Birthday Week in Carlsbad

Matt and I traveled to Carlsbad, Ca the week before my birthday as Maria had secured a week for us at a timeshare there!!!  It was wonderful.  We had a lovely kitchen and living room that looked out on the grounds and on to the ocean!  Matt had his own special privacy with a curtain that pulled across in back of the living room.  He had lots of space there.

           

I had a large bedroom with a lovely dressing table and large closets.  In between us was a fantastic bathroom.

The grounds were lovely with a great Jacuzzi outside that I used several times!!  And at the ocean end you could walk down the stairs, cross the driveway and go down more stairs to a beautiful beach that was clean and uncrowded!!

Every day we had someone else to eat with and somewhere to go.  On the first night Matt and I joined Maria in the Jacuzzi after having wonderful pot roast!!

The next morning Kelly invited to go get a pedicure and manicure with her.  At night I saw the movie "Selma" with Linda and Gary and then had wonderful grassfed? hamburgers at a new restaurant.

Saturday I went to Nordstroms with Sarah and Linda as Sarah shopped for a new dress for an upcoming dance.  I bought a new pair of jeans after seeing me in a mirror!  That night Matt and I had fish and chips with Maria in Oceanside.

On Sunday I went to church with the Pulsiphers and had a steak dinner after and then later I went to the parents of Johnny for his birthday party in University City.

  It was near where Richard and I lived when Johnny and Linda were babies.  Sue had her wonderful salad again plus all kinds of delicious food.  It was fun.  Johnny and his sister Michelle get the giggles together, it is so fun to watch.

Monday I saw "American Sniper" with James and had lunch.  And finally there was time to take a walk on the beach and then another movie with James "Black Hat"?--I did not like that one so much but we went to the movies all three times at the theaters with the lounge seat.  Very cool.

Tuesday, Matt and I met Meagan, Keira and Eden at UTC, our old shopping area between La Jolla and University City.  They have added a lot of things so it was a fun afternoon.  First we had lunch at the skating rink area.  I ate a fish taco.

And then we went to play!  More in the next blog.

 

On My 82nd New Year's Eve

More than 82 Things to be Thankful for:

Of course my Mom, Dad, Sisters and Brothers--wonderful family--that is 5 things
Then you add their spouses and kids and mine and that is another 20 so we are up to 25
And then you add my children's spouses and kids and that is another 19 so up to 45 already
Ok, add some more children's children spouses and kids and we are up to 55 or so...
And we haven't even counted other relatives and friends so let's say we are up to 70 at least already!!!

Random thought and degree:

Sadie, so sweet and loving, and even obedient most of the time
Portable heater Melissa did not take to North Carolina--in my bedroom, so great
Seneca Health--caring Drs and caregivers. always just a call or walk-in away
Still have relatively good health...knock on wood.
Wood from Greg and Ron,..enough to take me through the winter and beyond
Wood stove that puts out a lot of warmth
Great furnace that works so well
Phone calls from Maria, Linda, James, Mike, Melissa, the Hardy Children
Kristi's phone calls with children all talking
Skypes with Meagan, Melissa and Maria
Mitch and Matt's help with the yard and house
Meagan and Kristi take pix of their children and post

Love looking at the pix of darling grands and great grands
Grandchildren occasionally post pix

I know how to get those pix in my Picasa and Blog and Google+

My computer works good and I have a tablet, too
My eyes still work well and my ears are ok, just not quite as good as they used to be...
I do not ache too much
All my friends at the Church
A hair cutter whom I like what she does
New recipe for gluten free rolls and pie crust and bread which are wonderful
Salt Caramel Gelato at Holiday
New Taquito recipe from Jean
New Spinach salad recipe from Jean
Wool sox I love (and know where to buy them) from Jean
New organ light from Linda
New Christmas ornaments from Meagan
New swinging Snowman to go with my other snowmen from Maryanne
Peace and quiet where I live
Beauty all around me where I live and on drive to Susanville or Chester or Chico or Westwood
Safe and easy driving all around me
Maryanne likes to drive when we go to movies at the Temple
Delicious gluten free pizza at Buffalo Chips
My new Christmas Tree
My new Smart TV in the bedroom
Love of Jesus Christ and God for us all--constant help from them--answer to prayers
Forgiveness
   and
Still in my own home,


Well, there is over a hundred and I am sure there is a hundred more.  I think I will follow BOM365 on my tablet and read the Book of Mormon each day and think of at least one thing I am thankful for...Resolution for this year.  Not promising anything about my diet or weight...just eat so I don't get tummy aches or outgrow my clothes...

So What Did You Do for Christmas, Lake Almanor, 2014

Christmas this year was celebrated alone with Sadie.  I thought I would go to a movie but I was just happy to sit by the fire and watch Christmas flicks, Christmas music and work on puzzles.

The Mormon Tabernacle Christmas specials from years past, of which I watched about four, were wonderful with all they have added to them.  The Hallmark, Up, and other Christmas shows are always great to watch.

I also have a lot more music from Joanie Hughes from high school and which I never tire listening to.  I haven't even downloaded all of the last songs she sent.

I also have Pandora and of course, the movies on Netflix.

As far as TV is concerned I record everything so I don't have to watch all those commercials.  They are getting longer and longer.

I did two puzzles, one was 500 pieces and easy.   The first 1000 puzzle of Grandma's Attic was quite challenging at the end abut the 1000 piece Snow White was really hard.  I did not finish it until Christmas Eve!!!

For food I mostly had Ham (left over from Branch Christmas Party),  Spinach Salad and Matrimonial Bars.  I had made Mom's Caramel Sauce  for the fruitcake Meagan sent but I forgot about the possible gluten in it and did have a bad reaction so used the warmed sauce on the Mat Bars topped with Cool Whip.  What a wonderful dessert!!

I even ended the year with playing Scrabble with myself--learning new words and I find it quite thought provoking.  I have also been listening to "Unbroken".  I had already read it last year but I wanted to read it again before seeing it, it is at the theater till the 8th.

Seven Years Married

We all had fun at Meagan's wedding in 2007!!

And here they are celebrating their seventh anniversary on the 30th of December.  They planned to go sailing but it turned sooo cold.  

Christmas Messages of Thanks, Christmas Card 2014

One of the things I miss most about losing Richard is that I lost my most consistent mental and emotional support. Someone to tell you that you are ok, doing well, lovable, likable, etc. so when I get a few crumbs of good thoughts from others about myself it is a BIG deal and very much appreciated.  I just edited my blog getting ready to print it and I really, really, appreciated the good things my children and grand children had to say about me and to me on Mother's Day.  This Christmas I also received some cards which validated my life and so I am going to record them here so I will not forget.

Some of the messages I received this year were:

"enjoyed your photos"
"loved your card"
"would love to see you"
"you have a beautiful family"
"loved your letter and pictures"
"you have an amazing family"
"glad we can talk"'
"enjoyed your card and pictures"

"just wanted you to know that I've never had anyone teach me more about leadership than you did that year in the Relief Society and the Road Show.  I've used  those lessons a lot, thanks!!!  I thank you all the time--so thought you ought to know"

"I was thinking the other day about how much influence you and Richard had in and on my life.  You did so much for me and our family.  Thank you for being a wonderful blessing in my life."

I appreciate so much the card that Sherry sent to me when Richard died.  It makes it all worth it to be kind when people appreciate it and tell you.  We all need to be more thoughtful of others.

Connie was my processor and assistant all the years I worked at Choice Mortgage.  She was a wonderful worker and friend.  Sad for her.

Massey's at Christmas Time, 2014

 Eden can only watch at the UTC Mall as Keira gets to ride.

Eden has her first visit to Santa Claus,  Who is this guy?  Keira likes him.

Eden decides she is getting out of here.

Keira makes a perfect Gingergread house....

Keira and her friend are checking on where Santa is right now as they spend Christmas Eve at the beach.

Roasting Marshmallows at the beach, a new Christmas tradition.

Must be a warm San Diego night.

Christmas Morning at last--what fun!  Poor Matt looks worn out!

Christmas Eve at the Rasimas's 2014

Matt is there and takes a beautiful pix to share.

Kristi's Christmas Birthday 2014

We can never forget waiting at the hospital for Kristi to be born on Dec 23, 1983.  

And Kristi in 2014 with a family of four.  What a lovely Mom, Wife, Lady, Friend, Granddaughter.  31 years old.  Happy Birthday, Kristi.

Family Christmas Party , San Diego, 2014

Of course, I missed the family party but Maria put the pix on Instagram so here they are--looks like a fun party.  Reports are the ham dinner was excellent and everyone had a happy time..

Kelly and Tanner looking great.

Who is singing and who is goofing off?

Matt and Meagan looking sweet.

Pretty Sarah and Lea.

Reminds me of a movie of Johnny pushing his rocker when he was one.

What a baby doll Eden is.

Amy and her friend? Joe.

Eden and Matt.

Linda, Gary, Kelly and Amy.

Kelly.

Keira singing Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer.

Camber has a beautiful voice!

Johnnny and Maria looking happy.

Matt had just arrived from the airport a half hour earlier, looks very tired.

Jimmy and Jacob with Eden and Keira busy at something.

Camber's parents Mary and Greg.

Miracle for Christmas? Wish Upon a Star?

I enjoy watching all the Hallmark Christmas movies each year, happy endings only!  I like happy endings but old age doesn't seem to be a very happy ending.

I wish I had more energy,

I wish my memory was sharper,

I wish I could move faster,

I wish my shape was better,

I wish I had money,

I wish my hearing was better,

I wish my eyes didn't get so tired,

I wish my hands were more dexterous,

I wish I didn't ache at all.

I wish I didn't have so many wrinkles.

All the things we could do at 25 we just took for granted and never even thought about a day when we could not do them.

The year is almost over.  I had hopes of being totally out of debt and in a more comfortable financial situation, It is not going to happen.  Do I believe in miracles?  I have had a few miracles in my life.  I guess the fact I have a home I was able to buy on my own when I did not even have secure employment is one miracle for sure.  The fact I have a new, safe car to take through my aged years is probably another kind of miracle.  The fact I can get by month after month without enough money is probably another miracle.  And of course I have all those miracles of being safe driving up and down the earth and being protected from harm, those were really miracles!  I have always wondered if those people who have always had lots of money know what it is like to not have enough though?  I doubt they think about it anymore than I thought about wrinkles and loss of energy at 25.

Ha, I remember even at 25 I never had enough money to make it through the month it seemed.  The only time I seemed to have an abundance of money was in the 70's and when I was working for the SBA in my 70's.  I should have saved more or paid off my house as I planned.  Not too smart, Janet.

So shall I wish for a miracle for Christmas?  Why Not?  My life continues to be a Catch 22.  But one can always hope.  No one can take that away.  Wish upon a Star....as the song goes.

Watching a Boat Parade

Here is a beautiful picture of Johnny and Maria watching the Oceanside Boat Parade.

It reminded me of 2005 when I was called out for Hurricane Katrina and ended up in Galveston for the Thanksgiving and pre-Christmas season.  The power was finally back on everywhere and restaurants were back in business.  Our job was meeting with people who had had damage to their homes or property and wanted low interest loans to replace them.  A young man working with us was being transferred and wanted to go to a really nice seafood restaurant he had heard of before he left and two of us ladies went with him. I had Red Fish in honor of John.  Then we went outside and watched the Lighted Boat Parade.  It is a nice memory.