Saved Our Life

Twelve months ago, I shared our testimony with the ward congregation at church and published it for my wife’s extended family.  Kay & I know without a doubt that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer of the world.

Christmas Day 2019 [posted 12/27] 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.

Kay & I are grateful for The Prince of Peace, who saved our life.  Jesus Christ lives and will come again.

Report in a nutshell

Wonderful week in December ... so far.

Meeting with dear friends who do most of the talking, thus saving my poor voice.  Church at stake center, Sunday School in social room via Zoom on TV, and Music & the Spoken Word.

Train trip to Woods Cross to receive a wonderful basket of “comfort food” from my wife Kay’s siblings, reminding me of their eternal love for us.

Neighbor’s new furniture delivered by Amazon to the sidewalk, quickly moved by hired hands (after my little box-cutting prep) to her new apartment on Tuesday, my typical time off.

Leftovers for this slowest guy, who cleans up after linger longer on Monday.  Great Harvest bread at home, three pancakes at Denny’s yesterday, and canned food to the apartments’ charity box.

Serendipitous shopping for Christmas, reducing my last-minute rush on the 24th.  Slowing down to go in the mall for a delightful surprise, thanks to Hostlers Model Railroad Club.  I was lovin’ it yesterday!

If I reduced these five to one nutshell, I would make “a long story short”.  Nevertheless, I wish you patience, joy, and Light!

Typical Typos

Trying to recall what triggered this thought.  I just know it was a very typical typo (“a typographical error”).  Are typos even noticed these days, and does it matter?  Maybe depending on the mediyum.  Some may be intentional ... to tease habitual proofreeders.

Slowing Down

Fact: It’s happening in my “old age”.  Realizing more so this year, I enjoy slowing down enough to ponder, read, write, play great music, walk, notice nature, and connect with people.  For these I am grateful to God.

Blessing: It helps me remember and feel close to my sweetheart Kay, who influences me for good.  She represents Christlike love to me.

Need: It feels great to run up and down stairs here at the apartments, but I must be more careful and maybe slow down.  Fast bike rides by Ogden River and railroad are invigorating, but cold air calls for taking it easy and enjoying the scenery along the way.  Slowing down may be good for everyone this month, as you know.

"Waters ripple and flow" through Ogden River Parkway

Gratitude Journal

Over recent years, I have occasionally kept a gratitude journal — something which should have been kept consistently.  However, I find value in the few notes available for review, especially around Thanksgiving.

I am thankful for the Lord's missionaries, especially my forever companion Kay, who served with me for 12 months in the Detroit mission.  Having passed away and accepted a new assignment two years ago, she continues serving on the other side.  Our mission is to bring others closer to Jesus Christ, for whom I am deeply grateful. 

Sunday, November 25, 2012

“I thank Heavenly Father for His goodness and mercy, and for a loving, forever family.”

Monday, 11/23/2020, in our group home evening, I shared appreciation for the healing power of gratitude.  Love of God’s creations motivates me to get out and enjoy nature.  That restores me.  The benefits are physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.  I often take photos for my journal of joy.

Tuesday, November 24, 2020

I am grateful for the scriptures, for they are the word of God.  As I read them, I am reminded of His love every day.

Wednesday, November 25, 2020

I give thanks for our five children, their families, and loved ones whom Kay & I have “adopted” as forever friends.  They bless the lives of countless “fellow passengers“ on Earth.

Thanksgiving, November 26, 2020

Oh, happy day!  Kay & I have always been grateful for Thanksgiving Day.  Our Hinckley and Cannon traditions go way back with loving memories and thanks to Heavenly Father for all blessings.

Friday, November 27, 2020

The women and men who served and are serving in our military certainly deserve thanks and support.  I am grateful for their sacrifice, and I pray for them.

Halfway Thru Holidays

The holiday halfway point for me is like intermission in a four-hour, epic movie.  (Young people may not have experienced that.)  A break for ... you know — whatever.  It’s about time for me to reflect on celebration since October 1st and look forward to our virtual Cannon Thanksgiving, unplanned Christmas and New Year’s Eve.  A special time of year, despite different circumstances.

I am grateful for so many ways to share joy with family and friends this season.  Stop and think about it during halftime ... with love.

Saturday, November 21 addition:

Yesterday, after posting gratitude above, I heard Russell M. Nelson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, invite us all to use social media to share our gratitude every day for the next seven days.

I am thankful for good examples shown by family and friends, including loved ones where Kay & I served a mission in 2018 (our Michigan Family).

All One Word

Last Tuesday I got this idea from Exploring Music, a favorite radio program I hear online.

(“Our website address is ExploringMusic, all one word, dot WFMT dot com.”)

ExploringMusic.wfmt.com

Likewise of course, LanguageFastFood is one word in my Blogspot URL.  For a Gmail address of mine, it goes without saying: ProLanguageEdit.

For example, serving an older demographic ("people aged 65 and over"), I often teach, “FamilySearch is one word.”  Our “Ogden FamilySearch Center” across the street (closed since temporary shutdown last March) is three words and wants to open soon!

In Michigan, my forever companion Kay & I served as self-reliance missionaries, among other duties.  Another example: well-being is all one word, hyphenated.  Wishing you well, being positive we will pass the test.

Sensible Portions

Waking up late from a nap, I divert from the usual schedule and share my midnight madness.  (Was it a freight train, police siren, or my fridge that woke me?)  I feel blessed with sensible portions of sleep, comfort food, music, and work to do — just a few of my favorite things.  (For example, I credit a fun snack, Garden Veggie Straws, for this Fast Food title, as the big bag suggests not eating it all at once.)

For my needs, some good things are sensibly limited to nearly nothing, leaving room for things I prefer.  News, TV, movies, social media, chili, soda, pop music — tiny portions satisfy.  (Remember, this is just my “shared journal”.)  Other things come in larger portions of one-hour church, two-hour symphony concerts, half-hour walks, three hours of reading (including snack breaks), casserole, cranberry juice, hours of editing, loving memories of Kay, time with family and friends.  That lifestyle makes sense for me.

What are sensible portions of food, fun, family and friends for you?

sensible suggestion for good health

Morning Motors

Some mornings I wake to the sound of noisy start-ups in our parking lot and wish I were as ambitious and committed as my neighbors heading out to serve at work.  Sometimes I struggle to get out of bed, as if my engine were sputtering, unlike the powerful trucks (F-250, Ram, Silverado) and muscle cars (“high-performance” Camaro, Charger, Mustang) I hear in the early morning.  How can I be energized like those amazing, vaunted vehicles!

Mighty motors move men and women in the morning — gotta love ‘em.  (People and their rides.)

warning to walkers: watch the hook 

worthy of additional mention

stopped sputtering -- resting in peace

Neighbors Night

Halloween with our five little children was “Trick-or-Treat” time for them and “Meet Your Neighbors Night” for me.  My wife Kay’s delightful role was gypsy (“a nomadic or free-spirited person”), giving out candy and telling fun fortunes — legendary!

East Mill Creek, SLC Utah, was the ideal, peaceful neighborhood where our kids thrived and grew up.  A friendly family our age always invited us over to share their Halloween dinner tradition.  Once a year I had a perfect excuse to meet new neighbors and talk to old ones I hadn’t seen in twelve months.  While our kids in costumes received sweet offerings (including homemade root beer from a witch on her porch), I was like Mister Rogers saying, “Won’t you be my neighbor.”  Ned was lovin’ it — not to mention treats the children shared with Dad afterward.  A highlight for the kids one year was their all-out “spook alley” on a vacant lot.

This year is different for most folks.  However, I see plenty of creative ways young families are starting new traditions to be recalled by grandparents forty years from now ... with love.

Tenth Anniversary Pics

Tuesday, special for me every week since 2018, today is a timely celebration of a tenth anniversary.  This obscure “LFF” blog began October 20, 2010.  “Words” introduced my “shared journal” as "language fast food" to be an unending series of short posts focused on the English language, my personal views, and family history.

I am grateful for the few who have discovered my random notes, and I appreciate all the comments and encouragement.  Special thanks to my eternal sweetheart, Kay Hinckley Cannon, who continues to inspire me to write ... with love.  

Many of my favorite posts have pictures which sample (“get a representative experience of”) my OC photography, not always relating to the topic at hand.  So, I share these pics as fast food for thought.

my mother Janath and 3 older generations

Awake Early or Late?

Maybe I’m just up in the night, wanting to write.  Fortunately, waking at 2am, earlier than most seniors, or getting up after a very late nap, is not routine for me.  It’s something I feel free to do for a change.

My younger friend (67) in the lush land of Bountiful rarely sleeps past 3:30am.  Before being re-employed last week for 6am work, he routinely drove to a park in Salt Lake City (far beyond the scenic oil refineries) around 6:20, then called me at 7am while visiting with strangers to cheer them up.  Respectfully waiting to wake me, he reported how his day was going and how he was challenged the day before.  It was always interesting and never surprising.  Now what shall I do to start my day?

After a delightfully scary evening with our grandchildren at Ogden’s George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park (“lights, camera!”), my strange dream was not surprising.  Not too late for relief, it was time to awake and write early.

A time for peace

Surely there is a season ...

My sweetheart Kay helps me keep an eternal perspective and feel at peace.  Our Heavenly Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost give us peace when we are accepting.  I often feel it, so I know it is true.

What more can I say?  It’s about love.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Haunted House Too?

Some things from the past that I find around home are haunting me, occasionally raising their ugly heads until buried again.  As a collector of interesting things, I write this one about hoarding and OCH (an OCD).

In 2010, when I first posted this, my close friend Phil's advice was: "Ask yourself, 'What good will this do for someone if I keep it?' Get real."  It's tough deciding — I know from experience.

I am convinced that scanning stuff (for digital storage) and discarding is a no-brainer solution.  It is how I let go of stuff.  One baby-step at a time; (remember Bob!)

That Time Again

Let “the holidays” begin!

What are your family memories?

Ongoing Signage

Signs have popped up since March 2020, helping everyone be safe and informed.  I am afflicted with OC photography wherever I go, and one of my interests is signage.  So, I save more than a few images of signs to enjoy and share.  When I got on Facebook years ago, I started a signs album for the whole world to see.  A strange hobby, I know.

In 2017, my wife Kay & I were assigned as missionary companions (naturally) to serve in Detroit for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Much of Michigan signage fascinated me, especially while Sister Cannon was driving, I was navigating, and iPhone was taking pictures — (not the focus of our work, of course).

Friendly Meetings

Today was noteworthy (as the Sabbath day should be, to start every week).  I met dear friends at church this morning and in our apartment community afterward.  I love these people, who are like family to my companion Kay & me.

My personal, new-normal linger longer is outside the meetinghouse, immediately following our 45-minute sacrament service.  (Feels good to relieve my back, lower the mask, and breathe freely — a few social feet away, of course.)  It’s my natural way to reconnect with friends I don’t see elsewhere.  I’m in no hurry, being home in Ogden already; and Sister Cannon is busy on “the other side”, helping others come closer to Christ.

My “front room” at the apartments is welcoming with a big-screen TV that is rarely used, a communal kitchen, and a baby grand piano I play.  Friendly meetings are small on Sunday afternoon and growing larger every Monday evening for “Come, Follow Me” discussions.  Wednesday movie nights are getting started, recalling Thursday movie nights Kay & I introduced in that social room around 2006.  Life is good

Not too late: 20 for 2020

With 15 weeks remaining in 2020, there is ample time for the popular New Year’s “20 for 2020” list to be completed. (Also applies to us who haven’t started yet.) I was eight months slow getting the idea yesterday, a fresh approach to New Year’s resolutions, but decided it is not too late. ( Imagine some folks having given up in February after starting January 2nd.)

I should leave the idea up to your imagination or January 2020 journal, then start my list and share some later. (Maybe 20 verses of scripture to memorize, 20 postcards to mail, 20 good turns to do, or a combination to challenge me.)

Recalling my wife Kay’s daily lists of 20 or so, I stand amazed at what she accomplished (crossed out) most days. I treasure those as family history ... with love.

our son made fresh peach pie 

like his mother Kay's 

“Marking 19 Years Since ...”

Is it a note in history books and a filler in TV news?  After 19 years, it took some digging with iPhone to find commentary on the horrific 9/11 attacks and the surge of patriotic unity.  Rosendale at Channel 4 in New York wrote about it.  Not surprisingly, much of 9/11/2020 is a messy mix of divisive politics awkwardly tied to the anniversary.

I was watching CNBC when it happened.

I will never forget!

Posted Sunday, September 11, 2011:

The Language of 9/11

Remembering ...

Ten years later

...

Distant Gatherings

Throughout the past six months, I have been spiritually uplifted by meetings on my iPhone.  Often staying home, due to worldwide circumstances, I have enjoyed broadcasts online and Zoom meetings held in distant places.  As a random way of writing personal history, this post adds to my odd collection ... for the record. 

Happy Ending

Savoring morsels from past posts: “Welcome, September!”  After “a long, hot three months, I’m ready to move on ...  One thing I will miss, however, is the summer siesta.”

Cool at last!  This August ends happily with a dramatic drop in Ogden temperature.  The relief from brutal heat does not diminish the daily desire for dipping ice cream, however.  I see it across the street at the gathering place, and in my own freezer.  What was your favorite flavor this summer?  I’m sure my sweetheart Kay recalls her Hinckley homemade lemon ice cream.  It’s happy family history, and there is no end ...

Leftovers for Ned

So much generosity from neighbors, friends, and family!  I seldom mention food here, but it has become so compelling, despite my lessened interest in partaking.  Thankfully, my personal history does include food, particularly my liking leftovers.  My sweetheart Kay, best cook of all, knows it.  (Memories of morsels melting in my mouth!)

For example: every Monday night, neighbors gather for “family home evening” in our apartments’ social room, followed by a potluck “linger longer” (translates to lots of snacks and some healthier food).  Also, generous single adults who like to cook for two or more, ask me for help with delicious, nutritious leftovers (and extra food purchased especially for me).  Yes, I likewise share, but not so much.

Somehow I gained a reputation, resulting in a full fridge and little need to shop.  What can I say.  I’m lovin’ it — thank you, everyone!

Monday Lunch Break

To share a random bit of family history, not to bore readers with what’s for lunch.  (Reminder: this blog is not about fast food; it is free to use incomplete sentences, however.)

Got mail?

Anticipation!  That describes a high of the day when the mail truck arrives at our apartment community.  For some older folks it’s a happy, social-distancing event in the lobby by their mailboxes — one of many benefits of apartment living.

“What’s coming for you and me today?” Something surprising, mixed with bills and junk mail?  A letter from an old friend or younger child?  A postcard from a world traveler?  Bottom line: junk with coupons is better than an empty mailbox, for which friends can offer sympathy and offer hope for the next day.

Then there’s always email, which young people treat as chat, quickly responding by phone app, like breathing in and breathing out.  ( I may be wrong — just my impression.)  Email can also bring delightful surprises anytime of the day or night ... with limited opportunity to socialize in our “e-lounge” computer room.  Free printing for those who keep mail on paper.

Got mail today?

Another Day in Ogden

Something about this town — every day is a good day in a way.  We love Ogden, Utah!  On this beautiful day in our fair city, here’s more history in addition to my 7/17 post:

Megaplex Theatres at The Junction

food court, 30 July 2020

rock climb, iFly, Flowrider surfing, fitness center, games, family fun

Pioneer Days parade, 24 July 2019

Farmall like one Ned (age 10) drove

temple, The Church of Jesus Christ 

of Latter-day Saints

Lego display, Weber County Library

(with granddaughter; boys missed it)

Smith & Edwards offering everything

(where Kay & I wanted to work)

fireworks viewed from home 23 July

Tuesday Time Off Too

Facing another delightful Tuesday, I thought this, too, would be a chance to share while taking time off.  (My 6/30 post explains Tuesdays.) 

Laughing out loud, I made a “short” list of vital things to take on my camping trip ... and kept adding to it.  (A staycation would be much simpler and more comfortable.  I know from experience, recalling the adventure starts here.)  More notes may be posted later.

So, I took care of Ogden business on the way (for fuel economy), then remembered something on my list: the tent I left at home.  More laughter to keep my sanity.

After setting up my little tent in the canpground corner, I took the short, scenic route to Maddox Ranch House restaurant (since “August 1949”) and chose the traditional chicken dinner.  Not exactly roughing it, but bringing sweet memories of meals there with my wife Kay and friends — priceless.

Back in the tent, memories of camping with our three little boys, as I listened to a young family next door, having fun with their chatterbox son roasting marshmallows.  “Want to make a s’more with chocolate and graham crackers?”  “Yeah!” he exclaimed as a dog barked in the camp behind them.  Made me smile.  Campground crickets chirped as the talk quieted down.  What a life!

Train of Thought

“What was I thinking?”  That could be exclamatory, like “how could I do something so stupid!”  Or it may be a case of losing my train of thought ... depending on the context.  At my old age, I tend to think it’s the latter.

looking for my train ...

found at the end of my thought

Along the way, I like to keep several trains of thought which have no end and are never lost. One is of the love our Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ show to us. Another is all about Kay, my young bride, who has often saved me from losing it. I am grateful for daily reminders to keep thoughts on the right track ... with love.

Pioneer Days: Family History

Traditional events having been canceled, we can still have fun with family and area history on this Pioneer Day holiday in Utah.  My home city of Ogden celebrates Pioneer Days in a plural way (“containing several diverse elements”) including horse art and fireworks.  Popular parades and rodeos are pre-pandemic history here; ( I reviewed my photos of last year’s parade for fun).

I heard that KSL TV in Salt Lake City will recall the good old days by replaying video of Utah’s biggest 2019 parade this morning.  (The new normal: watching recorded history instead of current events.)

Crossing the Bridge

When facing the unknown, I have concluded sometimes, “We will cross that bridge when we come to it.”  Is that indecisiveness, procrastination, or faith in the future?  Or can it be all three?  (Rhetorical questions you’re not expected to answer.)

I often prefer not to cross a bridge before coming to it.  That may be viewed as failure to plan ahead or “the trait of irresolution; a lack of firmness of character or purpose”  — Vocabulary.com defines indecisiveness.  At the same time, I can have faith that when we come to the bridge, we will certainly be able to cross it ... with God’s help and guidance from the Spirit.  The life of my eternal companion Kay is a good example of facing the unknown and crossing bridges with faith; (at a young age, she married me!)  The pioneers, whom we celebrate this week, are also great examples; ( I wrote a book about one with faithful posterity).

I am grateful for bridges this year, to help us cross “over troubled water”.  Home-centered church is a blessing, especially when public gatherings are not possible.  Worldwide messages and music from inspired leaders teach and bring us joy.  Technology enables a virtual devotional every Sunday morning for our Michigan congregation; I sense the Spirit is there and in my home.

I look forward to reuniting with my sweetheart on the other side, with confidence I will cross that bridge when I come to it ... with love.

Day in the Neighborhood

Yesterday I collected a few of my photos of the Ogden Utah area to show a visitor from Alabama.  An open house was held here last night for neighbors to meet her and enjoy good food.  The evening was successfully filled with friendly talk and refreshment, so I saved my show for another day.

In the meantime, I can share some with the few friends and family who may run across this post.  Easy to throw in a little family history on this beautiful day in the neighborhood.

Pioneer Days celebrated with artsy horses in July

welcome diner at FrontRunner train station

telling visitors where to go

 view from our home 2005-2009

with temple and Kay's favorite flowers

Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum

reminding me of Kay's Deseret Dolls in Layton

Ogden River trail I like to walk and bike

shave ice added to Farr Better Ice Cream

for sisters visiting dad nearby

end of the day at favorite gathering place by temple

– Farr's celebrating 100 years of ice cream

Practice Makes Perfect?

In my old age, I have doubts about the “common idiom ... used for saying that if you repeat an activity or do it regularly, you will become very good at it.”  — Stack Exchange

Take practicing the piano, for example, which I did again tonight.  It’s OK to never again reach the comfort level I achieved as a teenager, or the amazing talent of my wife Kay, but I am disappointed nonetheless.  Looking at my limitations in a positive light, I find joy in playing uplifting music with hope that proper practice eventually makes perfect.  I’m actually getting pretty good at “Down by the Station” for beginners (“suggested prop: train whistle”), my choice for a summer recital with grandsons in the far West.  My assignment: bring donuts.

Another example: practicing physical distancing (labeled “social distancing”, which I agree is opposite of what family and friends need to do socially during the pandemic) wisely shows a perfect example of caring for others at risk.  No mask design is ideal for health, but wearing one according to accepted guidelines can be a perfect way to say, “I care.”  As Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf wrote, “Don’t mask your heart.”  Use technology to stay socially close.

Practice writing stories about your life, and be pleased with how perfectly youngsters smile when reading or hearing them.  When I was about ten years old, I was riding bareback on a stout pony named Smokey.  (My father and uncle had recently purchased an old farm, and my summers were never the same after that!)  No problem heading out to the field, but when I turned Smokey toward home, he took off galloping, eager to return (and get me off his back, I suppose).  Now you can guess the rest of the story, as I tried to hang on for dear life.  You’re right.  The chance to practice falling taught me a perfect lesson about staying in control ... and living to tell about it.

Tuesday Progress

For the record: This morning I held a 54-minute phone meeting with an author-client friend of mine in Florida, and I ordered Amazon to ship copies of his latest book to him.   A 9am trip to the city dump with our “action man” neighbor was a fun service project and my first visit there.  That’s progress.  I was impressed!

Starting an early lunch, I happened to visit Classical89.org in time to hear a BYU devotional from 7/10/2018.  The university editor spoke about faith in Jesus Christ and gave me new insight about trials in life; it made my day!

Not wanting a hot walk for three blocks to the bike shop, I drove to get my flat tire repaired.  Two more stops on the way home.  Paid a bill, visited with nice neighbors, and walked around the block.  Goes without saying, I wrote this.

My haphazard (random) journal is a way to track progress toward my Tuesday-time-off plan.  I’m not there yet, but it was a special day, feeling close to Kay.  (Recording impressions is something else I need to work on.)  “At the end of the day,” it’s progress.

End of the Day Too

Freedom to write, speak up, and worship God.  This Independence Day celebration reminds me to be grateful for freedom in this great country.

Years ago, I interpreted a common phrase as meaning: “I conclude that, after all is said and done, this is what it boils down to ..."  Simply stated (sometimes superfluosly) in the media, “At the end of the day ...”

At the end ... brave men and women fought for and gained our freedom.  To this day, others sacrifice to maintain it.  I honor and pray for those serving in our military.  Each day, know that we must not take freedom for granted.  The battle continues until He comes again.

At the end of the day, we can thank Heavenly Father for freedom of religion, and pray for its protection.  Each day, I know Kay & I can be together forever with our family.  At day’s end, one may rest from all cares and know the sun will come up in the morning — the dawning of a new day.

Tuesday Time Off

Puzzled by my plan, a young neighbor asked me, “Why Tuesdays? Why not Fridays?”  Easy: I prefer Tuesday.  Slow to understand, my best senior friend needed details.  To make it a bit believable, I told him, “Tuesdays through July are my days off for personal business.”  ( It should go without saying, I’m thinking, “Tuesdays with Kay, my adorable wife.”  And Wordsworth’s “bliss of solitude”.)

Simply, time off one day a week for the rest of my life.  Within reason.  Crazy, or what?  Smiling, I like the break-away plan and incomplete sentences.  And what better season to start?  Need I say more?

So, “what do you do in the summertime?”

Mrs. Cannon, retired from teaching English at NHS

Welcome, summer!

Famously Forthright

Another word for it is “blunt”, defined by New Oxford American as “uncompromisingly forthright (of a person or remark)”.

My honest, true-to-himself, senior friend can sometimes offend sensitive people unfamiliar with his loving, generous nature.  Lacking some social skills and political correctness, he does not aim for brevity or diplomacy in conversation with friends, family, or strangers.  He often comes across as blunt.  However, he is naturally quick to help people and sacrifice himself in service to others.  

What can I say?

Finding Photos

Looking back, I found some!  And someday I may share a story for each photo.  I call it family history.  This is just a starting point.

the flying field west of our frontier home, Utah

Kay won bowling in Layton, Utah

faithfully doing English homework or planning
after packing for move (home sold 2017)

Cannon summer camp, East Canyon, Utah

fun in the far West for Father's Day

Cannon reunion (2020 Fourth canceled)

Kay waiting for a ride with Ned

Imagining Reunions

These are days of tender feelings for all of us in the Hinckley Family.  Yesterday morning, Kay’s older sister JoAnn passed away.  I vividly imagine joyful reunions on the other side ... full of love, familiar smiles, and hugs.  No social distancing required there!  I know those reunions are real — not just imagined.  It’s about family and Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness.  Having hope, I also imagine reunions here in the coming months.  We shall see.

I posted the morning of 6 October 2018, soon after our Kay passed: 
The little girl is gone ... to a heavenly place of peace and joyful reunion with loved ones.  Youngest of eight Hinckley children, Kay is still thought of as the "baby" of her family.  We shed tears of love for her, knowing how happy and exuberant she is now; ("filled with or characterized by a lively energy and excitement.")

One of Those Things

You are right, My Friend — it’s “one of those things”.  I notice one or two of those every day ... I suspect.

I hear that concluding phrase in phone-call reports from my good friend, who is like a brother to me.  Makes me wonder ... what are “those things”, anyway?  Can you name one?  And let me suggest a few:

Apple iCloud — mine seems full again after upgrading; sometimes slows iPhone Notes and pics.  A good thing is ... I may overcome my OC photography, a habit which has produced thousands — sufficient for my needs.  By the way, printing photos was one of those things my wife Kay & I did a long time ago, but not in recent years.  I have no scrapbooking skills or desire to be so creative.  However, our family and I treasure all that she simply did ... with love.  (Ambiguity — something that works here.)

Losing my Nikon, a tiny “spy camera” as Kay called it — one of those things people seldom use and commonly set aside.  It served me well in British archives for the Hilton Family genealogy and on fun Cannon trips as a companion to my better iPhone camera.

Staying home alone with nothing to do — something sad I don’t experience, as I have too much to do.

Writer’s block — someone said, “no such thing”.  Nevertheless, I feel good getting over it.

Reading great books and playing the piano — those things bring me joy.

“Grateful to be alive” — a better concluding phrase.

Senior Virtual Vacations

It’s a fascinating world out there!  So much to see and learn ... I don’t know where to start.  In the comfort of my cozy studio apartment, naturally.  And feel free to report my travels with incomplete sentences.  (At my age, I can get away with that.  Far and away.)

Our brilliant English teacher, Mrs. Kay Cannon, always wanted to visit England.  On my trip to UK as a hired personal assistant driving on the motorway (freeway), I passed up Shakespeare’s town, Stratford-upon-Avon.  So, I could go back and start there.  Kay would be pleased.

With unlimited choices at no cost, where would you go if you were a senior looking for adventure and education on a virtual vacation this summer?

At Home With Music

Staying home since March 2020, working at home this year, and loving home as a community — all have been elevated with music.  My patient wife Kay understands.

Classical music helps me be productive. 

Friday 4/17/1pm I enjoyed Ravel while proofreading for Florida.
I suggested to our daughter ... good music to inspire kids doing artwork or creative writing in home school — especially during beautiful, slow Adagio... movement of Ravel's 
Piano Concerto in G major

with Alice Sara Ott. 

Tues. 3/10/2020, Found a favorite from my former (YSA) piano repertoire: Debussy, Rêverie

March-May 2020, pondering at home, needing music to match my mood: Sergei Prokofiev, 
Romeo and Juliet (Suite)

Call of the Champions - John Williams conducting 

The Tabernacle Choir and The Orchestra at Temple Square, 
SLC Utah (“Life Elevated”)

grandson performing on our Cannon frontier piano

Peaceful Walk and Talk

Taking the remainder of the day off was the perfect plan.  This Memorial Day afternoon, I enjoyed a casual walk with a daughter and granddaughter to the Ogden City Cemetery.  We found our Rich ancestors’ monuments and markers, and a famous pioneer’s grave.  With perfect weather, loving young people, sweet recollections, and Dark Chocolate Oreos, I felt at peace.

We talked about my parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles.  I am not a great storyteller, but it felt good to share a few memories I treasure.  The peaceful walk with loved ones surrounded by beautiful flowers, helped me feel close to my sweetheart Kay.  Better than I do now, she knows many who have passed, and likely shares stories about Hinckley and Cannon adventures.  Our Kay has a gift for making people smile.  I know — she helps me smile every day.

Real Vacations

Today was a boring staycation for me, “... involving day trips to local attractions” like Cut Hut and Deseret Book, in preparation for a little vacation (not far away).  Close friends were informed I was “mentally gone” — a key element.  I slept in, got a haircut (scary mask required), did the shopping and mailing, paid a bill online, and enjoyed a siesta — all on my simple to-do list.  How fun is that?

Not satisfied with staying at home in perilous times, adventurous folks are now going on virtual vacations without risk, in the comfort of PJs; (Google knows hundreds of possibilities, I noticed).  Being older, having seen enough already, I like to recall real vacations my wife Kay and I enjoyed together.  Some of the most memorable trips were with our children — getaways planned by their adventurous mother.  For real — I’m not making this up!

As a sampling ( I could write a book), just a few:

Disneyland ... via bus with extended family; (cousins remember Aunt Kay leading the singing)

Grand Canyon and Yellowstone with our youngest boy on a leash

Little Sahara Recreation Area — sand dunes near Jericho Utah, where Kay’s brother hauled a rented dune buggy for the big family to enjoy, and we tried to sleep in my dad’s Springbar tent
Arches National Park, camping with kids the first night beside the busy highway
Several trips to historic Nauvoo ... (my mother wrote the book)
Best cruise of a lifetime: scenic Inside Passage to Alaska (only adult siblings and spouses on that one — children missed an adventure)
New England, just the two of us — unforgettable!