April 21, 2026

Tuesday

Well, as chaotic as my life has been lately, I figured what's a little more, so I am posting on a Tuesday. I really wanted to thank you all again for your kind comments and support, especially since I have not been around to catch up with you. I am looking forward to sitting down and spending some time doing just that very soon. In the meantime, I will share a bit about what we have been up to around here.

First off, I just spoke with my dermatologist and am thankful to say that both spots that were removed are harmless! Thank the Lord. I do not take good health for granted, and so I checked that off until next year. That leaves just my Primary Care appointment tomorrow and my annual eye doctor appointment next week. We also spent the day on Sunday going through things, packing a bit, purging a lot, and setting aside piles for donation. Peyton and Chris came, as did a good friend of our family, and we ended the day with some delicious pizza and Boggle.

Last Friday, we had no appointments and decided to take a day off from everything. Christopher and Peyton planned a day trip for us, and we had the most beautiful day! We drove to a beautiful park where they camp. The first stop was an amazing nature center that I could have spent a day exploring. Then we drove to a spot near a flowing stream where Steve and I sat while Peyton and Chris made lunch and Flynn explored. After that, we went to walk on a dam nearby and got some of the biggest ice cream cones I've ever seen! On the way home, we stopped at one of the most beautiful places around, and I couldn't believe I had never been there. Here are some pictures of that lovely day. First, a few pictures of the ordinary...


Morning coffee by the fire...

Homeschool on the couch...

And a visit to the two most wonderful people that I will continue to miss every single day.

I had to take a picture of my favorite season at the nature center! Then it was off to relax by the river, while Christopher and Peyton made lunch.








Then we cleaned and packed up and headed for the next stop, the dam built in the 1950's.  





It was so interesting to read all about it, and then actually see it in person.


We saw these elk on the way home. It is not uncommon to see them just walking down the road!

Peyton loves anything Civil War-related, and was happy to spot this on the way, too!



We finally arrive at the cross on the hill, a beautiful place for reflection, prayer, rest, and even weddings. Christopher actually worked on this space for his Eagle Scout project when he was younger. We arrived home happy and tired and happy!

Again, thank you for your kindness. I promise things will return to normal around here soon!










Have a wonderful day!

Billie Jo

17 comments:

  1. I'm happy for your good reports - and that your appts are almost done for this year. Tomorrow is my turn at dermatology...
    What a gorgeous park. We would enjoy all that beauty and the civil war history as well.

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  2. It's nice you are so faithful to get those appointments crossed off. Me, not so much. I do get the dermatologist in every year, he seems to find something or other to remove in the office. I confess to getting a little behind on the other things though...last year I had to have pre-surgical testing done twice, so I saw cardiology twice too, and had bloodwork done, so I'm sort of good...the mammogram though, I need another. That park is lovely, but what really struck me is how Flynn is growing up! Your girls are beautiful. What a nice day. :)

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  3. I'm glad everything came out well with your appointments. Again, great job on getting them knocked out for the year. Your day out looks amazing and the hotdogs and mac and cheese look delicious. Flynn seems to be growing up SO fast. I wish time would slow down a little.

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  4. That day looks like it was completely wonderful. I had four spots removed yesterday at the dermatologist. Not fun but necessary. He always seems to find something. It sounds like you're getting a lot accomplished at home so the day of play be the river was well deserved.
    Take care my friend.
    Blessings and hugs,
    Betsy

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  5. Such wonderful times spent with your precious darlings! I love seeing you outside exploring God's world, oh how wonderful it is! Love outdoor picnics, they are the best - a beautiful wonderful day that made me smile to see it all!!! It is a blessing to have children who love hanging out with you even after they're grown. We are blessed beyond measure indeed! I believe in praying for their spouses too! Many blessings to you dear friend!

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  6. I am glad both spots were harmless, Billie Jo. Your outing with Peyton and Christopher looked simply incredible. Happy Tuesday!

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  7. This is such a delightful post! LOVE all the picnic-related pictures and descriptions. I'm on a sabbatical regarding my blog, although every few days I'm commenting on the blogs of my friends (including you!). Take all the time you need; we certainly understand.

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  8. What beautiful scenery. And I love the little fall scene with the squirrel! Hurrah on your dermatologist report! I'm going to have to take the advice of this little mouse.

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  9. Happy you have good reports from your appointments.
    I should have a mug like your Life is Good mug. :)

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  10. Thanks for the giggles at the end, Billie Jo! Glad the dermatologist visit was good! Your day out with family was absolutely lovely! Wonderful and so good for the soul!! xo

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  11. Prayers of gratitude that appts are going well dear Friend. And for all the packing and work to finish up smoothly. Loved seeing Christopher and Peyton and the beautiful area all around there! Such lovely family pics. Blessings to you all. Xo

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  12. Hi Billie Jo! What a beautiful day trip you had. Looks like a lovely place you visited. You remind me that I need to schedule an eye doctor appointment. So glad that your dermatologist didn't find anything to be concerned about. It's always such a relief to have doctor appointments done! Sounds like you have been very busy, and it's good to hear that everything is going well. See you again soon!

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  13. Billie Jo, the thing I love about coming to this space of yours is that you are the perfect example of what living is. You will never have regrets over "not" doing life with your family. Y'all make the most of your days, holidays and just regular weeknights. It's so fun to hear about it and see the pictures. Thank you for sharing your life with us.

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  14. So much beautiful family time - soak up every minute!

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  15. Goodness but it was a pretty day to spend in the park!! Looks like a great afternoon. I haven't grilled at the park in a coon's age...looks like fun:)

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  16. Oh, my friend, what a beautiful weekend Chris and Peyton planned for you! It all looks amazing. I really liked the picture of Peyton and her dad. So special. Praying for you as things continue to progress with the move. I'm so thankful to read that your dermatology results came back good! Please think of me on Wednesday as I go to my dermatologist about a spot on my face. Thanks. xx

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  17. I’m happy the dermatologist report was good. It’s a good check up to get. I finally talked my husband into going for a screening and they picked up an early Basel cell carcinoma . All good now after removal and six month follow-up.

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Thanks so much for saying hello!

Billie Jo