Rehearsal for the Wedding

On Friday, August 16 we were invited to the rehearsal in Balboa Park of Mitch and Bahia's wedding.  Stephanie, Carole's daughter, had flown down from Montana and she is taking charge of Maria's dog.

Michael actually came in from North Carolina on Tuesday and flew up to Reno on Wednesday to drive me down to San Diego.  We had a nice visit coming down and we got there in good time.  Bahia's brother in law is going to marry them.

Bahia looks so cute in her cool short dress practicing coming down the walk.

Bahia with her nieces.  They have called Mitch, Uncle Mitch, from the beginning of their romance.  He fit right into the family!

The ladies in the wedding party.  Melissa in the middle and Bahia's sister, sister in law and college friend plus the nieces.

Others in the wedding party are Mitch's father Mark and his wife and Maria, of course.  Also the nephew.

John Douglas and John Hardy

Back in the day.....wonder if they know each other in heaven?

Dr, James Gray, new Cardioligist

Turns out it is a good thing I am going to be in San Diego longer because Dr. Gray is my new cardiologist and he is somewhat of an expert in my problem with the aortic valve.  I will have the echocardiogram on the 15th and meet with him on the 28th.  Originally the gal said I could be a new patient of his but he had no openings until Sept 25.  However, when I explained I would only be there three weeks, she got me in.  Scripps is good about that.

Sweet Charli

The other day there was a video  if Charli actually climbing up one of those rock walls with Sarah.  All the big kids were doing it and she wanted to do it, too, I couldn't get a pix of it but she is so fearless.  Only 3!!  Sarah was helping her.

Really Pumping High Today

Kristi's Family

I sent out an email to see if any of my grandchildren wanted any of the stuff I am decluttering out the door.  Kristi wanted lincoln logs but they were gone last year to a pre-school.  But she also wants a lot of games and sent a few pix.  Looks like they are having a fun summer, especially the last one.

Classmate Obert Undem Obituary

You surely do not know in high school what kind of life is ahead for each of us.  Obert turned out to be quite a catch, but we surely did not know that.  I do not recall that any of us had dated him.  Very interesting life.   There were 8 of us honored with high grades and he was one of them, he planned on being a biology teacher.  I thought we were listed as honorees according to our rating but he was after me so that could not have been.  He was a brain.  I never knew that local people had financed his education.  That is really wonderful.

 

Obert Undem descended from pioneer Norwegian ranchers, born in the Great Depression and hardened by toil on the family ranch north of Glendive, Montana. Obert Undem later lived an extraordinary life as a lawyer, banker, and philanthropist.

His life was filled with art, music, travel, and gourmet cooking — his own --- any dish that he cooked would be a delicious part of a wonderful meal. He loved to cook a meal for a party of friends or family. Obert enlivened his time with friends through a lively wit and intelligent conversation. He was known for his “Obert-isms”, pithy observations, like “Every good day is one day less of winter” and “I’m not a quitter, but I have a fast watch”.

He was devoted to his steadfast companion, his wife Ginny, who was always at the heart of his life. She, along with many friends, advocated he publish a cookbook of his recipes. That never materialized, although he unselfishly shared them when asked.

Undem attended a one-room schoolhouse on Deer Creek before going to high school in Glendive where a kindly couple, who hired him to mow their lawn and shovel their walks, took notice of his academic achievements. Retired banker, Robert H. Watson, and his wife, Ino DeLong Watson, who he fondly called “Auntie Mame,” underwrote his education at Carleton College, which they had attended, and later his pursuit of a post-graduate education at Harvard.
“My education was provided by someone who gifted it to me,” he recalls. “They paid all my expenses -- that was an incredible thing for them to do -- and all I did was mow their lawn when I was a kid.” 

That memory inspired his work at Rocky Mountain College where he raised millions of dollars to help students through building endowments that would ensure the future benefit of students.

His bachelor of arts degree was awarded cum laude in 1957 from Carleton College, Northfield, Minnesota; his master’s in business administration was from Harvard University School of Business Administration, Boston, in 1957; and his Juris doctorate degree was conferred by William Mitchell College of Law, St. Paul, Minnesota in 1963. 

Undem came to Rocky Mountain College in 1995, after a 15-year career as a solo practitioner as an estate and tax planning attorney in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Prior to that, he had a 20-year career as a bank president, trust officer, and consultant in Minnesota, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. He was a recently retired member of the Bar Associations of Montana, Arkansas, and Minnesota. He served 30 years as a director of the Mid-America Arts Alliance in Kansas City, Missouri.
Undem served as a board member of many civic, cultural and commercial organizations, among them the Minneapolis Society of Fine Arts, the Minneapolis Art Institute, the Arkansas Symphony, the Montana Community Foundation, the Billings Community Foundation and the Rocky Mountain College Institute for Peace Studies.

His honors include selection as the Outstanding Professional Fundraiser of the Year 2008, awarded by the Montana Chapter of the Association of Professional Fundraisers, and an Honorary Doctorate in Public Service by Rocky Mountain College in 2010. The Billings Community Foundation honored his legacy by creating the Obert Undem Community Vitality Endowment, in recognition of his determined advocacy for community foundations across Montana.

Undem is survived by his wife of 36 years, Virginia (Ginny) Undem, his son, Steve Undem of Morrow, AR, and his daughter, Carolyn Hollingsworth of Springdale, AR. He is also survived by his grandchildren – Amanda Bayley, Sara Tice, Mia Undem and Zac Undem along with several great-grandchildren. 

My Hero

Sadie has a friend that visits her at least twice a day.  It is the dog who lives behind us, facing another street.  The dog likes to pee on everything when she is here and I do not mind the dirt but on the deck I do not like.  I really gave him a scolding the other day and Sadie took note.

Today, when the dog started to pee on one of the gardens, Sadie immediately made him stop and then stayed close to him as to say, "You cannot do that here, but I am still your friend, "  and then Sadie looked back at me and I praised her, and she wagged her tail, happily.

It is amazing how smart Sadie is and what an understanding companion. MY HERO!  She has an appointment to get groomed next week!!!!  She gets really tuckered out watching over me.

Boston Cream Pie

A couple of weeks ago I was at the Susanville Market and starting having a conversation with one of the clerks.  I said that someone had told me they had good 'Boston Cream Pie' and I saw that they had several in the food case.  I decided to try one and ended up getting for free because I had over $100 in groceries that day.

Then I made the comment that we used to be able to buy a cake mix with instructions and ingredients for such a pie.  Another clerk agreed with me.  It was one of my favorite desserts when I was raising my children.

I ended up not liking the way they made the Boston Cream Pie but it kept nagging at me till yesterday I decided to make it myself.  Yes, it did taste as good as the package mix I remember but I should not have made it. 

I have got to off this sugar track I have been on this summer.  It makes me listless and fat and I do not want to go down that route again!!!!

However, I would like to know why they quit making the mix!!!!

Kristi's Summer

I sent Kristi a message to say I sent them a Marco Polo and hoped someone would talk back to me about what they were doing, hadn't seen any pix for a while so she immediately sent me some.  Brynn also Marco Poloed me but the little vixen used the funny voice trick and I really could not understand a word she said but appreciated the attention anyway.  Kristi said they have had visitors all summer and it has been crazy.  So glad they have lots of cousins to visit them.

This picture is when Linda had her crew there celebrating her birthday.  We have Molly with a cowboy hat in the back with Tanner in his own cap.  And then Sarah, Kristi, and Kate in cowboy hats.  I told Linda that Kristi was so beautiful and she said, I know.  Look at those eyes, she really has them mastered!!!  

This must be Kristi's children with Mike's sisters' children sitting on top of their wonderful hot tub in the yard of their new house.

Same crew, different venue!

Ditto.

Ditto!!  Fun summer in Henderson and surrounding area!.

Lily Time

The Lillies bloomed late this year and many of the stems did not have flowers on them and there is fewer every year.  Whether it is the squirrels, my gardening techniques, the pine trees, or the soil, I have no idea.  I just try to keep them watered and fed and whatever happens, happens.  But you have to look hard in these pictures to even see them.

Me, Today

My Dr once corrected me and said my eyes are not getting smaller, the skin is just closing in around them.  Well, it keeps happening, and with my yellow teeth, scant eyebrow, brown spots, and tiny eyes I look older and older but actually since the derm changed all my beauty products my skin does look better without eczema all over.  Why am I plagued by allergies?  I have been sleeping with the windows open and then close in the daytime and it keeps the house cool all day long but I am so stuffed up in the morning, even though I take allergy pills.  I really should not be living up here in the mountains but I do love the peace and quiet and Sadie loves being able to roam quite a bit without getting in trouble.  She is at the patio door to go out before her friend dog even gets halfway from his house to ours.  I do not know what she hears?  Amazing.

Maria and Johnny in Hawaii

Maria and Johnny use some of the timeshare points and spend a week on the big island this time!!

Pesky Squirrels

They have a whole 1/2 acre to dig holes in but one of them prefers the soft dirt in the planter.  He makes a long hole but does not put anything in it.  What a mess.  I tried spraying the dirt in the planters with mint spray(scope) but they do not seem to mind it.

Solar Works!

I bought this little solar gadget to keep the water moving in the birdbath so mosquitoes will not populate.  Trouble is the sun only hits this particular spot about twice a day and can't find a better place to put it.  Yes, there is not much sun at my house, but it keeps me cool on a hot day!

Linda's Birthday in Henderson

Linda and her family spent a few days in Henderson after their hike through Moab and these are the pictures I got.

 Linda's children who helped celebrate her birthday are Sarah, Tanner, Amy, Kristi and Harper Jo (Amy's baby)

Molly (Krist's) was also there and I guess Charli loves to tag after Molly.

Charli was proud to show her decorated legs and the hand-me-down shoes from Molly!

Harper Jo had a big smile for somebody.

Aspartame

I read several articles about aspartame.  Why it ever got approved is very strange considering how bad it is for you.  Supposedly it was political.  All of the possible dangers I have been experiencing the past few weeks.

About six weeks or more ago I decided I wanted a root beer float so I bought A & W diet rootbeer and some plain vanilla.  It was so tasty I kept on drinking it every day until I was up to three or four cans a day!!!!

Anyway, I have been so depressed, foggy brain, fatigue, headache, blurred vision, gained weight, big middle, huge appetite, craving more pop, more carbs, more sugar, more food!!!  Just look at me, tired looking!!!

Today I had trouble trying to fix my dishwasher.  I think I just will not use it anymore!!!  Anyway, after working for an hour on it I went into my bedroom and cried loudly for a half hour.  I have not cried like that since Richard died!  I very seldom can cry except for a few tears.  But I have been so frustrated on things I cannot do anymore plus all things above and I felt like I was crying for everything I ever lost or had taken away from, everything I had not succeeded in, every frustration and I just had to get it all out.  It was good for me!!!   I think I should have cried a lot more over the years.  Maria says it is good because you are getting in touch with your feelings.  This is something I rarely do I guess.  After I cried I put a damp cloth on my eyes and lay down for an hour listening to Chris Botti music.  Then I showered, shampooed, dressed, etc and took Sadie for a walk around the block!!  I feel much better.

But I am throwing out the root beer and reading labels again and staying away from as much processed food as I can and hopefully I will get back to feeling good again!!!  As bad as sugar is I do believe the aspartame is much worse and I know I am very sensitive to things I ingest.  I just cannot go back to where I came from before I lost weight.  So, eight pounds, you are coming off and I am going to start more walking and physicality.

All Is Well

PA Nielsen had me get an ultrasound on my cheek but they were not able to get a clear picture except to say they did see a lesion (that means something that could be cancerous or not).  Suggested having a CT Scan.

Meanwhile, my salivary gland does seem to be getting smaller with the treatment I have been doing.

I did the blood test and urine test after had taken cephalexin... for 5 days.   All looks ok.  The CT Scan guy was a real gentleman plus he had no problem putting the needle in and getting into the blood vessel and the scan was fast.  He says he has been doing it for 30 years and he was good.

I pulled the result off the patient portal and it was all good.  They could see it but nothing to worry about, meanwhile it is still getting smaller.

PA Nielsen called and said all good news and she or her assistant would call later with detail.  Neither called but I think they must be swamped with Dr. Salihi now gone.

I still do not have my 2nd pneumonia shot and should call about that.  And I really do not know exactly why it flared up in the first place.  Maybe I will never know why but the treatment worked to get it back to a normal size so I guess it does not matter why.

P S, I finally did get my 2nd pneumonia shot and the gal explained to me that for people over 65 they are recommending two different types of pneumonia shots being given at least six months apart.

Doug Thayne and Bride

My sister Jeanne's son Doug Thayne was sealed to Debra Buxton on June 21 in the Salt Lake Temple.  Jeanne said the reception was very large at the Hotel Utah and she saw many of Doug's friends whom she has not seen in years.  She can't remember what Debra does but she really likes her.  They look extremely happy.

I believe this a daughter of Debra.  I took the picture off of Facebook.

Clogged Salivary Gland

This week I had a new and interesting dilemma.  On Monday, I noticed there was a hard knot below my right cheekbone.  It hurt when I touched it but otherwise did not.  It was not as painful as my abscessed tooth was and it did not appear to be near my tooth roots, so ruled that out.

I could not find lymph nodes in that area according to a computer search and no glands so what was it.  I imagined having cancer cut out of my face!!!

I got called in for my second pneumonia shot that was missed and so I told the nurse about the problem and the Dr determined it was a clogged salivary gland.  The glands that make your saliva.  She showed me a picture on the computer and it is shaped like South America.   I was not given my shot.  She told me what to do about this problem and she gave me an antibiotic prescription.

She told me to suck on acidic items like limes and lemon drops, drink lots of water, massage it, use warm compresses on it and she made an appointment for me to see PA Nielsen the next day as she will be out of the office.  Dr Salihi is moving next week anyway and I am being shifted over to the PA.  She also said if it got a lot bigger to go to the emergency room.  I may have to see an E.N.T. also.

I also found a website that said holding hot water in the mouth for at least five minutes was good.  This is not easy.

The next day I saw Theresa Nielson, the PA, an interesting redhead who has a lot of fun in life I think.  She decided an ultrasound should be done and hoped it would be ready tomorrow.  They did it rather quickly I thought.

Mary Anne called the next day and said she and Mason had caught about 10 trout and did I want one.  I told her I had to come into the PAs next day and would love to stop by for the fish.   But, next day, no call on the test so I called and the secretary said ultrasound not in, but she would make an appt for Monday and tell the PA I called as soon as she came out of seeing a patient.

I went in to get my fish anyway and it was delicious and that night the PA called at 6:30 pm and apologized and said she wanted to see me Monday to talk about the ultrasound.  Meantime, I am continuing my treatment.

I think it is getting smaller!!!!!!!!!!

Bone Health

Scripps suggested I get the once a year bone density infusion when I go south next year.  You should not register over 3 in the bone density test and I had a 4.6.  I will consider it.   In the meantime, I should boost up my bone health by:

D3 5000 and Calcium 1200 a day
3 10 minute brisk walks a day
Dancing while watching TV
Continue my watering and other yard chores I do on my feet
Do balancing exercises such as Tai Chi
Do yoga
Do low intensity exercising

In other works as much on my legs and feet is good, not so much sitting!!!!

My Mind????!!!!!!

It is so amazing to me how I forget what I should be doing!!!  Margot and I talked a long time and she told me she has a couple grands with autism.  I asked if they were on a special diet and she said No.  So I told her about the "Breaking the Vicious Cycle" and how diet helps autism.  She said she ordered the books for herself and her children.

And then I was thumbing through the book and reminded myself of some of the bad eating habits I was starting again and how could I forget after what I went through to heal my gut.  I just can't believe how my mind does not function as well as it should anymore, it is most stressing and why it is important to keep this Blog going as it is a great resource for me to review what I have learned!!!!

Kelly and Collin are at Linda's!

Kelly and Collin are at Linda's for the summer and working at the office.  Plans are to go to LA in the fall and go to PA Med School.  Kelly taught school in Rexburg last year.  Seems just yesterday I was visiting and Kelly was going to Community College in Clairemont and then she transferred to BYU Ricks, married, got her teaching degree and became a teacher.  So proud of her accomplishments.  

They keep in great physical condition as well as the rest of the family and Collin has been working full time since he finished at BYU Ricks.  As does Craig keep in great physical shape, he always looks so handsome.  And they all try hard to eat healthily!!!  Although we ladies all have the pull for sugar!!!

Mary and Jeanne turn 90 this summer.

Cheri and Kathy are doing a 90's birthday book for Mary whose birthday is in July, and Jeanne's is also!!  Anyway, I put together a page, they wanted a pix of me with Mary and some way she affected my life or something like that.  I shared with how kind and interested Mary always was in my me and my friends.  She had good advice and she helped with picking out clothes at the store.  She always had time and was interested to help.  A very special lady.  The picture is between first and second year of college.  That is baby Roddy with us sisters and Mary.  Jeanne was married and living in Orem by then.

Guess I should have edited the pix, you can see my bare feet and my favorite pajamas!!  The last few years I have stuck with my Lauren pajamas, I love them.  And when I was in San Diego Maria ordered a pair for me while we were having lunch.  We thought she was in the Nordstrom site and she was in the Lauren site.  We found it was cheaper to order them directly from that website.  I will have to remember that!!!!

So Sad!!!

June 16, 2009 I just can't seem to pull myself out of this "sad" mode.  Not being able to get handyman help on the roof and painting is part of it.  Then the recent deaths in the past month have been haunting me.

Nani (from my San Diego friends) went in for a small back operation and stayed the night and in the morning she was having difficulty breathing.  They worked on her for 3 hours and she died.  Evidently, a blood clot went straight to her heart.  Margot called me, this was all she knew.

Then John's close friend John D found out he had lung cancer 8 months ago and he died last weekend.  Much too young.  James has been asked to speak at his funeral this next Thursday.  I sent a card and a couple of pix from Meagan's 2004 birthday (which John D had attended) to Jenny.  But it has plagued me as so sad and why.  Why are some of us living so much longer and yet so many young people are dying way too soon?

James, John, Gary July, 2004

Linda and James' families with John D and his three children, Meagan and myself, plus Maria's daughter Melissa, and Gary's niece, July 2004.

Debbie and Bruce's Daejon

 

New Hairstylist

I used this picture to show Carree in Susanville how I would like my hair cut, kind of shaggy.  Marilyn Thurgood had given me her name as being good.  It is funny, I have used this pix with Cheryl and the gal in Carlsbad and they all do it differently.  Anyway, I have been to Carree twice and I think she is the closest though all have a problem with the bangs and very back.  Of course, my hair is probably the problem!!!

Family Love

Kristi is visiting from Las Vegas and Craig from Los Angeles.

Sarah is home from her mission and posing with big brother Craig.

Yard is so Clean

Linda helped me do a lot of the raking this year and then Nathan and son came and hauled it all away!!!  And I have been keeping it up, it looks very clean, front and back!!!

I have a new hammock and do not want to the squirrels to chew the cords for their nests.  I read that they do not like a mint taste so I have put Scope mouthwash all over the cords.  I hope it works.  I got one bag of sand but Maryanne brought me a bag of the right kind from Chico.  The big problem is the deck and its need for a coverall paint.  I asked Nathan to do it and he said he would but I am concerned because his son did the white on the house trim and it is terrible!!  Joe said I should get my money back.  It will have to be redone.  I also need to find someone to get rid of the moss on the roof!!

I finally put the cushions out but the deck looks so bad.  The hens and chickens did so well I put them in the succulent pot as all the succulents had died over the winter.

We went to the Nursery and bought our plants before Mother's Day but then it turned cold, however, finally got them all out.  The Impations do not look good this year!!!  But the geraniums look terrific.  Need more pix!!

Charli is Birthday Girl Today!

This is the birthday gift I sent to Charli from Amazon.  Such a darling girl.

And here is Harper.  I sent her a little top and rompers from Amazon.  Hope the quality was ok.