Gathering Graces 10/18/2017

*Today was a day full of pleasant surprises, that included breakfast, conversations, home project completion and a surprise package in the mail.

*The morning began with a breakfast at KHS for all coaches and advisers.  I enjoyed some hashbrowns, bacon and scrambled eggs.  What a great way to start the day visiting and enjoying the company of my co-workers.

*And the visiting continued throughout the morning.  I had a chance to visit with some different people throughout the morning that I don’t normally talk to, and it was so uplifting.  Visiting with others made it a really great morning.

*At the end of first hour, Paul saw me in the hall, and asked if I was busy.  I said I had a little time this morning.  Well through a scheduling mix up, the guys who were to install our gutters on our house arrived this morning, and Paul needed to go talk to them.  So I covered his second hour class for a bit.  It was actually a good mix up.  We got the old gutters removed for free, and the new dark brown gutters were installed in about four hours.  They look great!!

*When I got back and started putting together the information for the after school program students to come and do some activities outside.  But, when we set up this activity, we said we would cancel if it was raining too hard.  When I left to go home for lunch, it was kind of drizzling, and I thought, we could do the activity if it continues lightly raining like this.  But, as I headed back to my car after lunch, the rain was starting to really pour down, and I thought to myself, we don’t want to be outside in this.  When I returned back to school, I had received a call that the field trip had been cancelled.  Good call!!

*In the morning I had received a text from my friend Anita saying she had sent me a package and it would be arriving either today or tomorrow.  When I arrived home for lunch, the package was there.  What a wonderful surprise to receive.  In it was a wonderful letter, card for me, cards for my siblings, some books, a calendar and a sweater for Paul and a shawl for me.  I was beyond touched by these thoughtful gifts.  Here is what she shared about the sweater and shawl:  For Paul, Grandpa’s green sweater.  For you, Grandma’s red shawl.  I got the idea from a prayer shawl a friend made me.  When I wrap it around me, I feel the prayers that went into it.  With these, I hope you and Paul can wrap yourself in them, feeling not only my prayers and love, but the big hugs I know Grandpa and Grandma would love to give you.  Spirit hugs from them to you.

Paul in Grandpa Evert's sweater.

Lovely gifts and Grandma Martha's shawl.

*I had finally got smart the night before and took some meat out of the freezer so I would have some thawed to prepare something for dinner.  I had some steaks, and some hamburger.  I was going to make meatballs, but couldn’t figure out what to make with them, so meatloaf won over.  I made four little mini meatloaves, and some baked potatoes and green beans.  The perfect comfort meal for this rainy evening.  We even sat down and ate together at the table, which I hope to make more of a habit in the future. 

*The day ended with rehearsal at the theater, a bowl of popcorn, and then bedtime.  What a wonderful, wonderful day.  Here is a quote that is from the Gratitude book Anita sent me:

Everybody likes to find a letter in the mail, but it doesn’t happen as often as it used to.  Remember, a phone call is nice, but a letter is forever.  Make someone’s day!

Thanks Anita....you made my day!!

Gathering Graces 10/17/2017

*It was a whirlwind of a morning.  I go to work at 7:30 a.m. to meet with a student, and he was a no show.  I don’t think he was at school today, either.  I had two more meetings with students during first period.  I am getting close to getting all my one on one times with the seniors complete. 

*Students continue to work on scholarships during homeroom, which is great.  So far, this class seems very motivated to fill out scholarship applications.  I am doing my best to help them with the process.

*The wind really started picking up this afternoon.  As A.A. Milne would put it, “it was a rather blustery day.”

*I stopped at the new Kellogg Middle School (formerly Sunnyside Elementary) to pick up some water testing kits, and it was fun seeing Carolyn Wozny and her KMS Cross Country Team getting ready to load a bus and head off to the district cross country meet.  Her daughter Shaye gave me a big hug, which made my day!!  Carolyn is one of the warmest, most positive people I know.  She is always encouraging people and cheering them on, and she is just really wonderful person.  Those kids are very fortunate to have her as their coach.

*I also received a wonderful hug from Cindy Absec, who hadn’t been able to give me one since Mom passed away.  Again, a wonderful short visit to KMS, full of love, warmth and good cheer. 

*I made it back to school for another meeting with a student.  Then I took some time to get my office organized before leaving for the day.  Whew!!

*The wind continued to blow when I got home.  I liked the wind whipping around.  At one point I went out in the backyard with Sadie and I saw some papers flapping on our bench that surrounds our beach tree.  I went over and realized it was a clipboard that Nancy used on Sunday during the filming in the backyard.  Fortunately, I was heading to Wallace for rehearsal tonight, and I could stop by her house and return it to her.

*It was fun seeing the transformation of the stage, since I wasn’t at rehearsal the night before.  It is really coming together.  It was a great rehearsal, and we got a lot of songs worked out.

*After school I saw our art teacher Rachael putting up items her ceramics students have been creating in class, and it gave me the desire to start doing some pottery again.  I need to figure out a time when that will work, and start making things again.  I also had a brief conversation with her about going into her Advanced Art class and sharing some of the photos from my trip to Italy.  That will happen in January.  I am very excited!!

Gathering Graces 10/16/2017

*Sometimes when the alarm goes off at 5:10 a.m., I really want to stay in bed.  But once I get outside, I love the quietness of Kellogg at 5:50 a.m., and I love going on my walk through town.

*I had a nice surprise visit this morning from Gabriell Benefield at school this morning, along with her sister Cassie and Cassie’s new baby boy Roman.  Gabriell graduated from KHS last year, and attend College of Idaho down in Caldwell.  It was so great visiting with her, and learning about her first few weeks of college.

*Lot of students were working on scholarship information today that kept me hopping!!  It is fun to see these students motivated to take the time to work on these scholarship applications.

*I took a little longer lunch today and was able to sit out on the patio in the sun and read my book and enjoy the sun beating down on me as I ate lunch.  It felt so good outside.  It was another beautiful day.

*Tonight some parents and students gathered in the media center at KHS so Elana, Warren and I could help them with the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) process.  It was great working with these parents and students and getting one more thing checked off their list of things to do to help their students get into college.  And we really try and get out KHS seniors to submit the FAFSA, because they receive a $1500 GEAR UP scholarship if they attend an Idaho college, but they must apply and submit the FAFSA in order to receive that scholarship. 

*I finished up the book Idaho.  It was a good read.  I was hoping some of the loose ends would have been explained better, but then I realized, once I was done, that was not the point of the story. 

*Christmas is right around the corner, and I am directing the Christmas show at the Sixth Street Theater.  I spend some time tonight perusing and ordering scripts for the show.  I think it should be pretty cute!!

*Paul and I enjoyed ending out day listening to each of the girls tell us about their days, we shared about our day, and then it was time for bed.

Gathering Graces 10/15/2017

*What an absolutely gorgeous day today in Kellogg.  It was one of those sunny autumn days, with a clear blue sky that accentuates all the colors of fall. 

*It was wonderful to have all the worship team back at church this morning playing and singing together. 

*We left church a little early so we could get home and prepare for some filming being done in our backyard.  A scene from Portal to the Clockworld was filmed in out backyard.  The weather couldn’t have been more perfect.  The scene involved Gabe and Grant fighting and rolling around on the ground, so thankfully the ground had dried out by the time filming had begun.

*Joni and I watched the filming from my kitchen window, and had a wonderful conversation on a variety of topics, including politics, religion, insurance and gun control.  By the time our conversation was done, our conclusion was.....if people spent time being more like Jesus, kind and good and loving, we wouldn’t have as many problems in the world.  Kind of a simple solution, but I really think it might work!

*It was fun watching KHS Senior Riley Fisher in action as one of the cameraman during this film shoot.  Riley is doing film production for his Senior Project, and was able to get some hours and experience for his project today.  Nancy is a great mentor for any student to work with when it comes to filming.

*Grant was also able to get some community service hours today for National Honor Society by volunteering his time to be in the film today.

*The filming was wrapped up by about 2:30 p.m., and everyone packed up and went on their way.  It was so fun to host this filming in our house.  Especially with such wonderful people helping out. 

*I relaxed for a couple of hours, reading Idaho some more, and then Paul and I headed over to Bill and Debbie’s house for dinner with Christy and Everett.  They made a delicious chicken and rice dinner with roasted brussel sprouts and carrots.  We had some great visiting time and Debbie brought out her guitar and showed Paul some things he can work on learning on the guitar, and it was a very good evening.  Paul and I came home, and I emptied out two dresser drawers that were full of Mom’s things and put most of them away.  Most of it went into the “family archives”.  Then I read some more, and got ready for bed.

*What a beautiful, full, creative, relaxing and comforting day.

Gathering Graces 10/14/2017

*I started the morning putting some laundry in the washing machine, then taking a nice warm bubble bath. 

*My friend Anita recommended I read the book Idaho by Emily Ruskovich.  I have been hooked from the start, and can’t put it down.

*Around 11 a.m., Paul and I packed up our seat cushions, warm outer wear, and tickets, and drove to Moscow to watch the University of Idaho Vandal March Band play during the football game.  We were amazed at the amount of snow on the ground on our way to Moscow. 

*We got situated in the stands at the Kibbie Dome, and enjoyed the band’s pregame show.  The Vandals were playing the Mountaineers.  The mascot was with the cheerleaders across the field, and I was curious as to the name of the Mountaineer Mascot.  Well, I was not disappointed when I learned his name.  The name of the mascot is Yosef.   Yosef is the mascot for Appalachian State. The origin of the name Yosef comes from mountain talk for "yourself", the idea being that if you are a fan, friend or alumnus and have a heart of black and gold, you are Yosef.

Yosef

*The halftime show was excellent as always by the Vandal Marching Band.  We always enjoy watching the fun Coco has on her buck drum during the performances.

*When Paul and I first entered the Kibbie Dome, we came across a table from Pulman and Moscow Building Supply where you could sign up to win some prizes.  They also had a spinning wheel to win prizes.  I won a coupon and Paul won a drink cozie.  All of a sudden, during the third quarter, my name was called across the public address system.  I had won the main prize.  So Coco and I headed over to the Guest Services booth on the other side of the Kibbie Dome and picked up my $25 gift card from this business.  Later, I also won a coupon to claim a $1 scratch ticket from the Idaho Lottery.  I have been on kind of a roll winning drawings.  Back in August, during the staff meetings before school began, I won two of those drawings as well, a nice carrying container, and a bottle of wine in a box with a selection of wine serving tools.

*After watching a disappointing loss, Cosette, Paul and I met Travis and Molly at Gambinos for dinner.  We all had a great dinner and it was fun to visit.  Travis also had a lucky night.  Since I didn’t think I would use my gift card anytime soon, he was the recipient of the Building Supply gift card and coupon.

*We had an easy drive home.  Paul listened to the BSU game most of the way.  It was nice to be home, to see our cats and dog, and then get ready for bed.  The end of a really nice day.  It doesn’t take much to be content.

Gathering Graces 10/13/2017

*Ahhhh.  A Friday off.  I started my morning finishing a book I was reading titled Selling Sex in the Silver Valley. Dr. Heather Branstetter, who grew up in Wallace, Idaho and currently has returned there to live, did extension research on the brothels in Wallace, and shared the history of them in this book.  It was very interesting to read about this part of the history of the area I live.  (Just a side note, growing up I always knew there were brothels in Wallace, and all I had been told was that they were located on Cedar Street.  I remember anytime we went to Wallace when I was growing up, I would avert my eyes as we passed Cedar Street.  I wasn’t sure what I was going to see, but whatever it was, I did not want to see it!!)  I find it interesting that I spend a large amount of time lately in a former brothel, The Lux Rooms, which used to be located upstairs in the Sixth Street Theater. 

*At 8:30 a.m. I drove over to The Bean Coffee Shop and met my sister-in-law Debbie for coffee.  We had a nice time visiting and I also enjoyed the comings and goings of people coming in and out of the coffee shop.  It was also fun to see KHS Senior Kelsey Castro, who was helping make the coffee.  She is doing this as part of her senior project.

*When I returned home, I wrote my blog for the day, and worked on some publicity things for the upcoming show at Sixth Street.  I ate some lunch, and took a short nap.

*The chaos in my clothes closet in my bedroom has been driving me nuts, so I decided that would be a project that I would give some attention to today.  So I emptied out the closet of everything located on shelves and the floor.  The clothes that were hanging stayed.  (I had recently spent some time organizing those clothes.)  I swept the floor, and went through items in the closet.  My shoes are now on shelves instead of strewn about on the floor.  Old clothes are either bagged up to be donated, or bagged up to be thrown away.  Other items went to be stored in other parts of the house.  I went through my shoes and purses, and found some to donate, and stored the ones I decided to keep.  It felt good to bring some order to my closet.

*When Paul got home from work, we decided to order some Wah Wing takeout for dinner.  We enjoyed some Chef Quartet and Kung Pao Shrimp, and Hot and Sour Soup.  After dinner we bundled up and waked over to Teeter’s Field for the football game.  Tonight was senior night, so they just started introducing the players when we arrived at the field.  It was also Homecoming tonight.  All in all, a very successful night for the Wildcats.  They won the game, 40-14.  The halftime show was great with the cheerleaders and band and JROTC.  Then there was the crowning of the Homecoming King and Queen, Ryan Morgan and Sierra Rice.  It was a great night.

*We arrived home and Paul started a fire in the fireplace, and we enjoyed warming ourselves by the fire.  Earlier, Paul had stopped by the library to pick up some books I had on hold, the majority of which were books on Essential Oils.  So I took some time this evening to read up on how essential oils can help what ails Paul and myself.

Gathering Graces 10/12/2017

*My day began with a beautiful walk with Nikki and her granddog Pansy this morning.  I kept wondering if I would wake up to snow, but the weather was actually perfect for a walk.  It had rained throughout the night, but the rain had stopped.  It was about 38 degrees, the wind was calm, and it was a beautiful morning.

*I got home and quickly got ready so I could be at school at 7:30 a.m. to meet with another senior.  This girl is on top of things, and ahead of the game, so her visit was very easy. 

*Today was Rock and Roll day at KHS for Homecoming Week.  Paul dressed up as Paul Revere of Paul Revere and the Raiders.  I got in the spirit by wearing my James Taylor concert t-shirt from the summer of 2016.

Rock On Paul Revere!!

*The work day was great.  At our ten minute break, KHS Choir students sang 50’s rock and roll songs in the entry of the school.  They did a fantastic job .  I told our principal they should come and entertain like that a least once a quarter.

*At the end of the day, I met with two more seniors.  One wants to attend North Idaho College, and the other wants to attend Montana Tech. 

*Paul and I headed to rehearsal this evening, and had fun working on some songs we haven’t practiced much before with the rest of the cast.  I enjoyed singing the new songs.  The show opens three weeks from tomorrow.

*We watched the final episode of The West Wing tonight before going to bed.  I cried my was through it of course.

Gathering Graces 10/11/2017

*I was with seniors in their Government classes today.  They completed a Gear Up survey, the last one I am ever going to have to give them!  Then they all (at least all of them who remembered to have their social security number with them), completed the Gear Up scholarship application.  Some also began working on their FAFSA. 

*As Homecoming Week continues, today was Baby or Boomer day.  All day long, I worked with students who were using walkers or canes, had adult diapers on, and many had big curlers in their hair.  The juniors and seniors dressed like boomers.  The freshmen and sophomores dressed like babies.  It was very cute. Paul dressed up like a little old man, and kind of reminded me of his Great Uncle Arvad.

*We had everyone at rehearsal tonight, and it was fun going through the songs with all the instruments, and working on harmonies and sound.  What a wonderful cast of people to work with on this show. 

*After rehearsal we came home and relaxed a bit before heading to bed.  The weather report says we have a winter weather advisory throughout the night and into the morning.  I wonderful if it will be snowy tomorrow?

*Today was World Mental Health Day.  We are a family who had struggles with depression, but have also taken the time to learn how to deal with depression. It has not been an easy road to travel, but we have learned a lot over the years.   Molly wrote a beautiful post on her Facebook page about the struggles she has had, and many people commented on her post, and she has a nice way of writing about her struggles, and relating to others.  Depression is a part of so many people’s lives, and I pray that our family can somehow help others who struggle in similar ways.  Molly shared the following quote at the end of her post:

"When you come out of the grips of a depression there is an incredible relief, but not one you feel allowed to celebrate. Instead, the feeling of victory is replaced with anxiety that it will happen again, and with shame and vulnerability when you see how your illness affected your family, your work, everything left untouched while you struggled to survive. We come back to life thinner, paler, weaker … but as survivors."

Jenny Lawson, Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things

Gathering Graces 10/10/2017

*Today we laid Mom to rest with Dad up at the Greenwood Cemetery.  It was a glorious autumn day, with the trees in full color, and the sky a vivid blue.  Bill, Debbie, Christy, Everett, Paul and I gathered together, along with Debbie Mikesell from the Shoshone Funeral Home, to pay our last respects.  Bill shared some wonderful thoughts from the Episcopalian graveside service.  He opened in prayer, and read Matthew 11:28-30.  He prayed a Prayer of Consecration of Mom and Dad’s Grave.  We all sang two verses of the hymn The Old Rugged Cross, that was another one of Mom’s favorite hymns.  Then Bill prayed a Prayer of Committal, recited Psalm 148, and Closed with a Prayer and Blessing.  It was perfect.  Our family had a lot to praise the Lord about today.

*Psalm 148 was a beautiful scripture to be a part of today’s service.

1Praise ye the Lord. Praise ye the Lord from the heavens: praise him in the heights.

2 Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts.

3 Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light.

4 Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens.

5 Let them praise the name of the Lord: for he commanded, and they were created.

6 He hath also stablished them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass.

7 Praise the Lord from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps:

8 Fire, and hail; snow, and vapours; stormy wind fulfilling his word:

9 Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars:

10 Beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl:

11 Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth:

12 Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children:

13 Let them praise the name of the Lord: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.

14 He also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints; even of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye the Lord.

*After the service we gathered at Radio Brewery for lunch.  It was nice to start talking about resuming weekly family dinners, plans for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and trips each of us will be taking in the future.

*Paul has asked me a couple times today, “how are you doing?”  I really don’t know.  I keep saying, “I need some time to think.”  I need some time to process.  I need some quiet days of contemplation.  But I look at my calendar through the end of the year, and it seems like there is no time for quiet days of contemplation.  So I will see what I can do with the quiet times I do have, to process the fact that my mother’s is gone.

*Mom and Dad have now been laid to rest together.

Gathering Graces 10/9/2017

*It is Homecoming Week at Kellogg High School, which means each day is a spirit dress up day.  Paul came out in the living room in his shorts and t-shirt, and I was wondering why he was dressed as he was, and then I remembered we could be an “Athlete or Mathlete” today.  Since I was already in my walking clothes, I didn’t have much to do to get ready this morning.  I kept on my walking pants, changed my sweatshirt to my black U of I sweatshirt, added a black U of I beanie and I was set.

*It was one of those days at work that I felt like I kept busy, but that it also seemed like I didn’t get anything done.  Plus I was very sleepy. 

*Toby our diabetic cat had to go get his glucose levels checked today at the vet.  After school Paul and I went to pick him up.  His levels were a little strange, but we are going to continue monitoring him at home, and see how it goes.  But he is doing a lot better since he started having insulin.

*We returned from the vet, and got ready to drive up to Wallace for rehearsal.  It was a good night of singing and playing music.  We got home and it wasn’t long before I was ready for bed. 

Gathering Graces 10/8/2017

*Today was the first day in a very long time that I had an actual Sabbath, a day a rest, a day when I stayed home and did a whole lot of nothing.  And it felt very good.

*I slept in a bit, then got up and got some breakfast and coffee, and sat myself on one of our couches, and that is where I remained most of the day.  I wrote my blog, looked at my photographs from my trip to Italy, napped, ate some lunch....you know...a whole lot of not much.

*Paul’s sister Laurie showed up for a bit in the afternoon.  Her and Paul went for a run, and we talked a little bit, but she was the only other person, besides Paul, that I had any interaction with the whole day. 

*I guess I did do a few little things.  I watered the plants.  I did the dishes.  I cleaned out the bottom of my closet a little bit.  But those small tasks did not take much to do, and afterwards it was back to relaxing.

*What a gift my day of rest was today.  It gave me some time to reflect on Friday’s events, and I was so grateful for the people who attended Mom’s Celebration of Life, and who I got to see and visit with on Friday at my home.  We have one more thing to bring closure to Mom’s passing, and that is having her burial on Tuesday with just my siblings and our spouses. 

That man is a success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much.

Robert Louis Stevenson