Sat., 7/22/23, Warrior Appreciation Rally, Bon Fire at Wes and Gayla's

Bill and Pat in the Marine Corp League Booth

Great group of Marines

Grandson Max trying on helmet and holding grenade.  Papa in the background

 

My favorite Marine, Veteran, husband, and friend

Got our picture taken with Isaac after we finished eating. He looks very handsome with his new haircut

Walked around with Maddy, Brielle and Alec

Alec wearing a fireman hat in the picture

I went to take a picture of the oriole on the feeder, but by the time I took it, I got it in the tree instead

Bought this big tub of clothes pins that was marked for $12 for a dollar once the marked prices down to a dollar on anything $100 or less.  Vikki got amazing deals.

I got this cute magazine wrack for my magazines

Fun at Wes and Gayla's Bonfire...Bill, Joel, Ron, Barb and Dorothy

Elaine, Gayla...showing how delicious the homemade ice cream is and Cindy

Cindy, Lew, and Don

Wes and Brad

Our wonderful hostess and host

Gayla roasted a perfect marshmallow

Sabrina, Bill, Ron and Barb

Wes, Lew, Dorothy and Cindy
Some pictures Kimmy sent me of Bruce, Melissa and family's visit to their house today

Cool picture of Eli, Bo and Jack

Vader looks like he herding the sheep

                                                  Max with Vader, Wyatt and Basil 

Bill left on the motorcycle and went to help set up the Marine Corp League table at the Warrior Appreciation Rally.  I went an hour later and joined him there.  We walked around for a little while, then had free lunch with sister Debbie.  She is still in a lot of pain from the dog attacking her.  She was there to help some with the cooking and serving food.  Tom was helping too.  We had a nice visit with her, then Vikki, Rody and Isaac got there and ate with us too.  Shortly after, Maddy, Brielle and Alec joined us.  We had free ice cream afterward with a choice of lots of toppings.  Bill went to work in the booth more, so I walked around with Maddy and Alec, and took some pictures for them.  Vikki, Rody, Isaac and I left after that and went to an Estate Sale.  Vikki found a recliner chair that was pretty and had been for sale for $75.  It was marked down to $15, so Vikki called Kenzie and brought it for her.  Then the lady announced everything $100 or less was a dollar.  Vikki got the chair for a dollar then.  She also got some cool TV trays with a serving tray on wheels, a radio, and an old rotary dial phone.  Rody put the chair in my car and the rest of their stuff in their car.  We went and visited Matthew after that and enjoyed spending time with him.  Debbie got home and we prayed for her and then they all prayed for me.  Bill left a few minutes ahead of me, then called me and told me he was at the gas station in Bridgeport where it was $3.29 for unleaded.  He told me when I got there to pull in behind him.  He filled my car for me, then he headed home and I went to Vikki's to drop off the chair.  Everything looked cute in her house.  

When I got home, Bill was napping in the recliner.  I relaxed for a while, but couldn't fall asleep.  When Bill woke up, we both read our Bibles.  Then we got ready and went to Wes and Gayla's for a wonderful bonfire.  We sure had fun eating yummy cherry pies made over the fire, s'mores, and homemade ice cream.  Came home and relaxed for a while, then went to bed.  

Talked to Kimmy and Melissa today and texted with Adam.  

Friday, 7/21/23, Sad news today from Merijo, Max and Bruce came over, cleaned pool, swam,

Papa shooting and Max watching

The pool got a little green again, so today I brushed the bottom and sids and it's looking good again.  I swam for a while after that.

Max shooting the gun, Bill watching and Bruce doing slo mo videos

Max loading the gun

Bill training them how to clean the guns after shooting

Bill is teaching Max lots.  They are both having so much fun.

 

We had a visitor after supper for about an hour

 

 Bill and Charlie went for coffee before Charlie had to have fluid pumped off his lung.  I slept in.  I got up and walked around outside for a little while, then had my oatmeal, raisins, raspberries, and bananas.  My friend, Merijo, called and let me know Pastor Pete and Sandy's brother was killed in a motorcycle accident yesterday while he and his wife were on vacation with them.  She is in serious condition.  The motorcycle Ron was driving accelerated and hit a pickup truck pulling a camper His motorcycle sideswiped the trucking camper, before it hit a cement post, killing him and seriously injuring his wife.  Ron's daughter, Lisa,  went to the Christian School with the girls.  He was 69.  This made us all sad.  

This was taken the day of the accident.  Pastor Pete and Sandy are in the front and Ron is at the end. They all used to go to our church when they lived here.  Pastor Pete was our Assoc. Pastor, then moved and started his own church.  I let the girls and Bill know to start praying right away.

Hailey posted a great post on Facebook today.  She is doing so good on her job and loving it so much.  Such fun pictures of her and the little girl she had this week with Downs Syndrome. They sure love each other after a week of doing fun things together.  

Bill picked up Max today to practice shooting some more.  Max came right in, said hi and started talking and was so excited to be able to practice again.  He learned more about gun care from Papa today too.  Bruce came and shot some too and did slo mo videos.  They all had fun together.  I cleaned the pool and swam while they practiced.

After we ate dinner, a lady turkey came in the yard.  She was out by the double swings for a while, then came up by the house and hung out there for about 40 minutes.  My dad always loved having turkeys come to his house.  

I texted with Adam for a while today and talked with Melissa and Vikki a few times.  I tried calling Kimmy but didn't get a hold of her.

Thurs., 7/20/23, Went to breakfast, went to Dunham's and Meijer, Bill put chlorine in the pool, crazy itchy day, talked with Bill's brother Fred, had zoom meeting with State Coordinators

Downpour in the afternoon sure perked up the plants and flowers

One inch of rain in our rain gauge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long cucumber I picked today.  I made cucumbers in vinegar/sugar/water and onion with it.

Bill and I went to Bob Evan's for breakfast at 9.  He had the Farmer's Breakfastl and I had blueberry pancakes with blueberry topping.  Yum!  I'm glad they have flavored creamer there for my coffee.  We had fun.

We went to Dunham's afterward, to take a top I had gotten for 4.97 back.  It said medium, but it was more like a kids medium when I tried it on.  Sure was a good price, but I like my shirts comfy.  We walked around the store, then left and went to Meijer to get water bottles for Bill and some chlorine for the pool.  We came home, and I put the water bottles away in the refrigerator and Bill put the chlorine in the pool.  We both read our Bibles after that and listened to worship music.  It was another itchy day with this eczema.  Bill left to go meet Alec for a while.  I was itching so bad I couldn't stand it.  I sure called out to the Lord and started speaking the Word.  It finally let up, so I cooked dinner.  While it was cooking, I did some reading and saw that when you have two days of really bad itching and pain, it's in the healing phase.  I was so happy to read that.  I do notice my skin is getting smooth again and starting to turn back to the normal color instead of bright red.  Thank You Lord!  The best thing is not to scratch when it itches, but when it is so bad that is very hard.  My nails are very short, and that helps me to rub instead of scratch.  Rubbing and poking are allowed, but itching is bad and breaks down the skin.  Prayers for this to be healed quickly are appreciated.  

Bill got home and we ate dinner.  Bill's brother Fred called us and talked for a while.  They sold their house and are now buying a house that's 3 yrs. old instead of building one like they had planned.  He is really trying to talk us into coming out there for a visit.  He said we just need to pay our air fair and he will provide everything when we are there.  Really sweet of him.  Bill had a zoom meeting at 8 with the guys who are state coordinators.  I listened while I worked on my blog.  The itching seems to be much better now.  So very thankful.  

Eli showed me pictures of the wild kitty he found today.  The way he was taking care of it, it wasn't going to be wild long.  He texted me and wanted ideas for names.  I got busy making a list, although I didn't know if it was a boy or girl at the time. He chose Blaze which was suggested by his Aunt Vikki.  He's golden, so it's a great name.  He also sent me a Christian song to listen to.  Loved that.  

When Bill is done we are going to have banana cream pudding dessert.  

Wed., 7/19/23, Marie and Roy came for dinner, Had Zoom meeting with Area Reps, picked tomatoes and a pepper, picked raspberries, dead headed lots of plants

Bill, Roy and Marie having dinner

Marie brought me some of her beautiful flowers.  They last so long.  The bucket she brought them in had a crack, so the water leaked out.  I stuck them in a vase quickly so they would be in water.  Will cut them and arrange them tomorrow.  Busy day!

More yummy raspberries from our bushes

First picks from the garden.  Fourth of July tomatoes and a pepper.  My mom and dad loved this kind of tomatoes and so do I

 I got up early and got the round steak I got from the Mennonite Store browned, then cooking with cream of Chicken soup in the crock pot.  Bill got up an hour later and met Charlie for Coffee.  He also dropped off a clothes rack to Vikki that she found at Ginny's.  Then he went to the VA for his appt. Kimmy called me, so I got to talk to her for quite a while which I loved.  Started making banana cream pudding dessert, then realized I was one package of pudding short.  I put it in the refrigerator, ran to the store and got one, then came home and finished making it.  Happy Aldi's is close.  I got the potatoes peeled and ready too. 

Bill got home we read our Bibles.   After that, I blew off the deck, washed the tables off and put the other swing and chair cushions on.  Marie and Roy came around 2:30.  We visited while Bill was on the phone, then we ate.  I had everything ready and kept the potatoes and corn warm in the oven until we needed it.  They were sweet and commented several times on how much they liked the food.  We visited more in the living room before we had our dessert.  

We talked a lot about all the Lord is doing and has done in our lives and in our families.  They left around 6 because we had a Zoom meeting with the area reps at 7.  Before they left, each one prayed over me for healing of this eczema.  I am very thankful for a husband and friends who pray and believe.  

After they left, we had our Zoom meeting with CMA area reps.  It went well and Bill did an amazing job leading it.  He is doing an amazing job on the State Rally again too.  Afterwards, I walked around outside and looked at the garden and my flower garden.  I dead headed lots of plants.  All of them are doing well with the rain we have gotten.  The grass looks beautiful too.  I was going to pick raspberries and noticed some ripe tomatoes and a green pepper, so picked them first.  Then I pulled some weeds that were mixed in with some plants.  Everything is weeded now.  Yay!  

Kenzie sent me ultra sound pictures that were so amazing to see.  For sure our first great grand baby is a boy.  Very exciting.  He looks so cute in the ultra sound.  My great niece, Ahmet, also sent me an ultrasound of the twins she will be having in Feb.  So cool to see God's amazing creations and how miraculous they form.  Adam and I texted.  He is so cute and fun.  Bill and I relaxed in our love seat recliners after that.  

 

Tues., 4/18/23, Met Maddy at Panera, went to lunch with Vikki, Kenzie, Peyton and Isaac for Taco Tuesday, Bill mowed the grass, I went to prayer, Bill and I tilled the garden and weeded

Peyton trying out a chair at Dunhams

When we went to Goodwill today, I thought about how Vikki always finds so much and I'm not good at finding stuff.  I prayed God would help me find something I need.  Yesterday the motor to my Ninja broke.  It runs as soon as you plug it in instead of having to push the top to make it run.  I was sad because I use it all the time.  When we went into Goodwill, I found this Ninja set and the motor is exactly what I needed.  I love the gray better than my black set, so I'm using this

Taco Tuesday....Taco's for a $.  Were they ever yummy!  Thanks Vikki

Me, Isaac, Vikki, Kenzie and Peyton at Sombreros

Vikki and I sprayed her roses today. It was pretty weedy around them.  She sent me pictures tonight.  She and the kids did lots of weeding and it looks great.

I read my Bible, then met Maddy at Panera.  Stacie texted me to see how Bill and I were doing.  So sweet of her.   I started texting her back right away, then Maddy knocked on my window to let me know she was there.  I stopped texting and totally forgot to finish it later until at 11 p.m..  Maddy and I got breakfast sandwiches and yummy specialty coffees.  We had a nice time catching up on each other and finding out what to pray for each other.  I always enjoy my time with her.  Alec kept Brielle with him, so no sweet baby today.  We were there a couple of hours and then we left for home.  Vikki called me when I was on my way home, to see if I wanted to meet her and the kids for Taco Tuesday Tacos at Somberos.  Of course I did.

I read the commentaries in my Bible for today, then got some plants watered and walked around checking the others.  I left to meet Vikki and the kids at 1.  We had a nice table in the back corner.  Our waitress was super nice.  Vikki treated all of us which was so sweet.  I will treat next taco Tuesday.  I came home and took a 20 minute nap.  At 6:30, I went to prayer at church.  I sat by Dave and Bev on the couch, and Dave showed me his wrist.  It was red and had a rash.  He told me he thought it was poison oak.  He saw my leg and said oh you got sunburned.  I told him no, I was diagnosed with eczema.  Denise was next to me on the other side and was telling be about her grandkids having it.  Everyone else came into the circle and Jeff had Bev open in prayer.  She prayed for the Holy Spirit to put on our hearts what to pray for.  We prayed for things, then Jeff prayed for someone in the congregation with a skin disease to be healed.  Denise laid hands on me and prayed for my specific eczema while he ws praying.  My heart was so touched by God that he would do this.  I am praising Him!  When I got home a big spot that had been broken out and bright red, now was back to the normal color on a big circle in the middle.  When I got home, I had Bill start the little tiller for me so I could use it in the garden.  It didn't work real great, so Bill got the big one and did where he could get through with it.  I finished the small areas with the little one, then picked up the weeds with the roots.  Then I used the 4 prong thing, and did around the onions and beets.  It worked great. Then garden looks so nice now.  Bill tilled around the outside of the fence too.  

I talked with Melissa and Vikki and texted with Adam and Eli. Eli showed me a video of his thumb.  It is hurting him worse he said.  

 

Monday, 7/17/23, went to store and got strawberries, made shortcake, picked friend Vikki E. up, went to Vikki's. Max and Bruce came over to practice shooting, Wes and Gayla came over

My BFF, Vikki,  got me this beautiful glass hanging.  I put it in the kitchen window.

She also got me the bluebird bird feeder.  It's so pretty!

The birds found it right away and started eating.  Usually it takes them a while for something new

Max had fun shooting the crossbow again

He also loved shooting Papa's guns

 

Max showing me the cup he shot at.  It was pretty shot up

 

Ha Ha....Max showing me his red shoulder from shooting the gun

Cool wind chime Aunt Vikki got for Vikki

Little J J.  Ahmed is pregnant with twins.  We are all so excited.

Hailey sent me some pictures....here she is swimming with her little camper she loves!  She is 8 and has Down Syndrome.  The other pictures were really cute too, but I don't want to post them of her face

Ate my oatmeal with raisins, bananas and blueberries.  Went to Aldi's to get strawberries for strawberry shortcake, and got a laptop lap desk I had saw in their ad.  It is super nice,  

I made my grandma Daisy's biscuits and cut the tops off and mashed the strawberries.  I packed it all up and went to pick my BFF, Vikki up at 1.  I went in and visited with her parents for a while.  Her mom is 90 and her dad is 95.   We left and headed to Vikki's, so she could see her house and visit.  Isaac came out and helped me carry lots of stuff in. Vikki showed her the house, then Vikki E. gave Vikki, the kids and I gifts.  The kids loved their candy and the things she got us were beautiful.  We ate our strawberry shortcake and then went in the living room and sat so Isaac could play the piano for us.  He did amazing.  We visited for quite a while, then I took Vikki back to her mom and dads.  I left and came home just before Max and Bruce came over so Max could practice shooting the bow and the guns.  He didn't bring Vader because he didn't want his ears hurting.  He sure was happy and enjoyed practicing with Papa and Bruce.  They spent a long time here, then went home.  

I made individual pizza's for dinner.  Wes and Gayla came while we were eating.  They sat and visited with us.  We played Skip Bo teams after we were done eating.  The guys won by quite a bit the first game.  The second game, they beat us by 1 card.  We sure had fun.