A week ago I told you about my van giving me all kinds of trouble. Well, Saturday evening we took my car to run errands, and it kindly gave the same hassle for Everett. He was as frustrated as I was, and by Monday he had it in the garage in Lowell and it was fixed by evening. About $245 later a new switch and it was ready to go. Thankfully it has run well all week.
Brenda, Emma and I went shopping for fabric for Emma's big girl room on Monday morning, and found just what she wanted, but by evening she had decided it was very pricey for one window and returned it by Tuesday.
Tuesday Brenda and Emma came here for the day, and it was delightful, and gives us all a change of scenery. Emma also came to my house on Thursday, and we had a good time, just hanging out, going to the grocery store, riding the pony at Meijer's. She took a really long nap, and then remembered that Grandma had promised her ice cream.
Friday was a day to accomplish some odds and ends, and I am glad to have the valance sewed for one of the guest rooms upstairs. I also spent some time at church getting material ready to put in our Coffee Break folders on Wednesday.
Today was a big day getting the house back in order, and catching up on the laundry. I was rather tired by 4:30, but after a shower I did revive, and we packed a picnic supper, and took the pontoon to Reed's Lake. It was a perfect evening for a boat ride, and so enjoyable. We knew Brett, Roxanne and the kids were at some friends, so we took the boat to the beach near their house and picked up the kids, Regan, Olivia, Grace, Aidan and Max. We took them towards the middle of the lake and anchored and let them jump off the boat for awhile. It is always fun to have kids on board.
Everett was busy today as always and washed all the house doors and the 2 service doors on the lower garage, and got them primed. We decided it was time to repaint the doors, after having them a John Deere green for many years we are going to a dark raspberry this time. A new coat of paint always perks things up. He was a little over zealous as he cleaned the doors with the power washer, and when I went to the front door and the laundry room door I saw water on the floor, so I had a mess. It was after the fact so I had to deal with it. At least the doors were clean and the primer coat covered better than I expected.
Tomorrow will be a welcome day of rest, and we are going to visit some friends in Grand Haven later in the afternoon.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Friday, August 22, 2008
Friday's Chores
It was another day of early rising, and I really do best when I get up early. I had a 9 AM pedicure appointment so wanted to get some things finished before I left. I got the kitchen all cleaned up, and a couple of loads of laundry finished, brought all of the bird feeders out to their hangers( if I don't take them in every night there are raccoons that destroy the feeders and eat the bird feed.) They are little devils!
The pedicure was just great, and if I was good at adding pictures I would take a picture of my toes and add it to this blog. I got the nails done in a deep red this time. Looks nice.
Since I was so far down 28th street I decided to check out the Vacuum store, to see what they recommended as the best canister vac, with the most power. It is The Boss by Eureka (or Electrolux) I was not aware that they had joined. I did end up buying a vacuum which was called the Sanitaire, one step up from the Boss. The motor is the same but some of the tools are better, with metal telescoping wand, chair/step attachment etc. Since I consider myself somewhat of a vacuum expert having used about every brand ever made, I am rather picky about the ones I have to use. Some of those I used to clean houses with would hardly qualify as a vacuum. They were a disaster to say the least. I did learn how to fix the obvious problems, but some were to far gone to improve on!!
Went on to Kohl's and found a dressy top and some towels for the master bath. That was a good stop, and did not cost me much, but she did talk me into opening a credit card account. ( I felt guilty as Everett hates to have all the different C.C. bills coming in) How can you resist saving $15 dollars on a $40 purchase??
I filled my car with gas at Sam's for 3.73.9 and then went across the parking lot to Joanne Fabrics to see what they had available for some window treatments that I am going to be working on. I did not see anything that caught my eye, so will have to keep looking. I got in the car having walked through the rain, and then the fun began. I put the key in the ignition, and it would not turn. I could move the steering wheel, but it did not help. I tried to move the shift lever, and that would not budge. Tried the key, tried the key, tried the key, called Everett. He told me to do all the above, still did not work. I got out of the car and tried to rock it. Then I spied a young man walking to his car, and asked if he had ever encountered the problem I was having. He jumped in the car and tried the key, tried to move the steering wheel, tried the key, AND IT WORKED!! Wow I was thrilled, and thanked him profusely. Called Everett and told him I was headed down the road.
I made the next stop at Target, and only found a birthday card. I was beginning to wish I had not made that stop as the car was acting up again. Thankfully it was not quite as serious and I got it working. I headed for home as I was not up to all that excitement.
In the light of my friend who has been helping out her daughter, by having their family of 6 at their condo, and finding out one of the daughters had a severe case of head lice, I can not complain. I could just park my problem in the garage and forget about it. Not so for my friend. They have been spending hours washing bedding and clothes, etc., and also trying various potions to get rid of the little critters. It is amazing how unsettling bugs can be.
Time to sign off and get some sleep.
The pedicure was just great, and if I was good at adding pictures I would take a picture of my toes and add it to this blog. I got the nails done in a deep red this time. Looks nice.
Since I was so far down 28th street I decided to check out the Vacuum store, to see what they recommended as the best canister vac, with the most power. It is The Boss by Eureka (or Electrolux) I was not aware that they had joined. I did end up buying a vacuum which was called the Sanitaire, one step up from the Boss. The motor is the same but some of the tools are better, with metal telescoping wand, chair/step attachment etc. Since I consider myself somewhat of a vacuum expert having used about every brand ever made, I am rather picky about the ones I have to use. Some of those I used to clean houses with would hardly qualify as a vacuum. They were a disaster to say the least. I did learn how to fix the obvious problems, but some were to far gone to improve on!!
Went on to Kohl's and found a dressy top and some towels for the master bath. That was a good stop, and did not cost me much, but she did talk me into opening a credit card account. ( I felt guilty as Everett hates to have all the different C.C. bills coming in) How can you resist saving $15 dollars on a $40 purchase??
I filled my car with gas at Sam's for 3.73.9 and then went across the parking lot to Joanne Fabrics to see what they had available for some window treatments that I am going to be working on. I did not see anything that caught my eye, so will have to keep looking. I got in the car having walked through the rain, and then the fun began. I put the key in the ignition, and it would not turn. I could move the steering wheel, but it did not help. I tried to move the shift lever, and that would not budge. Tried the key, tried the key, tried the key, called Everett. He told me to do all the above, still did not work. I got out of the car and tried to rock it. Then I spied a young man walking to his car, and asked if he had ever encountered the problem I was having. He jumped in the car and tried the key, tried to move the steering wheel, tried the key, AND IT WORKED!! Wow I was thrilled, and thanked him profusely. Called Everett and told him I was headed down the road.
I made the next stop at Target, and only found a birthday card. I was beginning to wish I had not made that stop as the car was acting up again. Thankfully it was not quite as serious and I got it working. I headed for home as I was not up to all that excitement.
In the light of my friend who has been helping out her daughter, by having their family of 6 at their condo, and finding out one of the daughters had a severe case of head lice, I can not complain. I could just park my problem in the garage and forget about it. Not so for my friend. They have been spending hours washing bedding and clothes, etc., and also trying various potions to get rid of the little critters. It is amazing how unsettling bugs can be.
Time to sign off and get some sleep.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
COFFEE BREAK RETREAT
What a beautiful day for a retreat. It was a sunny cool morning as we all gathered on Kathy's deck by Murray Lake, with our morning coffee/tea/water/juice, with some wonderful baked rolls, almond bars, pecan muffins and fruit. It was so quiet and peaceful looking out over the water. We started our time together with singing and then listened to a very inspiring CD or tape by Charles Stanley on the Holy Spirit. We do not often hear such stirring sermons on the power of the Holy Spirit. He is the amazing and powerful helper that Jesus left us when He went to sit at the right hand of God the Father. He is the power that dwells in us, and He just asks us to surrender ourselves to His power. He will be the Helper that was promised by Jesus to His disciples.
We also spent a wonderful time in prayer asking God to bless every facet of the Coffee Break/Story Hour program. There were 14 women there, and it was a blessed time.
I had a chiropractor appointment at 5:15, but when I dropped my friend off at 1:45 I called and got it moved up to 3:15 instead.
This evening Brett and Roxanne dropped off Olivia and Regan at 6:30, and then joined Aidan at the SE YMCA so he could play at the soccer camp. Aidan is really enjoying it and it gave Brett and Roxanne time to take a walk on the trails along Ada Drive. They dropped Aidan off at a little after 8:30. After some TV time and snacks they were in bed by 10.
Now it is bedtime for me as I will be taking the kids to Brenda tomorrow while we take care of Emma too.
We also spent a wonderful time in prayer asking God to bless every facet of the Coffee Break/Story Hour program. There were 14 women there, and it was a blessed time.
I had a chiropractor appointment at 5:15, but when I dropped my friend off at 1:45 I called and got it moved up to 3:15 instead.
This evening Brett and Roxanne dropped off Olivia and Regan at 6:30, and then joined Aidan at the SE YMCA so he could play at the soccer camp. Aidan is really enjoying it and it gave Brett and Roxanne time to take a walk on the trails along Ada Drive. They dropped Aidan off at a little after 8:30. After some TV time and snacks they were in bed by 10.
Now it is bedtime for me as I will be taking the kids to Brenda tomorrow while we take care of Emma too.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
More Birthday's
August is a BIG month for birthday's in our family, both extended and immediate. It begins with our niece and nephew-twins- Duane and Gloria on August 1. Gloria's son Travis, the 5th, and brother in law Ken Vanden Hoek the 27th
Then the immediate family begins on the 11th with Aidan, Olivia and Regan who celebrated their 10th birthday this year. They reported that they had a great day, and celebrated by taking their friends, Grace and Max to Craig's Cruiser's and had a fun time riding the go-carts and something with shooting, and I heard that Regan was pretty tricky with that game!
Next, Brett turned 39 this year, on the 13th. We were invited to their house for pizza that evening and a delicious birthday cookie. I cannot be much older than 39, so how can I have a child that age.
We had a great day on Sunday for Everett's birthday, and now today Lauri is 41. We wish you a great birthday, Lauri and have an extra piece of birthday cake for us. We hope to see you all soon, and also celebrate Mackenna's 10th birthday Sept. 1.
Then the immediate family begins on the 11th with Aidan, Olivia and Regan who celebrated their 10th birthday this year. They reported that they had a great day, and celebrated by taking their friends, Grace and Max to Craig's Cruiser's and had a fun time riding the go-carts and something with shooting, and I heard that Regan was pretty tricky with that game!
Next, Brett turned 39 this year, on the 13th. We were invited to their house for pizza that evening and a delicious birthday cookie. I cannot be much older than 39, so how can I have a child that age.
We had a great day on Sunday for Everett's birthday, and now today Lauri is 41. We wish you a great birthday, Lauri and have an extra piece of birthday cake for us. We hope to see you all soon, and also celebrate Mackenna's 10th birthday Sept. 1.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
BIRTHDAY BABY
It was a beautiful day to celebrate a very special birthday, for my dear husband. He is 63, and we had a great time having the local kids over for dinner, with 10 of us around the table. Everett picked the menu on Friday, and he chose sizzlers, baked potatoes, fresh green beans, fresh corn on the cob, green salad, with german chocolate cake for dessert. It was an easy dinner for me, as I did not have to cook the meat, although I must say I did make the cake from scratch. It all went well, but we had to make some mac and cheese for Emma. She looked over the table and did not see anything that suited her fancy, so we fixed her favorite food!! Thank goodness for Easy Mac!
It was a relaxing afternoon, as Brett and Roxanne left by 2PM to bring the girls to a friend. Emma took a nap upstairs and was excited to sleep in a big girl bed (actually her Mom's old bed). We had purchased a rail for it last night and it was pink, so I think that made it even better. Joel and Brenda and Everett and I also took a nap, and before we knew it, it was 3:30.
Joel and Brenda have had a very exciting week, as they camped at Gun Lake for the week, which also was the first time they have camped as a family. Brenda is even warming up to the idea of camping. She was not brought up with camping as a family tradition like Joel was, so it has taken awhile to get used to the idea. They did not "rough it" to say the least, so 'the princess' can not complain!! It was a lovely 5th wheel camper from friends of theirs, and very roomy. We brought up our pontoon last Sunday and picked it up again on Friday night. We were so happy they had such lovely weather and were able to go out on the boat many times.
On Monday they got a call that will greatly affect their life again. Monday Joel drove home to meet the plumber, and while he was there, got a call from their adoption agency, telling them a birth mom had chosen them to take her baby. On Thursday they drove 2 1/2 hours to meet with the caseworker and then the birth mom. It is so amazing when all the details fall into place and the reasons the mom chose them. Her comment was that they looked like they liked to have fun, and they looked casual. After the meeting everyone was very comfortable with the decision.
We pray that all of the details work out, and that a healthy baby is born Sept. 23. They have been told it is a boy. We are all excited!!
It was a relaxing afternoon, as Brett and Roxanne left by 2PM to bring the girls to a friend. Emma took a nap upstairs and was excited to sleep in a big girl bed (actually her Mom's old bed). We had purchased a rail for it last night and it was pink, so I think that made it even better. Joel and Brenda and Everett and I also took a nap, and before we knew it, it was 3:30.
Joel and Brenda have had a very exciting week, as they camped at Gun Lake for the week, which also was the first time they have camped as a family. Brenda is even warming up to the idea of camping. She was not brought up with camping as a family tradition like Joel was, so it has taken awhile to get used to the idea. They did not "rough it" to say the least, so 'the princess' can not complain!! It was a lovely 5th wheel camper from friends of theirs, and very roomy. We brought up our pontoon last Sunday and picked it up again on Friday night. We were so happy they had such lovely weather and were able to go out on the boat many times.
On Monday they got a call that will greatly affect their life again. Monday Joel drove home to meet the plumber, and while he was there, got a call from their adoption agency, telling them a birth mom had chosen them to take her baby. On Thursday they drove 2 1/2 hours to meet with the caseworker and then the birth mom. It is so amazing when all the details fall into place and the reasons the mom chose them. Her comment was that they looked like they liked to have fun, and they looked casual. After the meeting everyone was very comfortable with the decision.
We pray that all of the details work out, and that a healthy baby is born Sept. 23. They have been told it is a boy. We are all excited!!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Lovely Summer Sunday
Another week has passed so quickly, and as I look at the calendar I see a good week! A lunch at Olga's with a friend, a great breakfast at Real Food with Roxanne. Prayer time with Coffee Break leaders on Wednesday, and a 4 hour dental appointment on Friday. Well, I guess the 4 hour dental appointment would not qualify as good, but it was tolerable with many shots of Novacaine to deaden the nerves, that even made my nose numb!! I am having some cosmetic and necessary work done on the front top teeth. The area we lived in SD had a high level of flouride in the water, causing pitting of my front teeth, leaving brown spots. After many years the dentist said there was a good way to deal with the problem, and then began the process of covering my front teeth with veneers. It has its complications, but the process has also improved a lot since the first time I had them in 1990. The last ones lasted 13 years. Most people have more trouble with the jaw wearing, but I cause more wear and tear on my teeth, and their finish. I guess it is easier to build the teeth than the jaw bones!! I will have my next appointment to put on the final veneers September 2. I am looking forward to that, as the temporary teeth leave quite a bit to be desired. I find myself rubbing my tongue till it is sore, and the temps are rough, so it does not take much to cause problems.
Today was a lovely cool day, and since Brenda and Joel are at Gun Lake camping this week, they asked us to come down and bring the pontoon boat, so they can go fishing and cruising. It is a very big lake although it is also shallow in spots. We took Brenda, Joel, Emma and Joel's parents, Paul and Mary for a boat ride after a delicious dinner - taco salad. Yummm. Paul and Mary's campsite is only 75 feet away, so Emma rides her trike back and forth many times a day. She does not have to cross a street, so that makes it much safer. She has the camper doors all figured out, and can get in and out quickly. She thinks camping is about the best thing to do, and gets lots of attention with G'pa and G'ma so close. It looks like the weather should be very good this week, so they should have some great times
Today was a lovely cool day, and since Brenda and Joel are at Gun Lake camping this week, they asked us to come down and bring the pontoon boat, so they can go fishing and cruising. It is a very big lake although it is also shallow in spots. We took Brenda, Joel, Emma and Joel's parents, Paul and Mary for a boat ride after a delicious dinner - taco salad. Yummm. Paul and Mary's campsite is only 75 feet away, so Emma rides her trike back and forth many times a day. She does not have to cross a street, so that makes it much safer. She has the camper doors all figured out, and can get in and out quickly. She thinks camping is about the best thing to do, and gets lots of attention with G'pa and G'ma so close. It looks like the weather should be very good this week, so they should have some great times
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Back from South Dakota
We made it back from SD today at 3:45PM, and very grateful for a safe uneventful trip. Well, mostly that is! We had a tour of Moline, IL at 11 last night. We did not have a map along, big mistake, and since FEMA is still filling all the motels in eastern Iowa, we ended up calling 1-800HAMPTON and did get a reservation at the Hampton Inn at the Quad cities airport. Well, the directions left something to be desired, and hence the tour of Moline. We were pleasantly surprised when we saw our room as it was better than average. We slept well, and had a very nice complimentary breakfast. We were on the road by 9 AM this morning, and since we had made it to IL last night, we had a relaxing drive today.
The first thing I looked for were signs of little critters running through the house, but thankfully have not seen a trace so far, so that is a good sign.
I still have some unpacking to do, but can get at that tomorrow. We were able to make it to church this evening, and it was wonderful to be back again to worship.
It was difficult to leave Mom, and yet I know she is getting wonderful care. It is not easy to see her so different, from the quick and witty Mom we knew, but she seems as content as she can be in her condition. She does sleep a lot. At times she seems to lose interest in what is happening around her, and falls asleep. We are thankful that she can now take her liquids normally and not thickened. She also has been getting her food ground and not pureed. We hope all of that makes her life a little more comfortable. She has a nice room, and is close to the nurses station, so there is lots of activity going on, and her friends are very faithful in visiting her.
We had a good time seeing family and friends during our time in SD. Everett had a great time at his reunion, and so did I. It is fun to see all the kids we went to school with over the years.
We also spent some time with Dorothy, Marguerite, Margie and Ken and planned our trip to Door County, WI, September 10-15. We have a place to stay, so we can go from there each day to visit points of interest.
We were also grateful that the flu bug did not bite Everett quite as hard as it did his sister Margie. She felt miserable about 3 days, and thankfully Everett was fine after 24 hours. I was very happy to miss the bug.
As wonderful as it was to be in SD it is great to be home again. I have a repairman coming to look at my washer tomorrow somewhere between 8-10, and hope he can take care of the problem, since it is less than a year old. Very frustrating.
The first thing I looked for were signs of little critters running through the house, but thankfully have not seen a trace so far, so that is a good sign.
I still have some unpacking to do, but can get at that tomorrow. We were able to make it to church this evening, and it was wonderful to be back again to worship.
It was difficult to leave Mom, and yet I know she is getting wonderful care. It is not easy to see her so different, from the quick and witty Mom we knew, but she seems as content as she can be in her condition. She does sleep a lot. At times she seems to lose interest in what is happening around her, and falls asleep. We are thankful that she can now take her liquids normally and not thickened. She also has been getting her food ground and not pureed. We hope all of that makes her life a little more comfortable. She has a nice room, and is close to the nurses station, so there is lots of activity going on, and her friends are very faithful in visiting her.
We had a good time seeing family and friends during our time in SD. Everett had a great time at his reunion, and so did I. It is fun to see all the kids we went to school with over the years.
We also spent some time with Dorothy, Marguerite, Margie and Ken and planned our trip to Door County, WI, September 10-15. We have a place to stay, so we can go from there each day to visit points of interest.
We were also grateful that the flu bug did not bite Everett quite as hard as it did his sister Margie. She felt miserable about 3 days, and thankfully Everett was fine after 24 hours. I was very happy to miss the bug.
As wonderful as it was to be in SD it is great to be home again. I have a repairman coming to look at my washer tomorrow somewhere between 8-10, and hope he can take care of the problem, since it is less than a year old. Very frustrating.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
