Copeland's Capers in Middle PA

Israel Oct.11, 2011 Day 1-2

2011-10-31T07:43:00.000-07:00

Jesse dropped me off early at State College so he could head to IL to help with babysitting while Olivia was having further cleft palate surgery.
I met the rest of the group of 13 before we boarded our short flight to Philadelphia.
From there we boarded a US Airways bus to Tel Aviv. Two hours late getting off the ground. My roommate for the trip hurt her foot quite severely so was unable to make the trip. Two weeks before our trip I tripped over our bed slats and bruised my shin and knee. One week before the trip I had pneumonia and seriously considered cancelling. Because of my knee I bought walking sticks.
As we were boarding the plane and I was looking for my seat, I saw a Muslim woman and thought "Oh I hope I don't sit with her!" Well, that was my seat! She was friendly and told me her Mother that she lived with died 6 months ago and she had spent a month in Toledo with family. As I looked at her-her hands looked like "man hands" My overactive imagination went into overtime-was she a man dressed as a woman who was a terrorist? Should I tell someone? How stupid would I feel if it were nothing? She then asked me how old I was and I replied that I turned 67 the Friday before. She then wanted me to guess how old she was. I told her that I NEVER guess ages-that I am not good at it but I said you're over 20. She then told me she was 45-so glad I didn't guess the 60 I was thinking.
My 1st views of Israel flying into Tel Aviv. Then our purple bus that was our transportation for the next few days. We rode to our 1st motel in Netanya called Blue Bay. We arrived after dark and there was a full moon for our 1st night in Israel on the bank of the Mediterranean Sea. Even though it was too dark we walked down to the beach and tried to take a picture. We arrived on the day before the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot, Feast of Booths) Leviticus 23:42-43 Live in booths for seven days: All native-born Israelites are to live in booths so your decendants will know that I had the Israelites live in booths when I brought them out of Egypt. I am the LORD your God. The full text is Leviticus 23:37-44. On this day we 1st heard of the "Shabbot" elevator. It stops on every floor so that a devout Jew would not have to do any work and push a button. We had a buffet dinner at 7 p.m. I have no clue all the types of food I ate but I do remember eating a small piece of fish that was very salty and I didn't care for that. I started out taking pictures of everything so here is the buffet and a picture of the shower in my room.

May Trip to Michigan and Illinois

2009-06-14T12:26:00.001-07:00

I wanted this at the end but...it takes too long to figure out how to upload on blogspot. Anyway Keith bought an Ultralite plane-something that doesn't make his Mother very happy!!!

Jesse, Leo, Phyllis and Elmer-Jesse's brothers and sister at our favorite Michigan restaurant for breakfast. Every egg has 2 yolks!

Keith and Linda are raising chicks for eggs and the roosters will be supper! Unfortunately the kids are naming them all and said they wouldn't eat them :-D
This should be me on the couch-I was worn out just watching Linda work. She homeschools all 4 children and is cooking continuously a diet that is helpful to Alex's digestion plus does special exercises 2 hours or more a day with Olivia and Alek. Whew!

The 10 big chickens liked it under the motorhome.

We went to the Field Museum in Chicago. Alek loves monkeys and has asked Grandpa to make him a monkey quilt.

This is my name in hieroglyphics-at least that is what the lady told me!

Heather, Kelly and Grandma Judie.

Heather has been helping out with the cooking.

Kelly and Heather next to the "chicken tractor"
It is to put the little chicks in so the big chickens don't peck them and it will be moved around the yard. I always learn something new when I visit!

Grandpa and Alek.

Grandpa and Olivia

Keith and Olivia

Me and my twin sister, Debra. Our joke is that people have trouble telling us apart! Actually she is 3 years younger but...it could be the other way around!

Me, Jeff, Thelma, Jazmend and Jynnejah

HAHS 2009 Graduation

2009-06-14T11:54:00.000-07:00

Jesse and I at the graduation party for our local high school in our new chairs. Last Sat. the chair Jesse was sitting on collapsed and caught his finger. 5 stitches and an tetanus shot and 4 hours in the ER and we were on our way. Eleven graduates from our church-all with high honors and Pastor James' daughter, Hannah was Valedictorian.
We were at Raystown Lake. It was a lovely day and a lovely party.

Antonio and his daughter, Kaleigh.
Antonio is originally from Portugal. His wife, Cindy-not pictured-met him when he was a chef on a cruise ship. We are blessed to have him in our church. Miss Piggy was the star of the graduation party.

Redbud Quilt Show-Jesse and Sandie

2009-04-30T13:04:00.000-07:00

Daisies in the Cabin-a Pam Bono design.
Jesse pieced it and I quilted it.

Close up

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My Sister's Closet Jesse pieced this quilt out of his stash and quilted it.

Redbud Quilt Show 2

2009-04-30T10:41:00.001-07:00

The Legendary Dogwood
Shirley pieced this and I quilted it.

Close up

Shirley and I with 3 ribbons. First in our category, Judge's choice and Ann Overmeyer Award (she was the founder of our guild)

Close up

Why Jesse likes quilt shows!

2009-04-30T10:32:00.000-07:00

Jesse and Mary

Jesse and Renae

Jesse's quilt-Rose Log Cabin

Jesse's Quilt-Circle of Stars

Jesse and Cilla

Jesse and Janet-Lee

Jesse and Kimmy

Jesse and Carol

Jesse Cataract Surgery

2009-03-02T08:23:00.001-08:00

Jesse right after cataract surgery on his right eye. Doesn't he look cute :-) The eye is now 20/20 for far vision. Getting the left eye done on March 10th.

Windstorm Feb. 2009

2009-03-02T08:12:00.000-08:00

This house is 2 houses away from us. Luckily for all involved the tree landed in the street and not on the two houses that were closest to it.

Unfortunately the tree knocked down at least 3 poles and we were without electricity for 2 1/2 days.

We have wood heat so we had heat and were able to heat up leftovers on the wood stove plus we could plug in our refrigerator and freezer into the generator on the motorhome.

Scrapbook Retreat

2009-01-26T12:36:00.000-08:00

This is the loft. There were 2 bunk beds and 2 bedrooms and 2 aerobeds up there. We had problems with the steps up and down to the kitchen. Two women fell. I was extremely careful going up and down. The man built them too narrow.
This is Cindy facing and Kelly behind her. There were two people assigned to each meal. We didn't go hungry!

Here is Krista-the one who planned the retreat after her shower. I got specific orders for no pictures of anyone in PJ's. Andrea is in the right background.

Marsha and I picked a room close to the bathroom-big mistake. It was something like -18 that night and no heat in our bedroom. I brought an extra quilt but my nose was frozen all night!

This is Michelle

This is a view from the stairs looking down. Cindy in the front right. Marsha in the middle and Kelly to the left. My little sewing corner is off to the right rear of the picture.

This is Lisa hard at work.

This is heading down the hill on Sunday. The owner with 4 wheel drive is delivering me to my car at his house because Fri. my car got stuck on the first hill when I hit an icy patch. I tried to back down but...the back end slipped into the snowbank. It took me and a couple of men with one driving to bounce my car out of the snowbank. Not a fun start to my weekend.
Only those with 4 wheel drive made it to the top without the owner's transportation.

Jesse's 76th Birthday

2009-01-26T12:15:00.001-08:00

Still sweethearts after 30 years!

For years Jesse has eaten prime rib for his birthday. This year we went to Texas Roadhouse because the restaurants close to us don't serve
prime rib. I was at the scrap weekend for Jesse's birthday so we celebrated the Thurs. after his birthday.

Since we were in State College, we invited Rick along.

December 2008

2008-12-28T14:27:00.000-08:00

Our sanctuary was transformed for our young people to present the musical "The Christmas Shoes" I went to see it both nights-Excellent!

We sold our first quilt. I fell in love with this quilt and asked Jesse to piece it for me so I could quilt it. Cathy fell in love with it when she saw it at the county fair and was willing to pay the price we put on it.

Christmas 2008

2008-12-28T14:14:00.001-08:00

This is a before picture. We just put up a small tree because living room is so small. It is decorated with quilted ornaments.

We haven't made a quilt for Rick for a long time. He mentioned he liked this one when he saw it in a quilt book. I picked out the fabric, Jesse pieced it and I quilted it.

I made Keith and Rick blankies years ago out of twin sheets. Linda found a twin sheet the same as Rick's old blankie. I tried to make it exactly the same but they don't make batting the same as they used to. It disintegrated when I washed it so I had to make it a little differently.

The TV that Jesse watches when he quilts lost it's remote ability so we splurged on a new TV for him so the poor baby didn't have to get up and turn the channel.

This is how I sit in my favorite chair. I didn't even think how sexy it would look when I had Jesse take my picture :-) I'm just thankful my body still bends in that position!

Thanksgiving 2008

2008-12-28T14:05:00.000-08:00

Rick went to IL for Thanksgiving so our friends Jim and Shelly Brown invited us for dinner. I took a picture of the table with all the food but...so busy eating Shelly's yummy turkey that didn't take any pictures of people. I took this picture of Jim and Shelly at our Christmas program but don't have a picture of their four

children-Ben, Byron, Jacob and Jeffrey.

Rick's Birthday 2008

2008-12-28T13:51:00.001-08:00

We got Rick two pairs of jeans. He likes Levi's Silver Tab Baggy but they are getting hard to find.

Rick sent his Bible to be rebound and then was laid off and couldn't afford to get it so it was fun to surprise him with his "new" Bible.

Tumbling

2008-10-09T15:32:00.000-07:00

All four kids are taking tumbling classes. This huge area is in a small town called Pecatonica. They also had rooms for different kinds of dance lessons.

Here they are after tumbling. Heather (who is now taller than her Grandma-isn't that awful?), Kelly, Alek and Olivia

Oriental Museum

2008-10-09T15:23:00.000-07:00

Linda took Rick, me and the kids to this museum on the University of Illinois's campus. They are currently studying ancient civilizations. We took about 2 hours looking at everything but it is a place that you could spend a lot more time.

Note the size of the man on the left.

They had some huge pieces but I didn't write down what everything was.

We also visited a large cathedral that was close. Olivia was wondering if they served snacks (her church serves snacks between Sunday School and church)

Visit with Jeff and Thelma, Debra

2008-10-09T15:05:00.000-07:00

Jeff, Marcuise, and Rick

From the left Jaydis (youngest) Jynnejah (oldest) and Jazmend (2nd oldest) Jeff called them "the wrecking crew". They were well behaved when we were visiting!

Thelma, chef extraordinaire. We visited and Thelma cooked. She did a wonderful job. Yum! Already looking forward to the next visit!

Deb couldn't come to Jeff's house so we went to visit her the night before we left. Another yummy meal! I can't believe I only gained 2# on this visit.

September in Illinois

2008-10-09T14:44:00.000-07:00

Heather made me a crown.

Alek likes to dress up. Here he is using his Davey Crockett hat and a track as a cane to dress up as an old man. Below he is a cowboy.

Grandpa with Olivia and Alek.

This is not a picture that makes Grandma happy :-( Too many people and no helmets!

Togetherness!

Digger O'Dell

2008-08-21T15:45:00.000-07:00

This is our front yard when we returned from IL. Bob couldn't find the leak but the crawl space is now dry.

This is the view from our bedroom as Bob begins to dig a ditch from our crawl space to Muddy Run, a small creek behind our house. He is trying to get the water out of our crawl space which has come up through the shale.

He is really concentrating!

What now?

Rest period.

The water is starting to flow out of the crawlspace.

Water is flowing out!

Looking at the back of the house after it is filled. Need to start getting more wood. It was 40 degrees this a.m. and it is only August!

Looking towards the creek and Bob's (Digger O'Dell) house.

NEPALA

2008-08-21T15:13:00.001-07:00

NEPALA stands for Northeast PA Longarm. We meet four times a year in Wilkes-Barre. This is our show and tell. This pattern is Yellow Brick Road which I pieced and quilted and it is a Christmas present.
Barb T on the left is our hostess for the day.

This pattern is Delectable Mountains. I pieced it and Jesse quilted it. It will be my Christmas quilt because my antique Christmas quilt has begun to disintegrate.
Ruth Y is on the left.

This pattern is called Paint Chips. Jesse made it with fabrics he had collected. He pieced and quilted it. For the quilting pattern he took pictures of paint brushes and rollers and made line drawings-a pantograph and quilted it following the drawings with a laser light.

This is the back of Paint Chips. Jesse pieced together the back with leftover fabric.

This pattern is called Secret Garden. Jesse pieced and quilted this quilt.

This pattern is called Easy Elegant Lonestar. I pieced and quilted it. It will be donated to our local Soroptomist Club and they will chance it off for Huntingdon County Pride (former Easter Seals), Huntingdon House (abused women's shelter) and our local Food Bank.

Judge's Choice

2008-08-21T15:04:00.000-07:00

I asked Jesse to buy this kit because I fell in love with the colors. He pieced it and I quilted it. Harvest Spice won Judge's Choice at our local Huntingdon County Fair.

Crash Copeland

2008-06-07T06:53:00.000-07:00

Jesse is considering not letting me drive anymore :-)
I was delivering a meal to an elderly couple in our church. They have a grass driveway. I parked the car as it began raining. Inside their house as I am visiting I notice that my car is moving down the hill behind their house. I ran out of the house to watch it slam into a tree.

I praise the Lord that it is fixable but of course, our 1996 has no collision insurance. The only thing I can think is that I didn't get the emergency brake on well. I am very distressed that my new to me car is now broken.

Flowers and Oil Change

2008-06-01T11:56:00.001-07:00

My Mother's Day present survived the trip from IL to PA.

The house I grew up in in IL had Bridal Wreaths along the front of the house. I thought they were beautiful so I planted one at the side of my house. We arrived home to see it in full bloom.

Jesse is helping Rick change the oil in his car.

Debra's House

2008-06-01T11:36:00.001-07:00

Debra is now a Master Gardener. We enjoyed the beauty and serenity of her backyard.

For those who know the sister joke, this is my twin sister, Debra. People have trouble telling us apart since we look so much alike:-)

Keith and Linda's

2008-05-31T15:32:00.001-07:00

The big news at Keith's house was his new truck. He will be driving for a logging company. He is excited that a decision was finally made.

There was a drive in fly in breakfast at the local airport the day after we arrived. Keith was cooking eggs. Kelly, Olivia and Heather and I were checking out the planes but it was soooo cold!

Grandpa and Alek traded cowboy hats. Alek always says, "Yipee Ki Yay, Grandpa!"

Visit with Jeff and Thelma

2008-05-31T15:24:00.000-07:00

We stopped by Jeff's Juke Joint on the way to Keith and Linda's house. Thelma worked hard while Jeff, Jesse and I chatted. Jeff recently quit his job and rededicated his life to Jesus. He seemed so much more at peace than I have seen him in a long time and he looked much better also.

Thelma was being goofy for the photos!

Visit With Melvin

2008-05-31T15:18:00.001-07:00

The four brothers pose for a picture.
Elmer and Leo were visiting from MI.
Left to right: Jesse, Leo, Mel, and Elmer.

Melvin's stepson, Billy brought his little Hot Dog over for us to cuddle.

Another stepson, Dave and I.

Rick's Kitty

2008-05-31T15:12:00.000-07:00

A stray kitty has found a home with Rick. He tried to find his owner without any success and so "Kitty" has found a new home.

MQX Webcam

2008-05-13T06:32:00.001-07:00

Rick took pictures on his computer while we were waiting to wave at him and the grandchildren on the MQX webcam. We did this when they were in Africa the year before. It was kind of neat.

We rented a wheelchair this year as Jesse's legs were giving out by the end of the day. I emailed a couple of people that I was hoping that pushing him around would get rid of this flabby stuff under my arms :-)

Redbud Quilt Show

2008-04-29T16:36:00.000-07:00

I pieced this quilt and Jesse quilted it. It is called Delectable Mountains. It will be my Christmas quilt.

Jesse got a first on his quilt called
Secret Garden.

I like clothes so I made a Christmas sweatshirt jacket.

This is my 8th Prophetic Quilt called Convergence.

The name of this quilt is called
Red, White and Wonderful. I asked Jesse to piece it for me so I could quilt it. It turned out beautiful.

This an original Jesse creation called
Daisy Star.

Spring in PA

2008-04-28T07:30:00.001-07:00

Jesse grew this Redbud tree from a seed when the original one was damaged when they were putting in a new sewer in our side yard.

I don't know if this is unique to Huntingdon but there is a "Spring Cleanup Day". It is announced in the paper and on the radio. People put all kinds of junk on the curb. It then sits there 1-2 weeks while trucks and cars slowly peruse the piles to see if there is anything they can use. Someone's trash is another's treasure. Then a big dump truck comes through and loads up the leftovers.

This is the crabapple tree in our front yard. Some years it is more beautiful than others.

This is our neighbor's Forsythia bush.

These are wild violets in our yard.

Rick Helping Out

2008-04-16T17:51:00.001-07:00

Rick came down the other day to help out with some chores. He didn't think Grandma should get on the roof of the motorhome. It is easy getting up but I wasn't sure I would be able to get down. We have had some wind storms so he helped Jesse pick up sticks in the yard.

Miscellaneous March 2008

2008-04-16T17:23:00.000-07:00

Rick needed a new car so he and Jesse picked up a Jetta for sale in the D.C. area. I went from a white car to red and he went from red to white.

Table set for Easter dinner before it was devoured. Yummy ham!

Doesn't Grandpa look cute! His head was getting cold so I crocheted him a chemo cap. I made one for a man at church who has lost all his hair from chemotherapy.

We went to a quilt show in Lancaster PA the first part of April and this is part of the scenery of the area.

March for Life

2008-01-23T16:14:00.000-08:00

This picture came from http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2008_docs/Marchphotos.htm
Can you see part of the 225,000 people who marched?

I was led by the Lord to attend the 35th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade by attending the March for Life in Washington D.C. It was a cold and windy day but I was dressed warmly. I went on a bus and then we took the metro to the area of the Mall where the March began. Since we were early, I went to the Smithsonian to quickly view the African exhibit. I would have stayed longer but didn't want to miss the ceremony. I became separated from the group and didn't connect again until I got back to the bus. We were told it would last 1-1.25 hours but it was 2 hours until the march began. Most of the speakers were pro-life congressmen and some spoke very powerfully. A black minister from Frederick MD spoke about the holocaust done to black people through abortion. Someone asked for all those under 25 to raise their hands and then look to the right and the left where there was a space which represented those of their age group that were aborted. It reminded me of Zambia where the generation of the 30ish age have virtually been eliminated because of AIDS. Cal Thomas recently wrote "Depending on how one counts the number of abortions per year since 1973, more than 50 million people who might have been are not. These were people who, regardless of the circumstances of the women who carried them, had the potential to contribute to the country and to the world. But now they cannot, because they are not." The last to speak at the March were 2 Rabbi's and one blew the shofar-he blew the victory sounds on the shofar.

This is the largest peaceful gathering in Washington D.C. but the mainline media refuse to cover this march. I came to the march about 25 years ago. The opposition was much more vocal and violent at that time.

The end of the march was the Supreme Court Building.

The media didn't approve of the march but God did. As our bus began the drive out of DC there was a complete rainbow that surrounded the bus. The picture doesn't do it justice. It was awesome!

Jesse's 75th Birthday

2008-01-23T13:25:00.000-08:00

The morning started with making a family recipe for redcake.

I began adding the flour but...after putting some in the cake the rest of the flour fell on the floor. I considering trying to pick it up but since it had sunk into the rug, I decided it wasn't a good idea. I wasn't sure how much flour I had already added so I wasn't sure how much more to add. I did the best I could with what I had hoped would be a "special" 75th birthday cake. Then I forgot and stepped into the flour with my bare foot. YUK!

Here is the Birthday Boy! We have been coming to this restaurant for the last couple years for prime rib when the restaurant we had gone to for more than 25 years closed. We were so disappointed when we were told they no longer served it! Rotten red cake and no prime rib!

Friends Mike and Beth

Friends Marsha and Larry

Jesse and Rick

Jesse and I

Old Friends after Christmas

2007-12-29T13:14:00.000-08:00

Rick's good friend all through grade school, high school and after.
Rick, Tara and their daughter Alyssa

Santa's Elves. Jesse, Rick's Dad-Rick and his Mom, Susie

Christmas Day

2007-12-29T13:07:00.000-08:00

We were invited to a neighbor's house for Christmas dinner. It was quite a change from our usual tradition but we had a lovely time.

Jesse, Delores, Kristen (Delores' granddaughter)

Christmas in PA

2007-12-29T12:36:00.001-08:00

I like to take a picture of our tree every year with the presents under it but we had already taken the presents to IL.

Making the white sauce for scalloped potatoes in my new Zambian apron.

I bought Jesse a couple of sweatshirts. He rarely wears anything but short sleeve shirts but sometimes he get a little cold.

Opening one of my presents.

Rick and one of his new shirts.

Melvin the Miracle

2007-12-29T12:30:00.000-08:00

Melvin was able to be taken off the respirator and breath on his own. It was a miracle.

Our goodbye's to Melvin. This is Sunday Dec. 16th. We are heading back to PA tomorrow and we are heading home to PA.

Christmas in IL

2007-12-29T12:20:00.000-08:00

I made everyone red sweatshirts and embroidered cute animals on them. Some turned out good and some were marginal. I'm not sure I will ever get that embroidery machine under control. It was fun anyway.

We drove up to IL from MO the day after an ice storm. We slept in the motorhome but no water because the connections were frozen and even the antennae on the roof was frozen down. We drove back and forth to the house. I walked if the wind wasn't blowing too hard but went up to the road and around as the snow was covered in ice. BRRR!

We got a call that Jesse's brother may be taken off the respirator and probably die so we cut our IL visit short and headed back to MO. This is the ice at one of the rest areas.

Trip to Chicago

2007-12-29T12:07:00.001-08:00

Rick, Kelly, Linda, Olivia, Heather, Shirl (Linda's Mom)
We took the train into Chicago and took "the girls" to the American Girl store. It is unbelievable all the "stuff" you can buy for these dolls. Rick was interested in coming with us because he had gone to the store in New York and bought a couple of presents for Heather and Kelly.
He was surprised how clean Chicago looked compared to New York.

We ate lunch at The Cheesecake Factory. Olivia loved it because it looked so "weird in there". She kept taking me into the bathroom to look at all the different looking items in there especially the sink.

Alek's Birthday in IL

2007-12-29T11:53:00.000-08:00

Grandma Judie, Kelly, Heather, Background: Uncle Rick and Aunt Debra, Alek, Olivia, Me and Pat-Don's wife. Pat graciously invited Jesse and I and any of our side of the family to a birthday party for Alek and other Oct. and Nov. birthdays. She made her very first red cake. She won the prize for the best as she made double frosting! Who would have thought it would make such a difference! Now we will have to change the cherished family recipe to include double frosting.

Hugs, Hugs and More Hugs!

2007-12-27T12:47:00.000-08:00

The one thing I especially wanted from Zambia was this apron. We couldn't find one while I was there. Linda searched and searched and finally had a lady make me one for my birthday. It is a cherished present.

Grandpa is always showing the kids something. Here he is showing them their pictures on our computer. They just love looking at them.

Uncle Rick was able to make a visit and as always they were thrilled to play with him. Heather is about 1/4" shorter than me this Oct.

Grandpa's Present

2007-12-27T12:39:00.000-08:00

Kelly carried this warthog all the way from Zambia for Grandpa. Sorry Kelly but Grandma thinks it is UGLY!

Tough Old Bird!

2007-08-08T12:10:00.001-07:00

Grandpa in intensive care at Punxutawney Hospital. He needed to get 4 units of blood. He didn't look this good when he was admitted.

Grandpa was discharged on Fri. Aug. 3rd
and he was putting the binding on his quilt
on Aug. 4th and we delivered quilts to
the fair in the afternoon.

Guess it was worth the effort-Grandpa
got a first place ribbon on his quilt and
he was in consideration with 2 other quilts
for Best of Show. One of these days.
Then we will surely have to buy him
a bigger hat. Yippee-Ki-Yay! Alek.

Mahaffey Camp 2007 #2

2007-07-27T05:39:00.001-07:00

Grandma with Chris Fisher-one of the elders
of my church and also our VW mechanic-
one of the best.

Grandma and Pastor James and his bike.

Ann and Jim Hemminger, missionaries to
Brazil. We invited them to supper and it poured
down rain so we had to squeeze into the motorhome.
Good fellowship. Ann came on missionary tour
to our church 2 years ago and we just clicked so
I was thrilled to be with her at Mahaffey. She
looks a little sad here but she is funny and
she is powerful in the Spirit when she speaks.

My friend and prayer partner, Marsha Closz

Mahaffey Camp 2007

2007-07-27T05:20:00.001-07:00

Grandpa is hanging the lights on our motorhome

Grandpa beside a favorite bike

This is the 1st Sunday at Mahaffey Camp-
the family camp for the Western District
of the Christian & Missionary Alliance Church
There was a "Freedom Ride" I heard
estimates of 150-200 motorcycles.

Quilt Guild

2007-07-27T05:16:00.000-07:00

This is our Quilt Guild picnic. It is my last meeting
as President of the guild. After 4 years, I am ready
to be finished.

My 45th Class Reunion

2007-07-19T08:52:00.001-07:00

My cousin Esther took this picture of Grandma and Grandpa at Grandma's 45th class reunion in Dixon IL.

Boalsburg Arts Festival

2007-07-16T02:51:00.000-07:00

I signed Uncle Rick up to win a new car. We got our picture taken that Saturn put on the internet so I downloaded it for this blog. When Uncle Rick got off work, he met Grandpa and I for supper. Got off work-such a wonderful sound after so many years.
Thank you Jesus!

Grandpa and His Tomatoes, etc.

2007-07-05T10:05:00.003-07:00

Flowers in front of our house-mixture of
moss rose and petunias

Jesse planted 2 tomato bushes in pots-
Our neighbor Bev watered them while we
were out of town-I love tomatoes on anything!

There is a new Veteran's Park in Dixon on the
corner where you turn to go to the White
House (which was closed-I'm hoping not
permanently) Grandpa Spangler and Uncle Olie
each have a step in the cement.

This is our old house on 3rd Street. The picture
doesn't really show how dumpy it looked
from the street.

Grandpa-My Oldest Kid

2007-07-05T10:05:00.002-07:00

We plugged our motorhome in
at Esther and John's house. John
had a toy radio control airplane
that he got at Target so Grandpa
had to buy one when we got to
Michigan.

Grandma in front of Uncle Jeff's shop

Visiting Family

2007-07-05T10:05:00.001-07:00

Jeff works at Etnyre's in Oregon IL but he and Thelma share a shop which they recently moved to Rock Falls IL. That's my brother!

Jeff and Thelma Spangler

Grandma, Uncle Jeff and Aunt Debra
We spent a nice afternoon outside in Jeff's
backyard visiting after lunch at La Familia,
a yummy Mexican restaurant. We couldn't talk
Thelma into taking time off work.

Grandma, Uncle Jeff, Aunt Debra and Grandma Judie

Uncle Ronnie

2007-06-28T06:14:00.001-07:00

This is the family that was able to be there for the interment. We are in IL for my 45th class reunion but we came early for Uncle Ronnie's interment.

This is a picture of Uncle Ronnie in his younger days. If you are old enough to remember James Dean, that is who he resembles.

Trip to Houston MO

2007-06-05T06:15:00.001-07:00

Grandpa at Big Piney River

Grandpa and his younger brother, Mel, at Big Piney River in Houston MO. Mel said that Big Piney is the only river in MO that flows from south to north.

Grandma at Big Piney River

After visiting Big Piney River, we went to the graveyard and took pictures of gravestones of deceased family members-doesn't that sound exciting! Grandpa was born in the house that once stood in this area. He said that stump in the front was one of 2 orginal birch trees that stood in front of the house.

Jesse and Bobbie

2007-06-02T04:29:00.001-07:00

Jess's nephew Bobbie opened a new butcher shop in January in Festus MO. The meat looks yummy!

Travel to MO

2007-06-01T13:56:00.000-07:00

Entering IL on route 70 West. Home Sweet Home!

Jefferson Barracks Bridge over the Mississippi River. Still in IL but enter MO just after getting over the river.

The Mighty Mississippi River. The river is a little low right now.

Little Red and Spring

2007-05-04T15:27:00.000-07:00

This is my new car "Little Red"-don't know why I decided to name it but I did. It is 1 year older than my old car and has 162,000 miles but so far it seems to be a very nice car. It cost less than fixing mine if they could find the parts. It seems very strange to look in the side mirrors and see red instead of white. We have had white cars since 1981.

We have been blessed to finally see Spring arrive. The first picture is our crabapple tree. It usually begins to get blooms and then it turns cold and they are frozen. Only one other year has it bloomed so fully.

I bought this redbud tree years ago for Jesse for Father's Day. When they put in some sewer pipes they cut the roots and it is not as beautiful as it once was.

Jesse started this Redbud tree with seeds from the original tree. It took about 2 years until he could plant it outside and now look at it!

This is an apple tree I bought from QVC. It was called a one apple pie tree. The apples are supposed to get so big that you only need one for an apple pie. As with the other trees, the blossoms often get frozen so maybe this will be the year for apple pie!

Machine Quilter's Expo in Manchester NH

2007-04-15T10:42:00.000-07:00

Grandpa won 3rd place in the Men's Category at MQX. The pattern is called Links and it was designed by Dereck Lockwood.

This is a front on view of the quilt.

This is the other quilt that Grandpa entered. It is called Rose Log Cabin and the pattern was designed by Deloa Jones.

The wonders of technology! We are at the show talking on the phone to Rick and he is watching us on a webcam on his computer. Our children and grandchildren in Zambia Africa missed us this day so we set up a time for the next day. Here I am waving to them!!!

My Car is Broken

2007-04-04T16:01:00.000-07:00

Right front got the heaviest damage.

The engine runs so maybe my "baby" can be fixed.

Chris had to cut out my airbag to get in the car and move it,

Quilt Guild Retreat

2007-04-04T15:48:00.001-07:00

Grandpa won 3 prizes. He won a regular drawing. Then he guessed the closest number of empty spools in a jar. I pulled his name for the grand prize of Gingher scissors. They may not enter us in the drawings for next year :-)

Marsha is hard at work sewing.

Grandpa is checking out one of his prizes.

Jesse?

2007-03-17T08:30:00.000-07:00

I think I married the mountain man! No teeth and I don't think he has shaved for 4 days. What is a woman to do?

Snow 3/17/07

2007-03-17T08:24:00.000-07:00

We're not sure how much snow we have. It was such a heavy snow that it just seemed to sink into itself. In PA they always talk about 2 last snows-the sapling bender and the onion snow. Hope this is the last sapling bender!

Middle of March?

2007-03-16T17:15:00.000-07:00

We had 70 degree weather 2 days ago and then almost 60 yesterday and then it got cold and began snowing. This about 5 p.m. on 3/16/07. They are predicting 10-12" right now. It is to snow until tomorrow sometime. They are calling it a Nor'Easter. Come Spring Come!!!!

Alliance Women 3/15/07

2007-03-16T17:12:00.000-07:00

I did a presentation for our Alliance Women on my trip to Africa.

Sharing Zambia Africa Trip

2007-03-13T11:23:00.000-07:00

On March 11, 2007 I spoke at a small church in Huntingdon about my trip to Zambia Africa. 2nd picture is Gail on the left and Rosie on the right looking at some of the items I brought back with me.

True Love

2006-12-31T12:37:00.000-08:00

Rick is helping me set up a new webpage for my business. We have a page called About Us so I wanted a picture of the two of us. I had to keep reminding Jesse to look at me and smile.

Christmas at the Copeland's

2006-12-27T02:55:00.000-08:00

We spent Christmas Eve at our church's candlelight service. We have many talented people that presented Christmas songs via voice, drum, flutes, guitar and piano. I am in the choir and we sang 3 songs from our Christmas cantata and then sang "Joy to the World" while everyone held up their lit candles.

A few years ago we started putting up a small Christmas tree. This is a "before" picture.
It is unique because many of the ornaments are made by our quilt guild.

I got Rick and Jesse earmuffs.
Jesse doesn't like getting his hair messed up!

Rick got a surprise!
I bought Star Wars fabric about 3 years ago and I finally made it into a lap quilt and 2 pillows.

Christmas at the Copeland's continued

2006-12-26T17:39:00.000-08:00

Table is set for a yummy ham dinner.

Do I have to wait for a picture?

Who's turn is it to pray?

On Jan. 11th I am leaving for Zambia, Africa for 3 weeks to see my kiddos. Christmas presents and requests for goodies. Sure hope I make it through customs and my suitcases are not overweight.

Myrtle Beach October 2006

2006-10-24T02:56:00.000-07:00

The view north on the beach

The view south on the beach

People surf fishing.

Playing with the big boys! We were 8 lots from the ocean and could hear the tide coming in with the waves crashing.

Sunrise at Myrtle Beach. One of the things I miss in PA is sunrises. It is light out before the sun comes over the mountains. We took walks on the beach at sunrise 2 mornings and the 3rd morning it was raining so we walked around the campground.

Grandpa held the camera and took a picture of us. This trip was a getaway and to celebrate our 28th anniversary which was Oct. 23rd.

Time of Refreshing

2006-09-09T15:35:00.000-07:00

I was asked to speak at Springs of Living Water Fellowship on 9/9/06. In the morning I gave my testimony and I am praying for Pastor Katie while Pastor Cookie looks on.

On 9/30/06 Jenny Hagemeyer, the lady in pink, will be leading a team of ladies for a Renewal at our church.
The lady next to me is Vita which means life. When you listen to my testimony, you will see how God used her to facilitate further healing in my life.

Melissa Trout helped me display my quilts. These two quilts are called Jewel Box Quilts. In the KJV of the Bible in Malachi 3:17 "They shall be Mine," says the LORD of hosts, "On the day that I make them My jewels. And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him."
I pointed that while the one is big and flashy and the other smaller and more subdued-that we are all precious in God's sight. Each one of us are God's Jewels.

Rick's Baptism 7/23/06

2006-08-01T15:30:00.000-07:00

Pastor Aaron counseling Rick and Wendy-two of 12 baptismal candidates.

Rick giving his testimony.

Coming up!

Pastor Aaron, Uncle Rick and Grandma. Another answer to prayer.
God is so good!!

Getting ready for Mahaffey

2006-07-18T07:59:00.000-07:00

We are getting ready to go to Mahaffey. Yesterday I cleaned out the inside and Grandpa helped me load the table and chairs in the overhead. The weather was 92 plus very high humidity. Grandpa said it wasn't fun anymore. Today he loaded some of the other things to go. Because of the heat, we can only do a little at a time. The getting ready and the unloading when we come home are the worst part of the trip.

Silly Grandma

2006-07-18T07:55:00.000-07:00

Every Tues. at Curves they ask you to wear a different kind of T shirt. One week it was purple, another week-red, white, and blue. This week is was a t shirt with a funny saying or a funny picture. This is Grandpa's t shirt that I wore. My name goes in a sack and each month there is a drawing for a Curves T shirt.

Dick and Deb's Wedding

2006-05-30T11:46:00.000-07:00

Lonnie, Kathyrn, Dick and I believe his cousin.
Anelle watches while Jennifer and Suzi light the candles.

Tom giving away the bride.

Jeff made it!
You may now kiss the bride!
Presenting Mr. & Mrs. Richard Baldwin

Deb's Granddaughter Anelle was a junior bridesmaid.

My youngest brother, Jeff, and me.

Judie and me.
Jennifer and Suzi
My sister Kathy and her husband, Tom. Note the paddle wheel boat in the background.

Jesse and Me-note the spiffy new green shirt and matching tie.
Thelma, Jennifer and Me dancing to the banjo player on the top deck.

Yummy looking cake.

They were very polite with the cake sharing!

Suzi's Graduation Party

2006-05-30T11:38:00.000-07:00

Another yummy cake! Congrats to Suzi!

Suzi in red and her sister, Jennifer

Debra, newlywed, Jennifer, Me and Kathy

Me, cousin Bonnie-formerly New Orleans now Burr Ridge IL and my youngest sister, Kathy

Suzi, Joyce-John's wife, John-Suzi's Dad and Jennifer

Foiling the Robin

2006-05-05T17:58:00.000-07:00

We had a pesky robin keep trying to build her nest on top of the outside light. Grandpa put an ice cream bucket on upside down. We think she put her nest in the crabapple tree instead.

New Car

2006-05-05T17:47:00.000-07:00

Grandma and Grandpa have been very frustrated with car problems the last 2 months with the family emergencies we have dealt with. We have been looking for a new car. We looked at Toyota dealership after our trip to MI. We then looked again before our trip to NH. The salesman said that the Camry's were selling as quickly as they came in. So I prayed that if we were to buy this car that there would be a white or silver Camry when we went back to look. We didn't go up to the dealership for more than a week after our trip and they had a white Camry so we bought it. It is roomy both inside and in the trunk and it is an automatic which will make it easier to drive in traffic. Mileage of course, not as good as VW diesel.

Redbud Quilt Show

2006-05-05T17:42:00.000-07:00

Grandma is demonstrating at our local quilt show

Grandpa Wins!

2006-04-21T14:23:00.000-07:00

Grandpa won two 2nd place ribbons at the 2nd largest machine quilting show in the US. Someone was teasing him that he would need a bigger hat! Tonight we go to a banquet and he will go up front to get his prize money. He lost a tooth out of his plate so the prize money will probably pay for that. He has been the star this week with everyone congratulating him and hugging him. You know how he loves his hugs. That is what I miss the most. I have my grandchildren necklace on today so I am telling everyone about my "babies".

Quilting Bee at CMA Church

2006-03-04T07:29:00.000-08:00

Grandpa showing off his quilt. He put the binding on his Rose Log Cabin quilt. Grandma is busy sewing on some placemats that will be donated to the quilt guild to raise money at our quilt show. Our friend Mary made a lovely teddy bear quilt for a new baby. She made an unusally attractive back for this one.

Wood for heating

2006-02-18T14:41:00.000-08:00

Grandpa got a downed tree from Larry and Marsha and he has to split the wood to fit in our furnace.

Grandpa sewing on the Gammill Machine

2006-02-18T14:38:00.000-08:00

Grandpa is sewing on one of the customer quilts.

Valentine's Dinner

2006-02-18T13:42:00.000-08:00

The youth of our church are starting to raise money to go to Life 2007 (a large gathering of youth held every 3 years in different areas of the US) Life 2007 will be in Orlando FL.
They served a wonderful Valentine's Day dinner. Grandma and Grandpa had a wonderful time. Grandpa sat next to Mike Long and Grandma next to his wife, Beth-a good friend of Grandma's. Next is my best friend and prayer partner, Marsha at a different table and across from her is her husband, Larry. Another lady that I pray with is Sue Hoover. She is dressed as Martha Washington and wrote and produced a style show called "Clothing through the ages" She has some period costumes and what she didn't have-she made. She is very creative!

Sewing at Church

2006-02-05T10:31:00.000-08:00

Once a month our guild goes to the fireside room at the church and sews all day long. Grandma gets a lot of work done on these days. Grandpa is making a very special quilt that has a black background and beautiful colored stars. He is making binding to put on the edge once it is quilted. He is having a hard time deciding what colors to use. I think he ended up with all of them. Grandma is working on a pillow for our quilt challenge. It is a log cabin heart. She is going to donate it for a door prize for our local quilt show.

Trip to Michigan

2006-01-31T17:26:00.000-08:00

On Friday Jan.27th we left to drive to MI to see Grandpa's brother, Vern, who was sick. Grandma finally had to drive so Grandpa could take a nap. Saturday Grandpa and his brothers and sister played poker for a couple of hours. Sunday Grandma and Grandpa went to a lovely Baptist Church in Bridgman with Grandpa's ex-brother in law. We went out to lunch with Ron and his wife and then spent about 2 1/2 hours with Vern. Mon. a.m. we had to go visit the quilt shop and then another 1 1/2 hours with Vern and his wife, Barb and then we headed to Buchanan MI and had lunch with Carrie and then she gave us a tour of Life Action Ministries
and Revive Our Hearts and the Life Action Campground. We didn't stay too long but it was wonderful to connect with Carrie again. Tues. we headed back to PA.

2006-01-25T13:25:00.000-08:00

Wait until you see this quilt that Grandpa is making. He has several small stars that are pieced with eensy pieces and there is one large star in the middle with a small one in the middle of that one. It is going to be stunning! Grandma is starting to work on her Glory quilt. I hope I didn't bite off more than I can chew. It is very tedious work-both quilts will be unusual and both are so different.

Our Day on 1/18/06

2006-01-18T13:50:00.000-08:00

Grandpa is taking a nap this afternoon. Notice he keeps the TV clicker in his hand:-) Grandma has been working hard on Heather's birthday present. Sure hope we get it mailed off soon.
Grandpa sure enjoyed hearing all his grandchildren yesterday.

Celebrating Grandpa's Birthday

2006-01-15T05:04:00.000-08:00

Grandpa and Grandma celebrated Grandpa's birthday a couple of days early. We went with Marsha and Larry to a local restaurant called Mimi's and had our once a year splurge on prime rib. We had a pear salad and a yummy dessert that we split. This is how we spent part of our Christmas money. Thank you! As always seems to happens when we celebrate Grandpa's birthday the weather is crazy. It went from 55 degrees in the morning to almost an inch of blowing snow in the late afternoon. Brrrrr!

Quilting

2006-01-15T04:53:00.000-08:00

On Jan 14th the Quilt Show committee met to begin sewing to make items to sell at the quilt show. Grandpa learned how to sew zippers into little bags. Pat and Deanna are discussing how big to cut the large pieces of fabric which will be sold in 1 or 1/2 yard cuts. Lee, Grandma and Marlene are cutting fabric into 6 1/2" pieces and sorting into fabric colors. Cathy, Jeanette are sewing in zippers and Tracey is folding and tying fat quarters into bundles. Close up of Jeanette sewing in a zipper. Another view of Marlene, Lee and Grandma. Cathy and Jeanette hard at work with the zippers.

Christmas at the Copelands

2005-12-26T02:32:00.000-08:00

Grandpa is cooking biscuits and gravy. A favorite of his and Uncle Rick. Rick is munching on his. Grandma likes her biscuits with butter and jelly better but if you have to eat biscuits and gravy, Grandpa makes the best. Our Christmas tree before opening presents.

Mahaffey Camp

2005-08-01T07:11:00.000-07:00

Grandma and Grandpa just returned from church camp. Wanted you to see a little of the scenery in what is called the West trailer court. Because we are on a hill, Grandpa has to put us up on blocks on one side. He needs to get some new blocks. These are getting kind of old and rickety. If he doesn't put the jack stands underneath the motorhome (which have to be put on blocks also), inside it feels as if you are bouncing and that the motorhome will topple over. We had some bad weather at the beginning of camp but until my awning starts billowing I don't worry too much. God sent about an hour of fireworks in the middle of the night the 2nd night-continuous lightning and thunder and rain. There was one night that they hearded us up into the dining hall after the evening service. The wind was not blowing nor was it even raining a lot so Marsha and I went back to the motorhome where she took her shower before heading to her tent camper. The morning speaker was the Greek professor from Toccoa Falls College in GA. He was OK as long as he stuck to the the text but I disagreed with a couple of his conclusions. Apparently several Pastors did also. It was more like a class room than a church service. The man in the evening service was Joe Phillips-he preached under the anointing of the Holy Spirit and was excellent. As always the 7 a.m. prayer meeting and the afternoon Fresh Breeze service were great. But...we are glad to be home. This week is getting things done to put in the fair and Bible school and next week is fair week in Huntingdon County.

Dyeing Fabric

2005-07-20T15:44:00.000-07:00

Today Grandpa helped me dye fabric. Well, actually Grandpa did most of the work. I did a 9 patch batik block exchange with an online group and when they are all put together, they will measure 108 x 117-a very large quilt. If I wanted to buy the batik backing, it would cost a fortune so we decided to dye 2 pieces of white muslin fabric that we already had. One in purple and one in raspberry for another quilt. They both came out darker than I wanted but they will do. I did not want white backing on either of these quilts. Batiks are probably my very favorite fabric. On Friday we will be leaving for our Mahaffey Church Camp. Grandpa will help set me up. I will have him take a couple of pictures of our camp site. Again, somewhere I imagined camping with my grandchildren someday but...God had other plans. Pray for Grandma. She misses you more than she thought she would.

People's Choice Arts Festival

2005-07-19T18:34:00.000-07:00

Last Thurs. we met Uncle Rick in Boalsburg and went to the People's Choice Arts Festival. His friend, Charla, walked around with us. Usually I find some Christmas presents here but nothing I saw said, "Buy me." We saw an old friend, Nikki, and her new husband, Adam, and new baby. Uncle Rick will be working with Adam for a couple of weeks. Adam does network wiring.

US Silica Picnic July 10th

2005-07-19T09:37:00.000-07:00

Grandpa and I went to his company picnic after church a couple of Sunday's ago. It is in an amusement park that is geared to younger children. Grandma felt a twinge of sadness as she walked by the rides and knew that she would not be able to take her grandchildren there and watch them enjoy the rides and excitement as other Grandparents in the park were doing. She did not wallow in her sadness but indeed thanked God that He had a greater purpose for her children and grandchildren. Grandpa and I always play miniature golf and Grandma tries her very best to beat him. I was ahead by 1 stroke for a couple of holes but always seem to blow it at the end of the game and Grandpa won by 2 strokes under par. My only saving grace was that I played par. It was awfully hot and muggy out that day!