March 26, 2015
Spring is officially here and our weather decided to cool down. Thank goodness. We have had about three rain storms and could use many more.
I had to wait to blog until my head cold left. Dad and I got sick with a bad cold at the same time. (Who did this to us?) We have been exhausted and feeling crummy. But we're doing better now. I hope you are all well. Tyler's girls are getting over a strep infection. Be sure to treat that nasty stuff. It damages the kidneys and the heart if left untreated.
We heard some good job news from Rilee on Sunday. She has an offer from a start-up company in Farmington. I guess its a company that produces on-line training courses. She met them through her film company, and they came to her with a job offer. She will be doing their marketing and events planning. The first event she will coordinate will be in Chicago. Dennis has worked with this company before and said they are well known. Congratulations Rilee! We are pleased that it is a local company (with plenty of travel.)
Travis arrived in Warsaw yesterday. He felt like his trip to Hong Kong and Tokyo went well. He looked so slim and handsome in his photos. He loved Tokyo! It was a good contrast to Europe. He said the customer service was amazing. He loved the food and the city. I'm sure he has a lot of interesting things to say about it.
Alex is very busy and feeling the pressure. It's almost unbelievable how much pressure there is to publish, work, write, research, teach in order to get a ph.d. I think the longest, coldest winter in history hasn't helped. I hope he and Travis can relax and enjoy their week together in May.
We get to see Ty, Dawn and the girls in a few weeks. I'm very excited. They are working hard and keeping up with the girls. Hopefully everyone is well and happy by now.
Big news from Seattle: Jak won the Pinewood Derby in his division. I saw his car that he was making. It looked like a good design to me. He narrowed down the front and took a lot of wood off in the front. It was fast! Maybe the wheels were really polished. Anyway, it's about time a Currit won!
Danny and Jenni are still looking at houses. It's a cruel market. The area and lifestyle are way to popular. For good reasons.
We have our own joys and problems. Dad is working on retirement. He might contract out some work for a few months with Solumina. He might have surgery the end of April on his throat. We are waiting for his appointment with the surgeon. We are still enjoying our time downtown. We are going to a wedding when we get back from California. A man we were assigned to teach two years ago is getting married. It's a long story, but one that is sweet to us. He is a Vietnam vet and has come back into full activity in the church. He has had a hard life due to post traumatic stress. We have watched him grow in faith and trust in the Lord. He and Dad have been home teaching together. He is marrying a woman they home teach! It's never too late for love and joy. We love them both and are so excited to be invited to their wedding in the Salt Lake Temple. Their daughters on both sides are planning a party after at the church. Dennis and Bill home taught Tuesday night. Bill made the appointments. When they visited Janna, his fiancé, he greeted her with a kiss, then kissed her goodbye when they were done. Great home teaching.
Everyone in our family has many blessings and some big challenges. I'm impressed that we need to pray for each other. I don't think I've ever formed a prayer that wasn't answered, eventually, sometimes surprisingly. Sometimes I have had to make some painful changes in myself to realize the answer to my prayers. Our blessings are real and our problems are serious. We can alter the course of our lives and bless our loved ones through prayer. Life will always present us with conflicts, losses and trials. It can be rough. But wonderful. For Dad and I, you are the part of the wonderfulness.
Love, Mom
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Friday, March 13, 2015
HAPPY PI DAY
I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOUR PLANS ARE FOR TOMORROW, BUT SOME OF US ARE VERY EXCITED TO CELEBRATE HAPPY PI DAY ON MARCH 14, 2015. IT WILL BE THE ONLY TIME IN THIS CENTURY
BACK FROM SEATTLE
March 13, 2015
Hi Family,
I'm back from a quick trip to Seattle. It was so good to talk to Danny and Jenni in person and to spend time with the boys. The weather was dry and beautiful. (Note to Alex: they almost cancelled the Iditarod this year due to lack of snow.) The boys are really into football cards and have some nice ones. They know a lot about football, especially about the Seahawks and the Patriots. They understand the game really well.
Danny and Jenni took the youth in their ward on a camp while I was there. They went to separate cabins and had a wonderful time. The boys and I watched a movie called "The Book of Life" which was so good and surprising. It was all about the Day of the Dead and Mexican folklore. I loved it. We had a bit of the stomach flu, especially Milo, but weathered it pretty well. Jenni made an amazing pie. I think it's called Haulpi Pie. It's a Hawaiian recipe and is delicious. I'll try to post it. Danny and Jenni went to an event at the school. It was an auction to raise money for the school Jenni is the PTA Treasurer, so she was an important part of the night. People spent all kinds of money. Sounds like fun.
Dad survived while I was gone. He had two doctor appointments, one to remove a cyst under his eye (no problem), and the other to evaluate for some surgery to maybe make it so he doesn't use the c-pap machine. He'll probably have the surgery the end of April.
Last time I talked to Tyler his family was doing well. The girls love school. They have gone through the flu and some stomach stuff this winter, and the girls can hardly be convinced they need to stay home. It's very warm there, too.
Travis is going to Asia for a trade show. I think he's going to Japan, maybe China. Imagine travelling with gamers to a gaming show. Should be fun. He's looking forward to it. He's very busy and looking forward to seeing Alex in May. They plan on biking, hiking and camping. I hope it's warm enough! It's beautiful there.
Tommy and Rilee are busy as usual. Rilee is very busy in her film production job. They both have been interviewing for other jobs in their spare time.
We look forward to seeing Ty and Dawn in April and going to Ollie's baptism in May.
We're reading a book called "Quiet" that I recommend. It's about the power of introverts. We mix up introverts and extroverts together in life and it's easy to become frustrated when your style doesn't match the new American "norm" of being highly extroverted. The author even goes into detail about how the big recession in recent times was caused by extroverts controlling Wall Street and being addicted to reward-based thinking. I think some of our frustrations in relationships are caused by the communication problems between introverts and extroverts. Our schools are set up to basically annihilate introverts. Most introverts try so hard to be extroverts and end up with anxiety issues and medication. It was so interesting. What did I get out of it? Lots. I think I'm introvert who is very comfortable with a lot of extrovert behavior and demands and isn't very shy. I think Dennis is extrovert who's very flexible and comfortable with introvert lifestyle. But under stress we respond very differently. And sometimes that's frustrating. It's a very readable book. Important if you think you're a damaged introvert or are trying to raise an introvert child, or having trouble in a relationship. The population is pretty mixed but modern American society is definitely pushing extrovert behavior.
We gave Papa Herb a DNA test for his March birthday. I suspect he is Great Britain and Western Europe. We'll see. I was surprised by mine in some ways.
Well, we love you. We wish we could see you often. We wonder when we will see Travis again. Next Christmas, I hope? You might have to catch me in Port Hueneme.
Love, Mom
Hi Family,
I'm back from a quick trip to Seattle. It was so good to talk to Danny and Jenni in person and to spend time with the boys. The weather was dry and beautiful. (Note to Alex: they almost cancelled the Iditarod this year due to lack of snow.) The boys are really into football cards and have some nice ones. They know a lot about football, especially about the Seahawks and the Patriots. They understand the game really well.
Danny and Jenni took the youth in their ward on a camp while I was there. They went to separate cabins and had a wonderful time. The boys and I watched a movie called "The Book of Life" which was so good and surprising. It was all about the Day of the Dead and Mexican folklore. I loved it. We had a bit of the stomach flu, especially Milo, but weathered it pretty well. Jenni made an amazing pie. I think it's called Haulpi Pie. It's a Hawaiian recipe and is delicious. I'll try to post it. Danny and Jenni went to an event at the school. It was an auction to raise money for the school Jenni is the PTA Treasurer, so she was an important part of the night. People spent all kinds of money. Sounds like fun.
Dad survived while I was gone. He had two doctor appointments, one to remove a cyst under his eye (no problem), and the other to evaluate for some surgery to maybe make it so he doesn't use the c-pap machine. He'll probably have the surgery the end of April.
Last time I talked to Tyler his family was doing well. The girls love school. They have gone through the flu and some stomach stuff this winter, and the girls can hardly be convinced they need to stay home. It's very warm there, too.
Travis is going to Asia for a trade show. I think he's going to Japan, maybe China. Imagine travelling with gamers to a gaming show. Should be fun. He's looking forward to it. He's very busy and looking forward to seeing Alex in May. They plan on biking, hiking and camping. I hope it's warm enough! It's beautiful there.
Tommy and Rilee are busy as usual. Rilee is very busy in her film production job. They both have been interviewing for other jobs in their spare time.
We look forward to seeing Ty and Dawn in April and going to Ollie's baptism in May.
We're reading a book called "Quiet" that I recommend. It's about the power of introverts. We mix up introverts and extroverts together in life and it's easy to become frustrated when your style doesn't match the new American "norm" of being highly extroverted. The author even goes into detail about how the big recession in recent times was caused by extroverts controlling Wall Street and being addicted to reward-based thinking. I think some of our frustrations in relationships are caused by the communication problems between introverts and extroverts. Our schools are set up to basically annihilate introverts. Most introverts try so hard to be extroverts and end up with anxiety issues and medication. It was so interesting. What did I get out of it? Lots. I think I'm introvert who is very comfortable with a lot of extrovert behavior and demands and isn't very shy. I think Dennis is extrovert who's very flexible and comfortable with introvert lifestyle. But under stress we respond very differently. And sometimes that's frustrating. It's a very readable book. Important if you think you're a damaged introvert or are trying to raise an introvert child, or having trouble in a relationship. The population is pretty mixed but modern American society is definitely pushing extrovert behavior.
We gave Papa Herb a DNA test for his March birthday. I suspect he is Great Britain and Western Europe. We'll see. I was surprised by mine in some ways.
Well, we love you. We wish we could see you often. We wonder when we will see Travis again. Next Christmas, I hope? You might have to catch me in Port Hueneme.
Love, Mom
Thursday, February 26, 2015
SNOW--FINALLY
Hi family: it snowed all day today. It started out as snow then hit the ground like rain. And I found out I have to drive downtown tonight. I hate driving on the freeway at night. But I probably will. I have book club at a friend's house and I don't think anyone is coming.
Uncle Dave Johnson passed away last night. It was very peaceful: no life support to remove. He will be cremated and interred (?) at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane. There will be some kind of military ceremony. I don't know when this will happen. Might not be right away.
My Christmas present was a DNA test. We watch some genealogy shows like "Finding Your Roots" and "Who Do You Think You Are?" It's fascinating (to me). People are almost always wrong about the proportions in their family history, and sometimes about their family origins. It's especially been interesting to see black Americans discover their origins. A lot of them are genetically related to their recorded slave owners. And they are thrilled to find out something, anything about who they are. I always thought we might have some African ancestry due to the number of tall, thin dark people in my family. But there is no cultural memory of this. So I figured it was way back in time. The only cultural memory I have is that they were adventurous, wild, and musical. Another cultural memory I have is that my mom's family lived in Ireland, took on an Irish version of their name, but adamantly were not Irish and were not Catholic and were very important people. Also, I have had a lot of doubts about my grandmother Orr's paternity. She was darker, more foreign looking than her family, but very loved. (she was the oldest). Her father was from Germany and her mother from Italy.
So here are my test results, and basically, yours: I'm 98% European. Those results are pretty much between three countries: Great Britain 64%, Italy/Greece 16%, Finland/Northwest Russia 9%. I am more than 1% North African and 1% West Asian (Middle Eastern). I have traces of Europe West (France, Germany, Switzerland, etc), Ireland, Iberian Peninsula, and Scandinavia.
No German. No Irish, really. Got me some African. And WHAT ABOUT THAT FINNISH????
I have no records or cultural memory of anything to do with Finland. It reflects the expanding, diminishing borders of Finland throughout history. Sometimes their borders went into Northwest Russia.
Middle Eastern is not necessarily Jewish. There is a common DNA hit for European Jew. This reflects possibly any country in the Middle East: Syria, Jordan, Iraq, Arab nations, Lebanon, and Israel, etc.
So it was worth $80.00. Totally. I still don't know why my Grandma and my sister and some cousins looked kind of Chinese or Asian. But I would have been disappointed to not have had some African, and Northern Africa seems right.
I wish I could get one of my living uncles to test. If they have more Finnish, I think we're on to something.
My great grandfather was a good, good father. My grandma loved him and was favored by him. But he's not appearing in my DNA test, unless he was Finnish and the German genealogy is wrong.
The website is fascinating and has linked me up with lots of cousins to contact. I know two of them.
I promise you are totally related to me and your dad. Not a problem.
Love you,
Mom
Saturday, February 21, 2015
Johnson Address
Hi family: Here is Aunt Alvina's address:
The Johnsons
3131 West Wapato Drive #2
Moses Lake, Washington 98837
The Johnsons
3131 West Wapato Drive #2
Moses Lake, Washington 98837
WINTER?
Greetings from home: not much new this week. Supposedly we finally have winter. All you need is a sweater to brave it. At least the mountains are getting some snow. Alex, of course, is freezing in snow and ice. It's dry in Washington State, both coastal and inland, and who knows where California gets their water. Alex said that Ithaca ran out of salt, so no more traction on the roads.
We had a fun night last night. We went to the Salt Lake Temple with our downtown stake conference. We rode with the Santistevans. It's so special for us to go to the Salt Lake Temple as we were married there. It is an amazingly beautiful place and can hold it's own with any cathedral or palace I have seen. Our session took a long, long time and we all came out laughing and glad we were there. I truly don't know how some of the very old people lasted through it. Tonight we go back downtown for another meeting, then church tomorrow.
Today Dad is redoing the brakes on his car. He has always taken good care of the brakes and tires on our cars. I appreciate that so much. At Christmas Tommy said he changed his tires just to be on the safe side for winter driving. I was glad to hear he is following in his dad's footsteps. High-speed and bad tires are a dangerous mix.
Uncle Dave Johnson is in heart failure and probably will die in the next few days. I know Aunt Alvina would appreciate a note or card from any and all. (I'll put up an address as soon as I find it) She writes such great letters and loves to get them. There won't be a funeral as Uncle Dave didn't want one. I don't know how I feel about that. I think funerals give families closure. I hope they do something. Stories and history and prayers are shared at funerals. I personally don't need viewings. But family and friend time to share history and thoughts is nice.
Tyler said his family is doing well. After the siege they had with the flu, it's great to have no one sick. We hope to see them in April if Dad can leave his project. We'll see.
Tommy and Rilee visited Rilee's brother in Telluride, Colorado. They loved it there. They saw Samuel Jackson and they think they stood in line by Johnny Depp. They enjoyed the skiing. I'm sure they will be back.
I'm reading a book called, "The Unknown Ajax". It's written by a popular author of regency romances, Georgette Heyer. I'm really enjoying it. Like Jane Austen, she manages to be very funny. The family in the book has the same name as my ancestors, the Derricott's. I'm related to them on both sides of my family, (!!!) and my aunt said I resembled them. Now I want to do some history and see if I can find out more about them. Have you notice the whole world is doing family history? I always call them my mulatto family as they are all so tall and dark and curly-haired in their portrait. We'll see. My DNA test should be coming soon: here's betting 100 % European.
Hope you are all well and happy. We are. Minestrone soup and chicken tomorrow for dinner. Wish you were here.
Love, Mom
Saturday, February 14, 2015
Happy Valentines Day
I hope you are all having a fun Valentines Day. We just finished a great lunch. My friend, Grace Best, parked her taco cart at Supersonic Car Wash. She has two Latino partners she works with in the business. I had a "huarache" with avocado and beans and carnitas. It was so delicious. Dad and I walked in the park. The weather is in a weird, beautiful place somewhere between fall and spring, but definitely not winter. I guess the resevoirs are filling up as the snow is melting already. I hope and pray we get a LOT of rain in the next ten weeks. The roses are getting ready to bud and bloom. Poor California is beyond dry. I called Dawn the other day and it was 91 degrees there.
And on the other side of the country, Alex is wearing the same socks day after day. He can't get to the laundrymat. The weather is relentlessly cold with snow and wind. It was 9 degrees below this week, but with the wind chill it was about 30 below. Cornell has a website to check for school cancellations: http://www.iscornellclosed.com/ Check it out. it's pretty funny. Fortunately he has lots of activities today: brunch, potluck, and an Ira Glass performance to go to. He's looking forward to Travis' visit in May.
We caught Travis at home this morning (night for him). Warsaw is having a warm, open winter, too. He had plans for tonight, too. It's always fun to talk to him. His opinions are always kind but so interesting. What a broad understanding of cultures he has from all of his international friends. I told him he should write an ex-pat blog. I think it would be interesting. I'm so glad he was able to go to California with us at Christmas. We still haven't finished the "Serial" story we were listening to on Christmas Day. It got a little depressing. (more than a little).
Danny was having one of those days when you get to stay home and work on the house. We all need those days. Jakson was helping him. Jenni had a masters class for her students. They were meeting all day with a musician who wrote musical scores for film. I think it sounded like a brilliant activity. Jak and the older students were meeting with him in the afternoon. How inspiring! Danny said Snoqualmie Ski Resort is closed due to no snow. Probably it's dry in Brisky Canyon, too.
Dawn said that Ivy woke up one day and was talking. Nonstop. And you can understand her. It's fun to watch the third child in each family go through this. Tommy was a non-talker, too, then just talked. I think they let others do the talking for them. I also think they don't like to be misunderstood and corrected by everyone. Ivy talked to me on the phone and I could understand her just fine. Laurel and Lilah were having fun with valentines and school parties. I think they have some days off for Presidents Day. (What is that?)
Dad is working on making walnut saw handles in the garage. I'm busy ordering down pillows from OneKingsLane. So fun. We like our new couches. They are very comfortable. We saw a new episode of our favorite show: Alaska, the Last Frontier. The guy on the show built a forge out of a rusty iron wok then made a knife out of some old iron. We could both see Dad's retirement future before us. We need a place where he can build a forge.
I'm busy with Primary downtown. I have a fun activity in mind for tomorrow. Last week we had a linger longer after church and set up chairs for 124 people and served sloppy joes. People brought amazing things. It was really fun.
We'll miss Tommy and Rilee tomorrow. They are in Moab and texted that they were on their way to Telluride, Colorado. Weather is not a problem. Some of their very best friends, Kate and Jake and family, moved into a house very close to them on Capitol Hill.
Here's some "precepts" I like. If you don't know what a precept is, read "Wonder". Such a good book.
DON'T CLING TO A MISTAKE BECAUSE YOU SPENT A LOT OF TIME MAKING IT.
FIND HAPPINESS IN ORDINARY THINGS AND KEEP YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR.
LIFE IS A DARING ADVENTURE OR NOTHING.
Love you! have a great week. Mom
Saturday, February 07, 2015
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DANNY!!!!
Today is Danny's birthday. I believe he is on Orcas Island running a mountain race with his friends. They slept in a tent last night and are running today. Jenni is back from her trip to Hawaii with Danny. He worked, she played. I'm glad she had that time in such a beautiful place.
It's still snowing in Ithaca. It's been very cold there, too. At least winter is happening somewhere. Alex is very busy with school projects, being a TA, and publishing his thesis.
Travis is going for a hike and to his spin class this weekend. He loves his spin class. I don't know where he is hiking. Hmmm. Poland is pretty flat. I think he has to hike up four flights of stairs to his apartment. Does that count?
We need to talk to Ty and Dawn this weekend. Hopefully they are all feeling better. Tyler is pricing surfboards and wetsuits. He thinks there are a lot of affordable used ones around. We hope to see them in April if Dennis can get away.
Tommy and Rilee watched the superbowl at their friend's house last weekend. What a bizarre game. I hope the little boys in Danny's house survived watching it.
Dad did a lot of gardening today. We want to remove a lot of undergrowth and debris as the bulbs are coming up. I'm sure the blossoms are going to come early on the trees.
I'm trying to get caught up on doctor appointments and routine testing. I had to have a colonoscopy this week. Every five years. The fasting and stuff you have to drink doesn't really bother Dennis, but I get pretty sick. But I came through it with no real problems. Two days out of my life gone....for a good cause.
Last weekend we drove around the back of Utah Lake. That lake is at least 40 miles long and who knows how wide. The west side is very desolate, which is strange for land surrounding a lake. It was strangely beautiful. We drove through a little town (finally) named Elberta. I've heard about it all my life. There was almost nothing there! Except a giant LDS Stake Center. It must be a farming area. No gas, no food, tumbleweeds everywhere. We really enjoyed seeing that empty country. We also drove through Daybreak. It seems like a very successful community, but kind of weird. The original, older part really reminds me of Queen Anne in Seattle. I think it really lacks corner stores and markets, but it's very charming there. As soon as you leave the Daybreak development, the homes change and are somber, uniform brown and beige and concrete. So dreary.
Dad is very busy at work and we are both very busy with our downtown work. Tomorrow we are having a linger longer in our ward after church. And the Primary chorister called me to tell me she won't be there. I'm making a music game to play with valentine hearts. I'm sort of pushing the limits of substituting. If they don't like it, they can get someone else. I want to have fun.
It seems like a low-key, nothing-really-happening day around here. We'll let you know if anything exciting comes up this week. The wind is howling. That's new. And it means no smog. All in all, it's been a open, beautiful winter.
Love, Mom
Today is Danny's birthday. I believe he is on Orcas Island running a mountain race with his friends. They slept in a tent last night and are running today. Jenni is back from her trip to Hawaii with Danny. He worked, she played. I'm glad she had that time in such a beautiful place.
It's still snowing in Ithaca. It's been very cold there, too. At least winter is happening somewhere. Alex is very busy with school projects, being a TA, and publishing his thesis.
Travis is going for a hike and to his spin class this weekend. He loves his spin class. I don't know where he is hiking. Hmmm. Poland is pretty flat. I think he has to hike up four flights of stairs to his apartment. Does that count?
We need to talk to Ty and Dawn this weekend. Hopefully they are all feeling better. Tyler is pricing surfboards and wetsuits. He thinks there are a lot of affordable used ones around. We hope to see them in April if Dennis can get away.
Tommy and Rilee watched the superbowl at their friend's house last weekend. What a bizarre game. I hope the little boys in Danny's house survived watching it.
Dad did a lot of gardening today. We want to remove a lot of undergrowth and debris as the bulbs are coming up. I'm sure the blossoms are going to come early on the trees.
I'm trying to get caught up on doctor appointments and routine testing. I had to have a colonoscopy this week. Every five years. The fasting and stuff you have to drink doesn't really bother Dennis, but I get pretty sick. But I came through it with no real problems. Two days out of my life gone....for a good cause.
Last weekend we drove around the back of Utah Lake. That lake is at least 40 miles long and who knows how wide. The west side is very desolate, which is strange for land surrounding a lake. It was strangely beautiful. We drove through a little town (finally) named Elberta. I've heard about it all my life. There was almost nothing there! Except a giant LDS Stake Center. It must be a farming area. No gas, no food, tumbleweeds everywhere. We really enjoyed seeing that empty country. We also drove through Daybreak. It seems like a very successful community, but kind of weird. The original, older part really reminds me of Queen Anne in Seattle. I think it really lacks corner stores and markets, but it's very charming there. As soon as you leave the Daybreak development, the homes change and are somber, uniform brown and beige and concrete. So dreary.
Dad is very busy at work and we are both very busy with our downtown work. Tomorrow we are having a linger longer in our ward after church. And the Primary chorister called me to tell me she won't be there. I'm making a music game to play with valentine hearts. I'm sort of pushing the limits of substituting. If they don't like it, they can get someone else. I want to have fun.
It seems like a low-key, nothing-really-happening day around here. We'll let you know if anything exciting comes up this week. The wind is howling. That's new. And it means no smog. All in all, it's been a open, beautiful winter.
Love, Mom
Friday, January 30, 2015
LAST TWO DAYS IN JANUARY
Jan. 30, 2015
So Family, how did your month of January go? I think Dennis and I had stomach aches for at least three weeks. But it could have been worse. It could have been the measles. I keep remembering the measles with all the news about Disneyland. You don't want the measles. If you go to a doctor, ask if you need a booster. Measles are horrible. It's a serious illness. I remember lying in the apartment we lived in with all the blinds down and lights off, and everyone checking on me. I was too sick to do anything. One day my mom said I could go outside with her to hang the wash on the line. The rules were I couldn't look up at the sun, run, play with kids, or even move fast. And I was getting better.
No need to get that disease.
I attended a workshop last Saturday on depression. It was so interesting. It was a Stake Women's Conference in our downtown Stake. They had the guts to focus the whole conference on depression. I really admired that. There was no messing around. Two of the main speakers were women struggling with depression and one was a counselor in church social services. Depression is so common and it kills people. We all feel down at times. But we should bounce up and down emotionally. We should snap out of it regularly.
Here are some signs that someone isn't bouncing and needs help. (Five or more of these for a period of two weeks indicates clinical depression).
1. Feeling down, hopeless, irritable, out of sorts (this needs to be a change in attitude from normal)
2. Little interest or pleasure in former activities
3. Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
4. Feeling tired. Little energy
5. Poor appetite or over-eating
6. Wanting to be alone more
7. Slow moving or physically restless
8. Feeling bad about self in spite of reality
9. Suicidal or self-harming thoughts
10.Loss of confidence, difficulty making decisions.
11.Impairment of spirituality. Feels rejection from God.
12. miscellaneous: tolerates abuse, shame, humiliation. Tries to please others....
These are some of the signs. Medical doctors can help. They do regularly. Finding good counseling is important. Letting family and close friends in on the problem is part of healing.
I wanted to share that with you. We need to watch over each other and intervene when life has overwhelmed someone we love.
What news do we have of the family? We skyped with Tyler and the girls last night. They are feeling a lot better and are looking forward to another year in Port Hueneme which means WE GET TO VISIT THEM. We also encourage another family Christmas gathering on the beach. Keep that in mind. Tyler has bought fishing poles and wants to learn the local art of ocean fishing. I think it involves a bucket, a squishy hat, and a long time sitting holding a pole. Lilah was excited because her preschool gets to go to the fire station today. Laurel showed us her new pet: a long-haired hamster named Hamsty. How did they come up with that name? Ivy was sporting a pony tail. It was so cute.
Travis is coping in Warsaw. He was just leaving to watch a game video with friends. Warsaw has had snow and he says he does get out, trudging with his boots and warm coat on. Most of the winter so far he has ridden his bike to work. It seems like he has fun and caring friends.
Alex also trudging up and down hill through the East Coast's big storms. His pictures of Ithaca are bleak and beautiful. Even then, they had a beautiful long autumn there, too. But winter has hit. He's very busy being a T.A. in a class and publishing his master's thesis. He hosted a pre-superbowl part last week. They didn't care about the game, but just wanted to eat superbowl food. Alex will be cheering for the Seahawks Sunday.
Danny has staples in his head. I think he might have had them removed today, if that's even possible. He tore his scalp on a cabinet while intensely cleaning. It lifted off in a flap and had to be stapled on. The cabinet is okay. Jenni put the flap on his head. He covered it with gauze and drove himself to insta-care. He also took one thousand pounds of junk to the dump in his van in one load. Now that's cleaning! He and Jenni are going to Hawaii in a week. He is also running on Orcas Island in the February race on his birthday. The boys were cute and busy. Jak read us "precepts" from the Wonder book. You should read that book! A precept is a slice of wisdom that you live your life by. When I was living on a tight budget my precept was: "If you can't wear it or eat it, you don't need it. " Lived by that. We just took the 28 year old couches to D.I. I hope nobody has to use them. Fortunately they were well-made. What is your precept currently? I'm trying to think of a new one.
Rilee and Tommy are both working. We enjoy their company so much. They have a bookclub with their friends, I think all of them are Tommy's friends from high school and their spouses. Rilee is amazingly busy with a job that is supposed to end in the spring. I believe they have their fifth wedding anniversary this May.
I wish I knew more. I know that Jak and Jenni are trying to find good books to read that are "feel good" books. So many books are violent or depressing, even the ones Jak reads. I think we need to find "feel good" movies, too. Why always experience the worst side of society or life in our entertainment? What are some feel good movies?
Did I mention we have new living room couches? They turned out really well. And they are comfortable. I'm still de-junking the house and I want to replace the carpet everywhere and put bookshelves and cabinets and floor in the laundry room. Most of all I want to travel. I want to see family often and visit every beautiful place I possible can.
Keep in touch! We love you.
So Family, how did your month of January go? I think Dennis and I had stomach aches for at least three weeks. But it could have been worse. It could have been the measles. I keep remembering the measles with all the news about Disneyland. You don't want the measles. If you go to a doctor, ask if you need a booster. Measles are horrible. It's a serious illness. I remember lying in the apartment we lived in with all the blinds down and lights off, and everyone checking on me. I was too sick to do anything. One day my mom said I could go outside with her to hang the wash on the line. The rules were I couldn't look up at the sun, run, play with kids, or even move fast. And I was getting better.
No need to get that disease.
I attended a workshop last Saturday on depression. It was so interesting. It was a Stake Women's Conference in our downtown Stake. They had the guts to focus the whole conference on depression. I really admired that. There was no messing around. Two of the main speakers were women struggling with depression and one was a counselor in church social services. Depression is so common and it kills people. We all feel down at times. But we should bounce up and down emotionally. We should snap out of it regularly.
Here are some signs that someone isn't bouncing and needs help. (Five or more of these for a period of two weeks indicates clinical depression).
1. Feeling down, hopeless, irritable, out of sorts (this needs to be a change in attitude from normal)
2. Little interest or pleasure in former activities
3. Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
4. Feeling tired. Little energy
5. Poor appetite or over-eating
6. Wanting to be alone more
7. Slow moving or physically restless
8. Feeling bad about self in spite of reality
9. Suicidal or self-harming thoughts
10.Loss of confidence, difficulty making decisions.
11.Impairment of spirituality. Feels rejection from God.
12. miscellaneous: tolerates abuse, shame, humiliation. Tries to please others....
These are some of the signs. Medical doctors can help. They do regularly. Finding good counseling is important. Letting family and close friends in on the problem is part of healing.
I wanted to share that with you. We need to watch over each other and intervene when life has overwhelmed someone we love.
What news do we have of the family? We skyped with Tyler and the girls last night. They are feeling a lot better and are looking forward to another year in Port Hueneme which means WE GET TO VISIT THEM. We also encourage another family Christmas gathering on the beach. Keep that in mind. Tyler has bought fishing poles and wants to learn the local art of ocean fishing. I think it involves a bucket, a squishy hat, and a long time sitting holding a pole. Lilah was excited because her preschool gets to go to the fire station today. Laurel showed us her new pet: a long-haired hamster named Hamsty. How did they come up with that name? Ivy was sporting a pony tail. It was so cute.
Travis is coping in Warsaw. He was just leaving to watch a game video with friends. Warsaw has had snow and he says he does get out, trudging with his boots and warm coat on. Most of the winter so far he has ridden his bike to work. It seems like he has fun and caring friends.
Alex also trudging up and down hill through the East Coast's big storms. His pictures of Ithaca are bleak and beautiful. Even then, they had a beautiful long autumn there, too. But winter has hit. He's very busy being a T.A. in a class and publishing his master's thesis. He hosted a pre-superbowl part last week. They didn't care about the game, but just wanted to eat superbowl food. Alex will be cheering for the Seahawks Sunday.
Danny has staples in his head. I think he might have had them removed today, if that's even possible. He tore his scalp on a cabinet while intensely cleaning. It lifted off in a flap and had to be stapled on. The cabinet is okay. Jenni put the flap on his head. He covered it with gauze and drove himself to insta-care. He also took one thousand pounds of junk to the dump in his van in one load. Now that's cleaning! He and Jenni are going to Hawaii in a week. He is also running on Orcas Island in the February race on his birthday. The boys were cute and busy. Jak read us "precepts" from the Wonder book. You should read that book! A precept is a slice of wisdom that you live your life by. When I was living on a tight budget my precept was: "If you can't wear it or eat it, you don't need it. " Lived by that. We just took the 28 year old couches to D.I. I hope nobody has to use them. Fortunately they were well-made. What is your precept currently? I'm trying to think of a new one.
Rilee and Tommy are both working. We enjoy their company so much. They have a bookclub with their friends, I think all of them are Tommy's friends from high school and their spouses. Rilee is amazingly busy with a job that is supposed to end in the spring. I believe they have their fifth wedding anniversary this May.
I wish I knew more. I know that Jak and Jenni are trying to find good books to read that are "feel good" books. So many books are violent or depressing, even the ones Jak reads. I think we need to find "feel good" movies, too. Why always experience the worst side of society or life in our entertainment? What are some feel good movies?
Did I mention we have new living room couches? They turned out really well. And they are comfortable. I'm still de-junking the house and I want to replace the carpet everywhere and put bookshelves and cabinets and floor in the laundry room. Most of all I want to travel. I want to see family often and visit every beautiful place I possible can.
Keep in touch! We love you.
Friday, January 23, 2015
January Everywhere
Hello Family,
I've had the urge to blog as I am thinking about each of you all the time and brief texts are so ambiguous and esoteric. (Life's not so bleak now that I got to use those words).
We loved our Christmas in California. Rilee posted a picture on Instagram of the beach and called it a "hidden gem of a place." I agree. Celebrating Dennis' 65th birthday by taking all the grandchildren to Primary was very special. We enjoyed the brunch at Tyler and Dawn's. And the dinner was amazing later on! I enjoyed the car ride, first with Travis, then home with Rilee and Tommy. Road trips in the winter, when they aren't too scary, are spectacular. I really enjoyed the Mojave Desert when we drove through with Travis. I thought it was beautiful (sans summer heat).
I regretted not bringing more games and toys for the children. But everyone coped, with Rilee and Travis' help. I also regretted being so exhausted, but if I could have controlled the stresses before we came, I would have. Life just is, isn't it? Somewhat in control, a whole lot out of control.
I enjoyed having Alex here, then Travis, before Christmas. I love the week before Christmas and it was fun to share it with them. They both thought we were having a warm, open winter here in the valley. The time together flew by.
In spite of the lack of snow, I am tired of winter. It's so blah. And beautiful. But a lot of blah. Who can complain, though? We desperately need a whole lot of moisture here, in any form possible.
Danny passed his professional exam this fall. He is officially a structural engineer. This was a big accomplishment in his business. Some people just work on those exams for years.
It's snowing in Warsaw. Lots of snow. And New York. Seattle and Port Hueneme are enjoying days in the 60's. We haven't really had much ice this winter. And that's good.
As far as I know, Uncle Dave Johnson is in a nursing home in Moses Lake. Finances would be better if he could be moved to the V.A. Hospital in Spokane. I don't think any thinks he will survive a move, but it would be better if he was there. We'll keep you informed.
Ollie is baptized this year in May. Jak turned 10 in November! Laurel was named the top math student in her grade. for the semester. Lilah is best behaved and almost perfect in Pre-school. Tyler's family is recovering from the flu. Ivy is napping again while the girls are back in school. Laurel is recovering from pneumonia. Milo is at Discovery Park Outdoor Adventure School. Something I have always dreamed of doing. Ollie is reading amazingly well and speaks some Korean now. He still studies Tae Kwando.
Dad plans on retiring the first of May. He is very busy at work right now, ironing out bugs in the project he is trying to finish.
Me? I'm reviewing a book "Wonder" in my downtown book club. I enjoy the women in that book club. We are meeting at Selena's house. Her father owned trading posts in New Mexico. She has loads of real native collectables. ( If it's brightly colored, it's probably not real or collectable. The real stuff is earthy and natural). I have been replaced, finally, as Primary chorister. I will probably substitute. It's easier to be inept as a substitute.
The only movies we have seen lately are "The Hobbit" and "Into the Woods". Both were a slightly or more dissatisfying and flawed, but entertaining. I was tired of dwarf death in the Hobbit, and disappointed by the plot-drops in "Into the Woods". Still, they were fun to see.
Hope you are all well. Keep in touch. Hopefully we can continue our surf lessons in the near future.
Love, Mom
I've had the urge to blog as I am thinking about each of you all the time and brief texts are so ambiguous and esoteric. (Life's not so bleak now that I got to use those words).
We loved our Christmas in California. Rilee posted a picture on Instagram of the beach and called it a "hidden gem of a place." I agree. Celebrating Dennis' 65th birthday by taking all the grandchildren to Primary was very special. We enjoyed the brunch at Tyler and Dawn's. And the dinner was amazing later on! I enjoyed the car ride, first with Travis, then home with Rilee and Tommy. Road trips in the winter, when they aren't too scary, are spectacular. I really enjoyed the Mojave Desert when we drove through with Travis. I thought it was beautiful (sans summer heat).
I regretted not bringing more games and toys for the children. But everyone coped, with Rilee and Travis' help. I also regretted being so exhausted, but if I could have controlled the stresses before we came, I would have. Life just is, isn't it? Somewhat in control, a whole lot out of control.
I enjoyed having Alex here, then Travis, before Christmas. I love the week before Christmas and it was fun to share it with them. They both thought we were having a warm, open winter here in the valley. The time together flew by.
In spite of the lack of snow, I am tired of winter. It's so blah. And beautiful. But a lot of blah. Who can complain, though? We desperately need a whole lot of moisture here, in any form possible.
Danny passed his professional exam this fall. He is officially a structural engineer. This was a big accomplishment in his business. Some people just work on those exams for years.
It's snowing in Warsaw. Lots of snow. And New York. Seattle and Port Hueneme are enjoying days in the 60's. We haven't really had much ice this winter. And that's good.
As far as I know, Uncle Dave Johnson is in a nursing home in Moses Lake. Finances would be better if he could be moved to the V.A. Hospital in Spokane. I don't think any thinks he will survive a move, but it would be better if he was there. We'll keep you informed.
Ollie is baptized this year in May. Jak turned 10 in November! Laurel was named the top math student in her grade. for the semester. Lilah is best behaved and almost perfect in Pre-school. Tyler's family is recovering from the flu. Ivy is napping again while the girls are back in school. Laurel is recovering from pneumonia. Milo is at Discovery Park Outdoor Adventure School. Something I have always dreamed of doing. Ollie is reading amazingly well and speaks some Korean now. He still studies Tae Kwando.
Dad plans on retiring the first of May. He is very busy at work right now, ironing out bugs in the project he is trying to finish.
Me? I'm reviewing a book "Wonder" in my downtown book club. I enjoy the women in that book club. We are meeting at Selena's house. Her father owned trading posts in New Mexico. She has loads of real native collectables. ( If it's brightly colored, it's probably not real or collectable. The real stuff is earthy and natural). I have been replaced, finally, as Primary chorister. I will probably substitute. It's easier to be inept as a substitute.
The only movies we have seen lately are "The Hobbit" and "Into the Woods". Both were a slightly or more dissatisfying and flawed, but entertaining. I was tired of dwarf death in the Hobbit, and disappointed by the plot-drops in "Into the Woods". Still, they were fun to see.
Hope you are all well. Keep in touch. Hopefully we can continue our surf lessons in the near future.
Love, Mom
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Book of Mormon Challenge
April 15, 2014
Greetings family. Still a beautiful gentle Spring here. We are loving it. I think Jenni and the boys arrived last night and might be skiing today. Dennis and I went to the Salt Lake Temple early this morning with a man from our downtown ward. He is a good friend. It was wonderful.
So three of us are reading the Book of Mormon with a goal to complete it by June 30: Dennis, me and Jenni. We will finish right before Grandma's Saturday reunion and will have a great adventure or activity to celebrate. We might tell you what we end up doing. It's not to late to join in. I'm grateful to have them aboard. I'm noticing new things reading it again. I need to write them down.
Take care and keep in touch.
Love, Mom
Greetings family. Still a beautiful gentle Spring here. We are loving it. I think Jenni and the boys arrived last night and might be skiing today. Dennis and I went to the Salt Lake Temple early this morning with a man from our downtown ward. He is a good friend. It was wonderful.
So three of us are reading the Book of Mormon with a goal to complete it by June 30: Dennis, me and Jenni. We will finish right before Grandma's Saturday reunion and will have a great adventure or activity to celebrate. We might tell you what we end up doing. It's not to late to join in. I'm grateful to have them aboard. I'm noticing new things reading it again. I need to write them down.
Take care and keep in touch.
Love, Mom
Friday, April 11, 2014
Hi Family
April 11, 2014
Hopefully you are all surviving happily wherever you may be. Danny should be completing his last, final, never-to-be repeated professional exam. Hopefully he does very well and never has to worry about it again.
Alex is feeling better and is starting a new semester. Sometimes it feels like Spring in Ithaca. (we don't trust it either.)
Jenni and the boys are driving to Utah Sunday afternoon. We look forward to seeing them.
Tommy is travelling to Atlanta, Georgia for a commercial shoot. Not looking forward to the quick trip, either. Rilee is very busy writing papers and finishing her degree.
Dennis has a bad cold and ear infection but is feeling much better today. Hopefully he is looking forward to yard work because I have about had it with yard work. Even my fingers are too tired to type. What a mess. What exactly happens under that snow each winter? It's like cleaning up after a war.
Travis and Agata are......? Agata is going to Italy in May to study Italian for two weeks in Scily. How do you spell that? Sounds wonderful. Eat pastries. Emilia Jackson has an Italian son-in-law who is a Scilian pastry chef and appeared on Cake Boss rescently. Travis is not at Comi-Con which is in SLC this weekend, but Dallin Orr has a both there advertising his art.
Tyler and Dawn are entering week two at the beach house on Silver Strand Beach. I hope they are relaxing and not worrying. I think they are at Disneyland today. A first. A Currit at Disneyland.
So I want to share the Book of Mormon Challenge with my family. If you start reading the Book of Mormon this month (actually April 7) and finish on June 30, you have read it in the time it took to translate it, April 7 through June 30. It's sort of a way to realize what a miracle it is. Sometimes when life gets too hard and I just need a friend, a read my Book of Mormon and find the comfort and hope I longed for. It works every time. I guess if I had to explain why I'd say because it was so sincerely and prayerfully written. It never fails me. I wish my journals would have a similar effect on my posterity. But I would suggest you look to the Book of MOrmon for that comfort and peace. Something about reading about another person's faith and struggles and ultimate belief in God that helps lift me up so much. How could I not share that strength with you? I love you and want you to be happy and successful.
What do we have planned this summer? Lots of fun I hope. We want to see Tyler and Dawn settled again in their own time frame. We want to see Washington family and go to New York and enjoy that beautiful place with Alex sometime. We would love to go to Europe in the next year. Okay, so we don't really know what we are going to do, but we plan on thoroughly enjoying it.
Love you,
Mom
Hopefully you are all surviving happily wherever you may be. Danny should be completing his last, final, never-to-be repeated professional exam. Hopefully he does very well and never has to worry about it again.
Alex is feeling better and is starting a new semester. Sometimes it feels like Spring in Ithaca. (we don't trust it either.)
Jenni and the boys are driving to Utah Sunday afternoon. We look forward to seeing them.
Tommy is travelling to Atlanta, Georgia for a commercial shoot. Not looking forward to the quick trip, either. Rilee is very busy writing papers and finishing her degree.
Dennis has a bad cold and ear infection but is feeling much better today. Hopefully he is looking forward to yard work because I have about had it with yard work. Even my fingers are too tired to type. What a mess. What exactly happens under that snow each winter? It's like cleaning up after a war.
Travis and Agata are......? Agata is going to Italy in May to study Italian for two weeks in Scily. How do you spell that? Sounds wonderful. Eat pastries. Emilia Jackson has an Italian son-in-law who is a Scilian pastry chef and appeared on Cake Boss rescently. Travis is not at Comi-Con which is in SLC this weekend, but Dallin Orr has a both there advertising his art.
Tyler and Dawn are entering week two at the beach house on Silver Strand Beach. I hope they are relaxing and not worrying. I think they are at Disneyland today. A first. A Currit at Disneyland.
So I want to share the Book of Mormon Challenge with my family. If you start reading the Book of Mormon this month (actually April 7) and finish on June 30, you have read it in the time it took to translate it, April 7 through June 30. It's sort of a way to realize what a miracle it is. Sometimes when life gets too hard and I just need a friend, a read my Book of Mormon and find the comfort and hope I longed for. It works every time. I guess if I had to explain why I'd say because it was so sincerely and prayerfully written. It never fails me. I wish my journals would have a similar effect on my posterity. But I would suggest you look to the Book of MOrmon for that comfort and peace. Something about reading about another person's faith and struggles and ultimate belief in God that helps lift me up so much. How could I not share that strength with you? I love you and want you to be happy and successful.
What do we have planned this summer? Lots of fun I hope. We want to see Tyler and Dawn settled again in their own time frame. We want to see Washington family and go to New York and enjoy that beautiful place with Alex sometime. We would love to go to Europe in the next year. Okay, so we don't really know what we are going to do, but we plan on thoroughly enjoying it.
Love you,
Mom
Thursday, March 06, 2014
Happy Birthday Agata!
Happy Birthday to Agata on March 10. We wish we could celebrate it with her. Hopefully you are surviving winter and looking forward to fun times.
Daylight Savings Time starts on Sunday. It feels a little bit like Spring here. We have rain and warmer temperatures. Things are starting to grow just a little. I'm sure there will be more snow. That's okay. We have had a nice break from the cold. Last night Dennis and I went for a walk. It was 55 degrees at 9:00 at night.
Alex broke his little finger last night in an intramural basketball game. It may need surgery. He doesn't even remember how it happened. Something about a scramble for the ball on the floor.
Danny and family are enjoying skiing. Danny said all the boys have made big improvements this year and are skiing independently. His goal was to ski as a family and he has seen it happen.
Travis has slowed down to a somewhat normal pace at work. (at least that's what he told us.) He and
Agata visited some friends this last weekend.
Tyler and Dawn are busy with their family and work. They have some little snowdrops growing in their front garden. Dennis has been fixing up bikes for the two oldest girls. Ivy knows how to say "Grandpa". (snowdrops are early spring flowers).
Tommy is back from a shooting a project in Los Angeles. Rilee commutes back and forth to Provo and is working on her thesis.
Jenni made me a wonderful calendar for Christmas with pictures of the children on each month. I love it. I love the quotes she found about the beauty and importance of children. We have been blessed with amazing grandchildren.
Happy Birthday, Agata!
Daylight Savings Time starts on Sunday. It feels a little bit like Spring here. We have rain and warmer temperatures. Things are starting to grow just a little. I'm sure there will be more snow. That's okay. We have had a nice break from the cold. Last night Dennis and I went for a walk. It was 55 degrees at 9:00 at night.
Alex broke his little finger last night in an intramural basketball game. It may need surgery. He doesn't even remember how it happened. Something about a scramble for the ball on the floor.
Danny and family are enjoying skiing. Danny said all the boys have made big improvements this year and are skiing independently. His goal was to ski as a family and he has seen it happen.
Travis has slowed down to a somewhat normal pace at work. (at least that's what he told us.) He and
Agata visited some friends this last weekend.
Tyler and Dawn are busy with their family and work. They have some little snowdrops growing in their front garden. Dennis has been fixing up bikes for the two oldest girls. Ivy knows how to say "Grandpa". (snowdrops are early spring flowers).
Tommy is back from a shooting a project in Los Angeles. Rilee commutes back and forth to Provo and is working on her thesis.
Jenni made me a wonderful calendar for Christmas with pictures of the children on each month. I love it. I love the quotes she found about the beauty and importance of children. We have been blessed with amazing grandchildren.
Happy Birthday, Agata!
Friday, February 14, 2014
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY TO THE FAMILY
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY TO ALL OUR FAMILY! We love you and hope you are doing well.
Here's my valentine present: It's a quote I love about prayer.
"Do you share with your Heavenly Father your innermost beliefs, feelings and desires? Have you shared with Him the secret ambitions that lie in your heart? Can you pour out your heart to Him? And do you practice listening for His responses?" (from Jos. F. Smith)
I'm so grateful for prayer. It's taken me a long time to really be honest in prayer. It's a constant process. It's easy to keep some things back, to hold them back in secrecy or just by habit. I'm grateful to receive wisdom and help from my Heavenly Father through prayer
Our prayers are for our children and ourselves. We want you to be happy and safe, and successful in all the good you do. We love you!
Here's my valentine present: It's a quote I love about prayer.
"Do you share with your Heavenly Father your innermost beliefs, feelings and desires? Have you shared with Him the secret ambitions that lie in your heart? Can you pour out your heart to Him? And do you practice listening for His responses?" (from Jos. F. Smith)
I'm so grateful for prayer. It's taken me a long time to really be honest in prayer. It's a constant process. It's easy to keep some things back, to hold them back in secrecy or just by habit. I'm grateful to receive wisdom and help from my Heavenly Father through prayer
Our prayers are for our children and ourselves. We want you to be happy and safe, and successful in all the good you do. We love you!
Thursday, February 06, 2014
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DANNY!
Happy Birthday tomorrow (Feb. 7) to Danny. We hope you have a fun birthday tomorrow and wish we could be there to celebrate with you. We hear you have run a race on an island and hope for more information and pictures. We love you!
Thursday, January 23, 2014
January Blues
Hi Family, hope you are all well and warm. Yesterday we spent some time with Ty and Dawn and the girls in Kaysville. It was really fun. Lilah and Laurel had a dinosaur/car activity book and enjoyed learning the games. They know a lot about dinosaurs. I love that stage. What a blessing dinosaurs are. Laurel had a paper from school. She had drawn four pictures: herself with three of her friends. She told me her three friends' names. Below it she had written something else. I almost could read it. I asked her what it said. She said, "myself. I like myself." She likes her friends and herself, too. I watched her leave for school. She looked happy, peaceful. She held her head up and was ready for the adventure. I truly believe she likes herself. I hope she can keep that gift all of her life. There's little in life that's more precious.
Thursday, January 09, 2014
JANUARY
Hi Family, wherever you are.
Alex and Brynna left yesterday. I guess Christmas is officially over. We had so much fun. Monday was officially (but not here), the most depressing day of the year. Apparently the Monday after New Year's has that distinction. But I survived it! Yesterday might have been the most depressing day for Alex. He left in a snowstorm on the shuttle at about 1:30 to catch his flight to Detroit and then to Ithaca. Salt Lake was flying, and so was Detroit, so all looked well. For some insane reason his plane to Ithaca left Detroit on time, circled the Ithaca Airport, and returned to Detroit. The passengers were told that Delta couldn't fly them to Ithaca until Friday afternoon, and all the hotels in Detroit were full. (this was announced.) He and some other grad students from Cornell rented a van and appear to have left Detroit at about 5:00 a.m. (without luggage). They drove on dry roads to Ithaca. They arrived at about 9:00 a.m. (without luggage.) Yeah. Go Delta. It was told to them that the weather station at the Ithaca airport was down, so they wouldn't land there. (Why not at any of the other three airports in the region?). I guess we have the illusion that they take care of us when we fly, but really, they would rather have one plane of completely mad passengers than disrupt anything else. But he made it home. No polar vortex got in his way.
Travis wisely flew the red-eye from SLC to Paris and avoided U.S. hubs. He met a co-worker on the plane to Warsaw and they shared a taxi. He will be very busy at work for the next nine months. It was hard to let him go. What a unique time Christmas is for us. We have (thanks to Dad's work schedule and holidays) a two-week house party. Travis brought me a game about a Princess. We played it again the day he left. Laurel said it was her favorite game ever. He loved his Christmas with Danny and Jenni and boys. (thanks for the bracelets, especially mine with the rosettes). Ty and Dawn were busy working at a busy restaurant. We saw them several times. Dawn's folks and Ty and Dawn and girls came for our Friday after Christmas all day meat barbecue. It was delicious.
Tommy and Rilee stayed here most of the time. What a treat to have so much of their time! We watched movies and played games, fixed I phones and Mac's at the apple store and shopped for post-Christmas bargains.
On our anniversary, Tommy, Travis and Dennis and I drove out of the smog to Park City, shopped at the outlets then bowled in Heber and ate great hamburgers and fries. I loved it. Bowling was hard work and we could only play two games. So much fun.
Now I need to sort through just about everything in this house. and clean. I now belong to three book clubs. My downtown ward bookclub consistently picks the best books. But they are all fun. It's nice to keep connected with people here.
Dad and I saw some movies before Christmas. That was fun. We loved seeing Danny and Jenni and boys at Thanksgiving. And Grandma and Grandpa. Brisky Canyon was beautiful. So was Seattle. I love Seattle at Christmas time. I think what I love is that we are outdoors all the time. It's cold, but different than hear. Alex agreed he had little desire to run on ice through the smog here. (it's been one of those winters.) This week we have storms every day, so no smog.
Well, chin up, fresh courage take, tackle the New Year and enjoy it! Good luck to Brynna on her flight home. I hope and pray it goes smoothly. ( Brynna is in Orem at her grandparents' house. She leaves tomorrow.)
We've been married for 35 years now and are looking for an adventure to celebrate out anniversary. Wow, this is fun. I take all my travel websites seriously now.
Love, Mom
Alex and Brynna left yesterday. I guess Christmas is officially over. We had so much fun. Monday was officially (but not here), the most depressing day of the year. Apparently the Monday after New Year's has that distinction. But I survived it! Yesterday might have been the most depressing day for Alex. He left in a snowstorm on the shuttle at about 1:30 to catch his flight to Detroit and then to Ithaca. Salt Lake was flying, and so was Detroit, so all looked well. For some insane reason his plane to Ithaca left Detroit on time, circled the Ithaca Airport, and returned to Detroit. The passengers were told that Delta couldn't fly them to Ithaca until Friday afternoon, and all the hotels in Detroit were full. (this was announced.) He and some other grad students from Cornell rented a van and appear to have left Detroit at about 5:00 a.m. (without luggage). They drove on dry roads to Ithaca. They arrived at about 9:00 a.m. (without luggage.) Yeah. Go Delta. It was told to them that the weather station at the Ithaca airport was down, so they wouldn't land there. (Why not at any of the other three airports in the region?). I guess we have the illusion that they take care of us when we fly, but really, they would rather have one plane of completely mad passengers than disrupt anything else. But he made it home. No polar vortex got in his way.
Travis wisely flew the red-eye from SLC to Paris and avoided U.S. hubs. He met a co-worker on the plane to Warsaw and they shared a taxi. He will be very busy at work for the next nine months. It was hard to let him go. What a unique time Christmas is for us. We have (thanks to Dad's work schedule and holidays) a two-week house party. Travis brought me a game about a Princess. We played it again the day he left. Laurel said it was her favorite game ever. He loved his Christmas with Danny and Jenni and boys. (thanks for the bracelets, especially mine with the rosettes). Ty and Dawn were busy working at a busy restaurant. We saw them several times. Dawn's folks and Ty and Dawn and girls came for our Friday after Christmas all day meat barbecue. It was delicious.
Tommy and Rilee stayed here most of the time. What a treat to have so much of their time! We watched movies and played games, fixed I phones and Mac's at the apple store and shopped for post-Christmas bargains.
On our anniversary, Tommy, Travis and Dennis and I drove out of the smog to Park City, shopped at the outlets then bowled in Heber and ate great hamburgers and fries. I loved it. Bowling was hard work and we could only play two games. So much fun.
Now I need to sort through just about everything in this house. and clean. I now belong to three book clubs. My downtown ward bookclub consistently picks the best books. But they are all fun. It's nice to keep connected with people here.
Dad and I saw some movies before Christmas. That was fun. We loved seeing Danny and Jenni and boys at Thanksgiving. And Grandma and Grandpa. Brisky Canyon was beautiful. So was Seattle. I love Seattle at Christmas time. I think what I love is that we are outdoors all the time. It's cold, but different than hear. Alex agreed he had little desire to run on ice through the smog here. (it's been one of those winters.) This week we have storms every day, so no smog.
Well, chin up, fresh courage take, tackle the New Year and enjoy it! Good luck to Brynna on her flight home. I hope and pray it goes smoothly. ( Brynna is in Orem at her grandparents' house. She leaves tomorrow.)
We've been married for 35 years now and are looking for an adventure to celebrate out anniversary. Wow, this is fun. I take all my travel websites seriously now.
Love, Mom
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
Happy Thanksgiving to our family in Poland, New York, Utah and Washington. We had a wonderful dinner Monday afternoon with Tyler, Dawn, Laurel, Lilah and Ivy, and Tommy and Rilee. Dawn cooked a turkey with fresh herbs. It was delicious! If you've ever wondered if turkey is good, that one was. We had lots of good food: a southwest salad, rolls, vegetables, cranberry sauce, and maple walnut pie, yogurt cranberry pie and pumpkin pie. We watched "Adventure Time" and Lante (I think that's her name) sing. Even Ivy tried to dance, which was a little risky as she just recently stood up straight and walked. The little girls love squirt whipped cream out of the can, a gourmet treat when eaten plain. Tyler has a huge walnut tree in his backyard and harvested his own walnuts. He knows how to treat them: something about soaking them first.
Now we are packing to go to Seattle tomorrow. We will drive with Danny and Jenni to Cashmere. Then we will head back to Seattle for Christmas Ships Saturday night, my secret favorite activity at Christmas time.
Tommy and Rilee are driving to Cheyenne tonight to spend Thanksgiving at her brother's house. The roads should be good until Tuesday morning. (We come back Tuesday).
Brynna arrived safely home to Ithaca. I'm sure it was a long flight and a sad trip. She spend a couple of weeks with her Grandma helping her sort out some things. I think Ithaca is getting a lot of snow. And I don't think her brother and his wife will be flying in. But we'll see. Alex is pretty much done with turkeys. He cooked one for his party last Saturday night, and it did the turkey thing of taking two extra hours to cook. Dawn cooked hers in a cooking bag and I was really impressed with the results.
Travis and Agata are busy and chilling in Warsaw (I hope not literally.) They recently had a Polish Independence Day Party with overnight guests and hot dogs loaded with chili and sauerkraut and everything you can think of.
Take care and keep in touch. You can reach us at Grandma's house number. We love you!
Happy Thanksgiving to our family in Poland, New York, Utah and Washington. We had a wonderful dinner Monday afternoon with Tyler, Dawn, Laurel, Lilah and Ivy, and Tommy and Rilee. Dawn cooked a turkey with fresh herbs. It was delicious! If you've ever wondered if turkey is good, that one was. We had lots of good food: a southwest salad, rolls, vegetables, cranberry sauce, and maple walnut pie, yogurt cranberry pie and pumpkin pie. We watched "Adventure Time" and Lante (I think that's her name) sing. Even Ivy tried to dance, which was a little risky as she just recently stood up straight and walked. The little girls love squirt whipped cream out of the can, a gourmet treat when eaten plain. Tyler has a huge walnut tree in his backyard and harvested his own walnuts. He knows how to treat them: something about soaking them first.
Now we are packing to go to Seattle tomorrow. We will drive with Danny and Jenni to Cashmere. Then we will head back to Seattle for Christmas Ships Saturday night, my secret favorite activity at Christmas time.
Tommy and Rilee are driving to Cheyenne tonight to spend Thanksgiving at her brother's house. The roads should be good until Tuesday morning. (We come back Tuesday).
Brynna arrived safely home to Ithaca. I'm sure it was a long flight and a sad trip. She spend a couple of weeks with her Grandma helping her sort out some things. I think Ithaca is getting a lot of snow. And I don't think her brother and his wife will be flying in. But we'll see. Alex is pretty much done with turkeys. He cooked one for his party last Saturday night, and it did the turkey thing of taking two extra hours to cook. Dawn cooked hers in a cooking bag and I was really impressed with the results.
Travis and Agata are busy and chilling in Warsaw (I hope not literally.) They recently had a Polish Independence Day Party with overnight guests and hot dogs loaded with chili and sauerkraut and everything you can think of.
Take care and keep in touch. You can reach us at Grandma's house number. We love you!
Saturday, November 16, 2013
WHY IS IT ALREADY NIGHT?
Or how I survived six days alone in Sandy.
It's 3:45 on Clover Ridge Drive and it looks like night outside. I know it's November and a storm is here, but are you kidding? It's dark at 3:45 in the afternoon.
Brynna's Grandpa died last week. She is in California with her Mom and Grandma. This has been sudden and sad, and is really hard on them. We pray for their comfort and peace.
Dad is on a plane home from Ithaca. He had a great time and said it was hard to leave Alex. Maybe he put him in his suitcase. Alex has mountains of work to do before the holidays. He is glad for the feral cat's company.
Danny is looking for good recipes for a chili cookoff. There's some argument over whether real chili has beans in it or not. I'm a big fan of Chili Colorado (no tomatoes) with fresh homemade tortillas.
Milo has been sick for two weeks but is finally feeling better. I'm so glad.
Did you know the Jordan River Temple is all lit up and full of friendly people? I discovered that today. Why didn't I go earlier?
Tommy is working late hours and having his calf pressed and pummeled by experts.
It's sore and bruised. And apparently that's good. Rilee is working hard on her thesis.
Tyler's restaurant had it's busiest day on record last Saturday. The ice rink opened at Station Park. I love ice skating! Ivy is feeling better and walking all over the place. Dawn is working extra shifts at Sette Bello. Dawn says they are ready for Christmas!
Travis and Agata are probably as in the dark as I am right now. (it gets dark there early) So far the Warsaw winter isn't as cold as it could be. It's always fun to talk to them. Agata has been travelling, I think to Berlin, for her work. Travis is working on some changes and deadlines.
Last Sunday I personally cooked sloppy joes for 150 people. (I had help serving them). They were delicious. I have a great recipe if you want it. Everyone seemed to love them and stayed and laughed and talked. I really think 80 people ate sloppy joes that would have fed 150. I was exhausted after. I wonder if Agata knows what a sloppy joe is? It was a good time, though.
We've been tutoring a woman who missed out on a lot of school and wants to take her GED. It's hard! She wants to study for the test. I'm convince she needs to learn something first. It's a whole lot easier to go to grade school when you're a child and teenager than to do this when you're fifty. But I admire her. She's a reader, thank goodness, which really helps. She is so restricted in her employment by not having a high school degree. Do we really know how lucky we are? She has collapsed and been in the hospital and I think it's the pressure of all the tests. She wants it so badly.
Dad made it to his plane and is headed home. Hopefully the plane can land. I don't think it will be icy. According to the news, the earth is just too warm here still to make ice. Love it. Hate ice.
Happy birthday to Jakson on November 26th!
It's 3:45 on Clover Ridge Drive and it looks like night outside. I know it's November and a storm is here, but are you kidding? It's dark at 3:45 in the afternoon.
Brynna's Grandpa died last week. She is in California with her Mom and Grandma. This has been sudden and sad, and is really hard on them. We pray for their comfort and peace.
Dad is on a plane home from Ithaca. He had a great time and said it was hard to leave Alex. Maybe he put him in his suitcase. Alex has mountains of work to do before the holidays. He is glad for the feral cat's company.
Danny is looking for good recipes for a chili cookoff. There's some argument over whether real chili has beans in it or not. I'm a big fan of Chili Colorado (no tomatoes) with fresh homemade tortillas.
Milo has been sick for two weeks but is finally feeling better. I'm so glad.
Did you know the Jordan River Temple is all lit up and full of friendly people? I discovered that today. Why didn't I go earlier?
Tommy is working late hours and having his calf pressed and pummeled by experts.
It's sore and bruised. And apparently that's good. Rilee is working hard on her thesis.
Tyler's restaurant had it's busiest day on record last Saturday. The ice rink opened at Station Park. I love ice skating! Ivy is feeling better and walking all over the place. Dawn is working extra shifts at Sette Bello. Dawn says they are ready for Christmas!
Travis and Agata are probably as in the dark as I am right now. (it gets dark there early) So far the Warsaw winter isn't as cold as it could be. It's always fun to talk to them. Agata has been travelling, I think to Berlin, for her work. Travis is working on some changes and deadlines.
Last Sunday I personally cooked sloppy joes for 150 people. (I had help serving them). They were delicious. I have a great recipe if you want it. Everyone seemed to love them and stayed and laughed and talked. I really think 80 people ate sloppy joes that would have fed 150. I was exhausted after. I wonder if Agata knows what a sloppy joe is? It was a good time, though.
We've been tutoring a woman who missed out on a lot of school and wants to take her GED. It's hard! She wants to study for the test. I'm convince she needs to learn something first. It's a whole lot easier to go to grade school when you're a child and teenager than to do this when you're fifty. But I admire her. She's a reader, thank goodness, which really helps. She is so restricted in her employment by not having a high school degree. Do we really know how lucky we are? She has collapsed and been in the hospital and I think it's the pressure of all the tests. She wants it so badly.
Dad made it to his plane and is headed home. Hopefully the plane can land. I don't think it will be icy. According to the news, the earth is just too warm here still to make ice. Love it. Hate ice.
Happy birthday to Jakson on November 26th!
Friday, November 08, 2013
Hi From Utah
Nov. 8, 2013,
Hi Family,
How is everyone? We would love to hear from you. Dad and I just got back from a movie. We have been working so hard on the basement, the garden, the mission, everything. We decided to see a movie. So we went to see "Gravity". I loved it! Loved it. Amazing. I think it's a metaphor for grief and survival. It's practically a poem. I think Sandra Bullock should get the academy award.
I also love "The Fairy" on our Netflix queue. Nothing describe the delight and surprise we encounter downtown on our mission each week like this movie. We never quite know what will happen next.
We have remodeled Tommy's old room downstairs. What a lot of work for Dad! But I think it turned out well. We loved raising our five boys! But it was time to paint over the art. I realized that I couldn't sleep in that room. And to think I actually let Barbara sleep in there. Tell me I didn't do that. Oh dear. It's kind of funny now to work on our house when we're about at the stage where we don't care, but I guess we always have to fix up the place where we live. (I secretly live in Laguna Beach, California.)
Brynna has had some hard news. Her beloved grandfather in California had an accident and is in the hospital. He isn't doing well. She is going to fly there Saturday or Sunday. Her mom is already there. I don't think we're ever ready for this. We pray for her and her family. and especially her grandmother. Travel safely, Brynna.
Dennis is going to Maryland this week. I wish I were going with him. We've had a lot of stuff going on this month and didn't buy the ticket in time. But we are going to fly to Washington on Thanksgiving day. Our Utah Thanksgiving will be on Monday November 25. I look forward to that.
Ivy has the croup and Dawn is looking at a long weekend with a barking baby. The doctor said she should go through it just fine. I asked Dawn what the treatment is. She said humidity and sitting on the porch in the cold air when she can't stop coughing. And a few rounds of steroids to open up the bronchial tubes. (they aren't dangerous in the very short term use.) I remember, especially with Danny, sitting on the porch at night so he could breathe. Oh yeah. Sitting on the porch at two in the morning looking at all the dark houses and trying to keep warm. (the baby is all wrapped up in quilts. they just need to breathe cold air.)
I don't know if you know that Tommy tore his calf muscle last Saturday in a frisby tournament. He's very lame. He saw the doctor. Apparently it's a 2nd degree tear and should heal just fine. But without physical therapy to prevent scar tissue, there's a 90 percent chance it will tear again. So he is going to p.t. twice a week. and limping. They are planning on going to Cheyenne for Thanksgiving (after celebrating with us.)
We'll see Danny and Jenni and boys when we go to Washington. We've all been too busy to talk much. I believe Danny is still doing the gym and resting from running. He's in charge of a new building in San Francisco.
Agata and Travis are busy. We will see Travis at Christmas. And we will miss Agata. He grandpa is doing well and still on his own. Barbara retires this year. We hope to see her this summer. Agata's Dad has a gym membership and is working out. (very American).
Keep in touch! We miss you.
LOve, Mom
Hi Family,
How is everyone? We would love to hear from you. Dad and I just got back from a movie. We have been working so hard on the basement, the garden, the mission, everything. We decided to see a movie. So we went to see "Gravity". I loved it! Loved it. Amazing. I think it's a metaphor for grief and survival. It's practically a poem. I think Sandra Bullock should get the academy award.
I also love "The Fairy" on our Netflix queue. Nothing describe the delight and surprise we encounter downtown on our mission each week like this movie. We never quite know what will happen next.
We have remodeled Tommy's old room downstairs. What a lot of work for Dad! But I think it turned out well. We loved raising our five boys! But it was time to paint over the art. I realized that I couldn't sleep in that room. And to think I actually let Barbara sleep in there. Tell me I didn't do that. Oh dear. It's kind of funny now to work on our house when we're about at the stage where we don't care, but I guess we always have to fix up the place where we live. (I secretly live in Laguna Beach, California.)
Brynna has had some hard news. Her beloved grandfather in California had an accident and is in the hospital. He isn't doing well. She is going to fly there Saturday or Sunday. Her mom is already there. I don't think we're ever ready for this. We pray for her and her family. and especially her grandmother. Travel safely, Brynna.
Dennis is going to Maryland this week. I wish I were going with him. We've had a lot of stuff going on this month and didn't buy the ticket in time. But we are going to fly to Washington on Thanksgiving day. Our Utah Thanksgiving will be on Monday November 25. I look forward to that.
Ivy has the croup and Dawn is looking at a long weekend with a barking baby. The doctor said she should go through it just fine. I asked Dawn what the treatment is. She said humidity and sitting on the porch in the cold air when she can't stop coughing. And a few rounds of steroids to open up the bronchial tubes. (they aren't dangerous in the very short term use.) I remember, especially with Danny, sitting on the porch at night so he could breathe. Oh yeah. Sitting on the porch at two in the morning looking at all the dark houses and trying to keep warm. (the baby is all wrapped up in quilts. they just need to breathe cold air.)
I don't know if you know that Tommy tore his calf muscle last Saturday in a frisby tournament. He's very lame. He saw the doctor. Apparently it's a 2nd degree tear and should heal just fine. But without physical therapy to prevent scar tissue, there's a 90 percent chance it will tear again. So he is going to p.t. twice a week. and limping. They are planning on going to Cheyenne for Thanksgiving (after celebrating with us.)
We'll see Danny and Jenni and boys when we go to Washington. We've all been too busy to talk much. I believe Danny is still doing the gym and resting from running. He's in charge of a new building in San Francisco.
Agata and Travis are busy. We will see Travis at Christmas. And we will miss Agata. He grandpa is doing well and still on his own. Barbara retires this year. We hope to see her this summer. Agata's Dad has a gym membership and is working out. (very American).
Keep in touch! We miss you.
LOve, Mom
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