Monday, April 29, 2019

Monday - Cold Start to Sunny Day!

Ken had a very restless night but fortunately did go back to sleep in the LR.  He left at 7:45 to take the CRV to be inspected and I stayed home and got ready for the day.

Upon his return, we both made numerous phone calls concerning our upcoming settlement and the advertising of Wilbur.  I also wrote several notes to friends s in Florida as I am trying to have some kind of card ministry.  Somehow that is tougher than I thought it would be!

We met at Polly's new apartment at 11 for a tour of her beautiful home and then sat around chatting before touring more of the building including the restaurant/cafe that will open the beginning of June.  From there we went to Maize Mexican for lunch and enjoyed their buffet.  It was positively delicious but I definitely ate too much (I think all of us did!)!  

Right before leaving there, I got a phone call from Dr. Mackey's office, my dermatologist.  I have another squamous cancer on my lip that will require a Mo's treatment.  I was shocked, for I had sort of convinced myself it wasn't anything that would require more treatment, so I was extremely disappointed.  Not looking forward to having additional surgery on my lip.  We did "catch it" early and it really shouldn't be a problem, but I am dreading the procedure.  Nothing major, just annoying!  Hopefully I can have it done before we head to Florida in June, but I have to see a surgical dermatologist instead of Dr. Mackey!

Ken made some additional phone calls when we returned and then read and rested.  I made a card for a Canadian friend who is having hip replacement surgery and worked on this blog.

We left at 4:30 and drove to Cindy and John's.  John and Ken had decided to go to the 11th Annual Commonwealth Interfaith Service: Prayers for Justice and Peace at the Hadee Mosque in Harrisburg.  They found it very interesting and were gone from 5 to 9.  I enjoyed spending the evening with Cindy chatting and playing games.  We don't get to do that very often, so it was a special time!

When the "boys" returned, we played a game of Skip-Bo and the women won handily.  I don't know how many Skip-Bo's I had, but it was a lot and that is very unusual for this gal.

Ken and I were back home by 10:15 and it was off to bed.

Sunday, April 28, 2019

Sunday - Another Cool, Windy Day!

Ken and I left by 8:15 to go to Church and hopefully meet up with some friends to have coffee in the church's cafe area.  We were thrilled to sit with Deb, Lloyd, Marilyn, and Gene all friends we spent some time with in Florida.  We sat with them and after church a group of 9  went to Gus's for breakfast.  Deb had some surgery on her ankle on Thursday and had to go home to "prop it" after sitting in church.  We had a great time and got the opportunity to spend time with 2 couples that we really didn't know very well.

Back home by 1 and Ken decided to talk a walk and got about 10,000 steps.  I was lazy and decided to just enjoy reading the paper, doing my devotions, and just relaxing.  I also finished 2 cards I had started yesterday.  

We left at 2:30 and went to the hockey field at the Ephrata Middle School to watch Bria and Cali play.  It was mighty cool and windy sitting on the hill and all of us were glad when the hour long games were finished.  Bria and Cali did well and seemed to have a good time.

Bria had one shorts and the white jersey and is in the middle
of the field.

Bria has her stick upside down in the air!

Ken and I went to Wal-Mart for a few items and once home, we were in for the rest of the day.  We had leftovers for dinner and spent the evening reading, crocheting, and watching TV.  Ken also sent out numerous e-mails.  We were in bed by 9:30.

Saturday, April 27, 2019

Saturday - Extremely Windy Day but 60's!

It was a cool start to the day and there were wind gusts in the mid 30's, but still a nice, sunny day.  After watching the news and having breakfast, Ken spent most of the morning working at his desk and I was able to make a few cards.  

Around 11:30 we decided to go for a walk to downtown Lititz and also check on the Wilbur complex.  It was a great walk and actually felt rather warm.  After eating lunch, I returned to my desk and Ken did some reading.  Not an overly exciting day, but we both enjoyed having time to catch up on some needed things!

A main road, Route 501, was closed in Lititz for several days
so they could put some pipes under the road!

Some major work happening!


We left at 3:15 and went to Gary and Marcia Kreider's home for their daughter Melanie's wedding reception.  She and Bryan had gotten married yesterday and they were having a picnic type reception at Gary and Marcia's today.  I volunteered to help keep the food trays filled during the 4:30 to 7:30 drop-in so Marcia could enjoy mingling with her friends and family.  We had a great time chatting with some close friends we hadn't seen for a while.

Bryan and Melanie cutting their wedding cake!


Ken and I were back home by 8 and spent the evening watching some TV, reading, and crocheting.

Friday, April 26, 2019

Friday - Another Cloudy, But Rather Mild Day!

Both of us were up a bit later than usual, watched the news, ate breakfast, and then spent time filling out more papers for the Condo Association in Florida.  Wow, there sure is a lot of paperwork when buying a condo!!!!  Ken made a reservation for us to go camping at Hershey for 3 nights so we can go through everything inside and out and decide what we are keeping and taking to Florida.  Also what we can sell and other items that can be included with the sale of Wilbur.  We are hoping to get some exposure for fellow campers who might be looking to buy a motorhome.   We wanted to stay through the weekend, but discovered all the weekends in May were already booked - crazy!!!

We left at 9:45 and went to see the movie, "Breakthrough"!  What an amazing story with great acting and fantastic music.  Ken went through every Kleenex he could find in his pockets.  It really was a tear jerker!

We thought about going out for lunch, but decided to head home instead.  Ken went for a walk after we finished eating, but I stayed back to do my devotions, download photos, and work on this block.  He enjoyed checking out what is going on at the hotel/condo project at the old Wilbur Chocolate Factory (Yes, that is how we got Wilbur's name!!!).  

The back section of the Hotel and the Penthouses up above!

The side of the old Wilbur Chocolate Factory overlooking
Lititz Springs Park.  Ken and I think those windows are
part of the exclusive condos and further front will be the
Hilton Tapestry Hotel!

There will be several eateries and speciality shoppes in
this area facing Broad Street.

It sure be an amazing structure when completed!


Ken read and rested while I talked to Jamie and my mother.  I also had time to make 1 card - wow!  During that time there was a tornado warning for our area, but fortunately we only had heavy rain and some strong winds.

Ken did a post on Facebook regarding the sale of Wilbur while I got supper prepared and talked to Cindy. She and John are hoping to come to Hershey at the same time we are there for some fun and to be helpful with our packing process! We watched the news and Jeopardy and then played 3 rounds of Hand and Foot and I have about a 1400 point lead - finally.  We will finish the game another time.

I was able to complete another afghan for Knots of Love before heading to bed.

Thursday, April 25, 2019

Thursday - Trip to Shenk's Ferry with the Curvettes!

This was a rather relaxing morning and afternoon for me but a busy one for Ken.  We both left the apartment at 7:45 and Ken went to Dunkin Donuts in Lebanon to have coffee with one of his Step Study buddies.  I picked up Polly and we met the other Curvette gals at Marcia's for a field trip to Shenk's Ferry to walk the wildflower trail.  Marcia has been going with a friend, Kathy, 1X per week to walk this trail for about 4 weeks to check out which wildflowers are blooming at different times.  It is about a 40 minute drive and we had to take 2 cars because there were 8 of us.  Unfortunately Deb had some ankle surgery this morning and couldn't join us, but she was back home by 10:15 and all went well!!!!

It was a cloudy day with temperatures in the 60's and there were a few "sprinkles" every now and then, but we had a great time.  Our 1st stop was at the Lyndon Diner for a delicious breakfast before heading to the trail.  

It is about a 2 mile hike round trip and we saw lots of gorgeous wildflowers, especially the Virginia blue belles.  They looked so beautiful along the pathway.  At the end of the trail you come to water and a stone bridge, another pretty sight.  The trilliums were still blooming in some areas, but they would have been gorgeous a week earlier (that was confirmed by Marcia, our flower expert and tour guide!).  She is so knowledgeable when identifying the flowers and explaining some things about each one.


Pylox!

Wild geraniums!

Virginia Blue Belles - such a
gorgeous shade of blue!

Trillium - the flowers are small
compared to the huge leaves!

May Apple

Jack in the Pulpit, but such an unusual color!

Violets

Loved the color of these violets!

Beautiful stone bridge!

Couldn't resist taking this photo - reminds me of Florida!
(An alligator!!  Okay, I have a great imagination!)


We left the area around 1 and stopped at a local restaurant for lunch - what good food.  Just down the road was a local  farm where they sold milk, etc., and their homemade ice cream - so delicious!  We were back to Marcia's around 2:45 and after dropping off Polly, I was back to the apartment around 3:30.

Ken had an extremely busy day while I was gone.  1st was coffee with a buddy, then a trip to Wilbur (our Motorhome) to put out the slides and take interior and exterior photos to use for our ads for selling him.  Then to Costco to have them check the lugs since installing the new tires yesterday - they request that you come back the next day just for a "check-up".  Back to Ephrata to go to a local Farm Stand to get a few items before returning home.  

We chatted when I returned and then spend time discussing the condo in Florida and going through the photos of Wilbur.  We worked together to type up an ad for Craigslist and I added photos before posting.  Hopefully we will get some interest and get him sold before we head to Florida in June!  If you know of anyone who could be interested please let us know.  Here are some photos to share -












After a light dinner, we finished the last 2 rounds of Hand and Foot.  I almost caught up in the 3rd round, but Ken was the decisive winner of the last hand.  One of these times I am going to win again!!!!!  I hope it is soon!  I had a great phone conversation with Pat, who lives is Maine, but she and her husband, Burt, own a condo in the community where we are purchasing one.  They are the folks that got us so interested in that area and we are grateful!

By 9:30 we were in bed reading.  Our days have certainly been busy ever since we returned from Florida, but it is all Good!!!!!

Wednesday, April 24, 2019

Wednesday - Sunny Day near 70 Degrees!

Ken was up quite a bit before me and we watched the morning news.  I did my stretches and devotions and after breakfast Ken spent time at his desk.  He left around 9:30 and went to Costco to get tires installed on the CRV.  

I stayed home, got ready for the day and did some clean-up.  I did have a great phone conversation with my friend, Joyce, who is in Florida!  Ken was back around 11:15 and we had an early lunch, leaving by 12:10 to go to Masonic Homes to spend the afternoon with Mom and Dad. 

After stopping for drinks, we spent the afternoon playing Pinochle with Mom and Dad and we had such close games.  The men did win 2 of the 3 games!

We were back home around 5:30 and decided to go for a walk downtown.  I almost decided not to go, but I was so glad Ken encouraged me, for it was a beautiful time for walking.  We had salads for dinner with leftover meat from the grilling Ken did earlier this week.  

We spent the evening watching the news, Jeopardy, and then playing 2 rounds of Hand and Foot and unfortunately, Ken has the lead Again!!!!!  We were in bed around 9:30 after a great day!

The contract on the condo we are purchasing in Florida appears to be completed and we should be settling around June 6.  We are so excited and looking forward to heading to Florida for settlement.

Tuesday, April 23, 2019

Monday and Tuesday - Nice Days!

Ken and I left the house at 7 to take his car to the body shop to get the paint repaired from the damage caused by the US Pipe Company while we were in Florida.  After dropping it off, we went to Gus's for breakfast and had a good conversation regarding all the changes we have been making since returning home.  Wow, there has been a lot!  Then we stopped at ACE Hardware and purchased a Weber electric grill to use here at home and in Florida.  The Condo Association does not allow gas grills because they don't want propane canisters being stored.  Ken assembled it when we got home and felt fortunate that the stand we had for our gas grill fit the new one!

I decided to spend most of my day working at my desk making greeting cards.  I have not had time to do that since our return from Florida and I was ready to do some creating.  Ken left to have lunch with Kevin because they hadn't been together since December.  They had a nice visit.

When Ken returned, we decided to go for a walk to Christian Automotive here in Lititz to get an appointment for the CRV to be inspected.  It was a beautiful afternoon for a walk with temperatures in the low 70's, but breezy.  Upon our return Ken did some reading while I continued cardmaking.  We had been anxiously awaiting a report from the inspection that was done on the condo in Florida but it still wasn't available.   Ken cooked on our new grils making delicious salmon and chicken.

After dinner, Ken walked downtown to attend a Christian meeting at the General Sutter Inn while I crocheted and watched Jeopardy and The Voice.  He was back by 8:45 and had just received a copy of our inspection report.  We printed it and then discussed the results.  Only 2 things were questioned - 1 cycle of the washer was very noisy and the electric panel was manufactured by a company that has had some issues.  Ken talked to our friend Burt who lives in this condo community for some additional information.  He was most helpful.  Ken will do more research on this issue tomorrow, but nothing is a major problem!  We were in bed by 10:30.

Today, Tuesday, we made a cooked breakfast and then I left for an appointment with my dermatologist.  I had a squamous growth removed from my lip in 2016 and another spot appeared at about the same place and looked very similar, so I thought I should have it checked.  Dr. Mackey wasn't sure what it was and because of my "lip" history, she said she felt it necessary to do a biopsy.  So, she numbed my lip and took a piece of the skin to be tested.  Not a big deal, but I wouldn't want to do it everyday!!!!

From there I went to meet Cindy and John and many others to play pickleball at the Hempfield Sports Complex.  I had fun playing, but definitely not one of my better days.  I left there at 1:30 and stopped at Root's Farmer's Market for some fruit and veggies.

Ken had such a busy and a bit frustrating day while I was gone.  He talked to say many different folks in Florida regarding the condo and trying to get information regarding the electric panel -condo association, inspector, insurance provider, electrician, etc.  He is doing a great job but it gets rather "taxing"!

He was out for a walk when I returned and when he got back we went to pick up his car, for they were finished with the painted part.  It looks great but they did decide that all the glass needs to be replaced.  The repair place had contacted Erie Insurance and the adjuster came to check it out again and totally agreed.  So we will take it back in a week or so when they get the needed windows.

Once home, we spent more time signing documents and then scanning and e-mailing them to the necessary recipients.  It can be rather time consuming when you are purchasing a property and  not in that "state"!  

Ken rested (he was up so early) and I worked on the blog.  Somehow I had gotten behind!  I ate an early dinner because I really didn't have lunch (my lip was too numb to risk eating) and Ken left to go to Celebrate Recovery.  I was still hungry so drove to McDonald's for a hot fudge sundae - so good!  I spent the evening watching Jeopardy and then talking to Joyce in Florida.  I also downloaded photos and finished this blog.  

I was surprised that when the novacaine was gone that my lip wasn't sore, not even to the touch - that's a blessing!  Hopefully it will require no more procedures!

Ken was back around 9:30 and we did more chatting about his evening and all the other things that are going on right now.  I stayed up to watch New Amsterdam, but Ken went to bed a fell asleep reading.  I read a little and lights were out by 11:15.

Sunday, April 21, 2019

Easter Weekend and It Was A Beautiful One!

Ken was up rather early again so by the time I arose Ken was ready to take a walk.  So, he left while I got ready and then I joined him for about the last mile!  It was a gorgeous morning!


The trees and flowers are so beautiful!


Nice fountain and beautiful tree
at the Elementary School.

These unique lights are hanging in
lots of the trees in the downtown
area.  They look so beautiful at night!

Love these sheep in the Yarn Shoppe
window!

The Easter Bunny is waiting for
her special day!


The cross in front of the old chapel
at Linden Hall Girls School and
the Moravian Church!

Upon our return we made breakfast and then Ken spent time at his desk doing paperwork while I dusted and scoured the apartment.  Ken always does the vacuuming because my back is not fond of that chore!  I got the Easter baskets ready for our granddaughters and did some laundry.  I also decided to do some organizing in my craft area!

I had checked in with Lanie to see how everyone in her family was feeling since she was sick as well as Katelyn (missed 3 days of school) and Samantha who missed Thursday.  Well, everyone was much better but Lanie discovered this morning that Katelyn has head lice - it was going around her classroom.  Well, to make a long story short, it sent the family into a tailspin because Cali, with her OCD, was not going to be able to come to Easter dinner and a Birthday Party for Katelyn at Aunt Lanie's when head lice was a concern.  Lanie had gone to so much work and the girls wanted to see their cousins and have an Easter egg hunt together, so there were lots of tears and frustration, but we all understood why Jamie's family couldn't attend.  So, Ken and I told Lanie we would be happy to come for the celebration.  That made everyone a lot happier!

Ken was at a leadership meeting for Celebrate Recovery from 2 to 4:30 and then we went to the 6:15 Easter service at LCBC.  It was a great one with fantastic music and an inspirational sermon.  Back home for a leisure evening.  I actually watched some of The 10 Commandments.

Easter Sunday turned out to be a beautiful, warm, sunny day.  Originally they had predicted some showers, so we were thankful for the great day!  Ken and I left at 9 and went to Jamie and Dane's to see everyone and have some time together since they wouldn't be going to our family gathering at Lanie's.  After a nice visit, we were on our way to Lanie's by 11:30. 

Bria and Cali in their backyard!

Finally PawPaw is in a picture!


Sam and Katelyn were so excited when they greeted us.


Samantha wanted to dress up for the
holiday!

Ken and I gave them their Easter baskets which including a paddle ball game that they went outside to play -






Lanie had gone all out to provide everyone with a special day including a homemade birthday cake for Katelyn.  We had a delicious meal including filet mignon and crab cakes, specialty potatoes, etc. 

Table already set!

Games and drinks!

So good to be with family!



After cleaning up, we all went outside to hide the eggs for the girls.  Poor Lanie had filled 140 with candy and money and then made up a game that was supposed to provide lots of fun for all 4 of our granddaughters.  Sam and Katelyn had a great time playing and will give some of the prizes to Bria and Cali. 

All ready for the egg hunt!

Ready, set, Go!

There is an egg on top of the Kubb block!


Go get them, Katelyn!

Grandma was the only person who actually "hid" the eggs.
The rest of the adults just threw them in the yard, except for
a few they took the time to somewhat "hide"!


Success!





We also spent time playing Kubb, a favorite of Bob's, and we all enjoy it too.

All ready for our Kubb games!

The girls played on their Daddy's team!


Samantha in action!

Then it was Daddy's turn!

After the Kubb games, it was time to celebrate Katelyn's birthday which was actually today.  Lanie's cake was delicious and I think it put all of us on a sugar high!  Those peeps will do that!!!!!

Anxiously awaiting her birthday cake!

Wow!  One colorful, delicious cake!


Time to blow out the candles!


The icing is so good!


Samantha enjoyed it too!


Ken and I left there around 5:30 and came right home.  We would have loved having our entire family together today, but somethings just don't work out as planned.  We so appreciated Bob and Lanie's hospitality.