Thurs., 11/20/25, Started the wash for surgery, Bill took me to my pre op appt. with my surgeon, went to Bringer In Meijer’s, made two pie crusts, got dough ingredients ready to s tart in the morning, cooked squash, red my hip book

Cute comfy slippers on sale at Kohls this week.  Marie had some that lasted her 4 years.  I found some on line for her, but this is a great price.  I think I am going to add them to my Christmas list

Bill got me some slip on Sketcher tennis shoes today.  We looked at Kohls because he had $20 in Kohls Cash.  They didn’t have my size and didn’t really have the exact kind I wanted.  they were $65.  We went to Meijer so I could look there and they had some, but the box said $90.  I only had a $10 off coupon there.  Bill still wanted me to get them.  We got to the check out and they rang up for $59.99, plus we took the $10 coupon off, so they ended up costing 50.  We were both so happy.  They are super comfy and will be great to wear after my surgery. 

Peyton and Isaac made the Thanksgiving Flier at church

I took my shower with the special wash disinfectant for my upcoming surgery.  I got ready and then read some of my Bible reading.  We had to leave to go to my pre op appointment with my surgeon at 9.  Bill went in with me to be another set of ears listening.  It was a good appointment with Dr. Bindon explaining everything and going over risks, etc.  He is really nice and seems really smart the way he explained everything and showed us exactly what he was talking about.  I am looking forward to this surgery so I can do things again and do them pain free.  

After that, we stopped at Bringer Inn so I could get a yummy Breakfast sandwich.  It was so good.  Bill got eggs, bacon and toast.  We went to Jacks after that and I got some Wild Bird food, meat and some fruit.  I’m going to try to get some chili made and in the freezer before I go in for my surgery.  I also got a roast because that will be easy for Bill to throw in the crockpot.  After that, we went to Kohl’s and Meijer.

When we got home, we finished reading our Bibles.  I saw where the unresponsive lady in the accident yesterday on the bridge died.  A truck lost control and hit her, then the car behind her couldn’t stop and hit her hard.  So awful.  Praying for her family.  

I did some knitting. Then we relaxed for a peaceful hour.  I made pie crusts for two pies for Thanksgiving, a chocolate banana and a banana cream.  I also cooked a big squash in the microwave, then scooped out the seeds and took off the skin.  Mixed a little brown sugar and butter in and blended it.  I put it in the freezer til I cook it on Sat.  I made sirloin burgers, fried potatoes, peas and also had some applesauce left that we ate for dinner.  It was so good!  

I read my hip book from class in the evening.  It covers everything and is so nice to have.  I will be glad to have therapy tomorrow to learn how to do everything I need to do after the surgery.

I did some more knitting and then I went to bed.  Have to get up early for that early appt. in the morning at 7:30.  

 

Wed., 11/19/25, Morning dentist appt., slippery roads after last night’s wet sleet and snow, filled all of the bird feeders, Bill picked Max up, Bruce had interview, knitted dishcloth

 

So relaxing sitting under my electric blanket and enjoying the Christmas tree at night.  Nice having Bill right next to me.  So blessed!

I went to my 9 a.m. dentist appt.  Passed two snow trucks right next to each other dropping salt in the turn lane of Midland Rd. both in different lanes with arrows pointing to move to the right lane.  It looked pretty icy.  I took it slow and steady.  When I got to the intersection where the Bridge was, there was an accident on the bridge, two firetrucks, and lots of police cars. I thought I might be late for my appt. but I got through the light and made it on time.

Tried sleeping in the recliner in the family room.  It was comfy.  I didn’t fall asleep, but I only had a half hour before I had to get up so not enough time to tell. I got ready and then left early for my dentist appt. because it was snowing so hard when I got home last night I thought there might be slippery roads.  I checked and no schools were closed though.  Still didn’t want to take a chance on being late.  I was glad I left early as our Road was a little slick and so were the main roads.  A lady that arrived at the dentist after me said one person was unresponsive in the accident on the bridge. My dentist appointment went well.  He told me I should have called on the weekend if I had pain.  He is always so kind.  I am still thankful he squeezed Jacob in when the wire to his braces was hurting him bad.  Even though he wasn’t his patient, he cared and wanted to help him.  They X-rayed my tooth just to be sure even though I told them it was the gum that was swollen and hurt.  Everything was fine today and the tissue looked good he said.  He stressed that if it bothered me again before surgery to be sure to call.  

On my way home, the wrecker was just loading the car that was wrecked on the bridge.  I don’t know if it was just one car or more.  I sure pray the person was ok.  I rested my leg and elevated it while I read my Bible, and did my prayer books.  Then I went over all of my upcoming appointments and what was needed for each.  Plus going over my lists of what I need to get done tomorrow ahead of our Thanksgiving celebration.  I did some knitting too.

Bill went to pick up Max and spend time with him.  Bruce had a job interview today.  Did a lot of praying with Melissa on the phone about it and God’s favor for Bruce.  He is an amazing worker and very intelligent.  We of course, want God’s will for him which is always best.

I went downstairs and took care of the fish and brought some things up that I need for Thanksgiving diner.  I looked outside and the snow/ice mix on the deck had melted, so I went out and filled all of the bird feeders.  I need to pick up more bird seed from Jack’s.  I want to make sure all of the feeders are filled completely before my surgery.  I ate the rest of my salad from yesterday for lunch.  

I got online and listened to some of the songs on Toby Mac’s new Album in honor of his son, Truitt who passed away.  Such good worship about how God is always there and gets you through hard times.  There was also a song of lament he wrote about being sorry, which leads to repentance.  It was very moving.  I put on New Life’s worship from last Sunday which was awesome, so worshipped more.  

I made pancakes and bacon for dinner.  I talked to Sue for a while.  She was having a hard day because it Charlie’s Birthday was today and she’s really missing him.  I talked to Marie after that for an hour and 19 minutes.  We laughed when I checked how long we had been talking.  We had to catch up lol.

Peyton sent me the picture below today.  She had all of her work done at school and wanted to show me what she was doing.  I love that she loves God so much!  I’m glad she’s mine.
  

Did more knitting before going to bed.  It was a pretty relaxing day.  I am glad to have everything organized now that my surgery is getting closer.  

Tuesday, 11/18/25, Did laundry, made dough, met Vikki to get Christmas Turkey, went to Souper Cafe, went to Thrift Store, went to pet store, baked rolls, went to Sues, went to prayer, snowed lots

My breakfast this morning....apple pie, a tiny slice of cherry pie and ice cream...a delicious cup of coffee in one of my favorite Kimmy mugs!

Vikki and I eating at Souper Cafe.  She had soup and a half sandwich and I had a mandarin orange salad.  We had fun together!

 I didn’t sleep good most of the night, so finally came out and tried sleeping in the Lazy Boy in the living room.  I am testing out recliners for after surgery.  I am texting the one out in the family room when I get up tonight as it is closest to the bathroom and it is a clear easy path to get there.  I just thought of that today and want it to be as easy as possible.  

I made dough for some rolls I’m making for Sue.  Bill brought all of my hanging winter clothes downstairs for me and I put them in the closet.  It’s been cold enough to wear warm winter clothes here!!!  I did my exercises today.  I sure was sore afterwards.  I did them on the bed too.  You wouldn’t think that would be such a workout, but it sure hurts my hip when I do them.  I’ve been going over my book from my class and doing all the things on lists and  have got all of the questioneers filled out.  Lots of appointments from this point up until my surgery now.  

Vikki called me when she was out of work and we met at Kroger’s.  Rody got a coupon for a free turkey from work and right away he said to Vikki, this is mom’s isn’t it.  Between the two of them, one of them always seems to get a free turkey and they always give it to me for a holiday gathering turkey.  I am so blessed.  She found a really nice 22 lb. Butterball turkey and got it plus she had enough left over on the coupon to get some Mentos.  Thanks Rody and Vikki.  I had to return Dove lotion and get Dove Antibiotic Bath Wash.  I accidentally grabbed the wrong thing the other day.  They were all mixed on the shelf.  We went to Souper Cafe afterwards for lunch.  We had fun hanging out together.  I was going to the pet store for 14 day fish food and she was going to the thrift store next door.  I decided to walk through the thrift store with her.  She was surprised to see me.  We looked at everything.  She helped me find a small soft pillow to use when I do my exercises.  I found a cute yellow Jeep for Rody, Isaac or Rehvyn, whichever one wants it.  Vikki took it home and cleaned it up.  Rody already had one so it ended up going go Rehvyn who loved seeing it on FaceTime.  Bill got the turkey out of my car and took it to the freezer in the basement.

I came home and made the dough into balls and put them in a warm place to rise. I took the game box back out to the motorhome, and I brought a tub of non perishable food and also paper products in from the camper.  That’s the last to be brought in.  

I made scrambled eggs with potatoes for dinner.  I baked the rolls after that, then packed them up and took them to Sue on my way to prayer.  It was snowing so hard out it was hard to see.  She was really happy to get the rolls.  She always puts some in the freezer and takes one out everyday.  It was snowy all the way to the church.  There was a big group there   We prayed for lots of things.  At the end, everybody prayed for my surgery since we won’t be together again before it.  Then I heard Debbie say she wouldn’t be here the next time, so I asked her what day of the week her knee surgery was on.  I knew it was the 1st of Dec.  I had everyone come back over and we all prayed for her surgery.  She and her husband lead our prayer group.  So thankful we can pray for each other when we need prayer.  

I talked to Kim after prayer.  Ben, the kite guy, had told me she was his Church mom.  She was so happy to hear how he was doing.  Her husband had a kidney transplant, so she hasn’t seen Ben in a while.  She told me his father was a pastor and that Kim’s husband had been Ben’s youth leader.  She said he always wanted to do what he learned.  He seemed like that kind of guy from talking to him.  It was done snowing when I left the church.  I got home and started working on my blog.  I will go knit some now, then will go to bed.  

Monday, 11/17/25, Went to my family doctor, stopped at the dentist, came home, met Maddy at 1 at Chick’fil’A, went to Meijer, did a load of laundry, relaxed after warming up our dinner

Only picture to post today as I didn’t take any.  It was taken by someone of our giving tree at church.  It is for a school in our community.  The teachers all gave wish lists.  Bill picked something off the tree to order and take in.  I was talking to Deb in the background.  I didn’t have time this Sunday to look at the tree tags because of going to the store and getting home to make dinner.  I was so happy Bill found something and took the tag.

I got up early to shower and get ready for my doctor appt.  It was for a physical, a pre surgery approval appt. and for an EKG.  Everything went well and good results from the EKG.  After I left there, I stopped into my dentist office to see if I should be seen before my surgery, because I had a problem with swelling around a tooth.  It is 90 percent better after rinsing with salt water, but my dentist still wants to check it out because of my upcoming surgery.  Better to be safe than sorry.  I go on Wednesday.  

I came home and finished my Bible reading, unloaded all of the many dishes in the dishwasher from last night, then relaxed until time to meet Maddy at Chic Fil A.  I didn’t sleep much last night because after being on my feet moving lots yesterday, it was painful to lay down.  I finally got up and went out to my recliner.  Didn’t sleep, but my hip sure felt better lying on my back.  Kenzie FaceTimed me and Rehvyn was having fun jumping off their couch onto a pile of blankets.  Actually, he just fell face forward straight onto them.  He did it over and over, just like Kenzie used to.  He reminds me of her so much. 

I met Maddy at 1.  She had called me to let me know she was having problems with her vehicle.  It quit on her, then the steering wheel wouldn’t turn.  She got it going and pulled in about 5 minutes after I got there.  She got chicken nuggets and I got 3 chicken strips.  I wasn’t very hungry.  We each got peppermint shakes which were delicious.  We sat and visited for a long time.  I saw Michael (my former k-1 Sunday School kiddo who is in college now.  He was working there.  He came and talked me me and I introduced him to Maddy.  Maddy told him his dad went on a mission trip with her at their church once.  They had fun discussing that.  Michael and I had fun talking about him in my Sunday School class and our memories of it.  He’s a great kid who is on fire for God.

I watched to make sure Maddy’s vehicle started and she was able to turn the corner.  I texted her to make sure she made it home.  She did Praise God and with no problems.  I had offered to follow her, but she didn’t want me to do that.  I went to Meijer’s and got a ham and some other things for Thanksgiving.  I got all of the other things and got out to the car and put them in and realized I never got the ham.  Back in I went.  I was so happy to get home, until I saw that Bill wasn’t there to haul in groceries for me.  I called him, but he was getting water for the dispenser and also stopped to get gas.  He wouldn’t be home for over 20 minutes.  I couldn’t wait that long because I had ice cream and other cold things.  I toughed it out and brought them all in and put them away as quick as I could.  It was time for my recliner with my feet elevated.  It felt so good!  I relaxed until it was time to warm up leftovers from last night and eat.  After that I started a load of laundry and then it was back to my recliner.  I talked to Sue, to Vikki and to Melissa

Sunday, 11/16/25, Went to early service at church, went to Kroger, Ben came and picked up his kite, Made a roast, carrots and potatoes, Fred and Lourdes came over, , Wes and Gayla came over, Vikki and Peyton came over

Peyton, Rehvyn and Jacob....Jacob has flowers to give Abi after her dance recital

Rehvyn loves pushing the shopping cart through the store

2nd floor at Jacob’s apartment building

The Third Floor....even the girls in the elevator look the same lol

                 Vikki, Abi with her flowers, Peyton, Kenzie and Rehvyn.  They forgot to tell me about it and I invited Bill’s brother Fred and his wife Lourdes over.  We had lots of fun and lots of laughs.  I would have loved to have been at Abi’s dance, but thankful I got to see videos.  She’s a great dancer!

Jacob and his Aunt Vikki

Adam and Peyton

Eli, Rehvyn, Kenzie, Peyton, Jacob at the concert

Kenzie and Peyton

Abi is 3rd from the left in the front row

She is in the front row

When Vikki and Peyton stopped in Peyton showed me her gynormous water bottle

I got up early and got ready and also read some of my Bible.  We drove separate to the early service.  The worship was absolutely awesome!  The message was amazing!  It just gets better every week.  I talked to some people after the service, then I left and Bill stayed for the next service.  I went to Kroger to get some carrots, some creamer, and some Squirt.

I came home and peeled the carrots and potatoes, browned the roast, then added the potatoes, carrots and some onions to it and covered it.  The house sure started smelling good.  

I vacuumed in the family room where some dried leaves had fallen off a couple of plants.  I looked out the window and saw Ben walking on our deck looking for his kite.  I had told him I put it on the deck.  When there was a wind advisory today, I moved it back in the house.  I hollered at him out the door and told him to come inside.  He got to meet Bill which was nice.  We all talked for a while, then he got his kite and left.  He told us to let him know if we ever need anything because he’s just around the corner.  That was nice of him.  There sure were a lot of God moments in that kite adventure.

I sat down to relax for about 20 minutes, when Fred and Lourdes got here.  They had asked if they could bring their two dogs, Pekae and Fritzy.  We told them yes.  They are beautiful white Goldendoodles and are very well behaved.  We played 3-13 while we waited for dinner to cook.  We had played it one time with them a long time ago.  Lourdes got terrible cards and would show them to me sometimes to see if I could help.  She only got to go out one time.  At the end, I was negative and Bill was just a little positive.  I ended up winning.  Then his brother (he’s just like Bill when it comes to games) said we should play one more hand of 15 cards and have 2’s and jokers be wild.  Bill was all for that.  All through the game he kept looking at their score added together and saying the boys are ahead.  I told him  he needed to put an Asterix by my winning score first.  We played that 15 card hand and Lourdes got a pat hand winning hand and went out right away.  She stuck Bill with 40 some points and Fred with 60 some points.  It was sure the grand finale!  I was the winner, but the best part was the girls won when our scores were added.  It was so funny the see the guy’s faces.  

We ate after that.  They loved the food and it disappeared quickly. We were all hungry!  Afterward everyone helped clear the table and I loaded the dishes.  Then we had warmed up apple or cherry pie with ice cream on it.  We were all stuffed when we got done.  Bill was such a great help to me the whole time, making coffees for everyone and getting waters.  Also dishing up the pies and warming the pieces, then putting the ice cream on.  We sat and talked for another hour, then they had to leave because Fred remembered the Lions were playing at 8:20 and he wanted to be home to watch the game.  He wanted to be able to take his time because of all of the deer out right now.  

They had just left and Wes and Gayla came.  She had called me and said they were stop in after they took Joel home.  They both had pie and Bill had another piece with them.  I just finished my coffee.  Bill made them coffees too and I dished their pie up.  While we were visiting, Vikki and Peyton came.  Vikki had pie, but Peyton just wanted ice cream.  She doesn’t like pie.  Vikki left and then Wes and Gayla looked at Bill’s Honor Flight picture book they sent him in the mail.  They did such a great job on it.  Everyone has loved looking at it.  

They left around 9:30 and then I just started working on the blog.  I basically just put the pictures on after writing the heading.   That way I can remember what happened in the day lol.  

Saturday, 11/15/25, made more cabbage rolls, made regular rolls and an apple pie. Melissa and Hailey came over, Max and Bruce came over, went to Yipsilani for CMA Thanksgiving dinner

My Hailey girl

Bill at dinner!

Our selfie… my cheek is a little full lol

I got up early and made bread dough.  I made pie crust and an apple pie, Jared’s mom’s recipe so I know it will be good!  I read my Bible.

Melissa called and wanted to know if she and Hailey could come over.  Of course I said yes!  Bruce and Max came to target practice.  Vikki called to see if I wanted her to come help me make the cabbage buns.  I did because it’s so much easier with two doing it.  She could only come after she got done babysitting and at that time we we having to leave for our dinner..

 I had just made a batch of cabbage buns to freeze and have after my surgery, when Melissa and Hailey came in, I asked if they wanted some.  They said an excited yes because they both love them.  We sat and visited while they ate.  I asked them if they wanted another one so they decided to split one.  We all watched the kite video and I told them the happy ending.  They thought it was pretty cool!

We had a super nice visit! They stayed until it was time for us to get ready and leave for our dinner.  On our way, Vikki called us and Grant talked to our neighbor next to us who has a gated driveway.  He wanted to know how he knew Bill, because they were shooting next to his fields and scaring the deer away!  Whoops!!!! They had thought about that an d neither did I.  He didn’t want Grant to call though.  

We got to Ypsilanti  where the Thanksgiving dinner was served.  Bev and Jim saved us seats at their table.  All of our friends were serving people by putting food on plates.  There was no charge and no donations.  Bill did by a pretty expensive pie in the Receive silent auction.  It all went for Run For The Son so he upped the amount to $40 after he got it for $35!  Two of our close friends are on a mission trip right now with CMA delivering 8 motorcycles to pastors and one boat.  This helps them be Abe to visit their churches in a day instead of two weeks in many cases.  We love RFS!!! We all moved to a table with Al, Lucy, Ron Bev, and a new couple we met.  

Kenzie FaceTimed me while we were there for a few minutes.  Rehvyn was eating his spaghetti really good.  

We got home at around 8:30.  Relaxed in our recliners.  I worked on my blog and Bill caught up on his phone.  I did some knitting on a dishcloth.

Friday, 11/14/25, Vikki and Kimmy came over, they worked on the kite practically all day, Bill helped Kimmy and Vikki too, I made cabbage and pizza buns, The kite is down, had zoom meeting with our CMA Area Reps ,

Bill and I at the movie last night...our pop we shared looks ginormous!

Christopher our great nephew is a Marine and his daughter Emberly at the Marine Corp Ball

Christopher with his wife Angie, Grandmother Angie, and 2 of his kids

 

The kite story ended today with it being rescued out of our tree

Isaac by the tree....Not good lighting...lesson learned...I guess he needs to stand on the side of the tree...these grandkids grow so fast

Peyton’s turn......she wanted colored lights...a little better, but still not the best

My two amazing daughters, Kimmy and Vikki trying to get the kite down from way up in that tree.  Vikki is up on the garage.  They worked as a team with Kimmy putting sinkers on and Vikki casting the fishing pole trying to catch not a fish, but a kite.  

        It was pretty cool how the tree guy got the kite down.  These are two videos of it!

Kimmy and Vikki came over this morning.  They bought me an amazing brush they both have and love and surprised me with it!  It works so good on my hair!  Thank you girls!   I love it!  What a blessing!  We all had our coffees and ate oatmeal for breakfast.  They moved two of my plant around for me in the family room so the tall one is in the back.  It looks much better.  I made bread dough in the breadmaker.  Melissa and Hailey called me today and Hailey told me to mark my calendar for the Saturday after my surgery because she is bringing me a homemade meal that she knows I will like and so will Papa.  It was just so sweet of her, a busy college girl, taking time to plan to help her Nana.  I sure love that thoughtful girl and I am looking forward to that yummy meal.  It is definitely on my calendar!!!  Thank you so much Hailey!

The girls decided they wanted to try to get the kite down.  They worked from late morning to late afternoon trying to snag that kite out of the tree. They used fishing poles and sinkers.   Bill came out with his crossbow and Vikki taped two nuts to the tip of it, then. he shot it and Kimmy shot it to try to knock the kite out of the tree.  Kimmy and Vikki went back to using the fishing pole technique after that.  Unexpectedly, we had a person from Flint that Bill had called about looking at our big Sycamore tree and seeing if he could take it down.  He just happened to come today and while the girls were working.  When he was going to leave, Vikki asked him if he ever got kites out of trees.  He said yes, but not today!  I’m going hunting today.  Well he went to his truck and was in it a while, when he came back out and had a sandbag tied to twine.  He started throwing it and got it up in the tree.  Then he got the kite out of the tree.  I’m glad Vikki videoed it.  I sent it to Ben, the Kite owner, and he thought it was pretty awesome and loved that my family worked so hard on it. He also loved the rest of the kite story where God sent a tree person who knew just how to get the kite down.  God is so Awesome.  I am thanking him for getting it down and for Kimmy, Vikk, Bill and also the tree guy to get the kite freed.  I’m also so thankful to Rody for offering to use his drone.  It didn’t work out because he has been trying to find something that could grab the kite and open and close.  He didn’t want his drone getting stuck up there and I didn’t either.  I was really praying that no one would get hurt either.  Thank you everybody!!!

Vikki came in and helped me stuff the cabbage buns.  I had the two pizza buns done.  It sure helps having another set of hands.  Thank you Vikki. We ate, then Vikki left to go pick up the kids from school.  They came here and had ice cream and so did Vikki and Kimmy.  

Bill and I waited to have some for our snack tonight.  

Peyton sent me her Christmas list.  She is always the first one and always has a great list.

She sent me a picture of a pink goat too.  Silly girl!

We had our CMA Area Rep Zoom meeting.  It went really well and Bill did a great job leading it.  He’s a great leader!  I’m so proud of him!  I read my Bible and worked on my blog after that.