My Hanky Collection

I have collected hankies for about 35 years, if not more, it started when we came across a hanky box in the farmhouse attic and mom let me take it, it was either my dads moms or grandmothers. I picked some up at garage sales, one is Rubena Meiser and Frances Hoegns I got after their deaths as keepsakes. One is the hanky my mom carried on her wedding day, and I have one Kristin gave me on her wedding day that are among my favorites, but the magority of them are my Grandma Husteds. So I put them to use, I made kitchen and dining room valances out of them, although some still remain in the box. The ones in the kitchen are all Grandma Husteds, and the dining room is an assortment of all white ones including my favorites.

Christmas with my kids 1-25-09

We waited for Dave to get home from the hospital, but finally had our family Christmas. The kids made it a lot of fun. Jacob asked me if he could sing his prayer before we ate, and he did a beautiful job. My heart swelled to hear him. The big kids seemed to all like their gifts too.

No one likes my cinnamon jello except me and the two grandkids! So I am glad I can make it and have some while seeing them love it too!

Dave is home!

Finally after 31 days in the VA he is home! Our friend Steve built a wonderful ramp and brought him home to me. It was exhausting getting in the house and he is trying to re-adjust to how to do things here where it isnt all wheel chair friendly. He can use the walker some. But he can't put weight on the ankle replacement on the left leg, and his right knee is still not able to support him for long. After some figuring he managed to get himself in his recliner and is he happy to be there.

Grand Hotel, Mackinaw Island 2008

We spent two nights at the Grand Hotel while Dave had Fall Convention and was voted in for a second term as Vise President of the MLBA, (Michigan Licensed Beverage Association) While he was in meetings I was shopping...well, a bit, mostly with my eyes!, and enjoyed the Grand Hotel Salon. The last day there was my birthday and Dave drove me to Newberry in the U.P. to see my son Bruce on his road paving job. And he drove me through the historical route of the Tunnel of Trees on our way home. Breathtaking.

Savannah Georgia 2007

We went to Savannah and had THE BEST vacation ever. Took the carriage tours, the Paula Deen tour. Ate at the Lady and Sons Restaurant and at Uncle Bubbas. While eating at Mrs. Wilks sat at the table with the pastor at the United Methodist Church and got to go in there where John and CHarles Wesley preached. Which was an awe experience for me, I have no words for how meaningful that was. We ate the most incredible foods and enjoyed every step we took and every sight we seen.

A date with Jacob

Jacob called and asked if he could take me on a date to the bar for dinner since PaPa is in the hospital, and then spend the day with me. What a special lunch it was too!

61 year old popper

When my mom and dad were married in 1948 one of their wedding gifts was this popcorn popper. This 61 year old popper has made many a bowl of popcorn, and as a child it was usually my job to pop it. Never bothered me though, because I love it. This popper is now mine and tonight my grandson Jacob was the 4th generation to make popcorn with it! What a special time.Not to mention the best popcorn you will eat. Bruce had to repair it for me, and he kept it for a while to enjoy it. It is a treasure!

One of the nice things about having the house full of family is cooking for them.

January 5, 2009

Thought I would share a few pics from when Daves girls were here.

This is Erika and Nicole.

2009 A New Year

The year is not starting out like we thought. Dave had his total ankle replacement on Dec. 15th and "something" happened while he was out in surgery and the knee on his good leg was damaged. He now has no legs to stand on and has been put in the VA hospital till his Physical Therapy gets him where he can caome home. I took a leave from work to care for him, which is now trips to the VA instead. He is looking at knee replacement when he gets past the ankle replacement.

Kristin says we will not have our Christmas till he is home to enjoy it. So that is on hold, but his daughter Erika and her family from Rockhill South Carolina were here for a week and we had Christmas with him and also his other daughter Nicole from Macolm.

As wonderful as it was to have the house full of family, it was hard not having Dave here as well. It felt so wrong.
But it is a new year and a new start and a trust and hope in God, so it will all work out.