Sunday, May 31st, 2026: S,P, & I leave around 7 Stacy comes w/ me, Paul puts air in my tire, we stop 2 more times to air it up, Stacy's conversations, missed temple on Friday now missing Sunday meetings, Sheri @ the hospital w/ James, Nurse is Sam, a woman, pain management main concern, Safeway, D&L, Kim, Darrel, Trina, Addy, Rowan, Ruby, Lola, Stacy, Paul Charlie's picture, lots of texts from family & friends

 

Merida, Mexico

Temple #92

Stacy, Paul and I left Vernon around 7 am. Paul drove their black car and Stacy rode with me in my car. Before we left, Paul put air in my back drivers side tire. We stopped at White Mountain Carwash for gas and paid with our debit cards. Paul followed Stacy and I.

Here are some of the things Stacy and I talked about on our drive:

"Follow Him", Inklings,(me), How evil the leader of Israel is, the horrible situation in L.A. and Spencer Pratt, Devin's health issues, John & Shelly's son who owns a six figure lawn system, and Stacy's horrible dreams and the drug, Quetiapine, who has helped her. 

In one of Stacy's dreams she was told she would be all right as long as she didn't see a little girl. If she did, she would die. She said she saw a little girl at the side of her bed, screamed, jumped up and kicked a hole in the wall. 

We stopped in Star Valley for air for the tire and for a drink for me. 

I missed the temple on Friday and now I am breaking the Sabbath. It just goes to show you it doesn't take long to become a heathen.

We got more air at the Circle K in Chandler on Chandler Blvd. and Dobson. Thanks Paul for all of your help. 

Sheri was at the hospital when I arrived. I asked her to come out and walk me up to his room. He is on the Surgery ICU unit on the third floor, room 320. He has been on this floor before. His nurse is a woman named Sam. She seems competent, but not very friendly. 

Sheri left. Ian came to pick her up. She has the week off but is on pain meds and can't drive until she gets off them. James is in a lot of pain. The main concern right now is controlling that pain. 

I left to go pick up a few things I needed, a few things I forgot, like a toothbrush and toothpaste. Dave and Laura were there when I returned. They came after church and didn't want James to be left alone. Thank you Dave & Laura.

Other visitors we had to day: Kim, Brian and Joe didn't come because they have both been sick. Alex & Jazmin were going to come but James was sleeping to Alex said he would come another time. Darrel, Trina, Addy, Rowan, Ruby, and Lola. They came back two at a time per ICU rules. Sam said Lola could come even though the minimum age is 13. She will be 12 on July 4th. 

Rowan says he has every Friday and Saturday off and would love to come and help at the cabin. That is awesome Rowan and we will probably take you up on that. He says he's not afraid of ladders because he uses them all the time at work. 

Sheri and Ian did a drive by dinner dash. They brought me roast beef and I met them in their car downstairs. Yum! Thank you!

Stacy came by for a visit and we had a prayer with James. Paul came a little later. James is so frustrated because he cannot get out of bed.

Charlie drew James a picture. We have received so many texts from family and friends. We are loved. Around 9 pm I went to Stacy & Paul's where I am staying. Joshua helped me by carrying my suitcase and bag upstairs for me. He and Alayna, (he says they are just friends) were sitting on the couch downstairs when I came in. I guess everyone else was in bed our at least in their rooms. 

This is in the Show Low ER, getting James ready for his

helicopter ride. 

Ruth & Naomi

Our friend, Robin Finlinson, second from the

right, receiving an award for community service.

 

Saturday, May 30th, 2026: Judges 15, "A Proper Facade", James can walk, Pierce fixes my tooth and fills a cavity, and will fill more Monday, Chuck takes garbage, Kat & Larry come,James & I go to town,

 

Suva, Fiji

Temple #91

Alma 8:18-9:6

For CFM we discussed the questions in Scripture Helps.

Judges 15 - "hips and thighs" means complete devastation.

I started listening to the book, "A Proper Facade" by Esther Hatch. 

I drove to Pierce's for what I thought was an appointment to have my veneer put on. When I got there Pierce came up to my car and apologized for double booking. He had a previous appointment with Nadine Singleton at this time and could I come back at 2. Of course.

I went home to pick up James because we are going to town and now I will look like a snaggle tooth. 

Kat and Larry came and James got them started before we left for town. Our first stop in town was at Chase bank to get some cash to pay Kat and Larry. At Walmart I picked up my Folic Acid prescription. Dr. Brady has still not approved the refill on my Levothyroxin prescription and I will be out on Monday. He probably wants me to have my bloodwork done first. I am planning on doing that on Monday. 

We bought a few groceries and then stopped for lunch at Culver's. We ordered 10 shrimp. I had 6 and James had 4, along with his cod fillet sandwich. While sitting in Culver's we made plans for our anniversary on Monday. First I am going to get my bloodwork done, then we are going to the carwash and clean the inside and outside of the car. Buy and plant flowers, and possibly fix the tire at Discount as it keeps losing air.  

This evening I saw James working in the backyard. He took a nap when we got home and when he got up he complained of having trouble breathing and said he thought he was getting asthma. He felt good enough to work outside. I went in to work on my blog when James called me on his phone. When he answered he said in a low voice, "Can you help me?" I ran and opened the front door and saw him laying in the cinders in a rather contorted position below the tallest ladder in the world. I went to see what I could do and there was a pool of blood under his head. I went and got him a pillow. He couldn't move so I was going to call 911. James said no. I called Chuck but no answer so I left a message. I called Kathy and she sent Easton over to help me get James up and into the car. Kathy also came over on her ATV. 

Easton and I managed to get James into the car to take him to the E.R. Easton came with us, sitting in the back seat. I gave him a couple of Tramadol to help with pain. I called ahead to Summit Healthcare E.R. to tell them his condition and that we were on our way. Two people were there to help him out of the car and into the hospital. Becky was his ER nurse. My phone was almost dead and she loaned me her charger. I immediately liked her. She was also very strict in a good way. 

Bishop Crane and Susan were waiting for us at the hospital when we arrived. Bishop came back and gave James a blessing. Susan came with him. Bishops voice is so quiet I couldn't really hear what he said but I was confident it was a good one and it still brought me peace. 

The ER doctor came in and said James had 8 broken ribs on his left side, numbers 4-11. Ribs are not surgically treated. The doctor said he also had a punctured lung and a fractured pelvis. He said James would definitely have to be admitted to the hospital and if he found anything else he would have to be transported to a trauma center in the valley. 

Soon the doctor was back and said James had a broken tibia and fibia in his right leg and they would be transporting him to a trauma hospital in the valley. I asked for Chandler and they said if it wasn't full that would be their first choice. 

Chandler is available so that's where in went, in a helicopter. Sheri and Kim met him at the hospital in Chandler. Stacy and Paul came up to drive back with me. They arrived around 2 p.m. Stacy wanted to do a turn around but Paul and I wanted to get a little sleep. Paul would like to leave around 7 a.m. 

"It is vital that Latter-day Saints do not lose their understanding of the purpose of marriage and the value of children."

- President Dallin H. Oaks

Tom looking through the door at Scooter. 

 

Friday, May 29th, 2026: I cancelled our temple appointment because of James's neuropathy, better this afternoon, Kat & Larry come, mail cards at 'Vernon PO, hummingbird battles, Applegate need more infor for their loan to go through, I knock the veneer off my front left tooth, windy today

Melbourne, Australia

Temple #90

For Book of Mormon study today we learned about Alma going to Ammonihah and his first experiences there.

Judges 14 - Samson's gift was strength and each time he used that gift in a remarkable manner the writer of the scripture gave credit to the Lord, the true source of the gift by saying, 'the Spirit of the Lord' came mightily upon him. As Samson grew, he looked more to the world's temptations than to God's directions. 

Elder Ulisses Soares: "Covenant Confidence in Jesus Christ"

*Holier and higher confidence fortifies us and strengthens us in a dark world. Cast not away your confidence. Nephi had covenant confidence and was able to accomplish the things he was commanded to do in spite of hardship and opposition.

We obtain covenant confidence thru humility. Temple attendance and ordinances can transform us. Remember "Home-Centered, Church-Supported and Temple Bound." Ordinances bind us to our Savior. 

In the temple we can be transformed in higher and holier ways. Let your confidence wax strong."

Although James was better today, he still wore the boot and used crutches this morning. He did manage to go out and feed the horses. I cancelled our temple appointment, which made us both sad. By this afternoon James was better and doing this:

Not sure what he's doing.

Later on he was doing this:

I prefer the first picture to the second.

Kat and Larry did come and help him with work today. I went to the Vernon post office and mailed a check to Jared, Emmy's birthday card, and a graduation card to Gracie Umphress. When I got home I cooked a steak for James and I to share, and made a salad. I took a half dozen rolls out of the freezer. James has had a couple and there is one left. Guess who had the other ones? I've been heating up one a day in the microwave and then putting butter and cinnamon and sugar on it. It makes a delicious treat. I'm glad there's only one more left. 

James has been feeding the hummingbirds. They swarm and dive bomb the feeding tube, chasing each other away. James makes a solution of sugar water and melts it in a pan and sometimes I can follow the drips down the hallway from the kitchen to our bedroom. 

Such fun. 

James had a talk with Tamara Applegate today about what the bank wants before they will approve their house loan. This means James has to gather more information for them. Some things the Applegate's will have to decide, such as what kind of appliances they are going to have. I really don't want James to do any more work without getting some reimbursement, and neither does he.

Well I guess the big news of the day is me losing the veneer off my front left tooth while opening a container of Mento gum. When I texted Susan Goodman about what happened and to schedule a time with Pierce to replace it she said, "You need to grow some fingernails so you can open packages with your fingers instead of your teeth." Last time I was opening a package of jerky. 

I'm on volume 4 of the Emma M. Lion journals, reading slow because volume 5 doesn't come until June 5th. 

James called and cancelled our week at the timeshare. We were supposed to check-in on Sunday. We got a maintenance fee bill in the mail with late fees which we refuse to pay. We spent the money we would have used for maintenance fees to a company that sells timeshares. We have not heard from them.

Oh yes, one more thing, it was windy today. 

 

 

Thursday, May 28th, 2026: Judges 13 - Samson is a Nazarite, Inklings on tithing w/ Emily & Eva,James can't walk w/o crutches, sleeps 6-8 hrs, "gave his feet a rest", mailed J's check, Emmy's bday card, & Gracie U.'s graduation card, "Mom's the Bride",

 

Adelaide, Australia

Temple #89

Judges 13 - Manoah's wife, who is barren, is promised she will have a son, by an angel of God. The angel is called "Secret", or incomprehensible and wonderful. He is to be a Nazarite. A Nazarite takes a vow to abstain from all things produced from a grapevine, not to cut hair, and to not touch a dead body. It is also a vow of self-dedication to Jehovah. 

Manoah's wife, Zlelponi, is one of six barren women in the Bible who brought forth a child. Others are: Sarah, Rachel, Rebekah, Hannah, and the Shunammite woman.

Israel has been in bondage to the Philistines for 40 years at the time of Samson's birth.

James's morning: James couldn't walk this morning because of neuropathy pain in his right foot. I brought him a cane but he can't put any pressure on his right foot. He crawled to the bathroom. I remembered we had crutches and a boot downstairs so I went and got them. He used the crutches at first and put the boot on for awhile. I drugged him up with Tramadol and Pregabalin, a drug for nerve pain. He slept while I fed the horses. I fixed him some breakfast. After he got dressed and ate he went back to bed and slept with Tom for about six hours. He texted Larry and Kat and told them there would be no work today. It was after five when James woke up.  When I told him what time it was he said, "A.m. or p.m."

I fixed him a bowl of beans and a roll for dinner. Afterwards he walked around with the crutches, and then without them, although he was limping. I went to bed and so did Tom while James stayed up to walk. I told him to give his foot a rest, he he's determined, or should I say stubborn.

Today is my friend Janna Grombach's birthday. I sent her a birthday text and also a card. She is one of the nicest people I know, just like her mom, Patsy Tedder. 

I watched Inklings this morning with Emily and Eva Timothy. It was pretty darn amazing. I truly felt the Spirit so many times. I took notes in my Inklings notebook. Kacey texted me afterwards, she felt it too. I shared Emily's tablecloth story and Eva's conversion story with James. The conference talk was on putting the Lord first and the payment of tithes and offerings. 

I wrote a check to Jared for our San Diego hotel room on the 18th and 19th of June. I signed a graduation card for Gracie Umphress and a birthday card for Emmy. I can't mail them until I get some stamps. I walked 12,000 steps, did two blogposts, read from Emma M. Lion, Volume 4, and listened to "A Proper Scandal." I also watched Hallmark's new weekly series "Mom's the Bride."  

I made an appointment to go to the temple tomorrow. I hope James is able to go. 

"Consider that we are commanded - not merely admonished or counseled, but commanded - to use our agency to love one another and choose God."

- Elder David A. Bednar

Judges 6:22

And when Gideon perceived that he was an angel of the LORD, Gideon said, Alas, O Lord God! for because I have seen an angel of the LORD face to face.

Inklings

Sisters with birthdays on the same day,

different year.

Tamara & Janna

Beautiful Janna, my friend

Wednesday, May 27th, 2026: Joshua 7-8 Gideon, "Summer Villa" finished "The Provincial Peer" and started "The Proper Scandal", J - 'Can you help me', cut his finger to the bone, San Diego arrangements, Stacy's Acorns account, boys trip to Italy, James's feet hurt him

 

Fukuoka, Japan

Temple #88

Judges 7&8 - The rise and fall of Gideon. Gideon's father called him 'Jerubbaal' which means contender with Baal. Gideon was referred to by this name. Baal and Ashteroth were the Canaanite God's of weather and fertility. Israel began worshipping these gods when they forgot Jehovah. Gideon destroyed the altar of Baal. There were only 300 soldiers chosen to fight the Midianites so the people would know it was the Lord who fought the battle. How might we liken Gideon's army to modern missionaries? - Thousands of missionaries are sent out to teach millions throughout the world. Gideon's small band of men's weaponry consisted of a pitcher, a lamp, and a trumpet. 

"May we always remember this profound lesson and that we are banner bearers of the Lord Jesus Christ, upheld by the Holy Spirit of God, faithful and true to the end, each one devoted to give our all to the cause of Zion and bound by covenant to stand close together." (Emily Belle Freeman, 'Written On Our Hearts', 45). 

When Gideon died the people went back to worshipping Baal.

I watched a Hallmark movie while working on my blog. This movie is one of my favorites starring Victor Webster and Hilary Burton, "Summer Villa." 

I finished my book, "The Provincial Peer" and started "A Proper Scandal" by Esther Hatch. In the Scandal series this is book one out of four. 

I was in the kitchen when I heard James say, "Can you help me"? I thought he needed help outside, but when I opened the front door, he wasn't there. I thought maybe he needed to use the bathroom. I waited a few minutes and then I knocked on the door and then opened the door, James was running water in the sink and there was blood everywhere. "I cut my finger to the bone." It just kept bleeding. I got some gauze and tape and we were able to doctor it and get the gauze on, which helped stop the bleeding. I took a damp rag and cleaned up the blood drops off the floor. It was just a matter of time that something would happen to James. I thought it would be falling off a ladder, but an accident was inevitable. As soon as he got his bandage on he went right back up that ladder to go to work. GRRR. I will be so grateful when this project is finished! 

Jared texted tonight about getting rooms in San Diego. They are all so expensive. The Embassy Suites in LaJolla is $850 for two nights. We finally decided on a Best Western on Hotel Circle for $700 a night. Jared is booking the rooms and I am sending him a check for our half. He doesn't do Zelle and I don't do Venmo. 

Stacy called to say Acorns funder her $900 for referring and signing up 3 people, Paul, Joshua, and me. Congrats Stacy!

Joshua and Evan returned home from Italy today. Joshua gave Stacy a big hug and said: "Adulting is hard! I can't believe you had a kid when you were my age."! Stacy then told me the story of a delayed flight, and lost luggage! Sheri intervened and took care of things. She bought an air ticket for the luggage and when someone from the airlines said the luggage would be delivered tomorrow Sheri said, "Their luggage is in Madrid!" She had the airlines deliver the luggage to their hotel.

It was not a good day for me...I was depressed. It was not a good day for James either. His feet are really hurting him. He used the vibrating machine before going to bed.

"The greatest example of proving and strengthening occurred through the Savior's Atonement . . . He proved faithful in every moment."

- President Henry B. Eyring

Judges 6:14

And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?

Jared left his Habernero sauce.

Even as a small boy, he loved hot sauce.

Trenda has always been wise beyond her years.

Tuesday, May 26th, 2026: Goodbye to JA & Taliq they hike Mt. Blady, James works and I read Judges 4-6, PO - Janna's card, Circle K, Wlmrt, HD, Tractor Supply, gospel study, "The Beach House", Evan & Joshua back from Italy

 

San Jose, Costa Rica

Temple #87

Jared Ammon and Taliq left this morning after breakfast. They said they were going to go hike Mt. Baldy and then go home. They won't get rained on today, but it is cool and windy.

Taliq had his eyes closed in

every picture. I'm not much of a

photographer.

They both love to run!

James worked outside while I read about the Judges of Israel and worked on my blog. I enjoyed reading about Ehud, the left-hander from the tribe of Benjamin and how he stabbed Eglon, which led to 80 years of peace. Judges were appointed and chosen by Jehovah to deliver Israel from its frequent bondage. My favorite is Deborah in Judges 4. Deborah is a prophetess, a woman who has received a testimony of Jesus and enjoys the spirit of revelation. People come to her for counsel as she sat under her palm tree. She inspired Barak to go to battle for Israel. One Bible scholar explains that the term wife of Lapidoth (vs. 4) could also have been translated in Hebrew to read ' a woman of a torch-like spirit.' This quote from Emily Belle Freeman in her book: "Written On Our Hearts", 42. Deborah's torch-like spirit had the power to instill courage in others and to inspire them to follow the command of the Lord. Where did this power come from? Remember, Deborah was a prophetess. The scriptures teach that 'the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy' (Rev. 19:10). Perhaps Deborah's strength of spirit came from her testimony of Jesus.'

Evan and Joshua made it back from Italy today. I guess it was quite an adventure. 

I mailed a birthday card to my friend Janna today. I hope she gets it in time.

Around 1:00 James and I made a trip to town. We listened to this week's "Follow Him" on the way. We went to the post office to mail Janna's card and then it was Circle K for drinks. James dropped me off at Walmart while he did an Amazon return and then went to Home Depot. When James got to Walmart he picked up a prescription and then helped me check out. He complained about spending so much money on groceries. He suggested we come grocery shopping once a month. I laughed. We can't even keep it to once a week. We never stopped to eat. We did pick up horse feed at Tractor Supply. When I got home and saw those huge horse feed bags in the back of the car on top of where I thought the groceries were, I freaked out. James assured me he had moved the groceries aside so I ended up apologizing to him. 

My day normally starts with prayer, journal writing and scripture study then prayer, Book of Mormon, and "Come Follow Me' with James. I also listen to a conference talk from the last conference and spend a few minutes looking at the talk that my RS lesson will be on. It's a great way to start the day. I work on my journal and blog, walk and listen to my audio book and for a little R&R I sit down and read a little from Emma M. Lion. 

This evening I watched a 2018 Hallmark movie on my phone, "The Beach House." Andie McDowell, Chad Michael Murray, and Minka Kelly are in the movie. Minka is beautiful! This story is about a woman, Andie McDowell, who lives in a beach house in South Carolina where Loggerhead turtles build their nests. The woman loves these turtles and much of her life is spent protecting them. This is the last summer with her turtles and her beloved family and friends, as she is dying of cancer. This movie shows how a family can come together in a crisis in spite of differences. It demonstrates the power of love and what is really important in life. I really enjoyed it. James stopped his walking for a few minutes to watch part of it with me.

"God's commandments and counsel are found in the scriptures and the words of His servants."

President D. Todd Christofferson

Judges 2:22

That through them I may prove Israel, whether they will keep the way of the LORD to walk therein, as their fathers did keep it, or not.

"The Beach House"

Minka Kelly & Andie McDowell

Watching the baby turtle

Mother-Daughter time

Hiking Mt. Baldy. Jared said this

was the most beautiful place he has ever 

been in Arizona.

Monday, May 25th, 2026: Rain since early this morning, JA & Taliq arrived during the night, Joshua 2&3, Alma 5, JA & T visit horses & Tom before going to town, hike Greens Peak in the snow, rain & hail, James works outside, I made beans, JA & T steak dinner - they share with me

Montreal, Quebec

Temple #86

It was raining when I got up this morning. When I told James he said, "It's been raining since 3 a.m." Wow! This is so exciting because we rarely get rain in June! We need it so badly! It was a glorious morning!

Jared Ammon and his friend Taliq got here a little after one. When they get up they go and visit the horses and then Jared asks about Tom. Tom is asleep on the recliner in our bedroom but I take them in to see him. They pet him and afterwards, he gets up and walks away.

The guys are going in to town to get food for dinner. James offers eggs for breakfast but they decline. 

When Jared and Taliq get back from town they get ready to go to Greens Peak. They brought two cars, Jared's Mustang and Taliq's SUV. They took the Mustang to town and the SUV to Greens Peak. 

They ran up the mountain in rain, hail, and snow, but they did it. 

James worked outside when it wasn't raining. He climbs the big tall ladder in the front to sand and stain, even though I ask him not to. 

I made calico beans for him today. He loves them. It's a day when you want to sit down to a hearty bowl of soup, stew, or beans.

The cookies I made yesterday are quite popular. The guys like them and so do James and I. I had two today. James had quite a few more. He says he had ten...I hardly think so.

This evening Jared cooked steaks on the grill and Taliq made broccolini and fried potatoes. They invited me to eat with them. I told them I would have some steak, which I did. It was delicious. It was during dinner that Jared told me he was volunteering at an animal rescue center. Right now he is working with dogs but he hopes to work with cats too. He does love animals.

James was working outside and said he didn't need any steak. 

Tom slept most of the day in the house, cuddling with me and then James. He decided to stay outside tonight. 

Today was a beautiful day! Happy Memorial Day!

I got a card ready to send to Janna Grombach for her birthday on the 28th.

"Among the qualities that adorn true disciples of Christ, temperance stands out as a reflection of the Savior Himself."

- Dale G. Renlund

Judges 2:7

And the people served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the LORD, that he did for Israel.

I ordered one of these today.

Gues which color I ordered?

This is what I would say to Debbie Schwarz

about her husband Don.

My yummy breakfast

Can you find Dave, James, and Terry.

Cousin Jeanie is in this photo too.