MERRY CHRISTMAS

Snow , snow, snow. I used to think I liked snow.

right now I'm very tired of it. Beautiful to watch, but so annoying when the plow piles it in our driveway. and then there is all the shoveling.

I work tonight (Tuesday). Wednesday is Linda's birthday, we usually go out for lunch or dinner. I work Christmas night. We get together with my parents and brother Sunday afternoon.

Hope to see some of you at the Christmas Eve service.

Shalom

Carol

fallen world

I've been saddened by some things lately. I've been called a pollyanna at times, and have a hard time coming to terms with this fallen world. So my song for today is Charles Wesley's Come Thou Long Expected Jesus

By Thine own eternal Spirit

Rule in all our hearts alone;

By Thine all-sufficient merit

Raise us to Thy glorious throne

Shalom

Carol

Family Outing

Sunday afternoon our entire family went to a G.R. Ballet production of the Nutcracker. Mark and the kids had attended several times when Steven had a middle school friend who performed in it, but I always seemed to be working. I had various thoughts as we went in with many other family groups, mostly with young children. How many more opportunities like this will we have? Where will the young adults scatter in the next few years? So we enjoyed the ballet, but to me it was a bittersweet time. A reminder to treasure the time we have with family, especially at this special season.

Wishing you all a joyful holiday.

Shalom

Carol

Work

Back in October I was thinking about work and the garden and the way the Lord meant things to be. This week I have been thinking about paid employment. Not a day goes

by without hearing on the news about layoffs, plant closings, business bankruptcies, and so on. I have always been thankful for my nursing career and the flexibility and security of my job. I haven't heard of any friends or relatives losing jobs lately, but in this economy it wouldn't surprise me.

I am always sad to hear about job loses right before the holidays, and wonder about the effect an families at Christmas. Perhaps this year we will be more aware of the true meaning of Christmas, instead of the material aspects.

As the congregational meeting is tonight I think about what the Church, and we as Christians, can do to help those around us celebrate Christmas appropriately.

Reminder: This is the season for lamp oil--Keep it Away from Children

Shalom

Carol

Precious Lives

This week I have been thinking about 4 infants, all born with severe problems. Two of these I have taken care of and two others I know about, including Canaan Michael. Only one baby had a really good outcome from a human perspective. On a lighter note Macy's parents are prising God for a truly miraculous recovery with the help of modern medicine. Sandy (from Cedar campus) and Terry can also thank the Lord and modern medicine for their health.

So as I continue to pray for these families, and count my blessings, I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving.

Shalom

Carol

Get back to normal?

What is normal?
In the last week we have experienced time change, the end of the election season, and record breaking warm temperatures. Besides that I've gone on a shopping bus trip, and gotten new glasses. I like variety more than routine, and I love the great weather, but I am beginning to wonder what routine or normal might be like. Next week I plan to wallpaper my upstairs bathroom, only one wall, but I've never done wallpapering before. Just one of a few small home improvement projects around here.
I am certainly glad the political adds are over! I wonder how the economy will shake out now that the election is settled?
Shalom
Carol

Paperwork

Our buffet, as well as other surfaces, serve as a place to catch papers. Fliers and notices from work, school, and church, coupons, voters guides, newsletters, random pieces of mail, and the church newsletter update. All of these papers were present on various horizontal surfaces in our house this afternoon. Tonight I am trying to organize some of the clutter, as well as deal with bills. Then I will get together paperwork for medical savings reimbursement. I can think of dozens of things I would rather do. I am planning on watching a movie while getting the paperwork done, to make it more palatable. If I get it done tonight I can be at peace to enjoy the sunshine tomorrow.
Loving this beautiful indian summer

Shaom
Carol

Work

The tugboat picture was taken in Douglas last weekend. Tugboats seems like they represent work.

I've had a fair amount of time off over the past few weeks, and this weekend I am back to work. My schedule is pretty busy over the next few weeks. I always hate going back after time off, even though I usually enjoy my job once I get there. Thursday night as I was mentally organizing myself for the weekend, I got to thinking about the whole idea of work. Was this the way the Creator planned it? Was the time in the garden leisure or did Adam have work to do in caring for the garden, other than naming things. I wonder about this in light of the sabbath commandment. Then after the fall the whole thing about toil, and the sweat of your brow. Or did any work done in the garden just not seem like a burden prior to the fall? What was it like before sin spoiled everything?
Last night wasn't bad at all, often it isn't work I dislike, but the conflict with other parts of my life.
Wishing everyone a good weekend.
Shalom

This and That

I am currently watching the movie "The Visitor"

a good, thought provoking film, but it is slow moving. Definitely worth watching, good for a rainy afternoon like today.

Sunday friends from Cedar Campus ran the GR marathon. We got to visit with them briefly over lunch before they headed back to Ft. Wayne.

Saturday Mark and I took a drive to see the fall color and shopped a little in Saugatuck. We got a little Christmas shopping done. We also enjoyed some wine tasting at a new place there. A nice weekend.

Tonight I have to go back to work after having some vacation time the past two weeks.

I have nothing profound to say, so this is it. Have a good week everyone.

Shalom

Carol

Mentoring

Over the last year or so I have become more aware of my role as a mentor to coworkers. While I don't usually train new staff, I am usually the most experienced nurse on my shift, and I know many look at me as a resource. That is a role I am comfortable in, I am more concerned about my example as a Christian.

As a young nurse I worked with a woman who "wore her Christianity on her sleeve" but was obviously hypocritical. She frequently spouted Christian sayings, and tried to pray with patients, but was very judgemental and could be condescending. Because of this I have been reluctant to be obviously Christian in the workplace. I know those who get to know me are aware of my faith, but I often worry about how I am viewed by those around me. If on a particular night I am lazy or self centered how does that reflect on my testimony.

This topic has been on my mind a lot lately, brought up by training at work, sermons, Titus II study, book club reading, and Sunday school class. Most of my coworkers are young enough t be my children so the information from Sunday school about the younger generation is helpful. I recommend the book UnChristian by David Kinnaman. I am just starting to read it.

Shalom

Carol

Autumn

Saturday afternoon I got out the flannel sheets and electric blankets. That evening when I left a friends house I smelled wood smoke from a fireplace, and more lovely wood smoke outside when I got home. Fall is really here. Still hoping to have one more bit of "indian summer" after this beautiful September.

Now I have some time off work, so I'm hoping to get a few things done at home, and also enjoy some social times. Looking forward to book club on Thursday and coffee house on Friday.

Happy Autumn

Fallen World

My workplace is full of examples of the fallen world. Parents who still have to come to terms with genetic or congenital disorders in their children, young lives affected by accidents or other tragedies, and seemingly worst of all child abuse.

We have seen more child abuse in the last few weeks than usual, and some that seems more cruel or severe. Staff have wondered how much a factor the additional stresses of the bad economy is.

Today was a day to open the psalms. So much hope, and affirmation of the trustworthiness of the Lord in all circumstances. How do families get through these crises without faith? What can and should Christians do, other than reaching out to, and supporting neighbors wherever we encounter them.

Behold the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him,

On those that hope for His lovingkindness

Psalm 33:18

This entire psalm is my verse of hope for today.

History

• I've still been thinking about historical events in our life time
  I remember:
  
  Kennedy's assassination
  The invasion of Czechoslovakia by USSR
  Armstrong's moon walk
• The fall of Vietnam
  Nixon's resignation
  The swearing in of President Ford
• Bicentennial celebrations
  The Challenger Explosion
  The Fall of The Berlin Wall
  and of course September 11, 2001
  
  As I think of these events, for many of them the events surrounding them in my own world stand out as much as the actual event. Everything from my irritation at Kennedy's funeral preempting Saturday cartoons, to my disgust at my coworkers playing euchre during Ford's swearing in. When the first shock of 9-11 passed one of my thoughts was how my children , especially my youngest, were finding out about the tragedy. I remembered quite clearly my mother's frustration over how the news was handled in our elementary school when Kennedy was assassinated.

Hoping the next historical event he have to remember is a positive one

Shalom

Carol

Recollections

Denise got me thinking a while ago about memories of historical events. I grew up in a family of news, political, and current event junkies. When our TV broke it might not get replaced--until something like a space launch or political event was about to occur. We didn't watch the evening TV news much, but listened to a radio station with a lot of news coverage.

As a teen I even remember having the portable TV moved to the living room next to the big TV so we could watch certain events on two networks the goal usually to watch the actual event on one if the commentators were talking on the other network. National conventions of either party were an occasion for this type of viewing. Back then candidates were decided at the conventions, not by primaries ahead of time.

When I saw the movie Apollo 13 as an adult I was very surprised that I had little or no memory of that event, which occurred when I was a teen. Mark also remembered little about it. We concluded that the news coverage was very different than it would be now. Far less drama, so far less memorable.

Wishing you pleasant events!

Shalom

Carol

Tech Toys

Many things in our lives happening lately have revolved around technology.
We renewed our cell phone contract last week, and the kids got new cell phones. Plus Julie got a real phone (not prepaid), and we added text msg., cause we were paying a lot for those. Julie especially is enjoying here new toy. Mark has no interest in cell phones, but will inherit the prepaid on for emergency use.
Our malfunctioning computer recently returned from repair. We were using Linda's old all summer before taking the other one in. Now we need to download some of the things we have put on Linda's computer, before setting up the other one.
My new toy is a new digital camera I received as a service award from Spectrum. I got my first digital camera as a service award also, was it five or ten years ago? This one is bigger and better with many more features, so I am looking foreword to working with it. But you wont see any pictures from it real soon till we get the computers switched over. I will wait to install the software on our computer.
This picture is from Linda's folder of "pretty pictures" Which are also her screen saver. I have always liked this one and it seem to fit late summer blending into fall.
Enjoy Your Day!

Shalom

Carol

What's for Dinner?

Every mother has to deal with this question almost everyday. What do I make for dinner? How much time and energy do I have for cooking? Who is going to be home,and when? Do I feel creative? What ingredients do I have on hand? Should I make a trip to the store? It's not to hot to turn on the oven tonight, is it? Is tonight a takeout night? So many questions.

I have been blessed with a husband who is a good and creative cook. For me meal planning takes some real time and thought, Mark is generally able to look in the fridge and put together a meal rather quickly. But we are in a rut! Now we have all three kids home for supper most nights, so real meals are called for. Then there are everyone's individual preferences and tastes to consider. So I try make dinner when I can. Looking through cookbooks is occasionally helpful, but sometimes just overwhelming.

After a little thought, and a look in the freezer, tonight is baked chicken, but what to have with it?

How is your dinner planing?

Tidying Up

I have worked some portion of six out of the past eight nights. Some of these have been four or eight hour shifts. This means I haven't done much around the house. Mark keeps the kitchen neat, but the clutter in the living room, dining room and entry had gotten out out of control. Since I got off work early last night, I have been able to get the laundry underway, and pick up, and vacuum. So now I at least would not be embarrassed if someone came to my door. I could make some spiritual analogy to this kind of superficial "tidying up" but I don't have the mental energy right now.

Tomorrow I have a daytime training, so will be up with everyone for the off to school rush. So far I haven't been part of this. Then the rest of the week will be my own!

Shalom

Carol

September

Th sun is setting earlier each day.

This week school starts- too soon! We change to a new routine for fall. Everyone at our house, except me, has to be up and out before 7 am. This will be an adjustment.

I don't have a routine now. Even less than unusual, as our patient census has been unusually low for several weeks. I frequently get calls in the late afternoon asking me not to come in for the night. This often involves "reallocating" (changing to a poorly staffed shift in the future days or weeks). I am weary of this as it makes planning my sleep schedule difficult. But my part time status, and lack of complications such as childcare, make this easier for me than for most.

Now that the sun sets earlier and we are inside more I am looking at the many household projects to be done. Discard and Prioritize are the words of the week.

This really is Ramblings

Shalom

Carol

Summers End

With multiple schedule changes at work, and young adults coming and going, I really haven't thought too much about the seasons. But now I am starting to realize the summer is almost over. Linda had her first day of teachers meetings for student teaching Tuesday. Steven is in the process of riding to cedar campus to help cook for their labor day weekend bike ride/fund-raiser.

Julie still has to register for school later this week, that means I have to fill out all those forms. We haven't really done anything to get ready for school. and we have to think about schedules, and transportation, , and sleeping at night instead of late into the morning.

We are enjoying the beautiful weather, and mark is appreciating the earlier sunset/ darkness as he is still working long hours. I went to the market this morning and along with all the usual summer fruits vegetables and berries, there was squash, that made me think of fall.

The hammock is on our front porch, and the chairs in front of a neighbors house.

Shalom

Carol

The Boys are Back in Town

Wasn't that a song title way back when?

Well the bus, in the form of Linda and her van, went to get them Wednesday in north central North Dakota. Then they drove though the night, arriving back Thursday afternoon. Jason has to be back for school Monday. Steven was ready to be done. They rode over 1200 miles, and faced a headwind most of the way. Usually there is a tailwind when you are riding west to east.

Jarrad wants to finish what he started. He will continue on, to be joined by Monty and Carrissa. They will take turns driving and riding with him. Currently he is with a guy from Texas who is riding across the US while waiting his Bar exam results. The guys have been riding with him for a while. Haven't heard to many stories yet, guys that age are so communicative you know.

Uptown

After riding the trolley, and then walking around the uptown

area, I am reminded of all it has to offer. Not only the businesses, but also the architecture and other evidence of great diversity.

I want to start taking photos of the area, great for honing my photography skills. Also a way to become even more acquainted with my community, and get some exercise.

Shalom

Education

I ran across this article on a facebook. and found It quite thought provoking. In working in my kids schools when they were younger, I did notice the real disparity between the children who's families value education and those who did not.
These are excerpts from the column.

Op-Ed Columnist - The Biggest Issue - Op-Ed - NYTimes.com David Brooks
Source: www.nytimes.com
America’s stagnation in educational progress threatens the country’s long-term economic and sociological prospects.
Between 1870 and 1950, the average American’s level of education rose by 0.8 years per decade. In 1890, the average adult had completed about 8 years of schooling. By 1900, the average American had 8.8 years. By 1910, it was 9.6 years, and by 1960, it was nearly 14 years.

America’s edge boosted productivity and growth. But the happy era ended around 1970 when America’s educational progress slowed to a crawl. Between 1975 and 1990, educational attainments stagnated completely. Since then, progress has been modest. America’s lead over its economic rivals has been entirely forfeited, with many nations surging ahead in school attainment.


In “Schools, Skills and Synapses,” Heckman probes the sources of that decline. It’s not falling school quality, he argues. Nor is it primarily a shortage of funding or rising college tuition costs. Instead, Heckman directs attention at family environments, which have deteriorated over the past 40 years.
Heckman points out that big gaps in educational attainment are present at age 5. Some children are bathed in an atmosphere that promotes human capital development and, increasingly, more are not. By 5, it is possible to predict, with depressing accuracy, who will complete high school and college and who won’t.

The wheels on the bike go round and round.

After a discouraging start, 3 flat tires the first day out, the guys are having a great trip through the mountains. They seem to be enjoying themselves, and call frequently.
Back home the wheels of life keep turning. Yesterday I had a relaxing day at the beach with Julie and friends, before coming back to listen to the rain and storm. I'm enjoying the cooler weather today. Julie got her permit this week- so look out world. Linda will be coming back to G.R. soon.
I am looking foreword to watching the Olympics, starting this weekend.

Shalom
Carol

Adventure

Steven, Jason, and Jarrad left this morning for their biking adventure. This evening they plan to dip their back tires in Puget Sound, before starting toward the mountains in the morning.

The picture is prentiss bay, lake huron. Probably a more wild seashore than they will see.

It is a bit scary, as a mom, to see them take off like this. But they have planned, and looked foreword to this adventure. So we send them off in the Lord's Hands. Now we wait to see what they share later about their travels. And of course there are the predictions by the parents about how far they will actually make it in the time before school starts.

Happy Trails

facebook

What a beautiful day!

I think I took this wednesday, when the lilies were at their peak. This plant was given to me by my family for mother's day this year. I hope it is as beautiful every year.

Last week at cedar campus one of the businessman who attends ask the adults to join him on facebook, so we can all keep in touch. He and his family spend a good deal of time out of the US, so relies on electronic sources to communicate most of the time. So Mark and I opened a joint facebook (do you call it a page or account or what, no young adults here now to advise me). After connecting with many of the cedar campus people, I looked for an adult @ Christ church to connect with so I could find what other c.c. adults are on facebook. I tried Kari L. within 24 hrs I had 1o friend requests from c.c. people. Such is the power of social networking sites.

hope you re all enjoying this beautiful weekend

Shalom

Carol

A beautiful summer

The frequent rains throughout this summer have made for a green and beautiful summer. The flowers were abundant at Cedar this year. Within a few feet of this particular spot I found 9 or 10 different types of wildflowers. Several people commented on how much greener everything looked on the drive there. Another was glad to find here lawn and flowers still flourishing when she arrived home.

I took a number of fairly nice pictures. We had great weather almost every afternoon. The annual sand castle contest was move to friday this year, it was a glorious day. So everyone was on the beach, or in the water, or in some kind of boat. I spent another afternoon in Sault Saint Marie mini-golfing with another family while watching a large freighter enter the soo locks.

Shaolm

Carol

Back from Cedar

We arrived back from cedar campus yesterday, after a very pleasant week away. The weather was fairly good, with most afternoons being sunny and warm. The lake remains cold, around 60 degrees.

Julie arrived home Friday (thanx Jane & Mike) with not a lot of mosquito bites. She enjoyed a bit of quiet alone and a very long bath. On the trip she enjoyed the hiking, as well as the friends.

Mark and I appreciated the time together. We love reconnecting with our many friends there. Linda was able to come up and see people the last two days. Besides Steven, Jason K and Ben S are also working up there. Brian and Brandon K came up Friday to visit, as Christie's brother and family were there.

More later this week

Shalom

Carol

Cedar Grace

I have been walking around singing this the past few days
It is sung to Finlandia, #449 or 689 in the trinity hymnal

The pleasant trees, the silver rippling water

The flowers and clouds, the undimmed sunlit sky

And bread by Thee, our gracious Father given,

We thankful take from Thy so rich supply

We thankful take from Thy so rich supply

One of several songs as grace before meals,this seems to typify cedar campus.
Soon we are all off to enjoy the north country.
I hope to have good pictures to share after next week.
Though I'm sure I could use a few good lessons from Jane on photography
Shalom

Packing Lists

As soon as July rolls around I began thinking about packing for our annual mid July trip to Cedar Campus. I learned to have a good list and begin the packing process early after the year we arrived with no jackets at all for our family. Of course it wasn't a warm year. One of the challenges of packing for cedar is the weather, which can be anything from 40s and rain, to 80s and humid. We have experienced them all.
This year I have two packing lists, since Julie will be backpacking in the Appalachians with the youth group while we are at Cedar. Julie doesn't like to take any time for planning, so I have to make sure she is all set to go before we leave on Sat. Linda will come Saturday and get her off Sunday morning.
Our trip to Cedar will be unique this year, as we are taking no children with us. Steven is already at cedar, but staying in the crew cabin. Linda will join us for 2 days late in the week, but we will be traveling alone. Kind of different for family camp, but we look foreword to seeing our many friends there. We really appreciate the worship and teaching there. And you can't beat Cedar as a place for recreation of all kinds. Even the rocks are unique.

Th power is on

I found out what a media addict I am after loosing power for about 22hrs wednesday afternoon to thursday afternoon. I learned all the times I turn on media without even realizing it. And I even got to go to work where there is always power and light. Julie spent the night at a friends house because she cant live without media. We told her it was a warm up for the backpacking trip, she wasn't convinced. Well maybe we will appreciate some of our modern conveniences a little more.

Happy 4th to everyone!

Medical Soapbox

While I'm on my medical soapbox, I'll add one more somewhat rare but very tragic thing to be aware of. If you EVER have small children in you home, do you have lamp oil? Both of the recent children sickened by this found it at grandma's house.
Any hydrocarbon such as WD40, sewing machine oil, or even gasoline can be involved, but we have only seen lamp oil. It is used for tiki torches, the old fashioned hurricane lamps, or even found in antique decorative glass balls. Lamp oil is more attractive to toddlers because it is often colored, therefore it looks like koolaid.
I can't begin to tell you how critically ill these children get. 30 years ago we would not have been able to save them. We say the hydrocarbons eat lung tissue. Children don't even have to swallow it to have severe lung damage, just get it in their mouth.
Well not pleasant things to think about, but on my mind since I admitted a child with this over the weekend.
Now go enjoy the beautiful day, just lock up the lamp oil.
Shalom
Carol

Get Those Shots

Earlier Denise wondered about the changes in nursing in 30 years.
Its easy to think of all the technology, specialized scans, patient monitoring, and even nearly instant reporting of many lab results. Electronic medical records have their pros and cons. Then there is endoscopic surgeries, shorter stays, and other thing leading to the patients in the hospital being much sicker.
There are many good things such as improved relationships between doctors and other health care workers, as well as increased patient and family involvement in care and decisions. Even different hospital departments have more respect for each other and therefore work better together.

A conversation last night brought to mind a patient population we rarely see anymore. I remember numerous rooms with small children isolated due to meningitis. We also had many kids there for antibiotics for facial cellulitis. Both of these bacterial infections have pretty well disappeared because of the H-flu (or HIB) shot our kids got as infants. While H.Flu wasn't nearly as deadly as menningococcus that many of our young adults have been vaccinated for, it still caused some disabilities, and occasionally death. It is nice not to see these things anymore.

So the moral of the story is Get Those Shots

Strawberry Fields Forever

Well actually two strawberry plants.

My strawberries don't look as delicious as Jane's. They are minuscule. But they do taste great. Considering the plants were a gift from the kid this mother's day, they are really great.

By the way, the mystery plant (really a sunflower) is gone. Julie was doing some weeding and trimming and chopped it down. She said it was hideous and out of place. I just wanted to see it grow and bloom.

Happy weekend to all!

It is a beautiful day after all today.

Shalom

Carol

The old home place

When we moved Mark's mother to assisted living nearly three years ago we knew we would eventually have to do something with her house, as she could no longer live alone. Mark never seemed to want to deal with it, until this month when a neighbor wanted to rent it. So I have spent the past 2 days working on getting things sorted and stored. Mark has been over a few times in the past few weeks, including with me yesterday.
There are nearly 60 years of possessions in the house, so it is quite a challenge. At least Helen was quite neat and organized until the last months in her home. But sorting possessions can be very challenging, trying to contain the sentimentality without throwing away something the next generation might treasure. I found a few treasures I did not know about, and of course there are a few great antiques.
The other factor is the nearly 100 mile drive each way to work there. I have enjoyed the scenery, which doesn't really look like the picture. I have seen a number of deer.
Now I hope I stay inspired to minimize the clutter in my own house.

Shalom
Carol

Photographs and Memories

If I knew where a picture from my nursing school graduation was, and had means to get it onto my computer, you would find it here. But neither of the above apply so I just found an interesting picture for this space. I did some reminiscing last weekend with my old Blodgett friends, and had a little party at work, for my 30 year anniversary at Spectrum.

Today I have to go to Butterworth and get my picture taken, something they now do for all 5 year work anniversaries 20 years and above. I hate having my picture taken. Maybe I still want to believe I look more like I did 20 years ago, without all the excess pounds, etc. The photo appointments are only 5 minutes apart, so it is not much of a photo sitting. sound more like lining up for school pictures.

In the fall they have a celebration for all employees in the above category. The invitation says semi-formal attire. I don't think the skirts and blouses of sweaters I wear to church really qualify. I have to (or get to) find a new dress. Well, I have a while to deal with that.

In the meantime I am looking foreword to enjoying the beautiful summer days

Shalom

Carol

On the path

Recently I was meeting with several other women, and we discovered the four of us are all phone-phobic. We hate making phone calls that may interrupt the daily life of the person we are calling.

I got to thinking about this blogging, and how one of the great advantages is that it can be done whenever convenient. Over the past month I have gotten to know a lot of things about several of you I did not know before. I love readings the comments to each other. In some ways it is not as personal, but in other ways more personal than a phone conversation. So I look foreword to reading the little glimpses into your hearts and lives. We are all on our journey, and I sure appreciate the encouragement of my friends along the path

Shalom

Carol

Time Passages

This is a music box I have owned for about 20 years. The figurine has a mother holding a baby, with a daughter standing behind her holding a doll. It plays a song that was used in Kodak commercials in the 60's. It is about parents watching a daughter grow up.

Turn around and you're tiny

Turn around and you're grown

Turn around and you're a young wife

With babes of your own

I don't know all the words, and haven't been able to find them.

Saturday evening I spent with some old Blodgett friends, and we talked about what our young adult children are doing. I have several friends at a similar stage, so it seemed appropriate to remember this.

Blessings to you all in your time passages.

Carol

Caffeine

Hope this picture shows up. This is the chemical symbol for caffeine. Jarrad U. was over he other night with this, and only this, no words or caption, on his shirt. Today is not necessarily a caffeine day. Our family has a saying that the fifth essential food group is composed of caffeine and chocolate. Occasionally other items are added to the list in this group.

Steven is leaving Tuesday for a month at Cedar campus. Will miss him and his friends. They are fun to have around, and helpful too.

Happy Fathers Day to all husbands and fathers!

Hope you are able to enjoy the day with your family.

Peony

These are two of the flowers that were the on the peony before the weekend's wind and rain. There are a few buds left, so I hope to see more blossoms before it is done. At least we don't need to think about watering for a while.

Hope you all faired well in the storm.

This week I have both Titus II group and bookclub, so a great week for growth and fellowship

Shalom, Carol

Mystery plant

This plant appeared in our perennial garden this spring, at first we thought it was a vine, perhaps a pumpkin seed from the jack-o-lantern. Now it is about 2 feet tall. The buds remind me of hollyhocks, but the leaves are far to large and notched. So we are waiting to find out what it is. Another joy of gardening, sometimes there are surprises. It may be some variation of sunflower?






Tomorrow will be 30 years for me @spectrum health, so I think we will have a little party when I work Friday night. All the young girls that make fun of me about being old. They do it in a nice, kidding way. Should be fun.
Shalom
Carol

the mundane things of summer

I just signed Julie up to start drivers ed next week. Now that is a sobering new phase, even though I've been thru this twice before.

Steven will be leaving in about a week for cedar campus. and he is trying to get the things ready for the bike trip he is planning with his buddies for August

Mark is trying to get his mothers house cleared out so we can rent it, not the easiest thing to do since it is nearly 100 miles away. We have to figure out what to do with all the stuff in it, a whole household full of furniture, housewares, books and the other things of living. This is the house he was raised in, and his father built. so even if we aren't selling yet, there must be some sense of loss.

And then there is the usual work, meals, meetings and daily activities. Even though these are all very mundane things, I wonder often how one gets through it all without the strength of the Lord

helicopters and computers

Life has been a little disrupted lately.
Our computer has been messed up. We are back on line, temporarily using Linda's old computer (she has a laptop now). Its amazing how you rely on your settings, and favorite lists, etc.

Since the helicopter crash occurred just a couple floors above PICU, our patients were quickly evacuated Thursday morning to an outpatient/recovery area in the heart center. Such a blessing that our patient numbers were low, and also less critical,so more easily moved. We are all so pleased that there were no complications from the move. and that even the pilot is recovered. Working in a different area over the weekend was an adventure. Things are getting back to normal since we are now back on our own floor.
By the way- the PICU night staff was responsible for the signs as seen on the front of the region section of the Sunday G.R. Press

words and blogs

After I did my first blog posting I got to thinking about why I had started this. I have never been a writer of any kind. But maybe it is time to develop a little creativity to get the brain working. Computer charting, etc. just doesn't make for great writing skills.

A number of years ago when I briefly considered going back to school, writing papers was one of the biggest deterrents. I think then it was research I was most concerned about. Now I realize my writing has gotten very rusty.

Well here's to changing that!

By the way, the picture has no particular significance, except you might say it is the little flower that could.