Transitions

We had a few beautifully sunny days and somewhat warmer days, very inviting to go out for walks. 

Michael also took advantage of clear days to continue felling trees, cutting up huge logs, splitting wood, adding to the winter supply.

Most other days he was at Stephan's hanging light fixtures.

Son Sam worked there also installing kitchen cabinets.

Karen continues to blog about the house-progress.

I spent a few days on my various blogs. This weekly one is the least time-consuming. The two versions of my life stories, English and Spanish required more time to edit, review the translation and schedule to publish chapter 19 - Life in the Big House - for the December 1st deadline. 

Wednesday was the last Basics program for the year. Rebecca and I got to hang out together. When I dropped her off at home after, I realized I hadn't taken a picture in her holiday outfit, so she posed for me in front of their lovely Christmas tree. (Oops, her head is falling off ;-)

The robotics team is gearing up for the new season to begin in early January so they transitioned to two meetings per week. I stopped by on my way home from Muncie and enjoyed seeing how much fun the students were having putting the robot back together.

As I walked out, I looked through old photos and found this one of Sam from the time Elijah had been on the team. 

I had just spent time with Sam. He joined me at a meeting in Muncie. I was greatly relieved to hear from him the doctor's assessment of the recent MRIs. Comparing the recent ones with the previous ones taken in 2016, he did not see a significant enough change in the cyst to warrant any action. This is a great relief.

Friday evening we welcomed Bethany who is on home assignment from her work in Tanzania with Mavuno Village, a family-style orphanage.

We found out she loves to play games too. So we had a fun time playing Splendor first. Then she introduced us to a new game she had with her--AZUL.

Saturday she began her long drive to Philadelphia after more good conversation at breakfast and a quick selfie. We are truly grateful for the friends who find their way to our home, the blessing of living in the Crossroads of America.

Saturday evening we attended a Christmas performance at The Commons Theatre in Alexandria. Our friend Tamara was one of the directors (and I borrowed this photo from her FB page).

As if Michael had not done enough, at the end of a busy Sunday, he decided to make bread!

"What kind shall I make? What shall I listen to in the process?"

We slowly transition from Thanksgiving to Christmas. I envy those who are able to decorate the day after Thanksgiving. Somehow it has never worked for me. What about you?

2015 Week 14: Holy Week

A week set apart to reflect on Jesus' last days: torment, trial, torture, and triumph over sin and death!

I went back over photos taken in Spain of some of the stations of the Cross in the Santuario de San Miguel de Aralar, and found Scriptures that related to each scene. This is one of many. It represents termination, "It is finished."

We watched the first episode of AD: the Bible continues. The scene that stuck with me was that of Joseph of Arimathea, "a prominent member of the Sanhedrin who was himself looking forward to the kingdom of God, came and boldly went in to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body. Pilate was surprised that he was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him whether He had already died. When he found out from the centurion, he gave the corpse to Joseph." (Mark 15) Did Joseph realize in giving up his own tomb that Jesus would rise and that this burial was fulfilling prophecy? "they made His grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death." (Isaiah 53:9)

The week moved on at its usual, if not fuller, pace. 

Monday, we did not have dinner at Stephan's as they were in Madison, Wisconsin, attending a Tiny House convention.

We needed to pick up a piece of equipment in Yorktown and saw a wood carving Stephan started after cutting down a tree for a friend. 

Heron Bench

 Then we dined out at Red Lobster, perhaps my first time, and really enjoyed the Lobsterfest.

Tuesday, the robotics team was allowed six hours to work on their robot. The plan was to make changes that would improve the speed. Again, I could follow the goings on in the workshop live.

Intense and risky indeed. By the end of the six hours, the robot was not completely put back together and functioning, such challenges and deadlines like engineers face all the time. Next, they were allowed five work-hours at State championships Thursday evening before qualifying matches on Friday.

Wednesday, the Tapping Nannas had their second performance at the Senior Center lunch.

My computer suffered serious damage this week. Mike spent hours restoring it. I had to locate and reload programs to meet my writing deadline for the week. Amazingly, the task was finished in time.

No wonder, my friend Alma prayed for me so I could drive her Thursday to the orthopedic doctor in Fort Wayne. She hoped to be released to drive, and she was! After multiple bone fractures and surgeries, it is a miracle she can still walk, even if a cane must remain her BFF!

We ate lunch at Las Cebollas.

Thursday, for TBT, I posted this on Facebook:

Today would have been my father's 94th birthday. I revisited this photo of my graduation from Normal School, my high school in Argentina, 1963. I pinned a flower on his lapel and he an emblem on my guardapolvo, school uniform. 

My handsome Daddy looks so intent on performing his duty.

That same night, Mike's stepsister Carol ended her battle with cancer. They were best buddies growing up. Mike spent summers with his Dad's family and the two of them had many adventures together.

We are saddened, yet grateful that we had one short last visit some weeks ago.

Friday and Saturday were big days for Team 1720. They played a total of 18 matches and made it to the semi-finals!

I listened online as I cleaned house, stopping every time PhyXTGears was on to watch intently barely breathing until the stack of six totes and a recycling bin was safely delivered to the corresponding platform. 

Drive team assembling and setting up the robot                                                           Human player helps carry it off the field

John, the drive coach, strategyzing with alliance driver

To learn more about the team and how much these young people are learning you can listen to this excellent radio interview: Robot Battles.

Two big surprises awaited them in the award ceremony:

Michael the last team member to make the round and be congratulated by judges and referees

The invitation to World Championships in St. Louis later this month, took them completely by surprise. Now, they must decide whether they can come up with the money and make plans to go!

Driver Ryan is beaming!

Meanwhile, I was in Greentown attending the wedding or our close friends, the Cratons, daughter Elizabeth. We've known Bob and Linda since before they were married and reminisced on their wedding over thirty six years ago when I was eight months pregnant!

Mr. and Mrs. John Bahler

Resurrection Sunday! A day to celebrate! "just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in a new way of life." (Romans 6:4b)

Stephan posted his latest ice sculpture on Facebook with this explanation: 

The tradition of painted Easter Eggs continues. When an egg opens it brings forth new life just like Jesus coming out of the grave. Happy Easter!

To enjoy and laugh listen to the radio interview with Stephan, click on Ice Man.

We celebrated as a family, all except Sam's gang. I just couldn't wait till next week to share some pics.

Easter bib and dress, smiling eyes, but Rebecca insists on chewing fingers or toys

Matching Mother-Daughter outfits

Our Easter hats

Afternoon entertainment: Take One; Farkle at the other end, not picture; and the ever present smart phone.

Reader, if you made it this far you are truly a good friend! Bless you! But there is one more photo:

Jimmy's new teeth and new smile!

Okay, caught up at last! ¡Hasta pronto!