Since We Last Spoke...

Sunday afternoon is a great time to do a little Blogging. Ready to finish off 2018 and move on to 2019. 

This last Friday we had our last date night for 2018. This time we drove to Florence, Kentucky to have dinner at City Barbeque. So good. This we drove on into Cincinnati to the U.S. Bank Arena where we would watch the Cirque du Soleil show titled Crystal. This program blended all the athletics and magic that is Cirque du Soleil with the athletics and grace of ice skating. We were very curious as to how they would blend these two things. I can just report that this was an exceptional show. We had seats on Row A which is closest to the rink so our view was super.

A little bit of history on the importance of the next picture. When I was a little girl, my Mother's Mother had a plastic tree that you put gumdrops on the ends of the branches at Christmas. I loved the tree and remembered it as being huge. Many years later my Mother gave me her Mother's gumdrop tree. I was surprised that it was only about 9 inches high. It seems so big to me as a little kid. Eventually the plastic broke and I was heartbroken. I went on an Internet search and found a metal tree that was larger than my Grandmother's tree but the same idea. I purchased several and kept one for myself, giving the others to my kids. They have put everything on their trees from cheerios to grapes to whatever. This year I set mine out and didn't put anything on it. I seem to be the only eating the gumdrops and I didn't need them but having the tree out was important to me. When Claude and I looked at the staging on the ice before the show began, what did I see but an enormous gumdrop tree right in the middle of the ice rink. I told Claude this was going to be a great performance if it started with a gumdrop tree in the middle of the ice. I took this picture and posted it on our family Facebook page for our kids to enjoy.  

The show started with some Cirque musicians playing for the audience as some of the Cirque skaters came out to skate. I really think this was how they did the warming up of the skaters. As always, they made this part fun for the audience. At one point a clown came out with a bucket full of snow balls. He would toss them into the audience. If someone caught one he would have them throw it back at him and he would try to catch it with the lid to the bucket. Great audience involvement. 

One of the things they did was an ice hockey game bit. It was so much fun. We just knew Drew, our grand son-in-law would have loved this part. They had ramps for the skaters to go up on and jump off. There were ramps on the big stage at the end of the ice and the hockey players would skate off them into the ice. It was amazing and so much fun to watch. Raelyn would have loved this 'Daddy Ice' part.

The performers did lots of the things you would expect a Cirque show to have from things on the ice to things in the air. This was the balancing chair act.  

Another bit of staging I found amazing was the crystal piano they rolled around on the ice while the man played it and the girl, "Crystal", performed on top of the piano, in her ice skates. How do they do that? 

The show was wonderful and we would highly recommend it to anyone who likes a good Cirque du Soleil performance or watching ice skating. Such a fun last date for 2018.

Saturday morning we did some final things at City Hall. Claude is Mayor until Monday at midnight. He wanted to clear his desk and I wanted to take down the Christmas decorations one more time. We got the Warring Pavilion and noticed a young couple standing at the Sadieville sign. We parked as they were walking back to their car. We struck up a conversation with them and found out they were on their way to the Ark Encounter. They noticed a town named Sadieville on the map and came to see what it was because the young woman was named Sadie Cope. She wanted to see a town named after her name. She had recently become engaged to Justin Irvine and they were from Manhattan, Kansas. This was just great fun. We shared with them about the Rosenwald School in Sadieville. They had never heard of these. Claude had his keys and we asked if they had time to go and see it. They were very happy to get that invite. We drove over and they toured the Rosenwald School. We share the connection between the Rosenwald School, the African-American's leaving Sadieville on the train that stopped here at that time and going to establish Nicodemus, Kansas. How amazing these two came with a connection to the name Sadie and the state of Kansas. 

Claude invited them to stop by City Hall and have a look at the original train depot. They were happy for the invite. They were very happy to see these pieces of history in Sadieville. We were happy they came off the Interstate to see what they could see. Such a good life lesson. Pause in the midst of all that commotion in life and see the neat things of which life is made. 

After Sadie and Justin left, we got to work accomplishing that for which we really went to City Hall to accomplish. When we finished and headed back to the Jeep, I started to laugh. Claude was curious as to what was so funny. I told him to look up on the very top of Warring Pavilion. Yep, somebody took somebody's winter hat with the ear flaps and put it on the very tip top of the Warring Pavilion. I posted on the Facebook page so someone might know where to find their hat. There is a lot of winter still ahead of us. So very funny. Claude said, "Teenagers will be teenagers!" If this is the worst they do, we are not in any real trouble. 

Claude took me to Hardee's for a bite to eat before we headed home. I would curl up on the love seat and crochet for the rest of our evening. I am working on an intricate baby afghan for the next great grandmonster. I have until May to get it done and, at this rate, I will need every bit of that time. I can truly feel the effect that crocheting is having on what is surely arthritis in my poor old hands. But, I shall persevere...one more time.

I shall close this post with some Raelyn pictures. We call Andie and Michael's children the Mini's because they are Mini versions of their parents. Me thinks Raelyn might be a Mini version of her Dad and her Mom.

First, Raelyn is like her Mom. Katelyn loves to read and is a strong advocate for books in her life and her child's. For Christmas we gave her a gift card to Barnes and Noble. This is Raelyn at Barnes and Noble with her Mom. Be still my heart!

Second, Raelyn loves the ice just like her hockey lovin' Dad, Drew. Today they took her to the ice rink. This is our soon to be 3 year old with that ice skate on her foot. She is one happy little girl. There is a picture of Raelyn and Drew in their ice skates and one of Raelyn in a car on the ice with Katelyn and Drew. What a fun family outing. Raelyn does love Daddy Ice.  

This is probably my last post for 2018. It has been a full year with lots of good things in it. Here is to filling 2019 with lots of good things and recording those memories in my Blog so I will remember them and have that record for my family. Happy New Year!!

The Many Faces of Christmas

We made it through Christmas!! And...it was fun!!

Thursday, December 20th, the nursing home had a Christmas party for the residents. I went to be with Papa. Santa came to visit. 

Friday, December 21st, Jake would arrive in the late evening. He left after work and drove down to Kentucky. He did have a little weather to contend with but he made good time and we were very happy when he came in the house safe and happy.

Saturday, December 22nd, Jake took us out for lunch as part of our Christmas gift. We opted to try Roosters in Georgetown. This allowed me to stay after lunch and visit with Papa. Jake was able to get some writing done. It was a good day. When I got home I made divinity with pecans and milk chocolate fudge. Yum. Channeling my inner Mimi. Brought back so many good memories of my Mother making a box full of candies and mailing them to us for Christmas each year. Even further back was the pink depression glass cookie jar my Mother won at the fair when she was a little girl. I have it and fondly remember it always having fudge or divinity or peanut brittle in it. We watched a Christmas movie and enjoyed a quiet evening at home.

Sunday, December 23rd, Jake went with Claude and I to Sacrament Meeting. It was a beautiful Christmas program with lots of music and readings from the scriptures. We very much enjoyed this great infusion of Christmas spirit. After a nice lunch together, the boys headed home and I went to visit Papa. Claude would get his Sunday afternoon nap. Jake would get his writing project finished. The Marx family was to have joined us in the evening.We switched the Grid so that Claude smoked the brisket to have for dinner when they arrived. However, Andie was not well and wanted to spend one more day resting at home before they came. So Jake, Claude and I enjoyed brisket and left a generous amount for everyone else and sandwiches on Monday.

Monday, December 24th, I would stay home all day. Final preparations for the Marx arrival. I made chicken enchiladas. Michael requested this as part of our Christmas feasting. The Marx family arrived about 2pm and we had our big meal after they arrived. Andie was still a bit sick and rested on the sofa. This year I purchased a set of warm clothes for each of the Mini's and let them open them on Christmas Eve. We don't usually open any presents on Christmas Eve so this was a treat.

Jake likes to attend Midnight Mass at a Catholic church in Chelsea. He planned to attend St. John's Catholic Church Midnight Mass this Christmas. I asked if I could join him and he was happy to have me do that. This was a really good experience for Jake and me. I ran into several people we know in Georgetown. The Whelan's were also there and we sat behind them. Sandy was our previous City Clerk here is Sadieville and they live down the street from us. There was a group of men who sang and played guitars. We arrived about 11:30 to be sure to get a seat and enjoyed singing with this group of men. The priest was a very jolly fellow of Asian descent. He had a colorful way with words and peppered his address with several that emphasized his feelings. The hardest part of the evening for me was the kneeling. My knees are not good and kneeling on a board, even if it was covered with padding and leather, was very difficult. We enjoyed the service and it was fun to see how others worship. The bottom line for all of us is our love for the Savior and what his life means to those who worship him. It was nice to see that commonality and to feel that love. We got home just before 2am.

Tuesday, December 25th we all agreed to awake when Bailey was ready. I had asked Andie if Bailey still believed in Santa. She said she thought she knew but she was still pretending to believe. Hayden clearly understands his parents are Santa. So we were up and ready to open gifts at 8am. Not bad for a wake-up time on a Christmas morning. Here is the family on the steps before the opening of gifts begins. Top to Bottom: Jake & Claude, Andie & Michael, Hayden & Bailey.

After the obligatory Stairs Picture, we are all upstairs to let the Marx family go through their stockings. This year I filled a stocking for Jake. Then the presents are opened. I have given over the getting presents from under the tree and passing them out to the Mini's. Here are a few pictures from the opening present portion of our morning.

Hayden thanking Michael for a gift.

Michael gave Hayden and Bailey little timers. They were confused. Michael assured them it was for when they go down stairs and are told they should be back up in so many minutes. They could set their little timers and then return at the correct time.  

We gave Hayden a set of Harry Potter books. He was happy with them. 

We gave Hayden and Bailey Big Bang Theory t-shirts to celebrate their love of this television show. Hayden would finish the 11th season during this Christmas visit.

I gave Claude a 4-hour drive in a ATV on Black Mountain in Kentucky. He was very happy with that gift.

Nissa and Todd gave Jake this wonderful blanket to keep warm in. It celebrates our family's love of Star Wars.

We received the video from Katelyn. The Ropers found out Friday if they are having a boy or girl. Well, they sort of found out. The technician couldn't get the baby to roll around so she could get a clear picture. So, she told them she would put what she thought it was in an envelope but they needed to understand it might not be that on a later ultrasound. Katelyn took the envelope and gave it to the bakery who decorated and wrapped three cookies in the color of the soon-to-be-Roper and gave them to Katelyn. Katelyn waited till she was with Drew and Raelyn and they took a video of Raelyn opening her cookie. It was pink!! So, if all holds as believed, we will have great grandmonster #3 in May and it will be a girl. Raelyn was very happy but it could have been because of the cookie she was getting more than the understanding she will have a baby sister. Fun Christmas Day adventure for our family.

This clever gift to Claude from Nissa and Todd says "World's Greatest DAD" using guitar chords to spell DAD. How cool is that?

I picked up Papa after we opened gifts and had breakfast. We saved our presents for him to open and I helped him get two gifts for Hayden and Bailey which they opened in front of him. He was happy with that much opening of gifts. 

The afternoon was filled with VR watching, puzzle making and playing on our devices, even Papa played his game on my old Kindle.

Claude prepared a wonderful ham dinner for us to enjoy. I made Frosty mix and put it in the freezer. It froze solid. The recipe said it would not do that. Hmmmm... In the evening, we finished the puzzle. This is the first year in forever that I didn't have a puzzle to finish on my own because we couldn't get it done before everyone left.  

I got Papa back to the nursing home before they locked the front door. He was worn out and ready to be back to his home. 

Wednesday morning was hair cut time and pack-up-to-go-home time. Much commotion was made over being sure the Mini's didn't leave anything behind. About 1pm they all pulled out of the driveway and headed to their respective homes. I happened to go in the guest bedroom where Jake had resided during his visit. Leaning against the wall by the window and behind the sheer curtain and the houseplant was this gift. I just burst into laughter. You see, Claude and I took this gift to Michigan when Bonnie visited months before. It was an odd size and we didn't want to have to mail it. Jake saved it and brought it back with him to open on Christmas. It was not opened and he left without it. Oh my!! I took this picture and texted it to Jake. When he stopped for lunch he received the text and laughed at it too. We will now schedule a lunch date and meet him half-way between here and Chelsea so he can open his Christmas gift. Such silliness. 

This morning Claude and I woke up and headed outside to get the exterior decorations down and into the house. There is a forecast for 50mph wind gusts with rain today and into Friday. We didn't want any of them to blow away. Took us about 45 minutes to get them all down and inside. Claude can package them for storage later. 

It was a good Christmas. Good times with family. 

So Pretty...

While in China, we visited two places and purchased items from each to decorate our home. 

The first was after we took our calligraphy class in Xi'an. After we did our lesson and tried our hand at calligraphy, we were invited to purchase a piece with art already painted on it. We could then pick out the wording we wanted put on it in Chinese calligraphy. We picked a piece with a peony painted on it (this is the national flower of China). We asked for it to have Claude, Sandi and Christensen put on it. 

The second piece was purchased when we toured Yuan Long Silk Store in Beijing. It was a piece of beautiful silk embroidery. 

When we got home, we visited Michael's with a great coupon and picked out black frames for both so it would look like the lacquer furniture for which China is famous. The order was placed for these pieces to be framed.

Tuesday, April 25th, I received a text from Michael's. The artwork was framed and ready for pick up. I had taken Papa for a car ride and after leaving him at his apartment, I went into Lexington to pick up our framed artwork. The young man opened each piece which they wrapped in brown paper to protect the work. They looked amazing. I was so very happy and pronounced them great. Then I hurried out to Sadieville to set them out and get a picture to send to Claude. He was on a business trip in Jekyll Island, Georgia and would not be home until Friday evening.

I opened each piece carefully and placed them on the red chair for their picture. That is when I realized the problem. We never discussed which was the top and bottom on the calligraphy piece.Michael's had placed the zigzag hook on the end with the flower thinking that was the top. In reality, the peony was on the bottom and the writing went from right to left with Claude being over the peony, then Sandi in the middle and Christensen on the left side. Oops!! I could not do anything about this until Friday.

Friday afternoon I made my way to Lexington. The lady at Michael's told me it was no problem. She took the piece directly to the back and changed the hook from one end to the other. Sweet! This was great to have right. Now we just have to hang them. 

The extra bonus for me was that I was near Chipotle. So I treated myself to my favorite veggie burrito bowl. I was a very happy girl.

Life Lessons...

I remember someone telling us in a teacher training class at Church that you know you are a teacher when you see life lessons in the things around you. It confirmed a truth I was already aware of in my own life. Sometimes you just look at a scene or experience something and you learn truths that stay with you.

It is not unlike the Savior using parables. They didn't have big projectors to show pictures as He taught. But He could teach using things people used everyday or experienced in their every day lives. This made the picture in their mind of what he was teaching and it would stay there a lot longer. I believe that we all have these teaching/learning moments in our lives. Sometimes they just pop up out of something very mundane. 

Monday, December 17th, as I was rushing to get to the doctor, I noticed my Peace Lily was drooping.

I stopped and had the strongest impression this was not unlike the Atonement of Christ. The Savior did so very much of each of us, individually, through his Atoning sacrifice. We are all aware of the ability to repent and our lives being made right again through His Atonement. We are also all aware of the gift we each receive of being resurrected because of His Atonement. But on an everyday basis, His Atonement also helps us be more that we could ever be on our own. His enabling power and His tender mercies are all gifts to each of us through his Atonement. When I don't allow Him to work with me, I become like this potentially beautiful Peace Lily. I droop instead of grow to my full potential. I quickly watered the Peace Lily and all my house plants. I made a mental note to take a picture after the effects of receiving water were felt by my plant.

Later, when the Peace Lily was revived I took this picture. What a difference water made to this beautiful plant. What a difference the Living Water, Jesus Christ, can make in our lives when we partake fully from that well. I learned something I already knew in a more poignant way by pausing to observe a life lesson in my Peace Lily. My testimony of Jesus Christ and his love for me and each of us was strengthened by this little moment in time. How grateful for opportunities to learn from living life and watching for those learning moments. 

So Wish I Had Pictures...

Tuesday, December 18th, was a beautiful day in December. The sky had a few clouds and the air was a little cold but it was a beautiful day. I hurried to the nursing home in the morning and found Papa asleep in his bed. Doing anything tires him out and he had been down to breakfast and that only means time for a nap after. I had told him for the previous two days that I would come and get him for a car ride if the weather report held true and we had a good day. Really, he is pretty much oblivious to what the weather really is and he just doesn't remember anything for more than a few minutes at best. 

I gently moved his arm and woke him up. He assured me he wasn't asleep. He does this every time, bless his heart. As he struggled into reality after 'not being asleep', I asked him if he still wanted to go for a car ride. His eyes perked up and he assured me he really did. Our next process is for him to go to the bathroom while I go to the nurses station and sign him out for a few hours. Then we were off.

Our route took us in a southerly direction. Down through the horse farms in Woodford County and then further south across the Kentucky River on Hwy 33 which runs with Hwy 68 at that point. This is a really nice ride through rural Kentucky. 

After crossing the Kentucky River, it flows down below steep tree covered hills to the left side of the road. The limestone rock faces give you a huge hint of Kentucky soil! It is a beautiful ride any time of year along this bit of highway. But this time of year the trees have lost their leaves and you can see the cliffs on either side of the river much better. What surprised us was these tall trees were full of turkey buzzards. I mean there were hundreds of them. I have watched 15-20 of these big birds soar over the creek in our back yard looking for something on which to dine. But this time there were hundreds just roosting in these tall leaf-barren trees. Not only where they all roosting but most of them had their wings spread open and were perfectly still. It really was amazing and just a little bit on the eerie side. There was no where I could pull over to take a picture. Hwy 68 is a federal highway but no shoulders there and no pull off spots. We just drove slowly as I watched for cars and took in this very unusual scene. Wow!!

We drove past Shaker Village and turned further south staying with Hwy 33 to Danville where we found Hwy 52 and followed it over to Harrodsburg and got on Hwy 68 again. Then we drove back past Shaker Village and over the Kentucky River and back up 33. I had a few more back roads I wanted to drive Papa over but the time was getting too close to lunch and I needed to get him back to the nursing home. So I pointed the car toward Versailles and then to Midway and finally back to Georgetown and the nursing home.

We found Hwy 1965 followed it past Irish Acres in Nonesuch, Kentucky. Not too far past here we past a house that was the most decorated for Christmas I ever saw. They had big candy canes lining their yard along the highway. Behind those candy canes were 50,000,000 Santa's and various other Christmasy decorations all over their front yard. There was no where one could put a foot in that yard that there wasn't one of those hard plastic, waist to shoulder high Santa's or some other Christmasy thing. Again, I had no where to pull off quickly to take a picture. Papa and I just marveled at the amount of things on that lawn. I can't for the life of me figure out where you would store all that stuff. It would take another entire house to put it away after Christmas. I hope these people were feeling the Christmas spirit because their lawn decorations were sure doing their best to provide it for every passerby.

It was a fun drive and Papa really enjoyed being out and I was grateful to see these two amazing scenes. Just think, if I didn't take Papa on drives, I would never have had that experience. Grateful on many levels.

Let's End This Year with Medical Stuff...

What a year medically speaking! I just don't go to the doctor except for my annual mammogram. Other than that, my only visits to a doctor have been when something really needed attention. Not so this year. This month in particular Claude will see every doctor he sees about any health needs. Every single one. 

This year I have had the problem with my rotator cuff and my Moh's surgery on my nose as well as the normal eye visits and dental cleanings and mammogram. I got something from the clindamycin given to me as an antibiotic after my Moh's surgery and spent several weeks trying to get that issue eliminated from my life. 

Wednesday, December 12th, we took Claude to Cynthiana for a colonoscopy. He is on the every 5 year plan. Last we I took him to Lexington for out-patient surgery that will take a while to heal completely. 

December 10th, Claude visited his audiologist and purchased the latest and greatest in hearing aid technology. He can even stream music from his cell phone to his hearing aid. Really. He also has an app on his phone that he an use to adjust his hearing aid himself. Really. The man is going bionic!!

But Monday, Monday was our record for doctor visits in one day. 

First, Claude. He has been feeling like his dental implant (that took two tries to get in place) was failing. He was sure it felt wobbly. He had a dentist visit Monday morning and, sure enough, it was not good. The crown came off and Claude went to the surgeon to have him check the bone. The surgeon felt they could screw a cap on the post and see if the jawbone would heal. If it does, the post is ready to put a crown back on it. If it doesn't, Claude has assured this surgeon he will not do this again. Ugh... So my Big Guy is healing in two places on his body currently. 

Next, me. My first doctor visit Monday was to the dermatologist. It was the six month follow-up. He checked where the Moh's surgery was done and how it was healing. Assured me it had more healing to do but was fine. Then he check all over and found a dark spot on the outside edge of my left wrist. He asked me if I burned it and I assured him I did not and had no idea that was even there. I mean, I really don't twist my arm around each morning and look at my wrists to find any dark spots. Maybe I should now add that process!? At any rate, the result was to deaden the area and  take a scraping from the area to have tested to be sure it is not cancerous. He doesn't feel like it is but he wants to err on the side of caution. Good doctor. I now sport a big bandage on my left wrist with Vaseline covering the wound underneath. 

In the afternoon at 3:15 I had a visit with our family doctor. This was just a well check visit. It seems Medicare wants these done annually. I have not done that. This year I was sure I saw Dr. Lyon enough that he would know if I was well or not. However, to check their little box as done with Medicare, Dr. Lyon's office called and told me I had to come in for a check. Okay. I was told to come fasting for any blood work they might need to do. So I only had water through the day. It turns out Dr. Lyon didn't feel inclined to do any more blood work since they did that when I had the reaction to the clindamycin after the Moh's surgery. Great... They gave me the little verbal Alzheimer's test I have had them do multiple times on Papa. When the nurse got to the part where she gives me three items and tells me to remember them and she'll ask for what they were later in the visit, I assured her this is where I would mess up. I answered all questions fine, drew the two pentagons overlapping on the paper she gave me just fine. Then she asked for the three items. Thank heaven, literally, I remembered them. I got 30 right out of 30 questions. Yeah me!! Dr. Lyon came in. I told him about the few things I am concerned about. He had me stand with my feet together facing the wall, then close my eyes and see how long I could stand without falling over. I do really believe this is for their amusement. I did it and stood long enough for Dr. Lyon to not be worried about me. Then, bless his kind heart, Dr. Lyon just looked at me and said almost pleadingly, "Is there anything else?" No, nothing else. Then he grinned and told me I was boring and to go home and enjoy living my life!! What a great doctor we have. 

So I am done with the medical stuff till next year. Hallelujah. I am waiting to hear about the results from the wrist but that won't come until next week some time. Claude has a few more trips to make to doctors to end his year with what should be enough medical deductions to help with out taxes. That is about the most bright spot in all this medical stuff. 

On the plus side, Papa is feeling well except for not being able to walk easily. No colds, no flu, etc. This is also a great blessing.

There is a lot of lead in these golden years. However, Claude read in the AARP Magazine that old age doesn't start till into your 70's. So really, we may still be in our middle years at 68 and 69. But we don't think so!!

The Best Christmas Music...

We have loved going to Hayden's Band concerts. This year we had the added bonus of Bailey starting band. There is a band for each grade at Oldham County Middle School. Hayden plays the Baritone in 8th Grade Band and Bailey is learning to play the Trumpet in 6th Grade Band. Thursday, December 13th, we found ourselves driving to LaGrange to listen to their Christmas concert. 

The 6th Grade band played first. This is Bailey getting ready for her first big band concert. She is right in the middle with a big grin and a maroon t-shirt.

Each band would play three numbers. It is always a marvel to see how these kids who just picked up their first musical instrument in September can play full pieces by the Christmas concert. They did an excellent job.

Andie was sitting with the 7th and 8th Grade bands while the 6th Grade performed. The shift was made and the 7th Grade moved to the chairs to perform and the 6th Grade moved to the back of the gym to watch.

Eventually the 8th Grade band moved into position to play and it was Hayden's turn to shine. Hayden in is the middle with a brown reindeer antler hat on his cute head.

Again, these kids were excellent. They are definitely ready for the High School Band. 

Here are the Mini's after the program was over. I marvel at the reindeer hats Andie made for them many years ago. I think Hayden may be getting the last wear out of his. I don't think his head can get much bigger and still fit in that hat.

Friday, I would drive to Frankfort to see Hayden and the 8th Grade Band play in the Rotunda of the Commonwealth of Kentucky Capitol. As I waited for the band to arrive, I too these pictures of the interior of the Capitol.

The Chorus sang first. They moved into the hallways and the band entered. Here are pictures of the band. Hayden is at the right base side of the statute playing the baritone.

Last year Mr. Wise let the kids roam the hallways a bit. This year they were right out the door and to the buses to return to school. I got this picture of Hayden with his baritone on the ground while he took a selfie of himself with the Capital behind. Clever young man!! 

This is such a neat experience for the kids. I love how they react when the sound just keeps on rolling around after they finish playing in that rotunda. I'm not sure where else they would have that experience as a band with the music they make.

I am enjoying Christmas music in my car again. I made a thumb drive with all our Christmas CD music we own. I carry it in my car and put it in to listen to during December. I so much enjoy everything on it from John Denver and the Muppets to the Irish Tenors to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir to the Carpenters. There is acoustic music and Amy Grant and Vince Gill and Kenny G. So much variety and I set it to randomly go through all that wonderful music. If you see a wacky lady singing to the top of her lungs in a Midnight Amethyst Envision, just smile and know she is in her element and very happy.

Our son, Jake, posted a beautiful video of Amy Grant on our family Facebook page. She and her band performed three songs from her Christmas albums. It was delightful to hear these songs. While singing one, her voice broke a bit at the end. She had not sung it since her father died and it tugged at her heartstrings. While driving in my car after listening to the YouTube Jake posted, Amy Grant came on from my thumb drive singing Breath of Heaven. Oh how I love this piece of music. We have a Church video titled Luke 2 that depicts the story of Mary and Joseph arriving in Bethlehem and finding no room for them. The music and the video time out perfectly. It really helps me think of what a journey Mary had in her life. Chosen vessel of the Lord. One of my favorite scriptures is "Mary kept these things and pondered them in her heart." Bet she did a lot of pondering in her life. 

Music is such and important part of Christmas. It brings joy and memories and touches our hearts in very tender places. Hope you all enjoy Music this Christmas time in all its forms and beauty.

An Oops Trying to do What is Right...

Tuesday, December 11th, Claude and I planned to go to the Temple in Louisville. I planned to visit two ladies and then visit Papa, Claude had a KIA Board Meeting. He was going to pick me up at the nursing home and then we would leave my car and go to the Temple. That was the plan...

We received a call from the man we had come to check our roof. He is an independant, self-owned worker. He had time and the weather was going to be okay that Tuesday for him to work on the roof. One of us needed to be here when he did that. He thought it would only be half a day and he would come in the morning. Hmmm....Time for Plan B! Claude could be home in the morning. I went to visit the two ladies I had appointments with, then I hurried home to be there with the roofer while Claude headed to Frankfort for his meeting. As I suspected, the roofing job took a bit longer than our guy expected. I did not make it in to visit Papa. I am diligent about seeing Papa every day so when life happens and I can't get there, he understands, and, since his memory is going, he doesn't remember the next day when I come. This helps with my concern when he doesn't get a visit. 

I took this picture and posted it on Facebook with the caption "Merry Christmas to us!" Claude commented, "That is NOT Santa Claus!" Such silliness. This guy, whose name is Dale but I will call Imus because he looks exactly like Imus in the Morning, is a really nice man and did a good job...we hope. Claude got home just as he was finishing. After he left, we prepared to leave to get to Louisville.

Claude purchased dinner for us at Mark's Feed in Louisville. It is a really good barbecue place and the dinners were purchased as part of the raffle at Hayden's Boy Scout Spaghetti Dinner. We had a really good meal and finished with just enough time to get to the temple in rush hour traffic. 

Alas, when Claude pulled into the Temple parking lot, no one was there. The Temple was closed for a couple of weeks. We had the schedule wrong in our heads. We thought they were open the first two weeks of December and then closed over Christmas and New Year's. We determined we would still get points for trying so hard to get there. Next year we'll check their calendar better!

We did go to Dairy Queen to get ice cream. Tried to get in contact with the Marx family to see if we could bring them an impromptu Dilly Bar but, alas, they were out and about on many fronts. 

That morning while visiting Katie Werner, I told her our plans and how it seems Satan works really hard when we try to do something good to have the good thing not work out. She agreed and shared a story from her life about just that. After our not getting to go into the Temple, I texted Katie and said I wanted to share something that would make her laugh. She did get a good chuckle out of our efforts.