Saturday, February 4, 2023:Up @ 4:30, Beautiful weather, James gets his Cat, I make cookies that are meh, HUngry Buffalo w/ Maxwell's

 

Seattle, Washington

19th operating temple

Dedicated: 17-21 Nov 1980

By: Spencer W. Kimball

Jesus Christ, Teaching mode of

Luke 7:42

And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 1:1-12

Come Follow Me

Book of Mormon Student Manual & The New Testament Gathering Personal Insights

Jesus's Name

Anointed One 

Lesson Words

Forty, "Follow Me", Divine Potential

Favorite Scritpure

Luke 4:18-19

OctGenCon

A Framework For Personal Revelation

Elder Dale G. Renlund

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

If we have received personal revelation for our situation and the circumstances have not changed, God has already answered our question. For example, we sometimes ask repeatedly for reassurance that we have been forgiven. If we have repented, been filled with joy and peace of conscience, and received a remission of our sins, we do not need to ask again but can trust the answer God has already given.

100 Favorite Verses - Trust in The Lord

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

I got up at 4:30 this morning. It was another beautiful day. The high was around 53 degrees, lots of sunshine and no wind. In spite of the good weather, James worked most of the morning inside the house. He was able to file a complaint with Venmo and they refunded his $560 so that made him very happy.

At nap time James crawled inside of his sauna blanket. I guess he likes it. This afternoon he took his truck over to Barbara's to get his Cat. Even though it has a new battery, he had to user jumper cables to get it started. He drove the Cat home and then I took him back to get his truck.

I made cherry almond shortbread cookies this afternoon. I was going to give them to my February birthday girls, Stacy, Trina, Sheri, and Karen Schneider but I didn't like them so James and I are keeping them. (I would throw them away but James hates to waste food, even lousy food). As I went to mix these cookies up I noticed the recipe didn't call for any eggs. I thought that was a little unusual but I followed the recipe anyway. I put the dough in the refrigerator for four hours before baking the cookies, just as the recipe said. I actually mixed them up this morning so by 3:30 they were ready to bake. I used my silicon mats which I love,  and didn't even know I had until I went through my cupboards. The cookies were meh. James tried them and said they were good but a little sweet. I thought they lacked flavor and was quite disappointed because they look so cute. Oh well, live and learn.

Today is my brother Harold's 73rd birthday. Brian, Harold & Vickie's youngest son, texted earlier and asked if we would like to go out to dinner this evening with the family to celebrate his dad's birthday. I said yes so we met everyone this evening at the Hungry Buffalo at 7 p.m. Again, I forgot to take a picture but here is a list of everyone who was there: Harold, Vickie, Dennis, Denise, Monte, Tasha, Zachary, Brian, Cher, and Colby. It was great to be with my family and we both really enjoyed seeing everyone. I sat by Vickie and as we were sitting waiting for our dinner to come, she looked over at the wall near where the TV was and said: I made that decoration. It was round and looked like a windmill and I thought it went very well with the rest of the decor in the room. She said she and Harold used to make things and sell them at the Hub. Well, someone from Hungry Buffalo bought this particular item and it looks great. Vickie is very talented and crafty.

James ordered salmon and a baked potato and Vickie and I both ordered the green chili pork sandwich and a salad. All of our food was delicious. James said the salmon was the best salmon he has ever eaten. It was a great evening but after we had finished eating and sat and visited for awhile we decided it was time to go because we still didn't have all of our steps. Dennis & Denise have been trying to get me to watch a video on YouTube called "3 Mile American Heart Walk by Leslie Sansone. They said it is really good and she has you up your pace and kick up your legs. I said, "I won't be kicking up my legs, I would fall over." They laughed and so did Cher who was sitting next to them. We gave hugs and said our goodbyes. I told Brian I was impressed with his choice of restaurants and that I was grateful he invited us. He said, "always." He and Cher always invite us to their socks and pajamas Christmas party but we never get to come because it is usually on the night we have our family party in the valley. I wanted to mention that I talked a little with Tasha about teaching third grade. She has always taught junior high and high school. She said it was a little difficult getting used to the kids and how tender they are about things. She said she has one girl that bursts out crying if she says anything to her. She also said that their oldest daughter, Kaytlynn works in downtown Chandler at a hamburger place called Maddie D's. I think that is right across from the San Marcos where we stayed in December.

When we got home we walked and listened to "The Storm Descends" before going to bed.

James's sunsets

Darrel & Trina in Hawaii

Paul is the youngest. This is before

Nicki was born.

Mesa Half Marathon

Addy wanted to run the marathon but

she hurt her hip.

My friend Kaeli was there too!

 Kids Valentines

Friday, February 3, 2023: Unauthorized charges, Cookware sent, Venmo woes, James uses his new blanket, Trip to town, "The Chosen"

 

Tokyo, Japan

18th operating temple

Dedicated: 27-29 Oct 1980

By: Spencer W. Kimball

Jesus Christ, Teaching mode of

Luke 5:22

But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts?

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 22:11-31

Come Follow Me

Matt. 4:18-22; Luke 5:1-11; As I trust in the Lord, He can help me reach my divine potential.

Jesus's Name

Anointed One

Lesson Words

Forty, "Follow Me", Divine Potential

Favorite Scripure

Luke 4:18-19

OctGenCon

Seeing More Of Jesus Christ In Our Lives

Sister Tracy Y. Browning

Second Counselor in the Primary General Presidency

Ultimately a great portion of the Israelites rejected His message, even going so far as to accuse the Savior - He who gave the law and declared that He was "the law, and the light" - of breaking it. Yet Jesus in His Sermon on the Mount, speaking on the law of Moses, declared, "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill." Then the Savior, through His eternal Atonement, ended the codes, regulations, and ceremonial practices observed by the people of Israel at that time. His final sacrifice led the shift from sacrificial burnt offerings to our rendering of "a broken heart and a contrite spirit," from the ordinance of sacrifice to the ordinance of sacrament.

100 Favorite Verses - Draw Near Unto HIm

D&C 88:63

Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

I woke up to an email from Citicard saying that someone had used my card in San Francisco for an Uber ride. It amounted to $74.95 plus .38 cents. They let the first charge go through and stopped the second. That does not make any sense to me. If this was my Chase credit card they would have stopped the first charge and sent me a message as to whether I recognized it or not. Anyway, long story short my Costco credit card has been cancelled and they will send me a new one in four to seven days. 

I also got an email from the company I bought the cookware from back in December. They have now shipped it and apologized for the lateness of the order. I already disputed the charge and cancelled the order so I guess I will just have to send the package right back when I receive it.

James and I both spent over an hour this morning trying to get his new Lambson Construction venmo account active again. They want verification documentation so we sent James's driver's license. It doesn't have our street address so we also sent an insurance document, still didn't work, a tax statement, a mortgage statement and one other document. Finally, they said the account was re-opened.

We went directly to wrong Armando's account and requested the $560 from him. We did get his phone number so James can call him. 

We have not heard anything from him yet.

Armando went on a wild goose chase today for anchor bolts that James had ordered. He tried to pick them up in Phoenix then they sent him to Mesa and back to Phoenix. James finally got involved and told him to pick them up in Mesa on the way home from work. When he got there they said, "Oh, we sent the paperwork over to Phoenix so that's where you have to pick them up." Now it's not going to happen until Monday. Customer service is not what it used to be.

Laura report:

Much better night. Pulse down - 79-70.

Cardioversion no longer on the schedule. They are giving her high doses of Heparin to prevent deep vein thrombosis commonly known as blood clots.

I ordered a couple of Valentines from Marci Coombs on Etsy and couldn't figure out how to download them so I told Marci and she sent them to me via email. Thanks Marci! Now I need to go get some pacakges of Cheetos and Doritos to go with these Valentines.

Wonder where Marci gets her ideas.

Maybe she is just naturally clever.

James tried his sauna blanket this afternoon. He stayed in it almost an hour and when he got out he was sweaty so he had to take a shower. He said he felt like it was quite therapeutic, whatever that means.

We went to town yet again today. I told James I needed to get some white chocolate for the cherry almond shortbread cookies I am making for Trina, Stacy, and Sheri for their birthdays. I told him I thought I could get it at Dollar General. He said, "no, let's go into town and I will return this extra bolt I have." So be it.

Our Slinger yesterday was so good we ordered two more today. James also ordered some mozarella sticks. These Slingers were just as delicious, and seemed as if they had just cooked them. James took his bolt back and then we went to Walmart clear on the other end of town. I think this is my third time this week. I got my white chocolate chips, and a box of the small packageds of Doritos and Cheetos. James got some powdered pomegranate and some Ben & Jerry's Cherry Garcia ice cream which we shared on the way home and vowed we would never do again. We figured between us we ate 1400 calories. We listened to "The Storm Descends" which is about Hans Otto Eckhart's life after World War I. Germany was in a dire condition after this war and life wasn't easy.

Stacy called and asked me if I could help her find information on the name Family Search sent her. The name is Lela Strickland. I told her I would. She said she wants to go to the temple on her birthday. I told her that I was going up here. Good for us!

The Cotswolds

If I could only have one strawberry,

this would be it.

Baby Hoose

Thursday, February 2, 2023: Beautiful rather cold day, Visit Catherine Halcomb, Trip to town for lug nuts, Sonic & Walmart, "The Storm Descends"

 

Sao Paulo, Brazil

17th operating temple

Dedicated: 30 Oct - Nov 2 1978

By: Spencer W. Kimball

Jesus Christ, Teaching mode of

Luke 4:32

And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 21:22-22:10

Come Follow Me

Luke 4:16-32  Jesus Christ is the prophesied Messiah.

Jesus's Name

Anointed One

Words of the Week

Forty, Follow Me, Divine Potential

My Favorite Scripture

Luke 4:18-19

OctGenCon

Jesus Christ Is The Strength Of Youth

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Jesus Christ said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

When you have important choices to make, Jesus Christ and His restored gospel are the best choice. When you have questions, Jesus Christ and His restored gospel are the best answer. When you feel weak, Jesus Christ is your strength.

He gives power to the weary; and to those who feel powerless, He increases strength.

They who wait upon the Lord will be renewed by His strength.

100 Favorite Verses - Remember That Christ Is Our Redeemer

Helaman 5:9

O remember, remember, my sons, the words which king Benjamin spake unto his people; yea, remember that there is no other way nor means whereby man can be saved, only through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, who shall come; yea, remember that He cometh to redeem the world.

Today was a beautiful day. The high was around 45 and there was plenty of sunshine and no wind. The perfect day to go see Catherine Halcomb who hates the wind.

Kathy Crane is my ministering companion. It has been so long since I have had an active companions I almost forgot how to act. I picked up Kathy and we drove to Catherine's. Catherine and Kerri had just returned from town. I mentioned what a nice day it was because there was no wind. Catherine agreed. Kathy, Catherine and I sat down in the living room to visit while Kerri went about what she was doing before we came. Catherine filled Kathy in on some of her background. She does need to have people to talk to because she loves to talk. When it was time to go I gave both Catherine and Kerri their valentines. As Kathy and I were driving home James called and asked if I would go to town with him. I said I would and that I was on my way home. 

Our first stop in town was Sonic to get our Slingers. Afterwards James went to O'Reilly's to get lug nuts for the trailer. Afterwards we went to Walmart and while we were in Walmart the guy from O'Reilly's called and said he gave James the wrong nuts so we had to go back after Walmart. I bought some more throw pillow at Walmart, these match the ones I previously bought and I put the blue ones I got yesterday upstairs on the couch. 

We finished our book "A Generation Rising" and began the sequel, "The Storm Descends" which is about Hans Otto Eckhart and what happens to him in Germany after World War I.

Tonight I opened up a Venmo account for Lambson Construction so we could pay Armando for some materials he was picking up for the airport job. We accidentally sent $560 to the wrong Armando. James's account got closed so I had to sent $560 to the right Armando from my account. James has tried to contact this Armando Ruiz who has a landscaping company in New Mexico but he has not answered. We requested $560 from him but still nothing. James says if he doesn't hear from wrong Armando soon he is going to go to New Mexico and look him up and demand his money.

I had no idea that the Superbowl was in Arizona but Catherine mentioned it today when we were visiting. The Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs will be playing. One of James's medical buildings he is working on is very near the stadium. Catherine says the price of gas is going to go up next week right before the 12th, the day of the big game.

Laura report:

Laura has had a rough two days. Her heart rate has spiked and won't come down so they are doing a cardioversion later today.

A cardioversion is a medical procedure that uses quick, low-energy shocks to restore a regular heart rhythm. 

Christina Hoose had her baby boy. They named him Asa River Hoose. He weighed 8 lbs and was almost 21" long. James reminded me that Asa was a righteous king in Israel.

Darrel & Trina in Hawaii

Wednesday, February 1, 2023: James leaves for the valley, I go into town also pickup mail, Snow is gradually melting, Burger House is coming home w/ James

Washington D.C.

16th operating temple

Dedicated: 19-22 Nov 1974

By: Spencer W. Kimball

Jesus Christ, Mode of teaching

Mark 8:31

And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 21:1-21

Come Follow Me

Matt.4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13; Jesus Christ set the example for me by resisting temptation.

Jesus's Name

Anointed One

Words of the Week

Forty, Divine Potential, "Follow Me"

My Favorite Scripture

Luke 4:18-19 & Isaiah 61:1-3

18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

Isaiah 61:1-3

1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;

 OctGenCon

Helping the Poor And Distressed

President Dallin H. Oaks

First Counselor in the First Presidency

Despite all that our Church does directly, most humanitarian service to the chidlren of God worldwide is carried out by persons and organizations having no formal connection with our Church. As one of our Apostles observed: 

"God is using more than one people for the accomplishment of his great and marvelous work....It is too vast, too arduous, for one people." As member of the restored Church, we need to be more aware and more appreciative of the service of others.

100 Favorite Verses - I Am Not Ashamed

Romans 1:16

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.

* Do my actions and speech set me apart as a child of God?

After family prayer this morning James left for the valley. Soon after he was gone I got ready and went into town. I was hungry so I went by Sonic and got a Slinger. At Walmart I bought berries and grapes because they are good for cancer. 

I also bought more valentine stuff, two throw pillows, Biotene for James, coconut shrimp, cranberry juice, etc. 

As I was standing in line to check out Kim Seaman came up behind me and we chatted for a few minutes. It was great to see her. I always look for her when I go to the temple but I have not seen her for awhile. As we were talking she made the comment, "I told Mikey..." Mikey being President Seaman, the temple president. Hmm Mikey just doesn't seem to fit but I didn't say anything.

On the way home I stopped at the post office and I am glad I did. The infrared blanket I ordered for James came in, also the chimney for my kerosene lantern. 

Today's Laura report:

I got a call from Jimmie Applegate today. He said they were going to New York to visit family and was wondering if I could teach gospel doctrine on the 19th. I said I would be happy to. He said that James could help me if I would like. 

James got home about 7:40 this evening. He brought me a mixed green burro from Burger House. It made a nice dinner. 

 

 

Tuesday, January 31, 2023: Night time visitors, My leg hurts, Temptations of Jesus, James's doctor calls, Valentines, Pay bills, clean fam-liv room

 

Provo, Utah

15th operating temple

Dedicated: 9 Feb 1972

By: Joseph Fielding Smith

Jesus Christ, Teaching mode of

Mark 4:11

And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 20:1-22

Come Follow Me

Matt. 4:1-2 Communing with God prepares me to serve Him.

Jesus's Name

Anointed One

Word of the Week 

Forty

CFM Week 5:

Divine Potential

OctGenCon

Focus On The Temple

President Russell M. Nelson

President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

We currently have 168 operating temples and 53 new temples under construction and another 54 in the preconstruction design phase! I am pleased to announce our plans to build a new temple in each of the following locations: Busan, Korea; Naga, Philippines; Santiago, Philippines; Eket, NIgeria; Chiclayo, Peru; Buenos Aires City Center, Argentina; Londrina, Brazil; Ribeirao Preto, Brazil; Huehuetenango, Guatemala; Jacksonville, Florida; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Prosper, Texas; Lone Mountain, Nevada; and Tacoma, Washington.

100 Favorite Verses - Thou Art My Son

Moses 1:3-4

Behold, I am the Lord God Almighty, and Endless is my name; For I am without beginning of days or end of years; and is not this endless? And, behold, thou art my son.

Isaiah 63:16

Doubtless thou art our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not: thou, O LORD, art our father, our redeemer; thy name is from everlasting.

I got up at 4:48 a.m., but what a night I had. My leg hurt so much and James was coughing a lot so I went to sleep on the recliner. I had lots of imaginary visitors tonight. While I was still in my bed I woke up and saw a set of bunkbeds and thought a baby was falling off the top bunk. I woke up yelling and James asked me what was wrong and I told him, "never mind, I will tell you in the morning. I moved to the recliner and woke up a little later and saw several people walking around in our room. One of them looked like someone who delivers pizza but she didn't have any pizza, just a hat and a badge. It's been awhile since I have had one of these episodes and I had forgotten how real they seem. Maybe it was because I was in pain, I don't know.

James was able to order his $11,000 worth of concrete using both of our credit cards. He will be going down tomorrow to pick it up and take it to the medical building in Peoria where they are doing the remodel.

Dr. Thawni? called this afternoon. She is one of the radiation oncologist. She asked James a lot of questions and then she said that she had spoken with Dr. Redimasu, the doctor who did James's last surgery with Dr. Powell as his assistant. She said that Dr. Redimasu thought he could get the cancel with surgery and they would like to try before doing radiation. James agreed. I have a concern but I am not going to mention it here until I discuss it with James.

I got an update from Cathi today regarding Laura:

Laura is very tired but because she is so active. She got some sleep today and walked 1 1/2 times around ICU and just finished two trips around. She had a light lunch (didn't eat much) and dinner tonight. No more feeding via tube. We are waiting for an upstairs room to be available.

Sheri texted today and said there would be no service or viewing for Ian's dad, John. I didn't ask why I just said that was Betty's decision and I hoped the doctor agreed with it. She said they did. Enough said.

I brought in my craft table I had in our bedroom when I was wrapping Christmas presents in December. I got out all of the things I bought yesterday to make valentines and I made a valentine for Catherine Halcomb. I then scheduled a visit with her for Thursday afternoon. I also need to make one for Kerri although I am not her ministering sister.

James made me a fire this evening even though it was extremely cold and we are low on wood. I love having a fire in the evening.

We bought Joe Vaal's brothers book today on Amazon. I am excited to read it. 

Joe is the 2nd oldest

Before going to bed we walked and listened to our book.

Trenda's baby's blessing