Friday, 8/15/21, left a Day early for Arkansas. Kimmy’s boys got their surprises in the mail from us, stayed at Fairfield Inn in Troy..

 

Ready to leave

The TV even had William on it

Very nice shower.  Even has soap, shampoo and conditioner in dispensers

Coming in from entrance

Looking from the bedroom

Couch in living room area

Bill when we stopped at Frickers to eatt

Living Area!  My cute guy is in the picture too!

King size bed

Vanity 

Vanity 

Bill came home from having coffee with Charlie and asked me if I could get ready in time to leave today.  I went into action and so did he, and we were ready to leave by 1:40.  We hit light rain in Flint.  Then it was clear until we got to Ohio and drove in a few long stretches of downpours.  We saw three accidents after it was done pouring.  One looked bad so we started praying.  We listened to worship music on my playlist, snacked, and visited on our way.  The truck is really comfortable to ride in. It ran great the whole way.  We checked out two hotels and decided to see if w

E could find a cheaper one.  I was looking up ratings on my phone when Bill went into the Fairfield.  We got a room with a king size bed because it had great ratings and the price was much better.  There were two small beds in the room so Bill went to tell him and he upgraded us to a really nice room for the same price.  While Bill was telling the guy, Adam called me to thank me for his card and surprise, then Kimmy called and Jacob and Eli got on speakerphone and thanked me.  So fun to surprise those sweet boys.  We went to check out eating at Texas Roadhouse but it was a 2 1/2 hr. Wait to went to a place called Frickers instead because it wasn’t real busy and had good ratings. Yay for cell phones.

Thurs. 9/14/21, Bill took truck in, Got my Covid booster and flu shot, Breakfast with Bill, Kenzie and Travis came over, Faith Riders meeting

 No pictures today.  I forgot to take any when Kenzie and Travis were here.  I talked to Kimmy in the morning.  Bill took the truck in because the sensors were acting up.  I picked him up after I got my covid booster and flu shot.  I prayed before I went that God would show me if I wasn't supposed to get it.  I got there and there were only two cars ahead of me and two behind me.  We all pulled in the Sears Automotive Garage as it was a drive through.  I filled out my information and looked in the review mirror just as a truck smashed into the big garage door.  I   took it as a clear message from God that I was supposed to because I was in the garage already.  If I were behind that truck, I would have taken it as a definite no.  There was no way they were getting that garage door open the way it was bent.  I felt a little weird after I got the shots.  Then I remembered I hadn't eaten anything.  When I got home, I drank a protein drink, and ate a granola bar and then headed to pick Bill up.  We went to breakfast as he hadn't eaten anything either.  I felt great after eating and had no problems from the shots.  Kenzie and Travis came over for a visit.  It was nice having them.  They left to stop at Omi's, and then were going to Vikki's to give her her birthday present.  We picked up the truck.  They reset everything.  They didn't find anything wrong.  We took it where Jared takes his vehicles.  They only charged us for 1 hour labor instead of 3.  We were thankful.  We went to the Faith Riders Chapter meeting.  It was nominations night for officers.  We can't nominate or vote because we are State Reps.  There were 4 new members there.  Talked lots to Kimmy today.  She threw me off because she had Jared's phone and Jared had hers.  Poor Jared.  I called Kimmy's phone a couple of times and texted it.  He sure was nice about my boo boos.  

Wed., 10/13/21, Bill Watched Peyton and Isaac, Celebrated Kimmy and Vikki's Birthday at Zhenders, Went to Jacob's Marching Band Showcase

We took several pictures on a selfie machine at Zhenders

Kimmy, me and Vikki....We sure had fun and some laughs

Vikki took a selfie of us with her phone to see how it compared

I loved this chicken made out of plants so Kimmy took my picture by it

Kimmy, Aunt Debbie, me and Vikki

Aunt Debbie and the Birthday Girls

Me, Vikki and Kimmy at Zhenders.  Vikki and Kimmy got their free birthday dinners.  We all missed Melissa this year.  Hopefully

Vikki took this picture because I thought the guy by the fire place and the guy on the other side of the wall looked a lot alike.  Ha Ha, it's a mirror and the three of us are in the mirror too.  A funny moment to remember.

Matthew

Shiraz

Vikki, Matthew, Kimmy and me

                               Jacob is the 2nd one to the right from the 30 yard line in front

 Got up early, showered, got ready, did my morning reading.  Vikki got here around 9, and Kimmy came at 9:30.  We had coffee and listened to good worship music on the TV.  Bill took Peyton and Isaac to Tim Horton's and met Charlie there.  We went to Frankenmuth, signed up on the list to eat lunch, then walked through the gift shop while we waited.  Vikki used a selfie machine they had and took pictures of us and a video.  We had some good laughs, but she finally got down what to do really good.  When Vikki's timer went off, we went back upstairs and waited to be seated.  They got their free meals and I got my half hot turkey sandwich with mashed potatoes and stuffing.  I got to eat some of their side dishes too.   I had $3 off my meal because I never went in March with Covid.  We had a great time and lunch was delicious.  Lots of left overs went home to Bill, Jared and the boys.  We went to Bronner's afterwards and got our free Christmas ornaments we get yearly for our birthdays.  We had them get Debbie for us so we could see her for a few minutes.  She was happy to see us and we were happy to see her.  After we left there, we went and visited Matthew.  We had such a nice time with him and loved spending time with him.  We talked about his worship concert he went to and ours.  We also talked about his trip to California a couple of weeks ago to go to his cousins wedding.  Vikki found out he was only 5 minutes from her friend, Jenny's house.  His aunt lives in the same town.  It's a small world for sure. It was nice seeing Shiraz too.  She's such a great dog.  When we got home, the girls opened their birthday gifts from us.  Then they left, and shortly after, I left to go to Jacob's Band Showcase.  Bill picked up Adam from Kimmy's van and took him to youth group.  Then he had to meet with a couple to do the CMA training.  They attend Faith Riders.  The youth pastor took Adam to Culver's and Bill took him home from there. Jacob's band did amazing and Jacob did great.  I can always spot him, because he marches so well.  All the bands did great and it was so enjoyable.  The weather was great and we didn't even need jackets or blankets.  Last year we needed hats and mittens.  It was such a fun day today.  

Tues., 10/12/21, Bill had VA appt., Jared stopped over, Vikki, Peyton and Isaac stopped over, Trimmed some bushes

Evan standing on the pumpkin

Jack standing on the pumpkin

Some rose buds I picked before I trimmed my rose bushes yesterday.  They are opening nicely and smell amazing

Rain again this morning.  Bill got up early and made his side of the bed.  I slept in 15 minutes longer.  He went to his VA appointment.  I drank my coffee and ate my oatmeal.  Put good worship music on the TV.  I did some laundry. Keeping it up for our trip.  Put some fans away.  Won't be needing them when we get back most likely.  Got Kimmy and Vikki's Birthday gifts ready.  We are celebrating tomorrow.  Yay!  We will be in Arkansas on their birthday Boo hoo.  Dropped off cards to Melissa's for Max, Jack and Evan.  Visited for a little bit cuz it was their lunch break.  Trimmed a couple of Weigela bushes when I got home.  One more to go.  This weather sure has made them grow.  They look much healthier since I trimmed them last time.  I sorted through lots of pictures on the computer.  Amazing how many were blurry back in the day.  Cameras sure have improved.  So many cute and wonderful pictures!  Lots of memories came flooding back.  We had a cute knock on the door and were surprised to see Jared when Bill opened the door.  He was meeting Vikki here to pick up an ugly Christmas sweater that Jacob needs for school tomorrow.  Vikki was still picking up the kids so it took her a few minutes to get here.  Bill looked to see if he had an ugly sweater, but couldn't find one.  We had a nice short visit with Jared, then Vikki got here.  Jared left, and Vikki and I listened to a couple of worship songs.  The kids ate M & M's for snacks.  They played upstairs for a while. Vikki left, then Bill went to meet Kevin for a little while.  He doesn't want to be president of Faith Riders any longer, so he let Bill know.  Bill already knew.  He hasn't really done much a president, so we are hoping to get someone in there who gets more rides going, fellowship and witnessing.  He works and has a wife and kids, so it isn't as easy for him.  

  

Monday, 10/11/21, Walked on treadmill, Beautiful day, 79 degrees, Got lots done in the yard, took a ride with Bill so he could see how the motorcycle and trailer pull

The corn is coming down next door

Cut down some plants around the house, but some were to pretty to cut just yet

Today the Hydrangea blossom is absolutely beautiful

Cut the rosebushes way down.  Tomorrow other shrubs will get a trim

Love the color of this mum and excited to see it open all the way

Looks kind of bare around our shed now.  Bill and I did some serious cutting.  Lots of trash barrels full today and ready for pick up tomorrow

Yummy salad for lunch

Walked on the treadmill first thing while listening to worship music.  Played Not just stories on the tv.  Awesome song to worship to.  Drank coffee out of Kimmy's mug she made me...It says I love you mom on the bottom so is very special to me.  Bill took the truck in to get it reset.  He unplugged something to try to set something for hauling the camper and we had some exciting moments riding in the truck.  Sensors were going off, check engine light was coming on, truck slowed down and didn't want to accelerate.  They plugged it in and reset all the sensors and it is working fine now.  We both read our Bibles, then went out to work on the lawn.  He cut down the plants around the shed, and I raked and picked up the cuttings and put them in the trash barrels.  Then he mowed the lawn and I worked on cutting and trimming around the house.  After that, we both came in for a rest.  Pastor Ken messaged me to see how Hailey is doing.  He's been praying for her every day.  I asked him how Sarah, his daughter was, and she is back to work and out of quarantine.  Both girls were pretty sick with Covid, but didn't end up in the hospital, even though it looked like a possibility.  Thank You Lord!  We relaxed in our recliners and drank lots of water after all of our work outside.

Sunday, 10/10/21, I watched online church, Bill went to church, Went for a ride to Clare, Met Kimmy and Family at Cottage Creamery

 

My hydrangea has grown so much since spring.  It blossomed in early summer, but now is getting another blossom and little blossoms are coming all over on it.  Hope the weather holds out for it

Went for a ride in Amish Country

The only color we saw was when we were getting in to Clare

Jacob, Adam and Eli

Ice cream time at the Cottage Creamery

Adam, me and Jacob in front, Eli and Papa in back

I watched our church service online today.  So many have cover and so many have been exposed, I decided to play it safe.  Bill went as he had to get the marriage license the bride forgot to bring yesterday and have them sign it with him.  They had one copy to sign at the wedding, but two are needed.  We ate goulash when he got home, took a little nap, then went for a ride to see some fall colors.  We didn't see much color.  It was so much prettier when we came home last Monday.  We did have a nice ride though, and did have the great idea of having Kimmy, Jared and the boys meet us at Cottage Creamery. It was 75 degrees and so nice, we just had to have ice cream.  It was nice spending time together and the ice cream was yummy, especially with family enjoying it with us.  We came home and I walked around our soggy yard.  Water sloshes up my shoes in the back yard.  I found out quickly I should have put my Muck boots on.  I worked on the blog, then listened to some good worship music.  I texted Hailey, Adam and Jacob.  Bill and I played 3-13.  He was the winner.

Sat., 10/9/21, Nice day in the 70's and even had sunshine. Bill married Bob and Lynn

 

Silly Evan when he said goodnight to me last night on FaceTime

Max got a haircut at Great Clips.  They all take the proper precautions and were very careful.  Melissa was so happy to find a place to get Bruce and the boys hair cut

We waited 1 1/2 hours for the wedding to finally start.  It was supposed to start at 2 and started at 3:30. Nice day outside so we didn't mind

The white shelter is where the bride got ready so that might explain why it took so long lol

Kids had a balloon parade to lead them

Lynn's grandson, Matthew walking her to give her away

Bill marrying them and best man and maid of honor standing up for them

Bob, Lynn (groom and bride) and Bill

Enjoyed our coffee and oatmeal this morning, then enjoyed worship and our Bible reading time.  Adam texted me and told me about a song I should listen to called Best Friends by Hillsong Young and Free.  I listened to it and told him I really liked it and had heard it before once or twice.  I sure am thankful for grandkids who love Jesus and love to worship.  We got ready, then left for Vassar for Lynn and Bob's wedding.  It sure was a beautiful day for it.  We got there early, but the bride took a long time getting ready so we were there 2 hours before it actually started.  We sat a our table and enjoyed watching the kids play out on the playground.  They had some really sweet caring parents and it was great to see that.

Their family and friends were so nice, and were believers.  The groom played Elevation worship while we waited for the wedding to start, so that made time go by quickly.  The groom was homeless a couple of years ago, and a person from Victory church took him in.  We at Faith Riders took up a collection for him too.  He has been following Jesus ever since and God is sure blessing him.  So great to see and such an amazing testimony.  His son was one of the great dads who was so loving to his kids.  His little granddaughter and grandson sure love Bob to pieces.  It sure made me happy to see this.  It was a very nice wedding (very relaxed and laid back), and it was nice that they had everything outside to keep people safe.  There were only about 25 there counting the kids so people were just in their own groups at their table.  Bill and I had our table to ourselves, other than when the kids came in with their balloons and sat on the other side facing the bride and groom during the wedding. They are a very sweet couple and I wish them God's best.