Giving, ABBA, Dear Friends, Bitter Cold...

Friday, January 12th, I simply stopped my life and spent time reading. What a delight. I don't do this often enough. I finished my book about the history of Italy in preparation for our upcoming trip. And I read my entire January Liahona. I also stopped and called my BFF, Laura Carter. Now those two things make for a great day!!

Saturday, January 13th, had two fun things happen. We have stored Jake's mattress and box springs from his old bed in the loft of our shed. The missionaries had a contact in need of a bed. We told them they could surely have this one but they needed to arrange a truck and men to help heft it down from the loft. This was the day. The two missionaries and James Hollen (who owns the truck) came and helped Claude get the bed out of the loft. They also took two bookshelves and a night stand. Nice to see these items go to someone in need. 

Katelyn send this cute picture of Emelia. Why is this picture significant? Well, when Katelyn lived with us one summer after she graduated High School, whenever she and I went to the store, Katelyn was ALWAYS straightening the aisle. Didn't matter what store, the aisles and clothes racks always needed a little help looking perfect. It seems Emelia has inherited her mother's cleaning and straightening gene!

The evening was a wonderful date with my Big Guy. We went to Firehouse Subs for a great dinner. If we take a certain route, Firehouse Subs in right on the way. It seems this is becoming our go to dinner place when going into Lexington to Rupp Arena or the Lexington Opera House. We don't have a Firehouse Subs in Georgetown so this is a great stop for us. 

Our adventure this evening was and ABBA Tribute groups performing in the Lexington Opera House. I had not even thought of doing this but several people came dressed like the 70's style of clothes. There was one man that could have been a pimp in the 70's. Nice fella. Lots of shiny tops and loud print pants. The group was really quite good. We were encouraged to sing along, dance along, take pictures and video to post. It was really a good concert for audience participation. I do find it amusing when those my age and older get up and dance like they believe they are still in their 20's or 30's. It was great fun. Totally enjoyed this date.

Sunday, January 14th, was a really fun Sunday. I was able to lead the music for Sacrament Meeting. I was watching as people entered. I take the roll as Relief Society Secretary and doing that from the stand makes it really easy. I noticed a couple come in from the back. They were looking for a place to sit. The lady pointed to a spot and they came forward and sat by Amanda Owens. Then it dawned on me it was Lisa and David Adams. Lisa is Amanda's mother. Lisa was my 1st counselor when I was Stake Relief Society president. She and David live in Florida. I suddenly had a grin from ear to ear and then Lisa looked up and realized it was me on the stand. She then had a grin on her face from ear to ear. We wanted to run and hug each other but it was time for the meeting to start. That hug would come after the meeting. 

During one of the hymns, I looked at Claude as I got up to lead. He looked at me and we winked at each other. I was sure no one saw this. However, Heidi Barney caught each of us after the meeting and assured us she saw that wink. No fool like an old fool!! 

After the meetings, Claude and I got Jimmy John's for lunch and took it home. While we were eating, I said to Claude that it would be really great if our old Play Group (the Stake Relief Society Presidency) could get together. He agreed. While Claude napped, I crocheted and texted Lisa first to be sure she and David would have a time they could do this while here. Once that was confirmed, I sent a text to Laura Carter (our 2nd counselor) and Barbara Mason (our secretary) to see what their week was like and when we might get all of us, our hubbies and Jessie (our photographer and Laura's daughter) together. Miracle of Miracles, we all could meet Tuesday afternoon. Claude agreed to make a big pot of vegetable beef soup and have rolls. Laura and Howard would bring little cheesecakes for dessert. 

Then I started to crochet in earnest. I found a pattern for a granny square crochets Christmas Tree ornament. I used to make these ladies and ornament every year for Christmas. I decided I would make four of these ornaments and give them one like old times. I thought they were so cute, I sent the pictures to our current Ward Relief Society presidency and suggested they might make a cute gift for our 2024 gift to the sisters at Christmas. They all liked the idea. I will now make 50 more for this Christmas. 

In the evening, Claude set to work on his Lego Ferrari. For Christmas, I gave him 4-laps in a Ferrari around the Kentucky Speedway. In addition, I bought this Lego Ferrari for him. He would try diligently to put it together. It seemed to be missing a piece in the first bag of pieces. The second bag was put together but it didn't stay together. After a few days of working on it and being very frustrated, I suggested we have Hayden work on it. He had tons of Lego pieces and would have anything that might be missing. His brain just sees how these things go together. Claude would finally take it apart and bag it back up. We'll ask Hayden for help when he comes home. Doing puzzle things is not Claude's forte. That is my area. I was really pleased he worked so hard and almost had it right. He would never be happy with that car unless it was right. 

We were experiencing the cold, cold, cold of winter. Snow was expected Sunday night and Monday morning. 

Monday, January 15th, We planned a day inside our home. This first snow was a light amount, maybe an inch, and it was powder dry. Claude went out and took his leaf blower. He cleaned our driveway and walk to the door. I would use a shovel and get our front sidewalk and Catherine's walks and driveway. I always love when we work outside together. And, I thought my hubby was sheer genius for thinking of the leaf blower for this powdery snow. In my gratitude journal for this day I listed Claude's genius and working with him, a warm home on a very frigid day, and flannel sheets when it is this cold.

Tuesday, January 16th, I had a dental cleaning and 6-month check on my teeth. Since the rest of the week held the promise of extremely cold weather with more snow the end of the week, we decided Claude would drop me at the dentist and head to Walmart to pick up the few grocery items we might want or need for the remainder of the week. Then we could go home and hunker down for the rest of the week. Leaving the road to those who really needed to use it. 

After getting home, we finished up for the ladies to come for our little reunion. Claude made sure the drives and walkways were clear. Again with the leaf blower. I set out things inside the house for company to come visit. 

At one o'clock, I got a call from Barbara. She and WC were in the driveway and no one else was here. She wanted to be sure she was at the right place. I assured her she was simple the first one to arrive. David and Lisa were the next to arrive. The Laura, Howard and Jessie came with dessert. It was so fun to be together again. We picked up like we had not had long been apart. 

I sent the ladies each two pictures I thought they might enjoy. 

The first was taken October 8, 2006. This Sunday we were called and sustained as the new Stake Relief Society Presidency. Seated are Lisa Adams and Sandi Christensen. Standing are Laura Carter and Barbara Mason. We all met at our home that day for lunch and to get to know each other. I didn't know Laura at all. Barbara I knew and Lisa I knew a bit. From this first meeting together, we were best friends. We would serve together for four years. 

The second picture was taken Octiber 23, 2010. This was our final activity for all the sisters in the Lexington North Stake. It was "Circle of Sisters". The next day we would be released from our callings and a new Stake Relief Society presidency would be called. From left to right: Barbara Mason, Lisa Adams, Sandi Christensen, Laura Carter, Jessie Carter. What a totally delightful four years it was. We each had very difficult things happen in our lives and our families during this four years. But we sustained and strengthened each other and only women can do for each other. 

We enjoyed our soup which was delicious. Claude accidentally used soy sauce when he thought he had Worchestershire sauce. It was soo good. We had a bit of dessert and then settled in the living room to visit. Lisa retired on December 30th. Barbara and WC don't drive at night anymore. We are all a little older and had the bumps of life in our history. But we are still such dear friends. This is a blessing to me. 

I had us get one more picture of all of us. Seated: Jessie Carter & Barbara Mason. Standing: Sandi Christensen, Lisa Adams, Laura Carter. I love these ladies and their hubbies who supported us all the way. Looking forward to our next reunion.

Wednesday, January 17th, Claude and I were set to stay inside for the rest of the week. Claude received a call from Brad Manwaring. Brad told him Alli (his wife) was already in West Virginia and Brad and his dad were going to drive over on Thursday to meet her. Their son Breck and his wife Iris had their first baby, a little girl named Camila Rose. I had Claude contact Brad and get a time we could drop off a baby gift for this little bundle of joy. We went over about 2:30 and had a good chat with Brad and his dad and left the gift for Brad to deliver for us. 

Funny thing, the Manwaring's daughter, Aubrey and her hubby, Raul, are having their first baby, a girl, this Sunday. I have working on the baby afghan for her baby. 

In the evening, Andie called to let me know that Bea, Michael's grandmother on his father's side was not doing well. She had been in the hospital. They were moving her to palliative care. Bea just turned 101. She has stayed of sound mind and strong body until this last year when she had covid. It knocked her down a peg but she was able to get back to her own apartment at the senior community.

Thursday, January 18th, we stayed inside all day looking out the window from time to time to check the weather. When this frigid air came the week before, I shut up all the blinds and curtains in the house to try and help keep the inside as warm as possible. So, we don't see what is going on outside unless we lift a blind. I spent the day doing laundry and crocheting. I was grateful for my cellphone to keep up with family and friends who had special difficulties in their lives. 

In the evening, Andie would let us know that Bea had passed. 

Friday, January 19th, We stayed at home all day. Snow came and we had at least 4" to 5". This was wet heavy snow that the leaf blower could not handle. Claude went out to shovel our walks. I suited up and joined him. This time we only got our walks and driveway done. We can feel our age and did not get Catherine's done this time. But I was grateful we could take care of ourselves at least. Time is coming to hire some of the young boys that come around to shovel.

With communication with Andie, we decided we would go to Maryland for Bea's funeral. Andie and Michael will leave Sunday so they can visit with family. Claude and I will leave Monday and visit Fred and Bevy on our way to Rockville, Maryland. The funeral will be a graveside service on Tuesday. We will head home on Wednesday. In my head, I am thinking of what else we might want to visit. We know we will go to The Italian Store for a Milano for sure. Andie and Michael want to have Ledo's Pizza while there. Claude promised to buy for us. 

I also spent a lot of time crocheting. I had white and pink yarn on hand. I had hoped I had enough. I wanted to finish up what I had of the pink to see if it was enough. It was not quite enough. So, I will purchase a big skein of pink and white to finish the afghan. 

Saturday, January 20th, is another stay inside kind of day. This day I have spent working on my laptop chores. I have kind of not done a lot with it over the last week or so. Time to get caught up. So far I have stayed focused and crossed several things off the to do list. I am quite fond of these stay at home days!!

From Colonoscopy to Gratitude...

Following two days of a low residue diet and one day of only clear liquids and a night of disgusting prep, Claude was ready Thursday, January 11th, for his next colonoscopy. We were up early to get ready. Really, Claude was up way early to take the last round of the disgusting prep. We were out the door by 7:45 am to drive to Lexington. This was our view as we drove into the sun to get to the surgery center. The sun was extremely bright in our eyes part of the time. 

Claude got back to have the colonoscopy. I sat with him after he was prepped until time for the procedure. They wheeled him back and I waited in the waiting room until the nice nurse came to the door and called "Christensen". That was my cue to go back and help Claude wake up and get dressed. One is a bit groggy at first and there for a bit wobbly. They gave him a cup of Diet Coke and he one happy fella. What a welcome treat after bland things all day the day before. 

Dr. Robbins came in to tell us our his findings. The nurse had given us the pictures they took of Claude's colon. Claude knew there were some polyps. Dr. Robbins confirmed he found four polyps and removed them. They will be sent to pathology to confirm there is no cancer. He is sure of two. He said they were like removing a skin tag, really nothing at all. The other two might be stage two but he won't be sure until pathology confirms it. This will determine when and if Claude needs another colonoscopy in the future. Claude has been on the every five year plan. They have changed that a bit and he may now be on the seven year plan if these remaining two polyps are stage 2. But really, all is very good. 

Okay, the funny thing was after the two pages of brightly colored pictures of the inside of Claude's colon was a page with a clipart black and white drawing of a colon. I am sure this is in case Dr. Robbins needs explain something to a patient. We got a chuckle when I suggested to Claude he add it to his coloring cards. Then he upped that by suggesting we mail it to the great grandmonsters to color!! Oh my. Old age humor!!

Time to feed that need to chew and taste real food instead of a popsicle or broth. Off to Schlotzsky's we sped to enjoy a favorite sandwich with a cinnabon to share for dessert. Yum!! 

We returned home and Claude laid down for a much needed nap. 

In the evening I attend our Elkhorn Creek Ward Relief Society Activity about Gratitude Journals. We would have fun creating our own Gratitude Journals and begin thinking of all the things in our lives that are blessings and for which we are grateful. 

Erica Spurlock Snow started us out with her Gratitude Journal Experience. We played a Gratitude Scavenger Hunt exercise to get us thinking. This we created covers and put stickers inside our journals to keep us motivated. We enjoyed treats provided by those who attended. 

Bishop Barber has asked the members of the Elkhorn Creek Ward to "Think Celestial" per Pres. Nelson's General Conference talk. We will do that in 2024 by keeping our Gratitude Journals. 

It was a lovely activity and the sisters seemed to really enjoy this time together. 

Music & Service...

After Christmas and New Year's Day, it is time to begin to remember what 'normal' is supposed to be. One thing that is 'normal' is to attend music concerts by our grandmonsters.

 

Friday, January 5th, Bailey would participate in the KMEA's (Kentucky Music Educators Association) High School All District Bands event. This is a two day affair. On Friday they would be given several new pieces of music. A guest conductor would work with them all day that day and also on Saturday. This band is composed of students from High School all over District 5 in Kentucky (several counties). The students would be placed in the Concert Band or the Symphonic Band. I believe this is according to ability. Bailey would be in the Concert Band. She was asked to be 1st Chair in the French Horn section. This is a big deal and we are very proud of Bailey for being invited and then participating in this event. 

Saturday, January 6th, these students would again spend the day with their guest conductor working on those pieces of music. At 6:30pm, parents, family and friends were invited to a concert of these pieces of music. Of course Claude and I trekked to Shelbyville, Kentucky to Martha Layne Collins High School to watch Miss B perform. It was excellent. One could expect nothing less. These are the best in each high school in the district. 

The Concert Band performed four numbers: "Cedar Chest" by David Shaffer, "Ascending" by Larry Clark, "I Wonder and I Wander" by John Jacob Niles, and "The Great Locomotive Chase" by Robert W. Smith. Their guest conductor was Phil Thomas who recently retired after teaching in Georgetown, Indiana for 36 years. 

It was interesting remembering last year. Hayden was asked to participate his senior year. Michael's grandmother was turning 100 years old. The family was having a big party for her and her brother (whose birthday is close to Bea's) in Maryland. Hayden was going to participate in this program and then Claude and I were going to drop him at the airport Sunday morning so he could attend a portion of Bea's party. Friday after Michael, Andie and Bailey left for Maryland in their car, I received a phone call from Andie saying Hayden might need to be picked up. He was not well and they were going to assess and then maybe send him home. He would need us to get over there and get him and take him home. That is exactly what happened. We picked Hayden up on Friday and he missed the day of training so he could not participate. 

Saturday, January 6th, Claude and I both pronounced as "The Perfect Saturday". After a very poor night's sleep on Friday night, we slept in Saturday. I would spend the day working on my Christmas puzzle. We stopped everything and got ready to leave our home by about 4:00 to head to Shelbyville. We stopped in Frankfort for a good meal at Chili's. Then on the Shelbyville to enjoy Bailey's concert. We went to Dairy Queen after with the Marx family for dessert. Then back home for the rest of the evening. Even though the weather was to be bad, it held off and we had good roads on which to drive with a few sprinkles here and there. It was a great Saturday for two fossils!

Sunday, January 7th, Andie, Michael and Hayden were out the door of their home at 6:30am. They were taking Hayden back to DePaul University. He break was over. They would drive up that day and return that afternoon and evening. That is a long hard day. 

Claude and I started the new schedule for sacrament meeting. We now start at 10:30am. That should allow us to sleep in a bit longer, However, the first Sunday of the month Claude has a Zoom meeting for Stake Council at 7am. So, an alarm was set and we were off and running. After church I had a music practice with the Relief Society sisters to prepare to sing the special musical number in two weeks. We would be home the rest of the day. Claude did have a Zoom meeting in the evening.

This day I would finish my Christmas puzzle. It only took me two weeks but I did it!! This was one of the most difficult puzzles I have tackled. The colors of the puzzle flow together because it of a picture of an Impressionist painting. The piece are very irregular and do not join together squarely. It was a chore but it was good to get it complete. 

Monday, January 8th, Claude would begin a low-residue diet in preparation for a colonoscopy on Thursday. Claude would go out to get his PSA test in preparation for his visit with Dr. Slabaugh in the near future. While out, I needed somethings so he ran and extra errand to get them for me. Such a nice guy. I was able to stay home and work on a "to do list" that was a full page. I had procrastinated a LOT over Christmas. Time to get back in the groove. 

This day I listed several things in my Gratitude Journal. 

1. I have a piano on which to practice the special number for the Relief Society.
2. I have a washer and dryer and could change from cotton linens to flannel linens.
3. I started working on a Relief Society lesson I will teach on January 28th. I was grateful for being able to 'tag' things in my Gospel Library App.
4. Katelyn called and we had a video chat with the great grands. I was grateful for cellphones that allow us to do that kind of thing. The cutest moment was when I told Raelyn how much I love her in her glasses. She pulled them down to the end of her little nose and raised her eyebrows and Claude and me. We laughed so hard. I then asked her how I wore my glasses. I thought she would put them on the end of her nose. Not so. She took them off, folded them up and hung them from the neck of her t-shirt. Claude and really did laugh at that one. As we went to bed that night, it was the final thing we chuckled about from our day. 
5. Claude was restless in the evening. I think he has some concerns about this upcoming colonoscopy after having the prostate full of cancer last year. I looked across the living room at him and said, "I think you need a root beer float!" He looked up at me and said, "I think you are right!" I got up and got our A&W Root Beer mugs and fixed us each a float. I was grateful for those mugs, having ice cream and root beer on hand. Nice!

Tuesday, January 9th, we continued the low-residue diet. I continued working on the overdue to do list. I was getting a lot done and felt good about that. Claude would have his last full meal. He chose macaroni and tomato juice soup with grill cheese sandwiches. The man makes the best grill cheese and it was delicious. 

Our first-born Great Grandmonster, Raelyn Jay Roper, will be baptized sometime this year. Claude and I wanted to purchase her a set of scriptures. I called Deseret Book and ordered the one I wanted and a tote for them. I had them put her name on the front. They were received this day. I took these pictures and sent to her mother so she could see what we got. 

Wednesday, January 10th, we were up at 7am and got ready to drive to Morehead, Kentucky. The Deseret truck from the Church had delivered half a truck full of pre-boxed food. The other half would be taken to Hazel Green for distribution. We were going to help distribute this food to food banks and church within our stake boundaries. This truck carried 16 pallets (896 prepacked boxes, each box holding enough emergency food to feed a family of 4 for five days) for a total of 26,880 pounds of shelf stable, nutritious food. There were lots of helping hands. The distribution started at 9am with a greeting by Samone Radcliff, our JustServe Coordinator, a prayer was offered by a local minister, introductions were made and instructions given. Then we started the distribution process. We were finished and cleaned up by 10:15am. It was cold. It was windy. There was a little bit of moisture in the air. But we had a big building in which to work and a great attitude by everyone there. These are really wonderful opportunities to serve. 

Samone gave this scripture in her remarks: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

     9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. 

     10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up

A highlight for me was the truck from Sterling Community Food Coalition. A grant was given by the church to help purchase this much needed vehicle. A member of our stake volunteers at SCFC and is the driver of the truck. He was there to help load other trucks and to take boxes back for SCFC. It was a full circle moment and you felt the goodness of all this effort to help Heavenly Father's children in need. 

Serving is Good for the Soul!!

Now I am snuggled in our home. A cold, gray day. We are praying the weather behaves through tomorrow morning. After we get home from the colonoscopy, it can do whatever it wants!