AROUND THE WORLD...CON'T.

Been neglecting my travel log......today it is my trip to IRELAND.  Don and I went with the Noalls for a week of driving and sight seeing.......Pat is Irish Catholic and enjoyed seeing her "home land". Well.....she didn't see a lot of her home land because as soon as we got in the car and started driving....Pat went to sleep!  The people were great and very helpful.   We stayed in private homes for a small fee and breakfast and would ask them what to see and do. Enjoyed seeing the Boggs.....lots of sheep.....beautiful sweaters AND  the Waterford Crystle factory and I was the only one brave enough to kiss the Balarny Stone at the Castle...... Stopped at The Cliffs of .....something...... with hundreds of birds nesting and not too impressed with the golf courses.  Took awhile to get use to driving on the wrong side of the road!

Nice to visit Ireland.....but probably would never go back.

NEVER A DULL MOMENT!

Never a dull moment with the Christenson's.......They were down in Lake Powell for the 24th and Macy......in picture......jumped out of a pickup and shaddered her hip.....so they made a mad dash up to SLC to a vet....but being Saturday late nothing could be done until today....so we are waiting to hear how Macy is?  Ken stayed with Brayden one night and is with me for a couple until Sherrie comes for Macy tomorrow.  Brayden and Libby came for dinner after church and we played Mexican Train,,,,,,fun having my old roommate back for a night or two.....to catch up on some chores for me....a trip to Walmart....took a load to the DI and had lunch at Kentucky Fried Chicken.....
Alex and Ashlyn celebrated their first anniversary at the cabin Saturday....a year really has passed fast.  The Panniers went up to Idaho and Pam plans to go back alone next week for a few days....they are getting it ready to "rent out"....The HOA there is a mess! So my sweet family keeps life interesting around here.
Leslie talked to Jim.....he is still having to have two antibiatic shots a day.....we worry about our little brother.

HAPPINESS IS......

HAPPINESS to me is having wonderful friends......All through high school I had a best friend named Janet Brown.....we were inseperatable.....when I flew my roommate was Jeanne Peck....we did so many fun things together.....through my married years I have had many really good friends and neighbors that were always there for me......and today in my old age I don't know what I would do without my darling neighbors.....so needless to say......I am Happy!
I don't want my tombstone to read......"Here lies Betty, who was going to be happy tomorrow"... One of the greatest obstacles to happiness is what they call ...."the tyranny of when"......We have all said a a time or two...."I'll be happy when I have more money.....a bigger house......a nicer car or lose 20 pounds?"  Yes, material possessions are not bad...but they won't ever lead to anything more than a short-term , superficial form of positive emotion......not real happiness. Real authenic happiness will only ever come from optimistic thoughts and meaningful and posistive relationships......like having my grandson Ken here for a couple of days of shopping and eating out and sharing...Yes, i am happy...

A BIG LADDER.....

I HAVE AN EVIL  THING IN MY HOUSE.....A FIRE DETECTOR AT THE TIP TOP OF MY TALL CEILING......AND SHE STARTED AT 3:30 AM TELLING ME I HAD A WEAK BATTERY......WELL...I CAN TELL YOU BY NOON ON SUNDAY...I DID HAVE A WEAK BATTERY AND WAS READY TO KILL ANYONE IN KILLING RANGE!  THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING MORE ANNOYING THAN A PEEPING FIRE ALARM....BUT MY PAM......WITH THE TALLEST LADDER I HAVE EVER SEEN.....ZIPPED OVER....WE SOOD IT UP AND UP SHE GOT UP AND CHANGED THE BATTERY!....TO MY RESCUE!

NOW .....I WOULD HAVE MY OWN "VERY TALL LADDER"...BUT ROB SAID HE WOULD DEFRIEND ME IF I GOT ONE AS THEY WERE AFRAID I WOULD CLIMB AND FALL......KIDS?

HAPPY 24th OF JULY.......

MANY YEARS AGO OUR 24th WAS SET INTO PLACE  BY GOD......WE WERE FAR AWAY AND NOT AWARE PROBABLY......BUT GOD HAD A PLAN.....HE FOUND JOSEPH SMITH AND PUT THINGS IN MOTION.....TO SALT LAKE CITY CELEBRATE THE ENTERING OF THE MORMONS INTO THE SALT LAKE VALLEY.....PARADES, PICNICS, FIRE WORKS......YES, ONCE I CELEBRATED.....BUT NOW DAYS....NOT SO MUCH.    PAM DID COME OVER AND PUT A NEW FILTER IN MY REFRIGERATOR.....FRESH WATER.....AND I TOOK HER TO LUNCH AT THE GOLDEN CORAL......YEA....24TH OF JULY!

LOOKING BACK.....

DO YOU EVER LOOK BACK?

A few years ago....33 in fact yesterday.....my world changed!

My world fell apart.....But fell together at the same time......

Every person that walked away at that time has been replaced by someone better.  Every situation that hasn't worked out has led me to a greater one...So now when things go left....I know it's for something else to go right!

I am finding I just have to tune in to God and his wishes.....and listen to his promptings.....He has a plan and a path for me .......I will try hard to stay in touch with him.....I can't begin to know what he has in store for me.....but I just have to have faith and trust each day will be where I need to be

I hope he has a plan for this stupid fire alarm that will not stop it's incesant noise.........

BEEN THINKING....

Be careful what you wish for????....I Wanted summer....I got summer!

Mike picked me up at ten this morning and we headed for Provo...a stop at his office...... so got to see where he works....then to the Hale Theater to watch 'THE MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET"...four fun guys mocking Elvis.....Johnny Cash.....Jerry Lee Lewis.....and Carl Perkins...who made the record.... See You Later Aligator.etc. famous.......Loved it as the music was from my generation....then a quick lunch....I love Mike and we have good talks.

From 3;30 on this morning.......my fire alarm pipped!!!!So no sleep....So far today no help to fix the problem so will have to hunt the ear plugs or stay up all night!  Neighbors ladder too short for Mike to reach....Bray....who can fix anything........ is in  Vernal for the weekend......may end up calling the fire department as it is in the highest part of my ceiling........Still have a sore tooth and a dential appointment Tuesday.......

SUCK IT UP CUPCAKE.....

Yes.....I have a choice.......

We all have choices every day.....are you thinking about your choices?

Yesterday I chose to call my little brother about a question I had......only to find he was in the hospital with an infection....we don't communicate much.but I love him dearly......and am very concerned....called my sister and got her involved.....that is what you do when one of yours is in need......

It has been a long week and I have not been in the mood to write much but that does not mean my life has not kept moving on......Patty over...Dominos at Shirley's......Dentist appointment and  a call from......Sher calls about every day......thank you..thank you!.....yes the neighbors bring in my garbage and check on me regularly...... It is terrible getting old!!!!

Tomorrow .....I hope I can make the date I have with my sweet nephew...Mike....To go to a play in Provo........ He and I have always had a lot of fun times togetther......

WHY????

WHY?

Why do we think if we just wait a little longer things will change and go back to the way we hoped they would be?

THEY WON"T!

I  have finally came to the conclusion that if you don't "EXPECT" then you won't be "Disappointed" when it doesn't happen.......

Don't expect that promotion or raise......don't expect your kids to call or  come by for a visit....don't expect that recipe to turn out like the picture in the magazine.......It seems we "Expect" too much in life....Instead I guess....... we should just be thankful for ......what we get!.

Here we are at another weekend......I was up all night with a tooth and ear ache...went to the dentist and he said come back Tuesday and we will refill the tooth that seems to be the problem!

OK.....what next???? Heading into another one of "THOSE' weekends.......I know....GOD...made those weekend for a reason....but I am still trying to figure out why.......NO....I don't like weekends......

WHY?

GOOD TO KNOW......

In today's Church paper the message was......"When it comes to hating.....gossiping....ignoring....ridiculing and holding grudges.....STOP IT".....But some people thrive on it.

If you are bored get a good hobby.....There's a reason we feeel happy and relaxed when we knit, paint or color in color books.......The action and thought processes that artistic tasks require trigger our brain to release serotonin and dopamine, neuro-transmitters that boost our mood, confidence and sense of self worth....It is doing the project and seeing the finished project that gives us that good sense of worth.

What is more....repetitive motion...like knitting or crocheting.....creates a meditative-like state that is study-proven to lower levels of stress-inducing cortisol......so choose a project that suits you best and feel the joy rush in.   I just finished another baby shawl....for Andrea's coming new baby and can hardly wait to see what I tackle next.....Yes, keeping busy with a hobby has saved my life through the years and given me a great sense of accomplishment......

Another quiet weekend.....they seem to come and go so fast now days.

THANK YOU GOD FOR FRIENDS!

All I can say tonight is....THANK YOU GOD FOR FRIENDS.....
After my divorce.....33 years ago.....I wrote a poem about real friends.....those who really care and are always there for you....I ended it this way.....
".Oh, thank you God for friends"
                             Now each in his own way reaches out to you,
                             How could I think my friends were so few......
                             I know in my heart at the Rainbow's end....
                             I won't find a pot of gold.....but you my friend.
Today my sweet friend Gay called.....the Bug Man was here.....and I was at lunch with Pam.....So she paid him to do mine and let him in my garage to spray......Yes, a good neighbor.
Tonight Mark.....next door....brought over a new furnace filter and and changed my furnace filter for me.....Yes, a good neighbor.
Tomorrow Suzanne arrange for my windows to be washed as I am playing bridge Wednesday and not home to let her in and pay her.....Yes another good neighbor.....
How did I luck out with such friends as neighbors? My heart is so full of gratitude for so many blessings....Sher stayed last night with me and Pam and I had lunched and shopped todaay......Best ever...

"HOPE'.......

Words.....I love words.  Here are a few we use now and then....some....occastionally!  BUT how often do we use HOPE?  Lots....I hope it doesn't rain....I hope I didn't forget to close the garage.....I hope I have enough money.....etc. etc. etc.....every day we  HOPE a lot.  We hope for good things and we hope for things that we can live without.......

There is healing power in "Hope".....Researchers therorize that "hope" actually changes your brain chemistry, releasig hormones that act like morphine to ease pain! "Hope" can also have positive effects on breathing and circulation.....it reduces stress......The more "hopeful" you are, the less anxiety you have....also encourage stress-relieving behaviors like eating healty and exercising.....People who have "hope" are more likely to succeed because they always have a positive attitude and they adapt to reach any goal.....

"We are each of us, a miracle....Within everyone of us, the pilot light of "Hope" never dies."

MIRRORS.....

This little ditty says it better than I can....Yes, when your life comes to a scretching halt..... you eihter get better or bitter......."I PICKED MYSELF UP....BRUSHED MYSELF OFF.....AND STARTED ALL OVER AGAIN"......I am not the only person in this world who has done this...I know many.....

Like snowflakes........no two people are exacly alike.....We have different abilities, interests, strengths, and weaknesses, desires, backgrounds,opportunitites, passions and points of views......(My best friend Patty is far, far left and hates Mormons)....but we share so much more......None of these differences threatens who we are........We do not need to be like everyone else any more than leaves or snowflakes or grains of sand need to be the same.......We are all human beings....with bodies, minds, emotions and spirits......We each follow our own path....full filling our own purpose in life.......

Been a very quiet 4th weekend......I cleaned closets.....shopped a little....and oh yes, had a few naps......Church tomorrow?.....Only tomorrow will tell.......

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY

A Happy Fourth of July to everyone.......
All I can say is;.......Things really change .....but not.....over the years as people celebrate the wonderful 4th of July.....I know God is hanging out there feeling so sad.....when it says in the bible that.....'A country divided....(which our's is).....can never succeed"....or something like that....I DO NOT HAVE.... the energy or the desire to celebrate much today.....fight ..fight.....fight...kill...kill...kill...We are so divided in every thing our country is doing...thanks to the Democrates.....they are tearing our world apart......crumbling before our eyes.....God....can't you make Polosie  see this.....?  She needs to read the Constitution and the things she is accountable for......we the people .....No.....I am not excited about the 4th....Sherrie called from  Lake Powell and wished me a happy fourth and Leslie called from Colorado Springs to wish me happy 4th,,,So nice when those who care ....let you know.... very quiet day for me......

ROUND THE WORLD CON'T.....

Last month their was much ado about "D DAY" and the wonderful men and women who fought that war.  They had several short things on THE CHANNEL ISLANDS OF JERSEY AND GUERNSEY.

I have been lucky enough to have vacationed on those two beautiful little islands.

Ann and I flew to NYC and spent a couple of days then boarded he "Q E 2" to sail for Southhampton England....took 5 days......and on our travel agent discount we were down in steerage with the cars and help.......it really was a boring cruise.  When we got to England we took the train to the coast then caught a ferry to Jersey...... and on to Guernsey.....We stayed in nice bed and breakfasts and took daily tours of the islands and saw all the cement bunkers ......tunnels....and gun places that the Germans left when captured.  They had really dug in but that was the only part of England they controlled. If you want a nice quiet vacation.....with nice people and interesting scenery.....visit the Channel Islands.  

The train ride and the Ferry ride was alot more fun than the QE2 boat ride.

YES....SUMMER IS HERE......

Well, here we are in JULY already......today was 96 degrees to prove it......

just two more days till the FOURTH OF JULY!

I have a couple of days to decide what excitement I am going to get myself into.....probably sleep till eight.....do breakfast.....maybe some shopping or a movie.  Sher will be in Lake Powell AND Pam in her cabin in Idaho....so it's up to me to enjoy......or not?    Maybe tan a little...dress up pretty and sit on the front porch and watch fireworks......or neighbors walk their dogs.

Sherrie called today to say Darren was driving back to Vernal last nigh with a load of furniture to take to Lake Powell today and.......HIT AN ELK!.....Yes, it totaled the truck....he had to crawl out the window, but was not hurt......got towed to Vernal and they were busy with insurance people today...maybe Lake Powell by the Fourth......last week Alex's dog's foot got run over and she was baby sitting it.....I swear if it can happen.....lately it has been to my me and my family.....

Leslie said yesterday Kristi fell and hurt her knee really bad and Leslie was just a week out of her leg operation.....Oh yes, I have to add the Dr said I had a kidney stone!!!!  In the 29 years I have known Darren....and the hundreds of trips back and forth to Vernal he has made.....this is the first animal he has ever hit.....It eventually had to happen?