TOMORROW......

So on the very last day of 2012 I say I had a very good year.  My health and family were all good and we have moved day by day smoothly into 2013.  I did a bit of what I love most.....travel.  I spent last Christmas with the Cooks on a cruise to the Bahamas.  February I took my three girls on a cruise to Belize etc.  April I spent a week in Cancun at a resort with the Christensons.......and my Alex went to Brazil on an LDS mission.  End of June I went on a cruise with the Panniers to Alaska.  It was fun being with the grand children and watching them discover our wonderful world.  I decided not to let Obama being re-elected president ruin my life......I still have my family and God! I also have many wonderful friends out there.The Cooks are with the Christensons at their Park City cabin for New Years Eve and the Panniers are at their cabin in Island Park, ID celebrating tonight.  I am off with friends to the "'Tiberon" for dinner.....tomorrow to see "The Hobbit". ....and Wednesday right back into the old routine and 2013. There will be the bills to get out and the Christmas decorations to put away.  But with the excitement of getting Richie off on an LDS Mission to Mexico.......and life goes on. Happy New Years Eve!
"Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year."  RALPH WALDO EMERSON

COUNTING DOWN 2012.......

AMEN......What lies ahead for America?  I guess you could say the world as we know it ends every day at midnight and a new one starts again.
This has been going on for ages.....sort of, because as an even older man, a Greek philosopher called Heraclitus is supposed to have said, "No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it is not the same river and he is not the same man.".....the river changes, the man changes constantly!  The world, as it was, as we knew it, ends every single minute. People die. People are born. Friendships are made and lost. Marriages, divorces, remarriage all take place.  Jobs begin, Careers end and begin.....Now is different than then, which was different than later.and will continue to change. You age one day at a time and hopefully grow into a better you.  But, bottom line is to enjoy every single moment of your life.  If its bad change it if you can, if its good, be thankful.
On this cold winter day I watch the little birds fight for a place on my bird feeder and feel happy I can make their day better.  I am going to dinner at the Cooks to celebrate my grandson Richie's 19 birthday.  I am thankful for so many things and I am happy the world didn't end on 12-21-2012!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RICHIE.......

Happy Birthday Richie......I am sorry your leaning a bit but for the life of me I can't find out how to stand you up.......and I want your latest picture in your new suit all dressed up ready for your new Mission.....19 years ago, my how time passes.  I am so excited you are going to Mexico and can learn the language which will come in handy in the years to come.  I am very proud of you and all the great things you have done......but I will really miss you.  But, for today celebrate your 19 years up in the snow and have a good day!
We are really in a freeze this week with temperatures in the 20"s, but it is pretty outside.  Leslie called me yesterday from California where her family had a beach house for a few days and she said she was freezing to death, will be glad to come back to Arizona today!  For those who love snow sports.....and there are many in my family.....the Christmas vacation has been a blast.  I am very thankful for my nice warm home with a new recliner pulled up in front of my little fireplace and put on a good movie.....that's my idea of a good afternoon. Well enjoy your last 3 days of 2012......and many more Happy Birthdays to Richard Benjamine Cook!

YES VIRGINIA.....THERE IS A SANTA CLAUS.

As the famous poem goes......"Yes, Virginia there is Santa Claus.  He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exists, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy.  Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus!  It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginia's........No Santa Claus! thank God he lives and lives forever.  A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay 10 times 10,000 years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood."  Yes, there is a Santa, and the one you see is my 11 year old Scottie, who volunteered to be Santa at Grammie's Christmas party.  I made the Santa outfit many years ago for Sherrie to have a Santa at their work party, it has been used for many years.  This year Scott borrowed it for his Halloween costume and decided to be Santa at the party......he was the star with his bag of presents to every ones delight.  Thank you Mr Scottie Santa! Will we see you next year????
Nicci , Bill and Ollie came by and had breakfast with me.  She is so neat and so far away.  They were excited to be going to the Barn for New Years......I was so happy they took time out of their busy schedule to squeeze in a visit to Gram. All grandchildren are special in their gram's hearts.
I can't help but think about my sister with her big heartiness rented a beach house for her family this year with a day at "Sea World"....I can't imagine trying to coordinate 26 people in eating, sleeping and keeping them happy.  HAPPY NEW YEARS LES........
Lots of cold and snow this week, did sneak out to a movie this afternoon. Good Ole 2012 almost done..

OLD FRIEND......

This is Ann Moseley who traveled around the world with me.  She called me this morning to tell me she has been in the hospital for a month and is now in a care center to get better.....no way to spend Christmas.  She had five girls and I had three and we always had to find out who was PG before we planned our next trip somewhere.  Her girls are not very attentive and I know she feels neglected sometimes.  That is why I say have more than one child because if that only child is like my oldest daughter, you would get neglected.......She and Rob didn't even bother to wish me a Merry Christmas on Christmas day, but I believe in Karma......what you give out you get back or what goes around comes around and their day may come when that happens to them! But, moving on not looking back today was a good day.  Karrie came by and fixed my computer for me and showed me how to work the new drink maker they gave me for Christmas.  Talked to Bev, Shirley, Ann, and all compared notes on our holidays.......Don't think Ann and I will be doing any more traveling together for a long time, but we have many fun memories.....

LOOKING AHEAD.....NOT BACK!

These are the people that fill my life with love and happiness.  I feel lucky to have had 8 of my 9 grandchildren together for our Christmas party.  Sherrie got us a cut-out of Alex who is on an LDS Mission in Brazil, but in our thoughts and hearts that night. Pam's Tiff, Nicci and William.  Karrie's Richie, Andrea and Scottie and Sherrie's Brayden and Kennedy.......and ALEX the cute little guy in white......  I am so happy I closed my eyes!!!!! Next year Richie will be on a mission in Mexico, but you don't look back you keep looking forward.  Tiff is 30 and I have had her every Christmas since she was born.  Nicci getting married so may not always be home from Minnesota. You can see on Brayden's  shirt a couple of visitors that always come to us this time of year, we love their spirits.
Spent Christmas Night with the Cooks, had fun dinner, made gingerbread houses, opened a couple of presents and watched a movie.  So many fun things Christmas morning and my sock was full of fun things, plus new PJS, robe, food mixer and more.  They went to the Cook's family party while I delivered neighborhood gifts and napped, then we all went to see "LeMes"....I hated to go to bed, because Christmas 2012 would be over and I loved it so much. Snowy and cold.

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2012

Merry Christmas 2012.....so glad the world did not end  on the 21st......I would have missed so many good times the 22, 23,24,25! Things just keep getting better.  We got our White Christmas, had a fun Christmas Eve with the Cooks and now am enjoying Christmas day.  We will take in "Le Mes" later today.  Got so much for  Christmas and enjoyed the love of all the family.  I am also waiting to hear from Alex......maybe......if they can connect my phone with theirs and skype!  I need to get dressed and deliver some neighbor gifts.  I am so thankful this day for all I have and for the 80 past Christmases.  I just wish our world was in better shape, but I guess God is giving us what we have earned out there, with all the killings of children, fireman, family members etc.  Our world is becoming very wicked......starting with Obama.  It will be hard for some people to have a Merry Christmas this year. But being positive, Thank you all for a great day.

CHRISTMAS EVE 2012

Yep, we are going to have a White Christmas......it is really coming down out there.  I hope I can get to the Cooks by five tonight.  I always stay alnight with the Cooks on Christmas Eve since Sherrie moved to Vernal, use to alternate years with them.  They never left me alone on the holidays since the divorce.  They have no idea how much that means to me! Pam called and invited me to go to lunch with her and the girls, but they were leaving in a half hour and I hadn't showered or gotten dressed......I don't hurry any more.  This old age stuff is for the birds!  Got a fun email from my missioary in Brazil.
He seemed up about missing his first Christmas away from home.  He promised he would go out and have a nice Christmas dinner with some of his Christmas money I sent him.  Love and miss him so much. Next year Richie will be gone.  I miss my sisters and brother and parents this time of year and remember all our fun Christmases growing up.  Didn't have much but that never seemed to matter.  I am sure there are some happy skiers and snowmobilers doing the snow dance.  Well, hope everyone has a nice Christmas Eve..........

CHRISTMAS PARTY......

Yep, over the hills and through the woods, to grandmother's condo we go, for our great family Christmas Party......I am so lucky to have a family that love me and love each other.....at least once a year!  We gathered together last night for fun and games and good food.  My three wonderful girls bring food and help me get ready for a family party every Holiday. Every year it seems to get better.....we did miss our Missionary who is in Brazil this year, but we tried to include him with our  sign to him and pictures and the cut out Sherrie brought......we missed you Alex but know you are bringing us many blessings by letting you serve others.  My youngest grandson Scottie surprised everyone by being Santa Claus with his bag of presents........ we played games, ate a wonderful meal and laughed and enjoyed each other....what else is important.  Things like that cannot be bought in any store for any amount of money!   My three families bought me a new recliner chair....all I ask for.  My darling Nicci made it from Minnesota with Oliver and of course my precious Tiff got here in time to bail me out and make the cheese dip!  Will invited his girl friend and I found out the last minute, but she is fun and we enjoyed LIz.  The night before they all met with their father to celebrate their grandfather and great-grand fathers presentation at the U OF U basket ball game.  Vadal is being entered in the Hall of Fame for Basket Ball.  I was happy they could support their father in this.......after all no one is ALL bad!  Today was just sleep and re cooperate, had a  fun conversation with my little sister.....that part of family helps make life too.....I love she and Jim so much.  I am a lucky and happy person.

HAPPY DAY......

The family keep asking "what do you want for Christmas Mom?".....I could only think of one thing to put on my list.....sexy lingerie, it has to be flannel with no more than 8 buttons!  They just laugh.  They did get me a new recliner that I love.
But honestly, there isn't much in the store that I don't have or go out and buy if I want it at this age. Soooo, I just want their love, their visits, phone calls and to see and hear from them regularly....not be forgotten.
YOU KNOW GREAT THOUGHTS ARE A GIFT TO NOURISH THE MIND AND SOUL......
Nobody can go back and start a new beginning but anyone can start today to make a new ending....Maria Robinson.
Your success as a family, our success as a society, depends not on whet happens in the White House, but what happens in your house...Barbara Bush
God will not permit any troubles to come upon us, unless He has a specific plan by which great blessings can come out of the difficulty...Peter Marshall
What can you do right now to turn your life around?  The very first thing is to start making a list of things to be grateful for.  Joe Vitale.

PRESANTS OR PRESENCE?

What are we teaching our children about Christmas?  To focus on presents or GOD's presence?  It is so sad all the sick people out there that cannot face other's freedom of speech and worship.  The word Mohammad does not bother me one way or the other, why is there a fight to get ride of God and Jesus.  But, I promised myself to concentrate on good and positive , so moving on.....
The great Russian author Leo Tolstory began his novel "Anna.Karenina" with these words:  "Happy families are All a like, every unhappy family is unhappy in it's own way."  Happy families have in common.
 , a way of forgiving and forgetting the imperfections of others and looking for the good.  The unhappy ones on the other hand find fault, hold grudges and cannot let go of the past.  You hear a lot of yes, Buts.......in their sentences.
Karrie and kids came over last night and cleaned the house and got my tables set for the party Saturday......a great Christmas present for me.......and Scottie got to stay all night with me???? They are stingy with him. Did my hair this morning and Bev ask me to take her to the airport this afternoon.....Time is flying.
"Old age ain't for wimps...But it beats dying young.....Hell to get old....."  Jane Fonda

HOW MANY DAYS TILL.......

I am sure this is how santa feels this year.....so much heart ache in our world, everyday several funerals and so many sad families in Connecticut.  No good news in the world on the terrible government we have and in many areas bad storms.  In two days are we or aren't we coming to the end.....but the end of what as the Mayan calendar and Notrodamas predicts?  BUT, I will stay positive and up until the end.
I hope all my Christmas presents will make my family happy this year, but I love this thought: "Your the best gift of all......you shop, you wrap and worry but no package can compare to the love and support you share all year-round. I hope whatever I get them will be OK. And, I have already given the best I can give; "myself."   Kids coming to help get the house ready for the family party.  Bev called and needs a ride to the airport tomorrow, thats what it is all about.....people helping people.  Hang in there Santa!

I DECLARE......

There is nothing more beautiful than fresh snow, and snowmen can contest to that....happy, smiling loveing the cold weather.  One storm passed through, another one forecast for tonight.  It is almost Christmas so fun to have a white one this year. Got out my lists and started checking them for today, yes I am checking them off one by one.  Today is shopping for food day, gives me a couple of days out for all the things I forget today.
I try to start off my day with a positive thought or declaration .....makes for a better day.
I DECLARE I will not just survive;  I will thrive!  I will prosper despite every difficulty that may come my way.  I know every setback is a setup for a comeback.  I know one touch of God's favor can change everything so I will stay close to him.  I'm ready for a year of blessings and a year of thriving." Sad world out there with the people in Conneticut burying their little children and the government fighting over letting us go over the fiscal cliff!......oh well this too will pass.

ONE MORE WEEK.....

WHY DO BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE?

Even Santa has a few bumps in his road.......One more week and Santa can get some rest.  I had a very busy morning.  I had a mamogram, went to Costco, filled up with gas and went to the Liquior store.  Now I am pooped!

Funny how we keep saving our good things for 'SOMEDAY"........someday is not a day of the week, you only have now.  The fancy cloths and dishes are to be enjoyed now.

Enjoy the season and this time of year.  I make lists starting in July, and enjoy shopping for each one with love, as I cross them off till Christmas.  I also make food list, house work lists, to do lists, have done lists and day by day I feel the great spirit of accomplishing them.

Christmas Eve will arrive no matter how my lists look and my wonderful family will understand.....Grams just getting older.

"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it."  William Ward

ONE MORE WEEK.....

 

GOD LITTLE CHILDREN

This picture so helped my breaking heart as the past two days have shook up the whole world with the news of a 20 year old man going into a grade school and shooting 20, 6 and 7 years and five teachers. Just babies excited about Santa Claus and loving school.  I can't even begin to image the hurt these families feel burying a child before Christmas.  I have said many times, it is a lot easier losing a mate in death or divorce, (mine), than losing one of my three daughters.  A mate can be replaced, not a child!  I have to know those 20 precious spirits were received in heaven by God with all their grandparents, and relatives gathered around happy to welcome them home, where we all will eventually go.  Of course, there are a million "whys" out there, even why would God let this happen?  I don't have any answers and truly live by the saying.....'Things happen for a reason.....just believe."  All I can say is, "please bless those families."

LUCKY......

I sit here this morning knowing how lucky I am.....My heart is so sad for the people of New Jersey.  26 wonderful people are gone and many families and friends are left with sadness for the Holidays.
We, like Longfellow, feel that horseshoes, are in fact good luck charms.  Where did it all begin?  It's an ancient and popular belief that U shape was a powerful and protective sign.  In ancient Yucatan and Peru, temples were built with arched doorways.  In Spain the Moors designed their mosques in an arch formation. You will see down through the Middle Ages, churches and public buildings were built with arched windows and doorways as a means of protection from danger.  Yes, I can contest to this as I have traveled the world and seen this to be a fact all over the world.   It is thought that the first horseshoes were made by the Greeks during the 4th century, horses were considered sacred back then. Old wives' tale has it that when a horseshoe is hung with its prongs up you will surely keep evil out, while hung with its prongs down it will allow he magic to pour out and bless your home......so anyway a horseshoe is hung up it will bring you luck.  At this sad time we could all use a little luck.

CHRISTMAS 2012......

OK, only 10 more days until Christmas Eve......I guess I better get serious and pull it all together.  I have my shopping done,house decorated, presents wrapped, cards sent, packages mailed......but we are having sweater weather and no snow and it is kinda hard to get in the mood.  Had a fun visit with my favorite cousin today when I delivered her present and we had fun reminessing about growing up together.  Yesterday one of my best friends Patty came by for coffee, she is about over the edge with her family, not good.
Have you ever looked back in your life and realized some days you were the hydrant and some days the dog?  No more hydrant days for me.  You wonder if all is not lost.....where is it?  When you are young you start out with nothing and you get old and realize you still have most of it......  Now days it is not hard to meet expenses they are everywhere.......and it would help if the buck stopped here more often, I could use a few more bucks!  Oh yes, when your young you want no regrets.  You must learn the differene between kids in the backseat can cause accidents and accidents in the back seat can cause kids!!!!
Well, my best friend is coming to stay all night with me, he is so much fun.

HAPPINESS FAIRY

Some mornings are just like that......I didn't say it, it was the Happiness Fairy, I just seconded it.  You get yourself up, take out the garbage, read the paper and have breakfast and your ready to crawl back in bed......its cold, cloudy and dreary out side and you have a lot to do.  I know I shouldn't feel like that, its all good.
I found this little story of how old folks.....here I go again with the old stuff.....are worth a fortune.  With silver in their hair, gold in their teeth, stones in their kidneys and lead in their feet!
I have become a lot more social in my later years; some might even call me frivolous.  I'm seeing five gentlement every day.  As soon as I wake, Will Power helps me to get out of bed.  Then I go see john.  Then Charley Horse comes along, and when he is here, he takes a lot of my time and attention.  When he leaves, Arthur Ritis shows up and stays the rest of the day.  After such a busy day, I'm really tired and glad to go to bed.....with Ben Gay!  I bet many of my friends are doing the same.  I know at my age they keep telling me I should think about the hereafter.  I DO....all the time!  No matter where I am ----in the kitchen, upstairs, downs stairs ----I ask myself, "Now what am I here after?"  Well I am determined to make the Happiness Fairy smile today.

12-12-12

I guess history is made today......it is 12the twelveth month and the twelveth day of the 2012. 12-12-12!
Many marriages and babies born today,making a day to always remember and it will not come around again for a very long time.  Also many are counting the  days until the Mayan calendar runs out December 21 at midnight  We are all holding our breath to see how the world will end.....and wouldn't you know I have everything ready for a big family party on the 22nd?  Seems people from China  to California to Mexico are getting ready for what they think is going to be a fateful day.  The Maya didn't say much about what would happen next, after a 5,125 year cycle known as the Long Count comes to an end.  Occult writers , bloggers and New Age visionariers forseeing all manner of monumental change, from doomsday to a new age of enlightenment! Funny but no one in Mexico's Mayan heartland, is preparing for the end of the world...... Oh well, we will know soon enough whether the Mayans, Notradamas and the Chinese are wrong.
Had a fun Christmas party with my dominos group today, good friends are so important.

 

I DIDN'T KNOW THAT.....

                                                       I absolutely love Maxine, I wish she lived next door to me, because I have found someone I can relate to.  I have felt like this, but I never have the nerve to say it to anyone.  She is old and groucy and to the point and you can take it or leave it.  My family seem to think I only write about old people and being old, but hey you write about what you know and understand best.  I have these feelings and thoughts, too.  And Maxine seems to love her dog.  It's laundry day and hair washing day and I am not moving very fast. Karrie came by a few minutes which always makes my day and Sherrie called to say she was baking cookies and getting ready for Kennedy's Eagle Scout award party.  Maxine says sometimes I forget someones name, but its OK because other people forget they even knew me.  And,  oh how I miss the days when everything worked with justt an "ON" and "OFF" switch!  Do you find you are using more four letter words....."what?"...."when?"....."where?"...."why?"..(3 letters). AND everyone whispers now days.  I have three sizes of clothes in my closet, two of which I will never wear again......probably!  But think about all the old things that are still good in life.....old songs, old movies and best of all old friends.  It's not wht you gather, but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived.....long live Maxine!

BLACK FRIDAY......

Te Cooks hitting Black Friday Thanksgiing night.......along with hundred

HAPPINESS AT THE HOLIDAYS......

Deepak Chopra as been one of my favorite authors and speakers since my NLP days. In Chopra's new book "Super Brain" he says ,"Your brain is not a noun, it's a verb----it responds to the activity in your mind."Yes, everyone wants and needs to be happy for the Holidays, they can stir up many feelings, from sorrow of the past seasons to unrealistic expectations of childhood repeats. Our happiness lies in becoming the master of your brain. Chopra says you are able to rewire your networks by the way you think, feel, reflect, speak and act.....and I do believe people can change their moods. "If you don't use your brain in unpredictable ways, it gets lazy."  "The more novelty there is for the brain, the healthier it is," Skip some of those Holiday traditions you don't enjoy and be 'infinite adaptable'....go with the flow.  Ask yourself who you are, what your purpose is, and what you want and what makes you happy.  "People who are happy find meaning and purpose in their existence."   His advice is shift your brain's conversation, focus on the present, concentrate on others. I shall try to remember "My life may not be perfect but I am blessed." HAPPY HOILIDAYS......it's snowing!

WHO ARE YOU?

This picture says so much......attitude, bullying, yellow snow? Oh how I have wished I was a dog and the person a snow-man with no legs.......Well it finally snowed last night, down here 3-4 inches but I think the mountains got some good snow, many guys in my family happy about it.  It does help you get in the mood for Christmas!
Caroline Myss wrote an interesting book "Archetypes....who are you?'. In the lives we were born into our true essence comes through in behavior patterns that govern all aspects off our lives, from how we shop to the relationships we pursue. 'Your archetypes govern your relationship to your personal and spiritual power. Connecting with an archetype is a bridge to your true self,  You are far more than your personality, more than your habits, more than your achievements. Dream big, use your archetypes to guide you.'  Very interesting!.....helps you understand why Artists love Art, some people are better Mothers than others, inventers invent things....our archetypes come through and are encouraged.
Now for a note to my favorite Missionary and off to bed.

13 MORE DAYS?????

13 More days left in the world according to the Mayan Calendar which ends at midnight on December 21st???
"Give  up the need to know what happens tomorrow.  Just be fully present and appreciate all that is in your life right now."...Caroline Myss
I am proud as I look back on my life, that I believed in myself enough to feel sorry for those who hurt me, I think today they may be the losers.
Most people are miserable because they are trying to live a life that does not belong to them.  No one can be truly healthy or fulfilled if your head and heart exist in two separate forces within you.
To many people define their life by what they want versus what they have. Your Spirit is the light inside you and it is the spirit that seeks meaning and purpose in you. I have a good Spirit and attitude and love my life.  I saw a sign that read.....you know your middle class if you shop at Target, Walmart or Kmart......they forgot to mention TJ Maxx.  Are there any other stores out there?  Guess I must be middle class.  I do know what is lucky is when you are happy with the life you have and realize that everything you do counts. Guess I better get busy planning what I am going to do for the next 13 days......... that counts?

TGIF

TGIF really doesn't mean much to someone retired, because everyday could be Friday and  as far as I am concerned!  This is a cute sign and if I ask any number of my relatives they would be jumping for joy for two days off now.  The weekends are lonely sometimes, but I just say 'SUCK IT UP CUPCAKE" and go shopping or to a movie.
I did have a very good day, Sherrie came in from Vernal and we went shopping?  I found myself at R C Wileys shopping for MY Christmas   present....YES!  Then we met Karrie at Zuppa's for lunch, one of our favorite places.  Then, off to Costco to meet Darren and they were off to Vernal.  We don't see much of Sherrie and I miss her a lot, but she does call me almost every day which is great.  It is suppose to snow in the mountains tonight so may still get a little winter in December.  At dinner last night, I think Pam was a little sad when we talked about her dog Charles being gone.  She is one person who is saying TGIF today.......

GROWING UP!!!!

Can't believe my first grandson is 22.....yesterday.  We are off to celebrate his birthday tonight.  Yes, he has a girl friend that is around a lot......he and Liz have been on again off again since they were seniors in high school.  Will is a senior at the U of U., he has a job at the Polo Store at the Park City Outlets.  He loves snow boarding and computer games!
Also going to drop by a "Celebration of Life" for Jon Taft who died last week.  He had been very sick with cancer for about a year.  So sad to see so many old friends dying.  Had a luncheon at Layla's yesterday with the bridge club and Toby was there doing pretty good.  Her oldest daughter Linda lived with them so that will be a big help for Toby.
Sherrie just called and will be in tomorrow, been a long time since we saw her.
SO HAPPY BIRTHDAY WILL..............

DISTRIBUTION......

So true and all they do is argue in the government while we wait to fall off the fiscal cliff and into another depression.  I cannot depend on the government to make my last days happy, I will have to find good things and do it myself.  I need to take very good care of Betty Ree Yeomans!  I really do a pretty good job of it when I think about it.....Like after Dr. Phil today I decided I wanted a kid's meal at McDonalds with chicken nuggets.....so off I went without a bra and in my slippers.....so?  Then I decided while I was out I might as well shop a little so I stopped at Ross.  I love to look and just enjoy mingling with the strange people there....I even lucked out, it was Senior Citizen Day and I got 20% of my purchase, see getting old isn't all bad.  When I got  home and took in the mail I got my two first Christmas cards of the season signaling that Christmas is just around the corner. The cards were  from two of my favorite people, Sherrie and Tiff. Started wrapping Christmas presents today, my shopping is done.  Will take a couple of days to finish that up.....oh well its all good.  A little rain today, but still no snow!!!!!  Tomorrow my oldest grandson turns 22, YES!

CHRISTMAS 3 WEEKS AWAY.....

Where there is a will, there is a way. Wow, I wonder how many times you could get away with clicking your Life Alert button, before they just put you away? I also practice the line if a burglar broke in..."what are you going to do I HOPE, don't just stand there frisk me!" I guess at 80 he might kill himself first......
There are so many things that we have to wade through every day in our life.....with Christmas three weeks away there are so many things to get done.  I started my Christmas list for my kids.....#1. sexy lingerie as long as it is flannel and has no more than 8 buttons. #2. (I'm still working on my list....)  Then someone hands you the word OR.......OR only means you have to make another choice. With choices come consequences!  Do I buy this, or buy that?  Do I eat this or eat that?  Do I wear this or wear that?  How many choices do we make a day of our lives?  And they all have that big word "OR" connected.  I guess the last choice of the day is we say our prayers with I will either wake up in the morning OR I won't.......and we don't always have the choice.....God does.
Jon Taft died day before yesterday, so many old friends leaving us. Now we add another single lady to our bridge club. Heard from my sweet missionary today....love Mondays.  Still no snow, a little rain last night.

BE POSITIVE.....

Snoopy makes life so simple, take his advice and never have a bad day.  Yesterday I spent the whole day with my youngest grandchild, took in a movie, went out to dinner, played Old Maid and watched TV. Today Shirley and I went to see "Lincoln"....it reminded me of what is going on in our government today, only it isn't about freeing the slaves, but freeing the people from Obama Care and higher taxes!
We all have a cross to bare in life.....I love the attitude of a niece Andrea Merriman, who has had her share of trouble in life. "It's all in what you choose to do with it.  You can let your trails 'ruin' your lives and become an excuse for every future challenge or failure you'll have; or you can hang in there, get through them, and figure out how to use them for your good, to make you better, you can learn to smile in spite of them".  She has done just that and is my hero.
"ANY DAY CAN BE A NEW BEGINNING....." and we begin our march through December!

LUCKY

Yes, every morning I wake up and tell myself how lucky I am! I  can name on both hands the people who are "oh, ever so much more...Oh, ever so much more, muchly much-much more unlucky than me.!" and things in the future don't look any brighter for them......all you can do is reach out and try to help. I was thinking how often the word 'UP' is used, this two-letter word in English has more meanings than any other two-letter  word, and that word is "UP". It is listed in the dictionary as and adverb, preposition, adjective, noun or verb.
It is easy to understand UP, meaning toward the sky or at the top of the list, but when we awaken in the morning, why do we wake UP?
At a meeting, why does a topic come UP?  Why do we speak UP, and why are officers UP for election, if there is a tie, it is a toss UP......and why is it UP to the secretary to write UP a report?  We call UP our friends, brighten UP a room, polish UP the silver, warm UP the leftovers and clean UP the kitchen.  We lock UP the house and fix UP the old car.  Stir UP trouble, line UP for tickets, work UP an appetite, and think  UP excuses.  A drain must be opened UP because it is stopped UP.  We open UP a store in the morning but we close it UP at night.  When it threatens to rain, we say it is clouding UP.  When the sun comes out, we say it is clearing UP.  When it does not rain for awhile things dry UP.  Well, my time is UP on this subject for now, but you get the idea!  Makes you think....doesn't it?  One more day and December will be here, oh how fast life slips by.  Another beautiful, sunny day. Bought a new garbage disposal!!!

FOUR YEARS FROM NOW????

I so hoped I could add these two pictures to my blog and it was done and gone, I must delete somethings and these pictures are just tooooo good to not look back on as a good laugh.  This will happen four years from now, one way or another......If I live that long! And life goes on with the "Obamas"....and Biden.
Rich tried to unstick my garbage disposal.......again...but it sound like it is falling apart inside, probably means a new one and this one is only two years old.
Also off to a bridge luncheon at Nancy's, so good things happen too. Beautiful 60 degree weather the end of November.

HAKUNA MATATA...NO WORRIES

Today I spent three and a half hours with two of my best friends!  Patty and Ruth we found a table in the corner of the "CORNER CAFE BAKERY " and absolutely had a good therapy session.  After hearing both of their problems, I'll take mine....all I can think of is my garbage disposal won't work!!!! I tried to fix it with the little red button and the broom stick, but guess I'll be calling my son-in-law with
" HELP"......Both these ladies have husbands who are on deaths door, mine walked out 26 years ago so I can cross that worry off the list.  They have grown children in all sorts of complicated situations and they are having health problems themselves......plus Patty has a 98 year old mother who can't hear a thing she has to run out and tend every day! My three children and their families are doing OK and my health is as good as an 80 years old can be......  NOPE, NOPE, NOPE....I'm not complaining.  But bottom line there is absolutely nothing like a really good friend who is always there for you through good days and bad.  I would do anything for these two ladies! Yeah, we even discuss good bras now and then!....there is very little that gets by us.  Have a good day and just hope your not on our list!

LOVE ONE ANOTHER

The newspapers, the TV programs.....every day nothing but bad news.  I love this picture which is entitled "love one another", when we are young we do love one another and so why does it have to change through the years?  They all look different, but here they are just happy sharing each others company. Eventually the cat will eat the mouse.  The dog will grow up to chase the cat and the rabbit.
There are some good rules in life......Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.  How many of us look back and say if I had that to do again I would change it? We cannot dwell on what others think of us, in our younger years it seems very important, but as we grow older we know we can't make everyone happy, so why try.  I have found  you  need to stop thinking too much, you can' know all the answers, and those you need to know will come when you least expect.  NO ONE IS IN CHARGE OF YOUR HAPPINESS EXCEPT YOU!  So reach out and love your life and each other.  Today is the start of my Christmas Decorating so I can play the rest of the week.......

THANKSGIVING WEEKEND.....

Added another fun Holiday to my many years....I went up to Island Park with Pam, Rob, Tiff and Scott.....and oh yes, Charles and Captain (4 legged great-grandchildren).  Had a great Turkey dinner and lots of good food and snacks all weekend.  Did some knitting, playing cards, making cards and watching fun movies.  It was cold but no snow till Saturday night, making it a pretty ride home.  Ran up to West Yellow stone one day, been a long time since I was in Montana.  Scott and Tiff hooked up the hot tub and counted the degrees until they could enjoy it.  Pam, Rob, Tiff and I put up the pretty Christmas lights on the Barn as you can see in the photo......Tiff did all the work as we  all stood around with our good advice????   TIFF IS THE GREATEST!  Always good to get back to your own bed and see Gigi. Leslie called and is coming up for the night on Thursday and Sherrie might be in tomorrow.  They enjoyed their Thanksgiving in the Bahamas.  So looks like this week is shaping up to another busy one with Christmas one month away...............

TOMORROW TURKEY DAY......

Well tomorrow is Thanksgiving.....and every picture I pulled up concerning Thanksgiving was a table laden with food........I wonder why?  Is Thanksgiving only about eating?   Are we only thankful we have enough to eat?  Not that we are free and not being bombed or on food stamps.......yet?  Poor Israel, Greece, Egypt etc.  I bet there will be few turkey dinners in those areas  Thank goodness I believe that happiness is mine today and tomorrow. At my age I will do great things and great things will happen.  At every stage, I will have more blessings to count. I will eventually have great-grand children and my grandchildren will all get happily married.Life has so much to offer, we can't soak it all up at one time.  In the morning at six I will be picked up and swooped off to Island Park in Idaho for a big turkey dinner with the Panniers at their new "Barn"....I presume we will eat constantly till we pack up to come home Sunday.  Karrie is tending Gigi and I hope the weather stays good.  Richie came over and racked the leaves in my backyard......next year he will be on a mission in Mexico at Thanksgiving!  My Elder Christenson is in Brazil and they don't celebrate Thanksgiving he said!!!! Sherrie is in the Bahamas! I talked to Leslie tonight, she is going to Korina's for dinner, for some reason, I am very lonesome for my family and the growing up days tonight! HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

YOLO.....YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE!

This is a picture every child should have in their minds as they grow up.....A NICE OLD, ROUND GRAMMIE WHO MADE GOOD PIES for holiday dinners with all the family.  Yes, I remember my Grandma Goff looking almost like this and making wonderful bread, pies and cookies.  My mother......not so much......this grandma even less!  Of course, "in the olden days", they didn't have a COSTCO close by. We are all looking forward to Turkey Day!
At this time of year you tend to think back over the years and the many Thanksgivings that have come and gone in your lifetime.  As a child we always went up the street to Grandma's house and all mother's brothers and their families came to dinner.  My first year at college I went home to Hinckley Utah with one of my roommates, she had a cute brother.  When I worked in Denver and lived with my aunt and uncle my folks drove up for the weekend.  The first year I was married, we lived with Vadal, Don's father on I street and I was nominated to cook the turkey.  Well the sister-in-laws tried to help, but when we got ready to carve it we found the gibblets still in their paper bag still inside......took a long time to live that down!  Though my 30 years of marriage I never got to go home for Thanksgiving, the Petersons never  included Pam and I who were left alone the first 11 years while Don was off flying,......so someone else could be home with their families. We did have Thanksgiving with friends in Denver the year the twins turn one. Back in Salt Lake the next 12 years were the kids and I sometimes going out if we could find a place open.  After Pam got married she always went to St. George with Panniers. After the twins got married and I have been divorced I have had many fun days with one of their families.  This year I am off to Idaho with the Panniers.

I KNOW YOU ARE THERE GOD......

With Christmas around the corner we are ever more aware of the help we need from above, but God is being pushed out of many areas of our lives.  NOT ME! Each day I sort through the beautiful clutter of life to find that ONE GOOD THING to write about on my blog.......Today it is my freedom......
Today I am free to drive out of my garage, in my own car.  I can turn left or I can turn right at Highland Drive.  I can go shopping, meet a friend, go to a movie or go anyplace I want to eat.  I am single, independent, have a little money, have many interests and friends and family and good neighbors close by.  I am healthy as most 80 year olds can be and still mentally alert???? Well, that is my opinion, maybe my family would disagree!
I do dread the time when this all comes to an end.  My freedom all these years have allowed me to learn, listen and see so much. Marriage, raising a family, traveling around the world, taking classes, learning to use the new devices and inventions that pop up every day have all become so much a part of me.  Who decides when this will end?. My family? A friend or neighbor? God?
This Sunday morning is a cold, cloudy and rather dreary day, but it is one of God's days and I thank him for it........

TRUST......

TRUST.....so important in life and one of the first things you are taught as a child and teach your children.  I remember when I found out the husband I thought I could trust broke the glass ball of our marriage in his adultery....I never trusted him again.  Today I am struggling with the promises of a President of the US that he broke and fear four more years of the same. Obama seems to be living on the SOMEDAYS and I have news for him SOMEDAY is not a day of the week!
It seems I am constantly searching for some sign of security in the world today and have been strengthened by the quotes of great people that seem to understand things better than I do.
"Your success as a family, our success as a society, depends not on what happens in the White House, but what happens inside your house." (James E. Faust)  This I believe and will strive for.
"Courage is fear holding on a minute longer." (George S. Patton)  Minutes can add up to days, days to weeks, and weeks to months and years......so I will hold on another minute!
"I have been impressed with the urgency of doing.  Knowing is not enough....being willing is not enough, we must do."  (Leonardo da Vinci)  Every day I wonder....what more can I do to make things better for my family, my country?
Is the answer.....we can only trust ourselves????

THROUGH THE YEARS.....

"Never believe that a few caring people can't change the world.  For indeed, that  is all who ever have." ....Margaret Mead
Spent the afternoon, having lunch with and "tending" my son-in-law who just had his rotary cuff operated on yesterday.  He just wanted to sleep!I wish him a speedy recovery.
This picture tells the story of a "Happily Ever After" life.  To bad it is just a picture and somewhere in there does not continue.  Happy childhood, get acquainted with boys, find the one that is special, getting married and grow old together, she dies, he mourns, together side by side again they end the story of Happily Ever After! A picture is worth a million words.......and that is how God meant it to be, but 2 out of 3 persons lives now days do not follow this. Mine did not....after my divorce I KNEW I could not quit and give up.  I had to carry on AND LIVE; not only for my three girls, 2 granddaughters and son-in-law but my family.  I had not been raised to lay down and feel sorry for myself,  I was all my family had left after their father walked out and I was determined to Live Happily Ever After......and I have!  It has been 26 years this month since the divorce and has been a great 26 years since "GREAT WHITE FATHER" took off, and we are all living Happily Ever After."
"He who is not every day conquering some fear has not learned the secret of life......"    Waldo Emerson

OBAMA'S INHERITANCE......

Every news station is talking about all the bad things President Obama has inherited....HELLO......who was the President who left it to him???? He refuses to take any blame for anything bad out there...maybe the next four years are going to be very long. But, I refuse to settle in and let him ruin my last days on earth. Today I learned a new world! "PARAPROSDOKIANS".....I love, strange looking words...it is a figure of speech in which the latter part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected; frequently humorously! Examples;
1.  Where there is a will, I want to be in it.....
2.  The last thing I want to do is hurt you, but it is still on my list.
3.  If I agreed with you, we would both be wrong.......
4. War does not determine who is right, only who is left.
5.  To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism.  To steal from many is research.
6.  I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.
7.  In filling out an application where it says, 'In case of emergency notify' I always write Doctor.
8.  Your never to old to learn something stupid!
9.  Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.
10.  I'm supposed to respect my elders, but it is getting harder and harder to find one anymore.
11.  Some cause happiness whenever they come.....others whenever they go.
12.  I used to be indecisive, Now I am not sure?????  Now you all know a new word.
The Christensons are off to the Bahamas tonight for Thanksgiving.   They leave at 11;00 PM  and get to New York at 5;00 AM. Spend an hour and off to the Bahamas arriving at 10:00  I use to do things like that, but I am not sure how bad I want a vacation now days putting in those hours.
Karrie came over this morning and cleaned up after I had bridge last night, really appreciated the help! Up early and have my yearly doctor appointment in the morning.

THE UPSIDE OF GOING DOWNHILL

I would love to live next door to Maxine......she expresses so nicely what a lot of us think, but try not to say.  She would keep you entertained royally!  She might have the answer here. She is old and that is OK.  Someone once said, "Aging begins at birth and continues relentlessly.  The only difference is that some stay at it longer than others.  So, be glad you are getting old; it is a privilege denied to many."
I am 80 and I admit it; I sometimes struggle to maintain a joyous outlook while experiencing the inevitable decline of an aging body..
Each morning I should have an "exercise in gratitude," beginning at the top of my head.  My hair is falling out but I still have enough to fake a decent hairdo.  I wear glasses, but they help me see and enjoy God's beautiful world, My hearing is bad in one ear, but if I don't want to hear what someone says I turn them my deaf side!!!
For everything that is wrong with me, a lot of me is working fine.  I have come to realize that the most significant affect on my "quality of life" is not my physical condition, but my attitude.
We are all aware of the declining physical powers that accompany the aging process.  But far more important is what happens within us as we age.  Will we grow bitter and hate the broken-down cages we live in?  Or will we be able to maintain a sense of humor and preserve an attitude of gratitude despite our failing physical capacities?  HUMOR AND GRATITUDE---theses are the things that will make a happy final chapter in our life stories.
Enjoy a few Senior Moments....Maxine says who needs to remember what happened 10 minutes ago?  Go to the Dollar Store and find a bottle of pills and if the labels says, "Relives dyspepsia, flatulence, hyperacidity, ulcer, cramps, nausea and indigestion", take one every day and find that covers many of your discomforts. My outside is getting old, but I refuse to let my inside think old.  Tonight I am having bridge and it is a good time to compare health notes with the girls.....I usually wouldn't trade places with any of them..........

DEFINITELY MAYBE?????

As I look at pictures this picture I took in my travels and I have many like it...... I was thinking about how many places I have been in this wonderful world......
It was a bit disappointing to figure out I have never been in "Cahoots".  They say you can not go alone.  You have to be in Cahoots with someone.  I have also never been "In-Cognito".  Now that sounds like a place I might really enjoy.  Seems no one recognizes you, which makes it real easy to do whatever you want without being bothered.  I almost hate to admit having been "In-Sane".  They do not have an airport so you have to "be driven there."  But it is an easy place to reach.  I have actually made several trips there thanks to my family, friends, neighbors and work.
There is one place that I really don't want to go.  That is to 'Conclusions."  They say you have to jump there and I am not much on physical activity anymore.
I have been "In-Doubt", however that is a sad place to go, and I try not to visit there too often.  I have also been 'In-Flexible", but only when it was very important to stand firm.  Unfortunately, I often think I am "In-Vincible", but life soon, shows me that I am not!  At times I have found myself 'In-Capable" and, though I don't like it, I seem to go there more often as I am getting older.
I do not mind mentioning that I am looking forward to being "In-Suspense" soon.  It is one of my favorite places.  It really gets the adrenalin flowing and pumps up the old heart.  And at my age I need all the stimulation I can get.
Well, let me know if you want to meet in 'Cahoots" sometime.  Like they say, you cannot go it alone.All at once I realize I still have some traveling to do before I die????
Heard from my cute missionary today, he seems to be doing good and always tells me how much he misses me.  Spent the day cleaning house for bridge tomorrow!

WINTER ARRIVED......

Spent the week end in Island Park, Idaho with the Panniers checking out the new " BARN" not really a barn as you can see, but taken from the blue prints of a barn by the builder.....so dubbed the barn. HOWEVER.....it did not look like this this weekend end.  We left Salt Lake about four in the afternoon in a blinding snow storm that left about two feet of snow in Karrie's back yard.  It snowed on us to the border of Idaho then we had good road until we got almost to the barn.  We woke up the next morning to a winter wonder land out side and bitter cold. The temperature dropped below zero in the night.  That didn't stop us from doing some shopping and sight seeing.  They took me up to some beautiful springs that every turn was a picture post card. Then we ended up at "BOONDOCKS", a quaint little place with the best lunch ever!  Fun friendly people and we will be going back every chance we get. We also took two humungus cinnamon rolls home for breakfast. The lake in back is in walking distance and will be a fun summer treat to fish, boat, swim, water ski etc.  In winter of course snowmobiling etc and West Yellowstone  is a few miles away. It will always be a fun get-a-way for them and their family for many years.
Sent my sweet missionary an email tonight, been gone going on eight months....maybe two years won't seem like forever soon..

THANK YOU GOD......

Ben Stein is a wonderful Jewish man who presents a wonderful thought, he started by saying he didn't believe in Christmas trees etc., but he did not object to those who do.  He wasn't unhappy many did not light a menorah.  We are different but the same. But he said "Funny how simple it is for  people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the news papers say, but question what the Bible says.  Funny how you can send jokes through emails and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing.  Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through saber space, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and work place. If you don't have time for God, will God have time for you?  Do you just believe everything you read like Benjamin Spock who says spanking your children wrap and damage self-esteem when his own son committed suicide?????
It is cold and snowing here now, but I have electricity, a warm house and plenty of food.  Sorry for the people back East.  Off to the Barn for the weeekend.

HAPPINESS IS A JOURNEY......

Well, we are two days past the re-election and there is no news of any change. There may  be some changes in his cabinet, but who knows when or who.
When you are young and newly married you keep thinking things will change in your life.
Dr. Alfred D. Souza said it best.  "For a long time it seemed to me  life was about to begin, real life.  But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles WERE my life.  This perspective has helped me to see  there is no way to happiness.  Happiness IS the way.  So treasure every moment you have and remember that time waits for no one.  Happiness is a journey, not a destination."
This made me realize I didn't need to get rid of the President we had that I felt was the anti-Christ here to destroy the world.  My happiness was me and happening now, every day I lived.So each day I say thank you God for this beautiful day, help me be a better me.Another week almost gone and a snow storm in the forecast.

BLACK WEDNESDAY.........

 President Re-Elect Obama celebrating his win last night! All the black people, Mexicans and government officials voted for him, he barely won, sort of a  50-50 thing with Romney.  I was devastated.....and got many calls of condolence from family and friends who were afraid I would jump off a bridge like I threatened.  But I woke up this morning determined that skinny black Muslim man would not----could not ruin my life.  I have a choice and my consequence is to enjoy every day of my life I have left on earth.....My poor grandchildren are left with a big bill.

This is the man that could have led us into a new world, but I am sure God has a better and bigger job for him and he deserves better than being a prisoner in the White House.  I watched a very interesting documentation on the White House and past presidents while the voting played out.  Every minute of every day someone has their eyes on the President and knows where he is and what he is doing......and with all the members of his family.....this could get pretty old after four years.  No one ever tells him NO, but they don 't like him.Mitt Romney is a smart man, with many talents and does not deserve being told what to say and do every minute, you really are the winner MITT!  I hope I can live four more years to see them put WHITE back in the WHITE HOUSE.........

TODAY IS THE DAY TO DECIDE.......

YES.....The big day is finally here!  So tired of calls from all over the U.S. with their messages to vote for their people......and the TV commercials are so brutal and tiring.  It will be a full day of hanging out with the TV and not getting much accomplished I am afraid.  Another bad storm is forecast for the poor people back East already hungry and cold, with no place to vote.
Today I think of this story.....which I might already have told you??? Obama just received a plaque from the Indians, his new Indian name is "WALKING EAGLE."
Later asked to the Indians why that name for the president?  Reply, "WALKING EAGLE" is the name given to a bird so full of S---, it can no longer fly!  So if you see this big black eagle walking around Washington you will know who it is!
"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery."  Winston Churchill

TIME FOR CHANGE......

O.K. I changed my clock, now I am ready to change my PRESIDENT! So I was up at 6:30, but my body still thinks it was 7:30, it will take a few days to convince my head what the clock now says.  What will tomorrow bring to our country....counting down the hours till then.  The poor people back east are still cold, hungry and wondering where they can vote.....and the President is out telling everyone how wonderful he is.  He is not cold or hungry!
Good people that work hard deserve to be happy.  Joy isn't something you should have to wait for or wish for.  It  is something you can feel right now!  And all it takes is giving yourself permission to take a break, letting yourself relax---and opening your eyes and your heart.  Look for reasons to smile and you will find so many.  We have what it takes......sure things get in the way of our dreams sometimes.  But, we are tougher than any trouble, smarter than any setback and more determined than any difficulty. There is no challenge you can not meet and no problem you can not beat.  So what are we waiting for? Go for it! I am smiling I got an email from my Missionary in Brazil, he just moved and seems very happy with his life.  Also a great Sunday, my son-in-law fixed my computer and I went over and had a fun dinner and evening with the Cooks. Glad I voted early.