New Year's Resolutions

I will confess to making them and breaking them and starting over. But for now, I have an idea for you. Let me guess one of your typical (LDS) resolutions... is it more effective, spiritual, fun Family Home Evenings? Ding Ding Ding Ding!!!!!!!! I got it right.

Well, boy, do I have an idea for you! I'm going to try it to, if I can get Ronald darling to agree. Two oldish people get kind of used to counting dinner as FHE. Really.

But here's the good idea. There is a website that has used episodes of the Andy Griffith show, the original, not Matlock, as the basis for Sunday School lessons. They are fun, cute and spiritual. Honest.

Check it out and let me know what you think.

http://barneyfife.com/

This isn't a particularly spiritual clip, but speaking of Ronald darling.... I love the Darlin's!

Merry Christmas!!

It's Christmas Eve and we are all tucked in for the night. I'm leaving out cookies, just in case I made the Nice list this year. It's not a white Christmas, more of a gray one; but still the celebration of the birth of our Savior into the world. One of my very favorite, one of the most wonderful times of the year.

And to all a good night!

When Herald Angels Sing

Our Christmas program was this morning and it was wonderful. No talks, no scripture, all music. Music carries the spirit so well. One of the pieces was one I'd never heard before, Pachelbel/First Noel. I don't know who the genius was who thought of combining the two pieces of music but it was truly heavenly.



Gesu Bambino is absolutely glorious to hear... I just loved it!




And Lo, How a Rose E're Blooming sounds so sweet.



And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

I Stayed Up Past My Bedtime!

My alarm goes off every morning at 4:00am and up I get. I didn't used to be a morning person, but I teach Early Morning Seminary. I taught for 6 years when my children were teenagers, many moons ago and am on the 5th year this time around. I love teaching Seminary and I love the teens I teach. Consequently, I need to go to bed early.
Last night, I was reading a friend's blog and she mentioned an actor whom I admire, Danny Kaye. She had a film clip of him so I trotted over to youtube to see what else they had on him.
BIG mistake!! One of the clips I saw was a guest appearance that he made on "What's My Line?" An interesting game show and I had completely forgotten about it. One of the segments of the show had the panel blindfolded and a celebrity guest. The panel tried to guess who the celebrity was by questioning and the guest tried to fool them by disguising the voice.
I was hooked. I was up until after midnight watching video clips of mystery guests. What a hoot! Even you young whippersnappers will recognize some of these folks.
And it's already an hour past my bedtime! I gotta go!

Christmas Movies

I've been sick for the last few days. I missed work for a day and a half, temple service yesterday and my church meetings today. Just a bad nasty cold; but that always settles in my chest. I'm doing much better now and expect to be back to normal activity tomorrow. Maybe a little under par, but back in the trenches.

So, what do you do? I've been either in bed or a recliner for the last three days with the lap top and the remote control for the television right by my side! LOL Luckily for me, it is December and the Christmas movies have started. I LOVE IT!

I haven't seen all of my very favorites yet, but for your enlightenment, here are the top three:

1. It's A Wonderful Life - My very favorite. I admire the sense of duty that George has, putting others always before himself and the fact that he is loved and appredicated by those for whom he toils. It doesn't get better than this!

2. Christmas in Connecticut - Barbara Stanwyck plays a writer whose magazine column chronicles her idyllic life on a farm in Connecticut. It's all lies and gets her in trouble with her publisher. A great, warm comedy.

3. Miracle on 34th Street - I like to watch mom defrost through the film, the lawyer start to believe in his client and Natalie Wood. Period.

If it calls itself a Christmas movie and includes a lamp shaped like a leg, a bunny suit or a frozen pole - it ain't on my list! LOL

Do you have one movie that tells you it's Christmas?

Warm Fuzzies

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving! My brother and sis-in-law live in Maryland. We drove there and my daughter and her three boys (husband and two sons) drove up from North Carolina. Too much food, not enough time and just a blast! I was born of goodly parents and even though they are gone now, their three kids are still speaking to each other! That isn't true in all families. We love each other and that is a great blessing.

There were some family members missing, due to distance, pregnancy and other family. It would have been better to have everyone there, but it was great. Fire in the fireplace, firepit on the patio; sitting around and talking. I love my family!

Tag, I'm it!

I've been suffering from blogger's block recently, but my friend has challenged me to think of 7 weird things. About myself! Wait, random not necessarily weird.

Tricky, but not impossible.

1. I lived in Sidi Slimane, Morocco for two years when I was in fifth and sixth grades. It was the only overseas assignment my dad had that we could accompany him. It was wonderful! One of my favorite duty stations.

2. My dad's family is Hungarian, my ancestors came from the area we know as Transylvania in the Carpathian mountains. Is your reaction "Really?" or "Oh, that explains everything!" LOL

3. My first kiss was from my boyfriend, Joe. We were in kindergarten and precocious.

4. My first date was a blind date, arranged by my mother!

5. I love to eat out. I can cook, and like to cook, but I really love to eat in restaurants. Too bad it takes money!

6. Time is weird. I've been married for more than 40 years. Unbelievable. On the one hand, it seems like I've been married forever; on the other, it seems like just yesterday, ya know?

7. I was a voracious reader as a child. I loved all the classic kid book series that no one reads anymore... Bobsey Twins, Cherry Ames, Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys. I got lost in Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn. And my very favorite was a book called Papa Married a Mormon by John D Fitzgerald. It was my first introduction to the church - I read it two or three times a year for years. My mom got so tired of seeing me sitting around the house reading that she'd order me out of the house. I took the current book and went up the apple tree!

I don't know who to tag; if you are reading this and have not been previously tagged, you are IT!

Blog Envy

Many moons ago a friend said she was suffering from blog envy. I understood completely. I spend a considerable amount of time, probably (certainly) more than I should, reading other people's blogs. I like variety - LDS, humor, food, politics and the occasional whackadoodle

Here are some of my favorites.....

The Blogger of Jared

An LDS blog with doctrinal insight. Especially interesting is an episodic piece called The Secret Life of Earl Johnson. It is sort of a Walter Mitty-ish, Harvey-ish daydreaming, typical LDS experience thingy. Is that specific enough? You'll like it!

Homesick Texan

This blog focuses on food - not fancy, not complicated but just delicious. A little story about how her grandma or Aunt Rose used to do it, the Sunday suppers and the history behind the foods. I keep going back and collecting the recipes, but I haven't made any of them yet. I'll put that at the top of my to-do list.

Reflections from a Murky Pond

A conservative blogger, but not a right wing nut job. Thoughtfully and calmly presented.

Seriously, So Blessed

An hilarious spoof of Mormon mommy blogs. Aimed at a younger crowd, of course, but I get most of the humor. LOL

I read lots of friends blogs, link to their friends and their friends friends blogs. I haven't listed my friends; I couldn't choose amongst ye! I could make a living reading blogs, if only someone would pay me!!

The Sun Came Up Anyway

As you may have surmised; I am disappointed in the results of yesterday's presidential election. Of course, I was disappointed in the results of the Republican primary as well; I guess it's been a rather disappointing year.

That being said, the election is over, the victor is named. And I truly, sincerely, pray that he is the best president that we've ever had in the history of this great nation.

I refuse to suffer from Obama Derangement Syndrome. I will not weep and wail and gnash my teeth. I will, in other words, get over it. That's the message that I tried to relate to Bush-bashing Democrats for the last 7 years; I won't go down that road.

I still believe that the plans president-elect Obama has for this country are wrong. If it turns out that I am wrong (unlikely, in my opinion), I will acknowledge that.

We'll see.

Vote and Pray!

Some kids are just too cute.

Ten Days - Ten Reasons I'm Voting For John McCain

As long as there are enemies of the United States, our president must be willing to do all that is necesssary to maintain the security of this nation and its citizens. Homeland Security is one of the most vital issues of our time. One of the first hints that we had about the continuing threat from radical Islam occurred before many/most of you were born. Palestinians attacked and killed the Jewish athletes at the 1972 Olympic games in Munich. Attacks after that became more directly aimed at the US and became more frequent. We have had 7 years without a direct attack in this country because of the leadership and commitment of George W Bush. Our next president must be as focused on this issue.

John McCain believes that the highest priority for any President is protecting the lives of American citizens, defending their personal freedom, and securing our land and resources. John McCain has the experience to insure that this priority is put into practice by the hundreds of thousands of dedicated men and women who serve their country in homeland security positions every day. John McCain knows what commitment to country means, and he will lead by example when it comes to making sure that this country’s homeland is protected.

“One lesson from the Commission’s report is that no one set of strategies is sufficient to prevent future terrorist attacks. The United States must use all of the instruments at our disposal to counter the short and long-term threats posed by international terrorism.” (John McCain, Senate Floor statement, 9/7/04)

Ten Days - Ten Reasons I'm Voting For John McCain

I believe that the Constitution of the United States and the formation of this country were inspired by God. The President of the United States takes the following oath of office on Inauguation Day. I believe that John McCain will mean it and do it.

"I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preseserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

Ten Days - Ten Reasons I'm Voting For John McCain

Reasons number 7 and 8.

Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid. I think that it is unfortunate if both houses of Congress and the White House are held by the same party. There has to be some REAL bi-partisanship.

Ten Days - Ten Reasons I'm Voting for John McCain

Reason Number Six

John McCain tried to prevent the current economic crisis which began with the housing failure.

It was liberal Democrats, led by Senator Christopher Dodd and Congressman Barney Frank, who for years-- including the present year-- denied that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were taking big risks that could lead to a financial crisis.
It was Senator Dodd, Congressman Frank and other liberal Democrats who for years refused requests from the Bush administration to set up an agency to regulate Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
It was liberal Democrats, again led by Dodd and Frank, who for years pushed for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to go even further in promoting subprime mortgage loans, which are at the heart of today's financial crisis.
Alan Greenspan warned them four years ago. So did the Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers to the President. So did Bush's Secretary of the Treasury, five years ago.

John McCain: that he tried, as a Senator, to do what it took to prevent this crisis. His attempts were blocked by the Democrats receiving contributions from Fannie and Freddie.

Ten Days - Ten Reasons I'm Voting for John McCain

Reason Number Five

I am a capitalist, pure and simple. I believe in the American dream - if you work hard and play by the rules you can succeed. Justice means that you get what you deserve, economic justice means that if you earned it, it's yours! I believe in personal responsibility. I should take care of myself and my family, and not depend on others except in case of emergency.

I believe that if a portion of my income should be used to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless and clothe the naked that I should make that choice. The government should not require that I be charitable. I have heard those who believe that charity is a function of government cite the Golden Rule and other commandments as justification. But men are commanded, not governments. The American people are some of the most charitable and generous people on the face of the planet.

Ten Days - Ten Reasons I'm Voting for John McCain

Reason Number Four - Judicial Philosophy

We are a nation of law and I am a strict constructionist.

John McCain believes that one of the greatest threats to our liberty and the Constitutional framework that safeguards our freedoms are willful judges who usurp the role of the people and their representatives and legislate from the bench. As President, John McCain will nominate judges who understand that their role is to faithfully apply the law as written, not impose their opinions through judicial fiat.

Ten Days - Ten Reasons I'm Voting for John McCain

Reason Number Three - Energy

While I don't agree with all of John's plans, these three will get us moving faster than anything else. It make take years to get all of them up and running, but some are already waiting to go into effect.
Oil Production
There is no easier or more direct way to prove to the world that we will no longer be subject to the whims of others than to expand our production capabilities. We have trillions of dollars worth of oil and gas reserves in the U.S. at a time we are exporting hundreds of billions of dollars a year overseas to buy energy. This is the largest transfer of wealth in the history of mankind. We should keep more of our dollars here in the U.S., lessen our foreign dependency, increase our domestic supplies, and reduce our trade deficit - 41% of which is due to oil imports. John McCain proposes to cooperate with the states and the Department of Defense in the decisions to develop these resources.
Natural Gas
Within the United States we have tremendous reserves of natural gas. The Outer Continental Shelf alone contains 77 trillion cubic feet of recoverable natural gas. It is time that we capitalize on these significant resources and build the infrastructure needed to transport this important component of electricity generation and transportation fuel around the country.
Nuclear Power
Currently, nuclear power produces 20% of our power, but the U.S. has not started construction on a new nuclear power plant in over 30 years. China, India and Russia have goals of building a combined total of over 100 new plants and we should be able to do the same. It is also critical that the U.S. be able to build the components for these plants and reactors within our country so that we are not dependent on foreign suppliers with long wait times to move forward with our nuclear plans.

Ten reasons I'm Voting for John Mccain

Reason Number Two - Health Care Reform UPDATE

John McCain and Sarah Palin will make it easier for individuals and families to obtain health insurance. Their plan will use competition to improve the quality of health insurance with greater variety to match people's needs, lower prices and ensure portablility. Families will be able to purchase health insurance nationwide, across state lines.
It will provide a tax credit to offset the cost of insurance, make it portable so that insurance follows Americans from job to job and expands the benefits of Health savings Accounts.

The McCain plan transforms the current tax code to provide all American families – including the self-employed and the uninsured – the same tax benefit, a $5,000 refundable tax credit ($2,500 for individuals) that was previously only available to those with employer coverage. Families can use this credit to purchase insurance of their choice, including keeping their current coverage.
Under the McCain Plan, your employer can provide you with health insurance and you would pay no more in taxes – regardless of your tax bracket. In fact, you would have some additional money left over from the McCain tax credit to put in a health savings account.

While I don't think that government really should be involved in Health Care, McCain's plan is more of a hand's off, private enterprise approach.

Ten Days - Ten Reasons to Vote for John McCain

It is ten days before the election and I have ten reasons to vote for John McCain. Not just reasons to vote against Barack Obama; ten reasons to vote FOR John McCain.
Reason Number One!
As many of you know, I am a strong proponent of the Fair Tax, which includes an elimination of all income, payroll and corporate taxes, among others. It replaces them with a sales tax on retail goods and services. John doesn't go that far. His economic plan doesn't go far enough but exceeds the other plan offered. It includes a pro-growth, pro-job creation tax policy which includes:

Middle Class Tax Cuts:
John McCain and Sarah Palin will cut taxes on middle class families. They will phase out and eliminate the Alternative Minimum Tax, saving a middle class family with children an average of over $2,700. They will also double the personal exemption for dependents.
Pro-Growth Tax Policy:
John McCain and Sarah Palin will keep taxes low by fighting efforts to raise taxes and making it harder to raise taxes in the future. They will keep the current rates on dividends and capital gainst while permitting business to immediately deduct the cost of equipment and technology.

We Get Letters

I was contemplating the title of this post, wanting to do better than this one by a good friend, creative as it was is in it's own special way. And I couldn't figure out the tug on the old heart strings from the words "We Get Letters". And then I remembered!!! Perry Como was my first (or second) true love. I told my mom I was going to marry him. Talk about a thrill going up my leg! LOL

Back to business - you know that we all get letters, via email. Some are supposed to be funny, some are supposed to prompt us to good works or to guilt or to anger. Just so you know, I usually glance at them, and then ditch them. If you expect me to pass it on to 10 of my best friends or to everyone in my ding dong email list - don't hold your breath.

But I got an email last week, forwarded for about the fourth time, purportedly from a member of the women't choir at the Relief Society General Broadcast. It said that the music chosen for that meeting was straight from the hymn book. But more specifically, from those hymns that are included in every version of the hymn book. Although it has been translated into scores of languages, only about 20 hymns appear in every version. They wanted the sisters all over the world, even if they didn't understand the words, to recognize the music.

I give that email greater credence after General Conference this past weekend. All of the music sung was from the hymnal or the children's songbook. There were a couple of nice special arrangements, but they were the hymns of Zion.

I love those hymns, love to hear the voices in my head singing them, and LOVE* to hear them sung. They speak peace to my soul.

*although they sang "We Ever Pray for Thee" at half speed, totally not necessary.

Classical Music at it's (somewhat) Best

Played with enthusiasm and joy!

Books for Children

Do you have these two books?

The Giving Tree

Rainbow Fish

Do you like them; do your kids like them? What lesson do you think they are teaching? Are they written from a religious point of view or a political point of view?

Just asking...

Seasons

I love the fall, the changing leaves, the beautiful weather, General Conference, Indian Summer, Thanksgiving... it's all wonderful. So much to look forward to, so much joy to share. And yet...

There is a certain sadness - no, that's the wrong word. Wistfulness? The leaves are going to be beautiful. The weather is going to be lovely. But then the leaves are going to fall and the weather will change to winter. So I've got that on the one hand - but on the other hand kind of feeling. You know what I mean? Maybe if I was a snow bunny, a skier, a snow boarder or something like that I would be looking forward to winter. Then I'd be anxious for fall to be over so the cold and the snow and the freezing sleet and the ice and the short days and the long miserable nights could get here. But that's not me, not at all. I can't even pretend.

So, me being me, after all, I thought I'd cheer myself up with music. It's not working. These are the two that I could think of that referred to the changing of seasons from summer to fall to winter. Not gonna cheer me up at all. If you can think of better ones, let me know. LOL

Two things about the musicians - all those who've heard of Deanna Durbin, raise your hand.
And while the tenor soars, listen to the low bass , he's amazing.

You like me, you really like me!!

Oh, wait, this isn't an Academy award, and I'm not nearly as cute as Sally Field.*

Characteristics for the Smile Award:

1. Must display a cheerful attitude.
2. Must love one another.
3. Must make mistakes.
4. Must learn from others.
5. Must be a positive contributor to blog world.
6. Must love life.
7. Must love kids.



These are the rules for The Smile Award.

1. The recipient must link back to the the award’s creator.
2. You must post these rules if you receive the award.
3. You must chose 5 people to receive the award after receiving it yourself.
4. You must fit the characteristics of the recipient of the award, as posted by Mere.
5. You must post the characteristics of a recipient.
6. You must create a post sharing your win with others.
7. You must thank your giver.

Looking for George, thanx for the nomination, I love your description of me, I love the countenance reference, it's one of my very very favorites! I know I am supposed to fit all of the characteristics, but since you don't know the ones I miss on, I'm not going to tell. LOL

Now, the envelope, please. The winners are, in no particular order:

1. ThemFloyds - They have such a great attitude in dealing with their children and life's ups and downs. I always come away smiling.

2. Keeping up with the Lutz's - If for no other reason than the (subtle) Star Trek reference. But she is always cheerful, huge smile, even in the face of adversary. Check the post about the canning accident. Amazing!

3. Hudson Haven Happenings - The happy mother of four, the oldest of which is five! She always talks glowingly about her husband and her kids and her life. Just when I think she can't do anymore, she goes skydiving! Aarrgggghhhhh!

4. Mixed Nuts - I think it's all the poopy stories that make me look forward to visiting daily. A mother of four boys, I just wait for the body function humor. It comes more naturally to boys, don't ya think?

5. Teddy Paws - Silly stuff like shadow puppets, I can't help it. And so sweet when the doggy was sick. She makes me smile.

Of course, there are other bloggers who make me laugh, who make me smile and pick me up everyday. Thanx to all of you!

*For you young whipper snappers, the title of the post refers to an effusive Academy award thank you. I know you were born in 1985, but you don't remember it! LOL

I survived Hurricane Ike in Ohio

Weather in the area was simple yesterday. The forecast was for rain, but all we got was wind, wind and more wind. The news says that there were gusts at 78 mph. I understand that a level 1 hurricane has 74 mile an hour winds. Trees and tree limbs are down all over the valley, power was out to 300,000* customers in the area and may not becompletely restored for three to five days.
We were only in the dark for 8 or 9 hours but there are still 200,000 without power. We could get by without power; it's not winter and we cook with gas and heat the water with gas. Of course, the refrigerator was out and we were expecting to be without power for at least a couple of days. Just in case, we ate all the ice cream in the freezer for supper.

*updated figure
as of Tuesday 9/16 down to 180,000
DP&L hopes to have that figure down to 100,000 by tomorrow morning

Rocket's Red Glare

I heard parts of the memorial on Thursday and was struck by the choral arrangement of The Star Spangled Banner and the Young People's Chorus of New York that sang it, a capella.
This link takes you to the CBS station that broadcast it. There is a commercial first and then the chorus. It is absolutely gorgeous.

Remembering 9/11

It was an absolutely gorgeous day. I was at work, the television was always on in the breakroom. After the first plane hit, the buzz started, then the second plane hit. As supervisor, I was trying to control the panic, keep everyone calm; there was certainly very little work being done. The phone calls started; I called my son who lived far away, made sure my daughter, not quite so far away, was okay, got a call from my mom, checking on me. I guess parenting never stops.

And then the towers fell. The pentagon was hit. Flight 93 crashed in Pennsylvania. And the world I'd always known ended.

Speaking of exciting...

Sarah Palin for VP, who'd a thunk it? Realizing that there would be issues, I was really really hoping for Mitt. But dreams don't always come true.

And this is so exciting! John McCain was brilliant at keeping the secret to the very last minute, the rally was exciting and thank goodness the Nutter Center was packed.

I like her small government, lower taxes, play it straight attitude. It helps, for momentum's sake that she's a looker who knows how to wear a skirt! LOL

Here she is last year in her official capacity as governor in a semi-official declaration.

Political Rant

The title could refer to what I am about to write as a political rant; however, it really applies to the speech I heard last night. I've been watching the Democrat National Convention (as much as I can tolerate) and have heard most of the major speeches. I am sure that the Republican National Convention will also be full of nonsense, half truth and grandstanding but, please God, not so much.

Michelle did a good job of trying to clean up the mess she made, Hillary sounded as statesman like as she needed to while tooting her own horn and failing to praise much about Barack. Bill didn't put his foot in it, but managed to make everyone nervous right up to the last minute and sing his own praises muy humbly.

But Harry Reid, Senate Majority leader gave the most lying, cheating, sickening, disgusting, grandios, full of drivel speech I have ever had the misfortune of hearing. It was all 'a phrase that a lady never uses in polite company' but this part was shocking! The man is supposed to know better....

"For the past eight years, the man in the Oval Office has tipped his hat over his eyes, kicked back his chair, and snoozed at his desk. Charged with protecting our national interests, he slept on duty while his vice president conspired with oil industry cronies. Tasked with cutting off funding to terrorists, he slept on duty while oil shortages worsened, oil prices soared, and dollars by the ton were delivered to terrorists’ banks in Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela. Faced with a new kind of war, this president and his vice president helped their friends the old-fashioned way:
through war profiteering, tax cuts for billionaires, and in many cases out-and-out corruption.

There are honest answers to the problems we face, but they call for hard solutions and common sacrifices, the kind of sacrifices that this administration has only asked the American people to bear when it lined the pockets of the obscenely rich." - Harry Reid, August 27, 2008

What to blog, what to blog...

I was going to go all serious today, maybe even super spiritual but there is too much on the web that catches my eye. I think I need three blogs, one for the deep spiritual insights, one for the political rants and one for the daily hum drum that I make so amusing everyone wants me to write a book! LOL
But for today I am going with the nut job conspiracy loonies. Watch this!

So Many Books, So Little Time

I just bought three books, which is kind of unusual. Normally, the public library is my favorite resource.

I've been reading on a multitude of blogs about the "Twilight" series, however, I did not buy any vampire books. Besides, my father's family came from the Carpathian Mountains in what was Transylvania. Yes, really. So I don't need to read about anything like that... LOL And some day I'll tell you the name of my great great great great great aunt. Maybe. But when you google her name it gets kind of gross!

Nancy got me started this time; recommending this book, "The Politically Incorrect Guide to Western Civilizatin" that Ronald darling and I both will enjoy. I also bought "Somebody's Gotta Say It!" by Neal Boortz and "Younger Next Year" which is supposed to make me as healthy and strong at 80 as I should have been at 50. We'll see how that works for me!

But I can't start any of them now; I am going to finish "Jesus the Christ" before I start teaching the New Testament in Seminary. I've never completed the book in 41 years but I am this time. An hour on the bus each day is making it easier to find time to read. Home time is spent in a recliner with the TV on and the laptop on my lap (go figure)!

I was just reading Talmage's commentary about Lazarus raised from the dead. The Lord did not do anything more than necessary. He knew where Lazarus was buried, but he asked anyway. He could have made the stone that sealed the tomb move or disappear, but he told the entourage to move it. He could have caused the burial clothes that bound Lazarus and hampered his movements to drop, but he instructed the family and friends to loose him. All that was humanly possible he had done by those with him. That which they could not do, the miracle, he performed.

I'm finding the insights illuminating.

So, People Think I've Got Quirks...

If they only knew! LOL

The RULES1. Link the person who tagged you…In my case, Katie.
2. Post these rules.
3. Tell about 6 unspectacular quirks of yours.
4. Tag 6 fellow bloggers by linking them

Okay, I like the idea of a theme that Katie gave us; here goes.

I sing at the drop of a hat. Well, actually at the drop of anything. Mostly show tunes, but anything really.

1. I sang to Ronald darling when we were dating but he married me anyway. He heard "Whatever Lola ('Lona) Wants" although I didn't do the dancing that Gwen Verdon did. (You young 'uns have no idea what I'm talking about, right?) He also heard "Big Spender" - I've never seen the show, but the 'fun, laughs, good times' line seemed perfect!

2. I sing "Good Morning" from Singing in the Rain or "Oh What A Beautiful Morning" from Oklahoma to my seminary class. Talk about scary at 5:30 in the morning! At least one of my students told me it I was scary. I try dancing along too, but that's not so good.

3. I sing all the songs that my sister and mom and I sang at the kitchen sink every day. "Red, Red Robin", "Bye, Bye Blackbird", "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot". I've taught a couple of them to my grandsons too, although I don't think my daughter is thrilled about that.

4. I grew up going to a variety of Protestant churches and (of course) singing in a gazillion choirs. And I remember a lot of the hymns that I sang then that we don't sing now. "The Old Rugged Cross" and "Love Lifted Me" were my favorites. And I remember the Protestant words to hymns we sing in the LDS church. "How Gentle God's Commands" equals "Blest Be The Ties That Bind (our hearts in Christian love)". "Israel, Israel, God is Calling" equals "What a Friend We Have In Jesus".

5. There are wonderful, cheery, upbeat, disgustingly happy songs and I think I know and sing them all! " High Hopes" by Frank Sinatra, "Look on the Bright Side of Life" from The Life of Brian, "Goin' Courtin'" from Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and everything from The Music Man. And a whole big long bunch of others.

6. The song that comes to mind most often (in a non-spiritual vein) is again from Oklahoma. It is one I have always wanted to perform but it is inappropriate for a stuffy old broad like me to sing in a church talent show setting. And that is just about the only place I sing where other people can hear me. I did sing it on a very brave day in an audition for a real show. I don't know where I got the guts to do that, but they didn't gag.
Oh, I didn't mention the name of the song, did I? "I C'ain't Say No!".

You would think that singing all the time would have made me good by now. *sigh*

Is He As Stupid As He Sounds?

I heard a story, probably apocryphal, about a bishop who's son bore his testimony. "And our family is much happier since we stopped using the F-word and the S-word."

Poor bishop! He had to explain to the ward that the F-word was fart and the S-word was stupid.

Perhaps I shouldn't have used the S-word in the title of this entry, but I just can't think of any other that says exactly what I mean without sounding even worse.

I've posted before about my belief in the Fair Tax proposal, HR 25. It would fund the government at the current rate (which is too much, but first things first) and solve one of our major problems which is funding for Social Security and Medicare. Not that they both don't need to be fixed and/or eliminated, but funding will reach crisis proportions soon.

But a basic understanding of our current federal income tax system should be required of all elected officials to the House and the Senate. And certainly from the majority leader of the US Senate. But Harry Reid has not a clue! Really! Get a load of this!




We definitely need a change this election cycle!

One year in high school the physical education plan was to find a sport we would enjoy and continue throughout our lives. It didn't work for me, of course but may have for others.

We tried field hockey. The hockey stick is never supposed to be swung higher than the waist. I got hit in the mouth and got a lovely split lip. Crossed that one right off the list.

We tried gymnastics; leaping across the horse thing-y AKA vault, the uneven parallel bars, floor exercises and the balance beam. Usually there is only one spotter, but they had to have three or four for me; I was terrified! And not very good.

The one sport that I might have pursued was golf. We practised driving in gym, putting in the yard and then they took us out to play nine holes of real golf. We went to the Kitty Hawk golf course to play. I scored 90 on 9 holes. I could have done better - in fact, I did do better. But they would only let me count 10 strokes per hole. I would have scored much higher if they let me count all of them, maybe even twice as good! ;)

But getting back to Olympic sports - gymnastics, even though I couldn't perform, became one of my all time favorite sports to watch. What they do is amazing! Here is a comedian performing on the uneven bars. I loved it - enjoy!

Blogosphere

Until a few months ago I had no idea that a gazillion people were putting thoughts out for the whole world to read. It's fun to stumble onto something fun or fascinating or frivolous... there's also freaky, but I back off those as fast as ever I can! LOL

I found these musings of a dad and thought you might enjoy them too.
Things As They Really Are.

Hope There's a Pot of Gold Somewhere!!!!!!!!

This is one of the rainbows from last weekend with my baby sister:

Sisters

I've been having a lot of great experiences recently - had another over the weekend. My sister was coming to Akron to meet up with some online buddies, of which I am one, nominally. LOL So I drove up from the temple and stayed overnight. I hadn't seen her since my mom's funeral two years ago, so this was really great. We only had Saturday and then Sunday morning, but we talked and laughed and made resolutions not to let two years go by again. And I only got marginally weepy when we said goodbye. Since I am a big crybaby, that was an accomplishment.
I forgot my bathing suit so missed out on the pool, but got in a nice nap on the deck. The weather Saturday was on again, off again rain. A little thunder, a little lightening and two rainbows, one after each major-ish rain storm. Rainbows make everything special. But there were four cameras (none mine) and six people yelling, get the rainbow, get the rainbow! It was a hoot!

I am posting a picture of us that we took; it's the only one I have so far. If she sends me a better one, I will swap it out. We were looking at one of the rainbows, I didn't react fast enough for my closeup. I am going to blame the photographer for the fact that I look older and heavier - but I think that's a cop out!

All's Right With the World!

It rained a little last night, so it was cloudy this morning. Not total clouds, some light, some dark, with little pieces of sky in between – just beautiful. We drive west toward Huber every morning, and as we drove we spotted a beautiful rainbow. As the angle changed, the colors became brilliant, absolutely wonderful! As we admired the colors, the angle continued to change. That was when we saw the second rainbow. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a double rainbow, but it was glorious. *

Which means, God’s in His Heaven and all’s right with the world.

*This isn't it, but it's close! lol

God Bless the USA

We live in a great and wonderful country; the creation of which was inspired of God. And it continues to this day because of the love and dedication of its citizens.
More importantly, it is because of the love and dedication of the citizens who put themselves in harm's way for our sake. I am an Air Force brat living near an Air Force base with dozens of military people in my ward (congregation). I am grateful for the sacrifice that they make and the sacrifice of their families. I don't say it often enough: Thank you and God bless you.

The Best of Times, the Worst of Times

When you have children, you worry. Am I doing things right, will they turn out okay, how will they do in the real world - and how bad is that world going to be? But they grow up any way and go out into the world and worrying doesn't do any good. It doesn't stop, by the way, but it doesn't do any good.

And then you have grandchildren. I know that seems a long way away to the young mothers out there, but it happens faster than you can believe. And you worry. The world we live in is wonderful and very, very difficult. When you are in worry mode, the world seems even worse than it is. I am comforted by this message from Harold B Lee:

"In my lifetime I have seen two world wars plus Korea plus Vietnam and all that you are currently witnessing. I have worked my way through the depression and managed to go to law school while starting a young family at the same time. I have seen stock markets and world economies go crazy and have seen a few despots and tyrants go crazy, all of which causes quite a bit of trouble around the world in the process.
So I am frank to say tonight that I hope you won't believe all the world's difficulties have been wedged into your decade or that things have never been worse than they are for you personally, or that they will never get better. I reassure you that things have been worse and they will always get better. They always do---especially when we live and love the gospel of Jesus Christ and give it a chance in our lives" (The Teachings of Howard W. Hunter, p. 202).

Am I Good and Humble?

The talks in Sacrament Meeting this morning and the lessons in Sunday School and Relief Society all added to a question that runs through my mind. How do you know if you are good enough without becoming prideful if the answer is yes? And of course, by good enough I don't mean REALLY good enough, but that you are doing the best you can, making the right choices and trying to be like Jesus.

I could give you a list of the things that I have not perfected in myself, but many of you know them and the rest of you will figure it out soon enough. But the Lord has placed in me, as He has in you great responsibility and has trusted me/us to do the right thing. So when opportunity for service comes, we take it; when the opportunity to testify comes we take it. Sister Chieko Okazaki told us in a meeting to pat ourselves on the back if we were doing a good job, and if we weren't to that level, to pat ourselves on half our backs.

So there's the rub. If I'm good enough (for now), how much of my back should I pat? lol

There is a song which says pretty much how I feel. When the Lord needs someone to help who can he call? I'm willing, so he can call me. Does that make me proud?

Well, give a listen and tell me what you think. Are we proud when we know the Lord can call on us?

Home and Hearth

Have I mentioned that we had a wonderful vacation? We enjoyed every minute of it... in NC - game time with the young'uns and with the grand kids. :) Just sitting and talking, eating wonderful food (some home made and some not), farmer's market, story telling and singing, bike rides and walks, giggling and laughing. Then on to MD to see my brother and sister in law. More wonderful food, giggling and talking, maritime museum visit and more singing.

The new old car that we bought was wonderful, 35 mpg on the highway and not a bit of trouble. The brakes didn't go out until day before yesterday. But they are fixed now and the car has promised not to have anymore problems for two years. I'm sure that's what I heard... yes?

It's a Wonderful Life!

We are still having a great time... we left NC yesterday and are with my brother and sister in law in MD. We've been touring with them, talking and eating constantly. Ronald darling is having fun - it's such a relief. He doesn't like the travelling and the planning and feels like he is too much trouble and t hathis hearing loss is annoying. But he has had a great time visiting here and at the kids.

We head home tomorrow and then it's back to work I go.

See y'all real soon!

Forever Family

We are having the time of our lives with our daughter, son-in-law and grandsons. We've done some "fun stuff" and will do tomorrow. But the best part is just seeing them and talking to them. Oh, yeah, and listening to the boys talk and talk and talk. Most of it is to Grandpa - I love how they love him.

We are here in NC until Friday morning, then we head to MD to see my brother and sister-in-law.

It has been wonderful so far, and I am excited about the rest of the week.

We got here Saturday evening. We were sitting talking to the kids (the boys were in bed) and Ronald darling just had a big grin on his face, looking at them. I love when he does that! It warms the cockles of me heart!

Memories

Next week is going to be absolutely wonderful; we are going to North Carolina to see our daughter, son-in-law and grandsons. And a stop over to see my brother and his wife in Maryland. Absolutely grand!

But I've been sort of weepy this week. Today (Friday, June 13th) is the anniversary of the day we transferred my father to Hospice. He probably should have been there for at least a week, but his doctor's didn't/wouldn't suggest it. Ronald darling went with him to Hospice because I was taking mama to the base with pneumonia. The next day (tomorrow) he died. I'd been with him in the morning, but only staff was with him at the end. Fortunately, I was with mama when my brother called. He and I took care of all the arrangements but our focus was definitely on her. She needed strengthening. I guess I put off mourning for daddy, so occasionally it hits me in waves.

But their temple work has been done; they are endowed and sealed for time and for all eternity and I am sealed to them as well. The gospel is a tremendous blessing and comfort in my life.

On display!

So I've been tagged! Follow the link, I've been here before! LOL

Much as I love talking about myself, of course, I can't believe anyone is really interested. I can hear the eyes rolling back in the head when I get started! LOL

Thanx for tagging me Melody!

An Ego Bigger Than Mine!

The speech (his victory speech) began with a declaration of humility then went on to praise Shrillery and denounce McCain. Bad enough, but typically political stuff. But the ending was completely outlandish. The man is totally egotistical and prideful! Full of himself and something else as well. (snicker)

"I am absolutely certain that generations from now, we will be able to look back and tell our children that this was the moment when we began to provide care for the sick and good jobs to the jobless.
"This was the moment when the rise of the oceans began to slow and our planet began to heal; this was the moment when we ended a war and secured our nation and restored our image as the last, best hope on Earth."

I am not happy with John McCain, but I agree with Thomas Sowell; there's not much choice.

And then there's this....

Idiot Quote of the Century:
'My friends, we live in the greatest nation in the history of the world. I hope you'll join with me as we try to change it.'
- Barack Obama

Music is my favorite thing!

Every time I see something like this, I think "Talent Show". For my younger friends, you will know the song being sung. For my older friends, you will recognize the singers and won't say "Who?"
I guess that proves that music lasts longer than musicians.
Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=gpuEXQtA5D4

And somebody tell me how to put the video directly into the post!

Rant or Rave?

I am overcome with ennui... somewhere blah and don't care. I should be ranting at the moment because of the political drivel, but the urge is past and I have to wait for the bile to build again.

So just a moment to tell you that I really really love SHOW TUNES. They don't write music today that fits so many situations. So when I was talking to Gloomy Gus yesterday, I had to reach back 50 years to find a song to sing. Did I mention that I sing at the drop of a hat? That everything is a song cue?

And this is one of the most encouraging songs! Enjoy!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=AvS8IOV1XqQ&feature=related

And I'll get to the bile later!

Tagged, eh?

What I was doing 10 years ago:

I was a mother in law, but not a grandma - a Relief Society president in an inner city branch - supervisor in a call center. Married for 30 years.

5 things on my to-do list today:

1. Planning the Malachi lessons - end of Seminary.
2. Exercise - fat chance! No pun intended
3. Hi Ho, Hi Ho, it's off to work I go.
4. Clean the house for crying out loud!
5. Blog!

Things I would do if I were a billionaire:

1. Tithe and VERY generous fast offering!
2. Trust funds for the kids and grandkids
3. Pay off all family and extended family debts.
4. Donate to Humanitarian Aid, Perpetual Education Fund and a variety of others
5. A host of anonymous gifts
6. House, car, clothes, trip(s).

Bad habits:

1. Procrastination
2. Procrastination
3. Lazy, lazy and lazy.

Places I've lived:

1. Tacoma WA
2. Monterey CA
3. San Antonio TX
4. Arlington VA (kindergarten)
5. Derby KS
6. Columbus OH
7. Sidi Slimane Morocco
8. Blytheville AK
9. Huber Heights OH
10. Covington OH
11. Dayton OH
12. Here

5 jobs I've had:

1. Switchboard Operator (one ringie dingie)
2. Sales and collection for the telephone company
3. Restaurant Owner
4. Call Center telephone answerer....
5. Supervisor and Quality Analyst

Life Is Good!

Not because there is wonderful stuff; but because, for now, there is nothing horrible in my life. I know so many sad stories, enormous tragedy all around. I'm sure it will be our turn again, but for now - we are greatly blessed.

Now, I just read that sentence again. Greatly blessed, eh? Okay, so they are not tangible blessings- money, houses, cars, clothes, jewels. But we have each other, a great family and the gospel with it's beauty and duty*. Because the Lord has trusted us with so much, we know that we can trust him.

It is a wonderful life!

*I slept, and dreamed that life was Beauty.
I woke, and found that life was Duty.
Was thy dream then a shadowy lie?
Toil on, poor heart, unceasingly;
And thou shalt find thy dream to be
A truth and noonday light to thee.

~ Ellen Sturgis Hooper

Harbingers of Spring - Warning! Political Statement

I think spring is my favorite season of all. Forsythia makes me smile and I know that all is right with the world when that yellow pops. My very favorite sight is when the trees and bushes start looking just slightly lacy. The buds are just peeking and it is glorious!

There are other harbingers of spring that are also inevitable. I just filed our income tax returns. What a total waste of time and money to get everything put together, entered into a system etc. And ours was easy compared to some. I want to make April 15 just another spring day.

I am an avid proponent of the FairTax, a comprehensive proposal that replaces all federal income and payroll based taxes with an integrated approach that includes:

• a progressive national retail sales tax


• a prebate to ensure that no American pays federal taxes on spending up to the poverty level


• dollar for dollar federal revenue neutrality


• repeal of the 16th amendment through companion legislation

If you aren't familiar with it, read all about it at fairtax.org. If you are already in favor, or think that maybe it might be a good idea if Congress would just look at it, sign the petition. We wanted 100,000 signatures by April 15; we have 102,000. The more we get, the more likely the congress and presidential candidates will be to pass it! Here's the link to the petition.

Thanx for allowing me a brief rant, if you want to see me chew the curtains, engage me in conversation on the subject.

And enjoy the spring!

Love is a Many Splendored Thing!

For all you youngsters, the title of this post is also the name of a song that was HUGE when I was a teenager... and that is oh, so many years ago.
I took two days off work last week, and just stayed home with the hubby. I meant to get more spring cleaning done than I did; but I got some done! I also meant to do some sewing but that was completely blown off. But I got to spend the time with my husband and it was great. I didn't realize how much I missed being with him all day every day. And he was so sweet and adorable. Flirting and dancing and singing; just a lovely vacation from the rest of the world's stuff. I love the giggly part of being in love and am glad that it doesn't go away.
Don't tell him I said this, but he really is terrific. Also, cute and adorable - some of the time, anyway. We will be celebrating 40 years in a couple of months; I can't wait for the next 40! LOL
When the missionaries taught me that families can be forever, they weren't telling me anything I didn't already know. My parents believed that they would be together forever decades before they heard anything about it from missionaries. They didn't know how it would work, especially with their sometime belief in reincarnation ; ). But they believed it with all their hearts. And I know they are together now.

Be it resolved...

There are always changes that should, could or must be made. The thing that needs changing waits in the corner and is ignored (at least by me) until it can't wait any longer. Out it pops, demanding that time, energy and attention be given IMMEDIATELY!!
I suppose that wouldn't be so bad, but there are four corners and I've been ignoring all four corners... and they are popping out all over the place! Aarrggghhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!
Let's see, one of the seven deadly sins.... sloth! Same as procrastination, right? That's the big one for me, maybe (I said maybe) bigger than pride.
I could start the pity party, but then am reminded of all the problems I don't have.
One of the changes is weight loss. Unlike braver friends who will tell you how much they weigh instead of what the driver's license says; I'm not telling. See, pride. I told you it was still there. : )
I have so many blessings and am not a good steward of them. So, be it resolved; change is in the works. I'll keep you posted.

Great are the words of Isaiah

I'm teaching Old Testament this year and we're in Isaiah for three weeks. I'm fascinated by how much I have memorized because I've sung it for years. Isaiah named the Savior so many times. And one of my favorite verses contains a bunch!

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

I can't read it without hearing it from "Messiah", and I can't read it aloud without the chokey voice hitting! lol

And speaking of names, in Isaiah 1:4, he uses the first - Holy one of Israel. This name is used twice in Jeremiah, once in Ezekiel, three times in Psalms and once in 2 Kings. In 2 Kings it is Isaiah speaking. He uses it about 30 times in Isaiah. Lehi, Nephi and Jacob use that name 39 times. I know what you are thinking - they were quoting Isaiah. You are only right 4 times, 35 times they are writing on their own. But they learned from Isaiah, he was their very very favorite prophet.

Do you have favorite a verse? One that makes you feel good every time you read it. One of my favorites is also in Isaiah, 40:31. "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

I've told you mine; you tell me yours.

Evidently Life Happens

When I think the plans are going to work just right, life happens. Darling Hubby calls it the family curse, but if it is, it comes from his side! :)
We wanted to go see the daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren. That involves planning, timing and money. It was easier before I went back to work, but always always always involved money!
So the curse through bad brakes and a bad furnace in the middle of winter at us.... there went the money we were pretending we had enough of. So the trip is off, I don't get to see the family or the countryside or get away.... Next time I'll just up and do it without the planning and stuff. Maybe that will work, ya think?

Because I'm always right and never wrong and I know everything, I've decided to put my musings into the cosmos and see what falls back! lol

We had a wonderful day at the temple; short handed but lots of patrons. Our dear coordinator found that her recommend had expired last night, so she passed the baton to me. I don't mind coordinating, in fact, I love it. The interaction with the workers and the patrons is more special that way.

But now the temple is closed for three weeks, whatever will I do?!?