2016 Week 46: Friends, Family, Fun

No more fresh flower bouquets to share, but only ones I colored on my weekly page.

The saying is fitting for our week--beautiful weather, fun times with friends and family.

We enjoyed gorgeous sunshine and record high temperatures for November, until the weekend.
I wanted to see how our real live birds were faring then, and capture the flurrying snow.

We enjoyed two musicals: one Sunday afternoon at Taylor University Theatre, and another at Delta High School Friday evening.

A view of Taylor campus during intermission

Otherwise the week was full of routine chores and necessary seasonal tasks.

Bi-weekly  recycle bin return                                                                               Annual winterizing vent closure

Michael's load is continually heavy with the responsabilities he carries for the robotics team, and increasingly so this week with the upcoming BIG move.
Even so, he planned a day off. In the morning we picked up the Cratons and met other OM friends from long ago, the Bankers, at Pokagon State Park. We planned to eat at the Potawatomi Inn. Upon arrival we saw the parking lots full of cars, we wondered whether we should have called ahead. There was a conference going on with 200 attendees. No problem, enough food and space for us too.

We had a wonderful time catching up, reminiscing, laughing, telling stories and could have gone on all afternoon.

Dennis and Donna Banker, the Kochs, Linda and Bob Craton
(Some hairdos seem wind-proof, not mine!)

We had to get home for the next big event--Malachi's and Lexi's performance in Fiddler on the Roof!

Hodel and Perchik                                                                                  The Edens

What a great surprise to reconnect with a couple from our country line-dance circles from years ago! Ya'akov was a professor in the dance and theatre department for 40 years!
I first met him when, in my very early days of teaching as a graduate assistant at Ball State, one of my students invited me to her performance and took me back stage to meet him.
Always a beloved teacher, now in retirement, he helped the Delta Troupers not only with the choreography but also with understanding of his own Jewish culture. He spoke highly of them, "They're great kids. They were like sponges taking it all in. Tell them once and they do it."
Several mentioned their gratitude in their program notes.
Malachi: "Thank you Mr. Eden for giving us so many helpful tips and support."
Ya'akov told us that the thank you card this large cast (55) wrote him moved them both deeply.

Saturday--the BIG MOVE began, from the shop at Morrison Mock to the new shop at MadJax, nearly three times bigger.
These are photos from last week when they were moving in the auction purchases. So I imagined them on this blustery day wearing jackets, maybe wool hats and gloves,

So ends a good week.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving week, y'all!

2015 Week 2: Frigid!

Serious winter weather moved in this week--subzero temps and some snow. Many school closings or two-hour delays.
Otherwise, life goes on as usual although we tend to not go out unnecessarily. I did make it to a few usual appointments, driving carefully.
Nothing has stopped the robotics team from moving forward. They meet Tuesday and Thursday evenings and all day Saturday. They brainstormed, came back with possible designs, discussed, decided on one, and got to work. Five weeks to go!

Last week, before the snow, we had this visitor to our woods.

Red Tail Hawk (?)

Throughout the week we have enjoyed watching various birds.

Huddled doves on the coldest day

Enjoying the sun

Staying indoors (and not teaching this semester!) has given me more time to work on long standing projects. Last year's blook arrived this week to add to the collection. These now replace the photo albums I used to put together annually years ago. Next project is to take those pre-blog somewhat-ruined-by-the-house-fire photo albums and remake them.

Most Fridays, unless something comes up, I get together with a neighbor lady. We went to a fun coffee house in the neighboring town. Someone was selling infinity scarves for a fund raiser and we both bought one--a stylish reminder of our fun times together.

We started something new this week--a game night! We had such fun at our Christmas gatherings that we decided to make it a more regular event. Part of the inspiration comes from the success of Stephan and Karen's Monday meals to build community.

This time Grandpa Mike taught us a new game he's been researching--Resistance.

Malachi's girlfriend joined us for this fun evening.
I love Malachi's expressions. Hmmm. . .he should think about going into theater.

I love seeing the cousins together.

Los primos

And of course, we ALL love seeing Rebecca, though no one is more possessive than Nanna Leah.

Rebecca weighs 14 lbs. now, and according to the doctor is the most observant baby she has seen in a long time.

A Friday game night makes it very convenient for the young grandsons to spend the night at Grandma and Grandpa's. Mom and Dad can put the little ones down to sleep and Grandma can enjoy them Saturday morning. Those little guys are a lot of fun, so curious and observant, growing, learning. We are so privileged to have them close by.
Daddy Sam came around lunch time to take them home. Look at those little faces. Notice the UGG boots and head gear. Do you think they 're ready for the extreme temps?

It is Sunday afternoon. I am in my loft writing-area looking out at the bleak winter landscape. I sit here worried and wondering why Mike hasn't made it back yet from helping the woman who got stuck in the driveway. From where I am I cannot see past a certain point, even with the many windows.
Suddenly a Facebook notification comes up and this image appears. A young family friend who is with the wrecking service has posted a photo of what I cannot see. I message back and forth and learn that Mike is okay, from all appearances. I still worry because of his constant cough and the sinus headache he has today.

Later: Mike is back and is okay. Two vehicles got stuck. Always visitors who do not know how to negotiate our driveway.

2014 Week 36: Labor Day . . .

The day began earlier than usual for us with the annual race. Mike made a brave effort but the hip pain returned very early. Again I beat all the other females my age who did not show up.

Another t-shirt, another medal

I could have walked in the parade with several groups, but chose the Upland Greenway. Mike is on the committee working hard to join sections of the trail that would bring it through Upland.

We enjoyed hanging out by Leah's house to watch the rest of the parade and visit with family and friends.
Rebecca Rose slept through all the attention.

Two great grandmas cuddle the little sleeping beauty

And was well protected by three body guards. Can you see two of them? The third one is on the other side, of course.

Labor Day officially marks the end of summer activities. The weather and other changes will follow.

The flower garden at the end of summer

We've enjoyed watching the birds as we eat breakfast. Some wait their turn, others fight for theirs.

Stephan delivered this ice sculpture to an event and then stopped by on his way home.

Butter Flies

Michael finally got some relief from the recurring hip pain. The chiropractor and ex-rays determined what was causing it. He goes back a couple times this week for further adjustments.

Mother, however, has been dealing with vertigo for a week or so and still no relief. We went to see her Friday to be there when the therapist was  scheduled to see her, but she did not come.

Saturday we went to Malachi's cross country meet. It was a huge invitational with 71 teams, 2016 runners total--small and big schools, girls and boys. He did well, a second personal record in a week!

We took in yet another town festival in neighboring Matthews--the Covered Bridge Festival. Michael walked considerably more than he has been able to although he did stop and rest for intervals.
We met up with many people we know, always a lot of fun.

So, teaching is going well although I am still exploring the new text book and all the resources available.

Here's one of the questions the students are learning and I ask you, ¿Qué hay de nuevo? (What's new?)