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.

 18 February 2026

 

Writer has had a LOT of things on her mind, not to mention many post-it notes in various places with notes from several in The Hermitage. She has collected them all and feels she had better get with it before another one shows up.

 

Chauffeur took several over to the local physician for the results from the tests. The physician had wonderful things to say! B/P was 100/80. Nice! Glucose, cholesterol, kidneys, heart, and everything else they tested came back perfect, and we were ALL excited and happy. To say the least! They questioned IF some of us should lose a few pounds? She said “NO! You have a BMI of 28. Your weight is considered good, and often optimal, weight for a 70-year-old woman.” So when Chauffeur brought us home, we checked it out and also found this, “While standard charts label 25–29.9 as "overweight," research indicates that seniors in this range have lower mortality rates, better functional capacity, and more energy reserves against illness compared to those in the "normal" (18.5–24.9) range.” Physician said IF we wanted to lose 10 that was fine, BUT not necessary. We will continue to do what we are doing and that’s our final answer and we are sticking to it. 

Board Member has had some slight irritations! It seems that we have some teens who have decided to terrorize the HOA. They throw rocks at cars, jump walls and fences they are not supposed to, kick in gates, bully little kids, damaging bricks, breaking the new lights we just had put all over the HOA, etc. AND when they are politely asked to not do that, OR are questioned WHY they are doing these things, they say they are bored, and cuss you out. Hmmm…the skills of some parents are showing. She isn’t sure what to do. Then a woman drove her car into a wall on the west side of the HOA, so we have been dealing with that information.

 

Gardener is happy with things going on in her care. The wild violets are blooming. THOSE are probably her favorite, or next to it. The narcissus are blooming too. The yellow and purple look lovely together. Some of the purple iris are blooming too. Tulips are coming up as well as other bulbs. The African Daisies are also blooming. Everything smells lovely. Inside The Hermitage the orchids are blooming and they are pretty. We were gifted a new plant for Valentine’s Day. She isn’t sure where that will go yet, but it has beautiful variegated purple/yellow flowers. It is a Cineraria. It thrives in “cool” weather, so, this will be interesting. 

 

Chauffeur has made notes about some things that were puzzling, BUT now that she has seen things in real life, in the daylight and evening, she is no longer puzzled. Now and then in The Hermitage she hears about deaths from those riding e-bikes and scooters, among other motorized modes of transportation. The other day, driving Disciple home from the Temple, about 11 miles, she was next to, off and on, something with a seat, small wheels, and it goes FAST! The speed limit was 35, but this person, dressed in black, at night, was going at least 50. NO lights, no helmet, nothing. Just racing along in and out of traffic! Chauffeur was mildly horrified! She has also seen kids, as well as some adults, on scooters and e-bikes going just as fast, if not faster, and not even watching what the other traffic is doing. THEY are IN the traffic, but not obeying the traffic laws. She now understands why so many are getting hit, and the outcome isn’t good for them. AND then there are the pedestrians who just walk across MAJOR streets, in the dark, wearing black, and you can’t even see them. Chauffeur may not go out at night any more. OR the daytime! They’ve started putting up cones again on many of the streets she travels. 

 

Seamstress has had a busy time the last week or so. She sewed up two quilt tops for Disciple’s JustServe. She also did a bit of sewing at the Sister’s in Service. She put pockets in a skirt for a lovely sister Disciple works with at the Temple. AND she finished another Christmas stocking and is preparing to start the next one! She is ON A ROLL and loving it!

 

Disciple has been VERY busy. She has gone out with the Sister Missionaries twice, went to a baptism for three new members, and has been with Chauffeur as she picks up another person who will be getting baptized later this month. Since the Temple will be closed from the 23^rd of February until March 9^th, she has had Chauffeur take her up to the Temple MANY times in the last two weeks spending about 35 hours there doing work. She will spend another 12 hours there tomorrow. She went to lunch at The Brio with her Temple Sisters and had a lot of fun. Last night she was at the Regional JustServe meeting not quite 10 miles from The Hermitage. She found out some amazing information and was excited and moved by ALL that is happening with various non-profit organizations as well as interfaith networking. JustServe was started by the Church as a means for non-profit organizations to reach out for help, ways to serve, etc. No money is involved, and it is amazing. (See photos) She also learned how the Light the World with the Giving Machines did in Las Vegas for the month they were up and running. (See photos).  The Giving Machines were in 126 cities in 21 countries on 6 continents. Items range from $2.00 and up. There is a 777 option that allows you to purchase one of each item! Depending on the machine, it is anywhere from $1400.00 to $2100.00 and 43 people did that here in Vegas! Each customized machine is stocked with tangible items and services to help people in need — nearby or across the world — providing a meaningful and memorable way to show love and extend hope to individuals and families.

This year, more than 4,000 items will be available worldwide from over 500 local nonprofit organizations, including these twelve global participants:

1. American Red Cross
2. Care
3. Church World Service
4. Days for Girls International
5. Lifting Hands International
6. Mentors International
7. Right to Play
8. Special Olympics
9. Splash
10. USA for UNHCR
11. UNICEF
12. Water for Good

Movie Buff was beyond excited the other night! The “old” Perry Mason shows are back on! She has tuned those in for us to watch as well as Hogan’s Heroes. We think of Queen’s dad when we watch those as she used to watch them with him. We are also watching several religious videos associated with the Old Testament, Hebrew, and finding Christ in our daily reading, as well as quite a few Come Follow Me videos relating to the Old Testament curriculum. We all made a list of movies we like for Valentine’s Day. That follows:

Pride and Prejudice (Colin Firth ), the one with Keira Knightly is a second favorite, EverAfter, While You Were Sleeping, Love Story, Pretty Woman, The Sound of Music, Father Goose, Love on the Sidelines, The Holiday, Sense and Sensibility, The Princess Diaries (1&2), Sleepless in Seattle, Runaway Bride, The Shop Around the Corner, You've Got Mail, The Quiet Man, Sabrina (I like the new one, but the old one is good too), Houseboat, Tammy and the Bachelor, Barefoot in the Park, What's Up Doc?, Grease, Green Card, Doc Holiday, Fools Rush In, French Kiss, One Fine Day, The Parent Trap (1961), 10 Things I Hate About You, Serendipity, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Mamma Mia, Must Love Dogs, Sarah, Plain and Tall, and dozens of Hallmark Movies. Movie Buff, as well as several others are just a bunch of hopeless romantics! 

We picked a couple to watch and Chef decided Panda Express was in order as we all deserved it. So Chauffeur took her there and she gathered up everything we ALL enjoy. 

Building Super has built a fire in the fireplace and will be lighting it as soon as Chef prepares what we are going to have tonight. After the HUGE rain storm we had last night, Weather Girl told us it isn’t over. In fact, it is supposed to get to the mid 30’s tonight with rain for two days. So, tonight it is a cozy fire and good food. Maybe Chef will serve up some of the Taco Soup or White Chili she made last week! Both of those are GREAT. Time will tell.

Have a GREAT one. We are grateful for all of you. We are also grateful to be SO blessed! 

 8 February 2026

Here we are a week into February. Much has been going on here in The Hermitage. 

We had a “wellness” check-up this week with the nearby physician. Everything was proclaimed wonderful just before we left, however other results will be available tomorrow. Correspondent will have to check on that. 

Weathergirl has noticed that we are not in our “normal” (IF there is one!) winter weather here. We have had highs in the mid to upper 70’s with lows in the high 40’s to low 50’s. All sorts of things are happening because of this. Now she’s heard that a winter storm is on the way. Dare she say anything to Gardener???

Gardener noticed this afternoon that the iris are starting to bloom! Also the strawberries are starting to turn red. They may be ready to eat in a week or so. The orchids are blooming also! AND the snake plant she has been nursing for several years, trying desperately to keep an “easy-to-grow” plant alive, is FINALLY starting to look alive and growing. She thanks Disciple for her part in this as well.

Seamstress has been diligent in working on the next Christmas stocking. It is coming along nicely and she is more than three-quarters of the way done!

Movie Buff is off of her detention and has had to find new things to watch. We were well into watching the old Perry Mason shows, then they disappeared! We were midway through season 8, and anxiously looking forward to season 9, and BOOM! It’s gone. So, she has gone out on a limb. We’ve watched Donovan’s Reef, Hatari!, Operation Petticoat and Father Goose countless times. And yet, every time we hear, “Married?! Goody Two-Shoes and the Filthy Beast?!?!” We laugh until we cry. Old movies are wonderful! Now she has found an old series, Hogan’s Heroes, which we all remember from our youth. We used to watch it with Queen’s father. He loved watching it. She also had us watching a documentary about Castles. In it an ancestor, or two, were mentioned. That was fun. Family Historian’s ears perked up at that! Then we were watching Ancient Aliens! Another fascinating show. We’ve also watched several religious videos.

Correspondent is busy with celebratory cards, and Artist has helped with the decorating of the envelopes. Correspondent has had a pen pal in England for several years. This pen pal will be turning 92 this month. When she doesn’t hear back right away, she worries. Thankfully it has been somewhat needless. The mail is sometimes slow and she is impatient. Many of us in The Hermitage have this slight imperfection. 

Speaking of Family Historian, she has been VERY busy and dove head first down another rabbit hole. We’ve decided she loves it down there, but we aren’t sure what’s going on. She was down in the 1000’s and checking on various ancestors. We are ALL fascinated by her “finds” as she digs around. Queen is especially fascinated. King Harold II Godwinson (1022-1066) of England is her 26^th Great Grandfather. Grand Prince Vladimir II Vsevolodovich Monomakh of Kievan Russia (1053-1125) is her 25^th Great Grandfather. Jeannede Bourbon Reine de France (1338-1378) is her 16^th Great Grandmother. King Edward IV of York (1442-1483) is her 14^th Great Grandfather. King Philippe of Savoy-Carignano II (1438-1497) is her 13^th Great Grandfather. What fun.  

Speaking of royalty, Queen was very melancholy yesterday. She is better today, but it took some time. Queen loved when ALL of her children lived within 10 miles of The Hermitage. Life was just lovely and she couldn’t have been happier about this. Then one moved about 3 and a half hours away. She still isn’t over this, but tries to be happy for them. They are doing well. That should be all that matters. Now another one told her yesterday that they will be staying in Florida. To say she lost it is an understatement. She tries to be happy for them, but reality steps in and takes over. So we are leaving her alone and trying not to say anything to her about ducks leaving the pond. 

Disciple has had an incredibly busy week. She spent a little over 12 hours at the Temple on Thursday, and another five on Friday. Family Historian has her busy. She is looking forward to serving with Seamstress at the “Sisters in Service” on Thursday evening. She won’t get to be at the Temple all day, but will be doing important service projects. She is also the “Spotlight” for February. That was kind of fun.

Today while listening to the talks in Church, Disciple went down a rabbit hole. She has a tendency to do this more often than she lets on. Yes, she was engrossed in the talks, which were wonderful, but something was said, which led to something in her thoughts, and that led to something else, and off she was to the races! Over the decades Disciple has been called out on her beliefs, and much more. She insists that there is ALWAYS MORE out there. When one thinks about the last 2000 years, IF people thought there was nothing more, we would be exactly where they were then. In EVERYTHING! Science, medicine, philosophy, geography, religion, everything. Just everything. BUT there were people who thought, “This can’t be all there is!” When one thinks of all of the inventions, explorations, discoveries, etc. Disciple is thankful that she is one of those who is outside of the box. She “knows” there is more. She is prepared for more to come. AND it will come because we don’t know everything. We don’t have everything. There is more to discover. More to explore. More to invent. The search is never over. She feels sorry for those who believe we already have everything and there is nothing else. And to Laione Eteaki, you gave an amazing talk! You will be an amazing missionary in Washington D.C. North Mission speaking Spanish. Yes, you wanted Tonga, but you are right. God is putting you where He needs you. Someone is there, just like those missionaries who taught you when you were nine years old. Disciple can’t WAIT to hear about all that happens on your mission.

From ALL of us here in The Hermitage, we wish you a wonderful week. We are blessed to have you as family and friends!

 30 January 2026

 

Writer keeps thinking she will enlighten others about the on goings of those in The Hermitage, BUT time has been consumed by so many things. Some of us decided that we weren’t going to be on the phone wasting time, so time is being used more constructively.

 

“There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right.”

Martin Luther King 

 

"Too often we enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought."

JFK

 

Two quotes we have been pondering here at The Hermitage, and for good reason. While we ALL have our thoughts, opinions, and conscience, we have decided to act in a way that doesn’t bring conflict on many fronts. This is something we do, NOT out of cowardice, but Peacemaker has reigned several of us in, and for good reason. Some of us have, in the past, tended to become combative. In order to live peacefully, which is our complete desire, we have not entered into any form of disagreements. At least NOT worldly. Take that as you will, but please do not chastise us for working to get along and play well in the sandbox with others.

 

Baker hasn’t been too busy with anything, although there have been requests. Not sure what her problem is, but a Key Lime pie or Coconut Cream would be nice. Cookies might be nice too. She suggested Shopper buy some candy and refill the tins, which Shopper complied and the tins are full. 

 

Chef HAS been busy. Just today she made a big pot of white chili and another pot of taco soup. Everyone is excited about this and it smells wonderful! She has also grilled some egg salad sandwiches, made some beef stew, and various other things. Thankfully she has been busy.

 

Building Super has had the fire going a few times in the evenings and it is wonderful. She has even had to remove the ashes three times. She is preparing to “check” the watering system out front with Plumber. She hasn’t done it, because things have been TOO hectic, and in the event that everything blows up, she isn’t quite ready for that fiasco. 

 

Gardener and Landscaper spoke with the guy from the water company about the project across the street. They went from real grass to turf. He complimented Gardener on ALL of her plants and how more people should do that. She was shocked and appreciative. Daffodil’s, roses, rosemary, etc. are all still blooming, and many others are getting ready to bloom. It is lovely and smells wonderful. They also got the walk and scalloped edging back in place from the new sidewalk piece where the sinkhole was. 

 

Family Historian was working overtime and went WAY down the rabbit hole again! She is insane! She was back to the 600’s and 1000’s. THEN she printed off 52 ordinance cards!!! HOLY COW!!! So, Disciple not only worked her shift and was there, as usual, all day on the last two Thursdays, she also was there on Friday and Saturday for most of both days! AND got them all done, ONLY to have Family Historian do it AGAIN!!! But Disciple got them all done last night! She has implored Family Historian to dial it back a little. We’ll see how that goes. BUT she did share some of the names with others, and new friends in Rexbury have taken on the task. That’s a blessing! Disciple also went to the monthly luncheon with 21 of the sister’s she works with at the Temple on Thursdays. They went to P.F. Changs! It was fun and she dressed up. 

Artist tried her hand at watercoloring. This is not a medium she has done much in her life, but was given a cute watercolor kit for Christmas by Queen's oldest son, and thought she would give it a go. It is fun.

 

Seamstress has been VERY busy. She sewed up three of the JustServe quilt tops and took them back. Now she has been busy with felt, beaded/sequined Christmas stockings. She made them for Queen’s children over 40 years ago. Then it was “suggested” that spouses and grandchildren should have them. Hmmm… So, she started one for the oldest grandchild several years ago. It is tedious work, threading the needles isn’t easy anymore, especially the beading needle, and cutting all of the pieces out is also time consuming. Each stocking takes between 70 and 100 hours. BUT she finished the stocking for Lucas last Saturday after getting on a roll. It had been sitting for far too long. She has decided she is going to finish one a month. She started the one for Queen’s oldest granddaughter and is about a third of the way. She has figured out a new method to the madness. NOT that it is saving much time, but seems to work better. Right now she is doing a satin stitch on several candy canes. She is determined. 

 

Chauffeur doesn’t take anyone too many places. She takes Disciple to Church and The Temple, and she takes Shopper to the local marketplace. She is still having a few issues with intersections, but working on that. 

 

Organizer has some new plans for various tasks. She has been in cahoots with Gardener, Landscaper, and Building Super about removal of rocks and the design for the gardening area. They brought home 60 concrete blocks from the remodeled front yard across the street. They are like several others in The Hermitage. They can’t stand to see something still usable thrown in the trash. She also worked in the carriage house and sorted through some things! Progress is being made!

 

Banker, Financier, and Manager have been contemplating tax season. They are hoping it doesn’t turn out like last year. Time will tell. They did notice that the electric bill went up $70.00! Could the Christmas lights have done that? They checked the previous January bill and noticed that one went up almost that much last Christmas! Why didn’t they notice that before? Are the Christmas lights worth it? There will NEVER be a discussion over that! 

 

Weather Girl has been pleased with what is going on here in Vegas, as compared to the rest of the US. Night time temperatures have been in the mid 40’s, although one night it dropped to 34º. There was a freeze warning, but it didn’t drop that low. The day time temps have been in the 60’s and 70’s. THIS is the weather we would like all year. She tells us not to get too used to it, time will tell what’s going to happen next.

 

Board Member has been working over-time. She has gone to two city planning meetings for the empty building nearby. It has become a refuge for many who have made choices that have put them in a homeless situation. This has not been a great thing. She has also worked with another board member cleaning things up… WITH GLOVES… and taking care of other HOA business. The elections are next month, but her term isn’t up. 

 

Queen’s youngest had his birthday this month on the 5th. We ALL pondered where the last 43 years had gone? We discussed and thought about things that had happened, events, etc. Days seem L O N G and years go so fast. How does this happen???

 

Spread joy. Be kind. Take care of yourself. You are the only you we have.

 4 January 2026

As Disciple sat in Church today, listening to heartfelt testimonies, her mind wandered. NOT that this is uncommon. It is not. The minds of those in The Hermitage wander around in various places frequently. Half the time when someone is talking in The Hermitage, a frequent word is, “What?” This is due to the fact that everyone is wandering in their own little worlds, far from real time, thinking about projects, things that need to be addressed, or just plain pondering.

Disciple started thinking about “gifts.” Queen received a gift that was given to someone else because the youngest grandson just read the “To:” part of the tag, which read, “Mom,” but neglected to read the “From:” part, which read, “Mike.” The error was immediately corrected. 

A beautiful gift was received last week from Amazon. It caused a conundrum for about 20 minutes. No one knew WHO sent it. The weeks have been hectic, time flew on, with many other things as well. Daughter-in-law and Youngest Grandson were here, in fact, she received it from the Amazon delivery guy out at the curb when he arrived. When this beautiful gift was opened, both DIL and Queen were shocked and befuddled. Youngest Grandson, in the middle of the confusion, suggested the obvious person who sent it. Queen and DIL both adamantly said, “NO!” at the same time. Then, Queen’s phone rang, and looking at who was calling, she immediately remembered the phone call from the week before that came in all Christmas and HOA confusion, and knew who the beautiful gift was from. 

Over the years we have ALL received gifts; wedding gifts, shower gifts, birthday gifts, some from family, some from friends, some from “secret sisters,” some from admirers (secret and otherwise), white elephants and exchanges, etc. Some gifts were surprises, others for a reason. 

And so, Disciple pondered “gifts” as she sat in the Chapel. She realized that it will be four months tomorrow that The Hermitage received an unexpected “gift” and none of us has been the same since. She has discussed these thoughts with the others here at The Hermitage. 

Every day is a brand new “GIFT.” Every day that new gift is opened… Hopefully. It is rarely the same gift as the one before. This gift comes in all sizes, colors, shapes, etc. As we open each gift we may say, “WHOA!!! This isn’t mine!” “I don’t remember ordering this!” “WHO sent this?!” “This is the wrong color!” “This isn’t my size!” “I don’t need this!” “This wasn’t what I expected!” “What the heck?!” “Can I return this?” “Can I exchange this?” “Maybe I’ll give it to someone else.” “Perhaps I’ll use it at a gift exchange!” “What am I going to do with this?”

But that gift was picked for us personally by Him who knows exactly what we need and when on this journey. Each gift arrives on time and with a purpose. Each gift helps us to realize so much more than the actual gift. Sometimes, well most times, it brings other gifts. As we realize how the gift was meant for us, and ask the giver what was meant, lights go on. He will let us know exactly how to use each gift. He will answer ALL of our questions regarding each new gift. All we have to do is ask. It rarely helps to try and figure it out ourselves. He knows all things. 

So, each morning as you open your personal gift, remember who sent it and learn why. There is a reason. Hugs!

31 December 2025

What can Writer say about this past year? In looking at past years we have been thankful to have gotten through the year, and 2025 is no different. There have been accomplishments, successes, setbacks, surprises, and everything in between with everyone in The Hermitage. As we ponder and reflect this past year, in the end we know we are blessed and grateful, and we just need to shut the front door. The old year is going to be gone, and the New Year will be here in a few hours. We can look back and use the past as a reminder in the future. There is nothing to change. There were lessons, challenges, trials, and breakthroughs. A milestone was hit in the middle of the year and it hit hard. But we have continued on constantly reminding ourselves that even though we have aged, it is okay. We aren’t limited. We can still do MOST things we want or have to do. The things we can’t do, we know help isn’t far. So what’s ahead? 

Queen is still the royal individual in charge of The Hermitage and all of the bozos within. She rules, but isn’t a tyrant. She is a vital part of everything that happens here. She is loved.

Disciple is still working at The Temple, sings in the choir, and is the JustServe Specialist. There will be things she will be doing throughout the year. Sisters in Service will start up again mid-January.

Seamstress and Quilter have projects they are anxious to do.

Crafter, Painter and Artisan also have projects to work on and finish.

Builder is hoping to address and finish a few past projects.

Organizer is going to continue to “do her thing” within The Hermitage and Carriage house. She is preparing for a large Carriage House Sale. She has decided there are FAR TOO MANY things that aren’t used or needed.

Gardener and Landscaper have plans for a garden of sorts. At least a few plants that produce something edible. They, with Laborer, moved about 50+ decorative cinder blocks yesterday for the border to the garden. This caused complaining in regards to hips, back, arms, neck and shoulder. But when they are done, it will be lovely.  

Chef and Baker are working with Organizer and Writer. They are going to address the cookbooks. They have decided they really don’t use ALL that are available, and there may be a mass removal.

Financier, Accountant, Banker, and Retiree are in cahoots about some things in their departments. They are not sharing information as this year they dropped the ball on plans.

Chauffeur is still looking for a new carriage. Nothing has been settled in the legal battle from September, so things are still up in the air. 

We have NO resolutions. We never do. We aspire to do better. Be better. Continue to be optimistic. Be kind. Smile and wave. Embrace life. Continue to be grateful for ALL blessings. Remember why we are here and that we have a purpose. Think of others. Be loving. Happiest New Year Blessings to all!

 

 13 December 2025 

12+13=25 

OH! Math Nerd needs to find something to do. Writer is busy.

A week ago, or so, a statement was made. The statement doesn’t really matter, and those of us in The Hermitage who heard it processed it FAR differently than what was said, for a completely different reason. This was not an intentional oversight, or to disagree with or disregard what was said, BUT as we have aged, it meant something different to us. WE processed it differently and wondered why. So, ALL of us in The Hermitage have been mulling this phrase over in our mind for the last week or so. Each of us has come up with many thoughts. It has been like an out-of-control fire of sorts. Correspondent even called to discuss it with Queen’s brother. He remembers and feels the same way as MANY of us in The Hermitage.

The phrase used was “special event.” At 70 we are all pondering just WHAT a “special event” IS? We thought about memories from the last 70 years, where we’ve lived, what we’ve done/not done, etc. Historian has been called upon, as well as Queen, Party Planner, Chef, Baker, Activities Chairwoman, Shopper, Graduate, ETC! 

Growing up, we were far from most all of the relatives. Who are we kidding? We didn’t even live near any relatives until we were in our mid-teens, and even then it was a 20 minute drive. Yes, that’s close, but when you don’t drive, it isn’t, and Chauffeur wasn’t driving quite yet. IF there were any special events, over the years, we were not a part of them. 

So, just what might be a special event? Birth of a child? Birthdays? Baptisms? Graduations? Weddings? Anniversaries? Funerals? Holidays? New Years? Y2K? Getting out of a hospital? Buying a house? Buying a car? Going on a date? Going to a sporting event? Going to a concert? Going to a recital? Getting engaged? When you get together with family? When family comes from out of town? ALL of these “could” be a “special event.”

Then Chef, Baker, Shopper, Decorator, Photographer, and others pondered WHAT goes with all of these “special events?” The list is FAR TOO long to even go there, suffice to say food, drinks, games, and decorations. If not more. THIS is where Correspondent called Queen’s brother. 

“Cary, what do you remember about any of these special events from our childhood?” His reply was the same as Queen’s when she was asked. “Nothing. We did nothing.” Queen and her brother remember “celebrating” their birthdays, maybe, three to four times each over the years. Maybe less. IF anything was done, cake was part of it. Rarely was a photo taken. By rarely, Historian has seen maybe one. We could remember two weddings we went to that weren't for a parent. We can’t remember going to any friends’ birthdays. We may have gone to a funeral or two. Each of us were baptized; no big deal was made, and no photos taken. Queen and her brother both graduated. There was no party and no photos taken. THIS IS NOT for anyone to throw a pity party for us. THIS IS NOT why Writer is writing, OR why we are even discussing this, or pondering it in The Hermitage. We did not grow up around “special events” of any kind really. We both vaguely remember where we were for any of the holidays. We went trick-or-treating maybe three or four times. We never carved any pumpkins. So, when the term “special events” came up a few weeks ago, it sent our minds on a trip down that memory lane. Who we were with, what we ate/drank, where we were, etc. Photographer was rarely, if ever there. The photos are all in our minds. That’s it. That’s all. 

THEN we got to thinking about WHAT was in our fridge. “Cary, do you remember soda ever being in our house?” He said exactly what Queen remembered. THIS is why Historian and Correspondent phoned him. They weren’t quite sure about Queen’s answers. Cary replied, “No. There was never soda in the house.” He also said that there were cookies once in a while, like Christmas, but rarely any other times. Baker started baking at age 10, so when allowed, she did make some. There were never any desserts, popsicles, or anything else like that. Candy was only present at Christmastime. It was usually fudge. There were rarely any snacks for us. BUT there were “other” things. In the “early” years, before Queen was 6, the parents would have poker parties on Friday nights, or entertain guests from the “mainland.” There were “Hors d'oeuvres” of all kinds, dips and chips, and drinks of all kinds. By drinks, there was whiskey, bourbon, scotch, rum, gin, brandy, beer, etc. Cary and Queen BOTH remember asking to try what we thought was “soda” one of those nights, and dad gave us both a small glass of clear liquid. OH MY GOSH!!! IT was horrible. Tonic water. Nasty. They also remember Bing Crosby buying them both an orange Nehi at the Pro-Am Golf Tournament in Kauai when they were children. But in their years at home there was no sodas, no chips, no snacks, etc. We ate breakfast, lunch and dinner. That was it. Once in a while there was ice cream, but that wasn’t frequent either. When we went out to dinner, which was rare, we DID get to have a Shirley Temple. 

Growing up, Queen’s children had a somewhat different life. Shopper would buy sodas when we would go to spend the day at the lake. But having them in the house all the time wasn’t a thing. They had ice cream, cookies, etc. now and then, but not every night. Snacks and such were infrequent as well. They were always outside playing, so they rarely ate between meals. They did have birthday parties, graduations, baptisms, etc. all with a LOT of party food and photos. We also had HUGE super bowl parties. At least for a few years. 

Now at 70, recalling all of this we have a few thoughts. Our first thought is this, and it comes from the accident in September, as well as our birthday in June. Those of us in The Hermitage have a quiet life. Just waking up in the morning is now a “special event,” and we are thankful. No, we don’t throw a party, but we do constantly give thanks. Especially when we DO go somewhere, and return to The Hermitage safely. And we rarely go anywhere… Church, The Temple, and the marketplace. SO anytime we see others, especially family and those from out of town, or go somewhere, or do something, IT IS a “special event.” It is SO special to us. We delight in it. We are thankful and blessed. We celebrate it. Another thought comes from a talk by Elder Uchtdorf titled Your Potential, Your Privilege. Don’t delay. Don’t wait to celebrate. Every day is a blessing and gift. Don’t wait to use the good china. Don’t wait to wear that special outfit. Don’t wait to do anything. Enjoy life and live each day. Each day can be a “special event.” This is NOT to say you should over-do it, or indulge too much. Remember moderation in all things. Also, not all of us see things the same way. Our experiences, thoughts, understandings, and reactions can differ greatly.