Yesterday was a good day, had an enjoyable visit from Sue, and she challenged me to do two things a day to feel younger instead of older. So I danced in my red night gown before bed and walked a little longer with Bandido and Bruce during the day. This will be hard, what can I do to feel younger and more energetic each day?. Oh, yes, today I only ate good things, no sugar, no ice cream, feel better already. Losing weight will be a very good thing. Must remember though "Ewe is not fat, just fluffy." Fluffy is good. Surprisngly though my favorite jeans fit me right now... If only my legs didn't hurt when I walk. That is what I corrected supposedly last spring and now it is back. Aunt Ellen and Mom had the same problem. Must think good thoughts.
Also P G & E put in three new energy efficient lights--hallway and both bathrooms. Plus they put a new light outside which will save energy and turns on and off by itself. They also put in 5 energy bulbs. And just as they promised, they do put out more light!! Amazing. Now we will see how long they last!!!! Oh, yes, it was all for free. There are some good things about being a senior citizen.
I also talked for awhile with an old friend. That is always good. Challenged again to feel younger instead of older. Well, the P G & E men didn't believe how old I am, so that counts for something.
As I pack for San Diego, I always think of all the reasons I hate to leave, of all the things I enjoy here. Oh well, it will make it that much more fun to come home.
I can see that Mitch and I are two of a kind. We both have to have lots of stuff with us where ever we g0--gives us lots of options. My car always seems so small when I am packing. Why can't I make good decisions now and take just a few things? I don't know but I think I have enough clothes to last me for long, long time. I keep getting rid of them but...
SBA called yesterday but I have medical things to do so...
I also finished watching the series "The Last Days of WWII". I learned so much, some things I will be happy to forget though.
I also finished the McCoys and Hatfields. Why do men enjoy the fight so much? Very sad. It is also sad to see your movie heroes get old. I like to remember them as they were. Just like old boyfriends, remember them as they were.
Oh, yes, and Ron called and said he has enough wood on his lot for me and we will get it in August!!! Life is good.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Funny Family Picture
Funny picture from the 1975 Anderson Reunion. Linda and Eric Fuqua are the ones looking at the camera. My mother is in the middle with Jon Fuqua. Jon is kicking Kathy Anderson and caused a big commotion. I did not see this until I posted it on Facebook and Maria noticed i and I had all the Fuqua boys named wrong. I thought Eric was Jimmy, he looks just like him.
Monday, May 28, 2012
1938 with Great Grandfather Benjamin Lillywhite jr.
I wish this was a better quality picture. I didn't realize we had two of them and this one is not torn. I am amused by this pose I am finding in three other pictures at this time. I wonder if it is the Shirley Temple pose.
Memorial Day 2012
I will have to visit Richard's grave when I go to San Diego. Not sure when the grass was trimmed. The last time I went was in 2009 I think. Mitch and I unwrapped the flags from Richard's Veteran's gift and from Richard's father's Veteran's gift. I had never done that. We were amazed at how well those flags are made, very superior material and beautifully stitched stars. Merlin's was the 48 stars from World War I. It would be nice if there were somewhere that Richard's could be flown, it is very large--and would last a long time, but who would want it? Seems like it should be used somewhere. It would take a very large flag pole. We were very impressed.
So what does one do on Memorial Day when there are no family graves nearby or parades in town? I didn't want to go to the Art and Craft fairs or pancake breakfasts. So here I am sitting in my cozy bedroom watching documentaries about the end of WWII. Very interesting and I always learn so much, mostly sad and horrible things that men do in war. The Japanese were so sure that the Americans would treat their people with horrible deeds after the war that they killing their mothers and family and then themselves. The Japanese were ever much as brutual as the Nazis in the way they tortured their prisoners and the Russian soldiers were beasts as they conquered Germany. It is so hard to believe that fairly decent people can be so vicious when in war. Hard to believe.
While I am watching I am also running back and forth between my printer and my computer as I scan pictures and documents from Mom and Dad's photo album that I may have missed. I may never see that book again so it is now or never. I have such a wonderful scanner, it is not too much of a chore.
War is Hell and yet it goes on and on. Near the end of the war the Japanese ordered everyone over 7 years old to do certain war chores. 12 year olds were putting together weapons. The Germans had mostly men over 65 and boys as young as 15 carrying on the battles near the end of the war and the older men doing the shooting of Jewish still in the camps. The Japanese believed death was preferable to surrender. The Germans kept destroying their own cities so the allies would not get anything positive when they came. They kept up the elimination of the Jews until Germany had fully surrendered. Allies were just miles away when many of the Jews met their death. It makes you realize that these power hungry leaders are the real problems.
So what does one do on Memorial Day when there are no family graves nearby or parades in town? I didn't want to go to the Art and Craft fairs or pancake breakfasts. So here I am sitting in my cozy bedroom watching documentaries about the end of WWII. Very interesting and I always learn so much, mostly sad and horrible things that men do in war. The Japanese were so sure that the Americans would treat their people with horrible deeds after the war that they killing their mothers and family and then themselves. The Japanese were ever much as brutual as the Nazis in the way they tortured their prisoners and the Russian soldiers were beasts as they conquered Germany. It is so hard to believe that fairly decent people can be so vicious when in war. Hard to believe.
While I am watching I am also running back and forth between my printer and my computer as I scan pictures and documents from Mom and Dad's photo album that I may have missed. I may never see that book again so it is now or never. I have such a wonderful scanner, it is not too much of a chore.
War is Hell and yet it goes on and on. Near the end of the war the Japanese ordered everyone over 7 years old to do certain war chores. 12 year olds were putting together weapons. The Germans had mostly men over 65 and boys as young as 15 carrying on the battles near the end of the war and the older men doing the shooting of Jewish still in the camps. The Japanese believed death was preferable to surrender. The Germans kept destroying their own cities so the allies would not get anything positive when they came. They kept up the elimination of the Jews until Germany had fully surrendered. Allies were just miles away when many of the Jews met their death. It makes you realize that these power hungry leaders are the real problems.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Update on the Fuqua Twins
Raina above and Sage below, three years old almost and looking very grown up and pretty.
Shanghai Ghetto
The latest documentary I watched on the Holocaust was about the Jews who migrated to Shanghai in 1939 while they were still able to leave Germany. It is interesting that no one else in the world wanted the Jews but the Japanese admired them for their great skill in so many areas. The Japanese owned parts of China at that time and invited them to come to Shanghai.
It was not very wonderful but they would be able to survive. The thing that was so impressive is that the Jewish Organizations from around the world funded soup kitchens and help for them. Being the resourceful people they are, they soon had schools, rebuilt the apartments, had soccer teams, gardens, a synagogue, etc. They built an excellent community.
Then Japan joined Germany in the war. The British and Americans in Shanghai were put in concentration camps and their riches taken from them. The Jews were not put in camps but they were moved to a less desirable area which they called a Ghetto. Still they survived and the Japanese did not harm them. They were, of course, though bombed.
It was a most educational and well done documentary and prepared by one of the survivors. Unfortunately the relatives who were not able to leave with them on the ships to Shanghai did not survive the war at all.
It was not very wonderful but they would be able to survive. The thing that was so impressive is that the Jewish Organizations from around the world funded soup kitchens and help for them. Being the resourceful people they are, they soon had schools, rebuilt the apartments, had soccer teams, gardens, a synagogue, etc. They built an excellent community.
Then Japan joined Germany in the war. The British and Americans in Shanghai were put in concentration camps and their riches taken from them. The Jews were not put in camps but they were moved to a less desirable area which they called a Ghetto. Still they survived and the Japanese did not harm them. They were, of course, though bombed.
It was a most educational and well done documentary and prepared by one of the survivors. Unfortunately the relatives who were not able to leave with them on the ships to Shanghai did not survive the war at all.
Box for Mom and Dad's Photo Book
I found a box in the garage (of Matt's) that is just the size for storing Mom and Dad's Photo Book and Life Stories, etc up at the cabin. I think it is good for the descendants to read about the legacy of my parents who built the Silver Gate cabin that they all enjoy.
I had a calendar of old cars which I put on the outside (to denote the passage of time) and on the inside are scenes of Idaho. They lived in Idaho for the last years of their life together.
It is a huge box and took most of the day to complete. My back is really aching.
Oh, yes, we also have Bruce here. Matt called and had to get rid of him from the place he was living so Mitch drove to Tahoe to pick him up. I must say he is a very well behaved dog so we all enjoy having him around. The deer seem to be steering clear of my place. I hope it is because of the ribbons I have tied everywhere. Evidently the movement keeps them away, at least that is the theory. At any rate, Bruce has not had to chase any deer away since he arrived. I know this is something he really enjoys, but oh well, I am glad they are afraid to venture in.
Time Goes By
Can't believe I haven't written in here for so long. I cleaned up my yard really well for one thing. The wind had really sent a lot of pods on the ground. I get very tired and spend some time each day taking a long nap. Last week I went to the Reno Temple with Maryanne and Jean. On Sunday we had pot luck after church so I had to make chili the day before and also prepare my lesson. So the time goes. Mitch is here also, so one more around makes a difference.
Sunday was very interesting as we had three couples visiting who are very friendly and like to participate and talk. One of the men had been the project manager on the building of the Conference Center in Salt Lake City from 1996 to 2000. He talked for most of the hour and told some very interesting stories about it. He had 56 contractors under him that he had to schedule and bring the building in completed on time. No one thought he could do it, but he did. His wife told me that he was probably the only one prepared for the task of that building because of the experience he had had the years just prior. He had also had special training envisioning the day he might need it and he did. She also said when you work for the Church you take a cut in pay from your usual. She said she went to work with the Associates and earned just the amount that was missing from their income. All in all it was a wonderful experience for them and they now have a home in Salt Lake as well as California. That would be nice. It would be nice to have a husband and other couple friendships like that to enjoy. I miss a lot being a widow. They vacation here every summer but all live in different cities, very lovely people.
Sunday was very interesting as we had three couples visiting who are very friendly and like to participate and talk. One of the men had been the project manager on the building of the Conference Center in Salt Lake City from 1996 to 2000. He talked for most of the hour and told some very interesting stories about it. He had 56 contractors under him that he had to schedule and bring the building in completed on time. No one thought he could do it, but he did. His wife told me that he was probably the only one prepared for the task of that building because of the experience he had had the years just prior. He had also had special training envisioning the day he might need it and he did. She also said when you work for the Church you take a cut in pay from your usual. She said she went to work with the Associates and earned just the amount that was missing from their income. All in all it was a wonderful experience for them and they now have a home in Salt Lake as well as California. That would be nice. It would be nice to have a husband and other couple friendships like that to enjoy. I miss a lot being a widow. They vacation here every summer but all live in different cities, very lovely people.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Keira Goes to Hawaii...a Few Pix
Happy Keira gets to go to Hawaii.
Modeling the new outfit for Hawaii.
Pretty Mom and Keira.
Owning the beach.
Doing the hula with Daddy.
Helping Daddy.
Mom and baby.
The way she is holding her hands and standing reminds me of the Kewpie Dolls of yesteryear. So cute!
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| Kewpie Dolls |
All cleaned up in a sink bath.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Keira Eyes a Toy She Likes
I love the way Keira patiently eyes this toy she likes. Makes you wonder what she is thinking. I wonder if she ever got to play with it. That was one of John's favorite toys, too. He would pound it all down and then turn it over and pound it all down again .
Love those crocs, Keira!
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Tuesday, May 08, 2012
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
Because of a disagreement with Dish Network they gave me two free movies. I chose "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" as one and I actually ended up watching it twice, once last night and once today.
I enjoyed it most the second time, after I understood better what was going one. The young actor Thomas Horn was incredible and I think what a challenge it would be to raise a child like the one he played.
What a tribute to a father (played by Tom Hanks) who would accept and understand his genius and strange child and contribute to his development by learning and giving him what was needed in his life. And then for the mother to fill the void from the father's death by also learning what the boy needed. It would be such a challenge not to override the boy's zeal and forbid him his need to search and make sense out of what did not make sense. He had incredible freedom in his search.
I thought the director did an excellent job though I must say the second time around was certainly alot more comfortable understanding the complex plot. The moral that everyone has loss and sorrow in their life and must learn how to cope and how much better to have others who share the sorrow with you was very well stated I thought.
At Church on Sunday I felt a very strong spirit of love and charity for others and the need we all have to share with family and they share with us. I find it interesting that in some families there is a strict policy of not giving or loaning money while in others there is a policy of sharing what is needed. Some people feel just like a Bishop I once heard who stated, "they have only themselves to blame for their problems" which seemed extremely insensitive to me at the time.
Richard and I both grew up with familes who believed in helping, when you can, those in need. I remember my Dad sending money to Mom's widow sisters even though he was not that rich himself. One of them, Erica, took us children aside one day and told is to be careful what we asked our Dad for, as he would want to get it for us. They all had great appreciation for Dad. However, they helped him in the depression when he needed it so badly. He was returning that kind of love.
I was surprised when one of our members stated her son did not use food stamps when he was having money problems last winter. I thought it strange that they thought he would need to since they have very ample means themselves. But as I say all families are different in how they share with one another. I appreciate that my sisters have been helpful to me and I have been helpful to them. I am glad that Richard's nieces and nephews and children have remembrances of him always helping instead of the other way around.
Charity is so much easier for some people to apply to strangers rather than their own family. I have a hard time understanding that.
I enjoyed it most the second time, after I understood better what was going one. The young actor Thomas Horn was incredible and I think what a challenge it would be to raise a child like the one he played.
What a tribute to a father (played by Tom Hanks) who would accept and understand his genius and strange child and contribute to his development by learning and giving him what was needed in his life. And then for the mother to fill the void from the father's death by also learning what the boy needed. It would be such a challenge not to override the boy's zeal and forbid him his need to search and make sense out of what did not make sense. He had incredible freedom in his search.
I thought the director did an excellent job though I must say the second time around was certainly alot more comfortable understanding the complex plot. The moral that everyone has loss and sorrow in their life and must learn how to cope and how much better to have others who share the sorrow with you was very well stated I thought.
At Church on Sunday I felt a very strong spirit of love and charity for others and the need we all have to share with family and they share with us. I find it interesting that in some families there is a strict policy of not giving or loaning money while in others there is a policy of sharing what is needed. Some people feel just like a Bishop I once heard who stated, "they have only themselves to blame for their problems" which seemed extremely insensitive to me at the time.
Richard and I both grew up with familes who believed in helping, when you can, those in need. I remember my Dad sending money to Mom's widow sisters even though he was not that rich himself. One of them, Erica, took us children aside one day and told is to be careful what we asked our Dad for, as he would want to get it for us. They all had great appreciation for Dad. However, they helped him in the depression when he needed it so badly. He was returning that kind of love.
I was surprised when one of our members stated her son did not use food stamps when he was having money problems last winter. I thought it strange that they thought he would need to since they have very ample means themselves. But as I say all families are different in how they share with one another. I appreciate that my sisters have been helpful to me and I have been helpful to them. I am glad that Richard's nieces and nephews and children have remembrances of him always helping instead of the other way around.
Charity is so much easier for some people to apply to strangers rather than their own family. I have a hard time understanding that.
Wednesday, May 02, 2012
Dealing with the Corporations
Michael and I drove to Chico yesterday and it was warm and sunny. Melissa met us Downtown which is a block or so from Chico College and a mile from her home. We had Greek food which some I liked, some not. Then Michael arranged for Melissa to pick up something for him and mail it, we bought some staples at Costco and Wal Mart and headed home. Nice day, easy trip. Melissa has a nice arrangement with everthing being within walking distance or she can ride her bike. She is so pretty and efficient, I am sure they love her at her new job.
I just spent about an hour on the phone with Amerigas--their mistake, their apology, their refund and change of autopay and personal service to make their new accounting system work for me.
Yesterday I spent about an hour with Dish Network--their mistake, their apology, and they sent me two free pay per view account numbers. I did have to deal with three people before they resolved the issue, however.
If I was working, I would not be able to do this, you don't have the time to track down their errors, and take the time to make them serve you, in stead of you serving their mistakes and just accepting them.
I remember when I used to deal with the phone companies when I was working for James at his office and I would get so emotionally distraught as I tried to manuever and resolve their errors and over charges, etc. etc. No more, I am very calm, but very determined and they correct their errors.
Why are there these errors? I don't know, I don't know where the people who are working for them are, or why it happens, but you do need to be on top of them... probably has something to do with different parts of their operations being done by different people all over the world.
When I was working Disaster Loans in a large office in Fort Worth several years ago, there was a very large office next to us which I visited one day because I was so curious as to what was going on in there. It was filled with free lance people in little cubicles doing billing, or reservations or some other small operation for some big corporation. Very revealing about how business is done these days.
Companies are way too big and so computerized, they really have to work to have good personal service (without errors, I might note)... Just one of the many problems in 2012.
I just spent about an hour on the phone with Amerigas--their mistake, their apology, their refund and change of autopay and personal service to make their new accounting system work for me.
Yesterday I spent about an hour with Dish Network--their mistake, their apology, and they sent me two free pay per view account numbers. I did have to deal with three people before they resolved the issue, however.
If I was working, I would not be able to do this, you don't have the time to track down their errors, and take the time to make them serve you, in stead of you serving their mistakes and just accepting them.
I remember when I used to deal with the phone companies when I was working for James at his office and I would get so emotionally distraught as I tried to manuever and resolve their errors and over charges, etc. etc. No more, I am very calm, but very determined and they correct their errors.
Why are there these errors? I don't know, I don't know where the people who are working for them are, or why it happens, but you do need to be on top of them... probably has something to do with different parts of their operations being done by different people all over the world.
When I was working Disaster Loans in a large office in Fort Worth several years ago, there was a very large office next to us which I visited one day because I was so curious as to what was going on in there. It was filled with free lance people in little cubicles doing billing, or reservations or some other small operation for some big corporation. Very revealing about how business is done these days.
Companies are way too big and so computerized, they really have to work to have good personal service (without errors, I might note)... Just one of the many problems in 2012.
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