I subscribe to three newspapers, one being the Quincy Herald Whig which comes six days a week. I am astounded at the number of obituaries each day. It is very sad. This weeks’ news included the passing of Melvin Wittler. One of his daughters, Donna Harrison, attends Living Faith. I was amazed by the very large family which he left behind. Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers as well as the families of so many others.
On Monday the sun finally came out from behind the clouds so I went to sit on the patio for a few minutes to soak up some sunshine and vitamin D. It did not take long to notice that there was a hole in the side of my house which had not been there before. I have had coons wander the roof in the past and try unsuccessfully to get into the house. I didn’t think this was a coon as the hole was not that large and also because I have taken the coon offenders for a ride in a live trap. I have heard footsteps on the roof not belonging to Santa’s reindeer and have a lot of squirrels in the yard. I decided that it must be a squirrel trying to get into my home. Mentioned this on face book and was surprised by the number of folks who have had the same problem. I know the critter has not gotten inside my home as I hear them on the roof and surely would have heard them in my attic. Anyway that ingrate squirrel, whom I feed ear corn and black oil sunflower seed each day, is not in my warm and fuzzy thoughts!
Went to Macomb on Monday to get my glasses rebent again. By now when I enter the building, they probably know what I need. Can’t believe how rapidly my face healed from the fall. Hope that none of you readers fell on the ice recently.
Pastor Jerry Taylor, who has been pastor of the Plymouth Baptist Church for many years, has moved to Gillette, WY. We will really miss him and his family in Plymouth. The Baptist Church is the largest church in town and Pastor Jerry was also active on the fire department. We wish them all the best in their new home and Pastor Jerry in his new adventure as a hospital chaplain.
A few years ago the Hancock County Shelter Care in Augusta closed and though it was to reopen under a new owner, it never did. A few weeks ago the nursing home in LaHarpe closed without notice. This Tuesday Channel 10 announced that Montebello Nursing Home in Hamilton was also closing. They noted that there were 63 workers employed there and only 31 residents. These are ramifications from COVID-19 that most of us are not even thinking about. We need nursing homes. My mother was in one for six years while she suffered from Alzheimer’s. We have to get this awful disease under control. Not only are we losing many lives, but the economic impact is just staggering. It would seem by now that people would understand that anything we can do to stop the spread of COVID-19 we should do, but that is just not the case.
Our church, Living Faith, opened its doors for services again today. All have to wear masks and social distance. We also take attendance with names and phone numbers in case we have a problem and need to contact those attending services. It was really nice to be back in “church” instead of just watching on line. Several members of our congregation have had COVID-19 and they all reported a loss of smell which is lingering. Though that would not be as serious as lingering heart and lung problems, it is still serious as it would affect ones wish to eat. One person had also had a problem with burning food while cooking and not being aware of it.
Received a nice surprise in the mail this week. One of my former students, Dr. Jeff Nielsen, grows popcorn among many other things. It is a large operation done by family and friends. The box had two large bags of the home grown popcorn, the story of its planting and harvest and the oil needed to cook and flavor it. Cant wait to try it!
I am so lucky. Everyday a gentleman calls me. I never know when he is going to call. I also never know what phone number he is going to use because I block the number each day and he just uses a new one. The conversation never gets any farther than “this is the second attempt to reach you about the factory warranty”. I would think that something could be done about this as I know that many other people are also getting this harassing phone call.
We are all under stress due to COVID-19 and now we also have to worry about the transfer of power of the government. It is just beyond my belief that citizens of our own country are trying to overthrow our government. Just wonder what they think they will do if they succeed. America has never had a “king” and I just don’t think we are ready for that, or for that matter a dictator! I pray that these people will come to there senses and stop this awful attack on our country.
On the positive front, our winter weather has been very mild. Really appreciate that as life is more difficult when the temperature drops to zero and below. My bird feeders are crowded. Easy to keep out fresh water for the critters. Even got to ride my bike once this week. That is great for January.
Please take care of yourself and keep a look out for your neighbors. This could be a lonely time for many of them. Pray for healing for those who are ill and pray for healing for our country. Scatter Kindness.