Monday - Cold Day with Some Snowflakes!

Ken and I were up in time to watch the first 20 minutes of the Morning News.  Then it was time to stretch and get ready for the day.  We both did our devotions and reading and I worked on the blog before leaving at 10:15 to go to the Water Street Mission for our 1st time of volunteering.

I must say that our 1st experience was a very good one and you can't help but be impressed by the organization and their amazing workers.  Ken and I looked great in our hair nets and his beard and mustache nets - I wish we had some photos to show you how good we looked - NOT!  We were supposed to be there by 11 and our time started with the kitchen help meeting for prayer and then having the opportunity to eat together before the people who stayed there were served.  The food was positively delicious and all homemade at the Mission.  Isaac's, a well-known eatery here in the county, provided their fabulous tomato bisque. The main course choices were stuffed peppers, beef stroganoff, or a chicken marina pasta all made from scratch here at the Mission.  My job was putting veggies on their plate and offering them a bowl of soup.  Ken filled small bowls with fresh fruit and tuna salad and offered containers of yogurt.  The folks certainly have lots of choices including a salad bar - it was impressive!

After serving, Ken helped wash the floor of the dining hall while I did some sweeping.  We left there around 1:30 having been blessed by the whole experience.  We made a stop at AC Moore so I could get a couple items that I needed for some crafting I am doing.  Ken, being the good guy he is, went in with me so he could use the 55% off coupon for one item and so could I.

I did hear from Cindy and they are in North Carolina on their way to Camp LeJeune.  It is near 50 degrees so they are enjoying the milder temperatures.  Once back home, I decided to start another baby afghan for Knots of Love and then went back to my desk to go through some samples of cards you can make to get some ideas for creating new ones.  I plan to get together with my mother, who is also a big card maker, to spend time together making some new creations.

Around 4:30 we were going to take a walk and when we looked out the window, it was snowing - REALLY?  It doesn't take much for me to say no to walking especially when it is only in the low 40's.  Ken braved the weather and made hamburgs on the grill and after cleaning up, we played 2 rounds of Hand and Foot.  I am in the lead by about 1200 points.

Ken did some reading and I crocheted while watching The Voice.  Bedtime was 10:15.

Saturday and Sunday - A Great Weekend!

Ken got up at 6:30 and I was awake in time to watch the Morning News.  It was only near 40 degrees and cloudy, but Ken decided to take a walk - I didn't have an interest.  So off he went for about 1 1/4 hours!  I did a load of wash, my stretches, and my devotions till he returned.  ( I played a game on his I-Pad but we won't mention that!)

We ate a light breakfast and then it was shower time.  Ken spent about 1/2 hour talking to Ernie.  They did get home yesterday and are trying to adapt to the cold weather.  All of us feel extremely blessed when we get home from Florida safe and sound!  I talked with Melissa since we hadn't chatted for quite a while.  They had a good time in San Antonio this winter, but January was very cool and dreary.  February was a great month for golfing and being outdoors.  Chuck is having rotator cuff surgery this Thursday that will be rather major.  We are praying that all will go well and that the recovery will be quicker than predicted.  

Ken vacuumed (a job that is hard on my back!) and then went to the grocery store for a few items.  I washed the floors and then spent just a little time painting.  After a light lunch, Ken rested and I scoured the bathroom.  

At 2, Dan and Jackie, great friends for many years, picked us up and the 4 of us went to see the movie, "I Can Only Imagine"!  What a powerful and great movie!  We all really enjoyed it and would highly recommend it!  From there we went to Mick's Grill, an eatery in the theater complex, for soup and salads.  Then back to our place to play Hand and Foot, a new game for Dan.  The men were definitely the winners.  Jackie and I just couldn't get going!  She was unable to get into her "Foot" the 1st 3 rounds -what is that about?  We had a fun time anyway just playing, chatting, and sharing life!  They left around 10:30 and we were off to bed!

Today, Sunday, was a sunny day but only in the 40's.  It was in the upper 20's when we got up.  Fortunately and for a nice change, it was sunny today.  We went to LCBC and sat with Jamie, Dane, and his parents.  It was an amazing sermon with so much to think about and contemplate.  After church we went to breakfast with Eddie and Lori and had a nice time "catching up" because we hadn't seen them since we were together in Florida!  From there Ken and I went to Jamie and Dane's (they knew we were coming) and played games with girls and and had some nice conversation with Dane and Jamie.  It was a wonderful 1 1/2 hours together!  They really are a special family!

On the way home, I chatted with Cindy who had called earlier to ask about my Dr. appointment that I had on Thursday.  What a great sister!  They are leaving tomorrow morning for North Carolina to Camp LeJeune where they left their motorhome on the way back from Florida.  They are looking forward to spending about a week there.

We were home by 2 and it was a relaxing day.  We would have gone for a walk, but it was in the 30's, windy, and just too cold for our "Florida blood"!  I spent the afternoon at my craft desk making a few greeting cards, writing some notes to friends, and cleaning up my area.  Ken did some reading and we watched some of the Masters Golf.  After leftovers for dinner, I did a little more crafting, worked on this blog, and by 9:30 we were in bed.

It has been a very nice weekend!

Friday - ANOTHER Damp, Cool, Dreary Day!

I was up at 5:30 to got ready to meet my Curvette ladies for breakfast.  Ken had been awake for about 1 1/2 hours during the night, so I had to wake him when I was ready to leave at 6:30 - his request!

It was fun to have breakfast with my friends and we had a good time laughing and sharing stories.  We left a little before 8 and I met Ken at our local Honda repair shop so we could leave the CRV there to get inspected.

When we got home, I cleaned-up my office space and then worked on my blog.  I then did my devotions that I didn't have time to do before I left for breakfast!  I left again for my 10 AM Dr. appt. in Ephrata.  All my blood work was great but she is scheduling me for a stress test since I mentioned that I have some chest pain and tingles in my arm.  We both feel it is probably nothing but muscular aches since there is no family history of heart problems and scoliosis can affect breathing, but better to be safe than sorry!   I will have that next Thursday. I am also going to see an orthopedist that specializes in the back and neck to see what he would recommend for my ongoing scoliosis issues.  I probably won't be able to see that Dr. for a month or so!

Upon my return, we ate lunch and then I did some rock painting while Ken went through lots of "stuff" in his desk and closet.  He was in a "throw away" mode and that was good!  Amazing what you save and wonder why?????

We went to pick up the finished CRV which needed new brakes and rotors on all the wheels - a rather "hefty" bill.  The car has 75,000 miles so it was time for new ones!  It was still cloudy and damp, but had warmed to the low 50's, so we went for a walk.  I am still not very comfortable in my SAS, but I need to get "used to it" all over again, since I hadn't worn it for such a long time and my body is not happy with the position it wants me to be in!

After dinner, we decided to go to Linden Hall, a local girls boarding school, to attend the play they were performing, but when we got there the tickets had all been sold.  So we went to Red Box and rented the movie, "Wonder".  Both of us enjoyed the story and could understand how tough it would be for children and their parents to deal with their disabilities.  The hurt they feel would be so difficult!

We went right to bed at the end of the movie.  It has been a relaxing afternoon and evening!  Did get a message from Ernie and Noela that they planned to arrive back home in Canada today.  

Thursday - Another Cold, Damp Day!

Okay, enough of these unseasonable cold, dreary days!  It was only in the low 40's today and sooo damp!  Time for the Spring weather to appear!

Ken left at 7:30 to meet his friend, Gary, for breakfast.  I got ready, made breakfast, stretched, and then did my devotions.  By then it was time to leave for Jamie's for a haircut.  Ken had done some grocery shopping at Wal-Mart after his breakfast and then was at Jamie's when I arrived getting his haircut.

He left around 10:45 and then it was my turn.  I decided to have Jamie cut it quite a bit shorter with layers for something different for the summer.  We had a wonderful time chatting and having some great conversations about "life"!  I really appreciate being able to talk with her and the haircut was good too!

I only left there around 12:30 and when I got home Ken had left to meet with someone from our investment office to do our taxes, but he had made salads for tonight and tomorrow.  What a guy!  I ate a light lunch and then decided I should do some cleaning, one of my favorite chores - NOT!

Ken was home for about 15 minutes and then he was off again to meet with one of the young guys he mentors.  I am so proud of what a great job he does with these men who need some guidance and support!  I continued my cleaning until he returned at 5.  We chatted about our day and then it was time to grill and have dinner.

After clean-up we decided to play a game of Hand and Foot and after 3 rounds we were only 450 points apart, but Ken had a great 4th round and was the definite winner!  I did some crocheting while watching Grey's Anatomy and we were both in bed by 9:30.

Hopefully tomorrow will be a better weather day, but that's not what is forecasted!  Noela and I messaged today and they are hoping to be in New York this evening, but may be detained there if the weather is bad.  I am sure they are anxious to be back in Canada, because once you leave Florida you are just ready to get home when so much driving is involved!

Tuesday & Wednesday - Cold Days with Rain and Lots of Wind!

Well, as you can imagine, I am not a fan of this miserable weather.  Enough, already!

It wasn't raining when we got up, so Ken decided to go for a walk (only a small window of opportunity before the rain was supposed to start!) while I did my stretches and got ready for the day.  He was a little wet when he returned because the rain had started a bit earlier than forecast.  So much for Accuweather!

We ate breakfast and I left at 10:15 to meet Cindy and John to play pickleball at the Hempfield Sports Complex.  It is fun to spend time with them and the people who play are mostly at about the same level of skill.  I really had a good time and was happy with how well I played today.  Sometimes I just can't get it together!

We left around 1:15 and it was windy, damp, and cool.  I headed straight home where I found Ken working at his desk.  He had spent some of the morning looking for a possible "adventure" we could do with our girls and their families next year to help us celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary.  We discussed some possibilities but find it unbelievable the cost that is involved when looking to have 10 people share a memorable experience.  We will continue our "investigation" but do think going to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls could be a possibility!

After dinner, Ken left for Celebrate Recovery and I spent the evening painting rocks and watching The Voice.  Ken returned at 9:15 and had a great evening seeing all his "buddies" again.  We "retired" around 10.

Today, Wednesday, Ken did his devotions and reading and then we enjoyed an omelette breakfast.  He left at 8 to start his volunteer work with MCC for the 1st time since returning from Florida.  He was excited about helping out there again!

I talked with Lanie and Bob is still sick in bed with a definite case of the flu.  He has been sick since Saturday.  Katelyn went back to school on Tuesday but Samantha only returned today.  Fortunately Lanie is still healthy and we certainly hope it continues - she is rather anxious!  We did decide to postpone Easter again until Saturday the 14th giving everyone a chance to be healthy!

I left at 11:15 to go to ACMoore to buy some yard that is on sale so I can make some preemie blankets for Knots of Love.  I have tried crocheting some of their hat patterns but have not been too successful, partly because I have trouble with gauge.  I tend to crochet very loosely!  I think afghans will be a better option for me, but I haven't totally ruled out doing hats!  I am a perseverer!

After a few additional errands, I was back home by 1:45 and very hungry. By then the winds had really increased with up to 50 mile gusts - crazy!  Ken and I did some chatting about our day.  He enjoyed his time at MCC and seeing those "buddies" again.  I made a batch of oat bran muffins, prepped for dinner and then started one of the baby afghans.  Ken was busy at his desk making camping reservations for Chesapeake with John and Cindy the beginning of June and then in August at Yogi Bear for an adventure with our granddaughters.  We also have a date in later June to take the granddaughters to the Delaware Water Gap to do some small hikes to see waterfalls.  Sounds like lots of fun!

Ken made us chicken barbeque sandwiches for dinner, we ate the leftover quinoa from last night and had a salad (that's a surprise!).  I spent the evening crocheting and Ken did some reading.  We also watched a fascinating public broadcasting show on the life of a butterfly.  They are amazing!

Both of us headed to bed around 9:30.

Monday - Snowy Morning!

Ken was up before me to do his reading and when I got up I couldn't believe how hard it was snowing.  It was a beautiful, heavy snow with the tree branches covered, making it look like a winter fairy land.  I loved seeing it, but one snow a year is enough for me.  We actually had about 3 or 4 inches.

Taken from the balcony of our apartment.  So beautiful!

Ken left at 7:30 to meet a friend for breakfast.  Shortly after leaving I got a phone call from him.  It seems like a certain person, her name shall go unmentioned, forgot to close the sunroof on the CRV (it was only open about an inch), so when Ken got in, there were 2 very little piles of snow in the car.  But, when he tried to close the sunroof the track in the very front was frozen, so it opened instead - problem!  Now all the snow on the roof was pushed inside, kind of like an avalanche!  I may have caused a minor problem, but now there was a much larger one - lots of snow on the seats, floors and console.  Ken felt bad that he had to leave, but thought I might want to "address" the situation!

Not much snow in the car until Ken tried to close the sunroof!

Ken took this photo while driving to breakfast.  I am sure
that is a very safe thing to do!!!!!

So, I put on warm clothes and spent the next 20 minutes or so brushing snow out of the CRV.  Fortunately it was a "packing snow" and I could form some of it into snowballs!  I did bring all the floor mats inside to dry.

I ate breakfast, did some reading, and then got ready for the day.  When Ken returned he left the CRV run with the heat on for about 30 minutes, but the seats were still wet!

We ate lunch early and then left at noon to got to Masonic Homes to play Pinochle with my parents.  By then the roads were totally clear because it was in the 40's.  It was a great day of cards with the men winning 2 and the women 3 but 2 of the games were extremely close.  We only left at 5:30 because the tie breaking game was a long one!  By the time we headed home, almost all the snow was gone!

We had leftovers and salad for dinner, cleaned up, and then spent time going over our schedules for the next several months.  We have Bria and Cali's field hockey and swim meet schedules for the summer so we were trying to see when we could "squeeze" in some camping trips both with the granddaughters and some just for us!  The summer is going to be a busy one!

I worked on this blog while Ken did more reading.  I watched The Voice and tried my hand at more of the hat crochet patterns.  Today we also signed up for our 1st job with the Water Street Mission.  Looking forward to helping serve lunch next Monday.  Bed by 10:30.

Sunday - Happy Easter!

Ken did his devotions and reading early and by 8:30 we were on our way to Jamie and Dane's for hot drinks and cinnamon rolls (those Pillsbury ones in the tubes that you bake and then put icing on top) which is a tradition on birthday mornings!  Actually we did the same thing every Sunday morning when Lanie and Jamie were still at home!

Ken and I were there till about 10 and we had so much fun.  Cali wanted to show me numerous things in her room and then it was time to sing Happy Birthday, open birthday cards, and eat those delicious cinnamon rolls.  We plan to take Bria and Cali to a local park where they can have fun on several different zip lines sometime this summer to celebrate their birthdays.  We played several games before we left!

Ken dropped me off at home and he went to the Lititz UM Church's contemporary service.  The church we attend is Florida is UM and we are impressed with their outreach programs and really enjoy their Sunday morning services.  He wanted to see how this one in Lititz compares because we would appreciate a bit of a smaller church and if it would be in the town where we live, that could be a bonus for learning to know local people!  We love the services at LCBC but just want to explore other options!

I downloaded pictures and worked on this blog while Ken was at church.  I also talked to Lanie and Bob woke up sick with a fever and feeling like he was "run over by a Mack Truck"!  Wow, their family is certainly having a rough 4 days.  Both of the girls were better, but Sam still had a slight fever!  Ken returned at noon and he said he enjoyed the service but it would not be a church he would be interested in attending on a regular basis.

I made 2 salads for each of us so we could have them for lunch and dinner today and tomorrow.  After eating, I put on my SAS and we went for a walk to downtown Lititz.  It was a cool day, but the sunshine made it reasonable.

I worked on my painted rocks and painting some figurines for my Christmas Village while Ken spent time reading.  He grilled salmon and chicken and after dinner, we watched Jesus Christ Superstar - brought back memories from our early days!  I did some crocheting while watching, because I am hoping to start crocheting for Knots of Love, a charity that provides hats for chemo patients and baby blankets for premies.  1st, I have to figure out how to make the hats using the patterns they provide!  It could be a challenge!

Ken went to bed at 10:30, but I kept crocheting until 11.  Then off to bed to do some reading!  It certainly was a quiet Easter Day!