Time Travel

Yesterday while eating a favorite fast food, I read a Dove dark-chocolate thought for the day: “Keep life moving forward; looking backward is only for time travelers.”  It reminded me of advice from an older gentleman who taught, “Don’t look back — only forward.”  (He had a lot of sadness in his past and present life.)

We know time travel is “the action of traveling through time into the past or future.”  I often go back to learn, preserve history, and share with loved ones.  It’s a different mindset.  Today I look backward at my first 12 months of life in this apartment community — unlike any other I’ve experienced.  Management does a great job with the owner’s mandate to make us seniors smarter, stronger, and more socially active.  Meals in the dining room and activities in the social room help.  ( I keep moving by running up stairs.)  However, I look forward to time alone for completing my projects, pausing, and pondering the future.

At the present, I feel very blessed to have my forever companion Kay and our family.  We are all time travelers with sweet, recurring memories of her loving service to hundreds, and thoughts about seeing her again.  “There is no end to what we can do together” ... with love.

Christmas Mail

Contrary to popular belief, it isn’t too late.  Years ago, I got in the habit of sending “season’s greetings” at a more relaxed time of year — after the 25th.  It’s good to “slow down”, as Sissel sang (2019 Pioneer Concert in SLC).

Using USPS self-service with Flat Rate Priority Mail has saved me in recent years, while other folks wait in line at the post office.  Online tracking provided is helpful.  Amazon is amazing as well.  However, a simple Christmas postcard I received today from Wisconsin is just as lovely under my little tree as a wrapped present; the thoughtful, handwritten note warms my heart.

Who saves Christmas cards and year-end family newsletters?  We used to display them in a basket.  The senders are so thoughtful and generous, I can’t discard without digitizing with iPhone camera (my habit of saving).  A dear friend of my wife Kay writes and shares her poetry — precious!  Having saved and rediscovered a small painting of the Nativity, I see a daily reminder of the true meaning of Christmas: celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ ... with love.

Medley of Musical Memories

When I write my personal history next year, these will prompt my memory of Christmas:

The Nutcracker at Kingsbury Hall, U of U

and Peery’s Egyptian Theater, Ogden.

“Amahl and the Night Visitors”, an opera in one act by Gian Carlo Menotti (on TV).

Young boy’s performance of “O Holy Night” on Grandmother’s grand upright piano, Avenues.

Tabernacle Choir Christmas songs as a tradition on that special morning.

“Lullaby of Christmas” narrated by Gregory Peck; (this story on vinyl LP brought tears).

East High A cappella Choir performances and recording (LP) directed by Lorraine Bowman.

The Carpenters (sister and brother).

KWHO (1950s SLC) and Classical 89 BYU (station survivor!) with my favorite music of the season.

Handel’s “Messiah” oratorio (1741).

My wife Kay’s piano playing and teaching the Primary our favorite Christmas music from the Children’s Songbook.

A random list may help you rough-draft a history by category or topic.

Wishing you and your family a merry, musical Christmas!

granddaughter at Cannons' grand upright

Miracle of Memory

Nativity scene carved in wood from Israel

Gratitude for Jesus Christ, our Savior

Christmas caroling (Kay & Ned) to friendly neighbors nearby

Beloved stockings hung by the fireplace

Christmas Eve talent show with cousins at Cannon grandparents’ old Avenues home

Reading together Christmas Eve: Luke 2, the birth of Jesus – the real reason for celebrating

“The Christ Child” on YouTube since 2019 and companion video “Behind the Scenes” — precious perspective

Christmas morning fun routine to help children (youngest first in line) take it slowly and enjoy family all day including grapefruit for breakfast

Twelve Days ending with more gifts on January 6th, Three Kings Day (Epiphany)

“Leave the tree up until the 12th day, please.”

Loving memories — a miracle!

Kay’s Cannon Beach

Recalling a previous Tuesday post dated 11/27/2018, I am so grateful for the miracle of memories that make me happy.  No need for the Facebook prompt, “What’s on your mind?”  (My ocean-surf white noise helps, however.)

Each time we visited Cannon Beach [Oregon Coast], my sweetheart Kay and I anticipated a new experience; and we were never disappointed.  ...  It was especially a great getaway for our Kay, who needed to unwind from teaching high school.  A spiritual as well as physical renewal she so deserved.  In my mind, with forever-sweet memories, it will always be Kay's Cannon Beach.

Haystack Rock, 3 August 2012

night at Cannon Beach, 2 Aug 2012

Musical Journaling

The activity scheduled for us seniors this afternoon is to inspire an attitude of gratitude.  We are writing in a journal while listening to meditation music that could put us to sleep.  The easy part for me is writing thankfully.  The hard part is staying awake during my siesta time.

I am thankful for faith, family, friends, and this peaceful community.  For example, yesterday’s bus tour of historic Ogden went well for fun.  My wife Kay & I are blessed with self-reliant, loving children.  We enjoy forever friendships gained throughout our 51 years of marriage.  Kay & I share a love for good music, especially classical works we studied together at the University of Utah before our engagement.

We are grateful, wishing you and yours a happy, musical Thanksgiving ... with love.

Early Celebration

Beautifully decorated trees at a Utah Symphony concert and Deseret Book, an urge to avoid last-minute shopping, and Christmas music performed by young violinists at dinner tonight.  All inspire me to celebrate early and deliver gifts to our children at Thanksgiving time.

This laconic post (using very few words) is one of many appearing here like random thought.  Not a passing sentiment, for I am always grateful for Christmas and celebration of Christ’s birth.

Peaceful Parowan

Recently returned via Zion National Park and Cove Fort from visits with our young families in Prescott Arizona and Kanab Utah.  Fortunately I drove beyond busy Cedar City for a nicer, cheaper hotel in peaceful Parowan.  (The quiet town is on the map, but is not a tourist destination.)  I learned it is known as “southern Utah’s Mother Town”.

Recalled the favorite family story of a rattlesnake blocking the path from a campground restroom there.  My wife Kay and our little girls were terrified!  They quickly retreated inside until someone came to help, then returned to our calm camp in that quiet community — one of many adventures we never forget.

Despite my dislike for driving alone on road trips, I was at peace in Parowan.

blacksmith shop at historic Cove Fort 2017

garden at Cove Fort  for 150th

EMC Halloween

Remember 2020 being different?  My 10/31 post that year recalled the good old days: 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 ... like Mister Rogers saying, “Won’t you be my neighbor.”  (Did I 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 nearby.

Let’s make more memories this holiday season!

Driving Arizona Again

An irresistible invitation from our daughter-in-law brought me to Prescott Arizona again for a “special event” yesterday.  Our youngest son Quinn is the new bishop in their ward (congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints).  She was permitted to tell their children and me the night before, and the stake (several wards) president announced the new bishopric (including two counselors) in sacrament meeting the next morning.  Following response by the former bishop and his wife, who were relieved after five years of service, Quinn and Barbara spoke briefly, sharing their love and testimony of truth.  A joyful occasion, knowing our Kay, who is not far away, is proud of her worthy son.

Despite the comfort of a newer rental car, driving is a pain — a reason many tolerate flying.  (Next time.)  Nevertheless, the scenery in Arizona, topped by huge storm clouds, is amazing!  Taking time, talking to local people, learning history, visiting family in country Kanab and forested Prescott ... all make this trip worthwhile.

Drawings with Light

I look for the light, capture a memory, and quickly share it.  “Photography literally means drawings with light.”  It’s my simple attempt to be artistic and show I’m alive.

Improvement comes with practice and editing.  Take a lot and treasure a few.  That’s my photo formula.  Take it or leave it — no regrets.

Let Peace Prevail

On this Sabbath morning of general conference, I sincerely wish, “Have a blessed day and happy holidays” to my few followers and everyone who will never see this.  “May peace prevail,” is my desire.  A search for that found “the May Peace Prevail On Earth movement, a grassroots global movement ... to bring inner peace of mind and to foster peace in the world at large."  At first glance, I see their website promotes peace in positive ways, and I don’t suspect a misguided or hidden agenda.

We think a lot about peace, probably because life seems so hectic and conflict abounds.  In my old age, I feel a special yearning, as posted 1/2/2012: “... accepting the inevitability of holiday stress?  The peace I was seeking brings me happiness.  There are tons of books written about happiness; (demand must be great.)”

Absolute truths revealed by God through His ancient and modern prophets show the way to peace.  Conference messages yesterday and today by leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teach us how to find and stay on the Lord’s path of peace.  With gratitude for the Savior, my eternal companion Kay & I know they are true, and we invite all to come unto Christ ... with love.

Brain-foggy (my adjective)

Some things escape me, like a password I never use, favorite movie DVDs, music CDs, and family photos from 50 years ago.  My everyday effort to minimize brain fog would be a losing battle without iPhone Notes, Calendar, Google Maps, and Internet search results.

Nevertheless, I may run downstairs to my car without the key, then run back up to get it and other things I forgot.  Blame it on brain fog, “a symptom of another medical condition ... [involving] memory problems.” (Healthline)

Fortunately I keep meaningful treasures and bright recollections of my sweetheart Kay, who is not far away, and knowledge gained from the Spirit, the Comforter.  Never brain-foggy when thinking of her, the love we share, and what we both know to be true.  Two years ago, an older friend advised me to never look back, but always look forward.  However, I am forever grateful for precious memories that move me ... with love.

No Notifications

How is it possible!  At 4:44 AM my watch surprised me with “No Notifications”.  I’m always being notified — UTA bus/train alerts, credit-union account messages (obvious scams), surveys, Apple health challenges and unknown goals reached, etc.  So, is life getting better?  (Another rhetorical question.)

Frequent “Telemarketing” and “Scam likely” calls received, smartly identified as such, are simply declined anytime.  And I don’t need an “opportunity to make $5,000 per month” in my spare time. 

At 5:50 AM it’s “Time to stand ...”  That’s more like it!  At my age, I need all such notification help I can get.

Engaged Life

So it is.  The corporate owner of our independent-living community is committed to keeping us residents engaged with life — mentally, physically, and socially.  We are served daily schedules of activities facilitated by our Engage Life Coordinator (aka Activities Director) who also takes suggestions from us.  Management gets us engaged to be smarter and stronger and to help each other be happy.  (A lunch break gives me time to write this.)

As some readers have observed, my blog is really random; so I can get more personal by recalling my engagement to the beautiful (in every way) Kay Hinckley, now my special angel and my wife since 51 years ago.  Our engaged life for seven weeks was one of joyful preparation and avoiding “cold feet”.  My memory fails in some ways, but I will never forget or lose that feeling of true love for my sweetheart.

Summer to Remember?

Children are back in school, grateful to have good teachers and friends.  Some enjoy the benefits of home school, while older students may be independent out of state.  Families treasure memories of summer activities, trips, and adventures.  Camping in covered wagons at Downata Hot Springs was our main event the end of June.

I suspect folks are relieved to have a lot of yard work behind them — my wife Kay & I surely were as property owners.  Alas, Halloween preparation is commercially upon us ... for fun.  While Christmas sales immediately follow, let us not forget Thanksgiving.  Our manager and one generous, over-the-top neighbor will take care of decorations in this community.

How do you keep and share (or maybe forget) memories of summer?

Hot Summer Titles

What were your favorite books this summer?  I saw numerous titles about the season.  The one I bought and shared with neighbors was The Foxes Five, a fun children’s book by Angie Mee, illustrated by Katie Costley.  It reminded me of family camping adventures with our five young children.  “The perfect book to read on a summer day in the shade of a big tree,” Finn commented.  (Disclosure: Kay & Ned are the proud parents of Katie & Angie.)

It was a hot summer here in Ogden Utah, and we seniors felt entitled to spend time reading indoors instead of mountain climbing (except twice) and biking (once was enough).  Occasionally looking out the window at hired landscapers was all the yard work we did (except five weeds I naturally pulled and my three mums I watered).

Our activities leader chose The Nightingale for our community book club.  The historical novel about Nazi invasion and occupation of France was incredibly researched and written by Kristin Hannah.  So detailed and sad, it was a struggle for me to read (especially the cold winter ordeals) to the surprise ending.  Glad I did, however.  Next hot summer, I will choose a children’s title again for easy reading.

Range of Motion

Morning exercise in our little group follows Senior Fitness With Meredith on YouTube.  We stand or sit “nice and tall” for posture, move slowly to our “range of motion”, and feel various muscles (by name) engage.  Deep inhale, “breathing into it”, then full exhale helps all the moves.  Stretch and balance.  “Nice spinal twists.”  “Focus on what you’re doing.”  Right or left, she does the opposite of what we’re told to do — easier to mirror.  Leaning forward to touch the gym floor feels good for “each one of the vertebrae.”  “Little shake-out” after every kind of move is nice.  Music with a drummer’s tapping noise keeps pace for the long video — no comment on what that does to my brain.  However, my range of motion and balance are improving ... for longer walks, runs, and bike hikes in east Ogden.  Love it.

P.S.: Numerous group activities, meals, and snacks are all optional here.  Life is good with independent living.

 

Five Months of July

For our anniversary on 9 July 2017, I posted photos of our Sunday travels, including church in Blanding on the way home from Colorado and New Mexico.  I did most of the driving on Kay's days of rest.  She is truly my beautiful, eternal companion!

In 2018, we celebrated our anniversary on a mission p-day break by Anchor Bay, New Baltimore MI.  There was peace by the water that July.

Anniversary Special 2019: A fun train ride from Ogden.  As I walked around the Salt Lake Temple and sat in the Assembly Hall, special memories of Kay, her father, and Grandmother Cannon brought me joy.

On the first Tuesday of July 2020, I posted a progress report including a tire repair at an Ogden bike shop.  And it was a special day, feeling close to my sweetheart Kay.

It seems like every July is about our life together — especially on our 50th in 2021.  Our family met at my place in Bountiful for entertainment and ice cream, then over at our family-tradition restaurant for the buffet dinner.  Next day, Kay’s siblings met at brother Lon’s in Holladay and shared precious memories as tributes after a superb feast.  (My assigned talk focused on music.)  We knew it was young Kay who made us all smile.  Homemade lemon ice cream, their family tradition, was icing on the cake.  How sweet it is — the time of our life ... especially in the memorable month of July!

Pioneer Day Sampler

We go back in time to celebrate sacrifice and success.  So, here are fast-food excerpts from years ago.

[2012] We remember the pioneers, some of whom are my Cannon and Rich ancestors.  Pioneer stories are intrinsic (“belonging to the essential nature or constitution of a thing”  -- Merriam-Webster) to the history of Utah, as well as other areas all over the world.  ...  Something close to two thousand Latter-day Saints in thirteen companies had arrived at the Salt Lake Valley before the end of 1847.”  -- George Q. Cannon – A Biography (©1999, Deseret Book Company) by Davis Bitton, page 55)

[2013] The highlight of the day for Kay & me was attending, with dear friends who saved second-row seats, the free annual concert put on by Layton City ...  Riders in the Sky performed in the amphitheater to a standing-room-only crowd ... and also the fireworks afterward.

[2014] "... the Riches [and Cannons] arrived at their destination ... on October 2, 1847. The company ... numbered about two thousand persons.”(Charles Coulson Rich / Pioneer Builder of the West by John Henry Evans, ©1936, p. 131)

[2017] About ten days of celebration ended on the 24th of July ...  We honor the Mormon pioneers who endured the westward trek to Utah, some dying along the way, others arriving in 1847 and subsequent years before the railroad.

[2018] Ben Tullis wrote for the Deseret News (July 23, 2014, seen now on deseretnews.com):  “What life was like for the Mormon pioneers after entering the Salt Lake Valley”. ... President Young ... looked down at the Salt Lake Valley from Emigration Canyon on [Saturday] July 24. ... he said, “It is enough. This is the right place. Drive on.”

[2019] Pioneers Close to My Heart: ...  Charles C. Rich, an Apostle and a leader in the second group.  George Q. Cannon and his siblings ...  John Taylor, George Q’s uncle who taught the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Cannon Family in Liverpool, England, 1840.  Ira Nathaniel Hinckley, called by President Brigham Young in April 1867, to build strategic Cove Fort at Cove Creek, central Utah.  My family and I are grateful for our pioneer heritage.  We honor the women, men, and children who endured the trek west “with faith in every footstep”.

Working Out

How many times have you heard, “Things will work out all right.”  Or maybe, “Everything will work out in the end.”  Reassuring, encouraging, hopeful, or wishful thinking.  I know — that can be a stretch.  Sometimes we  just get what we expect, such as a favorable outcome.

I believe in the power of positive thinking, sometimes saying, “Don’t worry; be happy.”  After all, it’s a great life we have here ... with the right attitude.

For example, the weekly Tai Chi workout in our apartments’ activity room helps us seniors maintain a healthy mindset.  Stretching exercises and mental workouts called brain games are on our daily schedules.  Life seems to be working out alright for me, especially when I take time for healthy meals in our dining room — no fast food there!

Celebration with pictures

A day full of sweet memories, celebrating our 51st wedding anniversary.

Pictures say more than I can think to write tonight ... with love for my eternal companion, Kay.

 

on a walk around our block

in Roseville Michigan 2018

Independent Living

It isn’t just for seniors in apartment communities like mine, designed for “independent living”.

Peace

Freedom!

Lifelong education

Interfaith celebrations

Abundance in the promised land

Summer outdoor concerts 

(Kay & I enjoyed them at Deer Valley Resort, Snowbird, Kenley Centennial Amphitheater, and finally with Detroit Symphony Orchestra at Ford House by Lake St. Clair.)

God bless our United States of America!

Puzzling

It must be fun and not a passing fad.  People have been creating, selling, buying, and solving jigsaw puzzles since around 1760, according to Wikipedia.  I was surprised to learn that a jigsaw was never used — a fact that puzzled me.

It seems many young people have fun solving them.  Good for the brain at most any age, I believe.  Senior independent living fosters mental activity.  Here and in my community last year, some women have a passion for puzzling, spending maybe 20 hours every week doing jigsaw puzzles in social rooms.  (A man in Bountiful was interested, but none here in Ogden that I’m aware of.)  One day last year, I walked to the social fridge, and the puzzle lady said without looking up, “Ned, you’re too quiet.”  “Trying not to distract you,” said I.

So, it’s puzzling — why am I missing the fun of sitting quietly for hours assembling 500 pieces ... instead of watching it done in 150-second time-lapse videos?  What would take me three weeks, I see (noted at the end) enthusiasts complete in three hours or less.  Reminder for seniors: never too late to start. 

or 620 pieces for more fun

Long Story Short

As a man of few words, I prefer to skip extraneous details and get to the point.  For example, to make a long story short, our favorite vacation retreat was Cannon Beach, Oregon Coast.  My wife Kay & I walked the expanse of sand to Haystack Rock in quiet solitude.  The sight and sound of ocean surf were heavenly, healing.  Glorious sunsets were another gift from God.  No question about returning again.

We are still one ... in love. 

our idea of a getaway

Fast Food at 4:44

A routine got me going at four forty-four every morning in East Mill Creek for years of work.  My alarm in the kitchen woke me (too far to wake my wife Kay, of course) at the magic hour.  A tempting snack at hand in the fridge was my instant reward.  The living room floor by a heater vent was cozy for prayer, reading, journaling, and planning; (added warmth for winter comfort).  By the way, for years I’ve been urged to write my personal history, and I’m still putting it off.  Too many memories to fit into a book ... until I lose some.

Family history: our five children were content to sleep through two hours of early morning, the best part of the day.  “You can wake up now,” I liked to softly say to little Angie and Katie for school and adventures.  ( I forget — did it make the girls smile?)

Some neighbors lined up at our 7-Eleven to get their charge.  I always passed it on the way to work, often riding the UTA bus after running to catch it.  I was primed for racing up and down stairs in downtown SLC, where a sack-lunch snack kept me going til family dinner.

An alarm, fast food, and the floor at 4:44 — a fun formula for success.  So, what was or is your winning routine — 6:00 AM at the gym or court?  Make it historical, if not hysterical.

That being said

A phrase frequently used by one of our young directors made me want a description of its meaning and usage.  (Always fun to learn about language.)

“That being said, that said, having said that all act as segues to a statement which reverses the spin, so to speak, on what has just been said.  [For example:]

We should treat all students with tolerance and understanding. That being said, a student who engages in threatening or violent behavior should be expelled from the school. We cannot tolerate such aggression.”

— Stack Exchange, English Language Learners

That being said, you may draw your own conclusion about how to use the phrase.

Mrs. Cannon, retired from 

teaching English at NHS

Welcome, summer!

Tuesday with Kay

All about my wife and eternal companion, who is forever young.

As a little girl, Kay Hinckley loved to write books, draw pictures, and help her mother.  Being youngest of eight children gave her plenty of time to develop talents, share a room with dear sister Louise, and play with her best friend, neighbor Betsy Neslen.

As a young teenager, Kay served a three-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with her parents and sisters Louise (my age) and Susan.  The Alaskan Canadian Mission, at home in Vancouver BC, provided endless opportunities for Kay to share her talents, including talking to strangers, playing piano, and teaching the gospel.  She was well prepared for raising a family, teaching English at Northridge High, and serving twelve months with me in Detroit. 

Music Appreciation at the U of U brought us together on dates in October, 1970, leading to marriage in July, 1971.  Five children, their spouses and posterity are forever the love of Kay’s life.

The lessons we learn from my angel wife are eternal.  The love we all share feels sweet, bringing joy in times of tribulation.  As I often say, “Kay is not far away.”

(Thursday, October 11, 2018:)

Our Kay is probably busier than ever, basking in the love of family and friends who have passed on.  Her motivating, energizing feeling of love for people in mortality is likely boundless now.  She was uplifted and driven by it in Detroit, and now ... I imagine ... is feeling it on a higher level in her new assignment to help fellow spirits find happiness.

Wondering as I write ... does Kay have mixed emotions, missing those she left behind?  I believe so ...  We may find comfort in the thought, as we are warmed by memories of her love and smile.  We are not forgotten.

Going up or down?

The elevator here at our apartments begs the question.  Residents waiting by the dining room on the middle floor want the shortest ride possible — no round trip to the first or third floor, please.  “Going up or down?” makes sense.  So, everyone nicely asks and cooperates.  Patience prevails.

As a senior, living in the present while looking toward the end of this life, I often wonder if quality of life is going up or going down.  My energy level, memory, and patience with all kinds of people around me, to name just a few.  Is the English language improving or going downhill?  My incomplete sentences, for example.

These and other questions will weigh on my mind when I pass the second-floor elevator and run up the stairs.  Cheers for all who enjoy a short ride ... up or down.

This, that, and the other

This is the thing I want to point out: 

How can we all get along better in our community?  That is the question.  The other day I was pleased to see several neighbors invited into the middle of an activity that helped everyone get better acquainted.  Afterwards, we chatted about this and that.  I like to say that we are a “care center” in this city of Ogden, the other crossroads of the West.

This is also needed in government, that challenging arena where each side must work with the other for the good of our Republic.

It occurred to me the other week, that this idea is worth pursuing — more than a quick thought.

getting along at Ogden Botanical Gardens

Last word in April

Thinking here instead of thinking to myself, wondering how to put a wrap on this month of April.

Cool (not the warm spring weather I hoped for)

Calm (life for some who don’t watch bad news)

Collected (impressions from General Conference, Easter, nature walks, and sweet memories of Kay)

Let the last word be love. 

Seniors’ Easter

Like one big happy family, our community of seniors “living independently” celebrated Easter today.  Our “care center” branch (small congregation) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints held sacrament meeting and Sunday School here this morning with special music and talks about the Savior.

Our manager had placed colorful eggs with candy all around the building to be found and placed in little baskets provided.  I enjoyed watching some visiting grandchildren run around to discover Easter eggs.  A generous resident set up egg dyeing on a dining room table, reminding us of a fun family tradition. 

After all the celebration, this senior finds the greatest joy in knowing our Savior made possible resurrection and life everlasting for all God’s children who are born on the earth.  Because of Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness, my sweetheart Kay & I continue life as wife & husband, and families can be together forever ... with love. 

Facebook Page Too

So far this year, I've taken a break from Facebook while moving from Bountiful to Ogden.  Having just enjoyed two days of General Conference, I visited Facebook for related posts by family and friends.  ( I recalled it’s a valuable tool often used by my older generation.)

In my two-minute visit, I loved a powerful post by my niece’s return-missionary son (handsome in his suit) who attended Conference in SLC yesterday.  Then I reconnected with an old friend my age I’ve known since young boyhood, who loves General Conference as I do.  (The talks give me positive momentum.)  A sweet group photo of Kay’s teacher friends was like icing on the cake.  I felt satisfied despite missing many wonderful posts. 

I wrote the following four years ago on April 4, 2018:

“Some leaders of our ward (congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) wisely use Facebook here in Roseville, Michigan.  As full-time missionaries, my wife Kay and I recently started using it [more] frequently to keep in touch with a few family members, friends, and Detroit mission associates.  Facebook is one of many ways we share the gospel of Jesus Christ.  ...  Now every week ... I see at a glance what's happening in the ward, the Church worldwide, our society, and the marketplace ...  And not to be forgotten: extended family and old friends – like what they think, share, and do.”

Tech Tuesdays

Independent living here in our Ogden apartments includes a variety of community activities designed for physical and mental health ... and fun!  For example, today I learned how to play Wii Golf.  Yesterday our young activities director asked me to help with her new series called Tech Tuesday, a weekly workshop to share technical solutions with residents.  (Tuesday April 5th, she moved it to Monday for a better fit; so we changed the name — OK by me, as I go with the flow.)

This should be interesting ... and fun, not frustrating.  Our lively, 91-year-young neighbor Norma agreed to help me teach email using a PC laptop; she’s a power walker and talker whom everyone admires.  (The same may be said of my companion Kay, who continues sharing on the other side ... with love.)

Sister Kay Cannon, 22 Aug 2017

office training, MTC Provo

RootsTech Tidbits

Since 2011, every year around this time, we participate in RootsTech, the worldwide family history and technology conference organized by FamilySearch International.  March 3-5 this year was the second all-virtual, free conference.  (February 26-29, 2020 was the last one held in the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City.  I returned to Ogden by train that Saturday afternoon for my wife Kay’s 17th birthday celebration, where we connected with family and friends.  Two grand events in one day!)

The theme for RootsTech this year was Choose Connection, introduced by an amazing music video that made me smile every time I watched it.  We also saw videos of projects conducted by FamilySearch in countries around the world.  A fascinating session was led by the head of the International Council on Archives (ICA), about  “making humanity’s memory accessible.”  Several innovative organizations taught the importance of storytelling and preservation.  Conference content is archived and available for reviewing later. 

I was instructed and inspired to work on our family projects ... and choose connection.

One Day of Two

Here at our Ogden apartments, we celebrated this Tuesday of two’s: 2/22/22.  The new activity director, a fun-loving young woman, showed up in a light-blue, romantic-style tutu skirt with colorful paper 2’s all over it — so charming!  She kept up the whirling pace of serving round tables in the dining room and directing brain games in the activity room, confident as a ballerina.

This “Two-sday” reminded me of a couple — my sweetheart Kay & me.  The Q&A game I played tonight with neighbors asked the question, “What would you consider as a most romantic gift?”  That one was easy for me — “a vacation at Cannon Beach, Oregon” ... just the two of us.

What does “two” mean to you?

Frustration Breakers

Reflections prompted by the hyphenated word, frustration-breaker, found in Desert Companion 2/2022 issue:

After slow progress scanning and discarding historical material yesterday, I was frustrated.  Barely scratched the surface of all I need to do.  So, I joined the happy, Friday-night crowd skating at Bountiful Ice Ribbon — pocket change compared to the cost of night skiing I’ve done.  It broke my work frustration alright, and I didn’t fall.  

Last fall, my kick-scooter rides to our Bountiful Veterans Park were a frustration breaker (an open compound word like dinner table, for example).  I often went out around 9 or 10 at night to see the park features lit up and flags flying in mountain breeze.  The awesome scene and veterans’ names inspired me.

Throughout the last 24 months, nurturing love for my wife Kay and keeping an attitude of gratitude were great ways to break frustration.  Friendships and slowing down in my old age helped me as well.  I find value and relief in reflections.

Tracks on the other side

A few of my tremendous track memories:

Summer nights in bed on Second Avenue, hearing trains on the other side of town.

Riding with my grandfather to watch trains on multiple tracks by 400 West Street, SLC.

Watching my new model train come around the side of our 8-foot Christmas tree.

Feeling our townhouse shake as freight trains rolled on the other side of our Clearfield fence.  (My wife Kay was not so thrilled.)

High above old Mountain Green, hearing trains on the other side of Morgan Valley.

Biking along train tracks to the station near my end of Ogden River Parkway. 

Deciding which side of FrontRunner platforms would get me on the right train.  I stood by the track on the other side only once — brain fog.

Winter nights in downtown Ogden, waking up to hear trains on the other side of Wall Avenue.  I opened my studio window for more volume and a breath of fresh air. 

Just one way I keep track of my life by writing memories.  Someday I will remember them all with my sweetheart Kay by my side.

Month of History

February focus on history:

When my wife, Kay Hinckley, was born in February, I was three years old and able to speak one word, “cookie!”  In February 1968, Kay was serving a three-year mission with her parents and two older sisters in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.  I was in my second month of missionary training in the Provo Utah LTM, learning Spanish for my assignment to the Argentina North Mission.  In February 2017, Kay & I decided to sell our frontier home in preparation to serve a senior couple mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Also of interest to our family: “Black History Month honors the contributions of African Americans to U.S. history.  ... became a month-long celebration in 1976. The month of February was chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.”  — history.com

This month is a great time to write personal history and learn more family history.  I’m also reminded to read a book I bought about Lincoln, a favorite president who helped change the course of U.S. history.

Any shortages?

Yesterday an Ogden friend, now in Japan, asked me if the news about US shortages is true in Utah stores.  I replied, “We’re fine.”  (Another Ogden friend who shops a lot agreed.)  Many in other places are not so fortunate.

My wife Kay & I experienced the gas shortage and our family-income shortage in early 70s, lack of low-interest mortgages in the 80s, and inadequate storage space.  After our 2017-2018 mission, a nice neighbor helped me through the TP shortage in 2020.  Last month, Dollar Tree was out of broom handles; (brooms and handles now sell separately, so I bought a broom and used a mop handle I’d saved for reaching high things since ~2010, which validated my habit of keeping things that “may be useful someday”).

I trust that we will overcome any shortages (to name a few) of hope, faith, confidence, love of God and neighbors, religious freedom, compassion, respect for parents and presidents, gratitude for imperfect circumstances, siestas, stargazing undimmed by city lights, quiet times without contention or traffic noise, and sensitivity to the Spirit.  You may wish your own list. 

Social Stream

In the middle of a cold winter, why did I recall memories of summer?  It started with a random phrase coming to mind: social stream — no idea why.  (No connection to “software that allows you to curate a unique feed with different social profiles into a single network stream.”  — arena.im )

River experiences: tubing down the river at Aunt Myrene’s cabin, rafting on ranch canals, the historic Yampa River trip Kay & I took with Ensign 3rd Ward youth, watching our sons fish the Weber River, NHS faculty summer parties with Mrs. Cannon in Riverdale, “river walk” with a friend from church in Bountiful, biking Ogden River Parkway Trail many times with a friend from Alabama, and walking the river trail at Ogden Botanical Gardens with one of our five young families.

What comes to your mind in the winter time?