BYE-BYE BOXES!

Monday, March 12, 2018
Mondays are always full steam ahead! After I finished with my seminary class, I took a shower, sorted laundry, put beans in the crockpot and dashed off to pick up Analiese from her class. We stopped at a store nearby to pick up some orange juice for her; she's still suffering from those allergies, poor dear! Then I went home to start laundry, have breakfast, and study tomorrow's lesson.

Ken and I went to a tiny grill on the side of a main road for lunch today. I do mean tiny, too. There was a counter with the staff behind it, cooking and serving, about five people. There were stools at the counter and a few benches behind that for people waiting for to-go orders. It was packed at lunch time and I felt cramped on my stool next to Ken and a stranger on the other side. The food was okay, not much in the way of seasonings and my fries were oily and overdone. But we're trying different places each week with me keeping track to see what we like and what's good for the price!

I served homemade burritos with homemade refried beans. Ken and the kids love those beans and I haven't had the time to make them for quite a while. Happy family with happy tums!

Tuesday, March 13, 2018
Apparently the temperatures dipped a little below freezing last night. The dew transformed to frost and I had to scrape it off of the windows of the car before heading out to pick up Analiese. It also made for a very cold walk this morning as we headed north of us toward the hospital. Our hands were stuffed in our pockets and our noses were cold as ice!

I did a little re-arranging in the living room today - more on that later - and tried hanging up a few things on the walls with the help of command strips and hooks. Clocks went up great and the FHE chart and family calendar were fine. But hanging heavier art work...nope. It wasn't the fault of the command strips, really. It's the textured walls! The owner doesn't want us nailing things up but what am I supposed to do when stuff won't stick because the wall is too textured?

My linen cabinet came this afternoon - very heavy and entirely unassembled. Yes, it's particleboard, but all together...it weighs a lot! I've let Mr. Lego Master - aka Jonathan - assemble it for me. Mainly because I've already dropped heavy parts of it on my foot, wrenched my elbow and shoulder and got a huge paper cut!

Wednesday, March 14, 2018
I think I've identified the cardinal's song. It's one long trill followed by several "cheeps." So now I know by hearing that they're around. Though they're much smaller than I thought they'd be. I figured they'd be blue-jay sized!

Yeah, winter has pretty-much fled. When I got back from picking up Jonathan from work, Analiese was in a panic. There was a wasp in the house! I located our fly swatter and then found the wasp resting on the linoleum. Making sure I hit the thing squarely so it couldn't retaliate, I swatted it several times and gave it a burial at sea. Wasps! Not my friends. Bugs are coming out. Lovely.

Analiese didn't go to YW tonight. She's so stuffy and miserable. She says she can't taste anything. At bedtime I gave her some mucus medicine so at least she could sleep without coughing all night.

Thursday, March 15, 2018
I think Analiese has a sinus infection. I ought to know, I've had plenty of them! I kept her in from our daily walk and gave her some sinus pressure medication. She took a little nap this morning after seminary before starting her school work. If this gets any worse, I'm taking her to the doctor. I guess I'd better find one.

Jonathan finished the cabinet for me yesterday, so today I cleaned it up (dusting, removing labels), sorted through my linens and put the stuff I'm keeping away.

After I picked up Jonathan from work, we went to the animal shelter (on the far side of town next to the dusty Union Pacific train terminal). We donated three large yard bags full of old blankets and towels. They said they were getting short on blankets, so it was a win-win!

While I was sorting linens this afternoon, a mockingbird flew by to keep me company. No, he wasn't in the house, but perched on a stump of a shrub outside the front door. He stayed there a good while. I eventually went to get my phone to take a picture, but he flew off. That pretty much sums up my experience photographing birds!

Friday, March 16, 2018
I had taken some allergy meds last night and I think they were still working (keeping me drowsy) this morning when my alarm went off. After Seminary, I came home to take an hour nap and get the rest of it out of my system!

Tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day, but Ken is cooking a special dinner for the sister missionaries then. I'm making a special St. Patty's Day dessert for them, but tonight I've got a special stew in my crockpot called Dublin Coddle. Potatoes, bacon, sausage, onions...very Irish ingredients!

I'm feeling rather heartbroken this afternoon. I opened a box containing the glass temple (Los Angeles) that had topped our wedding cake over twenty years ago. I hadn't packed it correctly and it's in too many pieces for me to try and fix it. I'm sad!

But not too sad, because a sister from the branch came over to get all the rest of my packing boxes today, including the two gigantic ones that had my linens in. Yay! The boxes are gone and I feel much better. There's still a few things to sort out in my office/work area, but other than that, we're moved in!

Jonathan took me out to the movies tonight. We saw the Black Panther. It was a visually beautiful movie and a fairly good storyline. Of course, it's all part of the movies leading up to the big Infinity Wars movie at the end of April.

Saturday, March 17, 2018
First thing this morning, I made brownies for the trifle I'm making for dessert tonight. I watched rabbits while Analiese cleaned cages. Then I made dough for rolls and set them for the first two-hour rise. That was just this morning.

Ken was going to get Shamrock shakes on the way home from work today...one of our St. Patrick's traditions. Would you believe it...this McDonald's doesn't carry them? That's practically un-American! I know, it's an Irish holiday, but it's actually celebrated more in the U.S.! Next year, courtesy of Pinterest, I'll have to try and make my own.

I made the rolls, trifle and salad, while Ken smoked the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts. When the sisters came...we feasted. It was all so good, but I can never finish the whole chicken breast in one setting, it's so big. The trifle - brownies, vanilla pudding (dyed green), whipped cream and mint Oreo cookies - was a hit too.

Nice, but not too rich or heavy. And my strawberry spinach, well, I could eat that as my main course without anything else!

Sunday, March 18, 2018
I am sick. I don't know what happened, but by the time bedtime came yesterday, I was aching all over and felt cold. By the time Jonathan came home from work, about a quarter to eleven, I had the chills (he got me an extra blanket) and was downright miserable.

I wasn't any better this morning, the aches and chills accompanied now by dizziness and nausea. Church wasn't going to happen for me today. Analiese, either, the sinus infection had her resting parts of her face on a heating pad. Even Ken had a migraine-type headache. Only Jonathan was fine, heading out to Norman.

I spent most of the day in bed, resting or sleeping - though at one point I did take a bath to try and ease the aches. I was cold and ache-y until about mid-afternoon when all of the sudden, I started sweating (fever broke?) and the aching eased. The malaise and dizziness were still there, so I took things easy the rest of the day. I'm just glad those chills are gone - they were the worst!

SPRING SNEEZES

Monday, March 5, 2018
Right after Analiese got out of Seminary, we headed straight to Lawton. We needed to make a Sam's Club run - I get my OTC meds and vitamins there cheaper. Plus, Ken got some stuff for a priesthood barbecue they're going to have after their session of General Conference at the end of the month.

Then we hurried home so we could be there to meet the plumber. I guess there were roots getting in the way (similar to our Altus problem) and he cleared it up. I don't know for sure because I left to go do regular grocery shopping while Ken dealt with the guy.

I got stuck by the train tracks near my house. Hi, engineer!

Ken and I had lunch at a place near TB. It was a diner - filled with laminate tables, an eating counter, sock-hop music, and black-and-white photos from the 50's and 60's. The food was good, too, and you knew locals knew it - the place was packed! It liked like they could have used an extra hand or two!

Tuesday, March 6, 2018
The tree pollen season has begun. They are beginning to bud and, beautiful as it is, the unseen little tormentors are everywhere. Both Analiese and I are busy sneezing, wheezing, and struggling to breathe! It hasn't stopped us from walking, though it certain took away some of the pleasure. It was pretty cold this morning, too, so I cut out walk short. My nose was frozen!

I'm having a hard time getting a good picture of a cardinal!

I am determined to get the living room finished so I can sit there without being surrounded by boxes and just relax! Unfortunately, I have my boxes of linens at one end, waiting for the cabinet I ordered to arrive.

The days are nice and sunny, even to me opening the windows. I know, it's a fight between my desire to have fresh air versus the tree pollen! But once the sun sets, it cools off quickly. I made a simple dinner, but warm and cozy: grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. Old fashioned, but always so satisfying!

Wednesday, March 7, 2018
Our walk in the park took us up and around the pond. I gave Analiese an idea for her future she'd never had: she loves nature & being out of doors, maybe she'd like working one day for the park service? The more we talked about it, the more it appealed to her. She's a very gifted and intelligent girl, I'd like to see her think through all of her options.

For our breakfast-for-dinner I made chocolate cheesecake-swirl muffins. It was a bit of a mess - I had to clean my mixer twice for the two batters. I braced myself for the oven...and succeeded! But it made for a rich, dense muffin...one was plenty and pass the milk!

Taking Analiese to YW, I stayed at the church to practice the organ. I looked up some YouTube instruction and went on the church website to try and get help. The church had a link to a BYU site with some free classes. I found a small book of organ exercises in the bench and spent the greater part of my hour doing them and stretching my fingers. By the end, my hands ached. I haven't practiced that much in a long time!

Thursday, March 8, 2018
We took a neighborhood walk this morning, starting with a stop at our favorite house-on-the-corner to take pictures of all the daffodils blossoming.

Just one section of "daffs" in our neighbor's yard!

So happy and Spring-y! We walked down past the train tracks and up several blocks, walking in a grassy meridian. We saw a large field down the dead end of one street, so we walked toward it to check it out.

At the end, we saw an alleyway between roads that pointed toward home...so we followed it. It led us back toward the train tracks and where we started. A fun little adventure!

I took an allergy pill after lunch, only to have to go to bed and nap because of it afterward (I know, feel sorry for me). It still had me groggy when I left to get Jonathan from work. But at least I was breathing better.

The sister missionaries came to dinner tonight. So far, Ken hasn't been able to join us; he works later on Thursdays. If we can do a different day, he has something special he'd like to do for them.

Friday, March 9, 2018
I know that the Lord blesses you when you accept and magnify callings, but I didn't expect blessings to come so fast! This morning, after doing my warm up exercises on the church organ, I began playing some hymns. The Spirit came so strongly, especially while playing the sacrament hymns, testifying through the notes of Jesus Christ and His Atoning Sacrifice! As concerned as I've been about my abilities and my hands, this was a sweet, reassuring surprise!

Jonathan and I went to the Tag Agency (read: DMV) to change our addresses on our licenses and update our voter registration. I was concerned about the Oklahoma IDs not being flight-worthy, but apparently we have a reprieve until November. Good, because my vacation to Oregon is in July!

My books were due, so I went to the library today, taking Analiese with me. I guess working at a library has made me a library snob because I really wanted to straighten their shelves and tell them they were too small to have duplicate copies in their circulation! Yeah, I could volunteer there, but I'm still trying to get my act together here. I'll think about it and bite my tongue when I visit.

I made chicken yakisoba for dinner this evening. I wanted something healthy and it was...okay (Pinterest recipe). I didn't use Top Ramen noodles, but Japanese soba noodles because they're healthier. If I did it again, I would cook them for less time. They were very glutinous and gluey. Also, I'd saute the onions along with cooking the chicken. I just don't like my onions crunchy.

Saturday, March 10, 2018
Despite the pollen, I kept the windows open all night. It was warm enough and I love me my fresh air. I didn't get it much in Altus because the windows were all painted shut. Here, I can open any window I want. I awoke to bird song (I've come to identify the cardinal song) and cows lowing. I love the nature/country feel to this place!

It's a beautiful day out, too. No breeze to spread the dreaded pollen and the sun was out bright and clear by noon! I took advantage of it by going to the back yard. I swept the porch of leaves, pecans, and twigs, then raked a little. I saw the trees, budding out gloriously and iris leaves poking up from the ground. I love Spring - too bad it doesn't love me back!

I tried something different this evening for dinner: crockpot deep dish pizza. Weird, I know! I took canned dough (next time I'd make my own, I like it better), formed it into the bottom of my greased CP, put on sauce and toppings, and set it on low for two hours. You know, it worked! I was very surprised, I thought it would be doughy. It doesn't make a very big pizza if you're wanting a feast, but it worked and everyone liked it. I think the hardest part was getting it out of the CP!

Sunday, March 11, 2018
NOTE: If you're not into TMI, skip the first paragraph. You're welcome.

As I approach the dastardly "M" season of my life, I find my cycles less and less frequent, though they never were really very regular. When they hit, though...POW! Be prepared to take a day off, curl up in bed in the fetal position, and think you're going to die.

So I didn't go to church today. Considering the waves of dizziness washing over me, it was a good idea. Analiese stayed home, too, victim to the winds that picked up last night and sprinkled pollen over her fitful dreams. She really has suffered this season and I'm trying to get her to start taking allergy meds like I do, if only to alleviate her condition.

We both took naps, completely wiped out by what assailed us. (If you know Analiese, she does NOT nap - hasn't since she was almost two. She doesn't like missing out on life! You know she's bad when she naps on her own!) When I awoke, the rest of the family was assembled in the living room. Ken had come home earlier between church meetings to get moving boxes for a sister in the branch (Yay! They're gone! Well, almost all of them.) and had come back. Jonathan had been to Norman YSA ward and announced he transferred his records there. Another step in the growing-up process. Necessary and natural!

FIGURING THINGS OUT

Monday, February 25, 2018
I was back to live video classes for Seminary today. Everyone was there, but one, and I got a lot of good participation. The lighting in the room I was in cast everything in a sickly yellow color. But that didn't seem to bother my students.

It was so lovely and sunny out today! Ken opened windows and blinds to let in the fresh air and sunshine as we worked on more unpacking and setting up projects. When we went out to go shopping, he even turned on the air conditioner in the van.

Dinner tonight was shepherd's pie. It's pretty much a foregone conclusion that if I've made mashed potatoes a day or two before, I'm going to make shepherd's pie afterward. It's a great way to use leftovers. Jonathan really loves it and had three helpings (he missed his mother's cooking when we were apart)!

For the first time in forever (seriously, no singing), we had Family Home Evening and on a Monday to boot! We bought some ice cream at Braum's (the best around), set up the games in our storage room (we have a lot of games), and played one of our many Munchkin games, thanks to Karla. We ran out of time before we could finish it, but enjoyed playing together just the same. If you're curious, Ken was the closest to "winning."

Tuesday, February 27, 2018
As we left the church building after Seminary, Analiese and I spotted a flock of Canadian geese just hanging out on the park lawn across the road. They were completely unruffled by drivers coming past, sauntering in and out of the road at will.

They are very regal-looking birds.

Analiese and I walked three or four blocks north of our house this morning, stopping at the police station but not quite making it to the hospital. We are busily exploring our new environment. We turned back earlier than planned as the rain began its fore-casted falling. The storm only lasted for a couple of hours, but got loud at times with thunder.

My biggest challenge with unpacking currently is finding places for everything. We have one small closet in the living room as you enter the house and each bedroom has a small closet. I have nowhere to put my linens - towels, sheets, blankets, etc. My brain is still pondering solutions...

Another issue I have is with the oven. The dial for it is unreadable. That makes it difficult (very) to set a temperature for baking. I made a blueberry oven pancake for dinner, using an electric thermometer to try and gauge temperatures, but it got a little overdone. It still tasted good, but I was frustrated. I want to make some cookies, but I'm not sure how I'll manage it.

Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Ken said he'd take the kids to work and Seminary this morning, so I didn't get up. I should have. He decided to take a shower and I heard Jonathan asking him if they were leaving soon. I think they headed out the door at 6:45, right when Seminary starts and fifteen minutes before Jonathan's shift began. I don't think they'll want to do that again; neither one of them likes being late!

I unpacked all of the china today - seven boxed filled with and all its wrappers. What a mess! I did, however, find some missing kitchen-ware I'd been concerned about. I cleared up a lot of box space, but took up a lot of space with trash bags filled with newspaper!

I took Analiese to Young Women's tonight and stayed for the Book of Mormon study class that the ward mission leader and the sister missionaries sponsor. It seems pointless to me to go all the way home and come back, plus I got in some extra scripture study, which is never a bad idea!

Thursday, March 1, 2018
I substituted in Analiese's Seminary class this morning. Yep, they caught me! The reasoning was, I was a Seminary teacher, so why not? I had seven students (including Analiese) and I think we had a good discussion about pride. At least, Analiese didn't say that it was boring!

We didn't walk for very long this morning, mainly because I had a lot to do today, but also because a brisk wind was freezing my nose! We spotted a woodpecker at one point and even heard a cardinal singing.

Today I battled the oven in earnest. I'd purchased an oven thermometer and a sharpie, determined to test temperatures and make them on the unreadable dial. After ascertaining three basic marks, I attempted to make chocolate chip cookies. This was only a a partial success, some batches came out better than others. I've decided that, while a basic benchmark is okay to start, I will need to look at the thermometer in the oven directly to be precise!

So when the sister missionaries came to dinner tonight, I baked homemade taquitos in the oven using my new technique. I proudly report, success! They were actually very good, along with a cilantro-lime ranch dressing I made to go along with it. I can't tell you how happy my kids are (especially Jonathan) that I am home and cooking again!

Friday, March 2, 2018
After Seminary, Analiese and I took a small walk through a part of the park. She really loves and looks forward to our daily walks. They help her settle down to lessons better afterwards. And she gets upset if we don't go!

I've pretty much got the most important stuff unpacked. Now I'm just working on the little stuff and straightening things up. Other than the linens...they are sitting in big boxes in the living room until I get a cabinet to put them in.

We had dinner early tonight because I'd been asked to help drive youth to Paul's Valley for an activity with the ward's youth there. It's south of Norman, about an hour drive from here one way. The nice thing was, it was at the home of two of my students, so I got to see them again! Jonathan came with me, acting as navigator and DJ - the girls sang in the van at the top of their lungs most of the way there! They had a great time at the house, too, playing air hockey, ping pong

and pool.

There was a barbecue of hamburgers and hot dogs waiting for them, plus cookies and chips. Some went outside to sit on swings by the pool and watch the moon rise. Everyone was very quiet on the way, home, though. They were worn out!

Saturday, March 3, 2018
Despite a late night (we got home and settled by 10:45), we were up at seven so I could take Analiese to the church so she could go off with the youth (again) for a mini stake youth conference in Norman. She'll be gone all day, so I did not volunteer to drive. I couldn't have anyway, Jonathan had to have the car to be at work mid-day.

I stopped afterwards at Taco Bell to swap vehicles with Ken. I ended up running an errand for them. They'd run out of Fritos for their burritos (RHYME!), so I drove across the street to Walmart, purchased some, and returned. Yes, I was reimbursed.

While I was there at Walmart, I purchased some $1 pots of spring flowers - iris, tulips, and hyacinths. There are two barrel planters by the front porch, so I filled them with the flowers.

One already had some naturalized pansies, so I kept those in and just added the others. It felt good to be outside "grubbing in the dirt!"

I had some plumbing issues as Jonathan was showering for work. The tub wasn't draining well and water was leaking from the base of both toilets. The plumber can't come out until Monday. So I ended up taking a sponge bath and washing my hair in the kitchen sink. Oh. Joy.

When Ken got home this evening, we went out to OKC to go to dinner. With Jonathan at work until 10:30 and Analiese in Norman until about the same time, we could go (a 40-45 minute drive) and enjoy a leisurely meal. Gee, a real date!

Sunday, March 4, 2018
Ken didn't have any meetings before church today, it being Fast Sunday, so we went together (minus Jonathan, who went to the YSA ward again). I'd say that was nice, except Ken wasn't in Sunday school at all because of his EQ President duties.

I wasn't exactly in Sunday school the whole time, either, because a counselor in the Branch presidency pulled me aside to talk to me about being a part-time branch pianist/organist. The current one is quite elderly and bent over with arthritis. Since I don't have a piano or organ, I'll have to use my time at the church when Analiese is in Seminary for practice time instead of working on my class. That I'll have to do at home, I guess. But I will need to practice because I don't have a piano or organ at my house and I'm especially less skilled at the organ.

After two late nights, I finished church up today with a headache. I made a beeline for my bed as soon as I got home! When I awoke, Ken was gone. Analiese said it was TB-related. He had to drive 75 miles to get cups for his store. His supply order person isn't doing so great at their job. This is the second time THIS WEEK he's had to travel to get stuff for them, not counting me going to Walmart for him on Friday!

CHICKASHA (CHICK-UH-SHAY)!

If you want my new address, please message me privately!
Monday, February 19, 2018
We didn't get up too early; I think I finally pulled out of bed around 7:15. The birds outside serenaded our wake-up. Nice!

My first order of business was to get the kitchen in order. Of course, it's the biggest, most complex job. But...eat the frog! I started by cleaning the fridge - figured I might as well before heading out to grocery shop. Then I made an inventory of the cupboards (not many 😟) to devise how much shelf liner I was going to need.

After lunch, Ken and I went to Dollar Tree and Walmart for house supplies and groceries. It wasn't much, but enough to get us started. At home, I put away our perishables but left the rest out until I could get the shelves covered (and figure out where I was going to put stuff). That took up a huge chunk of time this afternoon. These cupboards all have weird sizes and configurations, making the kitchen into a giant puzzle.

I didn't get it finished. I'll have to do it tomorrow. Instead, I rabbit-sat outside while the kids cleaned their cages. Alice was on her leash connected to the chair I was sitting in. PomPom sat in my lap (occasionally climbing onto my chest or shoulder) as I attempted to brush her coat. She was in need of some serious attention! I told her the birdies were going to love the fluff I was brushing off of her to line their nests!

Here's Pom getting some lovin' on my lap. Note the huge moving box in the background!

Tuesday, February 20, 2018
The forecast this morning was for rain. I didn't see much driving over to the church for Seminary, but as Analiese was in class, thunder and lightning started. As we returned to the van, the rain began in earnest.

It kept going pretty strongly, morphing into ice in the early afternoon. Ice formed on the back windows of the house and icicles started dripped off the eaves.

Icy eaves.

Ice-covered window pane.

Ice covering the road in front of the house.

When I went to pick up Jonathan from work, people in the parking lot were scraping ice off of their windshields!

I managed to get all the kitchen shelves papered today. I can't say they're all a pretty job, though. Those bottom cupboards in the corner were a bear to do! I did the bottom shelf lying on my stomach!

I started my efforts to assemble the kitchen. I'm not quite done; hopefully I'll finish tomorrow. It's a smaller kitchen, so I have to be creative in my placement of my stuff.

Wednesday, February 21, 2018
Ken took Analiese to Seminary and I was going to pick her up. Then I got the message...Seminary was canceled and I had to pick her up from Taco Bell instead. Which I did...after I finished my class's studies and the sun rose.

There was a little ice on the road for which I was grateful. But by mid-day, stuff started coming down. Analiese said snow, but this wasn't light flakes; it was small ice pellets - sleet - and it kept coming. By the time I had to pick up Jonathan from work, the roads had become the icy mess I'm terrified of. I drove VERY carefully, like the little old lady I am slowly becoming.

I pretty much finished the kitchen. I'm missing a few things, though. I haven't located a box or two, I think. A drawer fell apart on me, too...not my fault! I've got a call in to the PM here.

But I was actually able to cook a meal tonight, if you consider scrambled eggs cooking. Hey, it's a pan on the stove, not just heating some things up in the microwave. I call that progress!

Thursday, February 22, 2018
There was no Seminary this morning because the roads are covered in ice. Tomorrow's off, too, but not due to the weather. I was a bit nervous this morning, though, because Jonathan was driving to work on the icy roads for the first time.

No more sleet came down this morning, but it did start raining late morning. This melted the roads clear, which made me feel better about Jonathan driving home. He said the car skidded a tiny bit on an empty residential street going to work, but that was it. Whew!

Despite the weather, the birds have been out in force. The little black birds swarmed the yard in the back and the robins' territory is in the front yard. They are brave fellows, sitting on the bush by the porch on on the front step. We've even seen a couple of cardinals flying around the house as well. They are so beautiful to look at!

Friday, February 23, 2018
It basically rained all day today. I left the house around 10:45 to run errands and it was lightly sprinkling. My first stop was the library (this girls needs a card and some books!) and by the time I got out of there, the rain was really starting to come down.

I drove down to the south end of town - popping my head in at Taco Bell to say hi to Ken - to get a pedicure (in the same shopping area). While I waited, I saw the rain grow steadily heavier. It didn't let up. Not when I went back to TB to grab some lunch, not when I went across the busy street to Walmart, and not on the way home. I wondered if I'd have to get my oars out and row the van home!

It eased up some come evening, but by then I was high and dry at home. Just where I wanted to be!

Saturday, February 24, 2018
A thunderstorm woke me this morning, accompanied by another deluge. It didn't last too long so that by the time Jonathan left around mid-day for work, the sun was actually out and shining strong! First time this week.

After lunch, Analiese and I decided to take advantage of the sun and go for a walk. There aren't really sidewalks here, so we resorted to walking on the driest areas, be they street or lawn. At the end of our road are some grazing fields for cattle which we heard, but didn't see. In one field, we saw a road runner!

We walked around the neighborhood, looking to see what we liked about our neighbors' houses. Our favorite is the one on the corner by the railroad tracks, about three houses down and across the road.  The house and outbuildings are fascinating and their gardens have me entranced.

They have hundreds of daffodils in their front planters, pushing up from the ground ready to flower! They have a lot of garden art, too. Do they make it? And apparently they are OSU fans...lots of orange.

They don't know it yet, but we are going to become friends. I have to meet these people!

Did you know the state flower for Oklahoma is mistletoe? Weird, huh? But here in Chickasha, there are many trees loaded with the parasitic plant. Here's one we found on our walk:

When the trees leaf up, you won't be able to see the mistletoe!

Not so romantic up there!

Sunday, February 25, 2018
This Sunday Jonathan wanted to attend the Young Single Adult ward at the Institute in Norman. Ken left earlier for a leaderships meeting, so Jonathan dropped me and Analiese off at the church before heading out to Norman.

I was definitely more awake and aware this Sunday. People I hadn't met last week greeted me. One was a stake high councilman who wished he'd been consulted about my calling. He didn't want me in the Stake, but in the Branch! LOL. Everyone is very happy we are all here. Our records were read in today, too. They didn't waste time.

They didn't waste time in asking me to assist with things, either. On Friday evening I'm driving a group of youth to an activity in Paul's Valley - wherever that is. All I know is that I have two students there and I may see them! Ken says it's at least an hour drive one-way.  I've also been asked if I'd occasionally substitute for Seminary. No real surprise there!

My afternoon and evening have returned to "normal." I worked on studying my Seminary lesson for tomorrow and finishing up my blog for the week (lucky you). Plus, I was able to grill Jonathan on his visit to the YSA ward. Apparently, there are lots of pretty girls there. LOL! He's a very normal young man!

BYE-BYE, ALTUS!

Monday, February 12, 2018
It took me three tries on my laptop to hook up to my online class this morning. It went smoothly once I did, but afterward, nothing else wanted to work. More internet problems?

I'm still a little light-headed and woozy from yesterday. But my stomach seems to have settled. Shh! I'm still being very cautious.

We're in the wrap-up stages of our move. most stuff that we don't need immediately is gone or packed in the van. Ken went through the garage and I sorted all the keys (this house just kind of breeds them - all weird kinds) to get ready to hand them over to our property manager on Saturday.

The last thing we did today was clean the carpets. I should say, ken did it with Analiese's assistance (she was the go-to girl with the bucket). I wasn't up to pushing around a heavy, water-and-chemical laden machine. I did turn off the heat, open the windows, and set all the ceiling fans whirling. He finished up, and we all left to let it dry.

Analiese and I were invited to spend the night with our ward friends, the Box's. She's from Mexico so, to Analiese's delight, we had an authentic meal. Analiese got introduced to crema Mexicana, Choliula (hot sauce) and lime juice over everything. Me, it brought back some great mission memories. We had family home evening with them and just relaxed. I was glad to have a night where I could spend some time with friends and didn't have to think or worry about moving.

Tuesday, February 13, 2018
Considering it was a strange bed in a strange house, I didn't sleep too badly. But Analiese and I were up and out at 6:15 a.m., walking through the dark house as the rest of them slept.

After Seminary, we went back to their house to rest and study before heading to the library. The Box's were already gone, busy with their own schedules! Still, I was grateful to come back (I snuck in a little nap) for a few private minutes before going on my busy way!

Day #1 of my last 3 days at work: My primary goal this week is to get as much done as I can. I don't want to leave too much work on my boss's hands. They've been interviewing people for my position, but until they hire and train one, she's got the lion's share of the work!

I had to take my dinner hour at 3:30 this afternoon so as to meet the plumber and square out this problem with the line. He got it taken care of right away (the culprit - clay pipes and a low-water toilet), during which time I went over the house, closing windows, turning off fans, and checking the carpets all over. Verdict? Lookin' good. One step closer, friends. This is really happening!

Wednesday, February 14, 2018
Happy Valentine's Day! Ken beat me to texting it to each other this morning at 6:00 a.m. (C'mon, why is HE up so early?)He got the card I'd tucked into his clean laundry. He has something for me, but it's waiting for me in Chickasha.

This morning we headed to the library at nine to meet with her teacher for the last time in Altus. Don't worry, he's going to see us in Chickasha. I told him I don't want anyone else. He's worked so hard to get her math scores up and has fought for her in the system. I don't want to give that up!

Day #2 of my last work week.

The Library Director brought Valentine cookies!

I kept trying to work on my books. Everyone kept distracting me with other projects or silly things. My boss bought Analiese her own Squashmallow animal - a panda - and the process was so funny. My boss put it on the corner of her desk, hoping Analiese would say something, which she never did. I kept trying to point it out to her, but she got annoyed...she was busy doing schoolwork! We thought we were going to have to take it and throw it at her head! Finally, we pretty much begged her to go over and read the note my boss had attached. She was thrilled, but seriously, what work just to get it to her!

Analiese sleeping on her panda.

Thursday, February 15, 2018
I knew today would not be easy. Not emotionally.

It started with Analiese at Seminary. Her teacher, in her honor, made breakfast for the class: biscuits and gravy, a line of hot plates! That was amazing, and so sweet!

But that was nothing compared to what I faced at work. I fidgeted nervously before I got there; I fidgeted worse after. They had a nice luncheon of sandwiches, chips, soda and cake.

There were many warm wishes and people I'd invited to join us came.

Still, I had work to do...and I tried. I was easily distracted, I'm afraid. The sister missionaries came by in the late afternoon (I'd invited them) and we sat and talked as they ate for a good bit of time. I jokingly told my boss afterward that she could fire me today!

Both the director and my boss wrote letters of recommendation for me and a gal who's been doing Altus history research for the museum and has been in the back with me evenings gave me a cute metal mailbox that reminded me of my February door decoration!

Saying goodbye as people left for the end of shifts was hard. I cried. I've come to really care for them; it's the end of an era...for me. I expected my boss to be the hardest, but she put me off until tomorrow. She's taking me to lunch. Prolonging the inevitable is more like it!

Friday, February 16, 2018

I think I woke up shortly after eight o'clock. I felt very well-rested. Analiese woke up (with a little help from her mother) at 8:30. After Devotional, she started on her math class and lessons and I got on with a little laundry and wrapping up more.

Ken and Jonathan arrived at 10:45 and the work began in earnest. They made sure that the last minute outdoor work was done: all the trash was picked up and the leaves raked.

I met my ex-boss (now) for lunch shortly after noon. She told me she would start training my replacement this afternoon. Our goodbyes were positive and not very emotional; if she had done it yesterday, I would have. Today, I'm too busy. We are good enough friends now that we will keep in touch (thank goodness for Facebook!) and see each other from time to time.

The afternoon and evening was filled with last-minute cleaning, taking things apart (like beds), and making runs to Walmart for things we need to do so (like tools) and no longer have HERE.

Saturday, February 17, 2018
I can, at least, say that one of the busiest days in memory began with a shower and breakfast. If you call a banana breakfast. Which I do.

We squeezed in Devotional before Ken and Jonathan set out for U-Haul to get the moving truck. Before they even got back, ward members started showing up to help. My final count was at least eight people helping, one of whom cleaned up the dusty mess that was under my bed for me! It was nice because I got to say goodbye to some ward members (cuz I missed them by being sick last Sunday).

All did NOT go according to plan, though. Upon disconnecting the washing machine, we discovered the hot water pipe leaking a lot! The bathtub wasn't draining, either, but this was a bigger problem. We shut off the water and made a frantic call to the plumbers. They showed up just as we got the truck finished, so Ken and the kids went off and I sat waiting for the guys to fix both. They got it done, thankfully, quickly. I had to clean up afterwards, though, and left about an hour behind the others, stopping to drop off the keys at the property manager's.

Things got unloaded fairly quickly, with us and the sister missionaries (I knew they'd be there!). Ken was able to take the truck back before the local U-Haul closed. I just stared at the mess, unsure where to start!

We didn't spend much time on worry, though, but set up the beds and pulled out the necessities from the special boxes I'd packed for to last us through the next couple of days until I get my act together. Then Ken and I headed to Norman to the Institute for the annual "Evening with a General Authority" broadcast and a dinner provided by the Norman stake for seminary and institute teachers and their spouses. They had catered Ted's Escondido (a popular Mexican restaurant chain here) and we really enjoyed getting to know the Norman stake teachers (having mainly known the Lawton stake ones before). Elder D. Todd Christopherson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke about truth. It was a fascinating talk that will leave me thinking and researching for quite a while!

Sunday, February 18, 2018
Church was interesting today, mainly because I was so terribly tired. I could hardly keep my eyes open and by the end of it all, I had a raging headache. Sorry.

Kids walking into the Chickasha Branch building.

The branch (not a ward, too small) members were all very nice. They were happy that Ken finally had his wife with him and apparently he'd been talking. Everyone else in the family had been to the branch before and knew their way around, so I was the only one who needed shepherding!

You can bet, though, that after church, I took my nap! After a little lunch, that is. I hadn't had any protein today and I'm sure that had added to my headache!

I awoke from my nap to find the house strangely quiet aside from the wind that had picked up outside, whistling around the house. Ken was asleep on the sofa, Jonathan was at work, and Analiese was dozing on the floor in her room. If it weren't for the chaos of moving boxes around us, I would have thought it one of those perfectly serene Sunday afternoons!

Ken awoke from his nap and, like a sweetie, he got the dresser set up in the bedroom and put up the dining table. Now I have a place to eat on and work on!

THE WEEK BEFORE...

Monday, February 5, 2018
I dragged myself, my laptop, my scriptures and my notes over to the library at 5:45 A.M. so I could do my online video lesson. I also looked over tomorrow's lesson and opened the module for it. I'm actually very grateful for my job and the access to the building when I need it...like this!

We all kept busy-busy today. Ken did a little touch-up painting and I started laundry. After Devotional, we dropped Analiese off at the library to do her lessons for the day and we went grocery shopping. Ken tried working on a plumbing issue under the kitchen sink while I packed some more. Then we went to get a part for the sink, picked up new burners for the stove, dropped off donations at Goodwill, and went to lunch (I liked the last part best). We passed by the library to see how Analiese was doing and dropped off some juice I bought for my boss. Then we went back home to working on stuff - him the sink, me packing and laundry. Then I picked up Analiese, went to the bank, and back home to finish laundry and stuff so Ken could leave at two to go back to Chickasha and wait for the internet people to hook up the house there.

Whew! I'm gonna need a vacation!

Tuesday, February 6, 2018
The temperatures have dropped below freezing again. There's talk of an ice storm. Gee, I hope not!

One of the problems with it this cold is everything freezing. I don't know if it was the city's sewer system or my pipes but my washing machine backed up dirty water into the bathtub and front toilet plus it spilled over the top of its drainage pipe, onto the laundry room floor and into the back bathroom! This was all figured out just as I was getting ready to leave for work. I mopped up what I could, laid down some towel rags, stopped the washer, and ran out the door.

I tried it again when I went home for dinner. Nope. Same issue. I'm going to have to write out those wet, heavy towels tomorrow and run them through the dryer a few times. Hopefully they're clean enough. Just what I need right now!

We were going to have tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches for dinner. Only problem was...I packed my can opener! Have I mentioned that I dislike packing and moving?

Wednesday, February 7, 2018
Analiese and I spent our morning removing everything that was left in our kitchen cupboards, putting them in boxes or stacking them on the kitchen table. Tonight, the Young Women are coming to clean the cupboards - inside and out. I'm grateful, I hadn't been looking forward to that chore.

Work is a frenzy these days. I'm trying to get as much done as possible in the time remaining so as not to leave it for my boss. They've been looking at resumes and I think they're actually interviewing someone Friday, but they're going to be super-short handed - especially in the evenings - once I'm gone. As much as I sympathize with that, I can do nothing about it. My time has come and I have to go!

It's just me and FD1 again tonight. FD2 called in saying her husband was bleeding from his ear and she was taking him to the E.R. The director (and consequently, her secretary) is not happy about this, FD2 has missed twice in two weeks. We need some solid, dependable people...why is it so hard to get them? This is why I think my boss is so picky about my replacement.

Thursday, February 8, 2018
Seminary was wonderful this morning. I was studying tomorrow's lesson, which focused mainly on Helaman's 2000 stripling warriors. I recorded a comment on it for my students, during which I became so choked up, testifying to my students that they are also valiant warriors in today's fight for righteousness and to not let the adversary tell them otherwise. I felt God's love for them SO strongly. And I love them with all I have, too.

I had little extra rest this morning. Analiese started another online math class this morning. For this one, I even had to purchase her a special calculator. You'd think we'd have figured out a program or app to do that stuff nowadays without resorting to a calculator.

I did not get as much cataloging done today as I would have liked. We were down a person (death in the family) and I had to go up and help at the front desk several times.

Oh, but I processed the funniest children's book today called "The Big Bed." It's about a little girl explaining to her father why he will not be allowed to sleep in the big bed with her and mommy any more. Really, it's more of a picture books for adults; it's hilarious. My boss and I had a great laugh over it!

I'm so tired tonight. I'd like so much to sleep in tomorrow, but there's Seminary, another online math class for Analiese, and more moving stuff to be done. Seriously, after this move, I'm going to take a rest.

Friday, February 9, 2018
Analiese and I dragged ourselves around this morning. We're both super-tired. We both have a lot to do. She had another math class and I had to face the washing machine. Seriously, prayers were involved.

I got two loads done with no issues. I was so relieved. So I did a third load - ironically it was the rags I'd used Tuesday to clean up the overflow then. And it did it again. I think there's a clog in the pipes that can't handle all the water in a big load. So I sat in front of the washer, pulling the plug when the pipe was about to overflow. Then I drained the tub and threw it all into the dryer.

We threw away a bunch of stuff in the alley dumpster, put painting supplies back in the garage, shuffled things around the kitchen so we'd have room on the table for dinner tonight, baked a frozen (horror!) store-bought pie, and made an easy-to-put-together dinner. Oh, and I did Seminary planning for the next two weeks, just to be safe.

The sister missionaries came to dinner. The new sister - Sister McKee - really loved my pens, stickers, and post-its that I use for my planner (which she loved, too). It was dinner in the midst of chaos, but it was a nice break!

Saturday, February 20, 2018
I feel like I got a good night's sleep. That's good, because there's a lot I need to do today! I'm not working at the library today, but I AM working.

RS sisters are coming over to help us give the house a good cleaning. Analiese and I started by taking everything we could off the tile floors to have them swept and mopped first. Then it was the reverse of that, take stuff from carpeted rooms to tiled rooms so we could dust and vacuum. This included cleaning blinds, trim, and baseboards. Masks up! The dust went flying and I think I emptied the vacuum at least twice.

When our first helpers left, Analiese and I took our lunches to the library to sit in the break room and eat (it's too cold for the park) and let the dust settle at home. But sitting down was almost a mistake. Between our exertions and the Benedryl we'd taken, we both really wanted to sleep!

After that it was detail vacuuming and trash removal. We had more help finishing the blinds and cleaning my gruesome tub (from back up mess yesterday). I think we're as packed as we can be until we leave. I've pulled a shoulder muscle from over-reaching and I ache all over. But it's DONE.

Sunday February 11, 2018
It was the Most. Awful. Night. I had terrible pain and bloating yesterday afternoon and evening. I went to bed, chilled, hoping sleep would help. Around midnight it all hit...and it didn't stop for at least five hours. I've never felt so dehydrates or so weak. I was dizzy and headache-y and afraid to sleep. I ran out of medication and guzzled down water and Gatorade.

So Analiese and I didn't make it to church. And, yes, I had goodbyes to say and hugs to give that went unsaid and ungiven. But if life has taught me one thing it's that making plans doesn't necessarily mean being able to execute them.

Ken came around midday, bringing me medicine, more Gatorade, and crackers. He also gave me a well-needed blessing. I felt better in my stomach the rest of the day, but remained weak, tired and still had a persistent headache. Probably symptoms of the dehydration.

THE WEEK WITHOUT A BOSS

Monday, January 29, 2018
Ken didn't make it to the house this morning until after nine o'clock. I wanted to do his laundry for him (and Jonathan), so focused on the grocery list for the week until he arrived. Analiese and I are rather "bare-bones-ing" it, with minimal meals and minimal effort. I have little time to give to it and two nights this week Analiese won't even be home for dinner. Salads, sandwiches, and frozen meals are pretty much our current staples.

We managed to pack the van pretty full with the efforts of last Friday. In fact, Ken couldn't fit everything in there. I was rather proud of that fact! But I have more to do to be ready for next Monday. Our to-do list grows steadily.

Tuesday, January 30, 2018
The CES director over our seminaries and institute around here has made a Facebook page for better communicate. Today, we received an assignment. Who's the student here? (Ha-ha) Actually, it's great, hopefully we can accomplish more and share ideas this way.

With my boss out sick, it was no surprise to find a few boxes of new books waiting for me. I texted her this morning and told her to not worry. I've got her back!

Oh, and my mailbox came down sometime Sunday evening - Monday morning. Was it the cheap double-sided tape I'd bought? Was it the weight of the poster board, times two, as I had them going back-to-back? Was it the outrageous heat we have in the library? I don't know, but I taped them up again with something sturdier (not double-sided), arranged the poster board on both sides of the glass, and crossed my fingers. Not as pretty, but hopefully it will hold.

Wednesday, January 31, 2018
We sort-of/kinda saw the Super Blood Blue Moon this morning as we went out to Seminary, though it wasn't bloody yet. Analiese caught the tail-end of it's redness just as class ended, but after that the clouds covered it and I didn't see a thing.

My boss is still sick, but feeling better enough to be bored. She texted me back-and-forth for over an hour this afternoon. I teased her that my boss was going to be angry that I wasn't getting work done and was texting my friend all afternoon! Ha! She said I was providing moral support to encourage her healing. At least she hasn't lost her sense of humor!

The mailbox is still on the door. My super tape job held. Today's library temperature has cooled significantly, without us doing a thing. This is so weird!

Thursday, February 1, 2018
I saw the good and not-so-good sides of Altus humanity in a five-minute space on my way to work this afternoon. I had a green light to go straight through an intersection when a guy in a pick-up from the other way turned right in front of me (he was looking at his phone). Little did he realize his truck and/or life was spared by my paying attention and braking in time. Ergh!

The better incident happened as I parked on the side of the library where the employees enter, by the garage. Leaving the car, the wind whipped an important paper right out of my bag! I would have chased after it, but there was a pick-up heading towards me, so I figured it was a loss. Not so...the driver of the pick-up pulled to the side, got out, and retrieved the paper for me! I was extremely surprised...and grateful!

In the middle of cataloging this afternoon, my boss texted me about ILLs (Inter-library loans). I was never taught how to do them; I was specifically told I was NOT to do them! But they are time-sensitive, and with her being sick all week, she needed them looked after. I went tot the secretary, who supposedly knew how to do them, for help. I'll be honest, she did most of it (I guess since I'm leaving there's no point in teaching me?), but it held me up for about an hour. For the secretary...more like two or more!

Friday, February 2, 2018
One of the first things I'm going to need to do after the move is buy some new shoes. They all seem to be falling apart at the same time! To be honest, some of these shoes are at least seven years old. They have "lived" a good life. But to go all at once? And now?

Today I had only myself to help me pack (Analiese did help a little later in the day), so I struggled to stay motivated. It's amazing how much dust accumulates...my eyes, nose and throat were complaining! I didn't want to take extra allergy medicine, though. That would know me out and I'd get nothing done.

The sister missionaries stopped by briefly late afternoon. For a moment my heart stopped - had I signed them up for dinner today? I had nothing prepared! Nope, they just dropped by to chat a little before going on to their next appointment. I was glad for their sweet distraction.

Saturday, February 3, 2018
This is my LAST Saturday working at the library. Next week is my cleaning day with the R.S. at home. I can't believe I'm moving in two weeks!

Six boxes of books greeted me this morning. I had to use the three-shelf cart for them rather than the two! And I had more than one invoice to compare them all against. No lack of work today!

My boss came in today for a few minutes. She had cabin fever like crazy. But she's not up to snuff, I can tell. It's going to take a while for her to get her energy back. I don't think she's going to be ready for a full eight-hour day come Monday. We shall see.

I was all alone by myself again this evening. Analiese went with the youth up to Norman for a tri-stake dance. I guess Ken was driving kids up from Chickasha, so he was there, too. He promised not to hover or glare at boys who were too attentive! The internet still wasn't working, so I spent my time working on a few projects and chore before heading for bed to try and sleep without anyone here. 😢

Sunday, February 4, 2018
I tried to sleep, but couldn't really until Analiese came home, sometime after midnight. I mean, I was in bed, with my eyes closed and everything. Just no daughter, no sleep. Then, after I went to sleep, I came to at one point to realize Ken had come home and was in bed. I wasn't expecting him until Sunday afternoon!

So I was sleepy in church. With the internet at home not working, I spent my Sunday School hour in the clerk's office (bishop's idea) to work on my Seminary lesson for tomorrow. If it isn't up by tomorrow morning, I may have to go to the library early and use their wifi so I can have class!

I got a goodbye gift today from a sister in my ward (the one I did the tree of life with and the prickly pear jam). It was a set of measuring spoons shaped like hearts. The best part of it was when she said, "I cannot measure all the love I have for you!" I told her I wasn't ready to cry yet!

This evening there was an open house at a ward member's for ourselves and another family that's moving around the same time we are. It was very nice (though the guys were all gathered around the TV for the Super Bowl)

Panorama shot of the guys at half-time!

and I was glad to see and talk with some of these wonderful people we've gotten to know these last four years. They've been such a blessing in our lives!