What a feast...

Michael spent the past several days with us, because he had guard duty at Camp Murray near Fort Lewis on the weekend, and didn't want to drive home to Vancouver, when he was going to have to drive back on Tuesday.

He and Audra left this morning for a week's vacation to Hawaii. Isaak and Maggie still had no clue what was going on when Grandpa dropped them all off at the airport. They thought they were going to breakfast with him.

One of the things that Mike does well, is cook. He went to Uwajimaya and bought, amongst other things, a fresh tilapia. These species of fish are originally from Africa, but are farm raised in the US.

Mike cooked a gourmet meal for Dave and I last night: fish, scalloped potatoes layered with a creamy cheese sauce and prosciutto, and stir fried baby bok choy with oyster mushrooms.

He stuffed the tilapia with fresh organic herbs, garlic, beautiful large green onions, sliced lemon, and chopped garlic. The wonderful favors came from things like: soy sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce, fresh ginger, and shallots.

Not only that, Michael bought a Progressive Multi Slicer that I get to keep, because he already has one at home. I feel totally spoiled and will try to step up my culinary abilities a bit, because I will feel guilty if I don't, and his way of cooking is way tastier. THANK YOU for the wonderful dinner, son.

Before and after tilapia:

Holiday pumpkins...

I've been kind of busy the past few days, making sets of pumpkins for the ladies I visit at church. It has ended up a bigger project than I anticipated, and my poor hand has taken it in the shorts. Nice that Michael is visiting and helped me stuff the first set. He's a good sport.

Robert William Hansen...

I've talked about my mother on this blog, but I need to say a little about my father, because I loved him very much. If alcoholism hadn't been a factor, I think he would have been a good husband and father. I suppose we could say that about anyone, when it comes to how external circumstances form our thought processes and dictate our choices. His father died when he was thirteen, and that must not have helped either.

Dad loved music and sang in the choir at his church -- Gethsemane Lutheran in Seattle, for many years. He also took piano as a young man. My father was fastidious, organized, and a funny man.

Tips to feel less tired...

According to Redbook:
- Fit “fun” into your day -- be silly
- More exposure to natural light
- Breath from diaphragm to get more oxygen
- Don’t sit too long – move around
- A regular sleep schedule, even on weekends
- Lower lights a few hours before bedtime
- Eat breakfast: protein and carbs
- Moderate exercise
- Lose weight
- Good posture: bad puts a strain on your body
- Volume DOWN: loud stresses the nervous system -- depletes energy

Childhood friend...

I grew up partially in West Seattle, and one of my fondest memories was of my best friend, Sherry Parker. We hung out together all of the time, and mostly at her house, since it seemed less dysfunctional. Her home was a shambles, but loving; ours was always tidy, but emotionally unstable. Even so, I have some good childhood memories. This was a day we were apparently playing dress-up. I was the guy, can you tell?

I wonder if Sherry remembers me?

Monkey project...

Lindsay sent me a "make a monkey kit" for my last birthday and I finally finished. For a long time David thought it was ugly, but he changed his mind. He thinks it's kinda cute. I think he's hilarious. THANK YOU COUSIN!

Nope, didn't go to church...

Yesterday began lousy, ended lousy, and was pretty good in the middle.

Beginning: For her birthday, David and I had plans to drive to Ellensburg to visit my sister Laurie and hubby Dave, which we did; but not before I popped into Urgent Care for a suspected bladder infection. It’s hard not to diagnose that one correctly. It came on fast and were it not for having a bladder-numbing medication from the last time, I couldn’t have gone. I borrowed McDonald’s and Burger King’s bathrooms along the way, even though BK said customers ONLY. Whatever.

Middle: Bought Laurie a Fiesta pitcher at Thorp’s Antiques on the way. It is tradition for me to buy her a gift there; she taught me a new art technique – etching, but I really wasn’t very focused with all that was going on inside of me; we window shopped for a short time, talked, laughed and must have done some minor gossiping.

End: Dinner at Dakota’s where I promptly got very sick, and spent the next two or three hours with chills, shaking, frequent trips to the loo, and downing Pepto Bismol pills. The fettuccini was yummy, but just too rich for my system, and I knew it was a bad idea. They were out of soup, which is what I wanted in the first place. Plan B was near-lethal.

It was after 11 p.m., and I was convinced I’d be too ill to travel, and Emmy Loo was with us so we could have stayed. However, I had to get home to take the antibiotics, and luckily the PB reduced the nausea to zip, and the cha-cha’s ended. With one stop off at Denny Creek's pitch dark exit, I relieved myself in the gravel and prayed I was at the right angle.

Sock and shoes dry, we got home without having to make another pit stop. I guess the day had a happy ending.

Today I'm taking it easy and tomorrow I'll be back to whatever normal is for me.

Right place at the right time...

The two or three times I thought of getting the seasonal flu vaccine when I was at the pharmacy, I was wearing a long-sleeved shirt that would not pull up far enough for the jab. So, I vowed to go back soon, but when soon arrived the pharmacy ran out. Oh boo-hoo.

Deep down, I had no concrete plans of being proactive about the H1N1, though I know I'm high risk and was being irrational; especially since someone at Dave's work has the Swine Flu.

Yesterday I dropped by Fred Meyer in Renton to look for a skirt. I certainly wasn't there for my health, but I decided, what the heck I may as well see if they have any flu shots. Lo and behold they had both! They had about 30 of the H1N1, and encouraged me to get mine after they snooped about my health history.

While I filled out paperwork and waited my turn, a mother told me she drove from Eatonville to get her children the H1N1. Both are high risk and she recently almost lost her daughter to a respiratory illness. When she called around and learned "this" Fred Meyer had the vaccine, she didn't waste any time getting there.

I was very brave to get two shots at the same time! I didn't cry like the little girl from Eatonville, so I treated myself to two tacos at Jack in the Box and a Dr. Pepper. I wonder if she got a treat.

October Family Home Evening...

Suzy and I had our “phone” Family Home Evening. We discussed an October conference talk by Dale G. Renlund: Preserving the Heart’s Mighty Change. We ate ice cream, but didn’t have time to play a game; next month maybe. She just moved from Manhattan to Palo Alto, to live with and help her mother. It’s the home she grew up in.

Our discussion:

Renlund used heart transplants as an example of what can happen to our “spiritual change of heart” if we don’t tend to, and nurture it.

He said, “In each heart transplant recipient, a patient’s own body recognizes the new, lifesaving heart as “foreign” and begins to attack it. Left unchecked, the body’s natural response will reject the new heart, and the recipient will die. Medicines can suppress this natural response, but the medications must be taken daily and with exactness. Furthermore, the condition of the new heart must be monitored. Occasional heart biopsies are performed wherein small pieces of heart tissue are removed and then examined under a microscope. When signs of rejection are found, medications are adjusted. If the rejection process is detected early enough, death can be averted.

Surprisingly, some patients become casual with their transplanted hearts. They skip their medicines here and there and obtain the needed follow-up less frequently than they should. They think that because they feel good, all is well. Too often this shortsighted attitude puts the patients at risk and shortens their lives.

A heart transplant can prolong life for years for people who would otherwise die from heart failure. But it is not “the ultimate operation,” as Time magazine called it in 1967.”

Dale Renlund referred to the “ultimate operation” as a spiritual “mighty change” of heart. This new heart can be given to us through repentance, obedience, and following Christ. It can be kept from hardening and becoming diseased by monitoring, assessing and identifying where we are spiritually at all times.

Ways we can keep our spiritual heart healthy: Maintain faith in Jesus Christ by praying, studying the scriptures, partaking of the sacrament each week, and having the Holy Ghost as our constant companion. We need to actively help and serve others and share the gospel with them. We need to be perfectly upright and honest in all things, never compromising our covenants with God or our commitments to men, regardless of circumstances. In our homes we need to talk of, rejoice in, and preach of Christ so that our children—and we ourselves—will desire to apply the Atonement in our lives.

We must identify temptations that easily overwhelm us and put them out of reach—way out of reach. Finally, we need to frequently biopsy our mightily changed hearts and reverse any signs of early rejection.

There is a lot more to the conference talk, and can be found on lds.com, if you care to read the entire article. Preserving the Heart’s Mighty Change

Suzy, thank you for helping me keep my spiritual heart healthy. If only you could fix the rest of me.

Happy Anniversary Sarah and Matt!

Could you have done better? I mean, who wouldn't want this?

Such a lovely couple...

Love you so much. Have a wonderful day.

Happy Anniversary Anna Marie and Rick!

Could you have married a funnier guy, Anna Marie?

You two are the best and we love you!

Update on McDonald story...

While I was at church, a McDonald's Regional manager called with regard to the email I sent last night. David said she was sincerely disturbed about what transpired, and knew the exact person who verbally mistreated the customer. She wanted us to know that she will personally be meeting with him Monday.

We also learned that McDonald's does have a free coffee refill policy for people who purchased a refill cup when they were being offered. They are still honored.

Today: An email from McD's...

Hello Penelope:

I want to thank you for taking the time to share your recent experience at the McDonald's in Renton, WA with me. Your feedback is very important to us as it allows us to better understand how we can improve our service to you.

I am sorry for the unprofessional service you received. Please be assured that we want to provide you with an exceptional experience every time you visit us. From your email, it is clear we did not meet your expectations. Again, I am truly sorry we disappointed you.

I want you to know that I have already taken action on your feedback. After reading your email, I immediately shared the information you brought to our attention with the local franchise owner of the restaurant you visited. Additionally, I notified our regional McDonald's consultant who works with this owner for follow-up in the restaurant and appropriate corrective action.

Again, Penelope, thank you for sharing your feedback. We appreciate your business and we hope to have the pleasure of serving you soon.

Nicole
McDonald's Customer Response Center

(It's nice to know that one person can make a difference and that McD's is not letting this incident go by unnoticed.)

Fairwood McDonald's...

David and I watched a man who did not speak English well, or know the correct protocol, be publicly humiliated by an employee at McDonald’s yesterday. Everyone else who witnessed it knew what the man wanted... a coffee refill. He must not have known they weren’t free.

As soon as “McJerk” realized the guy was Hispanic, he immediately pigeon-holed him as an illegal. In fact, in my view he put him in a sub-human category. The guy never had a chance.

McJerk played dumb from the beginning; pretending not to know what the guy wanted. He asked questions, but didn’t give him a chance to answer. Instead, he’d ask another; sometimes the same one over and over.

Eventually, the man flipped his wallet onto the counter, and in angry broken English, said he’d never come back to this place.

I didn't see any money exchange, but McJerk shoved a coffee at the man and said, "This is America, you can get anything you want!"

As he started to leave, the guy turned around and said, "I am an American."

I caught up with him before he left the premises to say I was sorry for how he’d been treated. He looked grateful, but demoralized.

McJerk was medium height, overweight, and 40-ish. He had sandy-colored thinning hair, and the only Caucasian working on the shift that I could tell (Saturday @ 9:30 a.m.). He might have been the manager, because he wore a plain blue, short-sleeved shirt; everyone else had on navy blue with a matching cap.

If you are wondering... yes I reported the incident to McDonald's Cooperate office.

Good enough...

Two weeks ago we bought a brand new American Standard furnace. It is tucked into a tiny closet near our bedrooms -- for convenience, like the first one. I mean, after all, don't we all check to see if the furnace is running several times day and night? The house builder must have been a genius.

I'm happy to report that our shiny new heater does not sound like a missile launching each morning, where we fully expect our roof to lift off at 5:30 a.m., as it did with our 12-year old Payne model. Instead, the two-speeder begins suspiciously quiet -- that would be phase one.

Phase two: In about ten minutes the furnace switches gears and the hallway takes on this Boeing Engine Test Center ambiance -- jet engine-like rumbling, for as long as the house takes to warm up.

Phase three is when the furnace and I are in harmony. Kitten-purr harmony. Well, not that good, but the home is much quieter for the remainder of the day.

The BIG plus is the air filter. It's efficient enough to suck up really large cockroaches and a plethora of lost toys. All things considered, I'll take the early morning aeronautical noises to a seriously diminished house dust environment -- hands down.

David is still tweaking the thermostat we purchased independently that has enough features to make your head spin. I would be happy with ON and OFF, but apparently Honeywell seems to think they need to micro-manage the entire process -- to infinity. I believe this is referred to as one-up-man-ship.

If anyone is looking at having a furnace replaced or repaired, we give Overlake Heating and Air Conditioning kudos for integrity, reasonable rates, efficiency, and their entertaining employees/staff.

Also, if anyone is looking for advice from a painstakingly thorough person, David would be your man (my man). He spent countless hours researching companies and listening to perhaps six reps spinning tales; mostly trying to eek-out an honest living in this scary economy.

Thank you David. He gets three thumbs up!

Happy 10th Birthday Jared!

You just left the single digit age, and the next BIG digit adjustment will be in 90 years! I know I won't make it to 100, but you might. In the mean time, enjoy being 10 buddy boy. Let me know how you used the amazon gift card. Love you oodles... Grandma!

Do you remember this photo?

Lots of talent...

Gwen drew this, and Grandpa was impressed with the details coming from a little girl who is just four. I asked her mommy to tell us about the drawing. Anna Marie said, "It's been so long that I can't remember her explanation anymore. I know there is a palm tree, a boat, and I think that the animal is a whale with water coming out of it's blow hole. If not, it's a shark with a really long tongue that wants to eat some fish."

Maggie is getting ready to prepare a portfolio to submit in her application to the Art school for next year. Get a load of the size of her clay art compared to the coins. She is a talented young girl and nowhere to go but up. http://picasaweb.google.com/audra3141/MaggieSArt#

Thomas the Train fan...

I swiped this photo from Anna Marie's blog.
Just couldn't help myself.
Gwen is a huge fan of Thomas the Train.

Dubble Bubble Trubble...

You are so not going to believe this, but it actually happened.

This morning while shopping at Winco, I selected a handful of Dubble Bubble and 36 other items. I never noticed that a receipt gives a total of how many things you buy. This one read 37. (trivia I know)

So, I get this tickle in my throat, and if you have ever seen me in action, you will know that within moments, I can be doubled over with tears running down my cheeks -- hacking out a lung. To prevent such a scene, I quickly snatched a single Dubble Bubble from the cellophane bag and in no time the juices began to flow and the tickle was gone.

This is the good part. When I got to the check stand, I alerted the cashier of my infraction and suggested she add a bit more to my tab for the wad of gum I had in my mouth. She acted like I had taken a standing rib roast and crammed it down my pants. With a big sigh, she opens the bag, retrieves an unopened Dubble Bubble and places it on the scale. I’m not joking.

I stood staring as she realizes the monitor does not register a billionth of an ounce, and then she asked, “Do you have any cash?”

“Yes, I do,” I replied, and I handed her a dime. Would you believe she gave me back five cents?

I’m not quite done; my humiliation was not over. After bagging my 36 items and the Dubble Bubbles I wish I never decided to buy in the first place (it would have been simpler if I had just stolen it like people do with the grapes in produce) I scanned my debit card and the system rejected my pin number. She must have looooooooooooooved that.

I quickly learned Winco does not accept credit cards, and since I didn't have my checkbook with me, I had to drive home and get it, go back to Winco to pay for my groceries, and then to the Credit Union to get a new pin number.

The best part of my day --- going to Jack-in-the-Box for comfort food. I got two tacos and a Dr. Pepper, and had the nicest, happiest cashier ever. Now I am going to sit in the sun on our back deck and knit. Does anyone have a problem with that?

Audra took this pic of Fiona -- I love it!

"Big gates move on small hinges...

For our September FHE, Suzy and I ate chocolate chips while discussing an article by Dieter F. Uchtdorf: The Influence of Righteous Women

He said, “There is a saying that big gates move on small hinges," and explained that our example in seemingly small things will make a big difference in the lives of our young people: the way we dress, talk, movies we see, music we listen too, etc.

President David O. McKay said that the Church was mainly organized to make life sweet today; give contentment to the heart today; bring salvation today. My favorite was his comment that some of us look forward to a time in the future – in the world to come, but he pointed out, "today is part of eternity".

President Uchtdorf also said to do the best we can, try to reach our potential, but not beyond our capacity. He cautioned that we not feel guilty or dwell on thoughts of failure, and don't compare ourselves with others.

He goes on to say that wherever we have been placed on this beautiful but often troubled earth of ours, we can be the one to comfort and strengthen those in need.

And the very best of all, he quoted Joseph Smith, “If you live up to your privileges, the angels cannot be restrained from being your associates.”

As I've said before, I love this time with Suzy. We are alone in our homes when it comes to our faith, and sharing even this one hour a month brings contentment and helps me grow spiritually.

Boring subject...

The hole in our street has returned on a smaller scale, but more serious. After our report to the Dept of Trans and Roads, they came and marked the area with white spray paint, put a metal plate and sandwich board over the sinkhole and disappeared.

Next, the water district sprayed the location of where the pipes are with blue paint. I was told that if they are damaged during the repair it could flood our house. A cheery thought.

The cable company drew a line along the ground with bright orange paint. Thank goodness, because we just changed to digital phone via Comcast to save money. If the cable was ripped apart by a backhoe we'd not only have our phone service interrupted, but imagine not being able to blog or play email Scrabble. It is unthinkable. Oh, and Dave would go into withdrawal if he couldn't get Cable TV.

Lastly, the power company marked their territory with red paint. I don't think I need to explain the ramifications of losing our electrical power, except to say our house could become a free-for-all when the bad, bad people discovered ADT was no longer in working condition. The loss of cable TV would be nothing compared to the actual loss of the boob-tube.

The yard and road looks like a very bad version of Picasso’s masterpieces, though when I was in NY and visited the Smithsonian years ago, some of the art was not near a good as what I see here -- in front of my very own house.

A week later --- a crew of three came out this morning and filled the hole. It is a band aide, and I am wondering if I’ll be able to get my car out of the driveway when the "real" work begins.

Whatever...

It would be no big surprise that arthritis has been added to my list of infirmities. I think I've had everything but leprosy and elephantiasis. Actually, I haven't had AIDS either -- knock on wood.

According to my orthopedic doctor, I have basal thumb arthritis and was prescribed a splint to keep the thumb from getting worse. She said I'll eventually need to have surgery; maybe in a few months or possibly as long as a year; it depends on how well the splint does to give me relief. Aspercream has been helping to reduce inflammation, as well as an anti-inflammatory medication.

Things I can't do: dishes, laundry, vacuuming, weeding, and cooking.

Things I can do: knitting, reading, fishing, painting, hiking, and eating. Not in that order.

Life is good!

Family Home Evening -- Ten Virtues

Suzy and I discussed Ten Virtues by Gordon B. Hinckley, last Monday. I hung a small framed copy of it in our kitchen a few years ago, and as time passed it became part of the wall -- almost invisible. It is really a shame, because Ten Virtues is filled with words of wisdom I ought to read periodically.

I don't think these need any explanation...

LOVE
"Love is the only force that can erase the differences between people or bridge the chasms of bitterness."

HONESTY
"In our day, those found in dishonesty aren't put to death, but something within them dies. Conscience chokes, character withers, self-respect vanishes, integrity dies. How cheaply some men and women sell their good names!"

MORALITY
"Both experience and divine wisdom dictate that moral virtue and cleanliness pave the way that leads to strength of character, peace of mind and heart, and happiness in life."

CIVILITY
"Civility carries with it the essence of courtesy, politeness, and consideration of others. All of the education and accomplishments in the world will not count for much unless they are accompanied by marks of gentility, of respect for others, of going the extra mile."

LEARNING
"No matter how old we become, we can acquire knowledge and use it. We can gather wisdom and profit from it. We can grow and progress and improve-and, in the process, strengthen the lives of those within our circle of influence."

FORGIVENESS AND MERCY
"Hatred always fails and bitterness always destroys. Are there virtues more in need of application in our day ... than those of forgiving, forgetting, and extending mercy to those who may have wronged us or let us down?"

THRIFT AND INDUSTRY
"I commend to all the virtues of industry and thrift... The labor and thrift of the people make a nation, a community, or a family strong. Work and thrift make the family independent."

GRATITUDE
"Gratitude is the beginning of civility, of decency and goodness, of a recognition that we cannot afford to be arrogant. We should walk with the knowledge that we will need help every step of the way."

OPTIMISM
"My plea is that we stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight.... I am asking that we look a little deeper for the good, that we still our voices of insult and sarcasm, that we more generously compliment and endorse virtue and effort."

FAITH
"Great buildings were never constructed on uncertain foundations. Great causes were never brought to success by vacillating leaders. Faith has always been, and always must be, at the root of any meaningful practice and endeavor.”

Back on the trails...

Not that interesting, but I thought my hiking days were over because of my lung condition. I am happy to report that I went on five hikes this summer, and mostly with Carolyn:

Echo Mountain by Spring Lake in Renton -- 3 miles round trip or less; Rattlesnake Ridge in North Bend -- 4 miles round trip; Poo Poo Point in Issaquah -- 3.5 miles round trip; Naches Loop in Chinook Pass -- 3.5 mile loop (with Dave); Little Si in North Bend -- 4.4 miles round trip.

I hope to go on a few more before the weather makes it impossible for fair-weather hikers like myself.

Chinook Pass...

David and I didn't go anywhere together this summer, so he wanted to take a drive to Mt. Rainier yesterday. He said it was "The Church of Dave" (whatever) so we went. We ended up at Chinook Pass; one of our favorite places. If you have not hiked the Naches Loop you've missed out. I've gone at least six times. It is about 3.5 miles, and took us two hours. We ate lots of blueberries, avoided flies and bees, and the mosquitos were not a problem this time.

The most interesting plant was the Indian Paint Brush.

Tips from professionals...

I don't know about you, but this makes me want to workout on the treadmill in a speedo (top optional). I might tape the exercise sheet on the wall in front of me for inspiration. It was found amongst the stuff David has stored since the beginning of time.

See how good Dave looks after applying what he learned from "Champion Exercise, Inc".

The back of this photo reads: This is me, weighing a whopping 62 kilos, or 136.4 lbs. That is a number 8 with the barbell and it weighs 60 kilos on the nose, or 132 lbs. When I came into the country (Argentina), I weighed about 149 lbs., but that was because I had gained about 7 or 8 in the institute (not the mental institute).

I'm thinking we should keep the old...

We have had two estimates for window replacements. The first salesman was "okay". He made sure we knew how competent the company was... repeatedly, but that's not out of the ordinary, and he talked fast.

The second -- dense and greedy. And yes I will use the company name: American Vinyl.

This part-owner showed us two window samples. One was so bulky and heavy, that if we had them installed, our house would have tipped over from the weight -- honest. The second was adequate. Nothing fancy, but ideal for our situation.

Mr. Inconsiderate kept pushing the ultimate style, even after I told him we didn't want it. I as much as told him not to bother telling us about it's features. Did that stop him? NO. He put the frame next to me and said, "Try sliding the window open and see how heavy and secure it is."

I backed away and told him I was not interested and there was no need for me to test it. Even with that he moved it closer, and I'm not exaggerating. I said something like, "Stop showing this style to us, we don't want it!"

He finally went begrudging on to the less expensive model, almost belittling it, but at the same time admitting it was up to code, etc.

That's not all. The guy said he had one other sample in his truck and asked if we wanted to see it. In the end it was just more costly and certainly not appealing.

He was at our house for two hours, but I didn't hang around to get the actual cost estimate. I talked to Sarah and Anna Marie on the phone, fiddled on the computer and watched TV. He was a total moron.

Three more companies are coming in the next couple of weeks, wish us luck.

My mental health is going to improve...

I’m not ashamed to be seen in public anymore. Just got home from Happy Hounds, and my groomer did a beautiful job. She did not make fun of Mom's attempt at cutting my hair, but pointed out the top of my ears had been trimmed. It will grow back -- slowly. Supposedly, that is a no-no. My feet feel awesome; I can see my toenails. My undercarriage is fresh and tidy.

Many thanks to those who made a donation to the "Grooming Fee". (whatever)

Emmy Loo

To-do list getting shorter, but not short...

Friday, we had our heating ducts sealed, and when complete, the worker said he plugged up holes which amounted to about 3 square feet combined. In a nutshell, we were heating a very large crawl space. The service was free -- paid by Puget Power Energy.

Next: add to exiting insullation -- attic and crawl space.

Drafts, drafts, and more drafts....

We had Puget Power Energy evaluate our house a few days ago.

The dark streaked areas represent air coming in from outside.

Our house: Natural air exchange rate calculated at .80
Average New construction exhange rate is .25 to .35
Shocking!

Sliding glass door

Where carpet meets the wall in a bedroom
Skylight

Vaulted ceiling in dining room

Trim work in front entry way ceiling

Bedroom window

Beam in living room

Bathroom floor

What we plan to do in the next few weeks...

Replace many windows and both sliding glass doors

Caulk and weather strip

Have furnace evaluated

Upgrade insullation in attic, floors, and walls where possible

We would like to replace all the windows, but it's just too costly.
For now we will do four in the front of the house,
two in our bedroom and both sliders.

At war with the ants...

As you all know, I am obsessed with hummingbirds. This is the first summer where ants have found their way to the feeder by climbing to it via the trunk and limbs of the tree where it hangs. More than once, a multitude of living ants gushed from the bottom part of the feeder as I cleaned and prepared to refill it with fresh food.

Before anger overtook annoyance, I googled for help. Low and behold, I found several sites recommending this method: A spray can lid as a mote to encircle the wire connected to the feeder. Add water and then a little oil in the outer reservoir. When the ants scurry down the wire, they enter the dry enclosure, and out of sheer instinct climb the interior wall of the mote... and eventually find their way into the oily water. Bye-bye ants.

Carmen has two top teeth...

Maggie and I met Sarah and the kids at Cottage Lake earlier this week, and I actually got in the water. Surprise, surprise. Later I took a picture of Carmen with her mouth open just wide enough to see her darling little front teeth. Isn't she cute?

Mike and Audra are so odd (duh)

I have to post this graphic that is on the t-shirt Mike and Audra gave me for my birthday. I was given other wonderful "normal" gifts from family and friends, but M and A always come up with the most wacky ones. I guess thank you is in order!

Faith, Hope and Charity

Suzy chose this topic by Larry Hiller from Church Magazines, for our July Family Home Evening discussion:

Hope: The Misunderstood Sister

Hiller wrote about Faith, Hope and Charity, with his focus on Hope. We loved the way he pictured each and referred to them as “sister”.

Faith may be the most well known and popular sister; the one whose companionship is sought most often. She’s active and energetic, definitely the can-do type. Faith can move mountains, if necessary.

Charity as being modest and refined, beautiful and gracious. In her presence you feel genuinely loved and accepted. She’s unfailingly kind and generous, patient, empathetic, aware of every need, and responsive without being asked.

Then Hiller said that people had a problem with the way they perceived Hope. “It may be her name and the way it’s commonly used: “I hope the car passes inspection.” Or, “I hope the weather will be nice for the wedding.” Used this way, the word hope is the verbal equivalent of keeping your fingers crossed. Consequently, many seem to think Hope is unsure, even fickle—she may or may not grace you with her companionship.”

Hiller’s main explanation of Hope: It is expectation (hope) based on experience. As an example… if previously, you found it necessary to pack up your belongings and move far away, you were successful; though there was hard work and sorrow in leaving dear friends and possibly family. Then, if the next time the same situation arose, you were hopeful (expect) you could do it again.

He also said that even if our trials might continue, with patience and faith, the Lord will help carry our burden -- lighten our load, and give us hope.

So, in the end, Hiller shared: She is serene. Her eyes have the deep, knowing look of someone well acquainted with sorrow, the luminosity of recently being wet with tears. Hope has the confidence of one who clearly sees a bright future even when the next hours seem fog shrouded. Hope is steady and strong.

Hope is anything but wishful.
It is expectation based on experience.

Emmy Loo's Adventure...

After Dave's salary was "adjusted" a month ago, we thought it might be a good idea for me to groom Emmy Loo from now on, since it costs $50 every eight weeks, which included a tip for the older retired gentleman who bathes the dogs for the groomer, named John.

So, we bought clippers on Amazon -- $84; comb, shampoo, nail trimmers and quick stop powder used to stop bleeding if the nail is cut too short (oh joy) at Petco for another $45.

The picture of Emmy represents my grooming skills. This took me almost four hours, if you count her bath. That in itself was an ordeal. In fact, it was such a struggle that parts of her never did get washed. Also, she was a nervous wreck and I was a crab.

I found it difficult to clear her ears of wax and hair, or trim her face, feet, and crotch. I mean come on, who would want someone coming at their crotch with hot buzzing things, even on a good day?

What you might not know: dogs need their anal glands cleaned out. I'm not going into the details, except to say it is done during bath time, and before the clippers to the crotch. It wouldn't be all that unusual for a dog to think, "You must be kidding!" And run helter-skelter in any direction as long as it was far away from being anally manipulated or molested by the hot buzzing thing. In the end, no pun intended, Emmy Loo’s “business” was neglected.

The good news for both of us: I returned the clippers to Amazon for a full refund, and the other things to Petco. Then I made an August appointment with the groomer. The only one who did not come out a winner was Dave.

To help him cope, I am setting up a “Help Groom Emmy” fund, every few weeks. Donations will be appreciated either by mail or slipped under the faded “Go Away” mat at our front door. Bless you for your generosity!

I said I was going to do it....

I told Rick's brother, Jeff,

that I was going to put his picture on my blog.

I don't think he believed me.

(click to look at enlarged version)

Smiling Fiona...

Fiona is just over two months old.

This photo was taken on the 4th of July. She sure is a little doll.

Guess what Sarah?

I ate your Caramello

and it was hardly worth the calories --

didn't taste that good.

Next time I will buy you

Dark Chocolate Truffles and eat those too.

Y Mommy Dearest Y

1951 - The Hansen children...

Carol Elizabeth, Shirley Louise, Penelope Lynn,
Darrell Evans, and Laurie Teckla.

I have always adored this photo,

because not only were we darling,
but it shows we were loved.

None of my kids were this cute. (Haaaaa!!!)

Anna Marie tells me I'm the best at taking pictures of the grandkids, but I think it's mostly luck. Today I was fortunate enough to capture Fiona smiling. This one I took while holding her in my left arm. The timing was perfect. Isn't she adorable?

June Family Home Evening...

Suzy and I had a wonderful FHE last night. Aside from the usual off-topic conversations, we chose to familiarize ourselves with revelations from church leaders -- the Official Declarations.

One was given to Wilford Woodruff in 1890, regarding the church's stand against plural marriage; the other to Spencer W Kimball in 1978, about the priesthood.

Mostly we discussed the second one, because it was in our lifetime that all worthy men were extended priesthood and temple blessings without regard to race or color. I feel it is the most significant event in my life so far. A joyful time. http://scriptures.lds.org/en/od/2

Our agreed upon treat was supposed to be ice cream this time, but I forgot to buy mine so we settled on chocolate milk. Suzy added ice cream to hers; then we started a game of Scrabble. Thank you Suzy. :)

Talent Show...

Jared and Eric did a great job singing a Harry Potter song at their school's talent show last night. I think it was called "Toil and Trouble". Enjoy!

Carmen and Grandma?

Several days ago, Carmen was sitting in the high chair in our kitchen when I recalled this photo of me at about six months. I looked at her and was startled to see that she resembled me, except her eyes are larger. It depends on the angle and immediate expression, too, but I think my genes might be a bit more concentrated in Carmen.

What do you think?

Is there a Grandma 101 book?

Gwen is finally spending the night. It was supposed to happen when Fiona was born, but it didn't work out, so... she's here, conked out from a busy, busy afternoon.

Funny things Gwen said:

- Grandpa was using his asthma inhaler, and Gwen asked him if it was his pipe. He spewed out the medication in laughter and had to start all over again.

- Later she said we should sell Grandpa to another country that has a band for him to sing with (not exactly in those words).

- There were moose on a nature show, and she informed me the big one jumped on the back of the smaller one (also not in those words, but you get the idea).

Not so funny... I was a failure at putting Gwen to bed, because she suckered me into one more game, one more book, one more song, and what she referred to as testament. It took a little time to figure out she was referring to the scriptures. She was so frustrated - shaking all over, and said, "Mommy has them!"

Thank goodness lds.org posted the children's version of the scriptures on their site. Gwen giggled and thought that was really cool. I read Baby Moses from the Old Testament and she was content.

After playing in the water we studied ants. We gave them a plain piece of bread, but they weren't interested. Then we put honey on it and they changed their minds. We let one go swimming, but decided he wasn't too excited about the water and put him back on the dirt.

Spoiled by her brothers...

Carmen is nine months old. She crawls and pulls herself up like a pro, and is dearly loved by her brothers. (I pity the young men who try to date her one day. The boys will scrutinize them with a vengeance.) She is a mommy's girl, and adores her daddy. Grandpa is next; Carmen is really warming up to him, but I'm on the bottom of the rung, except when I feed her. It's not that she won't have anything to do with me... just a bit more timid. I'll win her heart eventually.

Grandma & Grandpa had a visitor...

Fiona Violet Bean came to see us today. She brought the rest of her family who were not quite as interesting, but still MUCH loved. Considering she's not yet two weeks old -- Fiona was naturally the main event. David and I finally got to hold and look into her sweet little face for as long as we wanted.

I wanted to die...

One week ago I went from making chocolate pudding for David and me, to becoming deathly ill. I know, you are thinking, "What's new, she's always sick?"

Let me tell you, it was new to me, and anyone who has had food poisoning will sympathize.

It took until now to figure out what made me sick enough to spend the night in the ER with an IV drip to rehydrate me and drugs to kill the pain; not to mention the other end was having it's own party on my GI tract. David stayed home from work three days to make sure I didn't die.

I am about 99% certain the bacteria came from the rice at Torero's (Benson), where we had eaten the previous Friday. David does not like their Spanish rice, which comes with most meals, so I took a few small scoops to eat with my (ala carte) bean enchilada.

It can take between 6 and 72 hours to react to food infected with salmonella. About 72 hours later (Monday night) I went from "very" to "violently" sick within a short period of time.

The doctor who treated me in the ER said I had a high white count and a GI bacterial infection... suggesting it could be food poisoning or the flu. I had no fever or chills. I was annoyed that he did not take a stool sample and have it tested, so we left with the big yellow bowl I brought from home, tucked under my chin, wondering why I was so ill. In my mind it could not be the flu, because it started with a vengeance.

I have since learned: Cooked rice is a common cause of food borne illness. If you are preparing rice for family and friends you should be aware that leaving rice to cool slowly at room temperature creates the ideal environment for toxin producing bacteria such as Bacillus Cereus to develop. Bacillius cereus produces a toxin which can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

I filed a report with the King County Health Department regarding Torero's, in case they want to do an inspection. I also left phone messages two days in a row, for the ER manager at Valley Medical Center to call me back. Someone there needs to know I was not thoroughly tested. If I had been, VMC would be the ones reporting to the Health Department -- not me.

For our May Family Home Evening, Suzy suggested we take one of President Thomas S. Monson's talks and pick out every statement of counsel or warning that he gives. We chose one he gave to the Young Women at the April 2009 Conference "May You Have Courage".

We decided whatever he had to say to them, would apply in our lives as well.

There were three words of counsel in it...

1. HAVE THE COURAGE TO refrain from judging; make others feel loved and valued.

He quoted Mother Teresa, “If you judge people, you have no time to love them.”

In the Sermon on the Mount, the Savior taught, “Judge not.” At a later time He added, “Cease to find fault one with another.”

2. HAVE THE COURAGE TO be chaste and virtuous:

Flirtations, deceit, and adultery lead to a loss of devotion and integrity -- ultimately losing an eternal perspective and blessings. Spouses and children are left to suffer the poor choices of a husband, wife or parent.

3. HAVE THE COURAGE TO stand firm for truth and righteousness:

President Monson said that unless values and principals are firmly planted and nurtured, it will be difficult to withstand the ridicule of those who challenge what we believe.

Eternal joy and happiness is a goal worth fighting for, and can be accomplished through keeping the commandments, study and prayer.

Fiona Violet Bean...

Grandpa and Fiona...

Hope today is special for you...

Life is good, now....

This is my report card shortly before being placed in foster care. I was just short of thirteen. The next six years were rough. My grades were never impressive, and I've often wondered what they would have been like if I had grown up in a home with healthy parents. Regrets; many. Blessed; beyond my wildest dreams.

Little girl born...

I am wondering how, in my era, that any of us survived after I read these "special instructions" my mother was given before she left the hospital. (click to enlarge)

I'd rather knit than eat...

Three more pairs of socks completed.

First: birthday socks for Sarah (there really are two).

Second: slouch socks for me (coziest and warmest of all).
Third: happy socks (a surprise) for Audra.

(Last two look shorter and chubbier in the photos.
I probably took the pics from a bad angle.)

Grrrrr...

I don't know why I thought this wouldn't happen to me, and it could have been worse; my credit card could have been used -- I got lucky.

The Killers....

First of all, I think The Killer's band is excellent. I will buy more of their music, and when given an opportunity, watch them on TV.


The night began with a strip search. I had tossed the drugs on the way in, and didn't bring a camera. I was no threat so they let me pass.

We endured 45 minutes of a lousy band, and another 30 watching stage preparations for The Killers. People walked up and down the aisles looking for empty seats, while the moron in front of us disguised the one next to him with his coat, so it appeared someone would be joining him -- which never happened. Every time some poor sucker looked at the vacant chair, he draped his arm over it.

I now know why the band chose their name, The Killers. Not only did the vibrations compromise my pacemaker, but my eardrums are dead! We must have been the only people in the crowd wearing ear plugs. Of course, it would only seem logical, since we were also the oldest. The sad thing... the ear plugs muffled songs and all I heard were inaudible booming sounds.

Would I go again? No! I'll leave it to those who don't realize or even care if they eventually ruin or lose their hearing.

Good thing... it was fun watching the young crowd go crazy over The Killers. The stage and lighting were spectacular; amazing in fact. It was an interesting experience.

April's discussion...

Get on with Our Lives, by Steven E. Snow, was the discussion Suzy and I chose last Monday for Family Home Evening. We found it applied to us, because we, like most, have had significant unexpected events in our lives that might seem hopeless.

One thing we knew, but were reminded of… change is a necessary part of life’s experiences, even though we don’t seek or welcome dramatic ones. Many of these come naturally, like schooling, marriage, employment, retirement, etc., but often we are not eager for the next change. We might find it more comfortable to choose familiar ways to fill our time – avoiding what will help us grow and progress.

So, we learned ways to prepare for changes…

One, look to church leaders; they often provide a steady, realistic course to help us weather the storms. We can also find answers and comfort in the scriptures.

Second, look at the bigger picture; change and challenges are part of God’s plan. The experiences, both negative and positive help us to make the right choice.

Third, have faith; as we confront a world full of negativity each day, doubt, fear, and even dread can creep into our hearts. President Monson said, “Faith and doubt cannot exist in the same mind at the same time, for one will dispel the other”. Faith helps us take on challenges and changes.

Fourth, be cheerful; at times when things are difficult and it is easy for us to feel despondent and forgotten, laughter and a good sense of humor can soften the bumps. It certainly can’t hurt.

It would be nice if we could anticipate changes. Some we see coming, but others are shoved at us rather unexpectedly? These are changes over which we seemingly have no control: Economic downturn, unemployment, debilitating sickness or injury, divorce, and death are examples of change we do not expect, anticipate, or welcome.

How do we deal with such unexpected setbacks in life’s journey? The answer is the same: listen to our spiritual leaders, keep an eternal perspective, have faith, and be cheerful. With these tools, we can face life’s unexpected challenges and “get on with our lives.”

Carmen in action...

Carmen is good at twisting and rolling her tongue around,
and probably the reason she finds it so entertaining.
See if it entertains you...

Not nearly as entertaining,
but a necessary act of nature....

I'm proud of her...

My sister-in-law, Demeree, has a few goals (could it be a bucket list?) and one was create something artistic. She asked if I would help her paint a picture, and I reluctantly said yes. I'm not an art teacher, but gave her direction -- ordered her around was more like it. I think she did a great job -- not sure she will ever paint another picture on her own, but she has the "tools" to do it if she desires.

Isaak turned 12...

I should have posted this in February, because it was a special time for Isaak. David and I drove to Vancouver so I could see Isaak become a Deacon. I love this picture.

His Dad took Isaak to Salt Lake City, to attend the LDS General Conference this weekend; just the two of them. I wish I could have seen his sweet little face when he entered the Conference Center. The auditorium would have been packed. It's so beautiful. (I love you Isaak.)

Self-Reliance...

For our monthly “phone” Family Home Evening, Suzy and I discussed a talk from the 2009 March Ensign by M. Russell Ballard… Becoming Self-Reliant—Spiritually and Physically

He quoted something Marion G. Romney said: Without self-reliance how can we give if there is nothing there? Food for the hungry cannot come from empty shelves. Money to assist the needy cannot come from an empty purse. Support and understanding cannot come from the emotionally starved. Teaching cannot come from the unlearned. And most important of all, spiritual guidance cannot come from the spiritually weak.

We all get feelings of what we should or should not do, and this story is worth mentioning, because it shows what a person is capable of if they listen to and follow the promptings of the Spirit: Muhammad Yunus organized a very unusual bank in Bangladesh, which some have said was the beginning of microfinance. When Yunus, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his efforts to help the poor, was asked what his initial strategy would be, he responded:

I didn’t really have one at the time. I simply began trying to help with my own funds, then went to the banks and asked them to get involved. They refused for several stated reasons, and thus my strategy began to evolve into: ‘Whatever the bankers did, I simply did the opposite.’ The bankers would only lend to the rich. I would only lend to the poor. The bankers would only make large loans. I would only make very small loans. The bankers would only lend to men. I would only lend to women. The bankers would only lend if there was collateral. I would only lend without collateral. The bankers required extensive paperwork. I only made loans that even an illiterate could understand. The bankers required their clients to come to the bank. I took my bank to the village.

The banks expected a high rate of loan defaults, but Yunus expected and experienced almost none. His bank has provided more than $4 billion in loans and is entirely self-sustaining.

Elder Ballard said… often people struggle to become self-reliant, but become more dependent upon others because of their inability to think straight and apply common sense in the decisions they make. Much of life’s misery centers in the lack of using common sense.

As an example, he mentions a pharmacist who was compounding a prescription that called for as much strychnine as you could put on the face of a dime. He didn’t have a dime, so he used two nickels. It’s not likely this mistake had a happy ending.

He concluded his talk by reminding us that we need to seek guidance from our Heavenly Father as we struggle to become self-reliant.

I love this special time I have with Suzy, even though she is beating me at another game of Scrabble.

The Handsome Pilot and His Story...

It took over 41 years...

Realizing he was going to get drafted, David decided flying had more appeal than the infantry, so in early 1967 he joined the Army Warrant Officer Program to become a helicopter pilot. David knew he'd be going to Viet Nam, and the targeted date was approximately Spring of 1968.

A couple of weeks ago, David shared something that he has kept to himself since November 1967. Part of the reason -- his father asked Dave to keep significant military experiences private, so he wouldn't worry his mother, and he honored Dad's request.

We were married in December 1967, and sometime in April 1968, David got a kidney disease. Not only did he not go to Viet Nam, he was given a disability retirement, with 30% pay the rest of his life.

David isn't sure why he let the years pass without sharing the incident, but recently there have been documentaries on TV regarding Viet Nam and the stories told by soldiers; he felt it might be time to do the same.

While driving home from work David called his sister, Demeree. He wanted to get her opinion on whether he should tell me what happened. She was surprised and saddened after he relayed the tragedy to her, but thought he should definitely share it with me, which he did as soon as he got home.

In late 1967, Dave and a guy were training with two pilots in another helicopter. He was sitting on the left side of the cockpit -- not at the controls, and to be funny his partner told David he was going to fly along side the other chopper to surprise them. It was something that was forbidden, and David told him not to do it. The guy called him a name, something like sissy, proceeded to move up near the helicopter, and it suddenly banked to the left causing it’s rotor blade to come through the cockpit, hitting Dave’s companion and severely damaging the helicopter -- the other helicopter plummeted to the ground. David quickly took the controls, turned off the power to prevent a fire, and auto-rotated to safety within seconds; the copter rolled a few times before finally coming to a stop. Dave was the only person who survived the mid-air collision.

Luckily, he was just banged up and there was a stage field nearby with an emergency vehicle. It was at the accident site within a minute or two. Dave was upside-down, still strapped in, and when released he fell on his head, and has often wondered if it's the reason for the neck and back pain he's had for years.

As David told me about the collision, I sat stunned and speechless. I didn't know what to say, so instead, mostly listened. I asked questions of course, but it took a day to absorb the enormity of the accident -- what happened and what could have happened. This weekend he relayed the incident to his mother and our kids. They reacted pretty much the same – astonished. I asked David if he was relieved he finally told his story, and he said, "Yes."

Almost six months old...

On our fireplace mantel, we keep a framed photo of our most recent grandchild. Carmen will be "dethroned" in June, by Anna Marie and Rick's little baby girl. Carmen might be the child with the shortest time in this place of honor. The least I can do is showcase her here.

What Have You to Declare?

Suzy and I had our monthly Family Home Evening today, and we discussed an article by Ardith G Kapp; afterward we had our treat and played Scrabble.



Wise travelers usually make a list of valuables they are carrying to facilitate the passage through customs and expedite their arrival home. Not of a trip to Canada or Mexico—not even Germany or Italy—but rather our ultimate journey, yours and mine, our journey to our eternal home and the border crossing and how we will each respond to the question “What have you to declare?”

If we only use external signals (like other people’s values or rules and regulations or policies) to determine our course, what will happen on a stormy night when the clouds and fog obscure the signals and we are alone in the dark?

We must have our own clearly defined values; only then do we have an inner court to which we can appeal for judgment of our performance—not someone else’s.

We need to be mindful of and avoid roadblocks, dead ends, and danger zones, so we will arrive safely at the border crossing, and be proud of what we have to declare.

How well do you know your kid?

Below is an eye for each of our grandchildren.
Who do they belong to?

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven

On her blog, Sarah asked,

"What do you Love in a Friendship?"
I was going to copy and paste her comments,
but then you might notice.
Mine will not be near as detailed, but here goes:

Y Y Y Y Y

Does not tailgate

A willingness to hike as slow as me

Can receive as well as give

Sincerity

Laughs with me and at me

Does not care what time I call

Spontaneity

Helps me to be a better person

Mischievousness

Not easily offended

Adventuresome

Loves God

Tolerance

Filthy rich, but not a requirement

Can't see or does not care

about my physical imperfections

Lies, but just out of kindness

Challenges me

Someone who views the world

with the cup half-full

Loves me unconditionally

Does not kiss up to me

Socks from Hell -- finished!

My dearest friend, Carolyn,
thinks I'm going to knit another
pair of socks using this cable pattern.
Dream on little friend.

More family to annoy (or not)...

This is our new-found sister and her children.

There is a lot of resemblance between us all.
(Of course they are good-looking!)

Lauri and Megan

Alex and Jennifer

I hope they don't object to their photos being posted.
If they do I'll remove them.

Halfway to 10...

Andrew is five today and yesterday he spent the day with me. It was the first time without his brothers, and we had a fun time. He is easy to please...

- Went to Krispe Kreme for donuts and hot chocolate
- Dropped off stuff at Value Village
- Had my car washed
- Went to a park for on hour
- Played games (he won them all)
- Raked and picked up leaves (he offered to help)
- Watched TV
- Had spaghetti for dinner

We don't usually spend so much on grand kid birthdays, but I felt Andrew needed something special this time, so I bought him a bike; Jared and Eric have their own.

Three-year-old Gwen...

... spent the night, and this morning she heard me say I was going to fix Grandpa's breakfast.

She asked, "Why are you fixing Grandpa's breakfast, he's big and can fix his own!"

Not long after Gwen came into the kitchen and said, "I'm hungry Grandma."

"What would you like to eat?"

"An egg," she said.

I asked, "What kind?"

And she said, "What kind is Grandpa eating?"

"The runny kind."

"I want the runny kind," she said, and wandered into the playroom.

I fixed a scrambled egg, and called Gwen to come and eat.

"I'm not hungry now," she yelled.

24-hours with Gwen is pure entertainment.

DNA test results conclusive...

Welcome to the family Lauri, Alex, Jennifer, and Megan

Less than a month ago, my siblings and I discovered we have two half-sibling. The story was kept a secret by our Aunt Daphne for 68 years. She made a promise she would never tell, but circumstances changed and she felt she had to share what she knew, which was: our mom got pregnant in 1939 -- her senior year, and again in 1941, from two different men (identities unknown). We know that the second baby (Lauri) was born in Wenatche, WA, and both were adopted out.

We learned about the siblings when Alex, Jennifer, and Megan were looking for a Shirley Frew, their mother's biological mother. Eventually the search led to Daphne.

Considering Mom's name is uncommon, she was from Washington state, and an unwed mother in 1941, there was little doubt that they found their mother's birth-mother. To make sure, DNA tests were done on Megan and our brother Darrell.

Details about the baby born in 1939 are unknown at this point.

On stage...

David played at a hole-in-the-wall place last night not too far from where we live, and said he gets nervous and makes mistakes, but here at home he does very well. Perhaps after he does it a couple more times he'll be happier with his performance. Basically, a handful of people go to share, practice, and learn.

(Sometimes a photographer is there who takes pics. She emailed this to David. Nice of her.)

My treasures...

From left: Isaak, Carmen, Jared,
Maggie, Eric, Andrew, and Gwen!

Killers...

After telling Anna Marie that her dad and I are going to a Killers concert in April, she was kind enough to inform me that people use weed and strip naked at the concerts.

Then she said, "You won't like the Killers, Mom, I thiink you should give your ticket to me."

She took it a step further by suggesting we give her dad's ticket to Rick.

He finally turned 40!

The party theme was "Defending Your Life", with Michael explaining away the things he did or did not do in the past. They were presented by various people who were put on the "witness stand" mostly to tattle. Michael's dad was the Judge, Audra the Defense Attorney, and Sarah the Prosecuting Attorney.

The most incriminating story was given by Anna Marie, who claimed Mike used to put her in a sleeping bag, tie the top, turn it upsidedown, and kick her in the butt when she was a little girl.

In the end, the Judge was supposed to send Mike back to earth for a do-over; instead he sent him to Hell.

Years ago someone in our family was given a gift in this ugly fish bag. At the next present-giving event it showed up again, and so it went -- for years. Eventually the beloved fish bag disappeared, and I always blamed Michael for taking it with him to Iraq. I was wrong, because the ugly thing showed up again, via Sarah and Matt. They confiscated it a loooooong time ago, plotting to save it for Michael's 40th birthday. The bag is in circulation again!

Michael's High School buddies (Dan and Ryan) came all the way to Vancouver from Belfair and Spokane, for the surprise party. I love the height difference in this picture. :)

Young Artist...

Gwen and her mommy came over yesterday, and while Anna Marie and I visited, we could hear her talking quietly to herself in the playroom. Shortly after, Gwen came out to show us her drawing. I think it's excellent for a four-year-old.

Faith and Trust...

Suzy and I had our FHE via the phone again tonight. We discussed a conference talk by Diane Terry Woold, who taught that we can depend on God for comfort during times of trials; sipped herb tea; and played Scrabble.

We often ask why, instead of how to handle the adversity. We cannot deal with the whys, because we have no concrete answers for the whys. But we can speak to how one continues a life that has taken a detour from a self-plotted course: financial difficulties, illness, or even death, to name a few.

Asking why is an exercise in frustration because Heavenly Father generally does not answer the whys of our lives. Faith in God is not developed by having all the answers.

Faith has to be enough when we do not know why. We must remember that He loves his children, and that we cannot know the meaning of all things. We must say, “I love You and I trust You.”

Everything in life can shift, change, or leave, but our Heavenly Father is constant. People often believe that when they are ready and when it suits their convenience, they can call upon the Lord and he will immediately respond, even in the precise way they have prescribed. Revelation does not come that way… We cannot force spiritual things.”

In order to be strengthened, we must become as children, “submissive, meek, humble, and patient.

Suzy and I learned that through study, prayer, and faith, our Father in Heaven will give us comfort and strength to help us in times of trouble.

(Diane Terry Woold, 2009 Ensign)

What is it?

Is it a boy or a girl?

I believe Anna Marie and Rick

told the most important people.

If you have not heard...

well what can I say?
It isn't posted yet, but keep checking at...

http://www.tastybeans.blogspot.com/

(I'm tickled pink, I mean blue, I mean pink, I mean blue...)

A true patriot...

Last night Dave Michael had guard duty, and stayed overnight with us. His dad had previous plans, so I took Dave out for dinner. We don't get to do this very often and I enjoyed hearing him talk about how to prepare calamari; listening to him complaining about his lousy deep fryer; and watching him eat his dinner with chopsticks -- still in his army clothes, because he was too lazy to change.

After finishing our meal and waiting for the check, the waitress came to our table and said, "Your dinners have already been paid for."

We looked surprised and puzzled, and said something like, "What?"

She replied, "Someone here paid for your meal and doesn't want you to know who it is!"

David felt humbled and I felt proud.

Things seem to be getting worse...

In the past couple of months we have had two nearby houses broken into and robbed. One was two days ago. This week my next door neighbor had a near miss.

My friend Linda had a knock on her door, and she never opens it without checking through the lace-covered windows on each side of the door. It was 7:30 p.m., and a man on the other side told her he was from Quest (a local phone and computer service), saying he was there to install fios. She said she didn't order it, and heard other voices. He told her it wouldn't take much time and she repeated that she didn't order the service. Again he said that it would just be a few minutes -- Linda warned she was going to call the police if he didn't leave.

Buy then she saw two other men, and was sure they didn't have on uniforms, but one was wearing what looked like a badge around his neck; it was reversed so she could see what it said. They walked away and got into a white sedan -- not a company vehicle, but not before the man said they would be back the next day at 4:30 p.m. I told her I would come over and set up a camcorder late afternoon and keep her company. I called my son who is a cop, and he suggested she call 911, for security. I thought, perhaps they will come to MY house instead!? Scary.

The next night they did not come to her home, but at 7:30 they robbed a home four doors down. They threw a rock through the back slider and helped themselves to a TV, computer, briefcase that looked like it might have a laptop inside, and other important things.

The police said these robbers knock on the door first to see if anyone is home, and if there is they make up a story about a product or service, hoping they can get inside to see if there are valuables. If no one answers they will break inside and take what they want. Mostly they do it for drugs.

I am a little nervous; recently we've had young men come to the door in the evening -- wanting to talk about a service or trying to sell a product, and I am now convinced they were here for something else. I didn't open the door either.

In the future I won't be nice to these people. I'll sick my dog, Flesh, on them; kick them in the crotch and then shoot them in the foot with my Glock! I'm thinking they won't be back!

Spoiled and thrilled...

Our 15-year-old gas Heatilator died. The last three years of it's "life" we had to smack it to go on and sometimes stay on. I think we eventually beat it to death.

For our anniversary David bought me/us a Regencey Gas Insert, and it was just installed an hour ago. Wow, do I feel spoiled? Now if we lose power, we'll for sure be warm. If you need to, come huddle around the "fire" with us. We'll even serve hot chocolate.

Happy 41st Anniversary David!

If this looks a little odd, I inserted me into a photo with David. Gee I was an ugly little kid. About 20 years later we met, fell in love and got married. I already posted the dating/marriage thing near the beginning of this blog, so I won't reinvent the wheel.

David took the day off, and if all goes well we will do a little shopping, have lunch, see the movie Yes Man, and then go to dinner.

David is tired and still in bed. He left work at 5:45 last night and did not get home until 9:00 p.m. He called me on his cell numerous times while stuck in bumper to bumper traffic, and complained about having to pee. Once he arrived home and walked through the door, David was smiling and holding up an empty Tupperware container that I put sugar cookies in when making his lunch that morning.

Ahhhhhhhh!!! I told him to throw it away. He laughed and tossed it in the garbage. Hey, he really had to GO!

Shopping...

This is the first year that I've finished Christmas shopping so early. I know... some of you were done by July, and either you lie or you bought stuff that is now obsolete. Good job!

Not only am I finished, but I did the majority of my shopping online, and mostly at Amazon where I took advantage of free shipping, and 90% of the time for less money.

You are probably asking yourself, "What kind of junk did she buy?"

I can answer that, "Items on Christmas wish lists."

The best thing about shopping online: less time, less gas, no driving round and round looking for a parking place, no lines, and I can shop in my jammies with Emmy Loo cuddled on my lap. Bathroom breaks are convenient, and I don't have to carry packages all over the mall. I have more time to wrap gift, bake cookies, and enjoy the holiday with less stress.

I have never gotten the wrong item, nor have they come damaged. I once ordered a vacuum I didn't like, and not only did UPS pick it up -- return shipping was free.

The downside: Gifts have on occasion come after Christmas, but no one seems to mind if I print out a picture of what they are getting, and wrap it up. I have to walk all the way to the mailbox to get deliveries, or bend down to pick up packages outside our front door.

You might be thinking, "She doesn't get to feel the excitement of Christmas in the malls with the decorations and music," but you would be mistaken, because we go on our anniversary to buy stocking stuffers and wander around with almost no agenda. It would seem strange otherwise.

Last but not least, there is the ability to focus more on Christ and the real reason for December 25th. In the past I've been way to busy and distracted to spend the time I should to ponder his birth, life, and sacrifice.

Bless the Internet!

Merry Christmas

Am I broken?

That would be NO, but it sure felt that way. Yesterday, I was getting up from the floor after yanking the Christmas Tree closer to the wall. I had on socks, which was the main reason my feet slipped out from under me. I quickly realized the wall I thought was there wouldn't be catching my fall. Instead, I landed on the hardwood floor on my tailbone and hip. I am happy to report nothing is broken. However, my butt, back, shoulders, and neck are sore, and perhaps my pride.

Suzy and I had "On the Phone Family Home Evening" last night; something I look forward to every month. This time we decided to have cinnamon toast and played a full game of Scrabble at the end. The meat of FHE was our discussion of a conference talk by Elder Godoy -- Testimony as a Process.

Regardless of what church you belong to, no doubt you have a testimony of Christ; you believe in him. Godoy quoted Boyd K. Packer, who quotes, “The voice of the Spirit is described in the scripture as being neither ‘loud’ nor ‘harsh.’ It is ‘not a voice of thunder, neither . . . a voice of a great tumultuous noise.’ But rather, ‘a still voice of perfect mildness, as if it had been a whisper,’ and it can ‘pierce even to the very soul’ and ‘cause [the heart] to burn."

Godoy suggests that in order to believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ, we must first listen to the promptings of the Spirit (Holy Ghost). A seed (word of God) will be planted in our hearts, and if we nurture it (pray, read the scriptures, and follow the commandments) it will grow, as will our testimony.

In the end he states: "A testimony then, for some people, may come through a single and irrefutable event. But for others, it may come through a process of experiences that, perhaps not as remarkable but when combined, testify in an indisputable way that what we have learned and lived is true." by Godoy.

XOXO still a mystery...

From Wikipedia

Hugs and Kisses also known as Love and Kisses is a term for a sequence of the letters X and O, e.g. XOXO, typically to express affection or good friendship at the end of a written letter, email or text message.

It is debatable which letter represents which act. One interpretation assumes that X represents the four lips of a kiss and O the four arms of a hug. For example, the Oxford English Dictionary states that X is "used to represent a kiss, esp. in the subscription to a letter."

Another interpretation assumes X as the crossed arms of a hug and O as the puckered lips of a kiss, as the order is normally spoken "Hugs and Kisses" which would correspond to the order that the x's and o's are written.

Additionally, there is another interpretation, based on the pronunciation of the letters X (sounds like 'kiss') and O (sounds like 'hold', as in 'I hold you').

I'll go with the X = hugs and O = kisses. What do you think?

The End!

In case you are interested, I've made my last post to "Phil's Accident". This will not be anything new for most of you. It certainly has a happy ending!

(12/17/08) Last post to the last post! Phil is home, and has been for several days. Life is getting back to normal in the VonWalter home. Now it's the end!

My mommy...

With all this talk of babies, I thought I'd show a photo of my mother when she was six months pregnant with me. She doesn't look that far along. Perhaps the apron and pan are concealing the evidence? She was born in 1921, so the photo was taken when she was twenty-six.

I've always adored my mother in spite of her choices in life. My dad too. One thing I've carried in my heart is that my parents did love me. If only they could have hung in there and kept the family together.

Perhaps my experiences have made me a better mother. Aside from being a good wife, motherhood is all I wanted in life, and we were blessed with three choice children. Now look at use, we are on our 8th grandchild. Nothing could be sweeter.

“Come what may, and love it.”

Suzy and I enjoyed FHE (Family Home Evening) via the phone this afternoon. She chose a conference talk, "Come what may and love it" by Joseph B. Wirthlin.

An excerpt from the talk: Every life has peaks and shadows and times when it seems that the birds don’t sing and bells don’t ring. Yet in spite of discouragement and adversity, those who are happiest seem to have a way of accepting the trials handed to them, learning from difficult times, becoming stronger, wiser, and happier as a result.

If we approach adversities wisely, our hardest times can be times of greatest growth, which in turn can lead toward times of greatest happiness.

Suzy and I ate chocolate chips and drank cold milk for our treat, and we played a few turns of Scrabble before hanging up. I was ahead last time I checked, but in the end, she usually beats me. (I love you Suzy)

Where did they get all this energy?

Laurie sent this to me, and it is too funny not to share.

http://www.snotr.com/video/1299

Picking and Strumming...

For years, David and his friend, Terry, have gotten together at least once a month to practice playing their guitars and sing. They have quite a repertoire and are pretty good.

On the 22nd, they are going to a hole-in-the-wall place in Maple Valley, where anyone can get on-stage to entertain people musically, and have their first claim to fame, or would that be shame? I went recently, and it was painful. Two people's guitar and vocal skills were grueling, but bless their hearts for having the guts to get up and humiliate themselves in public. I certainly wouldn't.

I have improved enough on the guitar that I practiced with Dave and Terry last night. As long as the chords are not too difficult I can keep up -- mostly. David gave me this 1971 FG150 Yamaha for a recent birthday. It is the right size, easy to play, and sounds good. I love it.