What a Difference a Day Makes!!

I am feeling so much better today than yesterday...

So evidently fractured ribs are quite common. The young man who took my x-rays had fractured his three weeks ago. He said he didn't feel the pain till three days later. My doctor is recuperating from fractured ribs and he said his pain was excruciating. My pain got progressively worse, probably because I wasn't paying enough attention to it. After all, that is what pain is for. Come the miracle of a few pills, taken every 4 others and voila, hardly any pain.

And another amazing thing, for the sciatica pain in the leg--you put an ice pack on the problem spot on your lower back and voila, pain in leg diminishes... Who would have thought?

So that takes care of the pain, but you can't live on pills and ice packs forever so now comes the tricky part, the healing. There is something new for sciatica, learned with astronauts. It is using a decompression chamber and lasers and time. It actually rebuilds cartilage and provides fluids and nutrients so you are really renewing and regenerating the spine rather than just providing a stop gap. Problem is insurance doesn't recognize it yet and only a few places have it...costly.

Ah, well, better just try the yoga...

Kate's New House

On Thursday I picked up Linda at the airport and met Kristi and Kate for 4 days of moving the Stewarts from Incline Village to Reno, Nevada.

Here Kate looks like she is clowning with something in her mouth that looks like a fake tooth, but it's just food...

I had the fun job of watching Kate while the others did the intense work but even so I was fatigued. She is a fast moving baby with lots of energy. I enjoyed her very much. Here Linda tries to get her to eat...

Kristi and Mike have done a super job of picking out colors and furniture and get this--on the first day they had the Closet people, the Shutter people, and the TV/sound people meet them at the house so all windows were shuttered or blinded, all closets were shelved, etc. and all wiring for the tv's and sound system was completed. It was amazing, they were so organized.

I didn't get many pictures, will wait till it is all finished, but it is beautiful and looking like a model home, very exciting!

On Saturday, Maria came down and she and Linda took me for a birthday treat! I had a wonderful massage and they had facials and then we had a terrific Italian lunch. Thank you so much my beautiful daughters! I really enjoyed the massage, I needed it. In fact I think I could use one almost daily, just like Bob Hope.

"Dear John"--Nicholas Sparks novel

"Dear John", the letter read. And with those two words, a heart was broken and two lives changed forever. " A heartbreaker that most of us have probably experienced but this one has a twist, of course.

I have read all Nicholas Sparks novels except one. As soon as they are in paperback and at Wal-mart I read them. You can visualize effortlessly his characters and scenes and I usually read his books in just a few days because they are "page turners". Three of his books have been turned into movies and I am sure more will be.

This one is heartbreaking and yes, I did look ahead and see that it was not going to have the happy ending I like, but being prepared for it I wanted to finish it anyway. I am glad I did and recommend it.

I have two favorite "Nicholas" authors. Nicholas Evans is the other one. His novels take place in Montana even though he lives in England. Two of his novels have been made into movies. He writes long books and they are very educational as well as "page turners". I especially loved "The Loop" about wolves... He just doesn't publish books often enough!

Thank heaven for books and music and the talented people who write and perform for us. But why are so many of us just the reader or listener instead of gifted with talent? I have always wondered about that...

Christmas Gift Completed!!

Finished!!

Both tile floors were finished earlier and it is hard to see the color here, but both bathrooms look great. Thank you children for such a generous Christmas gift!!!

Mark completed the second sink this past month and this is how they both look. Everything looks great--thank you, thank you, thank you.

Mitch and Susanville Symphony

I had a very enjoyable evening with Maria's

son Mitch last night. We ate at my favorite "Kentucky Fried Chicken" and chatted. Mitch is always fun to talk with. Maria had said to be early as the Methodist Church is small and fills up fast. Still it seemed we had 45 minutes so Mitch filled up my gas tank on the way. So nice to have a man around for a change!

We were more than one half hour early, but still it was mostly filled up except for the section where they directed us to sit. There were three rows of pews with cushions and then several rows of folding chairs. We chose the second pew and then decided to move to the first pew. A lady came up to us and asked if we were part of "Heather's family", as the seats were reserved for them, and then she directed us to the folding chairs and wondered why no one had directed us there in the first place.

Of course, no one paid attention as the pews began to fill up and even "Heather's family" came. There was, however, room enough for Mitch and I on the second pew and the lady, now realizing we had been the first there and were on the "hard seats", motioned for us to sit on the second pew. I especially liked my seat because I could see the face and watch the hands of the director as he emphasized everything he wanted.

I had remembered some of the things Maria had told me about him as he had organized the Symphony about 4 years ago. He is very dramatic and fun to watch and the music was very lovely, especially the theme from "Somewhere in Time". I vowed to come home and watch it again.

There was a guest pianist from Russia who played some familiar concertos exquisitely and also a slim opera singer who was excellent. She was the "Heather" and sat in the row in front of us. As she sang her last song with so much power and gusto for such a tiny person I became curious about how one becomes an opera singer rather than another kind of singer.

Being so close I had the opportunity to ask her if she knew as a child she would sing Opera. She said, "Yes, I knew at age 9 when I saw "Madame Butterfly". I had a strong desire to sing just like that." "Was it because of your voice or because of your desire," I asked. She said, "It was a dual thing, you have the "fire" and are given the "fuel". Obviously she has answered that before but I thought it was very interesting.

As we slowly made our way up to the one door at the front of the church I remembered in movies and stories of people being shut up in a church and all burning to death. I think I know now why it could easily happen.

Anyway, it was a very pleasant evening for which I thank Mitch and Maria. Maria had won two tickets to the concert on Saturday night so Mitch took me instead of her.

Favorite Things for Valentines Day

Valentines Day gave me an excuse to spend the whole day just doing my favorite things.

First--Lay in bed just a little longer. Since I bought my soft, flannel sheets from Bed, Bath and Beyond I love to linger in that cozy warmth. (When I was a freshman at college my roommates had a nickname for me (can't remember what) because I always jumped out of bed as soon as I woke up. That pretty much has been my life till now!)

Second--Check my email--pleasant surprise, a valentine of sorts! Work on my music Playlists. I now have two with 100 songs in them. This is different than my IPOD which I take walking and listen to in the car. These other Playlists are free music and I listen to them when I am doing office work and I go to sleep to them and of course, they are also on my blog. The most fun? Finding out who sings songs I have loved but never known who was singing them--like Boz Scaggs and Sting.

Third--Open up all the shades to let the sunshine in and then make a wood fire. Next, make an incredible breakfast. Today it was a perfect Grandma's Pancake (Oven Pancake). To make a perfect one you need an old time heavy skillet, which I bought last summer while in San Diego.

Fourth--Play a favorite song on my organ. Today it was working on "On My Own" which I think is one of the all time greats of an "unrequited love song". This is the song Eponine sings about Marius in "Les Miserables" when she realizes he loves Cosette. I love the line "Without me his world will go on turning. The world is full of happiness that I have never known." Note: I did not realize she was the daughter of the wicked Inn Keeper and his wife who were so cruel to Cosette.

Fifth--This led me to put "Les Miserables--10th Anniversary" in the VCR. It never ceases to lift me and stir me. For some reason I never was able to see it on the stage so it was very fortunate that this was the musical I saw with my daughters when we went to London in 2006.

Sixth--Finally it was time to get dressed in a favorite pair of jeans and a favorite red sweatshirt from Park City, but only after trying some new makeup and fluffing my hair a little more--No one is going to see me, but I will...and I am still waiting for that prince on the white charger to storm up my driveway! ha

Seventh--Almost lunch time so I prepare a favorite panini sandwich and treat myself to a Diet Dr. Pepper topped off by delicious Flan, which I made yesterday for just such an occasion.

Eighth--By now "Les Miserables" is finishing up so I go to the organ and work on the timing of "On My Own" a little better to match what I have heard and then it is about time for an afternoon nap.

Ninth--I, of course, take my nap under my flannel sheets and goose down comforter with the light flannel coverlet I made thrown up over my head so the room is very dark. Since my plans have changed from dinner and movie tonight to dinner and Symphony tomorrow night I sleep until 5 PM!!

Tenth--Bandido and I take our daily brisk walk and I even try jogging a little. Of course, I have my terrific IPOD to listen to and today I choose Michael Buble, a favorite, favorite.

Eleventh--Special day calls for Lasagna for supper--from the freezer, but perfect. And for dessert that special Flan I made yesterday--yes, twice today, because it is Valentines Day. Reminded me of how many Creme Brulees I had while on the Cruise in the Mediterranean. You could order one any time of day, plus they were served at every buffet. I can never get enough of Creme Brulee.

Evening--I have to choose some good "love stories" to watch. Since I just watched my favorites from my collection I turn to ones I have recently recorded and find "Catch and Release" which I can't remember too well, but know I liked so that was number one and then finish with one I know I love and I remember well, "Holiday". "Holiday" is another movie by Nancy Meyers. She writes and directs her movies and I like everything she does.

Bedtime--Throw another log on the fire. Turn on one of my playlists, take a hot bubble bath, and finally into my comfy long ski underwear and flannel pajamas and sweatshirt and settle down under my flannel sheets and comforter for a very snuggy, sound sleep. It has been a perfect day of doing "my favorite things". Who thought retirement could be so pleasant?

Bandido only!

This blog is especially for Kelsi who wants to see Bandido!  Bandido poses for a picture.

Bandido loves to dig a hole and sit in the cool dirt when the sun is very hot.

Happy Endings Only, please!

I have found myself doing these three things over and over in the last few months:

If I am watching a recorded movie and I come to a part I don't like (such as children in danger, etc) I click ahead till I come to a safe part to make sure all ends well.

If I am watching TV and come to a part I don't like such as someone being demoralized or badly hurt, I switch to another movie.

If I am reading a book and a character I like is in trouble or something is happening I don't like, I go to the end of the book to see if there is a happy ending. If not, I don't finish the book.

So what is that all about??? Can I only handle happy endings at this juncture in my life or is that my way of always finding joy in my life?

President Thomas S. Monson

I have always been aware of President Thomas S. Monson's tender side and his great love of service to the widows. I was not aware of how young he was as he accepted responsible callings. Another thing of interest is his uncanny perfect memory. Could you name all the squares on the Monopoly board in perfect order? 

What a Wimp!

On the way in to vote today, there was a talk show on public radio about how honest we should be in our everyday life. One psychiatrist who had worked in Washington D C for years says it is absolutely mandatory if you are to have a satisfying, intimate relationship with another. He said the problem in our culture is not so much the 53% divorces, but the 47% marriages, some of which are very bad marriages with a lot of deception. He said, "If you honestly relate to someone, there will be ups and downs but you forgive and become better friends or partners because of the trust and belief in one another."

Another writer had the opinion that if a little deception is better for the relationship and doesn't harm anyone, do it. She said there were some things she wish she hadn't been told. And, of course, the discussion on whether you honestly tell someone the truth when they ask if they look fat in their pants, etc. Do we really want someone to be totally honest with us if it is going to make us feel badly?

I know my husband kept certain things from me because he didn't want me to worry or to rethink and complain about what he was doing business wise. He didn't lie, he just omitted. Keep peace at all costs is some people's attitude.

After I voted I decided to eat some of my favorite Mex food, but they were closed so I thought I would try the hamburger at the "50's Diner". Surely that could only be good, it should be their specialty. NOT! The hamburger looked ok but the meat tasted terrible (like old) and was not as grilled brown as it should have been. The fries were greasy. I vowed never to come back and did not finish the meal... When she came and asked me how everything was, what did I say? Did I tell her what I thought? NO, I lied!!! I said, "Fine."

And I thought of the "Honesty" discussion I had heard. Why didn't I tell her? To keep peace? To avoid confrontation? Because it would be a hassle? Just not coming back was my choice, not to have them take it back and do over, etc. I am acquainted with some men who certainly would have complained. They are confident, assured and leaders in their career choices. Whether they are always honest I don't know but they wouldn't pay for something that was bad and if asked about the food, they would have spoken up...

Many fine nuances to being honest: Is "omitting" dishonesty, is being diplomatic dishonest, is blunt truth too cruel, can all friendships and relationships weather total honesty??? Something to think about.

Unfortunately, sometimes I can be too direct and "honest" in a way that can hurt. And other times, I do not assert my rights by being as honest as I should be... I can be a wimp or a jerk depending on the mood. Something to think about. Hopefully, generally I am somewhere in between and just nice and agreeable with a little positive feedback thrown in...

Problem Solved!!! Sleeping Well...

For the past six weeks or so I have been bothered by an aching leg which I understand is probably from a pinched nerve. I have decided I will try acupunture when the snow lets up and I can get down to Chico. But...

In the meantime I have been tossing and turning and hurting. A few nights ago I started a new routine. I lathered my leg with muscle rub, pulled on my long ski underwear, pulled on snuggy wool socks (after a hot soak in the tub) and then laid under my flannel sheets and down quilt in the soldier sleep pattern (on my back, legs slightly apart and arms straight down, nothing touching and totally relaxed). My bed has the feet raised also. There were no nerves touching each other all night and no matter how much I was tempted to turn on my side, I wouldn't do it. I slept like a baby, just like I saw Kelsi sleep and it worked!!!! I think the snug underwear keeps the heat on the leg. Anyway, I look like a dork, but who's looking anyway. I AM SLEEPING!

As I have said before, growing old is for the pits...

President Hinckley's Funeral

It was a beautiful funeral today for President Hinckley. He was such an amazing father, Prophet and leader. He has put the Church in the limelight all over the world. There were so many informative stories that I learned many things I had not heard before.

The main thing I realized is that I need to get back to work and stop thinking I am too old to do anything!!! He was 23 years older than I am when he did most of his traveling around the world and he was still making momentous decisions. What a man...how blessed we have been.

I am looking forward to getting to know President Monson better. He has always been a marvelous speaker and quite a caretaker of the widows. He is following quite a legacy and we all pray for him as he makes his own mark on the direction of the Church.

Tomorrow

Well, the sun is supposed to come out Monday anyway. We have had snow all day again. The "Christmas Trees" in the back of my yard are the heaviest I have ever seen them and the snow is half way up the bird feeder.

You can't see him but at the moment I chose to take a picture a big squirrel was choosing to escape across the snow. I wonder from where to where??? It currently is a white-out outside and will be the same tomorrow. On our walk today, I slipped again, it is pure ice underneath the powder--another two days by the fire for sure. Since I ran out of fire starter I am a real pioneer at getting my wood to burn.

I love the song "Tomorrow" from Annie. FDR was president when I was in grade school and this is who Annie was singing to in the musical. We were totally impressed at listening to him on the radio or seeing him in the newsreels at the movie. When the musical Annie first came to LA the children were all quite young but Richard loved taking the children to musicals. So we bought seats close up front (our philosophy was if you are going to spend that much money, spend a little more and make it really memorable) and drove them up there. It was a wonderful experience but I wonder if they remember it as well as I do!

The last musical Richard took me to, was a near up front seat of "Phantom of the Opera" in San Diego. It was a marvelous production. I have never forgotten that "Phantom"--his voice, his hands, amazing. It was one of the best birthday presents I have ever received.

The Enchanted Cottage

I have certainly read some good books and seen some good movies while sitting in by the fire. Yesterday it was an old WW II movie I had seen before but I didn't know it was specifically made to make the casualties of war feel better about themselves. Supposedly as the story goes the enchanted cottage was let out to honeymooners only and had been for over 200 years. There were many romantic tales about the charm and mystery of the place.

Robert Young was the handsome pilot who returned with a deformed face and arm. Dorothy McQuire was the homely, kind old maid who he married for convenience rather than love. (It is interesting that to make a beautiful woman homely all you have to do is take away her makeup, give her a frumpy hairdo, frumpy dress, and poor posture). At any rate they fall madly in love as they are transformed by the enchanted cottage (they think) into beautiful people. They do not realize they still look exactly the same to other people. They have become beautiful to each other because of the loving and caring way they treated each other.

It is like Goethe said, "If you treat an individual as he is, he will stay as he is. But if you treat him as if he were what he could be and ought to be, he will become what he ought to be."

Anyway it was an enchanting, romantic story, just perfect for a snowy, lonely day.

If you have someone in your life that makes you feel beautiful, you are very fortunate. I have never forgotten one day in the San Diego Temple when Richard came up and whispered in my ear. "You are the most beautiful lady here." This was at a time when I was 30 lbs overweight and with a frumpy hairdo as well. And believe me, I was not the most beautiful lady there, but he treated me as if I were...a very kind man.