Friday, March 1, 2024: Tom cries at the door when J puts him out & we leave, Culver's in Payson...never again, Quilt from Lois, Nap @ D's, track meet Ruby & Josh, DB & Kneaders w/ J,K,Ch, Get together at Stacy's

 

San Diego, California

45th operating temple

Dedicated: 25 Apr 1993

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 18

Come Follow Me

2 Nephi 12:2-3

The temple is the house of the Lord.

October General Conference

"In the Path of Their Duty" by Elder David A. Bednar

Book

"Your Endowment" by Mark A. Shields

Chapter 18: "The Commandment in Genesis 15"

James and I both spend another night on the recliners in our bedroom. It's getting to be a habit for me. When I am on the bed I roll from one side to my back to the other side but on the recliner I stay in one position, on my back which saves my arms and hips from hurting.

Stacy is struggling with Jared Ammon right now. He has been staying at the house and does not obey the rules. They kicked him out and now he wants to come back. Stacy asked me if she should let him come back. I told her that I would if it was me. I said she should pray about it and ask herself what would be best for him. She thanked me and said she would. 

Tom came in this morning and went upstairs to sleep for awhile. He seems to like it up there. Later he came down and curled up on the recliner on my blanket. It was so sad when we left and James put him outside. He stood and the door and cried. It made me so sad. 

T-Bo will be feeding him tomorrow morning and then Kim and Brian will be here.

We stopped in Payson for lunch at Culver's. We both ordered a waffle cone ice cream and the ice cream was sparse and messy. I ordered a pot roast sandwich and it was so dried out I could hardly eat it. Actually I ate less than half. I don't think we will be stopping at this Culver's again for a long time.

From Payson we drove  straight to Lois & Dawn's in Tempe. When Kacey and Jared visited them Lois said to tell me she wanted to see me and that she had something for me. I think I know what it is going to be, a quilt. I was right. When I get the quilt on the bed at home I will post a picture of it. It is beautiful.

Next we drove out to Darrel & Trina's for a nap. James didn't think anyone was home so he used the garage code and didn't even bother to knock. Lola was inside watching TV. Darrel & Trina were gone to Ruby's track meet in Queen Creek. I'm not sure where Rowan was and Addy was taking a shower.  

Rowan's bed was a little messy but we didn't care. I love the softness of his mattress and the room was cool and dark. Perfect for a nap. A few minutes later there was a knock on the door. It was Darrel. He apologized and said how sorry he was that Rowan didn't clean his room. They thought maybe we wouldn't be here until this evening. I assured him we were fine and we grateful we had a place to crash.

When we came down from our nap Trina was at the table and she apologized for Rowan's room. I said it was no big deal. I thought maybe she had been at work but she was at the track meet with Darrel. I said something about them coming to Stacy's tonight but I got the impression that Darrel would be coming by himself. Jared, Kacey, and Charlie came out to their house to visit last night. Jared said he is trying to go to everyone's house to visit. They also visited with Kim and Brian and Sheri went to lunch with them yesterday and today. Stacy and Paul were supposed to go with them this morning to the temple to do sealings but Stacy cancelled at the last minute saying they had a family problem. Sheri babysat for Jared and Kacey while they went to the temple. Jared saw President Jones at the temple but President didn't recognize him.

We were meeting Jared & Kacey at Deseret Book around 5 so said goodbye and left. Jared, Kacey, and Charlie were waiting for us in Deseret Book. We gave hugs and then went back to the clothing section and bought some garments. We decided we would walk to Kneader's for dinner. Jared paid for us. I had a turkey sandwich with cranberries. It was a little dry and I only ate half. 

We were supposed to be at Stacy's at 6:30 but we were running a little late. Kim, Brian, and Sheri were already there. Sheri wasn't feeling well and was ready to go home. James dropped me off and went to meet Armando somewhere so he missed seeing Sheri. I think she may have wanted a blessing. Kacey and Jared and Charlie got there the same time we did. 

We talked for a little while. James showed up and so did Darrel and Lola. I asked Stacy where Paul was and she said she had no idea. Joshua was there and gave me a hug and we talked about the track meet. He said he was cheering on the Chandler girl as she passed Ruby and took the race not knowing that he was cheering against Ruby.

We talked for awhile and then Stacy suggested we play two truths and a lie. Darrel's answers were the most memorable. He said once he had a gay guy tell him he was fascinated with his mysterious blue eyes. Another statement was that he was arrested and put in the back of a police car. Those statements were both true. I don't even remember what his lie was because I couldn't get passed these two sentences. 

We played the $3 in the pot game where you roll dice and either pass Right or pass Left, put in the center or keep. James ended up winning $22. It was fun. Even Charlie and Lola played. 

Sheri left chocolate chip cookies, Kim brought Courtney's apple cider vinegar cookies and a piece of Joe's delicious cake for me to try.

Charlie eyeing grampa's winnings

What are you going to do with all that

money grampa?

Stacy had a game out on the table called "Wits and Wagers". The game involves asking questions kind of like "Trivial Pursuit." Lola started asking us questions and we would try to answer. Not really a competition, just for fun. Charlie wanted to ask questions too:

Oh dad, I bet you don't know this one!

It was a fun evening and I am grateful to Stacy for opening her home in spite of her family problems. Paul is still looking for a job. Back to Darrel & Trina's for the night.

Mogollon Rim

Joshua running for Chandler

Yum! I want one!

New signs coming in to Show Low.

I saw this one today.

Ruby ahead at this point in the race

Chandler girl is catching up and wins.

Boohoo!

Maybe it's because Joshua was yelling for her.

Thursday, February 29, 2024: James joins me on the recliner, Collin worried about James's left arm aching, Dr. Memon appt, Walmart, Alibertos, Tractor Supply,

 

Toronto, Ontario

44th operating temple

Dedicated: 25 Aug 1990

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 17

Come Follow Me

2 Nephi 12-13;15 

The proud and worldly will be humbled.

October General Conference

"Think Celestial" by President Russell M. Nelson

Inklings

"In the Path of Their Duty" Elder David A. Bednar

Alma 48; Devoted; Covenant keeping and devoted disciples.

Relief Society

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

Book

Your Endowment

Chapter 17 The Commandment in Genesis 12

"As you make the continual strengthening of your testimony of Jesus Christ your highest priority watch for miracles to happen in you life." - Russell M. Nelson

James and I both slept on the recliner last night. James said he was not as congested and slept better than he did the night before.

James got a call from Collin DeWitt this morning. Collin is the other counselor in the Elder's quorum and was at the meeting James went to last night. James mentioned the pain he was having in his shoulder and arm and Collin called this morning because he is concerned. He told James that he was a paramedic for 17 years. He said he was concerned about the pain in James's shoulder. He said it's an indication of heart problems. As we were talking about this we were driving in the car to town and James asked me to call Dr. Memon and make him an appointment. His appointment is on March 26th at 2 p.m.

Our first stop in town was Walmart where I did some shopping and James picked up my prescriptions. Next we went to Aliberto's where I got an Arizona burrito which has steak, onions, chili's, and potatoes. Super yummy but also super oily. I could only eat a small amount. James didn't get anything. He said he would eat at home. We stopped at Tractor Supply for a month's worth of horse feed.

Tom was still asleep when we got home. He has been asleep since 10:30 this morning. I keep thinking about how we are leaving him tomorrow and will be gone for five or six days. 

As we were walking this afternoon and evening we finished our book, "A Brilliant Match." I'm still reading, "Painting Kisses."

James says he thinks he is going to have to file a lien against Darryl Johnson for non-payment. Also, he spoke to our accountant today and he asked me if I knew that there were taxes on Social Security. I had no idea. That hardly seems fair. 

James has several jobs coming up, but as of right now, no money.

Addy and Ro on the pier at Huntington Beach

Superstition Mountain

A dreamy laundry room

Horse Heaven

 

Wednesday, February 28, 2024: James has intense pain in his shoulder & arm, back, and thumbs, uses Tenzi, J,K,Ch make it to Az inspite of Pinky the hedgehog,

 

Las Vegas, Nevada

43rd operating temple

Dedicated: 16 Dec 1989

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 15 & 16

Come Follow Me

2 Nephi 11-19 Isaiah testified of Jesus Christ.

"Jesus Christ, the Caregiver of Our Soul" by Elder Ulisses Soares

October General Conference

"We Are His Children" by Elder Giraud-Carrier

Relief Society

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

James has intense pain in his shoulder and arm, his back and his thumbs. I used the Tenzi and some Deep Blue on him to make him feel a little better.

Somebody left two rolls of Pillsbury cinnamon rolls in our refrigerator. I made them this morning and I ended up eating two while James ate 1/2. This is why I don't buy them. I put the rest of them in the freezer.

Jared, Kacey, and Charlie finally made it to Arizona in spite of missing their first flight because of Pinky, Charlie's stuffed hedgehog. Something inside Pinky didn't make it through security.

We are glad they could make it in spite of Pinky.

Jared, Kacey, and Charlie are staying at the Hyatt in Gilbert near the Gilbert temple. 

One of the first visits they made was to Lois and Dawn in Tempe. Here is a picture of Charlie with her great-grandmother Lambson:

Dawn gave Charlie a flute to play and she loves it. Charlie is very musical. She loves to sing and she loves taking piano lessons.

I hope Jared and Kacey saw tonight's valley sunset.

I typed a contract for James today for the apartment in Phoenix that has fire damage.

Listened to two audio books, one by myself, "Painting Kisses", and "A Brilliant Match" with James. 

James had a meeting tonight with the bishop and other members of the Elders quorum presidency about where the priesthood commemoration outing would be held this year. The past several years it has been at the Wallace's Diamond W Ranch. The bishop says it will not be possible to hold it there this year. They decided on the lake near Greens Peak. I'm not sure about the date.

Tom and I watched the latest Hallmark Movies & Mystery movie, "Crimetime." 

Tuesday, February 27, 2024: My dad's birthday, J's mrng weather report, J not feeling well, nap w/ Tom on recliner, Temple 3:30 session w/ Ruth & James, Ava's for dinner,

 

Toronto, Ontario

44th operating temple

Dedicated: 25 Aug 1990

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 14

Come Follow Me

How can I better understand the teachings of Isaiah?

October General Conference

"Love Is Spoken Here" by Elder Gerrit W. Gong

Book

"Your Endowment" Chapter 16

The Works of Abraham

Relief Society Lesson

"Be Peaceable Followers of Christ"

Today would have been my dad's birthday. Happy birthday Dad in heaven.

James almost always gives me the weather report for the day first thing in the morning. Today was no different. I wish I could remember what it was.

Tom's morning time goes something like this: playtime, usually with a pair of socks, eat, then nap time either on the recliner in our bedroom or upstairs.

James is a little concerned because he says it is going to cost $50,000 just to drain the lakes to do the repairs on the Dobson Ranch Landings job. Hopefully the homeowners will agree to that cost.

We left for the temple this afternoon at 2:20. James thought we were leaving way too early but I think he is a little confused because our session starts at 3:30. James sat down in the session at 3:25 so I don't think we left too early. Ruth and I were already in our seats. 

Ruth has some name given her by the temple in a language I have never seen before and is unreadable to either of us. There is a 3 and a 6 in the last name. We think that it might be Russian. I told her next time I would give her one of my names.

Jimmy Ballard, one of James's friends from high school is in our session. He has Parkinson's and needs help with most everything. 

Ruth knows him too. I admire people who come to the temple when they have a disease and it is difficult for them to do a session.

We met Ruth at Ava's for dinner. I ordered a green chili burro and only at half of it. I will save the other half for tomorrow. 

Ruth was telling us about going to Utah for her brother Leon's birthday. She got a really good deal on tickets, $62 roundtrip, with Frontier airlines. They don't allow luggage except for small carry-ons. She leaves March 23rd. The sad thing is she has two great grandchildren in Snowflake being baptized that day. The tickets are non-refundable and you can't exchange them for another time.

When we drove up in our driveway at home I noticed Tom was sitting on one of the steps of the front porch. As soon as I saw him he jumped down and ran around through the planter, around the back of the house and into the garage. James said Tom beat him to the door. He is so fast. He didn't come the open garage door way because he is scared to death of the car. He is happy to see us and we are happy to see him.

Walked and listened to "A Brillant Match."

Anna's boyfriend Sean and her cat

Tom and James take a nap

Monday, February 26, 2024: Adam's 34th & Joe's 27th birthday, My Woovoo, "Walk with Him", Alice Springs Chicken, very windy, Dobson Ranch Landings contract, Still no money from Darryl Johnson, Joe's cake

 

Frankfurt, Germany

41st operating temple

Dedicated: 28 Aug 1987

By: Ezra Taft Benson

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 13

Come Follow Me

Feb 26-Mar 3: "His Name Shall Be Called ... The Prince of Peace"

2 Nephi 11-19

October General Conference

"The Savior's Healing Power Upon the Isles of the Sea" by Elder J. Kimo Esplin

Happy Birthday to Adam who is 34 and Happy Birthday to Joe who is 27. It's hard to believe these guys are that old!

I love my new Woovoo thermos. "A thermos keeps hot thing hot and cold things cold. How do it know?" (A line from the TV show "The Facts of Life").

I can't bend my right knee this morning. It's the pits and strange for a Monday morning after taking it easy on Sunday. 

It is cooler, overcast, with a small amount of rain and way too much wind. Tom was glad to come in this morning to get out of the wind. 

For lunch, with the rest of the chicken in the refrigerator, I made more Alice Springs chicken. I cooked some mixed veggies to go with the chicken and James said this was like a $35 meal at a restaurant. Not sure where he came up with that number, but I will take the compliment. 

Tom loves his nap time and prefers sleeping on my lap or next to James on the bed. He did both today.

James signed the contract for the Dobson Ranch Landing job today. We still have not received any money from Darryl Johnson. I am like Armando, I think he is a little shady and possibly a druggie.

I sent Stacy and Paul six couples to be sealed in the temple. They have an appointment with Jared & Kacey to do sealings on Friday morning.

I listened to Barbara and Elaine today on "Follow Him." 

Tempe sunset

Tom:

Joe's birthday cake

Italian lime soda with blackberries