Sat., 9/13/25, My back was much better today! I didn’t overdo, but I could walk good and do things without back pain. Thank You Jesus!I packed stuff in clothes baskets and Bill loaded it in the camper, I put my stuff and the refrigerator stuff away, He went to Faith Riders meeting, I took a shower than read my Bible, I packed more things , When he got home he put them in the camper for me. he mowed the lawn while I went to take slippers to Marie, we went out to Outback for dinner, took one more load of stuff out to the camper, did laundry

 

Rehvyn giving Grammy’s goose a kiss

Rehvyn giving Uncle Isaac a big hug and cuddles

Garden Statue all of us brothers and sisters got all got Pammie for seventieth birthday 

I was so thankful when I got up and my back was so much better.  I could move around and do stuff without pain.  I didn’t overdo though, because I want to make sure it’s going to be good when we go camping.  Bill was sweet and loaded all of the clothes baskets of mine after I packed stuff in them.  He loaded all of the freezer and refrigerator stuff too.  I just put it where it goes in the refrigerator.  He went to Faith Rider’s after he finished helping me.  

I stayed home and took my shower and read my Bible.  I figured it would be good to just rest between packing.  

Bill got home and we both called Elaine and let her know we love her and appreciate her.  She has been going through some things and needed to be encouraged.  We all prayed for each other afterwards. Marie’s slippers came.  Yay!

Bill started mowing the lawn.  I went upstairs and did my hair, then I put all the hanging clothes I’m taking, in my car and drove back by the camper.  I took a little at a time and put them in my closet in the camper.  I called Marie after that and asked if I could bring her slippers over.  It was another nice but warm day in the 80’s.  I visited with Marie.  She loved the slippers and said they were just like her old pair that wore out.  She was so happy I found the same kind.  She tried them on and she didn’t have much room in the toe area.  She really wanted to keep them, but after we discussed it and I told her what happened to my toe because of wearing shoes that were to small, she decided she should try a bigger size.  Her feet are swollen because of her health problems, so she tried an 8 and is going to try the next

size which is a 9.  Roy came back to visit with us.  Their nephew was washing their windows on their house.  We talked for a while, then Roy told me his shoulder and arm have been hurting some and Marie said his back has been hurting some too.  I told him I wanted to pray for him, so I prayed, then Marie prayed, then Roy prayed for me, than Marie prayed for Roy and then I prayed for Marie.  We all covered all of us in prayer.  We can never get too much prayer, so I am thankful I have so many friends and family members who pray for me.

I left and took the shoes to Staples on my way home and returned them.  I am glad they make it so easy and it’s free.  The guy working there was so friendly and kind.  

When I got home, the lawn looked beautiful.  Bill cut it on a shorter setting.  It was green and looked so nice.  We went to Texas Roadhouse to eat, but it was too long of a wait, so we went to Outback Steakhouse.  We had a gift card to use at both places.  We got in and seated right away.  We had the nicest waiter named Riley.  We talked to him and found out he went to Valley Luther.  We enjoyed talking to him  We each had sirloin steaks, a salad and a baked potato and bread.  We were full when we finished. We came home after that.

I packed more stuff and we made our last trip out to the camper before we load the last minute stuff tomorrow.  We ae going to the early service, 

Friday, 9/12/25, Kimmy came over, than Vikki, we drank our coffee, They found and arrested the suspect who is charged with the murder of Charlie Kirk, Thankful God answered prayers to find him so fast, sat out on the deck for a while,

Me in the ER.  Kimmy wanted to take a picture. My blood pressure was 170/85.  The nurse said it was because of the pain.  My blood pressure is usually normal or low. 

Look at their faucet.  Kimmy and I thought it was pretty funny.  They must be cost cutting.

Jack when we stopped to pick up a watch protector from Melissa 

Evan...it’s amazing how he can hold the big basketball with one hand like he is

Aunt Missy and Rehvyn.  He kept wanting to give everyone hugs and then would pat their backs

Such a sweetie

Kimmy got here around 8:40.  Vikki got her about 10 minutes later.  We all drank our coffees and then watched the news to find out who they had in custody.  Justice will be served now!  We went out on the deck and sat for a while, then at 12:30 I came in and started making lunch.  Vikki and Kimmy came in too.  Vikki made Bill and her egg sandwiches.  Kimmy had a vegetable lasagna and I had a regular lasagna made by Stouffer’s.  Vikki was talking to Misty on the phone.  Gayla called to see if Bill and I want to go to the Rescue Mission Dinner this year and sit with them.  They are sponsoring a table.  Bill was gone, so I told her I would find out from him.  We always go with them.  It is always such a blessing to be there.  

We were relaxing, then I thought about asking one of the girls to take the rack to the big oven roaster downstairs, but decided to do it myself.  I put the rack in, covered the roaster, and then took it into the first room of the basement and  went to put it on the shelf.  As soon as I bent over to put it on the shelf, I felt pain in my back and couldn’t stand up real straight.  Bummer. I sat down and heated the rice sock to put on my back.  I tried ice after that because Jared always tells Kimmy that’s for back muscles.  Warm worked better for me though.  Kenzie and Rehvyn got here and we all had fun watching Rehvyn play.  I felt bad that I was in pain and couldn’t do much with Rehvyn.  I tried laying down, but that made it worse, then I tried the Lazyboy, and that was better.  Eventually though, I was in so much pain (I gave it an 8) that I told Bill I wouldn’t be able to go to the funeral for Michelle’s sister Kat today.  I sure had wanted to go.  He said he would stay home with me a couple of times, but I told him he needed to go.  He was ok with that once Kimmy said she was taking me to Urgent care.  Vikki got ready to pick the kids up.  She offered to make the chili I need to take camping with me for the chili cookout at her house.  Then Kenzie said she was going to make it here for me.  Bill left on the motorcycle.  Kimmy backed her van between Kenzie and Vikkis cars and did great for such a little space to maneuver through.  We were behind Bill until we turned to go to the Urgent care that isn’t a busy one.  When we got close, Vikki called and said Melissa said we should just go to the ER instead.   We headed to the ER.  The traffics so backed up on the other side of the expressway that we, decided we were going home a different way.  We prayed the ER wouldn’t be really busy.  We went through security and Kimmy forgot she had a knife on her.  She took it back out to the van.  I went in and got registered after having my purse searched and walking through the metal detector.  Things sure have changed.  They told me to go back and I got in to have my vitals taken right away.  Then I sat down.  There were only 2 other people in the back waiting room.  The girl had said she would send Kimmy back, but Kimmy sat in the main waiting room so she didn’t get sent back.  I opened the door and called her name so she would know to come with me.  She sat down and told me she forgot she had a tiny knife on her keychain, so she left it in a bag at security so she wouldn’t have to go back out to the van.  She sat down with me then in a few minutes, they took me to an ER room.  I had a really nice nurse.  After I got the gown on, I sat on a chair because I knew the table wouldn’t be comfortable with the back pain.  When the nurse came back in, she asked if I was sitting on the chair because of the back pain and I told her yes.  She said I could sit wherever it was more comfortable.  She told me she had 3 bulging discs.  That’s why she was so compassionate.  I asked her if I could pray for her and she said yes.  I prayed for her and for me for healing in the name of Jesus.  She has a 3 yr. old and a 5 year old, so she needs to not be in pain so she can do her job and also take care of her husband and her kiddos.  They gave me a pain patch and muscle relaxer.  On the way home, Kimmy stopped at Walgreens and picked up my prescription.  We had prayed it wouldn’t be busy and there were only 2 cars and one was just leaving when we pulled up.  Melissa called and was going to  take a screen protector for my new watch to my house.  We told her we were close by and we would come there and pick it up.  That was good timing.  God was working everything out for us the whole night.  

We came back to my house, and Kimmy put the screen protector on, picked up some things (table cloth on the coffee table Rehvyn used to play with his cars on) and other things.  She made a coffee for the trip home, then left.  I sure love and appreciate my family.  All of the girls and Jared kept checking on me in the ER.  I sent messages to Bill to keep him updated.  

He called while I was in there to let me know he was done at the funeral home and was heading home.   The girls and Kenzie called or sent texts to check on me to see how I was doing.  I have such a wonderful and amazing family.  Thanking God that I am so blessed.                           

Thursday, 9/11/25, We will never forget! So many lost their lives that day! Did laundry, Bill met Jim Flickinger, I went to Melissa’s, , my new phone case came, took tomatoes to Sue, went to Meijer

Our CMA Challenge Ride cover and one page of the book

We slept in this morning.  When I heard Bill get up at 8:30, I got up too.  We made the bed together, which is our daily routine.  We both drank a protein drink and then read our Bibles.  I did a load of laundry.  Bill went to meet Jim and a friend of his who wanted to earn his CMA colors.  They went through the training and then had lunch.  I went to Aldi’s, then went to Melissa’s.  Both dogs greeted me at the door.  I picked her up and we went to Old Town and got Coney Dogs, fries and root beers and took them to her house to eat since it was so hot out today.  Yum! It was so good.  We had fun talking over lunch.  We each had a Snickers Pecan candy bar I found at Menards.  She had got us each one and we had it when we were camping.  Then she couldn’t find them anymore.  We were happy to enjoy those together again.  When I got home, I paired my new phone with my car.  Yay!  Now I can play my worship playlists.

I came home and started packing some stuff for the camper in clothes baskets.  I printed a camping list and crossed out what I don’t need and circled what I do need to get.  We ate left over roast for dinner.  I sat out on the swing on the deck for a while with Kit Kat.  She sure loved getting attention.  She even licked my hand while I was petting her.  She kept moving her head close to me so I would keep petting her.  She sure is a good cat.  She sticks around the yard and when I go out if I call her she comes running really fast now.  

I called Marie and told her I found some slippers like the ones she has that the bottoms are wearing out on, on Amazon.  She wanted me to order them for her, so I did.  They arrive on Saturday, so I’m hoping I have enough time with packing to get them to her.  

Later, I called Marlee to see if she was taking a class on Wed. nights because I can’t go to the first class and I wanted to see if she could take Sue.  She isn’t taking any on Tuesday, but said she would give her a ride if she wanted one anyhow.  That’s so sweet of her.  I told her I thought Sue would be able to drive but wanted to have a back up just in case.  She’s keeping it open.  I called Sue and took some tomatoes from our garden over to her.  She thought they were such nice tomatoes and was so happy to have them.  She paid me for the book I ordered for our Bible class.  I visited with her for a long time.  Her cat, Kit Kat too, wanted to keep smelling my hand.  She was smelling my Kit Kat on me.  Sue said she will be able to drive herself, but has Marlee’s number if she needs her.  

I went to Meijer’s and got the rest of the food I need for our camping trip.  I came home and put stuff away.  I cleaned a shelf off in the garage refrigerator for Bill to put the water bottles I got that I need him to get out of the car for me.  

I did my blog and paired my phone to my Sena for my helmet.  Now I can play my worship music on it too.  That will be nice for when we travel to Adrian tomorrow for another funeral, for Michele’s sister, who is also Joe and Liz’s daughter.  

 

Wed., 9/10/25, Went to have CT Scan, Did to CMA Challenge photo stops, went to Tecumseh for funeral of CMA member, Patrick C.

Our stop at Crossroads Village and Huckleberry Railroad for CMA Challenge Ride Pictures

Our stop at Past Tense Cider Mill in Lapeer for CMA Challenge Ride

It got up to 75 degrees today.  We rode over 300 miles

We went to Covenant for my appointment to have a CT Scan.  I had to wait a half hour to get called back, but then it only took about 15 minutes and I was done.  The girl doing it was really young and so kind.  Bill was surprised to see me back so soon.  We left and came home and read our Bibles and ate lunch.  Then at noon  we rode the motorcycle and were heading to Patrick’s funeral.  He was killed on his motorcycle on his way home from our rally when a truck pulled out in front of him..  So sad!!!  We stopped at the two CMA Challenge Rides pictured above.  That made our trip fun.  We got to the church at around 4:40.  It was totally packed and was a huge church.  There was a big parking lot and long drive and they were parked full.  We were happy we found a close parking spot right up in the church parking lot.  We signed the book and dropped off a card.  We saw Lucy so we visited with her for a few minutes.  There was a huge line to go up front and give condolences to the family.  We sat by Lucy, Al, Dave, Chrissy, Bev and Ron.  When there was only a few in line, we got at the end and got to go hug the family and let them know we care and are praying for them.  They were all so nice.

We left at 6:30 and headed home.  Bill asked if I wanted to grab a hamburger, but I told him we could just drive straight through and eat when we got home.  I prefer riding on the motorcycle when it’s light out.  We ended up getting home at 9 and it was just getting really dark out.  Thankful we didn’t stop to eat and could ride most of the way in daylight.    We both ate left over roast, carrots and potatoes.  Jay called Bill and talked to him about Ray and Katie and I called Marie and talked to her.  She prayed for me about good results from my CT.  I talked to Vikki.  We are both heartbroken about Charlie Kirk being murdered.  We are praying for his wife and young children.  What is this world coming to.  He only loved and said what the Bible says.  He is a Martyr and is in the arms of Jesus, His Lord and Savior.  God says vengeance is mine, so praying for his justice for the one who did this awful act of hatred.  

Angie got here last night and texted us to set up days to get together that work for her.  I csn’t wait to see her.

Tues., Sept. 10, 2025, Went to Pain Clinic, breakfast at Nori’s, stopped at Menards, Put roast, carrots and potatoes in at Noon, cleaned more of the house, blew off the deck and put the cushions out, washed tables on the deck off. Bill mowed the grass and blew off the ashphalt, Wes and Gayla and Barb and Ron came to dinner, played 3-13, visited lots

Bill at Nori’s...our breakfast was delicious

First picture I took tonight.  Wes was hiding behind his cards.and Ron wasn’t smiling

Finally a nice picture with everyone smiling

Gayla telling me they were going to let the cook (me) win.  They didn’t.  She actually beat me by 2 points and won.  

We got ready and left for the pain clinic at 8:30.  Bill got right in and was only in for a short time.  Everything went well and he came out and we left.  We went to Nori’s for a deliocus breakfast, then went to Menards so he could get wood to attach to the things he got from the girls and families to put under our motor home jacks.  When we got home, I put the roast in and browned it for an hour, then peeled carrots and potatoes and added them when the timer went off.  I cleaned the family room and then went out and blew off the deck and washed the tables off.  Put the cushions on and then washed the bird mess on the deck off.  

Bill worked on cutting the wood attaching it to the jack things and did a great job.  So nice and not so heavy as our other ones.  I can’t wait to try them when we go camping.  He mowed the lawn after he was finished.  

Wes, Gayla, Barb and Ron came for dinner.   I used the good china that was my great Grandma Daisy’s.  I had everything ready and on the table when they got here.  Just had to uncover things after we prayed and put the homemade bread on.  Everybody commented on the food being so good and Gayla said it looked like we were at the Grand Hotel.  I have the sweetest friends.  They helped clear the table and cover food to put away, then we had dessert.  Some had donuts and some had Hailey’s banana bread.  Wes tried a little of Bruce’s cider he made from our apples.  We cleared the table again, and  then played 3-13.  We had so much fun and so many laughs, especially when Barb through a wild card to Ron and went to take it back and he said leave it there.  Then two hands later he threw a wild card to Bill and Bill said leave it there.  He said he would have let him take it if he had let Barb take her’s back.  Of course he really wouldn’t have let him anyhow.  

Ron bought one of Bill’s guns.  While bill was getting it, I mentioned to them to pray for me in the morning because I have my CT Scan.  They said they would pray now and we all stood in a circle and they prayed for me.  I am blessed.  

Gayla and Wes had their motorcycle so the left.  It was still 62 degrees out so that was good.

Ron and Barb stayed and we visited until 11.  It was nice to relax and have a long visit.  

 

Monday, Sept. 8, 2025, HAPPY 52ND ANNIVERSARY BILL! Went to get a new phone, then went Souper Cafe, Scoops, home and then to two challenge rides for CMA Michigan

Me and Bill enjoying a delicious lunch at our Friend’s restaurant, The Souper Cafe

We walked across the street to Scoops and got Ice cream.  It was huge.  They showed portion sizes so I ordered “A little bit more”.  It showed 1 1/2 scoops in a little container.
Bill ordered “A lot more”. His had two more scoops than mine did. We couldn’t eat it all so I went in and asked if they had covers for the cups we dumped our ice cream in and they did.  We both took some home.

We sat outside and ate it.  

Us at the Iwo Jima Memorial in Bay City

Us at the Shine Bright Mural in Saginaw

Bill had a VA Appt. in the morning.  It went well.  He came home with lots of toothpaste and lots of new toothbrushes.  When he got home, we planned to ride to 4 CMA Challenge stops in the Thumb.  We decided we should go to Verizon first so I could get a new phone.  

We had Dustin helping us.  He is who Rody asks for when he goes there he said.  He got us some good promos.  We were talking to him about Jesus and inviting him to church, when Kathy Townsend came up behind us and gave us hugs.  We were so happy to see her.  Dustin had to go back and check on some things for my phone, so we had lots of time to visit with Kathy.  She introduced us to the lady sitting at the end of our table.  It was Lisa J’s mother in law.  God sure brought his people together at Verizon.  He showed us favor and we got lots of deals and promised.  I didn’t have my old phone, so couldn’t remember a password I needed.  He had me try some but we ended up leaving and going home to get the computer.  I tried it one more time and it locked me out for an hour.  We decided to go back and see Dustin to see if he could let me in sooner.  Bill said we would take the Jeep.  I got n and saw a beautiful red rose in glass with water on the seat and an anniversary card for me.  He forgot about them being in there and hadn’t got the card ready yet.  So sweet of him.  We went back to Verizon and Dustin couldn’t get us in to put a new password in.   Then we told Kathy we were leaving to\ to go next door to Super Cafe. We invited her along and said we would treat her, but she was still busy with her phone and couldn’t.  We had a nice anniversary lunch there.  I had a Reuben and 8 oz. cream of potato soup, and Bill had egg salad and chicken noodle soup.  We decided to walk across the road and go to Scoops for ice cream.  You can see how much we got in the pictures above.  We went back to Verizon and got everything working.  Then we brought the Jeep home, and went on the motorcycle to 2 close by CMA Challenge ride places.  It was fun riding on such a nice day.  Too bad we couldn’t do the ones we wanted because it was 2:30 when we started out.  We had a little trouble finding the one in Bay City because on one side of the monument that you see it says United States Marine Corp.  We went looking farther on.  Then we realized that was the address Lucy said so went back and on the other side it said Iwo Jima.  We pulled the motorcycle over by it and took our pictures.  After that, we looked for the assisted living place our friend, Dan is in.  We stopped at 3 and didn’t find him at any.  We will go back and visit some other time.  It was starting to get dark out.  We came home and worked on our blog and relaxed.  I figured out more on my new phone too and ordered a case for it that comes on the 11th.  Such a fun anniversary even though our plans changed and we had to deal with getting my phone working.

Sunday, 9/7/25, Jacob picked Abi up and they went to Lansing, we went to church, I taught S.School, went to prayer, went to the second service, Bill volunteered for the Marine Corp Collection at Sam’s Club, I looked at some places for slippers for Marie then went and saw Bill, FaceTimed with Kenzie and Rehvyn,

Abi and Jacob before they left to go to Lansing 

They both took pictures and sent them to Aunt Vikki of her crooked bird feeder she hung last night.  I didn’t have my phone to take pictures but no worries.  They covered everything.

Love these pictures Kenzie sent me of Rehvyn

Looking so adorable with that cabbage leaf on his head

I got up at 6:15 and got ready.  I wanted to make sure I was up when Abi got up.  

I had asked her what she wanted for breakfast last night and so I had Lucky Charms, her bowl and spoon on the table.  She came down and we had fun hanging out while she ate and waited for Jacob to get here.  She got the milk out for her cereal.  I told her to help her self to what she needed and was glad she did.  Jacob got here and we all had fun together.  Abi looked at some family pictures of when Jacob and the other grandkids were little.  We all  had a cinnamon donut.  Yum.  They had to leave to get to Lansing on time.  It sure was nice having Abi stay with us.

After they left, we went to church.  Bill prayed with the Elders for Pastor Ken and I went back and got my Sunday School Class stuff ready.  Vikki came today for her last day of helping with Thomas.  Boy my kids in Sunday School were great today.  Lots of new kids and such an attentive and nice group.  After church was over,  I went to pray with our prayer group.  Then we went to the next service.  Worship was awesome and Pastor gave a great message.  We came home and had a bowl of chili.  Then Bill had to go to Sam’s Club and volunteer for a few hours to help raise money for the Marine Corp. League.  I went to J.C. Penney’s and another shoe store in the Mall to look for slippers for Marie.  I took some pictures of some.  I will have to go visit Marie and show her them.  I went to see Bill and make a donation.  It was time for him to leave, so he left at the same time as I did.  

I talked to Kenzie.  She got her list of some prayer requests to me so I can be praying lots for her this month. I love these heartfelt prayer requests.  I pray for all the grandkids each day, but am focusing lots on a different grandkid each month.  Bill is looking for a kitchen aid for her on Facebook Market place because she just uses her hands to bake stuff.  She bakes a lot too.  I didn’t know this until Vikki mentioned it one day.  She sent me some pictures of Rehvyn.

I got to FaceTime with them later.  I love seeing them and talking while watch what they are doing.