Merry Christmas from Spencer:

I wanted to write about one of my memories of Christmas. I was watching a rerun of the 2017 Christmas first Presidency Devotional.  Elder Duncan of the Seventy was giving a talk about Christmas season after being widowed.  It reminded me of my lonely Christmas—but this was before I was ever married.  I had just returned from my 30 month mission.  I came home that summer and realized that my parents were in an economic crisis.  They sent me off to school at ASU with an old, old travel trailer and I was able to park it in a trailer court about a mile from the campus.  I had a job on a dairy farm out near where Grandpa and Grandma Vance used to live.  I didn’t know them at that time.  

I had to work enough to support myself for my tuition, books and living expenses.  The hours I worked were close to full time.  The lack of academic preparation and the work load was almost too much for me. I had difficulty with attention deficit and couldn’t concentrate on my studies very well.

My Christmas memory is this:

I went to the Institute singles’ ward that Christmas morning (it was a Sunday) after working from 2 AM to 8 AM. 8 AM. What seemed so difficult was that my peers all came to church in new sweaters and sports jackets and other new apparel.  That included the two adult bishopric members with their new Christmas clothes.  To me it seemed like a “show and tell” and who had the best.  The good thing was that I stayed at church that Christmas Sunday morning.  I had my one and only old short sleeve shirt and my old pants from my missions.  That is what I wore every week.  I sat alone and endured the Sacrament meeting.  Even though it was difficult, I stuck it out.

Three years went by with loneliness and some failures at school.  I was blessed to just get by.  I was shabbily dressed and struggling in so many ways.  I think I went for three years without a date.  In looking back I received some attention, but not from the right quality of girls.  Looking back on that group of kids, I think I have a better life than any of them.  I wouldn’t trade places with any one of them.

One saving grace, so to speak, was I did make it to the temple almost every week.  No, I wasn’t perfect, nor exemplary by any means, but I tried hard to make good choices.  The fourth year I met Susan and we had a good courtship, I thought.  That brought hope but even that courtship dissolved.  Shortly thereafter, I was drafted and after a year in the army the blessings came. 

I was at church with the chaplain and I received a distinct prompting that I should go home and write a letter of proposal to Susan.  She accepted!!  On my next furlough, I went back to Arizona and we were married. 

Then came the blessings of having children every two years.  Each one was a new blessing in our lives. The way was opened for me to make a living and we had a wonderful family.   

I will end this Christmas memory by saying that now I have an even bigger and more wonderful family.  God bless each of you at this time of the year. 

As time marches by my desire is that you will live in such a manner that you will be blessed at critical times in your lives.  To quote Elder Rasband, “The Lord… is in the small details of your life as well as in the major milestones.”

12/17/17

The big news this week is that we saw the doctor about Spencer's MRI.  Good news--no abnormalities found.  He thinks the vertigo has been caused by the headaches.  Spencer's dietary changes have helped decrease both the headaches and vertigo.  He says to keep it up and he gave him a list of other trigger foods that he might consider eliminating.  In the meantime, he was referred to a rhinologist to check out his sinuses since they were inflammed in the MRI.  We will follow up in January with that.
It was a long subway ride.  For part of the ride, we had a pigeon ride with us in the car.  It seemed to be accustomed to it.  It stayed calm and when the door opened, it flew off.

Saga of the Ward Choir

A while back, they decided to have a Concourse Ward Choir (or in Baro Conco if you are a Dominican).  Spencer and I were asked to participate.  It meant giving up my 9 AM Sacrament Mtg in English.  Sigh.  The first week the choir director mostly talked and I only got the gist of it -- "music is a prayer to God"  etc.  People were just sitting randomly so when he asked the sister missionary to start playing and for us to start singing, I asked if we were going to sing parts.  I realized I didn't know the word for alto in Spanish.  Now I know that it is contralto.  He brushed me off and said "Later on".  He never did arrange us like a choir.  I tried to ask the sisters if anyone was singing "armonia".
Bottom line:  Only about two people know how to read music.  The sisters' idea of harmony is the melody sung in two different octaves.
Those who know my music skills know that I am the least talented of my siblings.  I always try to jockey myself to stand by strong altos and I don't sight read like the rest of you do!  To make matters worse, the bishop pulled me aside and requested that I help Brother Patino with the music for the sisters to make it a better choir!  I don't know what he really was visualizing.  But it almost sounding like I was supposed to critique the choir director.  I wasn't comfortable with that at all.  He must have talked to the choir director also, because the next Sunday Brother Patino kept asking where I thought the sisters should stand.  He already had a group designated to sing a verse together.  Then four sisters didn't know how to sing "armonia".  So that left me and another sister missionary to sing alto.  I couldn't see any changes that could be made.  A random woman came in off the street to sing with us, but she left before the meeting started.  It was weird.
There are six missionaries (elders) in our ward in addition to the sisters.  They were great at singing, so with them, and Spencer, the brothers had people to follow and they sounded great.  We were prepared to sing "Joy to the World" but at the last minute he changed it to "Silent Night".  Fortunately I've sung alto on most of the Christmas hymns in the past, so I could really stretch out of my comfort zone and sing alto and carry the part off OK.  We were to sing Friday at the Ward party as well (more about that later).  Today, the attendance at practice was minimal, so he suddenly assigned the sister missionary and I to sing with a Dominicano sister for the first half of the first verse of "Joy to the World".  I had to say yes--but it starts on a D which is the top note of my range.  And the sister in the middle was sort of off-key much of the time.  It was nuts!  But I did it and sang soprano for the first verse and then sang alto after that.   
Now about the party.  It was supposed to start at 6 PM.  We finished our shift at the temple at 6 PM.  We rushed and arrived about 7:30--and we were some of the first ones there.  The food wasn't out yet except for one container.  I didn't see any action in the kitchen.  Mostly just sitting around visiting.  The tables were set up and decorated beautifully.  Gradually people arrived and food was set out.  Spencer gave the opening prayer at 8:20 PM.  The missionaries did a presentation on "Light the World".  They told the bishop they were supposed to be home by 9 PM.  So about 8:45 they had the priesthood come up to serve the food and invited only the missionaries to get their food.  We went up with them.  Then they announced the choir to sing--however most of the missionaries were gone by then--including our pianist.  We sang a Capella--and sang two songs we had never sung before!  Crazy!  We ate and left about 9:15.  I felt bad because there was a stable and decor and a couch for Santa in curtained off part of the cultural hall.  So there was going to be a nativity with the Primary kids.  But the members hadn't even eaten yet, so I have no idea how late the party went.  We had to work Saturday morning, so we had to get home.
So this is the saga of the choir and the party in the Bronx--a third world country...  ;)

Last Monday night, all of the temple missionaries and other types of missionaries sang carols in the lobby of our building.  It was beautiful.  We sang around the piano and some residents joined us.  Others stood and watched.  It was fun.

Thursday night some of us went to a Mexican restaurant to eat (it was only OK) down in Greenwich Village.  Then we went to an off-off-Broadway show of "A Christmas Carol".  It was fun.  It was worth the $15 we each spent.  The studio reminded me of the Studio Theater in Prescott in the 50's.  The seats were really small and attached to each other.  The floor was slanted.  It had a fun atmosphere.  The actors were fun--not super talented, but very enthusiastic.  The script was amazing to condense Dicken's work into an hour long musical.  Fun songs.  Interesting evening.

We love all of you.  Have a beautiful Christmas.
Jeanine/Mom/Grandma

Christmas time in NYC

Last Monday it finally happened!  For two months I have worked on spreadsheets with tickets to the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall.  We were in charge of making arrangements for all of the missionaries who wanted to go.  Plus we had to get orders for the meal we had afterwards at Ted's Montana Grill.  I can tell you that a lot of money changed hands.  I had to keep track of it.  I came up short, but President Bench made up the difference.  I made more than one trip to the box office to pick up the tickets--then I had to get them to the right people.  Even then there was a crisis at the end.  But I was able to fix it. Some who went didn't live in our building, so that was another obstacle--but it all worked out just fine in the end.

The show was amazing!  I love the 3-D, the special effects, the hundreds of Santas, the toy soldiers who fell down like dominoes and everything else!!  Of course the dancing and choreography was superb!



The orchestra was lifted right out of the orchestra pit at the beginning and end.




They enacted scenes from the Nutcracker Suite and it was delightful to see the characters come to life as the presents opened.

 There was a "bus tour" of NYC that involved lots of special effects.  Actually, almost every number was filled with special effects. 
 One of my favorite scenes was the tin soldiers falling down.  You have to see it to believe it.

 I was very touched that the grand finale of something as famous as the Rockettes was to memorialize the Nativity and the birth of our Savior.  I don't know of any other show that does that. 

They have been doing it for many decades.  It was so tasteful.

 As I said, after the show we went to lunch.  More people joined us for lunch than at the show.  So our 24 people had grown to 33.  Lots of people to keep track of.

Spencer left to do some shopping.  But I stayed to the end.  I walked home with the Beans and the Heidemans.  We visited Rockefeller Center and saw the tree lit up. We watched the ice skaters.  Then we walked a block and saw a beautiful light show on the outside wall of Saks 5th Ave.  It was gorgeous.  Then we went to St. Patricks Cathedral.  There is a nativity inside.  A great story that is online tells about the cardinal that was in charge of the cathedral.  He had a Golden Retriever that all of the neighborhood kids loved.  Eventually the dog died and the neighborhood was in mourning.  The cardinal had a stature made of the dog--same size and color.  It is in the nativity.  That way the kids could see the dog watching over baby Jesus.  It was very tender.  I'm glad I was with someone who knew about it. 


There was probably actually a dog at the stable--at least once the shepherds arrived--but I doubt if it was a Golden Retriever.  :)

The other fun thing about this week was my birthday.  Spencer surprised me with several fun and nice gifts.  I wasn't expecting that because the show and dinner on Monday was supposed to have covered my birthday.
I received some fun cards and a gift from my friend Alona.  Rachelle remembered me with gifts as well.  I heard from four of my sibling over the course of four days.  I had delightful visits with all six of my kids--one right after another.  It was so-o-o-o cool.  I talked to Vicki Jo, Judy and Marsha.  Does life get any better than that.  Then on Thursday I had a great visit with Avery.  So much fun.  Sigh.  It was a wonderful few days.

The sad part of the week was my telephone visit with Kathy Palmer.  John died suddenly on Tuesday from a massive heart attack.  My heart hurts so very much for her loss and all of the heart ache she is going thru. John was a good man.  I enjoyed being around him.  His loss will deeply impact many lives.  All seven of her kids and all ten of his kids will be there for the funeral, so I know she is overwhelmed and busy right now.

It was a sobering reminder of the importance of the choices we make in life.  Life is very fragile.  We must always be holding tightly to the Iron Rod.  None of us know when something unexpected could happen that would call us home across the veil.  I am so very grateful that our Father in Heaven loves us and knows our needs.  He won't interfere with our agency, but He has prepared a plan that will enable us to return to Him.  I have a testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.  I pray for those who are struggling and sometimes wavering.  At this season I hope that each one of you will develop an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ in your lives.

Jeanine

Dear Loved Ones (family),

I, the same as all of you, have special things happen along the way.  Elder Bednar uses a scripture and calls them “tender mercies”.  These come to all of us.  At times we recognize them and other times we don’t.  I don’t think it is bad to share them with close family if it doesn’t sound like or you use it as a form of bragging.  For example, those who went to Nathan and Mallory’s wedding felt and expressed the feeling that your mother, Susan was present there, as well as your brother Nathan.

Well, Sunday before last I went to a choir practice in our ward.  It was, of course, in Spanish.  I was struggling to sing it like the director wanted and felt a little frustrated. The experience I want to share, was when we sang the words “… the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.”  I had a spiritual experience where my mind zoomed in on the infant in the manger.  I thought I really saw Him there.  I felt too emotional to sing for a while thereafter.  I thought of that experience the other morning when I was about to wake up and knew that I should share it with you. 

I just want to add my fir witness of the Lord Jesus Christ and the importance of staying focused on Him.

I love you all!

Dad/Grandpa

12/03/17
Can you believe that December is here?!  I can't!! But the holiday festivities have started, so it must be true.
The area from Columbus Circle/60th Street all the way to about 67th Street has a Winter's Eve Festival on Broadway.  I reminds of some festivities on the Plaza at home--only on a larger scale.  And sadly, it never mentions Christ or the Nativity.  I love that Prescott, still has scripture reading and actual carols about Christ sung at the Courthouse lighting. There was a Christmas tree lighting with a musical program--including one of the original Monkees and lots of their music.  Some things even started in the afternoon.  During the afternoon, I went to one of the small theaters in the Lincoln Center and watched the Christmas classic movie "Christmas Story"  as in "You'll shoot your eye out!" Or the sexy leg lamp.  Then you'll remember the right movie.

They had free popcorn and yogurt as well.  I had fun visiting with another lady before it started.  It was a fun afternoon.  Then in the evening Spencer went out with me.  The sister missionaries went with us for the Tree lighting and some of the browsing.  Then we split off.  We watched a guy doing an ice sculpture right next to the temple door.  Amazing talent!
Many restaurants had food booths set up, but the lines were way too long for us.  There were musicians in many stores as well as on a bandstand in the little park across from the temple.  We watched a Blue Grass band there for a while.  I can't even describe some of "things" that were wandering around the street.  It was a fun evening.  The weather was crisp--we needed hats and gloves, but it wasn't frigid.
When we got back to the apartment building we had our picture taken be the Christmas tree in the lobby.
During the week we worked in the temple during the day time.  We have to get used to the earlier shift.  For those who want to call us (hint, hint), here is the schedule:
Tuesday & Wednesday 10-5; Thursday 9-4; Friday 11-6; and Saturday 9-4.

Saturday evening there was Carolers on Columbus program in the Manhattan Ward next door.  It was amazing.  They had representation from through out the stake --and beyond.  Franklin (from Sesame Street) was even there. The Primary children and youth from a Spanish ward in Harlem sang a great medley I couldn't get very many good pictures because the podium was in the way.  The deaf branch signed a song while it was sung.  I was really entertained by the ASL missionaries who signed all of the numbers during the evening.  One sister was especially "bouncy" and fun.  A couple of our temple workers did my favorite song for entertainment "Present Face" about trying to keep a positive face showing when you open a present you hate.  They were hysterically funny.  After the program there was free hot chocolate  served out on the sidewalk. I'll just keep putting in the pictures and you can sort of figure out what goes with the different commentary.

 I have just one more quick story before I close for tonight.

There are frequently panhandlers on the subway when we go to church.  Some are questionable.  But today a man came from another car into our car.  It was really crowded and I saw his feet before I saw him.  His toes on his left foot were sticking out of his socks and he had no shoes.  His toes were swollen and discolored.  It made me wince just to see them. His right foot was wrapped in a small blanket. In a loud voice he asked for help to buy shoes.  He said, "My feet hurt so bad and I have no shoes.  I've found a pair at Payless for $20 and I'm trying to get the money together to buy them."  I was getting my wallet out to give him a couple of dollars.  But a young man near us, took his shoes off and gave them to the man.  It was so touching.  He graciously thanked him and explained that someone in the previous car had also offered some--a size 14 pair, but his feet are a size 16, so it was unlikely anyone on the train had that size of a foot.  He was a really tall guy and I don't doubt that he was being truthful.   My heart was touched He offered to give him the shoes off of his feet.  It was an amazing example of "Lighting the World".

I hope all of you are doing things to bring light and joy into the lives of others--and in that way you will be serving the Savior as well.
Love,
Jeanine

11/26/17

Hi all,
It is late in the day and I'm afraid I won't get this done in time to meet Caleb's Monday in Taiwan!

Monday Spencer went with me to a movie so that was fun.  We saw Daddy's Home 2.  He really enjoyed the 1st one.  He was super tired, so he didn't show much emotion this time, but he says he enjoyed it.  I was just glad to have him come to a movie with me.   We had Wednesday and Thursday off since the temple was closed.  We caught up with things around here and I prepared my contributions for Thanksgiving dinner. I went with a big group of missionaries to see "Darkest Hour" about the early part of WW II in England and the role of Churchill.  I really enjoyed the history and the acting.  It made me recognize so many blessings in my life.

Thursday morning several of the men missionaries took our chairs to the parade route at the end of our block at 4:15 AM.  Then at 5:30 Spencer and another elder went to "guard" our chairs.  The rest of us arrived at 7 AM.  We had hot chocolate and treats while we waited.  We were very near the beginning point of the parade.  So right at 9 AM we could see the giant Olaf balloon floating toward us.

 Most balloons are centered around kids' shows or cartoons.  I loved them.  There were a lot of bands--huge bands!  One band had 20 tubas and about 25-30 percussionists.  It made me think of Scott Dike and his love of percussion in his marching band.  I took special note of the Air Force band and said a silent prayer of thanks for Stephen Alexander and all of the other members of the Air Force.  I thought of Alexanders also when I saw a float depicting things from Hawaii.  The KFC float had a Utah sign, but I couldn't get a good shot of it.  That of course reminded me of the Crawfords and Kidds together in Utah.

I was astounded at how many walkers there are holding each balloon.  Sometimes they roll them in closer and let them up or make them move around.  You can sort of see it with Charlie Brown--that is just part of them!

After the parade I was able to FaceTime with Nathan and his boys for a long time.  That was the highlight of the day.  We also texted a lot during the parade.  It definitely made me feel loved.  Later, Jason and Lucy called for a very quick chat before they went to the movies .  I had a good visit with Rachelle as well.  She always remembers me on holidays, so that was an enjoyable break.

Mid afternoon we went to President and Sister Bench's apartment with a few other missionaries--those who had no family to be with.  We all helped, but Sister Bench did a LOT.  It was so nice to visit and enjoy each other in a relaxing environment.

I have lots more pictures, but I think you have seen enough now.

I didn't have anyone to play games with that evening, so I downloaded a Scrabble app on my phone and played the computer.  It was fun--but I missed all of the joking and laughter with all of you.

Friday was VERY busy in the temple.   I tried to visit with the three kids visiting in CA, but I had already taken my bedtime meds and it was 11:30 PM, so I was fading fast and had to cut it shorter than my heart wanted to...  :(

Today after church I went with four other missionaries to a professional performance of the "Messiah" in Carnegie Hall.  We even saw Santa before it started.  As you can see, he was only the size of an elf!

The performance
was out of this world fantastic.  What an amazing building.  The choir had about 200-250 people.  The orchestra probably had 150 people.  Then in the second half another choir of about 200 people moved into the two balconies on either side and joined their voices to the Hallelujah chorus and Worthy is the Lamb.  It was spiritual and exhilarating all at the same time.

 Tuesday we start working on the day shift.  So we will go to the temple about 9 or 10 everyday and work for 7 hours.  It will be a nice change and we can see lots of Christmas shows and lights in the evening!  At least that is my plan.

We hope you all had a good holiday.  We were happy to hear from Melody's family this afternoon.  We love to FaceTime and see the grandkids.  Everyone just keeps growing up.  Weird!

Love,
Jeanine

Nov. 19, 2017

Thursday will be Thanksgiving Day!  My heart is filled with gratitude for so many blessings.  The list is topped with my Savior, my Father in Heaven (in either order), my testimony, my family, my friends.  But there are so many little things as well.  Shoes to wear for one.

Today on the subway to church there was a man sleeping who had no shoes--just socks and the toes were out on the right foot.  I didn't want to invade his privacy, so I didn't take a picture.  But it made me wonder when was the last time I was grateful to have shoes and boots and other things to keep me warm and comfortable?!  I hope all of you--young and old take time to express gratitude to each other and to our Father in Heaven this week.

Yesterday I had a wonderful visit with Todd Mortensen (Adam in the "B" film in the temple).  He had finished with confirmations with some members of his ward.  I was assigned to the baptistry.  I introduced myself and then told him that Ann Marie Thompson is married to my son Chad.  He had such and instantaneous and positive reaction!  He shared so many memories of every member of the Thompson family from his years at Tempe High School--even mentioning the PBJ sandwiches after the football games.  He wanted a report on every member of the family.  I was really happy that I could give a fairly complete report.  I couldn't remember where Jess moved after leaving Tucson as a Pediatric cardiac surgeon and I wasn't certain of Stephen's profession.  He was amazed that Jon is a CRNA now.  He of course mentioned that he used to date Amy in high school.  It was such fun chatting away.  Then, he casually mentioned that he had a Prescott connection as well.  You will never guess--he is the great-grandson of Uncle Merle Allen.  I was stunned and quickly told him that Uncle Merle's second wife was my Aunt Opal. He remembers meeting Aunt Opal. It turns out that Merle Jr and Carol are his grandparents on his mom's side!  I wonder if my Goodman cousins had made this connection.  Merle Jr is a patriarch now and Bishop Mortensen and his wife hope he is still giving blessings when their four daughters are old enough to receive blessings.    It is a small world in the church.

I don't have pictures this week--but I will next week, because the missionaries will be setting up chairs just a block away to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.  I am excited to see it in person.  I always try to watch it on TV while working on dinner--but have had limited success.

We will eat Thanksgiving dinner in the apartment of President and Sister Bench with all the missionaries who don't have any family to spend the holiday with.  I am providing apple pie and a green salad.  The temple is closed on Wednesday and Thursday and then we are back to work on Friday and Saturday.  On Wednesday I plan on going to Macy's and lots of other places near Times Square, Penn Station (34th St as in "The Miracle on 34th Street) and Grand Central Station to look at Christmas decorations in the stores.  I might not have time to hit them all--but I'll give it a good try!  That should put me in the holiday mood, don't you think?

Right after Thanksgiving we switch back to the day shift.  I don't know our exact schedule, but I will have it be next Sunday.  So you can reach for Face Time or phone calls in the evening!  Please do!!

We love each and every one of you and pray for your well-being and happiness.  Send us pictures of your holiday events.

Love,
Mom, Grandma, Jeanine

 These are the last of my Walter Rane pictures.




The first one is the sons of Mosiah bringing Alma the Younger to his parents after encountering an Angel.

The second one is my favorite--Moroni realizing that Mormon is dead and he is now truly alone as the last of the righteous Nephites.

This one is a more common theme--from the New Testament--Mary and Martha with the Savior.









REMEMBER TO MAKE THIS A WEEK OF GIVING THANKS FOR YOUR BLESSINGS!

November 12, 2017

Recently I read something in the Church News that touched my heart.  At the training for the new temple presidents, President Russell Nelson said, "... you will come to realize that temple service is the crown jewel of all of our work in the Church."  He had another great quote, "The temple is the object of every activity and every advancement in the Church."

It makes me feel very grateful for the opportunity of serving in the temple five days a week.  I may get tired and discouraged at times--but it is truly an amazing privilege.  I feel the blessings of the Lord and know He is pleased with our offering.

But this service does come with sacrifice.  Yesterday I would have liked to have been in the temple in St. George, UT instead of NYC, NY.  Quinn and Niki were married there.  Here is a beautiful picture I "stole" from Rachelle's Facebook account.

Tonight we had our Temple Workers' Devotional.  It was beautiful.  The music was touching and the thoughts shared were inspiring.  We could truly feel our Savior's love.  I wish I could send the spirit of the meeting to you thru the digital world.  Undoubtedly, you have had similar experiences.

Cold weather has arrived in Manhattan!  Yesterday we had a record low for that date.  It was only 24 degrees.  But on Friday the wind was howling and the chill factor must have been much lower.  I had to walk 12 blocks to an appointment and my nose and ears were frozen--even after wrapping a scarf around my head.  I must admit it is a decorative scarf--I will be buying a winter scarf at my first opportunity.  Spencer also needs a scarf and he now realizes that he didn't put gloves in the box of winter stuff we shipped out ahead of our departure.  So we will be buying gloves for him as well.

I have been fighting a head cold--it just keeps coming back since I have allergies that compromise my immune system and the cold air triggers the coughing and sneezing.  But hey, I'm not sleeping outside, like this poor homeless man I saw in Central Park in the middle of the day on Friday.  I wonder if he walks at night to keep from freezing and sleeps during the day.

Spencer is still facing challenges with vertigo and energy level.  But he is continuing to loose weight and looks great.  He has an MRI tomorrow.  But he doesn't see the doctor to get the results until December.  Hopefully, that means they aren't expecting it to show anything terrible.

Central Park is still my favorite place to walk.  The "erector set" buildings are all down now that were set up for the marathon.  It was amazing to see them go up and taking them down is just as fascinating.  Last week the weather was perfect for the marathon--in the 60's and slight rain.  Today it is in the 20's and bitter cold breezes.

When we came home from church last week we could hardly get thru the crowds--it was shoulder to shoulder and not moving until we got north of Columbus Circle.  That is because we live so close to the finish line of the marathon.

It looks like they even put up a temporary statute at the finish line.  Does anyone know who Fred Lebow is?  I wonder if he has some history with marathons.

I took another picture in Central Park.  I wanted to see glorious leaves.  But the color change has been minimal.  Then the trees in front of our building just lost all of their leaves overnight.  The green leaves are on the sidewalk and in the gutter and they are turning immediately brown.  My guess is the frost did it.  I guess I won't see the color changes after all.

This is snap shot is across the platforms in the subway.  We were waiting for our train to go to church.  It is pretty typical.

I came home after Sacrament Mtg today because of my cold.  It was insane on the subway.  Shoulder to shoulder and hardly a hand hold to reach.  I got on before it was so bad and had the corner seat in the area for elderly and handicapped people.  A lady got on with two canes.  The three other people sitting in my area were all about 50 years younger than me.  They just kept their eyes on their phones and did nothing.  So I stood up and offered my seat to the lady.  She was very appreciative.  I think it "guilted" the young woman next to me because she then got up and moved away--without saying anything--not even "excuse me" when she stepped on some man.  He wasn't too happy with her.  Sometimes people are so polite.  But if they are focused on their phones, all human decency seems to vanish.  I'm glad that from everything I've observed, our grandchildren and children are more conscious of other people--even the shy ones are polite.

We love you and miss you all!
Jeanine