Tuesday, July 25, 2023: Can't bend my knee, no temple, finish puzzle, Pei Wei...again, 51st Avenue final, James leaves to pickup JA and go home to Vernon

 

London, England

12th operating temple

Dedicated: 7-9 Sep 1958

By: David O. McKay

Jesus Christ, Types of, in Anticipation

Alma 34:14

And behold, this is the whole meaning of the law, every whit pointing to that great and last sacrifice; and that great and last sacrifice will be the Son of God, yea, infinite and eternal.

Book of Mormon

Alma 39:1-19

Come Follow Me

Acts 16-21 The Spirit will guide me in my efforts to share the gospel.

AprGenCon

"My Mind Caught Hold upon This Thought" by Elder Neil L. Andersen

My knee was worse this morning instead of better. I couldn't bend it and I felt pretty lousy. While I was in bed moaning and groaning James was outside walking around the courtyard outside our room. He got 3,000 steps. 

We were going to go to the temple but I just wasn't feeling up to it. I was so sorry to disappoint James but I was just miserable. 

I sat down for what I thought would be a few minutes to work on the puzzle. James came in to help me. We ended up working for over an hour. 

I ordered Pei Wei for lunch but James said he didn't want anything because he still had some rice left from yesterday.  I told him I would share with him but he only had a bite. Today I got Spicy Korean BBQ steak with fried rice. It was yummy and not too spicy!

We listened to our scriptures in the car. We finished our lunch when we returned to the condo that James left to go to 51st Avenue for the final inspection by the doctor. James wants to make sure everything meets his approval so they are not called back again. This last callback cost him about $1,000. 

When James returned he took a shower and we laid down to take short naps. Soon James was on his way to pick up Jared Ammon at Stacy's in Chandler. He said the rush hour traffic on the freeway was horrendous. I said they should call it "crawl" hour. 

James and Jared Ammon went through Globe so they could work at Peeler's before going home to Vernon. 

Back at the resort I walked, read, blogged and watched a Christmas movie, "Christmas in the Air." The book I am reading is "The Bridge to Belle Island." My audio book is "Along a Breton Shore." I said a special prayer for Brian. 

This is the fun puzzle James helped me do.

This is soo me. James is a toast addict.

James & Karen's homes

Monday, July 24, 2023: James goes to 51st Avenue, Pei Wei, Tiger has to be put down, Brian's blessing, groceries, gas, and new shoes for James, walk, book, puzzle

 

Hamilton, New Zealand

11th operating temple

Dedicated: 20-22 Apr 1958

By: David O. McKay

Jesus Christ, Types of, in Anticipation

Alma 25:15

Yea, and they did keep the law of Moses; for it was expedient that they should keep the law of Moses as yet, for it was not all fulfilled. But notwithstanding the law of Moses, they did look forward to the coming of Christ, considering that the law of Moses was a type of his coming, and believing that they must keep those outward performances until the time that he should be revealed unto them.

Book of Mormon

Alma 38:1-15

Come Follow Me

Acts 16-21 "The Lord Had Called Us For to Preach the Gospel"

AprGenCon

"Jesus Christ is Relief" by Camille N. Johnson

"Followers of the Prince of Peace" by Ulisses Soares

James got up early this morning and after a prayer and a kiss he left to go to 51st Avenue. It was his understanding that the doctor was moving in today and he wanted to make sure all the re-dos were done. 

I did my gospel study. I loved this scripture from the Book of Mormon:

Alma 37:37

Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day.

This from the Come Follow Me lesson this morning:

If I follow Paul's example of humility and boldness in sharing the gospel, I may find someone "whose heart the Lord has opened." (Acts 16:14)

When James got home he was starving. I had a piece of cake for breakfast and a cookie but I was hungry too. I was hungry for Pei Wei and James didn't seem to care so that's what I ordered, chicken and broccoli for me and Thai basil cashew chicken for James. We went to pick it up and it was ready. We stopped at Walmart for gas and I had the food sitting on my lap. When I got back to the resort my legs had pink splotches on them through my clothes. We took my car to pick up the food which was a mistake except for the fact that we got gas. Whenever we stop at a light the air conditioner goes off and there are plenty of lights between the resort and Pei Wei. Next time we go out we will bring the truck.

James's food was delicious, served over fried rice. Mine was what you would expect from chicken and broccoli over noodles. Next time I will order something more spicy.

This was not a good day for Kim. Not only is Brian bedridden but she took Tiger to the vet and they had to put him down. Tiger was her cat and she was very attached to him. Brian has not been able to work and she is worried about that, not only about him getting well.

James took a nap after lunch and then he went to Fry's to get some watermelon. He came back with over $30 worth of stuff including blueberries, cherries, a delicious watermelon, eggs and milk.

James wanted to go to Walmart to get some shoes. I needed to get some more groceries but I told him I didn't want to go out until it cooled down a bit, like after the sun goes down. It's almost 120 degrees out there. 

I did my normal things that I would do at home. Walked, listened to my book, worked on my blog, and studied the scriptures. I have added another book, one that I borrowed from Kim. It's a Julie Klassen book called, "The Bridge to Belle Island."

We left this evening to get some dinner and to do some Walmart shopping. This is a 24 hour Walmart and I can see why, people probably go shopping after dark when it's so hot.

Our first stop was at Chikfila for dinner. I had a chicken salad and James had chicken nuggets. I ordered a peach drink but when it came I thought it looked like it had tea in it. I asked the server and she said yes. I told her I couldn't drink tea and she asked if I wanted a peach lemonade. I told her yes! She was so nice about replacing my drink with one that I could drink. 

James and I separated when we got inside Walmart. I headed for the grocery section and he went to look for shoes. 

Back at our room after everything was put away I sat down to figure out my budget. At the beginning of the day I had $261.92. After all of our shopping I have $16.80 left for the rest of the week. I guess I will be staying in the room instead of shopping!

James and I stayed up past our bed time to work on our puzzle.

We did some walking but my right knee was really bothering me.

Ruby 9th grade/Freshman

Lola 4th grade

Rowan 11th grade/Junior

His shoes look like lobsters, I wish

they showed up in this photo

One of my big concerns too!

Coconut raspberry lemon cake

I like the top one

Sunday, July 23, 2023: Applegate's speak, "One in Christ", Barbara & Kristine after RS, BLT's, puzzle, nap, rest, leave @ 3:30 for the valley, rain, fire, Evan's blessing, SDO

 

Los Angeles, California

10th operating temple

Dedicated: 11-14 Mar 1956

By: David O. McKay

Jesus Christ, Types of, in Anticipation

Mosiah 16:14

Therefore, if ye teach the law of Moses, also teach that it is a shadow of those things which are to come-

Book of Mormon

Alma 37:26-47

Come Follow Me

Don't Miss This and Follow Him

AprGenCon

"One in Christ" by Elder D. Todd Christofferson

Today was my day to teach Relief Society so I got up early to go over my outline again. 

Jimmie and Tamara Applegate were the speakers in sacrament meeting. Tamara's talk was based on Rebecca Craven's presentation at BYU Women's Conference:"Notwithstanding My Weakness":Removing the Feeling of Forever Falling Short.

(I listened to this on YouTube.)

Jimmie didn't have much time to speak but he referenced a conference talk by Elder Hales from April 2002, " Out of Darkness into His Marvelous Light." This talk has a quote that I shared with the family:

"Unless you are fully engaged in living the gospel, living it with all of your 'heart, might, mind and strength', you cannot generate enough spiritual light to push back the darkness.

And in this world, the darkness is never far away. In fact, it is always just around the corner, waiting for an opportunity to come in."

  I led the discussion in Relief Society and I felt things went well. I am going to do things a little differently next time. Instead of trying to cover the entire lesson I am going to pick out four or five high points and focus on them. I want to try to draw out more discussion.

Afterwards Barbara Tignor told me I was a delightful teacher. She is so kind and I am grateful for her in my life. 

I also spoke with Tamara afterwards. Tamara is another dear friend and so is Kristine Hipps who calls herself a "gospel nerd." She loved the lesson too.

On the way out I spoke with T-Bo and told him he looked handsome today with his new haircut. He thanked me.

At home I made BLT's for lunch. They were delicious!

James went in for a nap while I worked on my puzzle. I wanted to finish it before we left for Scottsdale. I didn't finish but I got 90 per cent of it done. 

While James was sleeping we had a nice little rain storm which always cools everything down. 

We left around 3:30 and took both the car and the truck. We are staying at our timeshare and James is leaving on Tuesday. I didn't want to be left without a car hence the reason for two vehicles.

The drive between Heber and the Rim was beautiful. It had rained and everything seemed clean and glistening. About 8 miles outside of Payson traffic was backed up just for a few moments. It felt so good when we got through Payson and were out on the open road again.

We have left the celestial kingdom and are now in outer darkness, or so it seemed. There was a fire and remains of another fire that left the entire landscape desolate. I'm afraid I drove a little fast through here wanting to escape. 

Before going to the timeshare we are going to Sheri's so James can give Evan a priesthood blessing for the new school year. James wanted to park his truck at the Fry's on Shea Blvd. and ride in to Chandler with me. James turned in and I was behind him but I missed the turn. I got on the freeway and got off at the next exit. I was coming up 87th street to get back to Fry's when I saw a Fry's store. It didn't look quite right but I drove up close and when I didn't see James I knew it was the wrong Fry's. It was just so close to the other one I couldn't believe there would be two Fry's Marketplaces so close together. I finally made it to where James was waiting and I let him drive. Instead of going to Shea and getting on the freeway he went down 87th, a side street and started wandering through a residential neighborhood. Two old people driving together equals disaster. We finally made it back to the freeway. I told Sheri we would be later than expected.

It was 7:30 when we finally got to Sheri's. Evan was outside with a knit cap on playing basketball. James went over to talk to him. I went on inside and they came in after me. Sheri had dinner waiting for us, chicken tacos and homemade salsa. She also had made chocolate chip cookies and some rolls. 

After eating James gave Evan a blessing with Sheri, Ian, and I listening. It was a beautiful blessing and I hope Evan will remember the things that were said. I know now why he had the knit cap on. When he took it off for the blessing his hair fell all over the place.

Evan's blessing

Evan is a junior in high school. He is taking some hard classes, including calculus, and has a little anxiety. I think grandpa's blessing will help him to feel more confident.

We visited awhile and then we left to go over to Kim's. She has some cake for us. I left Sheri's with a bag of chocolate chip cookies, her specialty. 

Kim was the only one up at her house. Brian hurt his back working in the laundromat at the temple and he can't get out of bed. This is so sad to me as Brian was trying to do service. Tiger was on the couch looking miserable. Bob was up and about. I'm not sure where Joe was. Kim shared with us a piece of Danish cream cheese cake and the pumpkin, maple buttercream cake she just made. We didn't stay long but I invited Kim to come with me to Lois & Dawn's on Friday and she said she would think about it. 

We are in the Spring Court building 7B rooms 2066 and 2065 right by the elevator at Sheraton Desert Oasis Timeshare Resort.  It took a little while to get everything out of the car and truck and into the room. We chilled for a little while and then went to bed before it got too late.

This is Brian & Kim's cat Bob. He loves Brian.

He has a wise face but he wouldn't look at me so

I could take a picture of it.

The Trezise's at SeaWorld

Scarlett

 

Saturday, July 22, 2023: James leaves early this morning but never makes it to the valley, Globe instead, puzzle, lesson, walk, movies, food, need to clean upstrs

Bern, Switzerland

9th operating temple

11-15 Sept 1955

By: David O. McKay

Jesus Christ, Types of, in Anticipation

Hebrews 10:1

For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.

Book of Mormon

Alma 37:11-25

Come Follow Me

Finish workbook

AprGenCon

"Peacemakers Needed" by President Russell M. Nelson

I got up this morning at 5:13 with James. After prayer and a kiss he left for the valley to help Armando on some re-do jobs at 51st Avenue. Or at least that's what I thought.

James took his Sunday clothes and his temple clothes with him. He had not decided for sure that he was going to stay the night but he said it was unwise for him to go down today, come back tonight, and then go down again tomorrow. I sadly agreed. I reminded him that Sheri and her family were staying at the timeshare tonight. He said that was fine, if he stayed he would sleep on the couch. I thought to myself that both couches were probably taken. 

I texted Sheri and told her the situation and she was very nice about it, reminding me that it was our timeshare.

Later James called me. He was at Peeler's in Globe. He had gone to get some materials he needed to put in the baseboard Owen asked him to do. He told me that he had decided to come home instead of going on to Phoenix. Armando convinced him that he didn't need to come, that they had everything under control. I was so happy and relieved. I immediately texted Sheri and told her that dad wouldn't be coming.

James worked at Peeler's for awhile and then came home. I was so happy that he made this decision. This afternoon I worked on my puzzle and walked, worked on my blog and watched a movie on my phone and of course worked on my lesson, "One in Christ."

I asked James if he would help me clean upstairs and he said he would. But instead of cleaning we walked and listened to our book, "Fleur de Lis". The book is quite distracting. I wanted to get to bed by 10 so I could get up early to read through my lesson several times.

I bet Trina and Addy did!

Trezise's at the timeshare

White Mountains of Arizona

Sheep's Crossing

 

Friday, July 21, 2023: Willie & Ralph & Roger, lemonade, "One in Christ," Beautiful rain storm, James has to go to valley tomorrow, Joshua & Evan

 

Idaho Falls, Idaho

8th operating temple

Dedicated: 23-25 Sep 1945

By: George Albert Smith

Jesus Christ, Types of, in Anticipation

Galatians 3:24

Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

Book of Mormon

Alma 36:25-37:10

Come Follow Me & AprGenCon

Studied my lesson for Relief Society, "One in Christ" by Elder D. Todd Christofferson

Willie Grombach, Ralph Sedig, and Roger Wallace came over this morning to help James with his stable. Ralph to the welding while the rest of the crew, including James got things ready to weld. They worked about 3 1/2 hours and won't accept any pay. We made them some lemonade and James told him he was going to take them out to dinner when they were through. They are about half way finished. 

James enjoyed visiting with these friends. He said Willie held the record for the 400 yard dash at Buckeye High School for over 40 years. I had no idea he had been a runner. 

James came in and took a nap. I took one too. Afterwards I made him some lunch. Beans and a hot ham and cheese sandwich with lettuce and tomato. 

My focus today is to work on my lesson for Sunday, "One in Christ."

I also got a call from Stacy. We talked for almost an hour about her kids, her business and a spiritual experience she had with the scriptures this week. It was a great conversation. 

I worked on my lesson, "One in Christ", and did my walking and watched a Christmas movie. I also worked on my Christmas in July puzzle called "Special Delivery". It's a series of Christmas stamps from around the world. 

This afternoon as I was walking I looked out the window and saw that the sky was dark towards Springerville and New Mexico. As I looked towards Show Low the sky was blue with a few fluffy clouds. The dark sky was moving in our direction and soon we had a nice rainstorm. I love the late afternoon summer rains storms that cool everything down. 

James plans on going to the valley tomorrow to see if the 51st Avenue "patch work" is done as the doctor is moving in on Monday.

Evan is a junior at Chandler High.

His first day of school was Wednesday

Ben "having fun" at a birthday party

Joshua is a junior at Chandler High

Scarlett and her mom rollerblading

Trina & Lexy took their older kids to hike

the highest mountain in Arizona

Mt. Humphrey in Flagstaff