November

Leiann posted on Instagram - "Today ends our Grand Adventure of an epic 82 days, 13,001 miles, 31 states, 12 National Parks, 16 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint Temples and numerous State Capital Buildings. We now know for ourselves the diversity & beauty of this amazing country. However, it is the people who have made these memories so special. We look back with gratitude in our hearts for all the memories made!" I am impressed. They did their due diligence in planning and spent months seeing more of the USA. They had a great time and I am happy they could fulfill their dream for their first extended road trip. 

This was on the Church News - At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in late 2019 and early 2020, the Church counted some 69,000 young teaching and service missionaries and senior missionaries. The pandemic resulted in international closures and restrictions and the resulting return of many missionaries — some released from service and others reassigned, mostly to home countries. The number grew to 56,000 at the end of 2021, to 65,000 at the end of 2022, and to more than 72,000 today, which includes nearly 5,300 senior missionaries. Combined, today’s missionaries serve in more than 150 countries and teach in more than 60 languages.

Another visit with Yayo. We went to the temple to do an endowment session. Maps sent us down Highway 1 and loved seeing the ocean and so many things I hadn't seen in many years. As we got back in the car, Leiann called. They would like to come and visit for several days. Yay! They were in St. George and arrived at our house at bedtime. What a treat and we have the time to spend time with them.

We all four went for a walk. We didn’t even get to the Asian man's front yard garden when I hit an upraised part of the sidewalk and fell forward. I hit my knee, and my shoulders, and the finale was hitting the cement with my head just outside of my left eye. It was a surprise. I scared Lewis and Cary and Leiann but I was OK. I wanted to just remain in place for a few moments and then I was able to get up and walk back home and get up the stairs. No pain. A little blood on my left elbow. I got a bandage on my elbow and on my face and I was fine. 

We ate cooked cereal for breakfast and headed out for the mission office. Leiann and Cary wanted to chat a bit with the people they knew. It was transfer day. We learned that there will be two sets of Spanish-speaking Elders living in Camarillo so the new branch will get a lot of attention. One spent time in Camarillo a year ago so he knows many of the players. Both companionships have an experienced Elder and a new Elder. We will see how it plays out. There won’t be any Hermanas living in Camarillo. I’m a little sad about that.

We went to the Ventura Pier for a walk and a Beach House Taco lunch stop. That was fun. The weather is perfect. It is November and the sun is shining, the skies are clear and there is a vast ocean and very few people because it is not summer. So Cal has its advantages. 

We had my orange tofu with a stir fry and it was received well by Cary and Leiann. We played Rumi cubes and I decided that I like the game now that I understand how to play it.

Today is Ventur County Farm Day. Leiann is signed up and suggested that we visit a few of the places she had seen last year. The weather is still wonderful. We ate breakfast and headed out. We first went to a place where they raise alpacas. They are so very cute. There were two baby ones born just last week.

Leiann said that her horse riding lessons when she was young were at one of the nearby properties. We saw one that might have been it. I cannot remember enough to identify it. There weren’t any signs or any horses in sight but a big ring. No English riding jumps but they could have been there many years ago. 

Next, we went to OttoSons Nursery in Fillmore. It is an amazingly beautiful place. They seem to specialize in roses. Leiann went last year and they invited her back anytime to walk in their rose garden. It has been upgraded some more and has a gazebo with a little river and pond. There are Koi near the gazebo with a profusion of roses and many other beautiful plants. We talked with a girl working there and she said that they do not have a permit to host weddings but they welcome people to come for bridal photos or even a bride luncheon or something like that. Maybe Ella would be happy about that. It is a large and looks like a very successful enterprise. So much beauty and how nice of them to share it with people who would like to walk through. 

This is a red rose. Cary asked the girl trimming the flowers if he would have one to give to his wife on their wedding anniversary. She smiled and cut him a beautiful rose with a very long stem.

Then we went to the Camulos Museum and met a lady that was so very fun. She loves the place and is enthusiastic and engaging. She is a descendant of the second family that purchased much of the 4 thousand acres given as a land grant from Spain. It was the Del Valle family. She showed us a picture of her ancestor. She was full of fun stories and we had a great time. I now feel a bit of kinship with a place I never heard of before. She grew up in Northridge, Cary in Reseda, and Leiann and I in Van Nuys. She lives in Newbury Park and drives to Camulos a lot to volunteer. She said that the manager of the whole property is a man who is a member of our church. She said, "He is a very good guy and very busy because he is in charge of a lot of people." This is a photo of a quilt made by a supporter that features many of the citrus logos from many years ago when fruit was a major crop. It still is. 

The brochure said: Rancho Camulos Museum is a 40-acre NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK situated within an 1800 acre working ranch. It is the best remaining example of a Spanish-Mexican rancho in its original rural environment and is noted for its literary significance as the setting for Helen Hunt Jackson’s novel Ramona. Rancho Camulos is dedicated to researching, collecting, preserving, and interpreting the diverse cultural heritage and agricultural history of Southern California from 1853 to 1943. Through the restoration of its buildings and grounds, Rancho Camulos seeks to connect the past with the present by offering programs that will educate and enrich all audiences.

They shared these fruits and nuts from trees on the property

We had to stop at the Fillmore hatchery and see the fish. The fish food is free now but the buckets were empty. Too many birds in there perhaps. 

We went to a fun bakery in Filmore but they were out of sandwiches. We went to one Mexican restaurant and it was too full. We went to a second and it was practically empty. It was expensive. But we really did enjoy our BRC - bean, rice, and cheese burrito. There was a whole lot of cheese and it wasn’t melted. They asked if we wanted salsa and chips and we said yes. Cary and Leiann had offered to pay for lunch. I’m sure they got stiffed a bit but it was delicious and we enjoyed our time together. 

Camarillo Stake Conference Adult Meeting – I was impressed with the meeting. Wonderful people speaking wise words with love.

The Spanish-speaking member of the Stake presidency (Adam Basua) gave a super talk about our relationships at home. He showed an interview between Elder Bednar and Elder Hollans’s daughter, Mary and son, Matthew. He asked them questions about what it was like to be in their parent’s home during their growing-up years. So simple but tender and amazing. I couldn’t find it on YouTube. Maybe will be available later. He said he had a very hard time watching many old video tapes he took of his children when they were young. He was critical and harsh when they didn’t conform to his directions in the films. He said that he learned he needed to repent, apologize, and do better. It was uncomfortable but things were better. We need to evaluate our parenting, all of our relationships, and become better. He also referred to Elder Holland's tribute to his wife when she died recently. I did find a related video: 

https://youtu.be/YWnMAJSxsvc?si=nI59q4G-w3cUsILI - "Ye shall have joy with me"

Our Mission Leaders each spoke. Sister Rodriguez talked about honoring the truth of our fathers. She has a connection with Pte. Parra and Brother Zurcher’s father was a dear friend of Sister Rodriguez’s father. Such lovely connections. President Rodreguez said We all want to go to Heaven but none of us want to die. We need to make a heaven here in our homes and wards. In Christ, there is peace and joy. He blesses us and changes us. Heaven is our destination but it is also our ongoing transformation. Share Jesus Christ with your friends.  

On Sunday - Camarillo Stake Conference – Evan Arellano was the first speaker. He talked about the little things we need to do daily to get where we want to go. Search, Ponder, Pray. He compared it with soccer. It is a big interest for him and he wants to improve his ability to play soccer better. He and his friends get together often and practice the skills needed to handle the ball well. They spend a lot of time with the ball. Evan said that if we constantly work on the small decisions, we will be ready for the big decisions that face us in life. I don’t remember ever hearing this phrase before – Evan said, “Jesus Christ deserves our love.” I am going to remember that. Evan closed by saying that Jesus Christ loves us and will help us to make good decisions.

A YW said her family goes to the temple to do baptisms weekly. She found that she was looking at it as just another obligation. But a worker said, “Thank you for putting the world aside for a few hours.” It helped her to focus more on what she could contribute and less on the time it took to make the trip. She was very close to the family dog and very sad when he died. She said that every family member thought that the dog was their favorite family member. She had difficulty letting go of the sadness but felt comforted and encouraged when she prayed about her feelings in the temple. She said that she has a testimony that the temple can change us.

A YM reminded us of President Nelson’s “Think Celestial”.  He suggested that those who don’t love going should be going more often rather than less often. He reminded us that we receive power in the temple because of the covenants we make or remember. He said, “The temple helps me feel like my real self.”

Another YW appreciated that the temple is where we understand the important gift of family. The sealing ordinances make that very clear. Family relationships are important. and so is our relationship with our Savior. She said that sometimes she asks questions and sometimes she argues when she prays. This mortal experience is hard. Living as Jesus Christ wants us to is a challenge on purpose and strengthens us. She appreciates the power of the temple.

Brother and Sister Mann of the temple presidency spoke and complimented the Camarillo Stake for their attendance.

President Bramwell spoke. I loved his analogy. He said he learned that we should not speed up but rather slow down when we come to a yellow light. He reminded us that Jesus Christ is always the answer. We must follow Him. He pointed out that prophets in the scriptures are often taken to a faraway place and given a totally new perspective. We need to allow that to happen in our lives as well. How would we respond if we had personally experienced their vision? We can improve and bless others.

President Thunell quoted Evan and said he agreed that we need to spend time with the things that will help us improve ourselves. At the time of Helaman’s army, Amalickiah ruled the social media of his day. But the “sons of Helaman” who were his army were confident and without fear. They said, “If we do not doubt, the Lord will help us.” They actually cared more about the safety of their families than they did about their own lives. “Our mothers knew.” We are on the earth now but it isn’t our home. Learn consecration. Make regular things holy. Put aside things that are not important. Are we getting ready to return? 

He asked the patriarch to speak. He said he had to learn how to have the Spirit always with him. His #1 suggestion was to get rid of all contention. He said it is possible. He learned to put away anything negative. He said he is sad that he waited until he received this calling to actually do these things. He testified that HF loves each one of us and wants us to return and live with him forever. Read again how the people lived in the promised land after Jesus Christ came to visit them.

It was an excellent stake conference. We are in a good place. We went to Emily’s house for dinner. She had a very large zucchini lasagna a ward member made that we all enjoyed. We and Snyders brought salad, bread, and pumpkin pies. We love to hang out at their house. After dinner, we played Scum with everyone except Emmett. I went from scum to King in one round. Overall, my game was not impressive. But I did enjoy the royal moment. 

Today is our fun day with Emily to visit the Snyder’s favorite spots in the Ventura Mission. Emily was able to drive to our apartment and we all squeezed into our little car. It worked just fine with the three women in the back seat. We headed north and got to SLO (San Luis Obispo)for lunch. It is Cary’s favorite sandwich place and I think they have more fans now. We all enjoyed our sandwiches. The bread is substantial but soft. One of their regulars is the Bobbie. I have no idea why they named it that. It is Thanksgiving day food in a sandwich and it was very, very good. Emily had a bar-b-que chicken sandwich that had some coleslaw in it as well as other things and she was very happy too. She said they had crunchy cheesy onion pieces that put it over the top. 

Then we had to go to SloDoCo because it is right there. They have a very extensive selection. Different kinds of donuts and all the flavors and all the toppings. Lots of embellishments if you want that. What kid wouldn’t? They did have one labeled Green Bean Casserole. We didn’t buy it and are very confused about how good it might be. They also have a large selection of gluten-free donuts. Emily got two for Emmett. He has to pass up treats fairly often so he will be happy tonight. 

Next, we went to Montana de Oro State Park. We went quite a distance to get to the cove but it was wonderful. The sand is very large and there are several colors. Leiann wanted to collect small rocks and shells. I helped. It was fun to choose tiny and small rocks in lots of shapes and colors. At the shoreline, there was a fun swishing sound as the rocks moved and tumbled in the water as the waves retreated. In Tenerife the rocks were larger and the sound louder and more of a clicking noise. Island rocks were probably all lava and heavier as well. Both are fun to listen to in addition to the constant sound of the waves splashing onto the beach. I would not mind having the opportunity to visit this cove with very few other people present often. There is a big cave to explore at low tide. Leiann lost her phone. It had fallen out of her pocket. But thankfully she was able to find it quickly.

Then we went back down to Avila Beach and drove out onto the pier. You have to pay 75 cents to park. We went down below the pier and could walk around underneath it. There is one place that has what looks like a stable platform and is tied to the pier so it can’t float off but when you walk on it, you feel like you are walking on stiff water. There were people fishing off the dock. There is a wooden structure filled with seal lions basking in the sun. We even found an otter. Lots of birds. There was a boat offloading big 300-pound bundles of eels. Lewis talked to the guy and he said they will be sent to South Korea. We didn’t eat there but enjoyed seeing all the things. It was beautiful in the bay, the beautiful homes and hotels.

We went to Pismo Beach. We parked in the lot of the SeaCrest Hotel. Snyders have stayed there a couple of times. Expensive but so lovely. We walked behind the rooms and over the sea. Many of their rooms have incredible views plus a swimming pool and jacuzzies. They  can go down a long stairway to the beach below. Cary says there are caves and they have to check them as the tide changes so people won’t get stuck and unable to return. We went to the main beach park with the big letters spelling out Pismo Beach. We stopped at a little park with a beautiful view and tons of birds and an otter in the water. Amazingly beautiful when the weather is lovely. We are enjoying our time here. Especially when we have family members to share it with.

We went to Rusty’s in Santa Barbara for dinner. It is a pizza place with a good salad bar. We loved it all. We met a couple on vacation who asked Leainn and me about our missions. She said she hoped they could also enjoy a future mission in a beautiful location.

We spent the whole day just having a wonderful time. Thank you Snyders for finding a good time everywhere and enjoying our beautiful earth. It was bedtime when we arrived home. Emily had to drive a little bit more. It was a very memorable day. 

Poor Edgar has a new problem with his tenants in Ohio. Today a couple left for work, worked all day, and then found that they had left the water running and the two floors in their apartment were flooded. That is not a good thing to do. Be sure to also turn off a faucet spigot as often as you turn one on. We empathize with landlords. So many things can go wrong. 

We went to the Sotos for their Family Home Evening. Only two men were able to come but we had a good time together. Edwardo Ruiz came. He is a young adult and has been a member for 3 months. He has been to the temple to do baptisms and has received the priesthood. He has a strong desire to go on a mission which is a great thing. Hermano Francisco Ayala is the ward Temple and Family History leader and is doing a great job. He is following up with all the new converts and encouraging all of the members to do more family history and to attend the temple as often as possible. It takes so much more time to get to the temple as well as more time to do an endowment session when compared with our little Boise Temple. We need to appreciate Boise more. They had invited Francisco P. whom we visited last week with the Hermanas. Brother Soto suggested that Lewis text the Exec. Secretary to the Bishop to remind him that he needs his priesthood interview to be done. Sister Soto chose to talk about President Nelson’s admonishment to Think Celestial. She gave each of us a quote from his talk and we discussed what that would look like in our own lives. We had a good discussion and it was good to get to know more about these people. The Sotos are doing a good work with these Family Home Evenings in their home with treats afterward. Lewis’ carrot-cake cupcakes were a big hit and each of the males had two. 

Leiann and Cary are still with us. Cary scrubbed the two kitchen rugs. They look much better. So kind of him. 

We picked up Emily at 9:00 am and went to the temple. All five of us enjoyed the opportunity to do an endowment session in the LA Temple. 

After that, we went to the J. Paul Getty Villa in Pacific Palisade. It took Leiann making the reservations to get us there and I am so glad. Emily had come with a middle school group a few years ago and all the statues without clothes were a bit of an awkward situation. The kids spent most of the time on their phones. We were a bit more mature and were amazed at the incredibly old and beautiful statues and carvings. The building is a copy of a famous home in Italy and filled with things made centuries ago. Everything is real and precious. We walked on floors and looked at the walls that were certainly worthy of a museum. The spaces are filled with works of art. Some are pristine and many are damaged. I think we enjoyed the gardens even more. Leiann wants to recreate one section of the gardens for a new wedding venue. It is so lovely to wander and be unable to see any other houses or buildings. We felt we were in another time and place. It is free to visit but you have to pay for parking. Go and enjoy the experience if you have a chance. 

We were very hungry after spending all day with beauty and traffic. We went to Wood Ranch in Camarillo and enjoyed a very delicious dinner with some of our favorite people. I had a Barbeque Salad with tri-tip. Haven’t had steak for a very long time. Everyone was happy with their dinner and we agreed that we enjoyed a very special day with good memories.