FALL=SUN in HMB California:-D

We have heard that Fall brings Sunshine and less fog. Well I wasn't about to get my hopes up after going through this FOGGY SUMMER! But whoohoo here comes the sun! I realize it's a rare experience. But it is a glorious one. The beauty here is breath taking! The Sunset last night was vivid colors of blues, oranges and yellows. We watched as above the ocean as the sun drifted and disappeared into the Pacific Ocean like magic.

Each October there is a Pumpkin festival down Main Street. It is both fun and dreaded by locals. It brings in people from all around the Bay area causing massive traffic jams. The plus side is the pumpkin field that line Highway 92. The vibrant orange rows of pumpkins against growing green foliage of green peas and corn mixed in with wildflowers is worth a few extra drives over the hill.

Yesterday was a fun day. James had a few hours off of work and we headed out to explore things we haven't experienced. We couldn't stay in on this most spectacular rare 70 degree day.

We first hit a little sandwich shop on Main Street. Wow was that sandwich scrumptious! I had the hot pastrami. The bread is freshly baked, and the pickles added to the best sandwich I've eaten in years. Or maybe it was just the atmosphere of the man singing and playing his guitar and the sunshine? either way it was like we were on vacation within five minutes of our home.

We then stopped to get Britt at school and buy a bus pass for her. The night was also a new experience. We went to check out Redwood City. Loved the town Center. It was charming and yet exciting as the BART train flew by with it's commuter filled cars. They were having a Salsa Festival. There was a crowd of people listening to Salsa music while some were doing the Salsa Dance. Quite electric and uptown compared to Half Moon Bay. I kind of liked what I saw. And interestingly the population was mostly caucasian. I am going back there to try the many fun Restaurants and shops that I am deprived of In Half Moon Bay. They had a Johnny Rockets and a Kentucky Fried Chicken. I know really missing a Kentucky Fried Chicken is lame, but it is also true!

While we were in Redwood City friends the Conran's from our ward called and asked us to come and watch a move at their house. She is the Relief Society President and he is in the Stake Presidency. They had also invited another couple from Pacifica named the Cooks. Dean Cook is in the Ward Bishopric. We accepted their offer because we miss our friendships from Utah. And we figured this was a good thing for us. We watched Bedazzled with their fun big screen theatre room. The movie? Well I was wondering weather to walk out of the neighbor's house or stay? It wasn't that bad, but it wasn't that good either. We all agreed it was borderline turn the channel. Anyway, it was good company. And to say neighbors I mean 15 minute drive away neighbors. That's just how it is.

Headed home and just had to stop and get a hot fudge sunday at MacDonald's. The only place in HMB that is open practically. We picked Britt up an Oreo shake to help ease her night of friend plans falling through. She was grateful and pleasant. Nice! And nice ending to a adventurous day.

FRAN

Let's have a little adventure

Crazy week! No time for a renewed breather. So I decided to plan one. Britt, James Let's go to San Francisco! Dear James is such a willing supporter. Not that he really wanted to go. He is exhausted from early mornings, Demanding bosses and never ending work! Our little family of three here in California loaded our suitcases and drove a whole 1 hour to San Francisco. We stayed at our usual Grand Hiatt on Union Square. It's a great central location. And a great place to walk and shop. We really didn't have a long day planned. We planned on just staying until mid-day. It was a lovely, non-jacket day. A very rare therapeutic experience. The term "shop till you drop" Was definitely a direct reference to me. I was exhausted! And So was dear James. Me and my big ideas!

FRAN

Pictures:

James and me

Britt

James and Britt,

Four new friends I met, very Metropolitan

Homesick

Just been a bit homesick for the people I love. But I tell you blessings always come when you

really need them. And tender comforts came from those back in Utah to me today. I had my sister call today. I also heard from some dear friends today as well.

This is a picture my dearest friend Heidi Killpack. She sent me this of her family. This was taken just before cute Alex left on his mission. This is also Bishop Killpack of my Draper Utah ward. Had a hard time calling my neighbor bishop, but I did work on it. Each of the Killpack's have been part of my children's life as well as James and my own life. From scouting to romance, to friendship and counsel. They are part of my amazing Draper Family.

Heidi, I love you girl!

Lot's a happenin in my world of adventure. Now adventure sounds exciting I suppose? But in reality my adventure isn't a Disneyland theme park. Not California adventures, or island of adventure. Although the title fits, the experience doesn't. This week has been non-stop Tough. Not that everything was not enjoyable. It was a huge push of emotion, spiritual and physical endurance.

The first night back. I arrived at 5:30 pm, baked cupcakes and decorated them to look terrific. At the same time making a total mess, working with a reluctant student who was stressed about getting her vocabulary. And made dinner and headed out to Young Women's. All while I was worn silly the Utah trip. It was eventful to say the least.

Coming back to Half Moon Bay after leaving my parents in their elderly and frail state. Feeling like I had said my last goodbye's was beyond hard. I felt misplaced here again. The fog was heavy, the air cold, the sun missing from the world. I missed my kids. I felt in adequate in my ability to succeed here and be happy.

Then life began. I've been raising kids for 29 years! And now I come to a town with my last child in High School. There are no buses, no release time Seminary. That means driving, driving, schedules, schedules. James takes Britt as 6:00 am to seminary, I then at 6:40 go get her 15 minutes away to take her to school Which is about driving total of 30 minutes the other way. That totals about 45 minutes of early driving on my part. Then picking her up at 3:00 every day. It makes me think of being there for Daniel's bus for 20 years and I almost can't bare the restrictive lifestyle.

I was able to help get a carpool going. Well to add to me feelings of inadequacy I had the kids loaded into the car to drive them to school. First time run. I couldn't fit poor Thomas Perkins in James BMW. He was just too big. In trying to fit everyone I dropped my keys and couldn't find them! One of the kids mom's stressed to get her son to the private school drop of on time took all of the kids out of the car. Which I'm sure Thomas was relieved. I felt like the ADD had taken my brain fully over. My idiocy was there for every to see. It took me several hours to recover.

I was invited to dinner Wednesday night with some amazing

, accomplished women. So kind of them to include me. I was a little off my game, So I hope they invite me back. These are women who have been long time friends. There stories are amazing. I with I could highlight them all.

Diane, karen, Carolyn, Melinda and myself.

All this while I am battling with not feeling well. When I'm well I can conquer the world! Other wise not so conquering.

Thursday another friend took me to lunch. She is a bea

utiful tall blond with her own

interesting story. Her name is Susan. She is married to a non-member (which is quite common in my ward). She has been outreaching and so caring to me. I came home feeling

like I had blown that deal. I was off my game again. And I was not easy to visit with. So luckily she is a good talker, and I let her go right ahead and talk.

When I got home it was feed the missionary time. I put to gather dinner for Elder Sanchez and Elder Graham. Two totally different Elder's. I have to say I h

ave a soft spot for Elder Sanchez.

Friday kept life happening. We went to La Honda with the missionaries to visit with a part member couple. James is their new home teacher, And I am James backup since he has no companion to visit with. La Honda is about 30 minutes drive from HMB. It is a lovely place of tall redwoods and lovely scenery. But it is like living in Mountains! cold, wet and weirdo's. But I couldn't complain about the Johnson's back yard! surrounded by tall, tall trees. WOW! These are humble homes for the most part.

This night was a joy. These people were so enjoyable. We have me them at the ward picnic and now again. I loved hearing Elder Sanchez share his message. He has his wonderful

Venezuelan accent, and delivers a clear, dear message is a soft humble way. Then we were asked to share our feeling on faith. Didn't see that coming! Loved sharing. later the husband took James and I outside and wanted to talk with us. He said how he has lost his faith through the years, but we had shared with him abo

ut the world after he still believes. He saw his father at the the time of death converse with relatives from beyond the veil. He was emotional and tend

er. It was amazing to hear this from a tattooed, biker man. We had somehow helped him remember his faith.

Got the missionaries home past curfew. And believe me James drove fast. And drove fast in the fog!

The cherry on top of life this week was doing baptisms for the dead with my Young Women's and Young Men group. I love these kids!!! They fill me

up more than anything. They are good, strong and well I love them. Did I say that already? James came with us and we had a great time leaving at 5:40 for a 7:00 o'clock baptism appointment. Yes we have to drive an hour to get to the temple!

Life, Death and Passing Moments

Last week I received a call from Diana telling me that mom wasn't doing well. And then another call that the family was gathering and that Diana didn't think mom would make it until I got there the next day.It was a very hard time for me. I have had a hard time with the timing of this move. I have been there for my mom for 50 years. I have always been by her side. And for me not to be there when she passed away? Very hard tounderstand. Hours later another call. Mom was actually improving. They were able to get her in a position that let the oxygen into her lungs. I was grateful. But I was still going out to Utah in the morning.

Lisa and I spent all our time taking care of mom. Death seemed so close, yet it seemed to pass by her. And then she actually began to improve. We watched her every move. Her every bite of food, her color, her responses. It seemed that our constant care and the droves of family members coming to say their goodbyes actually made her live. I saw every grandchild, every child come. For me it was a joy to have the reunion.

And then sadness came. Not mom's funeral, but a dear 11 day old child's death. Karen and Calvin lost their baby Annie Marie. And the heartbreak of my brother David was almost unbearable to see. They felt she was going to stay here on earth. They felt miracles. And then she was gone. The came to love her, and know her in a short time.

All of my children except Sara were in attendance. The are so dear to support me and the family. Many other cousins were there to comfort and support Karen.

I felt great empathy having experienced many similar losses and emotions.

Saturday my mom was actually doing a bit of dancing with me. Tapping her hands and swinging her shoulders to some old tunes I had put on the stereo. PRICELESS!! a treasure I will never forget. She told me to stand up and keep dancing. That I was a good visual aid!

And to add to the blessings of the weekend James and Britt flew out to join us.

I felt so complete having them come. James is the dearest man I have ever known. Selfless, giving and a joy in my life!

Monday was Labor Day. The Payson Onion Day's celebration and my parents 60th anniversary celebration. Although the actual anniversary is September 9th and it was September 6th.

I went to the parade with my children. Lisa and Diana stayed with mom. But after about half the time had passed I received a call. Lisa said mom decided she wanted to go to the parade. So they loaded up two oxygen tanks and put her in her walker with it's little seat and pushed her to main street for the parade. She loved every minute.

After the parade was the gathering. So many family members. Each of us realizing this was our last Onion Day's BBQ with momma. And possibly even my dad. Mom was sitting outside plugged into her Oxygen of course and

looking like heaven. When everyone was leaving I asked mom if she wanted to go inside now? She said I don't believe so. It's a lovely day she commented. So Brother's David and Kent promised to get her in later. If she has few days left. Today was a day of treasured moments.

Pictures:

1. Fran and Britt at the Parade

2. Anthony, james, joshua

Aaron's Brittany, Aaron, Britt and Annie at the Parade

3. Annie, Fran, Alana, Chris, Aaron and Joshua at

Annie Marie's funeral

4. Me and my sisters being having a laugh after a long week.

5. James and Fran at the Parade