Tanner Leaves for a Mission.

Earlier this year Tanner looked like a warrier at BYU Idaho and now he leaves for his mission to Bacolod, Phillipines.

Last year he graduated from high school and now he is off to see the world so far away.

Tanner gave an awesome talk which I was able to hear in one minute increments as James used his cell phone to record it.  I think you are not supposed to do that James, but I really enjoyed it, so thank you.

Looking forward to hearing about Tanner as he becomes acqainted with the beautiful people of the Phillipines.  Congratulations, Tanner!

Happy Birthday to Kate!

First great granddaughter Kate from Henderson, NV turns six years old.  Her Gramma Pulsipher let her choose whatever Build a Bear she wanted and she did--wow, looks stupendous, Kate.

Halloween 2012 with Keira

 

 

 

Ladybug Keira (I love it)

and her friends (so cute)

Update on Keira

Just a little bug-eyed.

Keira and friends after a visit to a farm.

Update on the Stewarts

The Stewarts attend the Romney-Ryan political rally in Las Vegas.

This looks like an educational and a  fun thing to do.  Cheers for Ryan and Kate!

They also had their pictures printed in the paper and on the internet but the pictures were copyrighted so I did not use them.

Tatahumara Mexican Restaurant in Midway

Wednesday we had lunch at the Tarahumara in Midway, Utah with Alice, Norma and Brian and Marilyn and Carole, my sisters.  This was a review on the restaurant by the Deseret News.

The Tarahumara are the native people of Chihuahua, Mexico. They live in and around the Copper Canyon, a series of canyons approximately five times the size of our Grand Canyon situated in the Sierra Tarahumara. They are famous for their long distance running and honesty.

Tarahumara features predominately Northern Mexican Foods. The menu includes Appetizers, Tacos, Burritos, Fajitas, Tortas, Salads, Soups, Enchiladas, Tamales and Chiles Rellenos. Specialty items include Char-broiled Carne Asada, Pork Ribs and Wild White Mexican Shrimp sautéed with Tequila & Orange sauce.

This year, Tarahumara added a bakery showcasing Flans, Cheesecakes, Tres Leches Cake, Donuts, Conchas, Mexican Cookies and other pastries, all made fresh daily!

The Salsa Bar is included with all meals, and features over 20 made-fresh-daily salsas - some classics, such as Pico de Gallo, Salsa Molcajete, and Salsa Brava. Some are family favorites, like Pineapple-Mango Salsa, Cilantro con Jalapeño and Chipotle Crema. Top it all off with a Mexican or Domestic Beer, or a glass of Wine, a refreshing agua fresca or maybe Jarritos soda, and you have the Tarahumara experience.

My niece Norma and then Marilyn, Jeanne and I on the left and Alice, Carole and Carole's husband Len on the right.

Alice, Carole, Len and Brian

Brian, Norma and Marilyn.

The salad was one of the best I had eaten and the flautas were not quite up to Chili's but excellent.  I really enjoyed the salsa bar, however, the chips were not the best.  But what a great place to eat.  We visited the bakery after and there were many deliciosa desserts, etc.  Great place!

Midway, Utah

Sunday after church Jeanne and I were went to dinner at the cabin home of Norma and her family.  The colors were beautiful in the canyon on the way up.

 

Norma and Jeanne from the middeck looking out over the valley towards Heber.

Jeanne and Janet with Brian.

Janet and nephew Brian.  Gorgeous views.

Norma and Brian are in the midst of bottling grape juice, (white and concord) and drying apples.

We had the most delicious dinner of pork roast, mashed potatoes and gravy, home grown veggies and a fruit salad plus Apple Crisp with nuts for dessert.  It was so amazing, I ate way too much!

Lunch with the Ladies at La Jolla Groves in Orem, Utah

Ages 32 to 84, Three Generations, Can you guess age of each???
Janet and her sister Jeanne, Gina and her daughters Julie and Molly and Norma, Jeanne's daughter-in-law Norma, and Jeanne's granddaughter Cathryn

Gina, Cathryn, Julie

Molly, Norma, Jeanne

Norma, Jeanne, Janet

Back Row: Molly, Gina, Cathryn, Julie
Front Row: Norma, Jeanne, and Janet

Prince on a White Charger--He's Not Coming! 2009

Can't sleep--leaving tomorrow on a plane to visit with all my sisters and others and gather up family pictures that haven't been scanned yet and help to organize the records still at Jeanne's house.   Have a terrible sore throat, where did that come from?

Also had a harrowing day.  It is definitely true that the older you get, the more difficult everything becomes.  Poor Bandido, while I was in the kitchen getting something for my throat I saw how restless he was and what a mess he had made of his little home.  So I had to clean him and his home before he could settle down again.  He is certainly a testament to the fact that everything gets more difficult as you get older.

I had to laugh at the message from Amy to her family today on Facebook.  It was about being a Grammar Nazi and how frustrating it is to see so many grammatical and spelling errors on messages from friends and all around us in signs, etc.  I really related to what she said.  It reminded me of so many years ago when one of my young loan officers asked the other one how to spell California!  I shook my head in dismay and it also reminded me of when I went back to school in 1973 for a brush up on English and Office Practices and realized I was the one of the few in the class who had had a good education in English.  We were very fortunate in the 40's to have these super teachers out of Minnesota in our little town.  We had some fantastic English teachers in both elementary and high school.  My first year in college I was moved to an accelerated English class and it was all due to them."

When I was talking to Carole a few days ago she told me the twinnies were mesmerized by the "Snow White" movie Stephie had ordered for them.  I said " that was my favorite one" and she said, "me, too".  Since I had some cleaning to do in my office I decided to put my VCR version of  "Snow White" on  and watch while I worked.  I thoroughly enjoyed it--all of it.

And now I see why we all grew up wanting that "prince on a white charger to come and rescue us"!!!  This was the theme of one of the "Sex and the City" episodes the other day.   And I remember so well the story I read of the wife sitting very dejected looking and her husband coming up and whispering in her ear, "He's not coming."  She said, "What?"  He said, "The prince on a white charger, he's not coming!"

Darn reality!!  We alll have to face it someday.  "He's not coming!"  I reminded myself of that today when I was so frustrated,  "He's not coming!"

Conference Sunday Oct 7

The emotions are very full today, I must remember to go back and listen to Elder Eyring, Elder Holland and Pres Monson's closing remarks in the morning session again.  There is such an urgency and plea in their voices as they talk to draw near to the Lord and serve others in knowing about his gospel.

Both Elder Eyring and Holland had difficulty in speaking, I have never heard them so close to tears in their messages.  Elder Hollands description of the early apostles coming to understand their mission, was especially eloquent and yet simple to picture in a way I had not heard before.

Afternoon conference was good, too, and then I became distracted as I was working on a blog about John. 

A special came on about the Hotel Utah and it immediately made me hungry for rice pudding.  When I was little that was a very special treat to go to the Hotel Utah and get the best rice pudding I have ever had.  I, of course, had to make some and couldn't find a recipe in our Family Recipes or in my book so found one one line.  I only had Minute Rice but it worked and it tastes very good--though not as good as Hotel Utah.  The only time I was ever able to stay there overnight was when our Stake Primary Board came to Conference a few days early for Primary General Conference and President Naylor took us in to meet the Prophet Spencer Kimball.

We really enjoyed staying at the Hotel and I am glad I had the experience.  It is very special.

Saturday Conference Was So Enjoyable

I slept until 5 minutes after conference started this morning!!!  Mike and I were both up late using our computers.  Some nights I just cannot go to sleep...wish I knew why.

Every talk was excellent today.  My heart was so touched and tears filled my eyes many times.  Certain phrases remain with me “The onslaught of wickedness against our children is more subtle and brazen than it has ever been,” Elder Perry said. “Building a strong family culture adds another layer of protection for our children, insulating them from worldly influences.”

 “I'm a Mormon. I know it. I live it. I love it.” From Sister Dibbs.

" One day, as he prayed for guidance, he heard voice in his mind saying, “Stop the boys on the bikes.” --what a powerful talk that was, I want to hear it again from Elder Nelson, so many things the missionaries can help with.  Such young boys and yet such a powerful message.

“There is something in each day that can bring gratitude and joy if only we will see and appreciate it. Perhaps we should be looking less with our eyes and more with our hearts.” —Dieter F. Uchtdorf  and the commendation to love the journey and find that happines every day in your life, such a great talk that was, need to post it on my fridge.

 “Through very personal sacred experiences, the Lord gave me a new heart, and even though it was still lonely and painful, my whole outlook changed. … I was able to look forward with hope, rather than look backward with despair,” said Elder Bowen.  I loved the stories of faith and understanding given by him and a couple of others about when loved ones are suddenly take away.

“God is hastening His work,” Elder Holland said, directing his remarks to the young men and women of the Church. “And He needs more and more willing and worthy missionaries to spread the light and the truth and the hope and the salvation of the gospel of Jesus Christ to an often dark and fearful world. … This isn’t about you. It is about the sweet and pure message you are being asked to bear.”

The talk about the building of Temples and the exactness in doing them perfectly is such a testimony that we are building an eternal earth and should not fear but have faith in helping with the work.

“Distancing yourself from the kingdom of God during a trial of faith is like leaving the safety of a secure storm cellar just as the tornado comes to view.”  It is within the sanctuary of the Church that faith is protected.  This talk for those who have been led astray and the need to come back.  Such a powerful message.

 All of them were so inspirational.

And hearing about all the statues of the apostles that will be with the Statue of  Christ in the Visitors Center across from the Temple in Rome and the fact that a Stake has just been organized in India!!! 

When I think of how the Church has grown since I was a child, it is so unbelievable, I never imagined it could be so.  I also enjoyed hearing again about the beginnings of BYU and what it has become today.  I have always felt so blessed for my experiences there, thanks to my parents for being so wise to see that we got there.

The Rose Is Gone

All that is left of my beautiful single rose of the summer is some petals scattered and a broken stem.  I think the temptation was too much for some wandering deer.  Hope it tasted good to him or her.  By this time of year some of them are very tall and can reach over anything.  My one lilac bush was destroyed as well.  But fall is here and needles are covering the ground and leaves are falling.  I am keeping my eye on my neighbors maple tree--it hasn't started to turn yet but I will definitely want to gather some leaves again.

Meaning of a Single Rose!

My Only Rose this Summer is in Full Bloom...

I think I have mentioned before that Richard had always given me a single red rose.  It started on our first date!!   Here is what it means, supposedly...

The Meaning Of A Single Rose by: Groshan Fabiola

Many feelings can be expressed by flowers, and this non-verbal language is very popular nowadays. Each one of us has sent at least one message to someone with the help of a flower. Sometimes whole conversations between two lovers are spoken through flowers. The most meaningful flower of all is considered to be the red rose. A single red rose is now usually used to send a message of love. There are also many messages that can be sent through single roses, like : A single white rose is used by someone that wants to say 'I'm sorry' to his/her significant other. It also has some other meanings. Since medieval times, white roses are considered to be a symbol of light, purity and innocence. So sending a single white rose may also mean that you consider that person to be pure, or that your love is very pure. A single yellow rose expresses happiness and love. Sending a single yellow rose to your other half means that you are happy with your love and relationship. But be careful because single yellow roses have two meanings! They can also express jealousy, so sending someone one can mean that you are jealous. The best thing to do is to attach a note to the rose, explaining exactly what you mean. A single peach rose is used to send a message of friendship to a best friend or even to a lover. A single purple rose expresses beauty. So if you want to tell someone he/she is beautiful send him/her a single purple rose. A single pink rose is an elegant way of thanking someone because this is what pink roses transmit: gratitude. Finally, a single black rose says 'it is over'. This is a way of ending a relationship - sending a single black rose together with a note. But, as mentioned before, the single red rose is considered to be the most beautiful and romantic. Even from the ancient roman times, lovers give each other red roses. In those times, roses were the symbol of the Roman goddess Venus, the goddess of love, so ever since then a single red rose clearly states 'I love you'. Also the red rose petals are used to symbolize love, and to create a romantic atmosphere. They can be left to float in the bath tub, or simply spread throughout the house or near the fireplace. If your lover is away, you can add some rose petals to your letters. Red roses have been a continuous source of inspiration for artists everywhere and thousands of paintings and poems have been written inspired by roses or by a single red rose. It has been said that a single red rose speaks volumes, so choose the finest rose and send it to someone you love now

Good Things

I must say I am glad Meagan is posting pix and news about Keira.  I wish all the family would do that, it is a great way to be part of "good things" in everybody's life.

The last couple days I have recorded and watched Hallmark movies.  I really enjoy those sweet nostalgic feel good movies, always have a nice cry or good memories of similar "good things" in my life.  So much better than so much of the stuff on TV nowadays! 

After laying low for a couple of days I wore my back brace and finally got some work done around the house...not such a "good thing" but necessary.

Michael made fajitas for supper, that was a "good thing".  I have no interest in cooking at all anymore.  I look at all those recipes in my Family Cook Book and nothing interests me.  So it is a "good thing" Michael is interested in the food.

Have come across some new pictures I haven't scanned yet.  This is a cute one I think.  I believe we were at the airport seeing Gary off on his mission.  I am not positive, but it looks like a "good thing" was happening.

"Tis the last rose of Summer,

Left blooming alone;" so saith Thomas Moore

so many years ago.

 

But actually it was the only rose of summer and it has taken over a month to bloom.

So what happened?

 

Could it be all the little pansies took all the sun and food needed by the rose?  Could it be because I was gone in May and didn't feed it soon enough?

 

I have no idea.  The lillies that were with the rose and pansies didn't bloom either.  Actually the pansies aren't pansies, they are more like weeds, and they have never grown this tall any place else. 

 

I am not much of a gardener...

 

We will see if it every really blossoms, we still have lots of sun but it is cold at night. 

Another Pix Found!

Janet and Richard in better days.

Smith Center of Performing Arts in Las Vegas

Luckily I recorded "Dust to Dreams" on Friday night which was a celebration of the opening of the Smith Center of Performing Arts in Las Vegas.  The show was outstanding with special music from all genres but I was especially interested in reading about the history of the Center, where the money came from, how really spectacular a building it is and what it represents to Las Vegas.  Worth reading about.  The big funders for the Center were Donald W. Reynolds Foundation which came from the owner of the Las Vegas Review and other enterprises and Fred W. Smith, who managed them all for years and the city of Las Vegas.  Excellent reading how successful some people can become with their talents and ambition.

There is no doubt the Center will be to Las Vegas what Carnegie Hall is to New York, and so much more.  The Donald W. Reynolds Foundaton will have $100 million to donate a year for 45 years and then it will be closed.  The three children were given $50,000 a year for life but only $1 if they contested the will.  He died in 1993.  Fred W. Smith is still alive and summers in Lake Tahoe but has his main home in Las Vegas.

The show itself was narrated by Neil Patrick Harris which I did not care for.  He has a way of being crass about things that matter--not needed at all.  I would have liked to have known where the name of the Center came from instead of the lame joke he told about it.

One of the most special numbers I thought was three songs sung by Frank Sinatra and danced by a couple dressed in black dress and suit--really spectacular dancing.  Joshua Bell was also a favorite of mine and of course, Jennifer Hudson singing, "The First Time I Saw Your Face".  All of the Broadway musical numbers were wonderful.

It will be shown several nights in September on PBS, well worth the watch.

Save the Last Dance2

Just watched the movie as titled above.  It was really excellent.  I am so envious of people who are talented in music and dance in any way.  But I can enjoy!

I have been thinking of things I can master (at last) in my old age:

• Eating slower and chewing my food
• Being more ladylike
• Only thinking positive thoughts about things and people

That is enough to work on for this week.  I ate slower at lunch (as Michael is always telling me to do).  It really is a much better way.

I think it is a good thing I have my Blog to write in--then when I have a thought and no one is around I can express it without bugging anybody with my emails.  It is really a better way.

In the movie I just watched the man had over 8,000 tapes because from the time he was a child he was always carrying a tape recorder and recorded moments of his life.

I just write about them.

Update on Keira

Keira is learning how to take care of her babies.  That's a good thing to learn at preschool, prepares them for that baby brother or sister.

 

Shades of Pioneer Days

In my back 40!

Darn!

I discovered the source of my Gluten Attack this week.  It is the Walmart Corn Dogs.  I loved the Costco ones so much with no problem that I did not read the label.  Alas, the Foster Farm from Walmart have wheat in them!

We Are Handicapped!

Bandido appears handicapped by his fears and can't decide which way or where to move.  I finally guide him back to the deck.  He touches it but backs away.  He cannot jump up on it anymore.

What started out as a nuisance on my eye has turned into an eyesore literally.  One upside about going to Quincy is that when I used Aisle 2 of the Safeway on the way to the restroom I passed the Pharm. section and a lady there helped me choose an eyedrop for my eye.  It is working!!!  But the light hurts my eye so I am a pirate impersonator for awhile.

The poor eye, everything I put on it to soothe it or stop the itching and burning, just made it worse.  It is redder than this looks and I have new wrinkles which will never go away.  One thing I learned in my reading is that salt tends to go to your eye bags and make them worse.  Does this mean I should not eat packaged popcorn anymore?????

Home Again!

Bandido is happily sleeping in his little habitat.  He was shaking so much when I picked him up and looked so pathetic.  On the way home he was so restless and cried out at least three times.  I would stop and let him walk around a little.  Not sure what was his problem.  Just so much uncertainty in the last few days I assume.

There is still controversy over why Animal Control was called but obviously there has been a policy change about dogs.  The lady told Animal Control she called the Gate first.  The Gate said she did not?  Who knows? I talked to the lady at the Gate and she said the new manager will not let them go pick up dogs and they do not have a place to keep them anymore.  For years it worked well to call the Gate and leave your description of your dog, name and phone number and then when someone called that they had found a dog they would get you together. 

Not as friendly a place for dogs as it once was.  I remember when Bandido ran away just as I was leaving for the airport.  He was young and chasing a deer and would not come back and I could not wait.  I told them at the Gate and they went to get him and then called Maria to come and pick him up.   And last time even, the man down by the lake called and I went to pick him up.  No middle men.  No costs.  No fright for the dog.

Bandido can never be alone again outside at all.  I wonder what kind of inspection Chester Veterinary did on him for $41.  Tomorrow I will call and try and find out.

Lost and Now Found

The good thing is Bandido has been found and is at the Quincy Animal Shelter.

The bad thing is they picked him up on my street at 3 pm today and checked at the Gate before taking him down to Quincy.  It will cost me $81.00 to pick him up and Quincy is a long drive down and back.

When I called the Gate to complain about letting them take him when they had the information the girl said no one stopped at the Gate when she was on and to call tomorrow.   She said she thinks they have the right to come in here because we are part of the county even though it is a gated community.  Sounds like a way to make money I think.

UPDATE

A lady just called to inform me that her neighbors had found a little dog and it was at the Animal Shelter.  She informed me that a guest was staying at the home and didn't know about calling the Gate and had called the Animal Shelter.  The owner said if he had been home he would have called the Gate.  Well, that explains it. 

Next time, if it ever happens again, I will make flyers and put them at every house in my neighborhood!!!  Calling the Animal Shelter is not good!

Rethinking and Thinking--Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

I am recrunching the numbers and rethinking being totally homeless.  It just seems apparent that at sometime I would need to settle in a place of my own.  Who knows how long Jeanne will live and all that.  After talking and looking at the numbers some things are very apparent.

To make sense and sell this lovely place I would have to get top dollar, otherwise it would be better to do the reverse mortgage on this house for instant cash and always having a place to live, even if just for the spring, summer and falls.  Of course, the catch would be that a refinance appraisal in this market could come in very low and then it might not make so much sense either.  And the question is, how long would it take to sell, could I ever get top dollar?  Will things get better or worse after the election?  There are so many strange predictions of what could happen either way.

The thought of moving back to the city is not setting well with me at all.  I love the peace and security of this area and I love living in the smaller Branch rather than a big city Ward.  The nice thing about a reverse mortgage is that the longer you live the better deal it is.  Am I going to live a long time???  And it would not be so painful to just have all my precious stuff here rather than scattered around or locked in a storage unit somewhere.

I have pretty much gotten rid of most of the things I don't want.   The yard is clean and easy.  Michael is happy here for the time being. 

Ron brought over a huge trailor of wood.  We were able to stack another row of wood so we have two rows and a whole lot stacked under the pines for splitting.  Michael will probably do this.  It is really a nice little area of stacked wood and splitting area we created.  I was surprised at how tired I get though.  I have to work and then rest, work and then rest, but I have been working so much lately, it is no wonder.  Surely glad Michael was here to do the work!

Anyway, someone is looking at the property today.  Unless I get offered top dollar I believe I will take my house off the market and get it appraised to better access where I go from here.  Help!

Tragedy and Unexpected Plus

Bandido has been missing for almost 20 hours now.  Yesterday he got his hair cut and there was a lot of hair to cut off.  Plus she cut him shorter than I asked, something to do with all the sores on his body.  I wonder if he is in a lot of pain?  The only time he yelps is sometimes when I pick him up, not exactly sure what is bothering him.  She also changed his whole personality by cutting off most of his face hair and clipping his hair in triangles like a fox terrier.  I put him on his run leash and when I went to bring him in about 45 minutes later his collar was on the leash but no Bandido!!  I suppose he could have just slipped out with his hair so short, but why would he?  The leash wasn't caught on anything.  He usually just walks round and round until I come to get him.  My neighbor said there has been a wolf in the area but there was certainly no evidence of an attack of any kind.  My sister said maybe he was embarrassed how he looked.  Very strange.

After calling the Gate and they said they would look for him in their van, I walked the neighborhood and all walkers I asked to let me know if they saw him.  Without his collar no one can call me but people usually call the Gate if they find a lost dog.  Yesterday they said they had four calls about dogs--lost or found I am not sure.  I later drove all along my streets as well as on Peninsula.

Of course, there are so many empty houses this time of year that he could be anywhere and not necessarily seen, especially if he curls up under a deck.    If I am not called by tomorrow, I will have to think the worst.  The strange thing is that I have expected his death for so long that it is almost anticlimatic.  He has not been his normal self for a long, long time.  He can't see, hear, smell and so he usually just sleeps or stands waiting for something or walks in circles.  How could he have disappeared so fast when he walks so slow and why would no one have seen him.  It is very strange.

So far I have called two of my sisters from my Gmail.  The great plus is that we can all hear better than we can on a regular or cellular phone!!!  You are free of having the phone to your ear for one thing and then you can actually hear better!!  On Both Ends.  That is amazing.

Carole is going to open a Gmail account--then we can talk by video chat.  I hope they keep this free service for a long time. 

Beautiful at Lake Almanor Today!

The weather is so spectacular right now.  It is a shame that everyone has gone home for the season.

We had a lovely lunch after Church today.  Remember Manwich?  Makes great sloppy joes and there were some great desserts, good salads, chips, etc.  We had quite a group there today.  It seems like we are growing again.

My lesson went well.  I have enjoyed teaching George Albert Smith lessons.  I love the way he speaks, so concise, clear and meaningful.  He was quite a diplomat.  I would have liked to have heard him from the pulpit.  Of course, I did, but I was only 14 so I do not remember except that I did get to shake his hand outside the Tabernacle.  It was the 1947 Centennial Celebration of the Saints arrival to Utah.

Quite by accident today I discovered we can make free phone calls anywhere in the US from our Gmail accounts and you can also video chat with other Gmail account holders.  Since I only have two Gmail contacts in my list I contacted Maryanne and we figured it out together and it is really easy.  Problem is I kept calling people and no one answered!!!  Then Maryanne told me it was because the number was showing as a 760 number so she figured it was someone she did not know and I assume the others did that also.

Learn something new every day.  My eye is getting better but I need to figure out why I don't sleep enough because I have big bags under my eyes, yikes!!!

Yesterday I finished organizing the garage and taking more things to the Thrift Store.  I told Michael nobody better move anything to a different place.  Now I need to get rid of a lot of old tax records...  So freeing to get rid of stuff.  I gave all my church videos to Melinda for FH Evenings with their children.  I also have a huge box I am taking to the library but I did keep my favorites.  Still hope to spend time in my office watching some of them from time to time.

Life's Little Pleasures

Someone sent me a recipe for making Wendy's ice cream.  I can't remember if it was Margot or Maryanne.  Anyway today I tried it and it really does taste exactly like it!!!

It was one quart of chocolate milk (I used the Double Chocolate) mixed with one can of Sweetened Condensed Milk and then make into ice cream in my ice cream maker.  25 minutes!

I tried to take a picture but something is wrong with my camera!!!  It keeps getting errors.  Woe is me.

Anyway I have been sick most of the week and this was a nice treat--tummy ache, though.

I think it is interesting that the lady Dr assumed because I have been doing heavy moving of stuff down my stairs and to the Thrift store that the redness in my eye was a cut.  I looked it up on line because I knew I had had it when we had Choice Mtg on Genesee.  Sure enough I remembered the name when I saw it.  Chalazian--it is clogged pores???, starts out like a stye and I had more than one raised bump and very red, and itches like crazy and all you have to do is put warm compresses on it and it will eventually go away.  Already feels a lot better than the neosporin she recommended.  Poor doctors, can't know it all when you are so young.

Chips Fire Finally Contained!

 

My friend Jean's husband and son took these pictures of the Chips Fire--they are just now letting people into the area. 

 

 The fire started July 29 and 100% containment was August 31. 75,000 acres burned. The whole month of August was awful ... lots of smoke and frazzled nerves.  (from Jean)

 

They live on the southern tip of the lake and were threatened.  I live on the Peninsula and we were not.  However, we did have smoky skies and ash and little sun for the whole month of August.

 

Meagan and Keira had just been here and escaped it all, thank heaven.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I live on the top of the Peninsula that you can see in the center of the picture.

 

Not Feeling Well

Meagan had this picture along with other new ones of Keira on Facebook. So cute.

 

 

I have felt yucky all week.  Went in to see the Dr today and have medicine and so hope I am feeling better tomorrow.  I have also been having a gluten attack all day.  I knew I would.  I bought a loaf of Holiday French bread for Mike and ended up eating it myself.  I was craving white bread so badly. 

Why do I feel like someone kicked me in the side.  Bummer.  I am officially 5' 3".  The nurse checked me today and I also am officially losing weight--shrinking all around, yea.  Gluten attacks really take a lot out of me--had one on Sun and Mon and now again so easy to lose when nothing stays in you.

First the Ears, Now the Eyes

Today was so frustrating.  Who knew my eyes were getting so old they cannot do fine work anymore?  I was shortening some skirts (a simple process) but I could not see well enough to thread the sewing machine needle.  Yes, I have had difficulty with this from time to time but I could not do it at all.  I had to wait till Mike got up to do it for me.

Then when I tried to hem my skirt by hand I couldn't see how many threads I caught in my needle.  I got out the magnifying mirror but it was very clumsy to use.

Needless to say I felt very old and very down.  I sought comfort by burying myself under my comforter.  It does help.  I decided to try the hemming again in the morning.  Maybe my eyes will be better then.

I really think there are some upsides of dying young.  At least you never know the despair of feeling so clumsy, and feeble.

I really thought I would use that material I keep saving, I had plans, but not now.

Just Another Day in Paradise

It is beautiful, sunny and clear here for now.  I should go back to the lake each day it has been so warm.

Last night I finally caught up on my sleep I think.  Slept all night and then some for a change.  It has been so dry and allergy time so I can not breathe very well.

Some of us Clear Creek Branch ladies met for lunch at the Knotbumpers and I had the Cinder Cone which was a Taco Salad.  It was very good.  Seems the last time I ate there with Maria it wasn't so good but we sat on the side of the porch and it was quite lovely.  Holly, the new lady with five children; Fonda, five childre; Jean, two children; Maryanne, three children; Sue, three children were all there.

I thought as I listened to the ladies who still had children at home how easy my life is now.  I had better enjoy it.  If only I didn't get so tired.

I bought some boxes that I will label with the children and Meagan's names so as I come across pictures, etc. that are of their family I will just put them in the box and they can decide what to do with them when I am gone.

Since I have shrunk another inch I decided it was time to shorten some of my clothes.  I did the blue denim dress yesterday.  Looks good.

Bye, Bye Love

Last night I watched "Bye, Bye Love" which was a sort of comedy about three divorced Dads and how they passed the children back and forth.  It was actually very sad.  I am thankful I never had to live that way with my family.

One of the quotes which I probably won't remember exactly was something like "Divorced people are the most unhappy in the world except for married Scandinavians."  Since I am a large part Scandinavian I would like to know exactly what they are referring to. 

We did hear the quote in Sweden that "Two is a crowd" or something like that.

Does this mean Scandinavians are happier alone????  I hope it just means they can be happy alone but it is curious.

I read the following in an article in 'Kwintessential'--now I know why I am not competitive!  My parents raised me that way!

One of the key characteristics of Swedish culture is that Swedes are egalitarian in nature, humble and find boasting absolutely unacceptable. In many ways, Swedes prefer to listen to others as opposed to ensuring that their own voice is heard.

When speaking, Swedes speak softly and calmly. It is rare that you were witness a Swede demonstrating anger or strong emotion in public.

Behaviours in Sweden are strongly balanced towards ‘lagom’ or, ‘everything in moderation’. Excess, flashiness and boasting are abhorred in Sweden and individuals strive towards the middle way. As an example, work hard and play hard are not common concepts in Sweden. People work hard but not too hard, they go out and enjoy themselves, but without participating in anything extreme.

Due to the strong leaning towards egalitarianism in Sweden, competition is not encouraged and children are not raised to believe that they are any more special than any other child.