Every week I plan on writing something, but so much has been going on, that I don't get to it. I just loaded some pictures onto the computer, so at least I'll send you pictures and highlights of what's been going on here.
Since May 1
- Emily moved to Charlotte and lives within walking distance of public transportation. She's made plans to get a job and go to school! We had a lovely Mother's Day at Grandmas. She posted a picture of the three of us on her Facebook page.
- I volunteered for the Susan Komen race again on May 4. It was well attended (over 7000) in-spite of cold weather and wind. The sponsor I volunteer with, Fleet Feet, paid for us all to have hot drinks downtown!
- We've had a LOT of rain (especially the past week - 3 1/2 inches above normal for the year so far). But on May 7 there was water in the family room in the basement that went all the way through under the stairs!!! Aaaaah! I pulled up carpet, threw towels down and spread out soggy camping equipment to dry. There's a picture above.
- I've been talking with people about taking down the wall between the kitchen and den. One guy came over after the "flood" and pointed out that it was probably caused by 2 things - over-filled gutters, and the ground has settled and slopes down toward the house. The a/c and the deck are sloping along with the ground and will require something - the deck is actually splitting apart!
- The following Saturday (May 11) I tended to the rats, then went over to the auditorium where the W-S Symphony rehearses and watched them for over an hour for free. I wanted to hear "Pictures at an Exhibition" but they were rehearsing another really neat thing - an artist creates images on his computer as the orchestra plays and it's shown at the back of the stage. It was beautiful. Afterward I went to Old Salem because it was totally open to the public - all the houses and exhibits were free because the city was celebrating the 100th anniversary of WINSTON and SALEM becoming one city.
- not only that - it was the start of a parade - they had floats depicting every decade, as well as cars and other vehicles from each decade - really neat!
- I've been focusing on understanding my 403b retirement plan and how to get more out of it. Last Friday I met with someone and he showed me how to work with it on the computer to get more what I want, and just the best strategy for me. I wish I had known this stuff 2 1/2 years ago!
- The medical center royally botched converting to all digital record keeping and went millions of dollars into the whole. As a result they they withdrew the 5% company 403b match - ugh!! and asked the hospital staff (not nurses and doctors) to take "furlough" - aka unpaid time off. Since I'm paid out of a grant that part doesn't affect me. Maggie's been on maternity leave, so I've worked like a beaver and gotten more overtime. She'll be back the day before I go to Alaska.
- My grass in the front yard continues to garner attention - no weeds; green, thick, lush and plush. Give it a couple of weeks of hot weather and things will be different. We have so much shade that the vegetable "garden" Emily and I created isn't growing too well. I'm getting raspberries and a few blueberries in now.
- The other morning I heard what sounded like a woodpecker!! I was in the screen porch and saw the culprit picking at insects in the woodpile - it was an Eastern Flicker (ID courtesy of Mom's bird book).
- I've done bit of dog-sitting - I had Molly and Penny over Memorial Day weekend. We had a great time at the new dog park in Tanglewood Park! I also tended Daisy (a white one) some - she's a very sweet dog.
- I had one student who could do a piano recital - Amelia. I went in with Lisa Ray from the ward - she has 30 students. She reserved the Wake Forest University Brendle Recital Hall, FREE; - it's big and has a Steinway!! So these little kids got to play on the "real deal." The pictures are of Amelia and her brothers.
- Last weekend we had not one, but TWO general authorities for an absolutelyAMAZING stake conference! wow. I got drafted for the choir; we sang the Mack Wilberg (MoTab) version of "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing."
- Elder David Evans presided - he's the top person on the missionary committee for the Church - quite the guy. He told a couple stories of HIS struggles to follow through with promptings to talk to people about the gospel. [It's nice to know I'm not the only one].
- My birthday was absolutely delightful - actually it was a 3 day celebration because I talked to every single child and grandchild, plus Rebekah and others. My VT companion (Haley's mom) met me for dinner one night. They remembered at work - we had Krispy Kreme donuts - key lime among others - eat your heart out!! Plus lots of Facebook wishes; even some from high school friends.
- The past month I've also been expanding my "home handywoman" skills. I cleaned out the gutter with my hands -[yuckkk], changed the oil on the lawn mower (I accidentally put gas in the oil), and changed a van tire - all by myself!!
- I'm sad that Lynn Gottfredson left us. I'm exciting that Xylar (Scott & Wheng's baby) will be joining us this week - I'm leaving June 18 to go to Alaska to see them!
- I've discovered a great adult ADHD website - with forums and webinars every week. It's wonderful to find people who share the same frustrations dealing with ADHD, especially in their jobs. One guy described it when he said having ADHD is like having several channels on all at one time - that's me.
- Opossum - I was organizing in the basement today - picked up a basket that was over a bucket of cat food and saw our newest "resident." Check him/her out above! It's a baby, but it's still an opossum!
- Everyday I am more and more grateful for the Christ's Atonement. One quick story: our Elder's Quorum president developed a severe neurological problem several months ago. It was diagnosed as a "movement" disorder. He presents like he has Parkinson's disease, only the jerky, uncontrollable movements and stuttering are much worse. This fellow was a perfectly normal, 30-ish guy, family man, successful in his career, etc. He got up in testimony meeting today and obviously had a hard time communicating. But his body and his voice became still as he related this:
- One night in the hospital he was totally upset, discouraged, worried, and unable to sleep. In the midst of this turmoil a peaceful feeling came over him and the impression came: "I know exactly what you're going through becauseI've been through it too."
- think of it - the Savior has experienced all the junk each of us has been through. We are not alone. He knows our trials and struggles perfectly.
- Chellie Dazey got her mission call to South Salt Lake City - you know Jacob Murphy and Jordan Marsh both entered the MTC this past week - Jacob - to NORTH Salt Lake and Jordan to Brazil (same country his dad served). Jacob's picture was on the Desert News website June 16 (I believe) with the "parade" of missionaries going to the Marriott Center.
- As you know I made it to Alaska - almost thought I was going to have a day in Minneapolis. I'm enjoying being here with Scott and Wheng and Xylar. Xylar is the BEST baby ever! This morning he was awake for 3 hours happy as could be.
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