Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, had a surprise when we looked out our window, filled our coffee mugs, filled the motor home with gas,

View out the window by the table

 View by the couch on the door side

               Haven’t had a view out our window like this ever!!!!

I got up at 7:30 and looked out the windows.  I was amazed that this semi driver could park that big thing so close to us.  I guess semi drivers are very skillful drivers!!! I ate some cereal for breakfast.  Bill got up at 8.  We made the bed, then got ready and went into Flying J’s to fill our thermos mugs.  

We walked back to the camper, put the slide out in and left to head to Mena.  We should be there around 3:30, unless we see some sight seeing places along the way.  

Got into Arkansas at 10:22a.m.  Yay!  Set up was easy!  We have full hookup so that’s wonderful!  We met a couple camped by us from Penny, Deb and Jerry.  Saw friends Mike and Gail.  Watched Trump’s amazing Rally in Pennsylvania.  Played 3-13 and I stuck Bill with 53 points the last hand and won.

Friday 10/4/24, Left at 7:20 for Arkansas, napped on couch, had meatloaf sandwiches for lunch,pulling motorcycle behind motor home,

Bill doing a great job driving!!!

Saw these crushed cars on the car hauler and wondered what happened.  

Lots of damage


 

Saw what hit the  car hauler.  The front of the semi was destroyed, but we didn’t see any ambulances so hopefully no one was injured.  

Bill asked me last night right before we went to bed if I wanted to leave at 7 in the morning instead of 5.  Of course that got a big yes from me!  I got up at 5 this morning and he got up at six.  We packed and loaded the last minute stuff, I watered my plants, put a dish of cat food on the front porch and Kit Kat’s feeder dish filled up on the back deck, then dropped a two week food block into my fish pond.  

I turned the hot water heater down to the vacation setting and then told Kit Kat goodbye and we left.  I buckled up on the couch and took an hour nap.  That was comfy!  Then I got up and made meatloaf sandwiches while we were traveling.  The meatloaf that I made from the filling of the stuffed pepper's last night was delicious!  We also had chips and Oreos.  

We stopped after 3 hours of driving to get gas and go potty.  It was warming up so I changed into shorts.  

I read my Bible, then moved back up front with Bill.  It took about 30 minutes to set through the accident traffic jam.  We stopped for gas when we were almost out of Illinois. It sure is a long state!

Bill in the mirror washing the windows

We crossed the Mississippi River around 6:15 and got into Missouri on the other side of the bridge. We went a little ways and spent the night a Flying Jays.  It took 5 minutes to set up the camper and get the generator going.  It was 77 degrees here so we turned the air on.  I warmed up stuffed peppers and a baked potato that was huge so we split it.  I had cottage cheese but Bill passed on that.  Bill read his Bible while I played Solitaire.  Then we played 3-13.  I lost but not by too much!

Crossing the Mississippi River 

I

At Flying Jays

Our yummy dinner 

Thurs. 10/3/24, Packed, cooked, sold more at veggie stand, Trump at Ryder Center!!!!! closed up camper and hooked trailer with bike to it for an early leave in the morning

Got to see Hailey, Evan and Abby today

Evan’s shirt from the play he’s in.  On the back are the names of the kids in the play

 

I watched the Trump Rally on television.  Three of my favorite people were there!  Wish I would have had time to go...

 We slept great on our new mattress.  I got up early and read my Bible, then got busy packing more stuff.  I cooked burger with onions to have in the freezer while camping.  Cute up green pepper for the freezer here.  I made stuffed peppers and baked potatoes for dinner.  I set a timer, but when we tried to put the extend or retract it, it would only go part way.  I came in and checked the food and it was done.  I had Bill eat, and I was going to scrub the motorhome floors.  We  prayed, researched it, and finally just as I was about to scrub the floors in the motor home, Bill came out and decided we should take the jacks up and try to put the slide out in.  Then it worked just like it always has.  Thank you Lord and thank you Bill.  We got the trailer hooked on and then I shined the flashlight, while Bill drove the bike onto the trailer.  He is so good at that.  It was dark out, but I still took down my veggie table and put stuff away.  There was more money in the box.  Yay!

Wed. 10/2/24, Vikki, Kimmy and Jacob came over, got new mattress, Went to Zehnder's for Kimmy & Vikki’s Birthday Dinners, Went to Wild Birds Unlimited, Pride and Country, and Warbier’s,

Jacob came with Kimmy today Yay!

Vikki, Kimmy and I at Zehnder's for their free birthday dinners

Our outside selfie at Zehnder's

We always ask if Debbie is there and if she is she comes out to see us

Colors are starting....such a beautiful town

 

Vikki came over, then Kimmy and Jacob came. (Kimmy turned around and went back to get Jacob so he could help Papa pick up a kingsize mattress).  We all had our coffee, then Kimmy and Jacob moved the mattress off our bed into the garage.  Jacob enjoyed a couple of chocolate chip cookies.  I loved getting to spend time with him before we girls left to go to Frankenmuth.  Sue had called me and we tried to talk her into coming with us to Frankenmuth, but she had stuff to get done.  Bill took her to teach her how to put gas in her vehicle, to Sam’s Club to get Protein Drinks, and to the bank.  We listened to Jacob’s Salt Company Podcast on our way.  It was very good.  

We had a few samples in the Zehnder’s bake shop, then walked through the gift shop before going upstairs to eat.  I got a pot pie for my lunch.  The waitress brought me a plate so I could share all the side dishes.  She was really nice.  The girls enjoyed their lunch and we all watched it so we didn’t eat so much we would be in misery.  We had fun keeping this tradition.  I am so happy they make me part of it.  

We went to Bronner’s to get our free birthday ornaments.  I still had my coupon.  They were beautiful Merry & Bright Ornaments.  We did chuckle a little as that is one of our favorite Kimmy Memories.  We went to Wild Bird’s Unlimited after that, but walked through quickly because it was very hot in the store.  Next we stopped at Pride and Country and went through one shop, but decided to do the rest of the shops another day because we needed to get to Warmbier’s to have time to walk through the inside and also the outside.  It is a big place.   I got Kimmy a couple of cute things she liked and wanted for her birthday.  I can’t wait to see where she puts them.  She got me a Christmas present that I am to forget about.  It’s really cute too.  Bill took Jacob home after they got the new mattress on our bed, and Bill picked up the glass Vikki ordered for her bookcase.  He had it in her trunk when we got back.  Bill picked up Peyton and Isaac and took them to McDonald’s.  They were at our house waiting for us when we got back.  I gave Kimmy and Vikki their birthday presents.  Kimmy gave me the $50 out of her card to cover the $50 I paid for her birthday gifts.  So much more fun to find gifts she likes.  Vikki left to take Peyton and Isaac to church for youth group.  Kimmy stayed a few minutes longer, then she left too.  I sold two more pumpkins today.  Only have 5 more to sell, plus tiny pumpkins.  

Bill and I went to fill the motorhome up with gas.  When we got home, Bill ate his yummy chicken, mashed potatoes, delicious noodles and bread Kimmy and Vikki brought home to him from Zehnder's.  They always think of their dad.  He is very blessed and so am I.

We worked on getting CMA Event pictures together and labeling them to send our National Evangelists to have for the Colors Rally in Arkansas.  It took us a while to get them labeled on the same email as the pictures, but between the two of us we did it...oh and I prayed so I know that’s where the most help came from.  

It was such a fun day.  I sure do love my family! 

  

Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, Got groceries, packed lots in the camper, pulled the onions out of the garden, picked lots of green peppers, and picked tomatoes, Bill picked lots of watermelon, I sold some pumpkins

 

Pictures of Rehvyn Kenzie sent me....He is so cute!

His smile melts my heart

I got up early, read my Bible, then started packing stuff in the camper before it started to rain.  I went out to take something out to the garbage can before it got picked up.  A guy was buying some of my pumpkins.  It had just started raining.  He asked if he should give me the money or put it in the box.  I was happy he was buying.  He bought two big pumpkins and a small one.  It rained for quite a while, so he was my last customer.  

Bill pulled all of the corn husks out of the garden.  He also picked a wheel barrow full of watermelons.  I pulled the onions out and got quite a few.  Then I picked the green peppers and got a heaping big bucket full.  I also picked quite a few tomatoes.  Then Bill pulled all of the Zinnia’s in the veggie garden out.  They will be gone by the time we get home anyway.  We sure got lots done and Bill had 13 garbage cans of yard waste out by the road.

I went to Jack’s, then Meijer, then Aldi and got the groceries we need for the 2 1/2 weeks we will be gone.  I had someone come up to me in Meijer and say aren’t you Mrs. Schaard.  I said yes, but didn’t recognize the girl.  Then she told me she was Yvonne.  I haven’t seen her since she was in high school.  We talked for quite awhile.  I was so happy to see her and find out how her family was doing.  

I came home and had to wait for the garbage truck to pick up all that yard waste before I could pull in the driveway.  It took a while but they took it all. Yay!

Bill and I went to Culver’s and had a concrete mixer.  They gave him 25% off for his military discount.  So nice!  

We watched the debate and it’s so clear it’s good versus evil.  Standing for what God’s Word says or standing for killing babies, turning kids into transgenders and so much more that God’s words says is wrong.  I would be fearful to vote for what is clearly against God’s Word.

Monday, 9/30/24, Met Maddy at Biggby, Bruce and Max came to get some pumpkins and squash, Misty came to get corn stalks, finished edging the flower garden

Finished the rest of the edging.  I’m thinking my flower garden could look very different when we get back from our trip if we get a frost 

Bill cut down the rest of the corn stalks....just need to pull the onions out now

He cut down the pumpkin, squash and cucumber garden too.
 

I got up before Bill so I could get ready and go meet Maddy.  We met at Biggby.  She brought baby Mason with her.  Alec was home with Brielle.  We had a nice visit while we drank our specialty coffees, other than there was a lady sitting in the corner two tables over from us, that kept trying to talk to me.  I talked with her but couldn’t hear her very good because the music was loud.  I was facing Maddy and she was behind Maddy, so it was pretty distracting.  I did ask her if she knew Jesus as her Lord and Savior and she said yes.  

I loved holding Mason.  He was so cute and smiley.  He’s 4 months old now.  

I went to the Dollar Store and got some cards and some Welch’s drink mix singles.  

Read my Bible when I got home while sitting on the deck.  Kit Kat was right there with me.  Bill had read his Bible earlier.  Bruce was still in lots of pain today.  The medicine doesn’t seem to be helping much he said.  He and Max came to pick up pumpkins.  He took squash too.  I picked out nice pumpkins for Peyton and Isaac and one for my turkey head and feathers.  The rest are going out by the road to sell.  Misty came while Bruce was here to pick up some corn stalks.  She took quite a few which she loves to do each year and we love having her do.  Bill power washed the motor home and the shed.  He did the driveway up by the house too.  Then he mowed the yard.  After that he cut down the stuff in the garden that’s done for.  He got lots done.  I edged the rest of the garden so the stuff I dug up could go out in yard waste tomorrow.  Hauled some stuff out to the camper for our trip.  Tomorrow will be main  shopping day and packing day and Thursday will be last minute packing day.  Wednesday is saved for going with Kimmy and Vikki to Frankenmuth for lunch for their Birthday Celebration and free yummy family style meals.  I am looking forward to getting their pot pie and sharing their side dishes which the waitresses/waiters have always let me do.  We go to Bronner’s to get Couldn’t talk to Vikki til later because of Verizon not having service for many customers.  I was glad Melissa, Kimmy and mine worked...Bill’s too!

 

Sunday, 9/29/24, Went to prayer, than taught Sunday School, my niece, Ahmeh got baptized, Matthew had surgery to remove kidney stone, Bruce went to Med Express, then to ER, picked pumpkins and squash, pulled weeds, Evan and Jack came over

Pumpkins, squash and tiny pumpkins we picked today

Jared dropped Jack off on his way back home after the boys went to the show

Evan with the tiny pumpkins he picked out

Evan carved that tiny pumpkin and did a good job

Evan lighting up the pumpkin on the porch after dark

 I got up first and got ready, then went over my Sunday school lesson again.  Bill got up at 8:30 and got ready, then we left and went to prayer.  It was Pastor’s birthday today, Marie’s, and Samuel’s...he turned 18.    Worship was really good.  After worship the kids were dismissed, so we went back and I taught Sunday School.  It was a good lesson about Elijah today.  The kids were so good, and I had the best helpers...Kris and also a friend of Peyton’s, whose name is different and I can never remember it.  

We talked to Vikki, Christine, Ruth, Roy and Marie and their extended family Doug and Carol who were visiting.  Pastor Ken came over and talked with us too.  We came home after church and Debbie called me and let me know Matthew in surgery.  She also let me know when he was in recovery. He was doing good and drinking so they said he would be able to go home.  Yay!  Bruce has been having pain and spasms in his back.  His hand and fingers went numb and the pain was bad today, so he went to Med Express.  They said it could be he had a heart attack, so sent him to ER to get checked out there.  They did EKG’s and other tests and determined that it wasn’t his heart.  It was muscle spasms and pain, so gave him medication and sent him home.  We were all sure happy it wasn’t his heart.  We are continuing to pray for healing from the pain and spasms.  

I did get some great news from my great niece, Ahmeh.  She messaged me that she got baptized today.  This was such exciting news.  She said she has never felt such constant joy as this.  I know that feeling well!!!  She has been reading the Bible with her dad (my nephew Mark) who is in Vietnam.  What happened to us when we read God’s Word, happened to her.  She was born again as the Bible says and now can see the Kingdom of God.  You become new as the Bible says.  Old things have passed away, behold all things have become new.  It’s the best thing that can ever happen to a person.  I sure was rejoicing with her when she told me.  God gives you new desires, and takes things that are not pleasing to Him away.  Anyway this great news and her giving God all the glory made my day.!!!!!

Jared took Eli, Jack and Evan to see a movie.  He picked them up afterwards and dropped Jack and Evan off at our house.  We had told Melissa one of us would bring them home so it would save Jared driving and time.  I was happy to see the boys, so took some pictures of them.  I offered them some spaghetti, but neither one was hungry.  They took some home with them.  Evan picked out a small pumpkin and took it home and carved it.  None of us thought he would be able to carve it because it was so tiny, but he did a great job.  I loved talking to him later and seeing how he lit it when I was FaceTiming with him and Melissa.  He’s always such a happy cheerful kid and makes people happy just being around him.  It was nice to talk to Jack and catch up on what he’s been doing.  He did a great job restoring his bike and told us about it.  He is super talented at stuff like that.  

I texted lots and posted on the church prayer page and on Facebook and updated everyone on Matthew, Bruce and Ahmeh today so kept very busy.  We also picked all the pumpkins after we saw a critter had ate one.  We picked the tiny pumpkins and squash too.  We loaded them in the cart behind the John Deere and Bill hauled them up by the house and sprayed them down.  I scrubbed what didn’t come off and I sprayed them down a second time. We got lots of squash out of the garden too.  Bill and I pulled lots of tall weeds out of the garden too and put them in the cart.  I picked up my stuff from edging the garden the other day too, and filled two yard waste cans.   We were glad to rest after that and talk and FaceTime with Melissa and Evan.  

I worked on my blog after that.