Zeroing in on the Hardys

The Hardys are on a Cruise this week, except for Jacob who is staying with his grandparents and surfing!!!   And Winning, see below.   Have not seen any pictures of the Cruise yet.

Kelsi with friends and cousins earlier this summer.

Lea and Kelsi with friends from Church.  Looking very grown up but Kelsi do you wear keds to church???

Jimmy with friends from Church.  I like those yellow sox, Jimmy.

Jacob came down to So Cal for the weekend of July 23rd tand took Fifth Place in 18 Year Olds.  Thanks to Mary, his grandmother, for the pix.  She was a surfing champion herself when she was young!!!

Jacob, before BYU haircut!

Lea and her longtime friend.

Lea will miss Jacob driving her places and this is Hamilton, getting handsomer all the time.

Love this pix, beautiful hair and blue, blue sky.

 Not sure what the tiger means, but Lea and friend looking so pretty as always.

Charli Gets Blessed

Amy and Joe brought Charli to El Cajon to Joe's home ward for her blessing.

I love the bonnet.

These are some earlier pictures of Charlotte Olive.

I love this picture, it looks like something in a magazine, so perfect!!  Love it!!!  Calm before the storm of first baby............

This scares me but I am sure Amy and Joe are close, close by.  Hope the dog won't get jealous.

June and July at Home

It has been quite awhile since I have written in here about but my life is pretty much a ditto every day.  This summer has been particularly peaceful with no wind or rain storms so far so I just do my watering and a minimal amount of raking to keep it looking neat.  Problem is that I have had a lot of allergies and the dryness has really affected me so I spend most of my days inside and just come out in the morning and evening to water and walk Sadie.

Since there are more cars and people I am not letting Sadie run loose.  Plus I have seen two mountain lions (same one?) run across my yard in the daytime.  One time Sadie was not outside and the last time she was peeking out from the deck at me when I came back from the front.  Whether she had seen it and run on the deck I do not know but I must be careful with her.  Evidently, they like deer and deer usually pass through the back of my yard or sleep there most every day and night.

As far as my health is concerned, except for the dryness, I am doing ok.  Dr. Salehi has had most every test taken and sent me to the cardiologist.  I evidently did very well on the treadmill and although my cholesterol is high like it has been for the last 40 years he is not insisting on statins.  He tells me to eat a fistful size of protein every day and my vegetables!!!  One thing though is they found I was not getting enough oxygen at this high altitude at night.  Day is ok.  So I sleep with oxygen in my nose and I cannot believe how much better I sleep!!!  Who knew?  Dr. Salehi wants me to get my blood sugar down this month and I was doing very well until I made the flourless peanut butter cookies this week.   I ate them all, keeping them in the freezer for visitors does not work.  I love cookies from the freezer and I just cannot eat them, sugar is my addiction, so goodbye sugar!!!!

Monday Maryanne drove me down to Chico and she did some things to her car and I went to see the dermatologist.  He recommended this cream and because I do not have Medicare D It cost me $253!!!  If I had gotten it from Lassen Drug they would probably have discounted it but we were in Chico and I decided to just get it...and I am now looking spotted and red and I guess it will only get worse before it gets better.  Probably be at my worst when Meagan and her family come up in mid-August!!!

The lilies have all bloomed and most of them already dropped their plumes.  The deer did get a few.  They were especially full this year and tall, from all the rain I guess.  In fact, I think this year has been the prettiest for the yard and no hail so far to mess it up like last year.

I am not accomplishing much in the way of my history books or family history etc. because I am spending so much time listening to books!!  I read a little but my eyes get tired so I mostly listen. I was just doing my Library to Go but now Deseret Bookshelf has an annual fee for listening to all the audio books or reading about 1500 E books and I have already listened to about six books and read one E book and I still have other books waiting for me on my Library to Go.  So much to read, and so little time!!!!  I especially liked Gerald Lunds recent series Fire and Steel...takes place during and after World War I and Adolf Hitler's ascent to power and growth of the church in Germany at that time.

Last month Dorothy fell and broke her femur and Dave has had quite a time taking care of her.  She spent about a month in the hospital and rehab and doing well but David has an aching back and feels very tired.  Thank heaven her niece and nephews have been up and helped and they have some good neighbors that have helped.  Dave said he just needs to find someone to come in regularly so he can find time to go buy groceries.  They have been using Meals on Wheels and he says it is pretty good though Dorothy likes his cooking better.  Dave turned 90 on June 25th!!!  They live up in Idaho Falls with the closest relatives in Salt Lake City!  This was the first time in Dorothy's life that she has ever been in a hospital.  She is a very healthy 89 years old!!!  Except for a little dementia which Dave says is better since she came back from rehab.  All that stimulation must have been good for her.

I am still keeping my weight down but eaten too many carbs and gotten my round muffin top all around!!!  Do not exercise enough except for yard work I guess.  Life is good!!  Linda says they will be in Reno in October and can I come down then.  I may be house hopping down there...not so sure but I guess I will go to San Diego for about six months, that is certain.

I have really enjoyed the bird bath Linda bought for me last year or the year before.  It is so fun to watch the birds, they really do like to bathe, especially the big fat robins.  They do it over and over and splash a lot!!  This is one of the Memorial Gardens Matt did for John after he died in 2004.  Matt gathered rocks from all over the yard and then filled it with dirt and I did the planting.  This year this one was very pretty, flowers popped up that had spread from all the rain we had I think.

Gay Pride Parade in San Diego

Linda was in charge for Mormons Builds Bridges of getting a group for the San Diego Gay Pride Parade.  There were about 284 groups I think so it was a long parade.  Here is Linda as she met and breakfasted with Craig and friends before the parade.

Such handsome guys!!

Marissa and Tanner were visiting so they were at the parade, too, and Sarah is also waving a flag.

Tanner and Gary had their bikes to ride and here Tanner has Sarah on the front.

Linda and Gary Work Their Magic!

Linda and Gary celebrated Linda's birthday at Yosemite and then spent about three days with me.  

While they were here they cleaned and stained both decks and stairs!!  And then Gary found all kinds of things to fix like my patio door now locks after ten years of having to use a stick as my security.  He really worked on my toilet until it runs no more!!!  And he fixed the light in the hallway and ....

We also had pizza at Buffalo Chip, tacos at Frosties and they came to church with me.  Linda ended up going to the 4th of July parade while I stayed home (party pooper when it comes to hot sun and walking) and Gary was at the fitness gym!

I loved having them here and hope they come again next year to stain the decks again.  Next time we will buy the kind of stain I should have been using for years...one that does not show all the areas that have had the stain removed by snowmelt and are always lighter as in the picture above.

Somehow we did not get Gary's picture on my phone but here are Linda and me...she just celebrated her 55th birthday and I will be 85 in January.

My Sisters

My sisters attended the wedding reception of Marilyn's grandson Trout in Utah.

Carole and her friend Alyce visit the BYU bookstore (I think) and sit with Cougar.

Marilyn and Alyce traveled from Denver to Glendive together and then Marilyn, Carole and Alyce came to Utah after the Len Memorial in Glendive.

Program at Len's Memorial

Memorial for Len

On July 24th in Glendive, Montana the Fuquas had the Memorial for Len.  The services were at the LDS Church on Anderson Avenue and lunch was served.  Later friends and family traveled to Macoshika State Park where his ashes were scattered.  

One highlight of the services was the "Churchlarks" story book by Len that was presented to all who attended.

These are just a few of the pictures from that day.

Kathy, Stephanie, Debbie

Marilyn and Kathy

The Fuqua boys and their friends.

The Fuqua children used their silver baby cups from Len's mother to spread his ashes with.

Carole overseeing all the arrangements she had made to honor Len.

Davis played a tribute to his grandfather.

Len Abbott Fuqua Obituary

Len Abbott Fuqua has been set free and passed away from this earth on Saturday morning, April 29, 2017. At home, peacefully, like a good book, it ended at the right time but his stories...amazing stories will be read over and over. Len could imagine and dream of more things than anyone and he passed this passion on to his six children.

He was born in Higgins, Texas to Frank Duane Fuqua and Idyleglenn Abbott on January 4, 1938. He graduated from Texas Tech University and entered OCS stationed in San Diego, Calif. as a Lieutenant JG on the US Valley Forge and legal officer for Sea Bees. This is where he met his lifelong partner, Carole Anderson, a kindergarten teacher, and began their journey of almost 53 years.

They were married the day after school was out in Pacific Beach on June 20, 1964. The marriage was later solemnized for time and all eternity in the Los Angeles Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. To this union was born their crown jewels, Stephanie (Dustan Diede) of Livingston, Eric of Glendive, Hunter (Toni) of Fort Meyers, Fla. and Lolo, Mont., David of Glendive, Jonathan (Bethany) of Billings and Christopher of Billings. They have 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Len was employed with the family business, Anderson’s Dept. Store in Glendive for many years but his lifelong pursuits were in his writing. He encompassed his world travels in stories of fact and fiction to the entertainment of his family. He leaves a legacy of devotion to family, a fascination of the world both spiritual and temporal. He was a remarkable pianist, talented swimmer and tennis player, which he shared by coaching the youth of Glendive. He taught many how to play Chess and they visited the house often for a challenge. He introduced Karate to his friends and family as well as Dr. Pepper to Buttery’s (Albertsons) with the help of then manager, Pat Moran. He obtained his pilots’ license in 1971 at the Glendive Airport and enjoyed many flights over the Eastern Montana terrain. Even performing emergency runs to Billings for friends.

He fought non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma for 17 years but it was the Alzheimer’s that finally over took his beautiful brain and body. He never complained, not once, and was often able to laugh at himself. He was the center of laughter and the heart of his family. He will be greatly missed.

His family expresses great thanks to the loving care of Riverstone Hospice. Aliica, Judy, Amber, Melissa, Kathy and Bob you made his days so much happier.

We are grateful to the Veterans Healthcare System who took care of Len for so long from his eyes to his toes in Miles City, Fort Harrison, Billings and Salt Lake City.

Len is survived by his wife and children, grandchildren and five younger brothers, Rob Fuqua (Judi) of Kimberling, Mo. Murray Young (Jane) of Denver, Colo. and Mark, Gregg and Daniel  Fuqua of Texas.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on June 24 at the Glendive Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints with Military Honors.

Arrangements are by Cremation & Funeral Gallery. Condolences can be sent through www.cfgbillings.com through “Our Families.”

Jacob Graduates from Torrey Pines High School

I sent Jacob a card with money in it.  I am just never sure if the Hardys receive anything I send?????

Jacob has become a champion surfer and plans to continue his surfing this next year at BYU Hawaii!!!

Charlotte Olive Travis--Charli Arrives!

Amy is a Traveling Nurse and has been working in San Diego so Amy had her baby in San Diego!  She will be taking time off and be in Henderson for the rest of the summer.  Joe has been finishing his education at Las Vegas so these amazing two have really been managing a life of driving, working, schooling, nesting, planning and now a new baby and a summer of rest and fun with the baby I hope.

Charli with her Daddy Joe.

Charli with her Aunt Sarah.

Molly looks with wonder at Charli.

Health Update

I was overdue for my annual exam and had not set it up yet with Dr. Nielsen in Susanville.  I had decided to leave the Seneca Hospital Group after not being able to be treated last fall.  But when I called Dr. Nielsen's office to give them the requested information the receptionist said they had a new system and no matter what I was told before I would have to get them two years of records and then the Dr. would decide if he would take me.  The last receptionist said all she needed was the date of last annual exam and Dr. Nielsen had told me, no problem, he would be glad to have me come back. I got nowhere with an explanation to the new receptionist so I hung up on her and called Seneca back.


Within the hour Seneca had called me back and I had an appointment with Dr.  Salehi, a new woman doctor.  I met with her on Friday and after looking at all my records which she had up on the computer on the wall, she sent me over for an EKG and had made an appointment with a cardiologist.  I felt like she really cared about me!!!


Surprisingly she called me at home after supper and asked about my status again and said it appears I had an incident sometime in the past and she made me promise that if I had the least problem breathing etc. that I would call 911 and not just sluff it off.   She called again to remind me of taking the baby aspirin every day.  So I thought about that night February 22 and wonder if that is when it happened.  I was sick for three weeks after!!!!   I wrote about that incident on March 14.


Today I went in for the complete blood test and urine analysis and tomorrow morning I see the cardiologist and Wednesday I see Dr. Salehi again....so what is this all about?  We will see.


Yesterday I went to the Community Concert with Karin, Church was especially good.  I could not hear but one of the talks well.  Why don't people speak into the microphone???  And enunciate and speak with projection???  If I am the only one who can't hear I guess it does not matter but SS was good.  Bro Thurgood knows The Plan of Salvation very well and Kathy did a wonderful job on her lesson of tolerance and love for everyone.


Yesterday I learned that Will (across the street) had died on May 7.  His children are preparing to sell the house as "it will not be the same without Mom and Dad".  I think some of his children are hurting for money also.  It is free and clear.  Marilyn, who was a widow, also, and lived next to Will, died in April and her children are keeping the home in the family.


I will really miss Will, he was 91, but he was my "go to guy" for any inside or outside help I needed on my place.  And he loved helping.  Usually called me "Sweetheart".  He was missing his wife!!! I am glad I did finally go out to dinner with him before he left for the winter vacation with his sister. His son said he had gotten pneumonia in Texas and came back a different man than when he left.


That will be two homes across from me For Sale and also the vacant lot!!!!

Mother's Day 2017

I took this picture before I left for Church.  I had not slept a wink last night.  For some reason some times my mind gets going and I cannot shut it off.  Finally at 2 am I worked on Family Search until 3:30 am and then tried to sleep again.  Still could not sleep.  I got up and watched 3 episodes of the old Mary Tyler Moore show.  It was good.  Still could not sleep.  Why can't I turn my mind off???

I dressed and went to church anyway and the Duerkson family spoke.  The children are always refreshing and Melinda told about her Mom being an alchoholic but would leave home to drink rather than be around them.  Her father raised them and she has a close attachment to him.  She did say, however, that when her mother was there she always made them feel loved.  Poor Forest was so emotional as he told about his 9th place in a family of ten.  His mother cleaned at night and he never felt he saw enough of her but his brothers and sisters tended to him.  Still he always wanted to goto work with his Mom.  I have heard several of his family speak.  They all seem to be a close knit family with testimonies.  I have never seen the Mom but the father is as large as life and seems a very happy person.

I did not stay for SS and RS, too tired...anyway I had a nice dinner and talked or snapchatted with most of the family. I realized later that 5 of us went home after Sacrament Meeting, all for different reasons.  Karen is getting her house ready to sell!!!

I really am blessed with a wonderful family and posterity.  I had a very caring and happy upbringing but never expected more than I got from my wonderful mother but was always very hard on myself as not being a perfect mother.  But the proof is in the pudding.  I do have super great  children so hope I did not scar any of them too much.  Maria was so sensitive, she felt my imperfections the most.  She is a  very compassionate and caring person though so maybe she learned from my imperfections.  Who is to say?  Motherhood is a blessing but also a great challenge.  I was very blessed to be able to be a mother and Richard was a very loving father.  So many people want for children and yet are not able to have them for some reason.  It was fun being a mother while I was in 7th Ward, we did lots of Mom and children activities...none of us were working at that time.  How wonderful that we could all be stay at home Moms!!!!  A rarity in today's world.