Janet and Richard in better days.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Smith Center of Performing Arts in Las Vegas
Luckily I recorded "Dust to Dreams" on Friday night which was a celebration of the opening of the Smith Center of Performing Arts in Las Vegas. The show was outstanding with special music from all genres but I was especially interested in reading about the history of the Center, where the money came from, how really spectacular a building it is and what it represents to Las Vegas. Worth reading about. The big funders for the Center were Donald W. Reynolds Foundation which came from the owner of the Las Vegas Review and other enterprises and Fred W. Smith, who managed them all for years and the city of Las Vegas. Excellent reading how successful some people can become with their talents and ambition.
There is no doubt the Center will be to Las Vegas what Carnegie Hall is to New York, and so much more. The Donald W. Reynolds Foundaton will have $100 million to donate a year for 45 years and then it will be closed. The three children were given $50,000 a year for life but only $1 if they contested the will. He died in 1993. Fred W. Smith is still alive and summers in Lake Tahoe but has his main home in Las Vegas.
The show itself was narrated by Neil Patrick Harris which I did not care for. He has a way of being crass about things that matter--not needed at all. I would have liked to have known where the name of the Center came from instead of the lame joke he told about it.
One of the most special numbers I thought was three songs sung by Frank Sinatra and danced by a couple dressed in black dress and suit--really spectacular dancing. Joshua Bell was also a favorite of mine and of course, Jennifer Hudson singing, "The First Time I Saw Your Face". All of the Broadway musical numbers were wonderful.
It will be shown several nights in September on PBS, well worth the watch.
There is no doubt the Center will be to Las Vegas what Carnegie Hall is to New York, and so much more. The Donald W. Reynolds Foundaton will have $100 million to donate a year for 45 years and then it will be closed. The three children were given $50,000 a year for life but only $1 if they contested the will. He died in 1993. Fred W. Smith is still alive and summers in Lake Tahoe but has his main home in Las Vegas.
The show itself was narrated by Neil Patrick Harris which I did not care for. He has a way of being crass about things that matter--not needed at all. I would have liked to have known where the name of the Center came from instead of the lame joke he told about it.
One of the most special numbers I thought was three songs sung by Frank Sinatra and danced by a couple dressed in black dress and suit--really spectacular dancing. Joshua Bell was also a favorite of mine and of course, Jennifer Hudson singing, "The First Time I Saw Your Face". All of the Broadway musical numbers were wonderful.
It will be shown several nights in September on PBS, well worth the watch.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Save the Last Dance2
Just watched the movie as titled above. It was really excellent. I am so envious of people who are talented in music and dance in any way. But I can enjoy!
I have been thinking of things I can master (at last) in my old age:
I think it is a good thing I have my Blog to write in--then when I have a thought and no one is around I can express it without bugging anybody with my emails. It is really a better way.
In the movie I just watched the man had over 8,000 tapes because from the time he was a child he was always carrying a tape recorder and recorded moments of his life.
I just write about them.
I have been thinking of things I can master (at last) in my old age:
- Eating slower and chewing my food
- Being more ladylike
- Only thinking positive thoughts about things and people
I think it is a good thing I have my Blog to write in--then when I have a thought and no one is around I can express it without bugging anybody with my emails. It is really a better way.
In the movie I just watched the man had over 8,000 tapes because from the time he was a child he was always carrying a tape recorder and recorded moments of his life.
I just write about them.
Update on Keira
Keira is learning how to take care of her babies. That's a good thing to learn at preschool, prepares them for that baby brother or sister.
Darn!
I discovered the source of my Gluten Attack this week. It is the Walmart Corn Dogs. I loved the Costco ones so much with no problem that I did not read the label. Alas, the Foster Farm from Walmart have wheat in them!
We Are Handicapped!
Bandido appears handicapped by his fears and can't decide which way or where to move. I finally guide him back to the deck. He touches it but backs away. He cannot jump up on it anymore.
What started out as a nuisance on my eye has turned into an eyesore literally. One upside about going to Quincy is that when I used Aisle 2 of the Safeway on the way to the restroom I passed the Pharm. section and a lady there helped me choose an eyedrop for my eye. It is working!!! But the light hurts my eye so I am a pirate impersonator for awhile.
The poor eye, everything I put on it to soothe it or stop the itching and burning, just made it worse. It is redder than this looks and I have new wrinkles which will never go away. One thing I learned in my reading is that salt tends to go to your eye bags and make them worse. Does this mean I should not eat packaged popcorn anymore?????
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Home Again!
Bandido is happily sleeping in his little habitat. He was shaking so much when I picked him up and looked so pathetic. On the way home he was so restless and cried out at least three times. I would stop and let him walk around a little. Not sure what was his problem. Just so much uncertainty in the last few days I assume.
There is still controversy over why Animal Control was called but obviously there has been a policy change about dogs. The lady told Animal Control she called the Gate first. The Gate said she did not? Who knows? I talked to the lady at the Gate and she said the new manager will not let them go pick up dogs and they do not have a place to keep them anymore. For years it worked well to call the Gate and leave your description of your dog, name and phone number and then when someone called that they had found a dog they would get you together.
Not as friendly a place for dogs as it once was. I remember when Bandido ran away just as I was leaving for the airport. He was young and chasing a deer and would not come back and I could not wait. I told them at the Gate and they went to get him and then called Maria to come and pick him up. And last time even, the man down by the lake called and I went to pick him up. No middle men. No costs. No fright for the dog.
Bandido can never be alone again outside at all. I wonder what kind of inspection Chester Veterinary did on him for $41. Tomorrow I will call and try and find out.
There is still controversy over why Animal Control was called but obviously there has been a policy change about dogs. The lady told Animal Control she called the Gate first. The Gate said she did not? Who knows? I talked to the lady at the Gate and she said the new manager will not let them go pick up dogs and they do not have a place to keep them anymore. For years it worked well to call the Gate and leave your description of your dog, name and phone number and then when someone called that they had found a dog they would get you together.
Not as friendly a place for dogs as it once was. I remember when Bandido ran away just as I was leaving for the airport. He was young and chasing a deer and would not come back and I could not wait. I told them at the Gate and they went to get him and then called Maria to come and pick him up. And last time even, the man down by the lake called and I went to pick him up. No middle men. No costs. No fright for the dog.
Bandido can never be alone again outside at all. I wonder what kind of inspection Chester Veterinary did on him for $41. Tomorrow I will call and try and find out.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Lost and Now Found
The good thing is Bandido has been found and is at the Quincy Animal Shelter.
The bad thing is they picked him up on my street at 3 pm today and checked at the Gate before taking him down to Quincy. It will cost me $81.00 to pick him up and Quincy is a long drive down and back.
When I called the Gate to complain about letting them take him when they had the information the girl said no one stopped at the Gate when she was on and to call tomorrow. She said she thinks they have the right to come in here because we are part of the county even though it is a gated community. Sounds like a way to make money I think.
UPDATE
A lady just called to inform me that her neighbors had found a little dog and it was at the Animal Shelter. She informed me that a guest was staying at the home and didn't know about calling the Gate and had called the Animal Shelter. The owner said if he had been home he would have called the Gate. Well, that explains it.
Next time, if it ever happens again, I will make flyers and put them at every house in my neighborhood!!! Calling the Animal Shelter is not good!
The bad thing is they picked him up on my street at 3 pm today and checked at the Gate before taking him down to Quincy. It will cost me $81.00 to pick him up and Quincy is a long drive down and back.
When I called the Gate to complain about letting them take him when they had the information the girl said no one stopped at the Gate when she was on and to call tomorrow. She said she thinks they have the right to come in here because we are part of the county even though it is a gated community. Sounds like a way to make money I think.
UPDATE
A lady just called to inform me that her neighbors had found a little dog and it was at the Animal Shelter. She informed me that a guest was staying at the home and didn't know about calling the Gate and had called the Animal Shelter. The owner said if he had been home he would have called the Gate. Well, that explains it.
Next time, if it ever happens again, I will make flyers and put them at every house in my neighborhood!!! Calling the Animal Shelter is not good!
Rethinking and Thinking--Decisions, Decisions, Decisions
I am recrunching the numbers and rethinking being totally homeless. It just seems apparent that at sometime I would need to settle in a place of my own. Who knows how long Jeanne will live and all that. After talking and looking at the numbers some things are very apparent.
To make sense and sell this lovely place I would have to get top dollar, otherwise it would be better to do the reverse mortgage on this house for instant cash and always having a place to live, even if just for the spring, summer and falls. Of course, the catch would be that a refinance appraisal in this market could come in very low and then it might not make so much sense either. And the question is, how long would it take to sell, could I ever get top dollar? Will things get better or worse after the election? There are so many strange predictions of what could happen either way.
The thought of moving back to the city is not setting well with me at all. I love the peace and security of this area and I love living in the smaller Branch rather than a big city Ward. The nice thing about a reverse mortgage is that the longer you live the better deal it is. Am I going to live a long time??? And it would not be so painful to just have all my precious stuff here rather than scattered around or locked in a storage unit somewhere.
I have pretty much gotten rid of most of the things I don't want. The yard is clean and easy. Michael is happy here for the time being.
Ron brought over a huge trailor of wood. We were able to stack another row of wood so we have two rows and a whole lot stacked under the pines for splitting. Michael will probably do this. It is really a nice little area of stacked wood and splitting area we created. I was surprised at how tired I get though. I have to work and then rest, work and then rest, but I have been working so much lately, it is no wonder. Surely glad Michael was here to do the work!
Anyway, someone is looking at the property today. Unless I get offered top dollar I believe I will take my house off the market and get it appraised to better access where I go from here. Help!
To make sense and sell this lovely place I would have to get top dollar, otherwise it would be better to do the reverse mortgage on this house for instant cash and always having a place to live, even if just for the spring, summer and falls. Of course, the catch would be that a refinance appraisal in this market could come in very low and then it might not make so much sense either. And the question is, how long would it take to sell, could I ever get top dollar? Will things get better or worse after the election? There are so many strange predictions of what could happen either way.
The thought of moving back to the city is not setting well with me at all. I love the peace and security of this area and I love living in the smaller Branch rather than a big city Ward. The nice thing about a reverse mortgage is that the longer you live the better deal it is. Am I going to live a long time??? And it would not be so painful to just have all my precious stuff here rather than scattered around or locked in a storage unit somewhere.
I have pretty much gotten rid of most of the things I don't want. The yard is clean and easy. Michael is happy here for the time being.
Ron brought over a huge trailor of wood. We were able to stack another row of wood so we have two rows and a whole lot stacked under the pines for splitting. Michael will probably do this. It is really a nice little area of stacked wood and splitting area we created. I was surprised at how tired I get though. I have to work and then rest, work and then rest, but I have been working so much lately, it is no wonder. Surely glad Michael was here to do the work!
Anyway, someone is looking at the property today. Unless I get offered top dollar I believe I will take my house off the market and get it appraised to better access where I go from here. Help!
Tragedy and Unexpected Plus
Bandido has been missing for almost 20 hours now. Yesterday he got his hair cut and there was a lot of hair to cut off. Plus she cut him shorter than I asked, something to do with all the sores on his body. I wonder if he is in a lot of pain? The only time he yelps is sometimes when I pick him up, not exactly sure what is bothering him. She also changed his whole personality by cutting off most of his face hair and clipping his hair in triangles like a fox terrier. I put him on his run leash and when I went to bring him in about 45 minutes later his collar was on the leash but no Bandido!! I suppose he could have just slipped out with his hair so short, but why would he? The leash wasn't caught on anything. He usually just walks round and round until I come to get him. My neighbor said there has been a wolf in the area but there was certainly no evidence of an attack of any kind. My sister said maybe he was embarrassed how he looked. Very strange.
After calling the Gate and they said they would look for him in their van, I walked the neighborhood and all walkers I asked to let me know if they saw him. Without his collar no one can call me but people usually call the Gate if they find a lost dog. Yesterday they said they had four calls about dogs--lost or found I am not sure. I later drove all along my streets as well as on Peninsula.
Of course, there are so many empty houses this time of year that he could be anywhere and not necessarily seen, especially if he curls up under a deck. If I am not called by tomorrow, I will have to think the worst. The strange thing is that I have expected his death for so long that it is almost anticlimatic. He has not been his normal self for a long, long time. He can't see, hear, smell and so he usually just sleeps or stands waiting for something or walks in circles. How could he have disappeared so fast when he walks so slow and why would no one have seen him. It is very strange.
So far I have called two of my sisters from my Gmail. The great plus is that we can all hear better than we can on a regular or cellular phone!!! You are free of having the phone to your ear for one thing and then you can actually hear better!! On Both Ends. That is amazing.
Carole is going to open a Gmail account--then we can talk by video chat. I hope they keep this free service for a long time.
After calling the Gate and they said they would look for him in their van, I walked the neighborhood and all walkers I asked to let me know if they saw him. Without his collar no one can call me but people usually call the Gate if they find a lost dog. Yesterday they said they had four calls about dogs--lost or found I am not sure. I later drove all along my streets as well as on Peninsula.
Of course, there are so many empty houses this time of year that he could be anywhere and not necessarily seen, especially if he curls up under a deck. If I am not called by tomorrow, I will have to think the worst. The strange thing is that I have expected his death for so long that it is almost anticlimatic. He has not been his normal self for a long, long time. He can't see, hear, smell and so he usually just sleeps or stands waiting for something or walks in circles. How could he have disappeared so fast when he walks so slow and why would no one have seen him. It is very strange.
So far I have called two of my sisters from my Gmail. The great plus is that we can all hear better than we can on a regular or cellular phone!!! You are free of having the phone to your ear for one thing and then you can actually hear better!! On Both Ends. That is amazing.
Carole is going to open a Gmail account--then we can talk by video chat. I hope they keep this free service for a long time.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Beautiful at Lake Almanor Today!
The weather is so spectacular right now. It is a shame that everyone has gone home for the season.
We had a lovely lunch after Church today. Remember Manwich? Makes great sloppy joes and there were some great desserts, good salads, chips, etc. We had quite a group there today. It seems like we are growing again.
My lesson went well. I have enjoyed teaching George Albert Smith lessons. I love the way he speaks, so concise, clear and meaningful. He was quite a diplomat. I would have liked to have heard him from the pulpit. Of course, I did, but I was only 14 so I do not remember except that I did get to shake his hand outside the Tabernacle. It was the 1947 Centennial Celebration of the Saints arrival to Utah.
Quite by accident today I discovered we can make free phone calls anywhere in the US from our Gmail accounts and you can also video chat with other Gmail account holders. Since I only have two Gmail contacts in my list I contacted Maryanne and we figured it out together and it is really easy. Problem is I kept calling people and no one answered!!! Then Maryanne told me it was because the number was showing as a 760 number so she figured it was someone she did not know and I assume the others did that also.
Learn something new every day. My eye is getting better but I need to figure out why I don't sleep enough because I have big bags under my eyes, yikes!!!
Yesterday I finished organizing the garage and taking more things to the Thrift Store. I told Michael nobody better move anything to a different place. Now I need to get rid of a lot of old tax records... So freeing to get rid of stuff. I gave all my church videos to Melinda for FH Evenings with their children. I also have a huge box I am taking to the library but I did keep my favorites. Still hope to spend time in my office watching some of them from time to time.
We had a lovely lunch after Church today. Remember Manwich? Makes great sloppy joes and there were some great desserts, good salads, chips, etc. We had quite a group there today. It seems like we are growing again.
Quite by accident today I discovered we can make free phone calls anywhere in the US from our Gmail accounts and you can also video chat with other Gmail account holders. Since I only have two Gmail contacts in my list I contacted Maryanne and we figured it out together and it is really easy. Problem is I kept calling people and no one answered!!! Then Maryanne told me it was because the number was showing as a 760 number so she figured it was someone she did not know and I assume the others did that also.
Learn something new every day. My eye is getting better but I need to figure out why I don't sleep enough because I have big bags under my eyes, yikes!!!
Yesterday I finished organizing the garage and taking more things to the Thrift Store. I told Michael nobody better move anything to a different place. Now I need to get rid of a lot of old tax records... So freeing to get rid of stuff. I gave all my church videos to Melinda for FH Evenings with their children. I also have a huge box I am taking to the library but I did keep my favorites. Still hope to spend time in my office watching some of them from time to time.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Life's Little Pleasures
Someone sent me a recipe for making Wendy's ice cream. I can't remember if it was Margot or Maryanne. Anyway today I tried it and it really does taste exactly like it!!!
It was one quart of chocolate milk (I used the Double Chocolate) mixed with one can of Sweetened Condensed Milk and then make into ice cream in my ice cream maker. 25 minutes!
I tried to take a picture but something is wrong with my camera!!! It keeps getting errors. Woe is me.
Anyway I have been sick most of the week and this was a nice treat--tummy ache, though.
I think it is interesting that the lady Dr assumed because I have been doing heavy moving of stuff down my stairs and to the Thrift store that the redness in my eye was a cut. I looked it up on line because I knew I had had it when we had Choice Mtg on Genesee. Sure enough I remembered the name when I saw it. Chalazian--it is clogged pores???, starts out like a stye and I had more than one raised bump and very red, and itches like crazy and all you have to do is put warm compresses on it and it will eventually go away. Already feels a lot better than the neosporin she recommended. Poor doctors, can't know it all when you are so young.
It was one quart of chocolate milk (I used the Double Chocolate) mixed with one can of Sweetened Condensed Milk and then make into ice cream in my ice cream maker. 25 minutes!
I tried to take a picture but something is wrong with my camera!!! It keeps getting errors. Woe is me.
Anyway I have been sick most of the week and this was a nice treat--tummy ache, though.
I think it is interesting that the lady Dr assumed because I have been doing heavy moving of stuff down my stairs and to the Thrift store that the redness in my eye was a cut. I looked it up on line because I knew I had had it when we had Choice Mtg on Genesee. Sure enough I remembered the name when I saw it. Chalazian--it is clogged pores???, starts out like a stye and I had more than one raised bump and very red, and itches like crazy and all you have to do is put warm compresses on it and it will eventually go away. Already feels a lot better than the neosporin she recommended. Poor doctors, can't know it all when you are so young.
Chips Fire Finally Contained!
My friend Jean's husband and son took these pictures of the Chips Fire--they are just now letting people into the area.
The fire started July 29 and 100% containment was August 31. 75,000 acres burned. The whole month of August was awful ... lots of smoke and frazzled nerves. (from Jean)
They live on the southern tip of the lake and were threatened. I live on the Peninsula and we were not. However, we did have smoky skies and ash and little sun for the whole month of August.
Meagan and Keira had just been here and escaped it all, thank heaven.
I live on the top of the Peninsula that you can see in the center of the picture.
Friday, September 14, 2012
Not Feeling Well
Meagan had this picture along with other new ones of Keira on Facebook. So cute.
Why do I feel like someone kicked me in the side. Bummer. I am officially 5' 3". The nurse checked me today and I also am officially losing weight--shrinking all around, yea. Gluten attacks really take a lot out of me--had one on Sun and Mon and now again so easy to lose when nothing stays in you.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
First the Ears, Now the Eyes
Today was so frustrating. Who knew my eyes were getting so old they cannot do fine work anymore? I was shortening some skirts (a simple process) but I could not see well enough to thread the sewing machine needle. Yes, I have had difficulty with this from time to time but I could not do it at all. I had to wait till Mike got up to do it for me.
Then when I tried to hem my skirt by hand I couldn't see how many threads I caught in my needle. I got out the magnifying mirror but it was very clumsy to use.
Needless to say I felt very old and very down. I sought comfort by burying myself under my comforter. It does help. I decided to try the hemming again in the morning. Maybe my eyes will be better then.
I really think there are some upsides of dying young. At least you never know the despair of feeling so clumsy, and feeble.
I really thought I would use that material I keep saving, I had plans, but not now.
Then when I tried to hem my skirt by hand I couldn't see how many threads I caught in my needle. I got out the magnifying mirror but it was very clumsy to use.
Needless to say I felt very old and very down. I sought comfort by burying myself under my comforter. It does help. I decided to try the hemming again in the morning. Maybe my eyes will be better then.
I really think there are some upsides of dying young. At least you never know the despair of feeling so clumsy, and feeble.
I really thought I would use that material I keep saving, I had plans, but not now.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Just Another Day in Paradise
It is beautiful, sunny and clear here for now. I should go back to the lake each day it has been so warm.
Last night I finally caught up on my sleep I think. Slept all night and then some for a change. It has been so dry and allergy time so I can not breathe very well.
Some of us Clear Creek Branch ladies met for lunch at the Knotbumpers and I had the Cinder Cone which was a Taco Salad. It was very good. Seems the last time I ate there with Maria it wasn't so good but we sat on the side of the porch and it was quite lovely. Holly, the new lady with five children; Fonda, five childre; Jean, two children; Maryanne, three children; Sue, three children were all there.
I thought as I listened to the ladies who still had children at home how easy my life is now. I had better enjoy it. If only I didn't get so tired.
I bought some boxes that I will label with the children and Meagan's names so as I come across pictures, etc. that are of their family I will just put them in the box and they can decide what to do with them when I am gone.
Since I have shrunk another inch I decided it was time to shorten some of my clothes. I did the blue denim dress yesterday. Looks good.
Last night I finally caught up on my sleep I think. Slept all night and then some for a change. It has been so dry and allergy time so I can not breathe very well.
Some of us Clear Creek Branch ladies met for lunch at the Knotbumpers and I had the Cinder Cone which was a Taco Salad. It was very good. Seems the last time I ate there with Maria it wasn't so good but we sat on the side of the porch and it was quite lovely. Holly, the new lady with five children; Fonda, five childre; Jean, two children; Maryanne, three children; Sue, three children were all there.
I thought as I listened to the ladies who still had children at home how easy my life is now. I had better enjoy it. If only I didn't get so tired.
I bought some boxes that I will label with the children and Meagan's names so as I come across pictures, etc. that are of their family I will just put them in the box and they can decide what to do with them when I am gone.
Since I have shrunk another inch I decided it was time to shorten some of my clothes. I did the blue denim dress yesterday. Looks good.
Saturday, September 08, 2012
Bye, Bye Love
Last night I watched "Bye, Bye Love" which was a sort of comedy about three divorced Dads and how they passed the children back and forth. It was actually very sad. I am thankful I never had to live that way with my family.
One of the quotes which I probably won't remember exactly was something like "Divorced people are the most unhappy in the world except for married Scandinavians." Since I am a large part Scandinavian I would like to know exactly what they are referring to.
We did hear the quote in Sweden that "Two is a crowd" or something like that.
Does this mean Scandinavians are happier alone???? I hope it just means they can be happy alone but it is curious.
I read the following in an article in 'Kwintessential'--now I know why I am not competitive! My parents raised me that way!
One of the key characteristics of Swedish culture is that Swedes are egalitarian in nature, humble and find boasting absolutely unacceptable. In many ways, Swedes prefer to listen to others as opposed to ensuring that their own voice is heard.
When speaking, Swedes speak softly and calmly. It is rare that you were witness a Swede demonstrating anger or strong emotion in public.
Behaviours in Sweden are strongly balanced towards ‘lagom’ or, ‘everything in moderation’. Excess, flashiness and boasting are abhorred in Sweden and individuals strive towards the middle way. As an example, work hard and play hard are not common concepts in Sweden. People work hard but not too hard, they go out and enjoy themselves, but without participating in anything extreme.
Due to the strong leaning towards egalitarianism in Sweden, competition is not encouraged and children are not raised to believe that they are any more special than any other child.
One of the quotes which I probably won't remember exactly was something like "Divorced people are the most unhappy in the world except for married Scandinavians." Since I am a large part Scandinavian I would like to know exactly what they are referring to.
We did hear the quote in Sweden that "Two is a crowd" or something like that.
Does this mean Scandinavians are happier alone???? I hope it just means they can be happy alone but it is curious.
I read the following in an article in 'Kwintessential'--now I know why I am not competitive! My parents raised me that way!
One of the key characteristics of Swedish culture is that Swedes are egalitarian in nature, humble and find boasting absolutely unacceptable. In many ways, Swedes prefer to listen to others as opposed to ensuring that their own voice is heard.
When speaking, Swedes speak softly and calmly. It is rare that you were witness a Swede demonstrating anger or strong emotion in public.
Behaviours in Sweden are strongly balanced towards ‘lagom’ or, ‘everything in moderation’. Excess, flashiness and boasting are abhorred in Sweden and individuals strive towards the middle way. As an example, work hard and play hard are not common concepts in Sweden. People work hard but not too hard, they go out and enjoy themselves, but without participating in anything extreme.
Due to the strong leaning towards egalitarianism in Sweden, competition is not encouraged and children are not raised to believe that they are any more special than any other child.
Friday, September 07, 2012
Shades of the 50's
In my decluttering I found this dress I made back in 57 or 58. Bill, my boyfriend, was a Helicopter pilot in the Navy and was overseas finishing up things from the Korean War. He brought me this Oriental material and I made the dress and also had heels covered to match. The material is so lovely I have been keeping the dress. Meagan tried it on in high school and it fit her, I don't think anyone else even tried. Hmm, what to do with it.
I wish I could sew as well now as I did then. I made so many beautiful dresses, suits, capri outfits...I am amazed. All on a little miniature Singer!!
Wednesday, September 05, 2012
Decluttering
I removed the black shelves from the corner and put all my photo and scrap books on the bottom shelf in my bedroom. I am so glad to find a permanent place for them!!! I also removed the large BY picture and replaced it with one of John's and took the red hearts away after all these years and oh, yes, I took all the ivy off the walls. Much cleaner. lighter look.
i put away the wedding pix and put the cabin there and removed the big desert pix and put the other sailing pix. Notice less books and things on the center table, too. I also removed the little wall plaques from over both doors.
In my bedroom I took some of the pix down and trivia from the bedside tables. I like it clean and neat. I also saw in the Costco catalog one of those ipod docks--I should replace my big cd and ipod player with that--when I move maybe, I also removed a lot of books to make room for my photo albums and scrap books.
My lesson manuals and scripture notebooks I put in my file drawers in the garage. I still need to throw alot of the files in there away and need a shredder to get rid of all tax papers. So I have lots of work to do in the garage but can take time to do that.
I am tired! And Michael was not here so I was carrying a lot of things down the stairs--my feet hurt, Anyway I an excited about taking a lot of books and things to the Thrift Store.
Tuesday, September 04, 2012
My Favorite Things
It is that time of year again--cool mornings and how I love my new wool sox from Costco. Eventually I wear through the bottoms but it will take a few years. They come in packs of three and are wonderful on cool wood floors.
Other current favorite things:
Other current favorite things:
- Any Meryl Streep movie, "Hope Springs" was so funny...amazing actress
- Vanilla ice cream and raspberry jam--lots
- Chris Botti and Sting doing "In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning"
- Bubble baths every night
- Corn dogs, what can I say, I am addicted, life is short
- My checkered red quilt
- Collaged boxes for all my clutter, takes time to declutter
- Decluttering--my new favorite thing to do
- Looking at the pictures of my darling grandchildren and great grandchildren, love digital pix and such an easy way to save them to my computer
- Chris Botti on trumpet playing anything
- Vic Damone, what can I say, a favorite still after 65 years
- Big Band music, I keep it on my Recorder for a quick dance to "In the Mood" anytime I am 'in the mood'
- Yogurt with warmed blueberries, yum, yum
- Rod Stewart singing the Classics
- Micheal Buble singing the Classics
- Jane Brown Sunday School lessons, does she know the scriptures or what, So amazing
- Wendy's chocolate soft ice cream and I was just given a recipe to try at home--a quart of chocolate milk and a can of condensed milk made in my ice cream maker--I have a feeling it is going to be a new favorite
- Tootsie Rolls
- Diet Dr Pepper, especially from the Fountain rather than can or bottle, only occasional
- Hot Tamales especially with buttered popcorn, old favorite but only occasionally now, I am getting a little more prudent in my old age
- 'Monk' TV show--so funny
- Listening to the scriptures and novels instead of reading, technology is so great
- 'Sex and the City' TV show--love the clothes and relationship logic
- 'Army Wives'-such smart, pretty women
- My bedside computer stand...I can write any time I wake up and can't sleep. Why do old people not need much sleep? You would think we would need more--of course, there are the naps...
- Calls from my children and their patience with me
- Talking to my sisters and friends, we have time on our hands these days
- Silky pajamas and my Lauren cotten ones
- Golden Girls array of lovely pajamas and night gowns and robes--what a Collection
- Having my ipod music put me to sleep every night
- Linda Ronstadt singing the Classics--esp "What'll I Do?"
Sunday, September 02, 2012
Thoughts on Utah
Greg T said from the pulpit that I looked 10 years younger today and he wondered what was different in my life. It was just that I had finally made a decision and had the "next step" in my life figured out. It must have shown on my face. It is so hard to be in a quandry about what you should do, where you should go, when should you do it. I am so thankful we can pray for direction and get answers and you know it is an answer from the Lord when it is something you have not thought of and yet it feels so right.
I was just reading yesterday a quote from Pres Hinckley:
"Pray for wisdom and understanding as you walk the difficult paths of your lives. If you are determined to do foolish and imprudent things, I think the Lord will not prevent you. But if you seek His wisdom and follow the counsel of the impressions that come to you, I am confident you will be blessed."
I was born in Ogden, Utah and after we moved to Montana I have very happy memories of visiting our aunts and uncles and their families, the wonderful food, the laughter, the aunts speaking Swedish, the family reunions, Lagoon, so many things. Aunt Ellen's scones and swedish pancakes always seemed the best I had ever tasted. Aunt Erica amazed me because she could put on a large delicious dinner and the kitchen would be spotless as we sat down to eat. I don't know how she did that. She had a real walnut tree in her front yard and I marveled at that.
I really never wanted to live in Utah. When I went to BYU those mountains so close made me feel smothered after living on the wide open plains of Montana, big sky country, and it was. I would sometimes have to "run" to shake the closeness. But the first Christmas home from college I cried with happiness when I told what a wonderful place BYU was. I loved every minute of it, the professors, my roommates, the activities, the classes. It was truly a very happy time in my life. But I never wanted to live there otherwise.
I was just reading yesterday a quote from Pres Hinckley:
"Pray for wisdom and understanding as you walk the difficult paths of your lives. If you are determined to do foolish and imprudent things, I think the Lord will not prevent you. But if you seek His wisdom and follow the counsel of the impressions that come to you, I am confident you will be blessed."
I was born in Ogden, Utah and after we moved to Montana I have very happy memories of visiting our aunts and uncles and their families, the wonderful food, the laughter, the aunts speaking Swedish, the family reunions, Lagoon, so many things. Aunt Ellen's scones and swedish pancakes always seemed the best I had ever tasted. Aunt Erica amazed me because she could put on a large delicious dinner and the kitchen would be spotless as we sat down to eat. I don't know how she did that. She had a real walnut tree in her front yard and I marveled at that.
I really never wanted to live in Utah. When I went to BYU those mountains so close made me feel smothered after living on the wide open plains of Montana, big sky country, and it was. I would sometimes have to "run" to shake the closeness. But the first Christmas home from college I cried with happiness when I told what a wonderful place BYU was. I loved every minute of it, the professors, my roommates, the activities, the classes. It was truly a very happy time in my life. But I never wanted to live there otherwise.
Saturday, September 01, 2012
It Is Official!
My house is on the market and when and if it sells I am headed for Orem to live with my sister Jeanne, at least until I decide something else or I drive her too crazy. But she is alone, I am alone, she has a big house and lots of relatives around and I have no family or relatives up here anymore and I am not ready to go live with the my kids yet and not sure I want to or even could buy another house at all. I think I will live the rented life for awhile and let someone else pay the property taxes, etal.I
Jeanne said she would love to have me, she has had a lot of grandchildren live with her over the years but they are all gone now so this may be my next venture. I have been lonely since Maria and Marjorie both moved and I am sure Jeanne is lonely, too. Only problem is Michael, he doesn't want to go with me so he will have to find a new abode. I will miss him.
Carole was thinking I should take my furniture to Utah but on rethinking I think I should store it in the San Diego area. I will end up there eventually and if I never have another house at least it will be there to divvy out or sell.
One day at a time.
Now to see if anyone is interested in my house...and willing to pay the price.
PS--I can see that the raccoon or raccoons had used their long fingernails to open the screen door, I wonder if they have done this before??? Reminds me of when I found the two foot lizard in my RB home.
Jeanne said she would love to have me, she has had a lot of grandchildren live with her over the years but they are all gone now so this may be my next venture. I have been lonely since Maria and Marjorie both moved and I am sure Jeanne is lonely, too. Only problem is Michael, he doesn't want to go with me so he will have to find a new abode. I will miss him.
Carole was thinking I should take my furniture to Utah but on rethinking I think I should store it in the San Diego area. I will end up there eventually and if I never have another house at least it will be there to divvy out or sell.
One day at a time.
Now to see if anyone is interested in my house...and willing to pay the price.
PS--I can see that the raccoon or raccoons had used their long fingernails to open the screen door, I wonder if they have done this before??? Reminds me of when I found the two foot lizard in my RB home.
Raccoon Encounter
As that cute little head peeked up over the deck I should have had a camera. Raccoons are so cute.
I don't know why I got up at 4 AM and wandered into the kitchen, I think I was hungry for a corn dog!
To my surprise Bandido was wandering around his pen and both the screen door and patio door were wide open and the kitchen garbage can was on its side with the contents spilling out on to the deck!!!
I thought that Michael had carelessly walked by and knocked it over and hadn't noticed and then forgot to close the screen door and then...
I see the little raccoon peeking up at me and I knew I had interrupted his foraging. Question is--was the screen door left open or did he open it himself?
We often leave the patio door open and just have the screen to let the air in--no more doing that!! They are too resourceful.
One time the little critters climbed the stairs and had a lot of fun in a garbage I left on the front porch and they left their footprints all over to prove it. They also went into the opened garage door and unzipped my backpack pockets and ate the nuts and raisens and made a big mess all over. I wonder where they live? Probably under my deck but I never see them, this was the first time in 13 years.
I don't know why I got up at 4 AM and wandered into the kitchen, I think I was hungry for a corn dog!
To my surprise Bandido was wandering around his pen and both the screen door and patio door were wide open and the kitchen garbage can was on its side with the contents spilling out on to the deck!!!
I thought that Michael had carelessly walked by and knocked it over and hadn't noticed and then forgot to close the screen door and then...
I see the little raccoon peeking up at me and I knew I had interrupted his foraging. Question is--was the screen door left open or did he open it himself?
We often leave the patio door open and just have the screen to let the air in--no more doing that!! They are too resourceful.
One time the little critters climbed the stairs and had a lot of fun in a garbage I left on the front porch and they left their footprints all over to prove it. They also went into the opened garage door and unzipped my backpack pockets and ate the nuts and raisens and made a big mess all over. I wonder where they live? Probably under my deck but I never see them, this was the first time in 13 years.
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