Saturday, March 7th, 2026: Scott Tibbett's Facebook post is both disheartening & inspirational, Tom is on the go, James goes to the dump, a relaxing day at home for me, Cayli's pasta, Hannah Swensen movie, "Sugar & Vice"

 

Mesa, Arizona temple

The first thing I saw on Facebook this morning was this post by Scott Tibbetts who has been battling cancer for a year or two:

Both disheartening and inspirational

Well the story of Jacob and Esau certainly had a happy ending in Genesis 33. A good lesson in forgiveness and brotherly love.

Tom is staying outside more than inside this morning. I think he's still a little skittish about our company. He did come in this afternoon and lay on the bed and then on my lap while I rested on the bedroom recliner. 

James went to the dump for us and the Crane's today. Kathy was so grateful as she had to go last week when we were gone. Both of Chuck's shoulders are bad and he can't do any lifting. 

I texted Darrel, Trina, and Ruby today and told them how much I enjoyed the track meet. Here is what I said:

To Darrel & Trina: "I wish I could come to every track meet! Ruby runs so gracefully and makes it look so easy, when I know it is not. I could watch her run every day and never get tired of it. She is such an amazing girl in so many ways! Thank you for raising such wonderful children, I love them all!!

To Ruby: "Ruby, you were amazing yesterday. I am so glad I was there to see your two races. You have such a beautiful style, I wish I could come to every track meet. I could watch you every day. You make it look so easy when I know it is not. You dominated!

 I received the following texts: 

From Trina: "Thank you for coming. That was really sweet of both of you. It means a lot. Love you guys."

From Darrel: "Thank you for coming. I know it was quite an effort."

From Ruby: "Thank you so much grandma! I loved seeing you guys and I love you!!

Kacey texted to thank me for Tanner's birthday card since Tanner doesn't have a phone right now. I am so glad the card got there before his actual birthday.

It was quite a relaxing day for me. I visited a little with Ben & Cayli, although they spent most of their time upstairs watching TV. I also blogged and walked, listening to our book and watching Murdoch Mysteries while I blog. 

Cayli fixed a pasta dish for dinner tonight using pasta, a canned sauce with vodka in it, and sauteed onions. It was very tasty. James doesn't usually like pasta but he liked this because of the onions. Thanks for dinner Cayli.

James and I watched the latest Hallmark Hannah Swensen mystery. This episode was titled, "Sugar and Vice."

"Your origin story is divine, and so is your destiny. You left heaven to come here, but heaven has never left you."

- Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, OGC 2025

Genesis 32:28

And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. 

Autumn sent these last Sunday

Love this sister-in-law

Friday, March 6th, 2026: Ben determined to make friends w/ Tom, leave for valley @ 11:30 for Ruby's track meet - she dominates both races, dinner w/ Darrel & Trina, arrive home @ 10:30

 

Cardston, Alberta temple

I got up at 5:00 with Tom. He eats, acts like he wants to go outside, but after trying two doors he decides not to. Here he is asleep.

How can this be comfortable

We left for the valley around 11:30 this morning, later than I had wanted. We are going to Ruby's track meet. We debated which way to go and decided on Payson and then we would cut across on the Bush Highway by Saguaro Lake ending up on Ellsworth Rd. which goes directly into Queen Creek where the track meet is. The Globe way is faster but we remembered the Renaissance Festival traffic in both directions last week and decided to go the other way. It wasn't faster and most like was slower, because of the slower speed limits and the winter visitors we got behind who were intrigued by the rock formations and desert landscape. 

We arrived at the Benjamin Franklin School in Queen Creek just as Ruby's race began. I watched her from the fence near the entrance as James used the facilities. Ruby was the first runner I saw in the girls 16 meter/mile race. Ruby was so far ahead of the pack of girls behind her, it was really no race at all. What a graceful runner she is. She loos so natural and like she could run all day. 

James missed seeing me and went around to the bleachers where Trina & Darrel were sitting. They offered us their bleacher seats. I took one but James didn't want the other so Trina used it. 

I asked if Ruby's coach knew she was moving, No, he doesn't. He has fallen from grace in everyone's eyes as he has turned out to be a bit of a brute. Ruby got 3rd in last week's race and he wasn't happy with her, threatening she wouldn't be going to the Chandler Rotary meet. Ruby wants very badly to go to the Chandler meet. This is not a way to treat teenage girls, especially one as sensitive as Ruby.

The four of us, Darrel, Trina, James and I went to get something to eat before the 7:00, 800 meter race. We drove into a strip mall with several small places to eat. Trina spotted Thai Chili and said, "I want to try that", so away we went. Trina got yellow curry with chicken and no carbs. It was very good and that's what I would order next time, and I would like there to be a next time. I ordered fried rice with pineapple and chicken with mild chili. I tried to eat the chicken and pineapple and avoid the rice. James had eggrolls and finished off my dish when I was finished. I forgot what Darrel got, but it had beef and broccoli in it.

Back for the 7:00 half mile race. Trina's parents joined us as did Addy and Lola. Lola looks so grown up with glasses! Addy bribed Lola by saying she would buy her two painting canvases if she would come. When I asked Lola if she liked to paint, she said yes, and that she loves school supplies. I remembered that's what she ask for for Christmas. Addy spent the morning hiking Camelback Mountain with Sheri. What a gorgeous day to go for a hike, the high was in the 70's. One other thing about Addy. Her boyfriend, McKay Crockett, is finishing his mission and coming home in April. Trina told me that Addy wants to work for the CIA or the FBI. It's the closest she can come to being Batman. 

Again, Ruby dominated the race. No one was even close to her. She has such a beautiful stride, I didn't want the race to end. I love watching Ruby run! 

We left right after the race. I gave hugs while James was waiting on the ground by the bleachers. We stopped at a Walmart to get some bread for Cayli & Ben. Ben texted and said they bought lunchmeat but forgot to get bread. We were happy to stop and then be on our way. Ben also texted and said that Tom was warming up to him and sent this picture:

Tom does love when you rub his back.

We tried to listen to our book that we are both reading, "A Love Most Daring". James likes to listen to something when he isnd  driving, especially at night, as it keeps him awake. That should be my job but I kept falling asleep. We went the Globe, Salt River way home and arrived in Vernon around 10:30, leaving Queen Creek at 7:30. Not bad.  It was good to be home.

A quote from our book: Beatrice talking about Mr. Rawlings:

"He is ridiculously rich, broodingly handsome and mysterious besides. Women were not born to withstand such accomplishments of attractive attributes." Joanna Barker is a good writer.

"Reconciliation brings not only relief from feelings of guilt but also peace within ourselves and with others."

- Elder Kelly R. Johnson, OGC 2025

Genesis 28:15

And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into the land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.

Ian, Sheri, Kim & Brian's new show

Ruby way out in front of everyone else

Sweet Ruby gets the inside lane!

Beautiful! Thanks Sheri!

Enjoying our book together

Thursday, March 5th, 2026: Genesis 29 & 30, Snowflake temple, Danny Seymour, Eva's, Janna & Pat, Lowe's, Walmart, home again, Tom wants to cuddle, Murdoch's wedding, Inklings

 

Laie, Hawaii temple

James and I went to the 10 am temple session this morning. We are going to the temple on Thursday instead of Friday because tomorrow we are going to the valley to attend Ruby's track meet with Darrel & Trina. I don't like going on Thursday because I miss the Inklings live on Instagram.

We were in the prayer circle as we have been nearly every time we have attended the temple this year. There were only three other couples. Last time we had four couples and were able to make a complete circle. This time, for the first time I have ever experienced, the prayer circle was not complete. The officiator didn't seem concerned and knelt at the altar and offered the prayer. I am wondering if this is okay. I have a need to know. Does any one know?

We had lunch at Eva's. We both had the lunch special, chicken enchiladas with rice and beans. $10.99 each. Somehow our total wound up to be over $29, about $10 more than we spend at LaCasita. I like Eva's, but it has become quite expensive. 

As we were leaving we looked over out of our car window and the car that just parked next to us, had Janna Grombach and Pat Tedder as its' occupants. I had to get out and give both of them a hug. Janna said she had just gotten her hair done. I told her her hair always looks beautiful. She said to me: "My situation has been resolved. I love our bishop." I gave both Janna and Pat a hug before we left. They were going in to have lunch, We would loved to join them, but our timing was a little off. It was so good to see them though.

James and I listened to the first half of "Follow Him." While Brother Mike Harris unpacked all of the symbolism in Genesis 24. It took him over an hour and there are 9 more chapters. We will listen to part 2 on our way to the valley tomorrow. 

Ben and Cayli arrived around 9 o'clock this evening. James had built a fire and that's the first place Cayli went, to stand by the fire, which made James happy. One of his complaints about building a fire is how no one even comes near it. I think he is referring to me. I told him I loved the ambiance the fire lends to the entire house. Tom was very skittish with Ben and Cayli. Not at all like he is with people he knows like Brian and Kim, or Sheri.

I listened to Sister Camille Johnson's talk in this month's Liahona, "Righteous Stewards - Disciples of Jesus Christ." It was a great talk in which she discusses the three parables in Matthew 25, The ten virgins, the talents, and the sheep and the  goats. Here are a couple of quotes from the talk: "We can counter disinformation by sharing uplifting, hopeful, and accurate information by becoming advocates of truth rather than just consumers of information." "Each of us is a steward of our own conversion."

"I promise you that your Heavenly Father knows you, loves you, and wants to hear from you."

- Elder Brik V. Eyre, OGC 2025

Genesis 28:12

And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.

I wonder if this is true.

I believe this to be true.

Wednesday, March 4th, 2026: Applegate's bid, insurance quotes, surveyor hired, Brother Beach's visit, Trip to town,

Salt Lake City temple

I read the story of Rebekah and Jacob tricking Isaac into giving Jacob the first born birthright blessing. I'm not sure how I feel about it. Why did deception have to be involved in order for Jacob to inherit the blessing.

James is a bit overwhelmed right now. He is working on Applegate's bid, getting insurance quotes, and trying to get a surveyor. He was successful in getting a surveyor to come on March 25th and do the surveying for $1,800. 

We got a visit from Brother Beach. James helped him build a small summer home last year near Stanford Rd. He told James that he and his wife were going on a mission and they had sold their home in Mesa. He brought us some grapefruit and lemons. Brother Beach served his first mission back when he was 19 in Ecuador and then he and his wife served a mission in Ecuador. This time Sister Beach wants to serve in a safer place so they will be state side.

James and I made a trip to town this evening. The change air filter light came on on the refrigerator. I didn't know we had an air filter but I guess we do. We looked at a YouTube video and realized that the casing for the air filter was missing. James told the sales woman at Lowe's and she insisted that he take the one on their floor model, no charge plus she gave James a filter, although it was the wrong one and James has to go back and change it. I did some shopping at Walmart. We were shocked to see that gas is now $3.44 a gallon.

Finished reading "Love & Lost at Whitmore Manor." I also finished season 7 of "Murdoch Mysteries." I have a love/hate relationship with this series. It has much good and I love Yannick Bisson and Helene Joy but there is just a little too much blood and violence at times. I just watched an episode and there was very little violence and Julia and Murdoch are about to be married. I must watch the wedding. 

James snapped this photo this morning when he

went out to feed the horses.

James's work table.

Yannick Bisson's other hit show.

 

 

Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026: I missed the red moon eclipse, surveyor problems, text w/ Ben about this weekend, Applegate prices still coming in,

Manti temple

Tom went out at 3:21 this morning. Maybe he wanted to watch the eclipse and see the blood moon. I missed it.

James is in the process of trying to get new insurance for my car, the house, and James's truck. State Farm would save us a lot of money but before he goes with them, he's waiting for a quote from Auto-Owners which won't be in until next Monday. 

James is also trying to get a surveyor to survey the land we are selling. He called the man who surveyed for Dave Elkins a year ago. Dave paid $1,200. This guy said it would cost $3800 and he would need a down payment of $1,000 and he couldn't do it for at least a month. James said, no thanks. The best offer he got was for $1,800 the first week of April. He has some other calls in and hopefully will find someone who can do it sooner.

I texted with Ben today about their visit this weekend. He wanted to know what they could fix us for dinner. I told him we may not be here as Darrel needs his dad to do some drywall work for him and Ruby has a track meet. Ben & Cayli are coming up Thursday evening so we will see them then and Friday morning and we will be back Saturday afternoon. Ben & Cayli are leaving Sunday morning. 

Ben was happy to know they could come up even if we weren't here.

While James was gone to Applegate's I began sweeping off the driveway. It's quite a job with lots of caked on mud and I did not finish. I will work on it again tomorrow.

I texted my friend Sue Hubble today to tell her about Catherine Halcomb's death. She said she knew Catherine was happy because now she was with "coach", Catherine's husband. Susan said the temple was going to be closed August 29th until November 9th. That's two months I wasn't aware of. James and I need to up our game.

"Primary songs can become a child's first spiritual language because their simple, memorable melodies give voice to gospel truths."

- Sister Tracy Y. Browning, OGC 2025

Genesis 26:3

Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father; 

* Saving grace is the enabling strength to overcome.

* Exalting grace is the enabling strength to become.

Emily Belle Freeman

Love this picture of Sheri

It must have been someone's birthday.

Sleeping Tom

 

Monday, March 2nd, 2026: Happy Birthday Sandra Wilhelm, Michael helps open new CARD office, Catherine's casket, Applegate job takes over dining rm table, trip to town

 

Logan temple

Tom spent the night outside. He couldn't have picked a nicer night.

I read Genesis 24 & 25 today. I enjoy using Brother Valletta's commentary as I read. These chapters were about Abraham sending his servant out to find a wife for Isaac and the servant going back to Abraham's homeland and encountering Rebekah, Isaac's cousin. Rebekah agrees to return with the servant to marry Isaac. I was a little shocked to find out the earring given to Rebekah was actually a nose ring as she is one of my Old Testament heroes. 

In chapter 25 Abraham marries Keturah and has more descendants. He dies and is buried with Sarah in Machpelah. The Lord reveals the destiny of Rebekah's twins, Esau and Jacob, to her.

I finished reading "Havencross" today and started another book that I haven't read since 2018, "Love & Loss at Whitmore Manor."

A census taker, Muriel Apache, who is a Navajo Indian married to an Apache Indian, whose last name happens to be Apache, came by to take our census information. I hid in the bedroom, as I had washed my hair and was letting it air dry and wasn't presentable for company. Why don't census takers make appointments? They probably think most people wouldn't keep their appointments.

James worked on Applegate's and has papers and blueprints spread all over the dining room table. He is still waiting for bids to come in from subcontractors so he can give a final bid to Jimmie & Tamara so they can get their financing. Jimmie doesn't want any more work done until he gets a final bid. It's a shame they can't pour the basement floor as planned because the weather has been so nice.

James and I left for town a little before noon. First we went to the Show Low post office to mail Tanner's birthday card. Next stop was Culver's for lunch. I had my cashew chicken salad while James had his cod filet sandwich. He said next time he's getting a salad. 

James dropped me off at Walmart while he went to Home Depot to get some stain for the new railings he is putting up. He met me at Walmart and helped me check out. They wouldn't let him pick up his time release Tramadol for another five days. 

On the way home James and I enjoyed a treat that James loves:

One of James's favorite treats. He had

3 and I had 1. We were afraid they would

melt before they got home.

I paid a bill, walked and listened to my book, and deposited the

check from the Applegate's. I watched small increments of "Murdoch Mysteries". The bad guy who has escaped two other times is being transported via train. I know he is going to escape and wreck some havoc so I'm a little nervous.

"To be peacemakers, we forgive others and deliberately build others up instead of tearing them down."

- Elder Gary E. Stevenson, OGC 2025

Genesis 25:23

And the Lord said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.

Rainbow cloud over Arizona

Love these three!

My Culver's cashew chicken salad

 

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!