Tuesday, June 30th, 2020

Veracruz, Mexico

93rd operating temple

Dedicated: 9 July 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Lamb of God

Revelation 19:9

And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

Alma 24 with James; 

Lambson Study Group

God is Merciful

Inklings

Healthy benefits of beans

We left for the valley at 5:15 this morning. Our first stop was in Globe to get gas and then in Miami to pick up a Tony's Special breakfast burrito at Burger House. Masks are required, no public restrooms, only three customers in the building at a time. Such a downer.

Burger House Heist

One taste of this breakfast burrito we shared and we

knew it was worth any hardship. Delicious!

James's two houses failed inspections again. There are three contractors that are supposed to come back and deal with problems. None of them came. James has to reschedule an inspection for the third time. 

I dropped James off at Sheri's to work while I went to my infusion. Stacy came by to pickup some pills from me and ended up taking me to my appointment. James needed to keep the car to pick up some materials at Home Depot. We both wore our masks in case she is still contagious although by this time she should not be. It's been almost a month since she came down with it. 

My infusion went quickly. They called me back and I got started at 10:30. My appointment wasn't until 10:45 but I was early. I was done by 11:30. I can't call while I'm in the infusion center so I kept texting James but he never answered me. I went outside and called when I was finished and he said he had not seen my texts. I told him I was going to walk across the street to Freddy's and he could pick me up there. The only thing open at Freddy's was the drive-thru window so I waited outside in front on a bench sitting in the shade until James got there. We drove back to Sheri's and I picked up Max and Evan and took them to Jersey Mike's to order some lunch. We had to wear masks and the dining area was not open so we took our sandwiches home to eat them. I love the Jersey Shore Special, Mike's Way. Max and Evan were thankful that I bought them some lunch. We also saw Alex when we got back to the house. He said he is taking Max fishing near Saguaro Lake on the Salt River tomorrow morning for his birthday. 

James didn't quite finish at Sheri's. He tried to call Sal and Greg Hatch but could not get a hold of either one of them for a meeting. He said he had to go to Peoria to meet with someone whose job he and Sal are starting this week. We drove 45 miles across town so James could meet with this guy for about 10 minutes. He lives in a nice neighborhood and has retired at a young age. James was impressed with him. Aaron is the guys name and he had requested to meet James. 

Next stop was at Dobson Ranch where James has done lots of work. Some guy named Don wanted James to look at something that might be a potential problem. James took a look and told him what to do and that was it. 

My friend Barbara had surgery on her shoulder yesterday. I texted her and ask if I could pick up anything for her at Costco. She wanted sweet plums, Barbacoa beef, and Quaker granola cereal. Before going to the Gilbert Costco we stopped in at Deseret Book which is right behind Costco. I got a new Book of Mormon, triple combination.

I have my reasons

James helped me shop at Costco. We thought Barbara wanted fresh plums so we picked up a bag. I got the last package of Barbacoa Beef, and then we easily found the Quaker's granola. After we had checked out I looked at my phone and realized these are the plums Barbara wanted. 

I texted this picture to Sheri. She is going to get these plums and bring them up when she comes up on the 13th. In the meantime Pierce and Barbara will have fresh plums to eat. 

Our best deal at Costco was a big bag of walnuts for twelve dollars. From Costco we drove to Darrel and Trina's. No one is home. Darrel is on his way but he is a long ways away. I got the garage code from Darrel and we broke in and left Lola's birthday present on the table. I also stole (I asked) one of Darrel's caramel protein shakes.

Loved it!

From Darrel's we headed for home. We didn't roll into our driveway until 9 p.m. James's first concern was feeding Luna. I helped him unload the car and we got the Barbacoa beef and some green chili pork into the refrigerator. It felt so good to be home! 

I took a shower and changed in to my comfy clothes. I did not get all of my steps today but I will make it up the rest of the week. We will deliver to the Goodman's tomorrow. James made a spinach, pineapple, banana smoothie and shared some of it with me. I forgot how much I love them!

Somewhere near St. George, Utah 

Tuesday, March 3rd, 2020

Gilbert, Arizona

142nd operating temple

Dedicated: 2 Mar 2014

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Judge

Isaiah 5:16

But the Lord of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

2 Nephi 31:13-21

I love Sister Dalton!

Saints, Volume 2

Chapter 31

The Shattered Threads of Life

October 2019 GenCon

Be Faithful, Not Faithless

Stephen W. Owen

"Brothers and sisters, I testify that Jesus Christ is at the head of this Church. He is inspiring our leaders and guiding us to the spiritual nourishment we need to survive and thrive in the latter days. That spiritual nourishment will help us be faithful and not faithless. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

We left the house around 7 o'clock this morning and drove to the Walmart on Baseline and Signal Butte. James bought a pair of shoes. I got caught up in buying a basket and gifts for Sandra Wilhelm. Yesterday was her birthday. I want to get her something nice because she is such an amazing person. She is raising 10 children in a teeny tiny house. I almost made us late for our session at the temple. Also, I told James to turn the wrong way getting off the freeway and that cost us an extra five minutes. 

When we arrived at the temple it was a little past 8. The session starts at 8:30. I am sure Sheri is already here. The first thing I did was go to the records office and ask them to print off a family name for me. We were able to do this because I have the family tree app on my phone. We could have done this for James too but instead he just used a temple name.

We dressed and went upstairs to the chapel. We were the last two they let in. As the company got up to walk to the FaceTime room Sheri turned around and when she saw us she had the biggest smile on her face. That smile was worth any effort we had to make to be here.

Sheri saved me a place by her. I love going to the temple with family members. Kim couldn't make it this morning. She goes to work at 10. 

There were 112 brothers and sisters in our session. That's over twice as many as we can handle in a session in Snowflake. 

The session went smoothly and efficiently. Each row has 8 seats and the two sisters each took a side of the room and did four sisters in each row.

There are 12 veils in the Gilbert temple, twice as many as we have in Snowflake. They moved us through quickly and effectively. Sheri and I visited in the Celestial room for a few minutes. She told me a story Ben told her about a girl named Lucy on his mission. The family name I went through for was Lucy Skinner. I wanted Sheri to wait for James but she said she had to get to work so we said our goodbyes. James wasn't too upset that she left without saying goodbye to him. I think he understands the demands of work.

After the session James took me to the Hobby Lobby on Gilbert Rd. I wanted to get some decorations for St. Patrick's day. Yesterday Lola had a leprechaun trap she had made. It was a shoebox decorated with a Skittles rainbow and several Rollos stacked up to look like a pile of gold. She was taking it to school for an activity.

After I finished shopping at Hobby Lobby, we drove across the street and down half a block to Olive Garden. We were the first one in the door at 11.  James ordered zoodles primavera which consists of zucchini noodles and other vegetables with grilled chicken. So healthy. I ordered chicken scampi with sauce, onions, bell peppers and noodles. Not so healthy but very delicious.

We had breadsticks and salad and for dessert we shared a chocolate lasagna brownie. Thank goodness for gift cards or we would never order dessert.

Brownie layered with cream cheese.

It was good but my favorite dessert here is

the strawberry cheesecake.

I left the brownie we didn't eat and my leftover chicken scampi in Darrel and Trina's frig. 

We went back to Darrel's and both took a nap. As I got up from my nap I began looking for the card I bought for Tanner and the one I bought for Sandra. They were in the same Walmart bag. I could not find them. James looked in the car and I looked everywhere inside. Have we done it again? Did I leave the bag in the cart or on the counter at Walmart? 

We got ready to go. No one was there to say goodbye to. Our first stop before leaving town was Walmart.  I wanted to get Tanner and Sandra another card so we could send Tanner's today and deliver Sandra's on our way home.

While I was looking for cards James was at the service counter with my morning receipt. He came over to me and gave me a gift card. He said, not only did you leave the cards but you left some Easter grass and other items totaling around $15. I used the gift card to check out. Sometimes James is on the right track, especially when it comes to matters of money.

We mailed Tanner's card before leaving town and delivered Sandra's basket on the way home. Why didn't I take  picture? The basket was a cute pink basket with a stuffed cow you can play peek-a-boo with. There were two bags of mini Cadberry chocolate eggs, Sandra's favorite. I put in my favorite lotion, Jergen's Original and my favorite bodywash Soft Soap Honeysuckle and Orange. There was a pedicure brush, body scrubbers, purple and yellow and Sister Nelson's book. Sandra was very grateful and so was Lanel, her little two year old girl.

I forgot to mention that we stopped at Burger House on the way home. James got a green chili burro and I got a bean and cheese. Mine was delicious and so was his. 

We FaceTimed in the car with Kacey, Jared, and Charlie. We had a REALLY good visit!

When we got home and got everything unloaded and put away, we watched a Hallmark movie starring Jesse Metcalf. It's the Martha's Vineyard Mystery Series, episode two.

I did not get my steps on Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday. I have some catching up to do this week.

Trenda's birthday is March 1st and her mom's is

March 2nd.

 Trina with Tristan and Tristan's 3 kids

James says even though she is blonde, she

is a black bear. This picture was taken in

British Colombia.

  

Wednesday, January 15th, 2020

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

94th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 July 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Jehovah

D&C 110:3

His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying:

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 9 ; I/F Lesson

"The Ministry of Angels"

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

October 2008

"Honoring His Name"

Lisa L. Harkins

October 2019

 "The name of Jesus was known long before His birth. To King Benjamin, an angel prophesied, 'And he shall be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God, ... and his mother shall be called Mary.' His work of 'redeeming love' was also made known to God's children whenever the gospel has been on the earth, from the days of Adam and Eve until our present day, so they could 'know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.'"

I got up at 4:30, showered, planned my day and prayed. I had some breakfast and herbal tea and finished yesterday's blog post I was working on. My internet is driving me crazy. 

I texted James who is still in the valley about something I read in a Church History of Show Low last night while I was waiting for my temple recommend interview. Eb Lewis, who was the first bishop of the Show Low 2nd ward and my bishop for awhile when I was a teenager, and a Show Low stake president wrote about when he was 20 years old and called to be the elder's quorum president for Show Low, Pinedale-Claysprings, and Pinetop and Lakeside. He would have to travel to the different quorums on Sunday to conduct business. That's a lot of traveling!

I worked on my blog again this morning because I didn't finish yesterday's two posts. I also cleaned upstairs. I started in Darrel and Trina's room. I had already done Sheri and Ian's. When I was finished with Darrel and Trina's bathroom and bedroom I began vacuuming the common area. 

I also did a little for my book business. I am figuring my prophets for 2019. There are quite a few books I lost money on. I have not finished so I don't know what the final outcome will be. I bought two books. 

During my lunch break I read from my book, "Aunt Dimity Vampire Hunter."

I made a trip to town today. The most important thing I was going for was to get my Levothyroxin and Tramadol. I stopped at the Vernon post office. I had a box from Amazon. In it was James's white shirt I had ordered, my wooden salad bowl and serving spoon and fork, two yellow velvet pillow covers, and a new mop and bucket. So happy to get the things I ordered so quickly!

At Walmart I picked up my Levothyroxin and Methotrexate. They were out of Tramadol. Jacob told me if I waited until after 2 p.m. tomorrow they would probably have some. He told me not to come unless I received a text first. I was so disappointed because I depend on Tramadol so much. 

I did some shopping and then waited in line forever to check out. I didn't feel like checking myself out in the scan and go.

I got some plastic white and lavender flowers for my flower pots on the front porch. My basket was full as I walked out to my car. I saw my friend Becky Skousen and she asked me if I needed help, and laughed and thanked her but said no, I didn't.

It's late and getting dark so I decide not to stop to get my car washed. I will wash it when I come back tomorrow for my Tramadol. I stopped by the Wilhelm's to pick up apples. Sandra isn't home from Walmart yet. I saw her when I was there. I wait about 5-10 when she shows up. She hefts a big box of apples in to the back seat of my car like they were a feather. She asks me if I need someone to go home with me and lift them out of my car. I guess she knows James is out of town. I told her no, that I would manage. I gave her a check for $30 and was on my way. They are Honey Crisp apples so I hope they are good. 

After unloading my groceries and putting them away, I sat down with some yogurt and blackberries. I texted James asking why I hadn't heard from him. He said, "Please open the garage door." I had no idea he was coming home this evening. I am very happy to seem him and as an added bonus he brought me a green chili burro from Burger House. 

The first thing James wants me to do is read from Aunt Dimity. I think it's because he likes to walk while I read. After Aunt Dimity we study "Come Follow Me" and then go to bed.

As I was scrolling through Instagram this evening I came across a post from Janet Andersen. Clint's brother Jim passed away. He used to work for James and he dated Carol Ray after Mario died.

 The Honey Crisp apples are delicious!

 Bilbo Baggins has too much "baggage" to

grasp the Iron Rod.

Tuesday, January 7th, 2020

Dedicated: 4 June 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Jehovah

Isaiah 45:17

But Israel shall be saved in the Lord with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 2

Oct 2019 General Conference

"Watchful Unto Prayer Continually"

Elder David A. Bednar

"Satan 'is the enemy of righteousness and of those who seek to do the will of God.' All day, every day, his only intent and sole purpose are to make the sons and daughters of God miserable like unto himself. The Father's plan of happiness is designed to provide direction for His children, to help them experience enduring joy, and to bring them safely home to Him with resurrected, exalted bodies. The devil labors to make the sons and daughters of God confused and unhappy and to hinder their eternal progression. The adversary works relentlessly to attack the elements of the Father's plan he hates the most."

I read an interesting article in Meridian magazine this morning. The title: "How the Lord Can Give Us Renewal Instead of Resolutions"

by Wallace Goddard

"We yearn to be better. If we are not careful, we map out our lives and form a resolve that makes us less available to God. What right do we have to take charge of our lives if we have previously given ourselves to Him?

Make God a partner in your planning. We belong to Him. Seek the renewal that comes from having God govern your life. Rather than focus on goals and timetables, we may turn our hearts to faith and submission. Seek guidance and power from Him. Renewal is less about setting goals than about submitting to His will."

At 9 a.m. I had an appointment to get four fillings in my front teeth filled at Dr. Douglas's in Chandler. Of course she starts out by giving a couple of shots to numb the areas. Then it's the drillin' and the fillin.' She found another tooth that needed a filling and did it too. It only cost me $425. Why is everything so expensive?

When James picked me up I asked him if he got the oil changed and he said no. It was too expensive. 

Our next stop was at Bill Valentic's yard on Arizona Avenue just south of Willis. James needed to count stakes. He said there were only 40 when there should have been 20. I guess he needs to check with Armando.

Next stop, Lucille's Smokehouse in Tempe Marketplace. We have not been there in years but Dawn gave us a gift card for Christmas so of course we went.

I got the brisket salad. James ordered deviled eggs as an appetizer and then the fried chicken and mashed potatoes. I forgot how good their food is plus they give you biscuits with honey butter. 

I especially loved the gravy for James's mashed potatoes. I'm sure I ate more of it than he did. 

 Look at that pile of chicken. 

Normally they would cover it in gravy

but James asked for the gravy on the side.

Here I am trying to be good with my half salad and

James sticks his gravy right in front of me.

It's a hopeless cause.

Next stop was Bass Pro Shop. Nice that it's very close to Lucille's. James got a gift certificate from Sheri and Ian for Christmas and he wants to get some new shoes. He came out with low top boots. They look nice though. I was going to wait in the car but I got bored so I went inside to get a drink. I ended up buying vitamin water. James was a little upset because he couldn't find me and I wasn't answering my phone. 

It would have been nice if we could have just headed out of town but we left our stuff at Darrel and Trina's plus James wants to go by Mario Chacon's tire shop to talk to him. He is the guy building the two houses and James is doing some of the work for him.

I waited in the car while James went to talk to Mario and I think I might have seen a drug deal go down. I'm just sayin. An African-American gentlemen got out of his car, grabbed his fat wallet out of the inside door of his car and went inside. When he came out he no longer had a fat wallet. He had a little blue package. Now you tell me, does that sound suspicious?

Here is James speaking to Mario. There is a language barrier so James uses his hands quite often when he is speaking.

I'm not sure what James said but he came back with a check for $3,400. $700 was for materials James already bought and the rest was for a down payment on the first house. It's nice to have some operating cash.

From Mario's we went back to Darrel and Trina's to nap and pack up to go home. Darrel is home installing ceiling fans. We got to say goodbye to Darrel, Ruby, Rowan, and Lola. Trina was at work and Addy wasn't home from school yet. 

We stopped at Burger House and picked up burros and when we got to Show Low we stopped at Walmart to get my prescriptions. While James was at the prescription counter I bought him a Yoda stuffed animal for his birthday. When Star Wars first came out Yoda was his favorite. I was pretty tricky sneaking it out to the car and into a big garbage bag I had. When I got home I put it on the shelf in the garage so James wouldn't see it when he unloaded the car.

We stopped at the Halcomb's to pick up Relief Society birthday cards for me to sign. 

After everything was put away I did some "Come Follow Me" studies, walked and then we went to bed.

 McKellk Miner's little boy as Batman

reminds me of how Michael used to be.

 Scarlett enjoying life in Arkansas

Former friends and neighbors Joe and LueDean

Andersen and their children. They ended up having one more.

The second little girl, the one on the front row is Treva. She

is Stacy's age.