Friday, 10/2/26, Vikki came over around 7:30, Kimmy came about an hour later, Went to Walmart, we went to an estate sale and a garage sale, went to Zehnders to celebrate Kimmy and Vikki’s birthday, Bill helped Alec, Bill power washed the deck and furniture, Bill picked Peyton up, Peyton and I met Melissa and Hailey at Bath and Body Works, Bill unloaded the dishwasher and did the laundry

At Zehnders celebrating my twins, Vikki and Kimmy’s birthdays early.  I love that they always let me go with them.  We had so much fun!

We sure had lots of great food and the waiter brought me a plate for sides.  They always let me share Kimmy and Vikki’s side dishes.  Yum everything was so good.  They got family style chicken dinners and I got a half hot chicken sandwich

This time when they had their free ice cream Sundays, the waiter put candles in them and lit them.

My yearly picture by the chicken made flowers at Zehnders. I love how they make the chicken.

We stopped and walked across the road to look at these huge cows

Saw lots of trees changing colors on our drive to Frankenmuth and back home

Melissa, Peyton and Hailey at Bath and Body Works.  Fun hanging out with them shopping for sales.  Everything was half off.

 

 I got up early, but should have gotten up earlier.  Vikki came over in the morning around 7:30.  I was doing my hair, so had to finish,  She made me a pumpkin coffee which she brought a pod for and also brought me an Egg and Sausage burrito.  When I came downstairs, I enjoyed the nice treats from her.  Yum!  So good.  Thanks Vikki!

Kimmy and Arnie got here.  We visited for a while, then decided to go to Walmart and get over the counter stuff and they both wanted a calendar Vikki found online.  They are beautiful calendars with a different floral border each month. Bill went to help Alec mud some dry wall.  

We headed to Frankenmuth after that.  When we got into town, Vikki reminded me of the great estate sale we had gone to there that everything was marked down to a dollar.  We found amazing stuff.  Then she noticed an estate sale today so we went to it.  Kimmy found amazing things and deals, a couple of which were a cool metal ring that holds peanuts for birds, plus she got a big bag of peanuts. She got some hedge clippers too.   I found a stapler and box of staples for $3 for the kitchen desk.  Vikki found a couple of things too.  We went to a garage sale close by too.  I got a lightweight standing fan for a dollar, and Kimmy got big square cement slabs.  Vikki helped her put them in the car.  Vikki got a nice set of rugs, a big one and there smaller ones.  

We went to Zehnders after that.  Frankenmuth looks absolutely amazing with all of the beautiful big plants along the road and also the beautiful hanging baskets.  It didn’t take too long to be called to get seated at a table.  We had the same waiter that we had last year.  He did an amazing job.  The food was so good and we had a fun time and lots of laughs.  I love this yearly tradition.  

We left and went to Bronner’s so the girls could get their free Christmas ornaments.  We asked if Bill’s sister, Debbie was working and she was, so we got to see her and talk to her for a minute, which was nice.  We left after that and headed home.  We stopped at another Walmart so Vikki could return something on our way.  Gas at the Speedway in Bridgeport was $3.67.  People were lined up.  Bill and I got gas there last Tuesday for that price too.

We all hung out at my house and were happy to see Peyton.  She is always so sweet and fun. Bill was busy out on the deck power washing it.  He did a great job.  Everything looks so nice.  At around 7, the girls left, and I took Peyton with me to meet Melissa and Hailey at Bath and Body Works.  Everything was half off, so we all had fun shopping.  I both a candle for both girls after they picked out the one they wanted.  I loved hanging out with them.  I am so blessed with a sweet and wonderful family.  When I got home,  I was surprised that Bill had unloaded the dishwasher for me and had the laundry going.  I told him he shouldn’t have done that because he already worked really hard today.

Thursday, 10/1/26, Slept in, Cleaned some cupboards in the laundry room, started laundry and Bill finished it, Bill power washed Charlie’s trailer, It rained most of the day, Met Maddy at Biggby’s for coffee and a visit, went to visit Roy and Marie in the evening

My puppy’s mom Lavi

Lavi as a puppy

Chile, mom of babies born two days earlier than mine

Jag, the dad of mine

Jag as a puppy

We made our coffees, then started reading our Bibles.  Kimmy called and I had a nice long enjoyable talk with her today. She looked up the puppy pictures of the two moms that had puppies and the dad of all the puppies.  They are so cute.  I filled Kimmy in on our trip to the ER with Jack last night and Bruce’s traveling adventure.  Kimmy had to go finish putting handles on some mugs, so I finished reading my Bible.  I love my Kimmy.

I took my shower and got ready to go meet Maddy at Biggby.  I talked to Vikki on the way, but couldn’t talk as long as I wanted because I had to go in with Maddy and give my order.  I called her back later.  I love my Vikki Lynn.  Maddy and I had a very nice long visit.  She’s such a sweet friend.  

I came home and warmed food up for Bill and ate with him.  I called Marie and asked if I could come visit and bring them food.  She didn’t want me to go to any work, but I told her it was already made.  Then I packed the food I had put in containers, and headed for their house.  We had a really good visit.  Marie told me her roommate told her again about her leg feeling better and said she was cutting back on her medicine.  Afterward Roy, Marie and I prayed together.  We prayed for her roommate, Barb, too.  I am so blessed to have them for friends.  I stopped at Jack’s down the road from them and got the kind of popcorn oil, seasoning and popcorn that Kimmy gets.  Then I continued driving in the rain on the way home.  I left so I would be home before dark and I just made it.  I don’t like driving in the rain when it is raining.   

I got home and had a snack.  Vikki sent me two worship links for songs.  W played them on the TV.   They were so amazing and such good worship to the Lord. Thanks Vikki, I love how you send me what touches your heart, because it touches mine.  

Melissa called and she read up more on Rabies shots.  They are supposed to give a dose of Rabies Immune Globulin with it and didn’t, so they went back to the ER tonight.  She knew by this time for sure he had gotten bit.  We prayed they would have wisdom to do the other shot and that they would get right in and not have to wait.  

Melissa called me and said the person at the window said they always give those two shots together, so because the made a mistake she let them right in and they got a room right away.  It wasn’t long and they were able to leave.  This shot is a thicker substance so Jack’s back where the bite was swelled up and they had to finish in his arm.  I sure love my Melissa, and I’m thankful she researched more so Jack got the right treatment.  

Bill took pictures of before and after.  After is sure much better than before.

After power washing part of it

Before

I worked on my blog then it was bedtime at 12:03.

Wed., 9/30/26, Our Whirley Popcorn Popper came, new puppy pictures with eyes open, fed birds, made round steak with cream of chicken soup in crockpot, reading up and checking on candidates I want to vote for, pulled weeds in my flower garden, picked the last of the garden, Bill took Max to his appt. and to Culvers,

Pancake - boy

Donut - boy

Muffin - girl

Biscuit - boy

Waffle - girl

Toast - girl

Bagel - boy

I made our coffees, then we read our Bibles.  I went outside and fed the birds because their feeders were pretty low.  Bill had to go to the VA.  I browned some round steak and put it in the crockpot with some cream of chicken soup for dinner tonight.  I read up on some of the candidates running I don’t know anything about like some running for Michigan Supreme Court Justices and read about all of them.  Two of them don’t even have their license to practice law which is required to be a Supreme Court justice.  That took some time, but I am sure glad I did it.  I like to follow Biblical standards when I vote.  

I went out and picked the last of the garden.  I got one cucumber and two peppers.  The deer ate my beets once Bill took the electric fence off.  I thought once everything was grown they wouldn’t do that.  I was wrong.  I pulled some weeds in my flower garden.  The ground was pretty hard, so I will do more once we get the rain they say is coming.  

Bill took Max to Culver's and to his appointment.  I talked to them on the phone while they were heading to Culver’s.  I made mashed potatoes to go with the round steak.  I warmed some corn from the garden also.  

We ate dinner at 7, which is late for us.  It worked out good though because we were both hungry by then.  It is one of my favorite meals and tasted so good.   I packed some food up to take to Roy and Marie tomorrow.  

I talked to Kimmy, Melissa and Vikki today.  We all like looking at the pictures of the puppies.  Today’s pictures with their eyes open were adorable.  Can’t wait to see more.

We tried our Whirley popcorn popper.  It came with a pack which included oil, seasoning and popcorn, which instructions said to cut across the top and add all three together.  It didn’t take long to pop and every kernel popped.  It was the best popcorn and so easy.  

I worked on my blog some, then Melissa called me to say Jack was out riding his bike after dark which he enjoys doing, and he saw a bat and then felt something hit his back and felt a poke that was painful.  Melissa was going to take him to the ER and wanted someone to go with her.  I was happy to go along.  It took an hour for Jack to get a room, then we were there for another 1 1/2 hours.   The doctor said the bat’s teeth are tiny and couldn’t bite through a sweatshirt.  She left the decision up to Melissa whether to give Jack the Rabies Shot or not.  Melissa decided to be safe rather than sorry.  We left after he was brave and got the shot.  Bruce was on in New Orleans and was flying home.  He had lots of problems with cancelled flights, then was just going to wait til tomorrow because it was getting late.  The girl at the airport told him he shouldn’t wait because there was a big storm coming tomorrow and he wouldn’t want to be there.  He finally got a flight out and made it to Flint.  There they lost his luggage.  Talk about traveling problems.  He got home about a minute  before us and had just turned the vehicle lights off.  He was still out in the driveway.  I dropped Jack and Melissa off and talked to Bruce for a minute, then headed home.  I got home around 1:15.  I was sure glad to get to bed.  

Tues., 9/29/26, went to Bill’s VA appt in Detroit, good appt., stopped at 5 Guys for lunch, went to visit Marie in hospital, hospital locked down after I got in the door, shooting in Essexville, victim brought to the hospital I was at, nice visit with Marie, no pneumonia any more, witnessed and prayed for Marie’s roommate, went to Rescue Mission Dinner Gayla and Wes invited us to

We had peanuts, a small burger, small fries & drink combo, but what they called small I call more than large.

There was a little color starting on our drive home

 I got up at 6:30 since we had to leave to go to Bill’s appt. in Detroit at 7:30.  It was a nice day to ride there, and we got there a half hour early.  We parked, then walked around inside the hospital for a few minutes and Bill got his free parking validated.  We went to his appointment and he got right in.  The doctor checked him over and asked him questions.  She showed him the X-Ray they had taken in Saginaw recently.  It looked good she said.  He told her his knee wasn’t painful any more so with all that it was a great meeting and a great report.  

We left there and headed home.  On our way, we stopped at a 5 Guys Restaurant and had the small burger combo.  We ate peanuts until our order came up.  Wow their Small is Large to me.  We didn’t even make a dent in the French fries.  Everything was really good.  We brought them home to give to the kids if we see them real soon.  They would be good air fried.  

 Maria, who is over the Elderly ministry, texted me because she tried to find out how Marie was at the hospital and couldn’t get any information because she didn’t have the PIN number.  She called Roy and he had an upset stomach.  He didn’t have the number either.  Marie, whose birthday is today, was going to try to stop to see Marie, whose birthday it is today also to help out.  She had to work around her birthday celebrations with friends, but was going to try.  It was also Pastor Ken's birthday today.  Lots of friends with birthdays on the same day.  All very special people.

When I got home, I let Maria know I was going up to see Marie.  She decided she would go tomorrow then.  I stopped and picked up a small birthday cake with pink writing and pink roses on it., a pretty vase of small but beautiful flowers and a card.  Then I headed to the hospital.  I was about two blocks from the hospital and there was a car/motorcycle accident.  The motorcyclist was lying in the road and his friend who had a motorcycle also was blocking the corner I was at so no one would drive down there.  We went around the block and by that time several police cars were there and an ambulance.  I prayed for the person while I drove.  I got in the door and went to the information desk and she said she didn’t know how I got in.  The door was supposed to be locked because there was a lockdown.  I didn’t know what for until I got to Marie’s room and looked it up.  The nurse wouldn’t tell us anything or I should probably say couldn’t.  I saw there was a shooting in Essexville at a Kroger gas station.  They brought the victim to the hospital I was in.  Later I read the shooting was at the Tim Horton’s next to the gas station.  The victim died and the suspect was arrested.  They weren’t letting anyone in or out of the hospital except for the emergencies coming by ambulance.  Marie’s friend was up there and I met her and we all talked for a while.  Then she left when they said we could leave now, but not come back in.  Marie and I visited and she doesn’t have any pneumonia now.  Praise God.  I was so happy to hear that.  She is still congested and they are trying to figure out why.  They are going to test for allergies.  We were talking about how good the Lord is and Marie’s roommate started telling me about her knee surgery going well, then 3 weeks later getting infection in it and how painful it was and that she came back in to have surgery to get the infection out.  She also let me know her husband died 6 years ago.  I asked her if she knew Jesus as her Lord and Savior and she said yes.  Marie pulled back the curtain that was between them and we both started talking about the Lord and all He has done for us.  She told us she got baptized when she was older and was in the Episcopal church, but was wanting to find a non denominational church.  We talked about our church, then Marie asked her if she wanted prayer.  We both prayed for her and also prayed for Marie’s husband Roy. When we got done she said her pain in her leg went away she said.  Praise God Again. 

I left after that and came home.  I talked to Vikki and then Melissa on my way home.  Then when I got home, I got ready and then Bill and I headed to the Rescue Mission Dinner at Horizon’s.  Wes and Gayla got a table for all of us and we sat together.  There was Ron, Barb, Elaine, Don, Wes, Gayla and Bill and I.  We listened and watched some videos on the history of the Rescue Mission, saw what they are doing today, and the plans they have to do more.  It was amazing.  Each table was excused by the waitresses to go get their dinner at the buffet.  We ate and then they told us to finish eating while the program started.  The food was delicious and so was the dessert.  The speaker was the Spirit Hockey Team’s president. He did a good job sharing about how God has used the Rescue Mission and how it’s important for us to give to help.  We love giving to the Rescue Mission.  Lives are changed through what they do.  We left and came home, read our Bibles, did our devotions and then I worked on my blog.  

Monday, 9/28/26, Took Max to college, did grocery shopping at three stores, picked Max up, went to Culvers, Bill had elder’s meeting, Marie went to hospital for congestion,

Max and Evan at Culver’s....I couldn’t get us all in the same picture the way we were sitting, so Melissa and I are below.

I love this sweet daughter

Bill had an 8:30 dentist appointment, so he got up early.  I heard him and got up at 8.  

I gave him a kiss good morning and off he went.  I put awesome worship music by Phil Wickham on.  I walked a mile on the walking pad.  I read my Bible and did my prayer books.  After that, I got ready so I could go pick up Max and take him to college.  I dropped off Hailey’s coat I dry-cleaned for her and her nice cake plate.  I asked Max if he wanted to go to Culver’s after his class and he said yes.  I invited Melissa and Evan too.  We had fun on the way to school and I got some laughs out of Max, especially when I told him I was going to name my puppy Brucie because he was born on Bruce’s birthday.  We got to the parking lot and he told me right away where I needed to turn.  I let him and Vader off at the door.  Vader had his service dog vest on and looked so amazing.  

I went to Sam’s Club and got some things I needed.  Then I went to Aldi’s and got some stuff. After that I went to Meijer and did shop and scan to earn extra points.  After that it was time to go back and pick Max up.  Melissa called me and said she and Evan would be able to meet us at Culver’s.  

I picked Max up and we went to meet them at Culver’s.  They were already there because Max got out about 15 minutes late.  We had a nice time eating together and hanging out.  Melissa showed me the homecoming pictures she took.  They are all so nice.  We got free scoops sundaes with our coupons.  Evan didn’t want one.  At 3:55, he told Melissa they had to leave because he had to go to piano lessons.  The lady that did all the great announcing for the Eddy band is a composer and pianist and now she is Evan’s piano teacher.  She sees a lot of potential in Evan and loves that he composed his own song.  She only teaches kids that want to compose music.  He has a piano recital on October 17, but I will be in Arkansas.  I told Melissa she will have to video it for me.  Evan loves having her as a teacher and is learning so much.  They left to go home and get his books and then go to his lesson.  Max and I still had to finish our ice cream, so I took him home after we were done.  He was sweet and took the tray of papers and drink cups and put them in the trash for me.  I dropped him off, then came home and put away groceries.  I warmed up some chicken fried rice for Bill and then after eating, he went to the elder’s meeting.  

Marie called me when she was in the hospital triage and said they were going to admit her.  I got very concerned because she was so congested sounding.  They told her she had a spot of pneumonia a week ago, but said she could stay home and keep on the antibiotic she was on.  Now she sounds awful and she’s 87 years old.  Her birthday is tomorrow.  I prayed with her on the phone and offered to do whatever she needed me for.  She said Roy was with her and they were just going to be waiting.  I told her we would come Wednesday and see her, since we will be out of town tomorrow.  I put her on the church prayer list, and sent Bill a text so he and the elders would pray for her.  I got the girls praying for her right away too.  

I talked to Melissa lots on the phone today, and talked to Vikki and Kimmy too.  Kimmy and Vikki both made chili today using my award winning chili recipe.  At least that’s what we call it lol.  

Bill got home and gave me the piece of pumpkin pie that was left over from the meeting.  It was super good.  I read Gabriel’s 21 days of prayer post.  He goes to Vikki’s church.  I met him and his wife last week and started following his page because Vikki had sent me things to read from it that were so good.  I love reading what he writes about his time with the Lord and things in Scripture.  He is from Korea.

I worked on my blog, now going to bed.  We have to get up early tomorrow and it is 11:34 right now.  

 

 

Sunday, 9/27/26, went to church, Bill volunteered at Pat’s for the Marine Corp League fundraiser, I went to Melissa’s, Melissa, Hailey and I went to Starbucks, Kimmy & Jared used our Jeep and trailer to pick up a nice John Deere Tractor they found, Eli and Isaac stayed at our house, they went for a bike ride, Vikki, Kimmy and Jared came over

Jack when I visited today

Hailey made yummy apple crisp for us.  It was delicious with ice cream on top.  She also made Bill and I a loaf

Eli on his bike.  They were doing tricks on the deck

Isaac on his little tiny bike.  I can’t believe he can ride it.  They were sure. having fun together.  

Yummy banana bread Hailey made toped with nuts.  She even put the rest of the loaf in a green bag.  She likes being healthy.

Picture taken last night by Lydia’s mom at Applebees...Evan and Lydia and Jack and Kaylin eating dinner before the homecoming dance.  They all had a great time.  Jack told me his legs were sore today from all the dancing and jumping he did.

One of these adorable puppies will be ours in November.  They are all so cute, I don’t care which one I get.  I love getting picture updates each week

 We got ready and went to church.  Bill and I talked with Amy and set up a time to get together for pizza and games with her and Dennis, our other friend Dennis, and Merijo and Greg in October.  I was talking to my friend Debbie and facing her and she told me my family was here.  Melissa and Hailey came and after we hugged, sat by Bill and I.  I was so happy to see them.  Hailey told me yesterday she was coming.  Bruce is out of town so Melissa decided to come with her.  Worship was awesome and Pastor Ken preached on Acts Chapter 19 and it was a powerful message.  Many people came up for prayer afterward.  The Holy Spirit was moving.  We visited with our Missionaries, Beth and Tyler before we left.  They shared about what God has been doing.  As we were walking out, Cassie, ran after me and gave me a Kid’s Ministry Shirt that is really nice.  I will wear it next time I teach Sunday School. 

I made chicken fried rice for dinner while Bill went and got something he needed for Kimmy and Jared to use to haul the trailer.  He ate two helpings when he got back home.  I had set up to go to Melissa’s at 12:30, so I wasn’t home when Kimmy and Jared got there.  She had called me and asked if the boys could stay at my house and I told her yes!!!  Bill had to leave to be at Pat’s for a fundraiser for the Marine Corps. League.  Melissa, Jack, Max and I ate some Apple Crisp with ice cream.  It was so good.  Hailey likes baking, but doesn’t like eating the sweets she makes.  After we finished eating, we walked outside and looked at Melissa’s flowers.  They are so pretty.  Hailey had 30 minutes left for the banana bread in the oven, so they told Jack how to test it to see if it is done and also what to do if it wasn’t.  He stayed and took it out of the oven when it was done, and we girls went to Starbucks and had our favorite Expresso Drink.  We stayed there and drank it while we visited.  Then we went back to Melissa’s to see how Jack did with the banana bread.  He did a great job.  It was perfectly done.  Hailey wrapped up, put it in a green bag and sent it home with me and also sent a container of apple crisp for her Papa.  She’s so sweet and the best baker.  

I came home and was happy to see Eli and Isaac.  Eli’s braces look really good on him.  They were outside riding their bikes on the deck and doing tricks.  Then they asked if they could go on a bike ride.

I looked at Melissa’s Facebook page to see the pictures of Lydia and Evan that Lydia’s mom tagged Melissa in.  They are such nice pictures.  Jack and Kaylin are in one of them at the restaurant.  It was so nice they could go to homecoming together.  

Bill got home early because Joyce came early to relieve him.  Nice to have him home early so he could take Isaac and Eli to look at another small bike.  He also took Kimmy and Jared’s van through a car wash.  It was Eli’s first time.  They couldn’t connect the trailer to the van, so Bill had them take our Jeep to pull the trailer.  I’m glad it worked out that they could still go get the tractor.  

I ate a piece of Hailey’s banana bread.  The boys didn’t want any.  Bill said good, all the more for me.  Eli laughed.  The boys helped Bill take the window air conditioner out.  I was thankful they were here to be able to help him.  It’s nice to have nice strong grandsons.  Adam was working today.  He’s a hard worker at his job.  Vikki came over and had the boys and their bikes with her.  Kimmy had texted Eli to let him know when he needed to be back at my house.  Kimmy and Jared got her shortly afterwards.  We had time to visit for a little bit, then I knew Jared would want to have some daylight to drive his tractor.  Vikki and Isaac left and  so did Kimmy, Jared and Eli.

Bill and I read our Bibles and did our prayer books.  

I texted lots with my sister, Brenda today.  Messaged with Kenzie, talked on the phone and in person to Melissa, Kimmy and Vikki.  Also got to see 5 grandkids and hang out.  I am blessed.  I love my family.  They are all so kind hearted and sweet.  

Bill and I did our devotions in the evening.  They were good ones.  We had to catch up on one.  

Sat. 9/26/26, Went on Ride and Seek with Faith Riders, had hot dogs and hamburgers afterwards, they gave out prizes, helped them pack stuff up, went to Mooney’s with Sabrina and Bill, watched the Michigan Game there

Barb doing registration

Group going on the ride...Cheryl, Miles, Don (staying at the church parking lot to see if more people come), Ron & Barb(staying also to help), Elaine, Karen, Bill, Sabrina, John, Wes, Gayla, Lynn, Terry and Bill

Prayer before leaving

Bill and I at the old gas station.  

Bill, Miles, Terry and Lynn at the table in back of the old gas station

Elaine, Gayla, Sabrina and Bill

Bill at the little Mackinaw Bridge

John, Sabrina, Bill and my Bill

They had me get in the picture

So many fish in the water by the side of the bridge were it was so clear and under the bridge.  In the upper left corner are two small turtles.  There were big turtles too.  We had fun watching them all.

The two story out house

We looked in the windows and could see about 6 holes cut out for people to use.  It is not used any longer.

Me and Bill at the historical firehouse in Ithaca

Bill by the other side of the firehouse.  They have ropes with hooks in that tower where they would haul the hoses up and they would hang to dry.

Lined up to leave Ithaca

Our final stop at the Lake where our friend Barb always loved going before she died.  We went there two February’s ago on our motorcycles for her memorial ride.  Bill and I were photobombed by two amazing and dear friends, Elaine and Cheryl

Doing a bike/biker blessing at the Lake for a man traveling on his motorcycle who wanted to have his bike blessed.  

Got back at the church and Ron was grilling the burgers and hotdogs.  We ate and sat at the tables and then had drawings to win great prizes.  Everyone won a prize.  I got a fire blanket which I really wanted.  Bill chose a big pack of bungie cords that were the right size for us to hang the banner when we go to the state rally and the rest will be used for when we need them.

After we helped clean up and pack up everything at the church in the parking lot, Bill and Sabrina went with us to Mooneys.  We had delicious ice cream and watched the Michigan game.  We stayed after we were done eating to watch the end of the game where the other team in the last two seconds, got a touchdown and went ahead of Michigan and won.  Boo Hoo.   

Peyton all ready to go to the Homecoming dance.  She is a beautiful sweet girl!  I’m thankful she’s my granddaughter.

Peyton at homecoming. Vikki volunteered by one of the doors.