I wish this was a better quality picture. I didn't realize we had two of them and this one is not torn. I am amused by this pose I am finding in three other pictures at this time. I wonder if it is the Shirley Temple pose.
Monday, May 28, 2012
1938 with Great Grandfather Benjamin Lillywhite jr.
I wish this was a better quality picture. I didn't realize we had two of them and this one is not torn. I am amused by this pose I am finding in three other pictures at this time. I wonder if it is the Shirley Temple pose.
Memorial Day 2012
I will have to visit Richard's grave when I go to San Diego. Not sure when the grass was trimmed. The last time I went was in 2009 I think. Mitch and I unwrapped the flags from Richard's Veteran's gift and from Richard's father's Veteran's gift. I had never done that. We were amazed at how well those flags are made, very superior material and beautifully stitched stars. Merlin's was the 48 stars from World War I. It would be nice if there were somewhere that Richard's could be flown, it is very large--and would last a long time, but who would want it? Seems like it should be used somewhere. It would take a very large flag pole. We were very impressed.
So what does one do on Memorial Day when there are no family graves nearby or parades in town? I didn't want to go to the Art and Craft fairs or pancake breakfasts. So here I am sitting in my cozy bedroom watching documentaries about the end of WWII. Very interesting and I always learn so much, mostly sad and horrible things that men do in war. The Japanese were so sure that the Americans would treat their people with horrible deeds after the war that they killing their mothers and family and then themselves. The Japanese were ever much as brutual as the Nazis in the way they tortured their prisoners and the Russian soldiers were beasts as they conquered Germany. It is so hard to believe that fairly decent people can be so vicious when in war. Hard to believe.
While I am watching I am also running back and forth between my printer and my computer as I scan pictures and documents from Mom and Dad's photo album that I may have missed. I may never see that book again so it is now or never. I have such a wonderful scanner, it is not too much of a chore.
War is Hell and yet it goes on and on. Near the end of the war the Japanese ordered everyone over 7 years old to do certain war chores. 12 year olds were putting together weapons. The Germans had mostly men over 65 and boys as young as 15 carrying on the battles near the end of the war and the older men doing the shooting of Jewish still in the camps. The Japanese believed death was preferable to surrender. The Germans kept destroying their own cities so the allies would not get anything positive when they came. They kept up the elimination of the Jews until Germany had fully surrendered. Allies were just miles away when many of the Jews met their death. It makes you realize that these power hungry leaders are the real problems.
So what does one do on Memorial Day when there are no family graves nearby or parades in town? I didn't want to go to the Art and Craft fairs or pancake breakfasts. So here I am sitting in my cozy bedroom watching documentaries about the end of WWII. Very interesting and I always learn so much, mostly sad and horrible things that men do in war. The Japanese were so sure that the Americans would treat their people with horrible deeds after the war that they killing their mothers and family and then themselves. The Japanese were ever much as brutual as the Nazis in the way they tortured their prisoners and the Russian soldiers were beasts as they conquered Germany. It is so hard to believe that fairly decent people can be so vicious when in war. Hard to believe.
While I am watching I am also running back and forth between my printer and my computer as I scan pictures and documents from Mom and Dad's photo album that I may have missed. I may never see that book again so it is now or never. I have such a wonderful scanner, it is not too much of a chore.
War is Hell and yet it goes on and on. Near the end of the war the Japanese ordered everyone over 7 years old to do certain war chores. 12 year olds were putting together weapons. The Germans had mostly men over 65 and boys as young as 15 carrying on the battles near the end of the war and the older men doing the shooting of Jewish still in the camps. The Japanese believed death was preferable to surrender. The Germans kept destroying their own cities so the allies would not get anything positive when they came. They kept up the elimination of the Jews until Germany had fully surrendered. Allies were just miles away when many of the Jews met their death. It makes you realize that these power hungry leaders are the real problems.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Update on the Fuqua Twins
Raina above and Sage below, three years old almost and looking very grown up and pretty.
Shanghai Ghetto
The latest documentary I watched on the Holocaust was about the Jews who migrated to Shanghai in 1939 while they were still able to leave Germany. It is interesting that no one else in the world wanted the Jews but the Japanese admired them for their great skill in so many areas. The Japanese owned parts of China at that time and invited them to come to Shanghai.
It was not very wonderful but they would be able to survive. The thing that was so impressive is that the Jewish Organizations from around the world funded soup kitchens and help for them. Being the resourceful people they are, they soon had schools, rebuilt the apartments, had soccer teams, gardens, a synagogue, etc. They built an excellent community.
Then Japan joined Germany in the war. The British and Americans in Shanghai were put in concentration camps and their riches taken from them. The Jews were not put in camps but they were moved to a less desirable area which they called a Ghetto. Still they survived and the Japanese did not harm them. They were, of course, though bombed.
It was a most educational and well done documentary and prepared by one of the survivors. Unfortunately the relatives who were not able to leave with them on the ships to Shanghai did not survive the war at all.
It was not very wonderful but they would be able to survive. The thing that was so impressive is that the Jewish Organizations from around the world funded soup kitchens and help for them. Being the resourceful people they are, they soon had schools, rebuilt the apartments, had soccer teams, gardens, a synagogue, etc. They built an excellent community.
Then Japan joined Germany in the war. The British and Americans in Shanghai were put in concentration camps and their riches taken from them. The Jews were not put in camps but they were moved to a less desirable area which they called a Ghetto. Still they survived and the Japanese did not harm them. They were, of course, though bombed.
It was a most educational and well done documentary and prepared by one of the survivors. Unfortunately the relatives who were not able to leave with them on the ships to Shanghai did not survive the war at all.
Box for Mom and Dad's Photo Book
I found a box in the garage (of Matt's) that is just the size for storing Mom and Dad's Photo Book and Life Stories, etc up at the cabin. I think it is good for the descendants to read about the legacy of my parents who built the Silver Gate cabin that they all enjoy.
I had a calendar of old cars which I put on the outside (to denote the passage of time) and on the inside are scenes of Idaho. They lived in Idaho for the last years of their life together.
It is a huge box and took most of the day to complete. My back is really aching.
Oh, yes, we also have Bruce here. Matt called and had to get rid of him from the place he was living so Mitch drove to Tahoe to pick him up. I must say he is a very well behaved dog so we all enjoy having him around. The deer seem to be steering clear of my place. I hope it is because of the ribbons I have tied everywhere. Evidently the movement keeps them away, at least that is the theory. At any rate, Bruce has not had to chase any deer away since he arrived. I know this is something he really enjoys, but oh well, I am glad they are afraid to venture in.
Time Goes By
Can't believe I haven't written in here for so long. I cleaned up my yard really well for one thing. The wind had really sent a lot of pods on the ground. I get very tired and spend some time each day taking a long nap. Last week I went to the Reno Temple with Maryanne and Jean. On Sunday we had pot luck after church so I had to make chili the day before and also prepare my lesson. So the time goes. Mitch is here also, so one more around makes a difference.
Sunday was very interesting as we had three couples visiting who are very friendly and like to participate and talk. One of the men had been the project manager on the building of the Conference Center in Salt Lake City from 1996 to 2000. He talked for most of the hour and told some very interesting stories about it. He had 56 contractors under him that he had to schedule and bring the building in completed on time. No one thought he could do it, but he did. His wife told me that he was probably the only one prepared for the task of that building because of the experience he had had the years just prior. He had also had special training envisioning the day he might need it and he did. She also said when you work for the Church you take a cut in pay from your usual. She said she went to work with the Associates and earned just the amount that was missing from their income. All in all it was a wonderful experience for them and they now have a home in Salt Lake as well as California. That would be nice. It would be nice to have a husband and other couple friendships like that to enjoy. I miss a lot being a widow. They vacation here every summer but all live in different cities, very lovely people.
Sunday was very interesting as we had three couples visiting who are very friendly and like to participate and talk. One of the men had been the project manager on the building of the Conference Center in Salt Lake City from 1996 to 2000. He talked for most of the hour and told some very interesting stories about it. He had 56 contractors under him that he had to schedule and bring the building in completed on time. No one thought he could do it, but he did. His wife told me that he was probably the only one prepared for the task of that building because of the experience he had had the years just prior. He had also had special training envisioning the day he might need it and he did. She also said when you work for the Church you take a cut in pay from your usual. She said she went to work with the Associates and earned just the amount that was missing from their income. All in all it was a wonderful experience for them and they now have a home in Salt Lake as well as California. That would be nice. It would be nice to have a husband and other couple friendships like that to enjoy. I miss a lot being a widow. They vacation here every summer but all live in different cities, very lovely people.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Keira Goes to Hawaii...a Few Pix
Happy Keira gets to go to Hawaii.
Modeling the new outfit for Hawaii.
Pretty Mom and Keira.
Owning the beach.
Doing the hula with Daddy.
Helping Daddy.
Mom and baby.
The way she is holding her hands and standing reminds me of the Kewpie Dolls of yesteryear. So cute!
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All cleaned up in a sink bath.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Keira Eyes a Toy She Likes
I love the way Keira patiently eyes this toy she likes. Makes you wonder what she is thinking. I wonder if she ever got to play with it. That was one of John's favorite toys, too. He would pound it all down and then turn it over and pound it all down again .
Love those crocs, Keira!
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Tuesday, May 08, 2012
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
Because of a disagreement with Dish Network they gave me two free movies. I chose "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" as one and I actually ended up watching it twice, once last night and once today.
I enjoyed it most the second time, after I understood better what was going one. The young actor Thomas Horn was incredible and I think what a challenge it would be to raise a child like the one he played.
What a tribute to a father (played by Tom Hanks) who would accept and understand his genius and strange child and contribute to his development by learning and giving him what was needed in his life. And then for the mother to fill the void from the father's death by also learning what the boy needed. It would be such a challenge not to override the boy's zeal and forbid him his need to search and make sense out of what did not make sense. He had incredible freedom in his search.
I thought the director did an excellent job though I must say the second time around was certainly alot more comfortable understanding the complex plot. The moral that everyone has loss and sorrow in their life and must learn how to cope and how much better to have others who share the sorrow with you was very well stated I thought.
At Church on Sunday I felt a very strong spirit of love and charity for others and the need we all have to share with family and they share with us. I find it interesting that in some families there is a strict policy of not giving or loaning money while in others there is a policy of sharing what is needed. Some people feel just like a Bishop I once heard who stated, "they have only themselves to blame for their problems" which seemed extremely insensitive to me at the time.
Richard and I both grew up with familes who believed in helping, when you can, those in need. I remember my Dad sending money to Mom's widow sisters even though he was not that rich himself. One of them, Erica, took us children aside one day and told is to be careful what we asked our Dad for, as he would want to get it for us. They all had great appreciation for Dad. However, they helped him in the depression when he needed it so badly. He was returning that kind of love.
I was surprised when one of our members stated her son did not use food stamps when he was having money problems last winter. I thought it strange that they thought he would need to since they have very ample means themselves. But as I say all families are different in how they share with one another. I appreciate that my sisters have been helpful to me and I have been helpful to them. I am glad that Richard's nieces and nephews and children have remembrances of him always helping instead of the other way around.
Charity is so much easier for some people to apply to strangers rather than their own family. I have a hard time understanding that.
I enjoyed it most the second time, after I understood better what was going one. The young actor Thomas Horn was incredible and I think what a challenge it would be to raise a child like the one he played.
What a tribute to a father (played by Tom Hanks) who would accept and understand his genius and strange child and contribute to his development by learning and giving him what was needed in his life. And then for the mother to fill the void from the father's death by also learning what the boy needed. It would be such a challenge not to override the boy's zeal and forbid him his need to search and make sense out of what did not make sense. He had incredible freedom in his search.
I thought the director did an excellent job though I must say the second time around was certainly alot more comfortable understanding the complex plot. The moral that everyone has loss and sorrow in their life and must learn how to cope and how much better to have others who share the sorrow with you was very well stated I thought.
At Church on Sunday I felt a very strong spirit of love and charity for others and the need we all have to share with family and they share with us. I find it interesting that in some families there is a strict policy of not giving or loaning money while in others there is a policy of sharing what is needed. Some people feel just like a Bishop I once heard who stated, "they have only themselves to blame for their problems" which seemed extremely insensitive to me at the time.
Richard and I both grew up with familes who believed in helping, when you can, those in need. I remember my Dad sending money to Mom's widow sisters even though he was not that rich himself. One of them, Erica, took us children aside one day and told is to be careful what we asked our Dad for, as he would want to get it for us. They all had great appreciation for Dad. However, they helped him in the depression when he needed it so badly. He was returning that kind of love.
I was surprised when one of our members stated her son did not use food stamps when he was having money problems last winter. I thought it strange that they thought he would need to since they have very ample means themselves. But as I say all families are different in how they share with one another. I appreciate that my sisters have been helpful to me and I have been helpful to them. I am glad that Richard's nieces and nephews and children have remembrances of him always helping instead of the other way around.
Charity is so much easier for some people to apply to strangers rather than their own family. I have a hard time understanding that.
Wednesday, May 02, 2012
Dealing with the Corporations
Michael and I drove to Chico yesterday and it was warm and sunny. Melissa met us Downtown which is a block or so from Chico College and a mile from her home. We had Greek food which some I liked, some not. Then Michael arranged for Melissa to pick up something for him and mail it, we bought some staples at Costco and Wal Mart and headed home. Nice day, easy trip. Melissa has a nice arrangement with everthing being within walking distance or she can ride her bike. She is so pretty and efficient, I am sure they love her at her new job.
I just spent about an hour on the phone with Amerigas--their mistake, their apology, their refund and change of autopay and personal service to make their new accounting system work for me.
Yesterday I spent about an hour with Dish Network--their mistake, their apology, and they sent me two free pay per view account numbers. I did have to deal with three people before they resolved the issue, however.
If I was working, I would not be able to do this, you don't have the time to track down their errors, and take the time to make them serve you, in stead of you serving their mistakes and just accepting them.
I remember when I used to deal with the phone companies when I was working for James at his office and I would get so emotionally distraught as I tried to manuever and resolve their errors and over charges, etc. etc. No more, I am very calm, but very determined and they correct their errors.
Why are there these errors? I don't know, I don't know where the people who are working for them are, or why it happens, but you do need to be on top of them... probably has something to do with different parts of their operations being done by different people all over the world.
When I was working Disaster Loans in a large office in Fort Worth several years ago, there was a very large office next to us which I visited one day because I was so curious as to what was going on in there. It was filled with free lance people in little cubicles doing billing, or reservations or some other small operation for some big corporation. Very revealing about how business is done these days.
Companies are way too big and so computerized, they really have to work to have good personal service (without errors, I might note)... Just one of the many problems in 2012.
I just spent about an hour on the phone with Amerigas--their mistake, their apology, their refund and change of autopay and personal service to make their new accounting system work for me.
Yesterday I spent about an hour with Dish Network--their mistake, their apology, and they sent me two free pay per view account numbers. I did have to deal with three people before they resolved the issue, however.
If I was working, I would not be able to do this, you don't have the time to track down their errors, and take the time to make them serve you, in stead of you serving their mistakes and just accepting them.
I remember when I used to deal with the phone companies when I was working for James at his office and I would get so emotionally distraught as I tried to manuever and resolve their errors and over charges, etc. etc. No more, I am very calm, but very determined and they correct their errors.
Why are there these errors? I don't know, I don't know where the people who are working for them are, or why it happens, but you do need to be on top of them... probably has something to do with different parts of their operations being done by different people all over the world.
When I was working Disaster Loans in a large office in Fort Worth several years ago, there was a very large office next to us which I visited one day because I was so curious as to what was going on in there. It was filled with free lance people in little cubicles doing billing, or reservations or some other small operation for some big corporation. Very revealing about how business is done these days.
Companies are way too big and so computerized, they really have to work to have good personal service (without errors, I might note)... Just one of the many problems in 2012.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
What Now?
Friday I didn't get to see the Dermatologist who was supposed to do the Mohl? surgery as I was having a Gluten Attack and had to leave before he arrived. So now I may go to San Diego and see my regular Dr. Barbara. Working on it. I was feeling apprehensive all week about this Surgeon so maybe this is for the best. We'll see. I feel positive about making this happen so it must be the right thing to do.
Today was a spectacular Spring day--Bandido enjoyed his walk and had a bath and seemed relaxed. Mitch's friends came to get him. He may be going to San Diego with me if I can get an appointment--or he will be flying there on Wednesday if I can't work it out. Anyway Mitch and Mike and Maria are working with me to make it happen. Mark said Mike could drive the Mazda if he gets insurance so we will see. I should probably get my oil changed before I go...always something.
Last Monday morning I was working with Mitch in the yard doing the raking of the branches until I was too tired. Now I have this pain that stabs me in the right thigh every once in awhile. I can hardly walk and them voila, it is gone. It is the strangest thing. It never ceases to amaze me the things that can go wrong with my old body at times and then strangely be perfectly fine, what is that all about?
Loving my music, especially Chris Botti on his trumpet, so soothing. When I get in the car and Mike's music blares out I can't change it fast enough and yet it makes him ill to listen to my music and Mitch's is entirely different again. So strange at the great variety and we all relate to a different genre. Love my music anyway. The best investment I have made is the little music player from Wal Mart that I can dock my Ipod into and let it put me to sleep and turn itself off. Love it.
Today was a spectacular Spring day--Bandido enjoyed his walk and had a bath and seemed relaxed. Mitch's friends came to get him. He may be going to San Diego with me if I can get an appointment--or he will be flying there on Wednesday if I can't work it out. Anyway Mitch and Mike and Maria are working with me to make it happen. Mark said Mike could drive the Mazda if he gets insurance so we will see. I should probably get my oil changed before I go...always something.
Last Monday morning I was working with Mitch in the yard doing the raking of the branches until I was too tired. Now I have this pain that stabs me in the right thigh every once in awhile. I can hardly walk and them voila, it is gone. It is the strangest thing. It never ceases to amaze me the things that can go wrong with my old body at times and then strangely be perfectly fine, what is that all about?
Loving my music, especially Chris Botti on his trumpet, so soothing. When I get in the car and Mike's music blares out I can't change it fast enough and yet it makes him ill to listen to my music and Mitch's is entirely different again. So strange at the great variety and we all relate to a different genre. Love my music anyway. The best investment I have made is the little music player from Wal Mart that I can dock my Ipod into and let it put me to sleep and turn itself off. Love it.
Who Do You Think You Are?
On Friday nights Ancestry.com is featuring a TV show called "Who Do You Think You Are?" and they have been using movie stars as their subjects for research into their ancestry.
The most interesting part is that they travel to so many different museums and places where special records are kept and explain what kind of original records they have. It is very educational and fascinating and never boring.
For instance I never knew that the British hired Hesian solders to help them fight in the Revolution. Rob Lowe's ancestor was one of them who stayed in America and became a Patriot and famous citizen in Ohio. They read from original documents at various sights in Washington D C and New Jersey. They then went to Germany and found more of his ancestors there in the Church records.
They could probably have found out all of this from records stored in Salt Lake City but it is much more interesting to go to original sources.
It is a really a well done show and should encorage many people to start tracing their ancestry lines. I am ready to plunge into Ancestry.com mysself and see if they have anything I do not already have--of course, this is what they want...
The most interesting part is that they travel to so many different museums and places where special records are kept and explain what kind of original records they have. It is very educational and fascinating and never boring.
For instance I never knew that the British hired Hesian solders to help them fight in the Revolution. Rob Lowe's ancestor was one of them who stayed in America and became a Patriot and famous citizen in Ohio. They read from original documents at various sights in Washington D C and New Jersey. They then went to Germany and found more of his ancestors there in the Church records.
They could probably have found out all of this from records stored in Salt Lake City but it is much more interesting to go to original sources.
It is a really a well done show and should encorage many people to start tracing their ancestry lines. I am ready to plunge into Ancestry.com mysself and see if they have anything I do not already have--of course, this is what they want...
Friday, April 27, 2012
Today
Interesting article today about all the lavish vacations by Michelle Obama and the costliness to the American Taxpayers.
The surprising part were all the hateful comments following the article. So much hate out there. Not hard to understand why.
Also an interesting article about the Feds and their crackdown on Medical Marijuana and wondering why. Pharmaceutical companies behind it???? Makes you wonder.
What did I say about seeing only beauty and good today. Impossible if you read the news media. I better take a walk instead.
The surprising part were all the hateful comments following the article. So much hate out there. Not hard to understand why.
Also an interesting article about the Feds and their crackdown on Medical Marijuana and wondering why. Pharmaceutical companies behind it???? Makes you wonder.
What did I say about seeing only beauty and good today. Impossible if you read the news media. I better take a walk instead.
Yesterday...
I wanted to make some of my favorite gluten free bread but alas, I was out of yeast and so I tried the biscuits. They were marvelous, raspberry jam on biscuits never tasted so good!! Many thanks to Roben Ryberg, who put all these tasty recipes together in her book "Gluten-Free Kitchen."
I took too long of a nap and so I awoke early, early this morning and spent my time perusing blogs on the internet, Advice Blogs, for the most part and I was reminded of 2 Timothy in the Bible where he describes the perilous Last Days. I remember emphasizing it with my high school seminary students back in the 70s. He says in Chapter 3, Verse 7 "Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." So many experts out there with their wordy wisdom--bah, humbug.
I watched my saved TV program of Betty White and her antics with her "old" friends. I must say they are a spry, clever group that make the young people laugh and wonder. Very funny entertainment. I thought about this "aging" thing and how we change. Our minds slow down, our memory fades, we are not as quick on our feet or as fast at the wheel and it is interesting how the "younger" people treat us.
For the most part I must say most younger people treat us with great kindness and caring, especially if they see we need help in some way. I have never been called "Honey" or "Sweetie" so much as in my latter years. This speaks very well of human beings, being tender to those less able. However, on occasion I have met those who are impatient and rude...mostly selfish, arrogant, impatient 30 something guys. I must be reminded though that I am not always patient with the antics of my elder "Bandido". Old people and dogs can be very exasperating and I understand that.
For instance I try and get up before Bandido needs to wander out to the kitchen and hopefully outdoors to relieve himself. Mostly we do well, but how upsetting when I kindly put him outdoors and he then quickly stands by the door again to come in as if he is finished and ready to eat and so proud of himself--only to make a puddle in the middle of the kitchen floor 10 minutes later. What is that all about?
Patience, patience, and understanding, we all need it, we are all faulty, we are all imperfect. Which reminds me of a sweet, sweet movie I saw the other day of a beautiful, smart lady looking for the Perfect Man. She found him, but guess what, she didn't love him...she loved an imperfect, charming, funny, messy haired, faulty guy. Isn't that wonderful? We can be loved, even as imperfect as we are, and treated kindly.
Reminds me of the very funnty, always, Seinfield episode where they all looking in the crib at the amazingly ugly baby (supposedly) who the parents are gushing over...and they are all stumbling to know what to say. Of course, we know they are all self-absorbed 30 somethings, they wouldn't know "cute" unless it was their own...
"Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder"..I will.see only beauty and good today. It is my choice.
I took too long of a nap and so I awoke early, early this morning and spent my time perusing blogs on the internet, Advice Blogs, for the most part and I was reminded of 2 Timothy in the Bible where he describes the perilous Last Days. I remember emphasizing it with my high school seminary students back in the 70s. He says in Chapter 3, Verse 7 "Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." So many experts out there with their wordy wisdom--bah, humbug.
I watched my saved TV program of Betty White and her antics with her "old" friends. I must say they are a spry, clever group that make the young people laugh and wonder. Very funny entertainment. I thought about this "aging" thing and how we change. Our minds slow down, our memory fades, we are not as quick on our feet or as fast at the wheel and it is interesting how the "younger" people treat us.
For the most part I must say most younger people treat us with great kindness and caring, especially if they see we need help in some way. I have never been called "Honey" or "Sweetie" so much as in my latter years. This speaks very well of human beings, being tender to those less able. However, on occasion I have met those who are impatient and rude...mostly selfish, arrogant, impatient 30 something guys. I must be reminded though that I am not always patient with the antics of my elder "Bandido". Old people and dogs can be very exasperating and I understand that.
For instance I try and get up before Bandido needs to wander out to the kitchen and hopefully outdoors to relieve himself. Mostly we do well, but how upsetting when I kindly put him outdoors and he then quickly stands by the door again to come in as if he is finished and ready to eat and so proud of himself--only to make a puddle in the middle of the kitchen floor 10 minutes later. What is that all about?
Patience, patience, and understanding, we all need it, we are all faulty, we are all imperfect. Which reminds me of a sweet, sweet movie I saw the other day of a beautiful, smart lady looking for the Perfect Man. She found him, but guess what, she didn't love him...she loved an imperfect, charming, funny, messy haired, faulty guy. Isn't that wonderful? We can be loved, even as imperfect as we are, and treated kindly.
Reminds me of the very funnty, always, Seinfield episode where they all looking in the crib at the amazingly ugly baby (supposedly) who the parents are gushing over...and they are all stumbling to know what to say. Of course, we know they are all self-absorbed 30 somethings, they wouldn't know "cute" unless it was their own...
"Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder"..I will.see only beauty and good today. It is my choice.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Trust
Today I read about the "pat down" by TSA agents of a 4 year old from Montana. So sad what America has come to, terrorizing children and no common sense anymore, anywhere. I hate to fly anymore. And then we read about the TSA agents getting "paid" to let drug dealers slip through the system--no sense at all and who can be trusted anymore?
I received my first DVD of "Holocaust" which is a series from 1978. It is mild compared to the real documentaries I have watched and they have learned so much more about the Holocaust since then. Still it is well done, has Meryl Streep and other great stars. It is so obvious that the world did not understand or care what was taking place.
Mike says I shouldn't watch this depressing stuff but I think it is important to know--doesn't help with trust issues though. This was the biggest problem for survivors of the Holocaust, to learn to trust again or ever.
Our favorite teacher Jane gave two great lessons on Sunday. One on not fearing because we are prepared and the other on the importance of "writing our story". She made the comment that the must mentally sound people are those who keep journals. I must be very sound, I blog my journal, I write ongoing updates to my deceased husband and I keep every letter, card, note I receive. Is tht writing my story or what. I am up to 1970 on My San Dieog Years---My Lake Almanor Years are all up to date except for the first five. The question is who will ever read about life in the 1933-2012 era? My great, great, great grandchildren? If my children save my books, maybe.
I love the way Jane teaches good values and principals from the Scriptures and always leaves us with a positive message. Great teacher!
I received my first DVD of "Holocaust" which is a series from 1978. It is mild compared to the real documentaries I have watched and they have learned so much more about the Holocaust since then. Still it is well done, has Meryl Streep and other great stars. It is so obvious that the world did not understand or care what was taking place.
Mike says I shouldn't watch this depressing stuff but I think it is important to know--doesn't help with trust issues though. This was the biggest problem for survivors of the Holocaust, to learn to trust again or ever.
Our favorite teacher Jane gave two great lessons on Sunday. One on not fearing because we are prepared and the other on the importance of "writing our story". She made the comment that the must mentally sound people are those who keep journals. I must be very sound, I blog my journal, I write ongoing updates to my deceased husband and I keep every letter, card, note I receive. Is tht writing my story or what. I am up to 1970 on My San Dieog Years---My Lake Almanor Years are all up to date except for the first five. The question is who will ever read about life in the 1933-2012 era? My great, great, great grandchildren? If my children save my books, maybe.
I love the way Jane teaches good values and principals from the Scriptures and always leaves us with a positive message. Great teacher!
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Happy Birthday Girl!
What a beautiful family, Happy Easter 2012. Love the hat, Kate.
Brynn Stewart, great granddaughter
April 20, 2012 One Year Old!
What a cutie, thanks for pictures, Kristi.
Oh, No!
I definitely have to go under the knife again. All those years of sun have done me in. It is basal cell and deep. Woe is me. I think I may have it done here or in Chico if need be, rather than going to San Diego. I think when I go to San Diego, I want to be well, not all cut and bandaged up for awile.
Maybe Melissa will let me stay overnight, if need be. Hope the Dr can do it when he comes up here. My Dr says it must be done this month, I have waited too long as it is. Hope my hair covers it...
Maybe Melissa will let me stay overnight, if need be. Hope the Dr can do it when he comes up here. My Dr says it must be done this month, I have waited too long as it is. Hope my hair covers it...
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Tanner Goes to College!
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| BYU-Idaho, Here Comes Tanner! |
Great Picture!
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| Cousins already at College--Great! Idaho Falls River |
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| Brother Craig has an interneship in Washington this summer! |
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| Love that sky, and Tanner may take up fishing??? |
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
More on the Holocaust
I read or I should say skimmed a huge book called "Hitler's Willing Executioners".
It was too much of an academic book to read every word...the book was the result of a Doctorate by Daniel Jonah Goldhagen of Harvard. But it really cleared up the answer as to how Hitler was able to carry out the "Final Solution" for at least six million anyway.
Mr. Goldhagen "shows that antisemitism was already deep-rooted and pervasive in German society before Hitler came to power, and there was a widely shared view that the Jews ought to be eliminated in some way from German Society."
Most of the executioners were not just the Nazis and SS but just ordinary Germans. And contrary to belief, they were not forced to kill, they could have been assigned somewhere else. They were also much more cruel to the Jews than to other prisoners. "They individually made those choices as contented members of an assenting genocidal community, in which the killing of Jews was normative and often celebrated."
Church leaders proclaimed "the Jews to be incapable of being saved by baptism, owing to their racial constitution, to be responsible for the war, and to be "born enemies of the world and Germany". They did not believe they could get to the millennium without the expulsion of the Jews.
It was a very interesting book (though too much for my eyes to read) and certainly clarified a lot of questions. It was published in 1996.
It was too much of an academic book to read every word...the book was the result of a Doctorate by Daniel Jonah Goldhagen of Harvard. But it really cleared up the answer as to how Hitler was able to carry out the "Final Solution" for at least six million anyway.
Mr. Goldhagen "shows that antisemitism was already deep-rooted and pervasive in German society before Hitler came to power, and there was a widely shared view that the Jews ought to be eliminated in some way from German Society."
Most of the executioners were not just the Nazis and SS but just ordinary Germans. And contrary to belief, they were not forced to kill, they could have been assigned somewhere else. They were also much more cruel to the Jews than to other prisoners. "They individually made those choices as contented members of an assenting genocidal community, in which the killing of Jews was normative and often celebrated."
Church leaders proclaimed "the Jews to be incapable of being saved by baptism, owing to their racial constitution, to be responsible for the war, and to be "born enemies of the world and Germany". They did not believe they could get to the millennium without the expulsion of the Jews.
It was a very interesting book (though too much for my eyes to read) and certainly clarified a lot of questions. It was published in 1996.
Busy Day!
Today I started out with indexing a 120 names of the 1940 Census . They were all in Fergus and Flathead Counties in Montana. I will say this, most people had lodgers in their home or were living as lodgers in other people's homes and most had lived like this for five years or longer!
Then I did a half hour of dancing.
And then I put up my wire fences around the Lily gardens. The lilies don't come out till summer but I have to start early to deter the deer. I am using the ribbons around the fences again this year to see if that will work. I have used up most of the ribbon I brought from Mary's home in 2000--looks like May Pole country in my yard.
Then I cleaned off my desk, which is major, and finally watched my documentary and the end of War and Remembrance. Good to be busy. Mike was in Sacramento.
Then I did a half hour of dancing.
And then I put up my wire fences around the Lily gardens. The lilies don't come out till summer but I have to start early to deter the deer. I am using the ribbons around the fences again this year to see if that will work. I have used up most of the ribbon I brought from Mary's home in 2000--looks like May Pole country in my yard.
Then I cleaned off my desk, which is major, and finally watched my documentary and the end of War and Remembrance. Good to be busy. Mike was in Sacramento.
Finished!
Today I watched the last DVD of "War and Remembrance". I had already read the ending but it was still a tearful one. I do remember hearing about the War Refugees after WWII but I am not sure I understood how many lost children there were and how many were psychologically disturbed. Most of them had lost their parents so were in reality orphans...some too old to be in orphanages. They were spread all over Europe, even in England and some were sent to Canada. Probably some were sent to America, I am not sure.
Of course, if they lived, they were the lucky ones but as the documentary showed I had watched earlier today, many had too much to forget and never get back into the mainstream of society. I also learned that near the end of the war the Nazis did not bother to gas the children, they just threw them directly into fire. Besides the ovens, they also had pits outside which were like huge drains and they would pile alternate layers of bodies and wood and then throw gasoline on the whole thing and let it burn and the ashes would fall into the huge holes under the large grate.
So if the refuges did survive, the older people did not have homes to go back to, as they had been usurped by others, and the children did not know where or if they had any family anywhere.
I still have three more DVDs coming on the Holocaust so my learning is not over yet.
Of course, if they lived, they were the lucky ones but as the documentary showed I had watched earlier today, many had too much to forget and never get back into the mainstream of society. I also learned that near the end of the war the Nazis did not bother to gas the children, they just threw them directly into fire. Besides the ovens, they also had pits outside which were like huge drains and they would pile alternate layers of bodies and wood and then throw gasoline on the whole thing and let it burn and the ashes would fall into the huge holes under the large grate.
So if the refuges did survive, the older people did not have homes to go back to, as they had been usurped by others, and the children did not know where or if they had any family anywhere.
I still have three more DVDs coming on the Holocaust so my learning is not over yet.
Prisoner of Her Past
"Prisoner of Her Past" is a very interesting documentary on PBS about a Holocaust Survivor who is now living in a convalescent home but still keeps her bag packed and doesn't trust anyone. She never talked about her past to her children but one day in her old age she packed her bag and left her home because "someone" was going to kill her. She is experiencing PTSD according to the doctor's at the Home and now talks about her fears all the time.
In 1942, when she was 10, her mother sent her and her sister out of the home to hide so they would not be rounded up and killed, as was happening to the Jews in the Ghetto. She never saw her parents again. She cannot tell exactly what happened to her or how she survived but she obviously was sexually abused as that comes out again and again in her references now.
Her son, who is a writer, told her story as it became known to him and as he traveled to Poland to try and trace her roots. It is an excellent documentary and adds more information to the Holocaust documentaries I have been watching.
It was interesting that it was not just the Nazi's killing the Jews -- it was the local Ukrainians and others policeman as well. Whether they were being forced by the Nazis is not known for sure by these children survivors. They were witnesses to a lot that happened but as one man said it is like a series of photographs in his mind, not a continual memory. He listened as his mother was burned in a fire started by Hungarians when his family was hiding in a building. Then he watched his father being beat to death by a man with a gun. He was taken in by a Czech family, father only 24, but this father treated him so well, he learned to trust and survived without any PTSD. His sister who was abused sexually as she grew older after they left the Czech farm came out of the war very ill and was never mentally well again. Interesting though, he was the father who would not raise his son Jewish. He siad, "I was so good, I was so good, and God was not good to me, he took both my parents."
The two children of these Holocaust Survivors were having a conversation about being active Jews. The one raised in Poland said his father did not feel it was good for him to be raised Jewish so he was not. The one raised in America said there was so much hate from the Holocaust Survivors when they got together that it drove him away from Religion and he lost himself in his music.
Interesting documentary--in fact they end it with what they are doing with children who survived Katrina to help them not to have PTSD. They interviewed some of those children and one girl told how she has a bag packed by her bed all the time. Of course, we are all supposed to have that, aren't we? Most important of all for a healthy survival is to Tell Your Story!!! Don't hold it all in. That is what I do--we all need to tell our story.
In 1942, when she was 10, her mother sent her and her sister out of the home to hide so they would not be rounded up and killed, as was happening to the Jews in the Ghetto. She never saw her parents again. She cannot tell exactly what happened to her or how she survived but she obviously was sexually abused as that comes out again and again in her references now.
Her son, who is a writer, told her story as it became known to him and as he traveled to Poland to try and trace her roots. It is an excellent documentary and adds more information to the Holocaust documentaries I have been watching.
It was interesting that it was not just the Nazi's killing the Jews -- it was the local Ukrainians and others policeman as well. Whether they were being forced by the Nazis is not known for sure by these children survivors. They were witnesses to a lot that happened but as one man said it is like a series of photographs in his mind, not a continual memory. He listened as his mother was burned in a fire started by Hungarians when his family was hiding in a building. Then he watched his father being beat to death by a man with a gun. He was taken in by a Czech family, father only 24, but this father treated him so well, he learned to trust and survived without any PTSD. His sister who was abused sexually as she grew older after they left the Czech farm came out of the war very ill and was never mentally well again. Interesting though, he was the father who would not raise his son Jewish. He siad, "I was so good, I was so good, and God was not good to me, he took both my parents."
The two children of these Holocaust Survivors were having a conversation about being active Jews. The one raised in Poland said his father did not feel it was good for him to be raised Jewish so he was not. The one raised in America said there was so much hate from the Holocaust Survivors when they got together that it drove him away from Religion and he lost himself in his music.
Interesting documentary--in fact they end it with what they are doing with children who survived Katrina to help them not to have PTSD. They interviewed some of those children and one girl told how she has a bag packed by her bed all the time. Of course, we are all supposed to have that, aren't we? Most important of all for a healthy survival is to Tell Your Story!!! Don't hold it all in. That is what I do--we all need to tell our story.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Good News Today!
Camber's brother Chase and his wife Amy both graduated today from BYU Hawaii!!
Congratulations to a couple of smart, goodlooking, and California cousins!
Congratulations to a couple of smart, goodlooking, and California cousins!
Happy Birthday, Kelsi!
Kelsi turns 6! And on Friday the 13th, too! Hope it means good luck!
Love the long hair, Kelsi. Have a wonderful year.
Love the long hair, Kelsi. Have a wonderful year.
Casablanca
A more fun movie was the 70th anniversary of "Casablanca". No wonder I did not think Humphrey Bogart was so handsome and that he was too old when I saw it. I was only 9! I liked Tab Hunter types at that age.
Anyway I thought he was much more handsome than I remembered. I also understood the story much more after reading Wikipedia. I think we missed a lot of understanding in the movies we saw as children.
One remarkable thing is how much better the sound was than in the movies I see every day. It is because they put all this loud background music in the movies today and you have a hard time understanding what they are saying.
I loved the old songs played, of course, "As Time Goes By" especially, but I was surprised to hear a rendition of "Perfidia" also. This was popular when I was a freshman in college.
Anyway, great movie, especially now that I understand the whole story and how noble Bogart was being and why they got back "Paris" and why it is such a great love story.
Anyway I thought he was much more handsome than I remembered. I also understood the story much more after reading Wikipedia. I think we missed a lot of understanding in the movies we saw as children.
One remarkable thing is how much better the sound was than in the movies I see every day. It is because they put all this loud background music in the movies today and you have a hard time understanding what they are saying.
I loved the old songs played, of course, "As Time Goes By" especially, but I was surprised to hear a rendition of "Perfidia" also. This was popular when I was a freshman in college.
Anyway, great movie, especially now that I understand the whole story and how noble Bogart was being and why they got back "Paris" and why it is such a great love story.
Snow Day/Movie Day of Auschwitz
This is what we woke up to and it snowed all day from there. Mitch was up early and cleaned the whole 14 inch high driveway and the wide berm the old fashioned way--with a shovel! What a job. I think Mitch is a purist. Mitch had a friend pick him up from Susanville so they could check out a house to rent.I settled in for a great movie day. Netflix had delivered the second to the last DVD of "War and Remembrance". Horror scenes in Auschwitz! Later I watched more of the PBS Auschwitz series and learned some new things.
Nazi leaders were concerned at how this "Final Solution" was affecting the SS in charge but according to survivor SS soldiers they preferred this assignment to the Front. They had ample food and drink and actually were not affected by the horrors they committed. Few were the least bit sympathetic. They had been indoctrinated from childhood that the Jews had caused them great harm and even the children needed to be killed. They understood and accepted this.
In one instance at the beginning 4100 children were taken from their mothers (who were killed) and sent to survive for themselves with other political prisoners in a concentration camp. Later they were all put in a cattle car and taken many miles to be gassed.
A study done later has reflected on the fact that the morals of a society can best be judged by the way it treats it's children.
The Nazis learned to keep the children with the parents and went to great lengths to deceive them as to what was going to happen to them. They made the entrance appear to be a pleasant train station with signs. They were lined up and some were chosen to be preserved to work themselves to death and others with children or the old and weak were sent for disinfection. They were told to put their clothes with valuables in pockets in neat piles or on hooks. They were herded to showers, which were actually gas, and then they fell to their deaths while wedged closely together naked. It was a learning procedure as the Nazi's learned just the right amount to kill them quickly. I won't soon forget those images.
The lengths the Nazis went to for secrecy is amazing. They even falsified a whole community for a Red Cross inspection from Denmark to show that the Danish Jews were being treated very well. The inhabitants (after the great show) were later sent to camps to be gassed.
They tried different methods of disposal until they built the ovens and then had the ashes sent down the river to the Baltic Sea. Nazis were rewarded for their lack of compassion. One of the most ruthless SS was a 20 year old farm girl. After the war she was executed as a War Criminal. Where had she learned to be so evil growing up on a farm???
So hard to conceive of a people so full of hate! The money, jewels, diamonds, etc. that were found in the pockets was all meticulously recorded and sent to Berlin. The Nazis gained great wealth and property from the Jews. I was surprised that the Jews were taken from all over Europe, even the English Channel Islands. Such deception. The unbelievable thing is that when news first came out about what the Nazis had done it was not believed. It was buried in the back of newspapers so they would not look foolish as they were duped into publishing it. Even U S military officers who tried to get the truth out were demoted because they were pushing propaganda. It was too unbelievable... what was being leaked out as fact.
One question unanswered is why the US would not bomb Auschwitz crematoriums, etc in June 1944 when proof was furnished from escapees and they asked the US to bomb so the killings would have to stop. In another incident Eichmann offered to sell 1 million Jews for 10 trucks and England and the allies would not do it and a note on a memo said, "They might want to sell more and what would we do with them?" The Hungarian leaders cooperated with the Nazis on furnishing Hungary Jews.
Not enough was done by others who could have helped even when the truth was known.
There was about 1% of the people who were sympathetic to the homeless children and a few were taken in to live as an invisible person with a family until the end of the war. It is remarkable that there were as few as there were but they were all frightened for their own survival so intense was the rounding up of the Jewish people.
As they realized the war was lost, the remaining prisoners were put in cattle cars and then left in remote places to die!!! There were about 2000 children who were saved by by the liberating Russian soldiers. Most of them wre twins who Dr. Carl Menger had been experimenting on.
Another horror of the liberation is that the slave labor Jewish women were raped over and over by the Soviet soldiers who were supposedly saving them!!!
There were possibly no lessons to be learned from Auschwitz except to what depths of evil and horror the human being is capable of. And even though it was said, "Never Again" there has been genocide in the world since then and the world community did nothing (Ruwanda and Darfur, etc) The PBS series "Auschwitz" is very educational and yet sickening to hear the truth.
Monday, April 09, 2012
My Easter 2012
I don't think there was more than 20 at Church today but we had good lessons and a nice talk. Not like the Protestant Easters but very spiritual and meaningful.
For Dinner Mike made Ham and Broccoli Quiche and I made Creamed Corn and Au Gratin Potatoes (the Funeral Potatoes version) and we also had rolls. I had intended to make my favorite Lemon Coconut Cake that I felll in love with in Texas but when the bell sounded on the cake I was shocked to see it had never risen. That is what happens when you forget to change the Broil setting to Bake--it was like soft pudding under the browned top.
So I threw that away and made Heavenly Pie which was my brother Dick's favorite. It is meringue on the bottom with lemon and whipped cream filling and topped with whipped cream--only I used Cool Whip. Actuaully pretty good. I had left Mitch and Mike some little Easter Baskets.
Mitch did not go to Michigan and is going to be living in Susanville for awhile and working with his band.
We forgot to take pictures as did Linda, Jimmy and Maria. They had gathered their families at Jimmy's house for lots of yummy food. Keira looks a little worried, must be a cautious child like her Grandpa John was. Look at all her hair. Lea is looking beautiful at 12!
For Dinner Mike made Ham and Broccoli Quiche and I made Creamed Corn and Au Gratin Potatoes (the Funeral Potatoes version) and we also had rolls. I had intended to make my favorite Lemon Coconut Cake that I felll in love with in Texas but when the bell sounded on the cake I was shocked to see it had never risen. That is what happens when you forget to change the Broil setting to Bake--it was like soft pudding under the browned top.
So I threw that away and made Heavenly Pie which was my brother Dick's favorite. It is meringue on the bottom with lemon and whipped cream filling and topped with whipped cream--only I used Cool Whip. Actuaully pretty good. I had left Mitch and Mike some little Easter Baskets.
Mitch did not go to Michigan and is going to be living in Susanville for awhile and working with his band.
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| Lea and Keira |
Thursday, April 05, 2012
We Miss You, John!
In 1963 we traveled to my parent's home in Idaho Falls and then on to the Cabin at Silver Gate. John is all decked out in the cowboy outfit we bought at Ferrell's Store in Idaho Falls, (which was managed by my brother David). Good Memories.
He loved Grandpa Ferrell's truck.
Wednesday, April 04, 2012
Happy Birthday, Melissa!
Beautiful Melissa, a college girl who is one smart gal.Looks like she should major in Modeling instead of Accounting!
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