Sat. 11/7/26, furnace wouldn’t come on. Decided to use our fireplaces and wait for Monday to have them check it. It worked perfectly yesterday. went to Marine Corp Ball

First time using our gas fireplace this year.  It warmed this room up nicely and helped warm the rest of the house. 

I got up early.  I could tell the furnace wasn’t heating the house.  I got up to inspect the situation.  I came up with it must have lost pressure after googling it. Bill looked at it when he got up.  We didn’t want to mess with it since they sent us a letter wanting to come inspect it.  They just put it in last year.  The gas fireplace we had put in last year worked great.  I had my Bible read and my prayers done by the time he got up.  Then I listened to McCann dog training on picking your puppy up and spending the first day with it.   I’m glad I watched it.  Thanks to Kimmy.  We got a call that our camper was done.  We drove down to get it.  Bill drove it home and I drove the car.   They winterized it, recalked the roof, and fixed the slide out track.  The slide out works great now.  

I had the fireplace and radiant heater going in the living room, so it stayed nice and warm.  Bill went over the leaves with the lawn tractor and put them in piles for pick up.  Evan is going to come help with that. 

We forgot to take pictures at the Marine Corps Ball this year.  I love my Marine!

Bill shaved his beard off today.
  

We went to the Marine Corps Ball at 5:30.  The Saginaw group we know were all at one table and it was filled.  We talked to all of them for a while, then we went and sat with a couple we didn’t know.  They had been invited by a friend of the husband.  They were from Beaverton and her name was Kerston.  She and her husband both went to Arthur Hill.  She told me she home schooled her 4 boys.  I asked her if she was a Christian and they both said yes.  She told me after 20 years of home schooling, she went to work teaching at Midland Christian School.  After Covid they couldn’t keep the school going.  She said she lived in Bear Lake and taught there for a while.  We told her we were picking up our puppy tomorrow from Bear Lake.  What a small world it really is.   I prayed on the way there that God would sit us where we should sit.  I’m so glad we got to meet this nice couple.  Even gave them hugs when we said goodbye and talked about how nice it was sitting together.  

We came home and realized we didn’t even take a picture of us at the Ball like we always do.  The ball was in Bay City and the Bay City Marine Corp. League put it on.  It was the first time the Marine of the year wasn’t there, the first time some of our usuals weren’t there and the first time they didn’t have a DJ and dancing.  We were home by 8:30 which is ok with me.  My Bible cover came today before we left and I was excited to put my new Bible in it and all my stuff.  It is so nice and holds so much.  It is part of my Christmas present from Kimmy and Vikki.  They were nice and let me use it til then.  I am opening an empty box, but I sure am thankful to be able to use the Bible and other stuff now.

 

 

Friday, 11/6/26, Kimmy and Vikki came over in the morning, went to estate sale but it closed when we got there, Melissa and Hailey came over, Hailey brought banana bread, Peyton and Isaac came after school, Bill met Roy at VA to help him get set up for hearing test, Bill went to Marine Birthday Party at the VA, had zoom meeting with CMA Area Reps, Goodie reps

Vikki showed us an Eagle’s nest over across from where my mom used to live 

The Eagle was in the tree

Hailey came with Melissa and brought warm freshly made banana bread.

Peyton came after school

Isaac in one of his favorite spots at my house.  He’s sat on the steps ever since he’s been little

The sun came out as Kimmy, Vikki and kiddos were leaving. 

I got up at 6:50 and got ready, then read my Bible.  Kimmy and Vikki came around 8:30.  We drank our coffee and visited.  I had made brownies and also had muffins for a morning snack.  Kenzie FaceTimed Vikki so we all got to see Rehvyn and talk to Kenzie and him.  Kenzie is really good about FaceTiming each of us during the week so we see them lots.  I am thankful for her doing that.  The girls brought their new Bibles and we all worked on our Bibles for a while.  So nice to have lots of room to journal as we read.  I reminded Melissa that Kimmy and Vikki were here.  Arnie was such a good dog.  My puppy’s breeder has a standard poodle, so my puppy will like Arnie.  Vikki, Kimmy and I went to an estate sale.  We didn’t see any signs and when we got to the driveway a guy told us it just ended.  We passed an eagles nest that was by my mom’s old house.  Vikki showed it to us.  Then we went back by it and turned around in my mom’s driveway.  We saw the eagle out sitting in a tree.  My mom and dad would have loved having that nest across the road from them to watch.  Only thing is they would have really had to watch their little dog.  They always kept a good eye on him.

When we got back to our house, Melissa and Hailey came over.  Hailey brought warm banana bread that she just made.  Kimmy, Vikki and I all had a piece.  Melissa and Hailey had some before they came.  Bill was happy to eat some when he got home.   We all love Hailey’s baked goods.  

Melissa and Hailey left to go to a thrift shop.  Melissa found a really cute turkey decoration for Thanksgiving.  Kimmy and I moved the fish from the outside pond into the inside pond. Kimmy was saying we picked the coldest day since we have had nice weather before today.  Right after she said that the sun came out.  We laughed.  The sun warms things up quite a bit. Kimmy brought me a bag of fish food.  I had just a tiny container of fish food left because I just used the last of my bag.  What a blessing to get that food from Kimmy.  My girls always are blessing me with helping and giving.  I am sure thankful for all my girls.

Bill and Roy ended up having to go to Bay City to get Roy set up for a hearing test.  Bill said the Marine Corps Birthday thing wasn’t much this year.  The ball tomorrow night with be nice with great food.  It is at the Double Tree Hotel.

We had our zoom meeting in the evening with our CMA State Leadership.  They all had good reports of how their chapters are doing and how they are growing.  They are all doing such a great job.  Bill is doing a great job as State Coordinator too.  

Bill had a PB&J toasted sandwich after the meeting.  Then we had popcorn.  I love my new Whirly Popcorn maker.  It makes it so easy to make popcorn.

I talked to Laicey for a while, texted with Melissa and then finished the blog.

Thursday, 11/5/26, Moved 2 plants, moved a couple of things in family room, went to lunch with Lisa, met Bill to get gas at Meijer

Lisa and I had a nice visit over lunch at Olive Garden.  She is one of my sweetest friends.

Moved some things around.  Room is puppy proofed now other than the Crown of Thorns Plant that Kenzie is taking.  

 We got up at 8:30.  We made our coffees and then read our Bibles.  I did my Grateful devotion on the link Vikki sent me from her church.  It is so good.  Did our prayer books.  Vikki sent me a good prayer in her prayer book that I am praying for my niece too and all my grandkids.  Love these heartfelt, scripture based prayers.

I moved two plants into the living room.  Kenzie wants the Crown of Thorns plant, so trying to figure a way to get it to her.  I loved all my plants, but they are getting so big they are taking up way too much room.  Kenzie and Travis are great with plants and wanted them, so I know they have a happy home.  I am happy to have so much space back in the room.  

I picked up Lisa and we went to lunch at the Olive Garden.  It was raining lightly outside.  We both got the luncheon spaghetti.  It was supposed to be the small portion, but it sure was a lot.  I had the soup and she had the salad.  We probably haven’t gone to lunch in a year, so it was good to get together.  She has had some health issues, but now is doing good.  We had a really nice visit.  She is a sweet caring friend.

I met Bill for gas after that.  We met at one Meijer’s, and he found out they only sell recreational gas at the other Meijer.  We went over there and I entered my info so he could use our Meijer Perk points and get $1 off 30 gallons of gas.  That sure helps.  I went to Home Depot and looked for a small piece of vinyl, but all they had was big pieces.  I went to Melissa for a while and visited with her.  She wanted to bless me with some puppy pads, but I told her Vikki already had.  We both had Wookie do some of his tricks and gave him treats.  He is such a great dog.  I love how he gives me such great welcomes when I come over. I left there when it was getting close to time for Melissa to pick up Evan.  

I was headed to Lowes when I thought about Ollies.  I stopped there and they had just what I wanted.  It has to be cut, but was better than what was at Home Depot.  I was thankful to be done looking.  I FaceTimed Vikki and she had to go because of a call.  She FaceTimed me back and liked what I picked out.  I came home and blew out some leaves that had blown in the garage.  I blew off the front sidewalk too.  I vacuumed the family room and living room.  I vacuumed the Kitchen floor later.  I made salmon, baked potatoes and corn for dinner.  Then Bill asked if I would make brownies, so I made some brownies for him.  He was happy when he came out to the kitchen and found out they were in the oven already.  

I talked to Marie for about an hour.  We prayed together for a couple of things. We have seen many answers from the Lord.  I’m thankful to have a praying friend like she is, besides my wonderful praying family.  

I worked on this blog, then Bill and I read our devotions.  We did two because we forgot to read one last night.  

 

Wed., 11/4/26, went to Aldi’s and Kroger for some groceries, Made toasted bagels with cream cheese and squash for lunch, Vikki came over and brought more doggie stuff, we went to Kenzie’s, went to Seek Worship at Vikki’s church

I took a picture of Kenzie when she was in the toy pen.  She sure is fun

Rehvyn was playing bank. Grammy has money in her hand he gave her out of the bank and now she is buying a bus from his dealership.

Rehvyn was so cute today and so much fun

Kenzie asked if anyone wanted their nails painted.  I said yes.  She did such a great job.

Picture doesn’t capture beautiful color and how it reflects in the light

We read our Bibles in the morning and did our prayer books.  Then I got ready and went to Aldi’s and Krogers.  I picked up a few groceries from each store, and got Travis an Amazon gift card for his birthday.

I came home and put groceries away, then texted Vikki to see if she wanted me to make bagels with cream cheese for lunch.  I told her I had squash I made last night too, so we ate on the way to Kenzies.  We got there and Rehvyn excitedly greeted us with Kenzie.  Travis helped Vikki carry in two peace plants I am giving Kenzie.  One was mine and one was my mom’s, from my niece Sara Ann’s bridal shower.  We won them as prizes.  We gave Rehvyn some punch in cute bottles with a blue truck on one and Mater was on the other.  Kenzie gave me a POM Pomegranate drink and Vikki had a different kind of fruit drink. Rehvyn wanted to drink one of his drinks right away.  

We had fun watching Rehvyn play and playing with him.  He sure has a good imagination.  He is very coordinated too, plus really smart.  We played bank with him and then spent the money he gave us out of the bank on buying a vehicle from him.  We came home after our fun time there.   Vikki ha too be a church at 6:30.  Sd got to my house around t and I decided I would go t church too with her.  Vikki made a coffee for her.  I filled my water much.  We got to church at 6:30 and Rody and the kids got there right after us.  Worship was awesome and the message was great. Lots of people came over to give me a hug or meet me.  

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Tues, Nov. 3, Election Day, Happy Birthday Travis, We love you! Washed and put bird baths away, trimmed a few plants, went to the bank, packed doggie back pack for trip to get puppy, Bill got his Jeep front back together after fixing the light. Fasting and praying for election

Maria, my friend from church took my friend Marie at birthday cake today.  She is over the elderly ministry at church.  They both have the same birthday, so waited until Marie is doing great before celebrating.  2 of my favorite people.

Happy Birthday Travis.  We love you!

Our trees are slowly turning color.  Usually the one on the right is bright yellow.  Looks like it’s going to be darker tonight

Vikki found me a toy box and some toys for my puppy.  I was just looking for a toy box in the morning.  She always finds just what I need

 

Election Day!  Praying and fasting.  We voted absentee already.  We called Travis and wished him a happy birthday.   Bill worked on getting the front back on his Jeep.  He has been working on the lights.  I took him a mug of water.  He always forgets to drink while he is working.  After he was done, we went to the bank.  Afterward Bill asked me if I wanted to go for ice cream.  I did, but told him I couldn't because I was fasting.  We came home and Bill took a nap.  I went outside and fed my fish, then washed the bird baths, took in some bird houses, and other stuff.  Done with all that.  I fed the birds too.  Trimmed some dead stuff off plants.

Blew leaves off the deck again.  Trying to keep up with them between the two of us.  

Cooked three squash from the garden and got them in the freezer for Christmas and Thanksgiving dinner.  

FaceTimed Vikki today.  She found some toys and a bin to keep them in for my puppy.  She also found some toys Lucy no longer uses, and some clothes.  My puppy has everything he needs.  

Monday, 11/2/26, Happy Birthday to our nephew Matthew, We love you! took camper in for winterizing, went to Frankkenmuth, new puppy pictures at the Vet, went to Tim Hortons, put away the rest of the outside furniture and stuff, Kimmy and Eli stopped in, started reading my new Bible

Bill’s sister Debbie got him another brick in Frankenmuth.  It’s the 4th one, all in different places.  That was so sweet of her.  It is at the Lion’s Club.  

Selfie when we left the Lion’s Club.  Such a nice day!  Sunshine and 66 degrees for the high

Bavarian Inn Lodge with inside waterpark.  Largest in the U.S.  It is huge

I was working outside and heard a familiar voice.  It was Eli.  He was on the way to his Orthopedic Surgeon appt. and wanted to know if he could have a pop.  Of course he can anytime.  I was so happy to see him.  I went out to the van and got to see Kimmy too.  They had to leave to get to the appointment, but we did get some pictures first.

Eli

Me and Eli

Puppies at the vet.  You sure can pick out my black Asher easily.  

Ouch, Asher getting his first shot

I can’t wait to pick this cute puppy up on Sunday

 We got up early as we had to be down to Birch Run by 9 a.m. to drop off the motorhome.  It was a beautiful day for a ride.  We called Matthew and sang Happy Birthday to him on his answering machine.  They are winterizing the motor home today, and also caulking around the roof where the old caulking is cracking and needs to be redone.  We walked through the store and looked at everything.  I tried to call Matthew’s mom too, but she didn’t answer.  We ended up driving to Frankenmuth and I put the card in the door.  I heard from Debbie  Matthew was working at Covenant and Debbie was dropping off some birthday cupcakes.

We went and saw Bill’s brick for his service in Vietnam.  It was at the Lion’s Club. I took some pictures.  I sent them to Debbie and Bill thanked her again.  It looks really nice.  I always tell Bill she is bricking Frankenmuth with his bricks.  We stopped at Tim Horton’s and got a couple of donuts.  Vikki called me and asked me if I needed this storage thing for my dog food.  

We read our Bibles and did our prayer books.

We came home and Bill did some organizing and cleaning in his shed, and I organized and did some cleaning in the garage.  After that, we worked together putting outside stuff away for the winter.  I wrapped up the lounge chairs and Bill helped carry them and put them away under the pool deck.  We covered them with a tarp as an added measure.  Because the pool deck has spaces in it, the water and leaves go down through them and can make a mess of what is below.  Last year, Jared, worked hard on power washing them.  I don’t want them to be like that again.  

Bill took the soft gazebo top off and we took it out to the shed.  He dug up the weed in my flower garden for me.  We put a rubbermaid storage container back together right.  It had come apart where it connects.  It is leakproof again.  I was working on the deck after Bill went back out to the shed.  I heard a voice which sounded familiar and turned around and there was Eli.  I got a nice hug, then we went in the garage so he could get a pop out to have on the way to his orthopedic surgeon appt.  I went out and saw Kimmy and talked for just a couple of minutes.  Took some pictures and then they were off.  It was nice seeing them for a couple of minutes.  

We worked more outside blowing off the decks and sidewalks.  Then put the big umbrella on the pool deck away.  We were sure busy today.  I had my phone on me but was working so much, I didn’t see I had gotten a text from Kimmy.  She called me and told me Eli has both a torn ACL and Meniscus.  He needs surgery. Bummer!  Surgery should happen in 4 weeks.  Eli needs to do what the doctor said, to get his leg ready for the surgery.  

It is perfect for inside the house for putting dog food for puppy in.  Love that it has a handle.
Vikki also found a small Tupperware container for me for creamer.  I had told her Elaine was looking for one and she remembered and found one.  I am keeping it because I really like its size and I’m giving her mine which is the kind she wanted.  Vikki always knows what I want and usually finds it.  So sweet of her to find these items and call me.

Kimmy and Eli dropped them off later, when they were heading home.  They couldn’t come in because Kimmy was trying to get home before it got dark.  

I made baked chicken rolled in potato chips for dinner.  We had potatoes and rolls, then peaches with it.  It was an easy meal after working so much outside.  

After we ate, we read our family devotion out of Billy Graham’s book.  They are always so good.  I read a chapter in my new Bible and wrote on some sticky notes for the journaling part.  I highlighted with my new highlighters.  I FaceTimed with Kenzie and Rehvyn once today, then again and Travis joined us.  His birthday is tomorrow.  I talked to Melissa once for a while, then talked to Vikki a few times.  Texted with Kimmy besides seeing her in person.  It was a great day!

I 

Sunday, November 1,2026, Went to church, taught Sunday school, got Subs, rode to Jackson to Al’s retirement party on motorcycle, Kimmy put my tabs on my new Bible, Rody dropped it off at our house, stopped at Meijer on the way home, talked to Melissa for a long time,

My Bible tabs look great.  Thanks Kimmy for putting them on for me.  

It was a nice day for a ride on the motorcycle

When we got down by Jackson near Al and Lucy’s there was some beautiful color still

The puppies are 8 weeks old now

Isn’t Bagel such a cute 8 week old

Hailey loves Wookie

However, this is the face she made when Melissa said he was her favorite dog.  Abby will always be her favorite she says.  We all miss Abby.

I was nice having the time change.  Always like the fall back one.  Needed that extra hour this morning.  I got up at 6:45 this morning just because of the time change.  I made my coffee and then made a half pot of decaf for Bill.  He can’t find his two small mugs.  I made enough for morning and also for when we travel to Jackson after church.  

Worship was awesome this morning.  We sang awesome songs of praise.  We had communion which was very moving.  I love how Pastor does communion and really gives us time to ask the Holy Spirit to show us anything we need to stop doing or start doing.  He really encourages us to only take it if we truly remember what Jesus did.  How his body was broken for us and his blood was shed for us for the remission of our sins.  He makes sure we are putting much thought into what we are doing and remembering.

After communion, they dismissed the kids and teachers to go to class.  Abigail ran up to where I was coming out of my aisle and grabbed my hand.  She always likes to walk with me to class.  Then Eli, came up and greeted me as we were walking toward the door.  He is such a sweet kid.  We had an amazing lesson learning how God is the one True God.  We played a game and the kids did great at answering the questions.  Laney and Erica were my helpers.  They did a great job.  

After church, we went to Subway and used the rest of our gift card for 2 - 6 inch subs.  We brought them home and ate them and split a coke.  We relaxed for a half hour and then we got our CMA stuff on and our motorcycle out of the shed and ready.  We took off and it was 56 degrees out and sunny.  We were dressed in layers and stayed warm all the way there.  We talked to Al & Lucy, Dave and Chrissy, Teresa, Phil and Julie, Doug and Sue and Ron and Bev.  We all sat at the same table to eat dinner.  The food was really good.  Bill ate a piece of cake before we left, but I was too full.  Kimmy called me when we were passing through Owosso.  She got all the tabs put on my new Bible and did a great job.  She said Rody is dropping it off on his way back from taking Eli home.  It was a nice ride home and when we got to Meijer’s by us, Bill dropped me off to get some creamer with doing Shop and Scan and I earned another 1,000 points.  It ends tomorrow.  He went to get gas while I shopped.  

We came home and I got my Bible out of the door where Rody had left it.  It looks so nice.  Thank you Kimmy.  Bill and I got in comfy clothes, then relaxed.  I started working on my blog.  Melissa called and talked to me for about an hour.  I asked Bill a couple of questions, but he was sleeping and didn’t answer.  Melissa and I got a laugh about how he falls asleep and then says he wasn’t sleeping.  He’s snoring now, so I have proof. 

I got new puppy pictures from the breeder.  Bagel is so cute in his 8 week old picture.  I’m getting really excited to go pick him up.  I’m getting everything done this week so I can just spend next week hanging out with my puppy and training him.