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 5: #47

This was the week of our 47th wedding anniversary. Routines continued as usual at this time of year, Mike waking at 4:30 AM or so to work on the problems weighing heavily on his mind and going in to the team shop almost daily. He oversees so many aspects of building the robot and the game field, as well as trying to keep the team running smoothly. 

It was week four of build season and their goal was to have a functioning robot by Saturday.

Even so, there were some sweet surprises: cards, flowers, many greetings on Facebook, and more.

Leah's painted rocks, a hearts puzzle,

Monday is my teaching day. Mike took this picture last week. I was comparing several textbooks.(Confession--only four of the photos this week are mine.) 

"Rita's new 4 monitor display"  Mike

After lesson planning all morning and then teaching four hours in the afternoon, I am always happy to go to Stephan's Monday Night Dinner. Alone this time, but worth the drive for the food, fun and laughter with friends. And the drive is not so bad with a good book to listen to and a beautiful sunset.

Tuesday, January 31st, the actual day of our anniversary, and also a team work day, would have been uneventful, but for a strong impression that had been brewing in my heart and mind all month--to take the party to MadJax, as a family! (I had checked beforehand with those in the know to make sure it wouldn't seriously disrupt the intense work schedule if we came during their half hour break time,) Stephan created a very meaningful centerpiece for our surprise celebration.

"My parents, Mike and Rita have been married 47 years today. This sculpture was created to celebrate both the longevity of their marriage and the fact that my dad is the lead Mentor for the Phyxt Gears Robotics club. I consider my parents' long commitment to each other to be one of the greatest gifts they've bestowed upon me." Stephan

Michael was surprised, maybe even in shock! And deeply honored to have his family see the work he does and loves so much.

It was the best gift ever to have the family together. Only a few were missing or came later.

Rebecca made herself right at home and especially liked following Moriah around or "working" with her. Safety glasses are required (even for toy bears).

Rebecca: "Is this Mecanum wheel oriented correctly?" Moriah: "You sure are cute." (Mike)

I don't have much else to say about the rest of the week, except for the usual--Michael roboticking and me putzin'.

I was thrilled to see that Sam has been able to work on what he loves--skateboards! Notice new colors and graphics. The top right design is based on Genesis 3:15--God speaking to the serpent, announcing His plan of salvation for mankind. 

Saturday was Leah's birthday. We will celebrate as a family next week. However, I did post a greeting on Facebook along with an old photo that reminded so much of Rebecca.

I attended a directed painting event at Let There Be Art, a studio out in the country. I got lost on the way there and was an hour late. Poor Leah never found it! We will have to try again another time.

And now, on to Superbowl fun. I think I'll root for Atlanta. We have friends there.

2014 Week 6: Snow Days and Birthdays

The snow, ice, cold temperatures, or all of the above, have given me a good reason to stay indoors. I left the house only twice.
Try as we may we haven't been able to celebrate birthdays in the usual all-family way. As a result I accomplished more in the way of cleaning and writing.

On the other hand, Mike trudged into Muncie as usual during robot build-season. This is one of the photos Team 1720 posted this week. Looks like Mentor Mike was not wearing the team shirt.

Monday we had hoped to celebrate two birthdays at Stephan's regular weekly meal, but Leah couldn't be there.
Elijah got his wish, however, montecristos and ice cream cake.
I sat at the small red table with the little ones. After they'd had enough to eat they began to bang their plates with their forks.

Tuesday was Leah's birthday. She liked the soft fuzzy woolen hat and gloves I made her.

Wednesday was a snow day. This squirrel jumped down and slammed into our bedroom window.

Perhaps it wanted me to look out at the beautiful view.

The smudges in the lower left are from the cat. It also knows where we sleep and how to wake us up.

We did have another Sam-scare that day. His incision was still leaking and they became concerned due to the color of the fluid. To be safe they were told to go back to the hospital in Indy. Thank God it was only a false alarm. I was prepared to babysit if needed, but big brother Malachi was home as school was cancelled for the day.

Thursday I began to write the story of our courtship, "Twelve Barrels: A Love Story." It has required a lot more digging to accurately record some long forgotten yet important details. I am so grateful that the album with our love letters was preserved even through the house fire!

I know I promised a post about the 12 barrels, but I am still working on that piece, and having second thoughts about publishing it on the blog.

Friday afternoon I headed to Sam and Kristie's to stay with the boys so that Mom and Dad could take off for a well-deserved getaway.

We enjoyed a beautiful sunset as we were eating supper.

Saturday was the changing of the guard. The other grandma arrived in the afternoon and I drove home.

Daughter Leah was raving about the snow maze 'her boys' (Skye and his friends) had created in the field behind their house. I gathered the photos she'd been posting on Facebook for this collage. Only an aerial view could do justice to the energetic project of these teenagers.

After Mike got home from a long day with the robotics team, we went over to witness the 'opening night.'
Close to a dozen kids had played a few rounds of capture the flag. Leah had a fire going. By 10:00 PM the fun was winding down. We were thrilled to catch a glimpse of what had been--young people enjoying wholesome outdoor activity even in the cold!

Not all present were willing to be in the picture. I hear, however, that they want to do this again.
Leah, the proud mama in the pink, is already working hard on yet another very creative activity. The Christmas tree, kept alive as long as possible, is being transformed into a Valentine Tree. She is inviting people to stop by and fill out decorated hearts with messages to friends and loved ones which are then attached securely to the tree which will go outdoors on the 14th. On that day there will be sharpies and hearts available for those who stop by. And, who knows, you may find a valentine addressed to you!
I picked up a few hearts to fill out.

It snowed again last night. Michael plowed the driveway this morning as usual before we went to church. The side piles are growing.

We are determined to enjoy and make the most of this real winter while it lasts.