Wednesday, December 31, 2008


To my dear grandchildren who have a nasty bug they've been sharing.. feel better soon!
Glad to know that Joyce hasn't been bitten, nor Paul or Amy... but David has had a double portion, and Daniel is now down with P3 recuperationg. Annabelle is also recuperating after a long hard siege.
Aunt Wendy says they may have to come back here in February for the kids to finally get together. They miss you so much.
It's New Years Eve 2008.
Yesterday was the 5th anniversary of my Mom's leaving us for her heavenly home where she rests in comfort waiting for the rest of us to follow her.

Got your resolution list ready? I think I have 2. I want to learn something new and manage my time better. I think that's vague enough, eh?


Good morning.. it's a very cold morning.. the severe weather alert says we are to have a cold and windy day. The temperature is to get to a whopping 26 degrees with wind chills possible to the single digits. It's 24 right now.. and there is snow on the ground. The alert also says a possible 1-2" of additional snow.

If and when you travel tonite, be very careful.. be safe... don't take chances.. and give the other guy a break every time you can.

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

I wondered at first if we would ever get a shot of that beautiful cardinal that comes to the feeder off and on. He's not as busy here as the other littler birds, but spends about 10 minutes flying off and on, then moving out to his nest I suppose.
So I saw him in the trees and got the first shot.. then I creeped ever so slowly to see if I could get a closer shot, and caught him landing on the feeder.. He's actually in mid air with his landing gear ... er.. feet outstretched to land on the feeder.

GAYLE



ISAAC


ESTHER



ELI





Mandy got John a fisherman cuckoo clock. It's very nice, but the bird that pops out goes "twweeeeee, tweeee" instead of 'cuckoo! cuckoo!"
The day after Christmas, Paul and Amy came with the kids for a visit.. these were some of the toys they brought with them.. cute stuff!

This is our front yard as of the last snowfall.. a week ago? It was quite beautiful for a while, everything pristine.
Check out the blue sky.. that's blue blue.



That's a wren , I believe, on the feeder.. Wendell would know better. He's been reading up.

















Our squirrels number at least 6 now. This is one of the nests we have seen them go in and out. It's way high in the trees..






To all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.
John 1:12 NLT

God's fatherhood
Most people in the world would agree with the statement that "we are all God's children."
It's a nice sentiment.
It just isn't what the Bible teaches.
According to God's Word, unrepentant sinners are actually God's enemies (see Romans 5:10 and Colossians 1:21)!
It's only when we put our trust in the Lord Jesus Christ that we are reconciled to God and experience forgiveness and adoption into God's forever family (Galatians 4:5; Ephesians 1:5).
For a Christian going through hard times, this "adoption" truth is the best of all possible news.
God is not just the powerful Creator or a righteous Lord, he is a loving Father.
He sees your trials.
He listens to your pleas.
He cares and protects and supports.
He is never harsh or impatient with you.
He is never "too busy" for you.
Take all the best qualities of all the best earthly dads you've ever seen, add them together, and multiply by infinity. That's the kind of heavenly Father God is to Christians who hurt.

Lord Jesus, I do believe in you. I have accepted you as my Savior and Lord. Thank you for revealing yourself to me. Thank you for saving me! Because of your grace and my faith, I am a child of the living God. I praise you. What a privilege! What joy to know that in every situation I have a loving, wise, and good heavenly Father to counsel and help me.

adapted from Praying God's Promises in Tough Times by Len Woods, Tyndale House Publishers (2002), pp 68-9

Monday, December 29, 2008




Happy New Year everyone.. Our Valentines arrived safely early this afternoon.. We have had a fun time today playing games..
The Valentine kids long to see their Blair cousins.. but alas...




Annabelle is much better.. David is better, but not totally. The bad news is that Joyce isn't feeling well, and P3 started puking tonight. UGH!
Pray this passes quickly

Sunday, December 28, 2008


Feeling a bit rough around the edges here.. sinus headache. I've slept a lot today.. really, a LOT. Hopefully soon it will relieve and I'll be myself again.

In the mean time, I have been surfing and tripped over a man named John Titor. He's the alleged time traveler from 2036. I thought it interesting that he claims we have a woman President in 2009. Hmmmmm I guess we'll have to wait and see.







HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!

Saturday, December 27, 2008


Do you have a 'resolution' list?

I believe this time last week, the deep freeze was on with sub zero wind chills. Today, it's gonna be nearly 70 with the present temp at 55. It's raining. I knew that before I even stumbled out of bed. It started last evening actually. My joints don't like rainy days.

We had good plans for yesterday, but they were foiled when Wendell realized that he, too, was feeling really crappy. He layed down and took a long nap.. we skipped the pool. We have plans today to do the laundry.. that may not happen either if my joints don't get better control.

Need to get dressed.. bubble bath sounds delightful.. maybe

Friday, December 26, 2008


Feeling a bit better today. I still have a headache. Poor David has 'bit the dust' and has Annabelle's dilemma. He's a pretty sick cookie. Annabelle is improving finally.
Heading for the YMCA for a round of exercise for an hour or so this afternoon.
No desire to go shopping..
Have a super day, bloggers!

To My Liberal Friends:

Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all.

I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2009, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great.

Not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country nor the only America in the Western Hemisphere .

Also, this wish is made without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wishee.

To My Conservative Friends:

Merry Christmas

And a Happy New Year. Wishing you good health and great prosperity in 2009.

Thursday, December 25, 2008


It's about over.. Christmas, that is. It was a nice day.. chilly, but the kids were here and that made the day a little brighter. Annabelle is still ailing some, but at least not puking any more. The other end is her problem right now. She had a few bites of mashed potatoes.
I think David was too excited to eat anything at all. Joyce looked darling in her new dress with leggings.. and her earrings.. wow! I knew she was getting new ones, so I'll wait before I get her more.

I'm really tired out. I loved the things I got, and they are very usable to me. I feel fairly healthy tonite, but exhausted. I'll be heading for bed right soon.
Tomorrow is swim day. We hope to hit the pool and get some well needed exercise.
The next event for our family will be New Years. It should be a fun time with games. I always enjoy that.

I want to share a Christmas poem that I wrote for my children in 1975. Sorry, Mandy, you weren't here yet. Paul was 4, JJ was 2, and baby Wendy was not 2 months old.
We were living at the farm at Blairsdale.






Christmas 1975
by Marilyn Blair

"Seasons Greetings!" "Merry Christmas!"
"Jingle all the way..!"
These are a few of the songs we heard
This cheery Christmas day.

Precious Wendy, Lovely 'J',
And proud Paul Henry too,
All send greetings, happy times
And days to all of you.

Paul rides on his Big Wheel,
Round and round he goes.
Daddy shouts and Mama cries
"Look out!" "Get off my toes!"

"Oh boy!" shouts JJ, "Wook at dis"
"It's Bernie and Ert!" we hear,
Others may not understand,
But to us it's perfectly clear.

The room is full of toys and games
Gift wrap of every hue,
The tree, and pretty greeting cards,
And happy children too.

Christmas day has come and gone,
How quickly time goes by.
With children in bed, not another word said,
Just the sound of a mother's sigh.

So happy holidays to all
And to everyone good cheer.
We've done our best, we DESERVE a rest
Until this time next year.





Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. You must take allowance for each others faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are all called to live in peace.

Colossians 3:12-15 NLT

Attaining peace

"Jon Farrar addresses marriages, but his comments apply to other relationships as well.

Maintaining peace in any relationship is very difficult. Each one of us is a unique individual who interprets and views things differently. Whether in relationships in the church, among family and friends, or in our marriages, conflict is natural. When conflict comes, we need to follow Christ's example by showing love and forgiveness in difficult situations. God loved us when we were still sinners in rebellion against him (Romans 5:9). We need to show that same type of love to others by being kind, merciful, and patient.

Do you long for peace in your marriage? Ask Jesus to point out times when you have not been forgiving, areas where you need to be patient, and ways you can express genuine love to each other. That is how we have peace in our marriages—when we look for ways to love and forgive each other.

from Praying God's Promises for My Marriage by Jon Farrar (Tyndale) pp 42-43 "


Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Good evening to you all.. I think.
I've had one indescribable day today. I'm back to square one again and will be heading for a bubble bath tonite to try to alleviate some of my joint/muscle distress. My temperature is now a lovely low grade 100.. hot for me.
Wendell was feeling well enough to go out shopping and we made a trip to Barkeyville to purchase a Screaming Eagle for me.. his gift to me. My last one died and had to be disposed of, but hopefully this one will work better. For those who wonder, the Screaming Eagle is a timer that has a very VERY loud siren when it goes off.. I need it to get up in the morning. Even setting 3 alarm clocks doesn't make it.
Truckers use these alarms to wake them when they sleep on a trip.



It's Christmas eve.. Merry Christmas everyone.
Tonite I'm baking a ham.. something I've done many times in my life, but this one is a honey baked ham and I hope it works. The last step is scary as it involves a butane torch to caramelize the sugars on the ham. I hope it tastes all right.
Anyone else ever do this?

The living room is full of gifts and fun stuff, but I sense that with Annabelle being sick and me too, that we won't get together tomorrow. The Z's and we are planning to open our gifts to each other tomorrow morning. Wendell wants to do it when they get home from work at 4am.. is he crazy?
Actually, he was up super early this morning and wanting to open gifts.. ugh..

I went to the Thrift store today and found a tea pot. I've been missing mine for about a year now, and decided I'd just get a new one, but the old ones are better.. this one is beautiful. I wonder if anyone ever used it? I also found a new china cup/saucer. I love tea in those things. It's something my mother always enjoyed, and the cups she gave me are packed away for when we get our new place. That will be a celebration time.

Stores and restaurants closed early today.. that is really nice for families... besides, no one is out buying now except those who do last minute shopping.
It's raining here in Butler. Soft and gentle, but the flood advisories are out. I'm staying in and getting in the tub shortly.. then to bed. First the ham..

Tuesday, December 23, 2008


6 degrees, cloudy.. brrrr
Travel advisory out for freezing rain. I don't understand how it can rain when it's so cold?




This is Christmas eve eve. It's Tuesday. Sure wish I had more Christmas spirit. Kinda sad here. Kids would help.. we'll see how I do today. I'm still queasy this morning.. but not hurting. I had a nice bubble bath this morning.. thanks, Rick and Sandi. It's not something I'd splurge on myself. The lotion and body creams are wonderful.. I added an SPF 30 moisturizer this morning again too. Can't overlook that.

Coffee actually tastes good this morning. That's a plus. I may be getting over whatever bug I have. YIPPEE!!
Office today.. pray for us again please? We did so well yesterday even with the one patient I have who has problems with every infusion. She slept through most of it.. snoring .. (smile)

Have a great day, bloggers!

Monday, December 22, 2008

It's 11 degrees.. cold. Let's face it, I'm going to moan and groan over weather until spring. I can do that because this is MY blog... hehehe..
It's gonna be 9 degrees tonite, but I'm thankful the wind has now calmed so that the wind chill isn't way below zero now. There is also light snow falling out there and when I looked out, my car was covered with it yet again. I'll be more careful tomorrow morning when I have to go to the office once again.. to turn the defroster and heat on when I go to warm up the car. It really makes a difference!

Patients all did quite well today and I kept up without difficulty. I have 8-9 more coming tomorrow.. remember to pray for us if you would please.
I was tired and very sore this afternoon when I got home. I took a nap.. 3 1/2 hours worth. I guess I must have needed it. I'll be heading back to bed shortly.. I've had enough of December 22 already. I hope Heaven doesn't have severe changes in weather. I don't mind winter if it's mild.. but already it's up and down and really cold.

Story of the day: God supplies all our needs as they come.. I was delayed leaving this morning because of my faux pas with the defroster/heater. But I hadn't had anything to eat at all, and didn't know if I had enough money to stop at McDonalds. I could have an egg McMuffin if I could just find enough in my pocket to pay for it. So I pulled in and reached into my pocket. I had $2.96. That was it. I figured I'd use my debit card and have enough, though I really hated to do so for such a small amount. When I ordered my McMuffin, the teller said.. "That will be $2.96"... !!!! I had to stop and thank the Lord for providing the exact amount I had in my hand.
One of the reps provided lunch.. and I was good to go.
There are good things about the day.. I need to focus on these things.



This was yesterday... today I was feeling smart.. ran out in the bitter wind and cold and started my car 20 minutes before I would be leaving for work. You know, the car defrosts a lot faster if one turns the heat and the defroster on and not just the engine. Oh, forevermore!
Seemed like all the patients were cold today..everyone had at least one of my fleece blankets to cover them. I was chilled too, and then feverish.. I didn't eat much, and what I ate didn't agree much with me. I'm still not over this bug.
Tomorrow is another day, and I'll be right back in the thick of things..
It's here. Winter. As I write, it's 2 degrees and the wind is howling outside which means the wind chill factor makes it feel like -15 to -20 degrees.. that's MINUS degrees, friends. Anyone who has to be outdoors should be dressed properly in layers because of the threat of frostbite and hypothermia which can occur in minutes after exposure. It's enough to cause frostbite on a snowman!

Late yesterday afternoon, when I started to feel more human, I went out to check the car.. it looked like a dusting of snow on it, but it was actually about a quarter inch of ice all over, so I defrosted it and scraped off as much as I could manage. This morning I have to be in the office, and I'm glad I got the majority of the ice off yesterday. I wouldn't want to be standing outside this morning doing the same.
Has anyone seen Al Gore and his global warming cronies? They are gonna have a tough time with this winter.. explaining how we are all supposed to be sweltering in heat..hmmm

I'll be heading back to my cozy bed now.. stay warm.. dress warmly.. Look for signs of spring!

Sunday, December 21, 2008


Just add me to the ailing list.. last night I had a pretty good fever going (at least it felt like it).. chills, aching, and cold. Yeah, I'd say I have a bug at the least, viral ? Likely judging from my crawly skin..
I had a nice soak with mineral salts in the tub this morning.. felt great, but I'm still achy and sore and don't even have a desire to eat anything- queasy!




The big storm is in the midst of passing through... it's still viable and has caused a lot of problems elsewhere.. we are blessed that it didn't drop a ton of snow here.. we got maybe a half inch so far. The temperature is rising (32 degrees now) and that means rain.
I have to say, this first day of winter hasn't been nightmarish as I'd anticipated, but it's here.
Now... where is spring?!

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Saturday blahs

I'm really trying to be cheerful here.. but it's hard by times. Another winter advisory for tomorrow morning when I want to be in church.. and then I've got a bug or something too. It's been with me for about 2 days now.. GI upset and nausea.. ugh.
Not the best time to feel so miserable. Yesterday I had a lovely mineral bath and soaked for a good 30 minutes in the tub. It worked wonders for my aching body/joints. I could function normally for a few hours until it all came back. I am looking forward to that soak again this evening. Joints are aflame once again.
Yet.... I made sugar free cookies today and they aren't bad. Not great like a chocolate chip, but tasty just the same. I don't make even the sugar free ones very often as Wendell will sit down and eat a dozen before the next load is out of the oven.. not so good. I tell him they are sugar free, but not calorie free and he has to count them as a bread.

I've been hoping that the UPS truck would pull in our driveway today. I have several orders outstanding and on their way. I'd just like to get everything together and be done. I also have a package to mail on Monday now.. I didn't feel well enough to make the trip to Butler to mail it today. I always use Priority mail, though I understand it's all sent together with the 1st class.

Perhaps I should just take another nap. I have already had one today and it's not that late.
Rice bags are heated up and feel heavenly.
I feel like I'm on a really bad roller coaster:

MERCER-VENANGO-LAWRENCE-BUTLER-CLARION-JEFFERSON PA-BEAVER-ALLEGHENY-ARMSTRONG-IN-WA-WESTMORELAND-GREENE-FAYETTE-MONONGALIA-
.GROVE CITY.GREENVILLE.FARRELL.OIL CITY.FRANKLIN.SUGARCREEK.TIONESTA.NEW CASTLE.ELLWOOD CITY.BUTLER.ZELIENOPLE.CLARION.PUNXSUTAWNEY.BROOKVILLE.
REYNOLDSVILLE.BROCKWAY.ALIQUIPPA.BEAVER FALLS.AMBRIDGE.MONACA.BEAVER.PITTSBURGH METRO AREA.KITTANNING. FORD CITY. LEECHBURG.FREEPORT.APOLLO.IN.WA.CANONSBURG.
DONORA.CA.CHARLEROI.MONONGAHELA.
MCMURRAY.GREENSBURG.NEW KENSINGTON.
JEANNETTE.LATROBE.

311 PM EST SAT DEC 20 2008
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TO 1 PM EST SUNDAY.
THE NATL WEATHER SVC IN PITTSBURGH HAS ISSUED A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW & SLEET.WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TO 1 PM EST SUNDAY.
A STRONG WINTER STORM WILL BRING PERIODS OF SNOW FOR LATE TONIGHT INTO SUNDAY.
SNOW MAY ACCUMULATE 3 TO 5 INCHES BY SUNDAY AFTERNOON. SNOW MAY MIX AT TIMES WITH SLEET OR FREEZING RAIN MAINLY SOUTH & EAST OF PITTSBURGH.
A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW.SLEET.OR FREEZING RAIN WILL CAUSE TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SLIPPERY ROADS & LIMITED VISIBILITIES.& USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.

Friday, December 19, 2008


Don't you just love trivia? According to the local weather service, if we had had snow instead of rain today, we would have been shoveling out under 14" of the nasty cold white stuff !
Source of joy and peace

Open my eyes to the wonderful truths in your law.

I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your laws.

Lord, give me your unfailing love, the salvation that you promised me. Then I will have an answer for those who taunt me, for I trust in your word. Do not snatch your word of truth from me, for my only hope is in your laws. I will keep on obeying your law forever and forever.

May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy, for I have put my hope in your word. I know, O Lord, that your decisions are fair; you disciplined me because I needed it. Now let your unfailing love comfort me, just as you promised me, your servant. Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live, for your law is my delight.

Those who love your law have great peace and do not stumble.

Psalm 119:18, 30, 41-44, 74-77, 165 NLT

Knowing the person behind the book
To own a Bible—to know we have it if we need it—brings a certain measure of peace.
When we actually read and begin to understand it we are better able to receive peace of mind and heart.
And when we apply what God's Word teaches, our lifestyle actually becomes a fertile place where peace can grow.
But when we truly grow to love this wisdom given to us by its loving author, we have actually come to put our trust in the person behind the book.
The writer of Psalm 119 grew to love God's law because it revealed who God was.
We can rest assured when we follow the principles that issue from God's great love and wisdom.

from the Touch Point Bible with commentaries by Ron Beers and Gilbert Beers (Tyndale)
p 535

Thursday, December 18, 2008



Christmas is a fun time of year.. I spent the evening wrapping gifts for our family and friends. It helps that I limit myself to only about 6 rolls of paper wrapping, and then I have boxes and bags I'd bought on sale last year at the dollar store. So now there are 6-8 packages under the tree, a box to be mailed to the Schneiders, a shopping bag of goodies for the office staff and the good Doctor I work for. Then there are 2 huge boxes for the kids and the rest of the family. I noticed we are still missing a couple things I'd ordered last week. These should arrive perhaps tomorrow. The mail service has been fantastic!




There is a travel advisory out again tonite. At a little after 1am, snow, ice, and rain are in the forecast. We are both hoping that this will not affect our YMCA visit tomorrow afternoon. Hopefully, they say the temperature should rise to 35 and there shouldn't be any more ice... I hope.










I really love my part time job, but I love being retired so very very much. It's such a relief to not have to work 3-11 every evening and then holidays and weekends. That was the worst. This is the life!

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

I really appreciate retirement. I have no clue how I ever fit my work schedule into my week. It's hard to fit 2 office days into it, though I don't want to stop working there just yet.
Today I slept in until 9am. I figured there was nothing on the agenda besides staying inside out of the weather, so why not?
Our winter advisory was canceled around 3am today.. as well as just about everyone else around us. It's 33 degrees and all the precipitation would be liquid rather than the ice that was predicted. Lovely. I couldn't have ordered the weather better unless it was labeled 'spring'.. and was here to stay.

I was feeling so sorry for the global warming people.. and then here come the global cooling people with their agendas too. I believe I know what the problem is here. None of them have read any scripture or heard that God alone controls the weather.. he orders the seasons and climates. The sky is not falling, but God rhythmically changes our globe as he has promised. This is not a time to panic, but a time to give thanks for his unfailing protection and the change you can really believe in.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008


It started snowing around 3pm today. It's left about a half inch everywhere.. some places less, but everything is white at the moment. I just noticed that it's now spitting a little sleet. Next comes the ice.. and then the mess. Some advisories are canceled.. we are not so fortunate. Ours goes on till 11am tomorrow. UGH. Where is spring when you need it?
Whine.. whine.. whine.. get used to it.. I don't like winter. Or did I already mention that somewhere along the way?

It was a good office day- no, a GREAT day.. everyone got one stick and did well. I got out just as the snow started. Thanks to all who pray for us on office day.

I'm enjoying a nice hot cup of tea. I am so very tired and weary and ready for my bed. My back has just had it, but the good news is that my toe is not hurting much any more. I'm thankful. It's tough getting older. I wonder how I'll be in another year or two? AAACCKKK!!!!
Well, I'm also thankful that I don't have to leave the house tomorrow during this storm. Hooray!!! I'm staying in, making hot chocolate, and baking cookies! Now, that's a great day.
I got little pretzel grids, 8 packs of Rollos, and a package of whole pecans. That's gonna make a great cookie.
I may try some PB blossoms too. I would love to receive them as a gift, so I think others would too. I've been thinking about making shortbread and cutting it into tree shapes and decorating them.. hmmm.. just need some colorful decorations.
I'm off to bed..