Thursday, 2/22/24, no power from 6:20 a.m.til 11:09, packed last minute things, Bill went to his doctor appointment for his biopsy, left for West Branch, checked in Tri Terrace motel, went shopping, met Al and Lucy and Jay and Jane for dinner at 6, talked to Melissa, Kimmy and Vikki

Bill and I at the mall in West Branch. No coats needed today!!!

View out our big sliding glass door 

Our cozy room

Beautiful pottery Kimmy made

  

I got up at 6:00 and was going to turn the kernel burner off and saw it was already off.  I thought Bill had already turned it off.  I turned the furnace on, thinking Bill had forgot. I went back to bed and set my alarm for 7:30.  We both got up at 7:30 and went to turn lights on.  No power.  I looked on the Consumer’s Energy page and the first reported outage was at 6:20.  It said the power would be back on at 12:15.  It said the cause wasn’t known.  Bill had his doctor appointment to go to, so he took a shower.  The water was still nice and warm so that was good.  I opened the bedroom curtains so I could see good to finish packing.  I packed pb&j sandwiches for our lunch on the way and also packed snacks and drinks in the cooler.  I got ready, but couldn’t do my hair.  I decided it didn’t look too bad so would go as is.  Bill read his Bible before he left.  I filled Kit Kats food dispenser up and put two containers of water out for her.  Then I did my nails.  I read my Bible and devotional.  Bill got home and we packed everything, then left. It was sunny and 50 degrees out by that time.  

We got to the motel and our room was ready early so we checked in and then unloaded our stuff.  We went to the church where we will be having Seasons and met with the pastor and went over some details.  Then we went shopping in a strip mall.  We went to Old Navy, a thrift shop, an antique shop, and then to a candy store where we bought some candy. I got the same thing I did at St. Laurent’s for half the price.  We came back to our motel and rested.  At six, Al and Lucy went with us to meet Jay and Jane, our National Evangelists, at the Lumberjack Restaurant.  We both had 1/2 fish dinners which were huge.  We had a great time visiting, then came back to our room to relax.

Wed., 2/21/24, Kimmy, Melissa and Vikki came over. Bill and I went to Lowes, Home Depot, and to Kroger. We went to Menards too. It was sunny and 55 degrees

Me, Kimmy, Melissa and Bill going for a ride in our motorhome

Rehvyn...he’s getting so big and is just the cutest!

 

Beautiful sunset

Hyacinths are poking through

 Kimmy came around 9:30.  Bill left shortly after she got here to meet Charlie for coffee. 

Kimmy and I listened to a podcast from Jacob’s church.  It was another great message.  

We visited after that.  Melissa came a short time later and brought Badger with her.  We all had a nice visit and had fun looking at pictures in old church directories. 

We ate pot pie for our lunch.  The girls liked it, so I was glad about that.  I like to make things they like for our Friday’s.  Bill got home and wanted us to got with him for a ride in the motorhome so he could charge up the battery.  We went on the expressway for a while, then went off an exit and then back on the expressway.  It was a fun ride even though Kimmy and Melissa were a little nervous a couple of times.  We came home and Bill parked it and we came in the house.  It was 55 by then and was so nice out.  Vikki came and visited for a few minutes, then Melissa and Kimmy had to leave.  Vikki stayed and visited with me until she had to pick up the kids.  Vikki had super great conferences last night for Peyton and Isaac.  Their teachers couldn’t say enough nice things about them.  They are both getting great grades.  I am proud of them!  

Bill and I went to Lowes, Home Depot, Krogers and then to Menards.  We got snacks to take to Seasons of Refreshing this weekend.  We’re taking venison sausage sticks, Venison Hickory Stick, cheese cubes and cuties mandarin oranges.  We packed most of our stuff and will pack the last minute things in the morning.  Bill has an appt. at 10:30 at the VA hospital and then we will leave when he gets home.  They are going to go over his biopsy results with him.  Praise God it no cancer.  Just some crystals they are going to give him things do do to help.  

We watched a good Christian movie based on a true story.  Talked to Melissa a couple of times for a while.  

 

 

Tues., 2/20/24, Garbage and recycle day, Beautiful 49 degree and sunny day! Went to Sam’s Club, Made a couple of Chicken Pot Pies, went to prayer, Bill surprised me and cleaned up the whole kitchen while I was gone

When I left for prayer, the cupboard was loaded with dirty dishes, flour, measuring cups, the whole mess from making the pot pies.  The sink was also loaded with dishes I had rinsed that needed to be washed.  The stove had dirty pans on it too.  I was thinking it would take me a long time to clean up once I got home from prayer.  Bill surprised me and cleaned up everything and had the dishes done too.  I went to unload the dishwasher, because it still had the clean side of the reminder showing.  I opened it and the dishes were already put away.  Wow what a great surprise and what a sweet thing to do for me.  I sure was one happy girl!  I sure do love him and am sure thankful for him!

He had the pot pies out of the oven and had them covered too.

I took this picture at a weird angle.  We both ate a piece when I got home.  Yum!  I love pot pie.  

We made the bed together which we always do, then Bill took the garbage out and I had my oatmeal and coffee.  I made him a coffee when he got in the house.  We read our Bibles and did our devotion books too.  

We went to Sam’s Club.  It was so nice out with the temperatures in the 40s and the sun shining brightly.  We got new cards first, then we shopped.  We picked up sale items and a few things that weren’t on sale.  After that, we went to Lowes and to Home Depot, to check to see if they have a 9” cupboard.  They do online they said.

We came home and unloaded the groceries and put them away.  Then I decided I would make pot pies for dinner.  I forgot how long it takes.  I got done and only had 5 minutes to get to church on time.  I just left everything out and it sure was a big mess.  I asked Bill to watch the pot pies and get them out if they were done when the timer went off.  I wrote about my big surprise when I got home above under the picture.  I still am wearing a big smile.  

Prayer tonight was awesome!  What a great time of praying together as the Holy Spirit led.  God has answered in amazing ways.  What a blessing to be able to gather.

Bill sure has been working hard on our CMA Seasons of Refreshing stuff.  Everything is all set not and he ran off all of the copies of the agenda for it.  He did a great job.  He had me proof read everything for him.  I am very proud of him.!

 

Monday, 2/19/24, Happy 15th Birthday Abby! Bill took Charlie to take his car in, then out for coffee, I picked Peyton up from school, Vikki came over, Bill and I went to Melissa’s, We went to Eli’s band concert

Evan with the birthday dog.  Abby turned 15 today.  Happy Birthday Abby!

Jack

Beautiful sunset as we drove to Eli’s band concert tonight

Bill driving

 

Me, Bill and Adam at Eli’s concert

Papa took the picture above and the picture below

 

Eli in his band concert

 

 

Hope and Adam after the game.  She played the French Horn in the High School Band at the concert.  They were going to Culver’s.  This was our first time meeting his friend Hope.  

Bill met Charlie to take his car in.  They went out for coffee afterwards.  I slept in this morning til 8:30.  I got up and had to empty the ash pan to the kernel burner again.  I have been having to empty it 3 times a day.  Must be the high winds, or kernels that burn to fast.  Usually I empty it once every 3 days.  

Vikki called and said Peyton was at school and had a bad headache.  She took her a Motrin, but it didn’t help, so I went and picked her up and brought her to my house because Vikki had to work.  I made her comfy on the couch with pillows and a soft blanket.  She did her homework right away, then watched some tv.  She showed me her grades and she has all A’s except in a class that she has to make up a test in.  She’s a smart girl.  I’m proud of her.  Bill brought me a muffin home and also yummy Amish sugar cookies Charlie got for us.

Vikki came over when she got out of work.  I made bacon and eggs, then everyone had egg and bacon sandwiches.  Vikki and Peyton stayed til they had to go pick up Isaac.  Peyton was feeling a little better.  Bill and I went and picked up some head phones that don’t go in your ears.  We both have a set and he found these for Melissa.  We took them over and dropped them off.  Got to see Abby on her birthday.  She’s such a great dog!  I’m sad to see her getting old and it being harder for her to get around.  

Kimmy called today and told me Eli had a concert tonight.  I’m happy we didn’t have any plans.  We went and it was a great concert.  It was the 8th grade band, 9th grade band and high school band.  They sounded amazing.  Eli did a great job.  Adam’s girlfriend, Hope, did a great job too.  We saw them walking in the parking lot afterwards and got to meet her.  She seemed very nice.  They were heading to Culver’s.

Kimmy, Jared and Eli went to the McDonalds right by the school.  We were going to turn around, but then decided not to because we figured they were getting take out shakes.  We decided to stop in Freehand and get our shakes.  We talked to them a long time.  When we got home with our shakes, they were just leaving their McDonalds.  Their shake machine wasn’t working, so they got Frappe’s instead.  Glad we didn’t go to their McDonalds.  

 

Sunday, 2/18//24, Went to prayer, then to church service, eggs, bacon, hash browns for lunch, went to Vikki’s....Kenzie and Rehvyn were there, Fun time!

Cute Rehvyn at Grammy Vikki's

Peyton, Isaac and Rehvyn

When I saw this on Vikki’s post it made me smile.  I love his sweet smile.

He’s just so precious

His Uncle Isaac loves him

So does his Auntie Peyton

I took this cute picture of Isaac tonight

My picture of Peyton didn’t turn out very clear

Yummy BLT Rody madę me

Isaac playing his clarinet for me.  He really plays well

He is sure gifted at playing the piano.  He’s my worshipper. 

My banana split Vikki made me...I got spoiled at their house

My great niece, Ahmeh’s, twins and 2 year old JJ

Thomas and Stefan...they just came home from the hospital.  They were born in January and were in the NICU.  Had to come home on oxygen.  I’m praying for these sweet babies.

We got ready and went to prayer, than to our amazing worship and church service.  Great worship and great message today.  We visited with friends afterward for a while, then headed home.  I made eggs, bacon, hash browns and toast.  We read our Bibles after that.  

We were relaxing, then Bill asked me if Kenzie was still at Vikki’s.  I called to see and she was going to be there until 5.  I asked him if he wanted to go with me, but he wanted to stay home and rest.  I took the mugs he ordered for Kenzie and Travis and gave them to Kenzie.  She was so happy and really loved hers.  I love all the thoughtful things Bill thinks of and does.  I got to hold Rehvyn as soon as I got there.  He was sleeping at first, then he woke up and was so smiley and so cute.  What a precious and fun baby.  Kenzie had to leave, and I was going to leave before dark, but then Isaac played his clarinet for me, then he played the piano for me, then Vikki talked me into staying to have one of Rody’s BLTs he makes really good, and then Vikki made me a banana split.  Plus we talked to Melissa for a while.  I have the best family!!!

I came home and organized some pictures, then worked on my blog.  Then I just relaxed with Bill.

 

Sat. 2/17/24, Bill snowblowed the driveway, then he went with Charlie, Marti from church and his son came to give us estimate, went to ABC warehouse, went to Maple Grill, went to Jack’s, Melissa and Bruce had water problem so Melissa. Kids and dogs came over

It was only 15 degrees this morning, very very windy, and more snow

Me and my Abby!  I sent Hailey a picture to show her my dog and me.  She texted back that her dog was so cute.  I love teasing her about Abby being mine.

Badger and Vader...two beautiful great dogs!

Bill at the Maple Grill...when I showed Melissa the picture she said they sat at the same table today when they were there

Evan warming up.  He had just gone on a long walk in the cold before he came to our house

Jack after he beat Papa at ping pong.  Yay Jack!

Papa relaxing after the game too

Bill was giving Max warm things to put on because it was only 21 degrees and super windy out

We had Vikki face time us so we could see Rehvyn.  He and Kenzie are spending the night there

He’s so sweet and we love him so much!  Nice seeing Vikki and Kenzie too.  Peyton was at a birthday party, so Vikki had to go pick her up after we finished.

Max in Papa’s coat too.  I told him know one would know who he was and he laughed and smiled a big smile...picture below

Jared’s Brine Shrimp Hatchery....so many shrimp!!!

We slept in til 8:30.  I had my oatmeal and coffee and Bill had his protein drink.  I looked out to see it had snowed and the deck had about an inch of new snow on it.  He went out right away and snow blowed the driveways and did the paths to the shed and around my bird feeders.  Charlie picked him up and they went out for coffee after that.  I did some cleaning in the kitchen.  

Bill got home and finished the shed driveway.  Then Marti we know from church and his son who have a home maintenance business, came to look at our stove and cupboards to see about making the space bigger so we can put a 30 inch stove in.  They are writing up an estimate.   Marti will talk to us at church tomorrow and let us know the amount.  Bill and I went to look at over the stove microwaves, because they are going to put one of them in for us too.  We are just going to let them pick one up at Home Depot for us because they just put one in for someone else that was the right size we need and he got it online there.

Melissa called me to tell me she and Bruce went to the Maple Grill and used the gift card we got them for Christmas.  She said they have pot pie there today and it was super delicious.  They also had delicious mashed potatoes and parsnips for sides with it.  She said she and Bruce should have split one because they were huge.  She also told us they would probably be closing early because they were running out of food so many people were coming.  We went and ate and it was all delicious.  It’s the first time I’ve tried parsnips.  Bill wouldn’t even try them.  I showed Melissa the picture I took later and she told me we sat at the same table they did.  What are the chances?

I was talking to Melissa on the phone, and all of a sudden she screamed and said there was water every where.  I told her to go take care of it and call me back.  When she called back, she said sewer water (it was clear though at least) from upstairs came pouring down in the kitchen and then was running down to the basement.  Poor Max was in the basement and came running upstairs and the sewer water poured down on him.  Bruce had had problems with the toilet and put a snake down because the plunger wouldn’t work.  He had Melissa throw towels down, then had her leave and bring the kids and dogs to our house.  He worked on cleaning the mess up while he waited for the plumber he called to get there.  It would be at least a two hour wait or more.  Max took a good hour shower when he got here.  The bar of soap disappeared so we know he scrubbed lots.  Poor kid.  I washed his dirty clothes.     Melissa went home to pick up Jack and Evan.  They were on a walk when everything happened.  The boys played ping pong with Papa and Jack finally beat him.  He was so happy.  We had pizza for dinner and Evan had Spagettio’s.  Max put on a hat Bill gave him.  It was a MSU hat, so I sent a picture to Jacob.  Then Bill gave him his Marine Corp. jacket to wear.  He also put glasses on.  We were laughing saying no one would know who he was.  Then he was laughing too.  Vader, his service dog, didn’t even recognize him at first.  He and papa went out and shot a couple of times, then came in because it was just too cold at 21 degrees and strong winds.  They were out there around 7 minutes.  

Melissa took a couple of fans I had here home for Bruce to use to dry the floors, etc.  Evan and Max went home with her and stayed there.  Jack stayed with us.  Melissa came back.  We talked to Kenzie for a while, because she called and wanted to know what happened.  

I talked to Kimmy and Jared after they dropped Jacob off and had gone to a fish store.  Kimmy sent me a video of the Shrimp Hatchery. I couldn’t believe how many baby shrimp there are.  They said their fish loved eating them.  

Bruce let Melissa know the plumber is on his way at 9:04.  Yay!  Praying!Jack, Melissa, Bill and I had some cashews and M & M’s for a snack.   He got there around 9:30 and finished around 10:05.  Fixed the problem quickly and it was only $125, so prayers were answered.  Melissa and Jack left for home once he was finished.