Sometimes it is fun to share the projects I am busy with.

Lately I’ve knit several sweaters, baby things, and a scarf, painted plaques to give out in Japan, and unearthed all the sewing stuff.

I’ve got several sewing projects to complete: a peasant top, a dress, a few bathrobes, and whatever else I can drum up. Cherie and I are working on multiple things.

I like to make flannel blankies for babies: a square yard of 100% cotton flannel with cotton yarn crocheted around the edge with a sharp hook. They are durable and useful.

I love knitting baby socks, too.

They are so quick!

Lately I’ve used panels that Ed has knit on his knitting machine, edging them for baby sensory mats. They are colorful and soft, and really fun to create.

I’m still working on my Kensington Runestone book for children. The illustrations are about 1/3rd complete.

It’s more involved than I thought it would be.

I’ll publish it over on my Google blog eventually.

When I “Fortress” I make stuff. I’m busy.

As the temps get cool and the fireplaces are lit it is time to welcome the crafts again. My hands itch to make another sweater…

I hope to finish a few more of my little plaques today.

It’s Monday morning and I turned down a job for today to get my mind straightened out for upcoming business.

I’ve been full of negativity lately, but I thought this morning that I could be more encouraging to my readers.

Perhaps it is the message of James, the book written by Jesus’ brother.

Joy. Joy in trouble.

In so many ways I am “winning in life.” Whatever that phrase means, to me it means that I have countless blessings.

I’ve learned much over the years with these “offices” I have held; student, sales-girl, nurse’s aide, farmer, horse woman, dog lover, cat lover

Daughter, sister, wife, mom, grandma (Omi), friend

Army wife (officer’s wife), wife of an electrical engineer, wife of a genius, widow

Teacher, student as middle aged adult (MPA), camp staff, Sunday School teacher, financial advisor/insurance sales, non-profit COO, deli worker, hotel concierge/laundry, home-school mom

Writer, artist, musician, reader, knitter—and all needle arts, language learner (German, Turkish, Spanish, Hebrew, Greek, Chinese)

Missionary

Christian

That is my resume, and I can speak from experience in all these areas. It’s the path I’ve been led on.

Chalk up various unusual life events, too. Travel, mountain climbing, concerts, family things, sorrows and loss.

Ich habe vielen Sachen erlebt.

I’ve experienced much.

I cook and bake, too, now infrequently, but for years I held things together with my thrift in the kitchen.

I’ve qualified for welfare in the past, but I have known richness too.

I know how to handle snow and weather, ski, skate, and play tennis.

I like baseball, soccer, and hockey. I’m a Vikings football fan. I’ve only ever been to one of their games in my life.

I can tow and back a camper-trailer, run a riding lawn mower, and care for an acreage.

I’ve lived in several places, but I know Minnesota the best.

So if I share a “life hack” I’ve learned I am passing on information that has blessed me. I do not claim to be an expert, but life has offered me experience that is tried and true.

Since I’ve dealt with most human experiences, including mental illnesses and cancer, among other things I can offer my counsel in healing and recovery.

I am not claiming authority, only sharing a burden, nudging with an experienced outlook.

Go ahead and laugh at my list! I admit that some things seem funny, but all were learned with blood, sweat, and tears. Trials and fails, trouble and practice.

I am an approachable introvert. I won’t bite you. I like helping.

INFJ to the core, if that says something.

(I actually took the official MB test, so I know)

Recently I have encountered a whole different set of life experiences, some that I’d never imagined I’d deal with in my life. I cannot elaborate, because of difficult circumstances, but trust me, I’m gifted with new capabilities and outlook.

Fragility, vulnerability, and victim-hood are a part of my life. Change.

But God is leading me through this for a purpose and a reason, to give me HOPE and a FUTURE.

I can still bless others through the blessings He has bestowed on me.

I have hope.

I only ask that Jesus comes quickly.
MARANATHA!

This Sunday afternoon it is bright and sunny, a perfect day to romp with the dogs in the hayfield. We romped.

God is teaching me some things lately. I am a slow learner, so things are gradually applied in my life. I am headstrong, stubborn, and I often think my way is the best—hence I acquire and lose friends often.

Today I found out something about my grief process, my new beginning in life and my outlook. Church was pretty effective today.

Our pastor is preaching on James, and I think that he wrote his sermon for me.

Two things: God isn’t finished with me, and pain brings joy.

That is not in a weird way, but in a profitable way. The trouble I experience can ultimately bring God’s bigger plan to fruition, as He allowed it for my good.

I won’t see that good here on earth, probably, but I can still have hope.

It’s all about hope.

I understand that the way I had been before all my trouble didn’t work well ultimately, but the trouble has led me to a new place of growth, so completely different from where I was. My faith, though still intact, went through a transformation along with my life.

I still have hope.

I can still “hear” the Spirit’s promptings, though I feel so distant in my pain most of the time.

God is still at work.

He does not abandon His children, but it may seem like it for a season.

Yes, I am stronger now. I can stand with God’s help. I am not as lonely, more capable, and prepared to finish life on my own.

A new path has opened up for me.

Grief is now woven into my life. It comes unasked for, unexpectedly, whenever. It is part of my new pattern.

I have hope.

MARANATHA!

Why are you downcast, oh my soul?

Everything about this latest news from the Middle East is disheartening.

When you love a country and a people, and they are dear to you and God, you cannot help but be affected by their pain and trial.

I am reminded of the Scriptures that affirm God’s love for His people Israel.

He made an eternal covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Yes there are worldly powers that tweak and twitch, the puppet masters, and Puppet Master Lucifer pull the strings. No one human can fully explain the centuries-old conflict and the players that rise in every era.

God watches over Israel, and He doesn’t slumber or sleep.

I am irritated by anyone who tries to minimize the important things to God. Therefore I prefer to keep quiet (except for here!)

God has not forgotten His people. Israel and the church are two different entities in Scripture. We should never have abandoned Israel, yet The Church did veer off the prescribed teachings of the Old Testament. I’m not talking about the Law, per se, but the significance and symbolism of the feasts and the fulfillment of OT prophesy.

By losing the thread of significance we have gone astray.

Augustine made some major boo-boos.

Back to the future, however. Israel is still under the umbrella of God’s protection. Many of perished, but the bigger picture is fulfillment of prophecy, and that is expected.

Things prophesied will come to fulfillment.

WE are witness to this great time in history, and we can be assured that God keeps His promises.

He said He was coming again, so I believe it.

How long, Oh Lord, How long?

MARANATHA, Lord Jesus.

WE had a nice Corgi Hollows History Day on Saturday. Several auspicious characters showed up, among them Martin and Kitty Luther.

Helen Keller, Mother Theresa, Pretty Boy Floyd, JRR Tolkien, Sacagawea showed up also, with a few other notables.

We roasted hot dogs and ate chips. The rain came, though not harshly, and Martin and Kitty’s Skit was brought indoors. They told their story, and brought history to life.

Rain and chill literally dampened the event, but I am still happy we had such sweet fellowship around the campfire. S’mores didn’t happen YET.

Let’s have a campfire night and make S’mores. The marshmallows don’t last long.

I have started attending a Chinese/International fellowship that meets in our neck of the woods. It has been sweet to meet these lovely people and try to understand more Chinese language for me.

Chinese is hard.

It’s fun to learn it, though. I’m not tied down to making a grade (although Duolingo puts in some pressure innately) so I really go at my own 60 year old pace. After studying for over a year I can definitely see my progress.

But along with the language I have been studying the trends in East Asia. This part fascinates me.

Billions of people are pretty conformist, yet there are stark delineations and human concerns, political waves and economic trends.

Everything affects everything.

And God watches.

I am in awe.

This is a road ahead for me, I’m already on it.

I am also in awe of October beauty today. The rain has left a shining golden world that must be a bit heaven-like today.

I live in a paradise of earthly beauty. There aren’t mountains or oceans here in the middle of North America, but there is everything else. The beauty is gentle and touches the heart.

Blue skies and golden paths. The stuff of the old “Ideals” magazines. Remember those? I grab them up at thrift stores.

That era was so ostensibly innocent.

I have an interesting week ahead: a concert with my new friends, more sorting of books, (because of rain my book sale didn’t happen) business junk (I still HATE opening up my email in the morning—-Number One Dread around here) and more preparation for our upcoming trip to Japan.

Apples. It’s apple season, and I found an orchard west of Corgi Hollows that grows Fireside apples. They are my favorite. I bought a bag of a new variety called “Triumph” there, too. It’s very good.

There is a golden apple tree across the road in the ditch from the house. I think I threw an apple core there from my bike decades ago. The fruit is mottled, but there were no worms and the flesh is delicious! I tried one on Saturday, and I couldn’t believe how perfect the flavor was. What a blessing!

In Japan one of my goals to find and try one of the largest apples that is grown in the world. Japan holds the record for largest apple.

I mentioned that our goal is gardens, Japanese gardens, (Ha ha!) and along with that a visit to a historical/cultural museum, perhaps a bit of daily life in Tokyo, and connecting with a few people.

I know absolutely NADA about Japanese food. I don’t eat Sushi, which is the only thing I do know about, but surely they eat more than that.

I have heard they have nice desserts, so I can eat dessert for a week. OH, yes, ramen. I can eat ramen.

Our hotel is in downtown Koto Tokyo, so I am happy with just a few walks around Koto. I’m easy to please.

The yen is weak right now, so a great advantage to us Americans. I don’t intend to do much shopping, however.

I’m excited to travel again. I’ve always had a wandering foot, as you know. Life has dealt me some tying-down circumstances and I am crawling out of those bonds little by little. I have been rebuilding my engine, so to speak.

The fireplace feels good this morning. I’m actually drinking pumpkin spice coffee and writing here. I feel so fall-ish.

Yukichan and Corwyn don’t know whether to be in or out. Thank the Lord someone came forward to watch them for the week we go to Japan, a nice young married couple. The dogs can be demanding when the weather is turning. It’s like they have expectation of change, too.

School and my shifts at the hotel keep my schedule in check. I have been lazy with my CrossFit and swimming. Our YMCA is having trouble finding life guards again, so the pool is rarely open. One must really make an effort to get swimming time.

My mom’s 90th birthday approaches, and all who can will gather. She attended an old friend’s 90th birthday celebration this fall and just loved seeing everyone there, including some she had babysat back in her teenage days! (They were older than I, of course)

Nice things ahead, and my engines have been checked. They’ve started smoothly, and I am looking forward to the road before me.

One day at a time.

It was four years ago today that my brother was killed by a drunk driver.

Four years.

I woke up with a heaviness in my heart today. Circadian rhythms?

These past four years have been dark for me. It is still a daily battle with grief and sadness, a tightness in my chest that signals heartache.

I go outside and breathe the sunlight.

The beauty of October in Minnesota often tugs at my heart, too.

I struggle.

So I am focusing on what is coming: Japan.

Thanks to a weak yen and ridiculously low airfare, Ed, Cherie, and I are heading to Japan.

Ed has been studying Japanese for the past few years. Cherie has language abilities that amaze me. I am studying Chinese—so we feel sort of prepared for East Asia.

I know that I should have no expectations and seek to quietly observe everything while there, only a week’s length of exploration.

Our focus is gardens, of course, but we’d like to just take in the culture.

I have a few contacts, so we hope to make connections.

Yes, it’s exciting, and that is exactly what I need right now to make it through difficult anniversaries.

Corgi Hollows History Day approaches. We are having a major book sale that day in concurrence. My home-schooling days are OVER.

I am grateful.

It was a good run.

My five kids are all adults, all pretty good humans.

Thanks be to God!

He gets all the glory, in all things.

My heart is lifted by sunlight and gratefulness.

And I look for His coming.

MARANATHA!

Could it be this weekend?

The Feast of Trumpets is the new year, a herald of things to come. Some link it to the promise of a trumpet sounding and the dead rising first…

Then the rest will be caught up to meet Jesus in the air.

I’m that kind of believer. I pray that I can be caught up, not needing to see death, just a meeting in the air and staying with Jesus forever!

What a hope! It’s a blessed hope.

Cherie and I just got back from two nights at Fort Ridgely, a state park near the Minnesota River, up river from New Ulm.

I had intended to write a couple of papers there for the Bible class we just joined, but it didn’t happen.

I slept most of the time. I haven’t slept like that in quite some time.

Now I am rested up, really, and the weather was perfect in every way.

The camping trip was perfect.

Still, I am fighting the blues of depression tonight. Fort Ridgely was one of our favorite places to go camping. Camping without Brian is something that brings up memories—-good ones—and the loss makes it bittersweet.

Grief continues in a morphed way.

This fall I have four trips, the first is over. I’ll report as they happen for me.

God is gently leading me out of my fortress.

Maybe the next trip we take together—-caught up to see Jesus.

Yes, Lord. Come quickly!

MARANATHA!

PS Fort Ridgely is a very historical place. The Dakota Wars of 1862 happened in the region, the fort playing a huge role in the conflict. I think it is important to know the history of that war, the shaping of our country today, also all the angles and sides to the conflict.

Several good books have been written. Each time I go to Fort Ridgely I learn something new.

How quickly time flies. How monumental things can become when we do not live as we should!

Keep short accounts, keep Christ’s commands, keep loving one another. War is a product of the fallen nature. Don’t you long for Christ’s kingdom?

I do.

In the USA there is an advantage to have two new years to begin each calendar year: school year counts as a beginning as well as January 1.

It’s September 2, 2023.

School starts in Minnesota the day after Labor Day. By law.

I already received my first calls to substitute teach.

I have other things to schedule in this lighter fall subbing schedule: Japan, Pennsylvania, camping at Fort Ridgely, and a quick trip to see my wonderful cousin in Arizona.

Sounds busy, right?

Japan may finally happen for us. It’s been years in the planning. Sometimes you have to strike while the iron’s hot, and the stars align. We do not know if things will all come together yet, but we are trying to make it happen.

Japanese gardens, here we come…

I finally get to meet my boss with my Chinese/American NGO this fall. We both plan to be in Pennsylvania for a conference. I get to travel with my dear friends out there, time with special people.

Remember when Ed broke his elbow last winter? We still have the flight vouchers for the trip we were to take to Arizona that day. They are only good for a few more weeks. Gotta make that happen.

Cheri loves to camp, as her dad did. Fort Ridgely was one of her favorite spots to camp. I have to remember how to hitch up the Scamp correctly and get on the road….It isn’t hard, but when you don’t do it often you forget. I am not my husband. He always knew how to do stuff like that.

Pray I do it right. There is always YouTube, but each vehicle/hitch has its variations.

Fall hayfever has made it’s appearance. My mom was talking about rosefever being spring allergies, hayfever being fall. I think it is Ragweed that makes me miserable.

More honey, more echinacea.

My brother and his family have been here from New York, also my niece and her husband, from California. My Swedish nephew-in-law got to experience the state fair last weekend. I think he may have been a bit overwhelmed, but generally he enjoyed it.

Ed, Cherie, and I went to the fair with my son’s family, —my eldest grandson. It was his first time at the fair, and he is 7. He LOVED it, and it was such a joy to experience his thrill at the fair. We had a wonderful day! Lots of people, perfect weather, just fun. I didn’t get to hear my favorite band at the fair: Ecuador Manta. They are playing each evening at the DNR building stage. I am sad I missed them, but our day was pretty full as it was.

In the midst of all this our old refrigerator quit. Spending a week without a fridge could have been worse. We hauled up the dorm fridge that is in storage. Still…

Next week the furnace will get checked. First time in 8 years…

Two windows need to be replaced. They don’t shut properly. Home ownership…

It’s been crazy busy.

My mom is tired after all of this fun, and we are ready to settle into the new routines of the new school year.

What is God doing in our hearts?

There are still days of question, grief, confusion. Having made my decision to “fortress” I am so thankful for the quieter commitments.

Life is different. Life is new.

Thanks for stopping in at Corgi Hollows. Coffee on the porch is always an option. These are golden days in Minnesota.

I imagine many like this in the Millennium. Beautiful, sweet, love-filled days.

MARANATHA!

Being a musician, I am accosted at times with random song lyrics.

This morning the temps are in the 60’s, and it really feels COLD OUTSIDE!

I guess Christmas is coming.

What a summer for me! All sorts of things sorted.

School starts in just three weeks, and I look forward to being a substitute teacher again. This summer I actually received a sweet note from one of the principals, a thank you note, for being a faithful substitute. It’s nice being appreciated.

Other things sorted were life decisions, relationships, memories, and goals.

Looking back at the past years I realized the power of grief and loss, how they affect us profoundly, coloring the whole world.

Each of us grieves in different ways, but for me it was a “shut down.”

I still functioned, for the most part, but it was barely. I was always processing.

That process continues. I’m pretty sure it will never stop, until we meet the Lord in the air.

Anyway, things march along here at Corgi Hollows.

Today our African daughter moves back to college. Next week I will attempt to organize books again. I want to have a book sale in the fall, during Corgi Hollows History Day, October 14.

I have literally thousands of books to sell. I home-schooled, so I am ready to part with many of my books.

It has been hard for me to be ruthless about purging things that I don’t need anymore.

My goal of 2023 was to simplify. I just couldn’t handle a lot of anything—–so SIMPLIFY!

That means paring down materially, too.

How much time do we actually have on this old earth? Not much. It is time to get ready for the Great Departure, the Snatching, a.k.a. The Rapture.

Because I raised a family of five children, all home-schooled, there was a great deal of Material involved; paper, books, supplies for all kinds of projects.

Most of this stuff is still useful despite the internet! It’s a challenge to pare it all down now, not just dispose of it, redeem its value, and pass it along to those who’d appreciate it.

The story of a life lived in our great country of vast wealth. We all have so much.

I’ve watched a bit of what is happening on Maui. I actually know people there. They’ve lost everything.

I am so grateful to God for His protection and care in my current situation. He has been good to me. He has provided for my needs, helped me to take care of pressures and demands.

He is my helper and my guide.

I look forward to a face-to-face with my Lord soon.

There is something about 2023 that is causing a swirl in the unseen world. What do they know, what are they hinting at?

It’s a significant time.

WE are in the season of change.

Are you ready?

I’m going to put on a sweater.

MARANATHA!

On Friday my latest grandson was born, “Casper.”

He is a beautiful baby, like his three cousins were as babies, also my dear grandchildren. God has blessed me with a lovely family.

Yes, there are “issues,” but overall I can PRAISE GOD for His goodness to me. Casper has Margaret for a mommy, and that is a blessing to him, as well. She’s been blessed with so many talents and gifts. I bless them. Pray for them with me, please!

It is a hot week in late July, and I am feeling energized. Shock! Usually I wilt in anything above 85 degrees. I’m such a Minnesota girl. Those first tinges of fall really get my blood flowing again and I can conquer mountains of work.

It was an eventful weekend at Corgi Hollows, full of activity, house guests, and wonder.

I finally got to go back to my home church, where my pastor continues his march through Genesis. I’m really affirming his messages, he preaches such interesting details!

I am a believer in many conspiracies. Look that word up. The “Conspiracy Theorist” term was invented fairly recently and it has colored the whole meaning of the original word.

Lucifer is a person who conspires. There are conspiracies. He is the ultimate practitioner of this, but many other persons conspire, dream, manipulate, and drive their own plans to fruition.

Because there is such a flow of information to field and analyze, daily, in our world, one MUST have a worldview that is rational and reasonable to exist with.

I have chosen the “young earth, Biblical inerrancy worldview.” Boy, am I glad that is my worldview! What a safe place to be in this crazy era, even though some may believe this is “conspiracy,” negatively.

I also believe in the harpazo which many like to gloss over or discount, yet it is there, plain as day, in 1 Thess. 4:17. It is a Bible story event 8 times, starting with Enoch and ending with the Bride of Christ (the church.)

I am watching for the harpazo. I believe that according to prophetic signs being fulfilled all around us today, also the astronomical signs that God gave us (the church age into the age of the Spirit’s outpouring) that Jesus is going to catch us up pretty soon.

I believe that my generation will see this event, since Israel is now a nation since 1948. This generation won’t pass away before we see this, according to prophecy.

Prophecy in Scripture is 100% fulfilled.

God sees all time. He knows. WE are about to see some of the most amazing things unfold.

As the Bride of Christ, we can anticipate a week of feasting with the Bridegroom while Jacob’s Trouble takes place on earth: really, Satan’s last stand. That week will be horrific. It is a week of years, so it will not be easy to survive it.

Many will come to Christ, and the Lord will preserve His people, miraculously, but I would much rather avoid it—if I were you.

I am a believer, covered by the blood of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. My sin is forgiven. I, therefore, know where I will be for that week: WITH JESUS.

This was not of myself, lest I should boast!

I have been through a time of darkness, much written about here on Corgi Hollows. It has been my trouble.

I am changed.

I am older, wiser, quieter. I am warier.

I am watching the world becoming swept under the influence of the Illuminati. Remember that I lived in Ingolstadt, Germany, for a year. I met a dark power there one afternoon. I did not know what it was, but my friend introduced me to this spirit and ever since I am aware of its massive influence in this realm.

Most people are completely blind to it. They do a good job of being a secret society. So much influence behind the scenes. Uncanny!

But I have no fear because even though he slay me, yet shall I live. I’m seeing my Bridegroom soon.

I’ll see those dear to me who are with him, too.

How long, Oh Lord? How long?

Soon, and very soon we are going to see the King.

MARANATHA!

By the way: Due to an exceptionally long winter I’m dealing with EXCESSIVE SHEDDING, particularly the Corgi! Corwyn needs the Furminator every single day, and she is still shedding profusely! She’s six now, and I’ve never seen it like this. I guess she is shedding six years of hair. The wood floors are carpeted in her hair. Yukichan sheds some too, but she has a light coat to begin with. The boy cats are also shedding.

I must conclude that it was the long winter. Are you seeing it too?

I run the vacuum daily.

I would love some help with the wood pile if anyone wants to spend an afternoon. I’ll pay in pizza. 🙂

My traveling foot is itching. Don’t be surprised if Miss Corgi shows up in Japan, China, or somewhere else in Asia. I miss Germany and I want to see my pen pal from 3rd grade in Sweden. I need to try out my language skills. Turkey is calling too. Greece? Cyprus? How about Israel?

Chinese is hard. I like it, though. It actually makes sense to me now.

Maybe I’ll just go spend a couple hours at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts in the Asian Art section. Options.

Would anyone be interested in a Corgi Hollows Meet-Up near the MPLS/STP airport, like the MOA this fall? I can designate a spot to meet and fellowship. You can come as you wish, introduce yourself in a safe environment and we can all encourage each other in these times. Let me know. I may just make a plan and you can plan accordingly. Remember that our Minnesota culture is very much like a totalitarian state, so think about that when you book your flight. Undercover is the word, especially at the MOA.

Corgi Hollows History Day is still planned for October 14. That is at Corgi Hollows. Message me for details. Come dressed as a character/figure from history, be prepared to tell us about your person. Time is 1 to 6 with a bonfire, Kosher hotdogs, and an informal gathering at 3:00 pm. Parking is in the hayfield across the road from the houses.

If the weather is poor we’ll meet indoors. I anticipate a brisk sunny fall day! The best the world offers in weather. Bring a dish to share if you’d like, Old fashioned Minnesota pot-luck style. I’ll have a screen house with tables for the spread.

Music will hopefully happen, too.