A Feast for the Deer

Momma and two babies were enjoying the cedar branch that fell so I stepped out to take their picture and the
babies scattered but Momma just atared at me.   Once she decided I was not going to harm them but just take their picture, they all went back to their eating!

I will miss my little deer friends while I am in San Diego.

Name Dropping and a New Dentist

Last Tuesday I pulled out a filling from the back of my front tooth by sucking on a carmel, something I forget that I cannot do.  I called my regular dentist and after a lot of checking they could not get me in until Thursday.  Marjorie told me to try her dentist who is actually just a  few miles down the road.  Using a little namedropping of Marjorie's name (everybody loves her and besides she gave them some good business) they had me come in within 40 minutes.  I was so impressed with this doctor's laser machine and what he was able to accomplish in just 10 minutes, I was happy to pay the charge and made an appointment to have my teeth cleaned as well.  The teeth cleaning was actually quoted at a lower rate than my regular dentist, too---so I think I have a new dentist!!!  Service is everything, right?  My tooth looks great, too, polished and  also more stable with the laser filling so I was told.  Modern equipment is a close second to service, right?  And the fact he is a young handsome guy who appears to be very skilled sure doesn't hurt, oh, yes, and that three miles compared to 30, wow, I think I have a new dentist.

Snow Day!

No need to go to the gym today. Even though I have a snow blower I decided I needed the exercise so I have cleared the driveway three times today with just a shovel. We will see how many more times I can do it. Since the Doctor called me this morning and told me I am in perfect health, I am feeling invincible. While I was outside I took a picture of the little spruce I planted a few years ago. It has already doubled in size. It is a mini though and will never tower over my other trees. I am wondering what I could put on it that the birds would eat. Seems the last time I scattered crumbs they just sat there...hmmm.

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

I saw the lowest temperature on my deck and in my car that I have ever seen--5 degrees in car, 0 on deck.  Since I was driving in the daytime when it was warmer and looking on my deck in the morning, you can imagine how cold it was in the night!  Shades of Montana.  I grew up with cold weather but it is different when you are older.  What happened to those 40 degree winters I am used to up here????

For whatever reason, maybe the cold, maybe the need for company, maybe not wanting to carry any wood for awhile, or clear the snow, I have decided to head for San Diego from Park City and take a three month hiatus in sunny Southern California.  I will be staying at James and Camber's home in Rancho Santa Fe first and looking forward to spending quality time with Jacob, Lea, Jimmy and Kelsi.  I do not see my grandchildren enough!!!   The biggest problem is always what to take---I like to travel light but...that is so hard to predict what stuff you will want to have with you.

Second problem is what to do about the house--I may winterize this year, since I will be gone a little longer than usual (unless my family send me home early).  I will try and be on my best behavior but I don't know how I can get along without my recorder!  Maybe I will exercise more, hope so...hmmm

Happiness--What Is It?

I do my best thinking when I am driving--so two opportunities this week to think.  First, I drove to Susanville to take a test for Census work.  Unfortunately I had forgotten my glasses and they do make a difference.  I was so slow.  I only have to score a 70 so if I don't make it I will go back and take the test again.  While I was driving down I was thinking about what makes us happy and unhappy.

I decided that children and old people are generally happy because they have no expectations--if you have no  expectations, you can't be disappointed.  I was remembering years ago while working at the Church welfare tuna cannery I was standing next to an older lady.  I was a newlywed so she was imparting some of her wisdom on me.  She said I should not have expectations about what my husband will say or will do in any given situation because they will always do it and say it differently than you had expected and thus you will be disappointed.  I found later she knew exactly what she was talking about, it was so true.  She told me she could just hear the words her husband was going to say and of course, he never did say those words.

Charles Shulz said it well, "My life has no purpose, no direction, no aim, no meaning, and yet I'm happy, I can't figure it out.  What am I doing right?"  I'll tell you what he was doing right---absolutely no expectations!!

Edward De Bono said, "Unhappiness is best defined as the difference between our talents and our expectations."  That makes a lot of sense.  I always wanted to be able to sing.  A few months ago I spent a lot of time singing on SnipSnap--a karoke on the internet.  I was very unhappy with what I heard.  It was so much worse than I expected.  Since I stopped singing and ever expecting to be able to carry a tune I can truly appreciate the talents of others and be happy--no expectations for myself.  Today Marjorie and I attended the Chester Community Chorus.  I so enjoyed watching a lady named Patty.  She sang with such feeling and enjoyment on her face, she was a joy to watch.  It was particularly great this year--wonderful to listen to, lots of variety, very mellow and flowing.  I love the way this director Elsie creates this marvelous production. 

George Sand said, "There is only one happiness in life to love and be loved."  The problem with that is--if you don't feel loved, you are unhappy.  I learned long ago I would much rather really love someone else than worry about whether they loved me.  It is a real joy to love your baby, your child, your man, your sister, and not have expectations of what you must have in return for that love.

H. H. The Dalai Lama say, "The basic thing is that everyone wants happiness, no one wants suffering,  And happiness mainly comes from our own attitude, rather than from external factors.  If your own mental attitude is correct, even if you remain in a hostile atmosphere, you feel happy."  So true.  I always liked Richard's answer when asked "Hi, how are you?"  He would say, "Happy."  I am sure he wasn't always happy but it was a self-fulfillment.

Henry David Thoreau said, "That man is richest whose pleasures are cheapest."  Oh, yes, that is so, so true.

James Oppenheim said, "The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance, the wise grows it under his feet."  I remember so well after Richard had his first heart attack and was zapped back to life.  I can still see him as he looked in the wheel chair as they brought him to see the children.  He looked so beautiful and full of life.  I vowed never to say, "I'll be so happy when..."  or "If only thus and so, then things would be perfect..." etc.

 When I was a new school teacher in San Diego and worked with the three year olds in the Church nursery.  There was one lady who had the most darling children but I didn't think she realized it.  She was always cross with them.  I look now at pictures of my darling children and wonder, did I really appreciate them as much as I should or was I always stressed over what they were and were not doing???  Something to think about, time goes so fast and the opportunity to enjoy that age or that experience is soon gone.

 John Hilton said "The mind is its own place, and in itself, can make heaven of Hell, and a hell of Heaven."
Oh, why can't we learn that one, we cause ourself more stress and pain than anything else does.

And this is a good one for me from Albert Schweitzer, "Happiness is nothing more than good health and a bad memory."  Yes, I have been blessed with a bad memory and I tend to forget the sadness of my life.  That is a good thing.

I like this one, too.  Kin Hubbard said, "It's pretty hard to tell what does bring happiness.  Poverty an' wealth have both failed."  I know one thing that makes you happy is when something unexpectedly nice happens to you.  Yesterday when I went to start a fire I saw that someone had completely filled my wood bin--yea, no trip in the snow to bring in the wood.  That made me happy, such a nice surprise.  Ron had come over to fix my garage and did the wood bin thing-- Which reminds me of what Albert Schweitzer said, "I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know; the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve."  Ron is a home teacher who serves so well, I am sure he is happy.

And finally in conclusion in my thoughts on happiness is "It is only possible to live happily ever after on a day to day basis." as spoken by Margaret Bonnano.  Every day is a new day to be happy...

Oh, yes, the second time I had could reflect on my thoughts this week is when I drove to Susanville to see "New Moon".  No one else wanted to see it.  So there I was with the rest of the old ladies and teen age girls.  I enjoyed it very much, especially the wolf scenes and Vulcari (sp) scenes.  They need to work a little on the chemistry between the stars, though.  It was much better in the books.

So, what makes you happy???

Beautiful Yellow Lily

Another beautiful lilly burst forth.  This one was just a tiny bud when I clipped it down and the bud grew and grew, then changed color and eventually this came forth.  Miracle of life, I love it.

Mr. Buck Comes to Visit

Usually I just have the Mom and baby does wander through my property but today there was a big buck. I walked outside to take his picture (keeping Bandido from barking at him) and I thought he would immediately walk away.  But instead he plunked himself down behind a tree. I still didn't get too close, though, but he just stared at me with glassy eyes. Of course, he sat right in a shadow so you can barely see him.

Maria Does a Photo Shoot of Her Mom!

Great Job, Maria, thanks!

I t Has Been 13 Years Alone...

It was 13 years on November 27 since Richard took his journey to heaven and Bandido and I have been alone.  The years have gone quickly I must say, but being alone is not the best way to spend your life.  However, if I had to spend it anywhere, I am glad it is here in this beautiful, tranquil place.  I was reading again the poem we had on Richard's program at his Memorial.  It so depicts his life--let me share it again.

I asked God for strength that I might achieve... I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.

I asked for help that I might do greater things... I was given infirmity that I might do better things.

I asked for riches that I might be happy... I was given poverty that I might be wise.

I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life... I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing that I asked for, but everything that I hoped for.

Depite myself... my prayers were answered.  I am, among all men most richly blessed.

Thanksgiving 2009

Sleeping at Grandma's house.  All us ladies had a  bedroom but the boys slept on the couchs.

Maria drove from San Diego with Melissa and picked up Mitch in Sacramento.  Mike stayed in Sacramento to do his school project.  I picked up Matt from Tahoe City.  It is a lot of traveling but I am so happy they made the effort to join me.  The food was delicious and the company fun.

We had a puzzle to put together and played Scrabble and Clue--

Friday night we went to the Merchant's Christmas party downtown in Chester.  Lots of goodies to eat and beautiful things to buy--but none of us were shopping.

Consider the Lillies

This is so reaffirming of life and the perfection of God's creations. Some lillies that were planted late this year never had a chance to bloom so when everything had frozen for several nights I cut them down for the winter and gave the stems to the deer. All except for two stems that had buds on them. Not really believing (but hoping) they could go from tight buds to beautiful blooms I set them in a vase of water and put them on the sill of the sunniest window. This is the result. Beautiful, right? The other one hasn't bloomed yet. It was so tiny but it, too, is growing and changing color.

Birthday Girl

The trouble with being up here and all my children down there is that I miss all the birthday parties! I can still remember like yesterday though the original birthday of Maria. I went in for a routine check. They were monitoring me closely because Johnny had been born ceasarean, Linda was natural, and they were thinking maybe Maria could be born naturally also. However, when Dr. Rust checked that day, he said Maria had turned breech, labor had started and the policy was for two surgeons to make the determination so while they consulted I sat and fretted. I could not feel labor, my muscles were worthless in my stomach after that first birth.

They decided the risks were too great for a natural birth and I should go to the hospital immediately and they would prepare for ceasarean. What they said is if the inner sutures tear it was a risk to both me and the baby.

The nice thing about ceasareans is the babies have these beautifully shaped heads and Maria was definitely a beauty, even then. The strange thing was I had some malady and could not stop crying. I was in a room with three other women and people would come in and think I had lost my baby because I would be crying!! And then they would wheel in this beautiful baby. It was very puzzling to everyone, especially me.

I already had a name picked out, can't remember what it was, but another gal in our ward had already used it so we were scrambling to come up with something new. Of course, Maria, was now a popular name after Westside Story so Maria it was. I was a little afraid it would seem like a Spanish name but then later I found all these Marias' in our Swedish genealogy. Evidently it is a popular name in most nationalities. It suited her to a T.

My parents were at our home and we were enjoying baby Maria and baby Linda Poo (my Dad's name for her) was getting lots of attention and Dad was playing with Johnny (he was called that for several years) when President Kennedy was shot and we then spent most of our time glued to the TV.

After my parents left, the thing I remember most, was that supper time was very hectic and I kept the buggy in the kitchen so Maria could be bottle fed if necesarry while I tended to Linda and Johnny. Linda was only 17 months old, so a baby herself. She grew up fast though and soon became the one in charge of all needs of both Maria and Johnny.

"You must have been a beautiful baby, you must have been wonderful child.... cuz baby look at you now" (popular song from the 40's.  Happy Birthday, Maria!

The Snow is Falling...

This is one of those lovely soft snow falling nights you wish you had someone besides Bandido to walk with!!! I bought some little slip on spikes to put over my boots--no more slipping this year!   The date on the picture is wrong--it is 11/17/2009. 

Marjorie and I are really doing well on our exercise at the gym. We are usually the only ones there when we go--very nice place.

Had a lovely weekend. Friday I went to the Reno Temple with Jean and Mary Anne. Very lovely. I didn't have the usual pizza and salad buffet...too tempting to eat too much. I am doing well on not eating sooo much and have lots of energy. Yea, yea. That is what it is all about. Saturday we made our Walmart run to Susanville--lovely warm day.

And Sunday I had a lesson to teach and it went ok, too. We had a very nice turnout at church and great talks from Jean's son who is a high council man and two younger boys. After we had our dinner at the church and everyone really lingered and enjoyed the food and conversation. I made Mrs. Krug's Goulash from Glendive, Mt. That is really an old recipe. The secret of the taste is all the butter it has in it!!! Shameful, but it is delicious.

Everyone should be happy to know I have an appointment to get my hair cut short--Shelley is so busy though, can't get it done till after Thanksgiving.

We are supposed to go to Greenville Friday night for a big Thanksgiving dinner at the Branch there. Hmm, if it is too much snow, we may opt out, have to see. It is very dark around here at night... and lots of windy roads...

          Really exciting life I lead, right?

Happy Birthday Carole!

Here is Grandbaby Raina giving her Grandma Carole a whooping big Happy Birthday!  Carole was #6 in our family and I was the baby at almost 6 years old.   Carole was the only blue eyed blonde in the family.  Carole asked Mom (later in life) if she (Carole) had been unplanned--according to Carole, Mom only smiled.  Anyway, we all adored her, and still do.  Have a happy 71, Carole!

Let It Snow!

It may snow tomorrow, so I will get in the mood for winter on my blog.  Today I did well, went to the gym even though Marjorie stayed home and clocked in a loss of 3.6 lbs at Weight Watchers.  It is a nice group of ladies and I think it will help to get me in good habits again.  I also found out I get a free week at the gym because of going to weight watchers!

Kate

Flicker, the program that chooses which grand children will be shown on my blog from all of my 70+ pictures must like Kate--she seems to be on there the most.  Interesting

Yippee!

Today I weighed in at the gym 4 lbs less than when I started last week!  We will see how I do when I really weight in at Weight Watchers tomorrow night.  I am really feeling great--not starved at all, in fact I have too many points to complete.  I am always looking for something more I need to eat to fill my quota.  Karen told me you have to eat a lot and now I believe her!

Marjorie and I have done well at the gym.  Going at noon is so great, no one is there and we have had all morning to do the necessities of being chief cook and bottle washer at our house.  Tonight we go for an indoctrination so hope we learn something.  We are both interested in getting strength in our arms and legs.  I bicycled for the first time a whole mile today--usually my knees hurt before that.

Sunday was a good day.  I spoke at church and people seemed to like what I had to say.  Marjorie said it was more relevant than the usual.  She has told me over and over how good it was.  People were smiling while I spoke, that always gives you encouragement.  I was speaking on the strength of LDS women, something I believe in.

After church I really enjoyed the game between Dallas and the Phillies--I love NFL football--the San Diego game was blocked out but happy they won...

Life Takes a Leap Ahead

Thanks to Karen I started Weight Watchers tonight! Yea.  So don't expect me to be making goodies for Thanksgiving and Christmas!  And tomorrow Marjorie and I are going back to the gym!  After working in Sacramento last fall and eating way too much hotel food and then falling and dislocating my shoulder and sitting for another couple months my body has developed a huge tire around the middle and I have became a lazy couch potato eating buttered popcorn whenever I feel lonely.  No more, I am getting back in shape.  I don't care nearly so much about how I look as having energy again and being able to get into my favorite skirts and pants.

I also had been counseling with the Lord for a long time over getting some answers I needed--you might even call it a little depressed because answers were not coming.  I was not accomplishing anything.  However, the answers finally came, thankfully!  Now my mind is clear and I am suddenly bursting with enthusiasm over my many projects again.  I have also added another to my list of "Things To Do Before I Die" and that is to use all the material I have in making something for others or maybe even me (when I get my new body).  Meagan and I spent a long time picking out my red material in Singapore.  I really want to make something very special.  And I still have that gorgeous material from Anderson's in Montana--so much to do.  I put a list of all the things I want to do on my computer and now it is reminding me every morning!!!

Yesterday I did a little quilt, pillow and toy bag for Ryan and hopefully tomorrow I will finish Kate's princess cape and hood and get Jimmy's birthday present ordered.  Jimmy turns 8 next week, old enough to be baptized, so he gets some  see through stick-on pictures for his scriptures.  I also have a princess cape and a red polka dot dress for Kelsi lined up.  The new Janet--finally in forward gear again.  When I start dancing 30 minutes at night you will know I am really back to my old self.

Optimism, Prayer and Patience

I thought of Maria as I read this message from Norma B. Ashton in her talk entitled "A Unique Melody" but it is really something important for me and all us us to remember.

"How can we solve our problems?  I'm sure there are as many methods as there are challenges in life.  Each of us has different obstacles.

As I was visiting with a friend who is divorced, I asked her what advice she might have.  "First," she said, "Never give up.  This too will pass.  If you look for it, there is always a glimmer of hope.  There is no divorce without hurt, Your earning power is limited.  Widows get a lot of sympathy, but divorcees don't get much attention."

Though she received help from local leaders and singles groups, her greatest strength came when, she said, "I came to realize that I was entitled to answers from God about my problems if I were in tune.  I prayed a lot--a whole lot.  And the answers began to come."

Developing patience is another way to cope with our problems.  Paul advised us, "And let us run with patience the race that is set before us." (Heb 12:1)

When the American hostages came home in 1981 after 444 days of captivity in Iran, I remember what Bruce Laingen, the spokesman for the captives, said when he was asked how he was able to endure it all: "A friend slipped a tiny piece of paper into my hand.  On it these words were written, 'Patience is a bitter cup from which only the strong can drink.' I had these words firmly entrenched in my mind and they helped me through those dark days."

With God's help, and as we help ourselves, our obstacles can be over come.  Optimism, prayer, and patience are all important ingredients.  My husband (Elder Marvin J. Ashton) has helped many people with these words: "No one is a failure until he stops trying.  The direction in which one is headed is the most important."

Janet Shedding Tears?

I am not one to shed real tears very often but for some reason this story really touched my heart and I was laughing and crying at the same time.  See how it touches you.  It is from a talk given in 1987 by Mary Alice Campbell entitled "A View of the Eighties:  What It means to Be a Latter-day Saint Woman Today".

"In Luftkin, Texas, Marsha Ault, who was eight months pregnant, was shopping with her husband and four children. She endured the curious, disapproving, and pitying stares of several of the store's patrons before a woman approached her and asked, "Don't you believe in birth control?"

The question sent Marsha and her children to the car, leaving Marsha's husband to check out the groceries.  Marsha began to cry and her children asked what was wrong.  "I tried to explain that many people nowadays feel it is wrong to have more than one or two children, and that people seemed to think I was very foolish to be having another child.  Then my five-year-old daughter, Ginger, said innocently, 'Mama, we can duck down!'  I have never felt so small."

The thought of this little girl trying to make her Mom feel better with that solution was so sweet.  I am so thankful we were able to raise four beautiful children, I had always intended it to be six but was not that fortunate.   But others are not even that blessed.  Alene Tucker of West Valley, Utah said, "As a twelve-year-old girl, my goals were to go on a mission, get married in the temple, and have eight children.  As a fifty-year-old woman, I hve accomplished one of those goals.  I went on a mission."

More Halloween Pix

Kate and Ryan as Princess Aurora and Prince Charming and Sarah as the perfect Nerd!

Ghost

What a great way to spend Halloween, watching the 1990 movie "Ghost" with Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore.  I don't remember liking it as well the first time I saw it.  Perhaps since I experienced the death of Richard in 1996 and felt his presence after death, I may have related more this time.  Anyway, if you haven't seen it or haven't seen it since 1990, it is worth another look.  Very well done and a lot of truth in its portrayal.  And I couldn't remember much of it so it was very suspenseful.  Sam Wheat's last words were something like "Love, you take it with you" as he follows the light to heaven.  Patrick Swayze's wife was on "Oprah" and referred to their hope of life after death and being together.  Before he died he said, "Now, I will find out."  Someone should be a good missionary to her and explain that they can be together for eternity. 

"GHOST is a love story, a supernatural tale and a murder mystery thriller with comedic moments mixed in, all of which are uniquely blended together to make a superbly entertaining movie."  That is what the trailer said and it is true! 

It is also a story about Life after Death, and Heaven and Hell and portrays that fairly well, too.  I am sure there are many people who gained more hope from this movie than just the fantasy it is described as being.

Halloween

I haven't received any pictures of grandchildren or great grandchildren dressed up for Halloween but here are Sage and Raina dressed up as Charlie Brown and Snoopy with mother Bethany the witch.  Snoopy looks a little apprehensive looking at the witch.  "Where did my mom go?"

Halloween is not my favorite holiday.  However, when we lived in Pacific Beach and the children were nine years and under Richard loved to decorate the garage with all kinds of things and a black light.  But after the children were grown we would usually escape to a movie at Seaport Village.  No children around my house here so it will be a quiet Halloween again.

Finally, a Door that Really Locks!

Can you believe it, after living here for ten years, I finally have a front door that locks!!! Yea, thank you Matt, for putting new security knobs on my front door and garage... what would I do without a grandson visiting me from time to time?

Kate

The birthday girl of the week is great granddaughter Kate who is 3 years old on October 28! Kate is a child who loves life and life loves her. Have a very, very happy birthday, Kate.

I Love NFL Football

Philip Rivers of the Chargers

Watching NFL football is just a total positive feeling for me. I love it. I love watching these guys do what they do and do it so well. I wonder what it would be like to be a Randy Moss or a Tom Brady, etc. and to be so good at what you do. Yes, I know they have worked at it all their life and I love that they care so much. Tonight it was interesting to watch the whole Cardinal team (who were not on the field winning the last minute of the game) get down on their knees and pray once they knew they had won. I know Kurt Warner is religious. I admire them not being afraid to show it. I wish our American leaders would show that kind of reverence for the Lord.

50 Year Anniversary

50 Years Married--even if Richard is up in heaven. Today I went to the Temple with Mary Anne and Jean and, yes, I did think of Richard.

When I picture Richard at the Temple, it is always the same. We are kneeling at the altar, holding hands, looking at each other and making promises. Or one time when he unexpectedly walked up to me (we were serving in different areas of the Temple) and whispered in my ear, "You're the prettiest lady here!" Richard was always generous with his complements.

But thankfully, when we are living in the eternities, it will be at our most perfect age--not this old lady look. I wonder if my hair will be bottle red (as it was at my most perfect age) or natural brown. Hmmm....

It was a lovely day for reminiscing. I told Jean, Richard would probably be at the pizza parlor with us afterwards, he always loved to eat out...

The Story of Bruce, 2009, An Inspiring True Story by Maria

This was written by Maria but I am sharing it here, great story.

From Maria: "I don't have a current picture of our sweet dog Bruce, this was taken at the end of March as we were preparing to move to San Diego...me, Matt, Mitch and sweet Bruce. Bruce has had a hard life and seems to have all the same problems we have...complete instability. Strangest thing happened yesterday...you be the judge:

First of all, there is a long story about how we acquired Bruce...but in the essence of time I'll just say this...Mitch found Bruce at the pound...he was a runaway. Mitch had wanted a dog for a long time. We have had many dogs over the years that had never attached to us quite like Bruce. When we moved into our newly built home and could have a dog again we began thinking about if we we really wanted the work of one again. After two of Mitch's friends died in a very tragic way, we knew he needed a companion to help him through. My ex found a very expensive and beautiful retriever puppy...who died shortly after we brought him home...this just added to his pain and Mitch decided he really didn't want a dog anyway.

So why Mitch decided on that particular day a few years ago, to go to the pound by himself to look for a dog is anybodies guess...he just felt the inspiration to do it and called me at work to say "I found my dog". He knew immediately that Bruce (named after Bruce Wayne...Batman...and Bruce Lee because Mitch likes him too) was his dog and if he didn't bring him home, the pound would have put him to sleep the next day. Mitch loved that he saved Bruce's life...and more importantly, at the time, Mitch felt Bruce saved his life. Needless to say, Bruce has been a very important friend to our family in the last few rocky years.

This past April, Bruce stayed with Mitch at a friends house after I moved to SD...he wasn't comfortable at his Dad's. I was trying to find a place to bring Bruce but haven't been able to do so. Mitch had to make a decision as to whether to live at his Dads in June, his brothers or with me. Mitch wanted to go where Bruce went. He tried it at his Dad's for a bit and kept Bruce but when that didn't go well he decided to come to SD. Matt was living at his Dad's at the time and assured Mitch he'd keep Bruce with him. For whatever reason, his Dad didn't want Bruce there. While I was in Sweden, I asked my ex to just keep him til I got back and I would find a place for him. Again, for whatever reason, my ex couldn't wait. He did find a nice home for him with a big yard and let Mitch know he would be given to this other family. This threw Mitch into a panic and he jumped in his car to drive the 12 hours and see his beloved dog once more. On the way...he totaled his car. He never made it to see Bruce. Mitch was fine physically...but that's about all I can say.

There were a lot of tears by both Matt and Mitch when it came to losing our sweet friend...and it was only a small consolation that he was in a good home. Needless to say, the attachment to our pets is as strong as to a person and he has not been forgotten even a little bit. There was always the hope that somehow he would be with us again. Mitch was able to go visit his friend this past trip to Susanville a few weeks ago and had some 'closure' and accepted the reality that Bruce has a new home and seemed to be happy there. I thought that was the end of the story. But like any good book...there is always a strange twist. So to the point of my long story.

Yesterday, Matt who was home visiting from Tahoe for a dental appointment was upset about something with his Dad. Matt moved into a home in Tahoe that he could have a pet and felt he needed a companion to comfort him. He went to the pound in Susanville. Again, this is not something any of my children ever do...so Mitch doing it the first time was odd...Matt doing it the second time was odder still. And lo and behold but who was in the animal shelter? Bruce. Was Matt inspired to bring home our dog? Poor Bruce had been there for 8 days...it wasn't likely they would have kept him much longer and the thought that had Matt not found him and he would have been put down without any of us knowing is frightening. No one knew at the time what the story was but Matt broke down when he saw our dog and called his Grandma to come and help save him...he needed pound fees and rabies shots to get him out of 'jail'. As Grandma always does, she jumped in the car to save her grandson and his beloved pet.

The rest of the story: I received an email from my ex (which was odd because that just doesn't happen)...Matt had left a message with the people who had the dog to say 'What the....?" basically and I guess they called my ex. They said he 'ran away' and they 'called' the pound and they said they didn't have him. They wanted him back. I left it up to Matt to decide what to do...but the questions one has to ask:

Bruce lived with us for a long time with complete freedom and no fence...he never ran away...so why did he run from them?

He was at the pound for 8 days...why would the pound say he wasn't there if he was? Why wouldn't the people who lost him go look for themselves if they cared that much? If Matt hadn't been there to find him on that day Bruce would have been put down (or adopted by someone else) and neither the other people, nor us would have ever known what happened to him...was Matt inspired to find him and bring him home?

Matt tried to talk to the other people and explain the situation and that he was going to keep the dog (he found him, he paid the fees, he was ours before and should have never been given away, etc.) but they aren't very happy with him. I'm pretty sure my ex thinks the dog should be given back to those people and that they have been 'hurt' by this. But what about the 'hurt' of my kids...who never should have lost their dog in the first place. This all could have been avoided...Bruce never really needed to be kicked out of his family...he just wasn't welcome in his own home...which is pretty much how everyone else in the family feels too. Somehow I think it is meant to be...he really does belong to us in every possible way. I'm so glad Matt listened to those tender promptings to go to the pound yesterday. We haven't even told Mitch yet..."

Mail Order

I am becoming the mail order queen. I can't believe how much easier, faster, and more efficient it is. I ordered printing cartridges from Costco. Two day service and free shipping. I ordered a telephone from Walmart (they didn't have it when I was there a couple weeks ago). One day service and shipping charges were less than driving down there! I ordered flannel pajamas from Macys. Free shipping and three day service. Plus you don't end up buying a lot of other things just because you are there and think of all the gas I am saving! I LIKE IT!

Night Vision, Day Beauty, and TV

I wish I had some night vision goggles so I could see what goes on in my back lot at night. Today I raked the branches from the last storm and it is interesting to see how much deer activity there is out there and I never see them in the day time. Someone is eating a lot of pine cones, too, and leaving big messes on the tree stumps so they must be having squirrel parties late at night because they have been laying low in the daytime. It has been wonderful to have enough rain to soften the ground so I could fertilize a few of my trees--not the big pine trees though, they are on their own.

This is a gorgeous time of year with all the red, yellow, gold, and auburn leaves everywhere. It tried to snow but couldn't last, too warm in the day, and cool at night. Sweatshirt weather.

I have learned the art of watching 3 Primetime 1 hr shows in just over 2 hrs. I switch from one to the other as they are being recorded and erase all the commercials and change channels everytime the commercials start. I only need to do this on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday as there are not enough good primetime shows on the other nights. If you haven't gone the DVR route yet, you are missing out on a lot of good TV. I get a real education from much of what I watch by choosing selectively my recordings and then watching when I want.

Movie of the day today was "Elmer Gantry". Thanks be to Ted Turner for TCM. What excellent movies you can see there. They make some of the fluff of today shameful.

Twin Update

Now, Raina, that is what I call a smile!

These cuties are still smaller than most babies are when they are born and they look like darling dolls. They remind me of the dolls I bought my girls once which could wear newborn clothes. I think I loved those dolls more than they did.

I think the next picture we get will have big smiles--this is Sage with the knowing grin on her face and Raina is observing what Sage is doing. Does that mean Sage will be the leader and Raina the follower? It will be interesting to see...Thanks for the update, Grandma Carole.

Escape!

'Escape' is the name of a film made when I was only seven so I doubt I saw it. It starred Robert Taylor and Norma Shearer and, of course, was a black and white. It was a film about the Nazis prior to the Americans entering the war. An American goes over to Germany to find out what happened to his mother. She had been an actress in Germany, had then moved to America and while there befriended German refugees. However, the Germans considered them traitors and therefore she was a traitor to them and so when she came back to Germany to sell her house they arrested her and were holding her in a concentration camp. They planned on executing her.

It was a well done movie and very suspenseful. I had to look ahead to see if there was a happy ending. I have watched too many sad endings lately and movies about Nazis and there terrible brutality have always frightened me. During WWII we always saw news movies about the war shown before the regular movie. They showed pictures of the Nazis doing the goosestep and told terrible things bout them. I would have nightmres about them coming over the Canadian border and coming to Glendive.

The thing that was especially interesting though is that the way the mother was saved was the same way Valentine was saved in 'The Count of Monte Cristo'. They were both given some kind of drug which put them in a coma and they were thought to be dead and put in a casket. As soon as possible they were removed from the casket (in another location) and kept warm until they revived. (They didn't do all the things they do to dead people now obviously). Anyway I had never heard of this kind of a trick and to read about it and see it in a movie a day later was especially intriguing.

This is what was printed about the movie in 1940 when it was made.

"Propaganda? Well, of course—if you choose to label a picture which tells a documented story with that word. But this film is something more than a shocking, repulsive account of brutality and inhumanity directed against helpless beings. Rather it is a story of courageous opposition to a system which attempts to crush the freedom of mankind, a vivid and inspiring tale of a small but significant cooperative effort to defeat the forces of oppression. In the course of it, more than one regimented victim breaks his bonds, even though, in the end, only one unfortunate goes free. The conclusion is victory, not defeat."

Yes, I watch a lot of movies!

The Scarlet Letter

I also watched an interesting version of 'The Scarlet Letter' by Nathaniel Hawthorne today. it was the silent version made in 1926 with the famous movie star of the silent screen, Lillian Gish. She is so petite and sweet looking, she reminded me of Sarah. I must say movies have come a loooong way in the past 83 years.

They had extreme difficulty telling a complex story such as this with no speaking words and just simple narration to read. The actors and actresses had to emote so much with their faces and body language.

Simple as it was it held me entranced as the fire went out and I didn't even notice. I remember reading that novel in high school and Hester Prynne became a heroine to me. I remember wondering how I would handle what she went through if it happened to me in 1950. I decided I could not be so noble or brave as she was...

I had remembered she wore the A for Adultress on her forehead instead of her chest. I wonder where I got that...

Finally Finished!

I finally finished 'The Count of Monte Cristo'--only took me about a month to read 1462 pages!! Well worth it, though, I recommend it highly. I believe the message of the book was in the final words to dear Maximillan from the Count--among other things he wrote:

"There is neither happiness nor misery in this world there is only the comparison of one state with another, nothing more. He who has felt the deepest grief is best able to experience supreme happiness."

Hmm, where have we heard that message before. Sounds a lot like the scriptures.

For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so...righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad. Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one; wherefore, if it should be one body it must needs remain as dead, having no life neither death, nor corruption nor incorruption, happiness nor misery, neither sense nor insensibility. 2 Nephi 2:11

I Like A Rainy Day

My plan was to finish my book 'Count of Monte Cristo' today but TCM had such good movies I couldn't turn off the TV. It was either a Paris theme day or Broken Heart theme day because all the movies took place in Paris and all had sad endings. They were all from the 50's and 60's and none were familiar to me, even though they starred Deborah Kerr, Elizabeth Taylor, Van Johnson, Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, David Niven, Ingrid Bergman, etc. So, very enjoyable, sad endings and all.

It always surprises me when I watch the old movies that there was still black and white in the 60's and that in the 30's to 60's era there was so much illicit love. I don't know if I just missed it or what, but it is a surprise--thought it came much later.

 

Bandido was a real wimp today. I put on our rain coats and had the big umbrella but I had to coax him to even go as far as the driveway. He is truly showing his age.

I I I kind of like having my geraniums in the house--will see how long they last.

Anyway the fire has been going all day and it has been a lovely, lovely rainy day.

Getting Ready for Winter

You can tell that winter is coming soon..

My neighbors on both sides of me and across from me have all been up this week and closed their homes for the winter. I caught Jeff before he left to help me get my umbrella off and put away for the winter. But I put up all my vent guards myself. And put away all garden decorations and trimmed down the perennials.

The leaves are changing colors--so pretty everywhere.

And the deer are hungrier than usual--you can tell by what they are eating. They knocked over the cage around a bush and completely devoured the leaves.

And some late blooming lillies were just ready to bloom--the deer have eaten all but one. I thought the cage around them was high enough--alas it was not. They will probably eat the other one tonight.

Even Bandido had to get in the act, he dug a nice deep hole he could snuggle up in.

But the geraniums look better than ever. Freezing nights have not affected them at all. So what to do with them, see if they can live inside or??????

And, of course, there is still plenty of sunshine and warm days, at least until tomorrow. There is supposed to be wind and rain here and snow in the higher elevations. Yes, winter is on the way but right now it is just a lovely fall day.

I love this time of year in Lake Almanor.

Pres. Goolsby's Barbeque Bash

Friday night we had a delicious barbeque at the home of John and Jane Goolsby in Chester. Their home sits right on the bank of the Feather River. I had no idea they were so close. The dog even drinks her water by standng on the rocks near the edge. I wish I had remembered my camera!

Jean sent me these pix and from right to left is Jane (John's wife), Margaret, Sue, and Mary Anne.

This is Sue again with me. Notice their kitchen has this lovely color of red just like I would like in my living room!!

The tri tip and chicken were delicious (that Ron supervised) and there were lots of wonderful salads. And it was delightful sitting on the patio even if fall has arrived!! Great party with our little Branch family!

Judy Garland

I just watched another biography of Judy Garland. This was a movie made from the book her daughter Lorna Luft wrote "Me and My Shadow". It was very well done.

She was one of my favorite movie stars and singers. Of course, she is the one that made "Over the Rainbow" (my favorite song) famous and was Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz.

She also starred in "A Star Is Born" and I loved her singing in that. Wish I could have seen the full version before they butchered it. Still a great film though.

She started at MGM when she was 13 and even then they controlled her life with pills and too much work. She never really had a childhood. It is so sad the way the very talented are used and abused by those around them. Too often they end up without money, addicted to drugs and die at a young age.

I think she was only 48 when she died. It is amazing to me to see how someone so gifted can have so much doubt about their talent. And need so much love that they are crippled by their doubts and rely too much on other people. Sort of makes our doubts about ourselves seem very appropriate.

Watching films about these movie stars and singers that appear to have everything but a normal life makes you realize that not having any talents can be a blessing, too.

Family for the Weekend!

It was so great to have Maria up here for the weekend. I get lonely up here and it has been a long time since she has been here. I like her new car, too.

Then to have Matt and Mitch come up Sunday was icing on the cake. Of course, they did the usual chores of Mitch filling my wood bin on the deck and Matt cleaning the gutters and roof one more time for winter. Mitch spent most of the weekend with all his friends in Susanville and Matt came up from Tahoe City. Melissa stayed down in Chico with her friends so I didn't get to see her.

Maria has such a dramatic life, I like hearing of her adventures first hand. From one day to the next it was a puzzle to figure it all out. In the end, she found out for sure that the infamous T is apparently a pathological liar. Better to find out now than later, but it was all so unbelievable until actually proven. If you read her blog, you know what I mean. She better write a book is all I can say, it would be a best seller, I am sure. Or the perfect deception drama that Lifetime Movie Network loves to show about the frailities of the human species.

Movies You Must See

Somewhere I read this list of "Movies You Must See" and of course, they are oldies, so you either have to find them on TCM, FX or FMC, etc. or rent them from the video store. I have seen many of them in the past but thought I would attempt to see them all again and see what made them so excellent. Both of these came up today on TV.

'My Darling Clementine' with Henry Fonda and Victor Mature. This is without a doubt the best Wyatt Earp film I have seen. Not so violent as the present day ones. Makes Wyatt Earp more believable as Henry Fonda played him.

Then I watched 'Che' which is the story of how Che Guavara helped Fidel Castro overthrow Batista in Cuba and what happed to Che when Castro took power. Very excellent also. That is two for two!!

Movies to Watch For or Rent:

• A Man Escaped
• Adams Rib
• All That Heaven Allows
• Ashes and Diamonds
• Beat the Heat
• Black Narcissus
• Breathless
• Brief Encounter
• Che
• Cleaner
• Deception
• Diary of a Country Priest
• Eyes W? a Face
• Gun Crazy
• Henry V
• His Girl Friday
• I Know Where I’m Going
• In a Lonely Place
• Ivan the Terrible, Part 2
• Kinds Hearts and Coronets
• Kiss Me Deadly
• Lady from Shanghai
• Lars and the Real Girls
• La Stroh
• Leatherheads
• Life and Death of Colonel Blimp
• Lola Montes
• Man Who Knew Too Much
• Marty
• Murder My Sweet
• My Darling Clementine
• Nights and Cabria
• Night and Fog
• Now Voyager
• Open City
• Out of the Past
• Pandora and the Flying Dutchman
• Paths of Glory
• Pickup on South Street
• Postman Always Rings Twice
• Rashomen
• Salt of the Earth
• Smart People
• Strangers on a Train
• Testament of Orpheus
• The Bandwagon
• The Bicycle Thief
• The Big Heat
• The Cranes are Flying
• The Day the Earth Stood Still
• The Palm Beach Story
• The Seventh Seal
• The Stranger
• Throne of Blood
• To Have and Have Not
• Tokyo Story
• Umberto D
• Unfaithfully Yours
• White Heat
• Wild Strawberries
• 21
• 88 Minutes

Fatigue Fighter

I have found a new way to amuse and humiliate myself. It was suggested in 'First for Women' magazine that there are 10 ways to get Energy on Demand and #7 is to Belt Out Your Favorite Melody.

Well, I have never been afraid to sing to myself but this takes it to a whole new dimension. On SingSnap.com you can sing to a karoke and record it! You can share it with everyone and get rated and even display your picture or....you can keep it private. Naturally, I keep it private. I was hoping I could come up with something that little Kelsi might appreciate but not yet. I sound like a wailing cat.

But, it does give you energy and lifts your spirits by making you laugh. And I have so much more appreciation for my favorite vocalists. I don't think I have ever heard myself sing before. Now I know why one of my kindergarten fathers was concerned that his son was being taught to sing flat.

Melissa, you have lots of time, you could have a lot of fun with this. You can also choose to listen to other people by choosing whose picture you like. I noticed one good looking guy had several 'views' so I listened to him. He was soulful...sounded so romantic.

And Mitch you can make music and share it with us! Check it out.

Remember Zach?

My niece Sherry and her son Zach lived with us for a time in La Jolla when Meagan was a toddler. I think Meagan was two years older than Zach. The things I remember about Zach was his love of playing 'baseball' with his Mom and the speed with which he could take off in the mall (if he had a mind to) and what a darling boy he was. And, wow, look at him now...what a handsome guy.

Meagan and Kristi, do you remember playing with Zach those many years ago??? Kristi was just a baby so doubt she does.

Zach is a Texan. Cute girlfriend is named Belaca and evidently it is serious. Zach works as a valet while finishing his classes at Auburn Community College and will be going to Texas State to complete his marketing degree. Sherry says he is very friendly and quite the salesman. I remember Marilyn telling me he has supported himself for a long time and is a very good worker and student. So nice to get acquainted with you again, Zach. Thanks for the pix, Sherry.