A DAY AT THE PARK

Today Wendell and I made a trip to Beaver County to the Raccoon Creek State Park where he was once employed. We stopped for breakfast and then went on to the park.. It was such a glorious day. We don't often get the chance to just take a day 'for ourselves', but today was one of them. Besides, Wendell needed to visit with some former co-workers. He hasn't seen them for months.
When we arrived at the park, we stopped along the way before going to the office. The picture below is the beautiful clear water of the dam. It was nearly breathtaking..


Of course, at the entrance to the park (one of the entrances), is Smokey the Bear who lets all the visitors know the danger of fire for the day. Today it was low. It's a blurry picture because Wendell was not able to stop for the photo.. too many people out enjoying the day.

We joined the group for lunch here at the banquet hall. It was lovely.. simple and delicious.

Afterward, we drove down to the beach to see if there were any swimmers.. yes, there were. It was about 80 degrees and the beach was moderately crowded.

The Ohio River.. on the way home. Beautiful and quiet.
We also went back to the spot where last year we saw the beaver dam.. it was totally gone. The water level is low, and the water wasn't moving hardly at all. No sign of the dam or beavers either.

News, this and that

I woke up an hour later than usual this morning.. Wendell made the coffee, and that's where I am so far. Sitting at the computer drinking my morning coffee and planning my day. It's not a hard day to plan-most of it will be taken up by gainful employment at the hospital.
But wait- I've got a 3 day weekend coming up !!!!! OH FOR JOY!!!! Wendell and I have plans to go to Raccoon Park on Saturday. He's gonna visit some of his old buddies there.
And then we are going to do some shopping on the way home. The babies in our family are needing a swing, and the one we have is just plain broken~ can't have that! With Eli and his family coming and Annabelle too needing a swing, we feel the need to get one ASAP.

At the moment it's 64 degrees here in WPA, but the forecast says it's gonna get to 84 and be sunny.. wonderful, but the air quality index says it's an Action Day, which means asthmatics should stay indoors. Bummer.

Yesterday was a fine day. All went well at the office and on my way home I stopped for gas and then at the grocery for something quick for supper. I had in mind the deli counter and got a rotisserie chicken and macaroni and cheese for Wendell since I seem to serve him chicken as a main diet most of the time. No, not SEEM.. I do. Anyway, the lemon pepper rotisserie chicken was more than delicious and I may do that again some time. I got fresh broccoli to go with it and what I cooked is gone.. no leftovers. It made a very good meal and there is still a half chicken breast left for my lunch today. YIPPEE!!

Sometimes my red hair causes me to become infuriated with our world leaders. I am reminded that Jesus told us to love our enemies and pray for them.. so that's what I've been doing. Asking the Lord for their conversion and hearts that are stone to turn to Him.

The word from my friend Nancy in Idaho is that Barb's doctors now feel she is a very good candidate for acute Rehab at the center where the family has been trying to get her admitted. They are recommending this and the insurance company is reconsidering their position. Keep praying for this family. They appreciate all you do and thank you for remembering them and Barb in this difficult time.

I'm about done with my coffee... gotta hit the shower now. Have a wonderful day bloggers!

If you haven't already seen it, you should take a look at Joel Rosenberg's blog.. Current events..

It's Wednesday.. that's 'over the hump day' for some of us. It was also the day that Amy dropped off the 4 grandchildren for a little visit.. and we had some fun.

I heard the scuffle first.. and then saw the boys scrambling around to catch a bug.. "what is it?!" they called out.. They finally caught the little critter and put her on the picnic table. Daniel, Paul and David inspected her thoroughly.. I told them they'd caught a Katydid.
"You mean a grasshopper?" "No, she's not a grasshopper, but she does have some resemblance to one."


"Can we feed the chickens?!" "Of course!" and I went for some old stale buns I'd kept for just that end. No chickens were seen as we walked slowly toward the coop. Then one by one they came out of hiding, curiosity getting the best of them. Before long, Joyce had a number of them practically eating out of her hand. David liked to look at them, but did more throwing 'at' them to keep them at a distance.

The oak trees have acorns, I explained to David. He was very interested in the little balls under the leaves.

David wanted to watch a Veggie Tales movie, so Joyce and I headed for the kitchen and she single handedly whipped up a pan of snackin' cake. She frosted it with chocolate frosting and then added colored sprinkles on top. She does love decorating!
By the way.. the kids took home what they baked today- none for us, thank you. Daniel whipped up a pan of Jello (sugar free) for Papa.

Time to get ready to go home.. Paul has his brownies covered and ready to travel.

I stopped Daniel before he left and said.. "okay.. give me a big smile".. to which he replied "I just don't know why, but I don't know how to smile"..
I couldn't let them go without a couple pictures of Annabelle.. she has been learning to make funny faces.. I think her teeth are so pretty.

This must be her "mean" face... ?? heheheh.

After the kids left I finished reading a book in which I'd been engrossed. It's called EPICENTER.
Anyone else read it? Current events and the Bible- Ezekiel's vision. WOW. Interesting reading.

UPDATE BARB KELLY

From Barb's mother in law, Nancy:

We have a "praise the Lord" tonight from Duane. He was so excited he could barely contain himself on the phone.
Barb lifted her right foot off the foot board, and the left foot she moved.. doctors saw this as did the nurses and it was noted.. One doctor and the case worker are working to get her moved to rehab.

Please continue to pray that the insurance company will pay more than the 60% for rehab.. the doctor said he'd step in and call them for Duane..

thanks for praying,

This is an update on Barb Kelly and her family from their pastor:

Sent: Tuesday, September 18, 2007 12:18 PM

Yes, the Insurance Company is a pain on top of the suffering. But God is at work, and we think we are going to be able to move her soon.
I have not read the book, but did get to listen to their story when they were here. Many similarities, and one encouraging thing is that Barb is not as bad off as Kate was. She is way ahead. And with the movement of her legs now, we have great hope that the Ins. Company will come around. We are determining though, that the main priority in decision making needs to be what is best for Barb, and not what is funded by the insurance. God is giving lots of encouragement along these lines, assuring us that He is the Healer, not Blue Cross. Even the decision of where to send her had to be made, not based on what the ins. Company would do, but what she needs. We had to go for the best place, even if it was a distance, in order to give her the best chance. And Duane is ready to sacrifice convenience and work and everything, to see her get the very best. Pray..
By the way, you would be so proud to watch Duane in this situation. It is excruciatingly painful, and he's not getting enough sleep (another prayer item). But he is living so sacrificially, so selflessly for his family, so humbly in submission to God's will, and yet so firm in his advocacy for Barb's best. It is so amazing to see. It's a perfect picture of the believer operating in God's strength when his own is exhausted.

CONSTITUTION DAY

Thank the Lord for this land where we live.. Pray for those in high places .. Pray that they turn their hearts to Jesus..

LOOKS LIKE WE HAD FROST

It's my day of non-gainful employment.. so I took a leisurely walk to the garden. I knew the tomatoes would be ripening rapidly, so I took a pan out with me and collected about 8 of the nicest ones I could find. I wasn't prepared to see the plants withered however. Many of the other tender plants are also in this condition.. dying.. drying. Time to make tomato juice..
I picked a bouquet of flowers and then got chased by several bumbly type bees.. so I left.
I picked about 5 apples from the trees... mmmmmm !!! crisp and sweet and juicy!

Silly rhodadendron! They love the cold weather.. bloom at the oddest times. I took this Saturday when we were really cool here.

ANOTHER COLD MORNING

39 degrees.. brrrrrr! I was awakened at 6am by shivering.. brrrrrr! it's cold! We should get to about 71 today.. fall has arrived.

Good night at work yesterday. I had 2 admissions all evening and finally went home around 10pm.
It was nice to go home a little early. I was so tired .. I do better when there is a steady stream of work instead of 'nothing' to do.

It's Monday.. blah.. I hope the day soon improves- I'm looking forward to it.
I think I need to get out my "I'm thankful for" list and review it..
I woke up this morning
I can walk
I'm not coughing
I have a blanket to wrap in when I'm cold
I made coffee.. running water.. plenty of food
I have warm clothing to wear
I have a loving family
Working indoor plumbing
Roof over my head
Splendid garden full of veggies
Eggs from Charlie
I can still read my Bible without fear of being imprisoned
Electricity..
137 days to retirement
I am blessed richly
Have a super day everyone.. catch ya later

UPDATE ON BARB KELLY

Sent: Saturday, September 15, 2007 11:09 AM
I am working on the insurance as they have already denied authorization for Barb to go to Rancho. The issue is that they feel Barb is in a sub-acute state and would not benefit at an acute rehab facility. So the options are that I look for an acceptable sub-acute facility to place Barbara there until she qualifies for an acute facility. Or I can self pay an place her at Rancho. Self pay is $1,705 a day times the number of days that is anticipated that she would be there. And then I will be required to pay up front. I felt very strongly that God was leading me to place Barbara at Rancho so, if He is indeed ,then He will work out the finance also! ( Marilyn( Rancho Los Amigos is one of the two top rehabs in the USA the other is LOMA LINDA both so calif.)

My work has been very understanding so far and my prayer is that they continue to give me the time off paid. The church fund is set up however there is not any funds available yet. I have not incurred many added cost as of yet that have not already been covered by gifts from others. God will supply when the need is there, this I am trusting in, when my faith is not weak.

Barbara, moved her right arm from a palm down position to a palm up last night - very exciting for the kids and myself to see. It really helped me have more hope after dealing with the insurance co and rehab locations telling me no.

Love, Daune

FROST WARNINGS

I expected it soon.. and wasn't disappointed. The frost warning was out last night for counties just north of us. For us.. we dipped to at least 43 degrees.. it's 45 now at 9am. The anticipated high today is only 65. cold~ anyone think that global warming is fact? I'm doubting it seriously.
Perhaps the globe is a nano-degree warmer but you couldn't prove it to ME. We have had seasons as usual~ promised by God and delivered as promised.

Good morning. I've been trying to NOT whine too much about the cold weather and future snow days. Seems like it's all I do anyway. I'll have to try harder. I've been blogging about the signs in nature that I see.. posting pictures.. and watching the season change again.
I wonder what happened to the summer of '07?
I don't mind warmth of summer or cold of winter as long as the extremes aren't there.. but then, that's what summer and winter are anyway~extremes. I think that is what being a redhead is about- skin is fair and thin and we feel the extremes intensely.

It was super busy at work last night. I stayed atop it all evening. I was the lone secretary..
(hi ho secretary!~sorry, couldn't resist..) The staff was delighted to give the other secretary off last night as they had had a major exodus of patients bringing the unit down to about 25-26 patients. Not bad for one secretary, but they do not think ahead. The exodus also creates an influx of patients.. I call it the 'grand slam'. I get hit with one admission after another.. and last night was a good example. One admission after another after another..etc. It was super busy.
I left 2 admissions behind when I left at 11:3o. I took a supper break at 5pm, but no breaks other than that. I worked steadily all evening till I left for home.
One positive thing is that it sure makes the evening go fast.

Today is the Sabbath. I see Wendell is getting ready for church. Atta boy! He is feeling a bit better and though still not at peak, he's okay.
Asthma was only fair yesterday when another neighbor decided to mow grass. I wish my body would acclimate to grass, but it's still fighting it. I'm using the inhalers daily, but didn't have to use my handy-dandy one I carry in my pocket for when I start to wheeze badly. That's good.

I'm heading for the shower.. have a great day.. the sun is shining..

NO SNOW ...YET

I know... I know... what a wimp I am.. there is NO snow in the forecast, but at 55 degrees, I about froze my fingers off. Well.. not quite, but it is cold. I'll be wearing a jacket today to work.
Sure don't like to have winter come- where have I heard THAT before?!
I really need to change my attitude.. I HAVE to get through November and December and January.. then I can relax and not worry about driving in snow already.
139 days.. getting closer.
It is a most beautiful fall day anyway.. sunny and bright. It's just cold. There are big white fluffy clouds in the sky. We MAY hit 58 today before we drop overnight.
Pretty soon we'll have frost.. we came close last night- mid 40s. Brrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!

I'm off to work.. have a great day.. wear a jacket and stay warm!

UPDATE ON BARB

I've been following the events surrounding Barb Kelly. She and I share something in common- a posterior brain stem infarct. Her's was so much worse than mine.. I've been requesting prayer for her and for her family too as they struggle to make sure she gets the care and rehab she needs and will need in the near future. She is making progress. I want to share the update from the family here. mb

Thank you to all that have been holding Barbara and the rest of our family up in prayer. Today was a good day for progress with Barbara. She was able to show movement in both arms, a slight turning of the right palm downward and pushing her left arm down on the bed. Also she worked on communicating better with her "YES and No" by nodding and moving her head side to side. This will help us understand her a lot better. And lastly with the improvement of communication she spell out a phrase using the letter chart. It was the highlight of my day when she spelled out the letters "I L U". !!!!

Steve and I will be visiting a few rehab centers on Thursday however to date we do not have one that is willing to except her until she can handle three hours of therapy. So please keep praying for her continued progress.

Some have asked about the fund that the church has set up - please read below if interested.

Again thank thank you for your prayers,
Duane
----- Original Message -----

Sent: Wednesday, September 12, 2007 1:59 PM
Subject: Kelly Medical Fund
From the Desk of Steve Pruett
The Evangelical Free Church of Santa Maria, a 501(c)(3) organization, has set up the "Kelly Medical Fund" through which anyone can make tax-deductible donations.
All donations to this fund will be used for the sole purpose of Barbara Kelly's ongoing medical expenses.To ensure proper placement of funds, please make out checks to EV Free Church and write Kelly Medical Fund in the memo.
If you have any questions, please write or call the church office at (805)937-5703.
Please continue to pray for Barb's recovery, and the Lord's provision for their family during this difficult time.
Pastor Steve Pruett
Evangelical Free Church of Santa Maria
751 E. Foster Road
Santa Maria, CA 93455

I left the fan on all night.. as usual. Normally I have the AC with it, but last night was chilly, so just the fan. This morning I woke up coughing....... coughing......... coughing.... and wondered what in the world was going on.. Then I heard it.. the neighbor next door was busy mowing grass. I guess the fan sucked in some of the pollens and I'm wheezing.
I waited until I felt it fairly safe to go outdoors. It is a truly beautiful fall day. Temperature will be about 78 today, and in fact, it is close to that now. I did my usual "listen for the mower" thing and then proceeded with my camera in hand, hoping to see something really great or unusual.

I had just spotted a small pumpkin growing where last week I'd taken a picture of the blossom in the garden and posted it on this blog.. when I suddenly became aware of a familiar engine sound- the neighbor across the road had decided it was time to mow HIS grass ! I raced back to the house for safety, but the wheeze is there. It will be there for a few hours I'm certain.
UGH. Allergies are not fun. They get in the way of a lot of good walks around the perimeter.

I guess on my day off I really was meant to stay indoors and get some much needed clean up done.. just as soon as I can start breathing normally again.
Little things can be done..that are not taxing. I'll concentrate on those for the day.

Time to leave the computer desk and get busy.. see you all later..

When I left for the office this morning it was in the mid-40s.. chilly. I felt cold on the way in despite my warm up jacket I always wear. I turned the heat on in the car.
It was a good day. I came home with less pain than usual, and feeling fine other than just plain tired. I went to bed early.. but now I'm awake. Go figure!

It's after 1am and I'm still up and moving.. having a cup of tea. I am not gainfully employed until Saturday now. I have the weekend to work. Soon this will not be a problem for me. 140 days to go!
Today is catch up day for the last few days I've been working. Back to the Flylady too. I've let that slide too long and it shows. My asthma is taking a good turn and the cough is much less. I suppose I'll have it till the snow flies, but I can deal with that. It's just good to not have to cough all the time no matter what I do. My raspy voice is improving too.. hooray !!!!

Have a super de duper day everyone! Catch you all later today. I'm heading back to my bed.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RICK!
HAVE A BALL!
(HAHAHA)

It is 46 degrees this morning.. high today in mid 70s.. I'm cold!

Brrrrrrr

If there were any question before, it should be very clear that fall is here. This morning it's 50 degrees. Brrrrrr! It will only be 67 today... brrrrrr again! I believe I will think about getting out some of my fall/winter clothes- some long sleeved shirts to keep me warm.

Last night at work was good. It was very quiet- the opposite of the night before. In fact, at about 9pm, I was asked if I wanted to go home early. I did indeed.

It's Wednesday and I'll be going this afternoon to the office to take care of 3 patients. Tomorrow I'll have 7. I split the patients to 2 days to give myself an "ease" into being on my feet for many hours. I'll be glad when we get our new office. I'll have my own space again and a room big enough to do all the patients I want. AND.. after hospital retirement, I will be able to schedule any day I desire. LOVELY!

My coffee cup is empty. I suppose I should get on the move here. Routines await and then I'm ready for whatever the day has in store.

Have a super day, bloggers! Pray for us.. For Nicki and for Barb. Barb has been able to flex muscles in her upper arm and raise her head some. This is awesome news! Thank the Lord for his great mercy.

SEPTEMBER 11

ONE TIRED COOKIE

It seemed like a long evening.. I went back to the hospital for work today. I had to run around with paperwork getting myself 'moved back in' to my department. I didn't run.. I walked...slowly.
I couldn't risk getting out of breath trying to go to work.
Everyone asked me if I had a cold... I had to laugh. The bosses welcomed me back and at least 2 of the 3 daylight secretaries told me they were so glad to see me and know I was okay.
It was a hugely busy night for both me and the other secretary. We plugged away till we were done.. I had about 10 minutes left to my shift when I decided to take a break and not answer the phone any more. Then I came home. I'm a tired cookie. It was a bit draining today.
In a few moments, I'm gonna climb into my bed and snooze for the rest of the night. I have to work tomorrow too.. so I'll need the extra strength.

Let's see.. it's after midnite.. so .. 143 days to retirement! WAHOO!!!!

MORE FLORA ...

1. Another tree for which our road was named. They grow wild around here- Can you name the species?

2. We have a number of species of this tree on the property.. but I can't tell you which is which

3.A garden treasure..

4. This tree, again named for our road.. is named for the brilliant color ..

5. One wild and crazy plant.. will grow about anywhere on anything.. really a nuisance.

6. Sweet little flower that blooms among the first in the spring..

7. Named for a delicious vegetable.. I wouldn't try this one..the smell would make me sick!

8. My dad was good at picking these all summer long and making necklaces out of them.

9..I think this is a beautiful tree.. but watch out.. it's poisonous!

10. I don't like to run in the grass and step on one of these...OOUCH!! The pretty little flower on top will become brown and in the winter if you walk by, it will stick to your coat or pants.

11.Pure as driven snow.. another one named for where we live.

12. I remember asking my mother what that funny plant was that was crawling up a lot of the trees.. it got so scarlet in the fall.. she said "why it's a............"

13. This one is just 'itching' to get on your skin..

14. In the spring, these plants cover the floor of the woods.. we called them 'umbrellas' when I was a child..

15. This one puts forth a fruit that is most delicious..

16.This plant makes little fish shaped seed pods that when you open them, the feathers all fly

17. There is a row of these trees here.. the deer love them. They eat the fruit and we don't mind.

18. The jelly from this fruit is awesome! Wish we had more of the plants.

19. Big and stately, not an oak.. but a huge tree growing by our house. Leaves feel kind of rough on the back side...