Friday, 9/23/22, Packed last minute things, gave Kit Kat attention, camped at St. Helen’s campground

Beautiful ride to St. Helen on the back roads.  Saw some trees changing color already.

Bill and Ziggy at our campsite

Our neighbor Brittany in the parade, in the red dirt right in the middle

 

Peyton with some friends at the Homecoming parade

Big helicopter flew over our campsite 

Nice campfire with friends

 We packed the last minute things, then I watered the new grass, and gave Kit Kat some food and special attention.  Bill hooked up the camper and when he went to extend the jacks they wouldn’t go any higher.  Bill thought something major was wrong and called me to come help.  When I saw what was wrong I prayed right away for God to give us wisdom.  About a minute later, Bill realized the back Jacks were still down.  They need to up for the front jacks to work.  That was the answer. We sure were thanking God.  They worked great after we put the back jacks up.  We had a nice ride with beautiful hills on our trip up.  Bill had called late to make our reservation, so we had a spot in the campground with no electricity and no water.  I called to see if there were any cancellations, but there weren’t.  We got all set up, then walked around and talked to Phil and Julie.  We found out Jerry and Sandy had decided not to come but didn’t cancel.  After we talked to them, we packed up and moved to the spot they would have had, with electricity and water and where we would be by all of our friends.  Answered prayer again!  We got set up, and Ziggy came.  He set up in our back room.  He sure liked all the changes we’ve made back there. Thanks Vikki, Kimmy and Jacob for your help with that.

  We went to the Firehouse Restaurant.  Bill had cod and Ziggy and I split a pizza.  We came back to the campground and sat by a big campfire with Phil, Julie, Greg, Lori, Vicki, Bill, Betty, Mel, Dave, Rick, Robin and Ziggy.  It was cool and in the low 50’s.  We came back and turned the furnace on.  

Thurs., 9/22/22, Packed more in the camper, made chili, Vikki stopped over, helped Bill load the motorcycle, scrubbed the camper floor, went shopping

 

The leaves on our Maple are turning color already.  Pretty, but too soon!

I packed more stuff in the camper.  Ate oatmeal for breakfast.  It seemed good to have oatmeal again.  It's been a while.  Bill went with Charlie out for coffee.  He brought me back a yummy blueberry muffin.  It was my lunch.  I helped Bill move some things out of the garage part of the camper that we won't use on this trip.   Then Bill drove the motorcycle in while I stood where he was supposed to aim the tire.  He always does it perfectly.  We fastened it down good and tight.  We are a good team at doing this now.  

I used the tomatoes, peppers and onion I picked from the garden last night and made some yummy chili to take camping for the chili cook off.  Vikki came and brought me a cute napkin holder for the camper.  It is like the one I had that broke only is a pretty turquoise.  

She is always so thoughtful.  

Bill picked Max up, and brought him here to help him lift the mower deck to the tractor.  Max came to the camper door to see me, so I went out and talked to him for a while.  I should have taken a picture.  Bill spent time with him, while I went shopping to use my Kohl's cash and also a $10 off at Penneys that Vikki gave me.  I found some great deals at Kohl's, but nothing at Penneys because the shoes I picked out for 12.99 rang up at 9.59.  I tried to find something for cheap, but nothing had the price on it, so I took three things up to the counter for her to tell me the price of.  They were little items, (like chapstick), but had big prices.  I finally found a bag of candy sticks covered in chocolate for $1.99.  Then the girl said I had to use my Penney's credit card which I don't even have.  I told her to forget it after all that hassle.   At Kohl's, I had a couple with their son cut in front of me in line.  I was waiting where the line starts her sign was.  When they went ahead of me to check out, I asked if they wanted a coupon I had extra.  They were pretty happy about getting it, and I felt good doing something nice instead of being upset.  

Bill's free Yeti mug from our rewards from our credit card came today.  It's nice but is 30 oz. and is way too big.  I am calling tomorrow morning and getting one like mine.  They only have stainless steel like mine, but we will work at keeping them straight.  

Did the laundry so it would be all caught up, and ran the dishwasher.  We are leaving at 10 in the morning.

Wed., 9/21/22, Happy Birthday to my niece, Ahmeh!!!, Met Maddy and Brielle at Bigby's, Picked the garden, packed the camper, made juice from the tomatoes for chili,

Happy Birthday Ahmeh!  We love you!

Kit Kat was feisty and wanted to play and bite...I gave her a squirt of water so she moved to the little round table and liked herself dry.  She wasn't cuddly at all, so I went inside.

I love this grandson so much!!!!  

Max unloading the Nesquik I picked up from Sam's Club.  I could never carry 4.  

Beautiful sunset tonight

This morning I got up early so I could read my Bible before going to meet Maddy.  We met at Bigby and had a smoothie and breakfast sandwich.  We visited for 1 1/2 hours and had fun hanging out together.  I got to hold Brielle lots and feed her.  She is such a sweet baby and such a good baby.  Maddy went in the bathroom and I was holding the baby when an older man came up to me and told me my baby was really cute.  I told him the baby's mom was in the bathroom and he said I must be grandma then.  I told him I was just friend.  I told him she was a premie and was in the NICU and was a miracle.  He told me all babies are miracles of God which I agreed with.  Maddy came out and we talked about following Jesus.  He told her to pour all God has for the baby into her.  We talked about seeing each other in heaven and then he went over and he and his wife who had added a few nice comments too, left.  He was so happy and cheerful!  It made our day!  

I got some groceries from Jack's.  Got ground chuck to make chili tomorrow for our chili cook off on our camping trip.  I went to Sam's Club and also to Aldi's.  When I got home, I picked the garden.  I got lots of string beans, lots of green peppers, picked a couple of onions and picked some tomatoes to cook up to put in the chili tomorrow.  

I was under the pool deck when I heard voices.  I thought it was Bruce and Max with Bill, but it was someone who bought the big roller and thing that picks up grass that goes to the John Deer.  Bill was happy to sell them.  I texted Bruce to see when he was going to be home, since this made me think of him.  I took the Nesquik I picked up at Sam's Club for him over to drop off.  Max was sure happy to see there was more, and happily carried them in.  Melissa asked me if I had time to go for a walk.  I did and was happy to walk and talk with her.  I always love spending time with my Melissa.  We took Vader with us and I was able to pet him for the first time.  What a nice dog.  

Bill went to the Marine Corp League.  I packed stuff in the camper while he was gone.  I heard a knock at the door of the camper, and it was Vikki.  She was a sweetie and carried the clothes baskets I had loaded with clothes and things and put them in the door and I put them away.  She made the job a lot easier.  She also put pillow cases I had washed back on the pillows.  We went in the house and she gave me some clear plastic bins for the attic.  She had to go pick up Peyton and Isaac from youth group, so couldn't stay long.  I hung some command hooks in the camper after she left.  

My nephew, Mark, sent me a really sweet message tonight.  He is in Vietnam and will be going to Da Nang where Bill was stationed.  He is going to try to video chat with Bill when he is there, or at least will send pictures.  

Tues., 9/20/22, Vikki came over and we went to Kimmy's, Bill went with Charlie, Went to Rescue Mission Dinner

 

Jacob, me and Adam...I am looking shorter all the time

Tall Adam above...short Adam below lol!

Wyatt enjoying the view outside 

Kimmy's gardens are beautiful!

Isaac and Peyton.  Bill picked them up from school so we could spend more time at Kimmy's.  

Asked Vikki if she wanted to go to Costco, Kohl's and Kimmy's with me.  She did, so said she would get ready.  I went to Kroger and got gift cards that were 4x fuel points.  Made it back quickly and watered the new grass.  Vikki came and we went to Costco, but their return services were not working, so I couldn't take the extra light I purchased back.  Then I realized, I didn't bring the Kohl Cash coupons, so we headed right to Kimmy's.  We had fun visiting and hanging out with Kimmy, Adam and Jacob.  I took Jacob to school when he needed to go.  It was raining out, which hadn't been in the forecast.  I stopped and picked up candy bars for everyone.  Kimmy had lunch all ready when I got back.  Yummy fried rice and sandwiches.  Thank you Kimmy.  We had our candy bars for dessert.  It sure was nice having the boys home.  I certainly will be glad when Adam doesn't have anymore symptoms from his concussion.  We girls took a walk outside and Vikki put pepper all around Kimmy's house to keep ants out.  We enjoyed seeing all of Kimmy's plants.  Then we went out and saw their new tractor.  So happy for Jared to have that.  It sure is a nice one.   We called Bo and Kimmy gave him some grain to have him come up by us.  Loved petting him.  Vikki and I left around 2:40 and went to Costco.  This time I could return the light.  We walk around the store and got some samples to eat.    Vikki found some slacks and I found a top.  

I picked up some Starbuck's coffee beans that was 14.89 for a 2 1/2 lb. bag.  A guy by us told me they had coffee grinders in the front of the store.  Vikki and I took the coffee and ground it after we paid for it.  Super fast and easy.  Such a great savings too.  We came home and I was happy to see Peyton and Isaac and get my hugs.  They all left, then Bill and I got ready and went to the Rescue Mission Dinner.  Such great things they do for people who need help in our community.  We sure enjoyed the testimonies and stories.  Enjoyed seeing all of the things they are doing now.  So thankful to be a part of helping support what they are doing and the mission of winning souls for Jesus.  

Sept 19, 2022, Slept in, Got the camper unhooked and set it up, emptied the camper and washed bedding, met Vikki for lunch, and hung out, went to Delta to give Jared a charge,

Kit Kat is glad we are home.  She happy the cushions are back on the swing.

Happy to see the grass is coming in.  Thank you Vikki and Evan for watering it for us while we were gone.  It was pretty much bare dirt a few days before we left for Indiana.  We seeded it two days before we left
 

Grass coming in where flags are too

Nice breeze coming in those two windows...curtains were flying

Bill and Jared jumping Jared's car battery

Little Caesars Individual pizza from kit for dinner.  Yum!

Zinnias are beautiful

Kit Kat cuddling up by me this evening when I sat on the swing and was talking to Melissa on the phone

We got to sleep in this morning which was so nice after getting up so early while we were camping.  We got the camper set up and then I worked on emptying it while Bill mowed the lawn.  He brought in most of his stuff last night.  I just brought his hanging clothes in for him.  I washed the bedding and hung it on the line to dry.  It always smells so good afterwards.  Charlie stopped over.  I went out by the shed to see him.  

I met Vikki at Subway and treated her to a Cali Turkey, Bacon, Avocado Sub.  I had been telling her how good they were.  She really liked it too.  We went to Walmart after that and walked around looking for leggings.  I took her back to her car after that.  I sure enjoyed hanging out with her.  I came home and started putting things away that I brought in this morning.  I texted with Adam, talked a couple of times with Melissa, Vikki and Kimmy.

Kimmy called at 10:41 p.m. and wanted to know what we were doing.  Jared was waiting at Delta to pick Jacob up and his car wouldn't start.  We went over with the truck and Bill gave him a jump.  It started right up.  We waited a few minutes to see if Jacob would be coming out, but he didn't so we headed for home.  We were happy to hear from Kimmy saying they were home safe and sound!  

 

Sunday, 9/18/22, Packed the last minute stuff. Sat with Bev and Jim while waiting for someone to clump our tanks, Left the campground at 11, Nice ride home!

Bev, Me and Bill waiting for the guy to come dump our tanks so we could leave

Peanuts (the dog) Bev, Jim and Bill

Our cousin and his family have been working on remodeling their home.  This is the before and after of the living room.  Just such an amazing difference.  They did a beautiful job

Bev and Jim eating their ice cream at Applebees after dinner.  They both have birthdays, so Bill told the waitress.  There was a place to hitch up horses and a shovel and pail to take care of any mess they made outside at this Applebees.  Not used to seeing that.

We passed by this buggy waiting for traffic

We went to Bob Evan’s for breakfast. Everyone had eggs, but I had blueberry pancakes with blueberry topping. When we got back, Bill walked around to sign us up to be dumped. I finished the little bit of inside stuff that was left. We took out chairs and sat at Jim and Bev’s camper. The guy was taking a long time to come so the guys went to find him again. It was going to take a lot longer, so we left and decided we would stop on our way home and dump. We drove as far as Goshen, the found a Love’s Truck Stop that had a dumping station. It was easy to pull up to with lots of room in the parking lot. From there we went to Sturgis, MI and ate at an Applebee’s. It was yummy. Bill led the way, and we had some wonderful new roads to ride on.  A car pulled right out in front of us and Bill almost wasn't able to stop.  He laid on his horn to warn the person.  Good thing we got the brakes fixed.  Then we hit 69 and it was just as awful and bumpy as last year.  Terrible they wouldn't have it fixed after a year.  We got home, unloaded a few things, I watered my new grass that's coming up, and let the kid's know we were home.  It was 8:30 when we got here.  Yay, Home Sweet Home.  I texted with Adam and Hailey.  Going to bed early to catch up!  We are unpacking when it is light tomorrow.  

Sat., 9/17/22, Great day here today! Beautiful weather, good friends and many opportunities from the Lord!

Bill visiting Jim in the morning.

My handsome Marine!

Bill signing his name and dates of service

Bill and I helping in the CMA booth this morning 

Person who parked behind our camper sure parked close!

Jim and Bev’s camper ahead of us

 We read our Bibles and listened to good worship, then went to breakfast with Bev and Jim. They served pancakes, scrambled eggs and ham this morning.  A volunteer named Gabby came and asked if she could sit by me.  We had a nice talk and I found out her daughter was the one serving food today.  Yesterday she had asked if she could take the picture I was taking so we all could be in it.  She was so kind and she looks just like Hailey’s friend, Mikayla who is very kind too.  This young girl is on the worship team at their church by Lake Lelanau in Michigan.  I was telling her mom about Hailey being at college and getting the opportunity to be on her church’s worship team.  

Bev and Jim decided to go into town.  Bill and I went and sat in the CMA booth until someone from the Indiana Chapter got there.  We came back and relaxed at the camper, then sat outside for a while.  When Bev and Jim got back, we went and got a snack and ice tea where we eat our meals.  We were just finishing when a big man came flying and fell right at the end of our table.  He had tripped and his mouth was bleeding.  He couldn’t move because his shoulder was in pain.  People were gathering to help and I put my hand on his shoulder and started praying for him.  The medics came and called for an ambulance.  Bill and Jim helped lift his legs so the could get him on the stretcher.  We all felt so bad for him. He fell really hard. We could see that he had had knee surgery on both knees too.  

We decided to walk through the merchandise tent one more time.  While we were in there Bev, Jim and I talked to a Marine veteran who has been through so much in his life.  He talked with us a good hour and when sharing about the death of a combat friend, started crying.  We shared about Jesus and were able to pray with him and encourage him. His name is John.  I want to remember so I can continue to pray for him.

We walked around more and the came back to our camps.  Bill went to sit at Jim’s camper.  I stayed sitting outside at ours.  We hadn’t seen the guy that parked so close to us yet, but I saw him come out of his camper and he came and said hi as he walked by me.  He came back a few minutes later and we talked and I found out he was from Whitecloud.  We go to the Shack in Whitecloud at Thanksgiving, so I asked if he knew Marv.  He did and said he has done some work there.  I mentioned Marv being a Christian and I asked the guy if he believed in Jesus as his Lord and Savior.  He said yes and started sharing about God’s beautiful creation and how even many scientists are believing in God as creator because of all the new discoveries in space.  

After Bill got back we all went to dinner.  A guy named Rick sat next to me and we started talking.  Come to find out that the guy who fell was his cousin.  He did break a bone in his shoulder.  So amazing that God would sit him next to me so we could find out.  Then Rick was telling me that he had a mini stroke that didn’t do any damage, and then had a stroke which made him lose use of his right arm. His wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. He’s just a young guy in his 40’s.  I asked him if we could pray for him and he said yes, so I prayed right then.  What an amazing God.  I have been praying for God to show me what he wants me to do and asked him to lead me.  Today he brought so many opportunities and gave me boldness because I’m quiet around strangers usually and never know what to say. God gave me the words today. I never want to forget this day! No greater joy that to be used by God and know it’s Him , not me.