ampersand writing

These are a few of my favorite things:

PB&J sandwiches for lunch and dinner

cottage cheese & fruit cocktail for a healthy evening snack

cookies & milk for dessert … anytime

Dana Lou’s sewing with needle & thread

cutting & trimming trees for neighbors

classical concerts & radio on iPhone

BYU Creamery Pralines & Caramel ice cream served today at Deseret Book, SLC (began in 1866 as George Q. Cannon & Sons)

Farr's Cherry Chocolate Chip ice cream & Hershey’s Special Dark Syrup in Ogden

reading & writing since I learned in 1st grade

fascinating family history & stories

true books & magazines and lifelong learning

sunsets & ocean on the Oregon Coast

(Kay & Ned surely agree.)

AI Overview recalls Name Evolution: [19th century] Schoolchildren reciting the alphabet would say "X, Y, Z, and per se &," meaning "and by itself, the character & is 'and'". Over time, people slurred "and per se and" into the word ampersand.  — Reddit +6

Anyway, I use ampersand a lot for fast text, etc. 

The Block

With a stretch of my aging memory, in December 2018, I recalled our “1980 farewell to three separate meetings spread throughout Sunday, plus meetings on other days.”  Now in September 2026, as a baptized member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since age 8, I still remember the years before we changed to the consolidated meeting schedule, commonly referred to as the “three-hour block".

In January 2019, the Church implemented a two-hour Sunday schedule.  As 2018 ended, I looked back at the three-hour block as being a stretch for little ones and aging ones, but a refreshing change nonetheless.  I welcomed the inspired schedule adjustment; two hours followed by individual study would suit me.  I wrote, “Feelings of nostalgia will linger longer ... as I recall ‘the good old days’ of our loving that ‘3.5-hour block’ — my faithful companion and I, [lingering for half an hour] together with dear friends.  Tears ... and cheers, everyone!”

Now I welcome the schedule change to 25-minute classes following sacrament hour, with an increased focus on Jesus Christ, especially with home study, where my Kay is not far away.

More Hints From Grandpa

With more ideas to share since posting “Hints From Grandpa Ned” two years ago, I’m still big on repurposing to “save the Earth” and money.  [Worth repeating, as I’m still using] “… an old toothbrush to sweep lint off the dryer screen.  Also good for sweeping bugs into a bottle.”

Repurpose a mug to hold a water bottle upright by your bed; use another to hold toothbrushes in the bathroom. 

Delay gratification by saving ice cream to enjoy with a friend on his or her schedule; (delay “activates the prefrontal cortex, building stronger … decision-making skills.”)

Keep a few healthy snacks and books by your bed for convenience — morning, siesta, and night.  (Reminder: this blog is not about food.)

[Worth repeating:] “Slow down sometimes, read a good book, and know that God loves and guides His children.”

Be kind, keep the faith, and be prepared. 

two ships passing

Meeting interesting people at the Ogden community resource center is always a pleasure.  However, rarely does my wish for lasting friendship come to fruition.  It’s usually like (an idiom) two ships passing in the night.

Two years ago, I randomly stopped to see what was happening in that former Ogden Regional Family History Center, where I had volunteered for two years around 2007.  There I met young Dana Lou, the “Artistic Director” and “Creative Landscaper”, a notable example of lasting friendship.  Thanks to her, I soon got involved with myHometown Ogden.  Realizing a different meaning of the ships idiom, she and I often have contrasting schedules (night owl and early bird) as I go to volunteer several times a week.  

As a married couple raising children, Kay & I were often like two ships passing … (night owl and early bird).  As empty nesters, we settled into a more synched (synchronized) routine   (two night owls?)   Life is good … with love.

treasure trove

“For where your treasure is …”  (Matt. 6:21)

My sentimental stuff?  Our kids don’t want it.  Can’t take it with me.  Scan&Discard is working to let go and find a few treasures worth keeping in the process.  Time is passing too quickly as we help others deal with their stuff. 

What were Kay & I thinking in the 80s while we raised our family and remodeled the home in East Mill Creek?  Managing life and loving our children.  When the big property sold, good neighbors helped us lighten our load and downsize.  A trove of treasures hopefully went where things would finally be used.

Years later as empty nesters, we found freedom and peace in small apartments our five children visited.  We treasure memories and each other.

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.

Treasure — What do I treasure?  Where is my heart?  (Matthew 6:21)

Photo — You can photo daily as a way of journaling.  I do (my habitual OCP).  Most photos are of happy moments in my life.  It’s so easy.

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!