Another Day Done

 On our walk this morning we saw 2 of the goose families plus the 3rd gander and goose with the 6 eggs in the nest that still haven't hatched. 

I only did one round so I could leave by 8:15 am for the Berean office. It was good to be there but a little sad missing mom at her usual spot stamping envelopes. Sharon did her job today and pretty much promised to keep up. Below she is getting up to get the boxes and stampers while Shirley, Shirl and Vonnie open mail. 

Marvin and Kathy were working at the other desks. Skip was busy for a while in the other room but came in and had the prayer. Below he is waiting for Vonnie and Shirl who were already working on filling boxes.

We had 12 Bible requests today.

Below Sharon is getting ready to taste some of Vonnie's delicious cinnamon pecan sticky buns. If you look through the window you will see Kathy and Marvin hard at work.

We enjoyed those delicious treats. They really were melt in your mouth tender, soft and oh so sweet. I stopped at the Hanna City post office and told Kathy, the post mistress, that I would not be driving the wheel chair van anymore as mom passed away on Friday. She told me to let all of you girls that she is praying for us. She lost her dad a couple months ago. When I got back Berlica was mowing. The mower stopped and she brought in this baby bunny.

She took it over to show her mom but then I'm pretty sure let the bunny go where she found it. The flowers by our drive are a bright spot on a cool sprinkling day.

Aunt Jinnie and Becky's plane was supposed to arrive at 4:50 pm at the Peoria airport but Becky sent a text around 4:00 pm they were still on the runway and had been for a half an hour. I picked up Spark and we left for the airport at 4:45 pm and arrived just as they had landed. Pick up went quite well and we were back at the barn just in time for supper. Ruth set the tables and bought ice, Beth brought the dinner tonight and she went all out. 

After dinner David arrived to talk over the funeral plans and what would mom want preached. When that was over I took Aunt Jinnie and Becky over to mom's. They are staying in Aunt Jinnie's room. Peter and Evelyn should arrive around 9:30 pm and they will be staying in mom's basement. Diane came over and we went down the basement to turn on the lights for them. Diane showed me her towel arrangements. 

Ok I was impressed and will have to learn how she did that. Diane pulled out the suitcase of all of dad's letters to mom when he was in the army and started reading them aloud.

John and Beth came over, they hadn't had any supper yet so we gave them some leftovers. I left then for home. Dan sent a picture of the sunset on his way home then Beth sent the picture below of the sun breaking through the clouds as it was setting.

Another day done. 

Returns

 We walked earlier today. Ruth sent a message asking if anyone had any diapers. Anni was in labor so she and Fedi took the 2 older children and went to mom's house at 3:40 am.  The only one here in the neighborhood that had diapers was Rachel. She is the grandma to many babies and toddlers. Fedi took the boys on the golf cart in front of the walkers. They had some happy smiles for the ride. 

Fedi did too, although you can't really tell by the picture below.

We got notice while still on the walk that baby number 3 was safely here. On the walk we noticed a goose family with some newly hatched goslings on the retention pond.

Behind them was another nest. Joan was able to get close enough from the other side to check it out.

This pair is sitting on 6 eggs. After the walk Mike came over to help get Basilea covered with Valiant and Thalia covered with Evan. As long as I had the two stallions out I went to work on their tails. Last year they were very matted and instead of brushing them out and getting out all of the knots I just ignored it. Well their tails grow so fast this year they were both dragging on the ground and the matts were now impossible to removed. I started cutting them off but was not making much progress. Mike used his saw and finished the job. Their tails are still plenty long enough for swatting flies. I should have taken an after picture but didn't think of that. Below are the two tails that were cut off.

At our house the dishes needed to be done from all the cooking yesterday. The stove was cleaned up and more laundry done. Next came the barn. The kids gave me this beautiful flower arrangement for Mother's Day

I left it at the barn as we will be hosting a dinner tomorrow evening then just having our meals all together over there.  I worked over there until 1:30 pm and finally came back here sat down, picked up a book to read and fell asleep.  We started getting messages from mom's side of the family and now have family coming in from California, Utah, and Michigan.  Diane and Ruth spent the day getting mom's house ready for company. We are all so glad they are coming. Mike brought Sally over after doing the trails on the other side of the creek.

Sally is just a perfect horse except she is 25 years old.  On the way back to the house after dropping off the garbage I had to staop to take a picture of Quinten petting Izzy.

Joan gave us back the other golf cart now that she is no longer living at mom's. That meant tonight I had to clean out the garage so we can fit both golf carts inside. I almost finished and was able to get them both inside but not quite far enough to shut the garage door. There is one more thing about 10 inches wide that can be moved but it was very heavy so will wait for Mark to help tomorrow. Braelyn is cleaning the apartment tonight. I stopped up to grab some of the laundry as I brought some hand towels from the barn that need to be washed too. Those are in the washer now. Mark brought up the mail. Some sympathy cards had come. Thank YOU for those who sent them. That is something I never think to do but now that I'm on the receiving end should start. They really do mean a lot. 

Mother's Day Without a MOM

 Sunday morning and no rush, things just feel so strange. No push to get to church early to stay with mom while Joan goes up front with the Sunday school. Mother's day and no mom. The first time in all of my 71 years I don't have a mom. My mom, the person that would call me at 5:00 am to tell me I misspelled word on the blog won't be doing that anymore. Who is going to let me know of grammar mistakes? Things are just unsettled. I am not the only one. The family texts started at 7:00 am with memories of mom from all of the siblings. Rachel sent the picture below. This is the last time Mom sat on the porch swing in Gulf Shores with Aunt Jinnie.

They sat down, looking out at the Gulf and mom said, "now this is perfect!" Aunt Jinnie and Becky are flying in Tuesday afternoon at 4:50 pm. They are planning to stay until after Faith's wedding next Sunday. All of us are so glad they are going to make this quick trip. We truly appreciate how much Aunt Jinnie did for and with mom these last 4 and a half years. We left for church at 9:00 am and went into the kitchen door to see if Rhonda needed any help. It was nice to see how many people were there helping her. Dave Buetel had the morning Mother's day message, his very first sermon since being put in as minister. Click HERE to watch that. We were all praying for him and he could certainly feel the prayers. Lunch went well, Spark and Rhonda had plenty of food even though church was quite full. Craig Stickling had the afternoon message. Click HERE to watch that. After church I was getting the meal ready when Berlica came in to tell me that Rhoda and Iris were riding to the trails. Of COURSE I needed to go right out to watch and take pictures.

They even rode the 'death' trails. I drove the golf cart while Berlica took the video below before they actually got on the trails. .

When we got back up to the playground Zeke wanted to ride back to the barn so Iris got on the golf cart while Berlica helped Zeke up on Cookie.

He sure was a happy boy.

By the time we got back it was almost 4:30 pm and we usually start eating then. Diane had come and was getting everything ready. We had some really delicious food to feast on tonight.

There was plenty of food for all. After supper we sat outside by the playground visiting until it became cool then moved to the fire. John and Beth arrived and brought bags of toys and clothes from Jr and Sherry.

Those were moved into the barn later tonight and we will let the kids go through them when they come next. Joan and her kids came over about the time my kids were all leaving.

We stayed until after sunset. Berlica took the picture below.

I'm now back in the house and have started some laundry. Tomorrow I may even spend some time cleaning HERE at this house. It has been neglected these last few weeks.

Mom's Obituary

Rhoda E. Meister, 94, of Hanna City, died peacefully in her home at 6:45 a.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026. Born on March 30, 1932, in Teaneck, New Jersey, to John and Elizabeth (Sommer) Zeug, she married Paul E. Meister on June 10, 1951. They shared 53 years in a love-filled marriage, building a legacy together that lives on through their 11 children, 69 grandchildren, 95 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. Surviving are three sons, Paul (Rhonda) Meister, John (Elizabeth) Meister, and Daniel (Susan) Meister, and eight daughters, Judith (Mark) Sceggel, Diane (Mike) Honegger, Elizabeth (Greg) Herman, Ruth (Fedi) Davidovics, Nancy Meister, Joan (late Tim) Reinhard, Rachel (David) Sauder, and Karin Meister.Also surviving are two sisters, Virginia Bossart and Sandra Getz, and one brother, John (Marylou) Zeug. She was preceded in death by her husband, one son-in-law, and two grandsons. She and Paul were foster parents to over 60 children, she spent many years volunteering in the nursery at OSF, crocheting baby blankets, volunteering for Berean Prison Ministry, and traveling with her family. Her favorite place to be was watching the sunrise in Gulf Shores and looking for dolphins, but above all, she loved her Lord, and her life was dedicated in service to Him. Following a stroke in September 2021, she was blessed by around-the-clock care provided in her home by her children and grandchildren. In spending time caring for her, they were blessed, as well. She was a member of the Peoria Apostolic Christian Church on Sheridan Rd, where services will be held on Thursday, May 14, at 10 am, with visitation one hour before. Visitation will also be from 5:30 to 8:30 pm on Wednesday, May 13, at the Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Apostolic Christian Cemetery near Edwards, IL. Memorials may be made to Apostolic Christian LifePoints, Berean Prison Ministries, or Apostolic Christian Skylines.

I went out early to tease, both Basilea and Thalia were showing. Thalia was taken to the breeding stand.

When Mike arrived we brought Evan over and she covered successfully. Next we brought Basilea out. I made the mistake of putting her at the same breeding stand. Valiant was more interested in glaring at Evan than doing his job. Once we moved her to the other breeding stand so he was facing the pond he was fine and Basilea was covered. The horses were grained then I left first to deposit a check at Morton Com. Bank in Hanna City for Horsemeister  Then to Kroger. There the fried chicken for our Mother's day celebration at the barn was ordered. Next stop was Aldi and then Sam's club had the rest of the food needed for Mother's day.  At 1:00 Diane,  Joan, Ruth, and I met to drive to the funeral home to make all of the arrangements, pick out the coffin and all the other things the funeral home had us decide. Karin, John and Dan had already arrived. That went well, we pretty much all agreed on everything and all of us were a little surprised at the cost. It was under what we had been told it would cost. Diane even explained that the cost quoted was the same price they spent for John Honegger's funeral (I think she said 10 years ago) After leaving there We ate a very late lunch at Weavers then home. I took a nap then got up to go walking with Diane. Joan's family are all at a singing shower. We stopped to talk to Rhonda. Their lunch set up went well. Came back to the house and still no internet. There was none all evening yesterday at all. Instead of working on the blog read in bed until falling asleep.

WELCOME HOME

 Joan sent a text at 6:10 this morning asking me to bring over the blood pressure cuff. Mom wasn't feeling well. I went straight over. Mom's blood pressure was low but not terribly low. 89 over 61. She just couldn't seem to get comfortable and was nauseous. We talked a bit about the co-op picnic today then I left for home but as soon as I got home Joan sent a text to the family to come now. Mom was dying. When I arrived Joan was kneeling by her bedside talking to mom telling her, "mom I think you are going to see Jesus today." She was praying asking God to just help mom feel comfortable. Mom seemed to stop breathing and we couldn't feel a heart beat so thought she had died but then she started breathing again. Faith came over with her stethoscope and could hear a faint heart beat, and then at 6:45 am her heart stopped.

The siblings here at the lake all arrived quickly and we were all so thankful she could die without pain. We sent texts out to our families. Anna arrived and offered to flip the apartment. Sarah and Nolan and the girls arrived. They were heading to St. Louis. We tried calling the coroner's office but they were closed so called 911 and explained it wasn't an emergency but that our mom died. They sent 2 officers at first who asked us for her dnr paper. That took a while to find but Diane found it. Next a Sheriff arrived, he checked things out, visited a bit then left just as the coroner arrived. He contacted the funeral home for us but couldn't tell us when they would be able to come.  The co-op picnic was scheduled to start at 10:00 am and just then it started raining. We were hoping the funeral director would arrive before the picnic guests and it almost worked out. Amy arrived just in time to help. The funeral director brought a helper and arrived around 10:00 am but since it was raining we had the co-op guests go into the barn. They loaded mom up and left and we were left with lots of decisions. We tried buying a casket off Amazon, Costco and Sam's as that was mom's wishes but couldn't get one delivered in time. We made phone calls and sent texts to people that would want to know. Taunya dropped off cinnamon rolls and sticky buns from Trefzgers and Stephanie brought a meat and cheese tray, fruit tray and vegetable tray. We were very glad for all of the food as none of us were thinking of meals but snacking as hunger hit. It was sprinkling on and off all day and only got up to 66 degrees but that didn't stop the home schoolers from using the lake.

Joan had a fire going for them to warm up after swimming. The playground was also very busy. The co-op loves coming for the picnic and it is very well attended.  I left for my house around 4:00 pm, the sun had come out and I wanted to get Basilea covered as this morning she was showing to Valiant only when I tried she kicked at Valiant so was put away. Mike will help and we will try tomorrow morning. Mark and I went to Gils for supper tonight. After supper Diane, Joan and I walked. Oh how are lives are going to be changed. Mom really was and of course still IS special. Karin painted the picture below of mom and dad on mom's 94th birthday.

We can see them now and hear dad saying, "Mrs America Welcome HOME!"

Cold and Rainy

 I was up before 5:00 am because I heard neighing, the sound of neighing that means there are probably horses out and I was right. I stepped outside and immediately went back inside to get a coat on. It was only 36 degrees out. Basilea, Thalia and Valerie were out and over bothering Evan. I ran, well walked very fast over to them, grabbed Basilea and Thalia's halters and led them over to the breeding shed. Valerie just followed right along and into that paddock. We use that paddock for when we are breeding a mare with a foal by her side so was empty. I quickly checked to make sure Blueberry and Izzy, who were also in the same paddock were where they needed to be (they were) then went back to the house for my first cup of coffee. I checked on them as I was enjoying the coffee.

They weren't hungry at all as they had been out all morning grazing. Diane knocked on our door around 8:00 am, time had gotten away from me and I was late for the walk. When we got up to the apartment Dahlia was also out standing quietly waiting for me to put her back in so she could get a drink. She was with Missy and Cookie and they were still in. There were no gates open and no fences down so I don't have any idea how she got out. She has learned to be submissive and is now well behaved. I only needed to have a couple of crabby old mares discipline her for a few days and her whole attitude changed from a bully boss to a submissive yearling. When we reached Diane's Mike was already out with Shadow. She came with us all the way to Joan's house and back. 

Right after breakfast I needed Mark's help to move in 3 more bales. When he was moving in the first bale he noticed the bale spear was starting to break at the weld. He was able to get all 3 moved in but with each one the break got bigger. We went inside and ordered a new one. We had 2 downed fences that HAD to be repaired so I could put the 3 big Friesian mares back in the paddock. Mark got the tools ready we walked out and just as we got to the fence it started raining. We went back inside to wait it out. Within a hour the sun came out so we went back up and was just getting started when the rain started back up. Back inside to wait. This one was a short shower so we went back and were able to get the first one done. Valerie was very interested in what Mark was doing.

When he started the saw Rosalie, Valerie's older sister, came over to see what was happening.

Valerie is 4 years old and Rosalie is 13 years old. They are about the same height but Valerie will fill out more as you can see by the picture below.

We had to take another break before we fixed the second board as it again started raining.

We were able to finish that when the sun came back out. Earlier I locked Evan in his paddock and moved Basilea and Thalia into his pasture so they could have access to water. They kept squealing at Evan over the fence and I finally figured out Thalia was in season. Basilea was put in the paddock next to Valiant, Mike was called and he came to help get Thalia covered by Evan. That was successful and was written down. Izzy was teased, she is still not willing to go near either stallion so we can't tell if she even cycling.  Evan, Valiant and the two nursing mares were given their grain. Rosaleigh's colt is now fighting his mama for her grain. I will have to give him his own bucket.

We had an early supper as we had skipped lunch and I was needed at mom's by 5:15 pm. When I got to mom's she was out on the deck watching the two geese families on her beach and enjoying the lake. One couple has 4 goslings and the other just 3 now. I think both had hatched out 4 but one is now missing and presumed eaten. By the time I got home tonight it was raining again. The tomato plants were brought back inside tonight, it is going to be another cold one.