Saturday's Scribbles

Good Saturday morning to you on this beautiful day in Northern Iowa. A high of only 73 will keep the temperatures comfortable but the winds are still blowing. Sunshine helps! Joel brought home  a red geranium this week as a surprise for me. Garden centers are winding down right now and there is something true about good things coming to those who wait, as we got a beautiful red geranium with tiny white flowers in the basket for only $10. We have been looking for a red geranium for a month but were not willing to pay the high costs. 

Speaking of red,  we have been seeing some red Cardinals in our yard this week. I had just reread a story I wrote about asking God  how he was going to show up in my life one day.....everyday. On that particular day that I wrote about, Cardinals came and landed on our shepherd's hook. Two different Cardinals,  a male and a female. They were such a delight to see I stood still as long as I could to watch them and give thanks.  So this week there was a day I asked God the same question... how are you going to show up today and sure enough he showed up with another female cardinal out front in the garden. And then a beautiful surprise for me as a mom also showed up. Of course we can just expect to see God everyday in the things around us whether they're in a hug from our loved one whether there's a phone call from a friend, whether there's a cardinal sitting on the shepherd's hook or like this morning a wren singing a beautiful song that sounded so loud it felt like it was inside the house. God is always showing up and nature is always showing off what he has created. 

Speaking of nature, Joel has been getting in some bike rides and doing the usual outdoor work. This week that included a very stubborn screen for our back door that just would not slide correctly. He spent more than a few hours rescreening and then getting it back in and working correctly!  

I had my last visit with our chiropractor. Not because I've graduated by any means but because he is moving to Hawaii in July. He has recommended another chiropractor here in town and I will have a meeting with him to see if we are good fit. Meanwhile the back is better but I am still cautious with it because it complains.....I'm walking 20 to 25 minutes a day but still only 5 or 10 minutes at a time. Yesterday we headed to Fleet Farm then Walmart and Target looking for cushioned folding lawn chair for outdoor church. None to be found so we purchased a chair cushion to put on top of the lawn chair we have. That's what happens when your back gets crabby, you just make do and figure it out.

We have been watching a British documentary with Martin Clunes who is a British actor/director.   He has been visiting different islands in the Pacific and it drew our interest because one of the places he was visiting was in the Philippines. It was great fun to watch and see the tropical plants and flowers, the jeepneys which are Old World War II Jeeps that they use for transportation still. But most importantly it was great fun to just absorb the Filipino people and the traditions that still carry on. It has been 50 yrs since we moved there and those 2 years in the Philippine still impact us.  We also watched one episode  where they went to Guam.  We have been there not to live or even visit but when we were being transferred from one plane to another we landed in Guam and spent a few hours. There are some beautiful islands out in the Pacific Ocean for sure! Besides that we've been watching America's Got Talent, a couple game shows, and the Brokenwood Murders series that takes place in New Zealand. 

We are not able to do as much Porch Sitting as we would like this time of year because of the nasty "winged warriors" as Joel calls the mosquitoes here! 

On Joel's birthday my sister Kay and her husband Danny came over for rhubarb pie which was nice. We had made a pie on Sunday as that's his favorite summer dessert. We visited yesterday afternoon with some friends here in town who are being greatly challenged by health problems. It was nice to see them again.  Grant them your healing touch, Jesus.

Tomorrow is our 56th wedding anniversary.  Oh, my!  56 years.  So very very grateful for them.  Starting out as scared, clueness kids of 20 and 22 we stepped into our I Do's and have been counting our blessings as a couple ever since.  So thankful.....so grateful......

As I bring this Scribbles to a close I am giving thanks for our many years together as husband and wife, as friends, as lovers, as parents, as soulmates.  Grateful for all God's reminders coming our way in nature...especially cardinals. grateful for the rain, grateful for the documentary on Pacific Islands.  Grateful for bike rides and walks.  Gratful for rhubarb pie for Joel.  Grateful for my new red geranium.  Grateful my back is better.  Grateful for visits with family and friends this week, for phone calls, texts, laughter, tears, and answered prayers.  

Enjoy your weekend!

Saturday's Scribbles

Good Saturday to all of you who have come to visit me at Entering His Rest.  I appreciate your visits.  The weather is rainy again and we have been dealing with flood warnings today because of how much rain has fallen.  Especially just north of us.  The flowers have enjoyed all the moisture.....humidity is high....welcome to "The Philippines".  Memories come rushing back when temps are high and the humidity and dew points rise.  

It took us awhile to adjust to the tropical climate of the P.I.  Oppressive heat and humidity and to top it off we did not have central air conditioning the first year we lived there.  Just fans except for our bedroom where we had a room size A/C for when Joel worked shift work.  Once we were able to move on base the comfort level went up for sure!

Speaking of, we are so  thankful for A/C in our house.  We never grew up with it.  When it would be hot at night we kids would lay on a sheet in the living room with the windows and screen doors open,  letting in the breezes.  We never lived in a parsonage that had it, so when we purchased our first home here in Iowa it was on the top of our list.  Ahhhhh

Moving on......Joel has been continuing with yard work, laying some rock around bushes, and riding his bike.  Wednesday morning he went with a church group and rode to Clear Lake on a bike path where they ate breakfast before riding back to Mason City.  Just a little over 10 miles so a normal ride for him.  Although it is so easy for him to just go our our driveway and ride his usual 10 miles first along the river and then a path out past the college.  I expect today the river may be over flowing it's banks since we are in a flood warning.  Joel also washed floors this week which involves moving furniture.  He doesn't move it in bedrooms though, just the living/dining areas.  I managed dusting the rooms and cleaning the kitchen and a bathroom.  There were so many years I could not do these tasks, I really don't mind them now!  I'm still walking but only 5-10 minutes at one time due to Dr. Instructions.   We've finally got the grill going for the season.   We've had an electric grill now for a few years.  

Speaking of years, Thursday night a dear old friend called. Joel had sent Marge his latest book with a thank you for their 54 years of friendship and encouragement.  Met them at a church in Salt Lake City Utah in 1970.  We both moved over the years but never lost touch and they often opened their home to us for one reason or another.  Marge is 92 now and Dick has gone to his Heavenly home.  She lives in the Twin Cities and is blessed to have her four kids in surrounding suburbs. She is challenged by bad knees, but still plays keyboard for the service where she lives in Senior living.  She is part of a Bible study, and is, as always, a good listener for those who need someone to listen.  What a wonderful example of living life well......Did I mention that she is age 92?!  

 Speaking of ages, Monday is Joel's 78th birthday.  I'll be making him another rhubarb pie to enjoiy!  Father's Day and his birthday are rhubarb pie days!  Joel continues to be very active, and preaches once a month at two different churches.  He does a big portion of the "work" to maintain our home and when needed, certainly takes care of his "Missy" as he and only he calls me.  It is hard to believe so many birthdays have come and gone, but how blessed he is to have them.  And we are all blessed to have him.  Happy Birthday to you, Joel. 

On this hot and humid and wet "Filipino" weather day, we give thanks for air conditioning.  We are grateful for a cool, comfortable home when it is needed.  Grateful for Joel and the blessing he is for me and all who know him. Grateful for rhubarb, our electric grill and grilling season.  Grateful for Marge and her friendship, for her willingness to share her gifts with others.  Grateful for  our FIlipino memories.  Grateful for all the texts, phone calls, and photos that come our way. Grateful for all this and so much more...

Enjoy your weekend!

Saturday's Scribbles

Good Saturday to you from summer in Iowa where the grass is green, the flowers are blooming, and the corn is starting to grow.   Joel has been enjoying it all as he gets out riding his recumbent most days.  A lot of other bikers and walkers have been doing the same thing.  He enjoys looking around at all God has created.

Part of that beauty is all the flowers. We added a purple and red petunia to our other plants this week.  We were searching for a hanging red geranium but were unwilling to pay $40 for one. Thus, the purple and red petunia basket.  The neighbor gave us a few hostas he was getting rid of....calling them "deer food" which is what they are. The rabbits enjoy them too.   Joel has put wire fencing around them....when he went out to walk into the back yard Thursday afternoon, our resident bunny flew out from under the deck, ran right into the fencing, spun around and took off across the yard to hide in the bushes.  Poor guy!  Joel could not help but laugh at his antics, but the little hosta nibbling pest must have been terrified...and as he hurried away he probaby shook his head asking, 'What the heck was that?"

Speaking of what the heck?  I felt like that when my back slipped out after so many years.  So annoying.  It's much better, it's stronger, the chiro is seeing good improvements.  I like him because he leaves my treatments up to me..when I want them or need them.  He suggests, educates, treats with a gentle activator, and then puts it all in my hands to decide.  Unfortunately he is moving to Hawaii where his father and family is from. Happy for him....not for us

Speaking of happy for them....not for us.......Over the years our whole family has made decisions that were great for them or us  but sent them or us farther from each other.  One example was when our oldest interviewed and was called to serve the youth in a big church in a Chicago suburb.  For so many reasons it was a great opportunity for her.  We were so happy for her and her hubby....but not so happy for us.  They moved 9 hrs away.  We could add other stories that are much the same......but bottom line is, it is not just about us but what is God asking you to do?  What is HIS plans for those you love?  For you?  

Speaking of family,  it is Father's Day tomorrow.  A time to celebrate and honor the fathers in our lives.  Both Joel and I had fathers who died young...ages 49 and 53.  My mom never remarried, but Joel's mom did.  A gentle kind farmer who was a bachelor until he was 50! Married and immediately had three grown step-sons. Such a good man. Our daughters have married good men and we can definitely add our two sons to the list of good men.  Happy Father's Day to the dads in Heaven, and those here on earth including my own husband.  Happy Father's Day Joel.  You are a good good man and loving dad and grandpa!

This week besides biking, Joel did outdoor work again, trimming bushes, laying rock, mowing, planting and fencing hostas.  Joel celebrates 44 years in ministry today, too.  

I have been walking 20 minutes...only 5 at a time following dr.s suggestion.  I've cleaned a little, cooked and baked some, and spent time sorting and reading articles I've written...really takes me back in time.  Our summer TV schedule is limited...some America's Got Talent, game shows, and Prime Video favorites like Northern Exposure, Beyone Paradise, or Brokenwood Murders.

Speaking of going back in time, Joel sent his latest book to three women of great influence in our lives.  One was to the wife of Joel's late internship pastor , friend, and mentor.  He/ they shaped our lives. Another book went to long time friend and encourager from Joel's childhood on. She is a loving Christian woman who nurtured Joel and his brothers and us as a couple. The third one went to a dear friend that we met way back in our days in Utah. Her and her husband were so good to us so kind and stayed friends for decades as we both moved around. They too were quiet caring mentors on our journey.  Looking back, there are so many people who have touched our lives in a positive way and these are three that we are so grateful for. 

On that note it is time to close Saturday Scribbles. We are grateful for Joel's Internship pastor, Merv, and for these women mentioned and all that they've accomplished in their lives and all their good kind caring love and encouragement over the years. We're grateful for the fathers in our lives those that were gone at a young age and for the stepfather who also nurtured Joel and took care of his mom. Grateful for the good Fathers that our grandchildren have. Grateful that my back is better that Joel is getting in a lot of biking and that summer is here to enjoy. Grateful for our Grands who celebrated birthdays this week. Grateful for petunias and black-eyed Susan Ivy's and pansies that bring color and beauty to our yard. Grateful for all the text , photos, phone calls and emails that come our way. Grateful for all this and so much more ......enjoy your weekend. 

Saturday's Scribbles

 

Good Saturday to you from our corner of the world where we have been seeing sunshine, wind, rain, storms....everything but tornadoes.  The wind was high enough on one day that a few branches came down and plenty of twigs and spring leaves.  The highest gust was 52mph here in  town.  Joel spent hours doing yard work yesterday to clean up the mess and get the grass mowed.  The grass is so green and trees are in full bloom, but unfortunately the mosquitoes are out in full force too, putting a damper on much porch sitting.  

Speaking of porches, Joel takes his morning coffee out on ours, where he can enjoy nature and take in our hanging pansies and black-eyed Susan ivy.  He brought home the ivy this past week and I love it.  Besides yard work he has gotten in some biking and managed to write  a sermon for tomorrow.  It's his Sunday to preach at two churches in the area.  Once a month he goes as they are without a pastor right now.  I watched him cimb a tall ladder ths week on our half up landing and change the light bulbs and dust our ceiling fan.  Our ceiling above the living room and open stair case is 20+ feet up.  Seriously hate when Joel gets on that ladder!

My week has been spent managing a back injury.  Two trips to the chiropractor have helped plus a lot of rest and also walking 5 minutes 4 times a day to keep things moving.  I use my trusty cane which is 49 years old!  We purchased it in the Philippines.  I also cinch  a thick bathrobe belt around my waist and it helps keep me upright to walk.  Old tricks of the past that have worked.  Tricks that I was hoping not to have to use again....  It is better, but not at all where it should be yet and I'm ready for this to do done!  It is amazing how a bad back interferes with ....well....almost everything.  Including my attitude!

Speaking of interference,  today we were to be driving north to the Twin Cities for a graduation party but that's not happening.  It will be a time of laughter and hugs....it makes us both sad to miss it.  We see so little of family or extended family.  

Last Saturday we watched a movie on Netflix called Mother of the Bride starring Brooke Shields.  It was super funny and we enjoyed it very much....both of us needing  a good laugh or two!  It is kinda  silly-funny!

We have many family birthdays this month....Our son Kevin would have been 45 last weekend.  Yesterday our grandson Jonas celebrated his 16th, next is our granddaughter Lydia and grandson ELi's birthdays!   Happy Birthday blessings to them all.  The second half of the month is our daughter Sarah's and Joel's.  And then our anniversary.............  Every day is a gift, especially as we age....so certainly every birthday is to be celebrated.

My mind is drawing a blank today, so with little to share it is time to be grateful.  Grateful for some back improvements, for  a chiropractor who works with this broken body.  Grateful for Joel's endless support and help.  Grateful he is done with ladder climbing for awhile.  Grateful for all those we love who are celebrating birthdays.  Grateful for movies that make us laugh.  Grateful for old ivory inlayed canes to help in a challenge.  Grateful for the needed rain, beautiful flowers and green grass.  Grateful for all the phone calls, texts, emails and just so much more.

Enjoy your weekend!

Saturday's Scribbles

Good Saturday to you on this first day of June.  It is a beautiful day here with temps heading into the high 70's.  Rain is coming...again. Everything growing is vibrant with color.  We need to get a few potted and hanging baskets of flowers to brighten up our space.  We decided to wait until after our week at my sister's in South Dakota.  Now we are waiting for my back to cooperate.  I'm walking with a cane but it has already improved thanks to the chiropractor and plenty of praying!  Thank you Jesus.

Our trip to Jan's was wonderful.   We arrived Thursday 45 minutes ahead of a storm that produced 15 minutes of hail. We were safe and sound in her townhouse.  We were able to drive an hour South to her recently deceased husband Lanny's grave to place flowers on Saturday,  stopping at a small town cafe known for its delicious homemade pies!  Sunday we worshipped at Jan's great church...has lunch, napped, headed to her great grand's birthday party and then to my mom's and Jan's second husband graves before coming home to company that night.  There were visitors 4 of the 7 nights we were there ..Joel biked 12 miles on 3 of 7 days.  He and Jan cleaned and sorted her garage.  And we talked a lot....oh, how I miss her already.  I'm so grateful she has family and a lot of friends around her...wish we were among them.

Jan is 11 years older, although I look to be older.   She was there for me during our childhood...I took my first steps to her.  She has always been able to share childhood memories I draw a blank on.  We have laughed together, cried together,  grieved together, dreamed together.   Just not enough of those in person hugs!

Today our Kevin would have been 45.  Nearly 20 years have gone by since he died.  I'm sure he is celebrating with his grandma's in Heaven.

I'm writing from my phone so will keep this short.  So much to be grateful for.   Safe travels,  7 nights in Aberdeen, visiting with family and Jan's friends.  Grateful for everything we shared...meals, stories, laughter,  tears, hugs, just taking up space together.Grateful for Kevin.   So grateful...

Enjoy your weekend!