Clarence Jr. fully recovered

In February of last year CJ had a stroke. It resulted in a blood clot on the top of his brain. It sounds greusome, but they peeled back his scalp and cut out the top of his skull like we used to do with pumpkins at Halloween. That enabled them to clean out the clot. They then replaced the top, stapled it firmly and then sewed up the skin. Now look at him! He and Louise are enjoying life in their splendid house in North Fort Myers, Florida. We were so pleased to see them once again.

Vctoria's progress

Clarence and Louise report that Victoria is still in ICU but is much improved.

Praise God for that.

Victoria Jacobs

VICTORIA JACOBS HOSPITALIZED AS A RESULT OF THE TEXAS BUS ACCIDENT.

You may have been seeing or reading reports of the bus accident in Texas that killed 17 people. One of the survivors who ended up in the hospital is Victoria, Clarence and Louise's daughter-in-law. Her husband, John, is presumably with her at the hospital now. Victoria was joining others who were travelling to a worship event.

We trust that she will get well.

Sandra's progress against cancer

Today, August 12, is Sandra's birthday - 71 years old.

Our birthday chat by phone was awesome. As some of you know, her body was weakened by cancer which had metastasized - so she was down to 110 pounds and slipping. It was unfortunate that it took the medical people so long to diagnose her so it was advanced.

She and her family conferred and decided to enter a regime of chemotherapy. I am not sure of the exact dates but as I recall, she began her treatments about two months ago. She has gone through three of the series and experienced only minor symptoms and did not lose her hair!

So last week they did the first test and found that the two larger lumps are showing definite signs of diminishing. Sandra was delighted with the results of that test and is now eager to get on with the rest of the treatment. I think she is somewhere in the middle.

As you know, Sandra is a firm believer in prayer and in the love of the Lord. Your prayers on her behalf in the past are much appreciated and she asks for ongoing prayer for the weeks ahead.

By the way, instead of losing weight in the therapy, she has gained 10 pounds!

Her email address is smc2008@comcast.net

Here is a picture of Lisa and one of her Nubian goats. This article featuring Tourmaline Hill Farm appeared in Oxford Hills Magazine 2008 - 2009 issue. Good going, Lisa!

Dan, Lisa and Elizabeth in Maine

Anna Ruth and I had the rare privilege of visiting Dan, Lisa and Elizabeth on their 2o+ acre farm in Maine on Monday, June 9, 2008. Dan is the oldest child of Sandra McLeod, Willard and Dolly's daughter. They have a beautiful daughter, Elizabeth. It was discovered early on that Elizabeth could not tolerate cow's milk so that got them interested in goats which produce milk just right for Elizabeth. This led them to Maine where they now have a wooded plot with plenty of room to raise animals. They now have over 30 goats, half or more that are being milked. They are both Nubian and La Mancha goats.

Dan does the building and maintenance work around the place, in addition to his regular work as a prison warden. Lisa focuses her attention on the goats! For a while she packed her cheese, some natural, some with ingredients like fruit, in plastic bowls. She continues to do this some but a wholesaler has agreed to purchase about 50 pounds each week so Lisa does not need to attend stand at the market. People come to their place for local purchases.

Their farm has chickens, ducks, pigs, horses as well.

Dan and Lisa are true "nature" people. They could pretty much exist on their place. This gives them satisfaction and delight.

They are marvelous hosts. The next time you are in Maine, do pay them a visit and buy a bit of their marvelous cheese. For lunch, by the way, they served us at least five different cheese flavors - with crackers. Anna Ruth said she did not know when to stop. Deeelicious.

Have a little tour of their place,
Click to have a look around

Sandra's diagnosis

We know that many of you are praying for Sandra. The report has come back that the cancer did begin in her bladder but has now metastasized. Level 4. She will travel to the Moffat Hospital in Tampa on Tuesday, May 27, at which time she and the family will need to determine what course of action to take. When we get word we will let you know.

In the meanwhile keep Sandra and her loving family in your prayers.

Sandra's phone is 941 627 3232

Her address is P. O. Box 495718
Port Charlotte, Florida
33949