Bonuses to Living in St. George

Thinking back to when I first knew we were moving to St. George, I confess I thought we would feel a bit isolated. 
When we lived Up North for so many years, I always felt in the middle of the action, 
the crossroads of the west, so to speak.
I have been so pleasantly surprised for the last fifteen years how much in the action we really are down here!
There are many wonderful bonuses, living in this desert!
We head to Las Vegas, which is less than two hours away, to shop, eat amazing food 
and to celebrate my birthday and our anniversary each year.

I am in my twelfth year of directing our Branch choir, and during these years 
I have become acquainted with amazing guest violinists, many from DSU, 
who have shared their talents and accompanied us.
Last Saturday, we were invited to and attended this cute gal's recital.
There is much musical talent in St. George!

Sunday, we had 45 sing, Onward Christian Soldiers in our INSTA-CHOIR in Sacrament meeting 
to pay tribute to our veterans and all Christian soldiers fighting the battle for Christ.
Another special friendship (Jane sings in the Interfaith Chorale) led to our attending 
a special Veteran's Day program in the St. George Tabernacle. 
How I love this historic pioneer building! 
We have attended many special programs here through these fifteen+ years we have lived here, 
our favorites being the Keynotes Christmas and spring concerts to hear my sister, Kay.

Roger looks forward to wearing his Air Force pilot flight uniform every Veteran's Day, 
and because it was on a Sunday this year, we, with many, celebrated on Monday.
Many restaurants offer free meals for vets, mostly on Sunday this year, and Kneader's offered theirs on Monday.





Probably my favorite bonus about living in St. George is it brings us lots of company! 
Our kids love to visit us here and sometimes we get our brothers and sisters to stop by.
My sister, Patty, and her husband, Hal, home from their Church mission to Kona, stopped by to see us Monday 
and stayed with us overnight. 
They were on their way to Sedona to meet up with friends.
They arrived just in time for Roger's free lunch!






Roger and Hal golfed nine holes that afternoon while Patty and I chatted away. 

Rog took this pretty pic on the top of The Point.


We got to have a happy mini-sister reunion (we missed you, Joan!). 
My sister, Kay, came over for dinner with us - Ken was out of town. 





Kay baked a delicious pumpkin dessert - wish I had a pic!

So, in just a little over a week, we enjoyed some of the great bonuses of living here. 
Approaching this Thanksgiving season, we feel so very blessed! 

Maybe I like Halloween?

Maybe I'll change my mind about Halloween . . . 

Ever since the kids grew up and we moved to St. George, 

where we don't usually get to see our grandkids dressed up in their costumes, 

Halloween has been kind of a flat, let's-just-get-this-over-with holiday for me.

Then certain fun ladies in our branch started having Halloween costume parties.

Last year, the first one, I thought, well maybe a random few will wear a costume.

Boy, was I surprised!

Sunbrook residents really get into this!

As an adult, I have never had a Halloween costume.

Last year, Roger wore his flight line Air Force bag, and I was the sky with a T-38 model hanging around my neck 

and I had a cloud head.

This year, we were kind of desperate.

We came up with this.

A quick selfie before we left for the party

The party was in full swing!

Here is a sampling of some of the great costumes:

Our new branch president and his wife as deviled eggs

The Queen with her King

Holly has that royal wave down!

The party, a potluck appetizer buffet, was a spook-tacular success!

Next year, I am already planning. Maybe I'll get a real costume!