Friday, October 17th, 2025: Up before 6 or 4 Az time, problems w/ cmptr & can't connect phone to internet, Allswell pillows, Wlmrt-pain pills, Dr. Oldham never called, J&K go shopping for dryer, Charlie & I skate, walk, play w/ Lovie, Jucy, Piney Park

 

243. Teton River, Idaho

Structural framing underway; construction

estimated to be completed in late 2027

to early 2028.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 7:1-14

Come Follow Me

D&C 119-20

My tithing helps build the kingdom of God.

October General Conference

'Remembering the Sheep'

Elder William K. Jackson

I was up before 6, which is 4 Arizona time. I'm still having problems with my computer, but I did read my scriptures and visit with Kacey and Jared. Another thing, whenever I go to someone else's house my phone will not connect to their internet. It happened at Stacy & Paul's and now it is happening here. Kacey tried to help me but nothing worked.

James told me this morning that he got the best nights sleep he has had in a longtime, last night. We both loved our pillows. Kacey gave me the brand name of the pillow, Allswell, and told me I could get them at Walmart. Love the name and the store is convenient for me. The mattress on the bed is nice and cozy too. I finally convinced James that we need a new mattress on our bed. 

James went to Walmart to see if they could request his pain meds but Dr. Oldham never switched them from Western Drug to the Walmart in Show Low so he is out of luck. Next time I say he go to Dr. Oldham in his Show Low office so no Western Drug will be involved. 

Jared and Kacey went shopping for a new dryer at Lowe's. Charlie didn't want to go so she stayed here with me. I walked around the dining room, kitchen, family room, piano room loop and Charlie roller skated, passing me at least twice each loop. Lovie got in on the action and was so tired afterward she just plopped down on the rug, exhausted.

For dinner we went to a burger joint called Jucy. James ordered a burger with blue cheese on it and I got a grilled chicken salad with honey mustard dressing. They have free beans. Jared said that sometimes the missionaries come here and just eat the beans. I'm not sure how they get away with it but I thought it was funny. Charlie had her cheeseburger with mustard and tomato. Kacey had a salad and Jared had a burger. The food was really good.

We spent the evening at Piney Park in Marshall, Texas. Jared paid for our tickets. Thank you Jared. This was family fun, east Texas style. A giant slide with Charlie & Jared went down a couple of times. A Cow-Bee ride that Jared, James and Charlie rode and a jump zone that Charlie enjoyed. We all went through the outdoor spook alley. The weather this evening was perfect for being outside. I brought my sweater but never ended up wearing it. I was able to get all of my 12,000 steps for the day. Charlie had a great time. We all did, in spite of our ailments. Kacey has plantar fasciitis in her left foot and pain in her right hip, Jared and I have arthritic pain and so does James.

Back home in Longview we visited for awhile and then James and I were tired so we went to bed. 

Some other things I remember about today. 

*Jared practicing the song, "When I Am Baptized" on the piano. He is playing tomorrow at the baptism while Charlie and Scarlett sing.

*Charlie practicing piano, roller skating and taking a break by reading a book.

*Jared says best all-time baseball player is the Dodger's pitcher, Ohtani from Japan. Tonight he hits three homeruns and 10 strikeouts.

*College and pro-football with no sound.

*Charlie reading "Little House on the Prairie" or "Pioneer Sisters."

*Kacey is now Primary President, she has already been Young Women's President, and now there are rumors she may be called as the Relief Society President.

*Kim fed Tom his regular food, but he wanted a treat. He kept staring at the drawer where I keep them.

I love how she sits on her feet when she plays

Where is Charlie

Jared's the one with his arms in the air

Grampa and Charlie in their 

Bee car.

Jared was a little uncomfortable in the Cow car. 

Jared and Charlie having a little

discussion as to which way to go

in the light maze.

Charlie with her new friends

A cameo of Grampa

Charlie was a good sport to sit on the

big spider even when she didn't want to.

Thursday, October 16th, 2025: Up @ 2:47, after 5 when we leave for Longview, Texas, Arby's steak nuggets in Socorro, "Winterset", James drives the entire way, Charlie, Jared & Kacey wait up for us, we arrive around 10:15 Texas time, 2 hours ahead of Arizona time

 

242. Cleveland, Ohio

Awaiting installation of cupola; landscaping and interior 

finish work nearly completed; temple president

and matron called; construction estimated to be

completed in late 2025 to early 2026.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 6:15-30

October General Conference

'Lovest Thou Me'

Elder Steven C. Barlow

I got up at 2:47. I said my prayers and drank my Perk and then made final preparations to leave on our trip to Longview, Texas. James wanted to leave at 4 but it was after 5 when we pulled out. We were passed Hunsaker's when I remembered to ask James if he got my lunchmeat and cheese and put it in the ice chest. No, he didn't, so back we went. It was 5:30 when we pulled away this time.

It was 8:30 Arizona time, 9:30 New Mexico time when we stopped at the Circle K and then Arby's in Socorro. Arby's has a new item on their menu, steak nuggets or steak bites as I call them. They are yummy and made a great brunch. 

There is an M on a mountain in the town and we asked the boy who works there what the M stood for. He said it is called M mountain. He says it turns to a W at night when the high school Warriors play and an M when the college Miners play. He said it is really quite amazing. I guess you have to see it actually happen to appreciate it.

We stopped for gas a few more times and potty breaks. We listened to scriptures and did "Come Follow Me." I missed Inklings this morning but will listen to it when I get home next Tuesday. 

We are now listening to a new book called, "Winterset." 

James drove the entire time. I wanted to stop at a sunflower field we saw but he said they looked droopy because it was late in the day and we would stop on the way home and take some pictures. 

We lost two hours because Longview, Texas is two hours ahead of us. It was around 10:30 when we arrived at Jared & Kacey's at 1613 Pineland Drive. It was 8:30 Arizona time so it took us about 15 hours. Charlie was waiting up for us along with Jared & Kacey. I am glad because I got to give her a big hug before going to bed.

Tender and delicious!

Wednesday, October 15th, 2025: Up @ 2:24, Max passes National EMT test, White Mountain Regional Medical Center in Springerville, James's trigger-release procedure on his left hand, middle finger, Dr. Oldham, Amber & Chelsea, McDonald's, Safeway, pain med mixup

 

241. San Luis Potosi, Mexico

Lettering painted on monument sign and inscription stones;

exterior lighting adjustments underway; finalizing

the interior, including gold leafing, door hardware,

and marble floor polishing; temple president and matron called;

construction estimated to be completed in

late 2025 to early 2026.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 5:20-6:14

D&C

117:1-13

Come Follow Me

D&C 115:5-6

Zion and her stakes offer "refuge from the storm."

October General Conference

'Cheering Each Other On'

J. Anette Dennis

Liahona

Becoming More Christlike Through Temple Service

A.S.K.

'The Lord Looketh on the Heart'

Elder Barcellos

I was up at 2:42 this morning. I wonder how much longer I can do this. 

Sheri texted me this morning. Max passed his National EMT test today. Hurray! Good job Max!

James and I felt for Springerville at 9:45 this morning. James has surgery on his left hand middle finger at noon. Amber, one of the surgical nurses had told us that we needed to be there at 10 but we got a text on my phone that said 10:40 so that's what we were shooting for. As we were waiting for road construction we got a call from Amber wondering where we were. By this time it was about 10:15. We explained to her what had happened and she said to just get there as soon as we safely could. 

Amber told us that if we ever get another one of those automated texts to ignore it. Amber and Chelsea prepped James for surgery. Amber is LDS. She said her in-laws are going to serve a mission in the Phillipines in the same mission her husband served in and they are going to visit them. Chelsea was really cute and nice but I don't think she is LDS because she has a nose ring. I could be wrong though.

Dr. Oldham, the doctor who will be performing the surgery is friends with James's other orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Ellsworth who gave him the cortisone shot in his other hand and did surgery on his thumb a couple of years ago, Dr. Oldham is in our stake and we found out that he also practices in Show Low and we could have gone there for the surgery which would have been much more convenient.

They took James back a little before noon and before 12:30 Dr. Oldham (who is really quite young), came out to speak with me and tell me that the surgery went well and that the nurses should be coming out to get me anytime. 

We left the hospital around 1. We went to McDonald's for lunch and I was shocked how much it cost. We either need to look for their "deals" or never come back. Four chicken nuggets was $5.49.

Since we are leaving for Texas early in the morning James wanted to go to Safeway and get some snacks to eat on the road. He got some crackers and I got some cheese and lunchmeat. We got home around 2:40.

One of the nurses asked us what our pharmacy was and we said the Walmart in Show Low. We got a call from Western Drug in Springerville saying James's prescription was ready. It was too late for us to go back and pick it up there and it was after hours for the doctors so I guess we will have to see if we can do anything tomorrow while we are on the road. The Walmart in Show Low never received it. 

James waters to flowers and yard and even washed the car. We went through a carwash in Eagar but it was lame and really didn't do anything. He is doing so much and the nurse told him to go home and watch a movie and relax. Ha! No chance. 

Tom took a nap on my lap for one hour and then I made him get up. I walked and started packing and getting ready for our trip. James wants to leave at 4 am. We shall see.

I made some spinach for dinner and then did the dishes and cleaned the kitchen and started the dishwasher. I also finished the laundry. We were in bed before 9.

"As followers of Jesus Christ, we should seek to emulate the way our Master demonstrates His pure love for others."

- Elder Michael B. Strong, AGC 2025

D&C 117:4

Let them repent of all their sins, and of all their covetous desires, before me, saith the Lord; for what is property unto me? saith the Lord.

My cousin Rita taking some of her kids

and grandkids to Europe.

Rick Solomon was a friend of Jared's.

He is on the left in this picture, on Rita's

right.

I love Elder Callister and I am reading his 

book, "The Infinite Atonement."

Tuesday, October 14th, 2025: Up @ 3:13, no more rain, sunny but windy, James feels better tDoday, hazelnut cookie bars, "Villa Amore" w/ Catherine, Pat & Janna, Catherine brought me a journal, New 1st Presidency, TJ Maxx and Book Barn for Scarlett & Benson, Julie Wilhelm's roof

Knoxville, Tennessee

Stone cladding underway; cupola frame staged

on site; visitors' center trailer removed;

construction estimated to be completed

in late 2026.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 5:1-19

D&C

115:16-116

Come Follow Me

D&C 115:3-6

The name of the Church is important to the Lord.

RMN, "The Correct Name of the Church", OGC 2018

October General Conference

'Jesus Christ and Your New Beginning'

Elder Patrick Kearon

Other

Liahona

A.S.K.

Up @ 3:13. 

No more rain, sunny but windy.

James feels so much better this morning. The cortisone shot in his finger is really helping.

I made hazelnut bars this morning on a cookie sheet. I doubled the recipe. They are easy to make but it takes forever to roll out the dough on the bottom and the top of the Nutella. I baked them a little too long but James liked them that way, he said they weren't "doughy." 

I cleaned the kitchen, the hall bathroom and dusted the family room. I mopped the floors in preparation for my friends coming to watch a movie with me. 

Pat, Janna, and Catherine got here a little before 10 a.m. to watch the movie, "Villa Amore." I am grateful to Janna and Pat for picking up Catherine. 

I tried to watch the movie on Hallmark Plus because I was trying to avoid commercials but it kept buffering so I changed over to the recording on Dish. I had to fast forward commercials. 

James made a fire and Catherine brought me a journal because she knows I am always taking notes. On the front it says: "Think positive, Feel positive, Live positive. Thank you Catherine, that was very thoughtful of you. Thank you James for building a fire and helping us feel cozy.

Catherine didn't want a blanket and did not want to recline even when she fell asleep and Janna reclined her a little. 

I am so glad that Pat felt comfortable enough to bring her oxygen.

Pat and Janna really liked the movie. Catherine didn't say much about the movie. She did look around and said, "how do you keep this place clean?" 

After we said our goodbyes I remembered that I had made hazelnut bars to share and forgot to share them. We said our goodbyes around 11:30. 

Janna and Pat picked Catherine up and took her home so Kerri would have time to clean Catherine's bathroom. Kerri said her mother would not allow her to do it if she was at home and thanked me for inviting her to the movie.

At noon today there was a news broadcast about the re-organization of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. James and I watched it together. 

Elder Gary E. Stevenson conducted the meeting and accidentally called President Oaks, Dallas H. Oaks. No one mentioned it online that I could see. I would have missed it if Stacy hadn't pointed it out. 

Our new First Presidency:

I was pretty confident that President Oaks would choose President Eyring as one of his counselors because of the close bond they have formed working together in the First Presidency under the direction of President Nelson. I love President Christofferson but was not expecting him to be called. I thought of Elder Bednar or Elder Uchtdorf. I am sure President Christofferson will do an outstanding job.

James has sanded one of the two railings he got from Cope. It looks pretty good although the spindles are a little small. James will use it on the end of the deck but first has to find a new post as the one standing now is rotten.

Sorry if I showed this before.

James went over to look at Julie Wilhelm's roof which she says is leaking. He told her he was going to be gone but advised her as to what she should do. She said that she would before she leaves town on Saturday to go back to Utah.

This afternoon I went shopping in Show Low by myself. My goal was to find a gift for Scarlett for her baptism and something for Benson.

I went to the new TJ Maxx store first and was quite impressed. I think it is the nicest store in Show Low. I bought some onsies and little sweat pants for Benson and I also bought a blanket for my Christmas stash. On to the Book Barn to look for something for Scarlett.

I found a necklace that I liked and a card and got to visit with my friend Donna Lundgren who works at the store. When I got home I took over an hour rest time with Tom. I am going to miss him while I am gone but I am so grateful that Kim & Brian are coming up on Friday to watch over him and Sammy and our horses.

I didn't finish my blog post but I did finish my steps. We were in bed by 8:30.

 "Showing reverence for sacred things gives meaning to much of what we do every day and strengthens our feeling of gratitude."

- Elder Ulisses Soares

D&C 115:5

Verily I say unto you all: Arise and shine forth, that they light may be a standard for the nations;

Monday, October 13th, 2025: Up @ 3:22, another rainy day, Dr. Ellsworth for J and Walmart for me, J walks in rain, Home Depot, Dollar Tree, Tractor Supply, Ross - pink heart blanket, Culver's & Aliberto's, 2 blogposts, 12,000 steps in bed by 8:24

 

 239. Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Steeple frame installed; roofs added to ancillary buildings; 

construction estimated to be completed in

early to mid - 2027.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 4:15-33

D&C

115:1-15

Come Follow Me

 D&C 115-120

"His Sacrifice Shall Be More Sacred to Me Than His Increase." 

Introduction

October General Conference

'The Lord Is Hastening His Work'

Elder Quentin L. Cook

Liahona

'Temple Covenants Altered the Course of My Life' 

A.S.K.

'The Lord Looketh on The Heart'

Elder Barcellos

Other

'Know Brother Joseph'

"Blessed Are the Peacemakers"

"Look Unto Christ in Every Thought"

I got up at 3:22 this morning. Today is going to be another rainy day.

James had a doctor's appointment with Dr. Curtis Ellsworth at 8:30 this morning to see about getting a cortisone shot in one of his fingers on his right hand. I dropped James off at the hospital complex where Dr. Ellsworth's office is and then I drove across the street to Walmart to do some shopping. 

I bought kitty treats and lots of shakes for our trip. James walked in the rain to Walmart while I was out looking for him. He didn't answer his phone so I wasn't sure where he was. I found him in the Walmart parking lot and drove him over to Home Depot. Someone called while he was still in the car reminding him of his surgery on Wednesday morning at the White Mountain Regional Medical center in Springerville. 

While James was in Home Depot I read from my book, "Look Unto Christ in Every Thought." I finished my chapter for today.

After Home Depot James dropped me off at Dollar Tree while he went to Tractor Supply to get some horse feed. The thing that James needed at Home Depot was a latch to keep Apollo out of the tack room where the horse feed is kept. 

While I was at Dollar Tree I got some birthday cards and a cute glass bottle to put on the ledge above our bathtub. (It looks great. Now I need to come back and get another one.) I also went to Ross and found the cutest pink heart blanket for Lola for Christmas.

James picked me up and we drove through Culver's for his cod fillet sandwich. He drove through Aliberto's for my carne asada taco. 

It had been raining in Show Low. The rain in Vernon came a little later but it rained pretty solidly the rest of the day. Our road is full of mudholes, 

I consider it a successful day. I finished two blogposts and walked 12,000 steps. We were in bed by 8:24.

"Commandments define the path our Heavenly Father has marked out for us to progress toward eternal life."

- President Dallin H. Oaks, AGC 2025

D&C 115:4

For thus shall my church be called in the last days, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The 60 close to Globe. The road is

obviously closed.

Happy Birthday

Kevin!

Kate Hahn and her brothers

Alex in Oregon

 

Sunday, October 12th, 2025: Up @ 3:45, Elder Stevenson dedicates Elko Nevada temple, "Reverence for Sacred Things" Ulisses Soares, Katie Hahn passed away this morning, Katie's party, Amy's lesson, Catherine is getting more forgetful, marriage class, Scott & Christina, hot cocoa by the fire w/ my sweetie

 

238. Fort Worth, Texas

Exterior cladding completed; landscaping and 

interior finish work well underway;

construction estimated to be completed

in early to mid 2026.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 4:1-14

October General Conference

'Simplicity in Christ'

Elder Michael Cziesla

A.S.K.

'Taking on the Name of Jesus Christ'

Elder Dale G. Renlund

Relief Society

'Reverence for Sacred Things'

Elder Ulisses Soares

Other

'Follow Him'

'Know Brother Joseph'

'Look Unto Christ'

'Inklings' - President Oaks's talk

Elder Stevenson dedicated the Elko, Nevada temple today. Dedicated temple #209.

Up at 3:45.

Katie Hahn passed away this morning around 4 a.m. Our bishop announced it from the pulpit. She affected so many lives with her positive attitude and good cheer.

James is so good to me. He delivered Judy Hunter's birthday card and gift and Debbie Schwartz's note all before sacrament meeting.

Today was our fast and testimony meeting. James and I are fasting for better health. Here are some of the testimonies that were born:

Bishop Hunsaker - Hope from General Conference. Thank goodness for the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Hold fast to the iron rod.

Tina Allen - I have a testimony of Jesus Christ. My granddaughter wants to serve a mission because she wants them to know that Jesus loves them.

Tom Peralta - Jesus is with me wherever I go. Hebrews 5:8 ...yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered.

Steve Rosen - 3,200 Saints showed up in Globe to help with the flood cleanup.

Roger Gilbert - Thank you for the help and the meals.

Brother Dobson - Attended General Conference in Salt Lake and took his son Cary who said: "I am loving that so many people love God." Faith in Christ. 

Jimmie Applegate - Jesus is my Master Exemplar. We are either going towards Jesus or going away from Him.

Tamara Applegate - Katie's video thanking those who give blood. Special thanks to Debbie who is being baptized this week. She is all there and focused when she comes to the gospel essentials class. Feeling the Spirit is my goal in class. It's a daily walk with Jesus.

When Brother Dobson bore his testimony I whispered to James: "There's our new bishop." He agreed.

I didn't realize how many people really loved Katie Hahn until Relief Society. Paula Johnson mentioned the party Katie had to celebrate her life because she knew she may be dying. Several people had gone and said how wonderful it was.

Amy Reynolds taught the lesson today based on Elder Soares's April conference talk, "Reverence for Sacred Things." Before she began she introduced Melinda who is a member but has never been. She was wearing pants and a camo jacket. I hope she felt welcomed. Amy stayed by her before and after Relief Society and Natalie came over and spoke with her. 

Catherine Halcomb told me she went to Oklahoma this week and all her friends told her to come home. When she told me they took their dogs in the car, I knew something was not right. I talked to Kerri about it and she says she is remembering the trip they took last year. They did take the dogs but they also took their travel trailer and Kerri's big truck. 

I also sat by Joyce in Relief Society. Joyce is my friend who won't kill critters. The discussion in Relief Society was great. I loved Elder Soares's talk on reverence.

I did not like marriage class today and neither did James. It was all about the dysfunctional family at Thanksgiving. Brother Lauritzen started about by drawing a table with all these chairs around it, representing Thanksgiving dinner. He then drew a dead horse on the table and I said, "Shouldn't that be a turkey?" I got a few chuckles but it went downhill from there. Grandpa is a pedophile and some at the table are his victims. This is not what I signed up for. I thought we would be using a Church marriage manual and be talking about how to make our marriage relationships more celestial. I understand that Brother Lauritzen came from a dysfunctional family and I feel sorry for him. What to do oh what to do. I guess I have a couple of weeks to think about it since we will be gone next week.

Rebecca shared that Scott's leukemia is back, Christina has a tumor and a blood disorder and that Jason and his family will probably be homeless in a week or so. I put all of their names on the Snowflake temple prayer roll. 

Sheri seems to be in a dark place right now. She did give her Relief Society lesson but she feels like she does not have an eternal family. I need to help her realize that if she keeps her covenants that they have been sealed to her and they still have the potential to be an eternal family, Thank goodness for our general conference study group, A.S.K. She responded positively to our discussion.

We were in bed by 8:22. Early to bed and early to rise....

Benson and Scarlett

Our sweet friend Katie and her dog Apollo

Elko, Nevada

Temple Dedication

Stretching Tom

Mason,

Tanner's son

 

Saturday, October 11th, 2025: Up @ 3:48, sleeping a little too long, raining, "Know Brother Joseph", the Branch, started fast @ 1:30 for better health, Cope's spindles, blogged 2 days and walked 12,000 steps, puzzle, In bed @ 8, Judy Hunter's card & gift tomorrow @ church

 

237. Modesto, California

Exterior cladding nearing completion; 

numerous trees delivered; landscaping progressing;

perimeter masonry wall almost finished;

millwork underway on the interior;

construction estimated to be completed

in mid to late 2026.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 3:11-26

D&C

114

October General Conference

'No One Sits Alone'

Elder Gerrit W. Gong

A.S.K.

'Taking on the Name of Jesus Christ'

Elder Dale G. Renlund

Other

Liahona

'Look Unto Christ'

"Know Brother Joseph"

Up at 3:48. My internal clock is allowing me to sleep a little too long. It was a good morning, although my left knee is still hurting. 

When I opened the door to feed Sammy and let Tom in I discovered it was raining. Oh my, and now there is fog. I am loving this weather and love it when James builds a fire in the fireplace. It rained solidly for most of the morning.

I started a new audio book today called: "Know Brother Joseph". The chapters are written by scholars who worked on the Joseph Smith papers. 

When I listened to "Follow Him" this week Susan Black said the branch mentioned in Isaiah 11:1 was the Church. I wasn't sure about this so I did some research. It wasn't mentioned in my commentary so I got out my Old Testament Student Manual used in the religion class at BYU. Bruce R. McConkie had a lot to say about the branch. He says it is the Savior. The stem or stump is the crucified Christ and the branch is Christ at the Second Coming, or the Millennial Messiah. I liked his answer.

Tomorrow is fast Sunday. We started our fast at 1:30 this afternoon. James wants to fast for better health and it's his turn to choose so that's that. 

James got some spindles for the railings from Cope Reynolds today. They are a little small but he is going to use them on the end or alternate them with the larger ones. This will save him from having to buy a lathe. Cope would not take any money. They are painted so James will have to sand them but he is so grateful to have them.

James and I worked on the sunflower puzzle today. All of the edge pieces are in and we finished section B except for one piece. I already finished section A. The sections with lots of green are going to be the most difficult and that includes section C which we are now starting. 

I blogged two day and walked 12,000 steps, paid tithing and updated both checkbooks. 

Today is Judy Hunter's birthday. I never did get her card mailed. I will take it and a small gift to church tomorrow to give to her along with a note to Debbie Schwarz congratulating her on her upcoming baptism.

James and I were in bed by 8.

"Knowing that Jesus Christ understands life's pains and joys can give us strength beyond our own as we navigate bitter and sweet."

- Elder Gerrit W. Gong

D&C 112:24

Behold, vengeance cometh speedily upon the inhabitants of the earth, a day of wrath, a day of burning, a day of desolation, of weeping, of mourning, and of lamentation; and as a whirlwind it shall come upon all the face of the earth, saith the Lord.

These two are always happy for a

sleepover!