20 January 2011

Had an extremely busy two days at work. Seems some folk are really sick, and our ICU feels like a real ICU again.

Anna had a wonderful announcement that Theo & her are expecting their first child. This means Grandpa Gane, Granny Gane, Aunt Jenny, Mama Anna, Uncle Luke, Aunt Kara, Uncle Mark, Uncle Josh, Uncle Ezra, Uncle Elon, and Aunt LaSara. Of course there will also be Uncle James, Aunt Diana, and Uncle Ben. O, and of course, Papa Theo. Thank you Jesus.

Granny Gane is now here reading this post.

Had trouble with the Jeep battery again. Even after recharging it all night, it wouldn't hold a charge, so Josh and I changed it. Because it has a small electrical leak, I put in a total system shut off. I'll see if it works or not.

Three inches of snow came yesterday and this morning making all things pretty and white.

Why is it after work, it takes an hour or more to calm down before a person can sleep?

Elon Make 100

...100 Approver's Choice on WeatherUnderground

1 September 2010

Howdy

A number of things have happened recently.

Sparky, our little dog, died. He was a dump dog that we found a few miles from our old house. We and some neighbors fed him and another dog, because we felt sorry for them. Sparky was always smiling and friendly. One day he was not there. Mark went to look for him and found him sick, weak, and probably dying. We took him home and following the vet's plan nursed him back to health. It took a long time, but he finally recovered and lived a happy life for us an him for over 5 years (6?).

He got sick again about 2 months ago. The vet found a loud heart murmur and probably cancer. He swelled up like a balloon. We even discussed having the vet put him down, because Sparky was so miserable. He basically didn't eat; he just laid around trying to breathe. Anna suggested counsel from the vet, which was good advice. Our vet suggested Lasix and enalapril. The Lasix really sucked the edema out of his body. So much so that he was starting to eat and move around more. He actually looked good, like his old self, except being thin.

One morning when I got up (about 4AM). I was looking out for him, not wanting to step on him. Since he was black, he was hard to see at night. I saw him and said, "Good puppy; how are you?" Normally he would thump his tail at that, but this time he did nothing. I though, "This is not good." Reaching down I felt him. He was warm, but he had no heart beat, nor respirations. He must have just died, because he was warm and flexible. Josh buried him down at the creek. He was a good puppy to have around.

It is finally raining. Most of July and August was dry and hot. I didn't even plant a fall garden, because the dirt was so dry. What would be the use; they would all dry up and die. As of this writing we have almost 4.5 inches. Thank you Lord Jesus for having mercy on us and our neighbors.

Anna keeps working our her wedding plans. She had a shower the other day, but she had no idea. She thought it was a tea party, until she arrived.

Coccidiosis has been killing our chickens. We have lost close to 10 of them--all hens. We have been using tetracycline to help fight the infection. Even though they can run around in the pasture (fenced), they do not. Maybe the cooler weather and rain will encourage them.

30 July 10

Another hot week, and it looks like it will continue for awhile.

While mowing, I see the fields growing more and more weeds, and I can't do much about it. If I had a brush hog, we could keep it in place. So I'll pray, and God will help us in some way to know what to do.

Sure am thankful for the rain. Things were drying up. We had a little over 1 inch and then yesterday we had a little over 1/4 inch which also helped.

The tomatoes and melons are overflowingly good. The alibaba melon (I think I have it right) is really, really good, so is the orange glow melon.

Anna has still been looking for a wedding location. We/they/them have been looking at quite a few places. Elon went on some of them and took a lot of great pictures.

Josh has really been busy at work. Jobs keep coming in for them. What a great blessing. I've been busy too. I had 4 hours of overtime last pay period. I do that about once a year.

Some of us have colds. Summer colds seem to be worse for some reason.

Sparky is hanging in there. His tumors are about the same. We have been giving him a little Prednisone to help reduce the swelling. He can only eat soft food now. Sleep seems to be his main activity. Even his bark has changed.

Still waiting for the camcorder. We bought one, but it didn't work so sent it back. Now everything is on backorder, not only for them but for all companies. They had an email and said they should have some next week. We will see; I might have to buy another brand.

The power company sent out a letter telling their customers that they will be spraying their power line right of ways. Because I want as little of their spray as possible I cut down 3 trees and Elon cut down one.

Have a good day.

An engagement picture of Anna and Theo by Elon:

7 July 10

Today is Elon's Birthday. Have a happy 16th.

The garden is looking pretty good. The melons, beans, cukes, and corn are coming along very well. The melons especially don't seem to be bothered much by the heat and dry conditions. The corn and tomatoes are looking like they need water. We have had a few tomatoes already.

Plenty of rain to the west of us (in Kansas), but not much rain here. Over a 3 day period we probably had about 1/2 inch. The showers here have been very scattered and short lived.

We shot off some left over fireworks. One tipped on its side and shot a ball into the chicken house, another close to Elon's feet (he was taking pictures), and another into a field. On July 4, Anna and some of them went to Wilbur's to buy fireworks, because he had them on sale.

Lester Weaver's funeral was last week. He had suffered much in his 10 years bout with prostate cancer, but it is all over now. See you in Gloryland, bro. It was good that the pain and suffering is over, but it was hard in another way for me, because I had prayed at least 2 times a day for Lester and Liz. Pray for the family.

Another family is suffering in our area after his dad accidentally ran over him with a lawn mower. The dad backed over him. Dad told the children to go inside; Dad saw some movement and thought they were all inside, so he backed up--right over his son. It cut off part of his arm and thumb on the left side, cut off some of his chest muscles and stomach muscles. Remember them in prayer, too.

Had the last two days off--on call actually. Anna had two days off, too--same reason. We had a real ICU patient, but the doctor was uncomfortable and shipped him to another hospital. I'm glad I don't take much vacation; I just save up my PTO and use it for times like this.

Don't forget 2 October 10, which is Theo and Anna's wedding.

Have a good day.

24 June 10

A little cooler today, but it is still uncomfortable.

The heat has returned this summer. Last year the heat was reasonable. Rain also has been missing the past week, and due to the heat, some of the plants are starting to hurt--just a little.

I thought I had pink eye (conjunctivitis), but after seeing a physician and Dr Frier OD, for a check up, it turns out to be an allergy to something in the air. Great, a whole bunch of yellow drainage. Even my eyeball is sore. It is not bad, but noticeable. I heard about Zaditor eye drops and may try them.

Josh has been holding up in the heat fairly well. This is an answer to prayer. I can get out of the heat and have when I overheat, stop sweating, get dizzy, but Josh cannot. God has been very good. Josh goes out every Saturday to the Eldo park to preach and pass out tracts.

Wilbur's fireworks show was June 15. I didn't go, but those of the family who did really liked it. I hope Elon posts some of his super, duper pictures of the fireworks.

Anna is getting married on 2 October 2010 to Theogene Nishimwe. We are all very blessed to have Theo in the family.

Ezra is busy, nothing special.

Elon's and Ezra's garden is wonderful. We've been eating a lot from it. Now we are eating realy nice squash and asparagus beans (some of which are well over 12 inches long).

My tomatoes are about 4 inches in diameter; the potatoes are ready, so are the onions.

LaSara is busy with the chickens, cats, cooking, helping Anna find a wedding dress, etc. She sure has some wonderful stories. I hope she publishes some.

Vicky is good. I pray she could sleep better and get more sleep.

Talked to Luke and Mark a while back. It sure was good to hear there voices.

Our friend Paul can drive again. The doctor OK'd everything for him. Lester is still in a lot of pain, so we continue to pray.

We are still meeting in a rented old church house. We are praying for God's direction.

I was helping Nathan with preaching chores and spoke on Proverbs. Cheers.

7 June 2010

I had an interesting day. I woke up and ate. The nap was ruined by the phone call from some salesman, then the part I ordered for my mower deck came (ordered Thursday and came Monday--super), then it was different enough, I had to go to Ehler's and buy some bolts. After that was repaired, I wanted to replace the blades, but they were round hole instead of star hole, I bought those from Wisconsin. OK I then put the old blades back on, place the deck under the mower, but it won't go. Elon to the rescue. After 20 min or so, it was in place. I started mowing; everything is ok until I get stuck in a hole. Elon to the rescue again, but I burned my hand in the process. I found some gloves, then we got the mower out of the hole. I started mowing again. Everything was fine until I was as far as I can get from home and run out of gas. I drag myself up to the house and hoping the 5 gallon gas tank is only 1/2 full--nope it is full, all 5 gallons worth. I lug that to the mower, fill it up, and nearly 4 hours later, I finish only MOST of the mowing. Thank you Lord. Now for the Aleve and bed. Cheers

17 May 10

Well, we have had a lot of rain. That was OK, but I learned that I should have tilled the corn patch crossways not length ways. It washed quite a bit of dirt down to the farther edge. When it dries out I'll till it the right way. I had corn planted in about 1/3 of it and thought it all washed away, but some is coming up. I'll need to put a picture up. It is still a little soft in spots as I sink in, so maybe tomorrow or the next day, I can do more weeding.

The last pay period (two weeks), I only lost 4 hours of time, nearly a record for the year. I did work Saturday early though. The supervisor asked if I could come in early, so I got there at 4:45 instead of 6:30. There were 4 patients in ICU.

Anna had a follow-up test on the dirty needle stick she had in the past. I've had those, too. No fun, ever a little fearful nowadays.

Had a phone call from Luke and Mark. It was really good to hear their voices. Yea!

Josh worked a few hours today--still wet.

Ezra's birthday is coming up. Wow 18 years old. What a great guy!

Elon has been working on his garden a lot, and he has a lot of great pictures posted on Weather Underground.

LaSara has been busy in the house and telling the funniest stories.

We have a new peep! I haven't seen her (we believe) yet, but I did see a picture.

Everything is SO green; it is wonderful.

Nathan taught on Job last Sunday (yesterday), but I was at work. The weekly reading this time will be Titus.

Cheers

28 April 10

Had a good day yesterday. I ran a mile in the morning, then walked a mile in the afternoon. After supper I spent an hour continuing to clean out the west fence row of trees, multiflora, etc. Thankful I could do all that.

Sunday, I was placed on-call about 1:45 after my patient went to Med/Surg. That was OK with me, because I took a nap, then went to Kansas City International to pick up Josh. He went to the Ambassador Academy last week. He had classes on presenting the Gospel, answering and dealing with many situations that come up in witness, and did some street preaching. Some examples of others here.


If there is any of Josh that I can find, I'll post them.

The garden is growing well. Maybe I'll post some pictures later.

That's all for now.

23 April 10

Some rain yesterday and today--a true blessing.

The garden is well watered and so is the road--mud: )

Today was the first day we ate something from the garden. Elon's Black Seeded Simpson lettuce was ready. Yea! It tasted so good. Everything is growing well. My tomatoes are starting their second leaves. Elon's are further then mine. I guess I still have Wisconsin growing seasons in my mind. My onions, potatoes, broccoli, cabbage, lettuces, and peas are all growing well. The beets are just starting, and I may have some carrots. It is hard to tell the carrots at first, because they look like grass at first. The boy's garden is much advanced in all the above.

The children, chicken herders, built a new chicken gate out of a cattle panel and poultry netting; it looks nice.

Josh is in Santa Ana, CA at Ambassador's College for an intensive workshop/practice street preaching. This is taught mainly by Ray Comfort and his staff. He will be preaching on the streets today and Saturday. He comes back Sunday. I work Sunday, and then I go to pick him up at Kansas City.

Theo was here for the third time to see us--mainly Anna. Theo and Anna went to the KC Zoo on Saturday. It was the first zoo for Theo. We all had a good time while Theo was here.

Josh and I have been working on clearing the fence rows. There are lots of multiflora, trees, and etc. to be cleared. It is starting to look better. Hopefully in June sometime I can borrow a tractor and brush hog for Ezra--our resident expert--to clear our pastures. Ideally I would like to get some Dexter cows for milk.

Not much else. God provides for us.

5 April 10

Don't know why, but I awoke at 0250.

After breakfast I went out and finished the garden tilling. I was able to till for the third time a new area for Elon and Ezra. We now have about 7200 square feet of garden space plus whatever we do down at the creek (last year it was about 1000 square feet). This works out to something like 1/5 to 1/6 of an acre. We'll probably expand again next year.

Josh has been weed eating the fence line. I bought a new Kawasaki weed eater; it will also handle a blade for cutting up to 2 in thick weeds. We didn't have the right size nut for the blade, so we tried Ehler's and the MFA sawshop without success, so when I go to Nevada sometime, I'll stop in Nevada Small Engine and buy two.

Elon has another Approver's Choice picture (the one here).

Our road (800 Rd) is as bad as the rest of the dirt--yes dirt--roads. We took the cars into Eldo last week to the car wash to wash the mud off the car undersides. I still had a bad wobble in the Escort, but when I left work Sunday, the sun was shinning just right, and I could see the mud. With the help of a stick and my tool--I used the file--I scraped off some more dirt. The problem was solved.

Had a great day at church yesterday. We had a meal before the service. Lots of food there. I was on call for the hospital ICU all weekend, but Ethel was kind enough to split a shift with me on Med/Surg. Thanks Ethel.

The rest of us are doing well. The boys' plants are growing well. My lettuce is coming up. While I was tilling the other day, everyone else planted the potatoes finishing just in time before the rain. Thanks everyone.

Elon has some great lightning shots on facebook; here is one:

28 Mar 10

Howdyt

Even though the garden was ready, the rains have pushed planting time back. Some places have to be tilled again. I finally planted my cabbage and broccoli in the trays. I plan to only put a few out this spring reserving the rest for this fall.

Elon's plants are growing well. His peas are starting to sprout. We hope to have them out this week.

The weather calls for temps in the 70's this week.

I had the message at church today on 2 Thessalonians.

I was also have children's church but couldn't do both--it is too much for me.

Gerry's aught to be back this week. It will be interesting to hear their report.

It looks like the noise from the car isn't the belt, but the air conditioner pump. I was kinda fearing that. The noise still doesn't last too long, so maybe we can squeak a few more weeks out before replacement.

Anna has her 6, 12 hour shifts out of 7 days; plus she had her ACLS last week. I go back to work Tuesday. Josh should have a good work week with the temps up.

School is pressing on; it won't be long before it is done.

Thankfully we are all in good health.

Cheers

10 March 10

On-call today. Anna was on-call last night.

I renewed my Basic Life Support (BLS) yesterday.

The garden is mostly tilled. It was just too wet to do it all. I was starting and stopping frequently to get the caked dirt off. Now it has rained, and I will have to wait for awhile, but I'm soooo thankful to have done what I have.

The Escort was having trouble again. It turned out to be the battery. I didn't remember when I bought the last one, but it turned out to be in 2008, not very long, but anyway, I can start the car again.

Vicky and I have been married for 32 years now. I posted a video on FaceBook. Where has time gone.

The clothes washer was making new and strange noises. After an internet search, we wanted more info on a Maytag Brovos. The dealer showed us a Fisher Paykel top loader high efficiency. It was bigger than the Maytag high effiency Neptune. After some prayer and research, we bought it. So far so good.

Happy Anniversary Vicky

On February 24, it will be 32 years. Thank you Father.

29 January 2010

Well, a lot has happened in the past month.
My mom died after a short battle with bladder cancer; she was 90. Her mind was stable up to the end. I miss her. I'm so glad we got to see her in October. Her friend, Anita, was so precious to help my ma out every day.

It has snowed and been cold. There was a thaw that saw the near collapse of the roads in the countryside. In front of our house the ruts were 8 inches deep. Finally it got cold again and the town could smooth the road and lay some gravel. It is not perfect, but it is SO much better.

Work has been stable. Very little flu.

We have been healthy.

The children had a wonderful time at a recent church outing.

Our seeds have arrived, and we are planning our gardens.

We can still pray and read our Bibles. May God continue to protect us.

19 December 09

On call again. The Lord Jesus has taken care of us.

Anna got a dizzy spell last night at work but is sleeping now.

Josh has been busy working. Part of the time he worked for a member of our church family doing farm work.

Ezra has been on call, too, because it is too cold to brush hog (there is a cab, but it is open).

Elon bought a new camera, a Canon Xsi, and has been taking many pictures with it.

LaSara crocheting. First she did a hat, now she is working on a scarf.

Vicky has been busy too. Her hip has been bothering her lately, but today it is better.

I found this on line:

Why Christmas?

There was once a man who didn't believe in God, and he didn't hesitate to let others know how he felt about religion and religious holidays, like Christmas.

His wife, however, did believe, and she raised their children to also have faith in God and Jesus, despite his disparaging comments.

One snowy Christmas Eve, his wife was taking their children to a Christmas Eve service in the farm community in which they lived. She asked him to come, but he refused.

"That story is nonsense!" he said. "Why would God lower Himself to come to Earth as a man? That's ridiculous!" So she and the children left, and he stayed home.

A while later, the winds grew stronger and the snow turned into a blizzard. As the man looked out the window, all he saw was a blinding snowstorm. He sat down to relax before the fire for the evening.

Then he heard a loud thump. Something had hit the window. Then another thump. He looked out, but couldn't see more than a few feet. When the snow let up a little, he ventured outside to see what could have been beating on his window.

In the field near his house he saw a flock of wild geese. Apparently they had been flying south for the winter when they got caught in the snowstorm and couldn't go on. They were lost and stranded on his farm, with no food or shelter. They just flapped their wings and flew around the field in low circles, blindly and aimlessly. A couple of them had flown into his window, it seemed. The man felt sorry for the geese and wanted to help them. The barn would be a great place for them to stay, he thought.

It's warm and safe; surely they could spend the night and wait out the storm. So he walked over to the barn and opened the doors wide, then watched and waited, hoping they would notice the open barn and go inside.

But the geese just fluttered around aimlessly and didn't seem to notice the barn or realize what it could mean for them. The man tried to get their attention, but that just seemed to scare them and they moved further away. He went into the house and came with some bread, broke it up, and made a breadcrumb trail leading to the barn. They still didn't catch on.

Now he was getting frustrated. He got behind them and tried to shoo them toward the barn, but they only got more scared and scattered in every direction except toward the barn. Nothing he did could get them to go into the barn where they would be warm and safe. "Why don't they follow me?!" he exclaimed. "Can't they see this is the only place where they can survive the storm?"

He thought for a moment and realized that they just wouldn't follow a human. "If only I were a goose, then I could save them," he said out loud. Then he had an idea. He went into barn, got one of his own geese, and carried it in his arms as he circled around behind the flock of wild geese. He then released it. His goose flew through the flock and straight into the barn--and one by one the other geese followed it to safety. He stood silently for a moment as the words he had spoken a few minutes earlier replayed in his mind: "If only I were a goose, then I could save them!"

Then he thought about what he had said to his wife earlier. "Why would God want to be like us? That's ridiculous!"

Suddenly it all made sense. That is what God had done. We were like the geese--blind, lost, perishing. God had His Son become like us so He could show us the way and save us. That was the meaning of Christmas, he realized.

As the winds and blinding snow died down, his soul became quiet and pondered this wonderful thought.

Suddenly he understood what Christmas was all about, why Christ had come. Years of doubt and disbelief vanished like the passing storm. He fell to his knees in the snow, and prayed his first prayer: "Thank You, God, for coming in human form to get me out of the storm!"

--Author unknown

18 November 09

A lot of happened since my last post.

First, on this day in the past Luke was born. Happy Birthday Luke.

I picked a tomato last week. Can you believe it? It sure did taste good.

Still getting a few green beans.

Waiting for the ground to dry so I can start mowing the green mulch and tilling the garden for its winter rest.

Mark and Kara made a surprise visit after going to see my ma. It was wonderful to see them.

Elon won a photography on Facebook. Way to go E!

Ezra has been busy brush hogging for Edward. One time out the front bearing went out and the wheel fell off. Another time saw a flat tire. Farming for sure.

Anna has been busy at work. Her experience continues to grow.

I had some interesting patients that I won't go in now.

Vicky has been busy in many ways.

Josh has had steady work in construction.

James and Jenny just got back this past weekend visiting with my ma.

Just a short summary. Have a good day.

21 October 09

We left for my mom's last Thursday. It took over 13 hours to get there. We were blessed, because we had no car trouble, no sickness (motion sickness that some have), good gas mileage, etc.

Arriving late we have a few moments with Grandma before she and all of us went to sleep. The girls--Vicky, Anna, and LaSara--had the guest suite that Mark and Kara had stayed in some years past. It was very nice--two beds, bath, closet, microwave, and refer. The boys stayed at Grandmas. Josh, Ezra, and Elon slept in Anita's room, and I slept on the couch.

On Friday Grandma and Anita took us to IHOP for breakfast. We accidentally ran into Betty Link, a long time family friend. Grandma wore out after 30 minutes or so. Anna helped her into the bathroom, and Betty and I got her to the car. She did admit to pain and feeling cold, which is rare considering that she is very warm natured. Betty got a blanket and I got the car keys, so we could warm her up. When we got back to the apartment, Grandma went to sleep for about 8 hours, while we tried to do some shopping.

Saturday Grandma was feeling better as the antibiotic was kicking in. We drove around GR, Cedar Springs, and Yankee Springs areas, where I showed the family most of the places I had lived and/or gone to school. LaSara had something bite her--bee, fly?--that made her hand swell up when we went to Payne Lake. That evening we ate again at the apartment dining room where Aby (?), the chef, makes and serves supper.

Sunday, Grandma was feeling better yet. We took the late morning and afternoon going to Lake Michigan. I couldn't remember much, so it took a while to find some place. After praying about it--O God find us a good place to stop, we saw a place called Rosy Mound. It was very nice. We took Lake Michigan Drive home, and I got to show them some other places where I had gone to church in my teens and where my Grandma Lindquist lived when Ron--my cousin--and I were put to bed, because we were naughty.

Monday we left Grandmas. It was really a great time--reminiscing, looking at some old pictures, just being together.

She was doing better--much better--than she was Friday.

On Monday Anita was going to call hospice to come and start Grandma's care. Carol--my cousin--had made arrangements already; they just needed the call to start.

So we'll keep in touch.

Rain and more rain

Yesterday, Wednesday, it was pleasant, dry, and wonderful, but our resident weathermen were warning of lots and lots of rain. Well, as of this writing, it has rained over 3 inches and still raining hard.

Vicky has her stiff neck and inner ear inflammation again, so she is sleeping. May God help her.

Josh is off today; caint pour concrete in this rain.

I had a meeting today at work. It was raining when I left, but it only got heavier as I drove to work; same thing as I drove home. Water is out of the ditches again.

Anna worked last night and is now sleeping.

Ezra has been brush hogging for Edward, except today of course. I'm afraid he would be hogging nothing but water today. I went to pick him up last evening, but while I was on the west side of the barn, he was on the east side of the barn. We didn't know it for about 30 minutes. Edward finally figured it out.

Ezra, Elon, and LaSara are tending to their chickens. They probably won't be running around the field for awhile--the chickens that is.

The green beans are loaded! Only bad thing is a frost or freeze is due this weekend. I'll have to ask our weathermen about it.

My ma is still sick, but I don't know to what extent, so we plan to journey there and find out.

Have a good day.

29 Sept 09

The past few phone calls from my mom have me worried. Some one has called hospice, some one is bringing a hospital bed, there are going to be nurses, some one came and gave her a shower. She is 90. Because we don't know what is going on we plan to visit her.

The green beans are coming along real well. Hope to get some soon--if the weather holds out.

Elon's squash is soooo good.

I cleaned and vacuumed the shed out. Must have been 10 Recluse spiders. Vicky helped, too. I wore gloves, since I figured if I came across a Recluse, I would have a little protection. Burned grandpa's old chair; it was pretty yucky. I'm not sure the cat would even use it.

John, the mailman, said to me, "Len, I'm sorry to tell you this, but your tire is nearly flat." Sure was, too. Added air and went to Alison's; it was a rock hole. The roads had recently been regraveled.

Not much else happening. I took out a facebook, because the children said Merle needs friends. People whom I haven't seen or heard of for years found me; it is pretty interesting.

God bless.