A Night of Celebration

Today is Patti's birthday. Isn't she lovely? This is what she wore (or should I say how Jim dressed her up) last night for her birthday party. It was a fun evening of celebrating birthdays (Jim and Patti's--both), and "Christmas Eve" for all of us!

Okay, now we can get on with the wedding!

Merry Christmas!

Is it Christmas Eve yet?
Sort of...at our house...
Tonight we will will celebrate Jim and Patti's birthdays (Patti's is Dec. 22nd; Jim's is Dec. 30th), and we will open our Christmas presents together. Tomorrow morning they will begin their drive to California, beginning their journey as two single individuals, and eventually returning to Portland as newlyweds (their wedding is Dec. 29th).

We will fly to San Diego on Christmas morning and spend the afternoon with Patti's family. On Christmas night our daughter's family will arrive in San Diego also. From that point on, other family members and friends will be arriving for the wedding. What a grand celebration and reunion it will be! What a way to draw 2007 to a close! What a way for Jim and Patti to begin the new year -- as husband and wife!

Tonight we celebrate Christmas. Next weekend we celebrate the joyous wedding of our son and soon-to-be new daughter! Let the celebrations begin!

Four years ago . . .

Today I am back in Montana--in my memories. It seems like it was only yesterday, but it was actually four years ago today that my mom went home to be with the Lord.

While we were in Montana last week, I couldn't help but think back to the same time and place four years ago. We traveled there at the same time of year, across the same snowy mountain passes, and stayed in the same place--the home of our friends, Louis and Cary. This time they were gone and we were caretakers of their place and their animals--three horses, six sheep, two dogs (Golden Retrievers), one cat, and one bird.

Our trip of last week was for another funeral--the "home-going" of another mother. We buried our son-in-law Andy's mother just three days before the date we drove to Montana four years ago, for my own mother's death. Four years ago my daughter traveled with us from her home near us in Vancouver, Washington, to say her final goodbyes to her grandmother. This time we traveled to our daughter's home in Montana to join her in saying our final goodbyes to her "other mother". Four years ago our granddaughter Elliana went with us to pour out comfort upon my dad, her great grandfather. This time she was already there to pour out her comfort upon her grandfather, Andy's dad.

Both times were joyous family reunions, filled with tears of loss and grief, and hugs of comfort. The Bible tells us that when God's children are absent from the body, they are present with the Lord. What a blessing to know that these two dearly-loved mothers are "at home" with our Lord and Savior." We look forward to being reunited with them some day in Heaven.

"And, so shall we ever be with the Lord."

My Mom (and Dad) - Their Wedding Picture

Back at Home

It was a wonderful, sad, sweet, fun, tearful, beautiful, memorable week in Montana with family and friends from all over: California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and Montana. Today my heart is still full of the sights and sounds of a bittersweet reunion for the purpose of a final farewell to one so dear to all of us. It still doesn't seem real that she is gone from our lives.

My son-in-law's mother (like a dearly-loved sister to me) filled our lives with grace and sweetness, fun and quiet laughter, inspiration and hope, peace and joy, dignity and poise, and, above all, the beauty of Jesus so alive within her and flowing out to all who knew her. She is now with the One who filled her life and enabled her to reflect Him to all around her. She seemed to love everyone and everything around her. We all felt special to her.

It makes no sense to us left behind, that God would call her home now. Perhaps, she had successfully completed her course of life, and God said to her, "Well done, my good and faithful servant. Now it's time for you to enter your well-deserved rest."

We will miss her greatly.

In Montana

Greeting from Christmas wonderland! There is snow, more snow, and lots more snow here, plus icicles hanging from eaves and ice under foot. Incredibly beautiful landscapes surround us, while the local deer add to our enjoyment of the scene.

We began our journey here on Sunday morning, hoping to arrive before the impending death of our son-in-law's mother, but she passed away while we were enroute. I'm so glad she didn't continue to struggle for breath throughout the day. In mid-September (while we here for a visit), she was diagnosed with terminal cancer, stage 4, and given less than a year to live. In the end of September, while Larry was in the hospital, the doctor informed her that she probably had only 2-3 months left to live. In mid-November, that prognosis was upped to only two weeks or less. I began praying that God would take her "home" during the Thanksgiving weekend, before the famly gathering ended, so that her oldest son's family wouldn't have to leave before her time on earth was over. (I'm sure many others were also praying that way.) God graciously answered those prayers, and took her home on Sunday morning. What a way for her to spend Sunday--truly in the House of the Lord!

The memorial service is on Saturday. Our son will arrive on Friday. Our plans are up in the air right now, since Larry doesn't have a job to return to. We will leave here on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday.

You know the old saying: "When it rains, it pours!" That's how it feels for all of us right now. Fortunately, God's blessings are also being poured out for us, and we will continue to trust and rest in His goodness. Thanks for your prayers!

Two Months

Today marks exactly eight weeks since Larry's heart surgery. He is continuing to do really well!

• His cholesterol level is now done to 118 (previously over 200).


• He is no longer anemic.


• His heart rate is normal and stable.


• His incisions have healed up just fine.


• He now longer has the chills.


• He now longer tires quickly with any exertion of energy.


• Most of his medications have been eliminated or cut in half.

In addition to that, we now have medical insurance with coverage retroactive to September 1st (prior to these enormous medical expenses). This is all in answer to prayer, by you and us, and many others who will probably never read this blog. We thank you and we thank God, more than words can express!

Please continue to pray for employment, just the right job, in just the right place, at just the right time -- all in God's perfect plan. Thanks!

Oh, by the way, Larry is outside working in the yard -- raking and blowing leaves. He is well and we are truly thankfulfor his new lease on life!

Giving Thanks

My "quiet time" reading yesterday:

"We thank you, O God!
We give thanks because You are near.
People everywhere tell of your mighty miracles.

As for me, I will always proclaim what God has done;
I will sing praises to the God of Israel.

You are glorious and more majestic
than the everlasting mountains.

I recall all You have done, O Lord;
I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago.
[and of the present]They are constantly in my thoughts.
I cannot stop thinking about them.

O God, your ways are holy.
Is there any god as mighty as You?
You are the God of miracles and wonders!"

(From Psalm 75:1,9; 76:4; 77:11-13)

We are giving thanks today for many wonderful things God has done in our lives -- too many to list. Mostly, we are thankful that we belong to Him, and that we have the assurance that our lives are held in His mighty, protective, loving han

Waiting for . . .

Waiting for dinner? Waiting for fun and games?

This is our neighbor's cat (Razzi) whom we "cat-sit" for occasionally. She provides us with hours of entertainment by trying to catch birds and squirrels in our yard. Here she is sitting on top of my squirrel feeder. She could be waiting for either a bird or a squirrel, since they both use this feeder. I've watched her climb the trees many times, and I've seen her poke her head into this squirrel feeder, but this was the first time to see her just perched here waiting! Apparently, she liked this viewpoint.

We are still waiting on the confirmation of health insurance to cover Larry's medical bills from his recent heart surgery, plus still waiting for the right job to come along for him. There have been phone calls to indicate that our insurance situation is finally being worked out. Twice, in the last week, we have been told that the application was approved, which would provide continuous coverage since September 1st (when he lost his job and insurance coverage), but we are still waiting for something to arrive in the mail that will confirm it all in writing.

The good news we've had is that Larry is returning to really good health! His cholesterol level is now down to 118 (previously was over 200). In the hospital they told him they wanted his cholesterol level under 130. Also, he is no longer anemic. So, now his doctor has cut his cholesterol pill dosage in half, has cut his blood pressure pill dosage in half, has discontinued his pill to keep his heart rate stable, and has discontinued his iron and vitamin C (needed to go with iron). Yea!!! All thanks to God!

Waiting and Trusting

How I wish I had something new to post, but there is nothing new here.

• Larry is continuing to do very well in his recovery process.


• We still have uncertainty regarding insurance coverage. Maybe this week we'll hear . . .


• No good job prospects yet.

We continue to wait on the Lord. In the meantime, we are tired of this waiting period, but continue to trust that God has a good plan for us, and that He will reveal it to us at the right time, according to His knowledge of what's best for us.

Waiting for a very long time on what seems really important to us can be very disheartening. Our lives have been full of uncertainty for almost a year and a half now: first regarding Larry's job situation, next his state of health, and then lack of insurance coverage. However, we have seen God at work in our lives during this time period, and that's really what counts. We want God to develop in us whatever He wants to be seen in us, and we desire to be used by Him in such a way that He gets all the glory and honor. That's really what it's all about -- to be used by Him in whatever circumstances He chooses to place us in or to allow us to go through. It's not easy, but it teaches us to trust Him completely.

We don't know about tomorrow, but we know Who holds our hand.

Come here my little pretties...

hee hee hee Why should the kids have all the fun?
There's a little kid inside of me who grew up in the days before Halloween was frowned on. And, that kid (though now in an adult-size body) still likes to have fun with all the other kids who enjoy the fun tradition of Halloween.

For us, Halloween is just a fun night that focuses on the giving and getting of treats, while all dressed up in costumes. That's all there is to it for us, and we want the neighborhood kids to know that we enjoy them!

Happy Halloween, kiddos!

A Very Good Day!

Today was a day of celebration for us -- a day to celebrate Larry's recovery--at its half-way point.

Larry fixed our breakfast and our dinner. Actually, I think he got tired of waiting for me to fix breakfast, so he did it--a nice change of pace for me. Dinner....well, he was being a very nice husband to his tired wife who had spent a few hours working in the yard, raking leaves and mowing the lawn. Okay, so I'll be honest and proudly admit he also worked in the yard this afternoon, blowing and raking leaves. It was a beautiful day to spend our time outside during the afternoon!

Then, as we sat down to eat dinner, we were treated to a beautiful display in the sky--a mesmerizing sunset that could not be ignored! I had to go out onto the deck twice during dinner to get a full-size view of the magnificent artwork. It seemed as if God Himself had just decided to paint an incredible picture for us to enjoy while we dined.This is only a birds-eye view of what we saw! The beauty spread across the sky as far as we could see in any direction. God's handiwork is truly amazing! The skies declare the glory of God..."

One More Milestone

Today Larry drove a car for the first time since September 27th. (After his open-heart surgery he was restricted from driving for four weeks.) Today he feels like he has been set free! So, I guess yesterday was the last time I will need to drive him whereever he goes. He is beginning to act so "normal", it's hard to believe that he really did have quintuple by-pass surgery just a month ago. We are so thankful for the good recovery he has experienced. Just one more month to go, and he will no longer have a "broken heart".

Now he is hard at work once again--looking for a new job, plus still working on the insurance predicament. We've had some hopeful news in that situation, and are waiting on the outcome of submitting an application for health insurance through the state of Oregon. If we read the small print correctly, we may have coverage that covers all of his medical bills. Pray, pray, pray (please).

We are still going for a walk everyday, and eating really good, nutritious meals. We are both enjoying that. I have to keep reminding myself: This is not a temporary diet--it's a new lifestyle, and we need to stick with it. I'm beginning to learn to make up good-tasting food from scratch--just using my imagination and tastebuds. It's only a simple beginning, but

Each Day is a Gift From God!

Larry received a birthday card today from his sister. The message was great! So, once again, I just have to share it:

Each Day is a Gift from God

He has given us morning,
brightness, and sun,
Laughter to share,
and work to be done.

He has given us rainbows,
flowers, and song,
And the hands
of our dear ones
to help us along.

He has given us prayer,
with its wonderful power
To lighten our hearts
in a troublesome hour.

He has given us blessings
to brighten our way,
And always--the gift
of another new day.

This is the day which the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24

A special birthday prayer that God will fill all your days with love, blessings, and the happiness you so deeply deserve. Have a wonderful birthday!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I love you, Honey!
Happy Birthday...and many more!

God Has Uniquely Called Each One of Us

The following message came to me as an emailed advertisement for DaySpring Cards. I can't believe this was written for an advertisement! I am not trying to put in a sales plug for DaySpring cards, but this was so good, I just had to keep it, as a reminder to me that God has uniquely called me to serve Him right where He has placed me.

God has called each of us to serve Him in the place He has us. In His eyes we all have a ministry. Many serve Him in a local church through a variety of ministries, such as music, teaching, youth work, or by being a part of the church staff. Others serve on the mission field, on the job, at school, or at home.

God knows you and He knows your heart desires to serve Him. You are someone that He will use to make a difference, to share His love and to touch the hearts of others. What has qualified you for this high privilege of being used by Him? Is it your talents, your personality, your education, your influence, or your resume? It is none of these; rather, it is the response of your heart toward Him. God is always searching for those whose hearts are yielded to Him so that He can work mightily through them.

Sometimes we can be led to think that God’s work is dependent upon us, upon what we do, and upon what we know. The truth is that God wants us to be totally dependent upon Him, He is the Treasure, we are the vessels; He is the Vine, we are the branches; He is the Living Water, we are the channels through which He flows.

The apostle Peter was someone who needed to learn this important truth. Jesus taught him the futility of trying to get results through his own efforts by allowing him, an expert fisherman, to labor all night and come up empty. Afterward, when He followed Jesus’ word to cast out into the deep, Peter pulled in a catch that was beyond his dreams.

As His servant, remember that your ministry is His idea and not yours. He is the One who knows you, who has called you, and who has equipped you to serve Him. Remain true, remain faithful, remain restful, and remain totally dependent upon Him.

God is not looking for those who are clever, but for those in whom He can be wise; He is not looking for those who are talented, but those to whom He can be all-sufficient. He is not looking for those who are powerful, but for those through whom He can be almighty.

It is my prayer that God will encourage you today as you faithfully serve Him, and that He will use you to bring encouragement to others in a special way.

Written by Roy Lessin, Co-Founder DaySpring Cards

Time to Think

Unable to fall asleep! Just too many thoughts swirling around in my head! So, here I am--sitting on the sofa in the family room, all by myself, in a very quiet house. First, I spent some time reading the Bible, concentrating on the good stuff found therein--a very worthwhile use of time like this! Now my thoughts are beginning to spread in various directions.

The World of the Hospital
It's a whole different world in the hospital! There are people there from all different walks of life, under all different circumstances. Some are troubled over what will happen next; some are grieving over what has just happened; some are rejoicing over the arrival of a new baby; some are there just to comfort someone else; some are totally bewildered about the whole scene! However, over the course of a week spent there, you become quite familiar with the scene, and you get used to the routine of your reason for being there. Plus, many faces become quite familiar -- you become a family. Sometimes you greet one another cheerfully. Sometimes you just can't manage another smile. Sometimes you are in tears and wish you could just hide away and cry for awhile in private. Sometimes you feel like helping everyone you see who needs a friend. Sometimes you wish someone would notice that you are the one who needs a friend. Sometimes you are so lost in deep thought that you hardly notice anyone else. Sometimes you just can't believe what is happening to you and someone you love. But, one thing undeniable I noticed: Everyone seems to understand that you're all in this different world together.

Caretaker or Caregiver?
Soon after Larry came home from the hospital, I announced (in this blog) that I would be busy with my new job as "full-time nurse and caretaker". Ever since then, I've been thinking about the difference between a "care-taker" and care-giver". Which is which? When I discussed this with Larry he said that in our situation I am the care-giver and he is the care-taker. In other words, I am giving care to him and he is taking care from me. Yet, I truly have been thriving on giving care to him, and that, in turn, has been giving care to me too! Well, I will admit--I do get just a little weary now and then (like this morning--I slept on the couch until 11:00 A.M.!), but mostly I enjoy taking care of him. So, I guess that makes me a care-taker -- or am I care-giver? Perhaps I am both. Perhaps both are the same!

The Lord gives and the Lord takes away -- Blessed be the name of the Lord!
On August 24th Larry lost his job. On (or about) September 27th Larry lost his health. On September 28th Larry lost his health insurance. (His former employer went bankrupt, and since the company was self-insured, the insurance coverage ended--period--no "ifs", "ands", or "buts" about it!) What's next to lose? Certainly not our faith in God! God has a purpose in all of this. He has never failed us, and He never will. He is forever faithful! Blessed be the name of the Lord!

Now I am going back to bed.

Breaking News

The Energizer Buuny has been arrested and charged with battery!

Worth a Thousand Words?

In LESS than a thousand words, what does this picture say to you?

See that one droopy blossom? That's how both of us felt when we found out that our insurance coverage ended the very day Larry's in-patient hospitalization began. Yet, just look at those adorable little pets resting peacefully, oblivious to fire burning nearby, or the withering flowers. That's how I want to be--fully assured of God's awareness of our difficult situation, and His ability to see us through anything.

Another Milepost

Today marks one week since Larry came home from the hospital. He's making great progress in his recovery!

On Sunday I took him to the mall to start walking. We have done that every day since then, and have increased the distance a little each day. Yesterday we walked the complete distance roundtrip, including all of the corridors--long and short, plus climbing the stairs to the upper floor (equivalent to two sets of stairs in a house). Yea! It takes half an hour to cover that much territory.

We are eating good, healthy meals (three per day) everyday. He seldom sleeps during the day anymore, and sits up mosts of the time. After meals he helps clear the table and rinse the dishes. He gets up frequently to do little laps throughout the house, plus goes to the mailbox a couple of times each day. (No, he isn't checking for mail twice a day. In the morning he goes out to deposit mail in the box, and in the afternoon he goes out to get the mail.) He spends time on the computer throughout the day. He gets on the eliptical trainer machine once or twice a day, for a minute or two each time.

About the only thing he needs assistance with now is straightening his shirt down the back side after putting it on. It's wonderful to see such a noticeable improvement in just one week at home!

A Note From Larry

Several of you who have been praying for Larry during the last nine or ten days were missed in Larry's attempt to send an email to thank you all.

On Fri, 5 Oct 2007 21:41:06 -0700 Larry Dorris wrote:

I set out tonight to send a quick email to thank those of you who I knew were praying for me. As I tried to organize my email contact list and try to remember who Jeannie had mentioned, I was overwhelmed. Thank you so much for your prayers for me and for my family. The prayers were certainly felt. It is great to know you have a God that cares, and so many friends with an open connection to the God of the universe that are willing and able talk to Him on my behalf. What a blessing.

God has indeed been gracious to me and has answered prayers. I am home, healing and praising God for His goodness.

Larry

Thank You

Larry and I both want to say "Thank you" for your many expressions of care for us during this difficult time of Larry's open-heart surgery.

It was exactly one week ago, at this very moment, that the surgeon came to tell us that Larry's surgery was over, and the other doctors and nurses were in the process of closing up his chest. We are so glad that is all behind us now! Everything is going very well now that he is at home, and his recovery process is just as we expected and hoped it would be.

According to the doctor it will take 2-3 months for full recovery, as the chest bone that was sawed through during surgery takes two full months to heal. (It is permanently wired back together after surgery.) He also has many incisions where veins and arteries were taken from other parts of his body to replace the damaged ones in his heart, plus the wounds from inserting various tubes in his body. He is able to get up and down from chairs and bed by himself now, but can't use his arms to help himself get up and down -- he has had to learn to use his legs to push himself up and forward. Ten pounds is the maximum he can lift, but nothing lifted above his head.

So far he has had no reaction to his medications. Before this surgery, he hated taking pills for any reason, and usually refused if at all possible. Now he takes seven different pills, totaling 12-13 pills during a 24-hour period! Some of them he will have to take for the rest of his life -- a small price to pay for his life given back to us.

All of your prayers, thoughts, well-wishes, cards, and emails were greatly appreciated!

T H A N K - Y O U !

A New Beginning

Larry is home -- praise the Lord!

That's it for now -- I'm busy with my new job (full-time nurse and caretaker).

Expectations and Hopes

Today was another one of those days of little surprises with Larry's recovery process. I wonder if I will ever learn not to have expectations. When I drove to the hospital this morning I was fully expecting to bring Larry home today, but arrived to learn that it wasn't a good night. To top that off, soon after his breakfast was finished and Sherry was given her break from watching over him, he suddenly got nauseated and upchucked his "cookies". Within five minutes of receiving an IV injection for the nausea, and konked out -- sound asleep for the rest of the morning.

About mid-afternoon he konked out again and slept until supper time.

Tomorrow is a new day.

New Mercies Every Morning

Larry is doing much better today than yesterday! Right now he is sleeping peacefully. "We" (he and I) just finished taking a shower together. His nurse came in and said it was time for his shower, and that I could help him if I wanted to, as long as she was in the room. So, while she was changing the sheets on his bed, we succesfully accomplished his first shower. Fun!

Yesterday was another tough day for him, still in quite a bit of pain whenever he went too long without the next pain pill. Last night he went into ä-fib (crazy heart rhythm) that was pretty scary for awhile, and required a bit of quick action. At long last (sometime after midnight) his heart began to settled down, so Jim and I went home. Sherry has been doing bedside vigil every night with her dad, sleeping in the reclining chair beside his bed, so we can get our rest for the daytime needs. He may be sent home tomorrow, depending on whether his heart rate stays stable for 24 hours after his episode last night.

He is beginning to look a little "normal", for which we are so very thankful! God impressed upon my heart this morning that His mercies are new every morning. From this point on, I think Larry and I both will look at each new day as a gift from God.

Oh, and I have to begin a new career as nurse and caretaker for the next couple of months or so. Plus I have to relearn cooking -- heart-healthy meals only, because I do want to keep this wonderful man and best friend around for many more years to come!

God's Goodness is Amazing!

Yesterday was a tough day for all of us, but God brought us through it just fine! God is good!

Friends and pastors surrounded us with loving care and prayer throughout the entire day and evening. We truly felt God's presence through all these precious people who gave up their time to spend with us. Then there were also the many emails, phone calls, and blog comments that brought smiles to us in those moments when we could take a few minutes to check for messages. He used everyone of you as His channel of support, comfort, and encouragement for our times of weariness. Throughout all of these days we have experienced many wonderful little "God-moments" that have lifted our hearts as doctors have cared for Larry's heart.

Speaking of "God-things" and doctors . . .
Larry's anesthesiologist is a Christian -- what a delightful surprise and blessing! He, along with the guy pushing the gurney, came to get Larry for surgery on Saturday morning. Would you believe he prayed with all of us when we got to the operating room? Yup! It was his idea! As we got to the place where they would take Larry through the double doors into the surgery area, and pointed out the waiting room to us, he said, "Let's stop and join hands around Larry, and pray. He led in prayer! It was an awesome moment that I will never forget. That's just one of many amazing God-things that have happened during this time.

Tonight is the first night I have been at home before 10:30. And, even alone actually! I chose to leave my husband in the company of our son and daughter tonight and treat myself to some alone time at home before it gets late. I had phone calls to make to return messages, and blog updating to do, and knew it would do me good to have a little quiet time for awhile. So, I took care of myself, and allowed them the time with their dad.

Larry is doing very well! This afternoon he was released from Cardiac I.C.U., and is back in a regular room on the cardiac care floor. He had quite severe pain off and on until the middle of the afternoon today. But, after they removed the chest tubes, his pain level dropped substantially. He's still on oxygen, and several different medications being dripped in through IVs, but really doing much better tonight.

Thanks again for all of your prayers and well wishes. We love you!

EXPANDED Update (from Jim again...)

Surgery is long since over. I've been waiting to post an update 'til he was awake, but we're still waiting, so here's the latest:

Dr Swanson (the lead surgeon working on dad) came out around 3:15 to let us know that the surgery had been succesful. 5 bypasses were done. Dad did great and everything else was fine. We saw him around 5pm and he looked good considering what he's been through. He also seemed to be responding to our voices. The nurses have decided to keep him out of it for the afternoon and into the evening, but he should be coming out of it soon. We're heading back to visit him again now and get the updates...

Jim

Update (from son, Jim)...

Hi blogging world, this is my first ever post on a blog. Sorry for the circumstances of it... but happy as well as I'm reporting the latest we know.

We received a call from the OR nurse a little before 3 reporting that they successfully did 5 bypasses and are in the process of closing up shop currently. We'll still be an hour before we get to see him and likely longer than that until he's awake, and then a bit longer yet until he's breathing on his own again. Then begins the long road to recovery of 2 to 3 months. At that point he'll be good as new (which is better than he's been for quite a while).

Thanx for your prayers. God is good!

Jim

Surgery Update

Larry is still in surgery. At 12:30 we were informed that he was doing well. They had just finished "harvesting" the veins and arteries to be used in the bypasses. Preliminary expectation at that point was to do 5 bypasses. He was hooked up to the heart-lung machine and the second half of surgery was ready to begin. It was expected to take two more hours, which means he could be done about 2:30 our time. We've had various close friends with us all day so far, which has provided wonderful support, prayer, fun and laughter for all of us.

Please keep praying . . .

Thanks!

No cell phone use

Thanks for your prayers and well wishes -- so much needed and appreciated!

We are spending all of our time at the hospital, and cannot use cell phones on the cardiology floor. So, if you want to contact us, please send an email, since we are allowed to use a computer. Son Jim is passing his computer around for our use.

Larry is currently being prepped for surgery and will be wheeled away within the half hour (soon!). Please keep praying as you think of us.

Thanks so much!

To let you know...

Sorry to inform several of you this way (instead of phone calls), but we're in the hospital and this is the best way to get word out quickly:

Larry has been in the hospital since Thursday evening with heart trouble.

He is having open-heart surgery tomorrow (Saturday) at 10/10:30 A.M. to do multiple by-passes (5-6 possibly). God has been good and we have one of the best open-heart surgeons and team in a well known good cardiac hospital. He is feeling ok. Surgery should last 3 to 4 hours. His hospital stay should be 5-6 days. And his recovery should be 2-3 months. Docs say after that he should be good as new.

Wee Bit O' Wit

Are ya bein' a twit?
Are ya throwin' a fit?
Are ya stuck in a snit?
Then get up 'n git!
Jump outta that pit!
Take a break for a bit.
Find a place you can spit--
See what ya can hit.
Rest your mind while ya sit.
Determine to quit
Squeezin' that zit!

Where did this wee bit o' wit come from? I have absolutely no idea! I was just lounging in my bed, enjoying the cup of coffee my dear husband had brought to me, marveling at the lovely view out my bedroom windows (the full moon still visible in the marbled waves of the light morning sky), when all of sudden this silly rhyme began building itself, unbidden, yet determined to continue forming. Finally, it demanded that I get out of bed and transfer it from a short memory to a hard drive!

Welcoming Autumn

Today was a beautiful first day of autumn!

I awoke from a good night sleep, refreshed and ready for a new day!
The church service was very good!
Lunch out with friends was so enjoyable!
My power nap on the couch was incredibly renewing!
Our long walk in the fresh air (pleasant temperature and quiet, peaceful surroundings) was simply delightful!
The evening snack was tasty, and the book I've just begun reading this evening (Every Living Thing, by James Herriot) is such a satisfying read.

Yes, it has been a very nice day, and God is so good to give us another day to enjoy with Him.

And, now I'm looking forward to starting another new day tomorrow morning.

My Wishes for You

Thanks!

What a delightful day I enjoyed yesterday! Thanks to all who participated in the celebration of my birthday!

A Girl Named Jeannie Annette

Little girl, with eyes of blue
and golden locks with redish hue.

Wonder and trust, in a heart so true,
Ready and willing for a life brand new.

Learning to walk--falling down too,
Learning to talk--though words were few.

Loved and loving was all she knew,
Receiving and giving as she grew.

Growing up was really tough to do,
But God's help was there to see her through.

Receiving His grace and mercy too,
Finding His promises always true.

Looking back on the years--how they flew!
Each day brought challenge and hope anew.

And, through it all, indeed I grew,
As only victories cause one to do.

Growth isn't finished till life is through;
How long I'll live--I haven't a clue!

So, day by day, I'll continue to do
whatever God shows me is right and true.

Once upon a time . . .

A Nice Little Get-Away

Since Larry is now officially unemployed, we decided to spend a few days over at the coast. The weather was perfect, the scenery beautiful, and the time away was just simply delightful!

Cape Lookout / Pacific Ocean / Tillamook, Oregon

Coming up . . .

Christmas in sunny San Diego, perhaps!
Our son Jim and his fiance Patricia have finally set the date for their wedding -- it's December 29th. Southern California is not a half-bad place to be at that time of year, so it should make for a nice little vacation, as well as a great place for a family gathering.

The date is also kinda fun, in that Patti's birthday is December 22nd, and Jim's birthday is December 30th, so that puts all of their special celebrations within a very close time period.

This picture was snapped on Friday evening (Aug. 24th), while the four of us were enjoying a two and a half hour dinner cruise along the Willamette River, while aboard the "Portland Spirit". The special occasion was We were celebrating our 38th wedding anniversary and

Because You Come to Me

August 22, 1969
This was sung at our wedding (by my Uncle Grover Kahl) 38 years ago today:

Because, you come to me,
with naught save love,
and hold my hand and lift mine eyes above,
a wider world of hope and joy I see,
because you come to me!

Because you speak to me in accent sweet,
I find the roses waking 'round my feet,
and I am led through tears and joy to thee,
because you speak to me!

Because God made thee mine,
I’ll cherish thee,
through light and darkness through all time to be,
and pray His love may make our love divine,
because God made thee mine!

Music by Guy d'Hardelot and lyrics by Edward Teschemacher
With Russ Case and His Orchestra and Produced by Eli Oberstein
Sing Magazine "Record of the Month"
Recorded December 02, 1947, New York
Artist: Perry Como

It's still true today.

A Very Fun Rainy Day

Today was a lousy weather day, but a very enjoyable day of friendship! My friend, Karen and I had plans for something big that only comes around once a year, and she wanted to get a good early start. The wake-up call I had planned on didn't wake me up since the volume on my CD player alarm clock was set to a very quiet, soothing sound to fall asleep by. Larry came in about 7:30 to gently wake me and remind me of my plans for the day, since I had told him the night before that I couldn't sleep in this morning.

Actually, he came in to see if I had yet discovered the weather conditions and what impact they might have on my plans. Plus, I guess he realized that either I was accidentally oversleeping, or that I needed to call Karen and see if she wanted to postpone our big day.

It was raining--not just sprinkling (as the internet weather news stated), but an honest-to-goodness, steady, clothes-soaking rain. Even through my sleepy eyes, I knew it would probably prevent optimum enjoyment of our plans. So, I sadly called Karen to offer another day this week. Karen wasn't the least bit deterred by the weather! She had been lying in bed, awake since 6:00 or 6:30, imagining how great it would be to go in the rain, since few others would show up! Plus, she said that according to the weather man, the rain would probably let up within an hour or so. I thought, "Yeah, right -- that's not the weather report I read", but I didn't tell Karen that.

She arrived a little before nine o'clock so we could get "a good early start", on our little journey to the annual "Street of Dreams". As if 9:00 A.M. just wasn't quite early enough, she showed up ten minutes early--just couldn't wait to get our day started. Plus, she really wanted to get a good, close place to park, and be nearly first in line to get our tickets.

Our travel time didn't take us anywhere near as long as she figured it would, so we were there about 20-25 minutes early--according to her calculations. (I had let her do all the planning for this, without even bothering to read the information on the advertisement flyer, since I had already been there a week and a half ago with Larry.) When we arrived at our destination, we were delighted to find very fews cars, and ecstatic to be able to park really close to the entrance area, since it was still raining cats & dogs.

We stepped out of the car, onto the very wet field-parking lot, into the rain, quickly pulling on our jackets and popping up our umbrellas, laughing at the weather and marveling at our wise planning. As we approached the ticket gate, we noticed that, not only was no one else in sight, it wasn't even open yet. Well, we were really early, so obviously it was too soon for the ticket office to be open. Then, as we stood there wondering what we should do besides stand in the rain and wait for the next twenty minutes, we both noticed the sign. At the same moment, we turned and faced each other and dropped our jaws. The sign said the hours were 11:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M., which meant we were an hour and twenty minutes early -- and it was pouring rain -- way out in the country, in the middle of nowhere! We stood there in the rain and laughed at ourselves, and then drudged back to the car.

Someone who was there to work told us there was a little "coffee spot" just down the road at a gas station. Sure enough there was. Actually, we spotted a general store and just assumed that was it, so we parked and went inside, glad to be in out of the rain. Karen bought a cup of coffee while I found the employees' private restroom, usually off-limits to customers. I thought, "Well, as long as we buy coffee, from the proprietor, I guess she'll be okay with me using her private bathroom. However, when I came out, Karen quietly let me know that this wasn't really the coffee spot we had been told about. It was simply a general store, with no place to sit and drink coffee--except on the bench outside--in the rain. The little coffee spot was across the street, at the gas station. So, up went our umbrellas, and we quickly ran through the rain, across the street to the gas station, laughing at ourselves once again. There we drank coffee and visited with the proprietor until time to head back to the "Street of Dreams".

By the time we got back, there were lots more hardy souls like ourselves, filling up the parking areas, and standing in line to buy tickets--in the rain. We ended up sharing our umbrellas with two other women huddling beside us in the rain, while we waited once again for the ticket office to open. Then we were finally on our way to tour six fabulous, brand new mansions -- yes, huge, incredibly beautiful way-over-sized "homes" (more like private lodges). Oh, what a way to live!

It's terribly hard to remain content with what you have, after spending even a couple of hours in places like that! It is truly a dream world!

Next, we were off to lunch, back into the real world, at a wonderful little French cafe-boulangerie, complete with all the amazing breads and desserts on display. We both decided on the soup de jour--white bean in a tomato base with fennel and sausage, which came with some really good French bread. It sounded delicious to both of us, but as we began to eat, we discovered that the beans were hard--almost crunchy--totally not fully cooked! That almost spoiled our fun -- until they graciously offered us something else to eat and our choice of any of their French pastries for dessert--free! Mm Mmm MMMM! That saved the day. As we left the restaurant, to walk back to the parking garage--through the pouring rain--we laughed again at the weather and all the fun we were having out and about in it together!

After that we stopped at a couple of stores that are great to browse/shop in, until Karen suddenly realized what time it was. It was way past time to call it a day and head home, but it was such a fun day--totally enjoyable, despite the rain -- a far better way to spend a gray, rainy day, than sitting in the house, looking out the window, and bemoaning the lousy summer weather!

Next time the gray skies and pouring rain is getting you down -- get out in it

Almost Perseided

The date had been locked into my memory ever since posting it on my calendar a couple of weeks ago. I even arranged for an automatic reminder to be emailed to me so I wouldn't forget. It worked -- I remembered, and could hardly wait for the big event!

We got together with our "Home Fellowship" group last night, and arrived back home about 9:15. Perfect timing, I thought! (I hadn't yet told Larry that I was planning for us to watch the Perseid meteor show that night.) I had it all planned: We would dress warmly, pack some food and drink, load blankets (or sleeping bags), pillows, and chaise lounges into the back of our SUV, and head out to find dark skies -- far from the lights of metropolitan Portland.

Finally, I announced my plan to Larry, and we began to make preparations to go. Then our son called and said he was on his way home, but would I please look over some stuff for him to help him out. I agreed to do so, and invited him and Patti to join us for our meteor viewing excursion. He declined, saying he was really tired, and going to bed when he got home.

When he got home I was still busy with the favor he had asked for, so he got involved in the project, as well. That kept us busy until around 12:30 A.M.! (So much for him going straight to bed.)

Well, by then Larry and I decided to forego the long ride to find totally dark skies. So, we hauled chaise lounges up onto our upper level deck (from the patio down below), and outfitted them with blankets and pillows, and plopped down to watch, along with some toast to munch on. Yup, we were comfy and ready for the show.

We soon found ourselves annoyed by all the outside lights on the houses around us, so we found ways to block out the light from our immediate view, and then settled back in to watch the show. Okay, now we're ready! Let the show begin!

By then it was about 1:00 A.M. (at least), and we layed back comfortably, staring into space, expectantly waiting for the big show. Hmmm...wasn't this show supposed to start by 10:00? Well, maybe it starts slow and then picks up speed as the night goes on. The peak time was reported to be 2:00 A.M., so at least we won't miss it -- supposedly at least one meteor per minute! This aughta be good!

Finally, Larry saw one -- I missed it (looking a different direction). After a few minutes, he saw another one -- I missed that one too. The wait lengthened . . . then he saw another one -- I didn't see that one either. Then it happened -- I saw one! Fun! Then another one -- cool! Then another very long wait.

Both of us got very sleepy while we stared and waited. We were probably out there for about an hour or so, but finally agreed that the poor showing just wasn't worth the trouble of trying to stay awake. With much disappointment we got up, carried all our stuff back inside, and went to bed.

Maybe we each saw half a dozen meteors. It was supposed to be a meteor "shower", but I'd have to say it was more like a few sprinkles--with just a drop now and then. It was kinda fun to be sort of camping out on the deck, in the cool night air, just watching the night sky, with all the stars, but it certainly wasn't what we had imagined it would be. I guess we were almost perseided, but not quite.

Good News!

That's what Larry exclaimed as he came upstairs from his office this morning. His exact words were: Good news! I just found out I'm getting fired on August 24th! I replied, "Oh, good!" Then we both laughed at the absurdity of such a statement! Actually, we prayed for this to happen, and were delighted that God answered our prayer.

Three weeks ago I described how we are still "Patiently Waiting" for the outcome of Larry's uncertain job situation. Here's a quick update:

On July 24th he had his second interview for a job in the local area -- a job he would really like to get, and one that he seemed very likely to get. Last Friday, since he hadn't heard anything further, he called to inquire and was told that they had been a bit delayed in that decision-making process and that he would probably hear during the middle of this week. However, he still hasn't heard anything further, so we are still patiently waiting.

Things have continued to deteriorate in the company he currently works for, and bankruptcy still appears imminent. His severance date was originally set as September 21st, but the commonly held fear is that the company could be out of business before that date, and those employees who had been given such a distant severance date would never see paychecks to that date, much less receive their severance check. Of course we've been praying about that little concern.

For the last couple of weeks Larry has been pondering whether to ask that his severance date be moved up to the next round of final paychecks--August 24th. I've been cautioning him against making that decision too quickly, and rather, just waiting on the Lord to make it clear. On Wednesday (this week), during a phone call with his boss , the perfect opportunity presented itself and Larry confidently stepped into it, asking to have his severance date moved up to August 24th. His boss checked into that possibility, and then called Larry back to tell him that he could be "released" from further duties on that date, but the severance date was "locked in concrete" and could not be changed. That would simply mean that Larry could discontinue working on August 24th, but would continue to receive paychecks until September 21, at which time he would receive his severance check (if the company was still in business).

We immediately went to the Lord together on this matter, seeking that His will be done.

The next day (yesterday) his boss called back and said they had changed their minds, and were willing to consider changing Larry's severance date. This morning Larry received the confirmation that, indeed, his new severance date is August 24th. Now we're asking that God keep the company from going bankrupt before that date.

Praise the Lord, from whom all blessings flow!

What August Brings

April showers bring May flowers, but, look what August brings!

It must be true . . . it's on my calendars for August! Proof positive!
One can dream, right?

While you're dreaming, here's something worth thinking about:

"Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap,
but by the seeds you plant." - Robert Louis Stevenson

SURPRISE !

My pictures of our camping trip at the coast last weekend are posted on my photo page. (I even surprised myself by getting them posted so soon!)

Click here

Road Tripping

Last weekend we (Larry and I, and Jim and Patti) jammed everything but the kitchen sink into the car, and took off on an unplanned jaunt, of uncertain length, with an undecided destination, for a unknown adventure! We headed west and meandered down the coast, stopping wherever and whenever someone said, "Let's stop here!"

After finding all the campgrounds full, well into the evening hours, we finally found an RV park that let us pitch our tent on their overflow area. It was right across the road from the ocean, at one of the most perfect, most beautiful beaches we had seen all day! After getting camp set up, we headed back into town to get some take-out supper food, and then came back and set up our chairs on the beach to enjoy the rest of sunset and twilight, staying on the beach till about 10:30 P.M.

What a wonderful weekend was enjoyed by all!

P.S. I'll try to find time to post more pictures, but, as you already know, sometimes I never do get around to doing it!

Patiently Waiting

We have been living with uncertainty regarding Larry's job for over a year now. In July of 2006, continuation of the job he had for seven years became uncertain, and then finally ended in January of 2007, when the company was closed down.

In February he was delighted to learn that he would be kept on to work for the "parent company" of his former employer. The new position was on a three-month trial basis.

The three months successfully came and went in May, with no notice of severance.

However, the company was sold soon after that point, and the division that Larry worked for is in the process of being closed down. Larry was kept on through the first two layoffs, but finally received his notice a week ago.

That same day he learned of a job opportunity with another similar company in our area. He sent his resume in, had an interview a couple of days ago, and now . . . once again . . . we are "patiently waiting."

P.S. In answer to the question some of you have been asking -- no, we never did learn who TP'd our house, or why. We've just chalked it up to one of those funny things that happens in life

T P ' d

This morning I awoke to an unbelievable white wonderland! (Well, not when I first opened my eyes) At first sight of this new day, everything looked normal. However, as I walked out of my bedroom and down the hall, toward the coffee pot in the kitchen, the sight out the larger-than-life living room windows stopped me in my tracks! Everything was white! It was like "winter-wonderland", except, even in my half-awake, half-asleep state of mind, I knew it wasn't winter! It took a minute for it to register that...we'd been T P 'd during the night--toilet papered, that is!!

Who would want to do such a thing to us??? We have no known enemies, and no well-known, local teenagers in our lives at this place and point in time. But, someone obviously chose to give us many rolls of toilet paper (a kind-hearted gesture ?), while decorating our yard for us! Hey, Pam ("Super Mom"), I do recall you asking for a picture of our yard, after I spent many, many hours out there working on it. Well, here it is, in all its "loveliness":As I stood there staring, open-mouthed in disbelief, my husband came upstairs (from his office on the lower level), and enjoyed the shock on my face. Then he quickly informed me that it was starting to rain, so we'd better get out there and get it cleaned up as fast as possible, before the toilet paper became soaked, and nearly impossible to remove.

So, without another step toward the much-desired cup of coffee, I threw on some clothes and hurried out the door to help with the very speedy clean-up effort.

Fortunately, the weather cooperated and the sprinkles didn't turn into a down-pour until after we were finished grabbing/pulling/raking all the white stuff out of the trees and stuffing it into the trash bin. Unfortunately, it filled up half of the trash bin, leaving a very limited amount of space for the trash to be added over the next four days!Nonetheless, it was a very fun wake-up experience! We laughed and chatted with one of the neighbors who also enjoyed both the scene, and our reaction! Oh, such fun!

Vacation Days

We've just returned from a little vacation in California, and it's time to admit -- it has finally happened! A move back "home" to California?
No, not yet. Instead, it's the thing we've dreaded might happen to us, ever since moving to Oregon (3 years ago this month). We've become

tree-huggers!

We knew it was bound to happen sooner or later. But, it didn't happen in Oregon as one might expect.

It happened on this visit to California. As soon as we arrived at the Redwood Forest, Larry stopped the car and ran for the nearest big one! What could I do (as a good wife) except follow my husband's lead!

Hugging this baby bunny would have been much more delightful, but it preferred to just sit and visit with me, keeping a wary eye open for any movement that was too close for comfort.

Our time away was very nice -- beautiful scenery, wonderful relaxation, and perfect weather -- sunny and warm, with cloudless azure skies!

More pictures to be posted soon . . .

Today it's time to return to reality -- life on the edge in Oregon, where everything is beautifully green, and the skies are white.