Fridays with Jim and Ginger

We finally had a semi-cool day and we decided if we were going to experience autumn we would have to go to it - it wasn't coming to us. So we embarked on a fun day trip to Julian.


Our first stop was at the Tenaja rest stop for a quick hike and our first look and feel of mountains. No fall color, but lots of pines and oaks and fresh air.

We continued on through Julian up to Cuyamaca. There is a ranch I have always loved. It has a beautiful meadow and is surrounded with pine trees. It also had a beautiful ranch house that had a fire going in the winter with smoke climbing out the chimney. Imagine my surprise when this is what we found.

Amazing isn't it! It was gone, burned to the ground! The entire Julian/Cuyamaca area is burned out; nothing but dead trees and stumps. Very ugly, and sad.

We were happy to see the lake was still pretty and we even saw a flock of Canadian geese on the shores. (If the pictures are too small - click on them to enlarge - they are fun.)


No fall color; not this year!


Onward and upward to the best part of the day! Shopping in Julian and apple pie. They have the very best apple pie in the world. It was hot out of the oven, smelled as good as it tasted. Yes, we brought a pie home. I was sorry we didn't buy two! We then went shopping and I hit the jackpot with a fabulous store 'The warm hearth', that went on forever, upstairs, downstairs, basement, back room, on and on, filled with wonderful treasures. It was such a temptation not to go crazy and buy it all. I had great self control.

Overall - a really fun day! We'll go again when the snow comes!

This is the part of Thanksgiving that I am

You Are Mashed Potatoes

Ordinary, comforting, and more than a little predictable You're the glue that holds everyone together.

What Part of Thanksgiving Are You?

Yummy for the Tummy

I am saving the brownie recipe below so if you haven't tried it yet, it is still available. Look to the side bar for the recipe update. The new recipe is so good and a great substitute for pumpkin pie. Try it sometime this month, it will put you in the thanksgiving spirit.

Double Chocolate Brownies

Calling all Chocolate Lovers! This is soooo easy to make and soooo delicious!
1 box of brownie mix3 extra large Hershey Bars
Prepare a box of fudge brownies according to directions.

Pour have the mixture in a 9X13 pan (grease bottom).

Lay 3 of those giant Hershey Bars on the mix.

Pour the rest of brownie mixture over the candy.
Bake according to directions. Cool completely before cutting.
Frosting not needed, but if you want to eat with a spoon instead of fingers try it with whipped cream that has a small amount of chopped pecans and grated chocolate folded in.

Prophets and such

This week I am grateful for Prophets and counsel from those who represent Heavenly Father. We have heeded his counsel and put the morality issue of marriage front and center. Now we are feeling the fallout. Our temples and churchs are being picketed. The demonstrators are loud and vulgar. They try to block the temple entrance and some of the members have been frightened and intimidated. Sunday we were told to be prepared for agressive demonstrators, an organized effort was taking place, they would protest outside and try to disrupt the services.

We had security in place at all the buildings and at the temple. About 4:00 am we experienced a weather change. It started with a strong wind and was followed by sprinkles. By 9:00 it was pouring. Not a gentle rain, but a downpour; freezing windblown rain that made you hurry to get out of it. Umbrellas couldn't keep you dry. The result? No protestors.

As I drove up to my 'before church meetings' I noticed what had happened and thought back to the early days in Salt Lake City. The Mormon pioneers had just gotten their crops in the ground and they were starting to sprout. This was all that stood between them and starvation next winter. Crickets came in droves and was destroying the crops. The pioneers prayed and asked the Lord for help. His answer was to send Sea Gulls, by the thousands. The skies were darkened by the number of birds. The gulls ate the crickets. They ate and ate. They actually threw up and ate again. They continued until all the crickets were gone. The food supply was saved.

Sometimes the Lord sends Sea Gulls and sometimes he sends rain. Sometimes he sends crickets which became a tremendous faith promoting experience for those pioneers. Today as in yesterdays he is always aware and looking out for those who love and serve him. We really have nothing to fear.

To make you smile

I am in a rage at the new website and the demonstrations at the temple. I can't seem to calm down so I thought I need a distraction. Thought you might like one to. This will put a smile on your face!

This is for those that haven't seen the 16 baby pandas. SICHUAN , China -- One zoo in southwest China has its hands full with 16 baby pandas. The Sichuan Wolong Panda Protection and Breed Center is dealing with the results of a breeding boom where 16 pandas have been born. The brood includes five sets of twins. The cubs are weighed and measured every five days (see pics). The heaviest tips the scale at just over 24 pounds, while the lightest weighs about 11 pounds. The pandas are due to stop suckling soon - just about the time they'll start learning to walk. Once weaned, the panda cubs will attend panda kindergarten. In the meantime, more little ones are expected at the centre since 38 giant pandas were artificially impregnated.

Coming Up For Air!

OK, now I can breathe again! The election is over. Spent yesterday vegging out, very sad about the outcome, except for Prop 8, which was the most important. However, I hate big government and Obama scares me. I don't think government is capable of doing anything better or cheaper than the private sector. If I could have invested my Social Security myself all those years, it would be worth so much more. Plus I don't trust politicians. I am also upset at the way the media took sides in this election. WRONG!

But the more I think about it I think we might see something extraordinary from Obama. We will have to wait and see if he governs with his leftie friends or makes a stand for history as the first black President. William Shakespeare said, "Be not afraid of greatness: some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them." Maybe with our prayers he will rise to the occasion.

One thing that is very clear to me is that the only real safety for our children is within the walls of our homes and churches. They must be taught and re-taught what is right and what is wrong. They must learn at the mother's knee how to love the Lord. This is the only way they will find happiness in this filthy world we live in. Mom's even if you are exhausted and frazzled you cannot miss church or Family Home Evening. The world is changing so fast. I really think the Prop 8 yes is just a breather. It will go to the Supreme Court. The agenda for 'immorality and anything goes' is set and they are fighting as hard as we are. My daily prayer are that you will be strong in your convictions and pass it on to your children.

I think this quote was really written for us today."We live in the best of times, we live in the worst of times."

Halloween Past

I had a rather boring Halloween. Jim had to go to the church for Trunk or Treat and I had to stay behind to hand out candy to the neighborhood kids. We usually get some cute little ones but this year we only got big teenagers. Their bags were already half full and they weren't even nice. After awhile I just turned off the lights. The only highlight was when Susann came by with the kids. Even Betty Boop got excited to see them.

It made me remember the Halloweens in the past. I used to love Halloween as a kid. Our costumes were never store bought. I was a ghost (a bed sheet with 2 holes cut in it for eyes); a pirate (ragged jeans, a bandanna, junk necklaces, eye patch made from electrician tape); a princess (a prom dress purchased from Goodwill, no crown) and the most common-the hobo (similar to pirate but no necklace or eye patch and the bandanna now tied to a stick for a ruck sack). The school always had a costume judging contest, never won it. Didn't care.

Everyone wore their costume to school that day and we ended school early for the Halloween carnival. I went to Central School and they would set the carnival up in the street by the playground. The school was set up with lots of booths to win things. Each booth would have a game, like fishing, ring toss, knock down the bottles, etc. The prize was a cheap plastic toy like a spider ring. It seemed everyone got a prize. You had to buy a ticket to play, they were a nickel apiece. We usually got a dollar to buy tickets and I always was watching the ground for lost tickets I could grab.

I spent half my tickets on the booths and half on the cake walk. I wanted to win a cake so bad. Each year I would walk round and round and when the music stopped they would call out a number and the winner got a cake. It was NEVER mine! I never won but every year I kept trying. I loved it anyway.

They had chili and Kool-aid which was free, but you had to buy anything else. Since it was cafeteria food, we didn't eat much. We were too excited for the rest of the evening. Trick or Treating. We started at our house and went to Nana and Gramps collecting goodies along the way. We mostly were given penny candy, but one time I got a candy bar. No one else got it - just me! I was so excited. Sometimes people gave out pennies or nickles when they ran out of candy, that was also very good.

We ate so much candy we were sick for days. But loved every minute of it.

How we are spending our time!

From Untitled Album

We have been busy as you can see working on Prop 8. We have been holding signs at street intersections. Most of the response has been positive - lots of horns honking in support - lots of thumbs up and waving. However there has been the occasional flipping off and a few vulgar remarks. Most of the nasty remarks can't be heard above the cars honking so don't really know what they were saying. Just guessing that with the uplifted finger it probably wasn't nice. There are groups at lots of street corners so we are getting great coverage. At one of the corners during the middle of the day a group of Mom's were waving their signs. A car came by and the guy in the passenger seat was mooning them. Just as they got to the green light it changed to red and they were stuck there for about 2 minutes. It must have seemed a lifetime to that hairy, pimply butt. Too bad they didn't get a face to go with the butt.

Saturday will be spent door hanging and Sunday and Monday will be telephoning to remind people to vote. We sure will be glad when this is over. At least we know we did all we could to make it happen, no matter the outcome.

From Untitled Album

Fridays with Ginger

This Friday, I discovered a new fun thing to do! It is the October Harvest Craft Festival!! It is in Del Mar at the fairgrounds. It was amazing, it has been going on for years and I didn't even know about it! It takes up several buildings (the Bing Crosby Hall, etc.) It is filled with thousands of booths. This is not Jim's thing - he pretends he likes it, but gets bored after a few booths that seem the same to him and wants me to hurry up, anyway since he is dieting he can't eat all the free samples. So I went with some friends and left him home.

Every kind of crafty thing you can imagine is there. I tried to take pics but my camera said it was protected and locked. How did that happen? If anyone knows how to free it, let me know, I would hate to have to buy another one of those little card thing-es. So I could only take one picture on my cell phone since I can't figure that out either.

But back to the fair. I was delighted with all the different things to buy. It took so much self control to just limit myself with so many choices before me. I settled on: A really cute Christmas shirt with matching earrings. Some fabulous, fantastic scrub ( mine is 'Sex on the Beach' and 'Waterfall Mist' - yes I bought 2), it is a overall body scrub, but really, really good for feet and hands. I also bought a hanging potpourri decoration, but it stank so bad I had to hang it in the garage until the smell goes away. It is still a cute hanging thing. Then I bought some special dips for the holidays, or whenever I get a craving. That was it - great self control!

Too bad this only comes along once a year. I will absolutely never miss it again!

So depressed!

After a really fun Friday (I will post that after I feel better) I woke up this morning so depressed. I was watching a news show on TV (big mistake) and they were telling the latest results of the election. Not only is Obama going to win by a large margin but Prop 8 is probably going to lose.

I can't stand big government and McCain is too liberal for me, so Obama scares me to death. I think he is going to destroy the economy with his Robin Hood approach. If you take money from the small business owner to give to those not even paying taxes (I call that welfare) I will not be able to have an assistant. You see it is all about me!

Last night we watched Gray's Anatomy and I was sick. It was a tutorial on how to seduce a same sex relationship. If you don't know what to do- just watch this show!! I couldn't believe the total and complete lack of morality. I will not be watching that show anymore and I am afraid this is going to be the world we live in from now on. You parents are going to have to be on guard for the evil that your children are exposed to.

I knew the world was going to get worse, all prophecies say it is so, but I didn't want to have to watch it happen. Just a few days ago I said, "How much worse can it get?" I don't really want to know that answer.

A New Me!

Well, I have decided to go on a diet! I am suspose to keep a journal so I decided to do it here so all of you can share my journey. When Lynda was here I guess she and Jim decided we should all go on a diet. I am a little disappointed because I thought when you get to be 60 that was one of the perks - you don't give a damn about how much you weigh. But I really would like to tie my own shoes again, as long as that doesn't mean I have to give myself pedicures. I would also like to walk through the mall and not huff and puff.

So we are all on the South Beach Diet!!!! I'm probably not going to read the book because I already know if I like it; it's probably not on the list. If I love it; it is definately not on the list. Anyway, I am going to ease into this.

First day: No breakfast (nothing unusual there) Just a big gulp. Lunch: Jim brought home some delicious carne asada and salsa. He just had his on a plate, but that seemed a waste to me so I had mine in tortillas. Yummy. Dinner: Jim barbecued fish and added broccoli (yuck). I ate it but was still hungry so I had some more carne asada with tortillas. Not bad. In the morning I lost 1 pound!
Wow! It's working.

Second day: No breakfast, just a big gulp. Lunch: The carne asada was gone so I stuck some Velveeta in the tortillas and nuked it. Very good. Dinner: Steak (OK, not a fav) green beans. I ate it but was still hungry so I made Jim go to 7-11 for a refill and a package of Hostess SnoBalls. So good!!! I also had a ice cream bar (I'm trying to clean out the freezer). In the morning I gained a little, just a half pound. Soooo, I am now down 1/2 pound! Yeah, it is beginning to be bearable.

I'll post my skinny pictures!

Fridays with Jim and Ginger and family

This week it was a short drive to Valley Center to Bates Brothers Nut Farm!

Yes it is an old family favorite, especially this time of year. Lauri and family and Susann and family joined us. That made it lots of fun! It was about 90 degrees so it didn't really feel like autumn but that didn't stop us. We loved resting on the picnic tables in the shade when we needed a break.

Bates has been here ever since I can remember and just gets better each year. The highlight of the trip was the pumpkin patch where each kid found their ideal pumpkin. The little ones just wanted to play and it wasn't easy getting them out of there. I should have gotten a giant pumpkin for the front door, but didn't.

From there we went to the animals and bought 10 bags of food so everyone could feed the animals. Ducks, chickens, geese, goats, lambs, llama and horses were there for the feeding. Of course, everyone loved it and when the food was gone the kids picked up spilled corn from the dirt to continue the fun.

We stopped by the country store and controlled ourselves by just buying trail mix and nuts - leaving the fabulous candy alone. I don't think that was a good choice, but I will get another chance since we are going back to buy the stuff for my world famous fruitcake. I might even share that recipe this year (It is a family secret given to me by my Aunt Dorothy). They also had some wonderful decorations for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Definitely will be going back.

Fridays with Jim and Ginger and Lynda

Yes, that's right this Friday we shared it with my sister, Lynda. Lynda came from Santa Rosa to spend the weekend with me. Actually it was to attend our niece Bethany's wedding. But I know it was really an excuse to see me. It was so much fun. We laughed and laughed. It is wonderful to get together again. It is interesting that no matter how much time passes we just pick up where we left off as if only a few days had passed rather than a whole year. We spent a lot of time together when our kids were growing up so we both love each others children. We love to hear what is going on with everyone. So what do sisters do when they get together? -----They Shop! Where do they Shop? You got it! So for our Friday adventure we headed to our favorite store.

The shopping was great, a perfect way to spend an afternoon. It was particularly funny, don't know why; it just was. Even the sales lady was having fun. We both got new tops for the wedding and then let Jim join us at the Brigatine for a yummy dinner. We all licked our plates clean and of course saved room for dessert.

And the wedding was beautiful, Bethany was a knockout. See Lynda's blog for more photos.


Next time we are going to buy twin outfits and have 2 desserts!

Laura is back!

Laura's blog is back up. She is in my blog list, Land of the Lost. She has a very funny clip from Martha Stewart. Don't miss it.

Gonna Be A Bear

In this life I'm a woman. In my next life, I'd like to come back as a bear. When you're a bear you get to hibernate. You do nothing but sleep for six months. I could deal with that.

Before you hibernate, you're supposed to eat yourself stupid. I could deal with that too.

When you're a girl bear, you birth your children (who are the size of walnuts) while you're sleeping and wake up to partially grown cute, cuddly cubs. I could definitely deal with that.

If you're a mama bear, everyone knows you mean business. You swat anyone who bothers your cubs. If your cubs get out of line, you swat them too. I could deal with that.

If you're a bear, your mate EXPECTS you to wake up growling. He EXPECTS that you will have hairy legs and excess body fat.

Yup, gonna be a bear!


Thanks Roye.

Fridays with Jim and Ginger

Delicious and Beautiful! For this Friday we decided to take a short drive down to San Diego Harbor. It only took about 20 minutes to get there. Of course the main reason was to stop by Anthony's and have a delicious shrimp boat. For years this has been a family favorite. They have lots of things to choose from but we always come back to the shrimp boat. When the kids were little the containers actually looked like boats, now they just look like they taste - delicious!

Even though you can sit out front or on the side patio, we always go the far back and sit on the outside deck where we can see the water lapping beneath our feet. I love the smell of the ocean, the sounds of the gentle water and the seagulls squawking. The view is unobstructed and amazing. A gentle ocean breeze lifts your hair and cools you off. I think I have found heaven!

We talk and linger until the sun starts to set. A few sailboats drift by. We gaze at the large ships docked across the harbor. A naval carrier is there tonight as well as a luxury yacht. We watch the airplanes land and take off at Lindbergh Field. A helicopter Flies overhead. We enjoy the setting of the sun. It won't be going into the ocean today, there is a fog bank in the distant so the sun slips behind it and the fog bank is rimed with gold. I never forget why I love San Diego when I am here. It really is paradise.

Just for fun.

The Perfect Homecoming

I love rainbows!

This week I am grateful for rainbows!

I awoke early this morning to the wonderful rumblings of thunder. I opened one eye and smiled at Jim. It was going to be a good day. For some thunder may be ordinary, but for us it is an unexpected treat. We laid in bed just listening to the boom for a while, the dawn is approaching, the room is starting to get lighter, kind of a pink glow. I don't see to many sunrises. My niteowl personality misses most of them. I dozed for awhile amid the symphony of sizzling lightning and rounds of thunder claps. Now the room was a soft light and I crawled out of bed to see the beginnings of a gentle rain.

As I looked out my bedroom window I was delighted with a full and complete rainbow. I could see it from end to end. Brilliant and perfect. I remember the promise the Lord made to Noah as he placed this priceless gift in the skies. I was overcome with gratitude for this magnificent and glorious world we live in. It's beauty is indescribable.


Today will be muggy, the heat and the tiny amount of rain will make bring about the humidity. So my hair will curl. Oh, yes! It's going to be a great day!

Fridays with Jim and Ginger

This Friday we decided to do something a little different. The new Sprinter, a fast rail transit system, just opened up in Escondido. It goes from Escondido to Oceanside. It is only a very short drive from our house. So we decided to take the Sprinter and go to Oceanside to walk out on the pier.




For only $2.00 we were able to purchase a round trip ticket. As we were boarding I noticed that some of the passengers were a little iffy. One was obviously a homeless woman and a couple of others looked like they had been working in the fields for a day. I don't think I would like to ride it during rush hour. But for the most part, it wasn't too busy and we had good seats going forward not backwards (important for me). It was fun seeing the backside of buildings. Boy, do some people have a mess behind their houses! It did take an hour with all the stops compared to the half hour it would have taken to drive. But it was very relaxing and gave me a chance to talk with Jim.

When we got to Oceanside we were just a few blocks from the pier so we walked to the pier. If was a beautiful day, warm but with billowy clouds and the sun starting to set. I love the smell of the ocean and the cool breeze. As we started walking out the pier we realized that there was a surfing competition going on. So we stopped and watched the surfers for awhile. We you are on the pier you are even with them on the water and can really get a good look.

There was quite a few people fishing. It looked like a good day, most were catching fish. I think I would have thrown some of the small ones back, but all the fishermen seemed to be keeping them. Not worth the cleaning to me.

At the end of the pier is Ruby's Diner. We had cheeseburgers, onion rings and old fashioned milk shakes. It was soooooo good! Probably the best cheeseburger I have had in a long time (yes, it was better than In-n-Out) and the shake was it's equal. As we were finishing up the waitress kept walking by with banana splits, hot fudge sundaes and all kinds of fantastic goodies. But we decided to be good, since we already blew 2 days calorie allowance and decline. So we are going to have to go back just for dessert.

The trip home was after dark so not as much fun. I think the first seat I sat in had a previous problem since there was sawdust on the floor. We moved to new seating and the rest of the trip was fine. A fun trip, we'll do it again.

Weiners!

Today I drove by Talones. Talones is a meat market near the railroad tracks in an industrial area of Escondido. Talones has been there ever since I can remember. It doesn't smell the same. When I was a child Talones was also a slaughter house. Obviously they had the freshest meat, so it was a popular place to shop. Now it is just a meat market with signs in the window in Spanish. I didn't go in.

My grandfather, John Ulrich was a butcher. He started at the Piggly Wiggly and when they went out of business he moved to Talones. My mother never had to make a decision about which piece of meat to select, she just told Gramps what she wanted. "Round steak today and a beef roast, along with a 3 lbs of hamburger." He would then put the round steak through the tenderizer (did you know you can have the butcher at the meat counter do this today?) which would eliminate the need to pound the round steak. He would select the very best cut of roast, guaranteed to be tender and flavorful. And the hamburger was always pink and wrapped up carefully.

She always took the kids with her to Talones. It was always on a Saturday. We loved to go to Talones. As we got out of the car you could hear the cows mooing. What fun! Sometimes they were in their pens outside and we got to see them, even better. And the smell......oh, I loved the smell. It smelled just like wieners! Yep, that's right wieners!

After Gramps had finished wrapping up Mother's purchase he would reach into the chilled meat display and from the large tray of stacked wieners grab a few. He would then turn to us and hand each one of us a raw wiener. You would have thought it was a Popsicle we were so excited. We would stand looking at the other customers with pride, no one else was munching on a wiener! Obviously we were very special. With boisterous goodbys I would clutch my treasure and munch my way back to the car. I loved Talones. I still like raw weiners.

Friday Fun with Jim and Ginger

Well, this Friday was a little off track. But it couldn't have been more enjoyable! We had a visit from Tony, Lauri, Hannah, Bailey, Grace, Ethan. Tony and Lauri went to see Eric in a play so I had a slumber party with the kids. Hannah called Anneli to come join her. Eberly was at a soccer game and couldn't make it (we missed you). Kyara drove Anneli here and when she came in asked, "room for two more?" Of course, so Kyara and Rommers stayed for the night as well.

We had a great time eating, watching TV and swimming. I thought it was cold but that didn't stop them from having a ball. Of course, Bailey was absolutely perfect the entire weekend. Lots of laughter and lots of fun.

Then the best time of all: Lauri taught me how to do blogs! I think I can make the backgrounds and headers now. We'll see, I haven't had time to practice but soon I will do it. So Fridays can be fun even at home.

Grammy's Slumber Party

My Friend Jack

Years ago I became acquainted with what I would call a great man. There are many things that make him great, but the one that stands out the most is his service during the Vietnam war. Jack Rollins was a POW for 6 years. His suffering was unimaginable and yet he has been able to forgive his oppressors. Having close contact with him over the years has taught me many lessons; one of the most important is not to obsess over little things that don't really matter. Jack has little tolerance for petty things. He has more integrity than anyone I know and you will never wonder where he stands on an issue. His honesty is complete and total. I marvel that instead of becoming bitter and resentful of his experiences he sees them as a valuable step to becoming the person he is today. You will never hear the words, "Why me?" come out of his mouth. He considers trials as stepping stones to personal progress. He is currently serving as a sealer (performs marriages) at the San Diego Temple. Most interesting of all, he was John McCain's roommate. He did an interview with 2 other POW's on Channel 8 TV today. Take a few minutes and watch the video. It will make you grateful for the sacrifice of others for our country. My life has been blessed because I know Jack.

Click here to watch http://video.nbcsandiego.com/player/?fid=35603#videoid=654082

What's New!

Just thought I would point out the new recipe on the sidebar. This is a great recipe that brings back memories of my childhood. My sister Terry sent it. It is kind of like a lava cake when served warm, but also yummy when cold. You can't go wrong with it.

Also I have put together a new blog for our Relief Society. Lauri did the cute design for it. I am quite excited about it and think it will be a good way to stay in touch with all the Relief Society sisters. Check it out at www.societystuff.blogspot.com it really is good (even if I do say so myself).

We had a fun weekend with Tony and Lauri. They brought Hannah, Grace, Bailey and Ethan. Ethan is a real tank. He is both tall and solid. I don't know how Lauri carries him all day. I think I would have to put him on a blanket and drag him from room to room. The girls were great and it was fun to spend some time with Lauri. She taught me how to do blog backgrounds so I am going to try to change mine to a different theme. Hopefully I can remember what's what.

Jim talked to Julie today. The hurricane went right over her house, but it is OK. At least that is the report she got. Reed is in Virginia at school for the Coast Guard and can't come home. She had to do the evacuation all by herself. Fortunately, Conrad is a lot like his Dad and was able to organize the evacuation. This is the second time they had to evacuate, the last time it was Reed and Conrad (Julie was in Utah), this time it was Julianne and Conrad. The damage to the town, roads etc. is so bad she will have to stay at the hotel in Tyler, TX for about 30 more days. How would you like that? Fun the first day, but a little too cozy after a short while. Her life is completely upside down. But at least the house is safe and most of all they are out of harm's way. Let's all pray for an end to Texas hurricanes.

Friday Fun with Jim and Ginger

This is a new addition to the blog. We decided to discover and do all the fun things San Diego County has to offer. We will then share it with you. Kind of like a personal travel log. Then when you come here, you will have great things to do also. This is the first thing we decided to do.

OK! OK! I know this is a cop-out but really....it is still in the 90's here and it still feels like summer. Why hike, sweat or drive when you can just do this? My idea of a perfect Friday!

The big gulp is waiting by my towel!

Betty Boop

It is amazing and kind of funny but one of my favorite blessings is Betty Boop. As much as I like her, it is nothing compared to Jim. It was his job to train her, well she still won't come when you call her unless she wants to. Instead of sitting to get a treat, he encourages her to "dance". And worst of all, she spends a large amount of time in his lap when he is watching TV. As you can see she brings him 'Woodstock' her favorite toy. It is funny but she knows not to try all that with me.

However, untrained as she is, she is the sweetest dog we have ever had. She is so gentle with the babies and loves the older kids. She is also very sensitive to my moods. After my surgery she just laid at my feet and was there to comfort me. When I am upset she tries and succeeds in making me laugh. Always the clown but never the fool. Overall, she has added a great amount of joy to our lives.

One of Jim's favorite TV shows is the Dog Whisperer. He was watching a show that used the swimming pool to train the dog. He would hold the dog in his arms and support the dog until it relaxed and grew comfortable in the water. So Jim took Betty Boop to the pool. She was fine as long as he held her, but panicked when he let go. Mostly he just held her and she had a good time. Then he set her on the deck, she shook off the water a few times and started running all over the yard. By the time we came up to the house she was full of dirt and who knows what else. The biggest problem was her beautiful long hair was now full of mats. We tried to get them out, but no luck. She had to go to the groomer and get a hair cut. So sad, they had to cut her underhair but left the upper so she still has her long hair, it is just not as thick.

Crazy Week!

Oh what a crazy week! I didn't even have time to read the blogs, so I am just getting caught up. First, I have work again!!! Yeah, that is the good news! I have an offer on the house that fell out of escrow. This one looks good. We have inspections today so I am hoping all is well. So I have been spending days on paperwork and putting this deal together. It took 4 counters but I did it. Then I had a buyer who wanted not one but two investment properties. Very nice! But of course that takes up all your time. Looking at really ugly houses that stink is not too glamorous.

It was time to turn my car back in, the lease was up. I would have bought it but they wanted way more than it was worth. So we had to go car shopping. I bought a Lexus ES350. Then I had to get to know all about the new car. I actually spent 3 hours just getting my phonebook set up. But it is worth it. Now I just punch the button on the steering wheel and can call anyone I want. It also has the navigation system like my last car, but this is better because it is voice activated. Gone are the days when I drove with a big gulp in one hand, my phone tucked under chin and taking notes on a pad with the other hand. Sometimes that made my clients nervous. Wimps!

This is my favorite part on the car ...............

And of course my nights were captivated by the convention. I watched every minute I could of both the Democrat and Republican conventions. I just loved this one! Stupid reporters! Never underestimate a woman! I love a good gotcha and with the idiotic questions they asked Sarah Palin, I thought it was perfect she turned out to be such a great speaker. When all the debate was going on about how she would ever be able to speak at such an important event, I told Jim; I could do it! No problem! When you raise children, you can do anything!

Take Your Turn!

I came across an old poem and thought I might like to share it with you. It was written by Carol Lynn Pearson. She is the author of 'Day Old Child', one of my very favs. Anyway it got me to thinking about how important it is that you take time to do something for yourself. I know Sept. is for the kids going back to school, but Oct. should be for you. Whether it is a new dress, shoes or just a lipstick it will make a difference in how you feel.

Some of the best advise I ever received as a new married was from a friend about Christmas. Her husband grew up in a very poor family and didn't celebrate Christmas and he just ignored it. Instead of getting her feelings hurt, she took him shopping to buy her presents. It became a cherished tradition for the two of them. I wouldn't like that; I like the surprise, but the principle is correct. If you only have $10.00, spend $5.00 on him and give him $5.00 to spend on you. Once a year isn't enough. You need to make sure you sometimes; not always, but sometimes put yourself first. It is good for your children, your spouse and you. The advise is good for both sexes.

The poem is long, but read it anyway.

Millie's Mother's Red Dress


It hung there in the closet
While she was dying, Mother's red dress,
Like a gash in the row
Of dark, old clothes
She had worn away her life in.

They had called me home,
And I knew when I saw her
She wasn't going to last.
When I saw the dress, I said,
"Why, Mother - how beautiful!
I've never seen it on you."


"I've never worn it. she slowly said.

Sit down, Millie - I'd like to undo
A lesson or two before I go, if I can."
I sat by her bed,

And she sighed a bigger breath
Than I thought she could hold.
"Now that I'll soon be gone,
I can see some things.
Oh, I taught you good - but I taught you wrong."

What do you mean, Mother?"

"Well - I always thought
That a good woman never takes her turn.
That she's just for doing for somebody else.
Do here, do there, always keep
Everybody else's wants tended and make sure
Yours are at the bottom of the heap.

Maybe someday you'll get to them,
But of course you never do.
My life was like that - doing for your dad,
Doing for the boys, for your sisters, for you."

"You did - everything a mother could."

"Oh, Millie, Millie, it was no good -
For you - for him. Don't you see?
I did you the worst of wrongs.
I asked nothing - for me!


Your father in the other room,
All stirred up and staring at the walls-
When the doctor told him, he took
It bad - came to my bed and all but shook
The life right out of me. 'You can't die,
Do you hear? What'll become of me?

What'll become of me?'

It'll be hard, all right, when I go.
He can't even find the frying pan, you know.
And you children.

I was a free ride for everybody, everywhere.
I was the first one up and the last one down
Seven days out of the week.I always took the toast that got burned.
And the very smallest piece of pie.
I look at how some of your brothers treat their
wives now,
And it makes me sick, 'cause it was me
That taught it to them. And they learned.

They learned that a woman doesn't

Even exist except to give.
Why, every single penny that I could save
Went for your clothes, or your books,
Even when it wasn't necessary.
Can't even remember once when I took
Myself downtown to buy something beautiful-
For me.

'Except last year when I got that red dress.

I found I had twenty dollars
That wasn't especially spoke for.
I was on my way to pay it extra on the washer.
But somehow - I came home with this big box.
Your father really gave it to me then.

'Where you going to wear a thing like that to -
Some opera or something?

And he was right, I guess
I've never, except in the store,
Put on that dress."


"Oh, Millie - I always thought if you take
Nothing for yourself in this world,
You'd have it all in the next somehow.
I don't believe that anymore.
I think the Lord wants us to have something-
Here - and now."

"And I'm telling you, Millie, if some miracle

Could get me off this bed, you could look
For a different mother, 'cause I would be one.
Oh, I passed up my turn so long
I would hardly know how to take it.
But I'd learn, Millie.
I would learn!"


It hung there in the closet
While she was dying, Mother's red dress,
Like a gash in the row
Of dark, old clothes
She had worn away her life in.

Her last words to me were these:

"Do me the honor, Millie,
Of not following in my footsteps.
Promise me that."

I promised.

She caught her breath.
Then Mother took her turn
In death.

The High Country

So.... I have procrastinated long enough in telling of our backpacking trip. Michael and I had a grand experience over 2 miles high in the Sierras. We started at the highest trail head in the Eastern Sierras, 10,250 ft. high. (Can't breathe!!) Click on photos to make larger.

This is "Little Lakes Valley". A spectacular series of lakes, all over 10,000 feet high. An incredible opportunity to appreciate the wonders of God's creations, and I move slow enough that we were able to take it all in.

As we carried backpacks that were too heavy, it dawned on me that if I did this often enough, I would be in great physical condition! Good goal.

Sleeping under the stars at that elevation is a totally different experience. You can't really make out the constellations because of the blanket of stars. The Milky Way was close enough to touch.

The granite peaks make you feel incredibly small.

You never get tired of looking at them.



Notice the snow pack still on the ground. I took this picture from one of our campsites.




Mike and I bathed in this creek just above where he is standing. We will never be the same, if you know what I mean (refreshing...Not!)







This is Rock creek that connects all of the lakes (Marsh Lake, Mark Lake, Heart Lake, Box Lake, Long Lake And (finally!) Chicken Foot Lake on our trip up Little Lakes Valley.

Now my goal is to hike the John Muir Trail before I get to old (should keep me young, don't you think?!!). 216 miles, from Yosemite to Whitney Portal.Some of the most spectacular country this side of Alaska.

So..... Who's going to get in shape and go with me???

Garden of Innocence

These are the results of our Enrichment Night which included making coffins for the Garden of Innocence. They are an organization that provides a dignified burial for abandoned babies. In addition the the caskets, complete with 2 homemake blankets, toy and poem, they give the baby a name and hold a memorial service. It was a wonderful feeling to know you were doing something that counts.

We made 8 in all. This is Elissa, the founder of the organization, Nick, it was his eagle scout project; he built the caskets and Katherine who organized the rest for her Laurel project

I thought mine turned out great.

Believing

I have been thinking about a comment on Lauri's blog for a few days and decided to share my thoughts on the subject here. On Lauri's blog she said, "My mother in law has brought this up. Turn it over to Christ she tells me. Allow the atonement to work. Do we Suffer needlessly because we don't turn our hearts over to the healing power of the Lord? So, what exactly does that mean? Christ died for us. He has felt my suffering and pain. He atoned for it. He has promised us “I will … ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that … you cannot feel them … ; and this will I do … that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.” While this is a comforting thought I ask what does it mean exactly to allow the atonement to work for me? Is it faith?"

I think this is one of the great questions of life. It is so hard to comprehend how this can be possible. I read a book a while ago from Stephen Robinson called, "Believing Christ". His premise was, yes we believe in Christ, but do we believe Christ. It's easy to say, he is our Savior, he died for our sins, we believe in the atonement...but do we really believe Christ. Do we believe him when he says he paid the price for our sins? If so when we repent of our sins, are we able to let go of them and see ourselves as pure and worthy of all the blessings he has to offer or do we compare ourselves to others. So often not measuring up. To be able to actually turn our pain and problems over to Christ takes some practice. Again do you believe he will accept them? It takes time to establish that level of faith and trust.

To do so you begin with prayer, daily personal prayer. I like to start my prayers with , "Father are you there" and wait to speak until I feel his presence. It is amazing to me, but I have never not felt his presence when I begin a prayer this way. Sometimes it takes a few minutes but it always happens.

The next step is scripture reading. I know studying is better, but it is amazing how beneficial just one verse of scripture a day can be. If you are having a hard time reading try just a little bit and build on.

The last thing that helps me is to attend the temple. The temple is such a peaceful place and it is so nice to have a place that is away from the hustle and bustle of regular life. I am always renewed after I go.

Last of all, this is a line upon line, step by step process that continues throughout your life. It doesn't matter if you have perfected your relationship with Christ. The question should be, are you closer this month than you were last month?

The Sounds of Silence

Well, Kristi and Aaron have just left, Dad is at mutual and it is just me and Judge Judy. The dog is mopping around and it will be a few days before we get used to the absence of family. We had a great visit with them. The cutest of all was how much Betty Boop and Shaun loved each other. They couldn't leave each other alone, they wrestled each other to the ground. It was really cute. We are going to miss them all.

Last night we went to the Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach with Kristi and Aaron and Shelli and Romney. This is a world famous production in it's 75th year. It's in an outdoor amphitheater where live actors portray works of art by the greatest artists. You would never know they are real people, it looks just like the original painting. They conclude each year with DaVinci's Last Supper. It was great. I am a member and order my tickets in January, they sell out so quickly I just blindly pick a date and hope we will be able to go. It's usually in August and I always get extra tickets so whoever is here when the date comes gets to go. I hope I can afford the tickets next January. With this RE market, who knows, but we really enjoy it. Every year I am glad we are able to go. I am so amazed at all the things we can participate in where we live. San Diego is just wonderful. We probably live in the best place in the world for fun fantastic things to do.

Favorite Pictures of Kristi's Vistit

Cousins

Mckenna

Grandpa & Shaun

Shaun lovin the pool

Mike & Avery

Mike & Eberly

Shaun rockin out at Shamu Show

One of those days

I am having a horrible day. My escrow just fell out, 1 week before it was to close. My poor sellers were all packed up, they even rented a POD for all their boxes. Now they have to unpack and put the house back on the market and then we wait, and wait and wait for another buyer. I am in a very bad mood. So I am going to share this; at least it made me smile.

I GOT STOPPED FOR SPEEDING YESTERDAY.

I THOUGHT I COULD TALK MY WAY OUT OF IT
UNTIL THE COP LOOKED
AT MY DOG IN THE BACK SEAT

Feel like poetry writing?

I need a few poems and I am not very good at writing them, in fact I am terrible. So I am seeing if any of you would like to participate.

We have a young man and young woman in our ward who is doing their eagle project and her Laurel project together. It was my suggestion, so I feel a little responsible to help them.

This is becoming a nationwide program so you may have heard of it in your area. This project is called The Garden of Innocence. It is an non-profit organisation that provides coffins for abandoned babies who have died and would not have a proper and loving burial. Sometimes the babies are found abandoned, but most are babies that are born with defects and do not live. When the parents find out the baby won't live they just leave them in the hospital and never come back. Upon the death of the baby the hospital then turns them over to the county as abandoned. The Garden of Innocence provides each baby with a casket (made by the eagle scout project), lined with flannel (Laurel project) and then the baby is given a name, a personal poem is placed in the coffin along with a stuffed animal. A local cemetery has provided a special section for these babies.

It is a wonderful project, the eagle scout collects money for the wood and has someone help him build them. They are about 12 inches by 24 inches. Even though they are plain, they are beautiful after sanding and staining. Then they are lined with baby flannel and really look special.

If any of you would like to send me a poem to put in the casket send it on the blog. We are doing 15, but there are over a hundred needed, so the poems will all be used.

Seminary, Primary, Relief Society?

Lauri has raised the question, "Is seminary really important?" Then the next step in the thought process is, "Is primary important? What about Relief Society?" I suppose I could go on, but you get the idea. My first response is of course. But why? I didn't fully have the answer until today at Relief Society. Our lesson was by Kristi Krueger, teaching her first ever RS lesson and it was on Zion.

What is this Zion the Lord talks about? Zion is most of all - people. People who are pure in heart; people who love the Lord and try to follow his teachings. Of course it is also our stakes and our homes.

I began to think about what you mothers are up against today. Cheating and lying are common, pre-marital sex is the norm, drugs and alcohol are cool, everything from pornography to dishonesty to homosexuality is allowed. It is made to look like it must be experienced if a person is to really be accepted. So how do you counter this? How can you balance the peer pressure your kids are or will be facing?

The only answer is in the stakes of Zion and in the home. It goes without saying TV, music, computers etc. influence the spirit of our homes. But as kids get older friends become almost as important as family. Seminary, Primary, YW & YM all provide an opportunity for the kids to see they are not alone in their beliefs. It gives them a chance to make friends who believe as they do. There might be a temptation that your child is facing, and of course not telling you about, that may be addressed that day in Seminary. Coincidence? I don't think so. I think the Lord cares as much as you do and prompts the teacher to touch on the very topic your child needs that day. You never know if today is the day the light goes on and they are strengthened because they were there.

I remember when I was a young mother with so many children. Most of my Sundays were spent out in the hallway with one child or another who was acting up. At one point I expressed that I didn't even know why I went to church. I was just like a colander and at the end of the day everything had drained out. Then I had the thought, "At least you are wet". It's the same for all of us, kids included. You won't go too far wrong if you keep getting wet.

So what is the first step to becoming more pure in heart? Being where we can have our spirits renewed and uplifted. In this crazy world that's not easy. But it is possible.

WHY MEN ARE NEVER DEPRESSED:

Men Are Just Happier People-- What do you expect from such simple creatures?

• Your last name stays put.


• The garage is all yours.


• Wedding plans take care of themselves.


• Chocolate is just another snack.


• You can never be pregnant.


• You can wear a white T-shirt to a water park.


• You can wear NO shirt to a water park.


• Car mechanics tell you the truth.


• The world is your urinal.


• You never have to drive to another gas station restroom because this one is just too"icky."


• Wrinkles add character.


• Wedding dress $5000. Tux rental-$100.


• People never stare at your chest when you're talking to them.


• New shoes don't cut, blister, or mangle your feet.


• One mood all the time.


• Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat.


• A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase.


• You can open all your own jars.


• You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness.


• If someone forgets to invite you, he or she can still be your friend.


• Three pairs of shoes are more than enough.


• You almost never have strap problems in public.


• You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes.


• Everything on your face stays its original color.


• The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades.


• You only have to shave your face and neck.


• You can play with toys all your life.


• One wallet and one pair of shoes -- one color for all seasons.


• You can wear shorts no matter how your legs look.


• You can "do" your nails with a pocket knife.


• You can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives on December 24, in 25 minutes.

No wonder men are happier.

All in a day's work

What an interesting day I had yesterday! I received a lead for a new buyer who was leaving the next day. He was from Texas and wanted a house he and his wife could live in while visiting their children. But, he only wanted bank owned properties, on the coast, for under $500,000. Well, there were 5 that fit that description. As we drove around looking he realized they were dogs. Totally trashed, one even had the sinks and toilets removed. He soon came to the conclusion that it was going to take a whole lot of money to fix them up. Next we looked at condo's. Some good buys, but he finally found a fixer in not too bad shape. We spent the entire day looking. But at least I think he is going to buy.

So I am told they want to think about it and could we meet back at the property at 7:00, it is now 4:00, but I said OK. I get there early. The condo units (about 6 condos) are surrounded by tall trees and lots of heavy brush and bushes. Very dense, kind of like being out in the forest, except for the freeway noise. All of a sudden while I am standing alone in the parking lot, a helicopter starts circling over my head. They are saying, "We are looking for a robbery suspect. White male with a shaved head." I immediately get back in my car and lock the doors. The cops keep circling. I decide it would be safer if I go inside the house (it is vacant). I dig in my purse, but no lockbox key. I search the car, but no key. I now remember I left it on my desk at home. Not only can't I get in, but the buyer can't get in either. Just as I make this realization the buyers get there. Husband, wife, son and twins, aged 19 months. We stand in the parking lot and I explain they can't get in but I have a contract ready to sign.

They are irritated but say OK after they walk around the outside. It is now dusk, but you can still see if you peek in the windows. All of a sudden, up comes the helicopter, " We are looking for a robbery suspect, white male, shaved head, white T-shirt, hands cuffed in front of him." Over and over, round and round they go. It is so loud we can not hear one another. The babies start to cry and the wife is scarred. But the husband is determined to look in the windows. This goes on forever. Then we hear from above, "Tracy Lyon give up, don't make us send the dogs in! Come out now and surrender to the police officer and you won't have to go to the hospital." Police officer? All we see is a helicopter directly overhead. This goes on the entire time we are filling out and signing the contract. Finally the helicopter leaves, I assume Tracy didn't want to see the dogs. It's about 8:30 now. I have an offer for the condo. The buyers who are slightly shook up along with their screaming babies finally leave.

And I go home with my offer. The offer- $301,000. The asking price - $439,000. Oh yeah, that's going to happen! When monkeys fly........(you know the rest). Oh the glamor of it all.
A day in the life of a Realtor.

It's so quiet here!

It's so quiet you can hear a pin drop, or an animal outside that makes the dog bark. I am not accustomed to such quiet, it will take some getting use to. The family was here, of course not all of them but quite a few, and now they are gone. I loved the noise, the hustle and bustle, being woken up by little ones peeking in my bedroom door and asking, "Are you awake Grammy?". Oh yes, the house was a constant mess, the TV was seldom turned off and the wet towels went on forever. But it was good.

Yesterday Jim and Mike left for their week long High Sierra backpacking trip. So it is now just Betty Boop and myself. To make matters worse, Betty Boop is depressed. Yes, she is moping around as if it's my fault everyone is gone. First thing in the morning she runs from bedroom to bedroom to see if she's missed anyone. Then she comes and flops down by my feet and gives me the sad eyes which is suppose to get my sympathy. I think it is working.

It is now 9:00 and no one has gotten me my Big Gulp. That is next on the list, right after get dressed. I am grateful to have people I love in my life. It is wonderful to know I will never be alone. It was difficult many times to try to raise 8 children, but I am now reaping the rewards of that choice. I look at dear friends who are not married and their children come seldom to visit or stay in touch and I see a loneliness that I will never experience. I think the greatest blessing I will ever have is my children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and Jim.

I am also grateful for this week of solitude to reflect on how rich my life is because of the family I have. We are often loud and opinionated but with that comes deep love for one another and oh so much fun! We can't be together and not laugh. Who could ask for more?