New Week, New Beginnings

A favorite photo surfaced this week, especially because of the caption: "It's a wonderful day to break ground." Stephan and Karen's loooong-awaited building project has begun!

Another long process also began this week. Leah was pronounced cancer free last week and began taking a very strong medication this Monday. It is a long term treatment meant to prevent recurrence by 25%. She and Jimmy had a teaching session with the oncologist to learn how to handle it. Leah's notes explain how the drug works.

Monday also marked another beginning. My dearest Argentine friend's husband passed away. I love the photo I received of Aldo holding a friend's granddaughter and his beautiful smile. I wrote about my friend Mirtha here. Her grief became almost unbearable by the fact that she was not allowed to see him the last ten days when he was hospitalized. Unable to communicate directly with my friend was heavy for me.

A bright spot for me was to share Tuesday afternoon with my own greatgranddaughter. Rebecca and I watched the Basics Jr. video telling the story of Jesus' interaction with a woman who was unloved and hated, and His offer of living water to quench her soul thirst and continually satisfy her longings. Amazing love! We tried to make a well, a jug, and people out of Play-Doh.

Michael found yet another place for us to hike--the Wilderness Park in Hartford City. We explored it Wednesday afternoon.

We were ready and hungry for Kendra's promised treat--a Cambodian meal, coconut curry over rice. Yum!

Michael still likes to ride his bike if time and weather allow. Thursday afternoon was one of those opportunities. I was interested to notice from the jersey he wore, that we had done the Hilly Hundred event in Southern Indiana back in 2001, probably the first of several.

If I really wanted to know, I could consult our many Meemaw Moments books to find out the total number. Years ago I replaced the annual albums with hard copies of my blog. This week the 2019 and 2020 volumes arrived. I had missed ordering one last year, so jumped at the opportunity of an almost two for one deal early in January.

Saturday morning, I volunteered at Helping Hand. I always come away with a few special finds. Among other things I found two pairs of shoes for this little guy, a great excuse to stop by for a visit.

We had fun banging on the overturned hamper like a drum. And he walked to me and smiled a whole lot. An added bonus was as I was kneeling on the floor and Ruff the big dog sat next to me and gently put his paw on my shoulder!

The day ended with a painting event for the "We Live In The Same House" group, as our chat line is called. It was a Taylor Coffee and Canvas deal that the girls picked up for our evening entertainment as a "family." 

We followed a tutorial, supposedly for beginners, with varied results. A very enjoyable experience.

Notice the fun and serious expressions. 

And that was the end of January full-week # 3.

Keeping on keeping on

We've had occasional snow flurries or snowfalls, not much not long lasting.

Hiking opportunities continue unhindered by the weather. We enjoy trying different views and challenges. One day we went back to the Bloodroot Trail and another time tried a new access point to the Cross Country trail.

I look forward to meeting times with my neighbor friend Petey. This week their granddaughter was staying with them, so at the end of our breakfast outing, Jim and Edna came to pick up Nana and I got this sweet photo.

Another time I look forward to every week is with our great granddaughter Rebecca. She and I watch the Basics Bible story video, work with Play-Doh, color together, and then call Emily, her leader.

This week, instead of Kayla picking Rebecca up here after her day at the library, we met at Elijah's birthday party here in Upland at Wandering Wheels (under new ownership, don't know if it has a different name).  All enjoyed the swimming pool, but Rebecca didn't wander far in nor get involved in the games.

There were interesting displays about the room representing Elijah throughout his 16 years. Notice the favorite funniest photo.

Over the weekend, our kitchen was turned into a biology lab as Kendra completed the last five labs of the online biology course she started over Christmas break. She stuck with it in marathon-fashion, another module and the exam the next day. Now she can focus on the courses for her major.

She did take a break Sunday to go to church, and eat, of course. We had invited a friend for dinner. Both went down to the pottery room and chose one of  Michael's recently thrown and glazed Upland mugs.  

Speaking of Kendra's major. . . we were able to view some of her films, including the Redeye produced last week which ended with scenes on our porch. Here are a couple of the frames.

Sadly, Moriah was exposed to the virus so is quarantining away from Taylor and us for a few days.

Among the pics and memories that surface on Facebook was this special photo of the professors I worked for as secretary years ago. Three of them are no longer with us, others have retired or moved elsewhere. Only one remains in the BSCP (Biblical Studies, Christian Ministries and Philosophy) department. 

Epiphany

We usually keep the Christmas decorations up until January 6 (Epiphany, Día de Reyes, Three Kings Day). The tree still stands, but ornaments are gone.

The root meaning of Epiphany is "an experience of a sudden and striking realization." It proved true as we watched the events of the day unfold in our nation's capital. 

Not sudden or surprising, was the start of another J-term for the two students now living with us. Here is Kendra's first-day-of-school photo as she eats a quick breakfast. Moriah was out the door already, and missed hers.

Other than the lively excitement that the two young women add to our household, our routines are fairly normal. Michael is very intentional about exercise. Can you see him on his bike?

We've enjoyed hiking together a few times per week.  I am grateful for the "push" I needed to get out and walk, Michael is thankful that he is pain free. There was a time he could not walk very far without having to rest and recover.

A  snowman on the TU Cross Country trail? Someone's been here before us!

We continue to exercise our brain with a game or two every night. However, Moriah gave us the Cities Expansion to Splendor for added variations. 

Friday night was an exciting event for Kendra. As a film major, she was directing one of the seven groups that had to produce a five-minute film in 24 hours. The event is called the "Red Eye." Apparently her crew used our porch for their set at 4:00 AM. We were sleeping, of course, and didn't hear a thing.

She came back to get dressed up for the showing Saturday evening. Community members are not allowed on campus yet, so we are eagerly waiting to see the YouTube version.

The rest of Michael's Christmas gift arrived this week. I felt he needed to look official as he cooks.

Sunday afternoon we hiked a trail at the Ouabache State Park. We went around the bison pen hoping to catch a glimpse of some.

While we're on the topic of animals, here are three strange creatures that showed up that night while we were playing a game with three Taylor students. Can you name them?

Kendra introduced us to a new game, the Titanic. Setting up the board takes almost as long as playing one round! It was fun but may go faster a second time.

And here's a favorite pic borrowed from FB--Rebecca and Oreo the cat. I miss that girl! 

Entering 2021

Michael bought me a bouquet to cheer a wintry day.

He's gotten me out hiking/trekking a few times.

--Rangeline Nature  Preserve in Anderson on Monday the 28th of December.

--Mounds State Park with a group of UCC Hikers on the 31st.

--Detamore Trail/ Main Street Trail in Upland, Sunday afternoon, January 3.

My main occupation throughout the week was to clear out the extra bedroom, originally called the Argentina Room, which has become the sewing/craft/junk room. As I worked, took everything out, sorted, and purged, I listened to three books to help the tedium.

--Louise Penny's latest All the Devils Are here

--Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk

--The Apothecary's Daughter by Julie Klassen

Leah was also clearing areas, sorting, purging. Shefound some of Grandma Hoyt's jewelry we are still dealing with. Any piece you are interested in, family, friends?

Both Leah and I are very happy with the results of our efforts. "Clearing our physical surroundings, helps clear head space too." to quote one son who stopped by this week.

Michael spent many, many hours sorting screws and many small items at the shop that were thrown together in the big move of a year ago. He also listens to books to while away the time.

And he faithfully makes time for exercise. The long rides with his Muncie biking buddies have continued even this late in the season. However, this last Saturday he ended up alone and rode 54 miles in 30 degree weather.

It's no wonder his grandson gave him a trophy for Christmas!

Our new year 2021 brings another student to share our home and opens another season of robotics, although uncertain as to what it will look like. 

The Kick-Off is January 9. We will watch the simulcast and learn more this coming Saturday at the Matthews' shop from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

I will close with a favorite pic of the week. Kalani, the baby of our family is over 9 months and will walk on his own any day now.

Many changes are coming in his first year of life, yet he has no fear and total trust in his Dad and Mom who dote on him and are showing very natural skills as parents.

We too have a loving Father and a Savior who promised us His peace. 

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you.

Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

 

Auld Lang Syne

The title means "old long since" or "days gone by" from a poem penned by Robert Burns, a Scottish poet, in 1788. 

To transition from Christmas to New Year, I decided to share a long ago holiday memory my father wrote years ago remembering college days and his first Christmas break. 

In 1939, my brother Lowell and I decided to attend Bryan College, he as a sophomore and I as a freshman. Bob Culver, a brother-in-law, took us from Winona Lake to the center of Warsaw to board the bus for that 500 mile trip to Dayton, TN. When Mother kissed us goodbye she placed an envelope into our hands. When we opened it, we found 12 dollars she had managed to save for us. That was all we had for starting our college experience. The months flew by and soon came the time for Christmas vacation. With no money to purchase tickets to return to Winona Lake, we resigned ourselves to staying on campus and firing furnaces to earn our board and room.

A day or two before Christmas, to our great amazement, a car from California with an older brother, Rex, and his wife, Laura, appeared on Bryan Hill. They had moved to California just a few months before. Now they decided to return East for Christmas and pick us up also, but with no previous word. We were soon on our way and arrived in Winona Lake very early Christmas morning then decided to announce our arrival by playing a Christmas carol on our horns outside Herman's large rented house on Chestnut St. 

To be sure, we were all happy to see each other, but this sure complicated things for Herman. He was already taking care of Mother, two brothers and a sister who had not yet found a place to rent. I can still see Herman doing his best to help with household chores including the wash with the old wringer-type washing machine of those days. Since there was not sufficient room in his house, my brother-in-law prevailed upon his landlord to let us sleep in one room in the same house where he was renting an apartment. What an ice box!! Rex and Laura who had continued their journey to Ohio to visit her parents picked us up on their return trip and took us back to Bryan College.

Lowell and I heard later that when Bob Culver took us to the bus in Warsaw for Bryan, he was thinking: These boys are either big fools or they are boys with extraordinary faith. Well, we didn't have extraordinary faith, but neither were we fools--just look at the wife the Lord had prepared for me there!

Interestingly, both siblings Lowell and Solon (my father), met their future wives at Bryan. In fact, the brothers and the two young ladies from the same church in Evans City, PA, were part of a sought-after vocal and instrumental quartet!

This memory seemed appropriate as we prepare to welcome students back from Christmas break. This time, not one, but two young women returning for their last semester. 

Kendra, who grew up in a missionary family in Cambodia, joins Moriah who has been with us since her freshman year.

My greatest accomplishment of the week was to clear out the craft/junk room in preparation for its new occupant. I accomplished this great feat while listening to three good books.

What has God prepared for these young ladies and us in this new year?