What a great Easter Day! With the church's daily Come Unto Christ messages and videos culminating in today's Sunday School Come Follow Me lesson on the Savior's resurrection it truly is a time of rejoicing. And then to watch/listen to the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square performance of Handel's Messiah was a special treat; that music really invites the Spirit.
Now back to the mundane trials of life. The garden is now 80% weed free; one more day of weeding and it will be ready for planting. The yard got mowed and looks lush and green, except in the brown spots. I bush hogged the two east pastures and even drove across the street to bush hog the front of the neighbor's area.
I noticed some chatter on Facebook about face masks and called one of the sisters at church about her making me one. She already had one made, so I picked it up the next day and promptly wore it to the PO and to Walmart. First time I had been to our Walmart in several weeks and not since they are relocated a lot of their merchandise as they did their occasional 'let's move everything to confuse the customers so they will spent more time and money in our store'. I was surprised that only 2 of the 6 cashier I saw were wearing masks.
Thursday I drove the Model A 60 miles round trip to visit my friend Tom, who is restoring a 1931 Ford. The car hasn't seen than many miles in one day in probably 20 years. She was happy! The purpose of the trip was to finish installing the headlight wiring so they lights would function. I don't remember why 50 years ago when I installed the original headlights and wiring that I did it the way I did, but they worked (mostly) correctly for that long. But in the process of replacing some of the parts, we identified it wasn't original so I opted to please Henry Ford and do it right, even though no one would know it unless they dismantled the headlight. Unfortunately, in the process of installing new parts that need to match up with 50 year old ones, we discovered a problem. The female connector would not attach to the male end. Guess they don't make females the way they used to! So I came home and ordered more parts and hope to get this problem resolved soon.
The weather this week has bring warm and sunny. Made it pleasant to weed the garden. One of the peach trees has young fruit 1/2 inch in diameter. The dark green truck had a coating of pale green pollen on it, until it rained last night. My nose does not appreciate all the pollen though.
Earlier this week I was experiencing severe melancholy, which is interesting since I had previously been feeling really good (here comes that wave again). In that spirit, I reluctantly started scanning Sandy's letters after not doing so in over a week. Some of the first letters I read and then scanned had just the right message for me to lift my spirits. This only reinforced the recent 'Hear Him' campaign of the church. I can add 45 year old letters to my list of how the Savior speaks to me.
Today was church. Not much dialog, but the subject matter of the Resurrection is sufficient.
Sunday, April 12, 2020
Sunday, April 5, 2020
A week of Memories
This was a week of memories. Six month's anniversary of Sandy's passing; her funeral being held on the Saturday of the last General Conference of Church; 200th anniversary of the Restoration; a new Proclamation to the World on the Restoration; 8 new temples. And the list goes on...
Monday I drove to Jonathan and Kristy's for the night. There were some financial things that needed greater brain power than I have. It was interesting to see how this family has incorporated the mandate to stay at home and do home schooling. I particularly enjoyed their morning scripture study. One of the silver linings of this quarantine is the opportunity it provides us to spend more time with family. I drove home Tuesday afternoon and was excited to buy gas at $ 1.44 a gallon. However, I was deeply disappointed to learn that chocolate is not an essential item during this time; Harry and David's is closed!! Aldi's was open so I could stock up on food for the arrival of Deborah's family later that evening.
Having more family here means I get to fix breakfasts that I would not normally prepare for just one. We had waffles with strawberries and whipped cream one day, biscuits on another and dutch baby the next. Deborah was the dinner fixer.
And it was interesting watching this family complete their at home school work. Deborah was great at orchestrating five children's assignments and conference calls. In a non structured school environment, there are many distractions, especially in my house! Thursday's incentive to complete their work quickly was to be able to watch 'Frozen II'. One of Sarah's assignments was to bake something. She chose chocolate chip cookies and doubled the recipe; that provided sufficient for eating, freezing and taking home. Yum, Yum.
Samantha was a big helper with my breakfast fixings, so I invited her to help make one of my favorite pies, Chocolate Truffle Pie. We made two so they could take one home and I can give the other one away. No problem finding helpers to lick the bowl!
I did get out to the market this week to purchase needed items. Not as many people out and about.
This weekend I have been thoroughly overwhelmed with the counsel received in General Conference. It is like turning on the fire hydrant and opening my mouth - more than I can grasp in the moment.
Some backyard scenes of dogwood:
I love looking into the trees and seeing the white blossoms peeking out from the other greenery during this time of the year:
And then there is the brilliant red bud:
And I really enjoy the colorful flocks:
Monday I drove to Jonathan and Kristy's for the night. There were some financial things that needed greater brain power than I have. It was interesting to see how this family has incorporated the mandate to stay at home and do home schooling. I particularly enjoyed their morning scripture study. One of the silver linings of this quarantine is the opportunity it provides us to spend more time with family. I drove home Tuesday afternoon and was excited to buy gas at $ 1.44 a gallon. However, I was deeply disappointed to learn that chocolate is not an essential item during this time; Harry and David's is closed!! Aldi's was open so I could stock up on food for the arrival of Deborah's family later that evening.
Having more family here means I get to fix breakfasts that I would not normally prepare for just one. We had waffles with strawberries and whipped cream one day, biscuits on another and dutch baby the next. Deborah was the dinner fixer.
And it was interesting watching this family complete their at home school work. Deborah was great at orchestrating five children's assignments and conference calls. In a non structured school environment, there are many distractions, especially in my house! Thursday's incentive to complete their work quickly was to be able to watch 'Frozen II'. One of Sarah's assignments was to bake something. She chose chocolate chip cookies and doubled the recipe; that provided sufficient for eating, freezing and taking home. Yum, Yum.
Samantha was a big helper with my breakfast fixings, so I invited her to help make one of my favorite pies, Chocolate Truffle Pie. We made two so they could take one home and I can give the other one away. No problem finding helpers to lick the bowl!
I did get out to the market this week to purchase needed items. Not as many people out and about.
This weekend I have been thoroughly overwhelmed with the counsel received in General Conference. It is like turning on the fire hydrant and opening my mouth - more than I can grasp in the moment.
Some backyard scenes of dogwood:
I love looking into the trees and seeing the white blossoms peeking out from the other greenery during this time of the year:
And then there is the brilliant red bud:
And I really enjoy the colorful flocks:
Sunday, March 29, 2020
29 March 2020
I met with the law firm personnel on Monday. The trust modification had been signed off by the judge which authorized the change of Sandy's irrevocable trust to a revocable trust. So it was necessary for me to sign various documents. Now I can officially contact the last couple of banking institutions and get my name on the accounts.
I also hired a friend who does construction worker to make some minor repairs to a couple of our rent homes. When we did inspections last month, we noted some minor wear and tear/water damage on the exterior of a couple of the homes. Since they involved greater heights than I prefer, I had it done. So much nicer!
Tuesday I took a trailer load of debris to the transfer station. I had 18 bags of 'stuff' from a rental and the wood from the old stairs at our house that had been removed last summer and were just taking up space in the pasture. No human contact in this venture. At my departure weigh-in they just charged my account since they also pick up my household trash.
I had previously planned to market one of our rentals, but it had a roof leak that needed attention first. It took a month for the roofer to get out and look at it; while he could resolve the leak issue for several hundred dollars, he commented that if it was to go on the market a potential buyer would note the poor condition of the roof and want a new one, or compensation for one. Since this is a two story house, I can't see the roof and just assumed it was good. Not so. So now it will get a new roof next week and I will visit with the realtor about getting it on the market. Should be an interesting time to put a rental on the market.
Wednesday evening, Katie and Aaron arrived to spend a couple of days. I look forward to their visits since they bring a youthful attitude and a willingness to do whatever they can to help around the house. I had just changed the oil and filters on the riding mower, and would have changed the blades but Hercules was the last one to tighten them and I could not get them off. But, Aaron was happy to mow the yard while Katie used the tractor to bush hog on Thursday. With them working so hard, I felt guilty not doing anything and so I tackled a couple of jobs around the house.
In addition to the yard work, weeds in the flower bed were treated, the garage siding was cleaned, the truck got washed, Katie set up an excel spreadsheet for a project I am working on, and several other odd jobs were accomplished. My to-do list is much shorter. And Aaron was a great help with dinner preparations, Katie made bon bons, and of course we had to make fudge!
Saturday we went to help a brother unload a trailer of firewood; we didn't have any concerns about social distancing since he was off with a couple others from church helping an older sister whose fence had blown over. Then the two grands left after lunch.
Today feels awkward. The church of one just leaves a lot to be desired. But I can still fast and pray, have a Come Follow Me lesson and read the scriptures. I am grateful for the counsel of church leaders that encourage us to reach out to one another, follow the counsel we have been given and to know that we can have hope and find comfort in the Savior's teachings even during challenging times.
I also hired a friend who does construction worker to make some minor repairs to a couple of our rent homes. When we did inspections last month, we noted some minor wear and tear/water damage on the exterior of a couple of the homes. Since they involved greater heights than I prefer, I had it done. So much nicer!
Tuesday I took a trailer load of debris to the transfer station. I had 18 bags of 'stuff' from a rental and the wood from the old stairs at our house that had been removed last summer and were just taking up space in the pasture. No human contact in this venture. At my departure weigh-in they just charged my account since they also pick up my household trash.
I had previously planned to market one of our rentals, but it had a roof leak that needed attention first. It took a month for the roofer to get out and look at it; while he could resolve the leak issue for several hundred dollars, he commented that if it was to go on the market a potential buyer would note the poor condition of the roof and want a new one, or compensation for one. Since this is a two story house, I can't see the roof and just assumed it was good. Not so. So now it will get a new roof next week and I will visit with the realtor about getting it on the market. Should be an interesting time to put a rental on the market.
Wednesday evening, Katie and Aaron arrived to spend a couple of days. I look forward to their visits since they bring a youthful attitude and a willingness to do whatever they can to help around the house. I had just changed the oil and filters on the riding mower, and would have changed the blades but Hercules was the last one to tighten them and I could not get them off. But, Aaron was happy to mow the yard while Katie used the tractor to bush hog on Thursday. With them working so hard, I felt guilty not doing anything and so I tackled a couple of jobs around the house.
In addition to the yard work, weeds in the flower bed were treated, the garage siding was cleaned, the truck got washed, Katie set up an excel spreadsheet for a project I am working on, and several other odd jobs were accomplished. My to-do list is much shorter. And Aaron was a great help with dinner preparations, Katie made bon bons, and of course we had to make fudge!
Saturday we went to help a brother unload a trailer of firewood; we didn't have any concerns about social distancing since he was off with a couple others from church helping an older sister whose fence had blown over. Then the two grands left after lunch.
Today feels awkward. The church of one just leaves a lot to be desired. But I can still fast and pray, have a Come Follow Me lesson and read the scriptures. I am grateful for the counsel of church leaders that encourage us to reach out to one another, follow the counsel we have been given and to know that we can have hope and find comfort in the Savior's teachings even during challenging times.
Sunday, March 22, 2020
Beginning of Spring
As the world hunkers down in light of the corona virus and the concern of its spreading, life continues in my little sphere at a new norm. Except for church related activities and responsibilities, I did not have much social action. So with those events on temporary hold, my life has not otherwise seen dramatic changes. Wait a minute, not being able to attend church is a dramatic change! Grief Support Group was cancelled, too.
The local radio station spends time each morning with the hospital CEO and various department heads to keep us appraised of local health situation. As of today, there are about 110 confirmed cases in Arkansas, with none in Mountain Home. The hospital is screening people as they enter and it is business as usual there. Schools are closed, restaurants are doing carry out only, I can still buy milk and bread at the market and gas stations are still open (gas dropped to $1.98).
I had booked flights several weeks ago to visit Rebecca and Family for the end of March; but the handwriting was on the wall as departure time grew closer. On Friday the overseas carrier called to inform me flights had been cancelled. So I spent time on the phone yesterday with USAA travel services to discuss receiving a refund for that part of the trip and a voucher from AA for the US flight which I will use (hopefully) before the end of this year.
Monday Sue and Steve departed for their home. I went and spent a good part of the day at the rent house. That evening Steve and Kathy prepared a yummy meal for dinner (and there was enough for another meal). Then they left on Tuesday morning to return to their home. And I went back to work at the rent house. You may think that I spent a lot of time at this particular house, and I have been. This is a good example of tenants not notifying the property manager when there are problems and trying to make do or resolve the issue themselves. At least 50% of what I have been working on could have been easily cared for with early notification. But it was wasn't and so I spent time each day of the week out there working on it. It is now ready to rent.
I did manage to accomplish some around the house tasks this week that have been on hold; reattaching a sagging rain gutter, garden weeding, repaired a broken picture frame and such. My major domestic accomplishment though is getting the curtains in our bedroom washed. After years of hanging around, I washed and dried and rehung them. They look much happier - and cleaner.
I just happened to be looking for something in the freezer and noticed that the ice machine was out of control! The shut off was not working and the ice bucket was overflowing with cubes. That thing can crank out the ice! And the water shut off under the sink isn't doing its function either. I have already emptied the bucket three times in five days. Fortunately, the repair man will be out in the morning.
This week I scanned 145 pages of letters Sandy wrote to me while I attended OCS in Quantico, VA. This was our first (of many) separations and was particularly challenging for her since we had never been apart in our nine months of married life. During this time, she resided with her family at the Van Nuys house and worked at the local swimming pools. Her letters had some profound insight in how to survive such separations with a positive attitude and remain faithful to our covenants. Some of her insights are especially meaningful to me now since her thoughts are timeless and apply now as much as they did almost 50 years ago. One example: she saw these 10 weeks of being apart time for each of us to grow and progress in the Gospel and learn those things we needed to know to improve our relationship once we were together again. That is an eternal principle which I am still working on.
Interesting times await us. Wonder what surprises are in store for us this week!
The local radio station spends time each morning with the hospital CEO and various department heads to keep us appraised of local health situation. As of today, there are about 110 confirmed cases in Arkansas, with none in Mountain Home. The hospital is screening people as they enter and it is business as usual there. Schools are closed, restaurants are doing carry out only, I can still buy milk and bread at the market and gas stations are still open (gas dropped to $1.98).
I had booked flights several weeks ago to visit Rebecca and Family for the end of March; but the handwriting was on the wall as departure time grew closer. On Friday the overseas carrier called to inform me flights had been cancelled. So I spent time on the phone yesterday with USAA travel services to discuss receiving a refund for that part of the trip and a voucher from AA for the US flight which I will use (hopefully) before the end of this year.
Monday Sue and Steve departed for their home. I went and spent a good part of the day at the rent house. That evening Steve and Kathy prepared a yummy meal for dinner (and there was enough for another meal). Then they left on Tuesday morning to return to their home. And I went back to work at the rent house. You may think that I spent a lot of time at this particular house, and I have been. This is a good example of tenants not notifying the property manager when there are problems and trying to make do or resolve the issue themselves. At least 50% of what I have been working on could have been easily cared for with early notification. But it was wasn't and so I spent time each day of the week out there working on it. It is now ready to rent.
I did manage to accomplish some around the house tasks this week that have been on hold; reattaching a sagging rain gutter, garden weeding, repaired a broken picture frame and such. My major domestic accomplishment though is getting the curtains in our bedroom washed. After years of hanging around, I washed and dried and rehung them. They look much happier - and cleaner.
I just happened to be looking for something in the freezer and noticed that the ice machine was out of control! The shut off was not working and the ice bucket was overflowing with cubes. That thing can crank out the ice! And the water shut off under the sink isn't doing its function either. I have already emptied the bucket three times in five days. Fortunately, the repair man will be out in the morning.
This week I scanned 145 pages of letters Sandy wrote to me while I attended OCS in Quantico, VA. This was our first (of many) separations and was particularly challenging for her since we had never been apart in our nine months of married life. During this time, she resided with her family at the Van Nuys house and worked at the local swimming pools. Her letters had some profound insight in how to survive such separations with a positive attitude and remain faithful to our covenants. Some of her insights are especially meaningful to me now since her thoughts are timeless and apply now as much as they did almost 50 years ago. One example: she saw these 10 weeks of being apart time for each of us to grow and progress in the Gospel and learn those things we needed to know to improve our relationship once we were together again. That is an eternal principle which I am still working on.
Interesting times await us. Wonder what surprises are in store for us this week!
Sunday, March 15, 2020
The week started off with me attending my grief support group; it seems that every 10 weeks they do a pot luck lunch. I brought one of the pies I had frozen a couple of weeks ago. We have good times. This session they posed a few questions that I had not considered; is that because I am a man of few thoughts and only action? One was: what are you doing to begin a new life? I just get up each day and move forward; that is what my 'to do' list is for. We had a new lady join us. Her husband passed away two years ago and it has been difficult for her; all she wants to do is stay in the house and not do anything. Grief affects us all so differently.
I spent the better part of the week working at the rent house in town. Steve graciously came out three days and assisted me. The 36 foot by 8 foot dining room, kitchen, laundry room are now tiled. We installed hardi board and used over 850 screws to secure it and then mortared the tile on top. I got one bath floor (it is 5 foot by 5 foot plus the tub) upgraded with new vinyl planking and both bath toilets replaced (previous ones had cracks or broken lids).
A before and after picture with the new floor (note: the doors are only 24 inches wide):
I spent some time Saturday morning cleaning up my mess and getting things ready for me to grout the floor on Monday. The plan is to be done before the week is over - let's hope!
Here is the floor before grouting:
Steve and Kathy arrived Saturday afternoon on their way home from a conference in Texas. They will spend a few days before heading home. Sue and Steve are set to depart for their home tomorrow. It is fun having family here. On Wednesday the three of us went to the family history center and did some research. That is a deceptive term for what we really accomplished. There is a blank in one of my dad's lines back in the early to mid 1800s. We discovered why: there is a lack of information. And it doesn't help when you find entries like this: ...was found dead in his wagon shop in Illinois. He left his family in Missouri because he was $3000 short as the county treasurer. He told his wife he was changing his name to Samuel Bodkins and left her with seven children. The things our ancestors teach us!
Yesterday was pi day. In celebration I baked a chocolate cherry cake to celebrate, a few days early, Steve S's birthday. If we can't have pie, at least we had chocolate!
This week has seen a flurry of activity via email and the internet in reference to the Church's response to the corona virus. No doubt in my mind that God is in control; now if we could just acknowledge that! We held our first in-home Sunday meetings today; was nice that there were five of us to participate. It was especially nice that Sue plays the piano so we could have accompaniment with our singing. Our sacrament portion of the meeting was short, but spiritually powerful. Then we spent some time discussing this week's Come Follow Me' lesson from Jacob 1-4.
This week I was able to scan letters that Sandy sent me during the fall of 1969 up until May 1970. It was an interesting transition from just being friends and getting berated for not being there when she needed a friend to console her (she was in Davis and I in San Jose) to becoming engaged in January and having her world revolve around me. It was fun to relive those moments, such as occasionally driving the Model A 200 miles round trip for a weekend visit, to trying to keep our engagement a secret from parents in LA until we could tell them face to face, to the challenges of finishing up classes and maintaining grades. Ah, those times seem so much simpler than today! It was great to be young and in love.
And it was 48 years ago today that Sandy and I were sealed in the Los Angeles Temple for time and eternity!
I spent the better part of the week working at the rent house in town. Steve graciously came out three days and assisted me. The 36 foot by 8 foot dining room, kitchen, laundry room are now tiled. We installed hardi board and used over 850 screws to secure it and then mortared the tile on top. I got one bath floor (it is 5 foot by 5 foot plus the tub) upgraded with new vinyl planking and both bath toilets replaced (previous ones had cracks or broken lids).
A before and after picture with the new floor (note: the doors are only 24 inches wide):
I spent some time Saturday morning cleaning up my mess and getting things ready for me to grout the floor on Monday. The plan is to be done before the week is over - let's hope!
Here is the floor before grouting:
Steve and Kathy arrived Saturday afternoon on their way home from a conference in Texas. They will spend a few days before heading home. Sue and Steve are set to depart for their home tomorrow. It is fun having family here. On Wednesday the three of us went to the family history center and did some research. That is a deceptive term for what we really accomplished. There is a blank in one of my dad's lines back in the early to mid 1800s. We discovered why: there is a lack of information. And it doesn't help when you find entries like this: ...was found dead in his wagon shop in Illinois. He left his family in Missouri because he was $3000 short as the county treasurer. He told his wife he was changing his name to Samuel Bodkins and left her with seven children. The things our ancestors teach us!
Yesterday was pi day. In celebration I baked a chocolate cherry cake to celebrate, a few days early, Steve S's birthday. If we can't have pie, at least we had chocolate!
This week has seen a flurry of activity via email and the internet in reference to the Church's response to the corona virus. No doubt in my mind that God is in control; now if we could just acknowledge that! We held our first in-home Sunday meetings today; was nice that there were five of us to participate. It was especially nice that Sue plays the piano so we could have accompaniment with our singing. Our sacrament portion of the meeting was short, but spiritually powerful. Then we spent some time discussing this week's Come Follow Me' lesson from Jacob 1-4.
This week I was able to scan letters that Sandy sent me during the fall of 1969 up until May 1970. It was an interesting transition from just being friends and getting berated for not being there when she needed a friend to console her (she was in Davis and I in San Jose) to becoming engaged in January and having her world revolve around me. It was fun to relive those moments, such as occasionally driving the Model A 200 miles round trip for a weekend visit, to trying to keep our engagement a secret from parents in LA until we could tell them face to face, to the challenges of finishing up classes and maintaining grades. Ah, those times seem so much simpler than today! It was great to be young and in love.
And it was 48 years ago today that Sandy and I were sealed in the Los Angeles Temple for time and eternity!
Sunday, March 8, 2020
This was a busy week, like really busy.
Spring is here as evidenced by these photos. This is the same peach tree that had lots of blossoms two weeks and then we had a freeze. This tree really want to bloom!
Monday morning was time to get everything done since I would be gone for the next couple of days; I was mostly successful. The Hospice Grief Support Group (GSG) does lunch the first Monday of the month; they select a different restaurant each time. This Monday was Colton's. I showed up at the appointed time and was almost late; they are like church, if they say 1115, then they start at that time, not five minutes later. I will learn to be earlier in the future. There were 18 of there and it was fun to visit with those within my ear shot. Learned a lot about fishing in Alaska from a women who spent 40 years living there. After lunch I dashed over to Hospice for the GSG. I feel more comfortable there as I have learned more people's names. As soon as we were finished, I was off on a new and exciting adventure to there and back.
I drove to St Louis, checked in my motel and crashed for the night. I was up early on Tuesday, enjoyed the hot breakfast and headed to the temple. While only an eight mile drive, it took about 35 minutes to navigate the freeway. No less than three fender benders. But I was able to get there in time to change and get to the training meeting. This was my first adventure serving as a temple ordinance worker and it was a great experience. I was met at the recommend desk with a 'training shadow' - that is my term. He got me where I needed to be and was a big assistance to me as I learned those things necessary for me to be effective. First shift is over at one, but they had 50 plus missionaries do a session and needed additional help, so I stayed to help. It was close to 2:30 before I was out the door. Oh, I needed to be back at 5 for the third shift! And I had not eaten. I had volunteered to do the 1st and 3rd shifts since I did not feel capable of doing 10 hours straight, but I need to come up with a better plan next time
I did stop for a late lunch on my way back to the hotel where I got in a 20 minute nap before returning to the temple for the 5-8:30 shift. Again, had some great training. I like being thrown into the proverbial lion's den so I can learn. The other temple workers are very accommodating and helpful and offer lots of encouragement. Then it was back to the hotel and to bed.
Wednesday I had the 1st shift again, starting at 8. I left 10 minutes earlier and found traffic to be more commuter friendly; no accidents and I got to the temple with plenty of time. It was another morning of stretching and learning with good people to take me under wing. I was back on the road heading home by 2. The 4+ hour drive home gives me time to think about these experiences and how to improve on them. Since I only do the first Tuesday and Wednesday of the month, the various coordinators only see me once a month and not weekly. I decided in the future I will bring a lunch, eat at the temple between 1st and 3rd shifts and watch the training videos. There is also a difference in the temple experience as a worker as compared to a patron. Home by 7 with time to unpack and get organized for the rest of the week.
Thursday morning I was back working at the rent house. Part of the floor needed removal and then I installed 19 sheets of hardi backer board on the 275 square feet of floor. The entire floor is hard wood and the dining room floor was still decent.
Before pictures:
If that was the only floor that needed doing, I would have sanded and stained it. I find that my work day is good for about 5 hours and then I am done. Which is why it took until Saturday to get the backer board mostly installed. This week I hope to get it tiled and grouted.
The weather has warmed up enough that I actually got outside to run twice as opposed to the threadmill. Saturday evening Sue and Steve arrived for about 10 days. I had purchased strawberries and so we had strawberry waffles for our mid day meal today. Now it is time for evening popcorn!
Church was good; we learned from President Eyring's conference talk of October that our happiness is based on our holiness, which requires regular repentance. We also had our monthly 'Come Follow Me' meeting with four families. Sue and Steve joined my for that discussion. All in all, a great sabbath.
Major accomplishment for the week: I finished scanning 402 pages of letters Sandy wrote to me during my six month deployment in 1980. A few of those pages were notes or drawings from the children. I was impressed that in the days before computers, emails, cheap phone calls, that she wrote to me faithfully every 2-3 days.
Stopped by Sandy's grave today and the grave stone had been recently installed:
Spring is here as evidenced by these photos. This is the same peach tree that had lots of blossoms two weeks and then we had a freeze. This tree really want to bloom!
Monday morning was time to get everything done since I would be gone for the next couple of days; I was mostly successful. The Hospice Grief Support Group (GSG) does lunch the first Monday of the month; they select a different restaurant each time. This Monday was Colton's. I showed up at the appointed time and was almost late; they are like church, if they say 1115, then they start at that time, not five minutes later. I will learn to be earlier in the future. There were 18 of there and it was fun to visit with those within my ear shot. Learned a lot about fishing in Alaska from a women who spent 40 years living there. After lunch I dashed over to Hospice for the GSG. I feel more comfortable there as I have learned more people's names. As soon as we were finished, I was off on a new and exciting adventure to there and back.
I drove to St Louis, checked in my motel and crashed for the night. I was up early on Tuesday, enjoyed the hot breakfast and headed to the temple. While only an eight mile drive, it took about 35 minutes to navigate the freeway. No less than three fender benders. But I was able to get there in time to change and get to the training meeting. This was my first adventure serving as a temple ordinance worker and it was a great experience. I was met at the recommend desk with a 'training shadow' - that is my term. He got me where I needed to be and was a big assistance to me as I learned those things necessary for me to be effective. First shift is over at one, but they had 50 plus missionaries do a session and needed additional help, so I stayed to help. It was close to 2:30 before I was out the door. Oh, I needed to be back at 5 for the third shift! And I had not eaten. I had volunteered to do the 1st and 3rd shifts since I did not feel capable of doing 10 hours straight, but I need to come up with a better plan next time
I did stop for a late lunch on my way back to the hotel where I got in a 20 minute nap before returning to the temple for the 5-8:30 shift. Again, had some great training. I like being thrown into the proverbial lion's den so I can learn. The other temple workers are very accommodating and helpful and offer lots of encouragement. Then it was back to the hotel and to bed.
Wednesday I had the 1st shift again, starting at 8. I left 10 minutes earlier and found traffic to be more commuter friendly; no accidents and I got to the temple with plenty of time. It was another morning of stretching and learning with good people to take me under wing. I was back on the road heading home by 2. The 4+ hour drive home gives me time to think about these experiences and how to improve on them. Since I only do the first Tuesday and Wednesday of the month, the various coordinators only see me once a month and not weekly. I decided in the future I will bring a lunch, eat at the temple between 1st and 3rd shifts and watch the training videos. There is also a difference in the temple experience as a worker as compared to a patron. Home by 7 with time to unpack and get organized for the rest of the week.
Thursday morning I was back working at the rent house. Part of the floor needed removal and then I installed 19 sheets of hardi backer board on the 275 square feet of floor. The entire floor is hard wood and the dining room floor was still decent.
Before pictures:
If that was the only floor that needed doing, I would have sanded and stained it. I find that my work day is good for about 5 hours and then I am done. Which is why it took until Saturday to get the backer board mostly installed. This week I hope to get it tiled and grouted.
The weather has warmed up enough that I actually got outside to run twice as opposed to the threadmill. Saturday evening Sue and Steve arrived for about 10 days. I had purchased strawberries and so we had strawberry waffles for our mid day meal today. Now it is time for evening popcorn!
Church was good; we learned from President Eyring's conference talk of October that our happiness is based on our holiness, which requires regular repentance. We also had our monthly 'Come Follow Me' meeting with four families. Sue and Steve joined my for that discussion. All in all, a great sabbath.
Major accomplishment for the week: I finished scanning 402 pages of letters Sandy wrote to me during my six month deployment in 1980. A few of those pages were notes or drawings from the children. I was impressed that in the days before computers, emails, cheap phone calls, that she wrote to me faithfully every 2-3 days.
Stopped by Sandy's grave today and the grave stone had been recently installed:
Sunday, March 1, 2020
March Already!
Another busy week for me. Busy is good because it keeps me occupied, but there are times, like this week, when I would prefer to be busy for myself.
If there were a few spare hours during the week, I was at the latest rent house getting it ready to rent again. I got most of the trim repainted. The three bedrooms, laundry room, kitchen, dining room, and one bathroom have a fresh coat of paint. Removing the old flooring from the dining room is proving to be a time consuming project though.
Monday I attending my grief support group; those are uplifting and productive - some more so than others. Then I stopped by one of my ministering families to talk about family history. They also wanted to know who they could hire to remove a couple of bushes and a small tree. I looked at what needed to be done and figured I could get them cut, cleaned up and be gone in less than 30 minutes; why hire someone when you have a capable ministering brother to do the job?
Wednesday morning the property manager and I did our annual inspections of the rent homes. No big surprises, which is nice. We did find a few minor items that will need to be addressed. Most of these tenants have been with us for several years, so they know the routine. One is an older son who cares for his invalid mother; while the mom has been with us a couple of years, her daughter had previously been caring for her until this past year when the brother showed up and moved her out. Under her care, the house showed wear; when we walked in this time, it was clean and neat and showed signs of being well cared for.
Thursday evening I was able to view the Temple and Family History Leadership Instruction. An inspiring broadcast; I came away with lots of thoughts and ideas about involving our members in this important work.
Saturday noon, Deborah and family arrived. My neighbor called to ask if I could come and discuss a couple of items with her. When I showed up, she was in the process of burning a huge pile of debris. And she showed me what her project was; basically moving some outdoor storage covers. I thought: I have some wonder helpers at the house and this is a simple job. So with the assistance of Ian and five of his children, we were able to get her project completed within 30 minutes. The children were happy because they also got to feed the fire, the neighbor was happy to get the work done, and I was happy to have had the assistance to get the job done then and not later. Win Win for all.
After dinner, we went out to my burn pile and got a sufficient fire going for s'more making, much to the delight of the children. Time to buy more marshmallows.
Good testimonies at church today. And we have a new gospel doctrine teacher who did a good job involving us in the discussion today in the book of Nephi. Lots of great revelation for us today!
If there were a few spare hours during the week, I was at the latest rent house getting it ready to rent again. I got most of the trim repainted. The three bedrooms, laundry room, kitchen, dining room, and one bathroom have a fresh coat of paint. Removing the old flooring from the dining room is proving to be a time consuming project though.
Monday I attending my grief support group; those are uplifting and productive - some more so than others. Then I stopped by one of my ministering families to talk about family history. They also wanted to know who they could hire to remove a couple of bushes and a small tree. I looked at what needed to be done and figured I could get them cut, cleaned up and be gone in less than 30 minutes; why hire someone when you have a capable ministering brother to do the job?
Wednesday morning the property manager and I did our annual inspections of the rent homes. No big surprises, which is nice. We did find a few minor items that will need to be addressed. Most of these tenants have been with us for several years, so they know the routine. One is an older son who cares for his invalid mother; while the mom has been with us a couple of years, her daughter had previously been caring for her until this past year when the brother showed up and moved her out. Under her care, the house showed wear; when we walked in this time, it was clean and neat and showed signs of being well cared for.
Thursday evening I was able to view the Temple and Family History Leadership Instruction. An inspiring broadcast; I came away with lots of thoughts and ideas about involving our members in this important work.
Saturday noon, Deborah and family arrived. My neighbor called to ask if I could come and discuss a couple of items with her. When I showed up, she was in the process of burning a huge pile of debris. And she showed me what her project was; basically moving some outdoor storage covers. I thought: I have some wonder helpers at the house and this is a simple job. So with the assistance of Ian and five of his children, we were able to get her project completed within 30 minutes. The children were happy because they also got to feed the fire, the neighbor was happy to get the work done, and I was happy to have had the assistance to get the job done then and not later. Win Win for all.
After dinner, we went out to my burn pile and got a sufficient fire going for s'more making, much to the delight of the children. Time to buy more marshmallows.
Good testimonies at church today. And we have a new gospel doctrine teacher who did a good job involving us in the discussion today in the book of Nephi. Lots of great revelation for us today!
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