There is a health update at the end of this post.
More of our Wisconsin trip . . .
On one of my solitary jaunts, I ran across a rural cemetery, one of my favorite places to wander.
I fell in love with this beautiful monument.
And this one.
This stone was not so much lovely as it was fascinating, reading through the names of all of those children. Just think of all the stories all of those names could tell.
I guess one reason I like cemeteries is that they remind me that all the things I worry over, stress about, and find so vitally important are nothing more than a blip on eternity’s timeline. Nothing like a little perspective to start one’s day.
was to a Memononite store.
I went with my sister and sister-in-law and so enjoyed hanging out with two wonderful women I so rarely get to see.
It’s not every day you go shopping and see Amish hats for little girls.
This sign made me smile. And then once I smiled, I was able to pick up a treat. Didn’t that work well?
I stood for a while and contemplated what I might do with $33 worth of cranberries. Nothing came to mind!
That outing sure beat going to a big box store or a fancy grocery store. Quaint, out-of-the-way places are so interesting.
On another outing, Debbie and I went to the largest thrift store I have ever been to–three floors! Be still my heart.
When we weren’t out and about, we were hanging out at Randy and Debbie’s lovely home. They recently moved from Eau Claire to Spencer.
Debbie, as always, was the epitome of the gracious hostess, cooking, making sure we had what we needed, bustling about, and doing everything in her power to make sure we were comfortable and contented.
Some of you new readers may not be aware, but for four years, Debbie and Randy and Steve and I traveled full-time. (Debbie traveled with us–and my other sister, Ruth–1 1/2 years before that.) We lived in RV’s and did concerts and church services in thirty states. You would think after that many years of living that close we would be pretty tired of each other, but just the opposite is true; they are some of our dearest friends.
One night we went out to a Fish Fry, which on Fridays in Wisconsin is almost de rigeuer. (Side note: Wisconsin also has something called Supper Clubs. Has anyone heard of those? What would your definition of them be?)
Here’s the restaurant we went to. Doesn’t this look like the most fabulous place? This is as midwestern hometown as it gets.
There were bears and deer watching over us as we ate which was very congenial of them.
After we ate our Friday Night Fish, we got some ice cream and ate it while tooling through the Wisconsin countryside at twilight, listening to Life is a Highway by Rascal Flatts at top volume. The four of us ate our ice cream and sang along loudly, our voices blending the same way they did all those years, all those miles, all those memories ago.
Life is a highway, indeed, and the four of us literally lived out that song as we were in a different city every few days.
But life is a highway in a non-literal sense, as well.
From the moments in the cemetery that morning to the moments singing in the car that night, I was reminded of the passage of time, the brevity of life, and the treasure that each day is. I was reminded of just how short life’s highway is and how we should make the most of each mile and each moment.
Here are the medicalese names of the tests.
In plain English, the insertion of the tube (up my nose, down my throat, down my esophagus, and into my stomach) will take just 2 or 3 minutes. In a perfect world, that is. I have no clue how long it will take with me.
Then once it is inserted, I will spend about 30 minutes talking and swallowing while hooked up to a machine. The challenge is that I am only supposed to swallow when they say to swallow. (Have you ever tried not to swallow? It’s like it’s the only thing you can think of when you’re not supposed to do it.)
The tube will be kept in place for 24-hours and I am supposed to “eat, drink, and do all my normal stuff” keeping track of each time I lie down, eat something, drink something, etc. I guess I can go and visit some thrift stores and sport my little nose tube accessory for good measure. Steve and I will stay in a hotel Thursday night and return to the hospital Friday to have it removed. Quite the little adventure!
What about you?
Have you ever heard of (or been to) a Supper Club?Are there Friday fish fries where you live?What are your coping methods when facing a medical test you’ve dreaded?Do you have any clue what you would do with $33 worth of cranberries?
I’ve heard of supper clubs, but I always think of them as being something from the 60’s. Not a clue what I’d do with $33 worth of cranberries (or $10 worth for that matter). A lot of places around here do Friday fish fries – and even more do during lent. My coping method – especially at the dentist – is listening to a good podcast. My favorite is The BigBooCast.
I’m so glad the test results you received showed nothing serious and that by now the tube/wire is out of you. I look forward to hearing what that was like.
I enjoyed reading more about your Wisconsin visit. What fun a 3-story thrift shop must have been . It looks very nice – did you find any treasures?
I was behind on my emails this week, so I’ll wish you a wonderful weekend since I’m so late to this week’s party.
Sue Ellen,
I never thought of listening to a podcast at the dentist! That would definitely take your mind off of matters at hand.
I found some tennis shoes and a pair of pants at the 3-story thrift store. I could have stayed in there all day!
There was a supper club outside of the town where we lived, but because we were one of those poor that the poor talked about, never went there, plus they probably served liquor and my dad would not go to places that did. Know there have been fish fries on Fridays, but I always figure it is an “all you can eat” and really didn’t need to go that route. Mostly my husband and I share meals, not sure if an all you can eat would allow that.
For some reason I was surprised that there were lights on at the Mennonite store, but then remembered that was the Amish that do not use electricity. Had been to one a few years ago and some items you had no idea what they were, only by feel. Some used the lights on their phones, which was a big help.
Oh, my, a 3 story thrift store. Just drop me off and come back in about 4 hours!
I know cranberries freeze well, but not sure how long those would be good for.
It was about 15 years ago, I was scheduled for a “flex sig” test. Had no idea what it was, but found out it was almost like a colonoscopy. Didn’t have to be put to sleep, but since I did not know what it was, made me nervous just thinking about it. It was 2 weeks away. The day before I was to go in for my appointment, they called and said that a piece of the equipment needed to be replaced and rescheduled the appointment. REALLY!? Okay, be nervous for another 2 weeks. It wasn’t as bad as I thought, but again, something we make worse than it really was, just because of our imagination!
Sharyn,
That would truly be a bummer to have a medical test put off an additional two weeks. Such a relief to have those tests over with!
What a poignant line, “We were the poor that the poor talked about.” An interesting description. We didn’t have much money growing up either, so I can relate.
Yes, the 3-story thrift story was a real find. We stayed about an hour but I could have meandered for hours and hours, just like you! Of course, the fact that we were flying with limited luggage space helped quash the desire to buy too much. I got a pair of tennis shoes and a pair of pants.
I grew up in Wisconsin too. Miss those supper clubs. I can still see the obligatory “relish tray” (carrot sticks, celery sticks, radishes, black olives, I think) on every table!
Kathleen,
I didn’t know you grew up in Wisconsin. We are fellow Badgers!
A fun memory about relish trays on every table; you really don’t see relish trays much anymore but my husband LOVES them. He’d probably just walk from table to table stealing relish trays!!
I don’t think I’ve ever been to a supper club. I think I have heard of them but don’t know of a particular one. Many of the Catholic churches in the KC area have fish dinners during Lent. I’ve never been but have neighbors that have.
Prayers that your test tomorrow goes well and you have some long awaited answers.
How do I prepare for facing a medical test? Hmm, since Friday I have had a colonoscopy and an MRI of my liver. I think we all know the prep for a colonoscopy is the worst part. Once that’s over, the test itself is a breeze. 🙂 My main concern with the MRI is the tube they cram you into. Fortunately they had music I could listen to so that made it better – in between the jackhammer sound and the instructions to breathe in, breathe out, hold your breath, relax.
Phyllis,
Yeah, MRIs are not the most fun. I’ve had a couple and they also had music playing but the songs and style were really annoying me so I think I would have been happier without it.
Here’s hoping all your recent tests come out with better than great results and you get to remain test-free for awhile. Hugs!
I’m from Iowa and live in MN. I’m Jewish but familiar with the custom of no meat on Fridays. Most of the time I see all you can eat fish fries at VFWs. I’m thinking there are supper clubs in Iowa but there definitely supper club restaurants in MN. Have been and yum.
I hope your procedure goes better than you expect. If you need to go under, you are NOT a failure. Everyone is different and there isn’t a better-worse comparison when it comes to what our bodies do. And I guarantee I would insist on going under.
As an aside,t there was some discussion about the semicolon. Do you know what that symbolizes in mental health? When someone is suicidal, one thing you can ask them to think about, if you are supporting them all them to consider thinking of not putting a period on your life (like the end of a sentence), but instead a semicolon; which s symbolizes a pause/a break and give yourself time before making a final decision. Many people have tattoos of the semicolon now.
Randee,
What an interesting analogy of the semicolon; I had never heard of it and LOVED reading about it.
And what a wonderful idea for people to make that a personal symbol. When thinking about making a drastic decision (whether suicide or some other harmful behavior) to think of that beautiful semicolon. To take a pause. Take a breath. But stay far, far away from the period.
Thanks so much for sharing that.
No supper clubs in this area unless you count “friend gatherings for supper”. During Lent, there are Fish Fries at the local Catholic Churches but I think there are some restaurants that do catfish suppers on Friday nights. I’m not a huge fish fan so I’ve never been one to seek this out 🙂
That’s a lot of cranberries!!! I’d have to freeze them for sure.
Thankful for the positive medical updates and praying for this next round of tests.
I loved the pictures – once again! You have such a creative eye!
Suzanne,
I love the idea of “friends gathering for supper” and nicknaming it supper clubs. I think the world would be a better place if more people gathered in homes for conversation and meals. Hopefully, when COVID dies down more, that will be more of a “thing.”
Thanks for the prayers for the medical stuff this week and also, the compliment on the photos. I do love taking (and getting to share) my pictures!
Love all of the photos Becky, especially the grocery shopping photo. I’m ready to spend time @ Debbie’s house.
My personal remedy for coping is to meditate on a few scriptures.
I try to focus on the Lord that loves me so much knowing that he has me in the palm of his hand.
It’s hard for me to take my eyes off of ‘me’, but it honestly works.
Isaiah 41:10 – I ask him to strengthen me and uphold me with his victorious right hand
2 Chronicles 20:15 – I try to give him all of my battles
Psalm 34 – I try to praise God in the midst of my storms
Love,
Gloria
Gloria,
I love those scriptures you listed; such good ones. A good reminder that I am in good hands.
Yes, spending time at Debbie’s house is a true joy!
You know, whenever I see something like that gravestone that reminds me of how many children parents often lost in a lifetime in times past, I wonder how they hung onto their mental fortitude. Thinking about losing just one is enough to make me feel like the world will crack right in half.
Have you been to Historic Oakwood Cemetery in Raleigh? Although it’s not rural anymore, it’s old and very big and worth an hour or two of meandering.
Ellen,
Oooh. I am glad to have a heads up on an interesting cemetery in Raleigh.”Old, big, and meandering” are all words that make me happy.
One reason I love reading the comments that come in is that I get perspectives that I wouldn’t have otherwise had. I looked at that tombstone and just thought of a large, happy, noisy family but you helped me to see beyond the obvious. It’s so true–back many decades ago, the great medical care we have wasn’t available and so many children (and mothers) were lost during childbirth or shortly thereafter.
There is not one time that I walk into one of my doctor appointments that I don’t give thanks for the care that is available especially remembering so many people (especially parents) who didn’t have it.
I live in north central Wisconsin. Also in Marathon County but just outside Mosinee. Love supper clubs. We don’t do Friday Fish fries every week but love them.
Ellen,
Mosinee is where we flew into; Debbie’s son, Caleb, works at that airport! So beautiful there.
We’ll have to visit a Supper Club next time we go.
Hmmmmm…I’ve never heard of a Supper Club around here (Nebraska). However, several years ago our church used to have several groups of 6 to 8 people who would gather once a month for supper and they would take turns hosting it. Then the next year, everyone that wanted to participate would put their name in the box and the groups would be drawn in the fall. This was a winter activity…..they met from like November through February.
You always find the neatest things to take pictures of. Those monuments in the cemetery are beautiful.
I like cranberries but don’t think I’d commit to 33 dollars worth. That’s a lot! One can only get so creative in devising uses for that much. Lol Of course that big bag full would make some beautiful Christmas tree garland, all strung up!
Friday night fish frys are not a thing around here except at the Catholic church during Lent.
I’m glad that you got some good test results. Prayers for the upcoming test and that it goes smoothly. Thanks for the update!
Lee Anne,
I love the idea of putting names in a box to be chosen at random. What a great way to get to know people you wouldn’t know otherwise.
Yes, that cranberry bag would be very overwhelming to me; I admire people who know what to do with all that. 🙂
Thank you for the great update on your trip. I would love to visit the Mennonite store!
I think you are very wise to take the Ativan. There is no shame in it at all!
This is my biggest coping mechanism….these verses on repeat in my head:
“The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses
all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
It was a sweet revelation to me last year when reading this chapter to note that in the ESV there is a semi-colon at the end of verse 5, not a period. It always seemed to me that the command “do not be anxious” seemed to require a matter of the will (even though I know we are powerless without God). To read “The Lord is at hand” and then “do not be anxious” shed some really lovely light on these verses. He is at hand! (I know this is a very basic truth, but it meant so much to me!)
Praying for great results, Becky….and also a not unpleasant experience!
DeLynn,
I love it when something in the Bible “pops out” in a new way, even though you may have read a particular passage a hundred times. And I love your insight on that verse. I will think of it on Thursday. The Lord is at hand . . . even during a tube placement!
Yes, the Mennonite store was SO interesting. I could have wandered in there all day. I think there is a lot to be said for wandering in such a crazy, busy world. It’s great therapy.
Supper clubs are pretty unique to Wisconsin. A few good ones here in MN too. Fish fries are great too, but some are definitely better than others.
As to Ativan, it is a life saver for me (very claustrophobic) when I have MRI’s done on my brain, which has been pretty often in the past 15 years. Hope it helps you. You do have to have a driver with you, however. Good luck with all your tests! Hope you get some answers.
Liz,
Yeah, I was thinking I hadn’t seen Supper Clubs in other states; I guess it is mostly a WI/MN thing.
I can only imagine being claustrophobic and having to get into an MRI machine. So thankful there are meds that help to take the edge off–for you AND for me! And Steve will be with me, so I will have a good driver on hand.
I heard of Supper Clubs in my native Mississippi. There, it was just several couples from our church who took turns hosting supper in their homes once a month or so!
Praying for you as you go through those procedures. My husband had a similar study done at Swedish Hospital in Seattle a few years ago. He too has a VERY strong gag reflex, but he survived it, and I know you will too!
Blessings.
Jenny Jo,
Oh, that’s interesting. So there is a different variation of Supper Clubs, those that take place in the home. I was thinking of restaurant-type businesses; good to know there are some more informal ones, as well. Sounds fun!
Always nice to know that someone else has made it through a procedure successfully. Kudos to your husband! I’m hoping for the best.
I live in Spencer!!! Small world for sure. A Friday night fish fry is the best!!!
Ann,
How cool is that? Anther Spencer-ite! If you ever see Debbie at the grocery store and recognize her from the blog, you can introduce yourself. 🙂
Ann,
Wow, you live in Spencer too? Would love to meet you sometime. :). -Deb
I sure enjoy seeing the photos from your backroad travels! I go in the guest room sometimes since you guys left and just look around sadly. So empty. 🙁 But what good memories!
Thankful for a positive medical report. Prayers for the upcoming procedure. Glad you guys get a night at a hotel out of it anyway. ❤️
Love, Deb
Deb,
That’s a good way to look at it; we get a night away in a hotel, even if that night IS made possible by a nose tube!
We had such a comfortable stay in your lovely guest room; I’ll try to get back in the spring!
Looks like about 2 gallons of cranberry.
Put them in small bags in freezer.
Use in pancakes. Muffins or bars. In morning oatmeal. Make a cranberry cake. Very good.
Love a fish fry at a supper club, but never go… Glad you got to one.
Deb is a wonderful hostess! Aleays a treat to visit her.
Ruth
Ruth,
I admire the way you see 2 gallons of cranberries as no big deal. I would have NO clue what to do with them so it was interesting your great ideas!
Our fish fry actually wasn’t at a supper club; I just saw signs for the clubs along the way.
I have seen Supper Clubs in Montana, but never been to one. There they appear to be a bar that serves meals as well. I have not seen any Friday Fish Fries in Michigan where I live now. I remember Friday was always fish sticks in my elementary school. When facing medical tests I usually look it up on the internet. Before my trigger finger surgery I actually watched one on you tube. It eased my mind knowing exactly what was going to be done. That is a lot of cranberries, and would make a lot of sauce that could be frozen for use throughout the year. My husband makes a cranberry, strawberry, orange relish that I think it really good in smoothies. I love shopping at Amish stores and the bulk foods they sell. I have been to a 2 story Thrift shop, but would love to see that 3 story one.
Patti,
Yes, the bulk foods really offer quite the savings. I noticed among other things that they had one hundred quart zip bags for about $4. This particular store also had things that were just slightly out of date but still safe and edible. A lot of savings to be had there, too.
Your husband’s relish sounds wonderful!
I grew up in WI and still live there. Just a few blocks from my parents’ house is a VFW bar. On Fridays they have a fish fry. It’s so delicious. And then there’s a large spread of homemade desserts. I haven’t been in years but it was always a great treat! Haha I’ve never seen such big bags of cranberries!
Sarah,
Oooh. Our restaurant didn’t have a spread of homemade desserts. That would make the fish fry all the better.
I know you can’t wait to get back and visit the fish and desserts. 🙂 Isn’t Wisconsin such a great state?