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Well, it finally happened. For the first time in almost thirty years, I have no children living in my house. Now, when I want something done, I have to do it myself. So, at least in that area, nothing has changed. It has been difficult to scale back my receipes to include only two mouths (neither of which consumes large portions). I considered going the route of cooking only every other week (and freezing portions for the non-cooking weeks), but (even though that requires only a small change in strategy) I suspect my viseral level feelings towards leftovers might contrivene that option. I'm sure I will figure out how to solve this problem eventually, but at this point it looks like I may have to start throwing away excess food (to the eternal consternation of my Mother and the starving children in Africa that she used to talk about). I came away from my childhood feeling that it was a sin to waste food (no, I can't find that principle articulated in the church canon), and my old dog/new trick syndorme argues strongly against attitude change. Perhaps the solution is to acquire an omniverous "pet," possibly a pig. More bacon, anyone?
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Last Saturday, Barbara and I helped Karren with Anna's house. Karren at last got her long awaited "crew" working there, so she isn't in as dire straits as she was. For as long as I have known her, Karren has consistently planned 26 activities for 23 time slots, and has yet to figure out why her life is a succession of crises. We left the camera at her house (note the pains I have taken not to affix blame), which explains the paucity of photos in this communiqué.
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After a long decline, Barbara's cat (Lucy) finally went the way of the earth. I (at one time) thought that Barbara was somewhat attached to Lucy, but perhaps I don't understand female attachments. Lucy's dead body wasn't cold before Barbara had a replacement. Since a name has not yet been selected, perhaps this is a temporary situation. This animal, though younger and less leaky, has the same long hair and shedding propensities with which Lucy brightened our lives. Trying to be positive about this development, I have to admit that the current cat does spend time outside. Even though she is missing her front claws, she insists on maintaining her place in the dominance order of the local feline society (I have observed her stalking, chasing, and fighting with other cats around the yard), and that, I suspect, is why she has the scratch across her face and the chunks missing from her ears. She fights without realizing her disadvantage, and I can't decide whether to admire her courage or disparage what may very likely be terminal stupidity. Abandoning a de-clawed pet cat suggests either an act perpetrated by someone ignorant of the dynamics of feline society, or very intentional cruelty.
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11-10-06 Mom and Dad, So I guess it runs in the family that we get persuaded by vendors, you with your apples and me with my sales women! Mom, I am truly sorry you lose your favorite son and your cat in the same week, but at least I still write. Dad, I am glad that you get to work alone, because that means if something goes wrong you can only blame yourself. So, could you put those movies in a safe place for me. When they ask about me at church, let the people know that I am on a mission and report to Washington on one of the best days ever, my birthday (for those of you who don't remember that is November 20). Dad, let me tell you I have never sang or prayed as much in my life. I love the MTC though. Dad, thank you for your words of encouragement. I know hard work is the key (next to the Holy Ghost). Well, MTC life is hard, but I only have 10 days left. I love where I am (it has good days and bad days). So my schedule looks something like this:
Up at 6:30
The best part about it is that I do it every day until P-day (Wednesday) and then I go to the temple or do laundry. But I have learned to teach by the spirit and it is great. I love teaching. |