Thursday, 7/23/26, Missing Kimmy and family,Yay, she called in the evening!!! Bill had his MRI on his neck, Put all the stuff in the freezer and refrigerator in the camper, I went to Meijer’s, we went to Jeep Night at Apple Mt.,

Aww, I’m missing Arnie...He looks like his is a great camper

They look warm and cozy in the clam with the sides down.  Jacob even has short sleeves on.  It has been on the cool side there, but that’s just what Kimmy likes.  I miss them all so much.

Making dried bananas for our camping trip because Peyton and Isaac love them

This is the kind of Jeep Bill said he wants next.  I told him to just enjoy the one he has lol.

He too a picture of me, and I told him I wanted to use his phone to take one of him.  I forgot mine.  He never did find that right spot he wanted his picture taken at and then I forgot.

Our friend, Joaquin’s Jeep.  It is 20 years old and has 265,000 miles on it

He was a police officer with K-9 Rookie that went to NY and helped after 9-11. Now he’s made a movie with his new dog.  

We like this window

New things Bill saw.  I don’t know what the purpose is but they are on both sides

Bill got ready and went to get his MRI.  I prayed over him before he left that it would go well with good results.  I didn’t sleep well last night so slept in for a little while.  I got up at 8:30.  I went out and turned the air on in the camper.  I cut up bananas to dehydrate for our camping trip.  I left and went to Staples to return the sandals that were too big to Amazon.  My right size is coming tomorrow.  I went to the new Ross Clothing store dow from Staples.  It was really nice with good prices.  Then I went to Meijer’s and did Shop and Scan to get 5,000 bonus M Perk points.  I’m up to over 17,000 points now.  I came home and parked by the camper and put all the stuff for our trip away in the camper.  I got some really good deals.  Tomorrow I am going to go get 7 for $7 on Hershey Candy Bars.  A six pack is on sale for $8 and I can buy individuals and get one extra for just 7.  I will do shop and scan and get $5,000 more points.  

Bill got home and said it went well.  He read his Bible.  I packed more in the camper in tubs in the outside storage....extra paper plates, extra cups, extra cereal, extra food, etc.  

In the evening, Bill and I went to Jeep Night at Apple Mountain.  There were lots of nice jeeps there.  We saw our friend Joaquin and talked to him for a while.  Bill took the pictures and sent them to me because I forgot my phone.  We had a nice time walking around and noticing different things added to other jeeps.  I think Bill was getting lots of ideas.  

Melissa called me and we talked for almost an hour.  I love talking to her.  She’s so sweet.

I got a text message from Kimmy while we were talking.  I sure got excited about that.  Then after Melissa and I hung up, I got a call as I was going out to bring Bill’s tennis shoes off the deck.  I sure ran back in for my phone when I saw on my watch it was Kimmy.  

They were coming down Brockway Mountain and had a great signal.  She put it on speaker so Bill and I could say hi and talk to everyone.  It sure made my day talking to them.  I had texted Kimmy what the breeder said about my puppy.  It sounds like it could be in the beginning of Sept.  She’s going to let me know when.  She asked me if I was still interested and I replied very and very excited.  Kimmy texted me right after I sent it.  I sure loved hearing her voice when she called.  She is so sweet too.  I am blessed with very sweet daughters who are all so loving and good to me.  

I got my dehydrated banana slices off the dehydrator, all cooled and in bags.  Bill and I tried a couple and they tasted good.  

 

 

Wed. 7/22/26, Went to pain clinic for Bill’s appt., went to Camping World in Birch Run, Hung the clock in the camper, put stuff in camper for trip, Bill picked up Max, practiced shooting, I went to Meijer and Aldi,

Hung the clock I got from the estate sale in the camper

I got a little nervous when I was looking for Bill and saw this.  I found him in the shed.  He said he got up three steps and couldn’t go any farther.  So thankful he didn’t try.  Bruce told him he will go up and put the vent cover Bill got up where it goes.

I didn’t think this tree was going to blossom until I got home from being gone 3 weeks.  Now they are open and it is just beautiful.

New plants we got last year are doing great

Ferns are multiplying on the side of the house 

Flowers Evan surprised his mom and got for her

Rehvyn being silly with a chip

Vikki’s spider peeking out.  It looks like a cartoon character

Poor Isaac fell off his bike today.  He’s hurting.  Praying for him to heal quickly

Isaac working for his mom to pay off the paint for his bike.  Lots of weeds.

We got up and got ready. I caught a raccoon, so Bill took care of it for me.  We went to the pain clinic for Bill’s appt. at 9:45.  It was just a checkup to see how he’s doing.  I listened to worship music while I was getting ready.  After that, we went to Bridgeport and got our favorite donuts from Butternut Bakery.  From there we went to Birch Run and got a few things we needed from Camping World.  When we got home, Bill went to pick up Max and hang out with him and I read my Bible.  Bill and Max came here and I got to say hi to Max and was happy to see him.  Then I looked out and they had left.  I went to Meijer and Aldi’s to get things for our trip.  I did shop and scan at Meijer and got 5,000 extra Meijer perk points.  We now can get another $1 a gallon off up to 30 gal. of gas.  That sure helps with gas being so high.  

I put some things I got at the store in the camper.  I turned on the refrigerator out there too.  Tomorrow I will load it with some stuff.  Bill put the stuff he bought for the camper in it too.

All the plants outside look really good after getting over an inch of rain yesterday.  

The air purifier Bill ordered came today.  Bruce found them on Amazon and said they are really good ones for a good price.  They got one too.  My Sketcher sandles came too, but I ordered 7 wide and just needed 7’s.  I am returning them and ordering the right size.  They will be here Friday.  Glad they are coming before we leave for BayShore.

I talked to Marie for 1 1/2 hours today.  We had lots of catching up to do because I was gone camping for so long.  I talked with Melissa for a while on the phone. She’s had a lot going on, so I was happy we could catch up.   Then Vikki FaceTimed me and we talked for quite a while.  Peyton got a cute one piece swim suit for $2 at Goodwill.  It is so cute on her. 

 

Tuesday, 7/21/26, Bill took garbage/recycling/yardwaste out, I watered sod, Bill went to his brother’s to finish job, I pulled milkweed where it was spreading to grass

My Dahlia plant is beautiful!!!!

It’s so much easier having my hanging flower basket on this side in the shade.  It does so well and doesn’t need to be watered everyday.

Hibiscus has lots of blossoms on it.  This is one of my favorite plants

Got thunderstorms...it rained hard, had thunder and lightning, and wind blew.  Got one inch of much needed rain

Bill and I enjoying chicken strips, fries for me and noodle soup for him and a vanilla shake for him and a peach shake for me.  

Yay, we got an inch of rain!

Rail, Bill and his brother Fred put in.  Hot tub is going on the slab below

Pesty squirrel on my bluejay feeder

So happy to have this rain come.  Things were getting pretty dry here.

 

Bill got up at 8.  I got up at 8:30.  Bill took the garbage and recycling out plus two yard waste cans.  He went to his brother’s again today, and helped him finish putting the rail up.  He took a picture of it finished for me. 

I put a rug from the bathroom in the camper in the washer.  Then I went outside and fed Kit KatI had to water the sod around the trees some because they are getting so dry.  I was disappointed this morning when I looked out and saw we didn’t get any rain.  We were supposed to get thunderstorms during the night.  I had put my bird feeders in the food bin so they wouldn’t get wet.  I got them back out and put them where they go.  I left the other things I had moved in case of a thunderstorm where they were because it says we could get a thunderstorm around 2 today.  I prayed we would get rain because we need it so bad.

I came in and put Elevation worship on the tv.  It was an awesome time of worship.  I had the curtains closed to keep the sun out.  It seemed really dark out so I looked out and it was pouring.  I thanked God right away and was so happy to see rain coming down hard.  I read my Bible, then went outside and brought the garbage can, recycle bin, and yard waste containers in.  Bill got home and went by to go in the shed driveway.  He waved and honked as he drove by.  He had to unload his tools in the shed.  

He rested for a while in his recliner.  I came and sat down next to him and started working on loading pictures on my blog.  Then he asked me if I wanted to go to Chic-fil-A.  Of course I said yes.  We rested another half hour, then he took a shower, then we left.  I’m glad I took a sweatshirt because it was freezing in the restaurant.  We enjoyed our food, then left and went to Panera and got a large ice tea for tomorrow.  We could tell it had rained again by us as there were lots of big puddles on the road.  Bill has to go to the pain clinic tomorrow.  Then we are going to Camping World to get a new seal for the RV bathroom toilet.  I am calling Marie after that to see if I can come try to pull weeds that have gotten out of control in her rock garden.  

I talked to Vikki today.  

 

Monday, 7/20/26, Bill left at 9 to go to his brother’s to help put up a railing, I pulled weeds, washed camper bedding plus regular laundry, cleaned baskets out on shelf in laundry room, put plastic shelf lining down in medicine cabinet in camper, set live trap to catch raccoon, put slide outs in on camper because of storms tonight

Kimmy sent me a picture of their campsite.  I love to be able to picture it when I think of them.  I texted her and asked her to.  She got my text yay!  

My first zinnia from Lela’s seeds blossomed.  It’s beautiful! 

Lots more buds on the rest.  Thanks you so much Lela!
I’m missing your blogs.  Praying for you sweet friend.

We got up at 8:30, so Bill could be ready to leave for his brother, Fred’s by 9.  He is helping him add a rail so no one falls down rocks by when they walk to the garage.  They worked on it today and when they drilled there was a metal plate.  They had to go pick up a special drill to use.  They had to make 2 other trips to get stuff too.  Bill got home around 5:30.  He stopped in St. Charles to get something to eat and drink.  They were so busy they didn’t eat or drink.  Not a good idea!!

I put the kingsize down light quilt from our bed in the camper in the wash.  Then I went out and weeded my flower garden.  It was very easy after watering it last night.  My three prong hoe works so great.  There weren’t many weeds after putting the Extended Preen down.  I put the weeds in the yard waste so they don’t grow back in.  I turned the pool filter on and filled bird feeders.  I came in then and put some worship music on.  After that, I read my Bible and did my prayer books.   I put some eggs on to boil.  I had some Life Cereal, toast with homemade strawberry jam and coffee for breakfast after that.  I tried to call Gayla to see how her granddaughter and her baby (she’s 5 months pregnant) are doing in the hospital.  She didn’t answer.  I went down to the basement and brought up coffee pods, paper towels and a few other things we need in the camper for our trip.  I restocked the Kleenex in our house bathroom downstairs, plus put out more toilet paper on the shelf.  I washed our regular laundry and dried it and then folded some and hung some up.  I washed the dishes that had to be done by hand and put them on the mat to dry.  Then I went out and watered some potted plants on the deck.  I filled the bird baths too.  Gayla called me back.  Her granddaughter is having another ultrasound so she is still waiting to hear back.  

I was tired, so thought I would take a nap.  I thought about cleaning the shelf of the laundry room and going through the small storage tubs, so decided I would skip the nap.  I was able to get rid of stuff not needed so it is much better organized and looks so much better.  

Our new solar cover for the pool came, so I brought the big box in the house.  Vikki stopped over after watching Thomas and Abigail.  She dropped off Eli’s wallet he forgot, because she thought I would remember to take it to Kimmy’s when we go the day before we leave for BayShore.  I had better write it on a post it note or I could easily forget too.

When Bill got home, he was full, so I ate my leftover half of Ruben sandwich from yesterday.  We went out to the camper and made the bed together.  Then he got the info on the toilet so he can pick up a new seal for it.  I washed the outside of the air conditioner vent, which I didn’t do the other day after doing the inside vents, because it was too hot to work on and not have air going.  I set the live trap and put cat food in it.  We did our devotion together and then relaxed.  

Sunday, 7/19/26, Went to first service at church, I taught Sunday School, we went to the Memorial ride for Matt Lake who was on the Strength Team, Went to the Oven in Caro for dinner, Kimmy kept updating me and sent a picture during their trip,

First picture Kimmy sent me.  They were at the Hilltop eating yummy cinnamon rolls that are huge!  It’s tradition!

Eli, Jacob, Adam and Arnie....my wonderful boys, just wonderful boys, they can’t be beat as grandpa used to say.  I am sure going to miss them.

Stone Boat in Kearsarge.  It took me a minute to find Jacob, but then I saw his hand in the air

At the church service in Case City.  Awesome worship and great message!
Kimmy called during the last worship song.  I finished worshipping, then when the pastor had us sit down, I went and called Kimmy back to see how they were doing.  I was so happy to hear everything was going well although they forgot a few items.  I know how easy that can happen.  The air quality was much better today.  I am thankful for that and pray they have a blessed, fun, safe and peaceful vacation.

Dennis and his son Dennis Jr. worshipping during the service

Bikes lined up on the road.  Our bike on this end

From the other end of the road

Don, Elaine and Karen from Faith Riders

Leaving to go on the Memorial Ride

Took a picture of those behind us

Riding by the lake

Riding through Sebewaing.  BayShore Camp is straight ahead

Eating at the Oven Restaurant in Caro with Terry, Lynn, Debbie, Paul, Jim, Bev and Bill

We got up, got ready for church, and left on the motorcycle since we have a ride afterwards.

Worship was awesome!  I taught Sunday School so will listen to the message later.  We only had 5 kids in Sunday School today because of people being on vacation.  They sure were well behaved and great listeners.  Erica was my helper and did a great job.

Church got out early, so I went to find Bill so we could leave.  He was praying with some friends of ours.  I waited for him to finish and then went up to see them.  She shared with me what to pray for, so I am praying too.  We left and got on the trike and headed to Cass City.

Bill put the wrong address in, so when we got there, we went the wrong way.  He put the right address in and we got there a few minutes later.   We could hear good worship music outside, so wanted to get inside and join in.  There was lots of worship, prayer for those wanting it.  

After the service, the church had grilled hotdogs, some macaroni salad, potato chips and cookies.   We didn’t eat much because there were lots of people.   We talked to lots of friends who were there.

We had lots of fun riding to different places.  It was a fun day.  We went to the park in Unionville where we talked with Matthew Lake’s family.  They were blessed with how many people cared about him and came out to show their support for his family.  

Paul, Debbie, Jim, Bev, Terry, Lynn, Bill and I rode to Caro and went to The Oven.  When Bill and I came through Caro on our way to the memorial, we passed it and I thought it looked like a really nice place to eat.  I made a note to come eat there sometime while we were at Bayshore.  Then that’s the place Paul picked to go today.  It was super nice there and the food was really good.  Glad we got to try it out.  

We got home and read our Bibles and did our devotions.  I worked on my blog, but will finish this tomorrow.

 

Saturday, 7/18/26, Went to Marine Corp. Breakfast, washed house siding around family room, sprayed swing metal to get algae off, and also storage cabinet to algae off, pulled remaining weeds around plants and at ends of rows in garden, went to check out an estate sale and ended up going to the Midland Mall, then to the Movie, George Washington,

Isaac’s bike he painted is the orange one and Eli’s is the white one...They both did an amazing job painting them and putting them back together.  

Went to the Midland Mall to walk around.  It is so nice now and lots of people were there.  Fun going through stores!

Bill at the Mall.  This end was quiet, but lots of people were everywhere else. This was the end by Mid Michigan 

Things have sure grown.  Will have to water it tomorrow because we didn’t get enough rain today.  Then I will get the few weeds there are out of it.  One zinnia is starting to blossom.

 I got up at 7:45 and got ready.  We went to the Marine Corps. Breakfast.  We had a nice time and the food was great.  You could buy half portions which was nice too.  It was still lots of food.  We came back home, and Bill went to get a car wash and to Menards.   I started washing the siding around the family room and the window where the bird feeders are.  I also hosed down the metal on one of our deck swings to get algae off of it and did the same with the storage container we keep chairs in.

I pulled the weeds that were still coming up by the plants in the garden and also the ones on the ends of the rows.  I put them in a big container and put them in yard waste containers.  It was easy pulling them out, but very hot in the sun.  I was happy to be done!

I came in where it was cool and sat by the fan and relaxed.  Bill picked us up a lemonade from Panera.  He split it and gave me my half.  He also got us each a muffy.  Yum!  We read our Bibles and did our Devotion.  

Bill decided we should go check out an estate sale I had told him about.  It was only a short ways from our house.  The sign was there, but no estate sale to be found.  Then he asked if I wanted to go to see the Movie, George Washington.  I told him yes.  We had over an hour to wait, so we went to the Midland Mall and walked around.  It’s so nice there now that they have got some great stores in it and have fixed it up so nicely.  The food court was really nice too.  

We got our tickets, then got a bucket of popcorn and two medium pops at the theater.  The movie wasn’t what we expected, but it had a good ending.  It took a while to get in to.  It showed how God protected him.  Pretty awesome!

We came home and Bill decided he just wanted Life cereal for dinner.  I warmed up a sirloin burger, an ear of corn and a potato and ate that.  It was just as good as last night.

I talked to Vikki for a while.  I also talked to Melissa for a while.  She went to Planet Fitness with Hailey and Bruce last night and did a good job.  So nice that she is strong enough to do this after all she has been through.  We are so thankful to God.

I hung up from her and went out to the camper and swept and scrubbed the floors.  I had cleaned everything else at the campground when we were leaving.  Nice to have it all clean and ready to go to BayShore Family Camp. I brought the bedding in and some towels and washed them.  

Studied my Sunday School lesson for tomorrow again. 

Our younger youth group came back last night from Illinois, and our older youth group and adults are coming back from Guatemala tonight.  Have been praying for both.  

Praying for Kimmy, Jared and the boys as they get ready to head to Copper Harbor.  Praying for good quality air there for them too.  I sure am going to miss them.