Catch-up Post for 2019

My ability to recall from memory is diminished this year, so I kept a journal in iPhone Notes, often sent to my email as backup.  Because numerous notes never made it into this random blog, I’ve collected some neglected entries to catch up on 2019, not in order.  (Credit a sister who did her “catch-up post” on facebook a month ago, giving me the idea.)

4/25/12:12pm I replied to one of Kay’s dearest teacher friends:)

Thanks for brightening my day.  I am well, hopefully doing some good each day.  Loving warmer weather and being outside.  I think of you and our other teacher friends often, grateful for the love and generosity you all have shown. 

4/25/10a Classical89.org - “Go Forth to Serve” - BYU Commencement (7k grads, 53% female)

Dr. Arthur Brooks received an honorary degree. 

Told story of “Y” briefcase he received – it changed him.

“You guys are great at product placement.”

Anger vs. contempt ... especially in marriage.

America is being torn apart by a “culture of contempt”.

Disagreement is good; disagree better, not more.  Civility is a low standard; we must rise above just being civil. 

Mon. 4/15/3pm Smiling, as I saw this again from 2/14/19:) 

Since early this morning, I’ve had a recurring, special feeling that my sweetheart Kay is smiling with me.

It’s a happy day so far — not surprising, as it is Valentine’s! ... with love 

Easter Sunday 4/21, rained lightly, on & off

— tears of joy from heaven, especially around the temple. 

4/4/9:11am I sent a text message:)

“Since 5am, copying text from Kay’s iPhone — so interesting.

Powerhouse Sister Cannon -- she amazed everyone who had their spiritual eyes open to see her good works and love for people!”

grandsons in our frontier back yard 4 years ago

three powerful sister missionaries in MDM, 2018

Christmas Day 2019

My plan was to be home “alone” all day —“just the two of us”, following a wonderful Christmas Eve dinner and program with our oldest family in Kaysville.  However, an invitation from our daughter in the far West to visit them on Christmas Day was compelling.  I realized my sweetheart Kay would want that for the second such celebration since her passing.

For the record, I started the day at 8am by writing two Christmas cards and delivering to close neighbor friends in the main apartment building.  Easily retrieved my old DVD/VCR player from storage there — so exciting; connected to the TV our friend gave me; played a tape, but the movie didn’t show up.  Opened my new emergency radio I ordered online a month ago.  Reminder: Always have a supply of batteries for Christmas!  It worked; listened to fun songs on KSL AM for a change; (normally Classical 89 FM every day).  iPhone texted family and friends, sharing the joy of this day as we celebrated the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Arrived at Katie’s 2pm, where four young children showed me what they got.  Enjoyed a casual buffet lunch, including our traditional breakfast grapefruit — a feast for me.  (Kids had snacked all day, so they just played.)  I finally wrapped presents for everyone, and the family promptly opened them.  Lots of love; very happy!  Life is good.

Back home around 6pm, I lingered in the car, texting family and friends; recovered from the day.  Later in my cozy studio apartment, I listened to my traditional “Lullaby of Christmas” story (1949) narrated by Gregory Peck.  Finally I read Luke 2 in the New Testament — the shepherds “came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.”  Because of Him, we are blessed to be together forever ... with love.

Prelude Post for Christmas

While some folks are nearly done working through their Christmas to-do lists and are ready to relax, I am starting to make my lists.  (My editing work for a client in Florida is compelling and fun this month.)  I’ve been delighted to receive family news and a few Christmas cards in the mail since the first; now I want to mail a greeting, which has not been easy for me in the past.  I see one week until Christmas Eve.  So exciting for our 23 grandchildren (plus a beautiful new bride!)

Two weeks ago on facebook, I saw a sister’s “catch-up post for 2019” — an example of others being way ahead of me.  ( I know we mustn’t compare ourselves with what shows on social media.)  It just gave me the idea to post a list of things I missed sharing this year.

As I have already used up this space, let’s call it a prelude to a more important piece coming up ... before New Year’s Day, 2020.  “Time is running out,” it has been said.

“Have a blessed day,” as Michiganders say (where my loving companion Kay & I served last year).  I am glad so many are ready to relax.  It truly is a joyful time for celebrating our Savior’s birth ... with love.  — Ned (& Kay)

Kay & Ned on different sides now, 

still "on the same page", never far apart

The Magic of Music

Recalling some favorites from past posts with personal history, I am reminded of joy in our life.

“Where words fail, music speaks.”  — author unknown, but I agree.

For me, sacred Christmas music invites the Spirit every day this month.  (Better than magic, you know.)  A favorite hymn (#206) is 
Away in a Manger

“Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,

And fit us for heaven to live with thee there.”

I know Jesus Christ lives.  He is our Savior and Redeemer of the world.  He loves every one of us, as His Father loves all of His children.

October 2010, In “my complete profile / About Me / Favorite Music”, I included “Kay’s singing & her piano playing”.  (Still true today.  Memories are clear as Christmas bells.)

12/15/2010, I posted more "simple suggestions" for Christmas, including:

Music — listen and perform to your heart's content.

Recall your favorites from the past.  Play an LP, 8-track, cassette tape, CD, iTune, [YouTube,] your piano and guitar; or attend a live concert like we enjoyed at "The Ridge" Monday night.
Go caroling in the cold -- it will warm your spirit.  

My sweetheart Kay & I especially love the King's Singers, who will be "performing in Exeter's beautiful Cathedral" ...
— www.kingssingers.com

5/11/2014, Mother’s Heavenly Music

Somehow she must have known what it would do to me.  Was it a vision or glimpse into the future?  Mother's intuition to inspire a young son?  Sharing a “Like” with the next generation?  I believe all of the above came into play.

This is not a passing thought on Mother's Day, but a frequent warm feeling of gratitude when I hear great classical music. 

For this and all that my talented mother gave me, I am eternally thankful.  With love.

12/23/2012, Christmas Choirs

... Christmas music has blessed my life this season ... [and] brought to mind some great choirs we’ve enjoyed in the past, and a heavenly choir I’ve read about, which blessed the scene of our Savior’s birth.  ... 

What are two favorite choirs you sang in or listened to at Christmas time?

...  Merry Christmas, and have a happy choir experience!

Grandfather Russell

He is an amazing man, my mother’s father.  I have thought of him often since moving to Ogden years ago, and since losing my voice in Michigan last year.  I recovered about 70 percent — still working on it.

George Oscar Russell

George Oscar Russel (1890, in Conejos, Colorado – March 17, 1962) was an American speech scientist. He was a professor at the Ohio State University and published an influential book in 1928 called The Vowel: Its Physiological Mechanism as Shown by X-Ray.  ...  — Wikipedia

[Yes, I see misspelled surname in text under page heading.  Need to submit correction to Wikipedia.  (My TO-DO list is growing.)  By the way, my wife Kay & I made a fascinating side trip to Conejos in 2017, right before our mission.]

Grandfather Russell gave me a SoundScriber dictation machine that played messages he had recorded on green vinyl records.  In turn, I used it to record messages for him to play on his machine, same as mine.  And the postal service worked well.  (That was before email was invented, which is more convenient now.)  After many moves, this treasure is in my little apartment with vinyl waiting to be digitized and shared with posterity.  ( I wonder where Grandfather’s SoundScriber and the records I produced are now — maybe in someone’s antique collection in the attic.) 

Thank you, Grandfather Russell, for caring about your little grandson.  I’m sure you had a hand in my recovery as I hoped you would after being stopped by a Jazzy parked in a dark hallway.  I’m sorry I failed to find the light switch when leaving our family history class; I just saw the light at the far end of the hall.  I will be more careful in my old age.  Take care to help my young bride feel at home with my family there.

“Get Away Today”

The imperative pitch for a trip to Disneyland as seen on the frequent flyer accompanying my last credit union statement (what I’d miss if I went paperless).  The deal: If I “get away today”, I will get an “extra day free”!  (Truth is, I prefer an extra day free at home.)  Questions: Get away from what? Why? Is it escapism or wise investment to preserve sanity and create precious memories like my wife Kay often did for our family?

The tempting cover of Via magazine received today for Jan-Feb 2020, the new year already: 

“Must-see treasures and hidden gems” at historic Golden Gate Park.  So many things I “must see”, it’s hard to decide how and when that will happen.  Not yet on my “bucket list”; we’ll see.

To simplify, I decided a year ago not to travel.  Subject to change, of course, when our children invite me (or a dear friend needs help moving to Portland).  Last October we met halfway in Liberty Missouri for a baptism — so sweet!  Elder & Sister Cannon, my brother and his wife, attended in support.  Next summer our family outing will be in the great state of Arizona, which I love; I will drive, taking my time (and more pics) to see what Kay & I missed in 2017.  No plans for 2021, but I’m thinkin’ Brigham City, Utah (recalling our vacation there for Kay’s spring break a few years ago); I can see myself going 25 miles each way via UTA.  It will be fun.  Maybe my mind is changing ... to get away once every year, but not today.

Continued Counting

Last Sunday on the Internet, I heard The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square sing, “... you will fall asleep counting your blessings instead of sheep.”  This morning I continued counting, as my companion Kay & I are very blessed.

Leading our Colonial Court family home evening last Monday, I asked our neighbors, “What can you be grateful for this Thanksgiving? What are you writing in your gratitude journal this week that may be shared?”  I read in iPhone Notes, “... two of many positive constants in my life — the sun rises every morning, and the temple is always there [across the street], helping me come closer to the Savior. I am thankful for our Heavenly Father’s love for His children.”

This morning I added to Gratitude Journal:

“Thanksgiving Day 2019, Herriman Utah

Good road conditions despite huge snowfall; safe travel both ways — I was protected. Our son Spencer, daughter Katie, and their spouses provided a marvelous, traditional feast and get-together.  ...  I’m grateful for my forever family — parents, wife Kay, and our posterity.”

There is so much I could add here, but this blog keeps it short.  A parting question: Do you count sheep to fall asleep?

Liking/Loving Ideas

Heard repeated on a TV series with twin brothers who remodel homes: “I like the idea ...” and “I love the idea ...”  I catch it in passing through common areas of our Colonial Court Apartments — amazing results of contemporary ideas about “the good life”.  (That may apply to our CC, in my opinion, as well as to the popular series.)

The phrase fits the secular program, but also makes me wonder if it would roll off the tongue as easily with more important discussion, such as protecting religious freedom or helping the homeless.  For example, I like the idea of living a simple life, and I love the idea of strong families praying together and enjoying daily conversation at the dinner table.

What ideas do you like and love?

Hotel Nauvoo for family dinner, 19 July 2016

Heaven to Me

Yesterday and today with family and friends, I celebrated the first twelve months in my new home at Colonial Court Apartments.  As previous, it is like heaven to me, here in Ogden, Utah.  For my “holiday open house”, food served in our front social room and small-group tours enjoyed in my studio apartment went simply as planned (and inspired by my party-expert wife Kay).

I’m surrounded by people who love people and are some of the luckiest in the world.  (Am I recalling Barbra’s song?)  Many of my older neighbors look out for each other on a daily basis.  Some are ministering sisters and brothers as directed by inspired leaders in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  They and others are led by the Spirit with pure love for those in need; (aren’t we all in need?)

Living within easy walking distance of everything I need ... is heaven to me.  Across the street are the temple and the FamilySearch Center, reminding me that families can be forever, and my companion in Heaven is not far away.  Continuing our work on both sides brings us joy, and hopefully brings others closer to the Savior, whose life is the perfect example of everlasting love.

Far From Fatigue

My mind plays tricks when tired — a frequent occurrence in my senior condition.  At work (typically in my apartment “office” or away for WiFi) it thinks siesta as my sweet solution prescribed by doctors.  At play, it goes for more fun and games (no home TV yet, but likely next month).  How do your parents or grandparents respond to fatigue?  (“extreme tiredness resulting from mental or physical exertion or illness.”  — New Oxford American)

Memories of Cannon Beach with my wife Kay, for example, carry me far from fatigue, and make me feel young again.  Anticipating my return to winter skiing, which brings back memories of winter quarter at the University of Utah, gives me a familiar burst of energy.  And good music does it to me.  With Colonial Court stairs to run, I forget fatigue and go far to the top in two-step increments (an old habit from work in the ‘80s that’s hard to break).  Serving others uplifts me as well.  Resting in common areas to visit with friendly neighbors is spiritually energizing.  I’m lovin’ life here.

With some healthy fast food, it’s a mind game I can use to “travel” with my sweetheart Kay, get my jobs done, enjoy life, and feel grateful to God for taking me far from fatigue.  Write your own prescription, and live ... with love

Gratitude Photo Journal Too

An early start for a Thanksgiving post allows time to collect a few pictures (each “worth a thousand words”) before our family feast.  As in my 2015 set, I hope my gratitude is evident without many words.  Let our photos speak for themselves.  I feel sure my sweetheart Kay is forever grateful, and I thank Heavenly Father for all of my blessings.

Halfway There

One day last month, I noted, “Approaching noon, and  I’m halfway ready for the day.  What is wrong with that?”  I thought, “Some folks at age 50 are halfway between birth and death.  Only God knows, as He sees the end from the beginning.”

This morning I see a connection.  Is it ever good enough to be halfway ready for the final day — your time to pass on to a better place?  I was not ready at age 50, but I’ve made progress since then.  With me for over 48 years so far, my forever companion Kay continues to influence me for good ... with love

Cleverly Concocted Costumes

Is this the favorite holiday or 2nd-favorite?  In Ogden I see early celebration and hear differing opinions about Halloween ... from “the most evil” (recalling history of house burnings in Detroit) to “a fun family time for kids in costumes”.  When our five were young, I called it “meet-your-neighbors night”.  It worked!

Gypsy Kay stayed home, told fun fortunes, and handed out treats.  I followed the children around our East Mill Creek neighborhood, accepted a few extra treats for myself, and got acquainted with some nice folks I was too shy to meet otherwise.  The costumes Kay and friends concocted?  So clever and cute!!

Drawing a Blank

Wanting to write something before lunch hour ends, I draw a blank (meaning: “elicit no successful response [from my brain]; fail.”  — Oxford)

This has happened to me before; ( I have drawn many blanks in my lifetime, so it’s no surprise).  This is the first time I’ve written about it, if my sometimes-blank memory serves me.

I imagine my English teacher wife, Mrs. Cannon, drew a few blanks from students when assigning essays and asking questions.  Others were inspired to write creatively and be intentionally engaged because of her fun style of teaching.

Have you ever been caught off guard by someone asking a question that did not compute?  I often hear retail clerks respond, “What?” and give me a blank look like I’m interrupting deep thoughts without properly getting their attention with the introduction, “May I ask you a question?”

I try to be a good listener (as well as a writer) with family, friends, and strangers.  So, please forgive me for occasional failures ... like now when I’m drawing a blank.

Rainy Days

It was a different look and feel ... walking around the Ogden Utah Temple tonight after hours of rain.  Lighting was minimal, maybe due to the weather.  (Who would go out for a stroll during cold rain showers?)  However, the east fountain was shimmering with light, more beautiful than ever, in contrast to the unusual darkness.

A few couples hurried out to cars, and others eagerly walked into the building — all wanting a warm, inviting place for the late evening ... together.

The exceptional weather matched my mood and prompted thoughts of my sweetheart Kay.  We enjoyed many rainy days in Michigan last year, together as missionary companions.  Why am I often reminded of her.  It’s about warm, true love.

End of The Road

It was a long trip for a lone man, but well worth the waiting and every inconvenience with travel to Liberty Missouri Saturday and back home to Ogden Utah today.  It seemed like everyone and her dog discovered “the world is better with you out in it” as Delta promotes.  (Is there a competition to see who collects the most sky miles and cheap trips?  Then I’m the biggest loser.)  It made my next trip (first of summer on Highway 89 and Route 66) look so relaxing, I am unusually excited about enjoying another before my end of the road.

Arriving from Kansas City International to rest at a family-fun hotel in Liberty, I found four frolicking grandchildren and their parents, our youngest.  To be near his parents and meet me halfway, they had driven from Georgia for the baptism of their second daughter.  After Sunday stake conference, along with my brother and his wife, we all met at Excelsior Springs in a meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where the devoted father of the eight-year-old conducted the service and performed the baptism by authority of the restored priesthood.  His sweet parents and our “little darling” provided food, also appreciated by the young missionaries and bishop who kindly supported the special occasion.  Knowing my forever companion, “Grandma” Kay, would certainly not miss the sacred ordinance, we were assured by the Spirit that she was there with us.  Lots of love!

Sunday afternoon I accompanied my brother (director of our Independence Visitors’ Center), his wife, and a local historian on a tour of Far West.  At the end of a rough road through a field, we visited the site of our ancestor Charles C. Rich’s cabin.  Close by, inside a frame house from Sears, Roebuck and Company, were displayed historical documents and pictures like a mini museum — crude, but precious.  On the way “home” that evening, the family visited Liberty Jail, where the Prophet Joseph Smith was unjustly confined from December 1838 to April 1839, and revelation was received for all mankind.

Early Monday morning I had breakfast with our young family and bid farewell.  As they drove home, I spent the day in Independence with Elder & Sister Cannon, where I learned more of Church history, including good times and horrible persecution.  Obviously, Missouri was not the end of the road for those saints or the Lord’s worldwide Church.  Again, we are grateful.

By the way, UTA was the perfect end of my trip, driving me from SLC to my Ogden apartment — “the only way to fly”.

Sounds of the City

Before closing my apartment window for the winter, l leave a little list of sounds that are part of my personal history.  Without my iPhone voice memos (random recordings) embedded, I realize much is left to one’s own experience and imagination.

Our good neighbors I hear and see from my window are the Ogden City Fire Department and Ogden Police Department in the Francom Public Safety Center.  (He or she must have been a great chief.)  The calling of coordinates for rescue is clearly heard from a loud speaker; then the sound of sirens, reminding me of how well the brave workers do their job.  Under their protection across the street is an elementary school with happy sounds of children on the playground.

Farther west is the railroad, my favorite source of city sound.  Freight train horns and all bring back fun memories, even if they wake me at night.  If I wrote my history in a normal way, a whole chapter would be on my love of trains.

Directly south of me is Lindquist Field, generating bright lights, fireworks, and wild cheering for Ogden Raptors Pro Baseball.  I should feel guilty for enjoying the sights and sounds without supporting our winning team in person.

Sad to say, my selective, sensitive hearing is disturbed by cars honking to lock doors in our parking lot.  I commented in a post years ago, wondering why some newer cars cannot be locked without startling people around them.  Not a pleasant way to wake in the middle of the night.  ( I feel sorry for neighbors of church parking lots; their peaceful day of rest must be punctuated by honking horns, but never by mine.)  I also roll my eyes when hearing muscle cars and pickup trucks roaring in the wild West on Wall Avenue (named after a pioneer fort wall).  That and Washington Boulevard (east of me) are the main “drags” where the young at heart are free to show off their manly machines without police interference.

Let’s see (hear) ... more pleasant sounds of the city: nature — weather sounds excite me, and birds soften our environment.  Most importantly, loving people in our Colonial Court community often speak kind words to each other.  Kay & I are grateful.

“Love Is a Song”

We are truly blessed ... with love!

The love theme from my favorite Disney film, Bambi (1942), expresses my feelings this morning.  My love for Kay is forever, and my hope will never die.

(Copied from LyricFind:)

Love is a song that never ends

Life may be swift and fleeting

Hope may die, yet love's beautiful music

Comes each day like the dawn

Love is a song that never ends
...

I am grateful to Heavenly Father for His plan of happiness and for our Savior, Jesus Christ.  And daily miracles witnessed to me by the Holy Ghost, the Comforter, who inspires uplifting music.  I am thankful for my wife Kay, our family, and dear friends; all have tenderly allowed me to stay close to them in spirit during the last twelve months and the years before Kay’s passing.

Life is good, and we all are loved.

My Glossary

A few words, but mostly terms and proper nouns (naming specific things, thus requiring capitalization).
The purpose of this shared glossary (brief dictionary) is to provide a reliable reference for spelling ... and possibly for meaning if added later.  ( I frequently search spelling and definitions online; years ago I wore out my paperback dictionary, which lacked many special terms and proper nouns.)

linger longer  (local lingo, I suspect, more often with YSA) “Young singles like informal linger longers after two hours of Sunday meetings.”

potluck  (defined in a recent LFF post; may be used as an adjective or noun)

church  (lowercase c) “We went to church in the meetinghouse, and we enjoyed it at home throughout the week.”

Church  (with capital C) “Disaster relief is provided by the Church.”

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints  (with capital T and lowercase d as hyphenated)

Ogden Utah Temple  (across the street from my home)

FamilySearch (one word with capital S)

Ogden FamilySearch Center  (across the street from the temple and open to the public)

Family History Library  (west of the Salt Lake Temple and open to the public)

copies of the Book of Mormon  (not “Books of M...”)

the Bible  (one of four standard works considered sacred scripture by the Church)

high councilor  (not “high councilman”) “The stake president assigned a high councilor to speak in our ward.”

Mutual  (historical proper noun, now “retired”) “My wife Kay & I served the youth of the Church in Mutual.”

genealogy

storytelling  (one word)

smartphone  (one word) “My PC laptop on WiFi will put my glossary in alphabetical order, as my smartphone is not working that well on Blogger.”

Q3 Report

How can I account for my use of time during the last three months?  July, August, and September were a unique third quarter for me, like I have never experienced before 2019.  The same applies to the previous three years — each Q3 being different, extraordinary.

Q3-2016 was J&J Nursery work for me and the start of my wife Kay’s final year of teaching 11th-grade English.  The next August 14th, we began our 23-month MLS (member & leader support) assignment to Detroit for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Q3-2018 involved the end of that MDM part of our mission and set the stage to begin our new “assignments” to help people on both sides.  All three quarters were unique and outside our comfort zone.

So, what happened this July through August that made my life different than previous years?  Married life: Kay & I now serve in separate areas of missionary work — a new experience for both of us as a close couple ... with heightened sensitivity to the Spirit.  I need to review my iPhone Notes and PC Notepad before reporting details, as my memory is failing with old age.  However, powerful feelings and impressions are easier to remember; many are recorded, never to be forgotten ... with tears of love.
(To be continued.)

How do you account for your Q3 ending today?

Favorite Moments

Millions have memorable moments they share on social media for the world, or record in a journal for posterity.  What would you say?

These are a few of my favorite moments, randomly recalled and not in order:

Our 3-year-old twin grandsons laughing at the antics of Disney’s Bambi and Thumper rabbit (and the wise owl got giggles) every time they watched my favorite animated movie (1942).  The old “big screen” TV and VCR in our frontier basement “home theater” served our grandchildren well.  (When Kay & I sold our home in 2017, the new electronics recycling center in northeast Layton served us well, but made me sad to see a perfectly good TV crash into pieces.)  Still intact are memories of Little People (Fisher-Price characters) and other video tapes they loved to watch when visiting.

The Carpenters (siblings Karen and Richard) in concert at the University of Utah with my best friend Kay — our sharing a love for good music ... and each other.  (In retrospect, the performance seems like a moment in time.)

A cool breeze passing gently through my apartment window early in the morning.  Hearing the train sounds I love ... and peaceful quiet before neighbors’ cars started honking to unlock doors.  Feeling joy as I listened to my favorite Chopin Nocturne ... with headphone blocking noise pollution.  (Looks like I’m making a statement.)

Walking with my sweetheart Kay on Cannon Beach at sunset — just the two of us, forever in love.

September Sundays 2017

In September and October of 2017, Sister Kay Cannon & I served as temporary workers in the mission office and were privileged to attend Sunday meetings in several Metro Detroit cities.  We were not yet assigned to a ward (congregation) in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

On September 3rd, our first Sunday in Michigan, a dear senior missionary couple took us to the Dearborn Ward by a Ford plant and introduced us to members who welcomed us with open arms.  After three hours of church, the four of us went to Belle Isle Park to enjoy a picnic among Michigander families who were barbecuing and having a great time on the island.  We picked a spot with a grand view of Canada across the Detroit River — exactly what Sister Cannon needed.

A Bride at 19

Growing up as the youngest of eight, she enjoyed a measure of prosperity in a mature family living in a nicer neighborhood than older siblings had known.  As a young teen, Kay served a three-year mission with her parents and two sisters for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in British Columbia.  Their historic mission home was in an upscale neighborhood in the charming, cosmopolitan city of Vancouver.  She eagerly served the Lord with her winning smile and courage in sharing the gospel.

Upon celebrating her fourth birthday (a leap year), she was mature for her age, easily making friends of all ages and different backgrounds.  Loved and admired by many in the Alaskan Canadian Mission, Kay Hinckley and her family returned home to Salt Lake City for her senior year at East High School.

Our choices to pursue education at the University of Utah, though wise in worldly ways, had spiritual roots — not coincidental.  Being close neighbors and fellow students in the Music Appreciation class, Kay and I started dating by attending concerts assigned by Professor Jay Welch.  At age 18, she was dating other older men and waiting for a favorite missionary’s return.  However, we were in love with classical music ... and each other.  Our study sessions together created sweet, musical memories for a lifetime.

The next year, after passing her un-birthday, Kay and I became engaged to be married.  Seven weeks later, we were sealed for time and eternity in the Salt Lake Temple.  (Why wait any longer when it’s true love?  And nothing short of forever.)

As I think of her every day, Kay is still my young bride, a 19-year-old at heart, sharing life’s adventure ... with love.

Add to Story

Life is a continuous story ... of time well spent or wasted.  Apparently some folks have theirs on facebook, where I see (after “What’s on your mind?”) the option/invitation: “Add to Story”.  (Can someone tell me how that works?)

Let’s see ... what can I add that isn’t already posted here since October 2010?  Last weekend, for example — what happened since Friday morning’s post.

I worked through the 13th at home, wondering “what challenges our grandkids will face in the next two decades”; (texted a loyal friend as my iPhone added to my story).

Saturday noon at the end of a Family Discovery activity and Snipping Tool class, I served three flavors of Farr Better Ice Cream in our new Ogden FamilySearch Center kitchen.  A favorite fast food and two popular gathering places across the street from our home (a “whole ’nother” story).  Then our daughter brought her twin boys to our Colonial Court social room for pool and leftover ice cream while a neighbor from St. George watched BYU play on the big screen; (who knows the score?)  Later a siesta, I think, or should have done.  And music appreciation ... with harmonious thoughts of our dear Kay, who is not far away.

Sunday was uplifting at church from morning til 6pm — the usual story, including family history workshop (unusual with the new schedule and guidelines this year) plus a quiet hour with my laptop on WiFi.

Family home evening here Monday had the usual group discussion on the upcoming lesson from the New Testament; the “linger longer” afterward was “dinner” I can always count on.  ( I’m not cooking much this year — need a class on that).

What have you added to your story?

Lessons Learned 2

My thought for the day, Friday the 13th:

No matter how you look at it (the industry) or at them (the millions of rental spaces), storage units are a trap.

Admittedly, they often saved our life in the moving process, especially when Kay & I sold our homes in Sleepy Hollow (east Layton) and on the western frontier.  Both times, the buyers needed to move in sooner than expected.  We were able to fast-forward our moves to a Clearfield townhouse for seven months and our daughter’s basement to wait for our Detroit mission, respectively.

Between those moves was a transition to Colonial Court Apartments in downtown Ogden with a six-month lease (and convenient Beehive Self Storage) while we looked for a permanent home.  Loving the simple community life, Kay & I stayed four years before buying our frontier property.  We even took advantage of a large CC storage cage by our apartments (a series of three apts. as our family needs changed).  Busy with jobs and church service, I failed to lighten our storage load.  It stayed out of sight and out of mind — exactly what the Beehive SS owner counted on and rightly profited from. 

I have learned simple self-storage takes more self-control than I can muster ... unless I finish kicking the habit of saving everything of value I might need in the future.  I am back home at CC Apts. by the temple and new FamilySearch Center to simplify my life ... therefore my needs will disappear over time.  So, go figure.  

Now I eliminate things saved for future needs — “needs” which are going away “as we speak”.  I donate (as we’ve done for decades) and let others benefit from accumulating things.  Money saved by avoiding or escaping storage traps can be used to buy better products later ... if needed.

Lesson learned: the peace of mind and freedom from back-breaking work are priceless.

my guitar, made in Argentina

memories, 8 August 2017

(... not so much anymore)

gift from Kay ~1981, still working (a keeper)
freed from storage, 26 November 2018

Lessons Learned 1

About nine years ago, my wife Kay and I visited the memorial site of Flight 93 near Shanksville in Stonycreek Township, Pennsylvania.  It was sobering, and we were inspired by the courage of those heroes.  We recalled the passenger’s words, “Let’s roll”, that triggered their plan to take control.  They fought back and overpowered the terrorist hijackers.  Flight 93, savagely headed for Washington, DC, was the only one of four planes that did not reach its target.  

On Sunday 9/11/2011, I outlined “The Language of 9/11” (World Trade Center, The Pentagon, Shanksville), ending with a personal note: “I was watching CNBC when it happened.
Ten years ago.”

On Sunday 9/11/2016, I wrote, “Remember how the attacks increased patriotism and brought our country together? ... I will never forget it!  Nor will I ever forget the unselfish sacrifice of so many ... 

God bless America!”

Hopefully, a lesson learned since 9/11 of 2001: In America we do not take freedom and national security for granted.  Be grateful, prayerful, defensive, alert, and powerfully prepared in every way.

Lost and Found

For over 20 years, I have kept “FIND” lists of lost items which may someday be found.  A type of “TO-DO” set of reminders in writing.  (My wife Kay always liked to handwrite lists and cross-out/line-out her tasks when done; I prefer a check mark on my paper lists.)  And it’s always a good feeling to update my PC Notepad file when I recover something that was missing — trivial personal history in most cases.  An OC habit that is maybe 80% frivolous and 20% of value.  The few “jewels” alone make the little time and effort worth it to me.  Now I wish my life were so disciplined and organized that nothing gets misplaced or lost.  Meanwhile, I know where the lost-and-found departments are, wherever I go.

I recall a few examples:
A large journal book with a few pages of my handwritten thoughts and spiritual experiences from the late seventies; lost in a move, I guess; not found — irreplaceable.
My wallet with driver’s license and credit cards; found weeks later by an honest employee in a workplace and taken to the office.
Another such wallet hidden in “a safe place” in our frontier home and found months later after my license and cards were replaced.
A Spanish copy of the Bible I used on my mission in Argentina — still waiting to be unpacked, but replaceable.
The tiny, wireless PC device I should have kept in my “junk drawer”, a handy place every home should have.
Lessons learned — the ones lost in memory until I make the same mistake again.

I try not to feel lost.  Having such loving family and friends, how can I?  Worth repeating: my forever companion Kay is not lost, and I am grateful we finally found each other 49 years ago; (she is so young and active, amazing me ... with love)

Jesus told a touching parable of a shepherd who left his flock of ninety-nine to find the lost sheep.  The happy ending is likened to a person who is rescued and welcomed back into the fold.  A heavenly feeling for all who share the faith.

Window of Opportunity

That is how I view September, the month between summer vacations and “the holidays” — a window of opportunity for getting things done.  For example: improving one’s lifestyle, changing an organization, getting in touch, catching up, and simplifying life “going forward” (not backward).

When is your favorite “window ...”?  The next one on my calendar is January to February — twice as long, but why wait?

Ogden Tabernacle at sunset

Roseville MI home for Christmas 2017

Summer Siestas Too

A little “work in progress” is still waiting since the end of August 2012, looking like my shortest post ever.  Time to wrap it up with a fast, finishing post.

Seven years ago, I was “ready to move on to a normal work schedule.  One thing I will miss, however, is the summer siesta.  Others have written about the health benefits of the afternoon nap ...  Speaking from personal experience, I’m convinced it saved my life!”

What is my experience since then?  More siestas in the evening than afternoon — crazy.  I’ve heard that does not work for typical older folks.  Works for me anytime.  The thing is (a useless phrase ... unless someone needs an alert that a main point is coming), I am more productive after a nap, regardless of the time of day or night.  Driving on the road (or off-road, which damages ecosystems), that means arriving in one piece.  That said (a superfluous phrase I prefer to avoid, but I just said anyway), there are demands on our time that are hard to ignore.  Meetings at 7pm, for example — a favorite time for my power nap following fast food.

As a child, I sometimes resisted summer siestas (called naps then), but not consistently like active kids these days.  I tried to be a good boy and let Mother be productive ... or rest herself.  In fact, favorite memories of my preschool and kindergarten days are of naps on mats.  In our fast-paced society, I believe it’s a thing of the past.  Early-to-bed is favored.

A nap for all seasons — like a wrap on the day ... before a good read (no TV) and a night’s sleep.

... or meditation by the sea would do it for me