Working Verbs

Calendar — Please calendar the event.

DIY — Just DIY it to get the job done.  Maybe save money.  I sometimes do it myself.

Labor — Ned labored in sales at J&J Nursery, west Layton, Utah.  Fun run in the sun!

Journal — I journal weekly on a Gdoc, save as PDF, delete journal, and reuse it for next week.

Print — I print my PDF files for free at the library.

Complete — A billboard I drove by this week, “complete divorce”, made me wonder.  Adjective or verb?  Either way, perish the thought.

Photo — You can photo daily as a way of journaling.  I do (my habitual OCP).

Color — For the game, color him purple, the signature school color of Weber State University.

I’m not always action man, but verbs work well.

Family Fourth & Freedom

The Cannon Ranch, acquired by Dad when I was ten years old, provided the perfect summer gathering place for free spirits, especially on July Fourth.  The memorable Oakley parade — I drove our pony cart —and kids’ rodeo instantly became family traditions.  The annual patriotic program and lunch were also unforgettable.  As a young boy, I had the freedom and speed in the kids’ rodeo to catch a little greased pig that grew up and gave birth to piglets. 

Before it became so popular it was broadcast on ESPN, the Oakley night rodeo featured local cowboy heroes I saw in action and will never forget.  Ken Woolstenhulme (1930-2021) stands out in my memory as the top rodeo champion (and Salt Lake Temple worker) I still admire.  Ken is a humble, loving example of family, faith, and freedom in the West. 

A July Fourth fireworks display at Derks Field, the baseball stadium in Salt Lake City, terrified this little boy as our family sat in front, close to the explosions.  In recent years, I’ve enjoyed the freedom of seeing Ogden fireworks from a distance.  Even more impressive, a drone display at the Ogden rodeo last July. 

Grateful for freedom my family enjoys in these United States, on this 250th I thank Heavenly Father for inspiring, watching over, and protecting our nation.  God bless America!

Have Phone - Will Wait

Having noticed people making good use of wait time by using their phone, I admire their productivity.  Back in the day, waiting in line was cause for simple reflection and recollection, or friendly face-to-face conversation. 

Nowadays, phone calls to automatic answering services (a misnomer in my opinion) and waiting for a friend (as I write this), are opportunities for my journaling on iPhone Notes, planning on Calendar, messaging, copying to a Gdoc, or adding to a Gsheet.  So, wait time is welcome.  Bring it on … with or without a phone. 

go to that point

Looking forward to the future, I envision certain points in my life that leave me in awe.  A lifetime full of miracles leads me to anticipate, notice, and be grateful to God when I experience His tender mercies.  My wife Kay plays a central role in many of them.  

A common phrase in church and other meeting announcements follows a short-term outline of what to expect.  “We’ll go to that point,” meaning let’s start, and more good things are to come.  I suppose it could go without saying.  A nice launch, however, for what was announced. 

Being sometimes eager to go to the point of reunion with my Sweetheart, I remind myself, “We’ll go to that point,” and more good things are to come … with love. 

That being said …

Comfortable with my intentional slower pace this year, I rest often to fight fatigue, freely snack to avoid hunger, and read books to shun TV.  That being said (a common transition phrase), I could actually run a mile today if need be.  That being said, I prefer short sprints up stairs.  

Tender thoughts at Ogden Cemetery last weekend, as posted 5/25/2014, “Memorial Markers”: 

In the spirit of Memorial Day, I listed some language.  With love for family and friends who are actually more alive than we who are living.

…

ancestors

veterans who sacrificed for freedom

loving memories

BillionGraves .com

the Resurrection

Memory Episodes

In her book, Remember — The Science of Memory and The Art of Forgetting (©2021), Lisa Genova introduced the major topic (for me) with questions about a common coin we rarely handle in 2026:  “Could you draw both sides of a penny with total accuracy from memory right now? How can you both remember a penny and yet remember so little about it? Is your memory failing?”

Scanning 1980s calendars my wife Kay filled with handwritten notes, I’m fascinated by family events I can’t remember … for the life of me.  (At my old age, that phrase is much more than just an idiomatic expression.)  

My memory … (a work in progress)

Breath of Fresh Air

A friend who likes reels showed me one about the body’s need for home ventilation.  That is certainly good for physical health.  However, I think a greater need is for a fresh outlook on life, shared with others.  Health benefits are associated with that as well. 

I like the “idiom describing a person, idea, or thing that makes a situation feel new, different, exciting, and refreshing. It signifies a welcome, positive change, often bringing energy, joy, or honesty to a previously dull or stressful environment.”  Do you know someone who is a breath of fresh air, who positively lights up a room?

Intersection of Aging & Vocalism

It isn’t that complicated.  Now that I’m older, I simply recognize my limitations when speaking and singing.  For example, on Palm Sunday yesterday, I sang in the church choir with a brother sharing his music with me (too far to see most words).  I had worn my sunglasses to drive, but forgot my eyeglasses for the meeting — good for seeing the speakers from my back row, but not for sheet music (too close) — an aside.  My vocalism was weak anyway, since accidentally losing my voice in Detroit 2018.  I sang on tune, but the congregation didn’t hear me.  So, luckily the brother and I were the only ones aware of the intersection of aging eyesight and lame vocal cords.  Regardless, my presence counted.

When speaking to young people, I sometimes fail to first get their attention; so they ask, “What?”  When talking to seniors, who are typically hard of hearing, I often fail to speak loud enough; so they ignore me or ask, “What?”

Nevertheless, I thank God for my voice paired with eyes that communicate love … surely strengthened by my young wife Kay’s love for others.  For we are one.

Movie Rewind

After Academy Awards, I happened to notice a report of the winners — films I had not seen.  With movies on my mind, I reminisced of some favorites, back in the day, including some I showed to neighbors at The Harrison Regent “independent living” in Ogden. 

Sundays, Kay's Style

Recalling one of Kay's styles of writing, lovingly taught as an English teacher at "The Ridge", I make another weak attempt at "stream of consciousness".  (A previous attempt was posted October 28, 2018.  Have I improved?  Let’s just say it’s different.) 

"So many Sunday memories stream through my mind ... including Sister Cannon's ministering in Michigan ... and attending her last sacrament meeting (at our alma mater, the U of U) ... I must add to this later."  So, here it goes … briefly.

Kay’s Lighthouses 2007 calendar — Sundays 

Jan. 28: “R.S. Sing with Colleen, ‘I’m Trying to Be like Jesus’. V.T. Carol, Susan, & Colleen.”  Feb. 4: “I gave R.S. Lesson on Unity & Love in Our Sisterhood. Visited 3 sisters. [Met with] Cannys, Hayle, Angie & Katie.”  2/11: “Katie was called to be gospel doctrine teacher.”  3/4: “Helen & I visited.  Angie & Katie made great Brazilian dinner.”  3/11: Hinckley family meeting.  4/8 Easter: “Prayed in sacrament meeting. Quinn & Barbara & family and Ann & Spence for dinner.”  4/20: “Angie, Chris, Katie …”. 

June 3: “Give R.S. Lesson — Vacation From Worldly Ways.”  6/10: Ward Council 8 a.m.  

Saturday 6/9 and Monday 6/11: [Ogden history, our Colonial Court neighbor, Joanne Hanson’s] “Cemetery Tour — Katie as Indian maiden, Pomona” [daughter of Ute chief and wife of Miles Goodyear]

Kay’s Paradise 2008 calendar, also interesting: Sunday, Feb. 3: ”Church closed after sacrament mtg. due to snow.”  [2/22/2026, more memories to come.  Also a lot more snow, we hope!]

Added from my LFF Notes for easy reference:

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

And from my Spanish Notes, as I love to say:

Mi esposa se llama Kay Hinckley Cannon.

Disposable Treasures

Do I keep family treasures … just in case someone in our posterity will value them and not be burdened?  Will physical treasures remind them that family history is important and fascinating?  Or will digital photos and transcriptions do the same without taking up physical space?

These and other questions are on my mind while lightening my load and being fascinated by family treasures I bring to light.  They bring me joy.  Will our great-grandchildren be the ones to appreciate them?  

An extreme example is Grandmother Cannon’s upright grand piano we inherited, enjoyed for 42 years, and fortunately gave to my niece, who later gave to her neighbor.  A disposable, rightfully shared treasure.  I carefully keep the memories and digital photos taken along the way.  A video of my wife Kay playing “the blues” on the Cannon piano is priceless — a keeper.  What do you treasure and want to share?

Deliberately Slower Pace

This year, now that I’m older, I am enjoying a slower pace in life, intentionally making fewer heavy commitments.  It’s my choice to deliberately drive less, feel less driven, reduce stress, listen to others more, and lighten my load as a recovering collector. 

Taking time to support memory is a higher priority this year.  Deliberate reminders, properly placed on iPhone Calendar and Notes, are more vital than ever.  For the record after shopping, I change “Get” to “Got”.  My wife Kay’s habit of crossing out handwritten lists worked well for her.  Our children enjoy reviewing her saved notebooks as a type of detailed diary.

A favorite performance of “Slow Down”, sung by Sissel in the 2019 Pioneer Concert with The Tabernacle Choir, is a heavenly reminder with a link kept in my Notes.  It helps me feel God’s love.  Treat yourself to a slower pace at times, and have a blessed day!

tying up loose ends

There’s a challenge!  Thinking of things I should have done at the end of December.  So, near the end of January, I have some “loose ends to tie up” this year — hopefully not next year.  (Btw, as recently heard, what does “this next year” mean?) 

Definition of the idiom, tying up loose ends: “To complete, finalize, or tidy up the last remaining pieces of work.”  “Origin: Often attributed to nautical terminology, referring to sailors securing loose ropes before a ship’s departure.”  Example: editing and adding to my memoir published last November, to “put on the finishing touches” for its next edition.

It may be too late to start this year with a clean slate.  No matter, recalling my "New Week's Resolutions" posted Sunday, 12/27/2015: “Today is a new beginning – the start of a new week.”  Or feel free to take one day at a time — there you go!

Avoiding Ambiguity

New Year’s resolution 2026: Be specific!

ambiguity: “… open to more than one interpretation”  — Oxford Languages

For example, I texted our daughter 10/28/2025, “Let's plan a fun place to meet on Monday -- just my preferred day.”  Meaning: just because it’s my preferred day.  Not: only on my preferred day.

Since myHometown Ogden South recently moved their Community Resource Center (“CRC”) from 24th Street to 27th Street, I refer to the old center, still serving the community, as “CRC1” to simply avoid ambiguity.  ( I volunteer at both resource centers.)  On 2nd thought, better to clarify: “old CRC on 24th St.”  (Sigh.)

Celebrate the season

What is there about winter that inspires celebration?

Crisp, cold air with sunshine as a welcome change from the hot summer in Ogden Utah.  Freedom from yard work while hoping for snow we need.  Memories of skiing the challenging slopes of Alta, Park West, Solitude, and Powder Mountain.  Fun skating at Neptune and the Ice Sheet, Ogden.  The joy of warming with a loved one by a fireplace.

In mid-January, recalling a warm thaw last year, the anticipation of spring around the corner.  Enjoying a slower pace, now that I’m older, with resolutions made two weeks ago.  Past the holiday rush, now savoring the never-ending spirit of Christmas giving.

nice to know

Christmas celebration was extended again through January 6th for Three Kings Day, reminding us of wise men who gave gifts to the child Jesus.  That tradition my parents brought from Switzerland in 1974 includes gift giving in a family get-together. 

It’s also nice to know, “You can relax now.”  

— WQXR Classical NY 

I can “find comfort and joy in [dark] chocolate.”  — Dove wrapper

“The Spirit knoweth all things …” (Alma 7:13)

I can hit the sack (idiom) when I’m exhausted; and renew my strength. 

After counseling with my friend Julie, visiting from Iowa on Sunday 12/28, I realized I deal with sadness by running, walking, and sleeping.  And I resolve it by serving others — outward focus.  Nice to know.

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”  (Philippians 4:13)

Reminding those who watch scary world news, God is in control.

Random Reading

For my history, I had planned to publish in 2024 a selection of my blog posts.  Miraculously, publication of my wife’s biography, the extraordinary history of Kay Hinckley Cannon, became a reality and blessing instead.  In November 2025, I finally published my “random memoir” as planned.

Although careful thought and effort went into each post “back in the day”,  I confess to choosing a lazy-man way of writing my disjointed personal history, avoiding the more thorough, chronological form typically used near the end of one’s life.  A simple timeline is my token effort in that regard.

At this year end, our Kay deserves to have the last word: “Live every day to its fullest. Be adventurous; act on good impressions. Follow the Prophet with love for the Lord.”  And she would cheerily sing a lullaby, “Remember Me.”

Mudroom Memories

Recalling one word (like bedroom & bathroom).

On Second Avenue, Salt Lake City, the east side door, entry from breezeway between the house and garage, led to our regular way through the mudroom to the basement stairway door and (what is now called) the great room — family dining room and kitchen.  (A simple architectural sketch would have helped here.)  Coats were hung and boots were removed; Lassie’s meals were prepared.

Our remodeled home in East Mill Creek, SLC, had the most memorable mudroom — designed and built by my father-in-law.  The entrance by the garage led to a large, white-painted room with an island of spacious closets for hanging coats, etc.  It was the perfect place for the washer, dryer, and wall-mounted ironing board (cabinet) by the inner door.  The far side with a door to the garage had a work counter with shelves above it.  That became an office space for me — a challenge to keep it organized and materially minimized.  Friends still remember being impressed by that large mudroom.  It surpassed the design we had an architect draw for the home we fortunately did not build in Mountain Green, Utah.  (Recall the Great Recession, 2007-2009.)

Memories of family life in those and other mudrooms prompt recollections relating to family history we treasure.  What are your mudroom memories?

Inside Voices

A sign in the Pleasant Valley Library kids area got my attention two weeks ago (of course I took a picture). “Be kind. Use inside voices, play safe, and make the library fun for everyone.”  I welcomed the reminder to subdue (American English quiet, British quieten) talk when visiting a library.  I learned it in my youth at the old library in downtown Salt Lake City, like a sacred space.  Now I practice it in my old age as I frequently visit the main library on Jefferson Ave in Ogden Utah.  Naturally my wife Kay’s angelic voice would be welcome anywhere.  “(of a person) exceptionally beautiful, innocent, or kind”  — definition from Oxford Languages 

Patrons in temples are encouraged to use reverent, “inside voices” appropriate for that sacred space; whispering is sweet.  A UTA recording routinely reminds FrontRunner riders to keep conversation volume low in that “shared space.”  It would also be nice to remember restaurants, theaters, and symphony concert auditoriums are shared with some folks with sensitive hearing like mine (impossible to avoid eavesdropping).  On the other hand, young voices I hear inside public places like the new Marshall N. White Community Center (sport courts, pool, party rooms) are good to hear at high volume.

The world we live in together — it’s small, after all.

Winter Warmth

Up in the night, warmed by my favorite patchwork quilt with yellow highlights. My first thought, “Tuesday with Kay”, always makes me smile.

Memories in a warm stream of consciousness. A time for celebrating the newborn Child wrapped in swaddling clothes and held by His loving mother. Now the warmth of love Jesus offers us.

Winter get-togethers for family and friends needing a warm hug.  Hot cocoa, chocolate chip cookies soft from the oven, and Kay’s famous spiced wassail drink.   The wood-burning stove on a brick “stage” in our cozy antique room in East Mill Creek.

A favorite sweater received on Christmas Day. Keeping warm while caroling at neighbors’ front doors.

Our first daughter, born in mid-winter, who warmed the hearts of three brothers, two parents, and four grandparents.  (“My caregiver”, I call her now, with love.)

Expecting another January thaw with sunshine like last year.  Come February, budding thoughts of spring, renewed life, and fresh starts.

For now, with winter warmth, we can all do something to help Light the World.