17 June 2025

All of us in The Hermitage are still celebrating that 70 year mark almost 10 days ago. We’ve decided that perhaps we will keep the festivities going at least 70 days. Party Animal is good with this. She LOVES party food. Time will tell.

We have ALL been doing a LOT of thinking in the past few weeks. It started when a good friend didn’t wake up on the morning of the 27th of May. Only one other death has hit us this hard, and we are still dealing with it, as we are sure her amazing family is as well. She was incredibly talented, knowledgeable, giving, beautiful, etc. and Disciple was especially glad to be in her circle. Seamstress and Designer were fascinated that she designed fabric. Quilter had that in common with her. Educator had many things in common with her as well. Puzzler even found out that she designed and had puzzles made and was intrigued by that! Most ALL of us had things in common with her and enjoyed being with her and visiting. Hearing that she unexpectedly passed put us all in total shock.

Years ago, when we were in a state of shock over other things we couldn’t explain, and which there were no answers for, we doubted everything. We let go of all we believed and all we had come to know. Our lives had changed and we had NO answers. It took months, but Disciple slowly came out of hiding with something we could grasp onto. Something that didn’t answer any of our questions, BUT helped us get through things.

Proverbs 3:5 ¶ “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Ecclesiastes 3: 2 “A time to be born, and a time to die;” Actually 1-8+ help to answer many things.

From these scriptures we have all come to know that there is a plan. God’s plan. Everything has a reason and purpose. Everything happens according to His timing, will and plan. To question anything, would be questioning Him and His ultimate plan. And so we have trust and faith. We never know “why” but we know that He does. We are thankful for Disciple’s faith. She keeps us grounded and on track when we have no explanation for something.

Last week another friend died. None of us have seen him, or his family for decades. We were sorry to hear of his passing, although it brought on a panic of sorts. Things, events, and memories we had packed away long ago, now showed up on the big screen and in full color! We have all been in a melancholy mood for many reasons, and none of us wanted to go there.

Let’s move on.

Several holidays and birthdays happened in May, and carried over into June. Even Party Animal was slowing down by the time Father’s Day came and took a break. She thought a lot about Queen’s father. There are some memories. Some are funny. Some sad. We miss him. There are times we really would like to visit and catch up.

The medical issues of April and May have thankfully gone away, and we are ALL doing well, and VERY thankful for that.

Organizer has been busy moving furniture, and “finding” things. The bag with the diving toys was missing. Athlete hadn’t seen it since last summer. Hmmm…After an hour in the garage, in 115º heat, at least, Organizer and Detective located said bag. The grandson was happy about that. Now they can be used next time. Organizer and Decorator have been busy in the “Creation” out back. Queen’s oldest suggested calling it “Jim’s Place.” We pondered this. Then realized he was talking about Jim Morrison of The Door’s and it all made sense! We then thought of doors as portals, and since The Hermitage is in the township of Paradise, the thought of Portals in Paradise came up. Yes, we are still thinking. We also thought of L.A. Woman’s Thinking Spot. Perhaps more sitting out there and pondering is in order.

Board Member has been busy with the board member across the street. They collected 3 shopping carts and returned them to Walmart. On the Tropicana side of the HOA a woman going eastbound in the westbound lanes came through the wall! A few more feet and she would have hit the light pole and palm tree. She’s been watching the new roof go on both clubhouses. Also trying to keep up with the grass project, etc. Seems there is a lot going on.

Family Historian was minding her tree when there was an explosion very close to The Hermitage! The Hermitage shook, windows rattled, and everything on the walls shook. She went out front and a HUGE ball of black smoke was about an 1/8 of a mile away, IF that. A vehicle blew up. Emergency vehicles were all over the place. No one was hurt, and it was all very suspicious, but other than glass all over the street, none of us ever found out what happened or why. When she came back she went down a rabbit hole! Yes, again. She was back to the 800’s and ancestors back there. It is SO fascinating back there. She loves to think about what their lives were like.

Our 70th birthday was a LOT of fun. Jenny made Indian Fry Bread from scratch and we had Navajo tacos with everything on them. Angelo smoked chicken, then chopped it up and made green chili chicken enchiladas, and baked them on the smoker. Those were equally delicious. Jenna made a huge cookie with cream cheese frosting, then put strawberries, kiwi, pineapple, mandarin oranges, and grapes on it. AND we had sherbet slushies! It was wonderful and we were very thankful for family and friends who were able to come. We have decided since 70 is a big deal that we are going to celebrate for at LEAST 70 days! There are several of us and we believe we are all worth it. We are thankful for the countless birthday wishes, cards, flowers, etc.

We’ve thought back 50 years and how our lives, thoughts, wants, needs, wishes have changed. We’ve listened to others and their “dreams.” Some want to travel. Others want “things.” Some want to be married. Some want children. Some want homes, cars, businesses, etc. Those of us in The Hermitage have what others dream of. At least in some way. What do we want? Time. Continued good health. Peace. Love. Family. Friends. All of which we are blessed with right now. We have food, shelter, comforts, etc. We are truly blessed.

Seamstress spent several hours with Terri, Angelo’s mom, making seven bowl cozies. We cut, chatted, sewed, and had a good time. Five fat quarters and a bag of Wrap-N-Zap was all that was needed to make them. When Chauffeur took Disciple to the Temple the next day, on the way home they stopped so Seamstress could fix Terri’s sewing machine and things were adjusted, and fixed in no time.

Disciple, Seamstress, and Grandson spent the morning doing service at the Viking Chapel. While Seamstress sewed hearts, bears and burp cloths, Grandson stuffed bears. He also made some crafts for his dad before we all went swimming.

Plumber was having issues with the master chamber toilet. She couldn’t get the water to shut off. It was assessed that the valve was bad, not just the flapper. Hmmm…thankful to have a knowledgeable plumber come to our aid. All is well now and the water is no longer running constantly.

Mechanic was useful in fixing the squeaks in the master chamber door, as well as the one in the steering column. She doesn’t have to do much around here, BUT when she is needed it is generally because of some irritation or issue.

Journalist has been busy as well. She has been keeping up on several different journals; media, miracles, and a new one. The latter is one she is keeping up for Disciple. Last week when Disciple was working at the Temple, during prayer meeting the speaker reminded us that we “take the name of Christ” upon us. BUT what name are we taking? What are we doing in our lives to take that name upon us? How is it changing our lives when we take that name? So, she made a list of the names Christ is known by, off the top of her head of almost 20, which she has added to, and wrote about the first one that came to mind—Prince of Peace. We are all working to keep peace in our lives. Especially during these times.

We hope everyone is keeping cool and enjoying summer. It will be here in 4 days! We are looking for a cool down later this week. It should only be in the 90’s. And hope you are all able to appreciate life.

 8 June 2025

There are many in The Hermitage who have been pondering this day for some time now. Memories of the years have been rattling through our brains. Writer has decided to put a few memories out there for those of you who might be interested in those who live in The Hermitage and where they came from.

Queen was born in Torrance, California to a Joanna Roth. She had been married for 6 months and her husband told her she would not be keeping “that baby.” The doctor “delivered” Queen to her parents, Robert andJolette Gunderson, in his brand new 1955 Thunderbird. Yeah, that’s fun.

She lived in Los Angeles for 10 months before they moved to a territory of the US…Oahu, Hawaii. She lived in Kailua, and Lanikai for 8 years, living in three houses and going to two different elementary schools, plus one in Torrance for half the year. She wasn’t required to wear shoes to school. Gardener LOVED living here with all the tropical plants. Athlete learned to swim before three years of age, having walked the .8 miles to the beach from the house, alone, and a policeman bringing her home. There are MANY, MANY memories of living here. Some are wonderful, some not so wonderful.

In 1964 Queen left Hawaii and moved to Albuquerque,New Mexico—three houses and three schools. Hippophile had been anticipating riding a horse to school, as Movie Buff seemed to think that it was a “western” town with cowboys and Indians. Oddly enough two of the schools attended were only a few blocks away, and she walked every day. When they moved up to Cedar Crest she rode the bus. The Queen Mum bought a piano, and Pianist found something that would give her solace in her erratic life, and continues to do so. While she is NO professional, she taught herself to play, and it brings her peace. Ophiophilist learned about snakes from her 5th grade math teacher, much to the chagrin of the Queen Mum, who wasn’t even mildly impressed. Weather Girl saw snow for the first time! That is a story in itself. Seamstress started sewing. Three houses, three schools. Many memories living here and MUCH left out.

In 1966 Queen moved to San Diego for a year. She has many memories of being dropped off with her brother at Balboa Park or the beach for the day. Traipsing about Balboa Park at the San Diego zoo alone with her little brother, Zoophile had the time of her life! This was “THE LIFE” and how she pictures heaven! One house, one school. Many memories of living here.

In 1967 Queen moved to Torrance for a year. The King Dad had decided to purchase a 9-hole golf course and driving range. A L O N G story. However, almost every day after school, Athlete would walk the mile home from school, get her little brother, and together they would walk the 3 miles to the golf course where she would drive the cart to pick up the balls on the driving range, put the balls in the washer, then the baskets, AND THEN could play a round of golf. YES! Those on the driving range did aim at the cart…and yes, the cart was hit numerous times. Seamstress was making her own clothes for school. One house, one school. Many memories of living here.

In 1968 Queen moved to Grand Junction, Colorado, which is beautiful! We lived off of 22 ½ Rd. meaning we lived 22 ½ miles from theUtah/Colorado border. Out in the sticks and about ½ a mile from the Colorado River. This is where the story of the “up close and personal visit with a bison” comes into reality. The crazy things a 13 year old will do…and her little brother follows right behind her. Disciple started attending seminary in the mornings before school. We only lived in one house here, but the school boundaries changed and so Scholar went to two different schools. Wild, crazy, eventful and disastrous memories here.

1970 took Queen back to Albuquerque. Another somewhat disastrous year. Queen ran away. We were all grounded for life by the Queen Mum. Another rough year. Musician went to her first concert at UNM…and saw War. Athlete rode her bike miles a day with a couple of other friends. One house, one school. Many sordid, crazy, wild memories.

1971 took Queen to Malibou Lake. The lake is nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains between Paramount Ranch and Century Ranch. She was in heaven here. The house was right on the lake, there were small wild animals that would visit, and it was like camping every day! THIS was the life. It was beautiful. SO many incredible memories here. One house, one school, and Scholar graduated 15 June 1973. No fanfare, no photos, she just walked across the stage out on the football field, and that was it. Our hearts broke at the news of the fires some years ago. Several of the lake homes burnt to the ground. SO MANY incredible memories here.

1975 Queen married. In fact it was 7.5.75. This was not the original plan for ANY of us, however, well, another LONG story…The King was stationed in Wichita Falls, TX, and so off we went. Another LONG story…Texas was HOT and HUMID, BUT we did get snow which people said was the first time in decades.

1976 took Queen to Las Vegas. As we came over the hill on Boulder Highway and could see Vegas off in the distance, we had NO IDEA what was in store for us. Vegas was small then, with a population of just under 150,000 people. Life was simple. Vegas was simple. AND then the “CONES” cameout. They have been out ever since!

1977 in May, Queen gave birth to her first child at Nellis AFB! A boy, 9 pounds 1 ounce. Then in October we moved into our firsthouse.

1979, also in May, Queen welcomed her first daughter, 8 pounds 11 ounces.

1981 in April, Queen welcomed her second daughter, 9 pounds 1 ounce.

1983 in January, Queen welcomed her second son, 8 pounds 6 ounces.

Life from that time on is a HUGE tornado of memories…NOT that the first 28 weren’t. The memories are incredible, fascinating, heartbreaking, unbelievable, challenging, disastrous, sometimes fun, sometimes not, ETC. We grew up with AWESOME music, cars, houses, outdoor games, and of course hopes, dreams, and ETC. Definitely for another story. All of it is logged into decades of journals going back to 1967.

What a life.

So, as all of us in The Hermitage look back on 70 years of memories...Some included here, and those not included, we cherish life. Life has been full. Life and experiences have taught us much. OH how we cherish life and the experiences. They have made us who we are. We cherish what we have. We are SO blessed! We have seen, and continue to see God’s hand in our life every day. We’ve learned what is MOST important in life and we’ve learned what doesn’t matter.

Happy birthday Debbie!!! Thanks for sharing your birthday with me for 70 years!!! I love you!

 26 May 2024

Disciple heard two great talks in Church today. One was a young woman, 6 month return missionary who is about to be married. She served in the Philippines. She spoke of working together and getting along. Wonderful advice. The other speaker was a great and funny guy. It was part of his talk that had Disciple getting her notepad out and jotting things down. Writer won’t go into ALL of the details of his talk, but will instead write about the GPS part. He said that his wife and kids went to California over 30 times one year. He would go as well, but not quite that often. SO she knew the route to where they were going VERY well. He mentioned how one of the last times he drove with his family, he set the GPS, even though he knew the way and they headed out. Down Cajon Pass, and at the bottom, there is a place where you go to the left, to San Diego, and the right, to LA area. Disciple is very familiar with this, as she has gone with Chauffeur and MANY others from The Hermitage on a similar trek. Well, the GPS was telling him to go a different way from what he “knew” and he didn’t want to do that. AND his wife was telling him the SAME thing the GPS was telling him. BUT he went the way he had gone in the pass, not realizing that the freeway had been rearranged and changed since he had been there. WHOOPS! The GPS immediately regroups and tells you where you need to go and what you need to do to get back on the right path to go the correct way. He said, wives not so much. We all laughed. He said that after several U-turns, right turns, left turns, they were back on the correct freeway and headed to their destination. Did the GPS throw up its arms and give up? NO! Did it stop working because he was on the wrong path? NO! It merely recalculated. Was it difficult to get back on the correct path? A little. Was the road hard? At times.

Disciple was still listening to the speaker, BUT Writer was off on a tangent! A GPS! God is like a GPS. God’s Personal Shepherding device!!! Writer went to the thesaurus…”S” System, Supervision, Steering…all of them were great. But shepherding seemed SO like the Savior. And she talked with Disciple later. God’s Personal Shepherding device doesn’t throw its hands in the air when we make a mistake. His hands gently guide us back to where we should be. He doesn’t push us, but guides us. We can still make other turns, BUT He is ALWAYS there to guide us. Will the road be hard? Will there be bumps? Will we get frustrated? Maybe. Probably. BUT He is ALWAYS right there to lead us on. To guide and direct. To shepherd us as we may need it. His help is ALWAYS available.

Chauffeur was told of all of this and now, each time the regular GPS is used, we ALL will remember this. Just as the regular GPS tells us of ALL the ways available to go; fastest, easiest, longest, with congestion, with delays, with heavy traffic, with construction, shortest, etc. she knows there are a myriad of choices to get where we are going. We know that God’s Personal Shepherding device, IF we ask, will ALWAYS lead us the way we need to go. What a blessing!