Resolved.

Okay, I know you've long since given up on seeing a new entry here.  So had I.  But it's a new year, and I have a new resolve.  And I've got some sweet images from the past month.  So let's go.

Here is one of my favorite shots.  Fred and I were involved with the Pine Cone Singers, and this was the night of their first performance.  He looked pretty dapper.  (He opted to leave the mission badge home that night). 

I loved being their rehearsal accompanist.  My job ended when their paid accompanist came in town the last week.  So I got to enjoy watching all three of their performances from a comfortable seat in the audience! 

Oh, and this adorable tree was our killer deal for $5 from a local thrift store.  We loved it! 

Some of the 'Pine Cone' ladies.  They are all wonderful.  There are about forty three in the choir. 

Our director, Dennis Brown.  He comes into town for the weekly rehearsals, and he's amazing.  It's been an education for me just to work with him.  (#side blessing)










So during last month, Elder Meese was more than just a pretty face in a tux.  These were a few of his December 'duties':

Home builder!  Of COURSE we carried on the family tradition, even though it was a little tougher finding some children to come decorate these in this 'older' community. 

Here he was as 'The Man' at the Youth Center.  And I must say, he was pretty convincing.

He even made a pretty decent Christmas tree
for the kids to decorate!










I think now I'll just show you a few of our favorite faces from last month.

The 'salt of the earth' Daltons.  They're always reaching out to help or invite.  And they invited this grateful couple in for a wonderful Christmas Eve dinner!

One of our favorite Spaniards, Miguel.  He and Sally invited us over for a great holiday dinner and a fast game of Rummikub!  They have become wonderful friends. 

This is our 'lunch bunch'.  Even though we were out for Mexican here, we each take turns cooking lunch and visiting together every Tuesday at 'The Little House' (our senior citizen center).  Denise (long hair in front) is our director there. 

I made JoAnn play a duet with me in church for Christmas.  I thought she was going to go into cardiac arrest, but she came through beautifully! 

This is our beloved District.  Unfortunately, our Elder second from the left had to return home with a serious knee problem, so the other three are now working as a trio! 

Our District Leader, Elder Miller (second from right) is just so conscientious and wonderful.  He has a great testimony and we look forward to our meetings together every Thursday.

The Elders work in Sonora, where they have just combined two wards into one.  The youth are glad. 

Mike and Don from my exercise class at The Little House.  Mike plays straight man to Don's great sense of humor.  They go to the Pismo Beach Jazz Festival together every year.  And I can't even explain how much I love being with them (and the fourteen others) each week.



We love this little community.  They have a real generosity and tradition of serving others.  At Christmas, Groveland provided gifts and food items to 85 families in the area!

You may notice how many times Elder Meese and I are pictured in 'formal' mission attire.  We noticed early on that the white shirt and tie just wasn't going to work in our sweet town if we wanted to be part of things.  Of course this is a little more casual than usual, but President Palmer gave approval for us to adapt as needed to serve.  And it sure helps in our efforts. 

Well, that's enough for a repentant 'return'.  We hope 2018 is treating you well so far.  We send our love to all of you from beautiful Groveland.