Joyce said she'd like to go ice skating, so Keith met us at the ice rink. She changed her mind and suggested roller skating instead. Sooooo... that's just what we did. This was Joyce's first time roller skating. She did quite well. I'm proud of her. Uncle Keith stayed right with her the whole time. She said it was fun and that she’d definitely do it again if the opportunity arose.
I was looking for a volunteer to hike with me on Saturday. Joyce was my happy hiking pal this week. I took two of her brothers geocaching a couple weeks back. This was her turn. We hit a couple in North Park. She hiked and sometimes ran out ahead of me, but eventually stopped to wait for her slower-moving Aunt. Thanks Joyce for not deserting me in the wilderness. :)
We saw a couple doe crossing the road on the way in. One ducked under the guardrail and the other jumped over it. That was odd.
She worked the GPS easily and found the cache's with a slight hint, but little difficulty. She found herself a neat sparkly wood chip to pocket and a Darth Vader thing that her brother's would enjoy. She carefully re-hid the containers each time and off we went on to another adventure.
So after chores it was off to work. My office was hosting an educational symposium for medical professionals. I needed to be there at 630AM. It was a great success with a very good turnout. I left there promptly at 2pm.
Run back to the farm. Let the doggies out. Rush over to pick up Paul and Daniel for a play date. This was their first time geocaching. We hit the one at the Old Stone House first. The instructions said to follow the North Country Trail. We did not follow it the right way. We completely missed the “this way” sign. They wasted no time bush-wacking their way through the woods in the right direction. Paul led us with the GPS. I had to keep telling them to slow up and stick together or else they would lose their Aunt J.J. in the wilderness. LOL We overlooked it a number of times, but eventually found the treasure in a really neat spot. They sat on a huge rock dissecting its contents and decided to take a couple little trinkets. We left some trinkets too, and then set off to find another. Unfortunately we did not find the others and we had not enough daylight time to do the puzzle cache in the area before dark. The coolest thing my nephew ever said to me “Aunt J.J., when can we do this again?” I’m looking forward to taking them again… and hopefully in the not so distant future.
I’m really proud of Paul. We picked up a map at Jennings and he very successfully led us on a very nice hike. We stopped a couple times to get the map out and assess which way we should go and he was the one that decided for us. I’m impressed at his map-wise-ness. We talked a little bit about the North Country Trail and I explained how to follow the “blue blazes.” It was a great time!
This morning I was awakened at 4AM. Tootsie, the big brown lab, jumped up on the bed, on top of the covers, on top of me. She was straddling me and I was mummified. I couldn’t move my arms. She had me pinned. She was breathing her doggie-breath in my face! Ahhhhhhh!!!!! I kept telling her “OFF!” “OFF!” It took a while but I finally broke free. She just wanted to go outside. Ugh!
Here they are… Riley on the left. Tootsie on the right. At that point I was UP, so I made a cup of tea and sat down on the couch with a blanket. They were a constant audience. Silly dogs! A few hours later, the cat was at the front door, pining to be let in. He had already been in. HE wanted out before 4AM, so these little buggers had me up several times throughout the night. I thought it would be cute to take a picture of Scampers begging to come in, but amazingly he looks like something right out of a cartoon! I laughed out loud immediately. This is too funny not to share!
And this was all just this morning. We have dinner plans with our cousin for later this evening. Should be fun.
Have a great weekend!!!!!
October 26th is my Gram-ditties birthday. She would have been 96 years old this year, but she passed away several years ago. I wonder if anyone will remember my birthday as fondly as I remember hers? She is the single-most influential person of my lifetime. She spent more time with me than any other adult. Everything she did was looking out for my best interest. She was an example-setter. She spoke the truth of scripture and lived humbly. God was first and family was extremely precious to her. She walked me through disappointments and danced with me through joys. She was such a precious gem and I miss her so very much. I hope that in my lifetime I can exhibit but a glimmer of her reflection. Fortunate for her, she’s tending the gardens of Heaven now and enjoying the constant and glorious presence of Christ! Awesome! Some people bid their lost loved ones Rest In Peace… I say LIVE the Peace Grammy! Live it up!
Happy Hikers we are… We didn’t have much time before dark, but we did find 5 cache’s yesterday.
I spotted this owl peering at us from his bird-box. I think it’s a horned owl??? I wish we had a better zoom on our camera. I got a pretty good look at him with binoculars while Keith tried to move in closer for a better picture. I saw the little guy duck back into his box… Keith spooked him. Alas, we did NOT get a better picture. :(
This is on Irwin Road aka Mysty Blue Road, which is supposedly haunted. The internet has some information on it. I’m not into that kind of stuff, but it was still daylight anyway, so we meandered down this road to find a cache. The whole way Keith is asking me what is “haunted” about it. It didn’t look haunted. I didn’t do any checks on that until we got back, but… when he found the cache this little black rat was staring back at him from inside a log. He jumped and I thought he was just joking… trying to spook me, but it didn’t work. I had a good laugh when I saw what it was so we couldn’t resist taking some pictures of it.
It was a fun time… can’t wait to go again.
It’s that time of year again. They are moving in! From the outside to the inside! Ahhhhhhh!!! This one’s coming from outside the barn towards the inside if they can. They creep me out! I found one in the washing machine – dead, but still seemed rather large. Now how did that happen? Did I load it into the washer with my laundry? WHAT!?!?!?! I found another in the basement that looked dead, kind of curled up. Ohhh… that is just a defense mechanism! I reached for it with a rag and it took off. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!! I threw a plank of laminate floor on top of it and walked on it a bunch of times. I hate spiders!
October 17, 2010 I went hiking with my friend Tammy. We hit the North Country Trail between Moraine and Jennings. It was LOVELY. What a gorgeous day to hit the trails!
Wildlife sightings were at a minimum, not surprising considering all the leaves on the ground. It was not exactly a quiet hike through the woods. We did happen upon a squirrel head stuck on the end of a tree branch. That’s not a funny prank. It’s gross! We did spot a few squirrels and chipmunks, but nothing big and nothing slithering. Yay!
About 2 hours into it my hip started clicking. Today it is sore. I wonder what that’s all about? Hmmm…
I’m so blessed that Tammy enjoys hiking with me. We both like to gawk at things as we meander through the wilderness. I can’t wait to go again!
This past week Keith’s Mom and Step-dad Jim were here to visit. For the few weeks prior, we worked HARD to restore the functionality of our upstairs bathroom. Well… KEITH worked HARD and I followed his lead. We are still getting used to the added option. During the visit we went to a Fall-fest in Zelienople, which was lovely. I realize that I had never been to such a thing before. Odd isn’t it? Keith took them to Pittsburgh while I worked another day. They took us out for a nice dinner at TGI Fridays so I didn’t have to cook, YAY! Mom and I shopped together. She bought us some cool stuff for our hiking-hobby for Christmas. We visited the stable to pet the ponies. We visited my folks for a lovely spaghetti dinner. It was a grand visit. I’m so grateful to have this time with them. Our visits are always WAY too short and WAY too infrequent!
On Thursday I was afforded the opportunity to hit the trails at Moraine with my precious pony. I’m sorry to have not taken any photos on this jaunt. The season at its peak is so lovely and what better way to enjoy it than to share with a friend on horseback! This too was TOO short as we only had a couple hours after work to squeeze it in. The last half hour was dark in the woods and we rode out via moonlight. A little creepy, yes, but very cool just the same. I’m very proud of my Penny. She turned over a new leaf this year. I think since I’ve put many more miles on her that she’s really settled a good bit. Maybe she’s more fit and able to keep up better? Maybe its simply maturity? Any way you see it… I just love her! She’s sassy and chubby and just bursting with personality. I’m so thankful to have her!
I’m trying to return to the routine saving and stock-piling. I sort of fell off the wagon a while back, but I’ve been slowly picking myself back up again and re-focusing.
This week RiteAid has some deals. If you have a coupon for Gain dish detergent, it’s FREE. They also have an entire page of FREEBATES. I already picked up 4 of those items saving more than $10.
I have at least a dozen coupons to use at Giant Eagle this week. Most are stock-pile items. Additionally they have a BOGO special on Boneless Sirloin Tip roast, plus we get 10% off too. I usually keep one to roast and cut the other for stew.
So what’s on the menu at the Vulhop household this week?
Random thoughts from my Bible Study of late…
By the power of the Holy Spirit, brought on by prayer, break free from the bondage that holds you captive! We are slaves to sin. Make efforts to train yourself to recognize the opportunities to overcome such obstacles. Familiarize yourself with the Holy Spirit.
Don’t just SAY a prayer, PRAY a prayer. It’s great that we memorize prayers, especially as children. It’s one way that we write the Word on our heart to recall in times of need. The heartfelt meaning is frequently lost in simply reciting prayers. Next time you recall a memorized prayer… give it some umph from the heart.
Don’t just believe because someone told you so… Believe because the SPIRIT of the LIVING GOD told you so! I don’t discount Biblical scholars and teachers, but if you are going to argue with me on something… there is only one source… the Bible… His Holy Word.
Thinking on generational blessings… I learned what humble is from my Grandmother. I learned what discipline is from my father. I learned about generosity from my mother. I learned to PRAY from my Grampy. Do you ever consider what generational blessing you are passing on to your children? Imagine if we were cognizant of it?
Some people just go through the motions of Christianity, never developing an actual RELATIONSHIP with Christ… How boring! It’s way more exciting to be actively involved, interacting with Him.
This week marks the 10th anniversary of the loss of my good friend Ed. Throughout my early 20’s I spent many a night helping him milk his cows. He often spoke fondly of my grandfather and told stories about him that I hold dear to my heart. We ate ice cream almost daily. I would often come prepared to tell a joke, the punch line of which he would repeat for hours thereafter followed by a jolly good laugh. He would laugh so hard that I couldn’t understand what he was saying. Then I would laugh because he was laughing and he’d laugh harder thinking that I was laughing at what he was trying to say and it would go on until we were both in stitches. I so enjoyed my time with Ed. He was an honest soul, a man of little glamour except for his heart of gold. He was humble, hard-working, and a kindred friend. I will cherish so many memories of him until we meet again in Heaven.
We haven’t been able to use the toilet in our upstairs bathroom for about 2 years now. It had a plumbing problem that caused it to leak through the living room ceiling. That CANNOT be good. So we finally decided it was time to fix it.
Keith removed the old toilet. The floor was really bad.
Here is the view looking up from the living room. He had to replace a portion of the plumbing pipes.
Here is the view looking down the hole. He had to replace about half of the subfloor in the room… It was not surprising that it’s nowhere near SQUARE!
New laminate floor… DONE!
New sink & faucet! YAY!!!
Now we need to put in the replacement toilet and put in some trim… more pictures to come!
Plain and simple, my husband DESERVES to be spoiled! He spent his only 2 days off this week fixing the bathroom. He had no time to relax at all. What might he appreciate? He asks for something sweet every day. I’m going to bake him a cake!
I keep a daily journal of at least three things I’m thankful for and at least one thing I’m thankful for specifically about my husband. Here are a few recent entries:
General:
About my hubby:
Recording thankfulness definitely keeps me accountable in praising God for such blessings. It helps me keep that positive focus of gratefulness.
Anything that prevents you from glorifying God is a barrier. What barriers exist in your life? Think on it… then take action.
One of my FB friends is gal who was part of the youth group we worked with when we lived in Kentucky. She has since turned into a lovely young lady who graduated at the top of her high school class and is now a college student. She posted one day that she has no coffee. So I put together a shoebox full of goodies for her including a bag of Dunkin Donuts coffee! Every hard-working college student deserves a little care package from time to time. I put in some other nifty-gifties including a bag of Halloween M&Ms, because every girl needs herself some chocolate! I remember being POOR when I was a student… I know she will appreciate it. I can’t went to send it off!
What a lovely way to start my day… counting my blessings!
I have much to be grateful for this morning. Thank you Lord for the abundant blessings in my life.
It’s been a LOVELY weekend. Yesterday I not only worked for 6 hours, but accomplished laundry, dishes, grocery shopping, and cooking. Today we attended worship followed by a lunch of homemade chicken noodle soup and I went for a 3 hour hike after taking a nap. Now I’m relaxing… going to go to bed soon. It’s been a very nice weekend. Tomorrow is going to be a L-O-N-G day!!!
p.s. I need to cash in on my new hiking shoes soon… the ones I have are wearing out. The ones K bought me for my birthday didn’t fit.
After baking a loaf of Tastefully Simple Beer Bread… I did my weekly grocery shopping yesterday. I didn’t get any coupon items because I stuck to the outside isles of the store for the most part, except for some canned goods. I am out of homemade stewed tomatoes, so I had to buy some. :( I so very much want a garden! Anyway, I got fruit, veggies, meat, and essentials. Most of it came with a grocers discount because of Keith’s employment, so SCORE! My $60/week grocery budget came right under the wire WITHOUT coupons at $59.99! Yay!
As soon as I got home I started a pot of chili. That should be enough for dinner Saturday, lunch Sunday, and the rest I’ll pack up and freeze. I sent Keith a text “I’m making chili for dinner.” He texted me back “Funny, I sell gas and you give it to me for free.” He’s a wise guy! Later he asked me if I’m going to enter it into the Annual Chili Cook-off at church this fall. I guess that means that he likes it. Another SCORE!
I decided that I wanted to try to make a pot of chicken soup just like Gram-ditties used to make. So last night I put a chicken breast on to boil. I de-boned it, but put the bones & skin in the pot to boil along with a whole onion, some carrots, celery, and herbs. Before bed I strained off the stock and put it in the fridge along with the chicken breast. This morning I started the pot with butter, onion, carrot, celery, and spices… then added chicken… then stock… then noodles… viola I have a pot of AUTHENTIC chicken noodle soup! And… it’s LOW SODIUM! The only thing better would be if I grew my own veggies, spices, and chicken! I’m so proud of myself! So, this pot should be enough for dinner tonight and then maybe lunch tomorrow… and I’ll pack up the rest for the freezer.
So what about the rest of the week? Hmmm…
- Spaghetti or Cheese Ravioli
- Eggs & Bacon or Pancakes… whichever we decide at the time
- Ham & Potato Bake
So there you have it… a plan for the week! YAY!
