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.