The Drive Home

                We left the Marino Valley at 4:00 a.m.  We managed to miss any signs of congested traffic.  The heaviest we saw was going through Pasadena –

but it was on the other side.  Our side was okay – the entire way home.  How blessed we have been!  

We stopped at Santa Nella.  Richard recognized the town we were in.  He pointed out Anderson’s split pea soup restaurant where we had eaten two and a half years ago when we had gone on our Disneyland (extremely hot) vacation.

We saw tons of hazelnut trees during our drive

And got several pictures of Mount Shasta.

This was taken about four hours before we got home

This was taken on the day we left Oregon

and let us not forget the countless rest stops we saw

from Gilbert to Marino Valley

 

After church we returned to the house to change and drove toward Casa Grande as it is the halfway between Kevin’s house and Tucson where Richard’s sister is.  We met them for dinner at Cracker Barrel.  Met Sue’s new husband and her therapy dog, Pita.  Conner finally had the opportunity of opening all of his presents. 

 On Monday morning Kevin and Richard left the house as Kevin had arranged for Richard to have a job interview.  A second interview was set up for later that afternoon.  We said our good-byes and left for the second interview.  I was to wait in the car but managed to pop in and out as it was rather warm and the interview went for an hour and a half.

 I don’t know if we’ll be moving to Arizona or not.  But need to keep in mind the message of Tracy Browning’s talk and how it made me feel.  I am ready to take that leap of faith.

We chose to go back through California as it provided more places to stop than did Nevada.  I5 is also closer to the ocean than the driving through Nevada.

 We ended up finding lodging at Marino Valley.  The name of the lodging was Woodspring Suites – designed for extended stay.  Looked nice.  Did not get the full effect as we were there for only one night.

Sunday February 23

      Twice a year the presidency of either Elder’s Quorum or Relief Society (at least in our ward) are asked to pick out three talks from the latest general conference that will most benefit the members.  I’ve been in the presidency for six and a half years under three different presidents and have always picked Tracy Browning (well, since she's been in) as one of the talks I would like to see taught in Relief Society.

Since she was ordained to the primary in April 2022, Sister Browning’s talk has made the list . . . except for this last Conference. I was the only one who had picked it. And yet I had several opportunities to slide it in.  Each time thinking, “This is a great talk but maybe one that won’t resonate with the sisters; another talk may provide them with what they need.”

     We went to Kevin’s ward on Sunday February 23. I think the chapel and Relief Society Rooms squished together were the same size of our entire building back in Myrtle Creek.  We arrived late due to Richard’s starting lunch on Oregon time (PST) and rushing ourselves to eat on Arizona time (MST).  We had missed the sacrament portion of sacrament meeting but did get there in time for the first talk. As I looked over the huge congregation I thought it possible that not everybody I saw had a calling.

The closing song was “Gethsemane” which I attempt to sing  each time it is selected – but never make it through.  Never mind that my voice was already cracking due to dryness,  I can’t sing out loud as the tears are always spilling from my eyes.  That song just touches me as it is a favorite of our primary which has always been small in numbers – but sounds like there are at least fifty whenever they sing “Gethsemane.”

   I was really impressed with how the presidency starts out the conducting.  Rather than just turn the time over to the instructor will ask a question which relates to the lesson and breaks up into smaller groups to discuss possible answers which I saw as an open door for greater class participation during the lesson which there was lots.  I was so full of the Spirit and felt so much gratitude and as I have the mind of Dory (Nemo’s friend) I had to write everything down.  And each time I wrote there was some kind of gap or lull within the lesson that gave me time to do so without missing out on whatever came next.

        I was meant to be there on Sunday.  I was meant to have that lesson.  I realized I had not been in the right frame of mind all week.  I usually engage myself with “Come Follow Me” videos and scripture study each day.  I realized I had not done any of that since we left Oregon – and boy what a difference it created within my attitude.  I would have been more pleasant if I had just stuck to my routine.  I realized that on Sunday.  And I realized that I need to take that leap of faith for what may be part of God’s plan and not necessarily my own. 

     Why should I view the next opportunity for myself, my family – a challenge.  I took the leap of faith when Richard proposed.  Acting upon God’s will rather than my own.  If I can take a leap of faith on a partner surely I can take that same leap to our next destination – and I won’t be alone.  God will provide a way for me to deal with what I foresee as problematic – until it isn’t problematic anymore.

    Richard didn’t seem to share in the same frame of understanding that I did.  It sounded to me like he felt defeat.  But even though we had the same lesson, I know that participation within the priesthood varies from what is discussed in Relief Society. He sounded as though he were ready to give up on the idea of interviewing or moving forward.  But that was obviously short lived.  Like Kevin and Jaime, Richard will bounce back.  All three of them choose to be happy and that is a good positive to be around.

     So now we’re just waiting and preparing ourselves for our next chapter.  Pluto still exists.  (That is how Tracy Browning starts out the talk) It may no longer be recognized as a planet – but it is still there.  Just like the bridge in Indiana Jones (a comment made by one of the sisters) – one that blends into the scenery but has always been there.  I know my mind is going faster than I am writing and the flow isn't smooth as I would like.  I wish I could more accurately share the Spirit that was felt.

Day 5: Arizona

               Kevin had asked Richard if he would consider visiting him at his house in Arizona.  Kevin’s plane wasn’t scheduled to leave until after 5:00 pm.  But Richard and I left the hotel at 5:30 a.m.  Kevin said his good-byes and returned to bed.  Reagan did not even know we were going.

       It took us maybe five or six hours before we made it to Kevin’s house.  We had made a detour to fix a chip that was made in our windshield.  It hadn’t occurred to me that it was Saturday and most auto-glass places seem to be closed. Thankfully the chip didn’t spread to cracks.

We were able to visit with Tara and the two older boys.  Tara had to go grocery shopping and took Richard and the baby.  I stayed with the boys.  We colored.  They showed me their room and their toys.  

It was Conner’s birthday that day but as Kevin and Reagan weren’t home the opening of gifts and birthday cake would not take place until the following day.

After dinner Tara asked if Richard and I would put the oldest two to bed while she nursed the baby.  Richard read them a story and then we acted out a Piggy and Gerald for them.  That was fun.

The missionaries dropped by around 8:00 or 8:30 and we were still talking when Kevin and Reagan finally got home. 

  The next day:      Kevin and Tara's ward doesn't start until 1:30.  That gave Kevin and Richard time to fix the chips in each of their windshields as though they were never there.

Day 4: Friday

 

Friday was my favorite day that we spent in Vegas. I don’t know whose idea it was to go to IHOP but Kevin found one that we could walk to.  We left the hotel and walked to the corner of Sahara and Las Vegas Blvd. and headed north. 

Reagan was the only one who had a sweatshirt but the rest of us could have dressed warmer as the wind was blowing cold.  In Las Vegas.  Who would have thunk?

The gift shop was closed on our way to eating, but we managed to hit it on the way back – well – three of us did.  Kevin returned to the hotel to meet with his “buddies” and a group of followers.  Reagan chose to hang with her grandparents that she hardly ever sees (maybe four times in nine years?  That’s pretty sad)

souvenirs for Jaime

I don’t know how long we were there.  We purchased socks and cards for Jaime.  I got a hat as my ears were cold and Richard purchased a sweatshirt.  I also got a tee shirt and a pair of matching high heel key chains.  Reagan has one and I have the other.

 

In the afternoon we met my brother at a Cheesecake Factory.  Soooo good to see him!

Omega Mart

 Though Richard and I had been there before, Kevin and Reagan had not.  Thank you to my brother, Steven for getting us tickets.

Ahrens, Las Vegas

        My son, Kevin, has a youtube channel called “The Racing Game” (see here) and his purpose for being in Vegas was for the die cast convention held at the Ahrens.  As we arrived a day before he did we had experienced two different rooms.  Our first one was nicer overall.  The bed was larger but the refrigerator was only half the size as the second room.

        I did not get a huge amount of pictures of or at the hotel.

 

We picked Kevin and Reagan up from the airport. Before we went out to eat we went to the Omega Mart where Steven works. I did take quite a few pictures at the Omega Mart and Area 15.

Day 3: Area 15

 Before entering into the Omega mart, one must pass through Area 15.  Here are some pics taken both inside and outside Area 15

Nevada day 2

 

We left Myrtle Creek on the 18^th, which was a Tuesday.  On Wednesday we I took pictures of some of the towns we had gone through including Tanopah and Beatty.

 

Walker Lake (I think)

Hawthorn Military Base

Beatty

       We made it to Las Vegas before dark.

Another Long and Tiring Trip

 Remember early January posts indicated our quick trip to Utah and back made at the end of December.  I had indicated never again.  And yet it happened again – longer drive and almost a week with more than one destination.

 I don’t remember when Kevin called Richard to invite him to a convention to take place in Las Vegas.  Catch was he would have to drive four hours north to Portland airport.  I joked that he might as well just drive to Las Vegas.  I should have just kept my mouth shut and allowed him the four hour drive to Portland instead of the mileage we put on the car not to mention the drainage to ourselves.  We are not young anymore.

 

I thought Richard was capable of the long distance drive so long as he has a book on tape to listen to – but also would need assistance of someone to change the discs in order to continue the story.  I didn’t want to go.  Jaime and I both reminded him of what happens.  I even had a bruise on my leg not to mention other excuses.  I was planning on staying home until the very last minute.  I saw him drifting off and thought I should go with him just to make certain he stayed hydrated and didn’t push himself but would stop when appropriate.

 It was a long trip.  Two destinations: Las Vegas, Nevada and Gilbert, Arizona.  Richard’s plans were to leave on the 18^th although Kevin wouldn’t be showing up until the 20^th.  I didn’t realize Richard had wanted to have a date night by taking me to a show.  Only that never happened.  I had been stubborn about going and he was just as stubborn about waiting for me.  We didn’t leave until after 2:00 p.m.  We found lodging in (or near) Sparks Nevada.

This Year's Come Follow Me

 

Before “Come Follow Me” was introduced the Doctrine & Covenants was part of a Church history study – taught in order of time frame when the revelation was given. 

Today we are taught chronologically – but it still helps to know one’s church history to know why the revelation was given.  Our goal is to find Jesus within the scriptures – not to dwell on church history.  We are also taught to teach by the Spirit – which I don’t think was the case today.

I have a hard time resonating with the current gospel doctrine instructor – though I’m not alone.  I wanted to share a discovery on my part but did not get the opportunity as my comments seemed to be brushed aside.  The instructor – who normally thrives on class participation – wanted to back up to the lost manuscripts and introduce Oliver Cowdrey.  Okay, I admit that my comment was a wee bit ahead of where he wanted to start – but I didn’t like the direction of conversation as comments seemed to focus more on the trivial matters than the message.  Also an entire class could be dedicated to any one section (6 – 11) but trying to cram all six into just one class is a bit much.

My comment was on (or would have been) on section 7 given between those dedicated to Oliver who had been serving as scribe but thought it would be great if he could also translate as Joseph.  A scribe is a gift.  It took Joseph and Oliver less time (about three months) to translate the entire Book of Mormon than did the first (lost) 116 pages.  Translating is a gifts.  One is not necessarily better than the other.  Same with John and Peter’s gifts mentioned in section 7.  Peter’s desire was to be guaranteed a place with the Savior on the other side – whereas John’s was to continue service until the time when the Savior made (or will make) his return.  BOTH are great gifts, talents, what have you.  One is not greater than the other.

My youngest son takes like a duck to water in almost everything he tries.  We don’t all have that in us.  Some are great at playing piano (or any instrument) , some are great at delegating or recognizing the talents of others (see this post), some are great at listening or cooking or crafts or computers . . . . we don’t all have to have the same talents.  We can benefit by enjoying or utilizing the talents of others.  We need to embrace one another and share our gifts with others and enjoy having that ability to appreciate the gifts of others.

There are many members of the “Come Follow Me” facebook page who will share their talents just by commenting or posting.  One such member is exceptional at pulling gems from different “Come Follow Me” podcasts and videos and making up power points bringing many views together.  I think it is awesome.

I still learn so much from videos I watch.  I am constantly taking screenshots and sorting “slides” for my own personal comprehension and I always study as though I am going to teach.  Well, I try to anyway. 

Last year I followed John Hilton religiously with this “Book of Mormon Master Class” videos.  And I have followed Scott Woodward with his “Doctrine and Covenant” backstory and message videos.  

He made up 15 of them three years ago. Unfortunately there aren’t any after section 19.  He currently does a podcast with Casey Griffiths.  I really wish he had continued with the “nutshell” videos.  I think they’re quite informative and am grateful that they’re still available for view.   

What a LONG and Exciting Day . . . for Richard

                Though the word “Exciting” is generally related to being a positive adjective, one’s anxiety level does not always mean the “excitement” is positive.  Take yesterday for example.  My, what a long day –

          It started out as a dry run to the dump – just to explore without first loading up and appearing to be lost.  I told Richard he should ask questions while we were there.  He didn’t.  That’s on him.

          As we were passing downtown anyway, Jaime wanted to stop by Tommy’s to get a treat. We loaded up the truck after we returned.

          The truck was purchased from a member who is going through a divorce.  He said that it needed a new battery which we have not purchased yet.  I think we need to do that.

          Point is we haven’t had the truck that long.  I have ridden in it myself but Jaime has not and so I wanted her to have that opportunity.  Good call on my part as whatever all I had eaten at Tommy’s had gone right through me (TMI) and I had problems different from the ones that Richard was about to endure.

          So while I was fighting my own battles with TMI – Richard and Jaime drove back to the MC dump only to be told they would have to go to Roseburg.  After offloading in Roseburg they got back in the truck and it wouldn’t start.  They said a prayer.  It started.

          They then went to Auto Zone to get something.  Got back in the truck.  Wouldn’t start.  Said another prayer.  It wouldn’t start.  Went back into Auto Zone and made a purchase for some other item that didn’t work to their (well Richard’s) expectations.  An employee figured out the problem and drove to the other Auto Zone (apparently Roseburg has two) and obtained the right part.

          Lot of sadness going on with the truck still not starting and Richard sending Jaime home (she had called a friend who came and got her and dropped her off) Finally a mechanic got the truck started and Richard then went to Costco to get some gas.  The truck died again at the fuel pumps.  Workers pushed him out of the way.  I don’t remember how he happened to start again or why he thought he needed to come home and have us follow him back. (Jaime drove as I cannot see at night) and we left the truck at a mechanics in Roseburg.  I think buying a new battery to begin with would have been less costly.  Certainly a lot warmer.

          Meanwhile Jaime had taken her car as she needed gas – which we filled up in Winston.  Richard was not thrilled to learn that neither her defroster or heater work.  Her car will be going to another mechanics tomorrow.  Oh what joy. 

            Perhaps I should mention that both vehicles are Fords.  Her Focus is 1995 and the pick up is 1999.  Fun fact.  Or maybe not FUN - or exciting.