Working Vacation

Aunt Dianne and Uncle Bill, our hosts

 Keith and I spent the last five days up in Ludington.  The afternoon we arrived, we drove out to Hamlin Lake to enjoy a special time with extended family.  Uncle Bill and Aunt Dianne had invited my parents and us out for a supper at their cottage.  We were able to visit with Emin and Katie and their three children from the Washington, D.C. area, and also Aunt Merna from Ludington.  We had a wonderful time of food and fellowship together.  It's always nice to catch up with relatives you don't get to see very often. 

Aunt Merna and her great grand daughter

Back Row:  Keith, Me Katie,E, S, Emin and J Front Row: Dad, Mom, Aunt Merna

Katie and Emin and family

Keith and Me

 Most of the remainder of the time in Ludington, we spent doing yard work, trimming bushes, weeding the flower beds, digging, and spreading mulch.  It took us some time to get it all finished, but, to see the smile on Mom's face when it was finished, made it worth it all.  :)

Next year, we'll add some annuals.

 

While there we also got to enjoy a Chuck Wagon's Pizza!  It has been years since we've had that.  It was delicious!  We also got to enjoy Mom's wonderful home cooking as well!  Yum!

Along with her usual ailments, Mom was also suffering the whole time with a bum knee.  It had given out.  She went to her Orthopedic doctor to get a Cortisone shot, but he had to order the series and then this week he was going to be on vacation.  Instead of waiting, she decided to go to her Primary Care Doctor to get the shots.  Thankfully, he was able to begin those today, August 10.  It's a series of 5 shots, given one time per week.  Hopefully, these will really help her to be able to have full use of her leg again. 

Dad and Keith relaxing on the glider the day after the work was finished! (Their smiles say it all!)

These are two of my Mom's hydrangea plants.  They are the biggest blooms I have ever seen!  BEAUTIFUL!  The purple ones are at least dinner-plate sized. 

Happy 59th Anniversary, Mom and Dad!

August 9, 2011, Mom and Dad celebrated their 59th Anniversary.  We had planned to take them out for lunch at a nice place, but Mom wasn't feeling well.  So, we ended up postponing the lunch.  Mom and Dad, you are a blessing to us all.  We love you, dearly.