Where Did Half the Year Go?
Looking back at the first half, and more ...
This has been another busy month. As the end of June closes in quickly, I look back and think, “Where did half the year go?”
January started off with trying to become a live organ donor for my friend, Diane. I was unsuccessful. As we reach the half-way point of 2022, Diane is still waiting on a donor. She continues to decline in health, although she is still home and getting around fairly well. She just took another trip to UVA for some medical exams.
Diane’s GoFundMe is still active. She still needs donations to help offset her expenses. If you would like more information on live organ donations you can click the button below and be taken to the UVA Living Organ Donor page.
That was quickly followed by Wayne’s rotator cuff surgery. Since he wasn’t allowed to do anything with his left arm, and that is his dominant arm/hand, he was at my mercy for several weeks. It took a total of four months for him to be released back to work. He healed nicely and is at about 98 percent of his pre-surgery strength.
February was my birthday month (well, IS my birthday month but …). Betty had eye surgery and I completed some online training with the Christian Leaders Institute (CLI) that authorized me as a “ministry” officiant. So, through their program I am authorized to perform many of the traditional ministry roles. Things such as:
Baptisms and Dedications
Funerals
The Lord’s Supper (Communion)
Care Facilities Visits
Master of Ceremony
March was when several things began hopping all at the same time! The chickens began producing eggs by the half-dozen. In my desire to reduce waste, I started working on perfecting some of my cooking and baking skills. I recorded and shared several Rumble videos on making custard pies, sauerkraut, and yogurt. I also shared a different type of storage method for fresh eggs, called liming.
March also saw several posts on thrifting, and a message on spiritual malnutrition you may with to revisit, or visit if you missed it.
April I shared information on ThriveLife foods. As a consultant for the dehydrated, and freeze-dried foods company I wanted to get the word out about specials for the month. Not long after, Dad ended up in the hospital. He was okay, but it is always stressful when he gets sick. He will be 82 years old in August and he doesn’t shake things off that easy these days.
We did get some new furniture in the guestroom. We set-up an antique dresser to serve as a dedicated workspace. There is a three-prong, and USB friendly outlet, laptop stand, calendar, note pads and more in place so guests can work comfortably while they stay with us.
I shared more thrifting ideas, finding pie plates, and Pullman pans from local thrift shops. Yes, you can buy pie plates at any store. The aluminum ones are designed for one-and-done use. You may get a couple uses out of them if you are careful. Purchasing pie plates or pans from a thrift store helps the local economy, keeps them out of the landfill, and isn’t a tremendous loss if they aren’t returned after a cookout, dinner, or when presented to someone with gifted food.
Finally for the month, I completed the required training through CLI for licensing as a Minister. So, I am not just an officiant, I am a full-fledged, licensed minister.
May saw an increase in guests for the guest room. We started with a freelance-journalist from Canada, and ended with a photographer from France! In between we hosted a Florida couple traveling north for one night, and an out-of-state contractor working in the area for a week.
I shared some home-canning information when I got a great deal on chicken. I discussed my multiple pressure canners, and transitioning some to jiggler from gauge. I taught you how to make your own iced-coffee, and discussed buying pre-owned/used/vintage canning jars for home canning of food.
With the anticipated decision by the U.S. Supreme Court on abortion rights, I reminded you that abortion, regardless of your position on it, is not the unpardonable sin.
As June wraps, and we find ourselves face-to-face with Independence Day, we have moved the chicken coop, moved plants, painted fireplace inserts, upgraded our propane grill, and more.
There is more to come in the second half of 2022! There will be more thrifting, ministry, happenings, and specials for our direct book guests, and ThriveLife customers. Be sure to subscribe while it’s free. As things progress a paid subscription will be set-up. Live streams will be developed for Rumble, Locals, Facebook, and maybe YouTube.
Be sure to share with friends who you think will enjoy reading, and learning about things here at Holstein House! Encourage them to subscribe and share as well.
Have a wonderful Independence Day Weekend!
