October

One night the ambulance needed a new computer and 

the grandkids daddy was the one to install it.

I entertained the troops while he worked.

Guess what we got!? She has been a wonderful addition to our family--I think. 

She loves everyone and is always happy to see you.

Our friends decided that now was not the time to add a dog to their family and asked if we would take her. She is a Cavashon-poodle.

One day we did apple sauce...

Hudson decided --like Ramona ---that "the first bite tastes best".

One thing about this dog...she wasn't quite house broke, this necessitates many quick trips outside in all sorts of weather.  She is suddenly my dog when she needs a trip in the dark.

Even dad likes her.

I finished and sold my first leather bag this month. 

I ordered another "cow" so that I could make a few more pieces.

We'll see where this new hobby takes me.

While internet addiction is very real (more on that later) it is good for something.

Two of the girls are learning a new language. Faith is taking Spanish at school and Hope is boning up on Mandarin. I think I will probably need to use Duolingo to help me. I used Pimsuelers before and it works, but you don't learn any characters with that method.

Thanks to the new puppy--oh she came with the name Eden--

I am now Grandma "woof" according to Hudson.

We had a Chinese meal at church the other Sunday.

Your's truly made a bunch of dumplings for dumpling soup.

There were many other wonderful dishes.

I was surprised at our PA Dutchmen and how well they took to the food.

Folding dumplings goes much faster with help.

I found a huge leather trench coat at a thrift shop...we will see what it becomes.

That girl and her/my dog!

Safety glasses for sweeping--don't you use them?

New bags in progress

It feels fake to write a whole blog post and not post about the biggest concern that is a constant hum in the back of my mind. We are realizing how strong addiction to a smart phone/computer and its games and mindless you tube videos can be. If you occupy your mind with a constant "noise" you don't have to think. There is a point when the need for the noise and constant input starts controlling all corners of your life and you can't think. I believe from what I've read and from what we are living that it really does change your brain pathways. What remains to be seen is how hard it will be to free oneself from the addiction. Will he ever be able to use a smart phone even a little bit?  It has affected school and work to the extent that we as his family aren't the only ones noticing. There have been some positive steps, but we are very much in the middle of a battle. Since we are in the middle of a 6 week challenge (he and I) I won't be on FB to read your comments (I'm off FB for 6 weeks and he is on a flip phone for the same amount of time)...put them in the comment section of the blog post or e-mail me...I'd love any help you would have.