An Old Day Outing to Kaohsiung!

I was up early as I had to run before we headed out to the MRT and then to the HSR...

I ran 10k and came back for a quick shower before getting Mom up.

I had set for us to leave at 9am and we did.

We parked and went on the MRT and arrived at the High Speed Rail Station without any hitch. We purchased our tickets back, but no reserved seat. Annie was very worried!

The bullet train left at 10:40 and we arrived in DuoYing by 12:35. Mitzi came to meet up with us. What fun it was to catch up with her.

We ate lunch at the food court and then Isaiah took off to meet up with Fenny. Her family is from KH. We stayed until 4pm and took the 4:35 HSR Bullet Train back... standing room only, but Annie and Mom got seats. I had a seat but an elderly man came on and I gave him my seat.

We were back in Taipei by 6:50 and we took the MRT back to Neihu. We were finally home by 8:30, almost 12 hours later.

Isaiah did not return with us as he wanted to hang out with Fenny and her family more.

I got Mom to bed and blogged and checked my emails and watched another episode of Diagnosis Murder as I was just waiting for Isaiah to return. We have no plans for tomorrow... But I might take them to see the Cherry Blossom. Annie said she will try to go for a longer ride by using an electric bike this time. She hopes to make it all the way to Danhsui.

We are hopefully going to have Family Time and I would want to get my 10k run in... that's all I have planned for tomorrow.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Mom's 94th Birthday!

I was up early but not early enough... 

After my morning time, I started baking... banana raisin cake and muffins and a quiche... but I had to grill the zucchini and onion before putting everything together.

So, I didn't finish doing the quiche as I decided to get my 10k in.

When I returned, I woke Mom up and while she ate, I continued my baking.

At 3pm, we left for an early dinner with some dear friends.

It was the young man's father's birthday, his wife's birthday and my mom's birthday. What a fun evening... the food was so great...

We left at 7:15 and went and got gas before getting home. I put all the food away and got Mom to bed. it was already 9pm by the time that was done.

I then packed things for tomorrow as we're heading down to Kaohsiung for the day on the High Speed Rail! I'll blog more about that tomorrow. 

I also have a lady coming to pick up stuff, so I set that all downstairs.

It felt so good to get to bed.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Here's the full verse:

Seek Him First!

Lunar New Year Day!

I was up early... and got a few things done before I went out for my usual 10k.

Annie went for a long bike ride...

I came home and got Mom up and showered and fed her breakfast.

Isaiah did not get up for tennis... not yesterday and not today... and maybe tomorrow...

We ate well from all the stuff we bought yesterday.

Annie and Isaiah both took a nap while I stayed with Mom... I was thinking about taking them up to see the Cherry Blossoms, but they slept for the entire afternoon. I think Annie was exhausted from her long bike ride.

So.., I had a free evening after I got Mom to bed.

What an interesting Lunar New Year Day!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Shopping Tuesday!

I was up early and went out finally at 9:30 for 90 minutes... I made up for my short run yesterday! I hope to hit 60 by the end of this week...

I got Mom up and she ate breakfast then we took off to look for stuff.

We went to Hola, B&Q, Good Life, and Carrefour. Annie found the hanging shelves on sale for 3US$. YEAH! We bought four. As we were leaving Carrefour, we heard that all the cooked food and baked goods were all buy one get one free or 50% off! We bought a lot... and headed home.

Annie was exhausted. We had dinner... and she didn't eat much at all. I don't think she's even eating more than 800 calories per day! 

I got Mom to bed and did a load of laundry and watched Diagnosis Murder... But I couldn't keep my eyes opened... It's been a long day... and I'm sure the day will start early tomorrow!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Holiday Monday... and ALL THIS WEEK!

I was up super early... I really want to get back to getting up super early... I love the early morning hour. I didn't go out for a run instead I took all the things to donate and loaded everything into our car... and I'll let you know the story later...

Max and his fiancee are here in Taiwan and we didn't know if they'd be up for meeting at the Grand Hotel at 11am. I had cancelled Mom's doctor's appointment as her heel is healing up nicely. We got Mom up and went to our friend's house to drop off things for their kids and went to the Grand Hotel. It was beautiful. Then we drove to have lunch at Boulevard Cafe... and here is the rest of the story.

We now had 6 people plus Mom's push-style walker plus the back loaded with all the donation goods. Annie had to sit in the front seat with Mom's walker on going across her lap and somewhat suspended. I then had to move and stack everything in the back so that we would have one extra seat. It was wild... Mr. Toad Wild Ride! At least the restaurant was nearby. The food was good but small portion. There were a total of nine of us... Mom enjoyed the meal!

I then dropped Max and his fiancee off at the National Palace Museum and then went back to chat some more at the restaurant with our church friends. At 2:45, we came home and I had time for 7km as Annie and Isaiah went for their massage. I stayed home with Mom. I didn't even have time to take a shower.

No one was hungry for dinner, but I gave Mom some oatmeal.

We have no appointments for tomorrow... but maybe we will take the MRT to the zoo. We did that two years ago when Annie was here. The weather will be cold but no rain. Not even a drizzle!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Sunday!

I was up early but no run... Annie worked on getting my ticket for the states... and Neil, our dear friend, worked his magic and we got it... from Annie's points and she only paid less than 100US$. So, the dates are from 3/27 to 4/7. I know it's short... but better than nothing.

We then left to go shop at RTMart and just as we were looking for snacks, the Chinese New Year Celebration started. Annie was able to catch the whole performance on her cell phone and take pictures with the performers.

We got back by 12:30 and I got Mom up... and she ate before going to church.

I had to translate and Annie sat with Mom... she was as calm as can be... I couldn't believe it! Annie was prepared to take her out if she started singing or talking... but nothing... Mom just looked tired!

We had dinner at church and came back by 7:30. Amazing... That's considered early! And I found a great parking space right near church... We had a small group, so we had extra bento boxes which I brought home and put in the freezer.

No day care tomorrow... or this week... Annie went to bed early... and I got Mom to bed by 9pm.

Daily Lovely Insight:

What a promise... 

Seek Him First!

Fast Saturday!

I was up early and Annie said she had no fever but was not yet fully recovered. 

Isaiah got up and went to play tennis.

I went for a run... Annie did too... sort of... She walked very quickly for 30 minutes.

I was back and got Mom up and Annie supervised as I went to run errands.

I met up with possible tenants who hope to move in by March of 2025. A sweet young couple... Then I went and bought drinks for the event tonight and then went to pick up goodies from a German gal. I also paid two bills.

I was home and Annie went back to bed... 

I made the food for tonight's potluck... But Isaiah had already started to eat the chicken... oh well...

Tonight we had a potluck at church... We brought Mom with us... We couldn't stay long as Annie and Mom were both tired. We were home by 8:30 and I stayed up to get Mom to bed and clean up everything. Plus I got so much stuff from the recycling... it's that time when people are just throwing things away and I try to post and give away. Unfortunately, my living room floor is now quite packed with so much stuff. 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Vacation Has Started

What a day... that's all I can say... 

I was up early... 

I got Mom up and out... then forced Annie to get up as I had booked a massage for her. Two hours... She slept... I had made a doctor's appointment, but she just wanted to sleep. So, I cancelled the appointment and she went to bed.

The Mom of my Friday tutees called... can I tutor today? Why? Because Chinese has a superstition... can't owe people money before the start of the New Year... bad omen... and she owed me money... So, I tutored for one hour and got my money... not worth the time... I left at 1pm and got back at 3:30. When I got there, she didn't have the money ready. So after I tutored, I had to scooter to a 7/11 where she withdrew money... She did give me a New Year Gift box and I did get to see her parents, who were my boss at Ming Chuan University.

I came home and cancelled the dental appointment and messaged the day care center to put Mom in the van as I won't be going over to pick her up. I started dinner as I had thought we'd be eating out.

I went for a short run... and it was quite warm. I hit 9k so tomorrow I will have to run 10.5 to hit 60 for this week... I should be able to do that.

Annie was still in bed... fast asleep. I think this will speed her recovery. While she was getting the massage, I did go and buy more cough medicine... prescription strength, so that should help.

Isaiah came home for dinner and I worked to put everything away. 

For most people, vacation has started... for me... without day care and Annie who is sick, I will be busy as always.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Better-than-Tuesday Sabbath Thursday

I was up early as Isaiah had asked me to go with him to the MRT... but then he decided to ride Alan's scooter and then I'd go pick it up when I go for my afternoon run...

I got Mom up and out and had English Muffins with Cream Cheese... and coffee... YUMMY.

Then... you guessed it... reading and resting... 

For lunch, I had romaine lettuce salad with cheese and raisins... 

I went for my 10k and I had brought the keys to pick up Alan's scooter. Well, it took 30 minutes to figure out how to open the seat to get the helmet out and then to unlock the steering wheel. I finally rode Alan's scooter home... 

I was so thirsty... After a long drink of water, I proceeded to trim my hair and took a nice long shower.

And all too soon... Mom was back. And I checked Annie's flight... it was 51 minutes early... The angels are lifting the wings of CI005.

I had tutoring at 7:30 to 8:30 and dashed off to the airport... I had told Annie to meet me at the curbside of the Arrival area at Terminal 2.

I'll post more tomorrow!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Warm Wednesday!

It's not going to stay warm... I checked the weather and when Annie is here, the temperature is going to drop... ha, ha, ha... 

I was up early and after Mom left, I again helped with the recycling. I also posted things to give away. No one has responded. I was messaging Annie in the morning and what a laugh... she booked THREE SEATS so that she can sleep... That was cheaper than buying business or first class. 1900 versus 5400!!!! Is that hilarious? I guess she can have three meals. I told her to bring some bags or something and bring the stuff to eat here... if she can!

I also called the Nursing Home... but no space available... and they asked me to call back in late February. Well... I'm hoping to book the ticket while Annie is here, so that I can go see Mom Bea even just for a few days. I reached out to two other sources and see if they can get me a spot... a confirmed spot for the end of March to the first week of April. We shall see. It's the week of Spring Break so I don't have tutoring nor will I have my Bible study. It's a good time to take off.

I worked on my talk... finished 90%! Then it was time to go out for a run as I have to tutor at 4:30 and I told the kid that we'd make a Mug Cake in light of the upcoming Lunar New Year Celebration. So, I had to get all the ingredients together for that. 

I got everything ready for the helper who came at 5:15 for Mom Care as I got home by 6:15. Then tutoring again at 7:30 after Mom went to bed.

Isaiah had another dinner out... He will have another dinner out tomorrow night. That's the typical thing around this time just before the Lunar New Year! Dining out with different groups of people! When he got home, I begged him to let me cut his hair and he said yes... NICE!

Alan and I were also messaging each other trying to work out something for March / April... God is at work. I'm trusting in Him... All my sources came back with NOTHING... The elderly population has ballooned and these facilities are maxed out... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

This is God... the One I trust to work things out for His glory... Nothing is impossible for Him!

Seek Him First!

Terrific Tuesday

Overall, it was a terrific day...

I was up and started to clean, moving the wheelchair out and sorting through all the fans in our house... Then it was time to get Mom up and out... I got the lunch together and headed to church, giving myself time to clean as I didn't stay that long after church on Sunday, since I have to be the one driving. 

I plugged the crock pot in, but the pot didn't turn on... darn it...it was still cold at 11:30. Oh well... I had the whole pot of leftovers and came home and divided it up for Mom's dinner, for maybe four days! YIPPY!

I did a load of laundry and took down the clothes and put away everything. I took a Power Nap and then went for a 10k run! I even had time for a quick shower before Mom came home.

Isaiah had dinner out with his co-workers. I had a 'free' evening... YIPPY!

TERRIFIC TUESDAY.

Daily Lovely Insight:

This was the key to our bible study this morning... How amazing...

Seek Him First!

Not A Mundane Monday

I was up early... but did not go out for my 10k until later...

I wanted to spend the morning working on my talk for February 9th, since I won't have much time while Annie is here. I also wanted to work on my Revelation study questions.

So, after getting Mom up and out, that's what I did... and I am about 70% finished... I haven't started on the ppt, but just getting my talk notes done first.

I had lunch, rested and then went out for my 10k. It was nice...

I decided to head out as I had errands to run and limited on time... I went to the bank, bought batteries to replace the car keyless starter, and took a shower at WGE before heading home.

I had dinner ready and got that in the microwave and sorted through lots of usable recycling stuff like a brand new coffee maker and posted things to give away. One lady responded immediately and came by at around 7pm.

I had prayer time at 8:30 after Mom went to bed and then another sister needed prayer at 9:30. Yes, I was very ready for bed... 

Tomorrow... Bible study. I cooked the meal starting tonight in a crock pot. Should be good... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

The Holy Spirit is the Comforter, the Advocate and the Encourager... So, Christians should be the most encouraging people on Planet Earth as the Holy Spirit resides in our heart... the words from our mouth should flow with encouragement!

Seek Him First!

Sunday...

I couldn't come up with a better title... ha, ha, ha...

It was a full and blessed day.

I was up early and after my time, I worked on my 2/9 talk... YEAH!

Then, I got Isaiah up as he was leading the morning service... and I went for my walk: to pick up bread for Mom, to get veggies for my salad... and then home to get Mom up!

I was again late for church as it is so difficult to find parking... I don't drive like Alan. He can just whip into a parking space on the other side of the street with such ease... Anyhow, I found one... and someone started setting up and got the coffee going... but the whole feeling before the service was one of chaos. And the worship time reflected that... WEIRD!

Isaiah did a fabulous job translating... and Mom enjoyed the snacks and the dinner.

We were home by 7:30 and I got Mom to bed... and worked and prayed with a gal and headed to bed... YEAH!

The week has started...

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Much Busier Than I Had Wanted

I was up early and Isaiah was, too... Very unusual... He had a tennis tournament and had to meet the people at 6:30. So, he didn't go to his EMAW group.

I went for my run and then headed out to buy bread and get money. Alan didn't pay his tennis club membership or new uniform. Isaiah will bring the money tomorrow.

I also join a TRX session with a friend. I wanted her to try it... anyhow, with the hill run and my usual 10k, my legs were not happy!

I rushed home for Mom care... And she peed through everything! I had to do three loads of wash... Stripped everything!

While she ate, I worked like mad, checking on her constantly as you never know if she should decide that she wants to get up to go for a swim!

I was hoping to work on my February 9th talk, but had very little free time, not to mention that I started to watch an episode of Diagnosis Murder... I'm beginning to love that show.

Isaiah had an all-day tennis tournament. His team came in third place... If Alan were here, he would have joined them... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

No one answered the question from yesterday's verse... 

Isaiah 48:21... 

It spoke to me about living on this side of eternity... about salvation... about God as the Provider... and how His provision is always perfect... and perhaps miraculous... about how I am to be satisfied... in trusting Him... 

Seek Him First!

What Do You Think: Packed or Unpacked?

I was up and got Mom up and out... 

I had planned this day to be filled with many tasks... but first... a massage. I had not been there for a month... I can't believe that... The last time was 12/19!

90 minutes flew by... 

Then it was time to go to WGE to drop things off before heading out to the route I ran last year on January 6th. The run will be tomorrow... I'm not joining it... but for the sake of nostalgia, I wanted to run 10k there. What fun... 

Then I went to donate blood... YEP... I was looking to donate right after my birthday and a month has passed... but that's ok as I can only donate four times a year... not 6 times... I talked to the people in charge, suggesting that they should raise the age to 75! They have started the process of changing the rules as they realize that this is a super-aging society.

I went back to WGE, stopping to get pictures printed. I had not taken a shower... so that's what I did... A nice long shower... and I made myself a huge thermos of hot coffee with milk tea... SO YUMMY!

I sat there and read before it was time to go and pick up the pictures and head home... The day flew by.

I got Mom to bed and then headed out again to pick up a foam cushion... Annie, you'll see... and also to buy more diapers... AIYO!

I was very ready for bed...

Daily Lovely Insight:

How does this verse speak to you? I'll share my thoughts in the next post!

Seek Him First!

Unpacked Sabbath...

I was up and got Mom up and out and cleaned her room...

Then I had breakfast... English muffins... I love them! I splurged and bought them from Costco!

I got my books and settled down to read... 

A sister dropped by as her daughter is leaving soon... then another sister wanted to pray together as she is facing a decision...

I finally went for my run at 12noon and finished my 10 and I should hit 60 by Saturday.

After a quick shower, I went to Shopee to pick up the shoe bag that I had ordered for Isaiah.

I forgot to get pictures printed... oh well...

I was home and had only 30 minutes before Mom was due home... 

How did the day go by so quickly???

After she went to bed, I tutored from 7:30-8:30. 

Isaiah went out to dinner with Fenny!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Back to Monday Title...

I was up early and got Mom up... and there are more things to do these days... massage cream, her heel ointment, poop check...

After she left, I went to do the recycling... And then it was time to go for a run... as I knew I wouldn't have time otherwise.

I made spaghetti and went to Costco to get the chicken. On the way home, I stopped to pick up a few things and finally arrived home. I got the chicken in the crock pot and put everything else away. Then, it was time to head out as I had tutoring at 4:30 and it was quite chilly riding the scooter there. 

I had tutoring at 7:30... So, it was a rush to get Mom to bed and to eat a simple dinner. Then prayer time at 10 and that went long... So, it was definitely a long day!

Daily Lovely Insight: 

Seek Him First!

Trying For An "Unpacked" Day!

I was up early... I love the skyline before the sun rises...

I got Mom up and out and then did some tidying up before going to Beitou to buy two plants, two pots and potting soil. Alan and I decided to pay for these items so that there will be some new plants in our complex. The new Board approved it.

I got everything home and the plants look nice in the garden area. I also bought a few smaller plants to put around the complex.

I came up and had a late lunch. Salad... it was hot and I decided to take a nap... Wow... it was difficult to get up.

So, I didn't go out for my 10k until 3:37.

I was home and got Mom's dinner in the microwave and took a quick shower. 

Isaiah was home and we had a leftover bento box for him.

I made pickled cucumbers as I bought vinegar this last time from Costco.

I read from Mom Bea's blog that Alan has arrived in San Diego!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Totally PACKED!

I was up and got Mom out and went for a 9k run... Yes... I only had time for 9k.

Then I met up with a dear friend for brunch. She was in an uber and hit traffic, which gave me time to head to the Family Mart to pick up the HSR tickets for Kaohsiung on 1/31. YEAH.

The brunch restaurant was nice, but the portion was very small and it wasn't cheap!

We will meet up again... and I went to the church to clean up and pick up before going to tutor. I was going to stop to buy diapers, but no time...

Tutoring went well... and I was finished and headed home. The sister who I meet with once a month was early. She had to leave at 5pm... which was just before Mom came home. I got Mom's dinner ready.

Isaiah came home and had dinner... 

I got Mom to bed and had Bible study at 9pm.

What a totally packed day!

Daily Lovely Insight:

The passage for our Inauguration Service yesterday was from Psalm 127... here are the first two verses!

Seek Him First!

Smooth Day...

I slept in a bit... and then went out for a walk to get some eggs and bread.

I was home and Isaiah came back from playing tennis.

I got Mom up and eating breakfast.

We were both vigilant about keeping an eye on her.

At 2pm we left for church... We had to leave early as I needed to drop Mom off and then go and find a parking space since Alan is not around. It took me 20 minutes before I finally found a space.

It was great as a dear sister came early to help with set up and I brought lots of snacks. I made coffee, hot chocolate and a strawberry tea.

It was the inauguration service and I represented Alan... that was fun!

After the service, I drove to drop Fenny off... wow... We were home by 8:30! 

I got Mom to bed and had prayer time with a sister... 

What a day! Overall, it went very well.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Helping Out...

It was a long day... 

The New Complex Board had their meeting, which I had to join. And there was a lady who was out of control... she's not a board member but a member of this community. Wow... She took up so much time... 

Oh... let me backtrack... I went for a run early this morning. Isaiah had his EMAW group. 

Then the meeting... I let the new members know what are things that were undecided or still need to be completed and I went back up as Isaiah was leaving to meet with Fenny. 

I cut Mom's hair and had her breakfast ready... A friend came over to pick up the baby gate and stayed to talk... It was more like counseling... and then at 3pm, the person who comes once a month arrived. Things are going well... 

Mom was listening to the Tang Dynasty Poem. But after dinner, she got up and I wasn't paying attention and banged her head. Yup... I need to remember: can't leave her alone even for a second! I was trying to put on a coat (don't ask me why as I had the heater right next to her) and fell off the dining room chair. I think she banged her head on the floor. At least it wasn't bad as she just slipped off the chair. 

After she went to bed, I was able to get things done.  

Daily Lovely Insight:

I have memorized Proverbs 3:5-6, but 7-8 are so great... How did I miss them?

Seek Him First!

Getting Much Done!

Friday is usually our Date... but Alan is not here...

So, after I got Mom up and out, I got the house back in order after the tornado of packing things. I took down the clothes, put things away, posted things to give away...

I went for my run as a friend came over at noon as she needed counseling.

After she left, I got my tutoring stuff ready and made dinner for Mom, set everything out for the helper, and left.

Isaiah was home by 6:15 to relieve the helper. I came home at 7:35.

I got Mom to bed and put things away, and had a call from a friend who needed counseling! 

Tomorrow is another long day... But I hope that next week I'll have time to go for a massage... 

Alan arrived safely... Annie picked him up and the BIG eating has started!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

A Real Sabbath!

I really took the whole day to rest and read... Alan was at school finishing up his grades.

I made cream of corn soup and enjoyed it.

At 4:15pm, I finally went out for a run because Alan was home! YIPPY!

I hit 10k... 

I cut his hair and he worked on packing. I also finished my packing of things for Annie!

Isaiah was home by 7pm as we planned to leave by 7:30.

I got Mom to bed and we headed out!

On the way, we picked up food for Alan... really! He wasn't going to eat until after 1:00am.

It was nice to have Isaiah with me on the drive back. I get lost too easily.

We have been praying for Southern California... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!