GrandmaBeckyL

Thoughts on Sunday

2013-05-19T14:05:00.000-07:00

Life would be flat if there wasn't any music!

I've always loved music. Studied music for a year at Bible college. I enjoy singing and especially singing praises to God in church and on days I have Christian music playing in the car on the way to work, or working in my kitchen. So I was thrilled to see a church reader board in my town with the writing that I just shared. I love the "Sound of Music" and "Oklahoma" (which was the first musical I saw in junior high, many years ago!) I have asked a few people what it would be like to just start singing when I'm out in a store....would anybody think I'm weird? Would they sing with me or call security, give me weird looks? I have heard of flash mobs going on. A couple months ago my daughter and I were at a Fred Meyer store on a Friday. They had asked customers to come up front.....we continued to shop in the shoe section. About 10 minutes later, a flash mob dance was happening! Oh my...how funny, how fun?! Sigh! I like music. It's in my head and in my heart.

One of my favorites was sung at church today. We sang it beautifully. Then when I was leaving church after interlude of snack and visiting with friends, heard the song again as 3rd service was going on. "Beautiful Things" I found it on a Youtube to share with you. The music is playing while photos come up of
Finish the Wall project at New Song Mission, in Nicaragua. (click on link) We were there after the project. I enjoy seeing the photos of before and the new. We experienced the new. Enjoy! Find a good song for your heart to sing this week! God bless!

Released!

2013-05-18T08:30:00.000-07:00

As of Friday, May 17, the equipment that included solar panels and filtration units for New Song Mission have been released from customs. Unfortunately there was ALOT of money involved in the process and numerous trips to Managua for paper work and hopes of the release. But the saga has a happy ending! Thank you God for hearing our supplications and helping your children in Nicaragua have cleaner, healthier, purified water! Thank you, my blogger friends, so much for your prayers. We will now commence in the happy dance of joy and sing praises to our God, who reigns as our King and Lord forever!

Trees on Photographic Friday

2013-05-17T08:30:00.000-07:00

Coconut trees at New Song Mission. Top one has coconuts that are near picking stage, green ones, in photo below, have longer to go. Bottom photo is of tree branches shadows. Coolness under them for sure. It's was my first full day in Nicaragua. I actually ate some coconut from one of these trees on Thursday. Yum. Then later someone made coconut and sugar cookie balls....yummy as well. Have a great Friday and an even better weekend. God bless!

My Journey Begins to Nicaragua

2013-05-15T08:30:00.000-07:00

Aboard a Delta airplane out of PDX, flying above the clouds, Mt. Hood in the background.

Flying over the Wallowa mountains, eastern Oregon.

Ticklish (my stuffed, warm, cuddly travel companion) on board with me, my orange juice, and my hat. I ate my cinnamon roll I bought along with oj at Rose's cafe in airport. I was hungry cuz it was 2:30 a.m. when Don and Belinda picked me up at my house. Two and a half hours of sleep. Tired. Hungry. When I'm awake that early, my tummy says eat.

Fast forward to airplane from Atlanta, GA to Managua, Nicaragua. Ticklish and I are figuring out forms for temporary migration into Nicaragua. A whole new world for us!

Sunset out the airplane window.

Our taxi driver of van we rode in from the Managua airport to New Song Mission. He's explaining things about what happened at customs to Diego. Linda and Don listen in. Linda knows Spanish but not as good as the driver.

Sat. a.m. was staff worship time. This was scripture from Isaiah.

Later, I went out with Kay so she could remind some of the youth about the function happening later in the evening. Here's a dog at the first house we went to. I was a bit apprehensive about all the dogs running around loose. But never had one bother me. I looked at this one, he sniffed me, didn't bother me.

Wash hanging out in the afternoon. Everyone does laundry outdoors, by hand.

Drainage from the house.


This young man came riding by us. I was trying to get out of his way and vice versa. We nearly collided! He has a sack in his mouth that holds one shoe.

Houses in the area.

Kay getting some lunch after we got back.

Plantain, mangoes, melon in the kitchen.

My lunch....macaroni and cheese, broccoli, chicken and tomatoes.

Kitchen that was recently done, during build the wall project at New Song Mission. There is filtered, purified water in sink to the right of refrigerator. It was worked on Monday.

Truck at mission. We rode in this a few times. I rode in the front. A couple physical reasons.

A windy afternoon.

Bathroom at the mission. There is a toilet to left of shower. Because of the issues with septic tank, no toilet paper could be flushed. It clogs it up. Only cold water but that's ok. It felt good. But when I get out and dried off, I started to sweat again!

My bed and Ticklish too! Window behind bed was opened at night for some ventilation. No a/c! Just fans. It didn't help me sleep much. In hindsight, I think I should have rested a bit during the afternoon so I wouldn't be so tired when I got home. Live and learn, especially at my age!

My taxi ride from New Song mission to Leon. I am meeting up with Maria and her girls for the weekend. I will be staying at the Hostel Italian, which she and Pedro manage.

Taxi driver and car...it's a BMW. But not real plush, no door handles inside. 4 windows open for ventilation. I'm so thankful to be here safely. The drivers are crazy here, so different from USA drivers. Stop is a loosely used term in driving....slow down, no stop or totally ignore it! Sometimes I just looked the other way instead of looking at the traffic when we were out somewhere! Kept myself more sane that way!

Relaxing in my room with my cold Pepsi and water bottle.

I turned on the tv. I changed channels until I could find a channel that had English programming. Wound up watching something with animated penguins. It wasn't Happy Feet. Later I turned it on and there wasn't anything good to watch, off it went, read a bit of Bible off my tablet, went to sleep then took a shower in the a.m. Didn't know how to make hot water come on. It felt good anyway since I was warn already!

Doors, one to hall other to bathroom

Air Conditioner.

Ticklish wants some Fritos that I bought at the Atlanta airport. Yes, we ate some cuz it was snack time.

Maria ordered pizza for us since she was busy at the hostel and couldn't go out. Just like a Sat. night at our house! Laura and Rachel look on, we're waiting for Maria. I had a good time with them, so good to see my friends again.

My room.

Painting in hallway across from my room. I liked it alot.

Nice little rest area in hostel. Beyond the door was a kitchen. This is the end of the day for me. Next will be Sunday, a new week in Nicaragua. Quite the adventure....hot days, every day. Beauty, old buildings, friends to help me through the days. Thanks for stopping by for a visit. Let me know you were here.

Equipment Update

2013-05-13T19:34:00.002-07:00

Yesterday my friend, Don, sent this email update to me. He was the leader of our team when we went to Nicaragua. Here's an update on the equipment that was seized at customs.

Just heard a word from our friends in Nicaragua. They are in the final stages of getting all the equipment released from customs. I don't fully understand the process. They got all the paperwork done to get it released without having taxes in 16 out of the 20 days, but the government says it does not have the time to do it's paperwork. So if we want the equipment, we will have to pay the taxes anyway. Makes no sense to me, but it will be good to get the stuff released.
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I pray that the equipment will be released on time, without having to pay taxes and that the government will do their part to get their paper work done. They've had it long enough to do it. Our God is a great God, creator of the universe, the Great I AM. He can change these stipulations for the good...helping His children out who brought it and help the people who will receive the clean well water. I'd ask you, my bloggy friends, to pray as well. I know you have been praying and it's worked to get the equipment released and much appreciated.
=====Becky

Mother's Day 2013

2013-05-12T12:41:00.002-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to all my bloggy readers. Wishing you fields of happiness and good memories to last a long time. When I told my mom, Happy Mother's day a few days ago, where she lives in a nursing home, she gave this reply. "Thanks for having my grandchildren." Awe, isn't that sweet? I love my mom. She's been a praying mom and loving mom, growing a garden to feed her family on the farm. When we moved into the little town close by our farm, she still grew a garden. I loved the veggies so much. The meals prepared. She's a loving grandma and great grandma. Even in her late 80s she can find some humor to make people laugh. She's always loved flowers.

Megan and I love the tulip farm. Here we are a few weeks ago. She'd just got off work at the tulip farm and we spent sometime together before she headed home. Must take a fun photo! We had a good day yesterday. Enjoying friends at a bridal shower, 45 minute drive. It was worth it with delicious brunch. Then we stopped in a town that we always pass through to a destination for some shopping. Grocery Outlet and then Fred Meyer. Both of us scored at the last place, a pair of sandals for me and two pr of pants for Megan.....her's are going. Being between jobs, I felt I could help her out a bit. That's what moms are for. Daughter worn out clothes need replaced sometimes. She usually buys her own. We got a good deal with sales then coupons, saving $25....all that for $45. Amazing! It pays to be frugal! Enjoying my day and hope you are as well. HAPPY MOTHER'S' DAY! God's blessings be upon you, now and always.

Flowers on Photographic Friday

2013-05-10T08:30:00.000-07:00

Flowers are beautiful in Nicaragua. I am not certain of this bush's name with flowers. Almost looks like hibiscus as well but other ones weren't in a circle like these. Do any of you know what they are?

Both of these flowers are hibiscus. So pretty! I consider Nicaragua tropical! It's hot~there's volcanoes. Rainy season coming soon.

Sunset on trip, now it's memories

2013-05-09T20:50:00.001-07:00

My short work week is over. I have been home for 6 days from trip to Nicaragua. It was an adventure that I will never forget. Many good things happened. Interesting country but not sure I could live there. I got to eat some delicious foods, like fresh coconut, fresh mango, papaya pancakes and eggs in the mornings at the mission, roasted Igquana, cold showers that felt good later in the day (even though I started to sweat after I toweled dry.) I felt God in this foreign country, especially when I was worshiping on Sunday in our "sister" church. I felt Him in the hugs from children, hands held by older women at the mission and when I went house visiting (with interpreter) later in my trip. Now that my week is over, I still am processing how much more sleep I need to get me really feeling less tired. Maybe being hypothyroid doesn't help in this case either. Processing the day to day happenings of the trip. My God sized dream. He helped me realize this dream, by giving me an extra day a week, (since a co-worker left a yr ago Dec and my boss wanted me to fill the void.) He kept me calm when the van broke and gave me the opportunity to see one beautiful sunrise of blazing red sun over Lake Managua on our way to the airport. If we'd been on time, I would have missed it. So there are good things that come from the not good happenings. I hope that I blessed people along the way as they blessed me as well. Eyes wide open and surprises for sure. So as the sun sets here in Oregon, I will close with a scripture verse that works well with the trip I was on. Psalm 90 was read at church. The very last part is great!! "Let Your work appear to Your servants, And Your glory to their children. And the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us. And establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands." (vs 16-17, NKJV) (photo is of young men playing soccer at the mission. When ball got out of bounds when I was there, I'd throw or kick the ball back to them. They even asked me to play but I declined! Volleyball would have been a different story though since I've played that! ) Have a good evening.

Nerves Of Steel Team (with text)

2013-05-06T23:02:00.000-07:00

Hello! Here's the first photo of our team that went to Nicaragua last week. We are in front of the cathedral in Leon. I'd been there for a couple days visiting my friends and went to our sister church there on Sunday. Linda and the team came by after going to the airport again, attempting to retrieve the equipment that was in customs. No equipment. Our team consists of Becky, Jerry, Derek, Don and Candace.


We've been called the Nerves of Steel Team because of the incident of customs holding our equipment and going through an interesting morning on Friday on our way to Managua, to return stateside. First we were pulled over by the local police, for an unknown reason. Checked out the driver's id, then around to open sliding door on passenger side. We showed our passports and officer looked at them 2x. Then handed them back to us, and off we went. Half an hour later, our driver stopped 2x to check the tire on the right side. Later up the road, a rough ride when the tire completely came off! Oh dear me! I'm thankful for a flashlight in my carry on luggage. Anyway, long story short, in the dark of early morning we sat in the van. I prayed and sang in my head. An hour later, another taxi van came and we moved quickly from one to other, with luggage. Off we went in a fast mode. Boy, you could never drive crazy in US as they do in Nica. But we made it, safe and got to airport with good timing, checking in, going through customs and security. 20 min. wait time til boarding call. Linda, from New Song Missions, where we were, couldn't believe all that happened that a.m. We just rolled with the punches, as they say. Moved on. She has called us the Nerves of Steel team because of that. So thankful everything turned out all right. Amazing! Thankful for a God who gives us His love and guidance in the hard times. Definitely felt Him with us. Thanks for your prayers. (Not sure what happened earlier, but only photos showed up, no words. Now there's words. There were words last night!)

Adventure Time

2013-04-28T19:56:00.001-07:00

Greetings from hot Nicaragua. Am staying wth friends at a hostel for a couple nights. Went to sister church this a.m. Felt blessed and welcomed. I've taken a lot of photos. Prayers for release of water filtration pieces from customs on Monday. Traffic is crazy. Food is good. Weather hotter than l experience at home but I knew that before coming. Drinking alot of water is the key. I've tried to ask what the temperature is and all I get is HOT! Showers are cold but feels good. In hostel there's supposed to be hot water. I think it's not quite as cold as it was at the mission Saturday a.m. Hopefully I can find something to occupy my time on Monday. I told Maria I'd do dishes at the hostel. She and her husband manage/rent hostel. 'Nuf said for now. I've got much to tell and show you. Many thanks for your continued prayers for my God sized adventure I'm experiencing half a world away. Or it seems that way. Back later, my friends.

Photographic Friday

2013-04-26T08:30:00.000-07:00

My one and only visit this year to the tulip farm. Been too busy with getting ready to go on my trip and working. Sigh. I couldn't decide which photo to use for my header. This one or the one with the pink tractor. So I decided to share this one with you as well....since I'm a lover of purple tulips and tulips in general. I was supposed to be sitting on the tractor seat (in header photo). I was climbing up and for some reason a leg gave way or just the way the "steps" are to get onto the tractor and my legs didn't work out. I ended up falling onto the tractor. Pain involved, with some tears. That tractor isn't soft at all! My girlfriend told me it was a sassy tractor, since it's pink so it got me! I incurred some bruises and soreness but able to walk after pain went away. I am smiling in spite of the pain! The John Deere tractor is painted pink in honor of Ken's wife, Vicky, who died of breast cancer a few years ago, during the tulip festival. Tractor was quite the conversation piece. You'll see it in a few more photos of it in another post of mine. Til next time, God bless and enjoy your spring weather, wherever you are. A blogger friend posted that it was snowing in Kansas! We're experiencing warm weather here, almost 70 today. It will be hotter where I'm going.....Nicaragua....in a few days! Ok, bye for now!

Our Easter Fun

2013-04-21T15:26:00.000-07:00


After church on Easter, our family got together for an Easter lunch. Can you tell who arrived at the house and promptly made a pile of stuffed animals on a chair? The adorable grandchildren.

Dining room table with places set for everyone. Eggs are decorated wooden eggs I picked up at World Market...one of the favorite stores of mine. Added some candy whopper eggs my daughter bought for us to eat!

Our lunch consisted of ham with pineapple, homemade biscuits, salad, mashed rutabaga (last two brought by Justin and Erin) and cranberry sauce. I was skeptical of the mashed rutabaga but it was actually alright. Tasted like cauliflower! So thankful for them sharing....oh I made pies....that we ate. Sorry, no photo.

Adorable grandchildren with their chocolate bunnies I "hid" for them and Ticklish. Mel wanted to know when the egg hunt was! I told her the bunny was the hunt. Oh.

Grandma and her adorables. Never can get everybody looking at camera at the same time....oh well!

Grandson and grandpa after lunch.....snooze time.....

Megan and Melody "snoozing"......not!


Ah, a parting shot of our son's family....I always feel a bit sad when they leave. I love them so much! Can't complain though since they aren't that far away. Have a good week, my friends.......God's blessings.

tulip book

2013-04-16T22:50:00.000-07:00

I just finished a photo book. It's of last year's trip to the tulip farm with my dear friend, Tamara. It needed done tonight before I go to sleep. I have a Groupon to use up before tomorrow when it expires. Always something to push me to get something done! (Remember, this is copyrighted work! If ya know what I mean!)

http://d3gtjm45qo2xw3.cloudfront.net/share/album.html?&album=1d0ac9430bb0456c839b6ce2ccdd94d3b8a23c82a1c549bf9da9ec4a502a65de&idEmp=3&lang=en_GB

Eventually I will load my Easter and tulip farm photos onto my computer in the next few days. I'm behind but it will get done.

Single digit number of days til Nicaragua trip! Last night of my typhoid pill as well! Yippee! Now the packing will commence soon! Take care!

Fantastic Item for Travel

2013-04-14T21:44:00.000-07:00

I recently ordered a sleeve for my tablet. I had my friend, April, at Marine Parent's Blog make it for me.She has an Etsy shop. Mine doesn't have a ruffle for space limitations in my camera bag. I felt I needed a bit more protection for the tablet, even tho it came with a hard case. Never can be too careful when traveling. So I hopped on board and April stitched away and sent it to me. I was so excited when it arrived. Neither of us could believe it only took 3 days to get from Japan to Oregon! Fastest shipment yet for her. It normally takes 8-10 business days to ship to the states.

The fabric is Japanese patchwork. I am enjoying it already. It's lined as well, with light green lining. No photo cuz it came out blurry.

Little goodies including a couple candies and little paper clips.

Ticklish came to see what the fuss was about. She decided to take a nap on the sleeve. "Just my size!" she said.

Tulips that Megan brought from the tulip farm...the first ones. These were in my kitchen. Of course, I had to do another photo shoot.

last but not least, my list I wrote up months ago for my trip to Nicaragua. I have all my shots, got the IBU travel bottle. Not sure about mosquito repellent. I took the 3rd of 4 typhoid pill tonight. It's not been bad, actually. First was a bit worse, some cramping, other stuff that's minor. So thankful for that. Now it's down to thinking of packing. I bought a few things to take to the mission this afternoon. Hoping 2 pillows will squish well into the luggage and be ok. They don't weigh much. I ordered a 3 pack through Groupon last year. One we use on the couch and others not used yet. Why not put them to better use. Now under 2 weeks away!

A wee update. ...

2013-04-10T23:23:00.000-07:00

Ok, an update from lil' ol me. My cousin, Laurel died late Tuesday afternoon. My uncle called me right before Phil and I went on a walk. I'm glad we made the trip down to see her, even though she wasn't awake. It wasn't easy saying goodbye since I knew it wouldn't be long before she died. I don't know how to tell my mom on Fri. She already knows Laurel and her brother have cancer. Mom is concerned about her brother, my uncle. He didn't look the best on Sunday.
Another rainy day that was windy and daughter coming home early from tulip farm. She got school work done and did laundry. Now I'm off to kitchen to eat some yogurt. An hour ago I took my first of 4 typhoid pills. I think yogurt would help the possible side effect of diaherra a lesser chance of getting me? Will see. Pray I do well through my 3 other pills. I take one every other day. Done next Tue. Pill form half the price of a shot. Am counting down the days. Checking off things to purchase. How to take money and not lose it. Good night, my friends.

rainy day mixed with tears

2013-04-06T22:20:00.002-07:00

hello my friends. A rainy day all around. Been busy so blogging has not fit in my week. Monday and Tues. I worked early since co worker was on vacation....she usually covers first two hours at register. Then it's my shift. By 2nd evening I was tired. Yesterday and today i felt pretty good. Got shopping done, some items for my trip. This afternoon I got my hepatitis A shot at Walgreens. Last shot for my trip. Still need tyhoid pills, not shot. Am thinking about not getting it at all.

Later afternoon, I made 3 loaves of banana bread. Didn't eat any since we are taking down with us to relatives on Sunday. My uncle called me this week. He's wheelchair bound for years due to multiple sclerosis. His two adult children, my cousins, are both dying of cancer. Terminal. Oh dear. So I felt the need to see them before they pass on.....die. Phil felt the same way. So we head out early p.m. It's a little bit of a drive but ok with 2 drivers. We trade, one drives down, the other drives back. It's something I feel that's necessary. Family needs to see their family's love. I've been touched recently by a friend's death, no thanks to cancer. I feel a bit annoyed at myself for not being more involved when she was down. I know I can't be in everyone's life when they are sick, dying. Maybe it's just the caring part of me that wants ..........Oh it's hard to describe. Sigh!

The evening is done and so are the dishes. Thank you, my dear Mr. P for telling me he'd do them. I had a busy afternoon, he said. I didn't mind a bit. Now I'm off to put banana bread in bags and crawl into bed soon. It's gonna be a long day tomorrow, with church and visiting relatives, driving and emotions of it all. I ask prayers for our trip and the right words to say. Til next time....

Two Crazy Days!

2013-04-01T21:39:00.000-07:00

The other Friday, I stayed home cuz I just didn't feel like going anywhere. For lunch, I ate leftover turkey bean soup. Who needs crackers when I can eat Fritos. I am a confirmed Frito bandito! Pepsi. Leafed through food network chocolate issue, from last year. Looking to find cookie recipe to bake today.

It's time for Easter MnMs.

Made drop biscuits for dinner.


A batch of ccokies....a big one for Justin's birthday as well. Chocolate chips and craisins.

fast forward to Saturday night and Megan is unhappy cuz she had to take a cold shower again and couldn't wash her hair. What's a girl to do?

I was thinking Sat. night baths of many years ago where people heated up water and dumped it in a big tub to take a bath. Hey, that's an idea! So I pulled out my Paul Deene stock pot from the laundry room. Heated up water on our gas stove. We'll beat that old water heater at it's game. We'd been having trouble with it for awhile. Deciding to quit heating. Of course, Phil was gone! I don't really know how to do the pilot light or another thing in there....leave it to someone more knowledgable..

So Megan shampooed her hair after I wet it and then I rinsed it. Used a pitcher with warm water. She said it was like church camp...chilly even though there was warm water.

Then I proceeded to wash some of the dishes in the sink. Silly me, kept turning on the water....hey, remember? It's cold water!

Rinsing.

Time for some hot tea!

Mind meld! (Star Trek).We had been thinking about the same thing....heating up water.Freaky Saturday Night!

A note I left Phil. He was coming home late. So he needed to relit the pilot light. The next day he put in the new thermo couple in the water heater. So far, so good. No cold showers. Praying it stays that way. We've had the same water heater for 23 years. Some things just give out.At least it was something less expensive and fixable!

Sunday a.m. I noticed a box on the kitchen counter. I peeked! Chocolate goodies! Phil brought Megan and I goodies. It was from the Saturday market in Vancouver. Oh so yummy.

A big bite! Just looking at this photo makes my mouth water. I'd love to have that recipe for sure.

Eating the delicious chocolate brownie with hot tea! I feel like Bugs Bunny feels. Happy! Goofy! Out of this world!.

Tulips my daughter brought me on Monday when she started her job at the tulip farm. Of course I had to take some photos.


Take a peek inside!

Traveling Companion

2013-03-24T20:19:00.001-07:00

Once upon a time, there was a little TY Beanie Baby bear in a candy store. She sat on a shelf until one day this kind lady, named becky picked Ticklish off the shelf. (Ticklish is the name on the tag.),She was pink and fit the bill. See, there was a plan to send me to a lady who was fighting cancer and doing chemo. She was in a program called chemo angels. becky was an "angel" who sent little gifts and cards to this lady. So becky bought this bear to send to dear lady M. But before Ticklish could go to dear lady M, she was to take a trip to TN first. Get some photo shoots done then sent to dear lady M. Fast forward 6 years later, dear (departed) lady M's daughter, miss A., sent Ticklish back to becky. Why? becky wanted to know if Ticklish would like to go on another trip with her. To Nicaragua. So Ticklish arrived mid Feb 2013. She was in a box and cold. becky hugged her since she was so happy to see her again. Many memories. Then becky put Ticklish in this quilt to warm her. Isn't becky so kind? I've missed her too!

Ticklish checked out becky's new camera bag for the trip to Nicaragua. Maybe little bear can squish in the bag. Will see. If not, then in the carry on. We are both excited. 5 more weeks and counting. Bags not packed yet, but mentally we are packing. Got a gallon sized ziploc bag filled with small items: wet wipes, powder deoderant that's hard to find, thank you Fred Meyer for having it in your travel section. travel size toothpaste. Need some different sox. Extra camera battery to order this week so it gets here before we leave.

Meanwhile, Ticklish has made new friends at this nice house. Settled in quite nicely. Will meet becky's grandchildren next week. Can't wait for more hugs! I hear that the bear becky bought in TN is here too. I need to meet him/her soon. Maybe later becky will share photos of trip to TN and some of Israel, where I went with miss A. a few years later. I think it will be after the trip since becky is quite busy right now. She's still tired but feeling better, no dizziness since she went to the dentist yesterday and evened out a couple teeth. Amazing how different she feels. becky thanks you for your prayers and sweet comments on her blog. See you in another post.

an answer

2013-03-21T22:03:00.001-07:00

I know some of you have been waiting for my CT results. Nothing major, a small lung nodule about a centimeter and nonmalignant. Will get another scan in 3 months since progress needs checked. Praying there's no change and maybe it will go away. I need more sleep at night. Hoping that trip to dentist on Saturday afternoon (yes, you read it right) to get latest crown checked. After last work was done, I'm thinking crown is a bit too high. Been a bit dizzy late afternoon these last two days at work. Maybe a combination of different things. So continued prayers appreciated.

Even though it's spring, it's been rainy, windy and cold. That's the norm for Oregon. Hope it warms up soon so the tulips start coming up. My daughter has a seasonal job at the tulip farm. That will help her for awhile. I realized I worked there 8 years ago before I got hired at hardware store where I now work .

now dont worry. This is a slow shutterspeed? Its not cuz I'm dizzy. Am doing this post from my tablet and a bit different than my laptop.

Take care , my dear friends and thanks for your prayers and sweet comments.

Catching Up Post

2013-03-17T16:34:00.002-07:00

Hello! Remember when I said I didn't have a birthday cake? I finally felt well enough to make an Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cake mid February. It is yummy. It doesn't need frosting. It's relatively healthy since it's got oatmeal in it. Right? We like it and it's easy to make, even from scratch. It's from a Taste of Country Cookbook, 5th Edition, which I've had for awhile.

Oh, look as those yummy chocolate chips, just waiting for me to eat them. Oh, there's Ocean Spray Craisins in there as well, so it's even more healthy!

Dinner that evening I made a sausage potato soup with some cabbage slaw (from a bag) in it. So yummy!

Here's dinner! Phil made the biscuits from our homemade mix. It was delicious on a cool February evening.

And then there was cake. Finally! Delicious!

Fast Forward a week later. Megan and I met up with my sister, Kerri, in Longview, WA. We'd gone to Old Creekside Cafe, where we ate last year. This was a late birthday lunch, since I'd been under the weather the week we were supposed to meet. Megan went with me since she wasn't working. We had a good time. Megan wanted to go in this store, which is a pawn store and you can get bail bonds. (We didn't need one of those.) It was fun to look around. I looked at some camera lenses but none of the zoom ones were what I could have used. There was a $70 one I'd buy if it was the right one. Nope. Oh well. It's interesting to see items people pawn for money. There were some old pocket watches, one as old as late 1800s. Obviously in someone's family. Nobody wanted it. Sigh!

Water buffalo head, any one?


Ship steerage?

We went into the same thrift store we shopped in last year. We scored again. I'm trying out some purses. What do you think of this one? Rather nice spring fashion appeared oriental.

Or a metallic purse? I rather liked this one but Megan said no. The scarf was a gift on my birthday from Erin.I didn't buy either of the purses. My sister found a few things as well.

This was a cute couple. Notice the patchwork feet? It's a rabbit.

Wedding dresses in the front window.

I bought this 8 x8" Corningware dish. Made in 1975, a couple years before I was married. I really like this pattern. I baked these chocolate lava cakes (from Trader Joes) in it the other day. They were delicious.

I've not been to Bermuda but I have another lighthouse piece by this maritime artist, Donna Elias. This is the Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, one of the oldest cast iron lighthouses of the world. So I added this to my collection. The other piece I have is a collage of Oregon lighthouses.

My sister, Kerri, and I at a restaurant where we ate ice cream after our little shopping spree. Megan enjoyed all the Coca Cola memorabilia. We had a good afternoon, even though none of us were feeling the best. But we enjoyed our time together. Then we went our separate ways, one going north, the other two south. I love my lil' sis!

The adorable grandchildren that I didn't get to watch a week ago. I still wasn't feeling well enough to watch them while mom and dad went out to a big second hand sale a church puts on every year. So Megan watched them. She took photos of them on her cell phone and sent them to me. Melody is showing off her cookie.

Owen is eating his cookie as well. He had to be shown how to pull them apart. He's still learning the ropes of eating this type of yummy cookie. He's got a big bib on. I think it's one he uses when he paints. I missed seeing them. Melody wanted Megan to call me so I could talk to them. Melody was being her silly self. I asked them to sing me a song....Jesus Loves Me. They did ok, except Melody was still being silly but Owen was singing the song!

I am feeling better. Still trying to get enough sleep. I'm getting there. I didn't get to sleep in at all on my days off. On Friday I had to be at the diagnostic imaging center at 8:15 a.m. for a CT scan. It went ok once they found a good vein to put the needle in. Needles can't be small in this test since they have to inject contrast into the vein. It took longer to find the vein than the actual test. At least the tech was kind enough to try once and when that failed, she got another tech that was better....still hurt some but it was better than the first one. Now am waiting for results. There was a lung nodule that was found in both x-rays but nothing confirmed to what it really was. I'm sure it's ok. I've had bronchitis and inflamed lungs and meds to clear both up. I'm breathing much better. Thanks for your prayers. Yesterday I got up early so Megan and I could go to a memorial service for a sweet Christian lady, Marilee, who ended her 11 year battle with breast cancer. Quite the service. Encouraging, happy and sad. But she loved the Lord and will see her in heaven, in the sweet by and by. Her husband was the one who officiated Justin and Erin's wedding in our home over 6 years ago. What would we do without friends to help us? Today, of course, there was church. So not too bad of a struggle to get up. The day is beautiful out even though a bit of wind makes it chillier than it looks. Hope to walk to the mall for our Subway dinner tonight. I feel good and need the walk. Have a great week, my friends.

Tulips a comin' soon!

2013-03-12T22:53:00.001-07:00

The days are appearing a bit warmer than even last week. I even saw the sun a bit today and warmth outdoors on my walk down to the video store to return a rental.(Skyfall--007) It's in the same little mall where I work. So it was nice to just get away from the store on a break and be outside. Real air! My daughter is excited about working at the tulip farm this year. She's in between jobs and she got hired on for the season. We've gone there many years. I've taken hundreds of tulip photos. We know the owners. I've taken hundreds of Nice to have connections. I worked there 8 years ago when I was in between jobs. A few months later I started working at the hardware store where I'm at now. So it's good vibes, I guess. Praying Megan will get another job, more permanent. It will happen.
As for me, I'm feeling better. I have a CT scan scheduled for Friday on my chest...2 x-rays didn't rule out what radiologist saw...don't know what it is. So we are praying the results are nothing bad. I won't know what it is til Monday, unfortunately. (Maybe I can ask to have the tests read and over to dr by later in the day since it's gonna be early morning? Probably not; never hurts to ask! Right?) But am resting in God's arms and not dwelling on it. I had a blessing this a.m. On the way to work, I heard 2 songs that helped me calm my nerves and apprehensiveness. He is in this storm with me. I know I'm in good hands. No matter what happens! His love never fails, He never gives up on me!

until further notice...

2013-03-04T11:28:00.000-08:00

Right now in my life I am dealing with health issues. I need to get better. I will be going to dr. this afternoon. I went two weeks ago and have bronchitis. Got feeling better, whole week of work last week. But have some breathing issues so not able to work today. I need to be well so I can go on mission trip to Nicaragua.
I ask for your patience, understanding, and , most importantly, your prayers. My blogging has been on the back burner, for a bit. Back with u soon. Thanks for staying with me.

My Birthday Blessings

2013-02-22T21:53:00.002-08:00

Last Thursday, Feb 14, I celebrated another year of life! I got quite a few cards. And some fun gifts from friends and family. The knitted item underneath all the cards is a scarf that my daughter in love made. It matches the hat she gave me a year ago. I wore it some that day but was warm (58 degrees) out but still wore it later in the day when grocery shopping. I really love the card from my grandchildren that was designed by their sweet mom. I teared up!

This little purple bear is from my florist friend, Tamara. She made a little folder that's around the bear. She's so creative! She tucked a few surprises in there as well. The purple primroses are from my daughter. The Xen-Tan is a gift from my husband. It's a foldable lotion applicator. I'd seen it in a magazine when I was perusing it before I recycled it. It works great. He ordered it from Nordstrom.com

Flowers from my husband. I took photo from above to see the majority of it. It's tall so hard to get a good photo of the flowers.

The iris that I really like, not just for it's color.

An apron my friend, Jill, made for me. The back side is same as the pockets and ties.


Pocket has my name on it. I will use this apron alot since I like to wear them when cooking and baking. I usually get something on my clothes when I'm baking. I think I will bake a cake tomorrow since I didn't get one. I was going to make one and have a couple friends over for tea that weekend. I wound up getting sick...later found I have bronchitis! YUCK! (I'm doing better but still feel a bit tired.) I thank God for all the years I've had and I look forward to the days and years ahead. I've learned alot in my Bible readings and attending church that has strengthened my faith in Him. He's given me a wonderful husband who loves me, allows my space for my creativity, and puts up with me as well (vise versa.) I cherish my two adult children, remembering how far we've come as a family and even though they are older, including mom and dad, we find love is still there. My daughter in love is special as well, still learning to know more about her in the 6 years they've been married.....loving their adorable children as well. God's given me wonderful Christian friends and church family that are just a blessing to me and Phil. Would be lost without them. Lately there are a few minor concerns for my mom. She lives in a nursing home and I sometimes just want to be with her. When I'm with her, though, there's nothing to do, discussion is limited since she doesn't get out much. But we have the time together. That's important. She never said Happy Birthday to me but she told people it was my birthday. She couldn't understand why I wouldn't tell anyone how old I was! She had no problem saying how old she was nor did the sweet gardener man at the nursing home! He's older than my dad (if he was alive.) Times change but the memories linger. That's special as well. I've had a good life, so I can't complain. I enjoy this note in a card "May your day be full of love and laughter and your year ahead be spent making memories with those who matter most." On that note, I'll close and bid you farewell til we meet again! Hugs!

Forgotten Posts 2012 part 2

2013-02-20T08:30:00.000-08:00

This summer I decided to get a few new pieces of dinnerware. My dear Mary Engelbriet plates are starting to lose their colors and some of the insides of plates are going to the enamel. Cost Plus World Market had a sale and so I decided to see what I could find. The plate on the left is what I bought. I have 8 of them now. Still put away but I will use them soon. I can use them both at the same time since the colors are the same. I even asked a young couple their unbiased opinion and they liked the match. So did a manager.

Oktoberfest in Mt. Angel had a nice car show. This is one of my favorites. Classic cars. Some of the ones we saw were ones we knew in our growing up years. What does that make us? Classics1

The Glockaspiel that chimes every hour. This is Hansel and Gretel. Then it rotates to other figures, which I found quite interesting!

A piece that welcome all people to the Oktoberfest,which is in Sept. It has to do with celebrating harvest.

St. Mary's Catholic Church. So beautiful.

Inside the church where we listened to some beautiful music. I wished we'd stayed there instead of going back down to hear a choral concert. This was much better and it was nice and cool in here.

Tirleon dances. We enjoyed watching them dance.

Another weekend in Sept,I met up with my son and daughter in love and grandchildren for the fiber arts show at fairgrounds. Had planned to go last year but it didn't work out. Melody is petting a rabbit.

Wool skeins, not yet ready to use. These have to be spun. I loved the colors.

A fun display of hats and yarn.

A llama that resembled a giraffe!

Last week of Sept, I went to an alumni event at the college I went to years ago. I went into the library where I spent alot of time to study. Here's a set of books that have been there a long time. It brought back memories.

Here I am by a sign to remember the day!

Stone wall (one of 2) that welcome people to the campus.

The library and classrooms.

A lovely coleus.

The chapel that I visited first. It looked different for some reason. Later that day someone told me it had been reversed. Good, I wasn't losing my memory. Chapel was quite good and so glad I went. It was inspiring.

Banner at the front of the chapel.

Tables set up for lunch after chapel. This is the back of the administration building.

Front of the administration building.

Mailboxes where I used to get my mail at the dorm.

The gym that wasn't there when I was in college. Old residence houses were torn down to make way for this building. There's a fitness center and locker rooms in the basement. I would have liked this. I met Mary that was the nurse on campus when I was there. We ate lunch together and she was my guide around campus. It was good to see her again! She got me to Trader Joes and over to the soccer games, after getting a bit lost!

Stained glass window above the library, from the inside.

I stayed to watch the soccer games being played. I didn't know anybody but there was a young lady who played soccer last year and was a recent graduate from NCU, She was quite nice to me and even introduced me to a few people.

Women soccer game. Our team won!

When I went here it was Northwest Christian College and the team's name was the Crusaders.

Men soccer and the other team was winning when I was still there. I decided to leave since I was getting bored. It had been a long day anyway.

Home at last. My day bag. Never know what I will need many miles away.

All the Trees are Gone!

2013-02-17T15:37:00.000-08:00

Remember this tree? I shared this photo with you in 2011. Love the pretty pink buds on this tree. But I will see this one no more nor its friends that stood by it. WHY? Our town is getting work done on it's interchange. Outlet mall traffic combined with the dragstrip traffic in summer and other events leads to back up. So ODOT has finally set a date for work.

Preliminary work has started. The trees in two medians are G.O.N.E. Two were quite old as well. Probably older than me. These trees have been here since we've lived here for 23 years. It's sad to see them go. In the name of progress. Not sure what they are doing after this. More lanes? Oh well....must live with it but not too pleased since we live here and am not moving! It reminded me of the song that says...all the trees are gone and the sky is grey.....but then I remembered it was all the leaves are brown. But in this instance, they are gone. I'm not a tree hugger by any means but enjoyed the trees when they were there. Ok, I'm off my soapbox.