The Weather’s not the Same

           I remember so many cold winters when I was living in Utah.  Occasionally we would have surprises when no coat was required but for the most part we had to bundle up and trudge through snow.

          Our first winter in Oregon was so different.  It had snowed once but didn’t last. 

snow on the 10th of December 2015

It did not last

Jai's snowman kept shrinking

By February there were signs of spring.  I don’t remember having experienced blossoms and blooming growth so early in the year before.

Today I was reminded of this post I had created 8 years ago

“When I was living in Utah, it never occurred to me that one day I would believe that February would offer perfect weather for walking, riding bikes, hearing motorcycles and lawn mowers. I am really enjoying the outdoor temperature right now.”

We’ve had one really nice day in February this year.  We had seen blossoms and growth.  But for the most part we’ve had cold rain and fog.  It has felt like Utah winter - except without snow. Weather is so weird.

Organization is Exhausting

               I have boxes of tax files and insurance policies, receipts, warranties and so forth.  I have memorabilia, started scrapbooks, sooooo many photos.  Lesson outlines and lesson ideas.  And I’ve gotten rid of a lot.  So why does it feel like all the paperwork keep growing?

          I don’t have to save any of it right?  Aside from all the tax detail, insurance policies and so forth, most of this could just be obtained from online, right? So why the heck am I saving it?  As Jaime has never been as sentimental as I am, I am certain that she would not care if I threw out all that I’ve been saving instead of having her go through it and throw it away. 

          And the pictures.  Oh my gosh.  There are so many pictures.  I have scanned all of the pictures – I think.  So why am I hanging onto all of them?  Because I can’t bring myself to throw them away.  Though I have gotten better.  Each time I go through I find I am able to part with more than I did prior.

          I have no sentiment for the tax garbage nor do I want to save it all.  Sure enough as soon as I throw it out the IRS will come audit us for some year that is no longer in my possession.  I haven’t even made a dent.  I am soooo tired.  Still have items to scan.

A Learning Experience

           As a former sister missionary I remember introducing non members to strong members to be fellowshipped. Finding strong priesthood members who would remain in the ward long after the missionaries had gone.  Wouldn’t it be more meaningful to be baptized by a fellow member and still have that connection down the road.  I remember one of my brothers making it a goal NOT to physically baptize those he taught but to pass the reign onto another.  Not that it’s a choice for just anybody to baptize.  One must have authority and has to be interviewed the same at the individual to be baptized.

          Missionary baptisms are handled by the missionaries while primary baptisms arrangements are made by primary leaders and/or parents depending on the size of the ward or stake and the amount of children being baptized.  I remember making the arrangements for Jaime’s baptism before I was aware that there were others in the stake who would also be baptized.  Still she was the only one from our ward and although the program started in the chapel with the five children from the stake, but we broke off into wards each time a child was baptized (here)   

          The missionaries had made arrangements for a program set up for two youth.  The program was not complete and they had mentioned that before Richard took the reins of printing up the program to his own perfection and satisfaction.  He asked why baptism is spelled with an "s" while baptize is spelled with a "z". He printed up several programs. But changes were made to include more youth and ward involvement. The Elders had picked up the programs and used a white out where some names had been but had not been filled out with the names of those who had been newly assigned. 

         A counselor in the YW class presidency gave the first talk on baptism instead of the sister missionaries whose names were initially on the program.  Though both elders had their names under the baptisms only one performed a baptism while one of the elders baptized one youth, the other was baptized by the bishop.

           Between the baptism and the talk on the Holy Ghost there was a soft reference that came with the prelude music of primary songs.  There was still visiting among members who did so in whispers unlike this baptism . Usually the elders show a video while those who have been in the water change into dry clothes.

           I made an error when it was announced those who would be welcoming into the church.  First the young women’s president was called and she would be followed by the bishop. I thought they had forgotten to include the primary representative.  I decided to inquire thought it wasn’t my place. Turns out the other youth was no longer primary age but a young man who the bishop welcomed.  I woke up this morning disturbed at my having meddled.  My slow mind then realized that there had been two leaders from the primary and not just the one I pointed out.  Of course Bishop was fully aware of the other. I chastised myself and tried consoling myself with excuses - none which have worked. It was not just a learning experience for the elders but for me as well.

Another Weird Dream

 

         Neither Richard nor I have been sleeping well lately.  He caught a virus due to stress and probably room temperature.  I always wake up hot and he has a pile of blankets.  He coughs.  Bonnie snores.  One or the other of us will leave the room. 

He turns on the TV.  It is ALWAYS loud.  I can’t return to sleep when there is noise.  But somehow between two and four I slept hard.  Really hard.  I know it was hard because I had a nightmarish dream. 

“I had gotten out of bed for something (probably to go to the bathroom) and when I returned my end table and all contents had disappeared.  I remember looking for them in some kind of office building.  That was weird.

“Later on, while in bed I heard a noise and gone to the window to investigate a noise. I saw our car back up out of the driveway.  Surprisingly there had been enough light to identify that it was our car. They must have been the ones who took the end table.  I think that's where I had last seen my keys

“And right behind them was a red convertible with four teenagers – first with expressions of “Oh, no.  We’ve been caught” but then a smugness of “what are you going to do about it”

“We had called the police.  They were on their way but had not yet arrived” when the rain woke me up from my deep trance.  I don’t think I ever returned.  If I did I cannot remember what else happened.  I am surprised at remembering what I did.

Richard continues to come and go not sleeping unless it is in front of the television in a sit-up position.

Cold Fingers and Memories

 

               I’m certain that my insurance policy must be in the shed as I can’t find it in the house.  Too many things have been pushed aside.  I haven’t had the room to go through them until now but don’t wish to tote everything back into the house only to take it out again.  I can be more effective when it warms up – but not to scorching. 

          I can’t sort through papers while I’m wearing gloves and so my fingers are cold after having gone through two boxes – neither had any hints of what I thought should be present.  My fingers are so cold I couldn’t do anymore.  But I was having fun looking as I came across memories of handwriting, saving various assignments from Jaime’s school, an old photograph of a cousin and his wife.  The photograph isn’t labeled.  If I should die right away, no one in Oregon is going to know who it is.  Why am I saving it anyway?

          My fingers are numb as I attempt to type these words.  Smiling about things my mom had saved.  I should work on tossing it all.  For if we ever move again I won’t be toting it across the country.  My fingers aren’t frozen, but they haven’t warmed up still. 

Embrace the Differences

          I vaguely remember a class called “Culture Refinement”.  It was taught in Relief Society on the 4^th Sunday of the month.  I remember my mom was a cultural refinement teacher.  I know that was her calling while I was out on my mission. The subjects of her lessons seemed to focus on arts, literature, and customs.  I liked the custom part of it – learning about other cultures, nationalities and backgrounds. The class was dropped sometime before this century – though I can’t pinpoint a date.  I was serving in the primary for so many years.

         I guess I was reminded a little bit when we had our lesson on Sunday.  The theme (from my point of view anyway) was on acceptance and loving a person though you might not agree with their lifestyles.  It would be nice to understand different walks of life – what makes one tick.  Becoming more aware of our diversities.  And quit using lables!

         In my vain attempt for finding more about Cultural Refinement I found this page and thought it would be good to explore beyond the family but to learn the traditions of others who might be outside of my circle.  It never hurts to learn.

Missing Tooth

                Before I went on my mission my dentist suggested that we remove my wisdom teeth.  They weren’t bothering me and I opted to keep them.  I mean they must be there for a reason, right?    There was a while there when I would bite my cheeks – but it didn’t last and the pain was never severe enough for me to make an appointment. 

               I believe it was 2017 when part of my top right wisdom tooth broke.  I had it repaired – three times by the same doctor!  So when it broke again in September (I think) I thought “bag it” – I’ll just live with it – although it was beginning to annoy me also.  But I haven’t ever done anything about it. 

               On December 20th I made an appointment with the medical doctor for a sinus infection. I was hoping for a Z-pack as it normally does the trick.  But I might as well have taken sugar pills for the amount of good that they did.  And last week I came to another conclusion.  I definitely have an abscessed tooth, and as I was looking up the symptoms realized that perhaps that was the cause of my “sinus infection” as outlined by the Mayo Clinic.  Oh . . .

               So this pain is on the left side of my mouth – opposite my chipped wisdom tooth – but next to the left wisdom tooth.  There was incredible pain last Sunday (or was it the Sunday before) but I haven’t felt that severe of pain since. I’ve been using a salt rinse after breakfast – except I forgot to yesterday and this morning.  But have done it today – just later than normal.  Meanwhile the right wisdom tooth is practically gone.

               Of course I can’t see it or even a reflection of it, but it feels like what a baby’s new tooth coming in would look like.  It isn’t painful and I don’t predict that food will get caught in the crevasse anymore (as there is no crevasse) but I am puzzled as to when I lost it.  Had to have been  either last night or this morning at breakfast.  It is weird to think about how it just seemed to have vanished.  I wonder if it will be a further problem though.

               I have three dentist appointments lined up for March and April.  I suppose I can ask about it as long as they are in my mouth anyway.

More Patience, Less Judging

     It’s taken me YEARS to not become offended by the actions of my children.  I have one who could never sit still, one who would sulk, one who is considered gifted – he tends to get bored very easily.  Jaime figets.  I never considered her as having ADD or ADHD

screenshot of Google response

     I knew the oldest two had it but hadn’t considered the other two might have had it as well.  There are different signs, symptoms if you will, that one may experience that others may not and vice-versa.  There are countless websites which address these issues.  Some provide quizzes and council.  

      ADD was changed to ADHD in 1987  (reference) 

which is the year our oldest was born.  When I first met Richard the eldest boy had difficulty sitting still – or sitting at all.  He reminded me of a caged animal.  Over the years he’s gotten better at placement but still seems unfocused at times and is constantly misplacing things.

Our second son is a hoarder. I did not see any referencing to hoarding.  It is something he did when he was in junior high and still as an adult with four children.  He has always lacked focus.  He’s always dragging his feet and forgets things the moment he thinks of them.

I used to give him a paper to write his questions down as he thought them up. Sometimes it worked.  Not always. He isn’t very organized.  He is the one Richard nicknamed Donald Duck because of his random flares at the stupidest things. 

 My youngest has always been advanced academically whereas the other two tend to struggle.  He gets bored easily and recycles material things as though money is no object.  He has lived in seven different houses (or apartments) during his marriage of almost twelve years.  I was actually surprised when he announced he was getting married as I didn’t believe he was able to make a commitment.  He hasn’t been dedicated enough to any one company that he’s worked for – not enough to continue working with them but will find employment elsewhere (hence the moving around)

None of them seem to have the greatest listening skills and procrastination seems to be a major part of their personal life.  Jaime doesn’t procrastinate, but she does like to keep her hands busy while someone is talking.  Both she and the youngest boy are outgoing and well-liked whereas the oldest two are not outgoing.

     I probably have and have always had symptoms of ADD myself – though now it could just be classified as an aging thing.  But I have ALWAYS been a daydreamer.  My listening skills have not been the best either because of my daydreaming. 

     How much better my relationship is with them when I don’t react to what I often found offensive but respond with a knowledge that it is not their fault.  They are sensitive and I have been. 

This was shared on facebook; I do not
have a reference for original source

What is Up With Us?

                Since we have been in Oregon I tend to fall asleep between 8:00 and 8:30.  I rarely sleep through the night.  I drink more water than my bladder can handle and tend to get up during the not.  Often I am unable to return to my slumber and end up getting up, playing games on my kindle sometimes in the room, sometimes in another.  I’m up for about two hours before returning to bed and will sleep until 7:00 or 7:30 – except lately.  One I’m up, I’m up for the day. 

            Richard, on the other hand, used to get up early and now is the one who will sleep in – but then he doesn’t come to bed until after midnight – unless the internet goes out, and then he’ll come to bed.  But usually he is up and down also.  Just never at the same time.

            This morning I got up at 3:00.  I finally made my way into the front room between 3:30 and 4:00.  We were both fully dressed before 5:00 a.m.  What is up with that?  He expects he will fall asleep during church.  He always does.  Perhaps we will take naps after church.

Currently he is watching Law and Order: Special Victims Unit.  Oh, yes.  Just how I want to start out my Sunday.  I returned to our bedroom.  Will mark scriptures right after I post this.

Busy Day

           Richard had a 9:00 appointment with his doctor this morning and I had a dentist appointment at 11:00.  With only one car we drove to Roseburg together in the pouring rain.  The rivers and creeks are always feast and famine. The rain has made them really high to overflowing.  I smile when I look at the murky brown color as I think of Jaime comparing it to chocolate milk.

         

          I haven’t been to the dentist for over a year and now have an abscessed tooth which will need to be removed.  I set up three dentist appointments for myself.  One in March and two in April.  Ugggh . . .

Science Fiction Vibes

         Yesterday Richard decided he wanted to drive to Ashland to take some watches to a vendor – though I didn’t think it necessary to make a special trip.  I told him we should pray about the decision to go – afterall the nation is experiencing untamed weather, we are still not receiving local news and perhaps we should remain at home. 

          I took the closed pumps as a sign.  We had gone to four different gas stations before finding one that still had gas.  They expect they will run out today.  Oh, my word!  I feel like I’m living in a Sci-Fi.  It’s been raining non-stop.  It’s a wonder that we don’t have a lake in our backyard.  On the plus side our grass is very green.

Too Many Storms

 

Richard and I slept in yesterday morning.  He had turned the news on just as it was ending.  He said there had been filmage of our news anchor outside of his apartment building showing us the fallen snow and advising all of Lane county to stay indoors if at all possible. None of the stations even offered local news this morning.  The elements have created somewhat of a Sci-Fi feeling - sort of like the pandemic in April and May of 2020

Last week Jaime had a six day weekend as school was cancelled due to weather.  So much of the nation is experiencing the severe snow storms and cold.  It’s been cold in Myrtle Creek though the snow hasn’t stuck in Tri-City we have seen snow in the hills.  Lots of moisture and cold.  But the elements have not effected us the same way as north or south of us.  I don’t know if Eugene is experiencing what the rest of the nation is currently.  It’s weird to think about.

We also have power.  Internet comes and goes.  I’d rather be fighting elements than people.

NOAA - National Weather Service