Almost Christmas

It was just a few days ago that I was patting myself on the back for being so prepared for Christmas.  It was early in the season after all.  I looked forward to open time for actually thinking about Christ and reading the collection of Christmas readings that we have accumulated over the years.  But then I got a new idea for a family gift.  Gifts actually.  This is a mental trap that I seem to fall into every Christmas.  Wouldn't you think I'd learn from this?  Not this year.  I decided to make some art gifts.  So I busied myself creating a pastel drawing for each of our children.  Will they like them?  That is always a guess, but, even if they don't like the art, perhaps they will consider theirs a memory of me.  Maybe.

So it is that Christmas Eve will appear tomorrow and I don't quite have all prepared for it.  But almost.  All of life seems to be speeding by for me now.  I see, now that I am more advanced in years, that this joy ride will end in the not too distant future.  And, just like Christmas itself, it will come unexpectedly fast.  And, perhaps, like Christmas, I will think of things at the last minute that need to be done before I can leave.  Hum.  Perhaps I am getting a bit too philosophical.

One of the many blessings of being here for Layne is that he is part of a quartet that has been performing during the Christmas season.  He loves to sing.  His group just finished several concerts on Temple Hill, where each evening of the season is filled with some kind of musical performance.  (Our Nutcracker ballet began the season.)  I was blessed to hear Layne's concert on Wednesday.  I LOVED it!  They sang lively and unusual renditions of Christmas music that filled the room with wonder and warmth.  I think that presenting the familiar in an unusual way can be very powerful.  It calls the mind to open up and notice.  The room was filled for both performances and included friends that we haven't seen for awhile.  That was nice too.

Layne's quartet (L to R): Clayton Gardener, Audrey (the pianist and part-time singer),
Layne, Jennifer Richey, Dianna Fife) 

One of my poinsettia drawings that I did for the kids.

Rain this morning, again.  But a lovely rainbow made its appearance
for a brief period.  

Parties and bonding have filled our holidays.  We've loved it.  The rain has filled our days of late as well.  It feels like we've had as much rain in the past month as we did all last winter.  I love that too.  All is green and lush.  What a lovely Christmas setting.  Today we sing and I teach at Church.  I'm looking forward to it.  Then the rush of concentrated Christmas will descend.  I'm almost ready.

Star

Amidst the flurry of the Christmas season, we traveled to Boise, to look for a new home.  We met up with our online agent, Peggy, and spent 2 1/2 days looking at houses.  What a joy to find that almost all of them were beautiful and affordable.  We took a checklist of what we wanted.  Layne, you know, is a checklist kind of guy.  He had charts made up for the houses we were scheduled to see.  One of the last ones seemed to fit the bulk of our requirements.  All of our living needs could be met on the main floor.  The second floor held multiple guest spaces, which we could ignore in the absence of them.  Then there was a basement which could offer me an art studio with yet more spaces to be used as we should desire. There was also a big garage and a big yard.  Yes, just about perfect.  By Friday night we were firm in our feeling that this was our house.  So we made a contingent offer.  By Saturday morning it was accepted.  So, just like that, we have a new home.  If our buyers here follow through that is.  I think they will.

Saturday night, after our return from Boise, here is Reed, Ben & son Jonathan,
Reed's wife Dorothy, and Layne.

Ben's daughter Abigail, next to our tree.

Reed's son Timothy with Cherry the cat, outside looking in.

The living room in our new home in Star, Idaho.

The house in Star, from the air.  It is an older picture but you can see
the surrounding grass--the lot is an acre.  Layne will have lots of fun with this.

What a pull on my heart it is to feel drawn to Idaho but really hate the idea of leaving here.  Every time we go to Church or gather with family I feel sad at the notion of leaving.  But leave we must.  I think once we are in Idaho I will be fine.  But for now I can't put aside my sorrow at leaving so many people that I love.  As if to remind me of what I will miss, we returned from our Idaho trip Saturday night to a house full of family.  All the locals were here making gingerbread houses.  Such fun times will change very soon, as their presence reminded me.

Our new home is in a Boise suburb called Star.  If things go as planned we will move there in January.

Nutcracker Again

Some weeks are so full I can hardly breathe.  Last week was one of those.  We were either rehearsing for the Nutcracker or performing in it.  Just to refresh; our good friend Rachel Tan is a dance instructor. A very good one.  She is a woman with great expectations.  Her dream was to produce a version of the Nutcracker on Temple Hill in Oakland, using her students.  For free.  Her dream became reality three years ago, when the Temple Hill Committee responded to her offer in the affirmative.  It was impressive from the first.  Rachel does nothing half-way.  Her scenery, props and staging were of professional quality.  Her students, from the littlest to the oldest were amazingly well rehearsed.  She sacrificed a lot of time and money to make her production special.  The results have been amazing.  Each year the house has been packed for all performances.  This year was no exception.  Crowds gathered several hours before the doors opened.  It is an amazing experience to be involved with this production.

Rachel asked Layne and me to be the grandparents in the opening party scene for her first performance, and every one since.  It is hard to turn her down.  Actually, it is nigh to impossible to do so.  So we became the grandparents.  It involved a short solo for Layne.  If you know him at all, you know that dancing is not one of his gifts.  Yet he does a great job of it.  The audience loves him.  Our first two years were nerve-racking as we stained to remember what we were to do.  But this year was actually fun.  I felt happy to be there and felt no fear at all in participating in our two adult dances.

Our friend Howard Bernam, who plays Drosselmeyer, stayed with us for three nights.  He is English and very proper.  It was fun to rub shoulders with him and take in his view of life.  He is a professional actor so it was extra fun to watch him at work on his craft in the show.

Saturday night Layne sang with his quartet at our ward party.  We rushed there from Nutcracker.  Layne sang in his tux.  I have to say that there is something grand about a man in a tux.  He looked smashing and the music the quartet performed was wonderful.

Some of the Nutcracker dancers, Jill (she and husband Josh danced
for the BYU Ballroom Dancers), Laura (she and husband are in our
stake), Layne and me.

Layne ("Grandfather")  and Howard (Drosselmeyer)

It has been a week of performances!

The Turn-around

It's not a good idea to get too settled.  I tell this to myself often and even go to lengths to keep myself adjusting to changes by doing crazy things like reorganizing drawers and such.  Just to make my mind think in some small way, and adjust.  Change.  It is built into mortality.

I mention this because I was just getting used to the idea that we will be here for awhile longer when our potential buyers reconsidered their withdrawal.  Layne came up with an idea to include in the purchase package that they liked.  So our home is now in escrow.  This means that we will have to be out of this place next month!  Now I'm trying to readjust my thinking.  Find a home in Boise.  Buy it.  Move in the winter.  Hum.  I'm hoping it'll all work out as it should.

Other than considering a major change in our lives, our week has been rather mundane.  Except for Nutcracker rehearsals and Layne's almost constant comment that he'll never do this again.  Of course he has said that every year for the last three.  This year he will be right.

Our wild rain storm was beating up our flag.  So Allegra and I
decided to rescue it.

 And then there's the rain.  After a summer of no moisture whatsoever, it catches our attention when it rains.  Especially when it pours.  Our week has been full of storms.  I love it.

Allegra and the soggy flag.

Me by the flag pole, in the midst of the storm.  Loved it.
We wandered all around the yard in the rain.  Such fun!

Our Christmas is up.  Here are our Carmen Trees,
full of angels and little pictures of our Angel Carmen.

The Pleasures of Gratitude

Like many families, we share holidays with the in-law side.  This year Thanksgiving belonged to the other side of the family.  So we planned on a smaller scale Thanksgiving.  At first.  But daughter-in-law Dorothy (son Reed's wife) said her children really wanted a Thanksgiving dinner with us.  Son Ben said he had to work on Thanksgiving. It warmed my heart that my children wanted to celebrate together.  So we made special arrangements.  We decided to do our Thanksgiving celebration on Saturday.  We had burgers on Thursday.

We invited some extra guests to join us on Saturday so we had 25 people for dinner.  The usual menu prevailed.  We are creatures of habit now.  We must have turkey, our special jello, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, homemade rolls and, of course, pie.  We are a pie family.  It was fun.  Even though our dishwasher is not working at the moment (the electric one), things went smoothly and the clean-up wasn't all that bad.  I'm trying to cherish these family get-togethers, especially now that we are going to move.

Our Thanksgiving set-up, before the gang arrived.

Grandson Bruce enjoying the view.

Who needs games and movies when you have ipads?  They
provided the after dark entertainment.

Granddaughter Abigail, dabbling in her dinner.

Grandson Jonathan's after dinner activity.  

Well, we thought we were going to move right away.  But it is a good idea not to build a kingdom around something like this until it is really a sure thing.  Our potential buyers appear to be edging out of the sale.  So, maybe we haven't sold our home after all.  My mind moves back and forth between Boise and here.  I'm trying to be flexible with my mind-set.  But it's tricky.  

I'm grateful that we have pleasant alternatives in any case.

Almost Sold

"Life is short," my older relatives used to tell me when I was young.  I didn't believe them.  Life seemed to go on forever in those youthful years.  Now that I am a much older woman I can see an end. I will not be here forever.  In fact, I will not be here much longer, relatively speaking.  This thought comes more forcefully to mind as I organize the photos of my children.  Lately I've been working on son Gerald's collection.  As I look upon his picture life, he seems to have grown up so very quickly.  Indeed, from my mature point of view, I can now agree with my older relatives; life does move speedily along.  Gerald now has children of his own and THEY are growing up quickly as well.

Gerald in 1999:  25 years old

This fast-moving mortality makes our potential move to Idaho seem a bit more consequential.  It seems right for us, but it is a big deal for a couple in their later years.  Part of me is excited by a new adventure  (as Layne is) and part of me wants to be safe, comfortable and with familiar people and surroundings.  Am I becoming a "fuddy-duddy"?  Could it be that I am lapsing into the world of the "old'?  Perhaps a new adventure will be good for us after all.

Our view this morning.

Our home, soon to be sold.

All of these ponderings have become a bit more vital in my mind as, it looks like, we have sold our home.  We have a good offer, counter offer and counter again.  I believe we will settle on the final price soon.  If that all moves along as it should, we will move in January!  We will visit Boise soon and pick out a new home.  Wow!  

Awfully Busy in the Dark

Living in the dark is always an adjustment for me.  I love the winter, except for the dark.  Sunday our daylight ended at 6.  Its a time for candles and holiday lights.  Perhaps that is some consolation.  That, and the hills are beginning to turn green.

Our local children gathered for our extended family home evening on Sunday.  Layne talked to them about us moving to Boise; the hows and the whys.  I think it cleared the air, and settled in my mind once and for all that we will make that move.  I think it was good for the kids to hear the reasoning behind our decision.  They seem supportive.

Tuesday was election day.  I had difficulty sleeping for the two nights preceding it.  I was in charge of a precinct, remember.  Monday night was supposed to be our set-up night.  Layne and I took our ahead- of-time election stuff and waited for over an hour for the custodian to show up to open the room we would be using.  She never came.  So Tuesday morning we had to set up everything the hour before the polls opened.  Stress.  Worry.  Sweat.  The blessing in it was that another precinct was right next to us.  Their workers were quite experienced, so they helped us quite a bit.  Especially their inspector, Carol.  We bonded over our mutual responsibility.

As it turned out, all of my workers were new to the job.  But in spite of that, all went well.  Lots of voters showed up and it turned out to be fun to meet and greet them.  My lady assistants all loved it.  The time passed fairly quickly, considering that we were there from 6 AM to 9 PM.  The only unpleasantness came from a few democratic voters who were a bit brazen in their contempt for the republican cause.  But we all kept our cool.

I didn't check the election results that night at all.  Therefore I slept well.  Early the next morning before we left for the temple we read the results.  I didn't realize how invested I was in the hope for a republican victory.  Obama for another 4 years.  Will we survive it with our freedoms in tact?  I doubt it.  In spite of all of our efforts and prayers, Obama is victorious.  It feels like a political darkness has settled over our land.  I could hardly speak for disappointment all the way to the temple.  My temple ladies and I talked at various times throughout our morning about it and by the time we left I felt much better.  What else can we do but adjust.  Adapt.  So I will.

I was given a lovely diversion from things political Wednesday night when I taught the Young Women at Church how to make pie pastry.  It turned out to be fun.

Thursday morning, early, Layne and I headed to the airport to stand-by for a flight to Seattle and a visit to daughter Jessica and her family.  We got the flight and arrived as planned.  Jessica runs a used bookstore so we spent quite a bit of time there.  I always find books there to buy and this time was no exception.  What fun to be immersed in books and reading opportunities.  I have the terrible habit of starting lots of books that I really do want to read.  Yet I rarely finish a book.  I get distracted.  Or sleepy.  I seem to be a woman on the move.  You have to sit still to read.  Oh, can I ever discipline myself to finish what I start?

We had a great time with Chris and Jes and their three kids.  Seattle was cold, but sunny and the people were friendly, so our time there was fun and bonding.  We came home Saturday night.  The flights were full so we bought tickets on another airline. What luxury to go to the airport knowing that our seats were assured.  It made the trip home lovely.

Chris and Jessica's son, Miles, plays for me.
He did a great job.

Jessica inside her book store, Bumbershoot Books.

Me, surrounded by books in Jessica's store.

Layne in Jessica's back room, checking out an
old family Bible.  We bought it!

The outside of Jessica's bookstore.

Wow.  What a week.

Some Clarity

"Quit asking the kids what they think of our moving away," Layne told me yesterday.  He clarified for me that it is not up to our children where we should live.  I want to be near them, but the best place for us seems to be away from them.  Boise calls.  It calls because we can live comfortably there, with enough savings to take care of us for what remains of our lives.  It is important to us not to become financially dependent.  Layne wants to ensure that there will be enough money to meet my needs should something happen to him.   He has always wanted to take care of me; to plan for a secure future for me.  I love him for that.  It is important to Layne to live someplace that gives him labor and usefulness.  He really wants to go to Boise, where we can have an affordable, comfortable home on a little land.  So, we will go to Boise.

I had an unusually sweet experience at a doctor's office this past week.  I saw a new doctor for a problem with my jaw.  He assured me that it is easily resolved with some rest for an enflamed jaw and, while he was at it, he cured a very sore joint in my finger.  It was a sort of two-for-one experience.  To top it off, we had a lovely, lengthy conversation.  It was altogether one of the most rewarding experiences I've had with a doctor.  It was a happy surprise.

Volunteering is something that appeals to me but I've done little about it.  "Later," I usually tell myself, "when I have more time."  Ah, but when will that ever be?  So I offered to help at the poles this year.  I now find myself in charge of a precinct.  In charge.  I'm not experienced in this, you understand.  It's a little scary to be in charge!  So I've been cramming for the job.  I read the materials each day hoping that I can get all the instructions into my brain and remember them.  Review is the secret to memory, right?  In two days I'll test my theory.

Ben and Jessica's Halloween goblins

Ben and Jessica's youngest, Jonathan,
less than enthusiastic about his costume.

Halloween has come and gone with little celebration at our house.  It still doesn't seem right.  So I was happy when daughter-in-law Jessica invited us to come and spend a little time with her babes on Halloween.  We partook of the Halloween spirit through them; enjoying their enthusiasm and costumes.  Then we came home, ate a quiet dinner, and enjoyed a peaceful evening, with no trick or treaters in sight.  It's too far to come to our country house.  Boo.

Friendshipping

What can I do with all these garden vegetables?  We are buried in tomatoes, zucchini and other squash. It's a blessing and we have enjoyed eating squash every day for the past few months.  Layne is one of those rare people that thrives on repeats of the same thing over and over again.  I tease him that this taste for lack of variety is a quality that is good for our marriage since he has the same girl every day, over and over again, and seems to like it.

But I long for a bit of cuisine variety.  So I took to looking for recipes for squash.  I found an amazing variety of things that can be done just with zucchini.  So, in spite of my lazy tendency to stick to what I know, I'm going to experiment.  First on the menu is zucchini bread and zucchini chocolate cake.  I've done them before and they are pretty safe.  Then I'll advance into riskier territory.

I forgot to get a picture of friend Pat Green so all I have to show
for this past week is this representative sample of garden
vegetables that are currently keeping me busy finding uses for them.
Note the jar of pomegranate jam.  I made a batch from
pomegranates from our neighbor's tree.

"I love your red," my friend Pat Green said to me upon arriving for a visit with us on Sunday.  She was referring to the red walls that fill our living spaces, if you haven't seen them.  That is just the beginning of the things that Pat and I love in common.  She is from Boise.  Now.  She used to be a Fremont girl, which is where we met, worked together and bonded.  She is another of my few kindred spirits.  Like me, she is a lover of wild things, bling and philosophical talking into the night.  We spent three days talking and barely covered the surface of thoughts to share.  People come in various categories of intimacy, it seem to me; there are those that tell me all I want to know of them in a few minutes; those who could connect with me on many levels but do not communicate enough to discover them; those who hold a very different view of life but are interesting to connect with; then there are those who seem to ride on the same mental and spiritual roads that I have carved in my own mind.  With those special ones, the ride can go on indefinitely.  Pat is one of those for me.

Pat is from Boise.  Layne and I have decided that Boise is where we will go once our home is sold.  It seems to be a good compromise between leaving family (which still brings me sorrow) and leaving California (which Layne feels we MUST do).  It is a days drive from here, but closer to daughter Jessica and hub Chris, closer to my sister Maryanne and Layne's brother Lynn.  It seems to be a place that could attract our children eventually, should they decided to resettle sometime in the future.  How convenient it was for Pat to be from the very place we seem to be headed to.  She filled us with information about life in Idaho and which areas around Boise are most desirable.  Her presence seemed to confirm our decision to go there.  With a potential sale in the wings, we may be headed there sooner rather than later.  Or not.  Nothing is for sure, it seems.   

An Increase of Peace

Why does it often feel easier to stress over things than to just let things run their course as God would have them.  I have been so worried, stressed and troubled over our impending move.  But I'm beginning to feel a sense of peace about it.  Boise appears to be our new landing spot.  At least both of us now feel inclined in that direction.  As I was contemplating going there I felt a sweet warmth and a growing lack of worry about leaving our California family.  It seems right.  I'm also more inclined to let the house sell when it sells instead of conjuring up in my mind the "ideal" time to let it go.  Now I'm more willing to let things flow.  It is in the hands of the Lord and I think I'm finally prepared to let it unfold as God would have it.  This increase of peace is so much more pleasant than my often stressful state.

We had our usual monthly get-together with our local family last Sunday.  It was sweet, as usual, and wild and chaotic.  I love it.  Later in the week I took my daughter-in-law Dorothy out to lunch for her birthday.  We talked for quite awhile, just the two of us.  As much as I enjoy the family gang, there is lots to be said for one-on-one conversation.  I love the feeling of soul to soul connecting that I felt with my Dorothy.  I think I will try harder to set up more one-on-one time with the rest of the family.  I often feel at a loss as to how to instigate communication that is meaningful with others.  When it happens it seems to be out of my control; almost accidental.  I'd love to know how to influence it to happen more often.

Ben and Jessica's youngest, Jonathan, taken last Sunday.

Sunday get-together with family celebrated Dorothy's birthday.
Here she is with her youngest, Bruce.

Cliff and Audrey froze a collection of ice cream stuffed
cupcakes for Layne at our family Sunday celebration.
They wrapped each cupcake separately for freezer
storage so he can stretch them out as he desires.  He
loved it!

Some of our  Sunday gang, witnessing the birthday
kids, Layne and Dorothy, opening their gifts.

Our honored birthday duo, Layne and Dorothy.

I had several more deep conversations this week.  One was with a lady that I visit teach for the Church. Ellen is a non-member married to a member for several years.  Every time I talk to her about a gospel subject there is a rush of tenderness and sweetness that emerges between us.  She is meant for the gospel.  I can feel that.  I had the very same experience with my old Fremont neighbor, Jeanne, on Tuesday.  I told them both that they needed to learn more about the gospel; that it was meant for them; that the Lord was calling them; that it was the Spirit of God that sang between us when we spoke of spiritual things.  Doing this was a bold step for me.  But it felt good.  I think I'll try it more often.

The Birthday Boy

I'm not very good at gift giving.  I try to be observant but it isn't one of my gifts.  So you'll understand when I explain that I struggled with what to get for my sister.  Her birthday is just three days earlier than Layne's, on October 2.  My sister Maryanne, perhaps like me, has most of what she wants in terms of stuff.  I struggled this year with what I could possibly give her that would be meaningful.  Then I had an inspiration.  I collected all the photos I had of her and put them together in a little book.  It seems to me that sentimental things are more cherished at this time of life.  There is so much of life to look back on now.  I hope she thinks so too.

The cover to Maryanne's book

A picture of Maryanne from the book.

October 4th was the anniversary of my baptism into the LDS Church.  It has been 54 years since my spiritual journey began in the Church.  I was baptized with my sister and my mother, and friend Lyn Large Hooker.  What a happy journey it has been for me since then.

Last Friday (October 5th) was Layne's birthday.  He turned 72.  Wow.  I did my best to make his day special and fun.  He is strong, bright and healthy even if a bit set in his ways.  I love this man who has demonstrated an unselfish, energetic, caring love for life and people throughout our marriage.  He has a flair for making friends and nurturing them.  He's good at fixing things too.  I call him a lover of hearts and parts.  It is pretty wonderful having him in my life.

Layne having breakfast on his birthday.

Friday night with neighbors and friends, Ernie and Bev Trutner.
We are playing dominos, our traditional after dinner activity.

Layne, winning at dominos.

We have been struggling with where to move, as I have expressed before.  Lately I have taken to praying over this and asking the Lord to incline our hearts in the right direction.  Layne has voted for Texas.  That seems so far away to me.  I'm inclined to Idaho.  It's closer to family and there is something about it that seems to call to me.  Out of the blue Layne said to me several days ago, "I'm thinking more and more about Idaho."  I was shocked.  No Texas?  Hum.  Is that an answer to my prayers?  We are going to visit Idaho to find out.  And maybe to Texas just to be sure.

The Clash of Opinions

When I was young I longed to have strong opinions about things.  Now that I am an older woman I find that I do.  Perhaps they are a little too strong.  I find myself struggling to keep an open mind about some things.  Older people in general have strong opinions, it seems.  At least my Layne does.  And often he cannot be moved.  One of his opinions is that the accumulation of stuff should be avoided at all costs.  While I agree with him in theory, there is some stuff I cannot resist accumulating.  Clothes for instance.  Layne allows my indulgence but doesn't participate himself in such things.  Not usually anyhow.

But his birthday is approaching.  So I went shopping for him this past week in spite of his claim that he needs absolutely nothing.  As I looked for the perfect sweatshirt (something he admitted to wanting) I found what I was sure was the perfect one.  And it was on sale.  And it came in several colors that would look good on Layne.  I was so excited to buy it for him.  Once home I could not resist giving it to him right then!  Sometimes I can't contain my enthusiasm for things.  He LOVED it.  He loved it so much that we returned that very evening so he could pick out a second one.  SCORE!  How often does that happen.  Such success puts me into such a high!

Here is that perfect sweatshirt.  Note the zippered neck (Layne
usually just cuts open the neck), high collar for cold days,
 the zippered pocket that will allow nothing to escape (Layne MUST
have a pocket), and, last, the loose bottom (rather than the usual sweatshirt finish).
On sale at Sears.  Perfect.

I found all sorts of treasures to buy besides his birthday present.  Sometimes a shopping trip comes together in a most delightful way.  When this happens shopping can be such a pleasure.  My Christmas shopping has begun!

Layne likes to plan way ahead.  I have compromised my free-spirited, spontaneous nature to a considerable amount to accomodate this quality in him.  But I approached him about a spur of the moment idea; I wanted him to come with me to Utah this coming week for a couple of days, to celebrate my sister's birthday on Oct 2 and his on Oct 5, with his twin, Lynn.  He paused.  He hedged.  He then refused.  I pushed.  I prodded.  I pressed.  All to no avail.  We are not going.  I'm seriously bummed about this.  I think I will pressure him to SCHEDULE said trip when it suits him better; when he can plan ahead for it.  Sigh.  Compromise is part of the married game.  Still.

We spoke with son Gerald on Skype yesterday for a considerable amount of time.  With cameras on our devices, we spoke face to face.  How magical is that!  I love Gerald's gift of gab.  He talked at considerable length about our upcoming move and his opinion about where we should settle.  I have shared my worries about this in previous blogs so you know that I am in a puzzlement about being close to family versus being out of California in a less troubled state, as Layne wants to do.  Gerald's opinion is that we should choose a good location and not worry about family; that, if we choose a place with freedom and opportunity, they may wind up coming our way, in time.  He also mentioned that there are ways to be close even at a distance.  He also feels, that when the time is right, we will know what to do.  So it boils down to faith, I suppose.  If we do our homework and check out various places, when we actually have to make the decision, it will become clear.  And probably not until then.

Patience.  Relax.  All will become clear, with time.

Gerald, on my computer screen, using Skype.
He sits in Taiwan, flashing his wonderful face as if
he were sitting here before me.  Love it.

Layne in his tux for his quartet picture.  He's
singing with them for a Christmas concert.

This early morning I stood on my balcony enjoying our
valley, lit up by a full moon.  I love the moonlight!

Grandson Bruce, after the agony of receiving a
haircut by his grandmother.

Here's to More Ponderings

Did I mention that I am now a Den Leader?  Yep.  Wolves.  6 of them.  That is yet another thing I've been worrying about.  You see, in spite of being a mother to three boys, I've never been involved with scouts.  The scout program is unfamiliar territory.  I know, its shameful.  But there you are; now that I'm out of boys and a grandma, I find myself a late-blooming scouter.  It was with trepidation that I approached our first meeting last Tuesday.  All six of our little wild men showed up.  A very nice woman called to serve with me was there also.  As it turned out, we had a fun time together.  The boys are cute and enthusiastic.  Becky, my co-cub leader, is great with the boys and will be fun to work with, I think.  So I guess, after all that worrying, everything is going to be OK.

Layne has been trying to get me to spend more time relaxing.  I have this deeply hidden feeling that I MUST make every minute of my life productive.  I'm pretty good at it.  But Layne keeps telling me that my view of things is a little off.  I haven't made much of an effort at slowing myself down or filling some of my time with nothing.  There is something inside of me that presses me to run, run, run; hurry, hurry, hurry.  I simply must accomplish SOMETHING.

I had lunch with my friend Lyn Hooker on Thursday.  She called me on Friday to tell me that she is very concerned about me.  She thinks I am in a stressful knot serious enough to see a doctor, as I may have serious, destructive issues.  Hum.  I am showing signs of stress that I can't quite explain.  Well, between Layne and Lyn, I have decided to take this relaxing issue more seriously.  So, I am going to plan on sitting quietly for awhile each day, dancing more often and investing in my art more often too.  Perhaps it isn't too late for this older doggie to learn some new tricks.  Can I quiet the voice inside of me that presses me to produce?  Perhaps.  I guess I'd better give this challenge some of my best efforts.  Whoops.  Not effort.  Just more time out.

Here is our living alarm clock, Cherry, sitting at our bedroom patio door,
reminding us that it is time to get up and address her needs.

Since I ignored her pleas, Cherry perched herself at our breakfast
window, pleading for the special treat we sometimes give her.
Layne has difficulty not succumbing to her charms. 

Here is our house as it appears in our sales flyer.  It looks quite
different at this time of approaching sunset.

Layne and I went to the temple last Thursday night as part of our stake conference.  I spoke at the chapel session on the rewards of being an ordinance worker.  Organizing my thoughts about that has focused my thinking on the sweet blessings that come to me while working in the temple.  That is a form of de-stressing, in a way.  The session Thursday night surrounded me with warm, happy, good people.  I felt then that this kind of close association is quite heavenly.  I felt embraced by goodness.  Perhaps more temple going should be added to my anti-stress list.  

Stressful ponderings

Sometimes I am a mystery to myself.  I am suddenly alive with symptoms of stress.  Yet I don't feel uptight.  I have a stress rash, a funny feeling in my esophagus and my face has broken out.  All signs that I'm disturbed about something.  Perhaps it is the anticipated move.  Perhaps it is the new calling in Church that I just received.  Perhaps it is worry about some of the family.  Perhaps it is a little of all of those things.  Or...perhaps it is the tomatoes.

Our garden is exploding right now with squash and tomatoes.  We have squash every night with dinner and tomatoes all through the day.  I wonder if that is too many tomatoes.  Every other day Layne brings a bucket full of vegetables.  For land that has been slow to bear, this is a sweet reward for the effort Layne has put into enriching the garden soil.  In spite of the rabbit that nibbles in the garden, the gophers and the squirrels, we have a bountiful harvest; enough to share!  We are blessed indeed!

Bruce, providing me with a fun pick-up activity for later.

Alexis turns 9 September 6.

Reed (holding foster daughter Lexa) turns 40 September 6.

Jonathan, getting lots of help from older sisters, turns 1 September 22.
James is holding the birthday peach pie in the background.  James
is all about pie.  

Last Sunday we celebrated our family's September birthdays.  This is a big month for our family.  Birthdays and anniversaries abound.  We had our usual busy, happy celebration.  If we move to Nevada, 4 hours away, we can still have this once a month get-together, I'm thinking.  I guess I fill my days with this kind of thinking; how things could work out if we move there.  The ripples that surround change are always hard to predict.  Then there are the hidden surprises, for good or for bad, that eventually come to light as well.

We had another Broker's Open House on Friday.  Lots of people came, potential buyers as well as brokers.  During the open house I was in Brentwood, at a Grandma Day at school for my grandsons.  But Layne said it went very well.  It was just finishing up when I arrived back home, just in time for a sample of the brisket that our agents cooked up for the occasion.  Hum.  Maybe some of the many who showed up came for the brisket!