Among Friends

[WaJa61]

Dear Snappy, I'm so sorry you're having trembling when trying to type. This site is jerky and jumpy enough without that. I always read each of the posts here by everyone. Love all of the ladies here, so wouldn’t want to miss anything!

I'm glad the culture identitfied the fungal infection and I hope that's bringing you relief. Oh, please, Lord ~ no more cancer in or on your nose! Praying you're feeling well enough to see your PCP on Thursday and to get that referral to your dermatologist. 

I just love reading all about your GGDs' development, and look at timid Sunny now! 😍 She's coming into her own and letting the whole world know she's arrived! Star will be reading those books to you soon. It's so nice that the future 4 GGC will be coming up together. Nothing like family bonds formed during childhood! 

Glad you got the mulch spread and the personalized plates nailed up for all to see. (We have them, too, in the same vein.) I'm not surprised you didn’t get depressed about giving the car away. Though we do sentimentalize things, you are a practical lady ~ “wrapped right,” as my grandma used to say. You knew it could be better used and cared for by your son and DIL. Is her knee healing okay? She doesn’t need more pain, especially while caring for a very active tot! I can feel my back begin to seize up when I have to lug Jax around. It's the only way, right now, when he’s into something he shouldn't be. Remove him from the source. He's sturdy, too, like his dad was... well, Caleb is still muscular but tall and lean. All 3 of our kids got their height from their dad... maybe both grandads, too. 

Your ankle jeans do sound very cool, and you have enough now to see you through the seasons ~ what seasons you have there! I'm sure you wear different colors in the autumn, winter, spring and summer, though your temps don’t vary much. I'm thankful we both got lots of rain, but not too much to cause risks. Watch out for the ants and other pests now. According to our Terminex guy; they love and reproduce more in rainy weather. 

It's always such a treat to visit with you, too, and you’re “special” to me in only good ways! I think these antibiotic resistant infections will continue to spread and plague the populace until some other treatments come along. No reason to feel any shame ~ you've done everything they've told you. Still living a good, long life, with so much to look forward to. Dear Shirley, too. You're both constantly on my mind and I always pause to pray for you both and DD2.

Though not always humanly happy... no sane person is, thanks to Jesus we have triumphant joy. I thank you for all you've allowed to be revealed through you over the years. Doubt you are remotely aware of how much you've helped me through some very dark moments... valleys of the shadow(s). I just happen to believe in letting our loved ones know of our gratitude.

I'll be busy this week... so much to accomplish before our long weekend trip to our daughter's, and to visit with aunt Cynthia at my cousin's. Whisper a little prayer for me, if you would, please. That our Lord will make the way straight out of a sticky wicket.

Thank you in advance and I love you like kin! Will see you again soon when we get back. ~Joy 💜

[WaJa61]

Hello, dear Issy and thank you for the update on the many glad happenings in your life! Dancing, being serenaded, snapping up some great and stylish deals... stay away from that Garden Hopper, though! 😳😆 So nice of George to do the mowing for you. I just know those goats along your commute grow rounder as they make their way down the slopes! Another benefit is they fertilize as they go. Are the poppies in full bloom there? They plant those along our highways, too. I always think of the Wizard of Oz: “Poppies will make them sleep.” 😜 Have my commuter coffee cup with me ~ don’t want to fall asleep behind the wheel. They are beautiful and so vibrant! 

Take care and give little Elijah a hug from me. I pray your SIL and her DDs have a relaxing time on the cruise. 💜

Dear MsLomo, I'm so thankful to hear from you, but so sorry about the emotional stress you're under. Being a caretaker is the hardest role of all. I pray your husband will remember to use the drops and warm compresses on his eyes, after such an investment in his eye care. Best wishes with his PT for balance, too. 🙏

Happy you're enjoying the recipes, fashions, etc... though I can’t take much credit there. I did, though mention Naot shoes. Maybe more than once, since they've been such a big help to me. I'm glad you love your Mermaids, and I will check out the Gentle Souls line. I believe they're by Kenneth Cole, so I should be able to try those on locally. 💜 Thanks for the tip, and I hope you have a stress-free week. 

I'm praying for all those souls in the middle of our nation, who have or may face devastating damages and losses due to severe weather. I'm thinking of dear Jubilant, who is somewhere out there, and already dealing with personal stress. I hope our sweet cute is not in the path. 

Take care all, may the Lord protect you. I'll see you again after our Memorial Day weekend travels. Special thanks to Ruth Ann for the loving, godly advice and prayers! 💜

[Q-Anu]

Thank you for the prayers, @WaJa61! There were, so far, at least 19 tornadoes to touch down. Zero fatalities. I call that a miracle.

I'm praying for your safe travels to S.C. on Friday, and your guidance regarding Cynthia. Please hug Linds' for me. I miss y'all so much already! 

A quick “hello” to everyone here! 👋

Anu ❣️

[agnesann]

Hi, friends - happy Thursday! What a week we have had since the beautiful wedding last weekend. Like night and day. Monday, here at work, one of the UVA students who works in the general offices part time fell ill. She just felt a little tired when coming in to work. Thought nothing of it being Monday. By lunch time, though, she had such violent chills that some co-workers thought she was having seizures. She kept saying, "no - it's so cold in here." Same temp as always in here. Then she grew very, very hot. Supervisor dismissed here. She thought then she had a cold or flu coming on. Next we here from the hospital on Tuesday afternoon. Poor girl was diagnosed with Ad14 (an Adenovirus) - dangerous and highly contagious. Apparently it has been circulating at her school. They told us we had to clean down and sanitize all surfaces, change air filters, etc. To wear masks and gloves while doing so. One co-worker so far has come down with it, including the worst case of conjunctivitis I've ever seen. It's scary how quickly it comes on, when it finally does, and then one remains contagious for a long time. I pray they will recover with no complications. 

Secondly, I thought Jacob was going deaf! He wasn't hearing us in our normal tones and he was speaking much louder than usual - even when not hyped up. Just always. Kept turning the TV up to the max. I examined his ears closely with a pin light and could see deep down his ears was clogged with wax. I used 2 kits from the drugstore trying to soften and remove the wax. Only a tiny bit came out. Took him to an ENT specialist who removed it all, and TG his hearing returned to normal. The ENT asked me if Jacob had Asian or Native American ancestry. Well his father is half Japanese. So he nodded and said that Jacob's ear wax is extremely dry and white, due to that. It doesn't drain into the ear canal as yellow wax does. I have to use mineral oil drops in his ears daily, or this will continue to happen. It can get hard in there and turn to stone! Would have to be surgically removed. On the plus side, his ear wax will never be smelly and he'll have few body odor problems. The silver lining, I guess. Both are related to hormones making body chemistry, so it shows up now in my little man. 

Darrell went for his check up with the gastroenterologist yesterday. He seemed pleased with his progress thus far, but wants him to remain on the same diet. He's getting so tired of bland foods, so I've been searching for tasty alternatives that are still safe for his condition. Found a great Zesty Chicken Salad that I made in wraps. He loves that. I will post it here, @MsLomo when my ph recharges. Don't have it on this tablet. I think my ph needs a new battery. Hugs and prayers for (((you and DH))) with all you are going through. You are the epitome of The Good Wife in Proverbs 31. I hope there is time for you to rest and recharge, too. ❤️

Were you GOT fans here pleased with the series finale? I was for the most part, but won't say more right now. I know some may be even further behind than me. We just watched it last night. 

@snappyfrappy - I'm thinking of you and praying over your appointment today. Hoping nothing new is found and you're okayed for the referral. 🙏 No more skin cancer, please! Sure they can successfully treat it again, but those treatments are so hard on the immune system. I'm sure all of these constant infections and appointments are just exhausting for you. Not the good kind of tired like visiting with Star and Sunny! Maybe they will visit you again over the long holiday weekend. I won't write much for you to have to reply to. Don't want to add to your discomfort. As for me, I read ALL of the posts here on our thread, so you never need repeat yourself on my account. 

We're leaving tomorrow evening for Big Meadow's Lodge, where they're celebrating their 80th anniversary. 1939 Rewind, with a step back in time. 1939 Swing music throughout the lodge, decor & employee uniforms replicating the era, and a few special treats - including a museum wall, selfie spots and time period treats! Also movie nights featuring classic films from that year. I don't know if we'll have time....or even want to do all of the activities, because this area is famously great for night sky viewing. Darrell and Jacob are taking their equipment - plus it's pet friendly, so we can take the dog, too. 

I know Jacob wants to do the scavenger hunt - he's great at those, being so hyper-focused. There's a special kind of massage using hot rocks that interests Darrell. I want to take the white oak basket weaving class. Something for everyone! We have to leave for home by Monday afternoon, since Darrell has to work that night. There will be lots of farmers markets along the way home. I plan to take advantage of those, though soon, we'll hopefully be reaping our own rewards. 

@LurkyLoo - no way is your good news boring!! I think it's wonderful that they deliver the good stuff to your community. Sure beats an ice cream truck, though I like those, too. Here in the city where I work, there's smoothie trucks galore - also flavored teas. All good, but very pricey. I usually bring my own.

@WaJa61 - when you see this the Viking multipurpose cooker should be here. Thanks so much! I just went ahead and told Darrell about it. No way of hiding it, and he reminded me he's not 10. 😜 I found a much nicer, larger stand for it at Williams-Sonoma. That has already arrived. I only had to move my plant stand into the dining room. 

@Issy379 - you sure know how to have a good time out there! (Garden Hopper aside! They should come with brakes, forpitysake.) Good for you, and God go with your SIL and her girls. Jacob would love to see those goats munching their way down the hillside. 😎 Do you have any plans for the weekend? 

Hope you all enjoy - even if it's just chillin'. 

Bless the memories of our honored fallen in arms always. Without whom, we'd have no freedom to enjoy anything. 

❤️ to all here and prayers for the many tornado and flood victims. 3 have now perished in Missouri. 😰

Agnes

[agnesann]

Zesty Chicken Salad

* 1 split chicken, removed from bone, skin removed & shredded (about 2 cups)
* 1/3 cup mayonnaise
* 1 small gala apple
* 1/4 cup dried cranberries and/or golden raisins
* 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
* Zest from one small lemon
* 1-2 teaspoons sugar (taste as you go)
* Salt & pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and stir to combine. Spread on an english muffin, toast or wrap - add fresh spinach and/or tomato and enjoy!

[SelahG]

Hello, everybody — wishing you each a nice Memorial Day weekend. Very hot here, above 90° with some humidity. This is when it starts to become uncomfortable for Luke and I. We were in N.D. for too many years. Actually, Luke was born and raised there, so harder on him. 

Still he arose early to help Little Bird and other veterans decorate the military graves at the Native American cemetery. We all attended the ceremony with keynote speakers, music, a rifle salute, sacred readings and doves released. Then we helped with the cookout, and though we keep the side dishes in trays of ice … I still worry about things like mayonnaise in this heat. I opted to make a different kind of potato salad last night. I'll post that below, since all seemed to enjoy it — myself included. 

Now Rowan and Chay have left to spend a couple of days at our youngest brother's house on the OBX. We will reopen our automotive shop on Monday, so little point in us traveling so far. After work on Monday, Luke wants to go look for a new vehicle. Something with better gas mileage and his old full-size SUV has so many miles on it. He's always working on it, or waiting for parts that are hard to find. Memorial Day weekend and 30 days after, is when the dealerships try to clear out stock for next year's models. Hope he can find what he needs at a good deal. Some are offering further incentives to veterans which brings the sticker prices down on 2019 models below that of used ones. 

@snappyfrappy — thank you, I'm glad you liked my purchases which arrived, and thankfully fit! I know what you mean about some beach pants … way too much material and too long. Can't stand either. Nothing like all that sticking and clinging to your legs in the humidity! Besides, which, I'm clutzy and would trip! I found at Old Navy these for $20 that will serve my needs, including around the shop: 

Got a pair in white, too. Not gorgeous, I know, but practical and the breeze (if any) passes right through them. Then for the actual beach, I got these Celeste pants at revolve dot com: 

Can wear those over my black swimsuit or with my gold tee-shirt by Issac. 

Oh, though not the sprinkle kind, but I DO remember the spray starch! Either I'm older than you realize (63 in Dec) or Winona was behind the times, but we definitely used it. I know I'd have trouble thinking of way to sit and iron, too. Almost impossible! That's why I thought with a small light hand fabric steamer, you could perhaps hang the garments on a rack and sit and steam the wrinkles out. This after washing and drying them and removing them straight out of the dryer. You could do this, a few at a time, while watching TV. I have, when traveling and staying at hotels, hung blouses or dresses in the bathroom while showering. That steam helps a lot. If I lived near to you; I'd come and press all those lovely clothes for you.

I don't wear many shorts either and capris hit me wrong — my legs aren’t long enough for them. I like the ankle or normal length pants. I'm thinking of later ordering a pair of Issac's True Denim ankle length jeans with the bottom slit in the front. They seem to enlongate the leg a bit. I would save them for cooler days. Don’t wear much denim here in N.C. in the hot months. I really like his Pima cotton tees. 

How are you feeling now since your last appointment? Any news from Shirley yet? I can understand that she is exhausted — probably sick and tired or even thinking about it, let alone explaining it all to others. Still, we pray for you both, and your pastor's wife. 

Keep the Star and Sunny stories coming, as you feel up to it! One note to all here is just fine, you know — we certainly understand. When I heart your posts, it means I've read them, regardless of who you are addressing. Don't tire yourself out with the typing, or this is no fun at all. I hope your PCP can give you something for the tremors. Our father has those sometimes, too. They get worse with fatigue. We had him tested for Parkinson’s, but it doesn’t show up, yet, anyway. Muscle weakness, they believe, but he's not one to do PT long term. 

Take care, dear friend and God bless you! ❤️

[SelahG]

Potato and Corn Salad 

Ingredients:

1 pound small yellow or red new potatoes, sliced 


2 ears of fresh sweet corn, cooked, or 1 cup frozen whole kernel corn, thawed 


4 roma tomatoes, sliced or cut into thin wedges 


¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn 


¼ cup olive oil 


3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 


1 tablespoon finely chopped shallot or red onion 


½ teaspoon Dijon-style mustard 


¼ teaspoon sugar 


Salt 


Ground black pepper 


½ cup crumbled feta cheese 


Fresh basil leaves 



Directions:

In a medium saucepan cook potatoes, covered, in enough boiling salted water to cover for 5 minutes or until just tender. Drain and cool.

Cut corn from cobs. On a large serving platter arrange potatoes and tomatoes. Sprinkle with corn and the 1/4 cup basil. 


For dressing, in a screw-top jar combine oil, vinegar, shallot, mustard, sugar, salt and pepper to taste. Cover and shake well. Pour dressing over potato mixture. Sprinkle salad with feta cheese and basil leaves.

Can be refrigerated overnight. Wait to sprinkle feta cheese before serving. 

Makes 8 servings.

[SelahG]

Hello, @MsLomo! Your accidents sure cured me of buying anymore “sure grip” shoes, too. They're endorsed as though they'd keep us safe — hardly! Like you, I only buy good shoes now and so I buy less. Fine by me. I can’t tell you how many pairs I got rid of after my back surgeries — then more went when we moved. Around the house I practically live in Birkenstocks, but when dressing up a bit, it's nice that NAOT and others make pretty and healthy shoes. 

I'm so sorry that your husband has so many medical conditions that are complicating the treatments for each. This is when things really become difficult. 😢 I had never heard of the serum tears — so many advances being made in various fields. We pray they'll be something that will help him suffer less, and for your strength through faith, as you help care for him. 

Thank you for the well wishes for my brother's and Becky's wedding. We all had a wonderful time — everyone danced. Just wasn’t enough time, when some had to travel so very far. Blessed to be there, though — wish all you ladies could have joined us. Joshua and Becky will be going home from their honeymoon tomorrow. How time flies! He will begin his new job there in VA on Tuesday. Ready or not, here comes real life. 

Sending you lots of love in return, dear friend! ❤️

@DeLaney — about your father’s knee brace … he will want to go through his orthopedic surgeon to get the correct one for his individual need. The wrong one can cause more problems. Plus, this way, Medicare will help to pay for it. There is a site where you can learn more about the various braces and what they help with: betterbraces dot com. (Not knowing what links are allowed here.) 

I assume your Mike also helped to decorate the veterans' graves today. I hope you don't have to work through the whole weekend.

Like Agnes, I'm pretty well satisfied with the finale of GoT. I thought for sure Drogon was going to burn Jon to cinders. Glad the horrible throne got his fury instead. I don’t know if he did that because her lust for it drove her to madness, resulting in her death … or he thought, if his mother couldn’t have it; no one would. There will be spin-offs — 2 more books coming. 

Take care, dear friend and kiss both babies for me! ❤️

[SelahG]

Hi, @Q-Anu! Love that baby otter and yes, I feel the love little “sister.” I hope the worst of the storms went around you. They seemed to as I stayed with TWC and prayed for the souls in each location. MO definitely seemed to get the very worst of it, but all of it is bad. Flooding continues, as does the power outages and in this heat, pure misery. 🙏🏼

Have your kids' school year ended yet? Rowan finished up her work days ahead of schedule, so she's begun her hiatus. Of course the work days begin again on Aug. 5th, with Open House on Aug. 12th and the first student day on Aug. 14 — dog days of summer. But then most of us don’t enjoy such long vacations at all.

My step granddaughter will be coming out to stay with us for the month of July. I have been making mental plans for some activities we can enjoy together, including a trip up to Busch Gardens in VA. Oh, it'll no doubt be as hot as hades, but she has never been.

A blessed Memorial Day weekend to you. Did you have any plans? ❤️


@LurkyLoo — good for you and all in your community that the specialty shops bus stops there now! Back during my childhood in Raleigh, we had a less sophisticated version that dear old, Mr. Beasley drove. An old school bus he'd modified. Winona would send us out to grab this 'n' that and he always treated us — Blow-pops, Lifesavers, Juicyfruit gum, Red Hot jawbreakers, Charleston Chews, Moonpies, NEHI pops:



… that he kept on ice in coolers. Remember those? A truly, kind and humble soul.

Until one ill-fated night, a bunch of young boys decided to steal his bus and go joy riding, before sinking it in the river! 😡 Everyone was outraged, then wanted to take up a collection to buy him another bus. He didn’t want to begin again for fear the same thing may happen. It sucked the wind out of that gentle man’s sails.

Lucky Gwen and Steve got away to the Pokonos! Beautiful area and so much to do and see. I assume they have installed your bed rail by now, and I pray it helps you. My aunt and uncle have started the process of buying the 2-acre plot of land and hired the company that will dig the well. It won’t be long now until their red, retirement cottage is all set up!

For certain, our Lord had a very good purpose for your Angela, when He took her to be with Him. Our gifts here being used as we're prepared for our greater purpose in Eternity, and so many young children are there, like my firstborn son … it's entirely possible that some of them are entrusted to her care and instructions. Wonders we can't begin to imagine! God will never be a debtor to anyone. Any sacrifice we make, or hardship we endure for His sake and by His Spirit, He will amply reward out of all proportion to what we suffered.

Our daily prayers are with you, and young Erin, as well as your SIL's BIL. There's a lady on the res' who is beginning to suffer as he is. No signs were there when we first moved here, and a more kindly soul, I'd never met. She was quiet, calm, very agreeable and always polite to all. Then forgetfulness and confusion began. For some reason (denial?) she seemed to feel and to accuse others of mixing her up on purpose. As though her family and friends were suddenly playing cruel games with her (gaslighting). We didn’t know what to believe at first — not being around her daily. Then her family and friends, out of frustration began to want to have her evaluated and her symptoms became more obvious. On the spot we witnessed her mixing things up herself, then lashing out. If you just go along with her, she becomes calmer, but that is at the risk of condemning the innocent of wrong-doing. If you try to gently correct her, you become one of “them.” (An evil enemy in her mind to stand accused.) It's hopeless, and so the alienation spreads.

She refuses to be evaluated right now and is growing more pugnacious by the week. Those insulting things she's accusing others of in attempts at saving face is only causing her to be shunned — ostracized. I worry what will become of her, since she refuses any help. Her son threatens to get a green (mental health) warrant and being forcibly removed from her home (which she can no longer care for) for an evaluation might send her into shock. Heartbreaking … and could happen to any of us. One in ten U.S. citizens 65 and over suffer with Alzheimer’s dementia. Two-thirds are women. Currently the rates are predicted to RISE over the next decade. 

No, there's no guile in me (or you) either, dear friend. What would be the point, when the Judge of all knows the truth from beginning to end? I'm much more invested in God's opinion of me than people's. Can they save my soul? They will either grow to know the real me, and accept me — or not. Either way, I can't be distracted by putting much emphasis on it. Ultimately, God’s will for us is to glorify Him and to grow spiritually. That's why we're here — it's not a human popularity contest. We're not even here to win over or become more like other Christians, but to become more Christ-like by allowing the Holy Spirit's good works to progress within us. Yes, “dying to self” ultimately, and so seeing as we must, that we all have a long way to go, and a short time to get there … It's beyond me how quickly and harshly mere mortals — even professed Christians — judge one another. We will be judged as we judge others. The Parable of the Unforgiving / Unmerciful / Unjust Servant comes to mind, as does “strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.” 

Carry on in faith, Ruth Ann and take care! ❤️

Hello to Issy, cute, Hilo and all of our friends here. I hope your weekend is going well! ❤️❤️❤️

[SelahG]

@WaJa61, part of me is still there in VA with you and the girls, even though you're far from home right now. 

So glad we still have KS-Fest to look forward to next month, but I'm still living in gratitude for all that you and Will did to make my brother's wedding so special. Our stay so comfortable and welcoming. I don't know how you do it all, but you must soon allow us to return the hospitality. ❤️

I know it's even muggier in S.C. than here, but maybe not too bad down near the shore. I hope your aunt Cynthia will feel up to going to church tomorrow, and may you all be blessed there. Most of all, I pray your cousin, her oldest daughter is or will cooperate with her mother's wishes for herself if she is yet in command of her senses. Know you will know, since you have always been so close. 

I have been thinking of Jubilant and praying over her situation, too. Sure do hope her property suffered no damages from the storms! 

Take care, protect your heart and have a safe trip home Monday, dear friend. ❤️

@agnesann, this chicken salad recipe looks great! I don't make wraps often enough, but will try them with this. 

Your trip sounds like such a good time in the beauty of Shenandoah! Did you dress in period costumes, too? I would enjoy that. I hope Jacob won the scavenger hunt and you learned to weave a basket. I'd be right there with Darrell enjoying the hot rock massage. 😍 Then movie night! 

I pray you and the rest of your co-workers don't come down with the terrible virus. Or Joseph, there at UVA. He will be taking two summer classes. Not because he has to, but his goal remains to graduate early and get to work. 

Thank you for steering Rowan and I along when the subject of Belize came up as a potential honeymoon location for Daniel and Harper. Your quick wit! 😘 It saved us and we're so grateful it's not even a potential wedding destination. Still hope they change their mind and will honeymoon elsewhere. They can always travel to Belize later, when hopefully things calm down. 

Great news on Darrell's check up! Maybe he can have some of the potato salad recipe I posted. See what you think. The men really loved it at our cookout. I'd say more so than the traditional type. It does become boring eating the same old things all the time. 

Glad you were able to get him the cooker he wanted for Father's Day! Have fun at the lodge and have a safe trip home tomorrow. ❤️