Staying in Touch During a Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has shut most of the world down. Thankfully, there are ways of staying in touch during the pandemic. Julie, Kate, and Susie have been using social media to talk with me. Recently we had a little impromptu fashion show. 

It began with Kate sending me a text with a photo of herself in a cute horsey tee shirt.

And then a Marco Polo where she described the horse on her shirt and told me about the "lines" on it. (I think she meant the reins.)

Sweet little Susie chimed in, just to say she loved me.

I decided that I would send a Marco Polo back and show Kate my own tee shirt.  She loves rabbits and bunnies even more than unicorns and horses, so I grabbed the only article of clothing that I own that is even remotely connected to bunnies.

My Jackalope tee shirt, a tongue in cheek gift from my friend, Nancy Kelly. (Nancy knows I really dislike unicorns, and the tee shirt says "Jackalope - Not everyone can be a unicorn.")

 Well, that opened the door to three more Marco Polos.

Next I got to see Kate's color changing sequin unicorn shirt. "It goes easily back from gold to silver," she explained as she ran her hands up and down the sequins.

Julie got on, only she didn't want to show me her clothes, she wanted to discuss her passion, birds. (Including the fact that some cultures make soup out of birds' nests.) She also told me about the juvenile robin that had spent some time on their patio but then "Its mom and dad found it" so everything was okay.

I slipped over to the bush in our yard where a robin is making a nest and sent back another Marco Polo showing Julie that nest, a hummingbird nest from last year that we'd found when we'd trimmed our clematis a few days ago, and the barn swallows' nest in the arch over our porch. (And where two bluebirds roosted at night last winter.)

As I stay home during the pandemic, I sometimes feel isolated, even with Craig and Pepper around to keep me company. I am very grateful for social media that allows me to stay in touch with family and friends. Talking about everyday, normal-life things like tee shirts and birds' nests brings some normalcy into the craziness of the world right now.

My Penpal, Pepper: Adventures in Walking

Hallo, Mama!

I hope you and Dad and the kitties and Ursula are faring well during this pandemic. We are doing fine, and I love all the extra time I get with Lynn and Craig because they aren't going anywhere - they stay home all day long which means more family time! 

They tell me that they are trying to stay healthy, and so naturally, since I am concerned about that myself, I have suggested that we go on more than our three walks a day. They smile at me and say, "Oh, Pepper! You are so goofy!" and then they grab the leash and away we go.

Works every time. Just sayin'. 

And how I love to go down by the lake and listen to the fountain splashing, and then on the walking path. Our first stop on the walk is to visit Annie, a big chocolate Lab who likes to come up to the fence and bark at me. Lynn tells me to stay back as it may take some time for Annie to warm up. She's kind of old and maybe just a bit grouchy.

After Annie's home, we head down the path and our next stop is at Luna and Zeus's home. Luna is a yellow Lab and Zeus is a black Lab. Luna is the boss and always has a tennis ball in her mouth. Sometimes those balls pop out and sail through the fence, so we throw them back to her. Luna and Zeus bark a little, but they also wag their tails madly at me and we have become good friends.

Next up is Bella's home. She is a black Lab mix who reminds me a lot of Lisa's dog, Molly, because she is very timid. Her parents told us that she is a rescue and that we are welcome to pet her through the fence. Oh, how Bella loves that! She flops onto her back so Lynn can rub her belly. Bella and I also love to play by running back and forth by the fence. I think that, next to Nacho, Bella is my best friend.

Speaking of Nacho, I go over to his grandparents' home once or twice a week for a few hours so I can play with him. Kathy gives him a few hours off every day to "just be a dog," as she calls it. Mary Anne and Bill love to have us both because we play, play, play. (Nacho sneaks in some kisses when they are not looking, too. Be still my beating heart!)

During one of our walks at the park, I found the best ball ever. Even though Lynn had one of my tennis balls in her pocket, I wanted to play with this new ball. (There are still a lot on the living room floor, but now three have been moved to the back yard and two to the front porch. Add in the one in Lynn's coat pocket and that means only seventeen are on the living room floor. Lynn says that is STILL too many. I tell her she is unreasonable and that I need my balls. After all, you never know when someone is going to throw one your way!)

ANYWAY! I found a ball at the park on one of our walks. I'm going to let you listen to Lynn and Kathy tell the story - they used it in a remote learning lesson that they made for another teacher friend. 

Such a beautiful ball that was! I asked Lynn if she would buy me one just like it, but she said that the tennis balls were more "durable." Not sure what that means, but there's no changing Lynn's mind so I won't get another soccer ball. Doggone it!

Wait a minute! Lynn got so busy writing that she forgot it was past time for my first walk of the day! I have to go fix that mistake right away!

Stay healthy, Mom. I love you!

Pepperoo

Volunteer Teaching During the Pandemic

(This is a non-horsey post.)

The COVID-19 pandemic has shut whole communities down, including ours. Most heartbreaking for me was the fact that Indiana's governor ordered all schools closed for the remainder of the school year. I completely agree with doing that, but still my heart aches for the kids, the teachers, and all of those involved in teaching the kids. (I am proud to say that my school corporation is paying all laid off hourly workers their normal pay until the end of the school year.)

I've wanted to give back in some way as the pandemic progresses, but since I have a compromised immune system, I have to stay home. I'm not even doing my own grocery shopping - Lisa does that for us and drops it off. But my friend and fellow teacher, Kathy, came up with an idea to help the overstressed teachers who are trying to keep their students' learning going via remote learning.

Kathy, Nacho, and me after teaching a lesson together at school.

Kathy and I have done a lot of collaborative teaching during our careers. Currently she is teaching high school English half time while mentoring the 80+ new teachers that were hired for the current school year. She put out an email to them that, if anyone wanted, she would prepare lessons and teach them to their students, and she asked me if I would help her teach those lesson.

It's been a lot of fun to dust off my teaching chops ands them, but even better, I feel I am helping and contributing as I help these new teachers out. Just for fun, here are two lessons that Kathy and I taught.

This teacher asked us to teach a lesson about story elements to her second grade classroom.

And this teacher, also one who has second graders, asked us to read aloud a story. Since Kathy is blind, she asked me to be the one to do the read aloud.

We are both amateurs when it comes to filming, but the message gets across. And I feel like I am doing some small part during this terrible pandemic to give back and help.

Now, we have our fingers crossed that we are not asked to prepare and film a lesson on something like dissecting a frog or acid base reaction tests, or something of that ilk!

Melissa's Quiet Book - In Progress

Our community has been sheltering in place for three weeks now due to COVID-19, the coronavirus. It's been a good time to get some work done on Melissa's quiet book. I make one for every grandchild's first birthday and she will turn one on June 19. (This is my twenty-first book.)

My horse room doubles as my sewing room, and I need a lot of working space for a quiet book. I spread out on my craft table and onto my desk.

Those white storage chests under my desk hold more sewing supplies. Thread and bobbins are on the desk so I can find them easily - each page necessitates multiple changes of thread. (That is Pepper sprawled and sound asleep in her dog bed.)

I always ask the family for input on a quiet book. Since Kyle, Ashley, and their family live in Florida, Kyle suggested that I make it "sunny themed." Braden, Addie, Corinne, and Whitney went one better. They laid their quiet books out in front of Melissa so that she could choose her own pages!

And Corinne likes her own book so much that she asked me to make hers again for Melissa. 

Taking their ideas into account, I began flipping through my pattern books and planning the pages. I try to have little tweaks and nods to family members in a quiet book, and this page is a pretty big nod to me. 

 The ears and forelock are not stitched down and very tactile. 

And, you can feed the horse carrots! In another nod to a family member, Aunt Jessica, a dental hygienist, is sending me a baby toothbrush so that you can brush the horse's teeth, too! I drew this pattern so it is uniquely Melissa's. (I got the idea from an opened mouth giraffe photo I saw online.)

 I made this vibrantly colored fish using color changing sequin fabric. I could play with it all day.

This is another pattern that I designed and drew up myself. (I am still picking up sequins from the carpet after cutting the fish out!)

 This is a swimsuit cover-up that can be buttoned and unbuttoned. 

The yellow apples are a tweak to my parents' apple orchard. When they were young, our kids loved visiting the orchard. My dad would hitch up a wagon to the tractor and give them rides up and down the rows of trees. And since my favorite apple is the Yellow Delicious, the fabric also a little bit of a reference to me, too.

 An old favorite is also being included at the family's request - the dress up page. The doll isn't done, but her dresses are. The horseshoes will make them think of me, and Kyle will smile at the orange dress - he's a big fan of the University of Illinois and its colors are orange and blue.

Four pages are done and ready to stitch into the quiet book's pages, and the other eight are in various stages of completion. My goal is to finish the quiet book by the end of this month.

We were going to head down to Florida the first week in May for Corinne's baptism, but those plans have been nixed due to COVID-19. I don't know when I will give it to Melissa now; I may even have to mail it instead of getting to see her open it in person. 

General Conference - Sunday Afternoon Session

Conducting: Henry B. Eyring, First Presidency


Tabernacle Choir: Praise to the Man


Prayer: Kevin R. Duncan, Seventy


Tabernacle Choir: The Daydawn is Breaking


Elder Dallin H. Oaks, First Presidency
A divine plan to enable all to return to Him. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is central to Heavenly Father's plan. We saw the end from the beginning and chose His plan. The power of the Atonement: 1) We can be cleansed of sins. 2) Christ took upon all mortal infirmities. We can bear them as a result. 3) The Savior revokes the finality of death and gives us the assurance that all will be resurrected. The opportunity to be with our family eternally. 4) Our progress does not conclude with mortality. The power to create life is the biggest power given to humankind by God. 


Elder Quentin L. Cook, Quorum of the Twelve
Had a revelation that Elder Holland would be called to the Quorum of the Twelve. He had been Elder Holland's senior companion. At the time of the call, Elder Cook was a Regional Representative. All the standard works contain the mind and the will of the Lord for us. The seminal role of the Holy Ghost is to bear witness of the Father and The Son and their missions. 


Elder Ricardo P. Gimenez, Seventy
Firefighter in Santiago, Chile. The time will come for each of us when we will face unexpected challenges. There is only one refuge from the storm, one provided by Heavenly Father - Jesus Christ. Suffering is universal. How we react to it is individual. With His stripes we are healed. 


Tabernacle Choir: I Know that My Redeemer Lives


Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Quorum of the Twelve
The Church is structured to help us practice the principles of discipleship. Come and join us, serve with us. There is a place in God's Church for all of His children. There is no threshold for membership. God does not show favoritism. He knows your heart. We learn through repenting from our mistakes. God uses the weak and the plain to bring about His purposes. You don't have to be perfect; you only have to have a desire to serve Him.


Elder L. Whitney Clayton, Seventy
Transform our homes through scripture study.As we continue in faith, the Lord gradually changes us. A home can be a refuge from the storms in life. 


D. Todd Christofferson
Love, example, and use of Book of Mormon will help others accept the invitation to join us. Story of a young man trying to burn the Book of Mormon and hearing a voice say, "Go to your room and read my book." He did and converted. 


President Russell M. Nelson
Sum up of the things announced during this conference. Hear Him! Promised decreased fear with increased faith. I can still draw upon the power of my endowment despite the fact that all temples are closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. New temples: 8 new! Argentina, Tallahassee, Florida, Demo of Congo, Pittsburgh, Nigeria, Utah, Dubai, Shanghai, China. Conferred an Apostolic blessing: peace, desire to repent and become like Him, to know Joseph Smith is a prophet, blessing of healing consistent with the will of the Lord.


Tabernacle Choir: WeThank Thee, Oh, God, for a Prophet


Prayer: Elder Lynn G. Robbins, Seventy

General Conference Saturday Night Session

Special session for members aged 11 and older.


Conducting: Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Quorum of the Twelve


Tabernacle Choir: Let Zion in her Beauty Rise


Prayer: Kyle S. McKay


Tabernacle Choir: Lead Kindly Light


Elder Gerrit W. Gong, Quorum of the Twelve
Begin at the beginning, grow and improve and become like the Savior. Palm Sunday. Jesus entered Jerusalem in a way that the Jews would recognize who He was based on prophecy. Some Jews set a place for Elijah during Passover. Passover celebrates the liberation of Israel after 400 years of bondage. Represents Christ overcoming death. (Blood of lamb daubed on lintels.) Today we celebrate resurrection and restoration. "I have graven thee upon the palms of my hand." Line upon line, kindness upon kindness.


Laudy R. Kaouk, YW from Slate Ward
Youngest of eight children, only one left at home. That has been hard. Received a blessing from her father. The ordinances of the priesthood bless out lives. Patriarchal blessings help us to see our potential and God's plan for me. They are a Liahona for ourselves.


Enzo S. Petelo, YM from ? 
Full blessings of the atonement come through the priesthood. DC 135 - blessings to youth. It can be tough to follow and do, but there is strength in interacting with other priesthood holders. Follow Nephi's example to go and do.


Sr. Jean B. Bingham, General Relief Society President
Roles of men and women are different. Not competitive, but complementary. Unity is necessary to work together in this work, but it doesn't always happen. We have to work at it. Work together. Women are essential partners in the work of salvation.


Tabernacle Choir & Congregation: I am a Child of God


Elder Henry B. Eyring, Quorum of the Twelve
Dedication of Kirtland temple, recounting of those who appeared from heaven. The power of the Lord to lead His people in His work. Things were and are done in order. DC 110. When we work to solve one gospel problem, we open the door for more revelation and progress. Line upon line, precept upon precept. Sacrifice often brings continued blessings that we did not foresee. He invites us to the work and joins us in it. He has a plan.


Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Quorum of the Twelve
The priesthood is a divine authority held in trust to be used as God needs. Should not refer to men as "the priesthood." Call them "priesthood holders." The priesthood is used to perpetuate family relationships into the eternities. Priesthood ordinances are available to men and women alike. The priesthood is exercised under the direction of priesthood leaders. Moses, Elias, and Elijah restored the keys to this dispensation. Look to the fruits.


President Russell M. Nelson, Prophet
Restoration began 200 years ago. 16 million members now. We accomplish much good around the globe. This is not the church of Joseph Smith or of Mormon. It is the Church of Jesus Christ. We now use the correct name of the Church. New symbol for the Church. Tomorrow is Palm Sunday and we enter Easter week. Put our faith into action. Doctrine of fasting is ancient and has been practiced by the earliest prophets. Calling for another worldwide fast. Fast, pray, and unite our faith and pray for relief from this global pandemic on Good Friday, April 10. Caregivers protected, the economy strengthened, and life to return to normal. Pleas for healing throughout the world.


Tabernacle Choir: Hark, All Ye Nations


Prayer: Sr. Kristina B. Franco, Primary Counselor

General Conference: Saturday Afternoon Session

Conducting: President Henry B. Eyring


Tabernacle Choir: High on a Mountain Top


Prayer:


Dallin H. Oakes, presentation of names of General Authorities, officers, etc. for sustaining.


Audit report by Kevin R. Jergenson


Tabernacle Choir: As I Search the Holy Scriptures


Elder Ulisses Soares, Quorum of the Twelve
The restoration is a miraculous process. The bringing forth of the Book of Mormon began long before  it came forth. Joseph was directed to the plates by an angel unlike other archaeological discoveries. Attempts were made to steal the plates from him. When Elder Soares studied the Book of Mormon to know if it was true, he felt a warm feeling spread all over him. It turned into knowledge, took root in his heart, and is his keystone that sustains his faith in Christ.


John A. McCune, Seventy
Got to hold a page from the original Book of Mormon manuscript, the one that has 1 Nephi 3:7 on it.  Son fell while long boarding and sustained a life threatening brain injury. Family knelt to pray, didn't know if he would live. (They were all on a mission.) Two month recovery and challenges remain. Witnessed a miracle. Come unto Christ - when we make covenants with Him, we become His. Our ability to help others come unto Christ will come largely from our example of living a Christ-like life. Lehi did not leave the tree of life; he stayed there and invited his family to come there.


Gerald Causse, Presiding Bishop
The Living Christ statue (like the one on the player piano) was unusual for the time period when most artists depicted a suffering Christ. This one depicts him as the living Christ. Plain and precious truths resound through the Book of Mormon. There is no pain or anguish that Christ did not suffer for us. Receive essential ordinances and keep sacred covenants. Qualify to live with God and inherit all that He has for us. He died for each one of us personally as though I was the only person on the earth. The process of sanctification makes you a different person, patterned after the Savior.


Tabernacle Choir: Rejoice, the Lord is King


Elder Dale E. Rendlund, Quorum of the Twelve
A grandfather received his grandson's heart in a heart transplant after the boy was killed by a train. Deliverance in our afflictions. Deliverance helps us come to know God. What does it take for us to be drawn to the Father? Christ stands with open arms, hoping and willing to heal, purify, and sanctify us.  This should give us a new heart and prompt us to follow Heavenly Father.  Seek to align our will to His.  Remember every day the great things that have been done for me and bind myself to them.



Benjamin M. Z. Tai, Seventy
Christ is the master healer. Burmese priesthood leader had no Book of Mormon in his native language so he used a children's Book of Mormon and translated it into his own language. He felt the spirit and knew it was true. Being true to the gospel is the essence of testimony. Immerse yourself daily in the Book of Mormon.



Elder Gary E. Stevenson, Quorum of the Twelve
History of building the Salt Lake Temple. He presided over an assessment of the Salt Lake Temple to see if it met modern standards for seismic activity. Recommended an upgrade for seismic safety.  Using base isolation technology. This structurally strengthens the temple even when the grounds around it are moving in an earthquake. How could this inspire us to undergo our own restructuring and upgrading? What does my foundation look like? What are my spiritual cornerstones?


Tabernacle Choir: Redeemer of Israel


Prayer:  

General Conference: Saturday Morning Session

Commemorating the 200th anniversary of the First Vision.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, all music was prerecorded. Only the speakers are present and they are seated apart from each other. (Called "social distancing.")


Conducting: Dallin H. Oaks


Tabernacle Choir: The Morning Breaks


Prayer: Richard J. Maynes


Mormon Tabernacle Choir: It is Well with My Soul


President Russel M. Nelson
Didn't know that this would be happening when he promised it would be a memorable and unforgettable conference or that he would be speaking to an empty auditorium.

"If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear." Fill our spiritual storehouses with faith and testimony. Stand in holy places and be not moved. Live so that you can hear the messages that the Lord has for you so that all will be well.

After the Sunday morning session, there will be a global solemn assembly. There will be a hosanna shout. Have a white handkerchief if you have one.


Elder M. Russell Ballard
Told the story of Joseph's birth and early family. Second Great Awakening is what the religious fervor of the time was called and what prompted him to pray. James 1:4. Recounted the First Vision and what Joseph Smith did afterward. Obtained, translated, and published the Book of Mormon. Hyrum was a faithful brother. Sealed his testimony with his brother. Martyrs at Carthage Jail. Joseph sealed his mission and testimony with his own blood. We should always remember the price they paid, along with others who died, that we might have what we have today.

Elder James Rasband
Where would I turn for peace? The truths of the Book of Mormon have the power to heal and succor. Christ's sacrifice fulfills all the demands of justice. The story of Alma the Younger's journey of faith. Glad tidings of great joy. The Savior can mend what we cannot fix, heal what we cannot heal. But, we still need to make the effort, too.


Joy D. Jones, General Primary President
President Nelson taught that it is impossible to measure the affect sisters have had on the Church. It is our turn - we have a divine errand from the Lord that we need to do. Film clip of President Nelson speaking to some Primary kids from the Smith home. The Lord loves effort. He doesn't expect perfection but He does want us to move forward with effort, hard work, and study. Offer up the desires of our hearts to God. He knows each of us by name and has individual roles for us to fulfill. We have divine potential and eternal worth. Learning is integral to progression. Use the Holy Ghost to help us. We have direct access to the power of God through our covenants and the priesthood power.

After Sr. Jones' talk, Emily posted this on our family chat.

Mormon Tabernacle Choir: Come, Ye Children of the Lord


Elder Neal A. Anderson
I missed most of this talk as our neighbor called me. It's her 45th wedding anniversary and I'd dropped some flowers off at her home earlier.


Elder Douglas E. Holmes, YM Counselor
YM/YW program's purpose is to help the gospel settle deep into the hearts of our youth. We don't find or walk the covenant path alone. To effectively serve others, we must see them as God sees them.  We must choose repentance for ourselves, we are not forced. Choose what is right, not simply do what is right. The YM/YW program empowers the youth. Teach them how to lead and then get out of their way.


Tabernacle Choir: Oh, How Lovely was the Morning


President Henry B. Eyring
He will lift us so we can rise to challenges and opportunities. The work we are accomplishing is of vast importance and calls on all the saints' abilities. Joseph Smith is an example as to how to grow in spiritual power. He prayed in faith throughout his ministry to obtain prophetic revelation. We need to practice the same pattern. Always remember Him. (Sacrament prayer.) The answer Joseph Smith received when he first prayed changed the world. Satan tried to thwart that prayer because that prayer was so important. The enemy will try to stop us/keep us from praying. Like Joseph Smith, Enos is a model for praying.


Tabernacle Choir: Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing


Closing Prayer: Michelle Craig, YW Counselor

Surgery Prep

As my surgery approaches, I have been following the news about COVID-19 carefully. Since my surgery is not an emergency, it is considered elective, and some hospitals in the area are no longer performing elective surgeries in order to free up rooms and doctors for patients ill with this newest coronavirus.

I went down to Indianapolis to meet with my surgeon a couple of weeks ago and had my preops done while I was there. They expire a month after they have been done; if my surgery has to be postponed, then I may have to do them all over again. (Would my insurance cover that expense? Or would I have to? A question to ask, for sure!)

The rolling bag containing all my preop/preparation devices and prescriptions that they gave me along with my purse while I was at the surgeon's office. 

Some of my preparation materials.

Yesterday, the surgeon's office called me to let me know that my surgery was still scheduled but I was cautioned that, "Things can change quickly." I asked if I should begin drinking my Impact Immunonutrition, a prescription drink that is very expensive. I am supposed to drink three of them a day. I was directed to go ahead and start.

I do hope that I can have the surgery as scheduled. While I am a little self conscious about the "baby bump" (as Craig and I call it) that is so visible, there is a bigger issue than that. The bulge is so large that, while I can still snap my jeans, pants, and skirts, it is VERY uncomfortable when I do so. That makes it hard to go out in public. (Although I am staying home most of the time in order to stay healthy for the surgery. I don't want to postpone it like I had to in August.)

I guess time will tell; in the meantime, I am on pins and needles as I prepare. Wish me luck!

My Penpal Pepper: Life is Good!

Hallo, Mom!

I hope this finds you doing well, especially with all this COVID-19 craziness going on. Lynn has assured me that we have enough toilet paper to get us through, so we have just been hanging around the house and enjoying the peace and quiet! You know, like this!

Me stretched out on my back, legs akimbo and sound asleep, on Craig and Lynn's bed.

Millie and Molly come by a couple of times a week and spend the day with us, and usually during that time, Craig cooks us each an egg while later in the day, Lynn gives us our own personal kongs with some peanut butter in them.

 Me, Millie, and Molly all lying on the living room floor, hard at work on our kongs.

Lynn and I usually go up to her office early in the morning so that she can write while I sleep on the bed next to her desk. Sometimes she gets so involved that I have to remind her that it is past breakfast time. (She says my clock is WAY off but I disagree.)

 Me sitting up with my paws on Lynn's legs.

Sometimes I make good use of my puppy eyes - she can NEVER resist those!

Me with my chin on Lynn's leg and showing her my big, beautiful eyes. (Nacho says that they are my best feature!)

I am really enjoying my life with Lynn and Craig and they tell me all the time how much they love me. In fact, they love me so much, that they installed my very own outdoor water fountain for me! It only works when the snow is melting or it's raining, but still, isn't that thoughtful of them? Lynn says it is actually a rain gutter, but the water from the melting snow that comes down it is irresistible!

Me in the front flower bed (so I can access my water fountain) drinking the icy snowmelt.

I hope you, Dad, the kitties, and Ursula are doing well. I miss you all! Please tell Ursula to give you some licks from me!

Love always

Pepper