Week 47
Just a few more examples of OSU school spirit around town--these are at Walmart and are made out of Dr. Pepper, Fanta, and Coke cartons:

Hanging from the rafters

That's Pistol Pete

Yesterday was the game against the Texas Longhorns, and OSU won handily.  We did our Walmart shopping on Friday night, and anything that you can think of for use in a tailgating party had been completely wiped out.  There are RV parking lots (commandeered from student housing--don't know where the poor students park) that are just full of RVs from the night before the game until long after the game.  Folks pay $1500 to be able to park there for the six home games.  In the VIP RV parking lot, they pay $15,000, and some people have more than one slot reserved!

We had a very nice temple baptism trip on Wednesday--just love the dedication of our wonderful YSAs, and love getting to know the ones who ride with us better.

That's Thomas doing his "sorority girl pose'

The wildlife report this week is all in our apartment.  On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday mornings we woke up to mouse droppings on our stove.  We put out some traps, but haven't seen mice or their droppings since--don't know if they ran off in fear or just ran off (or died somewhere in the apartment--ICK).  Then on Friday night, Kerby called me to come to the vanity, and there was a little salamander about 1 1/2 inches long just sitting quietly on the counter.  Can't wait to see what comes to visit next.

On Saturday and Sunday, we watched General Conference at the institute--about 15 were there on Saturday and about 20 today.  What wonderful, uplifting messages from all of the speakers.  It was especially great to see Zack, who's been a member 2 months, soak it all up.  He was just overwhelmed by the conference and the spirit he felt as he listened to the speakers and music.

Between the sessions today, Brother Linsenmeyer brought his grill to cook steaks and chicken, and others brought potatoes and toppings and desserts.  Several more YSA's came who'd been watching the morning session at home, so there was a good crowd.  The main dessert was my surprise birthday cake.  Elder Kerr got help from Nicole in ordering and picking up the cake.  As I've mentioned before, it's very hard to surprise someone you're hanging out with 24/7!

I got some beautiful flowers from the grandkids yesterday (I highly suspect their mothers of making all arrangements).  All in all a very nice Stillwater birthday.