Post-Conference Weekend

Hello, Dear Ones.  Did you all enjoy Conference?  We certainly did, especially Elder Holland's talk and the song, Tell Me the Stories of Jesus.  Mark said there was a terrific one on forgiveness, which I didn't hear (on Sat. morning).  I also loved Elder Bednar's talk.

I was left with the lingering impression that we need not apologize for living the principles we believe in, unchanging and eternal as they are; that we are to hold on to what we do believe, and pray to believe more, as in, "Yea, Lord, I believe; help Thou my unbelief," (in so many words). 

I will continue thinking and praying about these admonitions, and I'm refreshed by the Apostle's simple and direct language - hearing them speak is like a breath of fresh air!

Also, Pres. Monson asked us to remember that we all yearned to return to our Heavenly Father - every one of us, and to be patient and loving with those with other beliefs and opinions.  Wise counsel for our day.  

Today I went for a stress test to check my arteries out and see how they're doing.  Instead of walking, I was given an injection of a hormone that's secreted during exercise, to stress my heart and check my circulation.  That kind of test is so uncomfortable for me, and I'm glad it's over!  Also, now I can eat, which I couldn't since midnight last night.  (It's technically the next day, but it still feels like Monday to me.)  Anyway, the test and it's followup, a few hours later, kept me corralled all day long.  Poor Mark had to sit there and try and stay awake, since he usually likes to accompany me.

The workers were very friendly and upbeat, and that helped us helpless, pathetic beings.  

I know...whine, whine, whine.  It's the *little* things that are most difficult for me!  : )

This evening we watched Shrek Forever After, which we both liked.  That's a first for us, for the Shrek movies.  I'd like to get that one.

And I've been reading a book about Highclere Castle, the real Downton Abbey, and Almina, the girl who married the Earl of Carnarvon and was the mistress of the household, corresponding to the mistress of D.A.  It's fascinating!  Thanks to Bonnie for recommending it.

Mark goes to the dr. in the morning; I'm happy that he found someone he can get checked by.  So far, he is too busy helping me to be sick himself!

And here's letting you know that Bonnie and Dennis and John Ringer and family (he's my Uncle Gene's boy - they visited us here in I.F., years ago!) will be joining us for our family reunion on July Fourth!  Isn't that great?  They'll be around the week before that, too.  Check with Bonnie to talk to her about their plans, and I'll keep you posted, too.  (Bonnie, correct me if I'm wrong about any of that, ok?)

So that's the news from here.  Hope you all are well and strong.
We love you bunches!

xoxoxo