Packing

Hello,

The one bedroom that has almost nothing in it is almost packed. Doesn’t that sound like a good place to start? Course then there is that odd thing that does not really fit in any box. Most of our winter clothes are now in boxes. Leroy has made good progress on his work area in the basement and in the garage. More and more things are being given away. Some of them I am ashamed to say we stored for four years and moved twice since then, but because they have not been used in the four years it is time to say good bye. There are more things that should join that group, but we just do not seem to be able to make it happen.

Today we looked at a place that we can use for storage and even live there until the fall if needed. A family in the congregation has this place that they rent to hunters. Since deer season is not until October we can use it until then. There is a garage that will hold all of our things. I am grateful for this offer of assistance. I believe that we will not need it. I feel that something will happen soon so we will know where we are going next.

I uploaded pictures and films from the Clydesdales. You can go look at them at this site.
http://picasaweb.google.com/psbradway/BudwieserHorses#

Paula

Four Legged Critters

Hello,

The small dark shape ran past the window. As I was trying to decide if it was a cat or a rabbit, a red fox came charging along behind. Running to the other window allowed me to see only the fox flapping its tail and looking disgustedly under the building next door. Leroy managed to race over there in time to see it too. Then as we watched the fox gave up on this particular prey and moved on. For a brief time it checked out a pile of wood chips before it loped onto the school playground and out of sight.

At 10:00 in the morning the Budweiser Clydesdales were coming to town. For once we were not early and it was a good thing since we beat the horses. Not wanting to waste time, we headed on down to the square to check out the corvettes being displayed by their proud owners. Nice cars but not my style. When I saw three semis coming up the street I knew the horses were here and that was the end of my interest in cars.

The wagon came out of the third truck. It was beautiful and beautifully cared for as guys immediately started to polish the brass features. We could peek in at the eight horses in the other two trucks. As soon as one was unloaded it got a quick brush down, was harnessed, and backed into place. Each horse came out after the previous one was in place so it took almost an hour to get this done. The horses ahead of the opening in the truck had to back up with great stomping noise before they could go forward and get out. These were quite docile animals that were quite used to people watching, talking, taking pictures, and admiring.

It was a beautiful sunny day. We both had on hats and long sleeved shirts. In addition Leroy had on long pants and I put on sun screen. Then by luck there were some steps on the shady side of the Methodist church that were around the corner so we could go there to rest in the coolness, race out to see the progress, take pictures, talk to people, and amble back to get another reprieve.
And there are those who think that life in a small town is dull.

Paula

Small things

Hello,

New bicycle handle bars allow me to sit up straighter and see the road and traffic more easily. It is probably not at the height of bike fashion, but what a difference it makes to me. I never knew that I was straining so much to be able to tell what was in front of me. Because of extreme nearsightedness, I had to cock my head up sharply to get the distance in focus. Now I can just sit there and see. What a blessing. How many thousand miles have I ridden the other way and thought I was having a good time? I also have a new bike computer that I can read easily because it has large digits. Even though it was the cheapest one in the shop it even has the time on it so I do not need to try to see my watch. I did not need many functions. I just want to know how fast I am going and how far I have gone. To complete the improvement we, I include Leroy here, need to figure out if I should buy a new mirror or can there be a better way to attach it on this shorter handle bar.

One of the people in the yoga group became quite interested in my mola (a fabric picture) and she started making them. She gave me one as a gift. I am quite pleased with it. I hung it in the kitchen for the brief time that we have left here.

The bone density scan showed that my bone density has improved. However I am to still take the medicine. I was hoping it would be so good that I could stop doing that.

Just look at all the blessings in my life. Pressed down and running over. It continues in ways I can not imagine. Small things but huge impact for delight in each day.

Paula

Photos

Hello,

Yesterday seemed the perfect time to sort through some pictures that I had been throwing on a pile after they had hung in the kitchen gallery on the refrigerator. After all it was hot and humid who would want to tackle something hard.

First I looked through these snapshots of beloved faces, then I put them in piles loosely related to subject, for example which granddaughter was in them. Well that was not too difficult but required some thinking for those with more than one granddaughter in it. There was only one photo album that had only a few pictures it so those were easy to remove. When the album was filled there was more than double that amount of shots that still needed a home. I long for photo sized boxes that could just hold a number of pictures that I do not have to organize too much. Such an easy task, but it is tough for the brain to put closure on it. I have just stacked the rest of the pictures back in the same spot they have resided in for about a year or two. When that room is packed they will sit in the box with the rest of the bookcase items. So much for making progress.

In the same spot I had Christmas cards from 2009; before I could talk myself out of it I put them in the recycle bin. Now I did keep a list of the names so I can still send out a card next year, however I often enjoy looking through last year’s cards and reading the letters. This year, it cannot happen. What a time saver that will be, hopefully not a joy divider. My memory will be a bit fuzzy, but maybe that is nice.

We do not yet know where we will be going when we leave here. I know some great place is waiting for us, but that has not been revealed.

Paula

reading Slovak

Hello,

Slovak has been read in Chariton and Corydon today, but little of it was understood by anyone including me. I wished that I had practiced out loud a couple more times. I still had about three verses to go when the person reading English was finished so I just stopped at the next period. Who could accuse me of have not having gotten to the end? In Chariton others read German, French, and Spanish. In Corydon others read French and Spanish. Considering the size of these places that is a good representation.

We have been here almost too long. People will have to experience some grief at our leaving. Some have even cried when they have talked to me and we still have a month to go. I know that I am finding it difficult to think about it but it is not as heavy on my heart now as it was before. It takes a while to work through feelings.

This afternoon Leroy and I raked up some of the damp heavy grass in the backyard. It was a job requiring strength. We filled the cart twice. So there is now a nice amount of grass around the geraniums. Good bye weeds! Something has been tasting the impatiens. Apparently the red are more appealing than the white. I just hope the shortened stems can survive and thrive.

This afternoon Leroy and I packed another box of Slovak keepsakes. Since the Easter season is over now I have put away all of these things plus others making the box full. We will get this job done. Leroy is all set to finish up the basement and get it organized so we can tackle other areas.

Do robins that have left the nest hang around with mom or dad? I have noticed a robin being fed by a larger more colorful robin. They are both in the lawn moving around but only one seems to be finding any food.

Paula

Home Happenings

Hello,

Leroy is at the Synod convention and it is quiet around here. I think I am not yet ready to be single, especially in a house with four bedrooms. For a guy who does not talk much he seems like a great source of conversation. He is worth something.

I am still working on giving away alyssum. My neighbor has said she would take some. Then I am going to call some others to see about them. I think it would help if it were in nice little pots and did not have to be taken out of the ground. Less bother, you know?

I have marigold seeds to plant and zinnia seeds as well as three spiky red things whose name I have forgotten, and two more geraniums. Then I am declaring me done with planting. But just watch I might get some more.

The guy who owns the mower came with a big trailer, another mower, and his son. With the working mower they pulled the nonmoving mower on the trailer. The father drove the truck away to the tire repair place and his son finished mowing the 6x40 foot strip of grass that was now about 18 inches tall. I need to rake it, but I want to use the garden cart. Unfortunately I can not get it out of the garage because the guy who went to the convention with Leroy parked his car in the garage blocking it in. I could rake the grass in piles and move it when Leroy gets home, but it is so windy that I am afraid it would all blow away. Or, is that just an excuse not to work? I am happy to have the mulch for around the flowers.

I will be reading part of the gospel in Slovak this Sunday. Luckily no one speaks Slovak as my Slovak is getting fainter and fainter. Some of the words I still know, but I can pretend to read as if I do know what I am reading about. Reading is easier than speaking for this chick.

Paula

Outside Work

Hello,

A friend’s fern stayed in a broken pot at our house for the winter. When it was warm enough to put it outside I transplanted it to a new but unfortunately not much bigger pot. She came today armed with two pots and we wrestled with the mass of roots to saw out three distinct pieces of plant, two for her and one for me. First we gently tried to pull it apart, followed that with stabbing with a spade and finally the wood saw did the trick. Hopefully it will all live in spite of being traumatized. Wait until Leroy sees that I kept some of it. Kary insisted that all three looked good when we were done, but I think that was a bit optimistic. However this poor fern will only hear encouragement from my lips.

I managed to talk her into taking some alyssum volunteers home. This is now the third person who has taken some and it still looks like the flower bed has not been touched. Maybe I will have to see if I can give some away at the garage sale. I just hate to pull them up and throw them away like a weed.

Earlier this week Leroy got rid of the robin’s nest, however this morning a robin was rebuilding. “I would like to leave it there,” I said.

Leroy rolled his eyes, but agreed as he often does about minor issues. Now in the evening I think the nest is done. It certainly went together in a hurry. Perhaps it is time to lay the second round of eggs and they did not expect to have to build another nest.

We have had plenty of rain in the last while. Cool weather was also the norm, after this it is to be in the 80’s. Such a radical change! I keep thinking I can wear summer clothes only to have to dig out some long sleeved item as well as put an extra blanket on the bed. But then I am just grateful that I have those items to dig out and put on. What a blessing! Have you been thankful for your clothes that cover you appropriately in all seasons?
Paula

Mowing

Hello,

After being gone for the weekend, waiting for dry grass, and sickness, Leroy finally mowed the lawn. But before he got done he had a flat tire on the riding mower. Now the problem is that he does not know how to get the tire off or where to buy a tire. He called the owner of the mower, but he was not home so now he is taking some time off and reading a book.

I should get out there and rake up the grass. It was truly long. It will make good mulch around the flowers. Impatiens and Wandering Jew are planted in the shaded back area. Only six marigolds are in the front stuck between the geraniums that were kept over the winter. One woman kept six of them hanging upside down in her basement. One of the six died before it came back to me and another has died at my house. The other four are making an effort to live, but it is almost painful to watch as their stick arms try to put out leaves. I wish that I had just broken off some branches and stuck them in water. Seems those would have done better. It was a sad time putting out all these plants as I will not be here to see just how well they do.

The big old soft maple tree is struggling to produce leaves. The shade under it is quite thin. I miss that as it is hard to know where to put any of my house plants.

I should be packing, but have not been able to make much headway. Leroy packed all of the pictures that we did not get hung on the wall in this house. He tried to take some of those that were hanging, but I would not let him. I figure that I will be here for another month and I do not want to look at bare walls. Packing would be more exciting if I knew where we were going. Guess I do like to know the plan even if I do not like to plan.

Paula

Driving Home

Hello,

Sunday afternoon it was a breeze to drive home with not so much traffic until we got close to Des Moines. After stopping at three stores we headed on only to come to a stop about 5 miles from Indianola. Both lanes in going our direction were barely crawling and from time to time we even stopped. “What can the problem be? Do you suppose there was an accident?” I wondered.

Oddly enough the right lane that I was in was moving much more than the left lane. Why would that be? If there were an accident they usually make sure that both lanes have a turn. We crept along taking time to view the scenery including people in the surrounding vehicles. Some of the trucks had people in the back, people who looked to be in their early twenties or maybe late teens. Many of them had on black t-shirts and were drinking beer. Hum, what is this? Some had gotten out of their vehicles and were visiting others. After a bit I noticed that people in that lane needed to use a toilet, but with none available they just used the place they were. Most were male, but not all.

There was much talk and laughter. About 30 minutes later we saw a sign that indicated those going to the concert should be in the left lane. Must be some concert! Monday’s newspaper stated that 25,000 people had attended. No wonder so many of them were lined up on the road.

Once past the left turn for the concert there were only about three cars on the road in front of us. Not sure why but I was happy not to be going to the concert. Such things did not appeal to me even when I was that age. Guess I have always been a stick in the mud. I would rather read a good book.

Paula

Camping

Hello,

We had a good time camping with Brian, Jen, and Sophia at Myre Big Island State Park in MN. Leroy and I arrived first so we did a bit of unloading and organizing. The call came that Sophia had thrown up, clean up was taking place, and they would continue as planned.

It seemed that it would be good to have a fire going. Leroy had purchased two bundles of firewood; we had matches, newspaper, and some egg cartons to get this fire going. It really was a difficult task since the sides of the fire pit were about 2-3 feet high with no air holes. Mostly we burned a lot of matches and produced a lot of smoke. When Brian came he was much more successful since he had brought some lumber from home that was very dry.

On their blog, Jen wrote a more exact description of their vomit adventures. Once at camp they were at least able to clean Sophia, clothes, car seat, and car. Leroy and I had come prepared with clothes line and what I thought was an excessive amount of clothes pins. All clothes pins were pushed into service.

After a night that seemed to have more awake time than sleeping time we had a nice day on Saturday with some time for walks, a long bike ride (long for the first ride of the season), games and popcorn.

Even though I was concerned about being warm enough in this cabin, it was just fine. Because of winter use it was well insulated with a space heater provided. It became necessary to turn down the heat. Blessings pushed down and running over!

It did not rain, the sun shown, and we saw pelicans sitting on the water. Later one glided in for a landing quite close to us. That was a treat.

Paula

Adolescent Robins

Hello,

Last evening I looked out to see one of the robin youngster flapping its wings enough that it managed to get out on the downspout. After sitting there looking at the world from a new angle it walked back to the nest and clamored in.

“Oh Leroy,” I said, “They will be leaving the nest soon. I hope I get to see that.”

This morning at breakfast I checked to see one mid sized robin on the downspout and no visible heads in the nest. After scanning the ground in the area and the trees another sibling was spotted on the neighbor’s fence. Then the downspout guy took off and landed on the ground. The fence sitter finally tried to fly into a close tree, but could not manage and so clung momentarily to the neighbor’s garage. After a bit he too flew to the ground. Leroy and I spent about five joyful minutes cheering them on as they hopped around the yards looking for worms. Did they really know what they were looking for?

Just as I was done watching the show, a parent robin came back to the nest with a morsel in its mouth only to find that the brood had flown. All parents can be taken by surprise that the young have grown up to forage on their own.

Tomorrow we will drive to a MN State Park where we will meet Brian, Jen and Sophia. We are camping in a camper cabin for the weekend. There is to be good weather. And we will try to prepare for the coolness in the mornings and the evenings. Maybe long underwear is in order. Certainly our down sleeping bags will be appreciated in this unheated cabin, getting in and out will be the exciting, chilly part. Is it better to stick a leg out cautiously or just hop right out into the brisk air?

Paula

Yoga Helps

Hello,

I do not admit to feeling upset about our life’s lack of future clarity, but it feels so good when I go to yoga. Part of the reason is concentration on the movements blocks out other thoughts.

Leroy said one of his ears was plugged yesterday. Today both ears are full but there is no pain. He wonders could it be earwax or something in the middle ear. It would be nice to be able to look in there and say yes or no to the earwax.

We have used up the last jar of home canned applesauce. There is one more jar of pickles and four jars of pumpkin yet to be consumed. Before moving I like to use up things so there is less to deal with. The last package of toilet paper was opened this morning. When I bought that package I scolded myself, “Surely we will not be here long enough to use it.” It was a necessary purchase after all. Some of it will be moved, but that is good to have some available when we arrive in our new digs.

When questioned about a job Leroy replied, “I do not mind if I do not have a job and we could take a month off. But the best would be knowing we have a job starting when we are done being on vacation.”

Everyday I write in my devotions that “I trust God for today.” Just yesterday I decided that I needed to write “I trust God with my future.”

It is going to storm here as it is to in much of Iowa. I am grateful that I have managed to get in two walks that added up to more than two miles. I am glad to get out. In some ways it does not seem right that we walk very easily in the snow storms and not in the rain storms where we are not in danger, but can be uncomfortable.

Paula

No packing today

Hello,

I believe I will have plenty of time to pack later, or else it is just a procrastinating ploy. Today I was gone most of the morning and I did not feel like it in the afternoon.

Picking up sticks seemed like a better occupation. There were no very large branches, but enough that it is not good to mow over. That took up quite a bit of time this afternoon. Even though we had over an inch of rain yesterday the scraggly geraniums closer to the west side of the house did not get wet. So some time was spent dragging out the hose, watering, and putting the hose back.

It was also fun to see the baby robins stick their heads above the rim of the nest. There might be four of them in there. I would like to see their first flying attempts.

Leroy did pack up two boxes of books in his office. He tells me there are probably about three more boxes yet to back. That makes his book supply small for a pastor even though he has added to it since we have been here. Books are heavy and not as much fun to move as are lampshades or pillows.

Each month I track what we have spent so I did that for April since we can’t spend anymore in that time zone. Because we had to pay estimated taxes we spent more than Leroy earned in the month, but some of it was paid for by the tax rebate so it all worked out just fine. Actually those estimated taxes are something that we save for all the time so they are no longer an issue each quarter.

The Clivia has seed pods on it, but only one of them is very big and I am pondering what that means. I did see that someone was selling the seeds on the internet for $5. Maybe I should offer the big one on EBay? Would one of you like it for the joy of trying to grow it?

Paula

Moving

Hello,

All of the details of our move are not in place yet, but we know in our hearts that it will happen in June. The congregation has not yet voted on the candidate. That will happen May 23. We expect, as do most, that it will be a vote to accept this person. At this point it would seem that June will be moving time, just when we are not sure. We also have no idea where we will go. We trust that God has something that will be the best place for us.

This afternoon Leroy and I spent some time in the basement packing canning jars and dealing with the first series of moving questions. Should I really move canning jars? Will I have a garden again? Would it be better to just not move the jars and buy new ones? Or know that jars will find me as so many good things just find me?

We also have two boxes of give away items. More will probably find their way into those boxes. In time a third box might join the two. Lifting, packing, and lifting again all change the value of an item.

Today we cut open a perfect mango. It was delicious. Two more are now upstairs. Leroy said as he carried them up, “I think one of these is also ready right now.” Maybe we will have to freeze some of them, but then we can eat quite a bit of fruit if we set our sights on the goal.

Tonight we have a choir picnic. Surely it will be indoors as there is rain and a strong wind whirling outside the window. I had planned to take a cold salad, but I think I will take a hot vegetable instead. Leroy and I will need to drive over there even thought it is less than a mile away. Leroy already got the car out for a trip to the library today. It almost seems sinful since we rarely walk there, but it is very uncomfortable to walk in rain that wets your legs to the knees.

Paula

Visitor and Bird Report

Hello,

Connections and reconnections are made continuously throughout life. For some reason I find this surprising. One of our friends from the first year we were in Slovakia came to visit. She is going to seminary in Iowa and came for the weekend. Most of the Americans in Slovakia changed every year so there were always new people to meet. Amazes me how many people have come into my life when I consider that I spent the first 18 years of my life in one place. We did not really know that many people as my parents were rather quiet people living on a farm five miles from town. In those days we did not go to town on a whim, there had to be a serious reason. I remember begging to go to the library when school was out for the summer because once I had books at home than I could count on going back as library books need to be returned.

Back to the visit, it was great as we caught up on changes, goals, and expectations in our lives. There is a world yet waiting to be encountered and enjoyed.

The rather large, large for the back yard, bird flew up into a crook of the tree where it teetered. Just what is that? But then it flopped out of sight behind a branch only to briefly swing back in view. The binoculars were not in my hand quick enough, but I think it was a duck. Then when it flew away the identity of a duck was surer. If Leroy had been there he could have been more authoritative. What duck would fly into a tree? Do wood ducks sit in trees? Why was this bird so far from water?

The robin parents are busy feeding babies who are growing rapidly. It won’t be long and they will be leaving that nest behind. I would like to film feeding time, but I need to be outside and that might make the elders nervous.

Paula

November Weather

Hello,

In spite of the temperature below 40 F. and equipped with backpacks, Leroy and I headed out to garage sales. We did return after a short distance so Leroy could get a stocking cap and I could get a scarf. But the real reason was that I had forgotten to go to the bathroom before we stepped out into the bladder contracting cold. Besides the walk would be well over two miles and control is an issue in these circumstances.

We only made two purchases. For just a quarter, I got a black purse that I think I will like. Purses are not my favorite thing, but certain situations “call for” one. My old faithful purse is perhaps 15 years old. I can trace it back ten years for sure. It helps to date things when you move a lot and you know where you were when you made the purchase. The internal fabric is starting to tear so it is not so long for this world. Will it be thrown out? Maybe in a couple months. Old friends are difficult to part with.

Leroy got some stamp collector things, albums, and stamps. Most of the stamps he already had, but some of them are in better shape. He spent the grand total of $2. Some of the stamps we could use for actually mailing a letter since they are new, but I think he should try to find a way to sell or trade them to someone else. He especially likes trading stamps. Somehow it feels like wining in two ways.

We were so happy to come home, slip into the warm house, and brew a cup of tea while Leroy spent time sighing and looking over his new treasures.

The house doors had been very carefully locked, but I noticed that I had left the keys hanging in the door of the garage so anyone could have just come right in. Is that a sign of age? Is more carelessness to come?

Paula

Learning

Hello,

Most of the people who come to the Church Women United meetings appear to be quite a bit older than I am. I find that they can still tell me things about how to reach out to others, laugh, sing and pray. No hymn is familiar to all or the favorite of all. We have to keep learning new ones if we want to lift our voices together. This is a small town several women there told me that they had heard rumors that we will be leaving Chariton. They wished that we could stay.

This afternoon Leroy had a service at a nursing home. They sang Jesus Loves me and What a Friend we have in Jesus with gusto. Usually most of the people at the nursing home services just mumble or even sing on the wrong page. Not this group. During the sermon, Leroy used some visual aids and a young man who was working there got interested, stopped for a short time, and talked about it. Later during the service mail was delivered to some of the attendees. Most of them ignored it, but one woman started to read her paper. The lesson here is just be flexible and go with the flow.

Leroy is thinking about selling one of his childhood trains. He is finding that it is worth more than he had thought. Now there is a dilemma, should he sell it, work on getting something so he can have it out so he can play with it, have it out so his grandchildren can play with it when they visit, or pack it back in the box. Right now he does not see much point in having it stored in the box and we just keep moving it around the country.

If you forget your library card you have to walk back home and get it. It is a good thing on a day that the previous walk had been short. I now have logged more than three miles. Sometimes it is good to have Leroy with me as I can use his card. Hopefully we will move to a place that has a library that is close enough to walk to as it is a great destination.

Paula

Busy Life

Hello,

Leroy is busy and I am not. I am caught in limbo reading books and avoiding packing. I will start after the weekend. We are having company and I do not want to have so many boxes sitting around. Honestly I do not want to have boxes sitting around. I can surely pack in a hurry since I have had so much practice.

Brian and Jen got rid of a perennial flower garden in their back yard. Neither of them is filled with a desire to work in such. It was taken out last fall. I noticed several small plants coming up that I thought must be good stuff. After carefully digging them up they are now planted in the front of the house here. I must confess that I do not know what they are, but given their location sun must be their choice. Sun is what they will get here.

This weekend I will set out some flowers in the flowerbeds around the house. I can not enjoy them long, but maybe somewhere someone is planting flowers for me. I can always hope. Hope is free and easy; there is no point in tamping it down.

Leroy planted lettuce, but not a sprig do we see. I think it is now getting a little late for that. We always have put it in the flowerbed here and I am not sure that others would understand that concept.

On the food front, we cut one of the mangos this morning. Brian had given us carving instructions. Unfortunately it is not ripe. Sadness reigns. Is this going to be like our watermelon growing experience? First we cut into them too soon. Even after getting the advice that it is a thumb just beyond a bald head, heading out to the garden where I thumped Leroy’s head and then thumped the watermelon we still missed the sweet spot. It split and rotted before we could eat much of it. Something must have been different about Leroy’s head. Surely we will have better luck with the mangos. No bald head thumping is required, but a gentle squeeze. We are saving this cut one hoping that it ripens some even though it has been split open. Five mangos are patiently waiting for the knife.

Paula

Blessings

Hello,

Brian sent home rhubarb so Leroy and I had a crisp. On Sunday Leroy brought home more rhubarb from someone in the congregation. I did not even look in the bag, but put it in the refrigerator since we can only eat one crisp at a time. Today when I took out the package I found a wonderful amount of asparagus in the bag as well as the rhubarb. Boy was that a treat! We managed to eat all of it in one meal.

Spring and summer are coming. Another person gave us about ten herbs that they had started in their basement. Now Leroy and I are having a discussion about whether to put them in the ground or not. Leroy says pots, I say ground. I am not sure that we want to move all of the plants that I have plus herbs too. Someone said they have some cabbage plants to give us. We should be well supplied. Leroy went out to dig up a space in the lawn, but stopped after about a three foot square had opened up. He pronounced it hard work.

A week from Saturday we are going camping with Brian and Jen. But not tent camping instead we are renting a camper cabin in a MN State park. In preparation I got out the picnic basket to sort through and clean the dishes as well as the table cloths. It was a bit of a nostalgic trip as I looked at the metal tumblers that had been in the picnic basket when I was a child. The plastic plates were also there, but a little the worse for heat. The side of one had melted and dripped on the one below, gluing them together. It was also fun to see the plastic handled flat ware that had metal parts. Some of those must have broken or gotten lost because there were only four of both the spoons and the forks while there were five knives. We have a nice supple of camping equipment. So we should get along just fine in that camper cabin.

Paula

Feeling Better

Hello,

I am feeling better today. Thanks for all the supportive messages. Maybe I had a cold too as I had a mild sore throat on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Then I would cough and now my nose is running. Do you suppose that being physically ill causes depression? Or does being depressed/stressed cause illness? Somehow it would seem they can go together.

We got another fruit delivery today as part of that ongoing Christmas gift. It is mangos. Leroy and I are totally ignorant of how to approach a mango. Right now they are sitting on the kitchen counter and we look at them commenting on their beauty. We have only eaten them after someone else has peeled, or cut them or whatever happens before they appear on a plate. Ripe or not is also a mystery. We like mangos we just do not know them very well. There are six in the box so we expect to know more when we are done.

I called for a haircut today and it helped me to put my life in perspective. My stylist had a message on her machine that her son was in the hospital so she was gone today. Her son has cancer that has been mysteriously difficult to treat. I do not have to face such trauma. All I have are bumps in the road or maybe a trip to the ditch. Certainly nothing that can’t be dealt with in time.

When I “cleaned” up my email list I somehow have eliminated some people. If you know of anyone who has not heard from me in a long time, tell them to write to me. I might have deleted them accidently. So much for cleaning! Sometimes we throw out things we really mean to keep.

Paula

Feeling Low

Hello,

Well the end is in sight. The congregation will be visiting with the candidate next Sunday. Then in two weeks they will vote. From this angle it seems that the vote will be to approve him.

Many people have been telling me how much we have meant to them. I appreciate that, but there is a lot of sadness about this. Then too it would be easier if there were some destination for us. Change is sometimes good, sometimes not and there is no clear view of what will be until we get there.

Leroy’s name has been put in to a congregation in western Minnesota, but there has been no response from them. Leroy did say that they did not want someone as experienced as he is. So does that mean nothing will happen? We do not have a clue. I claim no distress, “God will take care of us.” But the reality is that I am developing a tic in my eye. Could that be stress? Maybe it is better to admit fear and terror.

The following is just a report on things around the house. The Clivia has but three flowers left on it. Someone sent me internet info on how to propagate Clivia by saving seed. I might try to do that, but in the flurry of moving I am not sure how much of that I can take care of and more important find it after we are again settled.

On the bird front a robin has put a nest on the downspout on the garage. We can see this from the kitchen breakfast nook area. I have seen some heads reaching up for food, but can not determine how many are in residence.

A second nest is on the downspout of the second story. I have no clue as to the bird type that built that nest. It almost looks like a two story nest. Does that mean it was there last year and has been added to this year? Or was there a flaw in the first attempt requiring a second effort?

Paula