The rains came today--accompanied by lightning and thunder.  Thankfully, it didn't last very long.  In fact, it was a much nicer day than yesterday when I had to drive back to the Cottage through almost constant rain.  When I got here, I figured they would have had a good bit of rain as well, but nope--nothing.  I won't complain too much, though, 'cuz the weather really has been beautiful for the past few days.

Did you  realize that today is the last day of summer?  I didn't, until I heard it on tv a while ago.  We've had such fantastic temperatures over the last several days, though, that I should have remembered that.  I just hope the cool temps continue for a while.  This is my kind of weather, what I call "shirt sleeve" weather--one, light sleeve is always perfect for me.

I spoke with Mom a while ago--and as I suspected might be the case, she is having a rougher time after this last procedure.  She is having more difficulty walking, and her walking consists of going to the bathroom.  I could tell from her voice that she is in pretty much constant pain right now.  In addition, I know she's worried about removing the bandages, even though she was assured that removing today would be OK.  So, I checked with Jan (our family nurse/daughter) to see if she could take care of that for her Granny--and she will.  I told Mom about that, and I could sense relief in her voice as well.  I'm sure there won't be a problem, but I like the fact that someone who has had experience doing that will be present for the "grand removal" of the bandages.  Thanks to Jan!  Love ya, Kiddo!

Sid was called this morning near noon to see if he could donate blood at the blood mobile in the Wal Mart parking lot today--he has done that in the past.  Of course, he said he would, especially since the lady who called indicated that they had a real need because of the recent storms.  Since I have no problem with needles or whatever, I decided to try to donate as well.  I should have known better----

There is something in my blood--I'm not sure what exactly it is--that is very rare, and I had been asked years ago to please donate as often as possible, which I tried to do.  Unfortunately, my blood is very thick, and I was told that giving that often would damage my veins and that I should NOT donate any more.  Well, that was a long time ago, so I decided to try again--and I did tell the nurses that, in addition to the fact that I am a "very hard stick" ( in nursing language). 

There were three nurses there who did the procedure; each of them tried to find a vein that they could use to take some blood from me; NONE of them felt comfortable enough to try because the only vein they could find was very deep in my arm.  Had it been a matter of life or death, they would have done it; however, they just preferred not to try--and that was fine with me.  At least, I felt good that they would have let me do it IF they could have gotten to the vein more easily.  Maybe next time----

Since it was lunch time by then, we decided to grab a bite at DQ.  Sid got the chicken/taco salad and I got the club sandwich (minus the turkey--yuck).  It was pretty good, too, and very filling.

We went to Mass this evening at 5pm, finding that there was an unusual number of teenagers there.  Apparently, they were having one of those "sleep in" retreats, and they all tried to attend Mass before going there.  I know they'll have a fun experience and I pray they will learn something there as well.  (There was a couple there who raised their hands when Fr. Bob asked if we had any visitors.  They were from Galveston, TX.  After Mass, I spoke with them briefly, saying that I hoped they had fared well during the storm.  THEY LOST THEIR HOME, but had such a great attitude because they were still alive and well!  Please keep them and all the others who lost their homes and possessions in your prayers.)

Not much else going on here, so I'll sign off for tonight.  Have a great evening and a terrific tomorrow.

Fr. Bob's joke of the day:  God was concerned about how His people were doing on earth, so He sent an angel down to check on them.  When the angel returned to Heaven, he told God that he was concerned.  90% of the people were misbehaving, with only 10% doing right.  God decided that He would send an e-mail to the 10%, giving them praise and encouragement to continue doing what they were supposed to do.  Do you know what God said?                             ANS:  I don't know; I didn't get an e-mail either.

NOTE:  This answer was totally unexpected by the congregation and laughter rang out.  BUT----what if that would REALLY happen!  Would YOU get an e-mail?  Maybe we'd better rethink our behavior and make sure that we are in that 10%--I know I will!  God bless you all!