Mitty Came Home!

Mel came over Sunday night with an idea. She had an impression to not only pray for Mitty's safe return, but to think of a way to facilitate his return.

So, she came over and I drove her up and down a couple of streets in the neighborhood while she hollered his name and shook his favorite treat. We said a prayer first. It was about 9:00 pm. We got home around 10:00. She heated up a frozen dinner and went to the bathroom. She said she was going to go out to the porch and shake his treat every 5 minutes.

I was reading the Book of Mormon on my couch and I heard something. I thought it might be Mitty. I opened my front door and THERE HE WAS. He walked right in. He didn't look haggard or anything. I think his day trip must have agreed with him. Of course, Melia said a prayer of gratitude.

All 3 of us are happy. Mitty is a good companion. It's nice to come home to someone and not just an empty house.

Back home and lounging per usual

I took this photo Saturday morning and I seriously thought it might have been the last photo of our Mitty. Glad it wasn't. 

Jenny + Family + the Property = Perfect Saturday

I've been spending all week getting settled, cleaning, putting things away, hanging pictures, etc. I worked late into the night Friday and Saturday morning so I could spend the afternoon surprising Jenny. James and Marie are in town with their families from Washington and Virginia, respectively. The whole Sykes clan was at the property in the Unitas. Starlyn and I had gone with Jenny to get things organized up there and I was excited to see it in use. 

I had the idea to go up on Saturday and take a cake and party hats so we could all celebrate Jenny's upcoming birthday. That's something she would do for a friend and I must admit, I don't do enough things like that for her. 

I got up and cleaned the house and was on the road by 12:30. I got there at 3. It was so fun to see everyone. Many were rock climbing, some were resting. Ellie and Jane and Ingrid were swinging and playing with Emily. 

When everyone got back, we all put on party hats (I had just enough for all of us, including Maddie the dog and Rhys, who is only 3 months old). We sang and enjoyed a delicious bakery cake made by Winco. I couldn't find anyone to write on it, so I just bought candles that spelled out Happy Birthday. Jen's little granddaughters helped me put the candles on. It was a yummy white cake with raspberry filling and buttercream frosting. It was sooooo good. 

Andrew and Eli with Rhys in hammock on left. Haley and Jane. Marie, James, Jen, and Scott. Hunter seated in back. Bryan in hammock on right. Ingrid and Ellie in front. 

Andrew facilitates Jane getting a chance to swing

I bought Jenny a hat from Kamiko's podcast, Sweet Film Talk

Birthday Girl!

I love this photo of Bryan and Emily

Ellie, Ingrid, and Jane

 

Marie, Rhys under blanket, and Eli. I asked Ingrid to smile, but she walked away and said no. Hahaha. 

I stuck around for a couple of hours and enjoyed BBQ pork sandwiches with everyone. Then I headed back home. I love my bedroom and its windows. It's nice to be home. It's quiet and I'm adjusting to it. I have music or a movie on in the background, but it's ok. I'll get used to it. It is what it is. I am happy and I know I did the right thing. 

JOB OFFER!

I applied for a full-time job at BYU a few months ago. It is for teaching foods and managing the operations of the foods labs. It's a visiting teaching position for up to 3 years. I had interviews with Natalie, Alan Hawkins, Dean Ben Ogles, a VP over faculty, and Elder Cornish. Then we waited and waited. I got word that an offer would be coming. I got word from Alan Hawkins that all the authorizations were done, that an offer was coming. It all drove Derek nuts. I was swimming at Jenny's with Allie and Allison and my phone rang. I was literally IN THE POOL and Allison said "Alan Hawkins is calling." She answered it and handed the phone to me as I jumped out of the pool. He told me everything was approved and he had sent an offer letter to be approved. I'd be getting it soon. 

I checked my email and checked my email. On the last day of spring term, on Monday, June 15, I checked my email after I finished teaching. There it was. I almost fell over when I saw the offer. It was way more than I would have dreamed. Another blessing. I signed that paper and sent it off. Now I just wait for August 1 to start OFFICIALLY. I am going into work this week to start planning SFL 215 and to work on 340 and fine-tune 110. It's all so great. Part time was perfect for the time I was raising the kids. Now I'm ready for full-time and I need it. I'll have insurance and tuition benefits for Melia. I'm so humbled and thrilled. 

I PASSED MY 20 YEAR JOB INTERVIEW!

This look still cracks me up. I wore it to teach and a student commented "Oh, you're still in bed." Then Kristen and Doug came over and both commented on my "nightgown." I realized my students probably thought I was in my nightgown. OOPS. 

Christmas in Payson in June

Starlyn found out that they were setting up to film a Hallmark Christmas movie in Payson. We went down there to see the decorations. It was so fun. We love our Hallmark Christmas movies and seeing the decorations up close was a blast. We were in heaven. Can't wait to watch the movie together later this year. 

We're convinced that, due to the decorations, this "Photography" shop and "Cafe" will be key spots in the movie

"SNOW"

Allison couldn't help herself. She took this photo of Starlyn and added heart eyes. 

HOME #2438

It's Sunday night. I had my first home church in my new home today. I said a prayer out loud. I watched "Don't Miss This" for Book of Mormon study then I watched some Book of Mormon videos. I plan to read some in the Book of Mormon after I journal a bit. Journal was the only thing on my planner for today, so here goes.

I closed on my house on June 18. I think it will be a new holiday for me. Chapter 3 Day. Chapter 1 was my single days. Chapter 2 was marriage. Chapter 3 is now. June 18, 2000, is the day we drove into Utah from Texas. Crazy, huh? Derek suggested I pick a date to celebrate every year. I'm pretty sure I found it. On one spot of the papers, it said Dana H. Adcock, single woman. I'm actually buying a house. I am so blessed. I can't believe it. I wore the t-shirt Kamiko and Bekki gave me for Mother's Day.

I got keys to my house last Friday. Starlyn came with me and made sure we got a picture of me in front of my house. I love everything about it. I love the set up and the colors. I like the location and my neighborhood. Allie and I slept on mattresses on the floor on Friday night. It was nice to camp in my new place. I so appreciate my friend and realtor, Lissa Lott, for her dedication to this whole process. I also appreciate my mortgage guy, Pierre. He even surprised me with a lower than expected interest rate. That's one good thing that Covid has done: 2.875% mortgage interest rates.

I'm wearing headphones because I was on hold with Costco for 3 hours to settle a refrigerator return.

I moved in last Saturday, June 20. It was a true blessing on the timing. You see, last week, Utah was pretty open and clear in spite of Covid-19. But, this week, Utah has seen a spike in cases. We don't know if the state will begin new restrictions. If restrictions come into play, I imagine it would be difficult to get many helpers for a move. Again, I've been blessed. I had a big crew show up to help, including the local elders, some of Mel's friends, some of mom and dad's neighbors, the Hjorths, the Schultz family, and many members of my new ward came to help. I actually picked up and returned the moving van. That's a bit of a pain. It was a bit tricky to fill it with gas. I ended up going to Costco because I know the lot is big and the gas pumps are spread out. We got the move done very quickly due to all the great help. I so appreciate all of my friends and soon-to-be friends who showed up to help. It's hard being single and having to rely on so many for help. I'm getting better at figuring things out on my own, though. I drove a moving van and backed it into mom and dad's driveway. I filled it with gas. I hung curtain rods. I opened a pickle jar. Thanks to spray sunscreen, I was able to apply sunscreen to my back yesterday before going on a run.

Jenny came down from their property in the Uintas to help with the move. It's all kinda a blur. I know it was busy. The girls and their friends left around 2 pm and I was here in a house full of boxes. Time to really get to work. Luckily, friends had set up my couch and the rug in the living room, so I had a space. The girls have helped tons, from helping me buy pillows and hang pictures and hang curtain rods. They're great. I have Mitty now and, while I didn't want him, he's been a fun companion. He sleeps with me, but not on my feet. He keeps his distance, which I like. He doesn't whine and seems to like it here. BUT, as I write this, he sneaked out the front door yesterday morning and hasn't been back since. I've put his food outside and some litter. Those are supposed to help cats find their way home. I hope he does. Where Mitty was going to live has been a point of contention, but I was actually really happy to have him. Now I'm sad he has disappeared. I hope he shows up soon. I check every couple of hours to see if he's back. No luck. We're praying for his safe return.

I feel really blessed to be here. I went to church on Sunday, Father's Day, and felt glad to be there. They read in my records. I look forward to church getting back to normal, but I'll take Sacrament Meeting twice a month for now. A couple of neighbors have been by to welcome me. Brother Young, an older man in the ward, brought me warm bread. The RS president brought me a pineapple. Did you know the pineapple is a sign of hospitality? I walked to church with a nice couple. The sister's name is Lauren. I walked home with a nice sister named Anna.

Here's to Chapter 3 in 2438.

COVID Road Trip!!!!!

Ok, the great thing that has come of COVID is my ability to travel carefully as I teach remotely. I went to Kristen's for 2 weeks. I moved in with Jen and Scott, and last week, I went to ARKANSAS to see Kamiko and Bekki!!!!!!!

It all happened when Debbie and I were going to drive to Denver to see Karen. I mentioned to Bekki that I was going to Denver. She suggested I drive a bit further and see them. Sadly, I couldn't because I would be with Debbie and she had to get back by June 1 for work.

Jenny and I were driving to Provo and I told her about the conversation and that I felt very strongly that I needed/wanted to visit the kids. Then I get a text from Debbie indicating that she can't go to Denver because Mark needed emergency eye surgery. Whoa. I could go as planned to Colorado then go on to Arkansas. After taking care of some stuff on campus, I went to Mel's work to ask her if she wanted to go to Arkansas with me. I also texted Allie. Starlyn is such a great friend. She said if none of the girls wanted to go, she'd go with me. Melia worked it out with her job to get a week off and decided to join me. I had loose ends to tie up, so we left on Friday morning. Allie decided to not come since most of her friends aren't in the Fayetteville area anymore.

We drove to Denver and spent all night Friday and all day Saturday with Crocketts. We also had church with them. That was really special. I had been able to have home church with mom and dad, Jenny and Scott, Kristen and Doug, and Karen and Alan. After the Crockett men administered the sacrament, we all shared a thought. We could share anything we wanted. It was a great time. They even did church earlier than normal so Mel and I could get on the road.

Melia living her best life with Karen's Chick fil A sandwich, which is better then the real deal

After church, Mel and I ready to leave

Me and my sister Karen, who just turned 50

Elder Chase Crockett, Melia, Elle, and Connor

Alan and Mel took his sweet new ride to get cookies

We sure had a great time with Crockets, complete with copycat Chick fil A sandwiches, Crumbl cookies, walks, a movie, and just hanging out. Sam even came over for quite a while on Saturday. We talked a lot about the Black Lives Matter protests that are going on. He reads a lot and keeps up on what's going on. He's disgusted by all the damage to property and businesses. Chase was enjoying his last days at home before returning to his mission in a new assignment in Texas.

It was DARK. I had to use my cell phone's flashlight to give us more light for a picture

Sunday we drove ALL DAY to get to Arkansas. It's a 12 hour drive. We got there around 10 pm. The kids had our beds made in the living room. Their apartment is fantastic. It has a great floor plan. Dottie is so cute. Mel had fun playing with a pet. Monday Bekki and I went on a walk before I had to teach. I taught then Bekki, Mel, and i went down to Fayetteville to walk around town and campus. We, of course, went to the Fayetteville Funky Yard Sale, a 2-story indoor thrift store. Karen has been on the hunt for cute t-shirts. I told her I just get mine on vacation. Almost every shirt I wear has a story. Mel and I were determined to find her a shirt. We found a cute Ozarks hiking shirt. We then went to the grocery store and got stuff for me to make a couple of dinners and got Blue Bell ice cream.

Dottie loves Melia and Melia loves Dottie

The kids' door on the left. This is the 3rd floor hallway to their apartment 

The apartment Melia lived in as a missionary in Fayetteville 

The Institute Building, another place Sister Adcock lived

Most important grocery item in the south

Outside the Fayetteville Yard Sale

Our almost Dr. Brau in front of her building

Yes, they have a Home Economics building

the family: Melia, me, Dottie, Kamiko, and Bekki

Me and Bekki on a nice morning walk

After making teriyaki bowls, we made signs and got dressed to go to a Black Lives Matter protest in Bentonville. There is a ton of racial tension right now.  A young black man was recently arrested and in the arrest, he was killed. The officer was restraining George Floyd in such a manner that he couldn't breath. He told the officer that he couldn't breath, but the officer didn't alter his behavior. The man died. It has created a firestorm. There are protests and some riots. I wanted to go and support. I don't think I necessarily value the Black Lives Matter organization, but I do agree that Black Lives Matter and I've learned that when someone counters with "All Lives Matter" that is tone deaf. The black community is on fire right now and they need help. They need to be heard. If you take away the protests of the 60's that you might disagree with. If you take away black leadership that you might disagree with. At the core, black individuals are still at a disadvantage from white people and that's not right. So, I was glad to attend a protest. I didn't chant. I didn't carry a sign. I was there though and I was very touched by a young mother's sign that said "My sons' lives matter." That's sobering. A friend from the ward named Mario came with us.

Our Bekki girl

This is their friend Mario

First store owned by Walton family. Notice police officers on the building, keeping everyone safe

Tuesday Mel and I got an early start and headed to Missouri to visit mission friends. We drove almost 2 hours to Branson and visited briefly with a new convert, Tia. She was on her way to a doctor's appointment, but had time for Mel. Then we visited with a couple that lived in the same apartment complex as the sisters. They loved Mel and her companion. They weren't members of the church, but appreciated the missionaries' service. They asked Mel to pray with them as they have some health issues. Mel also passed their information on to Sister Quimbly, our next visit, so they can get priesthood blessings if desired. Sister Quimbly is one of Mel's favorites. She loves to serve. Mel and her companion had spent time helping them build their home, so Mel was excited to get a tour. We ate a yummy dessert on her lovely southern porch.

Look at those gas prices. In Utah it's $2.30/gallon

Melia and Sister Quinly

We then got Missouri Cashew Chicken. It's basically fried chicken nuggets with gravy that has a slightly Asian flair, served with rice and topped with cashews and green onion. It's yummy!!!!! I see why Mel loves it. We then drove to see Cathy Voorhees, my dear friend, who has moved to Nixa, outside of Springfield. We were there for about an hour. I really just wanted to melt and cry and get a hug, but Mel was there so I had to be brave. I don't want to ruin her trip by making it about me and the dumb divorce and my stress of supporting myself. It's a lot to take in and I so wanted to talk to Cathy. She's been such a great friend for years. We just kept it light then texted later. After Cathy's house, we went to Springfield to see Melia's favorite campus - Missouri State University. It's a cute little campus, but it WAS CLOSED!!!! We couldn't even find a bathroom to use. We were dying. From there we went to a not so nice part of town and visited another recent convert, Denish. He works at a gas station. He's a student from India. Mel says he has more faith than anyone she knows. He's struggling to understand American culture and dating. Joining the church was a huge change for him. He didn't know about Jesus. Now he relies on Jesus so much since he's not near family and doesn't understand our culture. Then we drove back to Arkansas. I insisted that we leave around 6 to get back before dark, as many parts of the country have curfews due to the riots.

Cages and cages of turkeys on a semitruck

The missionaries' apartment in Springfield

Institute building in Springfield

Me and my dear friend Cathy. We've known each other for almost 20 years.

While I taught on Wednesday, Mel went back to Fayetteville to shop some more and eat more food. Kamiko, Bekki, and I worked. Bekki got her proposal finished and submitted. She'll complete her PhD next year. I'm so proud of those kids. They are doing great. I also cleaned the house a bit and made butter chicken for lunch. The kids got some special Mexican food for dinner. I wasn't hungry. I swear, we ate our way through Arkansas and Missouri, plus I munch constantly on road trips to stay awake. Mel got the shirt for Karen and picked up a Fayetteville pillow for me for my house.

Salted Honey Pie

Thursday morning we left in the rain. it was a lovely southern rainstorm. We stopped at Rick's Bakery for sausage rolls and muffins and headed out. As we drove home, Kamiko texted and thanked us for coming. He said they feel forgotten, being so far away. Never forgotten. I pray for them everyday, but I do think it was a very special visit for ALL OF US. We made an hour stop in Lindsborg, Kansas, a town with Swedish roots. We bought a couple of stickers for our water bottles and Mel bought a small horse pin. As we got closer to our pit stop in Colorado, Mel suggested we just keep driving. After 12 hours on the road, she wanted to do 8 more. We decided to just do it. So, we switched drivers every couple of hours, stopped to use the bathroom, munched, listened to CD's that Jenny had loaned me (Queen, Elton John, Michael Jackson, The Beatles, Disney Mania, Hannah Montana, Justin Bieber, etc.) We arrived at mom and dad's place at 4 am. Mel dropped me off and went on to Provo. On Friday she brought the car back to me.

Bekki and Dottie wave goodbye 

Friday night I joined my friend Theresa Escalate and her family for their weekly bonfire. Her mom recently moved and in an effort to get rid of boxes, they meet every Friday in her backyard, burn boxes, and eat hot dogs and smores. Grandma, aka Kathy, also brings out gems she's found as she unpacks boxes and does show and tell. I felt so special being a part of the family. It was wonderful and I'm so grateful I was welcomed. They say I can come back any Friday and I probably will go again. Saturday I spent the day in Utah County. Kristen and Doug got here, so I showed them my place. I have carpet and counter tops. I close on June 18 and move June 20. I have a moving truck ordered and have people lined up to help, including the Elders Quorum in my new ward. I'm blessed. I'm expecting a full time job offer from BYU any day. The Lord is really taking care of me.

This morning, as I was getting ready for church, I heard David Archuleta's version of "Be Still My Soul" and I paused to take it in. It is true that the Lord is on my side and I'm very grateful. Right now it's scary. I'm buying my place on faith that it's the right thing and the right place for me. I'm grateful for the peaceful feeling I have. Today I had church with Debbie and Mark. I've now had church with all of my active family members: mom and dad, and my sisters and their husbands. I've had zoom church with Kamiko and Bekki and Mel and Allie has joined home church once or twice. It's not all bad. Had my house been done sooner, I would have had a house payment to make and responsibilities to take care of my house and the cat. It's actually been really good timing, even though it hasn't been easy. In the end, I'm grateful.

Me and Debbie, my sister who gave me a big hug when I really needed one