Yea, Verily

So, Here's A Question

2012-01-08T22:53:00.000-05:00

Back to resolutions. That's where we were, right?
I suppose I'm the only one in the world who resolves each year to read/study the scriptures on a more regular basis and/or make it more study than read. Right? I'm not? Go figure!

Of course, I also (always) resolve to make my prayers more regular, sincere and spiritual. And to wait/listen for response. And to make them more grateful than petitionary. Sound familiar? Maybe I'm not the only one.

So, let me tell you a story. Several years ago I went to a business dinner, company wide. Entertainment, awards, all of that essential business stuff that requires you to be away from home outside of business hours. Large tables seating ten. I was sitting with 9 women with whom I worked on a regular basis. Three of us were LDS. Dinner was being served and one of the other lovely ladies asked if we could bless the food. Well, what are you going to do, say no? So I agreed that it would be okay. So she and several others reached out so that we could all hold hands while we prayed. That isn't the way we pray at the table at home, but I'd already said yes. So I joined hands and then dropped mine to below tabletop height. I didn't want to be seen praying to be seen. And, I was a little uncomfortable about the whole thing.

Since then, I've dined out frequently. In fact, I love eating out, so frequently means at least once a week. Just family, LDS friends, non-LDS friends, missionaries and just the two of us. I occasionally bless the food, but not always and never out loud. Some friends always want to pray over the food, aloud. Others never mention the idea. So, I am of two minds. I am grateful for the food, for the hands that prepared it, and I want it to nourish and strengthen my body, and I'm also grateful for all the other blessings that I have been given. (Does it sound like my blessing on the food is a little bit rote? Yeah, to me too.) But I am uncomfortable making a display of my prayers.

Here's another story. Many years ago, when we were still in the Washington DC temple district I went to breakfast in the cafeteria. We were eating breakfast first thing so that we could have the energy for several hours work. I went through the cafeteria line, eggs, juice, bacon, biscuits... my mouth is watering. I got to the cashier and happened to be the first person in line. The cashier asked me to bless the food. What? Yes, please bless the food for this meal. Turns out that at the beginning of each meal time, they asked the first person in line to bless the food for that particular meal. Who knew, unless you were that person. I did, of course, you can't turn down a request like that. And then, I watched as others came through later, paid for their meal, sat down, folded their arms, bowed their heads and prayed over their food. I knew something they didn't know. :)

So, do you or don't you pray in restaurants? Do you pray silently or out loud?
Is there a right or wrong answer?

Be It Resolved

2012-01-02T21:51:00.000-05:00

I make New Year's resolutions every year, but I don't write them down or announce them to the public. I also don't keep them. Hmmm.... I wonder if there is a correlation? It's a possibility.

So every year, I make the same resolutions (or set the same goals). For instance, last year I set a specific weight loss goal, a specific number of pounds to lose. I didn't make it. I did lose, but only about 15% of my original figure. Now common sense and my daughter, tell me to set a goal of 5% of my body weight. Medical professionals say that losing 5 to 10 percent of your body weight (presuming that you are overweight) gives you tremendous health benefits. Frankly, I believe them. I am making that my goal, to lose 5% of my total weight. But, I'm not going to take a year to do it.
So, there you have it. It's in public and it's specific. I will even give periodic updates. So let it be written, so let it be done.

On Trial

2011-10-19T23:23:00.004-04:00

Have I mentioned, and you know that I have, that I don't understand why my life is so good? I mean, aside from being old and fat and creaky, my life is really good. Sure, I'd like to be rich and semi-famous, thinner, more gorgeous and with a mind like a steel trap, as I was when this picture was taken. Oh, yes, and with the best selling novel in the bag.

Other than those superficial things, there is very little I would change about my life. Ronald darling and I are getting older, but then, so are you! But we had a head start, so we are getting closer, in 30 or 40 years, to the end. But, I look at other people's trials that are so difficult, and wonder why my life does not seem to be a trial. I have friends with grave health problems, without work for months, dealing with deaths in their families, with wayward children and sin.

And I don't have major issues. I'm not going to confess my sins; I have them, but I'm working on them. We could be healthier, but we are working on that as well. So why don't we have major trials? Not that I want them, mind you. I just keep asking, "Why not me?"

Maybe the Lord won't give me huge problems because he knows I couldn't handle them - or because I could so I don't need them. Maybe I'm so good that I deserve a care-free life. Yeah, right! Or maybe I have trials, but I'm coping with them so well that I don't realize that they are there. Possibly the Lord is helping me carry them, so that I don't feel the weight.

So what is the purpose of trials? To strengthen us, to teach us and to encourage us to lean on the Lord. I found this poem that gives some insight. It's written from the perspective of a man, in the 19th century, trying to decide why he had been born black, when his race was a trial. It is from a play called I Am Jane, written about early members of the LDS church.

"I feel, Sister Jane, that ours is:

Not a curse but a gift t'us,

The best path we could seek

A place where God can lift us

We kneel; our knees is weak

And when one of us is kneelin',

We understand his fears.

We know what all us is feelin'

We cry each other's tears.

That's just what Jesus done

For all us human folk.

He agreed to come get born

To feel ev'ry pain and poke.

So's he could understand us,

What it is to be a slave.

So's he could get beneath us

And push us outa the grave

Would you rather be the massa

or the Roman with his whip?

Would you rather nail the Savior-

Put vinegar to his lip?

Or learn the lessons of sufferin'-

How we nothin' without grace.

Jesus, he give us a callin'

He gifted us our race."

The Lord has gifted us all our trials, even the ones that we don't recognize as trials. And they are blessings, even though they may not feel like blessings.

Who Leads the Lambs Away?

2011-10-01T20:59:00.004-04:00

Isn't it strange, I've had this poem since last May. It was used in a Relief Society lesson by my visiting teacher. I was so struck by it, that I asked her to get me a copy. It was from a talk given by Elder Banks in 1999. It's interesting that you can hear something over and over, and then at some point you get that Ah-Ha moment. So this scripture, Matthew 18:1-13 inspired this poem by C C Miller.

Twas a sheep not a lamb that strayed away
In the parable Jesus told,
A grown-up sheep that strayed away
From the ninety and nine in the fold.

And why for the sheep should we seek
And earnestly hope and pray?
Because there is danger when sheep go wrong;
They lead the lambs astray.

Lambs will follow the sheep, you know,
Wherever the sheep may stray.
When sheep go wrong, it won't take long
Til the lambs are as wrong as they.

And so with the sheep we earnestly plead
For the sake of the lambs today,
For when sheep are lost, what a terrible cost
The lambs will have to pay.

Facebook Friendliness

2011-07-10T22:55:00.003-04:00

I have 285 Facebook friends. Really!

I have friends that are family, friends in my ward (congregation), former missionaries who served in my ward, friends in my former wards, friends who serve with me at the temple, friends from high school, friends from work, friends from my former job, people who I barely remember, and a few that are in the"how did they get on my list" category.

I use Facebook primarily for church work and family contacts, but for some reason, I read all of the wall posts that pop up every day. It's interesting, fun and sometimes sad.

Like many of you (however many of you there are who read my blog and do Facebook), I have heard about engagements, breakups, marriages and constant relationship upheavals. I've read about births, deaths, pregnancies, miscarriages, illness, surgery and accidents.

I am amazed at the personal details people are willing to put out for all the world to see. They fight with their significant other, and all the details are there. They go out and get snockered, and all the details go right on the wall. Pictures of new babies, new cars, new pets, new toys and surgical scars.

I share some of those things as well, but only in private messages, not posted on the wall for 285 friends, Romans, countrymen and strangers to see.

And then, a couple of weeks ago, I saw this wall post.

"When ur elbows have fat rolls u might have a problem."

Now that's a true statement. I understand, even though my elbows have fat rolls. But did this person really intend to hurt my feelings? She didn't, by the way. Hurt my feelings, I mean. But she has 185 friends, surely some of them are not svelt. One shot back a little - I'm heavy but I'm going to LOL response, and one of her friends 'liked' her post.

Face book feels anonymous, even though your name is right there for all the world to see. The world is a very out there, reality show kind of place. Perhaps if we want privacy, we should keep things a little more private. Just sayin'.

Getting In Shape

2011-06-25T22:29:00.008-04:00

Difficult as it is for me to confess, I am not in tip top physical condition. I might be a tad bit over my ideal weight, and just slightly sedentary. Slightly.

In the past, I have joined the YMCA, purchased workout tapes, owned 2 treadmills and 2 stationary bikes which became wonderful clothes racks, bought "guaranteed to work" exercise devices. The most recent purchase was another stationary bike, this time from a garage sale. Ronald darling didn't think we should get it, seeing as how we don't really need another clothes rack. But he agreed, wrestled it into the car, drove it home and set it up in the living room. Not an attractive decorative accessory, but since it's in front of the TV, I do get on it occasionally.

Recently, I've been reading the blog of a young man who went from 358 to 220 pounds. This page of his blog shows him about half way through. He did it by sensible eating and running. Of course, reading the blog doesn't burn as many calories as you might think. So I'm still trying to decide the best method for me to get into better shape. Already working on the sensible eating thing, but I'm looking for an activity that might help. Your suggestions will be appreciated.

This video, however, has convinced me that running may not be my best option!

He Just Gets Better!

2011-06-04T22:15:00.002-04:00

You know I've got this guy, right? Ronald darling? Yeah, him!

He has some good qualities, a few anyway. He makes the best brownies in the world. He cuts roses for me from the garden. He does most of the cooking and cleaning and laundry. Of course, he's retired and has a little more time for it. But he doesn't particularly like the way I dress, and he was brave enough to say it.

Actually, he's been saying it for a couple of years. Something about everything I wear looks like every other thing I wear. And he's right. Saturday he just insisted that I go shopping and replace my wardrobe. I didn't want to do it, I hate shopping! I don't like the way I look and I don't like looking at myself in the mirror. Most days anyway. But I agreed; I was going shopping, but for some reason, he didn't trust me. He expected that I would come back with more stuff that looked exactly the same. Probably right. He went with me. We shopped for four hours. Four hours, for crying out loud!
So this is what we got. Two dresses, three skirts, five blouses and two jackets. And two pair of shoes. Now I have to go through what I have, figure out what needs to get pitched and then shop for the rest of the wardrobe. Who knows, maybe I will learn to like shopping. And spending money!

So, when you see me and I'm wearing something different, remember, it's Ronald darling's fault! And if I look good, try not to sound surprised when you say it. LOL

This May Have Come Up a Time or Two Before

2011-05-22T17:50:00.007-04:00

I love to sing. Really? Yeah, really! You may have heard it a time or twelve before; I love it.

A few weeks ago, six sisters sang in Sacrament meeting. I loved hearing them, loved the feeling that they brought to the meeting. It was sweet and lovely. I'd been watching them practice for weeks. They wanted to make sure that the notes were right, the harmony was right, the words were right and that the spirit was right. Also, they wanted to make sure that they didn't make any major mistakes or look foolish in front of friends and family. Trust me, I know. I've been there and done that!

As you know, I've been around for decades. The first time I ever remember going into a church, was when I was nine; a friend invited me to go to church with her. Who knew Presbyterians did missionary work? My folks weren't thrilled with the idea, but couldn't think of a good reason to refuse, so I went. I don't remember anything about the church service, but my friend sang in the children's choir and asked if I'd like to sing, too. Again, see my parents response two sentences ago.

And then , one Sunday, the children's choir sang. I thought my parents would love to come, but they did not want to come hear me sing for the first time in public. Not because they didn't love me - they did! They just did not want to go to church! They did come to hear me, but reminded me before and after that they would not be coming whenever I sang. Just so I'd know!

And that's the way it's been; I've been singing in choirs, school and church, ever since. Holy cow, that's more than 50 years! And for many of those years, I also sang with a group of five other sisters in the church. We'd sing at Christmas, in regular Sacrament meetings and at funerals. If a special musical number was needed, we did it. We were the go to gals. The sisters who sang a few weeks ago reminded me so much of that earlier crew.

So Jane, Mabel, Rosemarie, Laurie and Mary - sure miss you!

Up the Down Elevator

2011-04-17T21:30:00.007-04:00

Really? Two months since I last blogged? Blogged, is that even a word? How long can I keep asking questions? An interesting experience on the elevator the other day. The building I work in has the most modern tech-y elevator in town. There is no Up or Down button to operate the thing. You approach the elevator and push the floor number that you want to reach. This might be a little tricky if the building had 140 floors, but it only has 11, counting the lower level and the lower lower level. So you push the button to make the elevator take you to your floor. The panel tells you which elevator is going to take you there, A, B, C or D. The door opens, you get on and you don't push anything else. The elevator is going to your floor. Of course, if you got on the wrong one, just following the crowd, it is going to take you to the floor it planned all along. There is nothing you can do to change it. So, when you are starting out the day, riding with people you don't know, you have a choice. Complete silence, or meaningless chit chat. I usually go for the latter. You know, the weather, enthusiasm for the new week, the yearning for the weekend. Strictly bland stuff. And then there is the bon mot to those you leave behind as you step off the elevator. I try to rotate the following: have a nice day, have a great day, have fun. But the other day, I wanted something different. Optional phrases were whipping through my mind and we were approaching my floor. What to say, what to say? And then it came to me! "Once more unto the breach!" I was so proud, I knew that it was worthy of the literary brilliance award. I mean, who quotes Shakespeare at 8:00 in the morning? But, no award. I may have literary brilliance, but the woman who followed me onto the floor had me beat. She said with a huge smile, "It's show time!" Drat! For that moment, it was more brilliant! My intellectual snobbery was crushed again! Next time, I'm going to say, "Have fun storming the castle."

Something Else I Want

2011-02-17T12:27:00.005-05:00

It's silly, but sometimes I want what I want, even though I don't need it, don't have to have it and already have one that's almost as good.

For some reason, appliances fall into this category. I bought a hugely expensive, excellent vaccuum cleaner that can suck the dust mites out of your innersping mattress and make your furnace filters as good as new (maybe). It was in my house, in the possession of a door to door salesperson and I had to have it. She demonstrated, it was wonderful, I didn't have a vaccuum and didn't pay attention to the fact that it weighed a ton and didn't have power steering. So I bought it, persuaded Ronald darling that we really really needed it and now he's the one who uses it. Sigh. I didn't really need it.

When I got married, a few decades ago, I wanted a mixer - not a hand mixer, but a stand mixer. I got a Sunbeam Mixmaster, just like my mama's and it was great. Except I kept letting the spatula slip into the beaters and bending them a bit. But they straightened out, pretty much and it was great. It had clear glass bowls, so you could see if you were done mixing. But eventually the bowls broke and the beaters bent beyond repair and I went back to the hand mixer. Eventually, I got a KitchenAid and thought I'd died and gone to heaven. The bowl is stainless so it won't break... although I can't see through it to make sure that I'm done mixing. Like my vaccuum, I'm sure it will last until I die or sometime thereafter. It is strong, it is invincible, it is (ideal for a) woman.

But I want a new one. A new KitchenAid. Actually, I want this KitchenAid.

The Pioneer Woman gave two away this week and will give two away next week. She only had 66,222 entries last week, surely all of them will have given up, and I'll be the only entry, right?
Right.
But if I win, what will I do with the one I have now? I suppose I could give it to Ronald darling, he does most of the baking anyway. But somehow, his and hers KitchenAids seems just a little over the top. His and hers Jags make complete sense, but mixers? Nyuh-uh.
So here is my solemn promise. If I win one of these mixers, I will take my fully functional mixer to the next Nickel Auction that my friends have and sell it there.

Have I Told You Lately...

2011-02-01T12:29:00.003-05:00

That Ronald darling is a prince among men? No? Really? Huh. Go figure.

Okay, perhaps that is a bit over the top; but he is really great.* We have been having a very cold winter, you may have noticed. It is exactly the kind of winter I expected we'd be having back when I was in grade school. The teachers were very clear; we should expect cold winters as adults. The reason, of course, was the advancing glaciers, the ice age that was coming. So, we've had a cold and precipitous winter. Our car sits on a concrete slab next to our home, not garaged and not even car-ported. The snow and sleet and ice all hit it, while it just sits there shivering and cowering. And every morning, Ronald darling goes out and warms up the car before I leave for work. See, I told you he was a nice guy!*

This morning, it was worse... about 8 steady hours of sleet and freezing rain landed on our car during the night. I woke up during the night, about 12:30 or 1:00 and it sounded like a summer rain storm. We have a metal roof, so the sound reverberates in the house. It was pouring down freezing rain and/or sleet, just like a summer gully washer.

This morning, the car was encapsulated. Ronald darling asked when I planned on leaving. Forty five minutes prior to that time, he went out to salt the walks, scrape the car windows, and warm up the engine and interior. When he had every thing cleared off, he got in the car and drove it out to the highway to make sure that the streets in the complex and the roads to the highway were passable. And it took him all of that time, three quarters of an hour to make it possible for me to leave safely. Scraping and shovelling and all. See?*

And then I got the lecture. "Be careful, watch out, check your brakes, don't follow to close, watch out for the other guy, don't go too fast, keep an assured clear distance. And be careful!"**

*Don't tell him I said so!
**But, he's still terrific!*

Key Boarding

2011-01-03T21:20:00.002-05:00

I took piano lessons when I was a kid; I almost remember my teacher's name. She was a very nice woman and very patient. She had to be, trust me! I had a couple of recitals and used to play while my sister sang in family talent shows. I liked it, but the piano did not go with us to Morocco when I was 10. I continued to play when possible, and when we got stateside again, we had another piano, but few lessons after that. So, I am not great on the piano or the organ. Utilitarian at best. I can play most of our hymns if they don't have too many moving parts, sharps or flats.
We were in a branch a few years ago and for much of the time I was the only person who could play any keyboard for any purpose. We had a piano in the primary room and a sort of organ in the chapel. The organ had two manuals, but no foot petals. There was an instruction booklet that came with it. Helped me set the tones and had fingering suggestions. Since I was also choosing the hymns each week, I managed not to embarrass myself too much.
I loved playing the sort of organ and really got fairly good on technique. Fortunately there were no foot petals.
I would do anything to play better.... except practice. sigh

But here is someone who has spent a little bit of time practising. He is absolutely amazing!

I know, it's a Christmas song, but I'll make it the last one for this season.

Somewhat Less Than Favorite Christmas Music

2010-12-28T19:03:00.003-05:00

Yeah, yeah, yeah.... she loves music. Big deal!
Christmas music is wonderful, I love it all except the really cheesy Alvin and the Chipmunks stuff. But there is one Christmas hymn that I have said for years that I just plain do not like. Maybe it's because it isn't really about Christmas. No Christ child, no Santa, not even a snowflake. No sleighbells ring ring ring-a-ling, jing jing jing-a-ling too.
The first three verses are sad, it's depressing, it just gives me the blues - and a Christmas hymn should not do that. It ends well, all the bells are appealing. Pealing, all the bells are pealing. There is a story to the lyrics, they were written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow during the Civil War. Or the War Between the States, however your history book references read.

Maybe what I have never liked about it was the lack of bells. At Christmas time, there should be bells. And heavenly hosts. And shepherds. And wise men. Especially bells. In this video, the narrator tells the story of how the lyric came to be. I love the story and the choir sings some of the verses. And there are enough bells. There are two bell ringers (bellists?) whose place I would like to have. They are both men, can you guess the posts I would like to have?

Every Time A Bell Rings...

2010-12-24T21:35:00.003-05:00

It used to was that "It's A Wonderful Life" was shown a million times every Christmas season. You could flip from one local station to another and see it. It was a classic, Christmas wouldn't be the same without it, constant reminder that 'no man is poor if he has friends'. Then the right to show the film went to NBC; they only show it twice a year. It's on right now, because it's Christmas Eve.

I recently read a review of it that talked about how sad the movie was. Poor George, settled for his high school girlfriend and never got to Paris. Stuck in his small home town for his whole life, never achieving any of his dreams. Sad, sad, sad.

Most of us recognize the vision of the film, that George's life meant something because of the unselfish choices that he made. I wonder sometimes if my life has made that much of a difference in anyone's life. I suppose we all do. With the Lord's help, I know that we can make a difference, if not in a whole town, at least in the lives of a few people.

And every time a bell rings...

Off-Roading

2010-12-05T16:36:00.002-05:00

What a beautiful day to go off-roading! Crisp (freezing) cold, light snow, and a little black ice. What a treat! Driving home from church, still filled with the warm spiritual glow following great meetings and sweet testimonies. A perfect, peaceful Sabbath.
Did I mention black ice? Yeah. Driving home, a curved exit from one highway to the next and that little bit of ice on the road. Suddenly, the car is fish-tailing, Ronald darling stoically wrestling the car, trying to regain control. Then the car said, forget it, I'm outta here! and it spun right off the road and into a ditch. We came to rest with the hood of the car aiming up at the road and the back of the car resting against a chain link fence.
Alive and unhurt, what more could you ask? Next steps, get out of the car, survey the damage and call a tow truck to haul us back up to the road. Yeah. In my dreams. Ronald darling was at the wheel. He gunned the engine, back and forth until we were facing in the direction we wanted to go, but still.... down in the ditch. He began driving forward, angling toward the road, putting us at about a 45 degree angle. I casually mentioned that if the car rolled over, which I thought was a distinct possibility, I would be upset. He recognized the possibility and backed up, back into the ditch. Was he done? You don't know him vewy well, do you? LOL
He started backing up, revving the engine, trying to back up onto the road we'd left. He would get close, but not make it, and then a car would come driving around the curve. We did that about four times, until he was back up on the berm, and could drive onto the road again. We drove on home from there, about three miles. There was grass and mud and ice on the windshield and on the sides of the car.
All the rest of the way home, no problems. After we got here, THEN he checked for damage to the car. His years of excellent driving skills, a little luck and some of the Lord's tender mercies got us through another adventure. And maybe those back to back Please, please, Thank you, thank you prayers helped.
Ronald darling is a stubborn man, he's tenacious and he doesn't quit. I love that about him!

Hugged By A Stranger

2010-12-04T09:49:00.002-05:00

Have I ever mentioned that I love to eat? In addition to singing, it is one of my favorite things. And we love feeding the missionaries; we've done it for decades. When our children were growing up, we had the missionaries over every Monday, it was great!
When the nest was empty, we started taking them out - usually to an all you care to eat buffet. Recently we've been taking them to breakfast instead. Just imagine - all the bacon you can eat! Love it!!
That's where we were this morning when I saw a young sailor at the breakfast bar. Goodness knows, I love a man in uniform! I decided to buy his breakfast, but he'd already paid. What to do, what to do? I went to one of the servers, gave her the money for his meal and asked her to give it to him. Just tell him "Thank you" and pay for his meal. Well, she wanted me to watch while she gave it to him, to make sure she didn't pocket the money. A wise move on her part, I guess, so I stood back and made sure that she went to him and tapped him on the shoulder.
I didn't want to make a big deal of it and preferred to be anonymous, so I walked away. But she ratted me out! She pointed me out to the sailor. He jumped up and followed me as I walked back toward the table. He stopped me and thanked me. Of course I thanked him for his service and he gave me a big hug. Bless his heart, they make sailor's really young these days.

God bless all of you who serve in our armed forces. Thank you for your sacrifice, and a special thanks to your wives, husbands and children who support and sacrifice with you.

Mormon Monday

2010-11-22T20:34:00.004-05:00

This past weekend we had Stake Conference at church. Instead of our regular meetings we had two general meetings; one for adults on Saturday evening, the other Sunday morning. There are nine congregations in the Stake, and the building will not hold all of the atttendees. In the past we've held two Sunday sessions and assigned congregations to come to a specific session. Recently we've held only the one Sunday session and broadcast it to the other chapels via the internet. I was able to sing in the choir, which, as you know, I love! From the choir seats, you can see the back of the speaker. Interesting. But you can see the faces of the members of the congregation and that is great. I love looking out at a sea of over 1,000 people and finding my friends.

One of the speakers in the Saturday evening session talked about his experience as a father, teaching his children to recognize the Spirit. He would ask them periodically when they last felt the influence of the Spirit. By doing so, he prompted them to seek it and respond.

The easiest way for me to feel that Spirit is through music. Responding to the influence and remaining in tune is a habit I continue to develop. In the mean time, I feel the influence of the Lord through music. I can't pick one favorite, but this is fantastic. I love the music and the message and, especially the settings! Do you suppose that people who were not involved just jumped in and sang? I know I would have.

Dancing with Different Stars

2010-10-20T23:38:00.003-04:00

I may have mentioned a time or seven hundred that I love, love, love music! As an appendage to that, I also love dancing. Ronald darling and I have been known to cut the rug from time to time. Waltz and swing are our favorites with square dance and polka thrown in. Boot Scootin' Boogie, not so much.
Remind me sometime to tell you the funny story about Ronald darling and square dancing. You will fall on the floor laughing. Oh yeah, I forgot, I can just write ROFL! But that is a story for another time. Today we are talking about other people dancing.
In addition to music, singing and dancing, I like see them put together in one place and call it a musical!
You want to know my five favorite musicals? Sure, here you go!

The Music Man
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
Damn Yankees
Oklahoma
West Side Story

The next five?

Fiddler on the Roof
Mary Poppins
State Fair
South Pacific
High Society

I could go on...... When I discovered musicals I found that some people don't like them. Really. I could not understand, so I just up and asked them. Why not!?! The reason they gave was completely irrational. You want to know the reason? They thought that musicals were illogical. No one busts out singing at the drop of a hat. But they are wrong, because I DO!

I DO! I DO! by the way, is the name of another musical, which I've never seen.

But along with the music and the singing is the dancing. Love it. Here is a clip of dancers from about 40 different musicals. They are in a montage set to one piece of music. The editing is great, because all of the choreography fits the music.

WARNING! Some of the shows were made in the 80's, so there is scary hair. Also scanty costumes on a some of the dancers may bother you. And the obligatory hip grinding that passes for dancing in some venues. Forewarned is forearmed.

Mormon Monday

2010-10-18T18:14:00.004-04:00

Have you heard the phrase "If mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy"? Yeah, me too. It's not a strictly Mormon phrase, ya know, everybody knows that. And I always thought I knew what it meant. Cater to mama, make sure she's happy and has everything she wants or she will make your life a living... well, you know. Kind of cute, kind of catchy and men just love to say it and roll their eyes!

This phrase from the Sunday School lesson caused some discussion.
"A loving and happy family does not happen by accident. Each person in the family must do his or her part. The Lord has given responsibilities to both parents and children. The scriptures teach that we must be thoughtful, cheerful, and considerate of others. When we speak, pray, sing, or work together, we can enjoy the blessings of harmony in our families."
One sweet (and very young) sister said that she'd realized that it was her responsibility to set the tone in her home. Not hers alone, but still, hers. Another said that she arose every morning before her children, dressed, exercised, prayed and studied the scriptures before anyone else was up. That way, her day started right - before she began taking care of her husband, children and home.

And there was my "ah ha" moment. I must to choose to be happy. Not that I don't, usually I am a disgustingly cheerful, upbeat person. Nauseatingly so, at times. But when I was a young, upstart mom? Probably not so much. If I knew then what I know now....

I'm grateful for this phrase from Colossians 3:15 "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts..."

Tears

2010-10-14T22:15:00.002-04:00

Tears come easily to some people. Too easily sometimes. Take me for instance. You knew it would come back to me, didn't you? It always does! I'm my favorite topic. Anyway, I cry easy and easily. Easy because there are no wracking sobs, just the little lip tremble, the quaver in the voice and the tear trickling down my cheek. And you wouldn't believe the list of things that bring that reaction. For instance, a few years ago McDonald's televised a commercial that showed a group of six or seven very young children, say five or six years old. All walking into McDonald's out of a rain storm, each of them in a little yellow slicker and rain hat, with clumsy rain boots. It was so sweet and cute, that I teared up on the spot. Silly.
My daughter was once describing "Shadowlands", a movie that was brilliant, but sad. Hers was a warning to everyone that it was difficult to watch. She turned to me and said, "It would probably kill you." She knows I can't watch sad movies.
One of the most painful scenes in a movie is the end of "Carousel". Have you seen the movie? A real tear-jerker; and that last scene is something else. Ask me about it someday, you'll find that I can't describe it without tearing up. Billie comes back from the grave to try to help his wife get through the trials of life. At the end, he stands behind her and sings "When You Walk Through a Storm". He couldn't be the husband that she needed in life but was trying to help her. My description isn't adequate, but it is excruciatingly sad.
Anyway, tears. This is United Way enrollment week in the office where I work. I'm not a fan of United Way, but they gave us free ice cream for the kickoff. Yum. And every day, there are representatives from two organizations that receive funds from the program. Today, one of them was Hospice of Dayton. Hospice is great and I thought I'd go over and tell them so, and thank them for what they did for my dad. My dad died over 7 years ago and was only at Hospice for 24 hours. Yet I stood there and cried. Even now, thinking about that little two minute vingette, the tears come, the throat tightens and I can't speak. I don't think about him often, but I love him. And I remember.

Done It Again

2010-10-09T21:25:00.005-04:00

At this moment, there are three sets of five pound hand weights on my bedroom floor, under a table. There is an exercise ball, still in the box, a medicine ball with video training, and at least three exercise bands in the same place. Do I use them? NO, I DON'T!
Over many decades I've owned some exercise equipment. Two treadmills, an exercise bike and a stair-stepper come to mind. They were passed to me from my parents who also didn't use them. Over a certain amount of time, they became excellent clothes racks. Eventually they were passed on to others with good intentions.
I must confess... well, I mustn't confess but will, I am sometimes concerned at the level of inactivity in my life. I remember looking at my mother and thinking, "For crying out loud, the woman never gets out of her recliner!" She was about 70 when I first started thinking that. And here I am, not 70. Many days, I come home from work, sit down in the recliner, pull the laptop into my lap (go figure), pick up the remote control for the television and don't. get. up.
I should be going for nice long walks, enjoying the free gym that's available at my workplace, doing a few pushups every morning, yadda yadda yadda. But I don't. A variety of aches and pains make for great excuses, but with or without them, I don't.
Which brings me to today. Leaving the temple, we found that the lovely neighborhood across the street was having a community garage sale. Nothing like being spiritually fed and then browsing through strangers' junk with the hope of finding a hidden treasure. So there we were, driving around, and I spotted it! An exercise bike. Not a really tacky, half broken one but not a high end humongous one with 400 bells and whistles. We stopped, I got on it and it worked. Smoothly, without dropping me or making me feel like it would drop me. I would have haggled (although I don't like that very much) except the price had been dropped to $10. Ten. Dollars. We bought it, Ronald darling wrestled it into the back of the car with only a minor tear in the fabric on the interior roof of the car. We drove home with it sticking out of the hatchback, strapped shut, only vibrating slightly over the road.
We brought it in the house, not sure where to put it. Some furniture rearrangement in the bedroom will be involved. Right now, it sits in the living room. We've both been on it and realize that even without resistance, it can provide a much needed workout.
So, I've done it again, fallen victim to my good intentions. We'll see. I don't need another clothes rack. Wish me luck!

A Conundrum

2010-09-30T23:06:00.004-04:00

Once upon a time, Ronald darling was a cook in the Air National Guard. That was his designation, but he was assigned to bake. He baked all night, so that the mess hall would smell of freshly baked bread in the morning. Hmm... salivating at this very moment at the thought of fresh baked bread.
Oh, look! A squirrel!
Sorry, lost my place. He loved the job, loved the baking and loved leaving when everyone else was coming in for the day. The Guard job did not carry over to home life. I've done most of the baking in our marriage, when there was any baking going on. But now?
There's a whole lot of baking going on. About a year ago, Ronald darling started taking brownies to the temple every Thursday. He'd buy a box of brownie mix, whatever was on sale, and bake 'em up. Then he got cute, and started throwing chocolate chips, or nuts, or marshmallows, or toffee chips, or peanut butter chips, or butterscotch chips or potato chips (fooled you!) into the mix. He tasted a friend's home made brownies one day, and thought maybe he should try to make his own.
So, he's been experimenting, sometimes good, sometimes not so good, but everyone at the temple eats them up. One day someone asked him if he ever made lemon bars. He didn't, but he does now. He's been through at least three recipes to get them just right.
Then one day he tried a new recipe for brownies. He likes them nice and thick, and these were just perfect. He'd been baking all day when I got home. "Taste these," he said. "These are too good for the temple." He was right! I ate six of them that evening, took three to work and ate the last one when I got home the next evening! They are even better when he puts Ande's Chocolate Mint chips in them.
A couple of weeks ago, we went to a farewell openhouse for friends. He made cookies that were delicious. They went over really well. One gal described them as "Christmas cookie plate good". I have requests for the recipe and one teeny weeny problem. Ronald darling doesn't remember what he made that day! I described them as best I could to prompt his memory (you know how old people are) so now he's pretty sure he might sort of remember which ones he made. So now I have to supply my friends with the recipe with that caveat.
Sometimes puzzles are fun. Sometimes not.

How Music Works

2010-09-19T19:46:00.003-04:00

I have no idea. Really. I love music (most forms), but I couldn't write a song if my life depended on it. How Beethoven wrote brilliant classical music while deaf? Not a clue! How Mozart began composing at the age of 5, writing symphonic, concert, chamber, choral, opera and piano? It's a mystery!
I don't understand periodic music... Medieval, renaissance, baroque, classical, romantic or even 20th century. Music theory? Huh uh.
I like all of these.... even some opera. I like swing, rock, country, jazz, blues and folk. I listen to pop and show tunes and I love choral music. But I don't understand how it is composed, what makes the notes fit together. What is the inspiration for a particular piece of music? I can figure out why a slaver who became a Christian wrote "Amazing Grace". And I know what prompted Loretta Lynn to write "Coal Miner's Daughter" and Dolly Parton to write "Coat of Many Colors". The motivation I understand, the method, not so much.
Gioachino Rossini was an Italian composer(1792-1868). He wrote 39 operas, including "The Barber of Seville", as well as chamber music, religious music, popular songs and instrumentals.
I understand one piece of music he composed.

Kookie

2010-09-03T19:45:00.002-04:00

It's amazing the things that pop into your mind. I put on a denim jacket this morning and the collar turned up a little bit. And there he was... Edd "Kookie" Burns. Loved him! So cute, so sexy and just a little bit of a bad boy!
I know you youngsters have no idea but WOW! I was crazy about him. He was a secondary character on a detective show called "Seventy Seven Sunset Strip". He became as much a part of the show as the stars... sort of like Urkel only SO cool.

So with that image in my mind... the song came. Yes, they wrote a song about his character; the song is called "Kookie, Kookie, Lend Me Your Comb". What a difference a few decades make. Who shares combs these days? Who even uses a comb? Of course, all the men in my life comb their hair with a washcloth! LOL

Old television shows have been under discussion around here all evening. They may come up in future posts.

Anyhoo, two songs from that television show have been in my head all day.

Mormon Monday: Family Examples

2010-08-30T20:41:00.003-04:00

Ronald darling and I were with our daughter, her husband and their two sons a week or so ago. We drove down on a Saturday and were able to attend church in their ward the next day. It was a great day, but I missed the most special part of it. Our youngest grandson was all dressed for church in his white shirt, tie and dress pants. He noticed that his grandpa was wearing the same color suit as the youngsters trousers. He remembered that he had a jacket the same color, so he went and put it on. Then he noticed that grandpa had a handkerchief tucked in the breast pocket of his coat. Young one asked why, how do you get it in there with the pointy parts up, can I have one? So Ronald darling showed him how to grab it, tuck it and fluff it. They went to church identically dressed and I missed the significance. Drat!
While we were visiting, we had breakfast each morning and read the scriptures with them. I would love to say that my daughter learned that families should read the scriptures together from the wonderful example set by her parents. Can't say it, 'cause it isn't true. I was so impressed with that little morning study. Everyone read in rotation, the youngest always getting to read the last few verses in the chapter. He was so excited on the last day because they were finishing Helaman. "Tomorrow we get to start Third Nephi!" What great parents, that their children are excited to read that special part of the Book of Mormon.
Every prayer included a request that Heavenly Father "help us not to fight". My grandchildren have learned that certain behaviors are not right, and that Heavenly Father will help us overcome our problems.
So yesterday I was chatting with my daughter and she told me about the boys getting ready for church. Young one put on his clothes, laid out his handkerchief, picked it up just so, tucked it and fluffed it just right. Just like grandpa did it. I wish I'd seen it!

You've Been In The South When...

2010-08-22T07:47:00.005-04:00

Ronald darling and I recently visited our daughter and her family in the Carolinas. Ronald darling did not want to go because it would mean he couldn't sleep in his own bed, he couldn't drink out of the jug in the refrigerator, and he couldn't snack on whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted. We bought him his own jug of chocolate milk and put it on the top shelf of the refrigerator and let him buy his own snacks. We couldn't do anything about the bed, but promised he could sleep with the same great lady he slept with at home. He settled.

You see definite differences in the south. These are some of the ones I love most. It is not a comprehensive list, it may not be accurate for all of the southern states and/or neighborhoods and is seen through the eyes of a woman who doesn't always notice every detail.

Grooming
Fewer tatoos, especially on the ladies.
Trousers and jeans on young men are worn at the waist!
Women in the grocery are wearing make-up and have their hair styled, even first thing in the morning.
Men's hair is shorter and less often in pony tails.

Food
It's better. Okay, too vague.
Hush puppies are served with butter for dipping. Yumm.
Barbeque sandwiches are served with cole slaw on top of the meat. Yumm.
Fat back is next to the bacon on the breakfast bar. Hmmm.
Deep fried corn on the cob. 'Nuff said!

Scenery
Fifty foot Southern Pine trees tower over everything.
The Appalachian Mountains - gorgeous.
Family... always helps make everything look good!
More flowers, more flowering shrubs - gorgeous.

Negatives
Kudzu

Mormon Monday

2010-08-09T06:34:00.002-04:00

In the past week, I've seen two families lives turned upside down. Not only don't we know what will happen tomorrow, next week or next year, we don't know what the next moment holds. Good news, bad new, joy or tragedy. And when tragedy is there, what can we do? I've seen it hit three families this week. Two had sudden tragedies with no forewarning; the other saw the escalation of a debilitiating, fatal disease that is slowly destroying the mind and body of a family member.
What could I do? "Sorry for your loss?" "I hope the tests come back negative." "She'll be in a better place soon?" "Is there anything I can do to help?"
Obviously there are things that can help, things that we do on a routine basis. Watching the kids, making funeral potatoes, visiting the sick and afflicted. My desire is to take away the burdens, but burdens were what we signed on for when we came to the earth. Everyone will have these issues in one form or another. Everyone in the family may be healthy, but the family members may be wayward. Everyone may be faithful and hard working, but still remain single, or infertile, or deaf, disabled or unemployed.
So what can I do?

The only answer is prayer. While my actions may make things a little better for a little while, it doesn't take away their burden. So I pray. I pray for insight, that I will recognize the things I can do. I pray that they will be comforted, that the doctors will be wise, that they will recognize the hand of God in their lives. That they will be strong enough to carry the burden given and that the Lord will make the burden seem lighter. That the trials they go through will draw them closer to God, that they will cast their burdens upon him and allow him to sustain them. Sometimes it doesn't seem like enough, but prayer is the best, but not only, thing that we can do.

Mormon Monday

2010-08-02T18:13:00.005-04:00

Following the example and recommendation of a friend, I am instituting a recurring, themed post on my blog. Mormon Monday. Welcome to the first.

I have favorite scriptures; not just one, but many. And they change depending on my need at any given moment. But some of them are constants. Like this one.

"And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?
Do ye exercise faith in the redemption of him who created you? Do you look forward with an eye of faith, and view this mortal body raised in immortality...?"
- Alma 5:14-15

It's kind of nervous-making to have the Lord, through his prophets, ask you specific questions like that. Or, it can be. But these make me smile. I love this one. "Have ye received his image in your countenances?" Sometimes you can just tell by looking that someone is good and sweet and Christlike.

Rockets Red Glare

2010-07-02T23:47:00.002-04:00

I was tired this evening... dozing in the recliner with the laptop glowing. I know that never happens to anyone else, but my life is SO exciting that I just don't make it through most evenings without nodding off. I woke up with full intentions of going straight to bed, but alas, the television was on the History Channel. I don't know why I was there, it's usually HGTV or a rerun of NCIS. Not this time.
The War of 1812, the battle of Ft McHenry, and the battle of New Orleans helped define the vision the United States had of itself and maintains today.
Two pieces of music stand out because of that war. First is our national anthem. It was written by Francis Scott Keye after that battle. He was being held aboard a British ship, and was watching the 25 hour bombardment of Fort McHenry all day and through the night. When dawn came, the flag was still raised over the fort and the Britsh left. They had given up that part of the fight but still pressed on to take New Orleans.
Another song was written about that battle, written much later and without the same reverence.
So here's the Battle of New Orleans:

And our National Anthem:

Tender Mercy

2010-06-29T21:39:00.002-04:00

In April of 2005, Elder David A Bednar spoke in General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. His topic was "The Tender Mercies of the Lord". In the talk, he gave several examples of small blessings given to individuals that were just what they needed at that particular moment in time. He said "....the Lord's tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ."
Ronald darling did not care for the talk. It was much too touchy-feely for him. Fluff, he thought. But a week ago we experienced some of the Lord's tender mercy.
We recently bought a semi-new car. Actually, it is the same year, make and model as the old one, but it has 200,000 fewer miles on it than the old one. So about 10 days ago, it started sputtering, chugging, gasping for air. Something like that. So Ronald darling decided to take it to the garage and have it checked. I drove the old car (which we haven't sold yet) to work and would see him at home. I parked in the seven level garage across the street from my office. Ronald darling took the car to the shop, but they needed to keep it. What to do? He was six miles from home on a hot summer day.
He decided to hop on the bus (30 or 40 years since the last time he took a bus), come downtown, pick up the old car, drive it home and then pick me up after work. He tried to call me, but his cell phone was not charged. It wouldn't have mattered, mine was turned off.
I usually eat lunch in the cafeteria, but on that day I had to go to the IRS office. shudder. It's four and a half blocks from the office and it was a hot summer day and I am a semi-old lady. I decided to drive. I got hung up in conversation so did not leave at 11:30, but at 11:38.
Ron rode the bus downtown but missed the stop and had to walk back two blocks to the garage. I don't have an assigned spot to park, and if I did, he wouldn't have known where it was; he's never been in the garage before. So, I left the building, crossed the street, climbed the flight of stairs to the second level and headed for the car. And there he was, walking toward me from the other end of the garage.
Some people would call this a coincidence. I know better. It was a tender mercy from the Lord. Ronald darling drove me to the IRS, dropped me back at work and picked me up after. We both basked in the knowledge that the Lord loved us and was aware of us, every moment.

Happy Flag Day

2010-06-14T07:03:00.002-04:00

You're a grand old flag,

You're a high flying flag

And forever in peace may you wave.

You're the emblem of

The land I love.

The home of the free and the brave.

ev'ry heart beats true

'neath the Red, White and Ble,

Where there's never a boast or brag.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot.

Keep your eye on the grand old flag.

D-Day, the Sixth of June

2010-06-06T19:08:00.003-04:00

War is hell. Too frequently necessary, but hell, nonetheless. We teach our children from the beginning to play nice, to say they're sorry when they hurt someone. We teach them that all men are their brothers, that we are all the children of our Heavenly Father who loves us. That He loves all men and that Christ died for the sins of all men. If we teach them well, and if they are receptive, they learn to believe it and then to know that it is true.

And then comes the necessity of war. We have to teach them to defend themselves from those who seek their death. We teach them to kill, and to understand that they may be killed. To fight on anyway.

We teach them of the 2,000 stripling warriors, who believed their mothers. Who believed that if they did not doubt that God would deliver them. And we teach them that it doesn't always work that way.

We teach them that they are part of a greater good, to rely on their companions and to protect one another. And we pray.

Today marks the 66th anniversary of the beginning of the end of World War II. My father flew bomber support for the troops storming the beaches of Normany. The weather changed day to day and hour by hour. At times, he had to return to base, unable to drop his load for fear of hitting the Allied forces. He never talked much about the war but was proud of the role he played in freeing Europe from tyranny.

He kept in touch with many of the men he served with during that war and the wars that followed. There develops a kinship amongst the men who serve together.

"And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by,
From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remembered-
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother"

- Henry V, act IV, scene 3

2010-05-30T18:10:00.003-04:00

In Flanders Fields

-Lt Col John McCrae MD

18872 - 1918

Canadian Army

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

I Count

2010-05-19T19:45:00.003-04:00

I do, I count.... frequently. When I walk, I count. I don't think it's always been like that, but now? I count. I think it started with "10,000 steps a day will make you healthy and lose weight". Out of curiosity, walking around the block, you know? I started counting.
But then, do you count every step or every stride? Or are they the same? Army drill type, left, right, left, right, left. Do you count every left and every right, or just every left? Don't know. But I don't count every step, because I lose track. So I start over, or try to pick up where I think I might have maybe left off. Maybe.
But if I stop counting, if there is nothing else going on in my head, which is most of the time, I find that I'm counting again. Huh. If I sing while I walk, I don't count. But I walk to the beat of whatever I'm singing. Which is frequently the Marine Corps Hymn. It just seems more march-ish than "Off we go, into the wild blue yonder". Sorry, Dad.
I'm not Monk-ish or anything. I don't line anything up in rows. Except shoes, but that's how they're supposed to be, right? And hangers. Hooked over the rod from front to back, the garment hanging with the front on the left side of the hanger. The shoulder seams right on top of the hanger and the garment centered around the hook. But nothing nerdish or geeky. Really.

How Ironic!

2010-05-13T12:30:00.001-04:00

I wrote the previous post on Mother's Day, just before I left for church. I was so full of wisdom and comfort for those whose lives are not exactly perfect... sort of like mine. I would certainly like to have an "ideal" life now, but even more, I would like to have had an "ideal" home and family when my children were growing up. Even more than that, I would like to have been an "ideal" mother when my children were growing up.
Trust me, both of my children could tell you stuff that would scare you, if you knew them about me. Fortunately, they haven't... so far.

So, then I went to church and directed the music in Sacrament meeting. It was Mother's Day, so I had chosen the following hymn. As I sang it, I had to exhibit strict control to stop myself from laughing. After my earlier post, it was ironic to sing these words. Peace and plenty? Hate and envy ne'er annoy? Time doth softly, sweetly glide? Making life a bliss complete?

Yeah, right. LOL
Love at Home
1. There is beauty all around
When there’s love at home;
There is joy in ev’ry sound
When there’s love at home.
Peace and plenty here abide,
Smiling sweet on ev’ry side.
Time doth softly, sweetly glide
When there’s love at home.
Love at home, love at home;
Time doth softly, sweetly glide
When there’s love at home.
2. In the cottage there is joy
When there’s love at home;
Hate and envy ne’er annoy
When there’s love at home.
Roses bloom beneath our feet;
All the earth’s a garden sweet,
Making life a bliss complete
When there’s love at home.
Love at home, love at home;
Making life a bliss complete
When there’s love at home.
3. Kindly heaven smiles above
When there’s love at home;
All the world is filled with love
When there’s love at home.
Sweeter sings the brooklet by;
Brighter beams the azure sky.
Oh, there’s One who smiles on high
When there’s love at home.
Love at home, love at home;
Oh, there’s One who smiles on high
When there’s love at home.
Text and music: John Hugh McNaughton, 1829–1891

I Have A Family Here On Earth

2010-05-09T08:07:00.003-04:00

I love watching home improvement shows. I love to watch Ty build a house from scratch; everything completely perfect at the end, running smoothly all the way, in just seven days.
There is another type of home improvement show. In these shows, things don't go exactly as planned. The people work too hard, too fast, too desperately in order to have everything perfect right NOW.
Isn't that the way we sometimes work on building our family? We think that lots of people have perfect families, perfect children, perfect relationships with their spouses, parents and in-laws. Lots of people are having wonderful family home evenings where the children's minds and hearts are opened to the Spirit and their little testimonies grow rapidly and unwaveringly. Lots of people have harmonious, peaceful, uncluttered homes. They don't have to run through the house grabbing things and throwing them in the back bedroom when the doorbell rings. They can quote scripture from memory, including chapter and verse, instead of saying, "It says somewhere something about....". They never raise their voices to their children, never threaten to throw away all their toys or knock them into next week. They never raise their voice to their spouses, never sulk or pout or whine.
We think that if we were good enough, everything in our lives would run smoothly and be perfect all the time. Life doesn't work that way. We are where we are in our progress and everyone else is where they are. Building our family relationships with spouse, children, brothers, sisters, cousins and parents is a work in progress. We build as best we can where we are. There is no magic wand and there is no finish line. And there is no time when we can say, "I'm finished, all done!" Our relationships with our families, forward and back, continue to flow.
I am blessed with a great family. Parents who loved me and raised me with good values and work ethic, who kept me safe when the world could not. A brother and sister I grew up with, played with and squabbled with and love who have grown even dearer over lo, these many years. They are married to wonderful people whom I also love dearly.
I have two children who grew into charming, funny, intelligent adults, in spite of me. I have two grandsons who are growing up way too fast for me, who are sweet and smart and caring.
And I have Ronald darling. How much more could I ask for? 'Nough said?

Ah-Ha Moments

2010-05-05T19:36:00.002-04:00

I recently attended "Time Out for Women", an interesting, uplifting, quirky weekend shindig. There were speakers, musicians and lots of stuff to buy. I went with a group of 9 other women who were also interesting, uplifting and quirky. I had a wonderful time, talked too much, slept too little, ate too much and spent WAY too much money! But I had a blast!
We arrived on Friday evening, in time to eat dinner and attend the Friday evening session. The speakers were great, the music... not so much. I thought that opinion was a personal preference issue. However.
After dinner and the evening session, most of us ended up back at the hotel in our bedroom and talked for hours. What a hoot that was! Two of us in the room were in my age bracket (pretty old) and the rest were mothers of children still at home and very young children. Those young mothers were very nice to us old broads, laughed at our jokes and didn't do any of that "just smile and nod until she shuts up" stuff. Or if they did, they were very good at it - I didn't notice. LOL
Oh, yeah - back to the music. The musician was one I've seen in workshops; a great teacher of music history and style. But he can't sing, although he did. He composes a lot of music and everything he performed was his own. I didn't like it. The last piece, I suppose, was intended to be the spiritual highlight of his performance, but it wasn't. It went on for decades... okay, many minutes. And it was very very very very very very repetitive.
I didn't say anything about it during our apres' event chat but someone braver than I am, did. Turns out we all had basically the same opinion. Some of his remarks were interesting but the music? Nope.
One of the ladies was not a member of our church. When we began speaking frankly about the musician, we asked her what she thought. She figured that maybe that's just the way music is done in our church! LOL

But back to the title of this post.... While we were talking, one of the sisters asked if anyone had an Ah-ha moment. Something that just popped out. I had, but just couldn't remember it! I meant to take notes, but forgot the paper and pen with which to do that. It took me until lunch the next day to remember. But here it is:
Self-discipline is remembering what you REALLY want. Duh! I know what I want, but I have not been demonstrating the behaviors that will make it happen. I have a list of things that I want; and an even longer list of the things I need to do to make them happen. And an really much longer list of the things I am doing that get in the way. So that's my new wise saying.... I'll let you know how that's working for me!

Hoof in Mouth Disease

2010-04-07T11:47:00.002-04:00

I know you've never said anything stupid, right? I have occasionally. Rarely. Infrequently. Seldom. Once in a freaking while!

For instance. I was at the Bishop's storehouse several months ago, maybe a couple of years ago. Working along side a nice guy, friendly, cheerful and a little shy. So I asked him where he'd come from and how long he'd been in the ward.

Eighteen months! A year and a half and I had failed to notice. Or, if I had noticed, I had forgotten... or failed to recognize him. Yeah.

And trust me, I never ask someone when they are due unless they TOLD me they were pregnant! In the last 15 minutes!

I have a couple of other examples that are still too humiliating to recount even after 20 or 25 years.

But yesterday there were witnesses.

I worked for a company for 25 years. I knew a lot of people really well. Now I work for a different company and many of the people I knew before are here. A nice cozy arrangement. A woman and her son worked there and work here. Not in the same department, but in the same building. Yesterday I got on the elevator and they were both on it, along with several others. They were headed downstairs, they had pushed the elevator for the main floor, they had their jackets on and she had her purse. I logically presumed that they were leaving the building. So I thought I would be cute. So I asked a question.

"Where do you two think you are going?" I asked.

I thought later of all the things that could be going on and for which there would be no good answer. There could have been worse answers than the one I got, but still.

When she replied, I heard the indrawn breaths of the others on the elevator. Her nephew had committed suicide and they were leaving to be with family.

She turned to me as soon as she'd responded and said "You couldn't have known." I hugged them both and expressed sympathy but felt like dirt.

So, would it have been better to have said nothing? I wouldn't have been a dim wit, but she would have gotten no sympathy.

Maybe I just won't try to be cute anymore.

Age Is Relative

2010-03-16T06:27:00.008-04:00

Ronald darling and I have both had birthdays recently. That's a good news and bad news event. Good news - we are no longer sitting on an age that ends in zero (the scary ones). Bad news - we are another year older (but not deeper in debt).* Good news - we are still on the right side of the dirt. Bad news - we are closer to the time that we will be on the wrong side of the dirt.

My daughter (one of the reasons I occasionally feel old) was talking about how old she feels. I understand how she feels. She mentioned some reasons she is feeling old. For instance, she remembers using a rotary dial phone. (Let me know if you need me to tell you what that is.) My first job? Switchboard operator for Ohio Bell, a now illegal monopoly telephone company. One ringy dingy, right?**

And look at the clothing the operator is wearing. When I graduated from high school young women were not permitted to wear trousers, pants or jeans to school. If our skirts didn't reach the floor when we were on our knees on the gym floor, we were sent home. Really.

Speaking of grade school, we didn't have tornado drills; we had atomic bomb drills. Run to the inside wall, crouch and cover your head. It was really going to help when we were within striking distance on a SAC base during the Cuban missile crisis.***
My first car? A 1966 Renault. It looked sort of like this only a solid blue.

You could go to the movies on Saturday, see a double feature, a cartoon and a newsreel.

Donna Reed, Harriet Nelson and Margaret Anderson were my idea of the perfect wife and mother.****

All flight attendants were good looking women called stewardesses.

Airplanes had propellers, not jet engines. Even the ones that flew for 18 hours to get you to Morrocco.

If you needed help in a math class you used a slide rule.*****

Milk in glass bottles (quarts), eggs and bread were delivered to the door. You put the empty milk bottles in the box on the porch to be picked up by the milkman. We didn't know we were recycling.

We drove cross country every year, but the road only had two lanes, one coming and one going.

When we were driving cross country, mom bought a loaf of bread and a pound of bologna for lunch. Fast food had not been invented.

*Did you catch the old song reference?

**Did you catch the old television show reference?

***I know, you never heard of a SAC base.

****Do I have to tell you everything?

*****I'd show you how to use it, but I forget.

Saturday Afternoons

2010-03-13T13:00:00.002-05:00

Ronald darling is an interesting man. When we were younger, a few decades ago, Saturday mornings were full of things to do and tasks to accomplish. No sleeping in, no lazing away the day; it was go, go, go! If we were still in the house at 10:00am, it was another day shot!
He was cute, but annoying at times.
Now, we serve at the temple on Saturday mornings. We are up and out the door by 6:30, working in the most spiritual atmosphere. Then, maybe a meal on the road and home by 4:30 or 5:00. Nothing shot about the day at all.
But the temple is closed for two weeks and we have no planned activities. This morning we went to the barber, the bank and the grocery. Home by noon with all the scheduled tasks completed. What to do with the afternoon? Me? I'm in the recliner with the laptop. Ronald darling turned on the television and started flipping channels. For awhile he was watching reruns of the House and Senate on C-Span. Fortunately he got tired of watching the rants repeated and started flipping again. And then he found this. He didn't go any further, we've been watching for about 45 minutes. Well, he has; I'm still on the laptop. Does anyone else watch this?

Sometimes I Like Opera

2010-03-02T22:23:00.003-05:00

But only sometimes.... like when it seems really real! LOL
My darling daughter brought this to my attention on facebook, hope you enjoy it. Salud!

Go here for the full screen version.

Qualify, Recognize and Follow

2010-02-28T15:51:00.004-05:00

When we receive a Christmas present or a birthday present, that means someone loves us.

When I was 16, I did not get a car for my birthday. I wanted one, but I didn't get it. If I had, that gift would have come with qualifiers. Learn to drive, pass the test and maintain a safe driving record. If not, the car sits in the garage in standby mode. The gift of the Holy Ghost also comes with qualifiers. The gift means that Heavenly Father loves us. He doesn't want us to be alone, without guidance. But there are qualifiers for being able to use the gift of the Holy Ghost. We have to be worthy, we have to recognize it and we have to follow it.

Why wouldn't we do that? There are lots of reasons - time contraints, distractions and lack of understanding. But the gift is there, the promises that come with it are there. We must take advantage of the gift that Heavenly Father has given us. He loves us and wants us to have that cmfort and insight.

Don't park the car in the garage and leave it.

Prayers for Haiti

2010-02-14T23:23:00.009-05:00

The First Presidency message on Haiti was read in our Sacrament Meeting this morning. It was sweet and tender and called for members of the Church to donate "as their means allow in order to help our Haitian brothers and sisters". It acknowledged the difficulty that many are experiencing because of the recession, and the donations that have already been made.

Then it went on to the other needs; it took me back to my questions about prayer. The statement says:

"Money is not the only need in Haiti. People are frightened, bewildered, and wholly uncertain about their future. In addition to what people can do in helping with food, water and shelter, there needs to be a calming influence over that troubled nation. We invite our people everywhere to supplicate God for a spirit of calm and peace among the people as urgent aid and reconstruction efforts continue."

Goodness knows that Haiti is not the only troubled nation, I guess I should be praying for all or at least most of them. And who doesn't need a spirit of calm and peace? And how many are frightened, bewildered and wholly uncertain about their future?

I know individuals and families who are dealing with illness, sorrow, family issues and economic crisis. The Lord's instruction is help where possible and pray for them. I think my prayer roll has become a reality. I will remember the people of Haiti in my prayers and I will remember you.

Humility

2010-02-05T21:04:00.002-05:00

This time it's not about me! Honest!

I was reading a story about the president. He was talking about the need for healthcare for everyone. In doing so, he brought up a campaign worker who had developed cancer with no health insurance in place. She fought the good fight and lost. Upon her death, she left instructions that she be buried in an Obama t-shirt.

Now, if he had told her story, focusing on her courage, the tragedy of her loss and left it at that it would have made his point perfectly. But he carried it one step too far, and turned the focus back on himself. It was all about him again.

Which brought to mind a song that I've always liked. Well, always since 1980 when Mac Davis recorded it. So I went to my friend You Tube to find a video of the song. And then my focus changed. While I still think this applies to the president; the video is too cute because it features one of my favorite TV characters, Anthony (Tony) DiNozzo.

So here you go!

What A Good Idea

2010-01-16T17:08:00.002-05:00

Okay, this may be about two good ideas.
The county that I live next to and the company that I work for are cosponsoring a new health program; strictly voluntary. It is called "5 - 2 - 1 and almost none".

Five servings of fruits and/or vegetables daily.
Two hours of screen time daily. (Includes TV, PC and electronic game time)
One hour of active play/exercise daily.
Almost no sugary drinks.

I already do the first and last things - I'm halfway there. I have every intention of doing number three - someday. But the second one - I don't think so. The organizers tell me that doing the second one will help accomplish the third. Maybe, but I am certainly not there yet.

Because I have not limited time on the old laptop, I keep finding things that interest me, enlighten me, annoy me or touch me. I found this today.

It is a blog to allow members of the church to find one little part of why we are Mormon and express it with a few words and text.

It just began at the very end of last year. Some of the submissions are a little humorous, some are very insightful and some are touching. Let me know what you think.

Prayer Rolls

2010-01-06T21:25:00.004-05:00

My mama taught me how to pray - at bedtime. Every night:
"Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take."

At the time, I didn't think that was strange or even (just a little bit) creepy. Most of my friends said the same prayer. Except my Catholic friends, they got to do the Rosary. They could pray for hours. I know; we had a competition once. They could pray MUCH longer than I could!

We didn't pray at meal time when I was growing up. Other families did, but my family was, how shall I say, not particularly religious. Only for special occasions; in other words, just for show.

When I grew up and married, I had found and joined the church and wanted to raise my family properly. So among other things, we taught our children to pray. How, when and why. Like all parents, we did the best we could and hoped (and prayed) for the best. Our children are great; I hope the emotional scars don't go too deep.

But recently I've been thinking about those prayers that are not for me and mine. I've had friends ask me to remember them in my prayers. When there is a tragedy in someone's life I send my thoughts and prayers. Facebook is great for that! But the actual prayer? I don't know if I'm doing it effectively, or even appropriately sometimes.

I started writing this post days ago, but the tragedy in Haiti brought it to mind in a big way. I've heard many people, including the President, say that we will keep the people of Haiti in our prayers. My question. How do you keep acquaintances and strangers in your prayers?

We pray frequently for the sick and afflicted. That's a generic term; we don't have anyone specific in mind. But with these prayer requests - real people, even when we don't know their names. Do you keep an actual prayer roll, a list of people for whom you are praying? Do you just remember them without any prompting? Do you pray only for those people that are close to you?

And what do you ask for? Complete healing, comfort, whatever is necessary? For bad stuff to be undone? That has to occur to you sometimes, but I don't think the earthquake will go away.

So help me out on this.... how does your prayer roll work?

All Fired Up!

2010-01-01T15:48:00.004-05:00

We had a lovely New Year's Eve; quiet, romantic with candlelight and dancing...

Yeah, right! I wished the world a happy new year via Facebook. Ronald darling woke up before midnight and joined me in wishing the old year out and the new year in. Kisses.... mmmmm.

I slept in this morning. Really! Until almost 8:30. Then I decided to make a fantastic breakfast. Scrambled eggs, bacon and home made biscuits, with lots of butter. Yummy. The biscuits baked at 450 degrees and I like my bacon cooked quickly. This caused a little bitty teeny tiny problem. The smoke alarm thought we were in danger and started shrieking like crazy. I had turned on the exhaust fan when I started cooking to avoid this possibility, but no luck! Our smoke alarm has the most delicate sensibilities; the tiniest thing will set it off. If it's judgement was accurate, my kitchen would look like this:

But it's not and it doesn't and we're safe and sound. Hope all's well with y'all!

Looking Back or Looking Forward?

2009-12-31T00:17:00.005-05:00

So is the cup half full or half empty? Coulda been worse, coulda been better? Tomorrow's another day!

Our year has been very good. Our health is still good, the aches and pains come and go. As long as they go, it's okay by me. Our family is almost all moved away, but we have great friends here. (Although some of those have moved too. You know who you are!) But we got to see most of our family this year and look forward to seeing the others next year.

I've been more politically active this year than ever before and will continue. I wrote, I called, I emailed, I marched. Ronald darling mostly yelled at C-SPAN. Next year looks to be more of the same.

We finally, after years and years and years, are OUT OF DEBT!! You have no idea how good that feels. We have not been wise stewards of money these past few decades - ain't that a long time! - but from now on? No more debt. I will never be indentured again!

The problem with being out of debt is that I have money that I could spend but must save. I could easily be a shopaholic; is there a 12 step program for that? But I can control myself. Really.

Can't wait!! Happy New Year!!

Almost Christmas

2009-12-19T18:01:00.004-05:00

I love Christmas. I love the lights and the decorations and the carols. Don't care about presents anymore. I love celebrating the birth of the Savior of mankind and me! Nativity sets are my favorite decorations. I have several, and finally decided that it wasn't sacriligeous to put one in the bathroom.

We didn't put up a tree last year and have maintained that tradition this year. Not that I'm too old and decrepit to decorate it; I think walking around and around a seven-foot tree stringing 350 lights got old!

I love the Christmas story in Luke. The shepherds abiding in the field, no room in the inn, the herlad angels and the multitude of the heavenly hosts.

Which brings me to the Christmas music. Love it, love it, love it!

The sacred.

The secular.

The inbetween.

And the fun.

Wonderful Temple Trip

2009-12-11T20:38:00.007-05:00

Our Relief Society had a great temple trip Thursday evening, including a special Chapel session with Sister Grammer. She asked us to write what we felt when we got home. So, I'm a little bit late.

I love being in the temple; it is peaceful and calming, and sometimes enlightening. The best part of this trip was being with so many sisters in the ward.

Now, if we'd just arranged to meet for dinner...

How To Beat Aging

2009-11-21T05:59:00.002-05:00

Maybe I'll take up dancing....

Creative People

2009-11-05T06:35:00.004-05:00

Creative people drive me crazy! I try so hard not to be envious or covetous or jealous or any of those other sinful things that say that I want what they have, but creative people make if difficult. For instance, I went to a great Relief Society meeting on Tuesday that was presented by creative people. The lessons were amazing! The decorations were phenomenal! The food was fantastic!
I didn't take notes and wish I had. I was telling Ronald darling about them and reminded him that they never do anything like this in priesthood meetings. Only the sisters get the really good stuff!
I loved all of the lessons; growing closer to the Lord, building our relationships and being empathetic and charitable. The sweetness and humility of the instructors was a great example.
But who thinks up this stuff? The theme was mall shopping, a natural for most women, and the lessons were about all the things you can't buy - they're priceless.
Thanx to all of the sisters who planned the meeting, decorated the rooms, taught the lessons, prepared the food, made all of the handouts and let their creativity shine!
Here is a picture of someone else's creativity, don't know where it came from. I would never have thought of it, but some of you will do it. Let me know when you do.

Guilty Pleasures

2009-10-31T19:17:00.004-04:00

My daughter posted her 20 favorite movies... only 3 or 4 would make my list. Many of hers are high-brow - well, except for that Monty Python and the Holy Grail. That's not high brow! LOL

On the other hand, one of my guilty pleasures is another Monty Python flick - The Life of Brian. Not the whole thing just the song that ends the movie "Look on the Bright Side of Life". It's a great song, but the setting is definitely not.

So what else is on that list...

Have you ever noticed that music pops up in my life a bunch?
I love the piano, and would do anything to play well, except practice.

But here's a pianist that I've always loved. You youngsters will never have heard of him. Liberace!

And then, I love romantic love songs.. especially this one by John Denver. Who? I knew you'd say that!

Hmmm.... other guilty pleasures.

Chocolate.
Chinese Food.
Hot bread and butter.
NCIS.
HGTV.
Laptop.

Oh yeah, almost forgot. Ronald darling.

Ahh, Bach!

2009-10-19T19:08:00.004-04:00

Yesterday was my first concert with the Bach Society of Dayton. The concert was recorded by the local public radio station and will be broadcast next Saturday morning at 10:00am. Just so ya know.

This was almost my first performance with a live orchestra, and they were GOOD! We were performing in a church with a slate floor and high vaulted ceilings the sound was gi-normous! During the first piece, it hit me. Music proves that God exists. The complexity of the vocal parts, blended by 48 individuals and the orchestra's score performed by 20 people, and the genius of the composer... has to be blessings and inspiration.

Here is a recording, not us, of the first movement of the oratorio "Jauchzet, frohlocket". Did I mention that we were singing in German? Yes! What a blast!

The Best Part of Conference

2009-10-13T00:26:00.002-04:00

There was a wonderful spirit and fantastic talks at General Conference. I will comment later on some of those. But the very very BEST part of conference was this:

Why Did I Go?

2009-09-19T09:16:00.013-04:00

So, why was I in Washington, DC on September 12? Did my one voice make a difference? I carried no sign, did my presence matter? I don't know how many people were there, most news networks said tens of thousands. MSNBC' first report said hundreds of thousands. Optimistic estimates said over one million. These photos were taken at the staging area at Freedom Square. Tons of nice people, a few whacko signs and a couple of nuts. We were in the Ohio section where, evidently EVERYONE was an OSU fan.

The march started early, because the crowd was larger than anticipated, the streets around us had to be closed and people were still arriving. Eventually they closed the area to busses; people were walking in from across the river. It was an amazing day.

We sang, we chanted - mostly O H - I O! LOL Buckeyes!

But why did I go? At the end of the day my feet were ready to explode, I could barely walk and I broke a promise to my daughter and myself to do a little additional sight seeing. Guess I'll have to go back.

But why did I go? Because one person, alone, can do something. A few hundred thousand persons, together, can do more.

I went to stand as witness. This country should return to it's roots and it's citizens should take responsibility for themselves and for each other. But in taking responsibility for my neighbor, I do NOT mean that the government should mandate that I do so. We are a generous loving people and will watch out for each other. And if someone chooses not to do so, there should be no law that says he must.

There were a few other good signs....

Have You Forgotten?

2009-09-11T00:05:00.002-04:00

Some days are more difficult to remember than others. Not because the memory has faded, but because it is too clear. The older you get, the more of those days there are. I pray I never see anything like this again.

God bless America.

Amazing Expansion of Missionary Work

2009-09-08T17:29:00.011-04:00

Elder Jeffrey R Holland visited 7 African countries in 16 days. Among other things, he dedicated the countries of Cameroon and Rwanda for missionary work. There are already members there. In one stake conference 56 brothers were sustained to receive the Melchizedek priesthood. It is amazing that the work goes on at the rate it is. During one of the meetings a children's choir sang, conducted by a 9 year old boy.

In this picture, Elder Holland is dedicating the country of Cameroon for missionary work.

This is a portion of what he said in the dedicatory prayer on a hilltop in Rwanda:

"We are doing all we can, Father in Heaven, to reach to heaven. We ask Thee with great affection, loyalty and love that Thou would bring heaven down to us. We ask that Thou would receive us here, as we stand tip-toe to enter Thy presence, feel Thy Spirit and build Thy kingdom."

The sweetness of what he said brought me to tears.

Trials and Tribulations

2009-09-05T22:07:00.003-04:00

Not mine, just in general. I read this the other day:

"It is wrong to assume that the more righteous one is, or the more diligently one strives to keep his or her covenants with the Lord, the less suffering one will have to endure. The promise is that he or she will be blessed, though the blessing may be the strength to endure suffering. All suffer -- the just and the unjust. But the unjust live as well with the consequences of their own sins. This is the way life is arranged. God does not sit around wondering what test to throw up before you next. Such tests are integral to life -- they go with the territory."
- Robert S Wood (The Complete Christian, p 95)

Two scriptures come to mind. First, Mat 5:45 ....for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

Every day the sun rises, the birds sing and the flowers bloom. On the other hand, storms come, disease and disaster strike. And those things happen to everyone, good, bad or indifferent. There is no gurarantee that if we are good little boys and girls that we will be rewarded in this life. Too bad about your luck if that's what you were expecting.

The second scripture is 1 Cor 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

My mother, when she was feeling particularly put upon, did not believe this scripture. She thought that whatever happened, God would get you through it with little or no effort on your part. If she had to work at it, or if she had to make the move toward God, to lean on him.. that meant he wasn't making her able to bear the burden. But as Elder Wood says, the blessing may be the ability to endure.

My life has been an easy one compared to many, difficult compared to some. But the more I lean on the Lord, the easier the burdens are to bear. They don't go away, at least not most of them, but they are easier to bear. Sometimes so easy that I forget they are there. A final scripture, Mosiah 24:13-15
And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage.
And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.
And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.

Lessons I Thought I Learned

2009-09-01T23:39:00.004-04:00

My neighbor died the other night. He was in his jammies, sitting on the edge of the bed, laid down and was gone. There was no sign that he struggled at all. Just the way I want to go some day, decades from now. We called 911 of course, and they tried to resuscitate him. I understand that they did get him breathing, briefly, but he was pronounced dead later.
His wife is coping, but she has some difficult times coming up, not just the loss of the husband that she loves. Bob handled all of the finances for the family, and he did it online. I'm not sure she knows how to turn on the computer; she definitely doesn't know any of his passwords. She has a friend who promised to teach her how to use it, and of course, Ronald darling volunteered me to do it. lol
He took her to the funeral home today to get everything straightened out, she had prepaid for cremation for the two of them last year. She's gotten meals from a couple of friends, including Ronald darling. Her best friend was over today, helping to clean up Bob's bedroom; her son is coming up from North Carolina. I helped move the area rug in while I was there.
So, these are the lessons that I thought I learned when daddy died, and again when mama died.
But I look around and talk to Ronald darling and realize that I ain't learned nothin' yet.

Husband and wife should know how to pay the bills.
Husband and wife should know where the policies are.
Passwords should not be secrets in a marriage.
Declutter, sort and pitch.
Declutter, sort and pitch.*
Clean, sweep and mop.
Make sure the laundry is done and put away.
Keep the dishes done and put away.

If I don't do these things, someone else will when the time comes. It may be family, which will be bad enough. They know you pretty well. But it might be the Relief Society, and even though they love you, they will find out they didn't know you as well as they thought. They will ask "Why on earth was she keeping this?" and "How did she ever find anything?" and "Why didn't she ask for help?" and (maybe) "Why didn't her visiting teachers tell us she needed help?". And if it is the he who is gone, they will put the questions in present tense, but whisper.

I also need to learn how to make funeral potatoes; they taste great and I won't get any when I'm gone. If you've got a good recipe, let me know.

*This item is listed twice on purpose because it takes twice as long as anything else you have to do.

Midnight

2009-08-31T00:31:00.001-04:00

I hate midnight phone calls, I really do. Unless there is a baby due somewhere, they rarely bring good news. The one tonight, although slightly before midnight, was not about newborn babies.
Our neighbors across the street are older (yes, even older than us!) and in poor health. We got an emergency call from them a few months ago. Bob was unresponsive - I thought stroke. But his wife called us instead of 911. We called for the rescue squad while trying to get him to respond. It took 8 days in the hospital and a diagnosis of "We don't really know", but he came home and did great. He went back to doing all the cooking and took care of his wife when she had a second knee replacement last month.
But tonight, he was not breathing. And his wife called us instead of 911. I called as soon as we got there; no pulse, no respiration. Ronald darling tried CPR at the request of the 911 operator. He had to get Bob's teeth out of his mouth first (I know, sorry about that) and then made an attempt. But it was obvious that he was gone. He was cold, his eyes were open, no blinking, no pulse, nothing.
The rescue squad got there very quickly, although it always seems like forever. They asked about a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) but he didn't have one and she said to do "whatever it takes". So they spent the next 30 or 40 minutes trying to bring him back, they put in an IV and did who knows what all else. Six EMTs working in a bedroom about 10 by 10. They were getting ready to put him on a stretcher and take him to the hospital when we left. She had called her stepson to come down; he lives just around the corner. He and his wife were with her when we came home.
If they get him breathing again, I will be shocked... and grateful. Bob is a real sweetie.

K-I-S-S-I-N-G

2009-08-20T06:49:00.003-04:00

I like kissing.
When I was a young single gal, several decades ago, before Ronald darling, there was another young man who wanted to marry me. Really, there was! He was in the city temporarily. He worked for NCR and was here for training for about six months. He was going to work for them for a few years (his plan) and then go back to Indiana and buy a pig farm. Okay, that was a little off putting, but I could go along with it. I'd never been on a pig farm and had no idea what it would be like, so I was willing to go along with that. But he was not a great kisser, he was not a good kisser. In fact, he was a lousy kissser. I was very young, didn't know much about it, but I knew that my last boyfriend was a good kisser because we sat on the porch and did it for a long time.
So when my suitor finished his training and left, I just let him go. I wanted a good kisser!

I was reading a friend's blog yesterday. Her daughter is going from home school to middle school and she wanted to include some of the things that boys might suggest. Kissing techniques popped into her mind.

Whenever tongues enter the conversation, I am reminded of a talk I had with a young single sister a few years ago. I don't know why people come to me for advice - maybe it's because I'm always right and never wrong and I know everything. Anyway, she was dating the first young man that actually seemed like he might be "the one". Her question?

"How far down your throat does his tongue go before you have to talk to the bishop?"
******************************************************************************

So I went on my first and only date with Ronald darling and he kissed me. On the first date! And the rest, as they say is history.

I really like kissing. And this song is inspiration for the activity.

In The Olden Days

2009-08-13T21:30:00.006-04:00

Well, not olden days to me, but olden days to a bunch of you.

Laundry day was Monday. All the laundry was washed on Monday and hung on the line in the back yard to dry. The line always sagged, so you propped it up in the middle with a wooden 1 x 2. Usually you had 2 or 3 lines, that way you could hang the underwear in the middle or in the back where the neighbors couldn't see it.

When the clothes were dry, you brought them in the house, laid them out on the kitchen table and sprinkled them with water from a little doohickey stuck in an old soda pop bottle. Then, you folded them up, stuffed them in a zippered plastic bag and stuffed them into the refrigerator. Overnight. Really.

That was because Tuesday was ironing day. That's all you did, all day long, was iron clothes. That included the handkerchiefs, the sheets, the dresses, the skirts and blouses and Sunday go to meeting clothes. Not the underwear, we got a break on that. When I was a kid, my mama taught me how to iron, starting with the handkerchiefs. She put one of the kitchen chairs up to the ironing board with the back against the board. I stood on that and ironed. The reason we sprinkled the clothes and put them in the refrigerator overnight was so they would be universally damp in the morning. That's because there was no steam in the iron, it was just HOT. Lick your finger and tap the bottom of the iron. If the spit sizzles, it's hot enough. Really. But of course, you didn't teach a kid to iron too young. I was 6 or 7 when I started that. And I was really proud of myself. I ironed the folds into daddy's hankies and I was a big girl!

By the time I was married with a home of my own things had changed some. We didn't hang or sprinkle the clothes, because we had steam irons and dryers. But when you're ironing and you realize that it's work and not a privilege, you need SOMETHING to do while you iron. That's when I started watching soap operas on a regular basis. I watched for two hours every day. Four soaps, two hours because they were only half an hour long.

I watched CBS' entire lineup. Love of Life, As the World Turns, The Guiding Light and The Edge of Night. It took up a portion of the day, but wasn't too bad. But in 1977, they expanded all the soaps to a full hour. That took up half the ding dong day! Unbelievable! So I quit cold turkey. Mom tried to keep me watching one, so we'd have something to talk about, but I sucked it up and just said No!

The Guiding Light has filmed the last episodes this week. They are going off the air. That show has been broadcast for 72 years. I know, I know. They started on the radio, then went to telelvision with 15 minute episodes. Amazing.

But I haven't watched soaps in years. Now I just watch endless reruns of Andy Griffith and NCIS, not in that order. ;)

So, What Would You Have Done?

2009-07-27T22:04:00.004-04:00

First, a little wine, er, whine. It was a long day. I worked 9 hours, my feet hurt, I had a big project to work on... yadda yadda blah blah! LOL
I got home and Ronald darling had made some wonderful mini-meatloaves. Delicious! Only one of them was on my diet, but I ate two anyway! Honest, they were great. Ask him, he might give you the recipe.
So dinner was over, and I decided to go to Wally World. It's not very far; about 10 miles round trip. I went, I looked around, found the things I was looking for plus a pound of strawberies. Simple. I didn't lose the car, I didn't go over the budget I set for the trip and I was home by 8:00. Success.
And then I unpacked the bags. Wait a minute! What's this?!? I have an extra bag. The cashier gave me the last bag from her previous customer. Someone who is planning a wedding and has a toddler at home and is very concerned about getting everything done in time. I was not eavesdropping! Okay, okay, my ears weren't closed when she was talking, of course I heard her. She was only three feet away, for crying out loud!
And there's the bag, sitting on the table. Three bananas, a six pack of ready to eat pudding and a small container of fresh blueberries. It doesn't belong to me.
And, shame on me. I paused. I paused!!
I mean, I don't have little children at home who have to be taught this very important lesson. You know, so they can tell the story in Sacrament Meeting some day. "I remember Mama. Poor thing dragged herself out of the house when she was SO tired and worn out just to return a little bitty teeny weeny bag of groceries. What a GREAT mama!"
I paused. I told Ronald darling what happened maybe thinking that he would tell me not to bother going back, it's not my fault, I shouldn't feel guilty, another yadda yadda blah blah
He said, "Too bad!" Such sympathy. So off I went, to return the bag of groceries.
At the Service Center I got a very strange look and a "thank you for being so honest". That's it. Of course, I didn't want a fuss made. Not supposed to be doing my "good works to be seen of men", but would a $5 gift card have been too much to ask? LOL
So, do you have limits to how far you'll go, how inconvenienced you'll be, how tired you have to be?

Beautiful Music

2009-07-19T20:29:00.003-04:00

We had a wonderful, sweet experience at church today. The Relief Society sang a beatiful piece in Sacrament Meeting, "Behold the Wounds in Jesus Hands". The words are so touching and the sweet sound of the sisters was amazing. I didn't get an exact count, but about 60 beautiful women sang.
I especially love the fourth verse which ends:

Then as you fall to worship Him
And wash His feet in tears,
Your Savior takes you in His arms
And quiets all your fears.

This is a version of the piece (we sounded better). Thanx to all the sisters who sang and especially to Angie our sweet accompaniest.

One Small Step

2009-07-16T22:33:00.001-04:00

I was feeding my little 6 week old baby girl; eyes glued to the television... Just unbelievable!

When I Grow Up

2009-07-03T18:19:00.001-04:00

When I grow up I want to be just like this lady. Whaddaya think?

My Other Life

2009-06-28T13:51:00.006-04:00

I have this other life that I would like to be leading. Not instead of the one I have, just a different one. I am here in the midwest, but in my fantasy life I would be near New York or Los Angeles. I would be one of those people that looks familiar, but you can't quite place them, you know? That's because I would be a bit part player on television. I'd show up in all kinds of shows, just for a few minutes, but everyone would say "Oh, I really like her, she should have her own show!" But I never would. Then when I looked familiar, you would recognize me and the paparazzi would follow me. Don't want that, just the familiarity. Cool, right?
But there's not that much doing in Dayton.

My other other life involves singing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. But since I don't live within 100 miles of Salt Lake City, that ain't gonna happen. Ronald darling refuses to move there. Too many Mormons, not enough Latter-Day Saints, he says. Besides, it has a mandatory retirement age of 60... I'm there already.

So I'm down to my other other other life. I auditioned Friday for the Bach Society of Dayton .
The audition wasn't as tough as I thought and....... I made it! I'm in! Maybe I'm as good at something as I think I am! The concert series for next season hasn't been announced yet, but I know that the first performance will be in German!

They still need voices in all parts. The only down side for most of my friends.... rehearsals are on Monday evenings. You'd have to rearrange FHE! LOL I've got the contact information if you're interested; let me know!

Who Is Your Role Model?

2009-06-14T14:27:00.003-04:00

1) Pick your Favorite number between 1- 9
2) Multiply by 3 then
3) Add 3, then again multiply by 3 (I'll wait while you get the calculator....)
4) You'll get a 2 or 3 digit number....
5) Add the digits together
Now, go to the comments, find that number on the list and you will see who your role model is. Really, it works!!

The Meeting Meant For Him

2009-06-11T23:23:00.003-04:00

I watched an Education Week address this evening by John BytheWay. The title was "The Best Three Hours of the Week" and was given August 16, 1999. It was a wonderful talk about getting the most from our church meetings. It included this poem, which he did not write and can't attribute. He found it stuck in a hymn book in church.

"There was envy in the glances that a lovely woman cast
At the hairdo of her neighbor while the sacrament was passed.
And a teenage girl I noticed, though a timid lass and shy
Watched a youthful priest intently through the corner of her eye,
As he sat behind the table where the water trays were spread.
She was not remembering Jesus nor the prayer the priesthood said.

There was nothing reverential on the things the Cub Scout drew
On the pages of the hymn book till the sacrament was through.
Not a thought of Jesus’ passion entered careless elder’s mind
As they whispered to each other and the girls they sat behind.
And the high priest’s brow was furrowed as he stole a secret glance
At his check book’s dismal story of his failure in finance.

There were hundreds in the chapel but the worshipers were few
And I couldn’t help but wonder what the Lord himself would do.
I couldn’t help but wonder what the Lord himself would say
Had he walked into a meeting where his Saints behaved that way?
Would his loving eyes be saddened, would his countenance be grim?
While he there observed and listened to a meeting meant for him?"

Gratitude?

2009-06-08T21:16:00.011-04:00

You know how you read and read and SUDDENLY, something jumps off the page? I love that feeling, but frequently wonder where my head was before. Sometimes the stupid pills kick in and sometimes the enlightenment pills kick in! LOL

I was reading one of the Priesthood Session talks from this past General Conference the other day when it happened again. It was President Eyering's talk which I always love, but one sentence, one phrase just leaped at me.

Now, before I go on; I know that we are involved in the Lord's work, that we are his hands in many ways. That he plans on us doing the work, that he aids us in doing the work, the we have a responsibility to do the work.

Here's the statement that struck me:

"Whatever part you play in that priesthood visit (he was talking about home teaching to Aaronic priesthood holders), your desire to go to the people for the Lord to help them will bring at least two blessings. First, you will feel the love of God for the people you visit. And, second, you will feel the Savior’s gratitude for your desire to give the help the Savior knew they needed." April 2009 Priesthood Session

I don't think it ever occurred to me that the Savior was grateful to us for what we do. After all, he doesn't need us to do the work, he doesn't need us to finance the work, he doesn't need our testimonies. He could do it himself. Or so I thought.

Ronald darling tells me that I'm wrong - that the Lord does need us. It isn't that he couldn't do all the work, but that would defeat his plans. But gratitude? Really?

And then I thought of a conversation I had the other day about mud pies. Your kids made/make them. They want to share them, so they offer you one. Do you not say Thank You? And aren't you really pleased that they are developing social skills and sharing skills? And aren't they cute when they are trying to be grown up like you?

What about when you are cleaning or raking leaves or pulling weeds and they want to help? You say Thank You, you are pleased that they want to help, that they are learning a good work ethic. Maybe that's similar to the Savior's feelings when we help him with his work.

I hope he doesn't roll his eyes when I leave the room!

Creative Puns for Smart Minds

2009-06-07T21:08:00.002-04:00

1. The roundest knight at King Arthur’s Round Table was Sir Cumference. He acquired his size from too much pi.

2. I thought I saw an eye doctor on an Alaskan island, but it turned out to be an optical Aleutian.

3. She was only a whiskey maker, but he loved her still.

4. A rubber band pistol was confiscated in an algebra class, because it was a weapon of math disruption.

5. The butcher backed into the meat grinder and got a little behind in his work.

6. No matter how much you push the envelope, it’ll still be stationery.

7. A dog gave birth to puppies near the road and was cited for littering.

8. A grenade thrown into a kitchen in France would result in Linoleum Blownapart.

9. Two silk worms had a race. They ended up in a tie.

10. Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.

11. A hole has been found in the nudist camp wall. The police are looking into it.

12. Atheism is a non-prophet organization.

13. Two hats were hanging on a hat rack in the hallway. One hat said to the other, “You stay here, I’ll go on a head.”

14. I wondered why the baseball kept getting bigger. Then it hit me.

15. A sign on the lawn at a drug rehab center said, “Keep off the Grass.”

16. A small boy swallowed some coins and was taken to a hospital. When his grandmother telephoned to ask how he was, a nurse said, “No change yet.”

17. A chicken crossing the road is poultry in motion.

19. The short fortune-teller who escaped from prison was a small medium at large.

20. The soldier who survived mustard gas and pepper spray is now a seasoned veteran.

21 A backward poet writes inverse.

22. In a democracy, it’s your vote that counts. In feudalism, it’s your count that votes.

23. When cannibals ate a missionary, they got a taste of religion.

24. Don’t join dangerous cults, practice safe sects!

Wish these were original, but I found them here.

D-Day, the Sixth of June

2009-06-06T16:14:00.001-04:00

Laughing Out Loud!

2009-06-04T19:35:00.004-04:00

Have I mentioned that my daughter is wonderful? Well, she is. Don't tell her I said so. ; )

I check her blog regularly and today I just laughed out loud! You'll love this, I promise.

***Update. I just tried to read my daughter's blog to Ronald Darling... tears rolling down both our faces, we were laughting so hard!!!!!!!!!!!!

Missionary Moment

2009-05-29T21:18:00.003-04:00

I taught the Plan of Happiness today. That wouldn't be a big deal if I was on splits with missionaries, or if Seminary wasn't over for the year, or if it was FHE with the grandkids. But it wasn't any of those things.
I'm sitting at lunch with my supervisor and another staff member. And it's a small staff, only 10 people in the department. The supervisor turned the conversation to "what's it like in heaven?" Who gets there, what's it like, and can you punch somebody that you don't think deserves to be there? The other employee thought that those feelings of wanting to punch somebody's lights out would probably go away by then.
I asked her what she thought it would be like and she said maybe just like here, or maybe just floaty stuff. Boring? I asked. Maybe, she said. My supervisor asked, So why do you think we're here?
And there was the opportunity! They had invited me to join them for lunch and my supervisor has asked me religious questions before. He knows I'm LDS and comes to me for Biblical clarification. So, I went through the Reader's Digest version; we only had 15 minutes left.
We existed as spirit children of the Father before this life. We were part of the two-thirds who were NOT cast out of Heaven with Satan and the other third of the hosts of Heaven. We chose to follow God's plan and come here to learn and to grow to obtain physical bodies and develop relationships. That we would have time to learn more even after we left this life. That we were to become like God.
The thing that seemed to blow them away was the idea that this life wasn't random, that we are here because we want to be here, we had an active part in the decision. And yet, it seemed logical to them.
What a blast!

Physical Fitness

2009-05-27T05:58:00.003-04:00

As I've gotten older (inevitable) and heavier (not inevitable), it has occurred to me that I could reverse one portion of the equation and possibly not feel the other. So I have reviewed a variety of phyiscal fitness programs, mostly by sitting on my ample posterior and watching infomercials.

But this morning I saw one that is a.maz.ing. The first 50 seconds of the video are kind of silly, sort of a warm up exercise, but then you see some strength and flexibility. Trust me, you will want to be in such good shape!

God Bless America

2009-05-24T07:01:00.002-04:00

One of the greatest blessings in my life is to have been born a citizen of the United States of America. While many nations enjoy similar freedoms and similar opportunities; the creation of this nation was inspired by God, our Heavenly Father.

We are blessed to live in this free country and have a responsiblity to keep it free.

President Harold B. Lee, speaking of liberty, said, ‘Man possesses human dignity because he is made in the image and likeness of God; it is this image that makes man different, that makes man a son of God. Without this image, man has no free will and frequently neither liberty nor the capacity for liberty.’ He further said, ‘In this struggle for freedom, at home and abroad, our greatest weapon, both a sword and a shield will be our love of and faith in God.’

I love parades and fireworks and the patriotic music of this country. I stand for the national anthem and sing it through tears. I sing "God Bless America" with similar feelings.

From Kate Smith's biography: Today's younger generations may not be familiar with the origin and history of the song Irving Berlin considered his most important composition. It was written during the First World War, for an army camp show where Berlin was stationed: Camp Yaphank on Long Island. The show's producers rejected it as too jingoistic, so Berlin placed it in a trunk of rejected manuscripts. There it lay for twenty years, until Ted Collins, manager of popular singer Kate Smith, approached Irving Berlin for a new patriotic song for Kate to introduce to mark the twentieth anniversary of the Armistice that ended World War I. Berlin had recently returned from a trip to England, during which he was saddened to see signs of another war in the making. He was more thankful than ever to come back to his peaceful adopted homeland (his family had come to America from Russia when Irving was a small boy), so he was motivated to answer Collins' request, on Kate's behalf.

After several days of futile attempts to write a new patriotic song, Berlin remembered the one he had written in 1918. He asked his secretary to retrieve it from the trunk, and he made a few changes to the lyrics. Now Kate Smith was the No. I popular songstress in America in 1938, and her weekly Kate Smith Hour was heard by many millions of radio listeners that Thursday, November 10. The shy composer was invited to attend the show, but he declined, opting to listen with a few friends in his office at his music publishing company in New York. Kate sang it as her closing number, after which Berlin's phone began to ring, as people began to ask, 'Where can we get that song that Kate Smith just sang.?" Berlin was so touched by those calls that he decided to attend the rebroadcast three hours later for the west coast audience. At the conclusion of the broadcast, Kate called Irving to the stage and gave him a bearhug that swept him off his feet!

City Life 2009

2009-05-16T08:37:00.008-04:00

I've lived in this area for ages. All of my adult life and half of my teen years. I really like the size of the city, not too big, not too small. It has philharmonic and pops, opera and ballet. And for the past three years it has brought the City Life sculptures downtown. This is the final year - too bad, they are great!

There are fifteen life size statues placed around the downtown area and a 25 foot statue of King Lear on Courthouse Plaza. These pictures were taken as the statues were being readied for placement. The display is here until August 14. Parking on the street is free evenings and weekends. There are maps of where they are next to King Lear on the Plaza. Ya gotta see this!

Guaranteed to Make You Smile!

2009-04-22T22:17:00.001-04:00

Even if you are a grump, this will make you smile. And I really needed to smile today!

A Wonderful Mother

2009-04-15T07:43:00.003-04:00

We are way down south in Dixie, visiting our daughter, her husband and their two sons. We drove down last Saturday and will be here a few more days.
We participated in their family home evening Monday, which was much more structured than anything we managed when our kids were young. Their six year old conducted the meeting, and even, when prompted, welcomed the visitors! LOL
Every morning, during breakfast they've read scriptures together. The oldest boy just turned 10 and is in the 4th grade. He reads above his grade level, but then so did his mom, his dad and his uncle. Genetics may have something to do with it. The youngest just turned 6 and is in kindergarten. He also is able to read from the New Testament. I am just amazed.
Mom was reading the parable of the creditor who forgave the 50 pence and the 500 pence debts. Jesus asked Peter which one was more grateful. She stopped and asked the boys if they understood and to teach them compared it to them owing money... who would be more grateful.
The older boy said, I know what that's about. The creditor is Jesus, and the debts are sins. And when he forgave the debts, he was forgiving their sins. You could have knocked me over with a feather!
My daughter is a wonderful mother!!!

Six Destructive Ds

2009-04-09T22:33:00.003-04:00

Elder Kevin W Pearson spoke in the Saturday afternoon session of General Conference. His topic was "Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ". A portion of his talk was devoted to the things that impede development of that faith, the six destructive Ds.

Doubt - a lack of confidence, inconsistent with our divine identity as children of God
Discouragement - comes from missed expectations
Distraction - a lack of focus
Diligence, the lack of - a reduced commitment to being true and faithful
Disobedience - choosing to turn from what's right
Disbelief - hardening one's heart against truth

Distraction and the lack of diligence are natural to mortal life. The six don't have to lead to each other, although they frequently do. But distraction and the lack of diligence track me like hounds. Combined, don't they mean procrastination? That comes natural to me too! LOL

I Have A Plan

2009-03-25T06:48:00.005-04:00

The president asked that if others had a plan for the budget , to let him know. I have a plan.

Cut business taxes to 12%. Businesses do not pay taxes, they pass them on. Tax is a cost of doing business. They are either passed on to customers in the form of higher prices or lower quality, passed on to employees in the form of layoffs, lower salaries or higher production rates, or taken from stockholders in the form of lower dividends. We have the second highest corporate tax rate in the Western world. It needs to drop like a stone.
Allow health care insurers to sell across state lines. Let them treat the entire nation as one large "group". Require that they cover pre-existing conditions and catastrophic illness. Continue Medicaid to cover needs based people. Eliminate employer based health insurance. By using the nation as a group, prices will be lower than stopping sales at the state line. Employers will be able to pay their cost of insurance directly to the employees. They will also save the cost of administration of insurance, allowing prices to fall, salaries to increase or dividends to raise.
Drill here, drill now! Expand current forms of energy production. Just the announcement will panic OPEC and force them to keep prices at least as low as they are now. They will hope we go slow and continue to import from them for several years. Have research into alternative sources of energy proceed, but don't invent "green" jobs. Let the market determine the rate of growth.
Keep the Bush tax cuts in place until passage of the FairTax. In addition to it's other advantages, the Fair Tax will solve the funding issue for Social Security and Medicare.
Did I mention, no more bailouts!! No more federal interference with business.
Have all departments of the federal government audited by Clark Howard and Herman Cain.
Eliminate all programs that are not authorized by the Constitution of the United States of America.

I think I'm done for now. But in case you haven't seen this.... enjoy!

Lemonade Award

2009-03-24T21:12:00.003-04:00

My good friend Nancy nominated me for this award. I love awards you can be nominated for, but don't actually have to win, but still claim! LOL

I don't usually think of myself as a making lemonade from the lemons life hands you type. However, just now I was watching the news conference and realized that I will be making lemonade for the next few years. Y'all stop by for a cup, it'll cost you a quarter! (A girl's got to make a living!)

I know so many who have already been awarded this prize..... and so many more who deserve it. I can't choose, the pressure's too much, you can't make me!

So, if you had a bad year, a bad month, a bad week or a bad day; or if you watched the news conference, you are nominated! Grab the prize and go for it!

Swashbucklers, Away!

2009-03-16T23:24:00.001-04:00

Have you seen this one yet? It is FanTasTic!!

Evidently Not A Stroke

2009-03-13T17:58:00.002-04:00

My neighbor is doing well today; his wife and I went down to visit with him this morning. He has completely lost the memory of yesterday and is frustrated by that. He will be in the hospital for a few days while they try to figure out what caused the episode (probably NOT a stroke) and make sure it doesn't happen again.
Again, I'm glad I was here for them, but next time I'm gonna get out of Dodge. Just sayin'.

It Doesn't Pay To Take A Day Off

2009-03-13T07:24:00.004-04:00

I scheduled a week off work, thinking that we'd go down to see family in NC. But the car needs tires and brakes, so we scratched the trip. I decided to take two of the days anyway, yesterday and today. Get some rest, play a little, get a little sewing and spring cleaning done.

But the telephone rang yesterday, my neighbor in a panic. Her husband was unresponsive and having difficulty breathing. Can we come? We took off running (literally just across the street). I called 911 and Ronald darling went to make sure he was still with us. The township response was very quick (thanx Nancy). I moved some furniture so they could get a cot in, kept her out of their way while they tended to him and then drove her down to the emergency room. We met his daughter, son and daughter-in-law there.

As of late last evening he was responsive and stronger. She's already spoken to him this morning he is doing well. Everyone's first thought yesterday, including his nurse daughter, was that he'd had a stroke. I haven't heard confirmation of that, but I'll find out shortly. I am taking her down to see him in a few minutes. I really am glad that I was here for them, but these aren't the days I had planned.

Remind me that if I take time off work to get out of Dodge!

What is wrong with what we know?

2009-03-12T09:37:00.002-04:00

I was talking to a friend last night and we touched briefly on political issues. Briefly, because we want to stay friends and we are on opposite ends of the spectrum.
He said that he was against President Bush because Bush was anti-science. One of the examples he gave was that the NASA budget had been cut by 80% during his administration.
I didn't believe that was true, but had no evidence at the time. I reminded him of the president's plans for additional Mars missions, but he said that was just for show.

So, I did some research this morning on the NASA budget. Over the last 8 years, NASA's budget increased by over 27 per cent.

I don't know where my friend got his figures, but he believes them and they strongly affected his opinion. Accuracy in current and historical information is absolutely essential.

If You Can Read This Without Laughing..

2009-02-27T15:25:00.002-05:00

I didn't write this; I wish I did.

Jedi don't pick their noses, and other things I never thought I'd say

I always planned on speaking cheerful, positively constructed words of guidance to my children — never making "no" statements, but rather describing what actions they should take instead, making encouraging conversation, and never letting slip a snarky comment. That, of course, was before I became the mother of small boys. Here are words I never thought would come out of my mouth.
10. Don't lick that railing.
9. Don't pick your nose.
8. Don't lick your brother.
7. That bag is not a toy.
6. That's a big poop. Good job.
5. Bye-bye, poop.
4. If you lick that cookie, that's the one you take.
3. Big boys don't pick their noses.
2. Don't lick anything.
1. Jedi don't pick their noses.
Please tell me you've said worse.

Comments:

Monica 1:02 p.m. Feb. 26, 2009
My three year old son got on an elevator and the doors before I could grab him. When I caught up to him he sadly said "Mommy, I on the alligator and you weren't there."
My response? "Honey, you should never ride alligators without your mother!"
Or "If you want some cheese, how about you ask me and I'll cut you a piece, rather than taking bites out of the block."
Or how about: "We don't pour corn flakes in the toilet" Yup, I actually said it.

Ken 1:36 p.m. Feb. 26, 2009
Dad's get to say things too -
Don't put the gerbil on your sister!
Who is eating the shortening?
What did you do with my golf balls? Let's go unplug the toilet - again.

Sweet, I Think

2009-02-20T06:51:00.002-05:00

The audio is Greek, but there are English sub-titles for my non-Greek speaking visitors.

I was not that good a mommy. Well, wait, maybe I was. I just don't remember! LOL

The Celestial Nature of Self-Reliance

2009-02-15T22:25:00.005-05:00

This is the title of an article in the March issue of the Ensign. The newest issue is not available on line, but it is reprinted from a previous issue here. It is the text from a talk Marion G Romney gave in General Conference in October of 1982. Seeing that he spoke 30 years ago on this subject; it is truly amazing the insight he had into our day.

Consider these passages from the talk:

"Since the beginning of time man has been counseled to earn his own way, thereby becoming self-reliant. It is easy to understand the reason the Lord places so much emphasis on this principle when we come to understand that it is tied very closely to freedom itself."

"Many programs have been set up by well-meaning individuals to aid those who are in need. However, many of these programs are designed with the shortsighted objective of “helping people,” as opposed to “helping people help themselves.” Our efforts must always be directed toward making able-bodied people self-reliant."

"The practice of coveting and receiving unearned benefits has now become so fixed in our society that even men of wealth, possessing the means to produce more wealth, are expecting the government to guarantee them a profit. Elections often turn on what the candidates promise to do for voters from government funds. This practice, if universally accepted and implemented in any society, will make slaves of its citizens."

"We cannot afford to become wards of the government, even if we have a legal right to do so. It requires too great a sacrifice of self-respect and political, temporal, and spiritual independence."

He that hath an ear, let him hear... (Rev 3:6)

Insight on Love

2009-02-15T07:32:00.004-05:00

When you are raising children, you know you are inadequate. That their spiritual, emotional and intellectual needs are greater than your ability to provide. Fortunately, parenthood is a co-operative effort between us and Heavenly Father. Reading my daughter's Valentine's Day comments on her blog yesterday, I realized* that He did his part excellently. She turned out great!

*Not that I didn't know that before! LOL

Days of Debate?

2009-02-12T09:01:00.003-05:00

I just heard a report on Fox News Radio about the "compromise" on the Stimulus/Recovery Bill. The reporter said that after "days of debate" a compromise had been reached between the House and Senate versions of the bill.

Excuse me, but um, NO. The measure was passed in the House on January 28 after being introduced on the 27th. That was 2 weeks ago. It passed in the Senate on Tuesday of this week, the 10th after being introduced on the 3rd. The compromise was reached yesterday, one DAY after the Senate vote.

They have not had time to read it, understand it and certainly not to discuss the differences. This whole thing is a crock!

I'm disgusted. Really!

Gene Kelly

2009-02-01T20:48:00.002-05:00

I was talking with friends about Gene Kelly, movie musicals, favorite songs, favorite scenes, etc, etc and yada yada... LOL I love musicals, I love to sing but I never learned to tap dance, or ballet. Today I was watching one of my favorite Gene Kelly movies, "It's Always Fair Weather". It has an amazing dance sequence; all on roller skates!

There Is Something About Kids

2009-01-27T21:16:00.002-05:00

My oldest grandson enchanted my extended family when he was younger by singing "I Am A Child Of God". He was about 3 and it was brand new to them. The sound of a child singing is a beautiful thing, even if it isn't perfect. Of course, my grandson sounded perfect, but I don't have him recorded.

I found this little angel though. She's not singing "I Am A Child Of God", but she is singing my absolute favorite arrangement of "The Lord's Prayer".

Enjoy!

The Herminator's Intelligent Thinker's Movement

2009-01-21T20:33:00.005-05:00

When in the course of human events...

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the
Pursuit of Happiness.

We, the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect union, establish Justice, ensure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Gives you goose bumps, doesn't it? Our founding documents are inspiring and as close to scripture as any sectarian document can be. The Declaration of Independence also says "That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."

A man I greatly admire, Herman Cain, believes that we must Take Back Our Government. In his words, "We, the people, must be able to provide succinct and intelligent feedback to Congress frequently and persistently. We can then hold them accountable intelligently at election time, which is our only leverage for holding their feet to the fire."

Have you called your Senator, your Congressman, your governor or your mayor? Have you told them what you want them to do? Have you written to them, emailed them? If you agree that our elected officials are not responsive to our wishes, check out H.I.T.M. If you don't agree with Herman, no problem. Find your own way, but let's take back America!

8 Things

2009-01-05T21:55:00.004-05:00

1. Post rules on your Blog
2. Answer the 6 "8" Items
3. Let each person know they have been tagged by leaving them a comment.

8 Favorite Shows

NCIS
Monk
Psych
What Not To Wear
Glenn Beck (it will be when it starts Jan 19)
Andy Griffith
Designed to Sell
Good Eats

8 Things I Did Yesterday

Read the Sunday School lesson before class ;)
Directed music
Read blogs
Studied Seminary lesson
Cooked dinner
Flirted with Ronald darling
Emailed an old friend
Went to bed on time!

8 Things I Look Forward To

No mortgage
Losing 60 more pounds
Retirement
Dental Work (really)
Seeing my kids and grandkids
Dinner at Tumbleweeds
Seeing my brother and sister in law
Vacation

8 Favorite Restaurants

Tumbleweeds
Texas Roadhouse Steakhouse
Applebees
Olive Garden
Red Lobster
Spaghetti Warehouse
Any Chinese Buffet
Cici's

8 Things on My Wish List

Singing with the Mormon Tabernacle choir
On stage in The Music Man (or any other musical comedy)
Riding in a hot air balloon
Enactment of the Fair Tax
401k returning to last year's balance
Promotion and raise at work
Appearing on What Not To Wear
New house in new location

8 People to Tag

Crazy Town
Hudson Haven Happenings
Run Run Rudolphs
You Always Burn the First Pancake
Williams Family
Crazy and Happy Home
Just Another Day in Paradise
And the secret tag-ee; are you it? Let me know!

New Year's Resolutions

2008-12-29T07:21:00.003-05:00

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!!

2008-12-24T15:53:00.005-05:00

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

2008-12-21T23:09:00.003-05:00

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!

2008-12-10T21:29:00.003-05:00

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!