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