May 12, 2020

We have had some hot sunny weather this past week and it has felt good. However, the warmth also brought an infestation of ANTS that literally marched from our back deck door into our kitchen. As Tom was cracking eggs for breakfast Saturday morning, he found the compost bag in the sink full of ants. Needless to say the bag made a quick exit and we, after a valiant battle which  involved vinegar water, ant poison and the death of many ants, brought the infestation under control. We have been on the alert ever since.

The good weather also allowed us to bring the desk and last drawer needing priming out into the backyard to complete the preparations for painting. The desk, however, was heavier than we anticipated and, because it was in an upstairs bedroom, we decided to turn it over and slide it down the stairs and then onto a towel to the back door. The sanding and priming were completed and, when it dried, we carried it around the house and placed it in the garage with the rest of the furniture awaiting painting. My back has been acting up ever since.

We have also been working in the yard, setting the back deck up after cleaning it, sorting thru drawers and reading the second volume of “Saints”. Tom is a few chapters ahead of me.

Sunday was “Mother’s Day” and a lovely day for me, thanks to Tom, the children and our neighbour Jean. Tom made me a beautiful breakfast and dinner and sent me an e-card. My favourite breakfast is eggs Benedict and Tom always makes it for me on Mother’s  Day and sets a beautiful table. Larissa had Cindy buy me some flowers and she and Paul brought them over on Saturday, Trevor posted an old picture of he and I on Facebook and paid a nice tribute and Cindy, who helps us always, phoned on Sunday and talked for a long time extending her wishes. Last, but never least, Liza emailed me a lovely tribute that we printed out. Our dear neighbour Jean also brought me a gift of treats and visited on the  doorstep with me. I felt very loved and very blessed. We had a “zoom” church meeting in the morning with the ward members but we still continue our own administration of the Sacrament where that is possible in our homes.

Some states, provinces and countries are beginning to lift virus restrictions and in a few of those areas virus numbers are on the raise again. People are flocking to beaches and other areas excited to be free again and authorities are trying to keep things under control. This is not like a normal flu season that comes to an end when summer approaches and not all are using the  caution they should. Several Temples are opening just for “live sealings” and with strict guidelines in place.

Due to his depression and anxiety, Ross will be returning home from his mission in Winnipeg this week. He has been working with medication and personal effort to deal with it but Cindy, Paul, the Mission President and Ross have made the decision that he best come home and work on it here. He has had a great desire to serve his mission and has given his best and we are sure that the Lord accepts his offering. He has been out about fifteen and a half months. We love him and appreciate his mission service.

Our days are full and we feel blessed in so many ways and realize that the Lord knows our desires and needs and is mindful of all at this time.

Mother’s Day 2020