Thursday, August 13, 2026

Still Standing!

Happy Thursday. Thank you all for praying for Spokane. Yesterday was the last time I heard anything and the evacuation orders were almost all lifted for the city. Our old house still stands and people are making their way back home and slowly coming to the realization of what is left. It's a terribly sad time for them all. I know many other communities around the west are dealing with the same thing and it breaks my heart. I'm praying of all of them and that the rains will arrive soon.

Meanwhile this was the state of the weather here yesterday. Notice the "feels like" temperature of 107F. I think we're all over this heat wave this summer and just want some cooler weather to arrive.

This was the containment for the fires as of Tuesday afternoon. I haven't been able to catch a screenshot since then but this is so much better than last week  and I'm sure the numbers have improved even more since then.

I was able to complete another baby blanket. This was using Bernat Baby Sport yarn in the Blossom color way. I used an I hook and made a simple picot border. I've been making this for years and is a very simple sc, hdc, dc pattern. 

I was asked about the blanket on my last post. It's the "Virus" baby blanket. I've had the pattern so long that I don't know where I found it. I know it was a free pattern because I rarely pay for them. 

It has been a busy week. On Tuesday I had to be at the cardiologist at 8:10. I had to drive to the other side of town in rush hour. I'm glad I left at 7:15 because I barely made it on time. I was there over two hours. Apparently my pacemaker battery has about 9 months left so there were several appointments made for January and February for pre-surgery tests like an echocardiogram, X-ray and blood work. When we're back from Texas in April the actual replacement will be done. 

Then, Dennis and I both had our annual dentist appointments in the afternoon. That was another few hours of sitting in an office. I'm so glad I take along a sock to knit on when we have medical appointments with waiting involved. All ended up well there though, with no cavities or other work needed. That was good news!

Dennis went kayaking last night with our friends. He used his new to him kayak we found on FaceBook marketplace. He said it worked great. They saw two eagles, herons, a duck family and lots of other birds and people. I'm so glad we decided to sell the double inflatable kayak and get him a regular kayak. He said it's much easier to propel with a lot less effort.

My colonoscopy is scheduled for next Tuesday and we're leaving for our camping trip for about 6 weeks on Wednesday. We're getting excited to see our son and Montana grand kids, along with all of our friends in Spokane. First we'll be in the Black Hills for a week with Curt and Barb. I'm praying that during the colonoscopy the doctor will find that she was able to get the entire tumor/mass that was removed six months ago. I really don't want to drink another gallon of that vile concoction anytime soon. :-)

What a blessing you all are to me. Thank you for hanging in there with me with a relatively sporadic summer of being online. I'm hoping that the campgrounds over the next 6 weeks have good wifi for my laptop.

I also hope and pray that that each of you has a great weekend and I'll be checking out your blogs.

Blessings and love,
Betsy

MAKE ME A BLESSING

Text: Ira B. Wilson
Music: George  S. Schuler

1.        Out in the highways and byways of life,
 Many are weary and sad;
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,
 Making the sorrowing glad.
 
Make me a blessing, make me a blessing,
Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray,
  Make me a blessing to someone today.
2
Tell the sweet story of Christ and His love,
  Tell of His pow’r to forgive;
Others will trust Him if only you prove
  True, every moment you live.
3
Give as ’twas given to you in your need,
  Love as the Master loved you;
Be to the helpless a helper indeed,
  Unto your mission be true.

8 comments:

  1. The fires were terrible in Spokane! I'm glad your home is still standing! Soon we will get a break from the high dog days temps!!!!

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  2. It's been so terribly hot here for weeks. When they said we would be in the 80's this week I was so happy but then the humidity makes it feel like the 90's. Ugh. I need to get out in a cool breeze. This has been a terrible summer but at least we haven't had to deal with the fires. How awful for everyone. And those mid-western storms. Floods, property damage. I bet the insurance companies are not happy.

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  3. Prayers for a good report on your colonoscopy! We need to put that episode behind you. And glad your cardiologist is keeping a close eye on your pacemaker and will get it replaced right on time!
    Poor Spokane. I am glad the fires are leaving but the devastation they left will take time to heal.
    Enjoy your trip! Six whole weeks of travels, friends, family, scenery and peace. A great way to celebrate the end of summer.

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  4. I pray for good results for you Betsy, it is hard to wait and see. I hope that you will have a wonderful trip out West! Drive safe and look out for idiots!

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  5. We've had it hot but you've had it much worse. Is it any wonder many of us are longing for Fall? You've been busy with doctor appointments. Hopefully you'll soon be done with those and on your way to the Black Hills and on to Montana. Safe travels!!

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  6. Prayers that all.will go well with your colonoscopy! I had to have that test and I found it all vile. I know though we have to have these tests done. I hope you have a wonderful vacation with your family and friends
    . I don,t comment often but I read your blog and enjoy it very much. I am in London ON and I knit and quilt.

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  7. Mr D just had his checkup and his pacemaker is good. He doesn't go back until February. Hope your colonoscopy goes well, also the dental too. I hate doctor appointments, but I guess it's necessary. My heart hurts for those who lost their homes in the fires, but it was good to hear your old home is still standing. Our old home holds so many precious memories it would really hurt to see it gone. Hope you have a great weekend!

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  8. I am not liking your temperatures. When our A/C was down, the house got up to 80F inside and that was enough for me! Dave had to replace all the strings on his guitars from the humidity. our daytime temps have been staying under 85, though with the humidity, it feels a lot hotter outside. I'm certainly ready for fall - though I don't want to see my garden decline just yet.
    Stay cool - and enjoy your travels!

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