Sunday, 10 May 2020
I haven't been at all good about posting and there is so much going on with the pandemic that I should be posting.
I'm still living with Scott and Julie and it has been a wonderful experience. We have a sacrament meeting in their home each Sunday morning. It has been a sacred experience for the 3 of us to sing a hymn and partake of the sacrament. We watch a couple of General Conference talks and have a 2nd hour discussion. We take turns choosing the talks and leading the 2nd hour discussion. Julie chooses the hymns and she does a great job, choosing hymns that go along with what we will be discussing the 2nd hour.
Things have been shut down by order of the Governor in an attempt to stop the spread of the Corono virus. The Temples were all closed, world-wide. Scott & Julie's mission start date was pushed back to 26 June. My youngest grandson received his mission call to the France Paris Mission. He is to enter the Provo MTC on 1 July. He's very excited and I'm excited for him to learn French so he can help me with my French ancestor's research (in 2 years).
I have been driving to the casita each day to water my tomato plants but decided I couldn't afford the price of the tomatoes. It took an hour out of my day and I was having to fill my gas tank too often and, more to the point, one very small tomato was all I had to show for it.
Yesterday Scott was able to get a haircut for the first time in 2 months. Deseret Book opened on Friday. I went to the store for the first time last week and completely forgot to take a mask. I felt comfortable without one and I was careful to observe the 6' rule around others. The employees all had masks and gloves but about half of the people didn't. I realized wearing masks prevents us from seeing smiles and that's a loss.
I wept with joy as I read on Friday that 17 of the Temples would be open for very limited ordinances and with space restrictions. I look forward to phase 4 when I can attend the Temple and do the ordinances for my ancestors.
Scott and Julie have been absolutely wonderful. I spend most of the day indexing and reviewing projects. Once a week, the ROC missionaries have a Zoom meeting and it's been wonderful to be able to see their familiar faces and talk to each other a little.
I'm thankful for a living Prophet who has given wise and uplifting counsel as we have gone through this for 2 months. Technology is wonderful and it is being used in new ways. With schools closed, teachers are doing online classes. General Conference was wonderful but different with it not being held in the Conference Center and with no congregation/audience. But the messages were powerful and uplifting.
Scott, Julie and I take turns preparing dinner. We have each made bread and it has been wonderful. Scott made regular white bread and French bread. I made a loaf of French bread and Julie has made delicious whole wheat bread. With just the 3 of us, we usually have enough for two dinners. They used to go out for dinner each Saturday night, but with restaurants closed, we order and pick up something from a restaurant each Saturday night for dinner.
We have played games and put puzzles together and watched a little TV. I have been able to go for a walk each weekday morning. I keep going a little earlier to beat the heat, although it has not been as hot as normal, according to Julie. The highest has been 107 and that was only one day. The coming week, the highs will be in the mid 90s each day.
I've been able to do a lot of family history and had some good success in finding additional ancestors and that's always exciting.
I've been able to get my hair cut because I continue to go to the young wife and mother who has been cutting mine and Sister Tolman's hair since we arrived. She does it in her home and she's been okay with me coming and I've been okay with going. She does a good job.
I keep in touch with family and friends through phone calls and emails/texts. I look forward to being back in the ROC but have been told it may be September before it opens. I am thinking it will be earlier than that. We'll see.
I had to go to a doctor to have my thyroid prescription renewed. I had to do the whole protocol things with a mask and filling out all the new-patient paperwork in my car and waiting for the nurse to come and get me and take me back to an exam room. All the chairs in the waiting area had "do not sit" signs. The experience itself was fine and the good thing is that I am now a known patient there so if I have to see a doctor in the next 13 months, I should be able to get in without difficulty.
Back home in Bountiful, in addition to the pandemic, and the fire last Fall that destroyed two homes in my ward, they had a 5.7 earthquake, with aftershocks. It was centered in Magna and I haven't heard of any damage in Bountiful but some places in SLC and south SLC suffered damage.
President Nelson invited everyone to join in a worldwide fast and prayer on Good Friday, to pray for an end to the pandemic, for protection of the medical personnel caring for patients, for financial recovery and for return to normalcy. Sister Wendy Nelson compared this pandemic to the cricket invasion of the pioneers' crops, with the miracle of the seagulls and encouraged us to expect miracles. Our Father in Heaven and our Savior have all power. Do we put our faith and trust in Them?
Sunday, May 10, 2020
Sunday, March 22, 2020
Sunday, 22 March 2020
A couple of days ago I thought I would be posting my last entry. I received a phone call from my mission president, advising me that all senior missionaries were being released and sent home. I had heard the night before that some of the senior missionaries were being released, but thought it didn't apply to the ROC missionaries. I cried and prayed. I didn't want to be released early; I felt I needed to remain here so I could continue to grow in ways I needed and wanted to.
I called Scott and talked with him, just wanting someone to help me grasp what this meant and what I needed to do next. His response was to take a deep breath and assurance that I would figure it out.
Within a short time I received a text from Elder and Sister Biggs, asking the other 4 full-time missionaries to meet at the ROC to hand in our fobs (keys to the ROC) and to gather any personal items we may have there. That turned out to be a healing time for each of us. None of us wanted to leave our mission early. We cried, laughed and shared experiences and talked about what we would be doing now. Each of us had family members living in our homes.
I felt sad for Rachel & Travis. I had loved having them in my home and hated telling them I was coming home. I gave them 1 May as the day I would return so they had a little time to find someplace else.
I was kind in a fog all day Thursday. I made some phone calls, and took care of some business things. Finally, that evening, I got focused and began pulling things out of cupboard and drawers and packing them up as best I could. Scott & Julie offered to bring boxes and come to help me get moved to their home where I planned to stay until Rachel & Travis found a place to rent.
Friday morning, I did some more packing. Scott & Julie arrived with boxes and began getting things boxed and moved to my car and Scott's truck. We arrived at their home, unloaded everything into their upstairs guest room and I set to work putting things away, organizing things. Scott & Julie had determined that they could set up a folding table in the bedroom to give me a place to work and study. That was so thoughtful of them and a huge help form to realize I had a place I could work without interfering with their lives.
I had an appointment with President Andrews for my exit interview, on Saturday at 11:30. The other full-time ROC missionaries were there (except for Sister Tolman who was already packed up by her kids and headed home). It was good to see them once more. President Andrews was very kind and offered a prayer with me. I tearfully drove to the casita to pick up a few more things, and then to Scott & Julie's to await the 1:00 phone call from President Holt to release me.
President Holt had just received an email from the FH Senior Missionary Coordinator, asking him to offer a couple of options. Depending on my decision he would release me or not release me. I couldn't compute what was being said. He gave me the name and phone number of the sister who had emailed him and suggested I could call her and get more information and could pray about my decision. He said to take my time.
I had been disappointed and sad to think I was being released, but had accepted it and began looking at the blessings of going home, seeing my family and friends, enjoying my home and yard, including raspberries, blackberries, etc. And, now, I was being told I could continue my mission, working from home (Scott & Julie's for now) and, when the ROC reopens, continue serving there.
It was a roller coaster of emotions. I talked with Scott & Julie and I prayed. An hour or two later, I told Scott & Julie that I wanted to fast and pray about the decision. She and I went grocery shopping, more talking with Scott, realizing that I was fighting against what I was supposed to do. I knelt to pray and the Spirit let me know that I needed to stay and finish my mission in whatever way was needed. The peace that came over me was so comforting. And that was the end of the turmoil.
So, I will continue to post blogs from time to time until about 14 June 2021. I am excited but know that things will be different. I will be the only one of the 6 of us full-time missionaries. I assume others will be called once this COVID-19 pandemic has ended.
A couple of days ago I thought I would be posting my last entry. I received a phone call from my mission president, advising me that all senior missionaries were being released and sent home. I had heard the night before that some of the senior missionaries were being released, but thought it didn't apply to the ROC missionaries. I cried and prayed. I didn't want to be released early; I felt I needed to remain here so I could continue to grow in ways I needed and wanted to.
I called Scott and talked with him, just wanting someone to help me grasp what this meant and what I needed to do next. His response was to take a deep breath and assurance that I would figure it out.
Within a short time I received a text from Elder and Sister Biggs, asking the other 4 full-time missionaries to meet at the ROC to hand in our fobs (keys to the ROC) and to gather any personal items we may have there. That turned out to be a healing time for each of us. None of us wanted to leave our mission early. We cried, laughed and shared experiences and talked about what we would be doing now. Each of us had family members living in our homes.
I felt sad for Rachel & Travis. I had loved having them in my home and hated telling them I was coming home. I gave them 1 May as the day I would return so they had a little time to find someplace else.
I was kind in a fog all day Thursday. I made some phone calls, and took care of some business things. Finally, that evening, I got focused and began pulling things out of cupboard and drawers and packing them up as best I could. Scott & Julie offered to bring boxes and come to help me get moved to their home where I planned to stay until Rachel & Travis found a place to rent.
Friday morning, I did some more packing. Scott & Julie arrived with boxes and began getting things boxed and moved to my car and Scott's truck. We arrived at their home, unloaded everything into their upstairs guest room and I set to work putting things away, organizing things. Scott & Julie had determined that they could set up a folding table in the bedroom to give me a place to work and study. That was so thoughtful of them and a huge help form to realize I had a place I could work without interfering with their lives.
I had an appointment with President Andrews for my exit interview, on Saturday at 11:30. The other full-time ROC missionaries were there (except for Sister Tolman who was already packed up by her kids and headed home). It was good to see them once more. President Andrews was very kind and offered a prayer with me. I tearfully drove to the casita to pick up a few more things, and then to Scott & Julie's to await the 1:00 phone call from President Holt to release me.
President Holt had just received an email from the FH Senior Missionary Coordinator, asking him to offer a couple of options. Depending on my decision he would release me or not release me. I couldn't compute what was being said. He gave me the name and phone number of the sister who had emailed him and suggested I could call her and get more information and could pray about my decision. He said to take my time.
I had been disappointed and sad to think I was being released, but had accepted it and began looking at the blessings of going home, seeing my family and friends, enjoying my home and yard, including raspberries, blackberries, etc. And, now, I was being told I could continue my mission, working from home (Scott & Julie's for now) and, when the ROC reopens, continue serving there.
It was a roller coaster of emotions. I talked with Scott & Julie and I prayed. An hour or two later, I told Scott & Julie that I wanted to fast and pray about the decision. She and I went grocery shopping, more talking with Scott, realizing that I was fighting against what I was supposed to do. I knelt to pray and the Spirit let me know that I needed to stay and finish my mission in whatever way was needed. The peace that came over me was so comforting. And that was the end of the turmoil.
So, I will continue to post blogs from time to time until about 14 June 2021. I am excited but know that things will be different. I will be the only one of the 6 of us full-time missionaries. I assume others will be called once this COVID-19 pandemic has ended.
Sunday, March 1, 2020
Sunday, 1 March 2020
It looks like I completely missed posting anything in February. I would like to post once a month but I get so busy with other things, I forget.
Today marks 7 1/2 months since I entered the MTC, which means I have 15 1/2 months to go. The time is going quickly and I know 14 June 2021 will be here before I know it.
11 February I celebrated my 83rd birthday! That seems sooo old, but I am greatly blessed with good health and energy and I am thankful the Lord has given me this opportunity to serve. I feel His love each day and marvel at that. Scott & Julie invited me for dinner and then bowling, followed by Coldstone ice cream, to celebrate. I have always enjoyed bowling but found that the arthritis in my thumb and fingers was a hindrance. Since that is the only thing that is a problem, I certainly can't complain. Sad, though, to think that will be the last time I go bowling. Although Scott did offer to get me the thing they use for little kids to just put the ball on it and rolls down it and the alley.
My iPhone died in February so Scott & Julie helped me buy an iPhone 11 and figure out how to sync it to my car. Otherwise, it isn't really different than my old one. I have learned how to use Alexa to add to my shopping list and then follow it at the store.
A trip to the dentist for my semi-annual cleaning brought some not-so-good news. I have some periodontal disease in my gums which the dentist expects will be taken care of with a deep, thorough cleaning every 3 months for a year. The x-rays also showed the need for another root canal in a front tooth. That is scheduled for this Wednesday. I'm told there is only one canal with the front tooth, as opposed to the 3 with the molar I had done earlier. I'm thankful for dental insurance and thankful to have found a good dentist. The hygienist gave me the most thorough cleaning I've ever had.
I finalized the history of Jacob Raymond and Sophie or Sophia Marie Geissler Klundt this week, had copies made and have them in envelopes to mail to their grandchildren and great grandchildren. After having now written the history of my parents and my in-laws, I realize how important it is for each person to write their own history. Trying to do it after the main people had passed away, and with no written records by any of them, it is really difficult to be able to write a complete history.
I am in the process of writing Art's history and mine. Mine will, obviously be more complete.
There are seasons in Arizona! I am seeing the light green leaves on the deciduous trees and some wildflowers blooming. We had one day in February when the thermometer reached 80! I have enjoyed the mild winter here. There was only one day that I wore my warm winter coat. I layer tops for work and, if it's a little colder or raining, I wear my raincoat. I don't look forward to the heat of summer.
I invited Scott and Julie for dinner today. I am losing confidence in my cooking skills, such as they ever were. I made some pecan pie bars and had to laugh at a couple of things I did. I had picked up pecans and shelled them, from the trees in the yard, but needed more so bought some at the store yesterday. When I opened them to use in the bars, they were praline pecans. I couldn't believe I hadn't noticed that at the store. So, broke up the pieces and used them, anyway. As though pecan pie needs more sugar. The other thing I did upsets me. The recipe called for 1 3/4 C of butter for the crust. I just read it wrong and put only 3/4 C. so, the crust is really just flour. Made me think of the pioneers who lived on flour and water as they crossed the plains. My admiration for them has increased.
One of the great blessings of this mission is the association with the other missionaries and watching the young Elders and Sisters as they grow. It is such a loving and supportive community of missionaries that they feel accepted and safe. One young Elder this week gave the best devotional thought he's ever done. He downloaded a talk and a short video on his phone and then connected it to the laptop which puts it on a screen for all to see. It's difficult for him to speak so he can be understood, but he tries and I feel that everyone is just praying for him.
I think I've learned how to do the book scanning. The scanning and auditing are not difficult, but there are rules about what can and cannot be scanned and little details to learn. There is much to do at the ROC. This week we had 48 indexing projects. We had 28 the week before and that was an all-time high number. We have projects in Spanish, Portuguese, French, American Samoan, and projects from Africa, Australia, U.K., and several states in the U.S. It's challenging but with the help of Google translate and with some figuring things out, it's rewarding. The projects vary in size, some are finished quickly and others, like one we just finished last month, take months. We had worked on that one ever since we arrived. It's nice to have variety from which to choose.
One more February thing: Sister Tolman and I hosted the senior missionary monthly Family Home Evening. All that involved was providing the dessert (we did a decorated Costco cake) and the program. For that, we chose to have a sing-a-long of old love songs (for Valentine's Day). It turned out well and was enjoyable to hear everyone enjoying the old songs. That should be the only one we have to do, as there are enough couples to spread the joy around for the next 15 months.
It looks like I completely missed posting anything in February. I would like to post once a month but I get so busy with other things, I forget.
Today marks 7 1/2 months since I entered the MTC, which means I have 15 1/2 months to go. The time is going quickly and I know 14 June 2021 will be here before I know it.
11 February I celebrated my 83rd birthday! That seems sooo old, but I am greatly blessed with good health and energy and I am thankful the Lord has given me this opportunity to serve. I feel His love each day and marvel at that. Scott & Julie invited me for dinner and then bowling, followed by Coldstone ice cream, to celebrate. I have always enjoyed bowling but found that the arthritis in my thumb and fingers was a hindrance. Since that is the only thing that is a problem, I certainly can't complain. Sad, though, to think that will be the last time I go bowling. Although Scott did offer to get me the thing they use for little kids to just put the ball on it and rolls down it and the alley.
My iPhone died in February so Scott & Julie helped me buy an iPhone 11 and figure out how to sync it to my car. Otherwise, it isn't really different than my old one. I have learned how to use Alexa to add to my shopping list and then follow it at the store.
A trip to the dentist for my semi-annual cleaning brought some not-so-good news. I have some periodontal disease in my gums which the dentist expects will be taken care of with a deep, thorough cleaning every 3 months for a year. The x-rays also showed the need for another root canal in a front tooth. That is scheduled for this Wednesday. I'm told there is only one canal with the front tooth, as opposed to the 3 with the molar I had done earlier. I'm thankful for dental insurance and thankful to have found a good dentist. The hygienist gave me the most thorough cleaning I've ever had.
I finalized the history of Jacob Raymond and Sophie or Sophia Marie Geissler Klundt this week, had copies made and have them in envelopes to mail to their grandchildren and great grandchildren. After having now written the history of my parents and my in-laws, I realize how important it is for each person to write their own history. Trying to do it after the main people had passed away, and with no written records by any of them, it is really difficult to be able to write a complete history.
I am in the process of writing Art's history and mine. Mine will, obviously be more complete.
There are seasons in Arizona! I am seeing the light green leaves on the deciduous trees and some wildflowers blooming. We had one day in February when the thermometer reached 80! I have enjoyed the mild winter here. There was only one day that I wore my warm winter coat. I layer tops for work and, if it's a little colder or raining, I wear my raincoat. I don't look forward to the heat of summer.
I invited Scott and Julie for dinner today. I am losing confidence in my cooking skills, such as they ever were. I made some pecan pie bars and had to laugh at a couple of things I did. I had picked up pecans and shelled them, from the trees in the yard, but needed more so bought some at the store yesterday. When I opened them to use in the bars, they were praline pecans. I couldn't believe I hadn't noticed that at the store. So, broke up the pieces and used them, anyway. As though pecan pie needs more sugar. The other thing I did upsets me. The recipe called for 1 3/4 C of butter for the crust. I just read it wrong and put only 3/4 C. so, the crust is really just flour. Made me think of the pioneers who lived on flour and water as they crossed the plains. My admiration for them has increased.
One of the great blessings of this mission is the association with the other missionaries and watching the young Elders and Sisters as they grow. It is such a loving and supportive community of missionaries that they feel accepted and safe. One young Elder this week gave the best devotional thought he's ever done. He downloaded a talk and a short video on his phone and then connected it to the laptop which puts it on a screen for all to see. It's difficult for him to speak so he can be understood, but he tries and I feel that everyone is just praying for him.
I think I've learned how to do the book scanning. The scanning and auditing are not difficult, but there are rules about what can and cannot be scanned and little details to learn. There is much to do at the ROC. This week we had 48 indexing projects. We had 28 the week before and that was an all-time high number. We have projects in Spanish, Portuguese, French, American Samoan, and projects from Africa, Australia, U.K., and several states in the U.S. It's challenging but with the help of Google translate and with some figuring things out, it's rewarding. The projects vary in size, some are finished quickly and others, like one we just finished last month, take months. We had worked on that one ever since we arrived. It's nice to have variety from which to choose.
One more February thing: Sister Tolman and I hosted the senior missionary monthly Family Home Evening. All that involved was providing the dessert (we did a decorated Costco cake) and the program. For that, we chose to have a sing-a-long of old love songs (for Valentine's Day). It turned out well and was enjoyable to hear everyone enjoying the old songs. That should be the only one we have to do, as there are enough couples to spread the joy around for the next 15 months.
Sunday, January 26, 2020
It's a beautiful, sunny Sunday in Mesa. The sky is a beautiful blue with no clouds in sight. It's only 57 degrees at 1:40 and Alexis just informed me that the expected low tonight is 46. It was in the low 70s the last few days. I've now picked about 4 of the cherry tomatoes but the rest don't seem to be ripening, at least not expecting to pick any more in the next week or two.
We had the first death of one of our missionaries today. He was one of the two who underwent Kidney Dialysis 3X each week. He also had a tumor on his face, in front of his left ear for which he was receiving radiation treatments in the hope of reducing the size so it could be removed. On top of that, he developed Alzheimers and had to stop serving at the ROC a month or so ago. He was 88 years old, widowed for a number of years, and loved serving at the ROC. Professionally, he had been a landscape architect and designed many of the parks in the Phoenix area. He was a kind and gentle man who endured well to the end. He will now rejoin his eternal companion.
Sister Tolman and i have seen a couple of movies in the last month or so: "It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood," "Little Women," and "Dr. Doolittle." It's nice to have nice movies to enjoy. I particularly enjoyed the Mr. Rogers' movie. What a great man he was, truly caring about children.
Just over two months until General Conference and I appreciate all the ideas for ways to prepare. I listened to the podcasts last night about the First Vision and found then very interesting and informative. I continue to learn and understand more about the Book of Mormon as Ii study from the "Come, Follow Me" curriculum. My admiration and gratitude for the Prophet Joseph continues to increase. Of course, all of this helps me to draw closer to our Savior Jesus Christ. What a debt of gratitude I owe Him.
Sunday, January 12, 2020
It looks like I will be picking my first cherry tomato this week, with many more to follow in coming days and weeks. The seasons are all different here. I am enjoying tangerines, oranges and grapefruit fresh picked and shared by the ROC missionaries who live in this area. Also, fresh-picked grapefruit from the tree in the front yard of the house, in front of my casita. I do love citrus fruit. Scott and Julie also have lemons, tangelos, and oranges.
I am learning to appreciate and enjoy the landscape here. There are deciduous trees: pecan trees outside my kitchen window, and some others. Also, seeing leaves that are turning color--not the vibrant, reds, oranges, yellows in the West and East, but pretty. Also, cloud formations and the skies in general are different, and very pretty. The other day, the clouds were painted across the sky in bright orange--like an abstract painting.
I continue to have family history success. A week ago I found the family of a man I've looked for for many years. His name is Henri Devette. I had a marriage record with the name of his wife but had never been able to find anything on him. Through the Geneanet website, which I had checked many times without success, I found his family tree, with names and dates of his parents, grandparents and great grandparents. Also he and his wife had two additional daughters to the one from whom I am descended. A wonderful woman in Belgium is related to Henri through one of the two daughters I didn't know about, and has done the research.
This Wednesday will mark 6 months since I entered the MTC--1/4 of the way through my mission. That doesn't seem possible. Time goes by so quickly. I continue to see reasons the Lord called me to serve this mission. It is a choice blessing and I am learning and growing. One month from yesterday I will be 83 years old. Isn't it wonderful that we can continue to learn and grow, no matter how old we are!
I am learning to appreciate and enjoy the landscape here. There are deciduous trees: pecan trees outside my kitchen window, and some others. Also, seeing leaves that are turning color--not the vibrant, reds, oranges, yellows in the West and East, but pretty. Also, cloud formations and the skies in general are different, and very pretty. The other day, the clouds were painted across the sky in bright orange--like an abstract painting.
I continue to have family history success. A week ago I found the family of a man I've looked for for many years. His name is Henri Devette. I had a marriage record with the name of his wife but had never been able to find anything on him. Through the Geneanet website, which I had checked many times without success, I found his family tree, with names and dates of his parents, grandparents and great grandparents. Also he and his wife had two additional daughters to the one from whom I am descended. A wonderful woman in Belgium is related to Henri through one of the two daughters I didn't know about, and has done the research.
This Wednesday will mark 6 months since I entered the MTC--1/4 of the way through my mission. That doesn't seem possible. Time goes by so quickly. I continue to see reasons the Lord called me to serve this mission. It is a choice blessing and I am learning and growing. One month from yesterday I will be 83 years old. Isn't it wonderful that we can continue to learn and grow, no matter how old we are!
Wednesday, January 1, 2020
1 January 2020
Happy New Year to any who happen to view this blog. It's kind of silly, but I like typing 2020 instead of 2019.
The old year ended with Kevin, Becky and their family, except their oldest, Nate, and their son-in-law, Jake Pugmire, driving from Utah to Gilbert to visit. It was so good to see them and have time to visit and enjoy their visit. I enjoyed showing them where I work and where I live. And it was so fun to spend time with Ruby and June, my little great grands, and to get acquainted with Grant, my newest grandson-in-law (Annie's husband). He's a great young man and fun to be with.
They stayed with Scott & Julie so that's where I spent much of my time the past several days.
Abbey asked me to help her make Peanut Butter Balls, a family tradition, and that was fun. Then Julie, Abbey and Millie made gyozas for New Year's Eve dinner. Julie served her mission in Japan. It seems each culture has their version: pierogis are Polish; potstickers are Oriental, Won tons sound Oriental but the way I've had them is probably an American adaptation.. They were very good.
Christmas this year was different--no little ones to enjoy, although Jason, Ashley and Emma visited the weekend before Christmas. However, it was so nice to just focus on the birth of the Savior. Scott & Julie's friends, the Robinson family, joined us for Christmas dinner.
Follow-up on the last blog about the saga of tooth #19. The Endodentist's cone x-ray was repaired and he was able to find the 3rd canal. I opted to not have the area deadened and was thankful I had done so. There was no pain and I left the office with the root canal completed and no numbing of my mouth/face, all in less than an hour's time.
Still waiting to pick fresh tomatoes outside my door. They are multiplying but very slow in ripening. The flowers are blooming. I received 3 Poinsettia and have planted them to add to my garden. I have been gathering pecans from the trees outside my kitchen window, and enjoying grapefruit from the tree in the front yard. I'm also gaining an appreciation for the beauty of the Arizona landscape. The skies/clouds are very beautiful and interesting and the sunsets are often very spectacular. All things remind me of our Creator--such love in giving us such a variety of creations to enjoy and appreciate.
Things continue to go very well at the ROC. I continue to learn about book scanning and all that includes. We have two new missionaries joining us in January who want to do scanning. One of them has a lot of experience with it and the other just has a personal interest in it. We currently have more than 20 indexing projects from which to choose which makes it very interesting and challenging.
I was working on my family history on Christmas Eve and found an entire family of my Danish ancestors with sources for the parents and for their 13 children. It was exciting when I realized that some of the sources had come from one of our projects that I have worked on--records from the Granite Mountain Vaults. Amazing technology that is making finding, and linking, families together
so much more quick and easy to do. It is a vitally important work in which we are engaged.
It was wonderful to receive Christmas greetings from family and friends.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the concentrated study of the New Testament this past year and look forward with great anticipation to do the same with the Book of Mormon this year. I felt I gained an even greater appreciation for our Savior, Jesus Christ through studying the writings about His life, Atoning Sacrifice, Crucifixion and Resurrection. What debt of gratitude we owe Him and our Father in Heaven. I have read the Book of Mormon many, many times and am grateful for this 2nd witness of Jesus Christ. The more I study the scriptures, the more I learn from them.
That's it, until the next post. I hope 2020 will be a great year for each of us.
Happy New Year to any who happen to view this blog. It's kind of silly, but I like typing 2020 instead of 2019.
The old year ended with Kevin, Becky and their family, except their oldest, Nate, and their son-in-law, Jake Pugmire, driving from Utah to Gilbert to visit. It was so good to see them and have time to visit and enjoy their visit. I enjoyed showing them where I work and where I live. And it was so fun to spend time with Ruby and June, my little great grands, and to get acquainted with Grant, my newest grandson-in-law (Annie's husband). He's a great young man and fun to be with.
They stayed with Scott & Julie so that's where I spent much of my time the past several days.
Abbey asked me to help her make Peanut Butter Balls, a family tradition, and that was fun. Then Julie, Abbey and Millie made gyozas for New Year's Eve dinner. Julie served her mission in Japan. It seems each culture has their version: pierogis are Polish; potstickers are Oriental, Won tons sound Oriental but the way I've had them is probably an American adaptation.. They were very good.
Christmas this year was different--no little ones to enjoy, although Jason, Ashley and Emma visited the weekend before Christmas. However, it was so nice to just focus on the birth of the Savior. Scott & Julie's friends, the Robinson family, joined us for Christmas dinner.
Follow-up on the last blog about the saga of tooth #19. The Endodentist's cone x-ray was repaired and he was able to find the 3rd canal. I opted to not have the area deadened and was thankful I had done so. There was no pain and I left the office with the root canal completed and no numbing of my mouth/face, all in less than an hour's time.
Still waiting to pick fresh tomatoes outside my door. They are multiplying but very slow in ripening. The flowers are blooming. I received 3 Poinsettia and have planted them to add to my garden. I have been gathering pecans from the trees outside my kitchen window, and enjoying grapefruit from the tree in the front yard. I'm also gaining an appreciation for the beauty of the Arizona landscape. The skies/clouds are very beautiful and interesting and the sunsets are often very spectacular. All things remind me of our Creator--such love in giving us such a variety of creations to enjoy and appreciate.
Things continue to go very well at the ROC. I continue to learn about book scanning and all that includes. We have two new missionaries joining us in January who want to do scanning. One of them has a lot of experience with it and the other just has a personal interest in it. We currently have more than 20 indexing projects from which to choose which makes it very interesting and challenging.
I was working on my family history on Christmas Eve and found an entire family of my Danish ancestors with sources for the parents and for their 13 children. It was exciting when I realized that some of the sources had come from one of our projects that I have worked on--records from the Granite Mountain Vaults. Amazing technology that is making finding, and linking, families together
so much more quick and easy to do. It is a vitally important work in which we are engaged.
It was wonderful to receive Christmas greetings from family and friends.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the concentrated study of the New Testament this past year and look forward with great anticipation to do the same with the Book of Mormon this year. I felt I gained an even greater appreciation for our Savior, Jesus Christ through studying the writings about His life, Atoning Sacrifice, Crucifixion and Resurrection. What debt of gratitude we owe Him and our Father in Heaven. I have read the Book of Mormon many, many times and am grateful for this 2nd witness of Jesus Christ. The more I study the scriptures, the more I learn from them.
That's it, until the next post. I hope 2020 will be a great year for each of us.
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