Mother's Day Roses

Happy Mother's Day to me (from Jeff). Aren't these roses simply gorgeous? I didn't have a slip in my mailbox, but saw the box from ProFlowers--Jeff's signature. So I asked about that box and got to bring them home! They smell divine as well as brightening the room (you know those painted cinderblock walls!). Thank you, Jeff!

Here I am at BYU, struggling to figure out the Math 110 and enjoying the American Heritage course a lot.

I am loving the wonderful interaction with my roommate, Sharron, who comes from Texas near San Antonio. We have many common interests and experiences: teaching seminary, serving as Stake YW president and Ward RS president, etc. But then there are the amazing things like walking past a popcorn machine and learning we both LOVE popcorn, etc.

We both have community service to do, and have been 3 times to assist with activities at Rock Canyon Rehabilitation Center, near the hospital in Provo. Yesterday we helped a group of residents play a 2-hour game of Uno. I sat next to a young woman who wanted help with the lyrics to "Strangers in the Night." I would remind her of the second line: "wondering in the night what were the chances we'd be sharing love before the night was through." And she'd sing them in a croaky voice.

Then she'd come up with her own version. For example: "wondering in the night, after the dances, we'd be making love until the night was through." Now there are just a few small changes in the words, but great difference in meanings. She also had a sense of harmony, since after completing that refrain, she'd sing two harmonious notes that truly did belong in the chords in the interludes.

Other activities for the day: a HUGE crowd for Bingo. We helped residents put their (poker) chips on Straight Bingo, X Bingo (no other numbers counted) and 4 in Any Corner Bingo before going for the biggie: Blackout Bingo. When a resident won, he/she got to choose from prizes on a tray: cheetos, puddings, small candy bars, etc. One resident who needed only soft foods kept complaining that she had not yet gotten her favorite: M&Ms, Junior Mints, and Cherry Chocolates. This has been a really fun assignment.