SEPTEMBER 9 BIRTHDAY

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARY !!

Cary is the newest member of the office where I'm employed.

HAVE A GREAT DAY!

TEDDY BEAR DAY

It's Teddy Bear Day! What a cute idea. I don't have any memory of ever owning one of my own. But I do love them~ soft and cuddly. I made certain all my children had Teddy Bears- perhaps from the lack of one for myself.

MOMENT OF SILENCE MONDAY, SEP 11

In memory of those who died as a result of terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and in observance of Patriot Day, President George W Bush has issued a Proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46AM EST on September 11, 2006, and asked the Governors of the United States and her Territories to fly the United States flag at half staff.
Accordingly, in honor of the innocent Americans and people from around the world who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, in tribute to the American soldiers fighting in the Global War on Terrorism, and in observance of Patriot Day, effective September 11, 2006, until sunset, Governor Bush in accordance with the Proclamation, has asked that all states and local governments join him in honoring these patriots by flying their United States and State flags at half staff.

FULL MOON

Chilly here.. 56 degrees.. brrrrrrrrrrrr....I suppose that means I'll have to get my fall jacket out now. And have you seen that gorgeous full moon? Unfortunately, it brings a lot of the 'loonies' out from under rocks all over the place. I could cite example after example.. yesterday was a wonderful day, but on my way to and from work.. people pulling out in front of me made me a bit more cautious while driving. And yes, more than normal.. It seemed like a lot of folks were really on edge too. I noticed. For myself, I noticed that I dropped things more often all day.. even my patients noticed it and teased me about it.. but it wasn't normal for me to drop things so often.. nothing of value.. wrappers for alcohol swabs.. things like that.
That's the full moon.. funny. Over the years working in the hospital I have noted that the "Code Yellow" alarms go off just prior to the full moon and then a day or so after. You rarely hear that alarm till then. When I was a student nurse on my psychiatric affiliation, one of our orientation points was that we were to lock EVERYTHING in our personal closets during that week. Of course, I spent 20+ years working in the obstetrics department.. and I assure you that our busiest time of the month was...... you guessed it.. the day before the full moon~ and generally speaking, there is always a calm before the storm.
Well.. those are my observations.
I suppose now is a good time to gloat about my recent labwork. For the 1st time EVER.. my lipid profile is well within normal limits. I'm so pleased. It has to be the Vytorin that has made the difference. Here's the breakdown:
Cholesterol 174 (desirable to be <200)
Triglycerides 160 ( desirable to be 40-200)
HDL 58 (desirable to be >55)
LDL 84 (desirable to be 0-130)
the Chol/HDL ratio 3.0 (coronary risk increased with >4.0)

I'm pretty sore today. Shoulders and back are aching severely. I'm up at 3am taking Tylenol for the pain. It is likely the result of trying to break a fall for one of my patients yesterday who fainted. I was able to hang on to her and let her down fairly easily. She was uninjured by the fall~ So thankful for that. But I'm feeling the results of it myself today. In fact last night I was so sore and it wasn't time for any more Tylenol, so I went to bed before 9pm.. unusual for me.
When I got home finally last evening, I was spent. I got my car unloaded and walked in the door. Wendell was there to greet me.. but all I could say was "Please make me a cup of coffee- I'll be in the bedroom".. He kindly obliged and we sat down and talked about our day and the things that happened. There was no way I'd be able to cook supper tonite. Mandy to the rescue.. in moments she had chicken and steak on the grill.. and made us grilled chicken / steak salads.... oh...... thank you Lord for providing us with extra hands.
That's about enough rambling for now.....
Be sure to thank the One who created the moon and stars and keeps them all in order. His blessings are abundant and arrive anew every day. Pray for peace and safety as we journey through this life. God bless you all today.

WEDNESDAY-ONE CRAZY DAY

Well, yesterday was one busy busy day.. I got up early to have my bloodwork drawn .. then visited the Podiatrist for a check up for my feet. He seemed pleased that I've been doing quite well and adapted quickly to my custom orthotics..
Then I went home for a couple hours.. called all my patients for today, and off to see my PCP for my check up post stroke.
He also was pleased with my progress, but was a little annoyed at my problem with my hips 'freezing up' when I'm walking distances.. so Saturday I have an MRI scheduled to see if there is any new pathology there. Back pain is chronic for me, but the freezing up of my hips is fairly new.
He changed some of my meds at my request.. I'll pick those up today.
By the time I got home, I was pretty tired of all the running around, and when Amanda got home, she suggested we go out to supper. I thought it was our turn to pay, but found out later it was their treat..... how nice is that??

Wendell has been wanting to try the Olive Garden, and so we did. The food was incredible.... we will definitely return again. Our waiter, Greg, was fabulous.. animated and very helpful and professional at his duty. We gave him highest ratings.
We were going to stop at Starbucks to buy a little coffee from "Coffeemaster" Keith, but he had finished his shift at 1pm yesterday, so we'll go another day.
Have a great day, bloggers.... enjoy every moment ... God gives us good gifts, and this is one of them.
And as always, we covet your prayers for us..

CHRIST- OUR HIGH PRIEST

"This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it."
Hebrews 4:15-16 NLT

"I am overcome with joy because of your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul. You have not handed me over to my enemy but have set me in a safe place."
Psalm 31:7-8 NLT


The depth of the Divine mercy
I did not then see what is now the most shining and obvious thing: the Divine humility which will accept a convert even on such terms.
The Prodigal Son at least walked on his own feet. But who can duly adore that love which opens the high gates to a prodigal who is brought in kicking, struggling, resentful, and darting his eyes in every direction for a chance to escape.
The words complle intrate, compel them to come in, have been so abused by wicked men that we shudder to use them; but, properly understood, they plumb the depth of the Divine mercy. The hardness of God is kinder than the softness of men, and His compulsion is our liberation.

C. S. Lewis in Surprised by Joy

Quoted in THE QUOTABLE LEWIS edited by Wayne Martindale and Jerry Root (Tyndale House) p 287

WORDS OF TRUTH

18 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.
19 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.
20 He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
Revelation 22:18-20

Interesting .. the very last words in our Bible. It brings a lot of things to mind.. like adding books to it .. or augmenting it with another book.. a Holy book??
It also brings to mind passages that are distasteful to some, and so these passages are ignored or removed.. at least from memory. Things that cause our conscience to stir and we don't want to hurt anyone's feelings now, do we? Or do we?
To those who belong to the Lord, the WHOLE of scripture is truth.. not just the parts that appeal to us at a given moment. If you deny even one verse, you have denied the entire book and denied Christ in doing so.
We are given warning..

STEER CLEAR LAW

Steer clear of those at roadside, law orders

You must change lanes in passing police stops, tow trucks, work crews
Thursday, August 31, 2006 The Patriot-News

It should be common sense. If you pass by a disabled vehicle or traffic stop, you give the police officers, tow-truck drivers or other people working the scene a wide berth.

Effective Sept. 8, the "Steer Clear" law will require drivers to move into a "nonadjacent lane" when approaching an emergency scene, police stop or a tow truck picking up a disabled car.

If that isn't possible because of traffic or other considerations, drivers at least must slow to a "careful and prudent reduced speed" as they pass. Otherwise, failure to move over becomes a summary offense that carries a fine of up to $250.

Under current law, fines are doubled for traffic violations committed in work zones or emergency-response scenes.

On Sept. 8, fines also will be doubled for infractions near police traffic stops, a tow truck picking up a disabled vehicle or maintenance crews working at the roadside.
If a worker is hurt as a result of the violation, the charge would carry with it a 90-day license suspension.

The law, signed by Gov. Ed Rendell this summer, will come into play any time an emergency-services vehicle has its lights flashing, or where road crews or fire police have lighted flares, posted signs or otherwise tried to put motorists on notice.

"As long as they're giving a warning to the motorist, the motorist should be able to slow down or move over," said Eric Bugaile, an aide to House Transportation Committee Chairman Rick Geist, R-Altoona. Geist was a sponsor of the bill.

The statute also lets police issue citations based on after-the-fact reports from road-crew workers or others who felt threatened by a close call.
"You're talking about people who are out there doing good for the general public, so we felt it was very important that they at least have some awareness by the motorists that they should try to control their speed," Bugaile said.

Pennsylvania is not breaking ground in this area.
Nearly three dozen states have adopted some form of a steer-clear law, which has been lobbied for by law enforcement groups and the towing industry for years.

The consequences of what some in the business call a "dusting" could be more severe than jangled nerves or dinged equipment:
In January 2005, Myerstown mechanic Robert Bye was killed on Interstate 78 in Lebanon County when he was struck by a truck as he was working on a disabled rig.
Three Pennsylvania troopers have been killed when struck by motorists passing accidents scenes or other traffic stops since 1999. Most recently, Trooper Tod Kelly was hit in 2001 by a sport utility vehicle as he was removing debris from Interstate 79.

State police also report that marked cars -- during stops when they have had overhead lights flashing -- were struck from behind 38 times from January 2005 through March.

Johnson, the tow-truck driver, said he believes the law will prove difficult to enforce, if for no other reason than it's hard to get the license plate numbers of cars whizzing by at 60 mph.
But he hopes the statute can have a positive impact as an educational device.

"My hope is that as new drivers learn how to drive, this will be one of the things that they teach them," Johnson said. "Our hope is that everybody can look at it from our perspective, try to visualize what it would be like working there and cut them a little break."

LABOR DAY PICNIC..1

THE BOY TOY

LABOR DAY PICNIC ..2

THE SCAVENGER HUNT....
JJ and I worked on a scavenger hunt for the 3 oldest children today.. the clues we thought were medium difficulty, but with the team effort, they asked the right people the right questions and got everything they had to find.


JJ gave the kids directions.. and off they went... Clue #1.. Soft and tickles.. long or short...
People used to write with them.
Comes from a hawk
Or maybe a quail
But check out the chickens, and you won't fail..


Clue #2..Can be used as a paper weight; found in the driveway; Papa calls them "clunkers".
If you throw them, you might hurt someone
could be wet.. could be dry
Pick a round one that catches your eye..

Clue #3 A Christmas treat shaped like a "J"
Ask a person whose name is the same..

Clue #4 Found on a special tree, shaped like a hand; Our street is named for the tree
Find a leaf and a fruit that squirrels love..
(They called our street Royal Elk Road.. yike!)

Clue #5 Find someone known for making brownies
Ask for an ingredient by name
Brown and sweet
Sounds like a smooch..



Clue #6 Eyes are blue, hair is brown
Wears a ball cap year round
The work she does holds your next clue
What would she deliver from me to you?



Clue #7 Mandy's clue held a letter in an envelope.. they had to read the letter to get the clue..
Dear Scavenger,
Used on the head
It's not a hat,
It takes out your tangles
After a nap
The person who holds this
To the family is new
He loves the one who delivered the clue..

clue #8 When you pull out the wand and give it a blow
Soapy circles appear
And just so you know..
You'll find this item
In an icy spot
And remember, David likes them a lot..

Clue#9 On the side of your head and used to hear
In Charlie's garden, you'll find one here..

Clue #10 Squirrels in a park gather these for winter.. Ask the person who sees them the most for one of these
tasty treats..

THE PRIZE !!!
Named for yesterday, a cold tasty treat
Find all the items.. the prize you will greet
In a room full of dishes
A place to sit down
this treat is sure to prevent a frown !!!

LABOR DAY PICNIC ..3

Traditionally, Labor Day is a day when our family had the last blast of the summer. Today was no different. The weather was fabulous.. in the mid 70s, and no rain. The kids had a really good time I think. We all brought something to the picnic..

I got a picture of everyone except Wendell, Keith, and myself... rats!! I wanted to get everyone this time.





There's always next year.. we'll see what happens at Christmas.. we should ALL be together then.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

ROBB BEST IS 21 TODAY !

Even though you're far away,

Have a great birthday!

Robb is presently South of the Border

But keeps in touch regularly via emails.

MERCY

"He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8

LABOR DAY

Labor Day has been celebrated on the first Monday in September in the United States since the 1880s. The September date has remained unchanged, even though the government was encouraged to adopt May 1 as Labor Day, the date celebrated by the majority of the world. Moving the holiday, in addition to breaking with tradition, could have been viewed as aligning the U.S. labor movements with internationalist sympathies.

Labor Day is generally regarded simply as a day of rest and, unlike May Day, political demonstrations are rare. Forms of celebration include picnics, barbecues, fireworks displays, water activities, and public art events. Families with school-age children take it as the last chance to travel before the end of summer. Some teenagers and young adults view it as the last weekend for parties before returning to school.
(Wikipedia)

For us, we are planning a picnic.. I'll post pictures after.. but hot dogs, burgers and chicken are traditionally cooked on the grill and we eat outside. Should be a great day..
What are your Labor Day plans???
Oh, yeah.... and it means fall is here and winter can't be far behind.......sigh............

BUTTERFLIES

I love butterflies.. they are God's handiwork in this world. Walking through the garden, I see so many of them.. moths too, but mostly butterflies. They flit from one flower to the next as if they haven't a care in the world. As if they haven't a clue that winter is coming.. and yet, I think they do, and they are industrious little creatures. Working hard to get enough strength to reproduce themselves next year..we could take some advice from them. I cringe at the sight of the caterpiller, but admire the beauty of it's metamorphosis. We are like that too.. cringing at the ugliness of sin in our lives, and yet, God promises a metamorphosis in us too.. and we will be like Him.. beautiful .. !!

YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING, RIGHT?

I just don't believe these packaging directions.. I'm gonna have to do some research here.
Have these situations really arisen somewhere in this world? How can one be so idiotic?

On a blowtorch:Not used for drying hair.
On a washing machine inn a launderette:No small children.
On a bottle of hair dye:Do not use as Ice Cream topping.
On a push along lawn mower:Not to be used as a hedge trimmer.
On a box of fireworks:Do not put in mouth.
On the packaging for a wrist watch:Warning this is not underwear! Do not attempt to put in pants.
In a dishwasher manual:Do not allow children to play in dishwasher.
On a toaster:Do not use underwater.
On a mattress:Do not attempt to swallow.
from WINDOWS 98 and WINDOWS NT....NO KEYBOARD DETECTED. PRESS DEL TO CONTINUE
On curling iron instructions: "Do not put into eyes."
On a bottle of dog shampoo: "The contents of this bottle should not be fed to fish."
On the case of a chocolate CD in a gift basket: "Do not place this product into any electronic equipment."
On an electric rotary tool: "This product not intended for use as a dental drill."
On a can of underarm deodorant: "Do not spray in eyes".
On a cardboard sunshield that keeps sun off the dashboard: "Do not drive with sunshield in place."
On a toner cartridge: "Do not eat toner."
On a 13-inch wheel on a wheelbarrow: "Not intended for highway use".
On a novelty rock garden set called Popcorn Rock: "Eating rocks may lead to broken teeth."
On a frisbee: "Warning: May contain small parts."
On a toilet bowl cleaning brush: "Do not use orally."
On a laser pointer: "Do not look into laser with remaining eye."
On a motorcycle helmet-mounted rear-view mirror: "Remember, objects in the mirror are actually behind you."
On a package of Silly Putty: "Do not use as ear plugs"
On a pack of BreathSavers: "Not for weight control".
Posted on a Boeing 757: "Fragile: do not drop."
On a portable stroller: "Caution: remove infant beore folding for storage".
In the instructions for an electric thermometer: "Do not use orally after using rectally."
On a 6x10 inch inflatable picture frame: "Not to be used as a personal flotation device."
On the wrapper of a Fruit Roll-Up snack: "Remove plastic before eating."
On a TV remote control: "Not dishwasher safe."
In a Visa commercial that depicts an expecting couple looking for paint at the hardware store: "Do not use house paint on face."
In a car commercial showing the car being driven on the beach: "Do not drive cars in ocean."
From a car commercial that shows a vehicle "body surfing" at a concert: "Always drive on roads. Not on people."
On a hotel-provided shower cap: "Fits on head."
On a sweater: "100% pure yarn."
Instructions on the package of a muffin at 7-11: "Remove wrapper, open mouth, insert muffin, eat."

LISTERINE DOES WHAT????

I just bought a bottle of Listerine mouth wash. No, not to gargle, but to treat my tooth-brushes. I just read an article that says it will kill millions and millions of microbes that have taken residence there in the brush of the tool I use in my mouth every day. Then I read more about it.. there are so many uses for Listerine.
Easing the itch of Shingles, psoriasis, general itching.. and dandruff if rubbed on the affected areas.
The combination of thymol, eucalyptol, methylsalicylate and menthol in an alcohol base may have antifungal activity.That could explain why others report that original formula Listerine works against nail fungus, athlete's foot, jock itch and "trucker's bottom" (whatever that is).
*
"Get rid of unsightly toenail fungus by soaking your toes in Listerine mouthwash" says another article. The powerful antiseptic leaves your toenailslooking healthy again.
*
According to Joey Green's Wacky Uses website, these are some more things it's good for..

* Cure Acne. Use a cotton ball to dab Listerine on blemishes.
*Fertilize a lawn. Jerry Baker, author of The Impatient Gardener, suggests mixing one cup Listerine, one cup Epsom salts, one cup liquid soap, and one cup ammonia in a one-quart jar, filling the rest of the jar with beer. Spray this on up to 2,500 square feet of lawn with a hose-attached sprayer in May and again in late June.
*Use as a deodorant. Listerine helps kill the bacteria that cause perspiration odor. Dab it under your arms. (not sure I'd try that one)
*Eliminate mildew odors. Wipe with full-strength Listerine.
*Disinfect wounds. Listerine works as an astringent when poured on a laceration or abrasion.
*Disinfect a washing machine at a laundromat. To avoid getting germs from another family, wipe off the surface of the machine with Listerine and add one-half cup Listerine to the wash cycle to disinfect the machine.
**
And this from the Peoples Pharmacy:
More than 100 years ago Listerine was developed as an antiseptic. At first, surgeons used it in the operating room, but before long it became a household brand.
The Lambert Pharmaceutical Company marketed Listerine aggressively to treat dandruff as well as bad breath.
One 1927 ad shows fingers pointing at the shoulders of a man wearing a dark suit. The copy reads, "Guilty! End dandruff. It offends all,this disgusting and common condition. Consequently, it affects your chances in love, society and business."
Another ad of the same era reads, "Unwelcome! Dandruff is avoidable. What do all your graces and charms amount to if you have dandruff? Notmuch. Today, dandruff is an unpardonable social offense.You simply douse Listerine, the safe antiseptic, on your scalp full strength and massage thoroughly."
These amusing ads have disappeared, in part because such a hard sell is no more socially acceptable than dandruff itself. In addition, the makers of Listerine no longer promote their product against dandruff.
This has not deterred readers of our column from touting the benefits of Listerine against dandruff.
One reader confessed: "Back in the mid 1900s when Listerine used to be advertised to combat bad breath, it was also recommended to cure dandruff. I began massaging it into my scalp for 30 seconds every morning, and I still do. I have never had dandruff since then."
Another reader reminisced: "I remember that years ago, the Listerine bottle included instructions for use in treating dandruff. I've used straight Listerine many times with 100 percent success within two to three days."
We have also heard from animal lovers. One man said the vet hadrecommended a mixture of Listerine and mineral oil for hot spots in his dog's fur. And a horsewoman in Washington said: "A newly purchased filly had rubbed her mane and tail off. My farrier recommended the Listerine treatment-1/3 Listerine (original), 1/3 baby oil and 1/3water. Put in a spray bottle, shake well and spray it on. Within a few months, her mane and tail were growing out nicely."
Other readers have exercised their ingenuity. Some have used Listerine as a lice preventive: "We were in the Army and moved a lot,but my kids never got lice. Teachers asked me why, since all the otherchildren did. I put Listerine on their hair and scalp a week before school started. Be careful to keep it out of eyes."
Others maintain that Listerine, with its combination of essential oils, works to discourage toenail fungus: "I applied Listerine to my toenail fungus twice a day. It was very bad, and now, after four months, it is 98 percent gone."
Perhaps the most unusual use of Listerine is to calm the pain that follows shingles: "My aunt has had shingles and constant pain for ten years. Nothing her dermatologist or the pain management specialist prescribed has worked, but the first night she tried Listerine on her skin, she was pain-free for the first time in years. She is still pain-free after 6 days."
Listerine has not been approved by the FDA for any of these novel uses. Nevertheless, many readers still value it as an inexpensive old-fashioned remedy.
**
Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their syndicated radio-show can be heard on public radio. In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of this newspaper or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com. © 2004 King Features Syndicate, Inc.

VULHOP ANNIVERSARY #6

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

KEITH & J.J.

STUPID PACKAGE DIRECTIONS

ON A HAIR DRYER~
DO NOT USE WHILE SLEEPING
(THAT'S THE ONLY TIME I HAVE TO WORK ON MY HAIR! )



ON A BAG OF DORITOS~
YOU COULD BE A WINNER. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. DETAILS INSIDE.
(THE SHOPLIFTER SPECIAL ??)




ON A BAR OF DIAL SOAP~
DIRECTIONS: USE LIKE REGULAR SOAP
(AND THAT WOULD BE....??)









ON SOME SWANSON FROZEN DINNERS~
SERVING SUGGESTION: DEFROST
(BUT.. IT'S ONLY A SUGGESTION)






ON TESCO'S TIRAMISU DESSERT- PRINTED ON BOTTOM~
DO NOT TURN UPSIDE DOWN
(WELL, DUH.. A LITTLE BIT LATE , HUH? )







ON PACKAGED BREAD PUDDING~
PACKAGE WILL BE HOT AFTER HEATING
(AND YOU THOUGHT...???)


KEEP GOING....... THERE'S MORE.....

PACKAGE DIRECTIONS CONTINUED

ON THE PACKAGE FOR A ROWENTA IRON~
DO NOT IRON CLOTHES ON BODY
(BUT WOULDN'T THIS SAVE ME TIME ??)








ON A BOTTLE OF CHILDREN'S COUGH MEDICINE~
DO NOT DRIVE A CAR OR OPERATE MACHINERY AFTER TAKING THIS MEDICINE
(WE COULD DO A LOT TO REDUCE THE RATE OF CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENTS IF WE COULD JUST GET THOSE 5 YEAR OLDS WITH HEAD COLDS OFF THE BULLDOZERS )






ON A BOTTLE OF SLEEP AID MEDICATION~
WARNING: MAY CAUSE DROWSINESS
(I'M TAKING THIS BECAUSE.........)







ON ABOUT EVERY BOX OF CHRISTMAS LIGHTS~
FOR INDOOR OR OUTDOOR USE ONLY
(AS OPPOSED TO ?????)





ON A JAPANESE FOOD PROCESSOR~
NOT TO BE USED FOR THE OTHER USE
(NOW, SOMEBODY OUT THERE HELP ME ON THIS. I'M A BIT CURIOUS)











ON A PACKAGE OF PEANUTS~
WARNING ! CONTAINS NUTS
(TALK ABOUT A NEWS FLASH )






INSTRUCTIONS ON AN AIRLINE PACKAGE OF NUTS~
OPEN PACKAGE. EAT NUTS.
(STEP 3- SAY WHAT???)






ON A CHILD SUPERMAN COSTUME~
WEARING OF THIS GARMENT DOES NOT ENABLE YOU TO FLY.
(I DON'T BLAME THE COMPANY. I BLAME THE PARENTS FOR THIS ONE.)












ON A SWEDISH CHAIN SAW~
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO STOP CHAIN SAW WITH YOUR HANDS OR GENITALS.
(OH,MY. WAS THERE A LOT OF THIS HAPPENING SOMEWHERE?)








I HOPE THIS MADE YOU SMILE AT LEAST ONCE.

CRUISIN' CALIFORNIA COUSINS..

THIS IS CHICAGO
Recently while my cousin Nicolle was visiting there for one of her many regular treatments, her son Nathan and his lady Jaime flew in to visit her. It was a special treat to cruise Chicago... What a delight !!

Nicolle looks fabulous, dontcha think?

And, well, Nathan looks fabulous ALL the time..

As does Jaime..

AUGUST 31- ANNIVERSARY

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
BILL & CHRISTIE
Has it been 15 years already?
AUGUST 31

BLOGGING IN THE MORNING

Morning is the best time to sit down with a cup of coffee and blog. I've sort of made it my habit, and then go on to read other blogs... Wendy, JJ, Jane, Jeremy, etc.
I've found blogging to be a valuable tool to keep family and friends informed about happenings around here.
Though it's a chilly morning today, there is no rain seen yet as forecast by our local prognosticators. September is here, and that means fall is approaching rapidly followed by winter. I really wasn't bored with summer yet. It seemed like we only had a few really warm days, or was I in the air conditioning too much? We are in a Flash Flood Watch status this morning, though our home is not in a flood area. The city of Butler does flood yearly, but not to the disaster point like JJ and I observed earlier this year up in New York. They are waiting to see what Ernesto is going to bring them this weekend. Our God is awesome and powerful and He controls the winds and the rain. Pray that He will be there for Wendy and Cory, that what damages occur will be tolerable and minimal if that.
I suggest you watch Wendy's blog for more details of what is happening there, and then I'll keep my blog watch here too.
I'm gainfully employed this weekend~ it'll be a long one I'm sure.
Remember to pray daily, not just for us, but for those who will be affected by the floods..this weighs heavy on my mind and heart. I'd suggest praying for Sean too. He is going into a 'new world' much as our ancestors did years ago when they came to America. Pray that God will provide Christian friends for him there. And remember Nicki too as she struggles with cancer and makes her trips routinely to Chicago from California.

PSALM 103

Psalm 103
1 Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

2 Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-

3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,

4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,

5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

6 The LORD works righteousness
and justice for all the oppressed.

7 He made known his ways to Moses,
his deeds to the people of Israel:

8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.

9 He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;

10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.

11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;

12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

13 As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;

14 for he knows how we are formed,
he remembers that we are dust.

15 As for man, his days are like grass,
he flourishes like a flower of the field;

16 the wind blows over it and it is gone,
and its place remembers it no more.

17 But from everlasting to everlasting
the LORD's love is with those who fear him,
and his righteousness with their children's children-

18 with those who keep his covenant
and remember to obey his precepts.

19 The LORD has established his throne in heaven,
and his kingdom rules over all.

20 Praise the LORD, you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his bidding,
who obey his word.

21 Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts,
you his servants who do his will.

22 Praise the LORD, all his works
everywhere in his dominion.

Praise the LORD, O my soul.