Strange Day

Often the days just follow one another in their own sort of routine then along comes a day that truly upsets the rhythm and it just feels odd.  Today was one of those days for me.

I didn't sleep well so when I normally would have gotten out of bed...I didn't.  I felt slightly rebellious.  So, no walk for me today.  I puttered around, taking my time, didn't even get dressed until 10:30 a.m.  Then off I went to lunch.

Beautiful sky to the east - the mountains have fresh snow.

My visiting teacher wanted to go to lunch, just the two of us.  I was a teensy apprehensive, this person isn't someone I've felt like I really clicked with.  To my delight it was an enjoyable couple hours.  We talked, and laughed and repeated the process.  Yes, nice.

Off to Joann's I went looking for some better needles for a handsewing project I'm working on.  Finally tucked away in the quilting section I found what I thought might work.  Looking over the newspaper flier coupons I discovered not a single one of them would work.  Nope. Not paying full price so I left without them.

On my way home from the grocery I took this picture of the mountains and canyon off to the east. The sky has been particularly beautiful today. And the Hawthorne tree we planted the week my Mom died is beginning to bloom - it's one of my very favorite trees and I anxiously wait each spring to see it's prettiness.

Hawthorne blooms

A friend (on his way up the hill to Subway) saw me bringing up the trash can and stopped for a visit; which visit was cut short by the Why'rd guy coming to look over our situation so as to give us a bid on some wiring for security cameras.  We dislike having the car intruded on and things stolen from it.

The Husband is off to do some visits for church so I'm here completely alone.  It's a weird feeling.  I'll be anxious for our daughter and grandson to come home.  She called just as we were eating dinner.  She usually texts so I answered the phone with my heart truly pounding.  She and the grandson are ok.  The Kia?  Not so much.  Someone backed in to her.  The car has a big ow-ie I haven't yet seen.  Oddly enough, I had a dream the other night that the Kia was kaput and we had to replace it.  Hopefully that dream won't be coming true quite yet.

I'm grateful for strange days that remind that I like a routine.  I'm grateful for lunches out with people who are kind.  I'm grateful for car accidents that result in unharmed loved ones.

Post-Weekend

And it seems like our weekends are never quite long enough. Even if they were longer, they'd still probably be too short.

Beautiful sunrise between rain showers.

We opted out of movies again this weekend.  We must be getting old, it feels like we're becoming a bit more discriminate about what movies we choose to spend $ on.  And lately there have been fewer and fewer that seem worth the money.

Instead we chose to go to Costco.  It's been some months since I've been there.  And my list was proof.  And our much diminished bank account is further proof.  :^) Our splurge was a package of filet mignons for dinner both Saturday and Sunday.  And we savored every single bite.

Sunday was a stretch for me.  A piano solo in church.  In front of about twice as many people as I expected due to a young sister missionary's return address to the congregation.  I made quite a few mistakes but tried to not hesitate or correct them - I always think if I pretend I didn't make any mistakes then people will wonder if they really heard them.  Perhaps that will be the case.  Anyway - less than my best presentation in spite of the hours, hours and hours of practice.  (And the ability to play the song pretty much flawlessly in the privacy of our living room with an audience of 1: me.)

Then was the Sunday School lesson I'm responsible for preparing and directing the discussion.  It was delightful to have a couple loved ones in there who helped me out by their contributing comments.

Hey, you forgot your fork!

As soon as class was over I dashed down to the R. S. room to play the piano for R. S. By the time we left church I was mentally finished. The quiet afternoon (including a nap) was just the right remedy.

This morning found me once again on the trail - being grateful I donned my rain slicker before leaving the house.  Wasn't much difference being out on the trail and home in the shower.  This picture of a fork continues my documentation of the strange things I see that people leave behind.

I've mentioned that I love socks.  Partly because I pretty much always wear them.  Can't put on a pair of shoes (or even sandals) without them or I'll have blisters quicker than a snap. Have been on the receiving end of a bit of ribbing about wearing sandals with socks.  That's for old old old people, they say.  I have noticed numerous times lately - younger people, like teens and early twenties people - wearing the same sandals I wear around the house.  Only they're out in public.  And yes - they're wearing socks with them.  Who knew I'd be a trend setter?!?

I'm so grateful today for the abundance of this life - the abundance the Gospel brings.  The abundance of beauty around us.  The abundance of kind words and hugs and smiles that so lift my heart.  I pray for more of this kind of abundance. I love it.  And am grateful.

YAY!

The Husband is home again!  I slept better than I have for several nights, I've been indulged in some hugs to make up for the deficit that I get every time he goes, and my heart is happier.  I love when he's back!

So yesterday I headed over to our local Justice store - a granddaughter's birthday is today and she likes that place.  Going there is never my favorite experience.  And yesterday I narrowed down some of what bothers me.  The vast majority of their clothes are so worldly - especially when their target demographic is girls and tweens:  tank tops, short shorts, short skirts, shrink-wrap leggings/jeggings. Not very much is modest.  The message being sent (even in the printing on the shirts) is overwhelmingly geared toward selfishness.  It makes me sad.

Then I walked over to Kohl's - what a difference.  More reasonable rational everything - styles, patterns, subliminal messages.

Free re-usable bag!

This morning's errands took me up to the DMV for a replacement registration (replacing the stolen one).  Took my book, prepared to wait.  Didn't even have the paper from the lady with my number on it before that very number was being called.  Didn't sit down, open my book.  Went straight to the counter for help.  My kind of visit there.

Then on the way home I stopped at the grocery.  In honor of Earth Day I received a free grocery bag! No hesitation on my part in accepting it.

I'm grateful today for The Husband's safe return.  And for my sense of smell - already today I've enjoyed the lovely aroma of lilacs and freshly mown grass.  I'm grateful for times when I'm prepared for inconvenience and am surprised by smoothly occurring circumstances.  For being invited to birthday celebrations and for some predicted rain.

Newspaper

For decades we've subscribed to home delivery of the newspaper.  I've loved having it as part of my daily routine - either reading it while preparing dinner or while I'm eating breakfast.  I've enjoyed it.

Less and less worthwhile.

Lately I've become disenchanted with our paper.  Over the last few years their vacation hold policy has gotten sillier and sillier.  The paper is getting thinner and thinner.  A few weeks ago there was an article mentioning that because of costs, certain columns had been eliminated.  But be sure to go online for expanded newspaper offerings.  Online access is so far free (nearly as I can tell).  Yeah, I get that printed materials like newspapers and magazines are struggling with the advent of everything-on-line.  But, at least in my unsolicited opinion, there's room in this world for both.

So I called the newspaper.  With a couple questions.

If I decide to cancel the subscription can I get a refund?      No, we don't do that.

Can I access the same material online whether I have an official account or not?  Nope.

How much does it cost to register for online newspaper content?   Too much (can't remember the exact $ amount).

So, then tell me how much longer I'm paid for and then I'll cancel.  To August 8th.

Then he says he'll go ahead and put in the cancel order for me for that date.  No, no, I say, I can take care of that myself.  And here it comes, the statement that caused me to laugh out loud.  You must, he says, cancel before that time.  But there will be a 12 week grace period, where you'll still get the paper delivered without your payment for renewal.

12 weeks?!?  That's 3 months! Of free newspapers.  But no, you can't get a refund.

Makes absolutely no sense to me.  No wonder the world is so confused.  Even very basic stuff like newspaper subscriptions are all messed up.

So now, each morning when I bring in the ever shrinking newspaper (whose important columns have been eliminated, but the fluff columns (that I often disagree with) by prominent people whose opinions are often too smug to tolerate are still there to disagree with) I have to consciously stifle my annoyance.

I hate to waste money.  But more and more I feel like I'm being forced to waste the money spent on the paper.  It makes me sad.  And annoyed.  And grumpy.

Today's post is a grumpy one.  Sometimes a person just has to go with the mood.  :^)

Another Mid-Week

Yesterday's dawn

The Husband is out of town, things are relatively calm and I tend to like it like that.

Discovered Monday morning that someone had been in the Kia again - they stole all the papers (car registration, insurance cards) from the glove box.  I'll be heading up to the DMV tomorrow for replacement registration.  I just don't get that mentality.  What motivates people to do such things? Definitely not maturity or selflessness.

Today's blooming tree

Have been spending time practicing the piano - also assembling information for class - in preparation for Sunday.  When I am as anxious as I am, that particular day is anything but restful.  I have to count on the worship part to fulfill the day's goal.

This comic strip was in today's paper.  Made me laugh, I can't imagine my life without the joy of reading.  And am often sad in behalf of those who don't care for it.  Yes, they are fine in their own pursuits, and manage great without loving to read.  But for me - it has greatly enhanced my life.

I'm grateful for the beauty of this world--springtime is such a treat after winter.  Even the sun feels happier.  I'm grateful for the ability to read and love the power that words have to instruct/uplift/transport.  I'm grateful for my knowledge of the Gospel plan and for the way that Heavenly Father can use me in His service.

So, It's Been A Few Days

Since I received my new phone.  What a huge luxury!  And how fun/daunting/frustrating.  Things like this seem so easy for some people.  Learning new things is often delightful for me.  Learning new "tech" things:  not so much.  I've been equally filled with enjoyment and distress.  The Husband has endless patience.

Spent the majority of yesterday morning's session of Stake Conference walking the parking lot providing "security".  Apparently parking lot issues in the area have made this a requisite.  I can't say it was difficult meandering hand-in-hand through the 60 degree sunshine chatting and absorbing the beauty of the day.  We were glad, though, to be back in time to hear the Stake President close the conference.  And then to receive a synopsis of the rest of the meeting from our daughter was just great.

Ducks in the pond....

I particularly noticed the opening prayer.  The sister said some really nice things.  One thing she asked for was for us to love each other and be kind.  When I said amen, I immediately had the thought that I agreed to what she said.  Thus, I pretty much committed (with the help of Heavenly Father) to love others.  Some others are easy to love.  With heavenly guidance I can learn to love the not-so-easy-for-me to love.  It was one of those teensy little "ah ha" moments.  I agreed to it, I can do it.

Owwee

The Husband is in the office this week, only been away from the home for 5 hours.  I've already been on the phone with him a couple times.  He's a trouble-shooter/assistant extraordinaire.

And I'm kinda-sorta limping again.  Pulled a chunk of skin off the bottom of my foot.  Right where I land when walking.  My feet:  problematic from my very beginning. I'm so grateful for all the places they've taken me, for their support and for the miles I've walked on them.  I hope they don't wear out!

I'm grateful today for those who are patient with me.  For prayers that cause me to think and grow.  For places to eat.  For beautiful sunrises and for hope.

Christian D. Larson 1912

Was introduced to this yesterday and I just love it, it really resonates with me.

Promise Yourself

To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.

To think only the best , to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world, not in loud words but great deeds.

To live in faith that the whole world is on your side so long as you are true to the best that is in you.

Christian D. Larson - The Optimist Creed


If I had to choose a favorite part, at least for today, it would be this line:  To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.  What a worthy goal!

New Phone, New Camera

Little Cottonwood Canyon under those clouds.

So, this will be the first time for photos from my new phone.  I spent most of the afternoon yesterday figuring things out, though I'm pretty sure I have a long way to go.  I've got a video to watch from Apple that will likely be beneficial to this tech-challenged iPhone owner.  (And yes, I'm going to love it, but I'm still missing my Android phone!  I loved it, too!)  I'm being super careful with this one until the case arrives.

Another cat thinking it's invisible.

The Husband and I are in the middle of our annual spring ritual.  Whenever we're out and about if he hears me call out "lilacs" he quick-as-a-wink pulls the car over and I jump out to bury my nose in the fragrant blooms.  With a huge smile on my face.  Breathing in s-l-o-w-l-y and deeply, imprinting that lilac smell in my memory.

Smells heavenlly.

Came home this morning from my walk with a couple blossom clusters (yes, I kiped them.  The bush was on public greenspace so I helped myself to a teensy branch.)  Our grandson wandered by and asked what they were.  When encouraged to smell them he said, "oh, I like it".  Yay for lilacs!

It's another rainy day, the sunrise was fabulous - my walk took place before the rain came, I like to think it waited just for me.  What a blessing to be able to begin my day this way, I love my morning walks.

I'm grateful for a new phone - what a luxury!  I'm grateful for someone that takes such good care of me.  I'm grateful for good books to read and for personal delivery of them from the library.  For pictures of the grandson.  For texts from loved ones.  For rain and for flowers.

Mid Week Delivery

I see hope in those clouds.

Had to smell the lilacs.

So, I've been tracking my new phone...all the way across the world.  It is "out for delivery" today and I am pretty excited. Something new is always so fun. Now if only I can figure out how to use it?

My morning walks continue to be the uplifting preparation for the day.  The last few days I've snagged some shots of the beauty that surrounds us - gifts from our Heavenly Father.  I love the music of the birds greeting the day (or are they simply greeting each other?). I didn't realize how blurry that photo with the lilacs was - the lane is a connector from a street up to the trail that is lined on one side by yard/horse pasture and on the other with many lilac bushes just coming in to bloom.  I had to walk nearly the length of it to fill up my nose lilac scent to remember for a while.  I think I'll leave the blurry picture on there.  (I never professed to be anything like proficient at taking pictures, just something I do for fun.)

This cat thought it was invisible.

This tree smells heavenly.

Still thinking about a conversation I had with a friend on Sunday.  We were talking about playing special musical numbers.  I had mentioned that my only hope was to enhance the worship in the meeting that I had no need to be in front of people doing something that ties my stomach in knots. She concurred, saying that it's an act of service that benefits everyone.  Hmm. Hadn't ever thought of those musical numbers in the perspective of service.  I love thinking of it that way.

I'm grateful that there's a way that Heavenly Father can use me in service.  I like to be needed (especially at my advancing age). I'm grateful for the gray, stormy day.  It has a beauty all its own that reminds us with its contrast to equally enjoy the sunshine. I'm grateful for a greeting hug that never fails to warm my heart.

BPPV

Blooming Magnolia

Otherwise known as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo.  They're pretty sure that's what's going on with me.  Teensy natually occurring calcium crystals that move out of position in your teensy ear parts.  Then interfere with the normal motion of the fluid that regulates balance, sending false signals to your brain that you're...out of balance.

Smells mighty sweet

Was treated to re-position those teensy calcium crystals.  Told to not bend over, look up way high, lay flat, move suddenly for 48  hours.  Wait a week to make sure it took.  If not, then do these exercises to re-re-position the crystals.  And you're good to go.  At least that's the theory.  I'm not 100% convinced so far.  Wasn't awfully impressed with the new ENT and his offices (40 minutes past appointment time and then I'm invited back?  By that time a visit to the ladies' was in order.)

I'm still quite fuzzy headed even though he says I passed the exam with flying colors.  We'll see how I do. Hopefully the dizzy part is done.

Lilacs-in-training

Have taken grundles of pictures on my walks - the blooming trees are in their finest spring attire.  The grass is greening by the minute.  And rain is predicted for tomorrow.  It's lovely.

The house is smelling mighty fine at the moment; am trying out a new-to-me cookiebar recipe. Here's a link:  http://cookiesandcups.com/dulce-de-leche-snack-squares/  If they taste near as good as they smell we'll have happy tastebuds!  Last night's dinner (leftover crockpot beef stroganoff) was still pretty tasty.  I might kinda-sorta-maybe-not-really-finally get a teensy bit of a handle on that cooking thing after lo these many decades.  Or maybe not.  It's fun to try something new and have a staunch supporter of my efforts no matter how it really tastes.

Am anxious for the new phone to be shipped - the loaner phone is aging and its battery (non)life is worrisome to this battery level watcher. I miss having a good phone.  Silly me, complaining about my luxuries / blessings again.

I'm grateful for the apparent non-issue my dizziness is deemed to be.  For an evening out with friends tomorrow, for speaking to a complete stranger on the phone only to hang up and feel like I've made a new friend.  For springtime.  And for the quick nap I hope to grab in a minute.

Busy Monday

6:45 a.m. looking west

Started the morning off with a walk - even took a couple pictures, though the quality isn't quite as good as with my now-broken-phone.

I've run a couple errands, folded the leftover weekend laundry, taken care of the bills, researched some for Sunday's lesson, got dinner in the crockpot and am now enjoying a couple of quiet minutes.

I loved the weekend. Conference was great.  I didn't have to cook dinner on either Friday or Saturday and The Husband did most of dinner yesterday (love, love, love his ribs).  Our yard is positively showing the ministrations of The Husband.  My desk is relatively tidy.  And it all feels good.

I'm so grateful for Elder Holland and Pres. Uchtdorf's encouraging words - I always look forward to hearing from each of them.  I'm grateful for meeting up with not one but two friends on the trail this morning.

Conference Weekend

I confess:  one of the reasons I've been anticipating this weekend was that it meant I didn't have to teach Sunday School.  Teaching is such a challenge for me.

How delighted I am to find that that reason flew away into the clouds as I have listened to the words that have once again brought hope to my heart.  It all started with the opening prayer yesterday morning where it was mentioned that we come to conference to "deepen our discipleship" (which phrase was repeated again by Elder Bednar, I think, later in the day).

I loved Steven E. Snow's talk on humility - it always seems to reach my heart better when those inspirational words are tied to music that I so love.

And Pres. Uchtdorf always incorporates hope.  He said "It is by obedience that we gather light into our souls".  I've long believed that the choice to be obedient is key / fundamental to our returning to our Heavenly Father.  I want my soul to be light-filled.

The music sung in the Priesthood session last night was the absolute best.  Followed by the songs this morning.  I so enjoy when the MoTab Choir sings the music in a more thoughtful way.  Oh, the large, loud big numbers can be fun.  But they don't often sing in a quieter more contemplative way.  I love it when they do.  "Oh, Thou Rock Of Our Salvation" today was especially pretty.

Friday afternoon we got to hold/cuddle/admire the newest grandson.  He's such a delight!  Of course, we enjoyed seeing his parents, too.

The Husband spent most of the day yesterday working in the yard - mowing, edging, blowing.  The grass is w-a-y greener than I expected.  The bleeding hearts have buds on them, the peonies are taller by the minute, the daffodils have brought the color of sunshine to ground-level and today is expected to be 70 degrees outside.  By the end of the week spring will have fully and completely embraced our little corner of the world.  So incredibly lovely.

I borrowed The Husband's phone to snap this picture of three of my orchids.  The burgundy one has 14 blooms with another 10 - 14 buds that could potentially bloom.  Flowers so happify our home.

I'm so grateful for Conference.  For the ability to sit in the peace of our home and let the messages surround us.  I'm grateful for a husband that has such a commitment to the gospel.  And for spring!

P.S.  And now at the end of the day - I wouldn't have missed hearing Jeffrey R. Holland for anything. He always inspires / encourages / uplifts and with great articulation.  Conference was great, I'm already looking forward to the next one.