Spent 5 1/2 hours today with Mary, my stepsister, checking out nursing facilities for our Aunt Carroll. Again, I have decided I do not like "nursing homes" no matter what they are called...please don't put me in one, people are ignored, mistreated and treated without dignity. Is this what we all have to look forward to...whatever happened to families taking care of family. I take this personally, yes, why don't I take care of my aunt. Tried, but she always wanted to go "home", so home became close to her original home, unfortunately not close to mine.

Steve is a gem, he spent all day working at her house, in the yard trimming shrubs, hauling branches and just cleaning up here and there. This is the house my grandparents built in 1936 when the original home burned to the ground. Many memories here for me, so I enjoy coming and being here, but soon we may have to make some decisions regarding this property. Everything in her home is almost as she left it 4 years ago, when she moved to assisted living. Weird!!!

Pray for our decision, I think she is going to go back to the assisted living facility where she was. They assure us that they can care for her...hopefully, no more falls.

Tomorrow go home, come back next week. I think I can make this 250 mile drive in my sleep now.

Saw the movie, The Lake House today. Idea great, not executed very well. I kept thinking throughout the movie...do this, do that, I would say this, take that out, put this in...whatever. And I kept thinking how could time be slowed down or speeded up so they could meet, which they did at the end, but my finite mind didn't comprehend that manuever either. It made me yearn for young love though and try to remember how one feels when you are going through this very thing. Sort of crazy...and not in you right mind.

Steve's at a board (bored) meeting tonight...I think this is where this word came from, he dreads them because it is the end of the day. He is not a night person and he was riding his bike at 6am, so he is ready for bed and the meeting is just getting started. I need more energy, so I can ride with him in morning. But mornings are not my thing, but right now, neither are evenings.

Got a new cell phone today, hope it works better than the one I have. Will see...again something I think I can't live without...but I did fine just 5 years ago without!! "Well, miss, we just can't understand why you are not getting good coverage where you are, we have 5 towers that should pick up the signal". Yeah, right.

Why do I blog? Good question...I don't know, except maybe I need a place to talk to myself sometimes?! Is it journaling? to let others read your journal, not my idea of journaling, so what is a blog for an individual?
I know for me, I need to connect with others...so where are my blog readers? Maybe it will be a totally private journal afterall. There are people in my life that I wonder why I don't really connect with...seemingly the "closest" ones to me...but it just is not happening. Maybe I think too much and really don't have any idea how to communicate.
Really close friends are rare, and all of mine live far away. Life isn't fair...I need a close friend near. Maybe soon.....

Made a batch of strawberry jam...yum, good for some homemade ice cream this summer. Met with Bill and Malinda today about Stephen Ministry, will be starting the ministry in the fall and I will be teaching. Hopefully, I will not have to travel to Muncie as often as most recently, but Steve is trained to teach the course, so he could fill in for me.

Stephen Ministry is a great ministry to offer care to people who are in crisis of any level. I have seen it be so effective, that are never enough care givers to fill the need. We shall see if this is true at LCBC.

Jon and Erica got home safely from Myrtle Beach after their vacation. While they were gone, their neighbor died. He was only 28, had Hodgkins and only know about month. However, got pneumonia and suddenly died of complications. Leaves a wife and 7 yr old daughter. Pray for them.

Makenzie love wearing her sunglasses and hats. Took awhile to enjoy the swimming, but Sydney seemed a natural and was jumping off the edge of the pool. But I know Jon and Erica are glad to be home and be back to "normal". She is interpreting for Beauty and the Beast at Mill Mountain Theatre and went to a performance tonight to get a feel for the musical.

Steve is mowing...better go and help!

Forecast for today is severe thunderstorms. Severe, I hope not, but i love a thunderstorm. Makes BJ shiver tho' and run and hide. Great day to read a book. Maybe I will get the kitchen finished. Needs another coat of paint. I wonder if we will ever get settled into this house. But reality is that is a temporal thing and I have had more important things to focus on lately.

It would be nice to have Steve home one night this week. Maybe take a bike ride together.
I need more exercise, have about 30 lbs extra to rid myself of and it is a slowwwwwww process...memopause stinks!! Found a new website tho' to help in the trek, Women to Women, it makes sense to read what they have to say. I feel they are talking about me and every feeling I am having right now. Whoa!

Had a terrific Father's Day and triple birthday bash for Steve and his parents on Sunday. Allison, Ben, Micah and Brennan were here; also, close friends, Doug and Rhonda Stanton and kids, Josh and Janae. We had not spend that much time with them in years. Reconnecting with friends is so much fun, and builds so many memories.

Brennan spent the night. Was so good until he had an accident at McDonald's with Papa. Papa was not happy and so Brennan had to have a bath before we took him to see his Mom play softball tonight. This potty training is just not his piece of cake, and I really don't think he really cares too much about the whole deal. We tell him he won't be able to go to preschool this fall if he isn't potty trained and he just shrugs his shoulders.

Mom and Dad Z went home today. Called and they had stopped in Shipshewana. Saw Rick Miller at the Brethren Camp and he talked about times with Steve and I as directors there for 5 years for senior highers. What good and fun times. He said that our influence helped him to make the choice to be a full-time camp director.

Gotta go....I am tired. Oh yes, new member of the family. Liam Willis Shroyer, born to Zach and Sarah Shroyer, nephew and niece. Welcome, precious Liam!!

I know I'm not the only person who has posted their blog more than once. Where is "instant" posting?! Duh!

Back from Muncie. I really am beginning to detest nursing homes. I would just like to find a place for everyone in one where they really get the attention they need and deserve. It is soooooo institutionalized. Boo! I did like my aunt's dr. tho', he himself being a senior citizen and coming out of retirement to continuing caring for seniors. Pretty cool. HUH?! He said he got bored not working.

Steve and I went to Culver's to eat tonite, not the best, but I was too tired after driving home and putting another 500 or so miles on the car. That is a sum total of 1800 miles in the last few weeks since my aunt's accident.

I really want to get this pics thing going. My blog seems so boring compared to some of my favorites.

Heading south to care for aunt again. Hope a meeting with the physical therapist will produce some results and help make decision regarding her care.

This is a busy weekend. Steve's birthday is Sat, Steve's parents is Sun and Father's day. We hope to have a big celebration. Hope I get back in time to prepare. Always too much to do!!!

Heading to care for my aunt again. After her second fall, there has to be decisions made as to where she will go next. I will see the Physical Therapist tomorrow. Hope we understand each other and what her care may be for the future.

Started painting the kitchen , third coat, and now will have to be on hold. Maybe when I get the camera, etc. you can be priveledged to see the finished project. And if I get to stay home long enough this summer to actually finish some projects, I will post pics here of our downstairs family room, sewing room, and bedroom. I am looking forward to more space!!

Steve's parents are coming this weekend. Steve's birthday is Sat, theirs is Sun and Father's Day is Sunday. Should be a busy weekend.

Heading to care for my aunt again. After her second fall, there has to be decisions made as to where she will go next. I will see the Physical Therapist tomorrow. Hope we understand each other and what her care may be for the future.

Started painting the kitchen , third coat, and now will have to be on hold. Maybe when I get the camera, etc. you can be priveledged to see the finished project. And if I get to stay home long enough this summer to actually finish some projects, I will post pics here of our downstairs family room, sewing room, and bedroom. I am looking forward to more space!!

Steve's parents are coming this weekend. Steve's birthday is Sat, theirs is Sun and Father's Day is Sunday. Should be a busy weekend.

Heading to care for my again. After her second fall, there has to be decisions made as to where she will go next. I will see the Physical Therapist tomorrow. Hope we understand each other and what her care may be for the future.

Started painting the kitchen , third coat, and now will have to be on hold. Maybe when I get the camera, etc. you can be priveledged to see the finished project. And if I get to stay home long enough this summer to actually finish some projects, I will post pics here of our downstairs family room, sewing room, and bedroom. I am looking forward to more space!!

Steve's parents are coming this weekend. Steve's birthday is Sat, theirs is Sun and Father's Day is Sunday. Should be a busy weekend.

My aunt fell today and has 7 stitches in her forhead. This is a sad day...I wish I could bring her home and take care of her. I know she doesn't want to be in this nursing facility. I feel we have no alternative.

Our granddaughter, who is 20 months old and lives in Virginia, recognized a picture of "Nana and Papa" today without being prompted. This is a joy to my heart. I wonder if they will remember Nana and Papa between the visits that are way too infrequent. They leave for Myrtle Beach this week, their first real vacation since the twins.

And my grandson, sent me an encouraging postcard, Thomas the Train on email. He is 3, and wants to use the computer everyday. He knew Nana needed cheering up!!! I love them all to pieces...!

Weekends are to supposed to be relaxing. Neverrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!! Visited with my aunt, read through a journal written by my great aunt she started in the winter of 1915. Whoa, no cars for that family, washing every Monday without fail and lots of family time. I liked reading about all the family time and wished for that now. They didn't have other things to distract them except lots of work and they pitched in and helped each other.

I probably will not be a daily blogger, but you will hear from me and when I do get the pics going, you will probably tire of seeing my grandkids so much!!!! They are the best grandkids around, so why not let the world know that and them too!!!

Had a great supper with old friends, Linda and Steve Haarer from days in Sturgis. They now live in Kentucky. I reminded Linda that the first time I met her she was on welfare and worked at McDonalds, with the dream of going to and finishing college. I am proud to say she is now a teacher with special needs children, earning her Master's degree as well. And this all in the span of 10 years. She did not begin college until she was in her 30's. A true success story and a blessing to God.

Tonight I was with Tim and Tonya who have just started coming to LCBC. They and their 4 boys, and another in the oven, had loads of questions. Answering their questions was an exercise in determining what I really know about our own church and what it is I believe and stand for. It was fun being challenged and getting to know them. I hope they are there to stay, they will be an asset to our church family. Their hunger and passion to grow was contagious.

Tomorrow I will be traveling to see my Aunt Carroll who recently fell, broke her hip and is in a nursing facility. I am praying for her recovery and ability to get up and mobile again. Rest assured at the age of 97, that is to be seen. I do believe many think I am crazy to think she will, but her life and the length and quality of it is up to God.

A question, why do some live so much longer than others? What is God's criteria? Is it a valid question or am I just blowing off? Some seem to have their life cut way too short, at least I think so, where there are others who have lived a very long life, but are now ready to see their Maker, and He says...wait, wait, just a little longer. Ninety-seven years...she says she is tired. I would be too!!

This is a little scary...blogging. Do I really want to bare my life and soul to the entire world? Does anyone really care? Oh well, here goes...for the family and nostalgia one day of reading what is happening with me, Steve and a ministry that is changing minute by minute.
Went and crashed a SWAT meeting at lake center Bible church last evening and learned more about people and their perception of worship than maybe I really wanted to know. The world is so far from what God really planned for worshiping Him that it is in the relationship and not doing that I believe is where we need to camp a while and ask...what have we wasted in the doing and not knowing God. What would be different? What is God really thinking about what we do, especially in our corporate worship, that is His and His alone. Is it ours alone, because there are those who are always saying things like...wow, I loved the worship today, or I really worshiped God today, what an awesome feeling that I felt. This all scares me...the direction we are headed as believers.