2017 Week 51: Twas the week before Christmas . . .

. . .a very full week of preparing for Christmas: most of the shopping for gifts; final details of decorations; food preparation; still sending receiving letters and cards; and the internet abuzz with greetings from around the globe. All this required intentional focus and very steady plodding. And thus didn't feel rushed. We were even able to do several extras.

For some years now Michael is invited to share a pottery lesson in the first grade Sunday School around this time of year. I joined in toward the end and helped a little with the final steps of the project they did this year. The four boys enjoyed the lesson and the hands-on activity. One especially hung around afterwards and showed appreciation. He then turned to me and asked, "Do you live with that guy?" Yes, I thought, I'm very fortunate indeed! And said, "Yes, we've been married almost 48 years."

That evening we ventured out with our tandem and joined the tail end of the crowd of riders taking off from Broad Ripple in Indianapolis. The 20-mile Luminary ride was well attended this year, some 50-70 bicycles all lit up and decorated, one of them even playing Christmas music the whole way. Weather in the lower 40s was good for most. However, three hours of it was a bit much for me.
Michael asked,  "Are you sorry?" "No," I said, "but I'm smarter." It was the kind of experience that is more enjoyable in retrospect!

A couple days later as I was having lunch with Mother and telling her about the ride, her table mate spoke up and said, "My husband and I rode bicycles all the time." And went on to tell of riding regularly, and longer on weekends, and doing 300 mile treks carrying their things in panniers like we have done. At 96, a widow for some time now, Geraldine says, "I never imagined I'd be an invalid."

I had gone up that morning to attend Mother's rehab conference. Everyone in charge of her care says she is doing well, but will she with time make the necessary progress to move back to her Assisted Living apartment? We want what is best for her.

One of my shopping trips took me to Muncie. I stopped in to deliver some things and visit with Kristie and the boys. Elijah wanted to play the Christmas songs he was practicing for our family get together. 

Notice, Kristie is wearing her work "uniform"--jeans and t-shirt with logo of the ABA clinic where she works.

I promised a view of our Christmas tree. By Saturday the gifts were wrapped and waiting, in record time, the earliest ever, because my craft room/gift center had to be ready for Diane's arrival that afternoon.

Last year's family Christmas included this portrayal of the shepherds and angels praising God, and a little lamb unsure of what's going on. 

I used that photo for our 2017 Christmas card.

If this blog post weren't so late, I'd say, "Merry Christmas!" But at this late date, it is more appropriate to wish you all a Happy New Year!

2016 Week 11: Sir Plus

At the beginning of the week I brought in just a couple flowers.

Almost the very next day there was an explosion of daffodils.

We are now officially in spring!

Monday, we were entertained by a little visitor in our tap class.

Tuesday we started a second 8-week Spanish class, 102. Always good to be reminded of the Spanish vowel sounds.

Wendesday, Michael did not work with the kids at the Red Barn. He just left some ideas and instructions for the college girls that help out there, and brought home some of his new pieces to add to the collection.

He then went on to Muncie to work on the robot. He worked many extra hours and very late nights (5 out of  7) to get Sir Plus ready for their first competition.

Thursday
While he was having fun helping his young roboteers solve problems, I was entertained by my estudiantes,  like this scene--fighting over who will read the paragraph! Imagine that!

Who won?

Friday the members of the drive team took off for Warren Central HS to set up their pit and keep working on Sir Plus--an unending task!

They spent the night in Indianapolis and were joined the next morning by the rest of the team, mentors and many parents--a great cheering section.
I could not be there this time, but at the end of each day I watched all their matches online.

We were able to arrange for our planetarian friend, Kyle, to offer two presentations at the Red Barn Friday evening, actually inside the special dome.

Stories the Greeks made up about the constellations

Saturday 
My Christmas present from Kristie was, at my request, an outing with all my girls. She gave us gift certificates for pedicures.We were finally able to arrange a time that suited us all, even so Leah was not able to make it. We had such a fun time, we decided we'd do it again before summer, with Leah!

Your challenge is to match the feet to the women. 

I wonder if the husbands can recognize their wife's feet?

I had two other important commitments over the weekend. When I finally was able to relax and watch the progress of the robotics competition, I had already read the exciting news on Facebook:

"We won we won we won!!!!!! Thanks 868 and 1024!!!!!!" 

They were the last team picked to round out the # 1 seeded alliance. The other two teams had been hoping they would still be available for the pick!

Over the course of the competition, as usual, there were problems with the robot and what they thought would be its strengths, didn't work. So they focused on other roles they could do well.
The alliance demonstrated wonderful team work.
This is Mike's 11th year with the team, their first time to make it to finals, and their first win!

"We won the 2016 Judges award at district this year!!!! WHOOOOOO"

I think the judges liked all the Sir Plus bling!

And, last but not least, Mike is one of the finalists nominated for the top mentor award.

It's amazing that Mentor Mike survived this intense week while trying to get over a serious head cold and cough. Today he finally went to the doctor and is being treated for a sinus infection.

Another competition is coming up later this week!

2015-2016 Welcome the New Year!

Our 46th wedding anniversary is coming up at the end of January, in the middle of robot build-season, six intense weeks living in survival mode. So we decided to get away for a couple days after Christmas.
We stayed at the Oakwood Resort on Lake Wawasee Sunday through Tuesday on the third floor.

Our breakfast table

We could see our room from the breakfast nook.

Monday was a cold and blustery day, a mixture of sleet, rain, and high winds. Driving was slow and hazardous. Even so we ventured out to visit our consuegro in Michigan City.

That evening, back in our room, we watched football and put together a 3D puzzle we had purchased the day before. Mike had really wanted to try the 3D challenge. Ha! It turned out to be the easiest puzzle we ever worked on! Each piece is numbered on the back and has an arrow indicating the direction for the next placement.

Notice Arentina in the front!

After checking out on Tuesday we spent some time in downtown Winona Lake, ate at Cerulean's, strolled by the canal, looked in some shops and then went to visit Mother and brother Alan.

Seaweed Teriyaki

The last day of the year was the second annual shopping trip with the older grandsons. Will there be a third?

We welcomed the New Year quietly at home, watching TV.
In the morning a visitor ventured close.

Saturday we had more visitors--our friends the Eichers! They enjoy our woods.

Both father and son tried swinging around the tree!

Ah, but Mom Neeru had a fun pottery lesson after treating us to a delicious Indian meal.

Master potter Mike taught a different group the next day in Sunday School, the first grade class.
Their lesson was from Jeremiah 18 where he was told to go to the potter's house. God had something to teach the prophet. I think the children learned a lot too and had fun making a little pinch pot themselves.

As we face this new year, I wait expectantly to see what the heavenly Potter wants to do in our lives as He molds and makes us into His image.

2015 Week 30: Visitor and Conference

We had a special visitor from the Basque Country stay with us a couple days.

Monday we drove around to each of our family members' homes. They've all moved since Irati was here last.

First we stopped to see Leah. 

Next, Kayla. . .

But the little munchkin stole the show.

Then we went to Stephan and Karen's "farm" and as cute and soft as the bunnies were, Irati was not very interested.

Nor did she care about the chickens. Not even Foghorn the rooster could get her attention. Nova the cat showed a lot more interest in the hens.

Later we got to observe Kayla in action as a dance instructor in three classes of different ages and styles. We especially wanted to see Zion in the tap class.

"It's summer" (from movie Frozen)

Finally, we ended up at Sam and Kristie's house, had dinner with them, including entertainment!

El mago Elijah

We missed Sam. He was working in Michigan all week.

Tuesday's plans were changed somewhat, so instead of a longer trip, we went to a county fair and introduced Irati to that aspect of American culture.

"Irati, is that what you think of the fair or of being photographed?"

Of course, we had to try fair food. I had never seen spiral potatoes like these.

On the way back we stopped to see Sam's shop and skateboard area.

Irati examining the bowl

One more stop to show our friend the pottery studio where Mike works with kids.

Remember the clay figure I thought he was going to recycle? Looks like the poor guy's been rescued and given a second chance.

Wednesday a large envelope arrived in the mail with old family photographs. This one of my grandfather and two uncles was enclosed by mistake. I had never seen it. The younger boy, my uncle Dan, still lives and is quite active and involved for his 97 years.

The next three days, I attended the annual Midwest Writers Workshop in Muncie for the fourth time. I had been hesitant to register, but Michael said, "Why wouldn't you go?" So, trusting that I was meant to be there, I rose early, drove the half hour there and back each day and sat through many sessions.

Thursday, by mid afternoon break I had to go out and sit in the car until my feet had thawed out.
No more sandals, only socks and enclosed shoes the next two days, and sweaters.
They say they have no control over the air conditioning in the building. (Or is it that they want to sell more MWW sweatshirts?)

The entire conference was very beneficial--excellent and practical sessions, great new friends in "my tribe" (who write in the same genre), and fun times!

Only a few of the wonderful writers I met

I came home greatly encouraged and motivated to continue telling stories through my writing.

Meanwhile, Michael had a root canal, an appointment with his doctor and more x-rays. They're still trying to figure out what is causing the painful episodes.

Looks like Stephan has kept busy. I'm glad he posts these photos on Facebook and doesn't mind if I share them with my readers.

What surprises await us all in Week 31? Come back next week.