Start of a long weekend

Wednesdays are always nice, because I am fortunate enough to work a three-day work week--Monday through Wednesday. I look forward to a nice long weekend--and this weekend will be especially good because Monday is a holiday.

Tomorrow Christina will be in school. Mark has left for the weekend to help his grandparents drive their camper down to a car show in Indiana along with Tim's brother Jeff and his family. (I know Mark was secretly heartbroken at missing two days of school--tomorrow and Friday--NOT!)

I hope Tim doesn't have to work too hard during the next couple of days. He was hoping to join Mark and his family on the trip, but he's just too busy. With his cousin's help, perhaps he can find some relaxing time. Monday, we are planning to go to the Minnesota State Fair, so we'll have to make that a fun event. Don't forget fun and rest, honey! I know I won't (forget that is).

Till next time,


Suzi

Looks like this photo will be the winner...

Here is the picture that most people have voted for Mark's senior picture. (All right, my sister's husband, son and our friend Rick. My sister Lori also voted for a very nice photo. So, throngs haven't come forth yet to give their opinion.)

The first day of school has come and gone without too many problems. The kids had to come back home because they had forgotten some paperwork, but that was about it.

With fall will come lower temperatures and relief from allergies. And fewer hurricanes--the devastation we see from Katrina is so devastating. Those people are in our prayers.

Till next time,


Suzi

Please vote

Tim has posted several of Mark's senior pictures on his blog. You can link to them here. We are asking our friends and family and other blog readers to vote for their favorite picture--this will help us decide which one to choose for the yearbook.

In other news, we enjoyed a nice weekend, celebrating Tim's 47th birthday with family at our house last night. I tried a new salad, Round Up salad, that Christina enjoyed at my friend Joy's house last month. Yummy (if I do say so myself)--lettuce, black olives, pinto beans, red onion (this is what really gives it its flavor), etc. I forgot to serve frito scoop-type corn chips. I added spinach but forgot the grape tomatoes I had purchased, and didn't take the time to chop up the cucumber. You could add whatever else to the ingredients you like.

Busy week at work--got to get two newsletters out!

Till next time,


Suzi

Springing a leak

The dishwasher is washing dishes so much better now that the heating coil has been fixed by cousin Terry. But, he noticed that there may be a slow leak in the dishwasher as well, and that the hard water may be the cause for the corrosion of the original coil.

Last night, I was saying good-night to Mark, and we noticed spots on his ceiling (which is right below the dishwasher). Now, over a year ago, Tim had taken part of that ceiling down to run a small water hose from the kitchen sink to our refrigerator so we can have water/ice from the frig. Finally a couple of months ago, he hung new sheet rock on the ceiling and sprayed it. Now it has water damage--and there are signs of water leakage down one wall, too.

Today Terry is back and he and Tim are going to tackle the leak problem. Mark seemed to sleep okay last night--his room wasn't flooded or anything. Good thing, because today we are going to get his senior pictures taken. We wouldn't want him looking like a drowned rat in photos we'd look at for years to come.

Life, always an adventure. Well, we wouldn't have it any other way, would we?

Till next time,


Suzi

Happy Birthday Honey!

I'm afraid Tim's birthday is not starting out very well. Last night we got a phone call at 2:30 am, which we didn't answer in time, but caused me to get up and look for my daughter and her friend who was sleeping over. I looked all over the house--no sign of them. I went out the back door, and found the screen porch door ajar. After calling Christina, she appeared from around the corner of the house. Apparently her friend was not feeling well and needed some air.

I want to believe this story and that somehow the phone call was a coincidence (wrong number?). After the girls got back to bed, the dog started barking--not loud, incessant barking, but woofing once about every 30 seconds or so. A storm was coming in, and Raven could sense it. I took him outside briefly, and he did his business. I worked in the kitchen for awhile and then got back to bed. Tim was awake. I had hoped I hadn't disturbed him, but the phone call had kept him awake. Now Raven's barking was keeping us both awake. I tried bringing Raven in our room, but he was still nervous about the lightning and thunder. Finally, just as we were nodding off, the radio went off (5 am). Tim decided to get up. At 5:30 his cousin Terry called. (He's been in the workhouse and has been taking the bus/bike to our house every day to help Tim.) Terry was soaking wet--having peddled madly to catch the bus (the driver didn't see him at first), and then, still in the rain, taking down the bike rack in the front of the bus to put his bike on. He asked if Tim could meet him at the bus stop by our house so he wouldn't have to peddle more in the rain. So, Tim went off and Terry came home and dried off, putting his soaked stuff in the dryer.

The rain continued, roads were flooded, so Tim and Terry and I decided to catch a few more winks before work. Still, it wasn't enough after losing about 4 hours last night.

Well, honey, I hope you can sleep well tonight. Happy birthday. I know it's not a restful one and you are so busy at work, but I hope you know I love you and hopefully on Sunday we can have a great celebration with your family.

Till next time,


Suzi

A weird day

I got up at 6:30 today, not because I wanted to, but because Tim was up and I knew I should get up to walk the dog and fix lunches.

Christina had been up late last night cleaning--she wants a little more spending money before school starts next week. The house looked really good! (I won't mention that she brought stacks of paper and dumped them in our room. Ooops, guess it's too late to not mention it!)

Tim, Mark, Terry and Luke were all ready for a day at work. I'm planning to do some stuff from the office here at home, as well as catching up around here. Then Tim found out none of the jobs he planned to go to are ready today. Mark starts school on Tuesday, so Tim will be without his helper after that date.

Ah well. Tim and Terry are trimming trees in the back yard. I can see them from my spot at the computer, and am trying not to panic as I see the acrobatic maneuvers Terry is making from the roof of our garage.

Mark's out cleaning in the garage--I think Tim is finally going to finish taping and painting the garage. So there's always work to be done somewhere.

Tomorrow is Tim's birthday, and he'll probably be swamped with work. Ah well, we'll enjoy a day at home and celebrate a little early.

Till next time,


Suzi

I am amazed

This morning, things were no different than usual. I got up before Tim, walked the dog, and came back while he and Terry were eating breakfast. I made lunches, running rather late, when Tim offered to finish by putting grapes in the lunches. I dashed off to the shower and got in the car for work after making sure Christina would wake up when Jeff and Dawn would call her to babysit.

I worked all day--finishing a big project, but not getting very far in two other things I wanted to get done. But, I needed to get home. Supper was in the crockpot, but I'd need to set the table and get the food near the guys' mouths or they'd surely starve.

Well, lo and behold, I got home and found the table was set. Lo and behold, Mark was really hungry, so he set the food and drinks out on the table. LO AND BEHOLD, but the dishwasher was fixed and the trees/weeds in the backyard were coming down.

Tim had set the table when he came home earlier in the day to walk Raven (since Christina was babysitting, he needed someone to let him out--the frequent urination thing is a side effect of his meds--see earlier blog). Mark had put food out as I mentioned, and Terry had fixed the dishwasher and was working on getting our overgrown trees down.

Thanks honey, and Mark and Terry. Now, I wonder what will happen tomorrow evening at supper time????

Till next time,


Suzi

Will they make their own supper?

Today when I got home from work I thought I would try an experiment. I had supper in the crockpot, plus things ready to heat up so we could eat before Tim had to take his cousin Terry to the bus stop. Tim and Terry were sitting in the living room, so I thought I would join them. I even announced that I thought they could get supper on the table so I could sit down for a minute.

No one moved. They kept chatting amicably, including me in their conversation, not showing any signs of concern that Terry might miss his bus if no one got supper ready.

Finally I got up and set the table. Everyone came and sat down, and as they were chomping away (after the prayer, of course), I spent my two to three minutes taking my blood sugar and preparing my insulin dose.

Ah well, I shouldn't really complain too much. With the kids gone so much of the time in the evening, it is really kind of nice to have someone who will sit down and enjoy a meal I've prepared--or at least heated and served. But don't tell Tim or Terry. I'm hoping tomorrow they will take the initiative and set the table themselves. Wish me luck! (or a miracle?)

Till next time,


Suzi

Raven at the vet

Saturday I took Raven to the vet. He has been so miserable, I couldn't stand to see him suffering any more. He would rub his itchy nose so hard on his white blanket that you could see blood on it. He had a cut above his eye from scratching his head with his paw. His feet were beginning to swell because he was licking them so much.

So, off to the vet we went. While we were waiting, I saw a Golden Retriever who came out looking even worse than Raven. The GR was rubbing his face on the ground and looked perfectly uncomfortable and unhappy.

So now Raven is on a drug program. He is taking methylprednisolone tablets (basically steroids) and prednisolone drops for his eyes, along with over the counter chlorpheniramine Maleate antihistamine. I also brought home special vitamins to help his coat, and gave him a bath with medicated shampoo and conditioner.

After two days, he seems to be improved. His eyes are a lot better. He's still rubbing his nose against things, but it doesn't seem to be as frequently. And the only possible side effects of the methylprednisolone tablets are increased water consumption and appetite, frequent urination, possible elevated liver enzymes, weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea. Long time use of the drug could result in potent corticosteriods suppressing the normal pituitary-adrenal axis or something like that. Whew! Raven will need to be weaned off this slowly--right now he is taking two pills every 12 hours--after a week it is once a day, then a week later once every two days.

I decided to get out my old pill box to keep track of Raven's meds. The little steroid pills fit nicely in there. I can't even remember the days when all my medication would fit into that little pill dispenser. Now I have a honkin' big box that accommodates my multi-vitamins, my calcium, my cholesterol meds, my high blood pressure meds, and my diabetes pills.

That doesn't include my before meals insulin shots (insulin pen and needle needed for that) or my nightly insulin dose (insulin bottle and syringe needed for that). Then there's my contact lens solution and cleaner that I need to take care of every night and morning........

Nobody else around here better get sick or old. I don't think I could keep track of too many more pill boxes, let alone medication.......

Till next time,


Suzi

PS My lab results last week were very good, my doctor said. Blood sugar is okay and cholesterol is excellent at 134. Blood pressure was 128 over 70 I believe. A1c 7.1.

Family reunion

Today was the family reunion. Turns out it was even more extended than I thought--the family group went back to the descendants of my mother-in-law's step-grandmother. So, gathered together were many people who had never met, and some who weren't even related by blood, just by marriage. It was a beautiful day for a gathering--at a lakeside setting with plenty of food. As we gathered for a family picture, Tim's Irish uncle worked to keep everybody cheery with his lusty rendition of "When Irish eyes are smiling'" and "Too rah lee" what is that song, anyway? Anyhow, I think most of the folks were Scandinavian, but I'm sure everyone appreciated Uncle Pat's attempts to bring smiles before the camera.

Our kids really didn't want to be at such a gathering--on a nice summer Saturday they'd have a bunch of other things to do with friends--but they came anyway. I was proud to introduce them or re-introduce them to cousins, aunts and uncles.

A couple of the ill relatives I had expected to see were not there. One just got out of the hospital yesterday. It was good to see other family representatives and to send along good wishes, smiles and prayers.

I'm looking forward to that great family reunion--the greatest one--when "we all get to heaven--what a day that will be!" In the mean time, I hope I can take advantage of the earthly family and friendships I have now.

Till next time,


Suzi

Journey's end

In my blog reading, I came across a link to a blog of a Canadian pastor, Dwayne. He started this blog when he was diagnosed with renal cancer on June 20, 2005--the day I started my new job. The blog that linked to his announced the sad news that he passed away this week--on Tuesday. Today is his memorial service.

You can link to Dwayne's blog here. It is a beautiful story of a man who loved his God, his family and his church, and served them all faithfully. At the end his wife is the one who writes, telling of his failing health and his rallies, and of the amazing support of friends and family. Many, many people left comments of encouragement as he, then his wife, poured out their heartache along with their faith story.

He leaves behind two children besides his wife and other family members. Just a couple of weeks ago his wife also lost her mother. Please be in prayer for this family.

Tomorrow we are going to a family gathering. Tim's mom has several siblings, and three of her brother-in-laws are in ill health. We are going to gather to celebrate life, family and friendship (with a lot of food thrown in the mix). It will be good to see many people I haven't seen in awhile--and some, I fear, that I may not see again in this life.

I'm so grateful to have the hope in Christ for an eternity with him. When we lose loved ones who are in the Lord, we don't grieve as those who have no hope, for we know we will be reunited in heaven.

Till next time,


Suzi

Rain?

It's Thursday. I anticipate this day all week, as I'm working Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Thursdays is my day to sleep in a bit, to fix lunches for Tim in my pajamas if I want, and to ease into the day.

On this day, I don't set my clock alarm, expecting to wake up "on my own." Well, today Tim got up fairly early and switched on the TV in our room. The volume was down, so I'm sure he didn't think I would wake up, but between the radio and the TV going, I was unable to keep sleeping. However, I stayed in bed for awhile longer.

Tim meanwhile, went into the kitchen to have breakfast and wait for me to come make his lunch. (He left the TV and radio on in case I wanted to get the latest news, I suppose.) Eventually I stumbled out of bed and proceeded to the kitchen. Tim talked about rain and the forecast and how the heavens would open up in our neighborhood in about 5 minutes. I was glad I didn't have to work, so my walk with Raven would be flexible.

After the lunches were made, I decided I'd head out with Rave. I put on my jacket, got out my umbrella, and dressed Raven in his new doggie rain coat. Out we went. It was drizzling a bit--not the heavy rain I was expecting. Raven was dragging the whole way. Finally I relented and took off his rain coat. Freedom! He was free to pee and took a long one (hope this isn't offensive to anyone). He was free to walk and sniff and be himself now that he was rid of that annoying velcro strap on his belly not to mention the waterproof material that stretched from head to tail--including a nice hood tied under his chin.

On our whole walk, we had only light showers. Ah well. I guess it is better to be prepared than not. But next time Tim checks out the forecast on a day I'm off, I hope he'll do it in the living room. That is, unless rain is really coming in and I should jump up and get the walk in before a deluge. But who knows with weather forecasts. It must be the only job you can have where you make miscalculations all the time and people still keep coming back to hear what you have to say.

I calculate that I will be sleeping in tomorrow morning and that Tim will watch TV away from my pillow. Thanks, honey. :)

Till next time,


Suzi

A single leaf

Today as Raven and I walked, I noticed a couple of things. Okay, maybe three things. It has been cooler lately (not too unbearably hot and humid). It has been darker later in the morning. And, today, I picked up a single reddish leaf that had fallen from a tree. (Actually I saw more than one fallen leaf--not a lot--but I only kept one as a souvenir.)

Fall is coming! The state fair is coming! School days are coming!

Raven is suffering miserably this month with allergies. His stomach seems to be getting better, but it was a little upset this morning. I think it was almost October before he stopped itching so much last year. This morning I woke up with gunk all around my eyes--I must be having sympathy allergies.

Hot days can still be ahead of us--August is barely half over, after all. And my dad says Minnesota has two seasons--winter and August.

I think we've already had August, so maybe we can move along in our advent toward winter. I'm ready to put on my sweaters and drink sugar-free hot chocolate! Come forth, fall colors! Come, first frost, bringing allergy relief with you!

Till next time,


Suzi

I'm losing it

Today I left the office at my usual time, 4 pm. I hurried off to the grocery store, knowing we'd need stuff for supper and to make lunches tomorrow morning. I grabbed a three-pack of Puff's tissues so we'd have something for allergies/runny noses.

When I got out to the car after my shopping excursion, I looked at the tissues in the bottom rack of the cart. Rats, I thought--I must have forgotten to pay for them. I went back into the store and went to the self-pay aisle. I rung up the tissues by passing the code thing over the scanner and inserted my credit card.

When I got home, I thought I'd check the receipt just to be positive I hadn't paid twice. Sure enough, both receipts showed Puffs purchases. Sigh.

To make matters worse, as I scurried about the kitchen heating up left-over ham and microwaving corn on the cob in their husks (tasty and quick, but hot hot hot), I noticed that Tim had put up a corded phone where our cordless one had been. Now, I understand his frustration at not having the phone in the kitchen when you need it (Christina likes to keep the cordless in her room.) But I can't function throughout the day/evening without using the cordless phone.

Poor Tim, I begged him to put back the phone while I burned my fingers on corn husks, stuffed groceries in various cupboard and refrigerator shelves, and chided myself for my repeated purchase.

But when we sat down, I took a deep breath. We thanked God for our food, for Tim's cousin Terry who was able to join us for dinner, and for the promise of a relaxing evening ahead of us.

I may be losing it, but I'm not lost. Every day, through my worries and scurries, God calls me back to himself--to my true home. He has found me and he will keep me there. I just need to revel in his safety and forget the minor trials of this life.

Till next time,


Suzi

Summer's almost ended

Here it is, the middle of August already. We've only been camping once this summer, but we've packed a lot of other things in. For Tim, it has mostly been work. For me, it has also been work, and also a trip to Illinois with Christina. Today I booked a flight to Chicago for September 11-13 for some training for my job. When I told someone about the day I was planning to travel, she simply replied--"That will probably be the safest day to travel." I'm sure she's right.

We planned Mark's big trip to Moldova, and now he is safely home. We've attended weddings and graduation open houses and reunions with old friends. We've endured heat and humidity, and now we're enjoying cooler days with the promise of autumn.

School will start soon--the last year for Mark, and the second year of high school for Christina. I don't know where the time goes, but I'm glad for changing seasons. It gives me pause to reflect over the goodness of the past years and look forward to what's next.

And, it will be nice for the kids to be back in the routine of school. On my days off, I'll enjoy the satisfaction of having a day at home once the hectic early morning is over.

Maybe I'll get a nap or two in.......

Till next time,


Suzi

Happy memories of Moldova

Mark and Inga enjoyed a walk in a Chisinau (capital of Moldova) park.

Mark's luggage arrived last night--it came to David's house about 10 pm and David brought it over here. We are very glad, because the digital camera Tim had given to Mark for the trip was in the suitcase. He didn't take a lot of pictures, but this is a nice one. The three of them (Mark, Inga and David) spent a lot of time walking around the city of Chisinau. Mark said the best ice cream he ever had was eaten in one of the parks--purchased from a vendor there. (It was fresh--unhomogenized.)

He's had a bit of an upset stomach, but he seems better today. Little by little, we are hearing more about the wonders of Moldova.

Till next time,

Suzi

A beautiful morning

It's a lovely morning. Raven and I enjoyed our walk, greeting and chatting with friends we saw on the way--out to enjoy the day as well. Well, Raven probably would have enjoyed it a little more if his stomach were more settled. He's on a hamburger and white rice diet now, as he's been throwing up a bit the last couple of days.

Yesterday we had company for dinner, so I spent the day working on the carpets (cleaning up some Raven stains). Poor Raven--I could tell he was getting sick again just before they came, so I steered him to the vinyl entry way so I wouldn't have to tackle the carpets again.

Anyway, Mark is home safely as I mentioned in the last blog, and as far as I know he slept soundly last night. Today his luggage should arrive and I hope to take him up to get his driver's license replaced. I'm just thankful that he and David are safe and sound and had a good time on their trip.

God is good. All the time.

Till next time,


Suzi

He is home!

It's almost midnight, but our boy is now home. His luggage is still traveling somewhere, supposedly it will be delivered to David's house tomorrow (David's didn't arrive either). He is safe and healthy, but very very tired. It was a good trip. We are going to bed now.

Till next time,


Suzi

Tonight is the night!

Mark will be home in a few short hours. He called last night from Frankfurt (it was 2:30 am here). I asked him to call or e-mail from Frankfurt, but I thought he might wait till 6 am or so--just before he got on his flight to Philadelphia. As I write this, his plane is awaiting take off, having left the gate five minutes ahead of schedule. He's on the last leg home!

To keep me busy while waiting for Mark's arrival, Tim invited some friends over for dinner. We met Becky at Cornerstone Music Festival, where she and our friend Dale got acquainted and became fast "friends." (We keep asking them when the wedding will be.) She lives in Oklahoma, and Dale lives here in Minnesota, but she is here for an extended visit. Tim's cousin Terry was also here for dinner--he and Dale have met before and both have interesting stories. (See Tim's blog.)

I found with all the excitement that my blood sugar was plunging--I checked it and it was 80. So, I rested a bit until they arrived, and then ate plenty of food to get my blood sugar going again. It was nice to have company, and now the house will be nice for Mark, too.

I'll blog more tomorrow about Mark's arrival. I can't wait!

Till next time,


Suzi

A "stolen" photo

My sister took such a lovely picture of my parents on Lake Superior, I wanted to see it on my blog too, and a little bit bigger. 52 years and going strong! You can see it at Cheri's blog, too.

Countdown

Tomorrow my boy comes home. He has had fun shopping, swimming, and even bowling in Moldova. He has enjoyed ethnic food and McDonalds, Moldovan-style. He has taken public transportation everywhere or walked--not able to drive for two weeks.

Tomorrow I will see his face again and hear the stories of his journeys. I will hug him like he is still my little boy, even though he is grown up with a beard and muscles and is much taller than me.

I will thank God for safe travel and lessons learned. And I will peek into his room after he is asleep, like I did when I was a weary preschool mom, and know that when I see my children at rest from their play, their work, or their travel, I am content and at rest also.

Till next time,


Suzi

Happy anniversary Mom and Dad!

My parents probably won't read this till their anniversary is over--in fact, I know my mom won't, because I called her a little bit ago and she was already getting ready for bed. But after 52 years of marriage, they deserve a little greeting from me on my blog (actually they deserve a lot more than that, but it would be impossible to give them a fraction of what they are worthy of).

It was fun growing up with Mom and Dad. Dad could always make Mom laugh, and their affection for each other through the years has assured us of their love for each other. Their strong faith and commitment to the Lord and each other has been rock solid as long as I can remember.

In a world where people separate easily, sometimes even after years of marriage, I'm glad I have parents who have been together through good times and bad, through sickness and health. They have been wonderful friends, parents and grandparents, and now, dog-owners (which involves a whole new kind of parenting). They roll with the punches of life, give advice when needed; they don't pry or intrude.

As they approach their golden years, they continue to enjoy life, travel, and work hard. Mom is a clown (literally), a tutor, a lay preacher. Dad is a volunteer handyman, tutor as well, and tinkerer.

There is so much more I could say about Mom and Dad, but mostly I want to say thanks for all the years you've invested in us kids and your grandkids in so many ways. Thanks for loving each other and being an example of a loving couple to us. And most of all, I want to say I love you and hope you have a happy happy 52nd anniversary.

That is, happy 52nd anniversary plus one day. (Procrastination is not something I inherited from them--somehow I got it all on my own.)

Till next time,


Suzi

A lovely wedding

It's a little unnerving to be at a stage in life where your friend's kids are getting married. Especially when the bride was a high school friend of our oldest son (even though she is three years older....). Still, our own three kids are in pretty serious relationships right now, so we might not be too far from discovering the in-law experience (as in having a daughter- or son-in-law)/

Anyway, this wedding was really fantastic. Both bride and groom are gifted musicians, so the music at the wedding was absolutely wonderful. It was fun to be at a church with a pipe organ again, and hear a brass quintet. Music right after the ceremony was performed by a percussion teacher at the couple's college--he played beautifully on the marimba. A pianist provided background music at the reception.

It was good to see old friends, too, and catch up on what's been happening in their lives and in the lives of mutual friends. Many people from our old church attended the wedding.

And the food--wow! There was a veggie/cheese/cracker bar before the dinner. And the buffet dinner included sliced roast pork AND chicken kiev. We toasted the bride and groom several times with sparkling juice. And, each time the bride and groom were summoned to kiss, they picked out another couple to join in the smooching. It was especially fun to watch the groom's grandparents lock lips!

I love weddings. I know Tim thinks there are better things to do than sit in a church on a summer day, but he really enjoyed this celebration. Congratulations, Tim & Sarah!

Till next time,


Suzi

A hard day, but good by the end

Some days dealing with your kids is just hard, no matter how old they are. I had an "altercation" with my teenage daughter, a disagreement with my 20-year-old son, and a nagging worry about my 17-year-old son overseas.

Plus I've been bugged by an unresolved problem with my e-mail at work, so I was basically pretty bummed out.

Tim, bless his heart, got in the car to take me out for supper. We tried a new place for some healthy pizza (an oxymoron--actually it was pretty good) and then went for a drive. We ended up at the office, and I worked on my e-mail problem. I called technical support for the upteenth time that week, and finally was able to get through (I guess they are there 24/7). I was finally able to set up my e-mail account again--because of some changes made by the server, things got messed up and my account, which is new, didn't make the transfer to the new system.

To make me feel even better, Tim stopped at DQ and got me a dilly bar. I'm so thankful for such a patient husband, who, even though he has his own stresses, takes time to help me and heal my soul. He is a gift from God--the one who is the Ultimate Healer. I'm just glad he uses Tim to help get me through the disappointments and discouragements of life.

Till next time,


Suzi

Consistency?

Well, my sister pointed out something I had overlooked in my past two blogs. I like to be needed, but I guess I like to be needed if it's convenient for me. I like to be needed if I'm going to get praise for helping someone who will thank my profusely for intervening in a time of need, but if I'm going to have to drive and get dirty and sweat and be away from my original planned activity for hours, then I'm not as glad to be needed.

So, I'll work on my attitude. I did help Tim for a few hours yesterday, and as far as I know, I'm off the hook for today. I've got a lot to catch up on. Meanwhile, I'm going to steal a couple of pictures from Tim's blog so you can see how much we need David to be with Mark when he's off on crazy adventures. At least David is consistent.

Till next time,


Suzi

Mark and David at the Minneapolis airport last week.

I just came across this photo of Mark (standing) and David--taken about 7 years ago, I think. This must be why we decided David would be a good bodyguard for Mark on his international caper.

Trying to learn flexibility

I've been looking forward to today for quite some time--a day off work, when I didn't have to get to the airport or to church or somewhere else, causing me to get up at 5 or 5:30 to walk Raven. So, when Tim suggested that I help him at work today, I was not happy. Then he called a little bit later to say that his workload was such that he would have to miss a wedding we are to attend on Saturday.

"I just thought I'd give you enough warning," he said.

Ppppppppppppllllllllllllllllllllllllll

is what I said, or at least what I thought.

Today is a beautiful day--the heat and humidity have finally broken. I know Tim has been working really hard in this weather, and he's missed Mark a lot as his helper. So, when I am able to help, to be a support and an encourager, I should do so.

So I guess I should leave my blogging and see what I can do to help Tim. I might be able to find someone else to attend the wedding with me--I have a friend who was not planning to go because her husband is working that day.

I'm going to try to enjoy this beautiful day and do what I can to be encouraging and to have a good attitude.

Till next time,


Suzi

Nice to be needed

It's always a good feeling to help someone else. Today I was able to help staff members at work to access their e-mail because of changes on the server. (I, however, am still having trouble with my own e-mail.) I was able to babysit for a friend when her husband had a meeting he needed to attend and she was late coming home from work. I was able to help my mother-in-law with a blood sugar reading--assuring her that previous high readings were probably wrong. (Don't worry, she is going to the doctor tomorrow. But at least she'll sleep well tonight.)

I don't like needing other people quite as much as being needed. I wish I could do some things at work that I can't because I need someone else to help me or tell me what to do. I've never liked asking people to help at different events/functions/tasks for church, school or whatever.

Somehow, however, I don't mind needing my husband. Right now he is very stretched at work, so I try not to make too many demands of him. But when I do need him, he is there, and I know he'll still love me even if I'm a needy nag.

My greatest need is for Jesus, and for his love to fill me. That way, I can humbly ask others for help when necessary, and I can be gracious instead of proud or puffed up when I offer my help to someone who needs it.

Till next time,


Suzi

no blog

No blog today

Hopefully tomorrow

Did see young man Mark online this afternoon--he and David were having dinner with Inga and her sister Olympia.

E-mail woes at work

Too busy in the morning to blog

Too tired at night

No blog today

Till next time,


Suzi

The real conversation with Mark

Mark called yesterday morning (Sunday). The conversation that we had imagined on Saturday between Mark and Christina never took place. Christina, in her sleepy state with the phone as her security blanket in her bed, never answered an international call.

So, it was great to hear Mark's voice on the other end of the phone--he sounded very clear. I talked to Inga as well, and could hear David in the background saying they got a sandwich for 30 cents.

So they are safe and sound--they had a traditional Moldovan meal Saturday night, as well. And they have paid for a couple nights in the hotel, and will continue to do so for the duration of their stay.

Sounds like they won't starve or sleep on the streets.

Till next time,


Suzi