Wednesday, June 17th, 2026: James gets in & out of car, Caitlin recommends James go home early, Marina the maid and I talk about our journals, James says prayer for first time since May 29th, Walmart, take Addy her Perk in exchange for choc chip cookies, Sheri & Jasmine visit, Dalan the PT comes @ 1, Jeremy re-wraps James's leg, Caitlin's heart attack 2 1/2 years ago, Pres. Jones calls, Darrel called from New Mexico, rain in Vernon

 

Lubbock, Texas

Temple #109

One of James's exercises today was to practice getting in and out of the car. He did great. 

Caitlin did recommend that he go home early. While James was gone to therapy, Marina came in to clean his room. She saw my journal notes and told me how she always carries a notebook with her and when she gets ideas or inspiration, she writes it down in her notebook. We had a nice visit. She also loves the color of my hair and asked me if I dyed it. 

James said our family prayer for the first time since May 29th before his accident. After our scriptures he put his air pods in and listened to our latest book, "This Above All." I went shopping at my favorite Walmart by the old Abuelos and Cafe Rio. I also went by Chandler Eyecare to take Addy her Perk. Brian brought it down from Vernon yesterday. Addy made chocolate chip cookies and used potato chips in them. She gave me a couple and they were delicious. While I was waiting for Addy, Sariah fixed my glasses which were a little loose on one side. She also cleaned them for me. Thanks Sariah!

I was back at the rehab center at 11:30. James and I had lunch and then Sheri and Jazmin came for a visit around 12:30. This was our first time meeting Jazmin and we really liked her. She brought James some sunflowers. She said she loves sunflowers so I had to show her the picture of the year sunflowers grew all around the cabin.

Flowers from Jazmin

I miss the sunflowers so much!

Sheri brought James some dark chocolate with pistachios. Jeremy, his nurse, brought him so Oxycodone, so he is well taken care of. 

BTW, we both really like Jazmin. She was so nice and seemed so concerned about James. Sheri said she and Ian have decided to go with Max on his trip to San Francisco towards the end of July when he runs his marathon. They don't want him to go alone.

Dalan, the PT, came at one. He is LDS and is from Morgan, Utah. We told him we had a grandson named Dallin and he said, Oh, you must be LDS. 

Jeremy, the RN, came in and re-wrapped the bandage on James's leg as it was looking a little worse for the wear. 

Caitlin, the Occupational Therapist who recommended that James go home early visited this afternoon. She was telling us that 2 1/2 years ago she almost died. She is not very old, maybe in her 40's and she had a heart attack that put her on life support for a week. She said it was fortunate she was here at work when she had it. If she had been at home, she would have been by herself. She had to go through physical therapy to recover. We won't see her again. She is taking a redeye to Newport, Rhode Island where her parents live and then is going to New Hampshire to a wedding. It's funny because I'm watching a movie right now that was filmed in Newport, Rhode Island. It is beautiful there. I am grateful we got to meet Caitlin and she was successful in getting James's discharge date changed to the 19th instead of the 23rd. 

I talked with President Lynn Jones on the phone this evening. He wanted to know how James was progressing. I told him that we were going home on Friday. He and Kathy may come for a visit tomorrow.

 

I left James a little early so I could stop by Aldi's and get some of the chocolate that Rebecca had at Scott's funeral.

Joshua and Alayna are at Stacy's. Joshua carried my things upstairs for me. Darrel called from New Mexico to see how we were doing.

It rained two hours in Vernon this evening, so Kim doesn't have to do any watering for awhile. 

Showing pictures of our horses, Luna and Apollo like

I show pictures of the kitties.

Apollo

More pictures of Apollo because he is more 

picturesque

 Kim found this one

Tuesday, June 16th, 2026: Tricia, Crystal, Caitlin, Aunt Faye called, stretchy band, James's evaluation report & discharge date, Cafe Rio, certified w/ a green band, parking @ S&P's

 

Snowflake, Arizona

Temple #108

I love my car! It looks like it's brand new. Did I mention that already? I just can't believe how good it looks, both inside and out. Paul did a fantastic job and I would highly recommend him.

When I got to the rehab center Tricia was just finishing James's occupational therapy session which started at 7 and lasted an hour and a half. Aunt Faye had called and I thought maybe James would want to talk to her, but he was too tired, so I called and talked to her instead.

Crystal, an assistant occupational therapist came in around 10 for a session with James. She looked at me and said, "Oh, you are beautiful!" I told her thank you, that made my day, because I didn't feel very beautiful. I immediately liked her.

Crystal only had a 30-minute session with James. He stayed in bed and she had him work with a stretch band, his favorite kind of exercise and something he does at home. Crystal left the band here for James to work his arms when he feels like it. We both loved Crystal and she was very pretty and probably in her 40's. James fell asleep after she left.

When James woke, we had prayer, Book of Mormon, and "Come Follow Me." We also listened to Sister Spannaus's talk about David and what the five stones he slung at Goliath could represent in our lives. 

James fell asleep again until they brought him lunch. Sheri had invited me to go to Taco Tuesday and meet her, Nancy and Sariah at Cafe Rio. They leave their office around 1 and I met them there. I didn't go today because I was waiting for James's evaluation report. 

Wendi, James's case manager, came with the report. James's discharge date will be one week from today, Tuesday, June 23rd. The highest grade for a therapy session is a six. James's highest grade was a four. He got all fours and was very upset. He said he had done everything perfectly. Wendi apologized and said she was sorry but he would have to speak with the therapists to change his grade. Caitlin is scheduled to see him this afternoon and he is definitely going to talk to her.

Caitlin explained to James that if during a session he needs any help or correction, his score goes down. He seemed okay with that. He was upset about staying until next Tuesday and said it's a good thing he didn't have the keys to the car or he would leave right now. He probably would. I made sure I hid my keys.

At 2:00 when James went to a therapy session with Caitlin, I went to Cafe Rio to get some lunch. I had my small grilled salad and it tasted delicious!

When I returned Caitlin was just bringing James back from his session. She had me help get James in bed and told me some other things I could do without having to call someone and then certified me with a green band. She also said she would see about getting James's release date pushed up. 

When I got back to Stacy's after 8 she was just home from work and was very upset because her phone is on the blitz and it is very hard to do her job without it. Paul says he will get her a new phone. I told her I needed one too. 

Got this from Darrel today. I hope this

reminds them to go to the temple.

Kim sent this to me.

Signs at the rehab center.

This one is on the elevator doors.

My salad, it's making me hungry for one!

Taking care of business

 

Monday, June 15th, 2026: Summer & JB's wedding, drove Paul's car while he details mine, therapy sessions before scriptures, Kaitlin the OT therapist, quotes, Evelyn from Kentucky, Tricia w/ big smile, my car looks new! "Texas Two-Setp" Sheri Carpenter texts me

 

Columbia River, Washington

Temple #107

Today Summer & JB got married on Cannon Beach in Oregon. 

More to come in the way of photos later.

I drove Paul's gold car this morning so he could detail mine. I stopped at Circle K for water, a Polar Pop, and a breakfast sandwich that I will never buy again. I also went to my favorite Walmart to get James another shirt and some Built bars. 

I was a little early for the rehab center but my favorite attendant let me in. James was just finishing up his first session of therapy. Kaitlin was his therapist. She has shoes that match her outfit and I compliment her. She helps James in and out of the shower.

The first thing we usually do when I get here is prayer and read from the Book of Mormon and CFM. If he has just had a 1 1/2-hour therapy session he is too tired and goes to sleep. That's what he did today. He woke at 10, just in time for his next 30-minute occupational therapy session. The therapist brought some small weights and a small ball for James to lift. He just stayed in bed to do these exercises and was wondering why they were focusing on his arms. The therapist explained that you need upper body strength to get around with a walker. 

Someone told us today that the doctors and therapists would be meeting in the morning to do an evaluation on James and would tell us when his discharge date will be. Sheri invited me to go to Taco Tuesday at Cafe Rio tomorrow, but I told her I might not be able to because I wanted to be there when they give Dad his report and discharge date. 

I had to mention that Evelyn from Kentucky was one of the workers, I forgot exactly what she was, who visited today. She talked with us about going to the Kentucky Derby and what a big deal it is in Kentucky. The kids get out of school the Friday before.

This afternoon while James had therapy with Tricia I went to Deseret Book to get James some more garments and to Costco to get shakes. I waited to go until Paul brought my car to me. He did such an amazing job, it looks brand new! I paid him more than he asked for because I know he gave me a good deal!

Today's visitors besides Paul: Sheri and Evan, then Max and Xander. Max has been running 25-27 miles in the middle of the night to train for his San Francisco marathon the end of July. He does this because it is so hot during the day. 

Sheri Carpenter texted me to see how James is doing. She said that she is the caretaker for her husband Skip who has dementia. That is worse than what James has because eventually he will get over his injuries. My brother Dennis has been checking in every day. 

This evening I watched "Texas Two-Step" and "The Way Home" before going to bed.

Summer & BJ's wedding

Sunday, June 14th, 2026: Galveston 3rd ward, sitting w/ Sheri, Ian, Terry, Cathi, Dave, & Laura, RS, DHEVRC 218, Stacy & Paul visit J, Dave & Terry bring the sacrament, Jesse Pronger back from her mission, Jimmy Applegate released

 

Perth, Australia

Temple #106

I attended the Galveston 3rd ward today. I sat between Cathi and Sheri on a row with Terry, Ian, Dave, and Laura. 

The first speaker in sacrament meeting, Brother Ormiston from the high council, works in the medical profession.  He talked about aThe  breakthrough in cancer treatment called Proton Beam Therapy. It sounds amazing!

The meeting was wonderful. Everyone left after sacrament meeting except Sheri and I. We went to Relief Society. The lesson was based on Elder Andersen's conference talk, "Eternal Marriage Is an Eternal Journey." Something I learned from Jill Dawson, a member of this wards Relief Society and a former friend:

"Couples never married who had a child together can now be sealed to each other and their child."

Another friend, Paula Casto said: "You do not want to be unsealed. Being sealed is a line Satan cannot cross."

People that I saw today that I know:

Amy Colleary, Hilary Jiminez, Michelle Menlove, Amelia & Aurora Lambson and the rest of Erik's family, Jackie Hall, Vickie Dwiggins, Jill Dawson, Paula Casto (Tinkerbell), Robin Finlinson, Laurel Chipman, Sherry Holtey, Jen Coffey, Michelle Thompson, Bunny & Dave Miner, Bill Valentic, Steve Menlove.

I visited with Dave Miner after the meeting and told him about James.

I went back to Stacy & Paul's to change my clothes and get a little something to eat before going to see James. He is in room 218 at Dignity Health East Valley Rehabilitation Center here in Chandler.

Stacy and Paul visited while I was at church. They took James his Pom juice. Stacy said he talked about the importance of the sacrament and bore his testimony to them. Dave and Terry also brought him the sacrament before I came.

I arrived around 2:30. James was a little grumpy. He tries to get out of bed before the aide gets there and I gently pushed him back down which really hurt his feelings. Zandra and Serenity come to help. James is a little grumpy to them. 

Martin, a nurse, came in and redid the wrapping around the outside of James's leg. Jelena from Austria, a nurse's assistant helped. She is so sweet. I love her. She remakes James's bed and brings him some ice water. 

For dinner James had fish, fruit and chocolate "fake" ice cream. James likes fish but he said this fish was dry. 

We said prayers, read our Book of Mormon and did Come Follow Me together. 

Neal Tarwater was not able to get the well started. James called a member of our ward, Jacob Robles, who is an electrician to come and look at it. Brother Robles gets it started and we are so grateful. 

Brian spent most of his birthday trying to fix the well, or assisting.

Kim and Brian attended our ward. Jesse Pronger is home from her mission and was called to work in Young Women's. Jimmy Applegate was released as the gospel doctrine teacher. No knew one was called.

The news from Texas is heartbreaking. The police make Tanner walk a straight line even though he had a concussion, broken ribs, and was bleeding heavily from lacerations in his arms and head. They gave him some medical attention before sending him to jail. 

Tomorrow is Summer and JB's wedding. I can only imagine what the family, especially Kacey, is going through right now. My heart breaks for them.

Happy Birthday Brian and Dallin!

I had a hairdryer like this. This picture reminds

me of one my mother took of Harold & I when we were

very young in front of our '50's TV with our Mouseketeer

hats on watching The Mickey Mouse Club.

View out James's window

June 13th, 2026: Leave Vernon @ 7 for the valley, raining in Sholo, Globe, straight to the Dignigy Health East Valley Rehab Center, Armando's dad is here, D's family go to a movie and the they all come to visit James, Bishop & Laurie Jensen, Jan the PT from New Zealand, no water @ cabin, Tanner's horrible accident

 

Guadalajara, Mexico

Temple #105

When the Rosen's came to visit James in the hospital I casually mentioned to Jane that we would eventually need to get rid of our horses. We talked about Apollo and maybe giving him back to the Peralta's - Mack's. Unbeknownst to me Jane told Khloe Mack we were going to give Apollo back to them and now Khloe is texting me. I haven't even talked to James about this so that's what I told her. When I did talk to him, he said, "No, I can't afford to give the horse to anyone." 

I left Vernon around 7 this morning. It was overcast in Vernon and raining in Show Low. I went the Globe way because I thought I was stopping to give Ruby and Lola their birthday gifts. Darrel texted and said they would be visiting Dad today so I said I would meet up with them there to give the girls their gifts. This is one of the reasons I went the Globe way, to stop at Darrel & Trina's.

Paul texted and said he needed to work on his car today and ask if he could detail my car on Monday instead of today. That's another stop I don't have to make. I went straight to the Dignity Health East Valley Rehab Center where James is staying. I arrived around 11. 

As I was looking out the window I saw Armando in the parking lot with one of his sons. I thought he was coming to see James. When he never showed up I remembered he said his dad had a stroke and that he was in rehab. He is here to visit his dad. If I ever see Armando again I hope I get a chance to talk to him.

Darrel, Trina, Addy, Rowan, Ruby and Lola all went to see the movie, "Bread Winner." Trina invited me to go with them but I turned them down because I had been gone a couple of days and I felt like James needed me to be with him. 

Something I learned from today's lesson: "Sanctification comes through Tribulation."

They served James a huge bratwurst with sauerkraut on a bun for lunch. He ate very little. There was no mustard. 

James said his next therapy session was at 4 but it was actually at 2:30 and ended at 4. The session started right when Darrel and his family got here. Jan is the physical therapist and she is from New Zealand, the north island. Addy has been to the south island. 

We followed James and Jan to the rehab therapy room and watched James at the parallel bars. After a few minutes Darrel said he needed to leave to pick up his car at Discount. 

We went back to James's room just as Bishop and Laurie Jensen came in. Laurie and Trina hugged. They went to the Grand Canyon together. Laurie brought some delicious chocolate chip cookies. Bishop said he would have Dave and Terry bring the sacrament again this week just as they did last week. 

Before Darrel and his family left I gave the girls their gifts and Trina a Perk. I promised Addy I would bring her one next time.

Couldn't miss this. James using the walker 

and Jan bringing the wheelchair on their way

to the rehab therapy room.

Ruby will be 17 on June 18th

Lola will be 12 on July 4th

(That's Addy walking away towards her car)

Addy, I promise I will bring you some Perk!

After our company left and James was finished with all of his therapy sessions, we read scriptures, did CFM, and said prayers together. I left at 8 p.m. when visiting hours were over. Zandra - a black woman who is a nurses assistant taking care of James is my new best friend.

Trouble at the cabin. There is no water at the house. The pump stopped working. Brian made a trip to Dollar General to get water for flushing the toilets. Kim had made Brian lemon bars for his birthday tomorrow so the kitchen was a big mess and she couldn't do the dishes. Neal Tarwater is going to come over after church tomorrow to see if he can fix it. 

We got some horrible news from Texas tonight. Kacey, Jared, Charlie, Summer, JB, Autumn, Palmer, Scarlett and Benson are in Oregon for Summer and JB's wedding. They got the news that Tanner, while under the influence, ran a stop sign and killed someone and injured two or three other people. The family is devastated.

Joshua helps me carry my stuff upstairs. Alayna is here too. Stacy & Paul are at the Mandalorian movie. When Paul and Stacy get home they are all going to watch the movie, "Phantom of the Opera." Alayna has never seen it.

Sherimade

The faces of Tom

 

Friday, June 12th, 2026: Fed cats, showered, Tedder family card, Brian's breakfast casserole, leave for Pat's funeral @ 10:15, talk w/ friends, Janna a big hug, Pat doesn't look like herself, sit by Rita, Walmart, sprinkler & new hose to water lawn, Brian here, Patsy's funeral notes

 

Winter Quarters, Nebraska

Temple #104

Today's is Ian's birthday. Happy Birthday Ian. Hopefully Sheri gave him his card from us.

I fed the cats this morning, took a shower and washed my hair. While my hair was drying I filled out the sympathy card I got for Janna and her brothers and sister. 

I said my prayers and read scriptures and had some of Brian's breakfast casserole for breakfast. I got ready and left for Pat's funeral at 10:15. 

I spoke with Steve Rosen, Lorraine Vaught, Maxine and Gary Thompson, and Barbara Klug on my way to the Relief Society room where the viewing was being held. I gave both Janna and Willy a big hug. Rita and I looked at Pat in her coffin. To be it didn't look like the Pat I knew. 

Rita and I sat where James and I always sit for sacrament meeting, on Lambson row. After the funeral we told Wendell Alen what a great job he did giving the spiritual message. I also spoke with Allen Frost and I asked him if he was coming to our high school reunion next month. He said he was. 

I wanted to find my friend Rosie Lauritzen and speak with her. I saw her once but before I had a chance to speak with her she was gone. She is in charge of the luncheon so she is a busy lady. I did see and give hugs to Mikki Gilbert, Millie Scott, and Teresa Smith. I also spoke with Stefani, Sean, and Alicia Hunsaker, Kerri Halcomb, and Steve Allen. Rita got to talk with Marci Westbrook, Rita was her Laurel advisor and Rita also got so meet Tana and Kacey. 

Back at home I had a salad with a turkey link for lunch. I rested a little while and then went to Walmart to get a sprinkler and hose so we can water the backyard. Brian arrived before I left for town. We exchanged greetings and off I went. When I returned I watered the smaller section of the lawn. 

I spent some time with Tom today and he slept on my bed tonight. Kim says he's been going out at night. He fell asleep on the chair next to where James works at the dining room table so he misses James too. 

Pat's funeral was short but really good. I took notes. Janna and her sister gave the life history and Wendell Allen, a cousin, gave the spiritual talk. Bishop Crane gave a brief message at the end.

My sweet friend Pat Tedder

Kim and Tom

Scooter and Kim's fuzzy socks

Outside Tom

Shy Sammy is hiding under the cat couch

Thursday, June 11th, 2026: Prayer, BM, CFM, Inklings, Anna moving to Colorado, going to Vernon for Pat's funeral tomorrow, Hobby Lobby - bday gifts for Ruby & Lola, Visit J, Sholo Walmart for kitty treats, Tom lays in my lap & sleeps with me, so grateful for Kim's service

Montevideo, Uruguay

Temple #103

I found out on Instagram that Anna is getting married, I already knew that, and moving to Colorado. 

Today I am going home to Vernon. I got a call from James this morning. He actually seemed upbeat and happy simply because he got to take a shower! He also said at first he didn't like the shorts I got for him to wear but now he says he's glad I got them because he doesn't think he could get any pants over his splinted leg. I also thought they would be better for his therapy sessions.

I went over to have scriptures and prayer with James at 9 when visiting hours begin. This gave me time to listen to Emily and Grace on Inklings before I left. The talks was Elder Stevenson's, "Lost Luggage and Redeemed Souls."

I left for home around 10 a.m. I stopped at Hobby Lobby and got birthday gifts for Ruby and Lola. One is a miniature bakery and the other a miniature tea shop. My favorite of the miniatures is the macarons in all different colors. I also got a sympathy card for the Tedder family. I visited all of my favorite stores while I was here: Target, Costco, Hobby Lobby, Deseret Book, and my all-time favorite Walmart.

I was pretty tired when I left Chandler but I have my trusted Polar Pop with me and a Built bar. I made it to Payson and stopped for shrimp at Culver's, my last meal of the day. When I got to Show Low I stopped at Safeway for Tom's treats but they didn't have the right kind so I went to Walmart to get them. I also bought James two more shirts and some more shorts. 

Tom didn't seem too excited to see me when I first got home. I thought maybe Kim was his favorite person now until he laid in my lap while I rested on my recliner in the family room. Kim says he's been going out at night but he stayed in tonight and slept with me on the bed. 

I am very grateful for Kim. Not only is she taking care of the horses and the kitties she is watering plants and trees too. 

Balloons over Jared & Kacey's house

Harold & Vickie

James using his new electric razor