The unbelievable warmth is here too! We even slept with some of the windows open last night! My crocuses and daffodils are blooming now too and the hyacinth aren't far behind

Thanks for the prayers, too. I've been sleeping better since we received Dad's ashes. I had been having a lot of nightmares. I know donating his body to the medical school was what he wanted, but, I have to tell you, it's harder on the family to have to wait 2 years to have the burial. Of course, Dad had prohibited us from having any kind of memorial also, so it just seemed 'unfinished.' Now, still don't know when we'll be able to travel to Indiana to bury his ashes, but at least he's here.

And, on that last note, I'm going to vent a bit here---you all know my mom has to have a hip replacement. Her tests came out ok, so the surgery was scheduled for next week, but Mom had it changed because my sister, who does not live here and has not been helping with anything as far as Mom's shopping, library visits, cleaning, etc, wants to come up to 'help' for the 3 or 4 days after the surgery, but she wants to go ON VACATION next week!! So, Mom called and had the surgery changed and the earliest they can do it is May 1st! Now, my sister has had 3 vacations of at least a week each since Mom became unable to do any of her own shopping, etc, in October and none of them have been here So, now, of course, May 1st is in the middle of my son's soccer season and moving older son back from college for summer, plus Mom's rehab may take all summer, which means there's no way we'll be able to go anywhere or do anything. We haven't had a vacation in 2 years & I'm really peeved about this. I know my sister has always been Mom's favorite, but it would have been nice if our plans and obligations would have been factored into this mess.

So, anyway, thanks for letting me vent.......

Hope you're all having a better day than I am-take care!

RONNI we can take it! Keep venting

That's what we are here for

Great advice and ideas as always ROSEBUD

AUNTNELLY...The Lord has blessed me with a little extra to give each week to our church food bank. I find it always a problem when deciding what to buy....do I buy the cheaper spaghetti and meatballs type stuff, where I can feed 2 families or do I buy the healthier canned foods where I feed only 1 family?....but then, I always come back to this....why don't you (ME) give up something and give the good stuff for 2 families...

sometimes I do

and sometimes I don't

WILMA isn't being a grandparent the most wonderful thing evvv-err! Prayers all is well with yours

BOOTSIE...Whenever I hear the word Texas....I think of you

anjsmom and luc1313ky...welcome

EZ That is wonderful that you give to the food bank. It is people like you who have really helped our family in these past years.

I know that we use the food bank to supplement our food budget. I suppose that the more people you can help the better. If you have nothing, anything to eat is good. I do find it frustrating that nearly everything is not healthy, but if it is all I have, at least we aren't starving obviously since I am over weight, I'm not starving.

I do know what helps us the most are not the canned veggies, or jello. Those are cheap to buy, but it seems we get those the most often.

What is the most helpful for us are items which are more expensive to purchase on our own. Like boxed cereal, canned tuna or other canned meats, peanut butter, boxed crackers are always a hit with the kids. The spaghetti and sauce makes a meal, and is great. Being able to make a main dish with items I receive is very helpful as well.

Things that require refrigeration are the most helpful, but not very practical for a food bank. Our small town has included coupons for a local grocery store that can be used for meat, milk, cheese or fresh produce. Those really help the most. Since purchasing these items is the most expensive.

And one pet peeve?? Outdated food items. I know I should be grateful, but I throw it away when the date is over a year past. I have actually gotten things dated 3 or 4 years in the past, and some spoiled items as well. I don't want to make my family sick, which would cost way more than the can of veggies or whatever that I just threw in the trash

NELLY ~ not only do DH & give to our local food bank regularly, we are also former recipients ... at that time I mentioned in the previous post (about 10 ten years ago) when our income was so low. A friend of DH's told him about the food bank he was helping (they had just started it). DH just went one day and came home with some food to help augment what we had. We would go shopping afterwards for what we couldn't get there.

They had a large freezer installed for frozen foods, and coolers for vegetables that local farmers would donate too, which was really a great idea. We know exactly what you mean about your experience (the same) and we give what we would have liked to receive. My favorite things to donate are canned tuna, salmon, ham, beans, soup, peanut butter, pasta & sauce. Our food bank posted a list of the most desired foods in our local paper.

Of course, as time went on -- GOD blessed us and we are able to buy our own food now; but we appreciated the help so much. Even during that time, we donated household items and toys we made to their second-hand shop (and we still do). They sell new & used donated items and use that money to help pay for the food. It was a terrific idea that has helped so many people in town. That also helped people who couldn't afford to buy new furniture, small & large appliances, dishes, clothes, etc. They also provided full dinner items for Christmas baskets too, including vegetables!

The people in our town are very generous & giving; and the volunteers worked hard to provide the best food they could get. I wish no-one needed to go to a food bank, but they provide a service that helps people so much, esp during hard economic times. We are THANKFUL TO GOD that our area is in an economic upturn right now; and many people are doing much better with the jobs we have now.

Our provincial & federal goverments are also doing wonderful things right now to help low-income families -- 1) by providing low cost or free health care 2) cash child benefits 3) cash tax credit rebates 4) cash rebates & discounts for taxes on heat & hydro bills. All these are helping low income people so they have more money to buy food and clothing each month. It is a brilliant way to redistribute our wealth and raise the standard of living for the disadvantaged; and it is helping people more than they will ever know ...

BTW, $700.00 a month for healthcare premiums is shocking to me -- that's more than we pay for our house. Here, your family wouldn't likely pay more than $90.00 a month (or less), as premiums are based on your income. People with very low incomes, like the disabled, sick, unemployed, seniors, and students get free healthcare. You only pay if you can ...

Your people need to support OBAMA more as he is attempting to provide more affordable healthcare and other social reforms. You also need to VOICE your opinions more; an election is coming up in your country -- why not use your vote to voice your needs & wants in that way!

OK, I'll get off my now ...

Nelly-I'm so sorry about the downturn in your finances over the last few years. It's unbelievable that people will give expired items to the food banks-if someone won't eat it themselves, they shouldn't be giving it to anyone else! I'm sure you've checked into everything, but just wanted to mention a couple more-our church has it's own foodshelf, so wondering if yours does, too? Also, where we lived before, the Salvation Army had a foodshelf that gave away fresh bread and dairy items every week, but I know not all of them have that option. It's been known for many, many years that those with less income can easily develop 'poverty belly'-gaining weight from only being able to afford the cheaper foods-white pastas instead of whole grain and fresh veggies, cheap sugary boxed cereals instead of the lower sugar varieties, although the bagged (Malt-o-meal here) cheerios-type are really cheap here. You said your hubby is handy-is there a way to barter for some things? Help a farmer fix things in trade for eggs or meat? Just some things we have done when times were harder for us. You're in my prayers

Gary-thanks for the permission to vent I know it's really a minor thing compared to what others are going though, but it just seems as if my family's wishes are never taken into consideration. Kind of a 'they never do anything or have any money, so why should I consider what they say' thing. I'm feeling like I'm just the shopping and taxi service and we must wait until sister's available, because she'll be taking care of mom....yeah, for a few days, then it's back to me. climbing down, now....

Rosebud-you always have lots of great ideas! And, I agree partly that our country does need more reform, but, unfortunately, there is so much 'extra' in the health care package they pushed through that it's only going to hurt more in the long run. One example is that college students are no longer able to obtain student loans through a private lender (bank or credit union), only through the gov't. Why is something like that included in a health care reform? That's just one small example of some of the extra stuff that was thrown into the 2000+ page reform bill that none of the legislators read prior to voting on it. But, the reform is not all bad-I like that my son won't have to worry about paying for health insurance until he's 26, as that means if he takes a year off college to work, he'll still have coverage through DH's employer. It's just that too many politicians stuck too many of their pet issues into the bill and shoved it through. That's why I like the idea of line-item veto, so that kind of stuff could be stopped. I don't know why they didn't just do something to stop insurance companies from gouging everyone all the time.....oh, yeah, it's because the insurance companies pay a lot for their politicians to get into office....greed, greed, greed. Gosh, there I went again

Hmmmmm.....I may be channeling my dad with all the commentary today He died 2 years ago today-hardest day of my life, as we had to make the decision to have his ventilator removed. Just breaks my heart every time I think about it. What was supposed to be a simple surgery turned so very bad, so very quickly.

Well, I hope you all have a great day! We have to go to town for errands (ours and Mom's) and soccer practice, then DS3's youth group tonight Take care, friends!

Rosebud Just FYI...there is SO much about the healthcare bill that is SO not talked about. Already premiums are going UP, not down. I heard this morning about 9% for most, on top of last year's increase of about 6%. Since the government is requiring insurance companies to cover more and more, someone has to pay and it is those purchasing the insurance. We have a grandfathered in plan, if we decide we want OR are required to take a new plan, our premiums will increase, yes INCREASE $20-25%. No, this healthcare "Fix" is not a fix, it is been made to look good, but there are huge issues. It will go before the courts next week, and personally, even in our situation, I do not support it.

It was designed to give some great benefits right away, like allowing children to stay on their parent's health plan until 26 years, which we have benefited from. Also the insurance companies can not deny children with preexisting conditions any longer. So the insurance companies changed their policies and most no longer will insure just a child alone. I went through this helping my DIL get insurance for her baby. Their state offers one plan, available ONE time a year, and is a major medical. After deductibles of like $2,500, they will start to help with costs. So even though she was covered by her employer at $180 a month, to add her daughter would cost over $600 a month. She took out another policy for herself so she could add her daughter, BUT she had to stay on her other coverage, because there are NO policies that cover maternity when purchasing them personally. These are just 2 examples, there are many more.

This was a 2,700 page document and most of those voting for it, did not even know what was contained in it. THAT is not a good plan. After it passed, it was up to the government agency to "define" all the terms that were used in the bill. Like "preexisting condition" and "preventative health services" etc etc.

It is 2 years before any help is available with premium costs, 4 years from the passage of the program. Our children already receive health insurance until age 19 through the state due to our income, but since we are self-employed, we are responsible to purchase our own insurance.

The estimated costs of the healthcare bill have doubled, and our government does not have the money to cover it. We are already have a deficit of over $14 trillion dollars. No, we need a fix, but this is not one. This is a nightmare, really. It is a total mess and will destroy our country. IMHO.
Ok, off MY soapbox

Ronni Yes, we have tried it ALL. We have a friend who actually gets food from a man who gets the day old stuff from a local grocery. She takes what she wants and gives us the rest, but is is not consistent..we do not starve, some times I just feel frustrated and angry about our situation, but it could be very much worse, so I am grateful the Lord has provided so much for us. He has reminded me provision is not always more money. He is right of course
That must be rough to have to make such a decision about your Dad. Tough day for you, I'm sure

NELLY & RONNI ~ ya, thanks for sharing more details of the new reforms -- this is common when such a huge program is being created, esp at the beginning. We are decades ahead of you and have had a long time to iron out the kinks. We still have issues becuz all costs keep rising, but we should never "throw the baby out with the bath water" so2speak. The health bill is still a good idea: but it will take them some time to refine the program and improve it, so hang in there ...

And as for the ways of your political system; I'm sure all of those wars over that last decade contributed hugely to your national debt. I felt sorry for Obama (or anyone who had to come into office and try to fix that big mess); and it will be up to future politicians to try to whittle away at those problems and huge debts. All countries have debt, but your country has some work to do for sure.

During hard times, governments often spend more $$$ to try to keep the economy flowing and make sure no-one starves; but when things start to roll again, they can start paying that off. It is always better to do something, than nothing. Plus, if people get the medical care and education they need, then they will be able to work and pay more taxes, so in the long run -- it is better to do this now (even if it hurts for awhile). Things like this take time: but future generations will be very grateful that all this reform took place, trust me ...

We've been through tough times; our country has too. As I've mentioned here before, we experienced a horrific recession in the 80's & 90's that rivaled the great depression -- but we pulled through, and so will your country. We pray for your country all the time; and I agree with RONNIE's sentiments about why this is all happening.

There are some huge spiritual lessons going on here too. We have to get our priorities right: people matter! Lives matter! Greed is a sin! People need to understand that GOD hears his people crying; He sees them suffering and dying, and it does not please Him. He has blessed your nation, but then what happened -- the people were forgotten. The government forgot they are elected to help & serve the people, not themselves. Words from your constitution are ringing in my ears -- for the people, by the people, of the people ... and so on.

When people can't afford to eat, or are homeless, or can't get health care, or an education that they need & deserve as a citizen of a rich & powerful nation, then something is amiss -- reforms are needed, and the people need to demand them and help them get it right!!!

And today, GOD impressed something upon me -- Jesus said that he will never foresake us, but also warned us that we would have tribulations in this life. GOD didn't promise us all six-figure incomes & mansions here. Now all this reform is probably answer to the prayers of many of GOD's children, so they could use some support & encouragement.

What GOD wants from us is this -- FAITHFULNESS ... that's all He wants; in good times, and bad. Things will get better, but He has to work through people and governments, and you know that can sometimes be a bit slow.

So, in the meantime, we must pray and help each other the best we can. I love RONNIE's idea about bartering skills & talents for food, etc. We did that too. WE made it through, and we didn't starve; GOD always provides a way. WE have to keep things in perspective -- poor compared to what or to whom? Compared to people in Ethiopia? or Bangledesh? Or just compared to John Smith down the street?

We were blessed; and even during the hard times, which wasn't always fun, I never thought or felt that GOD had abandoned us. People may have; friends or family may have; employers may have; our country may have; but GOD didn't! HE was faithful; HE gave us hope; and HE carried us through those times ... right up to today. And since then, our people and our government have made huge strides to make things better for all of us; and I am truly grateful for that!

Perfection? We must be realistic. We must look at the many blessings we have now; and continue to work hard to fix the things that need fixin' -- and support those who are "trying to make a difference". OK, now it's my time to get off the again ...

to you RONNI ~ I understand this is a hard day/time for you all ...

Obama-care...

just say NO!

Well, we've had beautiful weather here since last week-end -- temps up to 81 F yesterday and lots of . We had a storm in the night with a bit of hail, and the temps are slowly cooling down but still in the 60's today. We've had the furnace off all week too. Hey, we don't mind ...

Eating has been good; finding ways to stave off cravings with fresh fruit and tea. Upped my breakfast and that has helped a bit too. I had fitful sleep last night, so spent the time praying for people and eventually dozed off. DH was off early this AM -- he was asked to clean up our local golf course, so he'll be gone til lunch. OOPS -- correction, they had already cleaned it and wanted him to come and get some stuff from them. (DH is a "Scrappy"; that is his little hobby so he doesn't get too bored).

I'll just get my daily chores done; and maybe hang out a bit of laundry while the warm temps last. Now that it is lighter sooner, I am waking up earlier in the morning. Time to go have my breakfast now as my tummy is gnawing at me ...

Have a great day everyone ...

Yep to that EZ

Rosebud you have so many great things to say. I appreciate your encouragement to trust God. I some times just fall apart when the next kid comes to me with a need I can't fill. We don't live very poorly though, and they get lots of great gifts at Christmas from relatives. And to be honest, we have come a long ways from when we first got married and God HAS increased our income and blessed us. He provided us with a larger house when 9 of us were living in 1200 square feet of house.....just the up keep has not been possible, with the costs involved. God has blessed us many times over the years, and it is good to remember. I just get frustrated and down at times because the "hard" keeps going with no end, so after 25 years of struggling financially, I am just short on perseverance right now. but we ARE blessed and have been in many ways.

Just FYI.... "guaranteeing" everyone has health insurance, does not guarantee everyone will get medical care.

1) We are using state health insurance for the kids right now, and finding Drs and dentists who will care for them, is NOT guaranteed. I won't start on this, but it is never discussed, although I have lived it for 25 years and I KNOW not everyone will have a DR to treat them as they hold that insurance card.

2) Having health insurance does not guarantee someone can afford health care. Right now, I have had some heart "stop" feelings at night that comes and goes, and I tried to find answers last summer. We still have bills from that, and I ran out of coverage before I even made an apt for a cardiologist. I can't afford healthcare even WITH insurance. Having a $2,000 deductible, plus $1,000 co-insurance after that per family member, is not helpful in the normal day to day expenses of healthcare. This is the kind of thing that is not talked about either.
When I registered with the hospital to have our last child, they wanted to know how I would pay that deductible. I said "I can't" and "no I can't make $100 a month payments, and no I can't make $50 a month payments." All they could do was have my apply for THEM (the hospital) to write off our bill due to income. This is the HOSPITAL, not the Government, BTW. And we did qualify, but this is just because we have a generous hospital. Not sure I would have gotten care for the baby's birth otherwise.

No, having health insurance does not guarantee anything....it doesn't for me. Although I am treated better when I offer an insurance card. One good thing, I suppose.

Rosebud-you are a very wise woman

Nelly-You will get through this & I agree with you about the lack of healthcare available when you're on a gov't program. My MIL has had many issues of that kind, even to the point that, when she needed implants for dentures (as her gums had receded too far to hold her standard dentures in place), medicaid paid for the implants, but AFTERWARDS, told her they wouldn't pay for the dentures that she needed to go with them. She spent 2 years with only implants and a partial upper denture before they finally gave her an exception. Total ridiculousness! She also had to go to court to force them to allow her to get a medication prescribed by her doctor because all the others she had tried (that were approved) did not work or she was allergic to them. That battle took almost a year, during which she was on no medication for the problem at all. I agree with Rosebud that our country's health care system and insurance industry needs much overhaul, but I don't think our gov't officials have a clue what needs to be done, as they don't live in the REAL WORLD. Prayers always

Got through yesterday and thinking about Dad's situation when he died made me realize that I needed to talk to Mom before she has her surgery to make sure we know all her wishes in case things would turn bad, like with Dad. Also, needed to know where all her paperwork is and what insurances she has and .........So, this is a head's up for everyone else-if you don't know your parent's wishes or if they have a living will or medical power of attorney or even what bills they have to pay, it's time for a talk

Tomorrow, I have to take Mom to Mayo for pre-surg consultations and etc. I'll also be having blood-work done in the further attempt to determine what type of arthritis I have and what should be done about it (if anything). So, it will be a long day. DH had to go to MN today for the funeral of his former plant manager, so we're just traveling all over lately-wish it was for nicer reasons!

You all take care & have a great day!

Yes, NELLY ~ I understand what you are saying -- our government has the only health insurance, and it differs from the way private insurance is run. Our government plan is way superior to the one you have: for instance, 1) there is NO deductable: no-one pays anything up front. 2) births are covered for all 3) everyone has a health card so there is no favortism (or there's not supposed to be; ahem) 4) no hospital or doctor can turn anyone away for any reason 5) only frivolous procedures are excluded i.e. cosmetic surgery (only one WL surgery is covered) 6) basic health care & surgeries are covered for everyone.

BUT, we do have one group that doesn't pay taxes and opted out of care which has caused problems for them and for the doctors (not getting paid) -- our natives don't pay taxes but would go to the doctors with no health card, so now we all have to present our card at the door or you don't get in. I believe they could get a card but I think they have to pay premiums for it (but not sure on that). Our natives didn't want to pay any taxes of any kind and by doing that, they opted out of provincial care & some pensions; which was a grave error IMO. I admit that I really don't know all the details & facts, but hopefully they will get that all worked out too.

Everyone else pays taxes, even the poor (sales & service taxes, land & property taxes, school taxes, business taxes, pst & gst or now hst, plus income taxes, and more); that's why they can receive insurance, pensions, plus rebates & credits, etc. And, our gov keeps the premiums free or low so that everyone can have health care. Your system is too much like the private system, so it has huge holes in it. Hopefully, they will be able to fix that in the future somehow.

BTW, I'm not advocating any party partisanship here -- I don't care what party or leader is in power in any country, just as long as they do what they should for their people ...

RONNI ~ ^PRAYERS^ for you all during these trips and medical tests and procedures too!

I have neighbors who just don't understand why I would pay an insurance premium for health coverage when I could get it for free. These people are on welfare and don't pay a cent and get coverage equal to or better than I can get. I don't qualify for welfare and am grateful to God that I was able to work during my lifetime and do not have to go on welfare. I would not be embarrased to do that if it was necessary so please believe me I am not critisizing those who find it necessary.

I am frustrated right now. Just got a call that we no longer qualify to receive food from the food bank. Since our DD lives with us, we have to include her $400 a month and that puts us over about $135 a month. This organization also helped pay for our electric bill last summer when it was over $400 a month. it was SO HOT we still kept it at 80 in here.

I am angry at my DD cause she had a job interview Tuesday and doesn't even want me to pray that she gets the job. I don't even feel she tried very hard to get it. She can't stand living at home, but isn't willing to go out of her comfort zone to work either. Please pray they still call her. It seems unlikely at this point because they were to have a 2nd interview for the "finalists" and the job is supposed to start April 1st.

auntnelly, praying that your daughter gets a job and that your situation will improve.