FAMILY DAYS

All during my radiation and chemo for my brain tumor, there have been family who have surrounded me with love and care. Meals brought by, jobs accomplished, reminiscing, kids bringing life and energy, and a warm time of sharing.

John and Cheryl (younger brother) are in the middle of their visit from Georgetown, Texas. They return again on Tuesday afternoon. John has been helpful in getting me around by car (remember that my seizure diagnosis does not allow me to drive until January 12). I've caught up with almost all of my errands.

As we move closer to the day of Christmas, it now looks like each of our children with their families will be able to visit for at least a short time. That is wonderful. Our family bond has become a great, support system and a firm and solid connection in the joy of knowing Jesus , our Savior. That's what really counts!

Rob and Penny (Poy Sippi close by brother) have been helpful wein so many ways. Rob brought wood so that I had ample to make bowls (as also Andrew who brought some nice shagbark hickory). Baked bread, whole meals, minor assists, and a couple good games of cribbage.

Without Karol, I'd be a bummer. She helps me keep on track of my medications (including the powerful chemos that kill tumor). She encourages me to get out for my exercise by walking. Her cheerleading to make bowls keeps my creative juices running. I know that she's gone out of the way to make some special meals for me to keep my appetite up (and so far, I haven't found that to be a problem. Together we've shed tears because of support and loving words that have been send to us by all kinds of special friends.

Today, I'm just ataching some pictures from recent days.......

Brothers Rob (l), John, and me, the shortest.

Robert and Penny, Poy Sippi, the folks old homestead.

Cheryl and John, Georgetown, TX

Karol with Elizabeth (l) and Lilly (daughters of Ruth's daughter, Anna)

Penny and Karol

Some of the grandchildren (hard to get all 11 together (maybe in a couple of weeks).

Rachel works in a test kitchen with muffins she is preparing for a school project.

David, Rob and Penny's son, visits often. He's currently working as an engineer in central Illinois.

 

I'm loving to continue to make bowls. My goal is from one to three each day if I can eke out the time. Different bowls will each take a different amount of time to create and finish. Almost every bowl that I finish now I "seal" with a wax and mineral oil.

The lighter bowls are made of pine and the darker grained bowls are made of shagbark hickory. You might guess my preference.

Most of these bowls were made of cherry that was still wet. I'm leaving them in one of our cold rooms with the hopes that they will dry slowly and just maybe not crack. Only one has a very small hairline crack.se it I'm not sure if I like the room because of the bowls or because of all of the tasty leftovers.

I was preparing to throw this chunk of black cherry into the fire because it looked like such a trashy piece. Rob suggested, "You could make a bowl from that chunk." So I took it back outside, trimmed it up with a chain saw and then worked away at it. It blew me away. While it is not a perfect piece, I could hardly believe that it turned out so good.

GOD IS CARING FOR ME SO WELL WITH A CONFIDENT FAITH, A LASTING HOPE, AND THE JOY OF LIFE. THIS MORNING, WE WILL WORSHIP AT SPIRIT OF LIFE WITH ANDREW AND FAMILY IN MOSINEE. IT'S BEEN A REAL JOY TO WORSHIP AT ANY VARIETY OF SANCTUARIES, RECOGNIZING THE BLESSINGS OF FAITH COMMUNITIES.