February 14th, 2026: Happy Valentine's Day! It's snowing again, Jimmie Applegate not happy, Kerri's report, sun comes out, we head for town. 50 elk, LaCasita, Wlmrt, China Buffet, HMM "Because of Cupid"

It's snowing again. I gave James a Valentine's card. He read it while he was eating breakfast and gave me a big hug afterwards. 

James's card in the middle.

Later James wrote me a letter and gave me a $50 Amazon card.

James went to see Jimmie Applegate this morning who said he didn't have time to talk on the phone. He was going to work on the house building site. He was not happy. He said the workers left trash and didn't do the job. James gave him an invoice of the wages he had paid and money James had earned. Jimmie sat it down on the jobsite so when James left he took it to the home where they live, next to the building site and gave it to Tamara, Jimmie's wife.

Jimmie wants all work to stop on the house until James gets the bid in and he can get financing from the bank.

Kerri gave a report on her mom today. She said that when she is released from the hospital she will go in to hospice. I said that I was relieved that she wouldn't be going back to Brooksdale. Kerri said: "Yes, that place crushed her spirit after she went in to memory care."

James split more wood and brought it down to the porch. I cleaned off the backporch.

The sun came out and we headed to town for our Valentine date. 

We stopped at the Vernon post office and got a overload notice with no one working today to give us our "overload" mail. We suppose that the "overload" is the deed Molly Quintana wants us to sign and return to her.

We had lunch at LaCasita, James's choice. This time I ordered my enchilada with green sauce. James wanted to know if I liked it better than the red. I said it was good but I wasn't sure if it was better.

Next we went to Walmart to do a little shopping. We got steak and salad for tomorrow's lunch. We bought a large bag of catfood and James got some new shoes. The nice thing is, James and I shopped together. On the way home we stopped and got some hot and sour soup at China Buffet for our dinner.

On our trip home we listened to "Miss Leslie's Secret." James remembers the story from when we read it before. Here is a quote from the book: "The drone bees don't contribute, they just lull about all day, eatin." Interesting.

I made a $35 donation to Ruby's track team, the minimum amount they would allow me to make. 

This evening we watched the latest "Loveuary" movie from Hallmark: "Because of Cupid." James and I both enjoyed it.

"Forgiveness is a divine gift offered through the grace of Jesus Christ."

- Elder Neil L. Andersen, OGC 2025

Moses 8:24

Believe and repent of your sins and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, even as our fathers, and ye shall receive the Holy Ghost, that ye may have all things made manifest; and if ye do not this, the floods will come in upon you; nevertheless they hearkened not.

One of the Emma M. Lion journals

Kim is reading.

James and his sidekick

 Lovebirds

Does anyone else fold their used grocery bags

Sealed in the Rome temple

Anna & Shaun

 

Friday, February 13th, 2026: "We smell a skunk,covenants, rain, Zelled money to James's workers I hope Applegate's will pay, James's sauna blanket, Bishop Crane going to Dubai for business, fire, Murdock Mystery starring my favorite Yannick Bisson

James remembers going here and getting a

hamburger and malt for 25 cents.

 I said to James as we were still in bed, "I smell a skunk." He says, "So do I." I went into the kitchen and turned on my candle burner because the smell is permeating the house. It finally goes away after a couple of hours.

Tom slept past 5, just like I asked him to but the smell of that skunk woke me up before 5.

I drink a lot of Fairlife 30 grams of protein chocolate shakes. When James brings them in from the refrigerator in the garage for me, he opens the lid and then replaces it as I have a hard time opening them. Such a sweet gesture that I so much appreciate. 

We had rain today until the clouds broke up this afternoon. More clouds formed and we had snow. James built a fire and it made everything cozy.

James used his sauna blanket today to sweat out the impurities in his body. Afterwards he took a shower and looked like a new man. 

I finished my book, "Lady Anna's Favor" and started "Miss Leslie's Secret."

Tom doesn't like it when it's cold and wet outside, but he gets bored inside. Poor guy, living with a couple of boring old people. He does like to follow me around and spent some time on my lap today.

James and I watched an episode of "Murdoch Mysteries" tonight. I tried to bring up Hallmark Plus on the TV in the family room but I got nothing, so we watched it on our phone. Yannick Bisson is Detective William Murdoch of the Toronto Constabulary and he is dreamy and the reason I watch the show. Sometimes the shows plots are a little convoluted and inappropriate language is occasionally used which I don't like but Detective Murdoch is so amazing.

Inspector Brackenreid, Constable Crabtree,

Detective Murdoch, and Dr. Ogden the coroner

and Detective Murdoch's love interest.

Nothing about Catherine today. I do not want her to have to go back to Brooksdale.

I listened to an article in the Liahona today, "When Covenants Become Your Compass." Here are some quotes from that article:

* What if your decisions were shaped more by your covenants with God than your circumstances.

* "Notice that faith sprouts as we trust in Jesus Christ and blooms as we are faithful and loyal to Him. Making covenants with Jesus Christ builds hope. Honoring these builds faith." - Elder Sandino Roman, AGC 2025.

* "Covenants are binding connections to the Savior's power, peace, and strength. By making and keeping temple covenants, we learn more about the Lord's purposes and receive a fulness of the Holy Ghost. We receive direction for our lives. We mature in our discipleship ... Ultimately our destinies are changed because the covenant path leads to exaltation and eternal life." - Elder Dale G. Renlund, AGC 2023

Roosting, widowed pigeon.

One of the cats killed his wife.

James wants to shoot him. I say no!

An antler/sheds floor. It's going a bit to far,

don't you think. 

 

Thursday, February 12th, 2026: Happy Birhtday Trina! Bo Taylor quits, more mistakes, James's birth & baptismal certificate, Catherine taken to the hospital,

 

Happy Birthday Trina!

I think Trina is 42. 

Bo Taylor, the guy James hired to do the footings and basement floor at the Applegate's, quit. Some of the guys Bo hired worked today. A couple of them made a mistake and had to do a re-do. The saga continue.

We had to sign over 50 pages of electronic documents for our reverse mortgage. JoNell also asked us to send James's baptismal certificate for our Downwind case. We also found his birth certificate and decided to send it to, although it is full of discrepancies. The nurse who attended James and his mother when he was born forged the birth certificate, spelling Lambson, Lamson and putting down James's middle name as Edward instead of Ivan.

I got a text from Kerri Halcomb about her mom, Catherine. Her mom was found unresponsive and taken to Banner Desert Hospital. 

Later Kerri was told her mom was totally dehydrated and starving. Not very good advertisement for Brooksdale Assisted Living.

If I could visit Catherin again I would remind her that she is a child of God, a child of the covenant, and a disciple of Jesus Christ. I

would play Primary songs for her. I would go see her often and give her individual attention

Tom follows me everywhere this evening. When I go upstairs he runs and he sounds like a small horse galloping. I said to him: "Well Thomsy, you're feeling your oats tonight!"

"We demonstrate our discipleship and love for God when we make Him our top priority."

- Steven G. Barlow, OGC 2025

Genesis 9:16

And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth.

 

Wednesday, February 11th, 2026: Up @ 4:30, pickup generator, leave Vernon @ 6:30, Chandler Eyecare, Addy screens me, Ben, Cayli, Sheri, Nancy, new frames, AARA, Costco, Catherine Halcomb, Cathi, Terry, Lois, Kim's for a movie & treats, home to Vernon

 

I got up at 4:30 this morning. I was able to do a little gospel study before leaving. 

* Why did God send the flood to destroy the wicked?

- God does all things for the benefit of the world. (2 Ne. 26:24)

* What is significant about the coating of the pitch both inside and outside the ark?

- It is a protective covering like the Atonement of Jesus Christ is for us. 

* The ark was designed as a tabernacle/temple:

- 3 decks, 3 divisions of the tabernacle and 3-fold layout of the Garden of Eden. Each deck was the same heighth as the tabernacle and 3x the area of the tabernacle court.

 I was ready to leave for the valley by 6:00, our pre-determined time. James realized he left his solar generator at Applegate's on the job. I told him we needed to go pick it up, even though it might make us a little late. We ended up leaving Vernon at 6:30. 

We arrived at Chandler Eyecare at 9:38 for my 9:30 appointment. I greet Cayli and then Ben. Sheri was on the phone. Addy took me back to screen me before my appointment. Dr. Vanover did my exam and everything seems to be in order. My eyes have changed just a very small amount. 

Sheri and Nancy helped me pick out new frames. Nancy adjusted my old glass frames so they don't rub on my face. My frames are Kate Spade and very different from the ones I have now. Sheri says it will take 10 days to come in. 

Although Sheri cancelled our appointment at the temple tomorrow because she says she has been sick. She did say she and Ian want to come up next week for her birthday and wants to go to the Snowflake temple and to Eva's with us. 

Ben asked if he and Cayli could come up on March 6th. I gave Trina's birthday card to Addy to give to her mom. She said she would. 

I arrived at AARA for my 11:15 appointment before 11. I tried to make an appointment for my next cortizone shots but she said she couldn't do it but she would pass my request on to someone who could help me.

I showed Frances and Ang my open wound from where Emma, the MacArthur's dog scratched me yesterday. They always ask if you have any open wounds before they give you your infusion. They both said they thought it wasn't serious enough for me to not get my infusion. Amanda stuck in the needle with my Orencia.

James was walking around the building when I came out. We went across the street to Costco to get Pom juice and Fairlife shakes. James got two bottle of juice because instead of $9.39 they were $6.39. I got only one case of shakes and checked out the Perk. They still have a good amount but I did not get any. I really am trying to cut down on my spending. We had lunch in the food court. I had a hot dog with no bun and a drink. James had cheese pizza and a drink. Since we were already so close to Mesa, we decided to go see Catherine Halcomb at Brooksdale on Brown Rd. 

Because she is now in the memory care section of Brooksdale, she and her comrades are behind locked doors. Catherine was the first person I saw as we entered. She was sitting at a table with two other women eating something out of a small bowl. It turned out to be three bean salad. I made the mistake of letting Catherine know that we were here and she would not finish her meager lunch. Here are some concerns I have about my dear friend: 1) She is always in a wheel chair and can't seem to put any weight on her legs. Last time we were here she was going all over the facility with her walker. 2) It looked like she had barely anything for lunch and I did not see anything for her to drink. 3) She cannot stay focused and she seemed confused when I mentioned her birthday on March 11th. 

Seem things that she said: Her family is all separated and she is going to fix them. She wants to go camping with Kerri in their new motor home. She would like to go to Oklahoma. She thinks the ward should have a hotdog dinner. She wants me to take her to the Mesa temple where she worked for 13 years. 

We didn't feel comfortable leaving her in her room alone so we took her out on the patio with one of the attendants and some other patients. The attendant told us, "we don't give individual care." If there is anything Catherine needs it's individual care and attention.

James and I were both sad when we left. It almost felt like a prison and she has definitely gone downhill since the last time we saw her.

Our next stop was at Cathi & Terry's to visit James's mom. She seemed to be doing quite well although the hospice nurse will now be coming every week instead of every other week, something about having purple finger tips. Mom, or Lois, also says she does a lot of belching every time she eats anything and she is concerned about this. She gave me a big box of Precious Moment figures, including a nativity scene that we had given her over the years. What do I do with them? 

We did not see Dawn. Cathi said she was busy in her room. Her memory is becoming worse. When we left last time Cathi said she asked who we were. She always tells us she remembers us. She is good with numbers and Laura takes her to play bingo every Thursday at Tumbleweed park. I missed seeing Dawn but didn't want to disturb or confuse her.

Before going to Kim's we stopped by the local UPS store on Alma School and Germann to return the pillow with the brown wrapping paper on the outside. James took it in and the woman working behind the counter said: "Oh, we can't take this with the brown paper on it. We need to see what's inside." What? I guess we've come full circle. The clerk did say she would take the paper off and reinstate the label. I guess she did that and sent it off to Amazon because a couple of hours later I was notified that a refund was issued. The crazy world of Amazon returns.

We had an appointment with Kim at 4:00 to watch a movie, or at least I did. I honestly thought we were going to spend the night and even packed and brought my suitcase. James says he needs to go home tonight, even if it is midnight. 

Kim had made Rice Krispy treats and bought Harkins popcorn for us to snack on. I cuddled up on the loveseat with a soft and warm blanket and we watched the latest Hallmark movie. James went outside to take phone calls and then he came in and sat by me for awhile. He needed some sleep but said he couldn' t sleep with the movie on so he went outside and slept in the car. 

We left Kim's somewhere between 6 and 6:30 and were home by 9:30. Tom was so happy to see us, he ran around the house for about 10 minutes. 

James was freezing when he went to bed. He used his heated blanket.

"It ... takes great courage for some of our sisters and brothers to step into the arena of life every day."

- Sister J. Anette Dennis, OGC 2025

Genesis 9:15

And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh.

Max & Evan

Mule deer on the desert

One of my favorites!

Tuesday, February 10th, 2026: Two checks from Applegate's, UPS won't take pillow return, Walmart, Culver's, no check from Molly until papers are signed, Nancy Guthrie pictures of home invader, Stacy got her card, Pres. Oaks first public address as Prophet @ BYU, take Peyton her gift

 

President Oaks' first public speech since 

becoming the Prophet was given today at

the BYU Devotional.

Tom wanted me to get up this morning. I fed him but he didn't want to go outside like he normally does, not even for James.

This was a difficult day for me for some reason. James went to Applegate's this morning and came home with a couple of checks. I deposited them immediately.

James and I made a trip to town today. One of the first items on our list was to return the pillow James had ordered. I ran off the return label from Amazon and taped it on the pillow box. It took James's muscle to get that thing back in its' box. 

James dropped me off at Walmart while he went to the UPS store to return the pillow. I went back to where the books and coloring books are in Walmart to look for a gift for Peyton MacArthur for her 10th birthday. Which one:

Chelsea said wildflowers or the cowgirl one.

I chose the cowgirl because there were 4 books

and she could share with Scotty and Boone. 

I also bought Peyton a set of nice colored pencils with a sharpener and some crayons. 

James not only went to UPS but he went to Circle K to get a wee bit of gas, $7.35 worth, so he could get a drink. I asked him if they took the package at the UPS store and he said no. They wouldn't take it because the box revealed what the content was and they were afraid the driver would be tempted to steal it. What?? I've never heard of such a thing. They said we might take it to a different UPS store and they would take it, but that was their policy here. The person also said they were the second store in the country for customer satisfaction. They were asking another customer to go online and rate them because they wanted to be number one. I told James you should have asked for the information so you could rate them. I guarantee it would not have been a good rating! 

I went home and wrapped the package in brown paper where you could not tell that it was a pillow. We will take it with us tomorrow when we go to the valley and mail it at the UPS store on Alma School and Germann.

We had lunch at Culver's. I had my chicken cashew salad and James had a Reuben's sandwich. He said it was better than Arby's, I told him I wasn't surprised. He did say he wish they wouldn't put so much thousand island dressing on it. I told him to tell them next time.

James got a call from Molly Quintana about the Deming land that we sold to her. We thought she was sending us a check for $4,000 but she asked if we had received the papers. I guess it's a bill of sale we are to sign, send back, and then we will receive the money. We have not received the papers yet.

Stacy finally got her birthday card today. I have to remember when I am mailing cards from Vernon that it takes longer than normal. 

I visited MacArthur's this afternoon and their dog, Emma, a St. Bernard,  jumped up on me and drew blood in my right arm in a couple of places. This put a damper on my visit. 

I had asked Chelsea to tell me some things about Peyton but I never got a response. I had no idea she was a Harry Potter fan. The house was decorated with Harry Potter backdrops, etc. I wish I would have known. Oh well, what can I do now. Peyton seemed especially happy with the colored pencils I gave her. I told her to color a picture and I would like to see it the next time I visit. She said she would.

We sent a copy of James's passport to JoNell at Tom Thompson's office because we wouldn't find his birth certificate. She said the woman she is corresponding with in Washington D.C. is working on our case. We are excited! This is the Downwind case.

"New beginnings are at the heart of the Father's plan for his children."

- Elder Patrick Kearon, OGC 2025

Genesis 9:7

And you, be ye fruitful, and multiply; bring forth abundantly in the earth, and multiply therein.

"The choking cares and pleasures of this life led to the general rejection of Noah's prophetic message."

- Elder Neal A. Maxwell, "For I Will Lead You Along"

Nancy and Savannah Guthrie

A younger and smaller Tom 

Who is enjoying this the most

James using the Tensi machine on

his feet.

Monday, February 9th, 2026: New budget, HECM (Reverse Mortgage) counseling with Langford Manning in N.C.,we are a little discouraged, walked 15,000 steps, "Lady Anna's Favor", James @ Applegate's, updated checkbooks

 

Addy, Ruby, Lola, Rowan

at California Adventure

Darrel & Trina took a trip to Disneyland with their kids. They are trying to get in as much family time as possible before the move. Rowan had already moved out of the house and Addy is making plans. Darrel will be gone the first part of April while Trina stays in Mesa with Ruby and Lola until they are out of school in May.

Tom got me up around 4:22. I'm glad because I had a lot to do to get ready for our reverse mortgage counseling meeting at 7:30 our time. Our counselor, Langford Manning, is calling from North Carolina.

After our counseling meeting James and I were both quite discouraged. So many unexpected charges. We are still going through with it. I told James we should get the reverse mortgage now  because we need the money but we could consider selling down the road a ways if it looks like the money is not going to last.

James has to go into town and wants me to go. He said he would buy me lunch even though he's driving the truck with the trailer. I declined going. I had just eaten a pork chop and wasn't hungry. I also had just washed my hair and didn't feel like getting ready. 

I walked 15,000 steps today and finished my book, "If You'll Have Me" by Esther Hatch. I started reading "Lady Anna's Favor" by Karen Tuft. James just recently finished reading it and said he really liked it. 

I updated both checkbooks today.

James was at Applegate's most of the day but did not bring home any money. Bo Taylor's guys are working on the basement footings, getting ready to pour concrete. They made a mistake and will now have to work longer to make it right. James is quite frustrated. 

I offered to make James dinner. He said he was happy to do it himself. He squeezed the oranges he got at church on Sunday from Brother Rosen, He also cooked some fresh broccoli which has quite a smell that permeates the house. After eating, James did all of the dishes. As of late we have not been using the dishwasher but we have been washing the dishes by hand. 

James and I both walked then went to bed between 9-10 with Tom laying at our feet on our bed and on his blanket. 

Sunday, February 8th, 2026: Happy Birthday Stacy, Up a little before 4 to finish my outline, sacrament meeting: Steve Rosen, Pierce Goodman, missionary work & gathering Israel, A.S.K. on faith, the Super Bowl was today, I think

 

A great choice!

Happy Birthday Stacy!

I wished her a happy birthday. She has not yet received the

card we sent. Kim made her sugar cookies and Dallin brought

her a piece of carrot cake from George & Gather.

Up a little before four to work on my outline for today's Relief Society discussion. I'm glad we don't have church until 10, that gives me an extra hour to prepare.

I used our family picture taken when Adam and Jared Ammon were little and Paul was our only son-in-law, no daughter-in-laws where we are all in white as a display item, a picture of the Savior and a picture of the Snowflake temple.

James wore his black suit with his red heart tie. I wore a black skirt and top with my new red/black heart sweater. I got lots of compliments on the sweater. I said, "Yeah, sometimes they have some good finds at Walmart."

While I was setting up Kerri Halcomb was in the Relief Society room setting up the microphone system. I talked to her about her mom. She says she has seen a steady decline since she was put in memory care. I told her I would be going down this coming week to see her mom.

I put this on the whiteboard: 

"The Family-Centered Gospel of Jesus Christ"

     By: President Dallin H. Oaks

Recreation                             Life Skills                Gospel Truths

Easton Crane was asked today if he would speak on preparing for a mission in sacrament meeting. Since his dad is the bishop he couldn't say no and he did a great job.

Steven Rosen and Pierce Goodman were the main speakers in sacrament meeting. 

Brother Rosen told about before he was a member of the church and his house burned down on a Saturday night. He said friends showed up in white shirts and ties. His friends also took his kids to church so he could work on his house. Because of his friends example he finally joined the church.

Pierce spoke about the gathering of Israel and how it is the greatest work going on in the world today. He said he loves the Vernon ward and that he has been here for 10 years. I can't believe it's been that long! He said there is an urgency to the work as we develop Christlike love and learn to serve one another. Our lives are a gift from God. Love, Share, Invite.

My friend Janna conducted RS for the first time today. Her mom Pat came for the first time since she has been on oxygen all of the day. 

I felt like the discussion on the family went well today. I especially loved Kristine Hipps's story about when the Family Proclamation came out she had just become a single mom because of a divorce. She and her children wrote their own family proclamation and hung it by the Church one. She said as they looked back over the years all of the things wrote down came to pass. It was a heartfelt story and I was grateful she was willing to share. 

This afternoon Sheri, Kim, and I discussed President Nelson's talk on faith. It was a good discussion. Addy is on her way to California with the rest of her family. They are going to Disneyland tomorrow.

Today was the Super Bowl. The Sea Hawks beat the Patriots. This should make Michael happy.

"Following Christ requires constant effort and continual change."

- Elder Michael Oziesla, OGC 2025

This boy could be a model!

He is so handsome!

Sweet Charlie with her glasses!

My Dinner