May 19, 2020

The weeks are all similar but different. We are walking everyday, doing our house and yard work and going for groceries once a week. This week we went shopping for plants and removed all the tulips out of the beds and planted the new annual plants. We have a few more that we need to buy and we need a tree to replace one we took out of our backyard. We never anticipated being home and doing our yard work this spring and summer but here we are. Lincoln Harvey had been commissioned to do our yard as we didn’t want the Northcotts to be worried about doing it. We felt our home was enough for them to deal with during our mission.  I put my first coat of paint on the primed furniture and finished reading the second volume of “Saints”. We try to meet with our families on Sunday via FaceTime and give them a short message from us. We stay in touch with them regularly too.

Temples are beginning to reopen for “live sealings” of previously endowed couples. It is a start but it will be still a long way to go before they can be fully running, we are pretty certain, as the virus is still raising its ugly head. They are also talking about starting church meetings for smaller groups and using “social distancing” and other precautions. We have enjoyed our private sacrament meetings in our home and meeting with our children and in someways hate to see it come to an end. The church is remarkable in that we were easily able to step into at home meetings as we had been prepared for such a time in advance and also had priesthood holders in many homes to provide the administration of the sacrament. We know, however, that many people are alone and will welcome being in a group again.

Ross arrived home from his mission in Winnipeg on Friday and we had a “welcome home” drive by parade of family and friends. I think he was surprised and appreciated the love and support offered him. He was able to surprise Sarah, his girlfriend, in the evening as she had not been told exactly when he would be arriving home. He will have to regroup and decide what he is going to do now. We love him and appreciate his desire to serve and giving his all under difficult circumstances. We are proud of him.

Cindy had me make orange rolls for a special soufflé breakfast for Ross’ return so I made a double batch so we could have some too. I decided to make a small soufflé for us and it was like having Christmas breakfast in May. I have never made such a small soufflé before as it is usually made to feed a crowd. We missed the crowd but enjoyed the breakfast.

Well, my clothes hang in the closet, my shoes sit on the shelf and we realize that life can be very simple and still be just fine. All we feel we need, it seems, is not as necessary as we thought. The atmosphere is cleaner, oceans are  cleaner, families are spending more time together and children and parents are becoming more creative in their play, their schooling and their entertainment.  I hope we are learning the lessons this experience is meant to teach us and more importantly that we remember them when things are able to go back to normal.

Our Flowers

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

May 5, 2020

Another week has  gone by and not a lot of  change in the world of the corona virus. Some countries, states and provinces, where new cases are decreasing or have never been too significant, are beginning to lift isolation restrictions as they are concerned about the serious affects the shutdowns are having on the economy. Tennessee is one of these states and Zachary is planning to fly to New Jersey to visit his girlfriend Monica. He will wear a mask and gloves and I believe any planes that are flying right now are required to be half full to maintain social distancing guidelines. Montana is also lifting restrictions and businesses are opening slowly and carefully Larissa tells us. Schools are still closed in most places.

We are trying to make sure each day has us involved in meaningful activities and so, along with our walks, regular household chores and yard work, I have been reading “Saints”. I finished the first volume and am part way thru the second. I have been sorting thru more drawers and pictures and I have also sanded some painted furniture, ordered paint from Benjamin Moore, which they delivered for free, and have been putting the primer on preparing for the new colour. We work hard to have three good meals a day and not snack more than usual.  Tom has his own exercise routine as well as our walking and he does a lot of reading and indexing. We try to keep touch with our family and friends daily via email, messaging, FaceTime and phone. We also have movie night every night.

Our oldest grandson Justin started graduate school in Utah to become a PT  but the classes are only online for the time being. He still is required to dress nicely. His brother Zachary is graduating from Boston College, where he has been on hockey scholarship and where he received the college male award for athletics, academics and service combined. Nice award to receive. Our grandson Ross, who is serving a mission in Winnipeg and serving in the office at the moment, sang “There is Peace in Christ” with his companion playing the piano and they posted it on Facebook. It was very touching. His older brother Max is graduating with a Bachelors degree in business, preparing for Accounting school and is also trying to get to his girlfriend Jaqui who lives in Australia or bring her here. The kids are funny and fun. They brighten our days and we are proud of them and love them all.

We continue to pray for the improvement in world conditions and we long to get back to the Temple and to our mission in England.

Linda’s Projects 2020

April 28, 2020

I think we should call the constant sidesteps we make in our attempt to get around other people theses days - The Covid Dance. “Social Distancing” is required by all and so as we go to the store, for a walk or visit people, we are to keep a safe distance from each other and we are told that, that distance is 6 feet. No end in sight for this situation yet but new treatments are being tested against the virus and the number of new cases in some areas is decreasing and leaders are talking about reopening many businesses that have been closed. The economy is suffering due to the worldwide shutdown of many businesses.

We have been sorting thru and organizing our own family pictures this week and that has been another huge project as was the sortiing thru of Grandpa Tanner’s things last week. Each of these projects has had things layed all over all over the basement but now things are more organized for both and this should allow us easier access to items when we have need of them. We have recorded many of our own pictures on our devices in case we want them and we have had fun tapping into memories of us, our children and our parents.

The grandchildren in each of our four families prepared and then presented dance routines on our family messaging site. Interesting talents we have available in our family and it gave us some entertainment and a good laugh. We are not sure where some of the “moves” these children seem to have come from. Such talent. Wyatt said the Hardy boys looked like “Captain Underpants” and they did.

Our friend Barb came to visit this week after dropping Easter treats off for her nephew’s children. We sat  in the garage and visited while social distancing. Barb has some sorrows and concerns and her nephew and his family have too and she said she needed some ministering so we hope we helped. We keep in touch with the children by FaceTime and messaging and are making contact with friends both here and from our mission. Our mission has an “app” and are in touch that way or by messaging or email.

We are in our fiftieth year of marriage this year and, though I cut Tom’s hair, he has never, never cut mine. However, desperate times call for desperate measures and he, with my assistance, cut my hair this week. It looks pretty good! As we began I asked if we should pray first and he told me to pray and he would cut. I did and he did. Results - pretty good. Isolating causes you to do things we would not have considered otherwise.

We have worked in the yard a little and continue our daily walks. We watch the “Come Follow Me” YouTube broadcasts and listen to conference talks. We are eating well and trying to remain healthy. We are grateful to be in our home and grateful to have each other. We look forward to this concern being resolved and to our return to our mission and the Temple. We are missing those things but are certain that the Lord has a plan in this and we our hoping we are learning and doing the things he would want of us.

We have enjoyed looking back on memories this week as the following pictures may show.

Tom in France on Mission

Walker Family 1980

Wedding August 26, 1970

April 21, 2020

The world conditions have not changed much though in some areas the spread of covid seems to have slowed a little. The economies throughout the world are being negatively affected and many people are eager to open the doors again and get things back to normal. We are concerned that if people rush to reopen the economy and society too quickly the virus will only regain momentum. We realize that  we are fortunate to have each other and be in our own home under relatively good circumstances and we do understand the worries and concerns of so many other individuals.

We continue with our daily walks, sorting thru Grandpa Tanner’s things and our own pictures, reading, staying in touch with children and friends and watching Musicals and other movies and shows on TV . Our tax information was ready and we drove it over to our accountant and left it at his door. We thought he would be swamped but he got it done quickly and had papers back to us for signing within a couple of days. We made our first foray out into the shopping world and went to Costco early this morning along with other seniors. Many were wearing face masks and gloves and we were too. We were let in before younger customers as seniors are at a higher risk during this virus season and they are trying to keep us out of the medical system.

We are trying to keep in touch with friends and our hearts and prayers go out to those who are alone, those who have companions who are ill and those who are dealing with other serious problems on top of the covid 19 virus concerns. Isolating can be fun and interesting for some and a serious struggle and challenge for others. We have one friend who lives in a senior living facility and he and all residents are confined to their rooms and food delivered to their doors. Another friend has had to put down her beloved cat who was also her only companion. And yet another friend’s husband is dying and her children living in the USA probably won’t be able to come up to see him. Our hearts are aching for all of them and we are praying  for the alleviation of not only the virus but all the other side affects it brings along with it.

We are preparing for a family dance demo that each of our families are putting together to share on our family messaging site. We are afraid that means grandparents too. We try to share in our families Sunday activities via FaceTime and offer some additional  thoughts and challenges.

Our son says when seniors are left isolating too long they do strange things. The picture below proves that this is very true.

Yes She Can!

April 14, 2020

The world is still essentially in lockdown but none the less, we have had a wonderful week leading up to and celebrating Easter. The sun has been shining, our walks more comfortable as a result and we feel very blessed. We are here safe in our home and together, in touch with our children and friends and we feel at peace with the whole situation knowing that the Lord is aware, involved and loves us.

We have continued to walk each day, work in our yard and our house and pick away at the organisation of  Grandpa Tanner’s things. The more I am here at home the more redecorating ideas I seem to come up with. Poor Tom. Other than rehanging a few things, nothing major has happened yet. I would like to paint some furniture though while being isolated. We just have to determine how to get the paint.

We prepared for Easter this week by watching several YouTube broadcasts. We normally watch these particular broadcasts for our “Come Follow Me” supplement material. They are “Don’t  Miss This”, “Teaching with Power” and “Book of Mormon Central”. Tom loves supplementing the lessons and so he also reads Terry Smith’s material that he puts online each week. We also watched the  “Don’t Miss This” daily preparing for Easter thoughts and tradition suggestions.. On Good Friday we had our worldwide fast for the alleviation of the effects of the covid 19 virus. It was a very special way to commemorate Good Friday and remember the Savior’s sacrifice for us. It seemed such a small sacrifice on our part. I followed one of the traditions mentioned by the “Don’t Miss This” hosts and boiled eggs with onion peels to dye them red. It worked beautifully. We had our own sacrament meeting on Easter Sunday alone and then connected  with each of  our children and their families and gave a little message or shared our testimonies of the Savior. We love being with them each Sunday. We also did a ward “Zoom” meeting with Bishop Rolfson even though he is down in Utah isolated with his wife’s sister’s family. It turned out to be very nice and it was good to see people even if just on screen. We used our good China and had an Easter feast for two. Lovely week and lovely Easter Day day.

We had to make a quick trip to the bank for Tom to pick up some bank drafts for his mother’s money concerns as he shuts down her account. She has been gone nearly 20 years and he has still been dealing with her investments but has now sold them and a small amount goes to each of her children. We went to see two different cemeteries on two different days. Just interested in seeing what they are like and it provided a couple of outings in the car. We also celebrate each family member’s birthdays these days with e-cards and online greetings from everyone and it was Bryson, our grandson’s, 16th birthday yesterday so a big milestone for him.

We received an Easter Greeting email from our Temple President in London, President Irwin. He tries to keep in touch with us in our separate locations as we all await our return to serve. We also had a call from the Temple Department in Salt Lake verifying our information and our desires to return to our mission. Everyone is in touch with us, including the missionaries from our mission and we appreciate it.
We are well and our family is well and we feel very blessed.

Easter 2020

Come Follow Me Study

April 7, 2020

We are extending our isolation time for safety reasons as the covid virus continues and we are in the senior category at risk. Dear Cindy buys our groceries and drops them off while we have conversation from a distance.

We try to fill our time with worthwhile home activities and it is interesting how we still do not seem to have enough time to get everything done. We try to phone people that we feel might need to talk to someone or that we want to check on. Many people are somewhat surprised that we are home but not entirely as the world population has been admonished to return to their homelands. We keep in touch with the children via FaceTime, phone and messaging. I helped Keaton and Breya make cinnamon rolls this week with the aid of technology and they were delicious so we were told. We have offered to help with the children’s home schooling. Tom has completed a couple of jigsaw puzzles, we walk, clean, do things in and around the house that need doing and we have been going through Grandpa Tanners pictures and papers that Tom has stewardship of in an attempt to organize them. He would like to select somethings to put in an online file so others family members can have access to them. This is a monumental task and a bit daunting for Tom. The things are spread all over our basement while being sorted. We have filled out an historical documentation of our mission and our experience with the evacuation for church history as requested by the church and we have submitted it back to them. That took a lengthy period of time.

The highlight of our week was General Conference. It had been greatly anticipated especially with the life changes the covid virus has made for not only us but for our leaders. President Nelson had told us that we would be commemorating the 200th anniversary of Joseph Smith’s First Vision and it would be a memorable conference unlike any other that we have ever experienced. Who knew what our situation would be at this time? No members were to come to conference due to the virus and leaders met in a room in the Conference Center with only those speaking in attendance and sitting required distances apart. The Tabernacle Choir music was taken from precious recordings and was beautiful. Everyone - EVERYONE was watching or listening from their homes. Alone but altogether. We were presented with the new church logo being the “Christus”, a new Proclamation on the Restoration, given comforting and encouraging words and requested to participate in church wide fast on Good Friday for relief from the effects of the virus. We also had the announcement of eight new Temples. One in Shanghai! I messaged Jean our neighbour right away and she had heard the news and was elated . They are from Shanghai and Wayne, her husband, is still working there but due the virus during this time he is here with his family. Wonderful conference! Wonderful spirit!

General Conference April 2020

Tom’s Puzzle Making