Thursday, November 30, 2006

Christmas

          

Christmas cards

The custom of sending Christmas cards started in Britain in 1840 when the first 'Penny Post' public postal deliveries began. (Helped by the new railway system, the public postal service was the 19th century's communication revolution, just as email is for us today.) As printing methods improved, Christmas cards were produced in large numbers from about 1860. They became even more popular in Britain when a card could be posted in an unsealed envelope for one half-penny - half the price of an ordinary letter.

Traditionally, Christmas cards showed religious pictures - Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus, or other parts of the Christmas story. Today, pictures are often jokes, winter pictures, Father Christmas, or romantic scenes of life in past times.

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

From Pat

        
"A SEASON OF ILLNESS"
There are some who must endure
that which others feel is not endurable.
Your illness and your pain is clearly difficult.
Illness can bring forth feelings
of hopelessness and anger.
It can rack your soul with grief,
but to walk steadfast through the pain,
to feel all the emotions that surface,
and to hold a burning candle in the mind's eye
a candle of faith, the ability of the body to heal
or the acceptance that it may not,  
this is courage of the truest form.
You are a courageous warrior,
and you are loved.
Rebecca J. LePage
 

From Kathy

5 Life Lessons
1 - First Important Lesson - Cleaning Lady.

During my second month of college, our professor
gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student
and had breezed through the questions until I read
the last one:

"What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?"
Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the
cleaning woman several times. She was tall,
dark-haired and in her 50s, but how would I know her name?

I handed in my paper, leaving the last question
blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if
the last question would count toward our quiz grade.

"Absolutely," said the professor. "In your careers,
you will meet many people. All are significant. They
deserve your attention and care, even if all you do
is smile and say "hello."

I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her
name was Dorothy.



2. - Second Important Lesson - Pickup in the Rain

One night, at 11:30 P.M., an older African American
woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway
trying to endure a lashing rainstorm. Her car had
broken down and she desperately needed a ride.
Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car.
A young white man stopped to help her, generally
unheard of in those conflict-filled 1960s. The man
took her to safety, helped her get assistance and
put her into a taxicab.

She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his
address and thanked him. Seven days went by and a
knock came on the man's door. To his surprise, a
giant console color TV was delivered to his home. A
special note was attached..

It read:
"Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway
the other night. The rain drenched not only my
clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along.
Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying
husband's bedside just before he passed away.. God
bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving
others."

Sincerely,
Mrs. Nat King Cole.




3 - Third Important Lesson - Always remember those
who serve.



In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less,
a 10-year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and
sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in
front of him.

"How much is an ice cream sundae?" he asked.

"Fifty cents," replied the waitress.

The little boy pulled is hand out of his pocket and
studied the coins in it.

"Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?" he inquired.

By now more people were waiting for a table and the

waitress was growing impatient.

"Thirty-five cents," she brusquely replied.

The little boy again counted his coins.

"I'll have the plain ice cream," he said.

The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on
the table and walked away. The boy finished the ice
cream, paid the cashier and left. When the waitress
came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the
table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish,
were two nickels and five pennies..

You see, he couldn't have the sundae, because he had
to have enough left to leave her a tip.




4 - Fourth Important Lesson - The obstacle in Our Path.


In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a
roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if
anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the
king's wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by
and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the
King for not keeping the roads clear, but none did
anything about getting the stone out of the way.

Then a peasant came along carrying a load of
vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the
peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the
stone to the side of the road. After much pushing
and straining, he finally succeeded. After the
peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed
a purse lying in the road where the boulder had
been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note
from the King indicating that the gold was for the
person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The
peasant learned what many of us never understand!

Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve
our condition.




5 - Fifth Important Lesson - Giving When it Counts...


Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a
hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who
was suffering from a rare & serious disease. Her only
chance of recovery appeared to be a blood
transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had
miraculously survived the same disease and had
developed the antibodies needed to combat the
illness. The doctor explained the situation to her
little brother, and asked the little boy if he would
be willing to give his blood to his sister.

I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a
deep breath and saying, "Yes I'll do it if it will
save her." As the transfusion progressed, he lay in
bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did,
seeing the color returning to her cheek. Then his
face grew pale and his smile faded.

He looked up at the doctor and asked with a
trembling voice, "Will I startto die right away".

Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the
doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his
sister all of his blood in order to save her


Cliff Hodnett
In God We Trust

Onestrangecat@aol.com

From Kathy

      
 
 

Hey You Two

        

I will be giving J-Land news soon. But I decided to give you a Christmas where you are. Nothing like Christmas to brighten any mood! So enjoy my friends. Nothing but good and happy things!

Take Santa's Quiz!

Christmas

   

Christmas In Norway

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

From Barb

         
 
Inspirational and Christian MESSAGES -- Echoes Of Kind Words.

Dear John & Krissy,

My prayers are with you - my love too. I wish so much I were able to help more, but know that prayers are the greatest of all gifts, for if prayed sincerely, deeply, from the heart, God will honor our faith. He is so trustworthy - so eager to steady us through the darkest - most painful moments of our lives. You are both an inspiration to me, and I know, to many others.

(((((HUGS)))) to both of you.
Barb

From Pat

 The Four Candles burned slowly. Their ambiance was so soft you could hear them speak. 
  The first candle said, "I am Peace, but these days, nobody wants to keep me lit." Then Peace's flame slowly diminishes and goes out completely. 
  The second candle says, "I am Faith, but these days, I am no longer indispensable."  Then Faith's flame slowly diminishes and goes out completely. 
  Sadly, the third candle spoke, "I am Love and I haven't the strength to stay lit any longer." "People put me aside and don't understand my importance. They even forget to love those who are nearest to them." And waiting no longer, Love goes out completely. 
  Suddenly . . . A child enters the room and sees the three candles no longer burning. 
  The child begins to cry, "Why are you not burning? You are supposed to stay lit until the end." 
  Then the Fourth Candle spoke gently to the little boy, "Don't be afraid, for I Am Hope, and while I still burn, we can re-light the other candles." 
  With Shining eyes the child took the Candle of Hope and lit the other three candles. 
  Never let the Flame of Hope go out of your life.  With Hope,  no matter how bad things look and are, Peace, Faith and Love can shine brightly in our lives. Don't let these candles go out in your life!
 

From Barb

      
 

From Deb (Sassy)

Dear (((((((((((((((John and Krissy)))))))))))))))~although not Christmasy I thought you might like this one! Praying for you both daily~Love, Deb


This is sweet....something we should all remember.
A 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud man, who is fully dressed
each morning by eight o'clock, with his hair fashionably coifed and
shaved
perfectly, even though he is legally blind, moved to a nursing home
today.
His wife of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary.
After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing
home, he
smiled sweetly when told his room was ready



As he maneuvered his walker to the elevator, I provided a visual
description of his tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been
hung on his window.


"I love it," he stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having
just been presented with a new puppy.



"Mr. Jones, you haven't seen the


room; just wait."

"That doesn't have anything to do with it," he replied.


"Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my
room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged ... it's
how I
arrange my mind. I already decided to love it. "It's a decision I make
every morning when I wake up. I have a choice; I can spend the day in
bed
recounting the difficul ty I have with the parts of my body that no
longer
work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do.

Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open, I'll focus on the
new day
and all the happy memories I've stored away. Just for t his time in my
life.

Old age is like a bank account. You withdraw from what you've put in.

So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank
account of memories! Thank you for your part in filling my


Memory
bank. I
am still depositing." Remember the five simple rules to be happy:

1. Free your heart from hatred.
2. Free your mind from worries.
3. Live simply.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less.


SassyDee50@aol.com

From Lori

      
Father Bless them heal them and give them wisdom along with the drs and healing like only you can AMEN
 

Christmas

A Christmas Story

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

J-Land News

John & Krissy are home. She will update when she has time. I don't know yet if she wants to close the Gazette for now. Will let you know. Thank you all and keep that blood count climbing! John is just thrilled!

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Monday, November 20, 2006

From Kathy

Just the other day, a young man named John received a parrot as a gift.
 
The parrot had a bad  attitude and an even worse vocabulary.
 
Every word out of the bird's mouth was rude, obnoxious and laced with profanity.
 
John tried and tried to change the bird's attitude by consistently saying only polite words, playing soft music and anything else he could think of to "clean up" the bird's vocabulary.
 
Finally, John was fed up and he yelled at the parrot. The parrot yelled back.
 
John shook the parrot and the parrot got angrier and even ruder.
 
John, in desperation, threw up his hands, grabbed the bird and put him in the freezer.
 
For a few minutes the parrot squawked and kicked and screamed.
 
Then suddenly there was total quiet.
 
Not a peep was heard for over a minute.
 
Fearing that he'd hurt the parrot, John quickly opened the door to the freezer.
 
The parrot calmly stepped out onto John's outstretched arms and said "I believe I may have offended you with my rude language and actions. I'm sincerely remorseful for my inappropriate transgressions and I fully intend to do everything I can to correct my rude and unforgivable behavior."
 
John was stunned at the change in the bird's attitude.
 
As he was about to ask the parrot what had made such a dramatic change in his behavior, the bird continued,
 
"May I ask what the turkey did?"
 
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
 

From Pat

~~FRIENDS WITHOUT FACES~~
 
We sit and we type, and we stare at our screens
We all have to wonder, what this possibly means.
 
With our mouse we roam, through the rooms in a maze
Looking for something or someone, as we sit in a daze.
 
We chat with each other, we type all our woes
Small groups we do form, and gang up on our foes.
 
We wait for somebody, to type out our name
We want recognition, but it is always the same.
 
We give kisses and hugs, and sometimes flirt
In the rooms we chat deeply, and reveal why we hurt.
 
We do form friendships - but - why we don't know
But some of these friendships, will flourish and grow.
 
Why is it on screen, we can be so bold
Telling our secrets, that have never been told.
 
Why is it we share, the thoughts in our mind
With those we can't see, as though we were blind.
 
The answer is simple, it is as clear as a bell.
We all have our problems, and need someone to tell.
 
We can't tell real people, but tell someone we must
So we turn to the 'puter, and to those we can trust.
 
Even though it is crazy, the truth still remains
They are Friends Without Faces, and odd little names.
 
 

From Barb

 

Dear Krissy & John

I came across this and just had to send it to you. It is from one of my favorite sites. I'll include the link at end of email. Love you and am praying for you...always.

Today's Inspiration

  If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it.

If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it.

He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning.

Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen.

He could live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart.

What about the Christmas gift He sent you in Bethlehem;
      not to mention that Friday at Calvary.

Face it, He's crazy about you.

God answers Knee-Mail!


http://www.appleseeds.org/monthly.htm

 

Barbpinion@aol.com

From Pat

 
I put out a call to unseen friends who are owners of cocker spaniels and also of former HOST and LDRS from WMN that I worked with.  The email went out yesterday and in today's email I received these notices of blood donations in honor of John:
I have a friend in CA who is giving the day after Thanksgiving. My ex is giving blood on Dec. 5th.  I am giving blood on Dec. 2
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Pat, my DH gives blood regularly at our Red Cross center here in Spartanburg, SC.  I told him about your friends DH, John, and he said he would be going again soon to give again and this time it would be for John.  Please let his wife know so that she can tell him.  Prayers are also coming his way from our home in SC.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 

J-Land News Again!

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Sunday, November 19, 2006

J-Land News

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News

* Website: The Alternative Medicine Homepage

* Soy yogurt could help control diabetes

* Most kids not getting two doses of flu vaccine

* Breast Cancer Responds to Shorter-Course Radiation

* BBC: HIV Patients Live Years After Diagnosis

* Rheumatoid Arthritis Meds Won't Up Most Cancer Risk

* Stem cell cure hope for diabetes

* SIDS Infants Show Abnormalities In Brain Area Controlling Breathing, Heart Rate

* Good carbs, good fats best for reducing heart risk

* Anxiety Sensitivity Linked To Future Psychological Disorders

* Prostate Cancer: With PSA, It's Not How Much But How Fast

* British scientists build a model gut

From Cathy

    
Hi Krissy, Hi John:
 
We're all thinking of you both, praying and scrambling to help all we can, because you're special and unique and just deserve a bunch of crazy angels like Tammy, Deb, all of them!
 
I've been talking to Val, we share the greatest emails.  We don't use names anymore, just "sis" lol isn't that sweet?  Hey, about that quiz you had, that Val put in her Journal - let me tell you about escargot, which I never tasted, but LOVE the sound of the word!  Remember when Ford came out with the "S" Series of lemons?  Every time I'd get behind one I'd yell, "S-CAR, GO!" and laugh all the way lol also, I say CATS rule, if only because they think they do!
 
Stay strong - we love you!  Cathy
 

From Barb

Great Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charles Spurgeon

    "A little faith will bring your soul to heaven; a great faith will bring heaven to your soul."

                                    Dear  Krissy & John,
                                  
I read this somewhere; remembered the words, just not the
source. 
        
                                   I WISH FOR YOU

Comfort on difficult days,

Smiles when sadness intrudes,

Rainbows to follow the clouds,

Laughter to kiss your lips,

Sunsets to warm your heart

Gentle hugs when spirits sag,

Friendships to brighten your being,

Beauty for your eyes to see,

Confidence for when you doubt,

Faith so that you can believe,

Courage to know yourself,

Patience to accept the truth,

And love to complete your life.

God Bless you!

~ Source Unknown ~

  A Quote from ..... Charles Spurgeon

    "A little faith will bring your soul to heaven; a great faith will bring heaven to your soul."

Barbpinion@aol.com

From Angela

 
Dear Krissy and John,
 
May Mary stay with you and hold you both close, as only a mother could. Just click on the link and know she's there with you both.
 
Love,
Angela
 

From Pat

John and Krissy, you are both in my thoughts and prayers.  You know how to get in touch with me.  If you need a laugh go to Ship's Log.  God be with you.
 

Saturday, November 18, 2006

From Lori

Father Bless them give them peace provide healing and comfort AMEN

My78NovaTa@aol.com

From Barb

     
Dearest Krissy,

I have little to give you, honey, from myself, but everything...when it comes to what is needed, which is prayer.
Please know you and John are in mine, and I know, in the prayers of others who know and love you both.

You have both been so very strong and courageous, something that is not easy when faced with what you've been forced to face. But God is where you both are. He it is who will continue to rock your hearts to peace. He it is who will continue to give you the courage and needed strength for each moment as they come. He it is who will keep you full and satisfied. Always! Not just when things are bad, but when they are good too.
The GOD of the good times, is the GOD of the bad times. Isn't that awesome, Krissy?

Hug John for me, and yourself too, even if it sounds silly. It pains me that I am so far from you, for were it possible I'd be with you, helping any way I could.

You stay strong, but know in your weak moments, God will be there for you, and all of us who love you both so much.

Much love, honey,
Barb
 

From Merry

      
For John and Krissy,  Hi my friends,
I hope this brings a smile to your faces.  I am sorry you are in Hershey again.  I pray that you are doing as well as possible and that somehow your hearts feel the strength of all of our prayers being sent your way.  Prayers and Hope sometimes that's all we have.  Oh, that and friends.  A person who has no friend, I believe has nothing.  You both have all of us rooting for you and cheering you on!  "Go John!"  "Hang on, Krissy!"  "You can do together what neither of you could do alone."  You can love each other and no one can ever take that away from you.  I send you my prayers, hugs and my love.
Merry  (Mason City, IA)
 

From Kathy

PREGNANT TURKEY STORY  
 
      
One year at Thanksgiving, my Mom went to my sister's house for the traditional feast.
Knowing how gullible my sister is my Mom decided to play a trick. She told my sister that she needed   something from the store.
When my sister left, my Mom took the turkey out of the oven, removed the stuffing, stuffed a Cornish hen, and inserted it
into the turkey, and re-stuffed the turkey. She then placed the bird(s) back in the oven.
When it was time for dinner, my sister pulled the turkey out of the oven and proceeded to remove the stuffing. When her serving spoon hit something, she reached in and pulled out the little bird. 
With a look of total shock on her face, my mother exclaimed, "Patricia, you've cooked a pregnant bird!" At the reality of this horrifying news, my sister started to cry.  
It took the family two hours to convince her that turkeys lay eggs
 

To John & Krissy

Hello you two. This is the month of Thanksgiving. You two have given this year more meaning to this special holiday. You have reminded us all of the things we truly have to be thankful for. From the important life changing events, to the smallest overlooked things we so often take for granted. You have also done something else.

You took people from all over the world and brought them together, whether they knew it or not, and had them give. Blood, prayers and hope to you and so many others. You two are true heroes. Because of what you are going through, you managed and are continuing to save many many lives. All the units of blood given, because of you.

I hope with all my heart that you are home for Thanksgiving. But if it's not meant to be, know this, there will be many heads bowed in prayer for family, friends...you. You two are together. And hundreds around the world are with you.

God bless you Krissy and John. I am thankful...and better for knowing you.

 

Friday, November 10, 2006

From Kathy

How come when you mix water and flour together you get glue..
and then you add eggs and sugar... and you get cake?
Where did the glue go?
NEED AN ANSWER?
You know darned well where it went!
That's what makes the cake...
Stick to your BUTT

J-Land News Friday

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For John

Thursday, November 9, 2006

Hey John!

Have you noticed the Blood tally? That is no typo friend. That is people saving lives and granting your wish. You hang in there friend. You have people all over the world with you!

Joke

During the "rush hour" at Houston's Hobby Airport, my flight was delayed due to a mechanical problem. Since they needed the gate for another flight, the aircraft was backed away from the gate while the maintenance crew worked on it. We were then told the new gate number, which was some distance away. Everyone moved to the new gate, only to find that a third gate had been designated for us.   After some further shuffling, everyone got on board, and as we were settling in, the flight attendant made the standard announcement, "We apologize for the inconvenience of this last-minute gate change. This flight is going to Washington, D.C. If your destination is not Washington, D.C., then you should 'deplane' at this time." A very confused-looking and red-faced pilot emerged from the cockpit, carrying his bags. "Sorry," he said, "wrong plane."

J-Land News Thursday

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For John

For John

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Tuesday, November 7, 2006

Joke


An airline stewardess was giving the standard safety briefing to the passengers. She had just finished saying 'In the event of a water landing, your seat cushion may be used as a flotation device,' when a man remarked, "Hey! If the plane can't fly, why should I believe the seat can float?"

J-Land News

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For John

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From Kathy   Onestrangecat@aol.com

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From Lisa

     
Rainbows appear after mighty storms,
when things look their very worst.
Just when the skies are darkest gray,
look for the rainbow first.
The rainbow is a sign of God's promise,
that He will guide us through any storm.
That He will see us through all our troubles,
no matter what their form.
When you feel battered by life's storms,
and you are filled with doubt and dismay;
just remember God's rainbow is coming,
it's only a prayer away.

||Author Unknown||
 

From Lisa

Click Me

 

Seraphoflove9001@aol.com

From Cathy

 
Hi John, hi Krissy!!
 
Been awhile, I've been up to so many things.  I try to keep up-to-date on JLand and what's happening to people and especially you two, but haven't really been commenting as much as I used to.  I was awarded this position of mentorship to this young forensics student, she wants to study cellular biology which I went through years ago in college.  Funny how you think when you're disabled a bit that, well, now I have these limitations, better get used to living with them.  Now I've learned how much better to focus on what I can still do.  My brain is working and there's so much life has taught me, why not pass on things others can use?  Actually I feel rather complimented about the whole thing lol of course!
 
So how's life treating you both?  Isn't this cold weather amazing, how fast it came on us?  And it's dark now by 4:30 pm, yeah it's definitely not summer anymore lol.  How do you feel about the changes to our Journals, I'm not sure myself because it seems a few glitches were noted.  But it's odd how AOL constantly adjusts things, always moving things around, updating or just disposing of other things.  They cut my bill almost in HALF by the way, isn't that a nice way to keep a customer?  What a world!
 
Just wanted to stop by and give you both a (((((HUG)))) you know you're always in my prayers, always.
 
                                Your lately absentee pal, Cathy  

Monday, November 6, 2006

For All Readers

Everyone keep check on the comment sections. Krissy writes there when she is able. I thought I would bring this out to the front to make sure all of you will see this and know that, everyone of you are helping! Keep it up!

Oh, what a big smile I had when I opened The Gazette and found you all here!  What a joy it brought to my heart!  How cheered I am!  I will read messages to John!  He will be very excited also.  You all bring joy to my heart and a smile to my heart.  I love you all, and I love you Tammy!  Today was hard.  When I left the hospital tonight, I actually felt down and momentarily wondered if I would make it.  I had to come back to Hope Lodge and make phone calls and do some things.  I wondered, how will I go on?  But thought, I must, this too will pass.  Then I thought, no it won't, then I thought, yes it will, it always does!  Now I feel a lot better, and no that yes, the blahs will pass and I can go on.  With some help from friends, from God, and with hope in the future, all will be fine.  I love you guys!  John loves you guys!  Krissy :)

From Penny

hellofr.jpg

Hi Guys,
 
Please know that J-Land loves and supports you.  I am very happy that the Gazette is open again.  You are always in my prayers. I've sent the little bunny to tell you that you are my friends.  Couldn't add an "s" but you and John know I mean.  Much love and prayers, Penny
 

"He called to Him a little child, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye turn, and become as little children, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven."-- Matt 18:2-3

Firestormkids04@aol.com

J-Land News

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From Merry

Dear Friends (John and Krissy),
 
I wish I could see you, or at least talk to you.  I am sorry for both of you that you have to be in this situation.  I am sending you love, and hope and hugs and most importantly prayers.  God is with you.
Love,
Merry
If Friendship is a plant we must water, then please KNOW I have watered the friendship plant here in Mason City.
 
"What I am is what I have to give.  Quite simply, I must remember that's enough."  ~Anne Wilson Shaef~
 
merry1621@aol.com

Hello You Two!

The Gazette is now open. It will stay open until no longer needed. Check back when you can and I will spread the word. You both are in my prayers. John, you are a wonderul and strong man. You will get through this. You have so many people praying that it can't be counted. You and Krissy will get through this. Stay strong my friend.