2018 - an annual letter TWO Years in a Row!

An annual letter two years in a row!

Three pretty big good things happened to me in 2018. Actually, I am thinking of two big good things and one big not so good thing that did not happen.

The not so good thing that did not happen is that I don’t think Miriam had any trips to emergency this year. She still has Lupus, of course, and she is somewhat disabled. This year Miriam has had some trouble with acid reflux and with air in her throat, which has been uncomfortable and inconvenient, but not life threatening and, fortunately, not all the time.  Otherwise, it has been a pretty good year. She started a strict dietary program around the first of the year. One starts out by only eating foods that most people respond well to and then slowly tests other foods to see how your body reacts. Because of her Lupus, the testing and adding foods is going much more slowly than it would for other people. With her core of good for her foods, she seems to have much fewer Lupus flares, looks and feels better, and she is managing her weight. She has invited me to try her diet program, but I am not ready for the sacrifices.  She continues to take art classes on-line, enjoy ebooks, and sometimes helps people with computer related questions.  Now she does a great job producing a weekly email and monthly newsletter for our ward Relief Society (congregation women's group). 

(Since I wrote this and actually mailed out a very few, Miriam did have an ER trip.  Fortunately, it was not serious, but an annoying, scary looking burst blood vessel in her eye. Did I hex her by writing that she had not had any emergencies?)

A big really good thing is that I retired! Where once California State Parks was a great place to work even in the Accounting Office in a grey cube in a grey building in the city, it became less and less so. Changes in management at all levels and a change in accounting system led to overwhelming work loads and a miserable work environment. It was wearing physically, mentally, and emotionally. Then in my misery I remembered that women in my family died young.   My mother died at 70.  Her mother died at 68.  I turned 67 in September.  The toxic workplace was pushing me to join them.  A little research revealed that retired  I would not be starving and homeless as long as I am careful.  I retired in mid-June and spared myself the misery of Fiscal Year End. It is wonderful to be out of that deadly environment. It is very nice not to have to rush off to work. I have a very long list of things I need and want to do. I am surprised at how quickly the time goes and how slowly I am getting these things accomplished. Some of the things that I am quite happy about are a little more time and energy with family,  being able to donate platelets again (my managers had stopped allowing time off to go to the Blood Source (now Vitalant) even though it is provided in our contract), time to go to the temple, being able to take naps (I am surprised at how often I need/want a nap - how did I survive before?), and being able to meet co-workers and friends for lunch now and again. I cannot say that I am a good enough person to usually enjoy service, but I am glad to be ABLE to serve others more. 

Another good thing is that after living about 40 years in one of the probably half dozen homes in Sacramento without air conditioning, we had 4 ductless mini system units installed - heating and cooling.  The Patch is much more comfortable in extreme weather now.

A not good thing this year is that we had to send my Black Lab, Anna, across the Rainbow Bridge in January. She had been having trouble with her back legs and would fall but get up again. Finally she went down and could not get up. We used a towel for a sling under Anna so we could help her, but that was not easy, effective, comfortable, or long term. I found a nice vet who would come to the house and took the day from work. Anna and I spent a lovely morning outside, occasionally barking at the neighbors (her) and eating treats (still mostly her), and me loving on her. I am sure it was her best day in a long time even though she could not walk. The vet came, assessed the situation, assured us that we were doing the right thing, and eased Anna on to the next life. I have loved and lost many good dogs in my life, but I have grieved Anna the most.  

 

The guys are continuing much as they did last year - Joseph working for the Bureau of Automotive Repair, Andrew attending and tutoring at Sacramento City College.  Andrew no longer teaches Primary.  (I teach the 7-8 year olds now) Andrew meets regularly with friends to play Magic or Dungeons and Dragons.  The guys love talking about role playing characters and their adventures. 

We enjoyed seeing most of my daughter Ruth's family dance in the Elk Grove Strauss Festival, her kids in plays, concerts by RSVP - an excellent acapella group Bethany sings with, Sunday dinners with David and Teresa and with Benjamin and Bethany. I joined part of the family at Disney World in February and all of my grandchildren (and their parents) at Disneyland in September.  Thanksgiving was with all of my children, their (spouses who count as my children,right?!), and their children except one.  The one, my oldest grandchild, Acadia, is serving a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Oregon Eugene Mission.

It has been a pretty good year and I anticipate more good things to come in 2019.  I wish the same for you.

Barbara

I love the sweet baby Jesus, his loving, faithful mother,

and devoted, protecting Joseph. I thrill to the stories of Christ’s life and miracles. But it is our Savior in Gethsemane, through His trials, and on the cross who willingly suffered unimaginable pain, died and rose again because of His immeasurable love for us - for me- that I adore and celebrate. May we always remember Him.

Peace, Love, Joy, Hope!

Merry Christmas !