M A Y 2012

MAY: A Favorite Always The past few months again have flown. . . I'm trying to cherish everyday here, and the sunshine, flowers, fragrances, early-morning coolness on walks, home fix-ups help me enjoy it all the more. March to early April brought General Conference [President Uchtdorf's STOP IT! talk], Easter Sunday, Graduation, [over 50 since 1984 for Bill!] Kaleb Valdez as house live-in for awhile, success for SIFE in Hollywood, CA, Devin's "Super Raider" assembly, and the end of the semester. On Bill's birthday, our FH class day, we enjoyed dining with Elia and Sona Gourgouris at Leilei's. They are a couple we enjoy and hope to know better as the years go on. His Greek background and her conversion are unique and so interesting. We wish them well in their move from Colorado to Florida. April brought a surprise travel experience for me. I had originally decided not to go to Utah in April for the internship experiences resulting from IIPP since companion tickets were unavailable. But the last Saturday in March Barbara Barrington-Jones called me with word that Bill would be surprised that night, April 21, in receiving a recognition at the black tie closing banquet, so. . . I made a decision that would possibly be worthwhile in the eternities. I'm glad I went to support Bill and witness his recognition--he received a beautiful crystal award for "strength of a leader" for students worldwide. How wonderful after all these years of preparing leaders and assisting them with experiences like they otherwise would never have known to be recognized at last for this. I'm so glad someone noticed. He doesn't toot his own horn at all, so this was indeed a moment of a lifetime for his professional contributions to students. It was truly out of our realm to see him wear a tux and for me to find a formal to wear and take to Utah, Thanksgiving Point was the setting, to get hair and nails done, and be a part of a scene which was an "adventure" for sure. Thanks to tall Erin, I was able to wear her royal blue satin "Lady in Waiting" long formal dress from MayDay 2003! Being over 60, I was amazed it fit as well as it did and we have photos to prove we looked pretty good for an older couple! I do like sporting fingernails now, though I do miss playing my harp as the nails mean too much clicking when I pluck the strings. I'm tempted to find gloves so I can enjoy both! Although Bill knew I had changed my plans, my Utah visit was a surprise to Megan. She was surprised, as was Christen, her vademacum, roommate. I was glad to catch up with her/them, and Megan has been enjoying her work at MarketStar in South Jordan since Mid-March. She is successful, too, and now drives that trek a few times a day. At teh moment she misses Christen, so now will need to adapt to her surroundings and new acquaintances...especially as she moves [by July, we hope] to South Jordan area. In Utah, we stayed at Barbara's home for the quick visit, enjoying the area, people, and the Mt. Timpanogas Temple, and other commercial digs, and I did connect happily with Petersons as their granddaughter was born to Matt and Betsy while we were there. Could we possibly enjoy Utah as a stop on our way to full retirement? Perhaps. . . so we will continue to search and one day find where it is we need to be next. Classes for Summer begin--I returned home to start class the next day--I'd prepared before I left Hawaii for the trip--and I am happy with this small yet diligent class of 13 students. It was also time for Mormon Helping Hands Saturday, and Lindsey, Bill, and I had "done our publicity thing" in getting the stake ready for participation here on the Windward beaches of Oahu. Bill's new calling--his return to Hawaii brought a visit with President H. Ross Workman at the temple. . . Bill was interviewed, called as a sealer, and set apart. He will have the awesome responsibility and privilege of sealing both living and the dead. Truly a new and unexpected opportunity in his church service. He still serves as Hauula 3rd's Sunday School readout preparer, though :) Family times are treasured times. . . My Trevor was a Super Raider, we enjoyed 3 boys in Kahuku Elem. MayDay at the Cannon Center, with Kyle dressed as Woody in Toy Story, Devin as a Taiko-simulating Chinese drummer, and Trevor as a Sunday Best dresser in Sister Act. Kylee and Mason and Bryson were there too, even Bryson, Brysie, was dressed as a Woody, thanks to Halloween costuming!. We miss Avery, but he is enjoying his life in Australia with his mum and dad, swimming, learning rugby skills, and growing and growing! Erin is another zumba queen, so glad she can stay in shape in their brrrrrr!! wintertime!. School will be out soon here, so maybe some beach days and picnics at Nanna's are in store ? ? ? ? Loved the special cards and lei and dinner for Nanna/Mother's Day. Aaron and dad made the dinner so special for us. It was a Sunday I was supposed to teach. . . but bishop sent the ward home to enjoy their day with moms. Nice touch. Worked for me!!!! We love getting our home ready for spring, too. The new chairs, rugs, and hose winder on the lanai do give it a more finished look, and the red flowers make it ready for our coming Memorial Day holiday. All we need to set out is the flag. Betty visited briefly while here on Oahu to see Alana, and we all enjoyed so much some favorite hang outs--Kahuku Grill and Ono Yo--our frozen yogurt haven! Now I'm on my own again [which I don't mind], as SIFE team left for Kansas City last night. Bill has had his head there already for some time. Only a time [year?] or two left to support this, I keep telling myself. But, then I wonder what he'll find next for his full-time hobby? ? ? ? ? ? Time will tell.