December 4 - “Lights”

The plan for the day was to finish all outdoor Christmas decorations. That meant lights, first of all. We hang icicle lights in the front. Not too difficult, unless you include travails involving the ladder. Oh, I didn’t fall off or anything. It is rather heavy, but that was handled-able. My problem came on about the 98th time going down to move it into the next position. Smacked my knee hard enough to break the skin. The pain didn’t last but a few minutes, but it did bleed. And I was wearing my good jeans. Oh well. 

While up there I noticed the gutter was pretty clogged with Sycamore leaves and sludge runoff from the house shingles. Since I already had the ladder out, I got started on cleaning them out.  Nasty work, but somebody had to do it. 

We continued the Christmas setup with resetting the wooden cutout of Precious Moments nativity, and then the plastic Holy Family statues with the brand new lights inside. Chris got the front door wreath wired with lights and hung. We even got the big  plastic candy canes strapped to the deck. Next plan - finish up the inside when it starts raining. 

But first, I had a haircut appointment at 2. And Chris had physical therapy at 3:15. I grabbed a book for my part of the waiting. From there we made a quick stop at the urgent care to get Chris’ stitches removed, then on to Randall’s for a prescription pickup. 

Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭18‬ says, Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert in this with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.

Father, thank you for the way our medical needs have been fairly easy to come by this far. Amen. 

December 3 - “We’ll see”

Chris took off early again. This time she had a much-anticipated appointment with her foot doctor. On tap for this visit was … a shot. Yep. She got the same kind of shot in her plantar fasciitis foot that I got in my thumbs. Sure worked for me. We’ll see how hers goes in the next day or so. 

Meanwhile, I tried to reglue one of our dining room chairs. I couldn’t get it to come apart completely, so I crammed glue into the cracks and crevices. Again, we’ll see how that works out when the glue dries. 

We carved out a little bit of time to hang some ornaments on the tree. This year Chris chose to highlight the ones we made on our first Christmas together, 50 years ago. They are little wooden Christmas-themed figures that we painted. And they still bring that hint of a smile to Chris’ lips. Of course there are lots of others on there as well, including some representatives gathered on our travels. Oh, and she had to add candy canes. Always need candy canes. 

Last night we went to a dinner at the church to hear from Kenny and Lauren Humphries again. 

Our caterer extraordinaire, Suzann, was in charge of the meal, so it was great, as usual. Several of the men fried up a bunch of fish. Hard to go wrong there. 

Proverbs‬ ‭11‬:‭25‬ says, A generous person will be enriched, and the one who gives a drink of water will receive water.

Father, again, thank you for the Humphries and all the work they do in your name. Bless them for their efforts. Amen. 

December 2 - “Yep. Bananas”

Chris took off for Texas fairly early in the morning. She had another doctor appointment up there. She’s not done yet, either. She has another today and yet another tomorrow. She ought to be the healthiest girl in America by Christmas. 

I stayed home to get some birthday cards addressed. To make myself useful, I moved the newly-washed towels into the drier. Had to guess on the time, though. I figured 50 minutes to an hour should do the trick. I wasn’t brave enough to start the next load, though. Too many options. Time. Temperature. Additives. Way too many opportunities to mess up, if you ask me. 

When Chris got home we went over to Walmart. Yep. Bananas. Well, and a basketful of other stuff as well. And did I mention it was raining? And cold. Very cold. Somewhere in the 40’s. Brr. 

We stayed indoors the rest of the day. Chris made some vegetable soup. It never got any warmer out there. Or drier. Just an all-around miserable day. Outside. We were warm and dry on the inside, though. 

Psalms‬ ‭121‬:‭5‬ says, The Lord protects you; the Lord is a shelter right by your side.

Father, thank you for hot soup and a heater that works. Amen. 

December 1 - “Not exactly ‘at ‘em’”

Here’s one for you early risers out there. We stayed in a hotel in San Marcos after the game. Really nice Hampton Inn, by the way. But we really wanted to hear Kenny Humphries preach at Seaside. That meant an early start. No. I mean a really early start. Like … wake up at 5 a.m. early start. Not on Chris’ list of favorite things to do. 

However, she was up and - well, not exactly “at ‘em” but up nonetheless.  We didn’t hit our target departure time of 6, though. More like 6:30, but it was still dark out. I was proud of her. Of course the darkness meant that I had the first leg of the journey. And we were off. 

By first leg I mean about 30 minutes or so. That got us to the intersection of I10 in Lulling, and our switch drivers point - otherwise known as … Buc-ees. Perfect place to grab one of their world famous bacon, egg, and chutes biscuits. Chris got the sausage version and we traded top layers. My cheese and eggs for her sausage and eggs. Best biscuits ever. Way better than McDonald’s. We did switch drivers again at the Buc-ees in Katy, and I drove the rest of the way to Seaside. 

The way home was a LOT easier than the way there. We made it from San Marcos to Seaside in right at 4 hours (with two rather than the usual one stop at Buc-ees). That’s rather than the 5 hours it took to get there. 

Our Alaska missionary Kenny did a great job preaching, and his wife Lauren grasped everyone’s attention with her storytelling. She credited Chris with teaching her hospitality, and from what I have gathered, she has quite the gift of hospitality in her own right. Love those two. 

Matthew‬ ‭24‬:‭42‬ says, Therefore be alert, since you don’t know what day your Lord is coming.

Father, thanks for the safe trip home. Thanks for the rain, but more so … thanks for holding it off while we we’re driving. Amen. 

November 30 - “State Champs!”

We got on the road a little after 11:30. Headed to San Marcos for some Friday Night Lights (on Saturday … again). Caleb and the Texas Wind Skyhawks played in the State finals. Yep. Winner has bragging rights as the State champs for 2025. 

We decided to get a hotel rather than try to maneuver back home in the dark for there hours. As it turned out, our trip to the game proved to be an adventure in itself. There were several of those “recommended” detours that popped up on our GPS. Apparently a hefty portion of Interstate 10 was completely shut down. So we got to enjoy a leisurely drive through the back roads. You know. Places like East Bernard (never did come to West Bernard). Kirtley. Alum Creek. And of course, the beautiful metropolis of Uhland. 

But wait! Said leisurely drive never came to fruition. Instead, the route accessing interstate 10 apparently opened up. (Add here “But wait” about six times. That’s how often road conditions changed). “Rerouting.” Borden. Weimar. Dubina. And finally, Luling, home of a gigantic Buc-ees. And we sure needed the break, not to mention gas in the car. 

From there it was only about 30 minutes to the hotel. Problem was, because of all the traffic and detours, we arrived at the hotel a little after 4. The game started at 5. And it was another 15 minutes from the hotel. I hurriedly checked in, and while Chris waited in the car, I sped up the elevator with our Lucas and dumped it in the room. Very nice room, I might add. But enjoying it would have to wait. I stopped the luggage cart off at the front lobby and off we raced. 

We made it to the game just in time. Didn’t miss kickoff. Josh found us and showed us to our seats (He had bought tickets for us on the Family Plan). The seats were great. We sat right behind Zak and Lindsay. All was set and ready to go for the game to start. 

And what a game it was. A real barn burner, if that analogy is remotely applicable here. The Skyhawks (that’s the good guys) have an incredible offense. They were ahead by two touchdowns before you could blink an eye. But their opponent didn’t give up. The Skyhawks were 20+ points ahead at one time. Their foe kept trying to stage a comeback, but the Skyhawks would have none of it. Like the time Caleb maxed a fabulous tackle on a guy running free.  The final score was Skyhawks 56, Bad Guys 44. State Champs! We’re really proud of you, Caleb. 

Isaiah‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬ says, Indeed, God is my salvation; I will trust Him and not be afraid, for Yah, the Lord, is my strength and my song. He has become my salvation.

‭‭

Father, thank you for the chance these guys got to experience the elation of victory. Help them to enjoy it, yet appreciate the hard effort the other team put in. Amen. 

November 29 - “Turkey Enchilada Pie”

We had to make an unscheduled trip to Walmart. I guess there is always a trip to Walmart of one kind or another penciled in for every day, though. Especially around the holidays. This one was to grab the fixin’s for turkey enchilada pie. We did sneak in a purchase or two of Christmas presents, but for some reason Chris steered me away from the giant TV’s. And rightly so. Rather spend that money on a trip. 

The LaMarque Vaughan’s (Including Kaylee this time) came back to the island in time for lunch. And oh, what a lunch it was. Chris used some of the fresh fried turkey and made some turkey enchiladas pie. One of my all-time favorites. Of course, all the other leftovers were available as well, as were the assorted pies for dessert. Plenty of good stuff. 

Not long after lunch our friends from Alaska, Kenny and Lauren, and three of their kids joined us to hang out for the afternoon. There was some TV involved (including a Hallmark movie as well as a college football game), Uncle Kel may or may not have snuck in another nap, and a football definitely changed hands more than once. We enjoyed catching up with Kenny and Lauren out on the newly cleaned off and arranged back patio. All in all, day two of Thanksgiving was a real success. 

Now today we are heading to San Marcos to watch Caleb and his Texas Wind teammates play in the state championship game. Go Wind!

‭‭John‬ ‭8‬:‭32‬ says, You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

‭‭

Father, please ride with us to San Marcos, and keep the boys safe on the field. Amen. 

November 28 - “Thanks”

It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without making the rounds of the six fire stations. I leave them a bag of fried turkey and ask God to be with ‘em and bless ‘em. They all seem very appreciative, even when they have lots of other food in their midst. Thanks to our community for taking care of these guys, and of course, vice versa. 

As a bonus, I happened to notice a van with Alaska plates in the Seaside parking lot. I pulled in and stuck my head in on Kenny and Lauren Humphries (our friends from Alaska) and their friends from Austin. It was great to put eyes on them (and to grab a quick hug). Plans are to see them sometime later today. 

Our family Thanksgiving began around 12.30. The Waco Vaughan’s weren’t here, but our attendance was supplemented by Dennis and Pedrameh from home group and Christian and Krissy from Seaside. As always, the food was great. Fried turkey and dressing. Ham. A vast array of sides. And the newest option came from Nathan. Collard greens. Made with lots of bacon. Yes. I tried some. Tasted a lot like bacon. Phew!

We had the football games on. Can’t say I watched them intently. I may or may not have snuck in a few winks here and there.  Just resting my eyeballs briefly, you know?

The LaMarque cousins braved the chilly elements in the late afternoon. They made their way to the street in front of the house for a rousing impromptu game of football. The game was interrupted briefly when Rocky, the puppy that lives across the street, dragged Janell abruptly into the field of play. Of course that meant a major time out to do some puppy petting. Perhaps football will resume later today. 

Psalms‬ ‭9‬:‭1‬ says, I will thank Yahweh with all my heart; I will declare all Your wonderful works.

‭‭

Father, thank you for family and food and football and fun. Amen. 

November 27 - “Shrimp n Stuff and the Wilson’s”.

We began the big after-fry cleanup process yesterday. Actually, Chris was still a little hampered by the large bandages encircling her “good” hand, but we got some stuff put away. 

We had to stop by 10:30, though. That’s when our latest guests were scheduled to arrive. Our good friends that we first met in Denver but live in Aledo now, Mike and Olivia Wilson, were in town.

We talked for a while here at the house, then adjourned for lunch. Actually, we continued catching up in the car and then over lunch. They wanted seafood, so where else but Shrimp n Stuff? We stayed there for a few hours sharing news and photographic documentation about our kids and grandkids. We thoroughly enjoyed the time with them. Oh, and Chris did her best to talk them into joining us on the transatlantic cruise. We’ll see. 

Psalms‬ ‭68‬:‭19‬ says, May the Lord be praised! Day after day He bears our burdens; God is our salvation. Selah

Father, thanks for the chance to spend time with the Wilsons. Keep them safe on the rest of their journey. Amen. 

November 26 - “Turkey fry day and … ouch!”

Yesterday was our yearly day to fry turkeys and bake pies in anticipation of Thanksgiving. In the grand scheme of things, it was a slow year. Only seven turkeys. And we had a lot of help. Jachin, Micah, Josiah, and Ezra helped with the heavy lifting (in and out of the pots of grease). Noa and Cailyn were here to help with pies (and Cailyn hauled a turkey or two as well). Nathan did the lion’s share of deboning. Kel and Cristina added a healthy portion of moral support. Between us all, we got everything done. 

However … I did have to send this text out to Nathan shortly after the last car pulled away from the house:

You just missed all the excitement. The last of Kel’s bunch drove away. We walked back inside. I started cutting up the last turkey. And … and … Mom cut her hand. Figure that one out! We are at the urgent care to see if she needs stitches. 

Yep. I had no sooner pushed “send” than the phone rang. It was Nathan wanting all the gory details (and pictures). Oh. You want to know what happened, too?  Well …

We went back inside. While I started on that last turkey, she decided to clean up the house some. The first item she picked up happened to be a small trash bag wherein lurked a discarded quilting tool - a rotary blade. And her first instinct was to further crush the bag. Ouch! 

We were out of the house and at the urgent care in less than fifteen minutes. One look, combined with the confession that she is on blood thinners, and the decision was made. Stitches. As it turned out, she only needed three of them, but there they were. Of course, the getting “there” wasn’t all that fun. The deadening shot was painful, as was the first stitch. Chris stood up to it like a champ, though. I’m proud of her. Oh! And she got a Marvel girl superhero sticker. Woohoo! 

Luke‬ ‭6‬:‭38‬ says,  Give, and it will be given to you; a good measure — pressed down, shaken together, and running over — will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.

Father, thank you for all the help we had today. Please help Chris’ hand to heal quickly. Amen. 

November 25 - “Prepping Day”

Well, we upped our walking count back to two miles. Chris still had some of her nagging back pains, but she was determined. We don’t know how much walking we’ll get it this week, anyway. Pretty busy at our house. 

And the busy started yesterday. It was prep the turkeys for frying day. That meant making the dry rub, slathering it all over the birds, inside and out, and getting them back into the fridge to await their final fate!

We finished in time for some lunch. Then we headed north again. This time it was just to Santa Fe. Another one of “our kids,” Gavin, had a basketball game. Love watching that high school basketball. The game was an exciting one. Even went into double overtime. But sadly, the good guys lost 76-72.  Good game, Gavin and crew. 

Matthew‬ ‭10‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ says, But when they hand you over, don’t worry about how or what you should speak. For you will be given what to say at that hour, because you are not speaking, but the Spirit of your Father is speaking through you.

Father, looks like we have quite the hectic next two weeks. Please be with us as we wade through it. Amen. 

November 24 - “Victory times two”

We made our way out of the house in time to make it to church. Even got to celebrate Communion with the church family at Columbus Avenue. Ezra and Josiah seemed pretty excited about going to Sunday School with AnnaGrace and Caleb, respectively. 

In keeping with the athletics theme of the day, we were also keeping up with Cailyn’s soccer tournament in Austin. She made it to the championship game. We had to miss this one … reluctantly. But all was well. Her team won in a shootout. Woohoo! Proud of my athletes. 

After some lunch at AnnaGrace’s favorite hamburger joint, Freddy’s, we headed home. It took us a while to get here, with an extra stop to switch drivers and the usual Buc-ees run for a bathroom and snack break. The boys were well-behaved in the car. A real delight to have around, in fact. Especially when Ezra got tickled about something and started an insane, out of control, full-belly giggle. That’s one fun kid. 

Psalms‬ ‭23‬:‭4‬ says, Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff — they comfort me.

Father, thank you for the victories, of course. Thank you as well for the cousins’ chance to just hang out and be … cousins. Amen. 

November 23 - “Two extra”

We had to make one more Walmart trip before Thanksgiving. Well, OK. At least one more before we left for the big football game. Chris wanted to have all the stuff we would need for our big Tuesday prep day. Turkey fry rub ingredients. Crescent rolls. You know. Stuff like that. We got there so early that we were back home well before ten. That gave us a good few hours to get ready to depart for some Friday Night Lights, this time in Bryan, Texas. 

We finally got loaded up and headed out of town about 1:45. As it turned out, we picked up two extra travelers instead of the expected one. We anticipated Josiah’s presence, but somewhere in the mix we added Ezra as well. 

The team scheduled to play the winner of our game (they played the night before) came to watch the game. In fact, they didn’t just watch. They led a continuous barrage of chants and cheers all game. And the cheers were for … BOTH SIDES! They would cheer for a touchdown, then immediately chant, “Block that kick!”  They even cheered for the cheerleaders. It was one of the funniest happenings I’ve ever seen at a high school football game. 

And their last chant came as they were leaving the stands. In the direction of Caleb’s team, this is what they sing-songed: “See you next week. See you next week.”  Yep. We were victorious 62-38, and will advance to the state final game next Saturday in San Marcos. Way to go, Texas Wind Skyhawks!

Colossians‬ ‭4‬:‭2‬ says, Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving.

Father, thanks for helping me stay awake on the drive from Bryan to Waco. It wasn’t easy. Amen. 

November 22 - “Four one hundredths”

We added four one hundredths (just wanted to spell that out) to our walking distance yesterday. 1.74. My back was suffering from plumber-itis soreness. Chris is still having major issues with her plantar fasciitis as well and a toe on the opposite foot. Not to mention the “minor” issue of pains in her back. Those are usually indicative of cardiac issues. She is doing pretty well at listening to her body, though. 

Once we both cooled down, we went back outside to get in the last of the Thanksgiving yardwork.  We deposited the bag of white rocked next to the side fence (which, by the way, matches our neighbors … sort of). Then we unloaded the bag of mulch into the front flowerbed. I think I even heard Chris comment, “Now it’s ready for the winter.”  That’s good, right?

Just as we were finishing up lunch, our contractor friend John came by. He was doing his final walk-through of the house painting/deck rebuilding job. Chris pointed out one minor place that needs to be repainted. I let him know about the one place inside where an old AC leak caused the paint to crack. He said it was a really minor deal. He put us on the list again. No hurry there. 

Next on the agenda was finishing the Thanksgiving shopping list. Chris has that all down to a science.  And after a quick shower, we headed out to get those lists checked off. 

First stop was the Christmas market at Moody Church. We checked out a few gifts, chatted with a few friends, and exited with a few books. A successful trip, wouldn’t you say?

We did make two other stops before going home. Kroger, because they had the best prices on hams and Blue Bell ice cream. And Randall’s, because they had my prescription, and we needed gas. I think we are all set to head to Bryan for the big semifinal football game. 

Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭2‬ says, I will be with you when you pass through the waters, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. You will not be scorched when you walk through the fire, and the flame will not burn you.

‭‭

Father, please be with us on the road today. And especially tonight after the game. Amen.