New Year's Eve

Salt Lake

Hello,

Unlike your expectations of our behavior, Leroy and I will spend a quiet evening at home while Andy and Miriam go to a friend’s house. We, along with the children, were invited, but we are quite happy to babysit. It is especially easy because the party starts late enough that Miriam and Andy have put the kids to bed. The new year will no doubt come in after we are in bed as well.

So, for the last time this year Leroy and I went to the Lengthen and Strengthen class. Some results are that I notice that I am sitting up straighter than in the past. Lengthen and strengthen seems to have worked. Leroy also thinks that my upper arms have less flap, I am not so sure of that, but there is always hope.

This class will be replaced by TRX. I will at least try that because it is to have several different levels including beginning. The hard part is that we have to sign up for it 24 hours ahead of time. I really like just walking in the door. The yoga will also be replaced by TRX. I do not know what TRX stands for, but it should be good.

Our membership is up next week and we plan to leave the week after. The big question is should we buy a month’s pass even though it is much cheaper than paying for single classes. A month for the two of us combined is $35 while each class will cost $4.50 per person. We still have not figured out the exact day we will leave here, but we are getting close to that decision.

We will go back to Iowa to renew my driver’s license, visit Leroy’s sister, and visit my sister in Illinois before heading up to MN to visit Brian and Jen. Other than that our lives are a big question mark.

Happy New Year to all of you. May you find your lives full of amazing surprises that lead on the path you need for meeting the compelling love of God.

Blessings to you.

Paula 

The Zoo Again

Salt Lake

Hello,

It was free day once again at the zoo so off we went, however this time we left Leroy at home because with the additional child there were not enough seats in the car for six people. Once there it did not seem so cold to me, but I prepared better by wearing wool socks, wool sweater, and good winter gloves. It seemed quite fine to me even though others complained some about the cold.

The visit was quite the same with the addition of a tiger roaring. I have never heard such a sound before. It was similar to the lion, but with a little different ring to it. This animal carried on for about five minutes. The other noisy animals were the white-handed Gibbon monkeys who were quite loud hooters or howlers.

At first the zoo was not very crowded, but that soon changed as more parents, grandparents and multiple toddlers/early school children came charging in. I am glad there is such interest in this outing. I do not necessarily like to see animals in captivity, but I know that some species are still with us because of zoos.

Unfortunately Miriam’s back/hips have not healed, but became worse yesterday. Today it was back to the chiropractor. Hopefully this will help her to come back to normal.

It is good that Leroy and I are here to help with some of the lifting, stretching, sitting, and turning that she is not supposed to be doing.

Both Leroy and I are having a bit of a hard time with how long it is taking for another job to appear on the horizon. Are you out there God? But then I know that we are really well off because we are in good health and we have saved enough money to get through a long spell with no job. The hardest part is the health insurance. That costs so much more than we want to pay. But we have the money for that too for a while. After all it is only money right?

Paula

Wild Times

Salt Lake

Hello,

Forget about getting a Christmas letter from me. Each day marches past so fast that I have not had much time to read let alone think. A day without reading is like a day without sunshine. By the way, sunshine is back in our world. We are grateful for the beauty on the mountains.

This afternoon Leroy and I went for a short walk around the block. That may sound simple, but we were accompanied by four children and two dogs. That means just getting ready to set off takes about ten minutes or more to get a coat on each body, find mittens for all hands, shoes for all feet, leashes for the four legged critters who luckily did not need mittens and coats, and bags to collect any dog poop that was produced. Miriam and company are again babysitting for a seven year old (four days), dog sitting for a miniature border collie (five days and nights), and the neighbor and her three year old as well as an infant came for a visit. The walk was really quite painless once we were able to set off. Luckily these children have been quite well trained to stop at the corners when they want to run ahead. When we returned from the walk Leroy cleaned up the dog poop in the yard while the children played on the swing set under my watchful eye. Hands were cold by the time we went in, but it was good to have some time outside.

Miriam had a part of her back/hips go out of place causing a lot of pain. She was able to see a chiropractor the day before Christmas even though he was not scheduled to be in the office. He told her to call him on Christmas day or the next day at his home number if it was needed. She did not call again, but it was obvious that she was in agony much of the time even though she swallowed a lot of pain killers. Today she felt a bit better and went to Pilate’s class with me, but that was not really a good idea. She can stand and lie down, but sitting is not good. We hope each day gets better.

Paula

Sleeping through

Salt Lake

Hello,

This morning Miriam talked about the “child” activity last night. I was quite surprised to learn about it as I had not heard it. First Olivia woke up, crying quite a bit because she was uncovered. Later in the night, Nora disturbed people as she was talking in her sleep. I am astonished that I missed the ruckus. Generally I hear it even if I choose not to get up at that time. Does that mean I have been now sleeping with children in the area for long enough that it is normal? I think I always woke for my own children, but then I felt more responsible at night than I do now.

There is no school in Salt Lake schools this week and next week. Consequently, Miriam is babysitting for a girl who is seven years old. She plays very nicely with the girls so it is not as much work as some might imagine. This girl lo longer takes a nap, but perhaps because she is an only child she can entertain herself while the girls sleep. It does refocus our days. Also Andy’s parents are here so there have been eight people at the table when we sit down for lunch. At this moment, Leroy is flying in from Minnesota. Then we will have nine at the table for noon and eight the rest of the time until Andy’s uncle comes on Friday. Does this all sound like a full house? Well it is. However it all works because we want it too and this house has quite a lot of space.

Can you imagine what it will be like when Leroy and I are once again just two people in the house? Seems to me it will be quiet and sometimes rather dull, but at other times peaceful. What is my own schedule like anyway?

I just read a book called, 29 Gifts: How a month of giving can change your life by Cami Walker. It is worth reading if you have access and the time to pursue it.

Paula

Pollution on the Ground

Salt Lake

Hello,

I read in the paper that Salt Lake is from time to time, but especially in the winter, the No. 1 air pollution place in the country. It is commonly called an inversion. Somehow the mountains on the east and the west trap the smog in the SLC valley. Some of the smog comes from states to the west. Does that mean that when it blows away with a storm it is passed farther East? Sometimes we are generous with the negative things. Around here it just looks gray and has for more than a week. My sinus has been a bit irritated by it and both of the girls have stuffy heads also. Miriam tells me that the young and the old are both bothered by it. If it is severe there is the chance of death for people with respiratory conditions.

Besides the lack of sun that is a downer all on its own, there is a scent in the air. Apparently it also makes it colder. Park City which is only about 30 minutes away by car, basks in sunshine and pleasant views above and outside the inversion.

I tend to have a little bit of a headache, but that could be caused by not drinking enough water in this dry climate. It is enough to straighten my hair. I suppose I should get a haircut, but I do not like to do these tasks with a new person. Leroy and I have been fortunate enough not to need a doctor or dentist. I should get my teeth cleaned; however I canceled my appointment before we left Burlington. It is hard to start with a new dentist unless I am staying with that person.

I keep thinking I will write a Christmas letter, but nothing is coming to mind so as of yet all I can do is wish you a Merry Christmas.

Paula

Pollution on the Road

Salt Lake

Hello,

Nora was losing her voice last night and it was even softer this morning. It was clear she should not practice singing in the afternoon for the Sunday School Christmas program. She wanted her mom to stay home so I was the driver for Olivia who, in spite of a cough, was still in good health.

Olivia and I set out with enough time to get to the church a bit ahead of the scheduled start. As we advanced up State Street to the Interstate ramp I remembered Miriam talking about it taking 45 minutes, during Christmas shopping season on a Saturday, to get to a mall that is just past the ramp. Even Olivia was trying to help me out by telling me to get in the other lane because people were going faster over there. I did change lanes once because I would need to be there later to get on the ramp. Just as in the grocery store I have a talent for frequently picking the lane that is sure to slow to a stop. It did not take us 45 minutes, but we only had about three minutes to go when we got on the ramp. I suspected it takes about ten minutes from that point, so I, the person who likes to be early, resigned myself to being late. When Olivia looked at the cars on the Interstate she declared, “There is no traffic here.” I could almost agree.

On the drive home I again took State Street, because I had previously noticed that the oncoming lanes were not so full. I had learned which of the two turn lanes I should be in to get on the popular street with only one light cycle. So that was not so hard. As soon as we got past the exit for a big store we were mostly in the clear. The road construction causes people not to know which lanes to use so I mostly sailed along in the left lane with little company making our homeward trip quite simple.

One of the reasons that the roads are so crowded is that Mormons do not believe in shopping on Sunday, consequently they must get most of it done on Saturday and the roads are full of people striving to reach that shopping Mecca called the Mall.

Paula

One Exciting Day

Salt Lake

Hello,

On Fridays, Olivia goes to pre-school while Nora stays home or does whatever excursion is on the plan. Today the plan was to go shopping for groceries, store them at home, and then proceed to the mall before going back to pick up Olivia at noon. As we were in the car going to the first grocery store, Nora announced, “I need a tissue.”

I handed her a napkin because we could not find any tissues. After a bit I happened to look back and see that she was sticking the paper up her nose. I told her not to do that and with confidence that she would not, turned around to watch the traffic racing around on the interstate. Soon Nora cried, “I have paper up my nose.”

I could not see it, but she was sticking her finger in the nostril. She stopped as instructed, but snuffed her nose and cried some. We tried to get her to blow air out of that nostril with no success instead there was a little more snuffing. Miriam tried to get her to stop crying, but I wondered if crying would help to make her nose run and get it out. That made Nora stop crying. We were then able to get off the interstate and inspect this nose a little closer. Miriam could see paper, but not get it in this tiny three year old nostril. Nora’s nose was a little bloody, but that was probably from her fingernail. Miriam and I both thought that it would take a Dr. to get it out and because we were relatively close to their Dr.’s office we just went there. No Dr. could see them, but a nurse looked at it with the proper lighted instrument and thought she could get it out. She did a great job of showing Nora the two additional instruments that she would use: one to spread the nostril open and one to retrieve. Nora kept her head perfectly still and it was out in no time. The best thing was that there was no charge for this.

In the mall Nora was a bit bored and wanted to be on her own but we managed to keep her with us until the end. She was in my care when she declared that she had to go potty. I said, “Ok, but I want to call your mom first to let her know that we are going downstairs. In the time that I was looking at my phone, Nora moved off. Before I could complete the call, Miriam came up. At that moment I realized I could not see Nora. We called her name, looked over by the elevator, called her name louder, looked in a bigger area, and called her name even louder. Miriam had just approached a couple store employees about a missing child when an unconcerned Nora came into view.

Relief, scolding, and thankfulness were all mixed up.

Paula

"Amn't"

Salt Lake

Hello,

“Amn’t” is what I hear three year old Nora saying declaratively. What can that be? When she uses it the second time I realize that she is coining a word by contracting “am” and “not”. Besides memorization, surely that is how children learn language sensing the pattern and using it as required.

I will continue to talk about by granddaughters. When Leroy left, the girls did not realize he had gone as we made the plans after they were in bed and he left before they awoke. These girls like to come in our bed in the morning. For some reason it took them a while to notice that grandpa was not there. Shortly after learning that he was gone, they both left the bed and went into their parent’s room. Now I wonder if they had a need to check on Mom and Dad’s availability in the house. As Nora was leaving me she tucked her special bear up next to my ear and said, “So you will not be lonely Granny.”

One night I woke up in the middle of the night listening to an intermittent sound that almost seemed metallic. After about five minutes I just had to try to track it down. Was a faucet dripping? No. Was it the furnace? No. It was coming from Olivia’s room. Olivia was hiccupping forcefully in her sleep. When I came closer to her it did not seem so metallic. I did not know that you could hiccup while sleeping.

We have lost a library book. It is a skinny book so skinny books are now on the children’s banned list. We have had the book so long that today is pay or renew day. We have looked everywhere at least once and many places twice. We have even looked at the library on the shelves. I thought maybe it could have slipped inside another book so we checked that possibility in many places. We talk about this book often and the girls have decided they did not like the book. Grandpa is the only adult who read it. Do you suppose that he did something silly with it? Anyway, the plan is to keep looking and renew it the maximum number of times before paying for the book.

Paula

Getting Leroy to MN

Salt Lake

Hello,

I had been having “vibes” about Brian and his family for some four or five days, consequently, I was not surprised when Leroy related the script of Brian’s phone call. By the way the call came in the morning and it was not until evening that Leroy had a chance to tell me the business about the stress related to sick children and lack of study/work time.

I suggested one of us should go there. We immediately started considering options and looking at flight prices for the next day. After Miriam and Andy had the kids in bed, they got in on the decision making process as Miriam is an expert at finding the cheapest flight price and Andy considered the cost of us both going and driving.

Would you believe that just that morning we had renewed our monthly membership for the rec. center? I was also interested in singing in the church choir concert for Sunday. After all I had spent a good bit of time practicing. For those reasons I urged Leroy to go alone rather than both of us going.

After coming to the conclusion that Leroy would go and fly because it would be cheaper than driving when going solo, we called Brian and Jen to find out if they would indeed like this offer of help. Perhaps because I have always been the one who comes alone to help, they were a bit put back to think that it would be Leroy. He did assure them that he could do childcare so they urged him to come.

Closest flight purchase to departure that we have ever done. The ticket was locked in at about 9:30 pm. and Leroy took off at 7:00 am. That meant that we got to bed late with washing clothes, packing, and saying good bye to each other. We were up early so Leroy could prepare, eat, and be driven to the airport. He had planned to take the light rail in MN, but Brian got out of class early so was able to pick Leroy up on his way home. It was a little dicey because Leroy had not turned on his phone immediately after landing and Brian tried to call him to let him know he was coming to the airport. Leroy turned on his phone just as he got to the rail stop. Luckily he had not yet bought a ticket and the distance back to where Brian would pick him up was not far. Some things do work smoothly if we just trust.

Paula

Separated

Salt Lake

December 8, 2011

Hello,

A couple weeks ago, or more, I was complaining that I was spending too much time with Leroy. Mostly I suppose that means I was noticing all of his annoying characteristics. For the next two weeks I will not complain about that as Leroy is now in Minnesota.

Son Brian, a full time student, is facing finals. Accountant Jen is busy with yearend tasks at work. Consequently, it is a tough goal to provide child care when the children are sick and unable to go to another care giver. Hence it is Leroy to the rescue even if a bit late. However Brian’s finals are next week so it will still help some. Perhaps it is good because Brian and Jen know they can get through difficult times. I have been praying for them especially this week because they had been on my mind. I guess all of the stress was why.

December 9, 2011

We do miss Leroy. He is good for child care such as last night when all the adults needed to be at choir practice. Miriam and I were singing and Andy plays the drums. We will also practice Saturday afternoon in preparation for the concert on Sunday afternoon.

Leroy is also good for a fourth at games, an occasional witty remark, a hug and declaration of love, and good for doing dishes when I do not want to be bothered.

Needless to say we are quite busy around here. It is good because it gives one little time to sit around feeling useless which I believe is a low feeling. I think most people like to feel they are contributing to the good of all.

I could live close to all of my children and be quite happy. It is just hard to know who to select. I have no desire to live in DC so that is a big decision maker about that location. I suppose I could manage to be outside the city someplace in the eastern US and be contented. The real kicker is not having a job in any of these child centric locations.

Paula

Decorated

December 3, 2011

Salt Lake

Hello,

Yesterday, Miriam moved into decorating for Christmas mode.

December 5, 201

I am not sure what came up, but I was not able to finish this letter. I had been going to say that I was not really in the mode to decorate. It might have had something to do with the thought that we would not be decorating our own home. Also Leroy and I do not decorate for Christmas quite so early in Advent. Leroy dived into the project with enthusiasm. Now that it is all done and looks very nice I am happy to look at the changes.

Because Leroy and I have lived with just two of us in the house for the last 14 years, we sometimes find ourselves longing for “peace and quiet”. On the other hand I notice a deepening relationship with the two granddaughters who live in this house and keep it less than peaceful and quiet, unless they are sleeping. I am grateful for this time for us to spend getting to know them as our relationship has been much sketchier in the past. How to have it all? Is that possible? I am also aware that there are four more grandchildren with whom I am not spending time. It is not a perfect world is it? I sometimes fantasize about owning three homes, one close to each of our children so we could have some extended visiting time without being totally in their space. Sounds perfect to me! You must know that I have never owned even one home. Is home ownership all it is touted to be?

Last night we played a couple games with Miriam and Andy. In spite of my moans and complaints early in the games, I won both of them. Oops!

Was that a lesson to me that even when things to do not look as if it will be a winning time, all will be well? Life is not a game, but there could be some parallels.

Blessings to you no matter where you are in the game of life.

Paula

The Zoo

Salt Lake City

Hello,

Yesterday was free day at the zoo so we all piled into the car, except for Andy who was working, poor guy. At the zoo was a brisk 40 degrees with a wind blowing. Or maybe it was colder because the waterfall had big chunks of ice in it. What Leroy and I did not realize was that we would be quite a bit higher so it would be colder than it was at Miriam’s house. We did not wear winter coats, but jackets. Luckily we had on warm sweatshirts and we had gloves, not the warmest, but gloves.

This second zoo that we have been to in about a month’s time was also good. Because we were not traveling with a group of three and four year olds, but only two of them, we could cover much more territory.

I was impressed with the viewing set up for the porcupine. You could see it up much closer if you desired by going in a “cave” that was the home for various animal species who are active in darkness. In the top of this cave there were six openings of various heights that went into the porcupine home. They were safely topped with glass tubes.

When we visited Sarah and Stephen in Kenya we went on safari. It is so different to see these animals in captivity. It brought back some of the amazing sights that we saw such as two cheetahs feeding on an ostrich. Our guide told us he had not seen a cheetah in years so we were quite privileged to see that. Then at another time a mother elephant came quite close to our stopped vehicle. In a few minutes her baby came up and started nursing on the side that was closest to us. That was quite an unusual occurrence as well. We have been blessed in more ways than we can count. Who would have thought that a little Illinois farm girl would travel to such faraway places to see things she did not dream about?

Paula

Still Here

Salt Lake City

Hello,

Two months ago I thought we would have another place to live in connection with a job. Instead there is still no indication that there is anything out there for Leroy. We are moving deeper into the trusting God mode most days. We are neither wondering where our next meal is coming from nor are we unsafe so if we like, we can ignore God. But life still holds many blessings for us even if I have noticed sore muscles here and there from lengthen and strengthen.

Andy started a major re-insulating project in Olivia’s room. Leroy tells me that he felt he was even able to make some significant contributions to the effort. Tonight they are hoping to finish this task; however Leroy tells me that he does not know if he can again work so late. He is a much better morning worker, but then Andy is gone to work.

For Thanksgiving we used about half of a large can of pumpkin for the pie. Today I looked up a pumpkin bread recipe and proceeded to change it to my needs for less sugar and oil. I also had extra pumpkin that was not enough to double the recipe so even though I was not home I took off with my usual adjustment abandon and made two smaller loaves instead of one. In one of them I added a half cup of cranberries that were also left over.

The girls, Leroy and I ate half of each loaf. It does cement my belief that we are training our children to crave sweets because both girls had at least three slices in spite of the reduced sugar. These girls also eat my homemade whole wheat bread that has only about a tablespoon of honey, yeast, water, and flour.

Andy, who has a more serious sweet standard, ate one slice of pumpkin bread. He thought it was good, but it needed more sugar. Neither of us was surprised with that comment. I was not sure that he would like it at all.

Paula

Lengthen and Strengthen

Salt Lake City

Hello,

I was seriously thinking of skipping the exercise class this morning; however I called Miriam in Iowa to ask where the advent candles might be. She asked, “Are you going to go exercise?”

She could tell from my low key response that I had not really planned to do this. Her skill or forte is applying pressure to convince people to do what she thinks is right. I also caved in to her will and my own niggling guilt.

It was quite fine to be greeted with enthusiasm by the person who also comes to the Pilate and yoga classes. Course that woman is an extreme exerciser as she goes to one class every day and some days like today even goes to two of them.

I do not feel as sore now as I did last week, but maybe tomorrow will tell a different tale. One thing that helped was they talked a while before class started so we started five-ten minutes late, but I did not complain about not getting my money’s worth. On the walk home I did feel lengthened and strengthened.

Now if I could just think of something to have for supper (my word)/dinner (their word) that we would all like to eat. These little girls have rather narrow tastes and most of it is not things that I normally eat. Broccoli, bread, peanut butter, granola, scrambled eggs, cucumbers, carrots, and rice are the most common ground. Maybe the list is longer than I realized.

I made some rice because I have missed it and they all like it. Surely I can dream up something that will be acceptable to all. It is so wonderful that Leroy eats almost everything I put in front of him. I do not thank him enough for that.

Paula

The Farm

Salt Lake City

Hello,

This morning the girls and I met their Salt Lake adopted grandmother at the farm for a visit with Santa. As it turned out neither girl was interested in getting too close, certainly not close enough to sit in the sleigh with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Instead we spent time looking at locally made crafts. Then it was on to see the animals. We saw cows, horses, goats, sheep, rabbits, and a variety of birds including geese, ducks, chickens, and pigeons.

The best thing was to see the rooster stand on one leg and crow. Some of the geese or perhaps swans were standing on one leg while sleeping with their head tucked under their wing. Later someone came with a bag of bread to toss out. Suddenly we were surrounded by rushing honking geese and ducks.

Our last stop was the playground tower providing quite a lot of entertainment. We are well blessed indeed. I was especially happy to be invited on this type of outing rather than shopping.

Leroy and Andy did go shopping, mostly for the car, but Leroy also found a pair of jeans that he says fit him quite well. In addition he has been looking for another pair of pants to wear to church since he only brought one and the time is getting long enough that he would like to have two to create some variety. He found a pair in a catalogue that were a good price, but would you believe that their sizes started at 34 and he wears a 32. He got disgusted with that and quit looking. He did find a pair of mittens that I consider quite expensive. Leroy’s hands are often cold so he will pay for mittens hoping that price means warmth. These mittens look good and are partly down filled.

Miriam is off today to visit a friend in Iowa. She will come back Tuesday.

Paula

More clothes

Salt Lake City

Hello,

Leroy and I again went to the thrift store. Each Monday they have a rotating colored tag items for $1. Today it was purple tagged items for that lowly dollar. Leroy got some lounging pants as he is tired of wearing jeans all of the time. He might also wear these to work out. I brought medium weight pj’s as warmer night wear was on my list. I think people must wear out their pajamas because there were not very many to choose from. I did find a pair of large pajama pants with a draw string tie so I can hang them up on my hips. Not sure that they will be warmer, but it seemed worth a dollar to find out. Then I was looking for a robe as I would like to get up and write in the morning before I get dressed. The house is too cool to entice me to get out of bed so I am trying this garment that was also only a dollar. It has a rather funky design with leg holes. I have worn it this evening and I am not sure that I like it, but it will fill the bill for the morning writing if I manage to wake up in time to write. Miriam suggests that I could cut the bottom seam on this robe and make it just a normal bottom. I might yet do that. She does not have a sewing machine, but has borrowed one from someone else. I think we are blessed with our ability to find useful items for just a total of $3.

Neither Leroy nor I know how the time in each day disappears so fast, but it does. Today I never even had time to open a book, although I did read Sunday’s paper today. We also did not get to the gym, but tomorrow I will go to the Pilate class. I am going to dream about my strong core tonight so it will be a bit easier tomorrow. I do find this to be a challenge. I did not think the weights class was so much work because I used just five pound weights, but my muscles are sore. I am glad I started with wimpy low weights. Any higher weight and I would be most unhappy moving around today.

Paula

Sagging

Salt Lake City

Hello,

I must face the truth. I am sagging more than I used to. Even my four and three year old grandchildren have made comments. Lexi, in DC, is entertained to see my underarm skin flap when I wave goodbye. She is so entranced that she falls on the floor laughing and begs me to do it again. Even when on Skype she wanted to see the action. Then just yesterday as I was pulling on my underpants, Nora commented, “Old people have wiggly bottoms.” This was followed by great giggles.

Could this be true? I am working out at the gym. I am even going to classes two times a week and sometimes even three times. I lift weights on my own at least once or twice a week with a good ride on a stationary bike.

Leroy and I both watch a video of some tour as we take this bike ride. It is a bit disconcerting to go downhill because we need to pedal just about the same as going uphill. Well, in all honesty it is not just the same as it does require shifting gears, but it is not like being outside in the real world where it is more restful and breezy to go down a hill than in this contrived world.

I am also a little amazed that people think I am old. How can they tell? What gives it away? Surely the changes to my person have been minimal. Perhaps I need a reality check, certainly not a mirror check.

Paula

Settled In

Salt Lake City



Hello,



I am feeling settled in, but Leroy is poised on the edge ready to fly away if he just knew the destination. What a strange and out of time existence we are leading. Leroy really feels the lack of a job in terms of keeping himself occupied. I feel it because I am not ready to spend so much time with Leroy every day. I handle him better in smaller doses. Perhaps this is getting us ready for retirement and more constant interaction.



One of the girls said something yesterday that was both funny and brilliant. I, however, have forgotten what it was so you will be spared that quote. Aren’t you lucky?



Leroy and I are lifting weights three days a week. I will go to yoga again tomorrow. This yoga has elements of Pilate to it. I miss some of the routines that I had been used. After the Pilate workout yesterday, I know that I am not strong in my core; at least I could not hold still all of the body parts that were not involved in a maneuver. Hopefully in a month it will be better. There is a woman in the class who is 68, she has been doing this for a year, and she could put many people in the loser section. Maybe I can work up to that ability.



Tonight for our walk to look at Christmas lights, we found that one more house was ablaze in glory. It is quite nice to look at these lights with someone under the age of five. It adds to the appreciation.



I am happy to be here now because I know a day will come when Leroy and I will not be quite as interesting to these children as their world expands more and more. Next year Olivia will be in kindergarten.



Paula

Power

Salt Lake

Hello,

Yesterday the power came back on about dinner time so we were able to have a normal meal at home. It is so nice to have the electrical assistance when cooking. I will have to say that I was starting to feel a bit cool and in order to read I was using a flashlight. Leroy, Miriam, and Andy were gone on an errand while the girls had gone across the street to play with a friend. Earlier the group of little ones had come home determined to watch a movie. They were a bit put out that this TV did not work anymore than the neighbor’s had.

Leroy and I again lifted weights this morning. I have to confess that I did not put too much effort into it since I did not even work up a sweat. I should probably try harder.

Leroy gathered and “chopped” leaves that he put on the back area of the yard so they could decompose to enrich the soil. The yard looks good.

Leroy and I keep a list of passwords for our various internet places. Today we could not find that paper list. It was quite frustrating. Both of us were getting a bit grumpy by the time I finally found the file on the computer.

This evening the girls and I took a walk in the neighborhood. We saw four houses that had lights on for Christmas. One of them had quite the display with the other three being much more modest. Olivia exclaimed, “It is not even Christmas yet.”

Tomorrow there is again a Pilate class. I am giving myself a pep talk about the benefits of attending. It is a bit of a challenge for me. When I exercise with a tape I just slide into it without worrying much about form and reaching for the ultimate when I start. It pushes me more to be with live people.

Paula

Busy

Salt Lake City

Hello,

Both Leroy and I filled our day Saturday. Leroy went to lift weights at the gym and stayed to go to an hour class that had the same theme. He tells me today that his muscles are sore.

Drummer Andy went to church in the morning to practice with the band for Sunday service. Miriam and I went two hours later to practice with the choir. The girls went with us, however, for the early part of the time there they watched a movie and then they came in to practice with the adult choir. Andy and I then came home while Miriam stayed with the girls for the children’s choir practice.

At the end of that time we did not do so very much at home. That is so unlike my childhood Saturdays that routinely meant music lessons and cleaning the entire house, but not as thoroughly as would happen in the spring and fall. Certainly dusting and vacuuming was done as well as cleaning the kitchen cabinets, perhaps washing the kitchen floor, and cleaning the bathroom. Notice that word is singular? Only one bathroom in spite of four bed rooms.

Leroy is also busy napping in by turns with each of the girls. Now that is a hard job! At least he gets to sleep on the job. Usually he is sound asleep and they are still thinking about it when I check the status.

I will not get this posted this afternoon because we are without power for some unknown reason. The prediction is that it will be restored at midnight. It will be interesting to see how the night goes. We also had this happen one Sunday when we were visiting in Kenya. There darkness came at 6:30. Here, however, it will be a bit sooner than that. It will just be a little slice of life before electricity. Unfortunately we are not much geared to that concept.

Paula

Favorite Things

Salt Lake City

Hello,

“Absence makes the heart grow fonder.” That is certainly true in the case of my eight quart metal mixing bowl. My children do not have such a great bowl. However, I did not risk making bread and granola without my favorite large strong metal stirring spoon as it fit in the car very nicely. I used that spoon twice today. Once to make granola and once to make sour cream twists. It was wonderful to grip the handle and feel it easily move the ingredients around the edges to make a well mixed dough or thoroughly jumbled ingredients.

Tomorrow I will make bread (Leroy and Paula style whole wheat.) and more apple crisp. Leroy is talking about freezing some of the apple slices, but we have not done that yet. Miriam did make an apple cake plus we have eaten one or two apples every day. Such bounty to be had in the fall!

I am not sure it will be a favorite but this morning I went to a Pilates class. Only two of us attended so the instructor did an introductory class. It was good for me, and a bit of a challenge.

Tomorrow I will go lift weights in the morning. I will try to lift three days a week, Pilates once and yoga once. That ought to give me some regular exercise. Today Leroy went with me and lifted weights. I am not sure what he will do tomorrow as it is recommended that you rest one day when lifting weights.

Last night we played memory with the girls and Andy. I came in dead last both games. Little scary to think my memory is totally gone. Tonight, however, I got 15 matches. Andy was not there and I am not sure if that made the difference or what. At any rate I feel restored because of it.

Paula

New things

Salt Lake City

Hello,

This morning Leroy and I went to the gym with Miriam and got a month pass. This time I took along a photo id plus a piece of mail with my name and SLC address. How is that for being prepared?

The cost of $35 for a senior couple is quite within our idea of good use of our funds. It should help us to keep focused on our well being. I can even join a yoga class for that amount. I suspect that we will use the weights the most.

This morning we spent a bit of time on the machines. Miriam showed what she knew about and we both remembered some things from other times of using the machines.

Miriam has told me that my jeans were too short. Course the pair I stored is longer, but it might as well be in jail since I cannot easily get to it. So this morning it was off to the thrift store where I bought two pair of jeans for a $1 each. Miriam and Leroy both thought they were a little big, but I love the comfort so I got them. Leroy found one pair that was also $1. We are both feeling that we did not pack the right clothes for this long a time away from our supply. Somewhere in my subconscious I was sure that we would be settled in our next home by now. We will adapt.

We played a memory game with Andy and the girls. Leroy and I clearly came in last(me) place and second(Leroy) to the last place. We had better work on some brain activity. Perhaps that should be a daily task. I am not sure how it happens, but we do not do so many extra things as each day flies by.

Paula

Odds and Ends

Salt Lake City

Hello,

Yesterday morning Leroy and I got up as the snow was coming down. When I first looked there was no snow on the sidewalk. By the time we and the girls got dressed snow covered the walk and much of the road. The girls actually got ready in good time, but there was only one stroller out so Olivia needed to walk and that necessitated a change of clothes and boots. The wind was blowing snow in our faces so Nora decided to quit before we even reached the next house. Leroy was happy as he declared it quite difficult to push the stroller through the snow which was now over an inch on the sidewalk.

It was a nicely packing wet snow as Olivia soon discovered. She proceeded to throw snow balls at us. When we threw balls at her she turned her back as soon as she realized it would happen. We started doing the same. Consequently it took us a long, entertaining time to get around the block. The walk would have been quite different had it been just Leroy and I.

Even without shoveling, the snow has melted from the road and sidewalk. That is a treat, although I would have been happy to shovel for this first snow.

Another treat is that Miriam and Andy are bowling this afternoon and the girls are playing at a friend’s house. That means it is quiet, quiet, quiet around here. I miss quietness. You know that is how it is much of the time when Leroy and I are in our own space. We have both read the paper, eaten a snack, and I am now on the computer. We still do not do our routine exercising and devotions. I miss both of those things. Perhaps tomorrow?

Paula

Settled for a Time

Salt Lake City

Hello,

I think we are getting so used to traveling all of these distances. Leaving Bismarck it did not seem far to contemplate another trip of more than 400 miles. It was a great day with a little rest area hike down in the ND Badlands. Now Leroy says, “Perhaps I should just retire so we can camp in all of the places that we have been visiting. But I am not ready to not work at all.”

In Billings Leroy went to a pastor’s meeting and visited with one of his seminary classmates. He also met another person who graduated from the same school, but attended later than Leroy did.

Last night we spent a wonderful time in Billings, MT. It was wonderful to have just this great talking time. Then we also checked the weather on the TV, Ipod, computer, and radio. It was decided that we could leave in the morning and beat the winter storm that is coming the day after. They also helped us plan our route so we did not go too far west and encounter any rain, sleet, or snow. Instead we saw sunshine that gradually turned to cloud cover. We did see some snow on the ground at the higher altitudes but only in the grass and not the road.

We left Hanson’s with much more than we expected to receive: five books and four bags of apples. We will make some crisp or pie. We are happy.

Now we are at Miriam’s regrouping and considering our navels along with the future.

Paula

On the Road Again

Bismarck, ND

Hello,

We are once again traveling. In spite of the fact that I am really ready to settle down for a long time, we are once again going back to SLC to spend some time with Miriam and family. We talked about flying, but decided to be like turtles and haul most of our supplies with us. If it decides to warm up and become spring again we are ready for that.

We stopped to visit with some American friends we had met in Slovakia. It was just wonderful to spend some time talking, talking, and talking. Then there was the delicious lunch that they treated us to. This lunch contained more veggies than we would normally get on a traveling day. It satisfied my body and soul.

Tomorrow we go on to Billings to spend more time with friends. How great it is to have friends in many places. That makes us rich indeed.

For some reason I am very tired and I will not write long. Each time I leave one of these families there is the sadness that goes with parting. Then I just remember that I am seeing all six of my grandchildren in a relatively short amount of time and under ordinary circumstances that would not happen. Sometimes we are given gifts that we had not asked for.

Tonight in Bismarck we went to a diner for supper. I had tasty borscht accompanied by a spectacular sunset. Leroy’s soup was also very good, but I can neither spell it nor pronounce this dumpling dish. You just never know what you will find in any one place. Blessings pressed down and running over!

Paula

Field Trip

New Brighton

Hello,

Leroy and I arrived in DC just a day ahead of another field trip for Lexi’s class. This one was to the zoo, so we were quite pleased to be able to participate since we like zoos. Stephen’s parents were planning to go and they invited us to go along. Lexi was all concerned because she thought they might not want to have so many adults. After checking with her teacher, we went feeling quite necessary. Stephen’s father decided to stay home and help Sarah and Natalie.

Before we left the school, Leroy helped pack lunches for the children while Barb and I helped on the playground. For the trip itself, Leroy and I were assigned three girls as our responsibility while Barb was in charge of two others. This time we rode on the school bus.

The bad smell was noticeable on ascending the steps of the bus. Even though it was quite cool the “hatch” on the roof was open as was one window. This was really the slow bus to the zoo. When going up hill, I doubt that we went over 5 mph with a little more speed on the straight away. Barb said it took us 45-50 minutes to get there. At one point one of the teachers stood and said, “There is something wrong with the bus. The driver is going slowly hoping to save power. Another bus has been called, but we are planning to stay on this bus to the zoo if we can make it.”

We managed to get there and it was great to speed back in a different bus.

It is a trickier duty to chaperon three and four year olds in the zoo than in the building museum. Here in the wide open spaces with lots of hiding places, there was much more need to gather and count heads as at any moment a child could go off somewhere. We also found that two adults and three children might have been harder than one adult and two children. Our three girls did not all want to hold hands. It is that old formula about three people being a more difficult group than two, consequently it kept shifting as to how many and whose hands we were holding. I was a bit anxious that we would think the other adult was responsible for one of the girls and they would be gone. Luckily all children were accounted for at the end of the trip.

We saw the giant pandas, primates, and a new animal for us, the long nosed shrew.

Paula

Smooth Flying

New Brighton, MN

Hello,

With photo ID in hand it does not take so much skill and angst to get on a plane. The flying was good, but the first landing was a bit of a jolt. I personally think we were going too fast, but I realize that I was not the pilot. Or perhaps it was just that the ground was not where it was anticipated to be. It was nice this time because the plane was not so full. Consequently Leroy and I had three seats for the two of us.

I should go back to DC and tell you that Natalie’s baptism was a blessed affair as seven other infants and toddlers were baptized on the same day. Natalie, at one month, was the youngest. Leroy and another clergy grandfather participated in the baptism with the grandfathers putting the water on their grandchild’s head. Leroy told us that the water was cold, but not a single child cried.

Even though there had been snow the day before in DC, it was clear with a warming sun. It was so nice that Leroy walked the two miles to church and back. I did not have the right walking shoes to wear to church so I reluctantly did not join him in this trek. He said it was very nice to walk.

Later in the afternoon, Leroy and I walked in the cemetery. Unfortunately on a Sunday the office is not open so we could learn where the interesting residents were buried. However there were people around and some of them had on fancy black clothing. Leroy finally realized that it might be because of Halloween. At that point we came upon a party with quite a group of these dressed up celebraters.

Stephen’s parents were also present for the baptism as was his brother and spouse along with a sister-in-law. So Natalie had quite a few loving people witnessing this special event in her life.

We expect to stay a few days with Brian’s family before we head on out west again. We want to be in SLC for Thanksgiving and Leroy is nervous about driving through the snow that he believes will be in the mountains.

Paula

Help Along the Way

Washington DC

Hello,

First to answer some questions I have been asked; yes Brian and Jen found my license in my purse tucked in among the credit cards. Yes Leroy planned to leave without me if I did not make it. I am a big girl, or almost, and I would have had to figure out a course of action to get on a later plane. Leroy would have had to check in my bag as it was already through security. We are again in DC, this time for the baptism of Natalie.

The airline yesterday was really quite helpful in my unexpected adventure. The ticket agent did tell me that they would wait as long as possible before they shut the door, but they would not hold the plane. She checked to make sure that we both had phones so we could contact each other.

I felt like berating myself and crying at first, but I believe that I did turn it over to God. Sometimes “helpless” helps accomplish that.

After going through security, Leroy immediately talked with the person at the boarding desk. He also learned that the airline people called security to convince them that I was not a risk and encourage them to move me along. Besides that, on the second part of the flight they fed us a complimentary breakfast sandwich. We have not had that happen in years when it is a domestic flight. Was that an affirmation?

Really even the security people reassured me that I would most likely get on the flight, I just had to answer some questions.

Transportation went well. The flight itself was uneventful just as we like. It was easy to get on the Metro in DC as the shuttle bus came about when we did. Sarah had sent passes to us. However, at the end we learned that we needed to add money to it. We took too long reading the instructions in the middle of the process and it kept our $20. The person in the station was quite helpful and instructive with the method of getting back the money. So that should not be a problem, eventually it should be credited.

What would I write about if yesterday’s events had not occurred? By the way I did not ask, but I am sure Brian believes that we are now really over the edge into old age and senility. I am grateful that I could catch him before he came back to the airport, but sorry that he had to make a trip to the post office and overnight my license which is now tucked safely back in my billfold.

Paula

More Excitement

Washington DC

Hello,

The alarm went off at 3:30 am, Leroy and I hoped out of bed, put on our clothes, I wet my hair so it would not look like I had slept on it, Leroy shaved, I put on makeup, we ate a bit of breakfast, brushed teeth, packed toothbrushes, packed the car, and Brian drove us to the airport so we could arrive in good time for our 6:00 am flight.

All was well until I opened up my billfold to pull out my driver’s license for the photo ID. A gaping blank hole faced me. “Oh no, I lost my license. I must have left it in my purse.”

The ticket agent told me that if I had a credit card they could accept that. I had left my credit cards in my purse. She would ask me some questions and they would issue my boarding pass, but she did not think security would like that. The questions were tough. Brian had booked our tickets.

What is your home address? We explained that we were not in a home now so it was decided that I should give the last address. What is your email? I have four of them and named two of them before getting the right one. Who should be contacted in an emergency? Brian was the answer, but she wanted his phone number. I had four for him. Finally I just showed her what was in my phone and she found the number. At that point she commented that we needed to be a bit more on top of our information. She felt it would be okay here, but possibly not in DC. Could someone bring my ID? It is a half hour trip from Brian’s house to the airport, but we had a little over an hour of time.

We called Brian and asked him to get my license and bring it to the airport. In the meantime the agent suggested that Leroy go through security with my carryon bag too so that I could move faster when I did get the document. Talk about sweating, my deodorant had quit for sure. The ticket agent then commented that if Brian could get back fifteen minutes ahead of time it would probably be ok, but ten minutes ahead, probably I would not get on.

After I waited, prayed, begged, and breathed deeply, I thought to call Jen to tell her my license might be and if not where my passport would be. Then I reassured myself that it all could be worse, I could just spend more money and get a later flight. After all it was only money.

At that point Leroy called to tell me that the guy in security said I would be able to come through, they would just “pat me down”. Because the time was moving on I called Brian, learned they had not found my license, but only the passport, consequently I told him that I thought they should just speed mail it to DC.

I then got in the security line that had grown by leaps and bounds. As I was waiting nervously in line, I noticed another line that seemed shorter, but I did not know what it was for. After a bit some guy said while waving his hand to people at the end of my line, “You can come over here.”

I considered that my invitation and I more quickly got to the TSA person who wants to see your photo ID and boarding pass. I commented about the “pat down search” but they just gave me a look and said, “That is not it”. He instead called Tom over. Tom wanted to see my credit cards or anything with my name on it. I had some magazines, but Leory’s name and various addresses were on them. He said they would get me on, but they needed to run a check and he went off somewhere. Leroy called to ask where I was and I told him that I was in security. In the meantime another guy came up and asked me many of the same questions. I thought he did not know what was going on, but I got the impression when Tom came back that he was just verifying my answers. They then decided that they must get some form for me to fill out. For reasons unknown to me and to them, they had trouble finding the form. I just had to put in my name, address, and sign it. They then phoned someone who asked for my birthday, (They all commented on the Christmas birthday.)my last address, last four digits of my phone number at that place, previous home address before that one, I was not so sure about the house number, but they were ok with the street address, then they asked for Leroy’s name and birthday which they said was my best answer. One guy took note of all my answers and they wrote something on my boarding pass. They then told me to budge in line, which I did as it was now about 10 minutes before the plane was to depart. I hurriedly put on my shoes grabbed my stuff and ran to the gate to find lonely Leroy the last person waiting for me to come. We got our boarding passes scanned and got on the plane. My being was so in flight or fight mode that I could not relax enough to read until about half an hour later.

Paula