Rain and clouds, some warm fuzzies, and planning ahead

This has not been a week for taking beautiful outdoor pictures.  I think we've had rainy and/or cloudy weather each day.   

Monday morning I took a picture from my front door, and that's pretty much how it's looked all week.  Yesterday as I walked into Pastor Lynn's house in the rain I was impressed with the big yellow tree that was still showing off despite the weather!

Once a month the women's group at GBRV meets for a time of sharing and prayer and also a project.  At our meeting on Monday evening we all brought items to put into Blessing Bags for shut-ins and others who do not feel comfortable or are not able to come to services.   We always have a fun time.  As you can see, a lot of planning goes into staying socially distanced and safe. 

 

I want to share some things that brought me joy this week in spite of the cloudy weather.  In the mail I received something from my stepbrother Roy.  Inside the envelope was a note from him and another envelope.  He said that when they cleaned out Grandma Mary's room at Richland Christian Home they found a letter that my dad had written to her, probably Christmas 2006.  Obviously it was very precious to her because she kept it with her through two moves - from their house in Gretna Springs to the apartment at her son Carl's house and then to the home.  As I read this, seeing the familiar handwriting of my Dad and the devotion and honor he gave to Mary, my tears flowed and I could hardly hold in my sobs.   

One of my cousins on the Witmer side of our family passed away after a long battle against cancer.  Betty Ann (Miller) Shrock.  She lived in Colorado.  Her son posted this painting she had done.  Apparently after she was an empty nester she took up a new hobby.  She obviously had amazing talent!  That big rose looks 3-D!

On Saturday when we were with Sam and the kids he gave me their new school pictures and I put them in this frame, replacing last year's.  Aren't they so beautiful???

At their school this week there was a theme each day.  This is what they wore on hat day.  Adorable!

I've been spending lots of time this week preparing to be away for a few weeks.  Can you believe it?  Not sure I can.  Way out in Portland Jeremy and Mike are managing foster parenting, home schooling, Jeremy's demanding job, and the pandemic restrictions all at once.  The two little boys (4 and 5) are struggling with all the disruptions that come with foster care.  The 16-year-old girl (older sister to the 4-year-old) is low-key and really appreciative of having a good home.  Last weekend they went to a cabin in the mountains, where these pictures were taken - her first time ever in the mountains.  Sorry no picture of Mike.  I guess he was the photographer.  

Actually, since Mike isn't in those pictures I will post this collage.  Last week it was ten years since his sister Linda donated one of her kidneys to him.   That was a scary time, and amazing when she was found to be a match.  They are both doing great ten years later!  Mike is the stay-at-home parent during this COVID season, and it ain't easy!  

They are flying me out for two weeks.  I'll be leaving next Thursday, the 5th.  I'm excited and apprehensive all at once.  Dick's not going because of work and hunting season.  Hopefully we can both go after COVID restrictions are over and we can have more of a vacation.  

So I'm doing a lot of things to make his food prep easier while I'm away.  In my freezer so far are egg muffins, ham and beans, and beef cabbage soup.   Those are two low carb dinners that he likes.  I'll also be adding some bags of the roasted sausage, veggies, and sweet potatoes that he likes so much.  And maybe chili.  See the pack that says "bacon, peppers, onions"?  That's what I add to his omelet most times.  So I browned those things and put them in an ice cube tray with some of the bacon drippings to hold them together.  He can use them to make a quicker omelet some mornings.  

I've been mending and hemming some things too.  Yesterday I tried something else for the first time.  I mended my purse straps with my sewing machine!  I have two purses that are exactly alike except for the color.  I love them because of all the compartments and pockets.  But I wear out the straps long before anything else.  I think I twirl them around my hand or something.  So yesterday I zigzag stitched all the edges of the straps.  Still looks rough, but hopefully I've prolonged the life of these purses.

Of course, no post is complete without some baby Elizer pictures!  This little guy is getting some ROLLS!  

When she sent me this one last evening my heart totally melted into a puddle!  That smile!  And his eyes!  She said he just started laughing out loud.  I can't wait to hear him!

Gotta get busy now!  Have a great weekend!