Lexicon sample

Family and friends sometimes ask for clarification when I lazily abbreviate.  I apologize.  Let me say what I’m thinking. 

“A lexicon represents the abstract, living inventory of words belonging to a … group or mind.”  To share and clarify, here is a sample of lexicon as my “mental dictionary: The set of words and phrases known and used by a single individual.”  Far from complete, this list includes common initialisms (like FBI — not acronyms, pronounced as a word like NASA) and regular words I frequently use. 

CRC1 — our #1 Community Resource Center at 555 24th Street before myHometown Ogden South Council classes and activities moved out.  I unofficially continue volunteer work there, next to Seager Memorial Clinic.

CG — City Garden Apartments, Ogden home

MW Ctr / RR Center — Marshall N. White Community Center, Ogden UT (my running & rowing on track above ball courts)

pantry — community service place providing free food & household supply

OCP — obsessive-compulsive photography or proofreading, depending on context

misophonia — selective sound sensitivity syndrome (my daughter diagnosed for me)

EQ — elders quorum (men)

SS lesson — Sunday School lesson

mtg — abbreviation for meeting 

mgt — abbreviation for management 

mtn bike — my non-electric mountain bicycle

Razor — non-electric kick scooter, my senior mobility device

blading — rollerblading with my adjustable inline skates (began in 2024 at Neptune Ogden)

OGX — UTA Ogden Express electric buses

$Tree — Dollar Tree store (inflated to $1.25+)

DI — Deseret Industries Thrift Store & Donation Center

NT — Neighbors Thrift store, Ogden UT

The U (or U of U) — The University of Utah, SLC

WSU — Weber State University, Ogden UT

“Tuesdays with Kay” — special day of the week began September 2018 with sweet visits from family.  I derived it from a book she taught at Northridge High School: Tuesdays with Morrie  by Mitch Albom

Clarification

Landfill sign at Weber State University trash can: Plastics —  no symbol (#3-#7) = trash. “When in doubt, throw it out.” (vs. the recycle can)

Ned announcing on Sunday (first day of week): “The service project is next week, not this week.”

Agreed to meet at 7 … PM, not AM.

Leaving CRC1 (community center:) “See you later this week … maybe tomorrow.”

I usually only eat two or three meals per week; snacking six times a day avoids starvation mode.

A sign at FamilySearch Center broken door: “Please DO NOT EXIT through the left door. (Choose the right)”

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!

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.