16 August 2025

Just rereading this post from 9 years ago made many of us in The Hermitage cry.

We did get our things from the storage here in Vegas, AND almost a year ago, retrieved everything from the HUGE storage in Payson. While we haven't gone through EVERYTHING, we have gone through at least 80%. Maybe more. We have rehomed a LOT of it and there are things by the front door waiting for their next destination. Some things were easy to relinquish. Then there are those we haven't even tried to decide on. BUT we have been surprised at how Organizer has thrown some things away. Some that surprised us. Yes, it has been an interesting journey this past year of sorting. AND the ways in which The Hermitage has changed since we moved into it. When we first moved in, it felt like it was someone else's "home" and we were just visiting. But as our things were added, as Painter painted, Decorator decorated, Gardner and Landscaper planned and planted, Builder built things, one Brother came to remodel the Galley, Angelo helped with a cabinet in the Master Chambers, and we began to "live" here, this "home" was transformed into "The Hermitage" and we FINALLY feel at "HOME" for the first time in our lives.

Painter still has three rooms to paint. Floors need to be done. The backyard is mid-projects but Landscaper and Gardener are waiting for cooler weather. Organizer needs to work on The Carriage House. Was this what we dreamed of? No. At least at first we didn't think so. BUT after reviewing our list of what we wanted in a home, IT IS EXACTLY what we needed. We are "perfectly positioned" where we are needed. We are SO thankful. While several of our treasures have left the pond, Disciple has reminded us that it is for a reason. We still don't like it, but she is the one with the faith and trust. We are where we need to be.

This week has been SO full.

In May, Employee was told she could have a piano for free! All of us have had our ears on alert to find one, as the oldest Prince mentioned they wanted one. After everyone involved traveled several times, schedules being as they are, etc., we FINALLY were able to get the piano! THAT was a big deal. Now to have it tuned. But it is where it is in its new home and hopefully will bring surprises. And Employee was told how much she is missed and why. THAT was special.

JustServe Specialist has had MANY meetings this week! A Zoom meeting and several in-person meetings. A big one was Thursday. She was only able to attend the Sisters in Service from 6-8 as Disciple has her Temple schedule that day. Much was accomplished, and thankfully many showed up. At least more than before. SO things are being made for the several organizations we serve.

Organizer started working in one of the bedrooms and hauled quite a bit out of there. We are hoping that by the end of the year, she has that room turned into a guest room, OR the craft/library. Time will tell.

Disciple is in the Ward and Stake Choir. With the Stake Conference this weekend she has had extra practice time. She will be singing this Sunday in the regular session. She also had the opportunity to go to a special session with one of her special primary girls. Lainey received her mission call to Santiago, Chili. So she is preparing for that. In May Disciple went to a special session with Kaylynn as she was preparing for her mission in Bucharest,Romania. She is excited for these girls and knows they will do well, as they are wonderful.

Momma C took Daughter-in-law to lunch this week for her birthday. We had a nice time and got to know each other far more than before. It was nice and we are thankful for the time spent together.

Thursday night when we arrived home Disciple found that We had received 6 tubs and two boxes of fabric. Most of it will be used for our JustServe projects. Seamstress will keep a little of it for her projects. This was received with great gratitude. We know that it was given in the same way we are giving things.

Forty eight years ago, while sitting on the floor at Granny's house in Glendale, CA, playing with a brand new baby, Musician heard that the King of Rock and Roll had died at the age of 42. We still remember this. We grew up with his music and have some favorites. While living in Hawaii, he was there filming Blue Hawaii. That movie has at least two of our favorite songs. Then, on this day, seven years ago, Aretha Franklin died. The choir above is growing a lot lately. Many we grew up listening to are joining that great choir.

Much is going on; as Weather Girl and Geologist continue to watch the activity within the Pacific Ring of Fire, as Correspondent hears of things going on in the world, as Disciple hears about things going on with The Church, at the Temple, in The Hermitage, etc. we know things are going in a certain direction. We know things are happening. Today we were reminded of something from a video. A quote from Elder Holland. “We are witnessing an ever greater movement toward polarity. The middle-ground options will be removed from us as Latter-day Saints. The middle of the road will be withdrawn.“If you are treading water in the current of a river, you will go somewhere. You simply will go wherever the current takes you. Going with the stream, following the tide, drifting in the current will not do.“Choices have to be made. Not making a choice is a choice. Learn to choose now.”

And Writer will just leave it all right there. Have an amazing weekend. Weather Girl has noticed the wind is picking up. Maybe rain will come.

 16 August 2016

I moved a lot growing up...something no one has tried to explain or make excuses for; fourteen schools and as many, if not more, homes. While I learned a lot about many cultures and people, I grew to hate it more and more each time it happened.

Seems that I am destined to move again; I knew it was coming, I've known for a long time. I've lived out of boxes for the last few years. Yes, it's a drag, but someone has to do it. HAH! Anyway...time seems to be closing in on this move. Last week a friend told me about a home two streets over from where I am now. We all have dreams, hopes, desires, etc. While this isn't any of those, it IS something I can handle for the most part. For the last few nights I haven't slept much; and when I wake up, I am anxious and sick to my stomach. I haven't been sure what it was, but one morning I realized it had to do with "moving" and everything involved with it...and I pondered all the moves in my life, and hated them all over again. At least most all of my things are already in boxes...makes things easier. However, I'm going to have to open those boxes. I'm going to have to face life, the past, the present and the future. I'm going to have to sort through the past. I have boxes here, I have boxes in storage here and I have the rest of my things in storage in Utah…about 5 hours from here.

The last home I owned had six bedrooms and five bathrooms; a big Victorian home built in the 1880’s, there were three stories above the ground and a basement…which the kids wouldn’t go in. HAHAHA! Whatever. It was wonderful for the most part…but far from my treasures. Now I am close to my treasures and have been without a home for 8 years.

The inevitable will come, the sorting through “things” which I’ve had in my possession…some for a relatively short time, and then there are the things which will be hard to deal with. I had to deal with some of those a few years ago. The kids asked, “Mom! What the heck are you doing with this?!?!?” As tears welled up in my eyes, I said, “I kept hoping things would change…I didn’t want to get rid of them just in case.”

Well, this “new” home will be a third of the size of my last home. Much will have to go. I’ve pondered the things in storage and in my mind it has been easy to say…THAT is going…but then there are things that I can’t seem to part with…I will probably need some impartial help…those old Beatle cards…maybe they are worth something. They are like baseball cards; they came in a package with gum, but I always threw the gum away. I have a stack of those cards. Most of them are black and white, but there are a few that are color. There might be 75 of them. A bassinet I’ve had since I was about 8…not sure where it came from, but I have 1960 Eloise Vogue “Baby Dear” doll which fits perfectly in it. She belonged to my Great Aunt Cora…she and her husband…my Uncle Gundy, never had any children. They wanted children, but never did. Sixty years of random things…and it will be interesting to say the least.

Moving makes me melancholy, hurts my heart and tears at my mind. The thoughts, the memories all come rushing past my eyes…and lately have been leaking all over. But, there are things I know I will find and be surprised. Things I’ve forgotten and will either bring a smile or a tear. Who knows? It will be an adventure for sure.

So, when I saw this a bit ago, about the past, present and future, this is what came to mind. Just thought I would share something different.

 9 August 2025

What a week...

ALL of us in The Hermitage are SO thankful that the weather has been "mild" at under 110 degrees! Last year we had 80 days straight of between 115 and 120+. So, yes, we are enjoying, for the most part, the 110 during the day and 70's-80's at night. 

Disciple has had choir practices in the Ward and Stake, JustServe meetings both Regional and Stake, and then she has her wonderful day at the Temple. She is SO thankful for Temple day as it fills and lifts her. 

Gardener is watering and praying for the plants. She has a LOT of transplanting to do, when it gets a little cooler. She will be digging up iris and looking for homes for some of them. The Naked Ladies have been blooming for a few weeks and we are in LOVE with them. They are beautiful! 

Weather Girl and Geologist are still intrigued with ALL that is happening in the Pacific Ring of Fire. Seems there is constant activity going on AND there are predictions which MAY happen soon. While none of us have felt anything happening, they assure us that things CAN and WILL happen. Disciple is backing up their theories. They know the earth is "healing" itself, and drastic things will happen to fix what is going on.

Many of us have been in a "mood" that we can't seem to shake. Chauffeur took several of us on a L O N G drive yesterday, hoping that would help. It did NOT. AND Chauffeur wants to know why no one told her that Windmill turns into Blue Diamond?!?!? How she missed that is BEYOND any of us. There are SO many streets here that share SEVERAL different names depending on where you are in the Valley. WE know this. SHE knows this. AND we really think that deep down she knew, but just wanted to travel on several more roads under construction and FILLED with cones. Nevertheless, when we finally got out to Bonnie Springs, we never saw ANY donkeys. We knew it was too hot, but thought it would help. 

Shopper bought bananas to "help" with "the mood" and Chef is going to make banana splits for dinner. We can do that in The Hermitage. We are ALL adults here in The Hermitage. We do what we want, when we want, and eat whatever whenever. That's how we ALL roll. We like it that way. Don't judge us. 

Organizer has been in "slow" mode, but has decided she needs to ramp it up. The term "slacker" has been used more than once for several of us. That isn't helping "the mood" of The Hermitage. So, she is trying to have a plan. 

Photographer and Communicator went through photos on the communications device, deleting unnecessary memes taking up room, and photos of who knows what. Next will be the downloading of photos to some kind of "drive" for future use. We ponder if any of this is necessary? Probably not.

Board Member had a meeting last week. That didn't go as planned. Not that anything was horribly wrong, but things just are out of whack. 

The coming week will be busy, busy, busy for all of us. We are prepared as best as We can be. We ponder a lot. We ponder lost hopes, dreams, and wishes. We ponder the "why's" we can't answer. We ponder what is in the future. Perhaps we are doing far too much thinking. We all seem to have lost our "muchness," BUT We have ALL come through many things in the past. We are survivors. We carry on. We are SO thankful and We are SO blessed. We are grateful for the knowledge each of us has. We do have hopes. We do have dreams. We are loved.

 4 August 2025

Writer started this last week, and wrote one sentence. The following.

29 July 2025

Writer has been lax in her duties in The Hermitage.

Time to update this.

The Neurologist said that the tests ALL came back "normal" for us! We aren't sure exactly what all of that means, BUT we are carrying on as "normal" for us. For some it is FAR from "normal" and for others it doesn't even come close. But we're fine with everything. He said we could go in for an M.R.I. but we haven’t quite decided.

Chauffeur was happy that the priceof gas is down to almost $3.00. That’s a bonus. She doesn’t do much driving, BUT this is a good thing in her book.

Board Member has been busy returning shopping carts with another board member. That may be coming to an end.

Organizer, Recycler, Dumpster Diver AND Builder were busy. Years ago, about 25, Recycler “saved” some pickets and wood from going into the dumpster. IF something still has “life” in it, why throw it away? Anyway, Organizer got the supplies together, and Builder spent some time cutting and putting things together in a different way than it was to begin with. It was a rolling cart originally, with three fence pickets on each end, and 1x4’s for several shelves between them. Builder has repurposed all of the wood, with the addition of four other pickets from yet another project several years ago. Probably 30. Nevertheless, everything was used. Then Painter came in and painted it, and now we have a “masterpiece”of sorts! Organizer hasn’t finished doing her thing, but we ALL like it.

Grandmomma had a visitor and we spent time at the pool, then met Auntie for dinner, then watched videos while eating zebra popcorn, and drinking chocolate malts. We stayed up FAR too late. Our visitor always requests pancakes and sausage on Saturday morning, and Chef almost always complies. Visitor helps with the watering of the house plants, filling of bird feeders, etc.

Chauffeur took us on a field trip to the 9th and Clark Chapel downtown. It is a FamilyHistory center now, and Disciple’s friends, Bob and Carol were working. We found out about the “Escape Rooms” there and decided we wanted to do that. WHAT fun!!! We were given an hour to complete the “Escape” and finished in 40minutes. Visitor loved it and it was a nice experience…and free! IF you haven’t done them, go. You will enjoy it.

Chauffeur took us to the Disney store afterwards. OH MY GOSH! We spent more time in the parking garage than the store. AND they didn’t even have what we went there for. Hmm…

Musician told Visitor about the La Bamba song when it came on the radio. We hear it now and then when driving with Chauffeur. Musician is trying to educate Visitor on the “oldies!” She went on to tell him that not only was La Bamba Spanish, BUT there was also a Japanese “rock” song from the 60’s. He found that amusing. We rarely hear that one, and it has probably been over a decade since we’ve heard it.

We continued on our outing, spent some time at Costco trying everything at the tasting kiosks. That’s always fun. We liked most of them, and even purchased one. Then we headed back to The Hermitage several hours later, and don’t you know, BUT the Sukiyaki (Ue o Muite Arukou) song came on the radio!!! Call us ALL shocked! We couldn’t believe it! Still can’t. But it happened. Then we were off to the pool, and after that, we played darts.

When Visitors parents came to get him, he almost stayed another night, but in the end…Left.

Chef prepared meatloaf, just regular, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, fresh green beans with bacon and onion, and salad, for dinner for First Sunday FamilyDinner. Baker made “Brookies” with whipped cream. Those were WAY too sweet for most of us. She puts chocolate chip cookie dough on the bottom, then a layer of Reece’s peanut butter cups, then mixes up triple chocolate brownies and spreads that on top and bakes it. OH MY GOSH! Correspondent shared with the neighbors.

Queen, Disciple, Weather Girl, and Geologist have been watching The Ring of Fire. NOT Johnny Cash, the Pacific Ring of Fire. There has been more activity in the last month than ever recorded. IF you can believe the news. Which...We are skeptical, but whatever. Nevertheless, things are happening.

As Queen heard of the tidal wave alerts along the pacific coast, and Hawaii, she was reminded of her years living in Hawaii, and remembers well when she would sit on the window seat at night, and the sirens would sound, and the HUGE lights would pan the shore. For years she and her brother wore special bracelets in the event we ever needed to be identified. We are watching the activity with fascination, among other things happening in the world.

Everyone has had a full day today. Chauffeur had Shopper out and about. Scullery Maid was busy from yesterday’s event. Disciple and Correspondent went to visit a friend undergoing rehab. Writer has been busy. Manicurist is needed, but she has been missing. Disciple was preparing things for later this week.

All is well in The Hermitage. We are SO blessed. We hope ALL of you are doing well. Cherish time. It is valuable. Cherish health. It is something others don’talways have. Let’s do this.

 15 July 2016

The only thing which should differentiate us from each other is our names. That's it...once YOU add a label, whether it be color, religion, political affiliation, sexual orientation, relationship status, nationality, physical/mental/emotional "challenge" label, etc...YOU have separated yourself from the rest. YOU have singled yourself out. YOU have taken yourself from the mass or group and personally put yourself into another group. IF you want to "hang" with the rest of the group, don't single yourself out of it. Your name is the only thing which should separate you from the billions of others on this earth. THEN if you need to make a statement, live up to YOUR name. Be something special. Do something where others will see YOUR name and say...GREAT person...We are all here for the same reason and the same purpose. IF you don't know what that is, figure it out. It's the SAME, EXACT purpose for every human on this earth. NONE of us has a different reason. We may all have a different purpose, BUT we are here for the same reason. Find your reason.

 17 July 2025

Yes, it has been HOT. But Weathergirl said the radar shows rain and cooling for the next few days. Most of us in The Hermitage have been absolutely LAZY. While we can hear THE QUEEN MUM expressing words of idleness, we prefer to think of it as regrouping and repairing.

We have also been dealing with a LOT of emotions and heartache here; 50th anniversary, anniversaries of Jade (2016) and Archimedes (2020) crossing the rainbow bridge, AND the floods in Texas. Queen talked to her brother who lives in the Hill Country and fishes in the Guadalupe River and Canyon Lake almost every morning. He hasn't gone for awhile as it has been so low, but now he's afraid to go because of what he might catch. It is heartbreaking. Disciple has voiced words of wisdom, yet it is hard. And has been praying for many reasons.

We went to the neurologist for our EEG and had 22 "things" attached with glue and our hair was yucky. Won't know anything until the 29th. AND yes, we have heard all the jokes. Whatever.

Board Member has been taking care of HOA things. She, along with Activist were on the news last night. Wasn't something they really wanted to do, but they were asked to support and they did. They were hoping people they knew were asleep by the time it aired, but apparently some people don't go to bed until later. 

Gardener thought about mowing, and thought again. It can wait until the weekend, OR next week. She did pull some "spurge" and trimmed, but for the most part she is just trying to keep things alive. For some reason the "Naked Ladies" are coming up! Well, some of them. The rest may be waiting for August or September when they are supposed to come up. So, she isn't sure what exactly is going on, but hopes the blooms last. 

Seamstress is pondering some projects. She went out to the garage to check on some fabric. Yes, it is still there, but it is HOT out there and she wasn't willing to deal with it. 

Organizer has been frustrated, but decided to attack a HUGE project. For the last few years she has been going through BOXES of memorabilia with Family Historian, and several others. Filing all sorts of things in files from pre-1955 to 2025. File folders for each year. Periodically they put them in yearly binders. That is what they did most of the day today. They emptied all of the files from the beginning to 1995. Once everything is unboxed and put in binders, THEN Scrapbooker, Photographer, Writer, Organizer, Historian, AND possibly others, will make Family History books with all of the memorabilia, photos, writings, etc. In doing this Photographer found some photos for Throwback Thursday that she thought someone might find some interest in. She didn't find ALL of the years, but many of them. Going through old photos is fascinating. 

Now to clean off the desktop. Have a good one. We love ALL of you. Count your blessings. Stay strong. Smile.