Just an update. I have moved to Sandy and a great neighborhood. I live in the basement of the home of a single women (just a little older than me - Nancy K---e). It is comforting for both of us to have someone else around. We have so much in common (life experience and likes/dislikes) that it is spooky. I've settled in comfortably. I feel peace here. I mowed the backyard this weekend - it has been about 7 years since I had that opportunity. I also have flower pots and a small garden to play in. I planted the garden so late (Father's Day weekend) that I may get nothing for my investment, but it is fun to putter around and get my hands dirty.
Church - The ward is friendly and I'm the new assistant choir director - which I think means the recruiter and the person who calls choir members with reminders. I'm very happy with the calling. The ward is large and I'm just glad to have an opportunity to serve. When I was set apart by the bishop, you would have thought it was the most important calling in the ward. He also added to the setting apart, a very personal blessing to help me adjust to the changes in my life over the past few years. It was awesome and very insightful.
Work - I'm into the second session of summer financial training for principals. With help from our division, our three person review team is able to pull it off. It takes months of preparation. We are exhausted each day of the week long session. I don't know how teachers do it everyday. To be "On" for 6 plus hours. Although we love doing the training and we learn much from those in the field, we are always glad to return to the Church Office Building the first week of August and get back into our regular schedule.
Family - I'm still very lonely. I long for every opportunity I get with family (kids, grand kids, extended family). I enjoy attending some of Parker and Aiden's t-ball games. While I watch, I get to visit with Kim and play with Laney. It is often the highlight of my week. I had a 30+ minute Skype conversation with Arti on Sunday. She would love to visit with Grandma & pa and cousins when we gather for the Snow reunion. There is a 7 hour difference (London is ahead of us) if you want to give her a Skype call. I am excited to see all the Snows at the upcoming reunion.
Girlfriend - I must tell you - my girlfriend group has been a huge support to me. We get together often. And we all have someone to call when we want to do something. Thank gals!!!
Projects- I've been working on a life timeline in preparation for writing my life history. I can never remember when things happened, so I'm reviewing old calendars, journals, and photo albums for an outline. I'm still making earrings, and a few wind chimes. I will soon be starting a heritage quilt. I have old linens, dollies, and embroidery work from grandmothers - I'm piecing together for a quilt top. I hope to have the top ready and be able to start quilting it about Halloween.
I never was the one in the family to take pictures, so I don't have any photos. I depend on the kids to take them and share with me. I need to make photo taking a priority (maybe in 2012) - it would be a good New Year's Resolution.
Thanks for reading - I hope to see you soon.
