And It's Almost November

For once I'm actually almost looking forward to Halloween.  It's never been (for me) even a remotely "liked" holiday, but this year it has felt like summer/fall with our warm and lovely weather for so long that I'm certain once that calendar turns over to November we'll have some cooler weather. (And of course, when I bought that bag of halloween candy I made sure to pick a variety that we like just in case there's leftovers.  I'm quite fond of leftovers.)

Me in the leaf pile.
So The Husband returned safely from CA.  It was lovely to see him at the door ready with a hug and a kiss.  I haven't wanted to leave his side ever since. We spent yesterday morning bagging up the leaves and pine needles in the backyard.  And it was great to be out there together.  Toward the end I was so out of energy that I just fell over into the pile, causing The Husband to chuckle in surprise when he turned around and saw me. (I made sure to fall forward so I wouldn't have any chance of getting any microscopic critters in my hair, that'd totally freak me out!)

Packing down the leaves.
9 full bags.
And those leaves / pine needles?  The 9 bags we filled were just the beginning.  The maples haven't dropped a single leaf it looks like.  And only one of the tri-color beeches has shed any leaves and the honeylocusts in the front are always the last to leaf out and the last to be leafless so we still have lots to do, if'n the weather cooperates.   And speaking of leaves?  Our grandson and daughter were out raking in the wind the other night.  They saved us hours of work.  How thoughtful and generous they were with their efforts.  The bad part of all those leaves?  They've filled all our freshly cleaned gutters  to overflowing.  The Husband wrangled the blower up on the tall ladder but we just aren't young enough to get up on the roof for the access we need.  I see another professional gutter cleaning in our future...

We finally got the driveway and patio concrete sealed.  It feels good to have that done and know we can now better weather the winter.  The storms held off just long enough for the crew to get the work done - yay!

Had our annual eye exams the other day.  My one cataract has grown substantially.  It's almost at the point where I'll have to have it removed.  And I'm nervous.  My vision is one sense that I truly cherish.  But the cataract interferes with my vision enough that it is a bit of a constant frustration.  So when it's time, I'll be ready.  The floaters are also annoying and they might be bad enough to have fixed when the cataract is removed, but I'm postponing that decision until I absolutely have to.  This aging process is not only frustrating, it's discouraging.  I'm not ready to be old.

And today was my last day for triple duty at church.  Another reason to be grateful for the beginning of November. Next week is Stake Conference and though the weekend will be overfilled with meetings, at least I'll have a bit of a break from my anxiety-filled Sunday School class.

I'm grateful for the storm coming through, we've had lovely weather, but I really enjoy a (mild) storm once in a while.  I'm grateful for getting projects done around here.  For extended family who sacrifice their time and comfort to help us with the yard work - my heart still warms when I think of how much that helped us.  I'm grateful for healing of blisters on the bottom of my toe so that I'll be able to walk in the morning. And for the safe return of The Husband - he is my whole life! I'm grateful for friends to do dinner and movie with that make the time enjoyable.  And I'm grateful for loyalty.

Wednesday Wishes

I ate almost the whole thing!
• Last night I headed off to Wild Zucchini for a solitary dinner of salad.  Between page turns of my book I became aware of a couple - it appeared they were waiting for someone.  Sure enough, pretty soon their friends/adult kids arrived and they went to order.  As I was leaving the restaurant I noticed them sitting all together, heads bowed, hands clasped as they said a blessing on the food.  We see that a lot when we're back east / in the southern part of our country.  Not so much here.  (Our little family generally blesses the food in the car prior to entering the restaurant.) I loved seeing them give thanks. I wish I saw this more often.

Moon just before sunrise.
• One of the routes for my morning walks takes me down a trail that is frequented by kids going to school.  Over the last couple of weeks I've passed a couple boys, maybe 14 or 15 years old.  They're always chatting and enjoying their trek to school.  The last several times we've passed I've heard them talking about something or other that is stressful.  Or "stressing them out". I so wish there was less stress in this world.

Lots of leaves and more still to fall.
• I took this picture of the current state of our backyard.  I love the leaves, love the sound when I shuffle through them, love their color, even can find enjoyment in the cleaning them up.  It often takes us several weeks to get them all packed in the garbage can and toted off in the garbage truck. And that's with at least half of them ending up in the next door neighbor's back yard because of the wind. (Thanks, Wind.) I wish there was some magically quick and efficient way to send them to leaf heaven (or wherever it is that leaves go).  It takes a fair amount of time, even with help of others.

• It was quite dark when I headed out this morning. And the sky was clear, absent of clouds.  The stars were bright and I loved seeing them.  But...I wish we could see the stars here the way our out-of-state-a-bit-away-from-the-citylights-family sees them.  They're lucky. Here we only see a fraction of the beautiful stars in the night sky.

• And I wish I was tactful and kind. I so dislike when I hurt someone, even though it's really never intentional.  I wish relationships were easier, that I knew better how to make a (long overdue) choice for us in a kind way.

• I wish that I could look at every day as a "perfect day" through the perspective that each day that I get to experience this world is a perfect day of love, kindness and opportunity.

• I wish that I could always remember that sweet scene from the movie The Help where the maid tells the little girl, "You is smart, you is kind, you is important."  Good attitudes to incorporate in my treatment of others.

I'm grateful for reminders of the goodness of our Heavenly Father in our lives.  I so need them. I'm grateful for the forgiveness I hope to receive for all the mis-steps I make in this life.  I'm grateful for the beauty of this fall season, and for a yard of our own that requires some outdoor time raking up the leaves.And this week I'm grateful for Thursday - the day The Husband comes home!

Today Totally Feels Like Tuesday

And no, I'm not sure what Tuesday is supposed to feel like, I just know that today feels like it.

Soup/half sandwich & chips, yum.
• Last night I treated myself to Corner Bakery Dinner.  The guy taking my order was a bit astonished at the size of my gift card.  I told him it was a birthday gift from my husband for when he's out of town. He thought that was awesome.  It is.  And my dinner was pretty good, too.

• I've been having a long-term hankering for chocolate milk.  Yeah, I know.  That's for kids, right?  (I still think if my Mom had let us have chocolate milk (forget the cost, I know they couldn't afford it) I wouldn't have such bad bones at this point in life.  I'd have great bones because I'd have had lots of milk all the time.) And it seems I can never get enough of the good stuff.  Problem is, the good stuff is hard to come by.  I find myself stopping in at random grocery stores whenever I pass one, looking for the good stuff.  I used to kind of like the TruMoo, but am not fond of the flavor, not to mention that if you're going to have chocolate milk, the low or reduced fat is just not going to do.

Yes, a favorite of mine!
So, after dinner last night I stopped in at the WalMart Neighborhood Market for some fresh zucchini (I really like it pan-seared for lunch).  Could hardly believe that they were out of fresh zucchini.  But, what they did have was this yummy Darigold (one of my favorites) chocolate milk.  I bought 2.  (Half a gallon is overkill, even for me.) These will stay fresh and cold in the fridge and I can make one of those little bottles last a couple days.  Yes, my tastebuds are jumping up and down, "yippee, yippee, yippee!"

The moon was so pretty.
• I really missed my morning walk yesterday.  And somehow I just can't bring myself to do the same kind of walking later in the day.  I am definitely a morning person. This morning's walk was pretty close to perfect:  58 degrees, breezy (but not windy) peaceful and quiet. I took several pictures but will only post one, trying to keep the boredom to a minimum.

• I've been fussing and stewing over Sunday's lesson.  But finally, I think I've got how to end it!  Now I only need to figure out how to dive in. Been looking all over for the engagement picture that I know we've got around here somewhere, but it's MIA. Coming up with the rest will come, once I have a key component of the lesson in my head, the rest just sort of flows.  I so wish this was a easy for me as it is for some.  I'm so very uncomfortable in front of people.  As it is, I pretend we're just having a chat. And that they're all my friends.  I still come out of class with dripping armpits and an uneasy stomach.

• I'm pretty sure I've mentioned this quote before, but I still like it:  "Gratitude is the memory of the heart." -- Jean Massieu

• I'm grateful today for teensy bits of inspiration, I need them so very much.  For phone calls at 7 in the a.m. while I'm out on the trail, and for speakerphone capability so my arm doesn't totally cramp up trying to hear the sweetie of mine on the other end of the phone. I'm grateful for fun books to read, movies to watch and sewing projects to enrich my days.  For down comforters to warm my nights in that big bed.  And for hope that Thursday evening is coming quicker than it seems.

And Another Few Days Later

And here I am.  Without pictures, though I've taken plenty.  I'm still scratching my head trying to figure out where the time goes.

I spent the week working on my Sunday School lesson (The Law Of Chastity was a tough one for me -not to live, but because it's a very tender subject and I wanted to do it justice - which I probably didn't quite), went to lunch with a couple friends, managed to make it through about 3/4 of the book Inferno in preparation for the movie this coming weekend, practiced the piano a bit and just generally enjoyed the weather.  We'd have the heat on at night and I'd bundle up when I went for a walk but by the afternoon we were flinging open the windows to catch the fresh scent of fall.

I also bought a few birthday cards and gifts, and put my lazy/dying brain cells to work trying to figure out what to get for people that we care about.  We ended up taking the Sister Missionaries to dinner when their host family had to back out (Corner Bakery to the rescue again.  The rescue?  It was me from having to cook!) And we actually went on a friday night date.  Just the two of us.  I can't actually remember when we last did that.  It was just lovely.

I've spent a lot of time reading words about the gospel from General Authorities of the church and having my soul warmed again by the presence of the Spirit testifying truth.  And have become convinced once again that one of the crucial keys to discipleship is being open and receptive to the Holy Ghost.  How grateful I am! I pray every day for my children.  And grandchildren and friends that are hoping for Heavenly help.  I hope for each of them all the best that life has to offer - which means that I hope they'll make wise choices and work hard to be close to the Spirit and remember those covenants we renew each Sunday during Sacrament meeting.

And yesterday I was so lucky to be able to play for the baptism of our little next-door neighbor.  It was one of the best ways to spend a Saturday morning.  The meeting was calming and reverent and I was so glad to be there.

All in all, it's been an interesting week because of the journey through the days that my thoughts and emotions made.

The Husband has been having cookie cravings.  Last night we indulged in a scoop of cookies at Corner Bakery - I so love those bite-sized chunks containing chocolate.  Today's dessert after our post-church snack-meal required more cookies.  Lucky for us I had a Ghirardelli cookie mix in the pantry (I remember when I'd think of a cookie mix with horror!) which took no time at all to bake and almost less time to devour.  I'm in a cookie/sugar induced haze.

I've been texting back & forth with a granddaughter.  How delightful it is to have someone reach out to me.  And there's only one more week of what feels like triple duty.  October is my turn for playing the organ in Sacrament after which I put on my teaching hat for Sunday School then back on piano duty for Relief Society.  And I've been quite vocal about the stress that it brings for me on Sundays to do all of that.  And yet, really? It's not hard to play the piano, I love the piano and the joy it brings into my life. I doubt the organ and I will ever be friends, but at least we're coming to some sort of uneasy truce though my hands still tremble every single time I have to put them on the organ keys.  And I'm still planning on finishing out the year and then being done teaching Sunday School every week.  So in all seriousness, church could be so very much more anxiety producing than it is.  I should be grateful for the opportunities to serve.  There are so many people that could serve in all these capacities much more competently than me.

I've been checking and re-checking my phone for a picture of some kind to share, it doesn't seem right to put something here on my blog without a picture or two.  But I think I deleted them all as unimportant.

I'm so grateful for a camera (phone) in my pocket to take pictures wherever I go!  I love looking for something specific and thumbing through all the memories those pictures cause. I'm grateful for friends that skip Sunday School to chat with us (on our way out of church because our block of meetings is over).  It was a delightful 40 minutes.  And because we were in the hall, there were several other friend-sightings that occurred.  (It was the most social interaction I've had all week long.)  I'm grateful for cookie mixes in the cupboard.  For something to look forward to:  Thursday! (That's when The Husband will be home from the mother-ship-office-trip.) I'm grateful that we could walk to and from church.  And for answers to prayer.

Worth Reading

And no, I don't necessarily agree with everything he says.  But I do find it merits thought. And wanted to share, I generally really like this guy's articles.

http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2016/01/morning-ritual/

I like that he includes gratitude in there.  I've come to believe it's a key component in our all around well-being.

Nervous

Even that word provokes in me a sense of nervousness.  I'm feeling it today.  Yesterday was really a crazy day - I stopped a birthday gift for our sweet little neighbor off and ended up chatting (how delightful it was) with her Mom for nearly an hour, went visiting teaching another neighbor, and then a bit later still another of our sisters. Then home to get in the car with The Husband to go to Provo for our youngest grandson's first birthday.  By the time I got home I was ready to crash for a while.

And the nervous part?  I was invited to play for our neighbor's baptism on Saturday.  And I'm teaching a tough lesson in Sunday School this coming week.  And I filled out my ballot for the November elections - which was totally nerve-wracking.  This is really a scary election year.

I chatted with the Bishop on Sunday.  After listing the logical reasons why, we discussed me being released from teaching Gospel Principles around the first of the new year.  (I figure I've given them plenty of time to find someone better equipped to do it.) It was with an enormous sense of relief that I left his office.  But I'm still nervous that they'll forget, though I vow to stay on top of this. It really is time for someone else to have a turn being nervous each Sunday.  :^)

The Husband is out of town next week and I'm already nervous about him returning home safe and sound.  My heart just feels deflated when he's absent.

Another gorgeous morning. 
A couple good things, though.  Yesterday afternoon's visit teaching appointment with our sister who doesn't attend church but is so gracious and welcoming to us when we visit in her home?  We mentioned a neighbor of hers (that she doesn't really even know who they are, they live up the street and around the corner just a bit) is in the hospital.  First thing she wanted to know was are we taking in meals?  She'd like to help with that.  Yes, totally warmed my heart.

And it was really good to see the little grandson on his birthday.  He's a happy little guy and just as cute as they come.  I actually took a video of him (on my phone and that's an impressive technology milestone for me!) giggling super hard over the huge balloon bouquet he was given.  Made us all giggle right along with him.

I am just baffled at my time.  I don't honestly know what I do with it but lately it seems I can't find enough of it.  I haven't had any serious reading therapy for a while.  We are getting behind again on our tv shows.  Last night we brought home a Netflix show we've been wanting to see (hearing all the hubbub about it) - the entire first season. I have a stitching project that's been partially completed for a couple months without a single added stitch.  And I'm having library withdrawal.  And seemingly no time to accomplish all I'd like to do, let alone all I need to do.  (And I think The Husband is feeling the same pressure.) However did I do it with all the kids still at home, and working, too?

But there are things to be grateful for.  The opportunity to practice the piano for a really fun occasion. The hope of a movie this coming Saturday after the baptism.  A nice beef roast that was affordable (they were on special at the grocery today) enough that it's currently residing in the crockpot for a luscious dinner.  I'm grateful for really good shoes to wear that make my feet feel better.  For doctors that treat feet (so hopefully our daughter's foot issues can be resolved and she can find freedom from her pain).  I'm grateful for beautiful sunrises.  For sweaters.

A Few Quiet Minutes On Sunday

I don't know how it happens but our Sundays are pretty full.  The Husband is off at another meeting - I know he'll be so glad to get in his comfy clothes when he returns.  The good news?  It's our ward's week to feed the sister missionaries this week and there were enough people to sign up that we don't have to do it this time.  (One of the sisters is vegetarian which complicates things a teensy bit.  I wouldn't know how to make a vegetarian meal, it'd have to be out at a restaurant somewhere that she could order what she likes and it wouldn't be a big deal.)

Friday morning found me out on the trail - returning books to the library as my excuse for the long route I walk.  The sunrise was just stunning.  It's odd to not be able to feed the horses, they still come trotting over to the fence when they hear me talk.  I don't know what that green bag had in it or why it was hung from the fencepost but I thought it odd enough to capture the image.  And the snake?  Right at our front walk.  I came in, told The Husband about it and headed out to look at it again and it was gone.  I was glad that I wore my sandals, even though it was little it was fierce and tried to take a bite out of me.


Today was our Primary Program.  They always turn out way better than we expect given the behind-the-scenes knowledge we have of how the practices go.  Our primary is under 50 children so it was a quick program, The Bishop had a bit of time to fill in at the end.  But it was a nice meeting.  The children did sign language to one of the songs, the second verse was one I hadn't ever seen "signed" and it was lovely.  I noticed a couple signs that resonated with me.  And my favorite part?  There's a new-ish family in the ward.  With a sister and her Downs Syndrome brother.  They lined up to do their speaking parts - the brother standing just behind his sister.  And like it was the most natural thing in the world to do, he just laid his head on her shoulder and rested for a few seconds.  Sweet, sweet thing to witness. And yeah, you probably had to be there to really understand, but it touched my heart.

Our youngest daughter is in the dreaded boot!  Just like the one I had.  She has some issues with her foot, and is trying to avoid or even delay surgery to fix her bone spur and Haglund's deformity.  She'll be on sick leave this week.  And has my complete empathy.  Our feet really do need to be happy.

We're off tomorrow to wish our youngest grandson happy 1st birthday.  He's a sweetheart and I'm so glad that he's part of our extended family.  I'm grateful that his mother seems interested in having a relationship with us.

And I've noticed something.  It's become somewhat of a tradition for me to end my daily postings with expressions of gratitude for a thing or two.  Lately I haven't been posting daily, I just have been running out of steam for this blog.  And it seems like I have to look a bit harder to find something to express gratitude for.  I guess like everything else, you get better with practice and worse with neglect.  I don't want to neglect my gratitude observations, it helps me stay grounded and less concerned with pleasing myself.  I'm not quite sure how to fix this, maybe time will tell.

For today, though, I'm grateful for R. S. lessons that cause me to think, that help me know other sisters a bit better and to decide I am lacking in areas that need attention.  I'm grateful for a husband who isn't afraid of work no matter the arena - church, career, family - he does it all without complaint and with an energy that I'm sure he doesn't always feel.  I'm grateful for birthdays to celebrate and for friends who loan me books to read.  For hugs from those who are on the phone but take the time to share their care anyway.  And for prayer.

Laughter Is Good

Yesterday morning:  The Husband was standing up close to outside of the door waiting for our daughter to come through on her way to work.  Hoping to startle her, he's a bit of a tease.  We stood there for a long time, whispering together, "what's taking her so long?"  Heard a noise off to the front of the house and there came our daughter!  She'd gone the other way out the house and caught us lying in wait.  Had to lean up against the house for support during our laughter.  It isn't often anyone puts one over on The Husband - it was a rare, memorable occasion.

Creepy skeleton
My morning walks this week have been delightful.  The temperature is cool, people seem to be busy so the trail is blessedly mostly empty of people (love it when I have the trails all to myself) and the sunrises have been spectacular.  This morning I spotted this skeleton lounging in a big pot on the house's front walk.  People (and I often wish it was me) are so creative.

Tis the season to take note of the colorful trees.  Some of my favorite trees aren't looking so well this year, it's been a hot dry summer and the trees are showing it in the lack of abundant leaves.  This particular one, though was bright in the early morning.  I'll have to find some new favorite trees.

Had a guy come out and give us a bid on the deck.  Sigh. We'll be getting other bids.

Love the color in the trees!
When The Husband wanders in and says what are we doing for dinner, it's generally a signal that he needs to get out of the house.  Last night's destination?  The Habit.  My very very very favorite milkshakes in the world.  Told The Husband if I get to choose my last meal I hope it includes a chocolate shake from The Habit.  No, I don't need the sugar or the calories, but I surely enjoyed every slurp.

Been thinking lately about forgiveness.  Why is it so easy to forgive some and not so easy to forgive others?  Some people are just generally easier to love in spite of their personal foibles and faults. Others?  Not quite so much.  But I know the Savior would instantly forgive.

I'm grateful today for the seasons that are so lovely (excepting my least favorite holiday - Halloween.)  I'm grateful for warm sweaters, for plants that bloom, for good milkshakes and for laughter.

Post Weekend

I've dreaded October at church - lots of responsibilities that cause some anxiety for me:  my turn to play the organ each week in Sacrament meeting, still my turn teaching Gospel Principles each week, and my turn to play the piano in R. S. each week.  It means not only do I have lots of preparation, but also that I'm rushing from one meeting to the next so as to not make people wait on  me.

Yesterday's Sunday School lesson was a bit of a challenge - was hard to prepare and I entered the classroom feeling w-a-y less than adequate.  It turned out w-a-y better than I had any right to expect it would.  I didn't mess up on the organ or the piano - though it almost felt like my fingers had a mind of their own.  Much better Sunday than anticipated.

We even managed to get in a visit to the local grandchilluns, quick though it was.  Relationships are a bit of a challenge, are they not?  Our little ten year old was most anxious to make sure she had my phone number so we could be texting buddies (which she does from her iPad). How nice to feel wanted. We were talking about church callings and she said her Dad needed a calling where he never had to be there.  That so made me laugh - lots of people want that kind of calling.  :^)

New sink in garage.
We had two lovely evenings in a row - out with a dear friend (and her Husband) I've known forever.  (I think literally forever.) I forgot to thank them for the ice cream they treated us to.  Though I'll long remember shivering as we sat outside in the cold eating our ice cream between teeth chatters.  (The line inside was too long so we got it to go and should have sat inside the car! They were, of course, good sports about the whole thing.)   And then dinner and a movie with friends that are always a delight to see. (Though the new Black Bear Diner here in Draper needs to hone their wait-staff's skills. I'll be back to try out those skills when I go for the pineapple upside down pancakes, a favorite of mine.)

The Husband had a productive Saturday - he got the caulking around the new outdoor lights finished and installed the new utility sink in the garage.  When he followed up with Amazon he said please, please, just send along the mounting hardware that's missing from the sink you already sent.  Result? Mounting hardware plus another sink!  Now we not only have the previous sink to find a new home for but also the extra sink that Amazon sent! Try as we might to pare down/get rid of/clean out we just seem to keep acquiring stuff. 
Beautiful morning sky.

Speaking of cleaning out - my closet is sporting a 3 foot pile of clothes to donate. It is definitely a slow process - that cleaning out thing.

I mentioned my Grandma in class yesterday.  I never ever heard her say an unkind word.  Not unkindness to anyone or about anyone.  She was kind clear through to her soul.  Someone I will always admire.

I'm so grateful for beautiful sunrises - this morning's was so lovely.  The colors on the clouds were prettier in the few minutes it took me to walk closer to a favorite tree to catch a picture.  Still, though, a pretty, pretty sky.  I'm grateful for good shoes that make my walk so much more enjoyable.  I'm grateful for grandchilluns who act like we're important.  For music in my life.  And for someone who walks out on the trail to greet me good morning.

Thursday Is Still My Favorite Day Of The Week

I'm finding it harder and harder lately to think I have anything of value to say here.  Hmmm...

31 degress at 8:20
I love the fall.  I've never done well in the heat of summer so when the temperatures begin to change, the change in my spirits is almost palpable. I love the winter clothing, that it's soup weather, and the sense of snuggling in at our home.

Love the frost on the grass.
Tuesday morning's walk it was 33 degrees out when I left the house.  Had to put on a sweatshirt.  Yay!  This morning (after a mostly sleepless night I discarded the idea of a walk and tried to get a few zzz's) it was 30 degrees at 7:30, 31 by a bit after 8.  Frost on the grass is so pretty.

The outdoor lights look great now that they're up, I love that there aren't bulbs to replace.  Hopefully those LED's will last a l-o-n-g time.

New lights look great.
Find a penny, pick it up...
I've spent the week working on my lesson for Sunday School, a bit of practicing for the organ and piano for Sunday and mostly just feeling like I'm catching up.  I've made a new resolution to limit my iPad time after dinner.  It's so easy to just play games on it while watching tv in The Husband's office while he wraps up work.  I'm hoping if I go back to one of my loves (stitching) my sleep will improve (and by extension my mood).  I've also spent the week in prayer for loved ones and for our country - it's looking scarier every day and this election season is discouraging at best.

We've dinner out with friends tomorrow and Saturday.  A movie in the planning. Saturday is full up with chores and hopefully a teensy bit of fun.  (I still don't feel like I've had enough fun in my life.) And maybe a visit with family on Sunday, we still need to drop off birthday gifts for a daughter-in-law.  I'm counting on relationships being less complicated in the next life.

I'm working hard at being grateful.  I fail at life in so very many ways.  I'm grateful for a loved one who makes me feel cherished, who acts like his only goal in life is to care for me, help me, watch out for me and make life's path easier for me.  What a treasure. I'm grateful for good health and for doctors to help when our bodies rebel. I'm grateful for technology that helps us keep in touch - though I'm not quite so grateful for the frustration that often accompanies the use of that technology.  I'm grateful for flowers, for the seasons that bring such beauty and delight in this world.  And I'm grateful for joy.  I love that word, that concept and the fact that it is often obvious in our lives.

How Did It Get To Be Monday Already?

I know The Husband had a short week last week, but I was totally surprised to look on here and find the last time I posted was Wednesday!  I frankly can't say where the time went.

It's so lovely to be home again.  I still feel a bit behind - am wondering if that's going to be a permanent state of mind with me.  It's mostly the pressure knowing that I have to go back to teaching Sunday School this coming weekend.  Wish I was more comfortable at it.

Monday morning just before sunrise
We tried so hard to listen to Conference Saturday while we were out working in the yard. We tried several different things, but nothing worked.  So we just bagged it, and will watch the recordings. Saturday evening I watched the Priesthood session with The Husband and also the General Women's meeting from the previous Saturday (we were traveling home at that time).  I'm so grateful for uplifting words.

Didn't get much sleep last night - thunderings/lightning/rain downpour.  And I'm just watching the news and there's lots of fresh snow up Little Cottonwood Canyon.  I hope this is a good harbinger for the winter, we are so in need of reservoir filling.
Trinidad scorpion pepper blooms

Gardens ready for winter
The Husband finished up the installation of the new outdoor lights.  They look great and only need a bit of caulk to be weather-ready.  They look great.  We got the veggie gardens cleaned out and buttoned up for the winter.  (The grandson's trinidad scorpion peppers never produced anything but flowers, but what cute little flowers they are.)  It's nice to have the beds covered before the biggest leaf-fall from the cottonwoods - it'll save us a ton of work getting the leaves out of the planting medium. The roses have been pruned and the grass is responding to the ani-fungus measures The Husband is trying. All in all, a productive weekend, as well as a spiritual shot-in-the-arm.

This morning's walk netted a couple pictures - one of the storm clouds over the mountains, one of a cat I interrupted drinking from the creek and the one reminding me to not buy so many carrots for the horses anymore.  And it also provided some interaction with a friend.  I was crossing the street over by the middle school and heard my name called.  This friend is now a morning crossing guard.  How glad I was she called out my name, she could have just let me walk past and I'd never have known. Instead I got to share some pleasant conversation with a delightful person that left me walking away with a smile.

I so love the beauty of this world in fall.  I love the rain that doesn't last for so many days that we tire of it.  I'm grateful for General Conference.  I'm grateful for things to watch on tv while I reduce my ironing pile and for good books to read and for someone who treats me like I'm someone important.