Monday, May 5, 2025, Met Maddy at Biggby, Laurie came in with two friends, went to Sam’s Club, and Meijer, transplanted Columbine plant, planted 3 Hyacinth bulbs from Marie, planted Dahalias, packed some in camper, dry-cleaned Bill’s suit jacket and my CMA vest with Dryell, Bill went to Trinity Riders

Maddy and I had coffees and bagel breakfast sandwiches.  We had such a great time and so many laughs.  

Small Columbine plant start from where I moved the big plant. I’m going to see if Kimmy wants it when I see her tomorrow

That is the big Columbine plant in the middle.  It will get pretty big this year so I knew it was time to move it.  I planted the Dahlias behind them a ways

I put some more things in the flower garden today.  I love how the Goldfish are up at the top and can be seen so well

I was in the house when I took this picture of the Oriole, a finch and a House Finch.  I had to crop it lots, so it isn’t as clear as I would have liked.  I knew I would scare them away if I tried to go outside

Our snack after Bill got home tonight. Mine is healthy because it has fresh strawberries on it!!!

Evan way on the end when his class went to the Loons Game on School Day

Maddy and I met at Biggby at 9.  I got a Mocha Mocha and a ham and cheese Bagel.  She got a frozen coffee and a sausage and cheese bagel.  We did lots of talking since it’s been two weeks since we’ve been able to get together.  We also laughed so much and had so much fun.  Laurie, our friend from church came in with two friends she is getting to know that are taking her online Bible Study.  I felt like I knew the one lady and told her she looked so familiar I felt like I knew her or else she just really looked like someone I know.  After thinking about it, she realized I had prayed with her after our Good Friday service with Bill.  

God is healing her and she is doing so much better she said.  I was so happy to hear that and so glad to see her again.  

I told Maddy about Melissa and me splitting a Smash Burger at Miles Market.  She wants to try one sometime now too.  I can’t wait to split another one with someone.  A whole one would be too big.

I went to Sam’s Club and did some Scan and Go shopping.  Got a big box of Keurig pods that was on sale.  Decaf was way expensive, so I didn’t get any of those for Bill.  I got some muffins, Big Family Size bags of chips and Fritos for just $3 each.  A big French Vanilla Creamer was on sale for $4.  I also got chicken Alfredo to try with the girls tomorrow.  I stopped at Meijer after that and got the stuff I need to make Banana Cream Pudding dessert so I can make some of that for our camping potluck.  It’s always Bills favorite and lots of others there too.

I came home and blew the leaves off from my plants along the woods.  I have lots of ferns coming and other plants too.  The ferns are multiplying again.  I filled all the bird feeders and filled all of the bird baths too.  I had to put more meal worms in the feeder in the flower garden because they are disappearing.  It sure is handy having two Rubbermaid containers for bird food on the deck.  I also have a bench that I store the 50 lb. bag of wild bird seed in.  I take some out and put it in containers for the other storage containers.

Bill got home while I was blowing the leaves off the plants.  I didn’t even hear him or see him until I got in the house.  We relaxed for a while and he napped and I just closed my eyes for about 20 minutes.  I put Bill’s suit coat and my CMA in the bag after treating any stain spots and used Dryell cleaner to dry clean them in our dryer.  It works so well.  

I ate my leftover cod and baked potato and Bill went to the Trinity Rider’s meeting to introduce Cindy and Lew as their new area reps.  I have too much to get done for our Thursday start camping trip and other things we have scheduled before we leave.  

I did my Bible reading while listening on my phone too.  I pause when needed to go back and reread something.  I love hearing the correct pronunciation of names in the Old Testament.  Today I read the book of Ruth.

I worked on my blog after Bill left too.  Also listened to worship music.  Kenzie FaceTimed me today and I got to spend lots of time talking to her and Rehvyn.  He melts my heart; he is so cute, sweet and precious.  This nana loves him so much.  

 

Sunday, May 4, 2025, Went to church, taught Sunday School, went to Shield of Faith 35 yr. celebration service, went to Evan’s birthday celebration

The grass is really coming in around the tree after that nice 2 inches of rain we got

Picture of Evan when Melissa played pickle ball with him.  She forgot to send it to me until tonight

During testimony time!

Pastor Weldon, Kathy, me and Bill. We started Shield of Faith together and we celebrated 35 years with them today.  Great service..worship and message were awesome.  Great heartfelt testimonies and then a wonderful lunch afterwards.  Vikki, Rody, Peyton and Isaac came later and ate.  We talked about lots of memories with Pastor Weldon and Kathy.  Special people to us with great hearts for the Lord and love for people.  They speak the Truth of God’s Word and encourage others to also.  They have been a huge blessing in our lives.  

Kathy and I....long time friends and sisters in the Lord

Celebrated Evan’s Birthday...The Big Birthday Chocolate Chip Cookie Bruce made was delicious

Bruce, Evan and Melissa...Bruce with his hand that had surgery under the table.  Next picture, his hand is on the table...did this for the memory of it

Took these for Hailey since she loves Abby so much and I tease her that she’s my dog lol

We drove separate to church. Worship was awesome!!! So was communion...love remembering what Jesus did and partaking of communion.  Love remembering that He is coming again.  Pastor Ken does such a great job with the Scriptures he reads and the way he has us examine our hearts before taking communion.  So thankful for such a great pastor.

After the announcements, Bill left to go to Shield of Faith and I went back to teach Sunday School.  It was so cute because my teen helper Marika came in the room and asked me if I could do the name on the board thing again.  I told her yes.  Last week I started writing names on the board and giving one check when one of the kids talked during the time they needed to be listening.  Then if they disrupted the class again, I would put another check by their name.  If they got a third check they would have to talk to the head children’s ministry leader.  Three names went on and only one check per name.  This week same thing only 3 different names.  It is so nice having the kids listening and paying attention.  I had done this when I was the only teacher.  It was getting so bad, I decided when I am in there I would do it again because it worked so well.  Bentley came up and gave me a hug this morning, then during class another little boy I didn’t really know yet, came up and gave me a hug.  I think the kids like it being orderly too.  The lesson was a good one on the Holy Spirit.  There were fun things to do as activities too.  Kristin stayed in with Thomas and Erica was my adult helper.

After Sunday school I talked to Erin and John while we walked down the hall.  I told her I was thinking of retiring, but since we went to two services wanted to wait till there were more teachers.  Also I love the kids and being in there telling them about Jesus.  She told me she just quit being a teacher because their youngest son isn’t in Sunday school any longer, so she is going to be a baby snuggle during service when it’s her turn.  I have been thinking how fun that would be too.  Praying for now.  I have been teaching Sunday School since 1981.

I got to Shield of Faith, and worship was still going on.  I saw Bill sitting in the back row waving at me.  Worship was so good and so was the message.  It was the 35 year celebration.  Pastor Weldon had Bill and I stand because we helped start the church and Bill was an Elder and I was the first secretary.  There were so many great testimonies.  We went to the lunch afterwards.  They had taco fixings and salads.  We sat with Lynn Ahrens who is 87 now and had a good time catching up and also talking about memories.  Pastor Weldon came and talked to us a long time.  He was funny because he came up to me and said he thought I was one of our girls.  He didn’t know I had gone blonde...lol.  I told him it was grey.  He did make my day though ha ha.  Vikki, Rody and the twins came and Pastor Weldon talked to them a long time too.  He had them go fix a plate quickly before the food was put away.  We were all wondering where Kathy was, and when Vikki was getting her dessert, Kathy walked in and gave us big hugs.  She had taken her sister, Sue, back to her car  because she was at the service this morning and lives in Kalamazoo.  Her sister is the one who taught Vikki to whistle really loud.  It was when we were all at a Tiger game.  It was a fun memory Vikki reminded us of.  We all talked and reminisced, so many memories came back of special and fun times.  We all love Pastor Weldon and Kathy and Shield of Faith.  They had a large part in our Faith walk, reading the Word of God and having a relationship with Jesus.  We all are so thankful for them and for the school and the amazing chapels that taught our kids to worship, memorize scripture, and love Jesus and seek Him through His 

Word.  

We got home and Melissa called and let us know we could come celebrate Evan’s birthday at 5.  Bruce made sloppy joes and a veggie chopped salad so we were invited for dinner too.

We got there, visited for a while, then ate.  Everything was delicious.  There was chips and dip too.  Afterwards, Bruce and Bill lit the candles and we sang Happy Birthday to our 14 year old birthday boy.  Dessert was really good too.  We sure were full.  We had fun watching Evan open his gifts and guess the ones his mom and dad got him.  He read all the cards.  He was cute trying to add more nice things about him.  He always brings us joy by his cute sense of humor.  We visited more, than left.  We stopped at Walmart and Bill got some Magnesium pills.  Then we came home and I organized pictures and worked on the blog.  It was a fun and special day.

 

Sat., 5/3/25, Slept in til 8, ate breakfast, went and set up CMA Banners, Enjoyed meal Church of God put on for us, went to tabernacle for good messages and presentation of Run for the Son and CMA, Bike and Biker blessing, packed up motorhome and trike and met friends at River Rock Cafe for dinner, left for home

Our camping neighbors eating their breakfast

Pete talking about why he wants to make CMA and Run for the Son know more among the community

Kathy and Lisa leading worship

P

Bill welcoming everyone

Praying with others for a lady who just found out her brother in law was in the ER and her grandson had surgery also and need healing

Gayla arriving with Faith Riders

Jeff speaking on Run for the Son...He did a great job!

Can’t remember who took this picture

Us and Faith Riders

Pastor Joe

Lucy selling CMA Cookbooks to raise money for RFS

Me with Wendy and Maverick

Church of God served us all lunch!  What a blessing!

The Bike and Biker blessing!

It was nice to sleep in.  I made Bill a decaf coffee and me a Starbuck’s Mocha coffee.  I ate my leftover piece of grilled Cod and half the baked potato for breakfast.  It was so good.Bill just wanted a protein drink like usual.  After we ate, we took the banners to the tabernacle and set them up outside.  Lucy and Al helped us.  Lucy and I washed off the four tables inside.  We went back to our camper for a while and I packed some things up so when it was time to leave most everything inside would be done.  We went to have lunch provided by St. Louis Church of God.  It was good.  They didn’t have as many tables as last year, so we sat on a couch and visited with people on a couch across from us while we ate.  Lots of people came to eat.

We went to the tabernacle after that for the service.  Pete Seager talked and then introduced Bill and I and we welcomed everyone.  We sat down and Jeff did a great job explaining about CMA and Run For the Son.  He had videos to show, but the first one didn’t work.  Of course we prayed.  The next two videos worked.  The guy had to come point the remote towards the ceiling at the equipment right up by the screens.  We were all so thankful that he got them to work.  Pastor Joe preached a good message, then Jeff had people assigned to pray for CMA and their requests from headquarters.  Pete Seager had us and others come up and pray for someone there whose brother in law was ill and had gone to the hospital.  He closed the meeting after that, and we went outside for the bike and biker blessing.  It was really nice and we are always thankful for prayer for protection and God’s blessing on our riding season.  

We took the banners down, packed up the motorhome, loaded the trike on the trailer, then dumped.  Al and Lucy were ready before us and waited for about 5 minutes til we were finished, then let us go first.  We went and met Jeff, Kathy, Lisa,  &Tiny at the River Rock.  I ordered the cod dinner again.  Bill ordered it too except he got fried cod instead of grilled.  It looked good too.  I’m trying to do a little healthier when I can.  

We unloaded things we needed from the camper, then left the rest out there since we will be leaving so soon again.  I put some fish food in the pond outside, walked around and looked at some plants and the grass coming up that we planted.  Then we relaxed in our recliners and I worked on the blog.  Kenzie FaceTimed me and I got to visit with her and Rehvyn who was as cute as can be.  I sure do love them. 

  

Friday, 5/2/25, Packed last minute things, left for St. Louis Church of God Campground, went to

 

Jared dropped this shopping cart off Vikki found on Facebook Marketplace at our house today.  The one I had for Rehvyn had a broken wheel which fell off when Jared put it in his van.  Vikki always finds what I need! And Jared is always kind to help when asked.

We got ready, read our Bibles, packed the last minute stuff, I made Bill a PB&J sandwich and me a meatloaf sandwich and we ate them in the camper before we left.  We loaded the trike on the trailer, then Bill drove the motor home to St. Louis for our annual CMA Run For the Son, fundraiser ride. The Church of God is hosting us to help people learn more about CMA and Run for the Son!  They put on a dinner for everyone and all money raised is donated to RFS.  Last Year over $1400 was raised.  We are camping for the night and so are friends Lucy and Al, Bev and Jim, and Sean and Wendy and their 3 yr. Old grandson Maverick.  Sean and Wendy just bought a trailer so are enjoying that instead of tent camping.  We are so happy for them.  

We all went to the River Rock Restaurant for dinner.  I had grilled Cod, a big baked potato and applesauce.  Bill got a personal no cheese pizza.  They forgot and put cheese on it so came out and told him they were remaking it for him.  He still beat everyone eating lol.  We went back to the campground and sat outside visiting with Al, Lucy, Bev, Jim, and Sean.  At 9:30, we went in the camper and played 3-13 and had cashews and M & M’s.  Bill beat me bad and I had started the first two hands out really good. We went to bed after that.  It was a cool night, but the furnace kept our motorhome nice and warm.  

Thursday, rainy day, Bill wanted to go pick up windmill Kimmy found on Facebook market place, it sold, there was another one, but decided it was to rainy to hook up the trailer, picked up Melissa, went to SIPS and Miles Market, Max came with Bill to drop me off at home, then they hung out, went to Meijer, went to Life Clinic Fundraiser dinner

Bill took this at Miles Market.  We had a Mocha and a donut.  Bill had a regular coffee with his donut.  Melissa and I looked up what a smash burger was and then decided to split one.  It was super delicious and came with tomato bisque soup.  I don’t think I have ever tasted a burger that tasted so good

s

The Soloman’s Seal was coming up good yesterday when Kimmy and I walked around looking at plants, but with all the rain today It is above the deck now.  

 I woke up at about 4 am and spent a lot of time praying and listening to the Lord.  At around, 5:30, I went back to sleep until 8:40.  Bill took a shower downstairs and I took a shower upstairs, then got ready, made a coffee and read our Bibles.  

Bill showed me a picture of a windmill for the garden like Kimmy’s.  Kimmy called and said it was just like hers and I should get it.  We were going to go drive the 2 1/2 hour drive there, but the guy said it just sold.  Bummer!  Oh well, there will be another one.  We decided to pick Melissa up and go to Sips/Miles Market for coffee and donuts.  It was pretty packed this morning.  We sat and ate our donuts and drank our coffee, then Melissa and I read their menu on my phone.  We researched what a Smash burger was, then decided to order one and have them cut it in half so we could split it.  It came with a side of Tomato Bisque Soup which was very good too.  We both thought the Smash Burger was the best.  Oh my, I have never tasted a burger so good.  Good thing we split it as we were both really full after we finished our half.  We went back to Melissa’s and went in and talked to Bruce and waited for Max to get ready, so he could go with us.  I fed all three dogs a treat and enjoyed petting them.  When Max was ready, we left.  I let him sit in the front seat with Bill because they were just going to drop me off and then were heading up to Jay’s Sporting Goods and Cops and Donuts, to spend the day together.  

I listened to the National Day of Prayer at the White House.  Such awesome prayer, awesome worship and so thankful our Nation is putting God first again.  My heart was so touched by all of the important people who were there to pray to God and bring God back into our government.  Praise the Lord!  Only God could bring this change.  

I went to Meijer to pick up some things to take camping with us.  Came home and loaded them in the camper.  Just have to load the last minute stuff now in the morning.  I walked outside and looked at the garden.  The Preen got wetted down nicely.  The new grass is coming up even better after that rain.  We got almost 2 inches.  All of my plants loved it.

The fish were doing good in the pond too.

In the evening we went to the Great Hall and attended Life Clinic’s fundraiser dinner.  We sat with Joan, Irene and Dana, Melody, Vicki (our neighbor) and Dawn.  There were great testimonies and the guest speaker was amazing.  John, our friend from church, came and talked to us for a while.  He has done a couple root canals for Bill at no charge and also has blessed Kimmy even though he didn’t know her.  He, his wife Erin and their two boys Alex and Owen were there.  I had them in Sunday School, so I went and talked to them.  They will both be in college this fall.  

We left and came home and relaxed.  I worked on my blog.