Happy Last Day

December 31, the last day of the year

But what if you knew it was your last day on earth?  What would you do?

See / call your family and friends to tell them "Good-bye.  I love you."

Frantically try to get your affairs in order - write/review your will, throw away the embarrassing junk/clutter, no time to lose weight (argh)

Eat your favorite food

Try to find someone to care for your children/pets

Go someplace you always wanted to see

Do some serious praying and repenting

Sit and cry because there is NOT time for everything you want to do

   The idea of a last day is overwhelming and sad.  There are too many things that I would want/need to do and I would not be able to to them all.

    Maybe, just maybe I should try to do some of these things every day. 

thank you, Mesoamericans!

email to Acadia, full time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, serving in the Oregon Eugene Mission (Or is it Eugene Oregon Mission?)

Dear Acadia,

Happy New Year!

Do you make New Year’s Resolutions?? The only NYR I was ever successful at was to not make any more New Year’s Resolutions. I don’t want to break it now. I tell myself that I should be doing something similar weekly, should we not? Check in with ourselves, repent, resolve and covenant to do better? Daily even, but especially in preparation for the Sacrament. I do confess that I do not often think of it, but I know I should and I do manage sometimes.

I also do not go out and celebrate on New Year’s Eve. I prefer to be safe and comfortable at home. Maybe watch some celebrations on TV and probably go to bed at the regular time (which for me, honestly could be anywhere from 8 to 10 or maybe 11) Officially, Family Prayer and Scripture) is at 9 and then I get ready for bed. But some evenings one of us (usually me) asks for early FP&S. Once in a while so we can watch a movie and not be too tired for FP&S when it is over, but more often because we are tired.

The new curriculum for Come, Follow Me is the Book of Mormon. So now what are we going to do? We usually read a chapter every night after Family Prayer. On Monday at dinner we read from “Come, Follow Me” and call it Home Evening. I think we are going to spend a little time with “Come, Follow Me” for our FP&S. See how that works. Which will lead to new decision making next year about how to work in reading the BoM daily.

I hope you had a Merry Christmas! I hope my little package made it to you.

We had a bit of a long, leisurely Christmas.

Our traditional bread, fruit, and cheese on Christmas Eve while talking about Jesus and his birth. I had not been feeling well, so I didn’t have a plan for the evening. It would have been better if I had.

Christmas morning was just us at the Patch. I had told Santa not to bother with us, which honestly made me a little sad. He surprised us, however with chocolates! We all were up at different times and quietly did our own thing. I watched The Nativity and some other Christmasy movies. Every now and then I asked if they wanted to open a couple of presents, but no one leaped with interest, so it waited until way late in the day. David and Teresa came over and hung out. It was pleasant and peaceful, but not especially Christmasy. Miriam took the day off her special diet, so I made cinnamon rolls, we each put pizza toppings on our own Focccaia bread, and we had Tater Tots. Foods she sometimes misses a lot.

Some of us were glad to have the couple days after Christmas day to finish getting family presents together. Saturday was fun! ! We all gathered at Debi’s for gift exchange and were even able to be on the phone with your folks for hours. Three elves gave homemade chocolates to their giftee AND so the rest of us wouldn’t be jealous, each made little bags of chocolates for the rest of us. My children each gave me chocolate, as well. Debi gave a couple of us Nativities from her day in Portugal. Mine is so tiny! The base is little bigger than a good sized postage stamp! She also gave me a rock with a fish painted on it from Portugal. Really cute. I want to find time to do rock painting. I started to, but life is full. Hinds gave me and apron and “4 seasons towels” made with the kids’ hand prints. The hands are flowers on the apron and in the spring, cardinals in the winter, leaves in the fall, sand un rays in the summer. Cute and clever. Jared did a wood burning Nativity for me. David and Teresa gave me Downton Abby cds. And Mercy Street dvds. For my next, but shorter obsession. It only lasted 2 seasons. Too bad. It was good.

Chocolate was one of the most popular gitts to give and receive this year. I wonder if there will be a reaction next year and no one gives chocolate. Hope not!

So far, I have only had to give one person receipts to return the gift I gave them. I really liked the sweaters I found for Joseph and so did he, but they were two small in the neck and too long in the arm. What a combination. He does not have a thick neck or short arms. But maybe he doesn’t like things on his neck much. I don’t.

With Christmas, 2^nd Christmas, special Sacrament Meeting, people taking days off from work, I got quite mixed up on the day of the week and frequently had to check my phone. Not done yet, with New Year’s this Wednesday but that should be less disruptive because my Christmas was sort of Sunday like, but I expect New Years to be less so.

Andrew has been called back into teaching Primary. 7 turning 8. With the 74 year old husband of our RS president. He is really a big kid. An absolute imp. Except not at all evil. Definitely mischievous. They have worked together before. It should be good.

I have had a slight cold for a couple of weeks now. Which meant that when Benjamin, Bethany, and Jacob came to the family gift exchange, I had to wear a mask and I did not try to hold him. Slowly getting better. Hopefully, I can get to know my newest grandchild soon.

I sure love my oldest grandchild! And I am so proud of you! We will be working on plans to go to your homecoming soon. Don’t get trunky! Savor every minute and keep working hard. I know you will. Some missionaries sort of stop focusing on the work, but I think most really throw themselves into it as they realize their time is growing short.

Love you!

Batman elbow

email to granddaughter Acadia,

This has been somewhat of a nothing week as I have not been feeling well.  Not miserable sick, but tired, a sore throat early on, sneezes and coughs.  I spent a couple of days doing nothing but resting.  And addressing Christmas cards.  

Fortunately, I have gifts that I am pretty much happy with for all my *8*5*9*.  Although, frankly, 9 is cheating.  I am giving Jacob a crocheted blanket as I have given all of you just for being born.  I don't think he'll notice.  I hope you got your package envelope. 

We had our "special" Sacrament Meeting which was pretty much like our regular Sacrament Meetings except both the Primary and the choir sang and the Bishopric spoke. Nice, but not newsworthy.  No false advertising in that meeting.  LOL.  The Elders Quorum provided milk, cookies and background music for some nice visiting afterwards.  I am not sure whether we had any visitors due to the advertising / invitations, but a couple of people who have moved from our ward came back to visit.  One couple who moved to West Sacramento double dipped.  A fellow moved to Montana but comes back now and then for business.  It was nice.   I would have appreciated it all more but for  my minor cold. 

I just got in from riding my bike (Sylvia) from dropping my car (Gracie) at the shop.  I have not ridden in a long time.  I need to!  

Remember when I told you that Teresa and I were getting together a couple times a week to exercise?  I don't think we have since!  I think I told you that I am not good at doing it on my own.  Something must change. 

As  I said, no news.  Looking forward to a home centered Christmas and a fun family gathering the Saturday after.  May your Christmas be filled with love. 

here a jingle, there a jingle

The Ward Christmas Dinner was a success. There was just enough food which was quite tasty. The decorations were lovely. We had about 8 loaned Nativities and 25+ craft stick Nativities placed around, plus some greenery off a ward member’s redwood trees and some battery candles. Lots of compliments for the craft stick Nativities. One sister is going to have her family do them for their extended family night. The Primary presentation was sweet and meaningful. The children sang well. Everyone seemed to have a good time (except possibly our overworked kitchen manager)

Busy, busy, but not quite as hectic as I feared. I made lots of phone calls – looking for more people to volunteer to help with the food and reminding those who had. I helped deliver “Winner, Winner Chicken Dinner” Kits which had everything one needed to make our main dish except a half (?) cup of milk and oven to bake it in. I didn’t have to go around picking up Nativities or trees. I made two apple cakes and two dinner casseroles. I helped a little with set up on Friday. I was there the whole time, only a little help LOL. It was not as organized as I expected. No clear leader. I had almost accidentally drug Miriam along – we took too long doing one of her errands and so I didn’t take her home first. Good news, bad news. She has a good eye for decorating and setup and she is not afraid to tell people what to do. Maybe she should have checked with the RS President before, but, well she did a good job. Worse news is that between that and a couple other things she got wiped out and was unable to go the actual dinner on Saturday or church Sunday noon. She was able to have dinner with the family Sunday and between leftovers and recreations, we had the same dinner as the ward had Saturday. But not the lovely Primary program, of course.

I had thought that Benjamin, Bethany, and Jacob were coming over, so I skipped a Messiah Sing-a-Long at the Presbyterian church and the Valley Choral Society Concert at our own building to take care of dinner (and try to straighten up a little). Otherwise we would have had tortilla wraps on the run. It didn’t work out for B+1, which was disappointing. We had a pleasant evening nonetheless. I also missed our local Live Nativity on our temple hill . Well, it was chilly outside, anyway. Hopefully timing will work out better last year. We have gone at least 2 years and it is quite well done.

Now I need to finish gathering and wrapping family gifts. Try to get my Christmas cards out. And maybe, maybe do a little to take of myself and home. Or that can wait until next year.

stick it to me

 email to my granddaughter, Acadia, serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Oregon Eugene Mission

 

Patchy news. not much

Baby Jacob Bruce Robarts spent a little extra time in hospital. Apparently he had swallowed fluid before or during birth.  With his tummy full, he was not eager to eat.  And he was sleepy.  After they pumped his stomach, he started eating better.  He is a rather laid back, easy going fellow.  Benjamin and Bethany are totally in love.   He is a charmer.  And wearing 3 month clothes.

Despite feeling like I was quite busy all week, I have nothing to report. 

We are almost done making the craft stick Nativities.  Which is very good, because the Ward Christmas Dinner is Saturday.  I need to remind everyone who signed up to let us use Christmas trees and/or Nativities and everyone who signed up to help with food.   The RS 1 C is putting together kits of ingredients  which we will need to deliver.  I need to help deliver food kits and collect trees and Nativities from those who cannot get them to the church as needed.  There is a lot of shopping to be done.  The RS Pres was going to do most of it, but she was very sick Sunday, so that may change.  I need to get CDs from Tom with a playlist of Christmas music for background for the dinner.  And get hold of a CD player.  Friday we are setting up and decorating with the youth, maybe just YW? and having pizza.  Saturday I will be doing some cooking for the dinner.  Not sure what all yet.  I know at least one Winner, Winner Chicken Dinner, but I may have to also make some Apple Cake.  This is going to a busy week.  I hope the dinner goes well. 

I went to a class Saturday about watering and  pruning trees.  There is a lot to learn and I only remember bits.  Then, too, I don't have any young tress right now.  My "baby" apple tree is several years old now. 

Church ads inviting people to a special service Sunday the 22nd end showing hands reaching for cookies.  Having heard nothing, Miriam, Teresa, and I started asking.  As of last Sunday, there were no plans for cookies.  False Advertising!  That troubled us, so we started thinking about what we were going to do about it.  Do we have time to bake?  Costco has a great bakery.  I usually do not care for store bought baked goods, but I have never had any bakery items from Costco that I did not think were very good.  Fortunately, yesterday Relief Society brought it up in Ward Council and, joy of joys! Elder's Quorum accepted the assignment.  At least there will be cookies.

Do you find that people are more willing to learn about Jesus Christ and His gospel this time of the year OR are they too busy with Christmas preparation and activities ? 

Wishing you warm hands, feet, nose and heart.

Love,

Grandma Barbara

8*5*(8-2+1)

email to my Granddaugher, Acadia, serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints - 

What a wild wonderful week!

Monday was mostly shopping for Thanksgiving and attendant activities. That was wild enough.

Tuesday morning was Relief Society Presidency Meeting. We are in charge of the Ward Christmas Dinner. Just dinner and music. They keep announcing it as a party, but to Miriam and I party sounds a little more active and festive. I hope that the kids are not disappointed. 

Then dinner at Ruth’s with your family. Hawaiian Haystacks. And lots of talking. Almost everyone at once.  It was loud.  All of my children and almost all my grandchildren. Everyone except you and Molly. I so seldom see Molly. Does Benjamin and Bethany’s baby count? He was in utero. We even got to meet the ever famous Kali (Roser's dearly beloved Maine Coon Cat)

Wedneday morning David and Teresa, the Hinds, and we Patch people met at Country Club Plaza Mall for a scavenger hunt. Everyone seemed to have a good time. Peter only intermittently because he just woke up in a bad mood. Lol. Since there were few of us, we all stayed together and worked pretty much cooperatively. Sam had pictures of things to look for, the rest of them worked from written clues. We played about an hour before dispersing to our various preparations.

Take a picture by the capitol. 

 

 

 

 

Find a Fairytale Town element.

I prepaid for each child to choose a balloon.

The hunt planning crew.

Clue: Make a bird sing.  (When you enter the shop, this bird sings. So fun!)

David and Teresa were going to spend Thanksgiving with her sisters’ family but the kids started getting sick, so we got DT for Thanksgiving! Typical Thanksgivng Day dinner close to our regular dinner time. We were so full we didn’t eat any pie. Pumpkin pie for breakfast Friday!

Benjamin and Bethany went to the hospital Thanksgiving morning about 10 to have labor induced. We were on alert all day. And all night. And into the next day. Jacob Bruce was born on Friday at 1:39pm 9lbs 11 oz, 22 inches Big boy! We have only seen a picture, but he looks a bit like Ben did.  They are settling in, learning to feed, and avoiding germs.

Naomi got sick, so we cancelled plans to play games with Hinds for Forced Family Fun Friday. (Frankly, I think that delightful, but short lived tradition is dying. I am going to try to encourage more Family Day togetherness January 25) Tried to do some cyber shopping. Small stack of birthdays right after Thanksgiving! Benjamin Dec 1, Bethany Dec 2, and Molly Dec 4. (Bethany’s brother is Dec 3, but I don’t gift him.) Miriam convinced me to wait until we looked at Target. Joseph and I went to Office Depot where he got a Chromebook that was on a good sale. And we bought a new printer. There was a $50 trade in on any printer, so I went home to get our old one. We bought the printer. Andrew, Miriam, and I went to Target. None of us found what we were looking for. I ended up on Amazon ordering a book to be delivered to Molly, and gift cards for B&B.

Joseph worked on setting up the printer. Which said an ink cartridge was leaking. He checked and didn’t see anything, but the printer insisted. So, we went back to the store. (That made 3 trips to that store for me in one day.) At first, they were baffled, but when they took the printer out of the box and looked at the back, there was ink everywhere. Unfortunately, they didn’t have any more in stock. Offered us a discount on a different printer, but I declined. A new one will be shipped here tomorrow. Hoping it works out! In the meantime, instead of a printer that hates me but sometimes works for the others, we currently have no printer. Of course, I get last minute requests to do some kind of sign up sheet almost every week for Relief Society. This week it was for temple cleaning. I got one up on-line and it will be in the notebooks next week. (I hope!) The assignment is Dec 14-20, so we have a week.

Saturday was Andrew’s last day as Building Cleaning Supervisor until July. Joseph went to help and they had a good crew. Andrew felt like they went out well. I think the Spanish ward will do December and June. The other ward in our building will do January through May. It’s a big job. Andrew is glad of the break.

I got a surprise text! My friends, Kent and Melanie Larson, who moved to Utah years ago, were in town. Their oldest son married my Bishop’s daughter and their daughter married one of my former Bishop’s son. They had Thanksgiving with the Bishop. On Friday, which was the best weather day of the holiday week, they went to the ocean so Melanie could put her feet in the ocean. Saturday they visited friends. Joseph and I spent an hour or so with them. They are friends that when you get together it seems like there was no gap in time or distance. 

Sunday evening we managed some Downton Abbey time with David and Teresa. 

Now it’s back to the regular life. Clean, cook, pay bills. EXCEPT I must get ready for Christmas! I got a few things together to send with your folks, but now I need to get on everybody else. So far I have not been adequately inspired by “what to give a missionary” and all my years as a missionary mom still leave me without great ideas. Any modest suggestions?

I am charge of gathering / making Nativities for each table for the Ward Christmas Dinner on the 14^th. With Teresa’s help, I am making cute craft stick Nativities. I am also in charge of background music. Working with Tom to get a playlist and with David to set it up for sound through the building’s speakers. 

I have been neglecting my ministering sisters. Gotta spend some time on that this week for sure. I have a couple I should contact multiple times a week. 

Over booking, over booking. The 13^th, 14^th, and 15^th is the Live Nativity on our temple hill. But the 13^th is set up and decorate for the Ward Dinner. The 14^th is the Ward Christmas Dinner. And the 15^th is a Sing-along Messiah at Bethany Presbyterian Church at 4 and Valley Choral Society Messiah concert at our building at 7pm. I think we will miss the live Nativity this year. Teresa, David, Andrew and I went to the Sing-along last year and determined to make it a tradition. We should be able to easily make the Valley Choral Society Concert. 

My bruise from the last visit is almost healed.  Time to book another platelets donation. 

So glad I am retired and have lots of free time. LOL

Thank you for bringing joy to our world through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

hear the calling

email to my granddaughter Acadia serving a in the Oregon Eugene Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

I think about you all the time.  So proud of you.

As you know, things are moving along with your family move.  The good news for me is that we will be able to see your family briefly as they drive to Arizona.  What a trip that is going to be with the cat!  I don't think the details have been worked out, but I THINK we will all be together for dinner Tuesday night before Thanksgiving - Hawaiian Haystacks.  

It is going to be a bit of a different Thanksgiving for some of us.  Your folks at Lucas' cousin's mother's house (so nice of them!) and us at the Patch just us. 

It would be the perfect opportunity for me to do a Thanksgiving thing I like - invite people from the ward who might otherwise be alond, BUT  1) I am feeling not very ambitious and don't want to do a big full on meal alone, 2) part of that is I hope to spend time with at least some of the family Wednesday (working on a scavenger hunt at a nearly abandoned shopping mall), 3) my house is still in a state of more than usual chaos (which is always bad) with the kitchen project rather stagnant, and 4) Miriam does not like the idea.  I am still half considering it.

 

What fascinating things do I have to share this week?

The most impressive thing was I got a mammogram. Smashing. I have heard nothing back yet, so I assume they saw nothing alarming.

I went to a 3D printing class at my local library. Unfortunately, my computer didn’t want to play nice, so I didn’t finish the project. It was not really a class for understanding as much as doing a specific project. I suppose one gains some understanding of the process. I am told that one can go to the website for this 3D program thing and take tutorials for free. Something to add to my Things To Do in my spare time list.

What I need to do is learn Time Management and Self Control.

In Sunday School, our instructor, Tawna, told us about how she had been feeling quite unwell and unable to go to the store for things she needed. She put an order on Amazon Prime and they quickly delivered what she needed right to her door. What feelings of relief and gratitude she felt! She then compared how much more relieved and grateful we should be to our Savior who has provided us something we never could have done for ourselves – the Atonement and path to forgiveness and returning to our heavenly home.

The lesson this last week asked us to think about our own definition of faith. The first word to my mind is Trust. What is the first word you think of?

I heard another song that I really like at the RSVP concert Friday. (RSVP is a singing group Bethany belongs to - but is not performing with this season due to being fit to burst out in baby any time now.  RSVP is a charity organization.  They do free concerts, but each concert season features a local charity for which they solicit donations.  This season, it's Wellspring Women's Center which provides a safe place and counseling for women in difficulties to visit.  Anyway, the song is "Calling My Children Home".  I liked the RSVP version better than any I have found since. 
Those lives were mine to love and cherish
To guard and guide along life's way
Oh God, forbid that one should perish
That one alas should go astray.
Back in the years with all together
Around the place we'd romp and play
So lonely now and oft times wonder
Oh, will they come back home some day.
I'm lonesome for my precious children
They live so far away
Oh, may they hear my calling, calling
And come back home some day.
Love you,  Grandma Barbara

a little over my head

email to Granddaughter Acadia serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Oregon Eugene Mission-

It is thrilling to read of the good you are doing and the good people you are working with. Exciting to think of lives being opened to the goodness and promises of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

One sees the Lord’s hand in how quickly your Vancouver home sold and how quickly your folks found your Chandler home. I admit that a part of me wishes you were staying in the PNW, but we trust the Lord in His love and wisdom. I am sure that wonderful things await you in Arizona.

My replacement phone arrived and I managed to set it up myself without having to ask Joseph for help! My old phone is now the Green Lantern. The wifi works without being connected to my carrier, so I can still get limited use out of it at home. The new phone is much the same, but supposedly with better camera, storage, and battery life. I tried to call a ministering-to sister. We could hardly hear each other. Then I realized that the speaker and microphone are positioned differently and the old phone case (which I really like) covers them. I stuck tiny pieces of plastic under the edge of the cover so the sound is better now.

Friday, the Front Street Animal Shelter hosted Climb for a Cause at Peak Adventures at Sac State. Unfortunately it was during work hours so Joseph missed it. Andrew has Fridays off. He climbed and walked a log walk several feet in the air and then a rope walk that was at least as high. The support people were great.

Sunday was a rare treat. At 9 we went to Hinds’ ward for their Children’s Sacrament Meeting Presentation and at nooon, Andrew and I went to our ward for our CSMP. Both had me in tears. Brighton Ward (my ward) really scored by having the children sing both “Gethsemane” and “Miracle”.

“Gethsemane” is a most powerful and touching explanation of the atonement. I love that song. I bought the music and choir rights to it when I was Primary President. A couple of weeks ago, our RS 2^nd Counselor used it in the Relief Society lesson. It is awesome. Do you know it?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uSGSvKy6Io

“Gethsemane” by Melanie Hoffman

Jesus climbed the hill

To the garden still

His steps were heavy and slow

Love and a prayer

Took Him there

To the place only He could go

Gethsemane

Jesus loves me

So He went willingly

To Gethsemane

He felt all that was sad, wicked or bad

All the pain we would ever know

While His friends were asleep

He fought to keep

His promise made long ago

Gethsemane

Jesus loves me

So He went willingly

To Gethsemane
The hardest thing That ever was done

The greatest pain that ever was known

The biggest battle that ever was won

This was done by Jesus.

The fight was won by Jesus

Gethsemane

Jesus loves me

So he gave His gift to me

In Gethsemane

Gethsemane

Jesus loves me

So he gives His gift to me

From Gethsemane

"Miracle,” new to me this year, is amazing as well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZ2djzQ9J64

“Miracle”

Lyrics by Shawna Belt Edwards

Jesus walked upon the water

He stilled the storm and calmed the angry sea,

With His hands he healed the leper,

He made the lame to walk the blind to see.

He fed a thousand people with a loaf or two of bread.

And when the ruler’s daughter died,

He raised her form the dead.

Jesus is a God of miracles,

Nothing is at all impossible to Him,

But I know this:

Of all his miracles,

the most incredible must be

the miracle that rescues me!

Jesus bled and died to save me,

A price that I could never pay alone,

When he rose again he gave me,

The greatest gift the world has ever known!

Yes I can be forgiven every time I repent

And someday He will lift me up to live with him again.

Jesus is a god of miracles.

Nothing is at all impossible to him,

but I know this; of all his miracles

the most incredible must be the miracle that rescues me!

The miracle that rescues you and me!

Love you!

Grandma Barbara

rice spa

11/4 email to my granddaughter Acadia serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Oregon -

Plunk. Monday my phone took a spectacular dive landing in the only liquid anywhere close by. From the stove hood to the pot of chicken broth on the back corner. I pulled it out quickly, wiped it down and put it in rice. But it was doomed. It eventually recovered to the point where the phone seemed to function, but the screen was green (horizonatally striped green like old fashioned wall paper) and you couldn’t see anything. After some research, seeking opinions, and wavering forth and back, I have ordered a replacement phone. Joseph managed to get to settings and up the screen brightness to where I can see somewhat through the green curtain. I have learned that I am very technology dependent. I miss my phone.

I told you I have been a little Downton Abbey crazy lately, watching DVDs whenever David and Teresa can come over. On a slight hiatus at the moment as they are in Tracy watching a little nephew and nieces while they get a new sister. But this week, despite still being only half through the series, David, Teresa, Miriam and I went to see the movie. It was good, but not nearly as good as the TV series. Hard to put my finger on exactly, but I often found myself feeling I was watching caricatures of some of the characters. So, will I buy the DVD when it gets to Costco? Oh, probably.

I donated platelets on Halloween. One of my attendants was Vitalant Man. He was fun. And I think the only one who dressed up. He liked my pirate and was full of Arrrs and Ahoys. I told him that it was good sailing with him.

Miriam got 3 tickets to a Disney movie for purchasing Almond Milk in multiples of 3 during a certain time period. Actually, I did the shopping, but she bought and drank it. The tickets expired Halloween, so she, Teresa, and I saw Maleficent – Mistress of Evil. And we learn a little about not judging.

Miriam bought 2 dozen little plastic unicorns and 3 dozen littler plastic dragons to give the neighborhood kids on Halloween. We finished the evening with 4 dragons. I was surprised we had that many Trick-or-Treaters and we were happy to hear many exclamations of delight, even from older Trick-or-Treaters. One of my ministering sisters gave out candy and holiday pencils. She said she could hear the children excitedly telling their parents about the pencils. Something to bear in mind for next year. Kids like little gifts.

Our Sunday School lesson focused on fear preventing us from doing good. What are we afraid of and what can we do about it. It is surprising how fearful we (I) can be sometimes. One of the strangest things is being afraid of repentance. Embarrassed, afraid of the price we will have to pay, afraid we cannot change. The struggle is real. Yet it is silly of us. Embarrassed to confess to God? Like He doesn’t already know. Afraid of the price/punishment/cost of repentance or change? It will only get worse if we don’t. Afraid we cannot change? Christ said that we can with His help which He yearns to give. And yet it seems hard. We need to love and trust the Lord more completely.

Our poor compassionate service leader. Last week she was trying to get people to sign up to bring meals to a pregnant woman with a son in burn center at Shriners Hospital. She gets people lined up and before we take meals in the boy is discharged and they go home. Good news all around. This week she asked us to take meals to one sister and soup to another brother. I was to take something to each of them today. As I was reviewing my recipes (no salt, no cholesterol, no fat for the sister), Lorretta called. The request she saw was an OLD email. The ward had served, the crises had passed, they don’t need food brought in. She was so embarrassed. I laughed and told her that this time we were just being tested for willingness. I hope it is not too wicked to be relieved not to need to actually serve.

There’s still – always – plenty to do. I think I will try to do something useful.

Love you lots!

behind the green curtain

Monday, October 28
My phone took a dive and with great precision landed in the only liquid anywhere close. Now, it is taking a rice (what is the opposite of a bath? no, not shower) treatment. I am not hopeful, but I will check it tomorrow. I feel incomplete and handicapped.
So odd. Not all that many years ago, few people had mobile phones, now they are nearly essential.

Tuesday, October 29
I am nearly crippled without my phone. I started my day thinking it was an hour earlier than it actually was, so I have been running an hour late. Not good when I have meetings and things to do. I hope that rice is doing its thing. (but I fear I am going to have to replace it which means making expensive technical decisions. sigh)

I am quite phone dependent. I keep wanting to ask someone a question, take a picture for notes, check my calendar, etc etc.

24 Hours after the Death Dive, a nice rice soak in Miriam's room which she kept warm for it, I turned on my phone. It reacted slowly, but it turned on! Looked good for a minute or two, then stripes appeared on the screen. Back to the rice bath. But with some hope?

Monday November 4
The days went by.  Phone functionality appeared to return, but behind a thick  green curtain so I couldn't see what was on the screen.   Sunday, Joseph managed to get to settings and up the brightness to its highest level so I can see somewhat and use the phone until I get the replacement.

I looked at several phones.  Two of my daughters have Pixels which they love.  At least one of my friends dreams of having a Pixel.   I found myself torn between a Pixel (possibly 3a) and another Motorola.  Mine is a Moto Z, the replacement would likely be a Moto Z3play.   The Pixel fans love the camera.  The battery does not seem to be any great shakes.  Moto has better battery life, which is important to me. Friday, the Moto was available for $260 while the Pixel 3 was $399.  I almost made up my mind, but decided to sleep on it.  Saturday morning, the Moto Z3play was $500.  ARGH  The Moto Z4 was also $500, with even better battery and more storage. It is supposed to have an improved camera as well.  I ordered the Moto Z4 from my carrier, Republic Wireless.  The Moto Mod Power Pack I already have and the phone case/wallet I have and really like should fit. 

Spending too much money, but I think I will be happy with the phone.  And be careful not to let it jump in chicken broth (or anything else) again.

"What is a Week End"?

10/28 email to my granddaughter Acadia, serving in the Oregon Eugene Mission

Great news about your house, eh? Of course, bittersweet. I wish I had the money to buy it! I can’t move now, anyway. And you guys won’t be there. But, it is such a nice house and more especially a great location. I love the PNW and I love the park and nature area right outside the back gate. Sounds like a good family is buying it.

I’ll be praying for your folks to find a wonderful new home in Arizona.

I look at my calendar for last week and don’t see any big events. Yet, I felt like I was busy all week. 
 

Monday I attended the Elk Grove Historical Society again. Bethany’s mom, Roberts, gave a presentation on the transcontinental railroad. This makes attending two months in a row. Bethany’s dad is currently the society president. Now they are encouraging me to join. Probably not. Especially as Monday is usually when I read or have my phone read the new Come, Follow Me selection for the week to the family at dinner. Which didn’t happen because I left before the guys get home. And then Tuesday, I forgot about it because of Downton Abbey. I am a sinner.

Teresa has started coming over in the morning at least once a week – we are trying to get to more, maybe 3 – for us to exercise together for a few minutes. I have some fun exercise DVDs.

“Body Groove Dance Your Heart Out “with Misty Tripoli - dance inspired, low impact, low stress, a little crazy

“Chair Dancing Fitness Life’s a Celebration” which involves paper plates

and others which I don’t know yet if they are fun. Ha ha. Haven’t tried them

“Core Chapter One – Tighten Your Waistline from Your Chair”

“Older & Much Wiser Workout for Active Older Adults”

Not much excuse for me to be so out of shape!

Friday’s exercise was something different. Again I skipped temple. Andrew is the Building Cleaning Coordinator. He gets the volunteers and switches being the one on site every other month with his assistant. October was his off month. But this week he was only to get one volunteer – a 60+ woman. So he decided to go work at the building Friday morning instead of coming with us to the temple. He was stressing rather badly, so Teresa and I decided to help him – again serve this side of the veil. We cleaned the chapel while he cleaned the bathrooms. It was more exertion than we have been putting into our dancing exercise sessions.

Then we went to lunch at Wendy’s and to shop at Falling Prices. What a weird place. A jumble of all kinds of goods – it coulld be pretty much anything. On Tuesday everything costs $6 no matter what it is. The prices drop each day. On Friday, everything is a dollar no matter what it is. I think on Saturday they are 25cents. My favorite find Friday which I did not buy, but almost wish I did, but don’t know why was a bright yellow hood to toe body suit for a tall person. My first thought was a rainy day bicycle suit – after the feet were cut off to shorten the legs. It had a chemical company sticker, so I assume it was a low level hazmat suit.  It was too tall for Andrew, who gamely tried it on. Andrew said, “Who would wear it when?” I put it back but I am a little sorry. The other time we went, the first thing I saw was a black hoop skirt which I did buy. We joked about me wearing them together. Teresa said I should find something every time and wear them all together. Maybe at the Halloween Party. But I didn’t.

Despite doing most of the really important cleaning Friday, Andrew decided to go back and help Saturday, too. David offered to give him a ride and help clean. My guys are so good.

Saturday I made rice krispie pumpkins. I took some to a friend’s Housewarming Halloween Open House. I had kept her dog, Sadie, while she was between houses and by sheer luck – or minor miracles and tender mercies – helped her find this place to rent which she is delighted with and likes her landlord. 

Then we went to our Ward Taco Dinner and Trunk or Treat. took rice krispie pumpkins. When I dressed, I was thinking pirate – black top and skirt, red head band and red thing around my waist. What a lot of our ward friends saw was gypsy. During the Trunk or Treat, one sister asked me to read her palm. I handed her a chocolate and told her she would have a sweet life. She liked that. And said she already does. 

Finished the evening going to babysit at Hinds while Tom DJ’d and Ruth chaperoned the youth dance. The littles went right to bed. Miriam, Joseph, and Andrew watched “Spiderman Far From Home”. I sort of watched and sort of napped. The timing was perfect. The older Hinds came home soon after the movie ended. Esther had danced every dance. Jared hung out and talked with some guys.  Left rice krispie pumkins for them to have in the morning.

Every possible evening, David and Teresa and I are watching Downton Abbey. Right now we are in season 4. I look forward to seeing the new movie. I hope the DVD comes out soon and shows up at Costco. 
 

I really, really, REALLY want to go on a Disney Alaska Cruise. Hoping, sort of planning, on 2021. I hope you can come. Your mom plans to. Teresa and I are working on David and he is showing signs of weakening. I think Miriam wants to go, too. David and Teresa are thinking of going to celebrate their anniversary which means a May cruise. I was thinking of September for my birthday, but I am willing to adjust. Your mom says less chance of rain. Her September cruise this year was perfect weather, but she says that’s pretty unusual.

I spend way too much time Disney dreaming. Then I have to remind myself that there is someplace else I want to go even more and I need to think on it and work towards it.

In RS one sister shared that when her daughter was born she died. She got up and walked around behind the doctor and saw herself and the baby. Then she went through this tunnel thing. She thought that she would go “Pop” and it would all be over. But she didn’t, of course, She realized that she was going HOME. She felt surrounded by love and so happy. But then she had to back. She was very sad. I think for a few days she mourned. Then she realized that she would go HOME someday and feel that love and happiness.

Blessings on you. Thank you for teaching people about their Heavenly Home and how to get there.

Love, Grandma Barbara

yowl

email letter to granddaughter Acadia serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Oregon Eugene Mission

The continuing cat tale. Felicity had another x-ray Tuesday. Wednesday I took the cockatiel to an avian vet 30 minutes away where we learned that I have been feeding him wrong, declined a $250.00 blood test (still reeling from the $800+ spent on the cat over the last two months), and invested in better food. When we returned, I took a call from the cat vet with the x-ray results. X-ray showed her colon very tapered at the end. As did last month’s. Suggested possibility of an ultrasound which really would not show much of the affected area. Most desirable choice, medically speaking, an colonoscopy – about $2-3000. !!! I just started crying. Not happening anytime soon, if ever. The good news is that the bladder stones are gone. We decided to keep her on the Royal Canin Urinary SO ($$) for now and keep sprinkling laxative on it hoping for the best. Her episodes are weeks and wees apart. I am supposed to contact the vet if she has another episode or in a month, whichever comes first. She seems ok most of the time. Plays once in awhile, purrs, asks to be petted, eats, drinks – acts like a cat.

I feel badly because I really, really want to go on an Disney Alaska Cruise in 2 years. Which, of course, will take some saving up. One of my first thoughts was there goes my cruise. Naturally, now I think about an Alaska cruise “all the time.” Mildly obsessing over Fish Extender Gift ideas.

A weird thing. I usually go to temple on Friday. Now, I admit that I often have a hard time making myself get going and go. But Thursday I was just feeling bad about going to the temple Friday. Then I thought about a sister in our ward who a couple of weeks ago had request help getting mulch for the large area her now disabled husband used to garden. I called her and found out nothing has happened. So I told her that I would meet her with my old, beat up utility trailer (and hopefully Andrew) at the SMUD free wood chips / mulch yard Friday morning. And I felt good. Andrew, Kathy, and I unloaded 4 trailer loads of mulch on her driveway. It was great. I was pretty impressed with us. We thought she would need another several loads of mulch. But that wonder woman sent me pictures Saturday of the entire garden area covered with mulch. She barrowed all that mulch – well, there was some left for work in the front yard – all by herself. I was really impressed!

Saturday I went to the HighWater Jamboree sponsored by safety and water agencies. Found out that I live in a Shaded X Zone which means that I have about a 2% chance of being flooded by an 100 year flood – unless the levees break, in which case I am under 4 feet of water. I am supposed to evacuate south. Which is good news because Ruth and Debi live south of me in an X zone which means they stay dry. UNLESS Folsom Dam goes. They did not have the information on a dam break, but I think we would not like it.

Speaking of not liking it. Your mom informed us yesterday, not to our surprise, that they are not likely to come down for Thanksgiving after all. Too much to do for the move. And this was the last year that she thought they would come down for Thanksgiving. AND IT’S ALL YOUR FAULT. In your after mission life, they will either go to you or have you go to them and that means not coming here.

It is not all that tragic. My children are all scattered this Thanksgiving except the ones who live with me. Everyone is going to “the other side.” It is better that they all scatter the same year and get together on the alternative year than that they scatter at different times and never get together. Of course, 2020 will be sad if it doesn’t work out for your family to come down.

And there are other days in the year.

No big spiritual insights to share, except maybe sometimes serving on this side of the veil is as important as serving the other side.

there is beauty everywhere

letter to granddaughter Acadia serving in the Oregon Eugene mission:

there is beauty all around Barbara Robarts <motherof8robarts@gmail.com> 11:05 AM (6 minutes ago) to Acadia You already know the big news from this week. Your mother called me just as we were leaving the temple Friday and told me that your family is moving to Arizona the first of the year. Wow oh wow!  Then she emailed our family.  I never expected to see her leave the Pacific Northwest and I loved being able to visit there now and then. But I love how she says she loves the Pacific Northwest but she loves your dad more. I know your whole family has prayed and received confirmations, so I know this is a good thing for your family.  We had a great Relief Society & Young Women Activity Wednesday. Except the YW didn’t come. A couple of YW leaders did and they say they had not seen any information. (How did they know to be there then?) We had a potluck dinner in the Foell’s backyard. This house is a great party house and has a nice big backyard that Greg has really made beautiful.  The potluck was nice, but the speed friending was great. We only had a minute or two with each person, but connections were made. Who knew it could be so easy to get to know someone better?! I grew in knowledge, appreciation, and affection for the sisters I was able to speed friend. I hope to better develop my friendshipping skills to enrich my own life and learn to better minister. Our Relief Society lesson was taken from Dallin H. Oaks talk in April conference “Cleansed by Repentance”. We had a pretty good standard lesson until two comments/questions. One sister asked about abusive people in her life. She keeps forgiving and they keep hurting her. Other sisters shared teachings bu Elder Holland and personal experience that forgiving does not mean allowing yourself to be hurt or damaged. I told about doing child care for a sister in my ward who didn’t pay me. She owed me hundreds. After trying to work it out a number of ways, I realized that she was never going to pay me. What was I going to do about it? I decided to forgive her the debt. I told her. For a time I knew to the penney what she owed me, but then I realized that I didn’t any more. I felt that I had truly forgiven then, but I was still troubled. I spoke to my Bishop. “Does forgiving the debt mean I must do child care for her again? “ He said, “Forgiveness does not mean you have to be stupid.” We urged the abused sister to cut the abusers out of her life as much as possible and not put herself in their power.  The other discussion came from Oaks : ‘Just last evening President Nelson challenged us, “Brethren, we all need to repent.” ‘ That got me. What do apostles have to repent of?! How much do I need to repent of to get to where they are? IF THEY need to repent, I must be pretty much hopeless. The sisters responded: They said repentance is not just about stop doing wrong things, it is about starting to do or improving doing good things. Also, the more righteous we become, the smaller things we learn to repent of. On the home front. Nothing. No work in the kitchen. Just when I told the vet that the cat had not had any “episodes” since before I took her it, she did. Sigh. Tomorrow she goes to the vet again for another x-ray. Expen$ive. $igh And the bird goes to a different vet Wednesday with a severely overgrown beak.  My grandfather used to get Arizona Highways. I don’t know why. Except he had been a Highway Engineer, but for California. Beautiful pictures. Every place has its own beauty. Some we appreciate more than others But we can learn. Wishing you much beauty and joy. much love, Grandma Barbara

Opa!

 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