Dinner on the Deck

                Dinner was very nice.  There was a lot of food.  Halibut steak cooked to perfection, clam chowder, shrimp, carrots, jumbo baked potato and roll provided by Midtown Grill.  I enjoyed the food but did feel like a fish out of water.  Some people have money and are willing to share.  I think others just want to make an appearance.  But that's all speculation on my part.  I had four of the five people at our dinner table - my "close-knit-pool-group" and Sue's husband.  I saw a couple from our ward and Susan who has come to our swim class this year and whom Jaime and I had assisted with the Riddle booth during SummerFest here.

 

                There were over a hundred people for the turn-out at the pool.  The deck had been set up for 18 tables with six chairs at each table.  Carolyn seemed to know a lot of people - mostly former students that she had taught - or their parents.  Dan made jokes about how prestige it was to be with a near-celebrity which Carolyn didn't agree with.  I think Dan probably knew the least amount of people from all of us.  

                Of course, we all know Josh and many of the lifeguards by name.  Sebastian, who had been Jaime's swim instructor the year we had moved in, had been assigned as our waiter.  I really enjoy how the community pulls together and create a positive environment.  The man at our table whom I had not met until last night had given a brief history of the project of building the pool back in 1963.  Evidently, there had been statics given for each year children had died playing in creeks and rivers.  One of the ideas behind building the pool was to teach the community's children how to swim.

photos by Joe Glaspie

                Sue's husband took several pictures.  I hope I will have an opportunity to see some of them.

                 I brought my cheesecake home mostly because I didn't have room for it, but also wanted to share with Roland and Jenna. 

Clearing Up the Sky to Blue, Yellow and Green

                The wind has been blowing each morning Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.  Carolyn said she had a surprise for the class for Wednesday morning, but I did not go.  Roland and I had gone to the Roseburg Cinema to see Dog Days - which I really liked. 

                 I had left my phone with Jenna in case she needed to get a hold of us.  She spent the day with her friend, Marie.  She reported to me that the dentist had called, but neglected to tell me about Coffenberry; she decided it was not important as she is no longer a student there.

               

                A couple of hours after Roland and I had returned to Tri-City, Jenna said there was word from the theatre to get there ASAP to be fitted for costumes.  Wednesday night was the dress rehearsal and I had invited my close friends from the water group to come and see the performance as I cannot afford to buy tickets for the regular productions.   

I asked how the "surprise" went for the morning class and was told that it was too windy and had to be postponed. Thursday morning seemed a bit windy also - although we did introduce Carolyn's surprise that day.  I wrote about that in my last post "Deceiving Skies" which they were.  Skies filled with smoke gave the appearance of an overcast sky with the promise of rainfall - but it never did.

                My friends all enjoyed the play very much.  I took pictures with my phone as Roland's phone and I don't seem to get along.  Too bad.  His produce better quality. 

Before rehearsal - Roland helped with the scenery

Jenna with the owners who play her mom and dad

Little John, Friar Tuck, Young Scarlett and Alan Adel

Jenna and Roland are not in many scenes together.

                                   This would be a better pic if Roland didn't look like just a shadow

Little John, King Richard, Friar Tuck and Salome outside theatre

My friends Dan and Sue hang in gallows outside the theatre

                You can see better quality in the photos in the News Review here.                

                Roland plays Friar Tuck and really got into character when he asked if I would shave a bald spot on his head.  It also shows bravery by allowing me to use a razor on his head.

This pic is horrible quality - worse than the haircut

                On Thursday night, I happened to check my phone while Jenna and Roland were on stage performing the opening show. I found my messages from the dentist (who I had called back as Jenna had mentioned it to me) and Coffenberry.  I had put in an application as an instructional assistant and was being contacted for a job interview for Friday morning.  Thanks, Jenna. 

 I contacted the school and left a facebook message for the principal to let her know that I'd be there - though neither message was received as I was contacted again on Friday morning, this time by the secretary who seemed excited about the possibility of my working at the school.

                The wind was a bit overpowering - nothing outrageous but enough to disturb an outdoor picnic.  It felt cool and blew away much of the smoke bringing back the blue sky - so much of Douglas County has gone from Yellow back to green (65 on my Thursday post to 38 right now) and even more surprising was cutting Medford form 161 (very red) to 70 (orange) though it started out green as we headed there this morning.  

 It was our day to go and pick pears.  I thought Alexa was wrong when I heard that the air quality was only 48 but maybe.  The air quality wasn't near as bad this year as it had been last year. 

                Last year Roland had purchased a box of 20 respiratory masks which Jenna and I had both used.  He may have also, though I don't remember.  I did post pictures of me and Jenna here.  

 I could have really used a respiratory mask last year but did not have;  this year we took the box and whatever contents were left but did not use.  Breathing has been challenging end of July to beginning September.  I'd rather have the 4-6 weeks of breathing irritation during Oregon's fire season than the 4-6 months of inversion and an additional 2 months of other breathing challenges in Utah. 

                Tonight I'm going to a charity dinner with my friends.  I am so touched that they wanted me there badly enough that they were willing to pay for my ticket to get in.  Fundraiser for our community pool.  Perhaps I will write about it tomorrow or later on next week.

Deceptive Skies

                Carolyn picked me up at 6:45 this morning.  I was happy to see misty clouds or fog hanging over the hills ahead of us, but from behind the appearance told us it was a hazy smoke.  From the pool, the skies gave the impression that it might rain, but to the north of us, there was also a musty haze covering the hills, trying to hide them as it had all of the blue that had been there last weekend.  What happened?

            Two weeks ago after the smoke started to descend upon us, the haze made gave the sun the appearance of being blood red - like in this photo by Richard Bartz. 

It was taken for an article for a station in Portland, I think.  The name of the article is Poor air quality could affect your dog or cat: Tips to avoiding respiratory stress in pets which you can find here. 

            I don't have that great of a sense of smell, but I can smell it - even taste it - as I sit at my computer writing this post.  I have not even had the windows open all week as to not let the bad air in.  The air quality guide tells me moderate, but it feels like the number should be higher and orange rather than yellow.

 I realize that in comparison to other areas in Oregon, California, and even Utah, the quality of air is worse than here.  I don't understand.  According to the fire map, there aren't even any fires that close to us - not like last year when we were surrounded by fires.  How fortunate that we did not have to evacuate - where would we have gone?  What roads would we have taken to get there safely?

            The pool was nice.  There were only five people in Josh's class.  It was an extreme workout.  I felt out of breath and was grateful for the opportunity to rest between classes - though we did not fully rest.  Carolyn and I put up a net that Josh had started for us.  And then she pumped air into nine beach balls while I plugged up the holes.  We put the balls in the water.  It was fun to watch where the air carried them.

            There weren't as many participants as usual.  The class has been getting 16 - 20 people on average.  On Tuesday there was 20.  Today there were twelve.  .  We did not have a routine workout in the morning.  Carolyn had wanted to try something different, and we did.  First, she incorporated some of Josh's routines into our morning exercise and try something different that she hoped would be fun.

            We attempted to pass the beach balls to one another over the net, but the wind generally sent them to directions other than what we were aiming.  It appeared that everyone in the water was having a good time, and I know the lifeguard was enjoying watching us

            I still need to write my assessment.  I am having the hardest time getting into it.  If I don't post something new tomorrow, it means I am working on my assignment . . . still.

Hodgepodge of Thoughts

          The skies cleared up this last weekend.  The smoke had cleared from the south and the skies were blue.  For two nights and mornings I had my windows   Now we have smoke coming in from the east. The windows remain closed.  I think it's wrong for the skies to appear overcast as though promising cooler weather and learn that it is 80 - 90 degrees outside.  

          Roland has taken off for a week.  Monday felt like a Saturday to me.  Yesterday felt like a Wednesday.  I don’t know what today will bring (as it really hasn’t started yet) Not a normal day for me.  Roland and I will be going to the theatre in Roseburg this morning.  Jenna will stay in town with a friend who stayed the night. 

          They have their dress rehearsal tonight.  I have invited my small group from my water fitness class.  They are excited to see Jenna and Roland perform.  It will be fun for all of us.  I am happy that they are looking forward to this.

          I just barely started my research for this week’s assessment.  It is all that is required this week.  165 points for 1,000 words 975 words (it might as well be 1,000).  I don’t know when I’ll be able to continue working on it today.  It’s a doozer.  Starting Monday I will be taking a break from accounting.  I have a social studies class coming up for the next four weeks.

          I’ve started a new book called “Murder with Fried Chicken and Waffles” by A.L. Herbert.  Thus far, it is actually kind of funny.  Halia and her cousin find the body of an arrogant investor in her restaurant’s kitchen.  At first, they believe he is passed out, but when Halia can’t find a pulse, she freaks out.  She was about to call the police believing that death may have occurred as a result of a heart attack, but then sees her cast iron frying pan and realizes that the investor has been murdered.

          She doesn’t want the murder to ruin the reputation of her restaurant, and so she and her cousin move the body to a nearby alley.  When she returns to the restaurant the following day, she prepares herself for rumors and investigations, but as the day progresses without any word of a murdered victim, she learns the body is no longer where she  left if. 

          I am not even halfway into it.  It’s been five days and she has learned that a body was just retrieved from a body of water.  At this point, she does not know if it’s her investor.  It is fun reading about her suspicions and panic.  I am going to attempt reading another chapter before I return to bed.  Though it might be better if I could start applying my references to my assignment.  That seems more likely to return me back to slumberland.

Assorted Thoughts on blog, school and blossoms

        I notice my brother has not posted to his blog for over a year now.  My niece seems to gradually be returning to her blog.  She has created seven posts called “Define your Dash”.  It appears as though she has reached into a journal jar and writes on whatever subject she’s been given – although in her Dash#1 she explained in better detail what she’s doing.  She also uses actual names unlike Corey and me.

        I’ve obviously slipped at posting myself, and my reading has been even more pathetic.  I have so much to catch up on.  It’s just a matter of prioritizing.  This will be my last week of the two accounting classes I'm currently taking.  I have only one assessment and discussion for my favorite class.  I have a normal week for the class I don’t like.

        I have another comparison I have made for the relationship between me and the instructor.  Have you ever watched a Peanuts cartoon and the focus is always on the childish characters and you never actually see the adult?  And when an adult does talk there is only sound but no formed words?  That is what my instructor sounds like to me.  I’ve decided that I’m not alone.

        I mentioned that there are two students who are in both of my classes.  One is a returned missionary I’m guessing in his early 20’s.  He’s been in a few of my other classes before.  He is going for his bachelor’s in forensic accounting.  Dare to dream.

        The other, I'm guessing, is a woman - possibly around my age.  That is basically all I know about her.  Except for she posted her phone number on my discussion post addressed to me.  Could I call her and help her with the assignment?  I don’t know why she singled me out – unless it is because I am in both classes and I have been to the live lectures (when the instructor calls us by name, other students can figure out who attended the live session)

        My grades in that class are not the greatest though are better than my current understanding.  I have been on the President’s List ever since my first two classes, but my understanding of Acct 213 has robbed me of making the President’s List for the next five or six months (however often they are sent)

        It was late when I received her message – well, maybe not so late my time, but I didn’t even know what state she was in; it appears to be on eastern time and landline.  At this point I don’t know what kind of grades she gets.  But I feel her frustration.  I wish I could get a hold of her to see how she’s doing.  Her line was busy when I tried to call on Friday morning.

        Jenna was home from school and I took her to parent/teacher conference.  She showed me the memorabilia that hang the walls of the hall –

tribute continues for Nick and Andrew.  The students released hundreds of balloons into the sky and left daffodils at the flagpole.

I tried calling my unknown classmate a couple of times but her line was busy.  I couldn’t even leave a message for her.  I hoped that she was receiving help from another.   

        Jenna and I ran several errands.  It was such an awesomely beautiful day.  After months of rain, there was sunshine.  Just that day.  I came home and finished my last assessment.  I wish it had been the final.   

          On Saturday, Savannah came over and spent some time with Jenna. Roland took them to the movies and brought them back to hang out.  I spend some time with him before he went into his office to study.  I took advantage to create a few posts. 

             Yesterday I noticed the pink and white blossoms gracing several trees between our house and the church.  Last year the flowers were blooming in February - which the residents said was unusual.  This year was quite different from last.

            I tried contacting my classmate again.  Now my phone insists that it is not even a working number.  What?

       

I Think the Eggplant Proves That God Has a Sense of Humor

                If death was edible, I would imagine that it tastes very much like eggplant.  I don't even know what else to compare the taste to - except for maybe vomit.  It's not even overpowering.  Mostly it is dull, but there is a hint of bitterness that makes my tongue break out into absolute disgust.  Aside from their revolting taste (and often texture) eggplants are deceiving.

Eyes may think this might be a potato and pickles - means major disappointment for the mouth

                 First of all, there's the name.  As a child, I was impressed by the very idea of eggs growing on a plant instead of waiting for a chicken to lay it. According to a few of the websites I have visited into my curiosity of why eggplants even exist, I came across a few pictures of the eggplant in which the plant is named after.  Yes, they do resemble the eggs of chickens at a glance.  Apparently, eggplants come in varieties.  I wasn't familiar with the white egg-shaped eggplants.  I've only had tastes of the purple kind.  Another deception.

retrieved from Quora

                 Purple is the color of grape jelly, boysenberry syrup, and blackberry pie - all sweet and delicious to my pallet.  An eggplant is neither sweet nor delicious.  It is beautiful in color before it's cooked.  But then it gets diced and squashed and mixed.  I guess I've had some okay dishes that might have had a better than okay rating if the eggplant had been removed.  It doesn't seem to matter how much salt, garlic, or butter is added. I just don't understand why anyone would have an intentional desire for it.  And so I have researched the subject just a bit.

                According to Healthline (here) the eggplant is rich in nutrients and antioxidants.  There are many definitions for the word antioxidant.  I personally think it's another word to explain a nasty taste.  The eggplant MAY reduce the risk of a heart disease.  It MAY promote blood sugar control.  It COULD  help with weight loss.  How could it not?  Seriously, how could a person ever gain weight from a horrible tasting plant?   Okay, so perhaps there are some benefits to eating eggplant.  There are also benefits to eating kale and broccoli.  Wish there were as many benefits to eating chocolate - more specifically, chocolate chip cookies.  

retrieved from Femme Auctuelle Cookie Maison

                Great chocolate chip cookies require eggs.  Nothing great requires eggplant.

 other eggplant sites

http://www.indepthinfo.com/eggplants/history.htm

https://wonderopolis.org/wonder/why-is-it-called-an-eggplant

A Child's Prayer

         The primary theme this month is on prayer - one of my most favorite subjects.  I have so many examples and many triggers take place each week during sharing time.  Here is one memory that my mom liked to tell:

         My family had gone on vacation to Yellowstone Park.  Dad and I had taken the trail to Morning Glory.  At least that's where we thought we were going.  I don't know why it was just him and I that were following the trail - I don't recall how old Corey and Kayla were at the time - perhaps one or both were getting restless and mom decided to take them elsewhere to wait for us.  In their mind, we had been gone quite a while and mom or Corey - maybe both - had questioned our delay.

            

            Humility was not Corey's strong point at that time, but he was devoted to saying prayers and suggested that they say one, but mom decided to wait some more.  Kayla was doing something which demanded mom's attention, and when they had finished up with whatever (remember, I was not there in person so this is a recap of the way my mom used to tell it) and found Corey on his knees with his arms folded and head bowed.  She said right after Corey got up from praying, they could see my dad and I making our way back to them. 

            Corey than said to my mom, "See, there they are.  If we had prayed sooner, they would have been back sooner."