MEEMAW MOMENTS

2012 Week 4: Little by little

2012-01-29T23:50:00.001-05:00

Poco a poco ...

Every day we make some progress in the settling in process. Some days more than others.

Counters, especially large ones like ours, tend to become work tables or dumping areas. Sundays are a good time for a fresh clean start.

The clay cobbler-man still sits on the counter waiting for some of his pieces to be glued back on. He is originally from our travels in Peru, a survivor of multiple breaks.
Later that evening Mike assembled my bookshelves while I worked on connecting all the cables between the computer and the power source. He thought that would be easy and that I couldn't go wrong. I wasn't so sure.

It was fun to take my neighbor-friend to Monday Meal. Mike can't go during robot build season. They meet every evening except Fridays, although that may change toward the end of the six weeks.

Glenda regaling us with stories of her birthday trip

Steady plodding all day Tuesday until evening when I left for a brief meeting. This is what I saw when I drove in after dark. The tree sculpture is lit up at night now.

Tuesday two family members stopped by to see the progress: Karen, after an interview at the high school; and Kayla after her last class.

DIL showing off her interview shoes


Granddaughter's beautiful hands (and Pinterest-inspired nails)

It snowed in the afternoon and there was a winter advisory, so Kayla stayed all night--our first overnight guest! She then got me started on Pinterest, but I haven't done much with it yet. Her nails, BTW, have words--newsprint applied.

Thursday Sam delivered our beautiful new dining room table. Two inserts allow for a 9' extension.

I moved the small table we had been using to the solarium. I've been told it was the first one my parents had. I need to learn more about its history.

Friday, I took a couple packets to Muncie to be delivered to my friends in Xocenpich. At the church I met a couple ladies who've traveled with the team for more than twenty years now.

When I saw the suitcases all lined up ready for their early morning flight, I was reminded of seventeen years ago. Mike and I went to Cancún on our 25th wedding anniversary and encountered this church group and their bright orange marked luggage. Years later, I was privileged to go several times with students and meet some wonderful people.

In the evening my friend Jane and I went to a ladies' weekend at a nearby retreat center.
We awoke the next morning to a snow scene, lovely while it lasted.

The fellowship with women of all ages was rich. A weekend not soon to be forgotten. :-)
However, I missed out on grandson Elijah's 7th birthday party. :-(

And now, back home, I'm trying to catch up. I hope to visit more Project 365ers this week over at Sara's.

2012 Week 3: Steady Progress

2012-01-22T14:05:00.002-05:00

I checked my camera last night and discovered that the week has gone by with only four (4) photos to show for it, so I went around and captured a few more. I may borrow from the past or other sources as well in an attempt to adequately represent this week.

Last weekend, Stephan was competing in an ice carving event in Northern Michigan.

Great Blue Herons (sculpture and photo by Stephan Koch)

And this weekend he is judging at the Plymouth Ice Festival.

Youngest son, Sam, brought over another piece of his artistry which has already proven very useful.

Kitchen Island

The kitchen island has: a butcher block top, a huge drawer that holds most of the cooking utensils; stemware and Terma Serrano (Non-Alcholic Bitter, Herbal Beverage from Argentina's Andes Mountains) underneath; and at the bottom, wonderful storage space that I haven't decided yet how to use.
For the most part the kitchen has been conquered, except for remembering where I put things. For now I have sticky-note labels on every door and drawer.

Monday, our host in the Basque Country sent this link: Guest column: Consider worker co-operatives. The article speaks of the Corporation I wrote about here and claims, "Spain's famous Mondragón Cooperative has been rated by Forbes magazine as one of the 10 best places to work in Europe." You can read further and learn what sets them apart.

Tuesday, Mike was up very early. This is what I saw when I came upstairs.

He had set up his basic electronic equipment on a couple folding tables. However, the desk he ordered arrived earlier than expected and was all put together as of Friday.

My writing space is still very much in progress, slow but steady. Meanwhile I use my little Netbook on the kitchen counter. I do love to journal by hand and my 2012 Blurb-made journal arrived this week! So, actually I have more notes than photos.

Twice this week we have been blessed with desserts from Dream Creations, the daughter's budding business. I just had to serve the apple cheese cake on fancy dishes with tea.

We were about to partake of another of Stephan's Christmas pizzas when Mike said, "Aren't you going to take a picture?" I was glad for his reminder and especially to note his support of Project 365!

Mike is so eager to get back into his pottery studio that even after a Saturday of work with the robotics team, he went out in the night, plowed a path through the snow and raced back and forth on the four wheeler to bring in the stuff he had stored in the pole barn after the fire.

The pictured work table and shelves he built Friday after finding the large drawers we concluded had been lost.

Today we finally located the ceramic canisters I purchased for my new kitchen from fellow-ceramist at the neighboring festival.

I keep plodding steadily--unpacking boxes, finding and moving things around, adding decorative touches, reading instruction manuals, learning something new every day.
This weekend I used my new bright and neatly finished laundry room for the first time.

We save a lot by having off-peak electricity. This means that we heat water and use the dishwasher, washer and dryer only at night or on weekends.

So, here I sit by the window and wonder about the progress in your home this week.

Sara hosts this weekly gathering. We enjoy visiting and being visited! Have a good week, y'all!

2012 Week 2: Starting Over

2012-01-15T16:53:00.002-05:00

The big move took place this week, over a period of several days, just before the snow storm!
We slept in our home again seven months to the day after the house fire.
Preparations intensified as the day approached. Work at the house continued through the weekend, everyone finishing up their part and a lady cleaning up after them. Sunday afternoon and evening our custom-wordworker son was at it again, even after a late night so his family came out later to spend some time with him. We all found places to sit and enjoy Kristie's wonderful meal of chili and cheesy rolls.

This scene reminds me of Christmas 1990 when family members gathered in the same spot. (See here.) Notice the extra window this time around.

Monday the inspector toured the place, big furniture items were delivered, the carpenter was still working on the deck, and Mike and two helpers (son Sam and friend Larry) loaded and unloaded the U-Haul truck several times to transfer our belongings from the temporary home to the new house.
Mike had to rush off later to mentor the robotics team (the six-week build season started Saturday), and I was glad to get away from it all and go to Monday Meal. I had the pleasant company of two Taylor students who asked to go along--cousin Bethany and friend Jessica.

It was the monthly Cooking Through the United States meal, this time featuring Washington.

Washingtonian pumpkin soup is delicious!

Tuesday Mike loaded up the car multiple times and I continued to clear out areas and pack.
"You wouldn't know we had a fire! Have we accumulated that much since?"
It wasn't till around 9 p.m. that I finally drove up to my home-sweet-home. A full moon shone through the trees.

Since then we have kept at the overwhelming task of settling in: assemble some of the furniture pieces; unpack and find the right place for each and every item (and then remember where you put it!); read the care and instruction manual before using an appliance (they have changed so much!). All the while I am thinking about how to arrange and decorate. Throw-pillows on the sofa was the first and easiest decision.

Sam has been in and out almost every day this week. Thursday we shared a pizza lunch together. It was the first use of the new oven. We tried one Stephan's gourmet frozen pizzas he gave us for Christmas--chicken artichoke. Wonderful! So much so that we had nearly demolished it before I thought to take a picture.

Friday Sam got stuck in our driveway so Mike got out the four-wheeler and plow and has used it a couple times since. I caught this when I looked out the window to see what was happening.

Sam installed the drawer insert for the cutlery, an extra piece that he made and gave us for Christmas.

I set up and used my new sewing machine, after reading the entire manual I'm proud to say.

I needed to mend the hem of a pillowcase before returning it to our 'other' home.
Glenda, my neighbor, and I spent most of Saturday cleaning and sprucing up the place.

I stood at the sink where I had spent hours and hours over the 214 days of 'exile' and said goodbye to the dear neighborhood.

I could say more, much more, but will save it for another time and go over to Sara's now and link up with all the dear bloggy friends who have been following our saga and been so supportive.

Welcome 2012--Week 1

2012-01-07T20:50:00.000-05:00

Elijah's self-photograph (while doing a hand stand?)

Three grandsons helped us welcome the new year.
Saturday morning we packed up all the Christmas decorations and ate lunch at Ivanhoe's.

Malachi washing down a Big Panther

The older boys went with grandpa to the New Year's Eve festivities in Muncie where the robotics team put on their third annual ball drop. Each year there is some glitch. This time the ball did not light up till it was down. :-(
Sunday, among other things, I did (sort of) play Christmas carols (a few) with some help. Didn't quite accomplish my yearly goal--to play through all the carols.

Zion and grandma duet

It was good to be back with our Monday night friends and the meal was excellent--Sticky Chicken, rice, popovers and tart tatin.

Tart Tatin

Tuesday Kayla had to say goodbye to Matt who headed back to SC for the second half of basic training.

Leah and Skye stopped by on Wednesday to show off their new looks.

New style

New glasses

And how do you like her fingerless gloves? That's my current knitting kick.

All week I've been intent on preparing for the move: pulling stuff out of cupboards, closets, and drawers; piling, sorting, purging, packing. (NO photos of the mess!) I said goodbye to my cherished family of geese (gifts from the grandkids, damaged by the fire). It's time for a new theme in the beautiful new kitchen.

Mike has been working at the house e.v.e.r.y spare moment. Even as I ~~speak~~ write he is there still hanging lights and putting handles on doors and drawers. And that after a long day at FIRST robotics Kick-Off! For the next six weeks Team 1720, with a lot of help from their mentors, will be designing and building a robot to play this year's game Rebound Rumble.

Friday night, however, we took time out to meet with a new acquaintance, the lovely harpist, Sarah, the same one pictured in this previous post. Mike is fascinated by the artistry of harp playing. We learned a lot throughout the evening and asked Sarah to strike a pose. We don't know what involuntary action produced this interesting effect, but I like it.

So here it is Saturday evening and time to link up with Sara and friends. I would hope to do better this week and get around to visiting each and every one, however I know it is very improbable.

We will be moving into our new home!!!

The Extra Week or #52b

2012-01-01T00:39:00.002-05:00

So I got my wish, the one I made when we stepped into this temporary home, "I hope we're here for Christmas." I wanted a relaxed time together with enough space and freedom for everyone to spend a night or two. I truly enjoyed every aspect of CHRISTmas--the decorating, all the preparations in anticipation, and every minute with the family. All so meaningful and beautiful, even our 'anorexic' tree, as the daughter called it ;)

Some stayed over till Monday. Elijah enjoys his DS-XL (or whatever it is) before breakfast.

He came back the next day with his daddy. Sam worked at the house until late that night, so Elijah came back here with me and stayed overnight.

He kept me on task with my exercise homework, except that he wanted to teach me some not-so-boring moves.

I assured him they were not part of our (the seniors) balance routines.

On Wednesday we ran errands together and stopped to visit the Indiana Ice Studio which was on the way. It was fun to see both Stephan and Karen at work. I hadn't been there in a long time so was impressed with all that goes on there, and the many trophies and awards!

Uncle Stephan was intent on showing Elijah all that his job entails--design, ice-making, the CNC machine, the fancy saw (glitter-paint for effect), and the finished center pieces for the weekend delivery.

In fact today, both Steph & Karen and Sam & Kristie, traveled three hours north to set up 80+ center pieces for a large New Year's Eve party.
I am looking after the three grandboys while they are gone. The little one is asleep and the older two have gone with Grandpa to the annual event put on by the robotics team--the New Year's Eve ball-drop.
So I have a couple hours of quiet to look back over the week and compose this final post of 2011.

Thursday, more errands and lunch with the daughter and grandson. I got to see her Christmas gift which produced an abundant supply of sweets for the family. These will probably hold us over through the busy days ahead of moving to the new house.

Speaking of appliances, ours were delivered to the house this week. The carpet is almost down. Ballisters being installed and we're still waiting on counter tops and furniture.

Thursday evening we were invited to play a new card game with friends. It was good to get out for a fun time.

Friday our landlady came by with her whole family to show the new members the house where they grew up.

The original family

And now the time has come to say,

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Sara promises to host Project 365 again in 2012 and I intend to continue chronicling our life by this means.
Thank you, dear hostess and all the kind friends that read and respond to this weekly effort. I love this community. Anyone out there who wants to join in the fun?

Week 52: Finishing Touches

2011-12-24T15:40:00.004-05:00

Ready and waiting for the family to come over for Christmas celebrations!

Last Sunday, DIL Karen and I went for a late afternoon walk and saw the neighborhood lights.

The street sign reminded me that our time at this address is soon coming to an end, not sure when exactly though.

As Mike says, "Everything takes longer than it does..."

He has been up and down and on his knees countless hours this week laying the wood floor, which he offered to do himself. Even today, Christmas Eve he was at it this morning early and now again, every spare moment, determined to finish before Monday.

Son Sam and his coworker finished installing the refinished spiral staircase on Wednesday.

It is beautiful and leads up to what is going to be my area!

The deck is done as well.

However, as of yesterday there is only one functioning toilet and one light in the whole house. So we wait and keep plodding on.

I have gone out every afternoon this week, shopping, running errands, preparing. The gifts are wrapped, the letters and cards sent, some snail-mail, most via e-mail (so many that Hotmail became suspicious and blocked my account!)

Stockings have been replaced and filled with each one's choice sweets. (I was surprised and saddened to realize we had not retrieved the old ones. You can see them lined up in last year's post.)

So, we are ready and waiting. Silly Santa leads the way down to the gift area.

One family member is here. I picked up SIL Diane yesterday to spend a few days with us.

Here brother and sister are watching the Colts play and win! Mike, relaxing a bit before going back out to the house to keep plugging away.

One of the holiday events took place this morning--the Christmas Eve brunch at Stephan and Karen's.


Scotch eggs and Montecristos

We had a good time with the Monday Meal regulars, such dear friends. And got to see Matt and Kayla, the happy couple. (I can't believe I did not get a picture of him in uniform when they stopped by last Sunday.)

Kayla feels like a new person. Her braces came off this week and she got her hair cut.

I leave you with this greeting...

...and hope to see all of you over at Sara's.

Week 51: Almost here...almost there

2011-12-18T16:59:00.000-05:00

Yes, Christmas is almost here, and we are almost there, in our new house.
This week we focus on the celebration, and later on the move.
Both require hours of shopping.

Last Sunday we spent the afternoon picking out the last of the light fixtures. So many decisions.

Later in the week I was asked what color the outlet covers should be.
Perhaps the title of this post should have been Decisions and Details.

It is always fun to get away Monday evening and meet and dine with friends and family at Chef-son's.
I had fun babysitting Zion all day so Mom and Elijah could visit her father.
Here is Zion, fascinated by Moe while Kayla is getting him to repeat "guinea pig".
In the end he was saying it over and over.

The dogs, Gryffin and Gracie, are entertained for long periods of time watching their new neighbor.

I can't remember much about Tuesday, except that I was tired enough to have to take a nap, always in the sun room with the wicker furniture with glass table tops.

Wednesday I went to a ladies' Bible Study Christmas brunch. The food and fellowship were wonderful! And I especially enjoyed looking at all the decorations and wondering what it will be like to prepare our new house next year for the annual Tour of Homes. Enough people have asked us to do this and it does seem the right response to a community that has seen us through the life-altering event of this year.

More meetings, shopping, decorating and wrapping presents.

I have enjoyed every aspect of this season, and every kind of decor...

...but my favorites are the nativities because they portray the amazing story of love we celebrate--the Creator of the universe entering our world as a human baby. .

Leah's Clay Nativity

Yesterday we attended the funeral of a five month-old baby taken suddenly. The service was so moving. The grandpa, our former pastor, and his sister shared some very meaningful thoughts. One that stood out was that only one baby was born into this world to die--Jesus, who came to give His life for us.

The State of the House

The various tiles are down in their respective areas.

Ship Room

This tile was chosen because of name and color: Argentina! See the blue? And where it comes from?

The painter should be finishing this coming week.

The deck is coming along.

Mike is laying the wood flooring.

The appliances are scheduled for delivery next Saturday. Really, on Christmas Eve?!

Next week I'll let you know how close we are to moving in. Meanwhile, have a very merry Christmas!

Sara awaits us all.

Week 50: Christmas is coming!

2011-12-10T15:37:00.001-05:00

This week included: our town's Winter festival "Olde Tyme Christmas" with its Tour of Homes; a belated celebration of two birthdays (Malachi's 13th and Zion's 2nd); two trips to Fort Wayne (circa four hours each time) to chauffeur family members to necessary appointments; an elementary school's Christmas program (Elijah's at BSU's Emmens auditorium); a funeral dinner; and all the routine activities and those related to house reconstruction. In between all that I have been steadily decorating and preparing for Christmas.
So, in no particular order, here are the photos I managed to get this week.

After birthday cake, next best is anything Carz related!

One snowy morning

We made the paper chain at Thanksgiving dinner, each link has a written thank you to God.

The woodsy, snowy corner

Country Christmas

Dining room

Royerton Elementary Christmas program--first grade

Elijah is in there somewhere in the middle. The production was an hour and a half long, never a pause, very well choreographed. We enjoyed it but were kept busy entertaining the wiggly little one.


A brief respite--reading a book with Daddy

State of the House:

The doors are in and the trim is going up.

Mike is nearly finished with the heating system, making sure every aspect works right. He is very pleased with the efficiency of the new boiler which takes one third the amount of wood and heats up fast.

The flooring arrived and the very next day was reported to be unsuitable for radiant floor heating. We are grateful for this timely discovery! After several telephone consultations, Mike ordered the new material.

Today we bought most of the light fixtures.

I will end with one final decor detail.

I enjoy seeing the sleepy Christmas bears every time I go up to bed.

Good night to all and have yourself a merry season of reflection and celebration.

See more Project 365ers sharing holiday joys when you go to Sara's blog.

Week 49: Snow and more...

2011-12-03T17:12:00.001-05:00

It's beginning to look a bit like Christmas...

Sunday a beautiful poinsettia was delivered to make our temporary home begin to feel like Christmas.
I decided to enjoy the season and began decorating our current abode as our moving date is so uncertain.

Mike gave son-Stephan an early Christmas gift so they could continue hunting together. (Muzzleloader season opened this weekend.)

Monday
Another shopping expedition and more decisions--counter tops and sinks for the vanities. Check that off the list. Hope we made the right choices. We also settled on faucets for every possible water outlet.
I have never paid much attention to the style, size or color of these necessary fixtures. Now I am learning to be more observant.

Tuesday granddaughter Kayla and I were out Christmas shopping when it began to snow heavily. We left right away. No problem. We'd already been at it for over two hours. Both of us drove carefully and made it back safely to our respective homes. That evening I looked out to see how much had accumulated.

Wednesday morning the sun shone brightly through the sparkling trees.

First snowfall on the tree sculpture

Thursday
The LITE (Life Independent Through Exercise) program for seniors, led by exercise science majors, is soon coming to an end so it was time to get at least one photo. This semester we've had the largest group ever and that has been so much fun.

Warm-up

Friday
Little by little I am digging out what Christmas decorations were saved and/or given to us. Here is my mere beginning with a small tree and Santa's train.

It will be a slow and oft interrupted process. Almost daily another decision is required. What style and color handles for the cabinets nearly led to an argument. What about toilets? Too many choices. Order grout color for the various tile floors, and blinds, and light fixtures for each area,...and on and on and on.

However, we made time to enjoy several favorite community events--two theater productions:
--A Christmas Carol, the musical at Taylor University
--Miracle on 34th Street at the high school.
--Sing Noel, a marvelous concert featuring international music and dance held annually at Taylor University.

We were uncharacteristically early which allowed us to listen to lovely, heavenly harp music while we waited to enter the auditorium. And doesn't the harpist look angelic?

How are you preparing your heart and home this Advent season?
Go to Sara's for glimpses shared by others in the Project 365 circle.

Thanksgiving Week, # 48

2011-11-26T20:43:00.001-05:00

The LORD is near.

Be anxious for nothing,

but in everything by prayer and supplication

with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known to God.

And the peace of God,

which surpasses all comprehension,

will guard your hearts and minds

in Christ Jesus.

(Phil. 4:4-6)

It was a good week of learning to be more intentional about being thankful in my heart and expressing gratitude. There were many great stories on Christian radio that reminded me of more specifics to include in thanksgiving.
Daily decisions are pressing now. Sunday afternoon we strolled through furniture stores with Sam and family. You'd think these were amusement parks the kids were having so much fun.
Monday Mike and I spent several very successful hours shopping at another furniture place. We finally found what we liked and ordered most of the remaining big items.
By afternoon I was feeling really sick, so instead of doing something special for new teenage grandson Malachi's birthday (like collect embarrassing baby photos and post them on Facebook), I stayed in doing nothing, missed the dinner at chef-son's, and called the clinic.

Malachi, age one

Tuesday I saw the doctor--ear and sinus infection worse and possible pneumonia from the sound tho' the xrays were clear. Just finished the second round of antibiotics today. Coughing spells are fewer now. On the mend at last.
I was really disappointed to miss the last painting class of the year. I was going to fix or finish a couple recent pieces and sign them, but alas, they remain thus.

Wednesday was little Zion's second birthday.

Zion, day one

I was sick so did not host Thanksgiving dinner, instead Stephan invited us. I coughed my way through a wonderful family time. The food was great, just wish I could have enjoyed it more. Even so I had to try all three kinds of pie.

Perfect pie trifecta: pumpkin, chocolate, peach

SIL Diane spent a couple nights with us. Friday we took it easy. No Black Friday craziness for us! In the evening we watched Julie and Julia again. Such a great movie.
DIL shared a special deal on her blog. I keep buying and giving away her book with great responses each time, not only from those who deal with infertility. Go here and take a look at Hope for the Barren Heart.

So, here it is Saturday, and I finally made it back to the house and took a look at areas painted with Basque Green, a color I chose by name more than loving the shade at first sight. It is definitely bold, dark, deep, masculine. And now I like it more than some of the blue shades.

Pottery display area

Ship Room (guest bedroom)

Kitchen cabinets are all in place--so much more storage space!

The siding is almost finished.

So while I've been sick taking it easy, the guys have been working long hours. Mike is at the house every spare moment. There are still issues with the heating system. He's had to drain the boiler five times so far.

"Not again!"

"in everything give thanks;

for this is God's will for you

in Christ Jesus."

I Thess. 5:18

What were you thankful for this week? Sara keeps making music from her heart to the Lord, inspiring the rest of us.

Week 47: More decisions and deadlines

2011-11-20T19:29:00.001-05:00

I thought that by now I would have replaced the header, however some of the corn fields are still standing.
We've had beautiful sunny days though the cold is definitely creeping in. That is why Michael has been working so diligently on the heating system--fixing, testing, tweaking, adjusting, making changes--until finally tonight he announced, "The heat is on!"

Here he is last Sunday, pondering the next step in the process, still wearing his Sunday clothes because we were on our way to my Uncle Bud's funeral. (Eldon "Bud" Hoyt, the youngest of eleven siblings, passed away November 3rd.)

Mike's three afternoons at the Red Barn certainly add excitement to his week as students and projects continue to increase in number. When I stop by, the pottery studio is always buzzing with activity.
Looks like they are behind on the glazing process and may soon run out of space.

Oh, there's one student glazing her teapot.

I do believe some are working on Christmas gifts.

About a month ago Mike gave a talk at a Junior High in the nearby town. This week a state senator from that county sent him the following newspaper clipping.

Another article came out in our own local paper this week, describing Stephan's work. The interviewer did a great job considering all the information she was given. (To see a better color photo go to this previous post.)

Stephan and Mike, father and son, have been out hunting almost daily, sometimes even twice. Finally they were rewarded with five hits, but only three deer they actually found.

We will have plenty of venison this year.

Son Sam has slept very little all week to meet the deadlines for delivery and installation of cabinets and vanities. Last Sunday in the wee hours my neighbor left several voice-mail messages:

1. "I can see two shadows moving around your house. Tell Mike somebody is over there."

2. "We're sure two guys are over there. We're looking out for your place. Bobbie is going over with a gun."

3. "False alarm! It was Sam!"

Two nights in a row Sam and his helper were there working late into the night. The lower cabinets had to be in so the contractor could measure for the counter tops.
And this weekend again they were delivering all the other pieces, and working long hours. I worry.
Last night Mike insisted they go home and come back Monday. Other aspects are holding up the work now, and when we move in is not so critical anyway. Before or after Christmas, or on Christmas day? Como Dios quiera. As God wills.

These pics may give you an idea of the quality of the wood and the work.

Last week

This week

Mike and I spent one long day mostly shopping for floor tile for various areas, but also looking at appliances, lighting, flooring. Oh, so many decisions!

Work is happily interspersed with some play as well. Like Monday Night Meal with our family and friends, always a lively fun time. Here are the oldest and youngest of the grands.

Mrs. Kern :) and Zion

Yesterday I enjoyed the company of the two younger ones all day so Mom could get some work done.

Zion and Elijah

So this was our week. How was yours? Sara at make music from your heart to the Lord, graciously hosts Project 365 which keeps us motivated, accountable and connected. Thank you, Sara!

Week 46: Back to Routines

2011-11-12T20:13:00.001-05:00

...and more.

Sunday was Sam's 33rd birthday. To give them a break, the boys stayed here overnight Saturday after Kayla and Matt's party. So in the morning this is what I saw on the way out to go to church--all four grandsons sitting on the swing.

My Boys

Later...

Singing the silly Koch birthday song

Monday I received gifts from friends in Mexico hand delivered by a church team that returned from there last week--a sweet little angel, and a salt and pepper shaker.

The young lady we supported graduated last summer with high honors. I am so proud of Mary and just wish I could have been there.

Tuesday I was happy to rejoin painting class and later one of my Bible study groups. These are the two books I am working through and enjoying greatly.

Grandson Skye stayed with us most of this week. Wednesday we introduced him to a favorite family card game--Nertz. Here is our running score.

State of the House:
Sunday evening I got together with my neighbor-friend to finalize color choices due the next day. Glenda loves interior decorating and gives me helpful advice. It is so good to talk over these decisions with someone else. Even so, I have been hesitant to go and see the newly painted rooms. What if I don't like what I picked? I did finally venture in.

Kitchen

Hallway-Bathroom

Michael has been working long hours every day, on his feet all day long, dealing with water leaks, buying more parts. It is a very involved system but will be well worth all his efforts and the endless hours. I am so grateful for his patient perseverance.
He is very tired, however that did not stop him from going hunting as soon as deer season opened, early Saturday morning. Stephan was at his stand bright and early as well even though he had a very busy day ahead.

Karen and I enjoyed running a local 5K together this time. My dear DIL stayed with me the whole time which is why I did not walk even once and finally came in 40' 22". Not my best but considering I have sinusitis and a foot that aches, not bad either. I sure hope the axiom is true: Exercise is medicine.

Cold Start

Warm Ending

Cold is coming, is here. Oh, yes, we saw snow this week.What about you?
Meet you at Sara's.

A Whirlwind Week, # 45

2011-11-07T12:07:00.000-05:00

Is it possible to cram more life events into one week?
I am convinced by now that our normal is the unexpected.

The daily hunting expeditions were successful, in spite of an occasional debacle (a favorite descriptor that brings back treasured memories of hunting with Grandpa Koch).

Sunday was our last day together with the Koch relatives. Brother Terry and SIL Sandy left a day earlier than planned for their drive back to Wisconsin, so as to avoid the snow. (The last time they were stranded eight hours in the mountains!)

One member was missing at our farewell dinner out, teenager Cody out with friends, so I got his photo later.

Halloween Monday, Kenzie (16) celebrated with friends.

Tuesday we said goodby to Idaho and flew back to Indiana.

That same day our granddaughter was married in a quiet ceremony before the Justice of Peace.
(See my previous post)

We arrived in Indianapolis in the wee hours of Wednesday morning, spent the remainder of the night in a hotel and before heading home stopped at some major stores to begin thinking about appliances and furniture.
It was fun to get back to the changes awaiting us at the 'new' house--the drywall up and some of the siding.

Mike's Studio

My Writing Center (the loft)

That same day, Stephan finished his masterpiece that tells the story of our family's journey and the overriding theme of God's blessing. The icons represent the various phases of our lives. He didn't miss anything.


...my cup runneth over...

The rest of the week was a blur of preparation for the marriage celebration and farewell.
Saturday evening we had a house full of family and friends.

Any big surprises in your week? Go to Sara's place to catch up on the others.

Octember

2011-10-31T21:27:00.002-04:00

A Fall full of the unexpected.

Is it Autumn or Winter?

Snow and fall colors mixing in October?

October is a beautiful month.

20 years ago, our granddaughter Kayla was born on October 5th.

This year on the 27th, she became engaged to Matt Kern!

Not so surprising because they have been boyfriend/girlfriend since sixth grade--seven years!

The most exciting news is that tomorrow, November 1st, she will marry Matt Kern before a Justice of the Peace! They are planning a wedding ceremony at a later date.

Saturday, November 5th, we will have a celebration of their committed love and also say goodbye to Matt, who is leaving for Basic Training in the Army, November 8, next week!

So many changes, and we are not home!
We arrive back on Wednesday, in time for the party.

This is our Octember.

Week 44: Idaho

2011-10-29T17:19:00.000-04:00

The traditional Koch-hunting trip is on again this year and we were able to get away for the week.

Sunday
Goodbye Happy Upland temporary home...

(don't you just love the daughter's cute decorations?)
...and beautiful sunsets.

Monday
We arrived at the Koch nephew's mid afternoon.

And ever since the men have been hunting birds of some kind every day for as many hours as possible.

Tuesday
Mike, however, did help butcher young Cody's first deer.

Wednesday
I try to get out and walk and enjoy the beautiful countryside, the different vegetaion, the mountains in the distance, and the blue sky.

Then, a surprise on the path! Any ideas?

Thursday
Mike's artistic ceramic tiles found an appropriate home next to the photo of the three hunters.

Nephew Jeff, our host, hunter extraordinaire, would spend every waking moment out there if he could.

Friday
Meanwhile, the ladies knit. SIL Sandy is the knitting queen. She has completed several projects already.

Saturday
Hostess Suzan has the day off and is learning to make wrist warmers.

The guys are having fun and so are we gals--sharing fun times, good food and life stories...

...and the obligatory cribbage every evening!

Now it's time to go over to Sara's and see what fun you've been up to!

Week 43

2011-10-23T13:44:00.003-04:00

This will have to be brief as I have to pack for our trip to Idaho. Oh, so much to do yet!

Sunday
Mother-daughter fun afternoon outing to see the last performance of "Bad Seed" at the Marion Civic Theatre. (Is she really that much taller than me?)

Rita and Leah

Monday

Cold enough to light the wood fire for Monday night dinner.

Karen lighting the wood stove

Tuesday

With some help from the instructor I finished a painting in one session. When I get back in a couple weeks we have a 'test' to see if we can do these flowers on our own.

Wednesday

Mike started playing Words With Friends this week and makes a big deal of every time he gets ahead of me. I don't think he will have a 99 pointer again any time soon!

Thursday

I babysat for youngest nieto (grandson) for a little while. We have a lot of fun. He likes to run into my arms, go back and do it all over again. I've never let it go on as long as he would want to ;)

Zion

Friday

As you have probably surmised, the happy Meemaw Moments above are the relaxing fun interludes amidst all the work. A busy week especially for Mike, maybe that is why I have no photo of him. He's been gone most of the time, but his part installing the heating system is as done as it can be without water and electricity.

The house is closed up now and can be locked. Tomorrow a crew will begin to hang drywall.

Meanwhile, I have been puzzling over a color palette. It is overwhelming, there are hundreds of hues.

Possible choices

Saturday
After several rainy days, we've had a couple beautiful sunny ones.

State of the House

What is the state of your household, dear Sara and friends and any reader out there? I always welcome your kind comments.

Week 42: Letters and more

2011-10-17T14:24:00.001-04:00

I have concluded there is no normal week. Each is uniquely full of new adventures, and even routine activities hold surprises.

Sunday
Stephan spent several hours carving the oak stump. I know I said I would not post any more pictures of the progress until the unveiling, but I don't think this photo reveals very much, not from this angle anyway, and for the lack of a better photo for the day, here it is.

Monday
After exercise sessions at the Gray Barn, I usually pop over to the Red Barn to see what's happening there. I was finally able to sneak a picture of handsome grandson Skye (on right) hanging out with his friend, and texting, of course.

Tuesday
We got a call and visit from friends from afar and, of course, we ate lunch at Ivanhoe's.

Karen and Fred

He was best man at our wedding 41+ years ago. They are true global nomads that have lived in several countries and continents and have finally settled in Arizona.

A couple weekly two-hour painting classes produced another completed project. I never know what I will end up with--always a fun surprise. Who will get this one?

Wednesday
I spotted Stephan's dragon among the many unglazed pieces in the pottery studio. He was visiting one time and played around with the clay.

Happy Little Dragon

It was a busy place that day. This is what I saw when I first peeked in. Mike is in there somewhere ~~going crazy~~ with so many. Fortunately, several older students know what they are doing.

Thursday
Ever since my visit last week, I've been playing Words With Friends with my ninety-year-old mother and she is winning! However this one short word strategically placed gave me a 67 point advantage and I won that game.

Friday
Grandparents' Day at Elijah's school
He has the same teacher his older brother had at a former school.

Mrs. Fredrerick and Elijah

First Grade Music Program

Mike worked all day every day on the heating system of the new house. Most days parts and pieces were delivered here. He also made frequent trips to Muncie for more. A complex system, indeed!

My outstanding accomplishment of the week was to reread most of the circa 100 letters I wrote to my BFF over a period of twenty years (9 - 29). It's like reading your diaries from childhood on through adulthood, non stop. (You can see photos and read about the blue binder, la carpeta azul, here.) The timing and urgency of this letter/scanning marathon was due to the fact that I was going to see my brother and SIL for the last time before they return to Argentina. They will hand carry the treasured letters and return them to my dear friend Mirtha.

Saturday
DIL Karen and I ran the Taylor Homecoming 5K at 8 a.m., and then I drove up to Winona Lake for a noon meal in Mother's little apartment--as a despedida (farewell) to Ivan and Kim.

Karen stayed back and enjoyed the hot tub. We call her the "hot tub lady".

Eight or nine Hoyts gathered. We looked at many digitized slides, commented, laughed, shared, told stories and ate wonderful food.

Three of the five siblings with Mother

And, as always, took more pictures! Here are a couple Mother/Daughter pics.

Mother and Rita

Kim and Tina

What were the daily excitements of your week, big and small?
Go to Sara's and check out the other photo journals.

Week 41: Indian Summer

2011-10-08T15:16:00.003-04:00

Great weather for a picnic!

We've enjoyed such beautiful weather all week and have taken advantage of it to get in three tandem dates.

In the middle of the week, our oldest grandchild, Kayla, turned 20 (yes, twenty)! We celebrated as a family on Sunday.

No matter how busy we are, we would not think of missing Monday Meal at Chef-son's, especially when there is peach pie!

More discoveries (or should I say uncoveries) this week among Leah's stored items: a photo of her birth mom when she was a small child. We study it at length and try to draw out likenesses, character traits, history, yet so many mysteries remain.

Leah brought me a bouquet of wildflowers. I had been admiring the fields of wispy flowers on our rides.

Speaking of flowers, I gave away my first completed floral painting this week, to my mother.

The major scheduling dilemma of the week:

Can you guess what it was or how it turned out?

I bought the tickets in August and was later summoned for jury duty. The plan was to take my mother to hear Laura Bush, who was to speak at my alma mater just down the road from my parents. I nearly gave up on the idea and had a plan B in place for Mother. However, the letter did say to call the night before and make sure jury selection was still scheduled. It was cancelled! So I was able to take Mother to the event and spend the night in her cute little apartment at Grace Village.

Security was tight, many state police, and a sold out crowd, so we arrived very early. Niece Tina, who works in marketing at Grace College, was the lead logistics for the media team. She was rushing around, but stopped by to say Hi. She had just had her photo taken with Laura Bush. Since we couldn't get that close to the former first lady, my photo of Tina will have to suffice.

The next morning I had two special visits: an hour with my Dad, singing to him; and a couple hours with my friend Dori who is battling cancer.

Daddy can no longer raise his head, but I could see his occasional side glance and a couple times he made a special effort to look over and reward me with a beautiful smile. Oh, to have had my camera poised and ready to capture that special moment! The 23rd Psalm and the Lord's Prayer in song were both very comforting to me and I hope they ministered to his spirit also.

No photos of the state of the house this week. Mike spends most of his time out there, still working on the heating system.
Dry wall is next after the electrician finishes his job.

The bloggers in Sara's Project 365 circle, attempt to take a picture a day and encourage one another in the challenges of daily life. God bless each one.

Week 40: Arrival of Autumn

2011-10-03T14:40:00.001-04:00

September slips away
melting in the rain.
October frost awakens
vibrant fall colors.
It's time to replace garments
coats, gloves, scarves.
Tis the season of soups,
squashes, pumpkins,
football and soccer.

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
He has made everything beautiful in its time. (Eccelsiastes 3)

And here is our week:

Saturday and Sunday Mike was gone to a ceramics workshop.
LightRider Ministries celebrated 25 years of service with a grand open house, which we both missed.
Here is Jillian's contribution, a clay replica of the double decker bus. (It was her vision that led to having a Pottery studio at the Red Barn.)

We are often at the three-barn complex. Mike involved in the pottery studio, Leah helping some days; Skye hanging out with his friends at the Red Barn most days; and I exercising with other seniors at the Gray Barn a couple times a week and a weekly painting class.

One highlight of the week was the German-English translation session with friend and former colleague Win Corduan, to better understand Leah's adoption-related documents.

Win, retired philosophy prof, born in Germany

The German language presents interesting challenges: like searching a lengthy paragraph to locate the verb, which turns out to be the very last word; taking apart looooooooooooooooooooooong words to bring out meaning; rearranging structures. These are not the only complications for our English-thinking minds, history and culture play significant roles.Win was far more helpful in this area than a dictionary or online translation program could ever have been. I will try to dedicate a whole post to explain what we learned from the perusal of these legal documents.

Work at the house continues steadily, but now the progress is not as outwardly visible, nonetheless absolutely essential--the plumbing, A/C, heating! Mike spends every spare moment on the latter, which is proving more and more necessary as the weather has changed so drastically. He works many hours with Jimmy.

Jimmy's expertly built air duct boxes

Friday tandem breakfast date was fun even though it rained lightly on the way back.

Another sighting this week--a very unusual Garfield found in Argentina and drinking mate!

Garfield as gaucho and Argentine soccer fan

He was at the very bottom of one of the five boxes of books I cleaned, restored or threw away this week. After de-laminating him, he came through quite well, at least okay for this photo. He reminds me of one of my trips back to the home country and the little boy who was selling laminated prints for a peso each.
What does it mean, you ask. I think the expression means, "Hang in there, Argentina!" However, aguantar is a verb that can have many interpretations. Anybody have a better translation?

My goal for the week was to get through all the books brought out after the house fire. I almost made the deadline. It was 1:30 a.m. Sunday when I finished with all the dirty work. Now I can hope that my nails will grow back and look decent.

Saturday morning two grandsons played three soccer games and won every time. Elijah was especially pleased that he made all four goals for his team.

Malachi, Elijah and soccer mom Kristie

It was cold out there. People wore winter jackets and wrapped in blankets. I realized it was time to shop for winter wraps and replace those lost in the fire.
How is this season treating you? Stop by Sara's for more autumn fun.

Week 39: Treasures

2011-09-25T16:36:00.000-04:00

As I reflect over this week, the word treasures comes to mind. I'm not totally sure why. Perhaps because I feel like I am reviewing my whole life as I sort through many files, papers, letters, photos and items from the past. I am forced to ask over and over, "What is really important?"
We value each member of our family so very much. That is why we still try to celebrate birthdays together even though it is becoming more difficult.

Sunday, we celebrated two birthdays: Diane's (9/11) and Kristie's (9/17). We took an ice cream cake to Diane's and then came back for gluten-free fare to celebrate Kristie.

Monday, among the file folders I cleaned out, I uncovered Leah's adoption and name change documents, intact. They are all in German and very interesting, from what I could understand. It was most serendipitous to discover her birth mom's birth date on the very day of her 56th birthday. How I wish we could contact her, thank her and tell her about the child she gave life to.

I have also found so many loving and grateful notes from that daughter God placed in our family. I treasure them indeed, and admire the art work too.

We so value the times with the group that shows up at Monday Meals, and appreciate the food too!

Shrimp Alfredo Fetuccini

Stephan acquired the shrimp when he went to tear down one of his ice setups at a big event, an elaborate two-tiered display tray, and there were 25 lbs left. The caterers could not take it, so he did!

Mashed Potato Donuts

Progress on the house reconstruction this week included: continued work on the deck, some changes, replacements, and additions (spindles too far apart according to new regulations); various stages of plumbing; delivery of the boiler (the newer model is smaller and more efficient); heating and A/C (Mike and Jimmy worked till midnight a few times).

Three and a half hours of wood burning will heat up the water tank.

Ceramics at the Red Barn has not slowed down, on the contrary. One day Leah was there to help her Dad with the kids and contribute her innate artistic sense.

All four wheels in use!

I was glad to get away with Mike and another couple Friday evening. We went to the Ducktail Run in the nearby town, yet another festival with good food, vendors and lots and lots of old cars!
We wandered into Jonesboro, the adjoining town, and lined up on Main Street there were all kinds of fancy motorcycles, yet another world of motors.
I do not know much about either one, nor am I interested, but time with friends is always a gift.
The only photo-worthy moment, in my opinion, was the statue of Garfield as fireman, a reminder that Jonesboro had the first volunteer fire department in Grand County.

Stephan has been out twice this week carving the old oak stump.

The final sculpture will represent the abundant blessings of our lifetime.

Can you guess what is there so far? I will not post any more photos of its progress so it remains a wonderful surprise at the time of the unveiling.

I have been hearing so much lately about Ann Voskamp's one thousand gifts blog, book, and the dare to live fully right where you are.
So, what do you treasure? Let's go to Sara's place and encourage one another as we value the big and small gifts of every day living.

Crazy Busy: Week 38

2011-09-18T06:13:00.000-04:00

Last Sunday we went back to the Covered Bridge Festival after early church, sold nothing but talked to more people, purchased a few goods we had been eying, said goodbye to fellow vendors, packed up our left over wares, and took down the tent. By the time we drove out, the sun was setting!

Back home and online again, I found a very moving message from a young friend in Basque Country.
All week long I had been listening to programs remembering 9/11, building up to the 10th anniversary ceremony. I was touched by the stories of individuals, far and wide, affected by the events of that day. Most began by reminiscing as to where they were when they heard of the tragedy.
This is what Irati wrote:

I know that this day is different for all Americans, a sad day and one of homage, a day never to be forgotten.I, obviously did not live this in my own flesh, at the time I was only six years old...however, I remember it perfectly, all that happened as I saw it live on television, and how my mother wept out of anger and helplessness and my father kept telling me to turn off the TV...that it would make us have a miserable day...and so it was, a day when the world shuddered, wept and wailed.

As a six year old, I watched my mother cry and I began to cry although I didn't know exactly what was going on, yet I knew it was something bad. Then came 3/11, as I was older I understood more of what was going on. I realized then that 9/11 had been the worst attack in history, although 3/11 also hurt very much.

Today, at 3:30 pm, Spanish time, I have just watched those images of the World Trade Center again. I must admit I cried out of anger and helplessness, like my mother wept 10 years ago, but this time with feeling and understanding.

I AM SO VERY SORRY, how a nation and magnificent people have caused you so much harm unjustly and I know that many died heroes and others accidentally, unwilling victims.

I am sorry.

The events of that day impacted the whole world.

Our week was crazy busy, especially for Mike. He is installing the heating system at the house, working some evenings as well. Monday night he was not able to go with me to the meal at 'Chef' and Karen's--one of our favorite times of fellowship. He missed the wonderful fruit pies too.

Enough peach pie for seconds?

I asked my son if we were allowed to have a second piece. He was amused by the role reversing request.

Mike also continues mentoring the robotics team once a week, Tuesday evenings, and teaching ceramics at the Red Barn three times.

Oh, and he is also very intentional about exercising regularly--jogging, bicycling, playing racket ball, whatever schedule and weather allow.

My painting instructor had her eye on a particular saggar-fired pot she saw at the festival, so we bartered, it will pay two lessons for me!

Work on our house progresses nicely. The windows are in. The larger one in the loft, very difficult to install, is where my desk will be!

Three months since the house fire and I have finally finished cleaning the filthy rescued items we had here in the garage. Mike was then able to organize the stored furniture and things and move one of the cars in, and at last, the floor and counters in the kitchen are clear.

Enough produce for the big weekend?

Notice the radio on the counter, my constant companion all those hours spent over the sink, mostly listening to Moody Radio.
I do believe that sorting and organizing our 'stuff' will take me as long to accomplish as it will to rebuild the house--a race to the finish.

My attempt at sorting family photos

Saturday we picked up the three younger grandsons to give their mother, Kristie, a day off for her birthday. We met other family members at the Hoosier Outdoor Experience, a great time of exploring all kinds of activities. It was a beautiful sunny day.

This little one ran himself ~~and everyone else~~ ragged. The others did not lag far behind. Great way to guarantee a quiet ride back home and a good night's sleep!

We took beaucoup photos but these will suffice for now (more later on Facebook).

And now I'm off to visit Sara, and then prepare food for our family birthday gathering later today (before the boys wake up!).

Week 37: From festival to festival

2011-09-12T23:02:00.000-04:00

The week was sandwiched between two local festivals: in our own town and the neighboring one. First the three-day Upland Labor Day Festival, the 'grand finale' being the parade on Monday morning (as grand as it can be in a small town.) It is the one weekend a year that 4-wheelers are allowed on the streets. Skye and his friends had fun running around with ours, and Matt (Kayla's boyfriend) brought his.

Taking Zion for a ride

Zion, our youngest grandson, was so fascinated watching the parade that he hardly noticed the candy.

The Upland Garfield statue was installed in time for the festival. Jim Davis, the creator of the famous feline, was born in our county, so in his honor a unique Garfield was designed for each town.

Of course, the Upland cat likes ice cream and stands next to Ivanhoe's!

The painting class started up again after Labor Day and I reviewed leaves along with the new students.

Most of the week was cool and rainy. From a sizzling Saturday we went to a chilly gray Monday. By Wednesday, our builders were laying the last shingles in the rain.

I was out and about Thursday and stopped at daughter Leah's to pick up some clothes for Skye who spent a few nights with us. She had her beloved Czechoslovak doll on display. Thankfully it had not been stored away in our attic or it would have been destroyed in the house fire.
It is especially meaningful to Leah because her birth parents were refugees from Czekoslovakia.

This was an awfully busy week for Mike, yet he did not want to miss the fun of participating in the Matthews Covered Bridge Festival. Due to the rain, we did not set up the tent the day before. Friday morning early we drove our loaded cars to the site of the popular festival in the next town. Hours later we had finally opened all the boxes marked 'ceramics' and unwrapped the multiple layers of bubble wrap, tape, paper to discover and display all the many pieces that survived the fire.

This choice pot from the last firing was found buried in the muck. Twice through the fire brought out some new tones.

I'd like to use these colors (and pieces?) in the newly decorated house.

This post would not be complete without a few State of the House photos.

East side

Front, west side

South side

East side

After three days at the fair, I wasn't quite ready to compose my weekly post last night. Hoping the saying holds true "Better late than never" (Mejor tarde que nunca.), I will go ahead and link up
with Sara and friends.

Week 36: American Bookends

2011-09-04T18:01:00.001-04:00

The photos I have this week begin and end with events that I realize are very American: a bridal shower and a rummage sale. I will begin with the latter.
Yesterday, Saturday was very, very hot. So was Friday, but I was indoors and didn't feel it.
However, on this the day of the famous Upland Town Rummage, we were sweltering!
The Upland Labor Day Festival weekend begins with 200+ yard sales where people sell what they no longer need or use. Outsiders and locals roam around in cars, trucks, bicycles, golf carts, four-wheelers, and on foot, scouring the neighborhoods for treasures. As they say, "One man's junk is another man's treasure." [Insert 'woman' or 'person' if you prefer.]
I believe this custom is very American, but may be catching on in other countries.When we recently moved into the most popular neighborhood for yard sales, I decided to join in the fun and also get rid of the unwanted items I discover as I go through all that was restored or rescued.

Others brought their things and helped set up and manage the sale--a neighbor, and family members.

Glenda (neighbor)

Leah (daughter) showing off Zeus

The ladies are taking turns playing with the new "granddog" between customers.

Hot and tired--Mike, Kayla, and Matt

This view, taken from the swing where the ladies are sitting, shows the money box, what's left of the porch clothing sale, and some exhausted helpers.
Mike set up and took down the tables, but stayed away most of the day. Actually, many town folk would rather be away and avoid the crowds. Mike simply prefers to ride with his cycling club than hang around and sell odds and ends.

Another outdoor event was a lovely garden party for a beautiful bride-to-be, a former student. We were there to meet her husband-to-be (who grew up in Albania!), hear their story, celebrate with them and shower them with gifts. I don't know if that custom is practiced in other countries now or not.

Alyssa and Adam

Sandwiched between those two events, our regular exercise routines and the ongoing work that involves us of late.

For Mike it means going out to the rebuilding site every day, splitting logs before the sun is too hot and beginning to install the radiant floor heating. It is very tiring work to drill holes, set clamps and thread tubes in a pattern overhead!

Taking a break

The framing crew has worked steadily and the progress is very noticeable at this stage. However, I was only out there twice this week so my photos will not show the latest changes.

Tuesday evening

Thursday

One of the work crews has enjoyed going back to the picnic area for breaks or lunch. I think they also appreciate the cookies we take out twice a week.

For me, Rita, work involves countless hours cleaning, restoring (or tossing) a variety of items, and sorting through the unopened boxes and bags delivered so far. Motivated by the upcoming sale, I finally got through all of them, except the ones labeled Ceramics. I found many items in the "why-did-we/they-save-this"category, but also was glad to find other very meaningful things.
I remember the day the boxes arrived. I watched them carry load after load to an open area downstairs. I saw one item, that did not fit in a box, and exclaimed, "Oh, the silly things that come back." The restoration lady answered, "It wasn't silly that night when we were rushing to gather what we could." Then I realized that I needed to appreciate their extreme efforts.


Silly Santa

I had never valued this Christmas item before. Many years it did not make it out of storage. It has now acquired more value having survived the house fire! More than that, it will always remind me of Grandpa Koch's very popular discount store in Omro, Wisconsin--Koch Sales. (I wonder how many readers may remember that unique shopping experience on Highway 21?)

A couple more photos--the squash growing in our somewhat abandoned garden:

So, how was your week? I love hearing from you all. See you at Sara's!

Week 35: Progress Report

2011-08-28T16:14:00.001-04:00

Project 365, where we aim to have a photo-a-day and link up at Sara's with our weekly review by the weekend.

Sunday
I decided to make time every Sunday to play the organ inherited from my parents' vacated home, which son Stephan kindly delivered here a week ago. It may end up replacing the keyboard lost in the house fire.

It was very enjoyable, although I have a lot to relearn--how to use all the stops and dance on the pedals.

Monday, August 22nd--Mother and Dad's 69th anniversary
My plan was to include the letters written seventy (yes, 70) years ago between Dad and Grandpa Hirschy--the requesting and granting of permission to marry as well as some other very interesting details about Mother and Dad's courtship. However, I have momentarily misplaced those letters. Instead here is my most recent photo of Dad and again one of Mother reading her own letters written during that period of her life.

Thank you for your faithfulness and love over the many years!

Tuesday
Our post-colonoscopy Red Lobster mid-afternoon meal and a shared strawberry shortcake supper, a delicious celebration after a day and a half on liquids only.

Baked Seafood

Strawberry Shortcake from Ivanhoes

Wednesday
Mike goes out to survey the building progress several times a day and has spent countless hours splitting logs from the large oak tree. I go and walk through as often as possible. It is fun to imagine each room as they begin to take shape. Back at our temporary residence the restoration and replacement process continues steadily.

Thursday
At a flea market, I found a telephone (or gossip) bench to replace the one that worked so well in our entry way.

Did you know that was what they were called? I could NOT google this antique until I finally learned this.

Friday
These are views of the house by the end of the work week.

Front Entry View


North Side View

Saturday was very much like a vacation day. We were invited to take part in a bike ride with a group of Taylor students as part of their leadership training. Mike went along last year as the bike mechanic. This time we came along on our tandem. Friend Dane helped check and adjust bikes before the ride.

The Bike Doctors--Mike (foreground), Dane (background)

Words of advice from the expert

The Happy Cyclists

That was our week. How was yours?

The A, B, C's of Week 34

2011-08-20T19:56:00.001-04:00

A Happenin' Week

Biked to breakfast twice.

Beautiful sunrise en route to McD's in Hartford City

Genius, Purty Smart, or Just Plain Dumb?

These two photos reminded me that we began tandeming ten years ago. That year we attended the Midwest Tandem Rally in Duluth, Minnesota, and also rode in the ~~infamous~~ famous Hilly Hundred. Back then we bought the event jerseys because we needed them. Now I must replace some, either lost in the fire or outgrown.

Boxes and boxes of restored items were returned this week. More stuff to go through.

Boxes of Klaytivity ceramics

Mike is happy to have his pottery pieces back so he can sell at the Covered Bridge Festival again this year.

Best of all--the bid for the house was approved!

Car--Kayla and I went up to my brother Alan's shop, Global Auto, on Monday for a complete check and repair of her newly acquired vehicle. We left it there and returned Friday to pick it up.

Ready for college!

Deck--another efficient Amish crew finished the deck, after the foundation had been power washed and the lower level framing painted to seal the wood and avoid permeating odors.

Diane (Mike's younger sister) is checking out the 'house' for the first time since the house fire in June.

Egg Art--Kayla and I waited at Grandma Hoyt's new place, while her car was being diagnosed, and met one of her neighbors--Emma Fretz, the egg lady. She recently received an award from the guild for her contribution to the art of eggery. She has made more than 9,000 in her lifetime and at 85 continues to teach the craft even though she can no longer see well enough to make her own.

Daniel in the lion's den (in ostrich egg)

Friends--We are so happy that Mother has such great neighbors. 'Aunt' Margaret (as we lovingly called her from the time we were little and living next door to fellow missionaries, the Marshalls) is across the hall from Mother's apartment.

'Aunt' Margaret and Mother

Grandchildren, gifts from God--Three of them started back to school this week. We enjoyed the two younger ones overnight and kept so busy I forgot to take pictures until they were ready to leave.

Kayla, Diane and I went to the State Fair. Kayla was especially happy to find the perfect purchase--a HAT, of course!

She moves this weekend and begins her college career on Monday!

I could probably complete the entire alphabet naming the blessings, and busyness, of this week.
So as not to bore you, I will stop here and go over to Sara to link up with the friends there.

Two Months Later...

2011-08-14T16:29:00.001-04:00

Project 365: Week 33

This week marked two months since the house fire. The rebuilding began and the block walls are up...

Thursday

...despite having to dig out one wall because the crack was growing, a major undertaking. However the wall you see here is the new one.


Friday

Sunday

The Amish block layers are very fast and efficient. Next week the framing crew begins.

In our current abode the restoration and replacement duties are ongoing.

I remember the first night we were here I made sure all the counters were uncluttered and clean before going to bed. Not anymore. There are items to be cleaned on one side of the sink. I try to carry down a load from the ozone room every day, or bring in an armful from the garage every time I go out there. On the other counter are piles of letters, photos, and files that I am sorting and organizing. Then there's one end of the dining room table where more such activities take place. I am very grateful for all these spaces to work on not only the things we salvaged from the house, but also all that my brother brought from my parent's home when they moved Mother into Grace Village. My goal is to have all these resources ready, organized and filed by the time we move into our rebuilt home and I have my new and fully equipped writing center!

My grandfather, and my father also, saved every piece of correspondence with each of the children over the years. These many files have been passed down and now I have become the family archivist.
I visited my mother this week and took along one of the unopened packets from the archives--the letters she wrote home when she was in college! We read them together. It was so much fun, we laughed a lot. For me it was interesting to get to know Mother in new ways.

She did not remember much and could not recognize herself, the Kathryn of 70 years ago. We kept reading about her driving someone's car and running errands. She couldn't believe it and kept saying things like, "She's driving...There she goes again!" To which I responded, "Mother, that was you."
In many ways she was like college students nowadays, very busy, many activities, work and studies. Also in love, became engaged, not happy with her grades compared to those of her friends. One thing that was very different--quiet hours began at 8:30 pm!

I chose to go up Tuesday in order to coincide with the visit of an old OM friend from 40+ years ago who was visiting her uncle in the same Health Center where Dad is. She is a talented musician, carries her own keyboard and sings in nursing homes. Most of our visit was spent singing together. We enjoyed that so much and the residents begged for more.

A few other activities of the week:

We celebrated Karen's 36th birthday at Monday Dinner, in our own crazy creative Koch way...

...with unique and practical gifts.

While there I peeked in on Kayla's new room.

Mike had no students show up at the Red Barn on Tuesday, but they made up for it on Wednesday.

Tomorrow classes begin in our area schools, so the Pottery studio will go back to a regular schedule (MWF).

Thursday morning we went on a tandem date to McDonald's for breakfast, 18 miles the long way.

Saturday we went our separate ways for an extra effort exercise adventure: Mike rode 70 miles with his cycling club; and I ran another 5K at the Popcorn Festival.

Wishes for a great week ahead to all my friends everywhere!
I will now link up over at Sara's and join the special circle of bloggy friends.

Muck, Memories and More

2011-08-06T21:47:00.001-04:00

A friend quoted from an article: "where there's muck, there's memory." The article had to do with discoveries from an archeological dig. Our muck may not date back hundreds of years, but has brought back many memories nonetheless.

When we go out to feed the cat, water the garden, and pick up the mail, it feels like we're visiting a graveyard.

Brutus hears us coming and runs out of his temporary home in the pole barn and rolls over to be petted, then purrs contentedly.

Mike is leaning over the deck to water the garden below. I harvested a dozen tomatoes yesterday and a handful of basil.
Occasionally we discover in the muck another item to salvage or let go.

Back at our fancy refugee pad, I spent hours cleaning and restoring a variety of items. These are my favorite tools.

And Mike spends endless hours working on the loss and replacement spreadsheet.
However, this week he also went to the insurance people to ~~threaten them~~ find out what was taking so long. Now things are moving and we were finally able to sign a contract with the builder. He is ready to begin reconstruction on Monday.

We did try out our new tandem one morning and enjoyed the 15 mile ride very much. But I only remembered to take a picture when Mike was putting it away.

The garage is half full of more items to restore or throw away. And there is a whole ozoned room upstairs of stuff to be gone through. I have been cleaning the rescued photo albums, so full of memories! Also, for variety, I have been going through packets of letters my brother retrieved from Dad's office. Oh, my, oh my! Did I really write that many letters over the years? What a wealth of family history! Thank you, Dad, for filing every piece so carefully.

Midst the reminiscences and reflections, life in the present goes on.
Saturday we bought a used car that will replace mine.

Sunday, Kayla and I drove Skye to Miracle Camp.

From the photos on the web site, I gather he had a great time. Malachi goes tomorrow.

Wednesday, after my hair appointment, SIL Diane and I went out to lunch.

Chalupa lunch

Two afternoons Mike teaches ceramics at the Red Barn. This talented senior will soon be leaving for college.

Today, Saturday, Mike biked with his cycling club again after a long time absent.
And I ran a 5K with DIL Kristie. We both did better than we expected and won our age divisions. Kristie was also the second overall female runner. She still has the gift!

We chose to run as an act of solidarity with her father, my consuegro, on the anniversary of his fateful day and praying especially for him as this summer has been extremely trying. (To read about him and access his story, go here.)

This is my weekly attempt to participate in Project 365. We aim to take a photo a day, some for love of photography, others to keep a record of our daily lives. Sara is our hostess, where we link up and try to visit one another's blogs. I failed miserably at that this week and have had a hard time even writing this post.
I try not to miss because I know I can hardly remember what happens from one day to the next. So, here goes, this is Week 32.

Setbacks and More

2011-07-31T00:18:00.001-04:00

Project 365: Week 31

Two setbacks have slowed us down, to do with insurance and illness.
We found out late last week that our initial adjustor is no longer with the company, and so had to start over with a new agent.
I got sick (arghh, ouch, ugh!) so I functioned in survival mode for a few days, which included doctors visits, tests, diagnosis, and delaying many plans. If you came back hoping for another Vegas episode, you may have been disappointed (or not). The mini-travelogue was interrupted and hopefully will resume (and end) this week.

Sunday afternoon the three younger grandboys came over and spent the night, always a fun and very active time. Look at what the six-year-old did.

Monday we had quite a discussion about the design for the carved oak stump. (Thank you to those who wrote with ideas.) The next day Stephan brought us a drawing of what he has been thinking, along with a beautiful narrative explanation. All I will say now is that it will be beautiful, dynamic, symbolic and simply awesome!

It is quite ugly right now. Mike got up very early this morning to go out and split logs. He came back sweat-soaked and soot-covered.

Tuesday, diagnosis--diverticulitis. Not fun.

We were invited to the farewell dinner for the Basque girls--great Basque food and I on a liquid diet. How sad is that!

(I'm borrowing this photo because the ones Mike took with his cell phone were lost.)

Wednesday I went with Kayla to her college orientation.

Later that evening we tried out the hot tub Mike had been cleaning and fixing. Great relaxation. Another something special that came with this house. Only one problem he got in the water with cell phone still attached to his waistband.

Thursday I felt well enough to resume the cleaning and restoration routine. I spent three or four hours working on Mike's potters tools. Never knew he had so many.

Friday, July 29th, two family birthdays
We celebrated Skye's 14th on this day. Great family fun. We all got in the hot tub!

And today Saturday, we honored Mother who turned 90 yesterday.

I had not yet seen her new apartment at Grace Village. I am so grateful for my younger brothers who helped her move and my SILs who arranged and decorated. What a fabulous job! Here is one of my favorite corners of the new place.

Still very hot and dry in Indiana. How is it out your way? Go to Sara's for more stories.

Vegas: First Weekend

2011-07-25T14:25:00.003-04:00

This post combines three days of photos and narrative.
Kayla's routine continued the same from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., in this UNLV building.

Friday we went to the Bass Pro store. While Mike shopped to replace his lost hunting and fishing gear, I walked around admiring the many animal and nature displays. This one of a bighorn ram fascinated me because I had just learned that each horn can weigh up to 40 lbs.!

After picking up Kayla we experienced another side of Las Vegas away from downtown and the strip. We spent two nights with Paul and my nieces. This is typical Southwestern architecture.

And here is a panoramic view from their back window. Kayla lamented the absence of grass. But, hey, no lawns to mow.

I was drawn immediately to their mate collection (the name refers to both the gourd and the beverage) and later truly enjoyed drinking the special Argentine tea.

Kayla, of course, was interested in the gaucho hat.

Saturday was 9 de julio, Día de la Independencia. I saw this poster at the restaurant where we celebrated.

Why do you think it says Argentina is the country of the six continents?

Saturday was girls' night out. We picked up Kayla and went for pedicures and manicures. Such a special treat. Look how relaxed Lizzie looks.

I love the color I chose. My toenails still look like that. Not my nails. No way!

Sunday was the last day of the ballet seminar. In the afternoon we said goodbye to our wonderful hosts and went to the student performance. Here is Kayla's small group.

After that it was off to stay at the Flamingo where all the other dance events were to take place.
First a tour of the grounds.

Then out to check out the surroundings, and fight the crowds.

Here is one cityscape of the evening.

Home again!

2011-07-23T23:10:00.002-04:00

Project 365: Week 30

Sunday, July 17th
The trip back was problem free and almost a direct flight, with an hour stop in Phoenix, Arizona.
Stephan and Karen were waiting for us in Indy at 3:30 pm. After everyone was dropped off at their own place, we went to ours, the old homestead that is, to see what it looked like.

I fed and played with the cat, grateful for the neighbor who came over every day in our absence, then walked back toward the 'house',...

...watched Mike water the heavy-laden tomato plants, and harvested some lettuce, basil and cilantro. Yum.

Reconstruction is still on hold. Also the big oak tree is still standing. A tree expert said it will not survive the damage, so we've hired someone to take it down and split the wood. The top part ought to be enough fire wood for a long winter or two. He is to leave an 8 foot stump for Stephan to carve. Someone suggested Smoky the Bear...NOT! Any better ideas?

Monday, July 18th
Busy post-vacation, settling-back-in type day broken up by two happy encuentros:
1) Ivanhoes, where we joined Dane and Laurie to treat Libe, our new young friend from the Basque Country.
2) Monday Night Meal. It was great to get together with friends and family again. It was sushi night.

Look at that Cookies and Cream sundae!

We are so enjoying sharing this time with her and talking about our friends back in País Vasco.

Oh, and we also picked up a rental car for me. Now we have a month to replace my vehicle.

Tuesday, July 19th
Not one day goes by without some expression of care and love. On this day an artist neighbor came with beautiful hand-built ceramic gifts she made for each of us. We are humbled by so much kindness, and very grateful for the new closeness we feel with many.

We're having some trouble adjusting to the three hour time difference of the last two weeks. We tend to go to bed very late and have a hard time getting up early.

Wednesday, July 20th
We had arranged to have Libe and her American family over for dinner along with Dane and Laurie.

Following the Basque custom we set two plates, salad first...

...then, after removing those plates, the main course.

Remembering that the last two years we celebrated Amaia's birthday, we had planned to have a cake in her honor.
I thought of making a cupcake birthday cake. Only one problem, I realized at a late hour that we had not yet replaced the lost muffin pans. I had to call a neighbor. I baked three types of cupcakes and the girls arranged and decorated the 'birthday cake' with an A and B for Amaia's initials. We didn't have little candles, but found a big one for the middle.

Then we did the unthinkable, we phoned, woke the family up, and sang Zorionak zuri (the Happy Birthday in euskera) to Amaia. We first had the idea around 6 pm our time, when we realized it was already her birthday in Spain. Libe had assured us she would not be in bed yet at midnight, but we didn't get around to calling till much later. Big mistake. Pobre Amaia.

However, we very much enjoyed the evening, and the cake, at her expense.

We watched all the photos Laurie took when we traveled to Spain a year ago, a few hundred. Libe was fascinated to see familiar places and people, even class mates and friends, and her parents as well. I fear the other guests were somewhat bored. The four of us who made the trip truly enjoyed reliving those days.

Thursday, July 21st
I have gone back over our days in Las Vegas and posted more photos and stories this week and hope to continue next week. The memories double the pleasure. There is another motive as well--to get into a writing routine. Once I've met my goal for the day, I seem to be more efficient with all the other things that need to be done.
By evening the dining room table was covered with deodorized books from the ozone closet and sorted into piles. They have since found a place or destination, and other books are going through the process.

Friday, July 22nd
Mike was gone two days with the robotics team at the annual summer competition in Indianapolis, the IRI.

Saturday, July 23rd
So the mulch delivered in the driveway will wait till next week to fill in where the weedkiller worked almost too well. However, the hot dry spell has left all the lawns looking very sad.

We thought it was hot in Las Vegas, but it has been not much better here, dangerously hot in fact.
What is it like in your neck of the woods? Let's make the rounds of Sara's friends and find out.

Vegas: Day Three

2011-07-21T13:29:00.002-04:00

Mike and I started the day bright and early by going to the pool. (We were still at the Ramada where the pool was quiet, abundant breakfast is included, there is a fridge in the room, and free WiFi.)

The routine every day was to drop Kayla off at the UNLV and come back later for her lunch break. Sometimes we went in to check the schedule and try to connect with teachers or parents. On this particular day, I talked to a mother from Georgia who knew of our OM headquarters and some of the people! As they say, "It's a small world."

After lunch with Kayla, we took off for the mountains to explore Red Rock Canyon. (The short video on this site beats all of my photos.)

We practiced using the panning feature on my new camera.

We hiked a trail that was reasonable in length and was supposed to be the coolest--the Ice Box Canyon.

He must be wondering what's taking me so long. I was probably checking out the varied vegetation...

...or the amazing cloud patterns.

Can you see an eye peeking out from behind the clouds?

This evening we headed for Circus Circus, ate well at The Garden Grill,...

...circled the midway,...

... and finally made it to one circus act--a very young girl hula hoop expert.

Another good day.

Vegas: Day Two

2011-07-20T12:56:00.000-04:00

While Kayla was in class, we went places we thought would not be as interesting to her. This day we headed to the Bellagio to see Richard MacDonald's sculptures. You can read about it here and see images here. We took a lot of pictures before we were told not to, so I won't post those.
His exhibit is connected to the Cirque du Soleil. Go here, view the trailer and be amazed!

Mike was very inspired. He recently began experimenting with sculpture in clay.

In the same hotel we visited the Conservatory and Botanical Garden. The image here is much more beautiful and complete than any of my photos.
I do like these bicycle pics, however, since bikes have been important to us. (We recently replaced all the burnt-to-nothing bicycles that were in our garage.)

There were beautiful displays of Dale Chihuly's glass art, similar to what you can see at the Indianapolis Children's Museum.

In the afternoon and evening, with Kayla, we started where we had left off the day before, at the Excalibur.

Some of the views getting there--by car, cross walks, up and down and around.

We ate Chinese in the food court and went in a few shops. Kayla had to model some of the interesting items, of course.

By the time we made it over to the MGM we were ten minutes late for the Lion Habitat, one of the best free attractions in Las Vegas. Too bad.

It was probably enough for one day, but we packed in stops at M&M and Coca-Cola stores and museums.

Come back tomorrow for more.

Vegas: First Day

2011-07-19T13:37:00.000-04:00

Yes, I promised photos. Monday came and went. I was overwhelmed with the immediate and had no time for reflection till too late at night to be capable of decision making. Where to begin? At the beginning, of course.

Also known as Sin City. Casinos and porn are everywhere, unavoidable, more ubiquitous than McDonald's. Even in the airport you walk by slot machines.

We may not have chosen Las Vegas as a vacation destination, but this trip was for Kayla.

However, there is way more family-friendly fun than one can take in even in a two-week visit.

Notice the scary roller coaster. It winds in and around and above buildings and monuments.

Where in the world can you experience a taste of New York, Egypt, Paris, Rome, Venice, and on and on ad infinitum? Where can you be everywhere at once? Only in Las Vegas!

So our first outing was to the South Strip, Mandalay Bay, the Luxor, and Excalibur with a monorail running between them.

Do I dare mention that we had a 2-for-1 coupon so we ate at Terrible's Buffet, and that it lives up to its name?

That was our Tuesday two weeks ago. For you virtual travelers, come back tomorrow for more. It gets better.

P.S.: Thanks to The Bug for keeping me accountable.

Vegas: Week Two

2011-07-17T23:33:00.001-04:00

Sunday, July 10~one month since the house fire and we are very far away, keeping busy having fun, doesn't seem right.
Mike and I went to church with Paul, Kathy and Elizabeth--a wonderful, young fellowship that still meets in a school.

Paul and Kathy

It was Kayla's last day of ballet seminar with a performance in the afternoon. Can you find her in the group photo?

After that we moved to the hotel where her next events were to take place, the Flamingo.

Monday, July 11~ First day of Dance Educators of America National Competitions
Jimmy and Leah had arrived in the night, just in time for the big event.

Grandpa and Mom congratulating the lovely dancer

Kayla hadn't eaten much because she was nervous, so after her two solos, although exhausted and feeling sick, she was very happy with her two gold medals.

Tuesday, July 12th~second day of Nationals
Two more golds for group dances.

Center Stage team with teacher, Sandra Shipley

Showing off their golds

Wednesday, July 13
Kayla's one and only free day we took off for the Grand Canyon and had a wonderful time together admiring the beauty of the landscape.

Kayla wanted a photo doing a dance move by the canyon. She wasn't happy with this one because of a technicality--something about a droopy foot. Her mother and I were too nervous watching her close to the edge, even though she wasn't that close, so she settled for this one.
Jimmy and Kayla were like mountain goats climbing to the highest spot to look out.

I couldn't even do this:

Kayla and Mike gazing at the depths of the canyon

We also saw Hoover Dam.

Thursday, July 14~Frist day of DEA dance workshops
We took Jimmy and Leah to the airport. They made the most of their short time in Vegas and had a great time.

We took advantage of all we could of what is good and interesting in Las Vegas. Every day we saw and experienced something new. We walked and walked and walked some more. We did things on our own in the mornings. Kayla's workshops were over by 1:30, so afternoons and evenings we went out together.
I could bore you with twenty times more photos for each day. Wait! I just had an idea--post photos during the week highlighting the various places we visited. Hold me to it.

We ate at different places learning to be careful about prices and portion sizes. The best place for breakfast was the ubiquitous McDonald's. No matter what shape or form you can still get a senior coffee for 64 cents, and free WiFi!

In the evening we tried Planet Hollywood, delicious and plenteous. We had a free appetizer and only bought two entrees. Oops, I forgot to take pictures of the food, and it's all gone!

Someone had told me before we left that she found the restrooms in Las Vegas most interesting. I noticed this one in Planet Hollywood.

Friday, July 15
We met a most interesting man, who works at the hotel giving away specials in order to make sales. He had graduated from Grace Seminary and knew my uncle, who was the president at the time, and various professors. Anyway, we did get tickets to the musical theater show we wanted to see, the Phantom of the Opera. Impressive!
Afterwards we saw the volcano erupt outside the Mirage, and watched the water symphony at the Bellagio. All amazing displays.

These do not do justice to the grand shows, so, yes, I will have to show you more throughout the week, and you can come back or not.

Saturday, July 16~last day in Vegas
Mike and I drove to Mount Charleston and hiked the Fletcher Canyon for a couple hours. I am still sore, but it was worth it. I made it to the end, felt the cold water...

...then looked up and saw this:

We arrived home today, Sunday (more about that next week).
Now, back to the nitty gritty of restoration, replacement, and rebuilding.

Sara is waiting for us, faithful as ever, even with post-vacation blues. Love you Sara!

Vegas Week One

2011-07-10T00:35:00.001-04:00

Project 365: Week 28

I just realized it is Saturday, time to work on the weekly photo review. It's been a very different week full of new experiences.

Sunday, we had the annual picnic in the park with our church community. It was a new experience for the recently arrived Basque girls who said they would never have so many people at their outings, but one said she enjoyed this.

My first photo of the day was of Ivan and Kim who stopped by in the afternoon on their way back up north. I knew that some of you in Sara's circle have missed Just a Southern Girl's posts and love to see them appear on my blog. It has been so much fun to connect with them so often during their stateside months.

Monday we had to finish up all the necessary tasks and be ready to leave by noon. For Mike this meant two major ones: the final number crunching with the contractor for the bid to turn into the insurance; and separating the tanks he built for our heating system so they could be pulled out to clean residue from the fire behind and around them.

So we rushed to Stephan's and the airport and were in plenty of time for our flight only to wait five hours in Charlotte for the storm-delayed flight to Vegas.

We helped a young mother with two little ones and became her 'family' on USAirways. When we said goodbye in Vegas, or even when Kayla walked away, little Brandon bawled.

Kayla, Brandon, Sharon and two-month-old Serenity

So that was our Fourth of July, devoid of fireworks. (Guess we've had enough for the next few years!)

Tuesday, after a very short night, Kayla began the ballet seminar and has been at it every day since (more about that routine in the previous post).

That evening we started the South Strip tour after posing by the Welcome to Vegas sign.

Kayla had never seen palm trees before. However, the highlight for her was touching a stingray at the Shark Reef in Mandalay Bay resort. Here are some other amazing creatures.

Wednesday morning, while Kayla was dancing, we were inspired by Richard MacDonald's sculptures exhibited at the Bellagio in conjunction with the Cirque de Soleil.

Kayla, however, enjoyed the fascinating M&M and Coca Cola stores, several levels each, with every color and every flavor of chocolate candies and coke flavors.

A rainbow of M&Ms

Thursday afternoon Mike and I hiked the Red Rock Canyon while Kayla danced her feet off.

With Kayla we explored the famous Circus Circus.

Friday we checked out of the Ramada and came to stay with Paul and Kathy and Elizabeth (my nieces). They had a great meal prepared for us: gnocci, brussel sprouts with capers and salad.

Saturday

Today is 9 de julio, independence day in Argentina, so we celebrated by going to an Argentine restaurant for lunch.

Later, all the women were treated to pedi and manicures. Spoiled, indeed, by my niece Kathy, bless her.

"I feel like a princess," said Kayla.

So that was our first week away in Vegas, away from all things house fire related.

How is your summer progressing?

Dancing daily

2011-07-08T16:56:00.000-04:00

Ready to go?

Time for lunch!

This is Kayla's fourth day of ballet seminar with some rather prestigious teachers. She had been worried about the intensity of such an experience and how she would fit in level-wise. True, she is in the lowest group with younger girls, yet she has a very good attitude, is working hard and learning every day.

We drop her off at the University of Nevada Las Vegas by 8:30 every morning and bring her lunch after 11 a.m.. The afternoon sessions go to 4:30 p.m. Every evening we visit a different Vegas free attraction.

I was very moved reading the blog post of another Mrs. Koch (no relation) and feel compelled to share her link with you all: Dancing Through the Rain.
Tracy and Tammy lost their daughter to a rare hereditary disease this year in February. Since then they have felt led to launch a website in Kelsey's honor: Dock8.
The battle is not over for them as a family. Karly, another of their six children, has the same illness which requires them to travel to the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland every three weeks for continued testing and fighting the symptoms of Dock8.
Kelsey was like the poster child for this disease. She was committed to learning about her condition and contributing to the growing research. This new website will continue her efforts by connecting all those who face the same challenges.
If you have the time to read what her mother has written, you will be so inspired and blessed.

Plodding on...

2011-07-03T22:40:00.000-04:00

Project 365: Week 27

The aftermath of a house fire requires much focus and plodding.

When Mike built the house over a period of three or four years, while working full-time, he was totally focused, that was all he did. He was up very early and would put in two hours of work before going to his job. On the thirty minute drive over country roads, he changed into his professional attire, only to reverse the routine on the way back in the evening. The children and I took a meal out and joined him at 'the land', as we called it back then. That was focus.

Once again, throughout the rebuilding process, Mike is and will be very focused. He meets with the contractor almost daily. They are hammering out the details to come up with a number for the insurance to look at while we are gone the next two weeks (more about that later).

Meanwhile tearing up and taking apart the original house continues. One more day of hard work and clean up before the reconstruction crew begins in a couple weeks. Here is what the place looked like at the start of the week and at the end.

Front - above

West side

Front - above

South side - from below

Do you notice the squash plants, the lettuce and the tall tomato plants?

Plodding goes on in different areas: shopping (whether online or in store) to replace what we lost; entering every single purchase into a spreadsheet; restoring what we salvaged; and sorting through ALL. There is not much time or energy left to do much else.

Monday I had to go into Marion to order a replacement pair of glasses and clip on sun protection, so I stopped at a couple places to chip away at the shopping list. In one store my cart was overflowing. A little boy looked in amazement and said, "You must be rich." (Actually, I was at Big Lots.) I said, "Well, my house burned, so we have to start over." Then he repeated several times so sincerely, "That's sad that your house burned."
Mike fits in replacement shopping with every trip to town. Then comes the equally time consuming task of recording all the required information about the purchases. Can you imagine what that was like BC (before computers)?

There is the constant restoration cycle of all the items we found with each trip back to the house--from the garage to the kitchen sink to the ozone room to being sorted and put away.

In any case, we weren't about to miss Monday Night Meal. As we were leaving, I remembered to take my picture of the day.

Each day brings new surprises. On Tuesday our neighbors across the lane, gave us a beautiful bedroom set and other carefully packaged household items. They are downsizing and moving. They make it sound like we are helping them! A corner of the garage is quickly filling up.

Our big surprise Wednesday came in the evening. We were invited to the welcome meal for the new group of Basque young people (four girls this time), and there we learned that one of them is from our Amaia's town and their parents are in the same friend-circle and we have met them! (Go here to see Coro and Joseba)

Rita and Libe

Thursday, I organized the three sets of letters to my parents for their 50th anniversary in 1992.

Letters from friends, family and Argentina

I had a few pages and cards to add Friday when my brother Ivan brought me a big box of family archival treasures. He has been cleaning out Dad's office and moving Mother into Grace Village. He was on his way to Cincinnati so we met for breakfast at Cracker Barrel and talked so much I forgot to take my daily photo.

Later in the day the obvious opportunity arrived with the delivery from the restoration crew. There were two companies involved in rushing into the fire-and-water damaged house to retrieve whatever they could. It was dusk, water was already pouring down on the lower level, so they had to work fast, hoping the ceiling would not start coming down as well.
There were 14 big boxes and hanging items from the dry cleaners enough to fill two large closets--an embarrassingly enormous quantity.

The moral of the story is: Diligently and drastically get rid of anything that does not work for you anymore...especially before a house fire!

They even cleaned the cut up jeans I use for mending. I can always find the right patch for any and all my family's needs, and now I can offer super clean service!

We are grateful to have our clothes back before the trip to Las Vegas. We leave tomorrow around noon for two weeks to take our granddaughter to the dance opportunities she earned: ballet seminar; national competition; dance workshop

So, here is where we are in mid 2011. What about you? I'm really hoping to visit everyone in Sara's circle during this break away from house fire stuff.

Project 365: Week 26

2011-06-27T07:48:00.000-04:00

Sunday, June 19th
Many stopped us at church to ask, "How are you? How's it going? Is there anything we can do to help? Please call us." Pastor's advice the first day was, "Be prepared to receive." Indeed we are learning to allow people to bless us, in so doing they are blessed. We find cards in our mail box. Others come by and drop things off or call us. We are now experiencing first hand the generosity this community is known for.

In the afternoon I attended a memorial service; the theme was Celebration of Life. Miriam was a friend I met only a year ago. She introduced me to two other women in her circle. The four of us got together on a weekly basis for awhile and then less often as life circumstances changed. In her case it was the return of cancer. Even so we stayed in touch and did what we could to help one another. Her time with us ended, but the impact of her life continues.

Three remaining friends

Monday, June 20th
My to-do list for the day was Books and Blog.
Son Stephan wanted me to go through the stacks of books retrieved from the house, clean them up if possible and box the rest for him to inventory as write-offs. I spent most of the day sitting on a little stool surrounded by books, a large basket to carry the decent ones to the ozone area, paper towels and wipes. Wearing rubber gloves I dusted first then wet wiped each one. Soot is very hard to get rid of. I often feel a film on items that have been cleaned already.
Although we did get internet in the afternoon, I was unable to accomplish the second goal. In fact it took a few days just to get set up and become functional again. We have now replaced both my netbook and camera.
The first photo on the new camera is of the very thoughtful Father's Day gift the boys came up with for their dad--a restored photo of me (age 26) that Mike took and developed himself. It was badly damaged and even had two holes in it. They took it to friends who work at a camera shop, who then outsourced the job to somewhere in South America. They, in Peru I believe, cleaned up the photo of the original and sent it back. Sam made the beautiful frame. And now I look better than ever!

The idea came to them when Stephan said, "You should have that deer mount restored."
Dad said, "I'd rather restore the picture of Rita."

Tuesday - Friday
The demolition began and continued all week.

Tuesday

Wednesday


Saturday

By the weekend the hard working Amish crew had filled seven dumpsters.

Meanwhile, we continue the time consuming task of inventorying, replacing the lost or damaged items, and restoring the salvageable. A lot of work!
The abundant meals friends delivered three or four times a week have been very helpful. Here is only one example, and this is what was left over after we had already partaken once!

Mike has been doing much online research to do with the rebuilding of the house, finding updated parts, systems, controls, materials. Even if he does not do the work himself, he will be very involved in the process, working closely with the contractor.

Saturday, June 25th
We took a break from house matters to attend niece Tina and husband Kyle's celebration of their marriage--Camp Camana-Wana-Marrya. We took the three younger grandsons and had a delightful time.

Although I spent most of the time running after Zion who insisted on pushing the stroller rather than sitting in it...

...when he wasn't talking to cute girls...

...or driving the golf cart.

Enough for tonight and for Week 26. Now I have quite a bit of catching up to do over at Sara's.

Project 365: Week 25

2011-06-25T12:07:00.000-04:00

After the fire...
...and after taking us to the hospital, Sam went back, camera in hand, to survey the destruction.

Of all the photos he came back with, this one made me so happy.

You wonder why? The blue in the center on my desk caught my attention immediately. I became hopeful that this treasure had been saved. So I sent son Sam back with clear instructions to look for three specific projects I was working on. He came back with all three and more--the sets of letters and resources I am using to reconstruct life stories and the blueprints for the house!

Here they are:

1. A binder of letters I wrote to my friend Mirtha in Argentina starting at age 10. They were hand carried to the USA by my brother and SIL and are to be returned in November.

2. Letters written to my parents on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary--from family and friends (American and Argentine), also borrowed!

For the most part they were protected in plastic sleeves.

3. A box (under blue treasure, see # 1), containing writings by and years of correspondence with a Uruguayan friend that recently resurfaced and is suffering from cancer.

4. One very special find: the blueprints to the house and the book Mike followed to build it! We determined that very first day to rebuild. This time he will not be doing all the work himself over a period of three+ years like the first time!

All the above I laid out to dry that night in the hospital room or over the handrails in the hallway.

Then I remembered that as I was watching the blaze (that is, after I stopped running around and yelling "Our house is on fire!"), I thought: "God, you can save what is important." And He did! Now I am all the more encouraged and motivated knowing that these pursuits matter to Him also.

The difference with Daniel's three friends who survived the furnace in Bible times--they came out smelling good. The smoke smell was strong in the night. I got up at 4 a.m. and gathered all the dry papers in plastic bags to continue deodorizing later.

Saturday, June 11th
By mid morning we were finally on our way to the house to begin the rescue and clean up of whatever could be salvaged. Our friends Dane and Laurie were already there with boxes and paper for wrapping, and appropriate footwear for entering the muck. They willingly agreed to take all incoming calls and coordinate community efforts on our behalf; the church office could not handle the volume.

Laurie and Rita packing pottery

Meanwhile, the Strawberry Festival was in progress down town. We were treated to wonderful festival food for a late lunch.

We enjoyed a lovely time at the picnic table out back, away from the destruction and dirty work.

Digging in the muck

Quite a few treasures were uncovered and rescued throughout the week, more than we ever imagined. I spent most of the first week by the sink wiping, washing, scrubbing, cleaning a variety of items. (My hands will never be the same.) And we have ozone machines going in two rooms deodorizing, and drying, piles of papers, files, and stuff. But, I am getting ahead of myself.

Here are a couple Facebook comments on that day:

Stephan's comment:

That house isn't just any house...it has been a source of pleasure, comfort, hospitality, tranquility, and artistry since our dad built it so it is extra saddening...I found myself wanting everything to be able to be salvaged...my parents seem to be a bit more sensible in that respect realizing that it is, after all, just stuff.

Leah's FB status:

Coolest moment of the day... Standing in the middle of my parents burnt house ,all covered in black soot, sweaty and tired realizing there we stood the original crew of family Koch and there the original crew that lived in the house from the very beginning ! It was my very favorite moment because in all the destruction and ugliness around us all I felt was amazing Love !

Sunday, June 12th
In no time we had so many offers of places to stay, one kid begging us to put them at the top of the list.
However, one house of a dear friend has been empty for over a year and is furnished, so that was the logical choice. It is in a lovely community. I had always said I would not live in that part of town where all is so perfect. Now I am loving getting to know the wonderful neighborhood. God has a great sense of humor!
Here are a few photos of that day. Leah prepared a wonderful meal for us all and we had a precious time as a family--food, fellowship, fun, and more work.

Mother (me) and sons

Leah enjoying

Family members eating indoors

Patio bunch

Backyard Fun

Leah's FB comments:

... its been an amazing show of strength and love, they have wonderful friends and great support. already a place to live, family full of carpenters, designers and heating and air specialist. They have excellent insurance that has been on the ball from day one. many friends and a strong family to depend on and most of all God is with us

Monday, June 13th

...another day of work and family . its amazing how much cleaning and retrieving there is to do. Proud of hard my daughter is working. when its about love it does not even feel like work !

Seems like so long but it was but mere days ago my parents home burnt. It puts many things into a different light, what is important and what is not as important. But what has not wavered or been burned, what is not smoke and ash, is the Love and as always God Is With Us.

In the evening, as is our custom every Monday, we took a break and went to Chef-son's for dinner.
As planned, Ivan (brother) and Kim were there. Only one change of plans--Stephan and Karen gladly hosted them overnight. The house we are staying in is big, but there is only one bed at the moment.

Tuesday, June 14th
More recovery, every day we think of things to look for under the rubble. However, rebuilding plans have begun in earnest. We have a contractor friend and son Sam will build all the cabinetry and some furniture.

Considering various designs

Wednesday, June 15th
Next to the destruction and ugliness there is life--our first garden is thriving!

Variety of greens from our garden

Thursday, June 16th
What was left of my car was removed from what was left of the garage.

'Henry' hauled away.

Friday, June 17th
A friend stopped by to share some of her fresh veggies from Victory Gardens.
Have you ever heard of garlic scapes? Kohlrabi reminded me of our time in Europe.

Saturday, June 18th
We are eating in style and drinking out of these lovely glasses my mother gave me just a few weeks ago. We saved our dishes and silverware and much more.

If I am weary of writing, you certainly must be tired of reading. I will save Week 26 for tomorrow.
Look for both links at Sara's this week.

P.S.: We found Brutus, the cat, the second day! He was scared.

Project 365: Week 24

2011-06-22T21:35:00.002-04:00

First of all, thank you all for the many expressions of care and concern.

The house fire divides our year in two distinct scenarios:

Before the fire...
I had photos for each day of week 24 leading up to the event, and still do, but now they have a different meaning as I look back from this new perspective.

Sunday, June 5th

Gina and Dana

So, whose daughter is Gina holding?

And whose daughter's graduation were we celebrating?

Believe it or not, the little redhead belongs to Dana and not Gina.

We were at Gina's daughters' open house, happy that young friend K graduated from high school.

As I look at these photos now, I can see Gina's very worried and sad expression when she came and stayed with us the day of the fire. I am also reminded of her need to do something. She went out and bought us necessary toiletries and shoes.

As I look at Dana I am reminded of how her beautiful family (nine children) came over the next day with a wonderful meal that fed all of us the family members still around after a day of work.

Monday, June 6th

Geografia del mundo (1909)

An antique book arrived from my cousin who was cleaning out her books and found one in Spanish. I thought this page was especially interesting. I'm glad I have this photo which reminds me of the many books ruined by smoke, fire or water. However, much more was saved than we could ever have thought possible, including a newspaper clipping of my parents' wedding announcement in the same mailing with the Geography textbook pictured above.

Tuesday, June 6th

I went with Kayla to Ivy Tech Community College for her last placement tests and then we stopped to see the room she will have at Stephan and Karen's. Chef (Stephan), prepared us a lovely plated lunch.

Wednesday, June 7th

Our last tandem ride for awhile.

Pottery classes at the Red Barn continue throughout the summer two afternoons a week.

Thursday, June 8th
So do my fitness classes at the Wellness Center.

Carolyn during warm-up

The house fire may have interrupted our lives in some areas, such as TV- watching, however these two activities (ceramics and exercise) go on faithfully.

Friday, June 10th--Dia del incendio (Day of the House fire)
The emergency crew strongly encouraged Mike to go to the ER to be checked out and have his burns and cut cleaned and dressed. He didn't want to but they won.
The doctor insisted on admitting him overnight for observation in case signs of smoke inhalation damage showed up hours later. Again Mike refused, but was outnumbered.

These are the last two photos taken with my damaged camera. The firemen found our cameras in the den. Mike's seems okay, but mine has a blank screen. It still works apparently, but they are point-shoot-and-hope-for-the-best mystery pics.

I love this very last one of Zion, one of the many visitors that day.

All other photos to come, including the very first one in this post, are cell phone shots.

To be continued...

Come back again, hopefully tomorrow, for the rest of the story.

About the Fire

2011-06-11T06:31:00.001-04:00

The accident happened around 9 a.m. Mike had been raku firing and was back in the house. Later when he heard crackling noises, he looked in the garage. There was a fire started which could have been put out, but the the fire extinguisher pin would not budge. In no time the fire spread.

Three fire departments responded and did good work. I think someone counted up to 75 firefighters.

The house is a total loss, but we've already rescued some important items, such as the blue prints. We plan to rebuild.

The news spread almost as fast as the fire. Love, prayers and provision are pouring in. We feel God's presence. THANK YOU ALL.

Mike was sent to ER for burns on hands and arm. The doctor was more concerned about possible smoke inhalation, so he was admitted overnight for observation. We hope to leave the hospital today and set to work.

Project 365: Week 23

2011-06-04T23:37:00.000-04:00

Graduation Week

The whole week we were in preparation mode for the open house to celebrate granddaughter Kayla's graduation from high school. Our work increased and accelerated until culminating in the grand event today--an absolute success. Now, finally, I can put my feet up, relax, and reflect on the past seven days.

Sunday was quiet enough, except for the Indy 500 on TV. Stephan and Karen (son and DIL) came over to watch famous race since they cannot get certain channels right now. Their dogs, our granddogs, came along. They love to run in the big open yard. I especially liked seeing them come up to the back door together and beg to come back in.

Gryffon and Gracie

Sunday evening we said goodbye to one of our pastors who's been here twenty three years.

Bob and Jean Heilshorn's farewell

And Tuesday evening was my last time with a new friend from Mexico. I was helping her with English. She is moving on to stay with another family of relatives for a few months.

Rita and Miriam

Wednesday we enjoyed another visit from brother Ivan and SIL Kim. (Does this photo look like an Apple computer ad or what?)

Kim and Ivan

Thursday was a big work day to spruce up the place for the grand event. Kayla and Skye came over to help. After only one lesson on how to use the commercial mower...

...we now have a confident operator (and a permanent helper?)

Friday was the big day. We enjoyed the graduation ceremony and are so proud of our lovely Kayla.

We managed to get one photo of all the family related folks who ~~endured~~ attended the long ceremony waiting for Kayla's big moment.

Today our house was full of images of Kayla: a constantly changing display on the TV; framed photos everywhere; two huge posters covered with pictures; and a photo book covering the first ten years of her life.

The food was abundant: Mike's special grilled chicken; three amazing Pioneer Woman salads I ~~slaved over~~ made today: pasta salad; cole slaw; and my favorite potato salad.

Then there was the dessert table...mmmmmmmmmmmm

Best of all was the fun time had by all!

Hmmmm...I wonder how many more graduation open houses we will see in Sara's circle of Project 365'ers?

Mundaka

2011-06-01T16:39:00.002-04:00

Last week reminded us of the rainy conditions of the Basque Country. It must have rained here at least 80% of the time. I thought it very appropriate for the planned blog post about our next stop in our tour of the Gernika estuary. So I had a story with many photos written and ready. Then all was lost! Where, I do not know. It is the first time that has happened. I will try again today, though the weather this week is very different, sunny and warm, even hot and muggy. We are now enclosed by a wonderfully green canopy of woodland foliage.
Continuing our story,...
That same day last June, our guide and friend was eager to show us all the beauiful sights of the Biscayan coastline, but it became apparent that the rain would hamper his plans. Of course, in customary Basque fashion, he was prepared for the eventuality of rain and soon took out three umbrellas.

As we wound our way through narrow streets...

...headed toward the quaint fishing village of Mundaka,...

...we noticed other uses for umbrellas.

This small fishing village has retained its traditional charm while, at the same time, gaining worldwide fame among surfers for its "left-hand point break at the mouth of the River Urdabai." I copied that from a tourist publication about Bizkaia, and have no idea what that means. I have heard and read that Mundaka has the best left wave in Europe, is one of the top ten choice surfing spots in the world, and because of that hosts the Billabong Pro world championships every year.

Rain and hunger ~~forced~~ led us into Bar Txopos, with all its surfing memorabilia, for a late lunch.

The restaurant is used to catering to international visitors. Famous surfers from Australia, Brazil, and the USA have left their imprint.

Despite the wonderful array of pintxos,...

...some in our party opted for hamburgers and fries, and even Alberto decided to try the American fare.

As we ate we watched videos of surfing events.

In the YouTube videos I've watched, I often see this charming chapel that stands above the breaking point of the huge waves.

I read of other wonderful sites further along the coast and understand why Alberto was so disappointed. Alas, due to the weather and time constraints we never got there.

Perhaps another time?

A bit of historic trivia from the tourist brochure:

Did you know that Juan Zuría, the first Lord of Biscay and son of a Scottish princess, was born in Mundaka?

My answer is: No, of course not. Are you kidding? Just like I know nothing about surfing.
Interestingly, however, I recently talked with the grandmother of a young woman who now lives and works in Basque Country because her husband teaches surfing in the area we visited. As the saying goes "It's a small world." (El mundo es un pañuelo.)