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.