Thursday, May 2, 2024: Firehouse Subs, J Home Depot, K Walmart, forgot several items because I got in a hurry, Harbor Freight, Tractor Supply, "The Orchids of Ashthorne Hall", pinto beans are good, J cleans bsmnt, Tom & the recliner

 

Columbia River, Washington

107th operating temple

Dedicated: 18 Nov 2001

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 5:6-10

Come Follow Me

Mosiah 4:29-30 

I must watch my thoughts, words and deeds.

"I Swear ... by Val Johnson

"Keep the Change" Sister Becky Craven

April General Conference

"Put Ye on the Lord Jesus Christ" by Sister J. Anette Dennis

'Through honoring our covenants, we enable God to pour out the multitude of promised blessings associated with those covenants.'

Book

"Mothers of the Prophets"

Listened to Inklings with Emily and Rio. The talk was Elder Rasband's, "Words Matter". Here is this week's affirmation:

I feast upon the words of Christ in the scriptures and pay careful attention to the words of our latter-day prophets, letting those words inspire and guide me. I am mindful of my own words, seeking to always speak truth and build up those around me.

We made a trip to town today. Our first stop was Firehouse Subs for lunch. We shared a medium Hook & Ladder in the Home Depot parking lot. How romantic! Afterwards James went in to Home Depot and I walked over to Walmart. I did some shopping and picked up a prescription. James finished at Home Depot and came over to Walmart. He texted me to see if I was almost finished. Not quite, but I began to hurry and I forgot several items. How can you forget items when you have a list right in front of you. It's called presence of mind or lack of it.

After leaving Walmart James needed to stop at Harbor Freight for something and then Tractor Supply for horse feed. On the way home we listened to "The Orchids of Ashthorne Hall." 

I put some pinto beans in a bowl of water this morning so that they could soak for 8 hours. The 8 hours is up so I began following the recipe to cook them. I put them in my cast iron pot and cooked them on medium-low for a couple of hours. They are still a little hard so they must have been old beans but they tasted delicious. James liked them too. He is the real bean connoisseur. 

While working on my blog I watched two Hallmark movies, both of them had Amanda Schull in them. The first one I had seen before and is called "The Blessing Bracelet" and the second one was new, "Family Practice Mysteries." They were so different but both of them were good. Amanda is a good actress. She is a former ballet dancer.

Tom was very unsettled this evening. I finally sat down on the recliner and he climbed up on my lap and went to sleep. When I got up to go to bed he followed me in the bedroom and slept on our bed.

I love how he curls his toes when he sleeps.

He hears James walking around upstairs.

Cliff and one of his boys at a horse race

on a Wednesday afternoon in Phoenix.

Pierce, one of his boys, wrote an article about

his dad and how much he knew about horses and

the Kentucky Derby. He praised Cliff for being

such a great dad.

Charlie really enjoys every adventure!

Wednesday, May 1, 2024: Up @ 7, beautiful spring day, Anthony & Forrester, T-Bo's haircut, frozen pizza, teriyaki bowl for lunch, J works dwnstrs, I walk & blog, Grounded, God's attributes

 

Perth, Australia

106th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 May 2001

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 5:1-5

Come Follow Me

Mosiah 4:5-10

I believe and trust in God.

April General Conference

"Motions of a Hidden Fire" by President Jeffrey R. Holland

Book

"Mothers of the Prophets"

I got up at 7 a.m. I've become quite lazy these past few months.

Tome comes in, eats, and leaves again. It's a beautiful spring day, birds singing, temperature in the 70's and plenty of sunshine.

During the Come Follow Me study with James this morning I made a list of some godly attributes: God is love, trustworthy, merciful, the same yesterday, today, and forever, speaks the truth, is the beginning and the end, has power over Satan, is a righteous judge, knows all, is submissive, above all, creator, obedient, healer, humble, kind, teacher, courageous, servant, and selfless.

Anthony and his friend Forrester came to pick u some engines for Anthony's new boat. I am grateful we are getting rid of some of the "clutter" we have.   

 Before Anthony and Forrester left Anthony always does that. 

James also went over to the Tignor's to give T-Bo a haircut. Barbara was there to cheer him on. In T-Bo's past he had a ponytail and Barbara doesn't want that. When James was finished Barbara told him he looked like a new man. We are going with them to the temple on Friday so the haircut was important.

I made a frozen pizza for lunch and when it was baked, it looked like this.

DiGiorno Rising Crust pizza

Someone left this in our freezer.

Thanks, it was quite tasty!

James dug a chicken teriyaki bowl out of the freezer in the garage. It has been in there for a long time but it still tasted good.

James worked downstairs getting the baseboards put back on in the bedroom. He also did some office work upstairs. Tom is sleeping. James and Tom both bring me joy!

I walked and blogged most of the day. I also listened to "Grounded" with Barbara Morgan Gardner and Linda K. Burton discuss the principles found in Mosiah 4-6. 

I told Darrel our plans for this weekend and asked if we could stay at their house Saturday night. He said yes, of course, and that they would be gone to a track meet in Deer Valley most of the day. It is state for Ruby. We said we would join them at the track meet. Ruby is running at 5:20 and 7:20. She runs the 1600 and the 800.

Things I listened to today while walking and working on the computer: "The Orchids of Ashthorne Hall", "Follow Him", "What Dreams May Come", and President Holland's conference address.

Happy Birthday!

Tuesday, April 30, 2024: Landings concrete pour, R&R at Hampton Inn, 95 degrees, Hospital to see Kim, Lois & Dawn's, shower door, Chikfila, "The Orchids of Ashthorne Hall,

 

Guadalajara, Mexico

105th operating temple

Dedicated: 29 Apr 2001

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 4:17-30

Come Follow Me

Mosiah 4

Through Jesus Christ, I can receive and retain a remission of my sins.

Book

"Mothers of the Prophets"

James left for his concrete pour around 5 am after family prayer. He almost took my notebook with him, which would have been a disaster since this is the notebook I have all of my blog notes in and I am working on my blog this morning. I guess if he had taken my notebook I could have walked over to Scheel's.

After James left, I went back to bed. When I got up, I snacked and worked on my blog until James got back before 11. He took a shower and then began packing up to leave. Checkout is at noon. We left and checked out of room 238 before noon. I left a $5 bill on each of our pillows for the maids. I learned that little trick from Denise when we went to New York way back in 2005.

Yikes! It's 95 degrees outside! Glad I didn't decide to walk to Scheel's. 

James dropped me off at the hospital so I could go see Kim. The concrete pour is not complete at the Landings so James went back to make sure everything went well. They have to pump the concrete and the pump had to leave this morning earlier and now it is back.

 Kim and Brian are still there at the Chandler hospital in room B345. They are waiting for the doctor to come in and talk to Kim. She was told this would happen around 9 am but it's after noon and still no doctor. I hadn't been there too long when Dr. Patel, who weighs about 90 lbs. and looks very young came in. Her assistant looks even younger, maybe 15. I'm sure he was older but that's what he looked like to me. Dr. Patel said they would prescribe oral steroids for Kim to take at home. Kim said the neurologist told her that it would be liquid steroids in a pick line. Now this is going to be a hold up because Dr. Patel says she has to speak to the neurologist and decide what is best. Kim did not do well on the oral steroids. She and Brian both love the neurologist and I think they want to take his recommendation.

James came in to get me and got to give Kim a hug. He didn't stay long because he still has to go over to his mom's to help Dawn bring in the shower door which was delivered today. I gave both Kim and Brian a hug and then we left. 

When we got to Tempe there was no shower door outside by the front door. When we went inside it was in the living room. Dawn was able to bring it in by herself. We stayed for a short visit and then we were on our way. James is always anxious to get home to the horses and I am anxious to see Tom.

We stopped at a Chik-fil-a on north Dobson Rd. I was craving some of their strips. They got my order wrong and I ended up with nuggets which I really don't like that well but I ate anyway. 

We played our new book, "The Orchids of Ashthorne Hall" while we drove home. James says it helps keep him awake. I fell asleep most of the way to Payson. 

When we got home, Tom was so happy to see us. He needed lots of back rubs. Once he gets some attention and some food he decides he wants back outside and he spends the night outside.

Harry is a bully to Luna. He tries to eat his food and keep her away from her food at the same time. Luna doesn't fight back with him she just lays her ears down on her head. James had to separate them. He even tried to open the stall with his head. These horses are determined when it comes to food.

We listened to some more of our book while we walked before going to bed. It was great to be in our own bed tonight.

Brian and a tinier Tom

I didn't know there was a swimming

hole in Strawberry

She loves to dance and skate

Tom enjoying a chin rub

Chris & Mike Brady, our Vernon friends

on their wedding day

Waiting for a back rub

Longest drivable road in the world

Monday, April 29, 2024: Tom in and out, Goodbye, Barb & Elaine Pres. Oaks' talk, Left for valley around 3, Hampton Inn in Chandler, Kim in Ch. Hsptl, Fry's, Room 238

 

Winter Quarters, Nebraska

104th operating temple

Dedicated: 22 Apr 2001

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 4:9-16

Come Follow Me

Mosiah 4-6

"A Mighty Change"

April General Conference

"It Is Wisdom in the Lord that We Should Have the Book of Mormon"

Brother Mark L. Pace

Book

"Mothers of the Prophets"

Tom went out at 4:30 this morning. He came back in and ate, then left again. He stayed out until afternoon just before we left. He came in and fell asleep on the bed. I pet him and he meowed and purred, my ultimate reward.

I listened to Barb & Elaine discuss President Oaks' conference talk, "Covenants and Responsibilities." They are in Boston today. They were asked to speak at a YSA conference together. Their husbands were there with them. 

Here are some notes:

When you hear the word fulness, that is temple talk.

Elder Bednar's talk, "Honorably Hold a Name and Standing"

Section 109 

Yoked to the Savior

Angels round about us.

Covenants link us to the Holy Ghost and the Savior

The critical role of women is to take upon us Jesus Christ, His name and His garment. We need to gather in righteousness for His purpose.

Peculiar means precious - Elaine

Elaine prayed to know what to teach this YS adults. She received this answer: " I don't care what you say, I just want them home."

Kim's test results came back good but they still don't know what is wrong with her or what is causing the swelling in her optic nerve. 

We left for the valley around 3:00 this afternoon. I booked us a room at the Hampton Inn in Chandler which is close to the hospital. 

Our first stop in the valley was at the Landings. James wanted to make sure that they were ready for tomorrow mornings early pour. 

While he walked around checking things out, I did a little walking myself. 

We finally got to see Kim at the hospital. By the time we parked and walked to her room, clear across the hospital from the entrance, it was 7 p.m. I walked in and gave Kim a hug and she started to cry. I told her it was okay, to get it all out. Brian was there too. I don't think he ever leaves. I know he spends the night. We talked for a few minutes then someone came in with stuff for Kim to take a shower, so we had to leave. I told her I would be back tomorrow. We both gave her a hug and we thanked Brian before saying goodbye.

We wanted to get a few snacks and some water before going to our hotel so we went to the Fry's on S. Alma Sch. & Germann. I used to shop here all of the time before I changed to the Walmart on Arizona Avenue.

We got a gallon of water, some snacks, including a pint of Ben & Jerry's Cherry Garcia ice cream, one of our favorites that we could share. I also bought some kitty treats for Tom. We will be going home tomorrow after James' pour. 

Our hotel was just a few miles away on 1231 Spectrum, which is off of Dobson and Willis. We checked in to room 238. Everything was fine until I asked James to go get us some ice. There was no ice bucket. James called the front desk and they said they were sorry but they didn't have one to give us. James used one of our plastic grocery bags. I got what I needed and then we put the rest in our mini freezer.

This room was $40 cheaper than one at the Hilton on Fry road so I guess it was worth it.

James already had all of his steps and since he has to get up early for the concrete pour, he went to bed after our family prayer. I stayed up and walked listening to a book we have already listened to, "What Dreams May Come."

Love this picture of Charlie

My wild-eyed kitty

Sunday, April 28, 2024: Up @ 4:30 to finish lesson, distracted by Kim in hsptl, Sheri's coyote, Gilbert temple pic, Millie here! Rosie helps me, Pres. Nelson's Big 10 handout, lunch, nap, Bishop's phone call, Aunt Gene passes away, Kristen Walker Smith CFM

 

Montevideo, Uruguay

103rd operating temple

Dedicated: 18 Mar 2001

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 4:1-8

Come Follow Me

Mosiah 4-6, Kristen Walker Smith

April General Conference

"Temples, Houses of the Lord Dotting the Earth" by Elder Neil L. Andersen

I was up at 4:30 this morning to finish my lesson. I prayed for Kim and re-typed my lesson and studied it. 

Sheri texted James this morning and said she saw a coyote when she was out walking her dogs. He told her there were coyotes all over in the city. She said she was going to start carrying mace. 

We left for church a little before 8:30. James helped me set up for my lesson. His first job was to carry in the big picture of the Gilbert temple that Jared gave us a few years ago for Christmas and set it up in front of the podium. It really did look beautiful. 

As we went in to sacrament meeting I looked for Brother & Sister Peralta but they were not there. I hope they are okay. I was happy to see that my friend Millie Scott was here. She broke five ribs when she fell on her face going in to the doctor's office. She had bruises on her face and most of them are gone. I was so glad she would be here for my lesson. 

Joe & Charlotte South were the speakers in sacrament meeting today.

 Charlotte's talk was based on Sister Camille Johnson's talk, "Jesus Christ is Relief." Charlotte shared a lot from her personal life. Her first husband was killed in a car wreck when they were just newlyweds. She had four children with her second husband who left her for another woman. She and Joe have been married for 30 years and they have 12 kids between them.  "Yoke yourself to the Savior and you can get through any trial. Jesus Christ is our relief."

Matthew 11:28-30 take my yoke upon you ... "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." "Don't allow bitterness into your heart. Let things go, don't block the Spirit by being bitter. Recognize miracles."

Joe South - Family History & Temple work. Joe's dad was supposed to dies when he was 8. He had pneumonia and received a blessing. The doctor came the next day to pick up his dead body and he was outside playing. All temple work is centered around Christ. When we do family history we hear stories of great faith and we develop for our ancestors. (Brother South has Parkinson's disease.  )

I love President Nelson so much and this talk was amazing!

I started out by talk about the priesthood keys that were restored in the Kirtland temple on April 3, 1836 and the visit of the Savior and His acceptance of the temple as His house. When we got to the part of the lesson where we talked about temple blessings I had Rosie Lauritzen write on the whiteboard all of the promises and blessings promised to us as we attend the temple. Twenty-two of them are mentioned in this talk. My handout was one I got from Kristen Walker Smith called President Nelson's Big 10 which includes 8 invitations and 2 promises.

Tamara came stayed and talked with me for a few minutes after the lesson like she did last time. We miss each other. 

After lunch Tom came in and napped on the bed. James got a call from the bishop this afternoon. The bishop wants us to speak in sacrament meeting on Mother's Day. I heard them talking so I knew what was going on. James said yes for both of us. When he got off the phone he said that the bishop wants us to speak about the mothers of the Prophets. I told James that I had a book by that title and immediately went upstairs to get it. Sure enough. I found the book, one that I have never read.  James is going to report on Julina Lambson Smith, Joseph F. Smith's wife and the mother of Joseph Fielding Smith. She was a midwife and delivered over a 1,000 babies, including her own.

I haven't decided yet who I am going to talk about. I need to do some reading. This book only goes to President Hinckley.

My cousin Rita called this evening. Her mother, my aunt Gene, passed away today. She has been on morphine for awhile for pain. Rita said before she passed she looked up and said, "Mom." Rita said she could feel grandma Maxwell's presence in the room. She also said it was a tender mercy. The funeral will be up here, probably on Saturday, the 11th.

President Oaks dedicated the Church's 190th temple today in Uradenta, Philippines. It is the 3rd temple dedicated in the Philippines out of 11 announced.

Kim finally got her MRI. Sheri visited her today.

Happy Sabbath from Charlie!

Beautiful!

I would love to go to Utah and tour 

all of the temples!