Last Sunday was fun. The Sunday School class Ralph teaches once a month had a potluck after church. Lots of good food and visiting. And then the rest of the day was relaxing. Monday was 4-H. I got the program book finished up so our secretary ran off the copies for me and I handed them out in the evening. We didn’t have a large group and only one talk (which was good) but the gift exchange was fun. Tuesday morning friend and I started working on doing ballots for out annual meeting. Will continue on it next week. The afternoon was out Good New Club party. The kids enjoyed the activities, refreshments (Little Debbie Christmas Trees and capri sun) and their gifts (small flashlight and candy and bookmark). Hubby came in and rode with the three girls and I to their house and then we went on to town to get gas and eat and then to a band concert which was very good.
Thursday I picked my sister up at 6 to take her in for her first cataract and we were back home by 9:30. Then Ralph and I had doctor appointments in the afternoon so we did them and a couple of errands and headed home. It was nice to have the evening at home. It started raining during the night and off and on most of Friday so a little messy but not too bad. Rain is good. We did our usual errands. I paid the taxes and things took longer so we ate at Burger King (have a gift card) before going home. In the evening we went to the visitation for a woman in our church. She had turned 103 in September. Her mind was good to the end. One daughter told me that three days before she died, she solved two of the puzzles on Wheel of Fortune before the contestants did and she liked doing that. This morning was the night the Youth Group went caroling for those 70 and over. They divide into three groups and then a set of sponsor goes with both. There were a total of 13 in our group. They sing about 3 songs but we have them come inside and visit a bit too. Tomorrow most everyone will be here – one is sick so he and mom will stay home and one has to go to work so won’t come. I figured out the seating with the Christmas taking one of the tables so it will work.

I taught the lesson in our class last week. It was the angels going to the shepherds. This week the shepherds go see baby Jesus. They are short lessons but we do have two year olds. For church we hurried to a near by town and went to Alan’s church where their kids were in the Christmas program. Then in the evening our church had their program. Our kids did okay with Away In a Manger.
Monday we went to town in the afternoon and I got most of what was left for Christmas shopping. Each person gets a little candy with their gift so had to get and picked up two gifts I had ordered and got a couple more things. We grabbed a bit at Burger King and then on to bigger town for the last music program. Tuesday morning was baking peppernuts. Got them all done. In the evening we went and watched a basketball game. Out team won so that was fun. Wednesday I worked on the house and opened packages as they arrived. Wednesday evening and Thursday I wrapped. Turned out I forgot two items so still had two to wrap on Friday.
Friday morning we got an early Christmas gift. Jordan was officially adopted. Since school is our for Christmas break, there was a good group of us attending. They gave him the middle name of Christian. It was Ralph’s dad’s middle name and gave him the initials of JC which was what my dad was called. From there we went and did our regular shopping.
Everyone came over around 6 for our Christmas. Until they got here, we did not know how foggy it was but everyone made it safely both ways. We had Pizza Hut pizza – 6 was barely enough and one person was not here. Then we all went downstairs. Ralph read the Christmas story and then the gift wrapping began. We do one gift at a time so all can watch so it take awhile. Everyone seemed to like what they got. Around 9 they headed home – not a long time here but the younger ones were getting tired.
Today I had no where to go. I straightened up from last night and did food stuff getting ready for tomorrow. The regular crew will be here.

Isabella, Are you needing the rain? Glad the landscaper came before it. We have gotten more rain and temps have been in the 50s – not typical winter weather but nicer to get around in. Hope it doesn’t take too many tries to find the right chair. Your Christmas and New Year meals sound good. A couple of women at church invited anyone who doesn’t have family to get together to get at church on Christmas Day. We are going there and I’ll help if they need some. All they asked us to bring was a salad. It’s a first time doing it so they’ll see how it goes.
A break from the house will be good. Enjoy the puzzle. I thought about starting one but thought I should work on the house while things are slower. We’ll see how it goes. I’m going to be going thrugh paper stuff and it’s just not a fast process.
It was sad to hear about Sheryl but I’m glad her sister let us know. I’m glad she didn’t suffer a long time and now is in a much better place. She was a special friend to this group.

Time to head for bed and gear up for the new week.
Merry Christmas to you and Dan.

Hi Debora, we had a nice quiet week. My Mexican casserole came out good. We will get 4 meals out of it. got all my grocery shopping done and bought all the items for the shrimp broccoli fettuccini alfredo. I bought the shrimp at Trader Joe's this time. Wild caught from Argentina. Hopefully it will be as good as it looks.

We had a guest speaker at church today. I don't know if you've ever heard of Megan Fate Marshman? She is really gifted and the message was wonderful. You should look her up if you get a chance.

We do need the rain. We haven't been getting as much as we usually do. Got some yesterday though not as much as usual.

All your activities sound wonderful. Glad all went well. Sounds like everyone in your family is long lived. must be all that clean living!

Yes, very sad about Sheryl but we have peace in the knowledge that we will see her again some day. She was so special. Very good of Norma to reach out to all of us.

We liked one set of chairs OK and the 2nd set pretty well so we will keep them. Yay!

Well God's blessings to you and yours for a healthy happy properous New Year in 2024.

Hi, had an interesting week. Monday night was supposed to be 4-H so I got started on things to eat. Got a couple of emails asking if we going to have 4-H cause snow was coming. Shortly after lunch we postponed the meeting to the next Monday (15th). And it was raining and snowing when we would have met and been driving home. We got enough snow overnight to cancel most area schools on Tuesday. I did not work with friend – the weather would have stopped us but she also fell at the basketball game the night before so was at her son’s. We did see the road grader clearing the road in the afternoon so I did go walk Wednesday morning. The church parking was still a mess. I drove up close to the front of the church to see if there was less ice there and got stuck. It wasn’t the amount of snow – just could not get traction. Another woman was there walking also so she took my friend home and I stayed at the church and waited for friend’s son to come pull me out which wasn’t hard to do. Then I was back for Bible. We celebrated the December/January birthdays so some of us brought snacks. We hadn’t met for a month so had lots to catch up on too. Then Wednesday nights started back up so I was in the nursery. We just had two kids but the one was teething so had a hard evening.
Thursday morning I took the farm books in, got a haircut and had lunch with a friend. I picked up Quarter Pounders at McDonalds and took them to her house. Then at 4 we went to the junior high basketball games. Sadly we had to leave for a memorial service before granddaughter got to play. The local public school was playing the local private school so I knew kids on both sides so that was fun.
It got up close to 40 Thursday but temps have been cold since. We still went to town on Friday but you aren’t outside too much. And at home unloading, the house blocked the wind. Today we had a high of 7 and the cold temps are supposed to last 2 or 3 more days. Today I fixed taco meat and baked cookies. We’ll see if the cold keeps anyone away. Our church is still being held (quite a few churches have canceled). But the roads are fine – just very very cold. We went to church tonight to hear about a ministry in Alaska. The turnout was better than I thought it would be and it was interesting – they teach missionary aviation. Guess this is the end since you haven’t popped in yet. Hope all is going well.

Hi, Sunday a week ago was very cold. We still had church and Lori’s came over to eat since they had already driven out to church. Alan’s elected to stay home so just had 7 here but they all enjoyed the taco meal. We did have enough leftovers for the week which I enjoyed. Monday morning I took my sister in for her cataract check. It’s been way over a month and she still doesn’t see well out of it so not scheduling the other one yet. Doctor said hers was the worst cataract he has done so there is still a lot of swelling so she goes back in 8 weeks. From what she told the doctor, he’s hopeful it will get better. We did some shopping she wanted to do in town. It started snowing so we hurried and got home shortly after 12 and Ralph and I just had a late lunch. Then I finished getting ready for 4-h while listening to the weather reports which did not sound nice for the evening. One person talked about icy corners and there was some snow. So around 4 we decided we would do a zoom meeting. Took time to make sure everyone knew the new plan but we had a good turnout via zoom and good talks. Hearing was hard at times but t least we were able to do it. We also ended up with Akan’s kids at our house so they watched a DVD in the basement while I had 4-H.
Tuesday was very cold so I was glad to stay home. Friend couldn’t work as she went in to get the staples out of the back of her head. I enjoyed having the whole day at home and plugged along on things. Wednesday morning was Bible study and then my walking friend and I went to have lunch with another friend for her birthday. We picked up food at the cafe and took to her house as it was warmer and walking friend made a cake. Got Ralph set up for his class in the evening and then I headed off for 4-H council. Where we met was not the warmest so I kept my coat on but it was a good meeting.
Thursday morning I babysat for the Ladies’ Bible study – we had 5 kids and it went well. I had an appointment in the afternoon so we went to town for it and some errands and then on to another town to watch some junior high basketball. The A and B girls games were quite exciting and we won. The C team did their best but no win. Granddaughter played most of the time.
Friday was the usual trip to town, lunch, a little work and off to one more evening of basketball. C team is done for the year so now we move on to bowling and biddy ball for some other grandkids. Saturday was getting stuff ready for Sunday. We finally got the Christmas stuff packed up and I carried it all downstairs. I browned the sausage, cut up oranges and kiwi, mixed up egg casseroles and premeasured the pancake mix along with straightening the house. In the afternoon we had a nice break with a wedding. It was very nice and God honoring and the reception was fun. We had a taco flavored dip with chips, fruit kabobs and then had cinnamon rolls. When we got home, I finished up what still needed to be done.
Sunday started our Bible Conference so have a guest speaker for 4 days (will speak 8 times). Then all but one (at college) were here for dinner. We did the two January birthdays. They both like pancakes so we do a pancake meal with sausage, egg casserole, fruit plate and donuts for dessert. Then at 5 we were invited to a home that was having the speaker over and enjoyed lasagna, crockpot corn, rolls, salad and a cinnamon roll. In the course of conversation the speaker and our hostess found out they were second cousins once removed. Very interesting. Then it was church and home.
Won’t get a lot done at home this week with church morning and evening but that’s how this week goes unless we get the freezing rain that’s being talked about and we don’t go out as much. This morning was a bit slick but we got safely back and forth.

Isabella, glad you like the work your gardener does. Keeps the yard looking nice. Do you use the hamburger buns for hamburgers or sandwiches? Your colder would be quite warm for us. We did get up to 32 today but with wind that’s not real warm. Yes, it has been cold here in the midwest.
So thankful to hear how God has guided the doctors with Jami’s surgery. Prayers that recovery is going smoothly.
What fun gatherings you’ve had. Time together is special. I have not played bunco but have heard is fun. They do it at one of the local libraries at times but I’ve enough going on, I don’t go.
Good morning! How time flies! I didn't realize it had been so long since I posted. Sorry about that! Having a good 2024 so far. Did my usual shopping Saturday plus went to Ralph's for a few extra things like hamburger buns because Dan only likes Ball Park brand buns. Didn't go as early as I usually do because we had the gardener here. He trimmed our rose bushes and our 2 magnolia trees. Did a good job.
I have heard of BJ’s but we don't have it around here. Have a great time.

About time to pull out the leftover pancakes and get supper on before we head for church. Have a great week.

Did the usual shopping this weekend. Had the gardener here too. Still to wet for him to weed the slope so I had him fertilize the roses, azaleas and gardenias and do some light trimming. If it is still to wet next time he comes I'm just going to cancel. Not much for him to do for the other shrubs. Temps warmed up a bit this week to high 70's but we are supposed to get heavy rain again this thursday. Hopefully there won't be any more flooding.

Last Monday we had heavy rain and some areas in south east San Diego that are near bodies of water had severe flooding. I never thought we'd see that in San Diego. Our crappy Mayor claimed that they were maintaining everything and nothing could have prevented the flooding but we know the drains were not properly maintained and he is lying. In the next breath he said that he is going to ask for federal funding to help with the "deferred maintenance". That in itself tells you the drains have not been maintained.

Had a nice time at BJ's. Fellowship was good and the food was pretty good too. Prices weren't too bad either. It was nice to see everyone again. My bible study starts up again this Thursday. Really looking forward to it.

My friend Jami is recovering well from the brain surgery but they were not able to get to one of the anuerysms. They are hoping it will shrink now that the stints are in place. If not, they will go in and try to resolve it. She goes back in 6 weeks.

Debora, glad things are well on your end. The visiting speakers sound good. I didn't know Ralph also has fibromyalgia. That can be difficult. Hope his PT goes well. Also hope things warm up and melt in your area.

Take care and have a blessed week!

Hi, We’ve had warmer days and today is cooling down. Sunday morning was communion so we start later. Then the kids were here. Jim always needs to leave at 2 so then the other family leaves shortly after cause the cousins are gone. The rest of the day was relaxing and gearing up for the week. Monday was at home until 4-H Council. We met two of the grands (who also go to the meeting) at McDonalds and had some time with them. Tuesday I worked with friend at church and we started Good News Club again. We had 14 and some were new ones. As I’m looking at the sign up sheets today, I realized one boy came a couple of years ago and one of the moms I babysat when she was much younger. So I’ll try and talk to her next week. In the evening we went to the basketball game between the local
Wednesday was Bible study. I worked at home in the afternoon and was in the nursery in the evening. We had 4 kids who played so well. No crying at all. Thursday morning I found out I was supposed to be in the nursery for Bible study so got there 20 minutes later but the other person was doing okay. We had 6 kids and they played well. In the afternoon we went and watched Lucy bowl one more time and then went to the Soil Conservation Annual Meeting. It was a delicious meal and the meeting was not overly long.
Friday we did our errands. There was no PT for Ralph as the PT people decided he should see the orthopedic doctor first (next Wednesday) so see if he can get a shot or needs surgery. He did say he did have a bit more movement though.
I thought I was going to be gone this morning and evening so got some family size Voila meals to fix – on sale so about the same cost as lasagna and I know they enjoy them. I ended up being home this morning cause Maggie had a fever so no basketball so got the jello and deviled eggs done then (made deviled eggs as grandson wants some for his superbowl party so decided we should have some too. Now I’m almost done baking the breadsticks, will do dishes and then be ready to go to a pancake and sausage feed at a area church. Always fun to see who is there and our youngest daughter and husband are going at the same time so we’ll see them.

Pancakes and sausage last week were good and I had a yummy piece of chocolate smore style pie. Sunday meal went well. Finished the last of the leftovers tonight for supper. No one stayed too long cause they all had superbowl parties to go to. We just watched it here at home. It was a good game with the outcome I liked. I wasn’t real impressed with the ads. And I did other stuff during halftime.
Monday was 4-H so I got ready for it. Had a good group and a lot of good talks. Tuesday morning Ralph had a checkup with the cardiologist. They agreed he was retaining some fluid so put him back on a pill they took him off 3 weeks ago. They are trying to get his BP to be more around 120 instead of lot lower but now it’s running more around 140 so trying things. Tuesday afternoon was Good News Club and we had 18 kids this week with 4 gone. Biggest group we’ve had for awhile.
Wednesday morning we did refreshments at Bible study since it was Valentine’s Day. We had a lot of good stuff. Then we went to Ralph appointment with the orthopedic doctor and he got a shot in the shoulder and in his right knee since it’s hurting again. The doctor said he could probably do range of motion on his own so we’ll see how that goes. I’m trying not to nag him on it. We enjoyed lunch at McDonalds. Worked at home in the afternoon and we had 4 kids in the nursery in the evening.
Thursday was in to the the PA to discuss the BP and we go back in six weeks. In the meantime, he keeps watch on it here. We then went to a thrift store, a bookstore and ate at Chick-Fil-A for our half anniversary. Thursday evening was Molly’s music concert – they are always good. We were able to sit on the front row so no heads in our way.
Friday was the usual errands. In the evening Maggie had a program. It was the 2nd and 3rd graders and they did Giddy Up Get Along Gideon. Very cute and a good message. This morning I went to watch Mattie play basketball at the Y. She is right handed but always dribbled with the Y. Their team lost but she had fun. Ralph, Alan and his boys went to a farm toy tractor show so were gone all day. I’ve been working on stuff for Sunday. Chuck roast were on sale (still very high) but splurged and have it with potatoes and carrots so I peeled and cut up 7 pounds of carrots. I’ll do the potatoes in the morning. The applesauce jello is made and the birthday cake. After we eat I’ll get the birthday tablecloths on and then I have valentine napkins so the table will have an interesting look. I think 21 will be able to be here.

Isabella, I always enjoy pizza. Sorry a chain is coming in. That’s what we mostly have around here – we usually do Pizza Hut just cause of the deals. How fun to eat at the senior center and bringing a friend. Cool on the music.
How was the Hamburger Factory? I’ve not heard of Lisa Harper (there are so many Bible studies out there). 50 is a large group. We don’t like to have over 10. Right now we usually have 8 of us there and one coming in via a phone call on speaker as she is supposed to be careful with her health. We are studying Mary and are mostly in Luke but the first two chapters. Elizabeth George is the author. We’ve done almost all of her books. They are ones that you can do them ahead or as we discuss which is how I often do them.
Well, we can try the emails out and change back to here if we want. I’ll consider it started when I send you the ecclair cake recipe.
Off to do dishes and get the birthday tablecloths on.