Saturday, July 31, 2010

Lori--Saturday Evening

I have heard from several of you who are concerned about my Lori. I simply cannot tell you how much your thoughts and prayers have meant to each and everyone of us--especially Lori.

Things are very tough for all of us right now. Lori had her Ct Scan yesterday morning. MANY things were found to be off with her. She has Divertillisas. I probably butchered that spelling. Sorry about that! Her's is terribly inflamed right now. It is definitely partially to blame for her condition.

Another thing is that she has absceses (pockets of infection) in her abdomen. Along with them are pockets of free-moving fluid which doctors are hoping are not puss.

Because of how long she has gone with no medical personnel taking her complaints seriously, the infection has passed into her blood stream and has perforated into her bowels.

Currently, she is hooked up to a Central IV where she is receiving her morphine for pain control, anti-biotics, nutrients and moisture. Doctors are not allowing any food or water through her mouth for at least 48 hours so that her bowels can relax.

Last night, Friday, her heart stopped beating two times.

Since she began having her major symptons on July 6th through yesterday, Lori has lost 90 pounds. That's right, Folks! I said NINETY POUNDS!!! That was from the excess water that most doctors failed to do anything about.

Originally, Leif and Lars, my mom, Stan, the girls and I had planned on returning home today so that we could get changes of clothes, more prescription medications, etc. Once we heard that her heart had stopped twice last night, we decided that we could spend at least one more night before we head for Leoti.

The surgeon was into see her again this afternoon. He along with her other doctors in Hays are working tirelessly to find all of the answers for her problems. It is entirely possible that she will require surgery to remove the absceses and pools of fluid next week. We will not know more about that until Monday or Tuesday when the next CT Scan is performed.

In the meantime, PLEASE keep Lori in your prayers. As her doctor told us yesterday, Lori is very, VERY sick. Whenever I have time to write on a computer, I will continue to update you. Please call me at 620-376-8922 if you so want.

Thank you!!!

VLE-B

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Tomorrow

I want to thank each and every one of you who has been so concerned about Lori's health condition!!! We leave Leoti tomorrow, Friday morning en route to the hospital in Hays for more testing. Her appointment is set for 8:00 a.m. Hopefully, we will know what is responsible for causing her so very much pain and distress all of this time sometime tomorrow. In the meantime, please continue to send your prayers to our Good Lord! Lori needs them!!!

If we are at home tomorrow, I promise that I will update everyone on what we find out right here on my blog.

Please don't hesitate calling me on my cellphone at 620-376-8922 to check on everything!!!

Our thanks can never inform you of how much your prayers and thoughts mean to Lori as well as the rest of us!!!

Our love goes out to all of you!

VLE-B

Friday's Fair Events

Old Settler's Breakfast at 8:00 a.m. at the Wichita County Senior Center

4-H and Open Class Beef Show at 9:00 a.m. in the 4-H Arena

4-H Round Robin Showmanship Contest at 4:00 at the 4-H Show Arena

4-H Livestock and Foods Sale at 6:00 at the 4-H Show Arena

Rodeo at 8:00 p.m. at the Rodeo Arena

Teen Dance 9:00 to midnight in the Tent

CARNIVAL will be in operation from 6:00 p.m. to midnight

VLE-B

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Lori's Update

Lori has become worse today. Her pain is as bad as it was 3 weeks ago when she was transported to the KU Med Center. She met with an incredible doctor this afternoon in Tribune. This doctor went above and beyond to put everything into gear to find the necessary treatment that Lori needs NOW!!! We will be taking her to Hays for an 8:00 a.m. appointment on Friday. In the meantime, a very strong anti-biotic was prescribed for her kidney infection that just keeps getting worse even after cycles of anti-biotics have been completed. She also gave her her first prescription for pain medications since this condition began on July 6th.

We ask that you send up as many prayers as possible.

VLE-B

Kandace A.King-Martin--Scott City

Martin - Scott City (October 30, 1968 - July 25, 2010) Guest Book Sign Guest Book Send Private Condolences Send Flowers
Kandace A. King-Martin passed away July 25, 2010 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She was born on October 30, 1968, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. For over 12 years and married for 7, she was a best friend and loving wife to Dallas Martin. She is survived by her husband, Dallas and parents Lyle King (Pamela), Nancy Schiel (Ted) and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Kandace graduated from Cheyenne Mountain High School and University of Colorado with a B.S. in business management. She was employed as a project manager for King Masonry for over 15 years. She was a loving mother to a beagle named Bailey as well as an amazing life partner to Dallas. She loved animals and was an accomplished horsewomen. Her cheerful outlook on life and unconditional love to all will be impossible to duplicate. Hers was a life well lived . She was one of a kind. She will be missed more than words can say. A Mass of Christian Burial is planned for Thursday, July 29, 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church, 9 El Pomar Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Graveside services will be at 10:30 am on Saturday, July 31, 2010, at the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas with the Rev. Jeff Knighton presiding. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to National Mill Dog Rescue, P.O. Box 88468, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80908, milldogrescue.org.


Obituary courtesy of Price and Sons Funeral Homes of Garden City, Scott City, Leoti and Tribune.

VLE-B

Upcoming Thursday Events at the Wichita County Fair

4-H and open class small animal livestock show at 9:00 a.m. at the 4-H Show Arena

FREE Bar-B-Q and watermelon feed for EVERYONE at 5:30 at the tent which is on the fairgrounds

Barnyard Olympics at 8:00 p.m. at the Grandstand

And, of course, the Carnival will be in operation from 6:00 p.m. to midnight.

While you're at the fair, don't forget to thank the Wichita County Amusement Association "Carnies" and the people working behind the counters and operating the rides for their volunteer work. Without all of these people, our fair would not be the major tradition with the bright future that it is.

See you at the fair!!!

VLE-B

Monday, July 26, 2010

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

ECLIPSE, the third installment of the TWILIGHT series, will be playing in Tribune on Saturday and Sunday, July 31st and August 1st. It is classified as Drama/Romance/Thriller/Adaptation/Sequel/Teen and is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of action and violence and some sensuality. Stars include Kristen Stewart and Robert Patrick, etc.

In the midst of a string of killings in Seattle, Bella is forced to choose between her love for Edward and her friendship with Jacob...

Each showing will be at 8:30 CST. Adults, 13-years-old and older, pay $5.00 each. Everyone else pays $4.00. Refreshments are also very fairly priced.

VLE-B

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Tomorrow

Go out and do something amazing for someone else tomorrow!!!

VLE-B

Why is it...???

Yesterday, one of those new-fangled itsy bitsy cars travelled through the county. The driver was a very large man whose face was practically stuck to the windshield and the driver's side window. Somehow, three other smaller people were clustered around him. Don't us "chunky" people know that we are supposed to ride in cars not wear our cars??? LOL!!!

VLE-B

2011 Wichita County Fair Schedule

It is never too early to know when the following fair in Wichita County will be held. In 2011, it will be Wednesday through Saturday on July 27th through the 30th. I recommend that you make your reservations right away at Hi Plains Motel or our quality bed and breakfasts in town if you are needing local lodging. Every year, guests of Hi Plains don't leave the motel without making reservations for the following fair. Give Bruce or Rhonda a call at 620-375-2239 or 620-375-4438 to reserve your room now!

VLE-B

Wichita County Fair

Just a reminder for all out there that our 2010 fair begins on Wednesday.

Wichita County Fair Board
Craig Sheppard, Chairman
Russ Lewis
Doug Weilert
John Gerstberger
Tyrone Crouch
Darleen Arnold, Fair Board Secretary/Treasurer

Wichita County Extension Service
Belinda K. Oldham, CEA, Family and Consumer Sciences
Allen W. Baker, CEA, Agriculture and National Resources
Darleen Arnold, Office Professional

If you want to enter a zucchini in the contest to see who is the biggest, baddest, meanest and greenest of them all, you need to take it to the community building between 9:00 and noon on Wednesday, July 28th.

The 4-H Fashion Revue will be at 6:30 on Wednesday evening. Dorene Reimer will be doing a great job of emceeing again. It will be held under the tent.

Take your cupcakes which are made from any recipe, either scratch or using a boxed mix to the community building from 9:00 to noon on Wednesday morning. You need to place four cupcakes into a resealable plastic bag. They should not need to be refrigerated. This contest is open to ONLY Wichita County residents. $100.00 in prize money will be awarded for the very best.

Submit your handmade purse, handbags and/or totes to the community building from 9:00 to noon on Wednesday morning. Pick up your entry forms and rules with purchase of fabric and supplies at Prairie Flower Quilt Company at 102 S. Indian Road in Leoti. This competition is sponsored by Prairie Flower Quilt Company.

I will do my best to update my blog each day as to what will be on the schedule for the following fair day.

The carnival rides will be going full steam from 6:00 to Midnight, CST on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. You can ride the rides immediately after the morning parade on Saturday until midnight. While you are out and about at the carnival grounds, take a second or two to thank the men and women who are wearing the "Carney" shirts. They put in their time YEAR ROUND to provide the best carnival ever. Don't forget to thank the people who are running the carnival rides and games. All of these people are volunteers who are doing their part to keep our carnival going strong. Without them, there would be no carnival.

Just a reminder that NO dogs or other pets are allowed on the Wichita County Fairgrounds. Service dogs are always welcomed!!!

All tickets for the rides and the games must be purchased at the central ticket booth. No exceptions. The volunteers are not allowed to accept cash and/or coins.

Drive safely and slowly around the fairgrounds. Children dart out into traffic when you least expect it.

No alcohol is permitted on the grounds.

Have a good time catching up with your friends and neighbors!!!

VLE-B

Air Conditioner Update

As I told you earlier, our a/c broke down again sometime Friday afternoon. Our a/c man made another return trip to our house yesterday morning. He decided that our return air and some other equipment is not large enough for our house. He has done some revamping on some of it now and will be back with additional equipment. Hopefully, we will be in good shape soon! Since he was here yesterday morning, our house has been wonderfully comfortable!!! We're even able to use blankets at night!

VLE-B

ERA Laundry Detergent

From the time that I was very young, Mama used ERA for all of our laundry. Daddy and Lona Sue were often allergic to other brands. They got along just fine with ERA and it did a great job on our clothes that kids get grubby plus it did a wonderful job on all of Daddy's greasy workclothes.

Now that I have my own family whom I wash laundry for, I have always been very happy with ERA but I also enjoy using Tide with Febreeze in it. For years, I have really enjoyed buying the extra large bottles of ERA that hold enough liquid to wash 75 loads. They come complete with a pour spigot and an attachable measuring cup. I purchased one of those bottles about 3 years ago. Since then, I have just refilled it with either more ERA or Tide. But, today, I found out that ERA has come out with a much smaller 75-load bottle. It is the 2X detergent that requires half of the same detergent to clean the same amount of clothes.

Now, the shelf in the corner above our washing machine will hold the soap PLUS fabric softener and Clorox!

At this time, I do not know what stores carry this particular bottle. The Leoti Dollar General does. It sells for $10.00 plus tax.

VLE-B

Our mailboxes

In front of our house stands three mailboxes all together. Given the fact that they are on our property, we always mantain the posts, etc with fresh paint. Ordinarily, I paint them to match our house's exterior.

However, yeaterday when I painted them, I didn't even try to coordinate them with our home. I had other bigger plans.

We live in a neighborhood where several of the neighbors "share" their native country's music with the rest of the neighborhood on a VERY regular basis. Though I normally hate that with a passion, I have learned that the neighbor directly to the south of us, listens to a different variety of the same country's music. It is a softer form and we really enjoy it though we cannot understand a word of it. LOL! We also have a big problem with our neighbors when they choose to hang their previous country's flags and sport them on the bumpers of their vehicles.

To remind them of what country they live in now, I decided to paint all of the posts red and the 3 mailboxes blue. Then, I adhered those glow-in-the-dark white stars that are intended for kids' bedroom ceilings to the mailboxes at both ends. I used super glue gel to them first. I didn't stop there though. I took a 6-foot string of American flags and attached them to the posts and boxes. When I was just finishing everything, one of the neighbors who gets his mail there, came over to thank me for doing this. I really appreciated that!

Now, my patriosm is not stopping there. As soon as we finish painting the house, I will be hanging three flags on the front porch.

I am proud of my country and expect others who live here and receive all of the rights and priviledges as I do to be proud of it also or go back home!!!

VLE-B

Camper "Renovation"

Last week, I shared our Laundry Business that a friend and I started up in Tribune years ago. While we were living there that two years, we did several things that we probably should not have done. One of those things included a SURPRISE renovation on Stan's brother, George's, camper...

He had been living in Oklahoma at the time and had come across a very old camper at a good price. Given the fact that Stan's parents, John and Joyce, really enjoyed the fine sport of camping, George did also. He bought the camper and had brought it to our home in Tribune.

Now, George was a computer programmer and teacher in a school system in Oklahoma so he spent his business weeks there and most of his weekends in Tribune with us. (Oh, how we loved that!!! I just wish we were still able to spend time together like that...)

At that time, my friend, Cathy, worked with us in Tribune and stayed with us a good portion of the time. That, too, was a VERY enjoyable time for us. We had so much fun together!!!

Anyway, George's camper was unlike any that I had ever seen before,,,or since. The interior of the camper was a sleeping room only. The kitchen was at the rear of the camper. Whenever you needed to cook, you opened the two exterior doors and then you saw the stove, refrigerator and countertop. It was really kool!

Now the exterior of the camper was original complete with large wide pink stripes that surrounded the camper. The spaces were white. Now, George is a manly man. He was none too proud of the pink. In 1983-1984, men were not sporting pink as they do today. SOOO...Cathy and I decided to update his camper's exterior while he was away at work. So we purchased a gallon of blue paint for exterior surfaces. Back then, I had basically had no experience with house paint. I didn't realize that there was a difference between paints that were to be used on wood or metal. As it turned out, George's camper was made of metal. We purchased paint for wood surfaces. Then, Cathy and I set work on covering all of the pink surfaces with blue paint. Another thing that I did not realize was that you were supposed to allow each coat of paint to dry thoroughly before you added the next coat. Keep in mind that George was totally unaware of our plans.

I guess I also decided that though we had no experience in painting, we would be professionsals and had no use for taping or covering the white areas. Oh, no! We didn't need to do that!!! So, we had blue paint drips EVERWHERE!!! The once pink areas were not smooth by any means of the word. It was rough and peeling all over the place. I began to worry when I saw the mess that we had made of the camper that George was so very proud of.

We went back to the lumber yard and purchased some white paint to cover the mess on the white areas of the camper. But, again, we STILL did not buy any tape... SOOOOOOOO DUMB!!!

This time, we made an even bigger mess. There were no longer any straight lines between the blue and white. We had blue spots on the white areas and white spots on the blue areas...

All of this had been done in one afternoon's time. Stan had been working all day and had no idea what Cathy and I were doing. When he got home, he was flabbergasted to say the very least. Back then, Stan suffered from a very short temper. As soon as he got out of the pick-p, Cathy and I (plus the rest of the neighborhood) knew that we were in big time trouble!!!

Now, Stan has never been a violent person but inanimate objects were in danger of being thrown across the street, etc. This time, rocks were cast towards the street. It was a good thing that no cars were coming down the street at the time...

When Stan had cooled off just a bit, he surveyed the damage that we had made. He told us that basically we were shot. The camper's exterior consisted of medal siding that was rolled--not flat. It was impossible for us to sand it down. A short while later, George arrived. It was still light outside so he had no problem of seeing what had been done to his lovely camper that had been next to perfect the last time that he had seen it.

George's temperment is usually very even. He was and still is always a fun person to be around--EXCEPT for that evening. Oh, mercy! Cathy and I were in so very much trouble that evening and for several more days to come. To this day, I am not totally convinced that he has managed to entirely forgive us. LOL!!!

Tribune is a WONDERFUL place to live!!! People there treat each other like family. It is a tight-knit communty where everyone works together to complete a task. It didn't take long for word to travel through town. People came over to see what they could do to help us fix matters. Try as they did, there was no fix other than to peel the siding off and start all over. We never did get around to doing that.

The camper remained in our yard until we moved from Tribune to Garden City. The house we bought came with a very small yard so George took his camper elsewhere. He continued to use it when he went to the lake. I am quite sure that more than one chuckle came from the viewing of this poor misfortunate camper. The good news is that the interior was still in A-1 condition! Cathy and I never did any renovations to it...

VLE-B

Friday, July 23, 2010

ITS HOT AGAIN!!!

This afternoon, I did my work for the credit bureau at the Wichita County Courthouse. When the girls and I came back home at 5:30, we opened the door and were hit by a heavy heat! I went straight to the thermostat and discovered that our house was 92 degrees INSIDE. The pipe from the central air conditioner to the house was covered in ice. I called our A/C man who instructed me to turn off the machine but leave it's fan running. This was to take place for 45 minutes. I did as instructed. As soon as it was started again, we left the house to go somewhere cooler.

We came back home at 8:30. Guess what! The air conditioner had worked long enough to bring the temperature down to 87. Then, it re-froze.

I don't know what we are going to do! This excess heat is gonna be the death of me yet...

VLE-B

What a mess!!!

As you know, the girls and I drove Lori and my mom to Hays yesterday for another doctor's appointment. We had to leave early in the morning. Due to the fact that we were expecting great heat, 100 plus temperatures, we elected to leave the herd in the house. Of course, they had remained alone until Stan returned at around 6:00 last evening.

Well, when he came home, he discovered that the dogs had been naughty. Our sofa and loveseat have HUGE fluffy cushions at the back of the furniture which are not attached. All of them including the throw cushions were tossed about the living and dining room floors. Given the fact that he had to leave right away, he was unable to do anything except for put his lunch bucket on the kitchen counter and leave.

Well, when he was out by Marienthal, Leif called him on his cellphone and asked him where he was. Stan told him. Leif then told him that our phones were calling 9-1-1 repeatedly. Stan explained that no one was at home to make those calls. Leif and the police came to our house to make sure that all was well. The storm was probably responsible for causing a short in the phone lines. But...by the time that Leif and the police were here, the naughty dogs had evidentally gone onto some kind of strike. When we got here, the trashcan in the kitchen was tipped over and trash was strewn throughout the house on floors AND on furniture! Dirty laundry was dragged from here to there... Magazines were taken off of end and bed-side tables and torn up. You get the picture, I am sure! Our dogs were getting even with us for leaving them alone for so long. To make things worse, a couple of them hate rainstorms. The storm just aggravated the whole sha-bang.

We learned a lesson yesterday. Actually a few lessons were learned. No longer will we leave a full trash receptacle in the house when we are not here. We will be closing bedroom and utility room doors so that the herd will have no access to dirty laundry.

What a mess!!!

VLE-B

Let it rain! Let it rain!

We drove through some pretty scary weather from Dighton to home last night. It was complete with DIRT that we could see coming at us for miles before we reached it, strong winds and VERY heavy rains for many miles. The rain was so blinding that most vehicles pulled onto country roads and parked until the rain had decreased. Once parked, it felt like the wind would roll us over.

According to weather reports, Scott County had already received 5-6" of rain BEFORE the heavy rain had passed! Ditches were full and water was crossing the highway around the two feedlots between Leoti and Scott City.

Here at home, from what we were told, things were not as dramatic. I just dumped our rain guage a few minutes ago. We had received an 1.20". Believe me, at our house, we were thankful for each and every drop that fell! With the current water crises in Leoti, we are doing our best not to water the yard and garden.

VLE-B

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Update on Lori Elder-Christensen

It is difficult to believe that just three weeks ago, my mom, Lori, Lars, Leighlyn, Abigayle and I went to Hutchinson and Lindsborg for the day. It was absolutely one of my most favorite outings EVER!!! We laughed, visited...life was good!

Today, all of the same characters made our trek to another doctor's appointment. This time, it was for Lori. Unfortunately, the adults did not do much laughing. The three kids did and that was wonderful. Lori was very sick and in a great deal of pain. That has become a normal day for her. Depression has set in also.

We met with a surgeon today who was unable to answer many questions. He gave us ideas of things that we need to do to find the answers to the questions. So, next Tuesday morning at 10:00, we will all be at Hays where Lori will have a CT-Scan.

Lori is still unable to do anything except for sit in her lift chair. I honestly have never seen her like this...

We ask for your prayers.

VLE-B

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Emergency Preparedness

We're right smack-dab in the middle of the dog days of summer. As a result of that, air conditioning systems in automobiles are apt to break down. Of course, it is not safe to drive very much with a lack of cool air in front of, behind and around you. If your air conditoning is experiencing some problems and you MUST use that vehicle to go long distance, I just heard today that emergency personnel are advising those people to take a towel, soak it in water and then place it in a freezer until it is frozen stiff. Then, when you are ready to board your vehicle, place this towel in a plastic sack and put in your vehicle. Once you begin to warm up, pull over, retrieve your towel which has probably softened a bit by then and wrap it around your neck or place it on your shoulders. The coolness will last you for a considerable amount of time. True, it won't be the most glamourous thing that you ever do but it might prevent you from suffering from heat strokes, etc.

VLE-B

Great New Product

More and more people are ripping the carpet out of their houses and are replacing it with hardwood, laminate, ceramic tile, linoleum. Personally, I don't know how long this will last. I believe that someday people will tire of caring for hard surface floors and carpet will once again make it's gallant return.

For most of our married life, we lived with carpet and did just fine. All that I had to do was pull out our Kirby, plug it in and go to work. But, we learned that our daughters both suffer with allergons and I have asthma so we elected to pull up the rugs and replace it with porcelain tile and laminate.

To begin with, I thought that that was the only way to go but over time, I ralized that the care of hard floors is more time-consuming that using a vacuum. Stan surprised me one day with the brand new Shark SteamVac. One tool does it all! It vacuums VERY well and uses real steam to mop and buff your floors. I've never been too impressed with vacuums that claim to be great on flat hard floors. The ones that I have seen in action, leave alot of dirt behind. I was stunned when I saw just how much dust and animal hair was sucked up in this funnel vacuum. To prove to ourselves how well this machine worked, we used our regular broom on the living room first. To us, the floor looked just fine. Then, we plugged in the Shark and re-vacuumed the same area. We were "floored" by what we saw in the clear compartment now filled with dust and hair. Many companies claim to be steam cleaners but in reality, the water never gets any hotter than it was when you took it from the tap and inserted it in to the machine.

This Shark product is completely different. It does not allow the water to emit from the machine until it is boiling hot. You can actually hear the boiling water. Now, the water does not go straight from the machine onto the floor which could cause someone to be burned. Instead, the tool comes with two cotton pads that you wash in your washing machine when wet and dirty. The hot water goes through the pad and strikes your floor with a vengence. No extra cleansers are needed with the water. The hot water softens dirt practically immediately and is washed away. The steam KILLS any bacteria on the floor's surface. The moisture that is left on the floor evaporates quickly. No smudges or film is left behind. Nothing is left except for CLEAN.

The Shark manufacturers have now designed a steam hand tool that is to be used on countertops, walls, cabinets, etc. Again, nothing is needed to be purchased to aid the cleaning. Hot water from your tap is all that is needed in your Shark.

These two products can be purchased seperately online or at various stores throughout the country. Wal-Mart sells them--ALOT.

I'd recommend Shark SteamVac to anyone who wants to provide the cleanest floors possible. They're almost a must for anyone who has children and/or pets who spend much time on the floor.

VLE-B

In Heat

Boy, how the heat brings the worst out in all of us! As you know, we have had difficulties with our air conditioning lately. Let me tell you, it has brought true ugliness out of each one of us. We suffered from short tempers and a real lack of patience. Those are things that normally do not flare in our family.

We made a trip to Wal-Mart to pick up some things that we needed immediately and could not be purchased at home. Fortunately, I have a lifetime handicapped plaquard. For me, walking in extreme heat or cold causes major problems with my heart. So, we locate an unused handicapped parking place. It just so happened to be right next to an old van with a nasty little man sitting in it. As we pulled into the parking place, I wondered to myself whether or not this vehicle was even road-safe. The passenger side which was right next to where we parked, was covered in little, medium and BIG dents and scratches all over it. Much of the van's paint had relocated itself on to the vehicle(s) that had crashed into this horseless carriage. The paint has now been replaced with rust and holes.

Stan opened his driver's side door and prepared to exit the Buick. He lost his footing but the van stepped up and kept him from falling down. Nice, huh? But, THAT'S when the nastiness erupted from the man in the van. He growled and yelled at Stan for touching his vehicle. We all about jumped out of our skin! Stan was very apologetic for any damages that he may have caused and joined the rest of us on our trek to the store.

This mishap reminded me of THE BILLY GOAT, GRUFF. Hopefully, on cooler days, that man is a sweetheart. As far as I am concerned, cooler days cannot get here soon enough...
VLE-B

The Ladybug

Need to send flowers or plants for any occassion, call The Ladybug in Leoti at 620-375-2172. They accept MASTERCARD, VISA, checks and CASH! They are only too happy to deliver your love and thoughtfulness.

Quality products at great prices.

VLE-B

Lucy Matilda Perry--Leoti and Sharon Springs

Lucy Matilda Perry - Leoti (December 17, 1913 - July 21, 2010) Sign Guest Book Send Private Condolences Send Flowers
Leoti, Kansas
Lucy Matilda Perry, age 96, passed away on Wednesday, July 21, 2010 at the Wichita County Long Term Care Unit in Leoti, Kansas. Lucy was born December 17, 1913 at Albert, Kansas, the daughter of Carl Ludwick & Mary Korishell Kiefer. A resident of Sharon Springs, Kansas since 1966, she moved to Leoti in 2007. She was a farm wife and a homemaker.
Lucy was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and the V.F.W. Auxiliary both in Leoti, Kansas.
On August 15, 1939, Lucy married Earl S. Perry at Syracuse, Kansas. He passed away on October 27, 1995 at Sharon Springs, Kansas.
Lucy’s surviving family includes- Three sons- Lloyd Perry- Leoti, Kansas Dale Perry- Hasty, Colorado Dean Perry- Kit Carson, Kansas One daughter- Gwen Ramsey- Scott City, Kansas Two sisters- Leatrice Lane- Tribune, Kansas Seven Grandchildren and Twenty-Two Great Grandchildren. Her husband, Earl, One son, Carl, her parents, four brothers and three sisters preceded her in death.
Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m.. Saturday, July 24, 2010 at the First Presbyterian Church in Leoti, Kansas with the Reverend Paul McNall officiating.
Burial will be in Leoti Cemetery at Leoti, Kansas.
Friends may call from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday and 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday at Price and Sons Funeral Home in Leoti, Kansas.
Memorials may be given to the First Presbyterian Church or the Wichita County LTCU in care of the funeral home.
E- Condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at priceandsons.com
Print Obituary

Obituary courtesy of Price and Sons Funeral Homes of Garden City, Scott City, Leoti and Tribune.

VLE-B

Laundry business

Back in 1983, I had been working for Jack Rodrock in Leoti who owned a chain of convenience stores that were named JJ's Country Stores for a couple of years. I thoroughly enjoyed the work so when Jack asked Stan to leave his job and manage the store in Tribune with me as his underling, we jumped at the opportunity.

We got started just before wheat harvest. Back then, many more harvest companies hit the road every summer to cut wheat and make money. So when they arrived in Tribune and discovered that there was no laundromat available to wash their clothes, a friend of mine and I grabbed the chance to offer our laundry services. Great idea! Right??? Wrong!!!

I have absolutely NO idea how many people brought their clothes and left them for us at the store!!! While we were not working, Cathy and I hauled them back to our house and threw them into the washing machine. Problem was that we were not as organized as we should have been. (Remember that we were both very young and this was the first time that we had ever considered this "career". By the way, it was our LAST time also...)

Looking back, I have no idea why we did not THINK first. We just grabbed clothes and threw them into the washing machine, then into the dryer, then folded them. Shoot! We never even bothered to sort the clothes first. Jeans, shirts, underwear, towels, sheets, etc were washed and dried together. Oh! And did I bother to tell you that we didn't even use a marking system to keep track of what clothes belonged to who??? Billy Bob's laundry was laundered right along with Jim and Jerry's laundry. Then...after all of the laundry was folded, we had not the slightest idea who owned what!!! Mercy! Those harvesters were anything but happy about their clothes. They ended up coming to our house and rummaged through all of their MANY clothes trying to find their belongings. For days this went on. For days, we ended up having to pay THEM so that they could go out and purchase new replacements for the ones that they had brought to us.

As you can imagine, this ended up not being a successful money-making idea. Our get rich solution made us even poorer than before. LOL!!! Stan and his brother, George, who was staying with us at the time, ended up with a few items of clothes that no one claimed that they wore. The rest of the unclaimed articles went straight to the thrift shop unless they were too grubby to pass on to anyone else. (Some of these men came out ahead! LOL! They brought in clothes full of grease and holes and wound up with a brand new wardrobe.)

The following summer brought in more harvesters with dirty clothes... This time, we suggested that they go 21 miles east to Leoti where a very nice laundromat awaited their business...

VLE-B

Major Construction in Leoti

My, goodness! Yesterday, we drove past the Sheriff's office on Main Street. There was nothing but fresh concrete on the block further south where a series of storage units were to be built. This afternoon, I drove down the same road to get to the clinic. I was SHOCKED to see the amazing building that has been done today!!! Many of the walls are erected on both islands. Looked to me like all that remains to be done is the roofing and the hanging of the garage doors. Customers are really going to appreciate the concrete driveways there!

Josh and Courtney Young, former Tribunites, are the owners of this complex. Josh is an employee of Western State Bank in Leoti. Call Josh or Courtney at 620-375-2043 if you want to rent a storage unit, etc.

VLE-B

Lowell Everett Mulch--Scott City and Garden City

Mulch - Garden City (May 31, 1932 - July 19, 2010) Sign Guest Book Send Private Condolences Send Flowers
Garden City, Kansas
Lowell Everett Mulch, age 78, died Monday, July 19, 2010, at the Garden Valley Retirement Village in Garden City, Kansas. He was born May 31, 1932 in Scott City, Kansas the son of Everett & Geneva Muzzell Mulch. He received his Masters degree in Education from Pittsburgh State College. A longtime Garden City and area resident he had been a teacher at Allen County Community College retiring in the early 1980’s.
He was a member of the Episcopal Faith.
On December 30, 1951, he married Ruby Kemper at Raton, New Mexico. She survives.
Other Survivors Include: One Daughter, Cindy Deckinger of Coffeyville, Kansas and One Grandson, Todd Deckinger of Long Beach, California;
He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Brian Mulch.
Graveside Services will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, July 22, 2010 in the Valley View Cemetery in Garden City, Kansas with Rev. David Bell presiding.
Friends may call from 1:00-8:00pm Wednesday at the Price & Sons Funeral Home in Garden City, Kansas.
The family requests memorials be given to Doctors Without Borders in care of Price & Sons Funeral Home of Garden City, Kansas.
Print Obituary

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

EMERGENCY IN LEOTI

KEEP YOUR DOORS LOCKED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am not kidding about this!!!



I was assaulted this evening around 6:00 from a young man who claims t be from New York. I never would have answered the front door if I had not been expecting a man from an air conditioner company. When I opened the door, my first instinct told me that this was not the person who I had been expecting. Our herd was barking at him so I walked out onto the porch and closed the door behind me. At first he appeared to be a nice guy. He explained to me that he is just a "kid trying to get to Europe" by winning points. All that I had to do was go through his two brochures and pick out 4 magazines that I like. I explained to him that we are looking a spending alot of money for a new A/C and was not going to be able to by any magazines at this time. I then ATTEMPTED to go back into the house. He kept our storm door from opening with his body. By that time, I was really feeling apprehensive about the whole situation. I told him that I had to go as soon as he presented me with a $201.00 bill for the four magazines.

I also told him that we don't read magazines. (We actually do but I just wanted to get rid of him ASAP!) At that time, he pulled out a stack of $20.00 bills, etc and shoved them at me. He informed me that even the lady down the street who feeds her kids with her welfare check had given him over $200.00 just so that he could go to Europe. She pointed out to him that she doesn't read either so she was just going to use the magazines to "beat her kids". A man named Kyle spent $200.00 on his magazines and was going to throw them into his bathroom to wipe his *** with.

It became more obvious very quickly that I had really angered him. He told me that he didn't care if we read the magazines or not. That was not the idea. The idea was to make sure that he got to go to Europe. At that time, I was wanting to get away from him as quickly as possibe. He was shaking and spitting at me. Again, I tried to get back into the house. He doubled up his fist and readied himself to hit me. Honestly, I don't know what kept him from conncectig with me!!!

He then yelled at me, cursed me to go to hell. Told me that Jesus loves me and that I can just go **** myself. I was FINALLY able to get into the house. As soon as I did, I locked the door and called 9-1-1. While I was on the phone with the dispatcher, another 9-1-1 call came in for the same thing. Randy Keeton, our sheriff, arrived here soon after I called. He told me that other calls had come in after I called this in to the police. He believes that it is a magazine scam that is rapidly getting out of line.

This man claims that there are 100 other "kids" in town trying to win these points to go to Europe. When he first got here, he handed me a handwritten note that he wanted me to stick to our door that said "Piss off". That was to notify the other guys not to bother us...

The man who was here is in his 20s, around 6 foot tall, husky but not fat. He is blond-headed.


My advice to you is to leave your doors locked unless you know who is on the other side. If, somehow, you are faced by one of them, call the police at 9-1-1 or 375-2723 right away.

VLE-B
Leighlyn noticed a light gold 4-door car in our alley. Several men huriedly loaded up in it and left.

Interesting occurence at home...

We have had the sweetest (normally) female long-haired Chihuahua, Tilla, in our home for the past several months. We just love her dearly! About a month ago, I drove Mama, Lori and Lars to McPherson for a doctor's appointment. While there, we picked up the sweetest male Powderpuff Chinese Crested dog for Lori and her family. What a jewel he is! But as you know, Lori has become quite ill and can no longer handle him jumping all over her plus he wants to beat up on her orginal Chinese Crested male all of the time. So, she asked us to take Mr. Barnum. We were only too happy to do so so Barnum moved in with us late last week.

Well...for the last couple of days, we have been noticing that Barnum and Tilla are "falling in love" (the beginning acts of breeding). That is fine with us considering the fact that that is what we had planned since we picked up Barnum a month ago. The combination of a Chihuahua and a Chinese Crested is a ChiChi. (Go on to the internet and type in ChiChi. You will see just how adorable this new breed is!)

There is just one leetle problem... Dogs aren't exactly the modest type when it comes to the task of propagating. So, whenever this natural urge comes upon Barnum, the rest of the family is prone to knowing EXACTLY what is on his mind. Disgusting, to say the least! Even though I LOVE baby animals, seeing how they begin their trek to birth is something that I could VERY easily do without! LOL!!!

Thanks to the various science channels on TV which go into great detail about the breeding of animals, my daughters appear to know more about the topic of SEX than I do right now!!! Now, Leighlyn is 12. She is very conservative and prefers to keep some things to herself. The mating of dogs is one of those things. Thank, goodness!!!

Abigayle who is 8, is not like that. She is quite interested in the whole subject and has been "teaching" me the finer implements of the breeding of animals and fish. Mercy, me!!! Believe me, she has succeeded in teaching me a thing or two no matter how much I have tried to avoid the subject...

Even though I spend a great deal of my "education" being red-faced, I still laugh a tremendous time either inside my body or outside of it when she goes into various details. (Thank you--NOT--to the science channels for discussing things such as this!!! I had preferred that Danley and I would someday sit down to the dining room table and tell her what we WANTED to tell her about the whole topic of sexual intercourse!!! You know, like when she was 35-years-old... But in actuality, I am sure that Animal Planet, etc is actually teaching them more in-depth information that someday could make a difference. Abigayle is very interested in becoming a veterinarian.

One day this week when I was cooking a meal, she came into the kitchen and was quite alarmed. She informed me that Barnum was behind Tilla. She asked me if that was normal behavior for two dogs to breed. If not, we needed to take the two of them to our vet so that they could work things out. Out of the mouths of babes...

Fortunately, there have been a few really positive things that have come out of this whole experience.

First of all, Abigayle wanted to make sure that Barnum and Tilla were in love with one another. She wanted these "acts" to end immediately if they were not.

Secondly, have they married each other just as Brutus and Saudi did before Cinderella and her brothers and sisters were born.

Thirdly, will Barnum be present in the room when Tilla gives birth? All good daddies are in the birthing room. Guess she learned that when Danley was there when both, Leighlyn and Abigayle, were born.

Oh, goodness! Can anyone tell me just how long this love-making event lasts??? It can't be too short for us...

VLE-B

It's CCCOOOLLLDDD HERE!!!

No, not really but for the first day this summer since the outdoor highs rose above 80 degrees, the inside of our house is only 74 even though it is 78 outside!!! Such an answer to prayers!!! The girls and I had to stay up until after midnight last night as we waiting for the house to cool off. At that point, we were still sweating a bit and didn't want to try to sleep like that. But for the first time in weeks, we woke up in the morning with blankets on us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! There's just one problem... The temporary a/c unit is too small for our house so it never turns off so our electric bill is gonna be worse than ever..................

Today, a great friend sent us an email entitled "HEAT". Boy! It puts into picture form EXACTLY what we've been feeling like!!! I only sent it out to a very select few because of a word that was used in the illustration. Though I tried to erase it so that I could put in a less abrasive word, the email would not allow me to do it.

Anyway, you see two ears of corn with faces. One looks normal. The other is covered in popcorn. The first asks the second if it is too hot for him/her. The second replies in a simple 2-word phrase that relays the message back to the first. Anyway, as soon as I saw it, I could emphasize with the hot ear of corn!

VLE-B

Monday, July 19, 2010

Just a quick note on air conditioning problem...

Well, things went from really bad to terrible yesterday. The house kept heating up despite the fact that cool air was still coming out of the ducts. There was just practically no pressure behind the air to force it into the rooms where it could do some good. The two bedrooms that are furtherest from the air conditioner had no air at all.

We couldn't stand it any longer so Stan called an A/C man. We hated to do that since it was Sunday but had no other choice. As it turns out, he had already been called out on two emergencies in Leoti and Tribune that morning. When he finished in Tribune, he came right over to our house. He and Stan worked and worked trying to get things fixed. While they were trying this and that and fixing this and that, the compressor burned itself out. Now there is NO cool air what-so-ever. The compressor had been going out little by little for quite some time. We just didn't know it until this past week.

If that wasn't bad enough, the big fan that we were using in the public rooms to get us by, burned up. Too much pressure on it considering the fact that we have been using it around the clock for at least a week now. The tower fan in the kitchen is going out also. It only has the low speed now and no longer oscillates. Life is good!!! LOL!!!

There is no other solution now. We must invest in a new central air unit. I will be calling area companies to give us a bid today. The one that we received from the kind soul yesterday was $3,500. He put in our last unit. At that time, he came in with the lowest bid. I won't be surprised if he has the low bid again now but we'll see.

Thank the Good Lord that we have french doors in our kitchen which is directly east of our living room! It allowed cool air in the house last night. Of course, the other windows were open also. Stan slept in our bedroom. The girls and I elected to sleep in the living room. I would like to tell you that it got so cool that we required blankets but that would be a lie. When Stan woke us up at 4:00 this morning to go into the bedroom where it was cooler, I was covered in good old-fashioned sweat. My heart was pounding. I am sure that it was just trying to get out and find some coolness somewhere. LOL!

More great news is that the high is supposed to be 104 today. Mercy, me! Please pray that we have relief soon!

VLE-B

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Explanation

Just want to let you know that I am definitely not trying to ignore you on my blog! Unfortunately, something is wrong with our central air conditioning. I am sure that the temperature probably climbed to at least 100 degrees today. Our house was ONLY 90 degrees inside... Given the fact that I have a serious heart problem, that temp is way too hot. I am trying to leave the house as much as possible whenever it is this hot but that is not always an option that I have. So...I may only be able to update the blog late in the night when the house cools off somewhat. It was so hot in here last night, that I was still wide awake at 3:00 a.m. At 8:05 a.m., I forced myself out of bed so that I could get housework and laundry started before it was too warm. By noon, it was already 82 degrees inside. Can you imagine how hot it would have been had our air conditioner not been working as well as it was???

It is 10:00 p.m. now. Its 85 outside and only 80 inside. It's getting better! At times like this, I wonder how in the world people survive these dreadful days without air conditioning??? I have been sooo sick and weak for the past two days. Enough, already!!! Unfortunately, we're looking at triple digit temps for at least another week. URRGGHH!!!

Hopefully, you are staying cool!!!

VLE-B

Ladybug Flower Shop

People in Wichita County are so very fortunate to have access to such a lovely flower shop as the Ladybug. They supply us with such beautiful flowers and plants, etc at GREAT prices! Need to send some love to someone? Call the girls at 620-375-2172. They accept VISA, MASTERCARD, checks and even CASH! They are very happy to deliver!!!

VLE-B

Kathryn L. Ford--Leoti

Ford - Leoti (February 27, 1933 - July 15, 2010) Sign Guest Book Send Private Condolences Send Flowers
Kathryn L. Ford, age 77, passed away on Thursday, July 15, 2010 at the Galichia Heart Hospital in Wichita, Kansas. She was born on February 27, 1933 in Scott City, Kansas, the daughter of Elmer Edwin and Ida Blanche Peterson Gittinger. A resident of Leoti, Kansas since May of 1953 moving from Sharon Springs, Kansas, she was a homemaker.
Memberships include the Parks Presbyterian Church in Leoti, Kansas, Parks Presbyterian Women, Wichita County Historical Society, Community Thrift Shoppe Board, Amusement Association and the Patchwork Quilt Guild, Wichita County Genealogical Society.
On May 27, 1951 she married Matthew T. Ford in Sharon Springs, Kansas. He survives.
Survivors Include her Husband - Matthew T. Ford of Leoti, Kansas, Two Sons Matthew R. Ford of Juniata, Nebraska, Michael A. Ford of Dallas, Texas, Four Daughters - Darlene J. Harkness of Leoti, Kansas, Marlene J. Ribbing of Leoti, Kansas, Kristine K. Bollinger of Scott City, Kansas, Kathleen L. Long of Leoti, Kansas, Three Brothers - Robert D. Gittinger of Kismet, Kansas, John L. Gittinger of Odessa, Missouri, Ralph E. Gittinger of Oak Grove, Missouri, Eleven Grandchildren and Seven Great Grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her Parents and One Son – Richard T. Ford.
Funeral Services will be held at the Parks Presbyterian Church in Leoti, Kansas 10:30 a.m. (C.T.) Tuesday, July 20, 2010 with the Rev. Paul McNall presiding.
Graveside Services will be held at the Sharon Springs Cemetery in Sharon Springs, Kansas at 1:00 p.m. (M.T) Tuesday, July 20, 2010.
Memorials may be given to the Parks Presbyterian Church, Leoti EMT’s, or Museum Of The Great Plains % Price & Sons Funeral Home in Leoti, Kansas.
Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Sunday and 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Monday at Price & Sons Funeral Home – Leoti, Kansas.

Obituary courtesy of Price and Sons Funeral Homes of Garden City, Scott City, Leoti and Tribune.

VLE-B

Friday, July 16, 2010

Just a wonderful thought...

As I was posting the information on the Scott County Fair which is coming up next week, I came across the fees for people to pay if they want to ride the rides in Scott City. They will be offering wrist bands for sale. If you purchase the bands BEFORE the fair begins, you will be paying $15.00 for each one. Any wrist bands that are purchased at the fair after that will cost $20.00 each. Each band is good for only one night per person. Many carnivals throughout the nation are charging that kind of money for their wrist bands also. So, in other words, if you have two kids who you will be purchasing these bands for, it will cost you $30.00 per night. If these two kids ride rides all three nights, you will pay $90.00 for their tickets. If you miss out on the $15.00 bands, you will end up paying $120.00 for the same two kids to ride the three nights. UNBELIEVABLE!!! It is no wonder why so many Scott Countians refuse to allow their children to ride their rides but instead, opt to bring them to Leoti where they can ride and ride for just 25 cents each ride. I am sooo proud of our Amusement Association! Without it's amazing ticket costs, MANY children would not be able to afford riding anything.

VLE-B

Scott County Fair

Hundreds of people will storm the Scott County Fairgrounds from Wednesday, July 21st, through Sunday, the 25th. According to the weather report this morning, much heat will surround each of the fairgoers next week. Temps are expected to be triple digit for much of the fair.

Scott County Fair Board
Larry Dearden President
Mike Scheurman Vice President
Kay Harkness Secretary/Treasurer
Rick Kahl
Kurt Logan
Kelly Conine
Irene Huck
Everett Miller

Event schedule.

Wednesday, July 21st
***6:00 p.m. Beefiesta BBQ under the grandstand
***8:00 p.m. Kids' pedal tractor pull

Thursday, July 22nd
***5:30 p.m.--Watermelon Feed, sponsored by Farm Credit of Southwest Kansas, ACA
***8:00 p.m.--Bull spectacular, grandstand. This is a new event. Midwestern bull riders will put on 40 bull rides for the spectators to watch.

Carnival--Arm Band Night

Friday, July 23rd
***Doc AndersonMedicine Show throughout the day
***7:00 p.m. Calvary Echoes gospel concert, grandstand, sponsored by Ministerial Alliance

Carnival--Arm Band Night

Saturday, July 24th
***Doc Anderson Medicine Show throughout the day
***10:00 a.m. Fair Parade
Folowing parade:
~~~Beefiesta Throwdown BBQ contest
~~~Beefiesta tasting booths at Patton Park
***2:00 p.m. Kids' Day, grandstand, horeshoe pitching contest, indoor arena
***7:30 p.m. Figure 8 race, grandstand
***9:30-12:30 Fair dance, music by Anthony and the Animals

Carnival-Arm Band Night

Sunday, July 25th
***7:00 p.m. Demolotion derby

D and J Shows of Dodge City will be providing the carnival rides. You can purchase an arm band at the Scott County Extension Office until July 19th for $15.00 each. Aftr that, you can purchase them at the extension office under the grandstand on July 20th through the 21st. At that time, they will cost $20.00 each. As I understand it, a new band needs to be purchased for each day that the person will be riding the rides.

VLE-B

Thursday, July 15, 2010

No-Bake Peanutty Clusters

This recipe requires only 3 ingredients and no baking! This recipe makes 3 dozen sweet treats.

1. One 12 ounce bag (2 cups) of semisweet chocolate chips OR milk chocolate chips OR butterscotch chips. Your choice.

2. 2 cups of chow mein noodles or any ready to eat cereal such as Rice Krispies, etc.

3. 1 cup peanuts

1. In a large microwaveable bowl, microwave the chips of your choice on HIGH uncovered for one minute, stirring after 30 seconds until softened, stir until smooth. (If not completely softened, continue microwaving 15 seconds at a time, stirring after each microwave time, until smooth.)

2. Stir noodles and peanuts into chocolate until well-coated. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto waxed paper. Refrigerate about 1 hour or until firm. Store covered in refrigerator.

Enjoy!!!

VLE-B

Bacon, anyone?

Stan drives a semi-truck for Seaboard Foods in Leoti. He delivers the feed for the hogs from farm to farm. Every three months, the employees are invited to purchase Seaboard Pork. It is WONDERFUL!!! If you have ever purchased a Baconater or Bleu Burger at Wendy's, you've eaten pork from Seaboard. Those particular sandwiches use applewood smoked bacon and are DELICIOUS!!! One of the items that we can purchase is pre-cooked bacon. It's good and we've sold a bunch of it to friends. Given the fact that it is a convenience food, the price is fairly high for a small amount of bacon. The reason for that is because of the extra labor that is required to cook the bacon before it is packaged. We can also buy cases of uncooked bacon. That is what we do. We LOVE the applewood bacon!!!

Recently, my aunt told me that she covers her cookie sheet with strips of the raw bacon and then bakes them in the oven until they are cooked. Then, after they cool, she places the cooked bacon in freezer boxes or plastic bags and freezes them until she needs it again. One of the advantages to doing it this way is the fact that there is less clean-up because of grease on the stove and countertops, etc. Another advantage is that you can crumble bacon for salads, etc without having to take time out to fry it first.

Anyway, just an idea that I wanted to pass on to you...

VLE-B

Dirty dishes??? Not so great hands??? Try this!

Like many people in the U.S., we have a great automatic dishwasher that we use most of the time. However, there are still times when I need to wash a load of dishes by hand. About a month ago, I discovered DAWN PLUS HAND RENEWAL DISHWASHING DETERGENT. It is defintely NOT to be used in the dishwasher. I couldn't believe it! After I had used this soap for just a week, my hands had healed tremendously. Before, they were usually dry and cracked. They looked older than the rest of my body did. LOL!

Not only do I use it when I am washing a few dishes but I also use it whenever I wash my hands in the kitchen. A few months ago, we re-did our kitchen. When Stan was getting ready to lay our beautiful new porcelain tile on the countertops, he purchased a couple of undercounter pumps to be placed near the sink. We filled one with dishsoap. The other with hand lotion. Since, we placed this new Dawn in the one pump, I use it all of the time. I never need the lotion anymore.

By the way, this detergent does a great job on dishes, too!

As you know, I LOVE HGTV!!! Recently, I watched a couple of their shows involving houses in foreign countries. Seems the citizens of many other countries only do dishes by hand. It's a real rarity for people there to own an automatic dishwasher. This week, I was watching an International House Hunters. I learned on that episode, that bathtubs are not always legalized in other countries because of the fact that people believe that it takes more water to take a bath than it does to take a shower. Guess I better stay in these good ol' United States! I enjoy my bubble baths!!!

In regards to the undercounter pumps, I strongly recommend them! They are not expensive and can be purchased at most do-it centers. We bought ours at Home Depot in Garden City. They make it possible for you to not have as many items on the countertop. All that people can see is a stainless steel pump handle. Too kool!!! You will need a hole saw in order to cut the holes in your countertop. Of course, you can purchase those at Home Depot also.

VLE-B

Breast versus Bottle

As you know, I've been spending more time in clinics and hospitals than I like to lately. LOL!!! In one treatment room the other day, I came across a couple of posters, one written in English and the other in Spanish, of course. URGGHH... I found their message to be quite important and so I want to pass this information on to you. I was so thrilled to be able to nurse Leighlyn for her first year but was unable to breast-feed Abigayle because of my heart surgery that was done 5 weeks after she was born and the medications that I would be on for the rest of my life.

"Breastmilk--a babies first protection against disease."

Protects TODAY against
1. Flu viruses
2. Diarrhea
3. RSV--a serious disease that can result in death
4. Ear infections

Protects TOMORROW against
1. Obesity
2. Diabetes
3. Heart diseases
4. Cancers

So, if you or someone you know is considering having a baby, remember this information.

VLE-B

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Update on Lori

Lori just returned home from a doctor's appointment this morning. I just thought that I would get you caught up on what we know so far. At this time, an appointment is being set up for her with a nephrologist (kidney doctor). She is also scheduled for tests in Hays very soon. Tomorrow, she is scheduled for a sonogram in Tribune. Today, she was given new medications.

As soon as I know more, I will write the info here.

Thank you!!!

VLE-B

Lanny Ross Harvey--Garden City

Ross Harvey - Garden City (January 10, 1940 - July 10, 2010) Sign Guest Book Send Private Condolences Send Flowers
Garden City, Kansas Lanny Ross Harvey, age 70, died Saturday, July 10, 2010 in Finney County, Kansas from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He was born January 10, 1940 on the family farm in Trego County, Kansas the son of John and Louise Unruh Harvey. A resident of Garden City since 1972 moving from Dodge City, Kansas he had worked as a bank loan officer and a real estate agent and was actively involved in local area racing for over 37 years.
He attended the First United Methodist Church in Garden City, was a US Army Veteran and was a past member of the American Legion. He also enjoyed having morning coffee at Dillons with his friends.
On May 29, 1960 he married Betty Base in Pawnee Rock, Kansas. She survives. Other Survivors Include: One Son, Todd Harvey of Castle Rock, Colorado; Two Daughters, Terri Worf of Garden City, Kansas and Julie Michaud of Colorado Springs, Colorado; One Sister, Phyllis Womack of Tyler, Texas; Eleven Grandchildren and Five Great-Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Don Harvey.
Funeral Services will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, July 17, 2010 at the First United Methodist Church in Garden City, Kansas with the Rev. David Bell presiding.
Interment will be held at a later date.
There will be no calling times at the funeral home.
The family requests memorials be given to the American Diabetes Association or to the Disabled American Veterans both in care of Price & Sons Funeral Home.

Obituary courtesy of Price and Sons Funeral Homes of Garden City, Scott City, Leoti and Tribune

VLE-B

Patrick B. O'Dea--Scott City

Patrick B. O'Dea - Scott City (January 27, 1939 - July 9, 2010) Guest Book Sign Guest Book Send Private Condolences Send Flowers
Scott City, Kansas
Patrick B. O’Dea, age 71, died Friday, July 9, 2010 at the Garden Valley Retirement Village in Garden City, Kansas. He was born January 27, 1939 at Indianola, Nebraska the son of Harold F. and Elizabeth Hanthorne O’Dea. A resident of Scott City since August of 2009 moving from North Platte, Nebraska, he had been an office clerk for the Union Pacific Railroad.
He was a member of St. Pats Catholic Church of North Platte, Nebraska, was a US Air Force veteran and he belonged to the VFW.
On September 7, 1957, he married Alice J. Gerver in Oberlin, Kansas. She survives.
Other Survivors include: Three Sons, Bob O’Dea of Scott City, Kansas, Mike O’Dea of North Platte, Nebraska and Scott O’Dea of Kimble, Nebraska; Two Daughters, Val Karel of Redding, California and Betty Cummins of Olathe, Kansas; Eighteen Grandchildren and Twelve Great-Grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a grandson, Santos Lopez.
Memorial services will be held at 10:30am on Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at the Community Christian Church in Scott City with the Rev. Troy Schroeder presiding.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00pm on Wednesday, July 14, 2010 in the Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, Nebraska.
There will be no calling times at the funeral home.
The family suggests memorials be given to the Patrick O’Dea Memorial Fund in care of Price & Sons Funeral Home.

Obituary courtesy of Price and Sons Funeral Homes of Garden City, Scott City, Leoti and Tribune.

VLE-B

Florence Evelyn Smith--Scott City

Florence Evelyn Smith - Scott City (December 10, 1922 - July 12, 2010) Sign Guest Book Send Private Condolences Send Flowers
Florence Evelyn Orten Smith passed away in Quinter, Kansas at the Long Term Care Facility on Monday, July 12, 2010 at the age of 87. She was born December 10, 1922 in Grainfield, Kansas, the fifth of six children of George R. and Eva Alice Weekly Orten.
She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, her sister, Vera Roberts on May 10, 2010, four nephews and two nieces. She is survived by one brother, William L. Orten, Quinter, KS, two nephews and two nieces.
Florence married Roderick “Rod” Smith on November 22, 1941, in Shields, Kansas, at the home of their pastor’s parents. Rod passed away April 30, 1984.
She attended school in Grainfield, graduating from Grainfield Rural High School with the class of 1940. a After her short career as a domestic and baby sitter, she moved in 1941 to Dighton, Kansas, where she worked at the Pwonka Café, later at Egbert’s Drug Store, then at the Dighton and Scott City sale barns as an office clerk. She also worked at the Oakley sale barn where her husband was auctioneer.
Florence and Rod moved to Oakley in 1951 and to Scott City in 1955.
In Scott City, she worked as bookkeeper for Western Hardware and Supply and then for Scott City Clinic, followed by the Brookover Cattle Company, Inc., from which she retired in 1990 after twenty years as office manager. Florence enjoyed working with the public.
She was a life member of the Eastern Star, Dighton Chapter.
Following cremation, graveside services and burial will be at the Healy Cemetery on Monday, August 9, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. James Brackett and Pastor Keith Funk presiding. There will be no visitation.
Memorials may be made to the Scott County Library or Shriner’s Children’s Hospital in care of the Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas


Obituary courtesy of Price and Sons Funeral Homes of Garden City, Scott City, Leoti and Tribune.

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For Your Information

I have two major bits of information in regards to Leoti's Route 96 Cafe.

One. They now serve breakfast every evening along with their other menu items. They are closed on Monday evenings.

Two. They will NOT be open after 2:00 during the fair in Leoti. That is quite understandable. Most people enjoy purchasing the food at the fairgrounds during that time. They WILL be open for breakfast and lunch during the fair.

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Tribune--Movie--of--the--Weekend

I apologize for my lack of keeping my blog updated very well! Right now, my heart has been elsewhere. I am sure that you understand.

The movie at the Star Theatre this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, July 17th and 18th, will be the hit, TOY STORY 3. Both evening's performance begin at 8:30 CST.

The following weekend, July 24th and 25th, GROWN UPS will be playing.

Enjoy the movie!

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Thank you!!!!!!!!!

Living in a small town like Leoti isn't always the greatest thing. If you need to get to Wal-Mart, you have to drive at least one hour one way. There are no movie theatres, etc for entertainment. But in all actuality, we really have all that is really necessary in Leoti. We have an extraordinary group of people here. They usually take care of each other. That is normally not the case in larger communities.

My Aunt Betty who lives between Selkirk and Tribune, called me Monday and told me that she wanted Lori to use her brand-new lift chair. That was fantastic news! Lift-chairs are anything but light-weight so we knew that it was going to probably take more than a couple strong men to retrieve it and get it to Lori's house. All that Leif had to do was make three phone calls and the job was done! He called my Stan, John Gould and a man named Pat. I feel just terrible since I do not know his last name. He works at ESE Alcohol. All of these men IMMEDIATELY dropped what they were doing to help. They drove to Aunt Betty's, picked it up and took it to Lori and got it all set up so that she could use it.

Lori and all of us cannot thank these men enough for this generosity of their time!!! The very least that I could do is to publicly thank them right here!!!

Leoti is a GREAT place to live!!!

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Lori

As you know, Lori has returned home. I wish that we could say that she is much better but that would be a bold-faced lie. Aunt Betty Elder is allowing Lori to use her lift chair as long as she needs it. Basically, all that Lori is able to do right now is to remain in the chair 24-hours-a-day. She gets out of it long enough to go to the bathroom and then immediately returns to it. Her breathing is not good. She cannot get enough oxygen. She can only talk for a very few minutes before she has to get off of the phone, etc. I've never seen her so weak.

She has an appointment with Kathy Bangerter at the Sharon Springs Clinic this morning. Hopefully at that time, we can proceed to the next steps. I would assume that they would include oxygen being brought in, pain medications, etc.

Folks, I cannot stress enough to you that Lori is in a very serious condition. She will not recover overnight.

Lori has her cards, flowers, plants, etc set up right across the room from her so that she can see them often. Each one of them means so very much to her!!! If you want to send a card, please send it to

Lori Christensen
407 South 4th Street
Leoti, Ks.
67861

If you want to send flowers or a plant, Jeanene from the Ladybug Flower Shop will deliver them right to Lori's house for you. That phone number is 620-375-2172.

Some very dear people in Leoti have gone out of their way to try to set up a fundraiser to help Lori with all of the many expenses that just keep climbing. ALL OF US appreciate that tremendously!!! Unfortunately, Lori cannot legally accept that because of the fact that she is currently in a political office. That could be misconstrued as a bribe. Ridiculous, I know, but it is what it is.

If you want to help out, sending meals to them would be an excellent gesture. Last night, Mark and Michelle Jones brought them a DELICIOUS meal with all of the trimmings right down to a banana cake with carmel frosting. It makes me hungry just thinking about it!!! Lori, Leif and Lars appreciate this act of kindness so very dearly!!!

My mom, the girls and I returned to Garden City yesterday to pick their van up from the body shop there. As you know, a little over a month ago, it was wrecked in GC and was not in any shape to bring back to Leoti until it was repaired. Ordinarily, they prefer to do their business at home. As we were leaving the shop's lot, we discovered that the windshield is now broken also. We went back to the office. A couple of people including our very own Levi Elder came out to look it over. It was determined that more-than-likely the collision had caused a small crack to appear. Since then, it just got bigger and bigger. Hopefully, it will be repaired soon. They really need their van in good condition soon so that they can make their trips to the various doctors who she needs to see.

So, right now, please pray. If you want to donate food, please do so. Their house is the red brick house right next door to the sheriff's office.

Thank you!!!

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Monday, July 12, 2010

She's home

That's about all that I can say though. Lori is definitely not in any better shape than when she left Leoti last Tuesday evening. Right now, we are trying to get prescriptions for a lift chair, etc. The girls and I just came home from their house. Lori was needing to get some rest and the girls needed lunch. At 3:00, we are driving Mama to Tribune for her own tests including sonograms for conditions that were discovered a couple of weeks ago. More answers are needed.

I know that you are probably getting irritated with me for asking for prayers but Lori and Mama really need them. It wouldn't hurt if prayers are sent for their family either.

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Sunday, July 11, 2010

Lori--Sunday night

Well, Lori was able to make it as far as Hays today. Being in pain, it was too difficult to come on home tonight. They plan on coming home tomorrow. Believe me, Lori is not in great health right now. I find it difficult to understand why doctors decided to spring her today. With oxygen being pumped to her, the highest her oxygen level ever got was 91%. Without oxygen, the best level was only 79%. She is still in terrible pain. High doses of morphine couldn't cut it. The Hydrocodone that they sent her home with is not nearly as powerful as morphine. Though she spent 5 days in the hospital, some of the major tests were never done. Once she is home, we already know that we will have to take her to Hays for at least one test. Go figure...

Please keep praying!!!

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Sunday afternoon's update on Lori

More test results are in. We now know that Lori suffers from the same kidney disease as her son, Lars. Other than that, I don't know much more about the disease other than at times, blood practically pours into the kidneys causing great alarm. Medication is required at that time. Lori will now be seeing the same Nephrologist as Lars sees in Kansas City. I THINK that Lars' next appointment there is in August. Hopefully, Lori will be able to be seen at the same time.

The doctors have decided to release Lori from the hospital today. Yay!!! As of right now, 1:30 p.m., they have not exited the hospital as of yet. They will call me when they are on the road back home. I ASSUME that they will have to stop at a motel on their way home. It is a long trip even for people feeling totally well. For an ill person, it would be much worse.

The pain continues to be a problem so Lori will be sent home on pain medication. Once here, an appointment will be made with Kathy in Tribune. Kathy will then be spearheading what needs to be done next.

Before I got the call a few minutes ago, someone had asked if delivering food to their family once they were home would be a good idea or not. The answer is YES! They would love that very much!!! Lori will continue to have pain for awhile anyway. She is also very weak. Leif is in need of returning to work as soon as possible. He hates that he has not been here to do his regular work as well as helping to put the carnival rides, etc together. We are all so thankful that Mark Jones is his employer!!! Mark is ALWAYS so very good to Leif and his family as well as his other employees!!!

If you are interested in supplying food to their family, please call me at 375-4584. I will then let you know for sure when they will be home.

Thank you SOOO very, VERY much for all of your wonderful prayers and support throughout our time of great need!!!!

God answers our prayers!!! Miracles do happen even today!!!

VLE-B

Saturday, July 10, 2010

They're baaack...

Approximately 5 years ago, a citizen of rural Wichita County confided in me that there was at least one Mountain Lion within the Wichita County borderlines. A few people had mentioned to her that they had seen one at different times but she, herself, did not put much stock in what they had said until she experienced the growl of one close to her chicken house one night.

Honestly, I did not pay much attention to this until yesterday, when a friend of mine told me all about her personal encounter with this beast. I could but I will not give out her name at this time. I will tell you that she lives northwest of Leoti. One recent earlyorning, was on her way to Leoti when a very large animal lurged across the dirt road in front of her. It was a very dark cat. It's size was comparable to a calf. She was extremely startled by what she had just observed. Later that day, she shared her experience with a co-worker who told her that he had heard several reports of Mountain Lions in Wichita County though he had not personally seen any of them.

Weeks later, her husband was returning to their home when he saw a large animal on the road ahead of him. He was flabberghasted when he realized that it was a mountain lion scrunched up to have a bowel movement. He stopped his pick-up and waited until the very large cat had finished and disappeared into a field. Today, she laughs when she relays the information that he was so excited that he fetched her from their home and took her to the location so that she could see the BM. She told me that it was approximately the same size as of what a very large dog would produce.

I thought that I would pass some more information on mountain lions to you.

The average length of a Mountain Lion from their head to the end of the body is 3 1/4 foot to 5 1/4 foot. Their tails are also long--approximately 23-33 inches long. The average weight of one is 136 pounds. Now, THAT'S a big cat!!!

This lion does not like to share their territory with others and are constantly on the look-out for invaders. Only a few mountain lions live in a 30 mile radius of one another.

Mountain Lions were placed n the endangered list many years ago. Farmers and ranchers hated them for killing their livestock so prized hunts were encouraged from Florida to Canadian Forests. Due to the fact that there has been a substantial increase in herds of whitetail deer, these cats are starting to move into such states as Missouri and Arkansas. Biologists believe that if humans will just allow the Mountain Lion to live naturally, it's population will increase to the point that sport hunts can once agan be offered.

These mammals who prefer to live alone, eat large deer, porcupines, racoons, and coyotes. They hunt in the dark of night or during dawn and dusk. If they kill a large animal, they will eat off of it for several days before they hunt again.

Mountain Lions do NOT normally attack humans. There are usually only 4 Mountain Lion/Human attacks in which one human fatality occurs in the United States and Canada every year. The humans are usually children or an adult who is alone at the time.

Anyway, I find this to be quite interesting. As a human who sometimes prefers the company of animals, I hope that this animal makes a healthy comeback here. Last year, I was told that the coyote numbers had climbed to a dangerous high. I believe that mountain lions can reduce their numbers to a healthier level which in turn, would provide less natural enemies for livestock.

I understand that most MountainLion sightings in Wichita County have been along the Ladder Creek.

Mountain lions are also known as Pumas, Cougars and Catamounts.

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Interesting career

On the fourth of July, one of the workers who is putting the new schools together in Leoti, spent the evening at Leif and Lori's. One of his responsibilites is to paint each and every brick on the new schools. He said that since the architects were unable to find the exact dye lot to produce brick that matches the older school, they will do the next best thing--produce paint of that color. He will use paint rollers that are just the right size for each brick. The grout lines will NOT be painted.

Just a little tidbit that I thought that you might enjoy knowing...

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Address for Lori

Some have asked me for Lori's mailing address. Here it is:

KU Medical Center
3901 Rainbow Blvd.
Room 5112
Kansas City, Kansas
66160

If you wish to send plants or flowers, just contact your local flower shop. They'll make the arrangements for you.

Lori loves to hear from her family and friends!!!

Thank you for sending your love to her!!!

VLE-B

Update on Lori--Saturday Evening

Excuse me, please, for not updating my blog on Lori since yesterday. I have been trying to keep myself busy right now so I do not unnecessarily worry.

Unfortunately, the improvement that Lori had yesterday has changed. She is not doing well today. The pain is still terrible. It is so bad that she continues to need Morphine. At times, she makes no sense when talking. I am sure that the large doses of pain medication is causing that.

The good news is that she was able to take a shower this morning. It was her first since last Tuesday. She told Mama that the shower was WONDERFUL. After that, the pain increased again. The medicine makes her drift in and out often. At least we know that the pain has decreased enough that she is able to rest. Her blood sugar levels are increasing which is normal for diabetics whenever an infection is present in the body.

None of the doctors know what is wrong yet. More tests are done often but so far, the culprit has managed to hide from the doctors.

Her daughters went to their homes on Thursday. Leif, Mama and Lars will remain at the hospital with her until she is much better and can return home. Leif stays in the same room with Lori. At night, Mama and Lars go back to the motel.

A couple of people have sent plants and another set of people sent a lovely flower arrangement. Lori and her family enjoy all of them so very much!!!

Lori really needs your prayers!!!

VLE-B

Friday, July 9, 2010

Lori (Early Friday Afternoon)

Just heard from my mom. Lori is better today. She is still on oxygen and a catheter. The kidney doctor is now allowing Lori to drink water. She has not been allowed to eat or drink since Tuesday. He has now told her that his testing is concluded and that kidney surgery does not need to be done now. Praise the Lord!!! He turned her case over to a family physician at KU Med Center.

Lori will remain in the hospital until more questions have been answered. Her PIK line will remain installed.

Please continue to pray for her!!!

Thank you!!!

VLE-B

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Lori--Thursday Afternoon

Just heard back from my mom about Lori. Thought that I would pass the latest on to you.

The morphine is working again. The doctors are increasing the strength little by little. Of course, they do not want to give her too much too handle. The blood and cardiac tests are looking good. Results are still waiting on a full chemical panel. Testing is still continuing.

I have some phone numbers that you can call now. Here they are:

Lori's room which is number 5112: 913-588-5112

My mom: 620-376-8091

Leif: 620-874-0421

Lori's cellphone died shortly after she arrived in K.C. Given the circumstances, I doubt that she has her charger with her.

Leif and Lori's daughter, Marlene, and her family are in K.C. now. During the day, Lars will be able to spend some time at their motel swimming which will help him ALOT. Leif and Lori's daughter, Lori, is on her way to KC right now. She should be there very soon.

As far as Lona Sue and us are concerned, right now we are planning on staying at home unless Lori wants us there. She is only allowed 2 visitors at a time. Since the morphine is now working, she is sleeping more again. Our family is taking care of Leif and Lori's pets, etc so it looks like we will be more valuable here than there. Of course, if the doctor decides to operate, we will be out of here right away.

We REALLY appreciate your kind support!!! Again, here are our contact numbers if you wish to call:

Home: 620-375-4584
Lynn: 620-376-8922
Stan: 620-874-0698

Please keep sending your prayers!!!

VLE-B

Lori--Thursday Morning

The PIK Line was installed last night. No pain killers are working at all anymore.

Lori needs your prayers more than ever before.

Thank you!!!

VLE-B

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Lori's Condition

It is now 9:30 p.m. I just tried to call Lori but discovered that Lori is in too much pain to talk to anyone right now. For some reason, they have not installed her PIC line (Central IV line) yet. When they tried to start a regular IV just recently, they were unable to find her blood veins. Her pain is just awful so they are attempting to give her some pain pills. Sometime tonight, they should have the PIC installed and going.

The doctor came in tonight with news about her kidney cyst. He does not believe it is the source of her pain. So, they just have to do this test and then that test until they learn what the problem is and how to fix it. The doctor told all of them just as Kathy Bangerter, Lori's PA in Tribune said, this is not a problem that will be fixed in two or three days. It could be a lengthy recovery.

I simply cannot tell you how much my Lori needs your prayers! This is an absolutely terrifying situation for her and all of us.

Thank you!!!

VLE-B

Update on Lori

Just heard from Mama. They are in Topeka right now--4:25 p.m. That is 72 miles away from K.C. Mama had just spoken to Lori via telephone. Lori said that they have completed one test--a sonogram of her kidneys. The test revealed that there is a very large cyst on one of her kidneys. The pain is actually on the other side of her body but as we all know, pain can be deferred to other nearby locations.

Due to the size of the cyst, it is very possible that surgery will be required. That is not factual as of yet though. The location of the cyst has much to do with how to treat it. If surgery is determined to be the best solution, we will be going to K.C. to be with her, Mama, Leif and Lars.

A central IV tubeline is going to be inserted so that pain medications and anti-biotics, etc can be administered to her quickly.

Please keep Lori in your prayers.

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Lady Bug Flower Shop

Need to send flowers or plants in Leoti? Call the Lady Bug at 620-375-2172. They accept cash, checks, Mastercard and VISA.

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Update on Lori Christensen

I just heard from Lori. She has just been admitted to the KU Medical Center in Kansas City. Her room number is 5112. So far, no tests have been done but she has been given morphine to combat the intense pain that she is in. When I spoke to her, the medication had taken effect and was causing a great deal of sleepiness.

Someone asked me about sending flowers or plants. Let me tell you, she would absolutely LOVE that! If you are interested in doing that, please call your local flower shop and request that an item of a certain cost be sent to the med center. Your flower shop will take care of everything for you.

Thank you sooo much!!! As soon as I know more, I will post it here. It is so much easier for me to do that instead of making alot of calls.

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Prayers Needed

I ask that you please send your prayers for my sister, Lori Christensen. She was in intense pain yesterday and was taken to the Garden City hospital last night. At approximately 3:00 this morning, she was sent via ambulance to a hospital in Kansas City.

Leif, my mom and Lars left our house at around 8:45 this morning enroute to K.C. For now, our family is still at home. If they are not headed home tomorrow, we will probably drive to K.C. ourselves.

I will do my best to keep you updated on her condition here.

Thank you!!!

VLE-B

Monday, July 5, 2010

Esther Amy Braun--Leoti

Leoti, Kansas
Esther Amy Braun, age 86, died Saturday, July 3, 2010 at the Wichita County Health Center in Leoti, Kansas. She was born May 5, 1924 in Leoti, Kansas the daughter of Wm. David and Amy Nellie Greemore Watson. A lifetime resident of Leoti she had worked as a chef in the local café for many years.
She was a member of the Christian faith and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary.
On August 18, 1941 she married Frank R. Taylor. Then on May 16, 1965 she married Tony Braun.
Survivors include: Three Sons, Frank W. Taylor of Las Cruces, New Mexico, Robert M. Taylor of Leoti, Kansas and Richard E. Taylor of Leoti, Kansas; One Daughter, Penny Crouch of Leoti, Kansas; Sixteen Grandchildren, Thirty Great-Grandchildren and Fifteen Great-Great-Grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a daughter, Dunette Louise Bloedorn and several brothers and sisters.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30am on Wednesday, July 7, 2010 at the Price & Sons Funeral Home in Leoti, Kansas with Rev. Paul McNall presiding.
Friends may call from Noon-8:00pm Tuesday at the Price & Sons Funeral home in Leoti, Kansas.
Interment will be in the Wichita County Cemetery in Leoti, Kansas.
The family requests memorials be given to the Leoti EMT’s or the Wichita County Volunteer Fire Dept. both in care of the funeral home.

Obituary courtesy of Price and Sons Funeral Homes of Garden City, Scott City, Leoti and Tribune

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JUanita Caldwell--Scott City

Juanita Caldwell - Scott City (March 29, 1921 - July 3, 2010) Guest Book Sign Guest Book Send Private Condolences Send Flowers
Juanita Caldwell, age 89, passed away on Saturday, July 3, 2010 at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas. She was born on March 29, 1921 in Healy, Kansas, the daughter of Shirley Mulford and Della Swilley Cramer. A resident of Scott City, Kansas since 1945 Moving from Healy, Kansas, she was a Secretary at the Scott City Middle School and a Clerk at the District Court both of Scott City, Kansas.
She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Scott City, Kansas.
On January 29, 1943 she married William R. Caldwell in Dighton, Kansas. He passed away on August 16, 1983 in Garden City, Kansas.
Survivors Include her One Son - Larry Caldwell of Emporia, Kansas, One Daughter - Carol Sims of Tualatin, Oregon, Two Brothers - Leo Cramer of Healy, Kansas, George Cramer of Healy, Kansas, Five Grandchildren, and Three Great Grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, and Five Brothers.
Funeral Services will be held at the United Methodist Church in Scott City, Kansas at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 8, 2010 with Rev. Dennis Carter presiding.
Interment will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas.
Memorials may be given to the Park Lane Nursing Home % Price & Sons Funeral Home
Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday and 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.


Obituary courtesy of Price and Sons Funeral Homes of Garden City, Scott City, Leoti and Tribune

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Kids Theatre Workshop in Leoti

This week, Brenna Downs-Fulton will be conducting a theatre workshop in Leoti. The ichita Count Arts Alliance is sponsoring it. The kids will be doing improv skit games from 10:30 to noon each morning from Tuesday, July 6th, through Friday, July 9th. On Friday at noon, family and friends are invited to a performance at noon. The workshop and the perforance will be held a the Senior Center. There will be a $10.00 enrollment charge for each child.

Brenna is the daughter of Charlie and Janelle Downs of Leoti.

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Best HOMEMADE Pies in Leoti

This summer, people have been purchasing pies right and left from Linda Clark-Meyers of Leoti. She calls her business Elsie's Pies and More. In addition to all kinds of pies, she also create beautiful jewelry that she sells.

Her pies include fruit, merengue and meat/vegetable. Each 9" double-crusted fruit or merengue pie sells for $10.00 each. These pies are AWESOME!!! We're not talking aout frozen pie crust and canned filling. We're talking about honest-to-goodness homemade pie built from scratch!

Just give Linda a call and order whatever you want. They live in Leoti but are using their cellphone from Colorado. That phone number is 970-290-4434.

Wih the Fair coming up, many of us have out-of-town guests. Spoil them with these pies. They'll thank you for it!!!

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Wichita County Fireworks Display

For many years, the Wichita County Fire Department has thrilled the young and old of Wichita County with the annual display that they always provide. Last night, people gathered from far and wide to experience the fireworks. None of us should have had any reason to walk away disappointed with what they saw.

My family and I would love to thank all of the volunteers from our fire and EMS dept for what they did! My brudder-in-law is one of those people who helps with the display year after year. These people leave their own family gatherings to do all of this for us. Thank you!!!

Without this display, many children would go without this thrill. Either their parents cannot afford the fireworks or simply don't want to spend the money to purchase them. Our firework display is sooo superb that people just have to go out in their yards and watch towards the south of town. It doesn't cost us anything.

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Much needed rain

Wichita County has been dry for quite sometime. Of course, we had hoped that it would hold back until after our area farmers had completed their wheat harvest. I've heard that many, if not all, have finished it now.

With the water problems that Leoti is currently experiencing, many of us including our family have decided to water very little in our yard. We water the flower and vegetable gardens right now but are doing them only gingerly. With the lack of water, our grass is pretty dull and is not growing very quickly.

Last night after the fireworks had all been sent upwards, a wonderful rain poured from Heaven. I just checked our rainguage. Here at home, we received 1.90. To my knowledge, there was no hail. So wonderful!!!

Praise the Good Lord!!!

VLE-B

Friday, July 2, 2010

Got A Job???

If you are interested in seeing what career opportunities are out there, go to www.westernksjobs.com and have a look around!

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Cellphones

Just wanted to pass some information that I read yesterday on to you. It is important that we keep our cellphones clean. Everytime that we place the phones to our ears, skin oils, dirt and grime are transferred to the phone. Then... if the phone has not been cleaned with a mild soap, all of that oil, etc is returned to the skin the next time that we send or receive a phone call. The less often that we clean the phone, the more nasties are deposited onto our faces causing additional risk of pimples, etc.

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