My Ignorant Friends

          There are so many creative posts to facebook lately, and just as many that are hurtful such as warnings to NOT buy products from the Chinese.  Really?  Someone has the odyssey to promote bigotry during these trying times.  I would think the citizens of China have even less to say about their government than do US citizens.  Though there are Trump supporters and followers many Americans are just as offended by his lack of leadership skills or lack of compassion as perhaps citizens of other countries are ashamed.  In China it is against the law to cross the government whereas in the USA citizens have the right to voice their opinions and even criticize the government without being arrested.  This pandemic is not the fault of the Chinese citizens.  They are victims just as much as anybody.  They did not choose to become guinea pigs of some governmental experience anymore than soldiers of this country when fighting in Vietnam chose to become victims to agent orange from 1962 to 1971. 

          People make mistakes.  Leaders make mistakes.  It happens.  As of now we are not or should not pit country against country.  We are not against one another (as a whole – I know Trump has said many things that have offended those outside of the U.S.  But trust me, he has offended just as many American citizens with his sometimes childish but mostly idiotic behavior) as we are all fighting the same demon regardless of where it originated.  Let’s not throw bigotry into the mix as well. 

          I have some friends who live in fear as well as isolation .  I have other friends who are skeptics and view this entire pandemic as a hoax staged for an upcoming election.  There is so much out there – some truths, others misinterpretations of the truth, still others that are bold faced lies.  I don’t even know what to believe anymore and may think of this as a hoax myself except for the church’s involvement.

          When else in history has the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (or any other denomination) closed its doors?  The church had announced the cancellation of all meetings before the government did.  They have closed the temples.  Seamstresses who worked on temple clothes have been asked to sew masks.  Other organizations have put their teams to work for sewing masks.  Even when the leaders are fooled into thinking the pandemic is over, it won’t be over.  If we’re not careful it will sneak upon us and perhaps become worse for it is than it is right now.

          Let us not cast blame.  Blame doesn’t solve anything.  We need to be cautious of the disease not necessarily one another.  We need each other’s support not prejudices.  We are in this together.  Let us remember the children of Israel who made it out of darkness after the first Passover.  Let us remember the citizens of Jerusalem and around the world who came out of darkness after the first Easter’s resurrection.  We too will come out of darkness.  But we have to lift one another into the light.  If we point fingers or cast stones at one another, it will only prolong the darkness.

Read the Directions Several Times

          As a student, for me personally, it was always easier to receive verbal directions than written ones.  I would do the research for whatever class I had online and discover the assignment was very different from my interpretation of what I thought I had read.  So often I would have to change my sense of direction – sometimes resulting in starting from scratch.  I’m finding the same is true with some of the students who are used to being in public school but are online currently due to the pandemic.

          On of my daughter’s friends asked if she could come and film herself performing CPR on Jenna.  That is NOT social distancing.  Jenna does not have that same assignment as she is not currently taking the required health class that her friend has on her schedule.  Her friend seemed certain that she would have to practice on another person – which for me sounded irresponsible.  Why would an instructor ask that of a student at this time?  The entire reason we are not in public schooling right now is because there is no such thing as social distancing among students. 

          The directions say to perform the CPR – if necessary student may demonstrate on something like a stuffed animal or doll.  The LAST comment in tiny letters is demonstrate on an actual person without really doing it.  So I am thinking 1) why would she turn in a project in which she has obviously broken the rule of social distancing 2) why not perform on a stuffed animal or pillow even – then you will be able to press as hard as actually required because the pillow won’t be hurt no matter how much pressure is applied.

          It seems like an unrealistic requirement for all students as not all students do have access to making the video or transferring the information correctly.  I could be wrong.  Many of Jenna’s friend do have cell phones.  They upload videos all the time on Tik Tok – but still – we live in a poor area and not everybody has access to electronics – though I think under the circumstances perhaps schools have issued chrome books for students to “borrow”.  I know my sisters kids have borrowed chrome books from their school.

          Written directions should be read several times.  They need to be read out loud.  They need to communicate to the mind what needs to take place in order to express that the directions were followed.  I hope Jenna’s friend realizes that our not allowing her to come into direct contact with our daughter is nothing against her personally.  We love this friend.  Under normal circumstances I would take her under my wing and have her stay with us.  But it’s out of my control.  It isn’t my place. 

Stay Home Order

Jenna has a friend who is somewhat of a rebel.  She likes to push people’s buttons just to see how far she can go.  Or perhaps not.  That’s just how I perceive her.  She’s not a trouble maker, really.  Just likes to bend or perhaps even break the rules that shouldn’t apply to her.

On Thursday she wants to have a party for another friend who is moving out of state and across the nation.  Jenna doesn’t know if she will ever see her friend again and would like to go show her support.  Jenna’s a hugger.  She will not even try to keep social distancing.  I tried to relate our circumstances today to the scriptures we read this morning and the thoughts of her seminary instructor,

“ Think about what happens when people don't heed warnings and guidance sent to help them. Think about what guidance and instruction you have received in your life”

I related this to the instructions which we have been given to STAY HOME.  She was in tears as I compared various situations to today’s circumstances. 

A member of my ward posted this picture to our ward page on March 26

He had written these words just above the picture: “Sometimes it's the simple things that are answers to prayers....”

Since that posting I have often thought that looking at the staff would have been more simple than staying home and not have physical contact with any of those I consider family and friends.  Virtual contact definitely has its place but definitely does not make up for hugs or handshakes.  The need to do for others and staying home seem to conflict although there are some things that can be and are done by those who stay home.  Making masks for example: 

Isn't it awesome that God has given us revelation and promptings?  I think about the last meeting held in my home ward.  Four sisters were called and set apart as the humanitarian committee.  How unexpected for them to fulfill their callings in this manner.  
My eldest granddaughter and a nephew were confirmed in their homewards for the last time we met before it was revealed to not hold meetings until further notice.  Further notice has not yet taken place.

My electronics seem to flipping out on me lately and I could not get into my virtual meeting.  Not in the best mood and sweet Jenna suggested we say a prayer.  I think I heard the most part of the meeting by phone but lost connection after a few of the members seemed to get off topic.  More frustration.

Closing thought I will leave this picture.  Be sure to read all of the titles.

All credits to artist: Mr. Phil Shaw !!!

Originally posted by Regina Kelly with the comment: two smart and saucy librarians posted this...

STAY HOME!!!

Easter in Isolation

              Yesterday we hid twenty plastic eggs for Jenna to find.  The Easter egg hunt has always been a tradition for her.  She has participated in at least one hunt every year - and it is usually with someone other than us.  But as we are stuck inside this year and I won't allow her to go further than the mailbox, I decided to create a hunt for her.  We had purchased Easter candy a while ago and also included scriptures and other Easter thoughts so we could include the true meaning of Easter as well.

Because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to. – Jeffrey R. Holland

 His Atonement makes available all of the power, peace, light, and strength that we need to deal with life’s challenges – Sheri L. Dew

For the Atonement of the Lord and His gift of resurrection—for this sublime message of  Easter  – Russell M. Nelson

To understand the meaning of death, we must appreciate the purpose of life. (…) Our Father knew that because of the nature of mortality, we would be tempted, would sin, and would fall short. So that we might have every chance of success, He provided a Savior, who would suffer and die for us. – Thomas S. Monson

 The Atonement is the greatest evidence we have of the Father’s love for His             children. – Linda K. Burton

decorated Saturday morning

hid only half of the eggs we had

The white Easter lily symbolizes purity and honesty. Some say Easter lilies proliferated in the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus wept in the last hours before Judas’ betrayal.

You won’t see any mention of the long-eared, cotton-tailed Easter Bunny in the Bible, but he has become one of Easter’s most prominent (and commercial) symbols.  Seeing rabbits emerge from their burrows in spring, early Christians may have adopted the gentle, meek mammal as a symbol of Christ emerging from his tomb.

Eggs and chicks symbolize new life.  An egg can also be a                      symbol of the Tomb.

He is not here: for he is risen – Matthew 28:6

And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.    Luke 24:36

He is risen! He is risen!  He hath opened heaven’s gate.

                I wanted today to be a beautiful and spiritual Easter.  I wanted to include my family in what I felt.  It did not work out to my expectations however.  By 5:00 I was watching YouTube videos by myself expecting that Jenna would join me eventually.  I figured Roland would stay in the room and watch Sunday morning.  But it’s Easter.  Come on!  We haven’t been to church for a month yet.  Nor have we met as a family to hold Sunday meetings.  I think this is the first Sunday Jenna has not watched the “Come Follow Me” program with me.

                The first video I watched was Finding Joy in Sharing the Gospel (here) as it was the lesson we would have had in Relief Society had we met at the church.  Afterward I watched the video “Don’t Miss This” with David Butler and Emily Freeman (here). How awesome it was that they compared the first Easter to our Easter experience today.  The world in isolation.  Afterward I rewatched  the “Come Follow Me” program (Teaching with Power) with Brad Wilcox (here).

  

               When Jenna came into the room she suggested that we watch “The Littlest Angel”.  She had received a copy of the 1997 original animation of an angel sent back to earth to help two children during Easter. 

I don’t fully remember.  I wasn’t as impressed with it as she.  I liked the version I had read as a child.

Only the trailer of the 1997 was available and so we watched the full Hallmark movie made in 1969. 

That was our Easter together.  I tried getting her to watch “Saturday Night Seder” (here) with me, but she lost interest.  I didn't realize it was a fundraiser for the CDC foundation.  Good cause.  Excellent video.  Such profound words from each of the Rabbis and celebrities.  I enjoyed Judith Lights narration during Ben Platt's  performance of  "Somewhere Over the Rainbow".  I also enjoyed the narrations by Richard Kind and Debra Messing.  I also enjoyed Harvey Fierstein's  monologue on "Next Year in Jerusalem" which gave a whole knew meaning to a phrase I had heard before but never knew what it meant.

I think I’d taken Jenna to a Passover before.  Of course she does not remember it.  It wasn’t even a Jewish Passover, but a Passover that would pay homage to our Jewish ancestors but emulate Mormonism as well. It was nice that I had a little understanding of Passover as I watched the performances that were so well edited and had been written up and posted in such a short amount of time.  It was mind-blowing really.  I highly recommend watching it.

                I missed having the opportunity to attend it for a while.  Our friend Beth was going to invite us to her Passover one year, but we have failed to get together and it didn’t seem possible this year.  But I know of other families who engaged in the traditions.

                After Roland got up, he started cleaning the kitchen and strongly suggested that Jenna watch “The Ten Commandments”.  The problem is it’s just so darn long.  She cannot sit still long enough to watch it.  So thus far we have watched only half of it.  She is now in her room watching online lectures and Roland is watching a recorded episode of “The Profit” – some great ways to spend your Easter, right?

                So I am now recording my thoughts on Easter meaning for me this year.  I like the parallels of the things I have watched and heard.  And I wonder if the amount of time that passed between the initial Passover (before the 10 commandments) and the Atonement and Resurrection was the same amount of time that passed between the Resurrection and Covid 19. 

Charles Wysocki

Since we have moved to Oregon, the first puzzle I remember having put together was this one by Charles Wysocki.

It had worked up rather quickly and Jenna wanted to hang the picture in her room.  It was the first time I remember having glued a puzzle.

It remained in her room until the move.  And then it broke or fell apart.  We never did finish this one as we had managed to lose a few pieces.  We still have it I think.

We have put other Charles Wysocki puzzles together - each seeming more challenging than the one before.

The last puzzle we finished was this one

and had included  some progress pictures in this post

Now we are working on one which appeared it may have been easier to put together but has somehow become more challenging. 

characters seemed further spaced on box than actual puzzle

frame by itself was a challenge

Roland did a good job putting trees together

often the puzzle pieces aren't what we think we're looking for

This puzzle piece finishes the woman's coat
and tepee frame 

the animals took a long while - especially the cows

words and building were not bad, but the roof was quite challenging

Roland is working on the sky.  Perhaps we may have it finished either today or tomorrow.

COVID fog

It is very foggy outside.  Thick white air that isn’t even worth my taking a picture. 

I have enjoyed seeing fog from a distance – when the clouds have surrounded the hills 

across the way.  It isn’t as appealing when it is right in your face.  When I have 

to stay indoors due to the Covid, that is all that my eyes see.  Not that Covid 

has a color.  It’s the fog that surrounds me that descends upon us 

much like the virus.  It is ugly and haunting.  It reminds me of death. 

The breath of every bad disease and aftermath of war.    

Fog so much thicker and depressing than what
is depicted in this photo

Tomorrow is the World Wide Fast.  

Just in case the link does not work
facebook page Worldwide Fast April 10

   

Truly touched by all those who have joined and comments and posts.  How awesome it is to see how so many have banded together for this cause and we are all fighting the same demon rather than each other.  The fog will lift eventually - both literally and figuratively.

In the News

                When the schools initially closed, the staff had given the students the impression that they would be back in two weeks.  Our governor then sent out the word that schools would not reopen until April 28.  I would hope not.  I would not be willing to return as an aide.  But just a few hours ago it was announced that the governor stated that all schools will be closed for the remaining of the academic year.  Now there’s a shocker.

  

                 Governor Brown did make the statement to have all beaches and national parks and playgrounds closed.  Anyone caught at said beaches, parks or playgrounds (thus far walking path is still available in city parks – but I expect that will change too) before the nation took a stand on closing the parks – probably a week before. 

                Corey posted several pictures he had taken of the Las Vegas strip.  There were cars in a lot of the pictures, but no people except one where there was a security guard.  Emptiness where it is normally crowded. 

                I would never have imagined living through something like this.  And yet amidst this absolute strange chaos I feel so blessed.  There are still so many things to be grateful for.

A Little More Nature and our 2016 Oregon Calendar

My sister has been posting landscape pics to facebook.  The rule is the landscape has to be a place where she's been but cannot be in the picture.  I posted these exciting pics of my yard in this post.  Here are a couple more:  

Roland got rid of the bush

Roland chopped dead trees and I started a pile

This is in millsite.  

millsite

Jenna in photo on millsite path

spring is in bloom

I doubt I would make a calendar of my backyard photos as it was suggested.  But here are some that I had collected our first year here and made into a calendar as gifts to send to the family.  My daughter-in-law Jeanie had been upset with me because it wasn't a family calendar which would of included the boys, their wives, and babies.  No, it wasn't.  It was a calendar of Oregon.

cover

August 2015

April 5, 2015

September 2015

Before we had moved to Tri City 

April 4, 2015

Easter Sunday 2015

July 2015

August 2015

August 19, 2015

Myrtle Creek October 2015

October 2015

April 5, 2015

Here's Hoping

          The world is different now and will continue – I would hope for the better.  Afterall we are all going through the same thing together – but apart.  Some people are using their time wisely and even grateful for the time of solitude.  Others are going stir crazy and blaming anybody who remotely looks Asian for the pandemic.  Really?  Did history Not teach you anything?  American citizens who might have ancestors who lived in China or Japan or wherever.  American citizens who have never known life other than America but because of their skin type are sent away to “camps” for the safety of “real” Americans.  That very thought makes my blood boil.  How dare we cast blame to an entire population who had as much control over the decisions of leadership they may not even be related to.  And even if they are related, so what?  If I learned that I was related to Hitler or Atilla the Hun, their decisions would have obviously had no influence whatsoever from me.

          Just so everybody in Canada and all other parts of the world (United States included) I did NOT vote for Trump.  The guy is definitely NOT eloquent with words (see here). The guy’s an idiot – offending Canadian citizens the way he did.  The media claimed he announced that US would Not be sharing medical supplies such as facial masks with our neighboring country.  I hope the citizens of Canada realize that Trump does not represent all Americans.  I know a couple of people who admit to being Trump followers, but almost everyone I have talked to mirrors the same expression that he is the worse president that the United States has ever had.  He comes across as very childish and totally lacks compassion.

          New York has more Covid cases than any other place on earth from my understanding (again, who knows what to believe?) and are OUT of supplies.  It may be that US would like to share their supplies but don’t have supplies to share. 

          My grandson was born in upper state New York.  It doesn’t appear that there were any complications.  Mom and baby seem to be doing fine.  I think my son is bored.  He still drives to work but will be working from home online.  Lots of work and schooling online.  US internet is not near as fast as other countries.  I always wonder how long we’ll last before we freeze or before the power goes out.  When everybody finally does stay at home and there is no one out to fix whatever goes wrong.

          We had picked out new flooring for the bathrooms.  Roland was worried about having toilets uninstalled at not reinstalled.  We cancelled due to cornavirus.  I’m grateful for the things that we do have.  New flooring would be nice but so unnecessary at this time.

5 Sessions of Conference

Before the Conference Center was built in Salt Lake City, Utah, the conferences were held at the Tabernacle Center on Temple Square.  There was a running joke among the members that we would have rain that weekend because for a long time that is just the way it was.  We could have nice sunny days but each first weekend in October and April we would have rain.

I don’t know what the weather was like in Salt Lake this year, but it rained in Oregon.  Not that it mattered.  We’re stuck inside.  Well, Jenna and I did go for a walk around the neighborhood.  The only people that we saw were drivers and passengers of a few cars that had passed us.  It wasn’t a long walk.  I prefer walking in Millsite than our hilly neighborhood.  I am so out of shape.

This year conference was not broadcast from the conference center, but rather an offshoot room in the tabernacle – at least that was my understanding.  Perhaps it was the main room – though I did not notice the organ in the background.  But I didn’t realize there’d be another room large enough to maintain social distancing.

Conference was good.  It certainly had a different feel to it as there was no live audience.  I enjoyed the last session last night as well as today.  I think most of my favorite talks were from this Sunday afternoon session. 

no people milling around.  Very unusual

We started another puzzle.  More about that for a future post.