December 2020

 December started out very cold and I knew for sure that I was done golfing for the year.  Lon, however, was not quite ready to admit winter defeat!  It actually warmed up to 40, with the sun shining, so he went golfing alone on the 8th and 9th.  And the golf course officially closed for the year on the 10th.  😒😞😞

Now we get our exercise at the Rec Center by walking around and around the indoor track for 60 laps or 4 miles.  I was very worried about Lon with golf done and no temples to visit. It is going to be a very long winter!  But Kip needed help!!  He has a rental that needs to be remodeled.

#3 in our little mobile home park, now Kip's park, has been empty for a year and a half cause Kip hasn't had time to work on it.  It was gutted, no bathroom or kitchen or flooring.  Lon first had to build the wall between the front room and the kitchen.

This is the kitchen.  Lon has the ceiling taped and ready to paint.  He had to borrow tools from Tracy cause we don't have any.  Kip is in no hurry to get it done so Lon can work on it when he is bored, which is most days when there are no football games to watch.  

The kitchen wall is in and painted

We have been shopping for the cabinets, carpet, linoleum and bathroom.  Lon will begin installing everything in January.

I have spent the month getting ready for Christmas, visiting Mom each Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoon (some days are sooo cold that the visit is only 15 minutes) and picking up Alma from dialysis each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday morning.  I do enjoy putting puzzles together and reading books.

We are still able to attend Sacrament Meeting each Sunday, still with no singing and in masks.

Christmas Day was spent with Tracy and Sarah and the kids.

We gave each of the family a magic box with their Christmas money inside.  

We didn't give them the instructions until they tried to figure it out first.  Nathan got his in seconds, Debbie got hers first, Dillon succeeded first, and Ashton was first in this household.  I just can't give them money without something to make it interesting.

We went over early enough to open gifts all together.  It was so fun.  Eisley putting new ears on Kona.

Sarah made us a wonderful breakfast casserole and we brought over the cinnamon rolls that the Jackson family made for us.  

We were so spoiled by each of the kids.  Lon opening his new air fryer from Ginger.  We are enjoying this.  So far we have cooked meatloaf, bacon, french fries and tater tots.  It is wonderful.

Our new front door mat from Tracy and Sarah.

We have new clothes, dinner coupons, puzzles, books, gift cards.  But the best part was that we got to visit with each of our family.  Lon and I ran to visit with Mom while Tracy got the turkey ready to deep fat fry.  We didn't get home till 7pm.  It was a great day.

Saturday the 26th and Shayla and Justin came to visit.  They brought 5 of the 7 kids plus our great grandson Kendrix

Mason and Riley had to work. 

Shayla, Kyleigh, Ryanne, Aydan and Gideon 

Hendrix enjoyed the antique toys but I think his uncles Dillon and Gideon enjoyed them even more.  With the tree up, our front room was very small for toys and these long legged boys.

They helped to get rid of our leftovers from Christmas Eve!

And just like that, 2020 has come to an end.  The pandemic continues to rage out of control, but the vaccine has been produced and sent to all first responders.  We feel confident that the end of this nightmare is on its way.  We are looking forward to 2021 and the reopening of our temples, schools, and churches.  And especially the reopening of Serenity Care Center so we can visit with Mom in person!

 Having no personal touch has been tough on all of us, but especially on Mom.  But she is such an example for all with her kindness and smile.  But no one can survive without HUGS.

So, without any sadness, we say good-bye to 2020 and look forward with anticipation to a new year.