HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

To All My Democratic Friends:Please accept with no obligation, implied or explicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all. I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2009, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great. Not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country nor the only America in the Western Hemisphere. Also, this wish is made without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wishee.

To My Republican Friends: Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

A YEAR LATER

It is really hard to believe that a year has past since we moved in our newest nest! A lot happened this past year, some good, some not. But we are so very blessed in our life. It is such a blessing to be back home with family and friends. Although, I do still miss my friends and our good times in OHIO. I can't say I really miss the state itself, but all my sisters in the Lord there I do miss! God has blessed me with good friends in every state we have lived in, and I often think about all the times we had, especially at Christmas. In WV, Linda C. and I would often go into Charleston to do our shopping while the kids were in school. It took us an hour to get there...well, with her driving maybe 45 mins, and then we had the return trip and we had to beat those school buses! Some days we made it, some we did not, but we laughed and had so much fun. In Ohio, Billie, Jackie, or Bev and I would go shopping. Each one with a different goal in mind. I think most of our goal there was influenced by our eating location..LOL!! As I hung my Cracker Barrel ornament on my tree, I thought about all the good times we had at breakfast at CB. Those are what I miss about OH. Donnie and I go once in a while..but it just isn't the same!! In VA, I have friends I have come home to. We go to lunch, talk on phone, but the shopping days are over!! I think that is because Donnie is retired and we all know that boy loves to shop so I go with him!! Although there are times I try to go by myself, and I do manage that..especially my trips to CATO'S. HA HA HA!!

I pray each of you have a most blessed Christmas as we celebrate the best gift we ever got or ever will get, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! May you welcome his birth celebration, and a New Year in the Lord.

AARON AT WORK

WELCOME TO WALMART! ok, sis...here is a post!!

PUSHING MY BUTTONS

As we grow closer to the end of the campaign for President era, why are my democratic friends pushing my buttons! Anyone who knows me knows I am a conservation Christian and I don't waiver on that. Yet they call me, email me or text me and tell how great Barack Obama is and what a wonderful president he will make. BTW, for the most part I try not to send them anything on the republican side, Guess what, I am not going to vote for him, nor am I going to change my mind!! I don't believe with him on his Robin Hood crusade..take from the rich and give to the poor, nor do I think because I exist I should have health care. I think if I work for and purchase health care, then I should have it. I think medicaid is a good program to help poverty children have health care. I don't agree with him on most all of his socialistic ideas, but most importantly, I don't believe how he feels on God's laws. I don't believe in abortion, whether for incest, rape or birth control. God clearly says, in Jeremiah 1:3, BEFORE I formed you in the womb..I knew you, before you were born, I set you apart. And in Isaiah 49:1,BEFORE I was born, God called me. I don't believe in PARTIAL BIRTH ABORTION, even in the welfare of the mother. Babies lives can be saved as can the mother and we don't need to use this as an excuse to abort the innocent lives of babies.

And believe it or not...I don't believe in war! We have lost over 4700 men and women in the Iraqi and Afghanistan war, but on average there are about 3700 abortions EACH DAY!! These numbers may be lower now but that is due to the "morning after pill" ru486. I believe that all life is precious in the eyes of Jesus. He clearly teaches, pray for those who despise you,Matt. 5:43 ,but war has been a part of the world since God created it. Cain killed his brother Abel, and God punished him for it. God is my judge and he is the ONLY one who I have to answer to. By the blood of Jesus, my sins are forgiven, he stood in my place on Calvary, and I can only pray that I can stand firm in HIS name, when hurls are thrown, questions are asked and my beliefs are questioned. I don't think John McCain will have all the answers..we are a troubled nation who have lost our first love..our love for God. We are too self absorbed in ourselves. Is MY life better? Do we give enough to others? Or do we wait for the government to help them out? Are we Joe Bidens' and have an income of 2.5 million and give 3,600 to charity? Are we stewards of what HE gives us? Luke 12:48 tells us, "When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required." I pray I can be more of a witness to HIM and do what is pleasing in his sight, not what might better benefit me.
This is Judy and I approve this message!

LONG TIME....NO POST

I think I have run out of words!! I haven't blogged in a long while. I really am enjoying facebook very much. It is easier to do, and can just write a sentence or two, and keep up with other friends too.
Haven't discussed football since the beginning of the season either because there hasn't been much to discuss. All teams are winning and losing..so not an exciting year for any of them.
I have started Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). This is a 7 year program. My Mom has completed the course, and is starting it over. I had to wait a week to get in because there are so many wanting to take it. It last 33 weeks. We are studying THE LIFE OF MOSES. I am enjoying it so far. It has daily studies. I am in a group of about 15 ladies, and then there are probably about 6-8 groups. I am fortunate to have it at my church. It is a non demominational. I do know a couple in my group and several in the big group. I know I will learn, now if I can just remember!!
I haven't said how much I enjoyed our trip to OHIO and seeing all my friends there!! I had one progressive dinner!! Had a great supper at Jackie's house on Friday night with the Cranes, the Kellys, Jim Barber, Jackie and her girls. Saturday we had a great dinner with our church family at Reynoldsburg Baptist, as they celebrated their 50th anniversary. Sunday we had dinner with Bev and Hal and then I had dessert with Cris, Neva, Laura and Jackie. We got home around 11:30. Monday I met Billie, Helen, Jackie and Bev at Cracker Barrel. Then Bev and I went shopping..SURPRISE!! I wanted to go to the HOME GOODS store for fall decorations and I was very successful in finding items! Then my last meal in OHIO was the great CHILPOTLE! I had one of my favorites the chicken fajita bowl, wish I had enough room for the tacos too. Theirs are the best!! I didn't have enough time to work in my favorite Greek place..THE KING..maybe next trip!!
Donnie is close to finishing the basement so we will soon have two guest bedrooms. I will be expecting some visitors!
Saturday we celebrate Aaron's 35th birthday! I AM OLDER THAN DIRT!!!
HAPPY FALL TO ALL!!!!!!!!!!!

PATRIOT DAY,2008

Don't ever forget 9-11. Where were you? REMEMBER

AND THEY ARE OFF...

And not to a very good start. VT and MICHIGAN both lose, but WV won!! TN plays Monday night so will have to see how my record looks after that....

IT IS OFFICIAL!!!!!!

FALL-ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!

The rain has come back to Virginia!! And boy have we needed it!! I can almost see the grass getting greener.

Along with the rain this week, comes college football!!!!! On Sat. VA TECH will be in CHARLOTTE, NC to play EAST CAROLINA, WVU host VILLANOVA, and MICHIGAN will host UTAH! The UNIVERSITY OF TENN begins SEPT 1 at UCLA! WOW!! Can I wait!!?? I guess I have to!! Actually, there are some games on tonight on ESPN. And yes, the chili beans are on the stove!!!

I might have to skip BARACK'S speech for football!!!!! I have to admit I have been watching the DNC this week, only to know my enemies!! I haven't heard anything to make me want to vote for the democrats, not that I would, but I am beginning to believe it isn't so much people are voting for the democrats, they are tired of the republicans and THINK the democrats will do a better job, so they will be voting out the republicans not voting in the democrats. Well, I know it has already been decided by God who will be leading our country, and I pray those who don't or haven't supported Bush will be able to support the new president and will pray for him. I wonder if all who think Bush has done a terrible job, and will be glad to see him go, have held him up in their prayers, or are they just happy to slander him.

VIRGINIA DARE

We had a beautiful night on SMITH MT. LAKE. Not only did we have a beautiful sunset but we also had a full moon.

OLYMPICS AND SO MUCH MORE

What a fun filled week in olympics!! I have stayed up late watching swimming and gymnastics. Are those American athletes awesome, or what?? Michael Phelps is incredible in that swimming pool. And for those of you who may not know or care to know, he did his college swimming at, yes, the UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN!!!!!!!!!! Now, that is what GO BLUE means!!!

Also this week, I created a page on FACEBOOK. I guess I didn't think MYSPACE and a blog were enough..HA!!!!! But also found lots of people on FACEBOOK and have several friends added to my page.

And if that wasn't enough, it was time for me to upgrade my cell phone. Every 2 years when my contract comes due with VERIZON, I make a decision to upgrade my phone. This time I went with the maroon LG en2. It opens to a full keyboard which makes it easy for me to text. I still have several things to figure out about it, but I had 2 library books to read, so a how to booklet was not high on my list of to do this week!!!!!!

Tonight we go on the VIRGINIA DARE. We are doing this with the AEP RETIREE/VETERAN Association. Veterans are anyone who has 20 years of service with AEP. We went with this group to see a play about ELVIS at Mill Mountain Playhouse last month. They have monthly activites as well as a monthly breakfast. Donnie has been to one of the breakfasts. They have several trips planned which we won't be going to, but looks like a luncheon in November and a Christmas party at the HOTEL ROANOKE in December.

The sad part of our week was attending a graveside service. It was for Jim Sullivan, a 57 year old employee of AEP, who died from pancreatic cancer. He was Labor Relations Manager in Columbus. He and Donnie worked together and he was in Donnie's office nearly everyday. He was in our home several times for meals and even a VT football game with his son Bryce. He is from Roanoke, graduated from WILLIAM FLEMING(class of '69) , as did Donnie('66) and I('68). He was also a VT graduate. This dreaded disease took another friend.

SUMMERTIME...AND THE LIVING IS EASY

Of course, it is also, hot hot hot!! We have seen several days in the 90's and more to come this week! Although we have had a couple of days at the lake on the boat keeping cool, most days we are in the air conditioning in the house! I used to think winter was when we hybernate, but I think it is summer. I close all my blinds, trying to keep the hot sun out, and open them wide in the winter trying to let the warmth in!!
With not a lot to do, unless I choice to, reading, as always is one of my choices of entertainment in summer. Haven't done as much this year as I have in past summers, Donnie and I have been watching shows we TIVO. We also watched season one of NCIS. Although we have watched it from the beginning it is fun to watch the series as they start. No wonder these videos are so popular in stores. We have season 2 of JAG, still trying to find season one.
Also, I am glad THE CLOSER is back for the summer. I have enjoyed watching this series since it started several years ago. I found out this year you can purchase the TOTE BAG she carries on QVC.!! I have been tempted, but haven't ordered it yet!! I watched DESIGN STAR and Food Network's the Next Food network Star. I liked who America picked for Design Star, I didn't like who was chosen for Food Network.
Last week I watched a show on ABC Thursday night called HOPKINS. It takes place at JOHN HOPKINS in Baltimore. It follows REAL doctors and their cases. Since last week was week 6 of a 7 week run, I had missed several. Most of you know I have had several medical "events" and for whatever reason I am attracked to these kinds of shows. Yesterday, I found HOPKINS online and caught up on the series. I found watching TV shows on the ole laptop most relaxing, you breeze throught the 30 sec. commercials and watch the shows in under 45 minutes. This show has lung transplants, heart transplants and brain surgeries. It is not for the weak stomach as they show some of the surgeries on air.
Well, as you can see, I am enjoying a laid back summer, trying to stay cool and loving our fresh tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers.
LIFE IS GOOD IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA!!!

THROUGH THE YEARS

Today we celebrate our 38th wedding anniversary. Time surely does fly! Congratulations to Cris and Steve on their anniversary as well, and Happy Birthday to Stephanie!!!

CHRISTIAN THE LION

In case you didn't see this on the TODAY SHOW or the VIEW. This is awesome. Actually took place in the 70's.
Don't forget about the playlist at the bottom..pause it to listen to music.

I'VE JUST SEEN JESUS

Most of you know I am a fan of southern gospel music. This is one of my favorites that is performed at one of the Gaither concerts. It is sung by Larnelle Harris and Sandi Patty.

MEMORIAL TO FALLEN US NAVY SEAL

THE COST OF FREEDOM ISN'T FREE.

PAUSE PLAYLIST AT BOTTOM OF BLOG.

INDEPENDENCE DAY

If America continues down the path it has chosen -- porous borders, abortion-on-demand, homosexual marriage, out-of-control spending, a failure to provide for our energy security and a judicial autocracy that grows bolder every day -- we may look back and remember this as our last Independence Day. It will never happen, some will say. And I pray they are right.
But a nation pays the price for its actions. We are witnessing the ongoing destruction of the American family with skyrocketing divorce rates, sexually promiscuous middle-schoolers and parental rights decimated by judicial tyrants. We see homosexuality increasingly normalized and dissent of the homosexual agenda ruthlessly suppressed. Illegal immigration which is bringing in crime and taking jobs and tax-funded abortion facilities responsible for ending the lives of 200,000 babies each and every year. God judges nations as he judges individuals. How can we expect God to bless America, when everything we do is a slap in the face to the Almighty?Our Founding Fathers knew that America was built on the self-evident truth that all men are created equal and endowed by their CREATOR with certain inalienable rights. They knew that our nation would prosper only by obedience to the Word of God. They knew that civilizations had fallen throughout history when they adopted lifestyles and standards that violated God's law.But it is we the people who will decide which standard America will follow. Will we stand for life? Will we stand for law? Will we stand for decency and the family? Will we stand for those eternal truths embodied in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution?The choice is ours. I strongly encourage you to contemplate our nation's future as you celebrate this Independence Day. Our action -- or inaction -- today, will chart the course for our future. Please stand with us, pray with us, and fight with us for a nation with a hope and a future.

God bless you and your family. And let's make sure God can continue to bless America.

From Dr. Rick Scarborough
Vision America Action

HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN??

Have you forgotten that..

1. 1968 Bobby Kennedy was shot and killed by Muslim male extremist between the ages of 17 and 40.

2. In 1972 at the Munich Olympics, athletes were kidnapped and massacred by Muslim male extremists between the ages of 17 and 40.

3. In 1979, the US embassy in Iran was taken over by Muslim male extremists between the ages of 17 and 40.

4. During the 1980's a number of Americans were kidnapped in Lebanon by Muslim male extremists between the ages of 17 and 40.

5. In 1983, the US Marine barracks in Beirut was blown up by Muslim male extremists between the ages of 17 and 40.

6. In 1985 the cruise ship Achille Lauro was hijacked and a 70 year old American passenger was murdered and thrown overboard in his wheelchair by Muslim male extremists between the ages of 17 and 40.

7. In 1985 TWA flight 847 was hijacked at Athens, and a US Navy diver trying to rescue passengers was murdered by Muslim male extremists between the ages of 17 and 40.

8. In 1988 , Pan Am Flight 103 was bombed by Muslim male extremists between the ages of 17 and 40.

9. In 1993 the World Trade Center was bombed the first time by Muslim male extremists between the ages of 17 and 40.

10 In 1998, the US embassies in Kenya an d Tanzania were bombed by Muslim male extremists between the ages of 17 and 40.

11. On 9/11/01, four airliners were hijacked; two were used as missiles to take down the World Trade Centers and of the remaining two, one crashed into the US Pentagon and the other was diverted and crashed by the passengers. Thousands of people were killed by Muslim male extremists between the of 17 and 40.

12. In 2002 the United States fought a war in Afghanistan against Muslim male extremists between the ages of 17 and 40.

13. In 2002 reporter Daniel Pearl was kidnapped and murdered by-- you guessed it-- Muslim male extremists between the ages of 17 and 40.


According to The Book of Revelations:
The Anti-Christ will be a man, in his 40s, of MUSLIM descent, who will deceive the nations with persuasive language, and have a MASSIVE Christ-like appeal....the prophecy says that people will flock to him and he will promise false hope and world peace, and when he is in power, he will destroy everything.

Of all times the People of America want to elect, to the most Powerful position on the face of the Planet -- The Presidency of the United states of America.


I'm sorry but I refuse to take a chance on the 'unknown' candidate Obama... truthfully, I am not sorry!!

HAPPY FATHERS DAY

FAITH OF OUR FATHERS

Text: Frederick W. Faber, 1814-1863 Music: Henri F. Hemy, 1818-1888; adapt. by James G. Walton, 1821-1905 Tune: ST. CATHERINE, Meter: 88.88.88

1. Faith of our fathers, living still, in spite of dungeon, fire, and sword; O how our hearts beat high with joy whene'er we hear that glorious word!

Refrain: Faith of our fathers, holy faith! We will be true to thee till death.

2. Faith of our fathers, we will strive to win all nations unto thee; and through the truth that comes from God, we all shall then be truly free. (Refrain)

3. Faith of our fathers, we will love both friend and foe in all our strife; and preach thee, too, as love knows how by kindly words and virtuous life. (Refrain)

ANNIVERSARY

Today Donnie totally surprised me with flowers and a card to celebrate the 42nd anniversary of our FIRST date!! WOW..what more can I say! I am one blest woman!!

STAR CITY OF THE SOUTH

This is the star on top of Mill Mountain.....

Here is the VIEW

WHY I DON'T MISS OHIO

The weather followed us.....

HAS ANYONE TOLD YOU?

I received this in an email today. How you enjoy it!

MEMORIAL DAY

TAKE TIME THIS DAY TO REFLECT ON OUR PAST. IF YOU SEE A VETERAN THANK THEM FOR THEIR SERVICE. THE COST OF FREEDOM IS NOT FREE, IT TAKES SACRIFICE.

AMERICA, AMERICA, GOD SHED HIS GRACE ON THEE AND CROWNED THY GOOD WITH BROTHERHOOD FROM SEA TO SHINING SEA.

O BEAUTIFUL FOR HEROES PROVED
IN LIBERATING STRIFE.
WHO MORE THAN SELF THEIR COUNTRY LOVED
AND MERCY MORE THAN LIFE!
AMERICA! AMERICA!
MAY GOD THY GOLD REFINE
TILL ALL SUCCESS BE NOBLENESS
AND EVERY GAIN DIVINE!

THE NEST IN THE SPRING/SUMMER

Here are pictures of our spring/summer yard. Donnie has been quite busy! He built the arbor too.

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY

To all the mothers...

PROVERBS 31:9b-31

FARM LIVING.....LOL

This is across the road from our house..

DERBY DAY AT AARONS

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

On this National Day of Prayer, we ask God's continued blessings on our country. This year's theme, "Prayer! America's Strength and Shield," is taken from Psalm 28:7, "The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped." On this day, we pray for the safety of our brave men and women in uniform, for their families, and for the comfort and recovery of those who have been wounded. Take time out from your day to pray for our country, our leaders and our military.

BATTLE HYMN

A DAY AT SMITH MT. LAKE

Well, actually it was less than 2 hours. But we had a good time. Only took us from Sunday until Wednesday to make it there. And it is only about 15 miles from our house..SWEEETTT
Here are a few pictures... for more visit snapfish. As you can tell there are quite a few VERY expensive houses on this lake.Tough job, but someone has to do it!!!

OUT WITH THE OLD....

IN WITH THE NEW.....

SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE TIME

Aaron and his boat made it to VIRGINIA!! Looks like we might have some days at Smith Mountain Lake
Donnie will be playing golf at one of the courses this Friday. It is an AEP outing.

WE PAUSE TO REMEMBER

ANOTHER STEP

I went back to my surgeon today. She said all looked good! I go back in six months and then I will probably be turned loose if my endocrinologist agrees. YEAAAAAA She said my neck muscles are still very tight on both sides...I am thinking massages..LOL

If I go to the beach or am going to be out in the sun, she recommends wearing a scarf. I might be the new Katherine Hepburn!! My aunt had asked me if I was going to be wearing scarves..well, looks like I might! HA HA HA!!

PERSON OF THE WEEK...BERT BRADY

Why do we not see more stories like this on the news! Instead we see Hillary taking shots in a local bar!!

Don 't forget to turn off/pause the playlist and the bottom of the blog.

A SPECIAL LITTLE GIRL

This little girl is Libby Jamison. She is the granddaughter of a former co-worker of Donnie's at AEP. He and Donnie worked for a long time together in Roanoke. Steve and Brenda have been friends of ours for a long while. Please take the time to read the Caring Bridge pages and put her and her family on your prayer list.

GOD IS SO GOOD

I went to my endocrinologist today. He had the report from my body scan last week and all was clear. It showed a large amount of uptake in the thyroid area...this is a good thing.. as well as physiologic uptake in the salivary glands, this is normal. There is NO evidence of cervical abnormality. No extra cervical disease is seen the the chest, abdomen or pelvis. This proves that there is no cancer cells floating around in the body!! Thank you God.

I graduated from my therapy sessions this week too. I still have some numbness on the left side of my face, neck and head, including my ear. Everyone believes in time it will all return. I have NO appoinments this week!! I can hardly believe it.

I will return to my endocrinologist in one month to check my thyroid levels. He said I hadn't been on the medicine long enough to see alot of change. But I do see change in my energy levels. I don't know if it is because once the treatment was over I felt like a cloud was lifted or if the meds are kicking in...probably both!!

FREE AT LAST, FREE AT LAST

Well sorta... I went to therapy today. They gave me another new fashion look. I have to strips of tape from the back of my ear to my clavical. Purpose, to hopefully, get the tissue they are breaking up to move down. It seems they seem to be gathering in one location. This is causing some swelling, puffiness. It pulls the skin up a little and allows movement. We shall see. I go to nuclear medicine tomorrow for another body scan to see if the RAI(i131) did the job.
It is beautiful in the Commonwealth of VA today (74). It was a great day to get out. I scrubbed my bathroom, stripped the bed, aired out the pillows, feather bed, washed the linens and moved out of the spare bedroom!! Only thing left to move is the small TV back to the kitchen. YIPEE!!

SATURDAY AM

I had a good nights rest. My salivary glands are a little sore this AM, kinda like mumps. I thought all was good until I looked in the mirror... OH MY!!!

TODAY @ 1:00

GLOW LITTLE GLOW WORM GLIMMER GLIMMER

5th ANNIVERSARY OF IRAQ WAR

IF I DIE BEFORE I WAKE

This is a great song produced by one of our servicemen. Please share it with your friends and family.

THANKS TO OUR TROOPS WHO SERVE US SO PROUDLY!!

AGAIN I WAIT

I talked with the office of Nuclear Medicine. The doctor there called my endocrinologist to discuss what route we need to take for treatment. I have a lot of residual thyroid tissue and it would require a large dose of RAI. The doctor of NM suggested we do a couple of treatments. One large treatment would be too much and could cause tracheitis. He is very much against giving me that much. I don't know what the other options are. I will call the endo's office tomorrow. Pray the endocrinologist sees the urgency to contact me!!!!

MINI DOSE

Today I went for a body scan ablation. What is that, you might ask. It is a mini dose of the RAI treatment. I will go back Monday for a body scan, and then a couple of days following that I will be taking the larger dose to kill any thyroid cells or tissue left in my body. I have to take the same precautionary steps as with the full dose. Not closer than 3 feet to anyone for no more than an hour. Use separate bedrooms and bathrooms at our house. No cooking..oh boo hoo.., except for myself, of course. I have to be separated for a least the next 2 days and by then it will start all over again. Since I don't have an actual date for the treatment, I hope I can work in at least one day of therapy. My neck feels so much better after I have a treatment. They did a ultrasound heat and shock treatment this week. Now that was strange. Put electrodes on my muscle and gave it a little shock to try to stimulate it . This treatment is used for stroke patients too. The heat and massage really loosens the muscle and tissue. The "glob" under my chin is getting better, but it is still there. So, by this time next week, the treatments should be done, and I will be in my room!! We did move the little TV from the kitchen to the spare bedroom. I will be catching up on rest and maybe some reading this week.

A YEAR LATER

I happened to think this AM, that I have been blogging for about a year. Sure enough, my first one was March 3, 2007. A lot has changed in the last year, so it is good to go back and see what has taken place.
One thing remains the same. God is faithful. As we approach the EASTER season with Palm Sunday being this week, let's remind ourselves that every day we serve a risen Lord and every Sunday should be celebrated as Easter.

"IN GOD WE STILL TRUST"

The song you are about to listen to is from a Las Vegas Diamond Rio concert. They received an immediate resounding standing ovation, and continue to do so every time they perform it! Everyone who loves America should be thrilled to hear this song! Although Diamond Rio has never before done a statement song, they felt compelled to record "In God We Still Trust." It is powerful and the pics are awesome too. But, I wonder, do we really??

You will need to go to the bottom of the blog to pause the PLAYLIST

PUZZLE

I think most of you have heard how puzzle challenged I am. This is fun..and I actually got it done. This is amazing,the picture has movement in it the entire time you are working on it. Drag the pieces together to make a picture. Yes, it can be done completely! When you complete the puzzle you will hear applause. Thanks for sharing this Sharon.

THE RESULTS ARE IN......

My TSH level this week is 46.7. As I stated it needs to be 50 before RAI treatment. But it is close enough to get the ball rolling. I will be having a body scan on March 14. I will be informed after that when I can receive the treatment. Looks like I might be radioactive at EASTER!! Or they might choose to do it after EASTER but that would mean I would continue to go more hypo every day, which translate more and more tired and other symptoms as well. Will be glad when all is said and DONE!!!!

Therapy is going well. The neck muscles are improving each day, and the scar has turned loose from connecting tissue. Still have one large "glob" that needs to be broken up. I will go 2 more times next week, and depending on RAI treatment, maybe 2 times the following week. I am doing my exercises 2 times a day, and using heat twice as well. I saw my original therapist today and she was very pleased with the progress. I have some feeling back in my ear, head, and face. I can feel myself put my earring in and don't have to look in the mirror!! YEA!! Still feels like I am lying on plastic cup though!

HOW TO FOLD A SHIRT

My sister send this to me this week...I am fascinated each time I watch it...

YOUNG REPUBLICANS!

This is Isaac, a friend of ours in Ohio. His Mom actually went to school with Mike Huckabee in her primary years. They are from Arkansas originally.
This gives new meaning to Ps 22:6, train up a child in the way he should go...lol.....The young lady standing to his right, we also know from church in Reynoldsburg.

MEDICAL REPORT

Got a call from my endocrinologist. My TSH level is 34 has to be at least 50 before they do the RAI. So I go back next Monday for more blood work. Ho Hum!!

I will continue with my physical therapy for the next few weeks. Go two more times this week and then 2 times for the next 3 weeks. By the way the muscle I am getting therapy on is not the upper trapezius muscle, it is the sternocleidomastoid muscle. It involves ultrasound heat therapy, massage, and some neck exercises. Not hard, mostly time consuming!

That is all I know, from the not so patient, patient!!!

BEFORE YOU GO

Please read to the end and then click on the website -- this is fabulous! My Dad and his 2 brothers served during WWII. His older brother was killed in France. Lest we forget....Thank you Daddy and Jack...and Fred.

The elderly parking lot attendant wasn't in a good mood!
Neither was Sam Bierstock. It was around 1 a.m., and Bierstock, a Delray Beach, Fla. , eye doctor, business consultant, corporate speaker and musician, was bone tired after appearing at an event.
He pulled up in his car, and the parking attendant began to speak. "I took two bullets for this country and look what I'm doing," he said bitterly.
At first, Bierstock didn't know what to say to the World War II veteran. But he rolled down his window and told the man, "Really, from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you."
Then the old soldier began to cry.
"That really got to me," Bierstock says.
Cut to today.
Bierstock, 58, and John Melnick, 54, of Pompano Beach - a member of Bierstock's band, Dr. Sam and the Managed Care Band - have written a song inspired by that old soldier in the airport parking lot. The mournful "Before You Go" does more than salute those who fought in WWII. It encourages people to go out of their way to thank the aging warriors before they die.
"If we had lost that particular war, our whole way of life would have been shot," says Bierstock, who plays harmonica. "The WW II soldiers are now dying at the rate of about 2,000 every day. I thought we needed to thank them."
The song is striking a chord. Within four days of Bierstock placing it on the Web, the song and accompan ying photo essay have bounced around nine countries, producing tears and heartfelt thanks from veterans, their sons and daughters and grandchildren.
"It made me cry," wrote one veteran's son. Another sent an e-mail saying that only after his father consumed several glasses of wine would he discuss " the unspeakable horrors" he and other soldiers had witnessed in places such as Anzio, Iwo Jima, Bataan and Omaha Beach. "I can never thank them enough," the son wrote. "Thank you for thinking about them."
Bierstock and Melnick thought about shipping it off to a professional singer, maybe a Lee Greenwood type, but because time was running out for so many veterans, they decided it was best to release it quickly, for free, on the Web. They've sent the song to Sen. John McCain and others in Washington. Already they have been invited to perform it in Houston for a Veterans Day tribute - this after just a few days on the Web. They hope every veteran in America gets a chance to hear it.

GOD BLESS every EVERY veteran...
and THANK you to those of you veterans who may receive this !

CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO HEAR THE SONG AND SEE THE PICTURES:

BEFORE YOU GO

MEDICAL UPDATE

So, today I went back to my surgeon. Overall she thinks all looks good. However, I will be going for some physical therapy for the upper trapezius muscle. The muscle has become very tight, stiff, and uncomfortable. She said I need to do the therapy or it will continue to get worse. I will also be on ibuprofen for inflammation, using warm compresses and heating pad. She doesn't think I will have to take it long and they will probably show me what I can do at home. The scar itself looks good outwardly. On the inside, on the left side, where the mass was and where she removed 23 lymphnodes is still wide and hard. I am to massage it several times a day, continue to use Vitamin E or cocoa butter. Monday, I go for my blood work to see if I can take the RAI soon. I can say for sure... I will be glad when all is behind me and I can get on with life even if that means unpacking more boxes!!!

THE GRATITUDE CAMPAIGN

Don't be afraid to say THANKS!

VISIT TO ENDOCRINOLOGIST

I had my first visit with my latest of doctors, the endocrinologist, today. After looking over the pathology reports we are heading forward with the radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment. He changed the thyroid medicine I was on to a different kind. I will take it for a week, then stop for 10 days. At that point I will be going in for blood work, 2-25, and he will look at the levels. If they are low enough he will schedule the treatment. It is to be outpatient at the hospital. If they are not, he will continue to draw blood and watch for the right levels. He warned me that I will be very tired. I don't know when I will go back on thyroid medicine following the RAI. I think my bed is going to become my best friend. So glad I have a laptop!!

Another Dr. Visit

Went back to my surgeon yesterday. She removed the bandages. She really did slit my throat..LOL!! I would post the picture, but I know I have some queezy stomach friends. I will be going to see endocrinologist next Friday. I guess I will be taking it easy until then. And maybe after that! Incision looks good have to keep it greased up with cocoa butter,or vitamin E or antibiotic. Using cocoa butter right now. Sleeping better at night, which always is a help to me. I like sleep!!

Having a ice storm today, so will be staying inside. Icicles hanging off of everything.

Dr. Visit

I went to doctor today. She removed my jp drain and put a pressure bandage on. It stays on for 24 hrs. Donnie will remove it tomorrow. She had gotten the reports back and all the nodes were clear. I started on my thyroid medicine and will see a endocrinologist as soon as an appointment is set. He will monitor my levels and decide when I am hypo enough to do the RAI. GOD IS SO GOOD.

Don't you love the fashion statement??

BUMP....STEP BACK AND TAKE A BREATH

After following the CONFESSIONS OF A CF HUSBAND I have learned the word bump! If you haven't been following this powerful story and witness for our Lord, take some time and do so.
AND when you have that time would someone PLEASE tell me how to put the direct link into my post without the actual website address!!! THANK YOU CRIS!!!!!!

This week I hit my own bump! While expecting to go into hospital for a simple outpatient surgery to remove a benign mass from my neck, I was bumped into a 6 hr surgery to remove a malignant Papillary carcanoid, my entire thyroid and some additional lymph nodes. Since I didn't get home until Saturday I had not been able to research this type of cancer as have all my other family members and some friends. What we all have learned is that it is the most curable and treatable cancers with no extreme life changes. I will have to take a radioactive iodine(RAI) pill in a couple of weeks to kill all the thyroid cells in my body and take thyroid meds the rest of my life. I will have to go on a low iodine DIET ..least favorite word.. for a couple of weeks before I can take the RAI. Pretty simple, no milk products, iodized salt, red food colorings. No eating out because of not knowing what restaurants use. Fresh meats, veggies and fruits with none of the additives I described. And, oh yea..... NO CHOCOLATE!!!!!!!!!!! I will have to do a countdown to chocolate!!

Right now I don't feel bad but will probably begin to feel worse as my body realizes there is no thyroid and I will go hypothyroid which is when I can begin treatment.

I received a beautiful email from a friend in OHIO who went through this about 5 years ago. I am sure I will be contacting her about what to expect and not expect. God is gracious to put friends into our life that we have no idea how they will help us through our bumps in life.

Thanks to all of you who are praying and continue to pray. I will try to keep everyone updated.

As of today, I still have the drainage tube in my neck, hopefully will have it removed soon.

OH THE WEATHER OUTSIDE .. IS BEAUTIFUL

This is our first snow back in Virginia! And what a beautiful one it is!! Of course, when you can just sit and watch it and not go out in it...well, it is always more beautiful.

AMERICA, WHY I LOVE HER

http://sagebrushpatriot.com/america.htm

HAIL TO THE VICTORS

HAIL TO THE VICTORS VALIANT..HAIL HAIL TO MICHIGAN!! AND HAIL TO LLOYD CARR!! GREAT GAME...BEATING NO. 12 FLORIDA..

CONGRATS TO TENNESSEE IN THEIR WIN OVER WISCONSIN!!!!