December 23, 2022

 I am very behind on my blog as December has been busy with activities, church, getting ready for Australia  and coming to and being in Australia.

We are now in Canberra where Max and Jacquie live. We left Vancouver on December 16th with Cindy and Paul’s friend and neighbor Michelle driving us to the airport. Kona went from Rosemarie Schiemann to Mary and Lincoln to Janice her babysitter. The transfers were made successfully, though I had worried. We flew from Vancouver to Fiji where we had a short layover. Fiji looked beautiful and green with rolling hills. From Nadi, Fiji it was a four hour flight to Sydney where we were greeted by Max and Jaquie. They had their car and we rented another larger car so we could accommodate the six of us (Max, Jacquie, Paul, Cindy, Max, Sam and myself) and our luggage. We drove to the Temple accommodations where we would stay for two nights. We entirely lost the day of Saturday when we crossed the international date line so it was Sunday when we arrived and we needed to get groceries and eat. We then walked around the Christmas displays and lights on the Temple grounds before needed sleep.

On Monday we drove to a dock like area by the river and took a little ferry boat into the downtown area of Sydney. They weather was a mix of rain, wind, hot and cool. I loved Sydney. We went to see the opera house, the Bay Area and downtown stores and shops. The city area is a combination of the Quay, English Bay, Seattle, Vancouver and New York. I really enjoyed it and even bought a lovely dress at a cute shop. At the end of the day we retraced our steps back to the cars.

Tuesday December 20 was Max and Jacquie’s first wedding anniversary and their scheduled sealing day at the Sydney Temple.Her mother Mary, friend Maddy, as well her friend Tamara and her new husband Marcel had joined us by now. We had a lovely time in the Temple and the sealer was sweet and did well. We were missing Tom but I knew he was there and could hear his voice repeating the ordinance with the sealer. Oh, how I love him. We took pictures and had lunch with everyone before heading out to Wollongong and our our next stopping point.

Cindy had rented a cute little place near the beach in Wollongong so the next day we we did a long beach walk near our accommodations and then on another beach walk near the harbour area after first visiting a large ocean blow hole. Dear Sam had to share a room with me and my snoring. That was our Wednesday.

On Thursday after cleaning our place a little, we finally drove to Canberra where Jacquie grew up and where she and Max now live and work. Jacquie has been driving Cindy and I in the rental and Max driving the men in their car. Jacquie took us to see their new apartment and then over to her family and their home. We visited with them during the afternoon, met her father and her sister Fiona and her husband and two little ones. Once Fiona and family were off, we went to a nearby buffet for dinner with her parents. Her parents are sweet people. Her father Brian is not a church member and her two sister are not active. Sam is staying with the kids at their apartment and Cindy booked us a small rental place not too far away.

It is now Friday and we will soon be off to Costco and IKEA as soon as the children are awake and come to get us.

Before leaving Vancouver we celebrated Christmas with Ross and Sarah on December 10th and 11th. I had served my Temple shift on Saturday and then went to the Hardy home, along with Kona, to celebrate Christmas Eve with a shepherds’ dinner. They all came to my house in the morning for Christmas breakfast and presents. I had made orange rolls and Cindy made soufflé. We then all attended church. We visited Camille and family at Ronald MacDonald House in the afternoon where they are staying while little Presley is receiving her cancer treatments. They are such a sweet family.

I spent the week before we left preparing for our trip, delivering gifts and making arrangements with Janice Campbell to care for Kona. It has been a stress for me determining how to care for her while I am away in Australia. I looked into several options but then Cindy helped me connect with Janice and that seemed to be a fit. She teaches at a special school for immigrants and has the two weeks off. We decided that she would stay at my house. I tried to secure all my valuables and papers. Since we left Vancouver has had a large snow fall and I think Kona and Janice are pretty well snowed in along with the whole area.

This is my first Christmas without Tom and though my heart is aching, I am at peace and I feel very blessed. All Tom has done for me over many years and all his love continues to bless me.

December 9

 I have been struggling to find care for Kona while we are away in Australia for two weeks. Cindy had some ideas that didn’t work out. My neighbour suggested an excellent kennel that was booked for the holidays. We checked on a dog boarding site and I chose two. I made a house call to check one out and knew before I even got inside that I could not leave her there. No more to be said about that one and I cancelled the appointment to meet with the other one when Rosemarie offered to take her for at least the first week. We are still looking for other options as I hate to impose on Rosemarie but it has been a bit daunting for me and I don’t want to be a problem for anyone. I get emotional and I don’t want that either. My emotions are just on the surface these days and I miss Tom so much. 

We had our Stake conference this past weekend and it was very good. I served my Temple shift on Saturday and then Sam stayed with Kona and Cindy drove me out to the leadership and evening sessions. Elder Pingree was the visiting GA. Tom and I had been with him once when he attended the Nanaimo Stake Conference and few years ago. He is very loving and kind and again touched some emotional chords with me. When the spirit is strong it is difficult.

We have a new YW secretary, Jessica Jahn. We were needing one and she will be a good addition. We meet each Wednesday evening, usually by zoom and once a month in person. Junki is our HC representative and is always there for us and very concerned for me. I enjoy going to the Temple every week, usually on Tuesday mornings and serving my shift Saturday afternoons. I will be coordinating the female live ordinances in the new year and I am looking forward to that, though it will add another challenge for me.

I have been preparing for Christmas getting the children’s Aloha clothes from Hawaii off in the mail, making spiced almonds and orange rolls and doing a few Christmas cards. Our family has gone together to buy Presley and Nova some Christmas gifts. We hope to go to Ronald MacDonald House this weekend to deliver them pending everyone being well so we do not cause little Presley any added concerns. Joanne and Dave came to the Temple this week and I met her outside to give her my card and Christmas gift and she gave me a gift for Presley sent by their neighbour. Ibbetsons have sold their home and are now getting ready for their move to Lethbridge. Joanne is emotional.

I continue to try to have my business affairs in order. Tesla contacted me this week and helped me fill out some lease transfer forms. I have sent in credit information and hopefully, hopefully all is now in order. I have most of my bills preauthorized for payments and that has taken some effort as well as I have had to change things to my name and information. Tom did so well taking care of us and I am trying to learn.

Tammie phoned to tell me she had a vivid dream of  Tom sitting in his upstairs chair, healthy, younger, happy and visiting with all of us. Brenna and Wade Baumgartener stopped me at the Temple to tell me Brenna had a dream about Tom and Wade had mentioned Tom in a church meeting as being an example of a Christlike individual. I saw him briefly one dream. Cory Wanner told me he felt him in the Temple and Deborah Acor told me she saw him in the Temple. I feel he is near and continuing to bless lives. Oh, how I love him and miss him.

We had a big snow but it is melting with warmer temperatures and rain. 

November 30, 2022

 I missed the previous week, so this blog post will cover the last two weeks.

 I have gotten all my outdoor and indoor Christmas decorations up during the last two weeks and I received the children’s Christmas gifts from Hawaii and mailed the USA gifts on to them. The Hardy family got my outdoor lights up and I did the little trees by the front door. I have made my first batch of spiced almonds but need more Costco nuts to make some more. The tree and I almost toppled over as I was moving it, but I made it and it looks beautiful, even Sayde complimented me.

Liza and Sayde made a quick trip down last weekend  in order for Liza to attend the Temple and both Liza and Sayde to attend a play on Saturday afternoon with the Hardy Family. Liza was not feeling well on Sunday but drove home over snow covered mountain roads. I gave her vitamin C, Tylenol and lemon, honey tea before they left and then I prayed.

We received ice pellets Sunday evening which melted enough to stick together and form a sheet of ice. Yesterday afternoon and thru the night we had a snowfall of about 7 inches. My neighbor Marie had put salt on my ice and tried to get it off my driveway. Cindy and Paul came to shovel and salt a little later and my neighbor Kirk did one more shovel in the evening. Jean and a friend shovelled the worst of the snowfall off my driveway and sidewalks early this morning. I am very blessed and people are so kind. I shovelled a patch for Kona on the back turf as she has been struggling to go to the bathroom in the deep snow that now comes up to her tummy and as a result of that, having accidents in the house.

Our dear little Deborah Acor came to visit me this week and we had a lovely visit and a good cry. She misses Tom too. Jane Komm came for lunch the last Wednesday while Ron served in the Temple and brought me lovely flowers. We have people coming and going and dear Kona tries to keep up. Jean has recovered from covid and is back to her activities and shovelling my driveway and walks.

My furnace started to sound funny the beginning of last week. David Bigler diagnosed it and I called the repair people. It completely broke down two days before the repair man came on Friday but it is up and running now, thank goodness, with the change in seasons and temperatures.

I drove Sam to work one day last week and Trish came to cut my hair. I continue with my YW calling and my Temple calling. I have been asked to replace Sandy Anvik as coordinator for the female LOWs in the new year when Sandy moves to Lethbridge to be near some of her children. I am excited to fill that responsibility but will be busy.

We are still looking for someone to care for Kona and Buddy while we are in Australia for Christmas. Cindy wants someone to come to her house and care for both dogs. We need to get that settled soon.

I am still getting all our business affairs transferred to me and Cindy and Paul came over one day to help me work on my church donations and reimbursements. My utilities are pretty well under control now and Phil and Eric have been helping me with other things. Tom did so much and he is missed in every way and on every level.

November 16, 2022

 Kona did well in the winter weather of Kelowna. We enjoyed being with the family and I really appreciated Brendon checking my teeth. I have been concerned about having them taken care of. November 11th was a school holiday and Brendon doesn’t work on Fridays so I flew out early Friday morning. Liza arrived home on Saturday.  It was a smaller plane and Kona seemed a little more concerned. I thought perhaps her ears were bothering her more. She has done well though, both flying and being at the Burgess home. 

We arrived home in time for us all to get to my parents’ cemetery  before 11 o’clock. The Hardy family then took me home, raked my leaves, put my Christmas lights up and took me to WhiteSpot for a late lunch. I am a lucky grandmother. Kona was happy in Kelowna but she was excited to be home.

I did my Temple Shift on Saturday. I helped a young girl from Bellingham go through the Temple for the first time. The Hardy family checked in on Kona. I did my tithing declaration with the Bishop before church on Sunday. Brother Chan contacted Salt Lake for me to determine how much Tom had paid in Fast Offerings and when he had stopped paying. He had remarkably paid the first four months of the year and been even more generous than I had expected. He kept doing everything he could until he just could not. He was and is remarkable. My neighbor Jean came down with covid and I made her some turkey burger soup and dropped it off at her door. Jane Komm came to visit me today while Ron served as sealer in the Temple. I made her lunch and we had a nice visit. She brought me some lovely flowers. I attended my own session at the Temple yesterday and Cory Wanner told me he felt Tom was watching over our Temple and that he felt Tom there, just for moment, yesterday. It made me cry and he apologized but no one should apologize for causing me to cry. It is part of almost every one of my days.

I am grateful for the kindness, love and support of family and friends. When difficult times come in life suddenly there is a multitude on both sides of the veil holding you up and you realize how blessed you are.

I am just praying for assistance with my pre authorized payment of some of my bills. I think they are in limbo between Tom and myself. I have faith that things will get settled. Being late with bills has not been part of our life and my faithful husband saw to that. I made sure bills were paid at the office. I am not good with online things but I am trying and trying to get my life in some kind of order but it will never totally be right until I am with Tom again.

November 9, 2022

 I am in Kelowna at the moment helping Brendon with the children while Liza is taking a course in Colorado. She has been trying to get to this particular course since covid and has finally made it there, although I am not sure if she is enjoying the whole process and the trip down was a nightmare with flight delays. The children all have busy schedules and for the most part Brendon is driving to and from their activities with them. I “hold down the Fort” as we describe my role. I get Sayde ready and off in the morning and I am here for her when she returns home on the bus, I do laundry, dishes, make lunches and cook meals. I have to drive Sayde to her tennis lesson tonight with Keaton coming along as my helper. Brendon kindly allowed me to have a dental checkup and I drove their big handicap van down to his office for that on icy roads. I took Kona in her little travel crate. I think I am getting old. I help Sayde shower and do other things. She has hit puberty early and we have discussed the need to restrain ourselves from adolescent outbursts because she has been such a sweet little girl in the past. All territory of a grandmother. I arrived last Sunday afternoon with Kona flying with me in cabin. She did well, not happy but well. She has been doing well here too and the children enjoy her except for her loud barking when they return home or come down the stairs in the morning.  We fly home early on Friday, November 11th as I have my Temple shift on Saturday and I hope to get to the cemeteries that day. Coming from Vancouver to Kelowna was like coming from fall to winter and I now feel like Christmas and even did my online Christmas shopping while here.

8

We had our Stake Leadership Meeting last Wednesday evening. Sam came to stay with Kona and Paul drove me early while Cindy came later as part of the YW leadership in the Ward. I discussed “Resources” and tried to simplify the program and resources that are available as I think people are busy and have trouble dealing with all the material they have access too. I made the apple cider as my part of the refreshments. I had a zoom meeting last night with Marcy and Cathy which worked out well for me.

Once LeadershIp was over, I spent last week getting things done and preparing for my trip here. I managed to find a small pharmacy that was willing and able to give me both my 5th covid shot and my annual flu shot. The big pharmacies were out of stock or needing advanced booking for appointments. I got Kona’s flea and tick pill too. We had a big wind storm last Friday that left me without power from Friday evening until mid Saturday. I had to open the garage manually to get to my Temple shift. Cindy and Paul came to check on the dog. The time change was on the weekend too. I try hard to manage all these challenges but mis Tom and his capable know how and physical strength. Women are not meant to be alone and I just miss him, pray for him and love him. 

November 2, 2022

 I am preparing for my first Stake YW leadership meeting this evening. Cindy and Paul have to go too so I will be with them and Sam may puppy sit for me as little Missy doesn’t like to be left in her crate and she is not ready to be left alone out of her crate. I am discussing Resources available for the YW’s  Program. I probably received this assignment so I could become acquainted with the resources myself. My first inclination when I am dealing with such things is to simplify.  Everyone deals with assignments or anything in life best when things are kept simple. 

We had our Halloween TriStake Activity last Friday evening at the Christensen’s property and barn. Liza and Brendon’s ward were coming for baptisms and asked to join too. I bought the food and manned the food table all night outside by the fire. I was very cold and tired by the end of the night but I think the youth had a good time. I am just  old.  Breya couldn’t come because of work but Brendon brought Keaton and some youth down Friday for the activity and Liza and Sayde drove down Saturday morning and Bryson flew in from Edmonton to be with his family and attend a YSA conference. Brendon drove some youth back to Kelowna later on Saturday and Liza, Bryson, Keaton and Sayde left Sunday evening. I hated to have Liza driving back so late in the evening and I just prayed bfor their safety as the weather is changing with snow in the mountains. It was a busy weekend and I also worked my Saturday Temple shift. I as tired and I tend to be more emotional and miss Tom even more.

Although it is nice today, we have had some bad winds and rain and our power went out on Thursday while I was at Costco and I couldn’t get back into the garage when I got home. My car was full of food for the youth activity and I hated to leave the car with food inside out on the driveway. Power returned in a few hours and I got the car inside and plugged it in to charge. That is the one problem you have with an electric car, no power for the house - no power for the car. The power did not, however,  return to my bedroom outlets but Scott helped me correct that with pictures of and FaceTime with my breaker box. Brendon trimmed my cedar hedge and Liza helped me with some other things. Grateful for my children and for light and heat. I am trying my best to deal with things but I miss Tom on all levels.

Halloween went better than I thought it might. Kona did bark when the children came to the door (over 100 children) but she stayed back and if I held her, she didn’t bark at all. The children loved her and some wanted to pet her. By the time the fireworks were popping outside, she was exhausted and asleep on my lap so they didn’t bother her.

It has been a busy week as most weeks are but I have managed pretty well. Tears are still part of my days but that may never change, not in this life anyway. I love him and miss him so.

October 26, 2022

 Kona has had an interesting week as she has not only healed from her spay surgery but dealt with a significant change in the weather. We have had a very dry warm summer that has continued into the fall months. Kona is used to having the back door open and it being pleasant when she ventures outdoors. Not so much this week. The rain has returned, the temperature dropped and the puppy is in shock. Not only has she not been feeling well but she was having to deal with this further weather shock to her system. It has affected her inclination to do her potty business outdoors. I have kept her little shirt on most to the week to prevent her from licking her wound and Sam kindly came to be with her on Saturday while I served in the Temple as I didn’t want her too distressed with my being gone. She loves Sam and was happy to be with him. She is healing well and I have left her on her own in recent days.

I have been on the phone correcting some Telus concerns and adjusting the home insurance to my name. We have been also working on my flights to Kelowna in November and getting Kona on as an in cabin pet. I am still working on getting her set up on the return flight. Liza has a course to take in Colorado and I am going to assist with Sayde coming and going to school. Getting things taken care of on the phone can be a long and tedious process with extended waits on hold.

Nora Jensen, from the London Temple, contacted me to help a sister who recently relocated here with her husband. The sister tried to meet me at the Temple on Tuesday but misjudged the bus times and arrived after I had left. I have made contact with three individuals from the Vancouver Stake that I think can help her get settled and I am hoping that is beneficial. I will follow up. It must be so daunting coming to a new country without family, friends or a plan in place for employment and housing.

Joanne and Dave came over on Monday to visit Camille and her two little girls who are staying at Ronald McDonald House while her toddler Presley is receiving treatment for her leukaemia. She is responding well but will be here for several more months. Joanne and Dave came to spend the night with me afterward and we went to the Temple on Tuesday morning before they headed for the ferry and home. It was nice to have their visit.

I have been watching and reading YW material to try to get oriented myself and be prepared to inform others. It is daunting, excellent but daunting. There is so much online information and I need to try to simplify it for my simple brain. 

Liza and family are coming this weekend to do baptisms and for the kids to attend a Stake Halloween dance and activity at the Christensen farm. I will be there with Sam, Breya and Keaton. I hope they are happy with Gramma being part of their activity.

October 19, 2022

 Kona has had a busy week. I took her for grooming on Monday and in her eyes that should be enough for the entire week but Tuesday, which was yesterday, she went to the vet for her spay surgery. She was shaking before she left home. I think she knew this was not going to be a joy trip. She doesn’t like riding in the car period but she doesn’t usually shake before we even get going. Things went well. I took her in about 8:30 am and picked up a very groggy puppy about 2:30 pm. I went to the Temple while she was in her surgery and picked up a few groceries. I took care of some business as well. When she was being groomed I picked up a lab test at the lab and went to the notary for some business. I have planned on being home for most of the week to keep her settled and healing. Her favorite place is on my lap and I tucked a shirt in my pants last night and put her down my shirt while I made dinner. She was acting a little drunk and trying to walk so I thought it best to confine her. She is on pain meds and has a little red “cat” onesie on to keep her incision safe generally and her from licking it. She woke up once fussing last night and I took her out to bathroom and get a drink but she is eating and was even wanting to eat yesterday.

My new calling is daunting and Cathy asked me to take her place at the Tri-Stake YMYW leaders’ zoom meeting on Sunday evening. I knew many of the people in the meeting. Kona was upset and barking and they put me on mute for awhile, probably where I should always be. I have been reading the YW manual and other material connected with the calling. The current program and recent changes are all good. Navigating the digital aspect of everything is new for me and proves a challenge. I keep wanting paper copies of things, something I can hold in my hands.

The Temple opened again last week and I attended a session on Friday morning and my shift on Saturday. I am still dealing with my cold and Shauna Humphreys gave me a short assignment list on Saturday. Kona can stay in her crate while I do a session but a shift is too long and Cindy and family came over to take her for a walk and wash their new car at the same time. They got a hybrid. It was nice to attend the Temple yesterday with my usual Tuesday morning workers and patrons. The gold leafing on the ceilings of the sealing rooms that Tom had worked so hard to have completed while we were in, has been done. Brother Smith, our FM fellow from Seattle. had promised Tom that one day he would look up and it would be there. That day has arrived and I am sure Tom and other angels were rejoicing in Heaven. He worked to get approval for the perimeter fence and that gold leafing and received approval for both before our release in November 2018, as well as approval to have a local FM fellow called (Sean Sugden). Now finally all are in place. I see the Savior everywhere in the Temple. It is all about Him but He has allowed Tom’s fingerprints to be there too, blessing me and others too.

President Nelson, his wife and the Renlunds were to come to Lethbridge this past Sunday and do a devotional for Alberta and BC. They were unable get here but broadcast instead from Salt Lake. We shortened our meetings on Sunday and then either stayed at the church to watch or went home to watch online. I came home. It was very good. Both the wives have Alberta connections. Wendy Nelson is from Raymond and Sister Renlund has family from Alberta - Cahoons and Lybberts. Sister Nelson said the leaders had experienced extreme opposition before October Conference and she would tell us all about it in the next world. Satan is working hard as he knows his time is short.

I work at trying to get business items completed that I need to keep a handle on. When you live together for 52 years you develop a life dance and when your partner steps away, you tend to stumble, falter and misstep. I never have wanted to be a soloist. I don’t operate at my best but I am trying and I miss my partner on every level.

October 12, 2022

 I am late writing this on Friday but am still dating it as this past Wednesday. 

Liza’s race was last Thursday and Brendon and I got up in the early hours to drive into Kona with her. There was a steady stream of cars going in at that time and I am certain most cars were filled with athletes and the entourages. The highway shut down shortly after we got to town as the race itself took place largely on that Queen K highway - the biking and running. We dropped her off, got parked and made our way thru the crowds to get a view of the bay where they would do the swim. It was electric with excitement. The Hawaiian drums were going and so was my heart. We ended up standing by Liza’s age group. I moved my way down so she could see we were there and when she looked up to see me, she got a little emotional. They swam out, then lined up treading water until the starting horn blew. They swam into the oncoming ocean swells and out in front of our beautiful hotel where Tom and I started our honeymoon. Who would have guessed we would have our baby girl out on that ocean doing this swim 52 years later. So glad Tom could experience this with her. He loves Hawaii, he loves adventure and most of all he loves Liza and I am certain he didn’t miss a minute of the excitement. 

We moved to another location so we could see her start the bike portion of the race. Her swim was ten minutes longer than usual which they said to expect. We were able to see her go passed us twice as she moved thru town and headed for the highway. She had done a short swim in the bay, a short bike on the highway and a short run on the route. She and I had driven up to Hawi on the mountain where the bikes turned to come back. She was acquainted with what was to come and I knew the highway and area well so somehow that calmed me a little. It was the heat and sunburn potential that I feared. We picked up Ted and Alyssa’s boys and brought them back to our place and kids and all the children played at the pool and the pool area. I made them lunch and we drove down to the highway to see her pass by on her return bike ride to the town.

We packed everyone up and taking the back roads, due to the highway closure, made our way closer to town and another location to see her on the run. She passed us and the kids ran along beside her for a bit and then she was off out onto a flat hot area. When she returned she was walking but got running again as we cheered her on. We took Ted and the kids home and made our way back into the middle of town and the finish.

We parked again and walked thru streets and then thru crowds to reach the finish line. It was not long before we saw her coming, still running, and we cheered her in. So exciting and well done. She had thrown up near the finish which dehydrated her but she made it to the end, requiring IV to get fluids back into her before she could get to us. She was burned and she was dehydrated. The Hawaiian sun and heat had done their thing but she was in good spirits and finished in the 50 percentile of her group. A great feat at the world level. We were all exhausted.

Liza’s sunburn was the main thing bothering her the next day but we went shopping for the children to get the things they had hoped for on their trip. Liza and Brendon took Breya and Keaton to swim with the manta rays later that night. You have to wait until dark and they take you out in the ocean.

Liza and Brendon were up early again to see Alyssa’s Patrick off on the men’s race Saturday morning and the kids and I stared packing up and trying to eat up all the food. We got to the airport, again on back roads and following a lineup of cars. We checked in separately as we are on different flights. I stayed with them after checkin until they left and I then went to my gate to wait for a few hours. I had to help a confused little lady who had missed her flight and was now taking mine. I sat by two young adult girls to Denver, one from Toronto and one from Salt Lake. I changed to my Vancouver plane in Denver and sat by another young adult girl. I felt like the Lord blessed because I was feeling lonely and those three girls were alone as well.

Cindy was there to pick me up in Vancouver. I didn’t go to church as I had only a half hour to get ready. I unpacked and showered and Ross and Sarah brought my puppy on their way to Sarah’s father’s. Kona was so excited to see me so that made me happy. Cindy, Paul, Sam and Bryson brought Thanksgiving dinner over to my house later which was so lovely. Bryson is here for Thanksgiving. Paul set me apart for my new calling.

I have been trying to get business and other things done this week. I had my first meeting with with the Stake YW Presidency on Wednesday. I have so much to get up to speed on - all the changes in the program, all the digital information available etc. I will do my best. Breya and I both have colds this week. I guess it came from sharing a room and bathroom.  What a week!

October 5, 2022

 

I am in Hawaii this week with the Burgess family for Liza to participate in the World Championship Ironman Race. We are on the Big Island of Hawaii as the race headquarters are in Kona. I love this island as this is the first place Tom and I came on our honeymoon and we have returned a numerous times since the Temple was built in Kona. Tom loved Hawaii. It was where he felt at home but it has certainly changed a great deal since his family came in the ‘50s and ‘60s when he was a boy and since he started bringing me here. Kona was a sleepy little town in 1970 and our beautiful Kona Hilton was the landmark of the area. It was the most romantic place I had ever seen. Who would have guessed at the time that we would have had a remarkable little girl swimming in the ocean just off our hotel balcony 52 years later and biking and running all over this side of the island. Amazing and she is amazing! 

Tom and I have been here and all over this island but Liza has managed to find beaches, waterfalls and donut shops that we have never seen and known about. Our children are curious and explorers like their father and constantly seeking for the next adventure. I probably have held Tom back a bit and he always sought to please me. I gave him roots and he gave me wings and certainly did push me. The Burgess children have enjoyed boogie boarding and snorkeling and the older children and Brendon hiked into a waterfalls to swim. They hiked to see other falls and crawled into a lava tunnel. We have spent time at the condo pool and the older children have been playing games at the pool site. Alisa’s boyfriend Patrick is racing as well so Ted, Alisa and her boys are here with him. The children have done some activities with them but Alisa has the flu and has remained isolated at the place where they are staying.

I spent last week trying to get things in order and ready for the trip. I took Kona over to Ross and Sarah’s later on Thursday and got her settled. I went for an interview with Junki Huang on Thursday evening at the church. Junki is serving as a High Councillor and he called me to be a counsellor in the Stake Young Women presidency. I said yes immediately and am happy to serve and hope I can be of help to the young women and the leaders. I am old BUT I will do my best and I think this is what I need to do.

This trip is a bittersweet experience for me. I am grateful to be here but miss Tom. I have never been here without him but I do feel okay because he taught me how to get around and to feel at home here. I miss him but see his handprint and feel his influence everywhere. I know he is excited because, for this particular race, he can be with Liza the whole time and not only is she in the World Championship but she is racing in Kona!  He loves his daughter and he loves Hawaii! What more could he ask for! I am so happy for him and so happy for her!

September 28, 2022

 The sister missionaries popped over today to say goodbye as they are both being transferred. We have loved them both but wanted Sister Rivera for one of our grandsons. She is very cute and very hilarious.

Kona graduated from her puppy class last week and Sam accompanied us. She has not been the most cooperative puppy but she has entertained everyone and I think endeared herself to others there. Why not,  because she is so cute. When it was her turn to do her requirements our doorbell sounded on my phone and Kona knows that means, we have to bark and get to the door but where was the door and how do we get there. She is a funny pup! 

I made an effort to get to some church activities and participate this week. I went to the Relief Society event on Wednesday evening where we shared our “life stories”. I participated in the Ward progressive dinner Friday evening and I hosted the appetizers for the Haras, the Chans and Helena Toth. We then went to the Hara’s for the main course and dessert. The Chans brought dessert. The Shirleys were suppose to host dessert but Karen had a TIA recently and was not up to having us come. We are praying for her. It was the BC food drive on Saturday and Cindy had asked me to help with the volunteers’ lunch at the church so I was there for a couple of hours. I also attended the Empty Nester FHE on Monday at the church. Paul Christensen spoke about his volunteer projects performed around the world. Kona does not like my participation in any of these things as she is left in her crate and that does not make her happy. I am trying to do my part though it is not always easy or feel right for me. I would love to just stay home with Kona.

I leave this Friday for Kona, Hawaii to be there for Liza’s Ironman race next week. I will be leaving little Kona with Ross and Sarah so we drove out on Sunday after church for her to become acquainted with their place. We went for a walk around their area too after the family zoom and Ross held her leash. I will miss her and I hope she will be okay and that Ross and Sarah will enjoy her.

I am discouraged about the melting turf in the backyard. Each sunny day I put towels and sheets on the grass to protect it from the burning glare of the windows. I remove them so the dog can use the grass too. I had a window fellow come and he left quickly not knowing what he could do to change the windows and prevent the problem. I am also discouraged with Tesla as they cannot seem to correct my car lease. We have never leased but Tom wanted to try it. Both our names are on the lease and all I want is for them to remove Tom’s name and they make me feel that it is a major legal situation. I had Tom’s name on one of our companies changed to mine and it took only about two days with the lawyer. I love the Tesla but the company is not customer friendly or even considerate.

I am blessed and if I lose a little sleep over these other matters, I should not complain.

Years ago Tom wanted our Stake to do an annual service project. He was told that Calgary was doing a food collection for the Food Bank and so we started the food drive in our Stake. When the coordinating counsel wanted suggestions for a BC service project Tom put our project forward as an option. It was selected and has continued to grow through the years, now including the community of BC beyond the church membership. Grocery stores, fire stations and the whole of BC know about it and can participate. His influence is felt. What a quiet, precious man. Oh, how I love him and miss him.

September 21, 2022

With the weather still sunny and warm and me not yet having a solution to my bedroom windows focusing the sun downward and melting my artificial turf, I find it necessary to place sheets and towels on the grass each day to protect it. Yesterday while picking up stones to hold the sheets down, I picked up this heart shaped stone that I had never noticed before and I decided it was a little love message from Tom encouraging me on as I deal with this frustrating yard challenge. I miss him being here to discuss such  things with and in this case I realize he would probably be handling the whole situation. I am learning and becoming stronger than I thought I could be but I still appreciate messages of love and support.

I was able to complete a number of things that I had wanted to get done this week. Kona and I got the inside of the car cleaned and vacuumed and then took it to the car wash to get the outside done. I got all my Temple clothes washed and ironed. The lawyer completed the probate paperwork for the one BC numbered company that was in Tom’s name and Cindy and Paul helped print out my copies of the changes. I had lost my gmail account while trying to print the copies out myself on the big downstairs computer. Cindy thankfully helped me retrieve that lost account after a mandatory 48 hour waiting period. I taught the resurrection portion of Myrna Olson’s primary lesson on Sunday. I made cheese and ham scones this week and shared them with the Hardy family and Jean. I also gave Jean soup left from Tom’s service as she is busy with her schooling and new job doing childcare at the Richard Bulpitt school. I took Cindy’s family A+W for dinner on Monday after Paul and Sam trimmed my dogwood tree in the back. I have enjoyed my sunflowers given me by Rosemarie and so I bought and delivered sunflowers to Jillian Collingridge Peralto as a gift from Cindy and myself as Jillian just had a new baby girl Nella. I also finally was able to have Ryan my landscaper view and discuss my burned backyard turf. He said it would get taken care of but I am still left trying find a solution to it happening in the first place. The installation of the film has not helped the problem.

My sweet ministering sisters came to visit me yesterday and dear Laurel Christensen invited me to lunch on Friday with her mother and Virginia Towers. It was very kind of her and fun to be with all those ladies.

Kona is doing better at her classes and just overall. Paul came with me last week to help out. She seemed to have injured her paw on Saturday evening as we were preparing to go for Ross’ birthday dinner. We ended up in animal emergency but she miraculously seemed to be fine by the end of the night and $200 later. Good thing she is so cute. Everyone loves her and thinks she is so sweet and she is.

Warm weather continues and I am starting to prepare for my trip to Kona to support Liza’s race. I miss Tom always but I am trying my best and have been greatly blessed even by rocks in our yard.

September 14, 2022

 I have had a week of loss and recovery. While trying to get onto the downstairs computer to print off some papers from the lawyer, I tried to reset the password etc. and I lost all my gmail. Cindy tried to help me and we were told to wait 48 hours for a code number. We received that number and she was able to retrieve it on the phone but not the IPad. She stopped after school today and got it back on the IPad too. I also had not been able to get onto my blog site and she was able to get me on that too as you can see. So grateful for all of this retrieving and for Cindy’s help.

I had been excited to get the window film put on the windows to help prevent the turf burn and the need for me to put towels and sheets on the yard every day. The two fellows came on Tuesday and I left the the yard bare that day and found a new burn stipe on the middle of the turf later on indicating that the film had not worked. I was just sick but I still have to pay for the work done. I am at a loss with this window/turf burn situation. I messaged Ryan my landscaper and asked if he could come and have a look at the situation. I feel the turf company must have some knowledge of the possibility of this happening. I would like to talk to them. I at least will not have to shut the blinds as the new film will protect my floors and furniture. 

I have worked at completing some business this week with Phil and with the lawyer regarding the probate on the BC numbered company that was under Tom’s name. I got my personal books and tithing up to date and all my Temple dresses and clothes washed. Alan Herrington’s funeral was on Friday and Paul accompanied me. It was very nice but was hard on me, more than I had anticipated. I mourn and hurt every day and I do not know if that will ever change. On Saturday I did a workshop on Temple Symbols for a Stake Primary activity for the 8-11 year olds. I repeated it three times and I enjoyed doing that. The Temple is one of my favourite topics. Rosemarie Schiemann came to visit me yesterday and brought me sunflowers and homemade pesto. People have been so kind to me. The frozen meals Joanne and I ordered for Camille and her family living at Ronald MacDonald while little Presley has her chemo treatments, finally arrived safely as the first delivery was misplaced by the RM receptionist by mistake and ruined. Batch Foods kindly replaced  the order and redelivered. 

Kona is doing better at her classes but still has the odd accident at home, does not like riding in the car and gets upset when I have to leave her in the crate when I go out. She seems to be enjoying her new hair and looks very mature and cute. She loves to sit on my lap now and really is sweet and a good girl in many ways.

The children are all back at school and getting settled back into their routines and activities. I am grateful for all of them and feel so blessed in many ways. I love our Sunday family zooms, FaceTime calls and regular phone calls. How could I ask or want for more?

September 7, 2022

 I took Kona to the groomer for the first time today. There was a mistake made and I went looking for it in Maple Ridge when it was just close to Cindy’s home. As Kona and I drove around and around trying to locate the groomer, Kona got car sick and I had to stop and clean that up. However, I finally realized the address must be in Langley and we ultimately arrived at  the correct destination 20 minutes late but she kindly took her anyway and Kona now looks a third the size but very cute. The groomer, Gabriela, told me she was good and she seemed to be fine when I arrived so I hope things went well. She was very happy to see me though. I was able to run an errand and plant some fall plants while she was getting beautiful. I have my hair cut today too but it will not cost as much as Kona’s.

Liza took the bus back to Kelowna on Thursday and she and Brendon headed out with a trailer full of furniture for Bryson who is now in Edmonton and preparing to attend UofA. They spent the weekend getting him set up and seeing that things were in order for him and his three roommates as Liza and Brendon are leasing the apartment and renting out to the others. Liza then flew back here on Sunday and drove home with the children on Monday. Breya had taken the bus here on Saturday after her work commitments were complete. The Hardy family took the two youngest for a hike and to IKEA on Friday night and the two oldest to see “Jaws” on Saturday evening while Ross and Sarah came to visit Miss Sayde and myself. They visited with Kona too. We had the Hardy’s for Sunday dinner with us.  It was a long, eventful and tiring week for Liza especially when you consider that it began with her running the Penticton IronMan race. 

Puppy classes are really not going any better. Keaton and Sayde accompanied me this last Thursday. You need more than one person with each puppy as you have to carry the crate and deal with the puppy. Plus more sets of eyes and ears can be beneficial. I just feel the instructor feels that Kona is a nervous little shy puppy that has high anxiety but I don’t think she is as bad as she thinks. She really is very sweet.

Mary Harvey quickly notified me when President Alan Herrington passed away on August 30th. He has not fully recovered since his heart surgery before Christmas and had been in the hospital for months. He had finally gotten released and then developed pneumonia. I am not certain if it was covid related or not. His body was just weak after months of illness. My heart is aching for Janice and her family. Janice wrote me that time would mend her wounded heart but I am not certain that I agree with her as you manage but you do not heal from this wrenching loss.

I am anxious to get the film on my kitchen and bedroom windows so I do not have to keep putting towels and sheets on the turf each day to prevent it from burning further when the sun is shining. I put it on and take it off the turf so the dog is able to use the grass too during the rest of the day. Ryan, my landscaper, will come and repair the grass when the windows are done.

I ordered Camille and her family five “Batch” meals to be delivered to Ronald MacDonald house where she and her family are staying while little Presley is receiving her chemo treatments at Children’s hospital. Joanne and I went together on the meals. These treatments will take several months.

Cindy met me at the bank yesterday as we closed our safety deposit box and reopened it under my name with Cindy as a signer too if needs be. I took some paperwork to a lawyer today to probate one of our numbered companies that was in Tom’s name. So much to be taken care of and I still have more to do. I do miss Tom’s great contributions to our life together in things that he took care of but mainly I just miss him. He was and is my everything.

August 31, 2022

 It is our baby Anderson’s 11th birthday today. We have missed having him in our family for all eleven of those years. His younger brothers started school this week. Colton is now in kindergarten.

Mary Harvey informed me first thing this morning that Alan Herrington passed away yesterday. Liza had talked to his niece last night and she told Liza that he had contracted covid and was on a ventilator. He has been months in the hospital following heart surgery. The heart condition had developed as a result of his earlier cancer and he was in a weakened condition. My heart aches for Janice and her family. They will have difficult days ahead. He has remained as Temple President during these months and the Mckenzies and Rempels have carried on with the Rolfsons assisting them. I am certain Salt Lake will call a new President and Matron very quickly.

Camille and her little girl Presley were airlifted down to Children’s Hospital on the weekend from Prince George. Presley has been diagnosed with lymphoma cancer and will be here having chemotherapy for several months. Camille’s husband and little Nova are staying at Ronald MacDonald House by the hospital. They drove down. We are trying to figure out how to provide them with meals.

Trevor left on Monday and Liza, Keaton and Sayde arrived on Tuesday. Sayde has an appointment at Children’s today. Liza is going to leave the children with me and return home to drive to Edmonton with Brendon. They are taking furniture to Bryson who just flew out to Edmonton to start at UofA this year. Big changes. Liza ran the Penticton Ironman on Sunday and struggled with cramping and throwing up but managed to come in fifth. Cindy and family went out to support her and help with the children. 

Trevor flew to Utah to visit Justin and family after leaving here and Tammie was meeting him there. Trevor worked while he was here starting meetings at 5AM and finishing at 2 PM. He managed to get to the gym most days, go to the North Shore for Chinese food picnic part way up Cypress overlooking the water and city (with Cindy, Sam Kona and me), attend puppy class with me, take me out for dinner on our 52nd wedding anniversary at Beatniks and attend the ward Luau with me. Ross and Sarah came to visit Saturday and we took them out for lunch at White Spot. Busy week.

Kona is doing much better with walking and riding in the car but is having more accidents in the house. I am not certain if all the company is throwing her off. I took her for a long walk today and she is sleeping now. She went to Vet for more shots on Monday.

Our Wedding Anniversary was both difficult and nice. I had a good cry in the morning and struggled with Tom not being here but I do know he is near and I am grateful for that. Mary Harvey brought me flowers and cake, Joanne called and Trevor was here for the day and took me out. I will always miss him every minute and look forward to being together forever. I love him so much and pray for him in the work he is doing.

Cheyenne left for school at Queen’s in Ottawa. We will miss her. Jean took her down. She brought me flowers and donuts and left a plant on Tom’s grave. She had dinner with Trevor and I a couple of nights and Jean also one of those nights. I had prepared food for a young mother who just had surgery and Jean and Cheyenne got to share the leftovers from my preparations with us.

Went for allergy tests myself yesterday and found I have none. I already knew that but the ENT wanted to rule that out with my chronic sinus concerns. I also picked out film to put on my windows to help prevent the turf burn problem. Busy week with comings, goings, events and happenings. I am blessed and tired but Kona does now sleep through the night!

August 24, 2022

 I have Trevor with me this week. He is able to work remotely but because his colleagues are pretty well on the east coast he is required to start meetings at 5:00AM. The upside is that he finishes his work at 2:00 PM our time. It makes for a long day for him though. His home is very busy right now with Zach and Jadyn both home, each with big dogs added to their own two dogs, and each with personal challenges. Trevor is feeling the pressure and having a little break as he visits me and then Justin and JayLynn with baby Treyson in Utah next week. It is our 52nd wedding anniversary this week and I think that is another reason he decided to be here this week with me and take me to dinner. He is turning 50 soon and dealing with midlife he decided to go skydiving yesterday and did so in Abbotsford. Exciting and he loved it!

Cindy came to puppy class with me last week and it helped to have her drive with me, hold the dog, carry the crate and just be there for support. Once more Miss Kona was shy and didn’t want to participate. She stayed in her crate but finally came out to watch and Janet felt she was making progress. She does not like driving in the car, going for walks or going to puppy school but she is improving with everything. She loves to be with me and follows me everywhere but runs if I want her to come to me. She loves to play with me and be snuggled but she is worried about what I want if I move toward her. I think that behaviour came from her first home. She is good with people and warms up to everyone quickly. Cheyenne comes to visit regularly,  the Sister missionaries came for a visit and Cindy’s family come often. We introduced her to Buddy this week and, after a little tension, they were fine. She doesn’t bark at every dog or individual we pass when out walking. I have decided that she doesn’t need to go outside in the middle of the night and she settles back down if I wake her when I go to the bathroom. I just give her one trainer treat. She is a little lover and has lots of love to give.

I am still struggling with a solution to my artificial turf melting. We know it is from reflection from the windows and I think it is the bedroom windows from the looks of it. I have had two different market umbrellas and three different umbrella bases this week and have finally decided on one of each. I am hoping that the umbrella can interrupt the light stream a little. I am looking into outdoor window film and outdoor blinds, both expensive options. It has caused me stress.

Cheyenne comes over often  to play with Kona and visit. She leaves for Queens University tomorrow and we are going to miss her. She is a sweet little spirit and just getting interested in boys. I am hoping and praying she stays close to the gospel.

I am grateful for the boy of my life and my heart and I miss him terribly. I am trying my best and hope it is enough. It is all I have to give.

August 17, 2022

 I continue to be overwhelmed with with the kindness of others. I received a plant from Wendy Mckinley, zucchini loaf and zucchinis from Sandra Barroby, Chinese food from Jean, lovely letters from Jackson and Jill, help in the pet store from Robin Timms and kindness and love from people at church. My cousin Rick called to extend his love and support and Cory Wanner sent a message of love and the Jensens and Anatsuis in London sent kind words after I reached out to them regarding the Temple presidency changes coming up at the London Temple. So much goodness in others and I feel the beneficiary of much. The Sister missionaries came over this afternoon and we had a lovely visit before Sister Hawkes is transferred out to Abbotsford.

Kona has been able to start walks now that her vaccinations arrived at a certain status. It is more like meandering rather than walking as I am suppose to let her take the lead. It is a big world out there and she is frightened and needs to sniff everything. She is very happy to arrive home again. She was the shyest puppy at dog school and really didn’t want to participate. We have practiced some skills this week at home so I hope we do a little better. She has had a few accidents in the house and we cannot have that so there is some work to do there. She is fun and loving though and when not romping, she loves to sleep. 

Cindy tried to help our niece Natalie’s friend this week by trying to get him to the bus back to Calgary when it seemed he could not accompany his group on the West Coast Trial hike due to a previous leg injury. Cindy’s car broke down and I went to rescue her while the young man had a kind older gentleman take him the rest of the way to catch his bus. Cindy helped me with some errands before I took her home.

Sam attended FSY this week held at UBC. The youth seemed to have a great time and Cheyenne has been over a few times telling me all about it. Cheyenne likes to come over to visit and see Kona. She has a date this week. I think it is her first. She sang “Day by Day” again at church on Sunday. It was beautiful and brought the spirit. It is a special song and left me in tears.

I went out to Archway Dental Clinic where Tom did volunteer dentistry for seven years on one or two Mondays each month while we were in the Temple presidency and during the year before our mission. I gave them a donation of $2,600. Jon and Marsh Hoyt had given me $2,000 US when Tom passed and I exchanged it to Canadian dollars and felt Tom would be happy for me to give it to the clinic. They were so sad to hear of Tom’s passing but grateful for the donation.

Our children and our grandchildren have their personal and family struggles. I hurt for them and pray for all of them. Tom always said he would be gone long before me and I was to stay and take care of the children. I am trying and I am also praying that he can be an angel in their lives. I am certain he is.

August 10, 2022

 The children have been away this week with Cindy and family camping with the Burgess family at the Burgess family annual Shuswap camp and Trevor and Tammie in Mexico. Rissa was the only one at home and they went camping on the weekend while Cindy, Sam, Trevor and Tammie returned home. Paul met up with his parents and went to Alberta for a family reunion. 

Kona and I have been spending time basically at home getting into routines. She is doing really well but she has much to adjust to. She has only had two accidents and those could have been avoided if I had been more attentive. Jean came to stay with her one day while I ran to the bank and Cheyenne came another time when I went to Stephanie’s home to help teach her with the missionaries - sisters and elders. Cindy came with me on Monday when we went to see the vet for the first time - Dr. Jin. It went well and she had three shots, an examination, nail trim and ear clean. She was hurting a little that evening. She has slept thru most nights but has been up once during the last two nights. She is still not able to be around other dogs until a week after her vaccinations were given and she has built up antibodies, so she is  basically in the house and backyard. I have taken her the cemetery a couple of times. She still needs to learn how to be on a leash. I have signed us up for seven dog training lessons starting this Thursday. She likes to play and chew but she also like to snuggle by my feet and know where I am. She loves to nap too while curled up in a ball.

I have cleaned the house, the fridge and have tried to tend to business and make necessary phone calls while we are more confined to home. I went to all of church on Sunday and I am anxious to get Kona more independent to stay home alone when I have to go out and also happier to go with me when I can take her with me. I am missing Tom every minute. I miss talking to him about my concerns and my decisions and just telling him how much I love him. I hurt when I see his appointments popping up on my calendar. I pray for him in the work he is doing now and I know he is happy but still concerned for us. I have had a talk with Barb concerning her struggles and a long talk with Carolyn when the money I sent her was delivered. She has difficult trials and she needs to talk. We have grandchildren and children with concerns too and I pray for them. I hope I am being of benefit in some way to all of them. I continue to have the odd card arrive and I still receive phone calls and messages of concern and love. I sometimes need to express my own feelings and do so in messages to the children. Life is a challenge but I am grateful for a Heavenly Father and a Savior who know and understand it all.

 

August 3, 2022

 Will I did something that surprised even me. I bought “Kona” with Cindy, Paul and Sam’s assistance. Cindy checked if she was still available and set up a time on Thursday for us to go see her in Surrey. The couple who had her were Asian and had a male and female poodle that had bred. Kona was the only - no litter.The parents pups were very upset with our being there and showing interest in Kona. I held her but had no overwhelming love at first sight feelings. I was trying to be realistic  and make the right decision. I told them I was not prepared to take her that day as I had no dog supplies and I wanted to think about it too. I went away uncertain and then prayed about her that night. I felt Tom was urging me on. Everything he ever does is in consideration of me and I did want to know his feelings. I know he wants to know that I am alright. I made the decision to purchase her and on Friday the Hardy’s again went with me to purchase dog supplies. The cost of this puppy was really going up. The couple said they would take $300 dollars off the price in respect for Tom’s passing. On Saturday after my Temple shift we went again to Surrey and picked her up cash in hand. She came home shy, timid and not interested in eating or drinking. She did not whimper or bark at first. She is very cute like a picture perfect puppy. It is now Wednesday and she has not as yet had an accident in the house and enjoys the backyard. She is opening up more all the time and becoming acquainted with the house, me and my ways. The only mishap has been chewing some baseboard in the bedroom. She is playing more and she loves to sleep and just wants to make sure she knows where I am. She is good with people and everyone loves her. She has things to learn but she is sleeping well thru the nights and I cannot really complain about anything. She is a little ball of love. I also have people prepared to babysit when I need to be away.

The Temple is closing for two months and that situation also seemed to allow for me getting Kona at this time. I did my regular session last week and served my Saturday afternoon shift helping another sister go through the Temple for the first time. I really enjoy being a LOW - Live, Ordinance, Worker helping with new patrons and sealings. Saturday was also Tom’s birthday making it a tender day for me. Our girls decided to honor him by buying ice cream sandwiches, which he love, and doing random acts of kindness in remembrance of their serving father. They handed water and ice cream sandwiches out on a hot day to people who seemed to be in need. I was proud of them and I would love to make it an annual event on his birthday and ask other friends and family to join in. I miss him every minute but I am trying hard to find my path and make it meaningful. I just happened to get Kona on his birthday too and maybe that also has meaning.  Perhaps Kona and I can do some good in the world together. I am going to miss the Temple as this, other than the covid closure time, will be my longest period without the Temple. When Kona is able we can go for walks on the Temple grounds.

Trevor and Tammie are in Mexico this week and Liza and Cindy at the Burgess annual Shuswap camp out. Brendon’s sisters have returned again. Rissa is the only one at home. Zach is with Jadyn and Trey in Nashville. Mo is visiting Zach. I am trying to get Kona settled and get a few business affairs in order. The weather has cooled a bit but I am still trying to keep my new yard watered. Kona enjoys the artificial turf as we are unable to take her on walks until she gets to the vet and has her second shots.

My life has taken yet another turn and for a person who loves consistency that can prove challenging until I establish some type of consistency once again. Oh, how I miss my precious boy. A puppy adds life and companionship but nothing and no one can eliminate this pain and Kona will have to just weep along with me.

July 27, 2022

 Being alone is not a normal way to be and though I am trying hard to do my best, I do not think it will ever feel right. I miss Tom with every breath I take but he always said he would be gone long before me and I needed to stay and take care of the children, so here I am praying for the help I need to carry on. People think I am being brave but I think Heavenly Father is extending extra mercy when there is such a great loss and this is great loss, not only for me but for many others and I carry their grief too. I feel him near and I hope that never changes.

Cindy and family have been busy this week making sure Max’s Jacqui has had the whole Vancouver experience. They have been all over the lower mainland going on hikes, picking berries, attending events, meeting friends and family and just enjoying getting to know each other and connect as family. In some ways it has been good to have her here on her own so they could give her their full attention. Liza and the three youngest children drove down on Friday to meet Jacqui and to bless me by being here. We went to the North Shore on Friday and walked the sea wall, had Chinese food, drove passed our house and visited the Cleveland Dam. It was a lovely warm day as it has been all week for Jacqui. I had my Temple shift on Saturday and Liza went for a bike ride, took the children to the par core park and the older two to the drive-in movie and Sayde and I watched our own movie at home after going for A+W. We visited the cemetery Sunday morning as a family before church and checked on the shapes of headstones. It hurts when the children leave for home each time they go. It hurts even more now. I cleaned my old black flower pots for Liza to take before they got here. They looked pretty good.

Marilyn Larson passed away after a blood clot appeared to go to her brain. I attended her funeral service last Thursday evening and took some food over to Ron last night. He is on his own as his children have gone back to their regular activities and I am sure he has some difficult days ahead. 

My accountant and Wayne are working on the numbered companies for me and Cindy and Paul came over today to help me prints out some forms to be signed and scanned back to Phil. I need help with my technology and appreciate their help in so many ways.

I worked to clean on Monday and to prepare exotic chicken salad. I attended a Temple session on Tuesday morning and then had Theresa, Colleen and Wayne over for lunch afterward as they work that shift. It was nice to have them and I hope they had a good time. They seemed to enjoy the food and our home. 

It has been very hot and I am trying to keep my new plants and trees watered. Cindy, Sam and Paul helped me put a soaker hose under our cedars in the back. My neighbor Marie is away and I have been trying to do some watering for her too.

I have been considering getting a dog and did not think I should make that decision yet but a red, female, miniature, poodle, puppy has popped up for sale on Kijiji and Cindy has arranged for us to go see her tomorrow. We will have to see what comes of this.