WE WISH YOU...EVERYTHING

Monday, December 25, 2017

Holidays are wonderful stay-in-bed times. I think I was the last to get up. I had made today's breakfast casserole last night, so Ken just popped it into the oven this morning. It was a hash brown, sausage, and egg casserole with cream cheese. It was delicious and everyone liked it. I liked it, too, for the convenience of not having to cook three separate things.

We had a nice, peaceful of scriptures and gifts. There were lots of warm socks and slippers,

Warm tootsies!

Like mother, like daughter, warm feet!

Papa's Polar bear feet!

long ties and bow ties,

Christmas ties

BYU colors bow tie.

Gold & black - fancy!

games and books.

Can't go wrong with Pres. Uchtdorf!

Something new to try!

I had a sweet little nap in the early afternoon and then set to putting dinner together. I made a family favorite: horseradish-rubbed beef roast and mashed potatoes.

Dinner was good, except...I lost another crown! This was on the left side instead of the right. It's my oldest one and I've expected to go for a while. But two in one week's time! Guess who's got to make a call tomorrow?

Tuesday, December 26, 2017
The dentist office is closed today, but open tomorrow. Another day ahead of me of being super-careful.

A sister in our ward, who used to be my VT, then was my VT companion, and even came to Seminary occasionally my first year teaching (since she never got to go as a youth), passed away this morning. She's been in ill health for a long time and very frustrated with her limitations. While I'm somewhat sad, I'm also happy for her. She is free and can see to be her creative self again. I bet she's up in heaven telling her funny stories again!

My So. Cal. brain totally spaced on the winter temperatures as I went out grocery shopping in my usually-fine jacket. No coat, no gloves, no scarf. Brr!

Tonight we fed the sister missionaries Shepherd's pie (read: Christmas leftovers), salad and on-sale Christmas mini-cupcakes from Walmart. I know it's the second week in a row, but people are gone for the holidays, and they needed a meal...and a warm house to rest in!

Wednesday, December 27, 2017
If ever a day could start off badly, today did. I woke earlier than I intended and pulled on some clothes so I could take Jonathan to work. I sent him ahead of me to warm up the car; it's a brutally cold morning of 19 degrees that felt like half that.

The car wouldn't start; the battery was dead. Poor Jonathan had to brave the cold on his bicycle and was not happy. I went inside calmly, showered, and did the only thing I could think of: call my boss. She gets to the library around eight: would she come by on her way to work and jump my car? Gratefully, she did!

While waiting for her, Analiese and I had the great job of moving the car out the garage into the driveway so we could get the jump. The car wouldn't shift; being a modern electric car, without power from the battery and the ignition turned, then you can shift. But...we weren't down; we know how to read owner's manuals and found a way to get around it. Moved to neutral, Analiese sat in the driver's seat and kept the steering wheel straight while I pushed it out of the garage. We are smart and resourceful!

Ken had warned me during the weekend that the battery was going, so my next chore was a trip to Walmart to replace it. Ugh! Not cheap! That was followed by a squeeze into the dentist to put another crown back on. This wasn't as easy nor cheap an occasion as last week. They did cement it back in, but it's a temporary fix because it's wearing thing. The replacement will cost me over $500 out of pocket! Ouch! The End of the Year is expensive!

Work was mellow, compared with my morning. The heat wasn't working, so it was plenty cold inside. Oh, some people are off this week, including our FD Spanish-speaker. I got called up twice this afternoon, just to do that. Positively, I learned a new verb in Spanish: imprimir. "To print."

Thursday, December 28, 2017
It was a much better morning today. The car worked perfectly, even in the very cold morning. We had a tiny snow flurry mid-morning, but it wasn't enough to pile or stick.

Besides wearing my winter coat, I also took my sweater to work. The heat hasn't been working in the library and last night I actually got chilled. I could wear a long-sleeved shirt, but what if I got warm? I have to layer because I tend to get warm.

It was a very quiet, simple day at work. My boss brought cocoa packets, so she, Analiese, and myself had a nice cup of it during our break on this cold day!

Dinner was crockpot gingerbread oatmeal. It smelled glorious - it had a tablespoon of cinnamon and I hand-grated nutmeg in it - but tasted rather bland. I had to add more molasses so it would taste more gingerbread-ish. It was very nice and warm going down though!

Friday, December 29, 2017
It was a difficult night for me. I'm not sure if my body was trying to fight off sickness, or what, but I was up in the early hours in the bathroom while my stomach betrayed me. I finally got back to bed and slept, but still felt nauseous when I woke, accompanied by a sore throat.

I was careful, for the larger part of the day, having toast for breakfast and crackers with orange juice for lunch. Come late afternoon, I was feeling genuinely hungry, so I felt safe having the soup I'd planned for dinner.

I forgot today was pay day, so I ended up going to the bank on my short afternoon break. Only fifteen minutes, right? Nope, it was busy at the drive through, so I had to wait. Then, they couldn't "find" my account! I've only been going there for four years! Come to find out, one of the numbers on my account card is fading and it was misread. That was a long fifteen minutes!

Saturday, December 30, 2017
The time had come...to take down Christmas at the library. Sigh. Still, if the desk gal comes back from vacation and sees it all still up, she would not be happy.

What took me 20 hours to paint, took only 2 1/2 hours to clean up. I had a wet, soapy squeegee that I used to soak each painting (except Mr. Snowman - he gets a stay of execution until winter's end), let the solution sit for a couple of minutes, and then scraped it all off. It came off easily in strips. If it dried and was difficult, I put some more solution on it to soak and repeated. Quick and easy!

I spent the afternoon processing audiobooks for teens and children. It was a cavalcade of celebrities: one was written and read by Neil Patrick Harris, one had Kirby Heyborne as one of the readers in another, and David Tennant in a third. I wanted to listen to every one of them!

Ken came home this evening and decided to take me to dinner in Lawton. We had a nice Mexican dinner at Ted's of Escondido, where I'd never been before. I had a tasty grilled chicken wrap with grilled veggies in a cheddar-jalapeño tortilla. Plus they feted us with warm fresh sopapillas at the end for dessert!

On the wall of the restaurant - for Analiese.

More cool decor!

Sunday, December 31, 2017
The weather channel this morning read our temperature as 16 degrees, but feeling more like zero. There was a dusting of snow and a little ice on the roads outside. Not far into the morning came a message from the bishop: church is canceled. I imagine that Niles up in Alaska is highly amused by this.

So we spent a little extra time on Devotional. I referred to a January New Era article on good goal/resolution ideas for the new year. After that I did some planner work, Seminary organizing, budget planning, and just plain, good, old-fashioned thinking.

It was outrageously cold as the afternoon wore on to evening. At 6:00 p.m., we were looking at 17 degrees and the lowest guess for tonight is 9 degrees. The heat is going, the water is dripping, and the house struggled to hold in the warmth. The back of the house in particular was an ice box; as I type this, I have my coat and gloves on!

MAYBE CHRISTMAS, PERHAPS, MEANS A LITTLE BIT MORE

Monday, December 18, 2017
Today was my last video class for the semester. We went over the Assessment they will have to take online at the end of the week. It helps clear up any confusion and we can go over doctrine or questions they're not sure of. My little gift to them.

Since Ken had to go back to Chickasha latter this morning, we went out to breakfast. We went to the Friendship Inn's Restaurant. It was okay. I have a hard time finding a great/good place to eat breakfast here. Beyond my own home.

Ken left for Chickasha and I made pecan bars for the work luncheon tomorrow. Then I did my shopping, came home, and made brownies for dessert (Sister Missionaries are coming), picked up Jonathan from work

This is my Squashmallow friend. I walked around with it all over Walgreens to give Jonathan a hint for me. He didn't get it! His boss thought it was funny, though!

, took him to the bank, went home and made burritos for dinner. After all that, it was a relief to sit down and have a nice meal with my kids and the sisters. We used the brownies to make our holiday favorite: hot fudge brownie sundaes using peppermint ice cream from Braum's. Fa la la!

Tuesday, December 19, 2017
It was a busy enough morning at home, but I had to leave early for work because we had our Christmas luncheon potluck today. I took my pecan bars, drizzled with chocolate, and they were a big hit!

We also had sandwiches, tamales, salads, BBQ smokies, queso & chips, deviled eggs, peanut butter balls (those two were made by the secretary) and other store-bought sweets and sodas. Also, a patron had gifted us some homemade cookies and breads. I liked the cranberry bread.

I felt spectacularly unmotivated after all that. But I managed to get all of my books for the week done.

At home on my dinner break, I decided to have a piece of Mom's cashew brittle. Yum, right? It got stuck on my teeth, so I tried to pry it off with my tongue. Something went "Pop!" There went a crown! Analiese was totally grossed out, even though there was no blood, no pain, and the crown looked like a fake tooth. Guess who's going to the dentist tomorrow? Oh, joy!

Leaving work, it was a Rudolf-worthy foggy night. Our neighborhood streets have very few lights, so it was slow-going to get home!

Wednesday, December 20, 2017
Right at 8 o'clock, when their office opened, I called the dentist. They squeezed me in at nine. Good thing the crown popped off last night and not tonight - their office is closing from tomorrow through New Year's! It didn't take them long - I was in and out around half an hour. The dentist said the tooth underneath looked clean and healthy and the crown was undamaged, so he just put on more cement, and stuck it back in place perfectly.  Thank heavens!

Today I basically worked on launchpads all day. I'm trying to get them done. I think I'll be able to finish them this week.

This evening I began to pass the torch of cataloging. I showed one of the front desk gals, who would like to take my place when I leave, how to cover books. She'll be recovering books who's plastic protective covers have began falling apart. It's something she can do at the desk when it's not busy.

Thursday, December 21, 2017
My students started taking the Assessment today. I gave them today and tomorrow to complete it. So far, I know of four - probably five, if I know these siblings - who've done it. I was a little concerned about the link for it since it's separate from our class website and my management (grades, attendance) website. But so far, so good.

Before work,  my allergies were acting up, so I took a pill. Mistake. It left me so drowsy all afternoon. I may not have been completely coherent all the time. I went for a walk with Analiese on my break just to clear my head.

I finished the Launchpads today! Realistically, I have a few tweaks on some of the records still to do, but for the most part - FINITO! It's been a laborious process, new and untested and sometimes inscrutable. But it's DONE!

Friday, December 22, 2017
Even though Analiese and I didn't have Seminary, I still had to get up early. Jonathan had to be at work by seven. So much for sleeping in!

I tried to go back to bed and sleep afterwards. I may have dozed, but don't think I got much. So I got up, had Devotional (before Analiese had to do her online math class), made up sloppy joe meat for dinner, got a shower, and did some laundry. So I felt productive, at least.

The library was D.E.A.D. today. I had some record amending to do, which was tedious and unexciting. In the afternoon, I did receive a couple of boxes of books and audiobooks in the mail, so that gave me a change of pace. Still, alone in the back, it was all so very dull.

But my boss came by in the late afternoon with...a present for me! It's a squashmallow, just like a I wanted (see Monday's photo). It's so much like a pillow, I'll want to nap on it!

Saturday, December 23, 2017
The weathermen said nothing yesterday morning about snow. But at 9 p.m. yesterday evening, the flurries came. Not much and not for long - I think it stopped around midnight - but Analiese happily got her holiday snow. She was thrilled.

Not more than a dusting.

My rosemary (in the middle of the garden box) faired well!

I was thrilled this morning to see clear roads with only tiny pockets of ice that were easily avoided. That's my idea of a snowstorm!

Ken surprised me by walking in the house around 8 a.m. He'd left the other house around 6, shopped at the Chickasha Walmart, went to Lawton to pick up our Christmas roast from Sam's Club, and then came straight here.

He also brought me lunch today, since we won't be going out on Monday. He brought pizza to the library and we just sat back in the breakroom and talked.

The rest of the day - doing a little cataloging here, a little cleaning there, etc. - was rather dull. I guess two days before Christmas isn't a popular time to visit the library!

Sunday, December 24, 2017
Jonathan had to work from six a.m. to four p.m. today. This was so he could be with us this evening and all of tomorrow. So he didn't get to go to church with us today.

We only had Sacrament meeting today, no Sunday School, no Auxiliaries. And the program was all music with a little narration in between. The best was one of our sister missionaries, who played the violin along with the choir singing "Silent Night." Second best was a violin duet with her and a member of the bishopric playing "What Child is This." Even Ken got (nearly) emotional. The Spirit works so well through music!

Dinner was finger foods whilst watching "It's a Wonderful Life," which the kids had never seen before. They grumped about it at first, but then decided it was "OK." After that we Skyped with the family in California. We had a good time watching each other open one another's gifts.

Jonathan rocking his Deadpool t-shirt from his cousin, Amanda.

But the Who's must go a snooze in their beds. Merry Christmas!

THE OVEN SAGA

Monday, December 11, 2017
It was so hard for me to stay awake this morning. I got through Seminary, I started laundry and made it through Devotional. But I got stuck as I began working on my grocery list. I kept pausing - supposedly to think about the week's menu - and drifting off. I stumbled my way through it and headed toward the bedroom for an hour's nap!

Ken and I had our regular lunch date and grocery shopping outing, with a small side trip on the way home. Am I revealing? No! It's Christmastime; you don't ask those questions!

Tuesday, December 12, 2017
I tried a Pinterest oven-cleaning hack last night and this morning. I put a pot of boiling water on the bottom rack and a bowl of ammonia (p-hew) on the top rack to sit overnight. It's supposed to make everything come off super-easy. Conclusion: NOPE. I'm having Jonathan spray a store-bought oven-cleaner in there tonight and I'll try again tomorrow. I'm bummed; I was very hopeful.

Speaking of hopeful, Jonathan did not pass his drivers test today. He was off by one point. I told him not to feel bad; I didn't pass the first time either. A lot of people don't. But he learned where his weaknesses lie, so now he can practice those and try again.

Wednesday, December 13, 2017
Day two of oven cleaning was somewhat better. I got everything off except the really bad stuff off the bottom and door. I even scraped at it with my plastic kitchen scraper. I'm going to coat those spots really well tonight and we'll try again tomorrow. Third time's the charm!

Analiese and I stopped off at Walgreen's before heading to the library this afternoon.  I needed some lip balm and throat spray (combating allergies), but Jonathan had also asked us to bring him a couple of sandwiches for lunch. I think he's starting to learn that eating out all the time is expensive!

I had him repay me when he got off of work and came to the library. My boss wanted to move her desk configuration around, so he helped her figure it out and do it. I wasn't much use...as soon as the dust started flying, I started wheezing and sneezing!

Analiese had a Dollar Tree gift exchange at YW tonight. Look at her fun socks!

Thursday, December 14, 2017
Okay, the oven is at 85% clean. It's not perfect and it's going to stay that way. My knees and my sanity could go no further. The door looks great and the bottom looks respectably used. Trust me, it's a huge improvement from before.

I am constantly learning things here at the library. It's one of the benefits of being exposed to all of these books. It's a drawback, too, because I can sometimes get distracted. 😃 Today I learned that Ada Lovelace, the only legitimate daughter of Lord Byron, was a brilliant mathematician and was THE pioneer of computing and modern-day computers. Cool!

I had to call the police to do a walk-though this evening. A group of teen boys, who we've had problems with since the summer, decided to run in and out of the library loudly, and then roughhouse in front of the building, throwing themselves at the glass doors. I am done playing with them. From now on, every time they come in and cut capers (on my watch, I can't speak for anyone else), the police get called in. The two officers that came were so nice, too. They took my report - they were familiar with this particular group of kids - and said to call any time. I said it was my job to ensure that the patrons, employees and library property were safe. So I would do it again in a heartbeat!

Friday, December 15, 2017
I think maybe I got six hours of sleep last night. Not good. I did get in a little nap this morning, but it was underwhelming. More, more!

We made a stop at Walgreen's for a sympathy card for a co-worker before heading over to the library. We spotted a hawk in the parking lot with a small bird in its talons, still squirming. Analiese swore it looked at her reproachfully as if saying, "This bird is mine!" Don't mess with the hawk!

This was a shorter day, and quieter. The story of last night's incident had gotten around. I made up a report for LD officially last night, but I had to go debrief her and answer some other questions. No worries, I handled it just fine.

So dang tired this evening. It's a good thing I made up dinner in the crockpot this morning: Sausage and potato soup. I have no energy for cooking now.

Saturday, December 16, 2017
Technology is not my friend today. My printer at home is kaput, so I took my laptop to work to try and print my talk off there. My laptop would not recognize any of the printers that use wifi. Of course, as I write this now, well after work and ready for bed, I could have put the file in my Dropbox account, pulled up the account on my work computer, and printed it from there. But, no, my brain was too slow for that!

I tried cataloging some more launchpads today. They've become very popular and we can't keep them on the shelves. But the records wouldn't come up on my computer. My boss will have to look at it Monday. I think I got one record done. Big help.

Tonight, being very tired, I was not motivated. It was a night of frozen meals and vegging in front of the TV. And, now, sleep.

Sunday, December 17, 2017
I gave a talk in Sacrament meeting today on centering our lives and homes in Jesus Christ.
I used an analogy using an orange to help evaluate the depth of our relationship with our Savior. I tried to talk as much towards the kids and teens as I did the adults.

Every talk and less today was wonderfully Christ-centered. In Relief Society, our lesson was on the Atonement of Jesus Christ. There was so much heartfelt gratitude and testimony for Him! The Spirit was so very strong. I was uplifted and enlightened.

Ken was already home when we got back from Church. He was doing his laundry too because he has to go back to Chickasha tomorrow morning. Work stuff, erg!

CHRISTMAS TIME IN ALTUS

Monday, December 4, 2017
It twas fun the day after Stake Conference to see those kids online again for Seminary and reminisce a little. I told my student who spoke that she rocked her talk and how proud I was of her. Don't underestimate these kids - they are amazing!

Yep, it's our regular Monday and, even though it's still a busy day, it's still a break from the rigorous week schedule. Especially last week. Ken and I went to Fred's Steakhouse for a relaxing sit-down lunch. It wasn't much more expensive than fast food, but nicer. My smokehouse burger was good, but I didn't care for their deep fried chips. They tasted burnt and bland to me.

The sign is up: For Rent. They put it up this afternoon when I wasn't watching. It's official now! Now we see how long this takes!

The sister missionaries came to dinner tonight. I just love it when they come - they tell us of the work they're doing, the experiences they're having, and their wonderful testimonies. It strengthens me to be a part of this intimate in-home sharing. I just wish I could do it more often!

Tuesday, December 5, 2017
This morning, after Seminary, I popped back into bed for a tiny nap before Devotional. Analiese crept into bed beside me, cuddled up (cuz I'm warm) and fell asleep! Funny kid.

I finished my project at the library today. I felt it was my contribution to the Light the World campaign. I painted Christmas decorative scenes on the inner lobby doors,

Have a very Library Christmas!

Happy Holidays

Kids color paper ornaments that we tape on our tree

Snowman is my favorite. He turned out great!

I made sure the real reason for the season was represented, too!

I like my sign.

Of course we had to have books!

Books make great gifts!

put up lights and decorations in the planter in front of the mural,

and rearranged the whole lobby (meaning stands, benches, and fake plants)

so that it would flow better and look tidier. I call it my Christmas present to the library. The sister missionaries came by to help me finish it off this afternoon.

The LD, who's having a lousy end-of-year, was in tears. She was so pleased! I hope the people at her meeting tomorrow appreciate it...for her sake.

I rushed home on my dinner break this evening because the PM (Property Manager) called saying someone wanted to look at the house. Already?!?!?! The kids scurried to straighten up and I turned on the lights and tucked some things out of sight. But they never came. Bummer.

Wednesday, December 6, 2017
In a week and a half, I have to give a talk in Church (Analiese has to this Sunday). So I spent some time this morning studying and taking notes. I get nervous about public speaking, so I have to over-prepare to reassure myself that I've covered everything.

Analiese and I left the house earlier than usual so we could go to Walmart. I needed to fill up the car at the gas station in front of the Walmart, then went to the pharmacy to pick up my "happy pills" (anxiety). Analiese had a special errand (unmentionable at this time of year) to run as well.

Work was normal stuff today, all books. But going home for my dinner break, we saw two people standing in our carport. They were interested in looking at our house. They seemed to really like it as I showed it to them. They liked the location - only a block from family and across from the grocery story - and said it was the nicest-looking house they'd seen for the price. They took the PM's card and the gal kept saying "I like this house." Only two days after the sign went up...I may need some help packing, A.S.A.P.!

Thursday, December 7, 2017
What with our visitors of yesterday, my thoughts at night swirled around everything that needed doing and the wondering of my time table. I did not sleep well and I paid for it today.

I worked, finishing my books and doing some launchpads, but it was all slow and I felt thick-headed. By late afternoon, my head began to hurt and I only really wanted to go to bed.

Responsibilities are the pits sometimes. I still had to work. FD1 didn't come back after her break; she's feeling the after-effects of a serious root canal. I sympathize. But it meant I couldn't rest on my laurels in the back. It was a proactive evening.

No word from the PM today. I was wondering all day about it. The couple yesterday seemed so enthusiastic. Maybe they just don't move quickly. I feel rather in limbo. Tired. Headache-y.

Friday, December 8, 2017
I went to bed with an allergy headache and woke up with something worse. I think it might have been a migraine - it covered the top of my head and Tylenol and a nap didn't do any good. I worked on staying hydrated and rested my eyes when I could. Finally it let go, shortly before I had to be at work.

My boss wasn't at the library today. She left early with a migraine (are they contagious?) yesterday and apparently felt bad enough today to stay home. I just told her to stay in bed and rest.

I took my crockpot to work. The ward Christmas party was right after work and I'd committed to bringing funeral potatoes. So it sat in a corner, cooking away during my work day. It smelled so good!

Along with those potatoes, the ward served smoked turkey. They had a ham, but who'd pass up that turkey? Analiese wouldn't! She loved the one we had at Thanksgiving, she didn't miss this one, either! They had lots of games and a nice Christ-filled program. I was too tired to do much but sit, eat, and watch. Still, it was nice.

Saturday, December 9, 2017
Remember my student who played the flute and spoke in Stake Conference last Sunday? She's in the New Era this month, too! She is commenting in an article about family traditions.

I whooped out loud when I saw it - that's my student! Gosh, I love these kids!

We were down FD1 again. That root canal turned bad - now it's infected! So there were three of us juggling today. It wasn't a big deal; we were pretty quiet. I rarely went up front and spent most of the day doing launchpads.

The city of Altus has really stepped up their game this season. The park lights look better - they've taken out all the dilapidated non-functioning ones. It's not as amazing as Chickasha, but definitely an improvement! The town square is all lit up - besides the store lights, they've wrapped the tree trunks lining the square with strings of colored lights. Each tree is a different color!

And they've decided to put more lights on the library! For years we've just had a strand of white that lined the top. This week they've put lights in the windows facing the streets and are going to do the front arch! Spectacular! Everyone's getting into the spirit!

Sunday, December 10, 2017
Analiese spoke in Sacrament Meeting today. Considering she only worked on it last night, it wasn't too bad. If I'm working on a talk, I worry over it for weeks (or as long a time as they give me!).

The Relief Society sang "Away in a Manger" in the meeting, too. We did pretty well, dividing into parts at the last verse. We'd been practicing during RS meeting every Sunday for the last 3-4 weeks.

The kids and I stayed after church for a bit to meet with the bishop for tithing settlement. It was strange doing it without Ken. He's been paying it over in Chickasha, so I didn't have much to report beyond saying we do it. Jonathan, though, used the opportunity to report his!

A VERY BUSY WEEK

Monday, November 27, 2017
I went to bed with a headache; I woke up with a headache. Why are Mondays always so tough? It's not like I'm a party person. So after putting on another brave face for Seminary, I went back to bed to sleep for another hour.

The headache didn't completely let go, though, until I sat down to lunch with Ken at Taco Mayo. Their grilled burrito (steak or chicken) is my favorite. This is our "date" time for the week, sitting back and doing nothing but chatting for a short bit. He was busy this morning dealing with the shed clean-up and replacing some pickets in the fence.

Today was another warm, 70's day. I planned turkey leftover shepherd's pie for dinner, but I was loathe to turn on the oven. I did, and paid for it in sweaty discomfort. But it was delicious. Like Analiese said, "It was Thanksgiving all over again!"

Tuesday, November 28, 2017
I went to bed earlier than usual last night and woke up feeling pretty good. I didn't go back to bed and I did a little packing and straightening in my bedroom. I felt very productive.

The sleepies hit me, though, just as I was leaving for work. Was it the after-lunch nap desire or something more psychological? I recovered fairly well and got a good bit of work done. My cart only had sixteen books on it, but I worked some on the launchpads, too, including bringing back a bunch I put in storage to fix an "oops!" I'd say "my bad" (No, I wouldn't. I hate that phrase), except it really wasn't. It was more like, "I never thought of that and no one bothered to mention to me...until today."

One of the literacy tutors here is into family history and we talk some about it. He has some "Carr's" in his line that moved from Texas down to Mexico. He says he's my darker-skinned cousin. I tell him I'm his Spanish-speaking, blue-eyed, white cousin!

Wednesday, November 29, 2017
There are no Christmas tree lots in Altus, Oklahoma. No live trees at Walmart or Ace hardware. In fact, in only one store - a vintage/antique kitschy place - can (or could?) you find a live tree here. The owner herself drove for hours to a tree farm to get ONE DOZEN trees. That's it. It's either that or an hour trip to Lawton. Nearly everyone in town has an artificial tree. Christmas in Altus. Genuine.

It was a pure launchpad day at the library. It was pretty boring after a while. My back didn't care for it much, either. But I did spend a little time trying to think of what to put on the entry doors of the library for Christmas.

The Young Men of our ward were coming to the house tonight to do some service. It's too dark for them to do yard work, more's the pity. I had to go to the hardware store on my dinner break to get some supplies for them. I'm having them patch and paint a few things inside the house. I only hope and pray that they don't get paint all over!

Thursday, November 30, 2017
Okay, I was wrong; nothing new there. We DO have ONE live tree lot at a strange "nursery" in the middle of town. At least, they have a sign saying they have live trees. I only pass by there in the dark of early morning. But their whole area is very small...they can't have many!

Jonathan received an award from Walgreen's for his amazing stocking ability!

With the holidays on us, I was a little too squirrelly to do many launchpads. But I got the green light on the lobby decorating project, even inviting Analiese to do the display cases with me. Since we're not doing any decorating at home, she was thrilled to be included on the project. She takes after her mother and likes to be creative. She's picked out the themes for the two cases and we went shopping on my short break for supplies (yes, we'll get reimbursed!).

I spent the evening mainly cleaning windows so paint will stick on them. The worse part is the bottom section that has waxy residue from the floor cleaner on it. I began working on the tree and the sign. I wasn't too thrilled with the acrylic paints they had here for me to use. They went on very light and needed numerous applications!

Friday, December 1, 2017
Today was all run-run-run! After Devotional, I was in the kitchen making cookie dough for my Seminary students in Norman on Sunday, browning ground beef and chopping onions to put in the crockpot for dinner tonight, and gathering up paperwork for my 9:30 appointment with the property manager to get this house up for rent!

Then, I went to the library. They've asked me to work Fridays from noon to six to make sure they have enough people to cover things until a new head librarian's been hired. I spent all of those six hours painting windows. The tree worked out well...they're going to have kids color paper ornaments and tape them on the tree. The other door window I painted with a snowman watching the snow fall. I have to admit, he looks pretty good. The other side windows are still works in progress. I'll have tomorrow and Tuesday to finish them (the deadline the LD gave me, before she has a big shindig with the library board on Wednesday morning). My feet, by the way, are killing me.

Saturday, December 2, 2017
Analiese came with me to the library this morning.  She was especially excited because she was doing the two display cases by herself. Okay, I helped a little. I put up the shelves and trimmed the backdrop, but that was it. The rest was her show. The nice thing was we'd just received a donation yesterday of a little Christmas village. That went perfectly in her Winter Wonderland case.

Her "Up on the House Top" case was all cute and fun for the kids. I think she did a marvelous job!

On top of that, when she was done, she said the inner library (the other stuff was in the lobby) needed decorating, so she pulled out artificial poinsettias and other decor to "spruce up" the place. I envy her energy.

I didn't paint any today; I'll have to finish that up on Tuesday. (By the way, no pictures until it's all done!)  Instead, I put up a display in front of the terracotta sculpture mural. Trust me, this thing took all day. I had to rummage around in a huge closet looking for useful things. Remember I told you about the ginormous closed full of boxes of books? We have another one for Christmas decorations, crammed, unorganized, and full of stuff, not all useful. But I managed a nice burgundy-and-gold themed display that I hope they like. My co-workers today did. I am going to need Sunday and Monday to recuperate!

I had a drive ahead of me out to Chickasha after work. Analiese had gone to spend the night with a family in our ward; Jonathan was working late. I drove to Lawton, filled the car, grabbed a sandwich for dinner, and did a Hobby Lobby errand. Then I went straight to the house in Chickasha. Ken and I spent time catching up and loving bunnies, then dropped off, exhausted, to bed around ten p.m. I slept in the bed, but not terrifically. Yes, I struggled with bunny allergies, which made sleeping difficult, but also with aches and pains from the exertions of earlier.

Sunday, December 3, 2017
That was the best decision - going to Norman Stake Conference today. I was able to see five of my students in person. And they seemed generally happy to see me. I just exploded with hugs and tears! One of them played the flute in a small orchestra they had for the occasion, plus she spoke - and well - on Family History. I elbowed Ken, "That's one of mine!" It's so true what they say, you do come to love those you serve!

Also, the Stake President made a point, before the meeting began, to come over and introduce himself to me (he'd already met Ken). His wife is the Institute secretary, so he said many sweet things that he'd heard from her. Of course, I found her and got a great big hug as well!

I was oh, so exhausted on the drive home. I dragged myself into the house in Altus and pretty much declared I was down for the count. I went to take a nap. I needed a little energy refresher because I still had to study for tomorrow's lesson and tonight was the 1st Presidency Christmas Devotional. I never want to miss that! It's just not Christmastime until we have the Devotional!

THE WEEK OF THANKSGIVING

Monday, November 20, 2017
Oh, I had a terrible night's sleep! A tickle in my throat, leftover from the sinus infection of last month, kept me up and down all night. I got up this morning with a horrendous headache and feeling flat as a pancake...not good for my Live Class Seminary Monday! But I put on my bravest smile, and basked in the youthful spirit of my students. The love I feel for them makes it all worth while.

The let-down came soon after class was over and getting myself moving was a slow, painful proposition. I worked on assembling Christmas packages to go to California at first. I really can't dally when there's so much moving stuff to do.

Ken, Analiese and I went grocery shopping together today - hopefully the last trip before Thanksgiving. We saw - no kidding - SIX ward members there at Walmart. It's a wonder if you can even get out of the store in under an hour!

I made my pies tonight. I decided on a two-in-one maple pumpkin pecan pie. I made two of them because I'm giving away one as a thank-you to a sister in my ward who is generous, sweet, and adorable. The better-looking one of the two gets donated.

As long as they both taste good, my family can eat the uglier one.

Tuesday, November 21, 2017
I hate to admit it, but I'm not sleeping well. Last night it was pain in the left side of my neck and shoulder. About a quarter to three, I finally gave in, got up, and put on the blue gel gunk. Still, six a.m. didn't feel all that great.

I WISH TO ANNOUNCE... that I made my Goodreads Reading Challenge goal of 45 books for 2017. I could probably say I've read more, but I didn't always remember to count. Working at the library, I've lost track. Also, because of my job, I've branched out and read different things I might never have tried before. That's a positive change!

It was just me and FD1 this evening, though the LD was back in her office. FD2 has been sick since Monday, apparently. I hope she's better by Saturday because we're down another person (out of town) and it'll only be two of us for the whole day!

We had a group of rambunctious kids in the library this evening. School is out for the holiday today, so I figure that was part of it. They stayed out in the lobby for the most part, but they were rowdy. Eventually, catching them yelling out the front doors and trying to bring a bicycle inside, I gave them two choices: go home or have the police come and make sure you go home!

Wednesday, November 22, 2017
My tolerance level is dropping rapidly. I met with Analiese's teacher today...and the report was not good. Let's just say...she's busted. Another group of kids were messing around in the library when I got there for my shift. I hung around them until they uncomfortably got the hint and left. I am not putting up with ANYTHING today!

This is me today. I don't recommend giving me a stick.

I guess our troublemakers from last night reappeared this afternoon, but since no one brought me out to the front to take care of it, I remained blissfully unaware until long after they had gone. Maybe after the earlier display, the front decided I needed a little space. We did close early today, at 6:00 p.m., for the Thanksgiving holiday. No complaints here. I need it.

I went home and spent the evening working on mashed potatoes and stuffing. Both will be going into crockpots to reheat tomorrow. Plus, I worked on my extensive list of things to take to Chickasha. Even for a simplified dinner, it takes a bit of planning and hauling stuff back and forth!

Thursday, November 23, 2017

It's a beautiful sunny Thanksgiving Day. Not like our first one here, all cold and snowy. But that was find with me, because it's an hour and forty-five minute drive to Chickasha and dry beats wet any time!

Jonathan and I split up the driving. I drove up; he drove back. He needs the night driving experience anyway. Other than a little slowing for construction work (not like they were out working, just their cones and stuff were there), we made good time and were there before 11 a.m.

I turned on the oven, put in the turkey to reheat (a pre-hickory-smoked turkey), plugged in the two crockpots, and sat down to enjoy the company of rabbits and play games with the family.

Then, when the rest of them moved out doors to toss around a ball,

I went to the stove to saute the green beans and season the gravy.

Dinner was great...my mashed potatoes were awesome! And everyone really liked the smoked turkey.

Ken had to be at Taco Bell by 4 p.m., so he left, taking Analiese with him (to do school work). Jonathan and I remained behind to do dishes, pack up the van, say goodbye to the buns, and the head out in the near-dark to the park to see the huge Festival of Lights that Chickasha is famous for. It was very cool, as we drove through the park, and I took lots of pictures. I will display them on Facebook as an album, only including a couple of my favorites here. Next time, though, I'd walk through it instead. There's so much to see and I'm pretty sure we didn't get it all!

Friday, November 24, 2017
We all slept in this morning. No Seminary. No work (for the moment). Thanksgiving Recovery Day. Sorta-kinda,

I avoided Black Friday completely...almost. I only went out once to take Jonathan to work at 3 p.m. He had to deal with it, poor boy, but I've done it before and know...that's retail! They had photo orders just waiting for him to get there and complete! To me, Black Friday sucks the soul out of the Christmas Spirit. I refuse to play that game!

I packed a little. Like, four small (though they read "medium") boxes. I worked on next week's Seminary, and even tried to straighten up a little. That's a futile effort, I think, because chaos just explodes again! I did spend my evening relaxing a bit, a rare commodity these days!

Saturday, November 25, 2017
I trudged off to work this morning wondering: Would it only be two of us there today? FD1 and I got things started out front when FD2 called saying she was coming in. Good! Two is just not enough to run the library for the whole day!

My boss still came in mid-day to help cover lunch hours. That was nice, because we got it done quicker and could overlap a little. My morning was busy running back and forth between the front and my desk, but in the afternoon I managed to get a bit done. I processed twenty launchpad tablets, my new record!

I had a nice surprise waiting for me when I got home in the evening. The sister in my ward I gave the pie to...her sister was in town for the holiday. And she's a massage therapist! I came home to a back room with a massage table, candles and soothing music! She worked on me for nearly 2 1/2 hours doing a deep tissue massage - hurts so good! Did I say it was a nice surprise? It was the awesome-est surprise ever!

Sunday, November 26, 2017
I awoke feeling muscles where I did not remember muscles being before! I am a little stiff and sore; trust me, my bra did not go on easily today. But...my range of motion is good. So worth it!

We had very good speakers today. A member of the bishopric spoke and relayed a phrase from a member of the 70 he'd heard: Blessings don't have feet." The meaning of that is that our blessings don't just come to us, we accept them as we walk by faith and keep the commandments. It gave me much to think about.

Yes, it's November. Yes, it's the end, we just had Thanksgiving. But...the weather is in the mid-to-low 70's. I was so warm in church, I pulled out my fan! Someone had the heater on in the chapel and the Relief Society room. Sorry, it's not winter yet. Even Analiese said the rooms were hot. We have not yet reached hunker down and cuddle weather, yet.