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.