BAPTISMS

Yesterday I participated in two baptisms.  In the morning, Dulcy was first married to her boyfriend and father of her daughter, then baptized.  One of the Relief Society sisters made her a beautiful bouquet of roses, and I made wedding cookies for refreshments.  Today she was confirmed a member of the Church in Sacrament Meeting.

In the evening, Farzareh was baptized.  It was odd how this came about.  The AP's got a phone call last Sunday from the Roseville Mission saying that an investigator had moved into our area and was ready to be baptized.  The sisters assigned to our ward asked me to go with them (not sure why) to visit her.  She's Iranian and had converted from Muslim to Christian about 5 years ago.  She was in an apartment with no furniture--we sat on the floor.  She's just undergone a divorce and was there with her two sons, handsome and charming boys.  She's living here temporarily, and has purchased a condo several miles away.  Her understanding was that she would be baptized in the Roseville Mission on Saturday night (last).  She was actually baptized in the ward where her condo is, which is in our mission but in an adjoining stake.  I drove the biking sisters.  Sister Agavale played the piano and I led the music.  One of our elders baptized her (his first), and the bishop from her old area in Roseville spoke.  It was one of the sweetest baptisms I've attended.  I think her sons will be right behind her.

In between baptisms, Judy Sisco and I saw Les Mis.  It's still, in my opinion, one of the finest things written about the nobility of the human spirit.  The movie version followed the Broadway production very closely, and I wasn't disappointed.

An emotional, uplifting, satisfying day.

CHRISTMAS

After Santa's run on Saturday, over 40 packages came into the office on Monday, Christmas Eve.  The office elders and assistants donned their elf hats and reindeer antlers and set off, again, to deliver Christmas cheer.

Elders Haufano and Walker



Christmas Eve was spent at the home of ward members, who served us a prime rib dinner on Spode Christmas china.  Wonderful!

On Christmas morning I hosted the six "little sisters" in our zone for breakfast.  One of them brought her family's traditional Christmas morning bread.  I made rice pudding and served egg nog with 7-up, neither of which was a hit.  But we had a good time.  They left to go skype with their families, then wash their bedding. Seems they had slept on the floor of the living room and made a nice fire in the fireplace early Christmas morning...without opening the flue.  I've been there and done that.  Undaunted, they planned another fire for Christmas night and were pretty sure they could pull this one off.  The office elders and assistants apparently had a sleepover, too.  They took the tree from the office to their home, so they could sleep underneath it.  Kind of a sweet mind picture.

One of the newer couples in the mission, the Hudnors from New Hampshire, invited us to share turkey dinner at their apartment in the afternoon.  Good food; good friends; good visit.

It rained all day.  Just as I was climbing into my flannel PJ's for an early night, the biking sisters called me to see if I would pick them up from the church where the zone was playing basketball. Still tucking "kids" into bed...

A few of my favorite things from Christmas 2012:  Elder Austin receiving a package containing his dad's missionary tag; the Star of Bethlehem flowers Brooke brought into the office, which have lasted all month; the generosity of strangers wanting to supply gifts for needy missionaries; the goofy Christmas cards the missionaries all made at Wal-Mart.

Star of Bethlehem flowers

                               


And through it all, the work went on.  We had 18 baptisms last Saturday, and 4 on Christmas Day.  A "white" Christmas and the promise of a happy new year.

HO HO HO

I'll try recap Christmas so far in the California Sacramento Mission.

Last week every missionary met with their zone at the Mormon Center for temple zone conference.  Christmas pictures were taken, instruction given, Christmas lunch provided by local Relief Societies, and a temple session was attended.  These conferences were held Tuesday-Friday, to accommodate everyone.

Meanwhile, back at the office, the last-minute packages started pouring in.  On Monday alone there were close to 200 delivered.  After weeks of carefully logging in each package, color-coding it by zone and placing in the proper "pile," things got out of control.  A sweet 87-year-old woman came in to help me.  She's very sharp and energetic and has great organizational skills.  I didn't discovered till midweek that she couldn't tell hot pink tape from florescent orange.

Some missionaries received 10-12 packages; others nothing.  We have 192 missionaries, so do the math.  We waited until the last minute to shop, since boxes were still arriving daily.  Some moms had called me ahead of time to ask for the names of Island missionaries who wouldn't be getting gifts from home, so we had extra help. On Thursday night,  after zone conferences and hauling and stacking boxes all day, we went shopping to buy pajama bottoms, sweaters, etc.  Friday night was spent loading the trailer.  I should mention here that it has been raining, seriously raining, for days now, so the loading and unloading was done in a downpour.

We left yesterday morning at 6:20 a.m., and finished our Santa run at 8:00 p.m.  After all the planning, there were still some missionaries who received nothing.  Some whom we had shopped for received packages yesterday, and the office elders waited at the office for mail delivery and then caught up with us with the day's deliveries.  But other packages that had been logged in for an individual didn't materialize.  We had some generic gifts to give them with no name tags but it was still hard to see one face in every group with nothing from home.  It's not a perfect world yet.  Everyone did receive a shopping bag full of hygiene items, candy, socks, etc., which we spent Monday night assembling.

Whew!  Santa's job is really hard.  And it's still raining.

But the up side of the week was watching the missionaries sing together, hug one another, and bear testimony of the meaning of Christmas and the joy they feel in being here, serving their Savior.  (Much like a spiritual Who-ville!)  Like them, I'll never forget my Christmas in the mission field.

BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS

Would anyone believe that I've been too busy to blog?  December has been a whirlwind and promises to get even wilder.

Last weekend I flew to Hollywood where I met up with Cheri Reynolds and we drove to the wedding of Nancy and Omar's son, Aron.  Quite the party.  Featured at the reception were professional dancers, complete with swords and such, performing to Middle Eastern music.  The food just kept coming.  Fun to see old college roommates.

Transfer week came at a challenging time.  I started holding the mail a week ago.  Being December, it's been much heavier than usual, so it was piling up around the office by the time I got back to town.  Now we're holding all packages so we can deliver them on December 22.  Yesterday we received 8 new missionaries, and today we sent home 14.  Included in those being released were Elder and Sister Clifton, who have been my dearest friends and supporters in the office.  Also leaving is my buddy, Elder Henderson, who made me laugh every single day.  (Hope that's not why he was transferred...)  I'll miss them all, but will be too busy to notice for awhile.  Yesterday and today were 14-hour days, including dinner for the "ins" and "outs."  Tomorrow I'll be a companion to a young sister from Christmas Island, whose flight isn't until Friday evening.
She's one of the islanders I took for a ride on the light-rail because they thought they might never have another opportunity to ride a train.  It was like taking kids on their first merry-go-round.  She's also been one of the biking sisters.

Sister Teerime, my companion of two days.  (Quite a change in the amount of "togetherness" between her and my other companion...always within sight and sound.)

A lot more has happened, but I'm too tired to think about it.  Will write later.

BIRTHDAY BLESSINGS

Feelin' pretty blessed.  I just took my biological sisters to the airport after their birthday visit to me.  I received so many good wishes from so many people that I am indeed counting my blessings:  family and friends.  As I told Linda and Jan, this was the best birthday of my adult life.  Thanks to all who sent me love and greetings.

I received a birthday party in a box from Sheree Reed.  Elder and Sister Clifton pictured left, and Jan and Linda pictured right.





I'll back up now and post pictures of our Thanksgiving dinner in a saloon.  It was great.  We chatted with the
nicest people while waiting in line for an assembly-line turkey dinner.  Later that day we walked through autumn foliage in 70-degree weather, then went to the movie, "Lincoln."  Lovely day.

Today is the second of three "squalls" predicted to drop 6 inches in the area.  The freeway from here going south is closed because of flooding.  The trip to the airport was pretty hairy.  This must be winter, California style.  And autumn was so short.  Oh well.  Still feelin' blessed.                            

VERY THANKFUL

Let me first catch up on the last week.  On Wednesday I saw my first-ever California rainbow.  It was huge, but faint.  This morning we were shrouded in fog.  I changed my mind about autumn leaves being the same all over.  Across the front of the church/office is a stand of bright red trees that are not done justice by the photo:

We had 11 new missionaries expected to arrive December 11.  Yesterday that amount increased by 9, all sisters.  And things take off from there.  The first new challenge will be to assign trainers for all of them.  Some will have to be in threesomes to begin with.  I'm now helping the housing coordinator with assigning housing inspections.  It's apparent how beneficial it is for missionaries to reside with members, thus eliminating all the start-up costs, leases, etc.  Seems friendlier, too, for the new missionaries who will be 18 years old.

Now for the thankful part.  At the top of the list is my knowledge of the Plan of Happiness and my relationship with the Savior.  I'm thankful for my family:  kids, grandkids, siblings, and extensions from there. They bless my life.  I've been fortunate to have found the best possible friends, old and new.  Life would be empty without them.  And I'm grateful for my health that allows me to most of the things that are important to me.  Other blessings I count are books, music, fabric, sunsets, friendly strangers, and, yes, today of all days, the turkeys that make me smile every day.

FINALLY FALL

We finally have autumn color here.  The leaves turned just as the Christmas banners were hung along the streets.  There are more squirrels around than ever, and last week I came face to face with a raccoon right around the corner from my apartment.  I had walked up the hill in back of my place to get a better look at the full moon.  When returning,I saw an animal with bright red eyes watching me.  I walked right up to it, and it just stared me down.  Even the turkeys are spruced up.  They've been fanning their tails, and they look much fatter.  It's as if they know it's Thanksgiving, and they're just showing off.  I'm still surprised to find myself surrounded by so much wildlife.

Wasn't sad to see the end of last week.  It was a busy week, with a lot going on.  I watched the election results at Judy Sisco's house with a group that was unanimously disappointed at the outcome.  Not surprised, but disappointed.

The mission received several new cars, Chevy Cruzes this time.  Trucks were sent to the higher elevations in anticipation of winter weather, so a lot of trading was done.  Now it's time to gird up for holiday mail and packages.  Parents have been notified that if they write "Christmas" on the outside of their packages, we'll hold them until December 22 when the office staff plays Santa and delivers them all around the mission.  I'm sure it will be a wonderful day, getting to see all the missionaries and wish them a Merry Christmas.

No pictures to include today.  I've been unable to capture the beauty of the sunsets here, and autumn leaves look just autumn leaves anywhere.  I'm just happy they finally showed up.

BUSY HARVEST TIME

Lot of things happening, and I've been too busy to write, but let's see what I can remember.

First of all, there's a lot of buzz about the new age requirement for missionaries.  Applications opened (electronically) jumped from the average 400 per week to 7,000 the week after the announcement was made.  The influx of increased numbers could be felt as early as this spring, with the training time also being decreased.  Here are some of the impacts these new numbers will have.

Number of missionaries will increase 30%.  We now have 193; we'll operate at 250.  This means 30% more vehicles and homes or apartments.  President Lewis remarked that it takes all his time just to interview 200 missionaries on a consistent basis.  We have a mission nurse, who has a bluetooth attached to her ear and is constantly dispensing medical advice, as well as caring for the infirm.  She's have a 30% larger population to monitor.

Once the existing missions are topped up, new missions will be opened to accommodate all those wanting to serve.  Feels like a stone cut from a mountain without any hands.  Momentous times.

This was transfer week, which is always busy and emotional.  The farewell dinner and testimony meeting for the "dying" missionaries fell on Halloween night, so the office elders were posted on the porch of the Mission Home to handle the trick-or-treaters.  They were less than enthusiastic about this assignment.  I heard the words, "...like losers who aren't invited to the party..." bandied about.  I couldn't resist taking a picture of them pouting.

                                    Elders Jones and Henderson, not serving with a happy heart

Because of budget constraints, the libraries here are open fewer hours than back home.  But one cool thing they have is "Lucky Day" books.  When passing the rack last week, I noticed several hot new bestselling books, one of which I had requested and was number 53 on the hold list.  I was told that whatever was found on that rack was available for checkout, making it your lucky day for coming in.  I checked out three, making me triple lucky.  It doesn't take much to make me happy.

Found a miniature pumpkin on my desk yesterday with the following note attached:  "A lady being baptized was asked by a co-worker what it was like to be a Mormon.  She replied, "It's like being a pumpkin.  God picks you from the patch, brings you in and washes all the dirt off you.  Then he cuts the top off and scoops out all the yucky stuff.  He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc., then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His 'light' inside of you to shine for all the world to see."

SEASON OF HOPE

The stake choir here traditionally performs a concert to begin the holiday season, entitled "Season of Hope." Performances were this weekend.  It's an incredible choir, led by a conductor who mesmerizes with his body language.  Poetry in motion is an apt description.

The program consists of military salutes and patriotic songs, rollicking spirituals, and beautifully arranged hymns.  The culmination is when the choir begins singing a version of "Army of Helaman," and the missionaries file in and sing with them.  The ASL sisters are signing, and many eyes are wet.  It was such an emotional experience on Friday that I returned last night to watch it again.  This time President and Sister Lewis were in the congregation.  When the missionaries walked to the front to join the choir, all of the seniors, including the Lewises, joined in.  The closing hymn was "May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You."  What an incredible kickoff to the holidays.  It filled the void that would have been in me because of missing Draper's "Messiah."  Among the many things I'm grateful for is that there are people with the talent and motivation to provide these experiences for those of us who are musically challenged.

There is a talent I'm developing on this mission, though, that I wouldn't have expected.  I am often in contact with the missionaries...by texting!  I'm no longer allowed to try to use correct fingering--thumbs are required, lest I be subject to ridicule.  I should be pretty proficient by the time I return home.

Prior to transfers, missionaries are asked to fill out a transfer form and submit it, confidentially, to the President and his assistants.  This helps determine changes that need to be made in companionships, etc.  On Monday when I arrived at work, I found that such a form had been filled out for me by the office elders and left in my desk.  I received high marks for obedience:  "Won't allow us to play "no bones" or do anything fun that is against the rules."  My score was slightly lower on charity because I "like to keep the elders' pride in check."  My lowest score was on using time wisely:  "She's never here on weekends!"  Love this job.

PUMPKIN TIME

From left to right:  symbol for baptism, Carmichael (zone), Sacramento Temple, Eek, CTR, Angel Moroni, and I love you in ASL.

Two of the zones carved pumpkins on P-day to decorate the office.  We look pretty festive.  The office elders roasted pumpkin seeds for everyone.  They seem to think that someone is going to make pies from the  rest of the leftovers...

I learned a new term, "bucketing."  Chances are, everyone knows it means "to hang out," but it was new to me.  I figured it out when I heard elders chide each other for loafing by calling them "the two bucketeers."  So now I have new ammunition to use when they need to be reminded to leave the warmth of the mission office and get to work.

Brooke and I saw Hitchcock's 39 STEPS last night.  A cast of four performs 32 characters, using quick costume and prop changes.  Such a departure for Hitchcock, but cleverly done and pretty amusing.

We're losing another elder next week.  He injured his shoulder playing football and has to go home for surgery and extensive recovery time.  Makes me wonder a bit about them coming out a whole year younger than before...

Johnny was in town on business and we were able to have lunch and spend a little time together.  We toured the Capitol building, which I've been wanting to do but couldn't because the hours coincide with my work schedule.  I really have to settle down now and get back to work, but it's been wonderful being visited by family and friends, and I appreciate and love you all.

FAMILY FUN

Someone told me I was having too much fun here.  And, after this past month, I agree that I am.  I've been blessed to be visited by friends and family.  Jill's "Hillbillies" were the latest to make the trip.  My friend, Brooke, got them Giants hats so they could root for the home team while they were here.

We had a great time.  We panned for gold (and found some!), made candles at Apple Hill, visited the fish hatchery, rented water equipment and played at the dam, saw Frankenweenie, swam, and played tennis.  Whew!  I obviously took some time off from work, but when I returned one afternoon to deal with the mail, the office elders had done it for me so I could spend more time with the kids.  Love those guys...

We borrowed authentic gold-panning pans from the mission.  When we spotted one floating down the river, we all yelled for Riley to go get it.  He ran along the shore, barefooted on rocks, then plunged into the icy river and swam to retrieve it.  I guess it should have occurred to us that it was dangerous, but it didn't until Riley remarked, "I could have died out there, you know."  Our hero.  All pans accounted for.

They got to meet several of the missionaries, including Elder Correia, with whom Riley's been corresponding.

                                             Elder Bradley, Conner, Edler Correia, Riley

It was beautiful weather while they were here--in the 90's when they were swimming in the reservoir.  Today we're wearing jackets.  Perfect timing.  Great visit.

VOTING TIME

The last of the absentee ballots from Utah arrived in the mail today, a few of them because I nagged the elders to send for them.  They thought, since they are on missions, they were excused from that responsibility.  Once they had their ballots in hand, they required a little workshop on voting for the first time. I've been in a bit of a bubble myself, but at least I could get online and study the amendments, etc.  So we marked our ballots (without the benefit of a privacy booth), and will send them off tomorrow.  They requested pictures for their journals.  Being a career election judge, I DID NOT tell anyone how to vote,
but Elder Henderson did remark that I got double points for my team.

                                                                Elder Henderson

I attended a baptism Friday night of a 62-year-old man.  Here's his story.  He's single since the death of his wife and attended a high school reunion alone, where he reconnected with an old friend.  They started talking religion and he, I'll call him William, said he'd been studying with Jehovah's Witnesses for years, but had never felt comfortable joining their church.  She, Susan, told him she'd been baptized in the LDS Church 7 years ago.  He wanted to know more, so they continued the discussions via email after they returned home.  She finally told him that the missionaries could answer his questions better than she could, so he referred himself.  The missionaries who responded, sisters, would have called him "golden" if we still used that term.  His friend, Susan, came from San Diego to speak at his baptism, where all his children, and even his parents were in attendance.  Sweet spirit there.

CONFERENCE/VAL WEEKEND

Val detoured from her trip to Clear Lake to visit me here.  What a boost!  She arrived on Friday and, after a nutburger lunch, hung out at work with me until closing time.  We had dinner at Mel's Diner with two other senior sisters that night.

On Saturday we first hit a huge craft fair at the high school, where we contributed generously to their coffers.  We made a visit to the Folsom Prison Museum, then shared an apple pie in the sunshine of Apple Hill.

Lunch

We had dinner at Brooke's house with her and twin, Britt.  (We took them some of the pie.)  In the Conference talk by Elder Osguthorpe he mentioned an inactive member who became active after 22 years of receiving monthly postcards from his home teacher, and who is now sealed to his wife and serving in his ward bishopric.  That man is Brooke's husband.

Wonderful Conference; wonderful visit; rejuvenation of my spirits!

TWO SIDES OF THE COIN

Missionaries who speak some foreign languages don't always arrive at regular transfer times.  They enter the MTC whenever there is someone to teach them, and they leave there on different schedules from the main groups.  We received three Laotian speaking elders last week.  One of them was an all-star high school athlete who was being heavily recruited for college.  When diagnosed with cancer, he was told that he would need a cadaver bone inserted into his leg, a lengthy process that would take 2-3 years.  When he asked about serving a mission, he was told that it wasn't likely, since he'd need to be under constant medical supervision.  He chose to have his leg amputated, just below the knee, and arrived in the field in less than a year.

First day.  Because the President was engaged, these three elders were met at the airport by the office elders and oriented by the president's assistants.  When they arrived at McKay House, where they would spend the night, the assistants carried Elder X (who is nameless to protect his innocent parents), without his prosthetic, but with a concoction of ketchup and strawberry jam dripping from the stump, into the house, where the office elders were.  Their hysteria at having run him over was supported by Elder Walker's (no protection here) hyperventilating.  I guess they staged a good show until someone smelled ketchup.

What depth these young missionaries have.  Gotta love 'em.

HIGHS, NO LOWS

We're havin' a heat wave.  It was 100 degrees today in sunny Sacramento.  A few leaves have started changing color, but this isn't like October is meant to be.

Here's a plug for the pass-along cards that you'll find in this month's ENSIGN.  Put them in your purses and/or pockets, then remember that you have them.  Given the political climate, it's easy to say to people, "If you're interested in learning more about the Mormon Church, you could visit this website."  No pressure...just free information.  Missionaries use them all the time.  Make sure your kids have some, too.  I'd be disappointed if I thought that those cool cards weren't being utilized.

This may come as a surprise to missionary moms.  A package arrived addressed to an elder and decorated with colored paper leaves for autumn.  Several other elders picked up the package and made such comments as, "Wow, this elder's mom really cares about him," or "This guy must be pretty special."  I told them I was surprised that they even noticed, much less appreciated the effort.  They assured me that they would love to get a fun package like that.  So, for what it's worth...

Another elder had to go home for medical reasons.  This was an injury he sustained in a YM/YW basketball game.  I've been surprised at the number of medical issues that have arisen.  I'm also surprised at the number of fender benders that have occurred.  But I remind myself that we are dealing with over 200 teens and young adults.

One of the new office elders is a cocky, fun-loving computer head (and I say that in the most loving way).  He reminds me of Adam.  The office sister in Adam's mission gave up and went home early (Adam disclaims any credit).  I'm trying not to be so entertained by this elder, who shall remain nameless in case he hacks into my blog, that I encourage his antics.

Next blog I'll share some more serious moments.  There really are great things happening here.

HIGHS'n LOWS

First the high:  California has wonderful sunsets, and last night I saw a sun that looked three times its normal size.  By the time I got parked and took a picture, it was dipping behind trees, but it was stupendous.  You'll have to trust me on this.

Now the low:  Same evening.  I attended my first (and last) Daughters of the Utah Pioneers meeting.  There were four women besides me.  The captain sort of officiated and brought brownies.  One of them read a three-page, single-spaced, history of her grandfather.  And one of them gave the lesson....on purses.  It actually might have been interesting if she hadn't read an entire pamphlet to us.  After about six pages, my eyes glazed over and I had to really concentrate to keep from falling off my chair.  I am not nearly infirm enough for this group yet.

Saw this bike in the hall the other day.  So I started watching the biking sisters, who are Islanders.  When they ride, they take the flowers out of their hair so they can put their helmets on.  When they get where they're going, they wipe the sweat off their brows and put flowers back in their hair.  The bikes they ride are loaners from the Elders, so they make quite a picture in their skirts on men's bikes.  They're tough.

Sisters Angimarau and Agavale

GOURD FESTIVAL

Every Gourd Society in Northern California, and there are a surpringly large number of them, displayed their wares at the Gourd Festival today.  There was quite a range, with the top of the scale being breathtakingly beautiful artwork.

There was a cultural diversity theme in the entertainment and food.  We watched authentic hula dancing and some Aztec-inspired dances.  Lunch was Bratwurst with sauerkraut and German potato salad, and Italian ice for dessert.

Cute Chloe taught me how to rotate my pictures.  Still takin' care of me from afar....

 There were corn mazes and all the fun kid stuff.  One thing I'd never seen before was the bubble ride pictured here.  Wouldn't that be great fun for everyone except claustrophobiacs?

Temperatures were in the high 80's, but we had a good time, in spite of the heat.  Since no one dressed up as gourds, though, the Chicken Festival wins, handsdown.  Can't get too worked up about the eggplant festival next weekend, but we'll see......

The mission's going gangbusters this month.  There were 25 baptisms today, and 26 more scheduled for next Saturday, bringing the monthly total to 91!

FOOD COLUMN

First, a funny story.  For Sister Wells' birthday I bought a large tiramusu cake from Costco.  I didn't have room on my side of the fridge to store it, so I put it in the fridge at work.  (The mission home is housed is the chapel where we also attend church.)   I checked on it Saturday afternoon; all was well.  When I went to retrieve it on Sunday for the birthday dinner, the "cupboard was bare."  I finally figured out that the scouts found it in the fridge and concluded that it was a donation for their fundraiser, and auctioned if off.

My own fault for not putting a note on it.  Had I been in charge of the auction, I probably would have surmised the same thing.  Anyway, word got around, and while we were having dinner, Sister Wells got phone calls from members inviting us all to their homes for cake and ice cream.  Both Sister Wells and I felt that the cake had gone to a good cause, and she got mileage from it on Facebook, so the birthday was a success.

Now for a recipe shared with me by Elder Fifita.  Bring a saucepan of water to a boil with the seasonings from Ramen soup.  Put the compacted noodles (still compacted) into the water for only 45 seconds to a minute.  Then drain and coat on both sides with egg mixture, as you would for french toast.  After cooking this, layer on some cheese and enclose in bread.  It's known in the mission as a Tongan Pancake.  Can't vouch for it personally, but maybe without the extra bread?

Elder Fifita

CHICKEN FEST

Chicken Day was all that I'd hoped for, and more.  I didn't factor in people wearing zany costumes and chicken hats.

Eat your heart out, Heather.

And, yes, they did serve chicken, which I thought was irreverent, if tasty.  There were surprisingly good bands playing country music, food and craft vendors, and everybody's dog in attendance.

I don't know why I keep taking "sideways" pictures when I don't know how to rotate them in this program, but I have to share the 81-year-old woman who was handing out suckers to the children from her chicken bag:

Later that evening, we returned for a community theater production of Best of Broadway.  The venue was great and the tap dancing was fun, but the sound mixing was off and many of the singers were sub-par.  Still, the addition of roosters crowing at odd moments added to the fun.  (They really do wander throughout the whole village, free range.)

Sisters Porter, Wells, and I in our festival T-shirts

We were celebrating Sister Wells' birthday, and we had a great day.

APPLE HILL

There's an area in the Sierra foothills, just north of here, known as Apple Hill.  I don't know how many square miles it encompasses, but it began with 16 original "ranches," and has more than that now.  I haven't figured out why they're called ranches, because they're orchards.  From Labor Day until Christmas Eve they are open to the public, selling apples and all things apple, plus some other fruits and arts and crafts.  Some of the bigger ranches have ponds for fishing, ponies for riding, etc.  Closer to November, the Christmas tree "ranches" start selling trees.

Brooke and I went there last Saturday.  The fritters weren't great, but the cider is wonderful.  Best of all was the scenery.  It felt like we were driving through a National Park.  Even though it's next to a freeway, it's so shrouded in trees that it feels more remote.  I loved it--even saw 1 or 2 leaves that had turned color.  Great celebration of autumn.

This Saturday is the Chicken Festival in Fair Oaks Village, where the chickens roam freely all the time.  I already have my chicken souvenir, though.  At Apple Hill I found a chicken made from horseshoes--perfect for my place back home.

With the Gourd Festival coming up next, I should be able to celebrate all season long.

Oh, and the work's going well, too.

CITY BY THE BAY

Great weekend!  Ben, Chelsea, and Tweety Bird (Emma) came for a visit.  When I introduced her around, one of the other sisters remarked, unprompted by me, that she was just a little Tweety Bird, so I think her title stands.

We ate nutburgers in Old Fair Oaks, which is becoming obligatory for all visitors.  Emma was intrigued with the chickens that roamed wild...until one flapped its wings at her.

We drove to Mill Valley on Saturday and toured Muir Woods.  Prior to coming here, Emma had been camping in the Uintahs and had seen a moose.  So whenever I pointed out big trees to her, she responded with "Nana, moose?"

Early Saturday found us going across the Golden Gate Bridge...in total fog.  We could have been on an overpass on I-80 for all that we saw.  But we made Ben cross it off his Bucket List, anyway--no time for do-overs.

The city was pretty deserted early in the day.  We were able to ride cablecars, walk down crooked Lombard Street (my calves are still sore), and visit Chinatown and Pier 39 by early afternoon, when the mobs descended.  So we left and drove to Stanford University to appease Ben for not taking the boat to Alcatraz.

The beginning of the day was chilly; it was hot and sunny at Stanford; but sitting on the wharf eating clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls at noon was perfect!  One of those moments to tuck away and revisit often.  Emma inserted herself into a Latino family, where she really stood out.

On Monday, Labor Day, after introductions at the Mission Office, we hung around Fair Oaks.  We did a little shopping, swimming (Emma's an intrepid little fish), and sightseeing:  Folsom Prison and, for contrast, the Sacramento Temple.

Even though all the pictures and most of the text feature Emma, I love having all three of them here.  And I'm happy that Emma hasn't forgotten me....she even still likes me.  And I adore her!

LAST GASP OF SUMMER

Let's see, what were the highlights of this week?

1.  I received a referral for a man who plays baseball for the professional team here.  He also owns a deli/sandwich shop nearby.  So I call the elders assigned to that area, who happen to be good buddies of mine, and gave them the referral.  They called me later to say that the phone number was wrong, so they had gone to his place of business.  They were standing outside the "deli," which looked more like a bar to them, wondering if they should go in.  At my urging, they did, but the owner wasn't there.  When I queried them yesterday about going back again, the junior companion told me he wasn't comfortable there because they had a Budweiser sign in the window.  They're so cute.  I told him I'd take responsibility.

2.  A package arrived at the office yesterday addressed to the office staff.  It was filled with cookies of several kinds, baked by the mother of one of the elders.  We got a "fat box!"  Local people bring by produce, too, to share with us.  We were given some huge, beautiful tomatoes.  So today I brought two slices of bread and a packet of mayo to the office to make a tomato sandwich.  Don't mean to be chauvinistic, but the tomatoes just don't taste as good here as they do back home.  Everything else (fruits, veggies) is wonderful, but the tomatoes are disappointing.

3.  Weather is changing--in the high 70's today.  I love September, and I love August ending.

NO NEW NEWS

Not much to write about lately.  People have loaned me shelves of books and DVD's, and I've been kind of a slug.  That's how I get through August.  The shows I'm watching are from a BBC series, "Foyle's War."  I had never seen any before this.  I've now watched all but one of season 1...just 5 more seasons to go.  They're enjoyable, and I'm crocheting lap robes for your Vets, Jan, while I watch them.  I brought ATLAS SHRUGGED to read, thinking it would last the whole mission, but finished it long ago.  Can't say I enjoyed it much.  I had forgotten how Ayn Rand beats her readers over the head with her philosophy.

And speaking of politics, they are heating up around here.  I'm surprised at the intensity of rightwingers here.  It's true that I hang around with a pretty conservative group on a daily basis; even so, random people I meet are very forthcoming about their politics...and they're not what I expected to find in California.  I saw the documentary "2016" last week, and the theater erupted in applause at the conclusion.  I have chosen not to have TV in my apartment (and I haven't missed it), but I'm invited to a friend's house this week to view the Republican Convention.  (This news is probably pretty painful for Nancy to read; also, Linda.)

As for the mission.  An elder was sent home last week, the result of an injury suffered from a bicycle accident.  He and his companion were both involved.  His companion had his helmet buckled on; the other elder's helmet was on but not buckled.  He suffered at least a concussion, maybe worse, and wasn't getting any better, so his mission has probably ended because of failure to follow rules.  Sister Loli, from Australia, passed the test and received her driver's license last week.  President Lewis informed two of the Islander sisters that he could arrange things now so that they didn't have to ride bikes, but be reassigned to cars.  They begged him to leave them on bikes.  They talk to more people that way, and the people are more interested in them and what they're doing (riding bikes in the heat...)

I spent yesterday at my friend, Brooke's house, having a lesson in painting with water colors.  I've designed a book cover for my mission scrapbook.  I have to say, my first attempt was better than I expected.  But even at that, the end result is that Brooke will paint it for me.  She's the one whose home is filled with her original art, which really speaks to me.  You'd like it, too, Clara.  In fact, I'll include some now.  She has a low wall under a large picture window.  Most people, me included, would leave it blank.  She decided to paint a series of pictures of legs and feet.  The photos won't do it justice.

HOME TOWN BOY MAKES GOOD

Elder Brian Finnerty came out at the same time as I did.  I didn't know him at home, but his family lives less than a mile away, in Corner Canyon 2nd Ward.  He was assigned downtown in Sacramento, so I didn't see him often.  Last week he was transferred to Orangevale, but it lasted only 2-3 days.  An issue arose that necessitated a senior companion being reassigned, and Elder Finnerty was called to take his place.  He (Elder Finnerty) had just been trained, and now he's a trainer!  I'm proud of my "homie."

After a weeklong hot spell of triple digits, things have cooled down a bit.  I really don't notice the heat because I sit directly beneath the AC vent in the office and must wear a sweater or jacket at all times.

I realize a blog is boring without pictures, so I am including a few of the office and of my apartment.

Misc. cupboard:  scriptures & footballs

First aid after a bike crash on P-Day.  He's my brother.....

Living Room/computer station

Bedspread from home!

ANOTHER VISIT FROM HOME

At the end of a busy transfer week, I received a visit from back-home neighbors and friends, the Sumsions.  They were traveling through to visit with Deanna's parents and stopped by the mission office.  We ate nutburgers at the Sunflower, and had a delightful visit.  Thanks, neighbors.

We sent 18 missionaries home and received only 10 new ones.  We have two "visa waiters" here who are called to serve in Mongolia, although that's not looking too promising these days.  So you can imagine the changes that have to made every six weeks--in housing, car assignments, etc.  We have many Islanders serving here who are not licensed to drive.  When a driver is sick or injured, changes have to be made in companionships to provide drivers in each.  This week two sisters from Marshall Islands (non-drivers) were assigned together to ride bikes.  They're pretty buff sisters and are really excited about it,  but I don't envy them biking in this heat.  Now we have to find bikes for them.  A visitor from Salt Lake told me that in the missions where everyone rides bikes at least part of the time there are much fewer physical and emotional complaints.

I continue to get interesting phone calls.  I carry my office phone with me on weekends.  Today, while at lunch with friends, I got a call from some sisters asking me to Google restaurants in Tracy.  Someone had given them gift cards, but they didn't know where any of the restaurants were.  They're not allowed to use the internet....so they called me to do it.  You see what a really important role I fill here?

We have two new office elders:  Elder Stephenson, a large, gentle Ben type, and Elder Lagazo, who is very small, dark and wiry.  An incongruous pair.  On their second day in the office I glanced up to see Elder Stephenson outside cleaning the glass door to the office!  Thought I was hallucinating.  We've cut way back on the time that the elders spend in the office, so that most of their time is spent proselyting, except on transfer weeks and zone conferences.

I'm always glad when August arrives... so we can hurry and get it over with.  It really is the dog-days month of the year.  The only good thing that ever came of it was the arrival of Baby Ben.

THE KIDNEYS OF THE MISSION

One of the President's assistants, Elder Yagi, is going home this week to play baseball for the U of U.  In addition, we've learned that both office elders are being transferred this week.  In our weekly planning meeting this morning, Elder Yagi bore his testimony and said something I need to record.

He was speaking to the office staff, but mostly to the Cliftons, at whom he was looking,

"I wish all the missionaries knew how much you do. You make it possible for us to be successful.  You are the kidneys of this mission."

So nice to hear sincere appreciation from the young to the, well, senior.  And the Cliftons, in particular, are deserving of the praise.

FAITH IN EVERY FOOTSTEP

July was a great month.  The goal was 67 baptisms...72 were performed.  A mid-month fast was held.  In his weekly letter to the mission, President Lewis suggested that on this Fast Sunday we "thank Heavenly Father for blessing our mission with the privilege of baptizing 72 truly converted people."

The office elders and assistants to the President have moved into a new home.  This is also the home where arriving elders spend their first night and departing ones their last night.  The house is just around the corner from the Mission office, on the corner of McKay and Treecrest.  We seniors quickly dubbed it the McKay House as the alternative, the Treehouse, seemed to lack dignity.  The elders are already telling us that they don't need any living room furniture--they can just keep their weights in there.  I was amused to see two plaques on their front porch:  a small one thanking people for not smoking, and a larger one stating "No Soliciting...Ever!"  This was probably meant for such missionaries as are now residing inside.

I have a new favorite fruit, a plumot, cross between a plum and an apricot.  It has the firmness of a plum, but is less tart.  I drove the other evening to Sloughouse to get fresh corn and tomatoes.  I was promised that they grow the best corn and tomatoes in the U.S.  Even compared to the high standards of the cornpatch that used to be across the street from me, the corn is really good.  But I've tasted better tomatoes grown in my own garden.  Miss that.

ANOTHER FACE FROM HOME

I was invited to a baptism today of a young woman who had began investigating the Church with a friend in the Roseville mission.  She decided to be baptized and to attend in her own Young Singles branch in our mission, so she finished her lessons with our office elders.

When I arrived at the baptism I discovered, to my delight, that she was being baptized by Elder Wilson Simons, of the Roseville Mission, and formerly of Corner Canyon 5th Ward!  I can report firsthand that he looks great, performed without a hitch, and is thoroughly enjoying his mission.

His companion is from Orem, Utah, and the Bishop of the Young Singles Ward is related to the Smiths in Draper.  I tell you, the Church is a close-knit family.

HOW PRETTY IS PRETTY?

Short blog today, just so I don't forget a sweet moment.  The mouse pad I inherited at work was stained and disgusting, so I threw it away and have been using the one I brought from home, with a quilt motif.  When I decided I needed that one here at the apartment, I jotted down on the list of office supplies needed that I needed a mouse pad....a pretty one.

I was in a family history class Wednesday night when my office phone rang.  I excused myself and took the call.  It was the office elders, who were at Staples, trying to decide which was the prettiest mouse pad.  They wanted to know if pink flowers would work, or if I had another favorite color?

Further on these elders.  When I thank them for doing something, Elder Genteman (that's right, gentleman without an "l") responds with a "You're Welcome," said as it was meant to be said, with genuine sincerity.  Just one of the things I've learned from their example.

Elder Genteman with his find of gold at Coloma.

Elder Whiting's birthday.

PIONEER DAY

Celebrated Pioneer Day, California style.  I was pretty impressed at the ward party which included square dancing, horseshoes, butter churning, etc.  When we sang "Carry On" in sacrament meeting today I got pretty emotional about the deserts and mountains and all.  Revisiting all the hardships of the pioneers makes me less sympathetic to the missionaries who, for example, complain that their remotes don't work and they have to open their car doors by inserting their keys.  There are some good missionaries here and some great things being accomplished, but there's also some entitlement issues, which I believe to be rampant in the  younger generation.  Showing my age, aren't I?

After encouragement from home and from here, I had my hair colored to give it enough body to wear it short and spiky.  It's blonder than I had imagined, but as Ben always says, "It'll grow back."  In the meantime, it's my California look.

Here's another job opportunity that I never knew about.  You can serve a part-time service mission inspecting missionaries' apartments!  The missionary couples here do some of the inspections, but others are done by people in the stake.  The work is ongoing and somewhat scary, but the job may appeal to some...

I've been reflecting on my missionary experience so far.  I don't think I've had much impact on others; rather, most of what I think I'm accomplishing is in self-awareness.  Hopefully, self-improvement will be next.  I'm in a position to view closely the attributes of many people--both good and bad.  I have new role models now, as well as reminders about the traits to try to eliminate.  It's a blessing.

GLOBAL WARMING?

Wow!  Temperature was in the mid 60's on Tuesday.  On my way to work* I passed pedestrians in jackets.  I had been told that summertime temps here can vary 30, sometimes even 40 degrees, but I thought that might be an exaggeration.  Apparently not.

One of the sister missionaries opened a card yesterday from a little girl she used to babysit.  The girl had drawn a picture of the missionary, complete with white shirt and tie.  Other sisters have reported overhearing, "Look, there go the elders."  Perhaps we need to redefine missionaries for the younger generation.

(Wish I could rotate this)

While driving around last week, waiting for a phone call (no cell reception at my apartment), I found Folsom Prison, of Johnny Cash fame.  It's quite intimidating, and very close to downtown Folsom, which is charming

We've had a rash of bicycle thefts lately.  The owner of CTR bikes generously replaces any bikes that are damaged or are stolen while locked up.  For example, a bike in its rack when the car was rear-ended was replaced at no charge.  If unlocked when stolen, it's up to the missionaries (parents) to replace them.

And speaking of vehicles.  This mission operates 72 cars.  They are replaced before they reach 50,000 miles, and are detailed and put up for sale.  They are mostly Toyota Corollas and Chevy Malibus, but there are some trucks and even vans.  They've been well maintained.  So if someone is looking for a used car, you might check with your local mission home.