Gratitudes

Michael and I are grateful for the Detamore Trail here in town which allows us to get some fresh air and exercise even on the coldest days of winter. We tried it on Sunday after he plowed it once.

 

We are grateful for each Monday dinner Stephan prepares for "whosoever will". The group varies from time to time. We are ever faithful. The menu also holds delightful surprises, the fresh bread comes in different shapes and textures. The chai is the most consistent.

Michael added biscotti to his culinary experiments. 

Our bird visitors entertain us daily. A special one came by to peck at the suet--a pileated woodpecker.

Tuesday, Rebecca was here for the Basics Jr. Bible lesson. We had a fun time, but no photos.

An opportunity to make up for that came the next day when Kayla called, "Matt broke his arm. Could you pick up Rebecca from school? I have to go to Parkview Regional Hospital in Fort Wayne."

We decided to do some watercolor painting and try a new technique using a straw to blow and spread color around. Rebecca loves cats so this is what she painted. Do you see a smiling cat?

Kayla sent a photo of Matt after surgery. We are so grateful for medical advances and resources that allowed the two broken bones in his forearm to be put back together. Considering what happened it is amazing he did not lose part of his arm. I don't know if I can describe the accident accurately. He was repairing a forklift, one mast was in place when a second one slammed down on his left forearm.

On my watercolor rainbow parrot, I reflected Matt's wound as a broken wing.

Matt was admitted overnight, so Rebecca spent another afternoon and evening with us. She loves to play Splendor and is quite good for a six-year-old! Here she is pondering her next move. 

I was absorbed all week with memories I came across from the year 2000--a diary, letters, and photos.

The three grandchildren we had at the time: Kayla (Rebecca's mom), Malachi (to be married in May!), and Skye (a Daddy himself now!).

I spent a lot of time writing a reflective summary of that difficult and eventful year.

A surprise on Friday as I perused the March/April issue of the Good Old Days magazine. On page 52 the photo I submitted a long time ago! Some months ago, I received a letter to let me know when it would be published, I could not remember what I had sent! 

I am grateful for all the memories, both good and bad, because they remind us of God's faithfulness!  

Week 47

Cousin Karin thought her weekly bouquets were over. However, one hydrangea bush continues to produce blooms in different colors! The azalea plant blossomed again as well. Spring flowers are appearing and it is not even winter yet! What's up with the weather in Tennessee? Or, is God sending cheer at a time when they are caring for cousin Ed, her brother, who is so ill?

A pleasant surprise, to taste and texture, came this week when I learned about jícama, which arrived in a Misfits box a couple weeks ago, great by itself or in the lovely salad by Pioneer Woman. Can you pick out the jícama?

Another lovely surprise came when my neighbor-friend and I resumed what had been our weekly coffee date. Katie Rich moved her business to a much larger space, and delightfully decorated with so many nooks for us to explore in upcoming visits. 

Many photos surfaced this week remembering my brother Lynn, three years after his passing. Not long ago I joined a Facebook group sharing memories of our elementary school--EX ALUMNOS DE LA ESCUELA 42 DE DON BOSCO. I posted a couple of pics of Lynn's classes and got quite a few responses. In this one (1957) he is behind and closest to the teacher. 

What do you think of our school uniforms? White and starched, a nightmare for mothers! I just noticed that the boys are even wearing ties.

One of his classmates wrote that he was our neighbor and Lynn's good friend. He was sorry to hear of his passing. I had an unidentified photo and asked if he was the one with Lynn. Yes, he said. 

Now I need to ask Enzo whether this was the house he remembers. It was the first one we lived in in that town, Don Bosco, on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina.

Stephan came early a couple of days to try his luck at hunting back in our woods. The deer sadly avoided him. But I enjoyed our breakfast chats after.

I spent a delightful afternoon with Rebecca. Her attention span is short which allows for a variety of activities. The Bible story this time was of Jesus washing the disciples' feet, an example of gentleness. Only one more fruit of the Spirit to talk about when Basics resumes after the holidays--self-control, which Rebecca referred to as strongness.

Michael was gone at the time, on yet another overnight camping trip, probably the last one of the year.

Saturday we were remembering Malachi on his 22nd birthday. Of the numerous photos I chose two: the professional cute toddler pic and a selfie of us on my first visit to him when he was a college freshman. He is now in his fourth year at Grace College.

Sunday we had the delightful visit of friends from nearly fifty years ago. We were together in Germany when I was pregnant with Stephan and Donna with her third. We shared many stories and tried to catch up on our growing families. We also taught them our favorite game, Splendor. 

Look who else came along! Kipper was so sweet and well-behaved.

That was most of our fun for the week. What about you?

 

Purposeful Pleasures

Lots of pictures this week, and always cousin Karin's beautiful bouquet.

I spotted this beauty in our lovely natural surroundings.

Woodsy Lace

I hired a landscaping crew (three sisters) to care for three areas that are more intentionally planned. Actually, I have planted rather randomly over the years, and now we are trying to improve that.

Anyway, the girls came by this week with their mother to give advice re. what flowers to plant where.

When they discovered our zip line, they had to try it out. All had several successful tries until Mom went down. The bungy cord at the bottom snapped! It protects from crashing into the tree. Truly the straw that broke the camel's back the cord, especially considering she is the smallest of them all! No one was hurt and we had a big laugh. 

I've been recruited to be involved in starting a Friends of the Library group. We went to visit another library to get ideas from their Friends. We were impressed by the charming mural in the children's area .

On the topic of children, here are my favorite Facebook pics of the greats for the week.

Kalani found his toes!

Rebecca caught the biggest fish.

Saturday, while I was visiting with a young friend and her son on the upper deck, two strong and handsome grandsons were moving pieces of furniture into our lower floor. 

Michael and I had gone to IKEA earlier in the week. We are re purposing a downstairs area. I'll let you guess what came in the big boxes.

Several times this week Michael tried to view the comet Neowise. I went along one night. Another time he joined a group at the Taylor University observatory. Not hugely successful, hazy evenings perhaps.

Saturdays he will NOT miss the long ride with his cycling friend--71 miles, the total for the day.

Lunch at the Amish store, Fountain Acres Foods, in Fountain City

At home he continues to cook, bake and experiment. For the most part, I have banned myself from the kitchen. I just clean up after him . . . and us! Although, I did make a large zuchini lasagna this week.

Best pizza and strawberry pie ever!

Sunday evening, Moriah came for her second bread-baking lesson. This time she was doing it all and Michael was giving advice. It was a very successful venture. 

During waiting times, we played Splendor. Michael and I were outclassed by this youthful genius! What good did all those weeks of practice do?

I did, however, accomplish three research and/or writing goals this week!

What were your happy accomplishments ?

Family Christmas

It was very different this year. We did not host the whole family in our home We spent Christmas morning with Diane, just the three of us.

She enjoyed reading the Scripture, even when she did not understand everything.

If you missed the clue on the make-shift Christmas tree in the previous post, here it is. 

Ornament purchased at the Christkindlmarkt

Focus on the journey of the Magi led to the theme of our family gift-giving--the reflection, reenactment, and three gifts per person. 

However, the best gift was presence--time together to relax, share, laugh and get to know one another more deeply. A variety of leisure activities contributed to this family-bonding.

Interestingly, a huge set of markers, found in the building that has become the robotics shop, became a hanging-out centerpiece.

Surprisingly, some of the most unlikely members to choose coloring, sat for hours enjoying the passtime.

 Not surprisingly, this is the page I chose to work on.

The big house's four levels provided a variety of hanging-out spaces.

Loft, upstairs, main floor, basement

 The lovely setting and mild weather allowed for outdoor exercise options.

The young cousins loved spending time together.

So that was our Christmas.
What stood out from the story of the Magi, was how God spoke to them in their language, what they knew best--the stars. Similarly, to communicate with our family members we need to understand how they think, and speak their language.

Come back for the next installment--one more celebration and two more crises. 

Thankful

Another 2019-month comes to an end and we are grateful for health and strength to do all that comes each day.

November's sticker art--Venice 

Moriah has surprisingly had more free time lately and suggested we put together a puzzle now as she will be gone during January for an experience abroad. Both previous J-terms we've worked together on a 1000-piece Charles Wysocki Americana.
The problem is that I find puzzles quite addicting. As Thanksgiving drew near, I was in need of an intervention so I could get preparations under way. So the project rested on Moriah's bed a couple days while she was gone for Thanksgiving break. I have to confess to a relapse--the first evening I brought it back upstairs.

We finally finished the puzzle Sunday night after Moriah and her pet hamster came "home."

Pancake

Tuesday evening was the first open house for the "new" East Central Indiana Robotics team. This walk-through video the night before shows the amazing transformation of the dingy old building.

When I went over in the afternoon to set out refreshments in the reception area, Iwas astounded at the progress even in the last 24 hours. 

Top right: welcoming bling in the front window and some of the numerous trophies
Top left: Caleb and Isaiah giving a tour, explaining the robot to our staunch supporter.
Lower left: Julia, team treasurer explaining the program and application process to potential student.
Lower right: Michael and Gary (woodworking mentor) talking with a very interested new mentor.

The Fall 2019 magazine from my alma mater, the GRACE Story, arrived this week. What a surprise to find this photo in the inner cover. I recognized eight members of the '43-'44 academic year. It is even possible that I was present as well, in utero! Can you pick out my three blood relatives?

Friday we drove up to Winona Lake and surprised Mother as she worked away in the ARTcare studio.

I had ordered sets of cards of Mother's paintings  (8 for $10). They were waiting for me, neatly wrapped packets in red ribbon. 

Top: Seasonal Theme
Bottom: Florals

We then had dinner together with my youngest brother and his new wife, Alan and Raquel.

Wedding pic borrowed from Facebook
Happy selfie with my new sister-in-law

We (Mike, his sister Diane, and I) also stopped at their house on the way home and got to meet Raquel's parents, and then had a tour of Alan's shop. We were impressed with nephew Nicolas' contribution. His design and decorating skills are evident. 

Global Auto reception area wall

Saturday evening was our own Koch family Thanksgiving. We are glad ALL could be present, so grateful for each member and for the love we share.

The younguns: Rebecca, Jude, Zion

Michael exhausted, worked all day; Matt; Karen and Stephan; Jimmy and Sam 

Top left: Malachi and Rebecca playing Mancala
Top right: Destiny and Skye (Kalani in utero)
Lower left: Proud Mama/Nana Leah
Lower right: siblings--Kayla and Skye

So much to be thankful for, including the hardships of the past year, God's presence and goodness always! 

In everything give thanks!