ONE MORE DAY

"My Once Upon A Time Stories" I have discovered, are really my "Here And Now" stories.

Have you ever had a "Do Nothing Day?" You read the paper, catch up on the pile of magazines your behind in or play solitaire on the computer for hours........maybe talk on the phone or take a nap!

My generation and even my children's generation were brought up to think that doing nothing with your time was a sin. You would grow up and be a "No gooder". Now days most kids don't have those feelings. A good work ethnic is instilled in young children and passed on to their children some day. But, now in my advanced years I find doing nothing once in awhile is what I need. Of course, if I did that every day....heaven forbid, I'd weight a ton, be a real slob and probably turn to drink out of boredom. So I am just searching for the middle of the road and not worry about it.

Every year at this time I start thinking about my next New Years Resolution.....You know go on a diet, clean bathrooms and dust more often. Maybe start going to church. But face it, at my age I'm not really going to change. So to my family and friends I say: There were probably many times this year when.......I MAY.......have disturbed you, troubled you, pestered you, irritated you, bugged you or got on your nerves....and so after much thought and contemplation I just wanted to warn you.......SUCK IT UP CUPCAKE!!! Cause there are NO CHANGES planned for 2011. Happy New Year.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY THIRD GRANDSON

Today Rich turned 17, wow the last year flew by. He was just starting to drive one year ago. We had planned our annual birthday party at the Spaghetti Factory tonight, but were derailed by a huge snow storm and decided it wasn't worth the hastle on the bad roads. I had gone to bridge at noon and as we were leaving about four here came the snow storm with a vengeance. I drove home 20 miles an hour and was very happy to turn safely into my drive way. I know the skiers in my family are jumping up and down with joy as every snow flakes falls.......The only good thing about Salt Lake is they have the equipment and salt and get right on the roads after a storm. In a couple of days we will be o.k. Nicci's boy friend Bill was to arrive about 4:30, hope the plane could land. Pam is still sick with her cold, it has been two weeks and she and Karrie just can't shake it. This picture of Rich was taken in October at Tiffany's wedding, he is so handsome and precious to me. Happy Birthday Rich!

COME AND GONE........

What a wonderful Christmas this was. My whole family gathered around. You never know if the next year everyone can make it home or not, but next year we will worry about that and rejoice in our good fortune this year. A wonderful Christmas party at my house on the 23rd and then Christmas Eve everyone had their own agenda. Pam has her family for dinner and presents, Sherrie and Darren return to Vernal to be at home with their family and I have been going to the Cooks since Sherrie moved to Vernal. They treat me royally and the kids are a lot of fun. We had a scavenger hunt around the neighborhood, watched a couple of short Christmas stories, played a game and had a good dinner. Then off to bed to wait for Santa. Christmas morning great with way to many presents. Got some rubber boots, a new pillow, a coffee pot and filters, a watch, a box of games and some fun stocking stuffers. After breakfast home to rec0operate........which ended in a four hour nap! I ordered a movie for my new "Kindle" and read myself to sleep! Five more days left in this year of 2010, I'm working on my New Year's resolution for 2011.

CENTER OF MY UNIVERSE..........

What a great family party we had last night. While I grew up my family was the center of my universe, now my parents and two of my sisters are gone and the center of my universe revolves around my three daughters, as it should. They each got married and had three children and so my universe has gotten larger...........and more wonderful. Last night for a few hours we gathered around each other sharing love, presents, good food and family. In those few hours there were no problems of war, poverty, sickness or sadness that took priority over our love for each other. Too bad, we can't live our lives in that kind of world, but we all know better. We had a great meal in which everyone contributes. Then on to grandma's program........we have given up on the talent end so now we play games and read stories. My story was on Thankfulness and Gratitude. A true story of 2 missionaries in Ecuador passing out candy one Christmas day. One little boy said no thank you he already had the best gift ever. To the amazement of the missionaries it was a piece of string from his father. They had made a hole in an empty tuna fish can and tied the piece of string and he had been hauling rocks in it. I ask my 9 grandchildren if they would be that excited if all they got for Christmas was a piece of string? They weren't too keen on the idea. I have so much to be thankful for this Holiday. I do wish I could gather everyone up and make their worlds better.

Tonight I am off for Christmas Eve at the cooks. Dinner and games and then get up to see what Santa brought and I always have a stocking full of goodies! All I can say is Thank You God for a great holiday.

THIS DAY IS A GIFT FOR YOU TO UNWRAP.....

Yep, it's almost here.......Santa's sleigh is loaded and so is grandma's house......My to do list is just about crossed off, One more gift to deliver and then start the cooking.......oh yes, Gigi still hasn't had her bath!

Tomorrow, the day before Christmas Eve we are having our family party. I have decided tomorrow is a gift for me to unwrap and make a fresh start. It is a chance to let go of old hurts, discover new joys and take another step forward toward my beautiful future. It is the perfect time to take time for me! Tomorrow holds, 1,440 minutes. Enough time for me to spend some on me. I bought a new book at Costco "Three Cups of Tea", everyone keeps recommending it. I want to finish knitting a prayer shawl, do some Suduko, and maybe sleep in a little. Call my sister and maybe a few other dear friends. It is so nice to be ready to enjoy this wonderful time of year. Ran by Lavern's today, she was crying and having a bad day, Chet died 10 days ago. Then on to my friend Pat Noall, she was happy and looking forward to her three little granddaughters driving in from Las Vegas for Christmas. I guess we all have our crosses to bear and I am very lucky this year. I think I am about to arrive at the time of being "The Woman I Was Meant To Be!"

DID YOU KNOW?

Did you know Charles Dickens began writing "A Christmas Carol" in October 1843 and completed it six weeks later, in December of the same year.

Few families in Victorian England owned an oven. Like the Cachet's they would bring their goose or turkey to the local baker who would cook it for a small fee. Bob Crochets would have paid seven shillings for the goose, 5 for the pudding and three shillings for the onions, oranges and sage, (In 1800 a shilling was worth about forty cents), today the cost of these items would be about $58.00. In Crotchet's day about $6.00. I guess when we start complaining how bad we have things we need to stop and think, at least we all have our own ovens to cook in......which is our tradition for the holidays. Today I went shopping for my Christmas dinner, yes it was a bit over the $58.00 dollars of by gone years but that is life. We will be having dinner and celebrating the 23rd, so the Christensons can be back home for Christmas Eve. Every one should be in their own homes or with family for Christmas. It snowed all morning, but cleared this afternoon. This morning I set the tables and this afternoon went grocery shopping. One more stop to Costco tomorrow to get the turkey and a couple of odds and ends. I have a few gifts to deliver to friends and then I will be ready for the Jolly Old Man and Christmas!

CHRISTMAS TO DO LIST

My Christmas to do list is slowly getting smaller. It is snowing again today, but that is good so we will have a White Christmas. I have the presents all wrapped and am working on the house cleaning. I have decided to leave a few cobwebs because I love the Legend of the Christmas Spider: An old European Christmas legend tells of a poor woman unable to provide the traditional decorations for the special holiday. A spider made his home in her tree and began to spin beautiful webs. On Christmas morning, the first light of sun struck the cobwebs, turning them to silver. When the woman awoke, she found the tree was covered with silver treasure. The spider had brought good fortune! So I figure keeping a few spiders in the corners won't hurt. Will go shopping for food tomorrow and set the tables. Then get a few gifts delivered to friends and that should about do it.........My cute granddaughter Nicci will be home today for the holidays, that will complete our family. The Cooks and Panniers have had a week or so of illness, hope they are on the home stretch of conquering those germs.

Well, four nights until Santa comes!

TRADITION OF THE CHRISTMAS TREE

This is the whole family taken at Tiffany's wedding......I am the matriarch of this bunch.......Yes! Christmas is five days away and we will all gather around my Christmas tree to celebrate.

The tradition of the Christmas Tree says: because a Christmas tree stays green all through the year, the evergreen tree is symbolic of the eternal life offered to Christians through faith in Christ. The treetop points heavenward. A star signifies the special star which guided the wise men to Bethlehem. Lights represent Christ, the "Light of the World." Gifts beneath the tree are representative of God's gift of His only begotten Son, who brings Hope, Love, Joy and Peace. I guess we just accept all of this without really knowing why: Now you know!

It was great having my second grandson and his friend spend the night with me. A fun visit this morning before he left. Then a favorite nephew Mike and his son came by this afternoon with a Christmas gift.......a book and a gift certificate for some movies, two of my favorite things. If only everyone could feel the love I do from the people in the picture plus my extended family, there would be no lonely, unhappy people alone this Christmas Holiday........My heart is full of gratitude today.

Counting the Days and almost the hours.....

This time of year is so exciting! As I grow older I value each Christmas I can add to my life's cycle.

Of course, my family has many traditions that we cling to and hope we are passing on to the grandchildren who will continue them for our great-grandchildren. We have Santa's Red chair we each take a turn sitting on and receiving a present from the Santa sack and tell what we wish for in the New Year. We play the "Thankful Game" picking an unmarked sack and being thankful for whatever we receive no matter how bad we hate it........
I like to remind everyone with an appropriate story what Christmas is really all about........not just good food and presents. I am excited because everyone will be to the Christmas celebration in fact we are adding a new family member this year. Tiffany married Scott in October. Nicci will be home from graduate school, but we never know when that will end and the boys are now nearing the age of LDS Missions, that would be two years away. We have given up having Santa arrive and the wild pinata in the garage. The kids are out growing a few of our favorite things! I hope everyone always remembers how fun Christmas at Grandma's house was............We are a strong family that will always be flexible and take advantage of all the good in our lives.

Getting It All Done.....

My to do list is long this Monday........Been wrapping presents, then off to get my nails done. Still have a couple of items to look for. Have to stop and get desert to take to our little domino group's lunch tomorrow. I am sorry I will miss Dulsey Evans funeral, but you can only do so much. Having great weather about 52 degrees today, sweater weather. Karrie and Pam have both had sick people to tend......no fun. I do have the house decorated. I have to wrap the neighbors and friends gifts and deliver them. Make name decorations for my Christmas table, Write a Christmas letter for a few out of town friends, not sending many cards this year. Make red pepper sauce for a few special friends and deliver my cousins present across town. Fill my "thankful sacks".......a Christmas evening game. The list just goes on and on and on! I have 10 days, so better keep at it! Leslie called, Richard Northcott in trouble again, drugs I think! My sister's heart would break if she were alive. Annie needed a Christmas sweater for a program tomorrow, thank goodness grandma had a couple she could choose from, I love that little girl. Today was a good day. I hate days when all you can say is "Ah, I see the screw-up fairy was here again!" I'll keep my fingers crossed for tomorrow.

LIVIN IN THE MOMENT.......

Two weeks from tonight is Christmas Eve.......I can't believe how fast it is descending upon us. I know, I have had a whole year to get ready for it and I am still stressing about it. Finally today I think I have the house ready and the outside lighting.......I still have shopping and wrapping to do. Maybe tomorrow. I zipped off for lunch and shopping a couple of hours at the Quilted Bear, which is a fun craft boutique, with Pam. I was just going to look, but I bought an angel that when you opened her skirt you see the Nativity scene, by Jim Shore. His works are so wonderful,........really Pam made me do it! I am trying to learn to live in the moment. Pain can come from living in the past or future. I can't let the hurts in the past control my years in the future. I can't think of bad health, loneliness or poverty and let them ruin this moment! Living in the moment creates a state of peace even when the moment is a stressful time. If you are mad or sad or fearful, that's O.K. This happens to all of us. Just don't get stuck in it! To be in the moment with your emotions is important because you can move through them more easily........don't get stuck in denial. Living in the moment is a core element of being ageless. I am sad about Lavern Leonard's husband dieing Saturday. For Dulsey dieing this week, for Ann in the hospital and also Elaine in the hospital. Live in the moment, you never know when your turn will come. Today was a great day, I talked to all three of my girls!

Yes

GOOD NEWS.....

Don't know why but couldn't get a picture to come up on this blog......As you can see my week was full of bad news........and some good news. While I was out of town for a week, I found out my good friend Ann was in the hospital for five day, they couldn't find anything wrong. My friend Elaine was in the hospital for three weeks because of blood clots and an old friend's husband died Saturday, Chet Leonard was a friend for many years, at least the last 40. He has a darling wife Lavern that will miss him over the Holidays. I was also sad about Elizabeth Edward's death and yesterday was 40 years since Pearl Harbor was bombed......I was 8 years old and my folks were very upset. In my life time several really bad things have happened.
The bombing of Pearl Harbor and our terrible retaliation of the atomic bomb and the planes flying into the twin towers and the consequences that have followed. Why do people do these things to each other????? I finally got the Christmas trees up today and a start on my Christmas Decorations, yet, I have so much to do before the Holidays. My next two weeks will be busy.......

GOOD NEWS!

FAMILIES ARE THE GREATEST

Yea, I finally got this temperamental thing to bring up my blog, I can't get email but by going to favorites I could pull up my blog........explain that to me. I need my blog to record the great time I am having in my life. As reported I had a great Thanksgiving, then off to baby sit in Vernal for 8 days. The farm was fun with my three darling grandsons, Alex, Brayden and Kennedy. Then another family drove out to bring me home. Pam, Rob, Tiff and Scott which just added to fun and good feelings you get when you are surrounded by the people you love and those who love you. At home in Salt Lake my third daughter was taking in the mail, feeding the fish and keeping an eye on my house.......more love shown. I am the luckiest mother in the world. When I got home Sunday I unpacked and showered and zipped off to the Cheese Cake Factory for dinner for my oldest grandson, William, who turned 20. My blessings just keep growing. Yesterday was Mammogram test day and the wonderful grandchildren Richard and Annie popped over after school to bring up my Christmas trees, haul out some decorations and help me set up some lites in the front yard. Now today I will get serious about Christmas. Clean house, decorate the house and maybe start wrapping Christmas gifts, thank goodness I am almost through with the shopping, just a few fun things left to do. The top picture on the left is me with Pam, Sherrie and Karrie. On the left is the Pannier family at Tiff's wedding........they are the ones who drove to Vernal for me and William, whose birthday we just celebrated is in the picture. (Added for those who read this a 100 years from now and wonders who the people in the pictures are.)

Living it up on Tailwind Ranch........

It's great to look out any window here and see some horses, or cows or chickens at the neighbors. The weather is clear and nice, but icy cold out side. I love to watch the horses from inside my nice warm house, they don't seem to mind the cold weather. This is certainly different than the ranch I lived on when I was young. Sherrrie has six bathrooms, we had an outhouse with two holes..........We went down to the spring for our water, Sherrie has two big sinks and lots of hot water. We had no power or instant heat and we would have died for a big hot tub.......All of this is included at ranches now days I guess. The family is busy starting at 6:30 every morning. The two big boys have chores before school. They take turns building a fire in the BIG blue barn and feeding the horses. At night it's the same story. The little one empties the dishwashers and takes out the garbage and is in charge of food and water for the three dogs. He is sharing his room with me and in the morning I get up to let my dog out and when I come back he has made my side of the bed.............so there is no going back to bed in this house. My main job is to get the boys off to school and feed them so I have been catching up on my knitting and reading and blogging a little. Nice vacation.

Extending My Thanksgiving Holiday!

Busy two weeks.......Leslie here for a couple of days before Thanksgiving, then the storm of all storms hit Salt Lake. On Wednesday before Thanksgiving Kay came by and we headed for Park City and the Christensons for Thanksgiving. Dareen's brother and family joined us, so we had a merry group. Ate and ate then headed down the hill in the snow cat, gate frozen but finally got out to the cars and home about seven. Friday I spent making out bills, watering plants and packing for a week in Vernal. The Christenson's came by about three and we headed for Vernal. Pretty good trip till we hit Heber and found that BYU lost to the U by one measly point! Sunday was fun as Sherrie and Brayden both talked in church about their Africa trip. Had a nice dinner and watched a movie. Tonight we are off to the Festival of Trees to see what Sherrie's Tree goes for then they will drive in and stay at my house and fly to LA tomorrow for a few days of shopping. I get to baby sit my three sweet grandsons. Panniers will drive out this weekend and take me home. I hear I am missing another bad storm in Salt Lake, great weather here..............

Thanksgiving 2010

I am a day late with my Thanksgiving Wishes, just busy and full of turkey and dressing. Once upon a time........I love stories that start that way it always reminds me of the many stories read to me when I was young. After those words you wait with bated breath for the next word, this time the story is a sad story about poor Tom Turkey! His story has a sad ending for him, but for us a celebration of families and food. I was doing so good on my diet, but I am back sliding with carbohydrates...which is the food version of ex-sex. I have very good intentions to just nibble, but that table of turkey, ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, hot rolls and dressing, topped off with a piece of pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream.....wow, that's good!Thanksgiving is not really a favorite day of mine. After I got married my husband was never home with us on many holidays. Pam, an only child for 11 years and I ate alone, or if we could find a restaurant open or once in awhile some one would take pity on us and invite us to dinner. Being from Colorado I had no extended family in Utah to go to. My real feeling is.......I have so much to be thankful for why not let every day be a thanksgiving day. Tomorrow I am off to Vernal with the Christensons to baby sit. I will be there till next Saturday. Gigi gets to go to the farm with me to visit her cousins. Didn't get up early to take advantage of "Black Friday's Shopping". I already have all of mine done..............YES!

Blizzard of 2010

Well, we didn't just get a winter storm, we had a blizzard. I never remember a blizzard warning before, but they were right on! My sweet sister was in Utah for Thanksgiving and we spent the day in the worst freezing weather ever trying to find her a scarf, gloves and some snow boots......(she is from Arizona). She had stopped in Flagstaff and bought a parka, good planning. I had gotten tickets for the Hale Theater to see the "The Drowsy Chaperon". Well, as the evening progressed my kids got more concerned and the news on TV was scary, we canceled and stayed home. We only got a couple of inches of snow at my house, but I guess the roads were a sheet of ice because the temperature dropped. Today I am off to the cabin to spend tomorrow with the Christensons.........you know over the hills and through the woods to Christensons I go. Darren called and warned me they have -7 degrees because of the wind chill at Park City. He does have a snow cat that will make the trip "through the woods and over the hills"...... warm when we get out of the car. The roads are good today and I took Gigi to Panniers for the night, she doesn't have a parka and boots??? It will be a fun Thanksgiving with the kids in their great cabin and lots of good turkey and dressing.

AGELESSNESS

I looked up ageless......the dictionary defines ageless as "seeming not aging, eternal".......You know like Betty White......It is an eternal quality, not about physical attributes, it's about our mental emotions and spiritual ingredients. It's about acceptance of what is going on at any moment in your life-----cherishing each day. Things like consciousness, compassion, caring and loving have always been a part of my life. They haven't changed over the years that's my agelessness. I am also more aware of my gratitude's, peace of mind and trust and not be so judgemental. I try to be flexible. Go with the flow. I was to spend the weekend in Park City at the Christenson's cabin. Now I am spending Thanksgiving Day and going to Vernal Saturday to baby sit the kids next week.....be flexible which isn't all that easy when your old. Tomorrow my youngest sister is coming up from Arizona to spend a couple of days with me......I am so excited. She wants to shop for snow boots yet????? I guess that's how it is if your from Arizona. Today I had two dentist appointments. One for a filling and a form made to fix my bridge that broke and go back and get the bridge later........I got lunch for a sweet couple who are not doing so well in my condo unit. I dread that day that that is me.......they are about my age!

I guess the way to be happy and at peace as we age is to acknowledge reality and to accept that inevitability of aging. It's either age or die, take your choice. Each day honor your body as it is now, accept your slowing down, it's not good or bad.....it just is. Feeling good about yourself helps you feel ageless. Your attitude means everything as you age. Being positive is necessary for longevity. Connect and seek out family, friends, pets, hobbies and talents. Be an example to your family and friends.

THE WEATHER MAN

Why do we plan our lives around the "weather man?"

He forecast cold and sickness so I rushed in and got my flu shot........so now I am set for bad weather. He is now forecasting our first worst storm this weekend so my sweet grandson Richie came over this morning early, (he had been up late attending the Harry Potter movie and his mother drug him out of bed to go rake gramme's leaves.) He is so precious and I so appreciated it before that big snow storm the weather man promises for the weekend buried all those red leaves in the back yard. This was a good day and I got many chores done before being buried by snow drifts. Leaves raked, my nails done, I filled my three months supply of prescriptions my doctor gave me yesterday at my annual checkup and stopped by and got my car inspected for another year.......Yes! I will show that weather man........somebody listens to him. I do have a dentist appointment at 8:00 Monday morning and kinda hope his forecast is wrong so I can get there, weather men are wrong sometimes! Would I have done all those chores today without that weatherman's warning........probably not.

OLDER THAN DIRT.........

I know my grand kids think I am old......they think all grandmothers are old, but they just don't realize how old is old. I love them all and love their fun questions about my life. Some thing like....."What was your favorite fast food when you were growing up?" My answer, "We didn't have fast food when I grew up, all food was slow." Asked where did you eat? I told them I ate at home. My mother cooked every day when my father came home from work and we all sat down in the kitchen around a big table together. If we didn't like what she cooked, we didn't have to eat it, but that was all there was that night.........When they realized I was serious about this I also told them: Many people never owned a home (we were lucky because we did.) Some people never wore Levis, never set foot on a golf course, never traveled out of our country or even had a credit card. My family did not own a TV until I went away to college and it was black and white. We had one telephone and it hung on the wall in the kitchen. My parents never drove anyone to soccer practice, mostly because we never heard of soccer. I never ate pizza until I was in college. We owned one car with a stick shift. When you wanted to turn right you rolled down the window and stuck your arm out straight and to turn left you bent it up!!!!! For fun we roller skated, rode our bikes, played games on the vacant lot across the street. For exercise we walked to town to get the mail from the only post office and maybe if we had an extra nickel we would go to the drug store and my favorite was a cherry, lemon, chocolate, marshmallow, lime root beer............Your grandmother loved her life. It was simple, happy and safe. I guess I never missed fast food, because I didn't know about it!

ASK AND YOU SHALL RECEIVE............

In my prayers at night I ask to be guided to those I can be of some help to. A good person to be there for my family and friends or even a stranger. Ever since the children were in school all day and I had spare time I have loved to be a volunteer. I started with room mothers and chaperons for school. I volunteered with the Rape Crisis Center for a long time on the Speakers Bureau, Crisis Line and Board of Directors. I volunteered for two years on the Olympus Senior Center as a party programmer. I was a volunteer at the Salt Lake Salt Palace as an Information Specialist, helping tourist enjoy our city. I volunteered with ESP to teach English to people trying to learn our language. I was on a board to interview families of foster children until the program was cut because of funding. I now belong to a Pray Shawl Ministry and knit shawls with the group. But, as I look around at all the people in need I feel a need to help more. This last weekend I did sew two quilts together for a friend who doesn't sew. I tended my youngest grandson all night so my daughter could go to a family dinner. I baby sat my neighbors grandchildren while she had bridge and her son had a meeting. I told my oldest daughter I would let her dogs out Sat. and Sun. while they were at a friends cabin and put a roast in their crock-pot for them to have Sunday dinner when they got home Sunday.........of which I would be invited to help eat. I find being needed and able to help others makes life worth living. I guess I am still kinda volunteering............So I would say to everyone, find just one person to help out and see how good it makes you feel!

WEATHER

SPRING HAS SPRUNG.......FALL HAS FELL........WINTER HAS COME AND IT'S COLDER THAN H........USUAL!

This is the time of year I start thinking about all the warm and beautiful places that I would like to be. I see President Obama is in Jakarta, oh yes, a warm and beautiful place. I loved my visit there. It is true, you don't really see the world if you only look at it through your own window.

I know traveling is not what it use to be with it's "miles long lines, over booked flights, departures delayed again and again, and peanuts for lunch. Then you realize at the journey's end, you are back home to the best scenery of all. As you unpack you marvel at the wonders of the world and the hard trip to see them melts in your mind. As I relive a trip and think of the exotic parks and mosquitoes I left behind, the busy markets with their bright colored barrels of spices with interesting smells, the bag full of gifts and souvenirs I have to cram into my suitcase and a couple of treasures I bought for myself. These pictures are only words........unless you have "been there, done that." I am thankful for all my wonderful trips around the world and as I sit here watching it snow I can dream of other trips to come. There will be other times, other places and for an "Instant Getaway" I step into that favorite travel brochure and dream a little......I close my eyes and see my tanned arms and face aglow on some some tropical isle stretched out on a lounge enjoying the sounds and smell of the sea, with a cold drink in my hand........

And then the phone rings!

A big Culture Day

Today was a fun day, something different! Other than the Nut Cracker I don't think I had ever been to a ballet before. I have taken in a few operas though. Today mostly they wore those sexy underwear outfits, but they finally put on a few clothes. The dancers were elegant. The ballet was "Carmina Burana"........ the story seemed to be something dealing with the wheel of fortune. It was inspired by thirteen-century secular poems and songs written by monks and minstrels of the time that was discovered in an ancient Bavarian Monastery. They had a large chorus and several very good vocalists..........
Just watching those guys throwing those girls around wore me out! Went with Karrie and Andrea and enjoyed a quick lunch at the Olive Garden before.

Tonight is our "fall back" day in Utah......Get an extra hour sleep tomorrow. Arizona is smart, they just set their clocks and leave them all year. Doesn't that make more sense? Cleaned off the porch and painted the steps today. We are expecting a winter storm tomorrow. Pam asked me to knit the newest member of our family a Christmas Stocking.......I don't know if it is a surprise so no one tell him! I can count 21 of these Christmas Stockings in the family so far....
can you believe that?

THIRD ACT........

Had a great day. Had a nice lunch and played bridge with some of my favorite people. It's so nice when your having fun with people your age, you compare notes on what the kids are doing, you can relate all your latest ailments and most have been there, done that. As I think back over my life I realize there are three acts in a persons life and I am in the last act of mine.

Act one is the learning act. The time in your life when you are learning how to relate and get along with others. You are getting an education. You are looking for a job, a partner to share your life with. This is a time to investigate what you want out of life, be curious and make some mistakes.

Act two is taking all the lessons you have learned in your younger years and put them into play.

You work hard, have several children....on not.....and spend your time being a football coach, a den mother, and a chauffeur, and a teacher of life and God. You are trying to put your life, health and wealth into place to enjoy the last act which comes all to fast.

Act three is taking all you have learned, the experiences you have had and enjoying old age and grandchildren. Now you can travel and hopefully you have taken care of yourself and can enjoy good health. You have put away a little nest egg and have a ton of good memories and few regrets.

And, suddenly you realize you better be good to your children.......they do pick out your nursing home. All I ask of my girls is to promise not to put me and my X in the same one! Which Act are you enjoying?

Liven' In the Land of Peace of Mind.......

I am in that wonderful place in my life of the "Land of Peace of Mind". What gives you peace of mind at any age? There are many reasons. I saw a list of things the other day that really made me stop and think. Think about the following:

Life isn't fair, but it's still good......When in doubt just take the next small step......Life is to short to waste time hating anyone......You don't have to win every argument.....Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone......It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it......Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present......Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about......If a relationship has to be a secret, you should not be in it......Everything could be changed in a blink of an eye, but don't worry God does not blink.......Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful......What ever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger......It's never to late to have a happy childhood. But, the second one is up to you and no one else.....When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer......Burn your candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special......No one is in charge of your happiness but you.....Frame every so-called disaster with these words. "In five years, will this matter?......What other people think of you is none of your business......However good or bad a situation is, it will change......Don't take yourself so seriously, no one else does......Believe in Miracles......God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do......Growing older beats the alternative , dying young......If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone Else's, we'd grab our own back.....Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need......The best is yet to come.......Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.......So, just jump in and enjoy the days you have left on this earth.........

HAPPY HALLOWEEN----NICE WEEKEND

A very good weekend. Happy Halloween and Feliz dia de los Muertos! I went to the great pumpkin patch to see if peanuts and Linus were there waiting for the Great Pumpkin to arise! Alex stayed all night with me Friday night then drove me to Vernal for Halloween. The Christenson's ward had a trunk or treat party which I had never been to one, in a big vacant lot. Lots of people and a fun dinner of soup and desert was served. They know how to celebrate a holiday. My neighbor said she didn't get one person for treats in our condo area. Then on Sunday, the real Halloween, we were off to church where Darren was made first counselor to the new Bishop.......This is huge in our family. He was excited and nervous and this is a picture of his cute family. During sacrament Alex blessed it and Brayden and Kennedy served it. I was a pretty proud grandma. Had a nice dinner and then I rode home to Salt Lake with Dareen's mother Kay. Gigi enjoyed the farm. The country is all excited about the mid-term election tomorrow. I voted last Friday........Next thing on my list is Thanksgiving!

Ladies Day and Dominos

My turn to entertain the ladies of our travel group. I have known Ann Mosely since I go divorced and started working at Western Travel where she was a travel agent. We hit it off immediately. She was also divorced, she had five girls and I had three we were trying to get raised and out into the big world. We have traveled together extensively. Through Ann I met many other traveling ladies and two favorite are Shirley Stevens and Bonnie Young. We meet and travel regularly only are all slowing down. A big day is lunch at some one's house and a rowdy game of "Mexican Train." Old friends are the best in the world. Tonight my second grandson is in from Vernal to spend the night. He has a date with a Salt Lake girl and are off to a High School dance. I will go back to Vernal with him tomorrow to celebrate Halloween and a fun surprise on Sunday Sherrie said. So I'm doing laundry and packing tonight. I will be home Monday. I'm glad to be gone on Halloween as we never get more than two or three kids here in the condo unit and besides I don't like to open the door late at night when I am alone. So happy Halloween everyone!

"MAYBE"

Maybe.......don't you just love that word? You don't have to give a definite answer. Maybe I will and maybe I won't. It gives you some time to size up the situation and make a decision or to choose......These are some maybe thoughts. MAYBE.....we were suppose to meet the wrong people before meeting the right one so that when we finally meet the right person we will know how to be grateful for that gift.

MAYBE.....When the door of happiness closes, another opens, but often times we look so long at the closed door that we don't even see the new one which has been opened to us.

MAYBE...It is true that we don't know what we have until we lose it, but it is also true that we don't know what we have been missing until it arrives.

MAYBE.....The happiness of people don't necessarily have the best of everything, they just make the most of everything that comes along the way.

MAYBE.....The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; after all, you can't go on successfully in life until you let go of your past mistakes, failures and heartbreaks.

MAYBE .....you should dream what you want to dream, go where you want to go, be what you want to be, because you only have one life and one chance to do all the things you dream of, and want to do.

MAYBE..... Happiness waits for all those who cry, all those who hurt, all those who have searched and all those who have tried, for only they can appreciate the importance of all those who have touched their lives.

MAYBE.....You should hope for enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to keep you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy.

So when you use that little word....maybe....there are always two roads to chose after it. Yes, we

love the maybe word and it gets us off the hook with the kids a lot! Glad Sherrie got home safe and sound. A huge storm last night blew over several big trees in our Condo Unit. No water all day, but could have been worse. I guess winter wants us to know it is serious. MAYBE......things will be nicer tomorrow!

Half Full or Half Empty?

What's your attitude?

Two buckets at the well: The first one says "I come up full and go down empty."

The second bucket says, "I go down empty and come up full!"

Are you a Positive Patty or a Negative Nelly? Our lives are one big choice. A choice is not something we have and can just lose, choice is something we are....waiting to be put into use. "At every moment in every situation we are free to choose a simpler expression of our being." At one time I was looking outside myself for strength and confidence, but then I realized it comes from within............it was there all the time. I've learned to accept a compliment with a simple, "Thank you". I find if I choose to say some thing nice or think something nice about myself, my self confidence is boosted. In stead of always saying, "I can't cook" I say "I don't like to cook, but I can entertain very nicely." I can do many things well and as I go forward I need to acknowledge this and feel good about myself.

So today I choose to be a Positive Patty. We are having what seems to be our first taste of winter, cold and rainy. This is good, we need the moisture. Sherrie just called to see how Cody is and they are in Atlanta on their way home from the Caribbean. The Hortins and the Panniers are sitting at the U watching a football game in the rain.....and me, I'm tucked in my nice warm house enjoying another great day in my life.

Just Try It.......

"It's nice to be important but, It's more important to be nice!"

I am so enjoying my "tiny notes" game of hiding little messages on a sticky note and leaving them any where I think some one will find them and smile. Like putting a thank-you for the clean restroom in Walmart. Stick it by their sign-in sheet on the wall. Or when someone picks up a can of chili they see a little note that says, "Being a great person comes naturally to you." Walk down the store isle and smile at every person, see the responses. It makes you feel better, even if it doesn't affect the other person.

I love this little poem.....

You Never Know

You never know when someone may catch a dream from you.

You never know when a little word or something you may do,

May open up the windows of a mind that seeks the light........

The way you live may not matter at all. But, you never know...... it might!

And just in case it could be, that another's life, through you,

Might possibly change for the better with a broader and brighter view.

It seems it might be worth a try at pointing the way to the right.....

Of course, it may not matter at all, but then again.......it might.

A sad day yesterday, an old friend's daughter was hit and killed while riding her bike on her lunch break. She was only 45 and I remember her as a cute chubby baby. My heart is breaking for her parents. Children should bury their parents, not parents bury their children. Help me make some ones day better God.

God's In Charge

If you ever doubted who is in charge of your life, think again. After reading the following, I say if God has a perfect plan for everything on earth, then why not me? Just have faith and trust your life is exactly how it was set up to be....(kinda)!

I didn't know the accuracy in hatching eggs...do you? Potato bugs hatch in seven days, canaries in 14, chickens in 21, ducks and geese in 28, parrots and ostrich in 42 days and all these are divisible by 7.

Entrust God with your life. Don't mess up, only the one who made the heart and brain can successfully guide you to a profitable end.

Also, every watermelon has an even number of stripes on the rind. Each orange even number of segments, each ear of corn even number of rows, each stalk of wheat even number of grains. Waves of the sea roll into shore every 26 minutes in all kinds of weather, all grains found in even number on their stalks. Only the god-planned safe life is successful. Only the life given over to the care of the Lord is fulfilled. As I get older I realize I have just taken all these wonderful plans that God put into motion from day one were just by accident...NOT....Every single thing God made he made perfect and for a reason, including you and me. I know if I have faith and follow God's plan for my life it can be nothing but the best. Having another beautiful Fall day......played bridge last night with good friends, off to a movie and lunch today with another fun friend. Tiff and Scott home from their honeymoon, Sherrie's family will be home from the Caribbean this weekend. Life is good!

NICCI

Last week was Nicole's 25th birthday. She is my second grandchild and keeps us all guessing. She has inherited my Gypsies blood and wonder of the world. When we think she has achieved all there is.........she surprises us with something else. "Only those who will risk going too far, can possibly find out how far one can go"........
Nicci came home a couple of days early for Tiff's wedding and we celebrated her 25th birthday at the Cheese Cake Factory. She is always the life of the party and is always smiling. One of her "Favorite" aunts knew how much she always loved her mother's Zucchini casserole growing up (ugh) and couldn't resist getting a big zucchini out of her garden, putting a ribbon on it and giving it to her for a birthday present. One of her best dissertations was on how much she hated zucchini growing up. At the present Nicci loves Bill and so do we. He works for Proctor and Gamble and lives in Boston.s

Nicci has been accepted by two very well known companies for a job, Nestle's and a big cereal company that I can't remember. She is still looking and interviewing....why not? At Nicci's age and her

abilities why not test them all. I am so very proud to say, I am her grandmother.....

Excitment Around Every Corner........

As you go through life there should be excitement around every corner---if it amounts to nothing more than picking up the laundry at the corner or taking your dog to the vet or buying a new flower for the spot that is bare in front! It has been a week since I became an empty Nester and I am determined my life will only get better. As I look at these two pictures from the wedding last Saturday you can almost see the feelings of the parents as they survey their family group. Was three, now four.........someday grandchildren and Nicci and Will will add spouses to the group. That is the way it should be and has been in history forever. We hope Nicci will marry cute Bill when she graduates from graduate school and takes a job. Will is almost 20 and we hope he will grow up and enjoy college before he gets serious about anyone. Today I have a new project, you know what I said about keeping my life exciting.......I am making a Halloween Costume for Richie B. for a school dance. Purple pants, red shirt, orange vest and silver sash, I think he is a Gypsies! I have made many Halloween costumes in my days and I hope I can go on doing it a few more years, I love to sew for the people I love. Tending Cody for the Christensons while they vacation. It was a beautiful Fall day.

WE HAD A WEDDING.......

What can I say when I know her folks did a wonderful job, they are a happy couple and a ton of people had a wonderful Saturday night? We, and I say we, because Tiffany has lived with me the past five and a half years and I have been with her every step of the planning, decisions, controversies, ups and downs of planning a wedding and the excitement of being in love. The excitement of, if and when Scott would ask her to marry him and how he would do it.......Then March she received her diamond and the wedding was way off on October 9th. Then the big family decision of where to get married. Settled on the Salt Lake Country Club which was the perfect answer. Now to find the perfect dress, shoes, hair do, bridesmaid dresses, etc., etc, etc. It has been so exciting but got here to quickly for her grammy. They had the best wedding ever and Tiff and Scott are off on their honey moon, but as I sit in the quietness of my solitude I am just getting over a huge melt down.............I have been an "EMPTY NESTER" before, but it never gets any easier. Yes, I like me and living alone.....with GIGI... it will be like it was before Tiff moved in. I know she will be a wonderful roommate for Scott. The past four days were the nails and pedicures day and a Birthday luncheon for Nicci with all the girls. Friday was the day of rehearsal and rehearsal dinner, Will was my partner and Bill, Nicci's boyfriend, my buddy as we were just on lookers. Then Saturday early was hair appointments, make up appointments, getting everyone dressed and up there in time. Sunday Pam and Rob and a wonderful brunch for his family, Tiff's out of town friends and me and the couple opened the many wonderful wedding gifts they got. Now it's Monday and back to laundry and grocery shopping and it's Columbus Day! Can you be happy and sad at the same time????

WONDERS OF THE WORLD.....

A group of students were asked to list what they thought were the present "Seven Wonders Of The World." Though there were some disagreements, the following received the most votes.
1. Egypt's Great Pyramids......2. Taj Mahal......3. Grand Canyon.....
4. Panama Canal......5. Empire State Building.....6.St Peter's Basilica.....7. China's Great Wall.
While gathering the votes, the teacher noted that one student had not finished her paper yet. So she asked the girl if she was having trouble with her list.......The girl replied, "Yes, a little. I couldn't quite make up my mind because there are so many." The teacher said, "Well, tell us what you have, and maybe we can help." the girl hesitated then read, "I think the Seven Wonders Of the World are:
1. To see.....2. To hear......3. To touch.....4. To taste......5. To feel.....6. To laugh....7. And to love.
The room was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop. The things we overlook as simple and ordinary and that we take for granted are truly wondrous. A gentle reminder.....that the most precious things in life cannot be built by hand or bought by man. This made me think that to the above list, I would add FAMILY.....I had three babies, twins yet, isn't birth one of the Wonders of the world? And they have each had three babies, 9 grandchildren, a wonderful family unit. The picture is of a get together for my oldest daughter's birthday. Three daughters, two of my granddaughters. I do not take these for granite. Yes, I have seen six of the seven wonders first listed, never made it to the Taj Mahal and the others are truly wonders. But, I created just as many wonders of my own world! Of course, God had his hand in all the real wonders of the world.
Today was a fun day with friends, a fashion show and a luncheon at the Town Club, I was Elaine Sorensons guest. Nicci gets home tonight for Tiff's wedding Saturday.........