wherever we’re at

Quoting Meredith on her Senior Fitness we follow in our activity room, start by engaging “wherever we’re at.”  Makes me stop and think about where I am.  Later, during the 3-second water break, I consider where I will be when the session ends — motivated, stronger, and refreshed?  

Now that we’re well into the new year, planning for February and maybe a spring vacation, it’s important to know where we are.  That helps me set new week’s resolutions.

By the way, I am grateful to know where my sweetheart Kay is ... with loved ones on the other side, not far away ... wherever we are.

Learn more at ...

Occasionally listening to a public radio station, I hear commercial encouragement to, “Learn more at (whatever) dot com.”  So neat to know a place to go for more information about a product or service.

I believe in lifelong learning.  Every day I go to a well of information — books, for example — without TV.  In contrast, my wife Kay, a leading example of informed, conservative thinking, made it a habit of watching opposing news — a balance I failed to achieve.  Her perspective is even better now, I am sure.  

Learn more at forever dot com. 

in the trenches too

My follow-up idea for this post:

"in the trenches

adverb phrase

In the workplace; in contact with the people or problems in a situation; unprotected by distance or illusion"  — dictionary.com

Recalling “a work in progress” five years ago, I decided to finally finish it.  My companion, Sister Kay Cannon, and I were serving “in the trenches” for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with the wonderful people of Metro Detroit, Michigan.

After twelve months on a 23-month, 2017 assignment, we were transferred to Farr West.  Seven weeks later, we were in nearby Ogden when Kay received a mission transfer for a heavenly assignment, leaving me “in earthly trenches”.  Nevertheless, we continued working together as eternal companions ... forever in love.

It is a work in progress ... for our sisters and brothers ... coming to Christ, the Savior of mankind.

With Love Too

Twelve years ago, I shared three quotes about love.  One especially relates to this time of year:

"My brothers and sisters, may the spirit of love which comes at Christmastime fill our homes and our lives and linger there long after the tree is down and the lights are put away for another year. This is my prayer ..."

-- President Thomas S. Monson, 

“A Bright Shining Star" 
2010 First Presidency Christmas Devotional

(December 5, 2010)

A thought for all year, I suggest, as we study the New Testament and learn more about Jesus Christ.  My companion Kay & I know He lives and loves each one of our Heavenly Father’s children. 

Time Travel

Yesterday while eating a favorite fast food, I read a Dove dark-chocolate thought for the day: “Keep life moving forward; looking backward is only for time travelers.”  It reminded me of advice from an older gentleman who taught, “Don’t look back — only forward.”  (He had a lot of sadness in his past and present life.)

We know time travel is “the action of traveling through time into the past or future.”  I often go back to learn, preserve history, and share with loved ones.  It’s a different mindset.  Today I look backward at my first 12 months of life in this apartment community — unlike any other I’ve experienced.  Management does a great job with the owner’s mandate to make us seniors smarter, stronger, and more socially active.  Meals in the dining room and activities in the social room help.  ( I keep moving by running up stairs.)  However, I look forward to time alone for completing my projects, pausing, and pondering the future.

At the present, I feel very blessed to have my forever companion Kay and our family.  We are all time travelers with sweet, recurring memories of her loving service to hundreds, and thoughts about seeing her again.  “There is no end to what we can do together” ... with love.

Christmas Mail

Contrary to popular belief, it isn’t too late.  Years ago, I got in the habit of sending “season’s greetings” at a more relaxed time of year — after the 25th.  It’s good to “slow down”, as Sissel sang (2019 Pioneer Concert in SLC).

Using USPS self-service with Flat Rate Priority Mail has saved me in recent years, while other folks wait in line at the post office.  Online tracking provided is helpful.  Amazon is amazing as well.  However, a simple Christmas postcard I received today from Wisconsin is just as lovely under my little tree as a wrapped present; the thoughtful, handwritten note warms my heart.

Who saves Christmas cards and year-end family newsletters?  We used to display them in a basket.  The senders are so thoughtful and generous, I can’t discard without digitizing with iPhone camera (my habit of saving).  A dear friend of my wife Kay writes and shares her poetry — precious!  Having saved and rediscovered a small painting of the Nativity, I see a daily reminder of the true meaning of Christmas: celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ ... with love.

Medley of Musical Memories

When I write my personal history next year, these will prompt my memory of Christmas:

The Nutcracker at Kingsbury Hall, U of U

and Peery’s Egyptian Theater, Ogden.

“Amahl and the Night Visitors”, an opera in one act by Gian Carlo Menotti (on TV).

Young boy’s performance of “O Holy Night” on Grandmother’s grand upright piano, Avenues.

Tabernacle Choir Christmas songs as a tradition on that special morning.

“Lullaby of Christmas” narrated by Gregory Peck; (this story on vinyl LP brought tears).

East High A cappella Choir performances and recording (LP) directed by Lorraine Bowman.

The Carpenters (sister and brother).

KWHO (1950s SLC) and Classical 89 BYU (station survivor!) with my favorite music of the season.

Handel’s “Messiah” oratorio (1741).

My wife Kay’s piano playing and teaching the Primary our favorite Christmas music from the Children’s Songbook.

A random list may help you rough-draft a history by category or topic.

Wishing you and your family a merry, musical Christmas!

granddaughter at Cannons' grand upright