WASH DAY IN MANY PLACES

 Ginny's post a few days ago was showing many different pictures of clothes drying on the line.

It got me to thinking about a few that I have seen in several different countries.

In Henche, Haiti there were very few washers and dryers to use.

The women of the area would gather to do the wash and then hang it on the line.  They proceeded to have a great time visiting while waiting for their clothes to dry ...  which didn't take too long in that hot climate.

Laundry done, now it was time to visit.

To answer Chatty Crones question about why some things are on the ground, it's because they spread blankets and sheets on the ground to sit on while they were visiting and they also tried to sell some of their wears to visitors at the compound and to each other.  The compound allowed people to use their pump for fresh water.

In Guadalupe Victoria, Baja Mexico

Our power was rather iffy there so we resorted to hanging our things on the fence.

It worked like a charm.

In the good old USA

This is my motto for today and every day !!

Wednesday Words of Wisdom

SUMMER TIME !

 Summer Time ... 

One day reprieve and then back to the 100'sF.

Nothing like a Root Beer Float !

Always be Grateful

Always be Kind

FLASHBACK FRIDAY

 I have been going through our old photo albums.

What fun !!   So many memories of travels and family adventures.

I just had to share a few from the year 1998.

These are of our First Granddaughter, Lauren.  She was about 3 1/2 years old.

Dave and I took her to our favorite place ...  Disneyland ... This was in the "Good Old Days".

What a fun time we had.  Lauren's first time flying just with us and not her parents.

I guess you could call us the Doting Grandma and Papa.

I don't think Lauren was too sure what the crazyMad Hatter was going to do.

He chattered behind us through the entire ride.

She did love Winnie the Pooh, especially since he was just a cutout figure.

I guess the cutouts at the Disneyland Hotel were not so intimidating to this tiny girl.

One of my favorite shots from the time in the Park.

Its always fun to see things through the eyes of a child.

In the next few days I will post several more from our time at Disneyland with this Cutie Pie.

Always be Grateful

Always be Kind

TUESDAY TRAVELS

 Today I took some encouragement from Shug's blog post and decided to go back into my old photograph albums.

Today I thought I would share a few snapshots from our Mississippi Queen Riverboat cruise.  This happened Way back in 1997.  I had so much fun looking at the old photos again.

Our home for our trip up the Mississippi River from St. Louis, MO to Red Wing Minnesota.

Our stateroom balcony where I am standing.

We went through at least 7 locks to get up the river to our destination.

We stopped in Hannibal, MO to see the vast amounts of history there.

This cruise was a wonderful way to go slowly up the river.

Such lovely views

There was an actual Calliope on board that this gentleman played going through the locks.

It was SO Loud ... 

It reminded me of circus music.

One of our last stops was in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

We were met by many locals.

The high school band gave us a concert .  We watched from the boat deck.

We even got a musket fire greeting.

Small Town fun at its best.

These were out table mates for the cruise.  They were fabulous and full of interesting conversation.

The couple standing above us is Lee and Jim Rogers.  Jim was a Superior Court Judge for Minnesota.

Myra is sitting beside Dave .  Unfortunately she passed away soon after the cruise.

Nita is standing by our waiter Stanley.  

Good food, great entertainment and wonderful conversation.

Gorgeous sunsets as seen from the upper deck of the Mississippi Queen.

When we arrived in Red Wing, Minnesota, we did some sightseeing and then had a wonderful dinner with my cousin Tom and my Aunt Lil. (his mom)

I cherish this time because it was the last time I saw my Aunt.  She was such a favorite of mine.  Tom and I "chat" on FB but haven't seen each other since this photo was taken.

Thanks for coming with me down memory lane.

Always be Grateful

Always be Kind

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS

 Yesterday we finally got in to see Dave's primary care doctor.  No referrals.  Dr. said there was no need for another drain to be put in.  His pain is a lot less and dr. says Tylenol and ibuprofen will work the best.  Frustrated but at least Dave is better.  So I guess this will be an ongoing saga.

We also went to see Lynne yesterday afternoon.  It was really a good visit and not as sad as I had anticipated.  She was up in her wheelchair and even talked to us a little bit.  The Aphasia is very prevalent, with lack of language but we managed to get several really good laughs out of her by saying silly things.  That warmed my heart.  She did say one very clear sentence. "I want to go outside",  So Karen (her daughter) took her out on the front porch...she was only out there for 2 minutes at the most.  The temperature was a steaming 100F.  Lynne was content with that and had no memory of even doing it one second later.

She is definitely on the decline and so thin but the process may take some time longer.  Its hard to know what the body is going to do.

Dave and I didn't actually say a final goodbye to her, just bye until we see you again.  That may be here on earth or a reunion in heaven.

We would appreciate your continued prayers as we all go through this stage.

I'm sharing this photo with you because Lynne even managed to give us a little smile for the picture.  She does look different since she is not wearing her glasses, due to a small sore on her nose.  I'm glad that I have this picture for my memories.

Its going to be another HOT one today.  102-104F

I think I'm going to just stay inside and veg a bit.

Always be Grateful

Always be Kind

NEVER ENDING WORK

 I think we are finally getting a handle on the never ending jungle in our backyard.

Dave seems to have some renewed energy and takes a lot of breaks when we are cleaning up the yard.  The weather has been mild.  It has allowed us to spend a few hours each day out there.

Not a single grape this year but the vines are healthy and we have cleared a lot of the undergrowth.

Don't you just love the neighbor's bougainvillea cascading over the fence?  that salmon colored one is so brilliant.

Since our sprinkler system has been fixed we actually have some splotches of green appearing again.  Of course that means the grass is growing, which means it must be mowed before it becomes a jungle again...

It took Dave practically all day to cut our huge lawn (lots of rest breaks) with the electric mower.  But PTL it got done with no ill effects.

We still have to redirect some of the sprinkler heads so they cover the entire yard.

That's for another time.  I'm just happy to see a better kept yard.  The weatherman says our mild weather is coming to an end and this weekend it will be back to 100F.  Sigh ... 

Dave has his primary care doctor appointment Friday.  At least he's better but we do need referrals and answers as to his pain.  Prayers appreciated.

On a sadder note;

Lynne (my friend that I used to be a caregiver for) is not doing well at all.  Her daughter called me yesterday and said that the visiting nurse said it was just going to be 2 weeks at the most before her body just stops.  Everything is shutting down and this end of life is hard on all of us. I'm just praying that she will just fall asleep and wake up in the arms of Jesus.

63 years of friendship is a very long time.  Trying to wrap my brain around the finality of it.

Dave and I will visit her in the next few days to say our goodbyes.  She won't know we are there but maybe somewhere in that Alzheimer's destroyed mind of hers she will know we have loved her and will truly miss the "old Lynne".  This shell is not my friend.

Always be Grateful

Always be Kind

HAMBURGERS GALORE

 My Goodness !!!

This was a week of hamburgers galore.

Between 2 times of getting freebies of 2 burger combos at the soft opening of the Super Duper Burger to yesterday getting a $5.00 Cowboy burger at our local Leatherby's restaurant and ice cream parlor ... I am on overload.

Its all good stuff but oh my, the tummy can only take so much.

This burger was yesterday's meal after church.  All you had to do was mention the deal and that Expensive burger was only 5 dollars.

Leatherby's really makes delicious food and this Cowboy Burger was no exception.

It was a one day only until they would run out special.  $5.00 for that huge burger and a ton of fries which were yummy.                                                                           The burger has bacon, onion rings tomato, lettuce, pickles and Delicious BBQ sauce slathered over the "mess".  Oops I almost forgot the melted cheese !

We went with our son Steve and DIL Sigrid and ate and caught up on life.  Of course we had to have a "Senior Sundae" to round out the meal..maybe the words Round Out has a double meaning..haha..

Oh we were all so full that we waddled out of there and didn't eat anything else for the rest of the day and evening.  Its going to be a long time until we have burgers again.

Sometimes we just have to eat like the calories don't count!

Always be Grateful

Always be Kind

THE NEIGHBOR'S BOUNTY

 Our neighbor, Hye, grows so many wonderful things in her garden.

A few years ago she put in a Fig tree that likes to show off now that it is mature.

These lovely figs are just bursting at the seams.  I'm not sure when they are ripe but I think I may have to try one soon.

Do you like figs?  Fig Newtons used to be my favorite cookie.

Wishing all of you a great weekend.  Hope the weather will cool down.

Happy First Day of August.

Always be Grateful

Always be Kind 

LOOKS LIKE FALL IS COMING ... SO QUICKLY ...

 I couldn't believe what I saw when I looked out Dave's office window at our side yard.

The Sweet Gum tree is beginning to be dressed in its Fall gown.

What happened to Summer?  We are finally getting some Summer temps this week.  The weather people say it will be in the mid 90's for the next 7 days.  At least we don't have the humidity like the south does.  I'm "wilt-ie" enough as it is..😅😜

I am fascinated by this red leaf just doing its thing on the tree trunk and the shadows playing on the bark.

Yes, Fall is definitely on its way ! 

I just want to thank you for all the prayers and concern for Steve's business partner.

He is at camp with Steve this final week.  Mark is taking it easy but he is so happy to be doing what he loves to do, even though his voice is weak and rough from the 4 days of intubation.  It really is a God miracle that he is alive.  The doctors didn't think he was going to make it.  I'm still praying he won't overdo things.

God is good and this is a real testimony to all who know him.

Always be Grateful.

Always be Kind.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY FIRST BORN

 57 years ago we added a precious bundle to our lives.

Steve is our first born and we were thrilled to have him from his first cry.

Happy Birthday !!!

You are so creative, thoughtful, a fantastic business man, a wonderful husband, father, son, friend to so many.  Steve, I am thankful that you love the Lord with all your heart and see opportunities as ministry.  

Most of all, Steve, you are a man of Integrity.  We are so proud of you and what you stand for.                                                                  

I know I have posted this picture just a while ago, but this is where he is right now working as the camp photographer for week 4 and the final week of the church camp.

Love our son to the moon and back !!!

Always be Grateful

Always be Kind

BUMBLE BEE BOOGIE

 The other day I was out in our backyard.

The Ginko tree was blooming its head off.

Heard a loud droning buzz and saw many huge Bumble Bees having a snack.  

At least that's what I think they are.  They are huge and flit so fast that I couldn't get close enough to get a good picture.  I haven't seen them on any other plant, just this tree.

I had to delete most of my shots.  They were so fast that all I got was a bunch of leaves  ... 😀... You can see on the above photo one coming in for a landing.

Love our yard and all of the critters.  Speaking of critters the skunk has been back!

Right at dusk it has waddled up to our sliding patio door and taken a gander at us inside.  So far no smell ...  Let's keep it that way !!!   There you go Myra, dots and exclamation points to make this post "special"  😄

Always be Grateful

Always be Kind

THANKFUL THURSDAY

 Thankful Thursday...

Every day should be a day of thanksgiving but here are some things I am especially grateful for today:

This amazing sunset from a few nights ago.  Every direction produced different colors and cloud formations.  Its amazing what a difference a few minutes can make.

I am so happy we were able to get an appointment for Dave to see his primary doctor.  Its 2 weeks away but at least we are in the loop now.  I'm just praying that things will not escalate and we can finally get some answers.

2 nights ago we got a wonderful phone call from dear friends that live in Colorado.  We yakked for an hour ... best hour of the night!

Last night we got a call from some very special friends that we met through this blog.  We love them like family. I wish we could see them again but at this stage of our lives I don't think it will happen.  We cherished every minute of that precious conversation.

My morning devotion today was all about Thankfulness and doing it in ALL circumstances.  Practicing the discipline of Thankfulness.

Always be Grateful

Always be Kind