9 May 2018 

Update, although there hasn't been any change. Her body is swelling more, which is the only real change, but normal.

I have heard people over the years say, "They died peacefully in their sleep." Well, I understand that now. She has basically been asleep since Friday evening. No movement except she is breathing and her heart is beating.

I've had people ask, "How are you so strong?" Well, I'm not. I have my moments. But I do have great faith and I know what happens when we die. I know there are angels surrounding us; some are those we see wherever we are, and others we can't see. I know the ones we can't see are those who have "left the building" over the years; parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts/uncles, cousins, etc. as well as those who will join the family in the future. She has asked many times, "Why am I the only one left?" She had one sister and six brothers. Besides her, she has one brother left. Her dad had six sisters and three brothers, SO she had a LOT of cousins. Not to mention all the in-laws and many, many friends from all over the world. Yes, there are many waiting for her on the other side.

I could be wrong, BUT I think her greatest friendship was with her sister. They had such a love for each other, maybe because they were the only girls with 6 brothers. But I know she didn't understand much a year ago when Doreen died, and kept calling up there. Then she didn't use the phone much anymore as there wasn't anyone to call...and finally quit all together because she didn't understand what a phone was.

Tomorrow, 10 May 2018, it will be a week since she has eaten or had anything to drink. The timeline is sketchy and I firmly believe that God is the only one who knows when we will arrive and when we will leave. I believe we all have a specific time and it won't be less than what it is. I trust God.

Besides the angels on the other side, I have, it seems, countless angels in my life. I have my incredible family; immediate and extended. AND I have ALL of you! I feel your prayers, your thoughts and receive strength from all of you. I'm thankful to everyone who has reached out and lifted me in many ways. There are those who are having a hard time reading these updates as it reminds them of things they went through. I receive calls and love. I love you too! This is hard. I'm so thankful for the full life she has had. Last Wednesday mom was playing catch with the others at the care home, racing around with her walker, taking walks up and down the street, teasing, laughing and the light was bright. The light is almost gone here. I know that it is shining brighter on the other side, and when it is out here, will be full and luminous on the other side. She will be greeted by a multitude of family and friends...I will be happy for her. She has been waiting for this reunion.

I told her when I left tonight that everyone was waiting; my dad, her mom and dad, Doreen, her grandparents...and the plane. She has been waiting for this last plane ride...I'm sure it will be soon.

Thank you ALL again for sharing your love, thoughts, prayers and strength.

 9 May 2025

Writer is posting a short post BEFORE the extra L O N G post for Mother's Day.

Only some of the family were here for the First Sunday Family dinner on Star Wars day. We also had some special visitors for a few minutes, who brought over cake! Thanks Liv and Lainey.

Meteorologist reported that we had a record amount of rain at the beginning of the week. Apparently we broke a 60 year record! It was nice.

Disciple went to lunch with several of the sisters she works with on her Thursday Mid-shift at the Temple. That was fun. Then she was torn on Tuesday evening. There was a Garden Tea Party at one chapel. A JustServe meeting at another. AND another JustServe Zoom meeting at The Hermitage. Because of her Calling as the Stake JustServe Specialist, the tea party was out as well as the zoom meeting. Can't be everywhere...sadly.

Angelo came over on Wednesday and we worked hard until about 5:30 on the, dare we say, "Love Shack?!?!" Everytime he needed something for it, it was produced from somewhere, and it was quite amazing. Painter needs to paint now, and Artist will add her touch, then Decorator will begin her work. Scavenger collected the 8 doors from various places, and even worked a deal on two of them. So, ALL the doors were free. That was a bonus. AND Angelo gave of his time, which ALL of us in The Hermitage appreciate MORE than we can express! Chef and Baker will have to make treats for when we are out there meditating, sitting, etc. Gardener will need to plant things in the backyard now and dress it up with Landscaper! We can't wait to see what happens next!

Family Historian went down SEVERAL rabbit holes this week, going back to the year 88! Yes, that is correct. It is not a typo. Vitilaus des Hérules born abt. 88 in Alamania. Died in Heruli, Italy. Because of her work, Disciple was able to do work for King Harold II of England (born in 1022) and Edith of Wessex (born in 1030) Queen's 27th great grandparents! Those of us in The Hermitage have felt their presence ALL week and it was interesting, to say the least. So, that was fun! She also did work for Duclina Mac Donald born 888 in Scotland!

Queen had her hair done today so it would "look nice for Mother's Day" as her hairdresser said. And it does. Queen's oldest are taking her to breakfast for Mother's Day, then going to Church with her. She is ABSOLUTELY beside herself over this!!! Time is something she cherishes more than anything, and when others give of themselves, she feels SO blessed! She is absolutely giddy!

Now for the "Redistribution" of this week's findings. Until later...press forward.

 5 May 2025

Chauffeur drove across town with Grandmomma to help out by picking up Chris. As Grandmomma walked to the door of the school, she noticed something on the curb and thought, "IS THAT WHAT I THINK IT IS?!?!?!" As she bent down with Photographer to get a picture, the tail moved. YEP! IT SURE IS!!! WHOA!!! They did NOT think it was that big. The body was a little bigger than a quarter. However, the two security guys thought it was huge. Grandmomma explained that she has seen them three times this size. Nevertheless, they were going to kill it. She was sorry she told them. She asked, "IF there is a cup, I'd be happy to catch it and release it in the bushes." Both of the security guys were a tad shocked. However, it scurried into a crack between the curb and the sidewalk. Thankfully.

Chris was totally impressed and wanted Photographer to "SHOW" everyone he knew the photo.

We drove to his house talking about his day, the rain, spelling words, scripture for the week, and him eating his granola bar and drinking his pineapple...whoops, the electricity just went...oh! Back on...but the clocks are now blinking...squirrel!!! juice.

It has been raining most of the day. It's sort of awesome!!! AND of course we are in a flood watch. That isn't unusual. However, it is washing out ALL of the homeless encampments in the tunnels under The Strip casinos and hotels. We did drive through several flooded areas going from one side of Vegas to the other. Ahhh...but the sound of rain at The Hermitage is lovely.

 2 May 2025

Hard to believe we are in MAY! Meteorologist said it is supposed to rain for the next five days! Hmmm...We wonder IF it really will.  Gardener will be pleased if it does. She mowed, reseeded the front yard, added another sprinkler, and cleaned things up. The mower started on the first pull, and she was excited! AND so was her shoulder!

They poured the walk in the alley behind the house! It is AWESOME! AND it is wonderful to not be awoken by them at 6:30AM! Two bonuses! 

Scullery Maid was busy early on in the week. She was getting things ready for Chef to prepare for Sunday's dinner on...TADA...May the Fourth be with you! HAHAHA!!! Baker WILL be doing something with that, YOU can be sure of that. She IS kind of squirrely at times. 

Family Historian went down a rabbit hole twice this week! She found Great Grandparents 30 generations back! They are from Scotland, Norway, Sweden and France and were born in the early 800's!!! WOW! She already knew we are related to Henry VIII, but these were new to her. AND their names are fascinating. William "The Lion," King of Scotland born about 1142. His father was Henry of Scotland, 3rd Earl of Huntingdon born 1114. Then a 27th Great Grandfather Guillaume Ier 'Longue-Épée' de Normandie comte de Rouen AKA William Longsword born in 892 in France. A 20th Great Grandmother Constance de Penthievre, Duchess de Bretagne born in France in 1166. Family Historian was intrigued by all of the fascinating names and people, looking up several of them to learn more. Queen finally told her she needed to take a break as she was interrupting those who were trying to get their duties done within and without The Hermitage. She kept yelling, "CHECK THIS ONE OUT!!!" It is interesting though.

Board Member has been busy this week. She helped fix one of the camera's at the Clubhouse, went to the board meeting (the Executive Meeting was NOT the usual. She was still angry days later), tore out some of the old irrigation lines with the board member across the street, AND helped him fix a pothole with a bag of asphalt. That was a new one. Now we are the road repair crew! 

Queen had an eye appointment this week. He's a great guy and it turned out that he is an 8th cousin! He immediately sent a text to Queen's youngest! Oh the things we get excited about! 

From there Chauffeur took Queen on an errand to see the oldest daughter. It was National Hairstylist Day and they took her a bag of her favorite treats and goodies! She was pleasantly surprised, and it was fun! 

Disciple spent most of Thursday at the Temple and it was absolutely wonderful. She loves leaving the world behind and entering a more peaceful sanctuary. She saw a friend that she hasn't seen in about 40 years! Also another one she has known for at least 45 years and sees now and then at the Temple. She loves working in the Temple each week and has become close to the sisters she works with. They have become family. 

Chef planned dinner for Sunday. She saw a recipe and thinks she may try it. Mexican White Trash Casserole. Basically white chicken jalapeno cream cheese enchiladas. Should at least be tasty. She may even make some Spanish rice, and refried beans. Baker has a surprise up her sleeve for dessert. 

We have ALL been weepy, AND just figured out why. Now we get it. Anyway, we are all basically fine. 

All of us have collected things this week as usual. Writer never knows what they have collected until she posts them. So, here we go! Writer has learned over the last few years that people read what she writes. Because they don't comment, she was NOT aware of this, however, they mention this fact, and it comes as a surprise. SO thank you, friends! Wishing you all a great week, until next time.

 13 April 2024

So much going on. Those of us in The Hermitage are celebrating Holy Week. Today, Palm Sunday. We are ALL emotional. NOT just Disciple. We are emotional for many reasons. Easter coming is part of it. Love is part of it. Sacrifice is part of it. Faith. Beliefs. Miracles. ALL of this and SO much more.

This is the 21st anniversary of a call NO mother ever wants to receive. It was a Sunday morning. LONG story. LONG days followed. MUCH came from it. We were all strengthened in our faith, beliefs, power of priesthood blessings, power for prayers, and seeing God's hand in our lives. Then miracles and blessings. When one is told that their child's (he was almost 27) lifeless body was found on a major freeway, and the EMT's called the coroner, one freaks out and NOTHING is ever the same. And here we are 21 years later, knowing that each of us is known to God personally.

There has been a geese couple at the pool all week. They are gone now. But they have been fun for Ornithologist to watch.

Gardner AND the rest of us have been overwhelmed by ALL of the roses. She even picked some and brought them in. There are strawberries too!

Disciple had a wonderful day at the Temple, then participated in Sisters in Service. There are several projects going, and now a new one. She decided to do the new one. Flannel hearts for new mothers of NICU babies. They get two hearts. They put one close to their heart, on their skin. Then it is put in with the baby in the isolette. That way the baby knows the mothers own smell. The heart is exchanged back and forth to comfort the baby. Disciple LOVES hearts, so this was something she was excited to do.

We had a visitor at The Hermitage for the weekend. Thankful for that.

We are ready for Redistribution time. Have a blessed Holy Week. Easter, THE most important day ever. We are SO blessed.

25 April 2025

What a week.

Board Member helped with a LOT of projects going on in the Community; new sidewalks, new grass, possible new benches, getting out the pool chairs (ETC) for the May 1st opening, securing a space a homeless person was living in, pulling up dead trees for the "Free Tree" program, checking on various bids/estimates for other projects, and SO much more. Getting those steps in. The concrete guys worked behind The Hermitage, in the alley, ALL week, starting about 6:30 every morning. They were breaking up and removing the walk, forming, making a LOT of noise, etc. This morning they are finishing the forms right on the other side of The Hermitage wall, and getting ready to pour the cement. We will be SO glad when all of that is done. Little Chris not so much. ALL of the HUGE "JUMPS" in the concrete walks will be gone. He loves going over them on the bike when we ride our bikes on his visits. Maybe we will make some like Builder did when his dad was small. And the geese at the pool "seem" to be gone, however there is evidence that they may pop in from time to time.

Disciple had an AMAZING Easter Sunday and the icing on the cake was having two of Queen's children and significant other's attend Church with her! She sang in the choir, and with family there, the songs, AND the spirit, SHE was overwhelmed and the spirit leaked out of her eyes. A friend told her she looked beautiful, and she was SO thankful for the compliment.

Queen's oldest had a small Easter dinner at his house. He made Tri-Tips. Jenny made the potatoe's, deviled eggs, and awesome skillet cookie and ice cream dessert. Chef made a broccoli/cauliflower casserole, crab dip, corn salsa, onion dip and macaroni salad. She also played rummy with the oldest....we didn't get to finish.

Organizer has been "trying" to get EVERYONE's act together for the garage sale THIS WEEKEND! There is MUCH to get out there, but things have been slow due to other things happening in The Hermitage. Time will tell. She DID get the closet in the master chamber somewhat organized. However, Employee pointed out something. NONE of us wear most of the clothes/shoes in the closet, dressers, OR the armoire. SHE was the one who wore most of them, and since she retired, very few of us get dressed...well, like that. YES, there are days we all roam around The Hermitage, taking care of our duties, IN OUR PJ'S! Only when we decide to go somewhere, does Chauffeur insist on normal clothing. Disciple dresses on Sunday and Thursdays, BUT the rest of us just throw things on. SO why do we "need" over 100 pairs of shoes? WHY do we need ALL of these pants, tops, ETC?!?!?! A pair of overalls, a few t-shirts and some flip flops and we are good to go. EXCEPT when Chauffeur is taking us somewhere. So, Organizer has been trying to be rational about things, NO matter who screams about the shoes! The patio DID get organized and cleaned up. Things are positioned for the "sale" tomorrow.

The HOA only has two garage sales a year, April and October, and we missed the one in October. Organizer is saving some of the stuff for the fall, as it will sell better then.

EVERYONE in The Hermitage is impressed with Gardener!!! The jasmine smells amazing! Flowers of all kinds are everywhere. It is our own little heaven! Several of the neighbors have commented. She also crossed off another thing on the "Things to do in 2025" list! Not to mention she has picked strawberries twice, and did NOT share.

Anyway, we are trying to press on, and so we come to the Redistribution of "whatever" has been collected lately. Along with some of Photographers own photos.

We hope you are enjoying spring and that life is well. We are SO blessed and thankful!

6 April 2025

A VERY important date!!! 6 April 1830! 

Writer is FAR too exhausted to write. BUT we are going to Redistribute things gathered, as well as a few of Photographers photos.

OH what the heck. We are ALL up, let's do this.

Earlier this week Organizer decided to work on the closet in the master chambers. WHAT A CHORE!!! We realize there are a LOT of feet in The Hermitage, BUT there are at least six to seven dozen pairs of shoes! AND That doesn't even count the dozen or so that are bagged by the front entrance! WHAT THE HECK?!?!?! At least two dozen of them have been in boxes for over a decade...or two...and have NEVER been worn!!! These better get worn in the next year or else! AND the clothes need to be gone through. JEEZ! When Employee worked, ALL of these clothes made sense. BUT when most of us lollygag around The Hermitage in pj's or sweats most days, WHY do we need all of these clothes?!?!?!

Board Member walked with the Landscapers from one end of the community to the other, discussing things that need to happen in the future, etc. That took some time, BUT She got her steps in, and that's a bonus. She also helped another board member put up blinds and wall plate covers in the clubhouse.

Gardner FINALLY got the mower started. Not sure how many times she pulled that cord, and sprayed starter fluid...YES, there was gas in it...but it started. Sounds funny though and may need something tuned up. She will have Mechanic check the air filter and maybe the spark plug. The roses are starting to bloom and not only are they gorgeous, BUT smell amazing!

Laundress was busy this week. NOT like anyone is running out of clothes, but the bin was full. Scullery Maid was busy in the kitchen.

Disciple worked on a handout about Holy Week for the Wednesday Activity Girls. On Thursday, she took a different way to the Temple and reflected on life. Life in The Hermitage. Growing older. ETC. One of the Temple Matrons said she felt that "someone" needed to hear something she received while reading her scriptures. "HE knows YOU! HE sees YOU! HE know what you are going through and what you are concerned about. HE loves you! Leave it ALL with Him." WHOA!!! Disciple had tears streaming down her face. While she is "normally" weepy, she was even more so. This message was for her!

Photographer was busy! She is trying to get ALL of her photos downloaded to Shutterfly. That way Scrapbooker can have them printed and into books. She had left off with 2017,and has downloaded literally thousands (at least 6000) so far. She is close to being done, but not quite...BUT close.

Grandmomma had a movie night with the youngest grandson. Chef made "octopus," mac and cheese and BBQ beans. He had two "octopi." Chauffeur dashed them over to the local superguild to get ice cream. They couldn't decide on one, so he got cookies and cream and neapolitan, but she had already gotten vanilla bean and neapolitan! Something was not quite right with this picture! HEY! Put one of those neapolitan's back! Then there was Reese's magic shell! WOW! A scoop of each, plus the magic shell, whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles and three cherries! Then it was movie time. We tried to find a good short before the movie, BUT it seems it isn't available. Rikki Tiki Tavi! We have it on VHS, but couldn't find the movie anywhere on the TV. Hmmm. We watched The Apple Dumpling Gang, then The Love Bug.

Saturday was rough in many ways. Disciple started watching General Conference. But Momma was thinking about the invitation last night from the oldest son. She rarely gets to spend time with family. She nicely explained to Disciple that they could watch the missed sessions of General Conference Sunday and Monday. So Chauffeur took Momma out to Nellis AFB for the Air Show. She hadn't been in years, and wasn't sure she was emotionally prepared. She was NOT. They spend hours and hours out on the flight line looking at EVERYTHING and checking it all out. She kept it together for the most part. BUT when the Thunderbirds were flying...and then...over the PA system the song God Bless America played...she was weeping. Almost sobbing. TOO many memories flooded her heart. Too much. BUT it was incredible and she loved it!

Disciple did watch both sessions of General Conference today and one from yesterday. We didn't have our family dinner though. The Utah family members have been sick, so didn't come down. Two from here went out of town. So we had dinner with the oldest, and his family. It was very nice.

Chef will be making potato soup tomorrow, and chicken noodle. Maybe some other things. Most of us reminded her that the weather is supposed to be in the upper 90's this week and soup MAY not be what should happen, BUT she is determined to move ahead with her plans. EGADS! Heaven help us.

NOW we will proceed with the Redistribution of our gathered treasures. Writer is fairly sure that these writings will be reflected in the gathered treasures. What can we say?!