HAPPY HALLOWEEN

BACK TO NORMAL-WHAT IS THAT ANYWAY?

I think we are getting back to normal now. Not really sure what that is at this point. It seems like since last December our lives have turned totally upside down and we are still bouncing. But we haven't given up by a long shot.. we keep plugging away dealing with each problem as it comes.
Wendell has gone back to work today. Yes, he feels that good. He's still not 'normal' but he's feeling much better since eating toast, banana and applesauce last evening.. and again this morning. He can take his meds again.
One more injection in his knee and he should be like a new man as far as knees go.. and he should be able to function with less pain. He has more surgery to look forward to (as if one would look 'forward' to surgery). The orthopedic surgeon has suggested he may need a hip replaced as well as 2 knees.. and then the colonoscopy..

Last evening we enjoyed seeing the grandkids .. Trick or Treat !! They got their treats.. pictures later when I get them uploaded.

Today I'm scheduled to be gainfully employed.. the odd shift..11am to 7:30pm.. It is a shift I don't like- it seems to take more of a toll on my body for some reason. I'm the 'extra secretary' for the day. So each time I get scheduled (at least once every 2 week period) for that shift, I request to be on call or off. On call gives me pay for staying at home, though at a much reduced rate. I have to weigh the toll to my system vs the pay..hmm..
I'm praying that I'll get the on call.

Question?? Where do all the political polls get their data? Most people seem to have cell phones with numbers not available to others.. and answering machines for home phones.. hmmmm.. so where do the pollsters get their information?

Remember to pray for us.. and for Nicki.. Uncle Bob and Aunt MaryJane.. Janet is healing.. Amen.

WENDELL..

Sorry to have left so many of you in a ?? this morning when I took Wendell into the emergency room. I just needed some prayer and quickly.
We got there and waited a long time.. never did get to triage. But let me start from the beginning.
I called his PCP and had to leave messages..twice.. then called the GI doctors office. They advised me to take him to the ER..so that's what we were doing. Wendell has to have a colonoscopy some time soon. Diarrhea has left him so weak and worn. This morning he complained of severe abdominal pain, and that was the deciding moment. (he has had a round of colitis for almost 2 weeks now)
While we were waiting in the ER waiting area, his PCP called and I explained what was happening. They said they would take him immediately if I could get him to the office, which is just a couple blocks from the hospital..so that's what I did. I signed out of the ER and took him right away.
The doctor didn't waste a lot of time with him.. examined him pretty thoroughly and then ordered blood work which he had done right there. Stool specimens will be tomorrow. His PCP has requested a visit to the GI doc asap.
So........ that's where we are. Oh, he did get a prescription for Lomotil- a powerful med that should relieve his violent peristalsis and also the BRAT diet.. Bananas, Rice, Applesauce,and Toast.
We are home now and hoping the directives will be working in the next hours. Will keep you all posted.
Keep him in prayer please..

ANNIVERSARY WISHES

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY WISHES GO TO

KEN AND SANDY TODAY

MANY MANY MORE HAPPY DAYS !!

TIME

"There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to rebuild. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 NLT

BLAHS..

I took this picture of a stargazer lily this summer.. they sure were beautiful.

Friday evening at work was not disappointing.. it was true to form.. the PIPO effect was true to form.. that's 'Patients in-Patients out'.. and is a phenomenon that occurs on weekends- I lost a true count of what happened, but I believe I had 6 discharges and 8 admits.. I lost count. Whatever.. Until about 8pm, I had no less than 12 charts with orders on my rack at any one time.. then the docs stopped coming in and I was able to catch up.
Tonite I'll probably be there by myself again. I don't know why they do that except occasionally we don't need 2 secretaries. So I'd be happy to go home?
The thing is that the daylight secretary also had the same thing happen to her before I got there. She was overwhelmed with discharges and then admissions. I was amazed that she got so much accomplished.
Enough complaining already. I guess I'm just tired. I got home at midnight and I'm awake for some reason at 7am.
Wendell is also up.. he isn't scheduled for work today thankfully. He's still struggling with his GI upset.
I put fresh coffee on..... mmmmm so good.

I've been wondering if and when Trick or Treat night is around here. We rarely get more than one or two.. but we are ready. The grandchildren come for treats and in costume, but they can come any time. In recent years the township has sponsored a party/parade at the fire hall. Then there is one hour on one evening that the children are permitted to go door to door. It really isn't safe any more. Too many lunatics out there posing as normal individuals- makes one paranoid for good reason.

There is a 'high wind warning' for this afternoon.. gusts up to 45 mph.. that's pretty speedy wind, eh?
We should probably topple the swing before it gets moved by a gust of wind into the driveway, or worse, into Mandy's car again.. or someone else's.

Pray for Wendell...he's having a rough time.

DISMAL FUTURE?

I was listening to Hannity last night as he interviewed supposedly educated members of our society. One was a Political Science major.. I think a 2nd or 3rd year student at a prominent university. The horror of it all was that she had no idea who the vice president was.. AACCKKK!!!!! This woman was planning to vote !!! We are doomed.
Almost all the names splashed across the news in the past few weeks were not identified by the persons he interviewed. When asked who the President of our country was, one scholar answered.."Um.. uh.. Clinton?"
I think I may barf.
It makes one desire to reconsider paying the universities for their lack of education of our youth. I'm horrified at all this.
It brings back a memory of a few weeks ago when I bought a sandwich at a fast food place. I gave the clerk a $20 bill to cover a $3.60 bill.. I got back in change $21.40 !!! And she didn't believe me when I told her she gave me too much change. I had to go back in the place and find a manager who finally decided I could be correct. AAAACCCCKKKKK!!!! Makes you wonder if honesty is worth the effort.. (it is). But at risk of being late for work arguing with someone that gave you too much change???? And the clerk had a register that told her what change I was supposed to receive ! Give me the old fashioned change making methods any day.. where the clerk actually MAKES the change.. and counts it out. Our citizens are dull with simple math.
Okay.... I'm off my soapbox, but I'm praying for our nation with renewed vigor.

JOINED TOGETHER

"So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners.
You are citizens along with all of God's holy people.
You are members of God's family.
We are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets.
And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself.
We who believe are carefully knit together, becoming a holy temple for the Lord.
Through him you Gentiles are also joined together as part of this dwelling where God lives by his Spirit."
Ephesians 2:19-22 NLT

BLOG BUGS

I thought I had a 'blog bug'.. I don't. What I had was a problem posting pictures/clipart. It wanted to post on my editor as HTML .. making it difficult to post at all.. I found the problem this morning...or the solution, and I'm back to normal posting.
So.. it's later today than yesterday when I posted. I slept in till a little after 8am. I was very tired yesterday as I usually am after a day on my feet.
Mandy brought home supper from the Boston Market.. thanks guys !! It was delicious. A complete chicken dinner plus I made brussels sprouts. Mmmmmm
She brought home corn bread.. yummy.. I had 2 pieces. Instead of the fancy potatoes she brought.. I had veggies and salad and enough chicken to satisfy my appetite. I felt stuffed when I finally got up from the table.. and this morning.. well.. you'll have to check out the DOWNSIZING blog tomorrow to see what happened. No dessert? No.. not even a dish of fresh peaches or an apple.. no room! hehehe

Today I'm gainfully employed as I am for the weekend. It's Friday, and Fridays are always nightmares on my department.. mass exodus for most of the patients for the first 4 hours; followed by the 'royal slam' of masses of admissions to fill all those empty beds. UGH.
I try hard to keep up.. sometimes it's not possible.

Wendell is not doing well this week. He's still in the midst of a major GI upset, and couldn't go to work today because of it. Poor guy has been hit hard this year.
The MRI went well yesterday- yes, they did do it. Results next Wednesday with the orthopedic doctor.

My coffee cup seems to be empty... hmmmmm... this would be a good place to end my post for now.
I pray for a pleasant day for each of you and ask that you remember Wendell today with prayer. Me too.. it will likely be a rough one at work.

BELATED BIRTHDAY TO JEFF

A belated (yesterday) birthday wish goes to Jeff ..
Hope it was a great one for you !

AUTUMN DAYS

Here it is 6:30am and it's like the middle of the night. I'll be thankful for DST to start. I'm having my 2nd cup of coffee..
I weighed myself this morning as I always do.. see my DOWNSIZING blog to see what has happened.
I wasn't unhappy.

Today Wendell will have an MRI of his right knee.. well.. we hope he'll be able to have it. He does have metal wires holding his chest together.

Get well soon Kathy.. today was my relief nurse's day in the office, but she's having hip problems.. so I'm covering.

Today would have been my Mom's 92nd birthday.. Hard to believe she's been gone for almost 3 years.

Gotta get running here.. still have some prep for the office yet.
Have a fabulous day..
Pray for us.. for our world and local leaders and for Nicki, Uncle Bob and Aunt MaryJane.. Give thanks for a successful surgery for Janet. God is good.

US CITIES

By population, name the 5 largest cities in the US..

WHA'DYA KNOW ABOUT PENNSYLVANIA?

Quiz time..
Name the 4 largest cities in PA

Name the PA state flower..
the state bird?
the nickname?
the state tree?
Who was the only US President born in Pennsylvania?
Now name the 6 states that border PA..

Answers are in the comments on this post

TIME TO "FALL BACK"

Well, it's that time of year.. This coming week we will enter DST or Daylight Savings Time in Pennsylvania. Oct 29 is the date to turn the clock back an hour.. WOOHOO !!
I love DST.. it means an extra hour sleep.
2007 will bring some changes.. March 11 will be the "Spring Forward" date or EST- back to Standard Time. The government is giving us about a month extra of DST next year. We'll have DST begin November 4, 2007.
Thanks, Amy, for the good and 'timely' information.

I saw the dentist today. I was going to start a crown prep on a molar. Unfortunately, it is completely split and the only thing that can be done is to remove it. Sigh..... So I'll be contacting an oral surgeon in the next few weeks.
So half of my mouth is still totally anesthetized.. we'll be having something soft for supper for sure.

ETERNITY

"In that day he will remove the cloud of gloom, the shadow of death that hangs over the earth. He will swallow up death forever! The Sovereign Lord will wipe away all tears. He will remove forever all insults and mockery against his land and people. The Lord has spoken!
Isaiah 25:7-8 NLT

There are many rooms in my Father's home, and I am going to prepare a place for you. If this were not so, I would tell you plainly.
John 14:2 NLT

Jesus told her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die like everyone else, will live again."
John 11:25 NLT

"There are two kinds of death—the cessation of life here on earth, and the missed opportunity to live in heaven with God forever. To die physically is to leave our earthly body and our place in the earthly community. To die spiritually, eternally, is to miss eternal residence in heaven with God and his people, to be separated from God forever.

When we die physically, we can be even more alive as we take up residence in God's eternal home with him and his people. It is not pleasant to think of dying physically. But it is devastating to think of missing heaven forever.

from the The TouchPoint Bible with commentary by Ron Beers and Gilbert Beers (Tyndale) p 1180

Good morning bloggers !! It's a chilly one.. for the record, it's 37 degrees here and the high is to get all the way to 43 .. WOOHOO!!!

Wendell is checking his oil in his car and will be leaving for the park before I'm done blogging this morning. He's still a bit under the weather, but going anyway.
Today is dentist day for me.. so I'll be cleaning here this morning, then seeing the dentist later. It's almost 6am. What am I doing up so early?? !!

I got the new house plan ideas out yesterday. It makes it seem like it's for real. I know it is, but more like a dream. John wants a house building program for the computer to set up the ideas I put on paper. It's so exciting to think about. With the program, we will be able to tell if my ideas are reasonable.

Pray for Wendell today please.. it's cold and he still chills easily besides the fact that he's not feeling up to par today. Pray for Nicki, Uncle Bob and Aunt MaryJane..
Thank the Lord for providing us another day.

LAKE BLAIR

BURNING BUSH

MOVING INTO FALL

This is the little maple tree in the yard. The first picture was taken Oct 21st.. the 2nd one just 3 days later.. what a difference a day makes.

TOPIC OF THE DAY

Well, you expected balmy, hazy hot and humid? I think not. Weather is on everyone's mind and lips this morning.. No, no accumulation other than when I got home last night in a blinding snow storm. But it's all gone this morning. It's 36 degrees with a high of 40 expected.
The cars all had a layer of the white stuff when I got home last night. I park in the parking garage where I work, so my car was clean when I started for home.
I'm not gainfully employed for the next 3 days .. WOO HOO!! I slept in this morning and kept snuggy under my fleece blanket.
There is much to do here.. we aren't ready for winter yet. So my work is cut out for me. Tomorrow I see the dentist for some work on a tooth that has given me problems since last summer (2005). It'll be a relief to have it capped finally. I had the root canal done back then, but with the stroke in December and then Wendell's heart surgery, it took a back seat to all that. So I'll be happy to have it worked on. My dentist is wonderful and does the work nearly pain free. I'm allergic to Novocaine, so she uses Carbocaine plain. I've bottomed out too many times to use regular Novocaine.
Yesterday Wendell saw the orthopedic surgeon about his knees. He had Xrays of his knees from a different view and then his hips too. The verdict is that he needs more study done of the knees via MRI before he makes a definite decision just when he can have knee surgery. Though his right knee causes him more pain, the left is damaged worse. The doctor feels that the arthritis in his right hip is causing referred pain to that knee. So the left knee is the problem one even though it is not as painful as the other. I believe he is scheduled Nov 1 for the MRI.
In the mean time, he'll complete the Synvisc injections in his knees (he has #1 injection in the left now) and that should give him some pain relief.

Well, bloggers, I'm off to get dressed and start my day. Have a wonderful one yourselves.
Remember to pray for us.. Wendell is out there at the park and it's bound to be cold where he's working. He's been having GI problems too.. pray for him please.

WEATHER REPORT FROM HERE

Oh boy... Here it is bloggers....... the first measurable snow of the winter season.. AACCCKKKK!!!!
Oh how I wish I didn't have to go out in it today..the National Weather Service says we'll have icy roads and up to an inch of snow by morning.

GOD AS HOUSE-BUILDER

"Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is useless.
Unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good."
Psalm 127:1 NLT

Unless the Lord builds the house
"Benjamin Franklin is best known for his inventions (lightning rod) and his aphorisms ("early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise"). But he was also a key figure when the thirteen colonies were giving birth to a new nation.

At the age of 81, Franklin was the oldest representative at the 1787 Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. Weeks after the convention began, representatives were still haggling about the relative voting power of large states and small states.
Then Franklin stood up and said,
"In the beginning of the contest with Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayers in this room for the divine protection.
Our prayers, sir, were heard and they were graciously answered.…
Have we now forgotten this powerful Friend?
Do we imagine that we no longer need his assistance?
I have lived a long time, and the longer I live the more convincing proof I see of this truth, that God governs in the affairs of men.…
We have been assured, sir, that 'except the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain that build it,' and without His concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel."
The verse from Psalm 127 had its effect. A compromise was soon worked out, and a Constitution ratified by the states the following year.

adapted from The One Year® Book of Psalms with devotionals by William J. Petersen and Randy Petersen (Tyndale) entry for October 27"

Content is derived from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation and other publications of Tyndale Publishing House

EAT A PRETZEL DAY

Well, today is an interesting one.. it's EAT A PRETZEL DAY. The funny thing is that I'm a pretzelholic. I LOVE pretzels !! My very favorite all time without a doubt is the Sturgis Pretzels.. but , alas, I can't buy them here. When I go to visit the Valentines, I always stop at their local grocery store to buy 3-4 bags of the Sturgis brand to bring home with me. Mmmmmmmmm !! They really are the best.
What's your favorite pretzel??

CARAMEL APPLE DAY

IT'S CARAMEL APPLE DAY !!!

One of the best things about fall is making caramel apples with the kids.. and then eating the apples.

PRAYER

"Therefore, confess your sins to each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."
James 5:16

"I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; He heard my cry for mercy.
Because He turned his ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live."
Psalm 116:1-2

Sometimes we forget that we have a powerful force available to us.. it is prayer to our Father. He hears our pleas and our requests on behalf of others.. He accepts our thanks and our praise to Him alone.
I believe in prayer.. I have seen the results first hand.
Nearly every one of my blog posts has a request for prayer. I am thankful for you when you pray for us. I thank the Lord for your faithfulness.
Prayer is not just for morning and bedtime and meals, but an all day conversation with God. The Word of God, the Bible, tells us to pray without ceasing. This should be our goal every day.

THURSDAY, OFFICE DAY

I don't think the leaves are as spectacular as they have been in recent years. It must be due to the late frost?
I really am guessing. These brown eyed susans are a reminder of summer here.. They were so beautiful.

Today is office day and I am awake at 4am. I do this normally on Thursdays in case I have joint pains I need to get under control before going in. Works for me !
Speaking of joint pain, Wendell has had his 3rd injection as of yesterday and his left knee is doing unbelieveably well. I'll be making 3 more appointments for him today for his right knee. The doctor has warned him to be careful- one twist can undo all the good. So he's determined to keep the knee safe. Monday he'll see the orthopedic surgeon, but we are hoping he'll say to hold off the surgery. The more time between surgeries the better, and less risk is involved. Wendell says the injections are not painful in any way, and as long as the insurance company is willing to fund the treatments, we'll keep trying to control the problem with injections, at least for the next few months.

Last night we had Provolone chicken on angel hair. It was so good. I'm afraid it was a bit high in fat, but we don't often eat fatty meals. The recipe calls for butter and oil and heavy cream in the sauce.. hmmm
You don't want a lot of it.. I thought my stomach might complain (more like my gall bladder), but it didn't. Could be due to the fact that we had big fresh salads to go with the chicken dish and that the servings were small.

Wendell is up and moving.. getting ready to leave for the park. I need to hit the shower and get myself dressed and prepared for work too.
Have a fabulous day bloggers.... Remember to pray for us..for heath and strength. Janet, Nicki , Uncle Bob and Aunt Mary Jane need remembered too.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
SEEMS LIKE JUST YESTERDAY

The picture is dark, but you can still see the smiles.. Many more to you

MY NEW PET

JJ's pets on her site have been so much fun.. I feed them and play with them every time I visit there. Sooooo... I decided to adopt my own pet.. you'll find her in the right hand column right under my picture.. If you click on "more".. you'll find a slice of bread and she loves her bread.. Her name is Quacker Jack.. and she's cute as a button. If you poke her, she quacks..hehehe.. I tickle her and she talks .. Hehehehe
So.. enjoy my little pet..

LAKE BLAIR

It's almost 9am and it looks like 9pm....dark.. chilly, and rainy. I knew it was a rainy day before I even looked outside. Yeah.. the joints are afire today. Ugh. I wonder how Wendell is faring in all of this? He has the same problem with his joints now, and he left for the park before 6am.
When I did look out the front door, I could almost see waves on Lake Blair.. well, the wind is blowing and it looks that way. If it were brighter outside, I'd take that picture. Now, I hesitate to complain about the rain..we surely need it, and it could be SNOW. I cringe to think how much snow would be out there with all the water.
But it is 49 degrees and no snow in sight... yet.

Last night I had a call from the nursing office asking me to come in early today to cover a sick call.. I was already scheduled for 11am. I balked at the earlier time..but before I could make a decision, they called me back and asked if I'd just do my regular shift at 3pm.. I agreed to that and I'm glad I did. I'd have to be leaving for work in another hour+..if I had kept the original schedule.

Yesterday I made a pork roast for supper.. garlic/herb.. it was perfect. I made it in the crockpot with a liner..the clean up was done in a matter of moments. We had fresh canned cake for dessert. No frosting or topping.. just plain super moist cake..mmmmm..We opened one chocolate and one yellow cake last night. There were 10 jars. Canned cake keeps fresh for 6 months..though we have kept it up to a year .. well, one jar just to see what it would taste like. Most of the time, it's gone long before the 6 months.

Well, time to hit the shower. Ambulating will be a challenge today. Tylenol to the rescue !!
Pray for our leaders..that God's spirit would rest on them. Pray for peace.
Remember to pray for Wendell too, and for me if you would.....we are sore today.
And also for Aunt MaryJane and Uncle Bob.. and Nicki too.

GOD IS OUR REFUGE AND STRENGTH

"God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!"
Psalm 46:1-3 NLT

REALLY GOOD ADVICE..

"We Americans are blessed in so many ways.
We're a nation under God, a living and loving God.
But Thomas Jefferson warned us, 'I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just.'
We cannot expect Him to protect us in crisis if we turn away from Him in our everyday living. But you know, He told us what to do in II Chronicles.
Let us reach out to Him. He said, 'If my people,which are called by my name, shall humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from Heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land'."
---Ronald Reagan

BRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!

Brrrrrr !! Again. It's only 33 degrees this morning.. I feel chilled through and through. Thankfully , I'm not gainfully employed today. But there is much to do ....... lots of clean up from the weekend when I get so far behind.
Summer seems to have breezed by so fast. It was a good summer..but just too fast. The older I get, the faster my days go by. In fact, it seems like just yesterday I flipped the calendar to OCTOBER.. and it's now half way gone. ???
Oh..... where is spring??

This is a fun time of year.. pumpkins.. and carving pumpkins.. pumpkin pie.. mmmmm
The pumpkins in the garden were few.. I never saw any of them even in all my walks, but Charlie said they were there by the corn. Well, I try to steer clear of the corn- I seem to have an allergy to corn silk or whatever. It used to be I could pick corn in the field once, and then I was done for the season. If I tried again, I got to sneezing and so stuffed up I could barely breathe.
Mandy usually buys a couple of big ones and carves them..she even went so far as to buy a CD that had patterns one could print out to make the perfect carving.
Time to start the day...... have a good one.....stay warm.

TALES OF WINTER

When we built our house, we decided our primary heat source would be the woodburning stove in the basement since we live on the edge of a large woods. Free wood for the picking. Good choice.
When Paul was in high school, one of the teachers was putting in a new furnace and offered their coal supply to anyone who would haul it away.. we bit. So we had a nice big pile of coal to burn - and yes, our stove was built to withstand the coal heat.
At night when it was miserably cold, we'd build a fire using a solid piece or two of oak, then put in a few pieces of coal to keep the fire hot and burning all night. One night we were rudely awakened by the smoke alarm screaming, and the house rapidly filling with smoke. Someone, who will remain nameless, put the coal on the top of the wood + the coal dust left in the small bucket. After we went to sleep, it burned and crusted over trapping gases beneath the coal layer. This caused a huge explosion that blew the door of the stove open and the clean out door on the chimney. Smoke was everywhere.
We were very fortunate to NOT have a chimney fire.. but it could have happened very easily.

In the fall deer are everywhere and we seem to see more of the ones who try to cross the road laying beside it. I see so many on my way home at night.
They are always around the house here too.. last night I saw the doe and her twin fawns again at the crabapple trees.
We have always had plentious deer around the house.
One very cold winter night, we needed firewood brought in through the basement door. Paul was always willing to help and that night he went up the stairs and opened the Bilco door and nearly got run over by a herd of deer standing by the door. We don't know who was more shocked at that moment.

I remember a time when we were cutting down dead trees.. it was in the winter.. and Paul was helping then too. The guys pulled over a huge dead tree and out jumped the biggest raccoon we'd ever seen. Paul chased it with a 2x4.. I don't know if he caught up with it.. they move pretty fast even on snow and ice.

More tales of winter later..... and perhaps we'll talk about Wendy's adventure at the doctor's house on a tobaggan..??

FROSTY MORNING

Brrrrrrrrr !! It's a frosty morning. I noticed last night when I got home that all the cars parked here had a thick layer of frost on them. By now, mine does too. I use the parking garage at the hospital, so I never have to clean my windshield of frost or snow in the winter when I'm at work. I'm thankful for that. By the time I'm ready to leave today, it'll all be gone.
Already I find myself longing for spring.

Wendell has developed the first cold of the season. He's having a time of it. Mandy and John have both had it, but I've been spared so far. I'm stuffy, but I believe mine is more allergy from the falling leaves.

I had a difficult night at work last night. There was no daylight secretary, and when I got there at 3pm, things were in a disaster state, though the 2 nurses who were "honorary secretaries" for the day had done their best. Of course, as always, when I ask for help, there is none to assist. But at 8pm, I finally did get another secretary to help clean up the last of the charts with orders. It seems like on days like this, all the doctors who have problems with longhand writing appear in number. It takes so long to read the order, some days I think I'd like to just make a pile of "unreadable" and go on to other charts that I can read without difficulty. It wastes so much time when you can't read what is written on the order sheet.
And yes, we have a program where we can fax the orders with unreadable pages... it takes time to do that too.

Okay.....enough whining and on to today! Have a good one. I'll be gainfully employed again.. I hope it won't be a repeat of yesterday.

WOO HOO! IT'S RICKY'S BIRTHDAY

Y'ALL HAVE A HAPPY BIRTHDAY RICKY !!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELIZABETH !!

If you are reading the blog, just wanted to wish you a

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

ELIZABETH RIGGLEMAN !!!

THE SNOW BELT

Just north of us is Buffalo NY.. I made mention that I'd heard that they got 2' of snow yesterday, but last night I heard they'd had a total of 6 feet yesterday. Now, we live just below the SNOW BELT.. Buffalo is about 4 hours away from us.
Does that sound like someone from Pennsylvania? We measure distances in hours.. hehehe
Anyway, we experience something called the Snow Belt which is an invisible line where weather stops and starts. No, really.. you can't imagine it unless you have seen it first hand as we do.
I imagine it as more like the isobars you see on a weather map.. each section having a certain difference from the one above and below. There is a place on Rt 8 just a few miles north of us that one of these invisible lines occurs. It's not once in a while, but all the time. In the summer, you can see a line of demarcation in front of the 7-11 that crosses Rt 8..it will be raining on one side and dry as toast on the other. In the winter, it's similar with snow on one side and dry on the other.
I guess we can expect a bit of snow this month.. I'm trying to get myself used to the idea. I had to wear a jacket yesterday because it was so chilly. How does one prepare for winter? I have good tires on my car. I have front wheel drive like everyone else seems to have, but I grew up with rear wheel drive and tend to try to control my car in that direction.. ie.. if you go into a spin, turn in the direction of the spin.. it doesn't work on front wheel drive. I have learned a lot from Wendell who has been a truck driver for umpteen years. We talk about a second gear night.. gearing down when it's snowy to have more control over the car. I have to laugh at some people who drive automatic transmission vehicles who claim they don't have 2nd gear in their cars...duh. I always ask them what the #2 is on their gear shift lever?? Then I cringe when they tell me they just take their car out of gear into neutral and coast with their foot on the brakes !!! AAACCKK!!! So they go sledding out of control.. Yike ! Armco hill is steep and not a place to be coasting out of control.
Wendell's motto is "GEAR DOWN WHEN THE SNOW IS ON THE GROUND". Especially good advice for hills.. Armco Hill in the winter. It works both ways..also staying in a lower gear going uphill on the snowy roads.
Of course it goes without saying that winter is not the time for cruise control.. unless you have a death wish.

I learned to drive in the winter. I took Driver Education in high school - one that was built on an old airstrip. I enjoyed learning how to control the car on the ice.. I was driving a Studebaker Lark for my class. One of the best parts of the class was when the instructor took us out on a paved section of the airstrip and had us accelerate to 40mph and then step on the brakes.. Of course we skidded , but had to control the skid by steering- our passing grade depended on it.
I didn't mind the skidding then, but now I cringe.. that front wheel drive is difficult for me to conquer. I'm a creature of habit.
Jane could tell some exciting stories about her DriverEd class..... eh, Jane? I think her instructors hair went from black to pure white during her class time.. hehehe !!!!

If winter is early, I can only pray that spring will be early too. How I love spring !!! Gotta go find my mittens now.. Have a great day..... Hey! Wendell.. where did we put the sleds??? woo hoo!! Winter is coming quickly. More stories of winter later..

AAACCKK !!! 2

Ok.. so I was a little quick on the panic yesterday with a few flakes on the sidewalk for an hour or so. Did you see the news? Buffalo NY had ***2 FEET*** of the white stuff !!!

Wendell had his second injection of Synvisc yesterday. The doctor is optimistic that it will be successful. If the other knee does as well, he may be able to stall the double knee replacement for a while. The more time between his heart surgery and any other surgery makes him a better surgical risk. Keep praying !

Today starts another 3 day weekend of gainful employment. If things are as they have been, it'll be a busy one.

Aunt MaryJane has had a successful surgery and is at a rehab center now. Pray she will be able to go home soon and be fully ambulatory. I believe Nicki is in Chicago for her treatments.. Pray these will be effective for her.
Janet is looking to more hip surgery soon- pray for those who will be doing that surgery and the ones who will be caring for her.
Always remember our world leaders- that the Spirit of God would rest on them and change their hearts.
Have a super day all.... I'm looking forward to that myself.

FRIDAY THE 13TH

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
Romans 8:28

Are you superstitious? Does Friday the 13th strike fear in your heart? Do you think luck determines your life pathway?
Scripture says God is in control- in ALL facets of our lives. Forget the superstitions..

"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."
Ephesians 6:11-13

AAACCKK !!!

OH MY !! I was busy in the office when Andrea came to tell me that it was S------ ! AAACCCCKK!!! It's here!!
I can't stand it.. early winter.. AAACCKKK ...
There it was laying on the ground.. little white flakes.. Didn't stay long, but it was definitely on the ground.
AAAACCCKKKK!!!!
Ahem. Let me compose myself here a tad. I told myself NOT to spazzz over this .. it's a freaky thing- those flakes in October.. hopefully it won't happen again this month at least.
Okay.. I'm fine. I can handle this.. just a bump in the road. No reason to panic. Just go cover the flowers ...and relax...


AAAAACCCCCKKKKKKK!!!!!

VOTING RESPONSIBLY

As I get older, I seem to take my voting responsibility more seriously. It is the duty of every Christian to make certain that elected officials in our land are Christians. This fall election is an important one. I felt so disgusted with our 2 parties.. Republican and Democrat.. I started sending emails yesterday to the 'other' candidates and looking at who was on our ballot and seeking out their platform.
I learned a lot. I chose 2 issues to make some determinations.. 1. abortion and 2. gun control
I figure that if a candidate is other than pro-life.. (that's pro-death), that I need to know that to protect myself as well. Anyone who would toss away a precious human life in the form of a fetus will do the same to the elderly- a class I'm just entering. We have to do some thinking about this.
The other issue about gun control affects the hunters in our family and the fact that we have Constitutional rights to responsibly own guns/bear arms if needed. This tells me how the candidate views the Constitution of our land.
I had replies from 2 of the candidates - one Jane Orie -Republican running for State Senator in District 40 (that's us). Her replies were encouraging. She is a Christian, pro life and does not support guns being removed from citizens. Good choice. Her opponent is Christopher Graham- Constitution Party. I did not hear from him, but let me tell you about the Constitution Party..
Well.... here's their Preamble:
"Preamble:
The Constitution Party gratefully acknowledges the blessing of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as Creator, Preserver and Ruler of the Universe and of these United States.
We hereby appeal to Him for mercy, aid, comfort, guidance and the protection of His Providence as we work to restore and preserve these United States.
This great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
For this very reason peoples of other faiths have been and are afforded asylum, prosperity, and freedom of worship here.
The goal of the Constitution Party is to restore American jurisprudence to its Biblical foundations and to limit the federal government to its Constitutional boundaries.
The Constitution of the United States provides that "no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States."
The Constitution Party supports the original intent of this language.
Therefore, the Constitution Party calls on all those who love liberty and value their inherent rights to join with us in the pursuit of these goals and in the restoration of these founding principles.
The U.S. Constitution established a Republic rooted in Biblical law, administered by representatives who are constitutionally elected by the citizens.
In such a Republic all Life, Liberty and Property are protected because law rules.
We affirm the principles of inherent individual rights upon which these United States of America were founded:
That each individual is endowed by his Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are the rights to life, liberty, property and the pursuit of happiness;
That the freedom to own, use, exchange, control, protect, and freely dispose of property is a natural, necessary and inseparable extension of the individual's unalienable rights;
That the legitimate function of government is to secure these rights through the preservation of domestic tranquility, the maintenance of a strong national defense, and the promotion of equal justice for all;
That history makes clear that left unchecked, it is the nature of government to usurp the liberty of its citizens and eventually become a major violator of the people's rights;
and That, therefore, it is essential to bind government with the chains of the Constitution and carefully divide and jealously limit government powers to those assigned by the consent of the governed. "
Well, now, isn't that a breath of fresh air? Ms Orie also supports these views.
There is also another candidate running for office on this platform. He is Tim Hagberg. I did have an email from him. He is running for PA Representative in Congress District 3 (that's us).
I'm impressed with him.
Please visit the Constitution Party website. You'll be amazed as I was.
There is also a Constitution Party PA website. More interesting information.

BIRTHDAY-OCT 12

OCTOBER 12..

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

BETH

AND MANY MORE!!

THE RESURRECTION

1 Corinthians 15
1Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand.
2By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.
3For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,
4that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,
5and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve.
6After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.
7Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles,
8and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.

GOOD VS BAD DAY

Good morning.. well..... it's morning for sure. Not so sure about the 'good' part, but then any morning I wake up is generally a good morning as I think about it. What I do with my day is up to me.... choices here... good day/bad day?
Good day:
I'm alive and able to function even if minimally
I have a wonderful husband who loves me
I have wonderful friends and family who love me and support me
The power hasn't gone off
God is still in control of this world even though it looks bleak by times
Rain is good for replenishing the earth with water
I can take Tylenol and control the pain in my back and head
Aunt MaryJane's surgery was done and she's okay
I have a roof over my head so I don't have to be out in the weather
Running water from the tap.. indoor plumbing..
I'm not gainfully employed today..
I'm able to blog
I can still pray

Bad day:
Have cancelled the kids visit today......sigh
The sun probably won't show it's face today
Sore muscles and head slow me down

Maybe the day isn't a bad one..... I think my good day points outweigh the bad day ones.


Rainy weather always brings a certain degree of aching in my joints.... today is not different. The part that bothers me is that I can't do the things I want to do.. until medication kicks in.. and then limited.
Pray for relief of the aching....for Wendell too.

WARNING

"I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book:
If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. "
Revelation 22:18,19

MONDAY MEANDERINGS

Yesterday's sermon was very good. The pastor discussed how some church members and others can hear, sing, and do all the things every other member does, and still not be saved. Participation does not insure salvation, but repentence. This is neglected in some cases. Christians are aware of their guilt by God's spirit, and then turn from their sin and ask for forgiveness, repenting of that sin. The warning is against hypocrisy and disbelief. We are called to examine ourselves to see the evidence of God working in us.

I have the camera ready for today. I'm going to keep the grandkids while their Mom and Dad go out for an appointment. This may be Columbus day, but I'm declaring this a CRAFT DAY at our house. Thanks to Betsy and Sandi and the Dollar General, I'm armed with a bunch of crafts for the kids that will keep them busy for hours! The kids love doing them, and I love working with them on each project. So.. pictures of our day will be forthcoming.. later tonite.

I'm trying to spend a little less time on the computer, and though it's online, I'm not around much of the time. There are just so many other things that I need to be doing. I do check my email 2-3 times during the day, but otherwise, not present. So I'm not ignoring you if you write to me.. just not reading the emails as often.

Well, my time for blogging is about up. I need to get started on the day.. showered and dressed. Mandy left nearly an hour ago. Wendell is off today and is planning to help Paul with his excavation project. So it's gonna be a busy day..
Second order of business: breakfast. Wendell needs fuel to start his day.
Gotta run. Have a great day bloggers...
Pray for us and for Nicki and Uncle Bob and Aunt Mary Jane. We are thankful for your faithfulness in this.

COLUMBUS DAY

Today is a federal holiday.. all the banks and the post office are closed. Many of us don't really "celebrate", but there will be CD parades elsewhere I'm sure. The day is Monday.. the official day of long weekend holidays. In this case, I think.. go for it.. but for holidays like the 4th of July or Veterans Day, I just can't see it. I like tradition.



A sailor on board the Pinta sighted land early in the morning of October 12, 1492, and a new era of European exploration and expansion began.
The next day, the 90 crew members of Christopher Columbus's three-ship fleet ventured onto the Bahamian island of Guanahaní, ending a voyage begun nearly 10 weeks earlier in Palos, Spain.
Over the following decades, the Knights of Columbus, an international Roman Catholic fraternal benefit society, lobbied state legislatures to declare October 12 a legal holiday. Colorado was the first state to do so on April 1, 1907.
New York declared Columbus Day a holiday in 1909 and on October 12, 1909, New York Governor Charles Evans Hughes led a parade that included the crews of two Italian ships, several Italian-American societies, and legions of the Knights of Columbus. Since 1971 Columbus Day, designated as the second Monday in October, has been celebrated as a federal holiday.
In many locations across the country Americans parade in commemoration of the day.

WALKING IN THE GARDEN

Charlie and I took a walk around the garden today.. It's nice to look at all the beauty in the midst of dying plants.. there are carrots and peppers yet to pick, but the corn and tomatoes are done for this year. I don't ever remember having the garden finish before the first frost.
As we walked, Charlie tossed out slices of old bread to his 'girls'.. how they love that stuff !! He said one chicken returned after being attacked by the dog this week... it died this morning. Probably better off anyway-it was critically injured. I'm amazed it made it's way back to the coop. The other badly injured hen isn't doing well.. her comb is flopped over one eye, and she isn't moving well at all. She stands/lays by the water trough and drinks, but she actually looks ill. Her bite wound is blackened.. making it look even worse. Poor thing.
As we stood there I looked upward and saw this nest in a tree..... now long empty..

Walking through the garden is still a delight to my eyes.. I love these Royal Marigolds.. they are one of my favorite flowers. Marigolds are said to have antiseptic properties.. no wonder a nurse would love them so..


These yellow Marigolds are brilliantly yellow. The sun shining on them makes them even moreso. How glorious the colors in the garden !!


These are Calendulas.. beautiful yellow blooms.. the row of Zinnias next to it is done. All the flowers are brown now..looks like they might have had frost, but judging from everywhere else , I think more likely they have just run their course and are dying for this year. Beyond and connecting to this row of Calendula are Cosmos. We always grow them.. a simple pink, purple, or white flower..delicate and elegant.. it was my dad's favorite flower. It draws bees and butterflies during the growing season and even after.


Here is an entire row of Dill.. the smell makes your mouth water.. mmmm PICKLES!! Charlie says he planted pickles, but none came up...too bad. Dill tends to come back each year, but Charlie plants it anyway. One has to be careful about picking wild dill... some of it is deadly arsenic..


You can see how huge the dill heads are by my hand..I bent this shoot over to take the picture.. My hand smells like pickles now.. again.....mmmmmmm

SABBATH SCRIPTURE

Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you: I have called you by your name, you are mine. Should you pass through the sea, I will be there with you; or through rivers, they will not swallow you up. Should you walk through fire, you will not be scorched and the flames will not burn you...Do not be afraid, for I am with you. —Isaiah 43

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. —2 Timothy 1

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.—John 14

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.
And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him...
I am convinced that neither death nor life,
neither angels nor demons,
neither the present nor the future,
nor any powers,
neither height nor depth,
nor anything else in all creation will able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus.—Romans 8

HISTORICALLY SPEAKING

It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible.

George Washington

SATURDAY SENTINEL

Today was Keith's presentation "Coffee Tasting Seminar" at his workplace, Starbucks. It was fun and enjoyable for everyone. Next time, you should consider going. We each tasted the 3 coffees Keith chose for us, and learned how to smell the aroma before tasting the flavor. Educational ! Then each coffee was served with a cube of muffin or coffee cake.. and the flavor of the coffees changed and became more alive.



Here is Keith, Coffee master in training.. He had 2 assistants and the program went smoothly. Great Job Keith! Thanks for inviting me. I hope I'm off for the next one.



Here is where we went after the seminar. Quaker Steak and Lube.... fun and interesting place, and the food is fabulous!
The Lube is directly behind Starbucks... convenient too!!


The Coffee Master Keith and his wife Jennifer..


Atmosphere at the Lube........ this is an old Corvette suspended from the ceiling where we ate.


More atmosphere......


When I got home, camera yet in hand, I took some Fall photos.. you can see the progression from the last time I posted my burning bush.. It's getting redder...


This is our Maple tree out front.. changing.. not pretty yet, but it's coming...

Check out the blooms and new growth on the Mountain Laurel.... silly bush.