Saturday, April 26th, 2025: Both cats are skittish because of our company, especially Namira, Max helps James all day, Michael & Joe helped a couple of hours, Michael's roast, Max's singing and his journal writing, MIchael takes JA & Ellie to Greens Peak, Calico beans

St. Paul, Minnesota

Dedicated: 9 Jan 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 17:1-20

Come Follow Me

D&C 38:39; 39-40

Heavenly Father wants to give me the riches of eternity.

Video: "Ye are Called to Bring to Pass the Gathering"

D&C 40

April General Conference

'Reverence for Sacred Things'

Ulisses Soares

"Reverence for the sacred fosters genuine gratitude, expands true happiness, leads our minds to revelation, and brings greater joy to our lives."

Neither cats were outside this morning at 6. Tom returned around 8:30. I don't know where Sammy was, he was gone all day. Max saw a coyote this morning by the stable so I was pretty worried about him. No need to worry. He came home this evening.

Max helped James most of the day. When I thanked him he said it didn't feel like work, it just felt like spending quality time with his grandpa. James asked him how many pushups he does. He says he does sets of 150. James was impressed, he says most people do around 30. 

Michael, Dallin, and Joe went shopping this morning. I guess Safeway didn't have the type of roast Michael wanted. I asked Michael to bring me back a pound of bacon. I was planning on fixing calico beans and would be frying a pound of bacon for them. I felt like I needed to fry another pound for the guys to eat. Dallin was especially happy.

Michael took Jared Ammon and Ellie to Green's Peak when he got back from town. It was Ellie's first time. She enjoyed the view but it was very windy.  Michael and Joe worked for James a couple of hours before they came in to start the roast. So much for having it done by 5. I told Michael it would be better to cook too long than not long enough but to no avail. He says the recipe calls for it to be cooker three hours in the oven. This is a 4 lb roast and I thought to myself that wasn't nearly long enough but I let him do his thing. 

Max sang and sang and sang this afternoon then this evening he wrote in his journal. He says that journaling brings him great peace. The better I get to know Max the more impressed I am with him.

I finished my handouts and spent time finishing up the lesson. I have the outline and all of the quotes but now need to come up with some good questions. 

I made cornbread to go with the beans I made. The boys ate it with the roast which wasn't done until around 8:00. It had a good flavor but was not tender. 

I felt sorry for Namira. She was stuck in the house most of the day. A dog like her needs to be outside. I wish our back fence was dog proof.

To bed early so I can get up early to finish up my lesson.

Ellie & Jared Ammon left for home this afternoon.

Ellie works at 7 in the morning.

Where is kitty?

55 of these friendship bracelets

 

Friday, April 25th, 2025: JA & Ellie go shopping, new PO Box #703, stew meat & gravy, new cat food, Horse riding debacle between Apollo & James, Michael, Dallin, Namira, Joe, Max arrive late

Raleigh, North Carolina

68th operating temple

Dedicated: 18 Dec 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 16:1-15

Come Follow Me

D&C38:24-27

God wants us to "be one."

Video: "A Friend to All"

Video: "Love in Our Hearts"

"The Peace of Christ Abolishes Enmity", Dale G. Renlund, OGC 2021

"Hearts Knit in Righteousness and Unity", Quentin L. Cook, OGC 2020

April General Conference

'Divine Helps for Mortality'

President Dallin H. Oaks

"Our Heavenly Father's plan provides helps to guide us through our mortal journeys."

Jared Ammon's girlfriend Ellie is vegan so she and Jared went shopping this morning. 

James went to the post office this morning. The Tignor's told us that because the post office doesn't deliver to their home that they get their post office box for free. They don't deliver to our home but we pay $160 a year for our box. James went in this morning to talk to John the postmaster here in Vernon. He gave him our address to prove we were out of the delivery area. We have to get a new box, a smaller one, but we won't be paying the $160 which is due the end of April. We got new keys and had to turn our old ones in. The new ones cost $10. Hurray for free mail boxes. 

James picked up the mail. I got my new white cardigan sweater which wasn't due to come until Monday. Now I can wear it with my new dress on Sunday. 

This afternoon Jared Ammon and Ellie wanted to ride the horses. James saddled Apollo and Jared saddled Luna. Jared wanted to ride Apollo because he heard that Joshua rode him when he was up here in December. I don't think either horse has been ridden since December. Jared rode for awhile but Apollo wouldn't mind him and kept going back to the stable. James said, "Let me ride him." This is when the real trouble began.

James got on Apollo and the bucking began. He had the reins wrapped around his right hand and thought he was going to hurt his hand so he unwrapped the reins. Also he didn't adjust the stirrups from when Jared had ridden so he didn't have that anchor. As soon as he let go of the reins Apollo bucked James's hit the saddle horn and off he went. He landed hard on the ground on his backside, using his right arm to break his fall. In spite of this fall he got back on Apollo and made him mind. 

I have never seen a bruise as big as the one on James's backside. The bruise on his rear end is as big as a volleyball. He injured his leg and knee and his right arm. This on top of all of his other aches and pains. If we are going to have horses to ride they need to be ridden more often so they are not so wild. Who is to ride them now. James won't be getting on for quite awhile. 

I made some beef with gravy out of the stew meat I had in the frig. Jared and I ate it over noodles and James ate his over a slice of bread. It was quite good. 

This afternoon James and I made a trip to Dollar General to get some different dog food. Sammy and Tom don't like the flavor I last bought. It is beef and salmon. I don't think they like the beef. James got a big bag of chicken, turkey, salmon, and fish. I hope they like it because this bag is going to last for awhile.

I worked on my lesson for awhile this afternoon and put scripture references on the friendship bracelets I bought for handouts. 

James and I are listening to a new book. It is by Anita Stansfield and is a 3 book series. This one is called, "The Sound of Rain" vol. 1.

Tom slept outside again tonight. We went to bed before Michael, Dallin, Namira, Joe, and Max arrived. Jared waited up for them and they stayed up until about 1 a.m.

This is Midnight. She has four new kittens,

two black and two gray. Kathy says at least

one of them has a ringtail like Sammy's.

She thinks Sammy is the dad.

Penny the talking cat has more than 

5 million followers.

Cat beds

Cat couch

 

Thursday, April 24th, 2025: Inklings, Circle K 40 cents off a gallon, James's trip to Chandler via Winkleman, Kearny, & Ray, brings home Chik-fila, JA & Ellie coming tonight

 

Edmonton, Alberta

67th operating temple

Dedicated: 11 Dec 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 15:10-31

Come Follow Me

D&C 38:30

If I am prepared, I don't need to be afraid.

"We Will Prove Them Herewith" Elder David A.Bednar, OGC 2020

April General Conference

'Joy Through Covenant Discipleship'

Elder John A. McCune

"As we bind ourselves to act as covenant disciples, our relationship with the Father and Son is enriched, our joy enhanced, and our eternal perspective expanded."

I listened to Emily and Tanna talk about Elder Renlund's conference address this morning, "Personal Preparation to Meet the Savior." 

Here are some notes from Emily and then some from me:

Two words stood out to me on the day of Elder Renlund's talk.

Distinguishing characteristics. It made me want to look at each parable individually and see what was the distinguishing characteristic of each. There are several we could choose. 

In the parable of the ten virgins perhaps it is wisdom.

In the talents it seems to be capacity for growth.

In the sheep and goats it is service in His behalf.

Wisdom. Capacity. Service. 

I am wondering how these distinguishing characteristics look in my own life, and how they might prepare me to welcome Him. 

Faith and wise. The Holy Ghost as guide. Lamps burning. Lots to consider.

My notes:

Deceivers or Disciples.

Acquiring spiritual knowledge. 

How well am I coming to know Him along the way?

Avoid deception, worship in the temple, develop the gift of discernment. 

Tender mercy journal - where I saw the hand of the Lord in my life. 

Journal - a place to store oil. Oil = knowing Him.

Are my concerns more about me or others?

My invitation to you is to see the Holy Ghost as a cherished friend.

Learn to listen to the Spirit and write down my encounters with Him.

James left around 8:30 this morning for his appointment with Dr. Memon in Chandler. He forgot that there is blasting in Superior Canyon on Thursdays and he was re-routed through Winkelman, Kearney, and Ray. It took him an extra 45 minutes to get to the valley. He did manage to get gas before noon and qualified for the 40 cents off a gallon. 

After his appointment with Dr. Memon they discussed Dr. Memon's building project. His next stop was at Chandler Eyecare where he gave Sheri the letter I wrote to Evan. Sheri decided he needed an eye appointment so she called me. I made him one for Friday May 9th at noon, the day before Lola's dance recital. 

James stopped at the burn house to give Salvador a check. This was definitely a business trip so Lambson Construction will pay for gas and food. James got home around 6:30 with Chik-fila strips and cranberry celebration from Fry's. He helped me put sheets on the bed downstairs and in Sheri's room. We checked all of the bathrooms and did some vacuuming. The upstairs looks good. 

Jared Ammon texted me at 6:10 this evening saying that he and Ellie were just now leaving downtown Phoenix and wouldn't be here until somewhere between 9:30-10:30. We waited up until 10 and then turned on the porch lights, unlocked the front door, and went to bed.

Tom sleeps outside again tonight. 

Memories:

Stacy's wedding

Critters in our very green grass

My priesthood advisor when I was Primary President

in the Chandler 2nd ward.

After James's brain surgery

My friend Ruth Gale with her

granddaughter, Bailey

Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025: Tom sleeps in his chair, 2:45 left for town Tom still asleep, James's CT Scan I shop @ Walmart, Culvers, "A Guarded Heart", Evan's letter

 

Billings, Montana

66th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 Nov 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 14:1-15:9

Come Follow Me

D&C 38:22

"Hear my voice and follow me."

See also 2 Nephi 2:26-27

April General Conference

'Eternity's Great Gifts: Jesus Christ's Atonement, Resurrection, Restoration" Elder Gerrit W. Gong

After being outside all night Tom came in, ate, and then fell asleep on his chair at the high table for several hours. When he got up he ate some more and then climbed up on our bed and slept some more. Around 2:45 we left for town. Tom was still sleeping on our bed. 

James has his CT scan at the hospital at 3:30. He dropped me off at Walmart to do a little shopping.

The first thing I bought was two pineapples. Stacy told me that they clean the plaque out of your arteries. 

After James's CT scan was finished he came to pick me up. On the way home we stopped at Culver's for a fish sandwich and a burger. We listened to our book, "A Guarded Heart". We finished it when we got home. 

I made appointments for James and I at the 3:30 endowment session of the temple on Friday and ran off two family names for us to do. It's a busy week but the temple is a priority. This will be my 10th time and James's 9th.

Tom was still asleep when we got home. He woke up when I called for him. 

James is leaving at 5:30 tomorrow morning for his appointment with Dr. Memon in Chandler. 

Colorado elk

A good friend from Chandler

Easter card from Carmen

Tuesday, April 22nd, 2025: Earth Day, truck in to Horne Body Shop, Christopher Gardens, Polar Pop, busy week, including company and my lesson

 

Regina, Saskatchewan

65th operating temple

Dedicated: 14 Nov 1999

By: Boyd K. Packer

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 13:5-35

Come Follow Me

D&C 37-38

God gathers us to bless us.

April General Conference

'Compensating Blessings'

Bishop Gerald Causse

"While many circumstances in life may be beyond our control, none of us is beyond the reach of the Lord's infinite blessings."

James took his truck in to the Horne Body Shop this morning. His appointment was at 9:00. I followed him in as his truck will be there several days. After getting in the car to drive home James asked it if was okay to go get some dandelion weed killer at Christopher's Garden in Lakeside. I told him that was fine. After getting the weed killer we drove back to Home Depot where James bought a bag of concrete. Afterwards we stopped at Circle K and James bought me a Polar Pop. Home again listening to "A Guarded Heart."

This is a busy week. Tomorrow James has his CT scan. On Thursday he is going to Chandler to see Dr. Memon and I have Bunco that evening. Friday afternoon we are going to the temple with Ruth Gale. Jared Ammon and his girlfriend, Michael, Joe, and Max are coming up this weekend to help James, and I have my lesson on Sunday. I have to finish Evan's letter and mail it so he gets it before the 30th. I'm also four days behind on my blog and my back is killing me. 

Tom went outside right at bed time again tonight. 

Monday, April 21st, 2025: James's meeting w/ Registrar of Contractors @ Bama Barbershop, Trip home, Tom is so happy, my back hurts, HMM, Easter card from Carmen, 2 new dresses

Halifax, Nova Scotia

64th operating temple

Dedicated: 14 Nov 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 12:17-13:4

Come Follow Me

April 21-27 "If Ye Are Not One Ye Are Not Mine"

D&C 37-40 Introduction

Voices of the Restoration: Phoebe Carter

April General Conference

'Your Repentance Doesn't Burden Jesus Christ: It Brightens His Joy'

Sister Tamara W. Runia

"The invitation to repent is an expression of God's love. Saying yes to that invitation is an expression of ours."

It is 10:54. James just called from Bama Barbershop. His meeting with the Registrar of Contractors is over. Darryl Johnson was there and so was Armando. Darryl was rude to Armando and yelled a lot. The Registrar told him if he didn't stop yelling the case would be closed and he wouldn't get anything. James doesn't know the results of the "inspection". They will be sent to him and he will know what needs to be done. 

We left Darrel & Trina's around 11:30. I left a note and $20 for Rowan. Trina texted me later and told me I shouldn't have paid him. Rowan said I didn't need to pay him, but thanked me. I told Trina I thought he could use the money on his trip to Florida this weekend. He and his friends won a trip through Decca because of a 30 page report they did on the business they started. 

On the way out of town we stopped at Whataburger and we each got a Whataburger Jr. Delish. The sun is a little too warm for me here in the Valley of the Sun.

We had two delays before we got to Globe. One was about 30 minutes. No blasting today just a lot of dump trucks driving around. 

We stopped at the Circle K in Show Low and got 25cents off a gallon for a tank of gas. We went through Panda Express and I ordered some sesame chicken with chow mien noodles. Meh. 

Tom seemed so happy to see us when we got home. Before going outside I gave him his "treat." This evening before going to bed he ran around the bedroom playing and was happy to sleep at the foot of our bed.

James got a couple of checks to deposit. One for $6,000 from Salvador and one from the Landings for $14,055. I deposited both of them via my phone. I couldn't do anything at Darrel's because my phone would not connect to the internet.

The weather here in Vernon is beautiful and there is not any snow left. It comes and it goes. Tom was anxious to go outside.

My back hurts. I'm wondering if it's from sleeping in a bed that's not my own or from riding in the car so long. I rested on the recliner and watched the latest Hallmark movie starring Erin Cahill, "Journey to You." 

On the way in to Vernon we stopped and got our mail. We got an Easter card from Carmen, two new dresses, and the friendship bracelets I ordered for my Relief Society lesson on Sunday. 

 

Sunday, April 20th, 2025: Easter Sunday, Galveston 3rd ward, Lunch @ Lois & Dawn's, naps, Case family dinner,

 

Detroit, Michigan

63rd operating temple

Dedicated: 23 Oct 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 12:1-16

Come Follow Me

Sunday

"He Is Risen"

April General Conference

'Participate to Prepare for Christ's Return'

Elder Steven D. Shumway

"Callings and other ways we embark in God's work uniquely prepare us to meet the Savior."

James forgot his white shirt and had to make a trip to Walmart this morning before church. We went to church in Chandler with Sheri to Galveston 3rd ward. Evan, and Ben & Cayli went too. Dave, Laura, Cathi, Terry, Erik & Amelia, and Kit & Kristine are in this ward too.

Their meeting started at 9 so we left about 8:20. 

We arrived before Sheri did and we sat in the back where she sits. Many people in this ward were in our ward when James was the bishop. So many people came up and spoke with us. Lynda Cull, Sharon Lynn, Dave Miner, the Dowdle's, Bill Valentic, Christa Moreno, Kurt & Laurie Jensen, the Tolman's Kyle, Nancy, Alex, Colee and their spouses and kids. The Gunther's, Dave & Laura, Cathi & Terry, and Erik. Steven & Michelle Menlove, and the Chipman's are also in this ward. It felt a little like home.

We took a picture after the meeting.

The program was all music and scriptures. We enjoyed

the Primary singing "Gethsemane" and "I Stand All Amazed."

Also enjoyed Evan and the other YM & YW singing "As I Have Loved You."

We went back to Darrel & Trina's for a short visit and to change our clothes. Darrel's family was concerned because Trina's brother Westley's oldest daughter had run away from home after getting into a fight with her sister. Darrel said they may have to miss church to go out and look for Emma. A few minutes later Trina got a call that Emma had been found. Their prayers had been answered. No need to miss church. 

We left for Tempe to join Lois, Dawn, Aunt Faye, David, Laura, Cathi & Terry for Easter dinner. We had ham, pineapple, rolls, Laura's green beans, and Cathi's funeral potatoes. For dessert we had white cake, brownies, and lemon pie. The food was delicious and the company was great. I have a nice visit with Laura and enjoyed Cathi telling us about their new dog Wally. Wally came to them while Ladybug was still alive and now comforts them since she is gone. 

Good food and great company

Around 2:00 the doorbell rang. It was Terry's boys, Nathan and Christ and Nathan's girl friend Kate. They had come by to see their grandmother. 

Aunt Faye, James & I left at the same time. We went back to Darrel & Trina's. They were home from church. They all attended together. 

Trina said everyone was together and happy. I'm wondering why Darrel, Trina, and Rowan are the only ones with even a hint of a smile.

I love all of these people!

James and I took quite a long nap. When we woke up the Case family Easter dinner was in full swing downstairs. James went down and brought me up some of Darrel's smoked TriTip. It was delicious. He said Trina wanted me to come down and visit. I told him to tell her I was in my comfy clothes and wasn't presentable. Trina told James she was put on her sweats so I would feel more comfortable. I decided I better go down and say hello lest I was labeled as standoffish. 

James and I both went down. Lexy greeted me and so did Trina's mom. We talked to Trina's mom for a few minutes. I had a piece of cake and then we went back upstairs. I didn't see Ruby, Rowan or Addy but Lola was hanging out with several of her girl cousins. Suzy, Trina's mom, was starting to play some kind of game with them with some plastic eggs. No one noticed when we left.

Sleeping in Rowan's bed is comfortable for me. We slept with the window open and the fan going. Rowan has 16 Suns jerseys on his wall, four guitars, and the coolest Lego pirate ship that I wanted to take a picture of. Thank you Rowan for giving up your room for us.

Our ward sponsored this breakfast for

the entire community.

Easter in Texas

Our friends

Ander Hoose