It’s been only a week since I returned from Utah with hugs from my children and grandchildren but it was so wonderful to be with them even if for only a few days. My last walk along the mountains was beautiful!
I ended my stay in Utah Monday by going to Jim and Jenna’s for a hug and baby cuddles. While I was there, Kristin and Sophie brought over cucumbers from her garden so they could make pickles.
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| Kristin, Sophie, and Jim preparing the cucumbers for the pickle making |
That evening I ate an anniversary dinner with Kristin and her husband, Alan, and their children. We went to a Venezuelan restaurant. The food was delicious and the company great!
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| We ate at Venezuela Mia Restaurant and had delicious Friticas (fried yellow plantain) and Cachapa which is a traditional dish made from maize flour from Venezuela. They are popular at roadside stands. They are made like pancakes of fresh corn dough with cheese and corn kernals folded inside. |
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| A gorgeous sunset to end a wonderful day. |
I arrived back in Eugene in time to go to an interview where I was able to visit with a few missionaries.
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| Sister Crump picked me up at the Eugene airport and got a picture of me standing by the Oregon Buckerette Duck. |
That evening, I picked up my daughter, Katie, to begin a fun filled week.
(It has been a hot week in Eugene with 3 days over 100 and the rest in the 90”s. It has been smoky and hazy all week too with fires in the area but it was clear enough that I felt comfortable walking in the mornings. It began to clear a little by Thursday but only a very little. Even better on Friday but hazy and smoky again by Sunday.)
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| We were in the red most of the week. |
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| Red sun on my morning walk due to the smoke |
Wednesday we spent the morning in the office. I did some work while Katie read and visited with missionaries who came and went through the office. At noon we met Sisters Crouch and Sutherland at Off the Waffle for lunch.
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| Interesting savory waffles |
Back to the office and then tacos for dinner and games before bed.
Thursday we were in the office all day,
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| Sister Sutherland and our weekly matching outfits. She wore a great skirt to go with my shirt. LOL |
Thursday evening we met some sisters for dinner in Cottage Grove which is about a 30 minute drive south. We had Thai food and fun chatter.
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| Sisters Palmer, Jimenez-Canett, and Richins |
Friday I worked more on my weekly report for the President and Sister Cornelius and the area doctor. We left the office about 2:30 to go prepare for a quick night and day on the coast.
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| Sister and Elder Klaass are finishing their mission this week so we got a picture of the “office missionaries” before we left. Elder Klaass, Sister Klaass, Sister Crump and Elder Crump |
We didn’t get out of Eugene until 3:30-4:00. I had some calls that delayed us a little. We drove to Bandon. It is a 2 ½ hour drive. We arrived in time for a meal in a Mexican restaurant but we were late for the sunset. It was windy and almost cold but it felt really good after the hot days in Eugene.
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| I don’t know the name of this bridge but I like it. It is on the way to Bandon. |
We drove to the jetty where we were able to walk down to the water and get some beautiful orange skies in the west over the Pacific.
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| Coquille River Lighthouse |
Saturday morning we walked from our hotel down onto the beach catching a different perspective in the day light.
We spent a couple of hours and covered a good 3 miles of sand along with some wading on my part and more pictures before we had to check out at 11:00.
We went into Old Town Bandon and had fish and chips, walked through the town and shopped in little touristy shops. It was really fun!
We drove to Cape Blanco Lighthouse but the wind was blowing it seemed with gale storm velocity. It was difficult to remain upright so we only snapped a few pics from a distance and got back into the car and headed to Florence.
In Florence, we again had fish and chips for dinner. The second meal was better than the first but when in Rome…. Had to get all of the fresh fish and chips we could.
We walked around Bandon for a little bit into and out of shops and then REALLY blew the diet with ice cream. No picture though. Just use your imagination – chocolate peanut butter with peanut butter cups. You now know my weakness! Ate it before I thought of taking a picture. LOL
Sunday we attended church. My ward had a linger-longer after the meetings. People whose last name started with A to G were to bring main course dishes. Last name H to N to bring sides. Last name O-Z to bring dessert. My P name meant dessert so I made chocolate chip coconut microwave bars Saturday evening after we got home. I didn’t want to heat up the house by turning on the oven and these cookie bars cooked in the microwave are one of my faves.
Sunday afternoon, my sister and her husband, Sister and Elder Barker, arrived to begin their mission. They will be working in the office taking over as Sister and Elder Klaass will leave Tuesday morning. It will be fun having my family working with me here in Eugene. I’ll see them in the office in the morning.
Throughout the week, I’ve thought about my time with my family in Utah, the enjoyment I’ve had with Katie, and now my sister and her husband arriving to begin their mission. I am so blessed!
My Savior lived and died to show me the way and through His teachings and example, I have the opportunity to enjoy my family through eternity. I want to do everything in my power to become more like my Savior. I want to become more kind, loving, and patient. I want to follow that path of righteousness that will take me home to my Heavenly Father and family. I want to obey the commandments to the best of my ability and to honor the covenants I have made in baptism and in the temple. I have much work before me but I trust in the Lord and I know that he will lift and support me in all I do if I do it with righteousness.
I love my Savior.
I love you my family and friends.
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