Dubrovnik, Croatia

We all headed into Old Town where we got our tickets and headed up on the wall. ‘Walking the wall’ is what the town is known for. The wall protected Old Town from the sea as well as attack from enemies. The cable cars took us up to the top of the mountain where we sat overlooking the town enjoying a cool drink. We had lunch at a Pizzeria in one of the side streets that was soooo yummy! A cool shower back in our state room was a welcome relief from the heat (mid-90's) and humidity (85%).

We were able to watch the movement of hurricane Irene up the east coast of the US in our cabin on CNN.

The Wall was quite impressive; very high and solid

Boats in the bay

Kendall, me, Jenell and Doug atop the wall

The scene below is actually of the old town square water source.  The water is drinkable and pours out of the mouth of lions.

European Vacation

We had a great opportunity to take a cruise and visit a lot of places in Croatia, Greece, Turkey and Italy.  We left home on August 25 and returned back to the states on September 7.  We joined our friends Doug and Jenell for the last 10 days of the cruise they had begun 10 days earlier, and then spent another two days in Rome.

Sunrise as we are heading into Rome after a 9 hour flight

MS Noordam

Our home for the next 10 days

We set sail on the 26th from Civitavecchia, Italy; about and hour and 15 minutes south of Rome

The next day was a day at sea which gave us time to adjust to the new time zone that was 9 hours ahead of home.  The was a formal night for dinner and Kendall snapped this shot as we were getting ready to head out.

Formal Night

Happy Anniversary to Us!

We had a wonderful dinner last night at a Japanese Steak house in our neighborhood.  It was a great anniversary celebration for 8 years!

Shadows on the Sand

Shadows on the Sand

A novel by Gayle Roper
Murder, child abuse, a cult, a teenage and 10 year old runaways, post traumatic stress syndrome. Gayle Roper takes all these topics and manages to write a mystery located at a New Jersey beach that takes the reader into the lives of Greg, Carrie and all those who care about them. The story takes us to a place of redemption and forgiveness while pulling two deserving people together; Carrie who has a past where she had to grow up too fast, and Greg whose family was blown up in a truck because he was investigating a crime and the criminals took revenge on him.
It is a book that naturally brings Christian perspectives to the story line without ‘preaching’ to the reader, making it an easier read than many so called ‘Christian titles’. A book I am able to recommend to the casual reader.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

"The Reveal"

I love spending time in my kitchen!

The view as you walk in the front door

Kitchen before

Kitchen after

Fluorescent light before

Beautiful chandelier after

Desk area before

Built in hutch after

View to the patio before

View to the patio after; the door to the left of the sliding door was replaced with a window

A warming/proofing drawer added

Replacement for the white ceiling fan

Glass tile for accent

Beading on the Cornice

Pantry

The kitchen and pantry have been undergoing a renovation since the end of June.  The kitchen should be done this week, but here is a teaser of the pantry.

Before - boy, was I a messy housekeeper!

The pantry door is now a pocket door with a glass insert.  No more open pantry door blocking the pathway from my office area.

I now have a counter top to house the microwave, toaster, coffee, etc.



Montana Rainbow

I was in Montana this week on business and was able to watch several amazing storms roll in.  This rainbow hung around for quite a long time.

Restless in Carolina by Tamara Leigh

What a delightful novel; a nice story line, but not dripping in sweetness. Bridget is a widow of four years when we meet her and the Pickwick family. The story is told from her view point and we cheer her on as she finally begins the healing process and returns to a relationship with God and opens herself to the possibility of love again. We learn of the family’s past and how the actions of generations before us impact our behavior as well as those on the periphery.

It is a quick summer read that I highly recommend as a take along to the beach or a weekend get-away!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

DIY Weekend Project

Well, it was actually a couple of weekends, but we were able to re-purpose some of the cabinets and counter tops from our kitchen in the valley to update the cabin - thanks to my skilled husband!

Before

Also Before

After with solid surface counter tops and more cupboard space

Post Cards

Loved the post cards we got from Emma and Rachel this week!

Family Reunion

This past weekend we attended the Bontrager reunion in Hesston, KS

Four siblings - The First Generation

Ray, Donna Mae, Grace, Lola Faye 

Four generations

Lola Faye, Ava, Julie, Rebecca

There was usually a card game or other table top activity in progress

Little Ava looked so much like a certain Rachel at the age of 2

The Cousins

A moment for a quick dance

Donna and Ray

Donna and Michael sharing a chuckle

Time for family pictures!

First Row: Kendall, Donna, Larry, Chase

Second Row: Me

Third Row: Holden, Torrie, Kirby, Darcie

Fourth Row: Brock

We did the "Heritage Tour" into Yoder, KS where the homestead was located.  One of the stops was at the old church and grave yard.  It was so sad to see the number of babies and children who died so young.

There was a Ping Pong tournament with Brooke (not pictured) named the ultimate champ.

We had a nice time of sharing talents and singing Sunday morning.

Gretchen and Josie

Decorating turtle backs for the famous Turtle Races.  Note the coveted trophy on the table.

Jenae, Adam, Gretchen, and Emily

Turtle Races in action.  The Champ - Jeff (not pictured)

July 4

Happy and safe Independence Day celebrations!

Our view from the cabin window this morning

Book Review: Too Rich for a Bride

Too Rich for a Bride; written by Mona Hodgson

A charming story set at the time when women we just beginning to enter into business. Thinking she doesn’t need a man in her life to be fulfilled, Ida sets out for the west with a college degree and determination. The stories of the main characters meld together nicely and Ida learns what is important in her life – using her business talents in an ethical manner and being open to love. I nice read for a quiet weekend.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”