The weekend's about over... :-(

So, the last time I wrote it was TGIF...so what's been going on since then? Hummmmmm

I worked Saturday... The clock moved by just as slowly as it did on Friday. I didn't ever think the day was going to end. Tara-Lee called Saturday morning, wanting to know if it would be okay if her and Eva came over to hang out, while Kirk was at work Saturday night. Kirk had to be at work at 4, so he dropped her off a little before then. Lee called me around 4:00. Saturday was Sonya's last day at work, and she wanted all the employees to get together for a drink. I ran home after work, and started throwing together some stuff for supper, then left a little before 7 to go get Lee. They all finished a little after 7, and then we walked across the street to a very nice restaurant/bar, where a girl that use to work at Tucker's is now employee. She had just gotten off, so we were able to spend sometime with her, and the rest of the gang from Lee's work. Sonya is such a great friend, and Justin is doing much better, I might add. She has worked at Tucker's through the summer, but now will be starting back to MU full time, for her 3rd yr. of medical school. So, there will not be any extra time to be working at the jewelry store. I'm sure she'll be up to her eye balls in studies!!!!

We just spent about an hour with the gang, since Tara-Lee and Eva, and Moriah, were waiting here at the house for us to get back, so we could eat some supper. We got home just about 8:30. After we ate, we watched some movies...moriah messed on the puter. Kirk got here to pick them up a little after midnight. I finally got to the computer about 12:30.

I've been trying to concentrate on my blog the past few days. Trying to get more information added. Slowly, but surely, I'm making progress. lol I think I told you that I got background music added to some of my pages that didn't have any, and got some great links added to some of my favorite movies, on my movie page. I've added some wonderful music to my Dad's page...My Soldier, My Hero, My Father. Some great sounds from the Big Band era. I love these old songs!!!! I also started getting other ideas for this page. I guess you could say that I've decided to made it as a tribute, not only to my Dad, but to the 1,000's of other fathers, brothers, uncles, grandfathers, friends, who so willing served, and in many cases, gave their lives during WWII. I hope you'll find many of the links interesting and informative. I'm ticked off right now...the website that has my dad picture on it...that I've linked to on this page, is "experiencing difficulties", or so they say. I suppose that is the problem, as I've never had any trouble with it before. So, please excuse the red X. Hopefully, it won't take it long before it's working again. I got some new links added to the "home page" Levs Notes, also.

I tried messing with my music page again today. I'm still not having any luck on that "publishing to the web" thing. Seems I can use my yahoo briefcase, but unfortunately, and not surprisingly, there isn't even enough room in my briefcase to hold one song, much less what I have, unless, of course, you want to "upgrade". So, it looks as though I'm just going to have to set up a whole new website on geocites, for nothing but music. That's the only way I can think to do it. I don't even want to think about that...that is going to be a loooooooooong project. Hopefully, I can get it to work the way I want. Maybe one of these days, you'll all have a place to go where you can share in all the music I have saved to my puter. I've just got so many cool songs, and I'm determined to be able to share them with you! I'll figure this out.

It was nice sleeping in this morning. I didn't get up till around 10:30. I spent most of the morning on the puter, working on the WWII links for my blog. I did do a couple loads of laundry, but didn't get anything done on packing like I wanted to. I was just toooo lazy today. I'm really gonna have to try and do some tomorrow. Shoot, who knows, I may get a wild hair, and do some tonight. You just never know with me...lol. I have to go pick up my check at 1:00, then go by and pay the car insurance. Moriah stayed out at Landon's tonight, so sometime tomorrow, I'm going to have to go pick her up too. Landon works tomorrow, but doesn't have to close, and will be getting off around 8. I think he wants us to come out for supper. I still haven't said anything to Lee. I'll have to do that so that I can let Landon know for sure. I hate having to call him at work. I guess if we go out tomorrow night, it will at least save me the trip of having to go get Moriah. She can just stay, since we'll be headed there.

Well, guess that's about it. I'll be around here the rest of the evening, I'm sure. Probably trying to think of more "blog" stuff to add, or maybe even do a little packing inbetween. But, I'll be around.

Hope you've all had a great weekend. I sure wish Monday wasn't as close as it is. The weekends never seem to last long enough.

Will talk to you all soon!

Much love,
Lev

Sunday Scripture

HAVE A WONDERFUL
LORD'S DAY

GOD BLESS
LOVE,
LEV

Sabbath Scripture

HAVE A BLESSED SABBATH

SHALOM

LEV

Boy...TGIF

Well, it's apparent that I didn't make it in here yesterday...lol I tried late last night, early this morning, but my puter was doin' it's thing again, and I lost the email. There is nothing so aggrivating!!!!

I'm sure glad the weekend is almost here, even though I am stuck working today, and tomorrow. But, at least it is the weekend, and Sunday will be here before long, and I can enjoy another day off.

I guess I'm going to have to start writing you guys first, before trying to do anything else. It seems I always start on answering email, or making a few posts, and then, I always have something else that I'm wanting to do, and if I get started on that, then it always ends up being some rediculously late hour. lol Last night, after checkin' up on emails, and posts, I started messing with my blog, adding some things that I've been wanting to try and do. Well, at least I did get that done. lol I got some background music added to my "witnessing daily miracles" page, and also to "Guardian Angels" . And for your listening enjoyment, I have added some music to "My Soldier, My Hero, My Father". Hope you will all stop by, and hope you enjoy it. http://levsnotes.blogspot.com

We went to Landon's Wed. evening for supper. He fixed blackened catfish, which was OUT OF THIS WORLD!!!! After supper, we started watching a movie. It's been a little chillier here than it has been, and Wed. dropped down to 59, so being a little chilly, I covered up, and settled back in the chair to watch. Needless to say, that is all she wrote for me...cause when I get toooooo comfortable...you got it....I was out like a light. LOL. By the time the movie was over, and we got home, it was about 2 a.m. Lee and I both had Thurs. off, so we weren't really worried about what time we got to bed, since we knew we didn't have to get up, and after my little hour snooze or so, I had my second wind. lol When we got home, I messed on the puter, and Lee sat down to watch some TV. Before long, he was snoozin' in the recliner, and it was almost 4, before I went to bed.

My morning sleep in was interrupted at 7:30, when my phone rang... It was Jacob, from my work, saying that he had to take a friend to the hosp. last night, and he was up late, appologized for calling so early, and then wanted to know if I'd go in and take his shift!!!! NO WAY.... I told him exactly the same thing, that we were up late and I didn't get to bed till 4, and told him I just couldn't do it. I have already taken his shift for tomorrow, which in the long run turned out okay, since he's taking my Fri. next week in exchange, since I need that day so we can go to Indiana. But, there was no way I was going in and working yesterday....especially with Lee having the day off too. We didn't really have anything that we "had" to do yesterday, except go in to pick up Lee's check around 4. Naturally, it was at the last minute that they showed up...literally...about 2 mins. till 5, and the bank we go to next door to Tucker's closes at 5. Lee literally walked through the bank doors at the last minute, or we wouldn't have had any money till this morning. There's absolutely NO reason for them to wait that long to go get the checks. They're usually done around noon each Thursday. But, Rob, always waits till the last minute, knowing full well, that Lee needs to get to the bank before 5. Just total inconsideration on his part, as far as I'm concerned!!!!

Kirk stopped by last night on his way home from work, with a little surprise for Lee. Paul Jackson, an artist, has some of his work on display at Grand Cru...the restaurant where Kirk works. He was there last night, putting on a small seminar about his artwork, and also his distillery. Below you'll find links. Kirk came home with a $60 bottle of 10yr. old scotch, for Lee, the bottle signed "to Lee" and autographed by Paul. Needless to say, Lee was tickled to death. Along with the bottle was also a decorative decanter, and two glasses. He also brought a small book of Paul's artwork. Needless to say, Kirk and Lee had to sample the delicacy that awaited them, inside the bottle. lol You can see more of Paul's artwork, and also information on Jura Distillery, in Scotland. Those of you in the States, are aware of our state quarters. Paul is the artist that designed "Missouri's" state quarter. There is a picture of it on his pauljackson website.
http://www.pauljackson.com/
http://www.isleofjura.com/

I'm not sure if we have anything planned for tonight. I think Kirk and Landon both have the day off, but don't really know if we're going to try to do anything with either one of them. Kirk and Tara-Lee are having a big issue with Amanda, Landon's wife, so it's difficult on them right now to be around her. It's hard for me as well, but I bite my tongue when I'm around. I'm not going to not see Landon, or Kenny and Gabriel, just because I'm not real happy with her right now. So, when we're there, and she's around, I just keep my distance, and don't socialize much, or at least with her....more like acting as though she isn't there. I know that's horrible, but if you only knew some of the crap....I don't think you'd blame me much. So, anyway, as far as tonight goes, I don't know if we'll do anything or not. Lots of times, it's planned at the last minute anyway.

Well, guess I'll quit this blabbin...hope you'll go check out my new blog pages... http://levsnote.blogspot.com and also visit Paul Jackson's site. His artwork will amaze you.

Will probably be here the rest of the morning before leaving for work, and then back here tonight, at sometime, I'm sure. Hope you all have a great day, and I'll talk to you all soon.

Much love,
Lev

How are you this Wed?

I was hoping that I'd be able to get in last night and send a few lines, but unfortunately, didn't make it.

Kirk and Tara-Lee were here when Lee and I arrived home around 7:30. They had come over a little early, and Kirk got started on dinner, so that it wouldn't be so late by the time we started eating. A friend of Kirk's also came over last night, and after eating the wonderful dinner that Kirk and Tara-Lee fixed, we all sat down and watched a movie...Constantine....very, very good. By the time I got online, it was after 11, and then I got caught up answering some posts, and sending a few emails, along with adding a couple of things to my blog. Needless to say, by the time I got done messing with that it was going on 2am, so I just finished up hurridly, and headed for bed.

We finally got our much needed rain. It started coming down pretty good, about 6:00 last night and rained pretty hard and steady for about an hour, then tapered off some. But, it did continue throughout the evening and night, just a slow and steady shower. We could use that another 2-3 nights in a row, but unfortunately, with temps. starting to rise in a few days, there isn't any sign of more showers in sight. Hopefully, what we did get, gave the earth it's long overdue drink. The difference in temp., compared to what we've had, is amazing. Right now, at 9:30, it's only 65. The past several days, it's already been 90 or more, by this time. Our high today, is only suppose to be about 78....a BIG change from what we have been having. However, by Saturday and Sunday, it is going to be up in the 90's again, and looks as though it is going to stay that way through next week.

It's back to work today, but am looking forward to tomorrow off, before having to head back on Fri. and Sat. I have a feeling that next week will move rather quickly...it always does, when you have things to do, and then the days seem to by quicker than they should, and you never seem to have time to do what is needed. I'll have Sun. and Mon. off, work Tues. and Wed., and then Thursday(thank goodness I have that day off), hopefully around 5:00, we will be getting in our car(please pray that it gets us there and back with not trouble...considering the problems we've been having with it), headed for Indianapolis, IN. I'm probably going to try to get as much laundry, and advanced packing done, on Sunday, and Monday, since there won't be much time on Tues. or Wed., with having to work. All the final packing and getting ready for the trip; I should be able to tie all the loose ends up on that, Thursday, since I have off.

Lee has to work that Thurs., and normally, doesn't get off till 7:00. But, we're hoping that with having to leave for Indy that night, that he can maybe get out of there around 5:00. With stopping a couple of times for pee breaks...(and hopefully, no tropical rain storms...hhehehehehe) stopping for some supper, if we don't do that before we even head out, we should hopefully be arriving around midnight, Fri. morning. With Lee having worked all day, I know he'll be exhausted, so I'm sure I'll probably be the one driving up there. I enjoy driving...especially going through other states, ...places you don't get very often, so I don't mind driving alot of the time. I'm sure Lee will do some driving on the way home, maybe the entire way, but we do switch off, on occasion. You know me and my music...lol...so the radio is always on, and I'll be drivin' down the road, jammin' to some oldies, and enjoying the ride. It's probably a good thing we'll be able to sleep in on Saturday morning, because I have a feeling that we won't get much sleep when we arrive, and up till all hours of the morning talkin', so by Friday afternoon, or evening, I think the long drive and lack of sleep, will be catching up with us...lol. Although, I must say, that when I drive, Lee does quite a bit of snooooooozing... . Unfortunately, I don't take naps well, when Lee is driving...hehehehehe. I have to keep an eye on him...lol

We'll be coming back the following Mon. We can never seem to get out of anywhere, leave, when we know we should, or plan. No one every wants to say bye...even if it is just for a short time. And then, as we've been talking in a couple of other posts...you don't know if the next time will ever come. So, having to leave is always difficult. I do think it will make it alot better on Lee, and his Mom, this time, as she is now about 17 hrs. closer than she use to be, just having moved from Florida. So, just knowing that she's closer, I think will help alot. When we use to go to Florida to see her, it was terribly rough on her for Lee to leave, especially, considering at the time, that Lee's dad Jack (step-dad) was dying of brain cancer. It was always very very hard for her to see him leave, because it was sometimes a year or more, before we would see them again. So....I have a feeling that it will be late Monday evening, or early Tues., before we get back home.

We had thought about taking a drive to the lake tomorrow...Lee and I both have off, but as I said in another post...pay day isn't till tomorrow, and I'm not sure that we've got enough money to get enough gas to make the trip. Lee's check will be here around 4:00, but I don't know that we want to head out that late. We've got somethings to do there, but it could be done even around 6:00 or later. So, it's a possibility that we may wait till we get Lee's check. If we don't make it tomorrow, we may shoot for Sun...??? just don't know.

Hummmmmmmmmm.....trying to think if there's anything else I haven't told you...(LOL me, speechless??? isn't that a joke! ) Guess there isn't really anything else, I can think of. Still have about a couple of hours before having to leave for work, so guess I'll get ready, and then putz around the puter somemore.

Hope you guys have a great day, and I'll talk to you soon.

Love,
Lev

Tea Time With God: Take Time for Beauty

Take Time for Beauty

One thing I have desired of the Lord, that I will seek.... to behold the beauty of the Lord. Psalm 27:4.

"Keep a place in life for beauty," says English preacher Leslie Weatherhead. "He who keeps a little place in his life for beauty will find that it does something for him and in him, and that something is a process that goes on when the beauty is no longer before his eyes and ears, like a seed growing secretly in the dark.God, by a secret ministry, can turn the sight of a snowflake into hope and the dight of the dawn into courage.

Beauty feeds our souls like food nourishes our bodies. Beauty points us to the transcendent, takes us beyound our finiteness and opens our hearts to that which is greater and larger than ourselves. There is something about great beauty that brings into the awesome presence of the infinite and the eternal.

In reflecting on his priorities, a prominent British scientist said he would give more time to the enjoyment of things that are beautiful:"If I had my life to live over again, I would have made a rule to read some poetry and listen to some music at least once a week; for perhaps the part of my brain now atrophied would have thus been kept active through use. The loss of these tastes is a loss of happiness, and may possibly be injurious to the intellect, and more possibly to the moral character, by enfeebling the emotional part of our nature."

We sometimes need to be reminded to slow down enough to find beauty in those things we hurry by each day. Let's take time for the beauty. Make a date with yourself to stroll through an art gallery, visit a beautiful church, or linger in a park or garden.

If there simply is not time, then remember the beautiful places captured in memories-- moments of sheer joy, or a mental "snapshot" of a majestic, snow capped mountain or moonlit night.

Let God use the beauty He created to awaken in you the desire for more of Him..

Tuesday's here

Just enough time to drop a quick line before having to leave for work.

Got Lee dropped off, then was able to come home, enjoy more coffee, and spend time catching up on all that was going on here on the puter.

I work today, and tomorrow. and then will have a day off. I was suppose to work Fri., and have Sat. off, but switched place with Jacob to work Sat. Normally, when I work saturdays, I have Fri. off, but I'm not sure if that part of the schedule got changed, or if I'll have to work on Fri. and Sat. both. Hopefully, I'll be able to find out today after getting to work. Rex, my boss, will be back today/yesterday, but I didn't work, after a weeks long vacation.

I'd like to ask you all too, to please keep Lee and I in your prayers, concerning a certain situation that has arisen. Nothing drastic or horrific. Actually, it could be quite good!!! I can't go into details, but it is just a situation where we feel a great need for God's guidence, and hands on the matter.

After dropping Lee off at work, I arrived home in time to view the launching of the space shuttle Discovery. It is still such a facinating thing to see, and so amazing to watch. But, it continues to be one of those things that boggle my mind, understanding the concept, but still being in total awe of how something that big and that heavy could stay in the air. Much like it still amazing me that boat, and humungous ships can stay afloat on the water...but that something as small as a pebble, will sink. I pray that God keep his hands safely around the shuttle, and bring it back safely....God Speed!

Kirk, Tara-Lee and Eva are coming over for dinner tonight. I think they're going to be here later this afternoon, even before I get home, and Kirk is going to start on supper. If we wait till Lee and I get home, it's close to 7:30, and then by the time we're done cooking, it make our sitting down to supper rather late.

Well, I need to head out of here and off to work. Hopefully, it will be a quick day. We're at least going to see a break in the weather, high of only 87, but dropping to about 78 by 3 or so, and some showers expected. 1/2 to 3/4 inch is what they're expecting Looooooong overdue showers, I might add. So, hopefully, we'll get some of that, and our earth will recieve it's long overdue drink.

Hope you all have a great day, and will talk to you all tonight, I'm sure.

Take care.
Much love,
Lev

How are you all?

So, how was everyone's day today? A good one, I hope, or as Monday's go, anyway.

Lee woke me up about 8:20...not as early as usual. Of course, I can assure you I would have been up sooner, had he not gotten up at 6:00, and then fell asleep in the recliner, while waiting for the coffee to finish. lol. So, needless to say, things were a little more rushed, than usual. I got time to drink about a 1/2 cup of coffee, and check and delete the emails I didn't want. That was about it, before we had to take off. Lee was late, arriving about 5 till 9...he should have actually been there by 8:30. The boss doesn't give him too much lip...lol...they've had their words when things have gotten somewhat out of hand...although Lee tries his best to remain civil. So, once I was back home, I was able to enjoy another cup of coffee, or 2 or 3, while reading my morning emails.

It was an enjoyable morning, talked to Tara-Lee a couple of different times, and didn't have to worry about leaving till around 10:30 or so, to go pick up Moriah. Kirk and Tara-Lee were coming over to do some laundry, but talked like they would be here till around 11 or so, so I told them if I wasn't here, to just come on in, that I wouldn't be too long.

I had left to go get Moriah, and had only gone about a mile down the highway from our house, when I saw flashing lights in the opposite lane ahead of me. I thought to myself, "well, he caught him one." But, soon realized there were several flashing lights, and knew there had been a wreck. It didn't take long for me to see the man standing along side the road, motioning everyone to move to the farthest right lane of the highway, and then noticed several cars pulled over in the median. When I got within site of the accident, I was horribly astonished when I saw a car, upside down, in the middle of the highway. Completely turned over, it roof smashed like a toy car. "Oh my God!" was the first thing that came from my mouth, as I strained to see if anyone was still in the car. There were two firetrucks already there, and another arriving, trying to make his way through the already backed-up traffic. There was a fireman attending to a lady that was sitting in the median. The fact that she was sitting, and not lying on the ground, I took as a good sign, but I never could tell if there was anyone else in the car. I just know from the looks of that car, it is a miracle that she survived. I was so tuned in to looking at the upside down car, I didn't even notice if there was any other damaged vehicles. But I remember scanning the sides of the road, and the median, and just can't remember seeing any other damaged cars. The first car/truck that had stopped in the backed up traffic, was a big semi, loaded with cars. My first thought was that one of his cars had come loose, and she had swerved to miss it, flipping the car. But none of the cars were missing, and the transport was full. So, Lee and I are just having a horrible time, trying to figure out exactly what could have happened for her to just flip a car in the middle of the highway, like that. We even talked how if she had hit another car, her tail end, or front end would have been smashed to pieces. But the car didn't appear to be hit from either end...just overturned and the top smashed. You could barely see into the car, the roof was smashed so much, that the tops of the door frames were almost touching the highway. I meant to listen to the news tonight to see what info. I could hear about the cause of the accident, but forgot. I'm sure it will be on the news tomorrow morning, and I hope to catch it then. So, that sure started my day off with somewhat of a discourd. Once again it made me think about how quickly things can happen. On my way to get Moriah, I called Kirk, and told him he would need to take an alternate route to our house, as traffic was starting to back up quite quickly. I have a feeling that the wreck had probably only happened mins. before. One of the firestations is only about 1 mile away, and the other not much farther than that, and two had already arrived, and working on the scene. Traffic, at that stage, was probably already back-up about 1/2 mile, with one exit off, already block, and at the rate that cars were starting to approach, I knew it would't be long, before there would be bumper to bumper for miles. I was talking to Moriah on the cell, at the time I came upon the wreck. I also gave Lee a call to inform him about what had happend. It was one of the worst wrecks I've ever seen, and never seen one flipped like that. I can only remember one other that bad, but involed two cars, rather than one. I just pray that no one was killed.

Well, enough talk of this sad news. Time for something more cheerful...or at least ordinary!!! LOL Got Moriah picked up, and headed back to columbia. While we were at Landon's, I got a call from my rental company, saying that she had reached someone about the AC, and that they would be coming out today between 12-1. I was wanting to either color, or highlight my hair. Couldn't really decide which one yet, as I like them both. But, I had been wanting to get a "cap", for highlighting...you girls know what I'm talking about, so I decided to check one of the beauty supply places that is on the way home, to see what they had. I also wanted to check on some stuff for my nails. They had everything I needed, and I also grabbed a couple of new combs. After getting the things I needed, I called Tara-Lee to let her know I was on my way back home, and to tell her about the AC man coming, incase he got there before I did. He hadn't arrived yet.

Kirk and Tara-Lee had talked about going to Stephens Lake, and I mentioned to Moriah that we might go with them, instead of driving all the way back to Ashland. As usual, it about 3 days to payday, and the funds are getting quite low, and the car is about empty. So, spending the extra gas, didn't seem "logical", as Spock would say. aaahhaha (I'm a Star Trek fan....all of them). Then it dawned on me that Moriah had left her swim suit at Landon's. That's really the only place that she usually goes swimming, now that we go to Landon's and he has access to one. So, I definately decided that we weren't going to go. If we would have gone back for her suit...we might as well have stayed at Landon's and swam. As it was, Kirk and Tara-Lee ended up not being able to go anyway, so it wouldn't have mattered, had we had Moriah's suit, anyway.

We were able to visit with Kirk, Tara-Lee, and Eva, for awhile, till around 3. They had a couple of other things to do, and needed to be back home around 4, and then had a friend coming over. Kirk ran back a little later to pick up the laundry that had gotten done. The AC man came, and got that taken care of. Guess the unit outside was pretty dirty, and low on freon...so he cleaned and recharged it. We had a little incident...for lack of better words, with our rental company today. I'd go into detail..but as I've already written enough here to choke a horse, I'll just say, that even though we just found out today that our rents been raised...(...didn't make Lev, OR Lee, a happy camper), we may now be getting the things that are needed for the duplex, and alot of things repaired, that none of the other two landlords would ever do...regardless of how many times you told them. So, at least maybe that is a good thing. Got my hair highlighted, my nails done, so I feel like at least a little bit of something got done today. Even if most of it was for "myself". I don't pamper myself like that very often...lol It's been awhile. The perm is next in line...lol

Hope you all had a great day. It was warm here...very, very, warm... But, they say tomorrow will be a breath of fresh air...high of only 87 (not heat indexes of 107!!!!), and a 40% chance for rain, which we soooooooo desperately need. We really need an all day drencher...not a 40%....but will take WHAT EVER we can get. I'm workin' tomorrow, and Kirk and Tara-Lee are coming over for dinner. I'm sure I'll be on here sometime tomorrow night...and definately, tomorrow morning. Hope you having sweet dreams, for those who have already ended their night. Hope tomorrow is a wonderful new day for you.

Love,
Lev

Tea Time With God: Power Steering

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world--- our faith. 1john 5:4 (nasb)


Few things in life make us feel as powerful as sitting behind the steering wheel of a car. Realizing the vehicle weighs two tons and is capable of traveling up to 100 miles per hour, we have a tendency to feel almost invincible---which is a good feeling after a long, hard day at work...

Unfortunately, the heady sensation often results in dangerous or rude behavior, such as changing lanes without signaling,driving too fast, tailgating,failing to yield to merging traffic, running red lights or stop signs, flashing headlights, and blaring horns. When we give in to the urge to do just one of these things, reasoning "it won't hurt to do it this once," or "I'm in a hurry," or "Everyone else does it," we become part of a problem instead of part of a solution.

How should you act when you're in the driver's seat at the end of your work day, headed for home? Pop in some uplifting music,(such as praise songs) into the tape deck, or listen to the soothing sounds of a classical station. Say a quick prayer before you start the engine("Father, give me a safe trip home," and decide you'll be a friendly,courteous driver and not a road hazard. Use this time for personal rejoicing over the work you've just completed.

What do you do when other drivers seem to be going out of their way to make your drive time a "drive you crazy" time? Resist the urge to scream, shake your fist, or respond inkind to whatever the offending driver does. Say a prayer for him, smile, and wave. Let him wonder if he knows you from somewhere!

Have faith in God to turn any problem into a blessing. You'll have a much nicer evening when you finally arrive home!

Good Morning :-)

Hello, everyone

How is everybody doing on this Monday morning?

I just got back from dropping Lee off at work. It is already a scorcher here today, only 9:40 am, and it is 89 right now, and the weather guys say it will reach 104 again today. I love summer, but this is probably "pusing the envelope"... (remember that?), just a bit. This 104 stuff, with the humidity we have, making heat indexes feel 110+, is just a tad bit too much. It makes it so unbearable that you don't want to get out or do anything but sit inside in the AC, or in a swimming pool, which we have been doing alot of at Landon's. Even at 89, it already feels like 95, so who knows what it will feel like by this afternoon.

Despite the heat, we had a pretty good weekend. I had to work Sat. morning 8-12, but was able to get off a little early, around 11, so that was nice. When I got home, poor Lee had to try and work on our car. The brakes needed fixing, but the heat was so horribly unbearable, that he didn't really get started on it till about 5:00, when we were fortuante enough to have some massive cloud cover come in, and give him a little bit of shade. Of course, it never fails, when he was just about done, at around 7:00, we discovered that we needed a small part for the car, but were stuck with no car to go pick it up. It sucks only having one car. Fortunately, Sunday morning, Kirk stopped by O'Riley's and picked up the part that we needed before going to work, so once we had that, it didn't take Lee long, and the brakes were done, and the car put back together before noon.

The Boone County fair was going on last week, and we were wanting to take the grandboys to the demolition derby last night, the final night. But, after checking into it, and after just spending $100 getting the car fixed, we didn't have much money left. With another 4 days before Lee get's his paycheck, we didn't feel like we could spend the $30 it would cost for us to get in, so we opted instead to just go to Landon's and take the boys swimming. We knew that they'd enjoy that just as much, as they have both turned into little fishies!! After swimming, we fixed some supper, and then hung around until Landon got off, around 9:30. When Landon got home, we watched a movie...."Hostage", with Bruce Willis. WOW!!!! Talk about an "edge of you seater", movie. The action NEVER stopped, and it had you on pins and needles through the whole thing. Moriah wanted to spend the night, and watch a couple more movies with Landon, and then I told her I'd pick her up this morning, shortly after Landon has to leave for work. He's there again today, as he was yesterday, from 11-9.

I don't know that I'm going to do much today, unless Moriah and I decide to go back to Landon's this afternoon to swim. It wouldn't surprise me if that's what we do. Sometime today, I think I'm going to dye/highlight my hair, as the gray is REALLY starting to shine through...lol. I've got a couple of different colors, and am trying to decide if I'm going to go dk. auburn, or blonde highlights, both of which I've done before, and like them both. So, I'm still trying to make up my mind on that. Of course, that won't take too long, and once that's done, may just head out to the pool again today, since we're looking at the 110+ heat index again today.

If all goes as planned on getting our cars back together, we are going to be going to Indiana the first weekend on Aug. to visit Lee's mom and cousin Cindy. We received some distressing news from Cindy a couple of days ago, saying that they had found a lump in her breast....not her first. Fortunately, she has seen her dr. and it is only pea sized, and state one, so they feel that a lumpectomy(?) is all that will be necessary. She will be having that done on Aug. 4, and it should be same day. So hopefully, by the time we get there late on the evening of the 4th, she will already be home. We probably won't head back to Missouri until Mon. 8th. We still have not heard final word on the motorcycle, but hopefully will hear something definate on that, and will be able to bring it home with us. Unfortunately, we do not have a trailer hitch to pull a trailer, or have access to a truck, so it is going to have to be driveable in order for us to get it back home.

Kirk just called. He's had to work the past 7 days in a row, and now, fortunately, has the next two days off. They're going to be headed over here in a bit to do some laundry, and then talked like they might go to Stephens lake...located at a park on the campus of Stephens College, here in Columbia. We may decide to go with them swimming, instead of going back out to Landon's as it would be closer, and Landon will be at work anyway. Just so we're somewhere either in the AC, or in the water. That's going to be the only cool spot. We're all having a bit of an issue with my dil, Amanda, including Landon, and it's about all we can do to be there with only her around, unless Landon has the day off, and is there. I do my best to just bite my tongue, as if I don't, then the only other option is to stay away, which keeps me from my grandboys, and Landon, and I REFUSE to let her do that. I'd sooner bite off the end of my tongue, than not be able to be around my son, or my grandbabies. So, I doubt that Kirk and Tara-Lee will want to go out to Landon's to swim, considering she will be the only one there while Landon is at work.

Well, I guess I'll stop blabbering, and head out of here to go get Moriah, before it gets too terribly hot...lol, 92 now. I'll be back here before too much longer, and will probably be checking in with all my groups then.

Hope you all have a great day. I'll talk to you all soon!

Love,
Lev

Tea Time With God

Finishing Strong


And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit." And having said thus, he gave up the ghost. Luke 23:46

The Gospel accounts of Matthew,Mark,and Luke tell us that Jesus ended His earthly life and ministry by crying out with a loud voice, obviously from a great surge of energy. Like tells us further that in His cry, Jesus commends His spirit to the Lord, giving His all to the Father.

What a wonderful example of how we might end our work each day!!!

First, we need to "finish strong". In the afternoon, we often must refocus and double our efforts. those who work in offices often find their most productive hour is the last hour of the day when everyone else has gone home and the phone has stopped ringing. Those who work at home also tend to experience an end-of-the-day urgency to get things done before shifting to more relaxed hours.
We are wise to pray as we enter the home stretch of a day, "Father, give me Your strength and energy to bring to a conclusion what i have started. Help me now to go the extra mile."

Second, we need to commend our work to the Lord. As we finish our work, we need to say, "Thank You Lord for the energy,health, and creativity to do what i have done today. Now I turn over all rights to what I have done to You.I trust you to winnow out what is worthless, and to cause that which is worthey to last and benefit others. I give it all to You."

To finish strong and commend our work to the Lord requires humility. We must recognize that the lord is the source of all our ability and power to accomplish and succeed.
As you pause this afternoon, choose to finish your day well, and then give what you have done to the Lord.

Sunday Scripture

HAVE
A
WONDERFUL
LORD'S DAY

LOVE
LEV

Tea For at Least Two

He leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul
Psalm 23: 2-3


The brief respite know as afternoon tea is said to have been the creation of Anna, duchess of Bedford, in the nineteenth century. At that time the English customarily ate a hearty breakfast, paused for a light lunch at midday, and didn't return to the table until late evening. Understandably hungry long before dinner, the duchess asked to have a small meal served in her private quarters in the late afternoon. Eventually, she invited close friends to share the repast. The sensible custom was quickly adopted throughout England.

While the Duchess' initiation of tea time was aimed at nourishment of her body, she and the rest of England soon discovered that adding beautiful china and good friends to the occasion also nourished the soul. In fact, the real value of formal tea time lies in it's ability to enrich and brighten the everyday routine by stressing the importance of courtesy and friendship.

We are wise to recognise our need to a "spiritual tea time" each day. Even if we have a "hearty breakfast" in the Word each morning, there may be times when the pressures of the day come to bear in late afternoon. Our spirits long for a little peace and refreshment in the presense of our loving Savior. Just as enjoying a muffin with a few sips of tea can give something of a lift to our lagging physical energy level, a quick prayer or the voicing of praise can give our spirit a lift....

Set aside some time in the middle of the afternoon to turn your attention to the beauty of life that the Lord has set before you. Find beauty and comfort in the people around you, the flowers on the table, or simply the delicious aroma of tea brewing. Create a few moments away from the hustle and bustle of your life before returning to the tasks that await you. Give thanks to the Lord for sharing His presense with you.....

What a day!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm really sorry that I haven't been in to touch base with you all in a few days. It has been totally crazy here.

I would say that this has been the day from hell, did I not know that hell will be worse...(glad I'm not going there...hehehehe). The fact that it was 98 today, with a heat index of about 105, sure didn't help matters any.

I dropped Lee off at work a little before 9:00, then headed to the car place where I'd made arrangements for them to look at my front end... well, not mine, but my cars, knowing fully well that we weren't going to have them fix it, but just wanted to know exactly what the problem was. Well, after sitting there for 2 hours, they so NICELY informed me of all the things that were wrong with it, that they would naturally, be more than happy to fix for me, to the tune of about $1,330. It's a wonder I didn't look at the guy and say, "ARE YOU CRAZY!!!!????" But, we did find out that what was wrong with the car, was exactly what we were suspecting. The rotors, calipers, and breakpads need to be fixed...only one, but naturally, they wanted to do both, the left front strut is gone, but naturally, on that too, they wanted to replace both front struts. The rear shocks are gone, but we're not gonna worry too much about that right now. Our main concern is the breaks, which are the only safety feature on the car that is wrong. We knew their prices were high as a cat's back, and never had any intentions of letting them do the repairs, but for $30. we found out exactly what was wrong with it. I went back up to Lee's work to break the bad news to him, to which he replied...FORGET IT....lol

I headed out to Landon's house to pick him up and we were going to go to the store. Before I even got to Landon's, my car began to over heat. No idea where this started coming from, as we've had no problems at all with it doing this. By the time I got there, the needle was almost peaked out as high as it would go. On top of this, of course, we had to deal with my dil...his wife, who has been driving Landon, me and the rest of the family TOTALLY NUTS....especially the past few days. I added some water to the car, and Landon and I finally headed out. We stopped at Mc Donald's to grab a burger, and was only there for about 15 mins. We we got back to the car, and I turned the key, I was greated by a "click, click click"....my battery deader than a door nail!!! Something else that just came out of the blue. We found someone to give us a jump, and thought we'd be fine. We went to the store, and before even going in, turned off the car, and tried starting it again....click, click, click!!!!! I was soooooo furious!!! So, after getting our shopping done, we again had to find someone who could jump us. We knew by then that we were in serious trouble...not being able to turn the car off because it wouldn't start again, and not really being able to leave it running either, as it was over heating too. We decided to run back to my house,...leave the car running, unload my groceries real quick, only putting away what had to go in the freezer or refridgerator. On the way home, Moriah called and said that her and her friend Amanda wanted to go to the fair again tonight, which I said was fine...the only problem was that I didn't know if I'd be home from Landon's in time for them to go. They wanted to leave at about 6. Landon and I had already decided that once we dropped off my groceries, we then go to the auto supply place, get a thermostat for the car, and some new battery terminals, then to his house, where we'd be able to shut off the car, and then thought we'd go swimming for a bit while the car cooled off, and Landon said then that he'd put in the new thermostat, and replace my batter terminals. I had told Moriah that I didn't know if we'd be able to be back in time to get them home by 6....they were wanting to go swimming too, and she ended up a little ticked...and finally decided not to go to Landon's to swim, but just go to the fair with Amanda. It had been less than 5 mins. after Landon and I left the house, that Moriah calls me on my cell, and says they've changed their mind, and want to go swimming, and then go to the fair whenever we got back. This did not set well with me, especially with the fact that we were trying to get to Landon's as soon as possible, so we could get the car shut off. Landon and I went ahead and ran to the auto parts store, and I told Moriah that she had better be ready to go when we got back. So, after picking up the car parts, I had to turn around and go BACK home to get them. Needless to say by the time we got back to Landon's the car was hotter than a firecracker!!!! We just shut it off and went to the pool, while it cooled off.

We got back to Landon's house from the pool about 5 or a little after, and got the terminals, and thermostat replace in about 45 mins. The car started right up, and sounded great. We left it running for about 15 mins., and the temp. gauge seemed to be doing fine, and not overheating. I got Landon, and we decided to take it for a spin, and also get something to drink while we were out. Well....guess what....we got our drinks, and headed out on the highway for a quick test drive, and I hadn't gotten more than 3 miles or so down the road, till the car started heating up again!!!! I was sooooooo discusted, and totally at a loss now, as to what the problem was. Naturally, by the time we got back, the car was too hot to mess with, and I was suppose to be leaving in a bit to go pick up Lee. So...gave him a call, and told him about all that had been going on with the car not starting, and over heating, plus the fact, that I wasn't going to be able to be there on time to get him....I sure couldn't take off with the car that hot, or I'd never made it back to Columbia. We did some poking around, and did discover that it at least wasn't the water pump....I certainly wasn't ready to have to buy another $90 part. The guy that lives next door to Landon, works at the O'Rileys that isn't far from our house, and he had waited on us when we stopped in to get the parts. He got home from work not long after we got back from the pool, and finally came over to have a look and see if he could help. We thought at first that the thermostat that we'd put in might have been bad, but after removing it again, found that it was fine. Lee had suggest completely taking out the thermostat, which we finally ended up doing. The guy next door only had one more suggestion, that possibly the radiator needed to be flushed, and told us that they had some stuff at O'Riley's that was good, and not too expensive. So, guess Lee's going to have to try and do that tomorrow too.

When I had called Lee to tell him about the problems we were having, I'd asked him if anyone at work could run him home...but no one was there except Sonja...(Justin is home and doing much better)....I know she would have given him a ride, if it hadn't been for the fact that her car was in the shop, and she was relying on us to run her by there to pick her car up, when I got Lee. WHAT A MESS!!!! So, Lee and Sonja, when across the street to a little restaurant/bar, and had a drink while they were waiting for me to let the car cool off. Just about the time I was leaving to go get Lee, he called, and said that they had gotten Sonja's car...guess someone from the shop ran it to them, and that she was going to take Lee on home, and that i could just go straight to the house. At least that was a little less driving for me to do, since I wasn't sure how long it would be before the car started heating up again.

As if this was enough....Tara-Lee had called me earlier, and said that Kirk was working tonight, and she didn't want to stay at the house by herself, so wanted to know if she could come over. I said sure, and Kirk dropped her off around 4. She hadn't been there very long before she called me, asking if our AC had been working when we were there. When she got to the house, ti was over 80 in here, and the AC was blowing luke warm are!!!! WHAT ELSE...I wondered. I had her turn off the AC, but leave on only the fan, thinking that the compressor had probably frozen up. Thank God, that when I arrived home, after dropping off Amanda and Moriah at the fair, the house was nice and cool. I think it was just crankin' too hard to try and keep up with the heat we had today. It was MISERABLE!!!!

I had to run back to the fiar grounds to get Amanda and Moriah around 10:30. Luckily, the fair grounds are only about 3 miles from our house, so I was able to make it there and back without the car over heating again. Kirk got off a little early, and they hung around for abit, but it was getting late, and Eva was getting tired and a little fussy...so they headed home around 11.

I have to work tomorrow from 8-12, so hopefully, I can get to work and back without the car overheating to badly. Once I get home, then Lee is going to start working on the car, replacing the brakes, and flushing out the radiator. I SURE hope that does the trick. Of course, he's going to be starting on it in the afternoon...during the hottest time of the day, and it's suppose to be as bad tomorrow, as it was today.

So, as you can see....this has just been one CRAZY day. I was NEVER so glad to get home in my life. The guy that lives next to Landon, said that he'd pressure test our radiator the next time we were at Landon's. We may go out there tomorrow night sometime, depending on what time Lee gets the car fixed, if not...we'll probably go out Sunday for sure, so we can find out if the radiator flush did any good.

I am soooo tired, I've been sitting and can't stop yawning the entire time I'm writing this email. , and here it is, 1:30am, and I have to be up at 6:30. I certainly hope that tomorrow goes better than today has. It has just worn me out!!!!!!!

I sure hope that you've all had a better day than I have. Tomorrow has to be better, or I pull my hair out, and then I'll look as bald as Lee...lol

Hope you all had a great evening, and have a wonderful tomorrow. I'm sure I'll check back in with you tomorrow afternoon, when I get off work. Will talk to you soon. I'm not even gonna both to check this email for typo's either...so if you find any, which I'm sure you will....just ignore them...lol

Much love,
Lev

SABBATH SCRIPTURE

HAVE A BLESSED SABBATH

SHALOM

LEV

Hump day is here...yipppeee!!!!

Not too many hours have passed since I last wrote, and guess there isn't much that can happen in the hours while you're sleeping. lol

It was nice being able to sleep in, although I was awakened by the phone around 8:30. My best friend, Cheri, called to let me know that she is a Grandma, again! Her son, Todd, and his wife Crystal, had their second child, last night a little after 11. James Rylan weighed 7lbs. 11 oz. Mom and baby are doing great, and she said Crystal was a trooper through the whole thing. She was headed for work, considering that she missed most of the day yesterday, but said she was going to try and email me some pictures tonight. I'll be looking forward to that. Cheri said that James looks just like his older sister, Maia.

Lee called a bit ago, to let me know that he went off and forgot his lunch. LOL....it's a good thing he has his head attached...hehehe, or he'd probably forget that too. HAHAHA. I'll be dropping that off to him before I head for work. I'll need to leave here in about 1 hr.

Today is "cleaning" day at work. One of the advantages of working in a drycleaners, we're allowed 10 pieces of clothing per week, cleaned free. Lee's really been enjoying his freshly laundered, startched and pressed shirts, plus, it's just that much less laundry that I have to do here at home....which is always nice.

Moriah went to the Boone Country Fair last night with a friend. I was hoping that she would have fun, but informed us when she returned home last night, that she didn't. Guess the 2nd ride she went on was more than she could handle, and ended up spewing after getting off... needless to say, she didn't feel very well the rest of the evening. She's never gotten sick on rides before, but I have a feeling that the horrific heat that we've been having, probably had a lot to do with it, and played a big part in her getting sick. Naturally, when I talked to her from Landon's, last night, she was going to go right to bed. She's still asleep at a little after 11 now, but hopefully will feel better this morning when she gets up.

It is already 91 here, at 11:10 am and feels like 96. The high today is suppose to reach 98, so Lord only knows what the heat index will feel like today. I DON'T even want to think what that cleaners is going to feel like today. Horribly, horribly, hot, I'm sure.

Well, guess I'll go get ready for work, and then may have a few more minutes to spend here on the puter before having to leave. Try to stay coooooooooool today! I know that isn't going to be an easy thing to do, here in Missouri.

Will be back to talk with you all later this evening. Hope you all have a wonderful day!

Much love,
Lev

Hello, in these early morning hours....

It's a little after midnight, but thought I'd take a few minutes to drop you all a line.

Work was "ok" today...as ok as work can be. lol The day went by rather quickly, which is always nice. Hopefully, tomorrow will be the same.

Landon called this afternoon, and wanted to know if we wanted to come out for dinner. We were going to fry some chicken, have mashed potatos, and gravy, and all the trimmings. Note, that I said "were".

When I called Lee at work to ask him if that's what he wanted to do, he said that would be fine, but that we needed to stop by the hospital first. A very dear friend of ours, that Lee works with, Sonja, had to put her husband, Justin, back in the hospital, again. Beginning last week, she had him to the emergency room for some severe pains in his chest. Needless to say, at only 28, drs. never dreamed of heart problems and thought he was possibly having some type of ulcer flair up. After 4 trips to the hosp., they finally decided to do an EKG, and found that two of his arteries were blocked, and that he had suffered a heart attack. They sent him home, after putting in two balloons, and started him on
medication. He had been home about a week, when he began to experience more chest pains again on Sat. They took him back to the ER, and discovered that he also had a 40% blockage in the other two arteries. So today, they did two more balloons.
Sonja, has already gone through 4 yrs. of pre-med, and is in her 2nd yr. of med school, at University of Missouri. She is almost positive that he suffered another heart attack on Sat. although drs. are notsaying that. So, when I picked Lee up at work, we went to check in and see how Justin was doing. He look alot better than Lee and I thought he would, and drs. say that it's a possibility that he may get to go home tomorrow. Sonja, bless her heart, is beside herself, and believe me, I know exactly how she feels. When Lee was in the hospital with the Erchliosis, she was there almost everyday, to check in on him, and on me. They are such wonderful friends. This is hereditary, as there are alot of heart problems on his mothers side of the family. We heard tonight, that his mom had a relative die of a heart attack at age 14. So, this is very serious, but we're hoping that drs. can get him on the right medications. Justin told us tonight that University has sent a blood sample to Mayo Clinic, to get their imput on what the best medication would be, to help him get this problem under control. Unfortunately, Sonja is not happy at all with the inital treatment that Justin received. Protocol for the hospital, is that anyone being admitted with chest pains, is to have an EKG done immediately. I will admit that 28 is certainly not prime age for a heart attack, but she had Justin at the hospital on 4 different occasions, and an EKG was never done, until his 4th trip in. Needless to say, she knows she has a lawsuit on her hands. But...if she brings a law suit against the University Hospital, not surprisingly, she will be kicked out of med school. This is such a shock to us, because we were SO pleased with the care and treatment that Lee received, and has received, for his Erchliosis, and with his cancer treatments. We're just really shocked that this has happened, and that EKG's were not run as they should have been. The statute of limitation will not run out till after she has graduated med school, but there is talk that they may possible sue on behalf of Justin's parents. I think they are still debating this issue. It may be called Addison Hospital, before this is all over...lol Well, probably not that extreme, but it would be a HUGE chunck of money. So... if you would, please say a prayer for Justin to have the strength to get through this, for his drs. and nurses, to make the right calls, and for Sonja. I know personally, how hard this is on her.

So, by the time we got done at the hosp., and headed for Landon's it was going on 9:00, and we knew it would be too late to start frying chicken and mashing potatos, so we just stopped at the grocery store, picked up some chicken strips, and slaw from the deli, and some nice tomotoes, and just did a quickie supper. We got home just a little before 12.

Lee informed me tonight that he has to be at work tomorrow around 8....which I wasn't too thrilled to hear about, since that means I have to get up early to take him....until, he quickly chimmed in that I wouldn't have to get up, because Jeremy was going to pick him up. He works with Lee. So, that even makes it better, seeing that I won't have to get up and take Lee to work, and will be able to sleep in. You sure won't hear me complaining about that, since I have to be at work Thurs. morning at 8 am, so that will be a real early morning for me. Only nice thing about that is, that I'll be off by 1, and have the rest of the afternoon free.

Well, guess this didn't turn out to be such a quick email, after all...lol You know me when I get started. It's almost 1 am now, so guess it's about time to hit the sack, even though I don't have to get up tomorrow. Lee's been in bed about 1/2 hr., and I can hear him snoring through the closed bedroom door....lol Guess I know what I'm going to have to listen to when I get in there...hehehehe

Don't forget to say a little prayer for Justin and Sonja...



I'll be here tomorrow morning, with coffee in hand, maybe half asleep...lol....but I'll be here. Will talk to you all then. Hope you all had a great Tuesday.

Nighty nite...
Love,
Lev

Hey, all you guys!

Here it is, Tuesday morning, and I will be headed for work before too much longer. Today, tomorrow and Thurs, I will be working, and then will have a day off Fri., but back to the ole grind on Saturday again.

We're still trying to shoot for the first weekend of Aug. to go to Indiana to visit with Lee's mom and cousin, Cindy, and to bring the motorcycle back home. I'm hoping that we can stick to that plan. Of course, this is all going to depend on if we can get the car running properly.

Lee got up early this morning, and by 7:30 had the new oxygen sensor, rotor, dist. cap, and pcv valve installed in my car. It is running great...the question is, for how long. Hopefully, long enough for us to figure out what's causing it to go out, and get it fixed, or at least get us to Indiana. Hopefully, come payday, and Sat. when Lee has a day off, he is going to try and get the brakes fixed...new rotors, calipers, and brake pads. It isn't going to cost as much as we thought....thank God, about 1/2 the cost. We can do both front brakes for about $80, but will probably only do brake pads on the right front, as the rotor and caliper looks good on that side...so it should run even a little less. I think we're also going to have to replace the strut on the left front...about $30, if Lee does the work...plus what ever it cost to rent the strut compressor. Once we get this car working, then it's going to be time to start on the buick....AGAIN...and see what the problem is there...since it just left him sitting hi and dry not more than a couple of weeks, after we thought it was running, and it was running perfectly!!! It just seems to be one thing after another...and never seems to let up. We do good to make it from paycheck to paycheck, and pay the bills, without having to try and put things on hold, in order to dump money into cars. Lord... it HAS to stop, somewhere!!!! We are REALLY due for a break!!!

I've been trying to publish a couple of my folders to the web, but for some reason my geocites info. isn't working. I'm going to contact my ISP server and the my ISP addy from them, and try using that. The web wizard acted like I could use either one. Guess we'll see what happens with that.

Well, gotta head outta here, and go hit the HOT cleaners. Hope the day goes by quickly, cause I sure don't want to be there.....I'd rather be here with you guys...you're SO MUCH MORE FUN!!!!

Have a great day!!!

Love,
Lev

Boy...am I hungry!

ROTFLMBO!!! This was just tooooooo cute, not to pass on!

Wow...what a Monday!!!

I guess this has just been a typical Monday.... I ran Lee to work, and then back home, long enough to make some phone calls. Lee wanted me to try and get my car in to see if anyone could have a look, and possibly tell us what is causing these oxygen sensors to go out, only a month after replacing them. So, after a few calls, I found a place that said they would run some test, diagnotics, etc., at no charge, and see if they could figure out what the deal was. The first thing they checked was the cadalitic converter, which we had been told would cost about $135. to replace. It's hard to say if we'd have been better off had that been it, because we could just have bought a new one and had it put in, and our problem solved. As it is, it isn't the cadalitic converter, and the diagnostic showed nothing else, except the fact that the oxygen sensor was bad, and that we already knew. He suggested having a couple of his other machanics to look at it, as they were just about as stumped as we were, but unfortuantely, having these other guys look at it, wasn't going to be on the "free of charge" list. They probably charge $60 an hour, and I'm not ready to do that, plus, still might not be able to figure out the problem. So, his other suggestion was to replace, cap and rotor, new wires, and pcv valve, which we are going to do, except for the wires, right now, and of course, another oxygen sensor. So, I am going to be waiting in the wings till Lee can get those on, and see what happens. Of course, with the new oxygen sensor, it is probably going to run great, as it did before. The question is, FOR HOW LONG? So, after sitting at the car place for 3 hours, we still don't know a lot more than we did before. If nothing else, at least maybe it will be running right so that we can make our trip to Indiana the first of Aug.

After getting done at the auto shop, I ran to work to pick up my check, then to cash it, and then head to O'Riley's to pick up the parts that we needed. Kirk and Tara-Lee showed up just as i was getting ready to leave, and they hung out at the house, as I figured I wouldn't be too long. Boy...was I wrong. I phoned the house to let Kirk know that I was done at the car place, and would be home in a minute. He wanted me to run by Micky D's for him and Tara-Lee, and grab them some lunch. So, after I got done at O'Riley's I headed there to get their lunch, and then back home. I finally arrived here at about 3. I hadn't been here long when they had to leave and head back home, as they had someone waiting at their house for them to get there. I feel bad that I didn't have any time at all to visit with them. I feel like I've been run over by a Mack truck, between the constant running and the heat. I have to leave again before much longer to go to Landon's and pick up Moriah, she spent the night, and then to Tucker's to pick up Lee. I'm at least glad that I have a couple of hours break inbetween getting home and then to try and relax just a bit. It's just soooo discusting to have spent all that time sitting and waiting, and still don't know much more than we did before. It would sure be nice if I had a machanic for a relative, so I could just take the car in and have it fixed, at no charge, or for a lot less, and then we wouldn't have to be hunting and pecking for a solution to this problem.

Needless to say, after all this that's gone on today, I haven't had a chance to do ANYTHING to my house. I had told myself that I was going to try and spend the day at home, other than going to pick up my check, and try to get some housework done, and some laundry. Well, that didn't happen! I may, later this evening, at least try to get a couple loads of laundry done, but that's going to be about it, after the day I've had. I work Tues., Wed. and Thurs. so there won't be much time to do anything else until my day off on Fri. I can be really bad about that at times, after working all day, I'm pretty lazy about coming home and hitting it on housework.

I told Moriah that I'd be out to pick her up around 6:30, and then head to pick up Lee around 7. If I can get motivated, I may go out a little earlier and do some swimming before leaving to get Lee, but even sitting here thinking about how good the pool would feel, I think it almost feels better not to have to think about leaving the house for the next couple of hours. It's just so quite here by myself, and alot cooler inside the walls of this house, than it is out in the hustle and bustle of the town, as it is today. So...who knows what I'll do.

Just now, I at least made myself go in and throw in a load of laundry, pick up on the kitchen a bit, and sweep the floor. Maybe it will make me feel like I've accomplished something today, considering that everything else has seemed to go haywire! lol Whether or not I get any more done, will be another question. I have no idea what I'm going to do for supper. Definately nothing that includes turning on the oven as hot as it is. Hopefully, I can think of something quick and easy. I have a feeling that when we get home, Lee is going to try and get these parts put on the car, so, I may just end up doing sandwiches or something that is fast. I still have some of the garden tomatoes that I picked up yesterday from the farmers market, and they were soooooo delicious. NOTHING tastes like fresh tomatoes out of the garden!!!! I may just stop and pick up some bacon, and do some BLT's...that will be fast, and we haven't had them in awhile, and grab some chips, and a salad of some sort from the deli, to make for a quick supper.

Well, guess there's not much else to blab about. It's just been such a hectic day. It will be really nice to finally get home tonight, get comfortable, and not have to do anything the rest of the evening. I'll be around this puter till I have to leave to get Moriah, and Lee, and am sure I'll be back on later after we're done eating, so I'm sure I'll run into some of you then. Hope all of your days has been a little less hectic than mine has...Hope to talk to you all soon.

Love,
Lev

Good Morning this Sunday

A good Sunday morning to you all. Hope your day is going beautifully.

It is a hot day in Missouri...the temp. 91 now, at 1:00, but with the heat index, feels 96. So, goodness knows what it's going to feel like at around 3:00 or 4:00, our hottest time of the day.

Lee spent a little bit of time looking at my car, but as I figured, didn't stay out in this heat very long. We have figured out though, we believe, what the problem is. It looks as though our cadelitic converter may be clogged, which is causing the car to buck like a bronco, when you're driving. The knocking noise from the left front, appears to be the rotar and calipers on the brakes. So, if it is as we think, it's going to be about $200. to fix it all. I sure don't have it, but guess it's going to have to come from somewhere, (talk about having to "poop" money...hehehehehe) as we can't continue to drive it this way, especially when we need to try and go to Indiana the first of the month...Aug. There's no money today to do anything, so guess we'll see what we can get done tomorrow with my check...if anything, or on Thurs., when Lee gets paid again.

So, since Lee can't do much else on the car, and it's so rediculously hot, I think we're just going to head to Landon's and hit the pool. I have a feeling that's the only way we're going to be able to stay cool, shy of just sitting in the house in the AC. Swimming sounds like a lot more fun than sitting, other than the fact that I'd spend most of the afternoon on the puter.

I mentioned in my post last night, that I was going to try and add somemore things to my blog. I did get a couple of links added for some beautiful pictures from Australia. Hope you'll drop by for a look at those. You'll be able to find pictures there from Mt. Gambia, which is where Kirk and Tara-Lee will be living, when they leave for Australia in Sept. I was also was going to try and add a page from Burrandies, an Aboriginal Art Gallery in Mt. Gambia, where Tara-Lee use to work and display her artwork. Unfortunately, it is on Acrobat Reader, and me being pretty nieve about that, can't figure out how to copy and paste the page that I want, into a new blog page, so I will just give you the link in my links section.

On page one, you will see a picture of Graham, a good friend of Tara-Lee's. Before she came to the states, Graham did an original painting on a authentic boomerang, and Tara-Lee sent it to Kirk. On page 5, you will see a couple of pictures of Tara-Lee painting some of her pottery. I did find a page for Burrandies, that shows a few pieces of the artwork that is available there for purchase. I am going to add that link to my blog, so hope you'll be able to check that out, and see some of the beautiful artwork there.

Well, guess I'll close this out for now. We're going to be headed to Landon's soon. We're going to be doing dinner there, and not really sure what time we will be back, but I'm sure, regardless of how late it is, I will be back here to spend at least a little bit of time, checking in on all the posts that have been added while I was gone.

Hope you all enjoy the new links on my blog, and the article on Burrandie's that I enclosed.

Have a beautiful day, and I'll be back to check in with you all later!

Much love,
Lev

Tara-Lee's pottery 

Well, here it is, Sunday morning, (1:05 a.m.) and I'm just now getting around to checking in with everyone. I got to spend about a whole 10 mins. on the puter, Sat. morning, before taking Lee to work, and then I finally arrived back home a little after 6:00, in time to start throwing together some stuff for supper, and then head back to pick up Lee at 7:00. BOY...what a crazy day.
I dropped off Lee, at work, a little before 9, and then had to go take care of some bills. I headed first to go pay my cell phone bill, but arrived a little after 9, and then realized that they didn't open till 10. So, from there, I headed on down to the conveninece store to grab a soda...(can't function without one, since I'd only had 1 cup, well, actually about 1/2 cup, of coffee), I desperately needed more caffine. lol I picked up a money order so I could mail off my rent, which was already about 11 days late. lol
After I got my car fixed yesterday(Friday), and got home, I noticed that they'd forgotten to put on a hub cap. I had called them, to make sure they still had it there, and then told them that I'd drop by on my way to work to pick it up. Needless to say, scattered brained me, just got in my car, and drove straight to work, and forgot all about it, and by the time I got off they were closed. So, after picking up my money order, I headed back into town...(I was on the west side), mailed my rent, and then headed to the tire place...(on the east side of town), to pick up my hub cap. Drove back the other direction, stopped at Micky D's to get me a breakfast burrito, and then back to the west side of town to pay my cell phone bill.
I had talked to Landon last night, and told him that I'd pick him up today to run him to the bank...they're cars actin' up, but then realized that I had also told Tara-Lee that I'd pick her up and take her to the store. Needless to say, I couldn't do both, so stopped by her house, to try and make other arrangements, since Landon needed to be at the bank before noon. I finally got to Landon's, grabbed him and headed for the bank. Luckily, we made it before they closed. He wanted to run to Wal-Mart to get his hair cut, so we headed there after the bank. There was about a 45 min. wait to get his hair done, so we went to Micky D's again, and got us a burger for lunch. Once his hair was done, we roamed around wal-mart looking, and I grabbed a couple of things that I needed.
My car was filthy, so we then headed to the car wash, so I could take care of that. I just washed it a few days ago, but we were at Landon's Thurs., and parked under that same tree that likes to drip sap all over my car...so it had to be done again. Landon had to be at work at 4, and I got him back home a little after 3. I had some more running to do, and finally arrived home about 5 or a little after. Kirk had gotten off work early, so he went ahead and picked up Tara-Lee, and they came on out to the house to do some laundry, and then was going to stay for supper. After getting home around 5, I did a little picking up in the kitchen, and then Tara-Lee and I headed for the store to grab some stuff that we needed for supper. Of course, once I got back, I started putting together stuff for supper...salad, and got my chicken to marinating. I left a little before 7 to go pick up Lee, and we got back home about 7:30. We finally got the bbq grill going, and chicken on, while I sliced the fresh garden tomatoes that I picked up from the farmer's market today, along with a cantelope...they were both DELICIOUS!!! There's NOTHING like fresh tomatoes out of the garden! By the time we got dinner done, and visited with Kirk and Tara-Lee, it was probably close to 10:00. Kirk messed on the puter for awhile, while we visited, and then they decided to head for home. I guess it was about 11 or after before I even got on the computer.
I answered a few emails, as some of you in my groups probably saw, and then tried to get a couple of post added to my groups. For the past 4 yrs. or so, I have been posting a scripture to my groups every Sunday. About a yr. ago, or little longer, I changed that format somewhat, and started posting what I call a "Sabbath Scritpure", on Saturday, which as most of you will know, is the Jewish Sabbath. It sorta dawned on me one day, as if I didn't already know, guess it was just sort of a "duh", why didn't I think of that, situation, but realized one day, that when Christ talked about reading from the scriptures, the only "scriptures" He had access to, were those of the Old Testament...the New, not having been written yet, so I decided to post a Sabbath Scritpure, from the Old Testament on Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath (which Jesus was...Jewish), and then posted a Sunday scripture from the New Testament. Well...needless to say, since I didn't spend much time on the puter this morning, by the time I got my Sabbath Scripture posted tonight(Sat.), it was technically Sunday already. lol Nothing like posting a Sabbath scripture when the Sabbath is already over...lol Oh well...at least it got posted.
Oh...Kirk and Tara-Lee stopped by my work yesterday(Fri.) to show me what they'd done. They got Eva's ears pierced. They had been wanting to do it before now, but Wal-Mart wouldn't do it until she was 3 months old. So, they were finally able to do it yesterday. She looks sooooo cute with her little diamonds in her ears. Of course...they said she screamed bloody murder when they did it. Moriah was 2 months old when I got hers done, and now, at 15, she has added a 2nd pair of holes...plus talked me into getting her cartiledge pierced a few years back. LOL...and then, she talked MOM...me, into getting my cartiledge done. Of course, now we're wanting belly button done.... THAT'S WHERE MOM DRAWS THE LINE IN THE SAND!!!! lol NOT at 15!
It was HOT here today...about 94, and is suppose to be about that hot tomorrow. Lee is wanting to try and have a look at the car and see if he can figure out why it's running like crap. We're getting a "clunking" noise coming from the left front. As hot as it's suppose to be tomorrow, though, I'm not sure how long he will be able to work in the heat. It was miserable today. We're gonna go to Landon's tomorrow night for supper, but something tells me, that after spending a few hours working on the car in the horrible heat, he's gonna want to head for Landon's, and a nice cool swimming pool, before the afternoon is over.
So...as you can tell, I've had a crazy day...and not really a very relaxing one...but I will have to admit, that I did enjoy spending the day with Landon, and runnin' around with him...even if it was hot and miserable. Hot and miserable is still better, as far as I'm concerned, than cold and freezin'!!!! Lev, DOESN'T like winter!!!
Well, guess I'll head out of here, now that I was finally able to make it in and drop you all a line... or two, or three...or four...It looks like I've written an epic! lol
Hopefully, I'll be able to spend a little more time on here tomorrow, than I did today. I've got some more things I want to try and add to my blog, so hopefully, I can get that done tomorrow. Tara-Lee found a couple of really neat websites, with some beautiful pictures of Australia, so I'm going to try and get them added, plus a site that shows her doing some of her artwork at a museum that she used to work at in Australia. She is a very gifted painter, and does original Aboriginal paintings, and also beautiful pottery. I wish I had more pictures of her work to share with you, but unfortunately, I only have a couple. But, I will share them with you.
I hope to be back tomorrow morning, and check back in with you all, and check up on all that's going on. Hope that you all had a wonderful Saturday...and great evening, and hope your Sunday is blessed!
Much love,
Lev
I'm not sure how well you'll be able to see these, but Tara-Lee painted these for my mom and Granny for Christmas, 2003.
This is some of her pottery work.