IN Carmel

So this morning I'm early or shall we say earlier. It's a new work week. I'm off to church to work this morning with Heidi, finishing up the visual arts tasks for Lent. It seems to happen every year and this is no exception. So it's work day at church. I decided to try once again to test my skills at keeping the starlings out of the bluebird feeder this morning. So a little more wire has been added. Something keeps me trying. It seems that Starlings and Bluebirds go together. It's a crazy twosome. At some point this week we need to make a birdseed run and I'll see what is on the commercial market once again for this strange twosome. I'm not depriving the starlings food. I just nt to keep the bluebird food for the bluebirds. It's strange how other birds never touch it. Just Starlings seem to have an appitizing taste for mealworms. The nights continue to be short in duration and I'm really enjoying the early morning appearance of the

It's Sunday and time just gets away when not thinking of the blog. It's church day. Must be the first day of the week. The announcement was made that masks will be optional now at church but those not vacinated are encouraged to wear masks at this time. Perhaps the world is healing from this germ. I pray it heals from war even sooner. There is an evening prayer service at church and tomorrow evening one at Second Presb. for the healing of the world. Pray that Putin will see his way to peace. The TV pictures of mothers and children fleeing with husbands seperated and now asked to carry guns to the fight are heart wrenching. These families are no different from those I know and love here. Pray, pray, pray for their safety. This afternoon was grocery shopping at Aldi's once again. I love that store but I did need to make a stop at Krogers for a couple of things. Love my lentels and chik peas. I bought some smaller storage containers for freezer soup. Big ones ju

Mr. Sun can put me in the best mood. I welcome that friend. So the glow is here for most of the day. It's a gift. Today was another Bread and Bowl morning. I stopped at the Nora Bagel shop. It's a bakery that makes bagels in the New York style. That means the dough gets boiled in the process of turning into a bagel. It completes the process in the oven. Yum, yum. There is nothing quite like a New York style bagel. Heidi and James talk alot about New York style bagels susprised that they are available here. This morning they started their Bread and Bowl morning with that kind of bagel. I told the shop keeper she should sell the smell. The morning's work went well. We had great workers and even had a bit of time to pull banners and more from the closet that support the next season of the church year, the season of Lent. I love seeing all the grand viberant purples against the gray stone of the church. Tomorrow we will do a bit of decorating after service and the

I know it happens every day but I'm just thinking...a new day for doing. And this morning we are doing a run to the airport once again with good friends Joe and Sarah Ellen. The weather was a bit of an icy worry yesterday but the roads are in great shape. No problem for sure. So another car trip to send the Mamlins on their way to Kenya for a month's visit, once again to connect with folks they worked with during their 20 years of living in the medical world in western Kenya. We wish them well. Among other things, Joe was the first to bring the treatment of Aids to this part of the world. Sarah Ellen brought the Child Life Program to the hospital in Eldoret. It is a totally new way of treating children during their time of hospitalization. These are two revolutionary folks have demonstrate evidence of making a difference to the least of these as Jesus has taught. The house repair guys are in their final morning of work picking up all the equipment needed in their wor

The first of two sessions with Dr. Mercho went very well. It's very strange how one can forget two crown sessions that I've had before this one. They were with now retired Dr. Brown. Guess he could make me forget them magically. New ways of doing crown work certainly were evident yesterday. I would say great improvements for sure now that the recall mode is working. Impressions electronically were made and in three weeks I'm back for the graduation exercises. My hope is to keep graduating from doctors but they seem to demand returns. So I'm happy to keep them happy by being compliant. That's the better world to follow. As you have probably noticed, pictures are absent. Well, the reason is that something has happened in the program. It looks different and picturea don't move from one place to another but I'll try one more time. The third puzzle of the winter is finished. This one was as easy as the second one was hard. It's a repeat puzzle an

It's a busy world and a busy week. Last month looking at the calendar reminded me that Monday was Dr. Schneider's time, today there is time for Dentist Dr.Mercho and I was going to schedule Fri. with Dr. Meyers the eye man. Then I thought three doctors in a week are way to many. Dr. Meyer got the heave ho! He's next week. I mentioned to someone that I'm collecting doctors like a dog attracts fleas. The absence of the Friday doctor left it open for an airport run with Joe and Sarah Ellen Mamlin. We've done this run for years with them. This time their trip to Kenya will be for a month's visit. So happy to get them on their way again. I really think the Honda Odessy is part of the drawing card. There are always lots of suitecases heading across the pond with them. So happy we have the space for stuff! We retired folks also have the time. So it's Dr. Mercho at 1 pm. It's crown time. It seems that radiation has done a number on my teeth as it u

Now the difficult part of the title is to do both at the same time. My challenge. Yesterday was a great day. Strange to say that after spending 4 hours at the Simon Cancer Center. The report is good. So far no changes in the three months since the last appointment. The next visit...in three months. With all the negative feeling that cancer might bring the Simon C C is a marvelous place to feel compassion. The visit started with more mammagram pictures then one could ever imagine. Then it was on to more ultrasound pictures than one could imagine first with an intern doctor, then with a fellow doctor and then finally the doctor in charge of ultrasounds. I U certainly is a teaching facility. Then time with Dr. Schnider...the compassionate man in charge sharing his assessment. On the way home a stop at Habigs for all the spring seed purchases. Then it was time to play in the dirt. I did more sprucing up and clearing out, filling another one of those large blue garbage contain

 I am so ready for the growing season.  New life, new surprises that bring excitement.  So ready.  I've taken walks through the garden with my winter coat, hat, and gloves on to see if something has changed.  I am so ready.  So this morning's pictures show just a bit of change.  Yeah Crocus and Jonquils peeking up telling me that soon is closer. It's the early birds in the plant world.  Last fall I planted more of these two flowers needing something new and fresh to watch for.  The new bee additions are a bit late but they will be here before long.  Last spring after radiation sessions I often stopped at Rosie's Garden Shop to look at plants.  Looking was good enough for me.  My spaces were full.  Such a beautiful array of flowers to heal the soul.  I loved it.  Today, after seeing Dr. Schnider my plan is to stop at Habigs to buy seeds. Another way to feed the soul.  I am so blessed.   I'm always ready for new beginnings in the garden.   Today could bring informatio

 Skipping in-person church today to take care of my colon.  I think it's healing.  I'll attend online.  The men are singing at both services so Doug is gone for the morning.  I'm adding Noah to the blog today.  He fills in as an acolyte on many Sundays.  Both he and Andrew are attending bell rehearsal after church on most Sundays.  They both are great willing helper  Short report...hammering did jump the thread off the wall.  Not many spools but a few.   I'm adding a picture today from the Michigan Russell family.  They are nearing the end of lambing season.  This week they added another set of twins.  I think it's the second set for this year.  Such cute little babies every spring romping with their mothers in the pasture. Some are all black and some are all white.  Why?  Not sure.   And not to be forgotten.  The Christmas Cactus still is gifting a flower now and then.  I think there will be a couple more before spring.  Looking for more next year.   Once again I h

 The hammering continued yesterday.  Just another bang closer to the end.  I've had some reservations about the changes to the house color but the more that happens the better I'm feeling about beige over white.  It's just looking warmer alongside a brick color that also is a bit muted and for sure cleaner in all respects.   The shutters may be here soon.   We've been told...two more days.  Now that's weather-dependent for sure.  There are small places on all five sides of the house that need finishing.  They guys are great workers and of course, cookies seem to push them right along.  It's been c chips, snickerdoodles and peanut butter so far.     Another something that seems to be sticking around is the leftovers involved with Monday's colonoscopy.  Leftovers are something new in this cycle.  The prep along with all the polyps found has left its mark that does not want to be erased.  I know that all the current unpleasantness should lead to some good outco

 Choir practice ended last night with an icy walk to the car.  Brr.  Tim walked with me and I had to laugh because Tim's helping arm was too high.  He's a very tall kid. But there were no falls for anyone so that was good.  It was an icy trip home.  This morning's temperature of 15 brought Kevin and some helpers to the house just after 8 am.  The banging continues and the siding is coming off and new will go up.  Three tough workers are here.  It would appear they may finish today.   It has got to look worse before it looks better.  The drumming of hammers goes on just outside this wall of thread.  Bill Douglas made this board to hold thread for Doris.  The daughters gave it to me and now we'll see if the pounding jump the thread off the wall.  I thought it was worth the gamble to just wait to see what happens.   Of course I didn't want to move all this thread unless needed..   I'm a risk-taker on this one.  So far so good but the outside banging job is far from

 Rain is not on the way.  It's here!  More to come among other things I hear.  So the day will be full of surprises.  Kevin is not working today and maybe tomorrow.  There is at least another day and maybe two of work time. .  Yesterday it was part of the north side of the house and then a few loose ends.  The house built in the late '50s was not wrapped with barrier paper.  Now it will be and should be warmer so Kevin tells us.  Our new furnace has made a tremendous difference with improved temperature keeping.  Flooding is added to the rain prediction.  So glad we live at the top of a hill.   I've been looking for a chair for my TV room at Goodwill for some time.  .  The one needing to be replaced was bought at least 50 years ago, now wobbly, well worn, and probably germy. Sounds like an old person as well. Last week there was a great possibility.  I check Tues and the chair was still waiting for an owner.  Now it has one and is sitting in my TV room.  12 dollars helped i

The news of the day as I know it at this hour is that the outside house skin will continue at a slow pace of change.  Two guys are supposed to be working but one is sick and that really makes a difference.  It's cutting and measuring, climbing ladders, and fitting pieces of siding around windows and more.  This picture is one day's work for one person. It's much better to be slow and right than fast and not right.  Two more big sides to do and then the area above the car garage door.  Tomorrow is a guaranteed rain day so the finish date is not clear.  There were some pauses yesterday that resulted in some new decisions with gutter color. We moved from black to white again.   It's a work in progress.     Today we will shop for a new outdoor garage light.  We'll join the neighbors on lights to shine at night. There are plenty and I like them all.   No ice in the birdbath.  Woo, woo just a little warmer, and the morning is showing promise of light earlier and earlier. 

 Never fear...just one more alert.  I'm preaching this morning and here is the homily title  Taking Responsibility.  Every five years I've had a colonoscopy.  Not pleasant but now it is encouraged after the age of 45.  Kat R. has had one already.  The word is that after age 80 colonoscopies are not so important.  My new Primary Doctor said I didn't need one.  With 2021 surprises and after thinking about her recommendation for a couple of days, I learned that I could order one myself.  So I did.  Yesterday Dr. James-Stevenson asked why I wanted this procedure and my list was very long.  The big reason was that I wanted to avoid more surprises. Yesterday the list of surprises grew.  Twenty-six polyps were discovered and taken care of.  None of them were angry and all are not with me anymore. They have been sent to a lab. for scrutiny.  Who would have guessed?  Certainly not me.  So yesterday's procedure was a gift that will keep on giving.  My next colonoscopy is NEXT yea

 I'm a buckeye.  So guess what I got and didn't want.  Yup.  A football loss.  It was a great game and there is nothing to be ashamed out.  Someone had to lose.  Someone had to win.  The Trump solutions on the internet amuse me.   It's time for a summer reminder.  These beautiful Lantana are a must have in the garden.  They bloom like crazy, the butterflies love them and they come in many, many colors.  They are bug-free and one of my favorite flowers.  I saw hedgerows of them in Kenya.  I've seen them in Georgia.  Frost is not an enemy in both of these settings.  They are tough little friends.   Ready Set Go.  And I carried on last night and this morning and my body is in the best of condition for today's look at.  Not to bad of a prep although there was a whole lot to drink.  The last  6 ounces bypassed this body and headed right to the Carmel Sewage system.  Just couldn't do it.  I'm happy to be on this side of the mountain knowing that I won't need t

 It's church day.  It's a good day.  It's a cold day. It's Superbowl day.  It's getting ready for a colonoscopy day!  Uck.  But you have got to do what you have got to do.  It's really that kind of day.  The down side is that there are parties, food, and more and I'm drinking 8 oz of clear fluids every hr.  That's the party part.  I just wasn't thinking, you think about what day prep was going to be.  Oh, well, life has been a whole lot worse.  Time to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear!   That's a moldy oldy saying.  Shows my age.    Birds have been visiting.  I would say one can attach an I Q number to Starlings grading their attempt to get to the mealworms.  Some try, a few persist, some give up, and one or two make it.  That's my evaluation for the morning's work.   Another good morning sunrise.  Winter gives us a few gifts.  I missed the best part so I'm posting an older picture.  Another morning also a gift.   Tomorrow sta

 Those feather friends seem to be figuring out the new approaches.  And the Starlings must have heard my complaining.  I saw one a few days ago and there was some difficulty getting to the feeder so he/she flew away.  I'm not saying they are out of the scene yet.  So far so good.   This morning was our crew's time to work at Bread and Bowl again.  It's been a few Sat. ago that we met.  All were busy and our 47 meals were well received.  Many but not all took two meals.  It's always a busy morning with preparation and then from 11 to 12, our guests see us in the west entrance to the church.  We still stress mask-wearing and no one comes into the church unless masked.  So they are keeping us safe and we are doing the same for our guests.   On the way home I made a stop at the fabric store.  Kat has a huge project for me and I'm starting with bits and pieces of fabric.  So this sort of looks like Easter.  Agree?   Placemats for the new table.  These will be approximate

 I probably should use finished instead of done but it feels like the puzzle has been cooked big time.  It's finished but only because of persistent Russells.  Yesterday I thought I was losing my mind.  Nothing was working and this morning a bit of organization with black pieces and the Christmas gift puzzle is finished.   It's staying together for a few days and then neighbor Judy wants to tackle it.  The black is a world map and if you know where the Azores or Ackland is that's; helpful to find the location of that puzzle piece.  I must admit that Siri helped with a few places.  Knowing geography is a huge help.   The Starlings have been messing with me and I've been messing with them.  Another attempt to mess with them. It's my turn. This is a view from the kitchen through the window.    This is a view from the patio.  No birds yet but I'll be watching for B Bs and Starlings.    We'll see how this modification goes.  I've heard Starlings have a diffic

A change is coming soon.   That keeps us thinking.  Last summer one of the storms brought big-time hail.  The roof has been replaced.  Alyssa called yesterday and more changes are coming to the house.  The white siding will be taken off and replaced with a light beige.  New shutters will go up.  Spouting and gutter covers should happen but maybe not yet.  Not sure about that.  It all depends on the supply line.  Material to make siding was not to be found.  So Monday starts the changes to the house. It will take at least two days of work.   We've had a visit with grandson Noah for most of the week.  That's another great change for us but perhaps not so much for sore throat Noah.  All covid tests are negative, no strep but just a sick feeling for Noah.  We've enjoyed his visit, sick or well.   The puzzle continues to change.  We keep working to make the change.  Noah and brother Andrew are super puzzle peice finder. Yesterday the Bluebird visitors seemed to be a bit confused

 Now you know all of our secrets.  Garbage Day made that happen.  Well, maybe some of the secrets. We've had the delight to have Noah with us this week, much to his undelight.  He's been sick with a sore throat etc.  I learned when Noah has nothing to say, he's sick.  Today there are a few more words.  We're puzzling this morning.  It's the dreaded puzzle I was about to pitch..  Eric was over on Sat and started to put it together. I could not dump the puzzle after he made an effort to put it together. .  We're finding out where more pieces are going together today.   Noah is a pro at it.   There is more to come but we are on the way.  The dreaded black part may need some counseling after that has been completed.  The other project for the week is finding a way to keep the starlings out of the Blue Bird food.  It's a work in progress.  The commercial feeders are very expensive and I'm not about to part with 100.00 for a feeder.  Some are a bit less but no

 One more time means that one more time for soup making.  This time good old stick to the ribs potato soup.  It's potatoes, celery and onions, and the stick blender!  And today I added just a tad of bacon.  Yum, yum.  For a few of my friends, bacon spoils it all.  Well, not for the Russells. The refrigerator is full of soup.  These soup days are planned for healthy days to come.  Not days in the hospital with a long recuperation in the plan. Those days are OVER!  Speaking of over, the Cardiac visit is over with great results.  The next visit is in 6 months.  I'm rethinking my decision to eliminate the bata blocker pill.  That might not be so smart.  B B's regulate the electrical system for one thing.  Pills...there are many in my life!  But...I'm going well.  But there are many!   Now for food.   People food.  Potato Soup.  A huge reminder of soup time when growing up.  I'm sure we didn't have any celery in the soup since we ate what we grew.  Celery is a more d

 I'm early but the on time business... I'm not sure of the time.  I do know that I'm in the soup mode of cooking.  A bit of chicken veg. left over from last week and Monday mornings offering is split pea with onions, celery, carrots and ham perking on the stove.    Thanks to that stick blender gift of a few Christmas's ago, split pea is easy.  And there is beef stew in the slow cooker.  I'm hoping that's a winner but not sure at this point.  I'm such a big chicken eater.   This pot has a long way to go yet.  So good to have some options for supper ready to go.  Lots of cooking this morning.  Not much during the week.  This morning is my meeting with Dr. Raju, my heart ticker doctor.  I'm expecting no new information, just a nice visit.  Wed. starts the colonoscopy procedure with low fiber foods. That's really an early start for next Monday's procedure.  Every doctor I've ever had has different get-ready instructions.  .  I just need to stick

 Yes...a beautiful day in the neighborhood.  Thank you Mr. Rogers for that reminder.  CNN plays Cheers theme song.  I'm loving it.  Sometimes you need to go where everybody knows your name.  That's called community.  Choir fills that need for the Russell's.  So today is community choir church day.  Because of the snow storm Thursday's choir rehearsal was canceled. There's a 30 minute rehearsal time Sun. mornings so never fear!  We'll be ready.  Not much planned for the day.  I should make a grocery stop for jello.  That's still a big favorite and one that remains very tolerable.   I'm sure to be messing with snow on the patio.  Hearing the birds chirp brings a smile.  Outside is good.   Here is a sweet little Junco not wanting to show its face.  Juncos are a dark charcoal color with white tummies hopping through the snow looking for food.  It's not nine o'clock yet and the Bluebirds, Red-Bellied and Downey Woodpeckers, Warbler, Cardinals and Spar

 Yes over and now shoveled out. thanks to Kevin. Kevin does our grass in the summer and our snow in the winter.  His snow eater is HUGE!  The fact that my doctor's appointment was postponed twice helped Kevin in planning his route of snow removals so it all was a successful afternoon for both of us.  Today's trip out will include a drugstore stop.  Seems that is one of those regular appointments that come about more often than I would wish.  But those pills support health issues that stay in the background.  That is a gift.  Doug loves to make those runs visiting with the drugstore clerks.  They know him well. Yesterday's addition of the sun was a welcomed event for some chipping away of ice from the patio.  The time outside was welcomed and happened more times than I counted.  After removing the snow, I got to that beginning ice storm event.  The sun was the melter.  The birds also enjoyed a bit of sunshine as well.   I wish this picture of this regular visitor, the yellow

 Humm...the snow has stopped falling but the snow and cold are still hanging around for a while. We heading toward zero very soon.  Today was to be a visit with the cardiologist but after two postponement calls from the office, it's a visit on Monday.  Today should be another secure time in the house with the goal of feeding the birds.   Should have, would have, could have...it might be that second closet today.  The puzzle is driving me crazy.  I'd love to do some baking but the chances of making something that I think would taste good for the long haul  is slim to almost but not quite nothing..  The taste buds continue to be hard to please. I read through a little book I bought years ago about Pasties, the food of Cornish miners.  Lots of recipes included and I baked one for supper.   Here is the results.  It's packed with sausage, potatoes and onions.  Looks great smells wonderful and tastes great for about three bits.  Just a little dry for my mouth.  But worth the effo

 This is the day central Indiana is supposed to be hit with big-time inches of snow.  It's 8 am and so far I would say there are 2 inches at the most on the ground.  So we'll see where we go from here.  The birdbath water has been thawed, the seeds are on the ground for the ground feeders.  The congregation is growing this morning with Juncos, Cardinals, Chickadees, and Tufted titmouse in attendance.  The Bluebird feeder has been refilled and not attended yet. Must be sleeping in.  Yesterday afternoon I cleared away the camping puzzle and dumped the flower puzzle.  When I first opened this puzzle box I discovered that all the pieces are cut from the same pattern.  So instead of shape with curves and color, there is only color to determine where the pieces will fit.  Woo...This puzzle will be a long hauler for sure to be successful.  That is yet to be determined. The main entertainment for the day will be window watching and a bit of TV plus the puzzle.  A bit of concern is our

 These words all describe the morning.  No beautiful sunrise this morning.  I'll post yesterday's sky.  It was a thriller.  The outline of the trees, I think makes the sky even more beautiful.  We just need a Michigan eagle sitting on a branch. Lots of weather hype lately.  Come on.  Time to produce.  I think we'll wait a few more hours for more excitement.  My undergraduate work was at Goshen College in northern Indiana.  We had a campus shutdown because maintenance and teachers could not get in to the campus after at least 2 ft. of the white stuff covered everything.  The same is happening today but there is the internet now.  The school day continues for them and the same for the middle schooler and junior  and  3 high school grandsons.  No time completely away from the books.   So I guess we can say it's a waiting morning.  I'm posting a flower picture as my reminder that waiting brings a gift of spring and gardening.       A beautiful Cleome that seeds itself e

Such a good feeling to be out of January's dark days and now on to Feb. 1 celebrating today a year gone by since that huge surgery at Methodist.  The memories are so clear of the events of that morning, walking into the hospital with Doug, meeting again Dr. Moore, the business of the operating room as I climbed onto the table with a full contingency of folks getting all things ready. And my sweet little doctor who put me to sleep.  Then the ICU experience, and then return home with weeks of healing with cards and cards and more cards arriving in the mail.  They all are in the basket in my TV room reminding me of a year with caring friends wishing and praying for the best of outcomes.  A feeling of grace is with me.  Doctors continue to be with me providing necessary care.  This month on the 4th I will see a cardiologist, Dr. Raju, the 14th Dr. James-Stevenson for a colonoscopy...my choice...and on the 21st a mammogram and a visit with Dr. Schneider for a breast follow-up.  The pray