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Jim's spacesBless my wool said the ram as he went over the cliff, I didn't see that ewe turn May 30 Old lazy meJust checked and it's been almost a month since I lasted posted in my blog. I know several times in the past I've begged my readers forgivness forgiveness for being so derelict toward my blog page and usually I don't have a really good excuse, but this time I think I do. I don't think I have mentioned this before but I have not been well for the past three months. Usually I don't see anyone bleeding all over their blog pages and boring each other with their troubles but to me it has been it's been a bumpy ride. About the first of March I noticed shortness of breath and achiness in my legs while doing any task that was the least bit strenuous. I know I am old but darnit I should have been able to do more such as my simple chores. Things became worse and after consulting with my doctors and taking several tests including blood work they (local doctor's) were unable to diagnose my condition. Out of desperation I consulted specialists in nashvile. They hospitalized me for a couple days and ran a battery of tests of their own and discovered that I was losing blood for some source in my body. They gave me three units and I am to return Monday (June 1st) for more tests which promises to give a definitive diagnosis of where the bleeding is coming from. I look forward to knowing so the doctor's may be able to formulate a plan to attact this condition.
As I said eariler I've not read all that many blogs going into detain the writers medical history but now you have. When I am able I will give an update. I know my Lord is sovereign and has a plan for my life. I am not fearful but am confident that He will work out His good will in my life and in my body. I have a great Church support group and you prayers would also be appreciated. Until then. Jim May 03 Wow!, am I shockedI suppose it's good once in a while to get your pants shocked off and it happened to me to day. Let me began at the beginning of my story.
I drove to St. Louis Friday to pick up Lois that had been in WV. working on her third singing CD and she flew in and we continued on over to one of my Son's home. The plan was to relax on Saturday and go to a certain pizza place as a family Saturday night. (My children still live here along with an ex and an exmotherinlaw.
We had a good Friday evening visit with my son and his family and then today (Saturday) we went to a garage sale and bought some more memory for my computer. and just had a relaxing day. We arrived at this pizza place around 5:30pm and the rest of the Children came a few minutes later. When the last one arived (Becky) She had her Mother and G/mother in tow. It had been 30 years since I'd seen anything other then pictures of her and for sure no conversations. (all these years she had been livid about the split in 1979 and in my estimation caused herself to become older then her years and bitter toward me. (Otherwords she didn't take the divorce very well). All these years I been disappointed in that we could not at least be civil with each other but I just gave here space and kept up with her life through pictures and conversatioin with the kids. After the split in 1979 and divorce in 1980 I married Wilma. (those that follow my blog knows that Wilma passed away in 2005). I married Lois and moved her to Tennessee and we have a good life. I nor Lois saw it as a shame that couldn't not at least have a arms length with her but up to now it was out of the question.
You could have knocked me over with a feather when they arrived. Our meeting was all peaches and cream and even some light hugs from both of the ladies. As it turned out my Childrens Mother was seated next to Lois and had brought a couple of Albums for us to go over. ( I enjoyed looking at pix that many I had not seen for years and some of them not at all). My wife and ex commenced to chatter like magpies and got along wonderfully, (actually I think she come to eye ball her as much as was wondering what I looked like aften all these years.
Bottom line is the thirteen of us had a good pizza dinner and a few moments out side to take pix and get lots of hugs.
Love is the basis of how we should live our lives. Jesus was all for it and preached it's value. Maybe the wall between us is healing and perhaps as a extended family we can include each other in family activities. Who know, but I can say once you fall in love, marry and spend 23 years together the bond may never actually be able to be broken. I am hoping that is the case. All these years I was unable to have a relationship with my Father and Mother inlaw and that was depressing for me. My Father inlaw passed away a few years ago and to this day I have vivid memories of not feeling like I would be welcome at his funeral. I only lived 80 miles away from where he was burried. My heart was breaking and just to realize that I would never see him again. Praise God that now I have been able to hug my ex mother inlaw and exchange I love you's with her. She has always been God's precious gift to everyone she comes into contact with. Good to a fault and still beautiful at 88 years old. How precious it is now having made recontact with her perhaps we can once again touch each others lives in a small way. That's my story and I'm stickin to it. Bless, Jim April 26 On being aloneSome of you know that Lois escorted her sister back to West Virginia last Sunday and will be there one more week. The two ladies have lots of fun together and I've chatted with Lois every night and they have been having a high ole time, eating out every night and general misbehaving, only kiddidng. I have fixed every mean this past week at home while the ladies have no dishpan hand because they have been eating out. As for myself I got some pretty heavy experience at cooking and keeping a house tidy the three or four years that my late wife was alive so I don't mind fixing for myself. It would be nice to have my sweety back here with me but I have not suffered. As a matter of fact my Sat. evening meal consisted of BBQ porksteak, potato's and corn on the cob plus green onions. Pretty good fair if you ask me. No kidding it will be nice to have her back home. Our Intentions are to meet her in St. louis next Friday and spend a couple days with the children., (they all live there).
As some of you know Lois is a singer and has made a couple CD's and has been working on her third for a couple years now and it was time to concentrate on finishing it and wrap this thing up. I have heard most of the gospel selections and know when the finish product is handed over that I and others will enjoy them also. She doesn't market herself, content pretty much to be a housewife. out side of singing and playing her Autoharp (sometimes accompanied by me) in a couple of the local churches including ours she has not done to much. I hope to convince her to join a local gospel music association and attend these open mike evenings. Perhaps she can get played on our local gospel music station.
I have not been feeling all that well for a couple months. I tire easy and get out of breath. Local Doctors have examined me and there findings does not show all that much except to report that I am overweight. I have appointments coming up with Physicans in Nashville to give a second opinion about my condition. (Heaven is my home but at the moment I don't want to go just yet).
I've bored you enough. It's 11:20pm and tv is dull, I am sick of the computer at the moment. I've got all the diner dishes cleaned up. taken a bath, and nothing else to do but go to bed. Goodnight all. Jim April 14 Some details of CruiseI have not written anything about any of the cruise's we've been on our of concern that it might appear to sound like (one upmenship) and believe me I never entend to lay it on thick in any of my posts.
Marge (bless her heart) encouraged me to give a few detains of what a cruise is like so I will attempt to do that now.
For a country boy the ship is a awsome site. You can't imagine how much space is in one of these things. Usually there is about 10 floors that have staterooms. Not being rich we usually opt for an inside cabin which are cheaper and just what is there to see at sea out a porthole? On this latest trip we debarked at Miami which for us in Tn. was a two day drive. What with two drivers and good roads and a nearly new car it was hot a hardship. Back to the ship. It is a nightmare getting 3,000 souls onboard in two hours and settled into their cabins. There are lines but the good part is you can check your bags curb side and they will appear outside your door in about three hours. The rooms are small but good enough that you are comfortable. Queen size bed that are very nice and just about every time you leave the room attendant appears and makes your bed and straightens up. When we returned from being out all evening we find our beds turned down, next days activities listed, and few chocolets and a towel fixed in such a way that it looks like an animal. (neat). The food and entertainment is fabulous. Though this latest trip was fairly expensive it is impossible to find rooms, meals, entertainment and sight seeing for the cost. I recomment cruising to anyone, in fact we are looking forward to going down the Panama sometime thought we're thinking about an eight day informational trip to Mexico next. (Might stay near lake Campela a few months during the winter. somewhere around 35,000 angelo's live there many year round. (getting back to the subject).
We deparked around 4:00 pm and dinner (steak, steak, steak) at 6:00 pm and broadway type show at 8:30. Following that one can gamble (we are cheap we play the penny machines if we play) There is lots to do onboard. usually up to three swimming pools and hot tubs. Buffets where you can really pig out and a pizza bar stays open all night. (we got up around 3:00am one morning, went and had pizza's and come back an had nightmares the reast of the night) (only kidding). It's nice to take a book and sit our on the deck and read or watch the water.
1St Stop...Costa Maya Mexico. Most of that part of the world has experienced some bad weather and has been damaged. but we managed a tour bus trip in each stop. (Thats about all older folks can do though there are several other things that sounds more interesting) The water is ususally beautiful and inviting. Near the dock at each place there is a million things for sale and things to see though speaking as a senior and even tho it was duty free I didn't see all that much that looked like a bargin.
2nd stop....Belize city Belize. I've always thought I'd like to live there following retirement but what I saw on this trip dampened that idea. I would hope that a couple of the inland cities would be better suited for a non ocean person. Belize city showed me nothing.
3rd Stop.......Cozemel, an island 15 miles off the coast of Mexico. There again the island had sustained damage by hurricanes but the down town was a neat place to visit and though this was our second time to visit there we enjoyed ourselves. Lois filled her knapsack fully of coral and hid it in our suitcases on the way back. (pity those poor portors).
4th Stop....Grand Cayman Island. Forget about living there it is to expensive. Homes go for upwards to a million dollars and up. One of the reasons is the offshore banking . Our drives said there was over 600 banks on the island and many who come there are there to deposit, count or to take out money. The water is absolutley beautiful and the island in general is pretty neat and clean. On our bus tour we got to visit a little place called "Hell" it had it's on post office and when Lois got back she remarked that she had been to hell and back.
Cruising might not be everyones bag but I enjoy it. We won't ever be able to afford it but I'd like to fly to Europe and then take a 7-11 day coastal cruise. They have churches and other buildings that are older then our country least we brag to much...... There are lots of other things I could talk about but I've bored you enough. Bless, JIm April 01 Back home againThanks for all your comments and even for those that read the blog entries and didn't comment. I look forward to reading what other people have to say.
The Cruise was great. It makes one appreciate what we have here at home. Iris (it was her first cruise) really enjoyed herself and that made Lois and I happy. At the end of the seven days she mentioned that she was just now finding her way around the ship and needed another week to enjoy it.
I don't have an awfully lot to say tonight. As usual it is one of those sleepless night. I took a short nap waiting in the car this evening for the girls to shop at walmart. Oh well, I will eventually get to sleep.
I am still having medical problems. I took a rolling walker with me on the cruise and it came in handy. I don't know if that is something I will have to use in the future but if it is I will just make the best of it. God is still on His throne and knows what is best for His own. Have a good week. Jim Go Cardinals!!!!!!
 March 20 Good FriendsThank you Marge, Beth and patsy for your recent comments on my blog, especially Marge. She commented that I was handsome. I'm the one that looks in the mirror each morning and know the truth.
Again let me say that it was a thrill being in the recent play. Myrtle, Maude and Brother Nations (the parts we played) are back to being just plain old folks but at the same time a little star struck. (only kidding). Anyway it was fun and helps keep us young.
Please pray for me as I am beginning to have some health problems. I have no energy and have loss of breath after doing much of anything. I am getting a general aches and pains in my hip joints etc. I have visited all my Doctors and they have not located and red flags health wise. Of course I am to heavy and losing some would help I,m sure. In the past few months I have became a fool of canned nuts. (part of my problem I guess)
Before I started having these health problems we booked a seven day cruise to western Caribbean with includes Belize. I've always wanted to go there and all my adult life I've wondered what it would be like to retire there. I don't think that is in the cards (no a days you would practically have to give your home away owening the the depressed market) but I am looking forward to visiting Belize. I have a rolling walker and plan to take that on our trip. Only to use perhaps on some of the walking tours.
Thanks to all for being my friend and for the incourgement you give me. By the way the picture included is of my 40 something children when they were little. It was the best time of my life.  Bless all of you. JimMarch 12 Thought you'd like to knowHello fellow bloggers. As usual I've been awake all night. I get so damn tired of not being able to get to sleep and/or stay asleep most nights. I just must be the nature of the beast. As I've said before my Lois has no trouble at getting to sleep or staying asleep. I think she could sleep on a rock pile. Though the other night (she had taken a long nap in the afternoon) we both were laying in bed wide eyed and one of us suggested we go to waffle house and have an early breakfast. After filling our tummys she suggested a nice long ride before going back home so I took her down a dark and dingy route and we only passed two cars the entire 40 miles. We are still young enough to do those silly things and why not, we spent our time in the trenches working long hours and now in retirement we sure as hell don't punch any clock.
Enough of that. I did want to report on a condition that came upon me about two weeks ago. I became ultra short of breath after doing anything or even walking a short distance. I saw my lung doctor and her said everything looked all right but not being satisfied I tried to get an appointment with my heart docter and she was booked up until up in April. (A man could be dead by that time). We did persuade the heart docter to work me in this Friday 13th. (go figure). With this condition our cruise is in question leaving March 22nd. (Ugh to that idea). Seven days to severals ports of call including Melize. I want to look in to perhaps living there a few months during the winter. But if I don't get myself straighten out that idea will be out the window. Just remember me in your prayer Friday. Okey? Thanks.
I'm still to dumb to figure out how to delete my media player which does not work. I've gotten instructions on how to do it but somehow I still was unable to get it done.
We have had a couple of spring like days this week and I even go to set outside and read for a while. Of course I had sense enough to cover my (ugh) bald spot but my arms did get a little red. Maybe this cruise will get me over my cabin fever. Hope so. Enclosed is a picture of me with my mustache shaved off. It got me in trouble with Lois so I am growing it back.
 I will try to get back to bed and hopefully get to sleep. God bless all of you. Jim March 08 Help!Good evening all my blogging friends. It's another one of those sleepless nights and also the time change. I cant wait for spring. I have two half barrels that I want to plant a couple tomato's in. Of course I will have to fence them because the deer in my back yard will eat anything. It's impossible to have flowers because of them. It's soothing to watch something grow so I was laying in bed (eyes wide open) planning how I could protect them from the deer. I think I have it figured out but will require some work.
We are planning another cruise starting March 22nd and I'm wondering if it would be to early the plant them before we leave. Oh well, I will figure it out.
The reason I put "Help" in the blog title is I want to know how I can delete the media player that does not work.... and try to replace it with one that does. If you have any suggestions I would appreciate them.
On another note.... it was a thrill for Lois, her sister and I to each have a small part in our latest local theater production of "Smoke on the Mtn." It was home coming at that small chruch (The audience was the congregation) and I played a old time (fire and brim stone) preacher back for a visit. Lois and her sister (photo included) played old maids that thought they pretty much ran the church. It had a 40's setting and was a lot of fun to do. Before the play started Lois was part of a trio that did a couple hymns as a preshow thing. She plays the Audioharp and sings. The picture that I am posting shows them in their 40's clothes.
Thanks for letting me ramble on. Have a good Sunday. Jim
  February 19 Where is Spring?Brrr Brrr It's not supposed to be this cold in middle Tennessee. 20 degrees yesterday morning and near 40 degrees when I got up this morning which was about 10:30 AM. Why, would you ask would someone lay in bed that late and my answer would be "Why not?, I am retired and that is just one of the perks of being in that situation in life".Return me back to my mid twenties and I would be willing to again work as hard as I did then and get up early. The day John Kennedy was killed I was working three jobs trying to put together enough money for a down payment on a home. So I have done my time in the trenches and don't worry if the spirit doesn't move me to put my feet to the floor until mid morning. That's my story and I am sticking to it.
I am very concerned about the health and economy of our country. It pains me to read of a plant closing here and 5,000 good folks layed off there. For years to come books will be written and speeches will be given using the blame game. I have always believed we get the goverment we deserve. If we compromise on this moral issue and look the other way on other things God's grace may and perhaps have been lifted and we are adrift in mediocrity. I dare say this recession with eventually effect every home in America.
We are beginning to see the effects in my own congregation. Sunday morning I sugested to the Pastor that we form a special fund within this congregation to aid any of our people that have fallen on hard times. He liked the idea and promised to get back to me.
I usually don't get on a soap box but solutions should and must be found soon. It is such a dirty shame the each party has alligned it's self a certain way and will not work together on these issues. I am not incouraged. Have a great weekend. Jim PS, I am including a picture of the fall colors along my home street. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
 February 08 Late night with JimGood evening all my blogging friends. The past couple days have been outstanding especially after all the cold weather we've had last month. It was 60* yesterday and today and it made me want to go out and plant something, but I have plenty of chores without finding something to plant. The belts on my yard tractor just gave out and it is so hard for an old man to change them I guess I will have to have it done. The city pledges to pick up last falls leaves but they are still near the curb and I suppose killing the grass underneath. Oh well I cant complain at least I have a roof over my head and a good woman to share it with, so forgive me if I seem to be grumbling.
My heart goes out to all those millions of people who have lost their jobs and soon will. God willing I will have an income that will allow me to weather what may be coming but I feel peoples pain. I know our church does help out the needy but with a potential for so many more needs I hope to persuade the church father's to open a special fund and incourage members to give freely because I just know (God forbid) there are going to be many needs even within our own congregation. One of our members is the general manager of a midsize boat trailer plant here and remarked to me recently that he had to lay off several people and lay off men at least one of the men could lose his home. Lets pray that that doesn't happen. The plan that congress just passed seems not to have much to do with creating many jobs, and now more and more industries are crying for a bailout for themselves. Many or (shall I say) most folks live from paycheck to paycheck. I carry the note of a house I sold a few months ago and lets just home I don't have to take it back. I can but wonder what shape I would find it. Oh well...There again these things are beyond we little people to solve.
My sisterinlaw is with us now and will be until first of April. About three weeks ago she came down with a bad cold, kept it a week or so and passed it on to me. I tried to last it out but eventually had to see my doctor and x-rays showed pneumonia and needless to say I have been in all week and probably will not go to church tomorrow. But to make matters worse I have now passed it on to my Lois. She started feeling worse as today worn on and she sounds like she she has a bad cold or worse. It is so unselfish of Iris, and it demonstrates her giving spirit, but this is one gift she could have kept to herself. The picture I am including in intitled "Son's that make their daddies proud" I just think it is so typical of what little boys might do. Have a blessed weekend. Jim  February 02 Monday EveningNot much exciting is happening on Jim's home front. The weather has been just awful. If's it's not raining it's colder then I don't know what. I shouldn't complain though because we've recieved word that up around Mayfield Ky and other areas have had to deal with ice and no electricity. As I've said before I am ready for spring so I can dig in the dirt. I've got plenty ahead of me cause I am going to put a lattice type underpenning skirt around both my sheds. and also dig a trench for a electric line running out in the back yard where hopefully I can affort to put a fountain. (the jury is still out on that). I had wrought iron put around my front and back porches. It sure looks nice but then it ought to for $1800. dollars. and Just to please sweetie I am having more cabinets built for the kitchen. Wow!, is there no end to it. It sometimes seems we've bought a front door knob and are now building a house around it. 40000. dollars and counting
This Wednesday we are traveling to Moody Bible Institute in Chicago for a home comming type thingie. Good singing and good preaching plus a couple nights in a hotel with my best girl. That's bound to give me ideas. Just hope my mind doesn't write a check that my body can't cash. (sigh). I am hopeful that we can sneak out for a visit to the field museum. Been there once and want to visit again. On the way back Saturday we will stop by St. louis and visit the Children and grandchildren. I always like to see them as often as possible
Now that you have heard all the boring news I will say goodnight and have a very good week. Bless. Jim January 24 A beautiful Saturday
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November 26
jdeens@msn.com
Dear blog friends. It's the eve before turkey day and Lois has her stuff together to make the things we are taking to a friends house for tomorrows food and fellowship (along with a little football..Go Titans) We do this every Thanksgiving when we are not going out of town or having anyone in. I look forward to it each year.
I guess we are creatures of habit because two or three times today I've mentioned going to eat at the church before midweek services and of course they are not having services tonight.I know pretty sure that I don't have Alzheimer's but it's possible I could have sometimers. I am tempted to say "it's getting old" but no I can see now it's just another step in life. With Wilma so sick for several years I was pretty much restricted to home but after she passed away when in time I met and married Lois we are finally able to hop around the country at will, restricted only by our imagination. All this has allowed me to continue to feel young and plenty happy to get out and do things. She is quiet a gal and I love her so much.
It's beginning to feel like winter here in middle Tennessee or at least late fall. Temps are around 35-40 in the mornings and climb up to around 50 in the afternoon. I have most of my fall chores done so I can sit around and read. I am studying the book of Daniel now. I have always had an interest in the "In times" and find lots of material in the way of articles and comentaries online. I don't retain as well as I once did but some of it soaks in and I'd rather be doing that then sitting on a bar stool.
I may have mentioned this before but if I have please pretend you did not hear it because I want to say it again. I am one of those people that read three or four books at the same time. many times the theme is wholly unrelated. I guess that is just the way I am wired. I have found the net is a great resource for material and it's possible to (if you need to) magnify the size of the writting. I have been having a slight problem when I read a lot. I get a general dimming of my eyes...almost fogged over. Maybe poor lighting or just old age. anyway I can read better off the computer screen.
I started to just say a few words and wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving but as you can see I tend to ramble. Be safe and enjoy yourselves. Jim
November 25
Jim , Marilyn and Brody
This is a picture of me, Marilyn and my grandson Brody. I am proud of them and though I am in no way related to Marilyn and her children I am the only grandpa they have and they love me. The have taken nicely to Lois calling her miss Lois. (That is a southern term but I like it). They live in Enterprize Al and I get to see them fairly often.
I mainly wrote this post entry to try and learn how to embed pictures in my blog posts and I will be doing that from time to time.
I don't know if I will be able to post before this weekend because on Sat. Lois and I are going on another short 4 day cruise. and when we return we hope to bum around Fl. for a few days. I expect we will be back by the 10th. here's wishing all a wonderful Thanksgiving and God bless. Jim
November 22
jdeens@msn.com
Whew!, I just got out of the shower and now I am feeling half way human. It's leaf gathering time again and it is a dirty job. I'm taking medicine for my head and chest cold, (mentioned it eariler) They rend to hang on longer with me, (weak lungs I guess) butttttt, Life goes on and the leaves will not remove themselves. I was mentioning to Lois at lunch today how many a time not only me but many men went off to work sick as a dog but had a job to protect. She then suggested us men weren't the only ones. She was a court reporter and they don't grow on tree's and she felt that she should go to work even if she had to prop herself up. (((Poor girl I didn't mean to exclude her) I always thought that darling little thing was to mean to get sick)))
Anyway I will try to finish up after church tomorrow (I"ll pretend that my ox fell into a ditch". I would not life it to rain on my half done job.
Lois is off shopping and I expect her back in an hour or so. I hope she remembers to bring home some small cubed ham to go in the crock pot of beans. If not we will just eat them like they are along with cornbread and buttermilk. (some of you are saying "uck", I can just hear you now). Naaaa, I expect most of you are country at heart and love cornbread, That's the American way don't you know?
Enough of that. Through Curves (Lois goes) I found a drop dead price on another cruise, so we will be leaving December 1st for 5 days but then when we arrive back we hope to tour various sites in Florida, (hope the pennies hold out). But first comes Thanksgiving, a special time of the year. God has been extra good to me and I thank Him for it. There is a couple in my chruch does at Thanksgiving called "Gathering in the strays" That means any one that is not going out of town or having people in. My Children live 375 miles away and take that holliday with their Mother and we don't usually having any one in. About 40 folks gather, each bring a dish or two and the food and fellowship and wonderful. On Thanksving this year I will get to watch the Tn. Titan's take on Detroit. Should be a good game.
I'm just rambling so I will get off and being a bold soul I will try once again to add a pictue to this entry. Usually I lose the whole thing but this time I am going to try something else. Bless, Jim
November 19
Video
I just now tried to post a video in my blog. Here goes nothing. Even if it doesn't go through I'm wishing all a good rest of the week. Jim
November 12
jdeens@msn.com
It's cold and damp outside and it's impossible to get up the leaves until they dry out. The sad part is I'm having company the 14th. One always wants to put one's best foot forward but my Sister and her husband will just have to look over the several little outside jobs that will not get done. Oh well as mrs Pety says, "I can remember when they didn't have a pit to hiss in". ha ha.
My cold has moved to my chest and even though I don't feel well I feel better then I did a few days ago. In fact We plan to attend mid-week services tonight.
I don't have much to say this afternoon but I did want to embed a picture so here goes.
Wow! I did it. This is a siggy called "JJ the lion" I used for several years. So glad it came out. Have a good evening, Jim P.S. I think sweet lois is going to start blogging, lets hope so.
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