Third Day of Vacation

Wednesday, September 16, we left our hotel in St. Ignace and drove a couple hours to Fayette State Park to tour the historic village. Unfortunately, the village was down a sloping road and Jessie absolutely refused to go down. So, Jon went on his own and we went back to the van and I fixed us sandwiches for lunch. That was disappointing to me.

From there we went back north to Palms Book State Park to see Kitch-iti-Kipi, "Big Springs", which is Michigan's largest spring. Over 10,000 gallons a minute gush from fissures in the underlying limestone. The flow continues throughout the year at a constant temperature of 45 degrees F.  

We have been there several times so I knew that Jessie wouldn't go on the self-operated observation raft, so we had an ice cream cone instead and Jon went on the raft. The first picture is looking down into the spring from the raft and the other one is the land surrounding the raft.

A short hour's drive found us in Munising at our hotel, and we ate dinner at the DogPatch. Jess did pretty good inside. Coming out we passed people going in and Jessie told them to "go somewhere else!" Sometimes I am so glad that people don't understand her words!

It was a tiring day, traveling 221 miles, but so nice. I was glad that we were going to be in this particular hotel for 2 nights.


Fast forward to two weeks  ...Wednesday, September 30. Rachel came and took Jessie to her Art Class then they went to Yates Cider Mill for cider and donuts and they had hot dogs for lunch at a Coney Island. Jessie vacuumed the carpets and they made pumpkin cupcakes for the Book Club tonight.

I went out in the morning and went to the post office, bank, Walgreen's, Kohl's, Michael's, Bath and Body Works, church, Meijer's for gas, McDonald's for lunch, then back to Walgreen's. It was a very productive morning followed by more paperwork this afternoon.

Jon came home from work tonight looking like "something the cat dragged in!" Oh, dear.

Walkin' In The Rain

This is my second post for today, the one below of our second day of vacation.

Jon went back to work and his residents were VERY HAPPY to see him. He said it was good to get back into a routine again.

I spent most of the day doing paper work. I thought I was only one month behind in recording for Jessie. Seems I'm 2 months behind. Not good. Spent most of today just getting the papers in order. Tomorrow I record and tape.

Jessie can't swim for two weeks until she sees the doctor so instead Brenda took Jessie on a small walk. They prepared for rain, and it did rain. That's really OK because Jessie LOVES being in the rain. They had lunch at McDonald's then went bowling. I had Jess come home early because she had an unexpected doctor's appointment at the behaviorist's office at 3:30 p.m. That took 2 hours out of my paper work time. Oh, well.

Second Day of Vacation - Tuesday, September 15

Two weeks ago today we visited Sault Ste. Marie, MI. We were lucky this time and there was a large ship in the locks. Jessie sat on the bench the entire time writing and Jon and I took lots of pictures. It was a very large ship and the second picture is when they were stopped and ready for decent.

The 2 men in orange suits were standing at the railing with some type of machine in front of them - I suspect a computer of sorts. They were relaying information to the captain of the ship.

In the 3rd picture you can barely see the men's white helmets, the boat has lowered so much. The 4th picture is of the Pilot House. The Captain waved at us. Or maybe he was the Cook. Who knows?

It's amazing to think that there have been so many sinkings of large ships like this one on the Great Lakes. The Edmund Fitzgerald in the 70's. They look indestructable.

We had a nice picnic lunch on the water then Jon took a tour of the USS Valley Camp. Both Jon, Bill and I have been on it before, but it's always nice to do it every once in awhile. Just like being at the Soo. We've never seen a big ship go through before, so this was new to us and very enjoyable.

When we arrived back at St. Ignace, we ate dinner at the Galley again, having eaten there the night before. We go there every time we can. Jon LOVES the white fish livers and blue gill. I just love everything they have, EXCEPT for the white fish livers and blue gill. If you are ever in that area, we highly recommend this restaurant.

Two Weeks Ago Today

Two weeks ago today (Monday, September 14) we began our week's vacation to the Upper Peninsula. Our first stop was Fort Michilimackinac in Mackinaw City. This is a MUST stop for both Jon and Jessie as they really like the fort. Jon likes to look at any new buildings and this year there was a new garden that he enjoyed. Jess knows each building and what is in them and which ones she'll go in and which ones she won't.

Unfortunately, while walking around the Fort, Jess turned her ankle in a small hole.  For some reason I threw in my medicine bag a baggie of ankle wraps that I usually carry for me, as I'm so clumsy. I'm glad I did, as it came in handy for her. I wrapped her ankle each day and it helped her walk.

The picture of Jessie on the bed is what she likes to do in a hotel room. She stakes claim to her bed, gets out her DVD player and ABC tiles or Apples to Apples cards and watches her favorite (at that time) movies. This year it was Full House episodes.

The bottom picture is the view of Mackinac Island from our hotel room in St. Ignace, which is across the bridge. We stayed there 2 nights.




Today ... September 28
Rachel and Jessie went to the Library and Blake's Orchard to pick apples. Unfortunately, Jessie refused to get out of the car. Rachel said she seemed to be having a panic attack, so no apple picking today.

I spent the day with Jon. We went to many places - in and out - for various items. We left around 9:30 a.m. and got home at 3:30 p.m.

My friend, Karen, came over and brought Jessie a cookie bouquet to "Get Well Soon". She stayed and we visited for a bit. Jessie was really excited to get it. She also got a card from them in the mail today. Thanks, Karen, and family!

I neglected to say that Rachel and Jane also gave Jessie a "Get Well Gift" of beautiful fresh flowers and a balloon, the day after she came home from surgery.

Jess seems to be doing OK. Until she starts yelling and screaming at me, clinging to me and is definitely not herself. That's the only way I can tell that she needs some medication. She's not going to be happy, either, when I tell her in the morning that she can't go swimming for 2 weeks!

Sunday

Jon wasn't feeling well this morning - his joints ached pretty bad - so only I went to church. We went to Benny's for lunch and saw my "old" and good friend, JoAnne. She still lives on the street we grew up on since 1968. I was a year ahead of her in school, but we do go way back! She sat with us when she finished her lunch then came back to the house to visit. I finally gave her her birthday gifts - her birthday is in January! Pathetic. Jon, JoAnne and I watched last week's episode of "Scorpion", then she left to run errands. Jess has been pretty crabby, weepy, moaning, yelling, and just plain miserable. We gave her plenty of medication thinking she may be in pain and she'd take a nap. Not a chance! She's less crabby, but definitely WIDE AWAKE! Oh, dear!

Nap Time For Jessie

Jessie seemed to have a good morning. I worked around the house and sat down around 12:15 to take a break. Jess said she wanted to sit by me. She got a couple pillows, piled them up on me, laid down and went to sleep for 2 1/2 hours! I was stuck but didn't care. I also took a nap. She's been pretty good the rest of the day. Jon cleaned out the garage so I can park in it again. There are a few things I want to do out there, too, before I do that.

A Great Day For Jessie

Jess woke this morning as if nothing ever happened yesterday. Most likely because of all the versed she had. No pain. Just raring to go! Rachel took her to breakfast then they went to Meijer's grocery shopping.

Jon and I, on the other hand, woke up this morning as if we were one of "The Walking Dead". Jon eventually got better, but I've had a pretty bad physical day and haven't done much of anything but sit on the back deck and read. I'm planning of tomorrow being a better day.

Surgery Was Successful

Thank you to everyone who was praying for Jessie's surgery. The surgery itself went well and she should be recovered very soon. Probably by tomorrow. However, getting her to the OR was a huge ordeal. It took 1 1/2 hours to insert an IV and get her on the gerney. They gave her so much versed and other medication that it would have put me out for days, but she fought it and fought everyone who wanted to put an IV in or move her. It took 4 of us to finally get her on the gerney. Both Jon and I were beside ourselves working with the nurses to calm her. It was exhausting for us and terrifying for her. Luckily with the versed, she won't remember any of it. We left the house at 5:00 a.m. and returned home at 1:30 p.m.

The doctor said she'd be asleep all day because of all the medication. NOT. She's been on the floor with her iPad, beads and cards. Talking non-stop. She did take a little nap in the afternoon, but she's been wide awake most of the afternoon/evening. I sure hope she'll go to sleep tonight. I was able to rest this afternoon, but I'm still ready for bed now.

Thank you, Becky. Thank you, Anonymous for your nice comments and prayers. They are appreciated. I've saved everyone that you've ever sent me.

Prayers Requested

I haven't had a chance to breath since we've been home, thus there are no pictures yet. Plus, I need to go to bed NOW as I need to get up at 4:00 a.m. and we leave at 5:00 a.m. to be at the hospital at 6:00 a.m. for Jessie's surgery at 7:45 a.m.  Please lift us all up in prayer. This will be a challenging event for Jessie. She's doing good so far. Pray that her recovery will be with minimal pain and she can come home tomorrow. Thanks so much!

I do need to blow my own horn, so to speak. I saved my (27 year old!) son tonight. He came out of the bathroom very distraught. He looked up and saw a very menacing and large spider over his head. Jon does not do spiders. I have to admit it was nasty. It looked like a brown recluse spider, but it was red. I've never seen a red spider before. Anyway, I had to stand on the toilet bowl and kill it. Way to go, ME! Jon is no good when there's a spider. No help what so ever! He's lucky I'm a Mom. We can do anything when it comes to saving our children! (Just don't remind Jon that when Bill was here I refused to kill them, too. I made him get them. Now, I have to be brave for my children!)

We're Back

We drove 1,510 miles in 7 days. God blessed us with safety, perfect weather, lots of laughter and beautiful scenery. In the days to come, I'll post pictures. Right now I just want to say that we are here and very tired. More tomorrow.

Vacation Day #2

Yesterday we drove to Mackinaw City and went to the fort, which is the favorite of the kids. After that tour we crossed the bridge and had dinner at our favorite restaurant, The Galley.  Checked into our hotel and spent the rest of the evening resting.

I'd love to post pictures, but for some reason I can't do it on my iPad. Bummer.

Today we had breakfast, drove to the Soo Locks and were fortunate to see a very large ship go through the locks. It was fascinating. I've been here many times but this is the first time we got to see a ship in the locks.

We had a picnic lunch overlooking a narrow channel where the boats have to go through. Jon toured the Valley Camp ship and Jess and I waited in the cool van. I took a nap and Jess played on her iPad. We took the long way back to St Ignace and went back to the Galley for dinner. We stopped at a couple stores and got back to our hotel room by 7:00 pm.

Please pray for Jessie. She turned her ankle in a hole at the fort yesterday and is complaining of pain. It's not swollen, but she's had fractures in both feet years ago. We may have to get an X-ray somewhere. I hope not.

Preparations for Vacation

Both Jon and I went to church this morning and it was a great service, as always. I picked the kids up after my service and we went to KFC for lunch. When we got home there was no resting. We are leaving in the morning on a week's vacation to the Upper Peninsula. This will be our first long vacation since way before Bill passed away. Seven days, 6 nights.

We are able to go away because Rachel and Jane are house/dog/fish/garden sitting. Poor Memphis goes in to depression when we aren't around and we'd never put him in a kennel. I'm thankful that Rachel and Jane don't mind moving in for a week.

If I'm able, I'll blog from the north. Otherwise, I'll have to recap when we get home.

Audacious

Our church hosted the Beth Moore Live Simulcast "Audacious" today from Kansas City. A total of 150,000 women (and a few brave men) from 50 states and 19 countries, including military bases, tuned in to the most powerful and emotional talk I have ever heard from Beth Moore. It was outstanding. The worship music was great and the time spent with church friends at lunch and during breaks was very nice. I had a good day.

Rachel came to watch Jess while Jon did a little of this and a little of that. He hasn't been feeling well, so he took it easy today.

Rachel texted me this picture of Jessie on a computer at the library yesterday. She's been taking Jessie there once a week to read books, play on the computer and bring books home to read.

Oh, Where Is My Bees Wax?

Yesterday it was the potato masher. Today I can't find the bees wax I purchased to make my coat zipper smoother. I think I'm going crazy.

Oh Where Is My Potato Masher?

If you're familiar with the Veggie Tale song, "Oh, Where Is My Hair Brush?" you can sing it but instead of singing hair brush, insert potato masher. For YEARS I've kept the potato masher in the container with my other kitchen utensils on the kitchen counter by the stove. About a month ago I decided to take it out of there and put it away since I rarely use it. Except for last week when we made peach marmalade and tonight when I made real mashed potatoes.  Do you think I can find the masher? I have no clue where I put it. That just goes to show you that if you've kept something for years, don't give it away, or even move it - as soon as you do you'll need it! And, if you're like me, you won't be able to find it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jane was with Jessie today and they had a great day. It's been quite sometime since Jane helped out. They were outside most of the day, going to Stoney Creek and walking around on the trails, having a picnic at McDonald's and playing 2 hours of Apples 2 Apples on the deck, as well as Jessie swinging in her hammock for an hour. Jess has been in bed for over an hour already - she's pooped!

I had a very productive day: I went to Bible Study and got my book for the next 11-week Beth Moore Bible Study, had a pedicure, met a friend for lunch, went to the post office, had the oil changed in the van, got gas, and went to the bank. Jon worked but he was not well at all today. He had total body ache today and has even called in for tomorrow. I pray that this is nothing serious.

A Day At Home With Rachel

Jessie and Rachel didn't go anywhere today but they kept pretty busy at home: they read library books, folded towels, did art work, made brownies and watched tv.

Jon and I had a meeting this morning and when we got home, we both took a nap. Jon wasn't feeling well at all today - a lot of body joint pain. Thankfully, he has an appointment with a rheumatologist in a couple of weeks. I felt much better today from the accident yesterday.

Tonight was our first Stephen Ministry Continuing Ed for the next "school year", meaning September to June. Almost everyone was there and it was a good night catching up with friends.

I'm Grateful For God's Hand Of Protection

Jon and I were canning another batch of peach marmalade this morning and we had just finished filling the jars. He removed the pot of boiling water from the table we were working on back to the stove. I shoved the table out of the way and, unfortunately, the one end of the table collapsed. Everything on the table ended up on the floor - smashed half pint jars, utensils, towels. What a mess! I was just so thankful that Jon had moved the water before I moved the table. That would have been a 911 call for sure! The floor got washed, though.

Brenda had my van with Jessie today. They went on their one-mile walk, swimming, and lunch at Subway. I had a 3:00 p.m. hair cut appointment and drove Jon's jeep. On the way back I was sitting at a light when I got clobbered from behind. We both pulled over to a parking lot and I got out and the woman who hit me was very upset for hitting me, which was nice, I guess. She said she thought the gas pedal was the brake! Go figure. She was probably on the phone or texting and she definitely was in a big hurry. She was extremely aggitated. It was her first day of school with kids, being a middle school teacher. Not a good way to start the school year. Jon's jeep has minor damage, but I'm very sore tonight. However, I'm so very thankful that God had his Hand on me and I wasn't hurt where I needed medical attention. Sore is one thing. Broken bones, or worse is another.

Labor Day

I worked on Stephen Ministry stuff this morning (the new "season" begins on Wednesday) then Diane came around noon. (Randie has been sick for several days with a bad cough!) Jessie, Diane and I went to Chris' house for lunch and a fun afternoon of games. We stayed later than we would have because we weren't watching the weather and a storm was coming through the area. It blew, rained a lot and had lightening. About an hour later we decided we better go anyway, as another round was coming behind it. No one got any rain down here.

Jessie Is As Bored As I Am

Weekends when Jon works are boring, but especially holiday weekends. Oh, around here there's plenty to do, but Jessie wouldn't tolerate the scores of people, kids and loud music from the Romeo Peach Festival. Plus it was close to 90 degrees today so we didn't go out - except to buy a Little Caeser's pizza for lunch. I worked all day on paperwork, computer work and did 2 loads of wash. Not an exciting day, that's for sure. I think we'll just go upstairs and call it a day. Jessie's been asking to go to bed since 7:30 p.m.! Guess inactivity makes one over tired.

Just You And Me Day - Again

A lazy morning as I stayed in bed a bit longer than usual. Jessie was on her iPad in her bedroom watching Winnie the Pooh. A late breakfast led to a late lunch that led to a late dinner with Jon when he got home from work.

Jessie unloaded the clean dishes in the dishwasher, folded towels and stuffed all of Aunt Lois' prayer letters in to envelopes. She's such a big helper. Except!!! Prior to her doing anything she goes through about 5 minutes of yelling, screaming and saying "NO" to everything. I stand firm and she eventually does things - and continues them until done without further complaint. She even hugs me and says, "Good job!" She does a GREAT job. I just wish she wouldn't complain so much before hand! It's very annoying.

Jessie's A Great Helper

It was too hot and muggy for Rachel and Jessie to do anything outside, so after they had breakfast out with Kelly, they came back to the house. Jessie put away clean dishes in the sink, vacuumed the front room and family room, then she put labels on Aunt Lois' prayer letters and stamped each envelope with the return address. She didn't stop until she had them all done! I was amazed that she kept at it. Thanks, Jess! That saves me a lot of time. Now I just have to fold the prayer letter, stuff the envelopes and seal the flap.

Jon and I went to breakfast at The Pantry but it wasn't the smartest move. There were power outages in the area, it's a holiday weekend, and the place was packed. We were in there for an hour. Jon went to Walmart and I attempted to get an oil change but there was a 1 1/2 hour wait. I came home and did a couple hours of paperwork on my desk.

Tonight for dinner I made a peach cobbler. I have NEVER made a peach cobbler in my life. I don't usually make dessert because we'd eat it (yes, I know that's what you're supposed to do!). With left-over peaches Jon asked if I'd make the cobbler. I must say, it was wonderful!

Peaches

Jon took me out to breakfast this morning then we came back and worked on canning 10 half pints of "Grandma's Spiced Peach Preserves" that I found on-line. Jon had some on toast for dinner and said it was great, and I just put a teaspoon of the preserves on a small dish of ice cream. Excellent!

This weekend is the Peach Festival in Romeo - which I avoid if at all possible. Too many people in our small town. Jon bought a half bushel of peaches last weekend so along with the preserves, tomorrow I'll make a peach cobbler for dinner. I've never made one before, so we'll see how it tastes!

Girls Day Out

Rachel, Jessie and I spent most of the day out doing this and that: post office, Office Depot to drop off Lois' prayer letter, Wendy's for lunch, Beaumont lab to get urine sample and blood work for Jessie (accomplished!), Family Christian Stores, back to Office Depot and finally home. Let me tell you, I was pooped. With the temperature in the 90's and so many trips in and out of air conditioning, it wore on me today. I was more than done when I got home and thanks to Jessie being so occupied with her iPad, I took a 2-hour nap. I felt so much better when I got up. Tomorrow we are back to canning!

Preparing Jessie For Surgery

Jessie will be having surgery for a female issue on September 24. Somehow she found Youtube documentaries of children talking about their surgeries and what happens. She watches them daily. This morning when she was getting dressed she said "surgery" and pointed to her arm where she'd have an IV. I said, "Yes, you will have an IV and they will give you something to make you sleepy, and you'll take a nap. When you wake up ..." and before I could finish my sentence she said "EAT!" Oh, boy, I'd better warn them ahead of time to have food on hand for her. She's already requested chicken nuggets!

We went to the family doctor to get his clearance for surgery this evening, but it didn't go well. She wouldn't give a urine sample and the tech couldn't get blood out of one arm and when she tried to do the other arm, I stopped her because she really didn't look like she knew what she was doing and Jessie was beside herself. We have to go tomorrow and try again. Ugh!