Martin E Anderson

Today (and later also and this has been updated) the challenge was to find out what was true about my grandfather Martin E Anderson and what was not.  It only reiterates the importance of journals. If only more had been written about what he was doing and when, it would not be such a puzzle.

At the end of the day I think we concluded he was not the original builder of the Brigham City Tabernacle as that was in 1879 but he was probably a part of the restoration in 1897--which I have now determined was probably as a carpenter.  He had been farming down in the Beaver area but as I researched our history I found in Benjamin Lillywhite's  history,  who was Martin's father-in-law and who owned 40 acres near Beaver, that they had failed crops in 1895 and 1896 and so in 1897 they moved to Brigham City where his son Joseph was.

Steven found in the Stoneys history that a granddaughter reported going to 'Aunt Jane Anderson's' house in Riverside in 1897.  This is 20 miles from Brigham City and we think Martin was looking for a new work, too and so moved up there and used his skills up there on this job.  It may be where he got his experience for becoming a contractor on later tabernacles.

It appears that the birth of  Arlow in 1898 in Beaver was probably in error as his tombstone does not even list where he was born.   After all this birthplace was determined many years after Arlow passed away and we think he may have reported his birth place in error also on his marriage certificate.  He may not have known he was born in Riverside.  Kind of makes sense.   They are reported to have been in Idaho in summer of 1900 and then in Brigham City where another baby (Lorin) was born and they stayed there until 1918 when they moved to Salt Lake City.

In a newspaper clipping that Steven found it was reported he has received the contractor job for the Blackfoot, Id Tabernacle and Dad tells about the boys all going up to Blackfoot to work on it in 1919 and 1920 and it was completed in 1921.  The family moved to Blackfoot in the summer of 1921. However I read that Hyrum Pope was the architect.  Martin E Anderson's name is listed as the architect and builder of the Malad, Id in 1914-15 and as the contractor of the Garland, Ut Tabernacle in 1913.  Steve thinks this listing him as a architect is also in error as the building so resembles two others done by another architect and we cannot determine how he could have ever gotten training as an architect.  However, in those days there was no licensing needed to be a contractor, it was something you learned through experience.

Steve Thayne also found he built several buildings in Eureka, Ut (now a ghost town).  The BPOE building was the major building there.  See below.  Steve also found clippings showing he built several of the schools in the area, a new home for the family in 1912 and the 3rd Ward building which they moved into in 1911-12.  I have a complete list from all the clippings in Utah.  We do not have all he may have built Idaho.

When he starting building and where he got the education for it, we do not know.  We know he started as a ranch worker when he was 14 and was working on a ranch when he met his wife Mary Jane Lillywhite in 1891.  He could certainly learn how to be a carpenter working on a ranch and they built their own homes.  It all makes sense that he developed his building and contracting skills as a new way to earn a living.  I read that many of the farmers were contracting with the railroad building just to keep their families from starving in Southern Utah.

With all the clippings Steven sent me I was able to do a timeline on all his building and it was quite a lot.  In 1923 his little daughter Mary, age 7 died, and they brought her from Idaho to Brigham City to bury.   Another daughter Maurine married in 1927 in Blackfoot, Id so they were probably in Blackfoot at least until then but we have no information as to what buildings he might have built after 1921.  The census does show them in Blackfoot in 1930.

It should probably be noted here that Mary Jane, Martin's wife, had her first baby at 18 and her last one at age 43!  Her first daughter at age 25 was married the same year Mary Jane had her last baby.  I wish I knew more about what went on in that home.

They lived their last years in southern California at Hawthorne near relatives and Martin died in 1936 at Thanksgiving time.  Dave says he remembers that they (Dad and Dick and Dave) had come home from hunting and Mom told Dad that his father had passed away and Dad went upstairs to pack to go to the funeral in Brigham City.

In 1939 we visited Mary Jane, his wife, who was living with a daughter in Boise, Id.  She had had her legs amputated at the knee because of diabetes.  Her youngest daughter at that time would have only been 21 and had just married the year before in California.  The daughter she was living with (Nettie Dahlstrom) died in 1943, two years before Mary Jane died in 1945!

Marilyn and Jeanne both remember on this 1939 trip that our Dad drove us around in his car and showed them the buildings and houses his father had built in Brigham City and Marilyn thinks he also did the same thing in Blackfoot!

Spam

Michael on Kelly and Michael was talking about how much he loved Spam and how popular it was in Hawaii.  It had been in the news that there was a shortage there.

He went on to say how much he loved just spam and white bread sandwiches and when the others turned up their nose at him, he said, "You grew up rich!"

I must have had spam as a child, too, because I really like it.  So good in a sandwich, with lettuce, or without.  Bologna sandwiches were just a step above and I loved them, too.

I was surprised though at how popular Spam was in Guam.  It was in all the restaurants for breakfast, lunch or whatever.

Our First Car

My brother Dave had to tell me a funny story I did not know.  He said the first car Dad bought was a 36 Nash and it was used and it cost him $600 dollars.  We speculated on how many years Dad had to walk to work and back on those cold winter days before he got the car.  Not fun!

I actually remember driving with Dave in the car and for some reason we were in the back yard off of the alley at someone's house and we had to drive under a clothes line.  I remember Dave ducking his head and I thought he looked so funny since he was inside the car!

Anyway he said he remembers that it was hard to keep the car warm so Dad would maneuver it through the narrow alleys (they met like a T in back of the store) and actually drive it in to the back of the store where they took it in to the area where the deliveries of new clothes were unpacked, etc. Dave says he remembers his job was to sweep and keep the area clean and he would sell the boxes for about 15 cents a piece to the bakery.  They liked them to deliver bread to the different cafes, stores, etc.

Dave said he was only 10 when Dad bought the car (I was 5 above) and he remembers driving it a lot in high school.  It was very wide, he said.  When he would go out to Sam's (a dancing hall with a bar that was very popular with all the high school kids) there was always a friend or two that would want to borrow it so he could take his girlfriend and spoon or you know what in the back seat!!

When we would travel to Utah in the car I remember at least five of us children in the back seat. Carole was usually in front with Mom.  One of the boys would stretch out and the rest of us would be sitting on the edge of the seat but it was wide, I remember that.  Dave said we had to stop often for car problems.

The story Dave wanted to tell me was that when Dave went to college he actually was able to sell the car and use the money for college.  He remembers he sold it for $700 and then later he learned that it had completely burned up after the man bought it.  He says Dad did have an occasionally fire, too, but it never did any damage.  So Dad bought it for $600 and seven or eight years later Dave sells it for $700!!!

What to Do, What to Do?

As my extended family gets larger, I get lonelier.  Something wrong with that premise but that is the way it is.  The fact I live 12 hours away from most of them could have something to do with it.  The fact I have not chosen to join clubs or participate in golf and games could also make a difference.

The obvious fact is I am a widow and it is not easy to live alone and not easy to live with others either. The other obvious fact is as you get older, you do not want to travel as much nor participate in outings at night or go to a lot of things you once did.  "Been there, done that...blah, blah, blah." Myrna always said "Everything was fine when I was working, when I stopped, my health went bad, and I got lonelier."  Yes, work was a good thing to always keep you busy and then you really enjoyed your few moments alone for TV or music or a good book.  There was never enough time to catch up with everyone.

But...when you are alone 24/7 it is hard.  I only now really can empathize with my Mom and my mother-in-law and their many years alone.  At one time your life is so full and busy you cannot find time to do everything that is needed.  Now you have the time, but not always the energy.  You appreciate phone calls more, but phone calls are less than they once were, you are not involved in every one's life so you do not need to be consulted or thought about as much.  And they are all very busy in their lives with not enough time.  I once was busy with emails.  Seems hardly anyone emails anymore.  It is selfies on the Instagram that has taken the place of email or texting, which I do not do.

What to do, what to do.  There is more yard work, all the time, but I can only do a little bit and then I have to rest.  TV gets monotonous.  You can only sit at the computer for so long before that is a strain. I am trying to finish scanning all my pix and finish my books but you can only work at that so long in a day or a week before it is too fatiguing. And you can't always go to sleep so the nights are tossing and turning, listening to music, then to a book, then to watch a show, then to try to sleep again, finally the listening to a book will finally put you out but then it is almost time to put Sadie out or take a walk in the early morning and then you have to come back and catch up on the sleep you needed but did not get. What a vicious circle.

What to do, what to do...how to be relevant but not too tired, how to join in but not get too busy.  It is another one of those times in my life when there are no answers...at least I have none that seem to be right or doable and so you just muddle along from day to day, looking for a little joy here or there.  It is a strange time in my life.  Everything is harder than it once was, too.  Sometimes you ache, sometimes you don't, who knows why the rhyme or reason for that.  Sometimes you have a burst of energy, sometimes you have none.

I do need to find something to laugh at each day though, that is really important for my health, and it is so hard to find...must get on the joke pages I guess.  Anyone have a funny story or joke to tell?  I need it now.

Here's my laugh for today.  When I ordered my groceries at Walmart (nonperishable  only) we wondered how they were being delivered.  Guess what--they are coming Fed Ex cheaper than I can buy them at the store!!!  Don't ask me how, I don't know.  But it surely makes me giggle.

Keeping On Keeping On

Walmart said it would take 12 days but actually I received every thing in four days except for my pasta and flour!  What a great way to shop.  Delivered right to my doorstep--no lugging heavy bags up the stairs!

It is a little frightening that Google knows everything about me.  So I have been making bread with the Pamela Gluten Free Bread Mix I got last week.  Really good.  So today they sent me an ad for a bread slicing board and sides with slits.  I bought it.  I am tired of having uneven slices.  And I do like the homemade bread so much better than what I can buy.  I had a bread slicing unit once that Vern Beeler made.  What happened to it???

It has been great weather for getting rid of the weeds out in front because the ground is soft from the rain.  If only I had more energy.  I can go about two hours and then I am done but it looks great, I will just do a little each day.

The chimney sweeper called today and we set up an appointment for September.  Seems I am spending my whole summer getting ready for winter.  Now I just need to get someone to chop my kindling.  I really do not like that job.  I am always afraid I will get a chip in my eye like Great Grandfather Lillywhite.

Tonight I whipped through the CMA Music Show pretty fast.  Where are all the great western ballads like there used to be? It is mostly noisy songs with no tune and about drinking and getting it on. Where is the romance of yesteryear?  Well I did like Blake Shelton.  Where are all the great singers and song writers???  Where is the Grand Old Opry stars?  I thought it was quite monotonous to have the same type of songs and guys that all dress the same.  That is why I record everything so I can whip through the parts I don't like and the commercials.

It pays to speak up.  My trash company asked us to rate them online and asked for suggestions of improvements.  I told them I wished they didn't charge for the bag of greens each week--they didn't used to!!!   And they didn't charge me!  Wonder if that will keep up.

I told the faller I really needed a low quote on the trees and he is only charging me $1100 for three trees when the usual is $800 a tree.

I called Dish and asked for the very lowest plan possible and they gave me one that doesn't even exist anymore--only $28 a month!!!

Evidently Sadie was mad at me today, she should be happy, she has been getting her walks everyday this week but--she did a very naughty thing though she has been most repentant--see how she does tomorrow...what a strange life I have, just taking care of the grounds and my dog, listening to books and writing memoirs and scanning pix and keeping up with the grands and great grands.

Right now I am in to a mystery by James Patterson and I just finished a Nora Roberts one with Satanic worship and killing, a little unusual for her and I have finished Maya Angelou's book.  She does make you realize how hard integration has been.  It was certainly something I never grew up with in Montana.

My sister Carole and her friend Alyce drove to Glendive and were there for three days.  It was fun hearing about how pretty everything looked, it is a lovely little town, especially in the summer and spring.  Sounds like Jon, Bethany and the twins will be making it their home this year.  With all the Bakken activity though it has really made Glendive boom and there are just not enough rentals to choose from and homes are expensive!  In all my sorting I ran across the minerals rights that Dad bought for me--too bad they weren't in North Dakota instead of outside of Glendive.

I have been recording "Last Tango in Halifax"--another Brit show on PBS.  This week's was especially good with a wedding of the senior couple, very nicely done.

It's a Good Thing!

They are putting in my new garage door--in the rain!  And yes, the rain is a good thing, too.  Everything looks beautiful and no thunder or lighting with this rain.  I am paying for the garage door with my property tax savings.  As Scarlett said, "I will think about that tomorrow!"

Another good thing is the stylus pen to use with your tablet.  It works so much faster and there are no marks on your screen.  Who knew?

And I just ordered my protein powder on line with free delivery for the same amount as I have to drive 30 miles to get it.

And I ordered all my necessities including pharmacy and new printer cartridges plus groceries except for produce and perishables from Walmart.  Free delivery.  I can even request gluten free products and it brings them up online and I can choose from them.  After a bad episode with some canned clam chowder that had wheat in it, that is a very good thing.  When I stock up for the winter with canned goods for chili, etc.  it will be a very good thing.  No gas for driving to get it.  I love it!!!  No driving in the snow...

I remember in the 70's when they tried to sell groceries online, it just did not work.  Now with Amazon and now Walmart and I see that in some areas even Safeway is delivering--and that is meat and produce!  Maybe the high gas bills has motivated it, I don't know, but I love it.  I may even try Schwann? this winter--my sister says their chicken is the best.

And another good thing to take your mind off the news--"Hotel Babylon"  another Brit series on Netflix that is a real hoot.  After staying in hotels so much during my SBA days it is especially interesting.

Mike just called, that is a good thing. Enjoyed talking to him.


I put cinnamon and sugar in my bread yesterday, next time I think I will add raisins.  Home made bread is a very good thing.

Greg, the guy who cut and trimmed most of my trees before just came and gave me a quote--a really good quote for three trees, so it looks like they will be gone by end of next week.  Problem is he could see right through one of them so probably hollow--rotted, and they have to fall it all rather than climbing up and topping part of it.  So a little tricker.  Probably won't get any wood to burn if it is so rotted...

Love the new garage door, it is white and so matches the door and trim now, before it was a kind of cream.  Looks really good.  Yea...

Out and About with Kelly and Amy

Amy and Kelly attend a concert at the Rose Bowl!!

I guess it was Beyonce!!

Jimmy is a Junior Lifeguard

Awesome Jimmy!

From the Massey House

Eden shows off her amazing smile as she is learning to sit!

And almost crawling.  Which Meagan would just as soon take a little longer!

 Keira has a visitor she is not too sure she is keen about.

Keira visits the library!

Keira goes to the famous San Diego Comiccon!

Meagan reported that Keira was so excited when she found this picture she was sure was her Mom and Dad!!!  So now we know what goes on at their house alot.

Youth Conference for Sarah

Sarah's Youth Conference (which she was only able to participate in on the last day because she was at Especially for Youth) was a Book of Mormon theme.  They met at the Stake Center and then traveled up to the Church Camp in Ramona.   They told the story of the Book of Mormon from the characters.  Gary, Sarah's Dad, introduced it as Mormon himself.  Linda was not able to get more pictures but she said all the youth were dressed as Nephites and Lamanites and they had activities mixed in with the characters talking to them and acting out the theme. 

This sounds like an amazing Youth Conference !!!  What a lot of work and dedication by the leaders.  Linda said the costumes were all excellent.  She especially liked the one of Ammon below.

Gary, as Mormon  

Ammon

And here is Sarah--not at the Youth Conference yet but with friends.

Youth Conference for Lea and Jacob

 Camber reported on the great Your Conference for Lea and Jacob this last week:

For youth conference they did the "Trek." Dressed up like Mormon pioneers and walked 5 miles a day up in the mountains pulling handcarts. I thought they were going to break down. When I picked them up, I have never seen a happier group of teenagers in my life!!!! It was like they were all equal. There was no cool group, or need group, they all loved each other in a joyful way that I have never experienced! What a brilliant Heavenly Father we have to allow the gospel to come through simple pioneers! 

I wonder how many participated???

Love those handcarts with covers!

Lea on the top left.

Jacob in front...not in pioneer attire at this place (before or after?).

I bet the pioneers would have loved those wonderful shoes the youth are wearing!!!!  I heard that Brigham Young encouraged them to go barefoot so their feet would toughen up.

I just think it is wonderful that the leaders make these handcart replicas and put in the time and effort to make this experience so meaningful in these youth lives!

Lea and Jacob have so many pioneer ancestors, I hope they learn about them all!

Keeping Up Appearances

I must admit when I stay home so much I can really look tacky.  I have on my watering clothes which is my oldest levis and ragged shirts.  I rarely worry about hair or makeup.  I look like Gravel Gertie from the Dick Tracy comics.

While posting the  blog about my SBA friend I had a memory of something that happened in 2004 or 2005 in the Sacramento office.  Bruce, the one behind me in this picture with the white t shirt was also working in the Sacramento office and we were both group leaders in the same area of the large building.  We would occasionally discuss certain aspects of what we were doing.

This one day as we approached the sign out desk we were squabbling in disagreement about something and the girl behind the desk said, "Wow, it is a good thing you two are not married."

I said, "Married!  Bruce is 15 years younger than I am."  She said, "Wow, you would never know that."

Bruce said, "Hey, I don't know what to think about that."  I said, "I do."

Yes, when I was working I did try to keep up appearances and put on my make up and comb my hair, etc.  I must do a better job of that.  Carole reminds me that it is the first thing she does every day whether she is going any place or not.  

I usually head outside and water everything and from then on I am just doing my thing all day and rarely glance in the mirror.  I have lived alone for a loooooong time.  I must do better, occasionally I do have to run to a neighbor or have in a repair man, but who cares, really?

I was giggling with Jeanne the other day as I was telling her that Sadie sometimes looks me up and down with a disapproving look, as if she is judging me.  I mean really, when you think your dog is judging you, that is really paranoid.  She said, "She is probably thinking, "Are you going to feed me or not?"  Yes, she is probably right, that is about all Sadie thinks about, eating.  Me, too.

So I'm Paranoid? What's New?

Yesterday afternoon I panicked. I smelled a strange smell, was it gas?  It seemed in the area near the front door -- was it outside?  Stepped out, no, it was not outside.  Was it the water heater?

I couldn't hear the burner on the water heater.  I couldn't see the pilot light.  Was it out?  I remembered when Linda was here and that had happened.  She had had to call home to find out what to do.  I had never checked it myself.  When I first moved here it had definitely gone out and my neighbor also came and lit it, he has moved.  He thought I needed a new water heater.  Then one of the guys from church who had worked on those water heaters came over and did something and said it would be fine.  That was 15 years ago.  It could go out any time, it was now 20 years old or more.

What to do, who to call?  Greg from church would come but it is supper time and he lives a bit away.  I did get down and take off the cover and tried to peer inside.  I definitely could not see the light.

There were no neighbors near but I saw the red car across the street.  John or Marcy or both must just have come up for the weekend.  I hated to bother them so soon.  I called P G & E instead.  They said I only had electricity from them and I should call a plumber.  I just had the plumber on Wed and it cost $100.  I walked across the street.

"Is John here?" I asked, when Marcy opened the door.  He was, and he would come and look even though he had had his knee replaced and he could not kneel on it.

John is a former engineer and was also a teacher.  He was the right one to call.  He showed me how to touch the pipe to see if it was warm.  It was, slightly.  I had not used the washer, dishwasher or shower all day.  He did not hear the burner either.  He asked if I had a flashlight.  I went to where I usually keep them, not there?  Where?  Eventually I found them, I had moved them, why do I do that?


He patiently showed me where to look for the flame.  It was lit.  Who knew it would be waaaaay back on the right side and you could only see it from a certain angle with your head close to the ground?   You had to look diagonally.


He explained all the different knobs and exactly what to do.  He explained the yellow lever on the side and when to use it.  He had me put the two covers back on to be sure I knew how.  He took a lot of time and was very patient.


Then he asked for a pencil and paper and drew pictures and wrote in very legible print all the instructions.  Rarely I have ever seen such patience.  I remembered how exasperated the computer guy used to get when I would ask a question instead of listening.  I listened and tried very hard not to interrupt.


I actually think I could handle lighting it myself.  I would definitely need to use that match holder I have (but never use) or get long matches.  Need to have them near just in case.  Need to put my flashlights back where I remember keeping them always.  Need to get new batteries for the one.  Need to post this description of what to do on the back of the water heater closet door.  Need to clean out the dust around the water heater.


Need to figure out how to thank John.  I doubt he eats cookies.  I had told him about the propane explosion we had down the street while they were gone.  I did tell him about the water heater explosion of my friend.  I did not tell him about the propane explosions I had been reading about recently.  Yes, I am paranoid.  He explained how the lever kicks in if the pilot goes out and gas should not be escaping and that if there is a real leak, I can always open doors and windows and turn off the yellow lever.


Later that night I see the room deodorizer, on the table by the window, poof out a large spray.  I had turned it up the other day on high and forgot to turn it back.  Was that the strange smell--I walked nearer, I think so, it was a new can of a smell I had not tried before.  I must get one that does not smell like gas...

Bill, An SBA Friend, Passes Away

Today I received the sad news from Susan of New Mexico that her husband Bill had passed away.  Bill had been an SBA loan officer with me on about 3 or more Disaster Services, in Texas and Sacramento. In 2001 all of us that were staying together had Sunday barbecue suppers together.  The hotel owners let us use their kitchen and dining area...we became quite well acquainted.

Standing on the left is our friend Tony, also from New Mexico, he still sends great uplifting emails.

That first year we worked Bill and I were the two "Top Reservists" and received $50 quick cash awards.  He was also the one who encouraged me to submit for a higher pay grade.  Some of the guys had been former SBA employees, I had come from the non-government banking world.  He said he had heard me and he knew I was worth it.  I applied with the help of a car partner, "a brainy guy" who knew just how I should write it and I did get it!

Bill was also my car partner on one disaster and he was quite a tease.  I remember one time as we stopped to get gas he said that I had never taken my turn at checking the tires.  The SBA guys were quite vocal about 'equal opportunity' and all that.  I turned to him and said quite insistently, "I am not going to check the tires!"  And he just laughed.  The guys did like to tease me, and one of them said one time, "it was just so easy."  I was evidently very gullible.

Bill was a special friend and when his wife visited in Sacramento he made sure we met and had lunch together.  They had such a lovely relationship.  When he had a stroke some time ago she sent the devastating news.  He was sure he would recover fully and worked hard at it.  It is very sad to hear of his passing.  Bill was probably more fit and healthy than any of us seniors.  He watched what he ate and always walked on his noon break.  He had been a model in years past and in the winter he was a ski instructor.  Life is not fair!

Bill was one of the "good guys"--his family and friends will miss him greatly.

What's New?

My days are filled with scanning pictures and completing my San Diego Scene booklet--my life from 1956 to 1980 and my nights are filled with audio books and the series "Grand Hotel"--a Spanish foreign film.

Grand Hotel is a series that was done in 2011 in Spain about a Grand Hotel in Spain at the beginning of the 20th century.  I enjoy stories about the class distinction in Europe such as 'Upstairs, Downstairs" and "Downton Abby".  in Grand Hotel it is somewhat the same plus everyone are such liars, always trying to be something they are not or get something that is not theirs or avoid the consequence of their bad choices.  Of course, they eventually get caught in their lies--usually--but it is great fun watching the action.  Love the two main stars who actually try to be good but also have to deceive to continue their detective work on all the bad things done to those they love.

Why do I write my life history?   Because I believe in family history and documentation.  But I find it is so hard to remember exactly what happened when, where and why if I didn't write it down and my journal writing was sporadic and so often I recorded what was troubling me rather than the fun activities, thank heaven there are movies and pictures for a lot of that.  It is interesting that I have ended up with letters back from both Richard's Mom and mine so there is the information there and of course, I did do a Christmas letter usually every year that keeps me on track.  Still I find it hard to stick to my "story" and not tell someone else's story (my children) and tell it wrong, stories that are not mine to tell.  Of course, Richard will have to be satisfied with the story I tell, but here again often when something happened and exactly why is not always firm in my mind.  He rarely forgot anything.  Lucky for me I forget a lot of the not so pleasant to remember so that is good.

I have also been trying to get what family stories and pictures I have on to the "Memories" section of Family Search.  They are doing a great job with that and it is very interesting to go in there and see what others have submitted as well.  This week I discovered my grandfather Martin E Anderson was the architect and builder of the Malad, Id tabernacle as well as the Blackfoot, Id and Brigham City, Ut and I actually sought out their pictures of the internet.  Very beautiful buildings.  For some reason we do not know as much about Dad's side of the family as we do Mom's.

I just finished Nicholas Sparks latest book "The Longest Ride".  I have read all his books so sometimes I can predict a little what is going to happen but he pretty much keeps us guessing.  I enjoyed it and it is already in the works for a movie.  It is amazing what a story teller he is.

The latest gothic novel of Joyce Carol Oates I finally zapped back (I do the audio books from "Library to Go" on my tablet.  I usually love her books but it was just too much and too long and I do not like myth type books anyway.

Anyway the summer is going so fast, I can't believe we are almost in to August!!!  I have had so much congestion this summer I have spent a lot of it indoors with the humidifier on!  That is not how summer is supposed to be spent, I have not gone to the lake at all except to look at the swimming area which is smaller this year than ever it seems!

Looks like my garage door is finally in the works so I may be able to keep my car from getting to dirty in the next month.  Now I have to find someone to come and treat my three bad firs...just one thing after another.  When I called into my phone company about my bad phone the lady just kept going on and on about how old I was, she must not know anyone in their 80's that is still able to take care of themselves.

Fun great grands and grands this week...

Eden doing some crib shopping.

Brynn and Molly from Nevada

Sarah, the California girl

Blasts from the Past

Greeting Cards--

I have been sorting saved greeting cards and letters and now have 4 large shoe boxes and a hat box full of packets.  Next time I feel lonely I will just need to grab a shoebox or a packet and I can enjoy all the kind and loving messages from children, grandchildren, friends, relatives and my husband over the years!  I knew I was saving them for some reason.

When my mother died I received my greeting cards back from her and some letters from the children which I mostly have put in their 'take this' box.  But a couple of envelopes that were missed is two letters that Maria wrote her "Gramma Anderson" when she was 7 or 8.  On the front of the envelope she writes it is from your 'groovy Granddaughter' and it is written to 'Gramma Anderson (the groovy one)'   (The phrase 'groovy' is so 40's I am curious where that came up--from a Barbie doll? or was it 'back' in the early 70's'?  On the back she has several messages 'Open here' 'Hurry' 'right now' and a special message for the post office-- 'post office ladie I'm talking to my Gramma'--so Cute.

Lake Almanor Trivia--

Another thing I came across is some trivia about Lake Almanor when it was being developed in the 50's. The smooth beach we love so much at Rec I was evidently filled with tree stumps at one time.   Ed Kalt was employed by Mr. Clifford, the developer, to dynamite the stumps. " He had just finished for the day but had one stick of dynamite left so he stuck it under a stump and set it off.  It was successfully blown out and Ed drove off in his pickup to report to Mr. Clifford.

While sitting on the porch the two watched a car come tearing up and park in front while the driver slammed out and approached furiously.  He inquired who had been blasting stumps and Mr. Clifford said, as a matter of fact, it was Ed.  The irate man said, "Well, that last stump came through my roof and is now sitting in my bathtub!"

The bandshell we love so much was moved back a little this year and has additional flat cement to cater to all the dancers at the Sunday night concerts in the summer.

The article goes on "Gene Lytle commented that the biggest change he had observed in the years he has been here is in the Music and Arts Program.  He was involved with Gordon Minor when the first Sunday evening concerts were presented in the park.  Gordon had a banjo band that Gene participated in.  Gene acted as MC for these early programs.  Local talent provided free programs and during these concerts, Fran Smith, Dolores Richards, and others collected donations to build a bandshell.  The bandshell was built in 1987 with funds donated by LACC residents.  $40,000 was raised during these efforts for the present bandshell.

Meagan and Eden

Like Mother, Like Daughter beautiful smiles!

Grandchildren Having Summer Fun!

Jacob and friends at the beach!

Jimmy is the golfer!

Lea and her friends entering high school this fall!!

Cute picture of Sarah and her cousin? viewing the San Diego Temple.

Jacob spent a week at BYU at soccer camp and his Mom caught this pix when he returned to the beach again.  Love this pix.

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A Good Day!

Today was a good day, even if it was too hot!  Talked to James this morning, he is back East, and then Mitch called and he was on his way up!

I fed him a big breakfast and then he washed his clothes and took a long nap, he had driven in the night from Big Creek (near Fresno).  My only regret is that I did not take a picture, he looks so buff!!!

We looked at the trees I need to have cut, they are a little bigger than he has approval to do, but that is what he is doing for the Forest Service, he is a Faller.  That is a high paying job on the non-government payroll but a dangerous business.  I think he is really enjoying his time there, he took back his music and game stuff and clothes with him, he will be there through November!

Mitch did a couple of handyman things for me, we had Chicken tacos and then he folded his clothes, loaded his car with all his things and then he was off again, planning on stopping in Tahoe to see Matt.

After I left I read an email from an old friend and that reminded me of something on my blog and I went in and watched the grandchildren singing at Richard's funeral.  They were so good, amazing that on such short notice, they did so well.

And then I listened to James' talk and it was wonderful as was Bob Wells.  It was really a lovely funeral and I am so glad I can go back and listen again, I am sure I did not remember much from that day.

Then I noticed a call from our RS president and I called her back.  She wanted to make sure I was sincere about wanting to leave teaching in RS.  I have such a hard time because my throat gets so dry, etc.  I realized I have been teaching for 60 years though and I think that is quite enough so I eagerly told her YES!.  She didn't want me to feel they did not want me...

Yea, that means I do not need to order the HDMI connection as I will not need to show anymore videos at RS now.  That is good.

Matt called looking for Mitch, he says he has a new girlfriend he really likes and he is bringing her up to meet me.  Now that is good news!

Saga of the Spider

Yesterday I noticed this big spider in the rafter above the patio door but I let it be.  I have always liked to see the big webs that they spin.

However, this morning Sadie wanted out before it was light and since I was wearing my undies I did not turn on the light when I went out onto the deck to grab her leash line.

Yuuuuk, I walked full on into a web!!!  I quickly ruffled my hair to get it out and stepped back into the house and turned on the light.

The poor spider was hanging on to a lifeline and doing all kinds of gyrations trying to get his balance.  But at least he was not in my hair!

I watched him (her?) pull himself together and then straddle one remaining line up to the rafter. Question of the day, should I kill him or what.

Actually, no, I read they build their webs around the porch lights because they catch the insects there!!  And that is a good thing.  I will just leave the light on for a bit tonight (as I did last night for Sadie enjoyed sitting in the cool for a bit in the dark) and hope he (she) catches some more insects that fly around the light every night!  Evidently if I had waited until it was light the web would probably have already have been gone.

While I was reading about spiders I watched a very interesting video.  A man had a brown recluse in one jar and a wolf spider in the other.  He was going to see who would kill who.  He had already tried it with the recluse and a black widow and the black widow died first but the recluse died, too.  He said he would let the winner go.

I watched the video and almost as soon as he dumped the spiders together the wolf spider attacked and they were in a ball skirmishing for a loooong time.  Then finally the recluse died and the wolf spider licked his fangs and walked away!!  The man let him go free as he said he would.  I think spiders are interesting creatures so I also watched the video on the 10 deadliest--yikes--luckily they are mostly living somewhere else.

PS - I went back the next day to look at the spider and a few remains of his web is there with about 10 white flies it had caught but he was not seen.  I wonder if he did not survive his rude bumping into after all.  Sad.

Then four nights after our initial encounter there he is again with a large, large web that leaves room for me to walk out on the deck without disturbing it!!!  Honest!!!!

About five hours later 2:30 AM I look again when I get up to go to the bathroom and it is all gone, except for a few strings up high--now that is one neat spider.  I read they spin a web for the dark and then take it all away for day--what a lot of work.  Naturally I will keep my eye out for him (her?).