CHRISTMAS....IN 2 DAYS.

Counting down till the big day.  Tonight Brayden, Libby and I are having an early Christmas.  Cooking ribs, rice, rolls, salad etc. and opening our gifts for each other....what we havenn't opened already.....Libby got a board to stand on and paddle....brayden got glasses that play music.....remember those days of yor when Christmas was so exciting?  Now just another day....can't get together and don't need anything......BUT I love this picture and all it represents and always will in my book.....It will always be about Jesus.....MERRY CHRISTMAS EARLY.

 

RETAIL THERAPY............

 

This is me when I could enjoy retail therapy......this was in the Huge Mall in Minnesota when I went to Nicci's wedding....the girls rented me a cart so I could keep up with them.....and carry the bags......I didn't kill a soul and we had a ball.....

I so miss my retail therapy....it was my social out let and exercise every day....NOW....I am more or less in lock down because of the viris and there is no place to go or anything I need so....no more retail therapy.  A walk to the mail box or the grocery store is exercise now days.....but it is winter ....so most days I drive every where....OH FOR THE GOOD OLD DAYS.....

A YEAR AGO...

This was our family Christmas picture   a year ago.....Nicci and Bill and baby Tucker were with us....not so this year.  Yesterday we had our Family party without any of the Panniers......Rob been sick and they decided to stay home and Tiff and Will didn't show up....so it was the Cooks and the Christensons and Me.  Karrie had a brunch at her house and it was great....crapes and all and some fun games.....miss Scotty who is in Casper WY on his mission. All the cousins an their spouces had fun together.....So wonderful having the twins back together....made my day.  Thsnks Cooks for a great party....Christmas 2020

 

OLD AGE

Some weeks are better than others....but most of mine are the same......At about five o'clock after having five snacks and two naps......you realize it is still today!  Especially Sundays?...and it is dark.  I have a feeling the next two months are going to be long, dark months in Utah.....Some times the best thing you can do is not think.....not imagine.....not obsess.....just breath and have faith that everything will work out for the best.

Went to church today on ZOOM.....nice Christmas program.....dinner with kids.....some church stuff and ready for bed.  Sundays are long....quiet.....and ....well I can't think of a good word for them....I use to shop, go to a movie....go out to eat.....you know enjoy them.....I think you get old and forget....because there is nothing fun or exciting to look forward to or people around who are doing anything new or exciting.

 

CHOICES ....CTR...CHOSE THE RIGHT...

Every thing you do is based on the choice you make....It's not your parents, your past relationships....your job....the economy, the weather....an argument...or your age that is to blame.  You and only you are responsible....for every decision and choice you make.....says Dr. Dyer...

And you can be sure every choice you make....DOES HAVE A CONSEQUENCE!! we make dozens of choices every day......what time to get up.....what to wear....what to eat...and on and on all day.....so choose carefully to be happy....bcause you cannot blame anyone or anything for a bad choice.

 

GATHER ROUND.....

AMEN......

A sad Christmas for many.....no jobs....no homes....no money for food or presents....sick famly members...and so many things closed down.  If my neighbors daughter drives to Utah to spend Christmas with her 98 year old grandmother....may be the last time she sees her.....when she gets back to LA she has to quarentine two weeks.....she and the dog will be driving.....she is still trying to decide what to do......is this the land of the free any more?  News last night said the UK is cancelling Christmas because of a new strain of viris ....more contagious.....no vaccine. HOW DO YOU CANCEL CHRISTMAS?

Yes, we do have a lot to be thankful for here in our little spot in Midvale.

 

DUCKS IN A ROW....

Just as you think your on top of things in your life......you get another black cloud.....I was so happy everyone was speaking to each other this year...then a blow up at Thanksgiving....but I think they are all speaking this week......and I am spending Christmas alone to keep peace on who I like best!!!!  Where are my nice row of ducks?  I don't even know if I still have any. I still hurt every where and things are an effort.....but one day at a time.  I wish this viris would get a vacination and let us live....we are almost afraid to go any where or have visitors. ....and the cold weather is no help. This is just a quiet Sunday...watched church on TV.  Mike called and is going to drop by this after noon....dinner then bed. Rob been sick all week.

 

THANKSGIVING....

Happy Thanksgiving.....at the Cooks.

Smaller groups for holidays now due to the viris.....so sad.

Brayden had to work late at the ski resort so had a late dinner.  Libby had gone home to Vernal for the weekend with her family. Cooks just remodeled and have a beautiful home.  ANNIE went to her inlaws.....Richie and Anna went to South Carolina as her father was getting married and Scott is on a mission....so they were alone. It's hard to family when the kids grow up and get married.

 

GRANDMA SHERRIE...

So excited...Sherrie finally gets to be a grandma in MAY......and it's a GIRL!  This will make my fifth great-grandchild.  Three girls and two boys....Brayden and Libby are very excited......Sherrie has started her nursery already.....getting ready for some baby-sitting,...This will be one spoiled baby.....the first grandchild on both sides.

 

WOW.....don't know where the time goes ....but I have been neglecting my blog lately....Here we are why into December already.  I do have my tree up and my house decorated .....all my presents wrapped and outside lighting up.  Need to mail a gift and deliever some presents.  It has been bright and sunny all week......but cold.  We have not gotten any snow for ages..I was so upset about Bidden winning the president I have been too depressed to do much...but what is...is...I guess I can wait and see why God didn't answer my prayer and let Trump win....guess he has a better plan.....we are so tired of masks and the viris.

 

NEUWANSTEIN CASTLE...

This is my favorite castle....I have been to it three times and loved it more each time.  There isa a little village at the bottom called Fusin and one year we spent the twins 9th birthday there. The Castle in Dissney Land is a copy of this one.

 

CHRISTMAS 2019......

Can't believe I started all this......The Peterson Chrismas party last year. The Panniers...their three children and mates and two grandsons,,,,,,The Christensons and their three boys and with mates......The Cooks their three children and mates and two grandchildren and me.....who knows when we will all be together again.....proably my funeral? It just seems to keep growing.

 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING.....

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and we are ordered to stay home and enjoy it with the people you live with.....not more than 8.....wear masks!  I am going to Karrie's with some of the Christensons. I grew up thinking the more the merrier on holidays.....now no more groups while this viris rages on.....I  guess we can still eat turkey and ham? Sherrie spent the morning with Libby and I......then off to a Dr. appointment.  It is cold and sunny.....still wintery..

Jim was going to Mesquite and can have Thanksgiving with Leslie....miss them.  Hope everyone has a nice day and pray we can all stay well.

 

NOTHING IS EASY.....

I was going to the Panniers for Thanksgiving forl  dinner.....all was well until Rob calls me and tells me "to quarenteen two weeks before! In other words...if you do not then do not come to dinner..... I am not sick and have lots to do in the next two weeks.....so I did my chores and and fingured no panniers.  In the mean time Karrie called and said she and Rich were alone would I Like to go eat with them some where.....Brayden has to work so I planned to eat here with him as Libby is going to VERNAL to be with her folks....then it got down to we will order something in and eat at Karrie's.....The Christensons were going to be alone at the cabin and Sherrie invited herself to Karrie's....now we have a big family dinner....without the Panniers...they won't come because of the viris and are mad I am going there.  I never hae liked Thanksgiving.....and now I know why.
 

WHAT MAKES A MOTHER HAPPY....

Just  been through the temple and sealed to my parents.....and have the twins as book ends and we are all on good terms again after five long years.....Why are families like that? So much hurt and heart aches....With this viris we could only have a small group
 

THAT'S ME.......

This little piece by Elder Scotty Cook about me appeared on Face Book.....I was trying to keep it kinda private....but you know when it hits Face Book the whole world knows...But I am happy he loves me and is proud of me.....and who cares if I a 88!  I guess  I  should have given up coffee a little sooner.......

 

SEA OF FRUSTRATION

I feel like I am sinkng in a sea of frustration with no compass.....JOE BIDEN  beat Donald Trumpt...and I 
 PRAYED so hard for Trumpt.....now they will declare Joe senile in a few months and Kamala the black lady who is so leftist will become president which means we are doomed for destruction in the open boarders, defund the police force, no guns, abortions as the new birthcontroll, no prayers in school , no heads on any of the statues....higher taxes...free medical for all....free schools..... wow I could go on and on,  My cute nephew Mike called to congratulate me on the temple and we had a great  political talk today......I wish I knew what God's plan was for us.....he can't be happy about this.

IF YOUR HATRED FOR ONE MAN IS GREATER THAN YOUR LOVE FOR YOUR COUNTRY.....THEN YOU HAVE A PROBLEM.

HALLOWEEN...

                                                                          

With the viris and all this year.....not much trick or treating....so Sherrie got us all dressed up and grabbed a bowl of candy and we climbed in a old bus Darren just bought and drove around her neighborhool passing out candy to them.....many surprised  neighbors...you never get too old to have fun on Halloween.

Darren...Sherrie.....Lacy

THANKS SCOTTY...

My youngest grandchild Scotty is a fresh missionary and very gung-ho...I was not telling everyone I know I was going to go through the Temple......But after he put it on Face Book I found out everyone knows, but I love he is proud of me and loves me......grandkids are the greatest!

 

MORE TEMPLE DAY....

 

Alex.....brayden.....Annie

Ken....Ashlyn...Me....Libby

Above:  Karrie ////me/////Sherrie......Happy day for all of us.

BIG DAY,,,,

This wonderful group took me through the Vernal Temple on the 29th of OCTOBER.....The Christenson family......Part of the Cooks and Sherrie's neighbors the Petersons...whom I love.  It was a wonderful day I will always remember......besides my endowments I got sealed to Mom and Dad.....So wonderful.

 

ELDER COOK....

My youngest grandchild....Scott Cook.....on his LDS mission in Casper Wyoming.  It isn't his first assignment.... Brazil was....but because of the Viris....they reassigned him to the states.  He writes home he likes it and is enjoying his mission and new companion....I am so excitd he is wearing the jacket I gave him for graduation......I hope I am still around when he gets home in two years.....he is a gorgeous, friendly and smart young man.  Love ya Scotty.

 

BIG DAY AHEAD.....

One of my favorite people also asking God for some help with our crazy world....This viris is driving all of us crazy....2,000 more cases in Utah Friday and 4 dead.....The  campaign is driving us crazy and if Trumph doesn't win I may jump off a bridge !

I went into the Bishop and the Stake President for interviews to get a Temple recommend today......had the lessons.....and passed the tests.  I have an appointment Friday in the Vernal Temple.  Sherrie is coming in to help me buy the garments and dress Thursday and I will go back with her...the kids will drive out Friday Morning.....we will spend Halloween and the weekend with the Christensons.  Karrie and Richard will drive out Friday....I choose the Vernal Temple because it is small and can handle a small group.  I told Pam and Leslie but I will get around to the neighbors and friends eventually.....if I feel it necessary for them to know.

 

WHERE DID FALL GO?

Where did our bautifiul Fall go......woke up to snow this morning.....had a warning it was coming so covered the patio furniture yesterday and got ready for it.....Having the usual quiet, lazy Sunday......church....snack and a nap.....so thought i would get caught up on my blog.

Ran my car over to Rob last night and enjoyed his yard full of Halloween blow ups.....lights and music and all.....he really goes all out....We will be in Vernal on Halloween and here I am with two big bags of candy.....guess I will take it with me. Brayden helped me get four new tires a couple of weeks ago......so will feel safe winter driving.

 

OH MY....

Oh how I love the people who put up with me......my neighbors......friends from my other life....the 30 years I was married......not many of them left....which I look back on and realize they were not real friends..the kind I need.  Now I have great REAL neighbors...who would do anything for you .....any time.....SO good to learn what real friends are......Suzanne, Gay, Hohn, Hilda etc.....always helping....always sharing ......always caring.......Then my cancer brought Karrie and I back together  and made all kinds of good things happen.....Ken an Brayden moved in and helped me along the way!!!!!Sherrie and Pam always working to pull it all together....I am closer to 89 than I am 88 and thankful for everyday....but know I won't last forever....I just hope my kids are proud of me and know I have tried to always set a good example......let them know how proud of them I am.......I am sorry their father did not care about them......he is the looser.

 

POLITICS 2020

Oh help somebody....Can I last another two weeks till this Presidental election?  Not only dealing with BIDEN..but with his son and his crocked deals..Tonite is the last debate till we vote in November.......Please God.....let it be TRUMP for President....I am also entering a new chapter in my life...that has me in a turmoil......I did get four new tires on my 17 year old Toyota and my son-in-law Rob wants to borrow my car for a week.......leaving Pam to be my "UBER" for a week.......You have to be petty desperate to borrow your "mother-in-laws 17 year old car to drive while yours is in the shop for repair......Maybe Amazon will give him a raise?????  Trying to make so many decisions to better my life....but feel I don't know which way to turn.....Sherrie and Brayden have been so much help.....

 

TIME MOVES ON......

How time flys....days into weeks.....weeks into months and months into years.  Each year gets more precious.......In the past this was Sher and Dar and three little boys..now there is added two darling wives for the boys and who knows....someday several little ones....plus lots of dogs.....my family loves dogs!!!!  This is Sherrie's family at Lake Powell last week....they are a great famly unit and I am sure will grow into many in the next few years.....I am happy I am part of them...... 

PAST WEEK...

Last week was a fun week.....love being busy.  Monday Patty came by for coffee.....I call it coffee.  I quit drinking coffee and she brings her own...but we cover every thing and have a few laughs.  Then Sherrie spent the morning with me Wednesday.....her visits always make my day.  Then the end of the week Leslie, Kristi and Katy came by to see the new yard and puppy and we went to the Porkie Pine Grill for a fun lunch before they took off for Orem.  The picture above is of Leslie and her granddaughter Braylee.....wish they lived closer.

 

PAM AND ROB...

This is Pam and Rob in Idaho getting ready for a ride to see the elk rutt one weekend.  They are always off doing something fun....they have a new trailer house and like to fish, go for razor rides etc.

My latest joy is the new puppy Bray and Libby just brought home....Cloe....and my new back yard.....with all the pretty lighting.....a few fall flowers.....grill and water fountain....MY SECRET GARDEN......been hurting with artheritis a lot lately....so am beecoming a home body.....and enjoying our beautiful fall weather.

 

HALLOWEEN PLANS......

With Halloween just around the corner.....I have been wondering how to celebrate it......to old to trick and treat.  Saw they have a corn maze for us elders that can't walk far and get lost easily.......Think I saw something that looked like this down the street in my in neighbor's garden.....so excited!  Don't think there will be a big crowd there......so no worry about the viris crowd there.  Just thought I would pass this good news on to my friends.....

 

TOMATO SOUP KID.....

 

LOOKS LIKE ALL THE SOUP IS GONE.......BUT WHERE?

Tucker has more soup on him than in him.....but still has that big smile.....when they show this picture to him.....or a girl friend some day.....he will never believe how he ate at one.  He is such a fat and happy baby and I HOPE Nicci and Bill have a few more just like him.  Wish we were closer so I could squeese him now and then....but thankgoodness Nic keeps me up with these pictures that make me smile.

o.K. TO BE OLD......

OF COURSE.....EVERYONE KNOWS THE SMARTS AND LOOKS OF YOUR GRANDCHILD COME FROM GRAMMIE B......

I have nine of the greatest grandchildren.....five of my six grandsons have been on LDS missions.....and are Eagle Scouts....My three granddaughters have all given me great grand children....two boys and two girls......I have learned so much from all of them and have shared so many fun memories...Disney Land trips.....cruises.....holiday celebrations.etc.  Not one in jail or has a dui or had to get married.....Just good kids...because they had good parents to guide them and love them.....and a grandma who loves them all so much.

 

GREAT DAY....

One in every crowd??????

Halloween won't be the same this year...who wants their little one exposed to the viris and eating stuff from strangers.....but they look so cute in their costumes and love to dress up and show off.....and get goodies!  My great-grandkids are already feeling the change of so many things we just took for granite....good things like Trick and Treating!

Had a great day....my Sherrie spent the morning with me.....don't see much of her now days.....then my sister Leslie, daughter Kristi and nephew's wife Kathy all went to lunch at the Porkepine for lunch...wonderful bread bowl of beer and cheese and a fun visit.....on their patio.

There is absolutely nothing like close family when you need a lift.....Pam came by yesterday with a drink and a gift and a good visit.....I don't see a lot of her.....and Tuesday Karrie came over to see the new puppy and pick up a birthday gift to Scotty for me.  I am very grateful for each every visit I get from my loved ones....I know they are busy and have a life!

 

OLD...OLDER.....OLDEST!

Old is a good time to dream......A dream give us purpose and passion, and something to look forward to and work toward .   A dream energizes us, sustains us and puts everything in  perspective.  A dream lifts us up when difficulties threaten to drag us down.  Let the dreamer in you shine!  I still dream of traveling to the parts of the world I did not get to.....but actually I know it is just a dream.....I am not up to it.  I love my own bed....and bathroom.....my kids and neighbors and daily schedule....But I do remember the excitement and fun it was to plan a trip with Ann and have something exciting to look forward to...Morrocco...Tahati....Bali.....Israel and Cape Town etc. Those were the good ole days....when I didn't hurt all over and the world was in a better place.

 

WATCHING ON TV

Boy.....this will get you out of bed and to church each Sunday.....I am turning over a new leaf......church each Sunday it is!  I am up to here with the stuff on TV now days....and I think God is getting serious.....Watched the Church Conference today....yes, on TV.....and have decided it time to go to the Temple.......God has answered: "those of us who did not actually go to church.....but watched it on TV......will not actually go to Heaven but can watch it on your TV"......god has spoken!

Another long and lonely weekend....beautiful weather and enjoying my new back porch....Suzanne gone to her sister's in Heber.....Sher and Kar home from Vegas..... I guess....Kids to Vernal and have no idea what the Pannier's are doing?  Think I will make some tomatoe soup with sausages for dinner....or maybe nothing.

Church Conference again tomorrow......

 

THE WORLD ON FIRE.....

I feel so sorry for the millions of people who have lost their homes in the horrible fires  in LA,

Oregon and Washington.....over three and a half million acres burned up.....between the fires and floods and riots with them burning stores and breaking glass windows etc. the world has fallen into ruin for the next generation to deal with......how can a statue hurt anyone.....or our flag control anyone.....no, destroy...destroy....destroy. As I look back over my 88 years of life I realize how lucky I have been.....other than the 8 years of Obama and watching him pushing our country into socialism.....our country has been the greatest one on earth. Thank you GOD for letting my life be so great.

 

Richie and Annie new home.

This is Richie Cook and new bride Anna in their first home....wow to start out with a brand new home now days is something......My X and I started out living with his father and soon were renting a very old run down house on the west side of town.....near the airport....after Pam was born and on her first birthday we did move into a new home on the east side of town that his brother built and helped us get for $20,000.00.....of course that was 64 years ago.....Congratulations you two.

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NICCI...

This my second grandchild.....Nicci....seven years ago getting ready for her wedding in Minnesota......She is such a pretty .....happy.....and smart girl.....and now a mama of a precious one year old little boy......TUCKER!  She lives outside of Seattle.....so don't get to see them much.....but thank goodness for FaceBook and Instagram.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY TODAY NICCI.

 

HANGING IN THERE.....

I know we are all being tested with this viris thing.......seven months now.....the Presidential elelction....Biden and Trump....fires burning up 3 states.....hurricanes and floods....marches and ralleys....no school, no church, few restraunts....only take out and everyone wearing masks....the only thing this guy is missing is a mask!!!  Just the way I feel most days. AND this morning they announced.....President Trump and his wife.....both have tested positive for the viris!  one month before the election...WHAT NEXT?  Yes, we are in the last days.

 

OCTOBER

"OCTOBER"

Such a pretty time of year....The colors are all turning bright yellow, red and orange in our mountains......nice days but cool evenings and mornings.....Church conference this weekend and usually storms.....but maybe not this year.  I am really enjoying my new back yard.....money well spent.  I remember my Fall trip with Leslie through Maine, NH, especially Vermont , MA....16 states in two weeks.....every state had it's special color.  We rented a car in RI and ended up in MD. Hope the whole month is as nice as today.

 

MAGIC OF YES.....

Strange how you carefully plan your day.....to only have it fall apart......My friend  Shirley called the first of the week....lets pick up lunch and eat it in your new back yard.....Sounds good to me......waited an hour for her this morning and she never showed up......so I jumped in my car mailed some bills and picked up a perscription and came home and took a nap....I will call tonight to see what happened on her end....sick?.....forgot? who knows....but my days are important to me as I begin to be thankful for each day I can get out of bed and enjoy the day......

My cute roommates went to Park City to celebrate their anniversary at the Marriot Hotel...pool, hot tub.....dinner.   so I have the evening alone.....which is good now and then....but we all stayed up till ten last night to see who won the million dollars on AMERICA HAS TALENT!....the black poet did????

 

MY GO TO PLACE.....

As you can see the back gate is open for the neighbors who like to drop in and sit on the patio.....me standing on he patio waiting to welcome them.....the grass was so lumpy I was afraid to walk on it.....felt I would fall....now no problem and Brayden built me a nice railing down the steps.  Lunch at the cute little table a favorite....hope we have a long warm fall so I can enjoy it......next summer I will cover the place in flowers.....for the birds and bees to share.

 

SECRET GARDEN.....

No more grass.....last Wednesday four big guys attacked my back yard with viger....and 9 hours later this is how it looked......I love the pavers.....so European.....I cleaned off my very crowed patio....put up a table and chairs ...turned on the fountain and turned on the two sets of lights Brayden had so magically installed for me.......I absolutely love it!!!!

Night time view.....lights on bushes on right and a lighted strip under the edge of the patio.....

 

ONE IS ALL IT TAKES...

We love this little green frog....so many good ideas?

One idea is all takes...

One idea is enough to set success in motion.  One choice is enough to make great things happen. One step is enough to move you forward.....One act of kindness is enough to start a chain reaction of caring that changes the world , and one person is enough to make a difference....it could be you....or me......!  All great steps forward in our country .....all started by one idea by someone who took one more step.....and another and another....just from one idea they had and didn't give up on.

So tired of Biden and Trump talk.....and praying so hard that Trump wins......The Democrats plan no doubt is to unload Bidden in 6 months and the black lady becomes president and Polosie vice president....and we are well into comunism then......please God.....help us out.....

 

MASKS.....NOT FOR HALLOWEEN!

My great-grandchildren will some day wonder what is up with all the masks in  2020?  This is Pam in her pull up one.....You can't breath or see or hear .....and every one has a favorite one.....They are worn by everyone to keep from getting or giving the viris to each other....It  started in March and will no doubt be mandatory till the vacine is discovered.  First seat belts ....now masks!

Joining some of the neighbors at The Kings Row....or something like that for dinner tonight....I told Bray and Libby I would take them for their third anniversary....will also be celebrating the Hill's 60 anniversary......which was a day after the Christensons......It is turning cold and suppose to rain tomorrow...we really need it.  Nice having the kids here this weekend.....they usually end up in Vernal....Page .... or the cabin.