Back to Work!

I'm WAY behind on this, not sure anyone is reading it anymore but I did intend to get something posted when we returned from Creede. Had a great time, and I'll attach some pictures from that trip. Motorhome was so nice, that really does make traveling (and camping!) much more pleasant. Now we suddenly we find ourselves nearly at the end of summer, with school starting soon or already in session for some. I can't say it was a summer I enjoyed, but on the plus side, at least I hope to be around to enjoy the next one!

Tomorrow is a big day - back to work half time! At least I hope so, had to leave during the service this morning, got hit hard and suddenly with what seems to be the flu. The psalmist, David, wrote in Ps 22 (this is from the Living Bible, vs 14-15) "My strength has drained away like water, all my bones are out of joint. My heart melts like wax, my strength has dried up like sun baked clay..." I bet he had the flu. Add chills to the point of shivering and I could really relate. But I got out my "flu kit" purchased from Clinix last year, some homeopathic remedies and it really does seem to be helping so much - I'll wait until tomorrow and let you know how it works but the one thing I can recommend without hesitation is an OTC by the name of "Oscillococcinum". My friend at work, Sue Saurber, told me about it last winter so I bought enough for all my family and a couple of others besides and the testimonials just from the people I know are pretty amazing. I'm not sure it would be in the miracle drug category, but it sure does seem to help nasty flu symptoms - this is the first time I've had the flu since I learned about it. Problem is, I gave all mine away - fortunately there were 3 tubes of it in the flu kit, thank God for that. I'll be purchasing some more really soon!

Well, dear friends, in case any of you are still checking in on this blog, I have to say I hope with all my heart I won't need to write every day - maybe a once-a-week update will be enough. There are always fun and interesting things (at least to me) that I love to share, so I'll probably keep this up. How can I thank all of you enough for loving and praying me through this, providing support in so many ways far beyond - truly! - what I would ever have dreamed of. I'm not sure I could have made it without that. Thanks to my dear husband who has put up with so much and been my steady rock, to my kids for their time and love and visits, to friends who helped Gary walk this road, to so many who provided meals and household and yard help, to my beautiful Mom for her constant love, prayers, and practical help, to my sisters and brothers for their love and support in SO many ways, to my friends at CH2M HILL and especially John and Monica, to all of you who have held me up with your friendship and prayers. I am so amazingly, incredibly blessed by all of you.

Our minister at the church I used to attend always said at the end of the service, "Go out and make it a good day." I love that - it's a choice each one of us can make each day. I hope we can all go out and make it a good week! And I hope it is one for all of us.

One more verse to leave with you from Ps 9:9-10

"The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you for you, O Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you." I give my thanks to Him as well!

Sent with love,

Val

PS - the album pages didn't display the way I wanted them to so I doubt you can read any of the text or captions. If anyone wants to see the full size pages, let me know and I'll email them separately.