Beneath the Wraps

                I remember attending a month long theatre camp when I was 15 years old.  For the most part the youth who attended the camp resided in the dorms which housed BYU students during the school year.  There was one youth who had traveled with his parents.  He was eleven.  Very talented and gifted child.  I don’t know if he was an only child but that is how I saw him.  His mother doted on him 24/7.   She would accompany to all the rehearsals, activities and whatever else we had going on.   She was an older parent who wouldn’t allow Trevor to be out of her sight.   I felt bad for him.   As gifted as he was with the piano, he lacked social skills.   He behaved differently the few times his mom was out of sight – which was rare.   I think he was abusing his freedoms. Clair told me that her sibs will dote on Ally just as she does.   Neither Jaime or I dote.   Neither on...

  This morning Richard was watching one of his cowboys which was Christmas themed.   Those that were in that particular episode were discussing decorating a tree and adding candles.    It triggered a memory with hot lights that replaced the candles as they were fire hazard.   Still, a dry tree and hot lights were still cause for fire.   There have been a number of homes destroyed due to Christmas tree fires.   Anyway, I remember my mom and I having attended one of those “selling items” party similar to Tupperware or Usborn Books or the Pampered Chef – only it was for Christmas items.   Among the items shared was a smoke alarm ornament.   The idea of it was appealing, but the idea didn’t seem to carry over to what we believed would be a helpful item to have.          We decided to test the product before we hung it and ended up melting part of the babble.   We returned it and tried it again with our replacement. ...

                I don’t know how often I had to go to the orthodontist during the (almost) three years that I wore braces.  I was just recently reminded about how painful it felt having my braces tightened. My teeth have been bothering me since Sunday – maybe before. At first I thought it was dental related but have come to realize that it is part of my newest sinus infection.  Bah, humbug!           It seems to be the most painful once the sun goes down.   I looked up what I might do to ease the pain.   Steam was a suggestion.   I thought it would make the room more hot but knew that it would work as I have felt better during a shower.   Many of my body parts have bad reactions to the cold lately.   NOOOOO!!!!   I think about friends I’ve made here in Oregon that have moved to warmer climate (I think all of them ended up in Arizona) as the cold had bothered t...

           The Amazon account is in  my husband’s name.    It doesn’t matter which one of us places the order,  it comes in his name – except today.    There was a package addressed to me.    Do I open it?    Is it really for me?    Inside is a book.    No explanation.    I don’t know who it’s from.   At least I didn't when I started this post Steven sent a text to let me know of its arrival. The book is from my brother.

             Yesterday Claire and Biff had invited Jaime and me to accompany them to WildLife Safari.   Jaime had accepted their invitation but I declined.   I figured   while they were gone I could wash some loads of clothes – not realizing that they already had theirs in both washer and dryer.             My friend, Carolyn had asked to stop by to drop off a gift.   I invited her into the back room to play spades with Richard and me.    We enjoyed each other’s company.   I did get my own laundry done eventually – but not until the others had returned.

                      I am told that our last bishop did not enjoy doing Christmas parties.   Forget Halloween.   I have been to some wards that have promoted Halloween and others have not.   I have been to some ward parties which offered a visit from Santa Claus and some have not.    I understand not doing Halloween or Santa.   I do get it.   But I also understand the pleasure of being together or inviting those not of our faith to a ward activity that may offer enough light that those who don’t attend on Sundays may seek a desire to know more.             My mom’s ward has celebrated Christmas in lots of different ways.   I remember one time tables were set with name plates.   A host couple was selected to head each table and decorate how they saw fit. I was considered a young single at the time and invited to sit with the young single adults at what I...

                Richard sends out cards almost every month.   Before she went to college Richard used to sign each card from Richard, Karen and Jaime.   After Jaime left, he would sign from Richard and Karen.   A fter Biff and his brood moved in he started to sign all five names which became a bit much.    The last two card were signed from the Riveras.    But the next two cards he has lined up (MLK and Valentines) will be signed from just him and me.    He believes Biff and Claire will be out of the house by then.    Really?   That would be great but seems unrealistic to me.    Does he think they will be getting so much money from relatives and so forth that they will have enough to move?    That would be awesome, but I have my doubts.    Would be a great way to start off the new year.    Truthfully I think he would like them gone mo...