6 out of 7

What an emotional day Sunday was! Camellia City Ward's very last meeting, last meeting in existance. Plenty of work for hankies and tissue - and not just the women, either. The songs all fit the occasion. Songs like "Press Forward Saints," "All Is Well," "Each Life That Touches Ours," and, of course, "God Be With You Til We Meet Again." The Bishopric each spoke in Sacrament Meeting, bearing their testimonies and urging the members to faithful service wherever they ended up. Sunday School was pretty normal, but Relief Society was hard. President Keller gave her farewell address, friends clung to each other wondering if they would be together next week. We finished with ice cream floats with soda left over from Saturday's party.

At the beginning of the meetings, we were instructed to turn in our keys. It truly was an emotional wrench, but after church I did turn them in.

Finally, the BIG MEETING. What a turn out! More than Stake Conference. First, some inspiration, beginning with a video depicting this story from LDS history:

The account of Heber C. Kimball and Brigham Young leaving their homes for England certainly shows the sacrifice they were willing to make for the callings they had received. The account reads:

"September 14th, [1839], President Brigham Young left his home at Montrose to start on the mission to England. He was so sick that he was unable to go to the Mississippi [River], a distance of thirty rods, without assistance. After he had crossed the river he rode behind Israel Barlow on his horse to my house, where he continued sick until the 18th. He left his wife sick with a babe only three weeks old, and all his other children were sick and unable to wait upon each other. Not one soul of them was able to go to the well for a pail of water, and they were without a second suit to their backs, for the mob in Missouri had taken nearly all he had. On the 17th, Sister Mary Ann Young got a boy to carry her up in his wagon to my house, that she might nurse and comfort Brother Brigham" (quoted in Life of Heber C. Kimball, 265).

Heber C. Kimball's family were also ill. Charles Hubbard sent his boy with a team and wagon to help them on their way. Elder Kimball records: "It appeared to me as though my very inmost parts would melt within me at leaving my family in such a condition, as it were almost in the arms of death. I felt as though I could not endure it. I asked the teamster to stop, and said to Brother Brigham, 'This is pretty tough, isn't it; let's rise up and give them a cheer.' We arose, and swinging our hats three times over our heads, shouted: 'Hurrah, hurrah for Israel.' " Sister Young and Sister Kimball came to the door and waved a farewell which gave Brother Brigham and Brother Heber much comfort as they continued "without purse or scrip" towards England. (See Life of Heber C. Kimball, 265–66.)

From the video we were to learn that our sacrifice is small. And yielding to the Lord brings blessings and joy. We are a people who obey the callings of the Lord.

More words of encouragement from Stake leaders.

Finally, President Fisher. I don't remember much of the details. He showed us a map of the then current ward boundaries. (What strange looking boundaries, they were.) He read the opening sentence from a letter from President Gordon B. Hinckley and Thomas S. Monson which disbanded Camellia City Ward. President Fisher talked about how much Camellia City Ward meant to him - the ward of his nativity and many important life events. But there it was, Camellia City Ward was gone. We had "known" it was coming, but, still, hearing it physically hurt.

In a way, all the wards of Sacramento Cordova Stake were disbanded. From 7 wards we went to 6. Every ward has new boundaries, a new name, and some have new leaders, new times and a new building. Last night, each ward got a Bishop. This week and next will see some busy organizing! Sunday we will attend our new wards for Sacrament Meeting only. The week after that is General Conference. During the coming weeks, most of us will receive our callings. On the 3^rd Sunday, Oct 14, we will be a fully functioning ward.

I now belong to Perkins Ward. An amazing number of people I most "missed" in advance of the reorganization are actually in Perkins Ward, too. Not, alas, our Scoutmaster. He is in Brighton Ward.

Of course, he is not officially the Scoutmaster, now. At some point in the meeting, we had a mass releasing. We released every person in every ward position in the stake. We sustained all the Bishops, some new, some former Bishops. My Bishop, Bishop Barrows was called to the Stake High Council.

(Of course, some I wouldn't have minded being in different wards are also in Perkins Ward, but so it goes.)

nothing to do th above comment! - The Roger Perry family, talented and popular are in Perkins Ward, as is Cousin Alice, Glen's cousin Carol's oldest daughter.

Our Bishop is Ron Young. I have no clue, but some of my older children know him via his daughter Susan.

For those who know the geography and are interested, here it goes for my new ward:

Perkins Ward is bounded on the west by Hwy 99; on the north by 14^th Avenue out to Perkins Road; jog north on Perkins to Keifer Blvd where the boundary contiues east to Bradshaw Road our most eastern boundary; south to Jackson Road to South Watt which is our eastern boundary down to Fruitridge, the southern boundary to the railroad near Power Inn: then follow the railroad south again to Elder Creek Road, our most southern border; Elder Creek to Stockton which is the western boundary up to Fruitridge Road, then west to the free way.

The new ward boundaries are much more tidy and reasonable looking than the old ones were. Some debate in our family about what the ward is shaped like. Camellia City Ward looked somewhat like the side view of a small airplane. I think Perkins Ward is shaped roughly like maybe a small dinosaur. One of my charming and delightful daughters said it looks like a snub nosed gun opened at the butt for loading.

Much of what was once Sutter Ward is now River Park Ward. They got my beloved Dover building ALL TO THEMSELVES. And kept their Bishop.

Between Perkins Ward and River Park Ward lies Brighton Ward/

Perkins Ward will meet in the Stake Center. A nice building, but, oh! I love my old building. So strange, when we drove up for Seminary, this morning it already felt different. My home for 30+ years was no longer home.

And there were contractors there! The tears have hardly dried from the change over and already Sutter/River Park has contractors there! What are they doing to my building?!

Seminary continues unchanged for now. Until things get organized, at least. I don't know if the geography of high school attendance will affect Seminary location assignments.

Our Scout troop will meet this week at least. A good bye and also the ones going to Scout Expo need to do some planning.

I think that Sunday is Fast Sunday. Testimony Meeting will be a good time to start to get to know our new ward family. I am looking forward to it.

The Last Dance

As Camellia City Ward shares boundaries with 3 other struggling wards, rumor is rife that it will be totally disbanded, chopped up, and redistributed. Veiled hints from those who likely know do nothing to quell these rumors. CCW has been my home for well over 30 years. There are still a few families left who have been here much longer. Some who have been around since the old Homestead Ward. We have been in mourning since the announcement last week of the boundary changing meeting tonight.

CCW has its weakness, challenges, and failings, but it is home. Our ward family has its misfits, oddballs, annoyances and deadweight, but it is our family. Even the ones which we might not mind too much being in different wards, we worry about a bit. Will they be welcomed, tolerated and helped? And what about our Lao and Mien people?? Although they live all over the city, some quite far away. CCW has been their home, too. We have the special missionaries who come and learn the language here in the field. We have spent ward money on translation equipment and extra materials in Lao and Mien - without getting extra consideration in our allotted budget. We have tried to provide a place where they are welcome, have someone to help with the language, can share a little of their culture, and also learn to live in America. Where will they be going now? Troop 40 has at least 2 more Life Scouts I was looking forward to seeing make Eagle soon. I am sure that we will be separated from at least one of them. What will happen to our Troop? Hopefully Troop 40 will survive the restructing, whether or not we are part of it. It is like the 2nd oldest troop in our Council. Some many questions and so many memories.

Then, of course, the question, what challenges will we face in our new ward?

We have to believe that the changes are inspired and, therefore, the best for everyone.

We (one or two of us) are looking forward to meeting more youth, especially hopeful of meeting new, worthwhile, opposite gender youth. The dating pool in CCW is not very deep.

New friends, new callings, new leaders, and the same true gospel. Still, I woke up crying this morning and have experienced occasional light showers since.

How fortunate and inspired that our charming, creative, delightful (as well as beautiful, intelligent and fun) Ward Activities Chair had scheduled a Ward activity for last night! The Bishop said, Forget the expenses. full speed ahead! - He who is always counseling thrift and creativity and worrying about the budget. - Go ahead and shoot your wad. The ward bought pizza and sodas. ( And lots of balloons. ) The members brought salads and desserts. It looked like a lot of food. Several people exclaimed at all the pizza. It was all devoured. Good food, good music, good fun. From time to time some of us would turn a bit wistful and melancholy, but we would shake it off, remember our faith, and party on a little harder.

Part of the fun - Family Feud starring the Foell family and the Hamaker family! "What do children do in Sacrament meeting?" "What qualities must a Bishop have?" "What makes you late for church?" "What do people use to keep their place in their scriptures?" "What should a missionary have before going on a mission?" Lots of laughter and audience participation.

We had a great party. Now it is over. The last dance.

Today in Sacrament Meeting, the Bishopric will bid "farewell to the troops." I think I had better bring a hanky. or two.

I am going to HATE giving up my keys to our beautiful building!

All things must change to something new, to something strange. - Henry Longsworth Longfellow

Sunday next will somewhat rock the world as I know it.  That evening all of Cordova Stake is invited to a special meeting where new ward boundaries and names will be announced. 

 

New wards, new leadership, new callings, and even a strong possibility of changing buildings. 

 

Rumors, speculation, nostalgia! 

 

Indications are that this will be no minor adjustment, but possibly an entire new shake up.  We are all considering our friends, neighbors and leaders - wondering who we will be sitting with next week -  and where.  We know there are people we will miss seeing and working with regularly.  I am thinking how fond I am of our particular building. 

 

There is a little anxiety and maybe a little excitement.  We have long known that our ward and our sister ward have been struggling in many areas.  But, we are,nonetheless,  fond our of our ward, our ward family.  We are praying to accept the changes with faith and trust in our leaders.

 

Plans, programs, neighbors, and leaders may change, but the gospel remains eternally the same and true. 

 

Change is the constant, the signal for rebirth, the egg of the phoenix.   Christina Baldwin  

Morning Shift

Last week, we had hardly been at the dog park long, when Anna attacked another dog! (Approximately equal size, at least) They had been approaching towards each other and retreating like dogs sometimes do. She had expressed what I thought was her excitement, but may have been some anxiety, by jumping on me - which she is not supposed to do! Then suddenly, without apparent provocation, Anna went after the other dog.  Of course, she wouldn't listen and I had some difficulty pulling her off.  Fortunately, she didn't actually hurt him.  I gave the lady my number; thankfully she has not seen the need to call.

Anna has not been to the dog park since.  I do intend to take her back.  Probably tomorrow.  I think when she goes to the dog park now, she will wear a harness.  I hope that such an incident does not repeat itself, but if it does, I hope her harness gives me a better chance to get a grip on her.

Other reasons for not going to the dog park include gas prices, early morning weekend obligations, and a shift in the Seminary schedule.  Seminary is 15 minutes earlier now, so I don't catch my friend who also frequents the dog park.  Anna and I play in the church parking lot or walk the neighborhood.

One morning recently, she did another no-no and chased a cat despite me calling her off.  So she had a time-out in the car while I played with the ball in the parking lot where she could see me.  What I forgot was that my ever low battery cell phone was in the car charging.  She jumped around and broke off a bit of the charger inside the phone.  I think my phone and I are soon to part company.  Of course, that was days ago and the phone that starts beeping low battery after sitting for 9 hours doing nothing, was still fully charged until I called my aunt this afternoon and talked for nearly half an hour.  Strange. 

It is time for me to study phone plans anyway.  My phone is on my ex's family plan.  That's not quite right to keep.  I just haven't had time to study phone plans and budgets yet. Any recommendations?  Until then I am carrying my old Virgin Mobile, when I remember.

Barely Managing Accounting

 I know I am always saying that I am busy, and truly believing it; then it gets busier!  I am far behind in reading and even further behind in writing my correspondence.

My Managerial Accounting class is in session. Wow-o-wow.  Sacramento City College has shortened its school year by a couple of weeks and, consequently, lengthened the time in class each day.  Instead of being in class for about 2 hours, we are in session for 2 hours and 40 minutes each time we meet, which is twice a week.  Add in collapsing on my desk, gasping for air recovery time from the mental exertion plus painful commiseration and peer therapy among classmates and I lose nearly 3 hours of work time.  Ok, minus the 30 minute lunch break, I lose being in class, and the breaks I sometimes take on regular days.  oh, Liz, Hi, I mean the state mandated breaks I regularly take.  There seems to be a slightly frantic air about the professor to make sure we cover the material in the time alloted.  He seems to be feeling the pinch of those 2 weeks.  The homework takes hours and hours! Not just for me, the pretty much the whole class is struglling.  Thank goodness that with homework being on-line, we can click "how am I doing" and find out if any of our answers are right yet.  We do a step or two, check, re-work, check, re-work, check, and eventually cheer!, then move on to the next step.  This semester is requiring more thinking, and, well, some of us find it real work.  I know, I can hear the rude comments. 

Speaking of rude comments,  The first day of class our professor was not of clean, respectable, and business-like mouth.  I think he gets away with it at college because some students are likewise and others are intimidated.  Our class organizer contacted the school and he has behaved himself gentlemanly since. 

I am truly grateful for the opportunity.  I could not do it, taking classes for 3 hours in the evening after a full day of work like a couple of our younger workers.  I do not have the stamina, nor the free evenings! 

My boss encouraged me to apply for a promotional exam.  The truth is that I am not fully qualified in experience or education, so will probably be rejected. At least if that happens, they will tell me why so I know  precisely  where I stand there.  And! if I am rejected, I won't have to face the exam which is an oral and terrifies me.  I am not sure when we will hear.

I really like my office.  If I want to stay, I had better earn a promotion.  They are hoping to upgrade my position.  I have no idea of the timeline.  I don't THINK this is a clever ploy to get rid of me.

Everyone Knows Boy Scouts Help Little Old Ladies Cross the Street

Yesterday was Andrew's Eagle Court of Honor!  It went very nicely. 

The cultural hall floor had just been polished - beautiful.  We decorated the stage with trees, tent, fake campfire.  A few Norman Rockwell Scout pictures and the few surviving wooden fleur-de-lis artfully placed.  We set up a few round tables in a arc half way back in the room, with a rectangle table in the middle of the arc for Andrew's Eagle notebook, a troop scrap book (not well maintained, but what is there is fun to look at), and a few items that reflect Andrew's interests - a red towel, a Rubics cube, a block flute - I forget what.  Ruth had made some great scrapbook pages - pictures of Andrew the Scout, Andrew the family fellow, Andrew the unique.  Kudos to the hardworking teams who worked diligently and creatively on planning, preparing, setting up, taking down and helping out in between - which is basically all the family in California.

This is how it went:

Eagle Scout Court of Honor

Master of Ceremonies - Logan    (former Senior Patrol Leader)

Opening Prayer - Glen (Dad)

Flag Ceremony by Troop 40 led by Benjamin

Welcome and Recognition of Honored Guests - which included our District Executive Ricci Dula; the Council Eagle Adviser, Til Lethco; & our Bishop.

Scout Oath and Law led by Riley (former Senior Patrol Leader)  - All Scouts and former Scouts - actually pretty much everyone

"One Hundred Scouts"  by  Til Lethco  Golden Empire Council Eagle Advisor, who prefaced that piece with an amusing bit about boys and the raising thereof

Scouting Memories - Benjamin Senior Patrol Leader and brother - more later

Eagle Scout Charge -    Bishop Michael Barrows

Presentation of Eagle Scout award -  was going to be by Scoutmaster Chris Pena, but his baby is in the hospital (more later), so Frank McClure, former Scoutmaster and current Bishop's counselor

Eagle remarks - Andrew

Troop song by Troop 40 past & present -  Good song!  It moves me to see and hear the guys - boy and men - sing it.  Although I smile to see them extend their arms as if holding a torch and lower them while singing "we hold the Scouting torch on high"

Retire the Colors - Troop 40

Closing Prayer by Tom  (brother-in-law and Bishop's counselor)

After Party with DJ Wojohowitz (Tom)
  

I know you want to hear more.

Baby Pena has a tumor.  I thought it was in his brain, but Sister McC said shoulder.  Well, that is probably better!  The confusion is because it was discovered because of symptoms like a perpetually droopy eye, inability to sweat on one side of his face and some other things - caused by pressure the tumor put on nerves and things.  Wednesday he had exploratory surgery.  When all the tests are back, a course of chemotherapy will be determined.  I don't have much information because I didn't want to bother them and was not able to help them, so I just have been leaving them alone.  What little I have heard is that it is going pretty good for a bad thing. 

The only help I have been able to give has been to take over some of mom Pena's Cub Committee Chair duties.  There is a big Scouting event coming up at the end of the month and the firm-no-kidding-you-must-be-registered-in-advance deadline was today.  I took her paperwork Tuesday and finished that work as best I could.  I had to do Scouts anyway. Which meant finding leaders to replace our Scoutmaster for the event.  I got to make a lot of phone calls, track down applications, track down the Bishop to sign BSA applications, confirm info, and borrow T'Ruth's computer for a few hours.  Lots of stress and worry This while working, getting ready for Andrew's Court of Honor, having David and Teresa come in from out of town, etc.
I still don't have all the information that we supposedly need and found out that yet one more boy who signed up to go still needs to be BSA registered.  Only a few boys are actually going.  Which was good in a way because of the totally lame, slow, and redundant registration process.  Poor programming.  We do what we can.

Back to the Court of Honor.

Glen and Andrew set up the mirror ball Thursday.  When we came in to set up Friday morning, we found the ball had been taken down by early morning basketball playing missionaries  who forgot to put it back. oh, well, the guys hooked it back up.  We did most of the setting up in the morning.  I use the term "we" loosely, because it was really, David, Teresa, and Joseph, Andrew, and Benjamin, while I was off to Council office to take care of some of the Scout Expo business.

Andrew and I went shopping at Costco for the goodies.  Keeping it simple, keeping it fun. I didn't do much food prep myself.

Time for the Court of Honor.  We were finally on our way after picking up ice and just commenting that we were a little later than we would like.  We saw an old man jay-walking across 65th Expressway, stumble at the divider curb and fall backwards into the street.  Fortunately, there was a break in the traffic!  We stopped dead where we were (on the other side of the divider). Andrew, dressed in full uniform including sash, leapt out of the car and helped him up.  A lady from another car and Benjamin followed, but Andrew was first and the main helper.  Andrew steadied him and walked him to the side of the street while I stopped traffic.  Andrew escorted him up to 21st. Ben and I got back in the car, drove up to where we could turn around, went back and picked them up.  It wasn't far to his house, thank goodness.  He mostly spoke Spanish, but with his few words of English and our Sesame Street and Pero Pepi Spanish, we did ok.  It gave Benjamin a story to open with.

With the doing a good turn delay, I had resigned myself to getting the refreshments laid out and ready to go AFTER the Court of Honor and during the party, but helpers like Tom's mom and Teresa pitched in and everything was ready just in time for the Court of Honor to begin.

My favorite story Ben told was about the time the troop was sitting around camp trying to get Jared to laugh. The Scoutmaster promised a candy bar to anyone who succeeded.  There were jokes, stories and goofing around, but Jared would not laugh.  A Scout from the neighboring troop came over and said, "What did the fish say when he hit the wall?"  (Ben said, "please pardon my language")  "Dam!"  All the guys laughed - except Jared and Andrew.  Talk went on for a couple of minutes, but Andrew was puzzled.  "I don't get it."  So, they retold the joke.  "Oh!  I thought he said 'YAMS!'"  This time EVERYONE roared, including Jared.  Andrew and the neighbor Scout each got a candy bar.

What I remember most about Andrew's Eagle remarks is him thanking me and saying that I deserved to finally have an Eagle.  (not that I am not proud of my older boys, younger boy, and my girls!)

The after party was great.  Not only Wojohowitz, but the debut (I think?) of The Silk Lady (I think that is what her brother-in-law-in-law - Tom's sister's husband - dubbed Ruth - or Lady Silk, or something similar) - two great DJ's!  Good food, good people. I chickened out on the chocolate fountain.  Too much work and mess.  I am not a night person and I didn't want to make the evening harder.  We had 2 cakes from Costco, chocolate and vanilla.  Cheesecake from a Ron B. Brownies from Holly F.  Rolls, meats and cheese, veggies, and strawberries.  I saw Kissables for the first time (and yes, ate a few), thanks to some kind contributer. Not much dancing actually took place, but everyone enjoyed the music and visiting.

Everyone, especially Andrew, was happy. 

I miss my guys

I cannot believe that I forgot to tell you about what a lovely day I had a week ago Friday.

I stayed home from work that morning to meet with our Credentialed Teaching Supevisor from Horizon Charter School. The school year has begun. Benjamin is the last one in Horizon as Andrew graduated last year. I was afraid our CTS would want to drop us, because he lives in the foothills some good drive away. It is ok when he comes down to visit multiple student families, but less enticing to make the drive for one student. Fortunately, he not only has other students in the Sacramento area, he has a new multiple student family fairly close to us. Besides, he said he wouldn't drop one of his students. Anyway, I wanted/needed to be there for the initial meeting of the year. Most of the time, he and Ben will meet without me. I think Andrew and Joseph will be here for "two deep" or we might arrange another meeting place - maybe even have Ben go to that other family's house or the library if it is open at a good time. And I don't have any misgivings about him. AND Anna is always here. But, I digress, as so often. We met. Discussed Ben's courses and assignments, how many chapters in how much time, stuff like that.

School business done, all three boys and I went to Scout Shop to get resource material to help my new Senior Patrol Leader. $50. Some of the books will also help me as Committee Chair. Since all I hear is how poor the ward and especially Scouts are, I will probably eat the expense and keep the books. If so, I should turn in the receipt and make note of the contribution so the powers that be can have a better idea of what it take$ to run a troop. This is something my Scoutmaster and I have been talking about. We swallow too many small expenses - he certainly does not turn in all his gas receipts! And yet when we ask for anything, we get this pathetic song and dance. sigh But, I didn't start out to gripe, so on with my day.

Scout shopping done, we took the car back to my park and ride, hopped Light Rail and headed downtown. Just for curiosity sake and because we had decided to go to lunch before finally showing up at work, we rode to the end of the line, Sacramento Valley Station, or something like that. Not that exciting, but for some reason I had been curious ever since I started riding in. From there we walked to Roundtable Pizza in Old Sacramento. All you can eat pizza and salad. Fun. I cannot remember the last time the boys ate out.

Eventually, we went to work. Yes, the boys came. I loved having them there. Wish I could do it way more often! I had hoped they would map my labyrinth of an office for me, but that didn't get very far. (Coworkers like the idea, too) They did help put together some training notebooks. Dull work. My coworkers who are on that were so glad of the help, but there is still plenty more!! I also logged them in on a spare computer and let them play a bit.

My boss said they are welcome anytime. Lots of coworkers complimented me on them.(Handsome, helpful, pleasant) Boss said when they come, I can take a long lunch to take them to Roundtable again (it takes most of my half hour lunch to walk there), since they help out when they are there. I told her that they wanted to know if I would get overtime if they worked. I said no, but maybe I could get a long lunch. She was good with that.

I had thought about having them come in yesterday, before I remembered that Andrew and Ben were heading off to Youth Conference. I haven't seen them since before work and won't see them until late this evening. It seems like a long time,

Of course, I did think that them being gone meant computer time for me, but I got home to find Joseph on the computer (usually he uses an even older one put together from hand-me-downs). Can't complain. He was looking for pictures for Andrew's Eagle notebook. And, I am on now, just finished some banking duties. But I have a "million" non-computer things to do and I go babysit for the rest of the day in less than 2 hours. Not many of the million will get done.

My favorite aunt's signature says "PRIORITIZE/SIMPLIFY/ORGANIZE" Good advice. Difficult for me to follow, however. Not one of my best talents.

Off to do what I can....

I hardly ever do "thankfuls" anymore - always short of time. But I feel them!

9:23am 08/22/2007

Last night, after Troop Committee Meeting, Glen informed me that as of 9:23 that morning our divorce is final.  He was in court.  I have not heard from my lawyer in months.  It doesn't really matter,  I guess.   I had long since signed a form agreeing that we had agreed on the conditions and didn't need to go to court.  Apparently Glen's lawyer informed him that way would take much longer and going to court would facilitate the matter.   My lawyer has not been returning my email.  He is probably in Mexico again.  But the deed is done. It is over, except "as long as there are children, no divorce is ever final."

 

I thought I would feel something.  Relief, freedom, sadness, something.  I don't feel much though. (except a little disappointment and frustration with Mr. Shyster)  I guess because I went through all the emotions previously and this is just the formality.

 

Now I need to find out what business I need to take care of.  Insurance, etc.

 

The boys and I celebrated by eating some old ice cream sandwiches left in the freezer since April Conference.  (not good for the blood sugar)

The Log Jam is about to break at work

The California Legislature finally passed a budget. Once the Govenator signs, we will get authorization to start paying fiscal 07/08 bills! I have about 8 inches of invoices to process and I don't know how many travel claims I am going to be doing checks for.   It is going to busy around here. No more time for problems for awhile. (crocodile tears) 

Hear, Hear

Thursday - straight from work (pausing only to pick up the boys) to the fair grounds.  It was awards night.  Ruth entered 4 cards and 2 scrapbook pages in the State Fair.  She got 3 seconds and 3 FIRSTs!  plus a special award from a craft shop (who no doubt sponsored the prize to increase name recognition, but I forgot).  We got to see the exhibits and some awards ceremonies, eat one dollar hotdogs (not worth more actually), and generally have a good time.  It was a pleasant evening.  We saw lots of great art and craft work, some cool toy displays, and The Cat in the Hat who was visiting in Toytopia.  Too bad I didn't know about this special (free to exhibiters and guests) event BEFORE I bought a Poppy Pack, but, hey!, there is plenty more to see and do.  We will go back the last day of the fair, because some of the family wants to go to the Wierd Al concert.  I haven't decided about me, yet.

 

Saturday - successfully renewed my driver's license without getting a vision restriction.  It was a bit of a near thing, but I passed.

 

Spent most of the weekend working more or less with Andrew on the program for his Eagle Scout Court of Honor - both the agenda and the paper program.  Also, sort of helping him prepare his talk for Sacrament Meeting - encouraging him and giving him ideas on how to prepare - I did none of the actual preparation. And getting invitations ready to mail.  If I missed you and you care enough about me and mine to be reading this, you are definitely invited!!   (7pm Friday, September 14 at the LDS Church 51st & Dover, Sacramento. After Party with Wojohowitz)

 

Special talks in church Sunday!  In Sacrament Meeting, Andrew gave a very good talk about finances.  In Primary, Esther gave a talk about her family and the temple.  You could even hear most of it very clearly.  With the help of a microphone it is true, but her little friend also gave what was probably a good talk you couldn't hear despite the microphone.  They are only 4 years old, after all.

 

We read a little bit of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows almost every evening. I am enjoying it and interested, but so tired and so many responsibilities that we are not having any reading marathons. That's ok, I am torn between wanting to know what happens and not really wanting it to end.  JKR has done a good job of it. 

 

The weekend was good, but too short! as usual.

aaaa! only a month!  I am not even sure what I need to do!  I have issued invitations, reserved the building, and Andrew and I have been working on the program - both the agenda and the paper.  I still need to make sure we people we want to do a part.  So far he only has the Bishop who will issue the Eagle Charge. Ok, and Ben who is to do a little talk.  I need to ask the former SPL's to help and contact Til  whom we are asking to do a blurb "One Hundred Scouts".  Next, I guess I need to think about decorations and food.

 

Good quote on my Google home page today, (well there usually is at least one good one)

"The test of courage comes when we are in the minority. The test of tolerance comes when we are in the majority."
  - Ralph W. Sockman

 

Lunch break is quite over.  Back to earning an honest dollar.