Dear Santa December 2021

 Dear Santa,

I do not want any material things, I am still downsizing. Non clutter items would be ok. 

What I want most is better health and less stress for my friends. One friend is still living out of her truck, so permanent home for her would be great. 

People to buy the things I would like to sell rather than just give away. 

Non clutter items: spa day, manicure, pedicure, massage, GF & DF food, gift cards for Safeway or Walmart or QFC, company for a meal, company for a day trip out and about, company maybe help with cleaning/going through boxes. 

AW 

Interest in Twilight Fading

I posted on Facebook about my interest in Twilight beginning to fade. One person commented ‘to watch that fade’. Another said that ‘it would never fade for them’. One person tried to explain my comment and wasn’t correct.

This is not a simple situation and not a sudden one. There are a few different factors.

One is that Twilight is the only vampire story I’m interested in. I’ve tried a couple of other series and haven’t finished one book.

Two is that romance is not my primary or even secondary reading choice. Science fiction in general and mystery are my primary and secondary choices.

The rest of these are not necessary in order:

** is that most of the Twilight fan fiction that is available has too much and too detailed sex; I am not interested in that. I am surprised that most of it is still on FanFiction.net. I skip over the sex but am getting tired of having to do that. It seems that most Twilight fans are interested and want more and more sex details.

** it seems that most Twilight fans are interested in the actors not the books. I am not a big fan of the movies. I don’t get what Catherine Hardwick was trying to do with the blue filter, all the moodiness doesn’t work for me, along with the time line changed and so many technical errors in the Twilight film. New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn 1 were good. BD 2 was huge disappointment. I do not follow any of the actors. Most of their film work since has been R rated and I don’t watch R rated movies. I have never been one to follow any one particular person or thing, no posters on my walls growing up.

** it seems that most Twilight fans are interested in seeing pictures of nearly naked men. In New Moon, they had to have taped ‘Edward’s’ slacks to him at the clock tower, they were riding so low on his hips, again I’m not interested. Not interested in nearly naked women either.

** I read fan fiction. I post to Facebook about what I read, it seems to me that no one notices, no one responds, no one wants to talk about any of the stories, none of my friends seems to read Twilight fan fiction. I’ve pretty much stopped posting about it. With all the sex, I’m reading few new ones, sticking with rereading favorites.

** A lot of core friends from my Twilight experience have drifted away for various reasons. A few I feel betrayed me.

** To me the story line I like in the Twilight Saga is the ‘coming of age’ of Bella, not the romance. Her journey from shy girl in the shadows into the shield against the Volturi is more interesting than the romance with an arrogant vampire or the romance triangle.

** It seems to me that as the years have gone by that there is less and less that I have in common with other Twilight fans. With no one to share my interest in Twilight, that interest it is fading and I am returning to my roots of science fiction. A better balance of my interests, not just one series. There are still some Twilight friends, that I hope that I can stay friends with mainly because we’ve found other things in common.  

** I read the books in 2010. First attended Stephenie Meyer Days in 2013. I intend to attend Forever Twilight in Forks in 2022 for the full time, may even buy a full ticket. That will be my tenth year attending. That will complete the movie anniversary cycle. After that likely only attend one day to try to see friends. Which is kinda almost pointless because of the number of people and how busy they schedule things there is hardly any downtime to just visit with folks. Attend to see The Olympic Coven.

** I miss the feeling of belonging that had from TaffCon. Everyone has just drifted apart. Miss Carol and Andy and Staci especially.

 

Be careful about what you wish for

 

Be careful about what you wish for, you might just get it

Today is 29 October 2021. Found out a couple of things that people didn’t tell me about and feeling very left out, missing an opportunity to do something. Bitter for a minute or two but mostly sad with wet leaky eyes.

I have always wanted, ok maybe just for a very long time, to fly under the radar so to speak. Be a gray shadow, not noticed, no attention, just quietly go about a simple life. Turns out to be mostly true and last few years realized how lonely it is. Don’t want to go out and party but be nice to have a friend to share some time with. Be nice to be wanted and invited to things on occasion. Instead, it seems people mostly don’t want to spend time with me. Once they do, not a second time.

Today’s ‘straw that broke this camel’s back’:

I lent some doTerra On Guard product to The Olympic Coven during Forever Twilight in Forks. It was mostly extra items, but I wanted the left over back if none of them wanted to take it home. FTF was 11-13 September. I have been asking a young lady (YL) cast member that is staying in Forks about getting those left over items back since then, over a month. I made it easy for her – give it to a friend in Forks and I’d come pick it up. No response. I visited friend mid October and nothing from YL.

A few days, maybe a week ago, one member of OC posted that she was going to do a different character for a special Twilight character shoot in November in Forks that was being set up by this YL. Thought that would be cool to see and wondered if open to having visitors. She cosplays some great cross dressing characters outside of Twilight that I would love to see in person. She was also asking for help to get to Forks. I donated via Ko-fi. I didn’t follow up and ask about visiting, figured they wouldn’t.

Today another member of the OC shared a post from another member of the cast for this shoot, not a member of the OC cast [at least not yet]. I donated via his Ko-fi and asked when it was happening. I also sent an IM to the YL about keeping the doTerra to use for this shoot. Mentioned how nice it would be to see it, November is my birthday month. Her reply was that she had passed the doTerra items to my friend already. My friend hadn’t mentioned it to me. This is first the YL had told me that she had passed it along. They had 60 slots for visitors and already filed, didn’t know I would like to come. I’m a big fan of the OC. Support them as much as can. Of course, I’d like to come. Obvious. But I’m not part of their ‘in crowd’ of friends and associates.

I am just a gray shadow, unnoticed, unimportant, useful at times, but otherwise not worthy of notice or anyone’s time and effort. I got what I wished for. 

YL didn’t tell me items passed along. Friend didn’t tell me that had it.

Apparently, it is asking too much to be kept informed.  

Sad missing opportunity to see something that would be fun to see.

This on top of not getting response to needed information that I didn’t hear / follow during the DW RS Presidency meeting. It has only been a day since I sent minutes of meeting and asked for the info. Note the ‘didn’t hear’, how much use is a secretary that can’t hear everything?

This on top of frustration with medical people not listening and helping me feel better. Having to go through unnecessary hoops first. Almost a year now since had little to no energy. I want to do things.

This on top of asking if any locals interested in going to Poulsbo to see The Chosen movie on 1 or 2 December and getting no response.

This on top of a friend saying in spring she’d love to get away and do some day trips on occasion. We did one.

I’m old and concerned that if something should happen that I wouldn’t be able to handle things and take care of myself. I want to get out, but more comfortable doing it with company. Everyone has family, jobs, etc or just not interested in event or me. I don’t want to be at the top of anyone’s list of ‘drop everything and help’ but it would be nice to be on list of ‘let’s see what we can rearrange to help’; it would be nice to be thought of once in a while, remembered for being a good supporting fan/friend, to be invited.

The negative I’m worthless, not good enough, etc thoughts are running around and won’t be caged up and put away.

On the plus side there are people coming to Seattle Temple on my birthday to help me get my brother sealed to our parents.

On the plus side I did get an invitation for Thanksgiving Day dinner that will be GF without being extra work.

Guess I’m just not supposed to be at that shoot in Forks. Sad about that, but….maybe the Lord is keeping me out of trouble. Still sad.

 Update 22 Nov: Yes, I was kept out of trouble. There was a big storm that caused trees down and mud slides to block all the roads in/out of Forks. People were trapped for about three days. 

Ward Spotlight June 2021 full length

In my current church ward, we do a spotlight on a sister in weekly newsletter as a way to get to know each other. This is my full length version. The printed version can only be one page. The other side is used for announcements. 

The following questions are to help us get to know you better. To participate, please answer the questions you would like us to post. Please feel free to send us digital pictures.

What is your name?  Pamela Ann Rice, prefer Pam

What is your marital status?  Single, never married

If you are, or have been married, is there anything you would like to share about how you met, or anything else about your spouse or relationship?   Never married, so thought I’d share my introduction to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The summer of 1965 we had a long road trip vacation. We were living in Grand Forks ND at the time. We traveled to Seattle Wa, then to Pasadena Ca, then Las Vegas/Grand Canyon, then Salt Lake City, then home. My parents knew of the Church and some of its history. We went to Temple Square. I remember the sea gull monument and the exhibits in the old visitors center – mostly the ancient history ones, that was my interest back then. Time jump to 1974 when I went to the Spokane World Expo and toured the Church’s exhibit. I filled out a little form at end of tour, pretty sure I said I wasn’t interested in more info. A few months later Missionaries knocked on my door. I felt the Spirit when taught about Joseph Smith and First Vision. I was baptized shortly before leaving for an one year remote tour of duty in Turkey.

Current living situation? Kids? Grandkids? Pets? Parents? Roommates? House? Apt? etc. I live alone in a new manufactured home. My parents and brother dead. Nephews and Nieces all live far away.

Where else have you lived?  All over the world. My father was in USAF and I also joined. I was born at Ft Lewis, Wa; Pasadena, Ca; Manila AFB, Philippine Islands; Del Rio, Texas; O’Fallon, Ill for Scott AFB; Denver, Colorado; Orlando, Florida; Wiesbaden, Germany for Hq USAFE; Grand Forks, ND; father retired moved to Orlando and then Cocoa Beach Florida; graduated HS, local community college and then to Boca Raton Florida for Florida Atlantic University; San Francisco Bay Area, where I ended up entering USAF; Lackland AFB for Officer Training School in San Antonio Texas; McGuire AFB, New Jersey, this is where I joined the LDS faith; remote site in Turkey; Vandenberg AFB, Ca; Sunnyvale AFB, Ca; discharged from service; Tucson Arizona for UA Pharmacy School; Sunnyvale, Ca; San Jose, Ca; Sacramento, Ca for 18 month assignment kinda in middle of San Jose time; Sequim Washington.

What brought you to Sequim? And how long have you been here?  Moved here January 2018. Visited area, Forks mostly, for first time in September 2013 for Stephenie Meyer Days and fell in love with area. When I decided to retire and needed to move out of San Jose, I decided to come to this area. Visited Port Angeles, Port Townsend, Forks, Sequim, decided on Sequim.

Tell us about the family you grew up with. Siblings? Parents? How did you work together? Play together? Unique traditions? challenges? triumphs?     Two parents, one older brother, all dead now. I remember family painting outside of house in Orlando Florida. I was young and short and did the lower parts. Remember playing board games. My mother started having serious health problems in Denver and less play, more chores and taking care. She spent time in hospital in Orlando and in Germany. We were in Germany while I was in 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grade. I was old enough to know I was having a special opportunity and young enough to ask often “Are we there yet?” on our road trip vacations. We took advantage and traveled in summer throughout Europe.

Recent or current occupation   retired Pharmacist [legalized drug pusher].

Education or past work experience  BS Chemistry 1971 FAU, BS Pharmacy 1984 UA. Worked as a chemist testing for pesticides in vegetables in Bella Glade Florida. Worked in photography studio in Palo Alto Ca. In USAF I was a Space Systems Operations Officer. I watched for Sea Launched Ballistic Missiles from Russian submarines for my first duty assignment out of OTS. Then to Turkey to track satellites. Then to Vandenberg to track satellites to send commands to them. Sunnyvale AFB I worked on just one satellite program. I worked in various community pharmacies for 30+ years.

Indoor hobbies  reading, photography, use to do needlework until arthritis in hands made it too hard. Attending and working at science fiction conventions.

Outdoor hobbies  photography, hiking. Attending and sometimes working at Scottish Highland Games. Attending Renaissance Faires.

What brings you peace?  Completing a project [usually finish reading a book], Classical music, being out in nature.

Do you have a scripture, talk, hymn or any other spiritual insight that has helped you recently?    There are many hymns that touch my spirit. There are two that are especially noteworthy – I Stand All Amazed and I’ll Go Where You Want Me to Go. My favorite scripture is Psalm 27: 1, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” King James Version. With my depression / anxiety I try to keep this in mind, doesn’t always totally work, but does help.

Is there anything funny or unique about you that most of us don't know?    I have a blog that is not very active with some poems I wrote at awpaw.blogspot.com.  Abby Weyr Poems and Writing. My pen name is Abby Weyr. Public picture albums on my Facebook and at pamrice.smugmug.com.

Pictures included were: at St Helens Swan House with BD 2 blanket that I won in Prop Store auction. My official Captain picture.  

 

 

 

Road trip to Vancouver Wa 4 to 6 June 2021

My friends, Jim and Christine Johnston, recently moved from Utah to Vancouver Washington. LOTS closer to me. We are now in same time zone and only about 4-5 hours driving time apart! I was able to go visit them Friday to Sunday, 4-6 June 2021.

The drive down was a lot longer than should have been. Road work along the Hood Canal for about 15 miles had spaces of one lane traffic. It is a curvy road and can’t drive fast anyway, but those one lane stops really slowed things down. There was a funeral to attend via Zoom that I ended up missing.

I got off freeway ok, but there was no street sign for the park they live in so bypassed it the first time. Finally arrived at their temporary quarters. Nice park. Chatted a bit while stood up and Christine on break from her training for new job. Then off to motel for me. Google maps did good job on getting me to both places.

Went back over for dinner. Nice to have good food and good company for conversation. Chatted and caught up on life. Christine visited me in 2019, but haven’t seen Jim since 2015. We went for a drive to see his new work site and a bit of Vancouver and Portland. He is lucky living about 10-15 minutes from work and before major commute traffic in Portland starts. He’s enjoying the company, coworkers and new job. We sorta planned out the travel plan for the next day.

They are not big Twilight fans but support me with my interest and were willing to go see the filming sites in St Helens. The weather was only cloudy in St Helens. We drove up to the Swan House, then the parking lot to see the ‘bookstore’ and alley. Drove by the ‘dress shop’ and the county seat that shows up in the HalloweenTown movies and the marina. Then on the Cascade Locks and Multnomah Falls.

We went back to Washington side to go across the Bridge of Gods. It started raining on our way there. Still able to see some nice scenery, just not as much with clouds and rain. Stopped for lunch at the Bridgeside restaurant. GF buns and soup available! Ate too much for mostly sit down and riding in car day, but it was good. The weather cleared some while ate, so able to get some bridge pictures without getting soaked.

The soaking waited until we got to Multnomah Falls. The main parking lot is between the east / west directions of highway I 84 and almost full. The lot accessed from highway 30 was full. My back was bothering me so I got out the rollator so able to sit when needed and I needed to. With the rain it was wet but it didn’t matter. While driving the other side of river we could still see the fire damage, but not noticeable around the Lodge and Falls. Took a bunch of pictures and posted to pamrice.smugmug.com. Turned a penny into a souvenir at the gift shop. Nothing else caught my eye at either gift shops. We all got soaked. So homeward. Oh forgot to mention Jim was driving. A rare treat for me to not drive. They dropped me off at the motel to dry off and put some heat on back.

I went back to their quarters for evening. We all decided still full from lunch so no meal. We watched a couple of movies, Rio and 100% Wolf. Both are animated films. They were both enjoyable. Laughed lots. Disappointed that Nigel didn’t completely bite the dust in Rio. I knew a little about Rio but 100% Wolf was unknown. The summary sounded fun and it was. A great day!

Wish the motel room was better so sleep better. The people upstairs seemed to walk back and forth all night and not lightly footsteps. Also the room was too close to the street so traffic noise was too loud at times. Think I will use a different motel when visit again.

Up and away about 9am on Sunday. Drive home started off dry. Rain started about Woodland and rest of way home. No road work to slow traffic down. I took a side trip up to Mt Walker south view point. Four miles up the mountain from the highway on an one + pull outs lane road. It was a little nerve racking driving up and back. Drove through some clouds and no rain at top with view point. It was windy and interesting hearing the leaves moving. On a clear day one can see Mt Rainer, it wasn’t clear could barely see next mountain over. I’ve been wanting to take that trip up and it was worth it, just have to do again when the weather is clear. Another car was coming up as I was going down. I was closer to pull out on my side so let them by. There were a couple of larger pull out areas, one with a nice view.

I had a light lunch in car before final miles to home. Car unloaded. Caught up with things on laptop. Looked forward to sleeping in my own bed. It was a good trip. Glad I was able to go and visit my friends. Hope the possible more permanent residence opens up soon.

More pictures are at https://pamrice.smugmug.com/5-June-2021-Road-Trip/

My Life through objects: blankets and pillows

This record is to be part of my Last Will and Testament. That document is done and provides basics. Then one adds a list for specific items. Due to Covid 19 pandemic, I can't print out at library, so posting to my blog. 

First up is the afghan from Twilight Breaking Dawn 2 that I won at Prop Store on line auction November 2017. It is one of two pieces of Twilight that I am keeping. It is appears briefly in the Christmas at Charlie's scene on the corner of the couch. 

Red plaid throw blanket was a birthday/Christmas gift from Dawn Rosencrance in November 2016. 

Blue dragon scale afghan was handmade by Gay Bunnell and was Christmas 2018 gift. It is heavy like a weighted blanket and helps when I am feeling anxious. 

Blue with white stars and red trim was made by Deb Fyer. There are pillows to match. She was moving and downsizing and this set was one of the things I bought from her. 

White with red flowers quilt was another item I bought from Deb. It is a full or queen size. I was thinking of upgrading to a larger bed. I have since decided not to and need to pass this one along to someone who can use it. 

White with multiple coloured flowers comforter, I found when packing up. I am pretty sure it was on my mother's bed, possible to have been on Aunt Betty's bed. I decided to use it as my primary bed covering when I moved to Sequim. It is bright and colorful and different from the ones I had had on my bed. 

There are lightweight blankets in pastels, one pink, one blue. I've had for long time. I needed lightwt blanket and these came as a set. I do not like pastels and small print fabric. They do function well as something less warm than comforter and warmer than just a sheet. 

There are two sets of bright colored shams - pillow and comforter. I've had for long while when wanted to change things up. One had down comforter from Aunt Betty and the other had comforter from my mother's bed. 

The cowboy down comforter is nearly as old as I am. I remember having it in Illinois when Jay and I shared room in trailer with bunk beds, about 1952. I don't have both, just this one. It has been cleaned, but the down doesn't stay in place - not sectioned. I'd like to take it apart and dump the feathers and put in lightwt fiber fill.

The pillows - two of each - were an home ec project senior year of high school, 1967. My bedroom was in dark green curtains and bedcover. So went other way with the red, yellow, orange for the 'sitting room'. 

Ancient quilt may be handmade by grandmother and aunt. I thought there were three old quilts that we found when mother passed away. This is only one I've found. Other two to Jay/Barb and Robert/Patti?? I don't know what to do with it. It is not in best of shape. [need picture]

OPA 2019 in Review

This was the second year of my Olympic Peninsula Adventure. 

January found a bunch of us having a girls weekend at Oceanside resort in La Push. Got some sunset and sunrise pictures on First Beach. Fun time. 

We had lots of snow around Valentine's Day, measured about a foot deep on driveway.  I managed to clear off most of it in easy stages. Jimmy, one of the construction crew, came around in a Bobcat and cleaned off a few driveways and finished off mine. 

Joined some other Twilight fans to tour the Madison HS that was used in filming Twilight one last time in March. And we fit in some other film sites as well for a full weekend trip. They have torn down the old school to rebuild the school. 

In March I found out that the knee pain since December was arthritis. Attended a seminar on stem cell injection soon after diagnosis but before seeing orthopedic doctor. After a personal evaluation at Kingston Crossing Clinic and the Ortho MD I decided to go for the stem cell injection for both knees and hope to avoid any future knee replacement. I also tried some physical therapy to strengthen leg muscles to stabilize the knee. Those exercises aggravated the piriformis muscles a lot which lead to other problems. 

I had a three month follow up visit in October and the sonogram showed a much smoother knee joint and wider space in joint. So success. I still have some ache on occasions. Then in December it really started hurting in same place as last year. Figured out left knee especially does not like me enjoying sugar treats in excess, which I had sorta been doing with the holidays. Stick to my after meal ginger candy or chocolate mint and very occasional soda. Also more consistent use of heat on the knee has helped. I have a six month follow up visit in January.  

In April work started on landscaping front yard. No idea what to do in back yard, so just large gravel. Front looks good and fits me. 

A neighbor had a yard sale of her deceased brother's items. Saw a nice set of entertainment cabinets and an end table. Thought about it as went about errands and decided to get all three pieces. Easy to move from a couple doors down. Now had space for larger TV. 

In May I received the title to the home. Which was a bit weird as I had not yet finish paying the construction cost. That precipitated a real dust up between me and the construction company. There were still things that needed to be completed.  Finally got them done and finally paid off the construction cost. 

Met up with one of my nieces and her significant other, Kandi and Wes, in La Push. Nice dinner visit.

June was busy with RainCon in Forks and then a mostly static air show at Fairchild airport. Went on a short helicopter ride over to Crescent Lake.

In July I bought some end tables to use in guest room from a friend that was downsizing. Gay saw them and fell in love with them, so they got moved to Forks after I found a chest of drawers that work better in my guest room. 

In August I drove over for an one day visit to the Washington Renaissance Faire. Long drive, traffic back up getting into parking lot for couple of miles. Nice enough faire. 

Finally got to go on the Logging Mill tour in Forks. Very interesting. Want to do it again when knee isn't so sore. Also a friend couldn't make trip to Dungeness Spit lighthouse and transferred it to me. This trip was via a boat. No dock, so feet got wet. With arthritic knee doubtful I will ever make the 5+miles hike and back. 

My friend, Christine Bentley-Johnston, joined me for Forever Twilight in Forks this year. And we started celebrating my 70th birthday anniversary on the last day at Jitterbugs Ice Cream place. Christine was a lot more lively than I was. FTF was better this year, fewer people, but still kinda exhausting.

Early November I went on shorter version of East Coast Trip than had planned before stem cell injections. Flew into Dulles, spent couple of days in Washington DC area. A whole day in Arlington NC. Most of a day at Air Force Memorial by Arlington then onto Lincoln Memorial, Viet Nam Memorial, Nurses Memorial, Korean War Memorial. The Thomas Jefferson Memorial was under going some repair work, so I just drove past. 

Next stop was Owning Mills Maryland to visit on-line friend Sandi Layne. Delightful visit. Had some problems with hotels there. Next to New Jersey, close to where I lived and worked in 1973-4. Got lost trying to get into/through NYC to get to Connecticut to visit old friend from San Jose, Audrey Hawker. Eventually found my way to her area, I did want to see some scenery. Had to pass up meeting up with Christilynn in New Haven, just wanted to get to New Hampshire and friend Joanne without risking getting lost again. Good visit with Joanne and Christopher. Then to Boston area to fly home on Veteran's Day.

FTF and the East Coast trip wore me out and peopled me out. I did get together with Gay Bunnell and Sherri Aguayo for my actual birthday. Sherri and I went to see Frozen 2 before dinner. Also we all three got together to watch Star Wars IX. I had Christmas day dinner at a friends. Otherwise Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Eve were low key. No presents, no cards sent out this year. Received a couple of things at FTF birthday party and two tree ornaments for Christmas.  

Hope to be healthier for 2020.

All things relate to Twilight

The current uproar over abortion has me thinking of various Twilight fan fiction that deals with the various issues. Not everyone knows someone who has had an abortion or been adopted or had a still birth. Sometimes fiction with characters that we care about can expose us to thoughts and feelings that we might not otherwise have. 

My thoughts about abortion are in the previous post. So here are some Twilight fan fiction stories that deal with the issue of abortion, adoption, what makes a family. There are others. These four are ones I've reread a few times and highlight different aspects of the whole issue. 

1. Meeting Myself by AMomWhoWrites: One lie sealed his fate. He couldn't look back and he couldn't move on, but what happens when he finds out, sixteen years later it was all a lie...  All human, canon couples, plus other characters. This is a completed story. 

This is at times a gut wrenching story. It deals with teenage pregnancy, abortion, adoption, drug addiction, foster care, still birth, truth / lies, love / marriage, family coming together. Suggest having tissues handy. Warnings are given for possible triggers in chapters.

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/6915683/1/Meeting-Myself

2. All Roads Lead Straight Back to You by bashfulbellawannabe: When a secretly pregnant Isabella walked out of Edward's life 4 years ago, he thought he's never see her again...  

All human, not complete. The first few chapters deal with Edward finding out why Isabella left and that he has a son. 

Kind of shows what can happen if the father is left out of the equation in a different manner than Meeting Myself does.

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/6204508/1/All-Roads-Lead-Straight-Back-To-You

3. While You Were Knocked Out Cold by Melolable: On his way to propose to long time girlfriend Tanya, Edward witnesses an horrific hit and run car accident. The driver's plea changes everything for Edward...

All human, canon couples, complete

Yes it has a While You Were Sleeping vibe to it. I include it on this list to show, sperm donor doesn't make you a father. 

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/7127476/1/While-You-Were-Knocked-Out-Cold

4. Full Circle by JenRar: Edward left Bella to keep her safe. Not all monsters are immortal, and fate usually gets its way, no matter how hard you fight it. ...

Vampires and humans and wolves. Complete but needs a sequel or more epilogue. 

Child is result of rape and we read of Bella's thoughts and feelings about keeping it or not. Another one where sperm donor doesn't make you a father. 

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/7731747/1/Full-Circle

Abortion

I believe life begins at conception. 

This is a faith based belief, thought, and feeling. It resonates to me as truth. As such abortion is murder and all involved are guilty. 

I understand and accept that others do not agree with that belief, thought, feeling. As such it is a private decision between the two parties directly involved and their god/higher power belief system. I think that the mother's choice should take priority over the sperm donor's. 

It is none of my business to know or judge. Nor is it anyone else's business to know or judge. I believe that judgment will happen to all of us eventually. 

Being a faith based decision and to keep separation of church and state intact, it is none of government's business to know or judge.

Making abortion illegal is not the way to make it not happen. Look at what happened with making alcohol illegal.

We need to make preventing pregnancy easy to access and very affordable. We need to educate youth on how to avoid pregnancy until ready. We need to educate youth on options in the case of pregnancy. I really like the idea of making sperm donors accountable as soon as conception is confirmed and deny rapists any and all parental rights, child support is an obligation not a right. 

We need to make adoption less a sigma - for parents and child - and less expensive, easier while maintaining adequate checks for children to go to good home. We need to support pregnancies that are unwanted but also the mother doesn't want to abort, that would include lost wages. We need to make adoption an affordable option for birth mother to have a healthy baby and life. 

People need to step up and adopt, too many say they will or would and never do or only if certain restrictions are met about the child. Parameters for parents/home need not be limited by age, gender or income, but based on heart, situation and psyche. 

We need to educate people about our faith based belief, hope that they will come to understand and think/feel/belief the same way about how precious life is and begins at conception. In the meantime we need to accept that others do not share our belief and give them the choice of a safe medical procedure. 

OPA: Seattle Scottish Highland Games

Found out about Seattle Scottish Highland Games less than a week before. The Games are held at the Expo Center in Enumclaw the last weekend of July, this year 27-29. The drive is about 3 hours from Sequim. I looked for a motel room for Friday, all sold out or too expensive closer to Tacoma. Originally decided not to drive there and back in same day. There were some other things more local to go do. 

Woke up Saturday morning and changed my mind after having some computer problems, off to Enumclaw. I had already printed out the directions and was familiar with route up to I 5. Traffic got heavy after the Tacoma Narrows bridge and stop and go at I 5 interchange. Construction has deleted the exit in Google maps. Took me a while to figure missed something. Saw a VIC, Visitor Info Center, for Fife and went there to find it closed. Looked at maps on phone and headed north a little, rest stop provided needed break and a person to get me back on correct road more easily than phone maps. 

As driving further east, was able to see Mt Ranier. It was kind of hard to see due to haze and all the snow merge with the white clouds. Was slightly tempted to keep going there, but HLG called. Finally got there passing one turn off at edge of town and easily backtracked. It was late enough, after 4 hour drive, that there was closer up parking to entrance available. Could hear some music from parking lot. Happy music. 

The venue has VERY little shade. It was a good size event. Lots of clans tents. Good number of usual type of vendors. Only one pottery stall. A bunch of stages. There were areas for animals, heavy athletic events, pipe/drum bands, a couple of 'beer gardens'. Walk Through Time was area for reenactors - Vikings, Picts, Queen Mary. 

The Welsh Cake folk were there. So got a small supply, will need to order on line next time. There did not appear to be much in way of gluten free food, turkey leg and that is too much. Kept hydrated with lemonade and water. Had a good time listening to some music and looking at wares. 

It only took me 3 hours to get home. The route I took home went directly to I 5 rather than the round about way Google maps had me to get to eastbound highway to get to Enumclaw. Something to keep in mind for next trip. The Northwest Renaissance Faire is in Bonnie Lake, not as far as Enumclaw, in a couple of weeks.

Glad I went. Had a good time. Not worth going every year. After this year, think I will alternate HLG and RF.

OPA: Six Month Review

Today is 1 July 2018. Six months ago I left San Jose California and moved to Sequim Washington. Things haven't gone as planned, but have worked out very well. 

The people in the Church Ward here are better for me than in SJ. 

There are Twilight friends a couple of hours away in Forks. I can work as a docent at the Twilight Collection in Forks. There are two active Twilight groups based in area - Washington State Twilighters and Pacific Northwest Twilighters. I've been able to attend a couple of events with WST. The two groups are planning a combined big trip in 2020. Please note, Twilight brings us together, but we stay together for lots of other reasons. We talk about wide variety of things, actually very little about Twilight. 

The weather has been acceptable. Clothes that I have kept me warm during snow storms in February. Still have my first summer to get through here. 

My plan was initially to live in The Vintage apartments. Turns out my investments and Social Security brings in too much to qualify to live there. Found that out the first day the packers came in San Jose. I extended my reservation at the EconoLodge while I looked for other options. One of the desk clerks' father had an available rental. Rent lots more than planned to plan at The Vintage which has kept me at home and not spending money. Was blessed to fall into a place at all. Very few rentals available. Also found large rental space to have all my household goods moved up here, saved lots of money over keeping at the moving company's place in California. 

Went out with realtor, mostly looking at manufactured homes already in place. All too big. I was downsizing to two bedrooms in The Vintage. Found a park with some empty lots, found a model I liked. Ordered new home the end of March. 

I went to Skyline plant in McMinniville Oregon for a plant tour and my home was ready for transport. That was two weeks ago and it is still there. Hopefully this week. It will then need to be put together and garage built. 

Enjoyed the Irrigation Festival in May. Looking forward to the Lavender Festival later this month. There was a home expo that I should have paid more attention to things there, but didn't know moving into my own new home. 

That is the short version of my first six months in Washington.

OPA: Irrigation Festival Part 2, 11 & 12 May 2018

not sure why this was not posted when written. better late than never.

The Carnival part of the festival opened on Thursday evening. Most events were on Friday and Saturday. Went to the logging and truck show both days. There were some vendors there, including a few doing wood carvings with chain saws on big pieces of logs. It was interesting to watch. There are lots of different sizes of chain saws. There was one lady working on carving details on a turtle. 

The Welding Club at Peninsula College was also there and selling items. Saw some flatware repurposed into dragonflys. Thought one would go well with my watch dragon. On Saturday I went back and they had some airplanes out of knives and got one of those too. Most amazing was an X-Wing being chased by Tie fighters. Tempted, but really want a Millennium Falcon to go with my Enterprise.  

The belt vendor I saw the previous weekend was there as well and got a butterfly belt with Welsh dragon belt buckle. There were some show items - tshirt, hoodies - in bright orange. Price seemed high and didn't get any. Bought a roasted corn on cob both days. Mouth a little sore from Friday's being too hot. Worth it. Saturday I let it cool longer. 

There was a big crowd around the arena making watching the logging events difficult. From what I saw I prefer Scottish Highland games heavy athletics. The truck pull was in different area. Never watched that before. There is a set length they pull a weighted sled. The time and speed is measured. Lots of black smoke. 

There were displays of big equipment trucks and two kid size ones for the kids to try out. 

On Saturday there were two parades. The first was of hot rods. Nice looking vehicles for the most part. The second was the grand parade of floats and marching units. There are a lot of local festivals and they all have a queen and courts and that float travels around to all of them throughout the summer. Could be a very busy time. 

OPA: Sequim Irrigation Festival part 1, 5 May 2018

My first street fair with my first Irrigation Festival. Missed the early events due to not sleeping last night so not up early enough. Enjoyed the vendors. Bought an adjustable green hat from Fresh Hats to wear over beanie or ear band or without if not cold out. Saw a beautiful blue/green metal dragon. Very reasonable priced. Walked away to look at other vendors and decide if want. Went back for it on way back to car. Saw a nice belt buckle of Welsh dragon and some belts with butterflies or dragonflies. Bought some wool dryer balls and a book from local author - Sophia and the Dragon by JMM Adams. Part of a series give it a try due to love of dragons and then see about the others. 

There were community info booths on Washington St between Sequim and 2nd Ave. Fire department, FIRST robotics, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Library. There were a couple of do-it-yourself art projects. A couple of games, including cupcake walk with the royal court. 

The weather was clear and sunny. Almost too warm with long sleeve top on. 

Finished up with a stop at the Pioneer Park with driftwood art display. Took several pictures outside before going in. Most of the artists have a nice sense of humor with the names of the art piece. It is amazing what artists are able to see in a piece of wood and bring it out with some careful sanding and polishing. 

A good day. Enjoyable time. One vendor said the Lavender festival in July is bigger. Looking forward to it. 

OPA: Fort Worden and Lady Washington 3 May 2018

I found out too late to see the Lady Washington in Monterey last year. Saw notice for it being in Port Townsend this week. Weather clear and sunny. Deck tours from 1600hrs to 1700hrs. Decided to explore Fort Worden first. 

Found the VIC as coming into Port Townsend. Got some walking info for PT and FW. Construction going on along waterfront street, so worked out well coming from FW. 

Found the gift shop and neat stuff also bought a state park Discover pass. It was strange being back on a base, even if now a state park. They have left the buildings and using them for classes, resort rooms, offices. It felt like being on a base. The officer home row reminds me of home that a friend lived in at Tacoma base around 1964. And a little of the fourplexes that we lived in at Denver. 

How to express the gratitude that I feel that the memory of those who served is being honored so well. They are making good use of the base and buildings. I kept coming near to tears. Will have to visit the other Forts that are now state parks. 

Drove to the coast guard lighthouse and walked around there. Lots of pictures. Could see the mountains on the mainland, pictures not so good. Very windy. Ears were not covered and got cold. 

After walking around the lighthouse area, drove to the waterfront area. Found parking lot. Found another store with cool stuff. Then found the Lady Washington and only wait about 5 minutes for deck tour. 

It is smaller than thought it would be. Still super neat to see and board. Lots of ropes! Amazing that crew keeps straight which rope goes to what. Nice chat with a couple of the crew. Well worth the trip over. 

Got pictures uploaded to SmugMug account: https://pamrice.smugmug.com/Ft-Worden-Lady-Washington-3-May-18/

WJ 15 to 22 April 2017 recovery

WJ=weekly journal since no OPA happening right now
Sunday in bed, positive voice getting louder and stronger against the negative. 
Monday: black overwhelming cloud lifted enough to get taxes done. Couldn't find HUD paperwork from condo sale, so guessed at cost to sell figure. Found info from when bought it. Thought I had kept it in one of portable file totes, even if legal size. Can't find things. So unorganized. Sold condo for more than the $250K exemption, so owe lots. Bought it for less than remembered. SCCCU checking had enough to cover both fed and state taxes owed. Apparently moving expenses are only deduction if work related. Big bummer. Got mail, strange stuff from Kaiser. Think I have a WAVE bill somewhere not yet paid. 
Tuesday: 1130hrs and three loads of laundry done, two sets of sheets and socks with second one and load of delicates hanging to dry from door things as I need to take a shower and could not do that with them hanging in middle of bathroom. Did some exercises, had breakfast, and read while doing the laundry. Ants have found one of the traps. Hope take back to nest and they all die. or at least stay outside. Surprised have skin left. Didn't sleep so well, up about 4, made master 'to do' list. Partial check off taxes, checked off a couple of other simple easy ones. Think I just use that pad to tack the projects. Finger stick left finger tip black/blue and kinda hurts. Thinking time to see if nap for a couple of hours. Should shower, wash hair and then go to Coop, they pay sales tax today. Did a fourth load, towels, after my shower. Then laid down with heating pad on back while washer and drier did their thing. Found some cards and new craft thing to try at The Co-Op. 
Wednesday: mostly in or on bed trying to sleep. did load of cold wash, hang dry outer clothes. did the butterfly sticker stained glass. pretty. short leisure walk after dinner. 
Thursday: some grocery shopping, pick up mail. Incomplete duplicate title request notice from California. 
Friday: Spring Fling craft fair at Senior Center. Got a little Scentcy Travel trailer melter and pillow with lighthouse and sailboat on it. One vendor had paint yourself TShirts - one was Space Cadet, ordered one. There was a LaLaRue vendor there. Didn't see any I liked. Then went to Clamllam county fairgrounds for Vintage and Craft item fair. Got some lemongrass scent to melt, keep the ants away. Got some chocolate. Got two butterfly hot pads. Saw an inlay wood box, Pan playing flute design. Tempted to stop by tomorrow and see if still there. Also saw some pyrex nested mixing bowls, like mom had. Home for news and dinner. Tracy asked if I was ok, upset with her. Told her not upset, just not chatty enough. Started to be able to list things I have done in positive manner. Mostly done morning exercises, mostly walk every day. Fixed couple of meals that weren't totally bought processed frozen meal. Progress out of the overwhelm black pit.
Saturday: up and gathered stuff to take to Forks including change of clothes if get too wet on river float. Took shower and dressed in warm walking clothes for river float. see OPA post for more. 
Sunday: actually slept last night! didn't get up to use bathroom. woke up and went right back to sleep. Amazing. Made it to church, a little late, but there. Took a nap once home. When woke up went for a walk. Wrote some emails, watched my mysteries. A good day. 

OPA 21 April 2018 Forks Rain Fest

Forks Rain Fest was 20 to 22 April. I went on Saturday only. Arrived about 1100hrs at the River Float tent. Rain off/on once past the Sul Duc hot springs turn off. Shortly after parking in Thriftway lot the rain became small hail stones. Didn't last long. The next shuttle was at 1130hrs and they were looking for a single person to complete the boats. Wonderful. Shuttle took five of us to the Sul Duc landing off of the Quileute airport road. Two guides waiting for us, two in one boat and three in the other. I went with a couple from Sequim. Wonderful almost two hour float trip to landing close to Three Rivers resort. Peaceful, quiet except for our conversations and guide talking about fishing and scenery. Sky cleared up and no more rain. Still partly cloudy. There were some rapids. Glad I had on rain pants to stay dry. Only took my driver's license and water proof camera. River a little faster than planned, so rather than wait 30 minutes for shuttle, one of guides drove us back to Thrifway. Decided to skip the free root beer float. 

Visited the VIC where Sherri was working today. Picked up the old map of Twilight Forks and Twilight Tours with signed bookplate. Then to quilt show. Amazing work. Hands on art craft stuff for kids mostly at the RAC, plus a few hand craft to buy. Some small hand painted stary scapes that I wasn't interested in enough to pay the asking price. Then step into the Collection. Met Gay and Mindy. Chatted a little before  close at 1600hrs. Off to Blakelees for dinner with Sherri and Gay joined us. They had gluten free bread so got a hamburger. It was good. Great time, good food and conversation. Then home. Kept to speed limit.  

WJ 9 to 14 April 2018 baggage

Things happened.
Things didn't happen.
Toppled into black pit of overwhelmness.
Too much to do, too slow, too little energy, too tired of doing it all alone, too little gets done, too little sleep, too much time in bed hiding nearly unable to move.
Unmet expectations.
Negative internal voices too loud.
Can't shut them up. 
Anxiety paralysis.
Depression withdrawal.
Question why/how do this move thing.
Should have just stayed where was.
Question how care for whole home, inside & out, all alone. 
Reminded of all my faults and failings, all things left undone.
Trying to make needed changes and not happening.
All can do is walk and read.

OPA 2 to 8 April 2018 shopping finds

I walked every day but Monday for about 30 minutes. Nice to get back into that habit. Need a hat with a brim that fits over beanie or at least my ear warmer band. Sunny does not mean warm and my ears do get chilled. Legs feeling the exercise. Have not yet walked it, but did measure the loop around park - 0.4mile. Going to have to measure up/down the main street to see about a one mile track to walk. 

Went shopping, started off window shopping only to get ideas for new home. Found a jigsaw puzzle that is world map. I can have fun putting it together and then use it to show where I've lived and visited. Puzzle found at The Co-op. They also had on sale large magnify glasses. Got one to help put the puzzle together and other uses. 

Saturday was spring cleaning side walk sale in downtown Sequim. That was my walk. Found a metal biplane to hang from ceiling along with my space shuttle for the Traveler's room at a reuse store. Checked out the local crystal / bead store. Nothing of interest there. Found world map earrings and a box of note paper at Forage. The Bag Lady store uses old wool jackets to make slippers. Need to ask if she'd be interested in the old wool jackets and suits I have. Maybe a trade of boxes of old wool clothes for store credit worth one or two pairs of slippers. Checked out the consignment store. Need to wait until closer to moving. Saw a big stuffed multicolored dragon in children's store, tempting. 

Looked in Office Depot for cork board and foam board. None exact size for puzzle map. Thinking mount puzzle on cork and then cork onto foam board. Then figure out framing. Must remember to leave space for color code explanation. White will be for places still want to see. Other colors will depend on what is available - seen box of pins that are white, black and red and another box that had green and another color.  

Have a great week. 

RS Spotlight

The Dungeness Ward Relief Society puts out a newsletter each week. Included is a spot light on a sister. I was asked to submit info and picture for this week. The info was lighted edited. Here is what I submitted:

I really don't like the spotlight, but here goes. I was born in Ft Lewis, Wa about 68.5 years ago. My father was a pilot for USAF. We moved a lot. Lived in Philippine Islands, Germany, and lots of places in the USA. I graduated high school, community college, and senior university in Florida with BS in Chemisty. I ended up joining the USAF, served for seven (7) years. I spent a year remote assignment in Turkey. Enlisted in Oakland Ca, got out in Sunnyvale, Ca. Went to University of Arizona and earned a BS in Pharmacy. Returned to California to practice pharmacy mostly in retail pharmacy settings for almost 30 years. Six years ago was my last day working as a pharmacist. Five years ago I officially retired as a pharmacist. I read Twilight after hearing some sisters talking about it at a RS evening meeting in January 2010. I threw caution to the wind and came to Stephenie Meyer Days in Forks in 2013. Fell in love with the area and decided I'd move here when it got to that point. A year ago, it got to that point. September 2017 I came up a week early for Forever Twilight in Forks to decided exactly where. Sequim felt the best of the choices. 

My parents and brother are all dead. I have two nephews and two nieces, none of them close. I joined the LDS church in New Jersey shortly before being reassigned to Turkey for my year remote. My church activity has not been a smooth road. 

My hobbies are usually done in spurts - reading and photography being the main ones now. I like to walk/hike and enjoy street fairs.  I regularly attend and sometimes work at science fiction conventions, Scottish Highland Games, Renaissance Festivals, and Forever Twilight in Forks. If interested I have a blog: Abby Weyr Poems and Writings, awpaw.blogspot.com. I also have a SmugMug account under Pam Rice, pamrice.smugmug.com.

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Thank you Estella Navas-Algarin for the picture that was used. 
I would add there are two books that very literally changed my life: the Book of Mormon and Twilight. Both are mentioned above. And the anniversaries of last day as pharmacist and official retirement are both in April. 
It is a possible interesting note that I enlisted and got out of USAF in California. I was born in Washington and moved here recently and will likely die here. Tacoma and Sequim are not as close together as Oakland and Sunnyvale, but it did strike me as a interesting when writing this up. Full circles of life. 
My reading is mostly science fiction, mysteries, some romance, some historical fiction, and lots of Twilight fan fiction. I also enjoy music - Celtic, Classical, Show sound tracks, light jazz, music from 50's and 60's.