Diane....Looking forward to Sat.  Hope we have a good turn out like last Sat.  We met with our Monday group today and Bill talked about geneology and the importance of putting names on all pictures.  He has several old pictures with no names on them, so sad.  We delivered cookies today to a few friends of ours that we don't get to see very often.  It was a nice day just very cold.  When this month is over we should see more sun and warm weather, anyway I am hoping so.


THE MOST DANGEROUS PLACE TO GAIN WEIGHT IS:
A...all over    B...Belly    C...Thighs    D...Hips
Answer: B.  A bit more padding in your arms or legs may make your clothes snug, but it won't harm your health like a spare tire.  New research from the Mayo Clinic has shown that lower-body fat is not biologically the same as a roll around the middle; that's largely made up of visceral fat, which has been linked to a higher risk of diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers.  But moderate aerobic exercise like walking can help reduce belly fat.  Crunches, not so much.


When a patient was wheeled into out emergency room, I was the nurse on duty.  "On a scale of zero to ten," I asked her, "with zero representing no pain and ten representing excruciating pain, what would you say your pain level is now?"  She shook her head.  "Oh, I don't know, I'm not good with math."


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
It's not the honors and the prizes and the fancy outsides of life that ultimately nourish our souls.  It's the knowing that we can be trusted, that we never have to fear the truth, that the bedrock of our very being is firm.

Diane....Our oldest grandchild will be 27 in March.  My theory is, they are getting older but we are just cruising along and having the best time of our life.  The next three years we have a grandchild graduating each year and then we skip a year and  the next two years one each year and then four years later one more and then all of our grandchildren will have graduated.  Wow! It will be a whirlwind, in time, the next several years.  I find it very exciting.


MEN ARE LESS LIKELY TO GO TO THE DOCTOR THAN WOMEN.
False.  When it comes to at least one medical situation, men are more proactive than women.  Cardiac rehabilitation can greatly reduce the risk of death after a heart attack, but according to a new study by the Cardiac Wellness Institute of Calgary, women are less likely to seek treatment...and when they do, it's usually at a more serious stage in the disease.  Researchers surmise that the demands of family and work, as well as a lack of energy, may play a role.


A coworker stormed into my friend's office, yelling, "Did you tell Joan I was a witch?!"  Stunned, my friend sputtered, "No! I don't know how she found out."


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
There's no "should" or "should not" when it comes to having feelings.  They're part of who we are and their origins are beyond our control.  When we can believe that, we may find it easier to make constructive choices about what to do with those feelings.

Diane....Lunch was wonderful, as usual.  It was a special treat to have Pete there.  Did you know we used to walk home from school most every day?  We had a special lunch today since one of our classmates was there from out of town.  We will have our usual Sat. lunch next Sat.  Friends invited us to a performance, this eve.,  called "Living Legends".  Beautiful dancing and the costumes were so pretty and colorful.  This is a group of young single adults attending BYU Provo, Utah.  I don't know their situation but I do know at BYU Hawaii these students earn their way through school by performing at the cultural center.  They are very professional.


WOMEN HAVE MORE "SENIOR MOMENTS" THAN MEN.
FALSE--:-)  A new Mayo Clinic study of more than 2000 men and women over 70 found that men are almost 50% more likely to suffer from mild cognitive impairment, including memory lapses.  So, ladies, if he forgets your anniversary, don't blame him...blame science.


FIVE TIPS FOR A WOMAN...
1.  It is important that a man helps you around the house and has a job.
2.  It is important that a man makes you laugh.
3.  It is important to find a man you can count on and doesn't lie to you.
4.  It is important that a man loves you and spoils you.
5.  It is important that these four men don't know each other.
\

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
It's not the honors and the prizes and the fancy outsides of life that ultimately nourish our souls.  It's the knowing that we can be trusted, that we never have to fear the truth, that the bedrock of our very being is firm.

Diane....I just had to have the baked beans for dinner again tonight, soooo good.  I am looking forward to lunch tomorrow.  It will be great to see everyone.  I helped Janene for a short time today but we were able to get a lot done.  I know Kareen will be happy, when we get this organizing accomplished, so we can start her bedroom.  Right now I feel like a warm, strawberry-rhubarb pie but we don't have  strawberry's or rhubarb, so I guess I will just have to dream about one.  We don't even have chocolate, in the house, guess I will have to dream about that also.  I gave up dreaming and ate a clementine.



GARGLING WITH SALT WATER WILL HELP A SORE THROAT.
True.  Though it isn't a cure, "a saltwater gargle...1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt dissolved in an 8-ounce glass of warm water, can temporarily relieve a sore or scratchy throat,"   according to the Mayo Clinic.  Doctors believe the salt works by reducing swelling and inflammation.


The day after the Haitian earthquake, I got a frantic call from my daughter in Florida.  "What's wrong?" I asked.  "Nate's been called up by the National Guard.  He's going to Haiti," she said.  Then came the tears:  "I didn't even know we were at war with Haiti!"


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Some days, doing "the best we can" may still fall short of what we would like to be able to do but life isn't perfect, on any front, and doing what we can with what we have is the most we should expect of ourselves or anyone else.

Diane....No dental appointments yet, but I will soon, just been too busy to put that on my list of, to-do's.  I didn't go to Janene's to sort out her basement because she had so much to do.  I didn't do so much today, other than the usual daily routine,  but Bill cooked his fingers to the bone.  Last night he soaked beans to make baked beans later.  This morning he spent 3 hrs. making  "homemade" wheat thins.  They were very yummy, and fresh, with no preservative's.  A very nice treat.  He then made the baked beans, which smelled so good and even tasted better.  He went on from there and made corn bread.  Now to make this even more remarkable, was the fact, that it  was done from scratch.  The flour, in the wheat thins, we ground ourselves and the beans were fresh and the corn bread involved no box.  He has been holding out from me with this talent we never knew he had.  Needless to say, we had a wonderful dinner.

HONEY CAN HELP BURNS HEAL
True...A study of over 900 people with mild to moderate burns found that honey helped wounds heal faster than some antibiotic creams.  According to another study, though, honey didn't work better on cuts or lacerations.  And steer clear of other kitchen burn remedies, like applying butter:  The CDC warns that doing so can increase the chance of infection.


COACH'S INSTRUCTIONS
At one point during a game, the coach called one of his 9-year-old baseball players aside and asked,  "Do you understand  what cooperation is?  What a team is?"  The little boy nodded in the affirmative.  "Do you understand that what matters is whether we win or lose together as a team?"  The little boy nodded yes.  "So," the coach continued, "I'm sure you know, when an out is called, you shouldn't argue, curse, attack the umpire, or call him names.  Do you understand all that?"  Again the little boy nodded.  He continued,  "And when I take you out of the game so another boy gets a chance to play, it's not good sportsmanship to call your coach a 'dumb-head' is it?"  Again the little boy nodded.  "Good," said the coach.  "Now go over there and explain all that to your grandmother".


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
"If there is righteousness in the heart, there will be beauty in the character.
"If there be beauty in the character, there will be harmony in the home.
"If there is harmony in the home, there will be order in the nation.
"When there is order in the nation, there will be peace in the world."

Diane...We have Phil with three kids, Richard with four, Janene with four, and Kristene with two and she is the one living with us with her daughter, Nicole. Her son, Andrew lives with his dad during the week and then comes to stay with us on the week-ends.  He likes it this way because he has his own privacy.  I know it is very confusing, when I talk about family members and trying to figure out, who is with whom's family.


DRINKING MILK WILL MAKE A COLD WORSE

False.  Dairy products will not result in more phlegm.  In the "better them than us" department, researchers in Australia asked adults with colds to drink milk, then measured their mucus output.  The upshot?  There's no correlation between dairy intake and more of the yucky stuff.


Our company was conducting free body mass index checkups.  When a stout colleague climbed onto the machine, it spit out a slip of paper telling him what his weight-to-height ratio was and what it ought to be.  "What does it say?  I asked.  He replied, "I need to increase my height by six inches."


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
"The difference between perseverance and obstinacy is that one comes from a strong will, and the other from a strong won't."

Diane....How exciting, that they met in Germany.   I spent most of the day in Janene's basement, sorting, cleaning, organizing, throwing away things and putting items in their proper place.  I love doing this sort of thing, so we had a good time.  Tomorrow Janene works but Thurs. and Fri. we will be back at it again.  Kareen is asking,  "so, when can we start on my room?"  A part on our toilet broke today so, Bill will fix it.  Good thing he knows how to work on toilets so we don't have to call a plumber.   Today we had HD-DVR installed.  Now, just to figure out, how to use this new toy.  I mentioned I had gone to the dentist and I thought he was great well,  he is but his prices aren't.  He was charging me $8,000 for 5 crowns and replacing some of my fillings and some other stuff that I don't think needs to be done.  I called to cancel today and she asked if I wanted to reschedule and I told her no, I can't afford his prices.  She was very nice and said Ok thank you.  So, I am now going to get bids from two dentists.  The winner will get to work on my teeth.


This is the last idea on decluttering
#25...Attics, basements, and garages tend to harbor lots of items you haven't seen or used in a while, which also makes them prime candidates for purging.  Clear them first so when you tackle your living areas, you'll have storage space waiting.


My wife, a real estate agent, wrote an ad for a house she was listing.  The house had a second-floor suite that could be accessed using a lift chair that slid along the staircase.  Quickly describing this feature, she inadvertently made it sound even more attractive:  "Mother-in-law suite comes with an electric chair."


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Insisting on perfection, rather than being content and grateful for what we have, means we are focused on what's wrong with something and our need to fix it.

Diane...How did your nephew meet Jana?  I hope it works out for them to get married here.  We went to the Cancer Center this morning and I had my port flushed and all went well.  Then we went to Costco and a couple of other stores and back home by 11:00 a.m.  Met with our study group and back home again and stayed.  Tomorrow, I'm going over to Janene's to help her make room for building a bedroom for Kareen.


#23
Designate a separate, labeled bag for each regularly scheduled activity, lesson, or sport on your family calendar.  Pack the bags with the necessary gear, and hang them on hooks in a handy spot.


I served in a parachute regiment.  During a nighttime exercise,  I was seated next to a young officer.  He was looking a bit pale, so I asked,  "Scared, Lieutenant?  "No," he eplied.  Apprehensive."  "What's the difference?"  That means I'm scared, but with a university education."


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

Diane...When a month reaches the 15th I always consider it almost over because it seems to go so fast after that, except this month was weird.  I keep thinking tomorrow is the first of Feb.when it is only the 24th.  I am really not wishing the days away, just confused.  Having senior momentssss.  I hope all goes well with Larry tomorrow with the Dr.  We will just say, all will be well!  We had a great time, in Seattle, with Lana and Phil.  Very relaxing and quiet.   Out their back door is the patio and at the end of the patio is a hill going almost straight up,  approx 40', covered with lush green, whatever.  I don't know what it is but it is very pretty.  I have a flush with my port tomorrow and then we will get with our group at 1:00.  I forgot to mention this about the "IKEA" store but the one in Portland really out shines the one in Seattle.


#22 Ways to declutter
Procrastination breeds clutter.  Institute a do-it-now policy for a few highly visible everyday tasks--like loading the dishwasher or folding and putting away a load of laundry before starting another.


Three boys are boasting about their grandfathers.  "My grandpa is a great swimmer," says the first.  "He can swim for hours!"  "That's nothing," says the second.  "My grandpa goes swimming at six in the morning every day and  doesn't get out till six at night."   "Big deal!" smirks the third boy.  "My grandpa started swimming in this pond 20 years ago, and he still hasn't come out!"


THOUGHT OF THE DAY
Hard work spotlights the character of people:  Some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at all.

Diane...So happy Larry is back with his buddy's.  What are you doing slipping while walking the dog?  You must have had fun doing dinner with Cathy and Ron.  They are fun people along with you and Larry.  Actually the Electronics store was fun, in a way of speaking.  It had many T.V. shows on DVDs,  more than I have ever seen.  We also went to the Ikea Store, which is very entertaining.  We plan to use Ikea products when we redue our kitchen, which we hope to do in a couple of months.  We have done so much to other parts of the house but not the kitchen.  Phil and Bill are doing a game on xbox, so funny, especially since I am sitting in back of them.  They both will need a chiropractor after this.  The best entertainment for the day.


#21Ways to declutter
Is your linen closet overflowing?  Pare down your stock to three towels and washcloths per person, two sets of sheets per bed, plus a set of each for guests.  voila!  A roomier linen closet.


Steve, a lonely bachelor, wants some company, so he buys a centipede and a small box for it to live in.  That evening, he decides to go out.  "Want to grab a drink?" he asks the centipede.  But there's no answer from the box.  A few minutes later, he asks again...still no reply.  Finally, he hollers, "Hey! Do you want to get a drink?"  "I heard you the first time!"  says a small irritated voice.  "I'm putting on my shoes!"


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Maturity has more to do with what types of experience you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthday's you've celebrated.

It actually makes my cocoa spill. :-)

Diane...So every thing is back to normal (whatever normal is).  I believe in the power of prayer.  We made it here to Seattle in fine shape. It was raining in sheets,  Our car got drenched and I thought we were going to float away.   Bill said he has never had to turn his wipers on full throttle, even then they couldn't keep up with the rain.  Tomorrow we are going to a store called,  "Fry's Electronics".  Phil says it is as big as Costco, only with all electronics. 


#20...Ways to declutter
Perform daily triage on incoming papers and mail.  Set up a desktop file box or wall-mounted file holder, with three folders: to read, to do, and to file.  Sort the keepers into one of the categories, then recycle the rest.  Schedule a weekly time to deal with the contents of each folder.


He said to me...How many men does it take to change a roll of toilet paper?
I said to him...I don't know; it has never happened.


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Having a place to go is a home.
Having someone to love is a Family.

Diane...You don't need that.  Now, you need to concentrate on you for a while so you don't end up in the hosp.!!!   The Ramble Rovers sound like a lot of fun.  I will talk to Bill and maybe  take you up on the offer.  Today seems like a whirlwind day, just one thing happening after another.  All good though, so it's Ok.  I won't bore you with the details.  We are leaving for Seattle in the morning to visit Phil and Lana.  It will be fun to get away, for a while.  We will be back on Sunday.  I better get to packin now.

#18 was really weird so I went on to #19
#19...Ways to declutter
Keep a folder labeled "Tax Documents" where you sort your mail.  As statements come in, slip them into the folder.  When tax time comes around, everything you need is in one spot.


The waitress was refilling cups of coffee when she stopped at the table next to ours.  "Regular?"  she asked her customer.
"Yes, thank you," said the man.  "Due to a steady diet of fruit."


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Things to remember to do
Wash what is dirty
Water what is dry
Heal what is wounded
Warm what is cold
Love those who are least lovable because they need it most.

Diane...What do you mean...your cruise...?  Sure wish you two were going but I guess your cruise was at the hospital the last 12 days.  Not much of a fun one.  We were thinking of going somewhere on vacation this summer but the vacation,  money,  is in my mouth, so to speak.  What are the  "Rambling Rovers"?  Please don't bring the vase, just pass it on, or whatever you would like to do with it.  Four messages from you,  Wow, that was fun.  I actually worked in the yard a bit today.  Did some raking because with 4 dogs it gets a little messy, if you know what I mean.  It felt good to be working in the sun.  Well, I'm off to bed now.


#17...Ways to declutter
"Go clean your room," can mean lots of things.  Give your kids a list of exactly what you expect, and let them check off the tasks as they are done.


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
If I could catch a rainbow
I would do it just for you
And share with you it's beauty
On the days you're feeling blue.

If I could build a mountain
You could call your very own;
A place to find serenity,
A place to be alone.

If I could take your troubles
I would toss them in the sea,
But all these things I'm finding
Are impossible for me.

I cannot build a mountain
Or catch a rainbow fair,
But let me be what I know best,
A friend who's always there...



He said to me....What have you been doing with all the grocery money I gave you?
I said to him....Turn sideways and look in the mirror!

Diane...My granddaughter, that is living with us, is also a size  "1", but most of the time it doesn't last forever.
Coleen...I went to Dr. Ostler this afternoon, for a check-up, and teeth cleaning.  I was there for two hrs., one hr. was the cleaning and the other hr. was with Dr. Ostler.  He said the cap was too old to work and the one next to it was about to pop off and the one next to it, so,  I learned so much from him than I have ever learned from a dentist.  Way too much to put in my blog. but he said being I have a very dry mouth, from my meds. it causes more acid, because there's very little saliva to neutralize it,  and it is taking away the calcium from my teeth and at one time, later on, I could lose them.  He gave me all kinds of advice, I can do at home, to help alleviate this.  My appointment was at 2:30 and we didn't get home until after 6:00.  I picked up some mouth wash he wanted me to use, it's called ACT fluoride rinse.  It's not for gargling but just for the teeth.  I put a half cap full in my mouth and leave it there for about 5 mins.  I also got some gum at the health food store that I chew every time I eat or drink.  Also a certain sweetener.  All these products have xylitol in them.  It's to reduce the risk of tooth decay.  There you have it, my new regiment.


# 16  Ways to declutter
If your having trouble letting go of clutter, whether it's too many things in your house or too many commitments eating up your time, think about what it requires you to sacrifice.  Less stuff means less to organize and less money spent.  Fewer activities means less running around and more family time.


As I picked out flowers for my mother, I noticed a man next to me juggling three boxes of candy and a large bouquet.  "What did you do wrong?"  I said with a laugh.  He mumbled back, "I got married."


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
A family is a blessing,
It means so many things.
Words could never tell,
The joy a family brings.

Diane...I just asked Kristene if the toast burned and she said it didn't.  Mission accomplished.  I have been thinking about you and Larry all day just hoping all went well with the colonoscopy.  We had a wonderful lunch today with our Monday group.  We were at Stu's home and his daughter had made a creamy potato soup and it was so yummy.  I wanted two bowl fulls but I didn't dare to do so.   My Dr. diagnosed me having ADD.  I knew something was wrong but wasn't sure of what it could be.  He increased my Wellbutrin, thinking that would help.  I sure hope so.  Nicole's boyfriend broke up with her, so she is a very sad puppy.  I feel so bad for her, for her pain.


#...15  Ways to declutter
Make two coffee (or hot chocolate) dates with a good friend. On the first one, go through her kitchen cabinets to identify and get rid of clutter  (lidless plastic containers, mismatched glasses, petrified spatulas, etc.).  On the second date, do the same in your kitchen.


As a stranger enters a country store, he spots a sign  "Danger!  Beware of dog!"  Inside, he sees a harmless old hound asleep in the middle of the floor.  "Is that the dog we're supposed to beware of?" he asks the owner.  "That's him," comes the reply.  "He doesn't look  dangerous to me.  Why would you post that sign?"  "Before I posted that sign, people kept tripping over him."


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Save the Earth....it's the only planet with.... CHOCOLATE.

Wow, Diane...Enough is enough and this is really more than enough.  How exhausting and scary, all of this is for you and Larry.  If he does have an colonoscopy at least he won't have to drink  "The Stuff", anyway I wouldn't think so, after all this time.  I know he has good Dr's and they are doing all they know what to do.  Maybe the scope will tell all and we won't think of the "C" word.
This afternoon Kristene was downstairs and said "watch my toast (in the toaster), Nicole thought she said, "wash my toes", and I thought she said, "wash my coat".  I told her I had already washed her coat.  Then she said, "What?".  Eventually we got it all straightened out, but thought it was funny how the lack of communitation is harmful.  Bill and I do this all the time because I don't talk loud enough and if he doesn't have his hearing aids in the conversation can be quite funny or even not so funny.


#14...How to declutter
Get creative with storage containers.  Try a ceramic egg tray for paper clips and rubber bands, a tackle box for craft suplies; a napkin holder for incoming mail; and a garden tote for kids' art supplies.


A born-and-bred New Yorker is in the country when he sees a field of animals and says to the farmer,  "What a strange-looking cow.  Why doesn't it have horns?"  "Well, there are several reasons," the farmer replies,  "Some cows get their horns late, while others have their horns cut off, and still others never even grow horns."  "And this cow?" the city man asks.  "Well, the reason this cow doesn't have any horns is that it's a horse."


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
You are blood of my blood and bone of my bone.
I give you my body that we two might be one.
I give you my spirit till our life shall be done.
   -Scottish  1700's marriage vows-

Diane...I just thought of a temporary cure for Larry.  I don't know why I didn't think of this before.  When he eats he has a problem so get rid of what's causing the problem.  Great excuse for not eating but I guess it wouldn't last very long.  We could start a "chemo brain" society  for those that need an excuse for forgetting anything and everything.  I think there would be only two members, you and I.  : ~)   My big accomplishment today was Kristene and I washed four dogs.  We started from the smallest, and most difficult, to the largest. I think we got wetter than they did.  Anyway we now have four good smelling dogs, for a few days.  One of these dogs is Kristene's.  I didn't want anyone to think we had four dogs when we only have three.  : )


#14 ...Make clutter-busting a family game.  Write tasks on Ping-Pong balls.  Each person chooses a ball, completes the task, then chooses another one.  After 30 minutes, whoever has the most balls gets a prize...like a no-chores day or control of the TV remote.


Two guys are out drinking when one of them falls off his bar-stool and lies motionless on the floor.  "One thing about Fred," his buddy says to the bartender.  "He knows when to stop."


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Off with your hats as the flag goes by!
And let the heart have it's say:
You're man enough for a tear in your eye
That you will not wipe away.
  H.C. Bunner,  THE OLD FLAG

Diane...I, with everyone else, hope that Larry can put on some real clothes and come home.  Janene and I visited a couple of stores today and we happened to find some good sales and saved a bunch of money.  Earlier this eve. while I was eating, the cap of my last tooth came right off.  Fortunately it didn't hurt and happy it still isn't hurting.  Really bad timing though since this is a three day week-end.


# 12..How to declutter
Every time you arrive home, clear the car of anything that doesn't permanently belong in it.  Keep a tote or basket in the car for this purpose, and draft your passengers to help--nobody leaves the car empty-handed!  Stay vigilant, and it'll become second nature.


My five-year-old grandson was looking through some old photos when he noticed his grandfather in his Marine dress blues.  "What kind of costume is that?"  he asked.  "That's not a costume," his grandfather said.  "Men have died for that uniform."  The boy looked up and said, "So you stole it, then?"


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Ninety percent of the friction of daily life is caused by the wrong tone of voice.

Diane...Is Larry getting closer to coming home?  I am sure he is more than ready to get out of there and you really want him home.  Didn't do a whole lot today, in fact, I can't even remember what I did this morning.  This must be the effects of chemo brain, that I hear about.  But, on the other hand, forgetting is a normal thing for me, it's just I have a very good excuse for it now.  : >  This afternoon I went over to Janene's to do some more clearing out.  This might take a while, but we are having a good time anyway.


# 11...How to declutter
Tackle your junk drawer first.  Remove anything you don't use at least monthly, then sort what's left into the compartments of a drawer organizer that completely fills the drawer.  You won't have room to stash things that don't belong there.


GREAT TRUTHS THAT ADULTS HAVE LEARNED:
1..Raising teenagers is like nailing jello to a tree.
2..Wrinkles don't hurt.
3..Families are like fudge...mostly sweet, with a few nuts.
4..Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held it's ground.
5..Laughing is good exercise.  It's like jogging on the inside.
6..Middle age is when you choose your cereal for the fiber, not the toy.


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Life is a coin, you can spend it anyway you wish, but you can only spend it once.

Diane...Ok, hope this is the day for Larry to go home.  Earlier this eve. we were watching a program, on T.V., about hoarding.  I thought I kept a lot of things but this has me beat.  I feel so sorry for these people that just can't throw anything away.  These people feel so trapped and they don't like what they do, either, but they can't stop buying and keeping everything.  There is hope, though, for them.  Enjoy your day, do something fun or rewarding, or something you have been putting off for a long time.  If not now, when?



#10...Ways to declutter
I spend a few minutes every night, before bed, restoring order to my purse.  I remove all trash, return floating change to my wallet, and replenish tissues and business cards.  It makes me feel ready to start the day.


A cowboy appeared before St. Peter, at the Pearly Gates.  "Have you ever done anything of particular merit?"  St. Peter asked.  "Well, I can think of one thing," the cowboy offered.  "On a trip to the Black Hills, out in South Dakota, I came upon a gang of bikers, who were threatening a young woman.  I directed them to leave her alone, but they wouldn't listen.  So, I approached the largest and most tattooed biker and smacked him in the face...Kicked his bike over, ripped out his nose ring, and threw it on the ground,  I yelled, "Now, back off or I'll kick the "stuffing" out of all of you!"  St. Peter was impressed,  "When did this happen?"  "Couple of minutes ago."


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
"Love is what's in the room, with you, at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen."
   Bobby - age 7

Diane...It's just hard to sleep when your best friend is in the hospital.  I'm sure Larry is very happy to be home and have you take care of him instead of strangers.  I had my appointment today, with Dr. Geiver, to let me know the results of my mammogram.  I am very happy, to report, that it all looks very good, but then I really wasn't worried.  I went on line to see if I could find a natural way to clean up a white dog's eyes.  So I am in the process of making up some brews.  I will let you know if any one of them work.


#9...Ways to declutter
A tighter focus for your to-do list clears mental clutter.  Include only your three most important tasks, and don't let less important busywork distract you.  If you complete everything on your list, great.  If not, at least you'll know you spent time on the highest-priority tasks.


Ole and Sven
Reverend Ole is the pastor of the local Norwegian Lutheran Church, and Pastor Sven is the minister of the Swedish Covenant Church, across the road.  One day they were seen pounding a sign into the ground, that said;  "DA END ISS NEAR!  TURN YERSELF AROUNT NOW BAFOR IT'S TOO LATE!"
As a car sped past them, the driver leaned out his window and yelled, "Leave me alone, you Skandihoovian religious nuts!"  From the curve they heard screeching tires and a big splash.  Rev. Ole turns to Pastor Sven and asks,  "Do ya tink maybe da sign should yust say,  "Bridge Out?"


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Experience is no good at all unless you fall down a whole lot.  Each success only teaches you a small amount.  But in every failure and the pain that comes from it, you can become a genius.

Diane...That's very exciting news Larry will be coming home.  I imagine he will be on a very strict diet.  We will pick a day and time to come and get the book.  I'm excited to read it.  Maybe Bill and I can have a race to see who can get it done first.  :~)  This eve. we went to Walmart to pick up an item we had ordered.  It was so cold out that I wore a hat.  It was nice to wear a hat because I wanted to and not because I had to.  Did you know you can order an item from Walmart, and have it sent to the store, with no shipping charges.  We have done this a few times.  The hard part is getting someone to wait on you.  We got an apple peeler so it is easier to make our apple sauce.  We are hooked on this.  We make a batch before we are finished with the old batch.  It is so good and easy and I feel so domestic.


#8...Ways to declutter
Each Spring and Fall, do CPR on your closet:  Categorize, Purge, and Rearrange.  Carefully consider each item.  If it doesn't make you feel wonderful or look fabulous, it's a no.  Put it in the "to donate" box, and put that box in your car right away.


An elderly man visits the doctor for a checkup.  "Mr. Smith, you're in great shape," says the doctor afterward.  "How do you do it?" "Well," says Mr. Smith, "I don't drink, I don't smoke, and the good Lord looks out for me.  For weeks now, every time I go to the bathroom, in the middle of the night, he turns the light on for me."  Concerned, the doctor finds Mrs. Smith in the waiting room and tells her what her husband said.  "I don't think that's anything to worry about," she says.  "And on the bright side, it does explain who's been peeing in the fridge."


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts.

Diane....Missed hearing from you today.  We hope all is well with Larry and that the Dr's are doing better at finding a cure for him.  Janene and Kevin came by this eve. to pick up their dog, Sydney.  She was very excited to see them and to get home.  She was acting like a sm. child wanting to leave.  It was very funny.  We have a sm. Maltese in need of a boy friend, so if you know of any let me know.


#7...Ways to declutter
Relegating a sentimental item you no longer have use for to a box in the closet, basement, or attic does nothing to honor it.  Instead, take a photo of the item and put it in a scrapbook or load it on your digital picture frame. Then donate the item.  It's both space-saving and respectful.


A guy in a Kia pulls up next to a Rolls-Royce at a red light and asks, "Hey, is your car Bluetooth enabled?"   The rolls owner nods.  "So is mine.  Got Wi-Fi?"  The Rolls owner nods again.  "Me too. What about a double bed?"  "No. Do you?" asks the rolls guy.  "Yep."  The light turns, and the Kia takes off.  Jealous, the Rolls guy heads to the "Pimp My Rolls" customizing shop and gets a double bed put in, then drives around until he finds the Kia parked on the side of the road.  He raps on the window.  "Guess what.  I got a double bed put in my car too."  The Kia owner peers out.  "You got me out of the shower to tell me that?!"


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Keep stress at bay by relaxation for yourself daily.  It's essential...not self-indulgent...for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.  Work on a hobby, go for a walk, take a soothing bath, watch a movie, or read a book.  Whatever healthy activity makes you feel refreshed and renewed is the thing to do!

Diane....So good to see everyone today, as it always is, especially Robert, Christy and Dennis.  We need to travel their way again and see our classmates in Seattle.  We so hope and pray Larry is able to get this problem taken care of soon.  Or I should say, his Dr's. need to get the manual out and do some more studying.  He must be very weak by now and discouraged.  I believe the hard part, for you, is just waiting and not being able to do anything to help.  You take something to help you get some sleep or you will get sick and that wouldn't be good.  Janene and family went to Moses Lake for the week-end so we have their Golden Retriever for a couple of days.  She is so big compared to our dogs but she thinks she is a lap dog.  She is very easy to have around.  Our Maltese beats up on her and that makes her nervous.  Quit funny to watch.


#6...Ways to declutter
Create a repair center for clothes that need mending, toys that need batteries, things that need gluing.  That way, unusable items aren't in general circulation, and you know where to look when you have time to tackle a project.


I was sound asleep when the telephone jarred me awake.  "Hi!"  It was my peppy mother-in-law.  She proceeded to rattle on about the busy day she had ahead and all the things that awaited her the rest of the week.  "Mom," I interrupted.  "It's five in the morning."  "Really?  What are you doing up so early?"


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
"Politics is not a bad profession.
If you succeed, there are many rewards.
If you disgrace yourself, you can always write a book."
    Ronald Reagan

Diane....You know Dr's are just practicing on us, that's why it is called the "practice of Dr. so-and-so".  How can meds. that expensive not work.  We will pray that the Dr., you have, will be able to give Larry something that will work for him, without costing so much. We are planning on setting up a bedroom for Kareen, in their basement, but first we have to clean the basement up, to make room, for a bedroom, so I have been going over to Janene's to help her do "the system" of  1..put away, 2..give away,  3..throw away.  It's going slow but we are making progress.


#5...Ways to declutter
Give frequently accessed papers (take-out menus, sports schedules, phone directories) a dedicated spot, rather than in a pile on the counter or stuck to the fridge.  Three-hole-punch all that paper, and store it in a pretty binder with labeled tabs.


A helicopter loses power over a remote Scottish Island and makes an emergency landing.  Luckily, there's a cottage nearby, so the pilot knocks on the door.  "Is there a mechanic in the area?"  he asks the woman who answers.  She thinks for a minute,  "No, but we do have a McArdle and a McKay."


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
A Birth Certificate shows that we were born.
A Death Certificate shows that we died.
Pictures show that we lived!

Diane...Wow, the cost of medication is way beyond the mark of reason.  I am very happy, though, that the meds. are helping Larry feel better and that's what counts.  Have you heard about the homeless man with the gifted voice.  That is such a heart warming, amazing, story.  He went from homeless to famous in a very short time.  I have a little bit of tidbit for you.  In 1540  England's King Henry VIII married his 4th wife, Anne of Cleves.  The marriage lasted about six months.  How about that!!!


#4...Ways to declutter.
A system that's a natural extension of your habits is easier to stick with than one that forces dramatic change.  So set up solutions right where clutter collects, such as a labeled pail for each family member's shoes and other equipment, in a bookshelf right by the door.


It was time for my dog's annual check-up.  Following the vet's instructions, I collected a stool sample and dropped it in a plastic container before we left for his office.  When we arrived, I handed the sample to the receptionist, who immediately cracked a smile.  The container read  "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter."


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
I'd rather see a sermon than hear it on any day.
I'd rather you walk with me than merely point the way.
The eye is a more ready pupil than ever was the ear.
Good advice is often confusing but example is always clear.

To have Joy one must share it.

I had a mamogram today and all went well.  I will know the results, in a few days, from this and from the colonoscopy.  Next week I have two Drs. appointments and then not one until Feb. 1st.  YEA!   We picked up a few things from Costco today and then did some more grocery shopping at Winco and then came home.  While we were at Costco the person putting our things into boxes told us that the day before people came up to the cash register, baskets full,  thinking their coupons were good for that day only to find out that they weren't good until Thurs. so they left the items there, with the intention of coming back, when the coupons were good.  He said by the end of the day they had to put away the items which filled 12 carts.  He just laughed in good humor.  I can see how this can happen because I have done this only in different stores with their coupons.  Easy mistake.


#3....Ways to declutter
When you're trying to decide whether to keep something, ask yourself three questions: Do I love it?  Do I use it?  Could someone else use it?



My 45-year-old sister was attending the wedding of a childhood friend when she ran into people she hadn't seen in years.  How long exactly?  One of them shouted,  "Kathy, you got your braces off!"



THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Imagination is more important than knowledge.  Knowledge is limited.  Imagination circles the world.
    Einstein

Diane...I hope Larry gets this under control or he could get dehydrated.  Earlier this eve., we went to a good friends viewing, at the funeral home.  He was a very well respected person in the community and a good friend.  He will be missed.  We can't go to the funeral tomorrow, because I have a scheduled appointment, that I have had for some time now.  We always see so many people, we know, at funerals, that we haven't seen in a long time.  It is wonderful to see everyone, however it is much better to get together at a party or something like this.  I helped Kristene do a little packing today.  She has a shed to put her things into, for now anyway.  Bill says it is time for me to get to bed since I have to get up sort of early tomorrow morning.


#2   Ways to declutter
Avoid zigzag organizing.  Scattering your efforts over multiple rooms prevents you from seeing progress.  For visible, dramatic results, work one room, at a time, one section at a time, completing each area before you move on to the next.


My husband, a deputy district attorney, was teaching an anti-drug class to a group of Cub Scouts.  When he asked if anyone could list the gateway drugs.  One Scout had the answer:  "Cigarettes, beer, and....marinara.
   Lori Wolf


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Nothing is permanent in this world.  Not even our troubles.
   Charles Chaplin

I didn't get much sleep last night but it wasn't that bad, not like I imagined anyway.  The procedure today was so simple, I don't know what I was worried about all these years.   I recommend Dr. Tong, if anyone needs this done, the only down side, it takes a long time to get in to see her, but it's worth the wait.  Nice way to start the year out with something I feared, conquered.  Did you know today, Jan. 3rd, is "Festival of Sleep Day".  I read this in the Parade Magazine.  The article states that sleep is essential to memory.  Boy do I need more sleep then.  I am putting something new on my blog for 25 days.  It is, "25" ways to declutter for the new year.

1)  Every 3 months or so, reserve one Sat. morning for a family clean out.  Set a timer for 30 min. and have each person find things in his or her own space to donate or throw away.  Box up the donations and drop them off right away, then reward yourselves with lunch out.  Meredith Schwartz...penelopeloveslists.com


After I took a job at a small publishing house, the first books I was assigned to edit were all on the topic of dieting.  "Isn't the market flooded with these types of books?"  I asked another editor.  "How do we expect to turn  a profit?"  "Don't worry," he assured me.  "These books appeal to a wider audience than most."


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Never tell people how to do things.  Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity.
   General George S. Patton, Jr.

Friends have a way of speaking without words.

Setting goals works. Think about what you want to accomplish this year in terms of your health.  Whether it's losing weight, quitting smoking, exercising more, or eating better, you can achieve your desire by making it a concrete goal.  Set a realistic timeline with "mini goals" and take practical steps to reach each one.  Aim high for a year of great health and success!  I have a colonoscipy tomorrow morning at 9:30 so I just finished drinking half a solution of water, some powder and lemon flavoring, a total of one gallon.  It's not too bad now but at 2:30 A.M. I will finish drinking this stuff and by then it might not taste as good.


After searching for a particular book on dinosaurs in the science section without any luck, a customer looked to me for help.  She showed me a piece of paper with the title written on it: Thesaurus.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Among those whom I like, I can find no common denominator, but among those whom I love, I can.  All of them make me laugh.
  W. H. Auden

Thank you Jim and Sandie.  Much happiness to you in this coming year.  I am looking forward to what this year will bring.  A new year a new beginning.  We got an e-mail from my cousin Dennis Bishop who lives in San Diego, Cal. and his brother, Stephen Bishop, who lives in  Hollywood, Cal.  Denny stated he spent Christmas with Stephen, for a week, watching movies, that are sent to Stephen, to review and vote for, like Best movie, Best actor and etc. Stephen is a member of the academy and therefore he gets copy's of all the films that are nominated for the academy awards.  I thought that was pretty exciting to hear.  Stephen writes songs for other singers and for himself, like "On and On".  We hope to go visit them this Spring.  Bill says that is one thing on our "Bucket List".  I don't know what else he has on there, but I guess I should find out so I can be ready. 


There's a new type of alarm clock on the market.  It makes no noise.  It uses lights and gets brighter and brighter until you wake up.  I already have one of these.  It's called a window.
    Jay Leno


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
There is a destiny that makes us brothers
No one goes his way alone.
All that we send into the hearts of others,
Comes back into our own...
  Edwin Markham