down memory lane

    It started last week when I wanted to write something  to my cousin who was turning 70.  Something  worth reading.  We were invited to a  small, family gathering and it was so special to be included.

So, the memories were flowing.  We had grown up just a few blocks from each other and spent many birthdays, holidays and just family times together.   

We left Bellevue with  snow on the ground, but hardly any had fallen as we travelled west. 

Our route took a different turn, so to speak, since the 520 bridge was closed for the weekend.   So we drove on I-90 and down Rainier avenue.   This street I had been on at least 1,000 times.  So much has changed.  As we got close to Jackson street I remember the service station where Grandpa used to get gas.  In those days, the attendant pumped the gas for you.   

And there it was..well what is left of it.

The Shell station... behind that fence... where the man who took care of us had become a friend.  He used a cane, he was missing one leg,  he called himself "Crip"  he was a black gentleman.

Why do I remember that?   Well, hasn't  our world changed?   

The next stop is the Seattle Tennis Club.  Right on Lake Washington. A beautiful place.  I have been with my cousins to wedding receptions and showers. I think this was the first birthday. 

And here she is.... ready for the dessert... But that is part of another story.

I live an exciting life

home

 As we walked down the path  I wondered what she was thinking

         the path she had walked so many times during the 20 + years she lived here

It had been several years since she had been back, home.  

Her first comments were directed to the hydrangeas,  she had helped with the garden plans years ago

        Now she could wisely say that they would thrive if  we pruned them way back

We had benefitted from her horticulture degree and she loved it

The front door is open...

Inside we passed through the kitchen.  Not ready for coffee, but always ready for shortbread

Pictures on the frig had changed, but still showing off the most loved in  life, family

While the others were wanting to play " hide the beanie babies" she sat down to play the piano.

I had always wanted each of the kids to learn to play through the hymnbook.  Did not happen, but I am always blessed to hear someone play those ivories besides me

Soon, everyone was trying to find the beanie babies....almost time to head out and on to Seattle.. but first a check in her "shoebox"    Sure enough, a few odd things had collected for her to check out.

And the hour was over, maybe an hour and 20 minutes.  The rest of the weekend was here and there and yes, the reason for the trip was a big BIG birthday party.  

Just before heading to the airport, a final hug and " I love you, hope to stay longer next time" 

And, I hope that is soon

I hope that is a promise 

Making a difference

 

The lad in this true story is Chase.  I have not met him, ( I know his grandparents ) but after reading this "Powerful" story I can say I  would love to be part of his circle of friends. 

A closer look... we hear the word, and who has not been touched by cancer, maybe a relative or dear friend.   

Our family has been touched too, but at the far right of the scale. Hubby had his 44 treatments of radiation with no side effects. None. We did meet others, every day in that waiting room who did have side effects.. those are stories I shared in 2018.  And I have several cousins who have faced hard times, very hard, during their treatments.   And it factors into the impact that this book has made in my heart and life.

I had read the first line of posts that updated readers, but it was not until I saw the post where Chase, turning 13, was asking for the same number/amount, as a donation to the doctors and staff of his "caregivers". Not for himself, or even his family, but for the people who had participated in saving his life. 
( Mama Ellie  has 14K followers on Facebook, she is an amazing writer )  

So, I ordered the book.  This story is the far left of any I know. I am sure there are others, but not that I have come to know.   Not just a cancer that was treated and back home and all good.  No, this was far more, and is on going.  

My mind goes to the Ukrainian war,  hear or read the headlines, but until you let yourself look at the pictures, hear about the horror on a day to day basis, it is hard to wrap your mind and heart around their situation. Maia has a daily update and it makes it more real and often very shocking
( Maia has 39K followers on Facebook, she is an amazing writer )

No, we cannot grieve for every persons hard circumstances, but, we can tune in to the needs/cares of those we are aware of and even someone right next door,  and we can  take the time to bow our head and pray for healing and comfort and also with thankfulness  for the blessings that most of us live with every day.

There is much more that I could share, but Ellie does a great job of showing the family, church, doctors and staff,  all who became a part of Chase's life, his story.  

So read the book.. 

And as Chase repeated and repeated  Joshua 1:9  Be strong and of courage,  do not be afraid, for the Lord is with you wherever you go

And He is.  

I live an exciting life 

.

all in a day

 

it started out with  a little tooth  ache  and a hacking cough
     ( the ache was worse on Saturday after 2 scoops of ice cream
               the cough is a side affect of meds..now on a new one )

 Then off to Bible study...started 1/2 hour early for fellowship.
      (  I arrived 1/4 hour early, oops )

The lectures ended and my buddy Barbara insisted I take her left over cookies
     ( I try to do what I am told )

Home for a quick bite of lunch
Called Lady Z to make sure the technician came to fix her TV.   
      ( both are up and running )

Rest... a few chores.   zoom Bible Study
        ( this one is my favorite of the week
Dinner...manly leftovers ...zoom Bible Study

oops phone call

Lady Z says her TVs are not working.

Zip down 1/2 mile down the hill

Downstairs  TV,,, I can usually figure out
  Toshiba remote...tv on....Yes
Lady z  " that is the wrong remote, what is going on?"
I am already going upstairs.
Lady Z says " If the downstairs works the upstairs works"
Me ( silently, that's a new one, don't think that will happen _

Upstairs TV is new to her last year and has a different system. I can't figure out how to fix it.

So I let Lady Z pick up the remote and 
"What, no picture? Well I am sure the downstairs tv is not working either"

I am already heading to the front door and I can hear the TV loud and clear

She says " It hasn't worked since Sunday"
   ( I think she forgot to say thank you. My mistake.  Sleep well )

Lady Z is 93 and I need to remember that if I should live so long, I could be very very confused.

I live an exciting life 

When you have to say goodbye

Such a smile

Such a lady 

Marti 

 

She was a wife

  a mother of four

    a grandmother to seven 
      a great grandma to eleven 

        a friend to countless 

          a friend to me     

The friendship goes way  back  for my hubby.  He grew up in Spokane and Marti loved to remind him about some naughty things he would  instigate, but always with a smile. She had a great sense of humor

For many years we would visit Spokane and were always greeted affectionately by Bob and Marti.  They were such a big part of the gathering there on  Pacific Avenue . Hospitable and supportive to so many.  

When you travel with kids you don't have the opportunity to have one on one visits, but my memory will  always be with her hair so perfectly in place and always with a smile.  She also gave warm hugs. 

My last visit, (and one on one ) was a little over a year ago on her 94th birthday.  Her furnace was not working, but her fireplace was cozy. We were by ourselves, but the phone was busy with calls and a package or two came to the door.  I am so thankful for that sweet hour together.  

I believe she genuinely cared about our family and every family that entered her door, everyone that entered her life. 

I live an exciting life 

     

Trees

 Trees and more trees.

Starting out the holidays this year at the Sunset Club

back home and in my happy place 

Star tops the Conrad tree

All aglow at the Schirbers 

Ottopals with a few candy canes left 

And close to home, the Bellevue Square center court 

on to Enumclaw

Random visit to the new Christian Bookstore

On to the Dorge's 57th annual red balls, just a smaller version 

And today...  downstairs at our friends on the Lake

and upstairs at our friends on the Lake 

not to be overlooked... bedroom sparkle 

I can call this my favorite because it is mine and my friends decorate it for me every year 

and  I love this tradition and this tree and this season 

I live an exciting life 

.

A New Year

 

Happy New Year,  

                               especially to you Marti ♥

A "different" year for all of us.  Regardless of our age or location or health, it has been a different and sometimes difficult year.   

But here we are, January 1, 2023

These were sent to me... I have no clue how to generate such amazing posts

While there are still some events I would like to document from 2022, I take time out for today 

May we be thankful for each day and hour of life, and be ready to share God's good news when He gives us the opportunity. 

At the end of the day, or at the end of a visit, I often say "I'll see you in my dreams"  and my little man Tanner says "Dream about me and pray for me"      Amen 

I live an exciting life

.