Growing Our Life in Northern Michigan
Yesterday we enjoyed a quiet, peaceful, restful Shabbat. It was such an awesome day. When the sun set, EJ changed all the lightbulbs in the house to energy-efficient LED bulbs, which use almost no electricity and last for years. Then he got out his… Continue Reading “♪ Because I’m Happy ♫”
This blog is not primary about my faith, but my faith is woven into my life. I sometimes write about celebrating Shabbat so I thought I’d begin this post by sharing a little bit about why I celebrate it though I am not Jewish… Continue Reading “My Friend Fred”
This morning I woke up shortly after 7 a.m.–which used to be when I always woke up, but lately it is early. I made a pot of coffee and then started preparing the dough for Challah bread. Usually I braid three strands but today I… Continue Reading “Bread & Calendars”
Today was mostly almost good. I always make Challah bread on Fridays for Shabbat. I always begin making it as soon as I get up in the morning, even before I make coffee or check Facebook, because I have to prepare the dough, let… Continue Reading “Boogerized”
Yesterday we had to go to the lab for JJ’s weekly blood test. The drive to the lab was very beautiful. Last weekend’s ice storm was worse just north of us and there is still a lot of ice remaining on the trees there.… Continue Reading “Vladimir and a Thousand Terrible Things”
I think last night was JJ’s roughest night so far. I can tell when he’s not feeling well because he is unable to settle down but paces around the house. Last night even the anti-nausea medicines didn’t seem to help him. At his request,… Continue Reading “Small Delights”
The last week has been a whirlwind of busyness. The busyness exhausts us, but mostly our spirits are good. Monday morning JJ had an appointment with the surgeon who will be putting in the port on this coming Tuesday. He showed us what a… Continue Reading “Whirlwind of Busyness”
As a family, studying Hebrew has deepened our understanding of Scripture and our faith in many ways. Several years ago, we began to celebrate Shabbat, which begins on Friday evening with a romantic candlelight dinner with God during which wine and special Challah Bread… Continue Reading “The Havdalah Wine”
Early yesterday evening JJ’s computer started not charging right. Since my poor computer also has had problems charging, I texted our friend who fixes our computers and he said he’d look at JJ’s computer on Sunday. He suggested we make sure EJ’s computer is… Continue Reading “Ya’yetze”
This was one of those days when I was busy from sunrise to sunset. However, it was an enjoyable busy and an enjoyable day. I woke just before 7:30 a.m. and immediately started making challah bread. I knew we had errands to run, so… Continue Reading “Enjoyable Temptations”
Autumn is here! Every day is beautiful in autumn, no matter what the weather is. I like rainy autumn days because I feel cozy. I like sunny autumn days because the sunshine lights up the colorful trees. The two maple trees in our front… Continue Reading ““Come Little Leaves…””
Autumn has arrived and the leaves are changing colors, although they aren’t yet as beautiful as they will be in a few weeks. Even though we’ve had some warmish days, they feel cooler. The nights are definitely cooler–some nights the temperature has dipped into… Continue Reading “Autumn Chores”
The day has been one of those perfect days that occasionally arrive to refresh the spirit. The weather was absolutely beautiful. The sun was shining and the sky was blue with only a few white clouds. The temperature was warmish, but with a coolish breeze. Although the day… Continue Reading “Changing Seasons”
I woke at 8 a.m. and had to immediately begin making challah bread. Challah is a beautifully braided bread used for Shabbat. After preparing the dough, I let it raise for an hour, punch it down and let it raise for another hour, then… Continue Reading “If You Give a Woman a Shovel…”