Week 48: Thanksgiving

 The weather has definitely changed. Tis the season to cozy up with a cup of hot coffee/chocolate or. . . 

. . . a London Fog or Green Matcha at Common Grounds Cafe with a friend. We tried this nook in the loft.

Petey and I try to meet weekly but lately with the arrival of her new grandbaby, our meetings are less frequent, but always such a blessing. 

Moriah left us this week. Students will finish the semester finals from home. This is an old photo where she's ready for work at Chick-Fil-A.  

Preparations for Thanksgiving began. Our family gathering was smaller, but the turkey was huge. Michael was in charge of cooking the bird. He also baked a beautiful cherry berry pie.

I spent considerable time in the kitchen, prepared a couple special menu items and got any cooking /baking urges out of the way for a while. 

What we can never get enough of is family fellowship. We miss the gatherings we used to have, but grateful for what we were able to enjoy on Thanksgiving.  

Of course, the center of attention was the baby in the family--Kalani 8 months 10 days old. He hangs on to a little scooter thing and moves dangerously fast! He'll probably be walking by Christmas. Watch out everybody!

Diane spent Wednesday through Saturday with us. She loves spending time with family. Here you see the siblings at table. 

Speaking of siblings, it was good to communicate with Michael's older brother who is always so faithful to call us.

Friday we enjoyed walking the Upland trail.

Saturday after I'd worked at Helping Hand, I was so glad to be home in time to see these two before they took off on a date--Elijah and Ruby.

Michael was gone on his usual Saturday bike ride with the Muncie group--56 miles this time. 

It was such a beautiful sunny day. Diane and I walked the path through our woods.

That evening when we took her back home, we drove through the Walkway of Lights in Marion.

After many many months, probably several years, Michael is back at it! Can you guess what he is making? 

How did you celebrate the holiday? 

Birthdays

Cousin Karin's Sunday bouquet

 Monday morning I woke up and began singing Happy Birthday to myself. Then I said, "Let's go to Cracker Barrel for breakfast." This is rather uncharacteristic, my behavior, my idea. But we went!

I wrote a birthday post based on one of my father's messages.

It was a good day filled with many good wishes. The finale was when we went to Stephan and Karen's for Monday Night Dinner. As we arrived they were singing "76 Trombones." The special plate awaited me. Stephan served a delicious meal and Karen a delectable Crème Brûlée for dessert.

Michael unfortunately had to deal with a broken phone. Off and on throughout the week he's been working on making ear savers and filling several orders. 

A 3,500 order to ship to Chicago

Our lovely neighbors came over for some honey, and a few rides on the zip line.

Did you know that May 20 was World Bee Day? A friend sent me the link to a coloring contest.

My bones, at least in my ankle, are healing well. However, I had to have two teeth extracted, and now have these little temporary ones for four to six months while the post and bone grafting heal. I'm not thrilled but other scenarios are far worse than mine.

Our lovely daughter got some test results this week that lead to a long journey ahead. She is coping with the symptoms as best she knows, and facing each step forward with as much courage as possible.

Michael has enjoyed the Saturday bike rides with a small group out of Muncie. This week they rode close to 90 miles. However, he took a tumble and may have a broken rib.

I ventured out to the store and met Skye and Destiny, getting salad fixin's for their contribution to our family get together Sunday.

What a lovely pasta salad. Thanks, Destiny!

Kalani was introduced to everyone. He is two months old now.

Skye's cute little family

Steph n' Karen 

Nana Leah

Sam n' boys

Oh, but one is missing. Where is he?

Aha! Elijah found a Ruby! 

Oh, my, I am missing pics of a few family members. I do believe, however, that I got to talk with each one. That is my goal and what I treasure in my heart.

I may have captured some of the others in the video of them singing the crazy Koch birthday song.

 Actually they were singing for all the birthdays we missed in March as well as Michael's only two days away. Sorry, no photo of the other cake.