Wednesday, August 5th, 2026: AARA to see doctor, cancelled infusion, Kim's to pick up medical supplies, Stacy's to pick up dresses & leave another, Cafe Rio, Deseret, cancel Costco because of my knee, back home through Payson

 

Meridian, Idaho

Temple #158.

We made a trip to the valley today. Originally, I had an infusion scheduled for 11:00 at Arizona Arthritis. I cancelled it but saw Edith Gazo, an assistant to Dr. Kumar, at noon. I like Edith as much or better than Dr. Kumar. Both seem so young. She will not let me go on Prednisone like Rita. She says the side effects are too great, high blood pressure, cataracts, and loss of bone density. She will let me be on it for two months to get my pain under control. She is looking into another type of infusion medicine and will try to get it cleared by my insurance. The name of the medication is Rituxan. She gave me an order for bloodwork and a chest x-ray, but I lost them. Oh dear.

We went by Kim & Brian's to pick up some medical supplies for Kim that Brian left on the front porch. We also swung by the cleaners to drop off James's blue suit. Stacy will pick it up for us, her house was next. I picked up my two dresses I left there to be hemmed and dropped off my brown one with the white polka dots. Stacy will take it to someone she knows who is much cheaper than the last place I took it. We got to see Joshua, give him a hug, and talk to him for a few minutes. He is still working and going to school part time. He carried my dresses out to the car for me. Oh yes, he said he was working on a deep clean of his bedroom and bathroom. I wonder whose idea that was.

Next we drove over to Gilbert to my trifecta (a group of 3 good things), Cafe Rio, Deseret Book, and Costco. First we had chicken salads for lunch at Cafe Rio and two drinks. Our bill came to $28 and I thought that was a little high. I looked at the receipt and realized that our medium drinks were $3.39 a piece. Yikes! Next time we are having water. 

From Cafe Rio I walked over to Deseret Book while James moved the car. We had parked in a handicap spot right in front of the cafe but the walk wasn't too bad, or at least I didn't think it was. When I walked in to Deseret Book the first person, and really only person, I saw was Kirk, my friend Polly's son-in-law. He is the manager. I said hello, and asked him if he had any pocket-sized For the Strength of You pamphlets. He said no, they had not come out yet. I told Kirk that President Freeman had shown one on her podcast for women, called Inklings. He then said, "Well if she is showing it on her podcast that means there will be a demand for them and we will be getting them soon." I'm just afraid it won't be in time for my lesson.

I think told Kirk who I was and that his mother-in-law Polly was my best friend in high school. I asked him when her funeral was going to be and where. He said it would be on August 22nd, at 11:00 in San Tan Valley at the ward where Polly attended. He wasn't sure of the address. I didn't worry too much because I knew I could get it from Rita. Oh yes, one other thing Kirk told me, Polly was cremated last Saturday. I was a little surprised, but times have changed and I know several LDS people who have chosen to be cremated.

When I got back to the car, I was so quick, James didn't even have time to come in, I told him my knee hurt too much to go to Costco and we should just go home. He had wanted to go by Arizona Stone to get some stone to fix the cracked stone on our front porch and steps, we need seven of them, but he said he wouldn't. I said he could go and I would wait in the car, but he said we could do it another time. He also backtracked a little so we could go home the Payson way because he knows I prefer it.

We stopped at Walmart on the way home and picked up my Prednisone prescription, 42 pills, which will last me a month. Edith said she would write me a prescription for one more month after this.

There were huge storm clouds all over the sky. My weather app had said this morning that there was a 100 percent chance of rain in Vernon. Well, they were right, it did rain in Vernon, just not at our house! So disappointing. 

Kim did a super good clean of our bathroom today. It looks great. She is getting ready to paint it later in the week.

Our movie tonight was "Holiday Date" starring Britney Bristow and some actor neither Kim nor I have seen before but we loved him. I would give this movie an 8. 

It was great to see Tom and the other kitties this evening.

Painted by Trudy Lamb's grandmother,

Minerva Tiechart.

James rubbing hemp cream on my knee

I had a leather-bound set of these books that

burned in the Pinedale cabin fire. I would

have loved to give them to Charlie.

Tuesday, August 4th, 2026: Knee a little better but not much, "Groomsmen", James - Walmart, Culver's, washed car, mailed Molly's card, Kim vacuums my car, I'm getting lazy, "Christmas at the Catnip Cafe"

 

Tucson, Arizona

Temple #157.

My knee feels a little better today, but not much. After taking my pills this morning, listening to a conference talk and having my prayers, I watched the first "Groomsmen" movie on my phone. It was meh. I don't think I will watch the second, but maybe the third. The second stars Jonathan Bennett, the third, Tyler Hynes.

Kim finished putting together my new shop vac and vacuumed out my car. She couldn't get all of the baking soda out of the back because James had added water to it and it had turned into a paste. Not sure why he did that. I sprinkled the baking soda in the back to get ride of the smell, but never intended to make a paste out of it. Oh well, alls well that ends satisfactorily.

James made a trip to town again today. The main reason was to mail Molly's birthday card. Her birthday is the 8th and the card has to go all the way to the Bahamas. It will probably be a little late. I did put four stamps on it so I think I've got the postage covered. James also did a little shopping at Walmart and brought me back my favorite salad from Culver's. I'm getting a little lazy and addicted to this salad. 

I read about these people in the scriptures today: Moroni, Mordecai, Esther, King Ashaserus, and Haman. The Jews fast for Esther.

Our movie tonight was one that I've seen before but Kim hasn't. Erin Cahill and Paul Campbell are in it. It's called "Christmas at the Catnip Cafe." Cute movie, good message, and adorable cats, especially Gingerbread. 

I ordered these for my hammer toes.

I hope they work!

2013 broken leg. James & Joshua watching

the hummingbirds at their feeder.

Love this!

Monday, August 3rd, 2026: Paid our high electric bill, worst day, Tom made it better, Kim is going to work for me, James Pierco $100, James picks up my Amazon packages, "A Jolly Good Christmas"

 

Paris, France

Temple #155.

Our electric bill was higher than normal. I paid it anyway. Really, what choice did I have.

This is a most difficult day for me as my left knee is the worst it has been. Worst day, but Tom made it a better day. 

Kim, James and I worked it out today. Kim is going to work 10 hours a week for us and get paid. One of the first things she is going to do is finish painting our bathroom. Yay!

James went to see Pierce again today. He gave him a check for $100 because we still don't have Zelle and I refuse to do Venmo because they are affiliated with PayPal. 

James also made a trip to the Vernon post office for me. I have a few Amazon packages that needed to be picked up. I got my nutritional supplements, two new dresses, and volume 8 of The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion. I am about to finish volume 7.

I also finished listening to "Courting Miss Lancaster" by Sarah M. Eden and started "Romancing Daphne."

This evening James, Kim and I watched "A Jolly Good Christmas."

This movie stars Will Kemp. He is London as an American businessman, so he is stifling his natural English accent.

"Each sabbath we invite all to come worship Jesus Christ in the community of His restored Church."

- Elder Gerrit W. Gong

Esther 4:14

For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

Sunday, August 2nd, 2026: Laura got her 2nd card, knee hurt but I went to church because of James, Fast & Testimony meeting, Sunday School, Kim & Brian here, "Tour of Italy", "All of My Heart: The Wedding"

 

Hartford, Connecticut

Temple #155.

Laura got her second birthday card. I'm still wondering what happened to the first one. 

I wasn't going to go to church today because my knee was so stiff and painful. I was laying on the recliner in the family room when James came in all ready to go. When I told him I wasn't going, he said, "but we need to take the sacrament." I looked at the clock, it was 9:15. I could make it if I hurry. It was 9:48 when we walked out the door. Lorraine Vaught opened the chapel door for us and we walked in just as Brother Tesarek got up to conduct. 

It was fast Sunday and James bore his testimony. It was a good one and I was proud of him.

Sunday School was in the chapel. Seth Spencer, a new member of our ward, and a young Dad, was the teacher. We don't hear very well anyway and being in the chapel makes it worse. Because I couldn't hear I got out my phone and found the "Unshaken" YouTube video and put on the close caption. I learned some things from Brother Halverson. He talked about how the Jews were scattered and taken captive partly because they were not keeping the Sabbath day holy. The land was deserted and rest was obtained. A sabbatical of sorts. 

I brought last week lesson handouts for Teresa Smith and Debbie Schwarz. I never found them so I brought them home again. I texted Teresa and found where they hold class and will take them to their class next week.

Kilee Hunsaker Faucett, her husband and little girl, Kinsley, have moved into our ward. Kilee was one of my young women and she and her cousin Leeann, were two of my first friends when we moved to Vernon. It is good to have her back.

James saw Pierce two times today for treatment on his mouth. 

Kim and Brian are here. Yay! Kim will be staying two weeks and Brian will be going home tomorrow. They brought our supplies from Costco and Tractor Supply. I had to write Brian a check because of my problems with Zelle.

Brian cooked a week or two worth of burgers for Kim. He is so good to her!

This evening we watched "Tour of Italy" and "All of My Heart: The Wedding".

"The gospel of Jesus Christ is not a wedge to divide families but a bridge to unite them eternally."

- Elder Taniela B. Wakolo

Nehemiah 8:10

Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

Mason & Charlie at church

Benson and Mason

Saturday, August 1st, 2026: Is James getting enough to eat? James plants decorative trees, my adult coloring book, walked over 5,000 steps, "All of My Heart; In Love" need more rain to keep verbina and green grass

 

Star Valley, Wyoming

Temple #154. 

I woke up thinking James wasn't getting enough to eat. I suggested we go to LaCasita for lunch. He says he is getting enough to eat, but if I want to go, we will go. Well, when it came right down ot it, I just didn't have the energy to get ready to go. We stayed home and had tomato soup for lunch instead. I made sure James ate all of his.

James bought to new decorative trees the other day at Lowe's to replace the two that died. Today he planted them. He is doing more and more everyday. 

I got out an old adult coloring book and colored while watching our Hallmark movie this evening. Next, when I practice a bit, I'm going to get out the Disney one that Kacey and Charlie gave me. It is so beautiful. I finished the Snow White picture but have lots more to go.

I walked over 5,000 steps today but didn't do much of anything else. I'm beginning to wonder if I'm ever going to feel good again. 

James and I loved the second movie in the Lacey & Brennan series, "All of My Heart; Inn Love". 

I did do my two blog posts today. At this rate I should be caught up before my birthday. I can't believe it is already August.

I wish we would get more rain. I love the green grass and the lavender verbena.

"The seminal doctrines of the Resurrection and Atonement have been accomplished by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ."

- Elder Quentin L. Cook

Nehemiah 8:6

And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground.

Summer & J.B.

Friday, July 31st, 2026: I interview Tom, Pierce's treatments, Hallmark movie: "All of My Heart", sending James's email attachment, we have no Zelle right now,

 

Fort Collins, Colorado

Temple #153.

I asked Tom this morning how is night was: "Did you dance in the dark, party in the pines, or frolic in the fields"? As usual, he keeps his night life a secret. I am realizing I love Tom more than any pet I've ever had, as he lies on my lap and I rub his tummy.

James went to see Pierce again yesterday about the pain in the mouth where his teeth were pulled. Pierce rubbed some paste on his gums where the teeth were and sent James home with some colloidal silver, free of charge, because Pierce made it himself.

James and I watched the first movie in an old Lacey Chabert & Brennan Elliot 3- part series on Hallmark. This first one is called "All Of My Heart". Lacey and Brennan, alias Jenny and Ben in the movie inherit a house together. Lacey wants to keep the cute older home in Buck county, Ben wants to sell and get out as fast as he can. Of course a relationship develops between them and they end up keeping the house to fix up as a bed & breakfast, goats and all. It's a great series and we are looking forward to watching the second segment tomorrow night. This is the great thing about Hallmark Plus. You can watch any movie Hallmark has ever made at anytime with no commercials. I love it and I think I am convincing Kim to love it too,

It was a nice, relaxing evening watching the movie together. Earlier in the day James needed help sending an attachment to an email. He was so distraught because he couldn't find his scans that it became very unpleasant. I told him to take pictures of the documents he wanted to send and attach them to his email right on his phone. He has never used his phone to send or receive emails so this was a whole new concept to him. I was sitting on the recliner with Tom on my lap, resting my swollen knee. James took a picture of the documents, then I opened his email app on his phone, found the business he was emailing the documents too, attached them and pushed send. These documents are being sent to a realty company who says they are selling our timeshare. I hope it's legit. WE ARE GIVING THEM NO MONEY!!

I tried to Zelle Pierce some money but it says we are not allowed to use Zelle right now because of the fraud. GRR

Two homes: Chandler and Vernon

Congratulations

Jason & Marin

and

Brent & Rebecca

Thursday, July 30th, 2026: Inklings, I miss Kim, visit w/ Cheryl Sedig, Donna Beckham, and Kerri Halcomb, James's mouth still bothering him - no temple, finished "Seeking Persephone" started "Courting Miss Lancaster', Christmas movies

 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Temple #152.

While James was gone to town this morning, getting stain, two new decorative trees, and a chicken cashew salad for me. There is a year guarantee on the trees and he was two days late so they would not give him his money back. They did give him store credit. Thank you Lowes. Thank goodness Culver's opens at 10:00 or I would not have gotten my delicious salad. 

Did I mention that I miss Kim this week. 

While James was gone to town I stayed home and watched Inklings. Emily and her daughter Megan were the presenters. The talk was the one Emily gave, "Best Days and Worst Days" by President Emily Belle Freeman.

Scriptures: Matthew 14, 16, and Luke 22

Word: Best - Hebrew: towb - A good thing; better; sweet.

Invitation: "Have you ever accepted an invitation from the Lord and then felt unequal to the task? We all know what it is to doubt, to experience sinking moments. But notice where Jesus was when Peter accepted the invitation that seemed too big. He wasn't shouting instructions from the shore or offering advice from the safety of the boat. he was in the water - with Peter, within reaching distance.

Promise: Because of Him, no matter how bad things are right now, your best days are ahead.ome

Favorite Quote: "And maybe it took both the worst days and the best days for Peter to become who the Lord needed him to become.

Affirmation: I am not defined by my worst days. Becauseof Jesus Christ, I can rise again with faith, hope, and courage. My best days are ahead as I keep my eyes on Him and trust His power to strengthen and transform me.

This afternoon I made two ministering visits, first with Cheryl Sedig, and then with Kerri Halcomb. I missed Cheryl's birthday on Sunday so I brought her a birthday card and a journal that says 'Be Happy' on the front. She had just had the RS lunch bunch and then a presidency meeting at her house so it was a busy day for her. Donna Beckham was still there, picking some onions from Cheryl's garden. I took the opportunity to ask them about the new RS schedule coming up in September when RS is every week and for only 25 minutes. Cheryl asked if I still wanted to teach one week a month and I said yes, unless they needed me to do more. Cheryl said Amy would also probably want to teach only once a month. She also said it was difficult to find teachers because some sisters are intimidated to teach adults. I told them if I needed to, I could teach twice a month.

After Donna left Cheryl and I had a nice visit. She said she had assigned Kathy and I to minister to her because we were already ministering to Pat Tedder who lives out Cheryl's way. She had taken Cindy Brown off our beat, because she lives quite far out in the other direction. Now that Pat has passed away Cheryl said she wasn't sure it was a good idea for us to visit her. She doesn't need visits because she is already involved in all of the RS activities and gets plenty of chances to interact with the sisters. I told her how much Kathy and I had enjoyed visiting with Cindy Brown and it might be difficult to find someone else to drive out as far as she lives. I also told her that I thought Cindy was someone who needed visits. Cheryl said she would talk to Kathy and see how she felt about visiting Cindy again.

After leaving Cheryl's I went to Kerri Halcomb's. Kerri has changed the house quite a bit since her mother passed away. She took down most of the family photos. On one wall she has photos and awards from when she was a border patrol agent. Kerri had two dogs, three cats, and a niece that live with her. The niece's name is Dominique. She is a divorcee who is in a custody battle with her ex-husband over their three children. Kerri is worried about her because she is supposed to get a job and she doesn't even seem to be looking. She was supposed to be employed by the end of July. She has a court date coming up in August and may not get custody of the children because she told a lie about her ex-husband saying he was abusive to the children. Kerri wants to help her but she also wants Dominique to be more responsible.

James won't be going to the temple tomorrow. He is just not feeling up to it, and honestly, neither am I. My left knee is barely bendable and is causing me a great deal of pain. 

I finished reading the book, "Seeking Persephone" and started the next book in the series, "Courting Miss Lancaster." I also watched the first two episodes of Lacey Chabert's new series, "Paris is Always a Good Idea." I will need to watch again when Kim gets back. 

Here are the Christmas movies I watched today: 2022 - "A Fabled Holiday" starring Brooke D'Orsay & Ryan Pavey. 2023 - "Checkin' It Twice" with Kevin McGarry & Kim Matula. 2024 - "A Novel Novel" with Julia Gonzalo & Brendan Penney.

"Heavenly Father sent Jesus to earth. He showed us how to live to be happy. He taught us how to love God and love others."

- President Susan H. Porter

Nehemiah 2:20

Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem.

The LDS author Saray M. Eden who

wrote "Seeking Persephone" and all

of the other books in the Lancaster series.

High school friend, Sherry

Cosper Byars. I am sad she

didn't come to our reunion as

she lives in Snowflake.