Thursday, 9/17/2020...Went camping in Kokomo, Indiana, met Jim, Bev, Diana and Steve in Flint follow each other

 

                                    Bill driving us to Indiana.  He loved the RV video cameras we all went in on for his birthday.  The screen is so nice and clear and it is wonderful to be able to what's coming on the sides and back of the camper while driving. 

          This is how they had us park.  It wasn't easy for Bill because their was a tent close to the other end of our camper

                                       Diana and Steve's camper in the back, ours in the front. Below is Jim and Bev's RV out our back window.  It took us lots of time to get parked in these positions.  Jim had it pretty easy.

                                    People in their golf carts listening to the oldies being sung by the band.

          Bev and I saw these shirts and laughed.  We had to hold them up and get a picture of them. Took our masks off for the pictures.

                     Steve, Diana, Jim and Bill (Vietnam Veterans)!  Picture taken in front of Memorial Garden

Bill, me, Jim and Bev.  This tent is where we ate our meals.  Tim Griffin ministries provided 3 meals a day. You had to go to the hand washing station first.  They also had hand sanitizer on each table.  The meals were free.  They wouldn't take donations either.  They had hot food off the grill.  They served it on our plates.  They wore masks and gloves.  They had people come ask if you needed anything, they would talk to people about Jesus, take our plates when we were done and were amazing servants of the Lord. It was very touching to see them show the love of Jesus to everyone.

                           That is the stage where all the bands sang.  All I heard them play was oldies.

                                            There were also vendors with food and elephant ears.

I couldn’t sleep good, so got up at 5 and got last minute stuff done,read my Bible, and got ready.  We left at seven and headed to meet Jim and Bev, and Diane and Steve by Flint.  We filled up with gas and headed to Kokomo Indiana.  We got food from a Cracker Barrel and ate.   Drove another half hour and reached our destination.  Knitted a dishcloth and listened to the Christian radio station on the way.  We got here and dad had to pretty much parallel park the camper.  Good thing he had the cameras on the camper from all of us.  He sure loves them!  We got parked and then set up really fast.  We walked around and went in the huge outdoor tent to look at what venders had for sale.  They had signs up to wear masks in all the buildings and stay 6 feet apart .  We went to eat outside and noticed it was a Ministry serving the food.  They had a hand washing station and you had to wash your hands before they would serve you.  Hand sanitizer was all around too.  They served chicken. Mashed potatoes and rolls.  We found out it was free and they wouldn’t take donations.  They talked to people and shared the love of Jesus.  We were blessed to be able to share with a guy at our table and let him know how much Jesus love him. He has to be careful because he is in remission from cancer.  The doctors said there is no cure.  He confessed Jesus as his Lord and Savior and then we got to pray for him. He was in tears and told us he had to dry his eyes.  The Holy Spirit is so awesome!  We prayed for opportunities before we came!  Such great joy!  We walked around with Bev and Jim and Steve and Diane followed on the golf cart.  Listened to a band sing oldies for a while. Talked to Melissa and Vikki.

Wed., 9/16/2020, Went grocery shopping, Vikki and the twins and Kimmy came over, Dropped off veggies and stuff to Marie

 

                                     Isaac, Nana and Peyton playing 3-13.  Kimmy was playing too but took the      picture.  Peyton was the big winner!  We were tied until the last hand, then she went out on me.

                              Vanity table Bill got me for our anniversary!  It sure was a nice surprise!

           I had to throw some of my bouquet out, but these are as beautiful as the first day I got them

Went to Jacks and Kroger and got some things I needed for our camping trip.  Came home and Vikki, Peyton and Isaac were there.  Isaac and Peyton came right out to help carry groceries.  Had to sanitize them in the garage, then they helped carry some in too.  Sweet kiddos!   Kimmy got here soon after that.  Vikki went to get a shelf she found by the side of the road for Kimmy.  The kids, Kimmy and I played 3-13 while she was gone.  After our game, Kimmy and Vikki power washed the shelves.  It looks really nice.  Kimmy was very happy to get it for their pottery.  I got the last load for the camper ready.  Kimmy put it in her van and drove back by the camper and carried it in for me.  Thank you Kimmy!  Bill mowed the grass.  We finished putting the ice air thing in the middle of the pool and drained a little more water off.  It is now officially closed.  Today it was 80 degrees too.  Cool down coming tomorrow though.  Chance of frost on Friday.  My vanity table came today.  Bill and I were coming to get the girls to help carry the vanity table into the house.  They were already carrying it it and took it all the way upstairs.  Thanks girls!  I talked to Melissa a couple of times.  She is packing the camper for their trip.  She also had a get together with some neighbor friends so the kids could play while still social distancing.  These friends are doing a good job social distancing.  I am so glad Melissa and the kids could get out and have this get together.  She is such a sweetie too.  God has blessed me with three wonderful and amazing daughters.  Dropped off some stuff we got at Sam's Club and some vegetables from our garden to Marie and Roy.  Nice visiting with them.

Tues., 9/15/2020, Watched Peyton and Isaac, Made Chili and cabbage buns for our camping trip, Went to Melissa's, Packed the camper

                                                                                                                                                          

                                                                        Peyton and Isaac

                                                                 Isaac with his spelling test

                                                           Peyton with the shield she made

                                                                    Evan, Jack and Max

                                             Hailey was so happy when I brought her cabbage buns.

When I got up, Peyton and Isaac were already up and sitting on the couch.  They were so quiet, I didn't even hear them.  They wanted to wait to eat breakfast, so I read my Bible.  I read a chapter to them too.

We ate breakfast and then started spelling.  I decided to give them a test, even though they didn't study, just to see how many they knew.  I was amazed when I checked Isaac's paper and he only had one wrong.  He is an amazing reader, so must retain how to spell lots of words.  Peyton got lots wrong, but once we studied and she wrote the words out, she did great.  She did very well for not studying the words though.  I started two batches of dough.  We played 3-13 after that.  I finally won...these two are hard to beat lately.  We sure had fun and lots of laughs.  I cooked burger, cabbage and onions while we played.  I made chili after we were done playing.  It got done in time for Vikki to eat lunch with us.  She dropped off a cute plant stand for inside and a cute outside bicycle plant stand for outside she found for me.  She sure is a sweet!  When I was making the cabbage buns, I texted Melissa to see if she wanted me to drop some off for them.  I know they all love them.  She texted yes, then called me and told me that Hailey had just asked them to make some because she hasn't had them in so long.  She did ask them to make them just like Nana does, ha ha.  I called Hailey to see if she wanted me to drop some off to her for her lunch, and she said she would come to her house to get some and see me.  I got there and gave Hailey hers and Melissa theirs.  They were still hot out of the oven, so Hailey ate one right away and said they were so good.  She sure made me happy.  Melissa said she and the boys loved them too.  Bruce wasn't home yet.  They all make Nana happy.  I left and took some chili to Charlie and Sue.  He is going through radiation and chemo right now, so like to take something to them now and then.   Melissa called while I was there, and she told Sue what Evan said about family traits.  Sue was so happy and so was Charlie.  Evan middle name was named after Charlie.  Bill took some chili to Rich and Pat.  Rich just got his reverse surgery for his Colon a few days ago.  He is cancer free now after almost two years.  I packed stuff in the camper, so I can enjoy the day with Vikki and Kimmy tomorrow.  By the way, girls, I sure am enjoying being able to open my closet doors so easy upstairs.  Great job fixing them.  They work amazing.  What a great family I have.  They are all so loving and kind.

Monday, 9/14/2020, Harvested most of garden, went for a 3 plus mile walk, Peyton and Isaac spent the night

                                                                               

                        
                                                                  Sunrise this morning

    

A little while later 

                                                             Cucumbers and zucchini

                                                                 Carrots from the garden

                                                                             Onions

                                                                              Tomatoes

                                                                 Squash and Pumpkins

 Bill's bowl from Stacie, DJ & Kody, filled and ready to be devoured by Bill 

Worshipped, read my Bible and prayed.  Bill had a foot dr. appt.  I made oatmeal and had a piece of cinnamon toast.  I swept and mopped the floors.  I found my old glasses and wore those.  There isn't much difference between those and the ones I am sin now.  I picked the garden.  Lots of good stuff.  Washed it and laid it out to dry.  When I put the hose down on the ground, the spray control bumped on and I got a nice spray in the face and hair.  I moved quick, but not quick enough.  I went to my appointment at the eye doctor.  An optometrist met me at the door and let me in.  Everyone had facemarks on.  He had me step on the x and then took my temperature.  Then he took me back and had me be seated.  He took my glasses and put on two new nose pieces.  I told him this has happened a few times with these glasses.  It only took him a couple of minutes. Usually it takes the girls a lot longer.  They always charge me $4 for each nose piece, but he didn't charge me at all. He was very nice.  It sure feels good to have them replaced. After we ate dinner, Bill and I went for a 3 1/4 mile walk down our road.  After we got home, he went to pick up his water from Meijer, and I waited for Vikki to come bring the kids.  They came and had the whole back of her car loaded with huge pieces of wood. I helped her unload it and stack it even though she didn't want me too.  So sweet of her to do all that work and pick it up for us and deliver it.  The kids and I played 3-13...we finished a game we started last time they were here.  Peyton won, I came in second and Isaac was only 10 points more that me.  They had a few chocolate chips (or chicolate chops as Peyton accidently called it).  We watched a full house, read the Bible, prayed and I tucked them in.  Melissa called and said when she was tucking Evan in, he said you know how you get traits from your family.  She said yes, and he said well I know a trait I have.  I have a love for nature and I got it from Sue.  What a sweetie!  I know Sue is going to love this!

Sunday, 9/13/2020..Went to church, Stacey and Kody came over, Dropped off Coco Loco's for Hailey, Outdoor movie night at Melissa's

                           Ice cream spoon and bowl from Stacie, DJ and Kody for Bill's birthday

                                                    Papa with his ice cream spoon and bowl
 

                                                                        Isaac 

                                                                           Hailey

                                      Hailey eating her cinnamon roll we dropped off yesterday

                              Evan in the tree playing laser tag, Peyton in the yard playing

                                                   All the kids playing laser tag in the road

                                                                Jack Roller Blading

                                                                 Evan roller blading

                                                              Hailey and Papa Bill

                                 Bill, (Vikki, Peyton, Isaac, and Max in front of him), Melissa and Bruce, with Max,      Evan and Hailey ahead of them

                                                    Me, Bill, Vikki Max, Peyton, Isaac

                                       Vikki, Peyton, Isaac, Melissa, Jack, Evan and Hailey

Read our Bibles and prayed.  We went to church early to pray with prayer team.  Bill also prayed with the elders.  Great worship and message.  Came home and ate spaghetti.  Also ate some Musk Melon from Kimmy and Jared.  Very delicious.  Stacey and Kody came and gave Papa his birthday present.  It was so cute.  A spoon that says Dad's ice cream plow and a nice big bowl to go with it.  We got a good laugh, but it sure will be put to good use.  I got stuff around and got some things put back in the camper.  Took Hailey Coco Loco's to Melissa's at 5.  She was very happy.  I was happy to see her.  Melissa told me they were going to try showing a movie outside that night.  Vikki and the kids were going to come.  I asked if I could come join in the fun and she said yes.  When I got home and told Bill I was going, he wanted to come too.  We got there at 7.  The kids roller bladed and played laser tag before the movie started.  We all took snacks, chairs, blankets and drinks.  Vikki and I both packed our stuff in a clothes basket lol.  We watched Mulan.  We all had fun and Bruce did a great job setting everything up.

                                                                         

Saturday, 9/12/2020, Went to chapter meeting in Sandusky. Closing the pool today! Went to Country View Mennonite Store.

                                                    Max, Jack, Bruce Evan and Melissa 

                                                                Bruce being silly

                                                     Eli, Papa Bill, me, Adam and Jacob

                                                                              Peyton

                                                                  Hans has gotten so big

                                                          Bill and I relaxing on the shed deck

                                                     Peyton in her cute outfit she got today

                                        

                                                            My roses are beautiful right now

We got up early and went to Sandusky for CMA Chapter chapter that we are reps for.  They were having a few problems, so we went to pray for them and help them work things out.  After 4 phone calls when we got home, it was resolved and they all were ready to do what God has called them to do.  We stopped at Country View Mennonite Store and shopped.  When we got home, I put all the chemicals in the pool that were needed for closing.  We delivered cinnamon rolls and bread we had bought at the Mennonite Store to Melissa and Bruce and visited for a while.  We split the last cinnamon roll they had just warmed up and it was yummy.  Nice we had replacement cinnamon rolls.  We had a nice visit with Melissa and Bruce.  The kids called us afterward and were super excited.  We dropped Molasses cookies off at Charlie and Sue's.  They were on a drive in Kalkaska so we stuck the bag on their porch.  Next we went to Kimmy's.  She and Jared were busy throwing pottery together on the wheel.  The kids came out to greet us, and then Kimmy and Jared came out.  Kimmy and I walked and looked at the sheep, the new spickets they put in (so nice to see them have water handy everywhere now and be able to use their well water.  They did a great job replacing the old ones with new ones that work great.  She also showed me the new cabinet they made in the barn to shelter one of the spickets.  They sure did a great job.  The sheep sure have grown, especially Hans.  He is huge.  The babies are so cute and getting so big.  They picked some musk melons,  watermelon, cauliflower, and peppers out of their garden for us.  We walked around and looked at their beautiful plants and flowers.  They looks so nice.  We came home and started working on closing the pool.  While Bill unhooked the filter, I made spaghetti for dinner.  Vikki and Peyton came over.  Vikki was a great help with closing the pool.  She sprayed the filter and got it really clean.  Helped with lots of other stuff too and helped get the winter cover on the pool.  The rain held off so we could do all of this.  Right as soon as we were done, it started raining.  Peyton helped with the cover.  We set the pool furniture on the shed deck until we pack it away.  We had drumsticks afterward, and we gave Vikki and Peyton the goodies we got for their family.  Bill and I  filled out our CMA form for the State Rally. 

Cute picture of Kimmy and Jared working on pottery together