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The Banquet

 

We always look forward to this banquet in the Buffalo, NY, area, as we only see some of these ministry supporters, prayer warriors, and volunteer chaplains one time a year.

 

Good food is another plus at The Columns banquet hall.

 

 

It was good to see Chaplain Earl and Colleen who have not been in good health since July.

 

A Beautiful Cake

 

Two brothers who were sitting at our table were anxious for a taste!  The boys names are Sean and Tim.  If I remember correctly, this one is Tim.

 

Carole and Parker Jonathan, a very talented couple, shared beautiful, inspiring, gospel music.

 

 

 

Their son-in-law joined them for two songs.

 

 

Chaplain Earl shared the need for more volunteers, especially since he has had some serious back problems. 

 

Sam and Earl visit a bit before leaving the banquet hall.

~~~

Now it’s time to get back on the road again.  Our goal is to leave at 8:00 AM, so I am right on time.

  

 

 

On the Road Again

This time we are on our way to the Buffalo, NY, area to attend a TFC banquet.

 

Our first stop was near Halifax, PA, to pick up fellow staff member and friend, Sam Rittenhouse (whose wife is staying with a daughter.)  Since we were early, we took time to drive through beautiful countryside.  It was neat to see a few deer.

 

After picking up Sam, I set up my mobile office in the middle seats of our van.

 

Since both men were giving ministry updates tonight, I merged their PowerPoints into one, and prepared a presentation according to their desires.

 

Cerwin and Sam visited during our drive through pretty countryside.

 

We arrived at one of our favorite New York restaurants, located along our route we take to visit the chapel near Pembroke, NY.  It is a local hangout for neighboring farmers.  Today one of them even asked how things were going with the ministry. 

~~~

I will post pictures from the banquet tomorrow morning – I am too tired to add any more tonight.

 

 

 

Our Week

Our days were fairly routine this week, beginning with attending Trucker’s Sunday at Family Worship Center, Lansdale, PA.

 

It was the first year I remember missing the annual Truck Show/Pig RoastConcert at the same church the night before.  (We couldn’t attend due to our nephews wedding.)

 

We are grateful that Jake, Jane, and Jesse were willing to transport the chapel to the church on Saturday and back to the International Office on Sunday.

Jake is in the beginning stage of raising funds to come on staff, so this exposure and experience is great for them.

 

After church, the gentleman on the right talked to Jake about the ministry and the possibility of serving on a chapel.

 

On Wednedsay, Cerwin prepared the same chapel for a visit by dignitaries from ATA (American Trucking Association).  He said it was fun to give them a tour of the chapel and shop, because they are just learning to know about TFC’s ministry in truck stops.

 

I worked on a few newsletters this week, and yesterday finished Chaplain Sam and Margaret Houchins’. 

Just after arriving at our local post office, I heard sirens, and before long a police car went speeding by, then a fire truck, then another police car, then another emergency vehicle.  This doesn’t happen too often in our rural area, so I thought something serious must have happened.

 

Before long our neighborhood was shocked to hear about the death of these two young men ~ sixteen-year-old Darren Sensenig, and his thirteen-year-old brother, Devon.  They were on their way home from school when their car veered off the road and hit a telephone pole. 

We did not know the family, but know where they live, since it is only three miles from us.  I was blessed to read the online news tonight and see what Darren said that morning when challenging the other students during morning devotions.

“None of us are promised another day. We need to make sure we are living for the Lord every day because we don’t know when it’s going to be our turn.”

~~~

Their death made me even more aware of the treasure we have in our children and grandchildren as I took care of Ian, Jared, and Jesse for a few hours today.

 

Jesse seems to get sweeter and cuter each time I see him.

 

The last time I saw him, he just looked at the toy hanging from the carrying handle of his infant seat.

 

Today he was reaching for it.

 

Ian loves to play the post office game on my computer.  In this learning game, he has to find the correct color and shape package for the mail bag.  If he makes a mistake, and puts a package of an incorrect shape or color in the bag, it “spits” it out. 

 

Jared was “feeding” animals on the very old (Windows 95) , children’s computer in my office.

 

Soon they wanted to “work” so I asked them to unload the ten reams of paper that UPS had just delivered.

 

 

Then Jared noticed my office dust cloth and wanted to clean.  I can’t turn down that kind of offer!

~~~

After they left, I printed programs for tomorrow night’s banquet near Buffalo, NY, and got a few other things ready for our trip in the morning.

 

 

Farm Show

One of my favorite things about our local farm show, is seeing people I haven’t seen in awhile ~ and just being proud to live in this neat, rural area with lots of town spirit.

 

After standing in line for an order of french fries (to share), another line for two milk shakes, and still another line for a hamburger for Cerwin, we looked up our youth group’s stand.  It was neat to see their creativity in sharing the gospel. 

To draw people to the stand and open conversation, they had free water.  I love creative kids!

 

Nate (right) has an interesting story in perseverance at  Nateman64 ~ while setting up this stand . 

 

From there we went to check out some of the creations by the chain saw artist.

 

 

 

Then we came upon some people we knew – our oldest son, his wife, and their three daughters – Jenna, Diana (tasting grandpa’s chocolate milk shake), and Gloria who is hidden by Cerwin.

 

While meandering through the produce barn, I noticed these cute pumpkin creations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then we located our granddaughters again, who wanted to walk with us to our reserved (with lawn chairs) spot along the parade route ~ close to their other grandma’s house.

 

Soon we saw granddaughter, Jana, (red shirt) who was waiting for the parade to start.  She was excited to be riding in a neighbor’s pony cart.

 

 

Our parade-watching crew.  Back:  Diana, Cerwin, Jeff, Chris, and her mom ,Lois.  Front:  Jenna, Gloria, Nate, Josh, and Jordan (hidden behind Josh).

 

Local police were parade escorts.

 

Followed by the town’s fire trucks.  Notice the “dog” who was waving to me.

 

My Alma Mater’s Marching Band

 

Many local businesses were represented.

 

The chain saw artist even had a float.

 

I almost missed Jana and the pony cart!  At least I caught her smiling face (behind the driver).

 .

It was a beautiful evening for watching a parade.

 

 

 

Through the Lord’s mercies

we are not consumed

because His compassions fail not.

 

They are new every morning;

 

great is Your faithfulness.

Lamatations 3:22 & 23

 

 

 

The Reception

 

Country Barn Farm Market

 

Inside the barn, we found our name ~ which directed us to a specific table. 

 

Our Table Was Named “Warm Hughes”

 

Punch Bowl

 

Fruit, Cheese, and Crackers

 

We were fairly early, so I had time to take pictures.

 

 

 

 

This displayed their love for riding.

 

The guest “books” were cycle fuel tanks placed in a wooden feeding trough.

 

The basket for gift cards was also in the trough.

 

The Cake

 

 

 Arrival of the Wedding Party

 

 Leslie talking to the DJ while her brother looks on.

 

Brothers ~ Groom and Best Man

 

Groom’s Sister, Crystal, and Boyfriend, Jakey

 

Wedding Guests

 

Our table ~ left to right:  former neighbors of the groom’s family,  church friends of the groom’s family, Cerwin’s sister and her husband, and Cerwin.

 

Our sister-in-law, Pat, (groom’s mother) makes fabulous chocolate candy.  Her brother served it to guests while they waited for the wedding party.

 

Bride’s Mother, Brother, and Father Entering 

 

Groom’s Parents

 

Groomsmen and Bridesmaids Enter

 

 

 

 

Best Man and Matron of Honor

 

Couple of Honor

 

First Dance

 

 

 

 

Hat and Veil on Window Sill

 

 

Delicious Buffet Meal

Pork Roast Sandwiches, Potatoes, and Mixed Vegetables

 

Following the meal Elvin came to our table to visit.  Velda enjoyed a special place between her brothers.

 

Cutting the Cake

 

I love this picture!

It looks like he is kissing icing off her nose.

 

Groom Dancing With His Mother

 

~~~

 

Next Appointment

 

We stayed until 7:00 PM, giving us just enough time to get to my sister’s house for dessert.

 

We didn’t need more food, but sat at the table with everyone else.  I took some of her delicious orange tea and a few pretzels.

 

Marlin, Jeff & Chris, Karen & Denny, Nathan, Jordan, Gene & Rose, Cerwin, Diana, Chelsey, Jenna, Gloria.

 

Cerwin, Marlin (our brother-in-law), and our grandson, Jordan.

The men are planning an upcoming hunting trip to West Virginia.

 

They checked directions, planned meals, and told hunting stories from previous hunts.

~~~

From there we went home ~ to the other side of the woodlot (about 600 feet).

 

 

 

A Wedding

 

The Programs

 

We arrived at Saint John Neumann Roman Catholic Church early enough to meet the “Boys in Black.”

 

Cerwin’s mother and Jakey.  He has worked his way into our hearts by dating our niece, Crystal ~ sister of the groom.

 

The Best Man and Grandma 

Ted is our nephew and brother of the groom.

 

The Groom and Grandma

 

Mother and Great-Grandson, Trenton ~ Son of Ted

 

The Cars

 

 

 

Time to Go Inside

Our Sister-in-Law, Pat ~ Mother of the Groom

 

Cerwin’s brother, Elvin ~ Father of the Groom ~ receiving his corsage, as the Father of the Bride looks on.

 

The Harp

 

 I love listening to and watching a harpist.

 

 

The Mothers Lighting Candles

 

Waiting for a Bridesmaid

 

Cerwin’s sister, Velda, gets her bottle of bubbles from our niece, Crystal ~ following the ceremony.

 

Bridesmaids’ Flowers

 

Get-Away Car

 

Here They Come!

 

Bryan and His Beautiful Bride, Leslie

 

Bubbles in Her Face

 

Pretty Berries Next to the Church

 

~~~

 

Tomorrow night ~ The Reception

 

 

 

An Invitation For Grandpa & Grandma

 

 

Cerwin wasn’t able to attend, so I went by myself this year.

 

I was given parking directions by the most handsome traffic director ~ grandson Josh.

 

Jana’s 3rd grade classroom.

After a snack in the gym, grandparents went to their student’s classroom.   

 

Jana and her teacher, Mrs. Brenneman

 

The students enjoyed showing the classroom turtle to their grandparents.

 

Jana’s Desk

 

Her other grandma (her mother’s mother)

 

Since middle school was busy directing traffic and setting up chairs for the program, I had to catch Josh on the job ~ rather than in his classroom.

 

Grandparents waiting for the program to begin.

 

Finally it was third grade’s turn.  By their dress, we knew their songs were going to have an international flavor.  Jana is just coming through the door ~ fifth from the left.

 

Their two songs – “Books of the Old Testament” and “Say His Name.”

 

Jana was a Russian school girl.

 

Then it was time for Middle School Choir

 

They did a great rendition of “Fly Away Medley.”

 

Lunch

Taking grandparent’s out for lunch following the program has become so much of a tradition, that they no longer need busses on Grandparent’s Day.

 

Josh likes our local “Family Cupboard” restaurant because of the buffet.

 

Jana likes this restaurant because she can get mashed potatoes and buttered noodles!

 

I may look like I am in deep thought in this candid shot by Jana, but I am enjoying the most delicious iced tea – Blackberry Mint.

 

Josh eventually embarrassed himself by playing a game on my cell phone ~ when a very loud, obnoxious tune began playing. 

 

Since baby brother, Jesse, was getting his three-month photo taken, I brought the children back to our house.  Jana was inspired to make a flower arrangement because of the red carnation I received at school.

 

I don’t do well at flower gardening, and most of the ones I have are over the hill, but we eventually found enough flowers and greenery to fill a vase.  We even included some mint tea with seed blossoms (the tallest light purple).

 

Following that she entertained herself by setting up dominos.

 

She could hardly wait for her parents to arrive, to give a demonstration.

 

Homemade, Wet Bottom Shoo Fly Pie

This was a gift from Josh and Jana’s mother, and since it is a rather famous bit of local cuisine, I had to take a picture ~ for those who know what it is and wish you could have a slice ~ and those who have no idea what it is.  (Molasses is a key ingredient.)

 

Jesse at Three Months

 

Happy 47th Birthday

To Our Son-in-Law

Friday, October 5

We love you, Mark, and wish you God’s Richest Blessings.

 

 

 

Bus Trip ~ The End

 

Another View of the Dock

 

Small Boats Waiting for Their Owners

 

Pretty Berries

 

Spider Web Above a Walkway

 

Fairly fresh decorations on the arbor told of a recent wedding ceremony.

 

 

 

I took this self-protrait in the reflection of a dining room window ~ while sitting on a deck bench with Arlene.  Marti and Christine are visiting in front of the window.

 

Inside Looking Out

 

Joey Vincent is a talented musician.  After changing hats or other articles of clothing, he played trumpet or sang ~ usually like a famous musician we immediately recognized. 

 

We saw the prettiest fall colors of this trip while traveling home on the Interstate.

 

  We couldn’t see this during the morning drive because of fog.

 

Partway home we stopped at a Burger King ~ where I captured John, Thelma, and Marv visiting just outside a bus window.

 

I sat in the drivers seat for a few creative shots of those who were visiting outside.  Men:  Mark, Lester, Bob, and Bob.  Ladies:  Violet, Marti, and Eileen.

 

Bob

 

Bob, Homer, Marlin, and Luke

 

Elaine’s birthday prompted a Burger King crown and the singing of “Happy Birthday.”

 

The sun was setting when we left for the last leg of our day-trip. 

~~~

It has been a busy summer and early fall for Cerwin and me, so we agreed that this was a much-needed break in our routine.