Wednesday, May 28th, 2025: Trip to valley, James points out: dead pine trees, huge gamble oak tree, eagle's nest with a black head sticking out, a Harris hawk, cactus in bloom, Chandler Eyecare, Bama Barbershop, Cafe Rio, AARA, Kim's, Stacy's, Costco

Recife, Brazil

101st operating temple

Dedicated: 15 Dec 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Alma 7:14-27

D&C

53:1-54:10

Come Follow Me

D&C 52:9-11, 22-27 I can invite others to come unto Christ wherever I go.

April General Conference

'Receive His Gift'

Elder Patrick Kearon

James and I left for the valley at 7:30 this morning. On the way we stopped in Payson for gas and at the Beall's Outlet for some Skinny Syrup, Mermaid flavor (coconut and pineapple). It's fun traveling with an outdoorsman like James. Between Heber and he pointed out all of the dead pine trees because of the lack of moisture in the trees and the attack of bark beetles. "Look at that huge Gamble oak tree. That eagle's nest has a black head sticking out of it. Their heads don't turn white until they are 4 or 5 years old. There is a Harris hawk.

My infusion is not until 1:00 but James wanted to go by Bama Barbershop to see if all of the work that the Registrar of Contractors ask Lambson Construction to do was done. He contacted Armando and Armando said that he needed about 10 minutes to finish up. He had to straighten a crooked plug cover and remove some paint off of one of the door's hinges. At 11 o'clock in the morning the barbershop was closed. Armando said he talked to Darryl and Darryl said someone would be there this afternoon. No time given.

James and I had lunch at Cafe Rio. We decided it is too expensive to go on a regular day and from now on we need to go on Taco Tuesday when we can get tacos for $2.49. I will be changing my infusion appointments starting in July to Tuesday.

From Cafe Rio we went to Chandler Eyecare to pick up James's two new pair of glasses. We hit the jackpot. Not only did we see Sheri, Addy, and Nancy but Ruby was having her eyes checked so we go to see her and Trina and give them both a hug. The only people we missed were Ben & Cayli. They went to a convert last night so the took the day off. We also saw Dr. Vanover and Hillary Jiminez and Cayli's cousin, Sariah.

James dropped me off at AARA a little early and went back to see if the barbershop was open. Amanda took me right back although I was about 30 minutes early. Ang was there and so was Frances. Frances is going on vacation next Monday. She and her husband are taking their family to Orlando, Universal Studios. Frances is very excited!

I finished my infusion before James got back so I started walking across the street to Costco. He joined me before I got to the entrance. We bought shakes, pomegranate and acai juice, and a white blouse for me. After we were finished shopping we headed for Tempe to see James's mom. We called and told Dawn we were coming and she said they would be happy to see us.

It was a little chaotic when we arrived at Mom's. The hospice nurse had just left. Dave, Laura, Cathi, Terry, and Gail were there. Mom seemed tired. We said hello and then I just sat and talked with Laura a bit. Oh yes, Cathi's Yorkshire terrier, Wally, was also there. Cathi assured us that Mom liked Wally. Cathi and Terry had spent the night, I guess they are taking turns with Dave and Laura. 

Dave wanted to talk to Cathi and Terry about something financial and he finally said, "we can do this later." Dave and Laura were leaving and said they would be back this evening. As they were leaving mom asked David to get her a half a cup of Pepsi. I said I could do it, and I did. Cathi, Terry, and Wally left soon after Dave & Laura. Things certainly quieted down after this mass migration.

I sat by Mom, held her hand for a minute, and then just sat by her as she dozed off to sleep. We visited with Gail and Dawn a few minutes and then we hugged Mom goodbye and were on our way. Later, on the family thread, we received this text from Laura:

"Here's an update on Mom from my perspective. She had a day filled with visitors and a hospice visit. While she powered through all of that, the result is she got overstimulated. She is now sleeping after getting both Lorazepam and morphine. She was uncomfortable and felt like she was having a hard time breathing and her oxygen level dropped. David and I came back earlier than planned to assess the situation. I feel the day overwhelmed her and her body responded in kind. So, if you plan to come see Mom, please ask if she's got anything else going on that day and use your judgment as to whether another time might be better. You know Dawn will not tell anyone "no" (you know I'm right, Dawn). Not trying to keep anyone from seeing her, just trying to keep her from getting so worn out, she is still actively recovering from pneumonia. I know we all want her to feel better as quickly as she ca, so I give you my perspective from that point of view! Love you all!!!

When I first read this I felt it was pointed at us and Gail and I was offended. We came from out of town and our time with Mom is limited. After thinking about it for awhile I realized that Laura is coming from a place of love and care for Mom. She, Dave, Cathi and Laura had shared caring for her because they are concerned about Dawn's ability to do so. Now I am over those original feelings and I hope everyone understands that we did not stay a long time and while we were there we allowed Mom to sleep rather than trying to talk with her when she was so tired.

We left Tempe and headed for Stacy's house where we are staying. James needed a nap and so did I. After our nap we headed for the closest Texas Roadhouse on Gilbert Rd. just north of Germann. We have a gift card that Darrel & Trina gave us for Christmas. 

James had ribs and I had a steak. Even though I am trying to stay low-carb I had to have one of their rolls with honey butter. It was worth it. My steak was very tasty and I love their green beans!

I also had a salad with honey lime dressing

When we were finished eating James wanted to go back over to Bama Barbershop which is located on Alma School and Ray. I asked if he could drop me off at Kim's for a visit, which he did. He came back reporting that no one was there, yet again. Armando had been by a couple of times too with no luck. We visited with Kim for awhile until Brian came home and we said hello to him. Before we left Kim gave us two different lemon bars to try. We are to report back which one we liked best. I told her I wouldn't be eating mine until tomorrow. James is pretty stressed because he couldn't get in to the barbershop. His compliance inspection is in the morning at 9:00.

Armando has been sick with upper respiratory problems and he went to the hospital to see if he had pneumonia. They didn't admit him so he must be okay.

Before going back to Stacy's we went to Walmart to pick up a few items. By the time we got back to Stacy's she was home from work. She works from about 3-7 delivering packages for Amazon. 

James went for a walk while I got a political lesson from Stacy and Paul. She introduced me to Charlie Kirk and Laura Trump. She said it was because of these two people and other hardworking people in the Trump campaign that he got elected. Charlie Kirk is winning over the kids on college campuses with his straight shooting politics. He is pretty amazing. He says that 60% of voters under 30 support Trump.

I talked with Joshua awhile earlier before he went to work at George & Gather. He says he makes about $300 a night bussing tables.

Stacy's fridge. She also has several inspirational

quotes on index cards, just like I used to do.

Dallin after high school. Mary, Paul's mom, bought

him this outfit.

Janna and Patsy love this place. I want

to try it out. 

 

 

Tuesday, May 27th, 2025: Adam is the oldest man according to Joseph Smith, Sheri's text at 4, high blood sugar, Pat & Janna pick me up to go to Globe, Copper Bistro, Beals, Dr. Memon, Janna's surprise party, James delivers my meds,

 

Boston, Massachusetts

100th operating temple

Dedicated: 1 Oct 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Alma 7:1-13

D&C

52:1-36

Come Follow Me

D&C 51 The Lord wants me to be a faithful, just, and wise steward.

April General Conference

'Harden Not Your Heart'

Elder Christopher H. Kim

RS Lesson Prep

'Receive His Gift' and order bags

The Atonement of Jesus Christ

Matthew 27:28-29

The Infinite Atonement

Forgiving What You Can't Forget

I always thought Methuselah was the oldest man as indicated in the Bible, but I read this today on page 34 of "The Infinite Atonement":

"Father Adam began his work and finished what was to be done in his time, living to be one thousand years old with the exception of about six months. Truly the Bible gives Methuselah the credit of being the oldest but the Prophet Joseph had it revealed to him otherwise. It is only an error of man in translating the record."

Sheri texted me this morning at 4:17 saying they might not go to the condo because of their dogs. I asked her if Ben & Cayli could help with the dogs or if they wanted to use the condo they last part of next week. She said that was a good idea. 

I didn't get up until 6 a.m. I had a turkey sausage for breakfast. It has 110 calories, 2 carbs, and 10 grams of protein. My blood sugar was 127. I can't have any more food until lunch time. 

James left a little before 7 to take his truck in to get the oil changed at Walmart. Patsy Tedder and Janna Grombach picked me up at 9 a.m. Patsy is Janna's mom and she, Patsy, not Janna, has a doctor's appointment in Globe with Dr. Memon. Kathy Crane and I are both Patsy's and Janna's ministering sisters. Tomorrow is Janna's birthday and I wanted to take her to lunch but I will be in the valley both Wednesday and Thursday and then on Friday James and I are going to the temple. I felt so lousy yesterday I couldn't take anyone to lunch so I figured today was the day until I found out about Patsy's appointment. I asked if I could go with them to Globe and buy them lunch at the Copper Bistro or wherever else they might want to go. They both said that would be great.

We met James at the Borden Ranch Rd. to pick up my prednisone pills. I began taking them right away. The three of us, Janna, Patsy, and I began talking and we were so busy visiting neither Patsy nor I noticed when Janna turned onto the 260 towards Heber instead of staying on the 60 towards Globe. When Janna realized what she had done we were in Linden. She turned around and made the comment, "I guess I thought I was going to Buckeye." That's where they used to live. It's a good thing that we got an early start. Patsy's appointment isn't until 2 p.m. 

Here are some of the conversations we had: 1) Emma Smith vs. Brigham Young ( we are all fans of Emma 2) Lynn Wallace's comments to both Janna and Patsy which aren't very nice. They consider her part of their family and aren't offended. 3) The story about Willy's size 15 shoes and how he ruins a $1,000 pair of boots in one day. 4) Show Low memories, Patsy knew my dad, mom, aunt Gene, and my grandparents, and we all know the "old" Show Low families. 5) Kim Anderson wants to move to the valley to be closer to her kids but Greg doesn't want to move. 6) Janna says she heard the Tesarek's were going to move to Florida. I told them they bought the Spanish style house next to the fire department in Vernon. Janna mentioned that it might be for Michelle's school. I agreed. 7) Shanna Penrod running to the restroom yesterday during Janna's talk and crying her eyes out. Michelle Tesarek told this to Janna. 8) Who is going to be the new bishop - our guesses. Also Janna says there is a new family moving in to the ward. 9) Patsy used to babysit Aunt Gene's kids and she told us some of the stories from that adventure. She also said that Gary wanted to marry her. 10) Stories from Patsy's day care center in Buckeye.

When we got to Globe our first stop was at the Copper Bistro for lunch. Janna and Patsy ordered a turkey croissant and onion rings to share and I ordered a turkey croissant and sweet potato fries. I ate half of the sandwich and gave the other half to James when I got home. I told Janna I still owed her half a lunch for her birthday. 

After lunch we went shopping at Beall's. Janna and Patsy kept telling me about this skinny syrup they buy to put in their drinks. When we got to Beall's they introduced me to the skinny syrups. They didn't have coconut pineapple or cherry, the two flavors I wanted to try. I made the comment that I would have James stop at the Beall's in Payson tomorrow on our way to the valley. We shopped until it was time to get Patsy to her doctor's appointment. I bought some 4th of July dish towels and a few other items. 

I sat in the car and waited as Janna and Patsy went in to see Dr. Memon. He is also James's doctor and we are the ones that told Patsy about him. He put a device in her to control her heart and he said last year that he would be happy if she lived a year. She has exceeded that and is doing great.

Willy is having people over this evening for cake and ice cream for Janna's birthday. It's a surprise. He doesn't want us to be back at their house until 6:30. Patsy and I are thinking of ways to stall so we ask Janna if we can stop at Safeway. Patsy says she needs to pick up a few items (not really). Janna and Patsy buy some fresh shrimp. Patsy was going to stay with her tonight because when she left her house this morning the water wasn't working. As they were at the meat counter buying the shrimp Janna said, "Let's go back to my house and eat and then we will go to your house and pick up your things." 

Pat, trying to stall Janna going home before 6:30 said, "no, I think we need to go to my house first." Janna figured out from this what was going on. She was quite upset with Willy because she said her house was a mess. Patsy and I tried to calm her down and tell her that Willy was doing this because he loved her. She called him and told him she knew what he was doing and he better have the house clean. He assured her that he did. 

Janna turned 60 last year and Willy felt bad that he didn't do a party for her so that's why he wanted to do one this year. It was the perfect night to sit outside on their front porch with the view of Green's Peak.

Willy invited all of the Bunco girls and their husbands, except Oksana. I don't think he knows her. He also invited Kerri and Catherine Halcomb. 

Patsy, Donna Beckham, Lynn Wallace,

Chris Skousen, Catherine Halcomb, Me,

Johnny Finnell.

James took the pictures so he isn't in

any of them.

Gene Beckham with the beard and red plaid shirt,

Patsy, Donna, Lynn, Chris Skousen, Cope Reynolds,

Amy Reynolds, that's Tina Allen sitting on the porch

leaning up against the post talking to Lynda Finnell

Steve Allen was there too.

Bishop Hunsaker to the far left with the baseball cap on,

Lynda Finnell, Cheryl Sedig with the dark hair next to

Catherine

George Wallace talking to either Steve Allen or Sean Hunsaker

Alicia Hunsaker, Janna facing the camera, and Becky Skousen

Alicia is a counselor in the YW, Becky is the president and Janna

is the secretary

A better picture of Cheryl Sedig with the dark hair. I don't think we got any pictures of Ralph Sedig or Willy.

Becky Skousen, and Janna standing behind

Becky's husband Chris.

Our entire bishopric was here.

Cope Reynolds on the left and Johnny Finnell and Ralph Sedig at the other end of the table.

That's Roger Wallace with the long beard. He is married to Ralph Sedig's sister Lynn.

A good pictture of Amy and Catherine and some 

white-haired old woman.

The twins Alicia and Stefani and down by the wall holding

the red cup is Kerri Halcomb. She is going to girls camp

with Janna next week.

I took 7 prednisone pills today and I can honestly say I feel so much better!

Monday, May 26, 2025: I can barely move my left hand, so stiff & sore I don't even want to move, napped a lot today, stew in the crockpot, Walmart Pharmacy treats us rudely, James went to Matt Hipps' & Walmart, Call to AARA for corizone,

 

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

99th operating temple

17th Sept 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Alma 5:53-6:8

D&C

51:1-20

Come Follow Me

D&C 51-57 "A Faithful, a Just, and a Wise Steward"

Introduction 

April General Conference

'Beware the Second Temptation'

Elder Scott D. Whiting

The Atonement of Jesus Christ

Matthew 27:26-27

The Infinite Atonement

"Forgiving What You Can't Forget"

I can barely move my left hand. I am so stiff and sore in the morning. I don't even want to move. The first thing I do is take my thyroid pill, then wait 30 minutes and take my blood sugar. If my blood sugar is in range, I have a light breakfast and take two Tramadol and one Tylenol. Usually I lie back down for awhile until I feel better. 

Today I spent a lot of time napping because I didn't feel well. I wanted to get a stew in the crockpot this morning and was giving myself a few more minutes on the recliner when Tom jumped up to join me, so I stayed longer. Yes, I am afraid I have furalysis.

I finally tried to get up and not disturb Tom. Not so. As soon as I got up he got up and followed me into the bedroom. I gave him a "rub down" and a treat and he scooted outside. 

I went into the kitchen and put the stew on and fielded calls from James, who on his way home from Matt Hipps' was doing some shopping at Walmart for me. There were 12 items on my list. 

First call, what's Johnsonville Beddar? Next call, I can't find the Spray n Wash. There is no J8 aisle. I said: "It's in the back of the store on the detergent aisle which is near the catfood. "I'll come back tomorrow"! James has the Walmart app and can look up where things are but if he doesn't find what he wants right away he gets impatient. 

When James gets home he seems a little stressed and rattled. I say, "See, grocery shopping isn't as fun or easy as you thought."

James napped with Tom after his exhausting shopping spress.

This afternoon I was so miserable that I called AARA and asked if I could get a couple of cortisone shots in my arms when I come in for my infusion appointment on Wednesday. I told the guy taking the message, no one is in the office today because it is Memorial Day, that I lived 200 miles away and I would appreciate it if they could do something for me on either Wednesday or Thursday. 

A little while later I got a text from Walmart saying my prescription was ready. I presumed this was a prescription for Prednisone which they have called in for me before. I ask James if we can go into town and get my prescription. I told him we need to get there before 6 before today is a holiday. I actually looked online and it said the pharmacy was open until 7. I didn't want to tell James because he has a tendency to wait until the last minute. We got there right at 6 o'clock. The guy behind the counter was closing up and would not give James my prescription. James said, it says online that you are open until 7. I guess he looked it up too. They guy said, "it's a holiday and we decided to close early."  That was it.

We were both a little put out and frustrated but what could we do. James had an appointment in the morning at 7:30 to get the oil changed in his truck. At 9 a.m. I am going to Globe with Janna Grombach and her mom Patsy Tedder. James will pickup the prescription at 9 and meet us on the road somewhere. That's the best we can do.

James and I both enjoyed the stew we had for dinner.

Verse & Quote

D&C 51:9

And let every man deal honestly, and be alike among this people, and receive alike, that ye may be one, even as I have commanded you.

"Our testimony will be tested and tried. Faith is not faith if never tested. Faith is not strong if never opposed."

-Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

OGC 2024

My favorite Gidget and Moon Doggie,

Sandra Dee and James Darren.

I love when he sings "Gidget" to her.

I think this was in 2016, our two antelope

who kept coming to see us.

Sunday, May 25th, 2025: Up at 4 to finish lesson prep, James released, Donna Beckham and Grombach's speak in sacrament meeting, RS two of bishops daughters, Oksana, lots of visitors as it is Memorial Day weekend, Sheri's lesson, Jackie Hall, seeing Lois, slept most of the afternoon

Birmingham, Alabama

98th operating temple

Dedicated: 3 Sept 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Alma 5:43-52

April General Conference

'Charity - A Sign of True Discipleship'

Elder Scott D. Whiting

Relief Society Lesson

'Right Before Our Eyes'

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

I did get up at 4 a.m. to finish my lesson. I made an outline, made copies of the quotes I want to use, and had a list of questions for the whiteboard. James agreed to put the questions on the whiteboard when we got to the church. There were several questions and he did a great job. He left spaces where the answers go and I went over them with the sisters. Thanks honey for helping me.

We had a good sacrament meeting today. Donna Beckham, and Janna and Willy Grombach were the speakers.

When Donna got up to speak she made a comment about the huge "stake conference" crowd, the stake president being here, and an area authority, Matthew Riggs, presiding.

Donna Beckham: Donna was inactive for years and has recently come back to church, by herself. She says she has not spoken in church since she was a teenager. Donna's topic assigned to her was: The benefits of consistent Church attendance. She said that partaking of the sacrament was the number one reason for consistent church attendance. 

Janna Grombach: Matthew 6:14. Forgiveness, I struggle with this. My mom said to me: "I hope when you are asked to speak in church you speak on forgiveness because you aren't very good at it." Matthew 18:21-22. Repent and forgive. 70x7. It is a commandment. My first husband was unfaithful, again, and again. We went to counseling but he didn't want to change. I went through a process of healing. Forgiveness is a gift from Heavenly Father. Jesus Christ's blood covers all sins and mistakes. Repentance is a gift. I testify to you if we stay close to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ we can forgive and our prayers will be answered. My prayers were answered when the Lord gave me Willy!

Willy Grombach: For God so loved the world that He gave His only Begotten Son. Being LDS is a lot of work! (Willy was baptized about 4 years ago). Jesus was perfect and knew what his mission was. We make mistakes and sin. Pray, repent, fail. Mary Magdalene was the first to see our resurrected Lord. Our ward has the most kind and loving people. Spoiler alert: We will all die. Alma 40:12-14. Spirit World/Spirit prison. The Spirit World is here among us. President Nelson says we need to repent daily and Think Celestial.

The Elder's Quorum presidency was released today: Chuck Crane, Collin DeWitt and James Lambson. A new presidency was called: Jeff Crane, Chuck's son, Jacob Robles, and Steve Rosen.

I gave Kate Hahn the Primary handouts and Sandra Wilhelm the Young Women's. I also gave Sandra Kacey Westbrook's graduation card knowing that Kacey's mom, Marci was in Young Women's.

Relief Society was jam-packed. Two of the bishops daughters were here and so was my Bunco friend, who is not a member, Oksana. 

Lots of visitors because this is Memorial Day weekend. 

I felt the lesson went well. Oksana read a quote and I mentioned that she was a non-member and was one of the nicest people I had ever met. After the lesson, Lynda Finnell, Oksana's friend and neighbor and the reason Oksana comes to church came up and gave me a big hug. She thanked me for what I said about Oksana and said that it made her day. 

Kailee Nichol was one of our visitors today. After the block she came and asked me who it was we were counselors for in Young Women way back in 2013. I said, "Natalie Soderquist." Kailee said, "Oh no, I was never Natalie's counselor, this was someone older." I didn't argue but I knew that Kailee and I were both counselors to Natalie. The older woman Kailee was thinking of was Diana Curtis. I told Kailee as we parted that I was going to go home and check my blog to prove to her that she was a counselor to Natalie. She just laughed.

The first thing I did when I got home was look up proof that Natalie was a counselor. I knew that the YW had come to our house to watch the October 2013 and I was quite sure that Kailee was there, along with the Soderquist's. Here is what I found:

"Sister Nicholl on the couch"

Kailee, I told you so!

(sorry about the repeat of a couple of photos)

I texted Sheri to ask her how her lesson went. She said she thought it went pretty well. The sisters really liked the snickerdoodle cookies she made. She also said Jackie Hall came up to her afterwards and gave her a hug and said she was glad that she was in Sheri's ward.

Neither Cathi nor Laura was there.

Elder Rasband dedicated the Abidjan Ivory Coast temple today.

My nose was so plugged up this afternoon that I took some Benadryl and slept most of the afternoon.

Lego bouquet at Costco

I love this!

More photos of Alex's trip to

Guatemala with Shayna's brother

Such a cool photo!

Oksana

Saturday, May 24th, 2025: Happy Birthday Mason! James goes to Matt Hipps', Finally finished handouts, Tom hides upstairs, Culver's, Lesson prep, living rm recliner after James goes to sleep

 

Houston, Texas

97th operating temple

Dedicated: 26 Aug 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Alma 5:26-42

D&C

50:41-46

Come Follow Me

D&C 50:23-25

"That which is of God is light."

For the Strength of Youth: "Walk in God's Light"

April General Conference

'Reverence for Sacred Things'

Elder Ulisses Soares

Atonement

Matthew 27:24-25

The Infinite Atonement - p. 29

Lesson

Outline and whiteboard questions

James left after prayer, Book of Mormon, and Come Follow Me for Matt Hipps', which is in Pinetop. Matt had a 2,900 square foot home in the pines. His home has been valued at over $1,100,000. He says he can sell it, and buy a new home and still have over $200,000. I think this got James to thinking about our home and land and what we could sell it for.

I finally finished my handouts. I wrote the lesson information on the back and actually ironed all 57 of them so they would lay flat. Whew! Finally!

Tom came in and instead of laying on our bed or on "his high chair" near the entry table, he disappears upstairs. I guess he needs more peace and quiet and wants to be alone. He finally reappears gets his treat and a brush down and then goes outside.

I worked on creating a list of questions for my lesson to write on the whiteboard tomorrow. I worked until 8:00 and then, because I wanted to get up at 3 to finish up, told James I wanted to go to bed. 

We lay in bed and talked for awhile, which is something we love to do. I looked at the clock and I realized it was no longer 8 o'clock. Maybe I will sleep in until 4. After James went to sleep I went in to the living room and slept on the recliner because of my sciatic nerve.

Quote, Verse, Notes

"Let your friends see the joy you feel in living the gospel, and you will be the best gospel message they ever receive.

- Elder Gary E. Stevenson

OGC 2024

D&C 50:40

Behold, ye are little children and ye cannot bear all things now; ye must grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth.

A "ride" down Memory Lane

with Max, Evan, and Joshua