Wednesday, January 31, 2018

The days are getting harder because of a lack of activity.  I can only hobble on one leg for so long and then sitting is necessary.  There is still some swelling in the foot, so that requires it to be elevated—preferably above the heart—so that requires recliner sitting.  Being so sedentary is starting to get to me, however!  I am used to moving!  One more week and then I should be able to be more mobile and do more things although it will take a while to get used to walking with the boot.  It’s hard to send Glade every day to the temple and remain at home.  It is my own responsibility, however, to choose how I feel—sad, mad, or glad according to Pres. Uchtdorf’s recent story.  So, I’m choosing to keep smiling and look for the good in having this extra time to read and study.  I have actually attacked the subjunctive mood in Spanish which I have been avoiding forever.

Temple attendance was high the last two days as the young missionaries from two areas came to do initiatory and endowment work before the temple closes.  Of course, I wasn’t there, but when I have seen them come in the past, it has made me so happy to see their smiling faces and enthusiastic countenances.

Good bye to January.  Hello February—and welcome! 

Love to Everyone.  😊

Tuesday, January 30, 2018

January is on it’s way off the grid and it seems impossible.  When we first started talking about going on another mission, our plan was to leave in January 2018 and be back home in time for the reunion in the summer.  This amazing opportunity in DC wasn’t listed on-line with the other openings and we didn’t know about it until Glade was talking with the Church Temple Department Director in Salt Lake.  The timing was perfect and it has worked out so well for us to be finishing now instead of just beginning.  We have loved our time here and feel so blessed to be here before this temple closes for two and a half years.  It has been another tender mercy/miracle for us and we are so grateful!!

The first month for all those New Year’s Resolutions has passed and some have not been successful as of yet.  Some how it is very easy to thank that there will always be time in the future, some other day, to do what we really long to do and become who we really want to become.  But we’ll soon run out of chances.  You would think I would “get it” by now.  😊  But I will keep trying and never give up!!

Hug your kids; Love your spouse; Be happy!  Love to Everyone.  

Monday, January 29, 2018

The senior missionaries traditionally “volunteer” to help take lights down around the Visitor Center.  Today was the day and since it wasn’t raining but was only cold, the task was on!  Obviously I couldn’t go, and an email exempted any of the sisters who didn’t feel up to the brisk 8:30 a.m. challenge.  Glade wasn’t going to go, but his conscience got the best of him, so he put on an extra shirt and went to help.  No ladder climbing is allowed and the seniors worked on unwinding light strips from the bushes and there were hundreds and hundreds of them.  They only had to work for about two and a half hours.  It was pretty cold and it took “bone-warming” hot chocolate to shake off the chill after Glade came home.

He cheered up, however, when he set out to play pickleball at the church again.  He is getting the hang of this game and had a great time.  He is stiff and hobbling tonight, but not complaining. 

Each day since my fall I assume the kindness and condolences will cease, but it hasn’t happened yet—thirteen days later!  The Sister whose daughter flew here to cut hair for the missionaries last month stopped by today with the gift of a book.  She said “You have probably been inundated with food, right?”  And she was right.  So, her choice was to share something she is reading called The Savior’s Final Week by Andrew C. Skinner.  It is actually three books in one totaling over 550 pages.  The books are a series called Gethsemane, Golgotha, and The Garden Tomb.  It will be deep reading and a spiritual and intellectual journey.  What a beautiful gift.

Another couple who are about 80 years old stopped by to thank me for the nice thank-you note I sent yesterday and stayed to visit for a while.  They are just so sweet, slowing down, and looking pretty frail, but still going strong. 

Then sweet Sister Martinez and Joselyn came by to bring us supper for the third time!  She wanted to make chicken soup, but didn’t have time to make something homemade and stopped at a restaurant for tamales, fried bananas, beans, and potatoes that were cut and cooked like French fries.  We can’t risk hurting her feelings by refusing her offers, since she has already shared so much; so we are just being as grateful as we know how!  She shared with us today that her husband (he fell from a ladder and has been unable to work for several years) has been inactive in church for 15 years.  She and friends have been praying and fasting again and again that he would return to church, and on Sunday, he returned for Sacrament Meeting.  He has never stopped paying tithing all this time, and does genealogy work every day going back about nine generations.  So she was pretty happy.

Tomorrow is a new beginning--as they say--The First Day of the Rest of Your Life.  Even though it is a Tuesday and unremarkable as important days go, it could become life changing when chosen to be so.  Love and Hugs!   😊

   

Sunday, January 28, 2018

When Glade returned from the temple late last night, he brought a gift to me from Sister Colton, the temple matron.  It was a book by Sister Nelson What Would A Holy Woman Do?  It was a second-mile offering that I appreciated so much.  It’s a great book—short, but powerful in it’s message. 

A kind neighbor prepared lunch for us today and Glade was able to eat just before leaving for his meetings.  So, I have started another thank-you list and feel so blessed to associate with so many caring and serving people.  Glade came home a little early from church and took all the thank you notes written yesterday around to the four buildings and taped them to the doors of the providers.

I had planned to attend Sacrament Meeting today, but just couldn’t do all the logistics.  I did too much yesterday and stressed my whole body moving the wheelchair back and forth and standing on one leg for too long.  I was nearly too tired to get ready for bed and just didn’t recover well enough to go today.  But after a good night’s sleep and a lesson learned, I paced myself a little better today.

Make this week a wonderful one—the best ever!  Love You All!  😊

Saturday, January 27, 2018

Today was filled up with busy work like laundry, and more laundry.  The time passed eventually and I even prepared 22 personal thank-you notes to be delivered tomorrow to our kind friends who brought food and made welcome visits.  People have really been so good to us and it is such a lesson to me as to how I can help others in the future.  One single sister who has already been here a couple of times, called tonight and came down to visit while Glade was at the temple, bearing a bowl of strawberries and a game.  We for a long time, however, and didn’t get to the game; but she left it so Glade and I could learn how to play it.  It’s called “Play Nine” and has something to do with golf, so it is a little out of our realm, but we’ll figure it out.  This was the sister who fell in the laundry room the same day I fell, and re-broke her arm.    

Hope your Sunday is restful and renewing.  Love to everyone!   😊

Friday, January 26, 2018

  

We went on a little outing today that started at the church.  Glade drove the car around to our patio door again to make getting in easier, and added more lines to the grass.  He says it will all grow back fine.  We went to the church so I could see how playing the piano in Church in three weeks is going to go.  Of course, the booted foot can’t work the pedal so that is a major stumbling block right off the bat.  The Bach numbers I practiced were fine, but not the solo for church.  Maybe I can take the boot off long enough to play and then put it back on again! 

The next stop was the post office and then a quick stop at Safeway for fruit.  I just waited in the car while Glade took care of those two things; and by the time we got home, my foot was crying out for elevation and a rest!  But it was good to get out of these small four walls for a little bit.

My visiting teaching partner stopped by today and brought a handled paper bag full of about 100 paper strips each having a written question on it.  She told me that by the time the questions were all answered, my personal history would be written.  There were some interesting and thought-provoking questions and it could make any life history more entertaining than just chronological events and facts.  Maybe I’ll share some here when I start writing.  She said this activity was to help me pass the time.  She also looked at my foot with just a thin sock covering the toe and asked me if my toes got cold.  I told her yes, especially since the floor area is always so cold and my socks won’t fit over the boot.  She said, “Wait, I’ll be right back,” and she went back to her apartment and returned with a pair of large, red, crocheted slippers.  We stretched one over the end of the foot and boot and it worked great!  Her thoughtfulness was very much appreciated.  I also received a couple of packages in the mail full of fun things to do to help pass the time, and these activities will be wonderful.  My heart is full of thanks for so much kindness and thoughtfulness.

Love to you all.  Have a great week-end and stay safe!  😊

Thursday, January 25, 2018

Glade drove the car around to the back of our apartment last night so it would be easier for me to maneuver to it through the sliding glass door rather than tackling the steps going out the front to get to it for the drive to the doctor’s office.  The small tire lines in the grass aren’t too bad!  The Dr. appointment was at 8:15 this morning and it all went well.  The bone is still stable and healing, and the next appointment has been set for two weeks instead of one.  The boot will be necessary for at least six weeks and might be followed up with an “air cast” whatever that is.  The toe end of my foot and the toes are quite swollen so the foot has to be elevated higher than the heart so gravity can help lessen the fluids.  That means more time in the recliner!!  I have tried to get up a little more, but that’s not going to help the swelling for a while.  The bruising is showing up now but is no where near the color display from the sprained ankle in Honduras.

We were back in time for Glade to have a nap before he headed to the temple for the long shift we have on Thursdays.   My day was the same as the day before, but one of my good friends came by to visit and we had such a great time.  She and her husband are from Gilbert, AZ, and we have really connected like we had always been friends.  We have a lot in common and she is always cheerful and we laugh a lot—very healthy.   

Time for more Advil—not necessarily for the ankle, but for the tail bone!  Sitting is not helpful for pain relief there 😊.  Love you all; drop me a line when you can!  Good Night!

Wednesday, January 24, 2018 

Well, it was a week ago this morning that I fell and changed my life!!  One week down and five to go to finish healing.  By the time I am out of this boot, there will only be two working days left in the temple.  I plan to go back sooner than that, but it will be awkward and my service limited.  But I still see the blessings because it could have been so much worse.

The maintenance man was here most of the morning replacing our garbage disposal.  He was very chatty and provided entertaining conversation while he worked.  While he was here, our cute Asian home teacher wandered over in his slippers and brought us baked cheesecake that he made.  We ate it with our late lunch—late because Glade didn’t get home from the temple until about 2:00—and it was yummy.  The steady stream of food has slowed and we have stocked the freezer for the next couple of weeks.  Our friends have been very kind.

The day dragged and I missed having a puzzle to piece.  I actually put in the last few pieces this morning instead of last night because Glade needed to go to sleep.  So, all four are done and now I need another one.

Take care, Everyone.  Love, hugs, and prayers are sent your way.  You are the very best!  😊

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Glade went the extra mile today and stayed at the apartment long enough to make sure I had everything I needed before he returned from the temple, like easily accessible food and water.  He had arranged to go late.  I can get around pretty well pairing the crutches and wheelchair as needed, but can’t try anything where losing balance or over-reaching might result in another fall.  I finished the puzzle, read, studied, and stayed awake! 

There were a lot of people in and out and that helped pass the time as well.  The apartment manager obtained a bench for the bathtub so I can sit to shower and brought it by.  Our garbage disposal has been leaking so the maintenance man was here to confirm the problem. A new one was delivered and will be installed in the morning. 

One lady I visit teach stopped by on her way to the temple to visit and brought chocolate protein drinks.  Another sweet sister came by with a rotisserie chicken and green salad from Costco and stayed to visit.  And then another sister who has already been to visit once—the one who broke her arm twice in two different falls here—came by to say “Hi” and brought a yummy giant oatmeal cookie.  Oh, and another sister came by with a big bowl of chili and trimmings. I don’t know what we are going to do with all this food!  The fridge is full and the freezer is filling up fast.  I just can’t eat that much—especially since I’m not active—and Glade is trying not to stuff himself every day.  Everyone has been so kind and thoughtful and it is very humbling.  It will make me more compassionate and helpful to others when it is my turn to be on the giving end of service instead of the receiving end.  One of the nicest things that has occurred is that so many people have taken the time to stay for a while and just talk! 

Take great care of your health and your bodies!  Someday you will be 70 years old, too, and will be most grateful for healthy bones and a reservoir of strength and agility that is only built over time. 

Love to all of you!   😊  

Monday, January 22, 2018

Sister Martinez and her daughter stopped by tonight with chicken tacos and chocolate cake.  She wanted to bring Mexican food!  They already brought dinner once.  They are just so sweet.  It was fun to have them here and each time we meet—at church or here—I am treated to the Latin way of sharing hugs and I love it.

Glade went to “The Sweat Shop” and worked out this morning and walked to Safeway this afternoon for milk and a prescription.  Lack of activity is really getting to me and I may be up all night since the body just isn’t ready to sleep.  I put together most of a puzzle, did extra Spanish, read extra scriptures, and pushed the wheelchair up and down the hallway using the crutches!  

Set an important goal, make a commitment to improve, start a grand new page in your history, follow Pres. Monson’s counsel:

Step 1. Labor to learn.

Step 2. Strive to serve.

Step 3. Think to thank.

Step 4. Pause to pray.

Good Night All--

Sunday, January 21, 2018

Although it wasn’t where I wanted to be—at home instead of at church—and I felt bad about not being there to play the organ, it was nice to have some unstructured time.  I did some reading, watched the Tabernacle Choir Broadcast, and watched a few talks from the October General Conference.  Although I’m reading them from the Ensign where I can highlight and make notes, I love watching them again on the computer. 

Sitting so long makes me crazy, so I sat in the wheelchair at the table and worked on the fourth puzzle until my foot started to hurt.  Then I had to get it elevated again.  Glade went to his meetings at 11:45, stayed through Sacrament Meeting, and then came home to keep me company.  While he was gone, a couple brought lasagna and chocolate cake on their way to Church and told me about the Brother’s broken-foot story.  I can’t believe so many people have broken bones—especially feet and ankles.  

After church, three more people brought us dinner!  There was an Asian meal and creamed broccoli, more taco soup with chips and trimmings, and another chicken casserole and cookies.  We have been putting what we can in the freezer and it will be so nice next week to have extra food.  It is really helping Glade since he is the chief cook now!

Here are a couple of photos and, although certainly not flattering, they show the wonderfully helpful wheelchair and the necessary crutches.  Good Night!  Love to you all.  😊

Saturday, January 20, 2018

This sitting around is going to get pretty tough unless I find some creative activities that can be done in a small space and with little movement.  Last night, I did finish a puzzle with my booted-leg propped up on the table beside me.  It’s a good thing the legs are still limber.  There is one more puzzle to break open, so that will help. 

Glade took down the Christmas tree today and vacuumed and rearranged furniture.  It feels good.  The red lights on the pine and poinsettia garland still grace the china cupboard, but the lights feel so cozy and help warm the cool evenings.  They’ll stay up for a while longer. 

Pres. and Sister Colton stopped by this afternoon and brought a pretty yellow begonia plant and visited for half an hour.  The well-being of the senior missionaries is their responsibility and they were kind to come see first hand how things are going.  Many of the missionaries have been ill with colds and flu and there have been other falls and health issues which are typical of this age group.  I just didn’t plan to  be one of the victims, but I’m grateful to be healthy and have enough energy that recovery should be short and uneventful.

The sweet sister chorister in the Spanish Ward emailed and said she wanted to bring dinner to us tonight.  She and her 12-year-old daughter, who is the soon-to-be-organist, brought take-out and stayed to visit.  Later, a sweet single sister missionary who lives upstairs brought a fruit plate and dip down to me after Glade had gone to the temple, and we had a great visit.  I admire these single sisters so much for their ability to serve independently and deal with challenges on their own.  She lost her husband about five years ago.  Also, she is the sister who face-planted on a sidewalk on her way out to lunch with friends a few weeks ago and broke her wrist.  The day I fell, she fell again in the laundry room at the temple, hit her head on the floor, and rebroke the same wrist!  

Have a special and spiritually renewing Sabbath.  Love and Hugs to Everyone!  😊

Friday, January 19, 2018

This has been a long day and a preview of days to come with too much time on my hands and not enough that I can do.  However, our kind, wonderful friends and neighbors have flooded us with food and visits leaving soups, casseroles, fruit, brownies, cupcakes, cookies, bread, and flowers.  I don’t know what we are going to do with all of it—freeze some, of course.  I usually don’t eat much and exercise has dropped off from my routine since it turned so cold; so needless to say, I’m in big trouble.  Glade is going to have to step up to the plate and start eating more!!!

Several people stayed to visit when they brought food and it was nice to have some company.  That’s how we learn about each other and we found out that one of the sisters from Arizona is a brother to a man in our ward in Garfield.  Another sister grew up in Rexburg and was a roommate with my first cousin Marilyn when they were at BYU.  I learned about their children, their other missions, and heard their own broken-bones stories.  It was all quite entertaining.

I’m getting around in the wheelchair a little better, but my leg still aches, probably from the swelling; so most of my time is spent in the recliner where the big black boot can be elevated.  It’s going to be a long six weeks!  Actually, it should get better sooner than that and I am planning to return to the temple as soon as I can get around better.  Glade is there now doing the night shift.  

Love you all and hope you have a great week-end.  😊

Thursday, January 18, 2018

The Dr. Office we drove to this morning is fairly close to where we live and the traffic was light.  We learned that we live in an area of diverse ethnicity and were the only Caucasian folks in the office aside from one other man.  That was interesting.  All went well and the Dr. said I could choose between a boot or a regular cast that would be changed out for a boot in about three weeks.  My preference would be for the physician to make a recommendation as to what he thought would be best, but he wouldn’t commit and left the decision to me.  Since I have always been nervous about ever having a restricting cast that might be too tight, set at an uncomfortable angle, and inaccessible for scratching itches, I chose the boot and then wondered if it was supportive enough.  Oh, well, it’s on now.  There were also x-rays taken this morning that showed no break to the tailbone, just bruising; so that is good.  I will return to the Dr. once a week for at least three weeks to have the healing progress monitored. 

Maneuvering on crutches is HARD and exhausting.  I’ll be eternally grateful to the kind neighbors who brought over a wheelchair for me to use last night.  It is small, lightweight, and easy to get around in.  It was such a blessing in getting out to the car and into the Dr. office.  It will allow me to be much more independent, especially while Glade is in the temple.  Trying to get up and down our apartment stairs is so awkward and unsafe.  I'm going to just stay here and not go out!!!!

Glade went to Safeway for a couple of things after the Dr. appointment and then went to the temple for the mid-day shift.  I just sat around with my foot up and tried not to be bored!!

One of our Home Teachers came over this evening and helped Glade give me a Priesthood blessing.  I am just so happy and grateful that the break is stable and didn’t require surgery and that I didn’t break a hip or a hand.  There are blessings even in our hardships. 

The work in the temple is pretty slow right now and there weren’t very many patrons today.  That helps me to not feel guilty about not being there, but it is concerning for the temple presidency who have worked so hard to make sure preparations have been made for the crowds of people they have anticipated coming during these last two months.  But people still have families to take care of, callings to fulfill, jobs to go to, long distances to travel, winter weather, and terribly challenging traffic issues to face.

Here is my cute boot!  I'll get a better photo tomorrow.   Good Night, Everyone!  Love and hugs to you all!  

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Everyone knows about my escapade this morning by now and I appreciate the phone calls and concern.  I’m still not exactly sure how it happened, but for the sake of my journal I’ll post a few comments.

We had the early shift today and arrived at the temple at 6:00 a.m.  It had snowed an inch or two overnight and the parking lot and cars were all covered in a nice white layer.  It was still snowing when we left our apartment.  The temperature was close to freezing and the roads were melting in a few places.  Glade drove me right up to the temple doors and stopped for me to get out of the car.  I dropped the umbrella on the ground, bent down to pick it up, closed the car door, and then some how lost my balance while stepping up to the sidewalk, and while falling to the ground, twisted in a way that resulted in a broken ankle.  Glade didn’t know that I was down since there were two or three cars dropping people off and pedestrians to watch out for, so he proceeded to the parking lot and there I was, crumpled on the ground.  Several nice people helped me up and with their assistance, I hobbled into the temple and sat on a bench.  I had a feeling it was more than a sprain—which I had firsthand experience with in Honduras! “

It was suggested that we look for a “Patient First” facility instead of “Urgent Care” and we waited until 8:00 when it opened.  There were no crowds of people with the flu thank goodness.  They expedited the process very efficiently and the PA who read the X-ray showed it to us pointing out that a bone was definitely broken—the fibula.  So, “armed” with new crutches, a fiberglass split, and a referral to an Orthopedic Surgeon’s office, we returned to our apartment.  I realized that my tailbone hurt and walking with the crutches was uncomfortable.  We’ll see how things are in the morning! 

A dose of 600 mg of Ibuprofen, although 800 is allowed, seemed to manage the pain, so that was good.  Tomorrow morning, I have an appointment to get a cast or maybe a boot, and will have it for about six weeks!  What a way to end this mission.

Thanks for your love and prayers!  Good night.  😊  

Tuesday, January 16, 2018

What a great day to know that the leadership of the Lord’s Church moves forward so smoothly and to see a new prophet and his counselors take their place as His spokesmen.  My heart has acknowledged this change with a sweet and tender confirmation.  We were in the temple when the announcement was made so we have yet to view it, but we hope to have the chance to see it in full when we get some free time.  We have so loved President Monson for such a long time and depended on his love and counsel, but the future is full of promise and the guidance from the Lord will continue.  We are truly blessed.

Glade played pickleball this afternoon at the stake center cultural hall while I practiced piano and spent time encouraging my young organist friend to keep practicing and be brave enough to play next week in Sacrament Meeting.  She is still hedging, however, and I’m not sure she’ll come through.  She can definitely accompany the hymns on the piano, but that leap to the organ for the first time is scary.  She has learned good skills and I’m not doing much except helping her practice and coaching her on tempo, volume, and settings.  She is pretty young, but has a full schedule besides organ practice including violin, tap and ballet, piano lessons, Young Women’s activities, and homework.

Be happy, tell your spouses and your children how much you love them—then show them—and keep striving toward your goals.  Love you all so much!  Hugs!  😊

Monday, January 15, 2018

After a major pop-up warning about damage to my computer if I continued without calling a certain number—my computer was negatively affected even though I closed out of the browser and shut it down as Tracen directed.  It started opening everything super slowly and made whining and whirring noises.  It is only a year old and is a great model.  I called Best Buy and took it in for service on Thursday and didn’t get it back until this afternoon.  A service agent told me that there was no mal-wear but just lots of bits and pieces of left-over programs or errors and he just cleaned them all up.  All is well and I’m excited to be back to the usual activities.

Our schedule is tight and we are trying not to get overwhelmed and too tired although sleep issues still plague us.  Sunday was busy with going to the Spanish ward at 8:30 to play the organ, having home teachers for a lengthy visit about 11:00, going to Bishopric meeting for Glade, attending our block of meetings from 2:30 to 5:30, and then going to dinner at a neighboring apartment—which was great.  Then we scrambled to get everything ready for a 4:45 a.m. wake-up alarm for a marathon day at the temple today.  (Actually it was only a part-day.)  The temple is open on Monday holidays and historically has remarkable attendance.  Today, Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, was no exception and all the ordinance areas were crowded and busy.  It was awesome.

Last week the temperatures were kind to us and Friday reached 68 degrees!  We were so tricked into thinking our cold spell was over.  However, the temps plunged by more than 50 degrees overnight and put us back into the super-cold zone again.  Oh well—it is still January. 

Time to close.  Love you all and hope you are healthy and happy!  Hugs to everyone!  And Happy Birthday to Grover last week!   😊  

Thursday, January 11, 2018

It was a long day and was very busy.  The weather is proving the warm temperature forecast to be true and it felt wonderful outside although it is a little rainy. 

First Timothy 4:12 was used in the closing remarks at our preparation meeting this afternoon and I really liked it.  “. . . be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”  Following this counsel with diligence will be a blessing in our lives, and can bring about a change of heart that will lead us to be true disciples of Jesus Christ.  I love it, that it includes “in conversation.”  By holding our tongues, we can overcome the tendency to gossip, criticize, and speak ill of others. 

I remember a quote from a General Conference talk several years ago that so impressed me, “Your name will be safe in my home.”  We may be inclined to speak freely at home the negative thoughts that we wouldn’t say in public, but this statement precludes even those conversations at home that might be gossipy or critical.  Both of these quotes are a great refining activity that will bring us closer to our Savior and help us develop compassion and understanding and truly learn to love our fellowmen.   

Wednesday, January 10, 2018

We had a great treat tonight!  Scott has been in the area on a business trip and texted us saying he had some time and could come visit.  We loved having him here this evening, catching up a bit on his family happenings, and having a little ice cream.  He had a 40-minute drive back to his hotel and has an early flight out in the morning back to Idaho.  Absolutely loved having him here!  Thanks so much for taking the extra time to visit us.

There was a lot of activity in the temple today and it was wonderful to see so many people come to participate.  Everyone hopes it is the beginning of the push for attendance before the closure. 

Love to you all!  😊

Tuesday, January 9, 2018

The heat is back on at the stake center.  I met the teen-age organist whom I am tutoring and her mother there for a lesson, but the chapel was in use by the missionaries.  We had a discussion about what she wants to do next and I gave her some encouragement and assignments.  We’ll try again for next week.  My treat was to go to the Relief Society room and play piano for an hour.  I’m learning the Figgie Pudding Fugue.  Sorry, I probably already posted that!

The weather is so much warmer and we aren’t absolutely freezing although all the cars in the parking lot were glazed in a thick sheet of ice this morning.  It was hard scraping to clear the windshields and some of the cars had their doors frozen shut.  We all eventually arrived at the temple and things were quite thawed when we came home about 2:30 p.m.  The temperature tomorrow is supposed to be in the 40’s and heating up to high 50’s by Friday only to have them plunge again.  But we are so happy for the reprieve.  I get really nervous about my hands every time we go out and am wearing two pair of gloves and then putting gloved hands into deep coat pockets.  So far, so good. 

It was sunny so Glade walked outside.  Being in the sun is just like magic for him and cheers him up for hours.  He thrives on sunlight.  He took another photo of the temple with the sun on the spires, so I’ll post it.  It looks just like one he took in the fall after the leaves had all fallen.    The lights are coming down and it is sad to drive through the parking lot and not see the beautiful light display.    

On the week-end we spent time going through the family name cards we have been working on for two years and pulled out everything that was ready for sealings—both children to parents and spouse to spouse.  Coincidently, both Glade and I were assigned (at different times) today to be sealing patrons for an hour and were able to finish all the cards we had brought.  Do you think our timing was just right or do you suppose that someone might be anxious to have this work finished!  Anyway, it was very rewarding.

Love to you all 😊

Monday, January 8, 2018

It was a pretty quiet day.  Glade went to the stake center, the cultural hall had a little heat, and played indoor pickleball with a few senior missionaries.  I spent time reading the Ensigns and am trying to remember all of the things I learned and the impressions for improvement that I felt.  It is a constant effort as we strive for the perfection that will not be reached until the next life, but we must keep trying.

Have a great week!!  Love to you all.  😊

Sunday, January 7, 2018

(Had a computer issue, so this post is a little late)

Our combined Sacrament Meeting at the Visitor Center was such a nice change.  We loved seeing families come and noticed that there were so many with young children.  Patient parents struggled with restless youngsters even though it was a morning meeting.  There were books, crayons, markers, small hand-held games, and plenty of snacks to cajole and entertain.  And I was happy to be a grandparent and just watch!!

One patient father of two who had no such entertaining resources, sat in front of us; and as the meeting progressed, his kids’ attention spans waned until they were all over the place and whining, especially the little girl who was about three.  The static in her shoulder-length hair sent the strands out in all directions; it was coat-on, then coat-off; it was out in the isle and then climbing with her brother, etc., etc., etc.  She had reached her limit. I thought the dad might put their coats on and exit when it got close to the end of the meeting, but he just persevered.  Then the prelude music for the closing song started and immediately the little girl was stilled and focused.  It was a Primary song, “Keep the Commandments” and she was completely captivated until the very end.  Oh, the power of music!  Glade was very impressed and thought we should share that with you.

Our “break the fast” meal had a “breakfast” menu which was a tasty option.  There were crepes with fruit and Nutella, waffles and homemade vanilla syrup, a breakfast casserole, an apple coffee cake, chicken strips, bacon, ham provided by yours truly, orange juice, milk, and real chocolate milk.  There were no veggies, but I came home and ate an apple and some nuts to offset the sweets.  The hour of socializing afterwards is always fun and one of the few times we get a chance to really visit.

The sun is shining and the squirrels have resurfaced.  I don’t know where they go to keep warm, but a couple of them were hoping all over the yard outside our patio doors!

One of the sisters had a space heater she wasn't using and sent it to our apartment with us.  It's so nice to have a little heat near our legs and feet.  The temps are supposed to warm by the end of the week and we can't wait!!!!

Sleep well, everyone, and have a great week!  Hugs and lots of love to you all.  😊

Saturday, January 6, 2018  

There was more Spanish work in the temple tonight and I loved being able to do initiatory and help at the veil in Spanish.  There were more people than expected, since it has been so cold, and that was a nice.   

It is still bitterly cold.  One of the boilers in the stake center where our ward meets is out of commission still, and Thursday a water line broke and flooded part of the building.  Needless to say, there will be no meetings there tomorrow.  We will be having Sacrament Meeting only and it will be in the Visitor Center Theater.  The Spanish Ward is meeting some place else in Washington, so I probably won’t be playing tomorrow.  The break from even a small responsibility is welcome.

Sending you hugs and lots of love! 😊

Friday, January 5, 2018

At mid-day the temperature was about 16 degrees; tonight it was about 10 degrees and was heading down to about 7.  However, the wind chill put the temps at about 0 and we felt cold to the bone all day long. 

Glade’s sinus issue was much better today so we ventured to Safeway to get a gallon of milk and a few sundries.  I was layered with my thermal pajama top, a long-sleeve sweater, a sweatshirt with a hood, my winter coat, a scarf, and gloves.  After 15 minutes of shopping my left-hand index finger had a Raynaud's Syndrome episode!  My fingers, even though I was in the store and wearing gloves, were freezing and all of a sudden, my poor finger started to burn and sting and I knew what was going to happen.  There was only one warm place for my hand, so I took off the glove and reached down my neck inside my clothes and tucked my hand under my arm.  It took about ten minutes before there was finally some relief and the poor withered white finger started to pink up a little and recover.  It’s kind of scary!  It was not warm in the grocery store, but it didn’t seem cold enough to cause that to happen again.

A stake from Columbia had a meeting on the seventh floor in the Priesthood room tonight; and in spite of the cold, they filled the temple for a while performing ordinances before and after their stake meeting upstairs.  There was a Spanish session tonight, too, that was very well attended, so things were very busy and it felt great!  I was hostess in the Celestial from 9:00 to 10:00 p.m. tonight and the room was just full of people—more than I have ever seen.  It looked like what we might imagine Heaven to be—full of friends and family and lots of love.

Good night.  Love and hugs to everyone—especially Kim on her birthday!    

Thursday, January 4, 2018

The storms that rolled up from south to north along the East Coast were pretty devastating, but we were far enough west to miss the brunt of the damage.  There was about an inch of snow accumulation overnight and there were strong winds blowing most of the day making it terribly cold.  There was a two-hour delay in the start time at the temple and some of the schools were closed.  The patron attendance was very light which only makes sense that people needed to be home staying safe and warm.

Glade has one of his winter sinus problems that kept him home from the temple today.  He doesn’t have a fever or sore throat, just that same old tight aching sinus pressure.  A kind couple heard he was ill and brought over some hearty chicken noodle soup from Costco so he had comfort food while I spent the day at the temple.  We hope it doesn’t last long.

Elaine Billman sent me a text today informing us that Marlene Barrow passed away.  Her husband Wayne passed away just a couple of years ago, so they will be having a great reunion.  Soon, there won’t be any “old-timers” left in Garfield! 

I finished my puzzle last night!  Loved doing it.  Glade’s progress is hampered on his because his back can only handle bending over for a short time.  There were four in the box and I’m ready to do another one.

The summer leaf blowers are put to good use here when it snows and are used to blow away all those pretty white flakes!   We are treated well here and as soon as it looks like a storm, the manager sees that there are snow shovels and bags of snow melt by each apartment door and the first layer of ice melt is spread over the sidewalks. 

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Last night our beloved prophet, teacher, counselor, and role model, Pres. Thomas S. Monson, passed away leaving a rich legacy of love and service.  He will be deeply missed, but people are rejoicing at the great reunions taking place on the other side of the veil.  We will live by his counsel and quote his great Gospel messages for years and years to come.

This quote, 

“A goal without a plan is just a wish” struck home with me as I have pondered the changes I would like to make in this new year.  A plan is key and although it’s past the New Year, my plan is still in the making.  You would think that at this point in my life, it would not be necessary to keep striving for the same results; but perhaps that word “striving” is the key.  As long as the goal is identified and one strives with all diligence to move toward it, the striving is the success, a process that is successful even if only accomplished incrementally.  I hope that doesn’t sound like an excuse, but that’s the way it is 😊

We send our love to each of you and pray for your success and happiness.  

Tuesday, January 2, 2018

It was cold to the bone in the temple today and I wore my sweater the whole shift.  We just can’t seem to get warm.  By next week, which sounds like a long way off right now, it should be a little warmer.  I’m not complaining, just explaining; and we are loving the warm layers we brought from home and wish we had a few more old favorites.  But, by the end of this week, we will only have eight weeks left and the time will fly faster than ever.  We are still making great friends and strengthening relationships, improving our skills, increasing our faith, and gaining more knowledge.  We are trying to make the most of each day and each experience since we’ll probably never have another experience like this one.  Whatever our circumstances, we need to look for the hand of the Lord in our lives, find joy in the moment, and give thanks. 

We just received a letter from Dave Daniel informing us of the passing of his wife, Brenda Daniel, in November just before Thanksgiving.  We were so sad to learn this news and will pray for Dave and his family.  We have a long history with Dave and Brenda and love these great neighbors.  You could always depend on them and they were our first call for security and help when we needed back-up or help with an animal.  They were the best.

In Dave’s words:  “Hug the ones you love—tell them at least daily how much you love them.  Time is short—waste not a second.”  

Monday, January 1, 2018

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!  May it be the best year ever and bring you all success, good health, and mountains of happiness!

It was in the lower 20-degree range when Glade decided to take a walk this morning and the temperature didn’t change much all day.  We are freezing, even in our apartment.  The floor under our thin carpet is cement and it is too cold to go without shoes.  I went to the Church today to practice piano and walk laps in the cultural hall and the heat wasn’t working.  One of the boilers was out of service on Sunday and it was pretty chilly, but it obviously wasn't fixed.  I set the heat to run for an hour in the Relief Society room when I first arrived and then went to walk the laps.  After 30 minutes, the temperature hadn’t budged—it was still barely 50 degrees.  Well, I practiced for a while anyway, but had to cut it short because I couldn’t keep my fingers warm. 

The young missionaries came while I was there—the guys to play basketball and the girls to Skype with their families.  Barbara Groom’s granddaughter was there again, and it was fun to chat with her and meet her new companion who is from South Jordan and has only been here for three weeks. 

It was a great and relaxing day and we worked leisurely on our puzzles.  It’s great fun and a nice change of pace.  But it’s back to the temple tomorrow and we have early assignments in the morning, so we are going to try for an early night—just hope we can sleep!

Wishing you motivating resolutions that will make you happy.  Love and hugs!  Good Night!  😊