Count Down

Just about two weeks from now we will be heading back to the heat and work in South Texas. We really have enjoyed the time off, even if it has also involved work and promoting Caring Hearts Ministry. Right now we are relaxing in the quietness and beauty of the Ozark mountains at another daughter's home. Their resident guinea hen, Fred (Fredricka) has not hatched any eggs from the many she laid. Those in the incubator never hatched - those in her nest were all destroyed by the armadillos. She happily roams the property (as well as the adjoining ones) eating bugs, chasing away squirrels, and just plain being spoiled. She is feed grain near the house, where various efforts to catch her are to no avail.

We also have a new great grand daughter, Harper Leigh, who was born last Sunday. Our grand daughter is ultra careful with her so we have as yet to see her, only on face book. Perhaps this weekend when we have a family cook out.

While we were in Wisconsin, we were able to attend a family reunion there (on Fred's Mother's side). The sad part is that the older generation is gone, we are the new one coming up, and the younger generation is so scattered that none of the cousins hardly know one another. So many families are busy with their lives - working - playing, whatever that no one seems to have time to get together any more. We did have a good time reminiscing about the good food that used to be brought to share - wonderful baked beans, homemade potato salad, and great pies and cakes, especially the rhubarb ones. Guess people do not cook like they used to anymore and when they do, it is totally different.

Fred's sister, daughter, and granddaughters

sister-in-law and cousins

the men segregated themselves - as I stated, very few were there

While at our sister-in-laws in Wisconsin, we helped her with some clean-up projects - starting with her big shed where a lot of Fred's brother had stored buggies, parts,etc. We cleaned boards, parts, buggy wheels, etc. and dug out the two seatter and doctor's buggies, as our daughter and her friend Darryl are going to Wisconsin in July to pick them up. Fred's brother, Charles, who passed away last July, would be so happy to see her get them as she spent a lot of time with her uncle and aunt when she was younger.

 

 the old doctor's carriage, which is hopefully going to be restored

the two seatter - it also has a top

It was bittersweet to leave Wisconsin as there are so many memories there - so it was goodbye until next simmer. We traveled south through  Dubuque to Clinton, Iowa, to visit former park residents and neighbors, Ron and Carole Pease who moved back to Clinton 2 years ago. We had so much laughter and fun, but much too soon it was time to travel on to Arkansas.

 

 

 how high the corn!!!!

 Iowa corn fields and barns

 over the bridge and on to Debuque

 the mighty Mississippi

 buildings on the ridge above the river

 at one time, these were the warehouses for the shipping firms who brought merchandise up the river

a beautiful old warehouse - there were many along the river

 

 

Much of our morning devotion time this week revolved on giving God the glory and blessing for everyday living - so many things that we all take for granted. We ask God for His provision, but do we also thank Him when He answers our prayers??? We are so blessed with family, friends, the ability to continue to work for the Lord in our golden years (actually, getting old is not for wimps). All of our doctor's appointments and physicals had great results - so much to thank Him for while still we mourn the passing of a dear friend. We put the family in His hands for comfort and peace, secure in the knowledge that their loved one is in heaven with Jesus. Remember to thank God everyday for everything - even the soothing rain, sunshine, and cool breezes.