A Cute Face

Don't you agree? Just look at this face. Our weather cooled off a LOT yesterday afternoon. We had the A/C on all week and then about 2:30 or so, we felt a huge gust of cold wind instead of the warmer winds we had had all day. Now it's a gorgeous 64F outside and we have the balcony door and the windows open. It's Zoey's favorite place to be when it's nice outside. She'll lay in her bed for hours watching the birds and activites outside.

We have a beautiful greenspace outside our condo with trees between the buildings but I see a branch that doesn't seem to have made it through the winter. It's a great place to sit with a cup of tea in the evenings once the sun moves around the building.

I finished a granny blanket for Parsons House where Mom lived. I plan to continue to make blankets for the residents there since they all seem to like them. I just finished the border on this one about midnight last night so it hasn't been washed and blocked yet. I'm sure some of the wonkiness will disappear.

These cabinets have driven me crazy since we moved into the condo almost exactly two years ago. The glass was clear and you could see everything inside. It was the only cabinet to keep our dishes and glasses in and they don't all match. It looked chaotic inside, not like the beautiful ones you see in magazines. 

We found this vinyl on Amazon for less than $9.00. You just wet the glass and lay the vinyl on top. This was SO easy to do and if we get tired of it, you just peel it off. There is no sticky residue and I think the cabinets look a lot better. What do you think?  Dennis has been hinting that we can redo the kitchen if I want to because the black granite is impossible to keep clean. DO NOT SET A GLASS down on the counter. You have to get the granite cleaner out just to get the mark off. It's ridiculous. And the space for the refrigerator is really small so a normal size refrigerator won't fit. I just can't bring myself to redo it though. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the cabinets and it would cost a fortune. So I'm keeping the kitchen and just trying to make it work for us. I know I'm blessed with a beautiful home and I'm truly grateful. We love condo life and hopefully will be traveling more in the future. We can shut off the water and just leave. No yard work or snow removal. I'm very grateful for our home.

Dennis is still dealing with paperwork regarding Mom's death. We had to go downtown to the courthouse last week and get a copy of Dad's death certificate. We drove around for quite awhile without finding anywhere to park. Finally I dropped him off and drove around and around and around the block waiting. There is so much construction downtown right now that I will avoid it like the plague until it's done. And what has happened to people's patience when driving? I see a lot of agression and anger. Especially downtown! :-)

I hope all is well with you all. I've been doing better about reading blogs this week and trying to catch up with all of you. I missed all of you when I was away. June will be busy. We're heading to Kentucky for a graduation of a young lady from church who is getting her Masters Degree in Nursing. She has no family going, so Curt & Barb and Dennis and I are camping our way to Louisville, Kentucky. We've had this trip planned since last fall. After the graduation we're going to Mammoth Cave and then we'll head home for a week or so before taking Miss Piper to the Black Hills to camp for a week at our favorite campground. She's never been there and we're looking forward to the trip with her. Zoey will stay with Lizzie, Brad and Mandy. Later in July we'll head west to Spokane, stopping in Montana to see our son and grandkids. We're also planning to go to the Oregon Coast for a few days before heading back to Nebraska. So a busy summer is ahead if our plans actually happen.

Take care and I'll be back soon.


Blessings and love,
Betsy

What A Friend We Have In Jesus

Text: Joseph M. Scriven

Music: Charles C. Converse

1. What a friend we have in Jesus,
   All our sins and griefs to bear!
   What a privilege to carry
   Everything to God in prayer!
   Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
   Oh, what needless pain we bear,
   All because we do not carry
   Everything to God in prayer!
2. Have we trials and temptations?
   Is there trouble anywhere?
   We should never be discouraged—
   Take it to the Lord in prayer.
   Can we find a friend so faithful,
   Who will all our sorrows share?
   Jesus knows our every weakness;
   Take it to the Lord in prayer.
3. Are we weak and heavy-laden,
   Cumbered with a load of care?
   Precious Savior, still our refuge—
   Take it to the Lord in prayer.
   Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
   Take it to the Lord in prayer!
   In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
   Thou wilt find a solace there.
4. Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
   Thou wilt all our burdens bear;
   May we ever, Lord, be bringing
   All to Thee in earnest prayer.
   Soon in glory bright, unclouded,
   There will be no need for prayer—
   Rapture, praise, and endless worship
   Will be our sweet portion there.

You’re all SO kind.

Hello everyone. First I want to say a heartfelt thank you to all of you who sent cards and messages of condolence with the passing of mom. Our lives have truly been changed forever. Dennis and I are still a bit discombobulated. We wake up in the mornings, beginning to plan our days with visits to Mom and various things that need to be done for her, and then we realize that that’s all over. Every time I think of Mother’s Day tomorrow, I have a catch in my heart. She was the last of our parents and it seems that something has irrevocably shifted. I know that we’ll get used to this new normal, but it will probably take a while. We received a very nice email from the director of nursing at the assisted living this week. She told us that we were their favorite family, always easy to talk to and completely involved in their loved ones care. I thought that was very, very nice of her. I do plan to go back there and visit some of the residents who have no family to visit with them. There are more than you would think and it has always saddened me.

Mom passed two weeks ago this past Thursday. Dennis and I spent Friday at the cemetery and then at her apartment beginning to pack up things. On Saturday we went back with his brother and finished with the apartment. We needed to have everything out by the end of the month. Of course, most things were brought back here to our condo where we spent last week sifting through photos and memories. We sold her bedroom furniture on Facebook marketplace and distributed other things amongst the grandchildren. Of course, all of the paperwork remains to be done as we have not yet received death certificates. It’s a whole process isn’t it? So much to be done when a life ends. Meanwhile you have all the emotional aspects to work through while grieving.

Dennis‘s brother and his girlfriend left on Monday after over a week here with us. Last Saturday we decided to take them to the zoo along with one of Doug‘s daughters, Katie and her three children and Piper. It was a lovely few hours of escape, although the zoo was busier than I have ever seen it. With all that was happening in our family we had not realized that it was Berkshire Hathaway’s Annual week of meetings, each year many of the investors congregate in Omaha, Warren Buffett’s hometown. Along with all of the meetings, they have many social activities planned during the week. Apparently the zoo is planned for Saturday. 😬 We still had a wonderful time. Of course we always have fun when Miss Piper is with us! Here we are in the aquarium. It’s one of my favorite places in the zoo.

It was a welcome respite to an otherwise busy, busy week. I’m so glad to know that Mom is now at peace and enjoying her eternal life with Dad, Karen, and their baby Susan, who have gone on before her. It’s the hope and promise that each Christian holds onto.

I did make a few baby blankets since I last posted, although I went almost an entire week last week without picking up a crochet hook! Can you believe it? I had no desire to craft at all. In fact, I would sit here in the evening coloring on my iPad instead. A mindless, brainless activity for my numb mind.





After Doug and Nancy left about noon on Monday, Dennis and I packed up the camper and went to Mahoney State Park just about about 20 miles from home. We returned home on Thursday. We did absolutely nothing, besides opening up the camper for the season. And for the first time ever, everything worked our first trip out! Usually there are a few issues when we de-winterize. But not this year! I think God knew we needed an easy time of it. We spent time just sitting in our chairs outside, enjoying the birds and the quiet. I think it was just what we needed.

I’m planning to spend some time today trying to catch up on your blogs. Please, please forgive me for missing the last several weeks. Our hope is that life will soon slow down although we do have several camping trips planned throughout the summer.

Blessings and love,

Betsy

O That Will Be Glory

Text and music: Charles H. Gabriel

1 When all my labors and trials are o’er,
And I am safe on that beautiful shore,
Just to be near the dear Lord I adore
Will through the ages be glory for me.

Refrain:
O that will be glory for me,
Glory for me, glory for me;
When by His grace I shall look at His face,
That will be glory, be glory for me

2. When by the gift of His 

infinite grace, I am recorded 

in heaven, a place, 

just to be there, and to look in 

His face will through 

the ages, Be glory for me.

3. Friends will be there. I have 

loved long ago; 

Joy like a river around me will flow; 

yet, just a smile from my Savior, 

I know, will through 

the ages, Be glory for me.

She’s Gone

Mom passed Thursday night, while I was alone with her. I had her favorite hymns playing quietly and had just read the 23rd Psalm to her. It was one of her favorites. I had just kissed her forehead and told her she had been a great mom and grandma and that I loved her and it was okay to go be with dad and Karen. She took a deep breath and was gone. The last hour was very peaceful for her and I’m so glad.

Yesterday was spent at the cemetery, making arrangements and starting to clean out her apartment. We need to have everything out by the end of the month. Dennis and I are so exhausted. His brother, Doug, and his girlfriend flew into town yesterday and will give us a lot of help today cleaning out the apartment.

Since Mom is being cremated by her request, we’re tentatively planning the memorial service for May 31 to give all of the out-of-town relatives time to make arrangements.

Hang in there my friends. I truly will be back someday on a more regular basis.

This photo is Dennis’s brother, Doug, Mom and of course Dennis, last year here at our condo. I love this picture. She truly loved her kids and I know she’s thrilled at being in Heaven, reunited with Dad and their daughter Karen.

Betty June Soliday Queen   9/11/36 - 4/24/25

Take care my friends.

Blessings and love, 

Betsy

Hospice

I told you that I would be back checking all of your blog posts. But life has stepped in yet again. Hospice has let us know that we’re probably looking at a week or less with Mom, although no one really knows. Dennis and I are taking turns spending the night with her and we’ll both be there during the day. We don’t want her to be alone at all. I know many of you have been through this with your own parents and family members and understand just how stressful and emotional this all is. Thank you all for your love and your prayers. We appreciate them more than you know. 

I will be back when I can.

Blessings and love,

Betsy

It’s been awhile…

Happy Monday morning! It has definitely been a while. But first, before getting into all of the things that have been happening, I want to wish you all a very happy Easter even though it’s a day late. He is Risen just as He said! The hope for every Christian around this big wide world. I hope you all had a wonderful day yesterday, celebrating the Risen Christ. 

Thank you to each and everyone of you who has reached out with cards and notes and comments asking if I was OK. You don’t know how much I appreciate them. Life has just been crazy.

I think the last time I posted was when I first realized I had Covid. Oh my goodness! I don’t think I have ever been that sick. For five days I had a fever of close to 103F and sometimes even a bit over that. My oxygen level was below 90, although I didn’t tell anybody that until it was better. I ended up being in bed for an entire week and then staying away from everyone for another week until my temperature had returned to normal. So it lasted around two weeks and I still have a lingering cough that will probably hang around for a while. It was much worse than the first time I had Covid and I wouldn’t recommend it for anyone! 

I did get some crocheting done while I was laying in bed, although don’t ask me how I followed a pattern for this first one while my temperature was so high! Ha! This is the Grace pattern and it is a paid for pattern that a friend told me about. I purchased it from Ravelry. The yarn is Mandela baby in the Daiagon Alley colorway. I absolutely love this blanket pattern and I can see myself making a lot of them in the future. The blanket is about 40 inches square.

In fact, here is another that I made using some unnamed baby yarn that I had purchased off of Facebook marketplace.

And a plain granny square using the remainder of the Diagon Alley yarn.

Yesterday we were up bright and early and at church by 7:00. We got breakfast started for everyone and then went to the 8:00 service. After that, we served the breakfast and cleaned up the kitchen and attended the 10:00 main service. What a wonderful morning, celebrating our Risen Lord! 

A lady in our church used to be a florist and she always provides these little vases of flowers  when we have potlucks or any kind of a celebration. She then tells people to take them home if they want them. These are the two I brought home and they make our living room smell so good. 

This is where I spent over a week with my faithful companion, Zoey by my side, most of the time. I was so thankful that just the week before I got sick, Dennis had installed a TV in our room. It sure helped to pass the time watching YouTube videos.

In addition to all of this, Mom has been going downhill steadily. They are preparing a room for her in the memory care section, but there was a flood from the last resident and they’ve had to remove all the bathroom fixtures, baseboards and flooring. We have no idea when the room will be ready, but meanwhile, she’s in what they call daycare from eight in the morning until eight in the evening. They help her get dressed and take her over to the memory care, where she spends the day and then they take her back to her apartment and help her into bed. On Friday, we officially signed her up for hospice at the recommendation of her doctor and nursing director. It was a much more emotional decision than I thought it would be. It just sounds so final. The hospice staff we’ve met with and talked to on the phone so far have been absolutely wonderful. Dennis is at her apartment now with his cousin, dismantling her bed because a hospital bed is being delivered today. She has fallen out of bed every night for the last several nights. Hopefully, with the bed rails and a bolster it will keep her in bed. I worry about her having broken bones or hitting her head when she falls. She does still know who Dennis, Mandy and I are, but most other people are confusing for her. Of course, this has meant a lot more time there in the last week, many phone calls and texts to relatives and I just have not had the emotional wherewithal to sit down and write a post. I’m still exhausted from the Covid and then adding all of the other on just seems to be a lot right now. 

Last fall, we planned a camping trip with our minister Jeff and his wife and Dennis’s cousin and wife for next weekend to Pella, Iowa for the tulip festival. We thought about canceling, but everyone, including the staff at the assisted-living is encouraging us to go. They say we need some time for ourselves and to get away from it all. It’s only two days and I know they’re right but it still seems strange to be leaving Mom right now.

On top of that, we had tornado warnings Thursday evening. I was driving to the assisted living while the sirens were going off to take mom some ibuprofen because she had hit her head when she fell and they couldn’t give her anything strong stronger than Tylenol at the time. You know your life is stressful when you’re driving around with the tornado sirens going off and they barely merit a second thought! As it happens, a tornado did touchdown just to the north of us and destroyed some homes. The town where our son-in-law‘s parents, live just west of Omaha had baseball size hail that completely destroyed a hotel and dozens of cars along with several homes. Meanwhile, I’m just in denial and driving around Omaha like nothing’s happening! Pure craziness. 

OK, enough of that, but I just wanted to let you know where I’ve been for the past two weeks. Still sick and then dealing with family things. I hope all is well with all of you. I have not even had time to read blogs, so I’m going to try to catch up with that soon. Take care my friends and thank you for being there for me. 

And to end on a happy note, some beautiful, beautiful daffodils to end this post. We finally have some flowers blooming around here!

Take care, my friends, I’ll try to be back soon and I’ll try to comment on your blogs soon too.

Blessings and much love

Betsy

Again…

Well, I have disappeared again for the last three days. I’m sick again. And this time it’s Covid. I think I might have  gotten it at the assisted living where Mom is. Dennis says they have a sign up now that Covid is in the building. He tested too and so far he’s okay. I’ve been running a fever of between 101 and 103F since Tuesday night. Sorry to you all. I had just told you I was back and now I’m gone again. I’ll be back when I’m feeling better, but this stuff is not fun. 

Take care and stay well, 

Betsy

Hello again!

We’re still here! Life is crazy as usual, but we are still here. Let’s see. I last wrote to you all when I was sick with that nasty bug several weeks ago. That hung on for almost 5 days. I don’t recommend getting it! I took the photo below of Mom and Dennis to send to the kids when we were visiting a couple of weeks ago. It initiated a FaceTime call with Alex so he could talk to Grandma. He tries to call when he knows we are actually there or he doesn’t get to visit with her. He enjoys talking to her and she loves seeing him and “baby J” although we’re not sure if she knows who “J” is.

Dennis had his planned endoscopy two weeks ago today. All went very, very well. He said it was like a day at the spa.😂 We arrived at the hospital at 6:30 AM and by 9:00 we were at Village Inn enjoying breakfast! The test results came back that he does not have Barrett’s esophagus, which is a precancerous condition, as he was told in Spokane. He also does not have to have any more endoscopies unless he has problems. All very, very good news.

I have put up a few Easter decorations around the condo.



I made the Easter eggs years and years ago. I think it was a free pattern on Ravelry if I remember correctly.

Last Wednesday we had a blizzard and ended up with almost 9 inches of snow. On Tuesday it had been 72° and an absolutely gorgeous spring day. This is what happens in Nebraska!

By Thursday, everything was melting and by Saturday 8 inches of snow was gone!

I have been busy since I was away.

Several baby blankets were made for the open door mission.

This one hasn’t been blocked yet so it looks a little wonky.

And this is my “in progress” blanket. I also have a pair of socks on the needles for my take along project.

I’m sorry I’ve been away. Life just got rather intense for a while with me being sick, Dennis’s endoscopy and Mom. Always Mom. She’s taken another downhill turn in her memory. We try to be with her every day for at least a little while. Last night, I went over and gave her a pedicure and helped her get ready for bed. We had hoped to go camping yesterday, today and tomorrow just to get away, but still close by, but we have storms predicted for tomorrow, so decided to put it off for a week. We have been enjoying going to fish fries at the Catholic Church around the corner from us on Friday evenings with two other couples from church. That’s about the extent of our social life at this point. As I said, Mom is keeping us very busy. They have increased one of her medication’s to help with the paranoia, hallucinations and confusion. It seems to be helping a little bit the last couple of days. We get phone calls, asking us if one of us can come over because she refuses her medication’s or even to have them do her blood test for blood sugar. She’s sure they’re trying to kill her. At least at this point, she still trusts Dennis and I, and if we tell her, it’s okay she’ll take her medicines. Especially me for some reason. Sometimes she’s even a little suspicious of Dennis, which is really strange. But I guess there’s no explaining dementia is there? I dread the day when she doesn’t know who we are either.

We weren't able to take our trip to London after all. We just didn't feel we could be away from Mom that long with the change in her behavior. We felt so bad, not being able to be there for "Baby J's" birthday.  Since we were also unable to get any of our money back, it means we can't plan another trip for awhile. We'll have to save for another trip and as you can imagine, it's not inexpensive to fly "across the pond." We're grateful that the kids understand but three-year old "Baby J" was really disappointed. To top it off, the gift we mailed to her, that can't be replaced, hasn't arrived and they fear it could have been stolen from their doorstep. I'm still praying that it is just lost in the mail and that it will arrive soon.

I’ll try to be back commenting on your blogs and updating you all here. I haven’t even opened my laptop for a couple of weeks. I just didn’t have the energy. I hope you are all well and enjoying the spring time or the fall if you’re “down under!”

Blessings and love,

Betsy

Lead Me To Calvary

Text: Jennie EvelynHussey

Music: William J. Kirkpatrick 

King of my life, I crown Thee now
Thine shall the glory be
Lest I forget Thy thorn-crowned brow
Lead me to Calvary

Lest I forget Gethsemane
Lest I forget Thine agony
Lest I forget Thy love for me
Lead me to Calvary

May I be willing, Lord, to bear
Daily my cross for Thee
Even Thy cup of grief to share
Thou hast borne all for me

Lest I forget Gethsemane
Lest I forget Thine agony
Lest I forget Thy love for me
Lead me to Calvary

Lest I forget Gethsemane
Lest I forget Thine agony
Lest I forget Thy love for me
Lead me to Calvary

Forgotten?

I haven’t forgotten any of you, although I haven’t posted on anyone’s blogs for a few days. We were in the ER with mom all day Friday and then she spent the night in the hospital Friday night. I had to stay there with her because she wouldn’t let anyone touch her without me there. Then, yesterday after church, we stopped to get lunch and last night in the late evening Dennis got really sick and in the middle of the night I got very sick with nausea and vomiting and other fun bathroom events. Fun times huh!? I also have a fever over 102 so we’re not sure if it’s food poisoning or influenza. Dennis is absolutely fine now. It only lasted a few hours for him. I’ll be back when I can think straight again.!

Take care everyone

Blessings and

Betsy

Good Morning

Hello and happy March! In like a lamb, but within a few days, a blizzard. Yes, we were in a blizzard warning last evening and all night. Today it's just high winds. Typical springtime in Nebraska. It's supposed to be in the 70's by Monday again, so the snow won't last long, but the kids aren't happy about another snow day because it means another day added to the end of the school year. 

I have a few St. Patrick's Day decorations up, because according to my Mom, she had a tiny bit of Irish in her. :-) I found this garland at Hobby Lobby for under $4.00 so I snapped it up. The sign is from the Dollar Tree.  Nothing fancy at all.

Here is my beautiful Piper waiting to go back and get her braces put on:

And right after getting them. It's been a couple of weeks and after a few really painful days, I think she's beginning to adjust. She plays the baritone horn in band though, and I'm not sure how that's going. I keep forgetting to ask her. Isn't she beautiful? I just love her smile.

She has recently redid her room a little bit. Gone are the Eiffel Tower and Paris scenes comforter Papa Queen bought for her. She's liking more grown up bedding, although she still loves Paris decor. And our precious little Lizzie is always right there. She adores Piper and so does Zoey. And of course, so do we!

I have a few more pairs of mittens made for the school kids.

Another baby blanket for the Open Door Mission. It's called the Floating Squares Baby Blanket and I don't remember where I got the pattern from. I think it was probably a YouTube video. I used a J hook and  Caron Yarn.

I'm working on this one now. Just a few more inches long and then the boarder.  This is made using Bernat Baby Sport yarn.  Dennis is volunteering at the Open Door Mission's food bank today as he does every Wednesday. Tuesday he goes to the donation drop off center to volunteer. He just called and said it's been pretty slow because of the bad roads, but they expect it to get busier this afternoon as it warms up. He usually doesn't even have time to call me as they are so busy giving out donated food.

I went to the neuro-surgeon last week and his recommendation is to not touch the cyst on my spine unless it grows. It is actually touching my spinal column and they would have to remove part of my spine and put it back together with screws. There is no guarantee I wouldn't be worse off than I am now. I may have to face it in the future if the cyst keeps growing, but I'm hoping to ignore it until then. After returning from London, I may have some other procedures to try to stop the spasms, but again, there is no guarantee they will help. It could be worse and others deal with much more serious issues so I refuse to complain. (At least I try not to.) Ha!

I usually don't get political on my blog, but I can't pretend that I'm not disappointed in the way some of our leaders acted last night during President Trump's speech. Whether you do or don't agree with him, everyone is entitled to their own opinion and I truly respect that. That is the beautiful thing about our country. But the disrespect shown to the people who were honored last night was incredible and awful to see. Some leaders could not even clap for a young boy who has beat cancer or a prisoner and his mother who was was just freed from a Russian prison. I have no narrative. I don't even care much about politics, but to not be able to show respect to the family of the man who died last summer or Lakin Riley's family is beyond my comprehension. These people have done nothing to be disrespected for. May God have mercy on them.

Again, I apologize for bringing up politics. It's not something I usually do, but I actually cried last night when that little boy got his Secret Service badge. You could tell it meant everything to him. And half of the people on that floor didn't even move. No cheers, no clapping, no standing in respect for him and his battle. He was supposed to be dead years ago according to all of his doctors. What kind of a nation are we when we can't be unified enough to be happy for him and his family? My heart breaks for our country.

Blessings and love,

Betsy

The Church’s One Foundation

Text: Samuel J. Stone

Lyrics: Samuel S. Wesley

The church's one foundation
is Jesus Christ her Lord;
she is his new creation
by water and the Word.
From heaven he came and sought her
to be his holy bride;
with his own blood he bought her,
and for her life he died.

Elect from every nation,
yet one o'er all the earth;
her charter of salvation,
one Lord, one faith, one birth;
one holy name she blesses,
partakes one holy food,
and to one hope she presses,
with every grace endued.

Mid toil and tribulation,
and tumult of her war,
she waits the consummation
of peace forevermore;
till, with the vision glorious,
her longing eyes are blest,
and the great church victorious
shall be the church at rest.

Yet she on earth hath union
with God the Three in One,
and mystic sweet communion
with those whose rest is won.
O happy ones and holy!
Lord, give us grace that we
like them, the meek and lowly,
on high may dwell with thee.

Cccccold!

Goodness, it’s cold outside! Do you want to see what the temperature is right now? This is a screenshot of my phone’s weather app right now. Do you see the “feels like” temperature is -24F. And it’s just supposed to get colder and colder through Wednesday night. Then we will have a nice warm-up for a few days. Winter really just started about two weeks ago here but I’m already done with it. 😂

I took this photo of our balcony this morning. I’m sorry it’s through the screen, but I wasn’t about to go outside in my PJs in the cold. It snowed for 24 hours straight beginning before midnight Sunday night. There wasn’t a huge accumulation, but this doesn’t accurately reflect how much we actually got since a lot of it blew off of the balcony. Since the wind was blowing, it’s hard to get an accurate picture of how much snow fell.

Dennis and Curt went to the church and did a little bit of maintenance work in the bathrooms yesterday and while they were gone, Barb texted me and asked if we wanted to come over and have some chili with them for dinner. Since they only live about two blocks away, of course we said yes. If it had been much more of a drive, I think we would’ve opted to stay home as the roads were getting pretty slick last night. The church is about a 20 minute drive on the interstate from here and they said the visibility was pretty low and the roads weren’t great. That doesn’t seem to bother the guys much though. It’s like it’s something for them to conquer! What is it about men?

The guys are off together again this morning to volunteer at the Open Door Mission and after that they’re going to a young man’s house from church to help him build a table. Those two always find something to get up to! I do hope the roads are improving a bit though, since he lives clear on the other end of town closer to the Air Force Base.

I’m happily staying at home with Zoey and knitting on more mittens…

And showing off the baby blanket I just finished for the mission.  She turned her head, just as I snapped the picture as you can tell by the blur. She doesn’t hold still for very long, but she does like to show off my knitting and crocheting.

This is another blanket using the “Grace” pattern, which is free on Ravelry. I used Caron yarn in the Carrera Marble

Colorway. Using an “I” hook, it ends up measuring about 36 inches square.

Yesterday we were discussing when we might be going to London again to see our kids there. I decided to check plane tickets for March since that’s when “baby J” will have her third birthday. We’ve missed her first two. Lo and behold, the tickets were very reasonably priced so we immediately booked them. We’ll be going during the last couple of weeks of March and we’ll get to spend her birthday with her! We also had to apply for the ETA, the new visa that’s required for Americans to go to the UK. It wasn’t too difficult and it lasts for two years, so I think we’re all set. As much as I dread the plane trip because of the tight quarters, (my long legs just don’t like those tight spaces,) we’re excited to see our kids again.

They’ve been traveling for a long weekend and headed home to London yesterday. We were able to FaceTime with them for an hour or so while they were waiting to board the train. “Baby J” said she wanted us to come for her birthday. Well, that’s all it took! 🥰 As soon as we hung up, I got online. How do you say no to such a cute Granddaughter!!!? As much as I hate flying these days, especially with all of the plane crashes lately, it will be worth it to see her. So, we’re off again. Please pray for me that I don’t get sick. The last two times we’ve flown over the Pond, I’ve managed to sit next to a very sick person on the plane and I ended up sick the entire time we were there.

In other news, all of the test results came back from the endocrinologist, and although a few things were a bit low, she said it would be OK for another year, when I’ll need to repeat the CT scan with contrast and 11 vials of blood again! My next doctor appointment is next week with the neurosurgeon. We’ll see what they have to say. Getting old isn’t for sissies.

Meanwhile, except to take Zoey outside to go potty, I’m planning on staying home and out of the cold. Dennis can go gallivanting around town with his cousin Curt, volunteering at the Mission, helping fix things for other people, etc. I’ll be happily at home in front of the fire with my crochet hook or knitting needles in hand, watching movies and snuggling with my puppy. I hope you are all warm, safe and dry. Spring will come eventually.

Blessings and love, 

Betsy

No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus

Text & Music- Charles F. Weigle

I would love to tell you what I think of Jesus,
Since I found in Him a friend so strong and true.
I would tell you how He changed my life completely;
He did something no other friend could do.

Chorus
No one ever cared for me like Jesus;
There's no other friend so kind as He.
No one else could take the sin and darkness from me;
O how much He cared for me.

All my life was full of sin when Jesus found me;
All my heart was full of misery and woe,
Jesus placed His strong arms about me
And He led me in the way I ought to go.

Chorus

Every day He comes to me with new assurance;
More and more I understand His word of love.
But I'll never know just why He came to save me,
Till someday I see His blessed face above.