That being said

A phrase frequently used by one of our young directors made me want a description of its meaning and usage.  (Always fun to learn about language.)

“That being said, that said, having said that all act as segues to a statement which reverses the spin, so to speak, on what has just been said.  [For example:]

We should treat all students with tolerance and understanding. That being said, a student who engages in threatening or violent behavior should be expelled from the school. We cannot tolerate such aggression.”

— Stack Exchange, English Language Learners

That being said, you may draw your own conclusion about how to use the phrase.

Mrs. Cannon, retired from 

teaching English at NHS

Welcome, summer!

Tuesday with Kay

All about my wife and eternal companion, who is forever young.

As a little girl, Kay Hinckley loved to write books, draw pictures, and help her mother.  Being youngest of eight children gave her plenty of time to develop talents, share a room with dear sister Louise, and play with her best friend, neighbor Betsy Neslen.

As a young teenager, Kay served a three-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with her parents and sisters Louise (my age) and Susan.  The Alaskan Canadian Mission, at home in Vancouver BC, provided endless opportunities for Kay to share her talents, including talking to strangers, playing piano, and teaching the gospel.  She was well prepared for raising a family, teaching English at Northridge High, and serving twelve months with me in Detroit. 

Music Appreciation at the U of U brought us together on dates in October, 1970, leading to marriage in July, 1971.  Five children, their spouses and posterity are forever the love of Kay’s life.

The lessons we learn from my angel wife are eternal.  The love we all share feels sweet, bringing joy in times of tribulation.  As I often say, “Kay is not far away.”

(Thursday, October 11, 2018:)

Our Kay is probably busier than ever, basking in the love of family and friends who have passed on.  Her motivating, energizing feeling of love for people in mortality is likely boundless now.  She was uplifted and driven by it in Detroit, and now ... I imagine ... is feeling it on a higher level in her new assignment to help fellow spirits find happiness.

Wondering as I write ... does Kay have mixed emotions, missing those she left behind?  I believe so ...  We may find comfort in the thought, as we are warmed by memories of her love and smile.  We are not forgotten.

Going up or down?

The elevator here at our apartments begs the question.  Residents waiting by the dining room on the middle floor want the shortest ride possible — no round trip to the first or third floor, please.  “Going up or down?” makes sense.  So, everyone nicely asks and cooperates.  Patience prevails.

As a senior, living in the present while looking toward the end of this life, I often wonder if quality of life is going up or going down.  My energy level, memory, and patience with all kinds of people around me, to name just a few.  Is the English language improving or going downhill?  My incomplete sentences, for example.

These and other questions will weigh on my mind when I pass the second-floor elevator and run up the stairs.  Cheers for all who enjoy a short ride ... up or down.

This, that, and the other

This is the thing I want to point out: 

How can we all get along better in our community?  That is the question.  The other day I was pleased to see several neighbors invited into the middle of an activity that helped everyone get better acquainted.  Afterwards, we chatted about this and that.  I like to say that we are a “care center” in this city of Ogden, the other crossroads of the West.

This is also needed in government, that challenging arena where each side must work with the other for the good of our Republic.

It occurred to me the other week, that this idea is worth pursuing — more than a quick thought.

getting along at Ogden Botanical Gardens

Last word in April

Thinking here instead of thinking to myself, wondering how to put a wrap on this month of April.

Cool (not the warm spring weather I hoped for)

Calm (life for some who don’t watch bad news)

Collected (impressions from General Conference, Easter, nature walks, and sweet memories of Kay)

Let the last word be love. 

Seniors’ Easter

Like one big happy family, our community of seniors “living independently” celebrated Easter today.  Our “care center” branch (small congregation) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints held sacrament meeting and Sunday School here this morning with special music and talks about the Savior.

Our manager had placed colorful eggs with candy all around the building to be found and placed in little baskets provided.  I enjoyed watching some visiting grandchildren run around to discover Easter eggs.  A generous resident set up egg dyeing on a dining room table, reminding us of a fun family tradition. 

After all the celebration, this senior finds the greatest joy in knowing our Savior made possible resurrection and life everlasting for all God’s children who are born on the earth.  Because of Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness, my sweetheart Kay & I continue life as wife & husband, and families can be together forever ... with love. 

Facebook Page Too

So far this year, I've taken a break from Facebook while moving from Bountiful to Ogden.  Having just enjoyed two days of General Conference, I visited Facebook for related posts by family and friends.  ( I recalled it’s a valuable tool often used by my older generation.)

In my two-minute visit, I loved a powerful post by my niece’s return-missionary son (handsome in his suit) who attended Conference in SLC yesterday.  Then I reconnected with an old friend my age I’ve known since young boyhood, who loves General Conference as I do.  (The talks give me positive momentum.)  A sweet group photo of Kay’s teacher friends was like icing on the cake.  I felt satisfied despite missing many wonderful posts. 

I wrote the following four years ago on April 4, 2018:

“Some leaders of our ward (congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) wisely use Facebook here in Roseville, Michigan.  As full-time missionaries, my wife Kay and I recently started using it [more] frequently to keep in touch with a few family members, friends, and Detroit mission associates.  Facebook is one of many ways we share the gospel of Jesus Christ.  ...  Now every week ... I see at a glance what's happening in the ward, the Church worldwide, our society, and the marketplace ...  And not to be forgotten: extended family and old friends – like what they think, share, and do.”