Sarah and Gage went to Duke for her 6-month CT scan to track her desmoid tumor. And once again, the tumor has shrunk! Here is a photo of the changes.
The dimensions are a little hard to read but it started at 115 mm, went to 48.3 mm., and is now down to 34.4 mm. We will have her belated birthday dinner tonight and will have even more than usual to be thankful for.
Have you ever had Acai?
I still can’t properly pronounce it and I had never even tasted it until last Friday when I was swooped into a car by four lovely kidnappers and presented with my very own acai bowl. (The acai is at the bottom of all that wonderfulness, in case you’re new to the whole acai bowl thing like I was.)
The whole concoction was absolutely delicious and the company was even better.
You may remember me mentioning the DeHart sisters in past posts. When we first got here, two of the sisters had not even been born yet and now they’re all grown up and are taking me out for an acai bowl.
On the way home from our treat, Hope put on her playlist of oldies songs and we all sang along to Come Sail Away and Brown-Eyed Girl. I love it when younger folks enjoy the oldies. It shows they have impeccable taste in music.
Steve taught Hope to play guitar. In three years she went from her first lesson to playing like this. Good student. Good teacher! We will really miss all the DeHart Girls.
Have I mentioned we are moving? 🙂 And have I mentioned my life is replete with various kinds of chaos?
Here is some of the Manteo chaos. We’re having repairs and painting done in the midst of the packing.
You never know how much stuff you have until you take it all out of the cabinets. And then you want to go lie down.
And then, of course, we have the Charlotte chaos to keep us entertained should we ever consider getting bored.
Over the course of four 13-hour round trips, Steve and I have spent about 70 hours cleaning out and packing the house. These are the kinds of days that make me wish for my 30-year-old body again. Sixty just ain’t cuttin’ it!
The two sweaters you see in the hope chest were handmade in Norway when Steve and his parents were there on vacation. They also had a brown one made for 4-year old Steve but it has disappeared. I can only imagine how cute Steve would have been in that sweater.
Some of the chaos is lovely–like beautiful, antique dishes and tea cups.
This is Vernie’s china which is about sixty years old. We have used it at all of our big family meals for the 42 years I’ve been going to the house. We also have Steve’s grandma’s wedding china which is over 100 years old. We will keep both sets but we had to move the out of the sideboard so that it can be sold.
I had asked in last week’s post if anyone had painted knotty wood. Here is a photo of the wood I’m talking about. Someone had mentioned doing a wash of color instead of painting which is an interesting thought. Our main goal is to lighten up the room. (We’ll be replacing all of the carpets with vinyl plank flooring.)
Here’s the room from the other side. We’re planning on leaving the fireplace brick alone. If anyone has any helpful ideas, let us know!
And on the topic of wood, here is my new Charlotte closet.
And here is the closet I have now–about three times as large. In recent years, I have been wanting to pare down and live more minimally. Now I have my chance!
I tried out a new Thai recipe recently. The dressing is a homemade peanut dressing. Sort of fun to try something new.
Part of our upgrades for the house included putting on a new roof. Is anyone else impressed by guys that carry 60 pounds of work equipment up to the top of a tall house and hang out there like it’s nothing? Truly amazing.
I found an old picture of the Smith men that made me smile. From left to right: Ken, Nathan, David (Dana’s son) Steve, Jeff, and Dana. This was taken at Ken and Vernie’s 50th wedding anniversary celebration.
I sure do miss Ken’s presence in our lives. He was the real deal.
When Steve and his brothers lived in this house back in the day, they backed their boat trailer down this driveway hundreds of times. Steve was wondering if he still had small trailer backing skills and, as it turns out, he does.
If you had asked me to back that trailer it would have ended up in the creek at the bottom of the hill. Which is why he backs and I film. We’re a great team.
Two more Sundays to go until we are officially retired. It’s still hard for me to wrap my mind around these endings and beginnings and all of the unknowns infusing our future.
Psalm 37:23 promises that our steps are ordered by the Lord and that’s what I’ll be holding onto in the months to come. As always, thanks for following along with our story as it unwinds.
How about you?
Have you ever back a (long or short) trailer? Are any of you really good at it? My hat is off to you, if you are. Do you have any funny stories about trying to back a trailer? (You or someone you know.)
Are you a fan of acai?
I painted over pine paneling from a 50s era home many years ago. I tried just painting over it with paint, but it cracked and peeled. Had to prep the walls with oil-based primer (make sure you ventilate the area, that stuff is strong!). Kilz brand is what we used, two coats, and then our paint. Turned out beautiful. Loved the texture the paneling gave the walls. Good luck!
Angie,
Good advice to have; thank you so much!
Dear Becky,
As you know, I always look forward to the “Things” editions – especially for the photos. The photos of the china and crystal pieces were my favorite.
Thank you so much for including Sarah’s X-Rays. Without words, they told a beautiful, wonderful story of God’s healing power.
I especially enjoyed Hope’s guitar video! She is a talented musician and Pastor Steve is a gifted instructor.
Speaking of Pastor Steve (and I always like to do so), I am glad you included the video of the trailer backup. Lucy’s dad taught me to do that when I was in my 20’s. It is a difficult job, especially with mirrors. Pastor Steve is a pro!
Be sure to schedule rest periods during your packing adventures! (An after-lunch nap always worked for us – still does!)
Fred & Lucy
Fred and Lucy,
I’m so glad you saw Hope’s and Steve’s guitar playing. I knew you would especially appreciate it as a guitar player yourself.
Glad you had a good backing instructor. Nice that you learned that skill early; you never know when it’ll come in handy! I tried it one time and that was the end of it for me. 🙂
We’ve been on vacation and I’m just getting around to reading this…
I’m so happy to hear that Sarah’s tumor has shrunk!!
I’ve never had acai and can’t pronounce it either. Lol Thank goodness for ‘kidnapping’friends and great memories!
I’m feeling your moving pain in anticipation. We will be doing it next year and I’m already feeling sad about leaving our home of 40 years. It will be bittersweet, for sure.
Lee Anne,
Yes, a 40-year move will be difficult, indeed. Since the memories won’t fit into boxes, you’ll just have to carry them out in your heart–just the way we are doing.
Thanks for rejoicing over Sarah’s tumor!
I ALWAYS enjoy your thing posts!! What wonderful news Sarah received on her scan! I can’t even imagine trying to clear out/organize two houses at the same time – especially when both have been filled with love and memories. Wishing you peace as you deal with all the many aspects of this coming season in your life.
Sue Ellen,
Yes, the two-house thing has been a bit of a challenge. Hopefully, this is the LAST time we will move and I never have to look at a moving box again.
Thanks for your encouragement!
So happy to hear the numbers about Sarah. Praise the Lord. In looking at your pictures of moving- I know, the bathtub usually just holds water, but in moving it has to share space doesn’t it? Have heard of Acai,but have never tried it – it usually is in a smoothie at a Tropical Cafe. LOVE Thai food especially the peanut sauce. We are kind of in a rut whereas a restaurant called Spice has this wonderful dish with a brown sauce (they seem to be the only Thai one that does make a brown sauce) but it is a peanut sauce. Yummo!
Great job of backing that trailer Steve and that wonderful picture of your 40 years of ministry – so precious! Continuing to pray for safety as you continue to pack and travel to NC..
Sharyn,
Yes, every space in the house is having to pull double duty! Stuff stacked hither and yon . . .
Yes, the peanut dressing was good and not hard to make.
Thanks for the prayers during this tumultuous, exciting season. Blessinging to you and your hubby.
Such wonderful news about Sarah!
I look at the photos of the men on the roof and thought how dangerous it is. In Australia they would have to have scaffolding up.
I have been following you and the Smith family for many years, way back in the caring bridge days.
I look forward to your blogs with anticipation.
Suzanne
Suzanne,
Those men on the roof were all wearing safety harnesses so that soothed my worried heart a little.
Thanks for letting me know you anticipate my blog posts; that is an encouragement to me.
Great news about Sarah’s scan!
I love açaí bowls! We have the best açaí bowl food truck, actually 3 of them, in Raleigh. It is called Buoy Bowls and you should try it next time you pass through. They have also recently gotten a new truck in Wilmington/Wrightsville Beach.
Hope,
Hmmm. I didn’t know there were actually food trucks that specialized in acai bowls. I will keep my eyes open. I’m sure if Raleigh has them, Charlotte would, too!
Great news regarding Sarah’s tumor!
I think I had to back a U-Haul trailer one time when I moved apartments when I lived in KC the first time. That was over 40 years ago though! Steve did a great job backing that trailer up.
About 4 years ago, I have my oil changed at the dealer. Apparently they didn’t something tightened good and I lost a quart and a half of oil all over my garage floor. I had to call a tow truck to take the car back to the dealer as I had no idea where there was any oil left. My driveway is off a very narrow street – I call it an alley. You can’t meet a car on it. I was very impressed that the tow truck driver was able to maneuver into my drive, put the car up on the flat bed and maneuver out. Fortunately I had just returned from taking my parents home after coming to my house for Thanksgiving. I was so thankful I hadn’t lost all the oil and my motor locked up when I was going to pick them up or take them home – 115 miles one way.
I have never tried acai.
My parents’ living room had a dark paneling. When I stopped in to see what the new owner had done to the house, she was in the process of painting it. I think she was using a primer of some kind before actually painting it. Not sure how it turned out as I haven’t been back.
Phyllis,
Kudos to that tow truck driver; sounds like he really knew his stuff!
Thankful along with you it didn’t happen when you were on the road.
Praise God for His continued touch in Sarah!
Yes, I love açaí and use it in bowls and smoothies all the time.
I can haul a trailer with the best of them. Backing it up? Not on a bet!😂
Janet,
Yep. Me, too. I can haul a trailer but draw the line at backing it up. That is a whole other skill set. 🙂
Glad to see another one of my readers loves acai! It’s interesting trying different foods.
Woohoo for Sarah! God is so good!!! It is always so much fun to discover new things when you move… or new old things. You may run across something worth a bunch of moolah and be able to pay for all the stuff you have done or going to do. I will keep my fingers crossed for you. We have a metal roof and we love it!! We shall be removed from this old earth when it comes time to replace it. You may want to take the old paneling down and put up a lighter color. We have barnwood paneling in our den and it is light gray and doesn’t make the room seem so dark and dreary.
When you start hanging your clothes in your new closet, buy some of the hangers you can double or triple hang garments on. That will give you more space.
I have seen acai berries but never have eaten any. I have a hard time trying new foods.
You and Steve take care of yourselves during this move. I would hate for you to get sick or hurt and not be able to function. Moving isn’t the easiest thing to do. Much love and many prayers for things to go well.
Kaye,
Yes, I have heard of those hangers; it might be interesting to try them in my miniature space. 🙂
We are doing our best to rest when we can and not work all the time–although it’s a definite temptation to just keep on going. Thank you for encouraging words and prayers.
Hi Becky—I haven’t commented for awhile but have been thinking of you and praying for you!
I rejoice with you on Sarah’s wonderful report. Praise God!
DeLynn,
Great to see your name pop back up here!
Yes, we are so grateful for Sarah’s latest report. Waiting for the day to come when the scan reveals it’s all gone!
Awesome news about Sarah! I love acai (ah-sy-ee) and very good healthwise! Backing up….when I moved into my HFH home that has a 90 ft driveway with a small incline from an apartment with flat roadside parking…mmm…hmm…it was interesting and gave my neighbors quite a few laughs watching me back out! I tend to back in now (somehow easier), but when I don’t and have to back out one might think I was under the influence of something!
Guerrina,
Ha. Under the influence. That’s exactly what I’ve looked like the few times I’ve had to back something up. It’s bad enough just having to do the backing but when you know people are watching you, it just adds more pressure.
Sounds like you are getting good backing experience in your current home. You go, girl!
Wow, so many good Things in your Thing Post!
So very thankful for Sarah’s good report. In short, whoo-hoo! 🥳
And those two videos of amazing people with amazing skills! Wow! Hope must be a natural talent. She looks and sounds like she’s been playing guitar for years and years! I am so impressed by her. And I’m sure she will pay it forward in years to come and invest in others, passing along her skill and love of music to others as Steve did with her.
And Steve, the Backer Master! I guess he showed that trailer who was boss. Just a few skillful turns of the wheel and that job was done! I would have had it right down there in the creek with you. 😁
I don’t believe I’ve ever had acai. That bowl looked yummy! So lovely of the girls to take you out.
Loved the picture of the Smith men. What a treasure.
You guys are continuing to be incredible! You are working so hard and getting so much done. And somehow you managed to whip up that beautiful announcement for your last Sunday. That will be one momentous, emotion packed day.
Sending much love and a reminder to you both to sit down and put your feet up now and then. Love you! ♥️
Deb
Deb,
Well, I am obeying you for a moment, at least. I just got back from getting groceries and decided to sit in the recliner for a few minutes before launching back into sorting and packing.
Glad you enjoyed Hope’s playing. I’m especially happy that she is planning to use her gifts in the church, possibly becoming a missionary.
Yes, Steve did a great job backing. I remember one time when I backed our little equipment trailer–it was not pretty.
Always appreciate your encouraging words, Deb.
I’m already missing you more than words can properly express or convey. I’m still out of town and won’t make it to Manteo prior to your departure. Once you’re moved and are settled, maybe I’ll make a trip to Charlotte. Or if you are ever in the RDU area, you’ll have to reach out. Maybe you can pop by or we can meet for lunch.
Barbara Jo,
At least we are still in the same state, so that’s a good thing! Sorry you won’t be able to make it back to Manteo but hopefully, our paths will cross in future days. Blessings!
Happy for the good news about Sarah’s tumor. Celebrate well. I have never tried backing a trailer and didn’t do well at guiding my husband in backing up the trailer. He still marvels about the one campground that had a very tight area for backing into. Neither of us thought he would get in, but he did. We just sold our trailer as it was getting to difficult for him to drive.
I have not tried acai, but see it often in crossword puzzles!
I can understand wanting to lighten up the knotty pine room, but I love those walls-reminds me of my favorite uncles house and makes me smile. Maybe if I had to live with it I wouldn’t be smiling though.
When we moved to our retirement home, my husband gave me the entire closet in our bedroom, and I gave him both of the dressers. It is the most closet I have ever had, and I use the shelves in it to stack all the folded things I would have put in the dresser. He took the closets in the den and spare room for himself.
Hope your chaos ends soon.
Patti,
Yes, sometimes you have to get creative when you move into a place with a different arrangement of drawers and closets. Sounds like you and your hubby have worked it out well. I will definitely have to use the other bedroom closets for off-season stuff and a little bit of overflow. We’ll get it worked out.
Good for your husband in backing into an impossible space; such a great feeling of accomplishment!
Wonderful news about Sarah!!
I love the picture of “all the boys”!
My husband and sons are incredible at backing trailers (the husband more than the sons but he’s got a few years of experience on them). I can do it if my backing space is LARGE and there are no trees or other obstacles in the way – lol.
I’ve never had an acai bowl. Yours looks yummy!
Y’all are doing a great job with the move. Packing up and moving things at 2 houses is SO MUCH! I would be overwhelmed and just want to hide between the sheets!
Sending you wishes for a productive, safe, and blessed week!
Suzanne,
Yes, no trees, no obstacles, and a large space would be just my cup of tea if I had to back something up. You and I are on the same wavelength there, for sure. 🙂
At least you’ve got good back-ers in your family so you don’t have to do it.
Yes, I do a little “hiding” from time to time but then have to re-emerge because hiding doesn’t pack boxes. Oh how I wish it did!
Sounds way too busy.. .
but life does that sometimes … (dear Lord help us!)
Never had acai. Sounds foreign.
Hope the last 2 weeks goes fast and much is accomplished .
Ruth
Ruth,
Here’s a definition since you enjoy cooking and like fruit. “The acai berry is an inch-long, reddish-purple fruit. It comes from the acai palm tree, which is native to Central and South America.” So now you know!
Yes, the next two weeks will be crazy and the following weeks of settling in and remodeling in Charlotte will be crazier. Lord help us, indeed
Praise God! What wonderful news about Sarah.
Acai bowls look wonderful, but the amount of carbs and potassium make it a no-no for me. I’ll just keep looking at the pretty pictures.
We bought a tent trailer over 40 years ago. (No, we didn’t use a horse & buggy to tow it.) When the dealer called to tell us that it was in, my husband was out of town, so I put my two little boys in the car and drove to get it. I got interesting instructions on how to back up towing anything: “Turn the wheel in the opposite direction of that which you think you should.” Drove it home with no incident, and then started to turn into my driveway, but then I realized that I’d have to back it in if I ever wanted to get my car out again. I followed the advice I’d gotten and it was really easy, although backing past my house and my neighbor’s and through a gate was a little anxiety producing.
Continued empathy on your preparations for the big move. Isn’t retirement wonderful?
Jan,
I’m impressed that you backed up successfully the very first time with two little boys in the car. Kudos! I’m sure they were both shouting “helpful” instructions for you. 🙂
Yes, those opposite “turn the wheel” instructions make my mind spin just reading them.
Thanks for the long-distance empathy. Always appreciated.
So glad Sarah got good news. Will she has a scan every 6 months for a while ,?
Wishing you a lovely week
Katrina,
Yes, I believe she will scan every 6 months although if it keeps on shrinking, they will probably space them out a bit more.
And a lovely week back to you!