February finally done!

Panoramic view from Elk Mountain

Sometimes when I look back over the previous week to write our email/blog, it seems like way more than one week ago.  Many times it will be Monday evening and one of us will say - Is it only Monday?   

So last Monday we played Jeopardy for seminary.  We like to do it about every 6 weeks to see what they are really learning from our lessons.  We try to include mostly questions about doctrine and principles that will be covered on the test.  We have study guides available to us right away.  We don’t know the questions but know what material the assessment will cover.  I think they like game and it’s a good active way to start the week.  Everyone is tired on Monday morning.

Setting up for Jeopardy

It started to snow about 9 a.m.  There is always a very varied forecast and usually the Dakotas get more snow.  We went out to get a few groceries while the roads were good.  They were predicting about 4 inches for us and would snow all day and into Tuesday early morning.  We spent the day getting ready for the week and preparing lessons.  Emma Facetimed us and read us a story.  We loved it!!  She is a funny girl and makes some crazy faces - just like her mom.  

We called Richard to set up an appointment for Friday night, and he wanted us to come sooner.  Since that evening was open, we planned for that.  About 6 pm, I went to clean off the car.  We had about 3-4 inches of snow, but the car also had ice on it.  So it took a bit to get it ready.  As we headed down the hill towards town, I started to brake early, but it didn’t really help.  We just started sliding and not able to stop.  My plan was to turn left, but figured if I turned right and cars were coming, I would only hit one instead of possibly two.  We were very blessed - no cars were coming at all.  I turned around and said, “We’re going home.”  I called Richard to reschedule.  He didn’t realize how bad it had gotten.  Usually we get really dry snow because it’s very cold.  But when it’s been warm, we get the heavy wet stuff, which is much slicker.  We found out the school called a late start for Tuesday morning!!!!  Which means no seminary -  we were so good with that!!!  It’s like being a student again, praying for snow days and late starts!!

Tuesday, I got to make the fun phone call to Aetna because the claims from Walt’s surgery are getting denied.  I called back the supervisor that assured us we didn’t need to get pre-authorizations and asked her to fix it.  On Friday, she called us back to let us know she was still working on it.  Should be interesting to see how it all pans out.  I won’t be backing down on this one.  While I got my hair cut, Walt cleared the sidewalks at church for seminary on Wednesday and stopped by the thrift store for a new salt shaker.  I had broke one and we never seem to have enough.  

We had dinner with the Knights.  They got a lot more snow, but they plow their own long driveway.  We love going there!  They’re good company and always a good meal.  They seem to love having us over as well.  We have to work hard to get out of there at a decent time.  It’s like having a “school night.”

It was only 5 degrees when we got up on Wednesday.  Not our favorite when we have to leave so early in the morning.  Seminary went well for Walt. We played the dice game with questions for points.  They liked playing that.  I liked it too; although  I only did the dice part.  Later,  I worked on a crossword puzzle of Doctrinal Mastery scriptures for my Thursday lesson.  It turned out pretty good.  I always practice something like that before class to make sure it really works.  We had our Senior Center lunch that day.  Keisha made some super yummy Mac and cheese.  Found out she put cream cheese, cheese, and cream in it.  Of course, it would be yummy!!

Seminary kids playing the dice game

Me playing dic on the side.

That evening we visited with Lucille.  It’s like visiting our grandmother.  She is so funny.  Walt worries about her living all alone and getting lonely.  She is very active though, and so probably not as lonely as expected.  I didn’t get to play her piano, but we had a very nice visit.  The plan was to only stay until 8:00 - 8:15, but didn’t get out of there until 9:15!  No early bedtime that night.  

Thursday’s crossword puzzle at seminary went well, as well as, the lesson.  We had District Council in Gillette at 10:30.  It was rather low key.  Just sharing examples of how our companionship is unified.  After we finished our part, the sister missionaries all said how adorable we were.  They all want a marriage like that.  Hey, we try!!  Elder Sanders made crepes for everyone.  The transfer news comes out today, so it was the last District meeting before transfers.  Elder Zander also made some homemade bread.  It was all very tasty.  Everyone brought toppings/fillings for the treats.  It was fun and very yummy.

Distric Mtg crepes.  Left - Elder.Bachler,  Sister Carlisle, Elder  Griffin, Elder  Birth, Elder Sanders, Elder  Zanders (I only put the names up so we will remember them later)

Treats after Disctric Council.  Elder. Birth, Elder Allen, Elder Sanders, Elder Sullivan, me eating bread and honey

We invited the Elders over for dinner, since we found out they didn’t have a dinner appointment.  They come to Newcastle on Thursdays.  The plan was to get Cheeseeees at Wayback.  That is really how it is spelled.  Elder Birth was with Elder Sullivan on exchanges and we didn’t want him to miss the opportunity to try one.  Then Richard called us about 4 pm and asked if we had started dinner yet.  He wanted to bring us dinner.  Wow!!  That was so nice of him.  He loves to cook and was making Hungarian Goulash and green bean salad.  He brought the kids and we had a nice short visit.  The food was pretty good, but didn’t quite hit the spot after looking forward to Wayback, so we all went to get Cheeseees anyway.  

Walt, Elder Birth, Me and Elder Sullivan
Elder Birth was trained by Elder Glover (the great Elder we started here with) in Red Lodge MT

Friday was a really nice day.  It turned out to be 47 degrees by lunch time.  We wanted to enjoy the weather, but didn’t really want to make a long drive.  It seems to get anywhere is a long drive here.  So I suggested we go to  Oil Creek Road, a nice long and very scenic road.  Not far down the road, Walt found a spot that looked like it would be fun to climb.  I was working on mileage for our taxes, so I just stayed put and enjoyed the sunshine and warm air.  When he got back, he was very hot and sweaty.  It turned out to be a much steeper climb than anticipated.  Good exercise!!  We continued the journey and just enjoyed it.  

We got back in time to have a quick dinner, and head over to the Smiths.  We talked, shared 2 Book of Mormon videos and brought them cookies.  Oh, Friday morning, I made a batch of chocolate chip cookies and another of peanut butter ones for our visits the next couple of days.  The Smiths had the cookies gone before we left.  The kids are finally reading the Book of Mormon.  I think watching the videos helps them be more interested in reading it for themselves.  Haley wants to have a “Girl’s Day” with me.  I’ll have to figure out how to make that work.  I need to find another female to join in.  

Saturday was so nice, I was giddy.  It was 56 degree by 12 pm.  I spent the morning cooking dinner for the next two days.  We were visiting the Pithans for lunch, and I needed to pick up some hotdogs and buns to roast on their fire for lunch.  That’s when the Spring fever hit.  It was so nice at 11 am, I didn’t even need a sweater with short sleeves!!  The cashier said lots of people had been in picking up things to grill.  We took the Elders with us in case Gerry needed any help with chores.  

We had fun cooking our hotdogs and roasting marshmallows too (of course!). The boys stacked wood into Gerry’s shed and Pat and I worked on Family History.  She has done generations of family history, but nothing in the Family Search System.  She wants the temple ordinances done for her son (who passed last January), her granddaughter and grandson.  So we worked on getting that information into the computer so we could get the temple cards ready.  We didn’t finish, but I have her account information and can finish at home.  That’s our goal for that family, to get that temple work done for them.  They physically just can’t make it to the temple anymore and have asked us to do the work for them.  No problem.  We’re grateful to help.

Elder Sullivan evidentially worked too hard hauling wood.  Elder Walker is sitting behind him.

After the Pithans, we stopped by Elk mountain for a little adventure.  Just a small hike with the Elders.  They had service clothes on already and I brought mine to change into.  Walt knows there are lots of “Sheds” up there and wanted to give a look for one.  Sheds are what they call the antlers that Elk shed.  They are usually pretty big.  Each companionship set off in different paths.  It was a nice climb and the view was magnificent.  It is so beautiful and peaceful up there.  We both love it and could stay there for quite a while just enjoying the moment.  When we got to the bottom of the hill, we find Elder Walker sitting on a rock - alone.  Where is Elder Sullivan?  Elder Walker says Elder Sullivan just kept climbing and he couldn’t really keep up.  Young missionaries are supposed to stay within sight and sound of each other at all times, except for the bathroom.  Couldn’t believe them!  Elder Walker didn’t seem concerned.  I don’t think nature is his thing.  He’s from the city and this just isn’t doing anything for him.  Luckily, Elder Sullivan came down eventually and we all made it home safe and sound.  

Our hike up Elk Mountain

You can see for miles and miles up there.  All of this is South Dakota

We loved this little ponderosa pine browning out of the rock

Just enjoying the view

We took Chuck and Maggie dinner that night.  We had taken them dinner a few weeks ago and found out the rice never got done, even after trying to cook it longer.  I felt so bad, and so decided to give it a second try.  I made lasagna this time and cookies, of course.  I think they had forgotten, but were still happy to have the meal.  He called today to arrange getting my pan back to me, and said it was delicious.  Maggie ate most of the cookies.  Chuck isn’t doing well at all.  He is going through chemotherapy and it is just making him weaker and weaker.  

Sunday was Fast and Testimony service.  This ward is very small and lots of time there is just waiting for the next person to want to share their testimony, with long pauses in between.  It was still a pretty good meeting.  Hailey T.  Wasn’t there, so no lesson with her that day.  Walt got a short nap in before it was time to go to Gary’s for a scripture discussion.  That is going much better.  Gary is less argumentative and stays on topic a lot better.  It makes for a much better discussion for everyone.  Sister Booth was the discussion leader this week.  I made soup and brownies.  Next week, I get to lead.  Gary is still planning on going to Stake Conference on the 21st and 22nd, and gave me his price range for a hotel.  At first he said, he likes to stay at Motel 8.  Yikes!  Then said, but it’s in a bad part of town, so maybe a different place would be better.  Thank goodness.  We’ll work on it.

That’s about it for this week.  I must say for once, I am enjoying the Isaiah chapters in the Book of Mormon.  Having study guides is quite helpful in understanding what Isaiah is saying.  The majority of his words are about Jesus Christ and the prophecies of Him.  Sometimes, it just amazes me how much Jesus Christ loves us and wants to do whatever He can to help us follow Him and Heavenly Father.  He is there for us every day.  Sometimes, it just takes practice to see and feel it.  That is one of the main things I would like to teach our seminary students -  How to feel the Savior’s love and help in their lives.

 

Walt's favorite past time.  Building those muscles!

We love you all and miss you tons!!