Finished

Picked this up from the framers this afternoon.  It turned out so lovely.  What a wonderful gift this has been, from receiving the three installments of the kit, to the thoroughly enjoyable hours spent stitching (most of them in the easy chair next to The Husband in the office while he worked), to the final part of the gift - the actual framing for completion of the project.  I love the colors, the sentiment and most of all that someone cared enough to gift me something I never would have spent so much $$ on.  I just love it.

Now I need to figure out where to put it - it could go with ease in several different rooms here in our home. I'm thinking that for the next while, I'll probably be smiling each time I pass it.

The picture was taken with this old,old phone I'm using. It was difficult to find a place to get a picture without some reflection of some kind, and there aren't a lot of pixels on that old phone camera.  But at least it'll give an idea. I'll have to get a better picture when I get a replacement phone.

There Are A Couple Things (And I Have No Pictures)

Yes, there are a couple things at the top of my list of things that I dislike almost to abhorrence.

1.  Spending Money.
2.  Visiting Doctors.

This week is finding me involved with both of those.

The Husband arrived home on Thursday night to hugs, kisses and a wife (that would be me) that absolutely wouldn't leave his side.  It seems to get more difficult for me each time he leaves.  How grateful I am that he has such a strong desire to take care of our family.

We had a fairly decent weekend: lunch out, working in the yard, saw a movie (that wasn't nearly as bad as the reviews had us expecting), General Women's meeting Saturday night, and lovely Easter meeting at church on Sunday.

Underlying all of that was this really miserable sense that all wasn't quite right with my belly.  I wasn't quite to the point of being bedridden but I sure didn't (and still don't) feel very good. Yesterday morning found me at the doctor's office. He seems to think I can conquer this, it only requires over-the-counter remedies.  And time.  And my prayers at times have the urgency of darts being tossed at the heavens.  (Which I know is totally wrong.) And I have an appointment next week with an ENT that I don't have to drive halfway to Nevada to see.  I'm counting on him being able to help me with this dizziness.

My cellphone has gone over the last decade and a half from being a complete and total luxury to a luxurious necessity.  It fell out of my pocket Sunday morning from a height of about 12-15 inches. It looked fine, no screen cracks/dents/etc.  But the display is completely kaput. Dead. Done for. And on these smartphones:  no display = no phone.

My phone had already been acting flaky - it's been exactly 2 years since I got it and it's been a super phone.

So now I'm in the process of deciding what phone to get.  I admit:  I'm picky.  There are certain size / camera / keyboard requirements.  Along with certain size / color desirables.  I don't "live" on my phone the way a lot of people do.  But I surely felt lost without it.  The Husband has put my SIM card into a very old phone of his.  I can text!  And call! Wherever I am!  Small but huge things.

Today I'm so grateful.  For hope that the dr. can help me recover.  For a husband who takes good care of me and always moves whatever mountains he has to to accomplish that good care.  For a daughter-in-law who reaches out, keeps in communication and makes sure we feel a part of their lives. For other thoughtful children. And especially for The Savior, Jesus Christ, who rescued us all through His great Atonement.

Consoling Myself

Waiting for The Husband I'm consoling myself with the very last piece of chocolate (my favorite: chocolate hills - they have a cherry cream center) from the box I was given a bit ago (back in early February).  And I savored, delighted in every single bit!  It was scrumptious!

Practically Holding My Breath

Setting moon 6:45 a.m. 

It seems like I've been almost holding my breath since early Monday morning, waiting to fully breathe until tonight when The Husband arrives.  It has seemed like an extra-long week and I've felt just "off-kilter" the whole time.  We haven't even received any interesting mail in the mailbox!

My walk this morning was outside again with the better weather although I was so glad I'd brought along my earmuffs and gloves.  The trail is busier now, even though it's dark again.  Everyone is anxious for spring. The moon looked so lovely as I walked next to the creek where the muskrats live.

I've been immersed this week in the Atonement - the topic of Sunday's lesson in Gospel Essentials. There's so much to learn, so much to share and so much (personally) to overcome.  Easter is truly a day of celebration for all mankind.  How grateful I am for The Plan.  I hope Jeffrey R. Holland lives a really long time, we need his wisdom and the particularly inspiring way he imparts it.  Haven't we all felt poor in spirit at some time?

"When He says to the poor in spirit, “Come unto me,” He means He knows the way out and He knows the way up. He knows it because He has walked it. He knows the way because He is the way."

—Jeffrey R. Holland, "Broken Things to Mend"

I read a magazine article the other day (about a woman's personal - and wrenching -experience).  This last sentence was the one that captured my attention, I love her reference to hope, we all need that hope:  "But I did stay -- because one night in a grocery store I turned around, ready to receive what is sometimes just on the other side of hope."

I'm grateful today for the (assumed will be safe) return of The Husband.  For completed taxes to pick up tomorrow for filing.  For music that fills the walls of our home.

Had to pull over on the way home from the grocery to take this picture.  (Also had to re-start my phone to get the camera to work, my phone has been quite recalcitrant lately.)

I'm counting on tomorrow being better - with the return of The Husband.  Life isn't the same without him here.

Spring

The weather guy on tv last night reminded us that Spring is considered a transitional season - things are all confused.  He was right on the money.


I spotted this daffodil over at the park on my walk yesterday morning.  The bushes are a couple of bleeding hearts outside our stairwell (picture taken through the dirty windy) - they're about a foot tall - or they were before the storm front hit.

The snowy picture is looking east from our back door - usually the view is of a bunch of houses on the hillside.

I'll have to put on my boots and slicker to retrieve the mail.

And I really like this quote, it was in a book I read last week.  I like that it encourages us to be prepared, do our best, and answer opportunity's call. We are each unique and bring to the world our own special abilities.  I've often wondered if there aren't multiple "special moments" during our lifetimes when our own brand of service is the right thing at the right time in the right place.  I think we all would like to be able to be the accomplishment of good in the world.

“To each there comes in their lifetime a special moment when they are figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a very special thing, unique to them and fitted to their talents. What a tragedy if that moment finds them unprepared or unqualified for that which could have been their finest hour.”― Winston S. Churchill

And today's question?  Why do vegetables like broccoli and brussels sprouts and peas all smell "green" when they're cooking?  Seriously, green is a smell.

I'm grateful today for the seasons, they add so much fullness and dimension to our daily life.

Draper Care Center

• Ended up at the Draper Care Center to help with Sacrament Meeting.  Interesting because we didn't have Sacrament Meeting today - instead we attended the dedication of the Provo City Center Temple, broadcast to our Stake center.

We had been only slightly tempted to skip the Temple Dedication.  And were so glad we were obedient.  We used the Nauvoo Temple commemorative handkerchiefs (given to us by our dear friends) for the Hosannah Shout and thoroughly enjoyed the entire meeting.

Because of a miscommunication, there were two wards at the Care Center to oversee Sacrament Meeting.  No matter, everyone just found a "spot" to fill (or a responsibility that needed doing) and took care of it.  It was lovely.

The thing that brought a tear to my eye was during the actual passing of the Sacrament.  Two older brothers walked around with the Deacons, helping those who couldn't do it alone, to receive this renewing ordinance.  And from the back of the room rang a clear sweet sister's voice, "Thank You!"

We should all feel so grateful at the Sacrament.  Always.

• I have been so pleased with my African Violets.  They not only weathered the pruning/re-potting, but I think they're actually happier for it.  Yesterday morning the sun shining on the blossoms made them look like they were glowing.  Lots of buds still to open.  Lots of happiness to be found in the beauty of the flower.

I am grateful today that there are times I manage to control my anger. To remember that when I give in to it, I'm giving in to the adversary.  I don't always have that kind of control, and I really do try to avoid getting angry.  I'm definitely still a work-in-progress.  And hopefully progress is being made.

Almost Spring Friday

The Husband needed a bit of a break from work, so we went for a short walk to clear the brain cobwebs.  It likely did more for me than for him, but I'm not complaining.  I kept our pace snail-like with my constant picture taking.  One of these days my phone is going to run out of room!

Loved these crocus - complete with their own shadow.  And the budding trees.  I took my annual picture of a friend's apricot tree - it's almost-but-not-quite fully blossomed.  Wasn't quite as good as I'd hoped (I was taking it through the window of the car as we drove past).  We'll have to drive past again so I can take a better one.

The winter wreaths on the front door have given way to the spring/summer ones.  I make myself wait as close as I can to actual spring.

I've visited a friend just home from the hospital.  She looks worn out, too bad they couldn't figure out what's causing her problems. I'll keep in touch with her.  She's a real sweetheart.

The laundry has been washed, dried, folded, put away and ironed.  I've practiced the piano.

In short - it's been a gloriously beautiful (and mostly productive) day.  I am so grateful.

I love the words of Jeffrey Holland.  How grateful I am to hear him often and have access to his messages of encouragement and hope.  I like to wrap them up in my heart and pull them out when I need.

“I have spoken here of heavenly help, of angels dispatched to bless us in time of need. But when we speak of those who are instruments in the hand of God, we are reminded that not all angels are from the other side of the veil. Some of them we walk with and talk with—here, now, every day. Some of them reside in our own neighborhoods. Some of them gave birth to us, and in my case, one of them consented to marry me. Indeed heaven never seems closer than when we see the love of God manifested in the kindness and devotion of people so good and so pure that angelic is the only word that comes to mind.” 
― Jeffrey R. Holland

I want to be that kind of angel.  I wonder if it is even possible?

Positive

• I've a propensity toward pessimism.  I've come to believe that tendency stems partly from my "less than" childhood and the rest is just the way I came to earth.  Over the last decade or so I've become increasingly aware of how damaging that pessimism is (you know, expect and plan for the worst and you'll generally be pleasantly surprised sort of mindset).  And have been making small but steady steps toward eradicating that pessimism.

I can't say I've been totally successful, but I can admit there's been progress. I was so enamored of the story of Pollyanna when I was young.  I so admired her.  But try as I might, it just wasn't in me to be so positive all the time.  I needed more life experience (I daren't say maturity, though sometimes they are the same thing).

I think my life also needed people who're naturally optimistic.  Thankfully, Heavenly Father sought fit to send some of those to me.  My efforts toward positive thinking will likely be life-long, but I'm grateful for the spirit-lift I've felt thus far as I've continued to try.

• Read this quote the other day that reached into my heart.  I love reading and books.  What fun to be surrounded by them all the time.

Where is human nature so weak as in the bookstore?

–Henry Ward Beecher

• Ziggy was right on the mark today.  For my weight I should be 7 feet tall.  :^)

Yesterday (Tues.) 3 p.m. looking east.

• One of the things I love about the Salt Lake Valley is the weather.  It's more often interesting than not.  Yesterday was gray, windy and stormy. Today, brilliant sun shining around the clouds.

• And I'm off to lunch with a friend.  Tomorrow is The Husband's Insta-lunch.  How lucky we are to know the goodness of people, including our children.

I'm grateful for life.

Three Good Things About Saturday

And maybe just three good things about this Saturday.

1.  A drive up the canyon.  I dragged The Husband off to the outlet mall in Park City.  It was a stunningly beautiful day.  This picture was through the windshield on the drive back.  (Pay no mind to the tanker in the lane next to us.)  And speaking of windshields - The Husband went out early and washed all the car windows outside and in so we could see the beauty around us as we drove.  Roughly 50 miles round trip is just the right size of a road trip for me!

2.  Frozen custard.  Our route home took us past one of our favorite frozen custard places, a local spot with fabulous treats.  It was warm enough to sit on the bench outside to lick our custard.  I think our eating outside was good advertisement - the place was totally empty when we arrived, but pretty busy when we left.

The left side of the lights being upgraded.

3.  Another (nearly) completed project.  The Husband has been invested in upgrading the lighting in our bathroom.  The fluorescent lighting in there has never pleased him, the electrician our contractor used (when we had the house built) was a disappointment to him..  After extensive research and shopping the new LED bulbs arrived yesterday.   Today they are installed.  There's a bit of finish work to do but the difference is pretty dramatic.  Now I have no trouble seeing all the flaws in my complexion. :^)

Left side finished, right side being upgraded.

• Our trekking around the valley also had us going right by the Ace Hardware - apparently the only place in the state that sells the snow shovels The Husband prefers.  Stopping in to check the stock netted us two new shovels for next year.  I love being prepared.

• There really was a reason I wanted to go shopping today. (Me?  Wanting to shop?  Must be something amiss!)  After nearly 40 years I'm still looking for the perfect purse.  I've come close a time or two.  But tastes / circumstances change.  I've had quite a few new ones the last several years - but only because I earn money from The Husband's employer for all the walking I do.  I've spent most of it on handbags.

I've been using this little black bag that I got at a local outlet store.  It's been pretty good, but I know I won't be happy with black in the summer - just looking at black anything in the heat makes me miserable.  I've been watching a particular Fossil bag - was really glad I went in search of the actual purse - online pictures and dimensions aren't quite enough.  The Fossil one was too big.  And yes, I'm picky.  Unapologetically so.

• I have been invited to play a piano solo in Sacrament meeting.  At least I think I was.  Haven't ever been asked quite like that and am not sure what to think.  I will prepare, practice and plan just in case.

 I'm so grateful tonight for pretty weather. Spring is a special blessing after what feels like a long winter. I'm grateful for a productive fun day, one sans deadlines/obligations.  They come just often enough to enjoy, not often enough to take for granted.  I'm grateful for emails and texts from loved ones.

Morning Walk

So, I didn't walk yesterday - thunder and rain, aching knees, not in the mood (really?  I'm never not in the mood!).  And I missed it all day long.

But this morning, the weather was beautiful, my knees felt better (I fear I've been overworking them, both in exercise and in prayer) and I was definitely in the mood.

(The downside of the trail in better weather, earlier sunrise is that the trail - no matter which part of it I'm on - is busier.  I prefer the solitude, the quiet for contemplation.  Yep, I'm weird.)

Loved the color through the trees.

Carrot treat breakfasts are the reward for being out early for the horses at the end of our street.  The ladies nearly climbed the fence in their eagerness to greet me.  (They're funny - they always eat the carrots in bites, even if the carrots are small.  The big guy horse, though, refuses to bite and always pulls the entire carrot - no matter the size - from my hand, chewing the whole thing in about 2 seconds.  He's a greedy old cuss.)

I spend the first half of my walk praying.  And thinking about the Sunday School lesson.  And then if I remember I put in my earbuds and walk/dance along to the music, often with pointed fingers conducting the air in time.  (Yeah, that's probably another reason I like the trail to myself, I'm a dork.)

This morning I was thinking about life and how short it seems, and how there's still stuff I hope to be able to do.  And myriads of other philosophical things.

I noticed the guy running past in his bright orange shoes - the same brand as the ones I wear.  And I heard the birdies greeting the day, the ducks in the creek (I always see them in pairs, male and female, love that they need each other).  Tried to get a picture of the pheasant and his beautiful red head but he was anxious to steal the chicken food.

So, nothing extraordinary, just an awareness of how beautiful life is, how many blessings surround us and how grateful I am for the love Heavenly Father showers down on us.

Tonight we've a play - not thinking I'll enjoy the play so much (one of those where there's no spoken dialogue, it's all sung) but I'm so looking forward to being out with my guy.

I saw this quote again, it always encourages me.

Elder Holland Quotes‏@JRHollandQuotes

I testify that bad days come to an end, that faith always triumphs, and that heavenly promises are always kept.

I'm so grateful for goals to work toward, for music, for welcoming hugs and for tender things that touch my heart.

Double Surprise

• Answered the doorbell this evening to a couple cute young ladies.  Thought they might be religious proselyters.  Nope, turns out it was my great-niece!  And her sweet friend.  We had such a delightful time visiting and becoming acquainted.  How brave of her to ring the doorbell of someone she's never met!  And how glad I am that she did.  The best statement of the evening was when she said she was glad I wasn't some creepy old lady.  What a compliment that is for me.

• Second surprise was a hoped-for but unanticipated email from an in-law.  It was so lovely to hear that she's doing well, I've been concerned about her.

Both occasions were family connections that have been few in number for me, my life has been so lacking in extended family interactions.  It was a great way to finish the day.

Love, love, love the flowers!

• I had to take this picture at the grocery - their flower department is sheer eye candy.  I can't leave the store without taking a wander through the blooms, they make me smile.  I've always loved the hellebore - we saw them growing in abundance when we visited a museum in NYC a few years ago. I wonder if they'd grow in our yard?  I so love their unusual color.

Pretty Hellebore.

• I held my breath in anticipation of the bottom-line total for framing of the latest sewing project. Then breathed out in relief:  it is a manageable number that I won't feel too guilty spending.  It'll definitely be a good bit of wall decoration.

• And I walked away from the office supply store with a bunch of music books (that I use often for prelude/postlude at church) newly spiral bound.  They will open fully and stay open against the piano.  Turning pages will no longer require 4 hands (which is good since I only currently have two) and will make my stint at the piano (in public where I'm generally quite stress-filled) less stressful. Less stress in life is often a good thing.

• Today I'm so grateful for kind great-nieces who visit potentially creepy old ladies. And for their hugs. For beautiful flowers, especially gifted ones.  For camphor patches to put on aching knees. (Which makes me kind of smell like a creepy old lady.) I'm grateful for invitations to lunch and time to research/plan Sunday School lessons. And for my lovely piano.

Monday, Monday

Friday morning's beauty

I've been spending a lot of time around the house lately.  That means I haven't had tons of interaction with others.  That means I'm not exposed to as much stuff that triggers thought, that provides fodder for this blog.  I was surprised this morning to find that last time I posted was Wednesday.  Where does the time go?

New orchid bloom

I can't even remember much about Thursday.  Friday The Husband took another vacation day.  It was a stunningly beautiful day:  not too hot, not too cold, and just the most lovely sunshine everywhere.  I think it made everyone walk around with a smile on their face.  The Husband worked nearly the entire day out in the yard, mixing up the peat moss and sand in our growboxes, hoping to be ready for planting in a few weeks.

He works hard for us.  I'm so grateful for him and his unselfishness.

Then we washed both cars, knowing full well a storm was expected on Sunday.  

Saturday we puttered around here most of the day, then went to dinner and a movie with friends. How blessed we feel to have such good people in our lives.

The ducks and me

In spite of much preparation and prayer yesterday's Sunday School class wasn't quite as great as the previous ones.  I'm learning, I hope, to be a better class discussion leader.  It isn't my strong suit.  But, it was a good church Sunday anyway.

I was particularly struck by the words to the Sacrament song:  "As now our minds review the past we know we must repent...Forgiveness is a gift from thee we seek with pure intent. With hands now pledged to do thy work."  And I thought, I should always keep my heart pledged to do that work, to do my best, and always, always, be tolerant.

And the predicted storm?  Yep, it arrived in full force.  We had wind and thunder, rain and hail. And felt snug and safe in our home.

Then this morning I headed out for my walk.  Rounded a corner, crossed the street and was amazed at the weather.  The air was opaque.  I never could figure out if it was fog or a low ground-hugging cloud (are they the same thing?) but it was so interesting.  In all my years of walking I've never seen anything quite like it.  People would pass me on the trail and I wouldn't even know they were there until they were nearly passing me, the fog/cloud was so dense.  As the sun rose it began to warm the air a bit and the density dissipated.  It was a fun, lovely way to begin my day.  (Had to come home and sit for ten minutes to show The Husband all the pictures I couldn't resist taking, which picture taking caused me to take longer on my walk.  It was great!) I loved walking next to the ducks' feet.

Almost full daylight 

I'm grateful today - for this amazing world and its beauty, the clouds the rain, the sunshine.  My heart loves it (excepting for the summer heat!).  I'm grateful for restaurant gift cards, especially ones that come with an extra "slice of joy" (free slice of cheesecake). For gifts of chocolate cookies from Swig (still haven't been there). For rides to church so I don't have to get my clean car dirty in the storm. I'm grateful for lots of good things to read, for coupons for discounted framing (I'll be using one this week), for friends that meet around the mailbox and have the most delightful conversation.  And for unexpectedness.

MidWeek

Had lunch today with a friend.  She's one of those people that challenges my self-esteem, though I know that it is unintentional on her part.  She's so classy and elegant.  Turned out to be a nice time, we chatted away like we hadn't another thing to do the rest of the day.

Leaves in training

Spent 90 minutes on the trail this morning.  For the first time this year the sun rose over the hills and shone directly on my face!  And I just stood there and drank it in! And I should enjoy it while I can - in another couple weeks we'll be back on that dratted daylight saving time. On my walk I couldn't help but notice the buds on the tree limbs.  It'll be full-bloom spring soon.

And like Mr. Wilson's closet, I think my own is a place of hopes and dreams.

It is a wonderful world.

I've often commented on The Husband's life theme: What a wonderful world.  Not only has Mr. Louis Armstrong recorded the very best version of that song, but today we got to read a book that was illustrated just for those very words.  We do live in a wonderful world.

Passed the results of a bad car accident on my way home today.  The young driver of the obviously completely totaled car was sitting on the curb, head down.  In the space above his head I could almost read his thoughts.  (It was clearly a much-loved car, all spiffied up.) Every time I see one of those scenes I'm reminded that I need to be a more careful driver.  We're all prone to lapses - in attention and judgement.

"We cannot truly love God if we do not love our fellow travelers on this mortal journey. Likewise, we cannot fully love our fellowmen if we do not love God, the Father of us all."

—Thomas S. Monson

I'm so grateful for another spring season.  For an invitation to lunch.  For a phone call from a friend.  For chocolate chip cookies that come with your sandwich.  For successful surgical procedures (our son-in-law had one yesterday on his neck - so far, so good).  And yes, I'm even grateful that gratitude causes me to think, be aware, and feel the hope that accompanies it, I'm grateful for gratitude.