Monday I met an electrician at one of our rent homes to see about installing an electrical outlet by the kitchen sink. What, there isn't one there now? No. We have owned the house for 10 years and never paid attention to this shortfall, until when doing a recent walk thru that the tenant had run an extension cord up over a doorway so she could have power at that countertop. A relatively easy fix.
On Monday and Tuesday I worked around the rain to trim back some overgrowth at another rental. It is easier to cut it back now rather than wait a year when the underbrush grows out of control. Next step is to spray some bush killer on it.
Wednesday Sandy met with her primary physician (per her suggestion) as a follow up. She was gone less than an hour, and it is a 15 drive to the office. How much care did she really receive? She did ask for a prescription to prevent seasickness. She saw Clifford on Thursday morning and then her favorite home health nurse visited on Friday. Not much to report on her condition. I refer to is as 'flat line'; no minor changes up or down.
Friday I had my hearing checked; it has been 15 years since I officially had this done. I was impressed with the thoroughness of the procedure. They checked for hearing and clarity. Yes my hearing capacity is degrading, but not significant to need any aids. And the checkup was free!
Friday evening we invited the sister missionaries and a friend to dinner. The sisters were able to attend. Made one of my favorite recipes, onion cheese pies. Now that I am doing most of the cooking, there is no excuse for me not to enjoy some of those meals I really enjoy, but may not have eaten often since Sandy was doing the cooking. Then, maybe the reason they were so delicious at the time was because they were a rare treat.
The tenant in Adam's house unexpectedly moved out and I spent time Thursday and Friday taking care of things there. Any trash they left behind was in the nine full trash bags they left. I just needed to find sufficient space to deposit those. And why is there a towel in the cabinet under the bath sink? And why is it wet? And why is there a full two gallon container under the p-trap under the kitchen sink? What, you have only lived here two months and can't report these problems? The bathroom needed a new drain; simply fix. One of the drain lines had separated under the kitchen sink. Again an easy fix. Still don't understand why people can put a basin under the leak to catch the water, but can't pick up the phone to report the problem. The frustrations of land owners.
Saturday was an interesting day, but that story starts a couple weeks ago. Somehow the ward leadership became aware of a destitute family of eight (four generations) and reached out to assist them. One family in particular has been very support of their efforts to help them get on their feet; they extended the proverbial 'go the extra mile' to running a marathon. For example, one morning while the husband and wife were in McDonalds a complete stranger ask why the sister was looking so discouraged. So she shared her concern about a family that was being evicted and had little furniture. This man said he had a three bedroom house full of furniture which they could have. With help from ward members, housing was obtained and yesterday was move day. There was a great turn out of members of all ages and by early afternoon, they were settled into two new to them homes. As we moved the parents of four young children into their new place, it was obvious it was not quite ready for occupancy. The property manager had been assured it was all finished, but it wasn't. We discovered that the water heater wasn't functioning and the frig was the same.They did get a frig later in the day. I noticed that neither toilet functioned and paid Home Depot a visit for the necessary parts. Didn't feel right leaving them without a working toilet. 30 minutes later all was well.
We had a good testimony meeting today; good faith promoting testimonies were shared. And we had an inspiring discussion on why the Jewish leaders had difficulty accepting the Savior for who He is and why we have trouble seeing the good others do because of our preconceived ideas.
The best news: it isn't raining!! and the sun is shining brightly.
Sunday, May 5, 2019
Sunday, April 28, 2019
Just another beautiful week in the Ozarks!
Unlike some family letter writers that can provide a daily narrative of interesting things they have accomplished during the week, I am lucky to remember much of anything that transpired the past seven days. I will give it a try though.
Sandy had blood work done on Monday so she could have another infusion on Tuesday. This time when she came home, she determined not to crash and succumb to sleeping. Instead she went about her normal routine of writing and reading and was able to sleep that night. Wednesday we met with her surgeon to get his evaluation on what to do next since she no longer goes to the wound healing center. The wound still looks good, surgery is still not an option, no there is no way to repair the leaks in her colon. But he did provide one interesting bit of information: I was concerned that the colon leak was contaminating her internal organs; not so. The body self healed itself by forming a tunnel or wall from the leaks to the external incision. That was comforting. So as long as she drains, she will need an ostomy bag. On Friday Home Health came for their week visit and changed her bag. This has been the week of bags. This was the third bag in six days; they have started to leak in a different place than in the past. Makes me question my installation procedures; but the one the nurse put on is leaking in the same place also.
Every year, the hospital, in conjunction with other sponsors, hosts a health fair at the fair grounds. We were able to attend this year. They provide free blood screenings and other services to the public. Many health care providers from foot specialists to hearing screenings, from cancer support groups to pain management have booths set up to introduce the the public to their services. A great way to find out good information and see your friends. And they checked my ears for wax; one was clear and the other was really blocked. This year they provided free chicken frajitas while they last starting at 11 am. We were done before then, so we left and went out to breakfast/lunch instead.
I did have an appointment to get my one ear cleared of wax on Friday and will have a free hearing check next week. I also met with Jana at the law firm that prepared our trust to update our assets. We keep changing things and need to keep the trust updated. This procedure always involves a lot of teeth gnashing.
Friday evening, Katie and Nathan drove up separately for the weekend. We were able to cut some low hanging branches using the bucket of the tractor to get me high enough to cut them with the chain saw. Then Katie was able to get some bush hogging done. That night we had the sister missionaries over for dinner. An investigator was also invited, but had to cancel at the last minute. We always have a great time when they come.
Saturday Katie got a 60 Minute driving lesson in the Model A. She is doing pretty good. Just need to work on overcoming the paralyzing effects caused by stalling the car at an intersection with cars behind us. Then she bush hogged the western pasture while I took the Stihl cutting blade and cut unwanted underbrush in the forested area.
Sadly the dogwood have dropped their petals and the redbuds have been overgrown with greenery. Spring is rapidly moving on. The iris's are starting to bloom and most of the seeds planted in the garden are sprouting.
We had some great counsel in sacrament meeting today about balancing our time with wants/needs and the importance of daily scripture study. Priesthood focused on taking upon us the name of Christ in all we do. Before Katie left to drive home, we took another 45 minutes to practice driving the Model A. She did much better. Almost ready to solo!
Nathan will leave in the morning, heading to Wyoming for a summer job at the same resort he worked at last year.
Katie wanted to get some photos for her senior collection. So here are a couple pictures of her:
Cooking lesson learned this week: When the chicken quarters are still frozen and stick out of the top of the pan, don't add water to the top of the pan. As they heat up and thaw, they slip into the pan and push the water onto the stove top. Makes for a good mess!
Sandy had blood work done on Monday so she could have another infusion on Tuesday. This time when she came home, she determined not to crash and succumb to sleeping. Instead she went about her normal routine of writing and reading and was able to sleep that night. Wednesday we met with her surgeon to get his evaluation on what to do next since she no longer goes to the wound healing center. The wound still looks good, surgery is still not an option, no there is no way to repair the leaks in her colon. But he did provide one interesting bit of information: I was concerned that the colon leak was contaminating her internal organs; not so. The body self healed itself by forming a tunnel or wall from the leaks to the external incision. That was comforting. So as long as she drains, she will need an ostomy bag. On Friday Home Health came for their week visit and changed her bag. This has been the week of bags. This was the third bag in six days; they have started to leak in a different place than in the past. Makes me question my installation procedures; but the one the nurse put on is leaking in the same place also.
Every year, the hospital, in conjunction with other sponsors, hosts a health fair at the fair grounds. We were able to attend this year. They provide free blood screenings and other services to the public. Many health care providers from foot specialists to hearing screenings, from cancer support groups to pain management have booths set up to introduce the the public to their services. A great way to find out good information and see your friends. And they checked my ears for wax; one was clear and the other was really blocked. This year they provided free chicken frajitas while they last starting at 11 am. We were done before then, so we left and went out to breakfast/lunch instead.
I did have an appointment to get my one ear cleared of wax on Friday and will have a free hearing check next week. I also met with Jana at the law firm that prepared our trust to update our assets. We keep changing things and need to keep the trust updated. This procedure always involves a lot of teeth gnashing.
Friday evening, Katie and Nathan drove up separately for the weekend. We were able to cut some low hanging branches using the bucket of the tractor to get me high enough to cut them with the chain saw. Then Katie was able to get some bush hogging done. That night we had the sister missionaries over for dinner. An investigator was also invited, but had to cancel at the last minute. We always have a great time when they come.
Saturday Katie got a 60 Minute driving lesson in the Model A. She is doing pretty good. Just need to work on overcoming the paralyzing effects caused by stalling the car at an intersection with cars behind us. Then she bush hogged the western pasture while I took the Stihl cutting blade and cut unwanted underbrush in the forested area.
Sadly the dogwood have dropped their petals and the redbuds have been overgrown with greenery. Spring is rapidly moving on. The iris's are starting to bloom and most of the seeds planted in the garden are sprouting.
We had some great counsel in sacrament meeting today about balancing our time with wants/needs and the importance of daily scripture study. Priesthood focused on taking upon us the name of Christ in all we do. Before Katie left to drive home, we took another 45 minutes to practice driving the Model A. She did much better. Almost ready to solo!
Nathan will leave in the morning, heading to Wyoming for a summer job at the same resort he worked at last year.
Katie wanted to get some photos for her senior collection. So here are a couple pictures of her:
Cooking lesson learned this week: When the chicken quarters are still frozen and stick out of the top of the pan, don't add water to the top of the pan. As they heat up and thaw, they slip into the pan and push the water onto the stove top. Makes for a good mess!
Sunday, April 21, 2019
Easter Sunday
Major accomplishments of the week: We survived!
I spend some more time in the garden planting and weeding on Monday.
Tuesday morning we drove to the St Louis Temple with the Powells. It was a beautiful drive highlighted by bright redbud trees and brilliant dogwood...not to mention all the green coming to life. We arrived in time to conduct one session and then head to our hotel. We checked in and enjoyed the dinner that the Drury Inn provides. Then leaving Sandy at the hotel, the three of us returned to do another session. Then it was back to the hotel for a good night's rest.
After a delicious hotel breakfast, we returned to the temple to do another session. It is always good to be in the House of the Lord, doing for others that which they are unable to do for themselves in a very spiritual setting. There is a Costco close to the temple, so of course we had to stop and stock up on needed supplies. Then onto Rolla for a late lunch at Panera Bread Co. I do enjoy their soups and salads. We were home before 6 pm.
Thursday morning Sandy had her weekly visit with Clifford; he keeps saying she is doing better, but he would also like to see her twice a week. Possibly he feels his honor is at stake because he is adamant about getting her well again! I'm with him on that count! Once home, we had lunch and headed to Branson. We drive through Harrison, which has an Aldis, so I was able to purchase some items there to stock in the pantry. We also stopped at Menard's to get some things for the house. And then finally to Branson; no trip here is complete without a stop at Harry and Davids. Dinner was at Red Lobster, a place we have not visited in over 10 years. Sandy had the steak and did a credible job eating most of her meal. We spent a leisure night at the motel.
And just why did we travel to Branson? Obviously chocolate is on the list, but the real reason was that Miranda and Jonathan's families were going to Silver Dollar City on Friday and we joined them for the day. We arrived about 935 (the park opens at 10 am) only to find all the close-up handicap parking spots full. I dropped Sandy off and went to park the car in one of the regular lots and came back to join her. She had reserved an ECV (electronically controlled vehicle), just a fancy name for an electric wheel chair. Due to the up and down terrain at the park, she was worried we would have trouble pushing regular a wheel chair. No complaints from me.
We were able to enjoy several of the shows they have. We saw a fire dancer show. Part of the time they used illuminated LED sticks and part if the time they used real fire. It was impressive, but loud. Then we saw Cirqunique that had balancing stunts and aerial ballet/acrobat routine that I liked a lot. Finally we listened to six harpists who played delightful and familiar melodies.
The children all had a great time; we enjoyed funnel cakes. Most of the group went on what I thought was Thunderation, a relatively mild roller coaster ride. It wasn't until we had waited in line that I saw it was really the new Time Traveler ride, which included loops, barrel rolls and wing overs and more. I can't tell you a lot about the ride since my eyes were closed most of the ride and I was just hanging on for dear life.
We stayed until the park closed at 6 pm and then fought the crowds leaving. All three of us stopped at a Burger King for dinner and Sandy and I drove to Mt Vernon to spend the night with Jonathan's family. And then stayed up late visiting.
Saturday was a slow day. I was able to assist Jonathan with some of his fence installation in their pastures. After dinner, we watched the Time Traveler, the movie that the Time Traveler ride at Silver Dollar City was patterned after
Today was Easter Sunday. We had excellent talks about the Savior's Atonement and Resurrection followed by a thought provoking Sunday School lesson on what the Atonement can do in our lives. We spend a quiet afternoon enjoying the grand children as they searched for clues as to where their Easter baskets were. Jonathan and Kristy prepared a yummy dinner of lamb and ham prior to our departure for home.
I spend some more time in the garden planting and weeding on Monday.
Tuesday morning we drove to the St Louis Temple with the Powells. It was a beautiful drive highlighted by bright redbud trees and brilliant dogwood...not to mention all the green coming to life. We arrived in time to conduct one session and then head to our hotel. We checked in and enjoyed the dinner that the Drury Inn provides. Then leaving Sandy at the hotel, the three of us returned to do another session. Then it was back to the hotel for a good night's rest.
After a delicious hotel breakfast, we returned to the temple to do another session. It is always good to be in the House of the Lord, doing for others that which they are unable to do for themselves in a very spiritual setting. There is a Costco close to the temple, so of course we had to stop and stock up on needed supplies. Then onto Rolla for a late lunch at Panera Bread Co. I do enjoy their soups and salads. We were home before 6 pm.
Thursday morning Sandy had her weekly visit with Clifford; he keeps saying she is doing better, but he would also like to see her twice a week. Possibly he feels his honor is at stake because he is adamant about getting her well again! I'm with him on that count! Once home, we had lunch and headed to Branson. We drive through Harrison, which has an Aldis, so I was able to purchase some items there to stock in the pantry. We also stopped at Menard's to get some things for the house. And then finally to Branson; no trip here is complete without a stop at Harry and Davids. Dinner was at Red Lobster, a place we have not visited in over 10 years. Sandy had the steak and did a credible job eating most of her meal. We spent a leisure night at the motel.
And just why did we travel to Branson? Obviously chocolate is on the list, but the real reason was that Miranda and Jonathan's families were going to Silver Dollar City on Friday and we joined them for the day. We arrived about 935 (the park opens at 10 am) only to find all the close-up handicap parking spots full. I dropped Sandy off and went to park the car in one of the regular lots and came back to join her. She had reserved an ECV (electronically controlled vehicle), just a fancy name for an electric wheel chair. Due to the up and down terrain at the park, she was worried we would have trouble pushing regular a wheel chair. No complaints from me.
We were able to enjoy several of the shows they have. We saw a fire dancer show. Part of the time they used illuminated LED sticks and part if the time they used real fire. It was impressive, but loud. Then we saw Cirqunique that had balancing stunts and aerial ballet/acrobat routine that I liked a lot. Finally we listened to six harpists who played delightful and familiar melodies.
The children all had a great time; we enjoyed funnel cakes. Most of the group went on what I thought was Thunderation, a relatively mild roller coaster ride. It wasn't until we had waited in line that I saw it was really the new Time Traveler ride, which included loops, barrel rolls and wing overs and more. I can't tell you a lot about the ride since my eyes were closed most of the ride and I was just hanging on for dear life.
We stayed until the park closed at 6 pm and then fought the crowds leaving. All three of us stopped at a Burger King for dinner and Sandy and I drove to Mt Vernon to spend the night with Jonathan's family. And then stayed up late visiting.
Saturday was a slow day. I was able to assist Jonathan with some of his fence installation in their pastures. After dinner, we watched the Time Traveler, the movie that the Time Traveler ride at Silver Dollar City was patterned after
Today was Easter Sunday. We had excellent talks about the Savior's Atonement and Resurrection followed by a thought provoking Sunday School lesson on what the Atonement can do in our lives. We spend a quiet afternoon enjoying the grand children as they searched for clues as to where their Easter baskets were. Jonathan and Kristy prepared a yummy dinner of lamb and ham prior to our departure for home.
Sunday, April 14, 2019
Spring is here!!
There was no post last week; something about General Conference and life. We were blessed to have Deborah, Ian and their children join us for Conference weekend. The adults watched all the sessions and the children several of them. It was nice to have others to share the talks with and discuss them and to enjoy the yummy food that Deborah fixed for us.
The past two weeks have been relatively quiet ones. I worked on several minor rental home projects, spent time prepping the garden and getting several vegetables planted, mowed the lawn (twice!) and accomplishing a few chores at home.
I was able to have my annual eye exam and then get new glasses made. As soon as I put them on, I knew something was not right, but decided to give them a couple of days. After two and a half days, I went back to Walmart to find out what was wrong; previously I had a lengthy field of vision with the lower portion my glasses; now it was greatly reduced and much closer. I can't go around reading books only 12 inches away! Walmart compared previous prescriptions and discovered one difference in magnification. So back to the eye doctor to get it resolved. He identified me as: "one of those people", meaning because I am far sighted, those types of corrections he included in the prescription don't improve my vision. So, I got another prescription from him and will go back to Walmart to get new lenses that work for me (at no charge either!).
Sandy had another immonotherapy session this week. She came home and slept most of the afternoon and then didn't sleep much that night. The weather was lovely several days last week and she was outside walking. She has a chair she also sits in outside so she can spend some time in the sun, reading or combing the long hair calico cat.
It is a beautiful time of year here in the Ozarks! The brilliant color of the red bud trees, the stark white of the dogwood in the forests, the amazing bright colors of the phloxs, tulips and hyacinths in the flower beds are all amazing. And it is sad when in a few weeks they will all be gone.
Over the past couple of weeks we have been in serious negotiations with our tax consultant. I originally thought we would get a refund this year...WRONG! It seems that Sandy's financial prowess, while very beneficial in the long run, hit us big time now. It was not a pretty scene yesterday when I sat down to pay for both 2018 and estimated taxes for 2019. Sandy keeps hinting that Porto Rico has only 4% income tax if you live there-- no federal tax.
This week we have plans to attend the St Louis Temple and also spend time with family at Silver Dollar City.
The past two weeks have been relatively quiet ones. I worked on several minor rental home projects, spent time prepping the garden and getting several vegetables planted, mowed the lawn (twice!) and accomplishing a few chores at home.
I was able to have my annual eye exam and then get new glasses made. As soon as I put them on, I knew something was not right, but decided to give them a couple of days. After two and a half days, I went back to Walmart to find out what was wrong; previously I had a lengthy field of vision with the lower portion my glasses; now it was greatly reduced and much closer. I can't go around reading books only 12 inches away! Walmart compared previous prescriptions and discovered one difference in magnification. So back to the eye doctor to get it resolved. He identified me as: "one of those people", meaning because I am far sighted, those types of corrections he included in the prescription don't improve my vision. So, I got another prescription from him and will go back to Walmart to get new lenses that work for me (at no charge either!).
Sandy had another immonotherapy session this week. She came home and slept most of the afternoon and then didn't sleep much that night. The weather was lovely several days last week and she was outside walking. She has a chair she also sits in outside so she can spend some time in the sun, reading or combing the long hair calico cat.
It is a beautiful time of year here in the Ozarks! The brilliant color of the red bud trees, the stark white of the dogwood in the forests, the amazing bright colors of the phloxs, tulips and hyacinths in the flower beds are all amazing. And it is sad when in a few weeks they will all be gone.
Over the past couple of weeks we have been in serious negotiations with our tax consultant. I originally thought we would get a refund this year...WRONG! It seems that Sandy's financial prowess, while very beneficial in the long run, hit us big time now. It was not a pretty scene yesterday when I sat down to pay for both 2018 and estimated taxes for 2019. Sandy keeps hinting that Porto Rico has only 4% income tax if you live there-- no federal tax.
This week we have plans to attend the St Louis Temple and also spend time with family at Silver Dollar City.
Sunday, March 31, 2019
Where did March Go?
Monday morning I met a realtor friend and we visited several of our rentals so he could provide a monetary evaluation of them. Something Sandy wanted done. We finished the last ones Tuesday morning. While not there to identify any maintenance problems, a couple of tenants did point out items that needed attention and I was able to attend to most of those Wednesday afternoon. I like small problems that are quick and easy to resolve.
Sandy started her immunotherapy Tuesday morning. She had discontinued them in January when it was discovered it wasn't the fountain of youth she had expected. It did seem to slow the cancer growth, so she started back up again. And for the next couple of days she had greater energy and drive; she attributes it to the steroids they give her prior to the injections.
Wednesday was a bit of a sad day. She had her appointment with the wound healing center and I made some individual cherry cheese cakes to share with the nurses there. They were most appreciative! But the doctor said that she was returning to the ER and would no longer be seeing patients at the center. And then she also told us that there is no reason for Sandy to continue to come to the center; they are really not doing anything for her except to check out the wound and reduce the proud flesh with silver nitrate. We have come to really enjoy our visits there; the staff is so personal and caring. The doctor did recommend we follow up with the doctor that her originally referred her to the center; so it is not like we are being thrown to the wolves.
Thursday Sandy had her weekly visit with Clifford, who indicated that she is improving. Friday the home health nurse made her weekly visit. Sandy had enjoyed these visits and formed some good friendships with some of the nurses. And they told her this week that their visits will stop in the next six weeks since she is doing okay. I guess that means my ostomy bag changing skills are sufficient.
Friday I drove to Yellville to help a member move about 4 miles, just across the ward boundary line. There were at least 12 of us there; about 8 pickups and 6 trailers. We got what we could move done within three hours and before the rains came. I then went to visit a brother near there that is meticulously restoring a 1931 2 door Model A. It really looks nice.
Saturday we attended the funeral of the oldest ward member. Lena Maple was about six weeks short of her 97th birthday and had lived a very productive life. As a youth she picked cotton; as a young married she learned how to rivet and worked on submarines. She was truly the matriarch of a large family and well loved by all. It was a positive and spiritual funeral service.
Spring is here; the grass needs to be mowed. And the garden needs to be planted. Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy!!
Sandy started her immunotherapy Tuesday morning. She had discontinued them in January when it was discovered it wasn't the fountain of youth she had expected. It did seem to slow the cancer growth, so she started back up again. And for the next couple of days she had greater energy and drive; she attributes it to the steroids they give her prior to the injections.
Wednesday was a bit of a sad day. She had her appointment with the wound healing center and I made some individual cherry cheese cakes to share with the nurses there. They were most appreciative! But the doctor said that she was returning to the ER and would no longer be seeing patients at the center. And then she also told us that there is no reason for Sandy to continue to come to the center; they are really not doing anything for her except to check out the wound and reduce the proud flesh with silver nitrate. We have come to really enjoy our visits there; the staff is so personal and caring. The doctor did recommend we follow up with the doctor that her originally referred her to the center; so it is not like we are being thrown to the wolves.
Thursday Sandy had her weekly visit with Clifford, who indicated that she is improving. Friday the home health nurse made her weekly visit. Sandy had enjoyed these visits and formed some good friendships with some of the nurses. And they told her this week that their visits will stop in the next six weeks since she is doing okay. I guess that means my ostomy bag changing skills are sufficient.
Friday I drove to Yellville to help a member move about 4 miles, just across the ward boundary line. There were at least 12 of us there; about 8 pickups and 6 trailers. We got what we could move done within three hours and before the rains came. I then went to visit a brother near there that is meticulously restoring a 1931 2 door Model A. It really looks nice.
Saturday we attended the funeral of the oldest ward member. Lena Maple was about six weeks short of her 97th birthday and had lived a very productive life. As a youth she picked cotton; as a young married she learned how to rivet and worked on submarines. She was truly the matriarch of a large family and well loved by all. It was a positive and spiritual funeral service.
Spring is here; the grass needs to be mowed. And the garden needs to be planted. Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy!!
Sunday, March 24, 2019
Why I love my amazingly fantastic family!
Let me count the ways: they come visit, they bring their children who add laughter to the home, they provide yummy delicious meals for us to eat, they sit and visit with us, they gather together to read and study the scriptures as families, their children are excited to visit and share their enthusiasm with us, there are lots of hugs and kisses and they are willing to work; this week they accomplished a long list of 'to does'.
Last Sunday we drove back from Mt Vernon after Zachary's baptism with a trailer load (1200-1500 pounds) of manure. Miranda's family arrived later that night. The next morning, Dan and Ethan were out helping shovel the manure on the garden. The trailer was empty in time for Dan to shower and head off to work by 11 AM. Then Ethan and Camden helped pressure wash the tarps and trailer clean of the manure. Kera arrived around noon with four of her children and there was much joyous cousin interaction as they ran around, rode the zip line and enjoyed the beautiful weather.
Dan returned in the afternoon and worked out his frustrations on a large stack of firewood that needed splitting. Then Aaron took over that job after Dan left on Tuesday and by Wednesday afternoon had the entire pile split. Matthew, Ethan and Camden then pitched the wood over the fence so Charlotte, Emma, Alex, Ethan, Matthew and Camden could stack it. It was fun and interesting to watch them work together in accomplishing a common goal. Aaron also helped me reconstruct the chicken pen. The previous 25 x 50 foot netted enclosure was supported with PVC pipe which finally succumbed to the wind and ice several weeks ago. So this time I set 4 x 4 posts and used 2 x 4s to support the net. We got all the posts set, the cross pieces attached and the net rehung over the framework. There are a few holes for me to patch, but the chickens seem happy to have the extra area to debug.
The major task the grands performed, for which I was especially grateful, was the collecting of the twigs and small branches that have fallen off the trees in the yard lately. With all the strong winds we have recently experienced, there were a lot to them to clean up and they were everywhere. Again, this amazing work crew pitched in and cleaned them up; they even raked up leaves along some of the fence line. The visiting nurse commented on how industrious and cheerful they were while working. When they were done by Wednesday, the yard looked wonderful.
Deborah and her children arrived Wednesday afternoon and things were a little chaotic with 14 grand children running amok. Kera and her four departed after dinner and things calmed down some.
Tuesday night the ward had it's Relief Society Birthday celebration dinner, and spouses were invited. Miranda and Kera joined Sandy and me and we enjoyed a catered dinner of chicken and baked potatoes. There was a short but inspiration program followed by yummy cake.
Thursday, Miranda, Deborah and Tom watched 'Captain Marvel'; since I had no expectations, I thought it was good. With 21 movies in this series, I have difficulty putting all the pieces together. Probably doesn't help that I have not watched all of them nor that they did not get viewed chronologically.
Friday night we celebrated Christopher and Ethan's 7th birthdays. Christopher requested lumpia for dinner; Deborah and Miranda labored rolling the lumpia containing good things to eat and when dinner was over, about 65 lumpia had been devoured.
It was not all work though. We had a lot of fun visiting with each other.
Sandy continues to move forward. No major strides forward, just tiny ones. She is able to drive to appointments, managed to survive the week with 8-10 grandchildren in the house, and actually took a short walk outside following church today.
Last Sunday we drove back from Mt Vernon after Zachary's baptism with a trailer load (1200-1500 pounds) of manure. Miranda's family arrived later that night. The next morning, Dan and Ethan were out helping shovel the manure on the garden. The trailer was empty in time for Dan to shower and head off to work by 11 AM. Then Ethan and Camden helped pressure wash the tarps and trailer clean of the manure. Kera arrived around noon with four of her children and there was much joyous cousin interaction as they ran around, rode the zip line and enjoyed the beautiful weather.
Dan returned in the afternoon and worked out his frustrations on a large stack of firewood that needed splitting. Then Aaron took over that job after Dan left on Tuesday and by Wednesday afternoon had the entire pile split. Matthew, Ethan and Camden then pitched the wood over the fence so Charlotte, Emma, Alex, Ethan, Matthew and Camden could stack it. It was fun and interesting to watch them work together in accomplishing a common goal. Aaron also helped me reconstruct the chicken pen. The previous 25 x 50 foot netted enclosure was supported with PVC pipe which finally succumbed to the wind and ice several weeks ago. So this time I set 4 x 4 posts and used 2 x 4s to support the net. We got all the posts set, the cross pieces attached and the net rehung over the framework. There are a few holes for me to patch, but the chickens seem happy to have the extra area to debug.
The major task the grands performed, for which I was especially grateful, was the collecting of the twigs and small branches that have fallen off the trees in the yard lately. With all the strong winds we have recently experienced, there were a lot to them to clean up and they were everywhere. Again, this amazing work crew pitched in and cleaned them up; they even raked up leaves along some of the fence line. The visiting nurse commented on how industrious and cheerful they were while working. When they were done by Wednesday, the yard looked wonderful.
Deborah and her children arrived Wednesday afternoon and things were a little chaotic with 14 grand children running amok. Kera and her four departed after dinner and things calmed down some.
Tuesday night the ward had it's Relief Society Birthday celebration dinner, and spouses were invited. Miranda and Kera joined Sandy and me and we enjoyed a catered dinner of chicken and baked potatoes. There was a short but inspiration program followed by yummy cake.
Thursday, Miranda, Deborah and Tom watched 'Captain Marvel'; since I had no expectations, I thought it was good. With 21 movies in this series, I have difficulty putting all the pieces together. Probably doesn't help that I have not watched all of them nor that they did not get viewed chronologically.
Friday night we celebrated Christopher and Ethan's 7th birthdays. Christopher requested lumpia for dinner; Deborah and Miranda labored rolling the lumpia containing good things to eat and when dinner was over, about 65 lumpia had been devoured.
It was not all work though. We had a lot of fun visiting with each other.
Sandy continues to move forward. No major strides forward, just tiny ones. She is able to drive to appointments, managed to survive the week with 8-10 grandchildren in the house, and actually took a short walk outside following church today.
Sunday, March 17, 2019
Sorry, no pictures this week!
One of my recent new duties is that of dinner chef. I have been trying out favorite recipes that Sandy used to make which I always enjoyed. The results indicate that there is room for improvement. We recently attended the monthly Empty Nesters and I took GG's Mexican Chicken Casserole found in the family cook book. Of all the dishes brought that night, ours was the only main dish and it disappeared quickly. And there were requests for the recipe.
I spent most of Monday finishing the floor at the rent house. Tuesday was wrap up all the odds and ends. Then Wednesday morning I trimmed the exterior bushes. I am done with this house!! Now comes the challenge of what to do with all my time. I have slowly been going through our picture scrap books and scanning them; a time consuming process. There are things that Sandy would like for me to get done also.
Saturday we drove up to Mt Vernon for a short visit with Jonathan's family. Zachary was to be baptized on Sunday. I took the truck and trailer so we could collect a load of manure for the garden. I think I brought back 1500-2000 pounds. Now comes the fun of getting it from the trailer to the garden. Once I turn the chickens loose in the garden, they will do the spreading!
Miranda and her family were also there and spent the night as well at Jonathan's. The cousins had a great time playing and running rampant. This morning, Miriam and Emily were up making blueberry muffins for breakfast prior to heading off to church. This ward had their linger longer after the two hour block, which we partook of. Zachary's baptism was scheduled for 1 pm to give Deborah's family time to attend their meetings and drive up. It was great to see three of our children there with their families for this special day for Zachary. Sandy and I then drove home, arriving with plenty of daylight.
This week should be more eventful with three of the children and their families will be joining us throughout the week.
I spent most of Monday finishing the floor at the rent house. Tuesday was wrap up all the odds and ends. Then Wednesday morning I trimmed the exterior bushes. I am done with this house!! Now comes the challenge of what to do with all my time. I have slowly been going through our picture scrap books and scanning them; a time consuming process. There are things that Sandy would like for me to get done also.
Saturday we drove up to Mt Vernon for a short visit with Jonathan's family. Zachary was to be baptized on Sunday. I took the truck and trailer so we could collect a load of manure for the garden. I think I brought back 1500-2000 pounds. Now comes the fun of getting it from the trailer to the garden. Once I turn the chickens loose in the garden, they will do the spreading!
Miranda and her family were also there and spent the night as well at Jonathan's. The cousins had a great time playing and running rampant. This morning, Miriam and Emily were up making blueberry muffins for breakfast prior to heading off to church. This ward had their linger longer after the two hour block, which we partook of. Zachary's baptism was scheduled for 1 pm to give Deborah's family time to attend their meetings and drive up. It was great to see three of our children there with their families for this special day for Zachary. Sandy and I then drove home, arriving with plenty of daylight.
This week should be more eventful with three of the children and their families will be joining us throughout the week.
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