Since this is the last day of the year, I guess it's time to make some New Year's Resolutions. I haven't really got any, except to do the best I can in all the activities we have. The main things at our age is to stay as well as we can, and help others whenever we can. I hereby resolve to do that. Chris (Russ) started out with a bloody nose this morning, but it didn't last long. We had our breakfast and then I read in the book Karen loaned me, and he rested in his chair, to make up for the sleep he lost last night. We decided to go out to lunch, and went to Taco Bell. I enjoyed a gordito and a drink, and we came home. I read again, and finally finished the book. We had dinner and then looked on the TV for a New Year's Eve show. We didn't find anything, so we watched "Shrek111", and the New York Symphony during the commercials. We also enjoyed the pictures Kaye sent of Logan and Maret's wedding reception.

This morning we went to Church. During Sacrament Meeting my legs and shoulders started to hurt, and when it was time to go to the other meetings, I couldn't do it. We went home, I took a tablet for pain, curled up in the recliner and went to sleep as soon as the tablet started to work. I woke up for lunch, late, but we had it. Later Karen came over and brought our dinner. It was crab cakes and I really enjoyed them and the other goodies she brought. We watched some TV, and later we had our dinner. Then I read a while, and my dear husband, who likes to be called Chris instead of his real middle name Russ, worked on the computer. We did watch the 2nd half of an English mystery show, and now it's bedtime. I'll stop here.

This morning I had my hair done, and it really improved my appearance and my inner self. While I was doing that, Russ did some shopping for supplies. We finished about the same time. At home we had lunch, and then watched a little TV, and rested. I put the washing in, and I felt glad I didn't have to do sheets on a scrub board, as I did in Detroit when we were first married. It was cloudy all day but didn't rain. The sun came out just in time for the formation of a beautiful dark red and and purple sunset. I appreciate the views we have of sunsets here, although I do miss seeing the ocean from our windows now. I'm glad Kaye and Kyle were able to get a hotel on the beach when they went to Oregon for Logan's wedding yesterday. I think our daughters enjoy the ocean as much as I do.

Danya and Matt left about 7:30 this morning. Russ and I had our breakfast, and the garage called to say our car was ready. After a little while Karen came over and drove us down to get the car. Then we drove it the new Kaiser Clinic in Oceanside, and asked the pharmacy to renew one of my prescriptions. They told us they needed permission of our doctor, so we have to wait until next week to get it. We came home, had lunch, and then just stayed home, until Al came to visit and pick up his Christmas presents from Carla and family. After he left, Carla called, and told us the wedding was over, and they had a new daughter-in-law, and Logan a new wife. Kaye called, and she said she, Kyle and Race would represent our side of the family at the reception tonight. I'm glad they can go.

This morning the man to change the filter on the reverse osmosis unit got here at 8 a.m. Danya had just started getting breakfast ready, so she put the eggs back in the refrigerator, and they went out for breakfast. As soon as the two filters were installed and the man gone, Russ and I had our breakfast. Then Danya and Matt came back with tickets to the San Diego Zoo, that Karen gave them. They left, and Karen drove along with us down to get our car fixed; the yellow warning light was on. She brought us back, and we won't get the car back until tomorrow. We spent a quiet afternoon, and then after we had finished our dinner, Danya and Matt got back. They packed up their car, including the Revere Ware we gave them. They will leave early in the morning.

This morning we went out to breakfast. Afterwards Danya and Matt drove us home and they went shopping. Later Danya went to lunch and shopping with Danya and Candace. Matt came home with us; we had lunch, and then Matt watched movies, and Russ and I had a nap. Later I made a bean casserole to take to Karen's for dinner, and then we went over there. It was a buffet again, and we enjoyed it. Karen drove us home afterwards, and then Danya and Matt came a little later. It has been a nice day for us, and we look forward to one more day with Danya. Candace and family will leave early tomorrow for home.

This morning we woke up, and Danya and Matt were already up, waiting for us by the Christmas tree. They had brought gifts for us, and put them under the tree. After we opened them, they went to Karen's for breakfast and opening presents there. About 2 p.m. we went also to Karen's for Christmas dinner. Al was there too. Karen and Mike got out their meat done in the pit barbecue, but it wasn't entirely cooked. Fortunately they could finish the process in Terry's smoker, and eventually we all had a good dinner. It was nice to visit with everybody, and we stayed until it was almost dark, and then came home. Later Danya and Matt got here and played a few games of cards. We also had nice phone visits with Kaye and Carla and their families, Kendra Gillian, and also our nephew Ladel Harris. All in all, it has been a nice Christmas.

Roy came to clean the house today. Russ watered and fertilized the gardenia plant, and I put the washing on. Thank goodness it takes mostly care of itself. Karen came over but didn't stay long. She had left Candace and family home. Danya called from Tustin about 1p.m. to say they had car trouble and called the auto club. A policeman came by, and escorted them to the garage, and they had lunch while the people tested the car. They couldn't find anything wrong, and it started, so they came on down here with no more trouble. Karen came over again to visit with us and Danya and Matt, and she brought materials for our dinner. We ate it, and then Karen left. Later Matt and Danya couldn't find a movie they hadn't seen in our collection, so they went out to El Camino Plaza to see one. We folded the laundry, and now are writing, and then we'll read a while and go to bed.

We didn't go to Church this morning. We were both still tired, and needed not to see a lot of other people and maybe pick up something else. After breakfast Karen called and said she and maybe Candace would be over, so I kinda put away things to make it look more acceptable in the house. They soon got here, and we were glad to see them both. Karen also brought our dinner for tonight, "so we wouldn't have to eat the TV dinners we had bought and put in the freezer." Of course her cooking is a lot better than anything we can buy, frozen, in a grocery store! They asked what we needed to do before Danya and Matt arrive tomorrow, and we looked at each other, and they guessed it was making up the beds, and they made them. Later Karen came back and picked up the beef that she and Mike will cook in the pit barbecue.

I woke up with a sore leg, so I took pain pills and promptly went to sleep. When I woke up, Karen was here to bring more things to store in our refrigerator (for the Christmas dinner at her house). Kaye called when she and Kyle were over the mountain on the way to Seattle. Russ got my lunch, and then we both sat down and watched another Dr. Who on the CD Kaye sent us. Then, we both went to sleep. Karen came over, while we were still asleep in the recliners, and she put more things in the refrigerator, including some things just for us. Later Kaye called again, to say they were bringing Race from Seattle and were over the mountain on the way home. Stellan will also be home. I'm glad they'll have both sons with them for Christmas. Our oldest grandchild, Danya, and her husband will arrive Mon. and stay at our house.

This morning Karen brought some meat to keep in our refrigerator for pit barbecuing for Christmas dinner. She and Candace's husband (another good cook) are going to start this Christmas eve, and have it bake all night. Neither one has done it before, but both want to do it now. Later she came back and brought a Quiche Lorraine that she had just baked. It looked so good, we didn't want for dinner to try it. But fortunately it is big enough for a quick bite in the middle of the afternoon, dinner tonight, and still two small pieces for tomorrow's lunch. I wrote all the rest of the Christmas cards today, and I'll get them in the mail tomorrow. Maybe next year it will be a form letter, like lots of people are doing now.

Our trip to see Dr. Donahoe just confirmed what we already thought; the pneumonia is slowly going away, but it will take at least two more weeks to get completely over it. And then Russ will not have all his strength back for more weeks. The next appointment is for Jan. 7. We looked at the ocean for a little while before going home. At home later while Russ rested in the recliner, I wrapped some candy boxes for mailing, and wrote a few more Christmas cards. Karen had made bonbons and filled up the boxes and plates. Two will go to friends in Fallbrook, one to Charles and Mabel, and the other to one to our house cleaner. When I think it's safe to do so, I'll make more caramels, and give little plates to the other neighbors. I just don't want to give anyone the pneumonia germs.

I actually went out of the house today, Karen came over and took me to get more Christmas cards and a few groceries. Then she will come back in the morning and take us to see Dr. Donahoe. The nurse said something about another x-ray, I guess to check on the congestion again. Also, he needs another blood test. I have written a few more cards, but I'm not done yet. I took time out to do some washing that I've been putting off all week. Next year I think I will write a group letter, like so many we get, instead of writing separately to each person or family. This takes too long to do. Russ is still doing well. At least it seems so to me; we'll of course find out in the morning. I think Donahoe is a good doctor.

Russ' fever has broken again, and I hope it stays down this time. We are still hoping to go to Karen's on Christmas day. There will be two granddaughters and husbands, a grandson and a brother-in-law as well as Karen and Terry. Carla and family and Kaye both came down in November. I wrote Christmas cards today; but I still have about 25 or 30 more to do. I'm skipping some of those we didn't hear from the last 2 or 3 Christmases. Since we have lived so many places during our long lives, there are lots of people we want to keep track of; friends from Gov. Service and friends from Church and college in each place, besides all the relatives.

Russ' fever had dropped to almost normal today. But we still didn't do anything much. Karen came over and brought some chicken soup she had made, but she didn't stay very long. She had to get back to pick up Terry at the dentist. We slept in about one and a half hours, and had a lazy day. We watch TV, went through boxes looking for warm underwear, and generally rested all day. I did make a loaf of bread, though, because we ran out and didn't want to go shopping. And in spite of being careful all day, Russ' fever came up again tonight. Thank goodness we got an appointment with Dr. Donahoe in three days. I meant to write more Christmas cards, but I never did get to it. Karen brought over a new book for me to read, but I got only 7 pages read tonight. I'll have to make myself a schedule, so I'll actually do something valuable tomorrow!

I thought I might have bad dreams last night, but it wasn't a dream; Russ coughed for hours. His fever came up again, and Karen got him an appointment at the Urgent Care at the Kaiser Clinic in San Marcos for 9:45 today. We drove there, saw a doctor who had X-rays taken, and diagnosed pneumonia. She gave him two antibiotic drugs, and said he should see Dr. Donahoe in two or three days. I'll get an appointment tomorrow. We won't be going to Charles and Mabel's house on Wednesday. There's no point to taking germs up there. They just got over bad colds. Russ has kept quiet all day, watching TV and also "Fiddler On the Roof" and napping.

I had my hair cut and set this morning. Russ insisted on driving me and picking me up later. He seemed hot when I touched him, and sure enough, when we got home and took his temperature, it was a little over 101 degrees. He has been quiet most of the day, except for a shower, and tonight he's just over 100. Karen came over and brought some soup for him and visited a while. I decided to stay home with Russ tomorrow and not go to Church. We watched some TV, and the last one was so scary that I was afraid I'd dream about it, so I left and got ready for bed. I'd seen part of it once before, I realized, so I stopped right away. Bad dreams aren't worth it.

I wrote Christmas cards this morning and helped Russ get his traffic fine ready for Terry to fax to the the court. Terry picked it up about 11:30, and I'm sure he can do it. We had lunch and listened to a Perry Mason re-run on TV. After a short rest, I went back to writing Christmas cards to people that had already sent them to us. The mailman had brought more when he came. We had our dinner and watched news on TV for a while. Then I went back to writing cards. Later I cut and wrapped most of the candy I had made the other day. Kaye sent pictures of the 1920's dress she had made and wore to the office party last night. They are nice. She is really talented at sewing.

This morning Russ' fever was gone, and he insisted on going to the store. I went along, to be company. At home again we had lunch, and I got ready and made my first batch of candy for Christmas . Karen brought over two pans of potatoes to keep warm in our oven, for the Relief Society dinner tonight. The committee had made six pans, and couldn't keep them all warm at the Church. Karen and the R.S. president baked chicken for the main meat dish and there were also salad, rolls, punch and dessert. Karen came back about 6 p.m. and picked up the potatoes, and me, and we went back to the Church for the R.S. Christmas dinner and program. It was very nice, and we all took home as favors small Nativity scenes.

The Kaiser Permanente people have just opened a clinic in Oceanside. Russ made an appointment to have his blood drawn there, instead of driving 10 miles to the Carlsbad clinic to have it done. After we did that, we went to Boney's for green groceries. We came home, and I started to put up the other Christmas things. But Russ started to run a fever, wouldn't have any lunch, and I worked sporaticaly on the Christmas decorations, and got the mantle stuff up, but not much else. We watched a couple of TV shows, and later he did have a little dinner. Then another TV show. Karen came over and brought some milk I forgot to get. Now it's bedtime, so I won't do any more Christmas things. Russ' fever is dropping a little, so I hope he will be better in the morning.

I just read Kendra Gillian's comment on my blog, and I really appreciated it. I have to admit I didn't set up my blog, my daughter Kaye did it for me. I'm glad she did, it gives me more freedom to talk to my family and friends like Kendra. My one big accomplishment today was setting up and decorating our artificial Christmas tree. We have had the same tree for over 10 years, and I think that next year we will use a small real tree, that we can plant out in the yard afterwards. I have just the spot for it. We finished watching the Laurence Olivier "Hamlet", and I think it's the very best I've seen, including the ones on stage. It was made in 1978, so it isn't new. I hope to put up our little Christmas village and other things tomorrow, to make it look really like Christmas here.

This is a day I've been dreading, whether my tooth would be crowned or pulled; thank goodness it was crowned! It was a relief to still have it when I finally got out of the dentist's office. While we were gone, Roy cleaned the house, and it was good to come home to. We still need the carpets cleaned, but I don't know when that will be. After lunch Karen came over and told us about her trip to San Francisco. She said the city looks better-kept than a few years ago. She and her two daughters stayed on the west side of town, and took a new trolley around the Marina and downtown, and they saw the improvements. She left us soon, as usual she is busy doing things for other people! Later I read a while, napped a little, and just sat and thought about Christmas, and what I would do about decorating. Tonight we watched half of "Hamlet" with Laurence Olivier.

This morning we went to all three sessions of Church. I forgot my hearing aid, so I didn't get what one of the speakers said, but I did hear most of the lessons in the last two sessions . Later at home we had lunch, and I sat down to read the paper. I napped for a little while, but finally I got through what I wanted of the paper and threw the rest away. I got ready to start writing Christmas cards, but then it was dinner time, so I stopped and did that. I never did get back to the cards. Maybe tomorrow. Karen got home safely from San Francisco, and she said she would come over tomorrow. Kaye has been busy throwing a few things away, and now she can get around the house better. We didn't talk to Carla; we will call her tomorrow. The rain there was awful, 8 people died.

This morning I had my hair done, by my regular operator. She has just returned from a trip to Australia to see her grandfather. She brought me some chocolate-covered "biscuits" that I haven't tried yet, but I 'm sure they are good. While my hair was being done, Russ bought some fresh fruit. At home later we put them into baskets with Christmas paper, and took them to two of the ladies he home teaches. The other lady has extended family with her who would eat all fruit, so we are going to get a Christmas plant for her instead. Back at home we read and listened to the New Testament for the Sunday School lesson tomorrow. We may not stay for it, but it's better to be prepared. The Relief Society and Priesthood lessons have lessons, too. These last are similar to each other. We read them, too.

Since this is Dec. 7, I am remembering where we were then, in 1941. We married on Nov. 24, and after a couple of days we went to our rental house in Sasalito, Calif. We were there only a day or two, when Russ got orders to go to Detroit for a motor school for a month. (He was a 2nd Lt. in the Army. We bought a used car, and set out across the country, as our honeymoon, in winter snow instead of California sunshine. we finally arrived in Detroit the morning of the 7th. Russ was dressed in his uniform, because he was to report that day. As we drove through the streets, looking for a place for breakfast, people kept yelling something to us. When we did stop, we heard, "Report to your Base! and then we learned what had happened at Pearl Harbor. I had two brothers, Naval officers, stationed there, and I worried about them. Later I learned they we safe; Bert had taken his ship out of the harbor on maneuvers, Elliot's ship was hit, but he was able to get it out of the harbor and still afloat. Later Russ and I were able to be together three months until he was sent overseas.

Karen called and said she would be coming over, so we had our breakfast and waited for her to arrive. She got here about 10:30 a.m. She told us about her coming trip to San Francisco, and also that Danya had told her that she and Matt would be happy to come to our house to stay the nights while they were here over Christmas. Now we are motivated to get really ready for Christmas. We stored everything in the shed, so it shouldn't be hard to locate what we need to decorate the house. It's just a matter of finding it among all those boxes. But somehow we didn't get to it today. After lunch I tried to copy my letter to Ardath Davies, but I kept slanting the words. So, Russ helped me set up a format to do it on the computer. After the letter was done, we drove with it to the post office. On the way back we drove by the spot where a camera took a picture the other day of Russ turning right on a red light, and red arrow, the police claim.

This morning we drove to the Carlsbad Kaiser Pharmacy to pick up 6 prescriptions. Today the waves were supposed to be high, because of the storm that is in Ore, and North Calif., so we stopped at Tamarack Beach, where we luckily found a parking place. There were lots of people in this lower parking lot, and from there we walked a little way along the seawall to watch the waves, and the surfers trying to get rides. Only a few made it in those big waves. I did get tired, so we left there and drove back to Oceanside, to the Burger King. We had a Whopper Jr.and a drink, and then came home. I rested and finished re-reading "Moon Called", so I will be ready for Patty Briggs' new book in January. I finished my letter to Ardath Davies on her 100th birthday. Now I'll have to copy it over tomorrow and send it.

I woke up feeling better than yesterday. I could move my body more easily. I hadn't realized how much the antibiotics had affected me. However, I kept quiet most of the day. By 3 p.m. I felt quite well, and I put a load of washing in. I rested, then put another in. And I got all but one batch washed before time to go to bed, which time is as soon as I finish this blog. After talking to Karen about it, I called Charles and Mabel, and arranged to go to their house on the 19th. Karen will do the driving. We will come back before the evening rush hours. I talked to Kendra Gillian, and she said Rob was now working for All State Insurance Co. I feel sure that's better than working on his own, as he has tried to do. James is going on his mission as soon as he turns 19, another good thing. I'm glad their family are all staying together.

It was a little warmer today, and I was glad to go out to lunch with my dear husband and daughter Karen. I have been mostly in the house getting over these series of antibiotics. We sat at Mimi's Restaurant in the enclosed patio, and I looked out over the lagoon and as far as the 5 Freeway. It was a good location for a nice lunch and visit. I really enjoyed being out. When the Bishop was here yesterday, he asked if we would be willing to have the ward's missionaries live at our house. It seems they can't afford the rent in their apartment. We have thought about it, and finally decided we couldn't do it. I wonder if we will regret it; maybe we do need someone living in the house with us. We'd rather have the room and bath available for our family to visit. In fact, we have already invited Danya and her husband to stay here at Christmas time. That will leave room at Karen's for Candace and Mike to stay.

We didn't go to Church this morning, because I didn't feel up to it. Karen called to find out why we weren't there and we told her. After a bit to eat and my tablets I sat down to read the Sunday paper, and I fell sound asleep! That's the first time I have had a nap in the morning. I nap sometimes in the afternoon, but I guess I was really tired this morning. After lunch we watched more Miss Marple movies, and tonight I read some more in Patricia Briggs last book. I will soon finish it, and I will certainly be waiting for the one being published in January. The Bishop came over to home teach us, and while he was here, Karen came over. We'll see her tomorrow, though, so she didn't stay long today.

This morning I had my hair done, and it wasn't an ordeal at all. They didn't have my appointment down in their book, so I got a new girl to do it. Next week my operator will be back from Australia. At home again, I read the paper and then we had lunch. Afterwards we watched a couple of Miss Marple mysteries. After that I started to re-read the last of Patrica Brigg's books, so I'll be caught up again on what's going on in the series. A new one comes out in January. We talked to Karen and Kaye, and they are both well. We'll call Carla tomorrow. I don't have anything else to say, so I'll close now.

We have had another day of mostly resting; an especially good idea because it has been raining most of the day. This is the first time since last April, the weather man says. Karen came over for a visit, and we enjoyed seeing her. She became a little upset over one of the things we talked about. After she left we had our lunch. Afterwards I got to thinking about it and called her, and we cleared the air. Tonight we watched the first half of a Scotch movie, although we couldn't understand most of the Scotch accent. Kaye explained it when we talked to her, and we finished the movie OK. That was our day.

Today has been almost a repeat of yesterday. I rested most of the day, and Russ went to grocery shop for about an hour. I woke up this morning lying on my right side, and it didn't hurt at all. I quickly turned over, just in case my jaw, face and ear might start to hurt. My only trouble today has been with my headache, a little bit of dizziness, and some trouble with my alimentary canal. However, I still didn't feel up to going to Elynore Roger's funeral in Fallbrook tomorrow. I'm sure that the flower arrangement that Alene Ahrend is making up for us will be a suitable remembrance. Later I will write a letter of sympathy to Elynore's family.

Today was a complete rest for me, and I feel better tonight. Russ did go out to the bank, but he was here all day except for that. I finished reading the book Kaye left for me. Patricia Briggs' story was good, but the other three by other authors were awful! I have never read many fantasies, and I won't again--except for Patricia's. Her fey don't go around killing lots of people. Kaye had given us five Miss Marple DVDs for our anniversary. We watched two of them today, besides our news shows. The second one we had already seen, but with Elizabeth Taylor as the movie star and a whole different cast.

Since yesterday's blog appears in the right place, I assume this one will also. I'm on my new medication to clear up my infection, and I hope it will work this time. This morning we went to the grocery store for milk and a few other things, and came right back home. After the shopping I felt the need of another rest. After the rest and lunch Karen came over and visited a while. Then she and I went to do visiting teaching. It's late in the month, but the lady was out of town before when we tried. At home I rested and read in the book Kaye lent me; then she will pick it up next time she comes down. The author had autographed it for her. We are not sure about going to Fallbrook on Friday and again on Saturday. Now I'm not up to it.

This is an experiment, to try to find where my blogs have been going when they didn't get on my regular blog. I am going through Foxfire, but I didn't turn off the computer before starting. I may end up in the wrong place again. If so, maybe we can trace it, so it won't happen again. Today we washed sheets and towels while Roy was here. He did the cleaning of the house, and Russ and I did the plant watering and the sheets, etc. Carla had washed one batch before she left, so there wasn't as much as it could have been. This afternoon I went back to the dentist to get another dose of anti-biotics. (Sp?) He gave me another one, and I think this will clear up my last swelling and outer ear problem.

All Carls's family are gone today..

Carla and Rex left at 6 a.m. to drive to Eugene, Ore. They called at 9 a.m. from Buttonwillow, and again at 9 p.m. when they reached Eugene. We went back to sleep until Brittany and Bianca woke up. We had breakfast and they packed up to go to Bianca's apartment in Pomona, each in her own car. Bianca stopped on the way, in L. A. at the hotel they stayed in where she had left some clothing in a drawer. From there, she went to Bianca's and they went to her Singles' Ward in Pomona for church. Russ and I just stayed home, resting up today. We had a little nap, talked to Karen and LaDel Harris. Gary Christensen called yesterday, to wish us Happy Anniversary, and we wished him Happy Birthday.

Visit with Al and dinner at Karen's..

This is Saturday's news. The blogs are going to different locations, and Kaye says she will help me straighten them out tomorrow. This is our 66th anniversary and also the day everyone was to go visit Uncle Al. We got there in separate cars, but all managed it eventually. We visited in his apartment first, and then Logan and Maret had to leave for Utah. The rest of us had lunch in the dining room with Al downstairs. Afterwards Carla and Bianca went shopping and the rest of us went to our house. Bianca was studying for exams Monday and Tuesday, the rest of us using computers and TV. Then all together went to Karen and Terry's for dinner and talking. Afterwards at our house we watched a a movie until midnight.

Missing Blog

I still have another blog on the G-mail setting, I guess. I'll have to ask Kaye to help me fix it. This morning we had breakfast, just as people wanted it, when they wanted it. Afterwards Bianca and Meret did some studying, and the rest of us just visited. Karen came over and joined in. Then later we had a lot of left-overs from Thanksgiving dinner for lunch. Rex had been dirt biking with Travis, so the rest of us did a repeat of the morning's talk and looking at pictures the group was getting ready for a presentation at Logan and Meret's wedding reception . Then we went to Soup Plantation for dinner. After that some went shopping, and the rest of us stayed here and repeated the mornings activities. It was a nice day altogether.

Missing blog Thanksgiving Day

This morning we went to the store to buy a couple of pies, because Karen had made only two, and I thought we might need more. She also bought two, so I hope Carla's family are really hungry tonight, when the get here from Disneyland. We went to Karen's about 3 p.m. and Al was there, too. We thought Logan and Meret would be back in time for Thanksgiving dinner with us, but they didn't make it. However, Karen sent home with us all the left-overs from the great dinner she cooked. It's almost 8 p.m. and I expect Carla and Family to be here soon. I did finally get Kendra Gillian on the phone. She says they are all well, and James is going to college one year before he goes on his mission. They all had Thanksgiving dinner at Robb's grandmother's house.

A nice visit.

Somehow Tuesday's blog didn't get on this blog. Logan and Meret came and stayed overnight with us. Now they have gone back to Los Angeles where they will meet the rest of the family and go to Disneyland. However, Logan and Meret will be back to have Thanksgiving dinner with us at Karen's, and the rest of the family will come that night. Today We had to go to San Marcos for Russ' blood tests, and Logan and Meret stayed here and studied. they are both in school. She is studying Law, and Logan Engineering. We had a late lunch at Mimi's restaurant, then we came back to the house and Logan and Meret packed up their things , and left a while later.

This morning we started the washing, and then went grocery shopping. We got most of what we needed, but I left my folding cane in the store somewhere. Luckily I have another cane. Logan called, and he said he and Meret would be coming down later today, to spend the evening with us. We sort of thought they would be here by dinnertime, but they are caught in traffic and delayed. Karen had brought over a roasted chicken and some great mashed potatoes. We had some of that had that and some peas. We will have salad and dessert with Logan And Meret when they arrive. I'll close now, and go get the bedrooms ready.

Missing Blog

I went for my dental appointment this morning, Russ came with me and waited while I had a root canal done. It took almost two hours, and I'm to go back in about two weeks for another session. I'm not sure just what that entails. My mouth was still anesthetised at lunch, so I ate a hot dog on a stick. Then I napped in my chair for a couple of hours. I straightened up the house for about an hour, and then my visiting teacher and her husband came, bringing a basket of fruit and the lesson. Tonight I've been reading in the book Kaye left, and after enjoying Patty Brigg's short story, I agree with Kaye that the next story isn't very good . I'll read more tomorrow. My cheek and ear are still sore tonight. I think I'll have the next bad tooth pulled.

Better.

Karen came and took me to Church with her, and Russ stayed home to be here when the plumber came. When Karen brought me home from Church, the plumber was still here, and the water was turned off in the house. So, we had hot dogs on a stick from the freezer for lunch. Finally the plumber was done, and gave us an estimate on replacing both hand bowls in that bathroom. We will wait a while to have that done. He did a good job on the shower, though. After he left we sat down in the recliners to watch a little TV, and we both fell asleep. After we woke up, I called Charles and Mabel and invited then down for Thanksgiving, but they both have colds and have doctor's appointments for help, and they declined and will stay home. Karen is going to cook the turkey, and has invited us there for Thanksgiving. We will go.

Plans didn't work.

Things didn't go just as we all had planned. Kaye's plane to Seattle was grounded, and she had to fly later to Portland. From there she took a plane to Pasco, where Kyle met her. They were home about 4:30 p.m. instead of 11:30 a.m.! I had moved my hair appointment to 2:30 p.m., thinking Kaye would call before then, and tell us she was home. But I was back from the appointment when she called. Since then we contacted a plumber who will come tomorrow and fix the on-off and temperature control on the shower in the back bathroom. It can be used as-is, but it's a nuisance.

Last day of Kaye's visit.

This morning we went to 1st Pacific Bank and opened an account, which we will use to pay bills. Kaye will help us manage our finances, and be able to pay bills if we are incapacitated. After setting up this, we went to lunch, then back to the bank to make a deposit to finish up the business. I think it's a good idea. We will have debit cards, and keep only just what we need to pay the bills in the account. We came home again, talked a while, and then we drove to Karen and Terry's house for dinner. Afterwards we came home, to go to bed early, since Karen will pick up Kaye at 3:45a.m. to go to the plane in San Diego. She will arrive in Pasco,Wa. at 11:45, and Kyle will meet her.

A day at home.

Today Russ and Kaye worked on the two computers most of the day and also got a new double entry records keeper installed. It should help us keep track of all our financial transactions. We spent the day indoors with the air conditioner on; the temperature was above 80 degrees all day. Kaye had brought lots of DVDs with her, and we have enjoyed seeing some with her. She will leave them here, so we can look at all, and then we can send them back to her. Kaye had planned to see Uncle Al today, but when the time came, she didn't feel up to driving. She will go tomorrow earlier in the day.

Haunted by a tooth.

We'll start with my dental appointment. Russ and Kaye went with me, and Kaye came in with me for the x-rays and talked to the hygienist and doctor. I was so glad to have her there, to help. It seems I need a root canal, and if that won't work, I will have the tooth pulled. It's the last one on the bottom of the right side, the one that the old dentist had put a gold crown on a year ago. I go back to the dentist next Monday. In the meantime we will just visit with Kaye and enjoy her visit. Kaye and I did go get a prescription in Carlsbad, and we stopped at Tamarack Beach on the way back, and walked along the seawall. Kaye also went down to put her bare feet in the ocean.

Kaye and I went shopping at Cost-Co this morning, and we came home for lunch. Afterwards we watched a cute movie of Kaye's, and later Kaye and Karen went shopping at a fabric store. While they were gone Russ and I rested, and I finished reading the last Harry Potter book. I had forgotten most of the stories, so I re-read some of them. I'm caught up now, until the new movies come out. We looked at pictures of our house, and Kaye's, that were taken from a satellite. Kaye got them up for us on her computer. I didn't realize just what the orientation of Kaye's house was. I have an 8 a.m. appointment with my dentist tomorrow, so I'm going to bed early.

Kaye arrived.

This morning we had a plumber here to find out why the shower in the back bathroom doesn't have much water pressure on it. While doing that he broke a screw, and messed up the whole thing. He wants a lot of money to fix it, so Russ got another plumber to look at it, and he won't charge so much to fix it. He will come on Wednesday. Karen picked up Kaye at the airport, and they got here about 3:30. We have had a nice afternoon and evening with Kaye. She helped me fix dinner, and we talked until late tonight. It's bedtime, so I'll stop now.

Plans all set.

A few drops of rain fell tonight, and we are supposed to get more in the night. I sort of doubt it. We went to church this morning and stayed for all three meetings. One of the speakers was very good, and it was nice to see one of the stake presidency there, Elder Perkins. After church we came home and had a bite of lunch, then Karen came over for a while. After she left I read the paper until almost supper time. Russ cooked steaks we had a nice dinner. After that I read in the Harry Potter book for a while. We talked to Kaye and to Carla, and were happy the plans are all set for Kaye to come down tomorrow, and Carla and family the next week. I wish it were the same week, but we can't have everything.

The weather couldn't make up its' mind whether to rain or be clear, so it did each off and on. It was chilly, but not bad at all, so we went out to a couple of stores for supplies. This afternoon I was reading the last Harry Potter book again, and I find I really had forgotten a lot of it. I must have skipped along too fast, trying to see how it ended. I had forgotten entirely what the Deathly Hallows were; and that the old headmaster came back, sort of, to help Harry. Tonight we watched our British shows again. There really must be something new and good on the TV. We will have to look for it.

A busy day.

I finally did our washing, 10 day's worth of clothes and sheets and towels. At noon we picked up Ruth Shoppe, whom Russ home teaches, and went out for fish hamburgers. They were hot and good, and we had a good visit with her while we ate. She grew up in Tremonton and went to the same high school as Russ, but earlier. She is two years older than he is. At home we were going to look her up in a yearbook, but we forgot. We'll have to do it after I finish this blog, and he finishes watching a TV news show. Karen took my mother's diary to read, she thinks she may have got some things wrong about her story. That would be easy to do; she did a lot of unusual things in her lifetime.

New Pillows.

Our main job today was to buy new pillows for the guest room. We got two, plus two new pillow cases. I washed the quilted spread along with the pillow cases. I'll do the blanket later. After lunch we went for a walk around the neighborhood, and there are two houses for sale on our block, and one for rent. Then we walked along Roselle a little way, and then back to our house. We spent the rest of the day reading and watching TV. I did try to remove some spots from the carpet, but it didn't work. I'll try again tomorrow. It was another cool cloudy day, no sun at all. Next week the sun is supposed to come out. The Longs brought over some oranges from their trees while we were away. We called to thank them.

Our Temple visit.

We left for the Temple about 9:15. Jane Oddou came with us. Karen and I visit teach her, and she and her husband come to Karen and Terry's house as home teachers. The traffic wasn't as heavy as usual, and we had almost half and hour to get ready once we had arrived. We got out a little after noon, and we drove back to Oceanside with light traffic. Jane wanted to go right home, because she and her husband are supervisors of their area of Disaster Preparedness for the ward. Then the three of us went to Carl's Jr. for lunch. I found that I got along easier than last time at the Temple. There's a lot of standing up and sitting down at each session, and exercises Kaye recommended for my knees really worked; I didn't need any help getting up and sitting down again. I just held onto the back of the seat in front of me (they are all fastened down to the floor.) They did say, though, that we didn't need to stand if we had any trouble.

Something new.

We had trouble getting in and out of bed, so we tried something new, satin sheets. They allow us to slip in and out easily, but we can't us the pillow cases, because our heads kept slipping off the satin cases! We use the cotton ones for that. After a two week's trial, we got another set satin of sheets. We didn't do much today. It's cloudy again, so we didn't go for a walk. Maybe tomorrow. All the fires except one are contained, and that one has 5% more to go. I learned how to do an e-mail tonight, and now I hope I can do it again. Everyone around here does, and I might as well get with it. Even the Relief Society does it. Karen invited us to go with her to the Temple tomorrow, so I'll get my things ready.

A really lacklustre day.

I haven't done anything worth writing about. I went with Russ while he watered the orchids and other plants that need special care. I did some hand washing, but not the usual Monday wash. This afternoon a man from the city water Co. came by to check our system to see if there's water leaking under the slap under the house. He couldn't find any leaks. So, I guess the cost of water has just gone up, not our use of it. Tonight we will read and listen to the New Testament books of Philippians, Colossians and Philemon

The LDS churches went to help fire victims.

This morning we went to church, after changing back our clocks an hour. The chapel was full, I guess a lot of people enjoyed the extra hour to get ready and come. The Bishop talked about the work the church in the area has helped the people who had to evacuate and some to lose their homes to the fires. Lots of food and supplies have been donated. And the members are asked to volunteer to help clean up after the fires. Several people in the ward went to Fallbrook on Saturday to help the owners clean up their lots and look for things in the ashes. We didn't know about it; I guess they figured we wouldn't go anyway. We talked to the Don Long today, and he said he was a pillow bandit; he inadvertently took our pillows when he packed up to leave to go back to their home in Fallbrook.

A correction of yesterday's blog.

Yesterday I said Gabe Harris would be going back to the Far East, when I meant the Near East. This morning I had my hair fixed, and Russ bought some groceries. We came home, and had lunch. Then we went shopping again, and this time we got the last Harry Potter book and a DVD of "Fiddler on the Roof". Russ seemed pleased with both of them. After dinner tonight Karen came over and brought the birthday balloons and the cake and ice cream left from the party. We heard all about their trip to the Jazz Festival and how Candace and Danya are. Candace is off the cancer treatments for a while, and Danya is very busy with her first year of teaching Special Education children. Tonight we watched our Brit shows on TV, and they were all re-runs we had seen recently.

The birthday party.

This afternoon we went shopping for some DVDs that Russ wanted, my birthday present for him. But we couldn't find them, so we just got a few small items and came home. We'll go out tomorrow and try to find them . Karen had invited us to their house for a birthday dinner, and we bought some ice cream to go with the cake Karen had made, and went to their house. Uncle Al was there, and also Gabe Harris, who is at Camp Pendleton for several week's special training , before going back to Hawaii. (His family is living in naval housing at Pearl Harbor, and he works on the other side of the island.) He said they really like living in Hawaii. Gabe told us that he will be going back to the Far East after his tour in Hawaii. We all thought it was hot there, but he said it's really cold in the winter. I hope the war is over before he has to go back.

Karen got home this afternoon. We will have a party for Russ' birthday in the next few days. He has opened the cards and gifts already, because this is officially the day. This afternoon we went to Circuit City to buy the last Harry Potter CD, but they didn't have it. We will try somewhere else later. We watched part of one of the CDs Kaye sent, and it was fun to see the old Rockford Files again. Carla, Rex, Brittany and Bianca all called, besides Karen and Kaye. It was nice to hear from them. Tonight we will watch some more of the Rockford files, and maybe something else, too.

Halloween.

This morning I finished washing the sheets, and I found that the pillow cases from the back bedroom were missing. Then I found that the pillows were, too. So, I will get some new ones. I started to do some mending on the sewing machine, but the light wasn't good enough, so I decided to wait until afternoon, and see if the sun came out. It didn't. This afternoon we took Ona Willet to have her fractured shoulder X-Rayed. Her doctor is close by the Tri-City Hospital, near here. On the way to her house earlier, we found where the new Kaiser Clinic in Oceanside is. The only trouble is that our doctor is still at the Carlsbad Clinic! Oh well, maybe we can go here when he isn't available. I guess we will have Halloween candy left over; we've had only about 15 children come by.

Things are looking up.

The main thing that we did today was to go to the Kaiser Clinic in Carlsbad and get Russ' blood test and then our flu shots for this year. There was no big lineup this time, there were only two people ahead of us. It was over in a few minutes. We stopped at Wal-Mart and got my eye ointment, and at Boney's grocery we got fresh vegetables. We came home, and the then the gardener came and did his blow-and-go routine. I wish we had a more thorough man, so Russ wouldn't have to do the pruning and special treatments, or I could do it. I've never been a gardener, but maybe I can learn. Kaye sent a new cell phone to replace the one I lost and then found. This new one is much better. I'll finish up the minutes on my old one, and when Kaye comes down I'll learn to use the new one.

Busy.

I didn't do any washing when the Longs were here, so I had quite a lot today to do. Roy came and he cleaned while I did the washing, and Russ watered the plants. We thought about going to the grocery, but instead just had lunch. Then my visiting teacher came, (after calling, of course). When she left, Uncle Al came over and stayed a while. He seems to be feeling a little better, but refused a cookie to go with his decaf coffee. He says he's hungry about 10 p.m. each night! After he left, we went to Taco Bell for supper; then we read and listened to the Book of Ephesians for our family home evening. Now we have bread in the oven, and when it's done, we'll finally rest a while. Showers were forecast, but they didn't come. The fires are almost contained tonight, finally.

A quiet Sunday.

We went to church this morning, and it was one of the best Sacrament Meetings we have ever attended. There were two talks, and one man told of his conversion, and ultimate activity in the church. The other was a powerful talk by the First Counselor to the Bishop. He is certainly a scriptorian. The Relief Society reported on all the supplies and help the Church is giving to the victims of the fires. By the way, we talked to the Longs, and their house wasn't in as bad shape as they feared. Of course some of the food was spoiled, but the cat was alive and well. After church we went to see Ona Willet. She has a fractured shoulder, but isn't in a lot of pain. We talked to Juanita Jensen, and she has two weeks' off work to heal her bad back.

Things are look up.

The fog did come in, and the moisture and lack of wind really helped the firefighters. The Rice fire that was burning in Fallbrook never did get to the Long's house, so they were able pack up their things and go home just before noon today. I was getting a perm, so I wasn't here when they left. But we had said our goodbye's before I left. When I got home, we had our lunch, and then we read the paper and rested. We are alone again, until Kaye arrives. She has postponed her trip two weeks, so the air will be better and the hot weather will have gone. I think that is a good idea. Our grand nephew, Gabe Harris called, and he is at Camp Pendleton for a few weeks. We will see him next week.

Still some smoke in the air.

I missed writing yesterday, because we were watching a movie until late. That seems to be a good way to entertain Harriette Long. Her husband likes to work on the computer. Anyway, nothing remarkable happened. They couldn't go back to Fallbrook yet. Today we read that some people in Fallbrook could go back, so their son from Lakeside where people could go home, went to Fallbrook, and somehow got past the guards and checked out the Long's house. It's still there, but the electricity is still off, and the water isn't drinkable, So, they won't be going home for a while yet. We went out to dinner tonight, and that was a nice break. The smoke is begining to clear out, and the fog is supposed to come in tonight. That will help.

Another day of waiting.

Today has gone by pretty much the same as yesterday. We have stayed inside, though, and have not gone anywhere because of the breathing problems outside. The smoke is everywhere. We have been watching old movies on TV in the living room, and the fire reports on the TV in the family room. Karen came over, and since Harriette Long wants to buy a ring, Karen brought samples of stones and catalogs of settings for her to look at. That took up a little time. I hope Karen stays inside tomorrow, the smoke in the air won't do her any good, either. The Long's son will be over as soon as people are allowed to go back to Fallbrook, and take Don to check on the house there. That is, if the fires don't change again and go to where he lives in Lakeside.

More waiting to hear about the fires.

We all sort of slept in this morning. Russ and I had breakfast before the Longs came out. Then we gave them breakfast. After talking and watching the news a while, we showed them the first Harry Hotter movie. They hadn't seen any of them. We went out to an early dinner at the Hometown Buffet, and then we came home and watched another Harry Potter movie. That, and watching more news about the fires on TV, everyone is ready for bed, including me. We tried again to reach Lenon Bezzant, but we just got her answering machine. Since there are Lenon, her daughter and two grandchildren in the house, I imagine they are with family somewhere near here. All of Fallbrook is evacuated.

Fires all aound, but we are OK.

The fires are still burning around the county, and we have Harriette and Don Long from Fallbrook here. They had to evacuate their home, and we invited them to come here. What would only be about a 30-minute drive, turned out to be over three hours! Harriette had a heart attack about a week ago, and they did an angioplasty on her, and she still doesn't feel very well. We gave them a late dinner, and now they are going to bed. Don is now bringing some things from their car, that they packed up in a hurry. They had just put $20,000 improvements on their house, and we are all hoping it doesn't burn down. We tried to reach Lenon Bezzant, too, but she must have already evacuated.

Russ woke up with a bleeding nose, but he soon got it stopped. So, we had our breakfast and got ready and went to Church. We were there for the Sacrament Meeting, and a returned missionary and the Stake President spoke. I'm glad I went. Karen took Russ home, because his nose was bothering him again. I stayed for the other two meetings. I drove myself home, and I didn't hit any other car, so my confidence is returning. We had some lunch, read the newspaper, and watched a news show. We both cooked dinner, and then had ice cream. Then we saw two mystery shows on TV. I have questions about the S.S. lesson, so I'll have to read again the Book of Hebrews.

This morning I had my hair done as usual, and then we got some supplies and came home. All things were in anticipation of going to church tomorrow. We read the lessons to be given, and proceeded with he rest of the day, watching a little TV, making bread and baking it. Then we got ready for Sunday, just like the old Primary song says to do. Part of that is getting into the right frame of mind, and I think the scripture reading and listening to, does a lot to promote that. During the week, we sometimes forget, and we have to read more often. Also, I'm still reading Karen's Book, and I must soon finish it and get it back to her.

The sun came out and stayed out all day, quite a change from what we have had. I wanted to go walking, but we never did get to it. We did go shopping, though, in Wall-Mart, and that takes a lot of walking! We got a new remote control for our TV, and it's nice to have it, and not have to get up from a chair to change things. We also bought some frozen fish fillets, that I cook for dinner tonight. I read some more in Karen's book on Christ and I still find it very interesting. I get a clearer picture of the times in which he lived and a better understanding of the Scriptures. Tonight we listened to Bill Moyer's Journal and got a thorough picture of "Blackwater", from the author of a biography of the CEO of it. It was pretty devastating.

A good day to drive, but a little crowded..

We went to the Temple, but the traffic was heavy so we were too late for the 10 o'clock session. We waited for the 10:30 session, and that was all right. My knees gave me a little trouble when I tried to stand up each time, but with Karen's help I managed. When my knees are better, I want to go again. There are some changes in the program I want to see again. Afterwards we drove back to a town about half way home and had lunch there. At home we watched some TV, and I sewed again as I watched. We had our dinner, and now as soon as I'm done with this, I will read some more in Karen's big book on Christ, so I can give it back to her soon.

It's nice to be well.

This morning we went to the Kaiser Pharmacy to pick up a refill, and then since the clouds had broken a little, we went for a short walk at Tamarack Beach. At home again we had lunch, and then watched the History channel on TV. Then I did a little sewing. About 4:30 we went to Karen and Terry's for dinner. We spent about an hour looking at the picture book Terry had made of their trip to see the autumn leaves in New England and Canada. Then we had a very nice dinner Karen prepared. At home again we got ready for our Temple trip tomorrow.

It has been an iffy day, threatening rain, but it never did materialize. I spent the day doing the washing and mending, a good thing to do on a cloudy day. We talked to all three daughters, and they were our only outside contact, except for the gardener and his crew. And they stayed about 15 minutes; they cut a little on the shrubs, blew the leaves around, and left. Then we talked to Beth and Tom Wieland. They are in their mountain home in Utah. John and his family are in Salt Lake City, but he is often gone, leaving Kathy and her little boy there. Beth and Tom can see them more often than they did for a while. We are going to watch more of the old Star Trek tonight.

A misty day.

Roy came to clean the house this morning. While he was here I did some mending, went to help Russ with the watering, but he was done. So, I just picked some roses and came back inside. The sun never did come out; so it was easier to stay in the house for the rest of the day. I called about my cell phone to the Hear-X clinic where I got my hearing aid on Friday, but they couldn't find it there. Roy looked all around the house while he cleaned, but didn't find it. We watched another of the old "Star Trek" series, the the news on TV, and Rick Steves' explaining how they taped their trips around Europe. But they did show scenes in Milan, including "The Last Supper" painting, and the beautiful Cathedral. I'm going now to look at catalogs to find more of the satin sheets. They are easier to get yourself on and off the bed.

A quiet Sunday

We went to Fast and Testimony Meeting this morning, but we didn't stay for the other meetings. Russ didn't feel well, so we came home. We studied the Gospel Doctrine lesson at the computer, with the CD on. So we are up to the class in the New Testament. We watched a little TV, and then the Bishop, our home teacher, called and said he would be over. He was here in about 15 minutes, and he told us about his and his wife's trip to Branson, Mi. It is a small but unique town, there are churches everywhere, and over 6,ooo,ooo visitors a year. They support the churches and the country and musical shows that are there. It's on the "Bible Belt". Tonight we will watch a couple of mystery shows on TV.

Lost cell phone!

Today was another good day. I drove us to get my hair set, and I wasn't nervous at all, once I got out on the road. And I drove back home later, with no mishaps. The only trouble was that I have lost my cell phone! I called both places I went to yesterday, and they didn't have it, and it's just not around our house. But I'll keep looking. It rained a little over the night, but we had partial sunshine this afternoon. Tomorrow will be cool but no more rain, and we still need it. Tonight we watched our Brit shows on T. V. and that was the sum of the day, mostly good.

My hearing is better.

We got a slow start this morning, but we were ready when Karen arrived to take us to my appointment to pick up my hearing aid. We drove to Hear-X in Vista, and they put in the hearing aid. I thought it was OK, but when I got home I found it was too loud. When Russ takes his in to have it adjusted, I will have them turn down mine. We stopped for lunch on the way home, and we heard about Karen and Terry's trip to see the leaves in New England and Eastern Canada. They enjoyed it, but came home not too well. However, Karen is improving, and I hope Terry will soon. We spent a quiet afternoon and evening, after our first adventure out of the house together this week.

A quiet day at home.

This morning Russ watered the amaryllis and cactus in the back yard and also the lemon tree. I watched him. We discussed moving the palm tree to the front patio, in the place of the dead shrub on the north side. If we don't soon get some rain, there won't be much plant life left in So. Calif. Later we listened to all the news on the TV, and then we analyzed it, and decided that things are really in a bad shape in the world now. We did learn that the Nobel Prize for Literature has gone to a writer whose work I have never come across. And she and I were contemporaries in the 20th century. I guess I just read from the old familiar authors. And I thought I was up-to-date!

We went separaate ways.

Karen came over this this morning, to take Russ to get their blood tests. They seemed to be happy with the arrangements, so I decided to to go with Lind Shelden to the AXO alumnae meeting. Linda got here about 10:25, and we drove to the meeting in San Marcos. For the first 45 minutes the women all talked and drank either wine or fruit juices, then we had our lunch. Then Dr. Burton, husband of the hostess, talked to us about the founding of San Marcos. He and Marilyn moved there in 1960, when there were only 1,000 people, half living in mobile home parks. He was very active in the city, as mayor for several years, and got the mobile people to buy their lots, the city to buy up land to lease to businesses, and now there are 80,000 people there, and lots of businesses. I expected him to talk about something medical, but he didn't.

Our third day staying home.

We talked to Karen, Kaye and Carla today, and that was good. Russ is feel better today, and he is looking forward to getting his blood test tomorrow, with Karen, who also needs one. I can't make up my mind whether to go with them, or go to the Alpha Chi meeting with Linda Shelden. I'll have to decide tomorrow morning. I did the watering of the plants today, with Russ' direction. It was hard to keep him from doing it, but he is still weak. And I am the healthy one now! Although he's doing fine. Today on the History channel we saw a great history of the earth, including how it was formed. It took about two hours, and it was worth it. It straightened out some ideas I had about how it went.

Another good day.

Things are still improving; both Karen and Russ are getting better. They will have their blood tests later in the week, and I will get my hearing aid back. That's real progress. We have spent our Columbus Day quietly. We have watched the TV shows on that and on other topics we are interest in, like the history of water in the U.S. and other historic events. Tonight we will see a special on Columbus and his last voyage, after we have read in the big book on Jesus Christ and the history of that period that Karen lent us before she went on their trip. I'm going to try to get a copy of it; it's huge and heavy, but there's a lot of information in it. And it's up- to- date on the Dead Sea Scrolls and everything.

Things are looking up.

I just noticed that I have just been telling about bad things happening, I will stop that and be more cheerful. Karen and Terry are improving, and so is Russ. We watched both sessions of General Conference, and that was uplifting. I really feel we are a part of the whole of the Lord's children. President Hinckley is still speaking at Conference at the age of 97! He is truly amazing. I feel so fortunate that things are looking up. We are enjoying our home, and when the woman at Fair Winds Retirement community called, I was tempted to say, Please take our names off your list. But someday we may have to move somewhere.

Not so good.

The day started out as usual. We had breakfast, then I went to get my hair set while Russ did a little shopping. When we got home Karen called, and she and Terry both had colds and wouldn't be over to watch General Conference with us. We watched it, and then had some lunch. Then things started to get a little bad. Russ got a fever and was not up to doing anything but sit and watch the rest of Conference and then other things on TV. He didn't want dinner, so I had some by myself, while he had a cup of decaf tea. Later we watched more TV, then he went to bed. But he didn't stay, but got up, with a bleeding nose, and threw up. He's in bed now, and seems to be a little better. I'll go join him, in bed, I mean!

A usual day.

Karen called this morning, and she thinks she's coming down with a cold, so she won't come over today, but will come tomorrow to watch General Conference on our TV. I didn't accomplish much today; I meant to sew, but my machine is in the back bedroom now, and it was cold there, and there's a TV on top of it. I meant to change it when it had warmed up in there, but I didn't get to it. Instead I read a while, and watched some interesting things on TV. We went out to lunch at Jack- in-the-Box, where we had good fish sandwich. Then it was back to reading and TV. The news wasn't too good on TV, and the book I was reading wasn't good either. But there was some good news, we got Kaye's itinerary to come down to visit at the end of this month! That's a good thought to go to bed on.

A little busier.

Karen just called to tell us she and Terry had arrived in San Diego. They will drive home and go right to bed, because it's now 11 p.m. for them! I was glad to get her call. We'll talk tomorrow. We went to lunch with Al, and Marge and Mac McKay, at his retirement house. It was nice to visit with them all. Marge and Mac spent 9 months in a retirement home, and they didn't like it and are back in their Mira Costa house, where they moved to, from their house near us. From Al's place we went to the Kaiser Pharmacy to pick up 2 refills, and then to Wal-Mart to pick up a few supplies. At home again, we watched some more of "Star Trek", the 1st Generation, and talked to Kaye. Then I called all the Alumnae Alpha Chi's in my area to tell them about the meeting on Oct. 10.

It has been a quiet day. I stripped the beds Bianca and Andrea used, and later put the sheets and pillow cases in the washer and even later, the drier. We watched a couple of the old "Star Trek" episodes on the disk Kaye and Race sent us. We decided we like them because they always have a happy ending, and you can't say that about a lot of the stuff that comes on TV now. I want to be cheered up, and not depressed, by what we see. We did get some interesting ads in the mail today; one was from Carl's Jr. restaurant. We decided we'd go and see what the new dishes are like. The only problem was that we missed the sunset. Last night it was so clear we could see it, and also a peek of the ocean, where three trees are losing some leaves to beetle infestation. I hate to say it, but I hope the beetles get all of the three, then maybe we can we see the ocean again from the house!

A sort of busy day.

We did our washing , and it took most of the day. After it was done, we drove to Carlsbad to visit Harold and Elynore Rogers. But they had left there this week, and are now at their daughter's house in Ramona. We went to the Kaiser Pharmacy and picked up a refill, and then we stopped at Tamarack Beach and went for a walk. I took the big walker, and I managed to keep up with Russ, as we went along the seawall from one lifeguard station to the next and back to the car. At home we rested a while, then put away the clothes. Bianca and Andria (I called her Amanda in one of my blogs, sorry). Anyway, they got here about 6 p.m. Andria picked up her car and left, and Bianca stayed a while to visit, then she left. She called when she got back to her apartment. We talked to Kaye, and she is doing well, she says, resting up from the trip to Albany, Or.

Back to the usual.

The girls left early this morning, before we were awake. They will be back Tuesday evening. We enjoy their being here. It's been lonely with Karen away. Roy came this morning, just as we were finishing breakfast. He worked hard, until 11:30, and he really cleaned the kitchen floor. It needed it, I guess. Russ watered the plants, and I went out with him. It hasn't rained for so long, things are really drying up. I read in a Nature magazine that the flowers at Waldon Pond are blooming a week to two weeks earlier than they did when Thoreau wrote about them in the 1800's. Global Warming! Our family home evening was again reading in the New Testament. We also had ice cream.

An enjoyable day.

Bianca went to church with us, and I think she liked it, in spite of all the children. Three families, mothers and children of service men in Iraq, were sitting just in front us. And the program was given by the primary children. It was a fun meeting. Later we went to the other two meetings, and the last one was in a cold room, which Bianca and I didn't enjoy. At home again we had lunch and a rest, and then Bianca went to see Uncle Al. Her friend , Amanda, arrived just in time to have dinner with us. Russ and I really enjoyed both girls. Now they are doing their washing and getting ready to go to San Diego early in the morning, to the medical convention they came down here to attend. Russ and I are watching another Star Trek from the movies Race and Kaye sent us.

A nice day.

This morning I had my hair fixed as usual, and Russ bought groceries while he waited for me. We got home, and got a call from Bianca. She won't get here until late afternoon. Karen called from New Brunswick, and we were glad to hear from her they are staying in a hotel built in the 1800's and still kept up in a great condition. She was thrilled. Kaye called, and they had a good day shooting, but expected rain for tomorrow. I hope they don't get too wet. ( I talked briefly to Carla this evening, after she talked to Bianca.) I got busy and made some cookies and they were just done when Bianca got here. Her friends won't arrive until tomorrow. We went out to dinner at Mimi's, and we all enjoyed our meals. In fact we brought some home. Tonight Bianca studied and we read in the big book about Christ that Karen loaned us.

Good things to do on a cloudy day.

We have spent most of the day clearing up things around the house, because we have the girls are coming tomorrow, and Roy doesn't come until next Monday. We talked to Kaye, and she and Kyle have gone to Albany, Ore. for another shooting competition. They will be there all weekend. I hope everything works out OK. We got the pictures of our trip to Bandon on the computer today, and we enjoyed seeing it all again. I wish Karen could have been there, but she said she will be up later. Also, we watched the first two "Star Trek"episodes from the original series. They are on a long series of shows that Race and Kaye put together for us. We will have a lot of enjoyment watching them all.

A good day.

We decided early to go for a walk, and drove to Tamarack Beach again. The sun came in and out of the clouds, but it was still warm enough without a sweater or jacket. We walked almost as far as we used to, missing only about 100 yards. but it took almost an hour instead of only 1/2 hour. Someone was swimming offshore, reminded us of Uncle Al. After that we had a quick lunch and then my visiting teacher came. She stayed about an hour, and then Uncle Al came over. We told him about the swimmer, and he said it wasn't he! He doesn't even swim in the pool anymore. He said he wasn't going to see doctors anymore, when I suggested he do that . I hope he takes some care of himself. He invited us to come for lunch, along with Mac and Marge sometime next week; we are to invite Mac and Marge, and come at a time convenient for us and them.! Bianca called, and she and two friends are coming down over the weekend to see us, and go to some conference, I'm not sure what.

Church work, and we like it.

After puttering around the house and outside, we went to Boney's for green groceries, and then to Burger King for lunch. From there we went to home-teach Ona Willett. She is pleasant to talk to, and our age. She has become a good friend. On our way home we drove by Elaine Schuman's house. ( She had a lump on her leg last Sunday, and left church early, when we did.) We stopped next door to her house, and called on the cell phone, to make sure we wouldn't be coming at an awkward time. She didn't answer the phone. Just then her car backed out of the garage and drove away, with us following! We lost her in the traffic on Vista Way. Later she returned our call, and she had thought we were behind her, but then dismissed the idea. She has been to a doctor and got meds. for her leg, and was getting better. Elaine is from Thatcher, and knew Rex's family.

A surprise package.

Today we went to the Kaiser pharmacy to pick up a refill, and then we went for a walk along Tamarack Beach. It was a lovely day, the sun was out, and a few fluffy clouds in the sky. We walked all the way from one life guard station to the next. There were quite large waves, and a few surfers got short rides. We were too late to see the surf class in action, but the surfers there were good.I took off my sweater, so you can see how warm it was! Everyone we met on the path either smiled or said Hello. It was a good experience. At home the mailman brought a clever picture story book that Bianca and Brittany had put together and had printed. It's really great! I hope you all will have a chance to see it.

Water day.

Today was water- the- plants day, and they got a good soaking. Our rain never did really get here, just a little wetting of the car, not enough for plants.. We are a little disappointed with our gardener; he and his men don't seem to want to do much, except just machine- cut some off the shrubs and blow the trash off. And the automatic sprinklers aren't working, so we have to turn them on and off on each location. This evening we returned our copy of the last Harry Potter book, because it had again split down the back. We'll go look for another copy in a real bookstore, not Wal-Mart! We had dinner out, so we didn't have to cook anything. Our Home Evening was reading and listening to 2nd Corinthians. We were very pleased to hear from Logan, and get his good news!

Our one chance to help someone this week.

We went to the first meeting at Church and then came home. Juanita Jensen wasn't there, so Russ called her (He home teaches her) and she said she had a bad back ache. I offered her my back brace, and we told her we would bring it down for her to use. We did that, and she said the doctor couldn't find what was causing the back trouble, but she is to go in on Tuesday to have it x-rayed. In the meantime she will wear the back brace, and go to work. She is in her 70's and still working. she has at least one son and daughter-in-law living with her all the time. She works, she once told us, to get away, as much as to get more money. At home again, we read the Bible a while, had our dinner, and then watched "Foyle's War" on Public TV. It's about a policeman in England during the WW 2, a mystery show. We'd rather watch that than the WW2 shows on both Public TV's just now.

Not very productive today.

I had my hair done this morning, and I'm supposed to come in at 9 next week. I hope I can remember it till then. At home again, we both sat down and read our books until noon, when we had lunch. After that I tried to read the paper, but I kept falling asleep. Finally I got up and put some more clothes in the washer. Then I forgot to put them in the drier. My mind is not doing very well lately! Tonight we watched our usual Saturday Brit shows; however, I turned it off when it came to "Rose mary and Tyme." It was the first episode all over again. I forgot to make some phone calls and write some notes. I'll just have to do it after Church tomorrow. I guess I have really wasted an otherwise good day.

Lunch with a friend who is a young 90-year-old.

Today we took Ruth Schoppe to lunch at Burger King. We all had the big fish sandwich, and it was good. Afterwards we took her home again, and stayed and visited a while. When we got home we rested a while, and then we went to Home Depot and bought some plants to replace some in the patio room that had died during our hot spell. Also, I got laundry soap, since I ran out in the middle of doing the washing. By mistake I put my wool socks in the washer, but the water wasn't hot, so they didn't shrink! I'm lucky I hadn't put them in a hot wash. Karen called to tell us they were in Boston safely. They were going to visit friends tonight, and then go in a bus tour of the autumn leaves in New England and Eastern Canada. We did that trip once with our trailer, the year Brittany was born, and it was a spectacular experience.

A successful day.

Karen came over again this morning, and she brought her big illustrated Book on Christ that we wanted to read, and the copy of the last Harry Potter book. We can read them while she and Terry are on their trip to see the autumn leaves. She also brought a copy of their itinerary so we can reach them if we need to. About 12 a.m. we went to the office of the people who fitted us with the hearing aids. We both were having trouble with them. The assistant there turned them up, and one of mine didn't work. She told me it would cost $300 to send it to the maker and have it repaired. I didn't send it, but later in the day we went to a business that has connections with Kaiser, and they agreed to have it done for $125. I also had an appointment with my psychiatrist, and he said I was doing fine, and refilled my prescription. It's nice not to get upset over every little thing, as I did when I didn't have the medication. WIth peace of mind and my one hearing aid tuned up, I'm a happy traveler.

To advertise "Bandon Crossings"

My post for today was just started, when it somehow disappeared. Anyway, I had just said we loaned our "Bandon Crossings" hats to Karen and Terry; they have friends who golf and can travel and may like to come to the new course in Oregon. While Karen was here she told us about their trip to see autumn leaves in the northeast and Canada, leaving here on Friday. It should be a nice one. After she left we went shopping for a few things, and came home to rest and recoup. And I read some more in "Blood Bound". It's a good book, was on the USA best sellers list the week it came out. It has finally cooled off here, and may rain this coming weekend. The plants surely need it, and we like it, too.

Dr. visit.

This morning we drove to the Kaiser Clinic in San Marcos where I saw Dr. Smith about my hearing. She said there's nothing in my Eustachian tubes, but my hearing aids need checking. Russ had his coumaden check. We stopped in Vista on the way home to see the man who sold us the hearing aids, but the office was closed. At home we had our lunch and then rested a while, until the gardener came and made so much noise there was no more resting. I got out my medical record book to enter the last last four months, but I didn't get it done, nor Russ's. I'll try again tomorrow. I finished re-reading Patty Brigg's book, "Moon Called", and I started to re-read "Blood Bound". Then I'll be ready to read the new book when it comes out.

Back on the old routine!

It's Monday, and Roy came to clean the house, and he's growing a beard again. I wonder how long this one will last! Karen came over and brought some soup she had made, and it was very good. She also brought a new soup bowl with a lid for her Dad. She also brought tomatoes, and poached pears she had cooked. They are really good. After our lunch of the soup and pears, we went for a short grocery shopping trip and came right home. We rested again, even slept a little bit. Tonight we read the Gospel Doctrine lesson for next Sunday, and that was our home evening.

At home again.

It's Sunday, but we were tired from the trip and didn't wake up early enough for Church. We unpacked and put away the suitcases. We talked about the trip, and that way we enjoyed it again; our visit with relatives, and going out to the golf course. We certainly appreciated the invitation to come to Carla and Rex's duplex and golf course. and we enjoyed our visit with them, Brittany, and Kaye and her family. And we appreciated Karen, who drove us to and from the San Diego airport. We did watch a couple of mysteries on TV after dinner. I have trouble with British accents, but I may hear better after my trip to the ear specialist on Tuesday.

The Trip Home

We all packed up and left for home - Russ and me by plane, Kaye and family by car, and Carla by car to Eugene. All of us reached our homes safely, with Karen picking up Russ and me. All of our daughters insisted we have wheelchairs at the airports, so we really traveled quickly through all the airports to and from our house and Bandon. It was a really a wonderful visit, except that Bianca, Logan, and Karen and Danya weren't there.

Made it to Beach and Back

Today we all went back to "Bandon Crossings". Rex, Race, Stellan and Kyle took one cart and played 7 holes of golf and came back. The rest of us drove in a car with Carla to the Big new maintenance shed and the water pump. We had another Mexican lunch and then drove back to the duplex. This time we went all the way down to the beach, walked a while, and came back up. I made it without trouble. We went back to the duplex, where we had a birthday dinner for Kaye, with cake and ice cream and hot chocolate syrup. We didn't get to bed until midnight.

Bandon Crossings Golf

We all went to the golf course and drove in golf carts as far as the 7th hole and back to the pro shop. There Russ and I got hats, and Carla had Kaye pick out a present for her birthday tomorrow. We all had lunch at a Mexican place, then Carla and Brittany went back to the golf course, and the rest of us to the duplex. We walked farther down the path and steps leading to the beach, took pictures and went back. After dinner we had cake and brownies again and talked until late.

Max'n and Relax'n

We spent the day, visiting and catching up and then went on a very nice walk along the cliff over the beach. I took the first set of steps and a long hill then stopped and admired the view. This after a rousing breakfast of token cereal, chocolate brownies and chocolate cake. We returned to the townhouse. Carla went to the golf course to work with Brittany and Kyle and I stayed home while the rest went shopping. Kyle and I read our books then I had a nap. Pizza again!

Off to Bandon Crossings

Karen picked us up at 10:30am, and we drove along the ocean to the airport. She left us in charge of sky caps who pushed us through the most complete security I've ever had, and to the gate. We flew from San Diego to Portland where we had Pizza for lunch and then flew to North Bend/Coos Bay when Carla met us, breathless (we came in early and she came in late). We drove to Bandon. We had dinner and then waited for Kaye and family to arrive. We got to bed by twelve.

Last preparations for the trip.

We did our usual Monday things. Russ watered the potted plants and I did the washing. I did get my hair done, because my job wasn't good enough to last a week in Bandon. We did finish all our packing for the trip, in addition to watching our newscasts and Perry Mason on TV. There's nothing left to do, except rest up for the trip tomorrow. Karen will pick us up about 11 a.m., and the plane goes at 1:23 p.m. We should be able to get there on time.

Church as Usual

We went to Church as usual this morning. It was a Fast and Testimony meeting, and the people who spoke all gave good testimonies. I was glad to have been there. We stayed for all three meetings, and they were all good. Later we talked to all three daughters, a nephew, LaDel Harris, and Charles and Mabel. That made for a good afternoon. This evening we will watch some TV, and then get to bed a little earlier than last night.

We are waiting for Tuesday to come.

I've been looking at the size of this computer desk, and I wonder what possessed us to buy such a big one! The smaller one across the room has space for everything, and if and when we ever move, this big one will be left behind, I'm sure. But to get to other mundane things, I did my own hair-do today. The front is OK, but I'll have to sit on the last pew at church tomorrow, the back is so bad. I'll have a professional do it over on Monday. We just had a few moments of panic, Russ lost his copy of the flight plans. But it turned up in the side pocket of his suitcase. So far that's all that's in the suitcase! He says he'll pack on Monday.

In the mood for the trip.

This morning I packed my bag for the trip, leaving out the crushable things. I got them all in the leather bag, which I like better than the others. It can be easily identified in the baggage room after a flight. After lunch we went to Karen's to take a copy of our flight plans, and then to Kaiser Pharmacy in Carlsbad. Since we were in the neighborhood, we went for a short walk at Tamarack Beach. I climbed the 25 steps and came back down, just to see if I can do steps, and I could! Kaye's exercises have paid off. I have a large new purse that will hold all my medications, etc.

A mixup about photos.

We were invited to Karen's for lunch, and Al was there, too. She had fixed a colorful nice lunch with a lemon dessert, which we all enjoyed. Terry was in San Diego at the aircraft carrier where he is guide for tourists. Afterwards we thought we were to help Karen with identifying photos she had of people. Well , it turned out she thought it was photos we had, and she was to help us identify ours. So, we didn't do anything about it, just laughed and didn't go home and get photos. When we did go home, it was to fertilize plants that had wilted in the hot weather we had been having, and then I went into my closet and picked out what I will pack for the trip to Bandon. We will be gone only 5 days, so it isn't much of a problem. Our medicines are important to take, though.

A trip to the San Diego Temple.

Karen picked us up at 9 a.m. , and it took us 75 minutes to go the 28 miles to the Temple. We went to one session, and I was too tired to do more. Afterwards I saw Cheiko Rogers, Harold and Elynor's daughter in law. She said Harold has a broken hip and Elynor (now 88) is lame, quite blind, and forgetful. They are going into the "Villas de Carlsbad" retirement home. We had lunch on the way home, and got here at 2 p.m. We rested a while and after dinner watched a section of the story of WW2 on TV, on the Bridge on the River Kwai. I haven't wanted to see it, and we haven't till now. I don't want to see any more of them. We had a friend who was a prisoner who worked there, a living skeleton. Russ saw him in the Philipines after he was freed by the US, and he didn't live long after that.

New Sandals

I went shopping for shoes today. I found some Dr. Scholes' but I wasn't too happy with them. So I went to the SAS store and got a new pair of sandals. Now I'm ready for next week's trip to Bandon. It cooled off about 10 degrees today, and it was a good thing. But we still used our air conditioner; it gives me a husky voice, but its worth it. We are getting ready to go to the Temple tomorrow, and that's about all we have done, except look at a lot of TV news. It's really discouraging, but it's better than the ordinary TV. It's interesting to hear about all the development up by the North Pole. I hope, though, that we can get the global warming slowed down, and that the melting of the snow and ice doesn't really take place.

A quiet Labor Day.

I just lost my blog I was working on. Oh well, here's at least part of it. It's been 95 degrees in the shade on our front porch. We have stayed mostly inside, and didn't go anywhere to celebrate Labor Day. Roy came to clean, and I washed sheets and towels our guests used, and our usual laundry. Russ watered the plants, and then we both just rested. and watched a little TV. Brittany, Bianca and Katelyn got back to the apartment in Pomona, OK. The freeways were jammed when they came down and when they went back. Tonight we will do our scripture reading on the computer, to see if it's easier that way.

A good visit.

Karen's guests left here about 8:30 a.m. , so we went to the first session of Church. We came home after that, because Brittany, Bianca and Katelyn were to arrive about 11. They called that they were delayed, and finally got here about 1:30. We talked a while and then went out to an early dinner. Later Karen came over and we all visited until it was getting dark. Brittany stored some things in our shed, and then they took a bookcase back with them to Bianca's apartment. Brittany and Katelyn will go back to Oregon after Brittany clears out her apartment. We appreciated their visit. It really made our day.

Beginning the weekend.

Karen brought her friends over about 10 p.m. (she said they would be late), and we talked with them and Karen for a while. They have gone to bed, and so will we, as soon as we are done with the computers. We had our usual day, my hair-do, and then home, because the traffic was so heavy. It's not much fun driving anywhere with so many cars on the roads over the Labor Day weekend.. We got ready for our guests, and then after our dinner we watched TV. We were watching "Brigadoon" when they came. We turned it right off, but everyone had seen it and enjoyed the music. We expect Brittany and Bianca tomorrow.

Comments appreciated.

I appreciate any comments on my blog; thanks, Kaye. This morning Russ had to get another blood test, I guess because the Dr. didn't like the results of the last one. We went to Carlsbad Clinic for this one. Afterwards we went for a walk at the beach, and we went as far as the other day. It was tiring, but we made it! then we went to Burger King for lunch. This afternoon we put clean sheets on the beds in the master bedroom; Karen's extra guests will be staying there tomorrow night. I started lining up what I will take to Bandon. I know it's early, but I might as well do a little at a time. We watched the news again tonight, and we will also watch the Bill Moyers' show later. He usually has a good guest on it.

Mostly at home today.

We went shopping at Wal-Mart, and bought a few toiletries and some plant food and plant bug killer. We also got some milk and a few other things at Albertson's and came home, and should have taken care of the plants, but it was too hot to stay outside. This is the first day this summer that we have turned on our air conditioner. It was cool enough that I sat and read the paper and the mail. Then I got up and cleaned some spots off the carpet and found other dirty things that I cleaned. We had our dinner and then watched TV. I haven't seen a football game for quite a while, so it was interesting, after all the newscasts we watch. There are so many bad things happening in the world, it's discouraging. But that's an old person's point of view, and I vow I'll not write about that! I wish I could write as well as Kaye does.

It's still summer.

We wore our hearing aids all day, but I don't know if it helped. I'll try again tomorrow. We went to the Kaiser pharmacy for a refill, and then we stopped at Tamarack Beach for our walk. We went from one lifeguard station to the next, but rested several times on the way there and back. It was a nice warm day, and the waves were big. At home again, we had lunch, and then Karen came over, bringing us goodies from Trader Joe's. She stayed a while to visit. After she left I read in "Absolute Power", and finally, after dinner I finished it. It was a good book, in spite of the raunchy beginning.

The nice California day you wish all of them were.

This morning we had business at a bank in Carlsbad, and after that, we went for a walk on the cliff above the beach. It was a really lovely day, the sun shining on the beautiful turquoise water and people on the beach and in surfing and swimming. From there we went to have lunch with Al at his retirement place. He is quieter now that he used to be, and he doesn't talk to a lot of different people anymore. We enjoyed the lunch. We drove to the Kaiser Clinic in San Marcos, where I had my hearing tested. It isn't much worse than it was, but I will have my equilibrium tested when we get back from Oregon. At home again we had dinner, and then I am reading more in "Absolute Power". I must get back to it now. If I don't, I'll lose the continuity of the darn book!

We're cleared to go to Oregon.

This morning we went to see Dr. Donahoe. He said I should keep taking iron tablets until Nov. He told Russ he must have a thyroid blood test and a pro-time. From the Clinic we went to the beach at Tamarack and walked for a while. The summer crowd seems to be gone, and we almost had the sea wall to ourselves. Instead of going home for lunch, we went to Burger King. At home again I read more in "Absolute Power" a novel by David Baldacci. It's quite compelling, but disgusting at the same time. Tonight we read more of the New Testament for our Home Evening. .

Mostly Church.

We went to church this morning, and it was a farewell appearance of the Alexander family. The 1st meeting speakers were all of their family. The mother and Dr. dad are leaving for a mission to the Philippines, where he will be in charge of the health of 1100 missionaries. Karen didn't get there until the last meeting; Trevor Foster, her step grandson and a friend were visiting and didn't leave until almost 11 a.m. (Karen had let them drive her Jaguar to a fashionable wedding the night before.) We went to Karen's for dinner later. Karen, Russ, and I all got our new recommends, so we can go to the stake temple week, beginning Sept. 3. We will probably go to only one or two sessions at the most.

Getting ready--just in case.

I dreamed that the house was on fire, and I was very glad when the alarm woke me at 7 am. and it wasn't. When I got up I immediately started to get my disaster kit and water ready. I remembered we are supposed to have slip-on shoes at the bedside and clothes and medications ready to go. And I don't have the shoes, I'll have to go shopping for them. The others we have, food and eating things. I had my hair done, and then Russ and I went to the Hawaiian fast food place for lunch. Then we visited Juanita Jensen, another lady on his home teaching list. From her house we drove to the church supply store, and we bought two Milar blankets for our kits. We already have the water filter, and the radio-flashlight that doesn't need batteries.

We are fine now.

It was our usual morning, but for lunch we went to Burger King for big fish sandwiches. We just got into the habit of it, and the sandwiches are good. From there we went to home teach Ona Willet, one of the widows on Russ' list. She is our age, and she is friendly and easy to talk to. We stayed about an hour. From there we went to Boney's Market for green veggies. We used the tomatoes with basil leaves and feta cheese for salad tonight. It's good, try it. I haven't heard or read anything more about the movie on the Mountain Meadows masacre. I guess the media won't report it until the movie is showing at local theaters.

I'm concerned.

I just read Race's answer to my blog about grandchildren in school. I realized after I had written it that he wasn't on it, but I hadn't yet learned how to edit the blogs. I'll have to learn! I goofed! I read today that someone is making a movie about the Mountain Meadow massacre. I guess it's because a Mormon is a candidate for President, and they want to discredit him and the church. They don't say anything about incidents earlier, like the Hahn's Mill massacre, and others, against church members before the trek to Utah. I wore my computer glasses all day by mistake, and I got a headache and stomach ache. I'm a grandma for sure!

Another busy day.

This morning we drove to the shopping center and bought greeting cards, anniversary and birthday, bought some milk and came home again. After lunch we drove to the Kaiser Pharmacy, and then we came home by way of the beach, where we walked a little while. We bought gas (it's down to $2.76) on the way back. Russ (Chris) dropped me off at Karen's house, and she drove us in her Jaguar to visit teach Loraine Pepper. Loraine had just got back from her trip on the Danube River, and she and Karen had a lot to talk about. We stayed an hour, at least twice as long as we should have for that kind of a visit. But we all enjoyed it. Loraine went up the river, and Karen and Terry went down it last year. I didn't do anything on genealogy, except put it away, darn.

I have a new duty.

I wrote a blog for yesterday, but somehow it got lost in the computer and I couldn't find it. So, until I find it, I'll just go on as though it's here. Today we met Karen for lunch at Jack in the Box. She had been to a painting class, and she's still excited about painting landscapes. She's doing well, too. After the lunch she and I drove to Nancy Barnhard's to give her the visiting teacher message. She and her daughter have just returned from a family reunion in the south, where she got acquainted with her two new great, great grandchildren! On the trip she and Jean drove 3,000 miles. Tonight I went to Relief Society Enrichment meeting, and learned a little about getting family history off the internet. I guess I'll have to learn how, so I can do as my patriarchal blessing said I should, do family genealogy.