Halloween Thus Far

            I had to make a few trips downtown yesterday.  The first was to mail a package to Roland’s mother.  Saturdays provide a two hour window between 11:00 and 1:00.  I’ve been told Myrtle Creek’s is the only post office in the county that is open on Saturdays.

          Jenna and her friend had wanted to go trick-0r-treating, but the event didn’t start until 2:00. It was crowded.  Each year the city has offered trick-or-treating to the businesses downtown – though they had changed things up last year and “spaced” apart those handing out candy in the park and kept things in the park and not the entire 8 streets that make up the downtown area.  It continued to just the park this year.  Jaime wore her homemade costume “Sam” from Trick or Treat and her friend had gone as “Red Riding Wolf”.  They spent their last day of school (Thursday the 28^th) as part of the Scooby Doo Gang.

          I had dropped them off at the hanger last night and they both participated in a spook alley.  Jenna said she enjoyed the first two hours but became weary before the night was up.  She plans on returning tonight though she said two of her friends have chosen not to return.  It’s been a new experience for her and I don’t think she has any regrets.

          It appears that the ward received a great turn-out at the Halloween party last night.  Now masks.  No social distancing.  I had a headache – still do – and will not be attending church this morning but have told Jenna that I will take her to go to Sunday School but will watch sacrament meeting virtually. I have been sneezing and would rather not be wearing a mask – unless they have done away with that.  I don’t know.

          Roland will be released as financial clerk.  He was told who would be sustained in his place.  Each of us was surprised.  It is what it is.

          Happy Halloween, everybody!

Halloween in the Hanger

       Since we moved to Myrtle Creek and Jenna had become a part of the young women’s program, she has suggested that the ward do a trunk or treat.  Our ward has never done anything for Halloween – which is okay – but it is, without a doubt, her favorite holiday.  This year the young women’s president has arranged a Halloween party – the event starts at 6:00.  Jenna, meanwhile, has made another commitment.  Roland is working.  I was not too thrilled with the idea mingling with 50 – 100 people that may or may not be in the tiny church building.  If neither Jenna nor Roland are not going to go, I’m certainly not going.  I do feel bad for not supporting our YW pres. though I’m certain there will be a good attendance.  I have had such a huge case of the pandemic blues right now that I KNOW I will NOT be of great company.

          As I had mentioned in a previous post, the pandemic seems to have resorted me back to my introverted ways.  I think I have allowed myself to become more introverted than I was before we moved to Oregon.  It’s not that I’m staying holed up in my house necessarily.  I get out and walk Bonnie.  I have visited with others off and on.  I have been somewhat on the blue side.  I’m not depressed necessarily but I am definitely not ecstatic.   Just blah, I guess.  Not at all social able.

          Jenna, on the other hand, has been helping to set up and practicing her part for a haunted house type thing that I have never seen advertised.  I wouldn’t even know about it if she wasn’t involved.  But I have driven her out to the airport a couple of times.  Or near the airport.  I don’t know if the building is part of the airport or if it just appears to be – after all there is a different entrance – maybe even mailbox.  I had turned into the airport the first time, and it might go around to where the building was located, but barriers had been put up.  I already felt like I was trespassing.

          We had Bonnie with us the first time I dropped her off.  We walked around to see if there was another opening.  Jenna would have climbed through the barbwire fencing if I hadn’t stopped her.  We loaded back into the car and looked for an alternate route.  This is what the airport might look like from the building we drove to.  

That’s where Jenna will be tonight and tomorrow night.  Meanwhile I will probably keep the lights down or off, ignore the door, and watch sappy Christmas movies on the Hallmark channel.

          Roland said he initially had tomorrow off but requested extra hours.  Great.  Not quite Anakin Skywalker who appeared to have good intentions for going to the dark side. This article gives examples of both being a hero and a villain.  There are many parallels about direction that I’m reminded of.  Did I mention that I really hate Roland’s job?  I hate that he seems to depend more upon himself than upon a higher power.  I can see it going either way.  I don’t expect that he’ll ever turn into Darth Vader.  He’s more of a storm trooper at times. That annoys me.

We Should Travel - at least when it's safe enough to do so.

         My youngest son seems to be making more money than he knows what to do with.  Boo hoo, huh?  His wife's family has paid for a few outings for the entire family - like going to Mexico.  Recently he just purchased tickets to go to Hawaii.  Roland and I never traveled.  We barely had enough to feed the family.  

        There was one time we had gone to Logan to see my brother's performance in something.  I can't even remember what.  Each of the boys had made arrangements to sleep over with various friends and had not shown any interest in going to the play.  Since none of the boys were at home and Roland felt too tired to drive back, we just got a room to spend the night.

        Our youngest (the first to have made sleeping arrangements) calls about midnight to find out where we are.  Apparently the sleeping over plans had fallen through and he was alone in the house and had fallen asleep in our bed waiting for us.  I related this to Roland just a few minutes ago - though he says he doesn't remember.  I doubt Randy remembers either.  But it really did happen.

        There was a time when I thought I would enjoy traveling.  I suppose road trips are okay with the right companion(s) and car.  But I do not want to fly again - especially while there is still the pandemic.  Nor do I wish to gamble on staying at motels or hotels that may or may not be taking precautions for their guests. Too big of a gamble right now.

        I'm okay exploring places virtually - or reading about them.  Less costly and not so physically demanding.  Perhaps one day.  Perhaps not.  And it's okay either way.

I am so NOT a Materialistic Person

               I think I must have mentioned that Roland accepted a position at a jewelry store – supposedly local but has been training in both Eugene and Medford in addition to “visiting” in Roseburg.  He has used me as his sounding board before whenever he has been assigned to give a talk or lesson in church.  I would rather listen to it fresh than to hear him rehearse it – but I understand.  My mom did the same thing.

            Well, now he wants me to be a sounding board for his work and I am SO UNINTERESTED in the quality of diamonds or the luster of diamonds or what makes them what.  I really don’t care.  And it gets harder to listen each time he tries to practice as I become more and more uninterested.  I used to wear costume jewelry all the time – until my mission.  Haven’t worn much since. 

Roland would like to go out and make nice purchases for both Jenna and me and it’s just not practical.  I know I should be more grateful that he thinks that is the way to show me off.  But I would rather not be showed off for what is around my neck or on my finger.  Rings aren’t even a part of the ceremony that takes place within the temples that are part of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

They’re symbols.  Funny thing is those things I am truly attached to are for sentiment and usually have no financial value.  Perhaps I should be more sentimental about jewelry given in sentiment – but I’m not.  Currently I am wearing a locket which he gave me. He always asks when I’m not wearing – which is often.  It’s expensive!  And I tend to be careless and misplace things all of the time.  I told him not to buy it or even the wedding band (number three at that) that continues to fall off my finger. 

They should be reminders of how much he loves me – but material items don’t express love to me.  They have become reminders of how our money could have been better spent. I suppose it seems callous of me.  Our communication skills are still something to behold.  At least Jenna and I get one another. 

Triggers From Stake Conference

 I remember going to youth conference and taking notes – one or two words at a time.  When I would return to the dorms I would pull out my notes and elaborate on what I remembered based on the words.  I don’t remember things as well anymore and often the words I’ve written don’t ever get made into a sentence or paragraph. 

The Roseburg Stake has always had its stake conference two weeks after General Conference. General Conference is great as each talk is recorded and I can return to read or listen, but Stake Conference is not recorded. I have gotten so much out of the virtual conferences rather than in person sitting on hard chairs in a room very far away from the podium.  Each year I have wished the recording would have been available longer than just watching it live.  This year was especially awesome.

Only last night’s adult session and the general meeting today were broadcast.  The leadership meeting had to be attended in person and wearing masks.  I had not bothered making plans for going.  Jenna had a party to go to – I thought in Tri-City but turned out to be Roseburg and so I changed into my Sunday attire and had Roland drop me off at the church after dropping Jenna off at the roller skating party.  I’m glad I went.  It was very good as well as the adult session. 

As I took notes I noticed that some of the examples used would trigger memories from my own life and thought I would share a couple.  Many had made the comment of “being like children” as they have faith and acceptance where several adults do not.  I thought of a time when my sister-in-law related a reenactment among her two oldest children and their neighbor’s boy. 

I don’t know how recent they had learned the plan of salvation (here) but decided they would use their front door (which was missing a window pane) and crawl through the hole in order to be born.  They would play outside for a while (earth life) until it was time to come inside.  

They would then cross over to death using a different door that went into the house.  I was touched by the experience that she shared.

I thought of another trigger when another sister talked about her children having shared the gospel and inviting a boy with them to achievement days (here).  They had invited him three times in a row and two times the activity had been cancelled. I recall activities being cancelled oh so many times – not with me so much as my own kids.  It can be quite discouraging.

 When I was in primary the meetings were spread out throughout the week.  Our primary was on Thursdays right after school.  Not all wards had primary on the same day.  I remember some snowy days when announcements were made over the school intercom “such and such  a ward will not be having primary today”  I think every ward had been called for cancellation except for ours – and we often had worse days of snow!  It wasn’t until I was on my mission that I appreciated the dedication of our primary president who understood the importance upon our impressionable minds. 

There are many leaders like that – who will put their whole heart and soul into their callings for those that they serve.  There are others who choose to cancel due to circumstances such as the weather, family gatherings, work . . . whatever.  It’s not my place to judge their priorities.  I just know how much I appreciate those who allow their callings to come first.  One of the things we were taught was to not allow circumstances to interfere but to keep our focus on Christ or his example. 

I have more.  I have two pages of unorganized thoughts.  Hopefully I will be able to get those organized and share some more.

The Fog Lifted Too Soon

 Fog has lingered in the morning, but not today.  Jenna had wanted to meet with her friends downtown so they could take pictures with a foggy background.  It ended up just me (the photographer) and her - no fog.  Here are some pics with her in her homemade costume of Trick or Treat's Sam.

Let Our Extremely Soothing Music Put You to Sleep While You Are On Hold

              Let’s talk Men’s Wearhouse – perhaps not all locations but the one in Medford specifically.  Jenna, Roland and I had gone on an outing on September 20.  Each of us purchased clothing at one store or another – Jenna and I found items in different stores throughout the Rogue Mall.  Roland’s purchase was at the Men’s Wearhouse located at the Sky Blue Plaza. 

              There were some pairs of pants that needed custom fitting and alteration.  The pants were then to be shipped to our address in Myrtle Creek.  As it has been a few weeks since the purchase was made, Roland decided he should contact the store.  He had meant to call on Monday but never got around to it or forgot or whatever. (He had written down the names of five phone numbers to contact throughout the day).  Thus he tried to contact them the following day but there was no answer.  According to Google the location was open, but when we contacted the headquarters in California and learned that the Medford location is closed on Tuesdays.  Weird.  But okay.

              He couldn't afford to be on eternal hold with them yesterday as he was in Eugene training for a job position to open up in Roseburg.  Anyway, since he could not afford to be on eternal hold with the store, I volunteered.  They seem to play this one stanza of sleepytime music over and over again so that customer will fall asleep before the “next available representative” will get back on the line – that way if you or I are calling to complain we will forget who we are even holding for let alone what made us call. 

              The order came in and was filed under “closed” or "complete" apparently waiting for us to come get it.  And we knew that how?  It’s not as though we were contacted to say: “Hey, your pants are in.”  I’m baffled really.  I was told the pants will be sent out today.  I guess we’ll have to turn on our person detector should the pants arrive – though Bonnie will probably let us know.  But sometimes we’ll ignore Bonnie because sometimes she will just bark at the wind.

Need This Pink Slip to Get In

              Roland had to make a trip to Roseburg the other day.  Had to go to the VA hospital to have some work done.  Prior to COVID there had been more than one option to enter and exit the campus as the space is composed of more than one building.  But since COVID – there is one way in, one way out, and guards on watch to make certain the one way driving is enforced.  Also there are teams of health screeners to take one’s temperature before one is able to park.  If the driver or those entering any building doesn’t have a temperature is given a pink slip to prove that he or she has been scanned.    

I don’t know what becomes of those who do have a temperature or a cough or flare-up or anything that might become worse if not treated – I mean, wouldn’t they still have to get in?  Isn’t that why they came?

I just stay in the car and play on my kindle and so have not had my temperature taken or received a pink slip for myself.  I’m grateful that they are taking precautions.  I wish every business in the county would take precautions. Only 65% of Oregon is vaccinated.  Until more people accept this pandemic thing as REAL, it’s NOT going to go away.    

Come Follow Me Facebook Group

         Once a month, the church holds a sacrament meeting known as “fast and testimony meeting”.  This meeting is normally held at the first Sunday of the month.  The exceptions are just prior to or after General Conference.  Conferences take place the first weekend in April and October.  The ward I reside in has always done the testimony meeting the last Sunday in March and September.  This gives members of the congregation the opportunity of standing at the pulpit to express their understanding of the gospel and to share their testimonies.

        Yesterday’s meeting was quite powerful and the Spirit was delivered in such reverent manner.  I had worn a clean mask which was no longer clean as it was filled with moist emotion. It had started before the bishop had invited the congregation to come and speak.  The sacrament hymn was "I Stand All Amazed" (here) which I have memorized because my eyes are always to blurry to see the words.  It was awesome to partake of the Spirit.

        After I returned home I had checked my facebook account.  One of the memories that popped up was concerning a fast that was held last year – also before conference.  We had been asked to fast and pray about five specific things.  I reshared the post to two different groups that I’m a part of.  One of them was the “Come Follow Me” group that I have been a part of for less than a year now.

        When I checked my notifications this morning I noticed several comments had been left on my post.  One was a sincere question about the fast and several others left their comments in response to the question.  I have always appreciated being a part of the group. This morning I was especially grateful for the support it offers so many. I don’t feel the need to add to what has already been said. I am grateful for those who took the time to address the concern my first commenter had.

        Technology can often be frustrating.  It can invite evil but it can also invite good.  So impressed to have this technology that I can use for good.  I am so thankful to all of those involved.

At What Sacrifice? Or Whose?

         I recently learned that Brigham Young had told Ephraim Hanks to shave his face.  I have probably heard the story (here) several times but did not resonate like it does at present.  “Wear a mask”. How hard is that?  Few people enjoy being told what to do.  We all have our free agency.  Not everybody will wear a mask – or if they do, they will wear pretend masks or fail to cover both mouth and nose.

https://www.amazon.com/Mustache-Handmade-
Washable-Copyright-Protected/dp/B08DK461YP

        Ephraim Hanks had free agency.  He didn’t have to shave.  He chose to obey the council.  It’s not that he needed to prove anything to others or even God.  He had to prove to himself that he was willing to obey.  This act played a huge role with his ability to lead others. 

        This article reinforces that wearing a mask is showing Christ

like love.  We wear masks in order to protect others – even those that have received the vaccination.  Asking some people to get a vaccination shot is even worse than asking them to wear a mask.  Really?  What is the big deal? 

    According to several sources (here) we could have avoided prolonging the pandemic if we had all cared about one another in the first place rather than how uncomfortable it might make for ourselves.  I don’t mean to wish bad upon these self absorbed people but sometimes I think how would they like seeing a family member in need of surgery being operated upon by a team of unmasked surgeons?  Or have their dentists breathe into their mouths while working on them?  But too bad for all those unmasked surgeons and dentists. 

        My brother purchased a book called “Would You Rather” and each day he posts a question.  A recent one was “Would you rather to be able to control the elements or go back in time?”

        I have always questioned time travel.  It’s fun to watch in movies, but what would it change really?  Different outcomes?  Better?  Worse?  There are all kinds of scenarios.  The thing is going back in time to warn others about the pandemic will not change what is going on right now.  We were already warned.  We’ve been divided.  We’re at a civil or cold war with one another.  Even at church.  There are those who still refuse to follow the prophet. 

        How hard is it to wear a mask or shave?  How hard is it to look at the staff that is stretched before us?  

I don’t understand all the pride.  For what?  Things will only get worse before they get better.  Why is it so difficult for so many to see what is right before them?  Especially when it parallels with scriptures. 

Our current situation may not be exactly like Zion’s camp or the movement of the pioneers or picking up our tents to move even further into the wilderness and crossing the ocean into the unknown.  We put our faith in God that He really does have our best interest at hand.  I would rather follow God into the unknown as I know the He does know what’s ahead – even if I don’t. 

I have seen far too many westerns, sci-fis and other movies to recognize that human leadership is often faulty. Though not always, but often, bad things happen to those that follow – maybe not all of them, but a good number of them.  For example the movie Poseidon Adventure. 

https://www.cinemaessentials.com/2017/11/the-
poseidon-adventure-1972-review-gene-hackman.html

How many souls were lost?  Not all humans know what they’re doing.

        It’s mind boggling, too, that there are those who are still defending Trump.  I don’t trust a man who desecrates religion.  So many of his followers are portrayed as idiots.  I think there’s a difference between being ignorant and being stupid. Evidently I am surprised at the large amount of stupid people that exist.

        Still judging though I’m trying really hard not to.  Currently I am just shaking my head in disbelief.  I also pray a lot.

Swallowed Hills

 Each year after the smoke leaves 

the fog descends

and the hills seem to disappear 

as before

but the air is clean and moist

and breathable

Sweet Beautiful Rain

 

          It has rained

                     the last two mornings. 

Sweet Beautiful Rain. 

 

It has pounded over the skylight 

        and has woken me up.  

I don't mind.  

It's such a pleasant sound to my ears.

The rain has cleaned the air and

swallowed up the hills –

but in a positive way –          

unlike the smoke. 

I enjoy looking at the clouds. 

The elements are awesome