Week 46

This little one-evening painting "Maple Leaves" is seasonally appropriate. There are very few colorful trees left. Our woods is looking bare.

A forgotten note from last week: Elijah, in our last Spanish tutoring Zoom session, mentioned that he was going to a banquet for the soccer team. I saw later that he was praised and awarded the Most Improved player. Can you find him in this team photo?

We keep plodding on with our regular routines, pursuits and passions. Every day has its share of ups and downs, encouraging moments and disconcerting times as well. The words of a song are ringing in my head, "Through it all. . . I've learned to trust in God. . . Then there are cheery surprises, like the delightful folk singer who entertained us at the Senior Center this week, Mrs. Kate Carpenter. She is extraordinarily talented, and spunky!

I still enjoy the surprises that come in the Misfits box, and trying out new varieties of produce. Last week I made candied ginger, which Stephan and I really like. Others not so much; it has quite a bite!

Robotics is slowly moving forward. Michael spends more time at the shop, cleaning, organizing, fixing, improving. I delivered flyers announcing the Open House coming up. 

After I picked up Rebecca for the weekly Basics Jr. Bible story and activities, we could hear the mower. We went out to find abuelo but could not distract him from his task of mowing the leaves. Can you find him and see where he's been?

The Basics lesson was about faithfulness. (She kept saying thankfulness, also a wonderful attitude.) The story was of Daniel's faithful practice of praying three times a day; how that got him in trouble; how God kept him safe surrounded by hungry lions and then punished his accusers with the end they had intended for him! The governors had tricked the king into passing an edict that would trap the one he planned to place over the entire kingdom. In Rebecca's Play-Doh version, there is the head of the king who loved Daniel. Distraught that unable to sleep, he rushed to the den in the morning to see if the living God had rescued Daniel. 

What an amazing story with so many applications for us today! As I reread Daniel 6, in addition to being struck by Daniel's discipline of prayer, I noticed a phrase for the first time, in verse 10, "Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to God," The content of his prayers was thanksgiving!  

I hadn't seen my friend Patryce in a very long time. This week she invited me for one of her delightful teas. The fellowship was as delicious as the sweet potato cream cheese desert!

Another pleasurable experience that day was the Taylor University Theatre creative performance of The Little Prince. We are so blessed to live so close and able to enjoy our season tickets even this year.

Michael was very fortunate to get a deer only 15 minutes into gun season. After taking care of all the necessary after-tasks (dragging, dressing, etc.) he was in time to go join his Saturday cycling group!

My creative accomplishments for the week were to edit an article in progress, work on the translation of a German poem for a friend, and enjoy another watercolor tutorial. Oh, I gave Michael a hair cut too. ;-)

What are your creative outlets? Any surprises that sparked delight in your week?

2018 Week 26: Summer Fun

Summer flowers are fun.

Not everything is fun and games, however. Moriah and two mentors worked long hours over the weekend on the tester they designed, and though they were at it into the wee hours of the morning, she was back at the job the next day. Such is the life of an engineer.

Moriah's summer job is with Near Space Launch, a company started by our neighbor. Several of the employees work out of his home. So occasionaly when Moriah runs into a problem, Mike takes his segway and cruises over to give advice and/or consult with the team.

Moriah looks like she's pointing to the tester they designed to check the tiny solar panels for the satellites they are bulding 

One day this week we delivered the office chair she had left in her room and I got to see her workspace. She has a wonderful view of our road. When I go for a walk I can wave and know that she will notice.

We've been following the World Cup, so of course I had to watch Argentina! Tuesday's was an exciting win!

Bee-keeper and bees have been busy. Michael harvested a goodly amount of honey this week.

We miss our ladies group fellowsip during the summer. However this week I saw two of the friends. The grandson of one of them entertained  and tricked us with a magic/illusionist show at a nearby library. 

young illusionist--Hunter Tabor

The next day, Friday, I got together with another friend and her grandson. Patryce and I had two months worth of catching up to do. Can you guess where we went?

Upland's  farmers' market summer offers a delightful array of produce, baked goods, and more as well as the opportunity to meet community friends. The food truck this week allowed for a pleasant evening picnic.

We watched Saturday's  Argentina vs. France soccer game with hopeful anticipation. But, alas, it was the end of the road for my "other country."

That afternoon we welcomed a group of Basque students who will be here through the month of July. We are hosting Jon and our grandson Elijah is staying with us also. Sam and Kristie, with Malachi's help, are hosting Xabi (SHAWvee), younger brother to the student who was with them last summer.

I do believe the boys are having a good time even if I cannot understand or follow the fast game they play.

Many more planned and unplanned adventures await them. The fun has begun!

2017 Week 9: The Robot Rules

 Yes, the health and progress of the yet-unnamed robot rules our schedule, Michael's anyway. He often rises early with designs and improvements rumbling around in his head and has gone in to the shop every day this week.

Puzzle I gave Mike for Christmas

So what did I do with all that time? In addition to all the regular stuff: I read the first draft of DIL's novel; went to a poetry festival committee meeting; attended a book launch and a concert; in spare moments put together the puzzle I gave Mike (couldn't resist :-); and ate all the leftovers in the house. But more importantly, I sorted through files and archives, made some interesting discoveries; and determined a course of action for my family-history project.

About the regular weekly stuff:

After class Monday I took a young friend,Trisha, with me to Stephan's meal. We went for a walk to explore the farm and witness the sunset. The chickens had gone to bed already.

We saw the spot where Karen's writing cabin will be located soon.

Wednesday was our biweekly ladies Bible study. It is always a joy to get together with these friends and share.

Almost matching

No tap class. Kayla has been sick.

Thursday, Kayla did go back to work. I got to visit with her a little while and then stay with Rebecca until someone else came to take over the babysitting duties. Always a privilege and joy.

Friday we woke up to a coating of snow which did not take long to disappear.

The snow was there Saturday morning again, and so was Team 1720's trailer for the robot. It had been newly labeled with this year's sponsors in readiness for their first competition, March 11-12.

Then there are the things that happen around the world that affect us.

My BFF in Argentina wrote about the passing of a dear man we knew. In fact I stayed in the home of Dora and Erni Jencquel when I visited Argentina in 2007. (Go here to read about them.)

Almost every day  we read on Facebook about the unresolved Raymond Koh case who was abducted three weeks ago and has not been heard from or about since then. He was a young Malaysian on board the Doulos at the same time we were there in the early '80s.

Among the treasures I came across this week is a letter in my grandfather's handwriting addressed to one his parishioners on his return voyage from Argentina. He had accepted a position as a chaplain of a passenger ship in order to visit our family, even if briefly.

Here we are having a picnic on that trip to the interior.

I have one memory from that short visit--grandpa teaching me about the stars and pointing out the southern cross in the night sky.

What surprises or discoveries will next week bring?

2017 Week 6: Steamworks Rules

Lasting Beauty

The enjoyment of the anniversary bouquet lingers, fewer blooms but colors still vibrant.

We were back at MadJax for Super Bowl Sunday. But, of course, it could not be only about football. Not even such a national passtime could stop the engineering minds. They kept testing their latest adjustments to the robot on the under-construction STEAMWORKS game field.

That was the end of Week 4 of build season. Read about it here: Satellites and Build Week Four.

As of today, they have only 10 days left to solve remaining problems and bring together the final components of this yet-unnamed machine. Lets hope tired brains and bodies hold out!

Mother's 95 year-old body and mind are still active, though we notice a very gradual decline. She fell again a couple weeks ago and now is more careful to rely on the walker. Slowing down and change are hard for her!

I am grateful for brothers and sisters-in-law who live nearby, who look in on her and help with practical needs, money matters, and decisions. I try to make the hour-and-half trip every two weeks, Tuesday overnight. It is fun to share with Mother my latest discoveries from the past and hear her added comments and memories. This time I only got through four thick file folders. I think Dad had a hard time throwing letters and old documents away. Such rich history there. Future generations will not have those records to look back on.

Wednesday night we had the first real snow fall of the season, 2" to 4" that lasted more than a day.

My planned morning visit with Patryce Thursday was nearly called off due to icy roads, but then only postponed. The main roads were fine and a lovely tea awaited me in the afternoon.

Friday, our second attempt at Game Night, lacked the guest of honor. Leah and all her family were sick. But we had lots of fun with Sam's family playing Farkle and then Hand and Foot.

"Did you Farkle, Malachi?"

So Leah's birthday gifts are still waiting, and her flowers starting to wilt.

Saturday was a very long day for Mike and the team. If you do watch the game animation video above, and understand the four tasks of this year's robot--hang gears, climb rope, pick up and shoot balls--you might even have some suggestions for a name! 

2015 Week 23: Various Summer Scenarios

As of this week school ended for everyone in the family.
Well, except Stephan who traveled to Maine last Sunday to attend the Fox Maple School of Traditional Building. We expect his next building project, sometime in the future, to be quite a bit more sophisticated than the cute outhouse.

Monday, Karen had an emergency--no water--and imagined herself using the outhouse for a week! However, Mike and crew--Skye and his friend--came to the rescue and replaced the well water pump.

Stephan and Karen's 15th anniversary snuck up on them this week also on June 3rd.

Shutterfly photo album

Their wedding albums had become somewhat damaged by dampness and water, so last year I scanned all the photos and made a digital scrapbook.

My good friend Patryce, who for fifteen years managed The Loft Inn Bed & Breakfast, loves to entertain so she invited some of her closest friends to a very special tea, Tuesday afternoon. The excuse was to celebrate May birthdays, and for two retired teachers to reconnect.
We toured her former B & B and stopped to read one of the many articles published over the years. Patryce was aptly described as a Patrician Midwestern Princess. The afternoon was full of  surprises beyond the lovely "tea"--a beautiful poem recitation and a cello concert. Most of all we enjoyed meeting new friends.

Grace Park is a delightful young woman from South Korea and a very accomplished cellist.

We asked her what had surprised or impressed her about our culture when she first came to America. Among other things she said that our common greeting "How are you?" seemed too personal until she realized it is similar to their own, "Have you eaten?" or "Did you have breakfast/lunch?" There is no expectation of a meaningful response. Grace explained that it was an expression of concern for the other's well-being dating from times when food was scarce.

Kristie had the opportunity to travel to Florida with her sister for a week. She left Wednesday.
As a family we pitched in to cover for her on the home front.

Elijah spent three days with us and joined in the annual Fun in the Sun program at our church the first week of summer break. His first day was "Mud Day", the second "Food Day." He volunteered from his team to be covered in shaving cream and attacked with cheese balls. His team won that one.

Thursday I picked up the little guys for a few hours of fun. They enjoyed the Upland school play ground and a picnic lunch at Taylor Lake where we got to see Elijah in the crowd of Fun in the Sun kids.

Super babysitter Malachi was able to have a few hours to himself and was just coming back from a bike ride when we drove in.

One evening we watched a good movie, McFarland, the true story of a cross country team in California that had a long winning streak that totally transformed their community.
Elijah also got to play at the Red Barn while grandpa was helping kids in the pottery studio.

Friday we had overnight guests, a friend who is preparing to work with an orphan care ministry in Tanzania--Mavuno Village. Bethany came with her cousin to present her work at dessert evening.

Saturday we wrapped up our full week with a fun birthday celebration for grandson-in-law Matt. He had felt left out from the time he married into our family. The first year our house fire was on that very day. The following years we were out of the country, in Spain. At last a proper Koch party!
His brother's family joined us which made up for our two families who couldn't make it.

Last but not least, a Rebecca pic!

Note: when Nanna Leah is around, there is little chance that you will get to hold Rebecca!

A note about Mike: in spite of a steroid shot this week, he has had bouts of pain every day which limit his mobility.

2014 Week 16: Semana Santa

Holy Week, as it is called, is over, always a sobering and good time reflecting on the greatest event in history, the most powerful act of love--God the Son's sacrifice to pay for our sin and His resurrection which guarantees our salvation and new life!

We celebrated with friends on Good Friday. The Blakeleys have a home full of love and beautiful children.
We sat around in a circle and shared many stories of God working in our lives. We laughed a lot and ate good food.

And, Resurrection Sunday, yesterday, we had a wonderful celebration as a family, at lest two thirds of us.
Skye's two friends joined us. We used the Resurrection Eggs again. First, a search to find the hidden eggs around the room. Then as I read, each opened his/her discovered egg in turn. The story does not grow old.

The week began with yet another 'growing-old' physical reality. Early Monday we left for Mike's colonoscopy. The long wait nearly made us late for the next thing on our calendar, a memorable event we look forward to every year--the chapel and luncheon in memory of Rick Seaman.

Monday evening, as is our happy custom, another meal at son Stephan's, this time quite different--spring rolls. I'd never seen or tried those plastic-looking wraps. The many fillings and sauces made these quite delightful.

I remember writing last Sunday, "Spring is here to stay." Ha! Tuesday we woke up to this surprise.

I was especially worried about all the beautiful daffodils that had exploded profusely. The clumps were indeed flattened. However, surprisingly, though at first the blooms nearly touched the ground and even suffered a second night of below-freezing temperatures, I was able to rescue dozens to decorate and give away to the ladies who came over for Bible study Wednesday morning.

That afternoon I took a bouquet to my friend Patryce who could not be present because she had hip replacement surgery last week. We had a delightful visit.

Thursday, after a long day of writing, before going to Malachi's track meet in Yorktown, we caught the tail end of the prairie burn across from Taylor University.

Malachi did very well, perhaps a personal best, I'm not sure. Both grandpa Mike and uncle Stephan said he was much better than they were at that age. He must have his mother's genes.

So, what were the other three boys doing?

It is safe to say that they were each doing their own thing: Elijah, off and on playing with his new Kindle; Zion, wandering off; and Jude, intent on exploring and making sure grandma got a workout following him around everywhere even up and down stairs and bleachers countless times, for two hours. Elijah, however, was keeping track of Malachi's team's progress.

My blog would not be complete without some artistic expression. Son Stephan spent some of Friday putting finishing touches to a tree-stump carving he started last year.

 Saturday was an open day for me so, kind of at the last minute, I decided to visit my Mother and take her to spend some time with Ivan and Kim back from Argentina for a short time staying at daughter Tina's. We had a lovely time and a great meal. Of course, little Simon was the center of attention.

Four Generations

  I will close with more Sunday fun. The ATV is a favorite for different kinds of entertainment.

As the boys explored the woods, they discovered a camera had been set up, probably by Taylor students who did not know they had wandered beyond university property lines. We had fun looking at the stored  photos over a period of a few months of seasonal changes, a variety of wildlife, including the most recent surprises!

 So much for a fun week. How was yours?