Sat. 5/23/26, Gave the sod a good soaking, checked on my fish and fed them, went to Menards and Aldi, went to Panera and then Vikki’s to watch Rehvyn, Vikki, Rehvyn and Peyton came over to bring my phone, worked on covering my fish pond with wire

Me and Rehvyn at Vikki’s

Peyton and Rehvyn at my house.  I told Peyton I wanted to take her picture and Rehvyn jumped right in front of her and smiled.  

He did the same thing when I wanted to take a picture of Vikki

I went out to feed Kit Kat, and she had a partly eaten Vole on the mat.  She wanted to show us she was a good Kitty.  I told her so when I saw it and told her to catch more.  Bill can’t take care of it for me right now, so I had to do the yucky job.  So happy to have a Vole gone though, it was worth it.  It was raining lightly out, but the sod looked so dry that I hosed it down good even with the rain.  I checked on my fish and the water level was still the same.  I looked out a few times last night to see if I could see anything out there, but didn’t.  Bill and I read our Bibles.  We did our devotion/prayer book too.  I finished my yearly reading Chronologically.  The book of Revelation was so awesome.  Exciting to read when Jesus is your Lord and Savior and your name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.  Not so good if you aren’t a believer and don’t have a relationship with Jesus and trust him as your Savior.  There is always the opportunity as long as a person has breath to accept Him and His free gift though.  That is the Good News!

I have read this Bible a couple of times before and it is my favorite.  I have a new one like it that I take to church and have read lots of too.  Someone said if your Bible is falling apart then you won’t be.  My old one is sure falling apart.  I have an Amplified Bible that is falling apart too.  I Checked in to having a Bible rebound and it was pretty expensive.  Still thinking about it though.  

Kimmy called me because she and Jared were at Boehler’s Greenhouse and they wanted to know if I wanted them to get any veggies to plant for us at their house.  We decided we weren’t going to have a garden this year and would just plant some corn, and a couple of tomatoes and peppers.  That was so sweet of Kimmy and Jared to think of us though.  

We split the rest of the potato salad, had some chips and a hardboiled egg for lunch.  Then I left to go to Menards and Aldi.  While I was getting plants at Menards, Heather from my Bible Study, came over and talked to me.  After she heard about Melissa’s testimony in Bible Study, she would like me to come talk to her daughter who is having some health issues and needs encouragement.  I told her I would be happy to talk to her daughter and pray with her.  I am amazed at how when you study the gifts of the Spirit in the Bible and ask for the Holy Spirit to give you gifts, how he moves so much in your life.  He is doing amazing things in my life right now.  It is so exciting.  Gayla called me as I was loading stuff in my car.  I talked to her for a while and she asked if we wanted to come to their house on Monday for a cookout.  I told her yes and I would bring potato salad.  Bill will do ok there because he will be sitting most of the time and we will sit when we play a game of Donkey with them and Joel.  Looking forward to that.  Joel can play this game all by himself with little help needed.  He had a traumatic brain injury so most games he helps his mom play.  He remembers the words to hymn and church songs and many other songs. 

 

After I left Menards, I went to Aldi’s and got stuff to make the potato salad that I needed.  Got some fresh milk too.  Then when I got out to my car Vikki called and wanted to know what I was doing.  I told her I was driving to Panera to get a drink and a Muffy for Bill, then was going home.  She wanted to go see Rody’s Aunt Ann in Mary Freebed, so I told her I would come to her house and watch Rehvyn for her.  She was going to meet me some where.  She had tried to call Melissa but she wasn’t home.  I was happy to go watch my boy!  He is so easy to watch.  He played with his matchbox cars and the race track an then we watched movies of him on our motorcycle with papa.  He loved seeing himself honk the horn on it and I also showed him some of our videos of rides in Arkansas on hills and curves.  

Vikki and Peyton got home and let me know how Ann was doing. which is better.  It was getting close to 5, so I left for home.  When I got home, Bill told me I left my phone at Vikki’s, but they were bringing it over because they were going to Panera.  They came over and decided to come in to use the bathroom and for Rehvyn to see Papa.  They had some fruit salad and also some lemonade with the fruit in it.  We all had some double stuff Oreos.  

Then they left.  I made spaghetti for Bill and I for dinner.  After dinner, I went outside and tried to unroll the galvanized 5 x 6 fencing I had got.  It sure was rolled tight and hard to unwind.  I had to cut wire wrapped around it to hold it tight.  I ended up stretching it out and putting stakes in it and rocks on it to flatten it.  Probably won’t be able to put it on til tomorrow.  I came in and took the Laundry out of the dryer and folded it and hung shirts up.

Then I worked on my blog and also read more on the book I got from Church called the Beginners Guide to Spiritual Gifts.  It’s really good so far.  

 

Friday, 5/22/26, Vikki and Kimmy came, went to an estate sale, Melissa and Hailey came over, Bruce brought Jack and Evan over, Jack Weedwacked for Bill, nice talk with Evan, picked up Culver’s, made banana splits for dessert

My fish pond was emptied the top level today again.  I filled it back up. All of the fish were still there.  We did find 3 white fluffy feathers nearby so thinking geese did it twice now and got one of my fish 

Hailey got out of work at 11:30 today and came to spend the day with us

Evan

Jack

Bill on the tractor showing Jack where to trim

I got up early so I would be ready when Kimmy and Vikki got here.  Got the main floor vacuumed since Bill can’t wipe his shoes off very good when he came in from outside right now.  My Dyson does a great job and is fast and easy.  Kimmy and Vikki got here around 9.  Vikki had picked up an everything bagel with cream cheese so she split that with me.  It was so good.  I made fruit salad with strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, pineapple and bananas.  After that I went in with them to drink my coffee and eat my half bagel.  I texted Melissa to see when she was coming.  She was going to come then, but decided to wait until after we went to an estate sale.  This was the last day and everything was 76% off.  Kimmy found stuff and got it all for $2, Vikki found stuff including a metal clothes pole and got everything for $6, I found a pointed opener for tomato juice cans etc. and a cute small brush to brush crumbs off the crack that goes around close to the edge of my tables and got everything for 25 cents.  The opener was still in the package.  It was getting close to 1 so we headed to Panera and Vikki got a large lemonade and I got a large diet coke for Melissa.  She got there when we got back.  Vikki split her lemonade with everyone and added strawberries.  

We ate potato salad, and fruit salad for lunch.  Hailey wanted Spaghetti O’s.  No one wanted anything else.  Some of us had blueberry muffins and others had Bel Vita snacks later.  We had a nice time enjoying each other’s company.  When Jack and Evan got out of school, Bruce brought them over so Jack could use our edger and do the edging for Bill.  Bill drove the tractor so he could show him what needed to be done.   Jack did a great job!  Evan visited with us.  When Jack came in he was happy to see Blueberry muffins and told me really likes them.  Nobody wanted anything to eat, but I did get chips, dip and Oreo’s out so they snacked on stuff.  Hailey went home with Bruce so she could make homemade pizza tonight.  I sent pepperoni home with her because they didn’t have any to use.  

We talked with Jack for a while.  Then he put his headphones in.  Then we talked with Evan for a long time.  He is getting very wise and trying to put God first in everything.  He is known for being kind at school and was telling us about some examples where he was able to help a couple of kids who were choosing not to be kind or choosing to use bad language and because he was kind and because he didn’t use bad language they both talked to him and wanted to change.  I am so proud of him.  

Vikki, Ava, and Peyton left to go pick up Rehvyn.  Kimmy left soon after.  She is going on a date with Jared tonight.  Adam is working and Eli is in Florida.  Melissa and the boys left around 6:30 to get home and eat some of the pizza Hailey made.  I picked up burgers and fries at Culver's for Bill and I and brought it home for us to eat.  I didn’t want him overdoing since he did enough today with his back.  We ate, then later had hot fudge banana ice cream dessert.  Yum!  That was our stay at home date.  

I worked on my blog.  I got sleepy and fell asleep, so will have to finish tomorrow.  It sure was a fun day.  I sure do love my family.

Thurs. 5/21/26, Cool windy day, Went to Bill’s cardiac appt., I made potato salad, filled more bird feeders, took Bill for his injection, came home and made him lunch, we both took a nap, I went to Bible Study

Only picture I took today.  This gets prettier every day.  The Weigela
plants are starting to get pink blossoms on them now.   

We got ready and left for Bill’s cardiac appointment.  The guy nurse was kind of rude, but we kept being nice and finally he started being nicer.  The PA was great and was really nice and also professional.  He knew a lot and was kind and friendly.  He was smart too.  

We came home and I cooked potatoes and boiled eggs, then cut up celery and onions for Potato Salad. Bill and I read our Bibles and did our devotions/prayer book.  Melissa called and because 2 dogs Wookie had traveled with had Lymes Disease they told Melissa and Bruce they needed to have Wookie tested.  They asked if he had any symptoms and Melissa said he hadn’t been finishing his food and wasn’t as playful as when they first got him.  Well he tested positive.  Melissa called me when she got home and we prayed that he would be one of the dogs that the symptoms would go away completely from.  We prayed for all of the dogs in our family and all of the people to be protected from tics and Lymes Disease. I mixed up the stuff for potato salad and made a ground round burger for Bill.  He was really hungry because he didn’t eat before his app.   I just ate potato salad and cottage cheese.                                                                             

I studied lots for Bible Study tonight.  Bill napped.  I took Bill to his dr. appt. at the pain clinic to get his injection.  The medicines he was given before the injection today make him tired.  He needed rest because he isn’t getting much sleep at night.  After I finished studying, I rested for 45 minutes.  Then I went to Bible Study at Church.  It’s the best Bible study.  I have such nice ladies in my group who are so caring and so fun.  It went well and we are learning lots.  Melissa tried to call me, but I had my phone off.  We finished Bible Study and prayed for each other.  Then I came home.  Bill said the injection was helping and he could walk better and straighten up.  Praise God!  So thankful.  I called Melissa back to see what she wanted and she said God had answered our prayer already.  Wookie was eating all of his food and he had his energy and playfulness back like when they first got him.  We were so happy and thanked God.  Then Bill told me he cold walk better and showed me how he could straighten up while walking.  Yay!  Another praise God and thank God moment! 

Vikki had her check up for her nose surgery today and that went well.  She was making a yummy roast, carrots and potatoes and invited us over, but I had to prepare more for Bible Study so didn’t go.  I was going to invite her to come have some potato salad, but she had just got out of work when she called and was eating a Culver’s.  

 

Wed., 5/20/26, Went to Bill’s Pain clinic appt., Ate lunch on the deck, filled hummingbird and oriole liquid feeders, caught an opossum, went to Costco, went to Aldi, went to eye doctor, went to Texas Roadhouse, pulled weeds,

Grandma Schmidt’s 100+ 

Beautiful Spring blossoms 

My fish in the pond!

Love this bush

Bill and I at the Texas Roadhouse

Bill had a 7:45 appointment at the pain clinic because he is in such pain.  The doctor was so nice.  He is going to squeeze Bill in tomorrow for an injection to help him.  He also said after Bill has the disk removed from his back he should return to how he was.  Good news.  He let Bill sit in the waiting room and had me go in an office to schedule an appt. for tomorrow.  He said he knew Bill was in great pain because he had a high tolerance for pain band doesn’t get sedated before he gets injections.  He said tomorrow he will need something so he can lay on his stomach for the injection.  

We came home and I made Bill a PB&J sandwich.  I had a grilled chicken sandwich with Swiss cheese on it.  I ate out on the deck and watched the birds for a while.  Bill rested once he finished his sandwich.  I made hummingbird and oriole food for the liquid feeders and filled them.   I took the opossum I caught and released it and then went to Costco and returned a pair of slacks I had bought.  I went to Aldi and got some groceries, then went to Meijer for a few other things.  I came home and put the groceries away.  Bill was sleeping.  

We went to Texas Roadhouse when he woke up.  I found his gift certificate from Veterans Day for his free meal.  It needed to be used by 5/31 so we went and each had a sirloin steak dinner.  Everything was so good and the salads were huge.  The steaks were so tender and cooked to perfection.  Their rolls are always the best.  Baked potatoes were good too.  I ran in to TSC and got some oil for his rototiller.   We came home, and I worked on my blog and Bill relaxed.     I talked to Melissa, Kimmy and Vikki today.  They all want to know how Bill is doing and are praying for him.  I’m so thankful for each one and sure appreciate their prayers.  Wes called Bill.  I was going to call Gayla today and each time I went to call, someone called me first, Sue called me first and wanted me to pray for her.  That was a long call.  Then other calls kept coming and I never did get to call Gayla.  I was happy we got to talk to both Wes and Gayla and have them pray for Bill.  We went to bed early again (10:30) because he has another early appt. with the cardiac doctor tomorrow at the VA.  

                                      

 

Tues., 5/19/26, Took garbage out, fed fish (one is missing), picked up more sticks, came in, made breakfast, ate on deck, Bill went to breakfast with church guys, Bill and I met and filled jeep and my car, went to pick up my glasses, went to Melissa’s, picked Peyton up from school, went to Vikki’s, went to Walmart

This ground cover is so beautiful this time of year.  Lilacs are about ready to bloom and Weigela plants are starting to blossom

I got my new glasses today!

Eli’s leaving with his band and going to Florida.  Praying for him and everyone!

Ha ha, it was our nap time today.

Love this picture of Adam Kimmy took

I got up at 8 and took the garbage out right away.  Went out to check on the fish pond.  There was one gold fish missing.  I was so busy filling the pond with water the other day when it was so low, I forgot to count the fish, so don’t know exactly when it wasn’t in the pond.  Sad.

I started picking up more limbs and sticks in the yard.  The burn pile is getting pretty big, but it was way too windy yesterday and today to burn anything, not to mention wet.  Bill took his walker and went to breakfast with the church guys.  I’m glad he keeps moving, even though it’s painful, so he doesn’t lose strength.  He got the referral for the Neurologist for his back, so just needs to call and make an appt. now.  Yay!  Waiting to hear about orthopedic dr. still.  

When Bill got done with breakfast, I met him at Meijer and we filled both vehicles and got our $1 per gallon off.  That sure helps with gas prices.  I was driving home and decided to call and see when my glasses are supposed to be in.  She told me they were in and they sent a message of 4/28.  She said it probably went to spam.  Well it wasn’t in my spam and I had been getting all of their messages.  Oh Well.  I was just happy to go get them.  I went to Panera and got an Iced Coffee for Melissa and then got 2 donuts and a Diet Coke for Max.  One of the donuts was for Melissa.  The secretary at Peyton’s school had tried to call me, but my phone was off because I was at the Eye doctor.  I went to Melissa’s and Bill told me Peyton messaged him and wants me to pick her up and take her home.  I air dropped all the video’s I took at the boys concert to her, then went and picked Peyton up.  She had taken her Spanish Exam and didn’t have any more classes.  We stopped at McDonald’s and I got a cheeseburger, and she got chicken nuggets, fries and a Dirty Doctor Pepper.  My first time hearing that kind of pop.  We went to her house, but couldn’t get my key to work, even though we tried many times.  Vikki called me and was heading home, so we just waited 10 minutes for her to come.  We ate our food while waiting.  We went in and I visited with Vikki for a few minutes, and FaceTimed with Kenzie for a short time.  I left and came home to check on Bill.  I picked up more sticks in the yard, then came in and we both took a nap.  

It was just long enough to rest.  I made chicken strips, baked potatoes, and made a fresh fruit dish for dinner.  I went to Walmart after that and got Bill a warm/cold ice pack for his back so he will have two to switch between.   

When I got home, I read my Bible, we did our devotion/prayer time, and then we finished watching the 250 Redidication.  I had to watch Kris Tomlin on my computer.  The worship was so amazing.  

Worked on catching up on my blogs after that.  Now I am going over my Bible Study Stuff.

 

Monday, 5/18/26, Happy 19th Birthday Adam! We love you! went to Meijer’s, Bill met to get gas, went to Panera, came home, had windy thunderstorm, went to Eli and Adam’s soccer game, Grace was there too, picked up Taco Bell, got ice coffee from Panera for morning.

Happy Birthday Adam!  We love you so much!

Kit Kat sleeping next to me while I was eating breakfast out on the deck this morning 

Fun watching the birds while I ate!

Always love seeing goldfinches.  They remind me of my mom and dad

I enjoyed going to Adam and Eli’s game.  I forgot my phone, so Kimmy was sweet and took pictures for me

 

I love these two soccer playing grandsons!

I started a load of laundry right away, then went outside to check on my fish pond to make sure it hadn’t leaked.  It was full to the top, almost to the point of running over at one end because we got an inch of rain on top of what I had added to it.  It is nice and clear too.

I went over by the new ground cover and noticed quite a few weeds in it, so pulled all of those out, and put them in the bin for pick up tomorrow.  I also picked up some big limbs that had fallen out of the trees and lots of sticks in the yard.  Then I came in and made my coffee and granola with yogurt and went out on the deck to eat it.  Kit Kat came and joined me right away and fell asleep fast.  

I went to Meijer to buy a few things to bring my M Perks up 1,900 points.  They had some deals to earn extra points so I didn’t have to get much.  I called Bill to tell him he could come meet me to get gas.  He was already outside he told me.  We went to the gas station, but my points didn’t get added in yet.  I looked it up and it can take up to 24 hours.  We decided to ride to Panera in the Jeep, and come back and see if the points were added.  We got a lemonade to share.  They didn’t add my points, so we just came home.  I cut up strawberries for in our lemonades.  Yum!  Even Bill liked it.  

It was getting pretty dark out and severe thunderstorm warnings were out and alarms were going off.  I quickly brought my hanging plant from Melissa and family in and also a glass ornament I have hanging near the front door in.  Then I ran out to the camper and put the slide outs in.  It was very windy and was hard to get the door open.  I got them in and then went out and it started raining.  I had my raincoat on so put the hood up.  My coat got soaked, but I stayed nice and dry.  That was around 4:30, so I called Kimmy to see if Adam and Eli’s game at 5:30 had been cancelled.  She said not yet and only if there was thunder do they cancel.  I dried my raincoat and then grabbed a chair, blanket, water thermos and left.  It rained hard all the way until I got close to where they were going to play soccer.  It was bright and even the sun came out.  Kimmy called and they were pulling in, so I followed them and parked by them.  I didn’t even need my umbrella.  It got really warm when the sun came out and cooled down when it went under because there was a good breeze.  I love having the boys play on the same team.  Grace was there, as she came to spend the day with Adam for his Birthday.  When I saw I gave him a birthday hug.  Grace was wearing his watch that I went in on with Kimmy and Jared for his birthday.  She is such a sweet girl.  I am glad Adam has a nice girlfriend who loves God.  They won the game 6 or 7 points to 1.  

Eli carried my chair back to my car for me.  I love watching their soccer games.  They are fast and really good players.  

I left and got gas, then went to Panera and got a large iced coffee.  I came home and took the ice out and saved it for tomorrow.  

Got home and we watched more of the 250 Redication of the USA.  So good!!!!  I worked on my blogs some too.  We went to bed at 11:45.  Will have to watch the rest tomorrow night.

 

Sunday, 5/17/26, Our Nation Redicated to God! Yay! Bill and I went to church, Stacie came over, went to Jack and Evan’s concert, fish pond lost water somehow,

When I got home from church, I went out to feed the fish and saw that their bond was half empty.  They only had water in the lower part and the bubbler was working.  I sure would like to know what happened.  I filled it and it has stayed full since then.  So weird.  

Pretty Calceolaria Stacie brought me today.  Can’t wait to plant it outside!  Thank you Stacie!

Stacie and I went she came to visit 

Me, Hailey, Bruce, Melissa, Bruce’s mom, Debbie, and Ron is next to her but you can’t see him in the picture.

Evan and Lydia sitting together when they watched the choir and other bands

Jack is next to the kid in the back row who is the tallest. He did a great job!  So wonderful to listen to them

Evan on the right playing percussion!  He did a great job!  Loved listening to his band.

Evan did an amazing job on all the different percussion instruments he played

Lydia playing her clarinet in the band while Evan was playing the percussion instruments

Melissa, Evan, Jack and Bruce

Evan, Hailey and Jack

Me, Melissa and Hailey

Evan, me and Jack

Hailey and I at Tony’s after we left the concert.  We had so much fun!

We went to the first service at church.  It was hard for Bill walking but he made it.  We sat in the back row agains the wall.  Lots of people came and said hi to Bill and prayed over him.  So many wonderful friends at church.  The worship was awesome.  I went up to the altar and worshipped, but Bill couldn’t;t do that today like he usually does.  Pastor gave a great message.  I went up to pray for people after the service was over.  A couple came up for prayer for the guy, Andrew’s, grandma, Dorothy.  We felt God’s presence while we were praying together.  The Holy Spirit is moving in such an amazing way.  We need the Holy Spirit to move in our church and it’s happening.  

We talked to people on our way out of church, and Bill finally said he had to get out to the car because he was in pain.  He was walking much straighter than he had been.  

I went out to feed the fish, and saw the fish pond was over half empty.  I started filling it right away and called Kimmy and Jared to see if I should put the fish back in the basement.  

We decided I should just watch the water level and see what happens.  Well, it never lost water again.  We got a thunderstorm in the evening and an inch more of rain was added to the pond.  

I sat outside for a while on the swing.  Lots of birds were eating.  Stacie texted me to see if she could come over.  I checked with Bill to see if he felt up to company.  At first he said no, then he changed his mind and said yes.  She came and we had a great visit.  She brought me a beautiful plant for Mother's Day.  So sweet of her. I had to get ready and leave to go to Jack and Evan’s concert, so she left.  I got to the Messiah Church just as Melissa, Bruce, Hailey, Jack, Evan, Debbie and Ron got there.  Good timing.  They had drinks they got at the Church Cafe.  I went and got an Ice cap, but instead of it being cold it was hot.  It was still good, so I didn’t tell them they made a mistake.  They were pretty busy serving people.  

The concert was amazing and the boys and Lydia did such a great job.  All of the kids did!  

Debbie and Ron left after the boys were done and the other band started.  They were heading to Georgia from her.  When it was over I left.  Then I got a call just as I had got out of the parking lot and Hailey was so hungry and wanted to know if I could take her home because they had to take Jack back to his school.  I was happy to turn and go back in the parking lot and get Hailey.  We went to Tony’s and she had pancakes and fries and I had a burger and fries.  I brought home a burger and fries to Bill.  

We ate, then watched Freedom 250...America being rededicated to the Lord.  Praise God for what He is doing in our Nation.  Humbling ourselves and praying to God for our Nation.  

We acknowledge we are totally dependent on the Lord.  Without him we can do nothing the Bible says.  

So exciting.  We couldn’t finish it and will continue watching tomorrow.