2266 Days since retiring July 1, 2005!

"Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?”
For it is not wise to ask such questions."

from Ecclesiastes 7:10

Before I unexpectedly dropped out of sight I had intended to report seeing a fire fly. I don’t remember the previous time that I had seen one in Houston. In an odd coincidence Brian Basset drew a cartoon strip about fireflies that said more than I ever could. They powerfully evoke memories of long ago and a gentler time.

But then a dark wave crested over me and dropped me into a deep trough of ennui. For weeks I did little other than sleep and wake just enough to feed orange kitty and the fish and me. I could not discover a cause. In fact, I thought I was better since my blood pressure on 8/11/2011 had dropped to what my cardiologist said was a good level, ie less than 120 systolic. But then my blood pressure device began to report irregular heartbeats. I continued my normal dosages. Then about 9/4/2011 my blood pressure returned to my normal level and I began to feed full of energy again. I am still not back to where I would like to be but am progressing.

While all that was overwhelming me I became aware that I was sneezing furiously during the morning blood pressure measurements. Eventually I discovered I was sneezing after I took my allergy pill. I take 6 pills each morning so discovering the cause lead to design an experiment. I broke the 6 pills into sets of three. I would take a set and wait 7 minutes. To separate the effects I rotated the memberships. None of the other pills I take each morning caused such a sneezing fit. I now take am Allerclear (Costco brand of Claratin) after measuring my blood pressure.

I will resume regular updates.

9/13: Loving God, make us aware that in all circumstances your hand will guide us and you will provide the strength we need to face each day. Amen. 9/14: Loving God, thank you for continuing your work in us. Help us as we seek to know you and to do your will. Amen. The prayers are from the Upper Room. For your own free E-Mail Devotional visit : http://upperroom.org/devotional/email/

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STUFFED PEPPERS

Ingredients
1 package (22 ounces) frozen mashed potatoes
2 cups whole milk
2 tablespoons butter
1 envelope ranch salad dressing mix
Pepper to taste
4 medium green or red sweet peppers
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese

Directions
Prepare potatoes with milk and butter according to package directions. Stir in dressing mix and season with pepper; set aside. Cut peppers in half lengthwise; do not remove the tops. Remove stems and seeds. Place in an ungreased microwave-safe 13-in. x 9-in. dish. Cover and microwave on high for 5 minutes. Spoon potatoes into pepper halves. Cover and microwave on high for 3-4 minutes or until peppers are tender. Sprinkle with cheese and paprika.
Yield: 8 servings.

”To be good is noble; but to show others how to be good is nobler and no trouble.”
Mark Twain

SGGP