Fun and Excitement

Speaking about fun and excitement, my grandson Michael called yesterday. There is nothing that brings me more joy than having a grandchild call and just want to chat with their Grandma.

We talked about politics, books, grades, life, etc. etc. Michael is always fun to talk to. And his grades--three A's and 2 B's whoo, whoo!!! Good for him. He plans on graduating in 2009!

Like me, he is looking for ways to make money...Like me, he is enjoying the library. Of course, the library at Sac State has got to be huge. I used to love to explore the library when I was at college. Unlike Michael I would do a lot of my homework in the library. The dorms and living facilities are too noisy. He evidently doesn't have that problem where he is living.

We shared books we had been reading. Like Richard, he reads non-fiction and documentaries. And I bet he remembers what he reads as Richard did. I am so glad he loves to read. All of the grandchildren should be avid readers. Certainly their grandparents and great grandparents were. I never saw my Dad, my Mom or Vida without a book in their hands in the evenings or even the daytime if they were able.

We shared movies we had seen, he sees more than I do and always has interesting ones to tell me about. Yes, grandchildren are great! Thanks for calling, Michael. I am so proud of you.

3 Tips to Living to 100!

I think I live a fairly healthy life but according to this article I need to make some big changes in my life--except for the not smoking or drinking I am not really doing any of these things!!!!

Article from Glamour Magazine, on Thu May 15, 2008

Your behavior now makes a difference, says new research.

Experts recommend these habits:

Get creative at work. On average, a woman with a creative job has the cardiovascular fitness and other health attributes of someone six years younger, according to a recent study. What does “creative” mean? Acting, writing or painting are obvious picks, but any job can count as long as you find it interesting and it lets you develop new skills, experts say.

Make sure you cover the basics. Eating five servings of fruits and veggies a day, being active, not smoking, and drinking in moderation could add 14 years to your life, according to new British research. Too tall an order? Tackle just the exercise part: A recent study by the National Cancer Institute found that older people who got at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week were less likely to die over the next seven years than those who didn't.

Do something fun. Women who are feeling “happy, excited or content” have lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, as well as C-reactive protein and interleukin-6—two markers of inflammation linked to heart disease, a University College London study found. It may not take a Ph.D. to figure out that being happy is good for you, but this is one of the first studies to pinpoint a biological reason. So the next time you're feeling frazzled, make plans to do anything that'll get you smiling.—Article by LISA MULCAHY

OK, more creativity, more excitement and fun, more smiles, and more exercise needed---but I already know this...I just haven't figured out how or drummed up the desire! I would rather bury myself in a book. "Get a Life" as they say. My matra for the summer...

Get A Life Beyond Reading and Gardening.

Camber told me she read playing the piano can prevent Altheimers!! Yea, I play the organ during commercials, I have that base covered.

Yea for Wal Mart!

About 13, 14 years ago I told Maria I couldn't imagine what I would ever buy at Wal Mart. Now anything I do buy, is from Wal Mart. Their philosophy on pharamceutical sales must make them the most hated retailer amongst the stores catering to the health needs of America.

This is their statement about health care:

"More and more people find health care, and particularly prescribed medicines, difficult to afford. This is one of the reasons we continually work to take our $4 Prescription Program to the next level,” said Dr. John Agwunobi, Wal-Mart senior vice president and president, health and wellness. “We’re succeeding in our efforts to deliver simple, affordable, quality pharmacy solutions for families struggling with the rising costs of health care. And, our customers – and their budgets – are seeing a dramatic difference."

And they did, 90 days for $10, slightly higher in California and a few other states. Still today I bought my medicine for $14.72 and it says right on it that the retail cost is $99.88. I have been paying over $100! I read also that they include most all of the medicines that are regularly prescribed by doctors. I hope they do put the other companies out of business. When I was working in Texas I saw the expenses of so many elderly and they would have $400-500 in medical costs a month. Outrageous!

Yea for Wal Mart. They deserve our business and they get it! I have mentioned this before but Wal Mart was also the first store ready for business after Hurricane Rita and they stayed open 24 hours a day. Yea for Wal Mart! >

Books, Movies and Candy

I found another Anita Shreve book I hadn't read and finished it "Light in Snow". Her books are so readable...how do writer's do that? I also ordered one of Rick Bragg. He is also such an enjoyable writer, just so fun to read. And I found another one by Barbara Kingsolver I haven't read and two more of Anna Quindlen's. We have a great little library in Chester.

That should keep me busy for awhile. Reading about other people's problems and solutions is so much better than tackling my own. I keep trying to do a new resume and walk around with it in town but I keep putting it off. I am just not confident about anything I can do anymore. What a dope I have turned out to be...

Last night I watched one of the videos I picked up at the library. "Paradise Road" with Glenn Close. It is a true story of a women's prison camp in Sumatra in WWll. They were women from different countries, speaking different languages who had been living in Singapore. A heroic group of them formed a vocal orchestra and performed many times for others in the camp until so many of them had died it was disbanded. The atrocities the women went through did not follow Geneva Guidelines for prisoners. Very disturbing but stirring to watch. War is hell...

On a lighter note, I have been on a sugar bend lately. Something I do when I have something to do I don't want to do (seek a job). I have learned, if anyone needs to know, that Milk Duds are much better than Sugar Babies and Jelly Beans are not good unless they are the Spiced version or Jelly Bellies. Furthermore you cannot lick a lemon drop after eating something as sweet as Milk Duds. (You will have to spit it out).

After hearing all about the Tornado watches around the country my little plot of ground feels very secure and peaceful to me. So thankful...

Some people are just nice...

I called my Doctor's office to see if they could call in a couple of my prescriptions to Wal Mart rather than where I had been going. I told the receptionist that under their new guidelines the one would only be $10 for a 90 day supply (I had been paying over $90) and the other would probably also be a lot cheaper.

She called me back today to say she had called the $10 one in but they have a lot of free samples of the other and that might help me. I thanked her profusely and said that would be wonderful. She said it would probably be two months worth and I could pick them up this afternoon.

When I went to pick them up, she was gone but she had left me a huge bag and guess what...7 months worth! I couldn't believe it. That is worth more than $200!!!

I don't know if she thought each box was just one day or what but actually each box had a week's supply! Anyway, very kind of her, made my day...

Thoughts on Aging by my sister Carole

The following was written by my sister Carole and says so well the pitfalls of becoming an "old lady".

"Ode to my friends who are turning 70!!! I am in my 69th year. I and my friends who graduated from high school with me are turning 70. We consider ourselves the same young hip girls we were of the fifties..that is until I see a young hip girl of the 2008ths. (How do you stay that cute?).

I then realize I am not a young hip girl even though I did have eyelid surgery. The tops of my eyes look great but the bags and wrinkles underneath still give me away. Barbara Walters still looks young and hip. What does she know that I don’t…does money still do everything!!! Can TV hide the inevitable?

Clothes shopping is a nightmare. The clothes in the non-maternity section look like they should be in the maternity section and the maternity section looks very comfortable to me. What do I do? I wear my same old jeans with the slight stretch and the same old sweat shirt that feels so good.

Summer is coming. I get hot. Do I reveal the sagging arms with short sleeves…don’t even think about sleeveless! Or do I constrain myself to wear the timeless shirtwaist blouse that certainly defines my age. I never did look good in that style ,the puffy short sleeve always fitted my figure best but I don’t want to look like I am trying to be 16 again.

Hair…do I continue to dye or let the natural grey do the lighting for me? The girls on TV look great in their long shiny straight hair..mine just wants to frizz and I can’t seem to get out of the helmet look without lots of time in the bathroom. I no longer have 4 kinds of shampoo to choose from, I have 40. Do I want it thicker, shinier, straighter, curlier, streakier, moisturized, dryed out or just plain clean? Do I want it sticking out, messed up, sleeked down or shaved off? Do I need to glue it, spray it, wax it, sculpt it, or heaven forbid, perm it?

Shoes..I will be on my feet all day, thank goodness for Easy Spirit..but high heels, not for over two hours. I will not wear “grandma shoes” with the slight wedge and tie. I believe my dad, who sold shoes, called them oxfords…never! The ballerinas I so loved as a teen, just don’t quite do it anymore either. I did find some cute sandels, but oh, the price. We have 9 months of winter, not practical--oh,what the heck , I’ll wear thick socks.

Yes, I will fight old age. I will exfoliate, moisturize and serumize. I will eat right, walk and get my yearly exam..I will not have any more mammagrams, I had one. I will have my colonoscopy and keep my teeth in order. I have final expense insurance but I am dropping that and donating my body to science..being the practical person I am and wanting that body to keep on being of some use since I have nourished it so well, burying it just doesn’t seem right.

Very sincerely,

Carole Fuqua, a girl of the fifties, a grandma of the nineties but I just can’t say what I am of the 2008ths, someone else will have to call me an 'old lady'."

Widows Weeds

I found out yesterday another widow is moving. There will soon be just a few of us left in the ward. Not good. I keep trying to prepare myself for an alternative, but I can't see one yet. I am very lonely but I would be that anywhere and I love my digs here, simple as they are.

Yesterday and today I learned the delicious sugarless puddings make me really sick to my stomach, painfully so. It has to be all that substitute sugar. They have it in the jello also, so I am sure that has been part of the culprit on other days. I found out two of the other older ladies have similar problems so I guess it is just part of old age.

If we can't eat anything interesting and eyes get fatigued from reading and ears miss a lot on tv and muscles don't cooperate, it is getting hard to find something really enjoyable to do. Old age just gets gloomier and gloomier. Thank heaven for the ipod, music, and the computer.

"Nights in Rodanthe"

I saw the advertisement of this movie coming out but I couldn't remember the storyline. Sure enough I have the book on my shelves so I have to read it again or for the first time, I can't be sure. It is another sensitive love story as all Nicholas Sparks books are. I read it in one afternoon.

I liked this line, "They wanted to feel peace in their hearts, they wanted a life without turmoil, they wanted to be happy. The difference was that most young people seemed to think that those things lay somewhere in the future, while most older people believed that they lay in the past."

Isn't that the truth? I remember after Richard had his first heart attack I promised myself I would never say, "I'll be so happy when" or "If only" again. We have to learn to live and enjoy the moment and not always be looking forward or backward.

Ha, easy enough to say...

The Great Escape

It was sunny today and I was able to plant the rest of my flowers, hope it won't freeze. Every time I plant in my Mourning Gardens I have to climb over the wire fence that keeps the deer out. I notice I am getting better and better at lifting my legs over so I must be getting in good physical condition.

I talked to both the Sacramento and Texas office today and because I was hired back as a Loan Specialist and they will only call per diem people in a Major, major disaster, I may not get any work this year, so back to the drawing board on bringing in money!!! Woe is me.

Today I watched an interesting true English war film about a German pilot. He was the the only war prisoner ever to escape from a British prison. I have never seen such determination in his "duty to try and escape." He could lie and impersonate and never wavered on his goal.

The first time he just had too much English countryside to get through and was caught by the many patrols searching for him. They sent him to a new prison and after digging a long tunnel out he was just ready to take off in an experimental plane when he was caught (he had to lie to many officers, police and airport personnel to get to that point).

Then they sent him to Canada and he was able to roll out of the window of the train and eventually cross the frozen Montreal river into the USA. He was partly frozen and very weak when the border patrol found him. Since the USA was not yet in the war, he asked for asylum.

While the USA and Canada wrangled over extradition he had manuevered across in to Mexico and through four South America countries and finally flew back to Germany. A short time later he was back to flying for the Germans when he took a nose dive into the sea and was never seen again.

Why was he so successful in his efforts?

1--Confidence in himself, his abilities, superiority of his country

2--Dedication to his duty

3--Ability to get his fellowmen to do whatever was needed

4--Attitude of "whatever it takes"

5--His mind was always in gear, always thinking, always wary, always planning

I suppose this could be a model for success in anything you wanted to do. And it is interesting that if it had been the story of an American instead of a Nazi he would have been a hero--actually I suppose he was a hero ln his country as well, but what an ironic ending to his life.

"For the Boys"

It is hard to get my work done with so many good movies to watch. I really enjoyed another favorite of mine. "For the Boys". It is the story again of USO performers, a couple who did USO shows in World War II, Korean War, and Viet Nam War. Bette Midler and James Caan starred and it was filmed in 1991. Lots of good music and a tear jerker, of course.

It was interesting to see the contrast between the different wars in the way the soldiers looked and acted and the attitude toward the war itself.

Dixie Leonard (Bette Midler) loses her husband in World War II and then her son in the Viet Nam war. She advises a young man "to not outlast everybody". I can relate to that.

Helicopters in Korean War and After

While watching "Bridges over Toko-Ri" today I learned the Korean War ended in 1953 (Richard was in the Navy 52-53) and that was the first time they had used helicopters on carriers. They were used to save the downed pilots.

This made me curious as to what the helicopter pilot I was dating in 56-58 was doing since he wasn't in the Korean War. So I emailed him. (You know how curious I am.) This was his reply:

"Jan - my carrier was composed of S2F patrol bombers and our HS-6 helicopter squadron. We were all anti-submarine although we picked up folks in trouble and I do remember putting a wheel on a submarine conning tower to deliver the mail!! "

"We would spread out in an arc ahead of the fleet and use sonar to find submarines. I remember complaining to my CO that 'We find these guys, but then they take off in a hurry and we lose them--depth charges are not going to be effective'. (the subs were capable of 30 mph under water). I never forgot his reply- he told me that if the submarines were hostile- we had nuclear weapons and anything within 2 miles would be toast-"

"Jan, it is still alot of fun to think about those days. I am also very grateful that I came through with no accidents. One of my roommates was killed and another lost a leg in a crash."

If I ever knew all of that, I surely don't remember...anyway it was interesting to me after watching the helicopters in the movie.

"With a Song in My Heart"

It has been a delicious nostalgic weepy day of watching old war movies. I just finished my favorite "With a Song in My Heart".

This was the true story of Jane Froman, a singer who was injured in a plane crash on her way to sing overseas. She had over 22 operations on her leg during a three year period and then went back overseas while she was still on crutches to finish her USO singing stint. She did over 100 shows. She also fell in love with one of the pilots who was injured in the same crash and they finally got together after three years. It is a great musical and I have looked for it for years to buy. I think I was looking for it under the wrong title.

Now I can buy it on TCM.com or just keep it on my recorder! Robert Wagner made his debut as a young soldier in the movie. I saw it while I was in college and never forgot it.

The nice thing about a recorder is you can record other shows while watching so I have another six or so war movies to watch. Always something to look forward to...

Memorial Day Concert

I hope you were able to see the National Memorial Day Concert from Washington DC. It is one of the best programs on television every year. It was very moving and heart wrenching. It made me feel so blessed to be an American. We owe so much to our servicemen.

Stopped by a Susanville Cop--Again!

After leaving the movie last night, I went toward Safeway to buy some milk and meat. The police stopped me! I think it is because I made a hurried turn to get away from two strong looking thugs as I wasn't sure my doors were locked and I am always cautious of getting my car hijacked.

He tells me my front light is burned out and I don't have 2008 registration. I find my registration but then my mind tries to remember. Did I actually put on the new sticker? Or did I not put it on solid enough and it came off? Or did someone carefully peel it off? Of course, with my mind, I will never know for sure. I certainly don't remember, but here is his advice:

"After you secure the sticker, take a razor blade and slice through it a few times." That way no one can steal it, which evidently they do.

Now I have to go to the Susanville DMV and replace the sticker and also get my light fixed and then find a cop to sign my ticket and then I forgot what I am supposed to do...Just another vexing thing in my spacy life.

Me? A Lover?

Well, I took Maria's test and although I don't think of myself as the creative, caring person Maria is I did come up with the same predominance, I guess that is because I am so introverted and nonassertive but here is the breakdown with comments by myself.

You are predominantly a Lover. (but not by much) You also possess aspects of the Magician, Warrior, and King/Queen personalities and your complete personality profile can be described as 30.8% Lover, 23.1% Magician, 23.1% Warrior, and 23.1% King/Queen. Hey, that sounds kind of balanced, sweet!

With a gift for art and mystery, Lovers share a deeper meaning and vision of the world. Hmmm, sounds good.

STRENGTHS Creative--not sure about that. Caring Idealistic

WEAKNESSES Passive--actually I guess I am. Lazy--I never thought of my self as lazy, not a competitor, but lazy?? Over-sensitive -- hmm, am I?

DIVE IN Creative, intuitive, and deeply caring, your mind and spirit are open and capable of expressing deep meaning in the world. You represent the artists and nurturers of society—the romantics, the insightful poets and writers, the musicians and painters, the fools who make us laugh with joy—and your gifts of art and mystery resonate powerfully. NOT!

While nurturing like a King and Queen, and artistic like a Magician, you sometimes lack the ability to speak up and stand your ground, and have a tendency to be passive and introverted. TRUE!

Location on the cognitive-emotional spectrum: In the top right quadrant of the spectrum, your personality reflects your strong emotional sense of well-being. Your style of thinking tends to be more right-brained—creative, intuitive, holistic, and spontaneous.

Attractions: Located on other end of the spectrum, your perfect opposite is an assertive and analytical Warrior. (This is definitely true! Any 75 year old Warriors left?)

Quick read: To find out if someone is a Warrior, approach them carefully and in respectful body posture. Then in a funny or flirtatious tone, say "I feel your power." If they warm up to you immediately and respond to your regard for their status and rank, you have found a Warrior. You've also given that person exactly the positive emotional energy they need. (Do I dare try this, if I find a 75+ warrior, ha)

Advice: Learn to fight for what's right, dare to stand alone and be disagreed with, and discover that serious pursuits are not impossible. (What serious pursuit should I have at my age? I guess survival would count.)

Happiness is Coming Home! 2008

I always come home with a little trepidation wondering what damage the deer have caused, etc. Yea, no damage! Just lots of yellow powder from the cedar trees all over the decks and yard.

The airplane ride was simple and I came home much more rested than I would have if I had driven. Thank you, Linda.

Jean picked me up right on time and after a quick lunch we bought flowers to plant from the Home Depot and then from a delightful nursery in Quincy. Now if it just warms up, I will pot my plants and hope for a colorful summer. Thank you, Jean.

Marjorie had Bandido all walked and packed when we arrived at her home. I think he had a delightful time at her home. Thank you, Marjorie.

Ron had hauled away the large branches and even chopped some for firewood. Thank you, Ron.

I get by with a little help from my friends, sincerely, what would I do without them?

This morning I was up early to clean the decks and water the plants and now it is back to my usual--"throw out, clean up, organize"--that I do every time I come home.

SBA has called and is anxious to have me on their Hurricane Help List so maybe I will get some work when hurricane season hits...That means a summer home enjoying the sun and lake and going to work for the fall I hope.

Oh yes, and IRS has confirmed I will get my little check after May 30. Yea!

Grandchildren

I came to Jimmy and Camber's home Thursday and have had a delightful time with the children. Kelsi and I are good pals, as everyone else has things to do with school, work and such. We've enjoyed the swimming pool, reading books and watching TV. She calls me 'Maa'.

I am struck each time I come down how quickly children become adults and, of course, how delightfully different is each grandchild. Such individual personalities and talents, it's a wonderful world, this world of grandchildren.

Thursday night the Valkos and Pulsiphers came to the Hardys for a Mexican Feast. For some reason we all forgot to take pictures!!

Sunday I enjoyed sitting in the second row of Church with the grandchildren and James. After a bit of noise, they finally settled down to being fairly reverent. It reminded me of how difficult those years of keeping children quiet in Church was...

It has been a great trip, so glad Linda invited me for Mother's Day and beyond. Now it is back to see if the deer have eaten everything that has popped up or if the dryness has killed everything. I am looking forward to having a few more green things this year than last, though I hear it is the dryest it has been in a hundred years in Lake Almanor!!!

Two Sisters in the Sunset

We used to sing the song "Two Sails in the Sunset"--well this is "Two Sisters in the Sunset."

Linda and Maria against the setting sun in Oceanside, Ca May 14, 2008.

Mother's Day and a Beach Bash

On Mother's Day, Gary and his children prepared a gourmet belgian waffle and bacon breakfast with luscious fruit on the waffles. Gary could be an excellent chef in any restaurant, if he so chose, so it was really good.

They also presented Linda with flowers and we received cards. Linda wrote me a very nice letter--something we don't often see in this day so I really appreciated that.

After a lovely Church service we had a wonderful dinner with Gary's parents as guests and then the Pulsiphers were able to talk to Craig in Brazil for a whole hour.

It was a lovely Mother's day and I did not get the Mother Day Blues as I so often did in my younger years.

Richard could never figure out why I was so blue on Mother's Day and I didn't know either but I will never forget the Mother's Day he told me we should just skip church and listening to all those Mother Day talks and spend a few hours alone at Seaport Village. We did just that and met the children later for dinner. He was very thoughtful of my feelings.

On Wednesday the 14th we went to Maria's timeshare in Oceanside and had a Beach Bash. This was something we always did in June to celebrate Linda and James birthday--only that was always at La Jolla Shores. This reminded me of those times.

Pulsiphers brought a wood crate and Matt found another so there was plenty of wood for hot dogs and 'smores'.

The beach was quite deserted as the tourist crowds have not yet arrived.

You can see how lovely the beach and palm trees are. You can see Maria's timeshare in the background.

Matt and Tanner kept the fire going huge for a long, long time.

Just another day in paradise, as Maria says. The weather was great, surfers were in view and the water was quite warm...

I didn't have to do anything but pose for a picture...it was 7 at night so we did not have our bathing suits on...

Happy Birthday Amy!

For Amy's birthday party she requested Fantastic Dessert for her birthday cake!

But before that we had a delicious dinner out...

We went to Mario's in La Mesa for some delicious Mexican fare.

Amy, Kelly and Tanner...

It is a home converted to a restaurant which can hold 80--it was filled so we sat on the patio with heaters.

Marilyn and Frenchie were there plus all the Pulsipher's but Craig and Kristi, of course.

Three generations of smiles together in Linda, Sarah, and Grandma Janet...

It was a fun night--Happy Birthday Amy, 19 years old!

Early Mother's Day

I had a lovely early Mother's Day present tonight. Maria took Melissa and I(Mitch ate with us, too) out to dinner and then to the Susanville Symphony and finished off with sharing a Banana Split.

The Symphony was really in top form tonight and performed wonderful numbers like Themes from "Cowboy" and "Dances with Wolves" among others. It was songs from the American Frontier.

The Artistic Director is really fascinating to watch with all his arm movements and facial expessions and we were sitting in a perfect place to watch him.

And it was fun visiting with Melissa again. She says the nicest things...

It is Officially Spring...

This picture was taken on April 27 so officially the last piece of snow in my yard melted on April 28 and Spring was here, finally!

Unfortunately it went to 20 degrees a few days later!

Daffodils bloom in one of John's Mourning Gardens. It really helped to plant them in cages last year as the squirrels have left them where I put them. I will do a lot more this year now that I know!

The amazing thing is that on May 1 all of my lot had been raked and ready to burn all unwanted needles and branches. That is the earliest I have ever completed this task. It took me all week of working a few hours and then reading and resting and then working again. I finished "The Jane Austen Book Club" and "Eden Close"--recommend both of them. The reason it was so amazing is I didn't think I had the strength for all that but yea, I did it!!!! Now if I can just get the sprinkler system attached to the water faucet, I still haven't enough muscle to do that. Where is a good man when you need them?

Scrambled Eggs--Fast!

For anyone who hates to have anything but perfect uncrusted scrambled eggs, I have a new method of preparation and I love it.

You forkwhip an egg with a little water or milk plus salt and pepper and put in a glass in the microwave. Run for 30 seconds and then stir it up again and run for another 30 seconds. Look at it and if you like it a little dryer run 10 seconds longer.

Lately I have been cutting up canadian bacon to put in it. Really Yummy.

Dump it on a plate and spread it around and you have light, fluffy delicious scrambled eggs with no fuss or muss and in less than 2 minutes from start to finish. Who knew?

Have a V-8 Juice with it and you are on the South Beach Diet.

Maria, the Writer!

I am not positive if Maria will like me sharing this but the Author who put on the Writer's Conference last week critiqued a few of her stories and came back with fantastic feedback. Following is what she said. (Of course, we all know she is a terrific writer. But wouldn't it be great if the rest of the world knew it.)

Maria, you are a terrific writer.

I read many of your pieces and must say, your work is publishable. I don’t know if you ever submitted any of your personal essays to magazines/journals, but I honestly believe they are good enough to be accepted. Just examples: Such work as The Wardrobe Box and The Missing Piece always well received by popular magazines, your religious quest in any number of journals, (the United Church of Christ wants to hear from members of all religions and from those who question their faith on occasion) and many of your “change” essays could end up in “My Turn,” column Newsweek, etc. Those are just the ones I know – am sure there are many other outlets.

Finally, I think you have the makings of a memoir – it would be just getting the form in place, then writing your guts out.

I do wish you well, in your writing and in your life. You are a remarkable woman.

Candace

Reading is a Great Gift...

I have given myself the gift of reading the past few weeks. So often in my life I have felt reading was an indulgence I didn't have time for. But now I do! It has been too cold to work outside and with gas so high I don't go driving anyplace. I check out about six books of my favorite authors, get my tasks done in the morning, and then start up the fire and read, read, read. It is very hard to be lonely when you are so involved in other people's lives.

Yesterday I read a 555 pager, stayed up till 3:30 am to finish it and...I had actually read it before, but couldn't remember any of it. It was "The Glass Lake" by Maeve Binchy. I became acquainted with her books when I first moved up here--a neighbor had said she liked her. I have read most of her books now.

When I was in Maryland, a Fema lady turned me on to Jan Karon and "The Mitford Series"--I think I have read all her books also. When spending so much time in hotels and motels while on disaster duty, you always have to have a good book to read.

Another author I became acquainted with while on disaster duty is Judith McNaught and I have read most of hers. Anita Shreve I became acquainted with when they filmed "The Pilot's Wife" and I have only one or two left to read of hers. Rosamund Pilcher also I became acquainted with when they made her book into a movie and another into a tv show. She has retired from writing but I loved all of hers also.

After buying many books I didn't finish I finally decided to keep track of the authors I like and just look for their books. I also have a list of the "Classics" and trying to periodically finish reading those as well. Although most of my favorites are women authors, I have read all of Nicholas Sparks and Nicholas Evans and most of Dean Hughes. "A Town Called Alice" by Neil Schute was also great.

Lately I have been marveling at all the different ideas, plots, and imaginings a writer has to have to keep us turning those pages. I think I admire writers more than any other people. It is always amusing to me though that characters in books are so good at knowing what other people are thinking. It doesn't seem that way in real life.

Right now I am reading "The Jane Austen Book Club" by Karen Joy Fowler and I know I am going to want to read her other books as well. Some people just have a gift for writing.

I remember so well in first grade walking to the library with my brothers and sisters and bringing home books to read. I loved the whole atmosphere of the library and I loved reading. My favorites that year were the "Flicka, Ricka, Dicka" and "Snipp, Snapp, Snurr" books. We are very fortunate to have a really lovely library here in Chester.

In junior high I became very involved in any books that had stories of countries that were occupied by the Nazis in World War II. They always had brave young people doing spying and outwitting the German soldiers. I also remember I would always have to make myself a white bread and cheese sandwich with milk because that is what they would always be eating.

In high school the two books I remember best were "Going on Sixteen" and "Seventeenth Summer". It would be interesting to read them now and see how mild they were. I also liked the Nancy Drew series but not the Hardy Boys.

As Meagan once said, "I feel sorry for anyone that doesn't like to read."

I Must Be Happy! The Test Says So!

You Are 84% Happy

It's unlikely that you know anyone happier than you. You know how to be happy, no matter what life throws at you.

How Happy Are You?

On Richard, the Index Cards and His Mother

Yesterday I was reading about Enos being influenced by his father and it triggered something in my memory. I went to the Biblebox that contained all of the condolence messages to Richard's mother Vida after her husband Merlin died. In there were the index cards of a talk Richard had written about the messages in the box. I had not thought about them since James found them when he was preparing a talk for his own Dad's funeral. Richard was only 11 when his father died so it was his mother who was to be the great influence in his life.

It was over 11 years ago that James found the cards and used them in his funeral talk. Since then I have prepared a 3 inch Memory Book on Richard's life and sent messages about him to the children periodically over the years. Why had I never thought to get those index cards out and recreate the talk he gave? I have no explanation. I do not know.

It was actually a very good talk expressing his feelings on finding the box of all these messages to his mother. He was obviously assigned to give an Easter talk on the resurrection in church, probably in 1987, as I was able to deduct from his memos. He had very tender feelings thinking about actually having a reunion with his father and all these other relatives and friends at the time of all their resurrection.

It is really a testimony of Richard's belief in Jesus Christ and the atonement, and his understanding of the gift of the resurrection and eternal life. He talks about the free agency that Heavenly Father has given us and the choices we all must make and the need to continually seek our Father's guidance and keep going in the right direction until that final day of resurrection when we will all be together again.

I am glad I was able to finally share this testimony with his children and grandchildren. It is important for them all to have it in writing.

As I was looking for something in a journal of letters Richard wrote to his mother (and she so faithfully saved from college and navy days) it was obvious of the influence she had in his life. She wanted Richard to serve a mission and as he went from high school and then to college and then to the Korean war and then back to college it was obvious she never let him forget the importance of a mission. He did finally serve that mission but not at 19, he was 24 years old! And I know he loved his mission and it was a great blessing in his life. It took Richard 10 years from the time he entered college to when he graduated. But he did it all, college, mission and service to his country.

Richard's mother was very patient with him but she never let him forget his roots and his destiny. It was she who carried on in place of Richard's father, she was the influence his father couldn't be. I pay tribute to Vida, a great mother.

Carole, My Sister, The Artesian

My sister Carole took the Keirsey test and WOW, they sure got this one right. Carole was born six years after me in our family of six children and from then on I was no longer 'Baby Anderson'.

She was the only blue eyed blonde in the group. She was also adorable, charming and everybody loved to love her.

She was the one who brought home every stray and always had her faithful dog by her side.

She was the one who always had lots of friends and fun going on in her life.

She was the one who was a cheer leader in high school.

She was the only one of us to dare ditch school for a day with her friends.

She was the one who had all her kindergarten parents and children at her wedding.

She was the one who stubbornly refused to accept the Dr's view of her son's destiny from his TBI.

She was the one who made us all laugh at our Mom's funeral as she talked so charmingly of our Mom.

She's the one who always has something positive to say about everybody.

She's the one who raised 6 very clever, very active, very independent, very creative, very talented, very athletic children, 5 boys and one daughter. Her neighbor worried about the children who always seemed to be getting into danger (she thought) but finally consoled herself with "they must have Mormon angels watching over them."

She's the one who is always ready to listen and boost up your morale.

She's the one who is always the optimist no matter what tragedy is in her life.

She's the one who can always tell a story you will want to listen to.

She even made Mom remember and smile when Mom was on her death bed.

She is the creative one who can make a beautiful bouquet or anything else look like a designer had created it.

Carole has definitely been the "fun one" in our family and the explanation point on the rather serious side the rest of us have.

I think Carole was the unplanned baby in the family but we are all glad she joined us with her upbeat nature and zest for living.

Meet Carole, The Artesian

Carole with Author Dr. Foster Cline of "Love and Logic", the Parenting Class Carole taught in Glendive for several years.

Artisans are excitable, trust their impulses, want to make a splash, seek stimulation, prize freedom, and dream of mastering action skills.

Artisans pride themselves on being unconventional, bold, and spontaneous.

Artisans tend to be fun-loving, optimistic, realistic, and focused on the here and now.

Artisans make playful mates, creative parents, and troubleshooting leaders.

Artisans are most at home in the real world of solid objects that can be made and manipulated, and of real-life events that can be experienced in the here and now.

Artisans have exceptionally keen senses, and love working with their hands. They seem right at home with tools, instruments, and vehicles of all kinds, and their actions are usually aimed at getting them where they want to go, and as quickly as possible.

Thus Artisans will strike off boldly down roads that others might consider risky or impossible, doing whatever it takes, rules or no rules, to accomplish their goals. This devil-may-care attitude also gives the Artisans a winning way with people, and they are often irresistibly charming with family, friends, and co-workers.

Artisans want to be where the action is; they seek out adventure and show a constant hunger for pleasure and stimulation. They believe that variety is the spice of life, and that doing things that aren't fun or exciting is a waste of time.

Artisans are impulsive, adaptable, competitive, and believe the next throw of the dice will be the lucky one. They can also be generous to a fault, always ready to share with their friends from the bounty of life. Above all,

Artisans need to be free to do what they wish, when they wish. They resist being tied or bound or confined or obligated; they would rather not wait, or save, or store, or live for tomorrow. In the Artisan view, today must be enjoyed, for tomorrow never comes.

There are many Artisans, perhaps 30 to 35 percent of the population, which is good, because they create much of the beauty, grace, fun, and excitement the rest of us enjoy in life.

TV and Me...

This afternoon I was reminded of the visit my Mom and Dad made to Richard and I soon after we married. We were living in a small apartment in East San Diego with furniture we had bought at a Used Furniture auction. They wanted some light in the living room so bought a couple of lamps, but otherwise, just appreciated our meager offerings. They were close to 6o years old, but Dad had already retired and they were living in Idaho Falls. I was still teaching school, also in East San Diego, and Richard was working for a bank in downtown San Diego.

I don't know if it was vacation from school or what but I do remember doing things with them during the day. I was very much amused by the fact that no matter what we were doing we had to be home in time for the soap opera they faithfully watched. I don't remember what it was. Evidently with Dad home fulltime and living in an area where there was more shows available, they had become hooked. They would sit there on the couch like a couple of teen agers at the movies. Now mind you, they never had TV until their youngest child was in college and then in Glendive the offerings were very meager. At any rate, they had their routine. I didn't understand it then as I was as yet not hooked on TV but I do understand it now.

Every afternoon after our walk and during what I used to call the "witching hour" (the time before supper when the children were most demanding and I was most exhausted trying to get dinner on and finish for the day) anyway, this is when I always sit down and watch a movie. Now that I can record movies, it is easy, and I have a lot to choose from and not subject to Oprah or some of those shows I have become bored with.

Routines are good for old people I have decided and this has become 'one' of mine.

Yesterday I watched an old 'rock and roll' film and wondered when what we called 'jitterbugging' changed into 'rock and roll'. The dance was so similar. I found the difference was when the instruments went from the swing bands to the guitars, electric and otherwise. I had never thought about that before. Anyway it was a good time for me to get in a little 'dance' exercise while I prepared dinner.

I remember (not so long ago) when I seldom had time to sit down for any extended time and watch TV, now I can sit down any time I choose. My schedule is my own.

This season (besides my movies) there are already some really good primetime shows, so I am looking forward to a busy spring of 'must see' TV with lots of time for viewing.

I guess there are some good things about growing old.

SBA

Yesterday I had my fingers printed for the last item to send in to SBA. Since it is treated as a total new hire, I will be investigated before the appointment is complete. Therefore, some of you may be called. Please say nice things about me. Anyway, it reminded me of my last assignment with SBA, which was Hurricane Katrina and Rita.

I was called in August 2005 just as John, Marjorie's son, was putting down new carpet in my bedrooms and most of the furniture was in my living room. SBA gave me two days to get things in order and then I reported to Sacramento. We had training and prepared materials and then the following week a few of us were sent to Houston to acquire cars. We then drove to Baton Rouge. We slept in a gym most of the time while there. The stories from the victims were heartbreaking.

The next week, I was sent to head up the Port Arthur center. I was there one day and then the warning of Hurricane Rita was given and we had to evacuate north. We spent one night in Tyler, Texas and then headed for the Fort Worth office. As soon as things were calm we went down to Houston, Texas and I drove each morning to east Texas to a small town of Spurger where I was the SBA rep for a month. East Texas had been badly hit by Rita and trees had crushed many homes. This is when I lost 20 lbs as there was little palatable food to be found. Many of the churches were helping the victims. That was really good to see. Unbelievably, I was able to fly to San Diego to attend Kristi's wedding!

Luckily, I was assigned to head up the Galveston office soon after I returned and that was a really nice part of my trip, just because Galveston is such a pleasant place to be. By then the restaurants were all in business and it was like a vacation. We were seeing both Katrina victims, who had fled from Louisiana, and Rita victims. When things slowed, it was back to Beaumont, where I stayed until my back went bad and I went home in March.

I was so tired and depleted after this trip I decided to retire from SBA. I thought I would be able to manage things without working and I was anxious to be able to work on my little plot of land.

Now, here I am again, preparing for disasters...we will see how this goes and if they ever call me out...and if I can handle it!

Laurie's Mourning Garden

Last summer my sister's daughter Laurie passed away. In the fall I created a little Mourning Garden in remembrance of her.

The daffodils have just bloomed and the snow has melted.

The sun comes first in this area, so John's Mourning Gardens are not in bloom yet.

I am a Guardian...according to the TEST!

Well, I took the Kiersey Tempermental Test Maria shared with us and as expected I ended up being the dull, boring, responsible one. All Guardians (SJs) share the following core characteristics:

Guardians pride themselves on being dependable, helpful, and hard-working. (I guess that is me)

Guardians make loyal mates, responsible parents, and stabilizing leaders.

Guardians tend to be dutiful, cautious, humble, and focused on credentials and traditions.

Guardians are concerned citizens who trust authority (Not really), join groups (Not), seek security, prize gratitude (Yes), and dream of meting out justice. (Not)

Guardians are the cornerstone of society, for they are the temperament given to serving and preserving our most important social institutions. (HMMM)

Guardians have natural talent in managing goods and services--from supervision to maintenance and supply -- and they use all their skills to keep things running smoothly in their families, communities, schools, churches, hospitals, and businesses. (Well, maybe I used to)

Guardians can have a lot of fun with their friends, but they are quite serious about their duties and responsibilities. Guardians take pride in being dependable and trustworthy; if there's a job to be done, they can be counted on to put their shoulder to the wheel. Guardians also believe in law and order, and sometimes worry that respect for authority, even a fundamental sense of right and wrong, is being lost. Perhaps this is why Guardians honor customs and traditions so strongly -- they are familiar patterns that help bring stability to our modern, fast-paced world. (I guess)

Practical and down-to-earth, Guardians believe in following the rules and cooperating with others. They are not very comfortable winging it or blazing new trails; working steadily within the system is the Guardian way, for in the long run loyalty, discipline, and teamwork get the job done right. Guardians are meticulous about schedules and have a sharp eye for proper procedures. They are cautious about change, even though they know that change can be healthy for an institution. Better to go slowly, they say, and look before you leap. (yes, I guess)

Guardians make up as much as 40 to 45 percent of the population, and a good thing, because they usually end up doing all the indispensable but thankless jobs the rest of us take for granted. (it used to seem that way)

Mitch the Musician

Today I had to go to Susanville to the bank and Walmart and since Maria couldn't join me for lunch, Mitch did. We were talking about Mitch working at McDonalds and saving his money for a guitar. Then he began explaining all he is learning about notes and chords and he understood it all so well.

In fact, he said it was so easy. It is not so easy for me at all. I remember how hard it was and still is for me to understand and I had several years of piano and have attempted my organ music books many times. I just "do not get it".

I was telling him that John "got it", too. When he took piano, he wanted the theory, the chording, the understanding, not just practicing the songs. Anne Riggs, the music teacher, gave it to him.

I definitely think this "left" (I think) brain understanding of music is a direct gift from God. You either understand it or you don't.

I am so happy Mitch understands it, loves it, and is enjoying his pursuit of the music world. What a great talent to develop and I definitely believe it is a gift.

My son John

It is the four year anniversary of John's death this week. These are just a few pictures I enjoyed reviewing. I am so thankful I had a few days with him the summer before he passed away. We talked as we had not talked in years. Such a full life in such a short life, so sad to be taken so soon. John, we miss your zest for life in our ordinary lives.

John fishing at Lees Ferry in Montana.

John in Malaysia

Child in Valley near Cordillera Blanca, Peru photographed by John

Bhutan girls photographed by John

"Be Still and know that I am God..." This picture of Solokurmbu, Nepal, photographed by John, has always reminded me of the above scripture.

See more of John's pictures by going to John's Space.

Sugarholic? Hellooooo...

Today as I was checking out of the grocery store the thought came to me that I wanted to learn moderation in my life regarding sweets. As it is I cannot have sweets in my house as I will eat them immediately until they are gone. I wanted to learn once and for all how to take a piece one day and a piece the next day, etc. Certainly I could do it!!! I have proven I can go without sugar, but only if it is out of sight and out of reach.

So I bought 5 small hershey bars that were on sale....to start my plan... They are all gone tonight. So much for moderation. My only consolation is that I have never cared about drinks, smokes, or drugs, just certain sweets. However, the addictive behavior is there and is certainly something that needs to be overpowered.

This is a test I found on the internet...answer True of False...

"TRUE OR FALSE?"

I don't eat refined sugar every day.

I can go for more than a day without eating some type of sugar-containing food.

I never have cravings for sugar, coffee, chocolate, peanut butter, or alcohol.

I've never hidden candy or other sweets around my home in order to find and eat them later.

I can stop after one piece of candy or one bite of pastry.

There are times when I have no sugar of any kind in my home.

I can go for three or more hours without eating and not experience the shakes, fatigue, perspiration, irritability, depressions, or anxiety.

I can have candy and other sweets in my home and not eat them.

I don't eat something sweet after every meal.

I rarely drink coffee and eat doughnuts or sweet rolls for breakfast.

I can go for more than an hour after waking up in the morning without eating.

I can go from one day to the next without drinking a soft drink.

If you answered "false" to more than four of these statements, chances are that you are sugar-sensitive. You probably are allergic to sugar, and probably are also addicted to it - the same way an alcoholic is addicted to alcohol. You crave sugar, have withdrawal symptoms when you don't get it, and probably feel better for a short time after you've eaten it. In eating sugar to feel better, you are actually making your condition worse.

If you're a sugarholic, your body is telling you quite bluntly that sugar is causing problems. Addiction is closely related to allergy; the body has become so accustomed to compensating for the presence of the allergenic substance that when the substance is removed, withdrawal symptoms occur. Your sugar cravings are a direct indication that sugar is at work destroying your immune system."

I suppose I could blame my mother for my dilema. We always had dessert after our supper meal. It was homemade desserts like: prune whip, rice pudding, bread pudding, pie, cake, cookies, cinnamon rolls, etc. And then, of course, my mom was an expert at making fudge, taffy, penoche, sugared popcorn, popcorn balls, homemade ice cream, homemade rootbeer. And probably we did not have money for a lot of protein, mostly cheaper carbs.

When we were all in the car together and supposedly "sleeping" the rattle of a papersack in the front seat would immediately jar us all awake to ask for a piece of whatever goodie my mom had in the sack. Oh, yes, we lived to expect desserts and treats..

However, we did not have "snacks" we could reach for anytime but meal time or after school treat or special evening treat. So... weight was never a problem and the small waist was with us until we bore children.

So when did the sugar become a problem????

I think whenever I wanted to treat myself because I was "overworked", "depressed", "sad", "happy", "excited", "needed a reward", "needed love". In other words, it is all emotional eating, whether happy or sad. It was always a form of reward. How often did I hear? "Who wants a treat? Let's have a treat? What treat shall we have?" So it has become a part of my life.

I remember one night at college when I was living in Helamon Halls and the little store that had the licorice candy I loved was not only across campus but down the hill--at least a half hour or more away. I just had to go get that candy, nothing else would do, and I went... My roommates thought I was crazy.

I also remember when a boyfriend and I had a spat. As soon as he left, I went to the kitchen and made some penoche.

The most successful and happiest I have been is when I have been able to go 30 days without sugar and then I lose the craving for a time. However, I CANNOT HAVE IT IN MY HOME. And if I go somewhere else and it is offered I will probably succumb. Truly it is like an alcoholic.

So how am I going to conquer this? No one can make a suggestion unless they have the same problem and have conquered it! Guess I need a Sugarholics Anonymous Club.

Nightmare...

I just awoke from a nightmare and was actually yelling "Help, Help, Help...several times. I was in a hotel corridor and as I reached the door two hooded boys rushed me. One of them had a large something under his jacket as if he planned to push whoever opened the door down with it and in the meantime I would have fallen backward into the room.

All was foiled however, when no one answered the door. We just stood there looking at each other while I yelled Help. Finally I woke up and turned the light on. Not even Bandido was looking at me. Is that a message or what???

Earlier in the day I had visited another widow and I had asked her if she was ever lonely. She said when she had something she wanted to say and no one was there, that was especially lonely. Sunday I had asked another friend that question and she said she was never lonely.

I must admit I do get very lonely at times...and I ask the question again, what is this with so many widows in the world? What great scheme is it accomplishing?