Let's Have a Look-See

A few years ago, when visiting Canada, we were trying to see the Northern Lights. We we driving around with no success, when  finally I said take a picture and we'll say we saw them. When we took the picture of the black sky, you could see them. It was such a lesson that they were there all the time, but we needed the right lens to see them.  I have never tried this at home. I figured that you needed a special lens or camera.  But the other day, when the news said we could see them, I tried.  Put my phone on night photo and took a picture of the dark sky. I then edited it a little bit more.    Besides being pretty, I think this is a lesson.  How many things are there, but we can't see it? Truth, God's love, blessings, happiness, joy.  Sometimes, we only see darkness because of attitudes, biases, a hard heart, even though it's right in front of us.  I'm a believer that with a change in vision we could all ha...

I have a friend who's from Maryland and has seen the outside of the Washington DC temple multiple times.  She has mentioned to me multiple times that she wants to see the inside of a temple. I knew the Burley Temple open house was our best shot although I intend to take her to the Salt Lake Temple Open House.  I sent her the dates and she said,' Can we go tomorrow?'.  So we went to Burley on Friday. She said that she liked the beauty of it. The diversity...there are a couple of paintings of women of color....and the art celebrated  nature. I would agree with her and add that it is here thato I find peace.  I've been wondering what color my Gooseberry Tree would turn. It did not disappoint.  Nothing like walking through crunchy leaves.  My mum's came back for Fall.  I love the neighbors tree.  The fairy village is covered. Looked magical to me. A fter my rant last week ...

I have few thoughts about our government's latest shenanigans.  A Shutdown is an incredibly ineffective way to negotiate policy.  The Republican Senators should be fired. They have not shown up for work in weeks. If I didn't show up for work, I would be fired.  The people of this country, no, humans, should not be used as pawns in a disagreement. My dad worked for the USDA. We would not have faired well without his paycheck; even one. I can not imagine how these families are making it.  And while I'm here, they are being punished for a war about healthcare for people whose permiums are about to double ... Government workers have healthcare. They are should not be involved in this battle.  The Democrats have a revelant agenda. I doubt that this will it will work. If it does, Kuddos to them for taking on this huge injustice, but honestly, there has got to be better way.  Now for withholding SNAP benefits...As a follower of Jesus Christ I find this cruel. Mayb...

I started including Dia de is Muertos in my teaching about five years ago. It has such a sweet message of remembering those who have passed.  My parents.  I miss them.   I remember my mother's love of baseball. I did watch the World Series this week in her honor. I was sorry that the Dodger won, but we shall move on. I also had a diet Coke and chocolate chip cookie after we went to the temple. Her favorite combo.  As for my dad, I remember his zest for life. He was always involved in one of his hobbies...fishing, golfing, maps, or watching WWII documentaries. I may not have the same hobbies but I attribute my many projects to him. As for a favorite food, he loved just about everything, but I have many memories of him trying to make his mashed potatoes and gravy end at the same time. We had roast and mashed potatoes and gravy the other night. Mine worked out the first time.   So I with these recurdos I will enjoy my day of remembering those ...

While in North Carolina we drove the Blue Ridge Parkway. The colors were stunning. I love the reds. All of this protected by the National Parks.  I was able to get to my favorite Fall walks when we got home.  The first one is at Lake Creek Trail Head.  The yellows are breathtaking.  A beautiful little walk by the river.  The second one is near the picnic area outside of Ketchum. A nice walk through the Aspens.  We walk until we see Baldy then go back.  The final walk starts at the hospital in Hailey.  It eventually follows the river.  I love this old bridge. It is definitely worth the 70 mile drive.  Walking through the crunchy leaves and having leaves floating down is magical. It reminds me of God's handy work and this blessing before the long, cold Winter. It helps me rember wh...

I went to North Carolina to attend Richard's ceremony of swearing him and others into the Bar.  I joked that the certificate was pretentious. But honestly, it was a solemn ceremony explaining their responsibility to defend the Constitution,  have integrity and build relationships with all who work in the Court House.  He is official now. He will make more money and be able to take care of more business.  Then I found this in his office. Still looking at baseball cards. I am grateful that he persevered and finished school and passed the Bar (and also got divorced this week.) I was grateful I could go. I was able to thank his boss for giving him a job, to thank his lawyer ( who is only 26) for navigating his divorce, and to thank the Federal Judge for her commitment to do the right thing during this very difficult time for our Democracy.  Not all my boys had a good week. Todd had a collision o...

The weather has been perfect for late morning walks.  We are just starting to get a change of color.  The change is slow and mixed. My kids have all taken us to the pumpkin farm with their babies.  This little one liked to be outside.  What a cute little pumpkin.  We did a corn maze. It's a miracle we made it out with this crew leading us.  We wagon ride was fun.  It is good to keep making memories. I have sweet memories of taking the kids to Bishop's Pumpkin farm in Wheatland California. It was much smaller then and we would visit often.  I'm grateful that my children enjoyed it.  Happy Fall y'all... Fall colors are the best...

My niece, Hannah, was married on Monday in the Provo City Library.  She had asked Wes to officiate. He did okay. He remembered both of their names, which was my goal for him.  When doing the pictures, she asked for one with the aunts. We love this girl. She has had a very difficult life but continues to find joy.  I also got to hang out with this sweet thing.  I think she will be a ginger yet.  It was fun to hang with my family.  I wish them the joy and love and happiness.  As for the other wedding. Well, Wes had to work Friday morning, so we missed the noon temple sealing. Traffic was extremely slow, so we just made it to the reception.  Highlights:   A big hug from David A big smile from Rob Fun visits with family Family is everything.... Pumpkin pie makes me happy...

I really wanted to go to Music and the Spoken Word. What I hadn't planned on was President Nelson passing away during the night. When I walked in, it hit me like a freight train that this concencrated building was full of the Spirit of God.  The program was beautiful. It had last minute changes due to the passing of President Nelson and they finished with God be With You. I and many others were crying....both times...you sit through the practice session also. Because of the changes they were a minute or two short...it is a radio broadcast and is planned to the minute...so it turned into a minute of silence. Extremely powerful.  We spent the rest of the day making visits.  First to Junior, who used to be in our ward. He had some health issues and is in assisted living near his family. He was very happy to see us.  Next to Wes's oldest brother Mike. A lovely visit with he and his wife and last, the Luthers, who used to live across the...

We went to Utah for a wedding on Friday and another on Monday. We spent Saturday in the Manti area. We took a drive up the canyon near Ephiram.  We did go for a hike. To walk through this a little walk through Heaven.  There were signs of a storm coming, but we had pockets of sun.  The yellows are truly stunning. And there is a little red here and there. It really was a beautiful day.  We started at the Manti Temple. In my quest to visit all of the Pioneer temples, this on was pretty amazing.  As was this flower. The new temple in Ephiram is a beauty. Looks almost ready to open.  All in all a beautiful day.  Change can be good ... Oh how beautiful Fall can be...