December 2022

 Dear family and friends, 

The month of November has come and gone leaving a few items of note to share. First and foremost was perhaps the fact that I spent a full week in bed during the month. I thought it was only a cold, but True immediately put me to bed and confined me to that one spot, even had us wear masks just in case it might be something more. She was concerned for my sake and for herself too, because after her own recent bout with COVID, her immune system was not yet up to par, and she couldn’t afford to get sick. I didn’t feel too bad, but I did see my doctor. And luckily, that’s all it was - just a cold with a bad cough, and lots of phlegm. But with rest and medicine that was soon gone. I was sorry to miss church, my DUP meeting and my regular hair appointment, but I’m so appreciative of True’s quick response that caught it early, so I only missed one week’s activities.

Just before this happened, I had another strange experience. One night, shortly before bedtime, my prosthetic leg “Buddy” having been removed, the stump of that leg began to jump and jerk, sending stinging nerve shots clear down to the toes of that non-existent leg. This was kept up every few SECONDS all through the night and into the next day, giving me no chance for sleep at all and feeling completely stressed out over it. It finally did subside and got back to normal. But what caused it? Why did it last so long? Since being cut off, I’ve had other times when the stump would jerk and sting for a bit, but nothing like that. And I certainly hope it never happens again. 

On the brighter side, I did enjoy being out in our good weather and seeing the trees with their brightly colored leaves in various parts of town. At what is called the Bear Hotel, where all the characteristic bear figures usually adorning the street fronts are stored, there was being held a $2 an item sale of GOOD used clothing and other items. I love thrift shops, and this was a community affair with lots to choose from. I have been hoping to get another pair of nice shoes for me and Buddy. From the beginning we have only had an athletic shoe, which was also worn to Church. But could I find one here? Sure enough, after searching a bit, I did come across one that was an exact fit. I was thrilled! Finally, I could feel properly dressed at church, although no one had seemed to mind my former footwear. 

I was also fortunate enough to find there a nice, warm, furry jacket for use during the winter months ahead. I was again surprised at how well it fit and how new-looking it was. And for only $2! Relishing over this great community bargain day and my finds there, I was treated to an even better one, later, sponsored by the Church, which was an actual ‘give-away’ where everything was FREE for the taking! Members and others had been encouraged to decide what they’d like to donate or get rid of, and bring it to the stake center prior to the designated day. True had a large bag full of stuff she had been saving just for that day, and we both came home with a bag of new stuff. I had two dresses, a couple of tops, a small necklace and two clip-on earrings, which are hard to find now that most ladies have pierced ears, but not me. So, I was very pleased with all of my no-cost purchases. But, I also enjoyed just being out and among people, especially children, who were busily trying out all the games that were available. 

Our Thanksgiving Day was spent here at home, although True would have liked to be with her kids. But she called and talked to each one, even Stewart, who is now in London, England for five years. Linda and her daughter, Naomi, were here with us and we called Dan in Florida, so that completed my family. The four of us enjoyed a fine dinner, of chicken rather than turkey, but with all the other traditional items. As a special treat, Naomi had made a large double-crusted apple pie, which with some ice cream, was really well enjoyed by all. Afterwards, we enjoyed playing our traditional family game of Tile Rummy. So, it was a nice day. And I hope yours was too. 

As part of the festivities of the day, in the early morning, we watched the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. That is a tradition for most people, I guess, but it was my first time watching it. Having seen the movie “Miracle on 34th Street”, I knew about the huge balloons and everyone in costumes, but it was really a treat to see it for myself. And to think it has been going on for 94 years, getting bigger and better each year. WOW! However, being in Calif. for forty years and Oregon for fifty five, it’s only the Rose Parade that has meant anything to us out here, so we never watched or even knew about the Macy’s parade, as far as I know. But seeing it, for myself, along with thousands at the site and millions of others elsewhere viewing it, too, was a rather awesome experience. But it sure lasted a long time! 

With that holiday over, now starts the rush for Christmas. True brought out the tree and box of lights, ornaments, etc. and went to work decorating the tree already. But since it’s not a fresh one, it won’t matter how long it is up. We can see its twinkling lights from our large front window, as it sits majestically on the porch for all others to see and enjoy as well. This year, since we now have a long extension cord, we will also light up the little fir tree in our front yard. That will be nice. It’s just the right size for decorating now. 

I was almost overwhelmed when True presented me with the styrofoam cone, with pins and a large bag of individually wrapped Christmas nuggets, that I have used in years past to create my little Candy Angel, who is meant to be ‘undressed‘ by removing and enjoying a piece of this special and tasty type of candy, available only during Christmastime! I didn’t have any idea it still existed, but, somehow, she had had it securely tucked away and brought it out now as a complete and total surprise for me to enjoy dressing up again, this year. It looks great! 

The Nativity Festival is put on by the Church each year, featuring scenes from all over the world and made from all sorts of materials, will be displayed on Dec. 2nd and 3rd, so I guess everything is getting off to a head-start. I have ones from Guam, St. Croix, and Mexico that I have displayed before, but I don’t intend to do so this year. But I hope to be able to go and view all the others, anyway. The Church Devotional from SLC will be rather early too - on the 4th. 

It sounds like I am running November into December this month, but that’s okay because my 95th birthday is today, and Christmas will be over by the time my next letter arrives. So, I do want to now wish all of you a very merry Christmas, along with the blessings of good health and vitality to be yours as you celebrate the birth of our Savior this year. And I especially want to express to you the love I feel for you as my family and friends. Love, Marie 

P.S. I think I should probably tell you that I am not including a puzzle with this month’s letter. You will be receiving a separate Christmas card with puzzles for you to enjoy. If you’d like extras to share, be sure to use those as the master to make copies before marking on them.





Last night Maria celebrated her 95th birthday at a favorite Mexican restaurant with her two daughters, and a surprise visit from her son and his wife. 

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