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.