Week 39

Cousin Karin's Sunday bouquet features her one dahlia blossom, 7" in diameter, as its centerpiece.

The beautiful early autumn weather allowed for concerts in the park, camping, and another picnic.

The Marion Philharmonic Orchestra had to cancel their planned season events, Instead they are offering free outdoor concerts: September, string ensemble; October, marimba. The first one was in our very own Upland Depot Park on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. 

Monday after Leah's radiation treatment, we stopped by Skye and Destiny's new home and loved seeing the boy and his dog adjusting to their new environment. Kalani is well loved and cared for by his humans and his animals!

We are ever grateful for the enjoyment of Monday Night Dinner with Stephan and Karen and whoever else shows up.

Michael finds plenty to do--fix boiler leak, cut wood, relocate bees, bake bread (tomato-basil this week's special), and much more,

Even so, he finds time to get out and enjoy the outdoors in this lovely weather while it lasts. In addition to long bicycle rides, he's really enjoying camping trips. This week he went to the same area as last week, but took a friend along.

While he was gone I went with a friend to another concert in the park--the Taylor University and Indiana Wesleyan chorales in Marion's Matter Park. A wonderful performance, even wearing masks.

A Taylor Music Education major listened to my friend Darlene tell about her husband a long time music professor at TU.

This week our hearts were heavy with the news that the daughter of our former missionary colleagues suffered a brain aneurysm and died after two days. I found a happy memory from over forty years where you can see Karla's smiley eyes.

I got a glimpse of the other occupant of our home wearing her Chic Fil A uniform. Moriah really enjoys her job. She must be having a lighter semester to be able to handle these two late nights a week.

While Michael was out on his long Saturday bike ride, following his example of regular exercise, I walked over three miles to the meeting of Friends of the Library.

In the evening Moriah had a picnic where she invited her senior engineering classmates. Four came and had a good time trying the zip line upside down, then the segway, the slack line, a walk through the woods, and food--hot dogs, hamburgers, smores.

Another full week! So grateful for God's leading and blessing!

A Fun Week--#38

Even though I often forget to take pictures I seem to end up with more than enough to remember and record the happenings of the week. The memorable moments I've overlooked can be described with words. This looking back to recall, reflect, and summarize is a good antiaging exercise, so I have read.

At our age, not a week goes by without news of another passing. Sunday morning I read of Joene Cover's death. She was one of the three veteran missionary ladies that sat at the same table with Mother. I always enjoyed talking to her even though at this stage she could not remember our Argentina connection  nor how I was related to Kathryn.

Our weeks are full, yet measured. Don't let the many photos fool you. We enjoy life with all the opportunities it presents, never too much, always just right. The fact that this blog keeps happening is proof of that.

Monday morning Michael took me to the Amish market in Fountain City as promised. What an impressive array goods for sale--furniture, flowers, food, produce, aisles and aisles of staples, etc. I determined to purchase generously (not my style).

On the way back we stopped at Sam's shop. The timing was perfect, he and Bryce, his new helper, were about to leave to deliver a custom woodworking order.

I still take Leah to her radiation treatments most days. She has two weeks left, is feeling increasingly tired and experiencing some pain. I am so grateful for these times together to share life struggles and joys. Kalani is getting to know me, and will smile and come to me now.

Michael had been planning an overnight solo camping trip. The day finally came Tuesday, He set off in the afternoon for the Bloodroot Trail by Salamonie Lake, By 5:35 PM his campsite was all set up and he sent me a video describing his set up. Later he forwarded more photos than I can possibly share.

He arrived back Wednesday just in time to shower and go to the SAC (Senior Activities Center) for the weekly lunch. That day there was an interesting visitor--a gentleman who travels the US in his truck stopping in towns and cities, as he feels led, to walk around carrying a cross and praying for the community.

In the afternoon Sarah, a YFC (Youth For Christ) worker brought a group of middle school kids she works with. They had a blast going down the zip line, riding the Segway, walking the slack line and roasting hot dogs and marshmallows, and chatting. They were a fun group.

Moriah was free to join the fun and help out. Rebecca was here for her first Basics Jr. video-session. This community outreach program (similar to AWANA) is virtual this year. 

The next day a homeschool family came and enjoyed most of the same activities, though their primary purpose was to learn about the bees. Unfortunately, Deidra, the mom, was stung,

Most of my in-between moments were taken up with my current writing project--researching the BMH (Brethren Missionary Herald) archives and summarizing my findings about the mission in Argentina. This time I wrote in Spanish, even though it is much more time-consuming, in order to benefit a greater majority of interested readers.

We had invited friends over for dinner Friday evening to teach them our favorite game and because their kitchen is being remodeled. Michael paid me a high compliment when he asked if I would prepare the meal, saying, "You are better at cooking for company." So I spent most of the day trying out a few Pioneer Woman recipes--Quinoa with Buttery Roasted Vegetables, Venison Tenderloin, and Country Peach Pie. Michael made the bread.

Saturday was moving day for Skye and his little family.  Kalani finally fell asleep before going to his new home, and he slept solidly through the night. An exciting and exhausting day for all involved!

We have enjoyed beautiful weather most of the time, although we've had record cold temperatures for the season. Saturday morning Michael dressed for a 44* F start to his usual long bicycle ride with friends. They went all the way to Greenville, OH, taking off layers as the day warmed,

Meanwhile, I enjoyed an outdoor women's event in the beautiful sunshine.

A comforting reminder from the Creator and Maintainer of the universe, from Isaiah 41:4 

Who makes these things happen? 

Who controls human events?

I do! I am the Lord.

I was there in the beginning;

I will be there at the end.  

Festival and Getaway

Another lovely Tennessee bouquet to open this weekly blog and bring us all some cheer from the Creator via Cousin Karin's skillful arrangement.

The two major events of the week were the Upland Labor Day festivities, and our getaway for Diane's birthday.

The town's three day festival included a variety of events: yard sales, music, food vendors, carnival rides, ice cream socials, a spectacular fireworks display Sunday night, a 5k competitive run/walk Monday and then the parade like the grand finale.  

ATVs are allowed all around town, so the kids borrow ours and enjoy it all weekend. 
I try to do the 5k each year. This time I "graduated" to the competitive walk and came in second out of six.
Kayla and Rebecca walked in the parade representing the public library. Ruby (Elijah's friend) rode one of the horses of Rope this Ranch where she works.
Kristie and the boys joined us in front of Leah's house for some family fun and a lot of candy gathering.
 

I came home from the dentist one day and found a couple of special visitors! Michael was teaching Kayla the game that has given us untold hours of brain exercise. We play at least two games of Splendor every night before bed.

You can see who really was the center of attention. Actually Kalani slept and let them play the whole game.

For a few years now Diane and I have gone somewhere special for an overnight birthday getaway. This time Michael came with us. We stayed in a cottage in downtown Nashville, Indiana, a small town with many artsy shops. We had two mishaps: I left my purse in a restaurant some 20 miles before and Michael had to go back for it and Diane got lost once but was able to remember my phone number and had someone call me.

We enjoyed the unending variety of art and talking to people. 

We walked, toured, basked in the beautiful weather and ate too much! Speaking of food, on the way back Michael wanted to try the Edinburgh Diner's famous giant tenderloins. 

 We were home safely Friday afternoon.

 

Leah is halfway through her radiation treatments! I missed our times together driving to the appointments those two days.

Michael faithfully did a long bicycle ride Saturday, some 70+ miles. He stopped at the Amish Market in Fountain City and promised to take me there.

And in the evening we went to see our friend Tamara play the part of Ouiser in Steel Magnolias at The Commons Theater in Alexandria--a fun finale to a full week.

Week 36

Cousin Karin says, "Here is another glad to make your heart glad. It is one of the prettier ones I have had, and notice the frilly edges.There are also two orangish-red ones in the center front."

The daily trips to Oncology for Leah's radiation treatments continue. We are grateful that the side effects have not been worse. Tiredness is the main one. 

I enjoy little visits with Kalani, especially when he smiles for me. And during our rides I get to hear about all the things he can do now.

Kayla keeps very busy at her part-time library job and loves it! Tuesday I stopped by there to donate The Library Book and take Rebecca for a walk. Another mother picks Rebecca up after school and brings her to the library.

Rebecca didn't want to walk the trail again, so we picked up her bike and went to the park. She rode around everywhere, taking breaks and asking me to join her on the playground equipment. I quickly realized that I am not as flexible as I used to be!

We watched some good films this week as part of our evening entertainment. I was very interested in the documentary about the life of Luis Palau, an Argentine evangelist. We also enjoyed God Where Are You? and Copying Beethoven.

While researching the 1941 Brethren Missionary archives, I came across several fascinating stories about the mission in Argentina. For example, several letters from Laura Wagner described what her life and ministry involved--the heavy load she carried, her zeal, her heart for people and the extent of her sacrifice. My admiration for this woman grew enormously. I only wish I had gotten to know her better when I had the opportunity. It happens that their second daughter (in dad´s arms) started a Christian school and I taught third grade there for about a year. By then, late 60's, doña Laura was a white'haired older woman who faithfully cooked for the school children. She could have taught me so much from her life of missionary experience. 

Interestingly, their son (in mom's arms) lived in the US several years, He remodeled a little house acquired from his relatives. worked in maintenance at Grace Village where my parents were and at Global Auto, my brother's shop. Alan and Victor were friends and ministered together in the Spanish-speaking church in Warsaw. Dory, his wife, was able to join him from Argentina. They were very dear to us and we've missed them since they went back to their homeland and their children and grandchildren,

It was fun to get together with my fellow-writers again after a summer hiatus, albeit virtually via Zoom.

Later in the day Michael and I went to an in-person event--Elijah's soccer game. Always a joy to share moments with family!

A small treat for Elijah after a long game.

Saturday was the start of a big weekend in Upland, starting with yard sales all over town. People come from everywhere causing traffic jams. Diane enjoys coming for the event. So I picked her up and we made the rounds of the library book sale, a couple yard sales, a visit to her good friends the Phillips, and we ended the day with a stop at Sophie's Ice Cream.

Diane enjoying a turtle sundae

Will end with another blossom to cheer y'all, my latest tutorial. 

Flowers, food, friends, and family

Another Sunday bouquet from cousin Karin in Tennessee--delicate muted colors this time.

On the home front, another surprise gladiolus!

 

Monday evenings, at Stephan and Karen's, I've enjoyed the fragrant welcome of these hostas.

When I gathered my photos for the weekly blog post, I was chagrined that there were so few and only of blooms and food. Of all the fellowship opportunities, not one photo to add to the sweet memories.

I will have to use word pictures instead.

We enjoyed John Tuggy's visit. He shared in church in the God is at Work segment, and also joined us at Monday Night Dinner. Stephan and John roomed together at one time when they were Taylor students. John met Nikki, a local girl during that time. They married, have three beautiful children, and now live in Uganda. Their oldest daughter, Eliana, is at Wheaton. When students were sent home in March, she was able to stay with a relative in Chicago. As a freshman, it's been difficult to be away from family, adjust to life in the US, try to make new friends, and then finish the semester online. The family was scheduled for a US visit, but only Dad was able to leave Uganda a couple months ago before the borders were locked down. And now must wait to get back to his family and church. Meanwhile, he helps daughter #1 (with drivers license, insurance, and emotional support), visits family, friends and supporters, and prepares a weekly online message for the church back in Uganda. 

That same day I met Georgia at The Bridge for a farewell breakfast before her move. Ever since we walked together one summer, the friendship has grown. We've gotten together many times to make art together, or sell it at local fairs. I will miss her, but am happy for her new surroundings. She is such a lover of nature, captures beautiful photos, and paints amazing miniatures.

The next day, Tuesday, I got together with my neighbor friend Petey. For several years now we have tried to meet for coffee every week. Family priorities and appointments interfere at times. We are so grateful for the sharing times we do have and the growing friendship.

Such beautiful times and no photos to share. However, these ladies prefer it that way.

Moriah, now a senior, brought her friend Joselyn over to cook a meal together for the first time. The food was great!  (No photo  :-(  ) Why did they wait so long?

However, we enjoyed Moriah's bread making twice this week! Her coworkers at Chick-fil-A luv her bread! They sit together after closing and clean-up and devour an entire loaf.

I enjoy visits with Leah on the days when I take her to her radiation treatments. And Kalani's smiles when I arrive a bit early to pick her up. The days Destiny does not need the car, Leah likes to drive herself, go on country roads, notice the beauty of Indiana landscapes, and glimpse as many animals as possible.

We love it when Kayla stops by and visits for awhile. She had borrowed folding table and chairs for Rebecca's birthday parties and came to return them. She is loving her part time job at the Upland Library, and not so excited about teaching dance via Zoom.

Michael still rides his bike a couple mornings a week and then the long one with friends on Saturday.

Robotics' weekly team meetings are cancelled until October, so his time is taken up with the many tasks that require his attention around here--cracks and ruts in lane and driveway (hired it done); fix water tank and boiler leaks; stock pile wood for winter; and so much more. He is never idle.

Most of my in-between moments and hours are consumed with research rapture. After compiling several years-worth of BMH Gleanings about the Hoyt clan (Brethren Missionary Herald findings that mention my father's siblings), I have gone back to focus on the mission work in Argentina. I completed year 1940 summary this week.

Both of us listen to audio books almost constantly, borrowed from the library and accessed via cell phones. I favor historic fiction and memoirs. Recently I listened to all available by Ruta Sepetys and highly recommend her writing. She finds hidden stories of suffering and tragedy and weaves historic facts into compelling novels. I am convinced that she also suffers from research rapture!

When Michael and I drive together anywhere, I read out loud. This week we finished a short and powerful memoir, Finding Mom by Stephen C. Messer, 2015. Interestingly, he and his wife Betty were my colleagues when I taught at Taylor University, and she and I taught Spanish! It was published some ten years after I left TU and I did not hear of the book until recently.

Finally, on Saturday, I took advantage of photo opportunities. Elijah was playing soccer in the neighboring town, at Mississinewa High School in Gas City. It was so wonderful to have a time to catch up with son Sam's family. We haven't seen them in long time, it seems. Elijah played well. He is a strapping 6 foot-tall young man!

So, what were the highlights of your week?