Mini Memorial Day vacation

On Sunday morning we got up early to pack and load up before leaving the house at 7:30.  Our first stop was Houserville House of Hope for the 8:00 traditional service.  I was subbing at the piano.  From there we went the six miles to Fillmore so we could help with the choir song, which was moved to a later spot in the service so we could help.  And then it was back to Houserville for our regular 10:30 service.  We were just finishing up our practice with the praise team around 10:10 when I had a HUGE surprise!  Hannah Roser, one of my dear former students and my right hand girl at Grace, was standing beside the piano!!!   She and her friend Jada (both students at Goshen College in Indiana) had just spent a week at Hannah's home and were now heading on a road trip to Jada's home in Manitoba, where they will both be working this summer.  They were traveling on 322, right by State College, and Dick contacted Hannah about stopping in at church to surprise me.  SURPRISE???  It was almost surreal to suddenly see someone from my previous life suddenly standing right there in my current life, hahahaha!!  

Here we are with her - Dick and I were both wearing red for Pentecost Sunday.  Dick looked at this picture and said,  "Hempfield colors!"   (His alma mater!)

Hannah, me, and Jada.

After church we drove to Reading to pick up Destiny.  We were going to my sister Mary Ellen's for dinner, but had extra time so we went to the Park City Mall for a while.  When we came outside afterward Destiny wanted to stay a bit longer and enjoy the beauty of the fountain.  (That's Dick and Destiny at the table.)

We had a delicious light meal at Mary Ellen's, then we went to my brother Dick's place to meet their new Golden Retriever, Jasper.  

Brother Dick, husband Dick, Mary Ellen, sister-in-law Nancy.  

We spent the night at Dick's parents.  I should have taken a picture of  Dad next to his BEAUTIFUL vegetable garden.  He is living it up and loving it this summer!  So much to thank God for!  Last year at this time he was in the nursing home for rehab.

Monday morning I had a fun breakfast with my sisters Mary Ellen and Doris and my stepmother Mary.  The food was good, but having the time to talk and listen to each other was even better.

In the afternoon Dick, Destiny, and I went to Salvation Army where all clothes and shoes were 50% off for the day.  I found some of the CUTEST things for Destiny - really good brand names at unbelievable prices.  Dick found a good pair of khakis for himself. 

Then we went to Sam and Jenn's.  Sammy was having kind of a hot, grouchy, fighting-sleep kind of day.  But we were there long enough to have some fun times with him too.  Like his first taste of watermelon!  He loved it.

And his first dip in the recently-filled, rather cold pool.  He did not love it!

Here are two short videos I took of him laughing and "dancing".

Jenn grilled steaks, Sam made Jasmine rice seasoned with onions, cilantro, curry, and coconut milk (impressive!), Jenn had made a great salad, deviled eggs, and lemon bars.  It was hot on the deck (I'm sure it hit 90 yesterday), but occasionally there was a nice breeze.  

And then it was time to head for home.  Once again Sam graciously saved us time and miles by taking Destiny home to Reading.  We appreciate that so much.

And now on to a busy week in which I am already a day behind!