Sunday, January 31, 2010

New flooring material???

Yesterday, Mama had called us hysterically to ask for our help in ridding her house of a WILD half-grown kitten. Stan was still at work so the girls and I flew over. We thought that we were "prepared" for whatever may happen. The girls had donned winter gloves to protect their hands from whatever the cat may dish out.

When we got to her house, Mama had the kitten trapped in her master bedroom. We snuck in there and closed the door behind us. Once there, we got on both sides of the bed to try to scare the cat out. It worked! She came out and ran straight into the master bathroom. Oh, no! That was not a good thing!!! The cat was so quick that she began nothing less than a blur!!! Finally, Mama presented us with a sweatshirt that we threw on the cat, grabbed it and returned it to the great outdoors and released it.

Once that episode was over, I asked Mama how the cat had gotten into the house. I had assumed that it had come in through the door when she entered or exited her home. No. Mama had noticed that her "carpenter fix-it technique" that she had implemented a few years ago in her utility room had been SHREDDED by the kitten from underneath the house. Come to find out, her old dog had "dug a hole" in her floor next to the back door. My mom hated to ask her sons-in-law, Stan or Leif, to fix the problem so she bought a roll of silver duct tape and used it to cover the hole! Oh my goodness!!! I have NO idea how she avoided falling through the floor!!!

Of course, I told my mom that the boys needed to fix it properly. Instead, she still wanted to "repair her floor damage abit better" this time. She decided that she needed to "strengthen" the floor by cutting a piece of "cardboard" from a pop flat. So, Leighlyn got down on her hands and knees with the carboard that had been cut larger than the floor damage. Leighlyn put the cardboard in place and covered it with the duct tape. Mama was very pleased! Now, the cardboard will also provide some "insulation" from the elements!!!

Since then, I have mentioned the "fine construction" of her floor patch to Stan. He is planning on going over and fixing it right!

Just another moment in our humorous day-to-day activities in our family...

VLE-B

Update on my foot

Last week, I reported that I had been experiencing major pain in my left foot. I was sent to a podiatrist in Garden City who had given me a steroid shot to help with the pain that was caused by two large spurs on my heel and the fact that in order to take pressure off of my heel, I had begun walking on the outside edge of my foot. I was totally unaware of the fact that I was walking on the side of my foot!

The doctor told me that I needed to wear much stiffer shoes than I had been. Stan dug through my shoes until he found a pair of tennis shoes that matched the criteria that my podiatrist had given to me. Since then, I have given up the luxury of just slipping on my fur-lined clogs. However, my foot feels soooooooo much better now! I have to recommend that more people follow the doctor's recommendations with your choice of shoes! Just make sure that you cannot twist them from side to side or bend them in half.

VLE-B

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Scary situation at Wal-Mart

We had to make a trip to Garden City this evening. As always when we go to Garden City, we almost always have to make a trip to Wal-Mart.

Abigayle and I were suffering with bladder-burst-itis so we quickly found our way to the restrooms at the back of the store (not up by the check-outs). To get to that set of restrooms, one must walk through a large room where people once set up arrangements for lay-aways. In all of the years that we have shopped at Wal-Mart, we have never had such an unnerving experience as we had tonight. There were two rows of gangmembers that Abigayle and I were forced to walk between. I admit that I thoroughly enjoy those email that show the weird people who shop Wal-Mart! But I found not one thing humorous about these clowns. There were between 8 and 12 men and women (not kids) who all decided to wear black and grey to do their shopping tonight. Some had shaved their heads. There were others who had the opposite hairstyle. Their hair was the bushiest and nastiest afros I have ever seen. Each one of them was wearing black make-up. No doubt about it, they were gothic with a capital G. I will be the first to tell you that I have NO use for ANY gangs. One of my least favorites is those of the goth scene.

My daughters and I are very close. It is nothing to see the girls and I walking hand in hand in stores, etc. As we walked through these spooky wonders, Abi's little hand tightened around mine even tighter than normal. About halfway through their little congregation, a nasty woman started laughing at us and then most of her coharts joined in. Once inside the restroom, we discovered that a lady who had been changing her son's diaper was afraid to leave the bathroom because of this motley crew. And, honestly, I was not looking forward to it either.

Something welled up inside me. I don't know if it was what Daddy referred to as GUTS or foolishness. All of a sudden, I wanted to go out there and give the shameful idiots a piece of my mind--until I remembered that I may not have much more to give! So...I did the next best thing. I ushered Abigayle to the only stoolette at Wal-Mart that we EVER use--the handicapped stoolette. Because of my rheumatoid arthritis in my back, the taller stoolette allows me to get off of the stoolette without the assistance of the Finney County EMS. (How embarrassing that would be!!! LOL!!!) I also insist that both of my daughters go with me so that I can protect them better. Afterall, once you've seen those Wal-Mart people email, you know that all kinds of crazies shop there. LOL!

This time, as soon as we entered the stoolette stall, I removed my handy dandy cellphone from my BRA-ket and dialed 620-275-0775, Wal-Mart's phone number. A friendly associate answered the phone. Because of the fact that I did not know if there were any other gang members in the stalls there, I lowered my voice and informed the associate that I was calling from the back bathroom. (She probably thought that I had fallen into the stoolette and could not get out!) I explained to her that there were some gang members just outside of the bathroom and that they were up to no good. She assured me that she would be alerting management immediately. Soon after, we walked out of the bathroom to find no gang members standing around anymore.

For the rest of our shopping at Wal-Mart tonight, Abi and I could just not get over the uneasiness that we had felt as we walked to the restroom. When I told Stan and Leighlyn about the phone call that I had made from the restroom, he thought that I had gone too far. Ugghh!!! As we were exiting the store, we noticed a store greeter there who we enjoy very much. She stopped us to talk. For some reason, she told us that there had been a scary situation at the store tonight involving gang members. I asked her what had happened. She told me that several had taken a woman down in the back of the store. When I told her that I had called the associate, she was glad to hear that we had taken time to call the Wal-Mart office because management believed that the call might have saved the woman from being seriously injured or worse.

I am NOT trying to scare anyone from shopping at Wal-Mart!!!We shop there many times every year and this is the only time where we have seen gangsters come together to bully others. I AM saying that we need to be aware of what is happening in these large stores clear on down to mom and pop convenience stores. If your inner voice is telling you not to put yourself in a certain area, LISTEN TO IT!!! Carry your cellphone with you when you shop and be willing to use it!!! And...DO NOT be one of those people who decides to keep on walking when they see a dangerous situation where someone is or may be getting hurt. I detest those marshmallow types!!! Get some help for that person or people!!!

VLE-B

Willard Wells--Scott City

Willard Wells passed away at the Scott County Hospital on Thursday, January 28th. He was born on November 2nd of 1926. He was 83-years-old.

Mr. Wells owned and operated an iron and salvage yard in Scott County. He was a Navy vet from World Wat 11.

Survivors include his two sons, George and Bill, two brothers, Malvin of Scott City and Edd Wells of Leoti, three sisters, Wilma Baker of Scott City, Charlotte Holmes of San Diego, Aleta Barrows of Ness City, four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Memorial services will be held at 1:30 on Tuesday, February 2nd, at the Scott County Cemetery.

The family suggest memorials be given to the Scott County EMTs in care of Price and Sons Funeral Homes of Garden City, Scott City, Leoti and Tribune.

VLE-B

Chris and Peter

I received concerning news on Thursday but did not want to share it until I heard back from Chris that I made sure that it was okay for me to post it.

Last week, I told you that during their humanitarian work in Darfur in the Sudan Region of Africa, Peter became VERY ill. Chris and their security people transported him to Cairo, Egypt so that he could see a doctor. At that time, the Egyptian doctor determined that he had a serious case of the flu. Given the fact that their work was not completed in Darfur yet, Peter and Chris decided that she needed to resume the work while their pilots would fly him back to their Tuscan home so that he could be seen by their doctor there.

By this time, I figured that he was back on the road to recovery. I thought wrong. A few days after he landed in Tuscany, Chris finished her work in Africa. Their jet flew back to Cairo to fly her home. Instead of Peter being better, he was still very ill. His fever is not going down.

Last night, their jet was to fly the two of them back to New York where he can meet with his doctor whom he has the most trust and confidence in. As of 11:45 a.m. on Saturday, I have heard nothing more from them.

Peter and Chris also own homes in New York and Connecticut. I am ASSUMING that they will stay in one of those homes for awhile as Peter recovers from whatever has a hold on him.

I would ask that you pray for Peter and Chris. Peter is a very sick man right now.

Last night, Chris told me that they plan on returning to Africa in late-Spring to carry on even more help. As of Thursday, she was just totally exhausted. Chris could have definitely benefitted from a hot steamy bubble bath and her own comfortable bed. Instead, she just couldn't leave Peter's side which I definitely understand. I am also sure that Peter probably started feeling better as soon as he saw her face and her hand clasped his hand. Love brings a large amount of comfort to us when we are so very ill.

They are still planning a trip to Haiti. Of course, his health will put that on hold until he is much better.

As I've mentioned before, Peter and Chris are globe-trotters. They spend much of their time helping the needy throughout the world. They fly their own jet whenever possible. I asked Chris how many pilots they employee. She told me that their jet is so large that two must fly the plane at all times. Whenever they fly from one continent to another, they have three pilots on the plane just so that the pilots can take a break

Thank you for your concern, but most importantly, thank you for your prayers!!! I will be keeping you posted.

VLE-B

Friday, January 29, 2010

Pleasant Valley Bed and Breakfast in Wichita County

More and more, people are choosing to stay in bed and breakfasts throughout the world instead of motels/hotels. Those people are searching for "a more intimate surrounding to spend their nights and days". They also want to really get the local "feeling" of their surroundings.

A few years ago, Ken and Sue Schwindt opened their very own bed and breakfast in a country setting in Wichita County. It is located near Beaver Creek and is just a few minutes north of Leoti and Marienthal.

Just a reminder that the Wichita County Fair will be in July. It would be a VERY smart idea to contact the Schwindts right away to set up reservations. Through the years, our fair has become quite famous and people from all over the globe come to check it out! If you do not already know Ken and Sue, I can tell you that they are very friendly, good people. Their bed and breakfast is thoroughly clean. (Some bed and breakfasts, motels, hotels cannot say the same thing.)

If you need to make reservations or ask any questions, please call Ken and Sue at 620-375-2874. They are open 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week.

To get more information or to take a look around, please go to their website at www.pleasantvalleybnb.com

Thank you!!!

VLE-B

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Faulty Information

I received a comment on yesterday's commosion posting. I had understood that both events had happened in the same part of the county. Turns out that I was wrong. A commenter told me that they were in seperate parts of the county. Sorry about that! If any of you happen to know where both things happened, please let me know so that I can clarify everything here. I do know whose house the ambulance went to but I prefer not to state their name here.

Thank you!

VLE-B

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Had your shots yet?

Just a reminder that you can still get your FREE H1N1 shot at the Wichita County Health Department. ANYONE can have the shot now. H1N1 us still alive and kicking so be prepared!!!

VLE-B

Marian (Eileen) Minor--Scott City and San Diego

Mrs. Minor, 90-years-old, passed away on Thursday, January 21st in Scott City, Ks. She was born on March 2nd, 1919 in Garden City, Ks. Mrs. Minor was a longterm resident of San Diego, California before moving to Scott City in 2007.

She was an active member of PEO, Forest Home, MOAA Auxillary, First Presbyterian Church of San Diego and the Flagship Mariners.

Her husband was Captain Gerald Minor, USN, formerly of Leoti. He passed away in 1993after they had celebrated their 50th anniversary in 1992.

Survivors include 1 daughter, Mary and Gerald Hermes of Scott City and 1 son, Gerald (Gary) Minor of Crystal River, Florida, three grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

Her funeral will be held on January 29th, 2010 at El Camino Memorial Park and Mortuary in San Diego, California.

The family urges memorials be given to Park Lane Nursing Home of Scott City, Kansas.

VLE-B

Charlies Restaurant Information

Last Summer when Hi-Plains Restaurant owners decided to close their cafe, Leotians faced the grim reality that there was no longer a sit-down cafe to eat lunch. Gary and Sheila Campas stepped up and decided to open their Mexican restaurant for lunches also. They just released the information that they will be closing their restaurant for lunches starting on February 1st, 2010. The restaurant WILL BE OPEN as always for the evening meal, Monday through Saturday.

Leoti now has the Route 96 Cafe in the VFW building. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner all 7 days of the week. The Dairy King is also open from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Of course, K-Store and Presto also serve items for meals.

We would like to thank Gary, Sheila and crew for making sure that friends and family had a great place to meet, mingle and eat a fine lunch!!!

VLE-B

Events in Southern Wichita County

This morning, many sirens blew and firetrucks,ambulances, etc were dispatched to Southern Wichita County.

The first call was to handle a county loader that had caught fire. To my knowledge, no one was hurt.

An ambulance was later sent to a home in the same area.

Other than this, I know nothing else.

VLE-B

Haitian Adoption

The 7,0 and 6.3 earthquakes that have devastated Haiti have left MANY children as orphans. We, as Americans, can build our own families by contacting various agencies here who can arrange for adoption of these children.

I have taken the opportunity to list three such adoption agencies and have also listed websites where we can go to get much more information on this topic, etc.

HIV is prevalent in Haiti. The approved agencies will make certain that the adoptable children are tested to make sure that they do NOT have HIV, VDRL, Sickle Cell or Tuberculosis. I am ASSUMING that there may be some government money available to help with the adoptions and possibly moneys to help raise the child.

GLOBAL ADOPTIONS
Cyndi Peck
406.681.3127
cyndi@adoptionguides.org

CHILDREN'S HOUSE INTERNATIONAL
Kathryn Holliday
www.childrenshouseinternational.com
801.763.3412
chilatinam@aol.com

WASATCH INTERNATIONAL
Chareyl
www.wiaa.org
801.334.8683
chareyl@wiaa.org

Here are some additional websites:

www.chances4children.org

www.charlotteobserver.com/616/story/1193300.html

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100119144

There is also a 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week website where you can watch live TV from Haiti. go to www.HaitiLiveNetworks.com

Currently, there is one Wichita County family whom I know are seriously considering adopting a child from Haiti.

VLE-B

Doctor Appointment

This morning, I met with my podiatrist (foot doctor). I took my x-rays that were taken last Thursday with me. The doctor said that my spurs are very large and that he could understand why my foot has had so much pain for such a long time. The part that he was very surprised about was the fact that my heel feels fine! As it turns out, I have a spur at the front of my heel and another spur at the back of my heel. As large as they are, I should have had very severe pain in that area.

I have complained of major pain in the outer left hand side of my foot. The x-rays showed no problems whatsoever in that area. He finally decided that I am walking on that edge of my foot to prevent the heel from hurting.

Only ten percent of people with spurs on their feet ever require surgery. The other ninety percent can survive well by having steroid shots every 3 months or so, doing daily foot excercises and wearing PROPER shoes.

Given the fact that I am no fashion diva, I usually wear the same pair of fur-lined crocks with everything except for my dressey dresses. It is a good thing that I wore them today so that he could see my shoe preference. Many of you out there already know what "crocks" look line. They are completely open at the back and the leather, etc covers your sides, middle and toe area of the shoe. As it turns out, he recommends that NO ONE wear crocks. Because of the fact that there is no back support in the shoes, your toes are forced to curl up so that the shoes do not fall off of your feet. By that happening, tendons and ligaments throughout your feet are having to tighten and stretch more than they should have to do.

The doctor recommends that people buy and wear Doc Martin, Airwalk and a few other brands of shoes. If shoes are built correctly, they must be so stiff that you cannot "twist" the shoes from side to side easily and they should not be able to bend in half easily. In other words, the stiffer (firmer), the better.

The doctor recommended that I have a steroid shot in my foot. No problem! I am not afraid of any little ol' needle. Hmmm, I am now! LOL!!! The steroid shot is so painful that shots of lidacaine are given in that area first. OH, MY GOODNESS!!! This pain was EXTREME!!! I had burning sensations GALORE! Fortunately, Stan had gone with me so he ended up having to hold my foot down so that the doctor could work on my foot. Now, normally, I can take ALOT of pain but this proved to be just too much pain for even me. Three different times, my reflexes managed to pull my foot away from the needle! It took a considerable amount of time before my foot numbed in that area. Though I should have not been able to feel the shot of steroid, I DID!!! So be prepared for this pain if you are going to have the steroids. For an hour, my foot was numbed. I was able to walk "normally" again. My foot should have felt numb for at least 2 or 3 hours. After an hour, I noticed a warm sensation in my foot. Within a few minutes, my foot was HOT!!! It has been 5 1/2 hours since my shots. My foot is STILL full of pain. I have taken tylenol and it has helped.

I just called the nurse at the clinic. She assured me that the pain is normal and will probably last for 2 or 3 days until the steroid really kicks in. I can live with that.

I am glad that I saw the podiatrist! He was very knowledgable, kind and easy to talk to. I am positive that my foot will be MUCH better by the end of the week.

VLE-B

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Sad reality

I subscribe to FACEBOOK and have had the "priviledge" of getting to observe the lives and morals of today's teenagers through it. To say that my observation is frightening is putting it mildly. Given the fact that I have two daughters who will be teenagers way too soon terrifies me.

I have not been a teenager since 1981. My, how time has changed teenagehood since then. In the late 1970s when I was a teenager, times were already tough for people who were no longer children but were not quite adults either. As I've always said, there is nobody out there who is/was any crueler than kids and teenagers. I was both a victim and a witness to the meaness that can be dished out to one another. I had some strikes against me in grade school. My mother was a school teacher. For some reason, kids find teachers' children to be targets for abuse from the other kids. Fortunately by the time I was in high school, things were better.

Another strike that I now know was held against me was the fact that I was "bi-polar". Back then, there was no lable for the disorder. Instead some of the kids chose to call me Weirdo. Oh, HOW I HATE THAT WORD!!!!!!!!!!! Now I understand why people thought of me that way. Many times, I went from being extremely sad almost to the point of being suicidal to the other extreme where I was completely filled with euphoria. No wonder kids had a tough time trying to figure me out, let alone consider me a friend. Today, there is still a vast amount of kids and teenagers out there who have yet to be diagnosed with Bi-Polar Disorder. Believe me, those people are paying the same price that I did way back then. Fortunately, there is a silver lining to this dark cloud. Later in life, the people who were basically tormentors of mine, have grown up and we've actually been able to become good friends. Not long ago, I received an email from a former classmate of mine. She and I started Kindergarten together and finished high school together. After all of these years, she apologized to me for her part in being mean to me. Her email was actually surpising to me! Until she reminded me, I had forgotten that in grade school I was actually a 'conisseur' of fine glue!!! Oh, mercy! The thought of tasting glue today sickens me. How in the world did I eat it back then! LOL!!! Now, I have to wonder just what other "delicacies" I was known for eating! Anyway, I want to thank you, Judy, for your very kind apology. Believe me, you were one of the BEST friends to me many a year ago. You provided an excellent example to me. Since your email, I have come to realize that I owe my own fair share of apologies to others as well.

Way back then, there were very few kids who actually considered suicide as a viable resource for when things got to be too hard to handle. Today, we are starting to hear of many more kids choosing that way out. I recently read an article on teen and adult suicide. It has been discovered now that only one out of every five people who died as a result of suicide attempts actually meant to do it. The other four people thought that they would be rescued before their attempts went too far. Unfortunately, many of the kids who do die at their own hands, were shoved to taking their own lives by peer pressure.

Today, I discovered that a local teen had added me as his friend on FACEBOOK. I just went to read about him when I found a terribly nasty message that had been left for him by an ex-girlfriend who was definitely harboring some unresolved issues.

You know me, I cannot stand seeing anyone being hurt, let alone the youth of our society. So, I commented to the ex-girlfriend who I do not know and who is not from Leoti. I explained in no uncertain words that her harshness was anything but attractive. Soon, I received her comment to me. I appreciated her honesty. I also learned that I had really opened a LARGE can of worms when I chose to get involved. The intensely personal information that she gave to me just proved how much harder it is to be a teenager in today's world. In the 1970s, we tried to guess who out of our fellow teenagers were "doing it". Even back then, pre-marital sex was considered to be taboo. IF you did engage in sexual behavior, you certainly did not go out and broadcast the information to others. (Unless you were some boys who were wanting to be MACHO!) Some people did tell this innermost secret to their very best friends but they definitely did not want to "brag" about it.

As I read what the girl had written to me via FACEBOOK, I suddenly realized just how benign sex has become to our young people. She knew nothing about me but yet she told me about "being used just to take away her ex's virginity" then he basically dumped her. I was shocked, to say the very least. What is wrong in our world today??? Where have our morals gone??? Why aren't parents, grandparents, etc stepping up to the plate in raising their offspring???

Back in my childhood, I remember many a talk that Daddy and I shared as we sat around the kitchen table. He never professed to be a saint but he still urged me to remain "pure" until my wedding night. I doubt very seriously if 25% of today's brides and grooms are still pure on their wedding night. It is such a shame.

Back in the olden days when I grew up, I can remember that the "all that" group dictated what could be worn and what could not be worn to school. If you happened to not be able to wear the clothes that that group sanctioned, the in group made sure that you were aware of the fact that you "did not fit in". My mother made sure that we wore clean up-to-date clothes to school. (On a funny note, Mama had to be at school by 8:00 a.m. It was Daddy's duty to make sure that we got dressed before we headed for school and the babysitter. Daddy really wasn't much into fashion. He couldn't have cared less about yesterday's style, today's style or the styles of tomorrow. Many a day, Daddy sent me to grade school wearing a dress and a pair of slacks underneath!!! Back then, more girls wore dresses on a daily basis. Daddy wanted to make sure that I stayed warm so I had to wear the pants. Oh, my! LOL!!!)Unfortunately, there were always families who could not afford those clothes, so, of course, they were to be condemned by all. I am seeing that bullying is even worse today than yesterday!!!

I remember the mean comments that were made to the heavy students. Back then, double-knit fabric was used ALOT to construct heavy people's clothes because the fabric stretched. I remember hearing of a young man in Johnson who took a cigarette lighter to school so that he could use it on a certain girl's pair of pants. Of course the fabric did not burn but it darned sure MELTED. It melted a HUGE hole in the rear end of her outfit. The victim was unaware that her clothes were being melted until everyone started laughing at her! The school's principal demanded that the "firebug" purchase a new outfit for the girl. Unfortunately, the drunk punk who started the melting process was not shunned for his behavior. Instead, he became an even bigger rooster in the chicken house! Why is it that people are so bad about "elevating" the bad in our society instead of holding them down where they belong???

Until the past ten or twenty years, homosexual lifestyles were hardly ever openly thought of; let alone spoken of. Now, our kids have to figure out if they find the opposite sex or the same sex more attractive. Then, of course, they can choose to "like" both sexes. It is simple to see why so much sexual confusion exists. If we don't hear about tbe topic from our family and friends, we can see it on TV or at the theatre.

In high school, many of us drove old clunkers back and forth to school, the store, out on dates, etc. There were still plenty-a-kid who walked to school or rode to school with their parents or friends. But, of course, there were always those parents out there who had to "impress" everyone by buying their teenager a brand new-hot-off-of-the-showroom-floor car. Now just how much sense did that make? Almost invariably, those shiny new cars looked like they were ready to retire to the nearest junkyard by the end of the school year!

MY sisters and I had cars. My folks bought our older vehicles with cash from their pockets. They saw no sense in purchasing newer-modelled cars that would have required bank loans. I remember that I drove a Chevy boat for a couple of years in high school. No, it was by far not the prettiest in the school parking lot but it managed to get 8 kids back and forth to school everyday. I wasn't that into "only the best". I was just proud to drive a car that my parents could afford. When I was a senior, Daddy gave me a Ford Mustang that was the same age as me!!! Boy, it turned many an eye! There was just one itty bitty problem with it. It had a manual transmission and I was an "automatic" transmission type driver. Over and over, I would attempt to drive my Mustang up a hill only to have problems clutching! Ah, those were the days...

When I look back to 1980 when I graduated, I don't remember there being such a tremendous need to get into the "hip" colleges. There is today! Shoot! Back then I decided to "lay out of school for a year" then I would go to nursing school the following year. No big deal! Instead, I met and married the love of my life before the following year got here! Today, more and more pressure is being placed on our children to go to college so that you can make the BIG bucks! For many kids, that's fine but for others, school has never been a forte. We need to remember to let the graduate make his or her own decisions about their career.

Boy! This has turned out to be VERY long-winded!!! I just wanted to express my sadness of seeing everything that our youth are having to carry on their shoulders today. If you are a parent, grandparent, uncle, aunt, etc., step up and guide your special ones through the toughest times of their life. Be a POSITIVE role model! You never know who might be looking at you as the chief role model in their lives...

VLE-B

Have some extra coins???

Our daughters have been saving change for quite some time. A week ago last Saturday, we discovered that Garden City's Wal-Mart has set up a machine near Customer Service. You place your change into the machine then the machine adds up how much change was turned in. At that point, a ticket is produced and given to you so that you can take the ticket to a checker and either pay for merchandise with it or get cash. We thought that that was just pretty dog-gone kool!

Since then, I have discovered that there are many banks where these coin machines are available. The brand name of some of these machines is Coin Star.

These machines save a person a fair amount of time from having to stuff coin wrappers! LOL!

Just thought that you might be interested in this knowledge!

VLE-B

Monday, January 25, 2010

Scary!!!

Yesterday, I posted an article about dangers of clothes dryers. After I wrote the post, Stan decided to take a look at our dryer. With our vacuum hose, he pulled A BUNCH of lint from just the area around our lint filter. There was so much that it just almost filled a small trashcan! When Stan has more time, he is going to tear our back off of the dryer and do some vaccuming there also.

Our dryer is about 3-years-old. Last Winter, we had to replace the heating element. We were shocked then of how much lint there was!

Beware! The house you save from burning may be your very own!!! Several years ago, a man had been doing laundry one evening. During the night, his house caught fire because of the excessive lint. His house was totalled.

VLE-B

A special young man in Leoti

Today, I heard about a girl in Leoti who was bragging about stealing merchandise from a local store. The girl told the kids in a group that she admired an inkpen that was for sale. She waited until the owner of the store was busy with other customers then she made her move. Today, she was bragging on her major feat.

This girl is only one of a bunch of regular shoplifters in Leoti. Because of the fact that MANY children and teenagers have stolen items for many years EVERYWHERE, store employees are trained to be on the lookout for these "mischevious" shoppers.

In a small town such as Leoti, rumors travel quickly of kids who are drinking, using illegal drugs, stealing, doing graffiti around town... KATIE, BAR THE DOOR IF AN UNWED TEENAGER BECOMES PREGNANT!!!

All too often, we hear of how bad our youth of today are. But how often do we hear of the GOOD that the youth give to their fellowmen? Late this afternoon, Abigayle and I were on our way to the Seaboard Mill when I noticed a young man helping an older woman cross the street towards Mel's Grocery Store. The duo was moving very slowly but he had a good grip on the lady's arm. I can only imagine how much security that teenanger gave the lady for his kind assistance to her.

This was just another occassion when I had the opportunity to see this young man helping older people. A couple of weeks ago, I saw him and a courtesy worker at Mels helping a different woman carry her groceries and herself to her car. I've been told that he has stopped on his way to school one morning to help another person in distress. That person had fallen on snow and ice just shortly before Christmas Vacation. As soon as he recognized her plight, he put his own life on hold to help.

About 12 years ago, I had been hired to help a couple in town who were plagued with very serious illnesses. I needed help in performing some of my duties for the couple. This boy's mother was hired by the State of Kansas to help me. As a result of that, I was honored to get to know the special mother and her two young sons. The divorced mother was doing a MAGNIFICENT job of raising her two children. They were polite and real joys to be around. Her sons are now teenagers and both are very real assets to our community!

Anyway, I just decided to take the opportunity to witness to people that there are some kids in our society who lack "a little to be desired." But, it is time that more people realize that there are some great kids and teenagers out there! We need to let them know how much we appreciate the kind and good things that they do.

VLE-B

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Some of you have asked...

Last week, I mentioned that I had been enduring severe pain for a few months now. I finally figured out that the pain was not going to go away on it's own so I made a doctor's appointment. The first pain that we discussed was the outer left-handed edge of my left foot. The doctor immediately discovered a red swelling on it. X-rays were taken. Those results showed that I have at least two large spurs on the bone. Somehting more troubling is that a "chain of several dots" were also found in the same area. They are either attached to the bone itself or are floating right next to the bone. The doctor had never seen or heard of anything like the chain before.

The clinic made me an appointment for this week with a podiatrist. Normally, surgery is not recommended for spurs. Instead, doctors give injections to stop the pain. If it gets to the point where the injections are required more often than every 3 months, surgery is usually the next step. More than anything else, I am anxious to see what in the world the chain of bumps is! I'll keep you updated! Meds were prescribed for me to take to reduce the swelling which also helps combat the pain. I also bought tho heel pads that I placed in my shoes to cushion my sore foot. Everything is helping.

I also complained of pain in my upper back, my upper side just below my left armpit and my right forearm. In all of those cases, the same meds that I am taking for me foot should help. Now for the reason of the pain in my upper back...I discovered that it is a side effect of my Tachyasus. Since grade school, a definite arch (humpback) began being observed. Through the years, it worsened. During the past year, the hump is more prevalent than ever before. There is nothing that can be done to stop this progression. I just have to learn to live with it and pray that I am not completely bent over anytime soon. The pain usually presents itself when I have been standing on my feet for long periods of time such as when I am cleaning house, doing laundry, cooking, etc. When that happens, I have to take periodic breaks so that I can sit down. I hate that because I am one of those people who used to be able to start cleaning at one end of the house and not stop until everything was clean from that end to the other end. Now, much more time has to be spent.

For Christmas, I received a WONDERFUL back massager that you set up in a chair. I sit on it and set the controls to work on certain parts of my back or the entire back. I also have the option to use heat. It is outstanding and helps with the pain tremendously.

People were concerned that I was having heart problems again. Thank the Good Lord, my heart and lungs sound great!

Thank all of you so very much for your concern about my health!!!

VLE-B

New cleaning product!

Recently, I saw a commercial on TV advertising the new KABOOM Foam-Tastic Cleanser with the power of Oxi-Clean Stain Fighters. Though we buy the most of our laundry and cleaning supplies at our local Dollar General Store, this product is not yet available there. So, we purchased our first can of it at Wal-Mart. The 19 0z. spray container costs approximately $4.00 each.

I could hardly wait to try the new stuff out! (I get excited over the darndest things!!! LOL!!!) I tried it in both of our bathrooms on the sinks and bathtubs. I also used it in our kitchen's stainless steel sink. My family and I are THRILLED with the results!

You sinply spray the foam onto the surface you wish to clean. The foam is a beautiful shade of dark blue. As it cleans, the foam eventually turns white. According to the instructions, after the foam turns white, you just need to wipe it down and rinse. That's exactly what I did. I was left with sparkling fixtures and a clean fresh secent!

This KABOOM product removes soap scum, dirt, hard water stains, calcium, lime, grease and grime. It can safely be used on tubs, glazed ceramic tile, fiberglass, shower doors, vinyl shower curtains, sinks, countertops and chrome fixtures.

NOTE: It should NOT be used on acrylic, brass or unsealed granite or marble. I'd recommend this product to everyone!

VLE-B

Current fundraiser for Duane (Woody) and Judy (Grusing) Woods

Earlier, I posted that Woody and Judy lost EVERYTHING including their home when it burned to the ground earlier this month.

Western State Bank and Security State Bank, both of Leoti, started fundraisers to help them rebuild their lives from the ground on up.

Brandee Hahn is also conducting her own fundraiser for them. The profits that normally would have landed in Brandee's pockets for this month, will instead be going to the Woods. Scentsy Products have really made a grand entrance in the past few years! This company makes a large variety of WICKLESS waxes that are melted in their own electric pots which are also decorative items in your home. We use Scentsy in our own home and greatly enjoy them! Please go to www.scentsy.com/22138 to look at the e-catalog. You can either make your order on Brandee's website or call her at 620-214-3532.

Brandee is requesting that orders be submitted to her by Friday morning if at all possible. Local orders will be delivered directly to you. Out of town orders can be delivered directly to your door via mail, etc. For those details, you need to visit with Brandee.

Thank you, Brandee, for your very kind generosity! Thank you to all of you who will make these orders to help the Woods Family!

VLE-B

Dangers of clothes dryers

In 1998, it is believed that clothes dryers were responsible for 15,600 fires which resulted in 20 deaths and 370 injuries. Most of us know that it is VITALLY inportant that lint traps be cleaned out after each and every load of laundry. There are other areas in and around the dryer where lint also builds up. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends the following advice to prevent your dryer from overheating and possibly causing your house to burn.

* Use rigid-metal dryer ducts instead of flexible-plastic or foil ducts.

* Clean the lint screen on your dryer each and every time that you dry laundry.

* No matter what kind of duct you have, you should clean it regularly. In addition to protecting your home from fires, your clothes will actually dry quicker.

* Clean inside, behind and underneath the dryer where lint can also build up.

* Wash any laundry that has had gasoline, cooking oils, cleaning agents, furniture finishing oils and stains at least two times. Instead of using the dryer for them, hang them outside to be dried.

* Avoid using liquid fabric softeners on all-cotton fabrics such as fleece, terry cloth or velour. It has been found that this softener added to rinse water actually accelerates the burning speed of these fabrics. Use dryer sheets instead.

* Occasionally wipe the dryer's sensor with cottton balls soaked with rubbing alcohol. The sensors are usually located just below the dryer door. Normally, they look like 2 curved metallic strips that are shaped like the letter "C".

VLE-B

Saturday, January 23, 2010

George L. Blau

I have been thinking of who people would enjoy hearing more about. I felt that most of us would like to learn more about people who have lived within our vicinity at one time or another. I thought that people would enjoy getting to know more about Stan's younger brother, George. By reading about him, you will also learn abit about a staple of our lifestyle--insurance. It is very possible that by contacting George, you may find that he can save you some of your hard-earned money.

George was born on August first of 1961. His parents are John and Joyce Blau of Leoti and Scott City. His paternal grandparents were Louie and Julia Blau of Wichita County and George and Mary Bennett of Scott County were has maternal grandparents. He has 3 brothers, Gary who lives in Salina; Ron who lives in Hays and my Stan in Leoti. George also has two sisters, Sandy Emme and Christine Blau of Manhattan.

In June of 2009, a hailstorm of historical proportions struck Wichita County. Many homes and cars received major damage. Fortunately, God spared our home from much damage but our 2003 Buick was not quite so lucky. Its damages were so devastating that our former insurance company totalled it out. Evntually, we decided to do some more research to see if we were getting as good a deal on our insurance as we could get. Since George was an insurance agent in Wamego, Ks., we gave him a call. We were glad that we did as he saved us a tremendous amountoney and even managed to give us additional insurance than what we had to begin with.

George graduated from Scott Community High School in May of 1979. After graduation, he moved to Liberal where he majored in Computer Science at Seward Community College.

Since then, he has worked for a computer software company, worked for two elementary-secondary schools in the Oklahoma Panhandle. Eventually, George went to work at IT Lab for a local telephone company in Oklahoma. Later, he opened his own cleaning business in Colorado and later went to work with Target.

One day, he left his job at Target to visit us in Leoti. He had a motorcycle accident that damaged his left leg extensively and totalled his motorcycle. (The totality of his motorcylce was the worst part, he says. LOL)

Months passed without his ability to work. Family in Manhattan urged him to move there so that they could help with his recovery. We offered the same thing but if he had chosen to move to Leoti, he would have had to travel for several hours to see his specialist. By living in Manhattan, he could see a specialist right there in town. As soon as his doctors released him to go back to work, he was re-hired by Target there in Manhattan. He began has career as an insurance agent in June of 2009.

George sells personal, commercial, and agriculture insurance.

Personal insurance includes home, auto, life, health, renters/condominium, umbrella, flood, motorcycle, watercraft, recreational vehicles, off-road vehicle, earthquake, rental properties, long-term care, annuities and disability insurance.

George can help you with your commercial insurance needs also. Some of those include workers compensation, commercial property, general liability, excess liability, umbrella, commercial auto and motorcyle dealership coverage, commercial auto, bonds, group health benefits, contractors, cities and municipalities and custom harvesting.

Farmers can also purchase John Deere Crop Insurance, farm insurance, country home, stable boarding, farm ag workers compensation, livestock and manure hauling.

For more information, please go to www.copelandinsurance.net Please place George's name in the COMMENTS section when you request a quote. That will insure you get to discuss your insurance needs with him.

I also to know if our current economy is affecting people as they purchase insurance. George said that he is seeing a MAJOR EFFECT! People are now shopping around to see if they can find lower rates with the same or better coverage, which in George's humble opinion, can be found out there.

I asked George if there is anything that insurance customers are doing wrong when they look for insurance. He told me that many are thinking that by purchasing insurance with the bare mimimal coverage, they're fine. George said that not only is that a mistake, it could, in all reality, put the individual/business in serious financial trouble. He gave the following example:

Lets say that you have purchased Kansas' minimmum bodily injury and uninsured motorist--$25.000 per person/$50,000 per accident; prperty damage $10,000.

Take those minimums and picture this scenario: You are driving down Main Street America. You fail to notice that there is an icy patch in the road and start sliding, right towards a brand new 2010 Hummer. This Humer just happens to be parked next to a 2009 BMW and eve worse, they are on a patch of ice. Your vehicle slides into the Hummer so quickly that it slides into the BMW. Now, you are citied for causing the accident and are responsible for the repairs of both vehicles.

Well, needless to say, just taking a guess, the damage to the Hummer, alone, is well in excess of $15,000. You are also going to need to come up with $5,000 out of your own pocket. Now, we take a look at the BMW. Okay, just some minor damage and one sides needs to be repainted due to scratching, probably another $5,000 to $7,000. Now you are up to $10,000 to $12,000 out of your own pocket. Wait!!! You also have your own vehicle that now needs to be repaired, another couple thousand dollars if you only have minimal damage.

By now, you have the point. Today's vehicles cost more and require more expensive repairs than when the minimal liability rates were first set. NEVER GO WITH STATE MINIMUMS, take at least one step up. For Kansans, George recommends the following minimal coverage:

Bodily injury and uninsured motorist--$100,000 per person/$300.000 per accident.
Property damage--$100,000.

Ask your agent to show you what the price difference is between the minimum and the higher coverage. In most cases, George thinks that you'll be very surprised. For George's personal vehicle, the difference is roughly $50.00 more per year. Do you think that he moved up? Yes, he did because it is easier to pay out that extra $4.00 per month than he can afford coming up with the staggering $15,000 for the above incident. Where your biggest cost factor comes in on auto insurance is your comprehensive and collision deductables. The lower your deductable, the higher your cost and visa-versa.

I also asked George if he is seeing anything NEW going on in the world of insurance. He responded that there is really nothing right now. If the White House Health Plan comes into effect, there will be some MAJOR changes in health insurance. At this point, he is not willing to be pro or con on that issue.

George recommends that if you want to secure the best rates possible,you need to:

#1. Follow ALL of the rules, ALL of the time.

#2. Stay with a good insurance company or get a good company to insure you.

#3. Have your agent do a yearly check-up,if not more frequently. A scan of all of your properties' policies needs to be done to make sure that you are receiving the best possible rates.

#4. Combine as much coverage as you can with one company: Auto, Life, Home, Umbrella, Motorcycle, etc.

I asked George if people have to make yearly payments on their policy. He told me that the answer is usually "yes" but in some cases, the answer is "no".

I then asked George why he wanted to be an insurance agent. He told me that he wanted to have a career where he could actually help people. Insurance is a major benefit for people. He said that if anyone wants to know how how selling insurance is beneficial, he would answer that that the reason is because in most states, insurance is required. He can provide people with the coverage that they need for almost anything that could happen in their lives.

George is able to sell all types of insurance in the state of Kansas. He sells limited types of insurance in Colorado, Oklahoma and Missouri.

George married the love of his life, Shelley, in 2009. (By the way, we introduced them to each other!!!) They own their home in St. George, Kansas which is just a few miles out of Manhattan.

If you're interested in having George give you a quote or to ask him any other qyestions, please call him at (785)456.2240 or email him at glblau@live.com . He is an agent for Copeland Insurance Agency. You can send mail to him at the following address:

Copeland Insurance Agency
P.O. Box 274
Wamego, Kansas
66547
Attn: George

You can also fax your current insurance information to George at 785.456.9838.

If you're interested in signing up for their FREE e-newsletter to keep you updated on everything going on with insurance, please send in your email address. George will sign you up immediately for the next available release.

On a personal note, we have been amazed at how much George has been able to save us on our insurance needs! Give hime a try!!!

VLE-B

Heart to Heart

I reported last night that our much loved and appreciated Dr. Alpert is currently donating his time and multitude of medical expertise in Haiti. A reader gave me the following website where you can actually see him in action. The website is hearttoheart.org Remember that there are NO spaces between words.

On the first page you will find two men carrying boxes of medical supplies. The man in the front is Dr. Jeffrey Alpert of Leoti.

On the afternoon of Tuesday, January 12th, 2010, a magnituds 7.0 earthquake hit in Port-au-Prince, the capital in Haiti. More than 100,000 people are expected to lose their lives as a result. This Caribbean island is absolutely one of the poorest countries in the Western hemisphere. Because of the fact that there is very little money to spend on medical facilities, etc., Heart to Heart Organization has stepped up and has brung the much needed health care to the Haitians for over 10 years. Right now, the people with major injuries are being served first. Unfortunately, there is simply not enough manpower to help with the minorly injured people at this time.

Medicines, supplies, etc. cost a large amount of money. If you are willing to make ANY donation, please go to this website and follow the instructions. There is also much more information there that you can read to be more informed.

A footnote...Dr. Alpert just got married and became a father in the exact same moment! It is so kind of him to put his personal life on hold so that he can help these people whom he has never met before!

Thank you, John, for sharing this information with all of us!!!

VLE-B

Friday, January 22, 2010

For sale no longer.

I just received a phone call from the orginal owner of the twin bed that was posted here yesterday morning. The bed has now been sold.

Thank you!!!

VLE-B

Comments

I am finding that there are others out there just like me who do not consider themselves to be computer literate. LOL! I just found out that some do not know how to get to the comment section of the posts. I completely understand! For those of you out there who are concerned about yesterday's post comments, I am posting them here.

I read the comments to Stan this morning. He provided another side of the original comment that I had previously overlooked. Given the fact that I am a GERM FREAK, I don't know how I missed it!!! HOPEFULLY, the writer is also a germ fanatic. My advice to germ fanatics such as myself would be that unless you personally know and trust the current owner of the item, your best option is to purchase a brand new item. That is advice that the 3rd commenter gave and I TOTALLY agree with it. I will go one step further. ALWAYS look at the item being sold. If you decide to purchase it, I would recommend that once you have it in your own home, spray it with Lysol, etc to just freshen it for you and your own family. Of course, make sure that spraying it will not damage it. Personally, if I sold you something, I would not be the least bit offended if you sprayed it!

To clarify things, I am NOT leaving the blog world anytime soon!!! Though I know that there are people out there who would prefer that I halt my writing of it, I know that there are also people out there who genuinely enjoy my blog! For those of you, I will continue!!!

Anonymous wrote:

"Has the bed been sanitized?"
01/21/2010 5:28 p.m.

Anonymous wrote:

"Go and see! Or call and ask!!"
01/21/2010 6:37 p.m.

Anonymous wrote:

"If they are worried about the bed and it's condition, then they should go see it, but not be distasteful about it. It it's such a concern for them, they shouldn't worry about buying any 'used in good condition' item, they should be going into a furniture store and purchase a brand new never used item."
1/22/2010 6:21 a.m.

Thank you for your opinions!!!

VLE-B

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Wichita County Hero.

I just heard today that Dr. Jeffrey Alpert of Leoti has volunteered to go to Haiti to help with the victims. Before he signed on with the Wichita County Health Center, he was a member of Doctors Without Borders. I heard on the radio last week that that group was sending as many of their doctors to Haiti as they could.

Dr. Alpert, we're very proud of you!!!

VLE-B

Excuse me!

I have spent the better part of the day in a great deal of physical pain--part of that time was spent in the clinic and hospital having tests run. After all of that, I had two hours of work before I could return home. I just did get home and turned on my blog. When I first get signed in, I usually check to see if anyone has left any comments for me that may need to be answered. Tonight, I found a comment that I find to be completely distateful.

Mike and Ledia are very good friends of ours. I have been inside their home and can tell you quite honestly that they are as clean as anyone can possibly be. To see that someone was asking if their bed had been "sanitized" really upsets me! I am ASSUMING that the writer thought that he/she was making a funny. Guess what! It doesn't tickle me in the very least. Believe me, if we were in need of purchasing a bed, I would jump at the chance of buying their bed!

Lets play this game, MY way! If you want to hurt me, hurt ME, not my friends. I have already admitted on my blog that I said some TERRIBLE things the other day when I was ill. I NEVER would have even thought of such terrible things had I not been sick.

From time to time, I have said things on my blog that never should have been said. I am NOT a healthy person! My doctors have told me that the best health that I will EVER be in from here on out is FAIR. I live with DAILY pain and weakness in my body. If that wasn't bad enough, my bi-polar disorder acts up once in a while. I can go from the highest point of any mountain and sink to the depths of hell in a very short amount of time. Though I take heavy doses of medication to keep either from happening, they still do. During those times, I have been known to say horrendous things that NO ONE should ever think, let alone say. Don't get me wrong. Though I have some tough times ahead of me, I am just thankful for the fact that God has blessed me with what I have! I should have been DEAD in 2002.

Mike and Ledia are two of the very best people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing! Since they moved to Wichita County, they have been nothing but assets to our community.

Mike and Ledia, I AM SO SORRY THAT YOU WERE TARGETTED LIKE THIS JUST SO THAT SOMEONE COULD GET BACK AT ME!!! At times like this, I have to admit that I wonder if I should have ever decided to write my blog. I hate to see good people like the Ayalas attacked when they did NOTHING to deserve it...

My mother and sisters refuse to read my blog. They find some of my postings to be offensive and hate to see that someone may retaliate against me and hurt my feelings. (I am a super sensitive person.) As soon as they hear from friends or family that others than me have been hurt, they will be even more upset with my blog. As a result of that, they will do all that they can to "shut me down." I don't blame them.

VLE-B

Newest report from Chris and Peter

I just heard from Chris and wanted to pass more information on to you.

The Egyptian doctor has called Chris and Peter and told them that the tests' results are in. Peter does not have Malaria as they had believed earlier. Instead he has a very serious case of the flu. Malaria has the same symptoms as with severe forms of flu. The only way to know if an illness is in fact, Malaria, blood tests must be done. He is currently taking medications to help with the symptoms, etc. Some of their security personnel are going to fly him back to their Tuscan home tomorrow. An appointment has already been set up for him to meet with his doctor in Rome when he gets there. They will leave Cairo tomorrow morning.

Even though Chris and Peter always take anti-Malaria drugs before they go into the "wilderness", there is also the possibility that they can still contract the disease.

Since they have been in Cairo, Chris found out that while they were in Africa, Peter drank non-bottled water. That might be part of the problem. Because of that, Chris has requested that additional chemical panel tests be done. Fortunately, he will be okay again soon.

Chris will leave Egypt and return to the African desert tonight. She will remain there for the next few days. As soon as Peter is in Italy, their jet will be flown back to Cairo where it will remain until Chris' work has been done so that she, too, can fly back to Tuscany.

Chris and Peter appreciate your prayers and concern!

VLE-B

Report from Chris and Peter

Before we headed off to bed last night, the phone rang and it was CHRIS!!! I was so excited!!! I just hated that we had missed her earlier call!

As always, this was not a short call. (I think that we could visit all day sometimes!)

I asked Chris what had happened to Peter. She told me that he has MALARIA of all things! (Fortunately, that is something that we don't hear of happening much in the U.S. anymore.) Chris said that he looked so comfortable being back in a REAL bad in Cairo last night! Of course, tent cots are not known for their comfiness but they're still better than lying on the hard, cold ground.

Chris is bound and determined that she will return to Darfur today as she knows that there is still plenty of work to be done there. She has been giving an average of 700 shots each day! Can you imagine that???

The conditions have been a bit less that "optimal" in the Sudan Region during this trip. The hot wind has been blowing sand around constantly. The people are just laden with sand that lands anywhere and everywhere on their bodies. Chris said that she could hardly wait to take a shower when they returned to Cairo! This lady is accustomed to 2-3 showers per day but during the past week, she had not been able to have even ONE!

They have been EXTREMELY concerned about the Haitians' multitude of problems. The first earthquake was measured at 7.0. Yesterday, the media reported that an "after shock" had rocked their lives again. It was measured at 6.3. As Chris acknowledged, that is NO after shock--that is a another serious earthquake!!!

Chris and Peter have visited with people in -the -know in Haiti. They have learned that the first earthquake did an enourmous amount of devastation. Not much of what had once stood there, still remained. Yesterday's earthquake has basically leveled the rest of the buildings. Of course, worse than that is the fact that authorites had once believed that the lost lives would reach the tens of thousands, now they belive that the final count will be somewhere in the 6 digit numbers! It just seems impossible!!!

Even though Peter is so sick, he is bound and determined to get to Haiti to do whatever he can. Of course, there is always the possibility that his current health condition will not allow that to happen. Chris is planning on going to Haiti just as soon as she recives permission from the government to help with this massive effort.

When I asked her how long she should expect to wait to receive that news, she responded that it could be anywhere from a few minutes to months. I wanted to know what skills she is planning on using in Haiti. She told me that she can once again give immunizations, deliver food or just hold victims' hands and tell them that everything is going to be okay. It is amazing just how much those words can soothe a person's soul.

Actually, I doubt if many Haitians are expecting "normalcy" any time soon. Of course, they would be right. Haiti is the poorest country in the Americas. Unscroupulous dictators have unraveled their country's wealth little by little and lot by lot. The people have had to fight for every morsel of food that they have had. So far, millions if not billions of dollars have flooded into the country to help the victims who have endured so much more devastation than we can even imagine. If there is a silver lining to this whole issue, it is the fact that the rotting, unsafe homes, stores, schools, etc that once stood, will now be replaced with much better and safer buildings. Of course, the United States is heading the relief effort. I get sooooooooo tired of hearing on television and radio and reading newspapers that most of the rest of the world dislikes us. Of course, there are things that we could improve upon but whenever tragedy rears it's ugly head, the world expects the U.S. to step up to the plate first to bring aid. When I hear of other Americans and foreign countrymen rubbing our face in the ground, I immediately remember how many people would die if it hadn't been for the U.S. amazing generosity in so very many ways. I, for one, am very proud to be an American!!!

Money is not the only resource that is needed. Medical organizations are BEGGING for blood! Out of the people who are capable of donating blood, only 38% of those Americans actually show up at blood drives, etc. Maybe you are not in a position where you can afford to donate money but it would be equally important if not more important if you could share your own blood. There is absolutely NO cost out of your own pockets to do this. I am going to try to get some more research done on this topic. I will post my findings here.

Many of you have asked me when you could visit with Chris face-to-face. Chris confirmed it last night that she WILL be here for the Wichita County Fair!!! At this time, we are working on a community wide get-together where she will talk to whoever wants to be there to hear of the many philanthropy efforts that she and Peter have made throughout the world. She will be bringing outstanding photographs of the people whom they have met and come to love throughout the world. Chris will actually tell us just what people back here at home can do to help the MANY people who are living day-to-day lives in areas of destruction, etc. I'll write more of that later.

Anyway, please pray for a quick recovery for Peter and continued safety for the two of them as they continue to spread more love throughout the world.

Chris and Peter, we are only too proud of you for all that you have done, are doing and will do in the future to bring stability and hope to the many people whom your love and support touches!!!

VLE-B

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

The latest from Chris and Peter...

I am soooooooooo disappointed right now!!! We just arrived back home a few minutes ago. As always, I checked voice mail to see if we had missed any calls. We did! Chris and Peter had called from Cairo, Egypt and NO ONE WAS HERE TO ANSWER THE PHONE!!!

Fortunately, Chris left a message. She sounded totally drained. They left Africa three days earlier than they had planned because Peter has fallen ill. I have no other details about that at this time.

Chris mentioned that communication between them and the rest of the world has been terrible. There was still a bunch of static in the background with this call.

Anyway, Chris told me that she is planning on calling back tomorrow. (If you are reading this, Chris, I will be home most of the day except from 1:30 when I have a doctor's appointment in Leoti and then from 4-6:00 while I am at work. I can hardly wait to hear from you again!!!)

Please pray for Chris and Peter!!!

VLE-B

I just learned this today.

For the past couple of years, I THOUGHT that Western Lumber was no longer a lumberyard. I honestly thought that the former building was now being used to sell horse supplies, etc. WRONG!!! It still IS a lumberyard!!! They continue to stock building materials as before. If you need something that they normally do not stock, they are very happy to special order it for you. Many times, your order will be delivered to Leoti within 2 days.

Western Lumber and Hardware are owned by Russ and Cathy Marcy-Wiegers of Leoti. They have done amazing face-lifts on both buildings!

VLE-B

Interested in buying...

I am currently interested in purchasing large crocheted doilies that can be placed in the center of a dining room table, etc. If you have any that you are willing to sell, please let me know.

Please leave a comment here, call me at 375-4584 or 376-8922 or email me at slblaus@gmail.com

Thank you!!!

VLE-B

Another personal interview is in process now.

I have just completed another personal interview. There is just one little step left to fulfil before I publish it. I sent a copy of the interview to the interviewee to let him check it first. Many of you will know the person whom I interviewed but I think that everyone will be interested in what he had to say. The interview involves MONEY!!!

Dog/cat Clinic

The dog/cat clinic which was scheduled for tomorrow in Leoti has been CANCELLED. I will let you know as soon as I know when and where the future clinics will be held.

Sorry for any inconvenience that this may have caused!

Thank you!

VLE-B

Regrets

Last evening, I unleashed a fury of comments that I wish had never escaped my "fingertips". I posted the fact that I am furious at finding animal parts and bi-products strewn around my front and back yards, and in our neighbors' yards.

Last night, when I returned home from work, there was an animal's jaw, leg and things I did not recognize lying in our yard and on our front porch. Like a fool, I came in and went to writing of my disgust on my blog. Eventually, 2 people responded with negative comments. They did not anger me. The longer that I thought of the comments, I finally began to think that what I had written was TERRIBLE!!! This afternoon, I contacted two of the wisest people whom I know and asked them for their feelings on the matter. Immediately, they told me that I was wrong. Since then, I deleted all postings that I had written in regards to the issue.

One of the people whom I called is a current City Council Member in Leoti. She informed me that there is an ordinance against the slaughter and the cutting of the meat in Leoti UNLESS you do it inside a building with four walls so that no one else has to see what is happening. I COMPLETELY agree with that! I would like to go one step further though. It only seems proper to me that any bi-products left over from the animal be removed from the city limits.

My husband and I work for a living. Sometimes, it is hard to make ends meet. I have NO problem with people doing their own butchering if that is what they want to do.

I hope that you will forgive me for my prior writings on this issue. I was angry at the time and out-of-line for passing my opinions on to the rest of you!!!

Sincerely,

VLE-B

Feeling depressed?

If you are feeling depressed, have faith that you are not alone. Bi-polar people feel effects of depression often but anyone and everyone is prone to depression at different times. I came across these tips and found them to be something that we can all learn from. Depression is very common in the Fall months of November and December and all months in Winter. Why, you ask? The answer is that those months are considered to be the time period of Seasonal Depression. It is caused by, plainly and simply, the lack of sunshine. We all need that. So, if you are one of the people who are facing that right now, take a glance through these tips.

1. Laugh, laugh and then laugh some more after that! It is a good idea to spend time with people who spread their sunshine with good old-fashioned humor! If that is not possible at the moment, invest in some good comedies and humorous literature.

2. Sweat...Workouts are amazing! Not only are they great for helping our physical bodies, but they also go to work on our mental outlooks. Whenever you exercise enough to raise your heart rate to 140 beats per minute, serotonin and norepinephrine are produced and released from your brain and into your body. These are coveted endorphins that actually reduce pain and induce feelings of euphoria. Who wouldn't appreciate something like that?

3. Eat...the RIGHT foods and stay away from the WRONG foods!!! First of all, make sure that you stay clear from nicotine, caffeine, alcohol, white flour and processed foods. Instead eat proteins, eggs, milk, cheese, yogurt, meat, fish, chicken, seeds, nuts, whole grains, beans, potatoes, broccoli, spinach and squash. Add these vitamins and minerals, Vitamin-B Complex, Vitamins E and C, multi-vitamins, magnesium, calcium, zinc and omega 3 fatty acids. TAKE THE DOSAGE THAT IS RECOMMENDED ON THE BOTTLE. Taking too much of these good things can be dangerous or even fatal! On a personal note, when I am depressed I crave ANYTHING made out of white flour and potatoes. I have to force myself not to eat them.

4. Sleep! The human body MUST receive sleep, not just rest. While the body is asleep, the brain is able to do everything that is necessary to operate properly without the interruption of thoughts. Most doctors recommend 6-8 hours of sleep daily. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. Check with your doctor and see what he/she recommends for people with your health conditions.

5. Light up! No, not cigarettes... In months when seasonal depression is prevalent, it is good to spend time sitting under a 10,000 lux lamp. It'll do your body and your brain good!!!

6. Rely on your friends! Call, email, instant message your friends and relatives who also suffer from regular or bi-polar depression at one time or another. They know and understand what you are going through. They should be able to help you get over the rough spots. Carry their phone numbers with you at ALL times! You never know when their assistance will be needed.

7. Get involved!!! Involve yourself in matters that affect your family, friends, neighbors, school, church, etc. FORCE yourself to help others if need be. Do whatever is needed often not just when you feel like it. Its amazing how helping someone else will also help you!

8. Keep a gratitude journal (diary). Every day, write down what you are thankful. The list could include your family, friends, pets, the courtesy employees at your local grocery store who helped you walk across the icy sidewalk, your husband who refused to turn his back on you when depression finally forced you into the psych ward. People usually don't have to look far to find something or someone who they are thankful for. In times of despair, start back at page one of your journal and read all of the postings that you wrote into your journal. Your gloomies should begin to fade away.

9. Go to therapy. Don't miss any appointments.

10. Work on those thoughts! Get your thoughts out of the despair and gloom that you are feeling at that point. Instead, think of brighter and better options. Find a hobby to take your mind off of things. Some people turn to gardening indoors and outside. Do something that makes you happy and feel good about yourself!

11. Pray or meditate--anytime--anywhere. Do it while you're folding clothes, taking a bath, mowing the yard--whatever! Just do it! Talking to your Creator makes all of the differences in your life.

12. Surrender. There are times when nothing you do, seems to help. In those times, you must contact your doctor. Express your feelings to him/her. It is very possible that you may need one or more anti-depressant drugs to pull you out of the deep dark hole that you find yourself in. If you had pneumonia, you would go to the doctor, right? Depression is no different. It is a physical and mental condition that you did not ask for. Medications can really help. If medicine is not the entire answer, some people may need to be hospitalized for a short time. If you ever begin seriously considering suicide, RUN--don't walk to the nearest relative, friend, doctor who can help you!!!

Wishing you well!!!

VLE-B

Somehow I missed this comment!!!

Earlier, I reported where you can renew your driver's licenses in Leoti. I don't know why I didn't see this comment!!! It is important that I pass that comment on to you!

The Wichita County Courthouse has adapted to Federal and State handicapped ordinances. To add an elevator would be very expensive and may actually be impossible to build. They've done the next best thing which is to add a chair that will move people from one floor to the next. To enter from the east side and north side, people have to climb stairs. But, there is a handicapped accessible ramp entrance on the south side of the building. There are also two handicapped parking places there. It is open all day during business hours. Once in the basement, employees will help you to sit on the moving chair and will operate the controls to get you from the basement to whatever floor you need to be. The chair is very safe and moves along at a reasonable amount of speed--it does not move too quickly. But, as the commenter said, there have been times when the chair locks up somewhere between the floors. When that happens, the rider cannot just step off of it. To do so would be very dangerous as you would have to step down a couple of feet to reach the stairs. Of course, the courthouse employees drop whatever they are doing to help get the chair, etc to moving again!

That has happened to me before. The chair broke down a few minutes before lunchtime. Three of the employees spent their entire hour-long lunch period fixing the chairlift. For the most part, it works well. Just be prepared for the few times that it does not work. LOL!!!

VLE-B

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Ex-Wichita Countian receives prestigious award.

About 40 Garden City Police Officers were just recognized for their service at the GCPD annual awards ceremony.

The Employee-of--the--Year Award went to Kathy Fairchild-McGaughey, who helped activate a new radio system, 2 new telephone systems and a battery back up.

When asked how she felt of the honor, McGaughey said that it was nice to be recognized with the award from her co-workers.

An awards committee decides what officers and staff receive each award. Employees submit recommendations to their supervisor, then the awards comittee reviews those recommendations. After that, the police chief chooses the employee-of--the--year. The awards are for work done from January through December of the previous year.

Kathy is the daughter of Lee and Rilla Fairchild of Leoti. She graduated from WCHS in May of 1986. Her brothers are Mark and Terry Fairchild who also graduated from WCHS.

VLE-B

Troubling issue

This Winter season has been plagued with a large quantity of foggy days. My husband is a professional truck driver and is on the road for 5-6 days every week. He has complained all Winter of a large number of cars, pick-ups, etc who are traveling WITHOUT their headlights turned "on". He said that because of the heavy fog and the meeting of non-lit-up vehicles, there is an even bigger chance of accidents occuring. He said that silver vehicles are the worst to meet in the fog because they blend right in with the fog! Stan said that even though fog is heavy, many drivers still insist on passing slower-moving vehicles in front of them. It is bad enough to do that with cars coming towards them with their lights turned on, let alone with vehicles with no lights.

Lessons of the day:

1. Make sure that your car's lights are turned ON in times of fog, snow, etc.
2. Slow down to a reasonable amount of speed. As the saying goes, "Drive like hell, you'll get there!"
3. Watch out for what other vehicles around you are doing.
4. If you are especially nervous when driving in fog, snow, rain, etc., it is better that you pull off of the road until the weather conditions improve. Slow moving vehicles are also a major danger on the roadways. If pulling onto the road's shoulder, make sure that your vehicle is completely off of the road!
5. Drivers who insist on talking on cellphones are not only putting their own lives in danger, they are also putting YOUR life in danger. Doing this in poor weather conditions is even more dangerous.

Please drive safely! The life you save may be your very own!

VLE-B

Prairie Flower Quilt Company's fun-filled weekend!

Earlier, I posted information of various activities that were scheduled to celebrate the fabric, etc shop's first year's birthday. Now it is time for the fun-filled weekend!

Lynne Hagmeier of Kansas Troubles will be in town to present a trunk show of her fabrics and quilts on Friday, January 22nd, at 7:00 p.m. at the Senior Center which is located at the opposite end of the strip mall where Prairie Flower is located. Tickets are $5.00 each and will be sold at the door that evening. To accomodate shoppers, the shop will remain open until 7:00 that evening.

The next day, Lynne will be teaching everyone a raw-edge applique workshop from 10:00 to 2:00. Cost of this class is $20.00 plus $15.00 for the 17" round candlemat/table topper kit. Space is almost full so call 620.375.2044 to get registered as soon as possible!

They would like to thank everyone for making their 1st year a success and they are looking forward to many more years of quilting fun with you!

Owners and operaters are Belinda Marcy-Oldham, Deb Case, Janet Droste and Sharla Droste-Krenzel.

You can also go to their website for more information: http://www.prairieflowerquilts.com/

VLE-B

Monday, January 18, 2010

Interested in receiving NON-dial-up internet at the farm, etc?

I am also signed up on FACEBOOK. Yesterday, several people were complaining about having to dial up every time that they want to use the Internet. I did a bit of research today on the matter locally. I was able to find out that Wheatland Broadband does get Internet to farms WITHOUT dial up. Of course, they also deliver Internet in town. This is what all I learned today!

WHEATLAND BROADBAND

1. Always striving for the best technical support
2. Locally owned and operated
3. Committed to promoting local community growth
4. Taking the Internet to the FARM
5. Always there 24 /7. (30 minute callback after hours)
6. Determined to be YOUR choice for high speed internet

Rates--

Type: Speed
Basic $39.95 1024/384 kb
Preferred $54.95 2048/512 kb
Premium $69.95 3072/1024 kb

For more information, please call any of the following numbers in Scott City:

866.872.0006
800.762.0436
620.872.0006
620.872.5885

Or go to their website at http://www.wbsnet.org/ . Much more information is available there!

Hope that this helps those of you in the country to connect with the rest of the world!!!

VLE-B

Show your patriotism

There is a movement across the United States to show our patriotism to our troops and to each other. All that people are asked to do is to wear blue and/or any other symbols of patriotism on Fridays. Far too long, the "silent majority" of our country have practically hidden their respect and support. It is now time to reverse that action! Don't forget to spread the word!

VLE-B

Don't forget Thursday!

JUst a reminder that this coming Thursday is the second Dog/Cat Clinic in Leoti. Dr. Doug Hilbig will be here from Lakin. That morning, he will be spaying and neutering. In the afternoons, animals will be given their vaccinations. If you're interested, please call Lori Christensen at 375-5674 to confirm your appointment. Neutering is $20.00. Spaying is $25.00.

VLE-B

Sunday, January 17, 2010

TRIBUNE--MOVIE--OF--THE--WEEKEND

ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS--THE SQUEAKQUEL will be playing on Saturday and Sunday, January 23rd and 24th, at 7:30 CST at the Star Theatre in Tribune. It is classifed as an animation/comedy/family/romance, etc. It is rated PG for some mild rude humor.

The munks are now in the care of Dave's nephew. Alvin, Simon and Theodore take a break from pop-music stardom and return to school. Almost immediately, the tiny tunesmiths are given the giant task of saving their school's music program...

Children from 0 to 3-year-olds: FREE
" " 4 through 12-year-olds $4.00
Everyone else: $5.00

Refreshments are also very fairly priced.

VLE-B

Chris and Peter

It had been almost 1 full week since the last time that I had heard anything from Chris and Peter as they continue to bring aid to the people of the Sudan Region in Africa. I had become more that a bit concerned about their welfare. Other people shared my concerns also.

Today, Sunday, January 17th, Chris sent me an email at 4:00 p.m. At that time, it was the middle of the night in Africa.

Chris reported that she and Peter are well but they are tired, hot and dirty. Can you imagine??? Mercy!

They will continue to deliver more aid to the refugees in the Sudan Region of Africa for 6 more days. From there, they will spend 2 restful days in Cairo, Egypt. Then, it is back to a different refugee camp in the Sudan Region for 1 more week.

Originally, they had planned on returning home after that. Those plans changed as soon as Chris and Peter learned of the earthquake in Haiti. Now, they plan on flying to Haiti to spend another 2 weeks there to help with the rescue efforts, etc.

They plan on writing to me as soon as they arrive in Cairo.

It should go without saying that our heroes definitely need our continued prayers and support as they continue to so willingly and generously give of themselves to so very many people in need.

In God we trust.

VLE-B

Much interest in a small machine.

Just noticed today on my way home from my sister and family's home in the south part of town, that a new ATM machine has been placed on the sidewalk in front of the new Leoti Liquor Store! I found that I am not the only person to have observed it there. It seems to be the big news in Leoti today! Now, Leoti has THREE machines!!! One at Western State Bank, one at K-Store that actually belongs to Security State Bank and the one at the liquor store. Leoti is moving right on up!!! Not long ago, people in Wichita County could only get cash from the banks when they were open or cash a check at the grocery store.

Speaking of checks, I am the Wichita Credit Bureau's court reporter of Wichita and Scott Counties. Over the past couple of years, I have noticed an increasing number of bad checks written to businesses, etc. I assume that the poor state of the economy is partially to blame. Other people just continue to write checks even when they are aware of the fact that there is an insufficient amount of money in their checking accounts to cover the check. The majority of the bad checks are written to grocery stores and liquor stores in this area. I understand that purchasing food is one thing but liquor is completely different.

When I first started my reporting, I saw a considerable amount of bad checks that had been issued to Wal-Mart. That came to a screaching halt when Wal-Mart changed their check cashing procedures. Now, when you write an insufficient check to them, the clerk at the check-out stand knows immediately because the cash register sends a message to her telling her that there is not enough money in the checking account to cover the purchases. At that point, the customer must present cash or credit cards to cover their purchases or leave the merchandise in the store.

I believe that checks will become a thing of the past before much longer. More and more people are choosing to use debit cards instead of writing checks or carrying cash. We are such people. Everything is so much more convenient with them. We no longer see our paychecks. Our employers automatically transfer our pay"checks" from their bank accounts into ours. So convenient and less time-consuming.

So what happens when checks are returned to the company that they were given to? Well, the company sends a notice to the check writer and notifies them that their check was returned unpaid. Most of those companies automatically add $30.00 or so to the face value of the check. That extra money covers the expenses that the company had to put out because of the check. I think that most businesses allow the checkwriter 2 weeks to 30 days for the check writer to deliver cash or money orders for the total amount of money owed to the business. Most people take care of those in that time period. However, for what ever reasons, some people do not pick up their worthless checks in the allotted time period. When that happens, the business has full right to turn the bad check over to the court system to collect the money for them.

Recently, I was told that once that happens, the check writer can assume that he/she will be paying approximately $500.00 PLUS the face value of the check to the courts. That money is used to pay all of the other charges incurred by the court officials to collect the money. A person would think that once they had had to do that, the person would make sure that he/she never allowed another bad check to make it to the court system.

That is not always the case. I remember processing a check one time on a person who had written an insufficient check for $3.00 to a local business. He/she never picked it up so the business' representatives turned it over to the courts. Can you imagine having to pay approcimately $503. 00 for a $3.00 check??? Unfortunately, that did not stop the checkwriter's bad check writing. Since then, I have processed SIX more bad checks that he/she wrote.

Anyway, Leotians can now boast that we have three ATMs to choose from!

VLE-B

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Six Month Anniversary

Wow! Time really flies, especially when you're having fun!!!

As of tomorrow, Sunday, January 17th, 2010, I have been writing my blog for a WHOLE SIX MONTHS!!! I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting you here whenever you had time and/or the desire to "Read All About It"!

A little over 6 months ago, my heart was shattered when I had received a nasty email from a former resident of Wichita County. In that email, he/she told me to never send him/her another email AGAIN unless it was something that I KNEW FOR SURE that he/she would be interested in receiving. For those of you who don't already know, during the prior year or so, I had been sending individual email out to our family who did not live here, former classmates and friends. Those email informed the recipients of information that I believed was interesting. Examples include, the setting up of the bunches of wind generators to the east of Leoti, Fair schedules, etc. Some people responded that they really appreciated the information. But, as in every situation, there is always that one person who does not appreciate something. Instead of just discarding the email that he/she was not interested in reading and forgetting about it, he/she decided to slam me with his/her displeasure. Once again, it was just like I was in grade school and was as unpopular as I was back then. (That's not to say that I think that I am popular now.) Through all of the hurtful things that were written to me, the person suggested that if I insist on wanting to "share" with others, I should set up a blog.

Back then, I knew very little about blogging and had no desire to write one. Through my many years, wisdom occassionally appears somewhere in my brain. That wisdom told me not to hold my pain inside of me and let it eat it's way out. So...I called my mom and my sister, Lori ,to discuss what ******* ******* had had the guts to tear me inside out with this time. Both of them were upset with the email that had been sent to me. Their support made me feel considerably better. Lori then told me that she thought that the blog idea might actually be a good thing. She volunteered to set the blog up for me as we all know that I am anything and everything EXCEPT a literate computer user. LOL!!!

Lori set the blog up in just a few minutes. She then gave me "operating instructions". I promptly went to work writing my first post. From then on, I have written post after post. A few had to be deleted from my blog because they proved to be too emotional for me. You see, I use my writing as a way of eliminating stress. Sometimes, I have been experiencing some very sad times. What I wrote into my blog ended up being just too personal.

Other times, I have posted one of MY opinions that wasn't necessarily the same that everyone else had. LOL! Some people who did not agree with what I wrote, placed their comments under my posting, emailed me or called me. I have to admit that there were times I was hurt by what others said. Most of the time, people who disagreed just made their comments and life went on. I actually changed my opinion sometimes when the commenter explained his/her viewpoint. No matter what, I URGE you to comment any time you feel inclined to do so. I LOVE to hear from all of you!!!

The saddest thing that ever happened to me with my blog, was when I received a phone call from a relative of mine. All four of us had spent the past few days being sicker that I can ever remember us being. We were TOTALLY convinced that we had had the H1N1. (Later, we find out that we just had a bad virus.) Anyway, I was sick, it was late so I went into the kitchen to take my MANY prescription drugs and then I was going to bed. Wrong!!! Our phone rang. Stan answered it and called me to the phone. The person at the other end asked me why I didn't sound like myself. I explained to her that I was horribly sick. Even knowing that, she decided to stab me with everything that she had. Believe me, she held NOTHING back. I was told that my blog was "nothing but a local gossip rag". She also informed me that "she better not EVER learn that I mentioned anything about any of her family members in my gossip crap!" At first, I tried to ask her what in the world was wrong with my blog, she just continued yelling at me. Eventually, I could handle no more so I bid her "good-bye" and hung up. Now, that incident REALLY screwed me up good. I was embarrassed that anyone would think that my blog was thought of as being an instrument for the transmission of nastiness. That was NEVER my intent. I just about quit blogging right then and there.

Again, I turned to Stan, Mama, Lori and Lona Sue for their support and wisdom on the matter. I really did not know what to expect from all of them. After all, my relative who had just crucified me was also a relative of theirs! Fortunately, they threw their support and love to ME!!! Since then, I have never spoken to my "biggest fan" again. This does not sound good, but honestly, I care nothing about talking to him/her at any time in the near future. Oh, and by the way, I have not mentioned any of his/her family in my blog. Period.

Not only has my blog helped me but it has also helped people to help others. Because of the help from several of my blog's readers, we were able to give gifts to area children who otherwise would have received nothing for Christmas. I so appreciate all of those people's kindness!!! Three children who were helped had NEVER received any gifts--Christmas, birthday, etc--EVER!!! One of those children still has one unwrapped gift that she is saving for next Christmas so that she will have a gift then. Brings tears to my eyes every time I think about it...

A couple of months ago, I reported that a man who lived across the street from us, had just been killed in a tragic vehicle accident. He left behind a beautiful wife, and three children from age 5 down to 9 months. The family basically had NOTHING. He was the only working parent in the family. With him gone, a lack of food was immediately addressed. People responded to my blog by asking me what they could give to help the family. A BUNCH of people delivered food to them, clothes, diapers, etc. We soon discovered that the only people in the family who had beds were the mother and the baby. The two older kids slept on the floor because the parents had not had enough money to buy them a bed yet. Friends of ours stepped up and offered to give them a bunkbed that included a twin bed on the top and a full bed on the bottom. The mother was thrilled! Stan and a friend of ours drove to the country, picked it up, took it to the family and reassembled it. The kids were beside themselves with excitement!!! And what timing took place. God blessed the family with the beds just a few days before the REALLY cold snap hit us. Without the beds, those little tykes would have been sleeping on a hard and VERY cold floor.

Originally, Lori and I believed that she and I would be the only ones who would read my blog. Too many of us have way too much to occupy our time everyday let alone find time to search the internet for my blog. I am happy to say, that all of you proved Lori and I to be wrong. So far, thirteen of you have signed up for my blog to be sent to you directly and automatically as soon as I add another posting. (That warms my heart every time I think of that!!!) Others have called me, emailed me, left comments or spoken to me in person about your feelings of my blog. You'll never ever know just what that means to me!!! I never get tired of hearing the sweet things that you have said!!!

I have gotten to know many of you better. I've been reacquainted with some whom I haven't talked to in MANY years!!! One of the sweetest things that has happened to me, is that I have gotten to meet some new people who I otherwise would never have known! People from Wichita County, a few other states, Canada and ITALY actually read what I have to say!!! It has really been nice to be able to keep our relatives updated on what is happening with us through the blog!

There are some additions coming to my blog that I hope you will enjoy! I've already posted my first interview and have a few more that I will be posting soon. Chris and Peter have been trying to keep us updated on what they are seeing in Africa with their very own eyes! Unfortunately, we have received no news on their work there for several days. As soon as I hear from them again, I will post their information right here. I would also love to include your engagement, wedding, anniversary information here! I'd also love to post your pregnancy and birth announcements here! I think that you would be surpised to know just how many people would love to know what is happening in your life!!! If you are interested in sharing, please email your info. to me at slblaus@gmail.com, call me at 620-375-4584 or drop by!!! If you are moving to a new address or town, send me that information also! If you can think of anything else, send it to me. please!

So...as long as you are willing to keep meeting me here, I will look forward to continuing my updates on the world around me.

God bless you!

VLE-B