Opportunities to Serve

           We always have opportunities to serve no matter where we live – there is community service, charity organizations, shelters, Red Cross . . . the list goes on.  When I lived in Salt Lake I would put in hours of service in various church projects such as the pasta plant, the dairy, the bishops storehouse, the cannery and Deseret Industries (2^nd hand thrift store) to name a few.  I lived within minutes of those buildings.  In Oregon we are located one and a half hours south of the nearest storehouse and one and a half hours north of the pear farm which I have mentioned in a few of my posts.

          When I was attending church in my son’s ward in Utah there was an announcement made for volunteers to clean the Jordan River Temple which I have learned is the busiest temple in the world.  I felt impressed to volunteer if I could and offered my services.  I had assisted in cleaning the temple two times before and enjoyed having that experience. 

          I bore my testimony in their ward and meant to put in a plug for how fortunate the members were to have temples so near to them but also be able to volunteer to work at a large variety of places sponsored by the church.  But when I returned home I was reminded of a service that I don’t think most members have the opportunity of doing and that is feeding the full time missionaries. 

          Missionaries in Utah are over stakes and I don’t believe are given the same opportunities for really getting to know the members the same way as those that serve in single ward boundaries as opposed to stake boundaries (see here for LDS language on what ward and stake mean) especially small wards (or branches) as missionaries are able to eat with members regularly.  When Richard and I lived in Kearns Utah we did have the missionaries over more than the average as we were the ward missionaries at the time. 

Pros and Cons

Stamps and Paying Bills – I Don’t Want Them to get the Wrong Idea

  

          Every time I look for a stamp to add to my bill I smile as I think about my mom’s comment about paying bills and having only “love” stamps to use.  She didn’t enjoy adding Love stamps to her bills because she didn’t “love’ paying bills.  Who does?  I just found it amusing.  But there are some companies I search for the ugliest stamps I can find.  I don’t enjoy paying bills either.

Good Neighbor Ron

           Ron is such a great guy.  He always takes out the trash and brings it in for the widows and elderly.  He keeps himself fit by walking around the neighborhood and is very observant.  He’ll pet Bonnie and allow her to lick him.

        We were walking Bonnie recently when we noticed a sheriff’s car following a white truck – and then a second sheriff’s car.  What in the world?  Evidently Ron had reported a pervert and the police were just checking up on his concern. He is a very good Samaritan. I am happy to call him neighbor.

I am Grateful for my Runny Nose

                I know that this title may sound facetious but in fact it is true right now.  I have had a sinus infection – not my worst but still.  I had gone to the doctor in hopes of a zee pack – though they haven’t seemed to work for me while I’ve been in Oregon – though I haven’t really encountered many sinus infections while in Oregon.  I believe this one started in Utah.  Z-packs aren’t the same as they once were.  I might have well have taken sugar pills. The latest is red coated and non-working.  Iburofen seems to be doing the trick.  At least I feel better.

            So Jai and I were playing games in the back room when my allergies started going ballistic.  I don’t know what was making my eyes itch or me sneeze but I see it as a blessing – truthfully.  I have never been so happy to need tissue in all my life!  So though the title of my post may indicate something humorous, I really am grateful.  Means the infection is going bye-bye.  I wish permanently to never be seen again.

Playing Cards

                     Jai has collected playing cards over the years. 

                    She keeps at least one deck in her backpack or

                    whatever else she might tote around.  She has

                    several decks that include vintage, Harley Quinn,

                    round cards, Batman, 3D dinosaurs, big foot, and

                    Friends to name a few.  This year three more decks

                    were added to her collection.  Uno with a twist and

                    Santa Clause – both of which we have played with. 

 

It’s been so great having her home.

Our Christmas 2023

           Jaime and I were up before 5:00.  We played Phrasel on the kindle as we waited for Richard to emerge from the bedroom – possibly 45 minutes later.  We opened two presents each before getting dressed.  A calendar from my grandchildren I had spent Thanksgiving with!  What a beautiful calendar it is!

          We had invited the missionaries over to have breakfast with us and played some games with them before they had to leave.  We then opened the rest of our gifts and played more games.  Brand new games – two of which we had played with the Elders.

          David invited us to have dinner with his family.  We played more games before returning home.  I am very tired and need to go to bed.  Perhaps I’ll include more detail and pictures in another post.

Pics Taken from the Planes

 On the Return I had a great view of the wing - both planes.  Working my way back

Coming into Medford Dec 5, 20203 

Between Seattle and Medford

The pink cloud pics taken after leaving Salt Lake

I don't know why I didn't get any of the Great Salt Lake which actually appears bigger from the sky than the land.  Did get some of the mountains though

Airports and Planes: the Return

 Found this in my draft folder from the seventh

Medford airport is definitely my favorite.  Salt Lake definitely was not.  My flight was not scheduled to leave until 7:00 am, but I was there to check in at 5:00 a.m.

There were only 3 people at the check-in window.  One was an older woman on her way to Alaska.  She felt nervous as she stood by herself and no one was at the window at the scheduled time.  When a worker finally came to the window he called the first person in line.  He had her move to the side as there was a question about something. 

         Southwest Airlines is the only I know of that have baggage already fixed into the price.  All others charge an additional fee for each bag that gets checked in – though I had checked in two items in Eugene but had only been charged for one.  Remembering that Richard had paid that fee when I checked in I started to rummage through my bag to retrieve money to pay the fee and allowed the other passenger in line to check in her already tagged bags.

         I had printed my confirmation and used my paperwork in Eugene but apparently it was needed in Salt Lake as all I was asked for was my ID.  The worker had asked if I had checked in already (Salt Lake evidently has check in, do-it-yourself stands which I guess are the equivalent of self-checkout registers that are found in many stores.  I would guess one who flies frequently might know how to use them – but probably an app and touch phone are needed – neither of which I have) and I said no.  He gave me a look which said, “You stupid, stupid woman”.  I don’t think he was pleased with his job or being there at 5:00 in the morning.  He took both pieces of luggage but did not add an additional charge to what I had already paid.

I walk another mile just to get in line to go through security.  I managed to leave my kindle out.  I was not aware that there was a miniature (smaller than a flash drive) pocket knife in my fanny pack – which hadn’t been mentioned at the Eugene Airport, but TSA pulled EVERYTHING out of my bag looking for it and asked “Where is your knife?”

“I don’t have a knife.” 

I really hadn’t remembered it even being there.  They said that I could pay 25 dollar to have it mailed to me.  I’m not paying 25 dollars for something I obviously won’t miss.  I think my husband picked it up as a free giveaway at some kind of fair. Yes, it was annoying but also a comfort knowing all the precautions that are taken.

I then had to make the mile hike from luggage claim to gate B.  The A 1-12 is one way and 13-25 another.  Straight ahead marked B which leads to an escalator going down – what the world?  Passengers make this long walk to yet another escalator going up.  Are you kidding me? The plane from SLC to Seattle was not so crowded and there was an empty seat between me and the man in the isle. 

It was raining in Seattle and there was a lot of turbulence flying in and flying out.  I certainly enjoyed breathing in the moist air while I was there.  Wetter than Oregon

But the puddle jumper from Seattle to Medford was the most crowded of any plane that I took.  And Seattle’s gate C2 is divided into another 8 gates.  Not a pleasant wait.  Flying into Medford was nice.  Richard was waiting for me with a sign and carnation in hand.  He really missed me and said he will never send me by myself again.  We were both crying. After I took a picture of Richard at baggage claim a worker offered to take a picture of the both of us.  Don’t see that happening in large airports.  SO HAPPY to be home!

The Turkey Jar

 

Several years ago I had acquired a small jar in the shape of a turkey.  He unhinged at the body as I recall.  I suppose I may still have it in the shed but have not made the effort to look for it at this particular juncture in time. 

this is a cookie jar; mine was a lot smaller with hinges

I remember asking each of the guests who attended Thanksgiving to write down things that they were most for.  I cut up each sentence into strips to be put into the turkey jar and we would read them during dinner. 

It was an idea I had wanted to incorporate into the holiday – attempting to start my own Thanksgiving tradition.  I remember reading some of the answers – but just that one year.  It was only an attempt.  It never became a tradition. I would have liked to have heard others express their Thanksgiving thoughts.

Thanksgiving Traditions

 My daughter-in-law comes from a large family.  Four boys and four girls.  Each have learned saving tips and coupon shopping from their mom.  They had also grown up with traditions that at least the four youngest try to honor now.

There were two or three of them in the kitchen making pies the day prior to Thanksgiving. I don’t remember ever having baked beans as part of Thanksgiving dinner before, but it was a part of theirs.  A craft project of making turkeys with apple bodies, gumdrops and marshmallow parts.

My second youngest granddaughter and I took a brief walk outside.  It was nice to get to know her a little bit.

Praying for Safety

 Richard insisted on putting up some of the lights. 

Jaime (our mountain goat) didn’t want us to

start the yard without her. 

After all she can scale many areas that Richard and I can’t.

We said a prayer that we would stay safe.

The lights were on the day that we hung them,

however one of the strands had gone out.  

When we went to turn the lights on the following day,

 none of them would work. 

Took a while before we (well Richard) discovered the problem. 

Simple fix. 

I said another prayer to say thanks.

Almost Missed our Pick up

     

Shortly after Biff and his family moved in with us we were forced to upgrade our standard size garbage can to the biggest can available.  A few months ago we downgraded to the smallest. It holds 1 ½ to 2 large black trash bags.

not accurate to MC color scheme
but accurate in size difference

We try put our can to the curb on Tuesday nights as Wednesday morning is pickup.  Early Wednesday morning.

We forgot to put the can out last night.  I did not hear the trucks this morning but Richard evidently did.  At a quarter to 5:00 this morning I took our small can to the curb but checked our neighbor’s can as pickup lately has taken place between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m.

Their can was empty and so I thought I would wheel our can across the street.  There was only one bag – not even a full one.  I took it out and added to the trash across the street.  Fun way to start out the morning .  We then watched “Grinch, the Musical” and now Richard and Jaime are watching “The Grinch”

Changing Countenance

           Rudy Giuliani did some great things for New York before becoming mayor (here) and after the terrorists attacks made on the city September 11, 2009.  The media made him sound like a hero at how he handled the situation (here) but somewhere over the years that seemed to get pushed aside as the media would constantly criticize his every move because of how he supported Trump. And now he owes over 140 million dollars in damages (here) What happened? How does someone who was so admired become such a huge disappointment due to one's choices?  What made him change?  Why does anybody change?

          I do not know Rudy Giuliani personally but I do know several people who had so much going for them and made such a positive impression on those around them and yet somewhere along the way their light went out and their hearts are blackened.  Why would they choose to misery?  Are they so far gone that they have forgotten what they once had?  Would sending Ghosts to them during Christmas even make a difference?

          I suppose it works the other way.  There are people who have wreaked havoc so much of their life before they make the change to service of others and transforming from the curmudgeon Scrooge to the repented Scrooge.  You can see their countenance.   

"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others" – Mahatma Gandhi

 

Next Time We Both Go

 Richard missed me a lot during my absence from Oregon. 

I don’t know if there will be a next time but I won’t be going at it alone.  

But I know there will be way more expense involved if he comes along.  

He won’t be staying overnight at anyone’s house but will get a hotel. 

But on the plus side we may not have to fly – 

he would/will just drive us there.

Don't know where or when.  

It will be a while.

Not Again!!

I don't care for warm water or hot tea.  I like to gulp.  I can't always gulp.  Right now there is something pressing between my gum and my tooth which causes pain whenever there is cold.  It is about this time last year when my mouth felt a sensitivity to cold.  I thought it was a dental thing at first but then realized it was probably a sinus infection as I could brush my teeth without feeling pain.  

A sinus infection. Joy.  It must have been just before Christmas when Richard drove me to the clinic in Roseburg so that I could get a zee pack to make myself feel better.  I think that’s what’s happening now.  Oddly enough it is all on my left side.  My infections have always started with my right.  This may have started in Utah.  Lesson learned.

Welcome Back to Facebook

 I have had many friends who have left facebook - 

some permanantly but I have noticed 

just as many return.

Decorations and a Movie

         We left to drive to Ashland about 3:30 yesterday.  It got very dark before we collected Jaime just before 5:30.  We stopped at a Cracker Barrel on the way home.  Today we put up the tree and decorated.

At 12:00 we left to go to the big city of Roseburg where we saw “Wonka” – I absolutely LOVED how a few of the songs from the original production (with Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka) were incorporated into this production - along with the original Oompa Loompa appearance.  So many scenes reminded me of other movies: Les Miserables (except the girl was called Noodle rather than Cozette), a Whoville type scene,  La La Land or the Greatest Showman,  and at least two others I can’t remember as I write this post.  I think the thing I enjoyed most about it was hearing Jaime’s enjoyment.

We then started to tackle the trees in the yard.  Our Mountain Goat was up for the challenge.  We decided that we aren’t completely finished.

A Fur Coat

 I don’t know what triggered this memory, but I was thinking about a time when my great uncle had told my mom and aunt that they should go get measured for fur coats.  I think it was some kind of bet he had won and offered the coats to the wives of his two nephews.  I don’t know what my aunt’s reaction was to her fur coat, but my mom was not comfortable about wearing what one might perceive as luxurious.  She said it wasn’t even that warm.  And it shed as I recall.  I don’t know how long she had it or what became of it. 

No More Spontaneous Jaunts to Utah

 I wish I had planned better and just taken two weeks after Thanksgiving and then returned.  Three weeks may have been too long on my immune system.  Ryan says I was a tremendous help.  I'm grateful that he thinks that.  I did not feel as productive as I was hoping for. I suppose I did do at least one productive thing each week I was there. 

The day after I had arrived one of my granddaughters had expressed having missed me while she was at school.

Ryan and Chelsey's youngest was born two days after I arrived. Chelsey had already made arrangements with one of her brothers to take the kids while they were at the hospital.  They did return to take the girls to the school on Monday.  Because I was there the aunt was free to drive each girl without having to load up the car with everybody else (as she has three of her own). 

Once they brought the baby home the kids were much more interested in their baby sister than they were in spending any quality time with grandma.

I did spend a few hours with the two sibs I have living in Utah.  I spent Thanksgiving with Ryan's family and three of her brothers and their families.  It was interesting.

Spontaneous Trip

I had told Ryan that I would come out to be with him if he and his wife needed my assistance.  Truth is that her family rallies around one another and I suspect that they would have been fine without me but realized that it is always her family, never his.  I know he appreciated my being there – even if it was just for him.  For the most part I didn’t feel useful, but both of them assured me that I had been. 

Though the weather was pretty awesome for this time of year and there was no inversion my throat dried up.  It got cold the second week I was there, but for the most part the temperature seemed above 50.  Happy to be home and nearly rid of my cold (or whatever it is) and happy that Ryan is happy.

Sharing Germs

 I have been highly allergic to most Christmas plants though the tree had never bothered me -

 but there are such a huge variety of trees.  

Ever since they had brought home their tree I started coughing.  

It may just be coincidence and it had really been the dry air which seemed to present 

a problem with my breathing. 

I obviously had not considered why we had moved to Oregon in the first place. 

Seattle welcomed me with the moist air that I had been missing

Still I carried those germs from Utah  to Oregon.

Richard shared in my cough, hacking and disrupted breathing.

We cancelled the temple trip we had made an appointment for yesterday.

Jaime was disappointed to learn we wouldn't be coming.

We stayed home nursing ourselves.

I never even did get dressed from my bed attire.

Baby, It's Cold Outside

 I keep a sweater, 

jacket, or

 sweatshirt next to the 

table in the back room 

that way if Bonnie has 

to go out during the night 

I can stay warm

Looking in the Mirror

 I see my husband in Ryan - 

when he's talking to his children - 

I remember Richard talking to his.  

Airports and Planes

 I left Oregon on November 15^th and went to Salt Lake to assist my son and his wife with their family.  I returned on December 5^th.  In that time I had seen four different airports and airplanes.  I went by way of Alaska Airlines which I like and have had a positive experience with in the past.

 My first flight was from Eugene to Seattle.  We chose to go through Eugene rather than Medford as the price was almost 200 dollar difference.  We had made a dry run the day prior just to see if we could find it first before attempting to do so in the dark.

Check in was not so bad.  An agent took my printed paperwork and issued me a boarding pass. My carry-on bag was pulled aside as I forgot to remove my kindle.  It didn’t seem like a big deal. 

I think that was the most comfortable of all the planes – though the one from Salt Lake to Seattle was not bad as the plane was not full.  But the plane from Seattle to Salt Lake was quite full and so was the puddle jumper between Seattle and Medford. 

For the most part the leg room reminded me of the same amount of leg room which Jaime and I had on the bus four months ago.  But the seats were wider.  One could actually put the seatbelt around the lap as the seats were designed for bigger butts than that of a middle schooler.

 I believe I had a window seat from Oregon to Seattle.  I was in row 6 or 7.  I could easily view those flying first class which didn’t seem all that different from coach.  I sat waiting at a gate in B or D as that was what had been written on my passport – but those passengers were going to Bozeman and I was told I needed to take the train to N.  Say what?

There was a definite difference in first class and coach on the plane from Seattle to Salt Lake City.  I sat squashed between two gentleman.  Overhead was full and we all had carry-ons beneath our feet.  I was asked to remove my fanny pack on the puddle jumper but it didn’t seem to matter on the larger plane which I’m certain held at least 100 people.

 Jai and I had attempted to play phrazel when I was at the airport, but it was awkward.  I had an hour and a half layover in Seattle both ways.

Ryan drove around the SLC airport waiting for me to come out.  But it took me a while to get from the gate to baggage claim.  It must have been a two mile walk.  I didn’t notice the signs until after my return but they advertise the long walk is to prepare visitors to hike from 5 national parks located in Utah.  I had dragged my coat and sweater and was so hot by the time I got out to the car.