Anniversaries Abound

Today marks what would have been the 69th anniversary of my parents, who married in 1948.  My brother married on September 14, 1972, 45 years ago.  I chose
September 13th a year later, marking 44 years.   Little brother, Nile also we'd in September, on the 16th.   His marriage only lasted a few years, unfortunately.  Big sis, Sandy's big day was August 17th.   I guess you could call it the Avenue of the Anniversaries.  

Where have I been?   I retired six weeks ago today.  My computer/laptop/IPad  at home isn't as state-of-the-art as at work.  I can't figure out how to attach pictures, so until I do I'm just posting thoughts.  

I'm Retiring!!!

It's true! I'm all done with work and quitting.

Yes, ending my 25 year career and flitting.

To become a homemaker.  Do some knitting.

Like a dragonfly, I'll be around flitting!

Alliteration Lover

I'm reading "A Gentleman in Moscow" by Amor Towles and love it.  He writes with lots of alliteration that rolls right off your tongue and pops pretty much off the page.  

"...it was hosted by the high or the humble..."

'impression of an imperious young lady'

'human beings are so capricious, so complex, so contradictory, that they deserve our consideration...'

Every page is plum packed with alliterations.   Even the chapter headings all begin with A or a group of A words.   I love this kind of writing.  Amor has my vote.  I must also read his best selling book,
'Rules of Civility'.  

I am now in the mood to alliterate.   All in an Awesome DayYeah!!

Sign for the Skinner Cemetery

At the Skinner Cemetery we hung a sign,
Where we found graves of relatives so divine.
We're honored to be part of their great vine.
To serve and meet them would be super fine.

It is interesting that Jane & John Skinner's birthdays and death dates are within a few days of each other (birth May 28th & 30, death June 27 & 28). We were there on June 29th, to clean the graves and place a sign we had made to mark the place of our beloved ancestors.   Allan made the sign and did a beautiful job.    We traveled to Nounan, Idaho, to clean graves, repair headstones and hang the sign.   What a beautiful day it was.

 We, Patty Anderson, Sandy Sadler & I, joined Jim,(my brother) & Elaine Crane and family in a service project at the Skinner Cemetery. What a joy! — with Elaine Crane and Patty Anderson.

Ministry, Miracles and Majesty

That's what I heard in Linda Burton's talk on March 25,2017 in Mesquite.   She also said, 'distracted, doubtful, and discouraged'.  In addition to 'sinful, sorrowful or soul-stretched', inviting us to 'accept the Lord's invitation to drink of His living water, as did the certain woman at the well.   She asked us 'to do the same as we bear our own certain witness: "Is not this the Christ?"'

In an effort to overcome doubt, discouragement and being distracted, I have turned to the conference talks of our leaders.   Although reading the scriptures, daily prayer and church attendance are vital in finding joy, I have found I need more to keep me close to the Lord.   This is my very own ministry to myself.   It really is a miracle to feel and know that I am being watched over by loved ones.

To feel the majesty of the Atonement of Jesus Christ through the gift and presence of the Holy Ghost, comes when we specifically work for it.   I used to talk to myself, but then I had to find the solutions and answers.   Now I talk with the Holy Spirit and get the answers that bless my everyday actions.

This means I have to acknowledge and thank Him for these great words of wisdom and blessings that flow down continually.   It takes effort and constant work, but is worth it.  

Another miracle is the opportunity to memorize, The Living Christ.  Created in 2000 for the commemoration of Jesus Christ's birth.   It has been a challenge and blessing to learn more about Jesus, his life and the great gifts he has given to all his children on the earth.   If you want to know more, go to LDS.org. 

Priceless Piano Lessons

I got to teach piano lessons, Yeah!

I want my grand children to learn music so they,

Will enjoy this talent for ever and a day.

It was so fun to hear them laugh and play.

Here's Emma plinking away at the free piano their neighbor gave them.   She just wanted to use her three fingers.  No matter how I tried to get her to follow the book's directions, she wasn't interested.   It tripped her up when she got further in the book.   It was a great time spent together. 

When Jacob saw Emma playing the piano, he wanted to do it, too.  He is a fast learner and very smart.  He did a great job and hopefully will sit down and try it more and more.  

It was different being the teacher instead of the student, but I loved it.  

BHS Girls Lunch

The BHS girls got together for lunch.
We talked, laughed and even did munch.
It's been forty-seven years is my hunch,
Since high school where we were a bunch.

Here are the ladies that attended this year.  Our group gets smaller and smaller, but it is fun to see each other.   We don't think we look 65.  I made the mistake of wearing a short sleeve shirt.   I always wonder why women my age do that, because our arms are quite big and are not attractive.   Well I guess we just don't see ourselves in the same light, until we do.   

Trell second from left in the back always plans and notifies us.   She is the best.  as well as Kris Bodily S., Trell T.B, Julie, Sharon W.W. Shanna H.W.; Front row Pauline B., Billie N.K., Me and Sharon O.B.

Great Grandparents Graves

In Idaho I found my great, great grandparent's grave.

Their birthdays are this week. I know they were brave.

They left England and to loved ones, they did wave.

Thanks to their example, their posterity tried to behave.

 On a quiet hill in the Skinner family cemetery, of southeastern Idaho, my great and great, great grandparents have patiently waited for their posterity to come.  We did, this weekend to discover these beautiful headstones and learned of their sacrifices and faith.   We visited sites along the way in Providence and Logan, Utah; also, Paris and Nounan, Idaho, towns where they lived, worked and spent time in.

I imagined they followed along with us, were at each location,  perhaps prodding us forward, helping us find our way.   Someone pointed out the long forgotten graveyard.  Through farm fields, we drove

then walked through wet grass to  reach the spot.   A dozen or so graves stood tall waiting for us. 

 Their first cabin isn't far from the cemetery.

What an exciting day. 

Grantsville Softball and Senior Night

Grantsville girl's state softball is today.
Catcher, Brayle, & three other seniors play.
They're hoping for a win, but come what may.
These gals are awesome in every way!!

 The rest of the team give the seniors a gift.  These fun yellow softballs with their names and numbers on are really cool. 

 Brayle, Mom, Dad and the coaches pose for pictures.   So fun. 

 The seniors also have a poster made of them.   Here's Brayle standing by her poster. with her last name on it, in uniform.   How cool is that? 

Home run, Brayle Crosman. Her 7th this year.
Leads the region in them. Let's all give a cheer

Well the Grantsville varsity won their first state game with Juan Diego, 12-2 in five innings.   Brayle is being congratulated for her home run.  She has seven this year and leads the region.  She is ranked in the state, too.  

Mango Madness

We've all seen wild and crazy hairdos, right?
This one pictured, looks like it has the blight. 
Even fruit can have an attitude with fright.
Here's my mango man standing tall with might.

I love mangoes and making it have an attitude, just seemed like the thing to do.  Then I ate it.  Yum!  

Gorgeous, Groomed and Green

I love seeing all the yards and lawns green.
They don't need water yet.  Isn't that keen?
Thanks to all the rain, it's a velvet groomed scene.
Each way you look, there's growth on everything.

 I love the spring.  The blooming bulbs and ground covers bring such lovely colors to everything.  Having planted them in the fall, they to the job, before we have to. 

 We have mowed our lawn at least five times and not watered even once.  Isn't that terrific?   Our water bill shoots up and out of sight, because we have to use culinary water.  I hate it, so if it's a hot summer, it doesn't take long for our spring nourished grass to turn.   I would too, after being spoiled all spring. 

Here's my great son and his family in my back yard.   They are more beautiful than the yard, but show it off well.   His sons are growing like crazy, too. 

Playing for Plymouth's Patrons

Yep. I played for Plymouth's patrons last week.
Not used to their grand, I started our meek.
A few residents stepped inside for a peek.
Soon I was going at it like a real Greek.

After delivering Meals on Wheels to many of the residents at Plymouth Senior Assisted Living, I asked if I could practice on their grand piano.   "Of course", came the replay.   So I drop by when my skills are neglected and try my hand at their gorgeous grand.   How much better I sound and feel sitting at this masterpiece and feeling almost as good.   

Handy and Heroic Are These Hands

Hands are so handy.  They mean and say a lot.
Used for waves, high fives and fix things on the spot.
They paint, button, zip, write and lift a tiny tot.
Can shake, wash, scratch and eat your fill with, or not. 

I heard of a teenager today that recently cut off her hand in a shop class with a chop saw.  Her partner matter-of-factly, picked up the severed hand and comforted the gal.   The teacher acted quickly.  Life flight was called, to transfer her to a hospital in Salt Lake.   A sixteen hour surgery reattached the hand and many are the prayers for the youth, that it successfully will be reestablished to work again.   It may never be the same, but if it having some dexterity and mobility is more than nothing.  

The things our hands can do are innumerable.  Without them we are handicapped beyond belief.   Let's hear it for our hands today.  

Full of Fantastic Flowers

Many trees are blooming based on their inner clocks.
We enjoy the beauty along roads for blocks.
Some stand out & appear to be giving talks.
Mine reminds me of my mom's snowy white locks.

  

I cannot get enough of the beautiful flowering trees in rainbow colors and then some.   One of my favorite things of spring.  It goes on for weeks all bursting out in their scheduled time.  Our crab apple trees are just now bursting out.  There was snow covering the blooms this morning.  Hopefully it wont ruin or shorten their life.  

The Tuscany Was a Freebie

An invite to a restaurant and it was free.
Of course, I was going to the Tuscany!
Never been there before.  I was filled with glee!
Had to listen to a lecture, not agree.

Folks my age get lots of invitations to hear about retirement and so forth.   I was being choosey who I was going to listen to.   Then the Tuscany restaurant was listed, I called immediately.   You bet!!

 I took in the whole experience:  entry, bathroom, hallways, kitchen and of course the banquet room. 
I ordered salmon (my favorite) and cheesecake was the dessert.   Yeah, the lecture was a little boring, but who cares, it was the Tuscany.  

Bidding Farewell to the Bishopric

We were asked to be in the bishopric skit.
Where we honored these men.  It was a hit!
Allan and I sang, danced and did our bit.
His first ever part & teeth he did grit.

Jennifer E. the writer, director and honoring dignitary, presents a token of appreciation from the ward members for the six years of service these four men gave to build, support and assist those in the River Ridge 4th Ward.  

We were part of a group of six to perform a fun skit she wrote.  Learning half dozen songs with new words, our parts, some antics and more in ten days, wasn't easy.   We suffered through it and came out A-Okay.  Working with people for many hours helps endear you to them and give a feeling a great accomplishment afterward.  

Allan has never done anything wild like this before.  Although he was none to happy to do it, he felt pleased to have participated in a good cause.  

Cousins Catching Smiles

 

Some don't like their pictures taken and won't smile.
But, we get an off-guard one, once in awhile.
He gave his cousin a gum ball.  It's in style.
Two happy boys and a photo's beguile.

 

 

 

Hunter and Henry sharing a happy moment, because his cousin bought him a big gum ball and helped him do what a buddy would do.  Who wouldn't smile!! 

South Jordan Art Show & Artist

Allan entered some of his woodcarvings in the South Jordan Art Show held at the Gale Musuem and runs from March 1st to 10th.   His Indian in a Feather got an honorable mention.  His Elk relief is on a stand center stage in bright lights.   He received $25 as his reward.  There were many other types of art, all beautiful.  

Right Place, Right Time

We had pastrami burgers for an evening treat.
JCW's place just can't be beat.
Got there with two other folks in line...neat!
A big crowd came in, as we enjoyed our eat. 

 

 

Our coupon expired on 2/28/17 so we had to get to JCW's for our free gourmet burger.   We went over as soon as I got home.  Allan said, "You never know, how long you will have to wait."  As soon as our burgers came, a busload of young men came in.  I'm glad we went right over.  

 

 

Sayonara Snow

Nice warm temperatures have melted our snow.
Add to that, the wind with its constant blow.
We can't complain about 50 degree days, Whoa!
Before you know it, something will start to grow.

 

I found a few hold-outs of old piles of snow on the shady side of places.   But they won't last long.

In the thick of our storms here's a pretty tall snowman and man enjoying some fun in the cold. 

 

 

All Grown Up - Senior Night

It's senior night for the basket ball stars.
They graduate in May and all drive cars.
Just yesterday they were putting sand in jars.
Soon they will leave going from here to Mars.

 Our oldest grand daughter, Brayle, is a senior.   Seems like yesterday at the age of two, I was teaching her the song, I Love to See the Temple.  As we drove in the car, we would sing it at the top of our lungs.   She sang with such earnestness.   She has done the same in all that she does, earnestly.

I have watched her play Junior Jazz since she was nine and now she is finishing her last year as a senior and star of the girl's basketball team.  How exciting to see her grow and develop her skills.   Shooting 100 free throw shots, she made 75 plus.   That's is very good.  She is tall and loves to compete.  The ball has become a close friend, obeying her direction and trying, like a child to follow her commands.   We are so proud of the example she is and the great young lady she has become.   We love you, Brayle. 

Diners, Dives and Drive-ins With Jersey Mike's

When Diners, Dives & Drive-ins featured Jersey Mike's,
I had to try their food, rate it with hearts or spikes.
Want to visit their place, when I'm in Jersey with the tikes.
It's delish & even ride the Shores on bikes.

I loved the hot hoagies at Jersey Mike's.   I had the chicken and Allan the Philly & cheese.  The workers were so kind an helpful.   They gave us generous samples of sliced meat in the combination the sandwiches come in.   They have a special $5 for many of the hot hoagies after 5p.m.   It was a great experience and will go there again.  

All About Aches and Fighting Foes

I have a back ache, from playing with a three year old.

He’s smart, cute and fun.  "Play games with me." I’m told.

We sail the seas, fight foes, build forts and are bold.

These times with my grandson are better than gold. 

 

 

Actually I have four little grandsons, ages 1, 2, 3 and 4.  They are so much fun.  I want to be the fun grandma, that gets down and drives trucks with them.   Two of the boys live out of state.   Seeing them is a rare treat.   When we do, I especially put on my 'young gal' hat and do everything they want to do. 

What a blessing to be surrounded by loving, little boys and have it all, which includes aches. 

Colleen Was the Culprit

It's maddening when someone tracks up your clean floor.
You want to holler and scoot them out the door.
But, who's the offender?  Find out for sure.
Looks like 'I' made this mess, so I can't be sore.

It always happens, especially in the winter, when our nicely cleaned floors get dirty and tracked upon.  I am vigilant after first cleaning it, to wipe up the spots and messes.  Saturday night I stayed up to mop knowing the next day, I would be glad I did.   It's a gift we give to ourselves each morning, after we have left the kitchen and house tidy.   It feels so good. 

The funny thing is when I saw these dirty marks on the floor I was livid.  No one else had been home and soon I discovered, that I was the culprit.   I grabbed a rag and wiped up all the spots.   Next time I had better be more careful or face the wrath of myself. 

Jaws

 

It's giant python jaws were poised to bite the dirt.

No one came by to talk or even flirt.

Some new homes were set to be built, no yurt.

Perhaps one of the owners name's will be Bert.

 

A nearby, longtime hay dealer recently sold his land and is moving his home and business.  He has been there as long as we have.   It is strange to see everything cleared out and moved away.   They are hauling out truckload after truckload, someone said 21 of them so far, from just the home.   We will be sad to see these great people go.   Progress and change is what life is about and we must adapt.  

 

 

Pretty As a Picture

I bought this picture frame with twelve great spots.
Couldn't decide to use, the folks or the tots.
After a year of delay I was in knots.
So just did it today, after drawing lots. 

I had the photos taken eighteen months ago, but the sizes of the mat are odd with 2 5x7, 2 4x4, 6 4x6 vertical and 2 4x6 horizontal I couldn't get them to fit just right.   So I did nothing for a whole year.    Finally we got the pictures printed.  Today Allan helped me put them in the order that was best.   The colors are so bright and attractive.   We even had a spot for a thought that color coordinated, too.

Hanging it up was the last thing on the list.  It feels so good to be completed.  I hate procrastinating on getting something done, but it happens.   Now everyone is represented and looking beautiful.

Couldn't Pass on This Particular Purse

I got a new purse.  It’s so classy & cute.   My others are old and will now get the boot.               With this much room I could store a flute.   But it's for my wallet, essentials & fruit? 

This black and white striped one, caught my fancy a while back.   I couldn't get it out of my mind.    I searched several stores to find one.  On line, some sell for over $300.  This is an imitation but nice enough for me.    Thanks Kohl's for having the right price and look I wanted.   You made my day.

Notice how clean the innards and bottom is.  It won't last long with the accumulation of papers, pens and stuff.   I decided to show you now, because it looks so nice.   The last few years I've picked up ones from the D.I.  They are super cheap  ($2-3) and you can get any color.  Besides being broken in, they are easy to toss out, too.