Grateful for Early Settlers in the West

HOLY COW!

How did they do it?

Hot, dry, dusty, long, never-ending, scarce food, even scarcer water.

I have such admiration for the early settlers/explorers of the West.

And, all of this appreciation comes after going on a three and a half mile hike in Bryce Canyon!

HA HA!  In this picture, Allen told me to put on some semblance of a smile!

Here's the thing; it was so easy for the myriads of people there.  It was a challenge for me because of several factors.  GOING UPHILL.  I don't ever drink much water.  I had to use the restroom.  There wasn't a McDonalds at the bottom to get an ice cold soda!

So, I realized what a tremendous amount of work, effort, hardship, and challenges early settlers and pioneers had.

I had an end in sight, water in sight, a nice meal, an okay restroom, more water,  excellent shoes, and a nice night's rest.

I'm beyond grateful for my family members who suffered much more that I ever would on a 4 hour hike!

Having said all that, I was in awe of the incredible beauty of this amazing place so close to our home.

Southern Utah has such grandeur and beauty.  I'm glad to live here.

From the Past

I just came across this; I rarely look at Facebook any more, 

but I got an email that reminded me of this post on June 20, 2016.  

I still feel the same way.  I am grateful for technology.  I use it for many things, 

including church related apps, videos, talks, books, etc.  

BUT, I certainly hope that I will still LOOK UP and appreciate the beauty around me.

Feeling Grateful

So, life is very fragile.  Or, as the guy in the movie says...fra-gee-lay!

I feel grateful for Allen's life and that he is on the mend so well.

Earlier today a lady I know told me about her husband having a stroke.  Now, the thing is, the lady has MS, and has been in a wheelchair for many years.  She is almost totally dependent on her husband to help her.

With his stroke, he lost the use of mobility, language, brain function, driving ability.  He is recovering, but it will be long and in the meantime, they have no way to get around.

As he was telling me this, she remained smiling, as always; pleasant, as always;, and hopeful, as always.

Gratitude, at any stage of life, is so important.

And, I need to remember that.

Yes, I feel so grateful for our wonderful family who supported us so well during the time of RAH's care and recovery.  I'm grateful for the doctors who are so skilled and know what they are doing.

I'm grateful for the many friends and neighbors who visited, called, texted, were concerned for RAH's recovery and well being.

Life can definitely be a challenge, but it's always good to look for the positive and what we can be thankful for.

Tip of the Week

Never!

And, I do mean N.E.V.E.R.

Order a chocolate product from Amazon in a St George Summer!

Because they are partially healthy, I like Trader Joe almonds covered in dark chocolate.

So, I made a very foolish decision to order some when my last carton ran out.

SO STUPID!

Because it was the middle of June.  Temperatures are above 100.  I don't pick up the mail every day.

So, these lovely almonds melted in the hot mailbox for two days.

Now, I have ONE BIG chocolate covered almond cluster.

And, no matter what the chocolatiers

 say about heat not affecting the taste of the chocolate,

they LIE.  This chocolate tastes chalky and yucky and like a total waste of money.

So, I am left to wonder, what idiot would order chocolate in the SUMMER?

I guess that would be MOI!

The Granny Biker.....oops TRIKER!

Okay, so as a child, I couldn't wait to get on a two -wheeler.  That would mean I was really grown up!

Now, I'm back to being on a three wheeler.  HA HA.

But, you see, it's so much safer for this 75 year old.

Over the Fence

Next door to us lives a great family....

I have loved living next door to them for about two years.  Sometimes on a sunday night, they will drop by with cookies, or just come over to visit.

But, they are moving soon, and I'm sad about it.

I love their six kids; three boys, three little girls.  Their parents are two of the most calm and awesome parents ever.

But, here's the thing;

Behind us, just over the fence, lives a married couple who are counting the days till they leave.

Recently, at a neighborhood gathering, the retired couple spent some time downgrading and being angry about the family until I changed the subject.  Because I love the family.

The kids are just kids.

But, over the fence, they are upset because of what has accidentally gone into their yard; balls, more balls, gum, and some more balls.  The good neighbors even put up a HUGE mesh along the fence to catch anything going astray.

But, the neighbors over the fence weren't satisfied.  They spoke with anger, bitterness; it all seemed so shallow to me.

We have a family with 11 kids living behind us; they've sent things spiraling over the fence into our yard or on our roof, and I just love it when the kids come over apologetically to retrieve the items.  I'm happy to see them and talk to them.

So, I don't get the big hullabaloo from the people over the fence.

It shows me -- again - we are all different.  I'm not necessarily right and neither are they.

But, for me, on this side of the fence, I will miss the dear Christiansen's.

FOR ADULTS ONLY!

Paige, the only young at the party...she was so steady and good at this game!

John Hrabar made the game.  It was fun!

Gigi Kern looks perplexed.  She has to be one of the most amazing and interesting persons ever.
She is from Germany and remembers the bombings from WWII.  

This is a great picture because we are just actually getting started, so Dennis is sitting pretty close.  As the game progressed, he moved further and further away.  This is my dear friend, Donna being very precise.

Peggy and John Hrabar and her parents, Jim and Gigi Kern had a party last night.

And, we played the ADULT version of JENGA.

It was so fun and challenging.

It was such a perfect evening with neighbors/friends.
Stan, Donna Conder
Dennis (pictured), Pat...wish I had a picture; she sports bright pink hair.  Love it.
John, Peggy Hrabar,
Faith and ? with her granddaughter, Paige.
Jim and Gigi Kern

I love where I live.  And, I'm grateful for good neighbors!