PA to OH to WI to OH

Pennsylvania proved to be a really lovely trip. Old and new friends from the SMA (Stair Manufacturers Association) filled our days for almost a week. Another of my highlights in PA was the auctioning of John’s first ever Woodworking project, a decoy duck he made at age 12!! Thankfully it was bid on and received with jocularity and brought in $500!! But mostly I was blessed that it was won by the perfect person, Roy. John was dumbfounded that anyone would want it, let alone bid on it, but I just knew that it would be interesting to someone. Thankfully it didn’t end up in the burn pile at home as John predicted it would. 

I experienced riding the famous Pittsburgh Duquesne Incline trolley a few times and we were overjoyed to have run into Shawn at a random coffee shop and got to spend quality time with this fine gentleman! I love how God orchestrated our days with gifts of friendship, love and kindness.

Then home in Ohio for literally one day and look at this beauty! My dogwood tree is one of the most beautiful trees I’ve ever seen! She’s in full bloom!!

Then on the road again to Wisconsin for a camping trip with LillyMae and friends. John had a trade show he attended for the first couple days while LillyMae and I visited my family in the area. We ended up staying at my niece’s house because my other niece’s baby was vomiting and my brother in law had gone to be with them and was exposed to it.  I really didn’t want to put myself or LillyMae at risk to that vomiting virus. So we switched it up a bit and ended up not staying at my sister, Karen’s. It was a sweet and unexpected change of plans. My niece, Stephanee loved having us there! We had Taco Tuesday at a restaurant for dinner then ate a bowl of Wisconsin’s finest frozen custard at Oscar’s where I got to see my favorite oldest sister after all!

Steph brought out her guitar and we sang worship songs together and I experienced a Milwaukee famous fried cheese curd at Camino, as well as a perfectly foamy lavender honey latte at a local coffee shop. 

Then I got to enjoy the rest, friendship, surprises and beauty that comes with camping. Found my first ever black morel mushrooms, hiked with mountain biking Shred sister, Brenda, was the recipient of lots of smoked Nueske meats, enjoyed the crackle of a camp fire and stunning beauty of a full moon and orange sunsets plus had the gift of some family members hanging with us. 

Then back home to Ohio for my next CT&MRI scans followed up with my infusion and doctor appointment. Here is yet another PRAISE! Dr. Sudheendra said my scans were GREAT! No new cancer concerns. No need to change my treatment plan. In fact, the fractures in my ribs are healed! She asked if I wanted to review the scans in detail but I told her I didn’t need more details than that. Sometimes hearing all the nitnoid details of what was on the scans is worse than just hearing that my oncologist thinks they look great!! “So I throw up my hands and praise You again and again, cuz all that I have is a hallelujah!”