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New Year’s Day

Sunday, January 1

After church on Sunday morning we went to Jere and Kristen’s for a pork and sauerkraut lunch.

Everything was delicious.

My plate: shrimp, cocktail sauce, pork, cranberry sauce, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, and peas.

In the evening our friends C.B. and Doris came to visit. We had a great evening swapping stories and catching up on each others lives. We are soulmates in our beliefs, so visiting is quite sweet.

Their “get well gift” was a container of C.B.’s delicious Ham & Bean soup. They remembered that I paid about $40.00 for a container like this at a benefit auction last summer.  

I didn’t need anything else at the auction, so decided to bid on this until I got it. 

It is delicious.

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Saturday was a “downer” for me physically and emotionally. It felt like my healing was going backwards. It was the first day I felt like that since the accident. 

By Sunday morning  I knew I needed the fellowship of believers, even though I wasn’t feeling that great.  I am a strong believer in doing my part in not allowing a bad day turn into another bad day. There is always something I can do to keep my life and walk with the Lord moving forward.  

Just after entering the Narthex, my stepsister-in-law Joyce came to me with very encouraging words, because she had been through similar circumstances. Thanks, Joyce.

Then, just after sitting down in the sanctuary, my friend Lorraine and her husband sat behind us. (It was during the time between Sunday school and church.) We usually go to Sunday school, but I can’t quite handle sitting on a straight chair or bench for two hours. 

They sat behind us because she wanted to share something with me. It was very encouraging words about my Xanga blog – from a mutual friend whom she had been with the day before.

Wow! I was sure glad I didn’t stay home. Their kind and encouraging words were medicine for my body and soul – and the worship service hadn’t even begun yet!

Add to that lunch and fellowship at Jere and Kristen’s and a wonderful visit from C.B. and Doris.

Each of these people served as God’s heart and hands in meeting my needs that day.

Sunday was a wonderful day, as has each day since then – even though the bruises from the air bag and seat belt are taking much longer to heal than I expected.

It is rewarding and encouraging to know that I have many friends who are praying and lifting me to our Heavenly Father. Keep it up!

~~~

May the hearts of those who look to God for help be refreshed.

Psalm 69:25-32 (GOD’S WORD Translation)

The Last Few Days of 2011

December 28 – Trying out our new Keurig

It is now so easy to make a cup of tea or coffee.

December 30 – Our youngest grandsons were here

A cookie for Jared

Fruit punch for Jesse

Ian playing a racing game on Xbox

Saturday, December 31

We picked up our Toyoto RAV4 – which will replace the CRV that was totalled in the accident.

Oh, my this tomato soup was good!

Earlier in the week I went through our refrigerators to sort and freeze Christmas leftovers. I found about a quart and a half of fresh tomatoes – some were sliced for sandwiches, others were diced for a salad. I knew we could not eat them all in sandwiches or salads before they spoiled, so I made tomato soup.

First I added a small amount of water to a cooking pot, then added the tomatoes. I had part of a weary looking onion, so chopped it up and added it to the mixture. Then I noticed a partial container of salsa and cream cheese (originally for a dip), and thought that should add an interesting flavor.

After everything was cooked, I put the mixture in the blender (about two cups at a time because it was hot) then poured it into a large bowl.

Next I tasted it and decided it needed a bit of brown sugar, garlic salt, and pepper.

I like to drink tomato soup, so filled the cup about 2/3 full with the soup mixture, then added milk and heated it in the microwave.

It was delightful to have on New Year’s eve.

~~~

So ended 2011

~~~

He restores my strength.
He leads me on right paths to show that he is good.

Psalm 23:3 (Easy-to-Read Version)

My Siblings’ Christmas

Tuesday, December 27

Nathaniel, Abby, Roy, and Nathan – part of our clan.

Three generations of Hersheys.

My brother Dale’s grandchildren – Jacob, Andrew, and Emma enjoying the chocolate fountain.

My sister, Nancy’s, grandaughter Kelci

Cousins – Kelci and Heidi

Jacob enjoyed propelling himself forward with this unusual vehicle.

Someone was having fun making Lindsey make faces – she is my sister, Nancy’s, granddaughter.

My brother Steve’s grandson Benny loved this “lawn mower.”

It was fun seeing my sister and three brothers, plus many of our nieces and nephews – especially those who were here from a distance.

The teachings of the Lord are perfect.
They renew the soul.

Psalm 19:7 (GOD’S WORD Translation)

My Siblings’ Christmas Supper

Tuesday, December 27

Since the Hershey family has outgrown the homestead house, we get together at a neat barn in our area.

Heidi looking down from the loft.

Some of the young guys on the loft couch.

Hillary, Dot, Brenda, Rob, and Abby

I usually take enough pictures (doubles or triples) so I can weed out those where there are strange or funny expressions. I was in low energy mode that evening and took very few pictures. Consequetly I appologize to my family. 🙂

My brother Clair, his daughter-in-law Becca, and friend, Kate.

Brenda, Lindsey, Jenna, Jana, Abby, and Deb

Waiting for everyone to get together for prayer.

~~~

Part 2 Tomorrow Night

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Happy Birthday

To Our Favorite Diane

k

We Love You

Daddy & Mother

My victory and honor come from God.
He is the mighty Rock, where I am safe.

Psalm 62:7 (Easy-to-Read Version)

Our Family Christmas

Our Gifts & The Grandchildren

Part 4

Gloria had a special gift for grandpa.

It was something she found in “Grandma” Sauble’s house one day when she was helping her parents prepare household goods for auction.

Cerwin likes it on his bureau – for his car keys and other small items.

~~~

We give our children and grandchildren money, so there was nothing exciting to be photographed in that exchange.

~~~

We received a Keurig coffeemaker from our children. I love it!

This is a Keurig tower for holding thirty coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or apple cider K-cups.

I was in need of some new Tupperware.

After all the gifts were exchanged and opened, we “tried’ to get a good picture of the grandchildren who were in our house.

It didn’t take us long to realize that a good photo wasn’t going to happen – so we went for fun pictures.

After this, we spent the afternoon visiting, while the children played games and enjoyed being together.