Thursday, February 22, 2024: J gives Collin bldg advice, Collins freeze dryer, Sisters want Alice Springs chicken, Tom's mouse toy, Sleeps all day, Sisters Johnson & Lassen, "The Way Home"

 

Seoul, Korea

37th operating temple

Dedicated: 14 Dec 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 9:17-41

Come Follow Me

2 Nephi 9:7

The Savior's Atonement is Infinite.

October General Conference

"More Than a Hero" by Bishop W. Christopher Waddell

Book

"Heart of the Matter" by President Russell M. Nelson

Introduction

Inklings

"Love Thy Neighbor" by Ian S. Arden; Luke 10:25-37; Compassion; 

'Soul stirring and life changing compassion.'

The Sealing Power

"Everyone who is faithful in keeping gospel covenants

will have the opportunity for exaltation."

Collin hired James to advise him on a bathroom he is remodeling. They agreed that Collin would pay James $500 just for giving advice. 

While James was at the DeWitt's Collin told him about their freeze-dryer for preserving food. He said they freeze dried some chicken salad, reconstituted it, and it tasted exactly the same. They like to go to farms and pick produce and freeze dry it. They recently did some cauliflower. The DeWitt's are super prepared for the future regarding their food supply!

I texted the sister missionaries to see when they were coming for dinner. I gave them the choice of Alice Springs chicken which had honey mustard sauce, bacon and cheese or chicken parmesan. They chose Alice Springs. I'm glad because I really wanted to try this recipe.  

It was a nice day here in Vernon. After James fed Luna and Tome he came in without Tom. When I asked where he was he said: "Oh he's out throwing a mouse around." Tom came in later for his daily nap.

Tom slept until way after the missionaries arrived. I mentioned that we had a cat to Sister Johnson and Sister Lassen but we would keep him in the bedroom in case they were allergic to cats. Sister Lassen said no way was she allergic, she had a Maine coon cat. Here is a picture of one although this one looks nothing like the pictures she showed us of hers.

I wonder if this is photoshopped.

This afternoon I made a dinner prep schedule, that looked something like this: put a new tablecloth on the table and set the table, sweep and mop the floor. Get out the pot for the green beans and the green beans, get out the salad bowl. Marinate the chicken, cut chicken breasts in half, season and brown. Cook bacon and mix up some honey mustard sauce. Put the chicken in a 9x13 pan. Cover chicken with honey mustard sauce, bacon, and Monterrey Jack cheese. Cover and cook for 30 minutes at 350. Yum!

I went into the bedroom to get ready while James made the salad and ice water. The sisters get here around 5:15. James has a meeting at 6 so we have a blessing, by me, and get started. Sister Lassen is from West Virginia and has been out on her mission about six months. 

Sister Johnson is from a small town in Oregon and while she was serving in her last area she said a prayer that she would be able to serve in a small town. She was so happy when she was sent to Vernon. They seemed to really enjoy the dinner and they had said they were off of sugar so we didn't fix any dessert. 

James left about 10 minutes until six. The sisters wanted me to give them a tour of the house. I told them that I was changing sheets on some of the beds and the house wasn't really company ready. I could tell they were disappointed so I took them on a tour.

Before James left Sister Johnson shared a scripture with us, 2 Nephi 31:21 - And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen.

This sisters challenged us to pray about finding someone that we can share our testimonies with. We took the challenge.

The sisters had to leave before 7 because they had a meeting. I said goodbye and realized I did not get a picture of them. I vowed I would get one on Sunday. James actually took these pictures for me on Sunday. I am posting them here.

Sister Lassen and Sister Johnson

I did the dishes and finished before James returned. James and I walked and while I took a break, sitting on the couch in the family room, Tom ran over and jumped up on my lap. I love this!

I watched the most recent episode of "The Way Home."

James fell while we were walking. He hurt his back. It was my fault. I had put some Liquid Gold on the floor and had not rubbed it in enough. It was still oily and his shoe just went out from under him.

I felt so bad. He was very kind not to get angry with me.

100th day of school for Charlie

Addy sent me this scripture

While they still had Bunny

I love this picture of Evan

Sister Kyah Westbrook grew up

in our ward until her family moved.

Wednesday, February 21, 2024: Kathy Crane's bday, Tom must go out @ night, windy, honey mustard dipping sauce, Wlmrt, Love 2 Nephi 9, "Tutored in Love"

 

Johannesburg, South Africa

36th operating temple

Dedicated: 24 Aug 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 9:1-16

Come Follow Me

2 Nephi 9:1-26

Jesus Christ saves me from sin and death.

October General Conference

"The Prodigal and the Road that Leads Home" by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Happy Birthday Kathy Crane. She turns 76 today.

What a night with Tom boy. He slept in our bed only he wasn't sleepy so he kept us awake. He's going out tonight!

James is working upstairs now instead at the end of the dining room table. The table is nice and clean, but I miss him. 

It was windy today which made it seem cooler. 

James still hasn't heard from Daryl Johnson. He was supposed to have money for us yesterday. 

I made some honey mustard dipping sauce for our chicken tenders. It was so delicious that James even liked it. He used to love McDonald's hot mustard sauce but never has cared for honey mustard sauce.

James's apple crisp he made the other day is still lingering. Every time I pass by I take a bite. Just one though.

James and I left for town to do errands around 5pm. We are feeding the missionaries tomorrow and Jared Ammon is coming on Sunday so I need to buy some food. This is the first time that I can remember that James actually stayed with me and pushed my basket while I was shopping. I bought enough chicken breasts for two meals. I can make Outback Alice Springs chicken and chicken parmesan.  We spent more than we had planned so we did not buy any fast food going home. 

Tom was waiting for us at the garage door when we got home. While we were walking and listening to "Tutored in Love" he followed us from room to room. 

I listened to part of Jared Halverson's CFM podcast, "Unshaken Saints."

Tuesday, February 20, 2024: Lola to Silver Valley Elementary, Panera for brkfst, Paula Johnson's story, Circle K, HD, Sheri's, Max's job interview, Sheri to Firebirds, Nap, J's mtg @ Landings, Home to Vernon

 

Chicago, Illinois

35th operating temple

Dedicated: 9 Aug 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 8

Come Follow Me

2 Nephi 6-8

The Lord is merciful to His people and will fulfill His covenants.

October General Conference

"Be Peaceable Followers of Jesus Christ" by Elder Quentin L. Cook

"The sealing power makes individual salvation and family exaltation universally available to the children of God."

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

At 7:45 everyone else in the house was gone except James, Lola, and I. We took Lola to Silver Valley Elementary School at 7:45. The drop off line was long. We said our goodbyes as Lola got out of the car and waved to us. She seemed excited to be at school.

We wanted some breakfast and we were headed to IHOP on Southern and Signal Butte when we passed a Panera and decided to eat there instead. We were quite disappointed. We each ordered a bacon and spinach souffle. Although it tasted fine, it was quite small. It cost me $10 for an orange juice, a small apple juice and a lemon cookie. Prices were too high. We wished we had gone to IHOP.

We went back to Darrel and Trina's as James had some work he needed to do on the computer. My phone had been connected to their internet last night but for the life of me I couldn't get James's computer to connect. We got frustrated and finally gave up and left for Sheri's. We stopped at the Circle K on Germann and Arizona Avenue for gas hoping it would be cheaper than other stations but it was not. We then went to the Home Depot on south Arizona Avenue for the part James needed for Sheri's to flush out the line. James brought in the black hose from the side of the house to the drain under the kitchen sink. Ollie was afraid of it, thinking it was a snake I think. He was shivering by Ben's bedroom door. I tried to soothe him and he responded a little. Ziggie could care less about the hose. James had me turn on the hose outside, wait 20 seconds, and then turn it off. We blew up the piece James bought at HD like a balloon and it popped. He does think we cleaned out the line from the garbage disposal to Max's downstairs shower. Max was at home. He has a job interview today somewhere that Alex set up. 

When we thought we had cleaned out the line we went to pick up Sheri at work to take her to Firebirds for her birthday lunch. This was her choice. After the waitress took our order and brought us a couple of loaves of bread we must have waited a good 45 minutes for our food to come. It was a ridiculously long time. Sheri and I each got a strawberry and shrimp salad and James ordered ribs and mashed potatoes. We guessed it was the ribs that took so long. James said they were the best he has ever had. 

Sheri was anxious to get back to work because she had a friend that was stopping by the office to bring her a gift. We gave Sheri her card during lunch and I don't know why I didn't take a picture.

Sheri is 49 today

Happy Birthday!

Sheri's surgery will no longer be done by her regular gynecologist. She is going to an oncology gynecologist for a biopsy and he will also be doing her hysterectomy. She is very calm about her situation and feels that everything is going to be fine.

Dr. Carpenter's truck parked in front of

Chandler Eyecare.

After we took Sheri back to work, it was a little after 2. James's meeting at Dobson Ranch Landings isn't until 6. We were both exhausted and so we went back to Darrel & Trina's for a nap. 

No one was home when we got there and we went straight up to Rowan's room for our nap. A little while later there was a knock at the bedroom door. It was Lola. She said, "I wondered if you were here because I saw your car outside." Yes, we are still here sweetie. She was fine with that and went back downstairs to entertain herself.

Ruby and Rowan made it home before we left. We gave them and Lola a hug when we left for James's meeting a little after 5. We arrived at the Landings at Dobson Ranch a little before six. The woman James has been corresponding with and told him the meeting he was to speak at wasn't until 6:30 so he and Armando have 30 minutes to look around at the job they will be doing. I had found a walking path and was getting in my steps. Here were some of my views:

James has been asked to do some repair work on one of the lakes linings and also to replace some rotting posts. The insurance company says unless this work is done they are going to drop their policy. It is going to be very costly to drain the lakes to do the work. The company who will be doing it says $50,000. James was floored when he found this out. 

James and Armando didn't get out of their meeting until after 7. We were going to go back to Sheri's so James could give her a blessing but when I texted her she said she was really tired and asked if dad could do it when we come down on March 1st. Of course.

We headed for Broadway and Dobson for Whataburger Juniors and then we got on the 101 to the 87 and headed for Payson.

It was after 10 when we got home. We were so happy to see Tom and he seemed happy to see us. We let him stay inside for the night.

James told me today that Elder Renlund and his wife will be coming to Show Low to speak at the women's devotional. Great news! I love his talks!

I managed to get my steps today. Since I didn't get them all yesterday it was critical for my self-esteem to get them today. (jk)

Kim made this cake for Sheri's birthday

Superior tunnel between Miami, Az and

Superior

Our sleeping ball of fur

Oops! That wasn't me using the "D" word.

Monday, February 19, 2024: Left for the valley @ 7am, Goodbye Tom, Train in Miami, Renaissance traffic, hi blood pressure, lost more weight, Whataburger, Lois & Dawn, DBk, Costco, Sam's, Darrel's, Safeway

 

Stockholm, Sweden

34th operating temple

Dedicated: 2 July 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 7

Come Follow Me

2 Nephi 6-10 "O How Great the Plan of Our God" Introduction

October General Conference

"Bearing Witness of Jesus Christ in Word and Actions" Elder Adilson de Paula Parrella

"Walk with Him

Barbara and Elaine discuss President Eyring's talk on the Holy Ghost.

Book

"Increase in Learning" by Elder David A. Bednar

Focus on doctrines and principles, not applications

"The Sealing Power" quote:

"The very reason the earth was created was so families could be formed and sealed to each other. Salvation is an individual matter, but exaltation is a family matter. No one can be exalted alone."

We left for the valley this morning at 7 am. My appointment at the AARA for my infusion is at 10:45. It's hard to say goodbye to Tom. T-Bo will feed him and Luna while we are gone.

We went the Globe way because James convinced me that it's faster. 

We had to stop for a train in Miami and then we got into the Renaissance Festival traffic even though we were going in the opposite direction. We arrived on time at AARA in spite of our setbacks.

Today in spite of taking Striction BP, my blood pressure was high: 163/82. I should have taken my prescription blood pressure meds along with the Striction. On the plus side, my weight was down. 

There was anew phlebotomist doing the infusions today, well, at least she was new to me. Her name was Alicia. The first needle she put into my arm for my infusion squirted blood all over the place. She had to put another needle in at a different site in my arm. This time it worked. It's 11:00 when my infusion finally gets started and I have been here since 10:15. I guess it was okay that it took me a little longer today because it gave James time to spend his collected gift cards at Bass Pro. He got some shoes and some ammunition.

I was starving when I was finished with my infusion so we headed for the nearest Whataburger which is on Broadway and Dobson. We are on Baseline and Country Club. I had a junior green chili burger which was way to oily and James had what we both normally get, a Whataburger, Jr. We also shared some onion rings which were also greasy. Never again. From now on it's a Whataburger Jr. for me.

Our next stop was at Lois and Dawn's. I brought the quilt top, batting and backing back that Lois gave to me a few years ago. I told her she didn't have to get it quilted for me because she had already given me another quilt.  She said I could have another quilt if I wanted but she was going to give me another quilt.

Lois is worried about Dawn. She says she seems to be losing her memory and the other day she fainted. So now we have both of them to worry about. We talked about the remodel Lois wants done on her bathroom. Gail is involved too so James needs to talk to him. As we were leaving, Dawn insisted we take some of her Mom's favorite cookies, so we did. We needed to leave to go over to Sheri's to see if James can unclog her drain. He worked on it for a few minutes and then decided he needed something at Home Depot and he would come back tomorrow to work on the drain.

Next stop, Deseret Book to spend my gift card Sheri gave me for Christmas. James and I both bought new garments, he got a necktie and I got President Nelson's book, "The Heart of the Matter" and a couple of smaller books by Emily Belle Freeman. After all of that, I still have over $11.00 left.

Costco in Gilbert is right next to Deseret Book so it was our next stop. Our main purpose for coming to Costco is to get James's pomegranate juice. They have always had it, until today. We got our other necessities, walnuts for James and pistachios for me but no pomegranate juice. I told James I had a Sam's Club card and we should go there for his juice. He didn't seem to convinced. Sam's Club was just down the road on Market St. 

We looked around on our own for awhile. I found a cute blanket I just had to have but we couldn't find any Pom juice. I asked one of the workers and she said it was back in the cooler with the fresh fruits and veggies. James had already looked their but we went back again. Sure enough, there it was. James got two large 64 oz. bottles. On the way out I found some Crunch Master crackers, which are James's favorite. Two reasons I'm glad we came to Sam's.

Before heading for Darrel & Trina's we went through Chik-fil-a for some dinner. We each got three strips and ate them in the car. They were so delicious!

When we got to Darrel & Trina's Addy, and Trina gave us hugs. Trina asked where Lola was and I told her we had seen her outside playing. Trina seemed confused and right then, Lola came walking down the stairs. Oops, I guess the girl we saw wasn't Lola. We just saw her from the back but we were so sure it was her. 

Trina had some chicken cooking in a skillet for dinner. She poured in some chipotle sauce, tasted the chicken and said it was way too hot. Addy tasted it and agreed, so Trina threw it out. Oh dear. 

Ruby and Rowan came home and gave us a hug and soon Rowan was gone again. He and some of his friends have started an online business selling surfer shirts and hoodies. Trina left for her Monday night pickleball date and soon Darrel was home from work. He seemed pretty proud as he was telling me about Rowan's business. I asked him where he got the inventory and he said drop-shipping. 

James walked to Safeway for steps. I would normally go with him but I didn't tonight because my right knee was bothering me. I asked him to get a birthday card for Sheri and some candy bars for the girls and I. 

I gave Lola the Disney pictures I had printed for her and she put them in her Disney 2024 album. Ruby settled in to doing her homework and when Darrel got home she had him check it.

James and I slept in Rowan's room while he slept downstairs on the white couch with his guitar. Thanks Rowan for letting us use your room.

James giving Tom his morning rub before

we leave for the valley.

I love the Jack in the Box!

Love my new Woovoo!

Fabulous laundry room

Amazing sunset

Darrel Johnson's promises of money turn flat because it is President's Day and the banks are closed.