We certainly have enjoyed getting to know Chastity. Her Papaw is very proud of her and they've had several little chats!We went on a picnic, which was Chastity's first.
Of course, several people got to meet her at the shower Sat. All to soon Monday morning will be here and then they'll go home and we'll only get to see her via Skype. That's better than not at all, though! I think Hannah and Andy have enjoyed the time here. Hannah is truly a wife/mother now-
enjoying being home but, it will be good to be back at her own place. Babies have a way of changing our lives, don't they?!
Enjoy the pics.

Meeting her cousin Jocelyn


Sorry, Chastity is being caffinated!


Our picnic-Chastity's first- at Litzenburg Park



Protecting Baby from the sqeeters while we walk the trail at Litzenburg park

They're home!

Hannah, Andy and "baby" arrived safe and sound this morning. Tom was quite excited to meet Chastity! He took us up to the SS bldg. and showed her off to a bunch of his co-workers. Of course, all the ladies though she was so cute.
She's tired and out of sorts-hopefully she'll be able to be comfortable while she's here. Tom has taken off work til Tues so he can bond with baby. It's gonna be fun!
We did some pics of Chastity and Jocelyn- Tom's brothers baby. Jocelyn is almost 4 months while Chastity is 5 weeks.

Just me

This is a pic I took for Tom- just for fun. He actually liked it so I guess I did ok. It's a nice way to make a personalized card just because.
Tom filled in for Bro. Foreman at Port Clinton last eve. He did a good job speaking on transitions of life. Truly- Christ is the only ONE who can bring us through some of them without becoming a statistic. The people enjoyed it and it spoke to several needs there in the congregation. It pays to get the mind of Christ- you never know who you'll be ministering to--but God does. We got to visit with the Butcher's afterward and had a good time reconnecting. Didn't get home til 1 a.m. so Tom slept in just a bit! He only works today and Tues. because "baby comes tomorrow!"
We are excited about seeing/meeting Chastity- especially Tom. He'll enjoy her so much!
It will be nice to have Hannah and Andy home, too. I've scheduled a 1 hour massage for Hannah--she's thinking that will feel really good!
I"m working on laundry and a quick run through of the house, then I'm out for my walk. I've started walking 2-3 days a week at least. Gotta stay healthy! Besides- there are a few extra lbs. I'd like to be rid of. I think it's helping already! Woo-hoo!
You all have a great day and try to be nice to someone who looks like they need a bit of encouragement today. You never know what's going on in someones life.

These are some of the first things I've harvested from my own garden- mint (2nd harvest) purple basil and yes, my first zuchini! ( how do you spell that?) I used the mint for tea, fried the zuchini up with one from a friend and made fresh pesto with the basil as well as freezing some of the leaves for later. As for the pesto- someone said the purple was pesto on steroids. We sort of agree! It is a stronger flavored basil but, the pesto was good!
I have gobs of tomatoes on the vines. Most likely everything will start coming on when I have to be in TN. for a week! Hopefully it won't start full force til I'm back home and can deal with it.
we are anxiously waiting for Hannah and Andy to get here with Chastity! Our first stop after picking them up at the airport will be Tom's office. It will be his first time to meet her and then a bunch of the women in the office are wanting to see her. Most everyone loves a baby, don't they?
I'm sure we'll have at least one or two pics of her visit home!

Yesterday I turned 45. I don't think I've been sung to as many times as I was yesterday! I even heard it mentioned on the radio- which is usually not on at that time. I had a good day and a very relaxing evening with my favorite man.
We are looking forward to Hannah, Andy and Chastity coming home Tues. It will all go by way to quickly.
I've added a couple pics to show the latest changes I talked about in home decorating! Some day I may actually get it all done! Yeah!
Today I'll be picking gooseberries. I think longer sleeves are in order- my arms are just healing from the raspberries. I really like summer harvesting of all the goodies. Maybe I'll try a gooseberry pie-hmmm-granny said they take a lot of sugar though. I'll see what I can do. Sugar isn't in our diet anymore- at least not white sugar. I use raw honey or real maple syrup so it makes baking just a bit different.We shall see!





this scene is replayed many nights -relaxing and watching the bees




the new window treatment for our room- I know- the light looks crazy but, it works well for us!




chair rail in the kitchen- to paint or stain? that is the question

More fruits of summer

Yesterday- Mon. - I picked almost 12 lbs. of black raspberries. My arms, especially my right arm, looks like I was in a cat fight! Next time I'll have to wear wrist length sleeves.Oh well, I'll survive and the scratches will heal and we'll have honey sweetened blackberry jam and some juice concentrate to add to lemonade later! I made smoothies last night using raw heavy cream, pure maple syrup, some berries and a little raw milk. Yummm! Nice and rich! Tom and I had a smoothie for breakfast this morning, too.He really enjoys them.
The sunflowers, etc. were a hostess gift from our friends. We had them over for Sun. dinner and had a good time visiting. The flowers make such a splash I think. They just say summer in a big way. I love picking flowers and weeds to make fresh bouquets for the table. Fresh flowers for nothing!
My handyman-my hubby- put chair rail up in the kitchen for me Sat. I'm now debating whether to paint it white or leave it and stain it lightly. By the way, my kitchen is still in the process of being made over. I think it will look so nice when I'm done.
I"m also painting our room. It already looks nice and I'm not finished. Tom liked it so, I think I did alright!
Well, enjoy the day. I must keep moving to get everything done!

Happy 4th and a salute to our troops

Our salute to all the troops-past and present! May God protect those in harms way!
I guess this 4th of July means more to me and is closer to home than ever before since we have 2 boys of our own currently serving. We've always been patriotic but, it sure drives it home when your own are in.
I did a little display to honor our families servicemen-past and present. We have 10- ranging from WW2 to present. 3 of our boys are currently serving- Dan Guy- 2nd tour in Iraq, Nathanael currently stationed in WA. and Aaron in Marine boot camp-OOH-RAH!
The others are my dad, Jack, brother-in-law, Ron, brother Dan, brother-in-law, Phil, nephews, Theron, Tommy,and Benny.
Thanks to all of you!!
We have had a family reunion at my sisters for our immediate family for the last several years. It's always a nice time and helps us keep connected.I've posted a few pics of the day and a couple of the display.
Our troops need our prayers-whether they all think so or not. I'm sure at some point they all hope someone is praying for them
Happy Independence Day!! God Bless America!



Taking the itchy out of the nettles naturally-with plantain





in line for some good food

Tara-aka Grillmaster Jeremiah-taste tester

Summer pickins'

I have to say, I really do enjoy picking berries and such. I picked some mulberries and raspberries down at my folks the other day. I didn't get a lot but, it was fun. Monday eve. Tom and I got to go cherry picking--and they were free! I went back Tues. and picked another 2 gallons. All together we got about 5 gallons. I'm gonna make Tom a pie and then juice the rest for later. I think some cherry lemonade and cherry smoothies would taste good come Nov. or Dec., don't you? I know Hannah will enjoy it when she comes home.
Looking forward to the Independence Day celebrations. I'm making a family display of all our past and present service men. I think we have 9 altogether. 3 of them serving now.
Enjoy your day and don't miss out on summers bounty! It doesn't last long.