Friday, 4 August 2023

One Day at a Time

 The much anticipated annual family week at a cottage finally arrived and is now already a thing of the past. We knew ahead of time that we would not be able to participate the way we had in other summers due to Hardy's illness. As his main caregiver, I could not leave him for a week. However, the children made a plan for me to spend one full day there, while one of them stayed with him for the day.  I enjoyed every minute and will live with the memories now.


Above are the "twin" cousins (one month apart) who have worked so hard to finish high school this year and now are on the cusp of life's new adventures. My advice to them is to "live one day at a time." Their Opa's advice has always been: "Every day is not the same!" Hmmm--seems like that is not working for him right now, as his days are pretty much the same!




The youngest grandson (and youngest in the family) is great at entertaining us all. He decided to dress up as Oma with her cool hat and shades!


A boat ride down the river was absolutely wonderful





Of course I had to visit the garden, which was as beautiful as always, but no milkweed this year, which was too bad. I have a Vexierbild (picture puzzle) for you. Can you spot the insect? It's not hard once you know it's there.



My project for the afternoon was to make a batch of "Rollkuchen" (a type of Mennonite bannock eaten with watermelon or Borscht). I recruited my two faithful helpers from last summer to do the deep frying while I rolled and cut.








The hours and the days flew by, and now our Ontario family is on the road back to their home after tearful goodbyes to their dad and their Opa. 

Aufwiedersehen




27 comments:

  1. Beautiful, mama!
    (Christine)💚

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    1. Thanks, Christine, for all your love and care ❤️

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  2. So many beautiful memories being made… bittersweet in so many ways😢🥰Pics are great …you look so happy to be with your family! One day at a time❤️

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    1. Ruth Jamsen

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    2. I enjoyed it so much! Especially being so aware of how quickly things can change, but also how much love is out there and how wonderful the grandkids are in their responses.

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  3. I know you cherish these times. I’m not called Oma, but am counted on to make the rollkuchen! Family times are so precious. Good memories of your family. Jan and Bob Buhr

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    1. Making Rollkuchen is a bit of a job, so I was happy to have two granddaughters doing the frying. They even made some doughnut balls with them! I’ll always remember our visit to you in Kajiji and the time you and the girls came to stay with us in Kikwit.

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  4. I am so glad your family came together to make it possible for you to have respite and reunion and Hardy to feel the expansive love of the whole family for him. Continued prayers.

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    1. Thanks, Shirley, the prayers are so appreciated!

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  5. Family love is threaded through your entire post, Elfrieda. And the photos are a perfect way to capture "one day at a time." (You might have a thespian in the family with youngest grandson dressing up as Oma with her cool hat and shades.)
    An extra big hug for you today and continued prayers!

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    1. Marian, I actually wrote him that he might consider acting as a career and he wrote back “I’m going to have to pass on that one.” He is an excellent writer as well, so who knows where his path might lead him. They usually end up not doing what we think they will do!! My children have surprised me with their career choices!

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    2. I know they bring you much joy, Elfrieda!

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  6. So happy you could have this special times with your family! Praying for you folks!

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    1. Prayers are always appreciated. Thank you!

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  7. In Paraguay we made watermelon syrup and had that with the Rollkuchen. Always delicious, no matter what you pair them with, or even just on their own!

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  8. I am so happy for you ...a day with the family is the best gift for you now. Hardy had a special gift as well and that was having one grandchild with him. 💞

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  9. It was a special gift, but it was a son—in-law who stayed with him and gave him a much needed shave!

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  10. Love seeing the grandchildren make traditional dishes like Roll Kuchen!

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  11. Certain traditions have remained, others have fallen by the wayside. Usually the ones involving food have the strongest foothold! Zwieback is another one that has remained.

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  12. Always enjoy your sharing.
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Hardy and your family.
    Love to hear others enjoy Rollkuchen as much as we do.

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  13. They are a bit of a pain to make, but the deliciousness compensates for that!

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  14. Thank you for sharing, Elfrieda. I'm glad that you and Hardy are surrounded and supported by your loving family. Thinking and praying for you.

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  15. Thank you, April. You know about this journey through your own experience.

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