Monday, 2/3/25, Spent the day with Cathy K., Bill went to Trinity Riders meeting,

 No pictures today.  I got up and got ready so I could get to my friend Cathy’s house. by 9 a.m.   I ate a piece of pizza before I left.  I asked Bill if he put a duck in my pillowcase and he said no, did you put one in mine.  We both found one during the night.  We are going to have to do some detective work as one fell out when I got a paper plate out, and Bill had one in with the pellets for the Kernel Burner.  I left for Cathy’s and it was foggy out and the roads were wet, but the temp was 34 degrees out so they didn’t freeze.  I was careful just in case there were icy spots.  Her caregiver is on vacation, so I stayed with her to help her. We talked and watched 700 Club, then I got a bowl of cereal for her.  I helped open papers for her to look at that needed to be filed so she could decide what pile to put them in.  We made it through a huge stack.  A few times, she needed to stretch, but then kept going until we were done.  With Parkinson’s she moves slowly, but she is very determined to get things needed done.  Melissa, Kimmy, Vicki, and Kenzie all called me and got to talk to Cathy for a few minutes.  She was like a second mom to them when we lived by them.  We have many great memories of hanging out with them, camping with them, going to church with them, plus so many more.  I made wraps for us to eat for lunch. We went down to the basement and got stuff out of the freezer for me to make Shepherds pie and breaded broccoli later.  I stayed and ate with her and left after 5.  Bill texted me to tell me he was going to Trinity Rider’s meeting.  I was about 10 minutes from home.  I told him I wasn’t going to go tonight.  When I got home, he was still there, so I got to kiss him and tell him goodbye.  It felt good to sit in my recliner and read my Bible and then relax.  

 

Sunday, 2/2/25, Went to prayer, than church, went to pancake breakfast put on by youth, came home and took a nap, went to Stacie and DJ's

Kody opening his Christmas presents from us

 We went to prayer before church, and then went into the church service.  Worship was awesome!  I taught Sunday School today so will listen to the service online.  My Kindergarteners and first graders were sure wound up today.  Wow!  It was hard to quiet them down.  Then at the end when I saw there were no coloring sheets, I said we could play a game.  They all wanted to play the quiet game.  Wow!  Perfect!!!  All three tables were quiet for a long time.  Finally one of the boys talked, so we started over.  After that, parents started coming to pick up their kids. I went and found Bill and we had pancakes and sausage that the youth prepared in the kitchen.  We ate in the fellowship hall and sat with Debbie, Jeff and Joan.  I talked to Nancy today, and she got on some medicine for ezcema and hers cleared up right away.  I had already called my dr. office to see if I could get switched to that medicine.  I go in March to talk to my dermatologist about it.  

We came home and took a nap.  That sure felt good.  Stacie texted us around 4:30 and said she was home from the baby shower, so we could come over anytime.  We loaded stuff in the Jeep and went over to her house.  She had the garage door opened for us and texted us to pull in because the driveway was slippery.  We took in the gifts then the guys each carried a tub of clothes that Vikki sent for Kody.  Stacie sent some books for Vikki.  

Kody had made brownies, so we all had a brownie.  They were so good.  Kody was so sweet.  We sure love this family God gave us.  We all opened our gifts and we all liked what we got.  We did decide that from now on, we wouldn’t do presents, but would enjoy each other presence.  We will still get for Kody though.  We got hugs and then left for home.  

We read our Bibles, and relaxed in our recliners.  

Sat. 2/1/25, Bruce texted that he was feeling better today, Bill and I went to Houghton Lake to do officer’s training, Went to. Buccilli’s, Adam and Hope paid us a surprise visit,

Amish horse and buggy just pulling in to the beautiful Amish Farm

Bill answering questions and explaining things between videos for each officer.  He did a great job!

We each got small pizzas at Buccilli’s Pizza

We go home and shortly after had these wonderful surprise visitors.  I cut up banana’s and we had ice cream on top with toppings of chocolate chips, M & M’s, and chocolate.

 We got up, got ready, read our Bibles and then I fed the birds.  We left and headed for Houghton Lake at 10.  It was a beautiful sunny day, but the temperature was only 17 degrees when we left.  We enjoyed our ride.  We went through Meredith, where when we were first married, Bill had called about buying a parts business with cabins to rent also.  We went up to look at it the next day, but someone bought it before we got there. That wasn’t in God’s plan for us, and I have to say I am thankful.  I wanted to stay close to our parents and then after we had the girls,  I was even more glad.  They had the best grandparents and were so close to them.  

The road Bill’s GPS had us go on came to a place where the sign said DO NOT ENTER.  It turned into a trail instead of a road, but Bill kept going.  I was glad we had the Jeep.  Finally, we ended up back on the road Bill wanted to be on where the church was.  I was happy to get there.  We talked to all of the officer’s from the different chapters up north that were there.  Bill took his computer and the sound lady helped him get set up.  It was ready to go, when it started saying no signal on the screen of the tv in the church.  The pastor went back and prayed with them.  Then we worked on it, and all of a sudden Bill did something and it worked again.  It did that one more time before we started, and Bill got it going again.  Then it worked perfectly and we could do the video training. Computers can be a little frustrating when they don’t work.  The training went well and Bill did a great job.  He answered lots of questions that were asked.  It was nice to see Gary there.  A couple of years ago, we were at this church, and he had surgery after we saw him.  Two days later he had a stroke.  He had a rough road, but now is pretty much back to normal.  We all were praising God.

We talked to people, and then left to go Camping World, then to Bucilli’s for pizza.  It was the best pizza!  YUM! Bill ate all of his and I brought half of mine home.  We had an enjoyable ride home and I looked over my Sunday School lesson for tomorrow again.  We were just starting to change into comfy clothes, and Bill went into the bathroom, when I heard voices.  It was Hope and Adam surprising us.  They parked back. by the shed and then came in the back door.  They sure did surprise us, and what a nice surprise it was.  I cut up bananas for our bowls, then put in the ice cream each one wanted, then we put toppings of M&M’s, chocolate syrup, and chocolate chips on.  We had fun talking while we ate.  Hope passed some gas and we all ran for cover.  We sure had a good laugh.  They had to leave after that, so we gave hugs and said goodbye.  They had been at Vikki’s before coming here.  I’m waiting for a text from Adam saying he is hoe and so is Vikki.  Such a fun day.   

  

Friday, 1/31/25, Went to hospital with Melissa and Bruce for Bruce’s surgery, Bill took Max to lunch, then picked up Jack and Even in the vening, We met to put gas in, he took them out to eat, I took food to Sue

 

Bruce’s hand after surgery for carpal tunnel

The hospital called Bruce to see if he could get there by 10:30.  I drove to Melissa’s and Bruce’s right away and we got there in time.  Bruce registered, then he and Melissa went back into a room and I went downstairs.  They only let one go in the room at a time. Melissa came down to let me know they weren’t going to start the surgery until 1. We walked through the gift shop, then when Starbucks opened, we both got a Starbuck Mocha Frappuccino.  We sat and drank those, then Melissa went back upstairs to see Bruce.  When it was time for his surgery, Melissa came down and we went to the cafeteria and had grilled club sandwiches that were really good.  Then we waited in the waiting room to hear when Bruce’s surgery was done and he was going to recovery.  The lady at the desk upstairs kept  sending updates to Melissa’s phone.  It was a while before an update, so we decided to check with the lady at the desk in the waiting room.  She said they were waiting to find a room for him.  They aren’t doing the rooms with curtains between them anymore.  She told us to pick up his prescriptions and then we could go up to see him.   Melissa got in line and got the prescriptions, then we went up to see Bruce.  He was very nauseated and really hot.  They had asked him about his pain in recovery and he said it was a 4-5.  They gave him something for it that made him feel this way.  The nurse had him wait for 15 minutes to see how he was.  He still didn’t feel well, so she gave him something for the nausea.  That didn’t help much,  so she gave him something else.  He also had a popsicle thinking that might help.  He walked next door to the bathroom and he felt a little better.  Then about 20 minutes later he said he thought he could get dressed.  Then he told the nurse he wanted his IV out.  He was doing a little better, so Melissa and I went and got the van and Melissa pulled into the circle.  When we got to their house, I headed to Vikki’s to pick up some clothes Vikki has for Kody.  Then I met Bill, Jack and Evan at Kroger and we got gas for 60 cents off.  I came home and packed spaghetti, rolls and angel food cake up for Sue and took it to her.  Bill took the boys out to eat.  When he got home, we ate spaghetti, rolls and I had a piece of cake with strawberries.  Melissa called and said Bruce slept and when he woke up he was doing much better.  We were very happy for that answered prayer.  We watched the movie, The Little Kidnappers after that.  It was a really good movie Wes and Gayla had told us about.

Thurs., 1/30/25, Kimmy and Vikki came over, Wes and Gayla came for dinner and to play cards

Wes, Gayla, me and Bill

 I went out in the garage to fill Kit Kat’s self feeder and when I came in, Kimmy and Vikki had just got here.  I had coffee made when they got here. Vikki had oatmeal and I had Honey Nut Cheerios for breakfast.  We all had a Cutie orange.  Vikki had to leave for work.   Kimmy and I tried to search for some people in our family history. We had Mac and cheese for lunch.  Kimmy beat me at a game of 3-13.  We were both negative, but she was more negative than me.  I’m going to have to help her be more positive when we play the next game.  Bill came in and kept watching to see how we were doing score wise.  Kimmy fixed my bird seed storage container on the deck.  It wouldn’t open right and kept falling apart.  It works great now.  Vikki came back when she got out of work.   She switched to being a sub today and was really happy about it.  We all hung out together until Vikki had to go pick up the kids.  Kimmy had Adam pick Eli up so she could stay later.  She left when Vikki did.  

Melissa called me to let me know that Bruce’s hand surgery is at 11 tomorrow morning, and that Bill doesn’t need to take the kids to school.  

Wes and Gayla came for dinner.  We celebrated her birthday.  We had spaghetti, salad, homemade rolls, homemade applesauce, and angel food cake with strawberries and cool whip.  We played a game of 3-13.  Bill was the winner, I was second, Wes was third and the birthday girl was last.  We sat and visited for a while afterwards.  They stayed til about 10.  It was so relaxing and nice having them.  God has made them Framily!  

I read my Bible after they left.  Read three chapters of Job for my Chronological yearly reading.  It was a great day today.  I’m thanking God for His many blessings!

 

Wed., 1/29/25, Took Jeep in, breakfast at Leo’s, Melissa and I spent the afternoon with Matthew, prepared food for tomorrow night’s dinner, listened to CMA officer training video’s,

My new Yeti 10 oz cup.  

Maybe this is why Kit Kat wants to come in the house every time she sees me through the windows or door. She lived in the garage when we first got her and I let her in to play and so I could hold her.  

I forgot to take a picture of Matthew,  Melissa and I like I wanted to, but did get this one of Sheraz lying on the couch

5 pretty red cardinals in this picture.    

Good size for me to hold and just the right amount of coffee in it.  Bill took his Jeep in to get the right part on for the trailer hitch.  They had put the wrong one on.  I followed him and we went to breakfast at Leo’s afterward.  He had eggs, bacon and pancakes and I had an omelet, hash browns and toast.  I shared the potatoes with Bill.  When we were done eating, Bill was paying and we saw Randy French.  Then we went to the other side and talked to his wife Nancy for a while.  We picked the Jeep up after that.  When we got home, we read our Bibles.  Then Jim called Bill and wanted to meet for lunch with him at Bringer Inn.  I called Melissa to see if she was available to go visit my Nephew, Matthew with me.  She said she could, so I texted Matthew to see what kind of food he wanted me to pick up for lunch.    

We finally decided on Cracker Barrel, so I called in our order while I was at Melissa’s and it was ready when we got there.  Melissa and I got grilled chicken tenders and Matthew just wanted a salad.  When we got to Matthew’s we visited while we ate our yummy lunches.  Then we hung out and listened to some good Christian Rap songs Matthew likes.  The words were amazing!  Then I played my favorite song for him.  He liked it too.  We talked a lot about the Bible and Scripture.  Matthew showed us all the Scripture he has memorized on a Bible app he has.  We talked about our memories of when he was little too.  It was such a nice afternoon together.  We dropped off some beads and bracelet cord that I had ordered for Peyton and then I took Melissa home.  When I got home, Bill was at his MRI appt.  I baked an angel food cake for when Wes and Gayla come for dinner tomorrow night.  We are late celebrating her birthday.  I also cooked burger and got the spaghetti sauce cooked, so when Kimmy comes to visit tomorrow I won’t have to do it then.  We listened to CMA officer training videos since we will be training people at Houghton Lake Saturday.  

Tues., 1/28/25, Went to get groceries, Bill picked up wood pellets, I picked up Peyton and Isaac from school, went to prayer

 

This was the only picture I took today.  I took it to show my Sister, Brenda, the Peace Plant that I got from her daughter in law, Sara’s, shower almost 25 years ago.  She also wanted to see the Crown of Thorns plant.  

Had coffee and Christmas cookies for breakfast.  I read a chapter in John that Maddy and I are doing each day.  Made a grocery list out to pick up things needed when Wes and Gayla come to dinner Thursday evening.  We are going to celebrate her birthday.  She doesn’t know it though.  I went to Jack’s, Meijer, and Aldi.  When I got home, I saw that Bill picked up the rest of the pellets.  He could only get 10 bags, last week because they were out.  He had them all stacked in the garage.  I went in and saw him and he asked if I needed help carrying the groceries in.  I told him he had already done lots of hard work and should rest.  

I didn’t have that many groceries, so I just brought them in and put them away.  I did need his help to carry in the 50 lb. bag of Wild Bird Seed though.  The birds were just about out of everything.  I refilled all the feeders and they were happy again.  Bill and I each had two Clementine oranges.  They were so good.

I went to get the cloths out of the dryer, and Bill had them out and folded already.  So sweet of him.  I was sure happy.  I called my sister, Brenda, and talked to her about 45 minutes.  She’s having an MRI tomorrow at 6 p.m. because she is having back pain.  I prayed with her and then we talked more.  She always prays for us too, and will be praying for Bruce’s hand surgery on Friday.  My phone alarm went off, so I had to hang up so I could go pick up Peyton and Isaac from school.  Vikki had therapy, at the time they needed to be picked up.  

I forgot to bring the rolls she asked me for, so we stopped at my house to get them.  I had them in the freezer.  We went to their house and was using my key, when Vikki opened the door and was home already.  I went in for a few minutes, then headed back home. 

When I got home, the beads and cord I had ordered for Peyton was on the table.  I wanted it to be here when we came here.  Just missed it by a few minutes.  

I went to prayer in the evening at church.  It was so awesome.  We worshipped and prayed for people in our congregation and family members who needed prayer.  Gene came for the first time.  He is our electrician and friend.  We had a good group there tonight and Jeff did a great job leading it.  He had everyone pray for me too healing of eczema.  Such a blessing to have people care and pray.  I am sure blessed.  

Vikki called me and had read a good book.  She told me all about it and did a great job explaining it.  She tells it in such an interesting way.  I did my “read the Bible in a year” reading.  Job 4-11 were the verses for today. 

Bill and I had chocolate covered almonds and nuts for a snack.