Friday, 6/16/23, Went to my Best Friend, Vikki's house in Grand Haven, Vikki, Kimmy and families came over and worked doing trimming again. Eli went with Peyton and Isaac to our church for a youth water night.

Vikki and I took a selfie at lunch at Applebees

After lunch we went shopping in Holland.  We each found a cute bird we liked and bought

James with his big helicopter

Me, Shannon and James (7 yrs. old)

Jack playing the French horn in his concert for band camp at Valley Lutheran

.                                     Back row in yellow shirt second from the right

Hailey sent me these pictures.  She went to a pool party at someone's house and this was the fancy pool.

The house looks pretty fancy too! 

Peyton and Bill having an ice cream date

Pictures Vikki took and sent me

Peyton is under Melody's picture.  She's a friend who is a realtor at our church.  Rody took the picture!  So cool!

Peyton with the pretty sunset in the background

Jared and Bill relaxing after working hard

Eli relaxing after swimming.  This is his 3rd day swimming.

Peyton

Adam

 

Kimmy, Vikki and families came over today and trimmed some more.  Bill trimmed down the last lilac bush.  You can barely see them, but they will come back and fill out, but we aren't going to let them get overgrown again.  We have nice hosts planted in there and some other nice plants that will do much better now too.

Peyton and Eli

Peyton and Jacob

I got up early, got ready and then left to go visit my friend, Vikki, in Grand Haven.  Bill got up right before I left, so I was happy I got to tell him goodbye and get my good morning kiss, plus a goodbye one.  I played a good worship  album by Elevation Worship that Vikki told me about last night.  It was amazing.  I listened to it lots on my way, so I could learn the songs.  I stopped on my way and got an Egg McMuffin to eat on the way.  I made my coffee to go at home to drink with it.  It was a cooler day again, and the sun didn't come out until the afternoon, when it finally warmed up some.   I had a nice enjoyable ride there.  Vikki was waiting for me when I got there and came outside to greet me right away.  We went in the house for a little while and she showed me some things they've changed since the last time I was there.  Then we left to go to Applebee's in Holland.    They were shorthanded, so we had to wait for a booth.  We sat up at the bar and drank our pops until they had one ready which didn't take too long.  We had a nice visit over lunch.  She treated me, which she insisted on doing.  We both had an appetizer, burger and fries.  It was super good.  

After lunch, we went and parked in the ramp, and walked downtown in the cute shops.  We each bought a keepsake bird to remember our fun time.  We went to her daughter, Shannon's, new house after that so I could see them and see their new home.   I hadn't seen James, because they used to live in Chicago until they moved into this home.  Vikki is sure happy to have them live close to her.  Shannon and I gave each other a big hug.  It's been a long time since I've seen her too.  Then James took me (and Vikki) on a tour of their house.  He is an amazing little 7 year old and talked the whole time and didn't miss a detail.  He showed me where the walk in pantry was in the kitchen and showed me everything in it.  Then he showed me the kitchen, the table where they eat, and we walked by the island in the kitchen on the other side and he showed me how it had chairs to sit at.  He gave us a very thorough tour.  When we got to his room, he showed us his bed, his desk, some of his keepsakes, some stuffed animals, his closet, and his night stand and dresser.  He opened every drawer and showed me in side too.  (I had to laugh at that to myself of course). His drawers were all very neat.  

He took us to his parent's room and showed us and went to show us in all of their drawers too lol, but Vikki told him she didn't think her mom would want him showing us all their drawers.  I was planning on just looking the direction of their bathroom when he started doing that.  

He showed us the whole finished basement after that, and some lego things he's built and some Minecraft toys.  Those are his favorite!  He is an only child and is as smart as can be and very outgoing.  He showed us his favorite video of sailing and a shipwreck on the Discovery channel.  I got to see Rob for a few minutes and say hi, then we girls visited more.  We went to Vikki's after that (she is my friend for many years who Vikki was named after).  We sat on her enclosed sun porch and visited for the rest of the time.  We talked a lot about all the things God has taught us, how He's changed out life and made it so much better, how we still have much to learn, and about His Word and how it is so good and changes us when we obey it.  

We caught up on our families while we were at the restaurant.  Terry got home from fishing and came and visited with us for a while.  He is such a nice person.  It is really wonderful how God brought Vikki and I together when I was 20 and she was 18 and we have been best friends for so many years, and Bill and Terry worked together and are great friends too.

I left around 6 and when I got home Kimmy, Jared and the Boys were at our house and Vikki and Peyton were there.  Rody and Isaac had been there, but had already left.  They all had lots to show me with all the trimming they had done and also some clearing out of a picky bush.  Everything looked wonderful.  What an amazing, loving and giving family I have.  I am so very blessed with family and friends.  God is good all the time!  Bill and I relaxed in our loveseat recliners in the evening.  It was good to be back home with him.

Thursday, 6/15/23, caught raccoon, kimmy and the boys and Vikki and kids came over, went to Vikki’s for tacos again!

I came home from the dentist and Kimmy had pruned my lilac bush and had it looking good.  It will be just right for next year.  It was getting way out of control.  Thank you so much Kimmy and thank you Vikki for assisting. 

Isaac hauling bricks so Kimmy can wash them

Isaac helping papa cut up branches to throw on the fire

I made him look at me in the picture below

Eli hauling bricks to be washed so Kimmy can take them home

Adam worked out in the basement on the bike and treadmill

Jacob helping Papa

Eli talking Isaac into getting in the pool.   It took him a while, but he did it!

Isaac and Eli in the pool....Brrrr

I caught a raccoon, so Bill loaded it in my car and I took it and dropped it off.  It was happy to get out of that cage.  I am happy not to have it getting into my bird feeders and taking things down.  I ate oatmeal for breakfast.  I watered the last spot of the garden.  Kimmy, Vikki and the kids got here.  We sat at the table and drank our coffee, and I finished my oatmeal.  Bill took Jacob and Adam and went to get wood to make a railing for the pool deck steps.  They also went to Tim Horton's.  It was a cooler day and we got a couple of short rains that weren't heavy.   

Kimmy went outside and started trimming my Wiegela bush.  She did an amazing job.  It is going to look so much better.  I made dinner while she and Vikki were outside working.  I called everybody in to pray and eat, then I left for my dentist appointment.  It was just an X-ray and cleaning appt. and was a good. This was my first time having this girl.  We talked about the Lord a lot and had a good chat about other things.  She was really nice and did a great job.  The dentist came in afterwards and checked them over.  He said everything looked great which is what I wanted to hear.  

When I came home, my lilac bush in the front looked great.  It was overgrown and out of control and now Kimmy has it trimmed and cut down to where it should be. I was so happy. Eli and Isaac were in the pool having fun.  It was only 66 degrees, so I know it was cold.  

I ate lunch outside.  Kimmy and Vikki had moved to the back and worked on the huge lilac bush back by the back deck.  It was harder to get at and cut back.  Kimmy was determined and got it.  She used a sawsall to cut it.  Vikki took a turn, then Jacob got home and he finished it.  Thank you everyone.  That was hard work.  Eli, Adam, and Isaac hauled branches to the fire pit to be burned.  Kimmy had started the fire and Bill kept it going.  Vikki and Peyton went home, and Isaac stayed to help Papa.  The other kids helped too, while Kimmy and I went to get Kimmy's over the counter stuff at Walmart.  We got home and Jared was there.  We joined him and Bill on the swings on the deck.  The kids had fun throwing the football again today and just hanging out.  We all went to Vikki's again for Tacos.  She made some chicken tacos for Kimmy.  They were all delicious.  I talked to Melissa for a while.  Kimmy planted a wiegela bush she dug up from our house.  Vikki and I watered some plants.  Kimmy and I weeded some too.  We sat out on her sun porch for a while visiting, then Bill and I had to leave.  I got some things ready I need to take when I go to visit my BFF, Vikki tomorrow in Grand Haven.  I am so excited to be going. 

Wed., 6/14/23, Kimmy and Vikki came to spend the day, We worked on graduation candy dishes, sat outside, kids swam, worked on some yard projects

Vikki, Kenzie, me and Kimmy working on graduation hat snack cups for Jacob's graduation party

Eli and Kenzie eating snacks and spending time with Kit Kat and each other

When I had them look

Me and Peyton with our drumsticks on the swing

Always love seeing my woodpecker.

Peyton

Eli and Isaac deciding what to do for the picture

This is what they came up with

Gross Beak and cardinal eating on the ground

I went to Walmart to pick up what I needed for the graduation snack cups for Jacob's party.

Kimmy, Vikki, Eli, Peyton and Isaac came over after Eli's dentist appt.  Kenzie came shortly after.  We girls all worked on the graduation snack cups. I had seen them at a graduation about 5 years ago and saved one because it was so cute.  This year I showed them to Kimmy and she liked them so we made 100 of them up.  We made black caps with gold tassels.  I will have to post a picture tomorrow because I thought Vikki was sending me the one she took, but she didn't.  After that, Kenzie took Eli and Isaac to the Guitar store for a little while with her.  She picked some treats up for them while they were out.  Bill, Vikki, Kimmy and I had sandwiches.  I made pizza which was ready when the kids got home.  Peyton had some too.  

We all had drumsticks, but Isaac, Eli and Kenzie.  We went outside to eat those.  I wanted to show Vikki my Spearmint plant, and was going to get it, but Eli said no Nana, I will get it and he got right up and got it and showed Vikki.  He is such a great kid, always looking out for me.  Eli picked up all the plates from our lunch when we ate outside too and wouldn't let me.  Kimmy was cold inside (she doesn't get cold very often, but she sure was cold today.) It was in the 70's outside so it was hot in the sun and just right in the shade.  Kimmy and Vikki moved the swing into the sun to warm up.  I sat in the shade because it was just right for me.  The kids swam a couple of times, and Eli and Isaac had fun throwing the football in the pool.  After they got out, Peyton, Isaac and Eli threw the football back and forth with each other.  Kimmy worked in my new flower garden area.  She moved the stepping stones and did lots of shoveling and working the soil.  It looks amazing.  She sure worked hard though.  Vikki, Eli and I worked under the tree.  We put stepping stones in there for the kids when they walk in it so they don't ruin my plants.  Eli carried all of the stepping stones for us.  He wouldn't let me do anything hard.  He said he would do it.  We visited more til Vikki had to take Peyton, Isaac and Eli to youth group at our church. Then she and Rody were going on a date while they were there.  Kimmy left right after Vikki did.  She is coming again tomorrow because Eli is spending the night at Vikki's.  I talked with Melissa today and texted with Jacob and Bruce.  Finally planted my beets and sunflowers tonight.  Watered the garden good as it was getting dry again and I wanted my newly planted seeds to do good.  Relaxed with Bill in the evening.

 

Tues., 6/13/23, Bill went to have coffee with Charlie, I watered my plants in the house, edged the flower bed, pulled all the weeds I saw coming up in the garden, Went to Vikki's twice, once to visit and once to have taco's she made, worked on some graduations stuff so I'm ready for the girls to come tomorrow

Eli and Peyton relaxing at Vikki's 

Isaac was relaxing too!  They did get up to give me my hugs!

Filled little 100 little candy dishes with candy for our project for Jacob's graduation tomorrow when the girls come.

I ran the pool filter for its hour, while I read my Bible out on the deck.  Kit Kat joined me.  Nice time bird watching too.  I used my little spade and edged the new flower garden.  Got some weeds out too, but not many.  Pulled weeds out of the garden and around the raspberries after that.  I hauled them out to the yard waste can by the road to be picked up later.  I was hot and tired, so I came in for a drink of water.  I was going to go out and hook up the electric gate to the fence and turn it back on, but Bill told me he would do it for me, which I was thankful for.  When he came in, I made us peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch.  Then I went to Vikki's to visit for a while.  It was fun seeing her new table and chairs, and also her new refrigerator.  Everything in her house looks so nice.  We sat and visited in the sun room and watched the birds.  She said she was going to take down her oriole feeder because she had an oriole once in early spring, but has seen one since.  I had given her jelly from Aldi to try.  She had it out.  The squirrel is a stinker and knocked it down twice to enjoy it himself.  I headed home and stopped at the Family Dollar.  I bought some M & M's there and also some cards for graduation and other occasions.  Then I drove to The Home Store.  I looked for my phone and didn't see it.  I hit my phone finder on my watch, but it didn't light up, so I knew it wasn't with me.  I called the Family Dollar Store to see if it was turned in, but she said no.  I headed right back there as quick as I could.  When I got out of my car, there was a $5 dollar bill laying in the parking lot.  I picked it up and went into the store.  I hit my phone finder and it lit up, so I knew my phone was somewhere in the store.  I walked down aisles I had shopped in, and in about the 3rd aisle, I heard it going off and got it.  Thank You Lord!  I was so happy.  Elated might be a better word, and extremely thankful.  I went over to the girl at the cash register and gave her the $5.  I figured if no one asked for it, she would deserve it.  She was having an awful time when I checked out because she was having trouble with her credit card and they called back, but it was a voice mail and she couldn't connect with a human.  I told her I would be praying for her when I left.  

Vikki messaged me that if we wanted to come for taco's for dinner, they were eating at 5:30.  I never pass up her delicious tacos.  Bill said yes right away when I called him too.  Vikki called me really excited that she had an oriole at her jelly feeder.  It must like the jelly I gave her as much as mine do. 

I picked up a couple of cute things to take to Vikki and Shannon's in Grand Haven Friday when I go, then went home.  I worked on filling some containers with M & M's and mints for about 10 minutes before we went to Vikki's.  When we got to Vikki's she had the food all made and was getting it set out.  She even made avocado ranch.  Everything was super delicious.  Vikki, Rody, Bill and I visited more out in the sun room.  Jacob had to practice with the band he is in at Saginaw Valley, so Kimmy and Jared came over to visit too.  Jared ate a couple of tacos, but Kimmy wasn't hungry because she ate a good salad at home.  I talked to Melissa for a while on the phone.  We are trying to make some camping plans.  We all had a nice visit, then Bill and I left so I cold get home and fill the rest of the containers.  It was a fun day and I always love family time.  

 

 

Monday, June 12, 2023, Cleaned camper, watered plants, fed birds, went out to eat with Maddy and Alec for Maddy's. 22nd Birthday

Bill took his old handlebars off the bike

The new handlebars are higher and will be easier on his back.

He tried it out and liked it

Nice that he doesn't have to lean over to reach the handlebars any longer.

The garden is looking good.  All 7 rows of corn are up about an inch now.

The rain sure helped the garden

Pumpkin, Squash and cuke cumber garden. Blueberry bushes on end

My peonies I planted two years ago, blossomed and the blossoms have pink in them.  They are beautiful

Out to dinner with Maddy and Alec at Texas Roadhouse to celebrate Maddy's birthday

Bill and I got the motorcycle out of the camper.  It's really easy.  I put the carpet back down and cleaned the camper.  I took my Dyson out to do a good job.  I watered the deck plants and filled bird feeders and bird baths.  Something knocked the hummingbird feeder down, so I set the trap to catch whatever it is.  

Caught up on laundry and got it folded and put away.  Put some in the hamper that has to go back out to the camper.  Kimmy and Vikki worked on Jacob's graduation picture boards and did a great job today.  l looked up a couple of pictures Kimmy wanted and sent them to her.  

Bill sure did a good job taking off the old handlebars to the motorcycle and putting on the new ones too.  He is super skilled at doing things like that.  

In the evening, we went to Texas Roadhouse to celebrate Maddy's 22nd birthday.  They didn't bring Brielle, boo hoo.  Much easier for them to eat out without her at her age.  She reaches for everything now.  We sure missed her though.  We had fun and had a nice visit.  

Vikki stopped and picked some things up I need for Jacob's graduation party and dropped them off to me.  That was so sweet of her to offer, so I didn't have to go out.  I got to see Peyton, Isaac and Eli for a few minutes which was nice. Eli's spending the night at Vikki's.