Thursday, February 6th, 2025: Xray report, right knee, Kim & Sheri are concerned abt Dad, CT scan on 17th, - get one sooner!, Wlmart, HD, gas, GScookies, dinner,

 

Taylorsville, Utah

192nd operating temple

Dedicated: 2 June 2024

By: Gerrit W. Gong

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 1:30-2:10

Come Follow Me

Doubt Not, Fear Not

"My Mind Caught Hold Upon This Thought of Jesus Christ"

Elder Neil L. Andersen

AGC 2023

October General Conference

'Following Christ'

President Dallin H. Oaks

"What should followers of Christ teach and do in this time of toxic communications? What were His teachings and examples? It is significant that among the first principles Jesus taught when He appeared to the Nephites was to avoid contention. While He taught this in the context of disputes over religious doctrine, the reasons He gave clearly apply to communications and relationships in politics, public policy, and family relationships, Jesus taught: 

'He that hath  the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another. 

'Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away.'"

Still taking my morning nap which always puts me a little behind. 

I saw my x-ray report on my right knee. It says, what I could make of it, that I have minimal osteoarthritis. I wonder what Rana is going to recommend for treatment.

James is pretty miserable this morning. His back hurts and he has a headache. 

Yesterday at lunch with Sheri and Cayli James told them about his fall and now his headaches. Today I got these texts from Sheri:

Sh: How's dad? Did he get a CT scan?

Me: We called the doctor but they haven't called back. She was going to see if the doctor wanted to order one and get back with us. After scriptures I'm going to call.

Sh: Ok. How is he feeling?

Me: Lousy and grouchy

Sh: How are you feeling?

I'm really worried about both of you. 

Me: I'm ok, except for my knee 

Sh: I'm so sorry you are in pain. Let me know what the doctor says about dad. I think he needs to in sooner rather than later.

Me: Yes, but the doctor has to order the CT scan.

Sh: You have to be a squeaky wheel. Keep calling until they order it.

Me: I am calling right now.

Me: The doctor hasn't responded to my message and he is in clinic all day. I called the hospital and the order they have from Dr. Wilson isn't to be done until after February 17th. I told Emery at Dr. Wilson's that he's having headaches and she said she would tell Dr. Wilson. I am a little frustrated! It's a waiting on the doctor game.

Sh: I think you should just go. If he's having symptoms insurance should pay for it. Especially because of his history.

Me: Yeah, I thought of that.

Sh: Please go.

Me: I just told him we should go and he said, if they get worse I will. I really think part of the reason he had the brain bleed in the first place is because of the Plavix and he is not on it now.

Sh: Yes but he fell on concrete!! And he has had a horrible headache since. Please go!! Don't let him talk you out of it. Make him.

Me: His headache's aren't horrible. I don't know how to make him. You should text him.

Sh: I will but he never replies to my texts.

Me: It's nothing like last time, I promise.

And these from Kim:

Kim: Just checking in. Sheri told me that dad fell and hit his head last week and had a headache the last couple of days. I wanted to make sure that you guys have gone to the doctor to get a CT scan and check it out! No waiting until it is worst case scenario. Please!

Me: I'm working on it. I think the brain bleed was because he was on Plavix and he is not on it right now.

Kim: "It doesn't matter if he is on Plavix or not. With what happened last time it is ridiculous to wait and see if it gets worse. If there is a problem and they catch it early then it doesn't end up being a worse case scenario where he almost dies and has to spend almost 2 weeks in the hospital. It's ridiculous to not at least get it checked out. If it's nothing, you've wasted a few hours, but if it is something then you catch it before it turns into an emergency. I know dad is stubborn, but please - if he won't do it for himself then have him do it for those who love him and care about what happens to him. Life has a way of making you repeat lessons you don't learn the first time."

Me: I do have a CT scan scheduled.

Kim: When? Joe said dad told him he had one in March. That is too long to wait.

Me: It's not until the 17th. The girl at the hospital is calling Dr. Wilson to see if he needs one earlier. I am doing everything I can but I promise you his symptoms are nothing like last time. Give dad a call and talk to him. I can't force him to go and Chuck isn't available.

Kim: If I call dad I may end up yelling. I am pretty upset. After what happened last time you think he would take things a little more seriously. His family loves him. We were there for him around the clock,. Visits from everyone in the hospital. That should tell him how much we all want him around. Also - the symptoms that were so bad last time only got that way because he ignored all the lesser symptoms along the way and it got to a crisis point. Is that what he's wanting for again? Ok. I'm done. Just frustrated and want dad to take care of himself.

Me: I know. I understand. We appreciate your concern and the love and support. Hopefully we will hear back from his doctor sometime today.

The doctor did call and would like for him to get a CT scan. Stacy at his office is calling the hospital and will request one so I can call tomorrow morning and schedule one sooner than the 17th. We didn't hear from them until about 5 p.m.

I am grateful for Kim and Sheri's concern but I was feeling a little overwhelmed with all of the texts.

James and I went to town this afternoon. I needed a few things at Walmart and James needed something at Home Depot. James dropped me off and then went to Circle K to get gas in my car. We are planning on going to the temple tomorrow and we want to have enough gas to get us there.

James forgot to put the orange chicken we got from Costco in the freezer, he just put it in the frig so I opened one of the bags and cooked it for today. We also had a stew I made for dinner. I bought Greek yogurt, tuna and roast beef lunch meet to "beef" up my protein intake. The only kind of cottage cheese I like is Shamrock lowfat and Walmart doesn't carry it anymore. I also got cat supplies, treats, food, and litter. This cat is more expensive than the horses. I also bought another box of Girl Scout cookies, the Samoas. I should have just gotten the lemon ones, as they are out favorite.

I am writing down ideas of what I am going to say to Evan about serving a mission. 

Notes & Quotes

"There are things in our lives that may be neutral or even inherently good but that used in the wrong way become 'weapons of rebellion.'"

-Elder D. Todd Christofferson

Oh Tom, you're the Bomb!

What a cute grandma she makes!!

She posted this picture of the Gilbert temple

Wednesday, February 5th, 2025: Up @ 5 after being up several X during the night, left for the valley @ 7, Payson way, 60 closed, AARA, OG w/Sheri & Cayli, Xray, Clnrs, Stacy's, Costco, Home

 

Pueblo, Mexico

191st operating temple

Dedicated: 19 May 2024

By: Gerrit W. Gong

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 1:13-29

Come Follow Me

D&C 6:18-21, 29-37

Look unto Christ in every thought.

"Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives."

RMN,  AGC 2017

Video with Elder Uchtdorf

October General Conference

'Trusting Our Father'

Elder David P. Homer

"As President Dieter F. Uchtdorf encouraged us to do: 'Please, first doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith. We must never allow doubt to hold us prisoner and keep us from the divine love, peace, and gifts that come through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.'"

'God Loves All His Children'

Elder Gregorio E. Casillas

"Please remember that the Lord Jesus Christ is your Savior and understands you personally. He knows what it is to have to fulfill a calling and leave things behind to help the children of God. He has the power to bless you in everything if you believe in Him and do not doubt."

Up at 5 after being up several times during the night. Tom finally got tired of me getting up and left earlier. We left for the valley at 7 and went the Payson way. I saw a Reel on Facebook that showed them doing some blasting and then saying some of the rocks were unstable and they were going to close and have everyone use the detours for a couple of days.

We stopped and got our tuna sandwiches. James got two and then dropped half of his so I gave him half of mine. I only wanted half in the first place. 

He dropped me off at AARA at 10:30 for my infusion and an appointment with Rana. He went to see Armando on the job at The Landings and pick up the last money from Chacon, $2,500.

Rana wants me to get x-rays of my knees but I couldn't make an appointment until 2pm. I left around noon and we went to Sheri's office to pick her and Cayli up for lunch. We went to Olive Garden. Cayli and Sheri ordered soup, salad and breadsticks, I ordered the cheese ravioli on the lunch specials menu, and James had the salmon and broccoli. 

The breadsticks were a little dry and tough, overcooked. James happened to mention to Sheri about his fall and hitting his head on concrete and how he has a headache today. Sheri immediately went in to worry mode. It was so nice of her to buy lunch for everyone. Ian is home sick today and she ordered him some soup, salad and breadsticks. We had to hurry back to Mesa in order for me to keep my x-ray appointment. 

After my x-rays we went to the cleaners back in Chandler and then took Stacy's birthday card to her house and gave it to Paul. James called his Aunt Faye and we rescheduled to see her on the 25th when we come down for James's next appointment. 

We went home going up Country Club and stopped at the Costco on Baseline across from AARA. I wanted toilet paper and James wanted Pom juice, which was $3 off a bottle. We also bought orange chicken and James bought some kind of a snack. 

We got home a little after 8:00. Tom was left in the house all day. He ran outside when James opened the door. When I called to him about having a treat, he ran back into the house. I gave him his treat and he wanted to go back outside. 

Some news about Sheri. The doctor has told her that her Cortisol levels are too high and she needs to eat more protein, 120 mg a day.

The doctor also said she should cut her exercising down to two or three times a week. She says she eats lots of Greek yogurt and tuna. 

We asked about Evan going on a mission and she said she didn't think he would go. He got a job at Safeway and was accepted at ASU. I told her I thought Rowan was going to go and she said if Joshua went Evan might go too. Don't worry, I'm not giving up!

Notes & Quotes

"The commandments of God provide the guiding and steadying force in our lives."

-President Dallin H. Oaks

This week's breakfast

Ten years ago a herd of elk

Instead of knee surgery

Tuesday, February 4th, 2025: Bad knee giving me grief, Lunch w/ Harold, Dennis & Denise for Harold's 76th bday - El Rancho, Vickie sick, Scotts Reservoir, post office I see Sister Penrod but she doesn't see me.

 

Urdaneta, Philippines

190th operating temple

Dedicated: 28 Apr 2024

By: Dallin H. Oaks

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 1:1-12

Come Follow Me

D&C 6, 8-9

Heavenly Father speaks to me through the Holy Ghost.

"Spiritually Defining Memories" Elder Neil L. Andersen

"Hear Him" Bonnie Cordon

October General Conference

'This Is My Gospel' - 'This Is My Church'

Elder Dale G. Renlund

" The access to God's covenantal power and His covenantal love is through His Church. The combination of the Savior's gospel and His Church transforms our lives."

Today is my brother Harold's 76th birthday. Happy Birthday Harold.

Dennis said he and Denise were taking Harold to El Rancho's in Pinetop for his birthday and asked if we would like to come. Of course I said yes!

We arrived at the same time, well they were going in when we drove up. When we got in the restaurant Dennis and Harold were seated in a booth. I asked where Denise and Vickie were. Vickie didn't come because she was sick, and Denise was in the bathroom. Too bad Vickie is sick because she is the one who loves El Rancho.

Harold and Dennis saved the ends of the booth, one for Harold and the other for Denise and James and I slide into the middle. This is the same booth we had many years ago when Amy Lamb was with us. I ordered a virgin pina colada and they brought me the real thing.

I asked Denise how her mom was and she said she just had a bad fall and broke her pelvis in three places. Denise's sister-in-law is staying with her. She has to use a walker. Peg is 88 years old but she looks and acts much younger. 

Dennis, Denise and I all ordered the same thing. Harold ordered #8, a bean burro and I'm not sure what else, and James ordered a chicken enchilada with green sauce and a side of refried beans. Back to Dennis, Denise and I. We all ordered apollo asada enchiladas with red sauce and a shredded beef crispy taco. Denise and I both ordered a small side of guacamole.  When our waitress brought the food I noticed the sauce on our enchiladas looked exactly like James's green sauce. I asked her if my enchilada had red sauce on it. She looked at it and said, no. Dennis and Denise both piped up and said they ordered red too. Not wanting to cause her any trouble I told the waitress I would keep mine as it was. She then said, "Oh, it's no trouble to change it." Off she went with three plates.

I really liked the chicken meat in my enchilada, it had a grilled flavor, but the red sauce was not as good as Eva's or La Casita's. James said his sauce nor his refried beans were as good as La Casita's or Eva's.  

I saved my shredded beef taco for later when I got home. It tasted great with the guacamole on it. 

We told our waitress that it was Harold's birthday so she brought him a fried ice cream sundae with five spoons. 

I told him to smile but he says he

doesn't smile. I also told him I

really liked his hat.

On the way home James and I passed the sign for Scott's Reservoir. Neither one of us have ever been there so we drove the short distance to the water. The water looked a little murky, but it's close to our house and would be a fun place to come if we had a little boat.

We stopped at the post office to pick up the mail. James went in and as he was carrying two packages out he stuck his tongue out at me. He didn't know that in the next car was a member of our ward. It was Sister Shanna Penrod. I told him and he was a little embarrassed. One of the packages was the fan lightbulbs we ordered and the other was a food chopper that I ordered. When I got home and unwrapped it I realized it requires me to watch a video before I use it.

As we were checking out at the restaurant I mentioned to Denise that I used to buy Beanie Babies here. There is a little closed off room and it was full of gifts you could buy. She said that she did too and then mentioned that tomorrow is Abbey's 3rd birthday. Abbey is Denise's granddaughter, Rachel's youngest.

Kacey & Jared wanted a copy of the Milky Ranch stories so I sent it to them. Kacey thinks I should share some of them on my blog since they are a part of our family history.

Autumn sent me some pictures of Charlie and Scarlett today. Thank you Autumn!

My right knee is still very painful and I am walking stiff legged most of the time. I took a nap when I got home and then cleaned a small area of my closet and organized my Valentine goodies. I decided to order some ring pops to round out my small gifts for the sisters I minister to and the MacArthur kids. This evening I blogged while James walked. He doesn't have to use my phone anymore because he is listening to volume one of Saints and it's on his Gospel Library app.

In closing here is a quote from Jeffrey R. Holland:

"The fundamental fact of the Restoration is the spirit of 

revelation."

Love these two books

Scarlett & Charlie

Pretending these boxes are their ships

Making pizzas

Scarlett passed her level test in gymnastics!

Way to go Scarlett!

Monday, February 3rd, 2025: Knee problems today, a no-burn day, Collin directs traffic fire by hiway, Beach's house, good lunch, not so good dinner, no prednisone, Ro's letter, blog

 

Red Cliff, Utah

189th operating temple

Dedicated: 24 Mar 2024

By: Henry B. Eyring

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 22:11-31

Come Follow Me

Feb 3-9

" This is the Spirit of Revelation" 

D&C 6-9 Introduction and Video

October General Conference

'God's Favorite'

Elder Karl D. Hirst

"There is much for us to do in this life, but self-loathing and shameful self-condemnation are not on that list. However misshapen we might feel we are, His arms are not shortened, No. They are always long enough to 'reach our reaching' and embrace each one of us."

The low today was 42 and the high was 65. No more moisture in sight for now. I did pretty well this morning until about 9:00, when I crashed on the family room recliner. My bedroom recliner was taken by Tom who was out all night. I took an hour nap and I am feeling a little better, although my right knee still pops when I bend it. I was going to start a stew but that didn't happen. I went back to sleep for another hour or so. 

James called me on his phone from outside where he's been using the Bobcat. He went crazy cutting off branches with his new chainsaw and now he's taking the branches to the burn pile. He called the Vernon Fire Dept. to see if he could burn, and they said no. Even though there is no wind and it's going to be 65 degrees, it's a no burn day. James was upset because he says it's going to be windy the rest of the week and this was what he thought would be the only day he could burn. 

James asked if he could help me with anything. I said, yes, he could help me fix lunch. He made a salad and I sauteed mushrooms, onion, and bell peppers to go with our Steakums. This made a good sandwich. I used the brats buns Walmart makes in their bakery and this made them extra delicious!

We cleaned the kitchen together, and then we took naps on the family room recliners.

I called Arizona Arthritis to see if they would prescribe me some prednisone for my bad knees. When I got the call back, Ashley, the messenger girl, said Rana wanted to evaluate me when I came in to see of the pain in my knees was caused by rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. She said I could use Tylenol, along with Tramadol for the pain, and I could get some Volatren cream to rub on my knees.

I must say, I was a little disappointed.

When I woke up from my nap and taking Tylenol and Tramadol, I felt pretty good. I worked at my computer and was going to work on my budget when James came in and asked if I wanted to go with him to Beach's to shoot some shots with the laser. I asked how long it would take to do the actual work and he said, "ten minutes." I asked if we could stop at Dollar General and get a loaf of bread. He said, "of course."

Before reaching the Y we saw a couple of firetrucks and a police care flashing their lights on our side of the road. Someone had started a fire on the side of the road and they, it looked like, had just put it out. James said, look who that is, I looked up and saw Collin DeWitt directing traffic around the trucks. I told James that he was the acting fire chief in Vernon and that's why he was there. I was a little disappointed he didn't have his fireman's hat on. 

After turning onto the Stanford Rd. we turned left on 8149 and drove all the way down to the end of the road to Mr. Beach's home at 8172. He was there working. James forgot the level for the laser and also the battery was dead so he didn't get to take any shots. Mr. Beach came over and struck up a conversation with Mr. Beach, whom from now on, we will call Brother Beach. James said he needed to leave because his wife was waiting for him in the car. Brother Beach said he needed to come over and meet me, which he did. We got to talking and he served his mission in Ecuador in 1977-79 and then went back a couple of years ago and served another mission. We told him we had a son who was called to serve in the Guayaquil, Ecuador mission. He was excited and said he would like to meet him sometime. He seemed extremely nice, but I really wasn't groomed for company. I thought we were going out in the middle of nowhere and there would be no one else there. Brother Beach lives in the valley. This is a small vacation home that he is building on 8172.

After stopping at Dollar General I asked James for his change and I put it in the dump budget which is kept in my jewelry box in the bathroom. 

It was about an hour later and we were surprised to see the firetrucks still parked in the road and Collin still directing traffic. I seems like the fire chief would delegate this job to someone else, and why so much attention to a fire that is out. I guess they want to make sure.

I guess the person who started the fire didn't know it was a no-burn day.(Haha)

, 

I made hotdogs for dinner. Not very nutritious but quite delicious.

James walks while I blog and work on Rowan's letter. Tom is in and out, he can't decide where he wants to be.

Such a good photo of Scarlett

and I love it in black and white.

Does anyone else remember the Skyride?

Congratulations Johnny!

This looks better in real life 

than it does in this picture.

I wonder? 

Who says?

For my lesson,

"Burying Our Weapons of Rebelliion"

Really?

Sunday, February 2nd, 2025: Up @ 5, Walk & Talk w/Jesus, Bad knees, will I make it to Church? Yes! Fast & Testimony meeting, SS, Broke our fast, No clouds & 61, Monte's Milky Ranch story, WCTH

 

Orem, Utah

188th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 Jan 2024

By: D. Todd Christofferson

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 21:22-22:10

Come Follow Me

Sunday School class

October General Conference

'Live Up To Your Privileges'

President Emily Belle Freeman

"President Russell M. Nelson taught:

'Everything that happened in Harmony has profound implications for your lives. The restoration of the priesthood, along with the Lord's counsel to Emma, can guide and bless each of you. . . .

'. . . Accessing the power of God in your life requires the same things that the Lord instructed Emma and each of us to do.'" 

I was up at five this morning and had my regular devotional of planning, praying, and studying. Sometimes I call it my 'walk & talk with Jesus.

We started our fast for moisture yesterday afternoon. I was not sure I was going to make it to church...my knees were so bad it was hard to bend them. I took some Tramadol and took a 30 minutes break in my recliner.

I did manage to get out of the recliner and get ready for church, even taking a shower. 

Our goal is to be in our seats by 8:45 so we can listen to the prelude music and try not to talk to our friends. Of course today is fast & testimony meeting and everyone is fasting for moisture. Bishop Hunsaker conducted the meeting. Here is a short version of the testimonies that were born:

Bishop Hunsaker - My testimony is my core, it is number one in my life, next to my family. Jesus Christ knows us better than anyone else and He loves us. He is there to help heal, and guide us. I testify of the truthfulness of every facet of the gospel. I am so grate for my Savior.

Steve Rosen - Talked about how much he loves his dog and how much his dog loves him and his wife. God loves us unconditionally.

Children - Three Miller's grandchildren.

Alicia Hunsaker - Grateful for families, on both sides of the veil. I have a strong testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith, President Nelson, Heavenly Father, and Jesus Christ.

Greg Anderson - I give my life to Christ. I said to a stranger: "The Lord loves you very much and He has a plan for you." 

Becky Skousen - We are all Heavenly Father's children and He loves all of us. I am grateful for this knowledge. "Doubt Not, Fear Not" is the new Youth Theme. Our youth are awesome!

Barbara Tignor - Jesus Christ suffered for each and everyone of us. He sacrificed His blood for us. He loves us so very much.

Susan Crane - D&C 3:7 - You should not fear man more than God. We must overcome our fears to serve God.

Lily Finnegan (YW) - "Doubt not, Fear not." My brother overcame his fear so he could serve a mission.

Mel Wilhelm - How many times in Vernon have we prayed for moisture. The Spirit whispers to us. Love to watch things grow, including Primary children.

Tana Westbrook - (crying) I have felt my Savior's love. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are always there for us.

Owen Peeler - What am I doing to sustain Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?

Amy Bowen - I was baptized at 18 but I still thought God hated me. Knowing Christ is here to help me means everything to me. Jesus loves us.

Sunday School. I made Kathy Crane, Owen, and James move down one seat so I could save a place for Catherine. I am so glad I did, because when she came in she said: "Did you save this place for me?" When I said yes, she smiled. I must say, Catherine seemed back to her normal self. Today she said her brain was okay but her body is falling apart. Last week it was her brain that was the problem. 

Natalie Robles taught Sunday School today, the Applegate's were not here. Natalie did a good job, as she always does when she teaches.

When we got home we broke our fast, had some lunch, and took naps. Today there were no clouds and the high was 61 degrees. 

I got a text from my nephew Monte Maxwell this evening. He says he wants to write a book about Grandpa Marlin, my dad, and the Milky Ranch. He sent me a Google Doc with stories about my dad and the ranch. He wonders if I have anything to add. I really don't, but James says he does. Monte wrote most of the stories, although there is one by Tasha, Vickie, and a couple by Harold and one by Dennis. Monte's stories are really good and I enjoyed reading them. 

I guess I can honestly say I am glad I didn't live in Show Low and wasn't a part of the Milky Ranch. That may sound harsh, but if you read some of these stories you would know why. My dad was the total opposite of the kind of person that I want to be. 

James did some outside watering. He texted Darrel and talked to him about encouraging Rowan to serve a mission. Darrel says they are encouraging Rowan and are taking him to a missionary fireside this evening. 

James and I watched "When Calls the Heart" this evening. James also played 'Pinky' with Tom. Tom loves it and jumps so high!

Today was a beautiful Sabbath day.

Happy Sabbath from

this beautiful girl.

London Bridge in Lake Havasu, Arizona

Saturday, February 1st, 2025: J chopped & carried wood 3 hrs yesterday - sore today, Dump - Chuck & Jeff's garbage too, Town - new heater, Firehouse Subs, Start Fast for moisture, "Unexpected Valentine"

 

Lima, Peru

187th operating temple

Dedicated: 14 Jan 2024

By: D. Todd Christofferson

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 21:1-21

Come Follow Me

D&C 5:1-10

Jesus Christ gave us His word through Joseph Smith

(see also 2 Nephi 3:6-24)

October General Conference

'The Triumph of Hope'

Elder Neil L. Andersen

"Ben explained: 'Clarity came to my soul as God taught me through His Holy Spirit,. I awoke at 4:00 am. and was filled with indescribable peace and joy. How is this possible? ... The passing of Trey is so very painful, and I miss him so much. But the Lord does not leave us comfortless....I look forward to a joyful reunion.'"

For the first time in quite sometime, the water in the horses trough was not frozen. James was excited! Yesterday he chopped and carried wood for three hours and because of that, his back is very sore and he didn't feel like chopping icy water.

As we were going on our errands I noticed there were several cars at the church and then I remembered that the RS is having a gardening class this morning.

James and I went to the dump and town around 11:00 this morning. We had two bags of garbage and two heaters to take to the dump. James went to get Chuck's garbage and there were six bags. Chuck takes Jeff's family's garbage to. It cost us $8. The Cranes have taken our garbage for the past 2-3 weeks so we are fine. After the dump we went on to town. Yes, we are in the truck.

My knees are really swollen and stiff today making it difficult to walk. Along with my Tramadol I took some 8 hour time release Tylenol. 

I have to backtrack a little and tell what happened when we were leaving the house. I got in the truck and we started to drive away. I said to James: "I forgot my phone, could you go get it for me, I think it's in the bathroom." James took about five minutes or so to back up to the front door. He went in the house and a few minutes later, came back outside. When he got back in the truck I asked him where my phone was, he said, "Oh that's what I went back in for", and left again. While he was in the house the second time, I checked in my back pants pocket and lo and behold, there was my phone. I called and told James. I'm not sure which one of us is the most forgetful.

Our first stop in town was at the UPS store where James went in and returned the extra clock that was sent to us. Next he dropped me off at Walmart where I was immediately asked by a cute little Girl Scout if I wanted to buy some cookies. I bought some Thin Mints and Lemon cookies. Later, when James came to pick me up he bought some Brownie Bites, not knowing that I had already bought two packages of cookies.

One of the reasons we came to town was to buy a new space heater for our bedroom. James said he couldn't find one at Home Depot so I bought one at Walmart that cost $45. James did buy a new toilet seat for our bathroom toilet and installed it as soon as we got home. Thank you honey.

We love the new heater. It puts out a good amount of heat and it makes absolutely no noise. James and I both laid down to take naps. He was on the bed, I was on the recliner with Tom, the cat. James's nap was short, and mine was long. 

This evening James worked on revising our will. He asked me to help and I said when he was finished I would type it and we could discuss it then. I blogged yesterday...I can't believe I am actually caught up!

I watched the newest Hallmark "Loveuary" movie starring Lacey Chabert, "The Unexpected Valentine."

I love my sleeping kitty

Our new heater!

Good job!

It's Adrienne's birthday too, in the white

t-shirt and tan shorts.

Watched them everyday as a kid.

Friday, January 31st. 2025: Ham to Penrod funeral - huge crowd - J chops & carries wood, J gets on Church websites & FS, I pay bills, etc., "The Way Home" like or disapprove?

 

Okinawa, Japan

186th operating temple

Dedicated: 12 Nov 2023

By: Gary E. Stevenson

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 20:1-22

Come Follow Me

D&C 5

Through the Holy Ghost, I can gain a witness of the Book of Mormon.

October General Conference

'The Lord Jesus Christ Will Come Again'

President Russell M. Nelson

"Please listen to this promise of Jesus Christ to you: 'I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.'(DC 84:88)

There is no limit to the Savior's capacity to help you. His incomprehensible suffering in Gethsemane and on Calvary was for you! His infinite Atonement is for you!"

Today is the day of Kim Penrod's funeral. He is the estranged husband of our ward member Shanna Penrod. They have lots of friends and family in this area. They expect a big crowd at the funeral, maybe 200 people. I cooked a 9.35 lb ham and had James take it down at noon. He said the parking lot was packed, not one empty space and there were cars lined up on the street. He figured there might be up to 400 people at the church...I think he is just guessing. I said, I wonder if they will have enough food. Tina Allen, the compassionate service leader asked for 10 hams. In my guestimation that's enough to feed 200 people. Maybe there will be a miracle like there was in Cibecue. I felt a little guilty for not going down and helping with the food but I was feeling pretty miserable.

Things I did accomplish today: Paid our two biggest bills, Rocket Mortgage and the credit card James uses for his business. Maybe my greatest accomplishment was to help James get his Church accounts restored. I found a FamilySearch number for him to call and then they gave him the number he needed to restore his main Church account that has all of the information he needs for his calling, i.e., ministering assignments. For the first time in almost a year he can get on his accounts!

I cleaned the hall bathroom, did laundry, and fixed dinner, okay, I put two pot pies in the oven. 

James watched this week's episode of "The Way Home" with me. I don't like Kat or Del that much or Kat & Elliot and their makeout sessions, but I love Alice. Maybe because she is younger and more innocent. I also love her singing voice.

My blood pressure has been high for the last four or five days, around 160/90. I watched a video online today featuring a naturopathic doctor, Barbara O'Neill. She says she has developed a pill that will keep blood pressure under control. She said high blood pressure is caused by a lack of vitamin K2. I ordered two bottles of Glucobio on Amazon. She said people see results in 17 hours and blood pressure stabilizes in 3 weeks. I am excited for both James and I to try it. He takes Nifedipine for his blood pressure which keeps it pretty normal but Dr. Moffat says Nifedipine has many side effects.