Thanksgiving 2009

When I said it was a fallow time for writing I must have really meant it! To get caught up a little, PT has gone extremely well considering the complication during surgery. My scar is fading, range of motion is coming back, no pain when I raise my arm. All in all, I am glad I had shoulder surgery. We had Thanksgiving dinner at Heather and Jake's. The food was delicious! The little one was in her curious, observing mode being carried around mostly by Daddy. I worked on a 500 piece puzzle with Alyssa, Tracy and Kim. We got a good start! There was karaoke at the end of the evening. After Art and I got home, we watched the Jazz game. Actually, he watched it and I fell asleep before it was over and didn't wake up until 11: 40 PM or so. I didn't even put pj's on before crashing into bed, but I slept well. Thanks for the Thanksgiving memories everybody. I'm grateful for each of you.

Adam and Sam

I didn't have brothers growing up but it looks like siblings really can be close and caring.  It does my heart good when I see our children as they show their love for each other.  It doesn't matter whether it is by way of advise given, a repair on a house, a hug or pat on the back or even kind words and a smile.  Keep it up.  I suppose we all pick up hurts of one kind or another over the years but family bonds are irreplaceable.  These two are friends of our grandchildren.  They come from one special family--as is ours!

Decisions, Decisions

You rarely have time for everything you want in this life, so you have to make choices.Hopefully your choices can come from a deep sense of who you are and who you want to become.
-- Mr. Rogers

I find making decisions hard at times, because by making one you automatically eliminate another possibility.  The best decisions I have made have been influenced by turning my thoughts to the Savior and asking for his help--the decision to marry Art, the decisions to allow each of our children to obtain a mortal body and join us here on earth. And more recently, the decision to have hip replacement surgery and that incredible choice to give myself the chance to learn to play the cello as an almost beginner.  Now I have another decision facing me.  Maybe. On April 29th I have an appointment to have my shoulders evaluated.  They have been increasingly painful for several years.  The pain awakens me at night, and I have to get help when dressing--now that's a humbling thing!  My range of motion is greatly decreased.  As can be imagined, the shoulders have some part in playing the cello.  They certainly might impact my ability to hold a new baby!  So in April I will find out (hopefully) if, what and when to do something about (particularly) my right shoulder.  Sometimes I let doubt and fear creep in.  I need to remember that I can't go wrong if I really listen to the still, small voice.

Ground Zero

One of the places we wanted to visit on our trip to New York in January was the Statue of Liberty. We didn't get to do that--it was too cold while we were there. But another symbol of our liberty and reminder of how easy it could be to lose it, is Ground Zero. Heather took these photos from the window of a building across the street from the site. As you can tell, it is a construction zone now. We were touched by our tour given by a guide who was a former fireman, a man dug out from under the rubble. The visitors center had kleenex boxes strategically placed throughout. It was an emotional experience but one I am glad to have had. The hanging stone was part of a display honoring eleven American Express employees who happened to be in a meeting on that horrendous day--in the wrong place at the wrong time. The display was poignant. For days afterward everytime I talked about it I got choked up. The stone is a huge quartz. There were drops of water falling into the pool, alternating, spreading out ripples, overlapping each other. It represented the people and the tears shed on that day and since. Our experience here brought back a lot of memories of Sept. 11, 2001.

Times Square Billboard: Wicked: the Musical

Wicked, the Musical Play

Because I hadn't recharged my camera and didn't bring my recharger when we went to NY, I am dependent on the internet for photos.  This musical was one of the best I have ever seen.  We saw it at the Gershwin theater which our friend Royce calls a "barn".   It is huge.  We also had seats in the "nose-bleed" section but I actually loved the whole experience.  Because we were so high up we were able to see the stage hands who maneuvered the scenery.  And the scenery was amazing!  The whole show was so well done we were entranced and could hardly believe when it was over.  Then we just sat in our seats with tears running down our cheeks.  It was moving to me, the idea that we all have good and bad, that friendship and love are what matters most.  And there was something else which I can't describe in words but was akin to something true and spiritual.  I guess it is obvious that seeing Wicked was one of the highlights of our trip to New York.

New York in Late January

I just got back from Manhattan last Wednesday.  This photo is a picture of the exterior of Guggenheim Museum designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.  It is such an interesting contrast to the high rise apartments nearby.  Heather, Alyssa and I went on a girl's trip to visit our friends Royce and Noel.  They live in a wonderful apartment right in midtown.  I love NYC.  (That sounds like a slogan on a t-shirt!)  We bused to the museum because Heather wanted to find a shirt for her husband.  They only had XXL or S.  Wrong sizes!  I found a mobile with clips so you can change the look of it anytime you like.  I thought of using postcards--I have a collection of them--or family photos.  It is hanging in our living room now with pictures of the beautiful Southwest.  I cut up a small calendar purchased at the Strand Bookstore (18 miles of books), on sale for $1.  It looks especially nice when sunlight is coming through the window in the afternoon.  All the rich reddish-orange tones just glow!  More later on the trip.

Art Dances

Ever since I have known him, Art has used the expression "Might as well. Can't dance!" It got to be a family joke. If you said "Might as well..."someone was sure to complete the sentence. But no matter how many times I asked, he couldn't remember where he first heard the phrase. One day, an old movie was on TV and I heard someone say that very sentence. I got pretty excited and thought I would remember the movie and who said it. But, guess what...I don't remember. Help, anyone? Anyway, for once in Art's life he really can't dance at this moment. But someday maybe he will be moving freely again--even more than the man in this newspaper ad for Ballet West!

Like Father, Like Son

During the 70's, Art noticed himself making judgments of people solely on appearance. It was the hippy era and was easy to fall into that sort of thinking. So one summer, he decided to see what it felt like from the other side. We already were driving a VW bus, so that was in place. That was the summer he began growing a beard after school was out and his teaching duties were temporarily over. It was a good experience for him to see how others might feel, as he fielded the questioning or downright negative stares in his direction. However, we both liked the new look, so it became a pattern set for summertime. Chris, too, seems to like a vacation from shaving. This photo reminds me that the two of them are alike in many other good ways, as well.

It all depends on your perspective...

Last evening we celebrated Stephanie’s birthday as a family. Those who could make it went to Chris and Marsha’s at 7:00. We had the usual cake and ice cream, sang Happy Birthday, blew out the candles, Stephanie choosing to blow them out a few at a time. Her decision made for pretty good photos! There was jumping on the trampoline, playing with the pups, almost full-grown now, sitting around talking, catching up on each others’ lives. It was a pleasant evening, although Alyssa was sick, Tracy had a rehearsal, and Heather and Jake couldn’t make it, either . Low-key, just as I like it. Stephanie and I checked out her latest picture on this blog. We both remembered the night it was taken. Brittany and I talked about books and friends.

And I got one more in a series of photos of Nick from (shall we say) unusual angles. Last night’s was lying on his back with his legs up on the wall by the window. In the one I posted here he was sitting in old furniture, which used to be in our living room, during family home evening. It's really hard to tell that the shoe and the face were both from the same person. But no matter the angle, this is one fine young man. And I am hardly biased at all. Last night, I also got some straight on pictures of him smiling, with a cute haircut from Supercuts. From my perspective, you look great, Nick. And I suspect there are a quite a few younger females who would agree with me!

Sweets for the Sweet

As our family has grown up, one of the things we do to keep in touch is to meet somewhere and have lunch together. Each person seems to have their favorite place to go. With some, the tradition is going to Sam’s Club or Costco, shopping a bit, then eating in the food court. Not the greatest atmosphere probably, but it seems okay anyway. One person in particular likes El Farol, a little Mexican place a few blocks from here. It’s been fun to meet, order bean dip appetizer, then talk and eat. Other places we have gone are pretty generic: Chuck-r-Rama (sp?), Golden Corral, Olive Garden, etc. The guys like Astroburger, just down the road and over a block. Many of us have done Woody’s, Art’s favorite hamburger and shake drive-in. Unfortunately, (or maybe fortunately!) I’ve been quite reluctant since I realized that my whole allotment of points could easily be eaten in one meal. But Sweet Tomatoes has been a good gathering place. It is also where Art and I occasionally dropped in after physical therapy. It was close to the clinic, we could enjoy fresh vegetables and it was nice to have lunch before heading home. But I think the best gatherings of all have been Family Home Evening. And even if there were no food at all for a treat, the time together is very sweet and nourishing to me.

Daisy: Canine Grandchild #2

Our daughter Kimberly just left after the task of coloring my hair. Good job, Kim! Maybe the color is a somewhat lighter tint of Daisy's brown. At least it has a little red in it. Daisy arrived as a sibling to Kimberly's Chance as a full grown Bassett. At least physically. But she is like a youngster in some of her ways. Very affectionate. Desirous of attention. A little slow to obey. (Make that QUITE slow!) But she is so delightful and charming, a real personality girl, that it is easy to love her. Look at those soulful eyes! And that tail just ready to wag like crazy. What a good dog is Daisy.

Karaoke Night

Sometimes, as hard as you try, you can't keep the giggles inside! That's how it is with our family when we get together for a party, especially if karaoke is involved. Heather pulled out her machine and boy did the music and laughs ever begin! We enjoyed getting together at Heather and Jake's apartment in Herriman. Although they now have a home in West Point, I look forward to more happy times together.

Are We Prepared?

"The average guy on the street has nothing to worry about, there should be no panic whatsoever." – Gerard Cassidy, banking analyst

The headline today says, "Will your money be safe if the bank fails?" The people interviewed for the article are saying "yes". And yet...Art and I grew up as depression babies. We have a memory of the anxiety of our families as they dealt with difficult financial issues. We are evaluating our own readiness for a more challenging financial future. So, because of that, I have a couple of links to lessons on personal finance. (Check out "Roving the Internet" on the right column of this blog.) It may be time to get serious about the old truisms, "Pay as you go, save for a rainy day, get out of consumer debt." I think the advice regarding "no panic" is valid. I also think that rather than worry, I would like to thoughtfully and step by step become more self-sufficient and stable regarding our stewardship over the resources we have. Repairs and food storage are on our list of items to focus on. What about you?

Living Water

"...whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."
John 4:14
For many years we were blessed to have a steady source of water for our garden and backyard lawn. In spring, the water was clear. It was melted snow from the mountains to the east. Our children and grandchildren would run across the flooded lawn, gasping at first because the water was so cold. Later in the season, water was pumped into our irrigation canal source from Utah Lake to the south of us. Sometimes there was a surprise presented to either the lawn or garden, a big fish. That was then, this is now. The contract for water ran its course and was no longer available. We have to use culinary water now. We chose to sell the part of our property on which our beautiful vegetable garden was grown. Weeds flourish where we once planted Swiss chard and tomatoes, potatoes and lettuce and whatever else seemed like a fun experiment. (Kohlrabi and Jerusalem artichoke to name a couple.) The fruit trees and Black Walnut died. It has been a loss, but a necessary one, I suppose. When the water canal company said the lease was up, we had two choices. We could lose the water with no compensation or we could lose the water and be paid a little for the shares we owned. The latter decision was made. There is another choice I make daily. That is whether or not I allow "living water" into the garden of my life. It has been offered to me. There is no time limit nor lease to expire. It is my choice as to how much or whether I allow the gift of the Savior’s love to enter into my heart. Even when my ground is dry, there are times when I block that flow. There are times when it seems too hard to trust. There are times when I don’t feel worthy of it. But it is always there for me, running clear and beautiful, promising joy when I let it flood into my soul.

What is the date today?

I have a collection of calendars in my home. This year's accumulation began with teaching a lesson on Joseph Smith in November. The thought of using paintings by Liz Lemon Swindle as visual aids appealed to me a great deal. So I went over to my local bookstore and bought her new calendar, 2008 edition. I took it apart and mounted the pages needed on poster paper for the lesson. (Calendar #1) About the same time Harmon's pharmacy put out their yearly offering which is mounted for Tracy to use to keep track of his work schedule. (Calendar #2) My friend Ann Tolman gave us a beautiful calendar. There are exquisite cats illustrating it. (#3) Before the year was out I saw one which looked like scrapbook pages. I bought it so that we could glue on photos and make it personal. Then I forgot I had it for a while. (#4) Kimberly found wonderful small calendars for each member of the family. It was also one designed to be made into a scrapbook. (#5 & 6) Heather and Jake gave us a calendar made from special family photos they had taken. Costco was a little late, but we have it now and it is hanging in our computer room. (#7) Then there is my watch which also tells me the date. Does that count as #8? I may yet discover another way of keeping myself on track, like my organizer or pocket calendar. I love each one for a variety of reasons. Unfortunately, I still have to use these beautiful gifts and I expect that several times during the year someone or other in the family will have to go around and change the month so my calendar collection can remain up-to-date!

I Love to Blog

There are certainly dangers in using the internet, but I have found a new way to communicate with our adult children. It is not that we don’t have time to talk together, because they all live nearby and we do see each other often. But sometimes in the crunch of quick visits, it is not as easy to catch up on activities and some of the deep thinking going on within the family. Enter BLOGGING!
I now have my very own web page and can update it anytime I want. I became interested through some of our very computer literate children. Alyssa began the process of having a blog (short for web log) quite a while ago. There were attempts to get others to join in. I thought it sounded interesting but intimidating and put the idea on file for another time. I also had some concerns about privacy. Finally "another time" came when Heather gave us access to her chronicle as written on her web page. It was delightful and gave a glimpse into her life that I treasured. Then she offered to help as I set up my own. We began on the evening of October’s Priesthood conference. I drove to her apartment and, as I am a morning person, she began the computer work, asking my opinion every step of the way. I gave the page a name, she found a picture on the internet that was free and appropriate and then she began doing the steps to get it ready for me. Heather made her web page using HTML (which I really don’t understand yet) but did mine following an easy format. We just had to select from the options given. I guess I am good at copying because I chose to set up mine with her ideas as a template. It contains a profile of me, a section for a photo of the week, a list of what I am doing in various areas of my life right now and a thought to ponder. These can be changed at anytime. Then I have a main part on which I can post anything I want. Kimberly showed me how to get photos onto the page. One evening Heather came over to show me how to delete photos and change their position. I am waiting for new lessons from one of them on how to make links to other places of interest on the internet. I’m excited about this! I know the internet can be misused, but it is also another way to share thoughtfully, to bear testimony, to practice writing skills and to love.
For me, having a web page and being able to blog is a good thing!

Visions of Gingerbread

Putting together a gingerbread house has been a family tradition for many years. It began with a recipe and a pattern using a cereal box for the template. That was really starting from scratch! We enjoyed doing it and the results were quite a bit like my Photo of this Week. Gradually life became more complicated and kits became more available. So each year buying and putting together a gingerbread house was essential. As grandchildren were old enough, they, too, became part of this process. When Nick was about three, he could hardly wait to have dad and grandpa come view the finished product! Some years we ate the pieces on New Years Day. Always a few candies were popped in the mouth when no one was looking. Sometimes I wanted it to remain; by the time I was ready to let go, it was so stale that even the birds didn't want to eat the remnants. This year has been a time to simplify. Each time we saw a gingerbread house kit in the store, Art would ask if I wanted to get one. Unfortunately, I couldn't muster the enthusiasm to do it. When I finally decided that, yes, maybe I would at least get a gingerbread nativity kit, they were sold out. So for this year, the picture will suffice to remind me of times past and maybe, just maybe, some fun possibilities for the future.