Thursday, March 25, 2010

Matt is 23!

Matt and Melissa, Maria's
children currently living in Vista with her.


We celebrated Matt's birthday at the Red Lobster in Oceanside last night.  The food was delicious and the company fun.
 
Linda came from East San Diego, El Cajon, picked me up in Rancho Santa Fe and we drove past Vista to Oceanside, far North San Diego.  It was an over hour commute for Linda but we drove most of the way through the interior of Rancho Santa Fe and San Marcos, a very lovely ride away from the freeways.
It was a fun night and it is so good to be around family, something I miss in Lake Almanor.  James Hardy and family were celebrating Lea's birthday at the Ice Rink in University City.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Lea Has Her Tenth Birthday!

Here is Lea with her cousin Sarah when she first moved to Rancho Santa Fe.    Can you believe in just six years she will be driving?  Lea turns 10 years old today.  Congratulations, Lea, you are a lovely girl who skates like a whiz, has a beautiful smile and is most proficient in the kitchen among other things.  Have a wonderful birthday.
 

Sunday, March 21, 2010

A Sore Foot and A Sad Day for America

I don't remember using the word orthotic before, now I am waiting for my orthotic inserts so I can walk again.  They cost $400, I certainly hope they are worth it.  I stayed home from church today and rested my foot.  I wore sandals to the Temple yesterday and it was so painful just going to and from the car but not as painful as the wedge shoes I wore to Church last week.  I could hardly walk to the car at all.  I talked to my sister today and she had to get some last year and she said they have really made a difference in her life.

While sitting here I watched the life story of  N. Eldon Tanner.  He was always such a quiet, somewhat somber looking apostle but I remember I always learned so much from his talks.  What a life he had.  He had such accomplishments in government and then in private business and had retired and built a beautiful new home when called to serve the Church in Salt Lake.  His astounding understanding of finances brought the Church out of the red into the black and he went on to be a counselor for 4 presidents of the Church.  Even with all his dedication to Church, family, and government and the great honor bestowed upon him he was not free from health problems.  In his later years he suffered from macular degeneration in the eyes and Parkinsons Disease.  It is always so strange to me when these great servants of the Lord have to suffer just like everyone else, in fact, more than some.   A great man, a great example to all in how to live your life.

It is so disturbing to see this Obamacare rammed down the throats of Americans even though everyone knows there are so many things wrong with it.  I think it is 36 states that have already determined to sue against it.  Think of the cost of that!!  It is so insane.  Our leaders are so out of whack in doing what is best.  A total destruction of the Constitution.  So much greed, so much corruption, so much arrogance...well we know where it is all going to end.  It is just a matter of time.  "If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear."   I am glad I am already scheduled for all my tests this week and surgery and hopefully I can stay healthy for the rest of my life so I won't have to count on Obamacare to take care of me.  But healthcare is just part of it.  It is this take over of everything that is America and turning to Socialism and telling us THEY know what is best for us.  How anyone can believe the rhetoric the Democrats have spun is beyond me.  I feel sorry for the good Democrats that have tried to fight it and their lives are being ruined for making a stand.  We are not giving our grandchildren a good world at all.  And to top it off, to think it has to be done on the Sabbath!!!  What is that all about?  Unbelievable.        

Thursday, March 18, 2010

"Testimony" by Anita Shreve

Nursing yet another cold I spent the day sleeping and finishing a book by Anita Shreve today.  She is one of my favorite authors and somehow she has managed to write three new books I have missed.  As usual she writes a book I cannot put down as the whole blame game unravels.

 
E. Bukowsky "booklover10" (NY United States)  wrote this insightful review about the book:

"A firestorm erupts when a dormitory parent confiscates a tape in which three boys engage in intimate acts with a fourteen-year-old girl at a private school. The young people who appear in the tape attend Avery Academy in Vermont. Anita Shreve's "Testimony" examines this incident from every possible angle, using a Rashomon-like approach. She demonstrates how difficult it is to learn the truth when various witnesses offer conflicting opinions about what happened and who should bear the responsibility.............. 
 Using a straightforward and powerful prose style, Anita Shreve explores a number of thought-provoking and timely themes: The abuse of alcohol among young people is "starting at an earlier age and [is] both more habitual and more intense that it had been just a decade before"; students who attend private schools and who are athletically talented may behave recklessly because they feel "privileged"; when reporters grab hold of a scandalous story, they often transform a human tragedy into a media circus; our misdeeds may destroy not only our lives but also those of our friends and family. "Testimony" is a searing and powerful indictment of a society that, in many ways, has lost its moral compass, and for that, everyone pays a price."

Preparation for the Second Coming by Dallin Oaks

This is such a good reminder of what we should be about at this critical time in history.  "If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear."

Click the title...

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Bandido's Best Friend

Bandido and Kelsi 2010



Monday, March 15, 2010

Hardy Boys Play Football


Dad James, Jimmy and Jacob
I 've taken pictures of the Hardy Boys on their trampoline, playing soccer, riding bikes and now I catch them playing football with their Dad before the sun goes down.  I kept trying to take action pictures and by the time the camera clicked they had run out of the picture.  I decided I need a better camera!

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Honorary Members of the Mormon Battalion

Mormon Battalion Historic Site Tour

Sunday Maria and I toured the newly remodeled Mormon Battalion Historic Site.  It was a year and a half in the making but it was well worth the wait. 

This is a very enjoyable tour describing one of the longest military marches in American History.  When the soldiers arrived in San Diego they introduced the art of brick making and helped build wells with bricks.


  They also used their skills at building log homes and stayed to help build San Diego.  Whether you know anything about the Mormons or not it is a very high tech captivating tour. 

Joanne and Bill Bush and family from 7th Ward were also touring the Site.
We have been friends since we were young marrieds in the 7th Ward in the 60's.  It was so fun to see them again.


Mormon Battallion Historic Site, San Diego Old Town

Time for More Twins


Sage and Raina Fuqua

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Ajami

I spent my day at the movies again today and came out thankful I live in America.  It is so sad that we have these racial and religious differences that keep us from being a family of one.  I experienced it in my own life.  This takes place in Jaffa of Tel-Aviv and was actually a collaberation of a Israeli and a Palestinian.  It is a very gripping and a very disturbing tale but well worth the watch.  However, you have to keep track of all the different characters.  I wish I had read the following before I went.

Roger Ebert gave a marvelous review of the movie.  Even if you don't plan on seeing it he gives a keen insight into the problems of mid-east.

While I was watching the audience drift in I remembered what Kristi asked me the other day.  "Are you going alone?"  You know what, most of the daytime movie goers are alone--unless you are at children's film.

Check out the Ebert article below:

Kelsi Comes to My Defense

Camber asked me to watch the children in the pool yesterday while she did some paperwork.  I had just come from the library so was looking at my new book when I looked up and saw Stella (Kelsi's 4 year old friend) say something to Kelsi while looking at me and imitating my stern look.  (Yes, I know I can look very stern if I am thinking about something else and not smiling--kind of like Vida used to look.) It is the old lady's badge of  "I have been through a lot of bad stuff" I guess.

Anyway Kelsi immediately responded with a firm, "No, she's not." And looked over at me and when she saw I was looking at her, she smiled and said, "I love you, Grandma."  And then as if to reassure me she told me that about four more times in the next 10 minutes while she and Stella sat in the jacuzzi.

Yes, I think I can count on Kelsi to be in my corner, what a loving child.

Friday, March 12, 2010

My Extended Families

When my parents came to visit Richard and I in our little apartment in San Diego we spent time visting the zoo and other popular places in San Diego but we always had to be back by 3:30  on a weekday.  Why?  They had a favorite
soap opera they just could not miss!!  No tivo in those days. 

We laughed about it at the time--they were so intent on keeping up with their little family drama.  And now I find myself doing the same thing.  Through TV, the recorder and Hulu on my computer I keep up with:
  1. Office
  2. Modern Family
  3. Grey's Anatomy
  4. Private Practice
  5. Survivor
  6. Parenthood
  7. American Idol
  8. Dancing With the Stars
  9. Castle
  10. The Forgotten
  11. The Good Wife
  12. Friday Night Life
  13. Ugly Betty
  14. Damages
  15. Army Wives
  16. Life Unexpected
  17. Brothers and Sisters
  18. Desperate Housewives
Wow, that is a lot of TV.  But life is different when you are old, not working, and alone.  You can't read all the time.  You become a part of many 'families' on tv.  It is especially sad when you get totally involved and then they cancel them!!

The Hoop Must Go!!

When I bought my house it had a basketball hoop on the front and it is still there!   The grandchildren have used it occasionally and I have two basketballs in my garage.  However, my driveway has a slight grade down so unless you are a good player, it can be a disaster.  Every time I look at a picture of my house I try and think what I could put there in place of it. 

Please, please, help me find a suitable replacement.  I think I will offer a prize to anyone who can find something I would like on my house besides a basketball hoop that never gets used--help, help, I need your help.

Cell Phone and GPS--My Lifeline in the City

Yesterday I decided to see 'The Hurt Locker' after a Costco visit about my glasses.  According to info from the day before it should have been at 11:45 am in Poway.  Not! 

I called Maria and Linda on my cell phone.  Kristi answered at Linda's and found an alternate theater for me in Del Mar. (No, I cannot afford an IPHONE and get that information on my own.)  She gave me the address and I plugged it into my GPS and I traveled quickly over roads that were not around when I lived here before.

In fifteen minutes I was at the new theater with 45 minutes to spare.  Ah, one of my favorite restaurants Chevy's Fresh Mex was nearby.  Do I mind going in during business lunchtime and eat by myself?  No.  Do I mind asking for the booth, even though I am alone?  No.  Did they have my favorite chicken flautas as an Appetizer that means a full lunch for me?  Yes.  Was the waiter kind and gracious?  Very much so--even observed twice that I was eating his favorite entree.  Was I at the movie in time.  Yes!  Do I have more confidence in driving as long as I have my cell phone and my GPS?  Absolutely.

Note to family--I wish one of you would learn how to make those wonderful chicken flautas with the marvelous jalepeno jelly dip.   They were equally as good at El Torito when I took Melissa and Matt to another of my favorite Mexican food restaurants.  I just can't get enough of Mex food when I am in San Diego.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Sherry's Memorial

I talked to my sister Marilyn and she was sharing how beautiful the Memorial was for Sherry, her daughter.  Arky was not able to go.  He is recovering from bleeding ulcers but 15 of the immediate family was able to be there and there were over 60 in total.

What was evident, when those there shared remembrances about Sherry. is that she reached out to others.  Over and over people said things like "Sherry was the first one to visit us when we moved in, she brought us a lemon pie or whatever.  It seems she enjoyed sharing many different treats with her new friends.  Wes, her husband, told about the first time he saw her and he thought she was the most beautiful girl in the world and was amazed when she seemed to like him, too.  Sherry  was evidently the instigator of the Book Club group and other groups over the years.  She like people and reached out to everyone she met, it sounded like.

Marilyn had brought some lovely table cloths from her home ward and Debby had provided lots of food and then the former employee of Sherry (restaurant owner) brought her favorite Red Velvet Cake plus large trays of three other types food.

Everyone enjoyed reminiscing and conversing with old friends.  Sherry was well remembered by family and friends.  It was a lovely memorial and Marilyn was so happy she, Randy and Hope were able to be there along with all of Debbie's family and Sherry's immediate family and many friends.

The Line was Out The Door!

I think 'Swirl Yogurt' is only in Del Mar and Encinitas here.  Watch for them in your neighborhood.  It is a 'do it yourself'--fill your cup with yogurt of choice (7 or 8 flavors), and all the toppings you want--and what a great selection.  You pay 39 cents an ounce--like filling your cup with candy.

I had about a cup of the Red Velvet-yummy..with Chocolate, Heath Bar and Butterfinger toppings.  It was plenty to eat and only $2.87, a good deal in today's world.   I laugh when I say that because I remember when cones were a nickel.  And the line moved right along.  Much faster than waiting to be served!  Great place!

The Hurt Locker


After "The Hurt Locker" won for best picture I decided I had to see it and I am glad I did.  I do agree, it was the best picture of the year.  I sort of feel like I did about "Saving Private Ryan".  It is important to see so you can realize somewhat what our young boys go through in these continual world wars.

 I was extremely moved and deeply saddened by the evil our soldiers are giving their lives for--so sickening.  I think it was amazing how the director made us feel as if we were living with them.  Extremely well done.

Kindness in a Dark World

I haven't written in here for a long time.  For one reason I was totally immersed in the second of the Stieg Larsson trilogy.  True, there is a lot of 'dark' stuff in these books but it is a fascinating mystery that keeps you in suspense and I so enjoy this character he has created.  She has some of the mind and computer skills we would all love to have and yet she has been so abused and mistreated you marvel at her ability to cope even with all her skills.

I have been thinking lately of all the evil people in the world.   And people that are just rude and mean.  It was so sad to see that people would defile the memorial blog to Chelsea King.  What has gone on in people's lives that they have such darkness in their minds?  It is so hard to comprehend the changes that I have seen in the world in my 77 years. 

Yesterday I was in line to have my tires rotated and balanced and so had lots of time in the parking lot at Costco.  I retrieved my keys after doing a little shopping and removed Bandido from the car.  He, of course, hurriedly decided to take relief  right in front of the car in the dirt so I was taking him back to the car and getting something to pick up his mess.  My car door was opened the whole time!  But a man who parked next to me just had to blurt out--"Mam, are you going to clean that up?"  (in a nasty, superior tone)

I have had my dog for 14 years and am a responsible adult who was right in front of the tire place.  Why would he think I wouldn't?  Why would he talk to me as if I was his child?  What makes some people think they are so superior and self-righteous? 

When I was watching American Idol last night I got so irritated at Simon--why does he get paid so much for being so rude?  I like the admonition of President Hinkley--to be a little gentler, kinder to each other.  We all have problems and challenges to handle and a kind word goes a long way.

When I was in a fast food the other day they had a new drink dispenser and a nice young man was commenting on it and I said I was wondering if I could figure it out.  Of course, when it was my turn I was wasting their time by trying to do just that.  And he was so sweet as he reached over and said a kind word and helped me instead of being rude and superior.  Why are some people so sweet and happy and make you feel good just to be around them and others rude and nasty?   It is a choice we all make every minute.  Memo for the day: Smile, Janet, smile, be happy and be kind to others.

San Diego Temple

Last Thursday I shared time with my children at the beautiful San Diego Temple in remembrance of my son John.  Richard and I served there for three years prior to his death and I always have special memories of him when I am there.  I love climbing and descending the lovely staircase and it is so peaceful to sit and enjoy each other's presence in the Celestial Room.  We were there at night but in the day the sun streams in the stained windows and reflects on the chandeliers, truly inspiring. 

When I share good experiences with my children I always feel like I should have something brilliant to say but I don't.  I hope they know what I cannot express when trivial banter comes from my mouth.  Children are such a blessing in our life, I am so thankful I am a Mom and a Grandmom and still sharing time with them.  We all miss John and Richard.  How comforting to know that Families are Forever.

Wednesday, March 03, 2010

Food in the Forties

The other day I was remembering what eating was like for us 70 years or so ago.  It is obvious Moms spent most of their time with food preparation.  And as a prenote it is important to know that even though we ate three carb filled meals all of my friends and I had 23-24 inch waists as teenagers.  Of course, we did a lot of walking and outdoor exercise, we were not couch potatoes at any time.  It was great, you could eat lots of comfort foods and still look great.  It is only since I started dieting after having babies that I have had to be concerned about my weight...interesting.

Dry Cereal--Wheaties, Corn Flakes, Rice Krispies.

Cooked Cereal which I did not like--Cream of wheat or oatmeal.

Other breakfast foods--Swedish pancakes, oven pancake, french toast, (syrup was often homemade), cinnamon toast, biscuits, eggs.  My dad loved fried mush (cooked cereal) with syrup.

Home canned--peaches, cherries, pears, yummm.  And we did eat a lot of store bought canned goods, fruits and vegetables. 

Bread--Lots of homemade and I loved plain soft white bread and bologna, salami or cheese sandwiches.

Jam--homemade chokecherry--store bought strawberry.

Homemade goodies--cinnamon and butterscotch rolls, doughnuts, raisen filled cookies, oatmeal cookies, pineapple upside down cake, apple pie, date cake, date bars, raisen bars, prune whip, ice box desserts, pink jello, apple crisp, peach pie, vanilla ice cream, root beer, tapioca pudding, rice pudding, bread pudding, lemon pie, rhubarb pie.  
We always had dessert at night.  Even if it was only frosted graham crackers and apple sauce or pink jello.  There was always a dessert and dinner was always on time at 6 pm.  It was something you could count on and you did not want to be late at our house with eight hungry people.

Sunday dinner was usually roast, mashed potatoes and peas, green beans, or corn, fruit salad with whipped cream and yes, there was always a grand dessert, often cake with delicious frosting or pie.  If we had missionaries in town, they were usually at dinner.

The big dinner at noon were things like scalloped potatoes and ham, meat loaf and potatoes, creamed spinach with hard boiled eggs on top, pot roast with carrots and potatoes, tuna casserole, spaghetti, macaroni and cheese.

Supper at night was like creamed chipped beef on toast, toasted cheese sandwiches and tomato soup, chicken noodle soup, chili, goulash, vegetable and beef soup, hot dogs and beans, hot beef sandwhich (beef and gravy on toast).

After school snacks were usually homemade cookies or graham crackers and butter (stacked four or five high).

I don't remember potato chips except at picnics till we were older and then I felt that if I ate one greasy chip I would break out with a new pimple.

We did not have chinese or mexican food at all.  I was in college before I had either and I didn't have pizza until I was teaching school in San Diego.

The drink of choice was a big glass of milk, which we generally had with each meal.

Store bought fruit like oranges was a big treat.  We grew our own crab apples and apricots.  We had victory gardens of lettuce, carrots, squash, potatos, corn, green beans, tomatoes and melons.  A great treat was fresh lettuce rolled up with sugar or rhubarb stalks eaten with salt.

Treats at teenage parties--home made taffy, fudge, popcorn, brownies, divinity, rootbeer floats, potato chips, hot dogs, ice cream sundaes.

We had three good meals a day.  Some snacks but no fast food.

John Hardy Memorial Hike 2015

My Life So Far