JANUARY 1, 2010 - No walk . Used the day packing for tomorrow. I do not do this easily.........but with much stress......what to take, what to put in each bag and etc. With all the rules and regulations as to what is allowed on the plane, how much bags can weigh, the extra fees for extra bags and etc. it is a pain!

Jan. 2, Sat. - Lori picked me up at 8:30. The airport was a madhouse......like train stations during WWII with hundreds of people traveling and hundreds more there to see them off. I greatly appreciated Lori coming in the terminal with me and handling all the electronic stuff required to check in.......it is beyond my ability. She stayed with me until I got to the security check point. She would have come with me until I was seated on the plane if it was allowed. She really goes all the way to take care of me.......bless her! The flight was almost an hour late taking off because of some "mechanical problem", which they did not explain but must not have been serious. I had a window seat, the sky was mostly cloudless and I could see the ground and it was beautiful ........a very enjoyable flight. Casey and Linda Gale, a friend of Jeri's, picked me up at the Phoenix airport. Jeri had planned to be taxi but she was still in CA where she and Kris were called because Kris' mother was ailing and they thought she might die (she rallied and is still alive). Casey had made me a closet by hanging a rod in front of her armoire and had emptied drawers for my use and I was able to get unpacked and settled in immediately. They make me feel really welcome.

Jan. 3, Sun. - Fast Sunday. Meetings are 9:00 to 12:00. Picked up their neighbor, Hoot. I enjoyed the meetings. Came home, prepared and ate dinner. Don had the book "Twilight" for me to read and I got started on that and I was "hooked". They still had their Christmas lights up and they were beautiful. They won second prize in the whole park, which was $50.00. We played Mexican Train and it was fun............Casey won, of course.

Jan. 4, Mon. - Up early and walked one time around the trailer park. Helped Kay take down the Christmas lights and decorations. Her neighbor, Jack, was a BIG help. Read "Twilight" for hours and liked it, much to my surprise. Borrowed 12 movies from the park library. Watched "The Family Man". Walked around the park again. Will try to do this twice a day for our good health. Played Mexican Train. Stayed up late and almost finished reading the book...........now I want to read the next two.

Jan. 5, Tues. Went to Dr. Saylor for a pre-cancer checkup on arms, hands and face. He will do a biopsy on one spot on my right hand. There are so many spots he suggested I use Effudex and wrote me a prescription. Kay also had an appointment with the Dr. and he gave her a shot of something that smooths out a puffiness on her nose where he had operated on her a couple of years ago. We went to WalMart and the Effudex costs $250.00 so I decided to forget it and do a more consistent use of Aloe Gelly to control the flakiness. If any of them turn into sores I will decide what to do next. Came home and watched "The Goodbye Girl". Took an evening walk around the park. Twice a day makes about 3 miles total.

Jan. 6, Wed. Went to the Mesa Temple and did one endowment session. Went to the DI and bought a nice bag in which to carry my temple clothes....I was just using a blue plastic bag since I couldn't bring my regular temple suitcase. Went to a movie with Kay and three of her friends. Saw "Avatar",a way-
out sci-fi but it was well done and we liked it. Went to Vera's and picked grapefruit and they are most delicious and she is a sweetheart to share with us. Walked once around the park again.

Jan. 7, Thurs. Walked once around the park. Went to Great Clips for shampoo/style. The stylist, "Melissa" did a pretty good job so I will go there again. Again, we went to some stores. Jeri has a laptop computer she is not using and is letting me use while I am here! Brent had done some work to get it set up for me and Jeri brought it over and worked on it some more but will come Sat., call John as he has access to my home computer and they will set it up so it will let me use her computer just as if it were mine. I am very thrilled. Didn't walk this evening. Played Mexican Train.

Jan. 8, Fri. - Walked once around the park. Can't remember what we did all day. We did play Mexican Train.

Jan. 9, Sat. - Walked one time. Went to Frye's for groceries. Jeri came and cut Don's hair.

She called John and the two of them spent 31/2 hours getting this computer hooked up for me in such a way I can use it. They are wonderful to use so much of their busy time to benefit me. I am amazed!

Jan. 10, Sun. - Regular meeting schedule. All were good. Came home. Had dinner. Took a nap.

Worked on computer. Kay worked on her computer preparing a lesson to give in RS in couple of weeks. Went for half a walk. Played Mexican Train and Don won twice which Casey says is very unusual. Jan. 11, Mon. - Walked one time. Worked on computer. This computer is very different from mine and I am having quite a time learning how to use it. Things keep jumping around on the page or disappearing. It is very slow in its response so I push the keys again and cause myself a lot of trouble. I am sure it will get easier with use.

Jan. 12, Tues. - Walked one time. Went to Jeri's where Casey does the laundry for Jeri almost every week. Jeri had put out her copies of the Twilight books so I got started on New Moon and read until midnight. Went to the club house and bought Brats on a Bun which includes chips, cooked onions, sauerkraut, all the necessary condiments and a drink and they only charge $2.50 , but Kay always pays double as it is a money earning event and her neighbor is in charge of it and she doesn't see how they can make any profit at that price. Anyway , we bought them and came home and ate outside as it was such a nice day. That made for an easy dinner, also. Played Mexican Train. A 7 point earthquake hit Haiti and has devastated the county and it is most dreadful. They fear that hundreds of thousands people are dead. There is no power or water or food and no machinery to rescue trapped people .

Jan. 14 , Wed. - Picked up Janice Young and we went to the temple. Went to the Barn and I bought a 14 oz bottle of Bigleoil gel which is less messy than the original liquid. My left leg is swollen and somewhat painful..............it started hurting when I shoveled snow that had avalanched off the garage and breeze way roof on New Years day. I had ignored it thinking it would go away but since it didn't I started using Don's Bigleoil and it helped so I bought my own . Came home, changed our clothes and went to a Sherlock Holmes movie with Gertrude Hancock and Vera Hayter They are really cute ladies. Gertrude always drives and refuses any money for gas; Vera brings each of us a little baggie with a small Snickers bar, one Hershey kiss and two or three chocolate covered peanuts. Gertrude also usually has a coupon that lets us get a tub of popcorn for $1.00 instead of costing $4.50, then she gives each of us a toothpick afterward.......cute! The movie was very involved, loud, and quite violent and I had a hard time understanding what was being said as they spoke with their British accent, but the fun of being included in their outing made it all worthwhile. Came home, fixed and ate dinner, cleaned up afterward. Went to Janice Young's and picked two bags of oranges off her tree, which was very sharing of her. Brother Ed Peterson came Home Teaching. He is a very nice man, prepared with a message to share. After he left we again played Mexican Train. The TV pictures of the Haitian earthquake are most dreadful. Rescue and humanitarian aid from other countries is getting underway but it takes 24 to 36 hours before it starts to show up, and people are dying.

Jan. 15, Thurs. - Walked. Read New Moon many hours. Casey worked on the Relief Society lesson she will be giving. Watched the reports on the dreadful conditions in Haiti.......a living Hell for those people. Played Mexican Train.........this time I managed to get over 400 points, which Casey says no one has ever done that bad before............it is a good thing that I don't care!!! Received a packet of mail that Lisa Anderson sent me as the PO goofed and put in my mail box. Casey called and they had the stop mail instructions right there but delivered it anyway.

Jan. 16, Fri. - Walked. Came in the house, sat down and started reading New Moon and read until I finished it, which was 12:00. It was also a very interesting book. Gertrude brought me her copy of Eclipse and I will wait awhile before starting that one. Lisa called and said there had not been any more mail left in my box so I assume that is straightened out. People are so nice and helpful to me and I greatly appreciate it. Worked on the computer. Watched CNN and FOX news channels. Played Mexican Train.

Jan. 17, Sat. - Walked. Went to the bank, and to two grocery stores and to Wal Mart. Went to see the movie New Moon with Gertrude and Casey. I have to admit that I liked it which surprises me. Gertrude is a movieaholic if there ever was one!! Played Mexican Train.

Jan. 18, Sun. - This was Ward Conference here and it was well done. I enjoyed it except that the adults stayed in the chapel the entire three hours, with a break when we could stand up for a few minutes at the end of hours 1 and 2. Came home, prepared and ate dinner. Took a nap. Don is suffering so much pain it is just awful. He took Ibuprofen (which the Dr told him to never take) in the car and at church without any water, and that is a big NO-NO, but he says other pain meds just don't help. I feel so sorry for him. Played Mex Train. I am still reading one page of A Lamp Unto My Feet and one chapter of the Book of Mormon every night no matter how late it is. Raymond called and scolded me for not getting in touch with them....he pointed out that I have been here 2 weeks and a day and that I was very negligent, and I agreed with him. He said he forgave me, though, and I thanked him for that, and I mean it. He told me that Yvonne died this morning and I am happy for her. He is flying up on Thurs for the funeral. He put no pressure on me to go and I appreciate that. I told him I hadn't even gone to Bea's funeral so didn't think I would and he thought that was OK...........I doubt that Shirley will be that forgiving, and will think less of me, but will have to take that chance. Read one chapter of Eclipse.

Jan. 19, Mon. - Walked. Worked on the computer. Read a lot of Eclipse. Went to stand up from the couch without sliding forward a little and really pulled a muscle or tendon or something I don't know about and it hurt like crazy and I could hardly walk...DUMB!! Went to Vera's and picked lots of grapefruit, which I get to eat as Don can't have citrus and Kay prefers oranges and we have lots of them picked off Janice Young's tree. Lucky us. Jackie and Lud arrived and Kay went and guided them into their parking space. We are all very grateful they arrived in safety. They so wanted to come and their health problems are so great it was very iffy they could make it. It was sunny when they first arrived but began raining a little later and really poured down. We went to see them and they were all set up with their patio carpet, furniture and roll out awning. They have a really lovely travel trailer with all the amenities. Came home, fixed dinner, ate, cleaned up. Played Mex. Train..

Jan. 20, Tues. Didn't walk because of my leg......used lots of Bigleoil on it. Went to Jeri's to do her laundry. All I did was help fold clothes. Sat and read or watched CNN. In the big storm last night Jackie and Lud's big awning was ripped right off their trailer and that is awful!!! Not only for the money but for the time, work and stress involved. Played Mex Train. Finished reading Eclipse.

Jan. 21, Wed. - Picked up Janice and went to the temple. Rained very hard part of the day, along with wild bursts of wind which have done lots of damage all over the area. Trees tipped over, yard furniture blown over and broken. Neb's red glass ball was blown off its pedestal and smashed. Went to visit Jackie and Lud. Played Mex. Train.

Jan. 22, Thurs. - Walked. Went to Great Clips and had a hair cut, shampoo and style. Started reading " Breaking Dawn." Jackie and Lud's new awning will cost $1,200.00 and the insurance will pay $700.00, too bad it happened. Played Mex. Train. Gary, Joy. Jasmine and Lydia came from Utah to a convention where Joy hopes to sell her felt products. They also will be here for Don's 90th birthday celebration.

Jan. 23, Fri. - Walked. Read Breaking Dawn. Played Mex. Train.

Jan. 24, Sat. - Walked. Casey made two raspberry jellos and I boiled 2 dozen eggs for party tomorrow. Read book. Went to a couple of stores. Played Mex. Train.

Jan. 25, Sun. - Regular meetings. Casey gave the R S lesson and it was super excellent. That is no surprise as her talks and lessons are always that good, however, this time preparing the talk was extremely stressful for her, like they always were for me, so I had empathy. Even told her she didn't have to ever do it again..................just tell anyone who asks that she doesn't do that any more. After 18 years of teaching that is what I finally had to do to save my sanity. There are other ways to serve that don't jeopardize your health. Came home and I made deviled eggs for Don's party. It was held at Kris and Jeri's and it was his 90th, being held a few days early. It was a most delicious buffet dinner, and was a family celebration with 20 people there: Gary, Joy, Jasmine and Lydia; Paul, Nancy, and Nancy's sister Barbara; Paul's son Jason and wife Christine; Brent and wife Sarah; Trevor and wife Jodi; Lud and Jackie Olsen (here on vacation for 2 months) Kris and Jeri; Don and Kay and I. It was a very diverse group as to religion, no religion, and very different political convictions. Casey was a little fearful that there might be some stressful interaction if those subjects came up, but that didn't happen and it was a joyful occasion. Don was very pleased with his cards and LOTS of chocolate gifts .....not good for him but he is convinced that the flavinoids in dark chocolate have health benefits.Jan. 25, Mon. - Walked. Gary and family dropped in to say goodbye .

Jan. 26, Tues. - Walked. Went to Jeri's and did laundry. Picked up Jackie and we went shopping at Kohl's. Jackie and Casey tried on clothes (Casey HATES doing that). Jackie is a true shopper and knows the store and all it's merchandise, so kept urging her along. I just sat and put things back on hangers. Casey did find one shirt she can alter (UGH) to use for a "modesty" filler for another blouse, but that was all. While in the store Ammon called me from Tuscon and invited me to come down there. Since I have no car of my own that is not an option, and to be honest, I wouldn't really want to go. Melanie is required to stay in bed and she certainly doesn't need company to worry about. It was sweet of him anyway. We also went to 3 or 4 grocery stores trying to find a certain cracker that Lud likes.....no luck there. Lud had come and taken Don to the DI and they had just arrived here a few minutes before we came. We, and they, had been gone 3 hours. I asked Lud how it went at the DI and he just said "long"...........so I don't think he will want to do that again! Played Mex. Train. Finished New Moon. Well, I guess I'm glad I read the series but will never reread them. Anyway, I now know what all the enthusiast are raving about, for what that is worth.

Jan. 27, Wed. - Went to the temple with Janice and Kay. Went to see the movie Extra Ordinary Measures, with Gertrude, Vera, Jackie, Kay and I. A most inspiring movie about the development of a drug that saves lives of children. That was fun. Home and had dinner . Called Zions Bank and tried to get a bank statement sent to me for Dec and was told they couldn't send me one, that I would have to access it on-line, then went through an hour of agony as a customer rep tried to talk me through setting it up, he was very patient but finally said he would send me one in the mail. However, if he sends it to my Murray address the PO will not send it here!!!! some sort of a required regulation. So here I am stymied and stressed out to the max. Then Casey tried to talk to them and see if they could just send it to this address but that didn't work out either. We took a break and she worked on hemming a pair of her pants and I started to shorten a skirt. We couldn't see very well as the items are black and it was evening and neither one of us has good eyesight. Had to stop so we could listen to Pres. Obama's State of the Union address and it didn't make me feel any more hopeful about the terrible mess our America is in.

Jan. 28, Thurs. - Was raining hard this morning so we didn't walk. . Amazingly Casey was able to go back to sleep. I couldn't, so worked on the computer. Kay pulled a muscle in her leg and it hurts like crazy. She immediately rubbed it with Bigleoil and used a small vibrator on it and it seems to have helped enough that she is able to carefully walk. Dropped Don off at the DI and Kay and I went to Wal Mart for a few items, then to JoAnne's for sewing stuff. Picked Don up and he asked to go to Walgreens Drug so we dropped him off there for an hour (they were having a closing-the-store sale). Jackie and Lud came to visit. Kay, Jackie and I played Mex. Train.

Jan. 29, Fri. - Walked. Kay and I went to a big wood carvers/wood burners show. Her neighbors, Jack and Elaine Prosceilo had many items to display. They are very talented and their works are professional quality. The show was fun to attend. Went to pick up a piece of glass that Kay had ordered to put on top of their little fireplace cabinet and it looks very good. Had ½ hr before Gertrude came to take us to another movie. This was one of the best movies I have ever seen......."Blind Side", a true story about a very neglected black teenager who was taken in by a wealthy white family who really loved him and helped him in every way to become a success. Loved it so much I think I'll buy a DVD when it comes out. Lud and Jackie moved their trailer to a spot very close to D and Kay's and they will like it much better. Today is Don's official birthday so we went to The Asian Restaurant for dinner. Jackie and Lud came, too. Busy day.

Jan. 30, Sat. - Walked. Typed on computer. Went to another movie......."Invictus" , which is about Nelson Mandella's triumph over his 27 year political imprisonment and persecution, to become President of South Africa and the man who accomplished an end to apartheid. Another outstanding movie. Played Mex. Train.

Jan. 31, Sun. - Attended our meetings. Freddy Copier called to let me know that Ethel Hart died today. I am so happy for her, as that is what she has wanted for several years. She was one brave, valiant lady. Ninety seven years old! Played Mex. Train.

FEBRUARY 1, Mon. - Walked. Finally finished shortening my black skirt. Kay did some alterations, too. Jeri and Kris came to Jackie & Lud's where Kris installed their new TV and got the antenna adjusted into the right position. Kay & I went over to watch and to visit. It is very nice and they will be glad for it. Don dug the hole for their new mail box last week and today he got it all level and lined-up and poured the cement powder in, then the water, and it sets up really fast without any mixing.....I didn't know they made such cement!! Looks very nice. Popped corn so we can make PCB's for Mark's birthday. Had a nice long talk with Lori. Played Mex. Train.

Feb. 2, Tues. - Walked. Made the PCB's and had corn left over so Kay made the syrup for her caramel corn and made a batch........MOST delicious. Really a lot better than the PCB's, but tradition IS tradition, so Mark gets balls. Did the laundry at Jeri's. Picked grapefruit for Vera. Came home and I started typing and Casey took a much needed nap. Fixed dinner and ate then Jackie and Lud came over and we watched the movie The Proposal, with Sandra Bullock. It was a comedy but was rather explicit in some instances and we wondered if we had gotten hold of an R rated, but it was PG13..................however, it should not be viewed by teenagers. After the movie Lud talked with Don awhile and Jackie, Casey and I played Mex. Train.

Feb. 3, Wed. - Went to the temple. Packaged the PCB's for mailing. Wrote on a birthday card for Mark and another one for Heather. Kay took Don to the DI and Jackie, Kay and I went to the PO to mail the PCB's.....cost $13.00 to mail, which is more than they are worth. Went to the bank, and to Wal Mart, which used almost two hours. Went back and got Don. Came home, had dinner. Played Mex. Train.

Feb. 4, Thurs. - Walked. Went to Great Clips for hairdo. Took Jackie and we went to a big mall and looked in Penney's for shoes....Kay bought a pair of sandals and another pair; Jackie bought two pair, also. After dinner Kay and I watched DVD of Twilight............Kay didn't like it at all, but she doesn't like the book series, so it is no wonder. However, Gertrude had loaned it to me so I thought I should see it. After the movie just Kay and I played Mex. Train.

Feb. 5, Fri. - Walked. Took some items to drop off at DI. To Frye's for few grocery items. Jackie and Lud took their trailer to have the new awning attached, then were told that they would have to bring it back next week to have the waterproof seal done as the business didn't have time to do it today.......! It is not an easy thing to move a trailer as water and drains and electricity all have to be disconnected, and all items secured just as though they were going on a long trip. Too bad they have so much trouble and stress. Gertrude came by and brought us another DVD to watch. This one was The Pursuit of Happyness, and is also a true story, and we watched it after dinner and loved it. Jackie & Lud were too tired to come watch. No game this night. Called Ray and Kirma and they will pick me up around 3:30 tomorrow and we will go eat at Sweet Tomato for lunch before going to their home. I have been making progress on typing my journal for 2007 and also keeping up with current activities. This definitely gives me some satisfaction.

Sat. 6, Sat. - Walked. Picked some oranges for Vera. Ray and Kirma came and we went to the Sweet Tomatoes (compliments of M & D), that is the only way they would let me take them to lunch...since it wouldn't be coming out of my pocket. At their home we just visited, looked at all their neat stuff, looked at Family History things and watched Fox News, then went to bed.

Feb 7, Sun. - Meetings at 9:00. Fast Sunday.....nice testimony meeting. OK Sunday School class; Good R.S. meeting. They took me to their house, they went back to get their temple recommends signed. Kirma came home, but Ray had a Home Teaching appointment. We read the paper and talked. Kirma worked on preparing dinner but wouldn't let me help, which makes me uncomfortable just sitting there doing nothing. Had a very delicious dinner, then she did let me help with the cleanup. More visiting and Ray gave me a guided tour of his garden. It is very impressive. He puts lots of time and expertise into it. They have several varieties of oranges and grapefruit and a lemon tree. He picked two plastic grocery bags full for me to bring back to Neb's, which is very nice of him. At 6:30 their children and grandchildren started arriving for FHE, which they have every Fast Sunday evening, rotating from home to home. Judy's husband Stewart gave the lesson; Barbie and Neil brought dessert. It was nicely done and I was thrilled to share that time with so many of this outstanding, upright, talented family. Got back to K & D's at 9:15 and we all got ready and went to bed .

Feb. 8, Mon. - Walked. Typed in journal. Read Doug's email regarding Gwendolyn's snoring......a very funny account, (but not funny going through it.) I am eating 2 to 4 grapefruit every day.......can do that when they are free! Took Don to the big Target store where he can ride on the motorized carts, and he wanted us to come back in 1 ½ hrs. Kay and I went to Michael's and looked at jewelry making stuff but didn't buy anything. Sat in the car and watched airplanes and clouds while we waited. Home, fixed dinner and ate. Jackie came and we watched the movie Little Man Tate, then played Mexican Train. When she went home we played Mex. Train with Don........I ended up with a score of over 500 which has to be a record of massive failure >:( ........ and even though I come in last most of the time I still like playing.)

Feb. 9, Tues. - Walked. Went to Jeri's to do laundry. She had bought me a Happy Birthday balloon bouquet! Five mylar, helium-filled balloons.....three heart shaped (2 pink, 1 white), two round (1 decorated with cupcake design/with candles & said Happy Birthday, and1 with flowers and a smiling, gauky flamingo wearing sunglasses) .....all very colorful. She is a sweetheart!! She also let me have one of her special, handmade Chinese-girl bookmarks.....very cute. Casey took pictures of me with the balloons, then emailed them immediately to my four kids. Lori called me and we had a nice visit. John called and we had a nice, but shorter visit. Dixie sent a cute musical email card and said they had sent me a gift but it would be late. Returned Gertrude's DVD of Twilight. Went to Frye's for a few groceries. Went to Wal Mart. I typed on the computer for awhile. Played Mex. Train and I won for a change.

Feb. 10, Wed. - To temple. Janice did not go as she was going to Stake Temple day at 4:00. Went to Wal Mart for sewing notions and a few groceries. Went to the Asian Mall just to look around but bought a few vegetables and a small candy bowl that has lots of sesame seed bars and a sort of peanut brittle bar.....they aren't very sweet and are very hard....have to break them up and not chew until they are softened...would be hard on bridges and teeth in general. But it was interesting to look at so we gave it a try. Won't buy that again. In the afternoon, before we had fixed dinner, Casey heard an unfamiliar noise that sounded like running water to her. We discovered that the water line under the kitchen sink had a leak in it and oh, what a wet mess! All the pots and pans and two shelves had to be removed and Don spent hours repairing it. He had to lie on the floor with his head in a very cramped area where there was little space in which to work and no adequate light. One hard job. He has a huge bruise on his left arm from leaning on door opening. It amazed me he could do it since he is so bent and frail. While he was doing this Casey and I played Mex. Train, in between her getting tools, turning water off and on, taking Don to Ace Hardware for some clamps, and etc. Then we had dinner in the middle of the mess, so all the clean up was after that. No games with Don as it was too late and he was way too tired.

Feb. 11, Thurs. - Walked. Hairdo at Great Clips. Went to Penney's to return one pair of Casey's shoes. To the theater complex and bought a thirty dollar gift card for Gertrude, from both of us. To Vera's and picked grapefruit and oranges for her. She has been sick with some sort of flu for a week. Brought the grapefruit home and cut the sections and juice into jars for her, then Casey took them back. Casey has a big problem with her computer and Jeri came over after work and spent about 1 ½ hours straightening it out. It is good she can do this for her mom. Jackie and Lud brought over a stack of DVDs for us to check out and see if there are any we would like to watch.........we had sort of planned to see a movie together but it took too long with the computer problem, and they didn't stay. Played Mex Train and I won again.

Feb. 12, Fri. - Walked. Jackie came over and we watched the movie Little Man Tate. We then played Mex. Train with her. Then we played it with Don.

Feb. 13, Sat. - Walked. Kay sprayed the weeds in their yard, in Jack's yard and in Dawn's yard.

I worked on the computer most of the day. Played Mex. Train.

Feb. 14, Sun. - Was their Stake Conference but Kay's back, neck and shoulders hurt so much she just couldn't face going and sitting on those folding chairs for two hours so we stayed home. Surely did not feel like Sunday. This was Valentine's Day and Don came out into the livingroom with two Puffs tissues with 4 heart-shaped Dove chocolates in each fastened with elastics and gave to his "people" for Valentine's Day.................I think that was very cute of him to share with us as he LOVES his chocolates. Spent most of the day typing my 07 journal into the computer. Played Mex. Train.

Feb. 15, Mon. - Walked. Gertrude came over and brought Kay, me and Jackie little crocheted rainbows with a magnet to hang on the fridge.....she is such a cute lady. We visited for an hour or so.

Jackie and Lud took their trailer in for the final repair and it took another 4 hours.......this has been a very stressful experience for them. They went to see an airplane museum while they waited for the job to be done and although they enjoyed seeing that, they were so exhausted by the time they got back , and parked and hooked up, they could hardly move. But the job finally looks well done and they are pleased. Every day we watch CNN and FOX news to keep up with what is going on in the world. When I go home if I decide not to restart the paper all I will see is the News Hour and while that is better than the commercial stations I will be ignorant of many happenings. Picked grapefruit for Vera again, brought it home and took the fruit out and into jars for her. She is still sick and feels "puny". Hope she gets well soon. Played Mex. Train.

Feb. 16, Tues. - Walked. Went to Jeri's and did laundry. Took a nap as we got through early. Went to See's and bought chocolate chips. Stopped in to see Jackie & Lud, took the things to Jackie that Jeri gave her; three book markers....an Anne of Green Gables, a mermaid and a Chinese girl...all very cute. We then went back to Jeri's to let Jackie see all the interior decorations Jeri has done and to see her extensive craft supplies. Most impressive. Back home and I typed on my journal. Went to JoAnne's for thread so Casey can alter a beautiful dress....hopes to get done so she can wear it on Sunday.

Feb. 17, Wed. - To temple with Kay and Janice. To Alpine Bread Store. Home and got Don, and Lud and Jackie came in their truck, and we went to what was supposed to be a huge venders show. We got there early and there were only a few spaces open. Nothing very interesting, although Jackie bought a knit shirt for Jackie Rae and one for herself. Casey bought two finger rings she will make into earrings. We left there and drove Don to the DI for two hours. Came home and used the computers or napped until time to pick up Don. Ammon called and the twins have been born. The malformed one lived only 40 minutes and the other little girl is very small (premature by two months) and will have to be in the hospital for two weeks to two months. This has been a very difficult pregnancy. We all pray for the health and well being of the remaining child and for Melanie, Ammon and Connor. Ammon will come get me on Fri and take me back to Tuscon for the funeral on Sat.

Feb. 18, Thurs. Walked. To Great Clips for hairdo. Jackie came just as I was getting through. She uses the same stylist that I do. To Albertsons, went to SASS just as they closed. Played Mex.

Train with Jackie while Lud and Don visited.

Feb. 19, Fri. Walked. Went to SASS again and got several items Casey needed to finish altering four articles of clothing. Packed the items I need to take with me to Tuscon. Ammon, Melanie, and her mother ( Theresa Spears) came to get me. They came into the house and we had a short visit and ice cream with Kay and Don before leaving. It was a nice trip down and I had a good visit with Ammon as he sat in the back seat with me. This entire pregnancy has been a stressful, demanding ordeal, with Melanie having to have bed rest almost the whole time in order not to lose the babies. Her last 7 weeks have been spent right in the hospital in bed or in a wheelchair! The members of their Ward have been helpful to an almost unbelievable degree. They should all get hallos for their service!
Gwendolyn and Sarah flew down on Feb. 16th, rented a car and drove to Tuscon, so they have helped, too. Melanie's mother also came, of course. Gwen stayed home with Connor and the rest of us went to the hospital to see the baby. It was quite an overwhelming experience to me to be allowed to hold that tiny, perfect child. She weighs 4 ½ pounds, and is 17 ½ inches long. Melanie is pumping milk and I was able to give the baby her bottle, along with several others taking turns. She takes about half an hour to eat as she tires easily and wants to sleep. Met more of Melanie's relatives and they are very friendly and nice . Back to their home, ate a slice of pizza, drank something like Sprite and got in bed about 10:30.

Feb. 20, Sat. - The funeral was scheduled for 10:00 and we needed to be there by 9:00. Sarah and Gwendolyn set up a display table of pictures and baby clothes, a white Teddy Bear and little knit blanket and a wee quilt. This was in the RS room and only family members came in there. The casket was so small a man carried it in his arms. I was surprised it was an open casket viewing but Abigail Grace was dressed in a beautiful white embroidered dress and a little hat that looked fine. There was a beautiful floral arrangement for the casket, it wasn't big but covered the whole casket anyway. The funeral was about 50 minutes long and nicely done. (Her funeral program is attached.) Everyone at the funeral was invited to stay for the dinner furnished by the R S Sisters and it was just extra-special...the best spread I have ever seen for such an occasion. There were many non-members there and we will never know how all the gospel expressions and testimonies were perceived by them. Of course we hope it will motivate someone to want to investigate the gospel doctrine. When it was all over and cleaned up and we needed to load things into the cars it was raining very hard, the wind was blowing and it had turned very cold....what crazy weather. Ammon and Melanie drove me back to Mesa and brought their temple clothes and went on a session. They thought they would be on the 4:00 one but it was very crowded and they had to wait. As a result they didn't leave the temple until 8:00. I had called their cell phone and left a message, wondering where they were, as we were planning on playing a game with them. However, it was too late and they needed to head for home, so did that. Don, Casey and I played our usual Mexican Train game.

Feb. 21, Sun. - Church from 9:00 to 12:00, as usual. Sacrament Meeting was uplifting, Sunday School was so-so. RS lesson was such a confusing, disjointed , noisy presentation I was exhausted by it!!

Came home, changed our clothes and took a two hour nap to recover. I made cell phone calls to Barbara (happy birthday), to Bonita and to Jeanne (VT by phone), to Art Ball and to Lisa (to let them know that Hastings will be sleeping at my home on Wed.) Barbara's birthday was yesterday and I brought a card down here to send to her but left her address home. She has been very sick with a virus that has kicked in her Colitis problem and she still is not well...sorry, sorry, sorry. Went over and visited with Jackie & Lud for awhile. Played the game with Kay & Don. Ate apple slices and watched CNN and FOX then went to bed.

Feb. 22, Mon. - Walked and it was cold but not raining. Then the sun came out, then it clouded over and rained hard, then the sun came out for awhile, then it rained and etc. and etc. all day. Typed on my journal. Wrote birthday cards and checks to Bradford and to Carol Eggleston. Casey went to a couple of stores with Jackie but my knee was hurting so much I chose to stay off my feet. Rubbed both Bigleoil and aloe gelly on it and used a little vibrator for about half an hour and it helped. Played the game with Kay and Don.

Feb. 23, Tues. - Didn't walk as I felt like I needed to give my knee a chance to mend. Casey and I went to Jeri's to do the laundry. Since Jeri was out of school yesterday there was not as much to do as usual, so we did the work then took an hour nap. Jackie, Casey and I drove to the Mesa City Cemetery and met with Ammon and his family and extended family on both sides and friends for the interment of Abigail Grace. There is a portion of the cemetery set aside for babies and toddlers. Quite heart breaking to read the headstones and feel how much pain they represent. The immediate area was covered with artificial grass, there were enough chairs for almost everyone to sit on. Ammon let Connor help carry the little coffin from the car to the trestle it sat on at the grave site. Connor looked so cute and mostly behaved very well. Ammon invited anyone who wanted to to say a few words and almost everyone said something comforting or testimony building, or friendship bonding. The weather was nice and sunny, although a little cold. I was glad for my sweater coat. The support of all those present was a great comfort to Ammon and Melanie. It all went very well. We came home, prepared and ate dinner. Played the game. Lori called and she will pick me up at the airport on Sat. She and Chris have taken down my Christmas tree which is very nice of them. That will relieve some of the pressure of all the things I have to do.

Feb. 24, Wed. - Went to the 7:00 Endowment Session at the temple. Home and changed clothes. Went to Vera's and picked grapefruit and the pole with the picker basket on the end broke off so we brought it home and while Casey repaired it I sectioned out grapefruit into bottles for Vera. Finished that and went back to pick oranges for her, too. I had forgotten to take the names to drop in the prayer roll box, so we got them, drove back up to the temple, and while Casey took them in I went into Deseret Book and bought two copies of the B of M........one for Melissa (if I am brave enough to give it to her) and one for my neighbors, the Bells, when I get home. Went to the PO to mail letters. To a convenience store for a money order for Casey to send to Nancy (Paul's wife) along with a sympathy card on the death of her brother. To the bread store. To Walgreens to get Don's apple juice which was on sale. By then it was 2:30ish and we had to fix dinner. Got that over with and played the game. The Home Teachers came at 5:55 and stayed for 1 ½ hours, they were prepared with a lesson but Don has so much to say they have a hard time giving it. Don IS very knowledgeable about the gospel. The Visiting Teachers came and were here for a long time, too. After that we went to bed. Clint and family are staying at my house tonight then will go to Nina's family meeting about her dad's funeral and the distribution of his inheritance on Thurs morning.

Feb. 25, Thurs. - Walked. Wrote a note to Melissa to go with the B of M I'm giving her. To Great Clips for hairdo. Gave Melissa the book in an envelope and told her I had bought her a very special book and there was a note to explain it. She thanked me and gave me a hug. I got her cell phone number so I can find her next year if she has moved from Great Clips. I also gave her my business card if she wants to get in touch with me in Murray. Surely hope she reads the book, and I am glad I shared. Went to Jeri's just long enough to see their new 50 inch, flat screen TV.....WOW! I'm sure they will enjoy that. Home, and got Don and went to the DI. Casey actually found a nice blouse to go with her pink pants and it was only $3.00, and brand new. Home, and Casey got a tri-tip roast marinating for dinner. Back to DI to pick up Don. Home and we fixed dinner and ate.

Clint called from (I don't know which town) and they want to stay at my home Sat night after Nina's dad's funeral instead of staying where they are, and that is just fine with me. They might even get there before I do so I don't know what to do about food. Their flight is some time Sun evening and they have a rental car to turn in so I don't have to worry about that. Did typing on my journal. Watched some of the discussion between the Democrats and Republicans on the Health Care controversy. Watched CNN and FOX to hear what the pundits had to say about it. Played Mexican Train and won again.

Feb. 26, Fri. Walked. Sharon Collard called Casey and talked, cried, shouted for over an hour just venting and needing help, but all Kay can do from here is listen with sympathy and it is tough. Typed in journal. Gertrude came by for hugs and to tell me goodbye...she is one special lady and I am happy to have her for a friend. Casey has been having trouble with her cell phone...people call but the phone doesn't ring. She makes a call and she can hear whomever she calls but they can't hear her. She spent quite a bit of time reading her instruction book but could not figure it out. Jeri came after work and read the book but she also could not find what is wrong. She called Gary and they think it is just a faulty phone and she will have to buy a new one...she has had this one just a few months, so that is expensive. Too bad.

Lud came over to visit Don so Jackie, Casey and I played several hands of Mexican Train. Jackie won and we were glad. Casey and I went to Dawns, then to Jack's so I could say goodbye to them.

Feb. 27, Sat. - Walked. Watched the news and learned that there has been an 8.8 earthquake in Chili.

This is a bigger quake than the one in Haiti but not as destructive as the building codes are stricter in Chili and the buildings more resistant to shaking. As of now less than 200 people have been killed but they expect the number to rise. There will be a tsunami in many places later today. Went to say goodbye to Paulette. Jackie and Lud came to say goodbye to me. Jeri came and we went to the airport and found where I needed to be with no problem and way ahead of departure time. There were very few people, really. We sat and visited for an hour, then Casey went with me through the check-in area and as she had a pass, she was able to go with me to where I would board the plane. Jeri waited and told her not to hurry back. Casey stayed with me for awhile, then I told her I was just fine and it was OK for her to leave, and she did. My flight was quick and uneventful. I realized that I had left my windbreaker at Casey's........dog-gone my forgetful brain. But it was not too cold when I got here and I had on my purple pantsuit so my arms were covered. Went to the luggage carousel and was waiting for it to start when Lori came. Got home, and she had to leave right away as Marnie's choral performance would be starting. I would have liked to go but needed to unpack before Clint and family arrived. Of course, I also needed to be here for them. They knew I hadn't been to the store so they brought food with them, and that was good. Nina has not yet recovered from her bladder operation and has not been able to take very good care of herself during all the funeral activities, so was just exhausted. Clint and I made the bed in my bedroom and she didn't even eat anything but just crashed. Clint oversaw the kid's eating (sort of) and I told them to just pretend I wasn't even there and to help themselves....all I could offer them was cheese and ice cream. I had the fireplace going (IT IS WONDERFUL), and sat in front of it in the banana chair, got very sleepy so told them I was going to bed myself, and did. Oh, I slept on the couch.

Feb. 28, Sun. - Our meetings start at 11:00 and I invited them to come with me but Nina was not up to going, so the others decided not to go either. I thought I'd go to Sac. Mtg then come home. But then decided I would stay and visit with them as I might never have such a good opportunity again. Clint had taken lots of pictures and loaded them from his camera onto his laptop then located all of the viewing and funeral pictures. Nina sat by me and explained who everyone is and etc. Now I know she has two brothers and two sisters and what they look like. Learned lots about her father and the family associations with one another. It was a real bonding time for Nina and me, and I am happy for it. I realized I needed to wash sheets and make up the bed for myself, so put them in the washer. When the water started to pump out it came out of the standpipe and ran on the floor in the utility room, down into the storage room below, and water came up in the kitchen sink and dishwasher and was running down through the ceiling into the freezer room. PANIC......everyone grabbed towels and dry sheets and started wiping. Nina and Curtis pulled the two chest of drawers away from the wall as they were getting soaked and the pictures on them were wet so they took them out of their frames to dry. Nina got my big turkey roaster and put it on the floor under the run off........I got every towel in the house into the wipe up job. I am so grateful they were here to help or I don't know what I would have done. Clint had me call Chris to see if he could tell us anything to do. Chris offered to come help clean up but we didn't need that as there were enough of us. I told Chris I would just leave things as they were and worry about it tomorrow. He said he would come after church and determine what needed to be done. Which he did. Clint and family left when they had to to go catch their flight. Chris came and determined I had a blockage somewhere past the plumbing for the kitchen sink. He drew me a diagram as I could not understand how things worked, but he does, of course, being a construction man and an inspector for the City of Salt Lake. He asked me if I had a plumber's snake, but I don't, so I called Art Ball but he was not home. Thought about Don Christensen, as he is a do-it-yourself-er, and he brought his snake over and Chris was able to run it a loooong way through the pipes and broke through the blockage. I am so grateful for family and neighbor help. Clint called to let me know they got home OK but I hadn't answered the phone so he left a message.

March l, 2010 - Mon. Didn't walk. Spent most of the day washing all the wet towels...Clint had thrown them into the shower stall. I washed 7 batches of towels and one pair of sheets. I also spent much time going through all the business papers I'd saved from down in Mesa and sorting out the papers that had to do with filing my income tax. There was also a pile of mail on the table that Lisa had brought in. Also, a package from Mark and all, for my birthday. Clint had to go to work and he told Mark about our flood so Mark called and I went through the whole rigamarole with him. It is funny how much there is to laugh about after it is over and under control! Talked with Casey. Watched my Antiques Road Show and that was fun. I have missed seeing it. Now I will miss seeing CNN and FOX news.

Mar. 2, Tues. - No walk. Went to see Dr. Chandramouli. They did the usual blood draw and he said my blood cells are normal, then modified that by saying the red cells are normal but the white cells are a little lower than they were (didn't say anything about the platelets). However, he feels "comfortable" with skipping the four week series of Retuxin for now. Have another appointment in May and if I am still doing this well we will wait another three months.. All of which is good with me. I really don't want to take anymore at all. Worked more on my income tax papers. Mark told Clint about Chris' good work and Clint called just to check up on me and hear it from "the horse's mouth". Talked with Casey.

Mar. 3, Wed. - Went by myself to the temple and did two endowments. Came home, ate a little bit then went for my appointment with the AARP tax-help people. This was held at the Holladay Library, same as last year. It is a real service and I feel most fortunate to be able to go there. Again, I don't owe any money as the Government considers that I am living in poverty!! Everyone should be so lucky.

Talked with Casey.

Mar. 4, Thurs. - No walk (I need to get with it.) To Melanie's for PERM and etc. Shopped at Ream's. Home, and put things away. Changed clothes and left at 2:40 to attend the funeral service for Govert and Freddy Copier's son Richard's funeral. It was in the 300 West block of 11000 So. I drove past 10600 So expecting to find it but had to go south to 12500 before I could turn and get back on the freeway. Came back to 10600 and looked and looked for a way to 11000. Finally went east to State Street, then south and came to 11000 south, turned west and ended up at an enormous Costco store with nothing else in sight. I tried and tried but could not find the building (not a church) so with great frustration at 3:50 I gave up and came home. GRRRR. Watched the News Hour. Talked with Casey.

Mar. 5, Fri. - No walk. Took care of all the Christmas stuff that Lori and Chris did not know what to do with when they took down the tree. Doug came about 2:30 to visit, we sat in front of the fireplace part of the time and it was lovely. Caught up on the family news; discussed the funeral of Abigail Grace and all that went on there. I told him about Casey & Don and Jackie & Lud and my Mesa trip. He then had his usual food and read the paper, as he enjoys doing. He shoveled off the avalanched snow before going home. Called Casey and talked while I prepared my dinner. We didn't talk long. Ate dinner and was so tired I just went in the bedroom, kicked off my shoes and crawled in bed fully clothed and without cleaning my face or brushing my teeth............figured I'd do that when I awoke during the night, as I always do wake up, and I did. Slept 10 ½ hours so I guess I really need it.

Mar. 6, Sat. - Still no walk.

Mar. 7, Sun. - Fast Sunday. Baked rolls and went to Doug and Gwen's for dinner. They were celebrating my 84th birthday as I was in Mesa when it came. Amy made a chocolate cake with chocolate icing and they actually put 84 candles on it.......! It looked like a fireball and I was sure I could never blow out that many candles, however, the cake was on the counter so I was hovering over it and blew all my air out down to my kneecaps and DID blow them out (the candles, not my kneecaps). I'm surprised it didn't activate the smoke alarm. Natalie was away with some friends so I didn't get to see her. Alex and Tamara were there with Brayden, and he is walking all over the place and is so BUSY. He is a very cute little guy. Had a good time with the family. Came home and went to bed as quickly as possible.

Mar. 8, Mon. Walked down to Kay's to check on her house and everything was OK. On my way back home I stopped in to visit with Teuni Tooley. She is really lonely with Virgil gone even though her kids take her lots of places and pay attention to her. She hates being alone at night. It is easy to understand as they were together 24/7 for years.....seldom went anywhere without each other. Teuni never learned to drive so is at a disadvantage, to be sure. Walking on up the street I saw George Walkenhorst on his front steps mending an ice shovel handle for his daughter who has just moved into the ward with her husband and child. They have bought Louise Young's home. Louise has moved into an apartment in the basement of her daughter's home. Louise can no longer take care of herself...too bad. My indoor/outdoor thermometer has not been registering the outside temperature and I finally got out the instructions and replace some batteries, so it works again. Also put a new battery in the fancy clock Andersons gave us some years ago. However, it wont work so something is not fixable and I will just have to trash it. Had a talk with Lori. Talked with Casey and they have a lot of water on the floor in front of their couch and can't even figure out where it is coming from. She keeps sopping it up with towels and it still comes. That is a very troublesome problem as neither of them is up to climbing on the roof or crawling under the trailer to check it out.

Mar. 9, Tues. - Walked for 30 minutes. Bishop Killpack called to check up on how I am feeling. He said he doesn't want me to be responsible for taking the Smiths to the grocery store anymore. I really don't mind doing it and told him so but he thinks other people should do the job. I really feel like it is a good use of my car as I am lucky enough to have it and am able to drive and it lets Heavenly Father know I appreciate how blessed I am. I sort of explained this to him but he wants to "relieve" me of the task, so there is nothing I can do about it. Barbara called to tell me that Norma Larsen died today. She must be very happy to be through with this "lone and dreary world." Barbara is still very sick and needs to see her Dr but they keep putting off giving her an appointment. Today I finally got out my new vacuum and did the main floor job. It is a great vacuum, being self propelled it is easy to use and doesn't hurt my back, I am so lucky to have children who are so good to me. Riley and Beth Draper came HT/VT and we had a long visit. They are such special people it is a blessing to have them come.

Mar. 10, Wed. - Went to JR Temple and did two endowments. On the way home I went to See's Candy store and bought chocolates to give my neighbors to thank them for looking out for my home while I was gone. Doug came to visit and talk..........we spent some of the time sitting in the banana chairs in front of the fireplace and it was very enjoyable. He then had his usual toast and etc., read the newspaper, then went home. A little later sister Musie Halai "popped in" to see me. She is a very friendly, nice Tongan neighbor. We talked about lots of things and I told her about my kids giving me a new vacuum cleaner and asked her is she could by any chance use a vacuum that is good but very heavy to handle. She said she would like it so I gathered it, the attachments, the instruction book and extra bags and we loaded it into her car. I am very pleased she could use it. Talked to Casey. Later the Young Women and their leaders came to my house and brought me four BIG shamrock shaped sugar cookies iced with green icing. I invited them in and there were 15 people and we had about a half hour visit. That was so sweet of them. They also said they are going to be doing service for the older people in the ward and want to come do something for me. I always feel a little stressed when something like this happens, so we will see how it develops.......they did mention washing windows and mine could certainly use that!

Mar. 11, Thurs. - Walked 30 min. To Melanie's for my hairdo. Went to Ream's. Came home and took a nap. Made phone calls to David Larsen, and to Antoinette to tell them about Norma's death. Asked Antoinette to let Keith and Kim know. Lois Hodgkinson called to check up on me and we had a nice visit...........we go back a long way, before our marriages. She is a good friend. Went to the JR Temple to be with Doug, Gwendolyn, Alex, Tamara and Chris as family support for Ricky as he got his endowment. I am so happy he is going on a mission. It was a happy time together. I came home right after as it was late. I think some of them went out to eat but am not sure.

Mar. 12, Fri. - Walked 40 mins. Chris came over to give me some help. He finished cutting out the raspberry canes I hadn't done; he trimmed the big shrub on the north east corner of the house, but it is still too fat. He said he will do it more if I want him to. I will wait until Casey comes home and gives me her opinion as she is an expert. Chris also put fertilizer on the lawns....bless him! Doug came over that afternoon and we sat in front of the fireplace and talked 2 ½ hours. We get into some deep discussions and while we will never see eye-to-eye, unless he comes back into full gospel belief, we still love and appreciate each other. Wrote some thank-you notes to people in Mesa.

Mar. 13, Sat. - Today is Marnie's 17th birthday and she has a date for the prom and will be very busy all day and into the night. These modern-day proms cost the boys an arm and a leg, and are really excessive, but it must be fun. I never got to go to one myself but know it was different way back then. Marnie was able to borrow a prom dress from one of her girl friends, which is a blessing, as they cost $100.00 and up. Left home about 9:20 with Doug, Gwendolyn and I (Doug driving my car) and went to the funeral in Brigham City for Norma. The funeral was very nice, with everything done by Harold and Norma's children, grandchildren and in law children. There were four musical numbers and Taryn Nichols sang in 3 of them. They do have good voices and the girls are all very pretty, which Doug appreciated . The weather was very rainy during the burial so it was miserable and people didn't stay at the cemetery very long. Back to the church for a good meal furnished by the R.S., as always. Visited with family and friends I hadn't seen for a long time. Funerals and weddings are good for that. Doug noticed an icon on the dashboard that indicated that my tires needed air so went and did that for me after we got home. I appreciate all the help my kids give me. Called Casey and talked just a few minutes as Jeri came to help her with a computer problem.

Mar. 14, Sun. - Regular meetings. Out to Chris and Lori's to celebrate Marnie's birthday. She had a fabulous prom time. I am happy for her. She showed me pictures of it on her computer. We had a delicious dinner with Chris' from-scratch lasagne, corn, green salad, bread sticks and etc. Marnie always has strawberry shortcake for her birthday and as always, it was delicious. Lori won the candle race. Didn't have time for playing games. The kids raced the car again (not Marnie). Happy time together.

Mar. 15, Mon. - No walk....just don't have my act together. Wrote many Thank You notes to people in Mesa. Delivered See's chocolates to Capsons, Bells, Catmulls, and Lisa. Stayed and visited Lisa for awhile. Called Barbara and left a message. Called Casey. Barbara returned my call and said she had gone to her volunteer work at the hospital and I was VERY surprised as she sounded almost well again. Boy, she just "dodged a bullet", and while she is still weak she is on the mend. Thank heaven for that.

Mar. 16, Tues. - No walk. Delivered chocolates to Art. Went to the P O to inquire about my no mail........haven't had a thing since last Tues, which is unheard of for me since I am on so many places that ask me for donations, and also receive many catalogs and other business offers. I hadn't even received the weekly grocery ads. They could give me no reason for it but agreed it was suspicious, so gave me the phone number to call in the morning and check with my mailman. This was in the morning, and that afternoon I got mail..........I still think something was fishy.

Mar. 17, Wed. - Went to the temple and did two endowment sessions. Went to Sunflower Market for groceries. Went to see Frances Maldonado and gave her the chocolates and had a good visit. Doug came to visit and etc. He remembered that the lawn mower was not performing up to par last fall, so took it to Jordan Mower to have it looked at. I hope we are not going to have a repeat of last spring with problem after problem which cost dollars and dollars. Casey says I should trash it and buy a new one and I might end up doing that afterall. Doug showed me some things about using the computer that I didn't know. Wish I had personal training at the time I have questions or problems as I really struggle. Anyway, I was printing a page and it got stuck in the printer and caused me grief. He worked to get the paper out and at one point he manually moved the ink cartridge carrier back to the right side of the printer and in my instruction book it said to NEVER DO THAT. Then when I tried to run off a page the printing was fouled up leaving blank spaces or just dots and splashes instead of words. He had to go so I got out my instruction book to learn how to clean the print head and to run a nozzle check or whatever. Couldn't do it then as I had to call Casey for our daily chat, then get ready to go to the R.S. Birthday party which was a lot of fun as some of the scouts and their Young Men leaders did a short but crazy skit; the Bishopric, then the Young Women leaders, then the Primary leaders, then the R.S. Presidency all took turns dancing and lip syncing to videos..........they were dressed up in styles to fit the songs they were doing, complete with wigs and all.......it was very funny and the audience really laughed. It may not have been so funny to other people, but I know all of them and what an out-of-character performance they put on. Then we had cake and ice cream. Each table, seating 8 people, had a birthday cake in the middle of the table, made by a R.S. sister. Each table had plates etc, and a knife and we helped ourselves. We could go around to the other tables and have some of their cakes, also. It was a colorful and clever way to have a party. We all had a little Kazoo and played Happy Birthday on them. All-in-all, it was a fun evening. Ammon called me for a few minutes and things are going as well as could be expected there. Amelia has gained over one pound, so that is encouraging. However, they don't give them any projected time as to when she can come home.

Mar. 18, Thurs. - No walk. Went to the computer to figure out what to do about the ink problem. Read the instructions but the language they use doesn't jibe with what I was seeing on the monitor so I had a hard time figuring things out. Ran a head cleaning process three times, then the nozzle check 3 or 4 times and it still was not perfect. Had to quit that and get ready to go to Melanie's for my hairdo.

Went to Ream's, then to Wal Mart and then to Smith's. When I got home and took care of everything I realized I was quite hungry so decided to prepare my dinner and eat early, which I did. Read the paper quite awhile, then took an hour nap. Called and talked with Casey. Kris and Jeri have spent some hours each of three days with Kris repairing, scrubbing and recoating their trailer roof.......a big, hairy job which he didn't want to do, of course, but did as "it's just the right thing to do". Bless them.

Mar. 19, Fri. - Still no walk. It was snowing and things were wet and cold. Lori called and said Chris had planned to come do some work for me but would have to wait for a better weather day. Worked on the computer. Read in old journals. Read in the journal I kept while we were on our mission. Read the email correspondence saved about Mark's apostasy......still hurts...of course. Was going to destroy it but changed my mind. Looked at old picture albums, and remembered lots of the past.

Called Casey. Decided to finish out the day by turning on the fireplace and reading a Reader's Digest condensed book named "A Walk to Remember"...a very heart breaking but uplifting story. Read the whole story and it took me 3 hours and I enjoyed it a lot. I would really like to read novels every day and let the world go by, but know that that is not what I'm alive for. LOVE my gas fireplace! What a luxury.

Mar. 20, Sat. - First day of Spring. Still wet and cold. No walk....just can't seem to make me do it. Read the paper...too long.....a waste of time mostly, however, since I haven't been watching the News Hour and can't watch CNN nor FOX, it is the only way I have to keep up with what is going on in the world. Not that that is encouraging! Oh, my....sigh. Went through all my journals and labeled them and cleared out a shelf in the bookcase down stairs where they are now lined up. That gave me a little bit of satisfaction.

Doug came to visit. I pressure cooked 15# of chicken leg quarters and after he left I deboned the chicken and strained the broth. This is advance preparation for the chicken noodle soup I make for our after Conference dinner. Quite a bit of work, but tradition demands it. Called Casey but she and Don were working on getting their tax info ready to mail to their tax preparer. Said she would call back if it was not too late, but it was.

Mar. 21, Sun. - Ward Conference, so the Stake Presidency were there. One Councilor, Don Reynolds, spoke and also our Bishop Jon Killpack and they both did a good job. Jill Brewer played a piano solo between the speakers. Gospel Doctrine class was just OK. R.S. mtg and Priesthood mtg were held together and a brother from the Stake gave instructions on how to be more effective Home Teachers and Visiting Teachers. Good suggestions and I need to do a better job. Came home and baked the 36 rolls to take for dinner at Doug and Gwen's.....celebrating Ricky's birthday . Lisa came over to get permission to put garden trash in my garbage barrel.......of course I said yes. But I wish she didn't work on my side of the fence on Sunday. She stayed and visited about half an hour. By then the rolls were done and I got Rick's present ready and there was still time for an hour nap, so I did. There were only 10 of us but we ate 24 rolls. They had prepared a dish of beef and vegetables that required bowls and it was delicious and the rolls went along with it perfectly (so the kids said.) Everyone was in a good mood and we had a fine visiting time. Amy made a spice cake for Ricky and we had ice cream, too. Casey called me as she didn't know where I was and told me to call her when I got home so she would know I was OK. Don't know why she was worried as it is always late when I drive home from D & G's or L & C's and I am comfortable making the drive since I know the roads so well. Came home, called her for a minute, got ready for bed, read my B of M, had my prayer and went to bed. Good Sunday.

Mar. 22, - Mon. No walk. Read the paper. Cut up the cooked chicken, skimmed the fat off the broth......over 1# (sure glad we don't eat that), and put them in the freezer. Typed in my journal. Proof read all the current journal pages that I had typed in Mesa and edited them.....took me a long time as there were so many mistakes and glitches as a result of using the lap top and etc.

Watched Antiques Road Show. Called Casey.

Mar. 23, Tues. - No walk. Started to print all the pages of my 2007 journal, (typed on the laptop in Mesa) and discovered I had almost no left side margin and that wouldn't do as I have to punch holes to go into the ring binder. The only way I knew to stop the printer was to pull out the paper so there was nothing on which to print. Well, I worked and worked trying to find out how to let the printer know I didn't want it to continue the instructions I had given it. I read lots of stuff and tried different things I thought might work and got myself into the biggest mess with lost pages, uneven margins , and the printer still tried to print and all it did was spit out little piles of letters, symbols, and numbers in one corner of every page and I couldn't make it stop until I took out the paper again. I AM NOT A CRYING WOMAN BUT I NEARLY LOST IT, at that point I knew I would have to call John and see if he could rescue me. I thought the problem was so big that he might not be able to solve it. Called him at work on his cell phone and "wailed my sorrow" and asked if he would have time to help me after work. Well, he brought up my computer on his and proceeded to figure out everything that was wrong and was able to restore the pages I'd lost, tell the printer to forget what I had said, and set my margins properly, and get things ready to go again. It took quite awhile and I am still amazed he could do it. So, after the margins had been changed my paragraphs were no longer the same and I had to reread and adjust all those pages again, and that also took quite awhile.....I was so "unnerved" by the whole experience I didn't have the courage to try and run off the pages that day! Vicky Smith had asked me on Sun if I would take her to the grocery store and I had said I would. I was still at the computer and realized it was 2:02 and I was to meet her at 2:00 so I dashed upstairs and tried to call her but received no answer, so got in the car and went to her house. She was not waiting outside for me so I went in and knocked on the door. She came and told me she was sorry, but she had forgotten to tell Don to call me and say that her sister would take her to the store earlier. I was glad I hadn't "stood her up". Vicky then said that the Bishop had told her not to ask me for rides anymore, but that other people in the ward would help. I let her know that I was still more than willing to do it but that I don't want to secondguess what the Bishop was doing. She said that some people had been complaining about them asking for rides. I let her know that I had never complained, and didn't want her to think I had. I gave her a hug and she thanked me so I hope it is all OK. I have been given different Visiting Teachers and they are Arline Wright and Mary Christensen.....they used to visit me years ago and I am delighted to get them back. They came and we had a very good visit. Called Casey. Cousin Ina May called and I made arrangements with her to go to a mini-FLP rally on Apr 1st , at a Mexican restaurant on So. State St. She and Dick will pick me up. There will be a buffet first, then the meeting. I don't really care about the meeting but it will be fun to visit with her and any others I might know.

Mar. 24, Wed. - This is John's birthday. I called him at 5:30 AM my time which was 7:30 his time, to sing Happy Birthday at the exact time he was born, but there was no answer. So, I sang anyway. I told him that 54 years ago at that time he was a blue baby all tangled up in the umbilical cord and unable to breathe. The Dr was working with him and I was saying, "breathe, baby; breathe, baby", and when he got air he started crying and it made me so happy, and I have been happy ever since as he is still breathing. What a blessing he is in my life. Went to the temple and was able to do three endowment sessions and still got home by 1:30. Doug came about 2:30 and we had a good visit and food, again. This is an exciting day for Clint and his family, and Mark and his family. They are all flying to Hawaii as Andrew, Kimberlee and Nicole are in the marching band or color guard at school and are going to perform in many locations in Hawaii and both families are making a vacation of it. It is an amazing thing to me that the two families are so close, thinking of the happenings of all the years that brought them to this time. Surely pray they have a wonderful and safe time. Clint called me from the airport and said the birthday card they sent me in Mesa had finally been returned to them and they will either send it again or let Curtis bring it when he comes down to the M.C. Apr 11th. That is one birthday card that has had a long journey! Called Casey.

Mar. 25, Thurs. - Awoke at 2:30 and couldn't go back to sleep. Finally got up at 3:30 and went downstairs to the computer and ran off the journal copies and it all went well..........oh, joy! That was lots of month's worth of journal typing so it is a great pleasure to have it typed, punched and in a binder. Had no hairdo as Melanie canceled out......I don't know why yet. Went VT to Darlene Smith and she is just so awfully sick. Her voice is affected until she can't talk on the phone well enough for people to understand her; her hearing is very bad and she has a phone that displays what people are saying to her but it doesn't always understand so can't display it well and that is most frustrating; she is on oxygen 24/7; her head feels like it is filled with water or sawdust and walking from one room to another exhausts her....all in all it is dreadful. She asked me to make two phone calls for her to explain why she hasn't contacted those friends who are having lots of trials, too. I did that for her and was glad I could. Went to VT Freddy Copier, too. By then I was very tired and decided to have an early dinner and talk to Casey early so I could go to bed. Casey's line was busy over an hour and I tried and tried. Was listening to TV as General Perseus was speaking and answering questions down at BYU. It was very interesting but Lori called me and I talked to her instead. Will hear the talk another time this week as it will be rebroadcast.

Tried Casey again but gave up and went to bed at 8:15.

Mar. 26, Fri. - Slept until 8:00! I was really tired, but felt fine when I awoke. Contacted Tracfone and bought more time for my cell phone......was able to do this online without much trouble this time. Glad that is done for another year. Worked on 2010 journal. Did other paper work . Chris came by and got wood to take camping. He went with Randy on an overnight Scout trip and was afraid they would be too cold as it isn't very good camping weather as yet. Read most of "The Screwtape Letters" and the book was very interesting. Some of the General Authorities of the church quote from that book every so often and I have wanted to read it for a long time, so Lori let me borrow her copy.

Mar. 27, Sat. - Read my copy of the Merlin N Larsen and Roberta C Larsen Trust so I would know what it says as I have forgotten. There are things I need to update so will have to contact the law firm that has the original. Also spent some hours going over my CD's status, and other paper stuff and am working on getting them in shape so they would be understandable for the kids if they have to handle them. It is slow work for me as I have to read, then reread to be sure I understand it myself. Just hope I don't make any big boo-boos that would cause me problems. Doug came and got the car and a check and went to pick up the lawn mower only to find out they are not open on Saturdays. Very annoying. Came back and we visited then he had lunch, as usual, and biked home. I decided I didn't want to prepare dinner so went to a Chinese restaurant and bought chicken chow mein take-out. Called Casey to talk while I ate but Brent and Sarah were at her house and they were playing games, so we would talk later. I watched the Lawrence Welk Show then watched an old movie named Nine to Five. Called Casey and she had just returned from driving the grandkids home. We talked only about 15 minutes as we were both too tired.

Mar. 28, Sun. - Regular meetings but all three were better than usual and I really enjoyed being there.

Called and talked to Jeanne Fidler and will go see her tomorrow. She is suffering intense pain with her knee replacement and the exercises she has to do. Sorry, sorry, sorry. Ate the rest of my chow mein and other food, too, and read the paper, but not too long. Did some typing on my current journal.

Mar. 29, Mon. - No walk. Blended 4 cans of asparagus and got seventeen 1/4 cups, which I put in muffin tins and froze for daily eating. Mel Thayne came to Dahle Auto about a car problem and came by to visit with me. It was great to see him again. He and Emma Lou both have their health problems but say they are "nothing to complain about". They are very cherished friends. Went VT to Jeanne and heard all about her knee replacement. It is very painful so far. I have offered to drive her for therapy if she needs someone but she thinks she can drive herself as it is her left knee not her right one. Anyway I am available if she needs me. Went VT to Bonita. We haven't had a good talk in quite awhile, so it was a special time. We do have special sisterly love for each other. We discuss gospel doctrine quite a bit and I love that as she is so well read and has such a strong testimony........she is such a good example to me and all others she associates with. Called Casey. Watched Antiques Road Show.

Mar. 30, Tues. - Finally made myself go walk and did 40 minutes.....it felt good. Finished reading the Screwtape Letters and really enjoyed the book. C. S. Lewis really understands how the Devil works.

Sewed cuffs on a shirt to lengthen the sleeves . Sewed the zipper in the neck of my cream colored dress. Still have to cut off the sleeves and do a lettuce edge on them and sew on a hook and eye.......it will get done some day, I suppose. I just have a hard time making me do almost anything that is not really necessary. Left home at 4:45 for the Salt Lake Temple. Wanted to be sure to get in on the 6:00 endowment session where Michelle Bartmess was doing the work for her mother, and her friend, Craig Johnson, was doing the work for her father. After the endowment session Michelle and her friend, George Cowan, were proxies for the father and mother being sealed in marriage; then George was proxy for her father and Janet Thorpe was proxy for her mother and Michelle was herself and Craig Johnson was proxy for her brother and they were sealed as a family..........really NEAT. I was so happy to share in this eternal sealing. What a blessing it is to live so close to temples, to have a car, to be able to still drive, to want to attend the temple and be considered worthy to have a recommend. I really love doing the work.

Mar. 31, Wed. - Awoke at 2:45 and couldn't go back to sleep but tried for an hour, then got up, bathed and got ready to go to the J.R. Temple for my usual service. Decided to go earlier than usual so went and got in on the 6:40 session; then did another at 8:40, then a third at 10:40. Got home at 1:30 and Doug came about 20 minutes later. It was snowing so he drove his van and stopped at Wasatch Mower and picked up my lawn mower. It cost $136.68 and I am aggravated a lot. With all the times they worked on it last year and with this current bill it has cost me close to $600.00 in repairs. As Casey said, I should have just bought a new one with the first repair as it is quite old. However, it is a Honda and it cost about $800.00 new and they are supposed to be worth repairing. Hope it is really fixed this time. Since it was snowing and was cold we took advantage of that, turned on the fire place, sat in the banana chairs and had another good visit. Watched the News Hour.

April 1, 2010, Thurs. - More snow....sort of a Mother Nature April's Fool Day trick. Went for hair cut and style. To Ream's, then to See's, where I bought ½ # boxes of truffles for Lori for Mother's Day and for Chris for Father's day. I had a coupon for $2.00 off if I bought $20.00 worth of chocolates........so, since I had to spend a few more dollars I bought some loose chocolates and enjoyed them. I then went to Lens Crafter where they replaced the lens in my glasses which I had knocked out in Mesa. My eyes were glad to get those glasses back. To the Cotton Shop for knit for bands to sew on the shirts on which I want longer sleeves. Almost everything in clothing I buy has to be altered in some way and it is a pain....... however, it is easier than making them from scratch. Called Casey for a short talk. Dick and Ina May Johnson picked me up and we went to visit my other cousin, Eva, and it was neat to see her. She will be 90 years old in May and she still has natural colored hair, and she pumps iron for an hour 5 days a week and also does cardio-vascular exercises and she is in very good shape.............she even has arm muscles and almost no saggy arm-waddles like I have (and hate.) We visited for a short time then left to go to an FLP mini-rally held at a Mexican restaurant in Midvale. We had a buffet which was quite good, then the meeting, which was held in Spanish as most of the people there were Hispanic. Since there were a few English speaking people they had to translate for us and that made the meeting twice as long. To be honest, I was bored to death. I really only went to please Ina May and to have a chance to visit with them. I had my fill of those meetings years ago, and they are all the same. Prizes were given through drawings and almost everyone won something. I actually won the biggest item which was a body cleansing kit worth $100.00 wholesale. I do use most of the items in it already but not in a concentrated time frame, so will use them all over a period of time. That was a nice surprise and made it worthwhile going. And it was good to visit with Ina May again.

Apr. 2, Fri. - This is the anniversary of Mer's death and it seems longer than two years. Well, Mer, hope you are happy where you are, doing whatever it is departed spirits do 24/7..........only I don't think time there is like time here. I wonder if you have to sleep, or if you get tired, or if boredom is ever a problem hummmmm. As for myself, sleeping has become more and more enticing and I have a difficult time making myself get up and DO.....waste a lot of time reading the newspaper and toy with the idea of canceling my subscription to remove the temptation. John called and commiserated with me as he drove home from work. Gwendolyn called for the same reason. She is very thoughtful about such tender things. Lori called and invited me to come out for pizza, soda pop, salad and her special chocolate cheese-cake and watch Blind Side. I had a pound of nice strawberries so washed and hulled them and took that as my contribution. There were enough for each of us to have three berries, and they were nice sized to big ones. Lori and Chris decided to melt chocolate to dip them in...........which was partly successful.........they tasted delicious but not smooth like the purchased ones. It was fun though. We all enjoyed the movie and our time together. I really appreciate their love and efforts to help me be happy. Got home around 11:00.

Apr. 3, Sat. - Went to Smith's for a few grocery items. Did more house work while listening to General Conference both morning and afternoon sessions. Continued doing house work. Doug, Ricky, Alex, Chris and Hunter went to Priesthood Meeting in my Stake Center (as usual), then came here for ice cream, visiting, pool, fireplace enjoyment, then putting up the tables and chairs for dinner tomorrow.

Apr. 4, Sun. Easter Sunday as well as General Conf. All the sessions were wonderful yesterday and today. Elizabeth rode the bus, then Trax, then walked to come to our house for the afternoon session of conference and to have dinner..........so neat to see her! Those here: Doug, Gwendolyn, Natalie, Ricky, Amy, Sarah, Alex, Tamara, Brayden, Chris, Lori, Marnie, Hunter, Randy, Charlotte, Elizabeth and I. It was the traditional dinner, plus deviled eggs that Lori brought, with everyone bringing part of the dinner to help. Somehow it didn't seem like as much work as sometimes. And after dinner Gwendolyn took charge of the food and the dishes cleanup along with many of the grandchildren helping. That was very nice of them. Everyone played games, or talked, or relaxed, or went to the "river", or whatever and it was most enjoyable as all got along well together. Wonder- of- wonders, Doug even played one game! We all enjoyed the fireplace, which makes the unseasonable cold welcome. Had lots of candy and ice cream. It was after 10:00 before everyone was gone. Ricky drove Elizabeth back to Provo, which was pre-arranged and gave them a chance to visit quietly for the last time before he leaves for his mission. I had a GREAT DAY.

Apr. 5, - Mon. No walk. Read the paper. Did some washing. Worked on the computer. Clint called and Nina and Curtis will fly in today. They are meeting at the Chuck-a-rama for dinner with Clint's family. I was invited if I wanted to attend but felt like I would not feel comfortable, so declined. Called Casey. Nina and Curtis came by to visit me for about 45 min on their way to Provo. Curtis is going to the temple with a group of Family Home Evening friends Tues. morning.

Apr. 6, Tues. - Got an unpleasant piece of mail from the IRS telling me they are auditing my 2008 tax return. Takes lots of reading to decipher what they want. All the Security Benefit IRA money was reported as taxable, and then when I moved it from Troy Wilson it was down to $49,000., and that also has been reported as taxable instead of being shown as IRA roll-overs............GOOD GRIEF... they think I had $105,000 and hadn't paid any taxes on it. Now I have to jump through hoops to prove I didn't have that money nor owe taxes on it. Will have to get some legal help, I'm sure.

Apr. 7, Wed. - Did two endowment sessions this morning. Curtis entered the M.C. today...YEA!

Nina drove on down to (I think it's Circleville) to meet with her siblings again to settle their inheritance from their father.....hope all goes well. Went to the piano recital Lori had for her students, plus Hunter and Marnie, who take lessons from other teachers, and another boy who also is not one of her students. It was held at Daynes Music Co and they have a very nice recital room...really felt upper-class, not like the library, so that was more motivating . I enjoyed it especially as Lori is my daughter, then 5 of those performing are my own grandchildren! Proud grandma, you see. Came home, ate dinner and called Casey.

Apr. 8, Thurs. - Haircut and style. Went to Ream's, then to Sunflower for groceries for Nebekers, then to the bank, then to Wal Mart, to Smith's for car gas and to fill the gas can for the lawn mower, which was a little annoying as we have been advised to buy supreme quality gas for the mower and it cost $6.00!! I'm glad the Hyundai runs on regular. Took the groceries for Neb's and put in their fridge. Went to the viewing for Russell Anderson and it was a very sad time. Raymond looks totally crushed. The attendance was huge, like at Stanford's, as he was an outstanding young man and well liked by hundreds....especially his peers. Norvalla stood at the door and greeted everyone who came.... it seemed to help her somewhat. I am so sorry for them. I saw Brent Fisher and his wife and they are still a cute couple. He expressed great admiration and gratitude for Merlin, who was his Bishop when he was a teen and he said it was Merlin and Lynn Bloxham who are responsible for his church activity and that he is a temple-married, active member. Merlin would be very happy to hear that.

Apr. 9, Fri. - No walk. Went down to Nebeker's to be there when the Com Cast man came to connect whatever was needed so Gary will be able to hook up her computer as soon as they get home. Spent several hours folding her dust covers, vacuuming, wiping off counters and etc. so things would be a little bit better for when they get here........intended to clean mirrors and dust but my energy drained out so I went home. Lori called. Did some work on Quicken. Saw News Hour and Washington Week in Review.

Apr. 10, Sat. - No walk. Doug rode his bike here then we went in my car to the Sweet Tomatoes on State St where we me Gwen, Ricky, Natalie, Amy and Sarah for lunch. They were treating me for a late birthday outing........very nice of them. While there I bought a quart of their Honey Mustard salad dressing for Casey and me. Doug then drove us back home and he mowed the lawn for the first time this season. There were 6 bags of grass. Looks right nice at this time as the weather is cool and lawns love it. Together we followed Merlin's directions and primed the pump, so that is working. Chris came to begin plans for installing the automatic sprinkling system for me. That will be just a wonderful and I am most grateful.

Apr. 11, Sun. - Fast Sunday and regular meetings. Home for the rest of the day. Read some of the news paper. Worked on IRS information. Read Mark's email regarding a petition to the church to change the requirements that a couple who marry civilly has to wait a year before they can be sealed in the temple. I read lots of background stuff and it took me over two hours. I answered his letter saying I can see it would eliminate lots of hurt feelings so hope that someday the GA's will receive revelation to make the change, but it won't come about because of a petition and being a dyed-in-the-wool Mormon I wouldn't feel right signing it. Talked to Jackie for a little while. Called Judy Owen and we had our usual very long phone call......2 ½ to 3 hours. She is still hanging faithful and I am happy.

Apr. 12, Mon. - No walk. Washing. Pruned the rose bushes following the online instructions from the Utah Rose Society. It took me several hours and it will be interesting to see if it makes a difference. Anyway, I tried. Also took out half of a lilac bush that diverted the water from the Rainbird making it necessary to set up a hose setting. Now that should not be a problem. It also lets the tall shrub on the corner of the house be seen from Julep Dr, and I like that better. Will have to get Doug or Christ to dig out the roots as it will take man-muscles, not 84 year old ones. Also cut down some of the ground cover between the lilacs and the house but it started raining so I gathered up all my tools and stuff and head for cover. By then I was pretty much worn out anyway, but it felt good to be able to work outside awhile again. Casey went to Dr. Schlisman for blood work and everything was just fine so she asked why she feels so awful then. Dr. Schlisman said she would check for one more thing and call her tomorrow.

Watched News Hour and Antiques Road Show.

Apr. 13, Tues. - Kay and I walked in the Fashion Place Mall as it was too cold for outside. Only went around twice and she needed to quit. Sat in the car and talked and watched nature stuff until time to go home. Home, had breakfast and the feeling of "too tired" hit me so I went back to bed for a couple of hours. Spent several hours on the IRS stuff. Read my email. Read the paper. Came up stairs later in the evening and realized that Drapers had probably knocked on my door and I didn't hear them. They are very dependable as to coming the second Tues of the month but they must not know where the doorbell is located.......I am assuming that this is what happened but will check it out later.

Apr. 14, Wed. - To JR Temple and people were glad to see Casey back. After that we went to Hyundai in Riverton and they checked and adjusted the air in my tires. The tire icon had lighted up on the dashboard so it was most convenient to have it done there, and that is where the car was purchased. Went to Sunflower Market, then to Sears to pay Kay's Discover Card, then to her home and it wasn't even 11:00 yet. Don was surprised we got home so early. Ate and read the paper. Started gathering up all the old bank statements, old check books and canceled checks, the records of all our financial investments from the time Merlin was old enough to take over his own profit sharing funds and down through the years until his death. There will be a public "shredding day" sponsored by Deseret First Credit Union on Sat and each person who wants to have sensitive records shredded can bring up to four boxes full and there will be a BIG shredding truck there and it is done on the spot. I consider that a great service. Doug came for his usual Wed visit, so I went through all those records and removed all the staples and paper that didn't need shredding, while we visited. Happy to have them ready to go.

Apr. 15, Thurs. - Walked in F P Mall...twice around again. Hairdo. Ream's. To the library to get one of four books the book group is reading for May. The only one available was "Strength In What Remains" by Tracy Kidder, so I got that, but had my name put on the list to get "Stones Into Schools" by Greg Mortensen, when it comes in. Both of these are true accounts of real people.

Apr. 16, Fri. - Called Casey and told her I was "toxic" with a very drippy nose, so was going back to bed. Which is what I did, and spent most of the day there. My nose was running so fast I couldn't keep up by wiping it, and it was getting sore, so I made plugs of toilet tissue to handle it. Not nice to look at but no one had to see me but me, and that was the better choice. Chris came and spent many hours of hard labor moving my paving stones and slab rocks and digging a trench to run new pipes for the automatic sprinkler the kids are giving me. He is so generous with his demanding time commitments to do all that work. I had him come in and fixed him a grilled cheese sandwich, milk, an orange and an apple and a yogurt and offered him ice cream, which he didn't eat (also didn't eat the apple nor yogurt.) He had taken a picture of the slab-rock arrangement before moving them and he said if he hadn't done that he would never have been able to fit them together again...........I thought that was clever of him. I never cease to be amazed by modern technology, such as being able to take pictures with a cell phone! When it was really bedtime I wasn't sleepy, having been in bed so much, so I turned on the fireplace and sat and read my new book for hours. Went to bed around 12:00. The book is very disturbing as it is about the horrors of the Rwandan people as they engaged in genocidal slaughter against one another. I don't like reading it but I remember hearing about it at the time but didn't really know very much, so it is at least an important history lesson for me, and there are some real heros, too. It amazes me that God, with his all seeing eyes, can stand man's inhumanity to man and not just zap us! But, of course, I do understand the law of agency and opposition in all things, and know there is a time of consequences for every one of us for our choices, and there will be justice and mercy for all in the end. I am thankful for my testimony of those truths.

Apr. 17, Sat. - No walk. This was a free "shredding day" sponsored by Deseret Mutual where anyone could bring up to four boxes of old, sensitive records needing to be shredded. They had a huge shredding truck parked right by their building and each person emptied his or her records into a big garbage can and the truck arms picked it up and dumped it in the shredder and that was that. Very nice of them. Kay and I went together. Chris and Randy came over and they filled dirt into the trenches Chris had dug to lay the new water pipes. They replaced the paving stones and swept up the breeze way where the dirt had been . Things are shaping up and looking good. I offered to make lunch for them but Chris had promised Randy they would go to Burger King, so they did. Doug came late as John was helping install new stuff on his computer and it took much longer than he expected. Lucky us to have John! Anyway, Doug had some lunch then mowed the lawns. I watched two full DVD's of Clint and family taken by him of their trip to Hawaii and it took quite awhile. Some of the pictures included Mark and family, too. Glad he gave me the DVD's so I got to share some of their fun.

Apr. 18, Sun. - My nose was still running so I didn't go to church and expose others. Read the paper a little but did a lot of sleeping. Doug had told me to still come to their house for dinner as they were celebrating Tamara's birthday. I promised I'd not kiss anyone and would keep a safe distance and wash my hands a lot and etc. Baked my usual 36 rolls to help with dinner. Had a nice time in spite of my cold. Came home earlier than usual.

Apr. 19, Mon. - Walked one entire loop in the park, then sat in the car and observed nature and talked until 8:00...........back to our old schedule and it was nice. Worked outside for four hours and was surprised I could. Watched News Hour and then Antiques Road Show.

Apr. 20, Tues. - Walked in the park. Blended up four cans of asparagus again. That will give me 17 more days eating 1/4th cup each day. It will be interesting to find if this has made any difference in my blood count when I return to Dr. Chandramouli on 5/11. Chris and an electrician came and spent hours getting the automatic control box set up for the watering system. At the present I could water the south lawn and the garden but nothing else yet. The electrician got everything done he needed to do, so the rest will depend on Chris and his time constraints. Jackie went to the hospital today to have her bladder

checked to find if she has polyps growing there. If she does they will have to scrape her bladder and that sounds just terrible. Will find out later. Shelley Shosted called to tell me that Leah's daughter, Debbie, (Shelley's mom), is going to receive her endowments in the JR Temple on Fri, and that is very thrilling. Shelley will be her escort and Kay and I will go on the session with them. And another wonderful piece of news is that Debbie's son, John, has received his mission call to Albuquerque, NM! Oh, but Leah and Al will be so excited. Out of their 6 children Debbie will be the first to be endowed and John will be the first missionary of all their grandkids.

Apr. 21, Wed. - Temple. Went to the Sunflower Market, then to Wal Mart then came home and was here by 11:00, which is much earlier than usual as we didn't have many places to go this time. Spent some time trying on clothes I need to alter in one way or another, then worked on the dress I made to wear for Lori's wedding reception. It is back in style again but needs some "tweeking" to fit better. Doug came to visit for awhile. Went to the Provident Living class in the R S room at church. Thought Beth Draper would be teaching but she had Rebekah McInnis substitute and she did a good job teaching various approaches to container gardening. I found it interesting but it is not something I will try at this point in my gardening life.

Apr. 22, Thurs. - Walked in the mall two rounds. Hairdo. Went to Western Gardens nursery to buy alfalfa meal for Mer's rose bushes but they had to order it in. Went to the Library and picked up "Stones Into Schools", which I need to have read by May 5th. Typed in my journal. Doug and Gwen came by to pick up a little tape recorder on which the family sends messages to Jimmy and they were on their way to the airport where Gwendolyn was catching a plane to Phoenix. Ammon will pick her up there so she will be in Tuscon for the blessing of Amelia on Sun. That is very nice. Doug brought me my copy of his book, "A Darker Shade of Bright" and I didn't intend to start reading it at the present time but did, and I can tell it is going to be disturbing to me.

Apr. 23, Fri. - Lots of rain today and we didn't walk as we went to J R Temple to attend the endowment session with Debbie. Shelley had not told her we were going to be there and she was so thrilled she burst into tears.......and later said it was almost like having Leah herself there. It was a happy time for the four of us. We wanted to take them to lunch after but they had to go to school to see Shelley's kids who were in a play. Will do lunch later. Went to the P O to mail my letter to the IRS and I had it registered and also a return receipt requested so there will be no doubt that I sent it in on time. Tried to go Visiting Teaching to Darlene Smith but she was not home. Went to visit Freddie Copier and she told me that a Tongan lady and her husband, who live in our ward, were going to be sealed in the S L Temple and have

their seven children sealed to them on Sat. I offered to drive Govert and Freddie and go together.

Apr. 24, Sat. - Walked twice around the upper loop in park then sat in car and talked. Chris came with Randy and Charlotte so he could work on the sprinkler system. Lori had gone to Marnie's dance performance (her first since breaking her leg a year ago) and they came when that was over. Marnie was pleased and happy as she felt she had done well. I am so happy for her. Chris and Randy had to leave to go watch Hunter run in a race, and Lori and the girls went home. I got ready to go the temple sealing and Chris had not come back yet so I put out bread, cheese, butter, peanut butter, jam, honey and a bottle of peaches and wrote them a note to help themselves when they were hungry. Was going out the door when they returned. I picked up Copier's and dropped them off on the north/east corner of the temple so Govert wouldn't have to walk from the parking lot as he has a hard time with his legs. They waited for me in the lobby then I asked him if he wouldn't like to use a wheel chair but he declined. He had forgotten how far it is to the waiting room and that is almost a block-long hall, so it was very hard on him. Anyway, the sealing of the Tongan family was a very special occasion and I am happy we were there. I had Copier's sit on the big planter and wait while I went and got the car. When I returned home Doug was here mowing the lawn and Chris had gone to the store for more pipe and Randy & Hunter were playing pool. Doug always fixes himself some lunch but I offered to make grilled cheese sandwiches for the boys but they preferred raisin bread toast, so I toasted three slices each. Chris had returned and was working hard trying to get done so they could be to a ward party on time (they were late), so when he was almost ready to leave I did make him a grilled cheese sandwich "for the road". Doug stayed and visited until about 6:30 which makes it nearly dark by the time he bikes home. By then I was so tired I gave up and went to bed with my clothes on, teeth not brushed, face not cleaned. Slept until 11:00, got up and got properly ready for bed but by then I wasn't sleepy so read some more in Doug's book. Read until 2:00 AM.

And I am right, the book is disturbing to me as it is somewhat biographical and lets me know how really miserable his public school experiences were and also shows me how far off the gospel path he really is.

Apr. 25, Sun. - Today was the missionary farewell for Taylor Capson and it was enjoyable. He gave a good talk. He has been going out with the full time missionaries and has had some good training already.

He is going somewhere in Mexico and is excited. Sunday School and Relief Society were fine.

Capsons held an open house so people could visit with Taylor and say goodbye. I waited until the crowd had thinned out then went over. They had a very delicious buffet, which I enjoyed along with visiting.

Chose to stay home for the rest of the day. Wrote in my journal. Read my email.

Apr. 26, Mon. - Walked in the park. Used a chemical to "stroke" the tall grass growing in my Blue Rug tams and also many other places it is growing. Worked outside for several hours. Watched News Hour then Antiques Road Show. Read in Doug's book.

Apr. 27, Tues. - Walked in the park. Arline Wright came Visiting Teaching alone as Mary C had forgotten and was not home. We do have long conversations.......this one was nearly two hours. We have known each other for 32 years and enjoy visiting together. Again I went to Darlene Smith's to do my V T but she did not answer the door. I hope nothing is worse with her. She does have very poor health and her life is full of pain and misery most of the time. Sorry, sorry, sorry. Drapers came H/V Teaching, they usually come on the second Tues of the month but were vacationing in Florida. They had a very enjoyable time. Read my email and Lori told us that Chris was laid-off from work...........this is just terrible and seems most unjust. I am including the email:

Hello, Dear Family: I am doing a little summary of our situation, because I don't feel like talking and explaining it over and over.

Chris got laid off from the City yesterday. Salt Lake City reduced staffing by 67 positions, 25 of which were filled positions. Chris and one other guy were senior building inspectors in his department, and he was the one let go. (The other guy had been there longer.)

The past year at work has not been pleasant for Chris, ever since Les was hired as his new supervisor. Les is a small person, both physically and emotionally, and he and Chris have had a big personality clash. There has been a lot of politics going on and I could see that Chris was being minimized/marginalized in some ways, but I didn't expect him to be laid off. There is a severance package of around $15k. He has work (and medical insurance) through June 30, 2010, with our last paycheck arriving two weeks later. We will be determining what to do about all kinds of things, of course. One thing I am going to make sure happens is that there isn't anything negative in Chris' file at work (at least not without a rebuttal). The City policy for layoffs requires that the supervisor document the employee's past 18-months' work and also how it will benefit the City to get rid of him. Chris was not given any reason for the lay-off other than reduction of force. However, I have a letter from August 2007 which assures Chris that he will either retain his promotion to Senior Building Inspector, or will be placed back as a Building Inspector III, based on work performance and acquisition of required certifications. Chris earned the required certs and has always had stellar work performance. There have been personality conflicts with Les, as I've mentioned, and I think he used the City's economic downturn as a way to get rid of Chris. If he valued Chris, he would have let the new guys go, who have been with the city less than a year, and retained Chris, who has been there 14 years. Chris is one of only two guys in the BI department who is four-way certified, having passed all eight examinations. Chris does not want to work with Les, which is understandable. Knowing that Les doesn't value him at all, and that the City would just let him go like that, does not make him want to be there. We will be looking for other work. In the meantime, we will be making sure that Chris either retains his position with the City, due to a wrongful dismissal lawsuit hanging over their heads (not that we would really file), or that at the very least, he will have a glowing review in his file of the good work he did for the City. I feel that we will be okay and that Heavenly Father is watching out for us. It is very stressful, though! Thanks for your prayers and support. Love, Lori P.S. The City Council has to review layoffs and approve them. I'm not sure when the date is for that, but that would be a good time to present rebuttal documentation, if necessary.

Apr. 28, Wed. - Casey and I met Debbie at the temple and did one endowment session. After that we went to the clothing center and Debbie bought temple clothing so she wont need to rent them. She is using Leah's robe and apron but wanted a new veil, so got that and more garments, a dress and new slip. She is so excited and we are so happy for her. Kay and I went to Western Gardens to buy the alfalfa meal they were supposed to have ordered in for me but it wasn't there. Kay bought some iron treatment stuff for her big tams but doubts it will really help but hopes it will as they are dying and their front yard will look just awful if that happens. She hasn't the money nor the physical ability to replace them. It is not nice to get so old and diminished! Came home and was going VT to Jeanne but she canceled out because of health problems. She is another one who has lots of physical pain and emotional stress. Doug rode his bike over and I was surprised as it had been storming off-and-on all day so I thought he would drive.

While we visited I re-strung a necklace and also put new elastic in the necks of a couple of blouses. We had quite a discussion about his book.........I told him it is not an "upper" and while he has a very prolific imagination and ability to write, his stories-within-the story are too dark for me to enjoy it. He just sort of smiled and said that by the end I will like it better. I hope so, but it is not a book I would recommend to anyone to read. And I am sorry that is so. Watched the News Hour, then a very interesting special on the Mayan language....how many years it has taken and how many scholars have worked to break the code of their hieroglyphs so now they can actually be read. People who devote their lives to make such knowledge available are amazing.

Apr. 29, Thurs. - Very cold and snowing so we walked in the Fashion Place Mall, then sat and visited as it was too cold to sit in the car. Hairdo. Went to the Sunflower Market and bought some vegetables. Went VT to Darlene and she was home and we had a good visit. Watched the News Hour. Read awhile then went to bed.

Apr. 30, Fri. - Got up early enough to pop corn and gather up all the pans and ingredients necessary to make popcorn balls. It was snowing again so we went to the mall to walk. Saw that the Sunflower Market was open and went there so Casey could buy some items. She came up to my house and poured the syrup while I stirred the popcorn , then helped me make the PCB's for Dixie for her birthday. I will package and mail them on Sat. Casey had never seen my fireplace working so we turned it on and sat

in the banana chairs and talked for awhile.........very nice.

May 1, 2010 - Sat. - Walked. Packaged up the PCB's and mailed them to Dixie at UPS. Every year the fee is more.......this time it was almost $13.00, but it is worth it. Doug came, mowed the lawns, had lunch and we visited.

May 2, Sun. - Fast Sun and it was a good meeting. Cooked usual 36 rolls. Went to D & G's for dinner and to celebrate Sarah's birthday a little early. One exciting item of information is that Tamara is PG and they are delighted. Brayden will be just over 2 years old when the new baby is born and that is good spacing. Another great announcement is that Ammon has been accepted into the Chaplain program, which is just what he wants. He will be going away for special training for 2 months and Melanie and children will go back east and visit her family for part of that time. More later on this. We had a good dinner and lots of visiting. Nice day.

May 3, Mon. - Walked in the mall because it is too cold to be comfortable outside, even though it is May!

Did washing. Went to the Food Bank to take the two cases of peanut butter I bought just for that purpose. Had looked up the address in my current telephone directory but had a hard time getting there as streets don't run all the way through blocks and etc. Finally arrived at the address only to find a tall chain link fence and a chained gate, but no instructions as to where they had moved. GRRR. Went to 2 fabric stores looking for special buttons and a small piece of cloth just the right color, and that took quite awhile. Thought I knew how to get to an auto detailing business for which I had the address but again had a really frustrating experience locating it. Did find it, though, but by then I had to go home without having them look at my car and giving me an estimate on repairing the scrapped paint on the fenders. Will have to go again. Came home and Lori, Randy and Charlotte were here working to help me. Randy and Charlotte had clippers and cut down the old growth in the ground cover between the house and the lilacs and they did a really good job.....I am impressed and very pleased. Lori squirted down the garage doors and the siding in the breeze way and then washed all my windows inside and out!!! A very big job, even though she is a very fast and efficient worker it took her about 4 hours. It would have taken me 12 hours I am sure since I am not fast nor very efficient! Oh what a treat it is to go from room to room and see CLEAN windows! Gives me a real emotional lift. I am so grateful for my family and their caring help and attention and love. Watched News Hour and Antiques Road Show.

May 4, Tues. - Walked in the mall. Worked outside 3 hours. Cut out some more grape vines. Also trimmed off all the grape vines growing over the west fence from Lisa's yard. Cut the old growth from the Dusty Miller by the garage, and it looks as though it will be OK for this year. All Dusty Miller on the north fence will have to be dug out and replaced with something, or maybe nothing, depending on how much energy and interest I can muster. News Hour and special on Mt. St. Helens and the effects of the volcano's blowing its' top. New growth is taking place and animals are gradually returning. Very interesting.

May 5, Wed. - To temple with Casey and Debbie. Norvalla and Raymond Anderson went on the same session and it was wonderful to share the time with them. They are seeking comfort to their hearts for the loss of Raymond's young son, and the temple service helps. Took a pair of Casey's shoes to the repair shop. Shopped at Costco. Had my newer eye glasses adjusted to my head and can see better with them now. Bought almonds, 6# of Gummi Bears as the grandkids love them, and other items. Home and Chris came to do work on the automatic sprinkler system. I can now water the lawns and the garden (when it is a garden). It will take me awhile to learn how to program it properly. He is wonderful to do all this hard work for me. Doug came for our mid-week lunch and time together and Chris showed him how to work the sprinkler controls and etc, so I'm not without extra help there. Went to RS Book Group with Cathy Bowles. She brought her little adopted Chinese toddler with her and he is fun to watch. He is a very friendly, smiling child and they are so happy to have him.

May 6, Thurs. - Walked in the mall. Hairdo. Melanie said that James has to have a third operation on his leg as he is in so much pain he finally went to a different Dr and more x-rays were taken and he has two bones rubbing together and one of them has to be cut off ½ inch (or so). Poor guy, he is just beside himself.

The Dr said it will solve the problem and he will be pain free after it heals. Surely do hope so. Melanie is having new granite counter tops put in her kitchen and they are beautiful. To Wal Mart and bought a gift card for Cathy as a welcome to their little toddler. Thought about going to the auto detailing shop and to the correct building for the Food Bank and to Zions Bank and to Smith's, but just could not make myself do it. It was the wedding reception for Tyler Eatchel and his bride and I fully intended to go but also could not make myself do that. Stayed home and tried to reconcile my bank statement, but since I had failed to do so in Mar I couldn't reconcile Apr either. Looked and looked, checked and checked and got no where, so finally clicked the button which let Quicken do an adjustment that made my account agree with the bank statement.............the difference was $235.51 and they entered it like a debit. I don't know if I will ever know what I did or didn't do right............I hate to bother John even though I'm sure he could figure it out. Got a wedding card with a check ready to mail to Tyler. Also a sympathy card ready to mail to Chuck and Sandy Trost as their son, Steve, finally died even though he had received bone marrow implants and they were so hopeful it would be successful. Hard-to-take experience to suffer through. He was only in his forties and has left his wife with 4 children to raise. Sorry, sorry, sorry.

May 7, Fri. - Walked in mall. Clint and Nina sent me a card and a book by Elder Uchtdorf for Mother's Day, it is "The Remarkable Soul of a Woman", and is a very small but nicely done book. I read it in about 30 min. Was going to spray the Oxalis in my grass but it has to be done 2 days before mowing and then wait two days after spraying before mowing again. Freddie called and they are driving to Orem for the viewing for Steve Trost and offered me a ride. I was glad to be able to go with them as I do not drive out of the valley myself. Went with them and they have a GPS which was fun for me as I have never ridden with anyone using the device. Govert is 90 years old but is a pretty good driver..........only scared me a few times , and we made it there and back without any accident. Spent a lot of time typing my 2007 journal into the computer, have finished Aug.

May 8, Sat. - Walked in the mall. J & J and family wired me a beautiful vase of flowers for Mother's Day........pink roses and pink carnations, yellow daisies and a lavender flower I don't know. Very beautiful. How thoughtful of them! Dwight Anderson plowed the garden spot so now I will need to get my part ready to plant. I don't really want the job, but I do love the produce later, so will do. Doug came and mowed the lawn, then checked out the sprinkler setting for the front as I didn't think it watered right. He found that the two old-style Rain Birds were not moving..........just sort of fluttering in place and that means there is not enough pressure to make it work right....very worrisome. Now Chris will have to figure out what is the problem. I just hope this is all going to work right eventually. The weather is unseasonably cold and we have had some rain so the lawns are not suffering yet. Watched Channel 11 and saw an episode each of Hogan's Heroes, My Three Sons, and I Love Lucy..........have never done that before. Things were very different when those shows were popular.......people were kinder, milder, more moral and etc........now our society wants violence, sex, and vulgarity........how really debased we have become. We need to repent in a big way or suffer the consequences, which will not be nice! Paul Fitt died today.........Linda is going to have a difficult time being a widow.

May 9, Sun. - Mother's Day and they gave us a nice geranium plant as a gift. Gwendolyn called and asked if I could come by their house on my way to L & C's as she had arranged a vase of her home grown flowers for me, so I did, and they are beautiful and I am quite impressed. Mark called and I talked with him while washing and hulling lots of strawberries as my contribution for our dinner..........Chris had made his lasagne, which is the best I have ever eaten. He melted milk chocolate and dipped strawberries in it and that is a treat! After dinner we watched "Miss Potter" which is the true story about Beatrix Potter who wrote the Tale of Peter Rabbit and many other stories, and she also illustrated them with watercolors herself. It was a happy movie and I smiled and smiled and smiled.........loved it. While it was on John called me and they turned off the movie until we were through talking, which was very considerate of them. They had all seen it before so they didn't really mind as they all wanted me to see it. L & C gave me 3 Lindt candy bars (yummy), and Lori bought a special Mother's Day card that played a jazzy tune and had drawings of Snoopy dancing.......then she wrote wonderfully nice things about me.....which happys my heart and I HOPE they are really true :). Marnie and Charlotte each made me a special card and they were well made, as they are talented and creative. When it was time for me to leave all four of the kids raced the car. This is the first time Marnie has done that since breaking her leg and I rather thought she would never join in again, but she did even though she is 17 years old! A very enjoyable day.

May 10, Mon. - Walked in the park. On the way home it was raining and we saw a neighbor of Casey's, (Annette) walking to work, so gave her a ride. She works at the Sports Mall as a custodian and is very cheerful and energetic but it is a long walk, which she quite enjoys when it isn't storming. Read the news paper, then instead of doing work or sewing I read "Stones Into Schools" and spent most of the day and finished it. Then I read more in Doug's book. I feel a little guilty spending a day like that when there is so much to be done, but I do love reading.

May 11, Tues. - Walked. Another rainy day so gave Annette a ride again. Today is my 59th wedding anniversary.........wonder if Mer remembers?? Did a little sewing......shortened the sleeves on the new cream-colored dress I bought so now I can wear it. Barbara called and she has been really sick most of the past two months or more. She is hiring Keith Mose to get her yard into shape as she is too weak to do it herself.........said she has lost 25 pounds and is happy about that, but that it is a hard way to lose so she wouldn't recommend it. I expected Drapers to come Home Teaching but they didn't come. Very unlike them. Watched the News Hour, then a special on Tornado Chasers that was very interesting.

May 12, Wed. - To the temple with Casey. To Sunflower Market then to the shoe repair shop for her shoes. Came home early. Doug came and worked on the sprinklers that were not working right and got them running. I am most grateful for his help. Went to R S cooking class at the church and enjoyed being with the other sisters.

May 13, Thurs. - Walked in the mall as it was too cold outside. To Melanie's for a perm, cut and style. Returned books to the library. Home, and did washing. Finished reading Doug's book. It ended better than I thought it would, but I it still find it a disturbing book.

May 14, Fri. - Walked in the mall. Went to Paul Fitt's funeral. Casey "house-sat" for Linda to protect the house from being robbed while the whole family was away. The funeral was very nice, and since all the speakers were his children, it had quite a bit of funny stuff and if a funeral can be fun, his was, and he would like that. Went to Personal Touch Detail to have the car looked at and get an estimate as to how much it would cost to have it repaired and it will be in the $400.00 range........sorry, sorry, sorry. Went to the bank and to Smith's. Watched the News Hour.

May 15, Sat. - Walked in the mall. Read the paper. Lisa Anderson came and did a really good job on edging the lawns......look the best they have since Casey edged them two years ago. Went outside and cleaned the driveway . Doug came on his bike and did the lawns. Ricky came in his car. They both had lunch and we visited. Ricky left to go meet some friends and play Ultimate Frizzbe. I pulled the grass out of the Blue Rug tams and it looks really great. Casey came and we went to a Stake Center for the 90th birthday open house for our cousin Eva (Collier) Pendleton. It was a very nice affair and it was fun to visit with relatives we haven't seen for a long time.

May 16, Sun. - Regular meetings. Began reading "Wish You Well", by David Baldacci . Picked up Larene Roberts and we went to the LDS Institute on the University of Utah campus for a Single Adult Fireside, at which Elder Jay Jensen was the main speaker, and it was very interesting. I was glad we went together as it is always more enjoyable not to be alone.

May 17, Mon. - Walked in the park. Went and washed my car at the car wash. Did seven hours of work outside. Watched Antiques Road Show. Was very tired but very pleased, too.

May 18, Tues. - Walked in park. Saw Dr Chandramouli after they had drawn blood and analyzed it, and he said my red blood cells and my platelets count are normal and my white cell count is up a little so I didn't have to schedule another series of Retuxin treatments. This is very GOOD. So, I think that eating the asparagus every day really does help and I will continue doing it. Will have another blood draw in Aug.

May 19, Wed. - Debbie, Casey and I went to the temple. It is so neat to have her coming with us! To the Sunflower Market. Doug and Ricky came on bikes again for visiting and lunch. Surely am glad they fix it for their selves . Enjoyed having them.

May 20, Thurs. Walked in mall. No hairdo as Melanie is too busy doing permanent makeup. Went to the bank, to Ream's, to Michaels, to Quality Flowers, and to Smith's. Busy day. Jeff and Carol Cash came from AR and Nebeker's hosted a get together for part of the family......Gary & his family and I. Jackie and Lud were invited but Lud had just come home from the hospital again and they couldn't make it.

I was sorry as Jackie really wanted to be there. It was very enjoyable to see Jeff & Carol again. Jeff just loves it in AR and never intends to move anywhere else.

May 21, Fri. I went to JR Temple to attend the endowment session on which John Alfred received his endowments. Debbie and Shelley were there, too, of course. Casey couldn't come as Jeff and Carol were still there. It was really a neat experience. I had never even met John before and was very surprised to see he looks somewhat like our Andrew...........the family genes do show up. Came home and made caramel corn to take for the auction being held in connection with a spaghetti dinner put on by the Young Women and their leaders to raise money for their summer camp activity . It was a fun evening. Bishop Jepsen was the auctioneer and did a very good job. It became quite exciting. I bid on several items but was out bid each time. They raised quite a lot of money as it was for a good cause and people were generous. Came home and typed in my journal.

May 22, Sat. - Walked alone. Said goodbye to Jeff and Carol. Did washing. Read the paper too long again. Doug came and mowed. The sprinklers next to the house have almost no water pressure for whatever reason and Doug can't fix it..........sigh....I hate asking Chris to come. Ricky came to visit, too and he and Doug had lunch. When Doug left Ricky stayed for more visiting and was here until 6:30.

Then left to go spend the evening with Marnie as a last "hang-out" until he gets home from his mission. I had my dinner and watched Lawrence Welk.

May 23, Sun. - I didn't go to my meetings today as it was the farewell for Ricky. I sliced up many apples and put them in pineapple juice so they would not go brown. Also sliced up a big bowl of cucumbers ......this was my contribution to the buffet for after the farewell......it was a very delicious meal.

Ricky gave a good talk and I am sure he will be a good missionary. Those to the buffet were family and just invited friends of Ricky, not a whole ward invitation thing. It was a very enjoyable time together.

May 24, Mon. - It was really snowing so we walked in the mall. CRAZY WEATHER. Casey followed me and I took my car in for repair at 9:00....they will need it for two days, they said. Read the paper. Took a nap. Chris came and checked the sprinklers and found a leak, which was causing the lack of pressure for the sprinklers.

May 25, Tues. - Kay came got me and we walked in the mall. Vacuumed, and it had been awhile and really needed it. Love my new vacuum cleaner. The snow we had was so much and so wet it soaked my flower pots on the deck and the fertilizer in the soil made the water run-off dark brown and it ran out of the pots onto the deck and down the sides onto the sidewalk and looked just dreadful. I had to take water in which was some cement cleaner and scrub everything and it was a big job. I am just glad it would scrub off. Planted three geraniums in the biggest pot and they look nice. Will put artificial flowers in the other three pots. I don't really like them but it will make life a little bit easier for me as they won't have to be watered. Dug out the extra raspberry canes and wished there was someone who would like them but since I didn't know anyone they just got wasted............I did transplant 3 into a bare spot in my row. Chris came and repaired the water leak and it only took him an hour, which amazed me, now things are working properly............bless his skillful hands and willing heart. I also raked the garden space trying to smooth it ready for the furrows. News Hour and a special on Mega Volcanoes.

May 26, Wed. Casey drove and we went to the J R Temple for the sealing of Debbie to her parents. It was really neat as her son John was proxy for Al, her daughter Shelley was proxy for Leah, Debbie was herself and Casey was proxy for Donna. We are sure all those family members in the spirit world were thrilled too. After the sealing Debbie, Casey and I stayed and did an endowment session. Called Lori to wish her a Happy Birthday. My car was not ready yet, darn it. Doug came and was here until 5:50. News Hour, Secrets of the Dead: The Airmen and the Headhunters.

May 27, Thurs. - Walked in the park. Casey drove me to Melanie's for my hairdo, then back home. Later she drove me to get my car. They did a very good job and I am glad it is done even though it cost me $400.00..............I didn't want Mark to see it bunged up as I had never told him about it and he won't ever know unless someone else tells him. To Ream's, to the bank and to Smith's. News Hour, a program on Utah PTA Golden Apple Awards 2010.....honoring several outstanding school teachers. They are great people.

May 28, Fri. - Walked in the park. When we went to come home the car wouldn't start so I called road side service (thank goodness for a cell phone), and I am not going to record all the messiness but it took two hours before a big outfit came and gave me a jump start. They came from Layton, no less, and it wasn't just a tow truck, but something big enough to put the car inside!! The driver suggested I go have the battery checked before I turned off the motor, so I did, and it was very strong. The only thing we could think could have happened is that the people who worked on the car from Mon to Thurs must have run the radio while working on it and I hadn't run it enough after picking it up to recharge the battery. Anyway, nothing had been left on by me after I took it home so I think they were guilty!!. Came home and let it run for a half hour to be sure it was recharged. Did some housework. Sewed on my cream colored dress. Carol Eggleston called and wants to come see me. News Hour, Washington Week in Review, Need to Know.

May 29, Sat. - Walked in park. Read the paper. Arranged silk flowers in the three flower pots for the deck. Carol came about 2:00 and was here until 4:00. She is in such bad shape both financially and physically it just makes me sick. She has almost no teeth in the front part of her mouth, she is overweight and poorly clothed. The scoliosis she had as a teenager has gone down her spine and she can't stand up really straight and her back hurts all the time and she has a very hard, painful time walking. She has no job and looking like she does, is not likely to get one. She has no car (a neighbor dropped her off at my house). She has received an eviction notice and has to be out by Monday evening and has no place to go and her Bishop is not giving her the help she needs.....and on and on. Doug was here and heard a lot of her conversation. She still has four children living at home and they have a dog, 3 cats and a ferret the kids love. When she said she needed to go I gave her $50.00 and drove her to the Trax station. I just can't take them in and feel guilty about it. Doug got on the computer and into the church web site and tried to locate her ward and bishop but we couldn't really tell for sure. Doug said this as a situation that needs to be handled by the church as Carol has been an active member all her life and must not be allowed to drop into the cracks. He was here from 2:00 until 7:15. After he left I ate dinner and read the Church News. Typed on my 2007 journal.

May 30, Sun. - Regular meetings. I prepared a delicious dinner for Lori and family to celebrate her birthday. Randy and Marnie made the birthday cake and they brought the rolls. Were here from 6:00 until about 10:30 and we had a good time.............went down to the "river" and the water is starting to rise from the snow melt off . Hunter walked on the next to the tallest stilts all the way down and back......even on the hill, and I was amazed he could do it............he said his arms just about gave out on him and I am not surprised as arms have to be kept close to the body to control the stilts. We then had the birthday cake and milk as only Charlotte wanted (and had) ice cream. ????? won the candle race.

May 31, Mon. - Memorial Day. Walked. I went to the cemetery (in the rain) and put a flower on my brother Doug's grave, then put two on Mer's. Gwendolyn had put her home grown flowers in the brass vase and they looked good. Stayed there awhile, then drove over to see Barbara. She is still having lots of pain and problems. She has lost 20 pounds but that is a hard way to do it. Hope she gets to feeling better soon. Came home and made furrows in the garden. Had a hard time getting them drawn straight this year for some reason and had to do it twice. Ran water to set them. Lisa gave me 9 tomato plants....one of which is the little yellow ones like. Very nice of her.

JUNE 1, 2010, Tues. - Walked. Bought bedding plants. Planted the tomatoes, cukes, and zucchini and cantaloupe seeds. The seeds I had saved from an especially delicious melon from last year and I hope they grow.......and if they grow I hope they reproduce. One year Mary Stevens had saved corn from her garden, then planted them in the spring......she had gorgeous rows of corn stalks but not an ear of corn grew.......the seeds were hybrids and could not reproduce!! Needless to say she was very disappointed. So, if my melons make no melons I will know it was a mistake to save seeds and won't do it again. Called Shirley and Hilton for their birthdays and talked to each of them separately and had nice visits. They had a real freeze and about half of the plants in their yard were killed. This is almost unheard of in Pasadena, TX, so they are busy replanting. Hilton is somewhat restricted in what he can do as he had a rotator cup (or is it cuff?) operation and it is not completely healed yet.

June 2, Wed. - Temple. Went to a place where Casey ordered some scaffolding to be delivered so Kris Brimhall can paint the gables of her house when he and Jeri get here. We went to see our cousin, Carol Richardson Alexander, on our way home. She is living in a very nice apartment complex and will be very comfortable when she is settled in. Mailed a "Thank you" card to Dr. Margetts as it will be 9 years on June 5th since he operated on my spinal stenosis and gave me back my pain-free life. Went to Wal Mart and bought some veggie plants for Casey..........got a big Super Fantastic tomato plant for Don as that is the only variety he thinks is worth planting. Ricky and Conrad came to visit for awhile and I invited them to help their selves to lunch and ice cream. Ricky was supposed to go into the M.C. today but his visa has not arrived. I didn't know that there is an M.C. in Brazil so no Portugese language is taught at the Utah M.C. He will have to wait and that is really a letdown when he is all ready to go. Doug came and serviced the swamp cooler and got it ready to run for when I need it. It was our Stake temple day and since I didn't know anyone from our ward who was going I went by myself. John Alfred did go into the M.C. as he is going to serve in AZ.

June 3, Thurs. - Walked. No hairdo as Melanie was not available. Read the paper. Took a one hour nap. Worked outside for 5 hours. Planted flowers but will have to buy more. This was my brother Doug's birthday..........I will be glad to see him again when I go to the next world.

June 4, Fri. - Walked. Bought more flowers at Wal Mart and did planting. Did lots of spot watering. I was very tired.

June 5, Sat. - Walked. Went to Great Clips for hairdo as I really needed it what with working outside so much. For once there was a beautician who knew how to do a super shampoo and a really good styling job and I was very pleased with every thing but the price.......$18.00 plus tip. Washed sheets and made up the north guest bedroom and mine. Doug came and mowed the lawns. Mel Thayne picked me up and we went to Kaysville to an open house 80th birthday celebration for Ellen Mae Manning. Emma Lou had a prior engagement and couldn't go. I appreciated Mel calling and giving me a ride. It was a very nice open house but the only one of the Brigham City Group we saw was Barbara Jean Mellor...........we were surprised and somewhat disappointed not to see others.

Mel drove on the Legacy Highway coming home and it was the first time I had been on it.........it is a nice addition and takes some of the traffic from the regular highway and trucks are not allowed on it.

Doug was gone by the time I came home.

June 6, Sun. Fast Sunday and I had forgotten and eaten breakfast......just can't keep track of the days very well anymore. Eight R S sisters gave short talks on V T (in RS) and I was one of them. Spent the rest of the day at home by choice. Read several little books written by Emma Lou Thayne and they are all uplifting. Had read them before, of course, but they are worthy of many readings.

June 7, Mon. - Went with Kay to get her driver's license. We went to Ream's. Finished planting flowers........job well done. Used the hula-hoe around the rose bushes. Pulled morning glory off the ground cover. Antoinette called about Barbara having to go to the hospital as she is having lots of health problems. Antoinette and I had a really long visit. Life is not very easy for her but she "soldiers on" and I really admire her determination and spunk. She is a really choice woman.

Little Cottonwood Creek is doing destructive flooding and we would like to take pictures again of us wading out to the bench where we sit some times, if it gets that high. Casey was expecting Jeri and Kris to come on Wed evening but they arrived today and she just isn't prepared for them so it is very stressful to her. Watched Antiques Road Show.

June 8, Tues. - No walk as the park is too flooded. Casey couldn't go as Jeri and Kris were there but I went down and would have walked but there were barricades so I just came home. Kay made copies of all the papers I had already sent to the IRS so I could send them again. Took to the PO and had them registered and return receipt requested. Hope this takes care of their questions and they will leave me alone! Called the hospital and Barbara had been released, but not to go home yet.

Drapers came HT/VT at 5:00 as they had other things to do later. News Hour, Nova: "Walk to Beautiful".

June 9, Wed. - Went to the SL Temple as JR closed for cleaning. Went to Kay's and saw Jeri and her friend Barbara. Kris was painting the outside of the house. Washing. Took Doug to lunch at Crazy Jim's. Good food and a really good visit.

June 10, Thurs. - No walk. Hairdo. Ream's, Smith's. Spent about 3 hours cleaning up the garage. Worked over the campfire wood and some of it was so old it was crumbly and was a real mess. Used my shop vacuum and it died before I was through. Anyway, things are in better shape for when the family comes for the 4th of July activities. We still have a late Easter Egg hunt and as lots of the eggs get hidden in the garage it is good to have all the spider webs cleaned up and also the dead pill bugs........otherwise it would freak-out people.

June 11, Fri. - Walked in the neighborhood. Cleaned off the paint over-spray on the car windows from when it was repaired. Vacuumed inside the car. To Smith's for ice cream cones to take to Neb's for their family party. Gary and family, Tasha and family, Charlie and Reese, Jeri and Kris and they included me. Jackie and Lud were invited but Lud was too sick to come. It was enjoyable to visit with them and was a fun party. Casey and I had to go the Murray 8th Ward to an open house to celebrate Jane Jensen's 80th birthday but made it a real quickie. It was fun to see some of Jane's kids that I hadn't seen in years.

June 12, Sat. - Walked in the mall as it was raining. Went to the airport and picked up Mark and Andrew. Andrew came for a music camp at BYU for a week. He will be there and Mark will be staying with me and using my car when he needs one. Made them grilled cheese sandwiches and etc. Got in bed at 12:00 and Andrew wanted to practice his sax and that was fine with me and didn't bother my sleep at all.

June 13, Sun. - Put rolls out to rise at 7:30 then went back to bed for an hour. Went to Sac Mtg then came home and baked the rolls. Mark nor Andrew went to church. Baked the rolls and went to D and G's for dinner. When it was time Mark drove Andrew to BYU then came back to Doug's and we visited until 8:45, Came home and it was cold enough that we sat in front of the fireplace and enjoyed that while we visited. I am so happy to have it.

June 14, Mon. - Casey and I walked in the park and saw all the damage the flooding had done. Got gas in the car on my way home. Read the paper until Mark got up. He did a great service for me by reconciling my bank statement. I still don't know how I got so messed up but it took him 2 ½ to 3 hours to reconcile it!! I am relieved as I was going to have to get help from John now I won't. Mark also took my Hyundai in for recommended servicing and I was grateful for that. Everything is in fine shape and it didn't cost me anything. This is not really a vacation for Mark as he brought his desktop and is working part of the time. We had dinner, then he worked and I watched News Hour and Antiques Road Show.

June 15, Tues. - Walked. Read the paper. Took 1 hour nap. Dead headed the roses. Pulled up the Oxalis but it is hopeless, and ugly and makes the grass look dead where it is........... very frustrating.

Put the hem in my cream colored dress......some day I will finish altering it. Mark went to dinner with his highschool friend, Ken Olsen and had an enjoyable time. I watched some of the News Hour and some Nova.

June 16, Wed. - Went to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple with Casey and Debbie and that was nice. I like the JR Temple better though. Went to Sunflower Market, to Sears, to Chase Bank. Kay went to Dr Schlisman and she told her to stop taking the medication she has been on........now we will see how she gets to feeling. Did a little sewing. Had dinner with Mark..........two hours as we visited a lot. Then he worked on his computer for work. Rick was scheduled to go into the M.C. so Doug didn't come here. As it turned out Rick's visa hasn't arrived so he stayed home. I didn't know that he was going to an M.C. in Brazil and they are not teaching a class in Portuguese at the Provo M.C. If his visa hasn't come by the 16th they will begin a class and when the visas come they will transfer to Brazil. I don't know how many missionaries this includes.

June 17, Thurs. - Walked. Hairdo. Reams. Sears for new shop vacuum.

June 18, Fri. - Walked. Did lots of hose watering which is a big, tiring job. Read the Reader's Digest Condensed Books version of "Love Story". Got to thinking about it as Amy is learning the music on the piano and just loves it. Mark and I had an early dinner then went to BYU for the performance of the jazz band in which Andrew was playing and it was excellent. Andrew had the solo	spot for one whole number and he is really good.......the professor wants him to come to BYU when he graduates from highschool and Andrew thinks he will. It was a very enjoyable week for him and that is wonderful. Mark and I didn't get home until 9:45 as we ran into road construction barricades that moved all traffic into ONE lane. We were just glad we weren't trying to catch a plane or something.........poor pity those who had time sensitive appointments ! When we got home I saw that Lori had been here and spread many bags of Soil Pep on my flower beds. Counted the empty bags and there were 17 !!!! The flowers will love that and it will improve the soil, too. Of course I will pay for that and I really appreciate her doing the labor.

June 19, Sat. - Walked. Mark went down to get Andrew. Made lunch for them. Doug came and visited. Andrew played his sax for a long time then went to sleep as he has been sleep deprived the whole week. I went to an open house to celebrate the 90th birthday of Naomi Moore. She is in very poor health but enjoyed the activity anyway...(I think.) Went to Smith's for fruit and milk. Mark, Andrew and I went to Sweet Tomatoes for dinner and that is always a pleasure. They came home and played pool for a long time. I got quite a kick out of listening to them. Andrew was determined to win at least one game and the groaning and yelling he did when he made a bad shot made it sound as though Mark was killing him............he did manage to win one though and that was good. Lots of good-natured bantering going on and I loved it. I wasn't watching, just hearing them.

June 20, Sun. - Had to take Mark and Andrew to the airport so missed my church meetings. Was invited to L & C's for dinner so took grapes and strawberries as my contribution. Very delicious dinner. Spent quite a bit of time looking at their yard with all the beautiful flowers. Sat outside and visited a lot.........a slow-geared day and was very enjoyable. The kids had all made special Father's Day cards for Chris. I took him ½ # See's chocolates for being such a super husband and father.

June 21, Mon. - Walked. Read the paper, also some of Emma Lou Thayne's little books. Dead headed the roses again. Cut back the Painted Daisies . Thinned the Cosmos. Planted the Easter Lily that Darlene Smith gave me. Washing. News Hour, Antiques Road Show. Chris fell off a ladder last evening into the window well and broke his left wrist...........that is just awful news!!!!!!!

June 22, Tues. - Walked. Read the paper. Called Barbara and she is home and beginning to feel better. All the problems she has been having the Dr said were caused by her Colitis, but her son, Brad, took her to the ER and it turns out that she had a raging bladder infection and a heart problem that they repaired with stents !!! Brad was so mad at her Dr he said she must not ever go back to him and Barbara agrees. He just didn't really take her sickness seriously, thinking he knew what was wrong without checking it out. WOW ! My VT came and we had a long visit and I enjoy them. The fence people have finally come to Neb's so that will be good to get done. The mess has been hard for Casey to deal with. Mailed birthday cards to Andrew and to James Logan. Went to Marnie's dance review which was verrrry long. Lots of students..........quite amazing. This is the first time Marnie has been able to perform since she broke her leg and she was a little bit nervous but did a really great job. I was happy for her.

June 23, Wed. - Temple with Kay, Debbie and her friend, Reva. To Wal Mart, to Costco. More washing. Reconciled Aloe Account and that took quite awhile as I had messed it up, too.

Took 4# of strawberries to Marilyn Jensen's for our RS summer picnic. Drove Vicky Smith there and back. There was a really large turnout. Excellent food.......lots of variety and quantity. Played Bingo and did visiting and it was a very enjoyable evening. Wrote in my journal.

June 24, Thurs. - Walk. No hairdo. VT to Jeannie. The Young Women and a leader were coming this evening to wash my basement windows as a service project, so I decided I'd better dust off cobwebs and dust and check out how the windows have to be removed in sections (they are 3 pane glass) and then replaced. It is somewhat tricky getting them back in the right grooves and etc. It has been at least 2 years since I cleaned them and the window I was working on was sort of stuck and it was a BIG job getting them out. At that point I knew that this was no job for young, inexperienced girls so when they came (1 leader and 2 girls) I explained the problem and asked them if they would be willing to vacuum my carpets and dust the furniture and they did. We then had root beer floats and visited a little while. It is hard for me to accept help from others but I appreciated their willingness to help me.

Nebeker's fence is in and it looks just beautiful.....I am so happy for them. However, they now need one more piece so the spot between the back of the rock garden and the fence can't be seen. Don said NO but Gary told him it is necessary and for some reason Don accepts Gary's opinion so another piece will be installed.

June 25, Fri. - Walk. I went to Kinko's, to Hancock Fabric, to Expedex, to Ream's, to Harmon's and then home and took care of stuff. Then went to Great Clips for a hairdo, where I got Rose again so it was a good job. Then went to Smith's and bought coconut macaroons dipped in chocolate on the bottoms to take to the Ward picnic at the Stake Center pavilion. It was not as well attended as the RS picnic was but there was still enough of a crowd to be fun. Man, what a busy day this was....all that in-and-out of the car and stores. Some days I simply could not make myself do such a thing but I made a list and an itinerary and followed it and accomplished a lot.

June 26, Sat. - Walk. SCRUBBED the utility room floor and it really needed it. Also wiped up the kitchen floor. Did washing. Clint called and said that Nina and Nicole were on their way back from Circleville where they had been helping get Nina's dad's home ready to sell and wondered it I would like to meet them for dinner at Sweet Tomatoes. I was there by 6:20 and there was not a car in the parking lot...........a sign on the door said they were temporarily closed for repairs. When N & N got there we decided to go to I-HOP which is just a couple of buildings away, and had a good dinner and talked and talked and talked. I expected them to come sleep at my house but they had decided to treat themselves to a hotel room with amenities and had already checked in. Nina had "points" enough to pay for it (I don't have a clue as to how that works) but it sounds like fun. They were going to go to Temple Square the next day and visit things until time to go to the airport. Doug and family came back from CA. Ammon and family arrived from Tuscon, AZ...they will be at Doug's until next Friday, then he has more schooling on his pursuit to become a Chaplin in the Air Force.

June 27, Sun. - Regular meetings. Chose to spend the rest of the day at home.

June 28, Mon. - Walked. Doug mowed the lawns.........they needed it as he had been in CA all last week. Casey came over with connecters for my hoses to make it easier to move them from place to place but I have a hard time making them work. Anyway, it was really thoughtful of her as she has a hard time making herself work for herself but pushed her energy to help me.....that's Casey! Made a really good dinner for Mark and family and we all enjoyed it. Stayed up late talking and getting "settled in". They are a good-looking family and I am glad they are mine.

June 29, Tues. - Went to the temple with Kay and Debbie this day instead of Wed . Got home in time to fry scrambled eggs for the grandkids and I was glad and so were they. This was Lagoon Day for the family but Mark didn't go, nor did Doug, but almost everyone else did and got home about 11:00 PM. Amy's purse with her cell phone got lost and that is too bad.

June 30, Wed. Walked. This day Mark and family went to D & G's house after noon and they went bowling. Mark won, of course, even though he had to use a right handed bowling ball. The men came and installed the last piece of fence and did a lot of rocks-and-dirt cleaning up at Neb's and it looks wonderful & eliminates a lot of work Kay always had to do and Kay is greatly relieved. The children got together at Weintz's and made breakfast-for-dinner for their selves while the couples and I had our traditional dinner at Sweet Tomatoes. Mark and Dixie always pay for this and it is very generous of them. They put out a lot of money to make this week fun for the rest of us and I really appreciate it.

July 1, 2010 - Thurs. Walked. Hairdo. Went to Ream's. Ammon really wanted to spend a day in the canyon so this was the day. I chose not to go as I just don't feel up to hiking and etc. and I also didn't want to get campfire smoke in my fresh hairdo. This was the day I filled the Easter Eggs with candy, all 63 of them. It took me 3 hours total to do it all, including getting the papers ready for the guys to record where the eggs were hidden. Since I didn't go to the canyon Ammon and family came here after they got back so that I could see little Amelia and Connor and the rest of them before they leave town tomorrow. I was trying to use the hose connecter and a part broke off of the half-spray pipe and made it unuseable and I didn't know what to do. Ammon saw my problem and proceeded to Lowe's and bought some plastic pipe and glue and connecters and fixed the pipe....bless his willing heart......I am so relieved!!! It was good to see them. Ammon gave me a picture of himself in his Air Force uniform..........he looks right handsome. I appreciated their willingness to come see me for awhile.

July 2, Fri. - Walked. Read the paper. This was the day Mark and family spent with Lori and family. Things are so pushy time-wise they decided to forgo the sibling's breakfast this year . I cut back perennials and watered the north fence area. Blended up 4 cans of asparagus and got 17 1/4 C servings, so that will take care of me for that many days. I really think it is helping me and I go to see Dr. Chandramouli next Tues and will find out how my bone marrow is performing. Made 3 ½ batches of Rice Krispie squares for tomorrow. Watched a special called Panda Nursery and it was interesting. Mark and family didn't get home until way late, of course.

July 3, Sat. - No walk. This is the first time in over 40 or more years I have not attended the flag raising ceremony at the park and heard the patriotic talk............sorry I missed it but it was necessary.

The menfolk came and hid the Easter eggs and then the hunt began. It has been decided that this will be the LAST egg hunt.......the swan-song for the fake chicken-eggs hunt..........and I am ready. Just glad my kids decided it was OVER as I probably never would have had the courage to terminate it myself..............the tyranny-of-expectation, you know. Thought I would give the usable plastic eggs to the DI but Gwendolyn said she wanted them, so I gave the whole sack full to her to do whatever she wants with them. It has been a lot of fun through the years but I am 84 ½ years old and am relieved !

Chris got creative and used Scotch tape to hang Doug's eggs in the lilac bushes and they were VERY hard to find....it was really funny. After all the eggs were found we headed out to Weintz's Home Owner's park for our picnic in the pavilion and then swimming, frizzbe, croquet , and more eating and visiting. I don't think anyone played basketball or tennis. It is a really nice place to go each year......much better than a public park. After that we came back to our house for ice cream bars and Otter Pops and sparklers and poppers and fireworks and games and on and on until 12:45 AM !!! What a fun day. Gary, Joy, Jasmin, Lance and Lydia Nebeker also came and everyone got along together and the interaction was very good. Loved it all. Mark always buys a really big box of fireworks and sets them off on the driveway over the ditch......... Conrad has always been somewhat of a fire-bug and helped him and enjoyed that. Lori buys lots of sparklers and poppers and the kids have a ball. And we can see the Murray City fireworks by crossing the street and going a couple of houses down the road. Can actually see them from our backyard but not as well. A very "satisfactual" day . And it is nice to have a comfortable bed in which to "crash" .

July 4, Sun. - Put out 18 frozen rolls to rise to take out to D & G's for dinner celebrating Alex' birthday. Went to Sacrament Meeting with Dixie, Liz, Kimmie and Andrew. Came home and the kids ate leftovers, then stripped the beds and packed up to leave, as Dixie had said that that was their itinerary . Mark and Andrew carried all the luggage up and Mark put it in the van then came in the house. Dixie and I were sitting at the kitchen table talking so he sat down. We kept talking but he didn't say anything and after awhile I could tell he was getting annoyed, but I didn't know why. He finally let us know he had hurried to get ready to go so what was delaying their departure??? Their words let me know that there was really no reason for them to leave that early, but Dixie was just trying to "get out of my hair" so I would have time to rest before going out to Doug's. Mark was really expecting to have a leftovers lunch but since he hadn't gone to church with us he had eaten a regular breakfast and I hadn't planned any sit down dinner...........I was embarrassed that I hadn't caught on and I never consider that they are "in my hair", and would have planned for dinner if I hadn't thought Dixie wanted to be on their way quickly. Oh, dear, I hate misunderstandings & stuff like that . They planned to stay overnight in Boise so there really wasn't any hurry to leave . Sorry, sorry, sorry...sigh.

Nice birthday dinner and time together at D & G's. Miss having Ricky there, though.

July 5, Mon. - Walked, washed the sheets for 5 beds and lots of towels. Made up 2 beds. Lots more washing. Did many water settings on the lawns. Read the paper and the Ensign. Dug up tall weeds on the north ditch bank and in the ditch itself.............have to wait for a day when the water is out before I can use Roundup again and there are hundreds of little weeds just growing away.

Antiques Road Show.

July 6, Tues. - Walked. Took a nap. Went to the bank. Went to Garden Terrace to visit Naomi Moore and she is very incapacitated and needs lots of help. Even though that is nicer than most of those nursing help places I dread going there since that is where Mer was at his lowest time, then died there.........(shivers.) Called Freddy and Darlene and Marilyn to report on Naomi.

Worked outside several hours. Picked the first zucchini and ate it for dinner. Finished tying cords to the metal supports to keep the raspberry vines from flopping all over.........it will make it harder to pick them, though..........so, it is a mixed choice. Also weeded the north parking area and the strip between the sidewalk and the fence. Big, tiring day.

July 7, Wed. - Temple with Kay and Debbie. To Michael's , to Lowes, to Sunflower Market.

Chris brought Hunter and Randy over and he instructed them how to remove the cinder blocks from around the standpipe, then dig out the dirt to where it connected to the line from the street, putting the dirt on our big tarp. He then went to the store for a new standpipe and etc. While he was gone I fixed a grilled cheese sandwich for Hunter and made raisin bread toast for Randy. They ate then went down stairs and played pool until Chris returned. Chris had a cheese sandwich, too. The kids did a good job of following directions and they replaced everything back into the ground and it works wonderfully well and looks good and I am most thrilled and relieved!!!!!! It will make my spot watering much easier now there are two taps to use instead of one. Doug came over and he and Chris worked over the Rainbirds and adjusted them to do a better job of covering the space and also got them all working again. They are wonderful when they are doing what they should but a real pain when they don't as I haven't a clue as how to trouble-shoot and fix them myself so have to use hoses and sprayers until someone comes and fixes them again. Spot watered the north fence line and the south lawn. Mark called and they arrived home without any trouble. They are right back into the very busy, demanding life they lead. M & D will be going to Seattle to attend the wedding reception for a cousin of Dixie this coming Sat and Sun. Will give them a little private time together which is nice.

July 8, Thurs. - Walked. Hairdo. To Smith's. Took a two hour nap. Reconciled the bank statement.....YEA! Cassie Catmull told me she is PG & that is exciting. Had long talk with Lori

while she was driving to Farmington to meet with her literature group.

July 9, Fri. - Walked. Read the paper. Cut back some perennials. Weeded the north fence area on this side. Blended up 4 cans of asparagus again.............made seventeen 1/4th cups servings which will last me that long. Watched a special called Panda Nursery where they are working to rebuild the panda population in China before they completely die out ....very interesting.

July 10, Sat. - Walked. Did washing. Doug mowed lawns and was here for 4 hours.

I watched Lawrence Welk.

July 11, Sun. - Regular meetings, but was shocked when Pres. Smith of the Stake Presidency released our Bishopric! Bishop Killpack has only been in about 14 months but we were told he is very ill and is going to have to have intensive treatments and needs not to be under any outside pressure. I almost cried as I have loved having him for our Bishop...he is a very compassionate and involved man, in my view. Jeff Flitton was sustained as Bishop, Josh Bowles is 1st Councilor and Zerin Brewer is 2nd Councilor. All three of these men are still having to work for a living and have young or teenaged children at home. It will be demanding and time consuming for all of them. God bless them and their families to be made equal to the task. Chose to stay home for the rest of the day.

July 12, Mon. - Walked. Lots of spot watering. Went to see Naomi Moore again and took her a pint of washed grapes, which she was pleased to get as loves grapes. Visited about an hour and told her all the ward changes I know about. Went to see Freddy C and report on Naomi but she was not home or couldn't hear the doorbell. Casey called and said that Cheryl Morris' two daughters arrived to live with Jackie and Lud until Cheryl can get here herself. We are all relieved that they are here as we were afraid their dad would figure out someway to prevent it. Saw Antiques Road Show.

July 13, Tues. - Walked. Saw Dr. Chandramouli 8:50......my red blood cells and platelets are normal and white cells about where they were two months ago. Scheduled an appointment Sept 14 for another blood draw and comparison. He feels I have no need for another series of Retuxin and I am glad. Did some sewing on two pair of pants. Drapers usually come HT/VT the 2nd Tues of the month but didn't come, and since they have been called as full time missionaries they may not be allowed to continue. Was very sleepy so went to bed at 8:30.

July 14, Wed. - Temple with Debbie and Casey. After the endowment session we were able to have Debbie's aunt Francis sealed to her parents. I was proxy for her mother, some temple patron was proxy for her father and Debbie was proxy for Francis. It was very emotional and made us all happy knowing how much it will mean to them. Went to Sunflower Market then to Sears then home.

Doug came to visit and I worked on making a pattern to line the sleeves of a crocheted blouse as my arms are too bare...........the body of the blouse is lined so that is OK. Had to try twice but have what I think is a good pattern so another day when he is here I will hand sew in the lining. Watched The News Hour while eating dinner. Called Judy Owen and we talked for three hours. Doug and Gwen stopped in to use a wrench on a problem with seat belts in their van..........I stayed on the phone with Judy so don't know the details. Amy and Sarah went to camp with the Young Women so D & G are home alone...........a very rare occasion. I am most amazed the girls went to camp since they aren't close to the church anymore but pray something of a spiritual nature will impress them while there as they need all the help they can get.

July 15, Thurs. - Walked. To Melanie for a PERM, and boy did I ever need it. Went to Kohl's looking for a modern red necklace but there was not any red.........every other color of the rainbow but not really red. Went to Jolene's to get hem lace but they didn't have the right shade of blue. Went to Hancock Fabrics but they also didn't have the right shade. Stopped in at Thrift Town just hoping to find a pair of high heels I could wear but no such luck this time. Home and took 1 hour nap. Called the dentist. Typed in my journal. Drapers surprised me and came HT/VT today and I learned more about their mission requirements. They will live at home but go into the Joseph Smith Memorial building each morning and will have various duties. Each Monday morning will be a devotional and each Mon evening will be a FHE meeting..........the other 4 week days are almost an 8:00 to 4:30 schedule. Will know more later but it is not a run-of-the-mill-mission-call, and since Riley is an engineer they may be going into other states using his skills

July 16, Fri. - Walked. Read the paper and as usual got sleepy so took a 2 hour nap.....seems like a waste of time but my body seems to need it. Deadheaded the roses. Got out the ladder and spent quite a long time trimming out dead wood on the trumpet vine. Don't know what has happened to it but it isn't pretty this year..........wasn't very pretty last year, for that matter.....part of it is a sort of sickly green instead of vibrant. Would have climbed into the tree to work on it if I hadn't promised Merlin all those years ago that I would never do that again........don't know that I am that much safer on a ladder. Any way, where I trimmed does look better but it is only half done and the rest of it will be harder to reach since the ditch is there.............Hmmm. News Hour, Washington Week in Review, Need to Know.

July 17, Sat. - Walked. Trimmed the grape vines. Cleaned up the lane area. Doug came to visit. I wish he would mow every week but he thinks since it has become hotter and that the grass doesn't grow as fast, that it can go a week and a half. It looks scruffy as the orchard grass and trumpet vine starts grow faster than the lawn and stick up too high....sigh. I shouldn't let it bother me but my English genes love a formal-garden-look, which I will never have...........too bad. Went to the Libby Gardiner Hall on the University campus to see-and-hear a musical performance in which Lori was singing with a choral group. It was a really fun experience. It was a program where anyone can come sing.....no auditions......and with just 4 practices they learned 6 six songs (two of them in Latin) then put on the performance.......most amazing. There were also little kids about kindergarten age, and another group grade school age, and they also performed. I loved it. This is a summer activity held each year and Lori has a friend who sponsored her to come give it a try. It "fed her soul". I sat with Chris. Hunter, Randy and Charlotte chose to sit in the top, side seats. Marnie was on a date so didn't come.

July 18, Sun. - Put out rolls to rise. Regular meetings and all of them were especially good. Went to Doug and Gwen's for dinner to celebrate Amy's birthday. I really miss Ricky being there.......to me he was a BIG presence and a major part of the enjoyment of visiting their home. After dinner Sarah went to a friend's home so wasn't there to sing Happy Birthday. Then Natalie left soon after to go to a movie with her friend. It was good that Alex, Tamara and Brayden were there or it would have been too empty. Amy and Sarah had a good time at the Young Women camp and Amy said she was glad she went, which pleases me a lot. Doug said she has done very well keeping up with her school classes, which surprises me under the circumstances. Amy opened up and talked about her drug use, her run-in with the law and that she has come to the point she admits it is her own fault, that it is not making her happy, that she knows she has been lying to herself as well as to her parents, and that she quit the drug stuff and has "been clean" since March 6th.........I am so grateful.

July 19, Mon. - Walked. Did washing. Went to Dr. Black and had my crown glued back in.

The root is not in the best shape and the Dr isn't sure how long it will be before I will have to have it ground out and then have a bridge or a tooth implant. Hope it lasts for at my age it seems too expensive to have an implant, so if I lose that tooth I may just have a gap and live with it. Worked outside some hours..........cut back two perennials and they leave quite an empty space until the greenery grows back. My Blue Rug tams have grown over the cement edging and into the grass and are very messy so I started cutting it back and it is a big job and my knees don't like it! Also, the lawn has grown up over the edging so I am using a butcher knife cutting that back. Didn't get the job done but had to quit as I was worn out. News Hour, Antiques Road Show.

July 20, Tues. - Walked. Worked outside 4 ½ hours and the temperature is in the high 90's and I was HOT and sweat until my clothes were soaking wet. Did lots of spot watering which takes moving hoses and pipes time and again. Was so tired I went to bed at 8:30.

July 21, Wed. - To the temple with Casey, Debbie, and her friend Reva. Debbie had told Lee Ann about doing the temple work for Francis and Lee Ann's husband, Big Dan, said he wants her to do the work for his parents and Debbie thought he was making fun of her and was just amazed to find out that he really means it and will get the information for her so she can. Oh, but it is wonderful to watch and see how the Spirit begins to touch people....here a little and there a little as the Lord works to save his Father's children. Went to the DI, to Bed, Bath and Beyond, to Wal Mart and then to Gary's so Casey could drop off a birthday card (with money) for Lance's birthday. Doug came and we visited, he ate lunch, and I finally suggested that he go mow as it looked like it was going to rain. He said he was going to wait until Sat and I thought he was joking but he meant it and I was dismayed as the lawns look just ratty. So, he mowed and got 4 bags of grass and he was surprised. He doesn't care about his own yard looking neglected so I can't expect him to care much about mine. I told him about my English genes loving the formal gardens look and he laughed and I told him that his problem is that his English genes are too diluted by his Scandinavian genes to understand mine.......Ha Ha. Anyway, things look quite nice for now.

July 22, Thurs. - Walked. Hairdo. AlveAnn Bowers and I drove to the DI on Welfare Square to fulfill an assignment we had signed up to do. Also, Ellen ?? , and her daughter, Kyndra also came. When we got there the regular workers were in the lunchroom so we had to wait around until another lady put us to work out on the sales floor, going through the racks of skirts......arranging them by colors, lengths and sizes. This is just a make-work project as far as I can see as customers immediately mess them up again. We did that for l hour and had the skirts done. She then said she had other things we could do if we really wanted to stay and help, but if we had work at home we could be doing it was fine with her if we left.........so Alve Ann and I came home. They have lots of help because Bishops send welfare recipients there to work for the help they receive, and they certainly didn't need us. That has happened to me before and I will never sign up to go there again. If it is a cannery assignment or to work wrapping cheese or etc. I will go, but not to the DI store again. Came home and took a nap, which I really needed.

July 23, Fri. - Walked. Pulled the weeds out of the ditch north of the driveway, which took me 1 ½ hours. Read the news paper. Typed in my journal and am caught up as of today at 4:15. Spent

several hours writing a letter of thanks to John, Joyce, Mark, Dixie and Chris for their money/labor and love in installing my automatic watering system. Writing is not an easy thing for me to do, that is why it took me so long.

July 24, Sat. - Walked. Went to Ream's and to Smith's for groceries. Did not watch the 24th parade on TV nor do anything about the celebration. Doug came and I took him to I-Hop for lunch as I had a two-for-the-price-of-one coupon. The food was good and we enjoyed our visit. Randolph Anderson came and trimmed the big shrub on the north-east corner of the house. Also hired him to cut out the dead wood in the Trumpet Vine..........cost me $60.00 but they surely do look better. Gave him a cucumber and two zucchinis .

July 25, Sun. - Regular meetings. Had a "mingle" afterward on the south lawn at the church, with donuts and other sweet rolls, milk, water and orange juice. It was nice to get to visit awhile. Came home and cut up watermelon to take out to Weintz' to celebrate Hunter's birthday. Chris was in NH though. Had a delicious dinner..........Hunter grilled the Sunshine Chicken and it was good even though he forgot to check it out and it was a little burned. Lori said this was the first time she has made the birthday cake all by herself in a very long time. It was chocolate, of course, and turned out very good. I won the candle race again........seems like that happens a lot. They all played croquet and I watched them. When Marnie was poisoned and out of the game she sat by me and we had a really good visit..........loved it. Her life is quite fun with the dating game stuff and I am honored that she will tell me about it. Hunter had a LOT of girls send him a happy birthday wish on his Face Book page and he acknowledged each one personally. He is very popular and is very nice, too. All-
in-all it was a fun evening even though Chris was not there.

July 26, Mon. - Walked. Did lots of spot watering. Picked about 1 pint of raspberries.

July 27, Tues. - Walked. Finally ordered FLP . Printed off copies of the letter I had written as thanks for the sprinkling system. Had trouble with the color of ink.......had chosen green but it came out an ugly brown and the paper was special and was a mottled pale rose and green, so it looked awful.

Tried to change the color choice and it was still brown.........never did figure out what I had done. Was able to finally get it printed off using black. Computers and printers drive me crazy sometimes!!

Someone broke off all the low growing part of my Trumpet Vine on the east side!! I haven't taken the time to really look and see what happened. It hurts my heart that people can be so mean. Picked up Julie Anderson and we went to the SLTemple to the 6:00 Chapel Meeting. This was for the Stake R.S. and the endowment session was at 7:00. This was the biggest session I have been on in years. Hardly an empty seat, so it was nearly 10:00 when we left the temple. Came to Julie's house, then sat and talked for about an hour. Lori had come to my house and borrowed my luggage to take on their trip to NH........she said that Casey gave her permission to borrow it..........I really laughed..........she had actually called Kay to ask if she thought it was alright......funny.......as if she needed permission!

July 28, Wed. - To JRTemple with Casey and Debbie. Went to Michael's , then to Lowes, then to Sears. Doug came and mowed, had lunch and we visited. Gwendolyn drove Lori and the kids and all their luggage to the airport to catch their flight to NH to visit with John and family. Raymond and Kirma were in town and they and Barbara came here and we went out to eat at Mimi's. Ray much prefers eating Kirma's cooking to anything he can get at a restaurant (like Mer was with my cooking) so he didn't really enjoy it but we three women did. Came back to my house and visited for quite awhile.

Was good to see them.

July 29, Thurs. - Walked. Cleaned up the Trumpet Vine mess, and while I was doing it Bill Martin drove out to 6th East. He stopped and greeted me, then said that he had almost had a car accident trying to get out on 6th E so he had cut down my vine and he hoped I didn't mind !!! I told him it had really hurt my feelings and he said 'YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING!".......I told him I had figured out that it must have been a traffic hazzard, so I had no hard feelings toward him. However, I am just dumbfounded he hadn't asked me first, but that is "just-so-Bill Martin" I sort of laughed. People with a lot of money and who are used to being "in charge" seem to think whatever they do is OK and no one should dare to have a different opinion. As it turns out, the vine really looks more balanced than before so he did me a favor afterall. Life is funny. No hairdo, as Melanie had an appointment to do permanent makeup on a lady and her daughter and would make $600.00, which surely beats the $15.00 she would have received for my hairdo! Got three birthday cards ready to mail. Worked outside.......trimmed back the grape vines so they don't get in the way of Doug mowing. They really grow fast. Picked a pint of raspberries, also cucumbers and zucchinis.

July 30, Fri. - Walked. Took cucumbers and zucchini to Freddy and to Jeannie. Went to Sears and returned the shop vac I had purchased but never opened, and got one like I had before as I knew I really liked it........cost twice as much, however. My FLP order came already.....very speedy.

Went out into the shed and cut down many, many boxes so they were flat, and put them in the recycle barrel......I had saved them thinking that when someone in the ward was moving I would offer them for packing, but no one seemed interested, so I just got rid of them. Freed up space in the shed, too, and looks better. Was in bed by 8:30 because I was so tired.

July 31, Sat. - Walked. Doug came at 1:45 and was here until 5:20.....we visit a lot. Wrote email to Ricky and to Jimmy and Suzie. Typed on my current journal.

AUGUST 1, 2010 Sun. - Fast Sunday.......good meeting. Stayed home after meetings. Suzanna had called me while I was at church so I called her back and we talked at least an hour. She is doing very well with her medical schooling and loves learning.

Aug. 2 , Mon. - Walked. Took the car down to the car wash and it looks just beautiful. Did laundry. Picked the raspberries and cukes and zucchinis again. The cukes are a disappointment as

most of them are very bitter. You can't tell which are and which are not until you cut into them. Makes me hesitant to share them with people. Read the paper and the Ensign and the B of M, then read 100 pages of "The Burning Within", one of the books our book group has suggested. It is the true story of a lady and her husband who crashed in a small airplane and she was nearly burned alive. She had an out-of-body experience that is most fascinating.

Aug. 3, Tues. - Walked. Did some sewing on the sleeve linings for my crocheted blouse. Finished reading "The Burning Within"...........almost unbelievable. Well worth the reading.

Aug. 4, Wed. - Temple with Debbie, her friend Reva, Casey and I. After that Casey and I drove to Bountiful to see Jackie & Lud and Cheryl and her two daughters, Madeline (Maddie) and Eliza. They have moved here because Cheryl and her husband are getting a divorce and it is very painful. Cheryl and the girls are going to live in a house across the street from J & L. It is the home of a good neighbor whose wife has died and he just can't stand to live there without her. He is going to let Cheryl live there and will charge only enough to pay the taxes and house insurance. He is a God-send for her as it looks as though her ex is going to get away with everything they have accumulated which is rotten treatment from a rotten man and his mother. I'd hate to be in his shoes when he has to stand before the Savior and be judged and will have a perfect remembrance of all his guilt. Went and had a hairdo, then went to Wal Mart for a few groceries. Came home and Doug was here and it looked as though it would rain so he got right busy mowing the lawn. While he did that I pureed four more cans of asparagus and that supplies enough for 17 days at 1/4th cup a day. Also got busy and made taco soup. Doug had his lunch which included a pint of raspberries and ice cream. So far, there are only enough berries for that purpose, but there are a lot of green ones so I should have a lot later on.

Aug. 5, Thurs. Walked. This is Stanford's birthday and he would have been 22. I hope he is doing missionary work in the spirit world and that he and Mer and companions sometimes. Did too much reading of the paper.......got sleepy and took a 2 hour nap. Nina and Spencer came by on their way from Circleville to Idaho to pick up Nicole where she was checking out BYU Idaho to determine if that is where she wants to go to college after graduating from high school. Worked on the computer. Reconciled my bank statement with no trouble......YEA! Called Barbara and arranged to go together with her and Antoinette to the wedding for Adam Mose on Sat.

Aug. 6, Fri. - Walked. Did washing.

Aug. 7, Sat. - Walked. Doug was going to pick up the Weintzes at the airport and he almost forgot! They came in about 11:00 I think. I called out there and talked to Hunter just 2 minutes. They had a "way good time", he said, so that is all I know. I received another letter from the IRS and am in a real stew now. They finally understand about the insurance money from Mer's Security Benefit policy and how it was rolled over into another IRA and then into a second IRA after I had lost $12,000.00 in the stock market, so didn't have over $100,000.00 like they thought. But now I learn that you can roll over an IRA tax free only once a year and I did it twice and so they are charging me an increase in my 2008 tax return of $8,000.00 , plus $2,250.00 in penalties and interest which gets more each day until I pay it off.................at this point I don't know what to do.........makes me sick. Doug came for short visit. I needed to be out to Barbara's by 5:00 so left here at 4:30, which was really earlier than I needed to leave as the traffic was speedy. Picked up Antoinette and we went to the wedding and reception at a place called "Noah's", which is hard to find if you don't know how to get there. Casey and I drove there after going to the temple Wed so I could be sure and find it. It is in the middle of a field and there is only one way to get to it. Later there will be more than one way when they finish building a sub-division. Anyway, they had "adult drinks" which were alcoholic beverages, then they had water and homemade root beer with a small buffet. Most of the adult guests made many trips to the adult beverages. We were really out of our comfort zone with the drinking and then the way many females were dressed with skirts up to their buns and necklines down to and beyond their cleavage, including the 3 bridesmaids! OH MY! Certainly nothing spiritual...........even the man who performed the wedding ceremony was ill prepared ..........and read everything he said, and read it poorly.

Aug. 8, Sun. Regular meetings. Was so sleepy I could hardly wait to get home. Changed my clothes then took a 45 min. nap. Antoinette came by to pick up her umbrella which she had left in my car. We visited a long time and she told me what a hard time she is having both emotionally and financially.........I feel so sorry for her. She is such a special person and has had just awful relationships and is so sad. She was going to leave about 7:00 but I invited her to have taco soup with me and she stayed. We also had cottage cheese and tomatoes (which I raised), cucumbers (ditto), grapes and crackers, then Death By Chocolate ice cream after and talked until 9:00. I didn't call Lori and she did not call me. So I have no details on their trip as yet.

Aug. 9, Mon. - Walked. In the phonebook there is an address for walk-in help for people having problems with the IRS so I guess I will try that route, it should be better than trying to clear it up by mail. If I don't pay it by Sept. 1st they will add more penalties. Guess I will have to draw the money out of my Total Control account or maybe cash out one of my current IRAs if that can be done without another penalty . I'd sooner do that if possible, as I'm getting 3% guaranteed interest on my Total Control money. Hope they can really help me as I don't want to have to pay a lawyer, too. Worked outside for many hours. There is always stuff that needs to be done along with the spot watering.

Also spent time getting forms filled out to change the ownership from Merlin to me on a life insurance policy we have had on Doug since the early 80's...........if I need to I can cash that in for my benefit and looks as though I will have to. Typed in my current journal.

Aug. 10, Tues. - Walked. To the IRS building at 50 So 200 East. There were no other people waiting for help so I didn't have to wait............that surprised me. A 40-something lady listened to my problem, checked the printed regulations and said that "Yes, I would have to pay the whole bill and until I get it paid off there will be daily interest charged". Troy Wilson should have told me about the penalty for rolling over an IRA more than once a year, but he never did. The IRS has no heart and ignorance of the law is no excuse. Since I was uptown I went to the Gateway to the Merele Norman store and bought a lipstick............it is expensive but stays on better than any other I have ever used. Went to Harmons and bought 5 qts of ice cream for $5.00........would have purchased two of them at that price but all I wanted was vanilla and they only had one. Doug eats raspberries with vanilla every time he comes over so I wanted to stock-up. Came home and started doing some washing. Called and reported in to Casey. Lori and Charlotte came to return my luggage. I told Lori about the IRS mess and she asked me if I would like to have her friend, Sarah, who is a CPA to look over my records and letters to IRS and see if there is anything that can be done to make it less expensive for me. So I let Lori take those to Sarah. She will get them back to me by the end of next week and that will still give me time to write the IRS in response and have it to them by Sept 1st. Drapers came HT/VT even though they are full time missionaries. That is very nice of them as they are no longer obligated to come. I enjoy visiting with them and they always pray and ask for blessings upon me and my home and it is comforting. Watched Nova: Lord of the Ants.

Aug. 11, Wed. - Temple with Debbie, Reva, and Casey. Afterward Kay and I went to Sears where I paid my Discover Card. Then to Costco. Doug came and mowed the lawns.......they look very nice right now as I have done spot watering everywhere it looked like the sprinklers are not doing a good job. After Doug left I worked in the garden. Put stakes in to hold up the tomato cages which were falling over as the plants are so heavy. Then I had to pound in taller pipes to tie the vines up as they were mashing the plants north of them. Picked the raspberries.........just a scant pint. There are lots of green berries so there will be a lot later on. Also picked toms, zucchini and cukes.

Aug. 12 , Thurs. - Walked. Hairdo. Reams, to the bank, to Smith's. Took veggies to Jeanne and visited awhile on her front porch. Lori called me on her cell phone as she drove to where their young women were holding their camp out, so it was a long visit. Heard about the things they did back in NH. One really neat happening was that Phillip and Heather both received their temple endowment! Chris and Lori were able to go too. And Marnie, Hunter, and Randy did baptisms for the dead.........how neat is that!?! They had a really good, busy, hectic, fun, loving time.....and I am glad to have them home. Chris' wrist repair is coming along well........he is pretty sure to have full use of it again, and that is a wonderful blessing. They got the new bathroom built, painted, tiled and grouted and working, which was the main focus of the trip.............was a lot more work and took more time than anticipated (of course) but accomplished. News Hour, Globe Trekker.

Aug. 13, Fri. - Walked. Casey's 87th birthday! Up-dated Quicken. Mark drove Andrew to a jazz class somewhere in Portland and had to wait for him so he called me and we had a good long talk.

They had a very fun vacation...........went to three amusement parks twice each. Well, two times Dixie stayed in the hotel and did their washing and etc, and once Andrew chose not to go so he stayed in the hotel......played his flute.......had Marks laptop and other electronic entertainments to amuse himself. Mark said they were gone 9 to 10 hours and Andrew didn't really like being alone that long so only tried it once. Mark asked me how my IRS mess was coming along so I gave him the latest rundown. He thinks I should pay it off in installments and not use a CD to do it, but says I will have to decide after I learn what Lori's friend, Sarah, recommends. I had cut up a cantaloupe and put some in a paper bowl to take to Naomi More and put it in the fridge until I was ready to go see her, but when Mark called and we talked so long it was too late to take it to her. Will try tomorrow if it works out.

Watched the News Hour, and Washington Week in Review, then read a Readers Digest Condensed book called "Kinds of Love" and enjoyed that.

Aug. 14, Sat. - Walked. Read the paper, then the Murray monthly bulletin, then in the B of M. Did some more spot watering. Picked the raspberries....a scant pint....for Doug. He came and we visited a couple of hours, then he had his food and read the paper. I worked on lining the sleeves of my crocheted top..........only work on it when he is here so don't know when it will be done. Watched the News Hour then an old movie staring Joan Woodward called Blind Spot. She was an excellent actress so it was worth watching.

Aug. 15, Sun. - Our Stake President, Glen Hogan, and a High Councilman were our speakers in Sacrament Mtg and they were both excellent. In Gospel Doctrine class, then in R S we had no working microphone and since I was sitting toward the back of the room I could hardly hear so didn't get much out of the lessons........very frustrating.......would have moved up front but had sat by a new lady and didn't want to appear unfriendly. Washed grapes to take out for dinner at Weintz', celebrating Charlotte's 9th birthday yesterday. She had helped Chris make her b-day cake......a "Funfettie" which is a vanilla flavored cake with lots of little spots of color. Dinner was delicious, as always. Chris, Hunter and Randy had to go to a Stake Priesthood meeting at 7:00 so Lori, Marnie, Charlotte and & I drove out to the Daybreak development as I had never seen it. West of the Oquirrh Temple is a manmade lake, black-topped walkways and overpasses and natural landscaping (which has to be watered).......quite impressive...........not as impressive as Thanksgiving Point, however, as it is not so elegant. We walked around a little, then drove around looking at the houses, yards and etc. Has the feel of an earlier age as people actually sit on their porches, or walk around talking to the neighbors and etc. I liked it. Back to the house and Lori iced the birthday cake. Chris and boys returned and we did the Happy Birthday ritual............Randy won the candle race by two minutes, which is a puzzle as all of the candles came out of the same box. We have decided that whatever is in the dye to color the candles has an effect on how fast they burn..........green always seems to die first....Randy's candle was white, so no color, and it stood straight and tall without a puddle of wax flowing down like all the colored ones did. Of course, this is a reverse race as the candle which burns the longest wins. When I left to come home all the kids raced the car..........yet again.

Aug. 16, Mon. - Walked. Worked outside a little bit. Wrote in my journal. News Hour, Antiques Road Show.

Aug. 17, Tues. - Walked. Casey and I went out to Lori's and we went out for lunch. Lori wanted us to go to a particular trendy place that features salads but when we got there it was so crowded we ended up going to Panda Express. It was just OK, nothing to really enjoy, but as Casey says, "It doesn't really matter as we will be hungry again in 4 hours." Went back to Lori's and watched "Miss Potter", that great movie about the life of Beatrix Potter the author. Enjoyed it very much. It was fun to be together. Came home, hurried and changed my clothes and drove up to the SL Temple to attend our ward's temple night. I think our new Bishopric wants to encourage the membership to attend more regularly so has instigated this. However, I only saw 6 people from our ward (including me) so that was poor response. Hopefully it will improve in the coming months.

Aug. 18, Wed. - To the temple with Casey, Reva and Debbie. Went to Wal Mart. Home and picked raspberries, cukes, zucchini, and tomatoes. Doug came to mow and got caught in the rain and was soaked. However, he chose not to have me dry his clothes. After about 2 hours the grass had dried enough so he could cut it. I was glad it wouldn't be put off until Saturday as it gets really ratty looking. I cleaned and polished 3 pair of white shoes, used a leather lotion on 3 other pairs and also applied it on my old B of M, used on my first mission.............it looks much better.

Watched News Hour, then live from the Lincoln Center the stage play of South Pacific. Was very disappointed in it as I remember the movie so in-depth that nothing else could hope to measure up. Aug. 19, Thurs. - Walked. Hairdo. Reams. Took veggies to Freddy Copier and to Jeanne Fidler. Took some grapes to Naomi Moore at Garden Terrace. Her son, Shawn, was there and I always like seeing him, too. Her legs looked much better this time......the swelling has gone down. She would like to die and get out of this mortal struggle so requested that her defibrelator be deactivated so if her heart stops it won't jump-start it again. They had talked this over as a family so it was done. I hope she doesn't have to live much longer as she is very miserable and so frustrated as she can hardly do a thing for herself. Picked some of my grapes and they are pretty good but in another week they will be sweeter. Called and talked with Bonita.......she is fighting a cough and feels pretty low...........she does not want another pneumonia bout so is trying to be as wise as possible in her eating and activity. OH, yes, we had a really heavy rain today......not long in duration but has broken records for the amount fallen.............over an inch in the Salt Lake area. There was some bad flooding in several homes as the storm sewers could not handle it and even blew off the heavy iron access covers!

Aug. 20, Fri. - Walked. Jana sent an email to Casey begging for help. She is so lonely, scared, distraught and a lot more that she has finally reached out for help. She asked Casey if she thought it would be possible that I would let her come live with me for some months while she finds herself. She wants to be around family; to go to the temple, and to do family search and etc. She said she would go stay with Jackie for a few weeks on an intermittent basis to give me a break (or words to that effect). Kay said that what Jana really was asking is for her to offer her home but couldn't come right out and say so. Kay has talked it over with Don because she had promised him she would never again let anyone come live with them as it is hard on him. She pointed out that Jana would be in the house all winter long and would pay the utilities and watch out for the place. Don thinks that would be fine. Jana will come about the last of Sept and that will give them one month together. Casey will be able to get Jan established in the ward and since she is Cliff & Bea's daughter she will be welcomed by all who knew and loved them and that will be very good. She will have time to learn all she needs to know about Nebeker's home, where things are and etc., and that is also good. She will go to the temple with us and continue to go with me and Debbie after Casey leaves, and we will walk together which will motivate me to get up and out. If I didn't walk with Casey, most mornings I would not get out of bed, so I really need to be motivated. More later about these plans.

Aug. 21, Sat. - Walked. Finally used my new shop vac and am glad I settled on this one. Vacuumed the mini blinds and it did a wonderful job.........now I just have to find the energy to do more as everything in this house needs attention.......I am not a good housekeeper anymore......sigh. Doug came to visit and lunch and was here three hours. I Started reading "Great Lion of God", a Reader's Digest condensed version. It is a historical novel about Saul of Tarsus and his conversion.

Written by Taylor Caldwell. Very interesting. Read many hours and loved it.

Aug. 22, Sun. - Regular meetings. Went out to Lori's for dinner but since I hadn't planned to go I had not bought anything to share. They are growing their own cucumbers and tomatoes so there was no need for mine. Chris made his superb lasagne..........no one can make a better one......and we had bread sticks, green salad and watermelon. Dinner was so late that we didn't go for a walk nor play any games and my energy faded away so I passed up the ice cream and came home. It is always good to be included though.

Aug. 23, Mon. - Walked. Finished reading "Great Lion of God" and really enjoyed it. Picked veggies and raspberries Antiques Road Show.

Aug. 24, Tues. - Walked. Spot watered and worked outside for three hours. Edged the south lawn but only partly. Crawled under the grape vines and sort of edged there, but mostly cut off the grass that Doug never gets and Lisa never uses her weedeater there. It took a long time and was dirty and hard on the knees. However, it looks better for a little while. Reluctantly went to a Tupperware Party at Vicky Young's house. Don Smith was introduced as a new dealer (that was my main reason for going.) I had told Vicky there was only one item I was interested in as my cupboards are stuffed with Tupperware, and that was the little 2 oz tumblers. I ordered 12 of them as I use them a lot and my current ones are really beat up as they are about 45 years old and need to be retired!

Aug. 25, Wed. - Temple with Casey and Debbie. Went to Lowes so Kay could buy some liquid nails for repairing something on her house before she paints it. Got home by 10:30 and Don was very surprised. Doug came and mowed, lunched and visited. Bless him. He rides his bike and it is a 24 mile round trip. He is very trim and buff. After he left I ate dinner, watched The News Hour, then went out and picked berries. Worked on the computer 3 hours during the night as I couldn't sleep.

Aug. 26, Thurs. - Walked. Hairdo. Ream's. Did some sewing. Worked on Quicken. Jeff, Juliet, Nicki and Madeline Brimhall are down from WA to visit with Kay & Don so they had a party with Gary and family at Nebeker's, and I was invited. I took lots of cukes and tomatoes and sliced them. We had store bought lasagne, bread sticks, watermelon and mixed bean salad, then ice cream for dessert. It was fun visiting with all of them again. Jeff and family will leave for home on Sun, so it will be a short visit and that is good as Casey has a hard time with extra people around (she has really changed.) I got in bed by 9:30 which is better than usual.

Aug. 27, Fri. - Walked. Gave Nebekers a pint of raspberries. Came home and ate breakfast and read the paper........got so sleepy I went back to bed for two hours..........I hate it when I do that. Did lots of washing. Went to VT Darlene Smith and, as always, she is in much pain and life is more misery than happy. I will make an appointment for her with a free dentist to have a crown re-glued, then take her there. Her daughters are not very attentive nor sensitive to her needs. However, she is SO needy I am sure it drives them crazy, which is hard on all of them. Lori called me about my IRS problem and Sarah (her friend) will contact the IRS as my CPA and ask for an extension of the time, then work on things. She feels very confident that the penalty will be reduced, if not completely dismissed and I surely hope so. Ate dinner while reading Mormon Times, then read in the B of M, then typed in my journal.

Aug. 28, Sat. - Walked. Picked veggies and berries. Took tomatoes, cukes and zucchini to both Freddy and to Jeannie (also grapes to J). Doug came for usual visit and lunch. He replaced three light tubes in the fixtures in the family room........makes the room much lighter. Those old tubes had gotten so they didn't come on until some time after I flipped the switch. And I was amazed (as well as chagrined by how much dust was on the inside of the glass cover!) I remembered, incorrectly, that there were two tubes in each light fixture but there are four in each..........will have to buy some more.

Ate my dinner watching the Lawrence Welk Show.

Aug. 29, Sun. - Regular meetings. Went to Lori and Chris' for dinner. Signed a form giving Sarah Levitt (Kingston) Power of Attorney to handle my IRS problem. I am hopeful that she can really make a difference.

Aug. 30, Mon. - Walked in the Fashion Place Mall as it was raining and we had some really big hail and I was afraid it would destroy the garden and my flowers but it didn't last long enough.......GOOD.

We gave Kay's friend, Annette, a ride to her work or she would have been soaked to the skin.

Bottled 7 quarts of tomatoes as I didn't know what else to do with them. Next year I will plant fewer plants, then I won't have to worry about it. I will not do cucumbers next year as they are not doing well and I am tired of so many of them being too bitter to eat. Antiques Road Show.

Aug. 31, Tues. - Walked. Read a lot. Did three to four hours of yard work. Took grapes to Bells and encouraged them to pick them any time they want to. Josh and Cathy Bowles were out walking with little Henry and he was fascinated by the ditch water. I gave them a bag of grapes and some tomatoes. Picked veggies and berries again. HURRAH, Sarah talked with the IRS and my case is closed!!! A blessing and a miracle. Bless Sarah. I told her to bill me just like any other client but she said she was happy to have done it for me. Lori said it would be insulting to Sarah if I insisted so I am going to buy a gift card for $100.00 to some restaurant for her. As a token of my appreciation.

October 1, 2010 - Wed. - Temple with Kay and Debbie. To Home Depot and then to Sears for things Kay needed. Doug came and mowed the lawn.......visited and had lunch. I had a 4:00 hair appointment....went...........returned just as he was leaving for home. Watched Great Performances and it was wonderful.

Oct. 2, Thurs. - Walked. Made a big potato casserole to take to a Brigham Group get together at Thayne's cabin. It is so generous of them to host this again. Mel and Ellen May Manning, Barbara Jean Forrest & Helen Jane Lemon picked me up and we drove to the security gate and met Mel and Emma Lou there right on time. I appreciated the ride up & back. Mel Thayne's sister-in-law, Jean and her daughter-in-law from Provo came so there were 7 women and 2 men.........we are gradually becoming fewer in number.

Oct. 3, Fri. - Walked. Washing. Worked outside 3to4 hours. Did spot watering. Went to Regan Chemical Co with a baggie holding Oxalis and asked them if they had something that would REALLY kill it. They did, and I had to buy a whole quart of concentrate which cost $34.00....it only takes 1 ½ ounces in a gallon of water to do the treatment, so I will have that longer than I live! Will share with Casey as she has a massive invasion of Spurge.......for that matter, so do I, so will use on that, too. Anyway, Doug said, "You must really hate Oxalis to pay that much to get rid of it", and I do! Just hope it works as three other weed killer treatments didn't and they were supposed to. Went to Target and to The Cheese Cake Factory to buy gift cards ($50.00 each place), for Sarah Kingston as a token of my gratitude for her handling my IRS problem so wonderfully well. Picked tomatoes and raspberries. Mark called and they are going to give Elizabeth a car to use at BYU as she really needs it. So he will be bringing it down to her in the near future. Likely when he comes in Oct to HIS conference.

Oct. 4, Sat. - Walked. Took grapes and tomatoes to Jeanne, and Cukes, zucchini, and tomatoes to Freddy. A big cantaloupe to Nebs. Doug came and was here 3 hours. I bottled 7 quarts of toms while we visited. Wrote an email to Carol Cash. Updated my Quicken.

Oct. 5, Sun. - Fast Sunday. Helen Watts was released as a Gospel Doctrine teacher, which job she told me she "had BEGGED" to be given. She has taught it for quite a number of years. I don't know if it was by her request or if the Bishop felt it was time to release her. She is an ordinance worker in the SLC Temple so that might have something to do with it. Cooked rolls and went out to D & G's for dinner to celebrate Natalie's birthday....her 22nd. I asked Amy to play the piano for me as it wasn't time yet for dinner. I am so thrilled that she has decided to learn to play. She is coming along quite well, however, she doesn't make the time to practice enough. There were only five of us there.......how things change! Sarah was camping over the Labor Day weekend with her friend and family; Alex and family were also away for the weekend and with Ricky gone it was very quiet.

Natalie was unusually talkative so that helped. Gwendolyn, Nat, Amy and I played one hand of Rummikub and G won really big. Then Amy had another something planned so she left and it was even more quiet. The four of us lounged in the livingroom and had a comfortable visit.

Oct. 6, Mon. - Walked. I had invited the Bells to go to the free community pancake breakfast with me at the Stake House and Jim and Xamoria came........the girls were otherwise involved. When we got over there instead of it being held in the pavilion they cooked outside but the tables and chairs were set up in the Cultural Hall, as it was too cold to be comfortable outside!!! Servers brought the pancakes, eggs and sausages inside where we put butter and syrup on ourselves and picked up juice or water. There was a big crowd and I was happy that the Bells knew some of the people there and we were able to sit with Cary Cordova and his family, which was great. It was a fun activity and they enjoyed it. I hope they will want to know more about the church sometime. Came home, mixed up the Oxalis poison and sprayed the lousy little weeds. Hope it REALLY kills it. Did other outside chores. Listened to the News Hour, then Antiques Road Show.

Oct. 7, Tues. - Walked. Can't remember anything else about this day.

Oct. 8, Wed. - To Jordan River Temple with Kay and Debbie. After went to Sears, and to Chase Bank for Casey's business, then to the Sunflower Market for some veggies. Doug came and mowed, visited and ate lunch. Gwendolyn, Conrad and Sarah came to get logs to burn in the canyon. They are going camping up in Redman until noon Sat. Conrad knocked off the loose bark from two of the BIG logs along the west fence then carried one of them out to the van, came back to get the second one and I was just agonizing as I afraid he would wreck his back......... it was big, dirty, awkward shape and etc. but he got it into his arms and over to the lawn where he lost it...........decided to roll it to the van and even that was a task as it had lots of knots sticking out and wouldn't roll straight. He put two 2X4's from the driveway into the van and rolled it up them.......WHEW.....I had to stop watching as it stressed me out so much. Doug carried lots of smaller pieces, too. Hope they have a good time. Doug would sooner just not be bothered with the whole activity...........he is an unwilling participant......even drives home to sleep instead of camping out. Gwendolyn accepts him and his attitude and plans this stuff anyway so all the others can enjoy it. At this point I am going to insert the letter he wrote to Jimmy and Ricky about the outcome of this activity as it is a classic.

Dear Jimmy and Ricky,
Conrad's here, on the "new" 'puter, playing some 'puter game. He got here late last Wednesday, as I recall; then he and your Mom packed up the great white Thursday morning and half of the afternoon, and got up to Redman kinda late.
As I explained in an email to my friend Rocky the next morning:
"I neglected to mention that this weekend is Gwen's final solution to 'the family didn't go camping this summer'. She and Conrad drove the big white van up to Redman c. the middle of yesterday afternoon. I followed in the little van with Amy late in the afternoon: and one of the first things I learned was that Conrad had forgotten a sleeping bag. So of course I had two choices: go down and back up bringing a sleeping bag; or let Conrad drive himself down in the big white van and get his own sleeping bag. Oh the horror! But that's what I allowed to happen, which is why I am in this fix I'm in: Conrad did not put in an appearance, after dropping Amy off at home. Well after ten o'clock I gave up on him and headed for home with Gwen (since the big white van is her "camper" and she had nowhere to sleep). Right now, I have to drive Gwen back up to the camp site, because she discovered upon arriving home at c. 11 last night that her purse is also missing - she managed to lose it up there in the dark! So, no driver's license for Gwen, Dougy does the driving. Hopefully we'll discover Conrad (and the van) up there; and her purse, and all will be well and I will drive back down here (can't stand the thought of hanging out ALL DAY in a drippy, chilly camp!?). But I won't be showing up for slot car stuff either, because I have to drive back up later for dindin and family whatnot." Conrad was there, and had spent the night in the van rather than the cold damp tent (he got a bit lost in the dark, as I understand it, and obviously arrived at the campsite long after Gwen and I had left). There was a skiff of snow on everything. After seeing Gwen safely deposited at the campsite I took off for home again. Late in the afternoon, Sarah and I drove up. And soon afterward Natalie and Amy showed up too. Alex's family and your Mom were walking around Brighton lake and soon returned and dinner was not long after that. It was pretty ideal, actually: foil wrapped corn on the cob, and left-overs from Sunday dindin: pork chops with Baby Ray's sauce and mashed potatoes. All warm to hot. Amazing! Tamara and Alex brought a tapioca salad which was tasty. The weather was chilly, still. After a little past dark, Sarah wanted to depart so I took off with her. Amy and Nat were annoyed, because Amy had wanted to go down with me (but hadn't said squat, of course): meaning, that Nat had to expend c. 40 minutes to take Amy home. They came quite a bit later, so Amy got in more "camping" that way, which was a trade-off. Saturday dawned sunny and warmer. It got positively summery up in the mountains. And I went up, arriving c. 2:30. Your Mom and I enjoyed some alone time out in nature. Then I took her down with me, leaving Conrad to stay as long as he wanted to. He drove in after I had gone to bed. My "Conquest of the Empire" game box had in all the driving taken a tumble; more spear casualties, and it took me most of half an hour Sunday to sort everything back into the proper bins: the game never got played this year, oh well.
Sunday I thought was going to be simple. Hah. Alex had left a message that they were coming to dindin. But did the cook get the word? Not a chance. I found out AFTER I had dinner all but finished. So Amy stepped in and whipped together a chili dish with extra onion and cheese to go on it. Nobody starved. Brayden was cranky because he has another cold; he wasn't interested in eating and kept crying to go outside. Once we had him out there he cheered up quite a bit. The evening was perfect weather-
wise and Alex and the womenfolk played some parlor game on the deck table. I shlumped on the livingroom couch with LotR (the book). Conrad played Lords 2.
And thus passed the memorable part of last week.... Love, DDD.

I went to Cooking Group at the church. This was taught by Larene Roberts and she does a really amazing job. She prepared a salad and salad dressing ahead of time, then cooked Pasta Carbonara, and a dessert called Yummy Apple Stuff right there and it was all delicious! She made it look so easy and quick and for her is was, but it wouldn't be for me. She gave us all the recipes, too. I might even try the dessert sometime. I enjoy going to the class because I like all the sisters and the comradery.
Sept. 9, Thurs. - Walked. To Melanie's for a perm. To Reams and to Wal Mart. Mark sent me an email saying he will be driving down to deliver the car to Liz........he will leave today, sleep over in Boise and arrive tomorrow afternoon.

Sept. 10, Fri. - Walked. Took care of the 14 quarts of tomatoes I have bottled. Spent several hours cleaning house........mostly downstairs. Went to Smith's for watermelon, frozen peas and cucumbers so Mark could have some of his favorite foods. Mark arrived about 6:00 and I had a good dinner ready so we ate and visited. He helped me with my Quicken again as although I have had no more trouble reconciling my account I had made some faulty entries that resulted in items not clearing (they should not have been there in the first place). A math person I am not! I greatly appreciate his help.

Sept. 11, Sat. - Walked. In great disgust I pulled up all my cucumber vines and put them in the garbage. Most of those I have peeled have been bitter and I am sorry I gave any of them away. A few were OK. However, I think I will never plant cukes again....at least not the ones I have been using all these years. It is strange, as they used to be straight and just delicious but for the last 3 years they have not been that way. No explanation for the change. Mark took the car down to Elizabeth at BYU. They returned and the three of us went to Sweet Tomatoes for dinner, then out to L & C's to visit and watch a movie. We watched "Thoroughly Modern Millie", an oldie which I liked but had forgotten a lot about it. The kids got a kick out of it, too. We didn't get started early so it was late when we got home. I went to bed at 12:00 but Mark and Liz ate watermelon and I have no idea what time they went to bed. Kent Acomb had left a message on my answering machine, and Phillip will be coming to Utah on Tues. Kent will pick him up at the airport, take him to their house, where he will spend the night, then down to the M.C. for his training. He is to go to Brazil Teresina Mission, but he, also, has not received his visa (like Ricky), so will be trained in Provo instead of the Brazil M.C.

Sept. 12, Sun. - To Sacrament meeting with Liz. It was the Primary Program and it was well prepared and well done. Liz and I enjoyed it a lot. Mark showed me, on his laptop, some excerpts from America's Got Talent.....a TV contestant program in which a 10 year old girl sings opera with a voice that sounds like an adult with a lot of talent. Quite amazing. There will be one more performance on Tues evening, then the winner will be chosen . It is down to 4 contestants. The winner gets a contract to sing in Los Vegas for a certain length of time. This little girl is too clean and pure and innocent for such exposure so I hope she isn't chosen as it would likely be the ruination of her. As of now she has had enough publicity that she will get other opportunities without the Vegas deal . We had dinner, then Liz drove Mark to the airport and dropped him off, then she drove back to Provo with her car.......lucky girl! Talked with Kent Acomb. They invited me to go with them and Phillip to Sweet Tomatoes Tues at 5:30 for dinner and visiting, then they will go back to their house and the Acomb side of the family and any others interest ed can go there to visit with Phillip. This is very nice of them to do this for me.

Sept. 13, Mon. -Walked. Picked more zucchini, raspberries and 2 cants. Wrote email to Ricky. Bottled 6 more quarts of tomatoes. Went to Singles Family Home Evening at Vicky Young's and Susan????? . They are in charge of the singles over 30 in our ward. Just as before, they are not getting much support. The only other person there was the First Counselor in the Bishopric, Josh Bowles. Vicky gave a short lesson then we had cake as a treat. This will be held the 2nd Mon each month and I hope they will get more people coming out.

Sept. 14, Tues. - Walked. Went to Dr. Chandramouli and my blood draw indicates that I am almost holding my own..........white cells a little lower than last time but "not to worry". He said he "feels comfortable" waiting 3 months for my next appointment and I am not scheduled for more Retuxin drips. I will keep eating my daily (almost) asparagus and hope for the best. Gave raspberries to Nebekers. Went with Acombs and Phillip to Sweet Tomatoes for dinner, as planned, then back to their house for visiting with others who came to see Phillip. Stanford Acomb and Robin and two of their kids; 5 of Leslie's kids; Lori and her 4 kids and it was great fun watching and listening to them interact...........Lori "rose-to-the-occasion" and really livened thing s up. It always "tickles" me to see how she can get people involved. Phillip looks like a missionary........all suited up and with his short haircut. He is eager to get on with his call and that is good. One of Leslie's boys is a returned missionary. Anyway, I enjoyed myself immensely . Acomb's have a very beautiful home and part of it is a solarium with dozens of plants, all healthy and nearly perfect!! It has a glass roof so they can watch the rain or snow, wind blowing the trees, birds and nature-stuff in perfect comfort. Jeanine tends to it every day so it is a lot of work but they love it. Lori drove me home around 10:00 and I got in bed as quickly as I could.

Sept. 15, Wed. - To the temple with Casey, Debbie and Reva. Reva won a new, free car in a drawing at Albertsons! She said she didn't even know she was entered in the pot, and was at the store just by chance when they had the drawing. The person had to be in the store, so if she hadn't been there someone else would have won. Went to Wal Mart, and Casey went into Home Depot.

Picked raspberries so there would be some for Doug. He came and we visited, then he ate lunch, then mowed the lawns. Left here at 6:00 and I left at 6:05 and went to the Salt Lake Temple as it was our Stake Temple night. Only saw two people from our ward. I had invited a couple of sisters to go with me but they didn't.

Sept. 16, Thurs. - Walked but didn't sit and talk as Casey is working on repairing and painting parts of her house AGAIN and needed to do it before the sun would hit her. Even though she feels lousy she forces herself to work lots of hours and I don't see how she can do it. She has lots of pains and aches and her energy is way down. She is amazing to me. Went to Melanie for my hairdo. Went to the Dollar Store for a few cards and other items. To Wal Mart for milk and peppermint candy. Read the paper and all of Mormon Times, and my B of M chapters, which took a lot of time. Did spot watering. Picked 4 cants...........they are getting ripe too close together..........I share with Nebs and eat lots myself. Also more zucchini, which I enjoy but have to give some away, too. Was going to a Family History Workshop but forgot. Sewed a little. Typed a little. Ate too much although most of it was fruit.

Sept. 17, Fri. - Walked, but no extra visiting as Casey is again trying to get some repair/painting done before the sun hits her work area. Rode with Jim and Bonita Robertson along with the Copiers and Helen Watts to the cabin of Don Christensen for the High Priest's Social. Don has taken 6 or 8 years to build his cabin and it is a rustic wonder. It has 7 bedrooms, a large livingroom, large kitchen, extensive deck, a game room, a loft, space for a laundry room, and a bathroom (maybe just a half bath, I didn't take a good look at that). I am just very impressed as he has done almost ALL the work himself. He has made bed headboards and foot boards out of branches of trees, stripped off all the bark, sanded and varnished with clear varnish, so all the knots, crooked shape and etc are utilized and has done that for 9 or 10 beds!!! The whole cabin has to be seen to be adequately appreciated. There were 46 people at the party and it was a rousing success. The food was delicious , brought by many people, but George Cowan and Craig Johnson did their usual special touch by cooking 22 racks of barbecued pork ribs and their red mashed potatoes (maybe other food also). There was baked beans, corn on the cob, rolls, many kinds of salads, homemade root beer, many lushes desserts such as peach cobbler (made by Brad Eatchel with his own homegrown peaches), raspberry cheese cake made by

( ???????? ), glazed doughnuts, and cookies....WOW! The cabin is quite a long way from Murray. I don't know the exact location but it took over an hour to get there, and two pages of directions! The scrub oak trees have already turned red up there and it was beautiful........the aspen weren't yellow as yet. I got to take a very short ride on a 4-wheeler behind George Cowan up a very steep, bumpy hill, and that was a first for me. Don't suppose I will ever have a chance to do that again. (He said that I was a good sport and since I am an 84 year old woman I have to admit his compliment pleased me.) Arrived back home at 10:00, tired and happy. Steve Gilchrist is the High Priest Group Leader and he and his group did an especially great job.

Sept. 18, Sat. - Walked, but no extra visiting again. Did washing. Picked raspberries, zucchini, cants and grapes. Took one melon, some tomatoes and zucchini to Freddy. Took zucchini to Casey s, and she borrowed my paint remover, and I took her 6 little aluminum cake pans...........can't remember what she wanted them for, but I will never make fruit cake again so didn't need 12. Took grapes and tomatoes to Jeanne. I am not likely to get many tomatoes now as they seem to have stopped ripening......weird . Doug came and was here about 3 hours. DeLynn Holt came with his sister, Beverly, to introduce her to me. He is suffering much misery since Glenda left him. Their daughter, Susan, is getting married next Sunday, and for whatever reason I have not received an invitation, although Drapers have. Since they have considered Drapers and us (Mer and me) their best neighbors I am surprised not to have been invited. DeLynn was apologizing for that and said he isn't invited either!!!! He and his sister are going anyway. His lawyer said DeLynn has every right to be there and he wants to go so Susan will know he cares and loves her. I hope nothing unpleasant happens because of their showing up. I feel so sorry for him. Ate dinner while watching The Lawrence Welk Show. Read the paper and the scriptures. Typed in journal awhile.

Sept. 19, Sun. - Regular meetings. Didn't go to anyone's home today. Felt like an at-home Sunday. Prepared and ate dinner. Had a phone visit with Lori. Read a little in the paper then read several chapters in the B of M. Typed in my current journal, then into my 2007 journal. My answering machine is dying.............makes a loud, rude-sounding noise before saying to leave a message. I will have to buy another, I guess.

Sept. 20, Mon. - Walked. Casey and I went to Great Looks where Melanie works doing permanent makeup and had our eyebrows done. My first time, but Kay had her's done 6 years ago and had a touch-up 3 years ago and now needs another one. It takes much longer than I thought it would. It doesn't hurt very much since I took 400 MG of Ibupropin and she also rubs on something to deaden the pain. It looks way too dark right now but Melanie says in just a few days 40% of the color disappears, so that's good. Picked raspberries, zucchini and 3 melons. Watched Antiques Road Show, then a political debate between 2 men running for U.S. Senate, then American

Masters: Israel "Cachoa" Lopez , one of the greatest Afro-Cuban musicians of all time. Very interesting.

Sept. 21, Tues. - Walked. Cleaned the car windows....inside and out. Vacuumed the car, then the garage. Used my new shop-vac and it is really wonderful. These two jobs took until 12:00. Wiped up the kitchen floor on my hands and knees. Gave raspberries to Lisa A. Called Raymond with late happy birthday wishes...........had a nice talk.

Sept. 22, Wed. - Kay, Debbie, Reva and I to the temple. Ream's after but nowhere else.

Picked raspberries. Doug came, mowed the lawn, had lunch and visit...........was here until 6:00. Went to the book group at 7:00. Many there and it was fun. I really enjoy the comradery . Michelle gave me two sets of tickets for 7 Chamber Music programs (one per month), someone had given them to her and she didn't want them. They will be held at the Gardner Hall and cost $25.00 each, so this is a real gift. Will ask Barbara if she would like to go. Casey doesn't like that type of music.

Sept. 23, Thurs. - Walked. Hairdo, then immediately home. Did some reading and a little housework. Received the promised letter from the IRS informing me that the case against me is closed and I am soooo grateful. YEA!!!! Susan Davidson and Vicki Young came to bring me the Tupperware I purchased at their party, and to pick some grapes. They were here 1 ½ to 2 hours & we had a nice visit. Was very tired and went to bed at 8:40.

Sept. 24, Fri. - Walked. Read the paper, and as usual, it made me sleepy so I took an hour nap.

Went VT to Darlene Smith and took her a bottle of Aloe Moisture Lotion for her birthday. Went shopping at Wal Mart, then Smiths. Watched a 1988 movie called "A Fish Named Wanda", a really crazy movie, but I liked it anyway.

Sept. 25, Sat. - Walked. Picked raspberries and took them to Casey and Don. Doug came to visit and while he was here I boiled 10 pounds of chicken legs and deboned them. This is for making chicken noodle soup for after conference dinner. Also pureed asparagus and this time I got 17 1/4 cups instead of 14........don't know why unless there was more asparagus in the cans instead of so much water. I finally have that job down to a science so it doesn't take very long. Went to the Stake Center to watch the R S General Conference broadcast at 6:00. It was a very good meeting with Pres. Monson as the main speaker. He spoke on the necessity of NOT JUDGING others and I will try harder to do better. Got a birthday card ready and mailed to Spencer.

Sept. 26, Sun. Reg meetings. Freddy called and asked me to pick up Teuni Tooley and take her to church as both Freddy and Govert were not feeling well. I drove down to Teuni's and she was getting into Cartwright's car as she thought I had forgotten her. So she came and rode with me. After church I drove her home and she couldn't unlock her door. She has a key ring with LOTS of keys on it and couldn't make any of them work. She walked next door where a neighbor has a spare key but she was not home. We tried the keys again. Walked around to the back of the house to see if there was a way in there, but she has sliding glass doors so that was no help. I had my cell phone and asked her for her daughter's number but she didn't remember it. By then she was so rattled she was in tears so I had her sit in the shade while I walked over to Cartwright's to get help from Brent. Geri asked for her daughter's husband's name, and she went back to her house and called Teuni's daughter who described the shape of the right key, so we went back to Teuni's as Brent was trying to take off the storm door so they could access the front door. Brent and Geri kept trying and finally the key worked. This took an hour and we were all melting as the sun was hot and we had on our Sunday clothes. I surely appreciated their help. Went home. Changed into reg clothes then prepared my Sunday dinner. Wrote emails to Jimmy, Ricky and Alex. Called Barbara and invited her to go with me to the

Chamber Music String Quartet, and she said she would but doesn't know if she likes that kind of music or not but is willing to give it a try.

Sept. 27, Mon. - Walked. Took zucchini and cantaloupe to Casey. Short talk as Kay is still painting and needs to work before the sun shines on her and house. Picked grapes for Jeanne. Her husband, George, is in the hospital........I will have to find out why later. Visited Naomi Moore and took her some purchased grapes (not mine). Went to Smith's and bought birthday cards. Barbara called and she has double-booked her time on Wednesday so can't go to the string quartet with me so I asked Frances Maldonado and she will go. Watched Antiques Road Show, then a political debate between Gov. Herbert and Coroon.

Sept. 28, Tues. - Walked. Picked raspberries. Finally read the instructions for using the answering machine on my land-line telephone...........a feature I had never used as I had my separate answering machine, but since it has "died" I will now use the other one. It takes me a long time to understand the instructions as I am electronically challenged! Had a good talk with Carol Eggleston and things are going much better in her life and I am so glad. Her living location is much more desirable, her new Bishop is seeing to having her teeth fixed, she now has a job, her son who had dropped out of school is now studying to get his GPA, her youngest girl loves school and is doing well, her teenaged daughter is doing home schooling by internet and it sounds as though it is a really legitimate course.

Sept. 29, Wed. - Debbie, Reva, Kay and I to the temple (smile, smile, smile). Casey and I had no need to go to stores this time so came right home. Naomi Moore died today.......she would be very happy! I am glad I went to see her on Monday. Another tooth problem for me....my anchor tooth broke off at my gum line !!!!!!! now my bridge is unusable. Will see the dentist on Fri. Watched News Hour. Frances and I went to Gardner Hall and heard and watched the Brentano Quartet and they were fabulous! The program was two hours long and I enjoyed every minute of it.

Sept. 30, Thurs. - Walked. No hairdo as Melanie not available. Went to lunch with Gwendolyn (her treat - very nice of her). We went to Crazy Jim's and it is a buffet-grill and they have a very large variety of food..........couldn't begin to even taste everything I wanted to. We had a good visit together. Went to Dr Brian Black and my tooth root has to come out..........will go tomorrow at 9:00. Picked raspberries then cut out finished canes. Casey went to lunch with Gary and got a very bad case of food poisoning.......it was so severe she told Don she was going to die and she really meant it........it scared him so bad he hobbled over to the couch and gave her a priesthood blessing and she seriously feels that it saved her life as she felt herself going! She called "Ask A Nurse" and told her that she could not move her arms, legs or body and was running urine like a tap but couldn't walk to the bathroom. The nurse told her to call 911 and get to the ER. Casey called Gary and he and Joy came and drove her there. It was nearly impossible to get her into the car and at the hospital they got a wheelchair for her. She was given an IV with antibiotics and to rehydrate her. They kept her there for some hours until she could walk with help. Very scary business. Thank heaven for the power of the priesthood.

October 1, 2010 - Fri. - Walked. Went to Dr. Black at 9:00 and the nurse did the x-ray with new equipment that no longer requires developing. He deadened my jaw and dug out the tooth root. They then took impressions of both upper and lower jaw and sent me home. At 3:00 I returned and my modified bridge was waiting for me! I had a cavity in the tooth that will be the new anchor-tooth so he filled that then put in the bridge..........it is amazing to me how fast all this was done.....very sensitive of them. The fake tooth had to be smoothed down and that took some time, but to do all that in one day must be some kind of a record. The final cost turned out to be $640.00 which was more than the estimate but what has to be has to be and I am grateful to be able to pay for it. This time I used my check from the IRA required distribution. That's not what I had in mind but glad I had it.

Oct. 2, Sat. - No walk as Casey is still too weak. General Conference and I worked cleaning up the house while I listened. It was wonderfully uplifting as always. Doug and Ammon, and a friend who is also studying to become an LDS military chaplain, Chris, Hunter and Randy came after Priesthood Meeting and had ice cream, played pool, visited, set up the tables and chairs for tomorrow. Conrad didn't come.

Oct. 3, Sun. - Listened to conference while I prepared dinner, set the tables and etc. Elizabeth called and asked if she could come early and listen to the afternoon session of conference with me and it was delightful to have her here. There were 19 of us here for dinner. Doug, Gwendolyn, Ammon, Melanie, Connor, (and Amelia), Alex, Tamara and Brayden, Chris, Lori, Marnie, Hunter, Randy, Charlotte , Elizabeth, Natalie, Amy, Sarah and I. Doug had been salivating for a fresh raspberry jello so I made one loaded with berries. Tamara whipped 1 ½ pints of whipping cream and I mixed it with that much Cool Whip so we had a LOT and everyone loved it. Everything else was our traditional dinner with people bringing their usual share. After dinner Gwendolyn took charge of having everyone pitch in and clean up the dishes and they did and I didn't have to do a thing!! Gwendolyn even took care of all the food. That was wonderful. Again, everyone got along well and it was a joy to watch them enjoying being together.

Oct. 4, Mon. - No walk as Casey is too sick from her food poisoning. I went back to bed and slept for three hours.........I guess I needed it?? Did lots of washing. Picked tomatoes. Cleaned up all the cantaloupe vines.......there are 3 small cants but I don't think they will be edible.......will let them sit awhile and see if they ripen any.

Oct. 5, Tues. - Short walk as Casey doesn't have much energy. Picked raspberries. Did weeding between the house and the lilacs. Pulled out the Cosmos and they completely filled the big garbage can......I was surprised.

Oct. 6, Wed. - Debbie, Reva, Casey and I to the temple. Went to the viewing then the funeral for Naomi Moore. This is the first time no one asked me to bring any food or work in the kitchen! I have been considered a "fixture" doing that for years..........guess they have decided I am getting too old for that. I will still help if they need me, but it felt nice not having to rush into the kitchen after the funeral. I sat by Freddy and Govert and there were several people I got to visit with including RaeOna Huntsman. I became one of her councilors in the RS when we first moved here and I haven't seen her for years. They moved to Price and stayed there until retirement, but are now living in the

Day Break development. It was great seeing her again. Went to watch Randy play tag football at the sports park on 13th E about 4460 So. He was playing quarterback position and did a good job as far as I could tell. The other team won the match but the kids don't seem to get upset about losing, and that is good.

Oct. 7, Thurs. - Walked. Hair cut and styled. Went to the library and the books I wanted for book group are already out, so put my name on the list and will take whichever comes in first. Went to the P O to mail back my blazer. Doug came and mowed the lawns in between rain storms, than had his lunch and then we visited awhile.

Oct. 8, Fri. - Walked. I had put a dozen bottles of tomatoes in a box in the trunk of the car to take to Casey for her food storage and they have been there for a couple of weeks. They didn't fit really tightly together and there was no padding and one of the bottles broke and made a mess of things. The box soaked up most of the juice, thank goodness. I had to take the other 11 inside and wash them off.

Live and learn. The weather is rainy and quite cold so I tried to start my furnace and it doesn't work. Looked at the buttons on it and they are in the right position. Checked out the circuit breaker and that hasn't been tripped. Doug will come next Mon and I will see if he can figure out the problem, but if he can't then I will call Jack Hughes and get on the his list of customers needing help. Picked up Casey and we went to the Chinese Gourmet and met 8 Collier relatives for dinner and visiting. Some of them I had never even met before and others I hadn't seen for years. One couple had just returned from their mission in the Philippines & that was our reason for getting together. It was neat.

Oct. 9, Sat. - Walked. Today is Doug's 58th birthday...........oh, WOW. That really makes me feel old indeed. Picked grapes and took to Jeanne.......didn't see her, just Melinda. She said George is doing OK now he is out of the hospital, but I still don't know what he was in for. She said " he is ornery so he is back to normal"..........too bad. Picked the few raspberries. Took tomatoes and zucchini to Copiers and gave them to Govert. Fixed dinner and watched one half of a science program on a four winged dinosaur, which was interesting. Then watched Bonanza and then the Lawrence Welk Show. Then typed in my 2010 journal and am up to date on that.

Oct. 10, Sun. - Fast Sunday. Made fresh raspberry jello to take to dinner at L & C's. When it was time to go I found that my car battery was dead. Asked Dwight Anderson if he could give me a jump start and he came and checked the battery to determine if something else was wrong. When he saw how clean it was he knew there wasn't anything wrong with it, so went home to drive his truck around to our garage. He was gone such a long time I wondered what was the matter. As it turned out he was hunting for his jumper cables..........not knowing that I had a really good set in my trunk! Anyway, it was a tight squeeze driving his truck into the garage far enough for the jumper to reach. I had sort of driven in further to the south wall than was necessary. He got it jumped and it was fine. Bless his heart. Made me late getting to Weintz' so dinner was staying warm in the oven. This meal was "breakfast for dinner" and it was good but would have been better if it could have been eaten as soon as it was prepared. We played a new (to me) game so it was slower than they would have played it without me, but they were nice about it. When time to go the kids raced the car again. Cute kids.

Oct. 11, Mon. - Walked. Doug came, mowed and etc. Went to FHE at Vicki Young's and Susan Davidson's. They just showed a program that had aired between conference sessions. I hadn't seen it before so enjoyed it. We visited awhile then I came home. I was the only other one there.

Watched a Sherlock Holmes mystery on channel 11.

Oct. 12, Tues. - Walked. Went to the SL Temple to do an endowment session and to see Bonita and Jim Robertson taking the parts of Adam and Eve. They do a really good job. There was a young patron there with no arms .....just two tiny, misshapen hands growing directly out from her shoulders so it presented a real problem in receiving the tokens and performing the signs. They did the best they could. What a terrible handicap to bear. Then I saw she also had an artificial leg with a metal foot. Some people have a rough row to hoe....not only the girl but whomever has to care for her. Makes me know that I have nothing to complain about but am fortunate to have all my senses and a normal body. I will try harder to do well with my everyday life and abilities. Went to the bank. Ricky's visa came so he will be off to Brazil, finally. Went to the Cottonwood ??? to watch Hunter race. There were six High Schools competing and he came in #7 out of the whole group! He is only a Sophomore and is running with the Varsity runners, so he is really fast. Went to Copperhills High to watch Marnie (& team)play volleyball. They didn't win, and Marnie was disappointed. She got to play the whole game, though, and loved that. She is an effective player.

Oct. 13, Wed. - Temple with Debbie, Reva, and Casey. Took my car and had the I/M & inspection done and it passed just fine. Worked on Quicken. Picked a few raspberries and 2 zucchini. Cut out more rasp canes. Spent a long time editing my journal and still have a way to go.

Oct. 14, Thurs. - Walked. No hairdo as Melanie and James have gone to Colorado where Melanie has 6 ladies on which she needs to do the touch-up work on their permanent makeup. They will be gone for several days. James will get to do some serious golfing and will love that. To bank. To WalMart. News Hour. Globe Trekker, In bed by 8:30.

Oct. 15, Fri. - Walked. Spent hours hunting for my birth certificate, and that made look through tons of papers and in every location in the house where I thought it might be. Never found it and can't remember ever seeing it, but it must be somewhere. Will have to get a duplicate copy from the department of vital statistics. I now have to have it in order to renew my drivers license, which I must do before I go to Mesa in January. Jane Jensen died today....very suddenly and without warning.

She and some of her daughters went out for dinner together and before they were seated Jane just dropped to the floor not breathing. She was resusicated & taken to the hospital but died there. She was 80 years old, and still a very pretty lady. News Hour, Washington Week in Review. Still proof reading my journal. Jana got to Nebekers from Washington. Glad she arrived in safety. That is a long drive for a single woman.

Oct. 16, Sat. - Walked. Went in and talked with Jana for a little while. Received a little letter from Phillip, in the M.C.. Went to some school where Randy was playing tag football again and watched the game. They didn't win but had fun playing. Picked grapes & raspberries. Doug came and mowed. Clint H called to find out about Jane Jensen's death. He said he and Nina are going to Seattle with the marching band next weekend.........then when it is over they and their kids will spend a few days seeing the area. Watched Lawrence Show.

Oct. 17, Sun. - Regular meetings. Baked my usual 36 rolls and went to D & G's to celebrate Doug's birthday (late) and Conrad's (early). Met Natalie's boyfriend, (Nathan)! Big surprise as I didn't even know she had one. He is quite tall and chunky...........nice looking. They have known each other 3 years and met through mutual friends. Have been dating for some time but she never took him to meet the family until today. He has graduated from some post highschool education and has a job. He seemed to fit in with all of us OK, so guess we aren't too scary. I could smell alcohol on his breath and that is too bad. He doesn't have tattoos nor body piercings......thank goodness. Don't know how serious their relationship is yet.

Oct. 18, Mon. - Walked. Did washing. Picked grapes and took them and tomatoes to Jeanne. The dogs were barking up a storm but she came out on the porch and we had a long talk. Took tomatoes to Freddy. Read my email and wrote letter to Ricky. He is doing great work on his mission, and that is wonderful. Also wrote email to Carol Cash. Watched The News Hour, and Antiques Road Show.

Oct. 19, Tues. - Walked. Kay and I to Melanie's to have the final work done on our eyebrows.

Ate an early dinner. Went to Bingham High School to watch Marnie play volleyball. Copperhills got clobbered, which was too bad. Went to the Health Department and filled out the forms to get my duplicate birth certificate. Didn't take much time. Paid $18.00. Proofread more pages of my 2010 journal. Started reading a novel and read until midnight, which was dumb as I have to get up early to get ready to go to the temple.

Oct. 20, Wed. - When Casey came to pick me up I was surprised to find several inches of snow on the ground! I hadn't even looked out to check the weather. The snow had already avalanched off the roof and mad a pile for me to step through. To the temple with Debbie, Reva, Jana & Casey. Took pictures afterward in front of the temple. Went to the viewing and funeral for Jane Jensen, which was very nicely done. Lori drove me to the Sugarhouse Park where Hunter's last race was being held. This was the All State Competition. Copperhills didn't make it to the finals, but since Hunter is so fast, he and one of his team mates were eligible to run anyway. Out of all those runners his friend came in #17 and Hunter came in #30...........this is very good! Especially for Hunter since he is just a Freshman, so he has more years to compete. This was his friend's Senior year so that is that for him as far as highschool counts, and he was hoping to be in the top 10, so was disappointed. Saw Vi Wharton, Nate & Lou Nickerson and their daughter, Angie. Angie is also a runner and they were there watching her. Came home and skipped a real dinner as Lori and I had eaten an Arbys while watching the race. Finished reading the book...........but skipped all the sexy parts. Ate my last cantaloupe with ice cream and it was delicious.

Oct. 21, Thurs. - Walked. Hairdo. Reams. Doug came and was here 2:00 to 5:40. He put my swamp cooler to bed for the winter. I had picked 1 pint of raspberries so he got to eat them.

Also picked 2 more zucchini, and that is just about all for this year. What a prolific plant.........I have enjoyed them a lot. Printed off 28 pages of my current journal.

Oct. 22, Fri. - Walked. Went with Casey to Melanie's so she could get permanent eyeliner done. It was very painful and makes me think twice (or more) about getting mine done. Went to Sears for Casey. Home, and took a 2 hour nap. Picked grapes which is a very slow job now as it is hard to get where they are and all grown in and around the chainlink fencing. Wrote a short handwritten letter to Curtis..........sent him a card and $10.00 for his birthday. Watched News Hour and Washington Week in Review.

Oct. 23, Sat. - Walked. Went to RS Super Saturday at the church. Those who had ordered items to make worked on them, there was a quilt to tie but I didn't feel like making my back bend over that long, so didn't help. I did take my knitting loom and worked a little on a hat. There was a cooking demo that I watched, then, for lunch, we got to eat the soup, rolls, and dessert she had made and it was very tasty. Picked the last 4 zucchini.....two of them very small. Stake Conference at 7:00. Drove myself but hadn't offered to drive anyone. Very small attendance. That is always a disappointment to those in charge. I had a very hard time staying awake.

Oct. 24, Sun. - Stake Conference. This is the new format where it is broadcast from the Conference Center into multiple stakes instead of locally prepared talks. Pres. Monson was our main speaker and it was very good, of course. Chose to stay home the rest of the day. Had thought I would go to a free music performance held at Gardiner Hall, but the weather was not nice and I felt like hibernating, so did.

Oct. 25, Mon. - Walked in the Fashion Place Mall as it was too cold outside and was raining. I was sure Doug would have to drive over instead of biking, but by afternoon it had cleared up, and even dried off enough he could mow the lawns! I picked what I am sure would be the last raspberries so he could have them. We sat in front of the fireplace and visited and it is soooo nice.

Jana and I went to the Libby Gardiner Concert Hall to hear and see the Skampa Quartet on tour from the Czech Republic. We enjoyed it a lot and it was nice we could share the time together.

Oct. 26, Tues. - Walked in the mall. Read all of last week's Church Section and Mormon Times.

Arline Wright called as my Visiting Teacher and we had a really nice, long talk.

Oct. 27, Wed. - Temple with Debbie, Reva, Jana and Casey...........took more pictures after. Went to the Sunflower Market. My duplicate birth certificate came, so now I can go get my duplicate Social Security Card, and when I have that THEN I can get my drivers license renewed.......what a hassle..........we didn't have to have them before all this stolen identity activity. Went VT to Darlene Smith, then to Freddy. Took tomatoes to Freddy and told her that that was the end of them.

Invited my neighbors, the Bells, to the Chili Cook-off and dessert party at the church on Friday and Zamoria said they would like to come.........GOODY. Watched the News Hour, then On the Edge:

Mental Health in Utah, which was very enlightening.

Oct. 28, Thurs. - No walk. Drove Casey to the DMV to get a drivers license with the name she goes by, not the name she was blessed with, which was causing her trouble using it for identification proof. No hairdo as Melanie went out of town to help her uncle, who asked for her help. Said she could give me a hairdo Fri instead. Doug came and we sat in front of the fireplace and talked again....I worked on the hat loom. He then had his food and I got ready to go out to Lori's to ride with her to Herriman High School to watch Marnie's last volleyball game for this year. I left home before Doug did. Traffic was terrible and it took me 45 mins to get there. Lori was baking cookies to take as a treat for the team, so we were late leaving. However, the Jr Varsity team was playing and it took 5 games to determine the winner, which made the Varsity game late starting, so we were on time anyway. They won the game, which was nice, but Marnie was not given the chance to play much, which really disappointed her. She loves the game and is sorry it is over and will miss it.

Oct. 29, Fri. - Walked in the mall....it wasn't really that cold but we both felt "wimpy". No hairdo as Melanie called me and she is still out of town. Baked the Caramel, chocolate chip, nut cake... which takes more time than a plain cake. Picked a bucket of grapes and was surprised there were so many. The leaves have now lost their vigor and I can see the grapes easier. However, I have to contend with bees and hornets which are still harvesting. I have loved eating the grapes and will miss them. Went with the Bells to the Chili Cook-off . Marisa had made a peach cobbler with whipped cream to put on top, and it was delicious! So, nice of her. There was a really big crowd, with lots of people dressed in Halloween costumes.......especially the little and young kids, as there was a Trunk-or-Treat before the dinner. People were really friendly to the Bells and they responded in kind. People who have seen Jim walking his dog in the neighborhood came and introduced themselves, and others who have had contact with the girls through school activities and so-forth, welcomed them warmly. All-in-all it was an enjoyable evening and I feel they were happy to have been invited. Hope something more comes from it. I really must ask them to read the B of M, or if they would have the missionaries come............I don't know why I am such a wimp.

Oct. 30, Sat. Walked in the mall. Chris, Hunter and Randy came to give me some help in the yard. They cut off the raspberry canes, pulled up the tomato plants, cut them away from the cages, stacked the cages in the shed, cut off the groundcover between the house and the lilacs, raked leaves from under the lilacs, dug out the stump of the rose bush, and the stump of the lilac bush I wanted removed, bagged up everything that couldn't fit in the garbage can so I can hopefully put them in with the neighbor's cans on pickup day. When they came in the house I fixed grilled cheese sandwiches for Chris and Hunter and raisin bread toast for Randy. Offered them ice cream but they didn't want any. Today is Chris' birthday (what a way to spend your birthday), and we will celebrate it tomorrow. For the last two years on Halloween I have just gone out to eat so I would not be home for the trick-or-
treaters, and intended to do that again, but decided to stay home, so turned out the lights and came down stairs and have been writing in my journal instead. The dumb thing about this is that I did buy some candy yesterday for them, cut the tops off the bags and even put it out on a tray, then didn't use it. It will get eaten by & by...........it is just Tootsie Pops, and little individual bags of Skittles or Starbursts and I don't even like Starbursts so won't eat them, but I suppose someone will. Maybe I'll put them in the DI box.

Oct. 31, Sun. - Regular meetings. Went to C & L's for dinner. Chris had requested a chicken potpie so we had that and it was delicious. With all the extra activities going on she didn't have time to make a cake, so we ate cookies and ice cream instead. She promised to make a cake tomorrow.

They had invited their neighbors, the Kinders, to come play Harry Potter Trivia and it was fun. I didn't know much but the kids did. Randy knows almost ALL the answers and I was most surprised. It was a fun evening together. The kids raced the car again.

November 1, 2010 - Mon. Walked. Did washing and am so thankful for the washer, dryer, soap, hot water and the money to pay for them. Don't remember what else I did with the day. News Hour, Antiques Road Show.

Nov. 2, Tues. - Walked. Went to the Social Security office to apply for a duplicate SS card. Since I had printed out the proper form and had it already filled out it didn't take very long. The actual card will come in one or two weeks, then I'll have everything I need to take with me to get a new drivers license. I am glad I knew about all these requirements before going out there. Went to Manwill Plumbing to ask about my leaking bathtub problem. They sent a man out to check it over and he said that if I had them replace pipes inside the wall it would cost over $600.00, but it just might be repaired by new gaskets and seatings (?). He had time to do that job so I told him to go ahead. He was very efficient and it didn't take long. This only cost $117.60, and it worked! I am so relieved.

Watched a DVD that Melanie loaned me, Memoirs of a Geisha, and I enjoyed it..........she had thought that Casey and I would watch it together but we never had the time at the same time, so I saw it alone.

Nov. 3, Wed. - To the temple with Debbie, Reva, Casey, Jana and I. Didn't go to any stores.

Worked outside several hours...........cleaned out the north flowerbed and it filled the big garbage can. Too bad we don't have a can just for green waste, like some places have. I've always wished I had a compost pile like Don, but never managed that. Went to Book Group although I hadn't read any of the books. It is fun just associating with the sisters who come and hearing their comments of the books. Janet Thorpe let me borrow The Silence of God, and I will read that for my own enjoyment.

I will be in Mesa when they have their next meeting, so won't worry about reading the new books.

Nov. 4, Thurs. - Walked. Hairdo. Reams. Went to lunch with Arline Wright and Margaret Hansen at the Sam Pan restaurant. The food was good and I enjoyed their company and appreciated being invited to go. Can't remember what else I did.

Nov. 5, Fri. - Kay and Don left for Mesa, AZ with Gary driving them. Jana and I walked in the park. The weather is warm and just gorgeous..........the most beautiful I ever remember for this time of the year. Picked the last grapes and at the same time I cut back a lot of the vines as it made it easier to find the grapes. Got a 5 qt bucket full. I have eaten many, many pounds ever since they came on and am sorry to see them go. Talked to the man who lives south of me where Dolly Peterson lived. Have just said "Hi" to him and his wife a number of times and gave them some grapes and he had given me some apples, but didn't even know their names. They are the Lewellyns, ----------
--, Julie and their little girl, Kalynn. I am glad to know their names now. Today is Gwendolyn's birthday. Doug drove her part way here, unloaded her bike and she rode it the rest of the way to my house. Doug came and had his lunch and we visited until Gwendolyn arrived, then she changed into a dress and prettied-up and they went to the slot-car track where Doug meets friends and they race for awhile and Gwendolyn acts as corner marshal retrieving the cars that jump the corner. When that was over she and Doug went for dinner at Cracker Barrel to celebrate her birthday. The rest of us will celebrate on Sun.

Nov. 6, Sat. - Walked in the park with Jana. Worked 4 hours raking and bagging leaves and cutting back grape vines. Have a lot more to do and it is a lot of work, but Cliff told me it can be done in the Spring if it doesn't get done in the Fall, but since Spring is so pushy I hope the good weather holds out so I can do it all. Julie Lewellyn gave me some more apples........nice of them. She has one of those barbell tongue piercings and I don't see how she can stand it, and it makes her voice sort of lisping.......strange what people like to do. Her husband has a goatee long enough to braid, which he does when he works on repairing his cars and etc. Sort of the "with-it" life style, but I like them.

Wrote emails to Nina and to Mark. Wrote email to Liz asking for her address so I can mail her a birthday card.

Nov. 7, Sun. - Fast Sunday and Testimony Meeting was a little slow starting but then it improved and was a very uplifting meeting. Baked 36 rolls and went to D & G's to celebrate G's birthday. Amy played the piano for me and she is really progressing. She also is doing much better in school now that she has no car at her disposal. She even got straight As on her report card and it "feels good", hopefully she will do it again. Natalie's boyfriend, Nathan, was there again. Doug made a delicious dinner. And after we had eaten we went in the livingroom and sang ??? , Read a couple of scriptures and had a little discussion about them. Amy had made a really beautiful cake with white icing with colored sprinkles on top and new candles (not pre-used ones). Nathan brought a small chocolate cake just in case someone would prefer that. Gwendolyn blew out all ------ candles in one breath. Brayden is just too cute. He is beginning to talk and he gets so excited about the birthday song and blowing out candles. They put two candles up for him to blow out and it is so much fun to watch him......it takes a lot of tries but he does do it. Got an email from Liz with her address, so got her card ready to mail tomorrow. Read my scriptures, prayed my prayers and went to bed...........very grateful for my safe traveling and for a good bed and the ability to sleep well almost every night.

Nov. 8, Mon. - Walked in the mall with Jana as it was raining. The rain turned into snow. Talked with Casey for about an hour.......she is hoping she can get really rested up and get over all the aches and pains she is suffering. The weather there is lovely. Typed on current journal. Doug came and told me about Brian David Mitchell's trial. Doug sat back a ways and never said a word to any one. After listening to Elizabeth Smart's answers to all the questions by the prosecuting attorneys and watching her calm, direct answers, he now feels he has been mistaken about Brian for years and that he is a "monster". Doug is very upset by this whole thing. He loved Brian like another brother and felt he really knew him, and that his behavior was caused by some problem Brian had no control over. He is quite crushed. He plans to attend the trial as many days it runs. Watched News Hour, Antiques Road Show for a half hour then talked with Jackie for a long time. She misses having Casey available for support.

Nov. 9, Tues. - Walked in the mall. Sewed knit bands on the sleeves of two t-shirts that have been hanging in the closet for many months. Lengthened the legs on a pair of pants that having also been waiting for months. Read the paper. Talked with Casey. Talked with Lori.

The curtains I had ordered for the downstairs bathroom finally came. They are too long (I knew they would be) but I will just make new pockets for the rods to slide through, so that beats making them from scratch. However, they are lace and the edges are not nicely finished so I will have to work them over (of course!).............seems I never buy anything that is OK from the start, but has to be tweeked or altered in some way. Drapers came Home Teaching and I enjoy them coming. Watched News Hour, then sat in front of the fireplace and read my scriptures...........NICE.

Nov. 10, Wed. - To temple with just Jana. Debbie was in training for some part time job, and Reva didn't come without her. We did two Endowment sessions and were still home by 12:05. Called Casey and sewed on curtains while we talked. Went to Cooking Group at the church. As always it was very enjoyable. Larene did a corn pudding, a green salad with a special dressing, green beans with a special topping (much better than the usual greenbean , mushroom soup and French-fried onion casserole) , then she had four kinds of fudge for dessert. She is quite amazing. I enjoy the sociality of being with the other sisters. There were 25 this time!

Nov. 11, Thurs. - Walked in the park but it was quite cold and we weren't dressed warm enough.

To Melanie's for a PERM, and I really needed it. Went to Ream's. Doug came for talking and lunch. The trial was not on today as it was Veteran's Day. He was contacted by two lawyers yesterday and asked if he would be willing to testify for the defense.............telling about his relationship with Brian years ago before he freaked-out, so they can show a different side of him. They are trying to show he needs mental health help to retrieve his ability to function normally, not to be put in prison. I wish Doug had not said "yes", but he did. Talked with Casey. Read and answered many emails. Jimmy will finish his mission then come home and be operated on for his broken wrist. It will have to be rebroken so it can be set properly. Too bad.

Nov. 12, Fri. - Walked in the park dressed warmer than yesterday. Read the paper. Took a nap. Worked outside 4 hours. Cut down the grape vines, cleaned up leaves inside the fence. Francis Maldonado saw me working outside and brought me four delicious muffins she had baked and we visited awhile. She is a very nice neighbor. Talked to Casey. Tomorrow Jeri and Kris are taking Don & Kay to their trailer house up on the ranch property and they will return Sunday afternoon.

I got pretty cold working outside so came in and sat in front of the fireplace to get toasty warm .

Nov. 13, Sat. - No walk as Jana was just not up to it. I could have gone myself, but didn't. Worked outside. Cleaned up squishy lilac leaves in the space between the fence and the sidewalk. Messy job.

Trimmed the tams growing through the fence........just the part growing out onto the sidewalk, so they won't become a problem with walkers in the snowy winter. Cut back the rose bushes. Raked Maple tree seeds from under the under lawn edge where they had blown....hundreds of them, and picked them up. This much work took me 4 hours again. Mark called and made arrangements for me to drive Liz to the airport on the 23rd of Nov to fly home for Thanksgiving. That way her car will be in my garage and safe. Will pick her up when she returns. Will also do the same at Christmas time.

Nov. 14, Sun. - Regular meetings. I chose to stay home although Lori called to invite me to dinner. Sometimes I don't feel up to the effort. Hadn't talked with Judy Owen for some weeks so called her and it was a long conversation, as usual, between 2 ½ and 3 hours. Nothing improves in her health and it amazes me how she manages so bravely. She had a car accident trying to get out onto the street from their driveway, and did a lot of damage to her car. It is a big old Lincoln and she loves it. Nothing wrong with the engine so she will have it repaired. The problem is, there are no new parts for a car that old, so they have to locate good used parts from all over the area and that will take time and will be expensive. In the meantime she has to have people drive her places, which she doesn't like, but it is necessary. So far it is working out OK. Bless her!.

Nov. 13, Mon. - Walked in the mall. Barbara Tweed came and bought FLP, so that will be a little money, and case-credit for Casey. I had to go down to Nebeker's to get it as I am out of what she wanted. Doug called and the defense attorney wanted to talk with him some more, and it took so long he never came to my house. Since he is to be a witness they will not allow him to listen to any more of the trial. Spent lots of time trying to figure out how to enter names and telephone numbers into my cell phone........finally gave up. On the internet I filled out an order to FLP but had much trouble.........so finally gave up on that, too, and very annoyed. GRRR. Doug called and we had a loooong talk about the trial and he will be on the stand tomorrow for an hour or two and I wish he wouldn't, but he is very excited to do it. Seems to have an expectation that what he can say about Brian will really help him find himself again. He feels he is a loyal friend standing by him in his time of need. I think he is dreaming in thinking that it will be of any help, and fear this evolvement will have a negative effect in his life in more ways than one. Called Casey. They enjoyed their trip to the Brimhall Ranch, but she was completely tired-out .

Nov. 14, Tues. - Walked in the mall. Read the paper. Finally called Forever Living for help in submitting my order..............I was failing to click on one little item and that made all the difference. So when I did that it went through just fine. Thank goodness. Typed in my current journal and caught up to this very minute.