Quieter Times

Now that visiting family has gone, relative quiet reigns. It is interesting to me that I have adjusted to quiet as much as I was adjusted to noise in my earlier years. We are adaptable beings, after all. In my youth I seemed very dependent upon interaction with as many people as possible. Now I enjoy my quieter days. To have a day totally open to my own pleasures and pursuits is still rare, but wonderful when it happens.

Not that it has happened lately. When the people depart the assignments fill in. We have lots of those lately. Layne and I are in charge of writing and organizing historical vignettes for our upcoming youth pioneer trek in June. It is quite an undertaking. I sheepishly admit that Layne has done the lion's share of the work. I also guiltily admit that I haven't insisted that it be otherwise. He is so organized in his thinking that, when he gets on an organizational roll, I had best move out of the way. So, mostly, I have.

During Ben and Jessica's stay with us a few weeks ago (for the de-molding of their home), we hit upon the idea that a wall bed in our study would be much more comfortable for guests than the futon bed we had there. We found the perfect one and ordered it, hoping that it would arrive in time for an anticipated visit from Ger and Fran. The bed had to be made from scratch so the wait would be weeks. Hopefully we looked forward to its arrival in time for Ger and Fran. Of course it didn't come. Guess when it did? Right after they left, of course. It is installed in our study. I love it! Included here is a picture of it closed and open. Now I can't wait for someone to come and use it!

For me, this period of time is filled with a cycle of woman sickness. Not mine personally, but that of several woman friends. Friend Deb Anderson is struggling with a complicated disease; Josephine Jose, in my age bracket somewhere, is recovering from a stroke. Bud Pat Green is recovering from major surgery. Sister Maryanne is recovering from another knee surgery. Colorado friend Elaine Conlan is fighting pain of an unknown cause. Of course there is also Mom. She needs lots of help and is settling into the notion that she will for the reminder of her days. All of us are close to the same age (except for Mom). It is interesting to me that so many friends at once are having difficulties. And all are women! I thought we were the tough ones! I have high hopes for all of these women but can't help finding it interesting that this cycle of trouble is so full of female victims. At least, for now, I am not among them.

Layne and I heard a talk last night from a man named Tom Hansen, who worked with President Hinckley for a time. He quoted President H as saying that "old age is painful." I suppose all of us that are becoming old must face that state of things. It seems to be the price we must pay to get out of here. And I'm perfectly willing to do that, when the time comes.

This is a rather somber thought to depart on, so I've included yet another picture of our poppies and lavender. It is too amazing for words to look out our window upon the happy sight of poppies moving in the frequent breezes, and lavender filled with buzzing honeybees, with the flag blowing happily in the background. It brings joyful thoughts and hopes to mind.