20 May 2026

 

Writer hasn't been a slacker, merely trying to keep up with EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING in The Hermitage! There has been MUCH. We are ALL learning a myriad of things. We are experiencing many emotions. Change is difficult, but we are pushing forward and doing this. AND there was a conundrum today! More on that later in the narrative of The Hermitage.

 

Queen spent a little time with Jenny today. We had lunch. Queen was getting ready and thought of the time we ALL went to Costco and had hot dogs, pizza, ETC. Interestingly enough, that’s where Jenny wanted to go. She wanted a Costco hot dog. Queen was fine with that as she likes them too. Then we went to DQ and she had a root beer float, and Queen got her favorite! A buster bar!!!

 

Seamstress helped Queen’s daughter-in-law take in a T-shirt for StarWars day. AND she finished another Christmas stocking! Four down! She’s on a roll. Most of the others had between 100 and 120 pieces/steps. This one had close to 160. And her friend Jannette brought over some quilt tops to sew. She chose three of them. She has her work cut out for her.

 

Chef made a crockpot full of red meat sauce so she can make a pan of Lasagna for a dinner on Saturday. She made enough for other meals for those in The Hermitage. They love ziti and spaghetti, so she is prepared.

 

Correspondent has been busy with several birthdays and letter writing. She had Artist decorate two envelopes for birthdays this month. Jenny’s today and Mike’s next week. One is something new Artist thought she would try her hand at. It is called “Zentangle.” She got a “sharpie” headache and had to rest periodically. It is “a meditative art form where artists create abstract, intricate designs by drawing structured, repetitive patterns.” 

 

Disciple has been SO busy!!! She has been out to lessons with the Sister Missionaries, attended Faith and Fellowship meetings, has had two board meetings with her presidency, done her regular shifts at the Temple and subbed for others as well. She also attended a DUP meeting with Family Historian. She also went to lunch with her Temple Sisters. There have been many phone and in person meetings with various people. She has had MANY prayers answered, received several promptings from the spirit, seen God’s hand, timing and tender mercies. She is being strengthened, blessed and refined! It is ABSOLUTELY amazing. She and Queen were VERY thankful on Mother’s day when the family came to Church and sat with them. THEN took them to lunch at Lucille’s! 

 

Queen went to the youngest grandson’s awards in his little scout group. That Chaplain has a VERY difficult job. It must be VERY difficult to try and teach something that you don’t actually DO. As these boys become adults one day, they may see the conflict and hypocrisy involved. The program itself is AWESOME for the boys and Queen supports the activities and such, but realizes the slippery slope the Chaplain is on. 

 

Chauffeur has been taking care of legal matters, and hopefully that episode from last September will be over soon and she can shop for a new or semi-new carriage. 

Social Butterfly has been reflecting on the past. Namely the following eateries. She LOVED going to these places and missed what she used to order there. Farrell's Ice Cream Parlor,

Shakey's, H. Salt Fish and Chips, Sambo's, Godfather's pizza, Bob's Big Boy, and Stuckey's. It’s funny how just thinking about these places takes you back to them and you can smell the smells, see the ambiance within, and the memories rush in. 

 

Board Member and Gardener have been busy fixing trees with another Board Member after the wind the other night. We had constant wind here at The Hermitage with gusts between 50-70MPH. We thought we would end up in Kansas. Alas, we woke up where we were supposed to be, BUT it was a rough night. Several trees were down at the dog park, so we did what we could until the actual landscapers could get there the next day. We also took care of some infuriating things in the pool area. Some of us in The Hermitage feel a place in the mountains away from certain things might just be something to look into.

 

 

When Gardener went to water out back last Saturday, she saw something LARGE run across the pavers to the woodpile! A RAT!!! She reported it to Building Super! THAT MUST GO! THAT was what has been eating her succulents! DANG!!! Building Super reported it to a neighbor across the street. He gave her two mouse traps. She was pretty sure they weren’t going to work because the “RAT” was three times the size, OR more, of the traps. Nevertheless, Building Super got the peanut butter from Chef and prepared the traps. She snapped her fingers several times, but not seriously. She didn’t get hurt, just jumped when they snapped. So, the traps were set. She also made a box to fit in the carriage house vent that was open out of ¼” wire mesh and installed that, so said RATS couldn’t get into the carriage house. At 11:00PM two nights in a row, they snapped, BUT nothing was in them the next morning. Okay, it’s on!!! Building Super called the PRO TRAPPER!!! He came over with his wife and son. He set two HUGE rat traps, and the live trap Building Super has had for decades. Building Super has used it twice in the last 50 years. Once for a skunk, and was successful, once for Archimedes and was NOT successful. Then Pro Trapper, his family and Queen went to Eddie’s for dinner! The wait was on. Tuesday… NOTHING. One small trap was snapped, but nothing else. This morning she checked them at 5AM when she woke up. Nothing. She checked them off and on through the morning. THEN she looked out there about 10:45 and a stray cat was out by the live trap. Good grief. Now she had to deal with a live rat! DANG! She really didn’t want to have to dispatch a rat. That wasn’t in the plan. Nevertheless, she opened the door and the cat ran off. She went over to check out the “rat” in the live trap. She looked at it. Called for Zoophilist, who said, “THAT’S NOT A RAT!!! THAT’S A SQUIRREL!!!” Gardener and Building Super KNEW that. ALL of us in The Hermitage knew that. However, ALL of us have NEVER seen a squirrel in Paradise LV. “Where did it come from?” They were questioning? AND whatever shall we do with it? It’s darling. Chef gave it some chopped pecans which it seemed to love. Later in the afternoon, Building Super released it. Traps have been put away. Life is extremely interesting at The Hermitage! That’s for darn sure. Pro Trapper thought it was hilarious. Seems it is a Rock Squirrel. Not sure where it came from, OR if it will be back, but it has been eating the succulents for almost a year. 

 

And so we come to the end of the excitement and happenings at The Hermitage until the next writing. We are constantly entertained, amazed, and shocked. But we are also blessed, honored, and at peace… for the moment. We can see SO much hope on the horizon. Love you ALL!

 3 May 2026

 

Writer has had some news to post for two weeks. It was on the down-low for several reasons, nevertheless The Hermitage has been abuzz with this new episode in Disciples life. 

 

Over the years EVERYONE in The Hermitage has learned things in a variety of ways starting at very young ages. Athlete learned to swim at two years of age having walked to the beach by herself (A kind policeman returned her to her home), and learned to ride a bike at four. Maybe a quicker way to the beach?! She also learned to play golf, baseball, and football before the age of 8. Miss Ladylike learned to sit down and sit properly VERY young. She also learned to walk and stand properly. And then there were the etiquette lessons of tableware and table manners, etc. Chambermaid and Scullery Maid learned their skills VERY early on. Gardener learned a love of plants and growing things. Correspondent learned to write letters and thank you notes at a young age. Seamstress learned to sew when she was 9. Quilter learned to quilt at 12. Chef and Baker started cooking and baking classes at 12 as well. Chauffeur learned to drive. Banker and Financier learned about budgeting and the like. Everything was learned early. As a teenager Mechanic and Builder wanted to take shop classes, but that wasn’t available to girls. So, Queen met someone who would teach her these skills. Mechanic would come home with black grease from her fingertips to her neck. Many times it was smeared across her cheeks as she would try to get the hair off of her face. Queen’s mother would say, “You were raised to be a LADY! This is FAR from Lady-like.” Queen’s dad would say, “You know you can be replaced by a girl…” And then he would smile. 

 

Queen married and they moved a little over 1,300 miles away from anyone they knew. She was thankful for ALL of the skills, abilities and knowledge all of those in The Hermitage had learned over the years. Everything helped her survive in many ways. 

 

Then they moved to Las Vegas in 1976. He left the Air Force and worked for the LVFD. Children came along. When he wasn’t at the fire station, he was working on cars. Frequently he would come in and request help from one of those in The Hermitage. Usually it was Mechanic. Not always, but frequently. Requests such as, “I’m putting in this transmission and trying to line up the flywheel, pressure plate and 

clutch plate. I need you on the creeper to help me.” Sobeit. And off she would go, under yet another vehicle. This was NOT unusual for any of us in The Hermitage.

 

In June of 2024, as Camper was going to celebrate her last birthday in her 60's, she went to girl’s camp near Kolob, Utah. It was BEAUTIFUL. While there, the Stake President and a Bishop asked if she would accompany them on “a hike?” “Why not?” she thought. Why not indeed!!! This “hike” became known as the “Death Hike” from then on. While up there, there was also rappelling. Queen’s “boys” had suggested she do that… The suggestion came with much firmness. So, Camper prepared, learned, and, her Bishop coaxed her over the edge of the 40’ cliff. She survived, obviously, saying that was a done one and never again. 

 

Those in The Hermitage have been challenged/dared MANY times over the years. They have been through a myriad of trials and life experiences. So, on the 19^th of April when Disciple was asked to be the new Relief Society President the world stopped. Not really, BUT in her mind it did. Her first thought was, “Hmmm… The second coming must be a LOT closer than we think!” Then she cried. Then she prayed and cried. AND prayed some more. Then she gathered herself up, dusted herself off and tried her best to put on her finest Lady-like attitude. Obviously she needed to get her act together. OBVIOUSLY!!!  

 

Several people have told her she will be wonderful, great, etc. That she will receive SO many blessings. Those of us in The Hermitage have felt SO blessed now, that we don’t feel lacking. Nevertheless, time will tell.

 

For those of you who have read this far, and don’t know what Relief Society is, Historian will give you a short, sum up, maybe with some help.

 

“Founded in 1842, the Relief Society is one of the world’s oldest and largest women’s organizations, with nearly seven million members in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It provides spiritual and temporal relief to women and their families worldwide, focused on increasing faith, strengthening families, and providing compassionate service under the motto "Charity Never Faileth."  

 

Heavenly Father has guided our lives to this point. He has in many ways made sure we were challenged and tested. We have been prepared. He knows us. He has watched over us. He knows what we’ve been through and has helped us EVERY STEP of the way. He knows Disciple VERY well. He knows how hard she has tried. He knows where she has failed, gotten up, and kept going. He loves her. She KNOWS He does. She is counting on Him, as well as her counselors, committee, and everyone else, to do this calling. 

 

There have been many times during the day that she looks up and says, “OH Father… and then sighs heavily. She has thought of the Savior as He sat on the hill overlooking Jerusalem and said, “Oh Jerusalem, Jerusalem” with a hen’s desire to gather and protect her chicks. Disciple has this desire. She has this love. She is thankful she knows that Heavenly Father KNOWS her. Her weaknesses and strengths. 

 

Onward and upward we go. We don’t know what the future holds, but we have survived the past. We can do this. ALL of us in The Hermitage are as prepared as we can be. We are watchful. We’ve been challenged and dared before. 

 

Meet your challenges. Go for it. Push forward with a steadfast faith in Christ. He is there, watching and pulling for you. Disciple KNOWS this!!! We love you all!

 26 April 2026

Well, this month has gone faster than we even realized. The Hermitage has been abuzz with all sorts of things, some of it will be news at a later time. Far too much going on for some news.

Disciple has been spending a lot of incredible time at the Temple. She subbed for several sisters, attended to her normal shifts and has spent about 80 hours there this month. This time has filled her with peace and has also spread to a peaceful feeling at The Hermitage. She loves working at and attending to all things sacred in The Temple. She also prays for the rest of us, and we need it. She also spent some time with Seamstress setting up for the Sisters in Service and sewing flannel hearts for the NICU babies. She also had a fun afternoon with her Temple sisters at a potluck luncheon eating, visiting, laughing and getting to know each other better.

Building Super HAS NOT had to climb through any windows! THAT is a bonus. She did go with Shopper to procure a spare key, and had put it where she can find it SHOULD the NEED arise again. We are thinking it won’t. BUT she gives the front door “THE EYE” as she leaves now, a warning of sorts. The DOOR’s never got painted on the backside, so she spent part of a morning painting that and it is lovely.

Gardener has had some fun this month. She replaced several 6” risers with 12” risers so they would spray over the plants rather than right into them. That way the water gets everywhere she wants it to go. She has trimmed plants, transplanted plants, and has enjoyed the blooming jasmine and amaryllis, among others. She also put solar lights out front and it looks lovely at night. Several years ago she brought home an African violet leaf and after it rooted, planted it. That one plant became five plants that she divided yesterday. She NEEDS to thin the aloe, iris and others, SO IF anyone would like some, find her and hit her up for some. She also met Jenny and Angelo at Star Nursery. It was fun to reminisce about when she and Queen would take the kids there when they were children. Jenny and Jessica would look for the “yard” cats who roam around the nursery. They are friendly and the girls liked to hunt them down. They got their “free” ladybugs, and later that evening “let them go.” Disciple said it was kind of like Moses telling Pharaoh, “Let my people go!” Hopefully they are dining well on aphids and the like.

Queen and Organizer spent a whole day with Jenny helping her “clean out” her Carriage House. It was actually a small area, AND Queen was SO jealous. She would love to have Organizer drag everything out of the Carriage part of The Hermitage, sort and distribute a LOT of the things out there, and actually get the rest organized. Jenny did a GREAT job, and Queen and Organizer were impressed. They know just how difficult this task can be.

Queen also spent several hours with Hairstylist Jenny last week. She always does an amazing job and we have had SO many compliments. THANKS Jenny and Happy National Hairstylist’s Day on the 30^th! 

We didn’t get many April showers, but it has been cooler and cloudy off and on. Have a wonderful rest of the month. Be kind. Be happy. Be thankful. Hugs to all.

 5 April 2026

This was another VERY busy week in The Hermitage! We are anticipating a calming period now. Choirs are done. Holy Week is over. General Conference is over. Easter is done. BUT the importance of ALL of this will linger, thankfully. Each is important, especially to Disciple. She has been EXTRA busy. More later.

Seamstress was busy with the Sister Missionaries with clothing repairs, etc. It was fun having them and everything was neatly repaired. One of them did several. Seamstress is also busy with the next Christmas stocking. This one has over 115 pieces. And yet, she pushes on. She is going to get these done!

Board Member helped with gate issues that seem to continue thanks to no school for the holiday. She helped in taking the pool chaise lounges poolside with two other board members, and then helped with the damage done to the wall at the end of the street by a teen who just shouldn’t have been driving. She didn’t go to the board meeting though. Too much going on in The Hermitage.

On April 1^st, Building Super found out she was more agile than she ever imagined! THIS is NO joke!!! We wish it were, but it is not. We got locked out of The Hermitage! The keypad is fussy. IF you don’t close the door just right, it will lock you out and not let anyone do the code. Enter a frowny face. The good neighbor across the street tried to help. He had just put up a new flag for The Hermitage and we tried to get in the windows in the great room. Nope. Not happening. SO, we got the ladder and went to the backyard and proceeded to take apart the chamber window. This window is about 6’ from the ground. Maybe more. The opening is 14” x 22”. Yeah! NOT so big. We got the ladder and Building Super climbed up. Dave held the ladder. Left leg went in. Much kibitzing from Dave about how she was NEVER going to be able to do it. He helped as much as he could, and FINALLY, after feeling like a pretzel, and the BIGGEST FOOL, she dropped down into the shower area. Dave was ticked because he didn’t get a video of the whole foolish fiasco. THAT in itself is a good thing! 

While trying to pry open the windows in the great room, Dave broke a riser. SO, to add one foolish fiasco to another, Gardener got out all of the tools to fix the riser. Bulbs were also disturbed, so those were replanted. 

Chef made a macaroni salad and a broccoli salad for the Easter Feast. Both turned out lovely. We like when Chef makes the broccoli salad as it has bacon in it; she cooks extra bacon and makes sandwiches! 

Disciple has been SO busy and is ready for a bit of a break. She had dress rehearsal for the Easter special on the 3^rd. It was nice, but the recording we watched later of it wasn’t so great. The sound wasn’t that good. She has also subbed for others at the Temple, and saw a friend she hadn’t seen in years! It was wonderful. She loves when this happens.

Disciple does not take things related to religion lightly. And when others do, it doesn’t sit well with her. Her beliefs are incredibly significant. This Holy Week has become more and more meaningful over the years. This year she has done even more than past years. And Easter fell on the weekend of General Conference which was even more meaningful. Between the wonderful talks, beautiful music, and everything else going on, there has been much pondering.

Some of the things thought about, in no particular order are:

Debts. The Savior paid a debt He DID NOT owe. WE owe Him!

BUT did He say, “You owe me?” No, He did not. 

He carried out the supreme act of love. He wasn’t killed by anyone, He GAVE His life for us.

He taught us that with obedience comes sacrifice. You have to sacrifice at times to be completely obedient. 

We don’t have to be perfect. We just have to do our best. Give our best effort.

Follow Him and be constantly committed.

We have to desire to change. To be better. 

Pray to God. The Savior turned to His Father and prayed. We need to turn to Heavenly Father just as the Savior did. Always have a prayer in your heart. God knows our hearts and desires. He waits until we are ready to ask.

Recognize the “still small voice” of the Holy Ghost. 1 Kings 19: 11 “And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: 12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.” Listen for it. You will hear it. Disciple has heard the still small voice countless times. Prepare to hear it. 

Each new day is a reminder of baptism and the resurrection. When you are baptized, you come up out of the water. You begin anew. When you go to bed at night, then wake in the morning, it is a reminder that you can start again. Go from where you are. If you make a mistake, keep going. Each new day is another day of life. Be thankful. 

Disciple is reminded of the many names of the Son of God in no particular order:

Prince of Peace, Light of the World, Savior, Redeemer, Messiah, Creator, Brother, Friend, I AM, The Word, Only Begotten Son of God, Mediator, Advocate, Cornerstone, Rock, Comforter, Bridegroom, Good Shepherd, Master, Raboni/Rabbi, Healer, Miracle Worker, King of Kings, Lamb of God, Companion, Creator, Lord, Bread of Life, Son of the Living God, Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, Alpha and Omega, and others. 

Whether you believe in Him or not, HE believes in you and loves you. He gave His life for you and asks nothing in return. Disciple is SO blessed to know these things. He will never leave you.

 29 March 2026 – Holy Week

Palm Sunday – Triumphal Entry. Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11: 1-10, Luke 19:28-40, John 12:12-19. Think about who you can serve. How can you prepare for Easter?

Monday – Cleansing the Temple. Isaiah 56:7, Matthew 21:12-17, Mark 11, Luke 19:45-48. Read about Temples, their importance, and find pictures of them. I’ve been watching YouTube videos of ancient temples! 

Tuesday – Teaching in the Temple. Matthew 22-25, Mark 12 & 13, Luke 21: 37-38, John 12: 37-50. Share things you no longer use, or want with others. Serve others.

Wednesday – Christ anointed with oil. Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22. Have you ever been anointed with oil? How can we be faithful?

Maundy Thursday – The Last Supper and the Garden of Gethsemane. Luke 22, John 13. Always remember Him. What blessings do we receive through the sacrament? What do the bread and water symbolize?

Good Friday – The Crucifixion. Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, John 18. Share your thoughts about the Savior and how He gave His life. Share your testimony with your family.

Saturday – Christ ministers to the dead. Matthew 25:1-13, 1 Peter 2:18-19, 4:6, 3 Nephi. What did the Savior do in the spirit world? What do you know about your ancestors? How can you prepare for the future?

Easter Sunday – The Resurrection. Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20, 2 Corinthians 9:15, 3 Nephi. Think about the miracle of the resurrection and what it has to do with you.

As a child, we wore bonnets and gloves with our special Easter attire. Even in Hawaii, where we didn’t have to wear shoes to school, or anywhere else, we wore cute white patent leather shoes and ruffled white socks. After Church we had an Easter Basket. 

Now the focus in the lives of those within The Hermitage are focused more on the Savior Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. Disciple has learned much over the years, and continues to learn about the Savior, His part in Heavenly Father’s plan, His role to volunteer to come here. His willingness to do His Father’s, our Heavenly Father’s will. Not His will, but the Father’s will. If we could be obedient like this. When rules and laws are difficult for us, when we don’t want to obey, when we would rather “change” those rules, those laws, so WE don’t have to conform to them. How would it be to be more like the Savior? Willing to DO whatever we are asked. To have SO much love for our Heavenly Father that we do “whatever” without question. EVEN if we don’t know why, just do it because we are asked to. Adam did that. He and Eve made sacrifices. When the angel asked “Why?” Adam said, “I know not, save the Lord commanded me.” 

The Savior gave His life for each of us. Whether you believe in Him or not, that sacrifice is still there for you. Still willingly given. He is our mediator with God the Father. He paid for ALL. Disciple is SO thankful for His love, His sacrifice, His example. 

Bless you ALL this Holy week.  

 25 March 2026

What a busy two weeks. Some of us are having a hard time keeping up with everything that has been happening here at The Hermitage, and several other places. Everyone has been SO busy. The 14^th brought Pi Day, but Baker was too busy to make pies. We had the Ides of March, and did nothing. Perhaps that’s a good thing. Several of us DID dress up for St. Patrick’s Day. Little Chris turned 10 and that was marked with special events. And the 19^th brought the 106^th anniversary of the birth of Queen’s dad. 

Disciple has put in extra hours in the last two weeks in The Temple subbing for others. She also “found” something she has been pondering over. She even asked Correspondent to email a professor at BYU about it when she couldn’t find answers from local brainiacs who had never noticed what she “found.” The professor answered that it was a “great” question, and he was going to research it. Disciple has been participating in three different choirs. She is down to two now as the choir sang on the 15^th. The next performance is this Sunday with the last one on the 3^rd of April. Then she will be down to one choir. She attended the Temple Sister’s Luncheon at Lucille’s and was excited as she loves eating there. She asked Confectioner to make Peanut Clusters for the YW Fundraiser, which Confectioner was more than happy to do. Stamper made cute cards for the plates of candy. She also attended the D.U.P. luncheon and asked Chef to make macaroni salad. Baker made a cherry dump cake for a dinner Disciple was invited to at Kelly Nelson’s. She was having the sister missionaries over and invited Disciple! What fun! Disciple and Chef used to have the missionaries over a LOT when Queen’s children were little, but hasn’t in years. This may happen again! And Chef made BBQ Lil’ Smokie’s for the R.S. UN-Birthday party that had the Alice in Wonderland tea party theme. That was fun and a LOT of women were there. BUT NO FORKS! It was all finger food. Disciple had help from Word Master and Gamer for the games and won two prizes. 

Board Member has been VERY busy with HOA issues. She worked with other board members and gate repair people. They know exactly who to call and who NOT to call in the future. Also got some plumbing issues fixed as well as camera’s adjusted. We ordered new pool chaise lounges and had to put them together. That took Board Member along with Building Super several hours with another board member. Then Board Member and Gardener went up to secure the Bougainvillea to the fencing. They got half of them done and have the holes in their arms and hands from the thorns to show for it. Dang and double dang.

Organizer has had some actual fun that turned out quite interesting. She moved three large boxes of stuffed “characters” from the corner room so she could get to the ancient photo books. She was on a hunt for photos of her aunt who died in January. Queen’s cousin asked if we had any photos. Organizer and Family Historian found about six. Having moved every year, we didn’t see relatives too often. Out in the carriage house Organizer found some finished counted cross-stitch that Needle Crafter stitched in 2008 and earlier. She may get someone to frame them. Then she found a box with comic books and teen magazines from 1967 and 1968! HOLY COW!!! 

Gardener has mowed, pulled weeds, racked/hoed rocks, and done some trimming. Her biggest thrill is that her purple oxalis has been resurrected after a LOT of TLC and prayers from Disciple. There has been one stem with leaves for about a year, and NOW there are six! The green oxalis has always done well, but the purple, which we ALL love, is always touchy. 

Pet Lover, Grandmomma and Queen were busy tending “Rover” while his family took a special trip to Disneyland for Chris’s 10^th birthday. It was a surprise for Chris and he loved it. While several of us in The Hermitage cared for, played with, walked, and talked to Rover for a few days, Chris rode rides, walked, stood in line, and ate, ETC. at THE Happiest Place in the World. Queen was given special 70^th treasures and was SO excited!!! Then we ALL went to eat at Ohjah for dinner on Chris’s actual birthday when they got back. What fun to watch this guy cook everything on a grill right in front of you. AND he tosses shrimp, and other tidbits for you to catch in your mouth. It was a LOT of fun.

Seamstress has finished another stocking and is SO excited to be getting these done! She is prepared to start the next one and could finish these by the end of May, which is her goal. All of us think she just may pull this off!!! Disciples Temple dress shrunk… It has been washed several times, but not put in the dryer. However, Laundress put it in the dryer this last time and it SHRUNK. Whoopsie! So Seamstress prepared a 6” piece of fabric and made a ruffle, sewed it to the bottom and voila! It goes to the floor and now Disciples slip doesn’t show. 

Singer was dressing for her event and the necklace she wanted to wear came apart! She quickly grabbed her second alternate. This last week Jeweler got her things out and repaired it. Now it is ready for this Sunday’s performance.

Monday, when Financier and Banker were getting the bills ready to pay, they noticed that Disciple was charged twice at Lucille’s. Correspondent phoned. Talked to two VERY pleasant young women, got it all straightened out and all is well.

The weather has been a tad hot for this time of year. NOT that Vegas doesn’t get this hot in June, or the rest of the summer, but to have it hot right now IS odd. Nevertheless, Weather Girl has made bets that we will have colder weather before it DOES get hot this summer. Time will tell, that’s for sure. Weather Girl, Seismologist, Volcanologist and Disciple have been in cahoots. They have had little discussions about things going on in the world right now. It is always fascinating to listen in. Some of us have no clue what they are talking about, BUT they do. They are on this. 

Movie Buff has had some fascinating episodes of National Geographic on the telly; ancient buildings constructed around the equinox and the rising of the sun, buildings built in Central and South America as well as other parts of the world, and a number of other interesting episodes about seeds and how they came from the middle east and ended up in Baja California. 

We have all been a roller-coaster of emotions. We are experiencing much joy and peace, yet weepy. We “feel” things are going on. We are VERY blessed and thankful to be perfectly placed.

 8 March 2026

Writer has a LOT on her mind. Actually, ALL of us have had a LOT going on in many ways, and there has been a LOT going on here in The Hermitage. Writer has some things she wants to write about that have been going through her mind involving several subjects. BUT not in this writing. Just catching up with The Hermitage Happenings will be sufficient for this writing.

Astronomer tried to see the planets align at the end of February, but by the time the sun went down, most of the alignment was behind the mountains. So, that was a failure. Then she couldn’t sleep the night of March 2^nd. She found herself waking up several times. Then at 3AM she put her robe on and went outside to check out the Blood Moon. A palm tree was in the way out in the backyard, BUT the front yard had a PERFECT view. She set up her chair and sat out there for about 45 minutes. She, as well as a few others in The Hermitage found it interesting THAT for Las Vegas, the fullest part of the eclipse was at 3:33AM on 3/3! How cool is that?!?!? Mathematician was in heaven with that!

Board Member has been busy with repairs and those doing them, up at the pool and gates. She has been with those giving painting estimates for the clubhouses, opening gates for those doing repairs on the pavers in the pool area, as well as those repairing the deck under the canopy. Then helping with the gate repairs that have been damaged by those who refuse to get keys. NOW we caught them on the cameras NOT being able to bang them until they open, but have to walk around. Such is life.

Going through some things that had been in storage, Building Super found the HUGE roll of 24’ wide and almost 1000’, white craft paper, used for a myriad of things here. Everyone uses it for one reason or another. The metal rack that holds it was missing, then would appear, then disappear. Building Super finally got both of them together, rack and roll (HAHAHA!), then was trying to figure out how to put the roll on the rack. All of the sudden, the light went on and voila! It was done. More on that later. THEN she saw that the neighbor across the street was putting vinyl privacy film on his front windows, so moseyed over there to check it out. WHOA!!! He had already applied some to the left window, but wasn’t too happy with it. Building Super asked about the application of said vinyl on that window. She also asked if he would like some help. YES! He would. So, she made some slight suggestions about the application of said vinyl. The first was to NOT take the paper ALL the way off. Especially since there was a slight wind. So, he cut the next piece and together, working down and from the center out, applied the privacy film to the window on the right. It was a near perfect application. He was not only thrilled but highly impressed with the patience of Building Super and praised her. THEN ripped off the film on the left window to re-do that one. It came out perfect and he continued to praise Building Super. They both decided they could add this to their growing résumés. Both are retired, but learning all sorts of things. They also learned how to fill a pothole with asphalt. Among other things.

Chef had to appease the masses. She made another quart of the red salad dressing. She is fairly sure someone is drinking it. She hasn’t witnessed that, but it sure disappears faster than anything else. She also made a new recipe, but no one has put it on anything… yet. AND she made some lemonade with lemons she squoze. AND yes, that’s a word. Even if it weren’t, Writer has the authority to use what she wants, and usually does. 

After Financier paid the bills at the end of the month, she decided to get with Banker and CPA, and together they did the taxes. THANKFULLY there was a refund due this year as in the 50 years past, and it was in the bank a week later! WOOHOO!!! Many of us in The Hermitage were happy about this. 

Gardener has been overly blessed and thankful. So many things are happening and blooming. Shamrocks, iris, violets, alyssum, tulips, and freesia are blooming outside, and the orchids inside! The snake plant that was resurrected now has another leaf on it! Bonus! The poinsettia was transplanted AND it is starting to leaf out. She is beside herself over this. AND the “cineraria” plant she thought she was given that doesn’t do so well here, is actually a Senetti and DOES do well here! WOOHOO! So, she put it in a larger pot and it is doing well. She is thinking some of them will have to be shuffled as it starts getting warmer.

Movie Buff has had some GREAT shows on. Most of them were on National Geographic. They were on Lost Cities and Archeology. Archeologist was THRILLED! So was Disciple and Family Historian. Especially when Movie Buff found one episode on the Knights Templar. That show talked about Hugues de Payens, co-founder and first grand master of the Knights Templar. Family Historian was curious and decided to check him out! He is our 21^st great-grandfather! Sweet!!! 

While the movies and programs are on, Seamstress has been busy with another Christmas stocking. She is a little more than halfway with this one. She also took two old tool pouches, belonging to the former King, and with several feet of the aforementioned white craft paper, made patterns. One is a ten-pocket tool pouch and the other is a four-pocket. The patterns were for Angelo who has been doing some leather work.

Disciple and soprano have been busy with Ward and Stake Choir, and they have been encouraged to join the Easter choir for a special performance. They will have several practices before this is all over. The songs are wonderful and they have a good time. There is something about hymns and hearts that go together and it fills the soul. Roots Magic started at the beginning of the month. The first notification on March 2^nd, said we had 15,801 cousins enrolled. As of this writing, 6 days later, there are now 38,326. These are people ALL over the world. It is fascinating AND fun and it’s free, if you are interested. 

This has had a roller-coaster of a week, or two. Many of us have been on autopilot. On the 26^th of February Queen’s two oldest called about the death of a friend they had grown up with and who had been a big part of their lives. ALL of our lives. He was the same age as Queen’s oldest and they were like brothers growing up. They did everything together. Chauffeur took many of us from The Hermitage to the Chapel on Friday night for the viewing, and Saturday for the funeral. Many of us were crying just getting out of the carriage to go in. We could see that trailer that carried all of the things for the Firefighters Pipe and Drum band. That brought emotions for several reasons. The viewing was full of a LOT of people we have known for the last 50 years. Memories flooded our brains and hearts. Emotions were high and tears were flowing. It is SO good to see ALL of these people, yet hearts were broken. Everyone relying on their faith and beliefs. To KNOW things, yet question. To try to be there for others and be strong. Some of us are very strong, and others weak and needing to rely on those who aren’t. Deep down, we KNOW that God has a plan. His plan is perfect. He is perfect. His timing is perfect. We don’t question it. However, someday we may see the wisdom, and have the insight to understand. The funeral was… full of love, tears, laughter, music, memories and SO MUCH more. There were over a dozen fire department vehicles, mostly pumpers, out front of the Church. People were parked for blocks away. The Chapel and overflow were full, the Cultural Hall was full and the stage. Others spilled over into various rooms with the sound system. Many were in the halls. We aren’t sure if there were a thousand people there, but possibly. The service started with the Las Vegas FD Pipe and Drum band. This tradition goes back hundreds of year and is beautiful and full of spirit. When the bagpipes started playing Amazing Grace, ALL of us from The Hermitage lost it. From then on, we couldn’t keep our emotions from running down our faces, our chest from heaving, or our hearts from aching for Kelly’s family. There were several hundred fire fighters there, all dressed in their official uniforms. The brotherhood was present and felt. Special ceremonies performed by them. The talks from Kelly’s family were touching and special. The musical numbers as well. The spirit was there and it was strong. A double line of firemen were in the parking lot saluting when the hearse drove through. 

Life and death are all a part of why we are here. Our spirits come here to obtain bodies. Then, when it is our time, they are separated for a time, one day to be reunited in the resurrection. We are left here by those who go before we do. We are saddened, even though they are at peace and have great joy. We who are left behind to wait our turns miss them. Want to see them again, and talk to them, hug them and laugh again. But they aren’t far. They are only on the other side. They watch over us. Every time we think of them, they are right there with us. They continue to love us, just as we love them. IF there is one thing Disciple knows, it is that God has a plan for all of us. His plan and timing are perfect. He knows what needs to happen and when. He also knows why, even though we don’t. Proverbs 3:5-6 reads, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Just because WE don’t get it all the time, He does. We just need to have faith and trust.

This will be a busy week for us; a luncheon, a fundraiser dinner, choir practices, and more. The Temple will be back open and Disciple is thankful. We are blessed and grateful. Thankful for family and friends. We look for Christ everywhere. We look for His hand in our lives. We are pressing forward in faith.