Albequerque Temple

We took more family names to the Temple in Albequerqe.  We were lucky enough to be able to do some initory again, which takes less time but still be able to have a temple experience.

Next to the Temple was a distribution center and also a little restroom area where I could wash my hair - which was much needed, although frizzy afterward.  It was such a blessing to have found that spot and we could sprits the wrinkles from Dean's new pants and shirt that we purchased next door.  I wish all temples had this wonderful addition.  As we came and went there were many families that took advantage of the waiting area next to the restrooms.  I guess they have patrons in their district from abou 5 hours away.  This convenience is a necessity for them.

As we got to the door to enter, I realized that I had left my phone with my recommend in back at the van.  Dean went back to get it.  The security guard quickly met him.  It is wonderful to know that since they must need one, someone watching over the van, and the dogs, gave us a good feeling.
The dogs are getting better at being left in the van, and are good to rest on the floor between us while driving.

Oklahoma Temple

What a wonderful experience it was for us to attend the Oklahoma City Temple.

They had a lot of younger workers, and I love that.  They bring such a fresh feeling to the experience.  Dean and I both were with people in training and it helped me pay more attention.
I visited with Kara, one of those training in initory, and Brittany Anderson's (Glitchen Shumway) cousin.  She was delightful, and even took me on a tour of the baptistry.  It has India blanket flower, golden wheat, and other symbols from the area.  The other sign in the window, in the far right of this image, was also an Indian sign which means "God be with you."

We had a great time in Oklahoma City but we found out we got out of Sterling just in time.  After Alexis ballgame an ice storm hit.  It was bad enough that they cancelled school the next day and also any ballgames they had planned.  The wind caught up with us there in Oklahoma City but it really wasn't too bad.  It as cold enough I had to put on my cover from Cracker Barrell that I had purchased that morning. 

I had driven until I got tired and pulled over to sleep in the parking lot of Cracker Barrell on the outskirts of town.  Fun to find a grey fancy shirt and this pull over cover. 

Old Town Albuquerque

  On the way home from Kimberly and Josh's we chose to go low in the US and visit Albeturkey (yes, that's what my dad always called it and I always laughed with him - so now that's what I call it.

 The trip was not nearly as long as I would have hoped but we spent some time in old town and took a few pictures.  We got there close to closing time so we rushed in as many places as we could get into , making sure to go around the corner to find a bathroom, and then we got back into the van and cooked a little supper - or chef salad.

This is just exactly what I pictured retirement to look like.  I can do this all day - every day.  I enjoyed Old Town, and the little park.  I would like to now move on as quickly and instead spend a few days in each location.  Dean doesn't seem to want to do this however.  We will need to figure that out as we make our future plans.

Oklahoma City

We stopped at the Oklahoma City National Museum and walked a bit.  I didn't want to go inside because I just thought it would be too emotional and it was hard enough to realize what happened there from the scenes outside.

We visited where the building was before it was blown up and looked at the monuments and displays they had put in place since that terrible scene.  It is sad that these kinds of things happen and we should not forget.

We planned to see the river walk with all the lights.  I had found it online and saw pictures and it was so beautiful.  We grabbed something to eat but when we were done a cold front had come in and we opted to do a walk in the daylight.  We enjoyed the little walk and Dean said it reminded him of one of the walks he took in San Antonio.  We quit early because even the dogs were done.

We quickly got on the road again, in an effort to get out of the storms. 

Just a little shopping

I woke up early and got done miles behind us but when it was morning we had to find a bathroom.  Cracker Barrell is always à great place to stop.

Wrapping up Kansas

While Dean finished the outlets in the basement, I packed the van.  I went and ate school lunch with the little girls then at 2:30 we got the three younger out of school to go to Alexis' basketball game.  She had some awesome moments.
We left a bit early to make sure we were set up for our Gathering but forgot about the time change so we even had time to study scriptures for a while.
Afterwards we tried to set up camp but I couldn't sleep so I took a further down the road.  The winds were gusting and it was a very cold 2 degrees but we did fine.  When I got too cold I drove a bit further, making good time and ahead of schedule.

Time to See the World

Possibly one of the rules about taking pictures is making where you took them.  I have no idea where this is at, but adding it on the blog 5 years later makes me want to go back.  

I assume this was where we slept on the way home from a trip to Sterling, KS.
 

Cooking and laundry....

It's hard to please everyone with ten eating but the noodles and gravy came as close as we got.  The creamed eggs, and breakfast cinnamon rice came in next.

Syncing watches

Kim got a Fitbit for Christmas which made Grandma's watch a close second.
After a couple of days, it was obvious we needed more.  I ordered two sets of three of a cheaper watch.
Viv was not happy as the new one wasn't as easy as Grandma's.
Post script:. I was informed the older three might enjoy a watch too so after we left three more were delivered.

Modicon

Yes, Dean thinks he is funny.  A process controller that he used out at the plant, the Modicon took the spotlight on the Rubicon.  Very few people get it, but when they do, they laugh with us.

Assignments:

While Dean helped prep and paint the dining room, I was given the task of making winter headbands.  I could do my part while watching Hallmark movies.

A walk to the park....

I think we were manipulated.  Lol.  But the rest for G&G turned out to be a blessing.

Wheat sugar cookies....

Close to a total fail, but they still got eaten.  A better choice would have been to go buy flour, but the kids had a ball.

Fixing light switches of fan and lights

All of the guys teamed up to get the three-way switch from fan to light.  Success #1.

Merry Christmas 2019

This was an interesting year for me.

Merry Christmas

 Christmas Eve traditional Joy School dramatization.  We had to go through it twice because we had two Mary's.

Hair time/reading time

Spending time with the littles, Dean has done super well with the noise and commotion.  The two little girls have loved spending time with him.

Sleeping on the summit

Lunch at the Beaver Creamery

After visiting with family we are on our way.  Do we know how to slow down and have fun?  Can we change our lifestyle to seriously stop and smell the roses?

We will stop at an undecided location we want to explore and attend church wherever we are.

Wood's meet up in Beaver

Yesterday we stopped in Dixie and were able to spend time with all St. George siblings and Mom and say hello to Rob's family as we pulled out.

Today, we changed our plans and instead of going south to four corners will take I-70.  Wood siblings met at the creamery in Beaver for a Christmas family lunch.  It was so nice to see everyone again.

We exchanged gifts.  Lori outdid herself with a portrait that we didn't get to see but I can imagine is wonderful.  We have such amazing families.