Thursday, July 2nd, 2026: 3 sugar cookies today - I'm not proud, Kim & Brian go home, James's appt. w/ Dr. Ellsworth, Amazon returns, Wlmrt, Carl's Jr., Ruby's brownies, "House of David"

 

Helsinki, Finland

Temple #124

James is looking forward to his doctor's appointment in spite of complaining when I made it. Malt-O-Meal for James's breakfast. I had 3 sugar cookies today. I am not proud. I also had a sourdough Havarti

 cheese sandwich and then steak for dinner.

Kim & Brian left today because they thought our family members would be coming up today. Sheri, Ian, Ben, and Cayli are no longer coming. It's just Xander, Jazmin, and Michael, and all of Darrel's family. Xander, Jazmin, and Michael may come up tonight but Darrel's family won't be here until tomorrow. Kim will be back Sunday afternoon after everyone has gone home.

James and I left for town around noon. I took back the shop vacuum I ordered and ordered a better one. I also returned the last dress I ordered, which is way to big. Also mailed Palmer's birthday card. After leaving my returns at the UPS store we went to the Summit Healthcare Out Patient facility where Dr. Ellsworth's office is located on the second floor. My doctor, Dr. Brady, is on the 3rd floor. I dropped James off at the front door while I went to find a parking space. He was checking in upstairs when made my entrance. He was assigned to room Squirrel 6. I told him when I go see Dr. Brady I am always assigned Cloud 11. They give all of their hallway's names from nature. 

One of the girls that works for Dr. Ellsworth came in and took James for a leg x-ray. Dr. Ellsworth showed us the x-ray. James's leg is healing properly and all of the bones look straight. James was so relieved that he didn't do any damage to it when he fell that day at Circle K. Another girl came in and re-wrapped James's leg and put on a small leg brace he is supposed to wear at night. Dr. Ellsworth told him to hold off on weight-bearing for 2-4 more weeks. We have another appointment in four weeks, July 27th. I got permission to apply for a six-month handicap sign. 

Next stop, Walmart. I left James at Carl's Jr. where he ordered a green chili chicken sandwich. Walmart is insane today. We picked up James's Tramadol prescription and I did some shopping. We were both very exhausted when we got home. 

Kim made brownies for Ruby for her birthday and sugar cookies for Lola for her birthday. She put them in containers and labeled them, Happy Birthday Ruby, and Happy Birthday Lola so no one would eat them. She also made snickerdoodles for the "worker bees."

That's the reason people are coming up. To help us with things we need to do around here.

James opened Ruby's container and took a brownie. I told him that those were for Ruby's birthday. He said he didn't see the sign.

What's not to see?

James watches "House of David" before going to bed. I can't decide if I like it or not. Sometimes it's a little too violent for me.

Xander, Jaz, and Michael arrive after we are in bed. 

Kim & Brian 

Patrick's family 

minus Hunter

 

Wednesday, July 1st, 2026: Happy 23rd Birthday Max! Leave for the valley by myself for my infusion @11, Ang moved to Canada, Cafe Rio salad, Super Cleaners, Stacy's to pick up pkgs, Costco, back home @ 6, K&B here, flareup in right shoulder

 

Sacramento, California

Temple #123.

I left Vernon @ 7:15 this morning. I stopped in Show Low at White Mountain Car Wash to get my car washed. I decided to go the Payson way, making a stop at the Circle K in Star Valley. I got into a bit of road construction. I arrived at AARA at 10:51 for my 11:00 appointment. They no longer have a clock. Frances came to get me.

My blood pressure was 107/70. There were two new nurses in the infusion center. I asked Frances where Ang was because she is always here and she said that Ang moved to Canada. Well, that was a surprise. I think I heard her say that Amanda is in Ireland on vacation. 

After my infusion I left for Cafe Rio to get some lunch. This time I had a tortilla with my salad. I didn't eat all of it, the tortilla that is. One of the fun things about coming to Cafe Rio is watching them making the tortilla on their huge round, rotating pan. 

My next stop was at the Super Cleaners on Alma School just north of Queen Creek in the strip mall on the west side of Alma School Rd. James used to take pants here all of the time to be hemmed. I left two dresses to be hemmed and it cost me $48.00. What? I could almost have bought two more dresses on Amazon for that! Never again. Stacy knows a place that is much cheaper. She is going to pick my dresses up for me after July 9th. I went to her house to get the things I ordered from Amazon that were sent to her house. She helped me load my things in the car, one was a shop vacuum that Paul said was not very good. I am going to return this one and order another. It's for vacuuming out my car. I gave Stacy a hug and said goodbye. 

On to Costco where I got gas for $3.49. Gas is Show Low is over $4.00. I Costco I bought: a huge roast that will not fit in one crockpot. It's a good thing that I have two. I big package of thick pork chops, Kirkland hotdogs, cheese, sourdough bread, hotdog buns, mashed potatoes, Bush beans, canned green beans and canned corn, paper plates and plastic cups, and a brownie mix. What a load. I'm glad I had Brian get Pom juice, Fairlife shakes, laundry detergent, and toilet paper.

Away I go up the 101 out of Costco to the 202 and then the 87 on to Payson. In Payson I turned onto the 260 towards Show Low, stopping at Star Valley Circle K for a potty break and a Polar Pop. Today was 25 cent Polar Pop day instead of 85 cents.

In Show Low I noticed chairs, awning frames and yellow tape all along the 4th of July parade route. It is so funny to me how much stock people put in this small-town parade. 

On to Vernon and home, arriving at 6 and making a run for the bathroom. Kim and Brian helped me unload my car. James had already had dinner and was watching an episode of "House of David." My right should hurt so badly. I tried to relax in my recliner but was too miserable to stay too long. James & I said goodnight to Kim & Brian and went to bed around 8. I was so miserable in bed, I slept on the recliner in the bedroom.

Happy 23rd Birthday Max!!

Tom & James together again

The Case/Lambson family made their yearly

drive to Newport Beach for fun and games.

Tuesday, June 30th, 2026: Happy Anniversary Stacy & Paul, food for the workers coming this weekend, Bank, LaCasita to drop off tip for Candace, Home Depot, Circle K, Walmart, Bishops visit, water for lawn fixed, upstairs cleaned, new HMM, Christmas in July, House of David

 

Newport Beach, California

Temple #122.

I used paraffin wax on my hands this morning. It felt good!

I woke up thinking I should fix breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Friday and Saturday for our family workers. James says only dinner. There are two reasons I don't want people bringing a bunch of food. Number 1, we don't have room for lots of food. Number 2, people are coming to help us for free, shouldn't we be willing to feed them?

I made a trip to town today. My first stop was the bank where I got cash to pay Kat & Larry and to pay the tip I owe Candace at LaCasita. LaCasita was so busy. I gave $10 to Candace's sister to give to Candace who wasn't there. She said she remembered me and would make sure her sister got the money. 

I went to Circle K and got gas for 40 cents off a gallon. Woohoo!

At Home Depot I returned the harness I bought for a refund. 

At Walmart I bought a TV try with long legs for James to use while he is sitting on the couch watching "House of David." I think he will like it!

Kim is helping James fix the waterline. This was her comment to me, "he doesn't listen." I just laughed! 

Larry wore the harness today while working on the high logs. I hope Rowan will wear it when he comes this weekend. 

Kim cleaned all of the rooms upstairs except James's office and my office, I cleaned them.

Bishop Crane came by for a visit this afternoon. James was taking a nap but Kim and I spoke with him. He was checking on James. He said James was spotted at Home Depot and he wanted to make sure he was okay. I wonder who it was that saw him at Home Depot and didn't speak with us.

Christmas in July movies are starting on Hallmark this week. Kim and I are totally into it.

 

Happy Anniversary!

 

Monday, June 29th, 2026: My high school best friend Polly has terminal cancer, James loves "House of David", Kim cleans upstairs, J @ well house, I feel lousy, Dr. Ellsworth appt on Thursday - James upset, Angel programming, Rita sends old photos.

 

Abba, Nigeria

Temple #121

Vickie called me today to tell me about my best friend from high school, whom I haven't seen in years, Polly Brookbank Cluff. Harold & Vickie are good friends with Jimmy Brookbank and they received the news from him. Polly has terminal colon cancer. I knew she had breast cancer years ago, but this is new. I guess Jimmy was in tears when he told Harold and Harold was so upset he asked Vickie to call me. 

I texted Rita to tell her, but she already knew. Her son Chris is married to Jimmy Brookbank's daughter. She said Polly can't come to our high school reunion but Rita is going to take pictures and then she and I are going to take them to show Polly.

James is really into the series "House of David" on Prime. He watches an episode or two every day. There are only two seasons right now so it will come to an end soon. 

Kim was busy today. She started out by feeding the horses and then she cleaned upstairs and helped James in the well house.

I felt really lousy today. I guess my injections aren't really working anymore. My hands, left knee, shoulders and feet hurt. The honeymoon is over.

I made an appointment for James with Dr. Ellsworth, an orthopedic surgeon that he's seen before. The appointment is on Thursday. James complained but I feel like this is the best thing since Dr. Smithson is not available. Janna said she would go with us and help with the wheelchair.

I bought a subscription to Angel programming so we could watch the movie, "Seeking Persephone." I can get it on my phone but not sure how to get it on the TV. May Brian can help when he comes.

Dr. Brady's office called. I am taking too much thyroid. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday I should only take a half a pill.

Rita, Me, and Harold

Aunt Gene w/ Rita, My mom w/ me

not sure who the guy and baby in

the middle are.

I love them too!

 

 

Sunday, June 28th, 2026: Another missed sacrament mtg, prayer, scriptures, Lily Andersen on "Follow Him", lunch, Barbara, T-Bo, Pierce visit and bring the sacrament, Kim with us, Willy & Janna, Rosa & Dave Westbrook,

 

San Antonio, Texas

Temple #120

Another missed sacrament meeting. James and I had prayer and scriptures and then began listening to Lily Anderson on "Follow Him." She is good. We listened to part 1 and then took a.

We had lunch. I made James a tuna sandwich with avocado. I had a turkey link and some salad. After lunch we had company. James had asked someone from the elder's quorum presidency if they would send someone over to bring us the sacrament. Pierce and T-Bo blessed and administered the sacrament to James, Kim, and I. Barbara was here too as an added bonus. We had a nice visit. Kim was able to meet Pierce; someone she has heard so much about. 

Later while Kim was napping, Willy and Janna came for a visit. Janna said I was her second mom when her mom was alive, and now that her mom is gone, she says she has lots of free time if I need help. She said, "Please let me help you." Willy and Janna didn't stay long because they had a youth fireside to go to.

We had a bit of a quiet time before the doorbell rang again. This was unexpected. James was asleep in the bedroom. I opened the door to see our friends Rosa & Dave Westbrook. I invited them in to sit down while I went to wake James. It's funny, Dave is James's ministering companion, and he is never available to go, but here he is visiting James. James just got called as an elders quorum instructor. Rosa & Dave's visit was short and sweet. We are grateful for the many wonderful friends we have here in Vernon.

James and I listened to more of "Follow Him" before going to bed.

Janna's shoes that were her mom's

She says they are very comfortable!

Kim spends time everyday reading from her

Book of Mormon in this chair.

Saturday, June 27th, 2026: Busy day, trip to town with Kim & James, no charge @ the dump, stinky garbage, Home Depot, UPS store, LaCasita, rest time, Kim waters lawn & it's windy, last two episodes of "The Other Bennett Sister"

 

Manhattan, New York

Temple #119

Today was a rather busy day. James, Kim, and I loaded up the car, I should say Kim and I loaded up the car and headed for town. Before we left I received a Bunco girls group text from Lynda Finnell saying there was no charge at the dump today. Maybe that's because today is Vernon Cleanup Day. First, we loaded the wheelchair in the back of the car, first removing the leg rest. Honestly, Kim did most of the lifting. On top to the wheelchair went a couple of bags of garbage. I got the bag with grass clippings and pine needles from the back porch and set it on the back seat on the driver's side. I also put James's walker in the back seat along with the two packages I am returning to Amazon. Kim sat in the back seat and James and I in the front. Away we went, stinky garbage and all, with Kim holding her nose. 

I wanted to play some music but forgot my cord and I couldn't get the car to pair with my new phone. 

While waiting in line at the dump, I signed a petition to stop the Black Lava wind turbines from going in. When I pulled the garbage bag out of the back seat there was grass everywhere in the seat and the cracks and crevices in my recently detailed car. I am so sad. Onward to town, I will deal with this later. 

First stop, Home Depot. Kim pushed James in the wheelchair and I pushed the shopping cart. First stop, the plumbing section for parts to fix the pump to the lawn. We were here a long time, a least 30 minutes. When we were finished it was on to look at the ropes that go with the safety harness I bought. We found a bucket with a harness and rope for $100. I paid $50 for the harness and buying the rope separately is $85. Kim and I convinced James that buying the harness and rope in the bucket would save $35 if I returned the harness I bought, which I will. We bought the bucket. I also got a brush and cleaner to clean the outdoor grill, Kim got three candy bars because she is running low on chocolate.

Next the UPS Store to leave my Amazon returns, and then on to LaCasita for lunch. LaCasita was packed. Luckily the table by the door was empty and that's where we sat. James and I got what we normally get, chicken enchiladas, mine with red sauce and his with green. He also gets a side of refried beans. Kim got a chimichanga with sour cream and guacamole on the side. She doesn't like either sour cream or guacamole so she shared with me. 

. 

 I was so proud of myself for being able to pay cash for our lunch, but I forgot the tip. I promised Candace, our waitress, I would bring her tip back on Tuesday. 

When we got home it was rest time and then Kim went out to water the back yard. It was so windy today! 

I texted Kacey to see how she and Tanner were doing. She said she was supposed to Facetime with Tanner today but he didn't want to because he feels hopeless. So sad.

This evening we watched the last two episodes of "The Other Bennett Sister." Mary, the other Bennett sister, gets two marriage proposals and accepts Tom's! Our favorite. Last episode until the three Christmas specials.

Kim is such a great help.

Can you find the kids in the tree? 

Fixing the water controls

Tom and Mary

The Price's are in Sheri's ward and our friends

 Lots of fires in Arizona

Friday, June 26th, 2026: "Follow Him" - Understand paganism, how to stand with Christ, Elijah's mission, righteous use of power, Dish guys are here and fix everything, new receiver, James spills his food on wobbly tray, "The Other Bennet Sister"

 

Copenhagen, Denmark

Temple #118

Sister Anderson on "Follow Him" divided this weeks lesson into the following categories: Understanding Paganism, How to Stand with Christ, Elijah's Mission, and Righteous Use of Power. I loved learning from her!

The Dish guys, Dane and Brett, came today. Brett is very tall and Dane has been here before. Dane was here in 2023 when James broke his ribs when Luna bucked him off and he fell on a rock. Funny coincidence. Brett was very soft spoken. Dane was more outgoing. He tried to sell me a $700 sound bar on sale for $445. I told him I couldn't afford it because we just bought new phones. He then asked who our carrier was. When I said Verizon, I thought he was going to try and sell me Boost T-Mobile, but he didn't. They gave me a new receiver because they said there was a corrupt file on our old one. Brett restored all of the recordings on the old recorder except the new one we wanted to watch, "Love Heist." I kept the old one with my old recordings in case I ever want to watch them, which I doubt will ever happen. Dane and Brett were here for a couple of hours. They fixed something that needed to be fixed on the receiver in the basement too.

This evening James ate his dinner on the recliner using the lap TV tray we have which doesn't work very well because it has a broken leg. (I put a TV tray with long legs on my grocery list). James spilled his soup on my favorite blanket and his favorite shirt.

All three of us are enjoying the series, "The Other Bennett sister on Brit Box. Kim says the main character, Mary Bennett, looks like Harry Potter's sister. This is a spinoff from the book and movie, "Pride and Prejudice", the love story between Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy. We have watched 8 episodes which are about an hour long each, and there are only two episodes left. What are we going to watch when it's over?

15 years of friendship of Facebook

Emmy, James, Anna, Molly

It looks like the flag, which got cutoff,

said 2008.

The horses go under a tree when it rains.

Jeff Chubbs was James's counselor when

he was a bishop in Chandler.