Sat. 1/22/22, Very sad day...our dear friend Kevin died last evening. He was a great friend and brother in the Lord, Kimmy, Jared and the boys came over, Vikki and Peyton came over

Kenzie sent me some baby pictures of Kit-Kat

Jacob

Adam....Aunt Bippi stuck her hand in his face, but it didn't affect the picture... it did the picture below though.  Adam couldn't help but laugh and I captured it!!!

Peyton with Kit-Kat

Vikki and Kit-Kat

My two biggest kitty spoilers...Eli and Peyton

Peyton

Eli

Took some noodle casserole I had left on my plate out to Kit-Kat. She loved it!

My friend, Vicki, messaged me at 12:36 a.m. to tell me her husband passed away in the evening.  My notifications were turned off, so I didn't find out until this morning when I was still in bed and Bill had just got up and came in and told me right away when he saw it posted by our Chaplain of Faith Riders.  It is so heartbreaking!  They have 5 children.  Two are still home and are 13 and 18.  This family is so close to us and I pray each day for the kids, because their grandparents on both sides have passed away.  It has been a very sad day.  I am glad Kimmy, Jared, Jacob, Adam, and Eli and Vikki and Peyton came over to spend time with us.  It helped having them around us.  Vikki and Rody know Kevin and Vikki real well too and they were sad too.  The kids, especially Eli and Peyton loved the kitty and played with her lots.  I am attached to her already!  Bill even let her be in the house as long as they were holding her.  We ate noodle casserole/pizza for lunch.  Jacob took a nap on the couch.  He was really tired today.  I remember taking naps as a teenager at my grandma and grandpas because I was tired.  It brought back memories.  Vikki, Kimmy and I played a game and a partial game of 3-13.  I won the first game (Bill actually played it for me while I was on the phone) and Vikki won the second game...we could only play up to the 10's because they had to leave to take Jacob's clarinet to Bay City to see about getting it fixed.  Vikki left shortly after.  Kitty spent lots of time in the house today.  I put her outside for an hour to keep her used to it.  She wanted inside badly today, but finally went in her little house and slept.  She explored a little bit farther today, but didn't go off the deck.  As soon as Bill got home from getting an oil change for my car, I put her in the garage.  I didn't want her to run out when the garage door went up when he got home, or get hit. She was happy to be in the garage and ate a little, then went to sleep in her bed.  I brought her in a few times during her outside and garage stays to give her some attention.  I called Roy and Bill and I had a nice talk with him.  He still tested Covid Positive, but is feeling a little better.  Still no appetite, but eating a few bites here and there.  He was as sharp as can be.  Texted with our friend, Kim, whose husband is in the hospital with double pneumonia, on oxygen and on steroids.  He had a kidney transplant 5 years ago and has a weakened immune system. He needs prayer.  Had a nice loving talk with my Melissa too.  She is a trooper and a sweetheart who loves God and her family.  I can say that about all of my family!  Thank You Lord!

 

Friday, 1/21/22, Kenzie brought Kit-Kat to me, Kimmy, Jared and Eli stopped to see Kit-Kat and us

 

Thank you Kenzie for my Kit-Kat...she brought her to me today

Kenzie gave her some soft food which she liked...her tongue is even out for the pose

Me and Kit-Kat

Whenever I would go outside to see Kit-Kat she would come running up to me and rub on my feet

She's peeking at me through the window....so cute

Took a selfie with my new kitty

She jumped up to look at me in the window

Eli loved Kit-Kat

I walked on the treadmill first thing.  After we had our coffee and read our Bibles.  Kenzie called in the morning and Travis told her she should come take some things back she needed to so she asked what I was doing.  I told her nothing I couldn't do tomorrow instead, so she came over and brought me my new cat, Kit-Kat.  She's such a sweet kitten and I'm so happy to have her.  We went to TSC to get a heated water dish (they ordered one for me), a food release dish, and kitten food.  Then we walked through Darcy's.  We picked up lunch from Souper Cafe, then came back to my house to eat.  We talked to Kimmy while we had lunch.  Had a nice long talk!  We set up a place for the kitten out on the deck and put her food and water out there too.  Kenzie had to leave to go do some errands.  Melissa and I face timed because Jack wanted to show me his huge light saber.  It was very cool.  I went outside so the boys could see my new kitty.  They loved seeing her and thought she was really cute.  Kit Kat was really good outside and only cried for about 2 minutes, then didn't cry any more.  I went out lots to hold her and pet her.  She is sure a sweet kitty.  She loved getting on the window to peek in the house.  Once she saw in, she was content out there.  Melissa called and they have a leak which has caused lots of damage.  They just had a new roof put on in the fall.  Yikes!  Mold too.  Not good.  Praying this roofing company takes care of it quickly and does the job right.  I feel so bad for Melissa and Bruce.  Before it got dark, I brought her into the garage and she got in the litter box right away, then ate some, wandered around for a little while, then settled in on her blanket in a tub I laid on its side.  She didn't even get out to come greet me when I went out.  Eli wanted to see her and they were in town dropping Adam off at Vikki's, so they stopped over.  Eli got her right away and held her the whole time, and then put her back in the garage for me.  He is an animal lover for sure, and was just what the kitty needed.  They had to pick up their order for McDonalds, so they left after they were here just a short time. I talked to Melissa lots today and prayed with her.  Adam and I texted and I sent him pictures of the kitty.

Thurs., 1/20/22, HAPPY BIRTHDAY STACIE! Didn't get much done. Lots of time on phone today.

Happy Birthday Stacie!  We love you!

Made homemade dough for pizza crust and then individual pizzas.  YUM!

I texted my sister, Brenda, when I got up.  I knew she would be at work so didn't know if I would hear back right away, but she texted me right back.  I found out my brother died of respiratory arrest and Covid pneumonia.  He got sick before Christmas, but his wife didn't notify anyone until a few days before he died, so no one got to talk to him.  I'm praying for all.   Brenda's son, Matt, is just getting over Covid, his daughter has it, but is doing ok, and Sara Jo's little girl Aubrey has it now.  She has asthma, so we are really praying she doesn't get it bad.  

Vikki was really sweet checking on me all day and sending me texts.  I was trying to find a skeleton key today, so I looked in my jewelry drawers...I read such loving notes that I saved from Kenzie, Hailey, Melissa, my mom, my dad, and Bill.  Those were only a few of the ones I've saved (the rest are in a big box) but they were just what I needed today.  They made me feel so loved, and I thanked God because I know he loves me even more that all of that love.  It was a special moment.  

I made personal pizzas with the homemade crust I made.  Bill's just had sauce and burger on them.  Mine had sauce, burger, olives, pepperoni, and of course cheese.  We will have the other ones tomorrow, as I made two for each of us.  They were so good.

I talked to Marie today and Roy is doing better and his appetite is coming back.  It just doesn't taste good to him.  He had a Covid test today, so we are praying it comes back negative.  I talked to Sue and she has and appt. in the morning at Covenant, then Charlie has one for his throat at U of M Hospital.  Lots of praying to do today.  Have been receiving lots of answers.  Talked to Melissa, Vikki and Gayla today too.  Texted with my Adam.  I love getting texts from him.  I am happy he gets to come to Bay Shore Family Camp with us this year. YAY!  

 

Wed., 1/19/22, MELISSA SURPRISED US AND DROVE TO OUR HOUSE TONIGHT. THANK YOU LORD! JACOB MADE THE VICE PRESIDENT'S LIST

 

Yay, Melissa drove to our house tonight!!!!  Can't express how joyful I am or how much this means to my heart.  God is so GREAT! 

Melissa, Bruce, Jack and Evan

Jack in the snowblower, Evan, Melissa and Bruce  on the side

Evan in the snowblower

Paperwhites when Kimmy planted them for me on January 8

Took this picture of them yesterday, 10 days later

Bill helped take the bedding off and I washed it.  Started walking on the treadmill again.  Only did a mile today and will continue that this week.  Next week will walk 2 miles.  Had my oatmeal, coffee, and also two chocolate chip cookies.  I started dough for rolls in the bread maker.  Talked to Kimmy for a while and got caught up on what's been going on.  Bill helped me get the bed made back up.  Jacob texted me that he made the Vice President's List at Delta.  I am so proud of him!  He is a great kid and is very diligent about working on his school work.  We talked to Marie, then talked to Roy in the hospital today.  We prayed for him too, before he had to go get a tube put in to keep fluid away from his gallbladder.  He needs his appetite to improve and needs to get stronger, but otherwise is doing better.  I made the rolls (Charlie had told Bill he would trade me cookies for some of my rolls).  I told Bill to tell him I would just make the rolls for him, no  cookies needed.  I dropped them off warm to him and Sue, along with some chocolate chip cookies and he was so happy.  I was just as happy!  When I got home, the dough I made for pizza for Bill and I was ready, so I made pizza's for us.  He had to go to the Marine Corp League meeting.  When he got home, he came in asking me if I got Melissa text and telling me to hurry because Melissa was in the driveway.  It felt like he was in a panic, he was rushing me so.  I put my shoes and coat on fast and went outside.  Melissa, Bruce, Jack and Evan were on the front porch and I came out the big garage door.  I told them to come get out of the wind and I moved to the back of the garage.  Melissa was very excited because she drove here and it felt good and easy for her to drive.  I was so excited too!  Also she wasn't wearing braces and was walking good.  It was funny too, because she had my tennis shoes I had let her use for the loco mat when she was in rehab.  We forgot about those shoes.  She is so happy to have those shoes that fit so well and I am so happy for tonight that I would give her ten pair.  I had told her way back then, she could keep them if she wanted.  This is the best surprise!  I feel just like I did the last time back in 2003 when she came riding down the road in the campground on her two wheel bike and surprised me.  My heart is overflowing with joy and I am crying tears of happiness and thankfulness to the Lord.  I love Melissa so much and I always see the faith she has in God in her actions.  Found out my brother John died on the 15th of this month, his birthday.  He was born on January 15, was married on January 15 and died on January 15.  He was pretty much a loner, so I Bill saw it in the obituaries and that's how we found out.  He did start going to a good church and got his certificate of ministry a couple of years ago, so I am thankful he put his trust in Jesus.  I am sad that he died so young and

I'm keeping his wife, Rose, in prayer.  

Tues., 1/18/22, Our friend, Cindy was in a bad car accident today, did lots of laundry, Baked cookies, went to prayer

Our friend, Cindy, who took over doing the Faith Riders Newsletter for me was in a bad accident today.  We started praying right away as soon as we heard she was in the ER.  She is very sore and has bruises, but doing well other than that.  We are thanking and praising God!  

I was reclining and feeling tired, almost decided to take a nap, but then I thought about making chocolate chip cookies, so got up and did that.  

Ha ha, Bill asked me who the cookies were for.  He was pretty happy when I said us.  Of course I will share some too.  

Cute picture of Peyton and Lucy that Vikki posted.  I loved it so wanted it on my blog!

Bill had two VA appointments, so he got up early.  I got up really early each day we were gone, so I was going to sleep in.  I heard him start the truck while he was finishing getting ready, so I got up to give him a kiss goodbye.  He told me he started a load of laundry.  It was his laundry from our trip and was a huge load, so I was pretty happy about that.  I did my laundry and also my blanket and pj's I took on the trip.  Marie called me and said Roy had and X-Ray and has pneumonia, had a CAT Scan, MRI, and ultrasounds.  He is also dehydrated.  She gave us his room phone number, but we are waiting until tomorrow to call him where today was such a busy day for him.  When we were eating tonight, Bill asked me how much weight I gained in Iowa.  I told him 8 lbs., but then thought about it and I had already gained 3 before leaving.  I changed it to 5 lbs. then.  He said he didn't gain anything?  I asked him how that could be because he was eating good just like me and snacking all through the day at the conference too.  He told me he put the scale in a different place on the bathroom floor and he weighs less.  I told him he has to show me that spot, so I can try it ha ha.  We sure did laugh a lot over that.  I told him we will weigh ourselves in the light weight spot and others who come over will weigh themselves in the heavy spot.  So funny!  I am going to try moving it tomorrow though lol.  The cookies I baked today aren't helping keep the scale numbers down!!!  I went to prayer tonight.  It was amazing.  They played my favorite song to worship too.  Powerful prayer night.  I talked to Vikki for a while and Melissa and I had a nice long chat.  We got to where neither one of were saying anything, which happens sometimes.  We decided we had better hang up, because it really bugs Bill when we are on the phone for a while and just do our thing and don't talk.  We always laugh when he says something.  Texted with Adam.  He sent me a boo face this morning because his brothers didn't have school because of a pipe breaking.  He still had to go to school.  He is always so cute!  Vikki sent me a video today of Isaac in his room playing the piano.  It was amazing to hear him play so well.  He didn't know she was recording him.  It sounded so good.  He is a natural!

 

Monday, 1/17/22, Made our way home from Iowa following friends and having fun together

Leaving our hotel this morning

The Cold Mississippi across from us...Saw a barge go down it                                     

Our drive along the river, we sure were close as this is right out my car window with no zoom

We were happy when we got in to Indiana.  We thought of you Lela!

Bill pointing to the circle on the map where we were when we ate at the restaurant

Bill, Al, Lucy, Jerry and Sandy eating their lunch.   Chairs were removed on the other side of the tables.  Also, no tables in the booths.  I sat eating my pizza at a booth and just used my lap for the pizza (see below) because I didn't really need a table like the rest did for their orders and I could use the window sill for my drink.  We thought it was because of Covid, but our friend, Ziggy lives a mile away and said on holidays they send them out to be cleaned.  We sure had a good laugh while we were there, watching people come in the door, look weird and then leave

Peyton is quite an artist already...above she is working on her picture and below she showing me the finished picture.  Great job Peyton!

We met for breakfast at the hotel at 7:30.  It was a great breakfast with omelets, crispy bacon, pancakes, oatmeal, fruit, yogurt and yummy cinnamon rolls.  We all were the only ones having breakfast down there.  This was an amazing and very very nice hotel.  We left after we finished breakfast and headed for home.  We stopped once for gas, and then stopped to eat at noon at a Taco Bell/Pizza Hut/Burger King place in Sawyer.  We left there and headed for Al and Lucy's house to see their new huge shed with heated floors and a she shed in the back, plus an area to park two enclosed trailers and an RV.  It was in Jackson, so right on our way. It was misting a little when we left the restaurants.  Traffic backed up and Bill saw on his phone there was a crash ahead.  It said 17 minutes ahead, but it was a longer wait than that.  When we got up by it there was a long stretch of guard rail smashed and laying there with orange barrels in front of it, a van with some damage, a car that rolled over totally smashed, and then a little ways down the road, more cars off the road on both sides.  It must have been icy.  We saw a salt truck on the other side dumping lots of salt as it went.  It didn't feel slippery, but we took our time just in case there were icy spots.  When we got to Al and Lucy's it stopped.  We looked at their shed, then they led us on the back roads to the road we needed to be on and saved us about 30 minutes of travel.  We had good roads the whole way home.  Sure have missed my family! Can’t wait to see them! Marie called and had to have an ambulance come get Roy and take him into the hospital.  He was very weak and asking to go to the hospital.  Gave us a scare for sure.  I got Melissa and Vikki praying right away and also put it on the Church Prayer page.  Kenzie called me right after we passed through Owosso.  Marie called me at 9:30 p.m. and let me know Roy had gallstones, had and ultrasound and they were figuring out what to do.   She finally called the hospital, because they hadn't called her and she can't be with him.  Texted with Kimmy, Adam and Jacob today!

Sunday, 1/16/22, Happy Birthday to friend Gayla, Went to Motorcycle Museum, American Pickers Shops and Buffalo Bill’s Museum

Our hotel when we left this morning 

Me in front of the museum 

Bill wanted a picture of me by the CMA vest

Bill, Lucy, Al, Jerry and Sandy under where a CMA vest is displayed 

Bill as Evel Knievel

 Bill by 1948 Motorcycle 

Here’s what I wanted to ride but it said do not touch

Bill’s first motorcycle was like the black one he’s in front of only it was the color of the orange one next to him.

The only 1949 motorcycle I found. They had lots of 1948’s

Two seater motorbike for Bill and I

Motorcycle a lady sold to American Pickers.  They put it in the museum will all her husband had to go with it.  She did tell the it couldn’t be placed next to a Harley.

This all came with it

Thought of Kimmy and Jared when I saw this.  Weird it was in a motorcycle museum 

Bill and I on iron motorcycle 

 Al, Lucy, Sandy,Jerry, me and Bill.

Bill at the Motorcycle Museum. 

Almost to the driveway of our hotel on the Mississippi River 

View of Mississippi River out our hotel lobby window 

American Pickers two stores on the same property 

American Pickers Store down the street from our hotel

Bill with pillow from where he was stationed.  He kind of wanted it but I thought it was ugly and besides was $45.

We thought of Jacob and Eli when we saw these clarinets today in the museum. Wow 1917

Love this picture we saw today 

We left our motel at 8, after our morning reading and breakfast.  We followed Al, Lucy, Jerry and Sandy to Anamosa to go to the motorcycle museum.  We watched/listened our Church service on the way. We walked through part of it, walked across the parking lot and had lunch at a Subway.  Then we went back in and finished going through the rest of the museum.  It was fun seeing all those motorcycles and the changes over the years.  We went to LeClaire, Iowa after that and went through the two American Picker Stores.  Fun , but their stuff was super expensive.  Didn’t see anything I wanted though.  I did by a tiny surprise item though.  We went to our hotel and relaxed for a while, then all met for dinner.  Had a nice time.  Bill and I called Gayla to wish her Happy Birthday! We had a nice talk! I am blessed with many dear friends! Our National Evangelist’s wife messaged me to let me know they were home.  We texted for a while.  She is such a sweet person.  Julie texted me to see if we were home.  They were supposed to ride with us, but got exposed to COVID, so didn’t go.  Another friend texted me for prayer because there were many tornadoes spotted in Florida.  A couple did touch down, but it was before it reached their place. Her husband was in Iowa with us and was flying home.  All was well with them! Thank You Lord.