Wed., 4/30/25, Happy 14th Birthday Evan! We love you! Kimmy came over, Melissa came over, Vikki came over, moved fish from basement outside, weeded garden, picked up leaves, sat on deck, packed the motorhome,

Happy Birthday Evan!  We love you so much!

Rehvyn at Grammy’s today!  So cute and so sweet!

Sitting in the Jeep with Grampy

Fish are back in their outside pond.  Kit Kat wanted to catch them so we put some leaves in for them to hide under and Kimmy moved some the green plant over so it hangs over for more places for them to hide.  They move really fast so think they are pretty protected anyway. She didn’t catch them last year.

My Clematis looked dead last week and now today it has mostly green leaves and the dead ones are pretty much gone.  Lots of blossoms on it already.

I forgot to call Evan before he left for school and wish him happy birthday.  I got ready, then I read my Bible.  Kimmy came over, so we drank our coffee and visited for a while.  She helped me rinse strawberries and take the tops off.  I mashed them in my juicer and added sugar.  It was sunny and 45 degrees with no wind, so we decided to go sit on the deck.  It was a little chilly so we came in.  We went back out a little later and weeded the flower garden.  It looks so nice again.  Melissa came over.  So happy to see her too.  We had fun visiting, then I made grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup for lunch.  I had the girls take their sandwiches and dish up their soup.  Melissa took hers, set it down on the table and tasted it, then got up right away and said I gotta do this.  She came to the kitchen and filled her soup bowl up to the top and brought it back in to finish eating.  Kimmy and I laughed so hard.  She said a few times how good the soup was.  We all sure enjoyed dipping our sandwiches in the soup.  That’s the first time Kimmy has had tomato soup and she really liked it too.  We relaxed more, than Vikki came over.  Bill got here with the angel food cake I had him pick up, and we girls had strawberries and angel food cake.  YUM!  Melissa had to go, then Vikki had to go.  Kimmy and I took the fish from the downstairs pond out, emptied the water and then moved the fish to their outside pond.  Kimmy did most of the work.  I am happy to have them outside where I will be lots since good weather is coming.

She moved a plant so it would grow over into the water for the fish to hide in when Kit Kat comes near.  We relaxed on the deck some more after that and watched for birds which seemed to have disappeared for the tie being.  We put Preen on the flower garden.  It’s supposed to rain tomorrow.  We walked around and looked at plants that are coming up ad also walked along the woods and saw new growth on one of the ferns.  False Forget Me Nots are blooming.  I love this time of year.  After Kimmy left, I packed the refrigerator in the camper and also packed my clothes, helmet, and motorcycle stuff in.  Went down my list and put whatever was needed in the camper.  It didn’t take too long since we are only going for 2 days.  

In the evening, Bill and I relaxed and I worked on my blog.  Kimmy called to have us be praying for Jared’s mom’s sister who had a stroke and was in ER.  We prayed and are continuing to pray.  Prayer is appreciated.

 

Very windy out, Got up to 80 degreees,Bill had injections at the pain clinic, went to Chic-Fil-A, Cleaned motorhome and mopped floors, Bill packed some clothes in, Oriole was here, swept and mopped floors in house,

Us at Chic-fil-A eating lunch

These are the only two pictures that I took of the oriole today that were partly clear.  The feeder was really swinging in the wind today.

I bought a new table from Aldi today that I thought was like the other tables I have got there. When I opened it, it was taller, smaller around and skinnier legs and a different set up.  
When I was just going to try to take a short nap today, I hear a noise on the porch, so went to see what the wind blew over.  It was my wooden HOME sign.  This little table didn’t blow at all.  I was pretty amazed.  Nice thing about it is it is high and easy to reach and doesn’t take up much room under the Gazebo.  I was thinking I should have bought the $3 ones I saw at the garage sales.  I didn’t know I needed one at that time.  

I made a coffee in the Keruig and then went in and read my Bible while Bill was reading his.  

I listened along on my phone Bible Ap.  We got ready and I prayed over Bill for his pain clinic injections today and for his healing from the Lord.  When he got out, he wanted to go to Chic-fil-A so I drove us there since I am his designated driver for these appointments.  We got right in and were the next ones in line.  While we were sitting at our table someone came and asked us how we were doing and offered to take our tray.  Bill asked him if he went to New Life and he said yes.  We introduced ourselves.  He was the owner and goes to our church, but we haven’t got to meet him yet.  He was so nice!  Bill told him he was an Elder at our church and thanked him for how much he does for our church.  Thankful to have born again believers as owners of this restaurant in our community.  

I sat on the deck for a while when I got home.  It was warm, but the wind was a little wild even though it’s pretty protected in that corner of the deck. I didn’t get pictures of the oriole until I got back in the house, so it was far away and I had to crop them. 

I got things together and went out and dusted, washed down cupboards, mopped floors and took rugs in the house to wash.  The wind shook the motorhome when I was in it once so much that I prayed and asked Jesus to calm the wind.  It didn’t shake after that but still was pretty windy.  Bill packed some clothes for our trip, but I decided to load it on a less windy day.  We are only going for two days, so don’t need to pack much.  I decided the house floors needed sweeping and mopping to so did them too.

Bill’s back felt good, so he picked up some sticks outside.  Too windy for me, so I did inside stuff.  We ate leftover meatloaf and mashed potatoes for dinner.  I called Marie later on to check on her and she had a very blessed day with God answering three big prayers for her.  It was exciting to hear.  We talked for a long time and prayed together too.  She is a great example and really speaks the Word of God over her circumstances which I love and love doing too.  She was happy to hear that my rash is clearing up and itching is gone.  I have been thanking God lots.  I can wear lots of clothes I haven’t been able to wear because they made me itch and not they don’t anymore.  Marie and I both have so many blessings to thank God for.  

Kimmy got to hang a couple of loads of clothes out on her clothesline today.  I was so happy for her.  I love doing that and so did my mom.  She sent me a nice picture.  

Kenzie FaceTimed me.  Rehvyn was so cute and loved holding the cucumber Kenzie was showing me.  She needed my recipe for cucumbers in vinegar, which was from my mom.

Not many in my family like them, but her and I always have.  

Bill watered the grass seed more, and grass is coming up now.  Yay!  So thankful for the new sprinkler.  It worked so great and we don’t need to keep moving it because of the large area it covers.  

Kimmy is coming tomorrow.  I am excited to visit with her.  Bummer that Vikki can’t come because she has therapy besides working.  Don’t know about Melissa yet.

 

 

Monday, 4/28/25, Got groceries, made 2 meatloafs and mashed potatoes, Had my first oriole visit several times, he kept moving before I could get a good picture, I couldn’t sit out too long, so will have to take one tomorrow

The oriole is actually in the tree above the orange jelly feeder, but I couldn’t find him in the 4 pictures I took.  He was pretty high up though.

I went to Jacks and got burger to make meatloaf.  I also got sirloin burgers, and a roast.  The roast I thought looked good had lots of fat on the bottom.  I asked the girl if I could trade it and got a much better one, that is just the right size and not loaded with fat.  

I went to Aldi after that to get potatoes because Jack’s only had 5 lb. bags.  I got there and got lots of stuff I needed, but forgot the potatoes.  Didn’t realize it until I got home.  Bill had the garden tilled and the antifreeze drained out of the motorhome.  He was sure busy.  

I ate a sandwich and some cottage cheese for lunch, then went back to get the potatoes I found.  I mixed up stuff for 2 meatloafs, then put them into pans and put them in the oven.  I also peeled enough potatoes for us and for Debbie and Jeff.  I put them on to cook and made a salad up.  When everything was done, Bill ate.  I packed up some of everything and went to Debbie’s.  I offered to bring her a meal, and since tonight was the Elder’s meeting, I timed it so I could take it to her right after Jeff left for the Elder’s meeting, so I would be there while he was gone.  That’s what they wanted and it worked good for me.  I put the food on the table, then we prayed and Debbie ate.  She wanted me to eat, but I wasn’t hungry yet.  She kept saying how good everything was and how hungry she was.  I knew meatloaf was her favorite. I washed and dried some dishes for her, then she wanted me to sit and visit with her.  We had. a nice visit, then I anointed her and prayed over her to be healed from her hip surgery and also an awful rash from her medication.  She prayed tool. I’m so thankful for friends who know the power of prayer.  Melissa called me while I was there and told her hi.  I got ready to leave, and my BFF Vikki called me to let me know how her mom who is in the hospital right now is doing.  She still isn’t doing real well.  I had told Debbie she was going to call me at 9, but she called earlier.  I just said a quick goodbye and left so I could talk on the phone.  I was glad to catch up on how her mom was.  More prayer needed.  She is going to keep me posted.  

When I got home, Bill was already home.  I was glad because I know that Jeff must have gotten home right after I left, so Debbie didn’t have to be alone long.  I ate when I got home.  I was hungry by that time, so it tasted good to me too.  I washed the pans afterward and put dishes in the dishwasher.  Then I came in and sat in my recliner by Bill and worked on my blog.  It was another great day of no itching and rash healing.  It is supposed to take 7 to 10 days, but it’s working right away for me just like it did for my friend, Nancy.  Praising and thanking the Lord!

 

Sunday, 4/27;25, went to first service at church, taught Sunday school, went to prayer between services, then went to the second service, Sue stayed for the second service too and sat with us, went to Caro with Lew and Cindy on our motorcycles, their motorcycle broke down, got our trailer and hauled it home for them, Dr. Wechter died...I’m so sad

4 ducks passing through our yard to get to the neighbor'spond in back

Riding home in the Jeep with the screen top on after we dropped Lew, Cindy and their bike off at their house.  We visited with them for a while.

Finally getting some nice weather and things in the garden are growing

Happy our tree by the back deck is in full bloom now.  It’s so beautiful1

 

Kit Kat sitting so pretty under the swing.

We got ready and went to the 9 a.m service.  It was nice to be able to talk with people before church.  Worship was awesome.  After worship, I went back with the kids to teach Sunday School.  It was a good lesson with fun things to do.  Vikki was Thomas’s helper so she was in my room too.  Erica was my adult helper, and Meryka was my teen helper.  Lots to do so having good helpers is great.  I started my new medicine this morning and yay, no itching all day.  Not taking Benadryl any more so only one pill is great.  My friend, Nancy, at.church has been taking this for about a month and is doing great.  

After church we went to Subway and got subs for lunch.  We came home and ate them, then got ready and when Lew and Cindy got to our house, we all headed to Caro.  We went to the Caro CMA Chapter to introduce them as their new Area Reps.  When we got there, Lew’s motorcycle’s voltage was dropping.  He shut it off and we prayed it would start again when it was time to leave.  We visited with everyone after the meeting was finished, then left for home.  His motorcycle started right up.  We had a nice ride back, until we got about 2 miles from our house.  They had made it through a light we got caught by.  When we got to the next light, they were stopped and their motorcycle wouldn’t start.  Bill and Lew moved it off from the busy road around the corner and off of he road more.  Cindy and I waved people around us so they would know ahead that the bike was just sitting there and not moving.  Bill came and we got off the busy road too.  We ended up going home and getting our trailer and putting Lew’s trailer on it and strapping it down.  We took them home, unloaded the motorcycle, then visited for a while.  We headed home after that.  I made bill American fries and eggs for dinner.  I ate my leftover soup from Olive Garden and also my leftover spaghetti.  I watered where we put grass seed down outside.  

Melissa called me and let me know Dr. Wehcter died.  He was a wonderful doctor who did ultrasounds that were very clear.  All of the girls had him after having a doctor who gave them all bad reports.  He was so encouraging and so thorough.  He had a daughter with Downs Syndrome who he talked about lots and loved a lot.  She would ride her bike down on our road.  They moved away about a year ago.  I was sad when they moved away.  He and his wife helped many people and saved many babies from abortions.  He loved the Lord so we know where he is.  Praying for his family and friends.  

Kimmy and Jared got their clothes holes put in today.  They look so nice!  My friend, Vikki called me and asked me to pray for her mom who has a blood clot and water on her lung.  We prayed right away and I talked to Melissa and Kim and had them pray too.

I finished my blog and am going to bed.  It’s going to be a busy 

 

Saturday, 4/26/25, Helped in CMA Booth at Walleye Fest, Got cinnamon sugar pretzel at Auntie Anne’s, went to celebrate Melissa’s birthday

 

Wes on left talking with someone, Gayla, Elaine and Bill in the CMA booth

Elaine, Gayla and me

Melissa and Bruce...such a cute couple

Kimmy had her first Oriole!  I put jelly out and made oriole food and put it out

Vikki had a bird at her new bird bath she found along side the road

We got ducked today!  Such a cute one!

One nice birthday gift for Melissa....Abby was eating really good today

Cake Bruce made Melissa.  The topping was his dirt recipe which we all loved.  

Jack, Melissa and Evan

It sure was warm by her cake.  50 candles on it!  She sure didn’t blow them out with one blow.

Handsome grandson, Adam, and his beautiful girlfriend Hope.  Prom is tonight!  Hope they have lots of fun!

We read our Bibles, then got ready and went to help in the Faith Rider’s CMA booth at the Walleye Fest.   Don, Ron and Barb were there and had things all set up.  Elaine got there shortly after and then Wes and Gayla came.  It was cool, 48 degrees and a little windy, but not as bad as last year.  We talked to people going by our booth and handed out some tracks, Bibles, and CMA fans.  Bill walked around and invited some venders to come to our State Rally and set up on Labor Day weekend.  My motorcycle gloves I got last year in Arkansas, blew off the motorcycle last night.  I was telling Don, Elaine and Gayla about it and how I didn’t go looking for them because we had everyone following us and it was getting pretty cool out and windy, so didn’t want to hold everyone up.  Well, Don left and came back with one of my gloves.  That was so kind of him to go look for them.  He left after that because he had been there since 8 a.m.  Bill and I walked around and talked to venders and gave some kids CMA kid coloring books and crayons.  Bill bought me a big chocolate chunk cookie with marshmallow inside.  It was so delicious!  Melissa called me and asked me to go with her and Hailey to Auntie Anne’s and get a free cinnamon sugar pretzel.  She told me they were going to kidnap me and take me there.  She was so cute.  Bill and I left and we drove and found my other glove.  I sure was thanking the Lord!  Bill had to go volunteer for the Marine Corp. League at Walmart.  I met Melissa, Hailey and Evan at Auntie Anne’s after I downloaded the AP so I could get my free pretzel.  It was very yummy! 

I worked on my Sunday School lesson some more.  Wes and Gayla dropped the prayer box I took for the booth today off.  I did some laundry and then made up oriole food and put everything out for the orioles since Kimmy had one.

In the evening, we went to Melissa and Bruce’s.  Hailey was still there and ate Sloppy Joes with us, but after about an hour she had to go back to her apartment. We all had cake and ice cream after that, and then had fun hanging out for a couple of hours.

Vikki sent me prom pictures she took of Hope and Adam.  She took really good ones.  I will post them on here tomorrow though.  Ran out of time tonight, since church starts earlier now.

Friday, 4/25/25, Happy 50th Birthday Melissa! We love you! Did more garage sales with Kimmy and Vikki today, went to Olive Garden for Melissa’s birthday, more garage sales with Kimmy, Jacob and Abi, in the Parade in Freeland with Faith riders, went to Culvers

Happy Birthday!  We love you so much Melissa!  

I followed Bill to the Olive Garden for Melissa’s Birthday Lunch!

Max, Bruce, Melissa, Me and Bill celebrating Melissa’s birthday at the Olive Garden.  Yummy spaghetti, salad, soup and Melissa got free Italian Donuts for her Free Birthday Dessert.  Enough for all of us too!  She was looking forward to that since I told her that’s what they did for my Birthday.

Maddy posted this cute picture of Brielle watching King of Kings at the movie theatre with them.  She had her space all set up.  The two dolls I got her yesterday are on the sides of her!  This made me so happy.  Such a sweet little girl!

Jared when we met him and Eli so they could go to garage sales with Kimmy, Jacob and 
Abi.  I had to quit at this time to go home and get ready to be in the Freeland Walleye Festival Parade with Faith riders.  The next picture is almost the same but not quite.

Big parking lot the parade line up formed in

Bill was taking pictures, so I took this of him while he was on the hill doing his photography.

Faith Riders line up at the beginning of the parade

Me, Bill and Wes visiting before the parade started

Wes and Gayla following us in the parade.  This is the first time he has been back on the motorcycle since almost losing his foot back in October.  Praising the Lord!

Barb on her Spider ahead of us and Don and Elaine walking in the parade.  We all threw lots of candy for the kids watching the parade.  It was 2 miles long and there were lots of people out watching.

Ron and Don taking the Faith Riders banner down.  Elaine, Bill and I folded them after helping take the bungie cords off the corners and top.

Group picture after the parade was over.  Gayla, Wes, Elaine, Barb, Don,Ron and Bill

Bill wanted to take a picture with me in it

Ron and Barb gave Elaine and Don rides back to their vehicles

My new Brooks shoes.  They were $10...They cost over $100 new.  These are just like new.  There is a funny story to go with them.

More of my garage sale finds today

 

Vikki dropped Isaac and Peyton off for Bill to take them to school.  I gave them hugs, then went to meet Vikki and Kimmy in Freeland to shop at garage sales again.  Vikki wanted to go to a subdivision her therapist lives in.  We got out of the van at the first stop and Kimmy and Vikki noticed I had two different shoes on.  One was my old garden shoe for work in the garden and the other was my new black Sketcher shoe Melissa and family had got me for Christmas.  Well they sure got a laugh out of that and then told everyone at the garage sale about it by talking so loud about it to draw attention to my shoes.  Well, God was good to me again and there was a table with at least 10 pairs of Brooks tennis shoes on it.  Most were size 7, but Vikki found one size 7 1/2, which is my size.  I tried them on and they felt good, so I bought them.  I put them on and wore them the whole day and didn’t take them off until 9 pm.  They were so comfy it felt like I was getting a nice foot massage.  Great deal too!  We shopped and found more good deals.  They dropped me off at my car at 11:30 so I could meet Melissa and Bruce at the Olive Garden for her birthday lunch.  I stopped home for a few minutes, then followed Bill there.  When we were done, Bill took Max with him to practice shooting and I dropped my leftovers off at home, then met Kimmy, Abi and Jacob at Pat’s.  Vikki left to go to her therapy.   We went to Subway. so Abi and Jacob to use the bathrooms, then did more shopping at garage sales.  Abi and Jacob found some stuff right away.  Then we went to a subdivision that had lots yesterday, but it was pretty much cleaned out of good stuff today.  At 4, we met Jared and Eli. I took a picture of Jared and his Jeep, then moved stuff from their van I had bought, to my car.  My car was locked and my backpack with the keys was in the van.  I had to run to catch up because Jared was driving away, even though the van door was open and I was telling him I needed my keys.  That stinker.  He finally stopped and I got my backpack and Kimmy and I put everything I had carried in my car.  There was still stuff left in the van of mine, but she was going to drop it off later and meet Vikki at my house to pick up the cute windmill they got on Facebook Market Place.  They unloaded the rest of my stuff.  I got a cute lamp and lots of other good stuff.  I will add a picture tomorrow as I haven’t taken one yet.  Vikki, Kimmy and I loaded heavy clothes poles into the van for Kimmy.  They just fit...leave it to Kimmy and Vikki to get an amazing amount and also very big items into that van.  

I changed into CMA clothes, then we got the motorcycle loaded with candy for the parade, and our stuff in it.  The neighbor behind us ha told Bill her mom’s Golden doodle  was at her house and it ran away.  She went driving around to try to find it and Vikki got to our house and her and Isaac started looking for it too.  We prayed they would find it safe and left for the parade line up.  When we got there we heard they had found it.  Yay!  I thanked the Lord.  We visited while we waited for all those in the parade to get lined up.  At 6, the parade started.  It went for 2 miles and it was great on our trikes because they don’t overheat and you don’t have to keep putting your feet down because of going so slow.  Don and Elaine were pretty tired by the time we got to the end.  Elaine handed out Faith Rider Event cards which explained about CMA on the back.  We all threw candy.  It was fun watching the kids along the way.  We rode back to the school we started at, then Wes, Gayla, Barb, Ron, Bill and I went to Culvers.  It had gotten quite a bit colder and also windy.  We all had the Cod dinner which was really good.  We had fun visiting.  Then at 8:30 we left together and all turned off when heading to different areas to get home.  It was such a fund day, but I sure am tired.  I FaceTimed with Vikki when I got home.  God blessed her with an amazing bird bath she found along a road by us on her way home.  I FaceTimed Melissa and Hailey too, and told Hailey the story about my Brooiks shoes.  They are some of Hailey’s favorite shoes.  She sure got a laugh when I told her what happened.