Just thinking

Just some notes about what is happening in Evanston and in the Baltimore/Washington area. I was in charge of another funeral yesterday. Given the age of some of the people in the ward, you would think it was one of the older folks who had passed on. No, it was a 20 year old who died of complications of diabetes. His family was inactive, so it must have been tough for them. The ward and the city pitched in and although we served 160 people, we had tons of food left over.

I have had two job interviews this past week. One at the state hospital as an instructor to train on safety procedures and the other one in the "valley" working with family services in determining benefit eligibility. I cannot do the valley thing because the drive in the winter is just plain awful. I am still waiting on the state hospital thing. In the meantime, I am enjoying staying at home and doing things around the house.

Last week Dad (Roy) had a great experience. Miguel, who has worked for Dad for a long time, became a US citizen. Dad went to the ceremony and was very proud of Miguel and how hard he worked for that.

I am anxious for this weekend and to be able to spend sometime with my sweetheart on his turf. (Only 19 months until Nate graduates and I move out there.)

Brrrr--the mornings are cold

It is really feeling like fall here--at least after the sun goes down. We have been lucky so far; the days are sunny and warm. We have had a couple of snow storms, but that has melted quickly.

I have been working very hard on this year's Christmas presents. A lot of them are home made and I hope everyone likes them. I have finished shopping for all the married kids and their families. The grandkids are getting presents made by grandma and I am all finished with them except for the little guys, Ben and Evan. I know what I am doing for Ben, but I am still uncertain about Evan. (Any suggestions from Evan's parents would be helpful.)

Nate and I are taking our fall vacation next week. We are flying to MD for an extended weekend. Dad and I are going to the boxing match Sat., Nov. 1 and then Nate, Dad, and I will go to the Monday Night football game on the third. We fly home on the 4th. (Which reminds me I need to do my absentee ballot before I leave.)

Nate is working at Subway now. He seems to like it. It does keep him out of trouble.

Enjoy the beautiful autumn weather.

Nate's a busy Boy

I showed in my last blog, a picture of Nate on the Fire Department's Ladder Truck in the homecoming parade. He has gotten involved in school activities this year. Two weeks ago he traveled to Casper to a journalism conference. I think it was the first time he has been out of town overnight without a parent or sibling with him. I wondered how he would do--he did great. He had a good time and he enjoyed very much the conference.

Today he was supposed to go to Jackson to the Teton Science School for 4 days. It sounded like a lot of fun to me and he was excited to go. When he looked at his schedule and how much school he would miss, he changed his mind.

He has a conference in Casper on Monday and Tuesday of next week that he would rather attend. So early Monday morning he will go back to Casper for a Marketing Conference.

Next Wednesday he will take the PSAT. I am impressed with the boy this year.
Now if we could only get him to cut his hair.

WOW!! What a Fun Weekend

We had the most fun weekend. Dad was home--he flew in late Thurs. night. Cheryl, Jason, and Ben came down late on Friday night to spend Conference weekend with us. It was homecoming week in Evanston so Nate had lots of activities planned and then Saturday about noon, Chelley and Jon came up to visit.

(Here's Nate on the fire engine in the Homecoming Parade)

It was a bit stormy on Saturday, so Dad did't get as much done on the shed as he had wanted, but Jason did help him get it closed in for the winter. After eating stuffed shells for lunch, Jason set up his new toy for everyone to enjoy. (He went shopping at the local Walmart and found a "Wii".) Everyone had a great time taking turns playing. It was fun to watch.

(Ben with Aunt chelley, trying to watch Grandpa and Nate playing Wii Boxing)

Jason and Dad put in my new gas heater, too. It is much like the one we had in the basement in New Park. It keeps the kitchen toasty warm.

We had apple crisp and cream puffs to munch on throughout the afternoon and evening, too.

After priesthood meeting, (Jason, Dad, and Nate went together), Nate headed off to the Homecoming Dance. He didn't have a date, but had a good time anyway.

Ben was a lot of fun getting into everything. He really got upset when grandma tied up the hutch doors so he couldn't get in, but found lots of other stuff to play with.


Cheryl and Jason headed home Sunday about noon and Dad's flight was out at 5:30.

Boy, is it ever quiet around here today. TOO QUIET!