April 27 - “The flurry begins”

After our two-miler (4th one in a week. That’s a record, for me anyway), we decided to make a flying trip to Waco to catch Zak and Caleb’s last track meet of the year. Fortuitously, Josh just happened to call as he was leaving the dog park with MaddieBelle. We touched base on ETA and the like. Then it was off for lunch. 

After we ate, the flurry began. Chris packed up meals for Sam. They fit right into the fridge on a lower shelf so Sam could reach them easily. I made the Walmart run to get Sam some of the flavored waters she likes as well as some Nacho Doritos. Oh, and she had some prescriptions as well. 

In the latest Walmart saga chapter, I had to go to three different checkers to get somebody to load money on a gift card. They finally sent me to the service desk. She appeared to know what she was doing, but the cash register apparently didn’t. She finally switched to a different one, and the task was finally done. Whew. 

We finally hit the road right at 1:30. The trip was blissfully uneventful. At least for me. I finished the novel I was reading. Also had a short nap, as usual. Chris’ driving was amazing, as usual. 

Once we arrived, the evening was pretty quiet. Christi’s parents were there. So was Zak’s girlfriend. We had some pizza and chatted until bedtime. All this while the NBA playoffs adorned the TV. Luke and Caleb were especially enthralled. 

This morning we head out to the state track meet. Gonna be a hot one …

Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭ says, Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Father, thanks for the safe trip. Please be with all these guys and girls at the track meet today. Keep them safe. Amen. 

April 26 - “Snatched defeat from the very jaws of victory … again”

Yesterday was Sam’s treatment day up in Texas. She and Chris had to leave pretty early, though. There was a fatality accident that had shut down a big swath of the freeway between here and there. As it turned out, the news app indicated the freeway was back open just before they left, so that was good news. As a result they were plenty early for the appointment. Sadly, that didn’t mean the treatment got started on time. It took a while. But they were still up for grabbing some to-go goodies from Olive Garden. Yum. 

After I managed to get Freddy out of the car and back in the house, I was deciding what my next task would be. Before I could get started, though, a notice popped up on my phone that the Astros game was about to start. I hadn’t realized it was a day game this time. Needless to say, my decision was made. Aaand … the 2024 Astros managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory … again. Sigh. 

After the game I had time to fill out some birthday card addresses. And along with that, I squeezed in a quick jaunt to Randall’s to get some stamps and bananas. I still beat the ladies home. It was a long afternoon for them. And they still faced home group last night. Phew. 

Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬ says, And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Father, please give Sam an extra God-hug. She could use one. Amen. 

April 25 - “Bittersweet ending”

I started the day with … nope. Not the hike. Not yet. First I read some in my latest novel (the newest addition to the Hunger Games series, a flashback to the earlier life of the weird games maker. I’m about halfway through. Gotta finish it so we can watch the movie that’s already out).

Then I added a few more pieces to the puzzle before Chris got up. And THEN, we went for our two-miler. That was followed by (for Chris) some more working in the back yard flower beds. I read some more and Sam and I worked for a while on the puzzle. 

I also watched a movie made in Russia. It was about a Russian pilot in World War II who was shot down over enemy territory. He had to make his way on foot through deep snow hundreds of miles. He eventually lost both feet, but he was issued prostheses and flew again. Oh, and he got the girl in the end. Bittersweet ending, huh?

Mark‬ ‭9‬:‭23‬ says, And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.”

Father, thank you for promises like that one. Help me when I have trouble really believing. Amen. 

April 24 - “Brainless?”

We did our two miles again. I guess we should start talking in terms of time, though. That’s how all the exercise gurus talk. “Work out for 30 minutes a day … etc”. Our walk amounts to between 37 and 40 minutes. Not bad from what I read, especially when the recommendation is weighted for “when you reach a certain age.”

I took some time to download our cruise pictures from the camera and from Chris’ phone. I also organized the images on the computer and then started downloading earlier photos. The camera card just had stuff from our family Easter this year. But Chris’ phone appears to go backwards into infinity. I think I got through the months of this year. Still lots to go, but I had to take a break. 

I switched to brainless after that. Jigsaw puzzle for a while. At least fifteen or twenty done. And then there was TV. Total brainless. Loved it. I could do that some more. 

Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭2‬ ‭ says, Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

Father, thank you for the memories encased in all those pictures. Amen. 

April 23 - “Nope. Not books”

We ambled back into our two miles again. It was a little hard for me to get moving. Tightness in my back and a bit of soreness in my hip hampered me some, but I bulled my way through. We even bettered our usual time. 

Back home, Chris got started on laundry. I started working on the 2,000 piece puzzle that’s been on our table for a while. It’s coming along. I try to get one piece placed a day. Sometimes it’s a lot more. Sam and Chris pitch in, too, as does anyone who comes over to visit. We’ll get it done sooner or later. 

In the afternoon, Chris and I headed out to run some errands. We had a bit of a list. First stop was the vet to get some flea meds for Freddy. 

From there we saw a sign indicating that our local Office Depot was closing down. We had to stop in and check it out. I don’t think they are in a great hurry to close out just yet. Best deals were just 30%. Most were 5 to 10%. We’ll wait. 

From there we stopped at Randall’s for a prescription and some dog food. Oh. And we got some gas, too. 

Finally, we made our obligatory Walmart stop. We just needed milk and eggs and a few children’s books for gifts. That’s where we ran into some difficulty. The books. After checking us out, the guy waiting on us commented that the same books were usually cheaper online. As we walked to the car, Chris checked the Walmart app. Sure enough, the prices were almost half. So we went right back in and to the customer service desk. Only to find out that … are you ready for this? … corporate policy forbids stores to allow returns on books. Even if the book has never left the store. Chris took our case all the way to the store manager, but his hands were tied. Check your online prices early, folks. 

‭‭Acts‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬ ‭ says, And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.

‭‭

Father, thanks for you for the live of books we have, even when we have to pay twice what we should have. Amen. 

April 22 - “21 weeks”

We did a little Facebook trolling yesterday. Sort of. More like research. Actually we saw a cruise photo a friend posted that looked eerily familiar. Then we noticed in the comments that the dates might have coincided with our dates. Close enough to message him about it. And come to find out … same dates … same ship … same cruise. Sorry we missed y’all, Dave. But as you said, we were well-hidden amongst the other 6000+ other passengers. Maybe next time. 

We met two new couples at church. One had just moved to Jamaica Beach and already loved the Island. And they seemed to like the church as well. 

The other was a much younger couple who lived in Houston. They were here to relax for one last vacation together before their first baby is born (she is 21 weeks pregnant). The new mom was from Ukraine and had been in the States for almost two years. Both couples were a lot of fun to chat with. The younger ones even stayed for dinner on the grounds. Keep on moving, Lord. 

‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭18‬ says, Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Father, thank you for drawing those two couples to church. Be with them in their decisions and in their life together. And take care of that little baby. Amen. 

April 21 - “Excitement on the track”

In case you didn’t notice … it was hot and humid yesterday. We chose to forego our walk in favor of … yard work. 

It was my official return to heavy labor. Well, if you count mowing and edging as heavy. Oh, and I also took apart a trellis we had surrounding the side wall chimney exhaust for our fireplace. Nothing wrong with it. We just had to remove it to get at the weeds that had taken over inside because we couldn’t reach them. One of them was already rapidly becoming a tree. I managed to get it cleared out, though. However, I didn’t put the trellis back together. So until that happens, please don’t bump your head while walking (or running) through Chris’ flower bed. 

Josh called just as we were finishing up. Good thing for him, too. His Mama had his number all set to dial since he never made his usual Friday call. All was good, though. They had been first at their homeschool co-op and then at a regional track meet for the boys. They all did really well at the meet, too. Even qualified for state in several categories. It was the unexpected entries that would have been great to see, though. Along with his running events, Zak was tasked to throw the discus. Never had before.  And Caleb threw the javelin, of all things. He said he only hit himself in the head once. He also added the triple jump to his running repertoire. Never scratched once. Great job. Guys. 

Oh, and Luke also had his elementary age track meet. He ran in some pretty long races. In the 800, he started at the back of the pack of too many runners. But before long he made his way closer and closer to the front. I think he said he eventually came in around fifth. Way to go, Luke. 

That state meet will be next Saturday. I’m hoping we can go up there for that one. It’s even in Waco, so … convenient. 

‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬-‭18‬ ‭ says, Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Father, thank you for the success Josh’s boys experienced at their respective end of season tournaments. Keep them safe and healthy as they continue on to state. Amen. 

April 20 - “Where’s Launie?

I spent the better part of the afternoon at the Fire Department physical agility test. It was quite a big day for the applicants. First they had to take the Civil Service exam. That took all morning. 58 hopefuls sat for that one. When all was said and done, 28 passed the test and were invited to the agility portion. Only 26 actually showed up at station 4. They were ready to vie for one of four open positions. 

Testing day has always been one of my favorite Fire Department events. I started out in the parking lot, greeting each one as they arrived and directing them to the check-in table.  Once everyone was checked in, I became a cheerleader the rest of the time. I figured if I was attempting to complete the exhausting course, I would sure want someone encouraging me. 

As it turned out, only one didn’t complete the course in under the required 10 minutes. The fastest time was something like 4 minutes and 20 seconds. That was amazing to watch. 

Jenna and all the FD crew who worked the event did a great job proctoring and handling the equipment. As usual, they made me proud. 

After I got home we got word from Nathan and April that their beautiful white boxer named Launie had been stolen. They had a description of the culprits, though, and they had already notified the police. April had all the info out on social media, too. We are hoping they will hear something soon. 

Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭10‬ says, For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Father, please keep Launie safe and help someone connect with Nathan and April to get her home. Amen. 

April 19 - “Ouch and double-ouch”

No walk for us yesterday. Scheduled day off to let our bodies recover, as far as I was concerned. Chris’ back was speaking for itself. And was having intermittent spasms and just plain pain. Ouch and double-ouch. 

Now, I have to admit, the “no walking” thing was not exactly an accurate statement. We did walk. Only we did it around the aisles of Walmart. Right. Of course. We had to replenish all those stores we used up before the cruise. Plus, we needed the stuff to make cookies for our return to home group. Gotta have those cookies. 

Acts‬ ‭20‬:‭35‬ says, In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’

Father, please ease up the pain and spasming in Chris’ back. Amen. 

April 18 - “Carbon copy”

Yesterday began as almost a carbon copy of the day before. We walked two miles (that’s three days in a row). We worked in backyard. Well, Chris did most of the work. I wielded the clippers. We had some leftovers for lunch. Great morning. 

After lunch I ended up watching the Astros mostly by myself. Sam went back to her room for a nap. Chris stood in a hot shower to try to ease her aching back, then joined me to watch the last few innings. As usual this year, the Astros blew a lead and had to go into extra innings. That’s the death knell. Sure enough, they lost in ten. Sigh. 

Luke‬ ‭6‬:‭36‬ says, Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.

Father, thank you for three days in a row of walking. Feels kind of good. Amen. 

April 17 - “Based on a true …”

I jumped in there with Chris and did her two miler with her. Maybe all the cruise ship walking will help keep us rolling exercise-wise (read here “me”). And of course when we got back, she promptly headed to the back yard to get her hands dirty digging in the flower beds. I helped. Brought her the clippers and emptied her trash bag. Yay me. 

We watched a movie in the afternoon. Based on a true story of a Marine and her “war dog” German Shepherd. After a long struggle the Marine was able to take the dog home to care for it in its last years. Always fun to stumble across a true story like that. 

Last night we settled in to watch some Astros, hoping the outcome would be better than the night before (and 11 or so other “nights before”).  Sadly … no. Good guys lost again. 

Lamentations‬ ‭3‬:‭22‬-‭23‬ says, The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Father, thank you for the special time I got to spend with Chris yesterday. I needed that. Amen. 

April 16 - “Yep. Back home”

Well, the two mile walk was not too difficult this time. All that walking on the ship must have prepared my old legs a little bit. Back at the house, Chris attacked all the laundry. I attacked one of the bushes in the backyard that was rapidly getting overgrown. There are other projects out there as well, but Chris made me stop. I’m pretty sure that was a good idea. I’ll be sore again, anyway, but perhaps the severity of it will be somewhat limited. We’ll see. 

I had to make one of THOSE calls again yesterday. The creditor for our dental work bill never received our last payment. I had all my ducks in a row. Dates received and date payment sent, etc. Only problem was … the check hasn’t cleared the bank yet. That tells me the culprit is, once again, the beloved U.S. Mail Service. The agent was very helpful. She put a credit on our account to stop any further communications. We’ll be watching this one. Yep. Back home. 

James‬ ‭1‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ says, Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

Father, it’s good to be back home and back to work around the house here. At least for a while. Amen. 

April 15 - “MY Island”

I woke up at 4:30 yesterday. Guess I was excited about being so close to MY island. 

After our captain had us settled in the dock, we got to watch a Disney cruise ship do the same maneuver we had just done - a complete 180 degree turn around and parallel park into the dock space. Pretty impressive with such a massive vehicle. 

After a last breakfast in the Windjammer (buffet), we headed down to the designated holding area to await our call to be released to head on shore. 

The call finally came, and we joined a few thousand of our closest cruise companions. We followed instructions to the terminal. Facial recognition software made our exit go quick and easy. Our luggage was stacked neatly under our designated luggage number. And before we knew it, we were outside. Nathan fought the traffic to pick us up, and before long we pulled up to good ol’ home sweet home. 

No rest for the weary, though. After church Kel and his family came over with a few pizzas to hang out for the Astros game. Micah even convinced his girlfriend to join them. She’s the one with the almost-great name. Kailee. Close to “Kelley,” but just a little off. She’s a real sweetheart, though. 

We hit the sack before 10, and it was sure good to sleep in our own bed. I don’t think I moved much until woke up around 5. Well, except that time I scooted over a little to let Freddy rejoin us. Welcome home, huh, Freddy?

‭‭1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬ ‭ says, Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

Father, thank you for the safe final leg back home. Amen. 

April 14 - “Last day at sea”

We were back on the sea again for another whole day afloat. This one would ultimately end up in Galveston. There were lots of things planned onboard, but there were only a few that interested us. We ended up settling on the Captain’s Q & A Session. 

The ship’s captain joined the cruise director onstage. The captain started his portion by sharing some of his history as well as the ship’s. Then they opened the mic up to the crowd for questions. He handled them all with knowledge as well as a healthy splash of comedy. 

Following that session we garnered a spot to watch the ship’s special Salute to Veterans. They honored all the branches of service and even honed in to recognize participants of particular wars. Lots of love from the crowd, especially for the Vietnam vets. That was the part that brought tears to my eyes. Always does. After the military portion they also noted any first responders in the crowd. I was glad they added that one. I have met two or three firefighters this week. They deserve the recognition. They made a final mention of medical professionals and teachers, covering all the bases of those who have exerted key influence in the life and times of the USA. 

One of the stars of the on board  musical sang the National Anthem. She should be hired to sing before every professional sports event. Excellent job. Finally,  they served cupcakes arranged in the shape and colors of the flag. 

Dinner for me was lamb (Not a dish I usually care for, but this was amazingly tender and served with a mint jam that really accentuated the flavor.  Do I sound like a TV food critic yet?), seafood cake (like a crab ball, but with baby shrimp and clams in the mix) and apple crisp and ice cream for dessert. Chris had salmon again and the apple crisp and ice cream. It’s gonna be hard to get excited about Spam again when we get home. 

It was fun to have one last dinner with our new friends that we have had dinner with just about every night. Especially since we were able to treat the dinner as a victory celebration for the Astros over the Rangers (at least for me and another guy who was a big Astros fan). No … Diane wasn’t so happy about the celebration, but she was fairly gracious in defeat. 

After dinner Chris and I took a stroll around the ship’s running/walking track. It was actually kind of peaceful. There were a few joggers and some folks all dressed in white (that was the theme for the evening) taking their pictures with, well, water in the background. 

Back in the glorious Port of Galveston by sometime around 6 or 7 in the morning. Welcome home!

Leviticus‬ ‭20‬:‭26‬ says, You shall be holy to me, for I the Lord am holy and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be mine.

Father, it has been good to get away for a while, but there’s always something special about getting home. Amen.