3 Dec 2017

As a woman of age, there are many things on my mind, and have been for some time now. So, I’m going to weigh in on this whole sexual harassment issue. Mind you, these are my opinions and thoughts. I’ve pondered them for some time. I’ve thought about things that happened in high school; no, I’m not going to list any names. I’ve thought of college classes, remarks from other students…and others. I’ve thought of places I’ve been, situations I’ve been in, jobs, work, co-workers, friends, etc. I’ve thought of how we “flirt” when we are young…and old. I’ve thought about foolish things I’ve done which thankfully ended far better than they could have. I’ve thought about guys/men who have whistled at me and I just smiled and waved…like the penguins in Madagascar. I’ve thought about modeling and TV/Movie/commercials and clothes I was asked to wear. Most of the time they were modest and things were fine. A few, I refused to read for and was told I wouldn’t get the part. So be it. Somewhere along the way in these last 62 years I’ve found my “worth” and would never have felt comfortable doing things which are contrary to my spirit.

I must say that I admire the words and courage of Mayim Bialik and Angela Lansbury. They didn’t come out and say what others are saying; they came out with opinions unlike those of many others, opinions much like mine, oddly enough. Here I thought I was the only one. But I am somewhat pleased to be in their company.

So, these are my thoughts as a woman, mother and grandmomma.

Let’s look at ALL the things “geared” towards sex and what drives people…mostly women, to shop for things so they “look sexy.”

First of all there is music. I love music. Most kinds of music. Enter Rock-N-Roll. I took a History of Rock-N-Roll class at CCCC in 1991. Maybe some of you know where the term came from, but on the off chance you don’t, I grabbed one off the net. Just random. If you want to google it, or whatever, feel free to do so. Here’s what wiktionary has to say: “Etymology—From rock (move back and forth) + and + roll; originally a verb phrase common among African Americans, meaning "to have sexual intercourse"; it was a euphemism that appeared in song titles since at least 1914 (Trixie Smith's "My Man Rocks Me With One Steady Roll"). So, if you are listening to RnR all day…as some of us are (me), you are being subjected to a lot of sexual innuendoes. I won’t go in to all of the other music genre’s out there, suffice it to say, it’s pretty much the same more or less.

Next up, billboards. Now I live in Las Vegas, so the billboards here are a far cry from what you may see elsewhere in the world. BUT let me say this. Women are portrayed as objects of pleasure and they are wearing very little. The billboards are more of an invitation than anything else.

A few years ago many of the women I knew were raving about a book—50 Shades of Gray. Why wasn’t I reading it they asked? Well…not my kind of reading material. BUT they all loved it and couldn’t wait for the movie to come out, or the sequel. This is just one book of many. Then there are magazines, newspaper articles, new stories and the like. Have you ever read the way some women advertise themselves in the singles columns of the want ads??? Hmmmm…

I remember when I was growing up and watching TV…and then somewhere that all changed. TV shows changed. Society changed. What you say and couldn’t say changed. And no, I didn’t watch the afternoon soaps, but I know they were and are filled with sex in one way or another. And then there are commercials. Do I dare mention that I don’t eat at one of the fast food restaurants because I just can’t figure out what that girl in a bikini has to do with anything? NOT that this is the only commercial geared towards sex rather than the product. Why is it that companies and advertisers choose sex as a way to sell their products? A burger is NOT a condom! And while we are on the subject of restaurants, what about Hooters? Yes, I’ve heard they have great wings. But they advertise something else. For those of you who have not been to Vegas and waltzed through the casinos, hotels or any other place on the strip, I’m here to tell you that you have gambling…and sex. Yes, there is food and entertainment. But what is the entertainment? I go for the Fountains at the Belliago.

There is a nail salon on the corner advertising “Sexy Nails.” My mom asked how nails could be sexy. I didn’t answer and don’t want to know. Although I have to admit it’s a valid question.

And I’ve gone clothes shopping. How many times have you heard a woman say, “OH! I want this! I will look SO sexy in this!!!” or something very similar. I know there are times when I want to look great in something. I asked Jenny to pick out some glasses for me which would make me look sassy. Not sure that’s the same as sexy. In high school they may have put me in the nerd or geek group. But I like them.

So, it seems that everything is geared towards sex and no one says anything or cares…until someone acts on it. AND it seems that it’s acted upon more than anyone ever thought, or dreamed. Where has everyone been? Hiding with their heads in the sand? This has been going on for centuries. Sadly, some countries have cultures where this is the norm.

It’s funny…sort of, but as I’m writing this I’ve been picturing Dana Carvey as the Church Lady saying, “Satan, Satan, Satan!” While that’s funny and I loved watching the Church Lady, it’s interesting how many things were spot on. The longer I live, the more I have watched these social lines move from one place to the next. NOT that they moved far or fast. For the most part the lines moved a little bit at a time and ever so carefully. But I could see where they were headed and it was more than eminent. Now others are seeing things through different eyes and they don’t like it. But once you move a line, it’s hard to get that back. It’s like the adage, “Give them an inch and they take a mile.” We’ve gone miles from where we were. No one liked where we were and didn’t mind the change…now they do.

Two stories come to mind. The first. There was this guy; a pretty important guy. He was looking out his window and saw a woman bathing. She was beautiful. I don’t think she knew he saw her, but he did. AND he like what he saw. He liked it a LOT. And he sent for her. AND even though she was married and loved her husband a lot, she slept with this guy; as He was important and commanded many. Time goes by and she realizes she is pregnant. So, she goes back to him and tells him. He commands her husband to come home and sleep with her in hopes that things will be okay. BUT the husband is loyal to this guy…this guy who slept with his wife and got her pregnant. Hmmm…the guy doesn’t figure on this. SO, he sends him out to the front lines in the war and he is killed. She ends up marrying this guy…King David. Her name was Bathsheba.

The second story I thought of is about two absolutely decadent cities; so vile, evil and wicked. IF fifty were found to be good, the cities wouldn’t be destroyed; but 50 couldn’t be found, nor could 40, 30 or 20. In the end not even 10 could be found. And so we have the story of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot and his family, except for his wife we able to leave.

I started working for the CCSD in 1986. I remember hearing a table of 5th graders asking each other who was still a virgin. Was I shocked? YES I WAS! At the time my oldest was a 5th grader. I was horrified. We will fast forward to last week. I’m listening to middle schoolers and how sexually active they are. Random kids having sex with random partners; yes, they are sexually active and see nothing wrong with it. They see sexuality in their video games, movies, TV shows, etc. Some of their parents have never been married and have different partners frequently. Will any of these kids file sexual harassment charges 40 years from now? I doubt it. Having sex means nothing to them. It’s like eating lunch or going to the movies. Their lines have moved so far they never knew there was a line.

Have I heard sexually harassing things at work? You bet; in two school districts, four different Michael’s, 7 catering companies, and many movie, TV, and commercial sets. When I was modeling I heard a lot as well. Some of it’s been directed at me, and some of it has been verbalized to me but directed at others. AND I’ve heard it equally from just as many men as women.

Is there an answer? I have some. I know how I feel about all of this. I know there are weirdos, pervs and freaks. I also know that people will be people. What you allow in your life will be your life. You can be cautious. You can make choices. It’s all up to you. How you act, how you portray yourself, how you speak, how you respect yourself all tells a story. For some their actions, words, dress, etc. is just advertising. I know some of you won’t agree with me. That’s fine. These are just my thoughts and opinions. I know I’m not perfect. I know I’ve expressed my thoughts when I’ve seen a hot guy. Haven’t acted on any of it lately…heck. I don’t know that I ever did. This is the woman who as a teenager never kissed on the first date. Heck. There are guys I went out with who never got a kiss. There was this one guy who did steal one when I didn’t expect it though. I was surprised, and it never happened again.

So, there you have it. I also have my thoughts on where all of this is headed. I’ll hold those thoughts though. Just like I kept all the names quiet.

3 December 2024

Additional thoughts 7 years later.

Yes, this was seven years ago, but thought about for more years than that. Yesterday Organizer found a newspaper clipping from "Dear Abby" that was kept, maybe to be found just at this time. Her answer to the writer about the difference between "having sex" and "making love" was:

"In "having sex," the name of the game is sexual gratification. It's a selfish, physical exercise in which the partner can be a faceless object. (Anyone will do.)

In "making love," one is motivated by a desire to give pleasure, express deep affection and communicate one's feelings of caring. It's the ultimate in sharing. I "making love," the partner must be a special person. (No one else will do.) Love is a metropolis. Sex is a whistle-stop."

The Hermitage is on the outskirts of the "Las Vegas Strip" and the things we SEE when we leave are not unusual to us. BUT might blow the minds of others who live elsewhere. Women's bodies are everywhere. And have very little on. We find it sad. Nevertheless, it is there. To us it is a basic lack of respect. Some women, for whatever reason, have no respect for their bodies, or themselves. THEY make that choice. They consciously choose to exploit themselves. The things they choose to wear OR not wear. They way they walk. The way they talk, etc. THEY put themselves in a position that leads to other consequences. It is a dangerous, and precarious choice.

 16 November 2021

Writer, and everyone else in The Hermitage are SO tired. We have never been fans of the wind, and it seems to take everything out of us.

It has been a very busy week. Gardener is pleased with the roses that are blooming. They smell amazing. This is a highlight at The Hermitage.

Chauffeur drove Grandmomma and Athlete to the last little league game for the season. They have all improved SO much. Great game.

Things are progressing in many areas around The Hermitage. Project Manager is ready to start delegating projects to their specific departments, and Organizer is going to continue with organizing. There has been a small request to "find" something, so they will be on a hunt next week for the items. Oh the things they are finding.

Astronomer was out checking on the last Supermoon for the year. At least that is what we were told. It is beautiful.

Meteorologist is impressed with the weather. It barely made it to 61 degrees this afternoon, and was in the 40's when everyone woke up this morning. It is supposed to get down into the 30's later next week.

And now Writer feels the need to clean off the desktop, make comments as needed, and redistribute some things. It has been a wild week, so she isn't sure what was picked for redistribution.

We are SO thankful for many things:

Faith

Family

Friends

Home and comforts

Health

Life

Laughter

Bless you all this week as you go about doing whatever you are up to.

 6 November 2024

There is much to say, and this is long. Some of you may start reading this, and stop, and some will read to the end. That is your choice, obviously. But this is for ALL of our family, and friends; and we have family and friends of many nationalities, ages…from the early adulthood to well into their senior hood, genders (straight and LGBTQ…), religions (or not), political choices, varied careers, some who have had abortions, some who have experienced rape, some who are wealthy and live that lifestyle, and some who are far from it, and live from paycheck-to-paycheck, some who have overcome drug and alcohol addiction, some who may still be dealing with them, some who are trying to make sense of life and the mysteries, and everything else that can be imagined. So this is for ALL of you.

It seems as though some people have had a life of ease, always having, or getting what they wanted. Others have dealt with disappointment, they deal with it, and go on, for the most part. Either way, life goes on.

Most of us in The Hermitage are closing in on 70 years old. Some are FAR younger, and others are FAR older. All of them have experienced much in their lives. 

Queen went through several divorces/marriages with her mother over her years of living at home. Each of these events brought a different home (14+), and school (12 at least). She hated every…single…move. Hated trying to make friends. Hated life. Hated a lot. Each move brought more depression, and discouragement. But she persevered, for the most part. She learned that life goes on wherever you are, whatever you are doing, like it or not. She still questions the whys of all of it. Life went on.

Queen went through her own divorce. That wasn’t something she ever thought would happen. Movie Buff and Storyteller had always said, “You get married and live happily ever after.” But that didn’t happen. She did NOT want the divorce. She wanted the happily ever after. The years leading up to it brought back memories she suppressed for years. She hated it. Hated trying to deal with it. Not only did it bring depression and discouragement, it brought back all the suicidal thoughts and dispositions she dealt with as a child and teenager. She still questions the whys of this as well. It was one of the hardest things she had to deal with. Life went on.

Athlete played all kinds of sports growing up. Sometimes she, or the team won, sometimes she, or the team lost. There was joy in the winning, and disappointment in the losing. You deal with it. Life went on. 

Voter turned 18 in 1973. She isn’t sure of the first time she voted, BUT she voted. She has ALWAYS voted. Sometimes the people she voted for won, and sometimes they lost. Sometimes she questioned why the people she voted for lost, as she had her opinions about them. But, for 51 years life has gone on, no matter the outcome of any election. 

Through all of these things, and much more, ALL of us in The Hermitage have learned to deal with disappointments. They happen. They will always happen. We’ve learned to live with the successes. They happen as well. They will continue to happen. We have learned that it is not the end of the world. Sometimes it means we adjust one way, sometimes it means we adjust another way. Adjustment is also something that happens frequently. Without experiences in life, discouragements, adjustments, disappointments, winning, losing, AND everything else, we wouldn’t need to be here. Our job is to learn everything we can. To learn how to deal with everything we can. Life goes on. This too shall pass.

Disciple has taught us that timing is EVERYTHING. That everything has its own time. Everyone has their own time. We’ve all pondered this. Queen with her life and disappointments, and joys. We wonder IF things had happened EXACTLY the way WE wanted them to happen, WHAT actually would have happened? Where would we be? What would we be doing? No. Everything has its time. What would have happened IF the election for 2020 would have had a different outcome? Would things have been different? How would they have been different? Would the pandemic have been handled differently? We don’t know. NO ONE knows. ONLY God knows. He has the plan. He is in charge of the timing. Everything in regards to the plan is done according to His timing. There is order. His order. Just as the earth spins and we have seasons. God has order in everything. We are ALL “inspired” in this order. We all have a purpose and reason in this plan. IF we listen, we will hear what is going on. We all make choices. Everything we say, do, react to, etc. is a choice. We can react positively or negatively. If we react positively, and get along, etc., life will be far different than if we react negatively. One thing we have ALL learned in The Hermitage is to get along, work together, try to be positive, and life goes on. Once in a while, one of us is in a funk. It happens. Thankfully, not very often anymore. When it happens, we console, until it passes. We work together. We may not like what’s going on, but fighting and being destructive or discouraging, just makes everyone else not want to play with us in the sandbox. We’ve learned to get along. Life goes on. This too shall pass.

So however you voted, whether your candidates won or lost, keep going. Have a positive outlook. Having a negative outlook isn’t going to make things better. You aren’t going to feel better. Know that things happen for a reason. Whatever it is. Think of what this is preparing you for. Think of what could happen that may be different from what you think will happen. Life WILL go on. This too shall pass. Make the most of life. 

LIFE in The Hermitage…

We have a question. Do any of you wake up and a song is playing in your head? WHAT the heck? Why does THIS happen? On Friday, the 1^st, when we woke up, the hymn, “I Know That My Redeemer Lives,” was playing in our heads! Then, on Sunday the 3^rd, the song, “Don’t Forget About Me,” by Simple Minds was playing. We don’t even remember the last time we heard that! THEN on Monday, the 4^th, we woke up and, the lyrics, “For maybe by being an “A” student baby I can win your love for me,” from “(What a) Wonderful World,” by Sam Cooke was running around in there! And we have no idea the last time we heard THAT song! Someone give us a clue as to WHAT the heck this is all about!

We’ve been staying up FAR too late at night, and EVERY time we do, we ask ourselves WHY? We question this, say we aren’t going to and then do it again. NOT every night, but dang! Everyone has been SO busy and being tired doesn’t help. 

Organizer has been VERY busy. With the help of the kitchen staff, they were able to get things put away that have been on the island and dining table. This was helpful to Chef and Baker. They prepared meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy, and corn, tossed salad, and a macaroni salad for the first Sunday Family dinner. Baker prepared a cinnamon pull-apart, which fell apart EVERYWHERE. We all questioned why, then realized, with the help of the oldest daughter, that we didn’t let it sit and cool for 10-15 minutes. Hmmm…Baker is sure this will be brought up in future get-togethers. 

Organizer was out in the garage with Crafter and Seamstress trying to sort, organize, toss, and pile things accordingly. They have decided that a lot of it needs to move on. Putting it somewhere else AND still not doing anything with it, isn’t helping the situation.

Gardener has been checking out the landscaping and plants. Seems that ALL of the “Naked Ladies” and assorted other bulbs she moved a few months ago have decided to grow. No, they are NOT supposed to be doing that, BUT at least she knows that they are getting what they need in the bulbs from the growth. They will bloom at their designated times next year from February to September. She is sure it will be lovely. AND another tomato plant is growing out by the mailbox! These seem to come up randomly from the compost! Chef throws all sorts of stuff in the compost and it grows, much to the surprise and delight of everyone. 

Time Keeper thought she would get “ahead” of the game last Saturday and reset the clocks before Chauffeur took Grandmomma and Athlete to the little league game. So she reset them…Sunday morning EVERYONE woke up at 6:45…OR what they THOUGHT was 6:45! It was NOT!!! It was 4:45!!! AND THERE was NOT one happy camper amongst ALL of us in The Hermitage. There was talk of having Time Keeper walk the plank. OR to take her to the street and flog her! THE one time we get an extra hour and she robs us ALL of 2 hours! Dang and Double Dang!!! What was she thinking!?!?!!? Needless to say, she was put on report and had better get her act together for the next time change! Maybe someone in the government will resolve to fix this so we never have to do it again. Some states don’t do it. This is a great question! The little league game was great! The grandson hit the ball several times, and was able to round the bases! ALL of the team is doing MUCH better. We do not expect them to win every game as they are young children, and learning. The key is that they are learning skills. Yes, sometimes we win, and sometimes we lose. It’s okay. The skills we learn are more important. It will help us later in life. And life goes on.

We have all been making MUCH progress with the “STUFF” from storage. We’ve learned all about the “clipboards!” We learned about all of the “safety glasses.” This week we found at least 9 index card boxes. A couple of them are from the 50’s. They are metal. Most are plastic. They hold 3”x5” and 4”x6” index cards, OF WHICH we have stacks of index cards in three sizes! 3” x5” 4”x6” and 5”x7” IN white, lined and blank. ALSO colors! Pastels and neons! Lined and blank. ALSO all of the dividers…alphabetical, numerical, and some with typed, yes, typed on a typewriter, tabs. Text messages went out to the same four people as the clipboard questions? WHO has an obsession with index cards??? One response was a lot of laughter, and “Looks like we were really trying to get organized.” Another response was, “I love index cards!” Another said, “Hmmm…” And another emoji with a face palm. Apparently some have inherited the same issues several of us in The Hermitage have. No one wants the clipboards, safety glasses OR the plethora of index cards, boxes and dividers. Chef and Baker have also decided to downsize the LARGE library of cookbooks! Seamstress, Crafter, and others in their little group are downsizing their assortment of books, etc. Life goes on. This too shall pass.

Disciple showed Seamstress some items from the “give and take” at the Church. YES, we took bags of things over there. There was a king size, champagne color, satin flat sheet, and some long tulle curtains with tiny roses embroidered on them, that look like they will be a lovely holiday dress. YES, sometimes Seamstress reminds us of Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music when she does these things. Also Gone with the Wind. Making clothing out of the drapes! Insert smiley face. Life goes on. More on this later…with photos.  

We are ALL hopeful. There is progress being made. We are staying positive. We are praying for the greater good. We know who is in charge. We have faith and trust. Life goes on. This too shall pass. 

 4 November 2024

It has taken a L O N G time to get to this day. We can see the light at the end of this tunnel, and we are thankful. SO thankful. No one in The Hermitage likes arguing, contention, discord or fighting of any kind. NOR do we like name calling or belittling. Let this be over peacefully. We don't know the future, but we know God does. This is His earth. We are His people. He knows. He is there.

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:10

Therefore, let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God. D&C 101:16

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. Proverbs 3:5-6

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (He has provided a time, and a reason, for everything in His plan)

Have a GREAT week. Be kind. Be compassionate. Be loving. Be understanding. Accept what you don't know or understand. It will all work out. Have faith. Serve others.

 28 October 2024

There is a LOT going on out in the "world." We are NOT trying to make light of ANY of it. All of it is important in one way or another.

We don't know how old whoever is reading this might be, but think back on your life. Think about things you have struggled through. Think of the hard times.

Those of us in The Hermitage have been tough times; Pregnancy, labor, and childbirth (4 times). Surgeries. Illnesses. The almost death of a child. Heartbreaks. Divorces. Moving. Homelessness. No money. No vehicle. No job. Disappointment. Discouragement. Loneliness. 9/11...no personally, but from the middle of the US. We were horrified to think this could happen on US soil. Then, not 3 miles from The Hermitage, on 10-1-2917, a mass shooting that we still don't know all of the answers to. Some do, but the public doesn't. AND ALL of the ETC's not mentioned. But you keep going. You still have the same family and friends. Life keeps going. Time moves on. None of it waits for anyone. The scriptures remind us that "This too shall pass." And...it does. The memory becomes a war wound. The memory may not fade, but passes, and you deal with other things. If you pay attention, you SEE the miracles! AND they are there. We've been told to "Expect them." Here in The Hermitage we do.

There are horrible things happening to others. Hurricane disasters! WAR. Famine. AND things most people don't think of, because it won't happen to them. BUT it is happening to others. Life in other parts of the world is FAR worse than whatever you are going through. We are SO blessed.

However, it seems as though some people think this election will bring the end of the world. The end of friendships. The end of their faith. And maybe it will, IF you LET it or allow it. But why? We've been through elections before. The people we voted for won or lost. It wasn't the end of anything. We moved on with life. There are SO many checks and balances.

We've read headlines. We've seen, but muted commercials. We've received text messages, email, and a TON of junk mail. We've seen posts. And that is just for the election.

We all have our beliefs. We all have our likes and dislikes. We all have things we are passionate about. We can all make choices. We all have opportunities. But in the end, it is all God. And some of you will stop reading. BUT Disciple knows. Because of ALL we have gone through in The Hermitage, Disciple has kept us going. SHE has remained on the path. She has carried us. We know, because of her, that EVERYTHING goes according to God's will and plan. We can make choices, we can take action. But it is His will and plan that will take place and we need to know that. AND IF you think that means you just sit and do nothing, it does NOT. We should NOT be complacent. We must always be active. This does NOT mean we can't be friends. We can ALL have our own opinions, beliefs, wants, needs, desires, and STILL get along.

We are 8 days away from whatever happens. Whatever that may be. If you are in a panic. Calm down. If you think the world is going to end, it doesn't matter the outcome. If you are changing your life, beliefs, friends, etc., because of what "might" happen...well, we wish you well.

We love all of you. We love people we don't even know. We pray for God's will. We pray to do His will. We KNOW He is in charge. We know He knows the beginning to the end...whenever that is, and whatever it will bring. This is His earth. We are His. He will bring peace. Trust. Have faith. Doubt not, fear not. Be still. Stay calm. He has this.

 21 October 2024-long. Much is going on.

Wow. It’s been almost a month since Writer sat down to put something on paper. Journalist writes every night, AND that’s a darn good thing. Yesterday we gained a “new” person. She has probably always been in The Hermitage, BUT Queen’s oldest son called her out yesterday as he addressed her as Archivist! Hmmm…She is more than likely bosom buddies with Family Historian, Journalist and Writer, as well as others, and there she was.

The Hermitage is NOT by any means back to order, NOR is it the way ANY of us want it to be, but we are dealing with it the best we can. The paths through most of The Hermitage are wider. The stacks of boxes lower. The counters and island are basically cleaned off in the kitchen, and THAT is a bonus for ALL of those who work in there. They were getting annoyed with nowhere to work.

Meteorologist and Weather Girl told us all that it would cool down. Always promising this, and it did for a few days, but then it was back up over 105º for several days. Most of the time we ALL just roll our eyes. However, it was 53º the other morning. The highs have been in the 80’s and the lows in the 50’s. We LOVE it. Chauffeur and Shopper had a laugh Friday morning. It was 73º and quite nice. They went over to the local Multi Shopping Guild and as they drove through the parking lot, people were wearing heavy coats!!! WHAT THE HECK?!?!? They thought the weather was lovely, but some of these people were all bundled up waiting for snow. At least that’s what they presumed. They laughed out loud until they disembarked from the carriage. Then they snickered to each other and laughed silently inside. How funny. When they arrived back at The Hermitage, and told their tale, WE all laughed out loud!

We ALL saw the October SUPERmoon, but never saw the comet. We tried, but it just didn’t work for us.

Organizer has made daily lists for everyone every day. Some days they are L O N G, others it isn’t too bad. She has had to add many events on the calendar. Everyone is busy in one way or another.

Grandmomma and Athlete have gone to little league games. Thankfully it is getting cooler. The kids seem so tired out there on the field in the heat.

Disciple has been busy with Church, choir, working in the Temple, and helping with the service projects. She was able to help three Spanish speaking sisters in one of the sessions and they were so thankful and gave her hugs and kisses. Also, 70 missionaries went through the session before that! WOW!!! In our prayer meeting two things were mentioned by two different people. 1) Our job is to lift up, not size up. 2) Blessed are the flexible for they shall not get bent out of shape. Seamstress helped Disciple stitch 6 teddy bears for the First Responders, and as many burp cloths for the NICU. Seamstress donated two sewing machines to the cause. Hopefully they will be of some use. She helped several others with quilts, baby blankets, pocket hearts, and cards. It was enjoyable to work with all of the other women providing things for others in need. Disciple is also working with another sister and the young girls 8-11. The first meeting we did bracelets with memory wire. The second meeting we did “Home Sweet Home” pages and framed them. We have decided that girls that age are NOT the way we were at that age. There is a HUGE difference. But hopefully they will think what we are doing is fun. Disciple also watched all of the General Conference sessions. WOW! The things going on are amazing! Talks were wonderful, and the choirs were fabulous! AND 17 new temples were announced!

Social Bug, who really ISN’T that social, made a few appearances in the last few weeks. She went with Disciple to a FHE, and went to two memorial services.

A friend, Adela Salazar, from 5th grade was in town for several days. Her father was also Queen’s math teacher. He would bring snakes to school in burlap bags for “show and tell.” THIS is why no one in The Hermitage is afraid of snakes. Thank you David Salazar. Queen’s family returned to Albuquerque in 1970, when she was a sophomore, Adela was in several of her classes. Correspondent has kept in touch with her over the years, and back in the 80’s went to her wedding. It was wonderful to see her and visit. We took a drive out to Hemenway Park in BC and saw the Big Horn. She was pretty shocked to see them and how close they were. Adela is Spanish/Navajo, having ancestors on her mother’s side here in America since the 1500’s, and her dad is Navajo and Spanish. Genealogist and Family Historian has been helping her with her family tree, and actually found that she and Queen are related on their paternal sides from the 1700’s making them 10th cousins. That was interesting. She wanted to cook for us, and made “New Mexican” food for us with Hatch chiles she brought with her.

Board Member has been inventorying trees in the community with the landscaping company. The trees are over 50 years old and the last few summers have taken a toll on them. She walked several miles with the arborist assessing the trees, deciding which ones needed to be removed and which needed to be trimmed. Steps were achieved that day! She also worked with the guy fixing the locks on the gates, and helping another board member with cameras, sprinklers, etc. Late one night Board Member was alerted to police activity two streets over. The police were chasing a couple who broke into a home for sale and were “living” in it. They were arrested, the car they had (it was stolen) was towed the next morning. Board Member, with the Board Member from across the street, spent part of a morning painting over the graffiti on a wall. So annoying!

Queen had her hair done! It was SO nice to just sit and relax. So much is going on and just sitting and visiting with our favorite hairdresser was incredible. AND she always makes us look SO nice.

Correspondent had an issue. She was mailing something, and was told to take it to the UPS Store as USPS didn’t recognize the address, and it “probably” wouldn’t get where we were sending it. Chauffeur took Correspondent to the UPS Store. She explained the conundrum to the girl at the counter. She didn’t seem to care, and charged Correspondent $2.00 for stamps and said that USPS would pick it up around 3:30 that afternoon. NO!!! She explained AGAIN in firmer tones, the SAME story about the address, USPS not recognizing it, ETC! The girl said, in quiet little tones, “Well, it shows that we deliver to that address, so I’m sure the USPS does as well.” AGAIN, in more aggressive tones, SHE EXPLAINED they don’t!!! OH MY GOSH! Never mind! So, rather than be arrested for unbelievable behavior in a UPS Store, she took her item and had Chauffeur take her to the USPS on Sunset! JEEZ!!!

Now that it is cooler, Gardner has been mowing, dead-heading roses, and doing the general maintenance with Landscaper. They REALLY want to do more, but have been engaged with helping INSIDE The Hermitage. They are bored, and sometimes cause petty problems because of it, but they are kept in line by the Enforcer.

The youngest and his lovely wife have been close to the hurricane areas, so we have been checking on them. They received a LOT of rain, and the river near them went from one you could walk from one side to the other, to one you wouldn’t be able to traverse. They have seen a lot of animals; Eagles, otters, weasels, and black bears. The youngest is mainly interested in the bears and spent most of one day just watching them while working outside. He was excited to see so many. They had to put down their oldest dog a few months ago and have been saddened by that, only to have to put another one down last week. ALL of us in The Hermitage are broken hearted for them, and the loss of these two granddogs. We loved them too.

Chef has been busy making things for quick meals. One was deviled eggs. Shopper bought a bag of eggs, supposed to contain 6, HOWEVER Chef was pleasantly surprised to find a “baker’s half dozen!”

Several of us in The Hermitage have been moody, emotional, frustrated and melancholy. Others have been joyful at the progress we are making, and finding humor with some of the things we are discovering in boxes! We found the Hot Diggity Dogger. It makes AMAZING hot dogs! We found a rather large leather horse. Correspondent only had to make one call to find out who that belonged to. He didn’t remember where it came from, BUT did remember it well. We’ve found AT LEAST a dozen, IF not more, clipboards. The brown ones with the silver clip part. After making three calls, we have found that ALL of the children of The Hermitage have clipboard issues. They admitted that yes, they love clipboards. Hmmm…no one claimed the legal sized one though. We are not sure we understand this desire for clipboards, and what we shall do with all of them. We’ve also found MANY pairs of safety glasses. Said child made the remark that, “at least you know I went to school.” Hmmm…the reasoning behind some of this is interesting. Curling irons. OH MY GOSH!!! Queen has two girls. WHY have we found over a dozen curling irons? ALL sizes, styles, etc. Absolutely incredible!!! AND scrunchies! Not to mention all sizes and styles of bobby pins, hair clips, banana clips, and every other kind of hair paraphernalia.

Chief Head Mechanic replaced the front brakes on the carriage this evening. He is incredibly busy and we hated even mentioning it. He seemed happy to do it, BUT we feel bad that it falls on him.

We are SO grateful for those we have been able to help and provide service to, as well as things they need.

We are SO grateful for those who have helped us. Who care for us and love us. We know everyone is busy and feel blessed they take time for us.

 29 September 2024

Here we are at the end of September ALREADY! And what a month THIS has been.

For years many of us in The Hermitage have told others, especially Queen's children, that we most likely will have the answers to the “What’s, Where’s, When’s, Who’s, How’s, ETC., BUT NEVER the Why’s!!!” We’ve explained that ONLY God knows the answers to the “WHY’s.” Basically, Disciple has explained that the “Why’s” involve timing, purpose, reasons, and such, that WE don’t know. BUT we trust in God and have faith. And we keep going. NOT without purpose or reason. Not randomly. Not just going through the motions. Not blindly. WE do so with direction and guidance that Disciple prays for daily. And so, we have seen the tender mercies, miracles, reasons, purposes, this week and WE ARE ALL IN AWE of what God does, His timing and His reasons. When we follow His guidance and direction, without question, HE shows us exactly WHY something has happened, why it was His timing. What His reasons were! And we cried off and on all week knowing we were instruments in His hands.

Organizer worked with Chef, Baker and Kitchen Scullery Maids, Monday morning cleaning out and organizing cabinets and drawers.

Chauffeur took Correspondent to the office of letter sending, and Shopper to the local guild. Not much was purchased, as this was a look-see trip. What she looked at wasn’t what she wanted, or anyone else, especially Organizer, SO that was a quick trip.

Correspondent took a short break and saw the following message posted.

“Hi ward family! Finally able to get a place but have nothing to put in it. If you have anything you have been dying to find a new home for please let me know by sending me a DM or calling me directly.

Thanks so much.”

Disciple and others in The Hermitage began to cry. Disciple prayed. WE ALL UNDERSTOOD some answers. For the longest time, WE didn’t know why, things just didn’t work in getting things out of the storage for 16 years. We got some here and there, BUT not all of it. WHY? We didn’t know. AND a LOT of it had NOWHERE to go once it got here. Nor could any of us wear some of the clothing, ETC. Life had changed, things were different. We had ALL changed in MANY ways. When we were loading things, we had NO real answers to the questions we were being asked. Only the answer of “just load it all and we will figure it all out later.” And now this! To say we were in awe is an understatement!

We sent a message to this lovely sister from the ward. “Don’t buy anything! We probably have it.” She and her sister came over that evening and we discussed what was available—queen size bed, full size bed, couch, end tables, coffee table, table with four chairs, lamps, patio table with six chairs, two Christmas trees, kitchen items, and more. And there is more, we just need to sort through things. As we find things we put them in boxes. We are SO blessed to be able to give. We are grateful beyond words. One never knows the ways in which God will use us to bless the lives of others. There were many times we needed help and it was always provided. THAT is a story on tithing for another time. It is easier to get around in The Hermitage!

All of this has provided a peace and calm in The Hermitage allowing us to sleep at night. We are also thankful for that!

Board Member has done HOA stuff this week. Financier and Banker have been busy with end of the month bills and updating the ledger, etc. Thankfully ALL of that balanced. They are complete nutcases with that! It has to balance to the penny…OR heads will roll.

The Temple was closed for cleaning, but was back open this week, so Disciple was back to her shift! Thankful to see all of her friends who are now like family. Thankful to be able to spend the day in the Temple. Thankful for the “feelings” of the Temple and blessings!

Queen made some calls. One to her youngest. He and his lovely wife are RIGHT in the middle of hurricane Helene. They have had a LOT of rain all week, but are doing okay. The river next to them went from knee deep to about 10’ or higher, but he insisted they were okay. She tried to call today, but was told they would call back. Hmmm…Disciple will be praying harder.

Queen also called her brother as his birthday was Saturday. It was a quick visit as his sister-in-law, Karen Warner’s funeral service was on YouTube. So all of us in The Hermitage watched it as we worked on distributing old files to the file receptacle!

Queen and Grandmomma were off to a little league game with Chauffeur to the other side of the valley. The youngest Grandson was the starting pitcher—struck out the first two batters and the fourth batter. His team won 7-5. It was OVER 100º out so Queen and Grandmomma mentioned that swimming might be in order. The water was a tad cool, but didn’t take much to get used to it. A few weeks from now and that may not be the case. Who knows?

We are hoping that Organizer, Chef, Baker, and Kitchen and Scullery Maids get things going in the kitchen so we can enjoy home cooked meals again. Eating out isn’t something we normally do daily.

We are SO blessed!

We are SO grateful!

We are thankful for guidance and direction, EVEN when we have NO idea of WHY!

We are thankful for our great faith!

We are thankful for our knowledge!

We are thankful we know who to put out trust in!

We are thankful to know that God knows EACH one of us personally!

We are thankful for family, friends, neighbors and those we meet when out.

Life is AMAZING!