Thurs. 7/13/23, Bill and I worked on getting garden weeded, took Jack and Evan to lunch and had them over, went to Vikki's and made keychains

Jack, Evan and me at Tony's for lunch

Ha ha, some friends of our camp all summer in the same campground because they are in Florida half the year.  This new neighbor moved in and set up a hot tub.  Now that's camping lol.

Evan, what a fun kid and such a great personality.  He always cares about others.  I sure had fun with him today.

Jack wearing his headphones....I needed a picture for my blog.  He is so respectful, polite and kind hearted.  Sure loved spending time with him today.

I had fun with these two granddaughters at Vikki's tonight.  I brought strawberries and Kenzie dipped them in chocolate.  She also did blackberries, tangerines and lemon pieces.
I didn't try those sour lemon pies dipped in chocolate, but Peyton did and loved them.  They sure are sweet girls and so much fun.

Isaac with his headphones on.  He ran out to meet me as soon as I got there and carried Vikki's shepherd's hook I brought back from camping.  He is one sweet caring kiddo who is fun too.  I have been missing him since camping

Love seeing kids building and playing with legos

 

Peyton making bracelets.  Kenzie cuddling Lucy

Sister time

Vikki is making this beautiful wall hanging

Vikki taught me how to make leaf keychains and wall hangings tonight.  She also taught me how to make keychains.  She is so talented.

 

Butterfly weed is starting to blossom.  We got 2 1/2 inches of rain yesterday, so the new plants I planted in this garden should start growing nicely now.

Me making my keychain

The two keychains I made

How fun it was to make these with Vikki's help instructing me

Charlie picked Bill up to go for coffee.  I ate a banana in the morning, then put the new flat bird feeder back outside and turned the pool filter on.  I weeded some in the new flower garden, then started pulling weeds in the garden.  I found more onions in the one row.  

Yesterday, Bill did one big garbage bin full.  We read our Bibles, then I took Jack and Evan out to lunch at Tony's.  Jack got pancake and bacon, Evan just got a hamburger, and I had a hamburger and fries which I shared.  We were too full for dessert when she asked if we wanted some.  Kenzie called to see if I could come over and make leaf decorations and keychains.  I was tired, but told her I would perk up and come after Melissa picked up the boys.  We went to my house, and the boys swam while Bill and I worked on pulling more weeds.  4 more garbage bins full.  Jack hauled them out of the garden for us.  I pulled some weeds out of our front brick walkway too.  It is much easier after a good rain.  The boys and Bill played several games of pingpong and it was nice listening to them have so much fun.  

I just relaxed after all that weeding.  Kenzie called again to see if I was coming.  She thought I sounded like I didn't want to, but I told her I was just tired and would be rested shortly and come.  When the boys got done, I gave them each a drumstick.  By then they were happy to have dessert.  Melissa called and came to pick them up and stayed a few minutes to visit.  After they left, Bill and I ate left over spaghetti and then I headed over to Vikki's to make keychains with her and the girls.  It was so fun learning and making them.  I washed some strawberries I brought and Kenzie made yummy chocolate dipped strawberries with them.  I goofed and didn't leave the tops on them for dipping, so Kenzie had to use toothpicks.  I did that the last time I made them, so I should have remembered.  Oh well.  All of their leaf projects turned out just beautiful.  Peyton is so good at making them too.  It was so much fun being with them and hanging out.  I sure am glad I perked up after doing the garden.  Kenzie's treats were delicious too.  When I was leaving, Kenzie showed me a picture of an angel she was going to make.  It was just beautiful and she made me one. So sweet of her.  I am going to make these things and sell them in Arkansas at our CMA Colors rally.  Texted with Jack and Eli and then relaxed with Bill.  

Wed., 7/12/23, Read my Bible outside, Got more outside stuff done, Stopped at Melissa's, went to Marine Corp. League Picnic,

Nice to see an oriole today.  I've been gone so long, I didn't know if they were still coming

Nice seeing my hummingbird too.  Melissa and I saw one here last night when we were sitting on the deck too.

Evan busy on his computer

I had Jack pose for a quick picture

Cute bird bath and ceramic chimes I found at Aldi today.  Great prices too!

Bill praying for our meal

Brad, Jen and Bill

Brad and Dennis

Brad, Jen and I

The Marines at the picnic tonight

 Filled the bird feeders and put suet and jelly out.  Added chlorine tablets to the floater in the pool.  It sure is nice having the solar cover closer and it just being a short walk to move it.  I brought some more stuff in out of the camper.  I read my Bible out on the deck.  Kit Kat was happy to have me back so she could lay by me while I read.  

I left to get a few groceries and also pick up my prescription.  I called Melissa to see if I could stop over.  Jack had messaged me that he wanted to meet with me to pay me the $5 he borrowed when he was up at the campground.  I am very proud of him that he remembered and was setting up when he could give it to me.  I had actually forgot about it.  I told him how proud of him I was that he was responsible to pay back what he borrowed.  I thought about not having him pay me back, but thought it is good for kids to learn when they borrow, that's what they have to do.  Melissa also paid me back for Bill's Father's Day, so it was a money making stop lol.  I called and set up a Nana Date for tomorrow to take Jack and Evan out to lunch.  I am looking forward to spending time with them.  

Bill had to go to the pain clinic for an evaluation.  His last injection in his neck didn't work, so they are planning another one.  I sure am praying for the next one to work.  

I made banana cream pudding dessert for the picnic tonight.  Brad and Jen came over to follow us there.  We had fun sitting with them and their friend, Dennis.  Dennis was super nice.  He told me he has autism, but is high functioning and has a very high IQ.  He said he lives on his own, not with his mom.  He talked about his dad dying young because he had an aneurism.  He also told us he needs a miracle from God because he has one.  He said he was on a vent, coded and God brought him back, had something else happen and coded and God brought him back, and knows God has a purpose for him here before he takes him.  He told us he believes and knows he is going to heaven, but he doesn't want to die before his mom dies.  Sounded like he wants to take care of her.  While we were talking, Debbie tried to call a Marine veteran who wasn't there because he was in the hospital with cancer.  She ended up breaking down crying because she found out he just died.  Dennis jumped up right away and even though he didn't know her, he gave her a big hug and told her everything was going to be ok and to just trust God and He would help her.  It was very touching.  Bill had visited the guy and he confessed Jesus as his Lord and Savior while he was there.  We prayed for Dennis for the miracle he needed before we left.  It was raining and getting cold.

We came home and relaxed.  Vikki FaceTimed me today and Melissa and I talked on the phone for a while.  Kimmy didn't answer her phone when I called to check on how Adam did taking the Benadryl.  

Tuesday, 7/11/23, Bill met Charlie for coffee, We went and visited Wes and Gayla at the campground, Jacob and Eli stayed at our house, Jack came to visit, Melissa came over

 Bill, Gayla and Wes relaxing after a delicious lunch Gayla made.

Wes, Bill and I eating Black Cap berries we were picking in the campground

Enjoyed our walk around the campground

Bill and I getting ready to leave and head to the Amish Country Store

We saw three Amish Buggies while we rode to the store.  The people in them all waved to us.

Plants in my new garden are growing

Zinnias are pretty colors

Tonight I weeded this row and found tomato plants and beets

Eli and Jack swimming

Bill read this Life Application Bible and is giving it to Adam to have and read! He's doing the boys and I am doing the girls.

Bill took the garbage and recycling out.  He had lots of yard waste containers filled and by the road too.  He went with Charlie for coffee after that.  I took my shower and got ready to go to visit Wes and Gayla at Wilson State Park in Harrison.  My doctor's office called, and Brook told me I was supposed to have a double dose shot the first time.  She said it was still within the time frame and asked if I would be able to do it or if I wanted to come in.  I told her I could. I sure was dreading it though.  I thought I had 2 weeks to build up myself to be able to do it.  Oh well, you do what you have to do.   It actually felt better when I gave the injection  myself than when the technician gave it to me yesterday.  Kimmy called to let us know Jared's brother was in a bike accident and was in the hospital.  We started praying for him right away.

Bill got home, and we were getting ready to leave when Kimmy and Jared got here to drop off Eli an Jacob.  We were happy to hear Eric didn't have any brain injury or any broken bones.  Thanking God.  Adam is going to his appointment at Henry Ford Hospital with a concussion specialist.  The boys are staying at our house and we will take Jacob to his practice tonight.

Melissa might be bringing Jack over to hang out with Eli.  Bill and I left and rode the motorcycle to visit Wes and Gayla.  We got there and they let Bill drive in free.  The kid saw his Vietnam Veteran hat.  We found their site, then visited for a few minutes outside, then they showed us their new motorhome.  It's used, but it's a very nice one that has been well taken care of.  We really liked the way it is set up. We sat inside and visited for a while, then took the food out to the picnic table and ate a delicious meal of Amish lunchmeat (ham, turkey, and roast beef) sandwiches and chips.  We also enjoyed sweet cherries that were delicious.  Then we had Amish homemade cherry pie that tasted amazing.  After we cleared the table and put the food away, we went for a walk down by the beach and around part of the campground.  

We came back to their campsite and sat and visited until 4, then we got ready to leave, so we would have time to stop at the Amish Store and be home in time to make sure Jacob had something to eat and got to his practice on time.  We bought sliced meat like Gayla served us, bread, chocolate chip cookies and Bill got some salsa.  We got home around 5:30.  Jack was there, and he and Eli were playing ping pong.  Papa went down to play with them for a while too.  I made spaghetti and then we all ate before Jacob had to leave.  Jack and Jacob said they loved my spaghetti.  I love cooking for them!!!!

I took Jacob to his practice and then came back home and started weeding the garden.  Melissa came after I was about halfway done with my row.  She offered to help, but I didn't want her getting her tennis shoes dirty.  She ended up coming in the garden anyhow and helped pull some weeds.  What a sweet daughter.  We sat around the fire pit on the swings and visited until lit was time to go pick up Jacob.  Kimmy called and said they could pick him up, but they would have to let Jacob know they would be 10 minutes late.  I insisted that I pick him up on time, so they could just come to our house to get him and Kimmy let me have my way, even though it took me some time to convince her.   Melissa went with me to get him.  Bill stayed with the boys and they kept swimming.  Jacob came out right away and we headed home...We had quite an adventure on the way home!  

Kimmy, Jared and Adam got there shortly after we got home.  I was going out to cover the pool and Jared and Adam did it for me.  It was so nice of them.  We visited for a while and told them about our adventurous ride home, then everyone left for home.  

Vikki called me today and told me she found a SkipBo game for the camper.  Yay, as I forgot to take mine with me this time camping.  It will be nice not to have to haul one back and forth, but just have one both places.  What a great family I have!

MONDAY, 7/10/23, Packed up the camper and came home, I went to the dr., Bill mowed the grass, went to see Sound of Freedom movie, picked up Souper Cafe food, worked on garden

Where are those onions, beans, beets and tomato's?????

After pulling many weeds, I found some beans, the rest of the row of onions, and another row of onions.  One more row of onions to find tomorrow and then the cherry tomato's.  Yikes!

Had to quit because it started getting too dark

I made us coffee, then I started cleaning and packing up the inside of the camper and Bill packed up the outside.  He had the clam taken down, and I helped him get it in the bag.  

We were ready to leave at 10:30, so headed home.  They were working on the road by the railroad tracks, so we had to go a couple of miles out of our way to drive on paved roads.

We got home and Bill brought his stuff in, and I brought most of my stuff in, and also the food so I could shut off the refrigerator.    Bill started mowing the grass, and I went to the doctor to learn how to inject my shot for my Eczema that I have to give myself every other week.  All three of my girls know how to give shots, so I do have back ups if I want someone else to do it.  I'm glad I had the girl show me her giving me the shot, because I need to wait to hear a click at the end which means all the medicine is out.  It hurt, so I might have pulled it out too soon.  Now I know what to expect, so should do good.  

I came home and brought more stuff out of the camper in.  At 3:20 we went and saw the movie, The Sound of Freedom, based on a true story.  It was emotional and hard to watch at times, but everyone should see it because it will open many eyes, and cause many to help and to pray. So sad that there are so many sick perverts that would do these things to kids and also adults.  I am happy the person in this movie had a heart to help find these children and had help finding many more and getting them out of sex trafficking.  I am going to remember to pray for the victims and those trying to help them.  

We went to Souper Cafe and picked up soup and sandwiches and brought them home to eat.  Then I went out and worked in the garden until it got too dark to see.  I talked to Kimmy, to Melissa, Vikki and Kenzie today.  I am glad to be back home and I'm thinking 3 weeks is too long.  I think I will just do 2 weeks at a time from now on.  My plants are looking wonderful inside and out, so I am going to enjoy watching them again.  The birds love my new bird feeder, so that is another thing I will enjoy again.  Nothing like home sweet home.  I love my family and I am praying for each one of them.  The scripture on Air One today was, 

But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever.  Spread Your protection over them, that all who love Your name may be filled with joy.  I started praying that over each family and us.  I am so thankful that all my kids and son's in love, take refuge in the Lord and praise Him, reading His Word and teaching it to their children.  Prayed it for Bill and I too.  I love God's Word!

 

Sunday, 7/9/23, went home for Serve Sunday at our church, came back up to the camper

Serve Sunday at church today!  We worked at an Underground Railroad house.  Great team of Friends to work with!

Everyone had their picture taken together before we went out to serve.  Bill and I are in the middle and Rody and Isaac are on the right

Merijo

Kris and Brock 

Bill power washing the house 711 and that’s not you because that’s what did it the last quarter I don’t know

Dave on the roof

Greg

Jeff and Lisa

Janet

Pastor Ken brought us all treats after we had worked for a while.  So nice of him to do.

Maddy, Calli, Brielle, and Alec...his eye is looking much better

Isaac and Rody working at Community Village 

Our wonderful group..front Will, Janet, Debbie, Jeff.  Second row, Cheryl, Brock, Sara, Vicki , Lisa, Maddy, Justin , me and Bill, top row…Ryan and Logan

Bill and I stopped for big hot fudge sundaes on our way up to the campground. Purtell’s make the best.

Bill relaxing reading his Bible

Bill trying to beat me

 

Me.. Bill should have kept taking pictures lol.  I made a hole in one on this one

Bill and I on our walk

We went to church ang sat in our group.  Pastor prayed and explained what we were to do, then they took a big group picture of all of us.  We all grabbed A snack and a water bottle on our way out.  Maddy rode with us. Will Koepke wanted to ride with us too, but we didn’t have room.  I went in with him and got him a ride with Janet 

We got to our site and I was on the outside crew. We carried all of our shovels, rakes, and other equipment to the house.  There were a lot of people on the inside working too.  I went in and helped some with the inside when the outside was done.  We finished and cleaned up, then went to the church to eat.  We came home afterwards and got ready to go up north.  We had a yummy sundae 

on our way.  We got to the campground and packed up a few things.  Then we went and played putt putt.  Bill won the first game by 1 and the second game by 3.  We walked around the campground, the sat outside more.  We came in and played 3-13.  He won that too, -11 to 11.  I texted with Vikki for a while.