Bear Lake

 I haven't been to Bear Lake for a long time.  Too many past hurtful memories.  So I lost all interest in ever going back.  Actually, truth be known, I never loved Bear Lake anyway.  I only made it a part of my life because it was such a deep part of Neal and the Maxfield children's lives.  But when that was all taken away from me and the money I had poured into the cabin, I was done.  

Over the years I've worked and have not wanted to use precious vacation days spending time at Bear Lake.  If I were going to use my earned vacation I wanted to pick places that I wanted to be.  But, this year found me retired and Neal wanted to go and spend some time with his brothers and sisters and families.  They always have Sweetwater from Friday to Friday during this week in July.  Neal paid for the week.  We went up on Friday afternoon and stayed for the weekend, coming back Tuesday morning.  He invited Lyndsy and Maren to go up Tuesday afternoon for the rest of the week.

It was nice to spend time with Nita, Nanette, Nila, Ned and Natalie's families.  McKenzie and Bryndy's family were also there.  Nadine was in St. George at a missionary farewell and was coming up on Tuesday evening.  Adam came up with some of his kids while we were there.  It was nice to get reacquainted with the 2nd and 3rd generations.  

Some fun and random pictures.  This first picture is the group on Monday ready to play golf.  I was not there when they took the picture.  But got there shortly after.  The golf day is a big day for the Maxfield siblings.

This is a picture of Nanette, Nila and myself.  Nila is holding a rock that has Gary's name on it.  The rock is permanently at the golf course.

Nanette and I ready to head out for nine fun holes of golf.  I loved golfing with Nanette and having some very personal talks with her.  Loved being able to share with her.

Bryndy also golfed with us.  She brought along her little 3 month old Lela Wendy.  Her baby was so good and hardly let out a peep the whole time we were golfing.  Bryndy had her in the baby carrier and sitting on the seat of the golf cart next to her.  

This is little Lela Wendy.  I'm not sure how to spell her name.  But no matter, you can't mistake this little one for Bryndy's!

Nanette took these as I was getting ready to hopefully hit the ball!  One never knows.

Me holding the baby while Bryndy tees off.

Bryndy actually nursed the little one while we were hitting.  

This is at the last hole and after the final putt.  We were happy to be done but had an amazingly fun time with each other.  None of us took the game too seriously - which is totally my kind of golf!  Loved being with these two!

Nanette, Natalie, Laura and I were in charge of dinner on Monday night.  We worked together getting things ready.  It was fun to work with Nanette.  We did have a good time tasting and then tasting again to make sure the casserole was perfect.  Nanette is quite the cook.

We went to church on Sunday.  There were many options to choose from so on Sunday, families went to different wards.  Nita, Neal and I went to the Lake Town ward.  The sacrament meeting was really good.  There was a visiting authority there.  I didn't catch his name but he made a comment that I love and one that I have often wondered about.  He said that he often hears people say, "If I was alive back in the pioneer days would I have had the courage and faith to come across the plains?"  He said without question that if we are faithful now then we would have been faithful then.  I loved that.  I like to think that I would have been strong enough and had the faith to make the sacrifices and the journey that the pioneers did.  I have a great admiration and love for the pioneers who sacrificed so very much.

His talk reminded me of the quote from Elder M. Russell Ballard:

"The Lord isn't asking us to load up a handcart, He's asking us to fortify our faith.

He isn't asking us to walk across a continent, He's asking us to walk across the street to visit our neighbor.

He isn't asking us to give all of our wordly possessions to build a temple,  He's asking us to attend regularly the temples already built.  

He isn't asking us to die a martyr's death, He's asking us to live a disciple's life."

I LIke to Look for Rainbows

 Yesterday I ran away from home.  I drove out to Annie's and spent the afternoon and evening with her.  Just needed to get away from the stress of life brought on by  - well, let's just leave it at that.  I don't need to go into details.  I'll just say that I'm trying to support Neal and how he chooses to "help" his children.  Sometimes I just need to space myself completely from the whole scenario and that was my choice yesterday.  

Annie and I played a few games of Nertz until Jeff finished his shift and then Jeff and Annie along with Andrew and I drove into Tooele and had hamburgers and fries.  When we got back we played a game of Shanghi and by that time it was 8:00 and I needed to be back in time to pick up Hayley from the library.   

As I left Stansbury, the skies were covered with black clouds, the wind was blowing hard and there was even some claps of thunder.  As I neared the airport I noticed the beginning of a rainbow.  The sun was setting and the timing was perfect for this incredible and gorgeous phenomenon of nature to occur.  As I watched the rainbow became larger and larger and more and more brilliant.  I had to pull off the freeway, jump out of my car and take a picture.  Dangerous, but so worth it.  As I neared home and exited the freeway I notice that we not only had one huge full arching rainbow but there was a double!  I must have thanked Heavenly Father over and over for this incredible scene above me.  I pulled into the Murray Public Library parking lot and got out and took a couple more pictures.  The pictures don't do justice to the intense and bright colors of the rainbow.  It was magnificent!!

This particular pictures was from a photographer up by a lake that got the full view of this rainbow.

I told Mallory that when I die and if I get to Heaven I want to be in charge of rainbows!

"I like to look at rainbows whenever there is rain,

And ponder on the beauty of an earth made clean again

I want my life to be as clean as earth right after rain

I want to be the best I can and live with God again."

Project Done

 I've needed to clean out my pantry for ever.  It was completely disorganized and a mess.  I don't like confusion, even in my cupboards, so today was the day to get the pantry cleaned out shelf by shelf.  I put in new liner along the shelves and completely took everything out and actually (without Neal knowing) took about three bags of out of date food to the garbage can.  I started yesterday and worked for a couple hours and then finished the project this morning.  Hayley and I had to make two trips to the container store but so worth what we found there.  I walk through that store when I go to the mall but don't really look to see what they have unless I'm doing a project that needs a container or organizer of some kind.  Hayley and I just happened on this shelf savers and I bought a couple to see how they would fit.  Woohoo!!  So we went back this morning and bought more.  What a nice feeling to have that closet wiped down, clean and each shelf organize.  I have breakfast stuff on one shelf, canned goods on another, etc.  The project done gave me such a happy feeling (which I desperately needed today) that I just had to take a moment and post it and show pictures.  I just love the space savers!!!  Who wouldn't?!

Top three shelves

Bottom shelves

Hayley Bug

 On Monday, July 10, Hayley moved into the basement bedroom.  She got her dream job at Evergreen County Library.  She is only part time but eventually hopes she will get on full time.  Her goal is to start community college in the Fall or Winter semester and study Library Science.  It is a great field for her to pursue as she loves books and reading.  Hayley doesn't have a driver's license or a car so she and her mother learned the bus system to get her from our home to the library and back.  She will eventually have to learn the bus routes to get her to community college and back when she starts college.  This is a picture that Annie sent of she and Hayley at the library, after their very first bus ride,  saying "We made it!"  Hayley said that she only has to transfer one time.  She catches the bus out on 13th East right in front of our complex and rides it straight North to 33rd.  Hops off and waits for the bus going East on 33rd which drops her off just a block away from the library.  Hayley did comment that when she went on her own the first time she got on a bus heading West and making a quick assessment jumped off and crossed the street and caught the next bus heading East and still made it on time to work.  Of course if it is raining or snowing or she doesn't get off until after dark then her Gam will take her.  

Hayley is as quiet as a mouse.  We don't even know she is in the house!  

Hey, I rhymed!!!  

Sunday Thoughts on Words of Wisdom

" Today was a Difficult Day," said Pooh.

There was a pause.

"Do you want to talk about it? " asked Piglet.

"No," said Pooh after a bit.  "No, I don't think I do."

"That's okay," said Piglet, and he came and sat beside his friend.

"What are you doing?" asked Pooh.

"Nothing, really," said Piglet.  "Only, I know what Difficult Days are like.  I quite often don't feel like talking about it on my Difficult Days either." "But goodness", continued Piglet, "Difficult Days are so much easier when you know you've got someone there for you.  And I'll always be here for you, Pooh."

And as Pooh sat there working through in his head his Difficult Day, while the solid, reliable Piglet sat next to him quietly, swinging his little legs. . . he thought that his best friend had never been more right.

Temples

 Yesterday was a busy day.  Lynda Ann and Hayley came in to Salt Lake.  Lynda met with her doctor and then they came and picked me up and the three of us went to lunch at Chili's.  From there, we went to Skechers to get Hayley some shoes.  Hayley has a new job working at the Evergreen Library over by Evergreen Jr. High School, where I used to work.  From there we drove to the Salt Lake County Offices for Hayley to do her final paper work.  She starts her new job this coming Monday.  When we got to the county offices, Hayley discovered that she didn't have her social security card.  She knew she had it when she left home but it wasn't in her purse and was no where to be found.  We searched the car good, her purse and her pockets but no SS card.  Human Resources could not get her paper work done without her social security card.  It was finally determined that Hayley took her phone out of her purse and the card could have possible fallen out of her purse then.  Annie called Skechers and sure enough the card was laying on the floor by the check out stand.  Annie and I drove back up to Skechers, got the card, back to the county offices and Hayley was then able to get all taken care of.  We then drove out to West Valley to drop her off at her boyfriends work place and she would go back to Stansbury with him.  Annie worked that night so she came back to the house with me and took a very short nap before heading to work.  As we were driving back along 215 we saw the new temple being constructed.  It is located right off the freeway just like the one in Orem.  You certainly can't miss seeing it.  I had Annie snap a couple pictures.

President Russell M. Nelson said:  "Whenever any kind of upheaval occurs in your life, the safest place to be spiritually is living inside your temple covenants.  My dear brothers and sisters, these are the latter days.  If you and I are to withstand the forthcoming perils and pressures, it is imperative that we each have a firm spiritual foundation built upon the rock of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ.  The temple lies at the center of strengthening our faith and spiritual fortitude because the Savior and His doctrine are the very heart of the temple.  God lives!  Jesus is the Christ!  This is His Church, restored to help you fulfill your divine destiny."

A Brown Recluse

 Believe it or not, Annie got bit by a Brown Recluse spider.  She said the minute she walked into the emergency room the nurse took one look at her leg and said, "Brown Recluse Spider!"  They gave her some antibiotics to take because it was so big and red.  They didn't want it getting to the bone.  

Lynda Ann also had an appointment with her doctor about her spinal leak.  The final decision has been made for her to have surgery.  They will go in from the front and patch the leak.  It is a very intricate surgery and one with some risks.  But the doctors feel confident that this is necessary for Annie to have a normal life without the serious headaches and other issues that accompany a spinal leak.  Her surgery will be scheduled for mid September.  

4th of July and Sunday Thoughts

 Neal and I were invited to Stanfield's cabin in Scofield to celebrate the 4th of July.  We had a wonderful time, as usual.  The little town of Scofield had their 4th of July celebration on Saturday the 2nd.  We went over to the little parade and then to the fair grounds to wander around all the exhibits.  When I saw little parade, that is exactly what it is.  One float with the Scofield royalty and lots and lots of 4-wheelers along with horses and one band.  Of course the fire department and the police were present in the parade.  Just about every group of people in the parade threw candy.  It was like Halloween in July.  I noticed that most every family had a bag for the candy.  We even came home with our pockets full of all varieties of candy.  It was a fun day and a great way to remind me of what a great country we live in and to enjoy our freedoms.  After we wandered around the fair grounds we headed back to the cabin.  Judy fixed us a delicious dinner and we played bridge and watched a movie that evening.  

Sunday we went to Sacrament Meeting and then spent the rest of the day just resting, reading, eating delicious food and also some bridge and a movie that evening.  Monday was Judy's brother's birthday.  Robert and Laurie (Judy's brother and his wife) came to Scofield and we played  two rounds of Hand and Foot.  It was very fun.  Then Judy fixed a delicious steak dinner.  They stayed until about 4:30 and then headed home.  We cleaned everything up, played a few hands of bridge, watched a movie and then headed to bed.  We left the cabin about 7:30 a.m. Tuesday morning the 5th.  Ron and Judy had to get back to tend their grandchildren.  

Here we are at the parade.  The people next to us had two extra chairs and they offered them to us.  That was very nice.  Ron and Neal sat on the ground when the parade started.

Judy and her famous tomato pie and meat loaf.  So delicious!

This is out on the patio playing Hand and Foot.  Left back is Laurie.  Left front is Ron.  Left right is Neal, then Judy and her brother Robert.  I'm there, but taking the picture! 

There is a talk by President James E. Faust called Obedience:  The Path to Freedom.  And I quote:

"Brother Jake Garn, former U.S. senator, traveled into space with a team of American astronauts a few years ago.  Recalling the view they had of the enormity of the heavens from the space shuttle Discovery, he commented that to orbit the earth is to recognize that we are all children of God and that the earth operates in obedience to God's laws.  He spoke also of the magnificent beauty of the earth from space and that it is absolutely breathtaking."

I will add here that all I have to do is stand in my back yard and gaze on Mt. Olympus and experience a rainbow stretched across that magnificent mountain to recognize the beauty of God's creation and bow my head in thanksgiving for this beautiful earth.  

Projects

 The other day I happened to be really looking at the chairs around our dining room table and thought they seem almost black along the top.  I wondered if it was actually oil and dirt from everyone handling them over the 30 years we've had them.  So I got a rag and some cleaner and went after one of the chairs.  To my surprise, they turned from black to the natural color wood again!  Holy cow!!!  What a difference.  See for yourself.

Before

After

Before

and After

Absolutely amazing how much dirt and grime was on the tops of the chairs.  I may have to work on the seats another time.  I think there could be an analogy of repenting and washing away our sins, but I'll leave that comparison up to you.  

Santa

 I finished my Santa counted cross and took it to the framers to be framed.  I can't believe how incredible it turned out.  Patty, who does all my framing couldn't say enough about how incredible it was.  She even made the comment that if I didn't want it, she would buy it from me.  But, I think it has already been spoken for.  It is hard to see the detail because it still has the protective plastic over it, but if you look closely you will notice the details and Santa's glasses - which I might add here were a nightmare!!!

Story Worth

 A year ago, 2021, for Mother's Day, Jamie gave me Story Worth.  I was given a question each Monday to write about and submit.  It was not an easy task.  But, I was committed to follow through and write something each week.  It was an amazing experience and I'm sure there are stories and thoughts in the book that will be interesting and informative for my posterity.  The project lasted for a year and I think there may have been only one time that I didn't have an entry for the week.  But, I feel good that I wrote all that I did.  I was kind of glad when Mother's Day of 2022 came around and I was done.  Thank you Jamie for giving me a gift that encouraged me to write some of my history.  Over time, so much is forgotten.  I can't count how many times I have pulled my mother's journal off the shelf and read it.  Often I've felt she was right beside me and many times the closeness I felt brought tears.  So, thanks, Jamie for this gift and for the completed book!  I LOVE it and am proud of myself for finishing it.

If anyone wants to read it, you know where to find me! :-)

Father's Day

 Neal and I had a nice quiet Father's Day.  I got a text from Maren telling me that they were on their way to St. George and she had just left a Father's Day present and a belated Mother's Day present on the front porch.  What a nice surprise.  I wished we could have thanked them in person but they had already gone by the time we got the text from them.  

Neal got a New York Yankees Shirt.  I'll post a picture when he is cleaned up and sporting his new shirt.  He loved it.  The Cutlers (I'm sure it was all Maren) left me a belated Mother's Day gift.  Two new kitchen towels, spatulas and a $30.00 gift card to Nordstroms.  I especially loved the Mother's Day Card that came with it.  

You can almost picture butterflies and the smell of fresh flowers coming from the card as you opened it.  So beautiful.

Thanks Cutlers for the nice gifts.  They will be treasured and well used.

Annie called and invited us out to their home for dinner.  We left about 4:00 and headed to Stansbury.  There have been some serious fires on both South and North sides of I-80.  We just missed an area of the road being closed down.  We thought that we might have to turn around and go home but we were lucky enough to be behind a trucker who knew just how to skirt the problem and we were off and back on the road in about 3 minutes and sailing on our way.  By the time we headed home it was about 7:30 and the roads East and West were clear with no fires or closures either way.  Thanks to the Gertsons for the invite, for a delicious steak dinner and for a nice Father's Day celebration for Neal.  Annie made the comment that "He isn't my father but he has always been a great step-dad to me."  

Good friends

 Since I've been retired, I haven't felt like my life has slowed down at all.  The fun part has been continually being invited to lunches with my good friends from work.  Being with this group for so many years, they do become family and you do become a part of each other's lives.  It was Ashley's birthday lunch so we all met at Crown Burger.

Starting at the very front left, we have Eric, Dan, me, Ashley, Melissa, Lauren, Ron and Karla.  What a fun day!  And a fun and crazy group.  Love them all.

Fun Backyard Game

Maren sent these pictures of a backyard game that Greg built.  I can't for the life of me remember what it is called.  Obviously  bag toss that you try and get it through the hole.  Hole Toss?  Can't remember.  I love that it is the Cougars vs Utah.  What a great idea.  Hopefully we will get to play it and that the Cougar side will win!  Great job Greg!  As always!

 

Sunday Thoughts

It seems like hardships have been plentiful for our family lately.  But, I suspect every family could say the same.  no one is exempt from hardships and trials.  I found some strength and courage in a talk given in the recent April Conference called, steady in the Storms.  The thought that stayed with me was this, "In fact, the prayer that works is,  I want only what you want.  Just tell me what it is and I will do it."

Sometimes I wonder if I really have enough faith to accept what he really wants for me.  If I truly and honestly answer that question, I don't know.  Some days it's a loud and confident YES and other days I'm hesitant.  "When the storms in life come you can be steady because you are standing on the rock of your faith in Jesus Christ."  

I believe in the power of prayer and that the Savior hears my pleas.  I know our prayers are answered, ALWAYS.  I am learning to be patient and find the joy and the abundant blessings I have now and the blessings I will receive while I wait and learn and grow.  I am so thankful that he is so patient with me.

 "I WANT ONLY WHAT YOU WANT.  JUT TELL ME WHAT IT IS AND I WILL DO IT.

Hermana Gertson

 The family is counting down the weeks until Hermana Gertson comes home.  I didn't think she could get anymore wonderful.  But her mission in California has accentuated her beautiful spirit and goodness even more.  Her love and devotion for the people she serves in the name of Jesus Christ have been the most inspiring to me.  She is so good, so warm and so genuine.  Everything she does is for Him and her light continues to shine brighter.  Go Abby go!

Still Going Through Papers

 I think I will be going through files and papers for days but oh the fun stuff I've been coming across.  I found some diary pages from my sister Annette.  Her diary when she was in high school.  I have no idea how I got them but one funny comment she made was:  "Dear Diary.  Not much has happened today.  I came hoe and slept for ages.  I got up again and put up Jeannine's hair which took about 45 minutes.  She sure is trying on my nerves!"  I'm sure as her little sister that I spent many hours driving her crazy.  Being 5 years younger than her would make me pretty obnoxious and I'm sure because I was the baby of the family I was spoiled - anyway that is what all my siblings tell me.  A picture of Annette and I in Seattle.

Lila Mae's Health

Lila Mae has rebounded amazingly well considering what she has been through.   Pneumonia, fevers, blood draws, bone marrow tests,  fluid on one of her lungs that had to be drained along with physical therapy.  It has been a long two weeks in the hospital and her family is hoping that she will be coming home this week.  They have determined that she has Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) which I understand is leukemia.  Her chemocare is one shot once a week for three weeks and then off for a week and then the routine begins again.  After her first set of shots she was having a pretty rough time.  I was able to get a picture of her on one of her good days.  My sister, Annette, died at the age of 35 of cancer.  

We did have a little excitement while at the hospital.  Lila Mae's room looks out over the helipad and we were able to watch one of the helicopters coming in.  Very exciting.

We are all praying for Lila Mae's recovery.  We just aren't ready to let her go just yet.  I don't know if there really is a time that we are ever ready to say goodbye to a loved one.  I guess I'll just cross that bridge when I come to it.  For now I'll just enjoy what ever time we have with her.