Lonely

Okay folks, how do you deal with loneliness?  I've moved to a new town, live near my daughter and her family,  and active in church; however, I still spend a majority of my time alone.  I'm beginning to think that I'm socially inept.  I'm open to any suggestions or ideas.

Yard Work

For 22 years I had little patio to do my gardening in.  I wasn't very successful as a gardener.  I tried a variety of things.  My yellow climbing rose hung in there in spite of me which I didn't get a picture of. 

Now that I have a house, my gardening challenges have been expanded.  Just the other day I did manage to water the front and back yard in one day.  I have watered the front yard a few more times than the back yard.  I think I'll challenge my gardening skills next year.

Front Yard

Back Yard

Moving In

Let's see, in my last blog I hinted that I had found a cute house.  I bought it at the end of January and was able to move in the middle of June.  However, Jared hadn't finished my bathroom until July.  I had a toilet and vanity, but no shower.  I'd go over to Jeanne's at night to shower. 

January 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 2014

Between April and June I was in Livermore, California, with Carolyn.  I was making final arrangements to move my belongings to North Platte, Nebraska.  I had everything packed up in storage for two years so it was just a matter of transporting it.  The best method was hiring a moving company.

Packing up in Livermore

Unpacking in North Platte

Just to keep things clear, my things only filled up the part behind the ship.  The drive had two other loads packed in his van to deliver.








My days are occupied with unpacking, arranging and rearranging.  While I was in California, Jeanne painted my living, main bedroom, and part of the kitchen.  Now I get to paint.

This is what the bathroom looked like when I purchased the house. Not bad.

This is after Jared replaced the window, tub, vanity, toilet, and floor.  Nice, huh.  I will be painting it a powder blue.

Catching Up

I have fallen behind in my blogging.  Since my last entry I have completed my mission, returned to California, and now I am in Nebraska.

Utah celebrates Pioneer Day.  It is the 24th of July and commemorates the Mormon pioneers entering the Salt Lake Valley in 1847.

target practice with a hatchet

In August Sister Bews and I volunteered two days in Clarkston, Utah, at "The Man Who Knew ... Martin Harris" pageant.

We also visited Hill Aerospace Museum near Ogden at Hill Air Force Base.

Wright brothers in the background

Flying Tiger

women serving

In September I started deciding what I need to pack up and who to send it to.  Some things I could go to Carolyn and be put in storage.  Other items I would need in Nebraska, especially the cold weather clothes.

In October Sister Bews received her flight itinerary for going home in November.  They were able to fly her right into Abbotsford, British Columbia, about 20 minute drive from her home.

November saw our mission come to an end.  Sister Bews and I went through the Salt Lake Temple with the Mission President, his wife and other departing missionaries.  We also went to the Mission Farewell Fireside and I brought Sister Gaines along who is from Livermore.










November 9th Carolyn arrived in Logan to help me close up the apartment and go home to Livermore.  First we had to do some sightseeing in Logan.

Logan Tabernacle

Logan Temple

We hit the road for California on November 14th.  Did you know there is a pay phone at the Donner Pass Visitors' Center?  I didn't think any where left.  We stopped in Auburn to visit our friends the Axelsens. 

I spent a month in Livermore before going to North Platte.  Enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner with my brother and his family.   Carolyn flew out with me on December 21st.  I was able to share Christmas with both my daughters.

January I started my house hunting.  I found a cute little place that is just right for me.  My son-in-law is going to fix up the bathroom.  Jeanne and I will be repainting.  I'll move my stuff from Livermore to North Platte in the spring.

4 July -- Independence Day :-)

Last night we watch the fireworks that were set off at the USU stadium.  We were invited by  Elder and Sister Kingsford to join them and their family.  They had an excellent view.  Their home is in North Logan and looks across a field to the USU campus.

Line of cars leaving the fireworks--coming down the hill and along the street.

Last year I thought they didn't have music to go with the fireworks. It turns out I was wrong; KVNU plays the musical background. The show didn't start until after 10pm--it doesn't get dark here until late. The line of traffic after the show was well orchestrated by the local police department. It was midnight by the time we arrived backed at the apartment.

Today the ward had a flag ceremony and pancake breakfast. This evening we are joining a candidate and his family for a potluck dinner, a sing-along, and watching the Lewiston Fireworks.

Wow, two nights of fireworks.  Hopefully we'll get back to the apartment a little earlier tonight because it is back to the Center tomorrow.

6 July -- Cruise-In

The weekend following the Fourth of July the city of Logan has a Cruise-in. It starts Thursday night and goes through Saturday. Classic and vintage cars come to town and are shown off in the fairgrounds. At the end of the day on Saturday, a rebuilt car is given away. This year it is '69 Dodge Super Bee. The whole event is concluded with a parade of cars crusing down Main Street in Logan.

We went over this afternoon to walk around and view all the cars on display. I was a little disappointed because I was hoping to see antique cars. A majority of the cars were mid '50s through early '70s. Beautiful paint jobs and souped up engines. Chevys and Fords seemed to be the favorites. Sister Bews saw several cars that reminded her of family. I didn't see any that reminded me of my youth--no '54 Ford Fairlane, no Ramblers, no Packards, no '60 Chevy Malibu, no Dodge Coronet. I did see an old Studabaker; we had a '49 Studabaker in the Philippines. There were a couple fun cars there.

Remember the drive-in.

An original woodie.

 

Shotgun seat is a toilet.

8 June -- Gardner's Market & Willow Park Zoo

Today we finally made it to the farmer's market here in Logan. I have to say that I was a little disappointed. There were lots of craft booths, but not as much produce. After pursuing through the market, we went over to the local zoo. It isn't very big, but it is still fun to visit. Most of the animals there are native to North America. Lots of birds. One of the more unusual exhibits were the Pet Rocks. Don't know what there is about zoos, but I always enjoy visiting them no matter how big or small.