Sensationally Six

Got our crew arriving tomorrow for the big boom holiday. So many choices to get in the celebrating spirit it is hard to decide where to go and what to do. Gathering with the famdamily will be Friday, probably will participate in the Stonegate Parade on the 4th but we are undecided on the 2nd as there are two great options, then we may just take the 3rd off and get back into celebrating on the 4th. We will also be trying to hit the farmer's market and hope for peaches and produce if not maybe we will run up to the Amish stand north of town.

It's been hot but Sunday was absolutely not and gorgeous and we enjoyed some patio time as well as biking. Monday we biked again all the way into town to the post office. It's been a slow week, I've been scrapbooking again but still feel so far behind and overwhelmed with all that needs to be done. I've made a plan but not feeling like it will be done very quickly and put that with life goes by everyday so will I ever get caught up???

Happy Early 4th to you and yours!

My dad...

After 91 years and 79 days on this earth my dad is no longer with us. His last few years have been physically challenging as his body aged and did not perform how he wished. I think that he was still mowing his yard just last fall is a testament to the life he lived. He was a sensible man, an old fashioned, opinionated man. He lived through the Great Depression, he served his country, he worked hard at a blue collar job, he provided for his family. I think he would agree that his life was one well lived. He had a blessed life and he did not shy away from telling others that. He saw things in his lifetime he never dreamed he would. He especially made this comment when he visited us in Italy and we traveled to Rome, Pisa, Florence and Venice along with Bled, Slovenia.

I personally find comfort in the fact we will be reunited one day. 

1930-2022

The HANDFUL

Oh, my, since last week things have slid down a hill of drainage for everyone in MO. All the famdamily seems to be suffering a case of the crud from runny noses, coughs, drainage, goopy eyes and just overall not feeling up to doing much of anything. We still had the little girls this week and the younger one was just not feeling well at all and yet she didn't fuss and still smiled frequently though not as bright as when feels good. She hopefully will be over it soon. 

We spoke with the Northen crew and they seem to be doing well. Tooth has not yet been lost should you be wondering. It is extremely loose but not out. Stay tuned! We did not go up as planned this week to work on the bathroom reno; just not feeling recouperated enough yet. Hopefully, next week. In other news a few weeks ago we opened one of our favorite treats and they were NOT all our favorite treats, there were some surprises in the bag. Hot Tamales are supposed to taste of cinnamon NOT cherry. We had a bag that was not all cinnamon...someone most have spilled the cherry in with the cinnamon. They ARE both red! Bee did enjoy the cherry ones though. I called the company just to let them know and this week a box of treats arrived. Well done Just Born, well done!

I am nearly ALL DONE with the Christmas shopping. I am sooooo close but probably need a big City trip to completely finish and with the way we are feeling that just didn't happen this week. Maybe next week. We have layed low, not left the house except for one quick bread run I made on Tuesday until today and we ate a lot of noodle soup. It's the go to comfort food when you feel under the weather. As I said today we did get out of the house! We actually have just returned and I feel like I could go to bed for the night I'm worn out. Guess I'm not 100% yet but definitely feeling better and it was good to get some fresh air and have a little car ride.

The HANDFUL

Back in town and worn down...goodness three weeks of on the go have taken their toll. I'm thankful for a "down day" today. It's our first full day with nothing solid on the calendar and we are pretty darn happy about that. So this morning started with an excellent cup of coffee with my new obsession of frothed half and half (thank you daughter!). Last fall daugher introduced me to this lovely coffee that soooo reminds me of Hawaii and I have been drinking it pretty much daily since. And on days I don't drink that fabulous Hawaiin stuff I drink this. Then for Mother's Day daughter made my coffee with frothed half and half and well I have been enjoying that little frothy treat every day since. We got handy dandy little frothers in our stockings this year (from IKEA) and they are pretty sweet for frothing said half and half. Sprinkling a little cinnamon on top is yummy, too.

And speaking of Mother's Day it was a rare one that daughter and I were together....

Alrighty back to that fabulous coffee; after enjoying said coffee we went sailing. Yard sale season has been in full swing since the beginning of the month but we have been out of town and not able to go. Today that changed...enjoyed beautiful weather on our morning out and got a couple bargains in the process. Yeah us! Rain moves in tomorrow so we are trying to accomplish all tasks today so as to not have to be out in it tomorrow.

The HANDFUL

The sauna is his new Happy Place... it helps his body feel good and anything that can do that is worth it!

It has been a nice respite with the cooler weather recently. It's also motivated us to get our workout in then sit a spell in the sauna!

Not setting any records with our walking but we are at least getting some movement in. I admit I usualy jump on the treadmill and MiRV takes the bike or elliptical. It works for us. I do change it up on occasion and get on the other machines but I'm a creature of habit and gravitate to the treadmill on most days making sure to get in at least 30-45 minutes. MiRV who likes to keep limber and is more adventrous will work his body differently in an attempt to keep the pain at bay. He works very hard to keep himself moving even when the pain is great. He and I both believe a body in motion stays in motion.

It's been a lot of ups and downs in the family world and we are still tackling some major issues but things continue to roll along. We are hopeful for better days ahead.

The HANDFUL

Our granddaughter, the BEE, is turning FIVE this month. We've been telling her and her cousins she's going to be a whole handful on her next birthday for quite sometime now. So it just seems natural that it would become the name of my weekly prompt for blogging this year.  Start watching for The HANDFUL to make its appearance after her birthday as that will be my weeklyish postings from here on out for 2021.

UnFOURGETTABLY 4!

 Merry, Merry, Christmas from our house to yours!

It is such a joyous season and we are blessed to know we find comfort in celebrating the birth of our Savior in this chaotic world. We are happy to be living the life we have and know that we are nothing without the eternal security we hold in Jesus. This year has been challenging in unimaginable ways for so many, there has been loss, financial despair and so much sadness. And while the days have seemed gloomy we find joy in knowing this is not our forever home. Praying for the year ahead and knowing that truly our blessings are many even in bittersweet situations.

Cherish your moments, love deep and make memories...

The Grands with most of the Littles, one had already departed.

Stay safe, stay well...

This "selfie" our grand daughter took speaks for itself.

UnFOURgettably 4 Friday!

A day we will always be reminded of. A day to never forget. A day we cannot erase from our memory, where we were, what we were doing...a memory that I will always remember. 

I would encourage you to try and get to the memorial in NYC. It is incredibly moving. Someday I would like to visit the field in Pennsylvania. I have also been to the Pentagon but it is just not as impressive as the one in NYC.

Oh, and stay safe, stay well!

UnFOURgettably 4 Friday!

Found ourselves up North this week. Enjoyed some more time with the Bee! Next week if plans firm up she will be at the Meadow for a few days! WOOHOO!!! Mom and dad are gonna go take a little time together on the river and do some floating!

While in the North it was fun to tag along on some of her weekly routine. Play group and story time at the park was fun.  A Sonic stop made for an unexpected but welcome treat. Grape slush was her drink of choice this trip and a red Charms Blow Pop was thoroughly enjoyed as well! Slipped in a tasty Mexican meal and grilled up some steaks for another nice dinner. Her tomato was finally ripe and ready to pick. She let BeBe eat it! She has two more little green ones she is watching. While it was a short stay we savored the moments and packed it in. She is growing so quickly! Her vocabulary amazes me most days. I mean, seriously, her verbals are there.

Stay safe, stay well!

UnFOURgettably 4 Friday!

 Finally, spending some moments with this girl...

Perhaps she will return with us to MO on Sunday. She has for sure gotten taller and is also asserting her independence. Sometimes much to our chagrin. She is a good, good kid and for that we are so thankful. Looking forward to our moments with her this trip for sure and the ones to come. Also doing more house hunting as Daughter still needs a new place to call home! Deadline is looming and it is slim pickings in their desired area and price range. Who knew Covid would cause such a Seller's market.

Hope you are staying safe and staying well!

UnFOURgettably 4 Friday!

 Rainy day...missing the girls and life is still marching on.

These two on video call this week was a highlight! They did a lot of giggling for sure! And of course before saying goodbye the Northern girl really wanted to speak with LaLa.

She needed him to see her and showed him some more roping skills!

Just wishing for life as normal I suppose. This whole pandemic thing is still lingering and quite frankly I'm tired of it. It's just putting a damper on life in general. It is not business as usual, it's not normal and it just feels all out of whack. How much longer? Is this really the new forever normal using mask and being hyper vigilant about hygiene habits along with social distancing?

One other little bright spot this week was grilled peaches...yes, grilled peaches. We hit up the local farmer's market a few weeks ago to secure some of the best local peaches. Went back again this week for more of those peaches as they were sooooo sooo good. The man said he loved peaches in all ways but really loved them grilled. Hmmmm....grilled. Well, if you haven't tried them this way it's definitely a little treat you might want to add to your to do list. We've indulged twice this week and what a treat it has been! 

Quick version is slice slightly firm peaches in half, remove pit, lightly grease with olive oil or spray with cooking spray and grill five minutes or so on each side over medium heat (350*ish). PRO TIP start with the skin side down first (I know, you don't even need to peel them!) Remove from grill, drizzle with honey and add a scoop of ice cream. I think you could also use maple syrup. And if you are into cinnamon sprinkle that on when you do the honey drizzle. YUMMY! And so easy.

Stay safe, stay well. And try yourself some grilled peaches...you will thank me next time you see me!

UnFOURgettably 4 Friday!

We have birds again! Hummingbirds that is; so we are good with that. They were MIA for several weeks but they are back. Three so far. They were getting along pretty well then one little guy has gotten a bit territorial. He's been quite a stinker to the other two. Just sits and guards it from the atop the hook. They are so entertaining to watch, we love it. We've been watching from inside but hope to be able sit outside near the house in our patio furniture.

Stay safe, stay well and watch the birds!

UnFOURgettably 4 Friday!

Another week, another case or three of the 'Rona in our little county. Hope the fair attendance last week doesn't result in an "outbreak"; seems there is enough of it as it is. Many places are going to 'mask required'. No matter your thoughts on that it is a small concession to keep others safe. Because it doesn't appear this pandemic is vacating anytime soon. Guess we need to get our mask supply bulked up; seems like we are gonna need them. Our current status is two each and our buffs. However, in the present heat the buffs are a NO GO! We might need to scout a few more mask for our stash if this mask required thing keeps growing.

Best thing about our week...no mask required!

Stay safe, stay well and wear the darn mask!

UnFOURgettably 4 Friday!

It's been 34 years for MiRV and I. Thirty-four. That's a milestone in my book! We work hard to have what we have. We share, care and trust. It's been a wild road we've traveled but we traveled it together. We are still finding the road sometimes has blind curves, huge hills and a few dead ends. We just try to remember to stay on the road! And remember our motto, "Adapt and Overcome" it will get you through some of those tough spots.

Celebrate the small and big things. That's what we try to do. Even the everyday things. Don't take what you have for granted. Love always. Look to God for the needs you have not another person or thing. Find satisfaction within yourself and you will be a much happier being. Just my .02.

A more recent photo of us talking to our favorite Bee!

UnFOURgettably 4 Friday!

We might have headed back up into the North again and had a little more time with the Daughter and Bee...

Molly, the doll, who is more commonly known as "Sweetie" is the toy of the week.

Time, of course, passes too quickly, but we are thankful for every moment. Things seem to be coming into a new normal for most of us. What the future is gonna look like is anybody's guess. Travel is odd, finding open restrooms is a challenge and all eating is done in the car. States are starting to relax guidelines but personally we are still taking our time getting out and about among the crowds. 

There may or may not have been a Filet-O-Fish sandwich last night for her dinner...obtained through the drive-thru in case you were wondering! She ate every last bite!

Stay safe, stay well!

UnFOURgettably 4 Friday!

Undeniably, we MISS the family...especially the Little Ones.

Been trying to stay active during this "safer at home" season so it always makes me smile when I start and end seeing these faces.

It's not an easy time for so many right now so count your blessings instead of your woes. There are so many who are going through a much harder time, living a more intense life and we need to be selfless as we live out this Covid-19 outbreak. Life will get back to normal or maybe there will be a new normal and this will be in our rearview mirrior. Try for a big picture attitude and carryon the best you can.

Stay safe, stay home!

UnFOURgettably 4 Friday!

WOW...can you say day by day. This COVID-19 has certainly turned the world upside down. We are just going day by day and living "safer at home" I have been to the grocery store twice since the 12th of March. I have timed my visits early before the crowds hit. Thankfully, we are okay on most provisions that are out of stock (TP, flour, hand sanitizer, etc). I have been running in only for produce, dairy and bread. I have to say that on my first trip the produce section was sadly low and what they did have was not so fresh. On my most recent trip it was exactly opposite. Lots of good choices and fresh. However, I did notice that the paper goods aisle was still empty, along with most of the baking aisle. Come on you can only use so much TP and how much baking are you doing that all the flour, salt and sugar are GONE! There are people truly in need; don't be a hoarder or over buy needlessly.

I do know one thing, I AM THANKFUL for faith. I have hope. I know God has this. Is it tough? YES, but I know, I know the One in control. I have had anxious moments, mostly about my parents and granddaughter. But I know what I know and I know God has this. I don't need to be anxious and worry needlessly. I am staying educated, washing my hands more, social distancing and for sure staying at home much of the time. I will admit we do take an afternoon or evening drive every day or two but we do not interact with others. It's a nice distraction.

So stay safe out there... because it is not safe nor cool if you are not adhering to the guidance that has been put out. It's not safe for you or the others you might come into contact with. It isn't all about you, it's about anyone you may come in contact with, so play it safe, stay home! 

UnFOURgettably 4 Friday!

We have missed this face since she went home...but it's always good to "see" her on our photo stream! She has been enjoying the nicer, warmer weather.

No more Wild & Three Thursday!

Oh, goodness, it's ANOTHER new year and as the saying goes it sure flew by. Unbelievable in many ways that this year will mark 7 years since military retirement began and the Daughter graduated from college and married. It will also beTrigger's FOURTH birthday next month. Sadly, it has also been 5 years since we lost MiRVs brother. 

It's hard to believe it's really 2020. When I was younger that seemed like a date that was sooooo far away into a future that was hard to imagine I would ever see and yet here we are. I am not a big resolutions advocate as I think fresh starts can be made at any time but hey go for it if you need extra motivation to jump into something because it is after all a new year! Clean slate so to speak. 

It will be interesting to see what this year brings. We are certainly, according to MiRV, planning to get in more traveling in as we have completed many of our house projects. Of course as is the way with homeownership, "there is always something". Our yard is still a work in progress but I fear that will be the case as long as we own this place! Otherwise it's pretty much minor tweaks and keeping the place up. I have always said home ownership is NOT for the faint of heart and I stand by that. Last year we put on the patio cover and it cost waaaaaay more then we planned. ROHO is still being finished when the mood strikes. Since we have it enclosed and have the electricity hooked up we have slowed our work pace.

Many blessings to you and yours as you begin another year. While I will miss our weekly connections on Wild and Three Thursday I will still try to make semi regular postings until I figure out what is next for regular blogging motivation!

Wild & Three Thursday!

Brrrrr....first snow day was Tuesday and we are still feeling the effects. Hmmm hope this isn't the way it's gonna be or I may have to be outta here! Guess it is nearly winter so shouldn't be complaining.

We are trying to tie up loose ends and finish last minute wrapping so we can make our way North to be with the Daughter for Christmas. So far, so good. Still trying to find a few stocking stuffers but otherwise done with that whole gift buying thing. Have a few cards to get in the mail and that's it. Not going overboard here. It's truly sad how much we are all guilty of overdoing. I really, REALLY try not to do that.

Happy travels if you are on the road, we hope to arrive a few days early and be all tucked in before the travel frenzy begins. Getting back right now looks like the bigger challenge as a strong storm will be moving in over the weekend after Christmas. We will adjust our return accordingly!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!