letter to Granddaughter Sister Acadia Roser serving in the Oregon Eugene Mission
Most of my focus this last week was on preparing for General Conference, perhaps more physically than spiritually, but some of both.
Monday I tried to clean out the fridge a bit to make a little room for the huge amount of food I would get for conference lunch. Threw out some "science experiments"
Tuesday I reviewed what I needed and what I had on hand. Pulled some food out of food storage that needed to be rotated.
Wednesday I shopped. Spent hundreds of dollars without replacing the food storage. Trying to figure out what to do about it ,really. We used to eat chili rather often, but now we seldom do. Some of our eating habits changed when Miriam moved in. While she has switched to her special diet, we have not switched back as much. Do I get more chili or not? Probably.
Thursday was food prep day. Washing and cutting veggies. Making egg salad and tuna salad. Teresa and David did the breakfast croissants and Miriam and Andrew did the layered bean dip. I still felt like I did a lot of work and wondered how in the world I managed during my working outside the home years.
I did so well early in the week that I took Friday off for the first time in ages. I went to the temple to do a few initiatories, briefly visited Deseret Books, visited a ministering sister in nursing home, and went to the Greek Festival with Teresa where we listened to Greek music and sampled Greek food. It was expensive, but the proceeds go to charity, including Mustard Seed, a school for homeless children that our Relief Society sisters often do contributions for. I have wanted to go to the Greek Festival for ages, but it is always conference weekend.
We fed 16 missionaries both days. I had them take pictures with my camera and then Sunday, Tom set up a photo box (a photo booth without a booth - open) and did a bunch more pictures. I posted them to Facebook and emailed all the addresses that the missionaries gave me. I have some bounce backs to go back and check, but I know some families have seen the pictures.
I had two big frustration disappointments this week. After Time Out for Women, I ordered a couple of books online to pick up at our Deseret Bookstore across town. Nothing to tell when the order would be available, but they said 8-10 days. So Friday after temple, I went to the bookstore where the gal said I would get an email when the order was ready. The email was sent less than two hours later about the time I was meeting up with Teresa for the Greek Festival although I didn't see it until later. The very next day I get a warning email that if I don't pick up the order withing 7 days, it will be cancelled. Hopefully, I will make it to the temple next week and my temple buddies Andrew and Teresa (who did not come with me this week) won't mind a detour.
The other disappointment was more upsetting, although I am letting it bother me more than I should. Let me preface by telling you that I am gift-giving challenged. I have this lovely, large set of people that I love and cherish, but I have the most awful time figuring out what to give. Of course, expense is an issue, and I lack talent and creativity and have time management problems. Well, I learned that Arnie Zimbelman beloved co-founder of the Strauss Festival and former history teacher has written 3 books. Brilliant Idea! I ordered the books. At the Festival, I actually approached Arnie (which was hard for me because I am socially backward), told him that I planned to give his books to Ruth and Tom for Christmas, and asked if I couild bring them to him when I got them so he could autograph them. He graciously agreed. And because life is uncertain, I asked him to autograph a pieced of paper then and there. So, I get the books, make an appointment and spend almost an hour - a delightful hour - with Arnie. He signs the books. We talk about Tom and Ruth. He clearly knows them and their family. Score! This is going to be the best Christmas present I have ever given! They will love it! Yesterday, I saw one of the books in Ruth's possession and my heart sank. "Did you borrow it from the library?" I ask hopefully. NO! Arnie gave them all three books personally. Autographed, of course. In dismay, I told her that my Christmas gift was ruined. She reminded me that he is a rather old gentleman and forgets things. I wonder if he forgot me and how excited I was to have these Christmas presents and then got the idea to give them himself. I admit I cried not a few disappointed and bitter tears. No more trying to plan ahead for me! How does your mother manage ?! Will I or will I not give the to Ruth and Tom for Christmas anyway?
Wasn't conference wonderful! I can remember that there was a time when I thought it was long and boring - long, long ago - but I can hardly remember or believe I did. What especially tickles me is that Ruth's kids except the very youngest eagerly look forward to conference and are sad when it is over. When President Nelson talked about the Bicentennial Conference next April, Naomi exclaimed ""I am already anxious! And it's in SIX MONTHS!"
Elder Anderson's fruit was delightful. We speculate that he may be receiving a lot of fruit baskets in the next few weeks. And how many people will be calling Grandpa Nelson?!
We had some great parables. The Cheetahs and the Topis. I sure need to remember that one. Not in sessions but between, the Parable of the 2 Backyard Trees. Examples of faith. New insights on old scriptures and stories.
I was both comforted and discomforted that a General Officer gets distracted by texts. I guess I am not so hopelessly bad, but this is a long term challenge not easily out grown.
I can hardly wait for the talks to be available on my library app!
Well this is too long for a busy missionary and I have a lot of conference recovery work to do.
Love you lots!
Give them Heaven!
Love, Grandma Barbara
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