Saturday, December 26, 2020

Saturday's Scribbles

Good Saturday to you from our corner of Iowa where we managed to have a white Christmas after all.  We reached a balmy 47 degrees mid week and then the next day we were seeing a temperature of 8 degrees with 1/2 inch or so of the white stuff.  With wind chills at -26 we were reminded that winter does come to Iowa!  

Monday, the 21st, we drove out into the country to observe the North Star.  It was a small bright light in the sky when we saw it.  From there we drove about 20 minutes to a beautiful tree of lights you could see from the Interstate.  We drove down to it, and it was amazing to see.  From there we drove to a small town to enjoy a street they call "Candy Cane Lane" because of all the decorations and candy canes made of lights!  That evening was our one Christmas adventure for 2020.   

Christmas Eve day we made our pies and were able to watch three of our grands reading scriptures for their Christmas Eve service.  Then we watched the service at Lutheran Church of Hope.  We also were able to see a video recording of our oldest daughter playing keyboard and two of our grands and our son-in-law harmonizing to Silent Night at an outdoor service in the park that their church held with the temperature at 8 degrees and the wind chill at -10!  A cold night with people dedicated to worshiping our Lord!  We had a long talk (not walk) down memory lane with our oldest son later in the evening,  


Christmas day night we Zoomed with some of our family and today we Zoomed with our full time RVer friends.  Was so great to see our family and to catch up with friends who are living a life of travel and service.  Isn't Zoom an amazing gift??

Speaking of gifts, I purchased a book for my hubby this Christmas titled, "If You Lived Here You Would Be Home By Now", by Christopher Ingraham.  It's a great story about a Washington Post writer who moved from the commuting world in D.C. to a small town in northern Minnesota with his family.  It has touched us both as we reminisce about life in rural America where Joel spent his childhood and most of his ministry.  We highly recommend it.  

So this week we have much to be grateful for.  Lights.....in the sky, on a tree, and down a lane.  Grateful for Zoom, a warm house, virtual visits with some of our family, phone calls, a long catch up with friends, presents under the tree and pumpkin pie in our bellies.  So grateful for being able to hear some of our grands sing and read, and speaking of reading, getting lost in a book.  Grateful for Jesus coming to earth as a baby who would one day walk on water.  Would deliver our sons and daughters........Would save a nation, a world.  So grateful for the great I AM!  


Enjoy your weekend!

Thursday, December 24, 2020

Revisiting Worship In The Little Rockies

 Almost every year I repost what I wrote about our favorite Christmas worship service.  While living in Montana Joel was able to officiate at a Christmas service up in the "Little Rockies" of Zortman, Montana.  We will never forget this unique, picturesque time of worship. It was so beautiful, so powerful......I hope you enjoy reading about it as we wish you Merry Christmas Eve!


                          



When my husband was in the seminary we spent his Internship year in North Central Montana. Malta’s Parish consisted of four main Lutheran churches, a hot springs resort chapel, and a tiny church in Zortman, Mt. ~ a historic mining town nestled in the foothills of the Little Rocky Mountains. Joel and his internship pastor ministered to all of these areas covering many miles each week.

The services at Zortman were held once a month, with most people driving around 75 miles across gravel roads to attend church and worship together. The small Catholic church sat on the top of a high hill and was one of only a few buildings in this small town. I believe at that time there were 9 full time residents in the village. People from the surrounding area often came to enjoy what the Little Rockies had to offer, and the small café/bar provided nourishment when they visited. We had the privilege of being a part of the Christmas service the year we were there, and it is stored away in our memories forever.

Our family drove the long distance through snow and freezing temperatures that December, arriving with many others shortly before the service. Everyone gathered at the local cafe beforehand, with all of us dressed for the bitter cold in snowmobile suits, snowsuits, insulated underwear, heavy boots, scarves, and warm mittens. When it was time for the services to begin, everything in the little town closed up. It was dark outside, and as we left the cafe many of us were given lanterns to carry up the long hill to the church. We were one of the last families to leave, and in doing so we were able to watch the glowing lights move up the steep winding path as the people walked the trail to the church. As each person carrying a lantern entered the sanctuary, the church filled up with light. What a beautiful sight to see! 

Once we arrived in the sanctuary, we all huddled together on benches to keep warm. The wood burning potbelly stove, which stood in the corner of the room, gave off a warm glow and provided the only heat in the church. Our hymns of Christmas joy were especially meaningful as we sang along to the old pump organ. Joel's breath was visible as he preached the Christmas message.  For many reasons, the Christmas story of Jesus being born in a humble stable held special meaning for us that night.

When services were over, we all walked back down the hill guided by the lanterns and moonlit sky. All those who attended then went into the local bar/café for coffee, dessert, and more fellowship together, before heading back out into the cold and traveling the long distance back home.





The service in the Little Rockies is forever a beautiful memory etched on our minds. Across the world people were coming together to worship our Lord and Savior and celebrate His birth. It did not matter whether we were worshiping in a big cathedral in New York City,  or a tiny “borrowed”  Catholic church in a small historic mining town in Montana. The focus was the same ~ giving glory to God for the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, our Lord!

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2016

Saturday, December 19, 2020

Saturday's Scribbles

Good Saturday to you from northern Iowa where we have now lived for 24 1/2 years.  How did that happen?  We are originally from Minnesota but with Joel's 8 years in the military and 40 years in the ministry we have lived in several states and overseas, but never longer than 6 1/2 years a.n,y.w.h.e.r.e. And here we are, almost a quarter century in a small micropolis ( somewhere between rural living and small city living). We thought living here was just a temporary stop like all the others.  God knew differently.

Oh, we tried to move.....Joel took another church, a larger congregation in a town 50 miles east of here but long long story short we ended up living here while Joel commuted a long distance to serve a congregation until Lyme disease put a stop to that.  Then we tried to move to Gold Canyon, Arizona but breast cancer came calling the first time, so we took our house off the market and stayed here.  My health has kept us here as I have battled cancer a couple more times.  Arizona no longer calls us to a permanent move, although we would love to spend winters there!

So here we are, coming upon Christmas 2020, year number 24 in Iowa and number 16 in this house.  Those are big numbers for people who have lived more of a gypsy lifestyle for most of their married life.  There were lots of great things about moving so often, but just as many not so great things either.  We have noticed that our children have moved very few times and are settled in their present locations for a long time I would expect. 

And back to Christmas.  Turning down our street in our association we are greeted with Christmas lights and friendly neighbors.  We love that.  We like living on the edge of towns when we can, and we are living just a couple minutes walking from the river and walking paths.  Our neighborhood is quiet, and with humor we call it Lutherhaven since so many of our neighbors are, and attend a large local Lutheran congregation.  It's a good place to be.  

Speaking of a good place to be, this past week Joel dropped me off at the eye clinic so I could see the retina specialist and get an eye shot.  It is usually a 1 1/2 hr wait as so many need to see the doctor and he is only here Monday mornings and Tuesdays.  It is amazing how many people have eye issues.  Anyway I brought in three bags of Christmas candy for the receptionist as they have a bowl for people to enjoy and in the past before CoVid, Joel would enjoy his share.....the nurse behind the counter thaned me and we chatted.  Then she offered me some one -time -use Christmas masks!  So fun!  She gave me so many I told her, "Oh you better save some..."  And she replied . "I don't plan to need them next year, Renee!"  We had a good laugh (behind masks and social distancing) while hoping she was right!

Speaking of Covid, I was surprised that it brought me to tears to watch the first people getting their vaccines this week.  I am not one to jump in on vaccines against things, especially since my Lyme specialist told me not to have the flu vaccine because of how my body reacts, but I think this vaccine carries a lot of hope for a hurting world.  It is one I hope to be able to get.  

Today Joel and I cut each other's hair once again.  Definitely not styled....but definitely trimmed and cut.  It is amazing what we can do when we need to!  What is the worst that can happen?  Hair grows....well, not much on the top of Joel's head and not enough on the top of mine since chemo....but all is good.

I have been reading about this flour that is supposed to be tolerated well by those with gluten sensitivities so I decided to order some of it from Sunrise Flour Mill ~ I ordered it and received it in less than 24 hours which blew my mind.  It is so costly it should be called "Gold" Meadow flour I, but  am looking forward to making some bread with it.....although it has been years since I have made yeast rising bread.  I actually made all our bread for a few years, even when I did day care.  Then it just got easier to buy it!  I think I need to quit watching the British Baking Shows!  I want to bake a lot more since tuning in to them......thus the organic heritage wheat flour that is sitting on my counter.

It is always good to hear from people we seldom see.  Cards come from Montana, Minnesota, South Carolina, Arizona, Iowa, WI, and a few other places.  Catching up is good, although this year we found out that two people we knew from Montana both died in the past 18 months.  They were an amazing couple who encouraged and supported Joel/us in his first 3 point parish in Montana.  So good, kind, and generous.  I am sure their families miss them.  We were also able to talk with a long time friend, Marge, whom we met with her husband Dick in Salt Lake City in the early 70's.  Another wonderful couple who encouraged and mentored us......So grateful for both these couples and for a long chat with Marge today.

So, giving thanks this week for Heritage Flour, the British Baking Show, old friends and the memories that surround them, fun Christmas masks to wear, the first vaccines, the staff at the Retina clinic, chatting and laughing with family, new hair cuts, and the gifts of the season.  So grateful.

Enjoy your weekend!

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Finding Joy


Last Friday as I sat back and closed my eyes, God showed me an old fashioned train.  I was standing on the platform and before me was a train filled with people.  I could clearly see only one person and it was like I knew who she was but didn't know at the same time.  The whole scene was in black and white and shades of grey. I remember moving back on the platform and thinking, "I don't want to be on that train."  As I watched the train, I heard the words, "Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice"......Then as I looked at the powerful locomotive, a bright beam of light appeared and moved back through each car of the train and the heaviness seemed to lift, people seemed more active, and the one woman I could see clearly gently smiled.  I tucked this away in my heart, waiting for more clarity on it.


This third week of Advent focuses on joy.  On Sunday we were watching livestream Lutheran Church of Hope and during the sermon the pastor put up on the screen Philippians 4:4. There is was again......Philippians 4:4 that tells us to "Rejoice always, and again I will say, rejoice."  We do so because the Lord is at hand as verse 5 tells us. The pastor went on to say that we find joy in God's Presence and in His promises. It certainly felt like God was trying to get my attention.

Some of the Christmas cards I had purchased this year had "Christmas Joy" written on the front of them and I kept thinking, how do I send these out as we grieve all the losses this year with CoVid.  The losses we have had in our family and extended families in the past two weeks with the death of my sister Jo, Gr. Jo/ Gi Gi,  to our kids and grandkids, the death of yet another great grandmother for some of our own grands, and the death in an in-law's family of their sister to CoVid.  So much loss, so much sadness.  Yet God was reminding me to rejoice always.  Not so easy to do.

We are not being asked to deny our circumstances, our sadness, or our fears, but in the midst of them we look to Jesus knowing that "the joy of the Lord is our strength" (Nehemiah 8:10).  We rejoice because in God's presence and His promises we are able to find the joy that eludes us in our circumstances.  Last December I began proton radiation treatments at Mayo Clinic.  We stayed at Hope Lodge during the week along with so many battling cancer.  One thing stood out for me when we were there, the joy still to be found in trying circumstances.  We were blessed by the stay, the people we met, the staff who cared for me.  So blessed.  Joy was present in the fellowship around meals, in the technicians who always were positive, in the Christmas music I listened to during treatments.  Joy was present. And today in the midst of a pandemic, in the midst of death and grief, in the midst of suffering and loss we turn our eyes upon Jesus and have joy in His presence and in His promises.  Joy in the memories we hold dear with those who have died.  Joy in the treasures we hold in our hands that were special.  Joy in knowing where our loved ones are celebrating Christmas this year.  We find joy in the depths of our sorrow because God is with us.  The Babe born in a manger gives us reason to rejoice.

So, knowing that God is with us gives us the courage and hope to grieve with a sense of joy.  Joy is not based on happiness, but on what we know.  And we know He is with us.  We know where our loved ones are.  We know we will see them again.  We know CoVid will end.  We know God has this.   In His presence and in His promises we find joy.  


Saturday, December 12, 2020

Saturday's Scribbles

Good Saturday to you from our corner of Iowa where the weather has turned cold, but the white stuff has still not arrived and we are okay with that. We have spent a few winters without snow over the years ..........when we lived in the Philippine Islands, Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Salt Lake City Utah. One year in the Philippines we had a big star pinata and were in shorts and tank tops as we gathered together with military friends.  Of course the snow makes for a prettier Christmas season, but it is still possible to celebrate without it!!! 

It will be a quiet Christmas this year as we stay home and as we grieve the death of Gr. Jo. She did love the Holidays and was able to be with family in the Twin Cities every year. I imagine they will especially feel her absence as they gather.  I can't help but ponder what it would be like to celebrate in Heaven! Oh, the music and joy to be heard!

Christmas 2020

Speaking of music, I am playing Christmas music as I write this. Our old favorite CD's are taken out of the drawer along with a small CD player at this time of year so we can reminisce with the Christmas sounds of Kenny G, Alabama, Vince Gill, Pentatonix, Sax by the Fire, and a few others.  We are enjoying having the house decorated and getting a little baking done.  Unfortunately, although the baking and eating tasks are enjoyable, my body easily gains weight with only one or two indulgences!

Speaking of indulgences(?), the past couple of weeks Joel has spent a lot of time in the garage shop working on small woodworking projects.  It will soon be too cold for those, but being we have a furnace in the garage I have a feeling nothing will stop him!  He loves having projects to do, he is not one to just sit around until after supper when the recliner then calls his name.  It's what keeps him strong and healthy!  He managed one more bike ride when it was a mere 38 degrees before putting away his recumbent for the winter.  We have gotten out for a few walks outside but mostly I walk here in the house.  A few deer have come through the yard, including 3 who snuggled up for two days in a row to rest in our yard. Joel loves when this happens ~ he just pulls up a chair and "meditates" on nature.  It always nourishes his soul.

I have not posted a Saturday's Scribbles since before Thanksgiving, but ours was a nice one, considering our kids did not come home as planned. Plans changed with CoVid.   We decided to have a traditional meal with turkey, dressing, rice, gravy, sweet potatoes, fruit salad and cranberries.  Plus some homemade pumpkin (for Joel) and sweet potato pie (for me).  I had to chuckle because when Joel went shopping I asked him to buy a large container of heavy whipping cream......in my mind it was a pint, but Joel came home with a quart of it!  Who knew it was a thing?  I need to get out more!

We started the day with a long fun visit with our oldest son and ended the day with a Zoom gathering with 4 of 5 of our kids.  We were able to visit with some of the grands too.  So fun!  Congrats to our oldest grandson who just graduated from college (early) with a degree in environmental engineering.  So proud of his hard work and just who he is.  All our grands do us proud!  

We made a trip to the Twin Cities to pick up a few things from Gr. Jo's apartment a week ago.  Joel had made her a coffee table many years ago so that is now in our family room.  We were able to visit with my sister Janelle ( masked of course) in the process. Gr. Jo loved her little apartment so much and cherished all her "treasures".  She would be happy to have them now in the hands of her family.  That trip was the first time I had traveled 2 hours (one way) in 16 months! Yeah, I'm a real world traveler!

About ten days ago we had our Internet switched to our cable company...bunding the TV, home phone, and Internet together.  They came out and set things up for us, which was so nice.  So, two days later Joel goes upstairs to take the pictures off his phone and put them on his laptop.  I was downstairs watching TV and all of a sudden Joel's pictures are coming across the TV!  What??  I told Joel and he tried to stop it and when he did, our TV went blank.  No TV, no Netflix, no Prime Video.....oh boy.  After trying to figure things out ourselves we called our cable company and got someone in a third world country to help us out........she was a sweetie and more importantly we could understand her.......so she spent a half hour getting us to get our TV back and running.  At the end, when I said to her, "Oh, it is BACK!!  Thank you!  You just saved our weekend!", I heard several people in the background, cheer and clap!   

Speaking of cheering and clapping, with the FDA giving emergency clearance for the CoVid vaccine I expect there are quite a few people cheering and clapping. My prayer is that it helped stop this horrible pandemic. We are beginning to know people who have died from this plague and it becomes very real then. Our prayers are with all those who are grieving or fighting hard to live.  Lord have mercy.

So this week, as cold weather gave us reason to dig out the soup pot, there is much to be grateful for.  Grateful for my sister Jo, her life and her legacy of love.  Grateful for Christmas decorations that bring us joy, for the smell of cookies, for a hubby who does projects for his family, for a vaccine that brings hope, for candles, old CD's, a new better Internet, for Advent, for Amazon deliveries, for deer that visit our yard,  memories of snowless Christmases and homemade chicken soup simmering on the stove.  So grateful................

Enjoy your weekend!

Wednesday, December 9, 2020

She Will Be Greatly Missed

 


Joey and Me

On December first my sister Joanne (Joey to me) went home to be with Jesus.  On that day we lost an amazing woman to complications from heart disease.  She fought a hard battle to stay here with all those she loved, but at age 87 her body just gave out. Oh, how we will miss this fun, strong, opinionated, loving woman who was passionate about her faith, her family, and her politics!

My sisters Jan, Joey, and Me

Joey, Grandma Jo to my children,  was 15 years older than me while my sister Jan is 11 years older. Joey held a unique place in my life.  When I was in 4th grade I moved in with her and her family the first time and spent several months there while my mom was battling alcoholism.  I lived with my mom in 5th grade but it was not going well, so when I was 12 I moved back into Joey's family, living there until I went off to Bible College, and in 1968 married Joel.  Her kids were close to me in age with the oldest only three years younger than me, so I became the oldest of the five of us and they became my siblings.  I am forever grateful to God for adding them into my life.  Those years not only brought me sisters and brothers whom I cherish, but a firm foundation of faith and the security of a family that I needed.  

Renee, Kay, Dick, Janelle, and Todd

The five of us with Joey


She loved her kids, grandkids, great grandkids and great-great grands very much and liked to call each of them on their birthdays to sing her special song.  She kept in touch as much as she could with the family through cards, phone calls, and texting.  She was always interested in where they were going and what they were doing.  She prayed for them and spent a good deal of time bragging about them!

Love this taken so many years ago of Gr Jo
surrounded by grandkids

In this time of Covid, there will be no funeral.  The plan is for a celebration of life next Spring ~ hopefully around her birthday, since that was a time she liked to gather her family over the years.  So today we grieve the death of Gr. Jo with hope.  We grieve with hope because we know that we will see her again, because we know that she is with Jesus.  And we grieve her death with gratitude for having her in our lives.  If this past year has not taught us anything, I pray it has taught us how important relationships are, how precious life is, and how much love brings us together.  

We called her Joey, sister, mom, friend, Gr. Jo, GiGi
You are loved and will be missed


Saturday, November 21, 2020

Saturday's Scribbles

 

Good Saturday to all of you from our corner of the upper Midwest where Fall is hanging on and we are enjoying it.  On Monday a buck came through our yard and onTuesday we went for a drive and saw 4 eagles in a field! We watched them lift off and land a few times.  So beautiful, and since God has brought eagles to my attention lately, this was extra amazing to see.  Thursday we had a deer, less than a year old, staying in our backyard for a couple of hours.  We were able to watch from the living room window as he resting, grazed, and wandered around without a care in the world.  

I think the deer is about the only one wandering around without a care in the world right now.  What is happening in our country politically, and with this pandemic that is real, people, is more than a little disturbing.  In our county we have 4 floors in our hospital packed with Covid patients.  Cases are going up between 60-100 daily and deaths have risen.   When I told the OT that I was taking a long break right now, she said she completely understood.  She did everything to keep me safe, and her other clients, too, but it is what it is.  No need to put myself at risk if I don't need to.

We have been having trouble with our Internet server for years and finally this week when Joel was knocked off a Zoom meeting 6 times in an hour, we had had enough and set up Internet with the only other company in our town.  What I did not realize was that my email address was connected to the account for the phone and Internet, so after 20 years with the same email address I am now scampering to change endless accounts and sign ins that use my old email address.  I have until Monday if they keep it going as promised.  I was more than a little frustrated when we called to cancel because the young man we talked to was very, and I mean very difficult to understand way over there in a third world country.  He said to me, canceling with us is "breaking my heart", and I replied, "Well, THIS company has broken our hearts as we have worked with them for years to get descent service.  It has never happened!  He was quiet then.....realizing he had two frustrated people on the phone.  I guess I could blame my short fuse on Covid Fatigue, but I'm thinking it is years of unstable broken Internet service.........

We have been busy this week shampooing our living area carpet/rugs, washing floors, dusting ceiling fans, and doing Spring cleaning.  First of all, I use the word "we" loosely as Joel did most of this manual labor, and second of all, I am aware that Spring is long gone.  We were rearranging furniture in the living room to make room for the Christmas Tree that is waiting in the basement to be brought into the light, and I mentioned making sure we had room to move around before it dawned on me............it does not matter how it is arranged or how it looks when we are the only people who will be in the room.  The only people in our house.  Two other people have been inside our home in the last 11 months. Seriously.  That is it.  Covid Fatigue is settling in, especially since this year our family was going to be coming home for Thanksgiving. That happens only every other year.... So the house is sparkling, just for us! Still, it always feels good to have a good Spring cleaning any time of the year!

We are hoping for a Zoom meeting with the family that day with our new Internet services!  It is such a blessing to have such things as Zoom.  I remember when we were living in The Philippines and we were able to call home one time in two years.  We had to say a sentence or paragraph and then say, "roger" and then it would go across the ocean to family.  We talked for 5 minutes on Christmas Eve and it cost us $40 which was quite a bit in the 70's.  So hooking up on our laptop or phone so easily?  A true gift.

Speaking of gifts, we are very grateful for our warm home, clean rugs and floors, Zoom, new Internet soon, a deer to distract us and eagles to amaze us.  a surprise package in the mail, the power of prayer, phone calls, texts, and the love of family and friends.

Enjoy your weekend!




 

Saturday, November 14, 2020

Saturday's Scribbles

Good Saturday to you from the Midwest where Fall is hanging on here in Iowa while just two hours north of us snow blankets the ground.  We did have a dusting a couple of days ago.  I had to chuckle as I watched Joel out mulching the leaves from our one Maple tree that just won't let go until this time of year.  Joel was mowing and mulching as large snowflakes fell to the ground!  He managed to get it done pretty quickly and the snow melted soon after it's arrival.  Hoping to hold off on the white stuff!

We have pumpkins sitting on our porch and Christmas lights strung across the front!  So far there is no tree gracing our living room although since it is 2020, anything goes, right?  In fact, our neighbor already has their Christmas tree decorated and shining brightly out their living room window. I confess it is kind of nice to see....... Maybe we will see more healing in us all, body, soul, and spirit as we focus on Jesus this Christmas season.  I only wish the chaos would end with 2020, at least that is our prayer for 2021.  Restoration, revelation, renewal, and removal of this virus.  Let it be, Lord.  Let it be.

Speaking of the virus, we have started to know people who have the virus.....a couple of family members infected but doing okay, family of family..........all infected in different areas and in different ways.  Iowa is ranking pretty much at the top regarding hospitalizations and infections.  Nothing is really being done about it by the powers that be here.  As from the beginning, we are following what the scientists say, not the governors or government alone. Scientists have a pretty good track record!  If it wasn't for them we would still be dealing with smallpox, polio, etc.  I remember getting the first polio vaccines with I was a kid.  In a sugar cube we put under our tongues.  Anyone else remember that?

Speaking of tongues, I recently wrote a post about the impact of our words and am still feeling pretty convicted by it.  God keeps speaking to me, using His words I guess, to help me along the way.  Speaking of words, Joel's book will hopefully be ready soon.  After we both reread the book and he revised and made corrections in the way it was laid out by Amazon or Joel. For Joel it has been a challenging process, this self-publishing!  My conclusion and opinion is that self-publishing with Amazon is a nightmare!  

We managed to clean the whole house this week.  Our home is just too big with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a large family room we hardly ever use, besides the dining, living and laundry.  It is really time for a smaller house, but we sure would hate to leave our neighborhood.  I was thinking about all the places we have lived over the 52 years we have been married.  Apartments, a small airstream trailer, a townhouse, many parsonages small and big, and the houses we have bought.  It is interesting that one of our favorite is the "internage" we lived in when Joel did his internship in Malta, Montana.  It was an old house brought in and placed right next to the church.  It was small for a family of six, with a short hallway from the dining room to the kitchen that slanted downwards because the kitchen had been added on with a basement built underneath it.  The small living room had a smaller room next to it and a long closed in porch up front. The bathroom upstairs had a large lime green clawfoot tub.  Two bedrooms upstairs and one large hallway where our oldest had her bed and space.  The house had a very warm atmosphere about it.  We were the 19th Intern to be at this parish.  We had a wonderful year there with many new experiences and certainly the house held it's own memories for us. 

My sister Jo is home being cared for my Janelle and a nurse, aid, and OT and PT that come in off and on throughout the week.  Hopefully her strength will continue to return and she will be more independent.  Thank you for praying.  So thankful for them all!

This week I am grateful for Gr. Jo getting home, for the house being clean, for walking 30 minutes a day, for the yard work getting done, for memories of homes we have lived and raised our family in, for lime green clawfoot tubs, porches with pumpkins, Christmas lights to brighten the nights, my hubby's determination to get the book published c.o.r.r.e.c.t.l.y, for hope for a better 2021, for laughter, tears, the power of prayer, and every day we are blessed to be here!

Have a great weekend.............

Wednesday, November 11, 2020

The Impact Of Our Words

 Yesterday morning a Bible verse posted by a group on Facebook jumped out at me.  What some would call a Rhema word, highlighted by God.  Verse one of Psalm 144 stood out for me.  In fact it did feel like it leaped off the page going right into that place in my heart for aha moments.  

David was speaking about the battle ahead with Goliath, but for me these words gave way to recognition that what Joel and I write with our hands and our fingers fights against the enemy and gives God praise and glory.  Sharing our stories, our thoughts, is a way to fight those battles that come. God has trained us and is still teaching us to write about what He has done, what He has planned.  I believe we are all are "trained" and prepared. We all have power in what we say and what we write.....just look at the affects of social media.   Yes, the power of our words, written and spoken greatly impact others.

Lately I have felt a deeper conviction than ever about the importance of our words.  You can't turn on the TV, pick up a newspaper or book, scroll down Facebook, or read what people have posted on Twitter without being affected or impacted by the words of others. Good and bad.  There are several scriptures that either warn us or teach us about the power of the tongue...speaking "life or death".  So. very. true. 

When I feel convicted I try to pay attention and I believe God is speaking to me here.  Speaking about my words and the power they hold, whether spoken or written.  And what about the running conversations we have with ourselves in our heads?

On Sunday morning Alex Trebek, long time host of Jeopardy! died after battling stage 4 cancer.  We watched a special he had on ABC that same night that had been prepared knowing of his eventual death.  He seems to have died the way he lived, with hope, kindness, thankfulness.  He lived twice as long as predicted and one doctor at John Hopkins said (if I remember correctly) fighting terminal cancer is much about how you view and live your life now as treatments.  Trebek's words echoed how he was living each day seeking the good.  He worked up until 10 days before he died because he said going to work helped him to feel joy, gave him energy and inspired him to keep going. At the end of the special on his life, in his own words he says to viewers, "Thank you for a great life".  Powerful.  

For me his words connected to what God has been telling me about what we speak, think, and write. As people of God it all matters.  You may question the idea that we are often fighting a war........fighting battles.  Yet the Bible often speaks about it and tells us we are not fighting against people so much as the spirit realm.  Obviously it can't be our only focus....on what comes against us......on the negative.............on Satan who is very real, people.  No, it can't be our continual focus, but we cannot brush it aside either.  We need to take God's word seriously and He makes it clear that our words, whether written or spoken, are very important and have power to change our lives, and impact others.  

I am certainly mulling over this topic. A while ago I had a vision where I was riding on a white stallion with a large warring angel.  It is one of two visions God has shown me lately that have me paying attention. 

 As we were sitting with our eyes closed, I first saw a white feather that was placed in my hand.  It then transformed into a wing, an angel's wing that transformed into an angel on a white stallion.  An angel with white wings and bare legs that were bronze in color.  The feathers and wings I saw then transformed into armor.  At this point I asked Holy Spirit if this was all from Him and He responded in my mind, "Trust what you are seeing".  Then the angel pulled me up in front of him and then he raised a sword.  He handed me a sword too.  Looking ahead I saw many many creatures that looked like druids, with no faces just long hooded garments.  The sword I was holding suddenly seemed to come out of my mouth and as I spoke words from this mouth sword the druids began to melt down and disappear.  Then as I continued to speak from the sword it would actually come down and touch the ground, causing it to shake violently.  Each time that happened I saw the horse I was on take a step forward.  Another word came out, the sword would touch the ground and the horse would take another firm step forward.  This is where what I was seeing ended.

In Ephesians 6 we are told that one of our weapons of warfare is the sword of the spirit which is the word of God.   I believe that as I, as we all speak the word and declare the truths of God's promises, it affects us and the world. Look around us, it is quite evident how words impact us and others.  During this time, this season in our country where there are continual battles being waged with words (and actions) in our government, our states, our cities, our neighborhoods, and even in some homes, we need to be intentional about what we say and what we write. Be intentional about what we listen to and Whom.  Let God be the final Who.  Let Him always be our guide.  Don't get caught up in it all, don't let others tell us what to believe, trust God and let us prayerfully be an instrument of peace one word at a time. 

Often I ask God for peace to come into my corner of the world.  More than ever I need to be active in releasing that peace, through what I write, through what I speak, through what I believe.  Let my words reflect His Word.  Always.

Sunday, November 8, 2020

Saturday's Scribbles On Sunday

Good Saturday to you on Sunday afternoon as I watch the high winds moving the trees, scattering leaves, and whipping flags.  It is warm for November, so Joel has been busy getting the Christmas lights on the house and also mulching leaves, fixing house trim, and washing windows.  Mostly I got to watch, although I did wash quite a few of our windows inside.  Our flowers are getting close to being done except for the large mum plant out front.  Tomorrow rain is on the way so Joel is in a race to get leaves bagged for the 4th time.

Joel was able to hold the first copy of his book in his hands this week.  We are going through it to seek out any corrections needed before we "put it out there" for friends and family.  I am so proud of him and the hard work he has put into this book.  He also has ridden 1300 miles so far this year!  Yay for him!!!!  I keep walking, 30 minutes most days, and cooking, baking, cleaning, and keeping in touch with family.  Covid is so high in our small county that I will not be going back to OT for a while.  Too risky.  Our hospital is full.  One nursing home just 30 miles from us is completely overwhelmed with Covid.  E.v.e.r.y resident has it and most of the staff.  Speaking of residents, it looks like Gr. Jo will be going home early this week.  She has a long way to go, but Janelle will stay with her and she will receive some care at home to keep getting stronger.  So thankful!

Well, election day, days, week? is over and it is not yet really over, is it.  We have been in this position before, lest we forget.  We are not patient people anymore with our instant coffee, fast food service, and drive through Covid testing!  Ha......We are not good at waiting for answers.  Like in this election.  No matter how you or I voted, no matter how we lean, I feel like Americans are being watched around the world with how the election process goes and whether we will continue to spew hate, fear, and division, or whether we come together like we did once in a distant far away place.  I have my own thoughts on it all, but keep them mostly close to home as I mull over what I have seen and heard.  I really hurt for our grandchildren as they observe a world so topsy turvy right now.  May it make them stronger.

Today we drove around out little micro-opolis and came home thankful for where we live.  It is quiet here and we have good neighbors.  The walking paths are nice and nature keeps us entertained.  We came back home, sat down and worshiped from home connecting to a church in a big city two hours away from us.  We then sat at our table eating left over waffles with fresh strawberries and blueberries.  We played a game of Scrabble, laid down for a nap and when we woke up we could just push a button and watch a variety of shows.  I share all this because we live in America and all this is possible here.  

I am grateful to have been born in America.  Grateful for being able to vote in a democracy.  Grateful that our country gives all people a voice, (hopeful).  Grateful for warm November days, a clean house, walks, biking, continued healing from shingles, Gr Jo going back home, Joel holding a copy of his book in his hands, laughter and tears, worship on line, full stomachs, rest for our bodies, and freedom !

Hope you had a good weekend.




Saturday, October 31, 2020

Saturday's Scribbles

Good Saturday to you from our corner of the world where warmer fall like weather has returned after some chilly days.   This morning as I lay in bed I heard a squirrel running across our roof which reminded me of the busy little rodent we saw gathering leaves this past week.  We were trying to see where he was making a nest, and discovered it was in the tree we see from our living room window.  Winter is coming and he was getting ready.  

Speaking of winter, we have avoided most of the snow that covered the Midwest, having only a half inch that lasted a couple of days.  Joel has been busy mulching and raking leaves lately~ an endless project in our yard.  He keeps up the job usually until the snow comes because our one Maple drops leaves very late in the season.

It has been a crazy week here.  Joel is still "recovering" from his bike accident which really left just a few scraps and bruises.  Unfortunately it seems that the physical trauma from that has triggered Shingles.  The NP said she felt it was the cause but also a major component can be stress.  The immune system is unable to keep the virus dormant.  She asked if Joel had any added stress lately?  Seriously?  Doesn't everybody?!?!  It was caught early and he is on antivirals to help keep his immune system up to par.  It is a crazy world when I looked at the red pus-filled rash and wondered if it was a Covid rash or Shingles.  In my head I am thinking, I hope it is Shingles.  Now, at any other time in our world I would be worried to hear it was Shingles, right?  But in the world of Covid.......well..........  

Yesterday we were having our morning devotions and I was reading from our Guideposts "All God's Creatures" daily devotional for animal lovers.  A story was shared about Water Buffalo.  It seems you can milk Water Buffalos and the high buttermilk content can be used to make the best gelato!  What a delightful bit of knowledge to learn. Who knew they could be milked! And gelato?  Wow!

 This story had us thinking about our time in The Philippines.  We saw Water Buffalo everywhere and we called them, "Filipino Tractors" because that is what they were.  Big lumbering animals with wide horns that farmers used for planting and carrying.  Sometimes we miss The Philippines. The people we knew, the experiences we had.  We don't miss the heat and humidity, but we have always enjoyed new adventures!  It was not the safest country and still isn't.  We used to go to a Serviceman's Christian Center off the base and talk with missionaries who came there.  One family came to stay awhile because they were warned that guerillas were coming to kill them so they had to flee.  They were called guerillas then, but now we would call them terrorists I expect.  Often at night we would hear gunfire up in the hills and our planes were shot at once in awhile as they left or landed on the base. We were under Marshall Law so we could not leave our homes after 10 pm.  We hired 24/7 guards for the area where we lived off base, and had big yard lights, cement block walls with barbed wire or broken glass on top with steel gates that we locked.  We also had bars on all our windows.   It was the way it was in the 70's.  Living in a third world country shaped the rest of our lives.  So much of the two years we were there gave us experiences and great memories,  including that of the Water Buffalo. 

This past Wednesday was hair cutting day here.  I have been cutting Joel's hair for decades, but with Covid on a big upward climb in our county, I decided not to call my hairdresser who always comes to the house.  She is a gem, but works out in the world so Joel and I cut my hair again and I am still thinking we do a pretty good job considering!!  It is just nice to have hair again....very thin on top and mostly white, but it is hair.

Today is Halloween.  We have decided not to pass out candy due to Covid.  Halloween is not my favorite time of year but we always enjoy when the kids come to the house.  Not this year.  I follow and read the books of Ana Werner and she shared a story this week that made us laugh out loud.  She had taken he 5 year old son to Target and evidently some of the Halloween stuff there scared him.  All of a sudden at the top of his lungs he yelled, "I rebuke you Halloween!"  Funny.........so cute.   Our middle daughter sent us this picture that made us chuckle.......My reply was, "Yes, we will take two please."


I saw a video on Facebook where a nursing home had some kind of contraption created that made it possible for people there to hug their loved ones.  It brought tears to my eyes to see the one woman hold her son and hug and hug on him.  We all need human touch, we need to connect with those we love.  It reminds me of another story I watched about a nurse in Billings MT who was in tears as he shared how his first Covid patient to die, did so alone and he vowed then not to let that happen again.  Twenty three of his patients have died from Covid and he has been holding the hand of everyone as they took their last breath, so they would not die alone.  There are so many beautiful stories of beautiful people out there. 

Speaking of beautiful people, this past week our middle daughter had a birthday and we were able to visit with her on the phone the day before for two hours.  It was wonderful!  We treasure the time spent with our children, and sure do miss seeing them.  We enjoy texting of course and love the pictures that come across our phones, but hearing the voices of those we love makes such a difference to us.  I have shared this before, but I used to call my mom once a week for many years and it would cost us for every minute spent on the phone.  It was expensive!  Just to call on our cells anytime and nearly any place is really a gift!  

There are lots of gifts to be thankful for this week.  The Shingles not being Covid, the antivirals to help the Shingles, the hair cuts, sunshine for Joel and cloudy days for me, laughter, the antics of animals, Joel's book soon in our hands, texting, phone calls, pictures, people helping people, homemade cookies, an online Bible Study, walks in the park and our association, the "full armor of God"!

Enjoy your weekend, people!


Saturday, October 24, 2020


Good Saturday to you from chilly Iowa where we woke up to 18 degrees!  Already?!  Tomorrow we are expecting a bit of snow but nothing like what has been falling in Minnesota or even southern Iowa!  It is too soon, but alas Mother Nature has ideas of her own!  

Even with the chilly weather we have been walking some days at the park here in town.  It has been nice to get outside and breathe in some fresh crisp air.  When we walk at the park we need to watch where we are putting our feet because there are a lot of geese...and a lot of geese means a lot of droppings to avoid!  Still, it is worth it to enjoy the scenery.  I can't resist the analogy here.  Seems like right now the ads in Iowa are a lot like the geese droppings!  And I am always watching for them so I can change the channel or mute them!  Ha  ha........You know, we already voted, so shouldn't all the ads leave after that?

Speaking of getting outside, Joel decided to ride his bike on Wednesday since the winds were down somewhat but he came home soon after leaving as his bike had "thrown him" and he ended up walking home, injured along with an injured recumbent bike.  Something happened to the seat and it took down the bike. At least on a recumbent there is not far to fall.  He was "only" going 5-7 mph but ended up at the chiropractor yesterday with leg, hip and lower back pain.  The Dr. told him that the inflammation, pain, etc. usually show up 2 days after a fall in those who are older.  Of course who wants to hear that word, "older"?  Not my Joel! But he is resting a bit as his body needs that to heal.  It was a minor accident and for that we are very grateful!

Speaking of grateful, my sister Jo is doing amazingly well!  Starting taking steps this week with a walker and working hard with her PT.  They told her she could be home by Thanksgiving!!  She is determined to get out of there and home to her cozy apartment.  One step at a time.  Thanks for praying!  

This week I wrote a long post about preaching politics from the pulpit.  It is a pet peeve of mine to see or hear pastors in their position of power preach politics. In other words, telling their congregation members how to vote.   It is also very disturbing to read or hear all the rhetoric ~ hate verbally expressed ~ judgements and executions thrown out if you are a democrat or if you are a republican. It also bothers me that Christianity is now often presented as only one color.  Red.   No grace, no love, no place within that is open to hearing what someone else has to say, wherever you come down on the political scale.   There is a song I heard recently entitled, "I Speak Jesus" and that is what I believe we are to do.  Jesus never spoke hate.  Ever.  I won't go on because now I am starting to put out my own opinions.....I will say that my faith guides my political leaning and for me it needs to, but I refuse to think I have all the answers and can judge others by how they vote............red or blue........purple or green.............


This week I had a runny nose and a cough started.  It got my attention.  Covid is high around Iowa and I go to the Rehab center and doctors way too often.  Careful always, but it is out there and I keep being told by doctors to be careful.  Anyway, it was gone in a couple of days, but it used to be when you had a runny nose, it was just that....a runny nose.  A cough was just a cough.  Our world has changed and I, for one, think it will be a long time before I think of a cough as just a cough again.  A mask is a great protector just like a seat belt is, but we also must remember that our True Shield is Jesus.  We do what we can and we turn to Jesus for His protection and guidance in all circumstances in life.  

I have been watching a documentary called "The Social Dilemma" that our son-in-law recommended.  Very interesting.  Of course, any info presented is always in need of sifting, but it is quite powerful on how social media subtly influences us.  I am on Facebook more than I want to admit.  I am very careful what I read, and belong to pages that are inspirational or connected to friends and family.  I don't read what I consider political rhetoric, etc. nor do I follow news feeds, but I can't help but scroll past much of that info with the titles in bold print getting my attention.  This documentary has me asking myself how much time I need to put into Facebook, and why.  ( I understand the irony as I put my blog posts on here for others to read!!)  It is thought provoking, for sure.

This week Joel has been raking and mulching, one bike ride cut short, grocery shopping, and going through the long process of getting his book self published. He was able to meet with his colleague group, social distancing with masks at a local church.  I have seen doctors and the OT, did a lot of cooking and some cleaning, walked 30 minutes a day, and started a new puzzle with such small pieces my eyes are rebelling!  TV has consisted of a fun series called "New Tricks" on Prime, and Building Designs , The Great British Baking Show, and Repair Shop on Netflix.  What are you watching?

So this week I am grateful for walks outside in the crisp fall air, geese (but not their droppings), improvements in OT, a "normal" chest wall exam,  British Baking Shows, the mute button on the TV, a warm cozy home, Joel's bike accident not being serious, Dr. Hirota's help for him, the power of prayer, the power of sunshine, the power held in the name of Jesus,  documentaries that make us think, shows that make us laugh, friends and family.  

This week as politics ramp up, Covid, ramps up, and winter ramps up, lets stand firm in the Presence of the One who has this!  Recently Joel was disturbed by all that was going on in our lives and in the country and had a "good talk" with God.  He quietly heard, "I've got this under control, Joel".  Joel continued to vent to God and he heard, "I have this FIRMLY under control".  We are hanging on to that each day......it may not always look like it, but we are not alone.  

Enjoy your weekend, people.  This is the day that the Lord has made............... 

Saturday, October 17, 2020

Saturday's Scribbles

Good Saturday to you from our windy corner of Iowa.  The temperature has been in the 50's but today we are supposed to reach a balmy 66 degrees before we drop to a high of 40 tomorrow.  The winds and cooler temps have not taken away any of our joy of basking in Autumn.  We managed a couple of walks this week at our local park and drove out to Lime Creek preserve one day. We brought home a "leaf bouquet" of bright oranges and reds from the park.   Last night Joel saw 4 deer in our yard when he went out at ten to whisk our flowers out of the "maybe we will have frost" weather.  

Speaking of weather, Joel has been mulching and raking this week and getting things outside ready for the winter ahead.  We have not had the snow flurries predicted, but Minnesota and Wisconsin have.  The National weather tells us we will have more of the white stuff this year but it won't be as cold.  We would love to be heading south, but after much prayer and discussion we have said no to traveling right now.  Ugh.

Last Tuesday we filled out our absentee ballots and took them to the court house to hand them in.  There were a few people in line to vote.  My sister and her hubby had gone in the morning to vote and said there were quite a few in line doing the same thing.  Voting is so important.  We also headed out to Target for groceries before going to the eye clinic for my appointment with the Retina specialist.  Eye shot time!  The Dr. told me he wanted me to "be very careful with Covid around" and shared a personal story with me.  When I hear the emotional stories shared by those who fight this war as medical professionals?  I cannot help but be forewarned and take precautions.  

                                                                  
\We were saddened Friday night to hear about the death of a long time friend Allen.  We met him in a small town north of the of Twin Cities where he was pastor at the Methodist church and Joel was pastor at the Lutheran church.  They became friends and Joel ended up being his best man at their wedding.  Allen was the kindest, most gentle man with a great compassion for others.  He loved the Lord and wanted to serve Him wherever God led him.  Joel and he discussed race at times, but what I remember him saying is that he did not define himself first as a black man but as a man who loved the Lord and was black.  He did not see Joel as a white man either, but as a man who loved the Lord and happened to be white.  Once Joel asked him what was the difference between his culture in the deep South where he was from, and ours in the Midwest.  After a long pause he said, "Well, you like to eat pumpkin pie and we like to eat sweet potato pie!"  He did always encourage us to eat his sweet potato pies he made, although we stuck to pumpkin.  Now I make a sweet potato pie gluten free pie for myself at Thanksgiving and Christmas!  He was 92 years old and had lived a long good life.  We know Jesus welcomed Him home with open arms.  We are so grateful to have known him.  Our prayers are with Susan and the family.

Speaking of family we were able to Skype with our oldest daughter and her family this past Sunday night.  They were at their cabin and each of the two kids were at their colleges.  We get pretty darn lonely for our family so just being able to see them on a screen was great!  Phone calls and texts with our family are like warm hugs.  We get quite a few pictures via text and it is awesome to catch up on what everyone is doing.  Yes, we all need hugs, don't we, even through texts!  And I have been talking more to my sister Jo as she progresses into longer conversations, taking her first steps, and now ending her quarantine so she can have Janelle visit.  Thank you for praying!

Speaking of hugs, have any of you seen the animal videos where humans and animals are hugging each other.  It is amazing to me how much love and emotions animals express to those they love and care about.  I expect it from some animals but when you see an ostrich hugging?  Come on!  Can't say I would want to hug on a lion or bear...........but those videos are a sure way to put a smile on your face.

Giving thanks this week for walks in the park, leaf bouquets, good medical care, October days, sweet potato and pumpkin pies, long time friends, Skyping, texting, and phone calls, puzzles,  Jo's improvements, animal videos, pictures of grands, and the gift of togetherness.  Blessings.......

Enjoy your weekend!

Saturday, October 10, 2020

Saturday's Scribbles



Good Saturday to you from our corner the of the Midwest where I am blessed to say, "My favorite color is October".  The weather has been perfect with sunshine, low humidity, and temperatures mostly in the 50's and 60's with one 85 thrown in for good measure.  Our yard was full of birds yesterday, robins, nuthatches, and one red headed woodpecker, all who were enjoying the latest hatch of no-see-ums.  The only negative to invade the outdoors in Autumn.  

Speaking of outdoors, on Friday Joel and I went for a drive to look at local trees changing color, and then headed to our large city park where we walked on the paths and enjoyed the great array of colors.  Here are a few pictures I took along the way.

park creek

pink prairie grasses

unique tree in the park


This past week we drove to Rochester MN for a final check up at the breast clinic there.  All my oncology aftercare at this point will be here in our little city.  If my health status changes we will head back to Mayo.  It was a bit hard to say good-bye to the excellent care I had there.  I felt sad and yes, a bit a apprehensive leaving.  I realized that they made we feel "safe" there.  A good thing, but I must always remember to put my trust in God.  He walks before me, beside me, and behind me...always.  There is a Bible verse that I hold on to.  Psalm 4:8 "I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone are my place of safety."  He alone.............

While in Rochester we went to a Trader Joe's to stock up for a few months on the staples we get there such as almond butter, organic unsweetened applesauce, and almonds.  We have our own little grocery store in the basement where we keep ample supplies of what we use the most.......including toilet paper! Ha!!  2020

Speaking of 2020, I find there is a fine line between being cautious and being fearful regarding Covid-19.  Sometimes when we make decisions about the virus and it's impact on our lives, the two lines can blend into one.  Taking the politics out of this virus is necessary.  I watch people I know who regard or disregard the available science on this virus.  Those who live life as before, those who do some social distancing and others who follow the guidelines to a "T".  Each has their own reasons for the decisions they make.  

Our decisions have left us lonely.  With no family close by, with our friends far from where we live, we have each other.  Grateful beyond measure for our togetherness, but there are times we cannot help but think...........what if we had lived in one place instead of moving 23 times.  Would our kids be close by?  Would 50 years of roots make a difference in our relationships before and after Covid?  (Before or after Lyme?) Before or after anything ? The answer is a resounding yes!  Sometimes in the wee hours of the morning I find myself in another kind of mourning.....mourning the losses, the never will happen do overs.  Sometimes I go through that valley, but it is important not to live there.  And we cannot live in the valley of Covid forever either.  This too shall pass.

We picked up a couple of pumpkins at Trader Joe's this week.  They are sitting on our porch to enjoy.  Our porch sitting has been limited due to those nasty little no-see-ums that are so hard to see but pack a powerful punch.  Looking forward to the first bug killing frost! Joel stained our back deck and it looks great.  He has ridden his bike and managed a few other projects.  I have finished another puzzle, am now walking 30-35 minutes a day, and have enjoyed talking with Gr. Jo on the phone a few minutes at a time.  She is doing well, making progress and is getting stronger and stronger.  Yay!!! 

So as I enjoy the crisp fall weather I share my gratitude with each of you for those we love, for pumpkins, stocked shelves, a walk in the park, morning and mourning, good health care, a Healing Physician, Jesus, my favorite color....October, the power of prayer, our newly stained deck, and our togetherness.  

Enjoy your weekend!

Saturday, October 3, 2020

Good Saturday to you from our small corner of the world here in north Iowa.  Fall has graced us with some chilly weather this week.  We woke to frost yesterday morning with the temperature around 30 degrees.  By next week we will see the high sixties, but as anyone who experiences all four seasons would agree, 65 degrees in the Fall is different than 65 in the heat of summer!  Our large planter of geraniums is blooming wildly right now and I am loving that!

Speaking of loving that, we are also loving all the squash.  So tasty.  Will soon be time to put a couple of pumpkins on the porch although this year trick or treating seems questionable.  All the kids and all the candy handed out and all the possible exposures have us saying no to Halloween here.  It has been one of Joel's favorite things to do...hand out candy and chat with kids and parents.  He has also put aside his favorite thing to attend ~ Rendezvous Days in a town about 45 minutes from here.  He enjoys everything about it, but made the decision to not go because of Covid.  Difficult decision like so many others we are having to make regarding "taking the risk or not taking the risk to ourselves and others".  

I finished reading the book, "The Nightingale" by Kristin Hannah this week.  It is such a powerful fiction read about two sisters during World War II when the Nazis took over France.  It is based on the history of the roles women took on during the war.  After I finished reading it I began googling some of the women during World War II who helped rescue or hide Jewish children, risking their lives and the lives of their own children.  Such courage they had to put aside their fear and do what they felt was right.  Powerful.  

It has been cold, windy, and at times rainy, so Joel has only gotten in one bike ride.  He has been putting the finishing touches on his book for self publishing and doing some fall yard work.  I have been reading, walking mostly inside, texting regarding Gr. Jo's recovery journey, and attempting to avoid most of the news whether on TV or Facebook.  Too much going on in my corner of Iowa to add in the political and religious rhetoric. We have enjoyed a few more episodes of "Repair Shop" on Netflix and have added a new show, "Grand Design" which is about people in England building their own homes.  Very interesting.........and definitely low key.  We are all about low key right now!

I saw a video last night on TV that showed a little toddler who had just taken a bath and was talking none stop about the experience ( I think) waving his arms and chatting away...........the only problem is that no one could understand one word of his gibberish.  I think you may know where I am going here......Anyone else feel like so many are speaking gibberish?  Gibberish with a spin?  It sooooooooooo reminded me of our country right now.  Sometimes I look at others waving their arms, ranting or talking but it is all like it is in another language.....and you want to say........WHAT????  Can we just all go to bed and wake up in 2021?  I am all for that!

Speaking of being all for that, lets think about what we are grateful for this week.  I am grateful for crisp Fall weather that has brought with it squash and pumpkins.  I am grateful for texting, phone calls, prayers, blooming flowers, fiction and history that opens my mind, laughter, love and light.  

Enjoy your weekend!