Winter's Snow

As I was maneuvering down the road this morning through the
unplowed snowy roads, my mind drifted back many years to my
hometown and the heavy snow storms we used to get. I haven't
seen snow storms and depths of snow like we had as a child in
years. Probably the worst storm I can recall was back in the
1980's. Yet driving down Main Street at 7:00 a.m. in the heavy
snowfall and unplowed roads it seemed almost as bad.

The years 1948-49 and 1951-52 were winters we were pounded
with snow so frequent and heavy that the plows couldn't keep up.
The snowbanks were so high we couldn't see the road from the
house and the road itself was barely wide enough for one car.
(Note the "trail" leading from the road, up the snowbank and
to the front door)

Shoveling was quite a feat as one tried to decide just where to pile
the snow. Many times the snow had to be hauled away and
dumped. However, it made for great snow time fun!

The pile of snow from the roof of our home made for a great
slide. Boots, my Border Collie, loved sitting on top of the snow
and would even run up and down the roof much to my parents
dismay.

The field between our home and my grandparents home soon
became the favorite spot for kids in the neighborhood as we
stomped out a circle to play "Fox and Geese". I even loved
donning by father's snowshoes and walking over the top of the
fence posts and around the field.

Walking on top of the snowbanks to school felt like you were
walking on top of the world unless you sank up to your
hips in the snow. It was one way to see what was going on
around you as sometimes the snow was so deep we couldn't
see out to the road and barely out the windows because the
icicles were so long and thick. Often Jack Frost painted
delicate frosted scenes on the windows that lasted for days
especially in the utility room and my bedroom upstairs.

Such a difference in the storm today. The roads, though not
plowed, are certainly wide enough for two cars to pass and
there are barely any snowbanks.

The house is easily accessible and the driveway is somewhat
cleared.

The homes and yards surrounding us are a beautiful snowy
site, especially the pines as the snow lays upon the
branches.



The temperatures are probably a little warmer now than then.
It is a balmy 23 degrees F. Many times growing up we were in
the single digits or below zero for the high's. Buckets filled
with coal and kindling kept the old coal stove pumping out the
heat as well as a small oil heater in the front room. No central
heating like today.

As I look out my family room window the snow is starting to fall
once again. The break only lasted a short time. But now that I
don't have to go out in it the rest of the day, I can say it is
"Beautiful"! And, it can snow all it wants--that is until work
calls me again in the morning.

Added Gifts

Thought I would add a few more gifts that I am
grateful for:

56. Doctors on call Christmas Day
57. Doctors available today
58. Medicine for my grandsons who have croup and
pneumonia
59. Christmas snow
60. Christmas Elves
61. Wonderful Christmas TV movies
62. The delight that comes from watching everyone
open Christmas gifts
63. Sharing Christmas traditions
64. Making cookies for Santa Christmas Eve
65. Being invited to my son's home Christmas morning
66. Christmas Eve Phone Call
67. Twinkling Christmas lights
68. A warm home when the temperature outside is 23 degrees
69. Gingerbread houses
70. Kleenex

Thankful Gifts

I was reminded once again today of the gift of life I have been given
as I spoke with a life-long friend whose son has been diagnosed
with cancer and has had his first treatment. They are very hopeful
that all will be alright. But as we talked and she asked questions
that were concerning her and as I answered them the best I could,
I couldn't help but once again express gratitude for my life, for
good doctors and family. One never knows from minute to minute
what lays in store for us or our loved ones. So, I need to express
gratitude for more gifts I enjoy.

31. Attendance at Sunday Church Meetings
32. Renewing covenants made
33. Being taught the gospel by humble teachers
34. Being inside a warm house as a snowstorm pounds the
outside
35. My former "Beehives"
36. Uplifting emails
37. Nimble fingers
38. Eyelashes
39. Clear skies encasing a bright full moon at 6:00 a.m.
40. Being able to share financially with others, even if it
isn't much
41. Freedom
42. United States of America
43. Our current prophet
44. Always having food on my table
45. Uplifting books
46. Yummy cinnamon rolls from my daughter
47. Thanksgiving phone call from my son
48. Special "book" from my grandson
49. The "Spirit of Christmas" in my home
50. Holiday get-together's with family and friends
51. Making "cherry chocolates" with my daughter
52. Christmas music
53. Twinkling Christmas lights
54. The "smells" of Christmas
55. Christmas books

THANKSGIVING

(Daddy, me, Mother, Carol--1952)

I remember Thanksgiving as a little girl living in Midway and the
wonderful accompanying smells. Mother was up at the crack of
dawn to prepare the turkey and homemade stuffing which was
always cooked inside the turkey. The turkey was cooked in an
roasting oven that sat next to the kitchen cupboard.
Dough for her yummy Parker House Rolls was raising and pies
made the day before were "cooling" in the utility room.
Mother made her own mincemeat for pies using deer roasts and
it was to die for. That is something I really miss. REAL mince-
meat, not the kind you can buy now or that I get from our
meat department at work.

How I loved being able to help "roll" out the dough for the
rolls, cut them in circles, brush them with melted butter,
slice the center, fold them and place them on cookie sheets to
raise. They were always light as a feather and baked to a
light golden brown. I have tried for years, but have never been
able to make them like she did even though I helped. Mine seem
to always pop open. But they were the best for those turkey sandwiches
later in the day or even the next day.

I don't think we often had company. At least I don't think we did.
But, it didn't matter. We just enjoyed Mother's good cooking and
always laughed when she said she wish she had a zipper down
the front of her that she could unzip when she had eaten too
much. Why do we always eat too much dinner?

I remember a couple of years when we went with Daddy to the
turkey shoots where he would always win us our Thanksgiving
turkey. It was pretty exciting and there were always lots of
men participating. Dad even shot a goose one year. It wasn't
too bad. Of course, Mother always had a gift when it came to
cooking wild meat.

Dinner was always served in the early afternoon. While my sister
and I helped Mother clean up the kitchen after, Dad always stretched
out on the couch to sleep off his meal and whatever else he had been
into. But, we didn't allow him to rest very long because my sister
and I were anxious to don our snow pants, coats, boots and
gloves and head out to Deer Creek or Pine Creek to cut our
Christmas tree.


(Christmas trees waiting to be loaded onto jeep)

What fun it was wading through the snow searching for just
the right tree. We often took the Holmes with us and sometimes
Daddy would cut an extra tree or to for others. Then they
were loaded onto the jeep and home to be kept in the chicken
coop until the middle of December. Seems like our tree
could never be put up until around the 15th of the month.

I remember one year while tramping around the hills we
spotted a bear. Dad got so excited and so frustrated because
he didn't have his gun. We had to make a rush trip home for his
gun but by the time we returned the bear was nowhere to be found.
How disappointed Dad was, how relieved I was! It was a little
unnerving to a little girl.

Christmas music was turned on in the evening while we munched
on left overs. That was the beginning of the Christmas season for
our family.

Now today as I sit here reminiscing, I'm grateful that we always
had enough, that our table was never empty. I'm grateful that
I had a sister even though we were not especially close growing
up---six years apart makes a difference. I'm grateful to parents
for providing for us and making sure we never went without.
I'm grateful for the good times--yes there were some good times!
I'm grateful for my rich heritage and those who have gone before
me. I'm grateful we have a special day set aside when we can
focus on our blessings for we surely do have much to be
grateful for.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

More Gratitude Thoughts

I was reading some posts on Face Book from friends who
share daily things they are grateful for and it got me to
thinking that I am grateful we have this "season" of the
year that calls attention to all that we have to be thankful
for. But, I wish I'd be more consistent in expressing
"gratitude" throughout the year. We are commanded to
thank Heavenly Father AT ALL TIMES. Perhaps by the time
I complete my 1,000 Gifts I will
have formed a habit of more easily expressing gratitude to others
through the spoken or written word and will also express my
gratitude through my actions.

17. A wonderful Mother
18. Hand drawn pictures from Ian
19. "You Who's" coming from the front door
20. The "honking" of Canadian Geese flying overhead
morning and night
21. Long distance phone calls
22. Breathtaking sunsets
23. Heidi helping me clean up dropped leaves
24. Dana taking my bags of leaves for her garden
25. Comfy P.J.'s after a long day
26. Basket of freshly picked red delicious apples
27. Caring Visiting Teachers
28. Sleeping In
29. Qualifying for a current recommend
30. Birthday party invitations

Four Years

Today would have been my Mother's 94th Birthday. But, alas
she's been gone four years. It doesn't seem possible. Wasn't
it just yesterday we were saying "goodbye"? I miss her so
much, but know that she is in a better place and free from
all her earthly struggles.

As I was walking this morning I reflected on the fun times
we had celebrating hers, Rob's and Ian's birthday's together.
How she loved being with her family. We all loved that
$1.00 bill she'd tuck into our birthday cards and now I
carry on that tradition.

I'm grateful for the legacy she left, for the wonderful
Mother she was and still is. There is seldom a day goes by
that her influence is not felt in some way.

So, Happy Birthday, Mother. I love you!

Found--New Projects!

I never knew, well perhaps I did, that there were so many wonderful
websites for free patterns for stitching and quilting. I guess that
it's just that this morning I took time to check some out after
printing off some adorable patterns for a BOM quilt that could
be appliqued or done in redwork.

I am so excited to see what wonderful things are being done by
everyday people. I want to do everything! If I just had 48 hours
in a day--but since I don't I'll have to be rather choosy in what
I do. Printed off patterns and instructions for a couple of things
and will put them in a looseleaf and try to work on them in
the coming year.

Even found a great idea for printing patterns on freezer paper,
adhering them to your fabric and tracing them. Can't wait to
try it. Where do people come up with these ideas?

My ribbon or wrapping paper Halloween quilt is coming along.
It was such fun to have JoAnn here for two days and start this
quick and easy project. I hope to finish sewing it this week and
then I'll post pictures.

Did do my BOM for first Saturday class yesterday and it took
forever! But, at least it is out of the way. Coming along nicely on
my Sister's Christmas present, so perhaps I can start one of the
cute Christmas stitcheries I printed off.

1,000 Gifts Continued

Funny, how when you start something that has value and meaning to you
more thoughts come to mind, you become more aware of your gifts and
blessings, more appreciative of what you have instead of what you don't
have. Today, I have more wonderful gifts to be thankful for:

6. A good, clean, friendly work environment.

7. One on one time with my grandchildren.

8. Thursdays with Hailey.

9. Making cutout cookies with Hailey and her friends.

10. Snuggle time and reading books with Hailey.

11. Giggles from little girls.

12. Being able to help a friend in a time of need.

13. Late night talks with my son.

14. Autumn's morning sun shining through my windows.

15. Early morning "checking in" phone calls.

16. Bright blue skies after a dismal gray day.

1,000 Gifts

Several years ago while watching Oprah she talked about doing a
"Gratitude" journal. She even had it set up that we could go
through her and do it on line. I did it for sometime and really
enjoyed it. Even got in the habit of expressing "gratitude" to
my Heavenly Father as I walked daily. Eventually, I was able
to think of things that filled my entire walking time. My
feelings of gratitude intensified and became deeper and more
meaningful as I did this. Then, sadly, and I don't remember
why, I stopped doing it.
Today, as I was browsing the internet I saw this idea of
expressing gratitude daily, weekly or however you chose and
seeking to reach the goal of being thankful for 1,000 gifts.
So, I decided to try it once again. Not sure if I will do it daily
or weekly. But, I am going to start with a few now:

1. Feeling very grateful for children who take time from their
busy schedules to come and work in my yard.

2. Grateful for choice friends and for time spent with them.

3. Cancer free--Three years November 7, 2009

4. Grateful for a car that gets me from here to there.

5. Thankful for a warm home and food on the table.

Solitary Walk

Walking around the DATC yesterday, I observed the morning sun
slowly rising above the mountain tops, peeking through scattered,
wispy gray clouds. Its rays illuminating the mountains across the
valley creating pockets of gold where the light rested. Shadows of
purple surrounded the brilliant gold where the sun had not yet
reached.

The sun's morning rays slowly drifted to the valley floor chasing
away the fading darkness of night. Such a beautiful sight to see
as I walked noting how the sun's rays brought light and life to
everything.

It wasn't long before I, too, felt the comfort and warmth of the
rising sun upon my back chasing away the frosty morning air.
It felt good to be alive, to watch the sun lighting up another day
and seeing people hurrying on their way to work and school.

As I started my second round at the school, I could hear the
distinct honking of the Canadian Geese. Looking upward I noticed
them, flying in formation, coming from the ponds or bird refuge
to the school where they would spend the morning feeding and
resting in the fields behind the school.

Walking and observing this beautiful morning I felt such gratitude
for living where I do, for the beauties that surround me and for
the great neighborhood I live in. I have a great ward family and
I'm thankful for their strengths, faith, examples and friendship and
for their caring attitude toward one another. I was grateful for the
blessing of participating in our special ward fast Sunday for
members who were in need of our prayers and faith in their behalf.

It was a spiritual feast to participate with my ward family at the
church to close our fast late Sunday afternoon. The bishop offered
an incredible prayer beseeching the Lord in each individual's behalf.
The spirit in the room was amazing and I knew the Lord was mindful
of everyone there as we united in prayer.

How grateful I was for my solitary walk, to be able to reflect upon
this beautiful area and the great people surrounding me.

The Rising Generation

As I was reading my scriptures the other morning one particular verse
caught my attention. I've read this verse many times, but for some
reason this time it struck me with quite a bit of force. The
words "rising generation"seemed to jump out at me
and I realized this was church members children that were
being spoken of.

Mosiah 26:1,3 -- "Now it came to pass that there were many of
the "rising generation" that could not understand the words of
King Benjamin, being little children at the time he spake unto
his people; and they did not believe in the traditions of their fathers.
And now because of their unbelief they could not understand
the word of God, and their hearts were hardened."

I pondered these verses I had read during the day and again
thought how important it is that my grandchildren be given
a firm foundation, that they understand the principles of the
gospel, that we continually teach and be good examples in all
we do. It is important that we keep our family home evenings
going and that we teach simply, yet clearly, the principles
of the gospel so that they are planted or written with
an "iron pen" upon their hearts. I must strive to always be a good
example and show continual love and appreciation for them.
They have so much more to deal with than my children, their
parents did, or for that matter, than I did.

Later in the day, I was surprised as I opened the "Ensign" to
review the Visiting Teaching message I was to give that
afternoon to note the title "Nurturing the Rising Generation".
We were reminded that it is our duty to nourish, strengthen
and be a good influence in the lives of these young people.

We live in critical times where our children are being pulled
in many directions through the influence of friends, cell phones,
the internet, TV. movies, music, etc. Where good is evil and
evil is good, where many are "deceived with flattering words".

Later I happened to tune in to Dr. Phil and was saddened and
almost sickened to see the program he was airing. I seldom
watch him or similar shows, but this caught my attention
because of the influence, persuasion, and pressure of
young people's peers. I was surprised--well, maybe not so
much--at the pressure that is being placed on young people
to participate in things that are immoral. It was interesting
and yet disappointing to me to see how they justified their
behaviors and actions. (Just like some kids have been doing
here in the school district) It made me think all the more of
this scripture and the influence the adversary is having on
our young people...actually, all of us. How careful and
mindful we must be!

I hope and pray that I will always take advantage of
opportunities that come my way to influence the
rising generation( my grandchildren and others) in righteous
actions and choices. We must teach with clarity and persuasion.
I worry about them and pray for them constantly for they
are some of our Heavenly Father's choices spirits.

I know this rising generation is strong and many have
a much better understanding of the gospel than I did at their age,
but we musn't and can't allow outside influences
to pull them away from the gospel, to minimize standards,
to question the prophet and neglect their scriptures and prayers.
We must instill in them the importance of family (not TV's families)
and choosing friends wisely. We must help them to have a
testimony of the Savior and His Atonement. It must come line upon
line, precept upon precept so that it becomes an integral
part of their lives so that when the winds and storms of life
come, they will not waver, that their foundations will be
strong and enable them to stand.

We must continually teach, love and nurture this
rising generationso that they will remain
true and faithful and fulfill the great mission that is theirs.

Fall Is In The Air

This morning I headed out early for my walk. The air was a little
crisp, you know, the crispness that comes from fall. A slight
breeze played about me. The sky was a clear, brilliant blue and
the sun had not yet peaked over the mountain tops. It felt good
to be out after not walking for over a week because of a blister
received from new walking shoes! Ouch!

As I headed east I couldn't help focusing on the mountains and
the beautiful colors. There is still a lot of green down low, but
I know that will change in the next few days. I love it when all
the colors mellow out and the mountains like a multi-colored
carpet.

The coolness of the morning helped me keep up that
brisk walk and get the old heart pumping. However, on my
return trip I slowed down to observe the Canadian Geese that
pass through our area each spring and fall. They fly over early
in the morning and I love listening to their "honking" and
observing them as they glide to a soft landing in the fields east
of the DATC. They are so busy checking out the fields for
food that will sustain them as they continue their journey. They
do stay here for quite a while and sometimes I just take their
early morning and evening flights over my house for granted
until suddenly I realize they are gone! I miss that "honking"
that tells me morning has arrived and it's time to get up and
the evening "honking" that tells me day is winding down and
soon it will be bedtime.

Picking up my speed once again I observe the sun beginning
to chase away the mountain shadows as it climbs above the
surrounding mountains and spread its warming rays over the valley.
I try to see if I can beat it home before the sun's vista spreads to my
area, but I didn't. Just had to bask a little in it's warmth myself.

Even as the leaves are changing in the mountains I couldn't help
but notice the changes that have taken place here at home.
It seems that suddenly the Ash in the back has taken on that
golden hue and the vines on the fence are no longer green, but
Autumn Red. Even the neighbors Maple has turned a brilliant
red. How I love nature's palate of colors.

I love the changing seasons especially fall because I know it's
time once again for soup, warm bread from the oven, and
nice, thick, comfy blankets on the bed. Even my energy levels
seem to pick up and I find myself wanting to do more. Perhaps
I'll get those 4-generation books completed, quilts I have
started piecing finished and histories written now that there
isn't so much to do outside.

MEMORIES OF DAD AND HOMESTEAD CRATER

While perusing an extended family member's blog the other day,
memories of an earlier time flooded my mind. Nicole mentioned
that she and her husband had recently spent some time in
Midway staying at the Homestead and while there had hiked the
"crater" and even swam in it.

Immediately a flood or memories of an earlier time assaulted
my mind. Memories of by gone days associated with the
Homestead and my growing up years in Midway.

One of these memories focused on the "crater" itself. We were
constantly warned of its danger and its "bottomless pit". The
opening in the crater was enclosed and even the top was
covered with screen to prevent anyone from "falling in". I
can remember tossing rocks through the wire screen and
waiting to hear the "splash". Sometimes we never heard it
as it was so deep and far down. It was a place to be feared, a
place to be treated with respect and a place to "stand back"
from.

On the side nearest the swimming pools and main buildings
were cement stairs that you could climb to reach the top.
The crater, itself, was barren of landscape and was really just
good old "pot rock".

Dad was in the construction business and through the years
had done a lot of work for the Whittaker's including building
the Farm House, Ranch House, and private residence of
Ferrin and Martha which later became a guest house.

So when a telescope was wanted at the top of the crater and
cement work was required my Dad was asked if it could be
done and if he would do it.

There were no roads leading to the top of the crater and no
cement trucks with long hoses to pump the cement to the top.
Previous attempts had been made to drive up the side of the
crater, but no one had succeeded. It was very dangerous
and a vehicle could easily lose traction, slip and slide, and
even roll.

But my Dad loved a challenge! The harder and more difficult
it was, the better he liked it. He spent time studying the
crater and determining the best way or angle to follow to
successfully reach the top with a load of freshly mixed cement.



(Dad in jeep with cement mixer, getting ready to load cement
into back of jeep)



(Gravel, sand and bags of cement were hauled in the back of his
other "work" truck. The cement mixer and truck were at the base
of the crater in the parking lot)

The cement was mixed in the mixer and then loaded into the back
of the jeep. As Dad started up the hill we all held our breath. This
was a steep climb and a challenge he enjoyed. We all had great faith
in his abilities, but it was still nerve-wracking to watch. The drive up
the hill was very slow-going and required much concentration on
Dad's part. Slow and steady, not too fast and don't let the engine die.
It took several minutes to reach the top of the crater. Cheers
erupted when he "made it" safely to the top. This was a great feat!



Once he made it to the top of the crater, cement was shoveled
into a wheelbarrow and "poured" where needed for the project.
Then it was downhill for more cement. Coming down was as tricky
as going up was--didn't want those breaks to burn out and low
gear must be used. Still needed to maintain a balance of speed so
as not to lose control. I think we all breathed a sigh of relief with
each successful trip and it took several!



Dad and his helper, Ralph Kinsey, on top of crater. Project completed!



I was so proud of Dad! And even though I was aware of the dangers
involved, I so badly wanted to ride up in the jeep with him. But that
didn't happen. It was far too dangerous!

The year was 1958. The month--June. So much has changed from
those early pioneering years. In many ways Dad was truly a pioneer
in the construction business. Always a perfectionist in his work and
always seeking a better way to do things.

Preventive Measures

I'm sitting here looking at my lawn, or what used to be my lawn, next
to my patio. It is slowly trying to recover from an infestation of June
Bugs. They have literally destroyed a fairly large area of lawn, leaving
dead grass where they have eaten the roots, and small holes where
they have burrowed up through the soil. The hard green striped shell
has been left behind, probably rejected by birds who have feasted
upon these gruesome bugs. Not only have the June Bugs made holes
in my lawn, but the birds have pecked away at the grass and dirt
to find these tasty morsels.

They are not a pretty picture! And, because they seem to come out
at night and are attracted to light, I have several places on my screen
patio door with small holes. Think they may have popped the screen
as they have flown into it trying to reach the light shining through.

The interesting thing is that one day my grass was green, lush and
very healthy. And, the next day it looked brown and lifeless. I
couldn't believe how quickly things changed. I have since learned
that this did not take place overnight, that the eggs were probably
laid last fall or this spring, larvae developed and although I had
treated my lawn for grubs, the damage had already begun and
"they" proceeded to become this ugly beetle who would eventually
destroy everything in its path to survive.

Professional help was called in and treatments began to kill present
and future bugs and to help restore my lawn to a good healthy turf.

As I have observed this problem, I couldn't help but think about how
it relates to life and how careful we must be in our everyday living so
that "bugs" do not "infest' us. Families and lives don't just fall apart
overnight, testimonies aren't lost in a day, marriages and friendships
are not always destroyed in a moment.

Many times it is the small things, simple by some means, that we may
do or not do that begin to slowly eat away at us until before we know it
our lives have changed and we have lost those things that are precious
above all else.

We simply skip daily reading of our scriptures, find an excuse to stay
home from church, put off important things until "tomorrow", place
"things" and "wants" above families and loved ones, allow "gadgets" to
steal our time, debate prophetic counsel as to whether it really
pertains to us or not. Oh, there's ever so many more "bugs" that
we must be on the alert for.

How careful we must be with our preventive measures so as not to allow
those things of "little" value to destroy those things of "greater" value.
Slow, oh so slowly, Satan advances his cause. We must ever be on
guard, watching daily, being alert to all things surrounding us, our
families and loved ones that may destroy or harm those we love and
care about.

However, should be we become "infected" there is always help available
if we will but just seek it. Our Heavenly Father is only a prayer away,
Scriptures just need to be opened, Priesthood leaders are standing
nearby and loved ones are only a call away.

It is sad to look outside and see what was once beautiful green and
inviting grass gone. I know, though, that with the right help, it will be
restored. I think of my family, loved ones, and even myself, and know
that with the right help and keeping those preventive measures in
place, we can continue to grow and be all that our Heavenly Father
would have us be. We can truly blossom!

Frustration

This past week has been very frustrating for everyone at work and it
has been interesting to me to see how different people handle their
frustrations. The store has been installing a new system that affects
almost everyone and as is usual with a new program there have
been many glitches. But, once the program gets the kinks out I think
it is going to work well and in all honesty, I think it is similar to the
old one---just more pages for us as bookkeepers to sort through.

Training for this new program was set up for front end managers
and checkers last week. Times were signed up for, but sorry to say
those who were in charge were late getting there, slow to set up and
kept many standing around. Very frustrating to those who had
arranged their daily schedule around the training only to find that
they were sent home after standing around. Some were fine with
it, but others were very upset.

Management was also frustrated because times were having to be
rescheduled and of course, wages were being paid for no work!
People again were frustrated because they would have to reschedule
or be trained by someone else.

On top of all this, glitches often made it impossible for a checker
to access her drawer, credit cards weren't working as they should,
products were not ringing up correctly. Much frustration!

I was scheduled for training with the bookkeeping aspect on Monday
with a couple of others, but got a call on Saturday saying it was
postponed until Tuesday. Didn't bother me a bit! Just gave me a
extra day to enjoy at home as I was supposed to work the rest of
the week while my job sharing partner took some time off to help
with family. Tuesday came and went as did Wednesday and still
no training and we found ourselves doing everything by hand.

I was quite surprised with my job-sharing partner and how she
has handled all of this. Not good! She has been extremely
frustrated and has come in everyday which I don't think has helped.
Today I spent 8 hours at work with two others on conference calls
working out things and learning the new program. Things were
not totally resolved, but I think we're getting there. Will go in
early again tomorrow and see where we are at.

The week has been frustrating to everyone and I've seen a side
to some that is not the best while others are patient and just roll
with things knowing that eventually all will get worked out.
Yes, it has been hard, but I am beginning to see the light at the
end of the tunnel. I'm sure we are all learning how to deal
better with our frustrations as it isn't just the employees who are
frustrated, but management also feels it and so do those
computer guys who are installing the new programs and trying
to get them set up to everyone's satisfaction.

Perhaps this is just a test in patience and endurance...
The question is: How are we all doing?

A Day filled with Memories

Yesterday flew by. I couldn't believe how much energy I had; of course
I always do when I find myself unhindered by anyone in the house.
It was a little surprising considering I hadn't slept well the night before
because someone was up most of the night doing what I don't know.
Normally, when this happens I have no energy and usually fall asleep
briefly when I sit down to watch the news. But, not yesterday!
I was like the energizer bunny!

I spent most of the day downstairs working on my 4-generation
family history books. Typed histories were in place, just needed to
insert pictures. Now you wouldn't think that would take very long,
but it took most of the afternoon and early evening as I just
couldn't make up my mind on paper to use to mount them. I
actually took time to redo some pictures I had done a while back
because I wasn't happy with them.

It never ceases to amaze me how close I feel to those who have
gone on when I'm assembling their histories. Memories of my
grandparents, on my dad's side, flooded my mind. I recalled how I
loved to visit them each morning as a little girl before I would have
breakfast. I always had to make sure "they were ok."

Grandpa was an avid gardner and weeds did not last long in his
garden. He would be out there with his hoe daily. We would have
wonderful talks as I visited him and "helped" pull weeds, But, the
thing I remember most was eating turnips. They were so delicious!
We'd wash them off with the hose and then chomp down on them.
There was nothing better and sad to say I can't stand turnips now.
Perhaps it was because they came from Grandpa's garden that
made them so yummy!

I was sad when they moved to Orem and missed my daily visits.
When dad started going to Orem to build homes, I often went
with him to help sweep up and clean up so his helpers could
work without all the mess. But, the nice thing was I could slip
down to Grandma and Grandpa's for a nice visit. Many times I
would get to stay overnight and that was a treat! Even though
they didn't play games with me and I was often put to work helping
Grandma with canning or other things she might be doing, I
felt loved! That meant a lot to a little girl!

So, did I get the photo's all in? No! But, today is another day...
a day to share more memories and remember loved one gone
away for a time. Hopefully, as my sister and I complete these
books, we'll know our ancestors better and recognize them when
we meet again in the hereafter. And, most importantly, our
children and grandchildren will come to know these wonderful
family members whose names they carry and the noble heritage
they have.

A New Day

The sky is clear, the sun is peeking over the mountain tops and

there is a nip in the air. Windows are wide open and birds serenade

me as I sit here at my computer. It's heavenly!

And to top it all off, I'm here by myself! I look forward to the

times when no one is in the house for a few days but myself.

He's gone on a camping trip and I feel free! Free to just be

myself and do what I want to do. Of course, most of the time

I do that anyway, but there's a different feeling when he's not

in the house. It's hard to explain, but I feel different, the house

feels different and it's positively marvelous!

For some time now I have wanted to do a blog where I could

just express my everyday thoughts and feelings. My other

blog is family oriented and focuses on our activities. Here

I hope to just ramble about whatever comes to mind.

Since this is all basically new to me, it may take awhile to

get set up the way I would like, but at least it gives me an

out and everyday I can post a few thoughts.