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.

FAREWELL..

Wendell's cousin Sean just stopped by to say good bye to Charlie and us.. His car is packed, and he is on his way to New Jersey as I write this. He got a job in Alaska.. great job... and he's excited to get started. Saturday he leaves from Newark to Los Angeles.. and then to Anchorage I believe. From there he'll take a smaller plane to Dillingham Alaska where he will call home.
We'll miss having him for our family picnics and including him in all the family stuff that goes on here. Hopefully he'll be coming back around next Easter if he can. He's an adventurer.. Starting out like this is like starting a new life..
He'll have no family around and will have to find all new friends..
Keep in touch, Sean.. we will miss you around here..

THE WATER HAS RECEDED

Just a quick note- talked to Wendy. They are home as of yesterday when the raging stream beside their house became tamer, and just a fast moving creek. The danger of flooding there is still present with each rainfall, and thus they have moved as much of their valuables as they can to higher ground until the rainy season ends this fall.
I thank God for your prayers and their safety.

WATCHMAN OVER ISRAEL

"Behold, He who keepeth Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps." Psalm 121:4

These words came to mind this morning as Wendell woke me up after my night's sleep. I was tired and was ignoring the alarm clock that was screaming at me to 'get up'!
The words are as true today as they were for Israel so long ago in scripture. Words of comfort as our Watchman watches over us while we are sleeping. Much like knowing your Mom or Dad is in the next room at night and you feel the security of their presence. Yet not just at night.. but all the day long God watches over us, protects us, and gives safe passage through this world. He never gets tired. Now that is security.

EXERCISE FOR BEGINNERS

Yeah.... I wish that was me....... but , alas.. my sedentary lifestyle has caused me to rearrange my body fat, and most of it is settling in my waistline! UGH. JJ saw her PCP yesterday and we girls decided it was about time we DID something about our waistlines... So..
This morning when I got up, I gingerly stepped on the scales, and with a deep breath, took a look at the damages of no exercise for so long. .. ... Well, I'd gained 20# since December. But my clothes don't fit the same.. my fat stores seemed to be moved .. Hmmm
Tonite was our first workout night at JJ's. Mandy took a "CRUNCH'' DVD with us planning to get us moving. JJ took a look at it and announced that we would need something much more elementary.. so she pulled out her Jenny Craig workout tape.
I have to admit, by the time we did the whole program, I was feeling tingly.. hot.. sweaty, but not really hurting. There are parts that cause my bad foot to complain, but those I can skip over for now.
It was such fun! More like learning to dance.. WOOHOO!!
I'm looking forward to our 2nd session next Monday. In the mean time, I'm gonna try to get Wendell to do some easy walking in the driveway to get him moving. I doubt he could/would try the aerobics at this point, but in time, perhaps.

A VISIT TO THE PULMONOLOGIST

Today Wendell saw the Pulmonologist (lung doctor).. He's not doing that badly, and as anticipated, he gave him a couple of 'puffers' to help him along. He'll be going back in December for his next visit. He also gave him several suggestions for his CPAP masks that might fit better. We will be contacting the provider in the next day or so. Gotta check 'em all out. Who knows, I might find a better one too???
That's it for the day... keep us in prayer daily.. thank the Lord for all He's done for you.

NEED PRAYER...NOW !!!

I just received a phone call from Wendy. They have moved to higher ground with yesterday's rainfall. They are staying with Cory's folks till the water recedes. All their valuables (pictures, and those kinds of things) are safely relocated, but the water is threatening.
As you will remember, the neighbor's yard is nothing but a huge rockpile. The rain has brought the water levels up nearly to Cory and Wendy's driveway and thus the garage. The house is on the same level next to the garage. If the rain persists, it may push the house off the foundation.
Please remember this family.. PRAY NOW. God has kept them and their home safe before in the midst of disaster, and He will again.. but we need to pray.

THE RAIN HAS MOVED ON

<"}}}}><

--

The symbol used by Christians to communicate secretly when Christianity was banned throughout the Roman Empire. If a Christian wanted to identify whether the person he was talking to was also Christian, he would discreetly draw the ichthus on the ground with his feet. If the other person was also a Christian, he would recognise the code and add an eye to the fish drawing, confirming that he was also a Christian.

Just a bit of trivia for you. Good morning Bloggers !!! After all the rain and dismal weather yesterday, and the early morning drizzlies, it looks like the sun may shine after all. It's gonna be a great day!

I just noticed that today would have been Wendell's Dad's birthday.. 102 years ago today.

Much to do here.. I pray my back holds out while I work. Not gainfully employed, but work nonetheless. I did get the morning off yesterday, but was called in at 3pm till 7pm to help on another unit. Difficult because I am not familiar with their paperwork, but the staff was wonderful and answered my questions without complaint. I was glad to be of help.
Remember Wendell in prayer if you would- as he sees the pulmonologist tomorrow. He still has shortness of breath on exertion, but not cardiac related, thankfully. This is a lung problem likely, and there are things he can do to improve it- hand held nebulizers and 'puffers' to open the alveoli. We shall see.
I'm going out today to look for heavy curtains/blinds for the bedroom. Also, we need our 'staples'.. water, coffee creamer, and olive oil. I suppose if I had to choose what things I would never want to be without, these 3 would be high on the list.
I can get all these things at Super Wal-Mart, but I really don't like to shop there, as the store is so huge it hurts to walk all the way around it to find a couple of items.
So........ gotta get moving. I slept in again today. I guess I needed the sleep. I push myself every day.. up early and to bed late.
Pray for us.. keep us in mind as you go about your day.
I'll be back later..

BIRTHDAY WISHES GOING TO...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BECKY
TODAY IS YOUR DAY
ENJOY IT!!

I missed a birthday this month.. another co-worker, and my 'office buddy'.. Sara..
HOPE YOUR DAY WAS SIMPLY DELIGHTFUL!!!

RAINY MONDAY

Yesterday I awoke to a pounding thunderstorm.. late.. and with an excruciating backache. I nearly couldn't get myself out of my bed. I'm thankful that days like this aren't frequent any more. It took hours to get it controlled and once that was accomplished, it was still unstable the rest of the day, but I could get around better. One of those days where you are just thankful you don't HAVE to be somewhere.. though I wanted to be in church. I would have missed work had I been scheduled.
Today I am scheduled to return to work, but being the 3rd secretary, there is every possibility that they will give me an 'on call' status, and I won't have to go in..... well, I'm hoping for that anyway.
I did have a pretty wonderful vacation week.