Early evening at my sister’s house and the grandkids are playing outside with various balls, bikes and other vehicles appropriate for kiddos. Sandy’s got the washing machine going non-stop and I’m packing and repacking and repacking again my suitcases, trying to decide what will make the cut for traveling back to Nica with me on this trip.
We had another long day of running errands, shopping and appointments. The appointment with the lawyer was at 3pm and took all of 15 minutes. Sandy has worked so hard since Dad died in January to get the estate in order. It wasn’t a big estate, but the documents were a mess to figure out. Sandy and Terry now own the house and can start tearing it apart to remodel. The house itself was worth $0, so the price was just for the land and 2-car garage/workshop. Terry will have fun making the house inhabitable. Sandy will be moving the rest of the tractor collection (a few thousand are left, but that’s only about 1/10 of what has been sold). It was a nice meeting with Pam, Sandy and I all in attendance. Probably the first time we have all been together in sweet spirit in over 30 years. At least we had that for 15 minutes!
Sandy was wanting to make sure that we could find a parking place at the lawyer’s office, so we arrived downtown 1 hour early. We walked down a couple of blocks to Zaharako’s Ice Cream Parlor. It was started by my great-grandfather’s cousins when they came over to the US from Greece. Sandy had a hot fudge sundae and I had a rootbeer float. Yum!
We finished up my shopping errands and headed home. Terry had traded us vehicles earlier in the afternoon. We took his truck and he took the Tahoe which included 3 kids. Haha! Stacey (my niece) was at the house feeding the kids. Laundry, packing and resting is the agenda for the evening.
One more day here in Indiana and then I’m off to Nica on Thursday. It’s gone by fast, but we sure got a lot of things done! It’s been a good week. It’s hard to believe that Dad has been gone for 5 months on Friday. His woodworking hobby and collecting of tractors has paid off in sales for us 3 girls and many donations to fire departments, historical society, library, companies, etc. I’ve been thrilled to use the money from my part of the sales to buy ministry supplies for Nicaragua. I think that is a good legacy for Dad. I find that I think of him a lot.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Monday, May 28, 2012
It’s Memorial Day in the states and I’m here, so I get to spend time with family as they take off work.
Sandy, Terry and I met with a couple who live in upstate NY and are heirs of one of the companies that was a major part of Columbus IN (where my family lives) for many years. My Dad had made some woodworking replicas of the products produced by that company and given them to the family. Bill and his wife were very appreciative and were visiting Columbus for the weekend, so they called my sister to get together. They met us at Bob Evans Restaurant for lunch. Then they went with us to see Dad’s grave. It was interesting to visit with them.
We had an appointment to be at Dad’s house to show more tractors, so we swung by there. Two ladies came and had a blast looking through everything. They bought some tractors and then came back in even before they drove away and bought some little gas pumps to go with the tractors. They were fun.
We came back out to Sandy’s and fixed dinner. Stacey was hungry for home made noodles and mashed potatoes. We had that, chicken, frozen corn from last year’s garden and canned green beans from last year’s garden. Yum!! I ate way too much, of course!
After dinner, Sandy and Stacey and I went to the outlet mall in Edinburgh again. Sandy and I had to cut our trip short the day before to sell more tractors. I got a few more jeans and tried on more shoes, but the jeans were the only things I bought. Stacey found some cute maternity tops. Sandy found some more shoes. It was a good trip. We needed the walk, too!
I was sooo tired by the time we got back to the house. I went to bed early, but slept badly. I would have loved to slept for about 12 hours in that comfy bed! But it was a nice day!
Sandy, Terry and I met with a couple who live in upstate NY and are heirs of one of the companies that was a major part of Columbus IN (where my family lives) for many years. My Dad had made some woodworking replicas of the products produced by that company and given them to the family. Bill and his wife were very appreciative and were visiting Columbus for the weekend, so they called my sister to get together. They met us at Bob Evans Restaurant for lunch. Then they went with us to see Dad’s grave. It was interesting to visit with them.
We had an appointment to be at Dad’s house to show more tractors, so we swung by there. Two ladies came and had a blast looking through everything. They bought some tractors and then came back in even before they drove away and bought some little gas pumps to go with the tractors. They were fun.
We came back out to Sandy’s and fixed dinner. Stacey was hungry for home made noodles and mashed potatoes. We had that, chicken, frozen corn from last year’s garden and canned green beans from last year’s garden. Yum!! I ate way too much, of course!
After dinner, Sandy and Stacey and I went to the outlet mall in Edinburgh again. Sandy and I had to cut our trip short the day before to sell more tractors. I got a few more jeans and tried on more shoes, but the jeans were the only things I bought. Stacey found some cute maternity tops. Sandy found some more shoes. It was a good trip. We needed the walk, too!
I was sooo tired by the time we got back to the house. I went to bed early, but slept badly. I would have loved to slept for about 12 hours in that comfy bed! But it was a nice day!
Sunday, May 27, 2012
We were planning on going to Ohio to visit my Aunt June today, but we forgot to call and see if she would be home. Sandy called this morning and it turns out that June has plans for today and tomorrow, so we are going to drive over to visit her on Wednesday.
Sandy and I went shopping at the outlet mall in Edinburgh. We had planned on going on up to Greenwood Mall, but while shopping at the outlet mall, Sandy got a call from someone wanting to look at the tractors that are left at Dad’s. We grabbed an Arby’s (one of my favorites and I miss them when in Nica) and headed back to Dad’s house. Sandy stayed at the house and took care of business while I drove the truck on over to a few stores to get more things off of my list.
I went to Best Buy and Office Max and found the things I was looking for. Then Sandy called and I headed back to get her. We then went to JoAnn Fabrics and I found some great stuff on sale for the sewing classes in Nica. Then we went to the DollarTree store and I got great deals there. Then a stop at Big Lots for more bargains. We were pretty tired by then, so we went to Kroger grocery store and I stayed in the truck while Sandy ran in for sodas, potatoes, cool whip and chicken. Luckily, she’s not cooking all of those things together! Ha
We were driving Dad’s little Ford Ranger pick up (which Sandy bought from the estate) and even though it has a tool box for storage in the bed, we had it stuffed with purchases! I barely had room to put my feet. We decided that it was time to go home!
I inventoried my purchases and took everything out of the packaging so that it will all fit in my suitcases better. What a haul! I’ve just about spent all my mad money (that came from the sales of Dad’s tractor collection). It’s all going to the ministry for supplies and stuff for me to be able to serve in Nica. I’m glad to be able to invest it in that way.
It’s time for bed again and I think I’ve made some good headway on getting things done during this quick trip to IN. I’m looking forward to another restful sleep. This time is going by quickly, but we’re enjoying it. Tomorrow will be spent with a little more shopping and then lots of time with family. It will be nice. I’m truly blessed.
Sandy and I went shopping at the outlet mall in Edinburgh. We had planned on going on up to Greenwood Mall, but while shopping at the outlet mall, Sandy got a call from someone wanting to look at the tractors that are left at Dad’s. We grabbed an Arby’s (one of my favorites and I miss them when in Nica) and headed back to Dad’s house. Sandy stayed at the house and took care of business while I drove the truck on over to a few stores to get more things off of my list.
I went to Best Buy and Office Max and found the things I was looking for. Then Sandy called and I headed back to get her. We then went to JoAnn Fabrics and I found some great stuff on sale for the sewing classes in Nica. Then we went to the DollarTree store and I got great deals there. Then a stop at Big Lots for more bargains. We were pretty tired by then, so we went to Kroger grocery store and I stayed in the truck while Sandy ran in for sodas, potatoes, cool whip and chicken. Luckily, she’s not cooking all of those things together! Ha
We were driving Dad’s little Ford Ranger pick up (which Sandy bought from the estate) and even though it has a tool box for storage in the bed, we had it stuffed with purchases! I barely had room to put my feet. We decided that it was time to go home!
I inventoried my purchases and took everything out of the packaging so that it will all fit in my suitcases better. What a haul! I’ve just about spent all my mad money (that came from the sales of Dad’s tractor collection). It’s all going to the ministry for supplies and stuff for me to be able to serve in Nica. I’m glad to be able to invest it in that way.
It’s time for bed again and I think I’ve made some good headway on getting things done during this quick trip to IN. I’m looking forward to another restful sleep. This time is going by quickly, but we’re enjoying it. Tomorrow will be spent with a little more shopping and then lots of time with family. It will be nice. I’m truly blessed.
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Sandy and Terry get up really early and start getting a lot done before I get up. I think that Sandy also likes to have that time to herself, too. I know I love my alone time.
We got ready for the day and waited for Uncle Bob (Dad’s only surviving sibling) and his wife Susie. We all headed off for a road trip to Montgomery IN to have lunch at an Amish buffet restaurant. It was a 2 hour drive and I don’t look forward to long trips (because of my stomach) but it was pretty nice. It was a beautiful day and Susie kept us entertained with talking. Bob and Terry kept up a conversation in the front seat. I was good and hungry by the time we got there.
The food was really good. After stuffing ourselves, we walked around the flea market on the grounds. I found the cutest denim jacket from Disney World with embroidery for Minnie Mouse on it. It was sooo cute!
On the ride back, we stopped at a guy’s house that deals in ‘farm toys’ to give him some pictures of something that Dad had made. He has bought a lot of Dad’s collection. Then we hit the road again and I dozed off and on for most of the ride back. It was nice to spend time with Bob and Susie.
Sandy and I jumped in the car and headed to Walmart, where I spent a ton of my mad money (from the sales of Dad’s tractors) on stuff to take back to Nica. It was so fun to get to mark a lot of stuff off of my shopping list. I ended up washing the receipt and had to inventory everything. I will have to check the prices on my next trip to WM. Oh well… It was a good shopping trip!
Time for bed again. Another good day and another good night’s sleep.
We got ready for the day and waited for Uncle Bob (Dad’s only surviving sibling) and his wife Susie. We all headed off for a road trip to Montgomery IN to have lunch at an Amish buffet restaurant. It was a 2 hour drive and I don’t look forward to long trips (because of my stomach) but it was pretty nice. It was a beautiful day and Susie kept us entertained with talking. Bob and Terry kept up a conversation in the front seat. I was good and hungry by the time we got there.
The food was really good. After stuffing ourselves, we walked around the flea market on the grounds. I found the cutest denim jacket from Disney World with embroidery for Minnie Mouse on it. It was sooo cute!
On the ride back, we stopped at a guy’s house that deals in ‘farm toys’ to give him some pictures of something that Dad had made. He has bought a lot of Dad’s collection. Then we hit the road again and I dozed off and on for most of the ride back. It was nice to spend time with Bob and Susie.
Sandy and I jumped in the car and headed to Walmart, where I spent a ton of my mad money (from the sales of Dad’s tractors) on stuff to take back to Nica. It was so fun to get to mark a lot of stuff off of my shopping list. I ended up washing the receipt and had to inventory everything. I will have to check the prices on my next trip to WM. Oh well… It was a good shopping trip!
Time for bed again. Another good day and another good night’s sleep.
Friday, May 25, 2012
My week visiting my sister will be packed with appointments, visits and shopping. We started the day with pedicures, which I really appreciated! We then headed to Target to start my shopping marathon. I was excited to get a special backpack that Jaasiel wanted. Woohoo!
We met with a financial advisor that my sister and bro-in-law use. He explained things very well to me. Even though I don’t have a lot of money to invest, he listened to me and my weird lifestyle and needs. (being a missionary means that you live opposite of what the world says is success and what goals should be) He gave me good advise and we filled out papers for next week when I receive my money from Dad’s estate. It’s not much, but it will help me when I reach retirement age (although I don’t plan on retiring form mission work).
We visited Mom and Gary at their house. Mom had just gotten home after having back surgery on Tuesday. She looked very tired, so we didn’t stay long. She seemed glad to have the surgery over with. Gary seemed glad to be home.
Sandy and I had a great lunch at a BBQ restaurant. We stopped at a yard sale and I found a couple of baby outfits for Nica. We stopped by Dad’s house (which Sandy and Terry are buying from the estate) and I was very impressed with all that they had done to clear out the house. Sandy has sold tons of tractors form Dad’s collection. It was amazing to see how different everything was.
Then we picked up Colten from Rob (his step-dad) and then picked up Conner and Isaac, some of Sandy’s other grand-kids. We got back to Sandy’s and had a cook out for dinner. Stacey came after work and Curtis, my nephew got here in time for the cookout, too. It was good to see them all.
Another night of going to bed at 11pm (which feels like 9pm to me) and sleeping great until 7am the next morning (which feels like 5am to me). I do feel more rested and healthy. It’s nice to be here.
We met with a financial advisor that my sister and bro-in-law use. He explained things very well to me. Even though I don’t have a lot of money to invest, he listened to me and my weird lifestyle and needs. (being a missionary means that you live opposite of what the world says is success and what goals should be) He gave me good advise and we filled out papers for next week when I receive my money from Dad’s estate. It’s not much, but it will help me when I reach retirement age (although I don’t plan on retiring form mission work).
We visited Mom and Gary at their house. Mom had just gotten home after having back surgery on Tuesday. She looked very tired, so we didn’t stay long. She seemed glad to have the surgery over with. Gary seemed glad to be home.
Sandy and I had a great lunch at a BBQ restaurant. We stopped at a yard sale and I found a couple of baby outfits for Nica. We stopped by Dad’s house (which Sandy and Terry are buying from the estate) and I was very impressed with all that they had done to clear out the house. Sandy has sold tons of tractors form Dad’s collection. It was amazing to see how different everything was.
Then we picked up Colten from Rob (his step-dad) and then picked up Conner and Isaac, some of Sandy’s other grand-kids. We got back to Sandy’s and had a cook out for dinner. Stacey came after work and Curtis, my nephew got here in time for the cookout, too. It was good to see them all.
Another night of going to bed at 11pm (which feels like 9pm to me) and sleeping great until 7am the next morning (which feels like 5am to me). I do feel more rested and healthy. It’s nice to be here.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Travel day to the US!!
I got up at 4am and got my shower. It didn’t take very long to get my things together and check out of the hotel.
I usually walk across the highway to the airport when it’s early and there’s not much traffic, but I treated myself to riding in the complimentary van service. It only costs what you want to tip.
I checked in for my flight. My checked baggage was just a few things inside my medium suitcase which was inside my big suitcase. Still, that only weighed in at 28 pounds. They will both weigh much more after I buy all the things in the states that are on my shopping list.
I purchased a couple of things from the little shops downstairs, including a nice little leather purse. How fun! I got upstairs and went to the little restaurant that I like to get breakfast at. They were not open any longer. Bummer! I stopped in at a little shop and bought a few souvenirs. I also bought my mom a pretty bracelet for her birthday. I stopped in at a snack place and had an awesome fresh fruit smoothing (pineapple and orange) and a banana for breakfast.
Once boarded on the plane, we were allowed to move around since over half of the plane was empty. I got a whole row to myself. Ahhh… I took a little bit of a nap. One of the flight attendants started chatting with me and we had a great conversation about the ministry and what the chances are for her to join us sometimes in León for some volunteer work. Her name is Connie and I’m looking forward to staying in touch with her. Later, another flight attendant came and sat with me and talked about the ministry, too. We made it to Atlanta in good time and then they couldn’t get the jetway to work. It was blocking the way and we had to wait for them to get it working to move it at all. It didn’t take too long, but it was funny to me.
I had a good lunch at Chili’s restaurant and made some phone calls. I had a couple of hours to kill so it was nice. I walked around a lot and enjoyed myself.
My flight to Louisville was completely full and uneventful. I enjoyed reading my Kindle while my seatmate slept most of the way. After we arrived, I ran into my seatmate again at the baggage claim and we had a long conversation. He was a really nice guy. I called my sister to tell her I was ready to be picked up (she usually waits in a little parking area), but she was still a ways away from the airport. There was some major traffic congestion on the interstate. I told her I didn’t mind waiting because it was nice to be out of a moving vehicle for a little bit. I stood outside the terminal and enjoyed the fresh air and made some phone calls.
Sandy, my niece Stacey and her son Colten came to get me. We stopped so I could grab a sandwich at Arby’s and Colten (2 years old) was so funny. He found a little old man eating by himself and went over and said hello. Then he crawled up in the next booth and stared at the guy. The man was very nice about it.
Colten would not say my name in February when I was last here. He finally started saying my name now. He is so funny. (and stubborn)
We got to my sister’s house and got settled in. I was very tired. Even though my body clock is 2 hours behind IN, I was ready for bed. I slept very well and really appreciated the rest.
It was a good day of travel and I’m so thankful to God for the time with Him.
I got up at 4am and got my shower. It didn’t take very long to get my things together and check out of the hotel.
I usually walk across the highway to the airport when it’s early and there’s not much traffic, but I treated myself to riding in the complimentary van service. It only costs what you want to tip.
I checked in for my flight. My checked baggage was just a few things inside my medium suitcase which was inside my big suitcase. Still, that only weighed in at 28 pounds. They will both weigh much more after I buy all the things in the states that are on my shopping list.
I purchased a couple of things from the little shops downstairs, including a nice little leather purse. How fun! I got upstairs and went to the little restaurant that I like to get breakfast at. They were not open any longer. Bummer! I stopped in at a little shop and bought a few souvenirs. I also bought my mom a pretty bracelet for her birthday. I stopped in at a snack place and had an awesome fresh fruit smoothing (pineapple and orange) and a banana for breakfast.
Once boarded on the plane, we were allowed to move around since over half of the plane was empty. I got a whole row to myself. Ahhh… I took a little bit of a nap. One of the flight attendants started chatting with me and we had a great conversation about the ministry and what the chances are for her to join us sometimes in León for some volunteer work. Her name is Connie and I’m looking forward to staying in touch with her. Later, another flight attendant came and sat with me and talked about the ministry, too. We made it to Atlanta in good time and then they couldn’t get the jetway to work. It was blocking the way and we had to wait for them to get it working to move it at all. It didn’t take too long, but it was funny to me.
I had a good lunch at Chili’s restaurant and made some phone calls. I had a couple of hours to kill so it was nice. I walked around a lot and enjoyed myself.
My flight to Louisville was completely full and uneventful. I enjoyed reading my Kindle while my seatmate slept most of the way. After we arrived, I ran into my seatmate again at the baggage claim and we had a long conversation. He was a really nice guy. I called my sister to tell her I was ready to be picked up (she usually waits in a little parking area), but she was still a ways away from the airport. There was some major traffic congestion on the interstate. I told her I didn’t mind waiting because it was nice to be out of a moving vehicle for a little bit. I stood outside the terminal and enjoyed the fresh air and made some phone calls.
Sandy, my niece Stacey and her son Colten came to get me. We stopped so I could grab a sandwich at Arby’s and Colten (2 years old) was so funny. He found a little old man eating by himself and went over and said hello. Then he crawled up in the next booth and stared at the guy. The man was very nice about it.
Colten would not say my name in February when I was last here. He finally started saying my name now. He is so funny. (and stubborn)
We got to my sister’s house and got settled in. I was very tired. Even though my body clock is 2 hours behind IN, I was ready for bed. I slept very well and really appreciated the rest.
It was a good day of travel and I’m so thankful to God for the time with Him.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
I got up early and had some plain pancakes for breakfast. I love to eat them like bread. I got the chance to chat with Denise, one of the team members, before time to leave. I would have loved to have another hour or two to talk with her. We’ll have to catch up on email.
I put my suitcases in the van and joined the team for their Fun Day excursion. We rode 3 hours over to Masaya to the Mombacho volcano for the Canopy Tour (zip line down the side the of the volcano). I got to sit and chat with Manuel and Danilo while the team ziplined. Chet and the 3 little girls hiked around and cheered on the zipping people.
Then we headed to Granada for a yummy lunch at Zanguan’s restaurant. It always takes forever to get in and out of there, but the food is really good. Then we headed out to Catarina for some shopping and then it was about 4:30 and time to head back to Managua to take me to the hotel across from the airport.
I was dropped off at the hotel about 5:30 and the team headed on back to León. I called Mike to let him know the team was on its way. I rested in my room for a while and then went to the restaurant at the hotel and had a great dinner. Grilled chicken breast stuffed with spinach and mozzarella cheese, mashed potatoes and steamed veggies. I was in heaven! I returned to my room and watched a little tv and read for awhile. I made some phone calls and then went to bed. I had set my alarm clock for 4am, so I was wanting to get to sleep as soon as possible.
I really enjoyed sleeping at the hotel. Although it was very strange to not have the noises from the birds, geckos, frogs, etc. I slept well. I was feeling better after being really sick earlier in the week, but the rest was great. I felt very much at peace.
I put my suitcases in the van and joined the team for their Fun Day excursion. We rode 3 hours over to Masaya to the Mombacho volcano for the Canopy Tour (zip line down the side the of the volcano). I got to sit and chat with Manuel and Danilo while the team ziplined. Chet and the 3 little girls hiked around and cheered on the zipping people.
Then we headed to Granada for a yummy lunch at Zanguan’s restaurant. It always takes forever to get in and out of there, but the food is really good. Then we headed out to Catarina for some shopping and then it was about 4:30 and time to head back to Managua to take me to the hotel across from the airport.
I was dropped off at the hotel about 5:30 and the team headed on back to León. I called Mike to let him know the team was on its way. I rested in my room for a while and then went to the restaurant at the hotel and had a great dinner. Grilled chicken breast stuffed with spinach and mozzarella cheese, mashed potatoes and steamed veggies. I was in heaven! I returned to my room and watched a little tv and read for awhile. I made some phone calls and then went to bed. I had set my alarm clock for 4am, so I was wanting to get to sleep as soon as possible.
I really enjoyed sleeping at the hotel. Although it was very strange to not have the noises from the birds, geckos, frogs, etc. I slept well. I was feeling better after being really sick earlier in the week, but the rest was great. I felt very much at peace.
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