IT'S TAKEN DAYS!!

Since returning from Florida, it has taken me days, (literally eleven days!) to get the shells taken care of and put away so we can have counter tops to work on again! When we got home, I was so sick and exhausted, I did very little the 1st week! Finally on Thursday the 30th, I started soaking shells and also dipping them in Muric Acid to remove the white calcium from them. The above Florida Fighting conches were soaking in bleach water to make sure they didn't smell.

They sat on my counter for a good week!! I just needed time and with our schedule and the way I was feeling, it just wasn't getting done. lol  As much as I wanted it done, I needed time & energy!

I finally got all of them dipped in the acid and rinsed clean and set to dry. It was amazing to see the color come out after the layer of calcium was taken off.

I was ready to start organizing them and to put them on display but we worked at the temple on Saturday morning and Deedra and Garrett had come to town for his orthodontist appointment. We wanted to spend some time with them on Saturday and Sunday before they had to go home on Monday! We also had the Senior Thanksgiving dinner on Saturday afternoon at 1 and so Deedra and Garrett went to visit her in-laws while we were there. When we met up at Lynn's, we watched the BSU Game which had played on Friday night but Lynn recorded it. We knew the outcome so were able to watch it with out any stress. lol After, we played games.

We had dinner at Joyce's house on Sunday after church. When we finished we came to our place and watched COME FOLLOW UP and we also watched Dalla Jenkins when he spoke to BYU. Both were really good. Around 3:45, they all went to Lynn's because Tony and I had a meeting to pick talks for the next 6 months for Priesthood and Relief Society. It only took about 20 minutes but then Tony had a Priesthood meeting. We didn't get over to Lynn's till around 6:30. Tammy and family were there when we got there and they were playing games. Garrett came and asked me to come upstairs.  He wanted to show me a new story he was writing. I was thrilled he asked me to come read it. We ended up spending a good hour together as he shared his stories with me. He is really a very talented writer and will be a great author someday. It was fun! Later, we went down and watched MOANA while the others continued to play games. Soon, the other kids came in to watch till it was time for them to go home because of school on Monday. It was a nice weekend.

I spent Monday and Tuesday getting the shells somewhat organized. 

These are my floaters ! lol Not super pleased with it, but it will have to do for now.

I really didn't know what kind of containers to buy and these (along with some smaller ones) we purchased at IKEA in Utah long before the trip. Now I wished I had waited cuz I really don't like them, BUT, eventually, I will used them for a better display that I glue down and make some gifts to give away!

I filled crystal bowls and dished I had......

I put them all over the book shelf in the back room.

I used some of the big shells we found and filled them with smaller shells. The dish on the right, I found at HOBBY LOBBY! (along with the starfish above!) 

Another big jar I bought at IKEA and I like this one. And another big shell we found with more shells inside. lol

Last, but not least, ANOTHER BIG SHELL we found with more shells! I'm not totally sold on how things are displayed, BUT until the holidays are over with and I have more time, this is gonna be how things are gonna stay! I want to start on CHRISTMAS, because I've not been able to decorate for two years!! IT'S TIME!!  We went to vote this morning and it took us a good hour from standing in a line outside to voting. NOT BAD! We had Lynn and Joyce with us and then we took them to the gym. Now, time for lunch and a little rest. 

MARCO ISLAND FLORIDA ! FOR THE SHELL OF IT!~

Tony and I had this trip planned for about a year. We went with the "Xperts",  Deb and Alivia! We drove to Bountiful on Tuesday the 15th and flew out early for Florida on Wednesday. Most of the day was spent in the air and in airports waiting for the next connection. Alivia flew out a few hours before us and so when we arrived, she had the rental car and groceries.  We flew into Fort Meyers and then drove and hour and a half to Marco Island. We got settled into the condo and were ready to get up early the next day with the low tide.

Because of the last 2 hurricanes, the pan shells have washed up with a vengeance. They are not pretty at all and the beach is full of them. However, along with them, there are a lot of other shells that have washed up as well.  GOOD PICKINS!!

This is beach in front of the condo's. There was a dock by our condo, but they have piled HUGE rocks up against the dock and it was just too treacherous for Deb and me to traverse. SO, we walk about 10 minutes to an access to the beach on Marco.  

Then we sit and sift and pick through piles of shells! AND, I mean piles of shells! Alivia told us that they have NEVER seen so many shells on any of their 2 previous trips. She said this trip was epic!

I had a low to the ground chair that I sat in, but  if I wasn't centered just right, it would tip over when I sat down. There were many spills I took from that chair. Tony broke his, trying to get out of it once.  Not so sure they were a good purchase. 

Trying to get a picture of all of us....not too good at selfies. lol

Some of the BIG ROCKS they had along the edge were encased with shells!! Pretty amazing!

Someone made a Christmas Tree with Pan shells and Florida Fighting conches ! Pretty clever! There was a Halloween one a day later, but I didn't get a picture of it.

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A beautiful picture of the ocean on our way out to

 Keewaydin Island. 

Keewaydin Island a little after Dawn. We found some BIG shells on this Island and the Holy Grail of shells (the Junonia) was found by Deb! Alivia web crazy when she found it! lol

Starfish

Rose Murex

Rose Murex

A Gaudy Natica

STARFISH

Starfish

The Junonia and an Alphabet Cone!!

THE JUNONIA!  The Prize of the trip!

A trip to Kise Island. You literally walk over shells galore! 

A couple was fishing off our dock and caught a little shark! Deb got the picture and when we went down to see, they were gone. They were trying to get the hook out so they could put him back.

Back on Marco Island for the last two days. 

I mean, look at that pile of shells!! How could we not come home with a load??

One day we drove to Naples because they had a COSTCO. Tony was going to return the chairs he bought but discovered he didn't buy them at a COSTCO! It rained while we were there and a beautiful rainbow appeared afterwards!

A TRUE TULIP

It was an EPIC TRIP for shells! Alivia said they have never seen so many shells on either one of their previous 2 trips!  However, it totally kicked my butt! I was so exhausted by the end of the week that on our way home, I got sick! We stopped in Snowville and I had the shakes soooo bad! I had to turn on my seat warmer and get a blanket out of the back and cover up. Then I had to get a plastic bag and proceeded to puke my guts out for miles! Now that we are home, I have broke out in a MOUTH FULL of cold sores!! I have never had so many in one given time. They are so painful! I have had NO ENERGY and have slept a lot!! Today, I am finally feeling a wee bit better, (except for my mouth) and so I think I;m gonna live! lol It was a great trip but not one I want to repeat!

ALIVIA'S FAREWELL

Sunday, was my day to teach Relief Society and I knew I wanted to be to Alivia's farewell (which was during our RS meeting time) so 3 weeks ago, I asked Effie Dickerson if she would be willing to teach my class for me. BLESS HER HEART~! 

She did! We were able to go to our Sacrament meeting and then we left to go to Alivia's ward. 

 I have been trying so hard as of late, to think about the importance of the Sacrament. We have been reading in our nightly studies about the Savior implementing the Sacrament in the America's when he visited the Nephites after His resurrection.  I am trying harder to think and ponder of Him who sacrificed Himself for us. I love my Savior and I want to honor Him more as I partake of these holy emblems.

After leaving our building, we went to the Smith Building and I was able to partake again. Such a blessing.

After the Sacrament, Alivia was the 1st speaker. She's the newest Missionary in her ward and the young man who spoke after her, just returned.  Alivia did a fabulous job! Her testimony is strong!! She is definitely ready to serve the people in Colorado. 

After the meeting, we got our picture with Livi. Her best friend is from Tonga and made her the beautiful Lei she is wearing. I love it. We hurried home and I was going to make a Quiche for dinner.  However, it was noon and we were supposed to be at their home for an open house at 1 o'clock. I just didn't have the time to make the Quiche,  SO, I threw a Motor City Pizza in the oven and cut up some apples to eat with caramel sauce. It was just fine!! We still didn't make it to the Cleaver's till 1:20 but it worked out great. We were the last to leave. lol  After getting home, Tony was dead tired because he stayed up till 1am on Sunday morning because he and his mom watched the BSU game. I wanted to, but I overdid it in the garden on Saturday and I was extremely tired and SORE!! At one point, before he went over to his mother's, I was sitting with a heating pad on my back and a blanket over me and I got the shakes SO BAD!! Tony covered me up with two more blankets and for some reason, I could not stop shaking. He then made me a cup of HOT CHOCOLATE and my body finally settled down. It was weird. It scared us both! 

Sunday night after we had rested, we called Alivia Erwin to find out the particulars of the upcoming shelling trip.  Then after visiting with her, we got out our suitcases and started packing. We aren't done but we decided to go to bed at 9:20. Earliest we have in a long time. lol We were both needing rest. We got up this morning and Tony went to the gym. I cleaned my house. 

I DON'T LIKE COMING HOME FROM VACATION TO A DIRTY HOME!! 

When Tony gets home, we are going to finish cleaning the garden out. Thank goodness he is going to help me. You wouldn't think digging potatoes and picking squash was a big deal but it did a number on me. Then we'll mow the lawns before our trip and finish packing and loading the car. We are heading out right after his dermatology appointment tomorrow. I can't wait to get to Florida! It is going to be so fun looking for shells!  FUN FUN FUN!!

When people have asked us why we are going to Florida, we say,

"FOR THE SHELL OF IT!!"  LOL

Tony got home from the gym and decided to go directly to his mom's to do her lawn.  I got my house cleaning done. All dusted and vacuumed. Floors mopped, toilets cleaned, AND then I went out and started on our lawn. Tony can work circles around me!! He came home and edged and mowed Joyce's lawn and winterized it. He did the same at his mom's. I was just finishing up our lawn and he edged and winterized ours! THEN, we dug up the rest of the potatoes, except for the sweet potatoes. They are kinda hid by the flowers and not exactly sure where. lol We decided to leave the flowers till we get back from Florida, so the sweet potatoes will wait too! I came in and made potato soup with the Ukon Gold one's he sliced with the shovel. Then we ate dinner and got showered and finished packing. I wrapped Christmas gifts for Derek, Heather & Colby that we'll deliver on the 24th.  We loaded the car and we are good to go in the morning.  I won't be posting till I get back from Florida AND then I'll have a ton of pictures and experiences!!  YAHOO!!~ 

MOM GRADUATED

Had an interesting experience on Thursday night. We were up till about 10 and had finished our scripture reading. I got into bed and had just closed my eyes, when I saw a very distinctive white ribbon pass before my closed eyes! It was waving like a flag in the wind.  I immediately thought of my mother.

I went to sleep and when I got up Friday morning, I turned on my phone, and saw a text string from my siblings. Mom had passed through the veil sometime after 10.  She had been nauseated after breakfast on Thursday and was very lethargic. Alexandra, was concerned and had her taken to the hospital. Her blood pressure was extremely low. When Alexandra got to the hospital, Mom took her hand and squeezed it but was not speaking. When Alexandra called me from the hospital, she said she was waiting for the doctor to come in to see what was up. She said a nurse had said that she thought she only had a day or so. She put the phone up to Mom's ear and I told her how much I loved her and that we were all thinking of her and hoped she would be feeling better soon.  She said a little later,  Mom perked up and was sitting up and trying to fix her hair with her hands.  Alexandra had some errands to attend to so she left. The Ambulance transported her back to her care facility around 9 in the evening. Alexandra said she was nauseated again (probably from the ride) and so she cleaned her up and got her put into her bed at 10PM. She left for a few minutes and then came back in at 10:15 and Mom was gone.

She sent me this picture and we talked. Alexandra said she tries not to get personally attached to her patients but she cried and said she had with mom. She was such a wonderful Caretaker. We couldn't have been more blessed to have Mom in her home. My brother Rick made a wonderful comment about Mom. He said that in the Hebrew language, the number 10 means "Unity With God" then he said. "How appropriate for out Angel Mother to go back home in the 10th hour, on the 10th day, of the 10th month." 

Then Tony and I made the observation that we had taken her to Alexandra's home 10 and 1/2 months ago. It was a beautiful thought and we are so grateful that Mom is now free of her mortal body with it's limitations. She now see's and hears perfectly and is with Dad, her parents and all our wonderful family who have gone before.

               I LOVE YOU MOM! YOU WILL BE MISSED TILL WE MEET AGAIN BEYOND THE VEIL. AND THANK YOU FOR GIVING ME SUCH A SWEET GOODBYE.

WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY

Our usual day for going to the temple. We had four of us as Lona was still in town. We went to the 10 am session and when we arric=ve around 9:20, there were Sister Missionaries working on the grounds. Getting all the Pansies and decorative cabbage (I don't think thats the real name) laid out and ready to be planted. 

It was a good day in the temple. We each did an endowment and then we did two hours of sealings. So glad Lona was here to help us out. After we left the temple, we went to the HABIT for lunch. I did the usual Ceasar Chicken salad and everyone else got burgers. It was good but I am always the last to finish when I try to chew up all the greens! lol

 

We came home and I walked through my yard and realized how things are turning.The Locust is orange and dropping leaves like crazy. I thought I won't be enjoying my Begonia's much longer as it is supposed to freeze next week.

My Hydrangeas are turning a pretty pink. I did learn that the type I really wish I had, are called LIMELIGHT!! I may be taking out a couple of the three I have, and putting in Limelight because they are SO MUCH FULLER AND PRETTIER!! And, Tony said I could!!

One of my Peonies have gone from green leaves to pinkish orange.

The Hen & Chicks have starting growing over the sides of the planter. Fall is definitely in the air and I am seeing 

BIG CHANGES in our yard.