JUST SIX WORDS........

I love this picture.......It's my GIG dog with a friend!  Well, not really but it looks just like her so maybe it is some of her family.......we all have skeletons in our closets!
Good thought: In the world of nudity, you could feel very liberated.  Out in clothed society, people are packages of clothes, shoes, watches  and other status symbols that can mask their true natures.  Style disguises substance.  I enjoy checking out interesting blogs on the Internet and ran across one that makes blogging very simple (sixwordsyourlife.com) He put down what was happening in his life and what he was going through in only six words.....that would be a real challenge for me, I like to write to much.  Here are some for instances:  Waking up in an empty bed......My best is never good enough......I had a love, he's gone......Low hopes makes for less disappointment.....You know I liked myself once.....Lost myself, now I'm starting over......Thought I was something, guess not.  You can go on and on, interesting challenge for someone who wants to blog, but doesn't like to write! It takes all kinds to make this interesting world.   Off to lunch and bridge today.

DID YOU KNOW????

The world is changing so fast and not really for the good.  What has happened to our leaders when it comes to all their promises to commit their time and lives to serve us well.  They are not sincere you can't believe any of them, especially the president and hard work??? What a joke.  I guess the only thing I can depend on to be constant is  "The Father - Son - Holy Spirit". This little sign says a lot.

I am finding more and more of friends my age are dying, which brings up the many customs of death.  Did you know.......Several hundred years ago, lead cups were used for drinking ale and whiskey.  The combination would sometimes knock people out for days.  When found they were sometimes presumed dead and were prepared for burial.  They were laid out on the kitchen table for a couple of days and the family gathered around eating and drinking to see if they would wake up.  Hence the custom of holding  "a wake."

England started running out of places to bury people.  So they dug up coffins and took the bones back to their house and reused  the graves. 1 out of 25 coffins were found to have scratched marks on the inside and they realized they have been burying people alive. So they decided to tie wrists with a cord , lead it through the coffin, then up through the ground and tie it to a bell.  Someone  was posted all night to listen for a bell.  Thus began "the graveyard shift."  Where their relatives hoped their loved ones might be "saved by the bell" and become a "dead ringer?"  True or not sounds good to me.

SECRET RETREAT......

Now days.....the thing to do is have a second place to escape to..  Two of my kids have cabins to break the routine of everyday living and the other has a time share they use once a month.  In my other life we had a cabin in Wyoming that I adored. Took long walks, pressed the wild flowers, gathered driftwood from the river near by and explored the little towns near by. The children so love these places and have many memories to share through their lives.  Now days I live in a great condo and  have spent many years traveling around the world. But now I don't feel like long lines, delayed schedules or having to pay extra to take my clothes with me.  My dream would be to have a fun place like this picture. In a fun area with good neighbors.  A couple of small flower beds, a little garden area and I would put a rocking chair on the front porch to watch the sun set or sun rise and listen to the frogs when the sun goes down.  As you get older your life grows more simple and you do just what you enjoy doing.  I will just close my eyes and go there.......pretend I already have the place of my dreams.....surrounded by fields of wild flowers and beautiful birds and the sound of the river near by. Occasional wild life wander near by, Oh yes, it costs nothing to dream!  Monday again and news from our two missionaries.  And........ I have to go to the dentist, broke a front tooth off!

CUTE KIDS......

It is perfectly normal and OK for a mother to brag about her beautiful children.......I have to admit growing up it was always on my mind.....".now if I married him what would my kids look like?" I wanted someone tall, dark and handsome like my father, always loved brown eyed people.  But can you believe I married a tall, blond, blue eyed man......so I have three beautiful blue eyed daughters.

Like Maxine says, if you have strong, healthy, beautiful children you can handle anything else that is thrown at you through your life.  There are some beautiful red-headed people in the world with their fair skin, but that was the dread of my life that I would end up with a batch of red-headed, freckle face kids that had noses that always peeled all summer. I know that is probably a horrible thing to say and I am sure I would love them no matter what they looked like if they were mine.  I guess when you are old you stop and think about and really own all the thoughts of your younger years.....good or bad.  A nice quiet, cooler Sunday morning in July.....I'm lovin' it. Off to Panniers for dinner.

LISTEN TO WOMEN & LEARN......

These are women of my generation that knew how to get things done.......Why aren't more women running our country.......BUT, not Hilliary Clinton !

NEVER FORGET HOW WE GOT HERE......

These pictures I want my grandchildren and great-grandchildren to look at and remember the history this great man gave us......about a nation divided.....about all men are created equal.....and his nick-name was "honest Abe"......because he was a honest man.  Abe's wedding picture, the theater where he was shoot by John Wilkes Booth in 1865 and the hearse that carried him to his grave.  What has happened to our country now?  Where are the honest men that run our government?  So many are being dismissed for pornography, cheating on their wives or being gay!......President Obama is the worst of all when it comes to leaders.  Where are we headed as a country?
I discovered today I had missed last month's quarterly payment......why?  The first time that has EVER happened since I began paying quarterly!!!! Am I slipping?  One of my front teeth broke off so off to the dentist Monday......First a new air conditioner last week, this week a new tooth, if things comes in threes......what is next? Met Patty for coffee this A.M.
BU,T GOOD NEWS FOR THE PANNIERS.......THEY SOLD THEIR HOUSE  YESTERDAY, THE FIRST DAY IT WAS LISTED.......

A MOTHER HEN.......

This precious little group is the center of my life....all nine of them.  Now, I only had three daughters, but lucked out with 6 grandsons.  The list above so illustrates how my three girls feel about these precious little boys!  I never saw a list of mother's protecting sons before......it's usually us Mother's threatening these wicked boys out there not to harm our precious little girls.  Yes, all three girls are like a momma bear protecting her cub if you make her little guy feel bad.....so beware you cute girls out there, you are getting some prized possessions, so treat them good......you might even have grandma on your trail too.........
The back row is Alex and Richard, who are both on LDS missions. Nicci is holding Scott, then William who is 21 and has a steady girl friend.....and then Kennedy.  Bottom row Brayden, Tiffany and Andrea.  These were such fun days when everyone was little and no mother worried about girl friends or boy friends.

MOVIN' ON.......

Yesterday this picture appeared on all our family's phones........., how can anything so good, be so bad ?  After being tossed around with pros and cons Pam and Rob decided to sell and build a home on one level. They have lived there 26 years, William wasn't born yet when they moved in so it is the only home he has ever known and he is struggling.  The girls were so young this is about the only home they really know.  So many memories, fun birthdays, Christmas, graduations parties and neighborhood friends, but the children are 30,27 and 21 and have started lives of their own.......but that will always BE HOME! Pam and Rob are excited about a new home they can design and decorate so not having the same emotions as the family.  I will always love and remember the big white house on the corner I grew up in and always looked forward to returning to the many years after I left home.  After Mother died, Dad sold it and moved to St. George.  My siblings and I still drive by and reminisce when we are in the area.....it will always be HOME. But 7570 So Bridgewater Court will always be part ours too. 
Don't you hate it when you miss a call by the last ring? (Hello? Hello?......it!) but when you immediately call back, it rings 9 times and goes to voice mail.  What did they do after I didn't answer?  Drop the phone and run?
THERE IS NO WAY TO HAPPINESS.....HAPPINESS IS THE WAY!

STAYCATION........

I just have to see a picture like this and say, "Oh yes, there is no place like home."  You can go on an Instant Vacation by settling down in a chair like this with this great view.  Close your eyes and imagine you're on a dream trip.....you'll get a shot of vacation bliss without leaving home!  Such day dreaming prompts your brain to release serenity summoning endorphins, so you feel great. Did you know that? You take who ever you want with you, stay as long as you like, because you can afford it and do it every day if you want.  This summer I have just taken several short trips or "Staycations" around home.  Off to Vernal for five days, down to St George for a night and up to Island Park Idaho a couple of times for the weekend. I got new patio furniture, with a lot of fun flowers on it, my little water fountain in the corner and a neat lantern, and a cold drink, turns my patio into the perfect get-a-way. Then my own little bed it just up the stairs.

I had a nice 24th of July, I watched the parade on TV and Mike and his family came by and we had a good visit while everyone went swimming. They were off to a movie, but I wasn't in a movie mood.  Today Karrie and Scot came over and cleaned the house, because their dogs had been here for several days.  They spoil me.  Hope I get the energy to get the car in for an oil change......Thursday already!.....One more week in August.

HAPPY DAYS OF '47......

This beautiful monument that we dedicate to the members of the LDS people is tied to our 24th of July celebration and the pioneers who walked into our valley and settled Salt Lake City on the banks of the Great Salt Lake......It was a struggle for the many that made this valley bloom.  No other state declares the 24 of July  a  holiday but Utah and we do it up grand with parades, rodeo, fireworks and family parties. So today I will watch the parade on TV and enjoy the pool with my nephew and his family.  One daughter is in Bear Lake, one in Lake Powell and one busy getting her house ready to put on the market.  Annie spent the night with me and took the dogs home this morning.
"Imagine how far your dreams will take you.....if you unload the worries that can weigh you down, leave behind the doubts that slow you down and set side all the little things that get in your way.  Imagine how far your dreams will take you if you let them."

BLOOM WHERE YOU'ER PLANTED.....

This is my cute niece Korina Northcott Elliott.......she just started a blog and I am so happy.  She has much to give and share to many.  My sister Dixie.....her mother.....loved to write and even wrote a book that was published.  I think Kina will follow in her foot steps.  Her blog entitled 'bloom where your planted', reminded me of the picture at the top.  I saw it and thought of her blog and how she has been struggling to grow in her new home in Winslow, after her move there from Prescott. After six months or so she is turning the move around to something positive and determined to start growing again.  I knew she could do it......she is a Yeomans......she has had a lot of mountains to climb in her life and she will master this one.  She has raised two cute daughters and her young son will grow and benefit in Winslow.

Do you think that little plant would have chosen that hard, dry place to grow, but because the wind blew that seed to that undesirable place, that little plants dug itself in accepting the sun and fresh air god provided and grew.  A lesson for all us in life.  Bloom where you are planted is wonderful advice for all of us.  Look forward to enjoying Korina's blog.

THE NEW PRINCE IS BORN.....

What do we love about England......the land of my ancestors.....the Yeomans came from that area.....I think it is the history and traditions that are still going on over there.  This picture is priceless, the town crier announcing the birth of Kate and William's new son yesterday....... July 22nd....  He will be third in line to be a king someday.  It is fun in my life time to have witnessed William's birth, now his son and we are waiting for the name of the baby.  In our hearts we hope Queen Elizabeth skips passing the authority to Charles and Camilla and goes straight to William and Kate.....I know wistful thinking!  Anyway we celebrate this happy day with London.

POINTS ON THE MAP......

Each part of the world has it's landmarks.  I have been lucky enough to have seen some of them.  In Paris the Eiffel Tower, the Empire State building in New York and the London Tower with Big Ben, all are a thrill no matter how many times you are lucky enough to see them.  Pictures do no do them justice, but for those who don't travel their beauty and majestic statues can be shared.

Another monument that I will never forget is the one at the EQUATOR in Ecuador, So America.  What a thrill.  With friends we shook hands from country to country or straddled the Equator with one foot in one hemisphere and the other foot in another. Yes, that trip is high on my 'MUST SEE' list to all of you.

But after seeing Stone Hedge, the Great Wall, the Great Pyramids, Angkor Watt for a few......I realize there are many interesting, significant, historic and quirky landmarks in the US that I have not seen......or even knew about.   The one I have seen is the 'Four Corners Monument'......not far from where I grew up.  It is a bronze disk embedded in granite marks the landmark near Teec Nos Pos, Arizona.  It is surrounded by seals and flags that honor the states and tribal nations that share the geographical point. It is the only point in the United States where you can be in all  four states at the same time.  In Salt Lake we have "This Is The Place" monument where Brigham Young came through the mountains after a long trip, saw our valley with the Big Salt Lake in it and declared this is where the pioneer would settle.  A ways up the road, is the 'Golden  Spikes Monument' where the railroad  from the east and the west met. We have many monuments, big and little around the state we are proud of. 

In Kansas there is a simple 10-foot podium marking the geographic center of the contiguous 48 states. Tourist are encouraged to think about just where on earth they are. In 1918 a survey established the significance of the site and in 1941 the civic leaders put up the monument.  It is like they made a monument where the pilgrims landed at 'Plymouth Rock'. What about the Mason-Dixon Line markers.  These places marked on our map remind us of the many brave people and the hard work of the people who came before us.

"I want to inspire people.  I want my kids to look at me and say, "because of you I don't give up!"

LIFE IN THE MIDDLE AGES......

SO what has changed for me in the last few years????I guess I have finally come to admit I am not in my middle age......It takes a little time to accept that the world is onto us.  Seems each of us sees ourselves at a certain age, frozen in time, which explains why we still pour over the fashion magazines and current catalogs.  Sometimes it just  takes a peek in the mirror to remind us our middle age has turned into old age.  Glasses, thinning hair........ turning grey, a dozen aches and pains, a few more pounds and more naps etc. Each day we have the challenge of reinventing our selves, of course a little magical thinking helps.  There is no way at 81 I can be in my middle age that would be I'd have to live to 162, and I can't promise I can do that!

In Gail Godwin's novel "The Finishing School" one thought impressed me.  "There are two kinds of people.....One kind, you can tell just by looking at them at what point they congealed into their final selves.  It might be a very nice self, but you know you can expect no more surprises from it.  Whereas, the other kind keeps moving, changing. With these people, you can never say "X stops here," or 'Now I know all there is to know about Y".......this indicates they keep moving forward and making new trysts with life, and the motion of it keeps them young, they are fluid.  They are really still alive."  Last year I did four cruises and a week in Mexico........this year, no so much traveling and very content,  Ahhh, but I have such fond memories of the MIDDLE AGES!

Got Marley and Izzey again for a few days, Marley takes very good care of me........he doesn't care if I am middle aged or not!

GENEALOGY.......

James Wesley Goff married Lillie Florence Jones on May 27,1900 in Carthage, Jasper County, Missouri.

They lived together till grandpa died first, of cancer. Grandma lived to be 83 and also had cancer.  I grew up down the street from them and loved them dearly.

I am so thankful Korina, my niece, is going to share my sister's genealogy with the family.  Dixie loved it, not for the work she could do in the church for them, but because she wanted to know about them.

The Goff's had seven children;  Glen Wesley DOB 6/19/1901........Edith Mary DOB 4/24/1904.......Walter Daniel 10/20/1908......Hazel Marie DOB 8/16/1911  (my mother).....James Russell DOB 12/20/1915........Jessie Lester DOB 3/29/1922.

NEW OBAMA CARE......

Do I need to say more??? It was over 100 degrees again today.  I did get a ton of papers down to the shredding truck and go to a few garage sales.  Did some grocery shopping, laundry and watered the back yard, so feel I had a productive day.

I believe that no problem is so large or so difficult that it can't be blamed on somebody else!.....but not the weather.....It just is what it is.  I don't like to complain......I love to complain!

Every day more fighting over Obama care, I don't think he even knows how it is suppose to work.  I found some indicators to watch for, to see if your health care plan is being changed. Take for instance, is your annual breast exam done at Hooters?.......Directions to your Dr's office, "take a left when you enter the trailer park.".......The tongue depressors taste faintly of fudge sickle's.......The only proctologist listed in for your plan is "Gus" from the Roto-Rooter.......Your primary care physician is wearing the pants you gave Goodwill last month.......Only expense covered 100" is "Embalming".....your Prozac comes in different colors with little M's on them......You ask for Viagra and they give you a Popsicle stick and duck tape!  No wonder Obama has a personal doctor that follows him around and he hasn't a clue how the rest of us live.   I'd like to think, this too will pass, but I am afraid it won't.

BEING YOURSELF.......

I was just thinking there comes a time in your life when you walk away from all the drama and the people who create it and you surround yourself with people who make you laugh, you forget the bad and focus on the good, you love the people who treat you right and pray for the ones who don't.  Life is too short to be anything but happy.  Falling down is part of life , but getting back up is living.......Now days I am not involved in a lot of new things and so the circle of friends stay pretty much the same.  But these are people I have known for many years and shared our ups and downs with, we are comfortable with each other and enjoy each other's company. There is nothing more important in life than having lots of good friends.

I saw a survey that was kinda interesting???? There is a new study about women and how they feel about their asses, the results were pretty interesting.  30% of the women think their ass is too fat........10% of the women think their ass is to skinny......and the remaining 60% say they don't care.....they love him, he is a good man and they wouldn't trade him for the world!  AMEN

BLACK DAY......

Black clouds, thunder, lightening.......this picture kinda depicts the feelings I had 27 years ago today!  The day started out like most others, take care of my husbands private needs, he was up and showered, off to coffee with son-in-law and his father....BUT back about 11;00 with the news he had been to see a lawyer, had filed for divorce and was suing me for mental cruelty.....OH YES!

Well, that was long ago and the best thing that ever happened to me......... even though I didn't realize it that day. Today I am well and happy.  My three families are close by and take good care of me.  I have enjoyed every minute of my quality time with each of my grandchildren, who I know love me as much as I love them.  A day never goes by that one or more of the girls call to check on me.  THEN there is the one who walked out 27 years ago, old, lonely and neglected.  His wife lives in LA most the time with her mommie, he and his dog at Jeramey Ranch.  Very little communication between he and his children and he doesn't really know the names of all 9 grandchildren.  I wonder if he has any regrets?????

Tending Marley and Izzey tonight while the Cooks go to a friends cabin.

"Opportunity may only knock once, but temptation leans on the doorbell."

grandma ....2

I just wrote a blog about this wonderful lady and didn't tell you who she was:  Lillie Florence Jones Goff......mother of my mother, Hazel Marie Goff Yeomans .

GRANDMA ........

The word "grandma" is in every "lucky child's" vocabulary. I am sad to think every child does not have a good grandmother in their lives.  I love being a grandmother and I am one of those lucky children who had a wonderful grandma who lived just up the street and was always available with good food, big hugs and fun games with buttons etc. She was always round and snugly. She never wore pants, she wore dresses with a clean crisp apron on everyday.  She wore tan cotton socks with black, no nonsense shoes.  She loved to cook, garden and tend her chickens.  She made butter and cheese and pickles and root beer, you know the kind of food your mother never had time for.  She lectured me....and my three sisters.....on being modest, learning to work and marryin' a "good man" to father our children.  Yep, everyone should have a good grandma.  Thank you Korina for sharing your mother's genealogy and keep it coming. (DOB 01-25-1882 AND DIED 04-07-1965)

Went to see Dr. Dewey (eye doctor) today and not much has changed in the last year.....thank goodness! Watch out grandma I am catching up to your 83 years.

NOAH'S ARK

Only God can paint pictures like this.....If only we can stop and enjoy his works.....  Think about our history and what it has taught us....for instance the lessons of Noah's Ark; Every thing I need to know I learned from Noah's story of the Ark.
ONE.....Don't miss the boat.  TWO.....Remember we are all in the same boat.  THREE.....Plan ahead.  It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.  FOUR.....Stay fit.  When your 60 years old someone may ask you to do something really big.  FIVE......Don 't listen to critics, just get on with the job that needs to be done.  SIX......Build your future on high ground.  SEVEN.....For safety's sake, travel in pairs.  EIGHT.....Speed isn't always an advantage.  The snails were on board with the Cheetahs.  NINE.....When your stressed float awhile.  TEN....Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs.  The Titanic by professionals.  ELEVEN....No matter the storm theirs ALWAYS a rainbow waiting.
Bridge here tonight.......then I will be through having to have bridge here for another year.......

MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY DAY........

There is a time in your life when you need to take your life serious, but as the years fly by you realize......it is what it is......and we all die sooner or later. Cleaning and getting ready for bridge tomorrow night.
"Imagine there is a bank account that credit's your account each morning with $86,400.00.  It carries over no balance from day to day.  Every evening the bank deletes whatever part of the balance you failed to use during the day. What would you do?  Draw out every cent, of course.  Each of us has such a bank.  It's name is time.  Each morning it credits you with 86,400 seconds.  Every night it writes off what is lost, whatever of this you have failed to invest to a good purpose.  It carries over no balance.  It allows no over draft.  Each day it opens a new account for you.  Each night it burns the remains of the day.  If you fail to  use the day deposits, the loss is yours.  There is no drawing against tomorrow."
I try very hard to live every day in the present on today's deposit. We should invest it so as to get from it the most in health, happiness and success.  The clock is running out for many of us, so make the most of each day.
"About all I can say for the U.S. Senate is that it opens with prayer and closes with an investigation."  (Will Rogers)

WHERE DID THE WEEKEND GO?????

I guess I just like me the way I am....after 81 years it kinda becomes a habit. Had a fun weekend with the Panniers and Scottie.  On the way to Idaho we stopped at "YELLOWSTONE BEAR COUNTRY"..... it was pricey but I really enjoyed it.  Saw elk, moose, deer, wolves, mt goats etc. but the pen with the bears was the greatest. There were about 30 and they were swimming, playing, sleeping etc.  The weekend was spent having fun playing cards, cooking smoors in the fire -pit, hot tubing, and exploring in the razor....oh yes eating! They went fishing....I don't fish.  The weather was beautiful, enjoyed the birds and wild flowers that are everywhere and we got to go eat at my favorite  place "BOONDOCKS"
When I go up there my childhood sweeps back over me, We were out-door people who loved drift wood, strange rocks, camping, fishing, picnicking and enjoying the wild life and out doors in the mountains in Colorado. Guess I am just a country girl at heart......did miss Gigi.

WELL IT HAPPENED.......

Well it happened.....a 102 and the air conditioner decided to die!  Of course, the first thing I did was call my sweet son-in-law and ask him the best people to call.  He called his heating and air man and set up an appointment for me.  A nice man named Jason came and diagnosed the problem, it was leaking water and had ruin "the board"......... and the next would be the engine. Sooooo they arrived at eight, two guys and said it would probably be an all day job.  But I am thankful there are smart people and I am able to get it fixed and move on.  I am leaving town for the weekend so they promised to finish it in one day.  I need to clean house as I have bridge Tuesday and need to pack.  Garbage day, lawn mowing day......it all comes down at once.  Poor Gigi is locked up for the day as all the doors and gates are wide open.  Oh well, this to will pass.

GRANDDOGS........

This is "Baby Bree".......already named when the Panniers got her.  I think she was named after me.....B, for the Betty and ree for the Betty Ree, that I grew up with.  Any way, I have several grand-dogs, big, little and in between.  At the present I am tending Marley and Izzey, two very big dogs. Sometimes it's Sherrie's and she has a little and a medium dog.  I also have three great-grand-dogs.....Captain, Oliver and Will's new dog.

Robert Kirby commented on the dogs in his life and put them in categories that make sense.  There are the BIOLOGICAL DOGS.......those are dogs you and your husband had together to go with the children you are raising.  You treat them all the same.....they think they are people. There are STEPDOGS.......These are dogs that belong to someone who already had a dog when you got into a relationship with them.  Scott already had Captain when Tiffany married him. Some times its takes awhile for that dog to accept the new roommate.  FOSTER DOGS......you know you tend this dog if your roommate is in jail or your neighbor is on vacation....temporary contact. THE GRANDDOGS......These are the dogs our kids got after they left home.....and who nevertheless spend some time at your house.  They are not technically our dogs, but we still end up watching them, cleaning up and feeding them and becoming attached to them.

The thing is Kerby doesn't have a dog himself.....but I do and my kids have all been great to tend GIGI for me and they say they love her. My air conditioner decided it has had enough and I am having someone come in and check it out today.......hope this doesn't mean a new one!  Suppose to be close to 100 degrees today

OH NO!!!!!

My first text of the day......"Look at the Internet and see Brayden  is taking his first helicopter lesson!"....Of course my first reaction is "Oh No.....he is only 17......he can't fly a helicopter", even though he has his pilots license already. I am so proud when my kids or grandkids step out side the box and learn or do something new. Brayden has talked to me some about wanting to be a helicopter pilot, he could make good money flying supplies and parts from Vernal to the oil fields around there......but I always thought he meant after he graduated from high school and went on a mission and by then I might be dead and not have to worry about him.......but there was a picture with Bray in the helicopter sitting on a ridge above Lake Powell.  So I say...."more power to you, and just stay safe?"  His adventurous mother was very excited about it ............sooooooo?
Travel is about the gorgeous feeling of teetering in the unknown."  At one time taking a ride in a helicopter was on my bucket list......but a few years ago, after second thought, I crossed it off!  Maybe if I live to be 90?
"There are two words in a person's life that will open lots of doors for them......PUSH and PULL"
Marley and Izzey are spending the night with me.....Gigi enjoys her four legged relatives!

A LITTLE CELLULITE NEVER HURT ANYONE..

Do you want to be busy dying or busy living?
I hate how chocolate immediately melts on my fingers.....I mean am I really that hot?
Cellulite.....now I have to admit I eat chocolate, drink wine and make feeble attempts to accept my cellulite.  Failing that, I'd just like to sit in a lawn chair in a pair of shorts without adjusting my thighs so there are no fat bulges!  We compliment weight loss, monitor our appetites, and shrink ourselves to fit some kind of standard America expects....(My X was very explicit on his views of fat people.....none in his life.....which put a lot of pressure on his family).  I wish we could all be the size we actually are....one size fits all.  Because there are as many sizes as their are women, we need to look closer at the size of our hearts, the width of our souls and the length of our spirits.......not the size of our stomach, the width of our butts and the length of our boobs! 
We contain so much as a woman.  We are so complex, stuffed full of feelings, memories, half truths, denials, hopes and yearnings.  "But, it is what it is." 
Monday morning and email day from my missionaries......

DO OVERS IN LIFE.......

With a granddaughter's wedding coming up in September.......and I want to wear the same dress I wore at Tiffany's wedding.......I have got to get serious and lose a few pounds.  I don't think I am alone when it comes to having the condition that prevents us from staying with a diet......called "freakin hungry."  My dreams to lose lots of weight.....deserve another chance!  It is not true that there are no "do-overs" in life.  Each and every day brings the opportunity for a fresh start and you always have the power to look ahead instead of back, and to try again.  I can't count the times I have started a diet with good intentions....only to find I have failed again.  But I will give it another try.....it's too soon to give up......success is so close????
I am ready for a beautiful, thin future!  I have dreams, I have talents, I have hope and determination, and I know how to work hard.  There's only one more thing I need.  I need to see myself for what I really truly am......lazy......it is time to succeed.  Just talking about all this is making me hungry......Gotta stop and send my two missionaries an email and enjoy this beautiful Sunday.......and get out the cottage cheese!

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE.......

Good morning everyone......another weekend to enjoy and it is wonderfully cooler.   Thunder, lightening and rain the last three nights have finally broken our hot spell. Now that we have the Fourth of July over, Utah goes into high gear for their big celebration of the July 24th! The celebration of the Mormons settling in this valley by the big Salt Lake.  The Mormons arrived with less than nothing but within days they "dropped their anchors" figuratively speaking  and those anchors have held steady for more than a century and a half. They were not cast iron hooks on the end of long chains; they were anchors of tradition, values, ideas and commitment..........They plowed, irrigated and brought water from afar and planted seeds and tended their crops until the harvest.  ANCHOR; THINK POSITIVE.  When others said, they can't survive here and to move on, they showed them by making the barren land blossom.  ANCHOR; SOLVE PROBLEMS, DON'T RUN FROM THEM.  When the hot sun beat down on our desert communities, they planted trees----not to shade themselves, but to provide comfort for their children.  ANCHOR; Think always about the future.  They worked hard and they played hard.  When their work was done they tuned up their musical instruments and sang or danced together. ANCHOR; EVERY DAY IS PRECIOUS, ENJOY IT.  When the U.S. government refused them statehood - again and again.....ANCHOR; PATIENCE WINS MOST BATTLES.  When the government sent soldiers to control the settlers, a few wanted to resist. But the wisest said; "stick around for a while and we'll show you how to live in peace." ANCHOR; EXAMPLE OVERSHADOWS FORCE.

Every generation produces  pioneers---citizens who leave anchors for the pioneers who follow. That is what the Days of '47 are all about----celebrating those anchors from the past, making sure to leave a few anchors for future, and having fun in the process.  I love Utah and am very proud of what we stand for.  I hope we are all dropping anchors in our families for our children and grandchildren.

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN......

Had a great Fourth of July yesterday, one of the best for a long time.  These past 26 years or so there has been a big black cloud over the Fourth for my family. The girls and I were in Prescott with my sister and husband for the Fourth.  After the parade my Karrie and Dixie's Rachelle (standing) were in an old jeep driving back when for some reason it ran off the run and wrecked with Rachelle driving.  Rachelle was killed, my Karrie and a boy with them were not hurt!  Of course, I thank God everyday for sparing Karrie, but my heart broke for my sister losing her daughter.  Rachelle was a wonderfully talented, sweet, kind and religious girl, I can only say God needed her more than we did. Today Dixie and Odis are with her in a better place.  Korina, her sister will always miss her, as will my family.  We love you Rachelle and will never forget you!
I grew up in Colorado and rodeo's were a big part of my young life.  Mancos, Cortez, Dolores and Durango had a big celebration with rodeo, carnival and parade we always looked forward to. In those days......the cowboys were heros to young girls.  Brave, mostly young, big hat and boots and oh yes, those tight wrangler jeans accentuating their buns!  They were all good dancers, which was part of any celebration after a good rodeo.  Oh yes, loved the 4th.

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY........

You can't beat a picture of the American flag......HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY to everyone!  It reminds you of our freedoms and independence and of the hundreds of wonderful people who have died in the past so we today are free.  I remember the many Fourth of Julys in my past......always meant family and fun. Growing up it was a big day in the little Colorado town of Mancos.  Parade, which I was in sometimes, rodeo, good food and fireworks.......sometimes a small carnival would come to town.  I don't celebrate quite as wildly now days but I am excited about going to the Oakley Rodeo tonight with the Cooks, which I hope has fireworks.....and lots of cute cowboys.
The Panniers are in Idaho and the Christensons are off to Lake Powell. Sherrie called yesterday to tell me her chickens in the incubator started to hatch.  She had one baby when she called and she named it "Betty Ree"......after me!  When it grows up and crows every morning to get them up they may have to rename it to Bernie or something a little more appropriate!  The thunder and lightening woke me up last night.....the storm did bring in cooler weather thank goodness.

WHAT IS LOVE?

Two of my best friends came for coffee this morning at 10:30 and they left at 4;00!  What are the regular hours of a "COFFEE".....maybe 10;00 TO 12:00?  Oh well, the therapy bill would be very high on the problems we solved in that time.........I just love these ladies and they could have stayed all night and I wouldn't mind. What is Love?  Love is a noun......1. a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person.  2. a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection, as for a parent, children or friend.

Urban dictionary;.....Love the greatest gift God ever gave man.  Love is not wanting to go anywhere without (him, her or them).  You feel depressed and sickly when your not with them.  You feel life has no purpose or meaning without them.  You tell them everyday, every time, any where, for no reason, you love them.  Love is pure happiness.  To really define true love, would be to ruin it's purity, therefore, it has no true definition!!!! 

True love is when you would give up  your whole world, give up your life, your everything just to make sure these people you love are OK.

Yep, that just about covers all the things true love is......I really have no words to tell you how much I love my three daughters and nine grandchildren!

OVER THE HILL???

I tell you this heat adds years to your body.  I was agreement with this gal about being too tired to climb over "the hill" ......so was not worried about being over the hill ever.....but maybe I got over the hill without realizing it!  103 today....yesterday 104....Wow!

When I turned 80 I was opposed to the whole idea of dressing for my age.  I know people who act old at 40 and young at 90.  I think a mirror, rather than a calendar, should be your guide.  It's just common  sense......common sense and a mirror.

Do you know the moment you're ready to quit is usually the moment right before the miracle happens????  The past can hurt, but the way I see it.....you can either run from it or learn from it.

Here is a "I DIDN'T KNOW THAT" I just learned;  Hindus begin their day by gazing at the palms of their hands and repeat a little prayer "to indicate that fortune and learning are at your finger tips while the Lord is in the middle protecting you.  "Why the red dot?"  The red dot on the forehead is meant as a reminder, asking the gods to give the wearer good thoughts....It says, "Keep my thoughts in a good way."  I think these are both good things if they help you in your life.

150 years ago today......

Yes this was before my time, and my children's time but hopefully we will never forget the Battle of Gettysburg.....No battle in American history was as dramatic, bloody, or of greater importance than the three-day engagement that began 150 years ago today in and around the small Pennsylvania town of Gettysburg.  I had the opportunity to take a tour of the place the battle took place.....I was very honored to learn of so many brave men that made my life so comfortable.  The unimaginable horror and carnage that was Gettysburg speaks for itself, but it was left to Lincoln, in his Gettysburg address to leave the battle in our collective memory.

"Four score and seen years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure.  We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live.  It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.  But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate.....we cannot consecrate.....we cannot hallow.....this ground.  The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract.  The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.  It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced.  It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us.....that from these honored dead we take increased devotion....that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died I vain.......that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom....and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

Oh Obama, why are you messing it all up now??

ABOUT JUDGING.......

Happy Month of July..........the summer is passing to fast! Looks like another busy month starting today.....love being busy!

Saw an article today that made start thinking is going to church the only way to be a good person?  Why are we judged on how many hours we sit in church......ignoring the character the rest of the week.  My father would not be considered a religious person if you measured him by the hours he spent in church......never did. I think what is more important than being outwardly religious is how someone lives his life......and I believe God is watching that. My dad, Richard (Dick) Yeomans,  he truly lived his life by the Golden Rule.  He was good, kind, honest, helpful and loved and provided for his family of Mom and five kids.  He also warmly welcomed other children who needed a home and love until they could get out of high school.  I think how he treated people would make Jesus proud. So though he had no outward trappings of faith, his moral center was strong. He set a good example to his children as he quietly and steadily did the right thing. It made him happy when Mom and the kids went to church, it just wasn't for him.  I do not go to church but I love God and have a testimony my church is true and try to be the best Mom, grandma, sister, friend, neighbor etc. I can be. I wonder what we would see after some of our church leaders leave church if we followed them through their weekly lives? They are the first to judge others.  I love you Dad!

Mondays are catch up day....doing laundry, mailing bills, going to cleaners and grocery store. Oh yes.