41derful Years

 Saturday was our anniversary.  We wanted to do something we had not done.  We went to the Ventura Pier and walked. 

 People were fishing on the left side of the pier. The couple in the background were walking down the pier to set up their gear.

 Towards the end of the pier (I wasn't fast enough to get a picture) a bird had been hooked in its beak.  A man went from behind the bird and put a cloth around the bird's head and by holding the neck was able to get the hook out. 

 The fog in the background is called marine layer. 

 We took a picture of the surfer's code so when you come visit and want to surf, you'll know the rules. 

 We were amazed with all of the surfers.  There were more than what you see. The men we saw getting ready to go out into the water were middle age or older.  The bishop in our ward is a surfer.  I guess it is a sport that can be done for many years.

It was a great way to start our morning.  

We cleaned up and went to the office for a 10:00 meeting regarding Just Serve.  This is a program that our missionaries will be involved with. 

We experienced true California traffic driving to the LA temple, meaning bumper to bumper stop and go.  We enjoyed being in the temple.  It's been such a long time.

We had dinner at PF Changs. 

I did all of the driving so President could take care of phone calls and continue reading emails.  The beginning of the week did not allow time for him to read until Wednesday night.

When did all the wrinkles appear?

I've looked at Dell many times that day amazed at who he is!

Quilt

The first signing of our quilt.  The departing missionaries thought it was a great idea.  They each filled out a page with the areas they served,  companions,  and a special experience. (Of course on bright yellow paper.) I will put together a memory book. 

Our New Missionaries

 Santa Barbara airport

 About 5 minutes from the airport we had lunch.  The missionaries were hungry. Unfortunately only 11 missionaries made it for lunch. 

President Uchtdorf shares an analogy of commitment and diving in the water.  Two brothers stood on top of a small cliff that overlooked a lake.  It was a popular diving spot.  The brothers often talked about making the jump.  Although they wanted to make the jump, neither one wanted to be the first.  Whenever they started to lean forward, their courage left.  One brother put one foot at the edge of the cliff and moved forward.  Just then his brother whispered, "Maybe we should wait until next summer."  The momentum of the first brother was already pulling him forward.  "Brother," he responded, "I'm committed!"  He splashed into the water and then the other brother followed.

Commitment is a little like diving into the water.  Either you are committed or you are not.  There's no halfway.

We are anxiously engaged and fully committed in the Great California Ventura Mission and have both feet in. Each missionary committed to having "both feet in" by jumping off the ledge.

The remaining 9 Elders were still waiting in the Salt Lake airport when we were doing lunch and "the experience." The original flight was cancelled.  We drove the van back to the airport to pick the rest up at 9:40 pm. We didn't get back to the mission home until after 11:00. President did a quick interview.  Those that were hungry ate. It was a short night as breakfast was served at 6:45 so we could get to the Stake Center at 7:30.

"Broken In"

 I came home from the mission office today to add the sauce to the pork in the crock pot.  Trying to be on top of things for next week.  The plan is to warm up the meat on Tuesday for the departing missionaries.  When I drove into the garage I thought it was strange that the side entry garage door was open.  I went to look at it and realized that the lock had been broken. I then realized Dell's bike was gone and sliding closet doors were open.  I knew we had been burglarized.  My heart was pounding.  I called Dell (which I didn't want to because he was working with the Assistants on transfers) and told him what had happened.  He told me he was coming home.  I went in the house and saw that cupboards were left open and drawers were also. I called 911 and was told to get out of the house that police would come.  The dispatcher wanted to keep me on the phone.  It probably took 10 minutes before one arrived and then another.  They asked me to stay outside while they checked out the house.  Dell got home as the police were entering the house.  I told him what had happened and while talking a policeman came out on the deck.  He was pointing a gun. I was pretty confident that the robbers had left.  

I first went into the bedroom where all of the cupboards were open and Dell's side of the closet was open.  ALL of my earrings and some of my necklaces in the cupboard were taken.  I have necklaces hanging on the wall on the hooks,  one hook of necklaces was taken.  

This is in President's office.  His laptop was taken from there.  They opened drawers even in the kitchen.  They opened my sewing machine cover and cricut but did not take them.  Dell's razor was taken,  both our phones with cords (I am so bugged as my phone had my contacts and pass words), his temple bag (the clothes were dumped out and I think they used the bag to put my jewelry in). They even dumped out the contents of the 72 hour kit; the TV and computer were left and fortunately Dad's mess.   I am sure we will find more things. Whoever did this went through the whole house and opened drawers.  We are grateful the drawers were not dumped out.

A security system was installed between the Castros moving out for 4 weeks and us moving in. It hasn't worked.  A few weeks ago I was feeling uneasy and wanted the alarm on. We couldn't do it so the FM mechanic came and checked it out and said they would get the security people over.  Guess what -- it's happening tomorrow. 

We will survive,  but it's an inconvenience.  I need to be working on my talk, not documenting what was stolen. As time goes by, I find I get more upset.  There are pictures of Christ throughout the house.  What were they thinking?!

The weather is still great at 75° - need to be positive.!

Abuela

 I went to my first Spanish baptism today.  This is the "abuela" (grandmother) of the branch. She was so sweet and loving.  She also works in the temple twice a week.  She talked to us in Spanish and she acted like I could understand her.  She let some English slip out.  I told her she needs to talk to me in English.  

Have you ever heard of a baptismal font water being hot.  Typically people complain it is too cold.  "Caliente" said Vanesa.  The branch president had to pour cold water in the font.  Then Vanesa's toe came up so she had to go down a second time. 

The baptism was scheduled for 3. After we got there, Santa Barbara, we were told it was changed to 4. About 5:00 is when it started.  Don't worry,  be happy.  The Spanish are very much not in a hurry and we've been told are late.

This morning we went on a hike for an hour.  This is called marine layer.  This is the worst since we've been here.