Friday, August 7th, 2026: Talk w/ James @ 5:45 am, James selling timeshare for $35,000, Kim & I go to town, August cards, Walmart busy but enjoy Kim's company, hot today, flies on the horses, "The Christmas Contract"

 

Concepcion, Chile

Temple #160.

I ask James if we can talk at 5:45 am. That's when we worked out all of our problems from yesterday. We really do love each other and this is just one of those things that couples do who have been together for a long time. Sometimes we need a reset, we need to remember the good times, and to repent and say we are sorry. If feels good.

James has been dealing with a realtor on the internet and he says he is selling for timeshare for $35,000. He says he feels like it is a legitimate deal. Someone from Mexico is buying it. I told him I was onboard as long as we did not have to put forth any money. 

Kim and I took a trip to town to finish our shopping trip from yesterday. There were some essential things I forgot to get. We bought birthday cards for August and an anniversary card for Darrel & Trina. Walmart is very busy, but I enjoy Kim's company. 

I bought two new pair of capri sweats, some lemon meringue Built bars, Caramello squares, cherries, lemon and Dove dark chocolate pudding for James. I also bought peanut butter for my celery sticks, and some whole canned green chilis so I can make green chili cheeseburgers. 

We got no rain today and it's hot, around 90. Flies are bothering the horses so James put their masks on. Kim happened to go outside and the horses get excited when they see her because she feeds them oats, and carrots on top of their regular food. She went in and got some carrots for them. Kim said she could see Apollo's eyes through his mask so she knew he could see. She said Luna acted like she couldn't see through her mask as she slowing backed up out of her stall. The horses ended up in the field, Luna's tail swishing the flies off Apollo's face and him doing the same for her. Luna's mask ended up on the ground under a tree.

Our movie tonight was starred two of our favorites, Hilarie Burton and Robert Buckley, in "The Christmas Contract." Hilarie has made several Christmas movies where she goes home to Louisiana for Christmas. I wonder if she is from Louisiana. They have some interesting traditions. Instead of Santa Claus there is Papa Noel who arrives on a boat in the river pulled by alligators. The people light bonfires on the shore to help him find the way. Anyway, this was a great movie. We loved it.

"For disciples of the Savior, charity encompasses both what we do and what we can become as this spiritual gift ultimately possesses us."

- Elder David A. Bednar

Esther 9:28

And that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city; and that these days of Purim should not fail from among the Jews, nor the memorial of them perish from their seed.

Emmy in Glacier National Park

We need this in Vernon!

Go Benson!

Thursday, August 6th, 2026: Best Day - Knee seems better, Inklings, oil changed in car, rain in Sholo, J does dishes & puts sheets on bed, Christmas movie; Worst Day - James interrupts Inklings, cuts tree, my spending,

 

Cedar City, Utah

Temple #159.

Today was a Best Day, Worst Day.

Best Day:

Because my knee is feeling better. Inklings was great today. We got the oil changed in our car. It rained in Show Low. James did the dishes and put the clean sheets on the bed. I enjoyed watching "The Christmas Cup" with James. I enjoyed reading from the Book of Mormon and the Come Follow Me lesson. Kim cleaned the floors in the kitchen, dining area, hall, hall bath, laundry room, and entryway.

Worst Day:

James interrupted me during Inklings and got upset because I wasn't listening to him. I reminded him that I listen to Inklings every Thursday morning from 7:30 - 8:00. He cut down two trees and I thought he was using the pull cord chainsaw. Kim and I worried because that's how he got his brain bleed. Luckily, he was using the electric chainsaw. He was curt with me on the way to town and Kim said, "Do you even like Mom?" He is upset with me about spending money and I refuse to say night prayers with him. 

What can I do about these worst day experiences? Well, the next morning I ask James if we could talk. We did. We made a deal that before buying anything "big" we will talk to the other person. Oh, by the way, James spent $177.63 online for supplements, so I'm not the only one who spends money. I told him I didn't like his angry outbursts, even if he is just yelling at his computer. I especially do not want to argue in front of other people, including Kim. We must try to have the Spirit in our home and with us at all times. We both vowed to do better. It was a good conversation. Our best days are ahead of us!

Here are some other things that happened today:

James got another treatment from Pierce and brought one home to do for himself.

Kim and I watched episode three of "Paris Is Always a Good Idea."

On the way to Walmart to get the oil changed in the car James snapped at me about something and Kim said from the backseat:

"Do you even like Mom?"

While the oil was getting changed in the car, the three of us went shopping. Kim pushed me in the wheelchair while James pushed the shopping cart. The car was ready in less than 30 minutes and James was anxious to go so we cut our shopping short. 

As we drove home there was rain all around but none in Vernon. 

I did my two blog posts this afternoon and then this evening James and I watched our Christmas movie. Tonight's feature: "The Christmas Cup" starring Rhinnon Fish and Ben Rosenbaum. It was about a 6, but we still enjoyed our time together. While we were watching the movie James did the dishes and put the sheets on the bed. I told him how much I appreciated his efforts. 

I talked to Janna today and we are doing the "Great Mattress Exchange" on Monday at 2. She is giving us her mom's new mattress that they bought for her at Costco not too long ago.

I talked to Rita today and she sent me more photos from the reunion.

It's funny because I asked her if she recognized the guy sitting next to Loretta Smithson Willis at the luncheon and she said she didn't. She called me the next day and said she woke up really early and remembered his name: Jerry Dunaway. Yes, Rita! You are inspired. Mystery solved. Also, I forgot to mention Eric Frost as a reunion attendee.

"We all struggle. We need patience, service, and love from others."

- Elder Clark G. Gilbert

Esther:9:22

As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor. 

More Reunion Photos:

 

Richard Farabee, Ladon Warner, Sharon McCleve Beck,

Eric Frost

Sharon McCleve Beck, Ladon Warner

Sharon McCleve, Loretta Smithson Willis

Robert Freeze

Deon Whipple

Richard Farabee and Loretta

Smithson Willis on the Class of 1966

float in the Snowflake Pioneer Parade

Paul & Dianne Reynolds

Deanne & Marion Hatch, Rita

Rita with Pete & Chris Whipple

Deanne & Rita riding in the parade

Marion Hatch and Michael Chlarson

Blake Sherwood and Alan Frost

friends forever

Rita with her eyes closed,

maybe she is meditating

Blake Sherwood, Alan & Delci Frost

Deon Whipple and his wife

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