Beverly, thank you so much for the maps. I hope you are FAR left of the purple. Now they (our news people) are talking about very heavy rainfall happening, even if the winds diminish. It sure is frightening to think of the damage that will remain. As I read it, Bis is right on the coast line, but separated from the ocean by an inlet and a spit of land. I wonder if there are homes on that spit of land ? Whatever occurs, I pray God is with all those people that are affected by the weather. Keep safe dear one. My prayers are with all who are affected.

Well, I posted a very long message & modified a couple times because the sentences were "fragmented" ... I guess I forgot to save the last time because my post is not here~  I really did comment too long so guess it is a sign to shut up, Shirley~   

Happy Birthday to you, Phyllis.... and also to Amy's husband.  Prayers for all in need (especially for your hubby's surgery tomorrow, Amy).... and for all facing those hurricane winds & water! 

Shirley, you had a long post in photos,  that I suspect was meant to be here. However, when I went back, the post was gone. There is one of Hal's to Amy that I suspect meant to be here as well.

http://www.seniorsandfriends.org/index.php?topic=11.msg53536#msg53536

June - I am about 1/4 inch to the left of the top tip of the M in Melbourne.  How's that for an explanation?    Tomorrow will be an interesting day!

Phyllis, hope you have had a very Happy Birthday!

And Happy Birthday to your husband, Amy!

Good night all.

We have been keeping a close watch on Matthew.....he is a stinker of a storm and a real concern for our friends and family in the are. 

Happy Birthday wishes to you, PHYLL and to your hubby AMY.  I do hope you both enjoyed your day.

JACKIE, so good to read about your drive to the MS Luncheon.  I am so happy it was worth your time. 

JOAN, I hope and pray that you and Joe will be safe riding out the storm. 

Worrying about you and CHAPE also, BEVERLY. 

Oh my, I keep falling asleep so must post this.

Pleasant dreams for EVERYFRIEND. 

Good Friday morning, Everyfriend.   There's your choice of muffins to accompany your coffee or tea. Make it a good day!!




Finance

I'd been working on my business degree for about a year when I finally got to take a popular finance course. I went to the bookstore to buy the text and was shocked to find out that it would cost me $96. I asked how much it was worth if I sold it back at the end of the semester.

"You'll get $24," said the clerk.

"This is insane," I protested as I wrote out the check.

"I know," replied the clerk sympathetically. "I've always thought that a person who buys a book for $96 and then sells it back for $24 should fail the course."


All Aboard!
(By Roy Irwin)

My wife and I were hiking with our nieces and nephew recently at a local park. We followed the marked trail until we came to a clearing in the forest. In the distance, we could hear the faint sound of a train. Looking around, we spotted a set of railroad tracks just a few hundred feet in front of us. We decided to run to the tracks and get a closer look at the approaching train.

As we ran toward the railroad tracks, we could hear the sound of the train getting louder as it got closer to us. The closer we got to the tracks, the louder the sound of the train. It became a race to see which of us would get to the tracks first!

As we made it to the tracks we realized that something was wrong. The sound of the train indicated that it was upon us. However as we looked down each side of the tracks we could see no train! Everyone had a puzzled look on his or her face as we each tried to piece together the puzzle that was before us.

Suddenly we spotted the train! However it wasn't on the tracks we were standing beside. To our surprise there was ANOTHER set of tracks a few hundred feet away that we had not seen that our mystery train was riding on! We were following the wrong set of tracks!

As the train continued on its journey, we had to laugh! We had been so convinced that we were standing by the right tracks. We saw the sights and heard the sounds yet ultimately the train never came down the railroad tracks we were following.

The same is also true in life.

I am reminded of those who say that all paths lead to heaven. Whether they are talking about religions, philosophies or works, what they are saying is that each of these 'tracks' will guide someone to heaven. It may sound good; it may look correct; but just as we discovered while hiking, the train only comes down one set of tracks.

If the destination is heaven - the only 'tracks' that lead to it are Jesus Christ!

Jesus said in John 14:6 "...I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (NIV).

Jesus didn't speak of alternate paths, contingency plans, backup methods, or works of equal merit to get to heaven - only Himself. The shed blood of Jesus Christ by His death on the cross has made it possible for our sins to be forgiven, making it possible for us to go to heaven. He alone purchased our 'ticket' and laid the tracks that lead to heaven and Himself. All we have to do is follow it.

"Dear Lord Jesus, you alone are the way to heaven. You offer to each of us the gift of eternal life. No one can give a gift except the one who purchased it. Help us to remember that while it is a free gift - it was purchased at a very high price - by your death on the cross for our sins. Thank you for making it possible for each of us to experience eternal life with You. Amen."


"It is the duty of the pulpit to say the same things over and over and over again. They must be clothed in different phraseology, and illumined by fresh illustration, and approached by a new line of thought; but the things that are really worth saying must be said repeatedly."

- Frank Boreham

JENNY....
....Thank you for responding....yes the MS luncheon was well worth the trip...and people very friendly, even the lady outside smoking her ciggy came over and gave a hug to a man sitting at our table who I got deeply in conversation with, a good atmosphere, and we certainly had some laughs but, of course I also see the other side, the reality side of MS sufferers with their carer's spoon feeding them their food...

Sleep well Jenny, you posted an hour before this posting, and this posting came at 7.30 am...so I am now up and about with cup of tea in my hand...

JOAN...
...good morning, you are up bright and early, I am assuming that monster is now in the far distance, and all is as it should be in Florida...I havnt put our tv on yet to hear any news....

AMY....
...belated Birthday wishes to hubby....I hope his day was very special indeed, especially how his year has been panning out so far with all his medical ills and hospital visits, at least he deserves one special day...

Vanilla-Jackie--Worst is yet to come.  It's terrible here.

Good Morning everyone.
Bis as bad as it is you are still alright . and we are thanking God for that, and our prayers are with those hurting. we have had rain for two days and nights . but mostly very genteel. Have a great day.


Lloyd

Good Morning Everyone, especially Joaine!

Joan it is great to see you still have electricity (and you did not forget to feed us).  Body and soul.  You know you are in our prayers and thoughts. As well as all who are in harms way.

Cleaning lady coming this morning so I got to get cleaned up and get down to pick her up at the bus stop.  Cool front, with lower humidity, suppose to be in today.

Good morning everyone,  had to get here and turn TV on to see the weather report and all I have seen so far are commercials. My first thought when I woke was of Joan and Joe. I keep praying they are safe. OK finally the weather, Matthew did not land onshore but still very strong winds and rain.
I will be so happy when we hear from her. I keep thinking about how she needs her oxygen and what will happen when they lost power. Just heard about the thousands without power.

JOAN  so good seeing you this morning, a surprise too. You still have power. Thank you for all today's goodies. Stay safe.

Sorry for not commenting, I have a one track mind this morning, praying for Joan and all in the path of Matthew.

Where is Jane S?.....I was going to add Amy but, just read Amy will be taking hubby to another hospital appointment, is there no let up for him?...Let us hope and pray this surgery will be the " be all and end all " for him...

Hm just done a check, Jane wasn't here yesterday either...

JOAN...
...Guess I was being a tad optimistic when I said this morning, " has that monster done a u-turn?...."

Guess you are on all of our minds, Joan & Joe.  I went to bed after 1:00 am so slow getting up, have been awake for an hour listening to the old Sony Walkman for news.

Hal, we already had the cold front last night, came on the tail end of the storms.  All the cats stayed inside & were a little uneasy with the changing temps & wind. 

Thinking of Amy & hubby, surgery & waiting room. 

Gloria, I was telling you in that post that ended up over in Photos.... that I looked at every apple in the store yesterday..... thinking of you & wishing for a tree ripened apple like you would show us when helping your son.  Apples = Gloria.   

Lloyd, the days I spent in MO last week were perfect weather, cloudy so it wasn't too hot in the RV but not raining.  I love being out in a slow rain but not when you have a job to do.  Today I have to cut all the brush we took out of the berm & tie in 4' lengths so the trash will haul them off.  These mulberry trees are a nightmare they grow so fast and everywhere you can't get a lawnmower. 

Cats are yelling for breakfast.

Hi everyone on this Friday morning. After a very busy day yesterday I am anticipating a much quieter day today.  The housekeeper just arrived. I fixed up my frozen fruit and may make some coleslaw to go with our ham for dinner unless Pat feels up to going out to eat for our main meal of the day.  She was feeling a little better and called and got an appointment shortly to get a haircut.  This afternoon I may see if I can get a haircut and a pedicure as my toenails are beginning to bother me.

Jackie, interesting that the first person you met at your new MS group has the same type of MS that you do.  Glad you liked what you saw and the people were so friendly.

Beverly, I just read that a number of States have offered to send power crews to help restore electricity. 

Patricia, sure hope you are wrong on your expectation from your eye exam. 

Time to head out for Pat's appointment. 

We aren't out of the woods yet, but sheets of rain aren't quite as intense and wind has lessened a bit.  I don't  like this one bit and will be glad when the storm shutters can come down.  I feel like I am in jail.

Hi Joan,
Well just stay in jail for as long as it takes for you both to be safe.
Seems you have power, thank goodness

Just came back to see if there was any news from Joan and I see a post.

JOAN  I would stay in a dark jail and be safe. Better than the alternative. I was just looking at pictures on the Weather Channel and then looked out to the beautiful sunny day here. Big difference.

Everyone in the path of the monster Mathew stay safe. Prayers are with you

Good  Morning dear hearts, and it is a VERY good morning seeing as our Bis still has electricity. Bis, I am trying to picture in my mind my Apt. with no windows, and it truly is not pleasant so I can understand your feeling...it makes me feel a bit smothered. I think I would try to keep myelf buried in a book, and pretend it was very dark outside. How is Joe holding up ? I'm so glad you do have power so he can check in with his family. They must be very concerned, and your sister too. May God be with you all at all times and give you what is needed.

Joan,  good to see you "live" this morning.   Melbourne has been mentioned a lot on the Weather Channel.  Prayers continue for your safety and minimal damage - if there must be any damage at all. 
Being unable to see what's going on outside must be very frustrating.  So glad Joe is there with you.

Beverly, looks as if your area may get some action, also.  Hope you and Chape don't have damage.

Prayers going out to Amy and her husband, also.  Is this surgery day for him? 

Shirley,  when I heard the predicted low temperature for last night,  I switched from a/c to furnace before I went to bed.  Glad I did because it's a bit nippy out this morning.

Gloria, going back to comments about walkers....I certainly want one with wheels.  Several friends have small ones with wheels on all "legs" but fold up more compactly that the rollators do.   I can get my rollator in/out of the car if I have to - but would prefer to have one that's easier and doesn't take up as much space if I need to put it somewhere while I sit (like at a Bridge party or a meeting).   

Nothing of interest going on in my world at the moment.

TTYL

Joan, it was good to see a post from you today.  Stay in "jail" as long as necessary to be safe.  I've been watching the Weather Channel almost non-stop because of you.

Beverly, I hope Matthew doesn't bother you too much.

Mary Ann

Callie, a walker is not as secure as a rollator. I have used both,  the rollator covers my needs 100 per cent. It has brakes which gives you more protection it your balance is shaky. I personally need the seat, as my legs cramp up after a short distance and I must sit to relieve them.I agree, it is more awkward to fold up tightly and lift, but again all our need are different. You are much younger and stronger that me, but give it a thought.

I know the shutters are for our safety, but I'll be glad when I can get out of jail.  Joe has been a Godsend.

Joan, I'm so happy for you that Joe has been with you.  I can't imagine what it would have been like for you alone.

Mary Ann

June,  I have a congenital problem with my feet that might be corrected with a painful surgery that takes about 6 months to heal - for each foot.  (link to probably more information than you want or need  ]http://www.acfas.org/footankleinfo/Accessory_Navicular_Syndrome.htm] )
I have chosen to wear a type of leather brace that looks like a boot and supports my arches and ankles.

GP doctor has said for years that he'd be happier if I did volunteer work sitting down.  I defied that admonition to work at The History Center and finally stopped when the walking and standing became too painful.
 
Podiatrist firmly says,  "NO aerobic walking!!'  (To which I said,  "Oh, Darn!  .)   He also says,  "Limited standing and walking."  When I asked him to define "limited", he said,  "No more than 2 hours out of 8."  I told him that wasn't even a good shopping trip to the Mall.      

I have a rollator, but don't need it all the time and really don't take it with me very much.  However, I feel more steady walking from car to building, for example,  if I have the support. It's often hard to find a place to put the rollator while I'm seated.   Several friends use a smaller walker in a "sitting" situation and that's what I'm considering - in addition to the rollator.

Callie, we learn something new every day.  I did not know such a condition existed, but there are a lot of physical conditions I don't know about.  That extra bone location makes it look quite painful.

Mary Ann

JOAN  I remember where we lived in 54 there was shutters on the house and I did close all of them Not much light got through but we did not loose power so at least we had power. I am so glad Joe did get there before the storm got bad. I would not want to be alone during a hurricane like that either. From what I saw in the news, for you the worse is over now.

Callie, thank you for the clickable on the Accessory Navicular. I found it very interesting. I wonder how common or uncommon a condition it is ? Six month recovery for one foot ?? At my age, if I had the condition, I would certainly refuse surgery. If the leather boot gives you the needed freedom that's great.  Even for a younger person six month of surgery recovery could cause more physical problems in other areas of the body..but what do I know. I have seen very small motorized carts that one sits in and that would be a step I would take if necessary.
We have several residents here that have motorized wheel chairs..out of necessity, and they do well with them. I am so sorry you have this condition Callie, and I'm sure you have suffered greatly at times. God Bless you !!

Bis, I felt great relief for you when you said Joe was on his way to be with you. I am sure it has made this ordeal much more bearable than if you were alone. He is a good, good man. His wife and son are very blessed to have him in their lives.

I have the unique distinction of breaking the same bone on different feet at different times; The bone is the outer one along the edge of your foot, the cuboid. The right foot in April of 2002 and the left in November, just after Thanksgiving 2002. With each break and small fractures, I wore a boot instead of a cast for some months.

When he removed the boot, he cautioned me that it would take a full year for the bone to heal fully and the foot is back to normal. So in Callie's case, six months may be similar to my wearing the boot and another six for a full recovery.

Patricia, I have met many brave women in the Soda  Shoppe and other areas of our Srs. and Friends. I am so proud of all of you, and I am so thankful for all of you..you have given me great pride in being such gracious and enduring women.

June and Patricia,  The first indication of a problem was in 1985 when the extra bone in the arch of my left foot "sawed" through the tendon and I had to have surgery to remove the bone and repair the tendon.  For that, I was in a cast and a walking boot for about 3 months.  I then wore custom made inserts and, fortunately, the other foot was never affected.

I've worn the braces for almost ten years and, other than not being able to bend my ankles (or wear cute shoes  , I get around just fine and really don't mind the limitations all that much (I'm basically kinda lazy   ).  Several friends who haven't know me that long didn't realize until recently that I even had the braces on.

Loved the little boy on a History Center tour who suddenly asked why I was wearing two shoes on each foot.  I heard his teacher gasp but before she could chastise him I simply pulled my pants legs up a bit and said,  "These are braces and they help me walk better".  'Oh", he said - nodding wisely, as did the rest of the class - and that was the end of it.

I do appreciate your kind comments.  We really are a supportive group and that's A Very Special Thing!!!
and