10 December 2025

Writer has decided that short updates are in order, for several reasons.

Weather Girl has noticed that the weather service keeps posting warning updates to a “heat wave” here in Vegas. WHY do we need to brace for a “heat wave” of temperatures in the low 70’s here in Vegas? To her, this seems absolutely ridiculous! Everyone in The Hermitage thinks the weather has been incredibly wonderful! Low 70’s during the day and mid 40’s at night. What more could we ask for? It isn’t like the summer when we need to brace for temps in the 115º area. So, again, we ask, just what are we bracing for? Nice weather?

Board Member has done a LOT of HOA activity this last week. Dead trees have been cut down. The areas where you drive into the “Estates” are being updated and should help keep property values up. Street lights were updated in August, then they all went out back in September. The problem has been searched for months. They thought they found it, BUT still no lights. Hmm… Concrete work is being done, pool drain is being fixed, and several other things are taking place, so she has been on a couple of walks throughout the community with another board member, checking it all out. 

Animal Lover took a trunk load of blankets, towels, sheets, leashes, harnesses, dishes, rugs, etc., to the animal foundation. She found out they love to have volunteers! This could be dangerous.

Seamstress and Quilter used their skills to sew up three quilt tops for JustServe. We’ve been told no more until the New Year. A little break will be nice, and it will give them a chance to work on things here. 

Disciple loves working at the Temple AND everyone she works with there. It is always a blessing to leave the outside world and be in a celestial environment. She also had a leadership dinner and enjoyed that and being with other disciples. 

Organizer, Scullery Maid, Chamber Maid, and Laundress were busy taking care of the last of the things in the kitchen and chambers. Everyone thinks it is just amazing. 

Grandmomma had a grandson for a bit. Chef made the usual pancakes and sausage, then They went to the Giving Machine. He chose to give pet food to homebound pet owners in need, and chickens and business training to lift people out of poverty. Grandmomma and Disciple chose to give meals to seniors and money towards adoption fees so a child can have a forever home. They went to Hemenway Park in Boulder City to check out the BigHorn Sheep. There were about two dozen, and some people were getting into the personal space of the Bighorn. They were hoping for some wild entertainment, but it didn’t happen this time. Then they went to Lake Mead and checked out the carp and striper. They also fed popcorn to the ducks, geese and coots at Sunset Park. Crafter and Chris made four snowflakes out of white hangers, two large and two small. After dinner, they watched a couple of movies with Movie Buff, who is off report since she has regrouped, and found some hilarious videos with animals. They watched one video several times of three cats in a house watching a bird. A poodle comes up quietly behind them, sees the bird and starts barking, scaring the cats who all jump about 4 to 5 feet. They couldn’t stop laughing and almost couldn’t breathe. 

Gardener helped Crafter and Decorator hang the snowflakes in the tree out front. They look nice out there. Gardener also deadheaded the roses and dug up and moved a lot of iris. IF anyone wants some iris, let her know. And she prepared the area for the sinkhole conundrum. 

Chef and Baker were busy preparing things for a potluck Disciple went to with the Temple sisters. There were 25 there. Chef made a favorite curry, chicken, broccoli, and rice casserole. Baker made Key Lime pies. It was a wonderful luncheon, and she probably won’t eat for a while.

Correspondent “may” be having issues. There was a time, DECADES ago, that she would send out a minimum of 350 Christmas cards. Over the last fifty years, a lot of the receivers have passed on, lost touch, don’t send, etc. Correspondent “may” have sent out two dozen last year. Maybe. This year she is pondering what to do. We’ve explained she had two weeks. She has explained that it has been a few months of trials, and things just aren’t the way they normally are. And is “normal” a thing anymore. She says no. Disciple says no. Gardener says no. Things are definitely NOT as they were. Not even close. Baker knows she needs to get with it if she is going to plate goodies to take to others. She may be the only “normal” person in The Hermitage at the moment. She is also supposed to be baking and decorating four cakes for Disciple to take to the Ward Christmas Party on Saturday night. Bonus points for her for saying she would do that! 

Momma, Ma, and Mother have seen most of the kids several times this last week or two, had dinner with them at two different places, and watched a Christmas program. It has been absolutely wonderful! Each has been a special event for them!

What is considered a “special event” to you? Writer is going to address this subject soon, and she has received commentary and advice from several in The Hermitage. 

Have a good one!