tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81621502784496606642024-03-18T04:12:04.460-05:00The Simple Life of a QueenFaith, Family, Friends...this is what life is all about.Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00807691752817225336noreply@blogger.comBlogger1039125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162150278449660664.post-957874791418595642024-03-14T22:56:00.001-05:002024-03-14T22:56:38.096-05:00Raindrops are fallin’ on my head….Hello and happy Friday. I'm writing this at 11:00 Thursday night thinking you probably won't see it until Friday! As always, we've had a very hectic week with Mom and all things related to her care. The assisted living is now trying two new medications to hopefully help her anxiety, and based on the past two days, they do seem to be helping. Praise the Lord! It has been SO stressful and anxiety ridden for all of us, especially Dennis. Maybe we should all be taking those drugs too! :-)<div><br /></div><div>We had rain all night and most of the day today. It just stopped an hour or so ago. There are no complaints here about the rain. We haven't had much snow this year and the farmers really need the moisture for the fields. Until today, (Thursday) we've had unseasonably warm temps all week, but today was only in the 50's. We're hoping for a warm-up again for next week because Piper is on spring break and we want to take her to the zoo.</div><div><br /></div><div>I had a sort of fun morning. I got a new phone and iPad! They even transferred everything for me from phone to phone. The iPad will be delivered in two days and I can take the old one in and they'll do the same thing. The Verizon store is only two blocks from us, so it's not much of a problem to take it in. The phone is only $5.00/month on our bill for three years, ($180 total), and the iPad is free! Apparently we haven't been using any of our benefits from our loyalty program. We've been with Verizon for 23 years! Not a bad price for brand new devices! Especially a free iPad. :-) I'm really excited because my iPad hasn't held a charge in a couple of years. I have to keep it plugged in all of the time.</div><div><br /></div><div>The wheelchair blanket is finished, but not washed and blocked yet. I just used scraps from my stash and I'm really happy with it. The tan and burgandy match the varigated yarn perfectly. That's always nice when it happens so nicely.<br /><div><img alt="" id="id_4240_3063_6007_73a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/18ZIbzOElMOJpeWNENPPcMfe7maPUFhpp" style="height: auto; width: 666px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />I started a sweater for our Baby "J" in London yesterday. Small sweaters go so much faster than bigger sweaters. I remember when cardigans for Piper went this fast. Now she's in a womans small size and they take much longer! This will be just a simple plain cardi for Baby "J" to play in at the park. Can you believe she'll be two in a couple of weeks?<br /><img alt="" id="id_e147_bab0_cb7e_3112" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1yTvAlpPwSpp_lMpjGiGxvPLPnlHQGUNE" style="height: auto; width: 668px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />I'm also copying my friend Cindy at the "Delighted Hands" blog and making some new dishcloths using the moss stitch in crochet. It goes really fast. This is about 20 minutes of crochet. I could use a few new dishcloths and they make nice gifts, so I always like to have some on hand. That "blob" under the yarn is Zoey taking a nap on my lap this afternoon while it was raining.<br /><img alt="" id="id_c69a_da1_78a9_95f1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1TUtdfPEKfMLAfUNy8ZIQtEUeUFUKkdXt" style="height: auto; width: 670px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />I thought I would share the table by our entry way. I have our little "Welcome" bunnies on here along with some birds to welcome spring. I crocheted the filet crochet table runner years and years ago.<br /><img alt="" id="id_b7b1_7729_1661_434a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/11q9LN0NMGqig-SObEOIczA6wMDSxwHQx" style="height: auto; width: 669px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />Mandy sent me this photo of Piper reading in bed the other night. She reads every night before going to sleep and of course her shadow, Lizzie is right there with her. You can see two of the blankets I've crocheted for her folded up at the foot of her bed. The pink and white one covers her full size bed. The teal one is her watching TV blanket and pretty big too, but not as big as the pink one. How I love this girl. She's going to middle school next year! Can you believe it? I can't.<br /><img alt="" id="id_d50_ded9_1fe_5b2a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1AnunE2reht6RzHFsFyJqrf-nw7RpCJtk" style="height: auto; width: 669px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />I have a couple of new readers that I want to welcome. </div><div><br /></div><div>Janice visited the blog and she lives right here in Omaha too! She told me about a place where I can possibly donate my baby blankets to called Bethlehem House, and it's also right here in Omaha. Thank you Janice. I haven't had a chance to call this week with everything happening with Mom, but I will definitely contact them.</div><div><br /></div><div>Mary is from Oklahoma and is also involved in BSF like I am. I think I told you all before that women all over the world are studying the same thing every week. Here I am in Nebraska and Mary is in Oklahoma and we're reading the same scriptures every week. Very unifying and a great experience.</div><div><br />Welcome to you both! I hope you come back and visit again. :-) I love making new friends.</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you are all doing well. I'll be back as soon as I can. Life is a bit wonky right now, but hopefully getting better. Love to you all.</div><div><img alt="" id="id_9fd6_bc11_9f18_4577" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1B23j69-crHERCRyK4A5wlsH8DufTupj8" style="height: auto; width: 666px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />Blessings and love,<br />Betsy</div></div>Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00807691752817225336noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162150278449660664.post-21852728331329159132024-03-06T22:51:00.000-06:002024-03-06T22:51:10.884-06:00Finally betterHello and happy Thursday to you all. I'm happy to say that the plague seems to be letting up around here. My cough is much, much better. Still there, but not bad. Dennis is better too, but coughing more than I am. Mom still sounds rough, but I made her and Dennis go to the doctor yesterday because I was worried about pneumonia for her. She doesn't have that, thankfully, but does have both ears infected and a sinus infection. She's now on an antibiotic and cough medicine. The doctor did say that we most likely had influenza B as it's everywhere right now. I truly appreciate the sweet thoughts and prayers that you all said for us. <div><br /></div><div>I finished Miss Piper's sweater and we had a photo shoot for you. Isn't she the cutest? She went to visit Grammy on Saturday and wore the sweater. It fits Grammy too and now she wants one! She already has 26 cardigans! I counted them when we moved her. That's how tiny my mother-in-law is! Piper likes the pockets and I made the sleeves a little longer that the pattern called for so hopefully it will fit for awhile!<br /><div><img alt="" id="id_2fe6_3158_e8b6_c97c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1sfCh2fLP_dniG0waMuvE9bMK5ZzZmeAh" style="height: auto; width: 650px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />I also made a blanket over the past week. It's about 42 x 42 inches. I just used scraps of acrylic worsted weight from my stash and a size I crochet hook. Its just a simple shell pattern with a chain foundation row between each color. The border is single crochet in all of the colors with a cream row between each color. It will be donated somewhere soon. I have quite a few baby blankets in my finished project totes. The hospital doesn't really need them, so I may check out a Mom/Baby center around here. <br /><img alt="" id="id_582_962f_3203_b56b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1wmQxtsyE88p7JIirrlAzMSLapMbpu-YO" style="height: auto; width: 655px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />This is another stash buster using some partial skeins I have. It will be a wheelchair blanket for the place Mom lives. Their memory care can use them, so I offered to make some. I just started with three, four round granny squares. I sewed them together and then just started doing the granny stitch round and round. Starting with the three granny's makes them rectangular and they should end up the perfect size. I'm using a J hook for this one. Zoey is sleeping under the pink rainbow baby blanket on my lap. Yes, she has her own baby blankets. :-)<br /><img alt="" id="id_f64b_b488_1898_bd1f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1GBf31laxXs11wbzvbL42xboM38dlWgjn" style="height: auto; width: 657px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />Dennis hauled this shelf down to the garage on Monday and painted it for me. He primed it Monday and painted it Tuesday. It made it's appearance back in the living room Wednesday. It used to be a black shelf that we got from Target years ago. In all of our moves it has gotten pretty scuffed up. I think it had originally been painted with just one coat of spray paint! </div><div><br /></div><div>He used the same paint as our baseboards and I think it looks great. Sunday night I had just mentioned to him that I was thinking about painting it and he was hauling it out early Monday morning! I have to be so careful what I ask for. He never lets "grass grow under his feet" and spoils me terribly. I had been looking on facebook marketplace for a white console but hadn't found anything in my price range that I liked and this was the perfect solution. It's like having a brand new piece of furniture. Those are Zoey's toy baskets on both sides of the shelf and our grandbabies on top. I adore those four kids.</div><div><img alt="" id="id_1715_2f0_f446_15e7" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1cf9a9AdLGYisaEsvBYw1Pbyc2AujtnC7" style="height: auto; width: 662px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />Zoey spent a few hours playing with Lizzie on Saturday. They love each other so much. They sure sleep well after playing for a few hours. Neither of them move all night long. :-) I cut Lizzie's nails while we were there. Zoey had her manicure the day before and she was very concerned as to what I was doing to her sister. They both lay there quietly in my arms while I cut their nails and then dremel them, but they look at me with their eyes like I'm cutting their feet off. They're happy for treats when they are all done. Spoiled girls.<br /><img alt="" id="id_f7fe_9832_fb80_ee21" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1V3bTF8p0TrfUtsW3BKv5lkEJ90KIAwN7" style="height: auto; width: 664px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />Yesterday I went to the crochet group at our old apartment where we crochet plastic mats for the homeless. I haven't been there for a couple of weeks since we've been sick. It was good to see all of the ladies. They are so sweet. One of them is 102 years old and is there every week, cutting plastic bags into strips for us to crochet. She doesn't crochet, but there is plenty for everyone to do. Cut the strips, tie them together and roll them into "plarn" balls to be crocheted into mats. All of them are well into their senior years and I enjoy their company immensely.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was also able to go to my ladies Bible study group this morning for the first time since our trip. Mom had a doctor appointment the first week we were home and then we've been sick. It was so good to be back with the ladies. We're going through the book of John with BSF and other ladies all over the world. I've really enjoyed the study and have learned a lot.</div><div><br /></div><div>Mom has an MRI and a cardiologist appointment on Friday, so that will be a busy day. I did make reservations for four nights of camping on the Oregon Coast in July. Fingers crossed that we'll actually be able to go. We're planning to spend a couple of weeks in Spokane just before going to the coast. We'll be staying in our friends driveway again. Lori called yesterday and told us their "resort" is open. Pool, laundry facilities and no leash rules because of they have a fenced yard. :-) Last year we stayed in their guest suite when we were there since Dennis had broken his hand. Oh, he went to the surgeon last Tuesday and was released to do whatever he wants now. Who would have thought a broken thumb would require two surgeries and nine months to heal? We're so glad that now he can start using it and build up strength in that hand/arm again.</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you're all having a great week. We've had beautiful weather for March so far. It's been so warm, in the 50's and 60's and only 20's at night. Such an usually warm winter so far. I don't want to jinx it though. I'll be back soon and I think I've finally caught up on all of your blog posts. See you again soon!<br /><img alt="" id="id_abb6_4e5a_d054_e7e2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1wTtsfBZA-lV8vWHERPCTbNEvflTXB6IE" style="height: auto; width: 665px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />Blessings and love,<br />Betsy<br /><br /></div></div>Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00807691752817225336noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162150278449660664.post-90134704225825568112024-02-29T11:08:00.000-06:002024-02-29T11:08:04.746-06:00Still coughingSorry I haven't been around. This cold I have? I haven't been tested for influenza but I'm pretty sure that's what we've had, (have). I did do two separate covid tests, days apart and both were negative but didn't even think to get an influenza test. But it definitely isn't a regular cold. We're both still coughing but are getting better very, very slowly. Mom has it too. I'm afraid I gave it too her when we were moving her and I thought it was just a sinus thing. She does seem a bit better too. I'm exhausted all of the time. So much for getting a flu shot and RSV vaccine. <div><br /></div><div>The night before we both got sick, we went to Florentino's. It's a dinner our church youth group does every year just before Valentine's Day. It's been going on for almost 40 years. In fact, we were part of the group that started it, long before we moved to Spokane. It's the big fund raiser for the youth every year to help pay for camp, rally's, etc. for kids that can't afford it. Dennis said that Olive Garden could take lessons in efficiency from these kids. They have it down to an art. They cook ALL of the food from scratch. They always have the Friday before the dinner off of school and spend the day at the Union Gospel Mission, using their commercial kitchen. They make meatballs and grill all of the chicken there. They even bake the bread! The kids do it all, with supervision of course. </div><div><br /></div><div>They decorate the church basement with fairy lights, candles and flowers.<br /><div><img alt="" id="id_9c_4003_cfd1_f443" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1jcwZx0nmbeLVOgLqRbgwScH_m2MWAhbW" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />Every year there is a fountain with goldfish. Oh, the stories I could tell about the goldfish!<br /><img alt="" id="id_6202_2558_797a_115" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1MoOx53LWu90u22n8pGKMcumK-hv44NHA" style="height: auto; width: 642px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />Isn't it pretty? The kids work really hard on this dinner and decor. We're proud of them all as it's not a big group. Only around 13-15 kids.<br /><img alt="" id="id_4aae_5096_e0fc_5f58" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1ZZb6B0nvewx-VmBeckrm-imrIp4kM_6v" style="height: auto; width: 642px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />My selection was chicken fettucine. I had plenty to take home for a second meal the next day.<br /><img alt="" id="id_a4ef_a203_1a48_fded" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/18ATML3qud5BWohAzVE00Q--c1o2LxbyJ" style="height: auto; width: 642px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />Dennis got the spaghetti with huge meatballs. The sauce was made from scratch too. That's not regular sliced cheese. They buy huge blocks of cheese and hand slice it and the meatballs are buried under the sauce.<br /><img alt="" id="id_620_6a4e_1199_1138" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1QgwiZYYE1Dbfi9qqMDkfdZwJlyJUN1q5" style="height: auto; width: 647px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />Here's our group. My sister Melanie is at the end of the table, her granddaughter Anna, her SIL Tim and daughter Chaela, Mandy is facing away talking to her best cousin Chaela. Dennis and our friends Donna, and you can't see her husband Ted. We've known them since before we were married. Donna and I sang in the choir together for years before we moved to Spokane. They are in their late 80's and don't drive much at night anymore so we gave them a ride. Oh, we had so much fun! You can tell we were in the first dinner seating and one of the first groups there.<br /><img alt="" id="id_343c_a69e_f4d9_50a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1nbnphafmUO020FgUpvEkC3d7bBN-s8XE" style="height: auto; width: 647px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />Then, the next morning I was sick with whatever this is and Dennis succumbed about 3 days later. As I said, we thought it was just sinus or a cold, but it's definitely not. Much, much more severe and long lasting. I'm so glad we were able to go to the dinner though. It was so much fun. They had three seatings, 5:00, 6:00 and 7:00 and served hundreds. Since our church is fairly small, only about 100 people, you know that word of mouth has spread throughout the area. The kids are very attentive waitstaff and it's donation only for payment. </div><div><br /></div><div>I did finish Piper's third sweater several days ago. In the picture, I haven't washed or blocked it yet. I think she will like it. It's a combination of the Pure Comfort and Portage sweaters. I used Big Twist yarn in Dk Coral and it took a little over 4 skeins. It's the womens small size. She loves the pockets. Yes, my baby girl is growing up and out of little girl sizes! She'll be in middle school next year. I can't believe it.</div><div><img alt="" id="id_46b9_3b64_13ca_471b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1jGB6-LSR9KyHsjG4G6eHLGEMU444esvs" style="height: auto; width: 645px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />I have started a new blanket using five different colors and cream for the linking color. It will be for charity, either a toddler blanket or wheelchair blanket, I haven't decided. It's a pattern of crochet shells. I'm sorry that I forgot to take a photo. </div><div><br /></div><div>Mom is adjusting somewhat to her new surroundings. She changes moment to moment. One minute it's the best place she's been, the next she's sure she's at the hospital waiting for us to pick her up. Yesterday she told us that she's managing a bistro, (the diining room), and she has all of these great young people working for her. An hour before that she had called and told us that she was waiting for us to pick her up to go to lunch. That they told her she can't eat there anymore. It's a hospital and the doctor never shows up and we just left her for her appointment alone. None of it makes sense, but it does to her at the moment. We just go along with whatever she says and try to make her feeel better. She hangs up on us, tells us we don't understand. It's hard. Especially when we were so sick we couldn't go see her. She didn't understand why we weren't there every day.</div><div><br /></div><div>I know that many of you have went through this with parents and know exactly how hard it is. We just do the best we can. She remembers nothing of the apartment we moved her out of two weeks ago. Only this place and they are amazing people there. We couldn't have chosen a better place for her to live. So far they have been the epitome of patience with her and happy and cheerful. They all seem to love her.</div><div><br /></div><div>Beginning today, I'm going to try to get back to all of your blogs. I'm SO, SO sorry that I haven't been here. I have read them all, just no energy to comment on them at all. I've missed you all very much.</div><div><br />We broke records for high heat on Monday. It was over 80F, which apparently it's never reached 80 in February in Omaha! Then the very next night, Tuesday it snowed, with a "feels like" temperature of -9F! Crazy! No wonder we're all sick. Today is supposed to be near 60 again. I thought this meme was very appropriate for the past week here in Nebraska.<br /><img alt="" id="id_d088_9ce9_1aa1_f9b7" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1Wjb_lzGv_GvFXtpw7jNxyoRP4-mQ5hSO" style="height: auto; width: 665px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />Take care my friends. Stay well!<br /><img alt="" id="id_450_3261_6bb6_a0ab" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1mmYsAbKg13h4pIS3V0bcBOsxufzPZeEu" style="height: auto; width: 667px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />Blessings and love,</div><div>Betsy<br /><br /></div></div>Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00807691752817225336noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162150278449660664.post-65484953883329191872024-02-20T22:17:00.001-06:002024-02-20T23:32:15.967-06:00AbsentSorry, I have been absent from both here and visiting your blogs for the past week. We moved Mom on Thursday and Friday to her new assisted living place. That has been a struggle in and of itself. In the middle of unpacking boxes Friday, I had to take her to see a new neurologist. She now has an MRI of her brain scheduled for early next week. <div><br></div><div>On Saturday I woke up with a little bit of a cough and by Sunday morning I had a full-fledged cold. And it’s a doozy! I’m coughing so hard I can’t even eat anything and my nose is running like crazy and a low-grade fever to boot. I have tested negative for Covid twice. That was a relief. 🤧😷🤒</div><div><br></div><div>Needless to say, I can’t go see Mom, so it’s been left up to Dennis to go over three or four times a day and calm her down. I talk to her on the phone at least five or six times every day. She does not understand where she is. She thinks we dropped her off at a small town and left her there in a hospital. Well, sometimes at the hospital and sometimes it’s a hotel. We think that is because I got on the interstate to take her to the neurologist on Friday and that made her think we went to a different town. She thinks we all, Dennis and I, Brad, Mandy & Piper, live there with her. She keeps asking where Piper’s room is because she wants to go tuck her into bed. I feel so bad for her because she sounds so lost and alone sometime. But other times she’s thrilled to be there and thinks it’s the greatest place in the world. They took her to the theater upstairs this afternoon, where she watched “Beethoven” and had a wonderful time and then they had a welcome party in the dining room for the new residents.</div><div><br></div><div>We’re hoping she will settle in more and more every day, although we know that our new reality is going to be much different than it has ever been, and will change daily. Meanwhile, I just don’t have the energy to do anything except sit and knit a few rows at a time and mindlessly watch YouTube. I hadn’t started packing anything at Mom‘s apartment until Thursday so we wouldn’t confuse her. Even with that, when I got there early Friday morning, she had already unpacked a few boxes, and I found things in the strangest places! By Friday night we had everything put away in her new apartment except the pictures being hung up on the walls. We did that Saturday morning with Mandy‘s help.</div><div><br></div><div>I’ll be back when I can but I think I’m going to have to take another short break. I’m still reading your blogs. I just don’t have the energy to comment at this point. I don’t know how Cindy does it with having Covid for weeks. My hat is off to you, Cindy!😍 (Cindy has the blog “delighted hands.”)</div><div><br></div><div>Take care everyone!</div><div><img id="id_f6ba_2843_9b05_b3cc" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1muiBEAd7rYG3UksAps2mgAn5M17LDUu_" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 662px; height: auto;"><br>Blessings and love,</div><div>Betsy</div>Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00807691752817225336noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162150278449660664.post-3469124621858369372024-02-12T22:09:00.004-06:002024-02-12T22:09:55.236-06:00Busy DaysHello again. I'm back with an update on our drive home to Nebraska from Texas and what's been happening since. I apologize if it's long. It's certainly been busy around here. I haven't even had time to be online yet today to check your blogs. I hope to do that right after I finish posting this.<div><br /></div><div>On the way home from the cruiseport in Galveston we decided to take a detour across the state of Texas to San Antonio. We left the ship around 9:00 Saturday and drove to San Antonio where we stayed the night. We had lunch on Sunday with a very sweet lady named Terri who has a YouTube channel called "Yarn Joy" that I have watched for several years, since her very first video. She and her husband met us after church for lunch at a great Mexican restaurant. Terri and I hit it off right away and Dennis and her husband also found some common interests, so the guys had a conversation while Terri and I talked grandkids and yarn! It was SO FUN! The time passed so quickly and before we knew it we all had to part ways. I love meeting my online friends in "real life." We both thought it would be a great thing if we lived closer together and could spend some time crocheting with each other. I always look like such a giant. :-(</div><div><img alt="" id="id_52d4_a62_afe6_c029" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1ddIdzir0B3PNMK1BYCKfIn_FoAVzOFxe" style="height: auto; width: 652px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />We also visited "The Alamo" in San Antonio. We've always wanted to go there and it was so interesting. We could have spent a lot more time there, but parking was hard to come by and we used up our entire allotted time on the parking meter. We had a few phone calls about Mom while we were there and by the time we left, our minds weren't really on The Alamo anyway.<br /><img alt="" id="id_37c5_49cf_35aa_b66" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1YPtpHder7n_VwvWO3XR3H9URDTQBctYh" style="height: auto; width: 637px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />The heroes of the Alamo. They really didn't stand a chance. 182 men against Santa Anna's 6000.<br /><img alt="" id="id_5db7_54fe_bd94_28c3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1YJZM4BAY0LfK0Wkbb17b9IOzeQry8R6X" style="height: auto; width: 625px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />We stayed in Austin Sunday night and on Monday morning, we visited with one of Dennis's long time customers from before he retired. They were very surprised and happy to see him. He went to Austin many times to see them through the years and they also visited Spokane. I was glad to see how pleased they were to see him again.</div><div><br /></div><div>After that, we headed to Waco, TX and the Magnolia Market and The Silos, where Chip and Joanna Gaines from HGTV fame have a fun space. Lots of little shops and the bigger market. I had gone there a little over a year ago with my sister Melanie and niece Chaela, but I wanted Dennis to see the silos. I did find a nice heavy 9 x 9 cake pan for Mandy. She's always cooking and baking something and this seems like a pan that will last a long time. <br /><img alt="" id="id_4380_4a97_f711_e31d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1IL9Idad1iw-mkMWGeHByXYJV1epgI3UJ" style="height: auto; width: 630px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />The obligatory picture in front of the sign. We both HATE selfies. <br /><img alt="" id="id_fd37_8d2e_414d_94c2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1ie2cqc5E9hlyliIhzddFIUBpjYPYu4Im" style="height: auto; width: 626px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />I am always impressed when I see real flowers blooming in the winter months. I have no idea what they were but there were boxes and boxes of them everywhere. Cabbage roses? I don't know!<br /><img alt="" id="id_3c2b_1a7a_be38_5288" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1a-4vNxkHC0TkWODf-jxWOPbkcLkCX2yD" style="height: auto; width: 630px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />And the silos. That's the industry Dennis was in for years and years. Although he designed silos made with galvanized metal, not concrete. He traveled all over the world, since his sales territory was Montana, the Middle East, Africa and Europe! :-) I'm sure glad he doesn't travel those places anymore with the craziness in that part of the world. He used to go to the Ukraine often along with other places that are now very dangerous. That was before he became part of management and he didn't travel much after that.<br /><img alt="" id="id_ba7e_f16a_9f03_a6c2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1JVvq73I0x79RyYBxG4CyL4F_Ixvdsdp-" style="height: auto; width: 638px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />After that we drove on to Wichita and stayed in a hotel one more night before we made a beeline for home and our own bed after almost two weeks away. We arrived home and immediately set in with life. </div><div><br /></div><div>We toured several Assisted Living places and then took Mom back to the one we really liked last Thursday. She really liked it too and to try to make a VERY, VERY long story short, we're moving her on Friday of this week. Meanwhile she's had several doctors appointments scheduled during these two weeks that we had planned even before our cruise. Today, the nursing director came to visit her in her current apartment to evaluate her and so I could let her know all of her prescriptions. Dennis had to work today and tomorrow, so I've been running all over. Tonight we picked up a twin bedframe that I found on facebook marketplace. It's in almost new condition for a very good price. Tomorrow I'm driving his HUGE truck to Costco to pick up the new mattresses. Pray for me. That thing is so big and I'm used to my little Honda CRV. His truck is an F350 diesel and even sounds big! Ha! I've bought her all new bed linens, mattress pads, comfortor, etc. Wednesday we sign all of the admission paperwork and start packing. Friday morning we've hired the Firefighters to move her furniture. She'll be able to take it all with her except the queen size bed. She's fine with that. We had the Firefighters move us last May and they are wonderful. We just can't do it all anymore. This makes 6 moves between us and Mom in the last 2 1/2 years! We're the people that usually stay put!</div><div><br /></div><div>This facility will take care of all of her medications and her insulin injections. While we were gone the company that was supposed to take care of her insulin and blood glucose testing dropped the ball at least once. Again. It's happened a few times and we have to run over there and give her her shot. That's why it's hard to go anywhere. We worry about her the entire time. Plus, her memory is getting worse all of the time and we're really worried about her wandering off. This facility is one where you have to be buzzed into or out of the building, but they have several nice sized courtyards that she can take her walks in. She does love to walk. It's a super nice place and has been voted number one in Omaha for several years. Plus, we've known several relatives that have lived there and a friend too. They've all like it so...here we are. No one said this was easy did they? Another plus? She's only about 5 blocks from our condo. We can get there very quickly if need be.</div><div><br /></div><div>Last weekend Grandpa helped Miss Piper work on her Valentine box for school. Can you guess what it is? It's the quidditch field from Harry Potter. She came up with all of the ideas, Papa just provided an extra set of hands to hold things while she applied tape. I think it turned out great. We're so glad to be close enough to her to do school things and just experience life with her. We missed out on our two oldest grands since they live in Montana and also with Baby J in London. We facetime lots, but it's not the same. Her Papa sure does love her and so do I.</div><div><br />Mandy and I went to the Jane Austin Book Club on Saturday where we're reading Mansfield Park. When Mandy graduated from nursing school, the two of us went to London for a week. We also visited Bath, Jane Austins home. Mandy has always been a fan of hers. Since Brad was helping a friend move, Papa spent a few hours with Piper and then took her to a friends birthday party. We love doing those things. </div><div><img alt="" id="id_1498_ce1f_5152_e450" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1TFMfTfAOlBwkssXbwSzNVrVqgHB9mKUf" style="height: auto; width: 668px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />Here's our girl, ready to cheer on the KC Chiefs last night! And they won! Guess who's a happy girl? She's definitely a KC fan. She even has a "superbowl" ring replica from their last win. Her Uncle Bill makes sure she knows about sports. He takes her to the College World Series every year too. Bill is Brad's brother and also lives close by. He's definitely a doting uncle. <br /></div><div><img alt="" id="id_e0ab_1d06_72a3_a81a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1YCHhvhdxUJgTib6Sofjmr4BZO3mSzwdL" style="height: auto; width: 671px;" title="" tooltip="" /></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Now, quickly to the crafty part of the blog because I'm writing waaaay too much tonight. I finished the wheelchair lapghan that I started before we left on vacation. I got about 20 or so of the 48 squares done before we left and finished it right after we got back. I tried to replicate that new Red Heart granny square yarn with yarn from my stash. I came pretty close to one of the colorways. This will be donated, maybe to the memory care at Mom's new place. Zoey seems to be asking if you like it? :-)<br /></span><img alt="" height="865" id="id_9b39_41ad_6a4a_c12d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1QrmWngZ4s4gdxZm8INLpQLo6HHgf91HM=w649-h865" style="height: auto; width: 649px;" title="" tooltip="" width="649" /><br />Last week I started Piper's latest and third sweater I've made her in the past two months. It's a mix between the Portage and the Pure Comfort sweater patterns. The sage green one I made her is the Pure Comfort and the white one is the Portage. She likes different things about both, so I'm combining those parts in this sweater. I'm using JoAnn Fabrics Big Twist yarn in Dark Coral. I'm working on the bottom ribbing now. Not much is going to be happening with it this week because of the move. There isn't much time to knit.<br /><img alt="" id="id_1ae2_13fc_928c_ef9d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1ewtdOBBlAsRXqEkDK9COf-4fbkgKNm-x" style="height: auto; width: 654px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />I'm sorry to drone on and on. It does help to decompress with typing it out. It really has been a stressful time since we got home. Wishing you all a wonderful Valentines Day. Remember that God ALWAYS love you.<br /><img alt="" id="id_1666_b498_83ae_64ff" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1Vs3GVdw7IC8pfkN9NK5E_-6kFohXTUep" style="height: auto; width: 653px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />Blessings and love,</div><div>Betsy<br /><br /></div>Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00807691752817225336noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162150278449660664.post-45725987825696171962024-02-05T22:28:00.000-06:002024-02-05T22:43:48.285-06:00The Cruise LifeHello my friends and happy Monday night! As I promised, here is a quick post about the actual cruise. The Harbor House is where the four of us stayed the Friday night before we boarded. It's a nice hotel, but much more expensive than we would normally spend. However, the cost was for the convenience to the actual cruise terminal. We walked less than a block before entering the terminal. To save on the cost, the four of us shared a room with two queen size beds. Good thing we've been friends for over 30 years! I detest pictures of myself so I'm going to pretend I don't see myself. :-)<div><img alt="" id="id_2bdc_d404_240c_47f1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1-Ww-6_Cy7o4IdXpd3uVxb-F6IfLtMEvE" style="height: auto; width: 676px;" title="" tooltip=""><br>The front of our ship. The Carnival Jubilee. It is a gorgeous ship. We were the 4th cruise of it's life.<br><img alt="" id="id_cd0a_3cdf_d618_bf3f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/16qdEbh2W9EyERnnazOMQQWiBQocOV0Jl" style="height: auto; width: 679px;" title="" tooltip=""><br>Here's a bit better photo of the entire ship, (almost). It is huge and can carry about 6400 passengers and 1800 crew. We had over 5800 passengers plus crew on our cruise. Look at that gorgeous sky. We didn't see much of that on our trip! The guys ran our luggage over to the ship around 9:00 am and then we drove to the other side of the island and did some sight-seeing and had lunch before boarding at about 1:00. We ended up leaving port around 5:00 pm.</div><div><br></div><div>After boarding, we visited our muster station and learned how to use life vests and where to go for our lifeboat if necessary. By then it was announced that we could go to our cabins whenever we wanted so we went to see the cabin and drop off our carry-on bags. We never, ever check our medications, jewelry, important documents, money, etc. We always carry them with us onto a plane and now the ship too. There is a safe in each cabin and we were grateful to use it for our valuables. You put your own combination in and only three people on the ship can override it. The Captain, The Head of Resort Services and one other that I can't remember now, so we felt it was a safe place to put things.</div><div><br></div><div>Then we went exploring this huge ship. That took days to visit everything.<br><img alt="" id="id_60c6_3e8a_10ac_346d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/14SupESA1JDwo9BZGOq4Mt5KiSQReR6aE" style="height: auto; width: 676px;" title="" tooltip=""><br>The theme on the Jubilee is the boardwalk and under the sea. This art fixure is so beautiful and three stories tall of fish swimming in circles. At night it's lit up and looks as though the fish are alive. Dennis looks pretty happy and relaxed. We had such a great time.<br><img alt="" id="id_633c_2e67_14f7_1e6d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1Tu4b-CVX-zvEkgKlA73Wx7sVBypMvQh5" style="height: auto; width: 672px;" title="" tooltip=""><br>This was part of the under the sea portion. We spent several evenings here listening to Jeffrey Michaels, a country music singer. You can see a few people dancing in the walkway. There was always someone out there dancing when music was being played. The screens up above are underwater scenes that change constantly. <br><img alt="" id="id_81fa_924f_997_2f90" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1AD5laGmcVIUGW-l12HAW19CXN7XgkWSH" style="height: auto; width: 670px;" title="" tooltip=""><br>Closer view of Jeffrey Michaels. He sang the older country songs from when we were younger. George Strait, Conway Twitty, a little Elvis, etc. We really enjoyed him and another 6 person group called the "Backyard Band". They sang 50's. 60's, 70's music. There was also a violin trio that we saw several times. There were a lot of comedy clubs, bands, games, and shows that we never had the opportunity to see. Some, we didn’t want to see and some, we just ran out of time.<br><img alt="" id="id_ff9a_1ecc_c04d_121c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1uUriGJccqvCqjHdDc7F6hu-H-UD384kM" style="height: auto; width: 671px;" title="" tooltip=""><br>The bar was Dr. Inks PhD, or "Drinks". We're not drinkers but we could get soda or water there too.<br><img alt="" id="id_894d_d665_5687_af24" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1Ql-j9ph3FQWdoMkzg5xmDYDC7I5_DV8_" style="height: auto; width: 666px;" title="" tooltip=""><br>Here's a small view of the back, or aft, part of the Lido deck. As you can see by the flag, it was really windy. It was beginning to get stormy too. You would see people staggering all over the ship as we were tossed to and fro on the waves. There was quite a lot of movement for such a big ship! At one point the four of us were walking down a corridor, and we all took a step to the right at the same time as the ship tilted. A lady coming toward us did the same thing. She told us that they call that the cruise waltz! <br><img alt="" id="id_d0d9_d11e_8aca_5684" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1AWmJN7DYxfis9kBe_OEBZf6knMu-pabi" style="height: auto; width: 657px;" title="" tooltip=""><br>We had lots of storms and a rocky ship all week but it didn't bother us a bit.<br><img alt="" id="id_1963_2ceb_4895_6112" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/19GCLyWNDyWmHLwGFXDNysCRUw5OxO3eu" style="height: auto; width: 652px;" title="" tooltip=""><br>Jenny snuck this photo of Dennis and I sitting outside on our cove balcony the only day we had a little bit of sunshine all week.<br><img alt="" id="id_869c_7a77_5620_b7d0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1CNE5_0__E4B4jk52DzE8OVbM0U0jKoB6" style="height: auto; width: 653px;" title="" tooltip=""><br>The next two photos are of our cabin. We didn't watch the TV very much. Usually we just checked the weather for the day and the ships itinerary to see if it had changed. We had a refrigerator and a sofa bed.<br><img alt="" id="id_3973_1a74_c94e_9989" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1BKipdxkiMdQZe3A9c0EuSKlmENB8mwkk" style="height: auto; width: 656px;" title="" tooltip=""><br>At this end of the room are the closests on the right with the safe. Lots of closets and drawer space. We unpacked all of our clothes and didn't use even a fourth of the space! On the left in the photo is the bathroom and the door to the hall. I should have taken a photo of the bathroom, but take my word for it, it's tiny. The room was great though and more than sufficient for our needs. We were only in there to sleep anyway. We were too busy roaming the ship to just sit in the room.<br><img alt="" id="id_8e42_942_29b9_871d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1esyWA2W87zpEI4tEIEGtux0lLOr6pyOe" style="height: auto; width: 660px;" title="" tooltip=""><br>Every day our cabin steward made us a new towel animal and the last day he made us a heart with a thank you note. I kept them all lined up on the countertop by the mirror. This was one of my favorite things about the cruise. I loved coming in and being surprised by what he made every day. Aren't they so cute? And even the eyes!<br><img alt="" id="id_aa2d_c027_8106_6829" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1lkUSrHw6DXwsmOZLwm_XiGiys8A4leqA" style="height: auto; width: 659px;" title="" tooltip=""><br>Here's the sun getting ready to set the first day off our balcony.<br><img alt="" id="id_4415_650a_af44_7b2a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/15Y8o306viRXIpx1SyuiDmuBvt5IBVZVt" style="height: auto; width: 655px;" title="" tooltip=""><br>This was a beautiful rendition of the Jubilee on one of the main walls. Neal and Jenny took a great photo in front of it.<br><img alt="" id="id_882d_6928_4ad1_42cb" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1V5TMI0tPcZ_PMrOFieMixGzBiLUMTjRy" style="height: auto; width: 660px;" title="" tooltip=""><br>This was also the Lido deck in the buffet area. Almost every afternoon we spent a few hours here playing dominoes with Neal and Jenny. We always played dominoes together in Spokane for date night. We would go out to dinner and then end up at our house to play dominoes. We have really missed it. Here we are with Jenny, her brother Matthias and his wife. The cruise was to celebrate Matt’s 50 birthday. They cruise a LOT.<br><img alt="" id="id_dcc7_f3e2_7bb9_83a0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1kVifM9CD3KMrUnj4HYlx9h1VnSrL1Gom" style="height: auto; width: 654px;" title="" tooltip=""><br>We had such a great time. As I think I said before, I didn't leave the ship once all week. It was rainy at both Cozumel and Rhoatan and we had to skip Costa Maya because the seas were too rough to dock the ship. I didn't mind. I'd been there before and Dennis and I both enjoy the ship when it's not as crowded. Dennis and Neal did get off at Cozumel and went to one of the port shops to get vanilla for Jenny. They came back and found us in the Center Stage area. I was knitting and Jenny and I were visiting. They were soaked! I bought vanilla last time I was here and still have half a bottle. It's the BEST vanilla for not much money.</div><div><br></div><div>One night we ate in the dining room and one evening we ate at a specialty restaurant that served both asian and mexican cusine. We had Guy's Burgers outside on the Lido one day and pizza from the Summer Landing area. Now THAT was good pizza. Otherwise we found ourselves at the buffet most of the time so we could each get whatever we wanted. They made too order eggs and omelets every morning and so much other food every meal. And snacks. Everywhere there were snacks. No wonder we both gained 5 lbs.! I have to lose that before we cruise again!</div><div><br></div><div>The weather and rough seas definitely didn't deter either Dennis or I from wanting to cruise again. He wants to book something now! That's a surprise because I really didn't know if he would like it. <br><br>I hope I didn't bore you too much. I really didn't take a lot of photos. I just didn't think about it. We were having too much fun playing on the ship. Even with so many people on it, it didn't seem crowded at all. </div><div><br></div><div>I'll be back again with just a few photos of our trip home and then it's back to normal life. I don't know what's happening this last week! I've had to make my own bed, cook, wash dishes and do laundry. What happened!?</div><div><img alt="" id="id_4921_6f00_28db_6966" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1UR1CYuruye0cCqeYPUudhJLDQqEMAZiZ" style="height: auto; width: 657px;" title="" tooltip=""><br>Blessings and love,<br>Betsy<br><br><br><br><br><br></div>Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00807691752817225336noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162150278449660664.post-39759100299756405052024-02-01T18:57:00.000-06:002024-02-01T18:57:42.278-06:00Home Again And It’s My Birthday!!We’re home and I’m ready to go cruise again. We had the BEST time with Neal and Jenny! I boarded the ship on Saturday and didn't get off in any ports. I only left the ship when they made me leave the next Saturday to go home! It was wonderful. I'm happy to reposrt that neither of us had any sort of seasickness at all. And it was a very "rock and rolling" ship. Even with how big it is, there were lots of people seasick and we only had 1 and a half days of sunshine. Did that matter to us? Nope. Not at all. We met so many great people and just enjoyed the sea life and the rocking boat. We got very good at doing what is called the Cruise Waltze as we walked around. We were lurching every which way and grabbing each other to get our balance again. :-) I'll have to tell the story of our trip in a couple of posts because otherwise there are way too many photos. <div><br /></div><div>We drove from Omaha, NE to Ennis, TX the first day. Ennis is just south of Dallas. It was a long day, but it meant we arrived in Galveston in the early afternoon on Friday. That gave us time to explore the island a bit. Lots of people had decorated for Mardi Gras already which is to begin tomorrow, Feb. 2. The decorations were so bright and festive with the purples, greens and gold. Neal and Jenny had a really long day of traveling Friday. They left Spokane at 5:30 a.m. and didn't arrive in Galveston until after 10:00 that night. Their plane left Spokane late because of de-icing over and over, but it really didn't matter because their flight was delayed 5 hours in Salt Lake City. They were exhausted when they finally arrived. This is why you plan to arrive for the cruise the day before you sail.</div><div><br /></div><div>This was our first glimpse of the Gulf of Mexico as we drove into Galveston. It may be cloudy, but it was a wonderful sight. When we left Omaha it was -20F with a -42F wind chill. I looked at the temperature when I took this photo and it was 61F. I cannot tell you how wonderful that felt. It did get chillier over the next few days before our cruise, down to the 40's F, but I wore a sweater and flip-flops the entire time. It was like summer to us after -40! People did look at me strangely though. Most had winter coats, hats, scarves and gloves on. </div><div><img alt="" id="id_7b24_19f5_5af9_e64b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1BF5-vbQS7MzhuDMt4uCQURVb-7Ciaoov" style="height: auto; width: 642px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />The Pleasure Pier in Galveston. This was really neat. The rides stuck out into the Gulf on the pier. I think it might be a little scary on that Ferris Wheel out over the water, not to mention the roller coaster, don't you?</div><div><img alt="" id="id_41cf_38bf_6e42_2964" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1x5aNOMjYRoMeQLit9_LHvy-yUx81YX5_" style="height: auto; width: 647px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />The Carousel is the first ride that you see when you walk onto the pier.<br /><img alt="" id="id_452c_6871_4863_8796" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1e4Yh_61QmeQYl3yhCJkwtfFbqqEYfITY" style="height: auto; width: 654px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />But Bubba Gump's is the first building on the pier. We ate there twice. Once the first night we arrived and had some very delicious clam chowder. Then we took Neal and Jenny there for Neals birthday lunch on Saturday just before we boarded the ship.<br /><img alt="" id="id_dd2_5eec_5edb_d28b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1W2JONFaaSHpbNX3lQNkK-EQnDhleuHk9" style="height: auto; width: 660px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />Bubba Gumps is named after the movie "Forrest Gump" and there is lots of memorabilia around from the movie. I like this sign that you put out for your server. If everything is okay it says this. If you need your server, you flip it over and it says, "Stop Forrest Stop". It's really a fun restaurant. We ate at the one in Lahaina on Maui years ago. It's so sad that it was burned to the ground in the fire last year.<br /><img alt="" id="id_e5f8_8fd2_cba4_9cca" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1XsHdr9bOdvTfWTZzP-IFt60Il7YTXMTp" style="height: auto; width: 661px;" title="" tooltip="" /></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">This was the view from our hotel the first night in Galveston. Palm trees and water. It can't be beat (unless the electric poles were hidden!) :-) We were just happy to be in the warmth of the 40's and 50's.<br /></span><img alt="" id="id_4e69_299f_a2ec_e569" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1voDTI8LwG2kUz_tp57Z7J28FHpRq_kLb" style="height: auto; width: 659px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />The next day we changed our hotel to one right next to the dock. It is less than half a block from where we boarded the ship. It was so convenient. We were even able to leave our car there while we were gone and then just walk off the ship, get into our car and start driving. Next post I'll show you pictures of the cruise itself and tell you how wonderful it was. We are looking at maybe a trans-atlantic cruise in the next year or two because the port it ends up in is in Southhampton, England, just a little over an hour from Alex and our DIL's house. That is a 15 day cruise and I think we would love it. It only costs a little bit more than the 7 day one and I can only imagine how hard it would be to get off the ship after two weeks! Dennis had to pry me off this time. :-)</div><div><br /></div><div>I did finish a pair of socks while driving and started a new pair. I've barely got the first cuff done though on the new pair. I didn't pick up my knitting once while on board. We were just too busy.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is Opal yarn "Cat's and Dogs". It didn't have a color name. I bought the yarn last January when I was in London for a month with the kids. I ordered it from Germany and had it the next day! Maybe next time we go I'll do the same thing because the cost is very reasonable when I get it there. As you can see, I made them fraternal twins instead of identical. </div><div><img alt="" id="id_2945_39f9_4ca4_e9a4" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/12Ejs1LoTLLqmzAehLWbGkBfv47Rtr7b7" style="height: auto; width: 662px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />I had almost all of the 48 squares done before we left. I think I made four or five after we got home late Tuesday. Then last night I began joining them. I tried to duplicate the new Red Heart continuous granny yarn colors with worsted weight yarn from my stash. Of course it's not continuous and I'm joining it with Hobby Lobby's "Ivory" yarn in worsted. It will be 6 squares by 48 squares and will be donated to a nearby nursing home for a wheelchair blanket.<br /><img alt="" id="id_ded5_5639_f073_b2f5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1MvDsp4lWwjFrgOYWruAJIA7gzVK9geT2" style="height: auto; width: 670px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />Yesterday was spent getting things done at home like laundry, checking on Mom, picking up mail at the post office and all of the things you do when you get back from a trip.</div><div>Today, Mom woke up with a swollen leg and a rash around her ankle so that merited a couple of trips there to check on her. We also had to meet with our insurance agent because my medical insurance was messed up and I was scheduled to do a download on my pacemaker today. Thank goodness, our agent was able to call them while we were there and "hopefully" straighten the mess out. Although it still doesn't recognize my primary care doctor which is NOT a good thing. Then we had a Costco trip and finally, Dennis took me to the Texas Roadhouse for dinner. I had a GREAT steak and salad. </div><div><br /></div><div>We both managed to gain weight on the cruise so we're back to the basics with eating for awhile. Me, much, much more than Dennis. I "only" have "eight Zoey's or so" to lose! I sure hope I can do it because I know I'll feel better all over. <br /><br />I'll be back soon with another installment and some pictures of the actual cruise. If you aren't interested, just feel free to skip these posts. I missed you all and will be trying to catch up on your posts, although after missing two whole weeks, I may just start fresh from here!<br /><img alt="" id="id_287f_f908_5775_7ee1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1Yn0_Z-2ok9uRITHwkSJZyBkbYJ-wWYsh" style="height: auto; width: 658px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />Blessings and love,</div><div>Betsy<br /><br /></div>Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00807691752817225336noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162150278449660664.post-90047988423296794942024-01-16T17:25:00.001-06:002024-01-16T18:56:46.607-06:00Over the snowdrifts and to the palm trees…And off we go. We’re leaving tomorrow morning and the roads look “iffy” through Kansas and Oklahoma, but then again, I don’t know how often the map is updated. Once we get close to Wichita, it looks like the temps will be above freezing and I’m sure the roads will be fine.<div><br></div><div>I moved all of my plants close to the windows in the living room so it will be easier for Mandy to water them for me.</div><div><img id="id_4d91_54fe_c55a_4495" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYQLB6kG7qTK40nXhLhC5zqW3-o5hR_L6LzIWoCwAg_r3Q3GQ9PNCkCjnpGLXettoYpFxUXqN9PyOhahYCjmes-jSV-xEA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 672px; height: auto;"><br>For some reason I noticed a few gnats flying around the plants yesterday. I looked up online how to get rid of them and made a concoction of apple cider vinegar, sugar, water and a couple drops of dish soap. Within an hour there were 8 gnats floating in it. It’s sitting on top of the fireplace. I haven’t seen any more gnats, but I’m going to leave the bowl there while we’re gone.</div><div><br></div><div>I’m waiting for my orchid to send up another flower stalk like it did last year at this time, but so far, there’s nothing. The violet is doing very well though, considering I got it out of the trash at Walmart, and it looked dead when I brought it home.</div><div><img id="id_d2c2_b444_201b_67a8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYRxyG5-V8uMQi0UAM7lHwjt4YPMGK5_M2ZK_HUN35_Nz1qGvzI8JSW3yG5DqOFEzcRsj14L6Cj7kWXfgh1MmYfAL9tg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 670px; height: auto;"><br>Dennis is modeling the shawl I finished last night. It’s the same pattern as the one I made last week. This is using Loops and Threads amethyst yarn, and a cream skein that I had without a label. Please excuse the bags in the kitchen on the counter. We’re getting things ready to put in the car and making dinner at the same time. Also watching cruise videos on YouTube to get in the cruise mood!🤣 Have any of you been watching the world cruise as it goes around the world? We’ve been watching the lovely couple you see on the TV screen and enjoying it very much. Their channel is “LivingPhase2”. They will be aboard the “Serenade of the Seas” for 280 days and go all the way around the world.<br><img id="id_a01c_571d_e717_34f6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYTYKAUB3IFyngH2z2iw_Bud-ljgJbPa0YlGiH5aaS2qY9QeajPMtC40De-tQGKvKIKqVQVFfVzeinbsUSjujrCnbgcPFA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 670px; height: auto;"><br>Last night I started these granny squares from stash yarn. I tried to match the colors as close as I could to the new Red Heart yarn that’s so popular right now. This is much less expensive.😂 Each one is 4 inches square and this will ultimately be a wheelchair blanket for a nursing home.<br><img id="id_f141_d136_210b_5d7b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYQDC1uuOQIRNBO433Y_zX3gl2ZNmCanFN0cL9dVxR9DhR7vffHSOCqV6CoZ2pQmeCmX_PSYho3OWogb-7Iof9tvKBVITg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 672px; height: auto;"><br>This photo was taken near Lincoln, NE, less than 40 miles from us. The road was cut from the drifts across the highway. Unbelievable. I did say we got a lots of blowing and drifting snow.🥶😂<br><img id="id_1ab9_839b_9401_983d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYTvUVH9M4s_TmSAictcbIdE8d1q0W6PZj5TshQ3bOhIehR8bXM2JoMcI6ji4PwXFTyGrhsJFtPIf7eVWVtsIbGzcFY9" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 670px; height: auto;"><br>We aren’t getting the Internet while we’re on the ship and I’m not taking my laptop with me anyway, so I won’t be able to comment on anyone’s blogs or even read them while we’re onboard. We just weren’t willing to pay $20.00/day for internet. This way there will be no pressure to be online for either of us and it will be a true vacation. If anyone wants to follow along, we’ll be on the Carnival Jubilee, sailing out of Galveston this Saturday, January 20. There is a camera on the bridge so that you can follow the ships progress.</div><div><br></div><div>I’ll be back in a couple of weeks. I’ll miss you all!<br><img id="id_e5aa_cc20_ef28_933d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYQG80q_HfN-GwSL-Yi9Z27PDY4-_qRcnBycdTEkHWFzFWCFO4oe6MEIeX4POSp_jPplLNxrse4JK0J8xzvO0Nj1j0eobQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 677px; height: auto;"><br>Blessings and love,</div><div>Betsy</div>Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00807691752817225336noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162150278449660664.post-35274527274456955052024-01-12T11:40:00.001-06:002024-01-12T12:10:23.701-06:00More Snow!It’s snowing. Again. Kids here are on their third snow day for this week. Last night and this morning so far we’ve gotten 7.8 inches and it’s still snowing. The wind is howling and our wind chill at the moment is -27F! Poor Zoey. She’s terrified to go outside even in her little coat. We carry her outside and set her down and she immediately tries to get back in the building or up our leg. She does not like the snow. Lizzie, on the other hand, runs around and buries her head in it and won’t come back inside. 🤣<div><img id="id_93fd_7180_1fc8_9c67" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYTIRW8XtdCMhr4zOvnkIT9Sbs6XxFFYpY43S1Vbiw272QFAMy000RiMC6PX0cuUrgOyObNHjYeWX8iyqUGDwWufHPWs" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 653px; height: auto;"><br>Dennis’s cousin Laura, who lives across the street from our old house, posted this photo on Facebook this morning of our old house. You can’t even see the front steps because of drifting. It’s just plain nasty out there. I can’t imagine trying to get up that hill today.</div><div><img id="id_23f8_b00e_a202_b2bc" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYS0DkHAmd_Nr-JgmUF9SEQY-VA2k1KvbFNwx1HcqKwPWgFlo-eVTl9FL-83LJpgRB-Ddbqa1SXgPy83NpenNXc98C2qYQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 650px; height: auto;"></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">I started another prayer shawl yesterday. I wanted to send the latest batch of 12 shawls to the hospital with our pastor, who is a chaplain at the Med Center. I was going to give them to him or my sister who is a volunteer baby rocker in the NICU on Sunday, but we just got a notice that they’re canceling church at the building because of wind chills predicted at -50F or more. They’re doing services on Facebook instead.<br></span><img id="id_35d9_fced_35fc_65de" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYQc9mRRvgw-cgAqOzit4d-Z0NH5fxA2PXsQFvqF3P2PYIiOQ-aGEkQi1u7ZB3zxvsmHFEsxXvWZr_y0tFboXUHR2SqEZw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 653px; height: auto;"></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">I saw this picture on Facebook yesterday and laughed so hard. It’s a hat like Uncle Eddie’s in Christmas Vacation. Different people had commented that he also needs a robe and they could caption it, “the litter box is full Clark!” Those of you who have seen the movie will understand.<br></span><img id="id_baec_5153_2a3e_9fa0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYQRUQQYlv89zLyZslpEhN8yiQIzoyUyu-dNszJmE16y36cvxsI1owKuNlhsyfWm0gre67PeNtFVVaJQpdMEc6DBUDUEXQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 659px; height: auto;"><br>We took Mom out to lunch yesterday just before the storm hit. We went to a sports bar called DJs Dugout that has New York strip steaks every Thursday for $12.99. You also get a salad and any side dish you want. We go there a lot on Thursdays. She really enjoyed it. The waitstaff is really nice and you get points everytime you eat there. Yesterday we got almost $15.00 off, so it only cost $22 for all three of us to have steak lunches! Mom loves to go to lunch, so we take her out at least once a week. Of course she forgets by that evening that we went anywhere! She asks most days if we can go to lunch somewhere because she hasn’t been out in so long! 🤷♀️<br><img id="id_c61_e607_bf87_37e5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYSXvsAbx4iW55Dk3NTxnRYEBaJY01_zxxbZfAjYPj_fu-FDvupNZ2Xp2i2R_Kc6sG8JbWXJMU7r99q8NPG_jZGWByViYg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 665px; height: auto;"><br>I hope any of you in the path of the storms stay safe and warm. We’ve begun packing for our trip but swimsuits seem a little odd when you look out of the window. 😍<br><img id="id_9192_c390_c8c4_3017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYRYw7kSnfY7WrHRYS9Hgb_fF-10lte6uRsGqEBBy-vTMqjbFOAG9o4pseKQBkkTbmI96yJ-8bzY_wz8XDjRHDtqj5E7QA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 665px; height: auto;"><br>Blessings and love,</div><div>Betsy<br><br></div>Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00807691752817225336noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162150278449660664.post-78306917432464574202024-01-09T10:38:00.000-06:002024-01-09T10:51:24.664-06:00Snow!Happy Tuesday morning! Well, we finally got the snow that’s been predicted several times. We ended up with just a little over 6 inches, which doesn’t sound like much, but the winds are gusting to 40 mph, which is causing a lot of blowing, drifting and ice. The kids have been out of school yesterday and today. Toward the end of the week the HIGHS aren’t supposed to be above 0 F for 3-4 days. We’ve been spoiled by a very warm winter so far. This will be brutal! I hope it clears up a bit for out drive to Texas next week.<div><br><div>This photo is taken of the back garden area behind the condo. In the summer you can't see those houses, just the trees by the creek. There are coyotes and other small animals that live down there in the woods. This is where we take Zoey outside. She does NOT like the snow. We carry her outside and Dennis kicks an area clear of snow for her to use, then we carry her back inside. </div><div><img id="id_eb2b_c5fd_1e45_9399" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYTINBR6gcJi1tgw6NCLZNpm75sCMXImgdpq7Bh0u21WX0tHtg1SK77Jg30QBY_ATBL2Hh30H_FKPgUVuNBZIYMCRJgb" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 668px; height: auto;"><br>This is our balcony area. I don't think I'll be outside sipping tea today!</div><div><div><img alt="" id="id_9b39_6689_ba16_8e94" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYTx947jwveW0n8Es_MpjUNK5J9YPT-g_7FAz9kI6nasXSfpTh-yuWtUxMLxsXduKWoa4rxBI_DCzckJEEh1kTTvSd3c" style="height: auto; width: 672px;" title="" tooltip=""></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">This is where I’m sitting instead. In my nice comfy chair in front of the fire.</span></div><div><img id="id_9379_7a80_cdb8_2968" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYSXkq545ditEc3SMh66J5rY4J31ZDgqHQOxtFEECOAa03v10V8hyG5_dOT1E2GYgPuREwU6Zaj-9WU9KOtLj1pK2_dPLw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 675px; height: auto;"><br><br><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span>I thought this was completely accurate for Zoey. Lizzie on the other hand, loves the snow and buries her face in it whenever she gets the chance.<br><img alt="" id="id_c91e_2954_6cef_2ec6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYRQSGEIhQlw_XrOCqNK4rSLZeqlWTkKKURTIA04FzQLoP2MKCsicuVrMfPqb_rB7Cpu9XBmBuCtU7MKNXCmAV23CtxH" style="height: auto; width: 675px;" title="" tooltip=""></div><div>I saw this photo on FB and was struck by how much this dog looks like Zoey, but it's not her. The yarn is the new Red Heart granny square yarn that automatically changes colors. It doesn't look like the dog is thrilled with it's new coat.<br><img alt="" id="id_929d_d209_49bd_abf2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYTKVCKs6CHelGtGZ9B4qzPWke4ISo5bwXp_x8j3XTZeAktJDSSy86nKXOtofzyP2ycuKrrWWd6MRXJv5DglsXf00YbT" style="height: auto; width: 660px;" title="" tooltip=""><br>Miss Piper went to a painting class last week with two of her friends from when she was in pre-school. They go to different schools now but are still best friends. Pipers is the one on the left with the bumblebee. Isn't it beautiful? Purple is my favorite color and I love bumblebees too, so this is perfect in my book.💜 I think she did a great job.<br><img alt="" id="id_caad_ad6d_e811_ebad" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYT3sS6CnyoNS6c3UCQLFrjEXq_ULFQyVkOBZLekSv6rWJaqiMVgxQ8YB0hKWX6JM8Vk5LOjqhSJHmI3NLw9OPpGO8OS4A" style="height: auto; width: 659px;" title="" tooltip=""><br>I finished her sweater on Sunday and washed and blocked it yesterday. She hasn't tried it on yet though, because of the snow. I have the yarn to make her one more in either the pattern of her sage green sweater I made last month, or this one. After she tries this one on she'll let me know which pattern she wants the next one made in. That sweater will be a rusty orange color.<br><img alt="" id="id_4875_41f1_9fbd_8748" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYQaz9M4ycEo6KAzm7082C7aJQOsTLTdRaW3DK8nSw0K8gFy92nUkfofcFzEtVc3-iCidu0XOp2ReT4IHwIfvMwHh4PVlQ" style="height: auto; width: 656px;" title="" tooltip=""><br>I started this prayer shawl for the hospital yesterday. It's just called the "Triangle Shawl" and it's free on Ravelry. I'm using an "H" hook and Caron Skinny Cakes in the Baked Alaska colorway.<br><img alt="" id="id_fb8e_58d5_7c0b_5b31" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYS6iocJ4npdesFDpkkv7TB7Uo2FodUj3vTbuLKYuzuWPNnBJjuIf-VHhUEbI8wozC_Hg84gawPWOuL2MeO9YxXFh51d" style="height: auto; width: 657px;" title="" tooltip=""><br>Today is Dennis's birthday and we have no plans at all. We don't ever do much for our birthdays. Maybe go out to dinner somewhere. But because of the roads today, we're staying home and I'm making homemade noodles for chicken and noodles. Since my birthday is February 1, we're considering the cruise as a gift for both of our birthdays since it's right in between. A much, much bigger gift than usual!</div><div><br></div><div>It's been very quiet around here since the new year. I've been knitting on Piper's sweater, dealing with Mom stuff, etc. and normal day to day things. I almost forgot to tell you that Dennis was able to take his hand brace off after six months! He has to keep it handy, no pun intended, until he goes back to the surgeon at the end of February. If he lifts anything heavy or shovels snow, etc., he still has to wear it, but for day to day, he's FREE! It's stiff and his wrist and arm are weak, but he's using it as he can and purposely trying to build up strength again in that arm.</div><div><br></div><div>I hope you all have a wonderful day and stay warm and dry if you're in the north and cool if you live in the southern hemisphere. As always, I’m keeping Israel, the hostages and it’s people in my prayers, as well as the innocents in Gaza.<br><img alt="" id="id_b5af_b6a9_7219_c4cd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYSgTNC-dW_WATRKWA1tg2mG3iLHpSKC2orV4gVIBvDoDw0bYAHudCWJEL362aL93RUigI808fN_bbmav4KXnBaPdR7Qgw" style="height: auto; width: 656px;" title="" tooltip=""><br>Blessings and love,</div><div>Betsy<br><br><br></div></div></div>Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00807691752817225336noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162150278449660664.post-25436070643394393222024-01-01T08:57:00.001-06:002024-01-01T09:57:46.787-06:00Happy New Year! <div><br></div><div><img id="id_dd6c_573e_c976_30d1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYQW-lOCT93HsG_TVh0pOMxaIEp2J7dM2Bsm28zV7ZrmaDK5607wCoNfBmOVhCyNDA6DZ-pXWLbLpf3YapMpurimc-rX3w" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 663px; height: auto;"><br>How was your week in between Christmas and New Year’s Eve? Dennis was in bed by nine last night. I stayed up till long after midnight researching Alzheimer’s information for Mom. Really exciting, right? We are entering a new phase and she seems to have developed more issues over the past few weeks. It’s a confusing time for all of us as we try to navigate this road together.</div><div><br></div><div>Christmas decorations have been put away for another year. I always like to have the house back in order by January 1. We had music playing on the TV on YouTube. The three people you see on the screen are siblings who sing so beautifully together. I don’t remember what their names are though, as we’ve just discovered them this week.<br><img id="id_dbbb_1a0a_757c_efc1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYSV1FsTXoI47YaW0OG9EEh25Omwp9P9lNa60PUQofIZXNOi0fXKZOQCkPKd479I7vBBfaOiCU3fej-XZ5ErmWhJAVNUTw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 664px; height: auto;"><br>Dennis took down the outside lights and put them away. Tomorrow he goes back to the surgeons office for X-rays to see if his hand is healed enough to take the splint off. You will probably hear him whoop for joy if he’s told he doesn’t have to wear it anymore. Six months has been a long time and he gets very frustrated at not being able to do the things he wants to.<br><img id="id_857_96a5_2091_2fa7" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYSIM2Ib-5UOOFEa-5919orNlObpKBev2wK2mQkdpndEWmo-P0AQHbV-SgkOGbl1CRG4c63RqnsGlbXOxxdq7alIYdQD" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 665px; height: auto;"><br>I don’t know why this photo is so blurry, but this is Dennis‘s brother, Doug, Mom and Dennis on Christmas day when we had them all over for dinner. Doug‘s girlfriend took the photos and sent them to me. It’s crazy that they’re so blurry.<br><img id="id_872_b9c6_b398_de39" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYSYQ6FmAhPhgq-rFEVm4276oKOFejtR5FOKs9lFlb1Zl9rCAAHosXE_l6NccBCzdKCuJ6tNUmY1HcI0WbQO2-ytYGgj5A" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 667px; height: auto;"><br>This is one of my favorite photos taken that day. Mom and her two boys. The Alzheimer’s is definitely getting worse and all of the activities this week have not helped. She has been very agitated and anxious.<br><img id="id_6e19_1fd3_60cf_ae85" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYTLxy3G6gMZKse_ac98SZoAXM26nwGMlEBRkjqIWrmCIhmz2hBozp9VCptPBVgac7a_ODzZWpLd9NB0APTG3bjeLMCDZg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 671px; height: auto;"><br>I’ve been working on another sweater for Piper. It’s not progressing as fast as the last one, but we’ve had some very busy times over the past few weeks. Right now I’m knitting the shawl collar. This is the “Portage” pattern that I’ve made for Mandy and myself.<br><img id="id_2d00_d48b_be40_d629" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYSCgEoQtIWYqJfEw2rAZOxaSotvSFK-EBA7Q-UWxL52eN_sM0nn2vYonB_Pc-RLW8V0VhVP-of27M0N7ZRbmOwL9SYpPw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 674px; height: auto;"><br>I’ve been driving back to our old apartment building twice a day to walk the dog of our neighbor there. She had surgery last week and isn’t supposed to walk Lucy yet. It’s surprising how much time driving there and back takes. It does help explain why I don’t seem to get much done around here right now.</div><div><br></div><div>I need to get busy packing for our trip. We leave in less than 2 1/2 weeks and I’ve done virtually nothing so far. We booked this cruise well over a year and a half ago and the time has finally arrived. We will be sailing on the brand new Carnival Jubilee that had its first cruise just this past week. It holds over 6200 people plus the crew! It’s a huge ship. We’re going with our friends, Neal and Jenny from Spokane. They are flying to Galveston, but Dennis and I are planning to drive down. Since we booked it so long ago, we got an amazing deal on the price. People who booked later are paying double and triple what we did for the same cabins. It is Dennis’s, Neal and Jenny’s first cruise, so I hope all goes well. </div><div><br></div><div>A reminder of the love and promise that has been given to all of us.<br><img id="id_2439_53e9_d8b9_e6fa" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYScBxPDpFiTNC14r6H8fcomAjwa5mnbED6eDyrdpXctTTUrX5sfIWaSND1kTiKGXDqqy-nO2IavtnkNukVWVPtXLJ9LeA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 671px; height: auto;"><br>Blessings and love to you in the new year.</div><div>Betsy<br><br></div>Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00807691752817225336noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162150278449660664.post-90001548773654126102023-12-24T20:51:00.001-06:002023-12-24T22:14:02.134-06:00Merry Christmas! <div>Merry Christmas!</div><div><br></div><div><h3 style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); margin: 0px 0px 0.5rem; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 26px; line-height: 34px; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(68, 68, 68); letter-spacing: -0.5px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; text-align: center;">A Christmas Prayer</h3><p style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); margin: 0px 0px 27px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; caret-color: rgb(103, 103, 103); color: rgb(103, 103, 103); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; text-align: center; font-size: 18px !important; line-height: 27px !important;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 27px !important;">By Robert Louis Stevenson</em></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); margin: 0px 0px 27px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; caret-color: rgb(103, 103, 103); color: rgb(103, 103, 103); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; text-align: center; font-size: 18px !important; line-height: 27px !important;">Loving Father,<br style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">help us remember the birth of Jesus,<br style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">that we may share in the song of the angels,<br style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">the gladness of the shepherds,<br style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">and worship of the wise men.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); margin: 0px 0px 27px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; caret-color: rgb(103, 103, 103); color: rgb(103, 103, 103); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; text-align: center; font-size: 18px !important; line-height: 27px !important;">Close the door of hate<br style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">and open the door of love all over the world.<br style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">Let kindness come with every gift<br style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">and good desires with every greeting.<br style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">Deliver us from evil by the blessing<br style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">which Christ brings,<br style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">and teach us to be merry with clear hearts.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); margin: 0px 0px 27px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; caret-color: rgb(103, 103, 103); color: rgb(103, 103, 103); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; text-align: center; font-size: 18px !important; line-height: 27px !important;">May the Christmas morning<br style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">make us happy to be thy children,<br style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">and Christmas evening bring us to our beds<br style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">with grateful thoughts,<br style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">forgiving and forgiven,<br style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">for Jesus’ sake.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); margin: 0px 0px 27px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; caret-color: rgb(103, 103, 103); color: rgb(103, 103, 103); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; text-align: center; font-size: 18px !important; line-height: 27px !important;">Amen.</p><p style="text-align: left; box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); margin: 0px 0px 27px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; caret-color: rgb(103, 103, 103); color: rgb(103, 103, 103); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; font-size: 18px !important; line-height: 27px !important;">This is the life size Nativity at the back of our church.</p></div><div><img id="id_f484_439b_850c_37d8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYSlPTDBsRJi0dgB29taNnQuDN5ewVcQ40EG1txMfluynGLRj7Y1cpX3zqQbfjM_OnGKYJ1bjCIRtznm0sso-yNgXR3C8A" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 662px; height: auto;"><br>The angel said to them,“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11</div><div><br></div><div>Dennis and I wish all of you the most blessed and happy Christmas!</div><div><br></div><div>Blessings and love,</div><div>Betsy</div>Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00807691752817225336noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162150278449660664.post-42815173510523702562023-12-20T14:17:00.001-06:002023-12-20T14:53:37.830-06:00Five More Days!Are we ready? Five days left to get all of our ducks in a row for Christmas. Dennis’s brother and his girlfriend are flying up from Florida tomorrow. We just found out this afternoon that we will be hosting Christmas dinner for them and Mom. The original plan was we were going to join Mom at her facility for Christmas lunch. I have just sent Dennis to the grocery store with a list so I don’t have to go closer to Monday when everyone is shopping. He doesn’t mind grocery shopping and it’s one of the things I dislike most of chores that need to be done on a regular basis. He has called a couple of times asking where things are in the store, but I don’t mind that at all. It’s still better than going myself!<div><br></div><div>I finished the most recent prayer shawl yesterday. I used Big Twist yarn from JoAnn’s. It’s very soft yarn to work with and is machine wash and dry so I think it will work well for shawls. I used the modern granny stitch. It hasn’t been washed or blocked, so it looks a little strange laying there.</div><div><img id="id_1ca0_9425_53ab_4421" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYSUhBA77YQlkJNxUGxmpANHOOhjHLePLYP5KUZ_LEOIJeDassUfmf7X_eBcNqMXAQkRbAgAuvEvuNxECgBS9YNRmMUw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 655px; height: auto;"><br>After I finished the shawl, I started another sweater for Piper. This time I’m using the “portage” pattern that I used for sweaters for Mandy and I. She has asked for this white one and also an orangey color. I found the rusty orange yarn at JoAnns yesterday, as they were having a big sale on yarn. I like my cute little snowmen stitch marker, and progress keeper. Aren’t they happy and festive?<br><img id="id_dee0_b96e_9ab8_9dcc" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYShEklNgt9zH6Ntd01yrpAaKibvO8dQCmgATHSxcAAbR7t3G3uBHlrVFJTJTUQT1LKi0a7596Dm-ifNI0GlWwZfxz7xYA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 662px; height: auto;"><br>Piper saw Santa last weekend. I love the deer peeking out from behind Santa’s chair. 🤣 No, she doesn’t believe in Santa anymore. Someone told her the truth last year, but she still enjoys all the fun things that go along with it.<br><img id="id_8011_58b5_aa3f_73ea" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYSId5YE4VrjfjuHhGTXVFOCU5yD8LWeNQdoZMW9XEWKVWT8bgkl7JO233KNyX-DHHuumCr-fJ0XrkBOP9LzAE8RrPQBeg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 664px; height: auto;"><br>Of course, she had to have a photo taken at home with Lizzie and the tree. That puppy sure does love her Piper.<br><img id="id_7fc5_9a35_d6c6_55b9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYQKyrqVLEEv_YWxdjh1fT-Wq4GJ3d3x7OfNDc3g6w517CzfDmQrgAkg-bVDLB26rKeU7sXwxrgYL60pLcLZoYxz-0sG2Q" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 664px; height: auto;"><br>And just one more. I think their tree is beautiful. She’s wearing the dress she wore for the wedding in London, along with the sweater that I made for her and the other two little girls in the wedding. I think this is the last time she will wear it, as the arms are too short already. I adapted the pattern to make them all waist length for the girls to go with their dresses.<br><img id="id_4ba4_a1c3_65da_2b68" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYQ3FK0s49UBsihVq3HwZNkPdycLvgfGpeftwJecVi61DG5NbVFC4T1a3WxfWoGI3mbVqZHdT-HqUEzIr4YkTL1udzqSmw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 669px; height: auto;"><br>Mom got a package in the mail a couple of days ago and Dennis took it over to her. His cousin in Denver had sent her this beautiful blanket and a box of cookies and said to have her open it as soon as it arrived. Since Mom is always cold, this was a good gift for her to send.<br><img id="id_5d2e_5852_2551_e6e9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYTAk1MxZ0_4xlroRo66rydq_92mMWc3CDDDV7GvVDyZ-nayG8EI6zvA3JZjuJBu7arDO7dBWJcrpR6Ab2bJurRE07oIpA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 670px; height: auto;"><br>I saw this on Facebook the other day and immediately thought of a fellow blogger Debbie, (Araignee). Isn’t it hilarious? I enjoy seeing all of the little escapades these elves get up to in December.<br><img id="id_cec7_84f9_d303_322a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYQ_xV3-GF-2X5V5SpgLRZtwWVrzXmt7ispZfD14lcvl1Aw9TNeJ86SVDKoCD6GEIAcVNi3LM4xuhTXDTiXonipholFk" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 673px; height: auto;"><br>It is supposed to be around 50°F tomorrow, so I think we’re going to take Miss Piper to the zoo. Today is her last day of school before winter break. Last time I didn’t make it all the way to the baby elephants and I would really like to see them. It’s nice to finally be close enough to a grandchild to be able to things with them.</div><div><br></div><div>I hope you are all doing well and joining the festivities that this time of year brings. But I hope that you always remember the reason that we’re celebrating is Jesus. He was born and died just for you. And He would have still done it, even if you were the only person on this earth. He loves you.</div><div><br></div><div>I love this picture shared on FB by a sweet friend of mine! </div><div><br></div><div>From the cradle to the Cross it was and will always be Jesus! Amen!</div><div><img id="id_2f49_c43a_5c5d_ae84" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYT21FEax0RRGW4Z1NP8UGORCpW2ibFuctLRvvMiHSXmm6Tm4oA46M694uwARRvpjsdDb9Kam3uZr4rFGExEQ1L2S426" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 676px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_694b_3b1e_a132_ac37" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYRT6comOhc3WU1wz9uyJLmH3InlERqaZc-X5e996tUsa9LGDUSAB1m__6aZYNQmDLObyi1XqRVqStCzb1QHvo4lOOg9" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 674px; height: auto;"><br>Blessings and love,</div><div>Betsy</div>Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00807691752817225336noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162150278449660664.post-60272210442830491552023-12-14T18:10:00.001-06:002023-12-14T18:44:50.356-06:00More Christmas!Hello, life has slowed down a little bit for us this week. I had crocheting on Tuesday and Bible study with a potluck luncheon on Wednesday. Today Dennis took me out to lunch and we had a new reclining sofa delivered to us this afternoon. I think we’re going to love it, but Zoey is terrified of it. She hasn’t left our bedroom since they delivered it at 2:00! It’s now 6:30. Well, she’ll have to eventually adapt won’t she?<div><br></div><div>I thought I would show you some of our Christmas decorations. Please forgive me if I’ve shown them to you before. I’m sure you’ve seen them in one of our houses or the apartment but now we’re at the condo so they’re in a new place for this year.</div><div><br></div><div>In the photo below, you will see the candle holder that Curt made and gave to each couple at the dinner party last week. They’re made out of old wine bottles. You can change the candle inside the bottle by loosening the wire. He also gave us a prepared, clear bottle too. It’s an ingenious way of lifting the glass bottle up and down off of the wooden base that he also made. We have a small nativity set that I’ve had for years and years next to it and my snowflake garland hanging under the island.<br><div><img id="id_69ad_d4df_7ddf_2c85" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYR1tU21zvNHOBF6Wc465FD3fTWQANAhU4l7s0gNUk2NnAuy5GImBTQMnCVtQorn01vp15zJ5dsKaMIO89Lm3NA1rVUa" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 666px; height: auto;"><br>This is the nativity set that I made the first year we were married. It’s been the centerpiece of our home every Christmas for the last 45 years. Unbelievably, none of the pieces have ever gotten broken.<br><img id="id_cafe_e11a_fb5f_30d0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYTBdXYLQW0yI0R5dKNGgkkmkgDEWiNRMG9_0R4wQkIyKUxaCO8WFIOY9h5_-jagKVNimnJ1n1rI1-_HXuCTKGJkptfT" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 663px; height: auto;"><br>This photo shows you a close up where you can see the faces that I painted on. The wire that you see is actually a small string of battery operated fairy lights that light the stable up at night.<br><img id="id_8c7a_eb4b_957e_78db" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYRlTIPAmk_x3DVvS1uLDt6oStrxIiCyQDKayS1171Dy9nM25d_FMsoUaUr6SEHjXm_2_w6vK7g7VvPWWqM4iRW-oQn62w" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 668px; height: auto;"><br>This is a quilted picture that a friend in Spokane sent me two Christmases ago. She is an avid quilter and used to go to craft fairs all of the time. I don’t know how she gets everything she does done, because she also works full-time at the family business.<br><img id="id_a3bb_6c75_80ca_dca6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYSQ6oqdCX1RFDgD6mU6nc-4hRQ7dLFj6gC8sufG_IQi5wxbXHHlupy9KDXD5tfNJw_17IMj66chF-heXLY3wChIn7Ta" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 670px; height: auto;"><br>Next is my basket full of snowmen ☃️ that make me smile. I usually leave a lot of the snowman out after Christmas is over to brighten up the house in January.<br><img id="id_c883_ba55_e3c9_322c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYTewshuj7YizfX3ZbRkElMc68q_F3ZNIBX6s658ijWkTIrXzFaDz9PKicS3A5XeU01sKRLWgjRTwp-GwpEehl9zwTyuHQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 663px; height: auto;"><br>Even more snowman! I wish you could tell how sparkly the Merry Christmas picture is. It’s a diamond painting that I did earlier in the year. I’m very fond of the little red trucks that are so popular right now too.<br><img id="id_bffa_27b7_99ca_1c52" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYT3QAtSC27hC17oJP8OTMuPCndCwxEjqUmZTMw4aEXBznXcXLTAmqnGDYsjXLBCkT9rycD7MDhF3VHKYJjZRHhNxKcqHQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 669px; height: auto;"><br>And look at these guys! I found them for a total of $4.99 at Goodwill earlier this week. To give you an idea of how big they are, the shelf is about 3 feet long. I Love how happy they look as they’re out and about playing in the snow.<br><img id="id_fa19_7bd2_2799_f78a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYQYu77RTS-1hxFDv-MvNahc6ji9QzpqmUY4E6FPs38b-BJSIqyna5_7dbrhAUeAYePK9HEXUkwO8Q8JSX0iGqzjM5MI" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 671px; height: auto;"><br>I’m still working on the prayer shawl that I was working on last week. It’s taking f.o.r.e.v.e.r. It’s about 4 feet long now and I think I want to make it at least one more foot. It is very soft and squishy though. I’m using Hobby lobby‘s Baby Bee Darling Dear. The color is “pretty in purple.”<br><img id="id_2535_e3bf_2653_30c8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYQLc7AQLIxxLQTA8AHTSoX-GsbNj4XARFPKFay68HlYKwhClFHDDYH2v7PecpmSWFhigksNTlA9Hv4Z4tTif1gFW4RS" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 667px; height: auto;"><br>Last night I decided to start another prayer shawl just for a little bit of a change of pace from the knitted one. This is the Pando Aspen Shawl. I’m doing alternate rows of the pink and cream. I’m going to have a lot of ends to weave in, but I think it’s going to be pretty. Now it’s harder than ever to go and go back and knit on my plain garter stitch shawl. 😍<br><img id="id_31a7_6a88_d521_b0a8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYQ8mPcyVaKLyXQ1gah1pzjnK9XCm51YM3XPVTovCEUjy7dERBJZisnqo2CGFGMrqEyg8kK2JYCEVWajx2VhD8ab9KwP" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 677px; height: auto;"><br>I hope you are all having a wonderful December day. We had a beautiful day in the mid 50s. Tomorrow is supposed to cool back into the 40s for the next several days, but you will hear no complaints from me. That’s very warm for December here. Remember to take time and think about the Reason we’re celebrating this season of happiness and togetherness. It’s Jesus!<br><img id="id_865a_e079_44f3_d76a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYS7FKE5AEDkUE_79Pa6__IGuak-78FakIqFpeN1hXZtMgh59Qpy4at8k08dA69L7bLYcTO0VO7O2wWr8iicxmDQqRiTSA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 679px; height: auto;"><br>Blessings and love,</div><div>Betsy<br><br><br><br></div></div>Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00807691752817225336noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162150278449660664.post-82324847198278358332023-12-09T21:12:00.001-06:002023-12-09T22:24:21.502-06:00Time FliesI have absolutely no idea where the time is going these days. I turn around and another week has just flown by. We’ve had a busy week. Monday, Dennis worked all day and I did laundry and cleaned the condo. Tuesday, I crocheted sleeping mats for the open door Mission with some ladies from our old apartment like I do every week. Wednesday morning, I had Bible study with my ladies group at church. This is the group that has hundreds of thousands of women all studying the same thing, all over the world each week. Wednesday night, Dennis and I went to a Home Free concert with my sister, niece, and nephew-in-law. It was their Christmas tour and they were wonderful. Some of you might remember that we went to their Christmas concert last year in Kearney, Nebraska and we both came home with Covid. Home Free is the only acappella country band in the world. The Christmas tour features mainly Christmas songs but they sing a few of their other hits too. The ages of concert attendees ranged from five or six year olds, clear up to people in their 90s! These five young men are very talented.<div><img id="id_5d90_6c9b_f3a5_c321" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaDRRmC8umAGiqqBsC7yk9Xafq-e6vlA1j0Id3HimhkVDwX7rVKaWPS_7PSN2oQNx9KqqOXsnqsm0mj7iLWLr9nMmgYJKg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 647px; height: auto;"><br>If you watch YouTube at all you can search Home Free and most of their videos are on there. If you like tight harmonies, I think you’ll like these young men as much as we all do.<br></div><div><div><img id="id_6118_96dd_f054_8e7a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaBWdKiEhmS7iWe-mjfXyzKU6uC3VDaVe8hrIAHcTlbiLOvX9WygZ2HZ_ZN10PkNfukeYrJIpMjWox94w7RfULT0Wnx3" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 654px; height: auto;"><br>I don’t have any photos, but last night Dennis and I went to a dinner party with three other couples at our friends house. They sent out invitations and asked everyone to dress up nicely. We had a wonderful dinner and then played a trivia game that asked questions about Christmas movies. That was a lot of fun! Each couple was sent home with a beautiful candle holder that Curt had made for us.</div><div><br></div><div>Today, I was invited to go to a tea with the Jane Austen book club of Omaha celebrating Jane’s 248th birthday! It was wonderful. Here we are waiting for the event to begin. Most of these are ladies that I have known for 40 or more years! I mention Curt and Barb on here quite often. Curt is Dennis’s cousin. Barb is the second from the right in this photo. Jaleena is next to her. Dennis went to high school with Jaleena and I’ve known her since before we were married. Next to her is Sheryl. I met her at church well over 45 years ago. Then it’s yours truly and next to me is Carol. I’ve known her as long as I have most of the other ladies. The young girl on the far right was just introduced to me today, and she seemed lovely. These ladies have all been part of the Jane Austen book club for several years. They have invited Mandy and I to join them. Next year the book being read is Mansfield Park. Mandy is an avid Jane Austen fan, but I admit, I have never read any of her books. I guess that is about to change! I have been to her home in Bath though. When Mandy and I went to the UK after she graduated from nursing school, that was one of the places that we visited.<br><img id="id_8bb8_5f25_fde3_381c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaC-1YZasq6H5b75d4oxz2TR3fJJ0J6xpx4CmWr6yBuQqndLLVADuPZ6pzCfj5EQmv0IkGlfvSLGuc5WDJg1CJNXFScXmw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 655px; height: auto;"></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">The food was outstanding, and the tables decorated beautifully.<br></span><img id="id_b242_3fa9_70f0_549c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaAltXRjcEKOhJ5RANVux8L6Y0zDUw4daTwbhagnYiD-cPLCIz2rt9s0C1UgwEmTU-kEVDSlZN_vLE1cXeNNSmQjBqXo" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 653px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_79d5_5e81_2a36_28a2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaCiYx69q8ejz_e6WrPNG_i-yUSMmvPirsYXEdhkCqbl24FsXgqifaq-qe8IwLRlpyFlsweSqnEr_7RLGhwQMvySfeuyhw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 654px; height: auto;"><br><br><br><img id="id_97be_8db_2a0d_6e09" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaDXQJobt2vSJuFyIjDu21sTO0D8LNzdYgDRr1PgL714lM48b2DFE743XuopYovtCwRQL8-fyJQmIKshdOa-eh1mN9-rag" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 652px; height: auto;"><br>This was my plate. Before you think I was an absolute glutton, this was technically lunch for everyone, the plates were saucer size, and I didn’t go back for seconds! Most people went back 2 to 3 times. You can see the bookmark they gave us on the right, as well as a little poem, written by one of the members to salute Jane on her birthday.</div><div><img id="id_8eb9_a0e0_2efc_1fe7" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaB9UqUuOooq3j7_ACbj8hKrGyfupIY3hiwJQvLa6OkfwH2-fv_mms0Oxc5vmGze33K3h4kMQ3YkDC3CDzyCZ0802xgXqw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 653px; height: auto;"><br>Sheryl won the door prize, which was a Crosstitch about Jane Austen done by a member of the book club.<br><img id="id_cf86_234a_f493_2f45" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaCjzNR8oTakk_WkSlVlZ8cxxNZJymbSgUwTYYl_eXnH5twBRdNyf_nd3yskGE_9I3d-XM4dcImAvZYdkSkc9j3f___tPQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 660px; height: auto;"><br>On Thursday we didn’t have any plans and it was an absolutely gorgeous day with temperatures in the low 60s! We decided it was a good day to take a drive, so we went to Fremont, Nebraska to our favorite furniture store and we bought a new reclining sofa. Dennis is excited because the middle seat flips down and it has cupholders and an electrical charging station where I can plug in my laptop and we can charge our phones. It will also give us more seating when we have visitors here. We plan to sell our La-Z-Boy recliners on Facebook marketplace. Thursday night we had Bible study over Zoom with our group in Spokane. As I said, it was a busy, busy week.</div><div><br></div><div>I can finally show you the stockings that I made this past spring for Alex, T. and Baby J. I took the photos before I added their names to the top in the red space. They aren’t perfect, but for my first attempt at color work, I don’t think they turned out too bad. They are now hanging on the mantle in their home in London and they look beautiful there. I even bought extra yarn, so I can make matching stockings for any more little ones that may happen to come along!<br><img id="id_9029_8a54_826d_4bc1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaBc-sTCcZd4R6sUQrYN4UVgaLtk1WH7QwFvhARgmj7xiM4XK-9zhCbXoXtnneaCppW18GjT6KMEqZJgHsORXfe3y20keg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 661px; height: auto;"><br>Tonight we watched “It’s a Wonderful Life” and I made three dishcloths. They are all this color and looked exactly the same.<br><img id="id_6eb7_4f89_6813_40a7" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaB5trlurr74z_C2gjgXL1bf77axjcdprOxj3I0UF-1-Gns6fpHNaHWfA6_cXRsiBTo-tUG3bTv-u5J5I3oPu3p1mSLoPw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 663px; height: auto;"><br>This is a prayer shawl that I’m making for the hospital. I should have used bigger needles, but I have too much done on it to rip it all out and start over, so I’ve just decided it’s going to take me awhile to finish it! It is so soft and fluffy though and I’m enjoying working on it.<br><img id="id_b279_a4db_1d07_2583" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaA6XcRy2Qi_Di9dduz-Al5rnz0A6MAyTo2xlmbptAlvDJWIXTf9uXGqCyZ6NdRHephIkNnT0suvcwtAkug2XT55pMtraQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 662px; height: auto;"><br>Can you see my cute little snowman, progress keeper, and my Christmas project bag? I adore the camping trailers all over the bag.<br><img id="id_94f0_bf51_76b8_b6ee" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaADhhxZJhMBhVzNu1ALIMMo7B845yWsKNTGOaZqH3wOMN4nWWVB2A2bwrWLlpicn8G1ST2CYHNWzjX2AU-bBNdW8lhENw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 666px; height: auto;"><br>We have had commitments every single day for the entire week. Tomorrow we have church in the morning and I’m going to a holiday craft fair with Mandy, Piper and one of Mandy‘s friends tomorrow afternoon. This is why I wanted to have all of my gift buying, wrapping and cards done by December 1, so I could enjoy all of these fun things without being stressed. I hope you are all doing well in the holiday season too. I think this was our busiest week of the month and beginning next week it should just be our regular activities, although even those keep us hopping! Take care, and I hope you have a wonderful Sunday, filled with blessings, and remembering why we celebrate the season. It’s Jesus! We wouldn’t have Christmas without Him.<br><img id="id_f1cb_6365_5948_4115" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaDKJ0QIediAQp0pDmw_vP5i3XOYkPd8LYtSKeMEVYu_kU4aZShIjll0nVohSJ9pYBova2DVbQxtIV4WGmbkrj-nF3rL0w" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 656px; height: auto;"><br>Blessings and love,</div></div><div>Betsy</div>Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00807691752817225336noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162150278449660664.post-83159007807912082232023-12-03T13:54:00.001-06:002023-12-03T15:30:06.628-06:00This and ThatHow are you all coping with it being December already? It doesn’t seem possible does it? I’ve been busy, busy this week. I put out most of the decorations during the week but waited to decorate the tree until today when Piper could help. It’s fun to have a grandchild nearby that can help with the decorating. We’ve never had that before and I’m taking full advantage of it.<div><br></div><div>This first photo is the string of advent stockings that I made for Piper. You can also see the Noel cups in the left hand corner. I love these cups because they have fun and happy memories attached to them. When our children were small I used to put them along the back of the stove top, spelling NOEL. Most mornings when I woke up, they were changed to say LEON. It was our middle child, Jamie, who did it after we went to bed at night. Oh, how I miss those days.<br><div><img id="id_f812_df4d_61f9_76b9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaDXJOEYF73_RxelBksqYHuKp5qtW4zFckTeQzNfBMGLdTpGzSbus2tT_jeZyMz2NcpPRFA2owtGZu03g9E_3HCplPKzzg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 652px; height: auto;"><br>Here are the stockings a little closer together, so you can see them better.<br><img id="id_3cf0_228_b241_942d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaDnVz7MRW3Y-MRmvCDJh0QlRjMKJgwSP7Em6eNBCdD9a5Hv14XW3xXi6k2UYJNtAWUGSyoOe2USqxuSZyhEfNawREVoEQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 659px; height: auto;"></div><div>I made another 25 stockings a few years ago and Mandy fills them for me! Piper has spent the weekend with Papa and I, so we’ve been able to open our stockings together so far.</div><div><img id="id_af12_22f2_1643_37cc" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaDnaR5T5YMzjKlDL9OU8AgTgwjwN-_KGMoNqW6AK_q2Sia58bTxfwxD-Ig2b2q9A4W6QpboU0fOPR1feArdd7DU6HavAw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 663px; height: auto;"><br>Piper is loving her sweater. I finished it on Thursday and she hasn’t taken it off since Friday except to sleep!😂<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span><img id="id_e34d_f275_e477_f896" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaD14b0vIyWdev0n8zFW16Xhm35VuaODdCnoPHm5z3vaIhn8jg_umXz1yJmlr_W1PJToNzG1rkZUcCwpFpR8BXMrY7lQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 659px; height: auto;"><br>It looks a little big on her but she’s getting taller pretty quickly so I think it will be good that it’s oversize. She’s happy and that’s the important thing. It even has real pockets. You can also see the snowflake blanket I made last Christmas on the back of the sofa.<br></div><div><img id="id_2eea_24e2_b9b7_bfe9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaCnx7cWO8WTAOozKzU8WGNrg3SCejZGQW9dACMfPUuqGQfus4jpyJTE5Cj-GJv1iRRfbDF34Bn6BRQwLhcIb382-suXYg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 659px; height: auto;"><br>Yesterday the two of us got pedicures and had great fun while there. Although it’s been getting into the teens at night, I still wear my flip-flops everywhere. I think I’ve just worn shoes twice so far this winter.<br><img id="id_38db_d4da_359f_8d9b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaB1jtk0thKAvtTjWI1mMed4T1U6BWbGwvfZYLLGCel085ZL1l_7drkUy6g7Y_EMpyOTg6BwjXd9Mi8anUtmXg2DdL1Xvg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 659px; height: auto;"></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Piper’s toes. Aren’t they cute?<br></span><img id="id_417f_acbd_f3f6_51bd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaA8bf0CbdnfpW8chShZxrsu9sGQKRBGsU5n-LnzOkasw1Pb0XiDeAm8AxxhDZNDvt5BfTl2T5j0I2VS_Sz0P_yge0XaVA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 663px; height: auto;"><br>Mandy sent this picture to Piper Friday night. Piper thinks she took it on the plane as they were leaving Omaha. I think it’s a great picture of them both. I wonder how she filtered out all of the background? <br><img id="id_1c3a_4392_2107_6dfe" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaAgDlqvMiAZML6BulwXEKhr7OkH8e124AOUJo2C1Tfe2EDztMN2MgX7O9QNOyl1kVzf3o0CzKzyxrb8kxDXActXzyqAww" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 663px; height: auto;"><br>We also have Lizzie for the weekend. Zoey is VERY happy. Here they were both chewing on opposite ends of the same bone.🤣 They are seriously like two year olds. They love each other so much and we all love both of them.<br><img id="id_9aa7_b75b_83cf_9a5d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaC9Hb4yeHP4srOQNocHlNldEQCAVzEo8GCf28umDafrvcqpJftnA2bSfGkvCmSmJkvEeRoL2EDqye6RLoHJtn7fkXAVmw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 668px; height: auto;"><br>This is the tree Jenny made for me when we were living in our camper in Spokane. Remember when we were planning to travel around the country for a few years to begin our retirement? The best laid plans and all. Anyway, she was appalled that we didn’t have a tree, so she made and decorated this sweet tree for us and Neal made a base for it with his 3-D printer. I think it’s beautiful. We used it last year in the apartment and it’s in our bedroom in the condo this year.<br><img id="id_a820_1660_e4a1_1ed8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaA8-gE3ApHbMqXD44EF4j5t8hL28eHwvVz_znWenHT2Vxn_bKkuRAKsrQCMt0X14AMdAYiQW1eKHeldrDQz18XRoVT40g" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 673px; height: auto;"><br>We got a new and bigger tree this year. Piper and I just finished decorating it after church. It’s nice to see the ornaments after having them packed away for a few years. The star on top has been on top of Dennis’s Mom and Dad’s tree since before he was born. She gave it to me about 35 years ago when she bought a new tree topper. I love its history. It’s at least 68 years old! I made the tree skirt years ago when I gave Mandy the “family” tree skirt. She had always liked it and I promised her that when she got married and had her own tree she could have it. 💜 I had also made it with muslin, fold thread and candlewicking.<br><img id="id_bb53_a1b9_2c95_6c18" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaDY4GhzCfPI-XmKbVVaLCLAkE8rvQOKEzHU0AHz-OsGkHRDKxv-XX6uKd1yVScyHDM5DKRPrl1g20qNsmzcAkuVoraP" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 671px; height: auto;"><br>I hope you’re all having a great week in preparing for Jesus’s birthday! Hallelujah! Love to you all.</div><div><img id="id_48af_20c6_f34_f407" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaChuWh0PDeUKVSGjpbVIl6HmD2AsKscmZDToL7fUnkzs4WUVc0aIylcYCrso8KiaYALxVEplRUZUBYL98y6P7kj43SXcg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 667px; height: auto;"><br>Blessings and hugs,</div><div>Betsy</div><div><br></div></div>Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00807691752817225336noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162150278449660664.post-47473078828999178282023-11-25T21:23:00.001-06:002023-11-25T22:17:27.892-06:00Back to Normal, Whatever That Is!Hi everybody! First of all, I want to thank each and everyone of you for your well wishes. I’m back to normal, if that’s a good thing! I did end up staying home for Thanksgiving, so whatever bug I had lasted about four days. When I woke up Friday morning, I felt completely fine. We were able to spend the day at the zoo as planned yesterday and today we’ve been at Brad and Mandy’s again all day. Several of the nieces and nephews, their spouses and Brad‘s parents came over for the afternoon. Pizza was provided by Brad and Mandy and Dennis and I. Some of the others brought treats to share. We all had a grand time just visiting and having a relaxed afternoon of fun. After everyone else left, Dennis, Alex, T. and Baby J went over to tell Grammy goodbye. Tomorrow morning we’ll pick them up for breakfast on the way to the airport. Their flight leaves about mid-day and it will be a red-eye back to London where they should arrive Monday morning. <div><br></div><div>The visit was too short, but we crammed a lot of fun into it, and even some together time being sick! Shades of when the kids were little and sick and we would all share the germs. 🤒 Well, I guess that part wasn’t quite so much fun.</div><div><br></div><div>But first, some photos from the zoo. It was SO cold. 17°F when we left to go home and we walked close to 5 miles! Most of the things we saw were inside but you still had to walk between the buildings. There weren’t very many people there, because there was a Nebraska game on and it was a home game to top it off. Plus, it was Black Friday. All in all, it was a perfect day for the zoo. </div><div><br></div><div>Brad and Mandy will be gone next weekend and Piper and Lizzie will be staying with us. We plan to go back to the zoo with Piper because although it was all decorated yesterday for Christmas, it was too cold to stay around until dark and see all the lights come on. Next week is supposed to be much warmer, into the mid 40s.</div><div><br></div><div>There are a LOT of pictures, so just skip on through if you would rather not see them all. I wish I could remember the names of the first two animals but my mind is blank. They both were so cute though. 💜</div><div><img id="id_66f0_9abb_cd70_6e08" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaDadvuV6rnpr-wd8hZOownEnOF9j_z8E6GFD6UqYsYi3YE8FlkRvPg3tiLGlT2i5gZI2HWb4gAskcCh8-5jLyqfCDwI" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 641px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_82ff_a9bb_7da_c086" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaCcQ6la-GDVZB1PsCQzAzou0ud4FX0DMWFMOdyM6_8Axgr9jp8rldGBbi0H3iE8ft96yqSoNjDOSESQd7ztzaKKg-YBpw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 641px; height: auto;"><br>The Tawny Frogmouth Owl.<br><img id="id_aaf9_ad_f76a_36dd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaAJpn01SfvaHCoz7xvoMOr80IzceUtR6vAY3873cssA0qAMpmaCFb5ORSZawrBsT54_VFHS2mZNF_f3SUDbd9uxdY64" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 649px; height: auto;"><br>Mr. Roadrunner. We enjoyed watching him run around and flip his tail up and down. There was a zookeeper sitting in this exhibit, holding another road runner and feeding it by hand. They seem to be very tame.<br><img id="id_db27_23fb_4971_35bd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaCStPxKIXDEEU-sitrGz0CHLfWBzPZqK5hjYE3jG8cOy2oaanDSsuAHJPsiGEi94TuCTiJqkthZVI2jgJj2e7GK3Lc0hA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 651px; height: auto;"><br>We sure enjoyed time with our kids and granddaughters.<br><img id="id_6deb_2591_9314_9dac" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaAo9O4GltTy0jVXUCw-yBvdydWsPCiiX9DqbTD9Twev9BLQkoSokxGrLq-0nlhfcYkypirthcrCyCHWhGhLeBcvSKdNkg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 657px; height: auto;"><br>And we saw lots…<br><img id="id_c62c_d94f_ae64_578e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaBiyTt_n2Bf0yDqkFOX3GtFYeroNVP9aboog-ch5dUjenpqyzNPhfM8N-JR2svCGAJzemrPZvN-WujA-ba4rPEadvhm" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 655px; height: auto;"></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">and lots…<br></span><img id="id_822a_790_f3fa_f269" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaCsPkIHtr3NX0GXai3n4zGuv-0PjDVUTdXmnI0xPqgD1A4CU1H2wK1d87FRXJlKa-crRlEdvBAl9plgGCQ3Capsupt4Ww" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 648px; height: auto;"><br>and lots…</div><div><img id="id_9e8e_af32_4b07_bf1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaDQ0WkHQPN2A_UCTzqwoUVxdKZoTwMMkqIYKWDnDfeSfkCjWk4lQtTzyDLMidvGOFgq8tkbFf2kE7DnP0G--DM1_tt4" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 648px; height: auto;"><br>of nasty snakes. I really don’t like snakes at all.<br><img id="id_3319_daf8_289e_f2d6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaBiHb6Ncj62FH1TSVO0Sm-GW2xlA-3v_aJ2Af4q5YNnjHd1NPcAe12BjFOm9OCbyGr8Ra8s3XvpV2Kb2Qi1m4T5b7ktBw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 645px; height: auto;"><br>I will spare you the hundreds and hundreds of bats that were flying around and hanging from the ceiling.</div><div><br></div><div>But the puffins…<br><img id="id_eb69_797_e97b_134f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaCxoKIKPZq0atGmcVdXbWmtNm1ix4roA_kJmUwD_GfkDe60HtujQP-lgFUrwRepw48CgVLRlmNwtMAvF1uyuNlrk4Ni2Q" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 653px; height: auto;"><br>and beautiful forms of starfish…<br><img id="id_6ba5_215_4c15_8742" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaBVgfCKr8ToQNyrJfrnn0M5MFX2mKKhFf85D4fiNeaVdsB141S51N5ZvMXooW5vPOgtklq2hZUDFpftTmuwTlczGawdRQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 662px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_409c_661e_e8a3_1248" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaBFxGyJNH1HhKompdDPfJc-3m04RQhS0NmWYFkIPNSxyaRuatlSC0VZmG62Zyh2iUfMZuJwEnuxQRrZKU0Fafbx7VdR" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 660px; height: auto;"><br>and king crabs, this one was about 3 feet across!…</div><div><img id="id_1872_fba7_9650_e20b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaDOXJGzGkDqQOF3AbNvoy6IT7LRIISPTb8ZUeYHWsMMtuiLhLktCzSi3J6JSJqc0OEs2LWpwiD5BjkuGa8ctipA7nKekA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 653px; height: auto;"><br>and especially the giraffes, more than made up for the snakes. There was even a baby giraffe, but he was to busy and fast playing to get a decent picture.<br><img id="id_2302_4530_a566_e26b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaDGSo84RGb9s_HqKklhdiFb188ODEDusoknPaURhFebdabNNrqfgKUBUNKE_HdCTT-zkgb9A0-x1-u4mYdo5HrkIsl0jQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 662px; height: auto;"><br>We all commented that it was the most animals we’ve ever seen out and active in our trips to the zoo. I don’t know if it was because it was cooler or less people staring at them, but every exhibit we went to had active animals, insects, or snakes. We didn’t even make it through a third of the zoo, but then again, we never do. It is huge!</div><div><br></div><div>We exchanged Christmas gifts today with our out of town kids.<br><img id="id_4fc1_c5fb_35b4_99b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaD_XKL46Na52EH7-DH7gLJlcujRKR0sPgcXTfysCY3goXJ3WzNxNeKu9xnVj2GmsT9YOpoP6PoOVBXTOe3HZ9TzRupLNw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 663px; height: auto;"><br>And had a real Christmas cake brought from London, soaked in rum and lit on fire!<br><img id="id_e73e_aae0_b6e5_60f1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaCPcBFb9zwwY68l-uSvJ65SsRkdrxmwVfNmPCH-zp4MSZdn0LqS4mZlGY-qx8xd3cTiEcZWGZ_cZCEkBfSHXXhmWzExKw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 659px; height: auto;"><br>Alex and Brad look pretty pleased with their work in lighting it on fire. ☺️<br><img id="id_d52c_83df_39c4_7ee3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaA-OVpXA3dR_Lxq0wl7T7fg8tczKNzXJ9IC-b2IesJuDzi9vyuJArwN6pjsAxbLBtcq0EJhI9iWaRCQdAHN76ZfU6D_9g" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 658px; height: auto;"><br>And that is that. A busy and eventful few weeks. I would love to share more actual photos of the kids, but you know the story of that. DIL’s job prevents us from posting photos of them online. However, just since September sweet little Baby J who is just 20 months old, fully knows her alphabet in both English and Japanese and speaks to you in 4-5 word sentences in BOTH languages. She has actual conversations! I seriously have never seen anything like it. Her language skills have exploded in the past two months since we saw her. The nanny talks to her in only Japanese, T in just English and Alex speaks both fluently. We have enjoyed this time.</div><div><br></div><div>Brad, Mandy and Piper were excellent hosts for Thanksgiving and picked up both my part and Dennis’s too, since he only has one hand and couldn’t carve the turkey or do the dishes, his normal jobs. Their house has been bursting with guests everyday since Thanksgiving and we’re grateful for them being here for everyday life and help.</div><div><br></div><div>Now I’ll end this too long post and hope that you all had a lovely blessing filling weekend too. I give thanks to the Lord for each one of you and your families. <br><img id="id_adaa_a5e0_fbb4_1d8b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaDZhD8DXxcQDimn3Be6Cb7eME1Iq7Bilk2pM1cmtXuxFBpCGLrDDex-dqppAULG66BIeJPT4r7ra4379CKWLLyzKrwpJA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 658px; height: auto;"><br>Much love and many blessings,</div><div>Betsy <br><br></div>Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00807691752817225336noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162150278449660664.post-73715237451022945182023-11-23T15:54:00.001-06:002023-11-23T21:46:27.162-06:00It’s Thanksgiving!<div>Happy Thanksgiving!!!</div><img id="id_f774_c97d_68ab_c70f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaBOQ26pYjL2rZ7pSF3KiabekfUtB8Vw5kVKj4_PPrebNoUkGsl7Raf-H6Ln_OX0bNY0kjVZLy3tugkomSqfUjwkhtNPiQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 674px; height: auto;"><br>To my American friends, have you all enjoyed your turkey yet or do you eat later in the day?<div><br><div>We had our church harvest dinner on Sunday which was wonderful. Our son and Baby J were able to go with us. Unfortunately Sunday night our son got very sick for a couple of days. I really don’t think it was from the potluck. I think he had picked up a stomach bug somewhere. By Monday night I had it. I think I am on the mend today, but I opted to stay home while everyone else went to Mandy and Brad’s for Thanksgiving dinner. I got up early this morning, washed my hands very well, put gloves on and stuffed the turkey. They left about 11:00 with the 22 lb. turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberries, and relish tray. My sister was bringing pies and my niece brought rolls. Mandy was providing the sweet potato casserole. I had bought paper, plates, napkins, and bowls, but forgot to send them. Unfortunately, that meant they had a lot of dishes to wash. 🙄 My bad. We gave up on using the good china after we sold the house in Spokane.</div><div><br></div><div>However, I’m not feeling sorry for myself. The food doesn’t even sound good to me, and my temperature has lowered to under 100° for the first time in days. We have had a wonderful week together. Even though I haven’t been able to do a lot of close up play with Baby J because of the fever, (just like in September unfortunately), I’ve been able to watch her play and run around and she tells me she loves me a lot! That makes me very, very happy. We share a love of Olaf and we’ve watched Frozen together twice. We sang songs together and even visited Great Grammy before I got sick. She has loved playing with the little kitchen and toys that Piper brought over for her to play with. It has been an absolutely wonderful week.</div><div><br></div><div>Tonight they moved to Brad and Mandy‘s house so the kids can all hang out with each other for the rest of their time here. Not that we’re not included, but they’ll be sleeping there instead of here. Hopefully, I’ll be all better tomorrow because we have plans to go to the zoo and we need to open Christmas presents too before they leave!</div><div><br></div><div>I have been reading your blogs as I have time had time, just not able to comment much. That should change starting tomorrow.</div><div><br></div><div>I hope you’re all having a wonderful, wonderful Thanksgiving day. I have been counting my blessings all day as I’ve been sitting here and I hope you’re doing the same. God is SO good.</div><div><br></div><div>Blessings and love,</div><div>Betsy</div></div>Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00807691752817225336noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162150278449660664.post-84921288124596419842023-11-14T22:50:00.001-06:002023-11-15T23:14:41.981-06:00It’s late!It’s pretty late tonight, but I wanted to stop by here and say hello to you all. I probably won’t be posting for the next couple of weeks and I don’t know how much I’ll be online. We have family coming to stay with us beginning tomorrow, until after Thanksgiving. But I did want to show you the progress on Miss Piper’s sweater.<div>This evening was devoted to knitting the pocket flaps and the pockets themselves. I have never knitted pocket flaps or pockets before, so this was a new experience. They haven’t been sewn down yet, so they don’t look like much here. I think I’m happy with the way they turned out, but time will tell when I get around to the finishing part. I still have the sleeves and the shawl collar to do. I am learning lots of new techniques that I’ve never used before in sweater construction and that’s always a good thing.<div><img id="id_6031_67a5_4d85_de43" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaCeOEv2B0xlJVIj5gxwMRhRe6nSZ-AQJvztb6xIqTgLvzybUc-_Ch0lbMRFbmtyEVZY6zFsK0Rd5TfOBXxeIRxWxcZh" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 660px; height: auto;"><br>In medical news, Dennis got his stitches out this afternoon. You can see where they shaved his arm before surgery and the hair is starting to grow back in. The surgeon is very, very happy with the progress so far. It has been almost 2 weeks since his last surgery. He will have to wear the splint until at least the first week in January, but he was given some exercises to do to keep the skin and muscles from adhering to the metal plate. The doctor is very hopeful that he will have full range of motion.<br><img id="id_192a_ada4_ae55_dfe5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaAWLDt8HIWNs75QttcgCoqsfGhH7vAE0np_vFT6QsSp6XuU2CBPg3V3z4EQyM1MWsi5LZWlNDfNEp6xeT3NTh8uW1WNtA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 663px; height: auto;"><br>This is a hint as to who is coming to visit over Thanksgiving. Yes, it’s our London family. I’m looking forward to lots of playtime and Piper graciously loaned us her kitchen set that she’s outgrown, as well as a basket of toys.<br><img id="id_2fd2_dd3d_c202_e24c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaDECmFv6bPVBaGVkyfoF2sKUqjUuVZ2wUtRd0HET_tS4vXRuUgtaAw1eJ6OYeCiymrmKCH2-Gs90iBGZrOkui2ilkTr1w" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 666px; height: auto;"><br>A friend of mine posted this on Facebook and I thought it was hilarious. It does solve the problem, for a short time anyway, of how to store the Halloween skeletons! I think all three skeletons are posed wonderfully, but I really like the one on the ladder for some reason. Looks just like a guy looking down to make sure he’s stepping on the rungs correctly.🤣😂🤣 Dennis should have done that before he stepped off of the back of the truck back in June, and we would have avoided all of this Doctor stuff! 😍 Even though I’m not much into Halloween, I still think these are funny. I haven’t figured out yet, what the one sitting at the bottom of the ladder is doing.<br><img id="id_4915_ba9c_7add_4fa" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaCBzPluYY8JBDOHGT15nnTQtDFNX-LsAbQ0eLg_8mu3UXyj6ICekMAG2FiFI-PIimEK4PsakcnLcXhvYiITSBMEcDMg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 665px; height: auto;"><br>It’s hard to think about much with everything that’s happening in the world today. I’m worried about the volcano that’s predicted to go off very soon, especially for the people who live around it, but they also expect it to shut down air travel from Europe. And then, of course, there is everything happening in the Middle East. And the craziness that’s happening here in our own country. I wish people could just learn to be kind to one another and treat others how they would like to be treated. Wasn’t that something we all learned in kindergarten? I’m starting to think those lessons aren’t taught anymore. </div><div><br></div><div>I pray for the entire world several times a day now. I hope you are all doing well and for those of you here in the US looking forward to Thanksgiving next week, I hope holiday plans are coming along for you.. I have my turkey and a few of the trimmings, but still need to go to the store to buy more things. Take care my friends and I’ll be popping in as time allows.<br><img id="id_cd1f_1fc9_1212_52ab" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaBJFah796Hmdkpma5XfN71F37NHO5yo6ixT0u6LOnHOHEsG7qNCCZ-0CjaWQCGLfMKY7O4tiXbKiW28QaK7NL_tqmSU" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 666px; height: auto;"><br>Blessings and love,</div><div>Betsy <br><br></div></div>Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00807691752817225336noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162150278449660664.post-62981079277211193992023-11-10T09:12:00.000-06:002023-11-10T09:29:26.055-06:00Thank you!Thank you! There were so many well wishes for Dennis and his surgery in my last post. You're all so kind and we both appreciate each and every one of them. He's doing very, very well. On Tuesday we returned to the hospital and the surgeons office where he exchanged the HUGE, bulky cast for this. He has not had one bit of pain since the surgery and hasn't taken even a single tylenol for pain. God has indeed been with him, because looking at the next photo, I don't see how it can possible not be very painful. If you have a queasy stomach, I suggest you pass by the next bit. 😵💫<div><img alt="" id="id_8f9f_ffc2_99c5_1e54" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaAqQUKNPGIQk9PoI6SMEOeV46EIlrBZnXKFKnkD_7Wti9TIiRdSJb3S-6Nmm0LWP5xV4YoFnpR9F5jYaiAA5IM0xxAF" style="height: auto; width: 637px;" title="" tooltip=""><br>How can that NOT hurt? But there is very little swelling. Last time, he couldn't wear his watch from June until October because the swelling never went away and it was from his fingertips to his wrist. The stitches should come out next Tuesday. He'll probably have to wear the splint for 6-8 weeks, which is into January! He's already bending his fingers to his palm and the thumb top joint to touch his fingers! It is truly wonderful. He even went back to work on Monday!<br><img alt="" id="id_c4b1_87e0_7955_b589" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaA448FnHpfnlgc-2bau_420VM34_2Pg_hBgwVxh_4u7ApGMxpsNr4bcdMmD72gIrU55Ig8244RB4mb40srX-DpvOlNILw" style="height: auto; width: 636px;" title="" tooltip=""><br>Switching gears, last night was Miss Pipers very last elementary musical. Next year she'll be off to middle school! When did that happen? This is a really blurry photo because it's zoomed in so far. But she's still cute isn't she? The theme was Music in America. This song was about rock and roll so they wore sunglasses. So cute!<br><img alt="" id="id_bf29_af8_51b6_b434" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaBd0tWh1F4K1B21MIRsmxzvmLS7McFwVD6u12vcSr-xo0_QK4_rGJha1KpWhP3Twh6e38RNQ6AqB_cMZKtmI9T2N6wqFQ" style="height: auto; width: 634px;" title="" tooltip=""><br>The kids were great, but of course, both of us Grandma's thought she was the best one there. She even had a speaking part. Brad's parents were there too, along with the two of us and Brad & Mandy. I'm going to miss these musicals.<br><img alt="" id="id_f32c_5e08_8753_7ee2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaBDHMkfrIeFo2ieslXb4NtJjY7nPj3Y1yPF5KTiZZYR_eeZpLHf5FVfCDvUwbDTDR1ET1a0ajRolEFOW1tteShW2vBtMw" style="height: auto; width: 636px;" title="" tooltip=""><br>Here's a broader photo that shows how far back we were. The big dog is the schools mascot. They are the Timberwolves. <br><img alt="" id="id_6d1c_9954_8154_a20a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaBiyuhL2XpPgR2Lv_lEl0siB7cMR24pM28SZEEDprXEFOb5rxIho11v-6ZAB9AuwD8rG75bWxD4jNlsVkzBwDOaxHZM4w" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" title="" tooltip=""><br>And now for some crafting. I finished the very last Christmas gift! Mom's socks. Just a plain vanilla sock pattern as it's what she likes best. Yesterday we picked her up and took her to Cheddar's for lunch. She loves it there and so do we. She couldn't remember we were going to lunch even after a call at bedtime the night before and two reminder calls in the morning. She said she would be waiting at the front door, which she usually is. I had to go all the way up to her room, to find her watching TV. She had completely forgotten we were going to lunch and scolded me all the way back to the car for not giving her more notice so she could dress appropriately. She looked fine. She always looks nice. She seems to have taken another memory hit. She goes along fine for a few weeks or a month, staying about the same and then something happens and we notice that she's forgetting even more. It's such a sad thing.<br><img alt="" id="id_a844_99c2_150_82" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaAjejUS8nEG-eBurhTRRn4Zfg4qkqvqPj8-dhz-IiOprz-_Cn-5S5WcPFyh76wt6FhYsUuWOtCKocB4uUO8O2E5S_vnmA" style="height: auto; width: 648px;" title="" tooltip=""><br>On Monday I decided that baby J needed a crochet toy from Grandma when she gets here next week. I made a couple of these bunnies a few years ago for Nita and Lori, my friends in Spokane. I picked up the yarn and started crocheting it on Tuesday. By evening, I had a bunny. It's far from perfect, but it's so soft and cuddy and almost as big as she is! I used Bernat Blanket yarn (#6 bulky) and an "N" crochet hook. I think she'll love it. <br><img alt="" id="id_56dc_46fa_366d_7e81" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaCYQKfzNb9EKBZCXGxjh9Xh7Wa_6rkZsRmGAgqEfynn5FLqSqDI1f0HtrsTxPrxXqZZy4eHa4H2wZlx7ccZBwBMC6-B" style="height: auto; width: 652px;" title="" tooltip=""><br>I also made a start on Piper's new sweater this week. If I finish it before Christmas I'll just give it to her but if it's close to Christmas I may wrap it up for her. The color is really a deeper sage green than this photo shows. I couldn't get it to photograph correctly. She chose the pattern and has asked for a sage green, a red and a white cardigan. This girl has worn my sweaters almost daily since she was tiny. She loves them and I love making them for her since she wears them so much. This is the "Pure Comfort Cardigan" by Andrea Yetman and is a free pattern on Ravelry. It has an unusual shawl collar and I hope I can figure it out when I get to that part! :-) I'm about halfway through the stockinette body. Just plain knitting and purling back and forth. I'm using Yarn Bee Simply Flawless in Desert Sage from Hobby Lobby. She's growing up and every time I make her a sweater it's taking more and more yarn. 🧶🧶🧶 I just don't understand it!?<br><img alt="" id="id_f296_805e_7ee9_cc7d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaCEtvUICbF9EVbefzPiyaGX9ozFABcOWFFgQETknzCJ1HU5uiMH69s4RzeCCbl3hxQDMAotj8bOCjBTbV0uMXfhOcZahA" style="height: auto; width: 651px;" title="" tooltip=""><br>Today we have the Veteran's Day program at the school this afternoon. We were able to go last year for the first time and they really put on a nice program for the Veteran parents and grandparents. They even put every Veteran's photo up on the big screen for all to see. Both Dennis and Brad's dad, also a Dennis, are military veterans. I love going to watch the children sing. They look like they're having such a great time up in front. I was thinking we could give Piper a ride home afterwards, but she's on safety patrol duty today. Anyone else out there who were on the safety patrol? Dennis was captain at his school safety patrol and I was a captain at mine!</div><div><br></div><div>Well, that's our week since I last wrote to you. Sprinkled in there are also Sunday School and church, two different Bible Studies on Wednesday and Thursday's. I crochet sleeping mats for the Open Door Mission on Tuesdays with some ladies at our old apartment building. Helping Brad and Mandy whenever we can since they're both busy with work. Taking care of Mom and going to doctor appoints. Life definitely is keeping us busy here in Omaha.</div><div><br></div><div>I did manage to get the Christmas cards finished this week too and they are stamped and ready to mail out the day after Thanksgiving. We have yet another new address this year, so I wanted to get them mailed early. The last move. We want to promise that, but I don't want to say something that may change. Our plan is to stay here till the end, but you never know what the future holds.</div><div><br></div><div>I'm in daily prayer for Israel and all of the people affected by the horrible massacre there. Also for the innocent people in Gaza. I pray for all of the kidnap victims and their families and hope that they will soon be back home.</div><div><br></div><div>Take care my dear friends. I so appreciate each one of you and the fact that you take the time to come visit me here. I'll be back soon. Meanwhile, take care of yourselves and keep a watchful eye open at all times.<br></div><div><img alt="" id="id_7dee_24ad_1289_6bab" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaAS9QHssK7K-mr2WGz0-gqvHQYmHDCv-YaAnyt1N7gwvdDrTjAQ3kJsxp40cbJeX3bRP-65uKKuSmkBuGtnBksc6_QIKA" style="height: auto; width: 655px;" title="" tooltip=""><br>Blessings and love,<br>Betsy<br><br></div>Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00807691752817225336noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162150278449660664.post-86718323068738468612023-11-04T19:09:00.002-05:002023-11-04T19:10:48.786-05:00The Last Surgery (We Hope)Happy Saturday evening everyone. Whew! It's been a week. We had appointments and commitments every day this week and then on Thursday Dennis had his second surgery on his thumb. This one was much more invasive and lasted a LOT longer. Then they had a very hard time waking him up. He said they used a different anesthesia on him this time. We were there much later than when they did the last surgery in June. Here he is just before they took him away from me. I won't show the photo from when they brought him back from recovery. He looked awful but we couldn't have asked for nicer nurses. They were wonderful and he even had the same pre-op nurse as he had in June. She remembered him too, because of how he hurt himself stepping backwards off the tailgate of the truck the night we got to the Black Hills in South Dakota.<div><img alt="" id="id_a6e0_3b5c_d32e_fd39" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaAyeBi9cCFkVla94kiHts8LXkIhE3MOIMjUQhATuww86lj9PjU1w-R-Zbf-yF7b3H8YvUA8NrB8Fm9CytBXW3aT38IF" style="height: auto; width: 660px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />Here's what they did. See the plate on the left on his thumb? Then it has the five screws going into the bone. On the bottom where the the biggest screw is, just above it is where they sawed the bone into two pieces. Then they cut a pie shaped wedge from the bone and put donor bone into the space to help "fasten" it, or "grow it" back together. The plates and screws will stay in his hand permanently.<br /><img alt="" id="id_42e2_de06_ebb5_55c1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaBfsh7upGil12PBLOMpO8z9PtYEMfypYsuf-K9vjXBmZD92HgDucxLX3_wdqnD0UkCkcQHT6_EerPOpcNBMxKJ_GaBRqw" style="height: auto; width: 663px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />Here he is tonight with a big cast on it. He goes back on Tuesday and will, hopefully, get a somewhat smaller cast or splint. He can't get his coat on over this and it's getting pretty chilly out. </div><div>The anesthetic made him really sick this time, which has never happened, and we barely made it home before he was REALLY sick, many times. But, he has had absolutely NO pain and hasn't taken any painkillers they gave him, or even any Tylenol. Praise the Lord!<br /><img alt="" id="id_4933_b24_475b_8ac1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaC6cVhHgPeGzxWignEOc_ZclRb4Kdm2x0Skbd0Th4sjrxAB6_VWbCPSZf3FlbaT_LJXgyI7htYYswFR953kkF7lJDBhgA" style="height: auto; width: 659px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />I thought I would share my twinkle lights under the TV with you. They're on a timer and are on for 6 hours every night. They make it so much more cheerful.<br /><img alt="" id="id_fe59_600d_ff65_54ba" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaBnHYy75mdwuB9OfhK99lR1FalAV6KwBHexVcKV4Sn6VfJnH4HLx0gRbFSGNmT0L7HQTpOOPJIXD39p0cuSF7Ie40E73g" style="height: auto; width: 651px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />We just put this light in the corner of the living room on Monday. We got two in a box from Amazon and don't know where we'll put the other one, or if we'll put it up at all. This one makes so much difference. It was such a dark corner and the plants are loving the light. After Dennis heals he will put the cord up on the ceiling and down the corner.<br /><img alt="" id="id_f366_6ac0_18c6_71c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaCm9UIo7rhnVFYtZhKavLJkiv3qSkLT6MFSVCTXMiBmC1H5OKABvDWUfIAkH2yE8xrTMdtl-YXVqqcUfq6o_bakFNZ4YQ" style="height: auto; width: 661px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />And...I finished my last seasonal diamond painting last night. This one will go up for the rest of the winter after the Christmas truck comes down. I now have five to swap out with the same frame along with the seasons. I don't think I'll be making more because of lack of wall space, but they sure are fun to do. Most of you know me and snowmen. This guy makes me smile. And we can all use a smile these days, can't we?<br /><img alt="" id="id_96c7_4633_2977_32a0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaCHkKf6NcKm0jMVJexy5HEAU1AWcw6cz5zautguRcGnflI85CZ74wir_ZHM3lr_vDlFBcE2gRSOcy6p89vPr1VbH7kINg" style="height: auto; width: 663px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />Mandy and Brad got a new car today. It's a 2019 Acadia and it's gorgeous. Her car was a 2005 Mazda 6 that she had before they got married. It wasn't the best in the snow, etc., so she's really excited about this car. They're keeping the Mazda too, since it's such a great running car. I think Brad will probably drive it to work instead of his truck to save gas. He takes really good care of all of their vehicles.</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you are all doing well. My heart aches for the heart break in the middle-east and I pray daily for the innocent hostages and for their quick release daily. <br /><img alt="" id="id_9fa1_a81f_dd1a_1cf" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaBfwbUC9aSaPbdPDgZQfuGeVKabm8EeysXR_pPOAuc4fkuJ7cLURPPhkxVHycJ7ow6rAIVAjjpVisxxODNKiAlyiVys" style="height: auto; width: 656px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />Blessings and love,<br />Betsy<br /><br /></div>Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00807691752817225336noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162150278449660664.post-80949088729982750592023-10-30T14:20:00.001-05:002023-10-30T14:56:43.372-05:00Monday, MondayHappy Monday everybody! Can you believe I’m doing two posts within a matter of days? Whoo-hoo! Since my last one was so full and newsy, and I didn’t have room to show you what I’ve been working on, I thought I would do a quick post just to bring you up-to-date.<br><div><br></div><div>First, though, look at this gorgeous photo that my friend Kari in Spokane posted on Facebook. This was a rose in her yard when they got their first snowstorm. Isn’t it stunning?</div><div><img id="id_2aa1_891b_1445_dc55" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaAPYyFZPfvdTiU85qVMOw4VeqWrAgnx0mp9vAqvkYAOXmsmKREAOfP1h5n9AcRMC2VRcu5Pzfs3yLg7L7rRl1Fyfe86dQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 657px; height: auto;"><br>I finished a prayer shawl for the hospital last night. I used the same diamond pattern that I made the last two baby blankets with. It’s such an easy pattern and I don’t have to think about it. The yarn is Baby Bee Sweet Delight Pomp in the “naked” colorway. So far I’ve made two baby blankets, a shawl, and I’m beginning another shawl using this yarn that I got for free as part of a Facebook marketplace yarn haul. She just threw in this baby yarn to get rid of it. I’m calling it a win! Zoey makes a quite cooperative yarn model. Don’t worry, I wash everything well before I donate it.<br><div><img id="id_ad07_e6fe_9dd1_639e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaDYBL5_mamoNRsx59XXRq5i8A8fjxdRhEwjP8xv3mWYSzz4ev3x0hgcLhibB0DJubhXSo6zhLN9QbLnvo6Z_HIE8M7jXA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 659px; height: auto;"><br>Last fall I made this autumn diamond painting to hang outside the door at our apartment. We’re not allowed to hang things outside the door here, except one wreath or decoration on the door itself, so now it has a place in the living room. I use the same frame and swap out the diamond paintings according to the season. I sure wish a photo could show you how much these diamond paintings sparkle in normal light.<br><img id="id_6125_9938_e93_2405" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaBeMO_vIM42fLvEg1oYFEFjxSTUaxRCAtFMHJobeQgaKWrDtZtZNT-hqmPC9xRF5FP-iuRRx5T763BiJmzCdqwwGBqU" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 663px; height: auto;"></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">This is one I just finished on Saturday. It will take its place in the frame when I decorate for Christmas. In the basket behind it, you can just barely see the ornaments that I made for everyone for Christmas. You will get a better picture after everyone is given their ornaments!<br></span><img id="id_10d_658d_8858_c0bc" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaDZjfrz0WNrb29tqTpWtxHhVCU4Oo4FAlN7tBg8Vz-sXQ5dUaQYiVvVJ5LWDAXXRgtZ4pnKRRLtA-btMukphu9HL9bl6g" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 664px; height: auto;"><br>And I just received this one about 10 minutes ago from the Amazon delivery driver. It will take the place of the Christmas one for the remainder of the winter when the Christmas decorations are taken down. You know me and snowmen. 😍 Amazon has fantastic deals on diamond paintings. They all fit in an 11 x 14 frame and I only paid $7.79 for this kit with all of the necessary materials included. Plus, I just ordered it yesterday!<br><img id="id_85b_db84_8d54_212b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaC0eUGM6KPHKkOV4fJTQ8-rhTNmmnQXXCtKS_99n2qMXB4GoroZf-FpknueDAWkuEgvSzycbLsJWPj-mZzTHcUygOF1bw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 665px; height: auto;"><br>Saturday evening mom’s apartment building had a special night for trick-or-treaters from six till seven. Mandy and I took Piper over and she had a good time walking around and trick-or-treating in the dining area from the different residents. They had tables set up with candy on them, and some of the residents as well as employees were dressed up too. Here is our little Cheshire cat.<br><img id="id_fe7_fe73_8350_d398" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaBduZJulQRfeWZLDYvxJ1JWbYUvLpy0rHwYiP-DxUqvVsYt7CiysQ1JbOK5tWB8hdUBPQnoBr7t82FQfZfw5UvKcEHBkg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 681px; height: auto;"><br>Great-grandma thought she might try to take some of the candy out of her bucket. 😂 Piper was quite willing to share.<br><img id="id_352c_8fa9_2965_1632" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaAHOed5G_zvAzuqi75HJrl1b7DFL31BsagwvrsWPqFS7Yw_kJ1ezcupqjsdUYa5CPEJfsNhM1Izexs1xeq9hS8nS6ch" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 676px; height: auto;"><br>Here she is with Great-grandma and Aunt Joyce. Earlier in the day, Aunt Joyce won the best costume among the residents. Apparently she had been dressed up as a flower lady. She was married to Mom’s brother Chuck before he passed away. It’s been nice having them both living in the same place.<br><img id="id_ebf5_fb57_d7b8_71fe" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaDync_j-EgrYqvQwfCViUsKwXxB8CUpwsmZLkCebpnwBdRg7vpD4SyNJlchPNf48xQXy3J4MjgyTd36qHloEd4Fp1-27g" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 682px; height: auto;"><br>I have had a super busy Monday. Dennis is working today, so I got up early and started cleaning. I vacuumed all of the rugs. Then I dust mopped and wet mopped the entire condo. I also dusted all of the furniture and cleaned the bathrooms. I have a roast in the crockpot and I cleaned the outside of all of the kitchen appliances and the granite countertops with some special granite cleaner. Weekends can pass by without me doing very much around the house, so I thought I would take this opportunity of being alone to try to play catch-up. All of the laundry is done and I even pulled out the Christmas gifts we’ve been buying throughout the year just to make sure I have a handle on everything. I think I’m done shopping and making! I can’t believe it. Next up are Christmas cards. Since we have another new address this year I want to get them out early again.</div><div><br></div><div>I hope you’re all having a lovely Monday and staying warm or cool wherever you may be. I’m praying for all of the people of Israel, and the innocent civilians in Gaza. May God protect those who need protecting.</div><div><img id="id_72ab_1ce2_a0e4_9736" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaAaKhzmCIjEVu5iVOLhTiFMSji77trHBIWbJ79D0oBJc36xBLoDuY-rNIxu43f_NyHO2fUvm0OTTLwpfMTQC4arMjRgBg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 685px; height: auto;"><br>Blessings and love,</div><div>Betsy <br><br></div></div><br><br>Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00807691752817225336noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162150278449660664.post-89812774546650103472023-10-27T23:06:00.001-05:002023-10-28T00:46:08.604-05:00A Beautiful Day at The Garden and Other HappeningsI’ve been away for a while again. Nothing exciting, just life has been happening. We have been so busy every day and I just haven’t had time to sit down and do a blog post. I’ve tried to comment on blog‘s every day, but usually it’s one or two at a time as I have a minute here and there.<div><br></div><div>Dennis’s uncle and two cousins were here from Minnesota from Thursday of last week until Sunday. That kept us busy visiting with them and not being home much at all. One of the things we did was go to the Lauritzen Garden here in Omaha. Many of the flowers were gone for the year, but there is still a lot of beauty to be had, as shown in the following two beautiful beds.<div><img id="id_c412_880a_65b4_dd27" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaBuea97-nceN2g2iidApp8PruO0LuT_EeHlbMjxVpRrjkh9r5_m_CzvyPLX8yw_UaJjDDBM4HL43_BoLuCYLE8TFaJcHA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 665px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div><img id="id_1d53_e275_1ce9_6518" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaA2soWahxxpa81v1CS5bXca8fWk4qSjXdcZu5XjKgSBVzTAbKA-_YdkLElEhkA0CKX3UtPU4gYbwja5xT_mdpnAwSZM" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 672px; height: auto;"><br>This is Mom enjoying a walk around after the tram dropped us off for a break to enjoy the beautiful shrubbery. She just turned 87 last month. Her brother Al is over her right shoulder and he is 90. He is a bundle of energy. He still walks a couple of miles every morning and does his own house work and cooking. The tram was a great way to get around the entire park because it’s very large and there’s no way Mom could have walked the entire thing.<br></div><div><img id="id_d29d_1bfa_e3ff_dcbd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaDi1UM0acxUZSnVbUw5pTwkm-OiOaH1PJUDOuZZnuVVk77JJLE_3hm9qdFjP4g_Ck1qRDlxp6a0zMERxKPoQ1hgbqe6Fg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 671px; height: auto;"><br>There is a huge display of jungle type flowers and plants in this greenhouse. They also had a huge display of flowers that they called the wicked display. There they had all kinds of poisonous plants, spiky plants, poison ivy, etc. on display for Halloween.</div><div><div><img id="id_97a2_1fde_504e_f183" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaBnBSeQcMeOQu6MSZo9Rblk2rTJrMnWH2zWEbyBmsmTKlxH2YpPGkvkQZROyFgn4NJDTOipr3kSGqKoQNq6MAN0xnounQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 666px; height: auto;"><br>There is a beautiful Japanese garden that we didn’t walk around. I just took photos as the tram drove by. It’s usually much prettier in the summertime, but as it’s getting cold out, the grass is starting to die out.<br><img id="id_344d_4dfb_f949_8d65" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaA_eHfgN0VxnEQXzyD_GH1K5uPgVYGSK9Zqn4aDbkDEAfszNBweSoldj5EsWmozKeJpT7YhviKNdBYAqMDrV2CoNVkxEw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 670px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_c8dd_380f_d099_64aa" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaD66I4E0121lKLfACH6bMqn6SYoMk6K1-9gCwcvJ2EsHPIf4lXkzJKqnCgwLDFionnprSg5S3r8-iq9akwCLExLl-F0" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 678px; height: auto;"><br>We had a lovely time with them all during the visit. They drive down about twice a year so Uncle Al, Mom, Aunt Joyce and Aunt Jean can all get together. They are the last of the siblings and spouses. There were 11 children in the family, so 22 aunts and uncle’s. The four of them are the last of that generation. Mom is the very last on the Queen side, out of 9 siblings, so 18 aunts and uncle’s!</div><div><br></div><div>Shifting gears to today. Dennis and I went to Pipers Halloween parade at school. This was the picture I got of her as they all walked by very quickly! It was 36°F and a north wind at 15 to 20 mph. It was cold! So when we got back to her house, I took a better picture for you all. 😍 But first, isn’t her tail cute! I love it!<br><img id="id_a724_1752_bec2_ae59" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaAKwdCWtYImlztFUElkSGYo36UGuKBZq1KKGv0vxz-US5am3rk8pOdu3WD4dYR0WvUGTSELPjXb13E7OySp_zrWZ2ci_A" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 681px; height: auto;"><br>There she is! My beautiful Cheshire Cat, from Alice in wonderland! Look at that smile! Isn’t she cute? I was sure glad she had a costume like this on today, instead of the skimpy princess ones that some of the girls had on. And some of them refused to wear their coats for the parade around the school. They had to be freezing. I had a coat, hat and gloves on, and I was still cold.<br><img id="id_1ce8_d7f9_9cd4_198" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaAv5-I6-QmhqX0e-YCGVXuAeAsunPoZlSoHwYT0a-oKTbFEzj6mYM39bQRXUSmhepqnmaAj5XotvAuIJXc5IPODG87uTQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 683px; height: auto;"><br>On Wednesday of last week, there was a funeral for a soldier who has been gone for over 70 years. He was a prisoner of war in Korea. The government received the bones of several POWs several years ago. After they were released, two of his fellow prisoners had told the government approximately where he was buried, and what he died of, which was pneumonia and malnutrition. He was 23 years old. Before they passed away, his mother and sister had both done one of those DNA things that were so popular a few years ago. They were able to identify his bones through a DNA match with them!</div><div><br></div><div>Now, how did we get involved? There is a gentleman that we have known for over 50 years, since before we were married. We went to church with him until we moved to Spokane. We attend the same church again now and sit next to him and his wife every Sunday. He is the nephew of this soldier. He was only four years younger than his uncle, they were more like brothers and played together as children. Guess who else played with them? Dennis’s dad! Ted the nephew, asked Dennis to be a pallbearer. Ted is 89 years old now. Dennis has actually known Ted much longer than I have, as his first girlfriend was Ted’s daughter! The service had full military honors, and many military service members were there to honor him. Ted and Donna are so happy to have him home and as his last living relative, Ted had his remains placed in a grave next to where they will be buried. There wasn’t a dry eye at that service.<br><img id="id_53db_b031_6dfd_bfdf" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaBrR9KipMGVbzQGQw_pY-4BQqN_r1eZHE0pzFBZ04hknkyadt0OqajvtyDoTLpAwNcwgdnDPM5X2xD6EndE-OL8_qtqWg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 682px; height: auto;"><br>I have been crafting when I’ve been in the car and in fits and starts here at home. I finished all of the Christmas ornaments for the family about midnight one night. That was a big relief. I definitely will take a picture so I can show all of you after Christmas. I’ve also been crocheting on the same shawl I was working on last week. Since I’m still working on the same shawl, it gives you an idea of how busy I have been. I’m also trying to finish a diamond painting that I’ve been working on. I’m almost finished with it and then I will have one finished for each season of the year. I plan to switch them for each season using the same frame.</div><div><br></div><div>Dennis has surgery on his thumb again next Thursday. We have several appointments before then to see doctors and have x-rays. To put it simply, they’re going to basically saw his thumb off and reattach it with screws and plates. The first surgery went well, but the splint they put on it afterwards allowed the pins to move around and now he’s in worse shape than he was before. He has no strength in that hand, and he can’t grip anything with his finger and thumb together. Please pray there are no “mess ups” this time around and he does well in surgery.</div><div><br></div><div>I hope you are all doing well. I’m sorry this is so lengthy, with so many photos and stories. Take care and stay safe.</div><div><img id="id_d00c_e720_a454_198d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaBagtZKpx59uVLfRPr2hgTRgy-Y0hLR7BFjU_BKQ64IzFexpbFSPCqUJYzaKRJrNkhWUcuTQp6iAc1cYLByHhqr3p0F" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 683px; height: auto;"><br>Blessings and love,</div><div>Betsy<br><br><br></div></div></div>Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00807691752817225336noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162150278449660664.post-14311447404888187862023-10-17T17:11:00.001-05:002023-10-17T22:52:32.339-05:00Beautiful Days And A Bit Of Traveling.I have been absent for a few days. More about that down below, but first I wanted to show you this house that’s across the street from Brad and Mandy’s. Look how tall that skeleton thing is on the left side of the garage! I can’t believe how many houses are decorated up for Halloween these days, and the money that must be spent on all of the decorations.<div><img id="id_9916_9c8f_4c63_edac" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaC0buQHtd3QrOVSEDP487O7sz7LMQSsU-9hrJna0gp04sEwKR0uinEWc39rNHAIHCG0Xam8MwnrJFmZ--hZ8FG5SEl6" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 670px; height: auto;"><br>Dennis and I decided to take a little trip to the Amana colonies. We had reservations during that terrible heat wave a while back, but decided to reschedule. We had a wonderful time. The photo below shows me sitting at a table in the Ox Yoke Inn in Main Amana. They serve the most fantastic German food you can imagine. You can choose to order just a plate like you would get in a regular restaurant, or to have it served family style where the bowls of food are unending! We used to come over here about once a year when our kids were small. They would stay with Dennis’s parents, and this was our weekend getaway for the big people. 😍 The seven towns that make up the Amana colonies are located just a short distance from the Iowa/Illinois border, just north of interstate 80.</div><div><br></div><div>There are lots of shops, museums, furniture, bakeries, workshops, and even a woolen mill there. The streets are all very walkable, and each village is located just one days drive away from each other by ox cart. Although the villages are called the Amana colonies, the people who settled there are not Amish. There are Amish people living, not too far away though.<br><img id="id_b173_355b_d130_5e79" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaDT6nUkbIC0kSy6dnw4aAiCvqQ3Hrgac6KzubQSRhob78m6TreY4sBy4IppCaogronwjvOsK6iWCPySCBtxG8nvjZ981A" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 677px; height: auto;"><br>This was our room in our bed and breakfast. I absolutely loved the bed. Both of us said it was the most comfortable bed by far, away from home, that we’ve ever slept in. Isn’t it pretty? We were able to have the window open all night long and you couldn’t hear a thing. I never heard a car drive-by or anyone outside walking. So different from living in the city.<br><img id="id_2011_f1e5_5a8b_4446" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaAtdwJAEOrareSM3uCLr_rvG2Vs4nVW9ZNGQmBJOgBeKB8DoB4Nxthk2Iplj7Lczmzx1DuwA51SoqhHsehn4WWq4pG2iw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 680px; height: auto;"><br>This bed-and-breakfast has 15 rooms, each decorated completely differently, and with their own private bath. We highly recommend it if any of you are interested in a trip here. Marc and Julie are the owners who are about our age. They are getting ready to retire for the second time. In his former life, Marc was a mechanical engineer! The bed-and-breakfast was just put up for sale for only $650,000. That is a steal! The Inn is booked solid on weekends all year long, and in the spring, summer and fall it’s almost always full. Also around the holidays. It is immaculately kept, and I love the way they had it decorated. Name of the bed-and-breakfast is Die Heimet it’s located in Homestead, Iowa.<br><img id="id_b3c1_ea7_7790_e313" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaA14Rg_DaPeJ_HChyO76M-hMwxNETw9dzUPwf1qeR9EivfQte97qJGg6MMEW4lOSvLYInt6St5DEp-Vho_2472QCLFI5Q" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 681px; height: auto;"><br>Here is Dennis taking a break before we went out to visit the shops again!<br><img id="id_4fde_a910_13d8_a87a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaCYe1v-WWrZf-e8LqkSAtdipe8RliJcJ6DZGW3xfxFrGbbdakB3pLZKdpTdBGHJ5YPX3V4mAubeJY_hpbSTkFgvzSa-XA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 681px; height: auto;"><br>He must have really been concentrating on his breakfast this morning when I took this picture. Doesn’t he look serious? The breakfasts here are amazing. This morning was an egg and cheese frittata with spinach and tomatoes, a fruit cup, (that we had already eaten), homemade cinnamon rolls, and fresh squeezed juice. Everything was homemade. Even the cinnamon rolls were made by June early this morning. <br><img id="id_542b_9545_ca57_a168" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaCSW-h2kDrBeE0wEjdRQMSOVmurI1CrLRV2Q9p1ipGUDE1xsN5o0eKrUvqvc4PRjSaG0uhm8fN_x5XA7w1kpsMmVk_iGA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 678px; height: auto;"><br>Last night I took this photo of the sideyard our bedroom window looked out onto. If it hadn’t been so chilly, we would have gone out and sat on the double swing for awhile. Got down to 37° last night though.<br><img id="id_8af7_c1c0_c515_1c53" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaAUWIyLu8JOArYC_sTqFsp9dvOpvZ40a2eQ4j5hkoYwo6H1V3Rd8X6LPHbTvioSdvFTDSCHopnRbwB2ysxO_A8Vjvro" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 679px; height: auto;"><br>Dennis found me a sweet little sheep at the Woolen Mill store. This was made from wool right there in the colonies. He knows I have a special place in my heart for little lambs.<br><img id="id_2109_4cbf_a30_5b7f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaDuWsLhDqWKg7ymeTIVYeWOz5bhqzMnihl2EVGMjHl3d5RJu7HWrwhx-VId-CQDLIerq5PCqsH13H_HDpfn0-dgLaJe" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 672px; height: auto;"><br>I’ve been working on the Christmas cross-stitch ornaments for a few weeks. I’m almost done with the actual cross-stitch of the sixth one and I have seven to make in total. I chose a more intricate design than I usually do. After that, I have to go back and do the outlining on each one, and put the names and year on them, and then sew them into the actual ornaments. Lots of work left to do! They will eventually be Christmas ornaments for our kids and grandkids.</div><div><br></div><div>One of the ladies at the over 55 apartment building where we lived last year, asked me if I would make her a scarf. She’s very tiny and so the scarves she buys at stores are always too wide and too long for her. She asked for a scarf between 30 and 36 inches long. This one turned out to be 33 1/2 inches. I use the “Dudester” pattern which I think is free on Ravelry. Dennis picked it out because I made him a scarf several years ago with the same pattern, only much longer and one with repeat wider. I used I love this yarn in the color “purple gradient”. It used exactly one skein.<br><img id="id_82d6_225d_9e04_49cc" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaCrPMk_5vd_CVkf5VhcCC_CBdbcg1g_EW8Y_HIeCvRelJJ-FPhHkzaLEZHaqPzQ6JiR41uSfrTzDoeCYTNihJUlKnPy" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 678px; height: auto;"><br>I’m also working on another prayer shawl using more of the Baby Bee Sweet Delight in the color “naked”. It’s the same pattern and yarn I used for the baby blanket in my last post. I’ve just adjusted it to be more narrow and I’ll make it much longer. It was a convenient project to work on in the car during our trip. We drove all the way across Iowa and back again, so I got a lot of crocheting done. On the way home today we stopped in Atlantic, Iowa for lunch. We like to find small local diners to eat in when we’re traveling instead of the big chains. We ate at the Farmers Diner and it was wonderful! We both got huge bacon cheeseburgers for $5.99! Unbelievable!<br><img id="id_2b9e_2afd_3e97_9510" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaBLd1xnFvVzi3T1KkHVg3TYbeIzW-M1lQdvdQRNQcJXbZOZ7f73Mi5gOngNB6FgEkK6-T6aBJ8y9qzb7FMiR_A2oZx9sg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 681px; height: auto;"><br>The world does give us a lot to worry about these day doesn’t it? I’ve been spending a lot of time with the Lord in prayer for the situations happening around the world, especially in Israel and Gaza. My heart goes out to the innocent people on both sides of the conflict. But, since I am a natural worrier, I have to remind myself often of what the following photo says.<br><img id="id_d24e_9bbd_b3f1_5c5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaCm06IeEvkdfZkjkOFz9Nb7HZ7OBZ_tf7F3SaSlTxXuHdBs0a7vWbdOJuDst5lzYF0FYIZ68Y_BtO0KtOvIXg8x97GaTQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 684px; height: auto;"><br>The following made me smile when I saw it. You better believe I would have the door open very quickly!</div><div><br></div><div>Wishing you all a very wonderful and blessed Wednesday and all the days following.<br><img id="id_569d_3e8c_3d9c_44f4" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaAaX_SS5TJs7WWbMZhftoEVtjN5l7CjHSa_YP84CB9GfLlZ2pdG2UHZ5XbAv_RzPpsesEKlk5vHlhCFsMIFilcHeAir" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 686px; height: auto;"><br>Blessings and love,</div><div>Betsy<br><br></div>Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00807691752817225336noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162150278449660664.post-33494755522960208682023-10-08T13:59:00.001-05:002023-10-08T14:29:23.606-05:00Busy Days of FallWe’ve had a busy few weeks here. Guess who turned 11? Gosh, it’s so hard to believe that she is 11 years old. We had a small party with just the grandparents and Brad’s brother Bill, last Friday night. We had a fun dinner and then had cake. Piper loves sea turtles and I think Mandy did a great job of drawing the sea turtle on this cake. Piper was thrilled with it!<div><img id="id_c98a_87a4_c3ee_4174" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaC5WmLbe354H1zDz_9DA7MgUK2STpFCgbQ_E-e4gtEu7-5RuED9UCBzN9EZJPvr4Seq1rLg1KNQHSuqFELSjNhq20r6yw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 665px; height: auto;"><br>Of course, she very much enjoyed the opening of her gifts. We were the boring grandparents and bought her a gift card to Barnes & Noble. We just talked to them and she went there today and found some books she wanted. She received some fun things from Grandma and Papa Krumel. Nail polish, a sea turtle light, and a few other fun things. But from her mom and dad, she received her dad’s refurbished iPad. She was thrilled. They had pre-loaded it with things appropriate for her age. Look at that smile. It says it all. As for me, I loved her blue and white polkadot dress. She still loves to wear dresses and the sweaters I make her.<br><img id="id_b8ce_f82f_1ee7_db3b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaCuOUuYlfYh0nG8FvdHJaiFwSZ2bk0BvZeFcCVQvJn4rJpUlnWtkvpw2uL5TskVjKOprf-8ajT4XQ5Hz05cSNDMzeUP8g" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 673px; height: auto;"><br>My peace lily is blooming for the third time this year. It must really like this window.<br><img id="id_74f6_efa5_9f91_2592" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaDO4I5d5YNju9I0N6EVTgXwYbA_Nq9w3aLFpC_rYWwpouz82uAdJjgR1fn6jbYgqh-S23nWf_oxPO7OrAkRpFVxOjnyTw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 673px; height: auto;"><br>The gardens are gradually getting torn out as things finish producing. It was a bumper crop of tomatoes, pumpkins, eggplant, and acorn, squash, and cucumbers this year. To the left of the sidewalk is a patch of zinnias that are absolutely gorgeous right now. I’m too far away to get a good photo of them.<br><img id="id_99b3_438f_4702_dbd4" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaC_YBXCnAfd32d8N5AasfgZYnaTSbnN-5zv_7ls56oqXQw1UrxqfeZHziIZh5PJ2KBdR1rN4eNfb_kjXdg5Bdr5pP5q2Q" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 675px; height: auto;"><br>I finished another baby blanket using the diamond pattern and the same sparkle yarn. I made this one bigger at 38 x 38“. I still have six skeins of the yarn left….<br><img id="id_19a3_db3c_231c_81ce" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaAcNfUOATaszEyCbhaUvyUFtcJdEeiGlnRAWbtL9nkqqAIwCHNNkiPqTmZj9jrTvOL1DG2hca3NrL3j2kDFlxllWm07Vw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 674px; height: auto;"><br>So I began a prayer shawl for the hospital, using the same pattern, but making it narrower and it will be longer.<br><img id="id_6be6_6c52_47fb_14db" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaC4p7ednP53qDkVJvCK848_ix0MhIASJEb7j7DrfDdayh4MPvci6nBBCAsJ1dQe7IJSsYdFTipGOMLEwKvKKzhi4tbm" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 674px; height: auto;"></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">We were supposed to be on our way to the campground by now. We were going camping with our minister and his wife and Curt and Barb until Wednesday afternoon. We have been having major camper issues this summer. To make a long story short, when we went to pick it up a couple weeks ago to go camping, the electric jack didn’t work and the handle had been broken to crank it manually. Of course the repair shop said they didn’t do it. So, we had to order a new jack and they installed it. Oh, and did I mention the batteries were dead too? We have never had an issue with our batteries in the two years we’ve owned this trailer. Dennis is pretty sure they wired the jack wrong, which drained the batteries.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">He went out to our camper storage last Thursday to put some things in the camper for our trip today and the batteries were completely dead again! He took them off and to an auto shop where they tested them and said they were toast. He had to buy two new batteries, which was not cheap at all! After church today, we came home, loaded up the truck and went out to hook up the trailer and the batteries were completely dead again. We have no idea what’s going on. Right now I’m at home and Dennis is there trying to figure out what’s happening with it. If he can figure it out, we may try again tomorrow. Right now, I’ve about had it with pulling a trailer. Honestly, I would love to have a van that we could just drive and have everything right there. We don’t want a class A motorhome because we’d like something small enough to park in a regular parking place. But we both want a bathroom of some sort.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">It’s been an expensive year for the camper and we’ve only been able to go camping two nights so far this year. Yikes! Plus, we were really looking forward to the time this week with our friends. Dennis’s patience is wearing thin and we have lost all trust in this repair place. They still have to fix the spot where a truck threw one of the construction cones into the side of the trailer on our way home from the Black Hills.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">So this is sort of how I’m feeling!😂🤣😂</span></div><div><img id="id_5b72_8f8b_b001_1833" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaC31o5fLrdXlmquQxuBTOuqG5m6aU_2auEbz-Yes5iPdJdKzIB7H1Cv034TUkBycWWWt_iFgy2E3c4yjta4---VCGQ7ZQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 684px; height: auto;"><br><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">I hope you’re all having a lovely weekend. We have a stunning day today with clear blue skies and 65°. Absolutely perfect. I’ll talk to you all again soon.</span></div><div><img id="id_a25d_695d_1289_88a5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaAsO9kRwSAEH4xM_LTEoR5QTRCfjK_C_pcsVVFjf9Dlke0fQo9IT7kDjKjWOFvtU_Sdvl4sMCe9wdD0vVkazCXURMRw3Q" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 685px; height: auto;"><br>Blessings and love, </div><div>Betsy<br><br><br></div>Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00807691752817225336noreply@blogger.com21