It seems like there’s a lot to talk about this month, so get ready!
I mentioned
last month that Levi had gotten a new kitten that he named Lord Licorice.
We’ve all been enjoying him, but he’s especially a hit when the grandkids come
over. Here are some pictures and a video of his latest antics, including a couple
that demonstrate some hot weather we’ve had here lately.
He runs around like a crazy thing, then crashes. Here he found a breezy spot on a hot day 
Here's Licorice and Zuzu trying to stay cool on a 90 degree day 
He sacked out in my arms while I was watching TV
When my kids
were little, I used to go out with them for dessert for their birthday, just
Dad and the birthday boy or girl. Somewhere along the line, we stopped
doing that, so I decided this year to start it back up with the local grandkids
and my unmarried kids that are still home, but we’re doing it on their half
birthdays to avoid the busyness that’s typical around their actual
birthday. I plan on doing something similar with my far away grandkids
when we visit them.
Anyway, in
June, it was Josie’s turn. I don’t think I mentioned it here, but I did
take Ivy out in January and Alma out in April. Josie and I went to a
local ice cream shop and had a great time.
Krista got a
wonderful opportunity to visit Kortney and her family in Minnesota late in
June. She had a fantastic and relaxing time visiting with them and
catching up with that family that we see way too rarely. While she was
gone, we tried to fend for ourselves here at home. We mostly ate things
that are simple to make since our expert cook was gone, but we were really
proud of one meal where we went all out with grilled chicken, sweet corn, mac
salad and chips. All four of us (Zach, Jem, Levi, and myself) pitched in
to make that happen, and it turned out really delicious.
Our one impressive meal
I got lots of
nice wishes from my wife and kids for Fathers’ Day, along with some really nice
presents. The kids pitched in together to get me a recliner of my very
own, but really everyone uses it, especially the pets. Krista and I got
kayaks for my present, since I’d rather kayak with her than alone. We’ve
only taken them out once so far, but we’re planning some days off work when we
can go to local streams and have an adventure. Hopefully not too exciting
of an adventure.
Krista kayaking 
Greg kayaking 
My recliner
Our
Independence Day was actually relatively quiet this year. We went and saw
the fireworks our local town does, but really that was about it. Unless
I’m forgetting something, which, if so, I’m sure someone will point out to me.
In July, it was
time for the dessert date with Hazel, Alex, and Jem. They all agreed on a
time and place, so we all went together to another local ice cream place that
also had things to play on. Jem and I enjoyed watching Alex and Hazel
have fun together.
Our biggest
news this month is the engagement of our daughter, Amelia, to Ben White.
They met when Amelia moved to Louisville and starting working at UPS with Cai
and Zach. Ben worked there too, and she was blessed to find a godly and
handsome man! They are planning a September wedding in the Louisville
area.
Photo credit to Ben
Kevin (Hannah’s
husband) has been wanting to try a seafood boil since we had one at Outer
Banks. Well, he finally got a chance, and we locals got together to see
how he did. We all gave him a thumbs up, and he is looking forward to
tweaking his ingredients and trying it again. We’re all looking forward
to that too!
Just this past
weekend was the Wilson/Dickinson reunion at Lighthouse Christian Campground in
Barker, NY. This is the reunion of Krista’s father’s siblings and their
families. Krista and I rented a cabin there for a couple of relaxing and
fun nights and really enjoyed seeing extended family, good weather (until it
was time to leave when we got soaked with rain while packing to go), beautiful
Lake Ontario views, delicious food, and fun pickleball matches. We also
got a tour of the family farm where her Dad grew up.
Ansa and I on the trailer touring the farm 
Farm tour
While we were
there, Krista’s brother, Terrelle, showed me a plaque he had found at
Niagara-On-The-Lake in Ontario, Canada. He knows I am the
great-great-grandson of Hudson Taylor, and he had learned that Taylor had
spoken at the Niagara Bible Conference in Niagara-On-The-Lake, and that there
was a plaque commemorating that fact. He searched diligently and found it
and shared the picture with me. Krista’s parents and grandparents were
associated with Niagara Bible Conference in Olcott, NY, and Terrelle is
convinced there must be some connection between the two NBCs since they are so
close in location and time to each other. He is researching and promised
to share what he finds.
Finally, I am
asking for prayer again. It seems it is my season to go through physical
challenges. I’m still dealing with the bodily control issues caused by my
prostate surgery, so I appreciate your ongoing prayers for that recovery.
Also, for years I’ve had an intermittent swallowing problem that’s been treated
by my GI doctor doing a endoscopy and dilation that stretches the sphincter at
the top of my stomach. I had that procedure done in January, but it
didn’t seem as effective as it has been in the past. Usually after that’s
been done, I’m good for several years. But this time, I’m still having
occasional swallowing issues even though I just had that done. Anyway,
I’m going in again today for him to take another look at my throat to see if he
can figure out why it didn’t work this time. So, I’d appreciate your
prayers that God would give him wisdom and knowledge to know how to help me,
and that He would give me the grace to honor Him with however this turns
out. Thank you!
Talk to you in
August!
