Nothing like being in California in January rather than icy cold Indiana, right? We have many supporting churches in California, so we have to schedule big blocks of time there.
In Hilmar, Tom & Pat Sparks treated us to waffles and football and conversation and an amazing little apartment of our own
complete with an overwhelming welcome basket from a sister?/friend! You are not seeing it in its full glory – we had already dug into it when I finally had the presence of mind to take a picture. Never before had we had such a crazy wonderful basket!!!!
In between Hilmar and Modesto we were able to bip down to the L.A. area, to be with my sister and nephew, as well as visit with dear friend Clynnley O’Riley and stepmom Ardys. Roy hooked up with some old (literally – we are getting old!!!, graduated from high school in ’72!) high school friends. My sister let us sleep in her brand new big bedroom addition – complete with a kitty to keep us warm at night. She, Ralleau, not the kitty, is helping me put together a quilt, and gave me a pile of fabric pieces which I will add to my African fabric, aiming for this look:
So my sister and my sister-in-law & brother are coming to our house in Indiana in April! Can’t wait to actually host them for a change! The sisters will help me design/cut?/sew? the quilt top, and Roy will probably be wandering around the countryside with my brother. Who knows what they might get up to!
In Modesto Dave & Irene Feaver treated us to awesome snacks and beverages while watching football and even Downtown Abbey, not to mention meals and fellowship. They introduced us to a new game and to aebelskiver (Dutch pancake balls)! We also had an interesting middle of the night experience, a man in distress randomly picked their porch to fall apart. Never a dull moment!
With Steve & Launa Humphries in Ripon, we were the first guests in their new home on their kids’ nut farm. Always a good time eating, laughing, and playing games with these friends. 
It was really cool to be able to help them a little bit for once, instead of it always being the other way around!
In Kingsburg, we connected with many dear friends, but spent most of our time being taken care of by Hal & Sue Collin. They have amazing tangerines and oranges, so sweet and ripe right off the trees in their yard. Kay C. of course kept us laughing with her stories and life happenings!
Hal made sure Roy had a lazy boy to stretch out in to watch football…
Mom & Dad & sister/bro Lynn & Tim in Citrus Heights treated us to an early birthday celebration.
Again, it was nice to be able to help out. Though it’s not Roy’s favorite, this plumbing thing. He did get to repot an orchid, so that was a happy experience to counter the toilet frustrations.
Ken & Adrienne Satterberg put up with us for an evening, and there have been many others we have had connections with. Everywhere we go, inbetween sharing at churches and going to meetings, friends and family are just waiting to take care of us! Thank you, everyone!
