Sunday, March 1st, 2026:St. George temple, Genesis 23, 65 degrees, lovebirds, prayers, Bishop Crane's testimony, SS, Cress moving to Tesarek's airbnb, Louie, "Romance at Hope Ranch"

 

St. George Temple

I read Genesis 23 this morning. The chapter is about Abraham buying a piece of land and burial cave for Sarah who died at the age of 127. Abraham paid 400 shekels of silver for the cave and land. Ephron offered to give the property to Abraham because of his status, but Abraham refused, proving his character and integrity.

Today the sun was shining and there was no wind. The high was around 65, a beautiful day to walk into sacrament meeting. As we came into the foyer, Mary (Mikki) Gilbert greeted us as I gave her a hug. She called us love birds. Now we have been called quail and love birds. I think I prefer love birds.

When we sat down in the chapel I looked around and realized we were one of the first couples. I looked at the program and the opening prayer said: By invitation. I turned to James and said, "We are going to be asked to say the prayers today." Less than five minutes later Brother Tesarek came up and shook our hands and said: "Would you two be willing to give the prayers?" Of course we will. When he left I looked and James and said, "What did I tell you?"

At the end of the meeting Bishop Crane bore his testimony. He said he just got out of Dubai last Saturday before the bombing began. Some of the places where he met were bombed. We prayed for him while he was gone and the Lord protected him. Bishop read from one of the first talks President Nelson gave after becoming the Prophet in 2018. Here is the quote that he read:

"Our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, will perform some of His mightiest works between now and when He comes again. We will see miraculous indications that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, preside over this Church in majesty and glory. But in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost."

I think Jimmie Applegate needs to teach a class on how to make power point slides as his are pretty amazing. He told a modern parable depicting the story of Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, Lot and his wife, Ishmael and Isaac. It was interesting to say the least. I enjoyed the class and so did James. We were so happy to see our friend Anthony Romyak at church today. He has been a member of the Concho ward until just recently. Welcome back Anthony!

I spoke with Cress Miller a few minutes after class, complimenting her on how nice Jacob looks when he passes the sacrament. As we were talking she told me that they were moving into the home the Tesarek's bought to use for an airbnb right on the Vernon road, just down from the church building. She is very excited for the move. They will have a yard for their three grandchildren they are raising, and they will get out of the trailer park which is a very good thing. I am so happy for them and admire them so much for what they are doing for their three sweet grandchildren.

James and I broke our fast when we returned home and made lunch. We had the spare ribs we bought yesterday along with some corn on the cob and beans. After lunch was rest time. James fell asleep but I couldn't. 

I texted Sheri, Stacy, Kim, Darrel, and Kacey. I wished Kacey a Happy Sabbath and said I was waiting for my photo. She sent me one of Charlie and Mason. Earlier today Autumn sent me photos of Scarlett and Benson. I miss them all so much.

I texted Sheri and thanked her for the glasses and ask her if she could go to lunch on the 11th when we are back in the valley for my infusion. I told her I was amazed at all the accomplished yesterday and told her I wished I could have stayed and helped her and gone with her when she took the pie to her grandmother. I also told her about Dave Elkins buying 22 acres. I asked her how the apple pie turned out and she said Cathi told her it was delicious. She also made a blueberry pie for the family and Evan loved it. I told her she should share her recipe with Trapper's. 

Sheri and I discussed Elder Johnson's talk on ministering to the one. I chose another talk for next week, the one Emily is doing on Inklings, "Know Who You Really Are" by Elder Brik V. Eyre. We must carry on.

Kim and Brian wanted to come up on the 13th. I told them Adam would be here with three friends but she was still welcome to come. She said she and Brian would come on the 20th instead. They were avoiding that weekend because it's Elder's Quorum and Brian wanted to be home. She said if Adam cancels or reschedules to please let her know. I don't think he will.

I asked her about the Emma M. Lion books. She doesn't have the first three. She may buy them at Deseret Book where she has a gift card but we aren't even sure that the author is LDS. I may have to buy volume 1-3 on Amazon and then borrow the other volumes from Kim. I am anxious to read them.

Kim says she wants to stay up here forever. I told her she could stay as long as she likes. She was sad when she learned we were selling some land. I tried to explain to her that we thought it was a better option than doing the reverse mortgage, at least for now. I told Kim how much I missed all of my children and that I wanted to spend more time in the valley, possibly 4 months out of the year during the winter. We figured we could either stay with Stacy or Sheri. When I said the only problem was the kitties, Kim said she and Brian would live up there in the winter and take care of Tom, Sammy, Blackie, and Louie. When I asked who Louie was she showed me this picture.

.

Louie's face looks a little like Tom's.

Kim thinks they look like brothers.

Kim and I decided that she and Brian will live at the cabin. James and I will be in the valley a few months in the winter and they will take care of the cats. They will see us when we come up in the summer and fall. Now if Brian can work from Vernon and James will agree, we are all set. We will stay with either Stacy & Paul, or Sheri & Ian when we are in the valley. Is this all just a pipe dream?

I texted with Darrel and he says he is nervous about the move and he will have Ruby send me her track schedule. He also said Dad was going to help him with a drywall patch. We may go down this coming weekend so James can texture the patch and we can go to Ruby's track meet. 

We took a trip into town to pick up our mail. Lo & behold, there was a check from Tamara Applegate. James wasn't expecting to be paid until Monday. I knew Tamara would come through!

James and I watched the latest Hallmark movie, "Romance at Hope Ranch" starring Allison Sweeney and Gabriel Hogan. The movie was filmed in Ruidoso, New Mexico, and Allison's real life daughter played her daughter in the movie.

Scarlett & Benson

Charlie & Mason

The apple pie Sheri made

for Lois

Cathi said it was delicious!

 

Saturday, February 28th, 2026: Leave @ 6:06 & arrive @ Mesa Cemetery @ 9:25, Catherine's graveside service w/ all of her children here, Costco, Ben, Sheri, Trip home, rest & walk

 

We left for the valley around 6:06 this morning. I said a prayer for us in the car. We got gas in Payson at Speedway for $3.12 a gallon because Circle K was $3.19. Speedways restrooms were closed so we went across to Circle K and their restrooms had not been cleaned. From the sounds of it the men's was worse than the women's. We should have gone to the Splash n Dash in Show Low, gas there was $3.07 a gallon.

The address for the Mesa Cemetery is 1212 N. Center Dr. There was a bike race on Center and that entrance to the cemetery was closed so we had to go around to Country Club, where we were in the first place. The setup was visible when we drove in and I saw Kerri. We found a place to park and walked over to where everyone was gathering. Kerri introduced us to her brother Kelly who was conducting and he gave us the program. Her brother Kenny then came over and we got to meet him. Kelly is short and Kenny is tall. All of Catherine's children were adopted except Kelly, the oldest.

I told Kerri I wore the dress her mom gave to me in her honor.

Teresa & Wes Smith also attended. They are in Vernon in the summer and in the valley in the winter. Teresa teaches line dancing in Vernon and she said on the way home she would stop by and see Catherine and they developed a friendship. We visited with Wes & Teresa before the program started. There were chairs set up and Kerri invited us to sit down, which we did. The program consisted of a welcome, the opening hymn, "I Need Thee Every Hour", Catherine's favorite hymn is the same as mine, an opening prayer by her grandson Matthew, brief remarks by Kelly Halcomb, dedication of the grave, Kenny Halcomb, song: "I Am A Child of God", and the closing prayer by another grandson, Michael Halcomb.

Catherine would always tell me how sad she was about her daughter Kathy who left the Church and the family, whom she hadn't seen or heard from in years. Kathy was at the funeral and Kerri told me later that she went to lunch with her, her brother Kenny, and his wife Theresa. This would make Catherine so happy! 

We said our goodbyes and left for Costco where we bought Pom juice, two kinds of protein shakes, Perk, and walnuts. I had a hotdog at the food court and James nibbled on the bun while I ate. He said he would wait until later to have lunch. 

Earlier this week Sheri asked James if he could give Ben a blessing. He said he would do it when we came down Saturday. When we called Sheri she said Ben needed a blessing that day and so Brian had done it. She told James to call Ben and see if he wanted another one. James called Ben and he was his usual cheerful self when he speaks to us. He said he didn't need another blessing and looked forward to seeing us next weekend when he and Cayli come for a visit. We continued on our way to Sheri's as she has my new glasses.

The glasses have dark frames, quite different from my wire framed ones. I ask Sheri how much I owed for them and she said, "I paid for them." I wanted to pay her but she would hear nothing of it. Thank you Sheri.

We arrived at Sheri's around 11:30. She had already run 11 miles, made baked ziti for the missionaries whom she is feeding this evening. She made them a batch of her chocolate chip cookies and Evan asked if she would make some for his co-workers who love them, so she made another batch. She made crust for an apple pie for her grandmother and a blueberry pie for the family. Oh yes, Max works 12 hours on Saturday and asked her if she would make him some chicken tacos, she was shredding the chicken as we talked. I am amazed at how much she has accomplished already today! Kim & Brian are coming over to watch an episode of "Trader's" at one. I wish we could stay but James is anxious to get home and talk to Dave Elkins about buying the 22 acres.

I told James I was okay if he wanted to go home the Globe way. It was not faster this time. They were working on the 202 so we had to exit and go down Germann. We turned north on Higley, got back on the 202 to the 60, the freeway going to Superior, Miami and Globe. The 60 was backed up both ways  because of the Renaissance Festival. People don't mind being outside in the 90 degree heat if it's in a medieval village I guess. Finally we break free!

We stopped in Globe at Fry's for corn tortillas and cheese so I can make tacos with the pork tenderloin and salsa I have at home. We also bought a Hershey's with almond candy bar for me and a bag of Hershey kisses for me to put on my desk at home. James got a dark chocolate bar with hazelnuts and a container of cranberry celebration, one of his favorite treats.

In the car, as we are leaving James mentions he almost bought a half rack of spareribs to eat but didn't think I would want him to eat them in the car. Crazy person that I am I convinced him to go back in and buy a full rack so he could share them with me. He did and we ate some on the way home, using his pocket knife to cut them free from the rack. We stopped eating around 2:20 as we remembered that tomorrow is fast Sunday and we have been asked to fast & pray for moisture for our area and for the war in Iran that is going on right now, involving both the United States and Israel.

It was 70 degrees when we arrived back in Vernon. Dave Elkins called. He wants the 22 acres and will pay $10,500 an acre. Our prayers have been answered. I am grateful for Heavenly Father and an inspired husband. James will look into getting the land surveyed, which may take up to 30 days. No realtor will be involved so we won't have to pay those fees. We are putting the reverse mortgage off, at least for awhile.

James called Jimmie Applegate and he will have a check ready for him on Monday. Another blessing and tender mercy.

We walked and rested with Tom and were in bed by 9:00.

Kelly Halcomb standing by his mother's casket

Our friend Kerri Halcomb 

surrounded by friends

Sorry we missed this:

Friday, February 27th, 2026: My Dad's 96th bday if he were still with us, Temple w/ James & Virgil Cooper, Barbara Tignor, Stefani Husaker, Eva's, Walmart, naps & walks

 

The Snowflake Temple

Today would have been my Dad's 96th birthday. Happy Heavenly Birthday Dad. At least I hope you are in heaven!

We took Virgil Cooper with us to the temple today. Last time we took him he didn't make the session and did initiatories. This time he was the last person in the room just before they closed the door. 

After the session James & I wanted about twenty minutes for him when I decided to go to the car and wait. As I got up to leave, Barbara Tignor walked in clothed in the priesthood robes. She and T-Bo had been doing sealings. He was sealed to his parents. Barbara said it wasn't a joyous occasion because his dad was, she puts her thumb down. After speaking with Barbara, Stefani Hunsaker came in, ready to start her shift of temple work. I told her she looked beautiful. It looks like Charlie Patterson in on Stefani's shift too.

I waited in the car a few minutes until James and Virgil came out. James told me later that Virgil put the names of his 7 children on the temple prayer roll, using a different paper for each name. James asked if all their names needed to be on the prayer roll and he said: "I don't know, I haven't seen them in 40 years." So sad.

We took Virgil to lunch at Eva's. James and I both had chile rellenos and Virgil had a chunky beef burro covered in green sauce. He said it was delicious. 

James wanted to pick up his prescription at Walmart before going home. It was 2:30 when we got home, about an hour longer than usual. 

When we got home James and I both rested before we started walking. We went to bed around 10. We are leaving at six in the morning for Catherine Halcomb's graveside service in the morning.

"The simple secret for happy living is to just follow God's recipe as detailed in the "Good News Recipe."

- Elder John D. Amos, OGC 2025

Genesis 22:12

And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.

Thursday, February 26th, 2026: Inklings, no payment from Applegate's yet, James sees Dr. Smithson, Dave Elkin in Oregon but he is very interest in buying our property at the price James suggested, trust addendum

 

Kim made Joe a Blueberry Streusel

Muffin cake with blueberry frosting

and a cinnamon streusel crumble.

(Same as last year)

 Inklings this week was a discussion on Elder Peter M Johnson's talk, "The Power of Ministering to the One." Here are some notes.

Phrase: Our ability to live the doctrine of Christ will be enhanced by daily studying the Book of Mormon and weekly partaking of the sacrament.

Affirmation: I see each person as a child of God and in ministering to them, especially the one before me, I help them feel of Christ's love and draw nearer to Him. As I serve in ways that invite others to come unto Jesus Christ and worship in His house, I become a more devoted disciple and share His light with the world.

James and I had the opportunity today to minister to someone. 

Our friend Janna Grombach came over for a visit. She is troubled about something and wanted our advice. We listened to her problem and tried to comfort her and give her advice. She was here about an hour and I believe she felt better when she left. It is a difficult situation and there does not seem to be a ready solution. I told her to pour her heart out to the Lord and wait for an answer. I told her that sometimes my answers don't come right away while I am praying, but later during the night, early in the morning, or in the temple. She said she had felt inspiration after attending the temple. Willy, her husband is going with the youth on Saturday to do baptisms. She said she would go and while the youth were doing baptisms, she would do some initiatory ordinances and then slip into the celestial room to pray. I told her that was a great idea.

James asked Tamara Applegate for a check today for the workers he paid and some work he had done, which amounted to over $3,000. We need that money to make it through the month. Tamara said Jimmie had some questions for him and wanted to talk to him before Tamara wrote the check. I was afraid of something like this.

James had an appointment with Dr. Smithson in Springerville today. 

He wrote him a prescription for time-release Tramadol and a nerve pill that helps with anxiety and depression. Maybe I need to take that one. I think my depression is worry about finances and missing my kids! 

Dr. Smithson listens to "Follow Him." His daughter goes to NAU and knows Dr. Carli Andersen, the feature guest on "Follow Him" this week.

Dave Elkin is in Oregon right now but he is definitely interested in buying some land from us. He says he needs to get back home and talk to his wife before he can tell us how much he will buy. This is definitely good news!

I finished the first draft of our trust addendum today. James wrote it out and I typed it for him to look at it. I will type it again, and then we will go get it notarized.

My baby

Memory: James, Chuck Crane, Owen Peeler

Christmas Nativity a while back. 

I miss these days!

Adam, Dallin, Joe, Michael, and Jared Ammon

I love that Joe & Michael are angels!

Happy Birthday Joe!

Wednesday, February 25th, 2026: James calls Sara Reidhead, Allstate premium paid, pork tenderloin, walked 12,000 steps and blogged two days,

 

James called Sara Reidhead and got the comps for our area. Now he's going to call Dave Elkin and offerf him 22 acres for $10,500 an acre. I am anxious to see if Dave Elkin will accept this offer or if we need to continue with the reverse mortgage.

I paid my car insurance premium with Allstate for the next six months. It was over $1,000. James got quotes today for much less than that. He said he was going to accept one of these lower offers and call Allstate and cancel our payment. This didn't happen today as he went out the afternoon and got carried away working on the railing.

I put a pork tenderloin, seasoned with salt, pepper and garlic, chicken stock and a bottle of Pace picante sauce in the crockpot this morning. I made James and I each a taco with a tortilla heated up with cheese and the pork with salsa. They were delicious. James agreed.

I walked 12,000 steps and blogged two days.

"Many people of modest means are joining the Church and transforming their lives."

- Elder Carlos A. Godoy, OGC 2025

Genesis 21:2

For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.

Memory: Evan's seminary graduation

Tuesday, February 24th, 2026: Two new tires for the car and two for the truck @ Discount Tire, lunch @ LaCasita, Walmart, James steps off property, ready to sell 22 acres

 

Home Sweet Home

James made two appointments at Discount Tire today, one for the car at 1:15, and one for the truck at 2:45. We drove in early, James in the truck and I was in the car. We left the car at Discount a little early and drove the truck to La Casita for lunch. It was crowded and we were told we could sit anywhere available. The only available table we saw was the one with the big circular booth in the corner, so that's where we ended up. I ordered a machaca enchilada with red sauce and an order of refried beans. James had his normal chicken enchilada with green sauce and a side of refried beans. My enchilada was delicious and so were the beans although I felt guilty ordering them so I didn't eat all of them.

When we got back to Discount Tire my car had two new tires and a new tire sensor all for the price of $230.00. We then left the truck, took the car, and went shopping at Walmart. James's two truck tires cost $366.18. 

James spent time today stepping off our property, figuring out how much we can sell without coming to close to our house. He figures 22 acres and wants to ask Dave Elkins for $10,200 an acre. James called Bishop Crane to see what he paid for his property. Bishop referred James to a realtor, Sara Reidhead as she knows the value of the land in this area. It is too late to call today, but he will call tomorrow.

"Cry unto God. Turn to the temple. Cling to your covenants. Serve the Lord, His Church, and others with sacrifice and thanksgiving."- Elder Matthew S. Holland, OGC 2025

Genesis 18:19

For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

Monday, February 23rd, 2026: James's flat tire, mailed Adam & Joe's birthday cards, Deana McNeil, Bert Carpenter's heart attack, we cancel our appraisal because we are selling land

 

Charlie, Scarlett, and Benson at

the Tyler Zoo. This should have been posted on

Saturday.

The Tom clock woke me this morning.

James made an attempt to take his truck into town. He put air in the flat tire thinking it would last long enough to get him in to town. He was supposed to mail Adam and Joe's birthday cards but he forgot them. I called him to see where he was. He said he made it just past the graveyard before his tire went flat. I took him the cards to mail at the Vernon post office once he got his tire changed. 

Deana McNeil texted me today and asked if we had a title to the orange tractor James gave to her dad Tom. Deana was very unkind to both James and Anthony after her father passed away. Tom had given James a horse and Deana would never allow James to come and get it, so she is not on his list of favorite people. He says there is no title to the tractor because it isn't a vehicle that you drive on the highway. He says he had a bill of sale but doesn't know where it is. He is not to anxious to help her.

James and I both spoke to Bert Carpenter of Nexa Lending today. Bert told me he had a heart attack on the 13th and had to have two stints put in and was working from home. I expressed my concern and said I was so sorry.

The appraisal company is asking for payment for an upcoming appraisal so I told Bert we were selling part of the land. He started asking me questions I couldn't answer so I referred him to James. He and James had a talk and James said he could tell that Bert was disappointed that we were selling land, which would slow the appraisal and our reverse mortgage. We won't be having the appraisal done until after the sale of the land.

"Following prophetic counsel to make discipleship a priority is both timely and wise, especially in an age of so many competing voices and influences."

- Elder Corey Cuvelier, OGC 2025

Genesis 18:14

Is any thing too hard for the Lord? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.