And where did August go?  I have been pretty much a "shut in" since late July. The last time I was at church (July 20th) it was extremely painful to sit in the pew, standing, walking out, etc. I have had various and sundry treatments for my back/side pain; I finally had an MRI a couple of weeks ago, and I have an appointment with a pain specialist in a couple of days. I really wasn't sure just what to post, but hopefully I'll know something by the end of this week.

Meanwhile, I have kept pretty busy even while spending most of my time working from bed or an easy chair. I have been working diligently on a schedule/calendar of appointments for a dear friend from India who will be visiting with us from September 18th through 23rd. I have also been plotting and planning a surprise for my mom. Her 90th birthday is on September 18, and we are having a family birthday which she knows about -- this will also give my sister - Kailas -from India an opportunity to see our adult children and grandchildren (for the first time to see our younger son, his wife, & kiddos -- last time she saw him ... he was in high school).       

As for the surprise(s)? I am asking Mom's friends to "shower" her with birthday cards...and I am hosting an open house at our home for Mom's birthday, so that some of the family and friends can visit with her in person and enjoy some of her cakes & ice cream with her. Her favorite cake is Texas cake, which we definitely will have! I'm also having a sheet cake made for her that will be decorated to show some of her important life events.

I haven't been to my group Bible study, but have continued with the study here at home, as well as my own personal Bible studies. Mom has been able to continue going, thanks to one of our friends picking her up each week. I have typed up and sent out via email, the prayer requests that the ladies submit in writing each week, so that has allowed me to be able to still contribute some.  Also each week I read the printed material and type out the study questions to email to Mom.

I have continued to post some things to Facebook, and I haven't taken as many pictures. I am going to try to blog again some anyway. I have enough newsy things that I may try an every few days approach with some of the news spread out.

I know that until Mom's surprise open house is over, and also until Kailas leaves us to go back to India I will be pretty busy! I definitely will have some more stories and pictures to post then!  Here are some pictures that I can share with those of you who do not "do" Facebook: (#1&2) Even though I haven't been able to water my gardens, God has sent us lots of rain (as well as the sunshine) -- & my flowers I planted are blooming beautifully, and the few vegetables I planted are starting to produce as well. Picture #3: With my being able to do less, Mom has been pushing her limits more, and has found that she is able to do more than before. Here she is one day when I found out she'd gone outside to the porch, down the stairs, and out for a short walk to the driveway (& since... even a little bit down the sidewalk in front of the house). So there have been (as there always are) things that have worked out well (because/or in spite of) as a result of my time of being less able to do things!  

There are other pictures and news to share, but I'll wait until the next post and come over for a little visit to see what you all have been up to the past month- plus.  I'm pretty tired now, but I'll be visiting you starting Wed.