Almost there

 Well,

We’re almost ready for you. The basement is nearly dang ready, even Jake’s room is clean (let’s see if it stays cleaned). you’re room is ready, and mom has made it very comfy. You’re old bed is still in the same place if you prefer that though. I’m turning the little room into a listening/reading room, at least as soon as I finish my speakers. I have a little more to do, mostly taking stuff to the DI and/or dump. You’d think that I’d be close to the end of projects....but nay...mom has a plan for the kitchen that will keep me, hopefully us, busy.

Jordan stayed the night Friday night. The Utes game was canceled again, and Jacob was not thrilled about that or about cleaning his room, so we thought he could use some cheering up. On Saturday I bribed them to wash the basement windows with a Crown Burger lunch. Boy was it worth it! They did a great job. That, plus CB was it’s usual yumminess. Uncle Tim came over to pick Jordan up. I guess they had to help Mark in his new house. We chatted politics for an hour and a half. Politically speaking, times are very strange right now.

This week at work has been pretty busy, but I finally feel indispensable, which is a very happy place, even under stress. I suspect next week busier still, then, I have a one-and-a-half day week after that. I’m looking forward to that week for some reason.

I made good progress on my speakers this week. I got the crossovers done, got the speakers wired in for a test run. They didn’t sound great, but I assume having a full cabinet will make a big difference I did get one glued up with most of the finish routing done and all some of the sanding. I need to do the other one next, then bondo, primer, paint and hardware. Then I hope they sound decent. If they do, that-satisfied-but-sad-that-they’re-done feeling will come over me and drive me to my next project. If they don’t, I’ll have two large doorstops. Maybe I’ll get that leak fixed on my Jeep now.

We got to actually go to church today. Sadly, it seems rare that we go, though I was happy to be there. We had two high council talks today—both excellent. They have their bead on you...usually a return missionary is supposed to speak with one, but there’s not to many of those left in our stake since most of them came home in March and are now all off to school or singles wards or marriage. Weird how that happens. It was great to see some of our neighbors, especially the Snarrs, as they’ve just come out of quarantine for Covid. The mom had a pretty severe case, but the whole family had it. Sidney leaves for the mission field this Wednesday, so the timing was good. Elder Blattman also leaves for the field on Wednesday. He’s assigned to Columbia, but he’ll be going to Washington for the moment. We had tithing settlement, everyone is looking forward to your return. It makes Jacob’s turn a little more real though. You have an appointment for your release, your high council report (told ya) and your homecoming. 

I remember my last week pretty clearly. Well, I remember tracting as hard as I could. It was probably done in a pretty selfish way though. I was excited to come home, I had little faith that the labor would bear any fruits, but I just didn’t want to slow up at all. Plus, I was with the APs, and I had to work harder than they did. 

Your cousin Artie is back to church. He’s wearing garments and has given your aunt patti priesthood blessings. He told me today his goal was to get there before you returned. You may not realize this Ben, but you and your service has been a beacon and an example to so many people. You’ve done well son, I could not possibly be more proud of you. In the same way, I’m so proud of Artie. He’s gone through a tougher time than I could ever imagine with the divorce and his mom’s health and his own trials. He served an honorable mission, we all stumble, but he got back up, and he keeps on going. You’ve had a mini version of life on your mission with all the challenges and trials, along with such joy and pride in the miracles you were able to witness. Those are now all lessons for your life, all mini models of how to overcome trials and appreciate joy. Life is awesome Ben, go after it, embrace it, have a blast, and be grateful.

Enough of that.

Have a great week son. What you do this week will have an affect, both seen and unseen in your life.

Love,

Pops