Updates for 2003Q3 can be found in   http://www.bolzern.org/journals/vj2003Q3.html 

Updates for 2003Q2 appear below with the latest information at the top.

Monday, June 30, 2003, 2:07 pm

Mark has gone off with the bus--again.  He brought it home on Friday after having quite a bit of work done.  However, there is still a leak that was apparently missed.  Hopefully the place he's going can get to it today.  I'm anxious to have the RV available so I can move some things in.  I keep saying "no, I can't do such and such yet."

I spent part of the morning with my friend Connie.  She filled me in on what I missed at the conference.  I hope the rest of the "delegates" were as enthusiastic about the material.  Part of the info was on "Growing a Healthy Church" by Sonlife.

Now I'm sorting some of the boxes in the corner of our exercise room.  When we moved downstairs last spring (hoping to rent out some of our upstairs rooms), various things got boxed up and plunked into the corner.  Time to go through them.

My friend Jean from church is coming over to help me pack up some things tomorrow evening and Wednesday.  I've been trying to make a list of things that someone else can help with.  Because many things I have are stuff that I have to organize or go through.  It gives me a lift to have someone else here to prod me about "what's next?"

I'd better get back to work.  I told Mark I'd finish my CBC lesson today so he can have the tape tomorrow.  We're on the home stretch.  Only one more set of lessons to do after the one we're on.  The last one is on Missions.  We're looking forward to viewing that since we will be going on a Mission Trip some time in the next few months.

Sunday, June 29, 2003, 5:56 pm

I sure am tired.  We did attend the conference on Friday evening.  So much for getting rest.  We got
home about midnight.  But we did get to see a number of people we knew.

We had another garage sale on both Friday and Saturday.  I guess we made about $300.  Let some stuff go at a lower price.  Hard to do that when you know what you paid for something.  But at the same time,  why not let it go to a good home. 

Then yesterday late afternoon, we headed up to Masonville.  Our friend Aldo Ramos just got married; they had a local reception in a beautiful meadow behind Aldo's house in the mountains.  Rain threatened but held off.  About 30 people were there.  I can't speak for everyone else but I had a great time.  The guests and brought hors-d'oeurvres to add to the wedding cake.  Several other of our ex-coworkers were there so we enjoyed spending time together.  Mark and I also knew some of the other guests.  As the evening progressed, those who were left went back to the house and watched the bride and groom open gifts.  If she got any other crystal cheese ball dishes, it wasn't mentioned.  Then they showed us videos they purchased during their honeymoon at Porta Villarta.  It looked like they had a good time.

We got home in the wee hours of the morning.  Did wake up in time to get to Sunday School with the exception of the first few minutes.  Then we came home and I've been taking a nap.  I slept most of the afternoon.  Tomorrow will be another day for packing.

Thursday, June 27. 2003, 10:00 pm

It's been a busy week.  My father and Corinne left yesterday afternoon.  We'd kind of finished up various things they were able to help me with as far as packing.  I really appreciated their help.

This evening my friend Susan Lee came to dinner.  We are having a church conference in town this "weekend."  I decided with company that I couldn't attend the whole time.  Mark and I hope to go over tomorrow afternoon to see friends and hopefully attend the opening session.

Monday, June 23, 2003, 2:22 pm

We're enjoying a week of nice warm weather here in Denver.  My Father and Corinne came in yesterday afternoon.  My crock pot pot roast dinner was done on schedule.  We had a nice evening catching up on family news.  Corinne caught the shuttle to Copper Mountain this morning; her Leadville daughter was going to pick her up for a visit.   She'll be back tomorrow.

We got the inspector's report this morning on our house.  We may have to put a new roof on.  Our realtor is going to send out someone to give us a quote.  They say it's one of those things; if we were living in it we could use it for several more years--but to pass for loan approval...  That was the only thing on the report that was a surprise.

Well, I'm packing books this afternoon.  Daddy has gone to take a nap.   I had one earlier so will do what I can this afternoon while I'm semi-rested.  Mark has gone to the bus repair shop.  He hopes they can finish today.  I would like it to come back while Daddy is still here to see it.  It always helps to have your friends and relatives be able to picture where one is living.

I used some double-stick tape on our whiteboard the other day.  I used it like poster board.  Now that I've taken off the pictures, I have adhesive still stuck to the board.  Anyone got any ideas for taking that off?  We tried rubbing alcohol which just meared it around.  I'm not willing to try nail polish remover; I believe that would be too harsh.  I may have to use a lot of elbow grease.

Saturday, July 21, 2003, 8:55 pm

It's been a great with.  I'm so glad that my cousin and I are being able to get acquainted as adults.  You may remember her visiting last November.

On Wednesday morning, we went over to see Uncle Max and Aunt Tee.  They're also her great-uncle and aunt.  Evelyn's husband and daughters arrived yesterday afternoon to pick her up.  The girls had expressed interest in meeting the relatives they'd heard so much about.   We ran over to the nursing home to catch them before dinner.  As we arrived (in a rainstorm), Aunt Tee and Cousin Allene were just going up the walk.  They'd had an outing to the doctor.  So we had the added bonus of seeing Allene.

After leaving the nursing home, the Duggers and I went out to eat at Sam's No.3.  It has a large menu with average costs.  I usually have The Haystack (frito pie) but this time had a Country Fried Steak and eggs breakfast.

Mark had had an excursion to the mountains that day so I enjoyed an evening "Home Alone."  The Duggers had opted to stay in a hotel since they had to leave early so they could make it to Broken Bow, Oklahoma by mid-afternoon.  Julie had entered an art show.  I hope to hear good things about her entries.

This morning, I had an adventure.  I don't know if I told you that someone gave me an anonymous gift of a haircut and color at Fantastic Sams.  A lovely idea designed to give me a lift during this time of stress.  I certainly enjoyed being pampered.  Although we considered a reverse frost, I decided to go ahead and get a solid color and cope with roots as it grows out.  We chose a color that was similar but lighter than my original hair color.   I was interested to see when I got home that it is almost an exact match for a wig I bought a couple of years ago.    As far as the cut, I've got short hair again.  I'd been debating about keeping it longer.  I've had fun playing with it since it's been growing out.  But I know it will be more practical and easier to keep with it being shorter while in school.  One thing about hair; it always grows.  Anyway, Thanks to the person who gave me this gift.

My father and Corinne arrive tomorrow afternoon.  I put a roast in the crock pot.  Hopefully it will be done by tomorrow.  My large crockpot seems to take forever to cook things.

Thursday, June 19, 2003 1:32 pm

My cousin Evelyn Dugger has been here.  I've been enjoying visiting with her while still trying to work on all the packing and sorting of the house.  A couple of my friends came over on Tuesday.  One did a great job of packing up all sorts of breakable odds and ends while the other cleaned.  

It was motivating to have help.  I've been able to continue moving forward.  I actually got the staircase vacuumed yesterday afternoon.

Sleeping is still being an issue.  Night before last I had a long wakeful period.  Last night I tossed and turned.  Hopefully tonight I'll be so tired that I'll sleep.  Evelyn and I are thinking about pulling out the garage sale stuff tomorrow.  My free days for that are getting away from me.

Monday, June 16, 2003, 2:36 pm

I've been sorting various items.  A couple of my friends are coming over tomorrow to help me pack up some things.  I've been trying to make of list of things that need to be packed.  Things I've sorted through.  What can they do without my being there.  There is so much to be done.  It would be helpful if the bus were back; it's still at the repair place.  Mark has gone to buy some fluids.  They don't handle some of the oils he wants to use.

I found a bunch of letters Mark had written me during our "courtship."  And a copy of the letter I had written to his mother to introduce myself.  I wrote that I had never imagined meeting a man with whom I had so much rapport.  I still feel that way.

Had a couple of nice phone calls today.  Susan Lee called from Olathe.  She's going to be in town at the end of next week for a conference and hopes to be able to see us.  We went to college together.  My aunt also called.  I had sent her a present and she wanted to acknowledge.  It was nice to hear from both of them.

Yesterday was fun.  We decided to go to Sunday School and then to skip church.  I think the men appreciated their Father's Day surprises.   Our skipping church wasn't for no reason but to head north to Erie to visit with our friends.  It was nice to see Frank Neeley again.  So nice that he could come but with his wife could have come.  Alaska is discontinuing the paying for longevity (long-term living in Alaska).  That's what the Neeley's have used for their travel budget so don't figure they'll have the funds to come south hereafter.  We'll pray that the finances of the younger generation will get better so we can travel to Alaska.

Sunday, June 15, 8:25 am

Happy Father's Day!

Just a quick note to give you an update.  Yesterday's activity at the House of Faith went well.  We had plenty of food and nearly everyone who attends church regularly came.  Guess we proved that people can get up early when motivated.  I appreciated everyone's help.  I had worked with the lady doing the invitations and on the gifts.  Everyone else did decorations and the meal.  All I had to do yesterday was give a little speech.  

Today we have church this morning and then we'll drive up to Erie, CO for a Father's Day party Jim Neeley is giving for his father who is visiting from Alaska.  It will be nice to see Frank again.

We got home from cell group yesterday about supper time.  I was so tired, I kept falling asleep on a video I was watching.  I dozed off and all all evening between getting up to do little things I kept remember.  Actually turned off the light a little after 9 pm.  Although I woke a number of times, I still slept pretty well.  Felt tired when I woke up but once I started moving around, I felt more lively.  So it was nice to have a relaxing time and a leisurely night.  Thanks for those of you who are praying for me to be able to sleep.

Thursday, June 12, 8:14 pm

Just a quick note.  We've had an offer on the house contingent on their getting their house sold.  So we're countering that we want to give a deadline on that and still be able to show and give them right of refusal.

Everything is gearing up for Father's Day.  I got a card off to my father last week; he's already received it.  Went to a meeting this evening at Hosanna; the Women's Ministry was preparing for having cake, donuts and coffee plus giving gift bags this coming Sunday.  Then on Saturday morning, the House of Faith Women's Ministry is having a brunch honoring our men.  I need to get my speech written; it's short and to the point but we thought something should be said.

Well, that's all for now.

Wednesday, June 11, 3:42 pm

Where has this week gone?  I'm steadily working on things that need to be done.  Did get the taxes in the mail yesterday.  Today I'm doing laundry and went through a box of "stuff" that never got unpacked when we moved here.  It was sad to see some of the papers I had saved.  Lots of memories.  I found a picture of Mark and myself taken at a dance we attended a few days before our wedding.  How young we looked!  I have several more boxes of that type of thing to "weed."  I'm still hoping to find the manual for my sewing machine.  I haven't found it since we left Alaska; I know it has to be here somewhere.  I've tried to order one but I never seem to get a response.

Today I got a phone call from Darlene Smith Anderson.  Hi, Darlene!  We were friends in college and occasionally locate each other.  I had sent a message via Darlene's husband.  Since we don't know when we'll be moving, I wanted to get in touch.  I'm so grateful for email as a way to communicate.  

My cousin Evelyn is coming to visit, arriving next Tuesday.  She'll leave Friday or Saturday and then my father is arriving on Sunday.  So I need to really work hard the next few days so to be less stressed next week.

Tuesday, June 10, 2003, 8:39 pm

Mark took the bus  to have fluids tested and then left it at the repair place.  He got an analysis of the transmission oil; the good news that it looks like the transmission is undamaged.  So I think that means we only need to fix the seal and replace the oil.  Then there is a problem with the hydraulic system and the speedometer and tachometer.  Probably more things that I don't know about.  Mark has a list .  

Sunday, June 8, 2003 12:58 pm

I did get a little more sleep.  I got serious with praying and God relaxed me enough so I slept for about 2 1/2 hours.  That made a lot of difference.  I was tired yesterday afternoon but was not the zombie I expected to be.  I took a relaxing bath.  Except for waking up briefly to go to the bathroom about midnight, I slept well last night.

Several of you have asked me to clarify our timing for moving, selling the house, etc.  I'd like to say "your guess is as good as mine"...but that wouldn't be quite accurate.  I wish I had a crystal ball to know the future.  But here's the plan.

We have the house listed with a realtor.  Of course, we don't know the right buyer will walk in.  We pray that it will happen this summer, preferably in June or July.  

We personally have decided that no matter what is the status of the house sale, we need to proceed with cleaning out our 14 1/2 years of accumulation and move into the RV.  To have the house empty and ready for us to vacate by the end of the month.  That gives us a goal.  If we don't have it sold, then we can enjoy the extra time of owning the house without a last minute rush when it does happen.  School in Colorado Springs begins about the 25th of August.  We'd like to relocate our bodies to CS at the beginning of August so we have some adjustment time.  So we're praying for buyers that will accomodate that timing.

We have had two prospective buyers come through today.  They seemed a little more serious than most as they did peer into closets and things.  One couple said they have nine children.   We have five bedrooms plus an unfinished storage room that could be made into a bedroom.  And both sets of people seemed to take an interest in the garden area.  So today was encouraging even if nothing comes of it.

This evening we the Couples group at church is having a meeting.  I think I understood the topic tonight will be marriage.  I'm assuming that the idea is to improve one's marriage.  I just listened to one of the CBC tapes which had a segment on marriage.  It was about the difference in needs between men and women.  I was interested to see that many of the points that Mark and I had figured out for ourselves.

The other thing we're finishing up is our General Computer Services federal taxes which are due on the 16th.  Actually, earlier today we did the federal form and it's part of my job description to do the Colorado form this year.   This is the first time we've done it ourselves instead of using an accountant; Mark decided that it's simple enough using Turbo Tax that we should try it this year.  I always have things fairly organized once I've done the data entry and say "it's ready."  So I'll be finishing that up during the next couple of days.  

Saturday, June 7, 2003  5:11 am    

Another week has almost gone.  I went to the study at Redeemer Community Church yesterday morning.  Then ran errands so I didn't get home until mid-afternoon.  I told my friends at the study that I probably wouldn't be coming as I will be getting ready to move.

Mark hopes to get the bus worked on this next week.  This is a busy time for this sort of work.  We need to get it in to be checked over.  Until that is done, it's sort of hard to be motivated to move in.  Mark and I have decided that we need to plan on completing our move (as far as getting our belongings out of the house) by the end of the month.  This won't be easy to do.  14 1/2 years of accumulation to go through and discard, store, or donate.

I would appreciate continued prayers for both of us.  That we'll have energy when we need it and be able to rest when we need it.

For instance, I've been awake since about 2:30 this morning.  Normally I wake up several times during the night and don't always feel rested when I awake.    Fortunately it is rare that I have nights like this where I can't go back to sleep.  I finally decided to get up and work on some plans for our upcoming Women's Ministry Brunch for Father's Day.

Mark is stressing out more than I would like.  All this is a big responsibility on him.  He tries to help and encourage me instead of adding to my burden.  He knows that all our unsettledness is causing an upheaval in my emotions which isn't good for me.  It's easier said than done to say that God will work things out.  But I know that He knows things that we don't, if only we trust in Him.

Well, I'm headed back to bed where hopefully I can doze for a little bit before time that I have to get up and out for the day.

Wednesday, June 4, 2003, 4:52 pm

Got home a little while ago from the movies.  My friend Connie went to Bruce Almighty with her husband the other day.  She persuaded the ladies of our prayer group to go see it together.  And Mark joined us.  I was so tired that my body had trouble staying awake once it started relaxing.   But I did enjoy the show.

I don't know how many of you have already been out to see it as it just got released.  It had it's usual moments of sex and language but wasn't as bad as some shows I've seen.   It wasn't as sacriligious as it sounds; religion wasn't what the story was about.    Basically the main character was down about his life and blamed God.  So God gave his job to him so he could take a vacation.  As the story progressed, Bruce figured out that he needed God in his life.  The end was really great.  Bruce figured out that one had to choose to be happy and be part of the solution, doing good things for others.

Wednesday, June 4, 2003, 9:38 am

Some of you have been asking about how the sale of our house is going.  It's only been listed for a week.   Alot of real estate if available in Denver; it's a buyer's market.  Mark said he heard that 600 homes are for sale in our zip code alone.  I'm praying that God will provide the right buyer at the right timing for us.  We have had one or two perspective buyers come through each day.  In the meantime, I'm trying to start cleaning out.  I'm finally getting past the paralysis of "I can't believe we're doing this."  I have a few things already on the RV.

We're hoping to get the transmission looked at next week.  Once that any needed repairs on various things are done, then I hope to really be able to start moving things around.  It is a little bit hard to decide what needs to stay in the house for current use, and what needs to be kept but can move to the RV--and what needs to be thrown away or donated.

My friend Connie had what I thought was a good idea.  We know that we need to meditate on the scriptures or even learn a few by heart.  She decided to print out a section of Proverbs which she is reading, cut them into strips to keep in her car. Then when she is driving around, she can read the one  scripture and think about it.  I agree that this is worth a try.

A week ago I wrote that my fingernails have been growing out.  I've been waiting for one to break before shortening them all.  I do want to see how long they will get.  But the longish nails are stabbing me, catching on things, clicking on the keyboard keys, not letting me pick up things I need fingers for, etc.  I really don't know how women get anything done quickly with nails that are much longer than this.  I'm going to have to break down and cut them off; I'll hold off for a few more days.  It is a joy that the nails are stronger and less brittle.

Monday, June 2, 2003, 8:05 am

It was indeed a lovely weekend.  The seminar was so-so as far as information.  I did make some contacts that told me how to write in for answers to questions I had that weren't discussed.   My friend Wendy was there from Colorado Springs; it was nice to see her.

The bridal shower was so nice.   We felt so pampered as the hostess used her china, crystal and silver.  There were nine of us present counting the hostess and bride.   Kris  served quiche, raw fruits and vegetables, pastries, tea, coffee, fruit juice and champagne.  We certainly didn't go hungry or thirsty.  The bride seemed pleased with my gift.  I gave her a crystal ring holder and jewelry cleaner.    Suzanne said she takes off her rings a lot and needs a regular place to put them.  And she said she'd heard that the brand of jewelry cleaner was a good one.  So I'm glad I chose things that were different put practical.
 
On Sunday, we had church at the park.  ...and the rains came.  Fortunately, the attendance was small enough that we just crowded under the shelter and proceeded with the service.  The music was great.   The park authorities don't allow extra amplification but it sounded loud under the shelter.  After the service, they fired up the grills; men held large umbrellas over the cooks and grills.   The church people had signed up for items to take.  I signed up for a side dish which was I decided was to be baked beans.  They slow cooked all night;  We were pleasantly surprised how warm they stayed despite the outside coolish temperatures.  I was pleased that people could have one warm dish.  Other than the burgers and hot dogs, all the food was supposed to be cold.  We were home again by 1:45 pm.

Friday, May 30, 3:30 pm

The garage sale was a bust today.  I figured this week could be better since it wasn't a holiday weekend.  Wrong!!!!  We had a slow dribble of people but I think I sold all of $10.  So I won't bother to do it tomorrow.  I'll donate some things to the church garage sale which is next weekend, saving things that I don't feel like just giving away.  Depending on how things go with selling our house...Mark and I figure that we'll be prepared to put things out at a later date (with more stuff we've sorted out) and take what we can get for it.  I don't think I had prices too high.  Mostly people just didn't seem interested; they weren't picking up stuff or trying to bargain.

We have a big weekend ahead.  Tomorrow, I have a seminar about the Miracle II product http://www.miracle2network.com to attend.  That's what I've been taking to start balancing my PH.  In the afternoon, I've been invited to a bridal shower for Suzanne Pierce.  Then Sunday is the annual Praise in the Park church service that our church is having.

Tuesday, May 27, 6:13 pm

Yesterday was lovely.  We slept in a little.  Then decided we would go down to Colorado Springs for an anniversary lunch and to look at RV/trailer parks.  We armed ourselves with information and maps from the web. It wasn't too hard to drive around looking at "parks" starting with the one closest to where the school will be.  We spoke with a couple of managers about pricing.  We aren't going to make any decision right now.  But it was nice to see what is available.

The restaurant where we hoped to lunch turned out not to open until "supper."  I wanted something that wasn't a chain where we normally go.  So we ended up at a family restaurant called The Mason Jar.  Needless to say, the glasses were canning jars.  The meal was okay but "nothing to write home about."

We were home by about 5:00 o'clock.  We puttered around.  Mark agreed to watch Pretty Woman with me.  My friend Paulette is cleaning out her house and blessed me with two of my favorite videos.  The other one is While You were Sleeping (Sandra Bullock).  It was nice to just put business/problems out of our heads and enjoy each other for an evening.

As an aside...my fingernails have been growing out.  They normally break off but this time seem to be holding up strongly.  I'm excited that this may show an improvement in health (in at least one way).  I've been talking some "stuff" that is supposed to help balance a person's PH.  Fingernails is one of the things on the list that often improves.

Monday, May 26, 9:04 am

Seventeen years ago at this time (10:04 CDT), Mark and I were in the final hour before our wedding.  So much has changed since then.  In some ways if feels like we've been together forever, in others like it was only yesterday.   We decided not to go to the mountains today.  So Mark says he's open to whatever I want to do.  So I think we'll take some free light rail tickets we have an go downtown for an anniversary lunch.   Or we may drive down to Colorado Springs.

The second day of the garage sale didn't net much.  Seems like Friday was the serious shoppers with Saturday visitors being those who shopped for entertainment.  I've found it so interesting, different people's attitudes about sales.  Some are there hunting for things like furniture.  One of my friends said "I just love looking through other people's old things."  Whereas I find it rather depressing.

Friday, May 23, 5:37 pm

Survived the first day of having a garage sale.  We put out our living room furniture.  Apparently that's the hot item these days; we evidently set our price too low.  Oh well, it's gone and that's the important thing.  I decided not to count money yet; my calculations are about $250 for the day.  So I'm encouraged but I still have a lot of stuff to get rid of.

We are having our a Mother/Daughter banquet tonight.  I adopted a friend to go with me since I don't have a mother or a daughter.  It should be fun.

Thursday, May 22, 1:59 pm

I took a sleeping pill last night so I would hopefully be rested today.  I'm still trying to figure out why my sleep is so interrupted.  I sleep but wake up a lot.

Anyway, I've been hard at work today, organizing the garage and beginning to price things for the garage sale tomorrow.  I have a whole bunch of assorted stuff.  Please pray with me that the right buyers will come.  I'm pricing things fairly low; I pray for limited haggling.  The last sale we tried many years ago had hardly anyone come so I only sold a couple of items.  This time, I really could use the money and I need to get rid of things.  I don't want to be greedy but I also don't want to donate everything to Good Will.  

Mark is planning to help me this afternoon with carrying large items to the garage.  We want to sell our livingroom set.  I'll miss my rocking chair.

Wednesday, May 21, 2:09 pm

You may remember that a couple of weeks ago I was feeling pretty hormonal--kept wanting to cry.  Also, my blood pressure was giving me some problems.  I think I finally figure out what was going on.  I've been taking some stuff that is supposed to detoxify the body and help it return to the proper PH.  I suspect the cleansing affect has been tiring me out.  My PH levels have been better during the day but still dip low at night.  I'm hoping that will change in the coming weeks as I continue with the program.  This is something I've been wanting to get straightened out; I've known for some time that my body is on the acidic side, a problem most cancer patients have.

I am feeling somewhat better although I still tire easily.  My blood pressure has been better the last few days.

I've been trying to organize my mind to have a "garage sale" this weekend.  We have so much stuff to get rid of if we are indeed moving into our RV and out of the house.  I don't know how we managed to accumulate so much in the past 14 years.  We have managed to fill the house.  I need some advise about pricing.  I buy things and expect to use them for the next 20 years; so I usually shop at stores instead of garage sales.  However, I can claim I still have the toaster oven and TV stand that I bought at garage sales in the early 80s when I was single.  Bottom line, when I buy something, I expect to have it for a while.

Monday, May 19, 4:13 pm

It was a good weekend.  We went to a party for Lee Bosh who graduated from South High School.  Then we went to a Couples activity/meeting that church was having.  I missed a baby shower which was at the same time but did send a gift.   The one thing we didn't fit in was to go to Colorado Springs for the CBC graduation.  One can only do so much.

Today with the help of a friend, we washed up various dishes that need to be packed away.  I did get some packed but now I've gotten got more out of the cupboard.

Friday, May 16, 3:34 pm

Due to my stress levels, I'm going to stop posting Virginia's Views weekly.  I'll let you know when another one is posted.

My friend Connie came over this morning to help me go through some of my cupboards.  I have so many pots and pans--no way can they all fit on the bus.  I'll have enough that needs storing without keeping some of the things that are duplicates.

My driver's license renewal just arrived.  One more thing to do.  I'm hoping I can pass the test again without glasses.  The eye doctor said I should be able to.

Thursday, May 15, 7:25 am

Another day.  I had the first mostly decent night's sleep in several days.  Did wake up a couple of times but overall slept pretty well.  I think I'm worrying too much about our upcoming move and how I'm going to get it all together.  I'm feeling very stressed.

I have too much to do.  Excavating 14 years of accumulation from the house and fitting it into a 40 foot bus.  We'll have to figure out some storage; but we also don't want to just store things that will never see the light of day.  My friend Connie is planning to come over tomorrow to help me pack up the china and the crystal.

I'm trying to get together to have a garage sale.  I need to tackle rearranging the garage before next week.  Trash day is Wednesday so that's my target in case I have stuff to throw out.

Last night a friend blessed me with a beautiful music box.  I don't have it in front of me so I may get this wrong.  It's part of the Moms and Bunnies collection, Heart shaped with a big bunny and a little bunny on it.  I didn't listen long enough to figure out what the song is.  It was exciting to receive an unexpected gift.

Wednesdy, May 14, 9:58 pm

We're home from Bible Study.  I'm so tired; I had trouble staying awake this evening.  Yesterday evening was fun.  My niece, Karen O'Dell, was in town with the Azusa Pacific University Choir and Orchestra.  We met her at the Southern Gables Community Church in Lakewood.  The director allowed her to come out to an early dinner with us.  The concert was very good.  We sat on the front row and got introduced as relatives.  Students from Colorado had a good representation.  

 Please pray for us.  I'm being somewhat stressed these days.  One of the issues is we're still negotiating about the hospital bill from last summer.  They tell us one thing, then don't call back and then someone else says something conflicting.   We'd like to come up with a payment plan that is workable; but that hasn't happened so far.

Saturday, May 10, 2003, 7:38 am

Greetings from Snowy Aurora.  The forecasters were correct; we really did get snow overnight.  We're so thrilled here in the Denver Metro area that our drowth seems to be broken.  Aurora is still having water restrictions this summer.  Personally I think it is a good idea not to go overboard.

This will be a busy weekend.  Mark is off to a Men's Ministry meeting at Hosanna Christian Fellowship.  I'll head to church at the House of Faith and afterwards meet up with him to go to our cell group.  Tomorrow after church we are supposed to have a picnic.  I'm wondering how that will work since we are having snow and rain.

Hopefully this snow won't hurt the spring flowers.  When we had the last one, I didn't think about covering my tulip until after it had already snowed.  So it is still alive but not doing too well.  This spring has been pretty in Aurora, with the trees leafing and flowering with all the spring colors.  I don't plant flowers outside; I do have some flowers in pots on my kitchen windowsill.

Thursday, May 8, 2003, 6:48 pm

Virginia's Views #16 has been posted.

Thursday, May 8, 2003, 10:26 am

Just checking in.  Thursday is the day that I don't have anything that requires my attention out of the house.  So I plan to make hay while the sun shines.  In other words, I have a long list of things to do today.  I just trimmed the top of my hair.  I've been growing it out but the top has gotten long enough that it wasn't fluffing any more so I decided I would have to address that.  I've come to the conclusion that I'll have to chop my hair off again before fall.  I find that when it is longer, it doesn't stay looking as clean.  It also takes longer to fix each day.  

Mark and I are reading the Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren.  It was recommended by our pastor.  Everyone needs to have a purpose in life.  It is good if we can understand what God wants in our lives and coordinates our hopes and dreams with His.

Wednesday, May 7, 2003, 9:00 pm

This week has gone too quickly.  We just got home from a good Bible Study tonight about how God works out what seems to be bad situations in our lives if only we are willing to let him work things out instead of trying to work it  ourselves.  This was Lesson 9 of the John Bevere study called Under Cover.  I believe I have mentioned it before.   It seems like he's gotten popular all of a sudden. I know of two different churches that are doing this study.  If they are, probably others are, too.  He was in town doing a conference while we were in Yuma.  We hadn't planned to go so it didn't matter that we were gone.

It just dawned on my that I never gave a report of my doctor appointments last week.  My diligent flossing paid off.  I didn't have much plaque problem this time and no cavities.  Dr. Doughterty sanded on the tooth that I chipped when we were in Houston.  I was so interested in the conversation the evening we were out with our friends the Elledges that I bit down on my fork.  Fortunately the cap on my front bottom tooth was not injured but the corner of the next took took the hit.  The good news was the the damage hadn't gone past the enamel so the tooth wasn't really compromised.

As far as the visit to the oncologist, he was pleased that everything seems to be stable.  He listened to my lungs, asked various questions...said there isn't a need to do any special tests at this time and to keep doing what I'm doing.

Saturday, May 3, 2003, 8:33 pm

Made it home from the ski slopes.  Wasn't bad for a first experience of skiing on springtime slush.  First we went down the far western green slope called Wrangler.  Then Mark asked if I was willing to go to the top of the bowl to try the easy blue.  I decided to try it.  Of course, by the time we made the long lift ride, I was getting scared.   I do have to say that that particular blue slope wasn't bad.  It didn't have any moguls and the runs were plenty wide for me to do loopy turns.  The worst part was that the winds were blowing and the clouds kept blocking the sun.  So it wasn't conducive to being able to see well.  Mark coached me down to near where it met up with the green slope; at that point I suggested he take off to get an extra run or two in.  We stopped for lunch.  I wanted to practice my skills on the green.  We went up the first lift; Mark planned to catch the next lift to the higher points.  Just as we arrived they posted a sign closing the second lift.  Apparently they decided the wind conditions were unsuitable.  Mark made a couple of runs while I slowly made my way downward.  I was pretty tired so we decided to leave   

Got home, cleaned up, put things away--then got into the hot tub to relax potentially sore muscles.   Now it's time to be heading to bed.  I didn't sleep well last night so need to get some Zs tonight.

Friday, May 2, 2003, 9:48 pm

Happy Birthday, Julia--love you, Sis!

It's been a busy week.  Yesterday I spent time on the phone and one in-person meeting with the various committee heads for our next Women's Ministry project.  In June we plan to have a breakfast honoring the men.  We'll have it the day before Father's Day.  However, we don't plan to focus only on Fathers.  I'm trying to get things organized so we can have a business meeting in a couple of weeks to finalize details and fill the list of duties (like serving).

Yesterday I cleaned the carpet in the RV bus.  That was a big job.  They had been cleaned but there were still a lot of spots and we had tracked in stuff.  It looks a lot better.  But it tired me out.  This morning I opted out of attending the study I normally go to on Friday morning.  I exercised with Connie and did errands instead.  I fixed lunch and then told Mark I had to take a nap.  I slept for nearly three hours.  The phone rang; he came looking for me and said it was obvious I was asleep.  You know I'm really out when the phone doesn't wake me.  Hopefully I can sleep tonight.  When I can't sleep, I listen to cassette tapes.  Right now I'm listening to a reading of the Bible Book of Exodus.  That ought to put me to sleep.

My niece, Karen, is finishing her junior year at Azusa Pacific University.  Tonight is the big year-end concert of the choir and Orchestra.  Tomorrow is graduation.  Then the Choir/Orchestra leaves for their tour.  They will be in Amarillo on Tuesday.  Then in Denver on May 13 and 15.  Plus several other cities in between.  I look forward to seeing Karen.  Last year, they went to Colorado Springs so I was able to go down to spend an afternoon with her.  It was a highlight of my summer.  Please pray for Karen as she finishes up her activities at the school, storing her belongings, and for safe travels and health.

This evening we went to the opening of Parkhill Art Club's Spring Show.  They always have pretty good snacks at the opening reception.  There was such a good variety this year.  Not only the media such as oil, pastel, photography.  The subject matter was varied.  There were a lot more people in paintings.

I hope everyone has a good weekend.  Mark and I plan to go to Arapahoe Basin tomorrow to check out the spring skiing.  We had wanted to go one more time before the season ends.  Although I still don't have skiing at the top of my list of fun things to do, I still feel like it's something I can learn.  So I feel it would be good to go again this year.  I have heard that spring skiing is different because of the snow consistency.  Guess I will find out.

Wednesday, April 30, 2003, 6:26 pm

Virginia's Views #15 has been posted

Wednesday, April 30, 2003, 1:46 pm

This week is getting away from me.  The visit to the oncologist went about as expected.  He was pleased that there has still be gradual reduction of the tumor.  He asked about various possible symptoms and didn't seemed concerned that my responses showed anything negative.  He said to continue doing what we have been doing.  All the exercise and diet.

I finally got to the gym this morning.  That's been kind of erratic lately with trips and things.  I'm wanting to get back to going every day in addition to the morning routine with Mark at home. 

Today we have dental appointments.   So we'll have that out of the way for a while.  

Had a long talk with my sister yesterday.  I've been feeling a little overwhelmed lately--one of those "I want my mommy" moments.  So I called Julia as the next best thing.  Guess I'm a little hormonal.  But I'm grateful that I don't have these blue moods very often.   Julia updated me about her piano student Jennifer Maes who has been in the hospital with Guillian-Barre disease.  Apparently she has been making a dramatic recovery; a testimony to the power of prayer.

Monday, April 28, 2003 1:28 pm

We had a lovely day yesterday.  Mark and I talked about inviting company after church.   We invited two couples.  One couldn't come; the wife of the other began feeling back during services so they asked for a raincheck.   We asked others who asked if they could bring extras.  So our party of six turned into a fun party of 10.  I hurriedly added some canned spaghetti sauce to what I already had made and boiled more spaghetti, took a pie and extra loaf of garlic bread out of the freezer.  I also had mixed vegetables and strawberries over pound cake.

We were pleased though that everyone clumped around our tables and all entered into the conversation in an orderly way rather than it dividing into discussions at each end.  Everyone was helpful with helpsing set up, get drinks, and clear up afterward.  

I then took a nap while Mark worked on hooking up the electrical cable for the bus.

Today I've been continuing puttering around working on stuff.  I've sorted laundry and started bookkeeping.  I have a doctor appointment this afternoon so we'll be heading to that shortly.

Saturday, April 26, 2003, 5:29 pm

Mark bought some of those beams that sometimes people put around their flower beds.  They are treated to withstand weather.  We (mostly he) lined them up where the wheels of the bus were to sit.  Then he drove it into the back yard.  I added chemicals to the toilet since it will sit awhile; Mark wants to get the parts we need and figure out where to go for servicing before we move the bus again.  There's a truck stop north on Buckley that presumably has a dump, etc.  But we need to know who works on these types of vehicles.  

The next project for Mark is to figure out how to hook up the electricity; the plug is different  from the ordinary two or three prongs on regular extension cords.  I will need to shampoo the carpets.  Even though it was previously done, they didn't treat the spots.  We had a number of repairmen coming through last week, plus ourselves in shoes that were tromping through spills at the "gas stations."  I will start laundry and maybe tackle the carpets tomorrow.  Connie offerred her carpet cleaner but I think I will try my wimpier machine since it isn't as heavy.

In the meantime...Virginia's Views #14 has been posted.

Saturday, April 26, 2003, 8:26 am

Hope everyone is having a good morning.  It's chilly here but I'm sure the day will warm up.

I have been working on  my Trip Diary to Yuma .  I expect to add a few more details as they come to mind.  But I thought I would go ahead and post it for those of you who are online this weekend.

Friday, April 25, 2003, 10:01 pm 

Our project for this afternoon was to increase the area in the back yard that is supposed to be a RV pad.  The bus is too long so we had to take out a tree and a bunch of junipers.  The previous owners planted 100 junipers; bet they never expected them to "take over."  I've trimmed on them over the years but they just won't stop growing despite our never watering them.  "Cutting them down" wasn't a problem with our handy dandy clippers and the chain saw but it's a chore to tie junipers into bundles for the trash.  

After lengthening the space according to need (actually, Mark wanted to make it long enough so we could line up the door with the sidewalk that comes off our back porch), Mark got the engine going, motored around the block and maneuvered through the gate.  Halfway through, the gate jumped out and snagged the side of the bus.  We now have a small but significant scratch on the side.  He backed up and then got in okay.  The problem had been that it was getting dark enough that it was difficult to see.

Well...once the bus was inside, we noticed how soft our dirt is.  I won't say the bus was sinking but it looked like it was thinking about it.  So Mark got some work lights hooked up so he could see better and backed the bus out and put it back on the street for the night.  He'll go buy some heavy boards tomorrow to make a path to drive on.

It's bedtime.  After all that work and excitement, we need to take showers.  Maybe a warm shower will make me sleepy.  Hope all of you have a good night and happy weekend.

Thursday, April 24, 2003, 1:46 pm

After having taken a trip, I'm being motivated to get back on a proper diet.  So I pulled out the Sugar Control Diet given to me 15 years ago by my chiropractor.  It was to help balance my system; the added bonus was that after several weeks, my weight started dropping.  I found that I could eat a lot of the acceptable foods yet still lose weight.  I thought you might be interested to compare this diet with any that might have been recommended by your doctor.  This diet seems consistent with those I've seen recommended for cancer patients.  Even to mentioning cottage cheese (yuck).  I also added the Gluten-Free Diet given to us at a later time by another chiropractor.

Thursday, April 24, 2003 7:40 am

It's time to be up and at it this morning after nine hours of much needed sleep.  We didn't get a lot of sleep during our trip except for one night in Flagstaff.  I plan to post a trip diary with details of our trip. I'm glad to be home.

Wednesday, April 23, 2003 9:00 pm 

We got home in the wee hours of the morning.  Now we're trying to start doing all those things that stack up waiting for one to return.  It snowed this afternoon which further complicates things we need to do.  We did buy the bus and now we have to figure out how to get it into our back yard; we have three days to get it off the street.  More later...I'm heading to bed; we haven't gotten much sleep lately.

Tuesday, April 15, 2003 3:00 pm

Tax day!  I have loads of things I've been wanting to write about.  It's been hectic around here.  And got even more hectic today.

Mark and I are making a quick trip to Yuma, Arizona to look at an RV bus.  We've been praying about housing options for this next school year since we need to be in Colorado Springs and it's a long commute.  This popped up so we're going to check it out.

I had intended to post a Virginia's Views today but I've been packing and doing laundry instead.  

My weekend activities went well.  I think everyone had a good time.  I'll try to give a little update upon our return.  We should be back by early next week but don't expect to make our Easter invitation at the Neeley's house.  I just gave them the sad news that we probably won't be back.

Well until next time...  I'll let you know when we return.

Friday, April 11, 1:27 pm

Another work week is almost over.  We got the personal taxes mailed yesterday.  I have to say that Mark did most of the work this year.  My contribution was finding a few documents and adding some figures.  Once the federal form is done, then I do the Colorado form and go to the postoffice.  We still have some company tax forms that aren't due yet because of a different fiscal year.

This weekend will be busy.  I haveWomen's Ministry meetings connected with both churches I've been attending.  One is tomorrow morning and the other in the afternoon.  I'm glad I only have duties in the afternoon.  I'm trying to finish up plans for  that.  I may have told you that I'm making bookmarks.   I divided Proverbs 31 up into meaningful two-line messages and then typed in a woman's name instead of She or her.  Then I put construction paper through the copier.  Cut them up, punched a hole in the end and threaded yarn through it.  On the other end, put a flower sticker.   Inexpensive but hopefully everyone will appreciate the effort.

Still have some cards to write and to finish typing up the agenda and figure out various stuff that I need to take.  Hopefully I can get everything done this afternoon so I can relax in the morning before having to rush out.

Thursday, April 10,  5:00 am

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Wednesday, April 9, 10:03 pm

Just got home from Bible Study.  Mark had been asked to be the facilitator this evening.  This is the group that is doing the John Bevere study called Under Cover.  This was lesson five about how God is in charge and appoints people as government leaders.  We don't always understand but should be aware of his planning in our lives.  Naturally the war was a hot topic this evening in addition to the study.

I'm busily working on plans for our Women's Ministry luncheon on this coming Saturday.  We will be revealing our Secret Sisters and beginning Sharing Sisters.  The idea of the latter is to become prayer partners for a specific amount of time.  When Evelyn volunteered to host, I don't think she expected to have 25 women crammed into her living room.  I'm making personalized bookmarks to give as gifts to the ladies who didn't participate in the SS; I want everyone there to get something.

Mostly I've kept busy updating our accounting records on the computer so we could do our taxes.  I get so busy doing fun stuff that I neglect my "work."  Like Tuesday, I went to the second half of the Precepts study.

Friday, April 4, 4:57 pm

Happy April 4th!  I got home this afternoon to good news.  I received a Letter of Acceptance from Charis Bible College.  I am so excited.  Don't know yet how things are going to develop between now and August for Mark and myself.  But today was one of the little milestone markers.

I'm working on a handout for our Women's Ministry.  We will be revealing our Secret Sisters at our luncheon next weekend.  Then we will start Sharing Sisters which is will be partnership in prayer.  Because not every woman who attends our luncheons was able to participate in the SS activity, I want to do the revealing but center the interest on the future and how all the women can grow closer and work together as a team.

Thursday, April 3, 10:30 am

Have been keeping busy.  Tuesday morning I went to a Kay Arthur Precepts study of the book of Romans with my friend Connie.  Some say that Romans 6 - 8 is the heart of Romans.  Since they are studying that section, I was interested to see what they had to say.  Kay only got about halfway through Romans 7 in the taped lecture; I may have to go again next week.

Then last night we went to our Bible Study where they are playing John Bevere's Under Cover series.  i don't know that I agree with everything he says; but the discussion after viewing the tape is usually pretty lively.  This set seems to be covering authority of the Almighty and the relationship between the church and the individual.

Several are asking about the snow.  Yes, it has melted quickly.  There are only a few lumps still sitting around in the shade or where it was packed by snowplows.  Since it came so late in the season, it melted more quickly than if had been January.

Mark and I are anticipating attending Charis Bible College full time next fall.  I finally got my application sent in on Monday.  At this point, we don't know how it's going to work.  The finances, commuting or moving...  We appreciate your prayers for God's direction on this.

Tuesday, April 1, 8:36 pm

Don't well-laid plans never hatch.  My cousin Evelyn and I had made arrangements to talk on the phone this evening.  This afternoon, Mark and I finally got around to starting our Federal Taxes.  Wouldn't you know it that my call would come in just as we were trying to find an important piece of information.  Mark graciously allowed me to take a break so I could talk to Evelyn.  

Sorry Evelyn (if you are reading this); I feel bad that I was sort of distracted.  I am happy that you've initiated a plan so we can talk on the phone more often.  

So we've been working on taxes.  I hope all of you out there are further along than we are.  We use Turbo Tax which helps.  A couple of years ago, we considered filing an extension--until we realized that if you owed money, that was to be included with the extension.  Lots of luck making a monetary estimate if you have no idea how much money you might owe.  So I told Mark I'd try to do a manual figuring of the taxes to at least give us an idea.  I did the taxes and only had one question as to if we had to claim something.  With that done, we decided it was easy enough hurriedly put everything into the program.  To make a long story short... I had come up with the same answer the computer did minus the amount affected by my one questionable item.   So I was pretty proud of myself since I always thought I was incapable of figuring taxes.  (Stuff like that scares me spitless.)  

Hopefully before bedtime we'll find out if we are going to owe money this year.

Tuesday, April 1,  6:41 pm

Virginia's View #13 has been posted.

Tuesday, April 1, 8:06 am

Greetings.  It's a beautiful day outside.  I'm scheduled to go to a Bible Study with my friend, Connie this morning.  She's doing a Kay Arthur precepts class on Romans.  I'm been studying that on my own and wanted to hear a little bit more on Romans 7 & 8 which is sometimes seems a little controversial.

I slept well last night and have been trying to get some things done this morning.  I've been turning over a new leaf (Let's see how long this resolution lasts) and I'm working on my housekeeping.  Time to do some spring cleaning.

Virginia's Journal 2003Q1