Ken was up early to do some reading and I did my stretches and exercises before coming out to watch the news. Yesterday was the 1st day in quite awhile that I didn't do my normal morning routine because of my headache!
We took a walk to the downtown area and then had flax pancakes for breakfast when we returned. Ken left to do numerous errands and I decided to do some weeding around the property - the weeds had gotten a bit "out of hand"! Then it was shower time. Ken was back around 10:30 after a successful trip. He did some work at his desk and then some studying for his Step Study on Saturday.
After lunch, we finished the game of Hand and Foot we had started Monday evening and would you believe I won - Hallelujah! It is about time! Ken read and rested while I did some card making. We did some additional chatting about our Northeast trip and then Ken left at 5:30 to pick-up two of his buddies for Celebrate Recovery.
After making myself another quesadilla for dinner, I spent the evening finishing 2 more card holders, another baby afghan, and then starting a x-stitch jar cover while watching America's Got Talent. I really am having a good time working on these different projects to give away!
I had a nice phone conversation with Pat who lives in Maine with her husband, Burt. We had met them in Florida and plan to visit them when we are on our camping adventure. I wanted to let them know when we would be arriving and departing so we can spend time together. We are really looking forward to seeing them again.
Ken was home by 9:30 and by 10 we were in bed reading. What a relaxing day!
Tuesday, July 31, 2018
Monday, July 30, 2018
Sunday and Monday - Nice Days with Lower Humidity and NO Measureable Rain!
Ken and I were up in plenty of time to do some reading and get ready for church. I even completed my stretches and exercises before we left at 8:30. Jamie's family and Sue and Dan left for the beach yesterday so we really enjoyed sitting with Deb and Lloyd!
It was the last "At the Movies" week and I must say I enjoyed the biblical message they talked about from the film, but I wasn't thrilled with the movie, a superhero movie with lots of emphasis on Spiderman. Not a fan!!!!
Ken and I came right home after church, made breakfast and then we went for about a 1 mile walk to downtown Lititz. It had been quite awhile since we walked because of Ken's foot and all the rain. It went fairly well for both of us.
I worked on some cardholders while Ken read and then at 3:30 we packed my ice cream sandwich dessert and some drinks and were on our way to a picnic with our Small Group from Church. We hadn't been together for quite awhile and it was so good to see everyone and gracious of Eddie and Lori to host. We spent lots of time just chatting, eating, and then Ken and I lead a discussion with questions from the movie we had seen last week, "Only the Brave"! We appreciated the willingness of people to share, but we certainly missed input from Rick and Joyce who are a part of our group, but moved to Florida full-time. So happy for them, but sad for us that they aren't here!
We were home by 9:15 and went right to bed. What a fun day!
Today, Monday, was an off and on cloudy day with just a few "sprinkles" around 5. Ken was up early but I woke around 6:30 with a bad headache, so I took some Tylenol and went right back to bed until 7:45. I was almost gone when I got up, but it must have been a low grade migraine, because I felt a bit nauseated throughout the day.
Ken had breakfast with one of his buddies he mentors and when he returned we left to deliver for Meals on Wheels. It is great to do it together because of having to read and follow the directions to get to all the right locations and it is hard for the driver to do that!
We were back home by noon and ate lunch. Ken did some reading while I did some crafting. We had planned to take a walk near dinner time, but that is when we had a brief shower. So, we sat on the couch and did some "fine tuning" of our trip to Avalon Beach and the New England States in September. After some revamping, we finally figured out where we want to got and in what order. We will camp at Avalon Beach for about 9 days and spent most of that time camping with Fred and Doloris - looking forward to that. We will be home for about 4 days before leaving for Mystic Harbor, Ogunquit, Cape Cod, and then Newport, RI. It should be a great trip! We are looking forward to seeing Burt and Pat, friends we met at our church in Florida this past winter who live close to Moody Beach CG. We will be home in time for our 50th class reunion - really????
We had salads and quesadillas for dinner while watching the news. Then we finished a game of Hand and Foot (Ken won) and started another one which I am leading for the moment. My lead will probably be short lived!
I continued working on my cardholders while watching American Ninja Warrior and Ken did some devotions. Bedtime was 10 which allowed for some reading time!
It was the last "At the Movies" week and I must say I enjoyed the biblical message they talked about from the film, but I wasn't thrilled with the movie, a superhero movie with lots of emphasis on Spiderman. Not a fan!!!!
Ken and I came right home after church, made breakfast and then we went for about a 1 mile walk to downtown Lititz. It had been quite awhile since we walked because of Ken's foot and all the rain. It went fairly well for both of us.
I worked on some cardholders while Ken read and then at 3:30 we packed my ice cream sandwich dessert and some drinks and were on our way to a picnic with our Small Group from Church. We hadn't been together for quite awhile and it was so good to see everyone and gracious of Eddie and Lori to host. We spent lots of time just chatting, eating, and then Ken and I lead a discussion with questions from the movie we had seen last week, "Only the Brave"! We appreciated the willingness of people to share, but we certainly missed input from Rick and Joyce who are a part of our group, but moved to Florida full-time. So happy for them, but sad for us that they aren't here!
We were home by 9:15 and went right to bed. What a fun day!
Today, Monday, was an off and on cloudy day with just a few "sprinkles" around 5. Ken was up early but I woke around 6:30 with a bad headache, so I took some Tylenol and went right back to bed until 7:45. I was almost gone when I got up, but it must have been a low grade migraine, because I felt a bit nauseated throughout the day.
Ken had breakfast with one of his buddies he mentors and when he returned we left to deliver for Meals on Wheels. It is great to do it together because of having to read and follow the directions to get to all the right locations and it is hard for the driver to do that!
We were back home by noon and ate lunch. Ken did some reading while I did some crafting. We had planned to take a walk near dinner time, but that is when we had a brief shower. So, we sat on the couch and did some "fine tuning" of our trip to Avalon Beach and the New England States in September. After some revamping, we finally figured out where we want to got and in what order. We will camp at Avalon Beach for about 9 days and spent most of that time camping with Fred and Doloris - looking forward to that. We will be home for about 4 days before leaving for Mystic Harbor, Ogunquit, Cape Cod, and then Newport, RI. It should be a great trip! We are looking forward to seeing Burt and Pat, friends we met at our church in Florida this past winter who live close to Moody Beach CG. We will be home in time for our 50th class reunion - really????
We had salads and quesadillas for dinner while watching the news. Then we finished a game of Hand and Foot (Ken won) and started another one which I am leading for the moment. My lead will probably be short lived!
I continued working on my cardholders while watching American Ninja Warrior and Ken did some devotions. Bedtime was 10 which allowed for some reading time!
Saturday, July 28, 2018
Friday and Saturday - Hot and Humid with Heavy Rain Friday Night!
Well, it was our usual Friday. We were both up early and by 6:20 I was on my way to Ephrata to have breakfast with the Curvette ladies. There were 6 of us who went to the Pancake Farm and I enjoyed their delicious fresh French blueberry pancakes, which meant they were more like a crepe than a pancake - so good!
I stopped at a local produce stand to get some bananas, a watermelon and fresh blueberries for at home. We always enjoy the fresh blueberries from New Jersey that are available here in July. Ken had left around 7:20 to stop by Jamie's with our recycleables and to visit for a short time before meeting Gary for breakfast.
Ken did some "catching up" on facebook and I cut-up the watermelon before leaving at 10:15 to deliver for Meals on Wheels. We did the Brickerville route today which was one we had never done before. Enjoyed meeting some new clients and the drive on country roads that we unfamiliar to us. We only got back to the church around noon.
We stopped for the ingredients I need for making a dessert to take to our small group meeting on Sunday. Home for lunch and Ken did some reading while I spent time at my desk making some greeting cards, something I hadn't done for quite a long time.
There was supposed to be a swim meet tonight for district championship relays for the teams that qualified, but it was postponed early afternoon because of heavy rain and storms that were predicted for late afternoon. It did "pour" around 6:15, the time the meet was supposed to start and there was also some thunder. Good it was postponed. So, that gave us a free evening!
I had thawed some white bean chicken chili I had made earlier so that was our dinner and it was very good if I must say so myself. After cleaning up, we played 2 rounds of Hand and Foot and Ken has a huge lead. I went back to my desk to do more card making while Ken wrote a letter to one of his "buddies" and did some e-mails.
I did some crocheting later while watching Blue Bloods, one of Ken and my favorite shows. Unfortunately it comes on too late for these older folks to watch very often. We both got involved at the beginning of the show and ended up watching the whole thing, only heading to bed at 11. Not much reading tonight!
Today, Saturday, Ken was up before me as I only rose when the alarm went off at 6:30. We got ready, ate breakfast, and I did my stretches and exercises before leaving for the swim meet at 8:15. Because the relays were rained out last night, the individual swims were 1st followed by the relays. It was cloudy and rather foggy when we arrived, but by 10 it was so sunny, hot and humid.
Bria and Cali both qualified for backstroke and butterfly and did well. There was about a 1 1/2 hour break between the morning and afternoon sessions, so Ken and I left at 12:30, realizing that we would only get to see one of their 4 relays if we stayed, because Ken had his Step Study at 3.
We ate lunch and I did my devotions and worked on this blog while Ken read and rested. He left at 2:30 for his class and I played some games on my tablet - I don't go overboard, but I do play more than I should!!! I headed to my craft area and enjoyed making some cards.
Ken was home by 5 and we decided to go out to dinner at The Deck, an outside eatery in Ephrata, something we rarely do when it is just the 2 of us. We both really enjoy their wraps and quesidillas and tonight was no exception! They were delicious!
From there we went to visit Wilbur to get a few things that we need to take to the shore next week and also to return other items. Then it was on to Dairy Queen (another thing we rarely do) for an ice cream treat. We were back home by 7:30, after stopping to see the progress on the building of Dan and Jackie's home here in Lititz that they plan to move into around October. It is going to be a great location and home for them and they will be close by.
Ken and I played an entire game of Hand and Foot (4 rounds) and he was victorious AGAIN! What am I doing wrong??? He wins way to many times!
I worked on some card holders while Ken did some reading. I did watch some of the Phillies game even though I am not an avid fan! We were in bed by 10:15, read, and then lights out!
I stopped at a local produce stand to get some bananas, a watermelon and fresh blueberries for at home. We always enjoy the fresh blueberries from New Jersey that are available here in July. Ken had left around 7:20 to stop by Jamie's with our recycleables and to visit for a short time before meeting Gary for breakfast.
Ken did some "catching up" on facebook and I cut-up the watermelon before leaving at 10:15 to deliver for Meals on Wheels. We did the Brickerville route today which was one we had never done before. Enjoyed meeting some new clients and the drive on country roads that we unfamiliar to us. We only got back to the church around noon.
We stopped for the ingredients I need for making a dessert to take to our small group meeting on Sunday. Home for lunch and Ken did some reading while I spent time at my desk making some greeting cards, something I hadn't done for quite a long time.
There was supposed to be a swim meet tonight for district championship relays for the teams that qualified, but it was postponed early afternoon because of heavy rain and storms that were predicted for late afternoon. It did "pour" around 6:15, the time the meet was supposed to start and there was also some thunder. Good it was postponed. So, that gave us a free evening!
I had thawed some white bean chicken chili I had made earlier so that was our dinner and it was very good if I must say so myself. After cleaning up, we played 2 rounds of Hand and Foot and Ken has a huge lead. I went back to my desk to do more card making while Ken wrote a letter to one of his "buddies" and did some e-mails.
I did some crocheting later while watching Blue Bloods, one of Ken and my favorite shows. Unfortunately it comes on too late for these older folks to watch very often. We both got involved at the beginning of the show and ended up watching the whole thing, only heading to bed at 11. Not much reading tonight!
Today, Saturday, Ken was up before me as I only rose when the alarm went off at 6:30. We got ready, ate breakfast, and I did my stretches and exercises before leaving for the swim meet at 8:15. Because the relays were rained out last night, the individual swims were 1st followed by the relays. It was cloudy and rather foggy when we arrived, but by 10 it was so sunny, hot and humid.
Bria and Cali both qualified for backstroke and butterfly and did well. There was about a 1 1/2 hour break between the morning and afternoon sessions, so Ken and I left at 12:30, realizing that we would only get to see one of their 4 relays if we stayed, because Ken had his Step Study at 3.
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| Bria is in the 3rd lane! |
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| Cali is the 2nd from this end with her arm in the air! |
We ate lunch and I did my devotions and worked on this blog while Ken read and rested. He left at 2:30 for his class and I played some games on my tablet - I don't go overboard, but I do play more than I should!!! I headed to my craft area and enjoyed making some cards.
Ken was home by 5 and we decided to go out to dinner at The Deck, an outside eatery in Ephrata, something we rarely do when it is just the 2 of us. We both really enjoy their wraps and quesidillas and tonight was no exception! They were delicious!
From there we went to visit Wilbur to get a few things that we need to take to the shore next week and also to return other items. Then it was on to Dairy Queen (another thing we rarely do) for an ice cream treat. We were back home by 7:30, after stopping to see the progress on the building of Dan and Jackie's home here in Lititz that they plan to move into around October. It is going to be a great location and home for them and they will be close by.
Ken and I played an entire game of Hand and Foot (4 rounds) and he was victorious AGAIN! What am I doing wrong??? He wins way to many times!
I worked on some card holders while Ken did some reading. I did watch some of the Phillies game even though I am not an avid fan! We were in bed by 10:15, read, and then lights out!
Thursday, July 26, 2018
Wednesday and Thursday - Some Rain and Then Sun and Increased Humidity!
Ken and I completed our normal morning routines, ate breakfast, and by 8 he left to go to his job at MCC. He went out on the truck today to pick up surplus items at numerous Thrift Shops. While gone, he missed them dedicating and praying over a container of food, cleaning, school and hygiene kits, and comforters that is being shipped to Haiti.
I spent most of the time he was gone doing some crafting, reading, and making a trip to the post office to mail some notes that will be delivered to Samantha next week when she is at camp.
Ken was home by 12:15 and after we ate lunch, he did some reading and resting. I continued crafting including some crocheting and rock painting. Also had a nice phone conversation with Jane Good who is part of our church Life Group. It was a rather relaxing day, especially for me.
Ken had a dentist appointment at 5:10 and only returned at 6:30. While he was gone, I made salads for tonight and tomorrow night and cleaned the kitchen. Ken grilled hamburgs for dinner and after cleaning up, we played 2 rounds of Hand and Foot. I was winning by about 500 points but the game will be continued tomorrow.
I crocheted while watching World of Dance and by 10 we were in bed to do some reading. Nice to have a day where I had time to craft!!!
Today, Ken met one of his buddies for breakfast and after doing my morning routine I went to my 10:10 dentist appointment. Ken had spent some time at his desk and when I returned, we ate an early lunch and then left at 12 to go to play cards with Mom and Dad.
What a fun afternoon of card playing and quite a victorious one for the ladies. We won 3 of the 4 games! There was lots of laughter and "picking" on each other. We left at 4:30 and came right home.
Ken grilled salmon and a pork chop, plus we had quinoa and salad. So good!!! We watched the news, cleaned up, and then finished our game of Hand and Foot. I was the winner - Yeah!
Ken did some reading and checking out things on his phone while I finished this blog and did some crocheting.
Hard to imagine, but it didn't rain today and we actually saw the sun - what a phenomena! It was extremely hot and very humid and there is a possibility of some storms in the area tomorrow. Bria and Cali qualified for League Relays tomorrow night, so we will have to see if the weather cooperates.
I spent most of the time he was gone doing some crafting, reading, and making a trip to the post office to mail some notes that will be delivered to Samantha next week when she is at camp.
Ken was home by 12:15 and after we ate lunch, he did some reading and resting. I continued crafting including some crocheting and rock painting. Also had a nice phone conversation with Jane Good who is part of our church Life Group. It was a rather relaxing day, especially for me.
Ken had a dentist appointment at 5:10 and only returned at 6:30. While he was gone, I made salads for tonight and tomorrow night and cleaned the kitchen. Ken grilled hamburgs for dinner and after cleaning up, we played 2 rounds of Hand and Foot. I was winning by about 500 points but the game will be continued tomorrow.
I crocheted while watching World of Dance and by 10 we were in bed to do some reading. Nice to have a day where I had time to craft!!!
Today, Ken met one of his buddies for breakfast and after doing my morning routine I went to my 10:10 dentist appointment. Ken had spent some time at his desk and when I returned, we ate an early lunch and then left at 12 to go to play cards with Mom and Dad.
What a fun afternoon of card playing and quite a victorious one for the ladies. We won 3 of the 4 games! There was lots of laughter and "picking" on each other. We left at 4:30 and came right home.
Ken grilled salmon and a pork chop, plus we had quinoa and salad. So good!!! We watched the news, cleaned up, and then finished our game of Hand and Foot. I was the winner - Yeah!
Ken did some reading and checking out things on his phone while I finished this blog and did some crocheting.
Hard to imagine, but it didn't rain today and we actually saw the sun - what a phenomena! It was extremely hot and very humid and there is a possibility of some storms in the area tomorrow. Bria and Cali qualified for League Relays tomorrow night, so we will have to see if the weather cooperates.
Tuesday, July 24, 2018
Tuesday - Another Rainy, Humid Day!
Ken was up doing his regular morning routine by 5:45. I told him to wake me at 6:45 if the weather allowed Cindy, John, Dan and I to play pickleball, but it was raining again. (Ken is still having trouble with a sore foot - no pickleball)! So, I only got up by 7, watched some news, and then did my stretches and exercises.
We both got ready and left by 9:30 to do some errands. Ken had to get his photo taken for his driver's license and then go to Costco to get a few items, mainly the Soki salmon they just got in. I headed to the Ephrata area to look for a bathing suit (no luck!) and then to a local stamping/scrapbook store at a farm to get some glitter glue for my mother. From there I got a few groceries at Wal-Mart before going to Jamie's to meet with her and Lanie to make lists of what we each need to take to the beach for our family vacation the 1st full week of August. Jamie graciously made pizzas and salad for lunch. Lanie provided fruit and I took cookies. By 3 we had discussed the trip and the camping adventure that Ken and I will take our granddaughters on the week after we return. All went well and I was home by 3:15.
Ken had a lengthy phone call with his brother, Paul, which is something that doesn't happen very often. I made cards that I will send to Samantha next week when she is at Girl Scout Camp. They suggest that the parents bring notes or letters with them when they drop of girls and the camp will distribute them to the girls while they are there. I am sending mine to Lanie so she can take them also.
Ken left at 5:45 and picked up 2 of the gentlemen he mentors and they all went to Celebrate Recovery. I had dinner, talked to my mom, worked on this blog and then called Noela and Ken's sister. Then it was time to watch America's Got Talent and finish the 2 card holders I started last night.
Ken was home by 9:45 and by 10 we were in bed.
We both got ready and left by 9:30 to do some errands. Ken had to get his photo taken for his driver's license and then go to Costco to get a few items, mainly the Soki salmon they just got in. I headed to the Ephrata area to look for a bathing suit (no luck!) and then to a local stamping/scrapbook store at a farm to get some glitter glue for my mother. From there I got a few groceries at Wal-Mart before going to Jamie's to meet with her and Lanie to make lists of what we each need to take to the beach for our family vacation the 1st full week of August. Jamie graciously made pizzas and salad for lunch. Lanie provided fruit and I took cookies. By 3 we had discussed the trip and the camping adventure that Ken and I will take our granddaughters on the week after we return. All went well and I was home by 3:15.
Ken had a lengthy phone call with his brother, Paul, which is something that doesn't happen very often. I made cards that I will send to Samantha next week when she is at Girl Scout Camp. They suggest that the parents bring notes or letters with them when they drop of girls and the camp will distribute them to the girls while they are there. I am sending mine to Lanie so she can take them also.
Ken left at 5:45 and picked up 2 of the gentlemen he mentors and they all went to Celebrate Recovery. I had dinner, talked to my mom, worked on this blog and then called Noela and Ken's sister. Then it was time to watch America's Got Talent and finish the 2 card holders I started last night.
Ken was home by 9:45 and by 10 we were in bed.
Monday, July 23, 2018
Monday - Off and On Cloudy Day, but Warm!
Ken was up by 5:45 but I only appeared about 7:30 after completing my exercises and stretches. Sometimes this morning routine can be a "drag"! We got ready, ate breakfast and then Ken spent time at his desk. I did my devotions, some extra reading and then worked on the blog.
At 10:30 we headed to the Water Street Mission to serve lunch to their guests. It was good we were there today, because they really were short handed. It was a busy day with many lunches served. We also helped clean up including sweeping the dining hall and then Ken helped wash the floor.
We stopped at the Christmas Tree Shoppe on the way home to pick up the kitchen cart I had ordered last week. We were back home by 2:15 and we unpacked the unassembled cabinet. Ken left at 2:45 to meet one of his young men that he helps mentor for coffee here in Lititz. I spent time at my desk painting the background coats on several rocks. Then I started to make some more card holders until Ken returned.
He immediately started putting the cabinet together while I made salads and quinoa for dinner. While we were working, the heavy rains continued off and on. That's how it was most of the day and it was very hot and humid. Hershey Park was actually closed today because of high water throughout the park. We have had more rain in the last 48 hours than we normally get for the whole month of July, so consequently there is a lot of creeks and rivers overflowing!
I had to make the chicken indoors since grilling wasn't a possibility. After eating, Ken finished assembling the cart and it looks great! It is a welcomed addition to our kitchen.
Ken did some reading and I continued working on the card holders while watching American Ninja Warrior. At 10 it was off to bed.
We certainly needed the rain, but it is predicted to stay around for the rest of the week. Hey, enough is enough!
We stopped at the Christmas Tree Shoppe on the way home to pick up the kitchen cart I had ordered last week. We were back home by 2:15 and we unpacked the unassembled cabinet. Ken left at 2:45 to meet one of his young men that he helps mentor for coffee here in Lititz. I spent time at my desk painting the background coats on several rocks. Then I started to make some more card holders until Ken returned.
He immediately started putting the cabinet together while I made salads and quinoa for dinner. While we were working, the heavy rains continued off and on. That's how it was most of the day and it was very hot and humid. Hershey Park was actually closed today because of high water throughout the park. We have had more rain in the last 48 hours than we normally get for the whole month of July, so consequently there is a lot of creeks and rivers overflowing!
I had to make the chicken indoors since grilling wasn't a possibility. After eating, Ken finished assembling the cart and it looks great! It is a welcomed addition to our kitchen.
Ken did some reading and I continued working on the card holders while watching American Ninja Warrior. At 10 it was off to bed.
We certainly needed the rain, but it is predicted to stay around for the rest of the week. Hey, enough is enough!
Sunday, July 22, 2018
Sunday - Mostly Cloudy, But Warmer Day! A Few Showers!
Ken was up a little before me and did his devotions while I stretched and exercised. We got ready for church and I had time to do my devotions before we left at 8:30.
It was another Sunday "At the Movies" and we sat with Jamie, Dane, and Sue. This week's presentation was "Only the Brave", the true story about the 11 firefighters that perished in Arizona fighting a major forest fire. They were called the Hot Shots. The portions of the movie we saw were phenomenal and it is probably one Ken and I will rent in the near future. Again, the way our minister, Jason, brought out biblical truths was amazing! The major thrust of his message was having the courage to move forward in times of diversity and not being "paralyzed".
We went to breakfast with Deb, Lloyd, Gene, and Marilyn and had a fun time. Ken and I stopped for groceries and were home around 1. We worked together in the kitchen making salads and husking corn in preparation for Fred and Doloris joining us for dinner.
Ken read and then we both rested before watching more rugby. I also worked on this blog. Doloris and Fred arrived at 5 and we chatted for quite awhile, catching up on what each of us has been doing this summer. It started to rain so we continued talking until it cleared and Ken was able to grill. He did the steak and Mahi while I cooked the corn on the cob and got the salad ready. We had vanilla ice cream with fresh nectarines and whipped cream for dessert and it was so good!
After a quick clean-up it was time to play cards. The men won Haus, but only by a few points (I guess it was still a win!) and they also won an abbreviated version of Skip-Bo, but only by a little bit (still I win, I guess!). It was now 9 and because they both get up very early, it was time to call it a night. We certainly had a good time being with them. Looking forward to a week together in September camping at Sea Pines in Avalon, NJ.
Ken and I watched some of America's Got Talent while he did some reading and I started 2 card holders. We were in bed by 10 and read before turning out the lights. What a good day!
It was another Sunday "At the Movies" and we sat with Jamie, Dane, and Sue. This week's presentation was "Only the Brave", the true story about the 11 firefighters that perished in Arizona fighting a major forest fire. They were called the Hot Shots. The portions of the movie we saw were phenomenal and it is probably one Ken and I will rent in the near future. Again, the way our minister, Jason, brought out biblical truths was amazing! The major thrust of his message was having the courage to move forward in times of diversity and not being "paralyzed".
We went to breakfast with Deb, Lloyd, Gene, and Marilyn and had a fun time. Ken and I stopped for groceries and were home around 1. We worked together in the kitchen making salads and husking corn in preparation for Fred and Doloris joining us for dinner.
Ken read and then we both rested before watching more rugby. I also worked on this blog. Doloris and Fred arrived at 5 and we chatted for quite awhile, catching up on what each of us has been doing this summer. It started to rain so we continued talking until it cleared and Ken was able to grill. He did the steak and Mahi while I cooked the corn on the cob and got the salad ready. We had vanilla ice cream with fresh nectarines and whipped cream for dessert and it was so good!
After a quick clean-up it was time to play cards. The men won Haus, but only by a few points (I guess it was still a win!) and they also won an abbreviated version of Skip-Bo, but only by a little bit (still I win, I guess!). It was now 9 and because they both get up very early, it was time to call it a night. We certainly had a good time being with them. Looking forward to a week together in September camping at Sea Pines in Avalon, NJ.
Ken and I watched some of America's Got Talent while he did some reading and I started 2 card holders. We were in bed by 10 and read before turning out the lights. What a good day!
Saturday, July 21, 2018
Saturday - Rainy, Cool Day!
Ken was up at 5:45 and woke me at 6:15. He read and I did my stretches and exercises. I guess that will be my morning routine forever - Ugh!!!!
We ate breakfast, packed snacks and water and were off to the League Swim Championships here in Lititz. It was cloudy and only in the 60's so it was quite a change from our hot, humid and sunny weather. The morning session was for 11 and older and the afternoon 10 and under, so Cali only got to swim when the morning swims were finished! They were only allowed to swim in 2 individual events and 1 relay so Bria and Cali swam backstroke, butterfly, and the freestyle relay. Bria came in 4th in both backstroke and butterfly which is so good when she is the youngest in that age group and their are many participants. Her relay came in 2nd.
The morning session ended around 10:45 and it was just starting to rain. So, Ken and I decided to head home for lunch and maybe return to see Cali swim depending on the weather. We finished our game of Hand and Foot which Ken won and then had leftover pizza for lunch. Ken vacuumed while I cleaned up my craft area and did a load of wash. The afternoon session was to start at 12:30 and by then it was raining rather steadily. We decided it was a good day to stay at home, especially since Ken had his Step Class at 3 and then we are meeting our couples card club for dinner at 5:30.
Ken read and rested while I did my devotions, downloaded photos, and worked on this blog. Oh yes, I also played a few games on my tablet! Ken left at 2:30 for his class. I crocheted, rested a bit, and watched some rugby, a very unfamiliar sport to me. Wow, is it a rough one! I found it rather interesting.
I got ready for our evening and Ken returned around 4:45. By 5 we were on our way to Gracie's on East Main in Leola to meet our card club for dinner. This was a new place for Ken and I and we really enjoyed it. The menu was unique but had a lot of items that I would have enjoyed trying. Ken and I decided to share a pulled pork and cheese sandwich with apple butter barbeque sauce on grilled sourdough bread. It was delicious. One of their speciality items is their grilled cheese sandwiches. I also had their tomato bisque soup which was very good.
Then we had a fun evening playing cards at Reddig's house, good snacks, and delicious fresh peach pie. We really enjoyed spending time with these special friends and sharing what has been going on in our lives. We were back home by 11:30 and it was off to bed.
Did get a return message from Jamie that Cali finished 2nd in both butterfly and backstroke in her league and for her age group. Her relay also won 1st place. It was a great meet for both girls.
We ate breakfast, packed snacks and water and were off to the League Swim Championships here in Lititz. It was cloudy and only in the 60's so it was quite a change from our hot, humid and sunny weather. The morning session was for 11 and older and the afternoon 10 and under, so Cali only got to swim when the morning swims were finished! They were only allowed to swim in 2 individual events and 1 relay so Bria and Cali swam backstroke, butterfly, and the freestyle relay. Bria came in 4th in both backstroke and butterfly which is so good when she is the youngest in that age group and their are many participants. Her relay came in 2nd.
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| Bria was in the final heat for 12 and under backstroke and did a great job! |
The morning session ended around 10:45 and it was just starting to rain. So, Ken and I decided to head home for lunch and maybe return to see Cali swim depending on the weather. We finished our game of Hand and Foot which Ken won and then had leftover pizza for lunch. Ken vacuumed while I cleaned up my craft area and did a load of wash. The afternoon session was to start at 12:30 and by then it was raining rather steadily. We decided it was a good day to stay at home, especially since Ken had his Step Class at 3 and then we are meeting our couples card club for dinner at 5:30.
Ken read and rested while I did my devotions, downloaded photos, and worked on this blog. Oh yes, I also played a few games on my tablet! Ken left at 2:30 for his class. I crocheted, rested a bit, and watched some rugby, a very unfamiliar sport to me. Wow, is it a rough one! I found it rather interesting.
I got ready for our evening and Ken returned around 4:45. By 5 we were on our way to Gracie's on East Main in Leola to meet our card club for dinner. This was a new place for Ken and I and we really enjoyed it. The menu was unique but had a lot of items that I would have enjoyed trying. Ken and I decided to share a pulled pork and cheese sandwich with apple butter barbeque sauce on grilled sourdough bread. It was delicious. One of their speciality items is their grilled cheese sandwiches. I also had their tomato bisque soup which was very good.
Then we had a fun evening playing cards at Reddig's house, good snacks, and delicious fresh peach pie. We really enjoyed spending time with these special friends and sharing what has been going on in our lives. We were back home by 11:30 and it was off to bed.
Did get a return message from Jamie that Cali finished 2nd in both butterfly and backstroke in her league and for her age group. Her relay also won 1st place. It was a great meet for both girls.
Friday, July 20, 2018
Friday - Mostly Sunny Day with Lower Humidity But Still Hot!
Ken was up about 20 minutes before me but I was doing my exercises in bed by 5:20! I got ready to meet the Curvette gals for breakfast, leaving the apartment at 6:20 - wow that is early!
It was good to see everyone again and Polly. who is so generous, brought little gifts for all of us including campfire cookbooks, candy treats, mirror and tablet for your purse, etc. It was so thoughtful of her, but that is our Polly!! The food was good and the conversation and sharing even better. I was back home by 8:30.
Ken had left at 7:20 to have breakfast with his mentor. He is reading a book that was recommended and then the 2 of them discuss what he read and his answers to the questions at the end of each chapter. He only returned at 9:45.
When I got back I sent some e-mails, finished cleaning the kitchen and bath, and finished a load of wash. By 10, we were at Jamie's to spend time with Bria and Cali while Jamie and Dane helped at a swim meet being sponsored by the Lancaster Aquatic Club! The girls wanted to come to our house, so after Cali returned from swim team practice and showered, we came to Lititz, stopping at the apartment for just a short time. Then to downtown Lititz to have delicious pizza at Roma's.
We drove to Manheim to play a round of mini golf at The Shack, a tough, beautifully shaded course that is such a very natural one built around rocks, water, etc. All of the holes are very long ones for a mini golf course, but we had such a good time. Bria and Cali did extremely well.
These photos of the golf course give you a good idea of how hard and far you had to shoot to get to the cup and how beautiful the course is -
After golf, Cali wanted a ride on the "antique" merry go round! Ken and I know it is old, because we played on it in this park when we were very young - crazy!! It is still in great shape!
We drove down the road to Twin Kiss for soft ice cream for Ken and I and milkshakes for the girls.
We got back to the apartment at 3:00 and started a game of UNO, but we didn't get to finish it because Dane and Jamie were here by 3:45 and they had to leave quickly because they had plans for the evening. Ken and I had such a fantastic time with Bria and Cali today!
Ken read and rested and I worked on this blog and my devotions, before I decided to take a short nap - I think I was up too early! We watched the news, showered, and played 2 rounds of Hand and Foot. Amazingly we are only 50 points apart. I downloaded some photos, worked on this blog, and did some crocheting while watching American Ninja Warrior. Tomorrow is another swim meet here in Lititz!
It was good to see everyone again and Polly. who is so generous, brought little gifts for all of us including campfire cookbooks, candy treats, mirror and tablet for your purse, etc. It was so thoughtful of her, but that is our Polly!! The food was good and the conversation and sharing even better. I was back home by 8:30.
Ken had left at 7:20 to have breakfast with his mentor. He is reading a book that was recommended and then the 2 of them discuss what he read and his answers to the questions at the end of each chapter. He only returned at 9:45.
When I got back I sent some e-mails, finished cleaning the kitchen and bath, and finished a load of wash. By 10, we were at Jamie's to spend time with Bria and Cali while Jamie and Dane helped at a swim meet being sponsored by the Lancaster Aquatic Club! The girls wanted to come to our house, so after Cali returned from swim team practice and showered, we came to Lititz, stopping at the apartment for just a short time. Then to downtown Lititz to have delicious pizza at Roma's.
We drove to Manheim to play a round of mini golf at The Shack, a tough, beautifully shaded course that is such a very natural one built around rocks, water, etc. All of the holes are very long ones for a mini golf course, but we had such a good time. Bria and Cali did extremely well.
These photos of the golf course give you a good idea of how hard and far you had to shoot to get to the cup and how beautiful the course is -
After golf, Cali wanted a ride on the "antique" merry go round! Ken and I know it is old, because we played on it in this park when we were very young - crazy!! It is still in great shape!
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| It certainly is an old style merry go round! |
We drove down the road to Twin Kiss for soft ice cream for Ken and I and milkshakes for the girls.
We got back to the apartment at 3:00 and started a game of UNO, but we didn't get to finish it because Dane and Jamie were here by 3:45 and they had to leave quickly because they had plans for the evening. Ken and I had such a fantastic time with Bria and Cali today!
Ken read and rested and I worked on this blog and my devotions, before I decided to take a short nap - I think I was up too early! We watched the news, showered, and played 2 rounds of Hand and Foot. Amazingly we are only 50 points apart. I downloaded some photos, worked on this blog, and did some crocheting while watching American Ninja Warrior. Tomorrow is another swim meet here in Lititz!
Thursday, July 19, 2018
Thursday - Gorgeous Sunny Day with Very Low Humidity!
It was our normal morning with Ken up before me doing his routine while I did my stretches and exercises. He left at 7:45 to meet Gary for breakfast. I did my reading, worked on the blog, and then got ready for the day.
It was time to start cleaning the apartment, my favorite job by far - NOT! Ken was back home around 9:30 and did some work at his desk. We had an early, light lunch and left by 11:45 to go to Javateas Coffee Shop in Ephrata where Bria and Cali were working from 12 to 2 serving drinks and taking orders. Ken and I each had a peach/pear/apricot/banana smoothie that the girls made and they were positively delicious. They did a great job of working with the customers and just having a good time.
By 1:20 we were at Masonic Homes for an afternoon of card playing with my parents. Because of our travels we missed being there last week so we were all very happy to be together again. Not a good day of card playing for the women as we only won 1 game out of 4!
We were home by 5:00 and made pulled barbeque chicken with sauteed peppers and onions to put on our salads. I left at 6:15 to play pickleball outdoors with 4 other folks. A group usually plays every Tuesday and Thursday night, but there hasn't been a lot of interest this summer plus they resurfaced the courts making them unplayable for several weeks. I felt like I played fairly well for that 1 1/2 hours and had an enjoyable time. Showered and did my devotions in bed when I got home. Ken had a quiet evening by himself at the apartment and did a lot of reading and studying. We turned out the lights by 10:15 after a rather busy day!
It was time to start cleaning the apartment, my favorite job by far - NOT! Ken was back home around 9:30 and did some work at his desk. We had an early, light lunch and left by 11:45 to go to Javateas Coffee Shop in Ephrata where Bria and Cali were working from 12 to 2 serving drinks and taking orders. Ken and I each had a peach/pear/apricot/banana smoothie that the girls made and they were positively delicious. They did a great job of working with the customers and just having a good time.
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| Cali looks very serious ringing up this order! |
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| Bria and Cali had fun and did a great job! |
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| Their favorite customer of the day - their dog Samson! |
By 1:20 we were at Masonic Homes for an afternoon of card playing with my parents. Because of our travels we missed being there last week so we were all very happy to be together again. Not a good day of card playing for the women as we only won 1 game out of 4!
We were home by 5:00 and made pulled barbeque chicken with sauteed peppers and onions to put on our salads. I left at 6:15 to play pickleball outdoors with 4 other folks. A group usually plays every Tuesday and Thursday night, but there hasn't been a lot of interest this summer plus they resurfaced the courts making them unplayable for several weeks. I felt like I played fairly well for that 1 1/2 hours and had an enjoyable time. Showered and did my devotions in bed when I got home. Ken had a quiet evening by himself at the apartment and did a lot of reading and studying. We turned out the lights by 10:15 after a rather busy day!
Wednesday, July 18, 2018
Wednesday - Beautiful Sunny, Less Humid Day!
Ken was up before me and had a lot of his reading and morning routine finished before I appeared. We watched some of the morning news (not sure why?) and then got ready for our day. Ken left at 8 to go to his volunteer job at MCC hoping that his foot would cooperate. Fortunately they had him go out on the truck today to pick up donated items at several re-use-it shops throughout the county which kept him off his foot a lot of the time. When items have been in their stores for a long time and have not sold, they get them and take them to the warehouse where they are bundled and donated.
I did my exercises and stretches and by 9:15 I was on my way to visit my special friend, Marty Miller, who is celebrating her 80th birthday tomorrow. We chatted, reminisced, and just had a great time "catching" up on life. She is the kind of person who you would want to talk to and ask for advice if you were "down and out"! She is one of a kind!
From there, I decided to head to Lancaster to do some shopping, something I don't do very often. One of my main goals was to find some kind of cart/cabinet for the kitchen to help alleviate some of the clutter in my overcrowded cupboards. Bingo - I was successful in finding just what I wanted but they were out of stock until next week. No problem! I have been in our apartment over 4 years, so what is another week? I probably stopped at about 7 or 8 different stores, but really only purchased a few things. I was a good girl!!!!
I only got home at 5:30 and Ken had made large salads for dinner - what a guy! His foot was sore from working today, but really not any worse! We talked about our day's activities, ate dinner while watching the news, and then played a game of Hand and Foot which Ken won again! Really????
Jamie called with some sad news regarding one of their closest friends. Dan's brother was found dead in his home this morning resulting from an alcohol problem he just couldn't conquer and he was only 42. So, Jamie immediately drove to Dan and Jen's to pick up their 2 young children and keep them for the day. What a good friend! Jamie wanted us to know what had happened and I think she also needed just to talk about it to help her get through it.
Later I had a nice phone conversation with Doloris Martin, another special friend and a couple that we camp with when possible. We hadn't chatted for awhile, so it was so nice to reconnect. We are hoping to get together this Sunday for some card playing.
By 9:30 Ken and I were in bed reading and at 10:30 it was lights out! It was a very satisfying day of spending time talking to special friends.
I did my exercises and stretches and by 9:15 I was on my way to visit my special friend, Marty Miller, who is celebrating her 80th birthday tomorrow. We chatted, reminisced, and just had a great time "catching" up on life. She is the kind of person who you would want to talk to and ask for advice if you were "down and out"! She is one of a kind!
From there, I decided to head to Lancaster to do some shopping, something I don't do very often. One of my main goals was to find some kind of cart/cabinet for the kitchen to help alleviate some of the clutter in my overcrowded cupboards. Bingo - I was successful in finding just what I wanted but they were out of stock until next week. No problem! I have been in our apartment over 4 years, so what is another week? I probably stopped at about 7 or 8 different stores, but really only purchased a few things. I was a good girl!!!!
I only got home at 5:30 and Ken had made large salads for dinner - what a guy! His foot was sore from working today, but really not any worse! We talked about our day's activities, ate dinner while watching the news, and then played a game of Hand and Foot which Ken won again! Really????
Jamie called with some sad news regarding one of their closest friends. Dan's brother was found dead in his home this morning resulting from an alcohol problem he just couldn't conquer and he was only 42. So, Jamie immediately drove to Dan and Jen's to pick up their 2 young children and keep them for the day. What a good friend! Jamie wanted us to know what had happened and I think she also needed just to talk about it to help her get through it.
Later I had a nice phone conversation with Doloris Martin, another special friend and a couple that we camp with when possible. We hadn't chatted for awhile, so it was so nice to reconnect. We are hoping to get together this Sunday for some card playing.
By 9:30 Ken and I were in bed reading and at 10:30 it was lights out! It was a very satisfying day of spending time talking to special friends.
Tuesday, July 17, 2018
Tuesday - Imagine This? Another Very Hot and Humid Day!
Ken was up before me and started his devotions. I did my stretches in bed and then got ready to go to physical therapy at 9. Ken had left at 7:30 to have breakfast with one of his "brothers" from his Step Study. He is still having a lot of pain with his foot and can't put much weight on it!
I had breakfast and then started working on the blog. Marty Miller, one of the ladies from my card club group called, and we had such a great chat. We used to live close to each other in the country when Lanie and Jamie were very young and she was always such a wonderful listener and support person! She is turning 80 on Thursday and I am going visit her tomorrow!
I went to physical therapy and had to fill out an evaluation of my treatment and progression. After talking with Megan, she suggested, and I agreed, that it is time to discontinue therapy and just keep doing my stretches and exercises at home. Their doors will always be open if I feel I should return, but for now I have made enough positive strides that I can do what is necessary at home!
From there I headed to Jamie's for a needed haircut. It was nice to spend about 1 1/2 hours there chatting with her and the girls. I also got a tremendous haircut, an added bonus! I went to Wal-Mart for some needed groceries and toiletries, only getting home at 1:15.
Ken had cleaned his office and was doing some reading. I ate a light lunch and then baked a double batch of oat bran blueberry muffins, because they are a favorite of my mother too! I cleaned up the kitchen and then finished another x-stitch jar topper to take to Marty tomorrow for her birthday. She is not overly excited about being 80, so instead of Happy Birthday it says Celebrate Life Daily and the jar is filled with dark chocolate Wilbur Buds.
We played another round of Hand and Foot and I was so far ahead that Ken declared me the winner - Wow! We started another game and Ken is ahead slightly. We will finish it tomorrow.
I left at 5:45 to attend the last swim meet for Bria and Cali at the Ephrata Pool for this summer. They have districts and a qualifying meet the next 2 Saturdays, but other then that, they are finished for this season. Of course indoor swim team will begin around September. They have had a good summer swimming and work so hard at improving. Ken wanted to go but he had Celebrate Recovery tonight and had missed it last week. We will go to their meets the next 2 Saturdays.
I was home by 8:30 and worked on this blog because I had gotten behind since returning from Canada. Ken returned at 9:45 and we shared about our evening's activities. I had watched America's Got Talent and some of World of Dance. Both shows have some extremely talented contestants!
We were both in bed by 10:30.
I had breakfast and then started working on the blog. Marty Miller, one of the ladies from my card club group called, and we had such a great chat. We used to live close to each other in the country when Lanie and Jamie were very young and she was always such a wonderful listener and support person! She is turning 80 on Thursday and I am going visit her tomorrow!
I went to physical therapy and had to fill out an evaluation of my treatment and progression. After talking with Megan, she suggested, and I agreed, that it is time to discontinue therapy and just keep doing my stretches and exercises at home. Their doors will always be open if I feel I should return, but for now I have made enough positive strides that I can do what is necessary at home!
From there I headed to Jamie's for a needed haircut. It was nice to spend about 1 1/2 hours there chatting with her and the girls. I also got a tremendous haircut, an added bonus! I went to Wal-Mart for some needed groceries and toiletries, only getting home at 1:15.
Ken had cleaned his office and was doing some reading. I ate a light lunch and then baked a double batch of oat bran blueberry muffins, because they are a favorite of my mother too! I cleaned up the kitchen and then finished another x-stitch jar topper to take to Marty tomorrow for her birthday. She is not overly excited about being 80, so instead of Happy Birthday it says Celebrate Life Daily and the jar is filled with dark chocolate Wilbur Buds.
We played another round of Hand and Foot and I was so far ahead that Ken declared me the winner - Wow! We started another game and Ken is ahead slightly. We will finish it tomorrow.
I left at 5:45 to attend the last swim meet for Bria and Cali at the Ephrata Pool for this summer. They have districts and a qualifying meet the next 2 Saturdays, but other then that, they are finished for this season. Of course indoor swim team will begin around September. They have had a good summer swimming and work so hard at improving. Ken wanted to go but he had Celebrate Recovery tonight and had missed it last week. We will go to their meets the next 2 Saturdays.
I was home by 8:30 and worked on this blog because I had gotten behind since returning from Canada. Ken returned at 9:45 and we shared about our evening's activities. I had watched America's Got Talent and some of World of Dance. Both shows have some extremely talented contestants!
We were both in bed by 10:30.
Monday, July 16, 2018
Monday - Very Hot, Humid Day!
We were both up rather early and completed our morning routines and had breakfast before leaving at 8:10 to meet Cindy and John to play pickleball. It was already in the 70's and very humid!
The 4 of us had not been together since the Sunday before the 4th of July, so it was so good to see them. All of us had a good time playing pickleball and considering that only John had played 1 or 2X's since we were at Chesapeake back in June, we did well. All of the game scores were very close and Cindy and I actually beat the "boys" 2X's - wow!! After about 2 1/4 hours we were all tired and hot and decided we had better stop. We chatted for a bit and then all headed home. Ken and I stopped at one of the roadside produce stands for some veggies and fruit.
I felt good playing today and my back liked the stretching and moving you do in pickleball. For Ken, it was a bit of a different story. He played so well and had a great time, but his plantar fasciitis really became a problem. When we got of the car at home, he could hardly walk and wasn't able to put any weight on his foot. Wow, what a problem.
After lunch he rested and I got into a cleaning mode in the office and in the bins under the bed. Ken did some reading while I continued working on my x-stitching. Ken grilled and we had salad and corn on the cob.
We started another game of Hand and Foot and I was really in the lead after 2 rounds. We watched American Ninja Warrior and by 10 we were in bed. Ken's foot was still so sore and then he also pulled a muscle in his back because of how he was having to walk. Boy, we are making quite a team, looking like we are about 90 years old when we walk! Hopefully things will be better in the morning!
The 4 of us had not been together since the Sunday before the 4th of July, so it was so good to see them. All of us had a good time playing pickleball and considering that only John had played 1 or 2X's since we were at Chesapeake back in June, we did well. All of the game scores were very close and Cindy and I actually beat the "boys" 2X's - wow!! After about 2 1/4 hours we were all tired and hot and decided we had better stop. We chatted for a bit and then all headed home. Ken and I stopped at one of the roadside produce stands for some veggies and fruit.
I felt good playing today and my back liked the stretching and moving you do in pickleball. For Ken, it was a bit of a different story. He played so well and had a great time, but his plantar fasciitis really became a problem. When we got of the car at home, he could hardly walk and wasn't able to put any weight on his foot. Wow, what a problem.
After lunch he rested and I got into a cleaning mode in the office and in the bins under the bed. Ken did some reading while I continued working on my x-stitching. Ken grilled and we had salad and corn on the cob.
We started another game of Hand and Foot and I was really in the lead after 2 rounds. We watched American Ninja Warrior and by 10 we were in bed. Ken's foot was still so sore and then he also pulled a muscle in his back because of how he was having to walk. Boy, we are making quite a team, looking like we are about 90 years old when we walk! Hopefully things will be better in the morning!
Sunday, July 15, 2018
Sunday - Hot and Humid!
Ken and I had time to do our normal morning routine before arriving at Church at 8:40. The Church does a series every July called "At the Movies" and you watch a portion of a hit movie with a biblical truth being brought out of it by our ministers. This week the movie featured was Star Wars, of which Ken and I have not seen any! So, Ken was not excited when he realized what movie was going to be shown. Our Praise Band did a great job of performing the theme song from the movie and then it was time to open the popcorn bags we were given when we entered the Church and watch the presentation.
Ken says he went through many emotions, from disappointment with the choice, the beginning violent scenes, etc., but by the time the service was over, we were both thrilled we had been there. The biblical truth from the film had to do with fear and it was amazing. One key point that I will share - We have a tendency to ask questions like, What if I lose my job, What if my spouse leaves me, What if the Dr. tells me I have cancer, etc. It was suggested that you put the word "so" in front of all those questions and stop to consider what God's plan is in all of these things. He will be there through those "down" times and has a much larger plan in store for us - Wow! Not always easy to do, but what a way to face life!
We planned to stop at Wal-Mart after Church, but it looked like a major storm was approaching, so we came right home, going through some heavy rain along the way. We had a very late breakfast and then sat down to watch the finals of the World Cup Soccer! What a game. Ken went for a walk and I decided to do some crafting and cleaning of my craft area.
I realized that the men's final of Wimbledon was being rebroadcast at 3, so I was glued to the TV while x-stitching. Ken watched some of it too! We worked together making salads for dinner and Ken grilled steak and fish. After cleaning up, we decided to take a walk downtown, about a 1 mile course. Then it was time for some Hand and Foot of which Ken was the winner.
We were in bed by 10 after a rather relaxing day, just what we needed!
Ken says he went through many emotions, from disappointment with the choice, the beginning violent scenes, etc., but by the time the service was over, we were both thrilled we had been there. The biblical truth from the film had to do with fear and it was amazing. One key point that I will share - We have a tendency to ask questions like, What if I lose my job, What if my spouse leaves me, What if the Dr. tells me I have cancer, etc. It was suggested that you put the word "so" in front of all those questions and stop to consider what God's plan is in all of these things. He will be there through those "down" times and has a much larger plan in store for us - Wow! Not always easy to do, but what a way to face life!
We planned to stop at Wal-Mart after Church, but it looked like a major storm was approaching, so we came right home, going through some heavy rain along the way. We had a very late breakfast and then sat down to watch the finals of the World Cup Soccer! What a game. Ken went for a walk and I decided to do some crafting and cleaning of my craft area.
I realized that the men's final of Wimbledon was being rebroadcast at 3, so I was glued to the TV while x-stitching. Ken watched some of it too! We worked together making salads for dinner and Ken grilled steak and fish. After cleaning up, we decided to take a walk downtown, about a 1 mile course. Then it was time for some Hand and Foot of which Ken was the winner.
We were in bed by 10 after a rather relaxing day, just what we needed!
Saturday, July 14, 2018
Friday and Saturday - Beautiful Warm, Sunny Days
Ken and I were up by 5:15 and we both got ready for the day. I left at 6:15 to meet my Curvette ladies for breakfast while Ken was doing his devotions. It was great to see the gals again and we had a good time laughing and sharing.
Ken met Gary at the same restaurant at 8 for breakfast, so we saw each other in passing! I decided to go to Green Dragon to get fruit, produce, and bologna for my dad. By 9:15, we were both back home.
I washed and cut-up fruit while Ken worked at his desk and then we left for Costco for much needed groceries and paper supplies. Back home by 12 and by the time we had everything in its proper place, we were ready for lunch. We were both feeling rather tired from the early "get up" time, so we rested. Ken made salads for dinner while I did some work on the computer, but I did do the dishes and kitchen clean-up. He decided to go for a long walk, something I would love to do, but with my back and leg, it just isn't possible right now. I did some counted x-stitch and my exercises.
Ken grilled fish, pork chop and chicken and we also had corn on cob, the 1st of the season! After watching the evening news, we walked to downtown Lititz for "2nd Friday" when most of the shops are open and there are musicians playing throughout the area. We stopped to listen to several of the groups and they were very entertaining. Back home by 8:45 and I did more x-stitch while we watched American Ninja Warrior. We were in bed by 10.
Today, Saturday, was another gorgeous day with a nice breeze if you were in the shade. Ken was up by 5:45 but I only appeared around 6:30 after doing my stretches and several of my exercises. After breakfast we were on our way to Bria and Cali's swim meet in Manheim arriving at 7:50. Bria's age group swam from 8 to 11:15 and then Cali from 1:00 to 3:30. We spent a lot of the time sitting on the metal bleaches watching the swimmers and chatting with Jamie, Dane, the girls, and Sue and Dan. Dane did a 25 meter freestyle in the men's group of 15 to 99! He was pleased with his time and his multi pink suit and swim cap were a hit!!!! We did get to sit in the shade between the morning and afternoon sessions. We saw all of Bria's events, but only 3 of Cali's before we had to leave at 1:45 so Ken could be at his Step Study class by 3. Both of us were rather tired from all that time in the heat and sunshine.
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| Bria came in 4th in Butterfly and she is the youngest in her age group! |
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| Dane is ready for his big swim in his "pink"! |
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| Cali is ready for start of her swim competition! |
Ken left by 2:40 and I worked on this blog, x-stitched, and did some devotions. I also watched the finals of the ladies Wimbledon match which I really enjoyed. Not a great match for Serena, but after all, she just became a mommy 10 months ago! Ken was home by 5:40 and we had salads with leftover meat and fresh corn - so good. We watched the news and then took a walk downtown, including a stop for some delicious, homemade chocolate covered strawberry ice cream - YUM! It was a gorgeous evening for a walk.
When we got back, it was time for 2 rounds of Hand and Foot. We ended with less than a 500 point difference. We will have to finish the game tomorrow. I downloaded some photos and finished this blog. Off to bed at 9:45 to do some reading!
Thursday, July 12, 2018
Back to the Good Old USA!
Ken was awake by 4:45, did some reading, and then we were all up by 5:45. We got ready for our departure and Ken loaded the car. By 6:15 we were all in the kitchen to have our hot drinks, chat and reflect on our time together, before saying our good-bys at 6:45. It was not easy to leave these special friends who showed us such a wonderful time!
We stopped for gas 1 time before arriving at the border and got to customs around 9:30. The border guard was very friendly and probably amazed when we had nothing to declare. We did not buy a single souvenir - wow! We were through there in a little over 5 minutes!
We stopped at a Denny's in Waterford, NY for breakfast around 10:15 and by then we were very hungry! We had 1 additional stop for gas and another to get drinks at a McDonald's, arriving in Lititz at 5:15. It was an uneventful trip, the kind we like!
We unloaded rather quickly (so much less "stuff" when it is a road trip vs. taking Wilbur!) and had everything in its proper place by 6:15. We watched the news and then I worked on this blog while Ken took a walk. Seems strange not to be playing cards with Ernie and Noela! Noela and I would have won, I am sure!
I had some great phone conversations while traveling today with Lanie, Joyce in Florida, and my sister. Also did some messaging with Noela and almost finished crocheting another baby afghan for Knots of Love.
Got a phone call from my mother that the president of the Manheim Historical Society, in which both of my parents were very active for many years, want to pay for transportation to have them brought to the Railroad Station to see what additional work has been done since they have moved from Manheim. Dad did a lot of construction work in the station plus was 1 of 3 men who rebuilt the trolley car that runs on a short track in front of the station. Mother was a tour guide at the station for numerous years telling folks historical facts about the area. Both Mom and Dad are so excited for this opportunity. I will be the coordinator between Masonic Village and the Historical Society to make this happen in the very near future.
I did some "catching up" on my devotions before going to bed around 9. It has been a long driving day and a very busy, but amazing week in Canada! Thanks to Barry, Deb, Ernie, and Noela for making our road trip such a special one! You are the best!!!!
We stopped for gas 1 time before arriving at the border and got to customs around 9:30. The border guard was very friendly and probably amazed when we had nothing to declare. We did not buy a single souvenir - wow! We were through there in a little over 5 minutes!
We stopped at a Denny's in Waterford, NY for breakfast around 10:15 and by then we were very hungry! We had 1 additional stop for gas and another to get drinks at a McDonald's, arriving in Lititz at 5:15. It was an uneventful trip, the kind we like!
We unloaded rather quickly (so much less "stuff" when it is a road trip vs. taking Wilbur!) and had everything in its proper place by 6:15. We watched the news and then I worked on this blog while Ken took a walk. Seems strange not to be playing cards with Ernie and Noela! Noela and I would have won, I am sure!
I had some great phone conversations while traveling today with Lanie, Joyce in Florida, and my sister. Also did some messaging with Noela and almost finished crocheting another baby afghan for Knots of Love.
Got a phone call from my mother that the president of the Manheim Historical Society, in which both of my parents were very active for many years, want to pay for transportation to have them brought to the Railroad Station to see what additional work has been done since they have moved from Manheim. Dad did a lot of construction work in the station plus was 1 of 3 men who rebuilt the trolley car that runs on a short track in front of the station. Mother was a tour guide at the station for numerous years telling folks historical facts about the area. Both Mom and Dad are so excited for this opportunity. I will be the coordinator between Masonic Village and the Historical Society to make this happen in the very near future.
I did some "catching up" on my devotions before going to bed around 9. It has been a long driving day and a very busy, but amazing week in Canada! Thanks to Barry, Deb, Ernie, and Noela for making our road trip such a special one! You are the best!!!!
Wednesday, July 11, 2018
Wednesday - Lower Humidity but Plenty of Sunshine and Milder Temperatures!
We had planned to have a very leisure morning and that is exactly what we did. We were all up rather early but really took our time getting ready, having breakfast, etc. Eventually, we left in Ernie and Noela's car with the snacks and drinks they had packed for us - how nice!
We made a stop at Tim Horton's for some coffee before driving about 1 hour to the Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello, a resort that Ernie really wanted us to see! Once we arrived, we understood why he was excited to take us there. It was built as a private club in 1930, took about 4 months two build (what a feat) and is the largest log cabin in the world! There is a stone fireplace in the center of the lobby/sitting area and it can be seen from every angle as well as the stone chimney. On the 2nd level there is more seating plus game tables for chess, backgammon, checkers, etc. There is a beautiful dining area too.
We walked around the grounds which are bordered on one side by a tributary of the Ottawa River. There are tennis courts, a marina, an indoor and outdoor pool with access via a tunnel from the hotel, curling, snowshoeing, skating, etc.
We actually got to peek inside the Ronald Reagan Suite! George W. Bush also stayed at the Hotel.
We stopped for some groceries on our return trip and actually bought lobster tails for tonight's dinner - Wow! (I will have steak while they do all that work to get to the lobster meat!). We were back by 4 and I worked on my blog and we all watched some of the 2nd half of the World Cup Soccer Match and the overtime - what a game!
We worked together to get supper organized and had fun eating outside on their patio. The 3 of them certainly enjoyed their lobster!
After cleaning up, it was time for our match of Hand and Foot. It was a great night for the boys as they won by a decent margin, but Neola and I made a strong comeback in the last round! Then we decided to play a game of Skip-Bo and again the men won! It is best if we let the men win every once in a while!
By 10:30 we headed to bed sad that it was the last night we would playing cards together until we meet again in Florida. Wow, this has been such a fun 4 days!
We made a stop at Tim Horton's for some coffee before driving about 1 hour to the Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello, a resort that Ernie really wanted us to see! Once we arrived, we understood why he was excited to take us there. It was built as a private club in 1930, took about 4 months two build (what a feat) and is the largest log cabin in the world! There is a stone fireplace in the center of the lobby/sitting area and it can be seen from every angle as well as the stone chimney. On the 2nd level there is more seating plus game tables for chess, backgammon, checkers, etc. There is a beautiful dining area too.
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| The lobby with the beautiful stone fireplace! |
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| You can look down on it from the 3 levels! |
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| So rustic! |
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| Formal Dining Room! |
We walked around the grounds which are bordered on one side by a tributary of the Ottawa River. There are tennis courts, a marina, an indoor and outdoor pool with access via a tunnel from the hotel, curling, snowshoeing, skating, etc.
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| Looks like a great place to relax.... |
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| so we gave it a try... |
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| ....and Ernie joined us! |
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| The tunnel to the indoor pool! |
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| Rather unique! |
We actually got to peek inside the Ronald Reagan Suite! George W. Bush also stayed at the Hotel.
We stopped for some groceries on our return trip and actually bought lobster tails for tonight's dinner - Wow! (I will have steak while they do all that work to get to the lobster meat!). We were back by 4 and I worked on my blog and we all watched some of the 2nd half of the World Cup Soccer Match and the overtime - what a game!
We worked together to get supper organized and had fun eating outside on their patio. The 3 of them certainly enjoyed their lobster!
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| Wow, Noela did a great job steaming those lobster! |
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| Looks good enough to eat! What a feast! I really enjoyed my grilled steak! |
By 10:30 we headed to bed sad that it was the last night we would playing cards together until we meet again in Florida. Wow, this has been such a fun 4 days!
Tuesday, July 10, 2018
Tuesday - Another Gorgeous Day in Canada!
Ken and I only got up around 7:15 after a good night's sleep. Ken is still fighting something - cold, bronchitis, sinuses, who knows??? The 4 of us sat in the kitchen chatting after we had done our normal morning routine.
We left in their car around 10:15 to go to Ottawa to do some sightseeing in that area. Ernie and Noela had again packed water and snacks for us to take on the drive. It was about a 1 1/4 hour drive to the Byward Market area but a very scenic one.
Ready to tour downtown Ottawa -
We were able to park in a garage right in the "center" of everything we had planned to see and it was right across the street from an indoor market. A large part of the area is known as the Byward Market which housed an open air market since the 1840's and today is a bustling commercial district packed with shop and restaurants.
After walking along the vendors we went to see the lobby of one of the oldest and amazing hotel, the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, built in the early 1900's.
Then it was time to check out the Rideau Canal, an engineering masterpiece It was planned after the war of 1812 to provide a safe way to transport troops and equipment between Montreal and Kingston. As times changed, so did the canal - it became first a commercial, then a recreational, waterway. Today thousands of paddlers, boaters, and skaters enjoy the Rideau Canal going through many locks which link the Ottawa River to Lake Ontario.
he Byward Market area is where town and crown meet, so we walked to see the Canada's National Capital area with many gorgeous old buildings including their "capital", supreme court, etc. It is an area so rich in Canadian history.
We ate lunch at the open air market and enjoyed an Obama cookie!
We passed the United States Embassy and another Notre Dame cathedral -
Then we walked to the Royal Canadian Mint to take a tour. It was a very interesting one and we all learned that none of the circulated Canadian coins area actually minted there. It is a smaller facility, so only collectable and investment grade coins area minted there, Olympic and Military medals plus coins for foreign countries. Canada's circulated coins are minted in Winnipeg. Unfortunately, they didn't give us any samples! By then it was 4 and we were ready to head back to Ernie and Noela's, arriving there around 5:30.
Ken felt a bit better today, but was very tired till we returned. He rested while Noela and I prepped for dinner. By 7 we enjoyed a delicious dinner of sausage and salads and were able to eat outdoors. The 4 of us worked together to clean-up and do dishes before enjoying dessert - fresh strawberries on vanilla ice cream with maple syrup and whipped cream - wow!
Time for another game of Hand and Foot which the women won by a huge margin and we actually played all 4 rounds tonight. During the game, Ernie spilled his cup of coffee on Noela apparently trying to distract us from winning - didn't work! There was a lot of chatting and laughter! By 10 we headed to bed after another wonderful day of sharing life with Ernie and Noela.
Here are a few photos of the outside of Ernie and Noela's property. It is such a quiet, peaceful area with a cute house and great patio for outdoor eating -
We left in their car around 10:15 to go to Ottawa to do some sightseeing in that area. Ernie and Noela had again packed water and snacks for us to take on the drive. It was about a 1 1/4 hour drive to the Byward Market area but a very scenic one.
Ready to tour downtown Ottawa -
We were able to park in a garage right in the "center" of everything we had planned to see and it was right across the street from an indoor market. A large part of the area is known as the Byward Market which housed an open air market since the 1840's and today is a bustling commercial district packed with shop and restaurants.
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| The open air market, but there were also lots of vendors along the streets! |
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| The breads looked amazing! |
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| So many good looking amazing desserts! |
After walking along the vendors we went to see the lobby of one of the oldest and amazing hotel, the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, built in the early 1900's.
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| A beautiful old hotel with so much character! |
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| Looks like a chair/throne fit for a "queen"! |
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| Looking down towards the locks! |
Then it was time to check out the Rideau Canal, an engineering masterpiece It was planned after the war of 1812 to provide a safe way to transport troops and equipment between Montreal and Kingston. As times changed, so did the canal - it became first a commercial, then a recreational, waterway. Today thousands of paddlers, boaters, and skaters enjoy the Rideau Canal going through many locks which link the Ottawa River to Lake Ontario.
 |
| Hard to imagine that these locks are in the middle of a large city! |
he Byward Market area is where town and crown meet, so we walked to see the Canada's National Capital area with many gorgeous old buildings including their "capital", supreme court, etc. It is an area so rich in Canadian history.
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| Canada's "capital" building. It is going to be closed for 10 years in the very near future for renovations - Wow. They will meet during that time in the old train station just down the street! |
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| This eternal flame in front of the capital! |
We ate lunch at the open air market and enjoyed an Obama cookie!
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| We had to share an Obama cookie! |
We passed the United States Embassy and another Notre Dame cathedral -
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| Our American Embassy! |
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| Notre Dame Cathedral! |
Then we walked to the Royal Canadian Mint to take a tour. It was a very interesting one and we all learned that none of the circulated Canadian coins area actually minted there. It is a smaller facility, so only collectable and investment grade coins area minted there, Olympic and Military medals plus coins for foreign countries. Canada's circulated coins are minted in Winnipeg. Unfortunately, they didn't give us any samples! By then it was 4 and we were ready to head back to Ernie and Noela's, arriving there around 5:30.
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| Entrance to the Royal Canadian Mint! |
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| Wow, I am in Canada and hopefully going inside to get some Canadian money! |
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| We are holding a 26 pound gold bar that is worth about $650,000. We didn't have big enough pockets to put it in! |
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| Some collectable coins! |
Ken felt a bit better today, but was very tired till we returned. He rested while Noela and I prepped for dinner. By 7 we enjoyed a delicious dinner of sausage and salads and were able to eat outdoors. The 4 of us worked together to clean-up and do dishes before enjoying dessert - fresh strawberries on vanilla ice cream with maple syrup and whipped cream - wow!
Time for another game of Hand and Foot which the women won by a huge margin and we actually played all 4 rounds tonight. During the game, Ernie spilled his cup of coffee on Noela apparently trying to distract us from winning - didn't work! There was a lot of chatting and laughter! By 10 we headed to bed after another wonderful day of sharing life with Ernie and Noela.
Here are a few photos of the outside of Ernie and Noela's property. It is such a quiet, peaceful area with a cute house and great patio for outdoor eating -
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| Loved eating outside in the screened gazebo on their patio. There are so many beautiful flowers and garden areas! |
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