slept in until a little after 8 this morning.  I watched a bit of the two pro football games that were on yesterday but spent most of the late afternoon and evening reading the book about Lincoln.  It is 1200 pages long and I am over half the way through it.  It is so interesting that it is hard to put down as it describes Lincoln and the men he surrounded himself with in his cabinet and the struggles of trying to conduct the Civil War.  It makes me realize that politics today are probably no different than they were in the early part of our country.  We plan on attending church this morning and sure we will eat out after church either with the group or just Pat and I. 

Judy, I saw that same suggestion about putting a note in a jar when we recognize our blessings.  Too bad that John will have such a short time at home between trips. 

Janet, you are probably right about what the doctor met as with Darrel's heart history they would probably want to monitor him at least over one night after a stent would be put in. 

Etta Sue, regarding the annoying popup I suggest you copy the verbiage of it and put it in a Google search and you will likely find information to help you understand what is happening and how to turn it off.   Such sad news concerning your friend Rose. 

Ruth Ann, hope your visit with your two sons went well and was most enjoyable for you all. 

Al, so happy to see you are getting out and have found a Christian friend to share a cup with you at Starbucks.  As time goes on your circle might grow.  If I see a man at McDonald's, of our age group, eating alone I often have approached him and invited him to sit at our table.  I certainly don't do that everyday but on several occasions.  To my knowledge, all of the men in my coffee group are Christians. 

Larry the time between trips is something we had agreed on.  He had the time from Friday before Christmas through to the second of January off so it is no problem that they have him working through the weekend.  He went out on Wednesday.  It is a blessing that he has last night and part of today off.  Where the problem comes is he is going to the east to deliver. (Montreal and Quebec City).  That usually means that he will be heading east coast of the USA and that is something he doesn't like.  He says "let the younger drivers do that I've paid my dues with the east coast!"  He refuses to go to NewYork City and that is often the destination.  Our hope and his request was that he head south toward Georgia or Florida.......that would have taken him out over the weekend and he would have  been out of the cold for a few days, as well as giving him really good miles.

well I am off till later I will post todays hymn later hopefully in the new week!

Good afternoon, friends,

It's a lazy afternoon. We had a great worship service with our pastor involving the children in placing the wise men and the camels properly in their places to worship the child Jesus when they found them some time after the actual birth of Jesus.

With a simple sermon like that, you would have been surprised with the audience participation he encouraged, etc. What a way to incorporate all worshipers in the Epiphany story.

Well, my sons and I did very much enjoy our dinner last evening.  Now, time to rest up a while.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

We went to My Father's House today in Hugoton.  Beth called and said they had given her the muscle relaxer that makes her sleep all morning, (they "forgot" it was Sunday) so we decided that was a good opportunity to go there.  They had a really good service, and grandson Mark was called up and prayed for,concerning his decision to go back to school, etc.  He is leaving at the end of the week.  It was good to be with all the family there, including the 3 little greats.

I just read a really good book called "Binding the Strongman Over America" by John Benefiel.  It included a lot of information I had never heard before!  Are you aware of the huge amount of Baal worship right here in our country?  I was shocked.  If you read it, I think you  will be amazed as well.  And encouraged!

So good to read all your posts!  I want to finish up a story and time is getting away from me, so I better get busy!

Larry, what is the name of the book on Lincoln?  In the book I just read, it says the Federal Reserve (Which is neither Federal nor reserve!) has financed BOTH sides of every war we have been in since it (reserve) was formed, including the Civil War!  :o  There is so much corruption it is discouraging---but GOD.....

Etta Sue, I am sorry hear of your friend Rose being so ill.  That is sad, especially after just recently losing your friend in Mexico. 

Al, it's good you met a new Christian friend at Starbucks.  We don't have a Starbucks here, but I had one of their coffees somewhere once.  Maybe it was at an airport.  Either Lubbock, Dallas or Little Rock.  I thought it was too strong and poured it out.

I didn't go to church this morning...went back to bed at 7:00am.  Had been up since 3:00am.  Sleep evades me a lot.  I did get to hear one of Adrian Rogers' sermons  on TV later, however.  I am glad they are still airing his sermons, they are well lworth hearing . He passed away several years ago.

Y all have a good week.
-- Janice   
PS: my name is not pronounced the usual way.  It is like Janeece.  for some reason my mother wanted it this way.

Edit..could someone change my picture to just me alone, please?  I don' t know how to do that.  Reminds me, I recently pulled off my wedding band.  Was hard to do too, after wearing it these 56 years this month.
I do not have a more recent picture.  Our church had a new directory made, but on the day of our appt to get our picture made, my husband was taken by ambulance from the hospital to the nursing home/rehab center. 

Good morning folks!  Sun is breaking out here. Few flurries yesterday and this morning.  Didn't amount to much though.  Did get out to church yesterday morning.  I wondered about the roads and the threat of snow.  Decided to go anyway and all was well. It started to snow just a little as I was leaving church.  In the afternoon and evening we watched some web casts of church services. Picked out a few churches down through the U.S. They were very good! 
Today I need to clean the house as I neglected to do any thing on Saturday. After that I will make some bread and hot dog rolls.  I try to make my own bread during winter months.

Janet, wherever did you get the book "Binding the Strongman Over America"?
I would enjoy reading literature like that. I looked on Amazon the price was and no kidding.... $440.00 to over $500.00!  Hmmm didn't realize book prices have come up that much.  Perhaps it is time I hone up on my writing skills.  ;)
We don't have a library here to borrow books if they did have it.

Etta, I love your graphics. They always make me smile.

May you feel the love and peace in your day that only Jesus can give.

Hi everyone on this January morning.  It looks like it will be a nice day here in our area.  We did attend church and then went out to lunch with 6 other friends.  We were both tired when we got home so took naps and then enjoyed the evening watching a program on PBS featuring the castle that is the location of the series on PBS called Downton Abbey followed by the two hour beginning of the third season of the series.  That kept me up much later than I normally stay up so really slept well last night.  Today will be my typical Monday with the resumption of my Monday Men's Luncheon at a local buffet and then I have a meeting to attend tonight.

Janet, the Federal Reserve was created in 1913 so came after the Civil War.   The book I am reading is called "Team of Rivals: Lincoln" by Doris Kerns Goodwin.  I had no idea there was Baal worship occurring in this day and age.

Chrisle, was shocked when you said you didn't have a library where you live.  I guess we are spoiled as we have a wonderful library system in our county with 15 branches so every part of this large county is well served.  Unfortunately, due to the economic situation in America they have had to cut hours and now will have to cut $1 million dollars from their annual materials/books budget for this year.

Larry, you are right!  So I went back and re-read what the book says, and it says "Those who control the Federal Reserve and the central banks of the world control the money supply.  Since they control the money, they control the country.  It matters little who the President is because, to a great extent, they control both political parties.  They have financed both sides of our wars since the early 1800s.  They financed both sides of the Civil War.  They financed both sides of World War I and World War II."  Thanks for letting me set the record straight on that.

And Chrisle, I got the book from Amazon for (if I remember right,) $12.  I know I was looking for another book my sister recommended to me, called The End Times in Chronological Order, and found prices like you saw!  But later I found it for only a few dollars and ordered it.  So you might try again---also try looking on half.com, as they sell previously owned books pretty cheap.  Good luck!

Janice, thanks for telling us how to pronounce your name!  I had been saying it wrong (to myself) all this time!  I know it must have been hard to take off your wedding ring.  I know a few ladies here whose husbands have passed away, who wear either his or her ring on a chain around their necks.  Everyone needs to do what they feel is right for them!  Thanks for the funny email you sent.

I have been to the gym and got a really good workout, working on arm and back muscles today.  Kristi is a marvel, she always comes up with something new for us.

I emailed my latest story to the paper, now must take the photo card so they can have the photo to go with the story.  But I need to go to town for that.

May you all be blessed by the Lord's presence in your lives today.

Time to start a new week  HERE (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=12506.0)