October 2018 is almost over...

On Friday, Steve had a routine colonoscopy.  I was going to write that it was a rather ordinary week but, for Steve, it was far from it.  Beginning on Monday, he had a very limited, bland diet leading up to Thursday when he could eat nothing after 8:00 am.  He reported to the hospital at 7:00 am and the checking-in/preparatory work took two hours.  The actual procedure took only about 30.  I drove him home where he stayed the rest of the day and I went into the mission office for the rest of the time.  

Friday and Saturday night, we watched Lawrence of Arabia which I checked out from the public library.  Steve likes the film score but he had never watched the movie.  I had seen it at least once many years ago but couldn't remember a thing about it.  It is a 3 1/2 hour movie so it took two nights to make it through and, after watching it, we both just kind of said "meh".  If you want to see gorgeous cinematography and hear fabulous music, go ahead and watch it.  But, for an inspiring story, watch just up to the intermission because the second half is just depressing.

Saturday morning, we went to the 6:00 am temple session.  I don't believe I have EVER gone at such an early time in my life.  But, it was the time when we knew that a bunch of missionaries would be able to get a seat because of the six temples in Arizona, four were closed all last week and the Phoenix Temple was just slammed with patrons.  So, we, President and sister Collins, the companions of, and five of the six missionaries who will be finishing their mission Tuesday, the 23rd all attended the 6:00 o'clock session.  And, we all stayed awake!  Below are photos of us all afterwards.  Those leaving are Sisters Christensen and DuPape and Elders Smith, Frye, Robbins, and M. Johnson (we have FOUR missionaries with Johnson as their last name)

Elders Frye and Hopkins and Elder Smith in the background

Sisters Christensen, DuPape, and Bastain

Elders Aubril, Robbins, Smith, MacFarlane

Elders Aubril, Robbins, Smith, MacFarlane, Hopkins, Frye

Sisters Perez, Christensen, DuPape, Bastian

departing missionaries with President and Sister Collins

same people with their companions

now we add Steve and me and the Harris's

Elder Hewlet with Steve and me

I drove down to Mesa Saturday afternoon to visit with my sister Jerri, her daughter Amy, and to turn in finished Days for Girls items and pick up supplies for more items.  Phoenix is SO HUGE!  Why can't Mesa be closer????

Steve continues to get stronger.  He is walking for 25 minutes in the morning nowadays.  And, that is about all our news....