Preparation, Hayden's Graduation, Michigan Family...

Monday, June 8th, was a very normal day. I finished up the Blog from the previous week and labeled and filed my pictures. I posted announcements for the next couple of weeks for the Relief Society sisters on Facebook and via eMail. I walked my treadmill. Then I cleared some things from the VCR. I read the missionaries letters that come in on Monday. That is always fun. The I spend and inordinate amount of time trying to figure out how to get around in Chicago for our trip to attend Hayden's graduation from DePaul University. I tried to find a picture of Claude and me to put in the frame I put Harry Potter cloth around. I found the picture I wanted to use. This led me to changing the family picture in LDS Tools. Unsuccessful at that. Not sure what the problem is. Tried several pictures and none seemed to successfully upload. In the evening I crocheted a bit.

Tuesday, June 9th, was a rainy day. As in...it rained all day long, almost. I woke up two hours before Claude. I am seeing this as a pattern.

I went back to trying to determine public transportation in Chicago for Claude and me. I figured out where the stops were located we needed, what line they were on. To get to graduation we would need to change lines and that does not look like a clear shot at all. Send Hayden a text to be sure I am understanding it correctly. 

In the afternoon, the rain clear for a bit. I hurried to Kohl's to try and find a new blouse to wear for Hayden's graduation. I found a dress and a blouse to try on. The dress was so nice but a little too low cut. I felt I could add a few hand stitches and make that work. But when I raised my arms, it was too short. I liked the blouse okay but it had some lace on the sleeves and around the tail of the shirt. I was sure about the second washing that would start to unravel. I ended up with a nice outing and no purchases. Claude and I laughed about the fact that one of the reasons he loves me is I am in no way out of control in spending, even if I really wanted to something. I am a very practical person. I like that about me. 

Claude made us biscuits and gravy for dinner. Yum. It was so flavorful. I am learning that with this intermittent fasting diet, when I do eat, I really want to eat something with flavors I really enjoy. Sure don't want to waste my times to eat on anything that is not something I will enjoy. 

Claude and I both felt very dizzy this day. Claude is still recovering from whatever cold or flu that he has had. I was concerned I was getting it. Not good before a trip.

Wednesday, June 10th, I ended up having a very bad night. Reflux something awful. Don't have that very often. Slept in the guest bedroom with lots of pillows to keep my head up. When I finally got out of bed, I determined I was taking a down day. I felt feverish and achy, voice was raspy, coughing and sneezing. Didn't want to get what Claude has. So I allowed myself a day to minimum things. I would do laundry and change our hotels on our trip and then clear the DVR. 

In the evening, Claude suggested we drive-thru Arby's for dinner and bring something home. We did that. This is often how we eat previous to traveling so we don't have leftovers in the fridge. I would crochet a bit in the evening. 

I felt a little better by the end of the day.

Thursday, June 11th, was our final day of preparation for our trip. I updated my Blog through Wednesday, stopped mail service for the duration of our trip, added my credit card to my Google Wallet, folded the last load of clothes, watched some Nova documentaries and packed. In the evening, I would crochet a bit. 

Claude got a package in the mail from Nissa. It was his Father's Day gift. It has the names of his children on it: Nissa, Andie and Jake. It is a Star Wars theme. When the very first Star Wars movie came out (Episode IV), we took our little children to see it at a theater in Denver. We waited in a line around the theater throughout the entire movie to get in to see it. We did that will three little kids. That was in 1977. Our kids were born in 1971, 1973, and 1975. They were little I tell you. They stood with us and totally enjoyed the movie. We have been Star Wars fans ever since. Great gift from Nissa to her dad. 

Friday, June 12th, our hope was to be on the road to Chicago by 9am. We were up before my alarm which gave us enough time to get a biscuit before hitting the road right at 9am. Yeah us!!

The drive was fine. We kept getting alerts about possible tornados in northern Indiana but that never happened. In fact the rain cleared by the time we got to Indianapolis. We would make one stop along the drive (which was to have been 5 hours) in Lafayette, Indiana. I had a little memory of my sister, Neffie, living there are the beginning of her marriage. She and Mike did live in his father's home in Lafayette for a year while his dad, who was a professor, took a year sabbatical. 

The Marx crew left LaGrange, Kentucky after we did. We kept in contact via text. 

Claude missed the exit ramp onto I-90 when we got south of Chicago. We thought we had it right but we were in the wrong lane and ended up on the south side of Chicago. My mind kept going to the Jim Croce song "Bad, Bad Leroy Brown" on the southside of Chicago. Google Maps immediately rerouted us and we did make it to the hotel. Much later than we anticipated but we made it. We found parking in the garage that Michael told me to park in. I had prepared a list of the addresses we would possible need in Chicago and plotted the three spots we needed most. There is a red dot in each of these three place with the Hyatt House on the left, the theater in the center of the Loop and Wintrust Arena for the graduation in the lower left by the green line.

The hotel was the Hyatt House Chicago-Medical University District. It was actually a hospital building the Hyatt converted into a hotel. It has the widest hallways I have ever seen in a hotel. We checked into our room. Very nice room. A little kitchenette which we would not use, a sofa behind the television, a king bed with a small bathroom to the side. We would be very comfortable here for one night. 

We met the Marx family in the lobby of the hotel at 4:45pm. I had thoroughly researched public transportation. We were greatly relieved when Michael said he was driving for everything. Andie had carefully picked parking lots near where we would need to be and, in come cases, pre-paid the parking. They drive a mini-van. Michel would drive with Andie as co-pilot, Joyce and Claude would take the middle seats. Bailey, Hayden and me would occupy the back seat. It worked out great. I could tell my body doesn't want to bend as easily as it needs to to get in the side door, between the middle seats and turn around to sit in the center of the back seat. The Mini's were very good to hold my hair out of my eyes and I held onto the backs of seats. We were extremely grateful to Michael and Andie for doing all the logistics for the trip. 

Our first stop was the Richard M. and Maggie Daley Building. This is part of DePaul University Campus in the Loop in Chicago. There are theaters in the basement level of the building. We would view Hayden's movie "Detective Orion" there. Way cool. This was our first Hayden siting of the trip. 

The movie was excellent. Hayden really did a great job. The movie can be viewed on YouTube using this link Detective Orion. It lasts about 30 minutes. 

After the viewing, we waited as Hayden chatted with others who came to view the film. It was fun to watch him interact with others majoring in his same field as well as actors from the film. 

We then drove back to the area of the Hyatt to a location with several restaurants in it. Hayden picked 5 Guys for dinner. Claude treated and we enjoyed a family meal.

Michael took everyone but Hayden back to the hotel. Then he and Andie took Hayden back to his apartment. Claude and I were in bed by 6pm Chicago time. That would be 9pm Kentucky time. We had a 5am alarm Chicago time for Saturday morning. We hoped to get some sleep during this night. 

This night it was time for Ramon to return to Madrid, Spain. He has been the exchange student at the Roper home this past year. We have enjoyed getting to know him a bit. This Roper kids have loved having a big brother. Sweet memories and lasting friendships were formed. Parting can be hard on the kids particularly.

Saturday, June 13th, we were up at 5am. After showering and packing, we took our luggage to Andie and Michael's room to store until we returned in the afternoon. The family gathered in the lobby of the hotel at 6am. Michael had the car waiting. We left to get Hayden at 6:15am. Off to Wintrust Arena in Chicago for the graduation. 

Michael pulled up to the curb and we all got out except for Andie. They went to find the parking space she had secured. There would be three graduation this day at Wintrust. It is a carefully orchestrated affair. There are only 4 tickets per family. You have to see if you can secure unused tickets from others. Hayden did secure one ticket. That gave us 5 slots for 6 people. We had assured Michael and Andie that they, Bailey and Joyce could go if they only got 4 tickets. With Hayden's finding one additional, we had to determine if Claude would go in and I would watch the streaming or if I would go in and Claude would watch the streaming. An answer to my prayers came Friday evening. Andie was on a parents of students graduating from DePaul group. She found a parent with one extra ticket and they were actually going to be in the building with the theater we were in on Friday while we were there. Andie connected with them and got that ticket. This meant all of us could go inside Wintrust Arena to watch the graduation. What an answer to prayer! Joyce, Claude, Bailey and I got in the mass of humanity waiting to enter the building. Hayden went to find where the graduates lined up to enter the building, Andie and Michael left to park the car. We would text them where we found seats. It all worked out. Amazing!!

This is Hayden in front of Wintrust Arena before he went to find where the graduates lines up. The next picture is how Andie had the top of his mortar board decorated. I loved this decoration. 

We found our seats as the graduates were entering the building. Hayden is waving at me. The entire floor of the arena was full of graduates and the center of the back of the arena up in the stands was full of graduates. There would be two more groups this large as the day went on. We commented how grateful we were that Hayden was first in this schedule. It was cooler when waiting to get in and not bad when we left. 

They would put a QR Code on the jumbotron every now and then. You could scan it and get a link to post a greeting to your graduate. Michael and Andie each posted a greeting. Andie's is in the lower right corner and then I cropped the picture to get just the greeting. 

The professors all marched in and one came in first with the scepter. She held it until all the professors were in and then she placed it in this stand. Not sure what it was or the significance.

Eugene Jarvis gave the Commencement Address. The school is named after him. He did an excellent job with is address. He told about his life and would pause after sharing and event and say, "The lesson is..." and then share the lesson he learned from that life experience. He is an American game designer and video game programmer, known for producing pinball machines for Williams Electronics and video games for Atari. The school Hayden has attended at DePaul University is the Eugene P. Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media. My favorite quotes from is address was "We are losing our soul to the scroll." So very true. I once heard that the person who invented the scroll thought it would help people to work more quickly. They much regretted the fact that we lose hours of our lives to scrolling Facebook and other things. 

I loved this picture of Bailey taking a snooze on her Grampa Claude's shoulder. Claude loves these quiet moments.

At the end, they asked all the mothers to stand up to be recognized so the students could give them a round of applause. Then they asked the fathers to stand for the same recognition. Then the grandparents. Very nice touch. 

That brought us to the point to read the names have the graduates take their walk. This is Hayden's walk to get the diploma cover!

Then a little video of the moving of the tassels to signify you were truly a graduate. I put a red dot at one point in the video to show where Hayden is sitting. 

Just as the professors started their recessional, they released a lot of very large balloons and the graduates had a Jimmy Buffet experience for their final hurrah!! So fun.

This was all completed between by 11am. There was not one hour to empty Wintrust Arena and the fill it with the second commencement exercise of the day. There would be a third later in the day. This meant that the door we enter to go through security now had a wall of people waiting to enter. The escalator to take you downstairs was a mass of humanity. The corner where Michael dropped us off at the beginning of the day now had two groups of people, one waiting to enter and the other trying to get out. Imagine people trying to get a picture of the graduate with the arena behind them, the tents selling commencement souvenirs, and the list goes on. Michael and Andie told me to get everyone across the street from the arena in front of a restaurant. The car was parked in a lot behind the alley behind the restaurant. Great planning on Michael and Andie's part. We made it through the mass of humanity and across the street. I was able to get this cute picture of Hayden's empty diploma folder. They will received their diploma in the mail in a few weeks. 

Andie and Michael met us and we all walked to the alley. Michael told us where to stand and wait for him and Andie to bring the car around. Then we all boarded the mini-van and headed to Pompeii for lunch. A little trepidation here on my part as Pompeii s where I fell in Ital and trashed my shoulder. The food was excellent and we had a good meal together. There were leftovers aplenty for Hayden to take home to dine on over the next couple of days.

We used the driveway of the Pompeii to take a few family pictures. 

Michael would take us back to the hotel. We would go to Michael and Andie's room and change clothes. Michael drove us to the parking lot and showed us where to pay for parking. That is where I made my big guffaw! When you entered the parking garage, you get a ticket from the machine. When you are ready to leave, you take the ticket into an entrance to the hospital where there are machines to pay. I put the ticket into the slot, the machine registered what I needed to pay. I got my credit card and put it into the slot with what appeared to be a picture of a credit card. Whoa is me. It was the same slot I put the ticket it. I could barely get my fingernails on my credit card but not well enough to pull it back out. Some aids or nurses were coming down the hall. I asked if they had tweezers so I could pull out the credit card. Nope. One of them tried to put their credit card in on top of my credit card in hopes to pull them both out. This only pushed my credit card in beyond being about to retrieve it. The office was in the parking garage. A nice man came and unlocked the machine, got out my credit card and the ticket. We started the process again and I put my credit card in the correct slot. It worked and Claude and I were off to Muskegon. That is about a 3-hour drive. This would be the trip with a different motel every night. 

We made it to Muskegon, Had a bite to eat a Wendy's. Filled the car with the best gas price we saw since leaving Kentucky. Hallelujah. Then we checked into the Muskegon hotel. 

Sunday, June 14th, I got my shower. Then Claude went in to get his shower. He called out to me that there was no hair dryer. On NO!! I checked all the places and could find now hair dryer. I called down to the desk and they said they would check. 40 minutes later I had heard nothing. I had been sitting over the air-conditioner with a brush all that time trying to get my hair dry. I was not a happy camper. No return calls. I told Claude he should bring the car to the front, I was going in the lobby to have a chat with the front desk. I explained my frustration at no hair dryer and no response after 40 minutes. They shared how busy they were. Not good form. I told them I understood but I could have at least had a phone call saying they didn't have a hair dryer. I stated I wanted a reduction in my room rate. She looked at me in disbelief. She said she would have to get her manager for that. Then she just stood there and looked at me. I said, "Now?" She said it would take another 10 minutes. I didn't have 10 minutes. We had to be on our way to church. I assured her I would speak with the Choice Privilege people. Goodness. I don't like to be that way. I worked in a hotel and know the process. The room should have been checked by a housekeeper when it was cleaned to be sure all was in order. The housekeeping supervisor should have then checked the room to be sure all was in order before they released the room to the front desk. At least two people could have noticed no hair dryer. Then to not even try to respond for 40 minutes is very wrong. I went to church with my hair still a good bit wet. Ugh!

It was a delight to attend church with the Roper family. Katelyn was giving a talk about preparing to go to the temple. The Raelyn sang "I Love to See the Temple" for the special musical number. 

When Sacrament Meeting was over, I went to Primary with Katelyn. Claude and Drew went to Sunday School together. Joel jumped right up when they asked for a volunteer to say the opening prayer. Then they sang Happy Birthday to him and another little girl. Look at the grin on his face.

After Primary, Raelyn had an interview with the Bishop. Drew and Katelyn went in with her. Joel decided to join them. We sat in the waiting area with Emelia and Kennedi. Emelia found the best spot for them to be. 

Our tradition with these kids is to go to McDonald's for lunch after church. We picked up Paul and he had lunch with all of us. Joel showed us how to do the Moon Walk. 

After lunch, we stayed at McDonald's with Paul and had a wonderful visit. The Ropers went home so Drew could get and nap and hopefully the kids would nap as well. Drew would have to go to work that night. After a good visit with Paul, we took him back to his apartment. Then we headed to the Ropers. 

This is Claude and Joel trying to fix a toy he got for his birthday. 

Drew and Katelyn had a hockey game that evening. Claude and I would watch the kids at the hockey rink while they played. This was a treat for Claude and me. We had all four kids to ourselves for the most part. Their little personalities shined. Kennedi enjoyed my old sunglasses. Joel showed us his Ninja skills and explained his games. Emelia liked to draw designs for princess dresses. I had a little book of paper I keep in my purse. She used it for her drawings and some markers found in the diaper bag. She loved the elastic that held the pages down and the silk ribbon to mark the page. She loved that the pen could be secured in the elastic. I gave her the little book. I had others and home and she was very happy to have a book to continue creating fashion in. Raelyn wanted to watch the hockey game. She went in with Savannah, a friend whose hubby plays on the hockey team. Katelyn told Raelyn she had to go out with us. Claude was watching the game through the window from the lobby where we had the other kids. I suggested he take Raelyn back in with him to watch some more of the game and I would stay with the other three. He heartily agreed. Raelyn came around to where I was sitting and gave me the biggest hug and kiss on the cheek with a huge Thank You. Bless her heart, she really wanted to watch the game. How thoughtful to recognize that opportunity given to her. 

Kennedi would taunt Claude and then run off in peels of laughter when he responded.

Claude reciprocated by taunting Kennedi with a turn in the trash can. 

This time with these little ones was precious to us. 

We had reservations at a hotel south of Grand Rapids on Hwy 131. There were back roads to it from the hockey rink. It was a lovely 30 minute drive. The lady at the front desk suggested a diner for us to have some dinner at. It was the 76 Diner and the food was delicious, great servings and well priced. 

Monday, June 15th, we drove to Chelsea to have lunch with Jake. Soot was out front and we said it to him. Jake chose The Valiant for lunch. I had a cheese calzone. It was perfect. The crust was excellent and the marinara sauce was superb. I ate half as these things are huge. Jake would text me on Tuesday that he had the other half for his lunch and really enjoyed it. I think I have found my meal at The Valiant for future reference. 

We dropped Jake back at his apartment about 2pm. He had to get ready for work. We really enjoyed our time with him. We no headed for Dayton for our next hotel. We would have a little dinner at Cracker Barrel before settling in for the night. 

We had a great trip this time. All the visits with family were meaningful and felt really good. We had safe roads and only a little rain as we left on Friday.

Graduations, Funeral Plans, Trip Plans & a Great Sabbath Day...

Monday, June 1st, I want to post a picture from Sunday, May 31st, that I didn't get posted. This is Ramon. Ramon is the exchange student from Spain that has been living with the Ropers this school year. He is not actually a senior but the school in Muskegon wanted him to have the experience of an American graduation from high school. How nice is that. 

I had three days of what I call "the blue funk". Lethargic, no direction, a bit of a sore throat. We used to say your biorhythm chart was in a low phase. We all have ups and downs. This was three down for me. I know there is always and end to that feeling. So, I muddle through.

I completed by Blog and picture from the previous week. I ordered Joel's birthday gift from Walmart to be delivered to the Ropers. It is his roller blades like the ones his sisters have gotten this year. Now all the kids will have roller blades. His were orange. That is Joel's absolute favorite color. I also cleared some things from the DVR. 

In the evening, we watched another of the World War II documentary with Tom Hanks. Good series.

Tuesday, June 2nd, I started my day walking the treadmill. 

Then I settled in for a day of working on The Drive notes for our Lewis and Clark trip. 

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I received a sweet eMail from our grandmonster, Katelyn. She was at work and the background for her computer said, "Discover, Learn, Succeed-SOAR, Live, Laugh, Love being a Cardinal." Katelyn commented the it made her think of Claude and me. What a nice tribute to how she sees us. 

I shut down at 5:30pm and we watched television, ate dinner and I crocheted.

Wednesday, June 3rd, back to the treadmill I went. 

Claude and I went to Kentucky Veterans Cemetery North in Williamstown, Kentucky. We wanted to pre-arrange for a burial site for us. We had the application, Claude's DD214 and a copy of our Marriage Certificate. The nice lady took us and told they would review it and get back to us. The cost to bury would be nothing for Claude and $500 for me. We would be buried in the same plot and one headstone. Claude's information would be on the front and mine on the back of the headstone. All services are held outside in an open building. We are only wanting a graveside service for each of us. Now we wait to hear back. There are four of these cemeteries in Kentucky. They were started by the Commonwealth of Kentucky as there were not enough military cemeteries for all the veterans. This one began operation in 2008 so it is a fairly new cemetery. 

After dropping off our application, we went up I-75 to Dry Ridge. Bean is a local restaurant there we enjoy. We each had a sandwich and Claude had soup. They have wonderful baked goods. It was a really pleasant lunch. While there we talked about how to handle our trip to see Hayden's graduation. We were thinking of a Michigan drive by to see family. Nissa and Todd would be out-of-town. Katelyn would be speaking in Church on Sunday and Raelyn would be singing a special musical number. We decided to go to Hayden's graduation and then head to Muskegon to have Sunday with the Muskegon family we could see. Then have lunch with Jake the next day before returning home. Whirlwind trip but you take the opportunities to be with family that doesn't live close.

In the evening, Claude voice dropped and octave and he started sneezing. Not good!

Thursday, June 4th, Claude was not good. A fever, nasty deep cough, aches. I called the PT people and explained his situation and canceled his appointment. Claude stayed in bed and slept until 11am. He was down for the rest of the day.

I walked my treadmill and crocheted. 

Katelyn posted these pictures of our Joel. He graduated from Pre-school. How cute is he? Very!

Friday, June 5th, I had a miserable night with my tummy. Miserable. Happy to have the guest bedroom when this happens. 

When Claude woke up, I really needed sustenance. We opted for a biscuit run. Claude was still miserable. With us both not in a good place physically, we opted for watching West Wing. I would get a little more crocheting done. 

Saturday, June 6th, Claude still wasn't up to par. He decided he needed to get the grass cut. It was to rain all the next week leaving no time then to cut it. He knew he could at least get the front yard cut. He managed to get all of it done with a nap in the middle. Bless his heart. All the grass and pollen didn't do his cold any good though. 

I managed to finish my notes for the Lewis and Clark trip. Yeah! The actual Lewis and Clark Trail goes through16 states. We will drive through 12 of them to get to Oregon and Washington not counting Kentucky. Then we have to find our way home. We will do this like the Route 66 drive. We will see sites from the Lewis and Clark expedition but will also see some other sites along the way. I had to research them for days they can be visited, cost to visit, length of drives through, etc. My notes covered all possibilities to sight-see along during our trip. I printed all this out and gave it to Claude. He will read through it and we'll determine what we actually think we can see and I will make the grid of possibilities for the trip. It is a process but it makes for a good trip. 

I made hotel reservations for Michigan. I updated the Trivial Pursuit questions in my cell phone. I needed to fill two months of questions. I also cleared the DVR. 

I received a text from Elizabeth Christensen. She managed to strain her back and was having trouble even sitting in a chair. She wanted to know if I could play the organ for her on Sunday. I assured her I would do that. 

Claude and I went to Jimmy John's for our dinner. I had a reward on my app for a sandwich for $4.99. It would expire this day. I tried to place the order for pick-up at the window as Claude drove us over. I do NOT like the Jimmy John's app. It let me use the reward but when I ordered a sandwich for Claude and two sodas, it only showed one sandwich ordered. I tried looking at it from the app and from the eMail confirmation. I assured Claude we would probably have to order another sandwich when we got to the window. Sure enough, they only had one sandwich for us. I gave the girl my order confirmation number. She checked on it and said there was no reward on there. She went to make us another sandwich and could let us pay at the drive-thru window as that register was not working. She thought maybe there was a glitch in their system. We got our food and drinks and looked for shade to park the Jeep so we could roll down the windows and eat outside. I am not sure why I have such trouble with this app. I don't seem to have that issue with any others. We love Jimmy John's and are looking forward to the opening of the one nearer our home. 

When we got home, I got my organ music and Claude went with me to the church so I could practice a little. So grateful we did this. I don't play hardly ever and it was good to hear this stops and make sure they were right for prelude, hymns and the sacrament hymn. 

Sunday, June 7th, was a good Sabbath Day. Claude was not well still. He stayed asleep until just before I got home from church. 

I played the organ and totally enjoyed being able to do that. 

One of the best things about sitting on the stand is seeing the congregations faces. We had a new counselor sustained in our bishopric. I watched his little family as they asked for a sustaining vote from the congregation on this action. Bro. Wenzel has a little girl, maybe 5-years old. She was sitting on the end of the bench and the grin on her face as her dad's name was announced was soul-cheering. When Pres. Blakemore asked for a sustaining vote, her right hand shot up into the air and that grin continued. I told her parents after that I ask Heavenly Father every Saturday to let me have one cup-filling moment in church on Sunday. I assured them their daughter was my cup-filling moment. 

Heidi Barney and kids were visiting. She sat on a row with Jenessa Dymock and family and Jenna Thacker and family. These three ladies were the best of friends. Heidi moved to California. Seeing these three really good friends was so touching. Good friends stay good friends even if your move far away. When you are back together, you pick up like there was no time apart. It was uplifting to see these ladies together again. 

I did not stay for Sunday School. I went home and found Claude finishing up his showering. I changed clothes and he suggested to me that we go to Cattleman's Roadhouse. We watched two shows on television that had steaks in them. My hubby grew up on a cattle ranch and loves a good steak. These shows make him hungry for a good steak. We went to Cattleman's and got a table right away. Had a delicious meal. Claude then wanted a chocolate shake. The Dairy Queen drive-thru had a line that went on forever. We opted to go across to our Burger King and he got a chocolate shake. I opted for no dessert.

By the time we got home, I was sure I was getting whatever it was Claude was trying to get rid of. We have trip coming up and both need to be well for that. We decided we would sit the rest of Sunday out. We pulled out our Castle DVD's and curled up in our recliners and rested for the remainder of our Sunday.

Parades, Doctors, Crafts, Movies & Stake Conference...

Monday, May 25th, Memorial Day crept up on us. Being retired seems to make time feel very different. We both thought we had a week until Memorial Day. Then on Friday May 22nd, I had a revelation when I looked at my calendar. I shared my insight with Claude and he was also completely unaware Memorial Day was that quick. He too thought we had another week. Silly us!

I woke with a bit of sore throat. We decided to get donuts from Franks. By the time we got there, they didn't have any glazed donuts. We opted for Bojangles biscuits instead. 

When we got home, Claude worked on cutting the grass with the idea of getting the front done at minimum. He managed to get it all cut. Good thing because the rains started again on Tuesday. 

I completed my Blog and pictures for the previous week. I updated the Relief Society newsletter and walked my treadmill.

In the evening, we opted to see what Memorial Day like things the TV was spewing out that day. At 8pm the series about World War II narrated by Tom Hanks started. This will be a 20 hour series and we have it set to record. This first setting showed the first three in the series. They were very well done. Claude loves learning about this kind of history like I enjoy my documentaries. 

The Ropers started their day with their Memorial Day tradition. Going to the parade in downtown Muskegon. This is a really good tradition. 

Tuesday, May 26th, was a rainy, rainy day. Claude had a PT appointment in the morning. I went to see Dr. Sajadi. This was my 2-year checkup after my reverse shoulder replacement surgery. X-rays were taken and all is healing very well. My only concern was pain in the shoulder. Greg Cowen, the Physician's Assistant, went to get Dr. Sajadi. Greg Cowen is actually the only one I have seen for all of my checkups since the surgery. He is excellent. Dr. Sajadi is always there and can be called if needed. Dr. Sajadi came in and settled in to talk. Nothing was rushed. I share what pain I was feel, when it usually is there and exactly where it radiates from. Dr. Sajadi moved the joint around and then pressed on certain places. Then he explained that the surgery is really good but they are still learning improvements. The muscle coming up the arm had two tendons that branch out from it to attach to the shoulder. When doing the surgery, Dr. Sajadi has to be sure the tension is just right. If he makes it too tight, a broken bone in my shoulder could happen. If he make is too loose, things simply don't work right. I have really good movement with my arm. It should be a bit stronger and that can be handled with exercise. There are things that will not ever be like it was before I trashed the shoulder in that fall. I assured Dr. Sajadi I am very pleased with the surgery and the results. I want to be sure the pain is not an indication I have a problem. If it is not a problem, the Tylenol is my friend. I will proceed as I am doing all that I can and want to do and taking my Tylenol when needed. It was a great visit and I am feeling good about my healing. 

Since Claude did yardwork on Monday and we didn't get our hamburger, Tuesday became hamburger day. We went to 5 Guys and had a wonderful meal.  

In the evening, we enjoyed watermelon for dessert. Jake notified me he got the link I sent to him of Jeff Daniels playing his guitar and Kelly Clarkson reacting to it. So happy Jake enjoyed that little tidbit. 

Wednesday, May 27th, I was awake before Claude. I quietly dressed and drove to Frank's to get us donuts. When Claude woke up, they were on the counter. We enjoyed them very much. 

While paying at Franks, I thought she said 34 cents and she said 39 cents. I quickly got the right change and gave it to the cashier. As I drove away, I had some memories about pennies. 

November 12, 2025 the U.S. Mint ended production of pennies. It was costing 4 cents to make a penny. Banks can no long order pennies. They will simply phase out over time. Businesses are started to use a rounding system regarding pennies. Our Burger King has this notice posted by the cash register on the counter.

I started the think how the value of some things changes over the years. My mind went back to my childhood in Louisiana. We attended church at a little frame building that had been a soldiers barracks at Fort Polk, Louisiana. Our congregation was a 'branch'. This means it was too small in numbers to be a full-sized ward. My mother must have been in the Primary presidency. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had a hospital for children in Salt Lake City, Utah. It was called The Primary Children's Hospital. One of the way to fund this hospital was saving pennies. My mother made an apron with three or four pockets on the front. One pocket had a birthday cake on it. The others had other visual representations of things you did to earn pennies. Each week we had time to come to the front an put pennies in the pocket that represented how we got the pennies. Into the birthday cake pocket we would put a penny for each year of our age on our birthday week. We had penny parades where we would march around the church. All those pennies from all over the world were sent to help children get medical care at Primary Children's Hospital. In 1974, the Church decided to divest itself of the ownership of health-care facilities. The hospital was turned over to the not-for-profit Intermountain Health Care group who continue to manage it to this day. Those pennies were valuable to us as children. We learned to think of and give to help others with this project. Now, no more pennies. Life changes. 

I requested from Lynette Drysdale and Kayla McCombs, suggestions for things to see and do in Oregon and Washington. These are Claude's younger sisters. Lynette and traveled this area and Kayla lives in Vancouver, Washington. This day I went through their suggestions and made notes about the ones we might want to see on The Drive we would take for our trip this year. 

I fried chicken for dinner. Claude had potato salad he made for another meal and we had the leftover from that as a side dish. I made gravy out of the drippings for Claude's chicken. Claude loves this meal. Not sure why. I told him I think it has to do with me cooking and him not having to do that. 

Katelyn reported that Joel had a good checkup with his surgeon about his broken jaw. Kids are very resilient. Joel has been a trooper. He still has healing to go, but he is doing well thus far. Yeah!!

Thursday, May 28th, was weeding day. We had two good days of rain previously. That makes the ground easier to give up the roots of the weeds. It is exhausting work for me but feels good when it is done. Yardwork mean Burger King for dinner. 

In the evening, I attended the Relief Society activity for May. It was a craft learning to cover wood picture frames with cloth. It was lots of fun and the ladies all enjoyed it.

I chose a fabric with a Harry Potter print. I will put a picture of Claude and me in the frame and give it to Bailey for Christmas. Cool!

Friday, May 29th, I started my day by printing and disbursing the Relief Society newsletter for June. Then I got the announcement for June to Jennifer Barber for the Sunday bulletins in June. I also walked my treadmill. 

We purchased tickets to see a movie in the late afternoon in Lexington. It was Pressure staring Brendan Fraser as Eisenhower. The movie focuses on the landing at Normandy and the meteorologist that Eisenhower had to rely on for a safe landing. Claude and I don't go to tons of movies. This one was very well done. I was very moved by the beach landing scenes. Made me want to go to Normandy and pay my respects to those who fought and died so valiantly. 

The movie got my thought turned to contention. When I taught the Book of Mormon in Seminary on year, as I read through my Book of Mormon, I noticed how frequent the word contention or one of its derivatives was used. It was so apparent to me that contention was the cause of my wars and fighting among the people. In 3 Nephi 11 in the Book of Mormon, the Savior is visiting the Nephites after his death and resurrection. He says to the people "For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hat the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another." It is interesting to note that after this visit, there was peace among the people. In 4 Nephi 1:15 is stated "And it came to pass that there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people."  I have tried in my life, I am not perfect at this, but I try to ask myself why before I lash out at someone. Sometimes, I am finding a fault in others that is one I also possess and have not fully admitted it to myself. If I pause and think before reacting, my life has greater peace in it. I don't feel contentious. I marvel at the horrid things man and can do to other men. 

We had dinner at City BBQ in Lexington. 

Saturday, May 30th, I was off kilter physically and emotionally. Not sure why. We used to say "my biorhythms are off". I hoped that was what it was. I walked my treadmill and cleared the DVR. 

In the evening, we picked up Kitty Lloyd and went to the adult session of Stake Conference. We had a visiting general authority, Elder Nathan Emery. The talks were good and we left feeling uplifted. We invited Kitty to go with us on Sunday but she had grandchildren coming and that would be her only time to visit with them. 

Sunday, May 31st, I had a bad night and woke up still feeling like my biorhythms were off. We got ready and attended Stake Conference. It was another great meeting. Claude was released as the Chair of the Stake Communications Council and I was released as secretary.  

For lunch, we used the last of the gift cards I gave Claude. It was to Olive Garden. We got there and were seated very quickly. However, no server showed up at our table to get our drinks or order. After waiting long enough, I went to the counter and asked if we had a server. They assured me they had just noticed not server had come and had contacted someone who would come shortly. 

We ended up with a delightful server. Attentive but not intrusive. Our food was excellent. We had the Never-Ending-Salad-Soup-Breakstick Meal. I opted for no soup. Claude had the minestrone. 

Claude went to pay at the little kiosk thing on the table. It took the gift card, said he owed more and then wouldn't take payment for the additional owed. We flagged down our server and she helped us get it straightened out. 

In the afternoon, Claude napped while I cleared the DVR. Then we walked a documentary about Seabiscuit and some other documentaries about Islands. I got more rows crocheted on Nelson's afghan.