The Event - In Your New Home

I was rearranging the basement last weekend trying to get things back in order since the basement remodel job completed a month ago.  In the process, I bought two new heavy duty shelving units to help organize the stuff we need to keep in storage - like suitcases, ice cream maker, canning kettle, extra blankets, paint supplies, Christmas decor totes, etc. 

I came across a box of paraphernalia I still need to keep and go through - children's object lessons from my days as Sunday School Superintendent dating as far back as the late 70's and 80's when we still lived in Bayard and used again as Superintendent at Emmanuel Church in Scottsbluff. 

Anyway, on the top of all that stuff was a guest book and a card ~ from the  party Tim's parents hosted for us when we made that difficult move off the farm to the little house in the city (Scottsbluff).  They surprised us with a "we wish you well as you leave the farm and enter a new phase in your life" party.  The date was November 9, 1986.  They even had napkins printed for the occasion.

The napkins were imprinted with "I AM THE LORD, YOUR REDEEMER WHO LEADS YOU IN THE WAY YOU SHOULD GO."  Isaiah 48:17  followed by  "Best Wishes for the Strickers   November 9, 1986" 

Then the guest book held signatures of those present.  It brought tears to my eyes to remember back to that time, and the people who were so dear to us and cared enough to share with us in this traumatic relocation.  And then to realize that several of the people whose signatures appeared are no longer living here on earth.

The card also spoke to me, so much so, that I can't bring myself to toss it even now. 

A Wish for you in Your New Home
Every home where love abides and friendship is a guest
Is surely home sweet home and there the heart can rest.
May your new home be blessed with laughter and love
And all of the hppiness you're dreaming of.
May it always be filled with contentment and rest
And may friendship be always a favorite guest.

Best wishes from your friends in Bayard

This verse can apply to my home regardless whether it is old or new, regardless how long we have lived in a home.  It should apply to every home everywhere, but, alas, it doesn't.  But I can claim this message and again thank my friends for being a part of it ~ back then in 1986 and today as well.

This is but a small glance at a very cherished event in my history book.  This needed to be preserved in my blog book.

The Event ~ The Caribbean Cruise

The long-anticipated cruise that I surprised Tim with was awesome.  We thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.  We met some wonderful friends, the weather was great, the food fantastic, the fellowship amazing, the snorkeling awesome, the beaches relaxing.

This is the ship tendered at CocoCay Island.  We took tender boats the short distance to the island.  The other two islands we stopped at we docked.

I loved snorkeling.  What a magnificent underwater world!

                    Tim and I enjoyed riding the tidal waves several hundred feet out from the beach.

Sharing the breakfast table with new and different friends every day always provided good fellowship.

We enjoyed relaxing on the beaches and on the deck.  I think I enjoyed the sunbathing more than Tim.

I enjoyed the peach and rum drinks served on the decks.

I was just gutsy enough to try surfing the wave on the top deck of the ship.  Twice, in fact.  I don't think there were too many 61 year old grandma's that did this!  Both pictures below are me on the wave!

The dining rooms were magnificent!

The views from the islands were picturesque

The coffee was always on ~ along with the cookies, chocolate brownies,

ice cream, rum squares, pizza, sandwiches, decadent desserts, and lots more. . . .

This was between meals!

The staff on ship were delightful, pleasant and lots of fun.  We had the same waiter each nite and shared the dinner table with the same people.  Pictured below are new friends Jolie and Arthur Huntington from Maryland, our waiter  ~ Marcos, and Jack who also shared our table. 

Almost every staff person we met freely shared their faith in Jesus, and were very excited to have our Christian group of about 300 on board.  They talked very openly about their faith once they knew we were Christians.   What a blessing to visit with them. 

We met life friends Jack and Lori Gould and bonded with them and just hung out together alot.  We met them on Sunday morning before the cruise when Jack asked to share our breakfast table in the complimentary but crowded breakfast area of the hotel.  By the time breakfast was over, we had already shared so much and found so much in common.  We enjoyed their company and they just added to the pleasure of our cruise.    They are from Ontario, Canada, and we are already planning to see them again someday.  They are an awesome couple that we had so much fun with. 

Lori and I enjoying the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea.

What was most amazing and a highlight of the entire cruise were the magnificent sunrises and sunsets.  Tim and I got up early enough on several mornings just to walk around the deck and enjoy the amazing sunrise.  In the evening we would gather on the deck again to watch the sunset dip below the sea. 

The sunrise and the sunset is an event that only the hand of our awesome God can place upon the horizon.

We enjoyed a few seminars from Christian speakers as part of our Christian Couples of Promise group.  We listened to Kevin Lehman, who wrote "The Birth Order Book";  Phil Calloway, a Christian comedian; and Steve Green, a contemporary Christian singer.  Sharing that time of inspiration with 300 other cruisers was also a highlight of the trip.  We were able to share prayer together at every meal, which one usually doesn't do with strangers on a vacation.  But our new friends were not strangers ~  they were friends and brothers and sisters in Christ.

Yes, it was a wonderful way to celebrate reaching the milestone of our 40th anniversary!  Thank you, God, my family, my husband for 40 years of a blessed marriage!

The Event ~ The Holy Land

We arrived in cloudy Orlando, Florida on Thursday,  February 10. On Friday, we went to "The Holy Land Experience."   We spent seven hours enjoying the dramatization of Jerusalem, biblical stories, the Crucifixion and raising of Jesus, the "Scriptorium" which was a museum of the history of the Bible from its very beginning.  Quite interesting, as the real documents were there, fragments from the earliest words inscribed on papyrus paper and rock, down through the volumes of the many transcriptions through the ages. 

It was a very relaxing and inspirational day, and reminded us again that Christ died  a horrific death for us, that we might live eternally in heaven.  

We entered the empty tomb where the sign reads "He is not here ~ He is risen"   Indeed, Christ has risen and will come again to gather all His believers to join him in heaven someday.

We enjoyed a communion with "Jesus" around the table with many other people, a trip back to the Ark of the Covenant during the days of Moses, and many other Biblical dramatizations.  It was a very rewarding event and inspirational day and a place we would recommend to anyone to take time to visit.

The Event ~ Circle Tour

Here we are in cloudy, cold southern Florida, anticipating setting sail tomarrow for the Caribbean.  We have a rental car for a couple days, equipped with GPS, THANK GOD!  However, even GPS doesn't eliminate the inevitable "Circle Tour"!    Only my kids will understand that!

The "Circle Tour" is something we always do, unplanned, of course, when Tim is driving in a foreign place.  The earliest "Circle Tour" I can remember was December 1981 going through Baton Rouge, Louisiana, going down a one-way street the wrong way, getting lost, circling around, and ending up where we started before finding our way again.  I'm sure there must have been earlier "Circle Tours" prior to that, especially since we were driving in foreign California on our honeymoon! 

However, the "Circle Tour" has since become a sore spot with Tim, but he still does it anyway.  I thought he was finally learning to take my ribbing in jest,  but last night he threatened to throw me overboard from ship if I blogged about this event!

Last nite driving back to the hotel from Al Capone's dinner theatre at 10:30 p.m., he mis-communicated with the GPS and suddenly did a two-wheelie into a strip-mall parking lot thinking that was his next turn!  I thought he was going to roll the car!  So after a pleasant circle tour of the parking lot and around McDonald's drive-thru, we did get back on track.  Tim seems to be infatuated with parking lots as we somehow "Circle Tour" in and out of those on almost every foreign excursion!

I laughed so hard as I chanted "circle tour, circle tour".  Then last night in bed, I just started laughing out loud.  He asked what was so funny.  I said "your circle tour".  I got into one of those laughing spells that I couldn't quit, and he sort of laughed too!  But that's when he threatened to throw me overboard ~when I said I was going to blog about the event! 

By the way, that was his second circle tour of the day.  I think now he may finally have GPS figured out.  But today we are headed up north about 60 miles, so can we go a day in foreign territory without the infamous circle tour?  Hm-m-m-m!  Stay tuned!    Yes, the "Circle Tour" is an unannounced and surprising event that has become a tradition when touring with Tim!

I just hope he stays away  from the captain's wheel on the ship!  Bon voyage!

The Event ~ 64 Years Together!

Happy Anniversary today to my dear mother and father-in-law.  Today they are celebrating their 64th wedding anniversary.  They are one among few couples who actually reach that milestone.  We celebrate with them in this joyous occasion. 

Last night we had them as diinner guests while Tim and Janel and four of the grandkids were here, along with Annie and Cash present.  At their age, that is the best present we can give them ~ dinner with their family, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.   I was amiss in not taking a picture last night because that was indeed a special event.   But here is a recent picture of them. 

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad Stricker! 

God has certainly blessed you through the years.  Your faith has kept you strong, even through the trials we know you experienced along the way.  We treasure the time we have been able to spend with you.   My children and grandchildren adore you.  You have been such a big and important part of their lives.  You were there throughout their school years, attending nearly every special event they were involved in, from music to sports.  You never forgot a birthday, a valentines day, or any other special event in their lives.  Your hospitality has been enjoyed over and over again, as we shared your table many times over chicken noodle soup and butter balls or your special fried chicken.  Your special gift was your patience in always making cookies with the little kids ~ my kids thirty years ago or the grandkids today ~ and playing games with them.   

I cannot forget that you have loved me like your daughter from the very beginning when I married your son.  I love you!

The Event ~ The Mohawk

We have enjoyed having our nearly four-year old grandson Joe with us for the past ten days.  He is certainly a joy to have around.  He is very articulate in his mannerisms and activity ~ he likes to organize, and he likes to "write" very articulately! 

Joe decided he wanted a hair cut like his Uncle Cash - skinned!  So, Cash gave him a mohawk haircut with the help of Annie.  It was a fun event.  Later, cash trimmed it up some more, shaping an N in the back. 

When Tim and Janel and three of his siblings came a few days ago to get him, he kept his cap on for about the first 30 minutes, keeping his secret just a little longer.  When he took it off, the looks of his family were entertainment enough.  His dad says he'll finish the job at home.  But we all really liked it.  Cash tells me I would have never allowed that 25 years ago on him.  He is absolutely right.  25 years ago, it would have been sinful!!

Joe is so darned cute no matter what his hairstyle.  We all enjoyed this little fun event.  And so did Joe. 

The Event ~ Saturday Nite Live!

Tim and I are not party animals ~ never were and never will be.  But we still enjoy a good time, especially if it is with friends!  We have always enjoyed socializing in the home ~ ours or others ~ an activity that is not as prevalent today as it was in earlier generations.  I guess we can blame tv and technology.  But when we do get together with friends, it makes for eventful memories and fun times.

Visiting with friends on a Saturday nite is about as alive as we get.  Throw in a mix of "Hand and Foot" cards, and it get's really lively!  Saturday nite we enjoyed dinner and cards with Sharon and Dick Rahmig and Jacque and Rick Kaufman, with the Rahmigs hosting.   Us three couples have become our little own card club in the last couple years, and it's been fun. 

Kaufman's have been friends of ours from the 1970's when we lived in Bayard and attended the same church.  When our kids were little, we visited quite often.  Through the years, we kind of lost touch, except for the annual Christmas card. So it has been special to renew that friendship and fellowship once again.  

Sharon Rahmig has been our auction clerk for at least the last ten years, and we have developed a very close, dear friendship.

We need to make sure we continue to foster our fellowship with friends in the years to come.  Friends are the one possession you can enjoy in heaven and should not be cast aside lightly.  Eventful Friends are a blessing!

The Event ~ Visit with a Dear College Friend!

While in Lincoln for several days, Tim and I travelled two and a half hours into Iowa to visit my dear, dear friend from college who has never lost touch in the last 40 years ~ Betty Stewart and her husband, Tom.  Betty and I were part of the inseparable seven during our college days.  (See Reunions blog 6/9/10).  In the last 40 years we have seen each other five times.  Each time it's like time has stood still and we pick up where we left off.  We are as comfortable with each other today as we were when 19 and in college. 

Tim and Tom have enjoyed visiting and talking farm toys.  Put two farmers together and there is never a shortage of conversation.  Put two dear  life friends together and there is never enough time to catch up.  I treasure our long time friendship ~ we've shared alot of joys and sorrows and prayers together. 

It will be a joy to continue to share as we grow old together in heart and spirit, even though we are miles apart. 

Coincidentally, Betty's daughter is my grandson Jakob's teacher at school! 

Visiting with dear friends and keeping in touch through the years is an event I treasure!

The Event ~ The Piano Recital

It's been a long time since I attended a piano recital.  I remember going to my own piano recitals in the late 50's, early 60's.  I took lessons for at least six years, but I  was never musically inclined and it was always a difficult endeavor for me. 

My three kids took organ/piano lessons and we enjoyed their recitals many years ago.  Last Sunday, 1/25/11, I had the opportunity to attend the first piano recital of my first four grandchildren.  It was a small event consisting of a dozen + young students and lasted all of twenty minutes.  Each student played two songs, starting with the youngest child and advancing to the oldest and more advanced students.  It was a pleasure and delight to watch and listen to all the children - not just my own grandkids.  The simple little starter songs brought back memories.  The kids did great and I was really proud to hear and see how much Jakob, Josh, Jon and Mattie had learned on the keyboard in the very short time they have been taking lessons.  I see some natural talent and some struggle between the four of them.  No matter how long they stick with it, any piano training is basic and a stepping stone for music involvement as they mature. 

Their first piano recital was a memorable event.  I'm glad I was able to attend!

The Event ~ Construction Zone

Owning a home can mean living in a virtual construction zone for life.  Tim and I have lived in four houses in the 40 years we have been married.  Every one of them required construction and/or repair work of some sort at some point in time.  Always upon moving into the house or prior to moving in, and then ongoing projects thereafter. 

Currently, we have been living in "construction zone" mode for about the last four months.  It started with the roofing of our house in September.  Then on to residing of our house in October, due to summer hail storms.  Cash took on that project.   We took that opportunity to insulate as well.  I also learned how to replace window screens myself instead of paying $40 for a "professional" to do the five minute job.   We still have to get the windows re-wrapped when the weather warms. 

Cash tore out the back door entry floor and replaced it with tile, and went on to sand and paint the front door red (which still needs a few more coats of red paint when the weather warms.)  Then it was on to replacing the kitchen sink.  Yep, we threw out the kitchen sink!  I beat up the old sink so badly, we couldn't stand to look at it anymore.  Now I have a nice new gleaming sink which I am taking great effort to take care of and keep it clean.

Then the steel roofers showed up and replaced the hay shed and the shop roofs with bright shiny new red roofs, again as a result of the severe summer hail storms.  The red roofs certainly add pizzaz to the farm.  Tim and Cash still have to replace the small barn roof, which they decided to do themselves and pocket the labor profit themselves. 

Currently, the bathroom in the basement is completed gutted.  What started out to be a minor patch job of a couple moisture soft spots in the walls near the shower quickly snowballed into a major renovation that now includes the installation of new flooring in the bathroom, hallways,  and one bedroom; the removal of our red desk area in the basement foyer; a new bathroom sink, a nice round glass shower, moving the sink plumbing from east to west wall and moving the softener and distiller plumbing from west to east wall; adding  a vent fan and a new light in the ceiling.    

This project was NOT my idea.  Only the patch job was on my honey-do list.  But it will be a pleasant improvement when finished.  Thank you!

In the past week Tim, Cash and I have become very familiar with the local super Menard's store which we hardly ever stepped foot in before.  But we quickly discovered they are far less expensive than the other remodel supply stores in town.  And the service has been quite good, too.  Surprise, surprise! 

Again when the weather warms, I have a gallon of paint waiting to be rolled on the cement foundation of the house.  I guess that is my project to look forward to. 

It's amazing how we can live in our own "dirt" without really seeing the disgusting stuff until we really get down and into it.  When we get this project done, it's going to be nice, and make our main upstairs bathroom look disgusting!    Alas, where does it ever end?