MY LIFE FROM LAKE ALMANOR AND BEYOND: March 2006

Thursday, March 30, 2006

MELISSA IS A STAR!

Tonight I went to Susanville and had Mexican dinner with Grandson#1 Michael and it was so good! I just can't understand why it was so hard to find good Mexican food in Texas but it was, we tried them all and they could never match with California Mexican--we are so blessed here in California. Then I went to see Granddaughter #3 Melissa in two high school original plays. She was brilliant playing a big part in each play and she acts so effortlessly--it is definitely her destiny. However, the issues of today's youth overwhelm me--the plays were about substance abuse, mental phobias (can't leave the house), unfaithfulness, Altheimers, and homosexuality. In the 40's I don't recall these subjects were ever brought up--well, maybe homosexuality in a passing remark but we were definitely the age of innocence. I had just been putting pictures in my memoir and so read about my life in the 40' and 50's. What a contrast. But at any rate Melissa is a star!

Wednesday, March 29, 2006

CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN!

Michael, #1 Grandson, has been accepted at Humboldt State in Eureka, CA (Northern Coast). Michael has completed two years at Lassen College in Susanville, Ca and will major in Journalism with an emphasis in Media. Nice going, Mike, we will be expecting very interesting things from you.

Friday, March 17, 2006

Congratulation Twice!

Congratulations, this time to Craig Pulsipher, shown here with his cousin Melissa Valko. Craig has been called to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Rio De Janerio, Brazil. It is a Porteguese speaking mission and Craig will be leaving for Missionary Training Center in June. Congrats also to Craig's Dad Gary Pulsipher who has been called to serve as a Bishop. Several wards were realigned in the El Cajon area and the ward he will be serving is made up from two wards so there will be many new positions to fill. It will be a busy, busy time for Gary but we know he is a man who who can capably handle it all and will have lots of support from wife Linda and all the other Pulsiphers.

DISASTER PREPARATION

So what have I learned from working on all these disasters? First and foremost, your life can change in an instant from peace and tranquility to disaster and devastation. Secondly, the 72 Hour kit is probably the smartest thing ever devised. http://www.nationalterroralert.com/readyguide/72hourkit.htm We all saw that for the first 3 or 4 days you are probably going to be on your own no matter how near you are to help. Third, is your insurance adequate and for the right kind of damage? Is your insurance company credible and with adequate reserves for disasters? Will they be there when you need them? Fourth, how is your inner strength? Do you have the faith and determination it takes to carry you through the bad times? We are told "If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear. " That is a promise. "Bad breaks will not break the man who has spiritual strength" according to one of our spiritual leaders. I talked to many people for six months. Some were total survivors, doing what had to be done, serving others and moving forward. Others were waiting for someone to tell them what to do, where to go and unable to function at any level. If everything you own were taken from you today, including some of your loved ones, how would you fare? I, personally, cannot imagine surviving without all my "stuff" and family surrounding me. But I saw them, those who were just grateful to be alive and thanking the Lord, rather than cursing him. I will never forget one marine who had his own construction company. He was the essence of what we should all be in a time of disaster. But I heard countless stories of those who were not... Something to think about and to prepare for--as we have been told to do...for so many years.

Tuesday, March 14, 2006

CONGRATULATIONS TO AMY PULSIPHER!

Amy Pulsipher, Grandaughter #3 and child of Linda (daughter) and Gary Pulsipher was just elected as ASB President for Grossmont High School. She is also on the Honor Roll and as you can see a beauty and very sweet. Hats off to you, Amy, we all applaud you!