Hackworthappenings

My Personal Best

2012-01-28T06:56:00.000-08:00

A great deal of the time it's really just a matter of luck:

IF you get high counter letters....

IF you get a double or triple word space....

Here both of those factors combined to get me a one-time score that is my personal best:

I don't mean to brag, but can you see that it is 141 points??!?!

You will notice that I also have two other very high counters in the tray: Q, X.

So, for this game, the opponent is unlikely to beat me...luck of the draw, as I say.

Sign of the Time

2012-01-27T05:45:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite from China:

Pillow Talk

2012-01-26T06:20:00.000-08:00

The talk is all about the pillows...

the number of pillows, that is.

For you see, fashion dictates a large number.

Which means that I, of course, would want what fashion dictates.

RAH wants one - and one only - to rest his weary head. He gets frustrated each night throwing off pillow after pillow...and besides, he says...."Who ever sees our bed and bedroom with all those pillows?"

Not our bedroom,
illustration purposes only.
our bed is now minus MOST of our decorative pillows......

Such challenges in a relationship...ah, me........

All in Favor of the E-Reader!

2012-01-25T09:51:00.000-08:00

The speaker left no doubt as to her feelings;

the e-reader is evil.

I can understand her feelings, but I am in love, and she just can't convince me.

Yesterday, I had to wait in a fairly lengthy line. Normally, I would be annoyed, upset, disgusted.

But, I just pulled out my phone with the Kindle app and started reading. And, then, actually, the line moved TOO quickly!

It's so convenient, so handy, so ever present. If I can carry a purse, I can carry my e-reader.

People say it can never replace the thrill of opening a book; well, there is that. That is a feeling I have loved for many years.

But, it can certainly replace having to lug around a 900 page book (Charles Dickens type book!)

So, to each his own.

For me, my own choice is fervently an e-reader...

Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got to get back to my Kindle.

Breakfast for the Busy College Student

2012-01-25T09:45:00.000-08:00

Fruit/spinach smoothie with a bagel. This is what ShE eats a lot of mornings. She says she likes it.

I just told her the story of my mother's college experience with eating.

She was dished out a couple of tablespoons of hot mush every morning at her uncle's home. When she arrived home from school in the later afternoon, she was starving and just wanted to eat. But, unless she was offered something, she didn't get anything. It was not a pleasant time or memory for my dear mother.

I don't want Daisy to feel that way at all at our home...so eat up, sweetie, whatever you see/want; it's yours!

Happy Chinese New Year

2012-01-24T04:38:00.000-08:00

I'm remembering what we were doing exactly one year ago; fun, fun memories indeed!

I have such fond memories of our stay in China....

What a great blessing and opportunity that was for both of us!

Loads of Chinese goods for sale to help celebrate the NEW YEAR!

Little Wing, one of Allen's students took us around ; it was a perfect day. She just emailed Allen a picture of the dragon in honor of this year's Year of the Dragon. Oh, she was a dear one, that Little Wing!

Pick your dinner!

Every restaurant was SUPER crowded as families came to share in the joy of the New Year!

So, what happens in a family when there are twins? Double the fun!

What's for Dinner??????

2012-01-22T06:54:00.000-08:00

Smoothie... (see previous post)

or

Juice

Going Green

2012-01-20T06:23:00.000-08:00

Everyone's jumping on the bandwagon...

the word is all about

G.R.E.E.N.

So, of course, I wanted to join in the fun. (Thanks, Carisa, for the motivation.)

Yup, that's right, Allen and I are part of the green smoothie revolution.

Here are some of the veggies we have used:

celery
carrots
spinach
kale
parsley
broccoli
cauliflower
cucumber

It's not as tasty as a pepperoni pizza, but it sure is healthy!

Or, so they say.

The Learning Curve

2012-01-17T05:02:00.000-08:00

It was such a thoughtful gift.

I have it right next to the chocolates from J & J.

I wear the UV jacket from Kro; wrapped in the cozy warm blanket from J & A to keep warm, while I'm working on it.

But, dear RJ; there's a lot to learn here!

Thanks for setting it all up, and giving me a few basic lessons....

My new motto:

I do love Apples!

Who Knew? Not I!

2012-01-16T14:01:00.000-08:00

Kristi once told me that she just plays around with letters....

So, here I am playing around with letters to come up with the word:
JOLE....

Never heard of it. Have no clue what it means.

But, hey, it was worth 99 points...no complaints in this department.

A Blast From the Past

2012-01-16T12:01:00.000-08:00

My cousin sent me this picture today;

totally made me smile....

Yep, it's ROMNEY FOR PRES all right;

just a totally different generation!

This is Mitt Romney's father, George, kicking off his presidential campaign in New Hampshire at my cousin's home. My cousin, Glendon, is right next to George Romney.

I'm lovin it...how fun is this?

Thirteen Things to Be Grateful For on Friday 13

2012-01-13T06:42:00.000-08:00

In no specifc order of relevance:

1. Home that is paid for
2. Income
3. America
4. Car that works
5. Family/friends
6. Good Husband
7. Senses: eyesight, mobility, hearing, touch, taste
8. Gadgets and Gizmos to make life so much easier
9. Living in this little corner of Southern Utah
10. Adequate food and water
11. God's incredibly beautiful earth
12. A Mind; it's getting very forgetful, but it's still a little bit there.
13. MOST IMPORTANT: Saviour, Gospel, Scriptures

So many things to be thankful for; 13 is just a start.

From the Sunday Files

2012-01-13T06:27:00.000-08:00

Totally made me laugh when I came across this in my Sunday journal....obviously I wasn't feeling the spirit much this day!

Gratitude Attitude

2012-01-12T02:51:00.000-08:00

"I'll never give that family another thing!" she told me one afternoon.

"I gave the son a gift for the wedding, and I ain't never heard nothin' bout it!"

She is the most generous neighbor I have ever encountered.

We simply cannot outgift her.

She has brought us:
fresh fruit,
vegetables,
soups,
entire dinners,
chips,
cookies,
etc.

But, she also has reminded me how important it is to say those two little words that mean a lot:

THANK YOU!

So, Thank you, Barbara for your many kindnesses to us over the last two years.

Thank you, family, for your wonderful Christmas gifts.

Thank you, Allen, for being such a good man.

And, thank you, Heavenly Father, for a wonderful world.

New Best Friend

2012-01-11T08:52:00.000-08:00

It's not pretty....it's not something to be shown in public..it's not for everyone...but it has been PERFECTADEMENTE for me.

Since about April 2011, I have suffered greatly with plantar fasciitis. I have tried various things to help with the heel pain; exercises, medicines, shoe insert made specifcally to fit my foot, etc. Nothing seemed to help.

But, one plane flight, I saw this advertised in the skymall catalogue. It seemed ridiculous that something like this could possibly help, so I didn't order it. How could sleeping with this thing on a foot make any difference....I discounted it.

The pain continued unabated....it was so hard to just simply walk around. So, I broke down and ordered this silly looking contraption, which I wear at night.

The difference in my morning foot pain is just amazing and incredible.

So, it may be a placebo, but I'm sticking to it.

San Diego - Basketball

2012-01-10T11:00:00.000-08:00

Basketball.
Practice twice a week; games once a week...
Multiply that by two boys and that's a lot of basketball every week.
GO, OSCAR!

San Diego - Leiutenant Commander

2012-01-10T10:52:00.001-08:00

Ah, those hansome men in uniform!

San Diego - Balboa Park

2012-01-09T09:21:00.000-08:00

San Diego - Threesome

2012-01-05T18:35:00.000-08:00

Don't California and In-n-Out Burgers just go hand-in-hand?

Of course, they do.

There they are; three handsome, mighty fine young men.

Sayre
Bridger
Oscar...

And one last one of Sayre enjoying his burger....

San Diego - Lieutenant Commander

2012-01-05T18:29:00.000-08:00

He doesn't wear his uniform very often, but when he does, he looks mighty sharp!

San Diego; Shoes for Sale

2012-01-05T09:19:00.001-08:00

Ouch, I feel my feet hurting already.

San Diego...Wish You Were Here

2012-01-04T08:37:00.000-08:00

I Love San Diego;
weather,
family,
fun on every corner,
and did I mention, WEATHER?

Thanks to Jeremy I am Now a NEW.....

2012-01-04T08:23:00.000-08:00

MAC USER!

Well, I will be when we get home to Utah!

Thanks so much, Jeremy and Carisa. I can hardly wait.

NOTE (RAH has informed me in no uncertain terms, that I can't go to him for help!)

The Telephone Call

2012-01-02T09:29:00.000-08:00

"Is Loni there?" the lady on the other end of the phone asked RAH.

Now, here is what I WISH could have been said:

"No, I'm sorry, but she just ran outside to give CPR to a little boy who fell off his scooter."

or....

"She's on the other line with her publisher...they are trying to finish up her latest novel which comes out next month."

or even this would be good....

"Actually, she's out in the barn helping with a new-born calf that was having problems."

or perhaps...

"She's helping our grandson learn to play Handel's Hallelujah chorus on the piano."

But in actuality, what he HAD to say was this....

"Well, she's taking a nap right now."

Ouch, that stings.

Feeling Grateful

2012-01-01T06:31:00.000-08:00

2011 - a year from the past.

Maybe some day we'll remember it as the good old days.

And, yes, there were many good days...it's true.

So, that's what I want to focus on today...the good days of 2011:

Eli's baptism
Carisa, Alyson, and Kaelyn's baptism
the entire family together for Thanksgiving 2011
Trips to Virignia, Florida, Massachusetts, South Carolina,
Completing our assignment in China
Sean coming home from his mission
Jenni's graduation with her doctorate in nursing.
My heart fills with gratitude at the many blessings of this year.

Thank you, Heavenly Father for the gift of LIFE.

Now, let's hear it for 2012!

Gotta Love These Two Little GIrls

2011-12-29T06:32:00.000-08:00

Two days after Christmas...

the doorbell rings in the late afternoon...

there stand Riley and Brynn...

S.I.N.G.I.N.G....

"We Wish You a Merry Christmas!"

Riley explained,
"We just wanted to bring some Christmas spirit to the neighborhood."

Ahhhhhhhh, they did just that!

Merry Christmas 2011

2011-12-26T19:49:00.000-08:00

A traditional Christmas dinner of turkey/ham, mashed potatoes, beans, dressing, rolls.

Joining us this year for the celebration were Dr. Allen Sun and his 15 year old daughter, Cindy, from Guangzhou, China.

It's been fun to share Christmas traditions with people who know very little about the origins and traditions of this most significant holiday.

A Visitor Better Than Santa!

2011-12-24T07:40:00.000-08:00

.

Oh, I love my family and I love it when family gets together...nothing like it in the world....

so it was a fun surprise when my youngest brother from Texas/Michigan said he was dropping in for a short visit.

He was in Las Vegas meeting up with some of his children, and he and his awesome wife drove up to say hello. Oh, I love that guy; he's Mr. Personality - Mr. Nice Guy....and he genuinely is.

Three of his children, one daughter-in-law, a nephew and family from Boulder City, and Jenni, joined in the fun. Oh, I LOVE my family!

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for the gift of family; I'm grateful.

we sang, laughed, ate, told stories, sang some more, and then POOF, it was time for everyone to depart...

NOT Made in America

2011-12-23T04:46:00.000-08:00

In just a few hours, our Chinese visitors will arrive:

Dr. Allen Sun and his 14 year-old daughter, Cindy.

Unfortunately, dear wonderful Lily (wife/mother) is staying in China while Allen and Cindy study here in America for one year.

Since they will be here for Christmas, we wanted to get them some Christmas gifts.

Our Goal:

Buy Products MADE IN AMERICA!

End result; very dismal indeed.

It seems EVERyThiNG is made in CHINA...and how ridiculous is that to give gifts to our Chinese visitors that were made in THEIR country!

Anyway, it makes me sad.

I want to support America. I want to buy American-made products.

Maybe, sometime in the future, we will be back to labels which read:
MADE IN AMERICA!

I hope so.

You've Got Mail!

2011-12-23T03:11:00.000-08:00

I love to hear from our Chinese students; here's a letter I just received from Elaine...it made me totally smile. She referred to last year when I taught them about Christmas caroling. We went outside to sing to the students as they were heading home from classes. Fun times indeed!

Also, she refers to Allen as handsome, which he is, but my students always commented on how handsome he was. That makes me smile even more.

Oh, Elaine, and all you other 400 students that we taught over the course of the year, you have left a lasting impact on my life!

Dear Mrs. Hackworth:

Merry Christmas!

Sorry for writing to you so late. But the truth is that each of us misses you very much. I think you must feel the same.

Christmas is coming; I still remember the last year you spend your day in china. How time flies, right? We think of the day you let us sing jingle bells on the pathway of our school. We still remember you taught us how to use the elf. (Laughing…) All of these memories are so sweet. Thank you for bringing us such an unforgettable year. We would treasure what you have taught us forever.

Now we all are preparing for the final exam now. We really miss your classes, your funny talks as well as your final test. We have so much that we want to talk to you. But maybe next time we can talk more.

Wish you and handsome Allen merry Christmas again! And please give my best regards for your family.

Best wishes!

Elaine

note: this picture below is not the caroling from Elaine's class...this picture - from a student - was from another class (a very big class) when we went Christmas caroling down the hall to the technicians. It's just an example of how I taught them about Christmas caroling.....

From My Inbox...

2011-12-22T05:58:00.000-08:00

Hello, dear Lingling! It has been one year that you had return to US. We all miss you and Christmas is coming noon, I think you have planned a funny holiday! Merry Christmas!

I feel very sad resently becauce I failed my IELTS test again and again, I feel disappointed and lose heart. In this New Year, I have to prepare the test the third time, I don't know whether I can pass, but I really want to make my parents happy. Last mounth, I spent all the mounth to prepare the test, I was confident but I still failed. I want to get 6 marks, but I always get 5 marks, I don't know how I should do. I want to listen to you.

yours,

Iris

This letter made my heart ache.

Oh, how our dear students want to pass this challenging test which means they can apply to come to America.

But, do you see WHY she wants it so badly......

I really want to make my parents happy.

So many of our students wanted things in life...not for THEM, but for their parents.

What a contrast between those students and many American students whose main concern is THEMSELVES!

I want to scoop Iris up, hug her, and tell her what an incredible person she is. Her worth does NOT depend on her passing a test!

She is such an amazing person. She gave an oral presentation once about her mother having a second child. I was amazed, stunned, inspired, and awed by her mother's bravery in the face of government disapproval for having a second child. I was amazed and inspired by Iris' concern for her little sister, as Iris realized that she must be in charge and help her little sister learn and grow.

Oh, dear Iris, if I could, I would so want to help you pass your test.

But, please know this, even if you don't pass; even if you never have that opportunity to come to America - you are an incredible person. You have worth and value far beyond a score on a test. And no score can take that away from you.

I Refuse....

2011-12-18T11:24:00.000-08:00

"to let anyone or anything get me upset this Christmas season," SHE explained on a sunny afternoon.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"Well, here's an example. I was driving behind an elderly gentleman in a 40 MPH zone, and he was going - maybe 10 at top speed. Normally, this would have irritated the heck out of me, but I had decided NOTHING WOULD UPSET me. So, I smiled and thought to myself about him. 'Good for him...he's not in a big hurry like the rest of us. How great is that?'

"Then I was in a store and these tweens were acting all silly and obnoxious. Again, this usually would have made me so annoyed at their behaviour. But, I smiled at them. I thought of me at that age...it's such an exciting time. And, I thought, 'Youth is so fleeting...you just go ahead and act youthful....'

"Eating lunch at a restaurant one day, I had a waitress who was the most rude I have ever had. She was obnoxious, curt, and ornery. Ordinarily, I would have treated her the same way. But I held my tongue and smiled at her realizing she has a very challenging job...you simply cannot please everyone!"

"Wow, totally revolutionary," I said in sort of mock humour.

SHE told me about another incident where an old lady was trying to fill out paper work....the line became longer behind the elderly lady, but SHE smiled to herself and thought it was so great the lady could be out and about doing things at her point in life.

"People are always talking about PEACE and JOY at Christmas, then they behave as though they don't really have those feelings in their hearts. I decided that I WOULD have those feelings, no matter what happened; red lights, slow-moving shopping lines, rude waitresses, obnoxious shoppers. I WILL NOT let others dampen my feelings of PEACE and JOY this year!"

As I drove away, I thought,

"Perhaps there really COULD/WOULD be peace on earth, if we all behaved as SHE has decided to."

The High Cost of Healthy Eating

2011-12-15T07:39:00.000-08:00

Jr Bacon Burger at Karl's Jr. - $1.29
Small Bag of Clementine Oranges - $6.99

Litre of Soda - $1.29
Gallon of Milk - $3.95

Taco at Taco Time - $1.29
Salmon per pound at Costco - $11.99

Bag of potato chips - $2.59
Five Pound bag of potatoes - $4.99

It's no wonder we are all morbidly obese...the price of healthy food is out of sight.

And, sadly, it's not the growers/workers who get that money.

It's a challenge to eat healthy.

It's even more of a challenge to pay for healthy eating.

The Honesty nonDILEMMA

2011-12-12T10:44:00.000-08:00

Everyone loved the music SHE had so carefully put together.

So, when BJ asked for a copy of the CD, I willingly gave it to her and told BJ to make herself a copy.

Later, when telling HER about it, SHE asked me if I felt okay about sharing the music that SHE had paid for, and that artists earn their income from.

I was embarrassed, ashamed, awkward, and realized I had done a dumb thing.

Of course, I should not share the music. So, I called BJ to tell her my feelings and to tell her that I did not feel comfortable in giving her the CD. No answer at her end.

Ten minutes later, BJ showed up at my door. She had not heard my phone message. And, she was holding the orignal CD and 6 copies she had made for me to share with others.

AWKWARD, because she was so thoughtful to make the CD's.

AWKWARD, because I had to tell her I had been careless about sharing it in the first place.

AWKWARD, because I know better.

I just spent one year in a land where they STEAL music, CDs, movies, ideas, even store fronts. And, I thought it was awful for the people in that country to so blantantly steal. Now, I had just done the same thing.

I explained to BJ my feelings; told her I thought she was thoughtful, I would pay for the cost of making the CDs, but I didn't feel comfortable accepting or using them.

Oh, BJ was so gracious and she undertsood.

Truthfully, it's not always to be honest. but it should be.

The Sing Along

2011-12-12T06:18:00.000-08:00

Her name was Aleene. Oh, she was a fun one!

She told me how she had insisted that all seven of her children (6 boys, 1 girl) learn to play the organ and piano.

Every Christmas in her home in the midwest, she hosted all the neighbors for a singalong. They would sing for one hour, then she sent them out the door with a popcorn ball.

I loved the idea. So, I told Jenni about it. She has been doing it for five years or so.

We have only done it twice.

It's great fun - even for the heistant neighbors; they had a great time. Why, Bobbie Jo and Terry even got up and danced in the interlude of one fun song!

I don't make popcorn balls, I ask everyone to bring a goodie to share, and then they can take a plate of goodies home with them.

Jenni compiled the songs on a CD and she typed all the words so every person could have a copy. I borrowed those from her.

So, we sang; some better than others. This year's songs were great; a nice variety of funky, fun, religious, old, new...thanks, Jenni for the great CD. Everyone LOVED the music!

So, here's how it played out this year:

Thanks, Aleene Dickerson, for that great idea you gave me those many many years ago. I think of you every Christmas.

And, it's always a great memory!

Remembering A Christmas Past

2011-12-10T05:25:00.001-08:00

There were three little children in our family at the time.

We had hired a babysitter, something we could rarely afford to do.

We drove 30 miles to the big city - Idaho Falls - to go Christmas shopping, something we could rarely afford to do.

And, we ate out - just the two of us, something we rarely did.

I don't remember what the boys wanted, but Jenni wanted a Mrs. Beasley talking doll from a television show called Family Affair.

We found the doll, and along with our other purchases, left them in the trunk of the car, so little prying eyes wouldn't see the surprises awaiting them before Christmas morning.

Christmas Eve - I was as excited as those three adorable little children.

After they had finally been tucked in bed, we went out to the car - no garage in those early days of living in frozen wonderland - and hauled the packages in.

We placed the Mrs. Beasley doll front and center under the tree. Just for fun, I pulled the little string to hear Mrs. Beasley talk.

To my horror, Mrs. Beasley sounded like a 99-year-old-bass singer in an old folks choir. The voice eminating from the adorable doll was anything BUT adorable. It was s-l-o-w and extremely l-o-w! Because you see, it was frozen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was sick, I was in a panic, I was sad for my dear little daughter.

Mrs. Beasley with a man's voice - how could that be?

RAH thought her voice would warm up in time for the early morning festivities, but I wasn't so sure.

Christmas morning arrived and those three little tykes were up early, eager to run to the living room and see what "Santa brought." "Well," I thought to myself, "he brought a MRS. Beasley doll that sounds like a MR. GRINCH!"

As it turns out, RAH was absolutely right. Mrs. Beasley was now sounding just like she should....Jenni was ecstatic. It was a picture-perfect Christmas morning.

Santa had indeed, pulled through once again!

Pardon Me If I Brag....

2011-12-09T06:49:00.001-08:00

but I just beat SANTA:

He has a very good excuse, however.

After all, it is Christmas, he is busy making toys for girls and boys.

But, I do feel a sort of victory that I was able to achieve victory over a person of his reknown!

Forgive Me When I Whine....

2011-12-08T09:36:00.001-08:00

"Oh, it's dark, cold....

the bed is cozy, warm.

I don't WANT to get up and exercise (even if it is in the comfort of my own home!)

I HATE to exercise."

Then, a little voice whispered:

"but, at least you CAN get up!

Sylvia would love that privilege/blessing. Sylvia would love to freely move her arms, legs, hands, feet."

Suddenly, getting up to exercise didn't seem nearly so bad after all.

Once again, I was humbled.

Forgive me when I whine...I have two feet...the world is mine!

Breakfast Anyone....ewwwww Gross!

2011-12-08T09:11:00.001-08:00

Many mornings, we have a delicious healthy smoothie for breakfast...

Today's included:
banana
apple
Kiwi
pear
Blueberries
Spinach
Flax seed
Whey Protein
Low-fat yogurt
Almond Milk

UMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM, YUM...

except that the blender broke!

Thus, the normally delicious drink looked like this after I tried mixing it with the hand mixer:

meaning it was just not as tasty as usual.

Okay, it was actually pretty awful trying to chew up the spinach and kiwi seeds and

globs of banana or apple while drinking.

New blender parts are on their way!

Addiction

2011-12-07T09:52:00.001-08:00

I almost missed my plane because of it!

Alec Baldwin got kicked off a plane because of it!
Article here:

Oh, it's an addicting addiction:

Something to Think About

2011-12-06T07:40:00.001-08:00

It was an editorial in the newspaper, and it grabbed my attention that day.

And, it has changed the way I react to red lights.

The author was telling about the frenzied, harried lives we lead. But she was recalling a lesson from her high school art teacher. He told them to look at red lights as a time to stop, look around and see what was going on right around them at that moment.

Since reading that op ed piece, I have tried that. I have tried to not be impatient at red lights. I have tried to see the beauty in the streets; the trees, the people, the mountains in the distance. I have tried - really tried to have red lights not be a sign of impatience, anger, let's get moving here, but rather a moment to just say, "Wow, I'm alive; it's a lovely day. I'm glad I can drive."

I have loved that little piece of insight she gave me that day.

And, I realized - again - what wisdom so many people have....I feel grateful I get to be the recipient of bits of wisdom sprinkled here and there, and to see things in a way I hadn't thought of before.

You've Got Mail!

2011-12-03T19:32:00.001-08:00

From Jayring:

How is it going? It has been a long long time since our farewell in 4th July. Eileen and I, and all of my classmates are missing you so much. We also went for a trip to Fenghuang, a beautiful old town in Hunan Province. We came across a foreign couple in the trip. I remembered your word clearly in mind, which is always be brave to talk to foreigners. So we volunteered to be the translator for the guide. It was a wonderful memory. :)

From Valdis:

dear Lingling

how are u in usa? best sincere to u ~~~

when do you come back to china? i hope u will have a happy life with your sons ,daughters and grandsons , granddaughters.hahaha... any way , keep happy everyday.

I do love hearing from my former students...oh, they are so wonderful.

I love and miss them!

Refrigerator Art....

2011-12-02T08:56:00.001-08:00

featuring artwork by Sayre, Lucy, Anna, Miles, and Eli....

There's still lots of room on the fridge, kids!

My Own Personal Jeweler

2011-12-01T09:00:00.001-08:00

Not many people can boast about having their own jeweler, but I do.

Here are a couple of pieces RAH has made.

The rings are new.

The necklace is a few years old, but still as unique and lovely as ever!

I have many pieces, I don't wear them often enough, but they are treasures indeed.

Christmas - Made in America

2011-11-30T01:22:00.001-08:00

"Let's try to get things made in America," RAH said as we began contemplating Christmas this year.

"Terrific idea!"

Not so fast; it is a good idea to be sure.

But, if that remains our criteria, it appears as though we won't be giving much to anyone this year....

TOYS - made in China

ELECTRONICS - made in China

CLOTHES - made in China

It's time to restore AMERICAN-MADE GOODS to our shelves!

The Funeral

2011-11-19T12:22:00.001-08:00

I was saddened to hear he had died. And, of course, we would attend his funeral.

How could I have known that funeral would impress me more than any other funeral I have ever attended?

How could I describe his funeral?

Each of his four living children spoke; each one better than the last. Each capturing the essence of this amazing and good father/husband/employee/grandfather/Stake President.

We learned some fun fun stories of him and his love for cars. And, how he would sell or give them away to someone needing it more than he.

We learned of his great love for his children.

We learned of his tremendous example.

We learned of his love for his wife

We learned of his love for the Saviour and the Gospel.

And, in all of that, we all learned to love him even more than we did before.

What a man....what a family...what a legacy!

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for the gift of knowing Kenneth Howell.

The Challenge

2011-11-18T03:18:00.001-08:00

There we all were; together again, so glad to see each other again.....

Only WAIT...no one was really SEEING each other. All of us in the room had our heads down:
checking email
texting
playing a game
watching a video clip on YouTube
watching television

Oh, we were physically together in the same room, just not really together at all.

That's when the idea hit:

A NO TECHNO day during the Thanksgiving Day family get together!

CRAZEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE idea, but we are going to give it a try.

So, in one week - on Saturday, we say NO to:

television
computers
IPhones
IPads
ITouch
DS personal games
Wii

What will we do? Can we make it through an ENTIRE day without our gadgets? Will we be speaking to one another by the end of the day? Will we realize that we HAVE to have techno so that we like each other for that long? Will our bodies go into some sort of panicky withdrawal? Will anyone need emergency medical attention? Will there be any medical attention available on a holiday weekend (tee hee!)

WHAT WILL IT BE LIKE?

Oh, there have been rumblings from the crowd of 26 people ages 5-70.

Oh, there have been murmurings and secret plots about hiding the gizmos and gadgets somewhere.
(BTW, this will be as hard on me as on anyone!)

There are already signs of dissension among the troops, but we will proceed as planned.

Who Knows?
Maybe it will actually be FUN!

Stay tuned.

Let's Hear It For the KINDLE!

2011-11-16T08:36:00.001-08:00

It's a phenomenal book; it's just that it is over 500 pages long.

That makes it bulky, awkward, and not very transportable.

And sad to say, it also NOT available on my favorite reading device....the KINDLE

(and all its sister apps available on the ITouch, IPad, and Android Phones).

I love the KINDLE.

Some people tell me they don't like using it because they like the feel of turning pages...

well, there is certainly something to that.

But, it is so convenient to slip the KINDLE into a purse or bag. It's so easy to keep track of where you are...no bookmarks falling out all over the place.

What is great, is there is something for everyone in this world.....

But, as for MOI, I'll take the KINDLE.

Now, how do I get them to put WHITE SWANS on their list?

(NOTE: this is not a paid political ad....the author is receiving no money for this endorsement, but if Amazon wants to give me some money, I'll humbly accept.)

Why Exercise Seems F.U.T.I.L.E.

2011-11-16T08:23:00.001-08:00

41 minutes on the Wii...

118 calories burned.....

Surely you are kidding me!

D.E.P.R.E.S.S.S.I.N.G.!

Familia Fun

2011-11-14T20:11:00.001-08:00

These pictures prove that a real camera is better than an ITouch or a phone!

Can you guess which one was taken with a real camera?!?!?!?!?

Music to My Ears

2011-11-08T09:59:00.000-08:00

Where words fail, music speaksAuthor: Hans Christian Anderson

Sometimes it is impossible for me to express how joyfully music affects my soul; my being.

I love MUSIC:

Allen playing the piano or the guitar.

My kids in a guitar/singing fest.

My ITunes library.

The hymns at church.

Children singing.

I cannot imagine being deaf and not being able to hear the M.U.S.I.C.

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for the incredible gift of music.

Right now, my spirit is soaring.

Monday - Clean the Master Bedroom Day

2011-11-07T10:28:00.000-08:00

Goal: go through the drawers to see if there is anything to give to DI...in other words, just try to downsize a little.

Result: I came across a few of the gifts our Chinese students had given us the last day....some were so tiny and seemed so insignificant, but were so thoughtful and generous....like the girl who handed me the little tiny homemade paper-crafted flowers.

Just seeing them this morning made me so grateful for those dear students. Shawn ( a tall, outstanding student) gave me the little bag and it's so representative of the Chinese...I love it.Someone so lovingly handed me the little panda...it's not much, but it was so from the heart. There were other gifts in the cupboard; these are just a few, but they so represent the kindness of those dear, dear students.

Rolled up in the cupboard - because we haven't got it framed yet - was a cross-stitch done by Susan, the girl at the front desk of the foreign teacher's building where we lived. Often I would see her working on this project. Then one day, she presented it to me. I was overwhelmed because I knew how long she had been at work on it. I will always treasure this beautiful gift from wonderful Susan.

I didn't down-size after all, but I found a treasure trove of memories.

And in This Hand.....

2011-11-06T20:31:00.000-08:00

"I've told my children many times," she told me....

"I'm okay with going into a rest home....just make sure that at my table, there is a salt shaker on one side and a box of See's Chocolates on the other side."

Ahhh, I like her style.

Learning From the Children...

2011-11-05T09:02:00.000-07:00

even if those children are in their 30's.

So, it is always inspiring to me to be influenced by our children.

In this case, I am referring to the way they eat;

if I were around Jordan's home and Kristi's home on a regular basis, I would likely be able to lose weight.

For you see, their cupboards are not filled with:

cookies,
candy,
chips,
crackers,
chocolate,
snacks.

So, I'm moving in with them to lose weight.

Oh, wait, I could just stop buying those things.

But, will I?!?!?

It's the LITTLE Things....

2011-11-05T03:56:00.000-07:00

that make a difference.

And, these are little.

We hardly ever pay any attention to them, but we use them on a daily basis and rely heavily on them.

We don't often think of them...UNTIL we injure one.

And they would be.....(drum roll here!)

T.O.E.S.

And, mine are reminding me just how important these little things are!

I stubbed my two little end toes on the right foot three weeks ago, and they are still killing me EVERY step! OUCH! I just keep thinking they will have to get better soon.

So, here's the deal, along with my plantar fasciitis, arthritis, and stubbed toes, my right foot is in A LOT of pain.

Okay, I won't just take them so much for granted any more.

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggety Jig!

2011-11-04T17:11:00.000-07:00

First things first...

RAH checked on the yard..

LGH - (that would be MOI) checked out the pantry to see if there was anything to eat.

And, that is precisely why his yard looks like it does - lovely and awesome.

And, that is precisely why I look like I look - just a tad, (okay, more than a tad) heavier than I should.

But, it's so good to be back home in our lovely corner of the world.

From Pinterest - Good Advice

2011-11-01T03:33:00.000-07:00

Mother/Daughter Fun

2011-10-31T06:36:00.000-07:00

Oh, she works hard, but every once-in-awhile, she has a minute for play....

From the Files - Family Matters

2011-10-28T06:38:00.000-07:00

Getting acquainted with her was a delight on that afternoon.

She was bright, articulate, and beautiful. She had gone to graduate school, worked hard, and was now a very successful business woman.

She also, coincidentally, worked in the same business where one of her brothers worked. They didn't see each other often, but would occasionally run into each other in the halls of the large corporation where they were both employed. She told me how excited and happy they would be when they had unexpected meetings in the busy workplace.

She had been raised in the Mid West. Her parents were hardworking, modest-income wage earners. There were also 3 brothers in the family. Growing up, they had worked hard and played hard - together. The four children were all well-educated and successful in their chosen fields.She loved her family a great deal.

"I recently went to see a counselor," she said sort of out of the blue. That startled me, but then, a lot of us have issues we need help to get resolved.

"All my life, I have had self-esteem issues. It is a constant struggle, as it is with one of my brothers; the other two are the opposite - they have enough self-esteem for an entire family. Sometimes it gets in the way of my work and social life, but especially my work. I'm under a lot of pressure all the time...I just always feel so INADEQUATE.

"So, I went to see a conselor who had been recommended by a friend. The first session was pretty much the learned counselor exploring who I was, all about me, etc...

"Then I had to miss the 2nd week's appointment because my brother, a friend, and I went on a week-long trip to Europe. We had been planning this for quite some time, so off the three of us went.

"When I went for my second time with the counselor, he asked where I had been and with whom? I told him I had been with a friend and my brother. Then when he learned that we have gone on other trips together with my boyfriend and my brother and his wife, that we occasionally see each other unexpectedly at our joint place of work, and that we love hanging out together (either singly or with our other family members when they are around), this psycho said to me...

'Your family is NOT a normal American family, and you are too close.'

"I was irate!!!!

"And, I also realized that I was not paying $150.00 to anyone to listen to that kind of psycho-babble - I'll talk to my friends and my family, when I need some encouragement. That statement made me so mad!"

Oh, world, what is happening out there?

When people become anormal because they enjoy being with family; it is a sicko society.

And, that is just the way Satan wants it.

Breakfast at Kristi's

2011-10-25T07:04:00.000-07:00

Oh, my...so tasty indeed.

Enquiring Minds Want to Know

2011-10-22T08:15:00.000-07:00

"Didn't you say you were school teachers?" she asked.

"Yes, both of us were."

"Well, I don't mean to be rude, but how can you afford the vacations you go on...Cape Cod, Hilton Head, Manhatten, Florida? I mean, you go to some pricey places."

I didn't blame her for wondering...we do get to some high-priced locations.

But, the answer is quite simple. We don't spend any money on hotels.

Because we swap homes.

We stay in other people's homes while they stay in our home. And, until this very last exchange, we drive their car while they drive our car.

We spend money on gas and food, which we would do anyway at home in Utah. We eat most of our meals in the kitchen in the people's homes, but we do enjoy trying out some of the local eateries.

Now, it is true that we have to spend money on airfare to get to the places, but we look for bargains and fly at odd hours.

Home exchanges have allowed us to visit and see some marvelous places in America/Canada/England, that we would not otherwise be able to afford.

And, people have had the opportunity to see some marvelous places close to our home.

This lovely, unique setting is right off Hilton Head Island in South Carolina. The people who own this home have been enjoying the national parks, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, and the red rock country of St. George.

It's been a great deal for all of us...

Loni in front of Elaine's lovely home on Cape Cod...while we were in this delightful home,
Elaine and her son were in our home in St. George....quite a great arrangement.

Here's to Home Exchanges and Economical Vacations!

The Lady and Sons in Savannah

2011-10-19T09:20:00.000-07:00

It's Southern, down-home cooking at its best.

And, it's RAH's absolutely favorite: a B.U.F.F.E.T!

And all that equals a perfect meal of fried or baked chicken, black-eyed peas, butter beans, collard greens, mashed potatoes and gravy, cheese biscuits, sweet potatoes, green beans with ham, and dessert.

Oh, my, good-bye diets!

The Six Hours

2011-10-19T09:04:00.000-07:00

We picked her up at 11:00 a.m.

We took her back home at 5:00 p.m.

During that time, she asked Allen one question: How many children do ya'll have?

Then she talked the E.N.T.I.R.E time.

Six hours of stories, experiences, reminisces, people, places...all in her delightful Southern accent.

Six hours.

Amen, brother!

The Picture in the Inbox

2011-10-17T07:02:00.000-07:00

There might be a picture,
a newspaper article,
a television report,
a book title,

about CHINA...

and then my heart soars, as I remember...

the students,
the sights,
the smells,
the beauty,
the heat,
the mosquitoes,
the food,
the people...

and I miss it.

Tender Mercies

2011-10-16T16:06:00.000-07:00

Sunday was a memorable andunforgettable day. Here's how it played out:

About every three days, I buy a localnewspaper from the Hilton Head, South Carolina area where we arestaying. So, when I picked up the paper, and went to discard thesports page, which I always do, I saw the large football picturetalking about Ridgeland High School. That name hit melike a bolt. THAT WAS THE NAME OF THE TOWN WHERE MY PARENTS SERVED AMISSION and my brother and I had not been able to recall the name ofthe city! Since it was in the local newspaper, that meant the townwas nearby. Did it possibly have a ward in the city?

(I love LDS.org, which has helped us onso many trips find a ward house.)

I looked at LDS.org, and yes, there wasa ward in Ridgland, which was just about a half hour from where wewere staying!

Upon arriving in the chapel, Allenspoke to one man telling him why we were visiting, and he said, “Youneed to talk to my mother.” So, we walked over to a beautiful ladyin bright green and told her who my parents were. She threw her armsaround me, and told me how much she loved my parents.

(We have arranged to meet on Tuesday,and she will show us where my parents lived, while they served theirmission in Ridgeland, South Carolina).

This was such an amazing thrill for me,as she told me of her love for my dear wonderful parents.

She knew of dad's horrible headaches,but said he served so faithfully. He taught gospel classes in hishome, and she would never miss his weekly lessons, they were sowonderful and inspiring.

After Relief Society, a woman came upto me and told me how much she loved my parents.

She shared with me a couple of storiesabout my parents. She told me that she was a collector of PreciousMoments, and had been looking for a certain statue, but had beenunable to find it even after considerable searching. It was also anexpensive one costing about $34.00 in the 1980s. My mother found oneand gave it to Sister Roach. She said that was such a thoughtfulthing for mom to do, as that represented a lot of money at that time.

She then went on to tell about myfather. She told me about a terrible murder that happened involvingsome members in the ward. The murdered man was well-known in thecommunity, and his funeral was very large. The audience includedmany non LDS members. Dad was one of the main speakers. She told methat she could not remember what he said, (remember, this was about30 years ago), but she did remember the feeling of that talk. Sherubbed her arms and said, “The talk was so inspirational, it gaveall of us goosebumps. I still remember the feelings. Even thenonmembers were so inspired by what he had to say that day.”

I will be forever grateful for thecircumstances that brought us to that ward in Ridgeland, SouthCarolina and for the blessing of meeting people who knew and loved mydear dear parents.

Their exemplary lives continue to blessand inspire me. Thank you, dear Heavenly Father, for the greatblessing to be in their family.

Lovely, Unique, and FREE!

2011-10-14T05:16:00.000-07:00

It's a new way to use that Spanish Moss that is ever present in the South Carolina region....

come on, you know you want a lovely new scarf....

there is, however, one downside; it's very scratchy...

but, hey, it's FREE!

Something for Nothing

2011-10-14T05:10:00.000-07:00

It's absolutely true...you can't get something for nothing.

So, RAH and I worked very hard for this money:

We listened to a very cocky, arrogant guy try to sell us a vacation exchange.

Ownership cost: $54,000.

Now, why would we want to do that, when we can stay in people's homes for free?

It's a no-brainer.

But, thanks for the $125.00, which we will put to good use.

It was painful, but in the end, it was a good value for our time.

The Chinese Way

2011-10-13T02:28:00.000-07:00

The alarm would ring at 6:30. If we had remembered to turn on the hot water heater, we would take a quick shower; if we had not turned on the water heater, showering would be done later.

Breakfast; yoghurt with cereal in it and a piece of toast.

Time was slipping by rapidly, so I'd double check to make sure I had everything I would need for class: the flash drive, student rolls, and whatever else I would need for that day.

Out the door by quarter to eight and then the walk to school.

Past the canteen...
past the elementary school, where the children would be arriving with their parents and grandparents: some came riding bikes, cars, walking....
past the Xinghan market....
past the other canteen....
now walking the little path beside the dirty, muddy river, but still very beautiful in its own way....
by the side of the library....
on the long wide path under the beautiful trees that shaded the walkway...
through the statue park with its statues of Lenin, Marx, Shakespeare, and others.....
past the morning breakfast-seller's cart...
and then into the building, climbing up the three flights of stairs.

I always loved that walk (except maybe two times when the heat nearly did me in!).

It was a great start to the morning....I would think about class, and what we would be doing that day. I would think about the students and wonder how I could REALLY help them.

Then, after two classes in the morning, it was a reverse walk home; then after lunch, the walk back again and home again.

What a great way to begin a day...oh, I do miss those lovely walks through Guangdong University!

Just My Style

2011-10-12T04:29:00.000-07:00

It certainly wouldn't appeal to everyone.

But, it fits us perfectly....

Sometimes there are very specific items to see, but oftentimes there is no agenda; just day by day play it by ear.

Usually, there is no hurry...we can take our time.

We wing it, and that works for both of us.

So, yesterday when we were headed one place, and accidentally found another, it was sheer delight and oh, so fun.

(Lowcountry Lawyer)

I absolutely LOVE this picture of a Southern lawyer....it has so much character.

And, so while we were headed to a display celebrating the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible, we came upon a faculty art show, and I'm so glad we did!

Where's the Beach?

2011-10-12T04:20:00.000-07:00

Totally made me laugh...this sign is surrounded by trees; in fact, the whole area would be a great setting for a jungle movie. Loved it.

(But you are right, just down the road, there was an amazing beach!)

Church All Over the World

2011-10-11T01:45:00.000-07:00

We have been to church in:
Russia,
Israel,
China,
Canada,
and lots of places in America.

I love visiting church all over the country or world.

It's different, yet the same.

I'm grateful for the faithful Saints we meet no matter where we are.

So, this week, we were at church on Hilton Head Island. The 2nd person we met as we walked through the front door was a young man who moved from St. George, Utah just one year ago. That totally made me smile. Oh, I love the adventures.

Tunnel Vision

2011-10-07T10:41:00.000-07:00

I love living in St. George, Utah. I like the size, the feel, the neighborhood, the weather, the PLACE. I don't particularly like a desert, but there are other aspects that compensate for that.

But, living in Utah and Idaho for most of my life - gave me tunnel vision.

There is such a big, wide world out there to explore.

There are so many customs, cultures, peoples, ideas, traditions, mores, foods, music, ideologies.

It is good to leave home for a brief moment to expand the vision of this amazing world created by God.

The charm of cape Cod is hard to describe and compare with anything.

I'm grateful for opportunities to see outside my little narrow vision.

We have recently been in Austin, SanAntonio, Cape Cod, and will now be in South Carolina for three weeks. It will be grand and so different from anything we have experienced before. (Allen has already set out the crab traps and he's eager to catch and eat these local crabs.)

But, I am always grateful when I return to the little corner of the world I call H.O.M.E. I may have Tunnel Vision, but I do know that I'm grateful for a wonderful place to call my home.

If You Walk the Freedom Trail, Be Sure To....

2011-10-06T05:07:00.000-07:00

Stop in at Mike's Pastries for a delicious treat....said President Barlow and his wife while we all ate lunch after the Sunday morning session of LDS conference.

So, we stopped in at Mike's on Monday as we walked along the Freedom Trail...now, none of our pants will fit!

Whale Watching - NOT!

2011-10-05T04:11:00.000-07:00

I should have suspected it was not going to be the trip of lifetime - (as they advertised) - when the crew handed out FREE Dramamine.

NOTHING on a tour boat is free, but the Dramamine pills were on this sunny, slightly windy afternoon, as was the water to swallow it with.

Twenty five miles out to the ocean over rough, storm-tossed waters; one man down sick for the count, another lady down from falling as the ship tossed and turned.

Then, finally, after a very long ride on the stormy ocean, the voice over the intercom: "2 o:clock on the right....did you see it?" Everyone on the boat ran to the right.

I was straining to see anything but rolling waves.

Then quickly she added, "11: o'clock on the left." Everyone on the the boat ran to the left. I still couldn't see a thing.

Then, " 6:o'clock - behind us."

The boat quickly spun around making us all hold our mouths, stomachs, breath, and our seats so we wouldn't slip off.

Then, "Sorry, folks, looks like she is staying under longer than usual, so we'll be heading back to shore now; it's getting late, and the storm is not subsiding."

"We certainly hope you enjoyed our whale watching and that you will come again with us on the TRIP OF A LIFETIME!"

Telling Us Where to Get Off

2011-09-28T09:02:00.001-07:00

I'm not sure how people ever got around before the invention of a GPS.

But, I do know this, traveling the roads of Cape Cod is made so much easier with this little handy device.

So, go ahead, lady, and tell us exactly where to get off...because without you...we'd be lost!

Are We There Yet?!?!?!

2011-09-26T09:38:00.000-07:00

Before I post any blogs to say what is going on, I just want to say this:

Traveling is E.X.H.A.U.S.T.I.N.G.

Now, having said that, I can continue on with the good stuff.

Just SWYPE It!

2011-09-22T03:55:00.000-07:00

Coolest invention - well, not the coolest E.V.E.R.,

but, certainly one very cool techno invention.

I LOVE Swype....

Sorry IPad and IPhone users...you are outta luck, but - my Android and I will just swype away.

Wanna have a text race?!?!??!!

UN...Resolved

2011-09-21T17:03:00.000-07:00

It seemed like an easy resolve:

Do NOT buy any food unless you are going to eat it. Absolutely NO wasting of food.

But, today, while cleaning out the fridge before a long away-from-home adventure, I threw away spoiled veggies and fruit. It made me sick to my stomach, as I dumped the food in the trash cans.

True, much of the fruit was given to us by very generous neighbors, but she had purchased that and had so generously given it to us. It's still a waste.

I just didn't always make our fruit smoothies, so the fruit piled up. The veggies just didn't get eaten.

So, my resolve became my UNresolve.

And, once again, I must try harder!

A Father and His Boys

2011-09-20T07:41:00.000-07:00

Beautiful sight.

Thankful for....

2011-09-14T14:23:00.000-07:00

being able to W.A.L.K.

I'm struggling with a painful case of plantar fasciitis - it's lingered for about 4 months now, and it is NO fun.

But, I can walk.

I am mobile.

And, for that I am very grateful.

I Love America!

2011-09-14T05:31:00.000-07:00

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LOVE STORY

2011-09-13T08:38:00.000-07:00

Hollywood could not have scripted it any better.

She was a recent divorcee raising 5 incredible children. She had just graduated with her bachelor's degree in Communications and needed a job. He was part owner in a communications company, so she was hired.

She worked there for three years, wondering WHY and WHAT she was doing there. Oh, she liked her bosses. She thought they were both great, she especially admired Bill. He had such a great relationship with his wife and was always talking of how he loved her.

Then, she got a fantastic, dream job at the church office building. She loved her job and her life. Her five children were married, raising children of their own. Life was pleasant and fulfilling. She was not looking for love or romance....

But, one day, she heard of Bill's wife's death. Oh, too tragic and much, much too early.

She went to the viewing, gave her condolences. Then left....

But, that is where the LOVE STORY begins.

How they reconnected after 18 years is the stuff of real Hollywood love stories. And, now happy Donna is even happier, and Bill will be lonely no more.

There are in LOVE HEAVEN!

And, it is so fun to see.

Christmas is WHEN...and it is NOW.....

2011-09-09T07:09:00.000-07:00

Christmas is at the end of DECEMBER....

Today is SEPTEMBER 9....

This makes me VERY angry!

If people were excited about WHY we actually celebrate this holiday, these preparations would be wonderful, but the bottom line for all of this is one simple word:

GREED!

The ones I feel the sorriest for are the little children...they are caught up in this over-anxious/greedy/manipulative situation.

Sorry, kids, but marketers have taken something wonderful and turned it into a GREED fest.

I love Christmas, just not in September!

Picture From the Past

2011-09-08T09:04:00.000-07:00

Oh, if this isn't just so CUTE!

There's Kristi D, Byron Calder, and Justin.

From the recipe section of the newspaper June, 1980...

WOW, cute kids....awesome adults also.

Are Wii Fit Yet...

2011-09-07T08:48:00.001-07:00

apparently NOT!

What discouraging news is that?

Twenty minutes of hard running, and I burned 59 calories?!?!?!?!

I need a chocolate bar to recuperate from the devastating visual news.

Looking in the Mirror

2011-09-04T05:58:00.000-07:00

"I just don't like my daughter-in-law," the neighbor said recently.

"It seems that everything she does annoys me," she continued.

She mentioned some specifics that irritated her about her daughter-in-law of many years. They were things about her house-keeping, child-raising, wasteful spending, careless regard for property, and a few others.

After her lengthy diatribe, she paused for a moment and then she said,

"Truthfully, I think the whole problem is that she reminds me of ME as a younger wife and I don't like what I was!"

Had the neighbor hit on something in her moment of reflection?

Do WE ALL not like someone because they are - in some ways - a mirror image of ourselves?

Because, the truth is, sometimes it IS difficult to see ourselves in a mirror.

Good advice from Pinterest

2011-09-03T20:05:00.001-07:00

The Wal*Mart Dilemma

2011-09-03T11:37:00.000-07:00

"Ill NEVER shop at Wal*Mart again!" she told me years ago...."discrimination, poor wages for the employees, questionable policies of child labor or sweat shops abroad, etc.," she gave as her reasons.

It all seems so reasonable and for a good cause.

But, practicality ALWAYS comes into play for me:

Peaches - 1.98 lb at the regular grocery store..
Peaches - .98 lb at Wal*Mart...

Gallon of Milk - $4.05 regular grocery store...
Gallon of Mile - $2.68 Wal*Mart...

bananas - .99 regular grocery store...
bananas -.58 Wal*Mart...

Those are just the grocery items....if I need anything non-grocery, the price differences are even more dramatic.

And, over time, those price differences totally add up.

As a person who tries to be financially conservative and spend carefully, for now, I'll just continue to shop Wal*Mart.....

However, if I ever win the lottery, you'll see me at the expensive grocery store down the street!

Maiden Voyage

2011-09-01T19:58:00.001-07:00

It had been quite a few years since he had had a boat.

So, when he found this one on Craigslist, he was THERE.

And we were THERE on Quail Lake today for his maiden trip in his new/hardly used fishing boat.

It felt good.

BUMP!

2011-08-31T08:51:00.000-07:00

It's just like something out of a 60's sci fi movie...

So, here's the deal.

3 contacts on Loni's ITouch

187 contacts on Allen's IPad, all of whom I would like to be on the ITouch.

But, it would take me about three years of my slow phone typing to get all those 184 contacts onto the Itouch.

Enter BUMP!

30 seconds - maybe - and it was done! 184 names transferred to the ITouch!

Okay, I admit it; I'm still gaga-eyed over technology. (Note; not to be confused with Lady Gaga in any manner.)

Additional note: Allen and I never could get it to work. So, we went to the Simply Mac store and the young kid - who had NEVER done BUMP before - figured it out in a whiz. So, I'm gaga-eyed, but still inept!

Now, if I can just get SWYPE to work on my phone!

From This.....

2011-08-28T19:06:00.000-07:00

to this.......

Pretty fancy shmancy...

Ah, China!

The Four Docs

2011-08-27T12:40:00.001-07:00

It's hanging just inside the front door.

I just put it up.

But, you see, the thing is, when I hung it up, I got all emotional thinking about those four kids.

They were just normal, average, every-day kids; going to school, complaining about helping around the house and having to get up to read scriptures, laughing together, playing the sock game for family-home-evenings, having issues with friends, staying out late, arguing over who gets to take the car, not wanting to eat vegetables.

Did I ever even notice the incredible MINDS underneath their hair, which was mostly unkempt?

And now, they have accomplished something truly remarkable.

All four of them.

SO, that is why I was so emotional. I am so very proud of them.

Oh, they have issues and challenges and problems; just like most of us.

But, what those four children have done sends shivers up my spine; the horrific long hours, the sleepless nights, the studying, the expected things to learn and remember, the lives that are at stake when they are at work – I cannot fathom.

So, yes, it makes me emotional. Because you see, they have accomplished a great deal – more than most – but they are such NICE folk.

And, so I did get just a teeny – okay – really emtional.

I Wanna Be....

2011-08-27T07:30:00.000-07:00

skinny.

And, therein lies the dilemma.

I don't want to give up See's dark chocolate.

I exercise, but I don't want to do it 3 hours a day.

Ah, me.

Skinny, I will never be.

Barbara

2011-08-27T07:18:00.000-07:00

Could be morning, or early evening.

There will be a slight knock on the door.

When opened, there will be Barbara....with a bag of fruit or a casserole for dinner or some cottage cheese her husband didn't like because it was a new brand.

One Saturday morning, when Barbara brought over a bag of fruit, my two grandsons were sitting on the floor playing with magnets. I introduced them to Barbara, told them how Barbara often brought food over, and Miles said,

"I wish I had a neighbor like Barbara."

The world would be a better place if we all had (or if we were) neighbors like Barbara.

But, It's So Hard to Get Up for Church....

2011-08-24T11:20:00.001-07:00

Family Art Time

2011-08-24T11:13:00.001-07:00

Coming Out of the Closet

2011-08-24T11:10:00.000-07:00

Picture this:

Every floor filled with cots, sleeping bags, pillows, blankets.

One more spot was needed, but where would it be?

Well, how about the floor of the walk-in closet...

So, she willingly, laughingly agreed to sleep in the closet.

And, that's how I saw her on Sunday morning - coming out of the closet.

Oh, I love family gatherings!

Disorder in the House

2011-08-17T16:03:00.000-07:00

In the end, she had become almost a recluse.....
recluse - noun. A person who withdraws from the world to live in seclusion and often in solitude. adj. Withdrawn from the world;

As a young girl, she dated plenty of boys, but she chose the fun, young man with a bright future.

Over her married life, she had many adventures and did some remarkable things;

traveled all over the world
lived in a variety of places including living abroad
taught yoga
painted wonderful pictures
belonged to several women's clubs
had a foster child
provided hundreds of delicious meals for family and friends
made hand-made items that are family treasures
was very active in her church
supported her busy husband in his community activities
raised handsome sons who are men of honor and integrity

But, over time, it all changed...so slowly no one really recognized it happening.

And then, it was full blown.

A.N.X.I.E.T.Y. D.I.S.O.R.D.E.R.

Oh, yes; it's real indeed.

Today's the Day

2011-08-13T07:16:00.000-07:00

It seems like such a long time...

It IS a long time.

But, now, that it is almost here, it seems more doable.

The IT I talk about is a two year mission for the church.

And, in just a few hours....

the missionary will be home...arriving at the St. George airport.

It's all very e.x.c.i.t.i.n.g!

He has been a strong missionary - to the end, wanting to go out strong.

He's exhausted, tired, but knows he served his very best.

Great job, Elder Fisher, and see you soon!

Streaking Through Life

2011-08-11T07:51:00.000-07:00

I'm a streaker....I go in streaks:

exercise
eating right
scripture reading
systematic method of house cleaning

So, now, it's time to give up my life as a streaker.

Exercise
Eat right
Scriptures daily
House cleaning, I'm not so sure of my commitment there yet, but I will continue to systematically clean and give away every week!

So, Brussel Sprouts, here I come!