Thurs., 6/6/24, Vikki, Peyton, Kimmy, Adam, Hope and Eli came over to spend the day, the kids swam, we all worked together putting the solar cover at the end of pool on posts, Evan celebrated his birthday with a few school friends, and Jack and Connor, rained when we were done

Hope and Adam skimming the pool

Peyton and Eli

Hope, Adam, Peyton, and Eli....everyone’s first swim in the pool of the year except Peyton

Hope and Adam relaxing in the pool

Hope, Eli, and Peyton

Adam and Papa working together to move the post to a new hole

Kenzie came and right away pitched in

Great Grandpa, Grammy Vikki and Rehvyn

Me and Bill and Great Grandson Rehvyn

Hailey and Rehvyn

My twins are the best helpers and really think things through to get it done right

The oriole finally came to the close jelly feeder.  I was in the house though so took the picture from inside

Yay the cover is on and we don’t have to walk one end all the way around the pool anymore.  

Four finches on the finch feeder while I was inside too

I got this metal hanger at Wild Bird’s Unlimited.  It was the last one and they had it hanging on their wall.  The guy took it off the wall for me and sold it to me.  Vikki, Kimmy and Eli hung it today and Vikki wired my Bluejay bird feeder so it hangs where it faces sideways so you can see it better. 

Vikki FaceTimed me to show me Rehvyn dancing.  He sure is cute and dances to the beat.  

Evan celebrated his 13th birthday today with his mom and dad,  brother Jack, and friends at Bavarian Inn Lodge

Daniel, Evan, Adam, Max in background, Jack and Connor

 

I planted a Kale plant and a burpless cucumber plant.  I also moved a few plants because they were too close to the electric fence and it would be hard for Bill to get the tiller around them.  After that, I washed off the outside tables and put cushions on the swings and chairs under the gazebo.  I had put them away for yesterday’s thunderstorm.  Wes came and picked up at case of Bibles to pass out for our CMA group at Mackinac this weekend for the Blessing of the Bikes.  Bill had a doctor appointment.  

Everyone got here at the same time, except Kenzie came later to drop off Rehvyn.  Kimmy and I went out and planted two plants Kimmy brought me.  One is Thyme and she’s going to let me know what the other one is.  They are going to be so nice in the garden.  Then all of us but Peyton
 had coffee and sat outside under the gazebo.  The kids all decided to go swimming.  They stayed in pretty long for it being a cooler day and the pool only being open for a few days.  It’s always a joy to hear them all having fun together in the pool.  Vikki fixed and rehung some of my bird feeders.  Kimmy assisted.  I was happy to get my hanger I got at Wild Bird’s Unlimited.  It is so cute.   We ate sandwiches and chips for lunch.  Bill brought home 4 boxes of Girl Scout cookies he got for free and we ate three of those boxes too.  Peyton took one home that Papa gave her.   His doctor wants him to have a Stress Test, so they are scheduling that.  I got a call and have an appointment in Brighton for my hand towards the end of this month.  

Adam dug the holes for where we are putting the posts in for the solar cover reel to go.  Eli helped some too.  We all were excited when Rehvyn got here.  Of course we were excited to see Kenzie too.  Kenzie got right to work shoveling.  Kenzie ate a sandwich and hung out for a little bit, then she had to leave.  Bill put all of the clips for the solar cover on, and we tried to roll up the cover, but it kept getting caught on the edges.  Then Vikki said we would put the clips farther out and not on the edge and I remembered that’s how they had to go.  We all took the cover off and laid it on the ground, then we folded it and Kimmy and Vikki put clips on the fold.  We tried it again, but realized the posts had to be moved up too.  Adam came out and dug two more holes and he and papa moved the posts to their new position.  After much adjusting straps by us girls, we got it to where it works pretty good now.  It was really windy out, so it will be much easier on a calm day.  Hailey came over while we were working on all of this and watched Rehvyn.  She loves him and is just so good with him.  He sure is the best smiliest baby!  Hailey had to leave to go home.  I checked on her to see if she was home safe and sound.  Her car quit working today on her way home from work.  Bruce said he thought it was ok now, so she came over with me ready to help if she called.  All went well.  We put everything away and the kids got their suits and towels off the line.  Then everyone headed to games or home.  Soon afterwards we got a downpour and lots of wind.  When it stopped everything was still and our flag wasn’t moving anymore.  I looked at my plants planted today and they all looked good.  Bill and I read our Bibles and then relaxed and had cashews and M & M’s for a snack.  It was a very busy but very fun day.  Thank you everyone for all of you help.  I love my family!

 

 

Wed., 6/5/24, Planted the garden, helped Bill with the electric fence, took another chipmunk to relatives., stopped at Charlie and Sues, went to Culver’s, helped

Peyton helping plant the garden

Isaac working with papa putting the stakes in

Isaac helping plant

Peyton, me, Isaac and Bill....working on getting the garden planted

The thing Isaac is lifting and putting over the post is super heavy.  I can’t believe he could lift it like that.  He’s a super good worker!

When Peyton was done planting, she jumped in the pool.  It was just opened so it had to be pretty cold.

Gardens are all planted!

Cute geese at Charlie and Sue’s.  I delivered spaghetti to them tonight.  They have had a rough week and could use prayer.  He goes to U of M hospital tomorrow to get his throat stretched again. 

This guy came back for more jelly.  Good thing I have two jelly feeders out this year!

We got up and started getting things ready for planting the garden.  Vikki dropped Peyton and Isaac off at 9:30 to help us plant.  They have been helping us plant the garden since they were old enough to.  They really worked hard and steady today and were joyful the whole time.  They are so much fun to plant with and sure make it lots easier for us.  Peyton helped me plant the whole garden.  Isaac helped put stakes in for the rows, planted some plants, then worked with Papa on putting the stakes in for the electric fence.  What blessings they are!  We sure appreciate them.  

Vikki got back and was amazed at how much we had planted already.  We were on the last rows of tomatoes when she came.  She took some pictures.  We sat up on the pool deck when the garden was done to watch Peyton swim.  She jumped right in that cold water with a smile on her face and just like a kid, said it wasn’t cold.  She stayed in a few minutes, then got out.  We were going to help her because the steps to the pool weren’t in yet, but she got right out herself.  When Bill and Isaac got done, we put the steps to the pool in.  Then we needed Peyton to get back in so she could put the container of sand in the spot for it in the pool steps.  She gladly did it.  

Peyton ate some spaghetti, but Isaac and Vikki weren’t hungry.  I wasn’t hungry yet either and neither was Bill.  Vikki and the kids left, and Bill and I put the wire around the electric fence in four levels to keep critters large and small out.  

 Max wanted to come here and target practice.  I saw it was going to rain, so I called Melissa to see if he wanted to come after it was done raining.  He did.  Then they extended the rain, so I called to see if he wanted to go for a ride with Bill.  He went and picked up Max and took him to Jay’s in Clare.  They called me to tell me they had ice cream.  Originally, I was going to pick Max up and bring him to our house and take him to Mooneys on our way here, but those plans changed.  

I took a chipmunk to drop off at his relatives.  I called Sue to see if they wanted some spaghetti, since they have had a very hard week, and she did.  I took some over to them, 

and then I went to the cemetery to visit my, mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, great grandma and great grandpa and aunt’s graves.  I also visited our friend’s Wes and Gayla’s son’s and daughter in law’s who died in a plane crash when they were 24.  I’m going back to plant some flowers and plants by the graves.  They were all the best ever to me!  I sure do miss them all.

I went to Culver’s for a concrete mixer after that.  I was surprised when Michael came out and brought it to me.  He was one of my all time favorite boys in my Sunday School K-1 class.  He’s always had a special place in my heart.  We are going to his graduation party on Saturday.  I am very proud of him.  He loves the Lord and is faithfully serving Him!

When Bill got home, he hooked up the electric fence and turned it on.  Lots got done today and I am very thankful it’s done and we had so much help doing it.  Thanks again Peyton and Isaac!  

I talked to Kimmy and they are coming over tomorrow.  Hope is coming with them.  YAY!

Tues., 6/4/24, Hot day, 87 degrees, in the morning filled feeders, no raccoon again last night, got vegetable plants, seeds and flowers from Boehlers,

Planted two Lantana Plants in the garden, an orange one and a white one.  Bill is in the background picking up grass

Red Breasted Grossbeak at the jelly feeder.  I’m amazed at how many birds like jelly.

We slept in until 8:30.  I went outside to see if a raccoon had did any damage to the feeders and there wasn’t any evidence of a raccoon at all, even in the trap.  I sat outside and drank my coffee.  I just drank a protein drink before going to my doctor appt.  It went well and the planter’s wart is gone and no more pain.  My friend, Debbie, prayed for it at prayer last Tuesday and I never had any pain after that.  I stopped at Melissa’s after my appt.  I called her and was reminding her that we need to get our free over the counter stuff before the end of the month.  We were deciding on a day, and it jogged her memory that Evan got out at noon today when she said she was going to the fun fair tonight.  We hung up quick so she could get going.  

I did catch another chipmunk today that I took to live with his relatives by the river.  Two more were playing under the tree, but I didn’t catch them.  Hopefully tomorrow they will wander in the trap.  

Bill and I went to Boehler’s and picked up our plants and seeds for the garden, plus the flowers for my pots on the porch.  While he finished mowing the yard, I planted the plants in  the pots on the deck and planted some in the flower garden too.  Bill tilled the garden again after he was done with the grass.  He called me on his phone to bring him water, which I did quickly.  I read my Bible on the deck, after I blew it off with the rechargeable blower.  I did the sidewalks too and the stepping stones in the garden.  I transplanted some hens and chicks into containers too, and added to my hens and chicks big planter.  I took some things out to the motor home to put away, but will do that on a cooler day.  We cancelled our camping trip this weekend.  Bill had to get the front tire replaced as we noticed it was making a funny noise on our ride on Saturday.  He took it off and took it in today.  He saved $100 taking the tire off himself.  Yay!  

I talked with Vikki and Melissa a couple of times today.  FaceTimed with Vikki.  She always has good finds to show me that the Lord blesses her with.  

Bill hollered out to me while I was sitting on the swing on the deck.  He wanted to know why Kit Kat was laying on our bed.  I didn’t know why.  She snuck in on one of us.  I was thankful she was at the end of the bed when he found her, and not on his side by his pillow.  That would have really freaked him out, lol.  

We relaxed and had cashews and M & M’s for a snack in the evening.

 

Monday, 6/3/24, didn’t catch a raccoon, weeded new garden and edged part of it, sat on the deck and watched birds, put chemicals in pool dispenser, Max and Bruce came over, did some shopping

Peyton with her highlighted hair Vikki did.  She looks so pretty! 

Eli and Isaac in the backseat.  They stopped by to see if I wanted to go to Kimmy’s with them.  I couldn’t because we had to get ready to plant the garden tomorrow, and we had to put the chemicals in the pool, which meant we had to be hear for the 3 different steps.  I sure wanted to though.  

Bruce, bill and Max by the table they are making

The pool after step one was done

The pool after step three was done.  We are waiting to do step two til morning

Some pictures Vikki took today...Jared and the kids , Eli, Peyton and Isaac

Peyton above with a new kitten and El

Eli, Peyton and Isaac holding the kittens

I got up at 7:30 and went out to check the trap, but didn’t catch a raccoon.  I hung all of the feeders back out.  Then I put the cushions on the swings and chairs.  I ate my oatmeal and drank my coffee outside.  Kit Kat joined me of course.  I watched birds and was sad to see sparrows going in the bluebird house.  There were 3 cracked egg shell laying in the dirt not far from the birdhouse.  I sure would like to know what happened exactly.  I was sad not to see the bluebirds sitting on the house and the feeder out there.   I got a blanket because it was a little chilly and I read my Bible out on the deck too.  Bill got up at 8:30 and got ready to go have coffee with Charlie.  My ring doorbell went off and I saw that Eli, Peyton, and Isaac were at the door.  Vikki stopped in with them to. check and see if I wanted to go to Kimmy’s with them.  I said yes at first and said I would drive myself and leave earlier.  Then I started thinking about the garden and also about the pool and changed my mind.  I knew we had to get those two jobs started.  It rained Saturday night and Sunday morning, so we have to wait for Bill to till the garden.  I raked my flower garden with the 4 prong rake.  It is so nice how easy it is now since we don’t have that clay any more.  I edged about 1/4 way around it.  It was getting pretty warm out.  I called Bill to see if he was getting home soon so we could start the pool.  I didn’t want to fill it the last little bit and turn it on and have the hoses leak without him here to fix them.  He came home and we started step one.  It had to run through the filter 1 1/2 hours.  I fixed spaghetti and we ate while we were waiting.  We did the next step and put the chlorine in the dispenser.  We were going to go to Boehlers' to get our plants for the garden and some flowers.  Bruce and Max came over and wanted to work on the table they making.  It is turning out so nice.  I went to Aldi and Walmart and got more grape jelly and some other things.  I saw my hummingbird again today!  This time it was at the big feeder.  Kimmy called and talked to me for a while.  Vikki and the kids were enjoying their time there with her and really liked the gazebo and swings.  We finally put the third bottle of chemicals in at 9:30.  The maintenance chlorine will go in in the morning and usually lasts about 1 1/2 months.  Now we have to put the solar cover on posts and put straps on and connect it to the reel.  That will be a job for tomorrow or the next day.  

 

Sunday, June 2,, 2024, went to prayer, then church service it was “Celebration Sunday”, after church went to Taco Bell, then home for a while , then to Ellsworth for Molly Jo’s graduation party.

Our trip up to Ellsworth was beautiful!

Loved it when we started seeing Muladore for Sheriff signs in yards. I was actually taking a picture of a sign close, but luckily there was another sign in the next yard.  That’s why it’s so far away lol.

Molly Jo at her graduation party

Sara, Max, Molly and Matt

Bill taking a picture of me and my two sisters.  He showed us this picture of him when he asked if we wanted to see it. He took a selfie instead.  Such a silly guy!  

Me, Jody and Brenda. This is the picture of us he actually took.

Front Row… Holly, Dominic, John, Aubrey, Mallory, Second row…James, Jody, Sarah, Jo, Brenda

Hailey sent me these pictures of her and Ally!  They became best friends in preschool

We went to prayer, then into church service.  Prayer was awesome and it was Celebration Sunday so seeing all the graduates, dedications, new members and a baptism was wonderful.  We prayed over Pastor Dan’s son Isaac afterwards. We celebrated with delicious cookies after church while we visited with friends.  We left and went to Taco Bell for something light to hold us over.  Came home, read our Bibles.  I looked at my hummingbird suction cup feeder in my kitchen window and saw my first hummingbird.  I didn’t have time to get my phone an take a picture.  We had to leave then and headed up to Ellsworth to Molly Jo’s graduation party.  We talked to Vikki for a while on our way up, then to Peyton and then Vikki again.  We stopped at a small art fair, then at a Family Fare for Bill to get mints like Vikki Gave him in church.  We got to the party at 4:30. Molly was at the  door and greeted us.  Then my sister Brenda came and greeted us and told us where the food was and where family was sitting.  Sara Jo and her family were at the food table so we said hi and hugged there. Then we went and got in line and Holly and John were there so hugged them and visited.  We ate and Brenda came and sat with us. Then Dave came, then Mat came and sat by us too.  Brian came and talked for a while too.  Then we went over and visited with my sister Jody and our nephew James.  We got to meet their little Dominic who is 18 months old already.  Their kids are so cute and so are Sara Jo’s.  We visited and took pictures.  People were inside and out so we missed getting pictures of some family members and when we talked to Molly Jo we didn’t even think to take a picture with her.  I liked that Jacob had a picture space set up so we had a picture of him with everyone.  That was a really good idea Kimmy had.   

We said goodbye to everyone and then we left for home.  Kenzie called me and I talked to her for a while.  It was such a nice ride home too.  I worked on my blog and got most of it done.  We stopped for gas in West Branch and I drove the rest of the way home.   

I set the trap to catch the raccoon when I got home and put all the feeders away.  A big branch fell off after I finished putting them away and was skimming the pool.  Nothing was hanging on it though and I couldn’t even figure out where it fell from.  

I walked out and pulled some tiny weeds out of the flower garden.  Came in and sat in my recliner next to Bill and relaxed.  It was a fun day!