July 1- Our first ever Stadium of Fire show. It was a great show and a fun time. Amazing fireworks.
July 2- My niece Hannah visited for the weekend with her fiancé Stephen. It was so fun to have them!
July 3- Frank and I did an amazing amount of yard work today. It was HOT and exhausting but the yard looks great and we got a lot done. I'm thankful that we are able to do things like this. We are healthy and have the ability to work.
July 4- Well, obviously, I'm thankful to live in this free country! I'm thankful for the patriotism instilled in me by my life as an Air Force brat.
July 5- I'm thankful for our new raspberry bushes and for the fact that Frank will be the one to plant them.
July 6-Today I'm thankful for Cynthia, my hairstylist. I am once again gray-free, if only temporarily.
July 7-I had another nice day working in the temple. I really enjoy my service there.
July 8-I went to garage sales this morning which is always fun! I found a table that I don't need but bought anyway. How can I pass up $10? We also got the freeze dryer up and running again (it's been too hot!) so that's a good thing though it means more time in the kitchen for me.
July 9-I enjoy a relaxing Sunday.
July 10- I've started walking with a few neighborhood girls. And though I am not exactly changing my ways and losing tons of weight yet, I do enjoy the walks and I'm sure it's good for me!
July 11-We had book club at my house! I've been resisting being the one to host because my house often has projects going on and is torn apart...I also feel pressure to make a cute/delicious/industrious refreshment. But I honestly didn't stress about it and it went just fine.
I also enjoyed the book: The Storied Life of AJ Fikry.
July 12-I had to drive to North Salt Lake today and I did so safely. Lots of traffic but I took the opportunity to enjoy some podcasts as well as some good music. I actually enjoyed it!
July 13- Wow, I've had a super lazy day. I woke up at 4 a.m. so I've been tired and not feeling super great and I definitely took advantage. I did go to lunch with Mom and Dad though so that was fun! My hope is that I can continue to be lazy for the rest of the day, then it will be a perfect day. :-D
July 14- Nothing like some good old family time to make me happy! We had the "pasta pig out" tonight in preparation for the Larson Cup Triathlon. All of my mom's living siblings were there and they each told stories about Grandpa Larson. I felt such a love for my amazing family tonight.
July 15- Larson Cup! I didn't participate this year, it's been a rough year for me physically, but I went and cheered and loved every minute!
July 16- Frank gave a really great talk about fasting for his High Council assignment. Carter and I went to hear it and it was great!
July 17- I had my first job interview since I started looking for full time work. I feel like it's hard to show that I can do these jobs (and I know I would do great at ANY of them). The interview went well but the job sounded awful. I hope I get other options! ha! Anyway, I'm thankful the first interview is over and went well!
July 18- Drove safely to Rexburg to be with Frank's sister's family.
July 19- I got to go through the temple with Hannah this morning. Her parents, sister Emily and her fiancé Stephen were all there. I love being with family and I love being with family in the temple. I got a phone call as I drove home and got a job offer. So I am starting my new, full-time job in a week or so. Yay and also yikes!
July 20- Today was a relaxing day just puttering around the house getting ready for house guests. I enjoy a day of just normal housework these days...vacuuming, dusting, changing sheets. My parents brought lunch to me. What a nice day.
July 21- The family is here and wedding prep is underway! I'm having fun with Frank's sister and her family here. Helped make my first ever bridal bouquet.
July 22-We got to attend the wedding of Hannah and Stephen today and it was lovely! Nothing like family together in the temple to make you feel happy.
July 23- fresh raspberry crisp. Yeah baby.
July 24- It's pioneer day here in Utah, a state holiday. And having not lived here for long I will admit that Frank and I just aren't that into it. Plus we just aren't really parade people which is one way that this holiday is celebrated (along with fireworks which we are also only so-so about). But I am grateful for the pioneers, including the pioneers in my own family, who braved many hardships to come to Utah and gain their safety and freedom from oppression.
July 25-I got to visit one of my friends from Seagull today and meet her adorable baby. It was such a nice addition to my day today.
July 26- My last day working at Seagull. I have enjoyed it there (despite the foot pain it caused) and the people I met while there.
July 27- Had a super fun day in Salt Lake with Mom and Dad. I'm grateful for this time with them!
July 28- Today was my last day volunteering in the temple. I sure love those people there.
July 29- Woke up with severe vertigo. I am so grateful for the good medical care I can receive.
July 30- I was able to visit my parents today and Frank and Carter gave my Dad a blessing. I'm so grateful to live nearby.
July 31- I survived the first day at my new job. It seems like I will like the coworkers that I met today!
Monday, July 31, 2017
Thursday, July 27, 2017
She's cracking me up!
My Dad does a good job taking care of my mom.
They they go walking every morning, they eat right and they go on outings for entertainment just about everyday. They stay busy.
One thing my Dad is always doing is reading and trying to learn better ways to stay healthy...for both of them.
And so, my Dad will quite often change their diets based on whatever he has read recently.
Honestly, my parents have always eaten pretty well. They love steamed veggies for dinner, they eat steel cut oats with fruit for breakfast, you get what I'm saying, right?
One of the problems is that my mom might not remember that he has changed something or why he has done it. And so he does a lot of explaining as to why she can't eat one thing or another. But he does all of the cooking and most of the ordering when they are out so it's pretty easy overall to keep her on track with whatever diet he wants her to try. And she is generally on board.
His latest read is about how to avoid and/or cure Alzheimers and dementia. This is always a goal of his given his circumstances with my mom. Anyway, this book says, among other things, to cut out all sugar for a period of time (I think it's 3 months) including fruit. They are only on day 3 of this new change so they are still in the phase of wanting sugar and having to use willpower to resist. Supposedly this will change but I have never made it long enough in the "no sugar" situation in my own life to know if it's true.
Now, my mom has dementia and she is a very different person now than she once was. I often miss my old mom...the one with the amazing intellect and the great sense of humor. But every now and then we get a little glimpse of her and it is wonderful.
Today at my house before we left for lunch Dad was explaining their new diet and mom just pipes in:
"We can't eat fruit, we can't eat bread, we can't eat sugar. If you find us dead, you will know why!"
Oh man, that made me laugh.
Then we went to lunch and the waitress set down a basket of rolls. My mom automatically reached for it (because, rolls!) and my Dad says, "No, remember we can't have those".
My mom had the best reaction with a shocked face and then she laid her head on the table in despair. Oh man, I understand that reaction. And it was really very much a moment where I saw my old mom again. As I laughed over her reaction I said,"I wish I had gotten a picture of her reaction just then!" so I pulled out my camera, just in case.
Here is the conversation between Mom and Dad after that:
Mom: Can I have just a half?
Dad: No
Mom: How about just a bite?
Dad: No, we can't have any remember? It will just make us want sugar more.
Mom: I don't think one bite will hurt.
Dad: It will. Remember this will help our memory!
Mom: This will help my memory? My memory is good.
Dad: Really? What day is it?
Mom: The day after yesterday! (reaching for a roll)
All of this was said in good humor and both Dad, Mom and I were laughing quite a lot. Finally Mom said, "So all I get is ice water? Oh well."
She eventually stuck her tongue out at Dad, which she does on occasion and it's awesome.
Luckily her salmon salad arrived in short order. It is her favorite and she loved every bite and seemed to forget all about those darn rolls. (We did have the waitress take them away)
I enjoy spending time with Mom and Dad and I especially enjoy it when we get to laugh and have a good time like we did today.
They they go walking every morning, they eat right and they go on outings for entertainment just about everyday. They stay busy.
One thing my Dad is always doing is reading and trying to learn better ways to stay healthy...for both of them.
And so, my Dad will quite often change their diets based on whatever he has read recently.
Honestly, my parents have always eaten pretty well. They love steamed veggies for dinner, they eat steel cut oats with fruit for breakfast, you get what I'm saying, right?
One of the problems is that my mom might not remember that he has changed something or why he has done it. And so he does a lot of explaining as to why she can't eat one thing or another. But he does all of the cooking and most of the ordering when they are out so it's pretty easy overall to keep her on track with whatever diet he wants her to try. And she is generally on board.
His latest read is about how to avoid and/or cure Alzheimers and dementia. This is always a goal of his given his circumstances with my mom. Anyway, this book says, among other things, to cut out all sugar for a period of time (I think it's 3 months) including fruit. They are only on day 3 of this new change so they are still in the phase of wanting sugar and having to use willpower to resist. Supposedly this will change but I have never made it long enough in the "no sugar" situation in my own life to know if it's true.
Now, my mom has dementia and she is a very different person now than she once was. I often miss my old mom...the one with the amazing intellect and the great sense of humor. But every now and then we get a little glimpse of her and it is wonderful.
Today at my house before we left for lunch Dad was explaining their new diet and mom just pipes in:
"We can't eat fruit, we can't eat bread, we can't eat sugar. If you find us dead, you will know why!"
Oh man, that made me laugh.
Then we went to lunch and the waitress set down a basket of rolls. My mom automatically reached for it (because, rolls!) and my Dad says, "No, remember we can't have those".
My mom had the best reaction with a shocked face and then she laid her head on the table in despair. Oh man, I understand that reaction. And it was really very much a moment where I saw my old mom again. As I laughed over her reaction I said,"I wish I had gotten a picture of her reaction just then!" so I pulled out my camera, just in case.
Here is the conversation between Mom and Dad after that:
Mom: Can I have just a half?
Dad: No
Mom: How about just a bite?
Dad: No, we can't have any remember? It will just make us want sugar more.
Mom: I don't think one bite will hurt.
Dad: It will. Remember this will help our memory!
Mom: This will help my memory? My memory is good.
Dad: Really? What day is it?
Mom: The day after yesterday! (reaching for a roll)
All of this was said in good humor and both Dad, Mom and I were laughing quite a lot. Finally Mom said, "So all I get is ice water? Oh well."
 |
| Listening with disbelief as Dad explains the reason for not eating sugar |
 |
| Trying to sneak a roll while they talk |
 |
| Admitting defeat |
She eventually stuck her tongue out at Dad, which she does on occasion and it's awesome.
Luckily her salmon salad arrived in short order. It is her favorite and she loved every bite and seemed to forget all about those darn rolls. (We did have the waitress take them away)
I enjoy spending time with Mom and Dad and I especially enjoy it when we get to laugh and have a good time like we did today.
Tuesday, July 25, 2017
A family weekend
My niece (on Frank's side) was married this week.
Yay Hannah!!
Yay Hannah!!
And so, in preparation for the event, we had Frank's sister and her whole family staying here with us for several days.
It was awesome!
Frisbee golf-for the guys
movies
eating out a lot
playing games
wedding planning
wedding shopping
making bouquets and boutonnieres
talking and laughing
I love family time.
The wedding was lovely, of course. And my niece was a beautiful bride!
It's fun to see young love.
They have no idea what they are getting into. Ha!
The newlyweds are going on the same honeymoon cruise that Frank and I went on. So, we gave them some of our wisdom and advice. For example: bring dramamine. That's about all I had for them but if it can save them from the honeymoon experience I had, it's worth it.
I got to spend time with Emily, my other niece and the bride's sister. She graduated from college this week as well, so it was a big week for that family. We went out for Brazilian food as a celebration of her achievement. I really enjoyed spending time with her so much. She's funny and smart and witty. We got out of frisbee golf by doing the flowers which we were both happy to do. It was a hot day!
 |
| The bouquet was the handiwork of Emily (bride's sister), Diana (bride's mom) and myself. |
There had to be at least one snafu of course and here it is: The morning of the wedding everyone is rushing around getting ready. The bride and mom of the bride have already left. We are making sure everyone is dressed and looking nice and that we have the flowers etc ready to go. We have about 10 minutes before it's time to leave. I look around and say "Where's Emily?" and her Dad looks surprised and concerned. I go to her room and open the door...she sits up suddenly from a dead sleep, hair all askew and says "oh crap". hahahaha (Not that funny at the time for her I'm sure). Her alarm didn't go off. So, we sent the boys off and I stayed while Emily got ready. She was ready within 15 minutes, amazingly, and we were on time to the wedding.
Also, I wore high heels for the first time in years, which is totally worth celebrating and/or taking pictures.
Congratulations to Hannah and Steven!
While the family was here it was loud and messy and there were always dishes on the counter and shoes on the floor. People were sleeping in every room, including the living room.
It was awesome.
They have gone home now and my house is back to being a quiet place.
I sure miss having all the activity of a family around.
We loved this family weekend and we are so glad we got to be a part of it!
*photo creds (for all of the good photos) to Hannah's photographer Joce Johnson Photography the other photos are mine*
Monday, July 24, 2017
Freedom week plans
This is my last week of freedom before I head off to what feels like jail work.
Here are the plans for the week:
meal prepping- I'm going to make some freezer meals and buy ingredients for easy meals in the instant pot as well. I know that I will walk in the door to "what's for dinner?" which will make me want to commit murder if we don't have a plan. The long term plan is to put other family members in charge of certain days so I don't feel like it all falls on me but I'm going to bring that in at a later date after the family is used to me being gone. No sense getting everyone all riled up. As it is now, I sometimes just revolt and say "It's someone else's turn to do dinner!" and someone will either make something or we eat out. But I don't want to be revolting every night so I'm trying to plan ahead. Carter already does Sunday dinner but I might have to move him to a weeknight after seeing how I feel at the end of the day.
celebrating- I'm having lunch with a friend from my old job one day. I'm also doing a big last hurrah with my parents for our normal Thursday lunch. We are going to Salt Lake for lunch in the beautiful Joseph Smith Memorial Building followed by site seeing/movies. Dad likes to occasionally take Mom to Salt Lake and they walk around temple square and see the movies that are playing in the visitor's center. They haven't done it in awhile so we are going to make a day of it. We are switching to a Thursday night get together once I start work...I will just drive straight to their house from work on Thursdays and we will have dinner or I will hang out with mom while Dad gets a break. I still want to be helpful and be a part of their lives on a regular basis even with this change. It is the main reason I moved here after all.
I might also take some goodies in to work at Seagull since it will be my last day. We'll see if I manage that.
frantically finishing projects- I currently have two projects in the works: my curtains/curtain rod for the family room and the rehab on the little table I got at the garage sale. Both have stalled a bit since we had house guests but I have to get back on track. I really don't want this job to stop my projects...I get a lot of happiness from doing these little things so I have to find ways to keep it going even with less time at home each week.
I'm sure I will also do some vegging in front of the tv, staying up too late and reading on the couch during the day...just to get in some last minute laziness before I have to become productive.
I'm off to a good start since it's nearly 11 a.m. and I have yet to get dressed. Woo Hoo Freedom Week has begun!
Here are the plans for the week:
meal prepping- I'm going to make some freezer meals and buy ingredients for easy meals in the instant pot as well. I know that I will walk in the door to "what's for dinner?" which will make me want to commit murder if we don't have a plan. The long term plan is to put other family members in charge of certain days so I don't feel like it all falls on me but I'm going to bring that in at a later date after the family is used to me being gone. No sense getting everyone all riled up. As it is now, I sometimes just revolt and say "It's someone else's turn to do dinner!" and someone will either make something or we eat out. But I don't want to be revolting every night so I'm trying to plan ahead. Carter already does Sunday dinner but I might have to move him to a weeknight after seeing how I feel at the end of the day.
celebrating- I'm having lunch with a friend from my old job one day. I'm also doing a big last hurrah with my parents for our normal Thursday lunch. We are going to Salt Lake for lunch in the beautiful Joseph Smith Memorial Building followed by site seeing/movies. Dad likes to occasionally take Mom to Salt Lake and they walk around temple square and see the movies that are playing in the visitor's center. They haven't done it in awhile so we are going to make a day of it. We are switching to a Thursday night get together once I start work...I will just drive straight to their house from work on Thursdays and we will have dinner or I will hang out with mom while Dad gets a break. I still want to be helpful and be a part of their lives on a regular basis even with this change. It is the main reason I moved here after all.
I might also take some goodies in to work at Seagull since it will be my last day. We'll see if I manage that.
frantically finishing projects- I currently have two projects in the works: my curtains/curtain rod for the family room and the rehab on the little table I got at the garage sale. Both have stalled a bit since we had house guests but I have to get back on track. I really don't want this job to stop my projects...I get a lot of happiness from doing these little things so I have to find ways to keep it going even with less time at home each week.
I'm sure I will also do some vegging in front of the tv, staying up too late and reading on the couch during the day...just to get in some last minute laziness before I have to become productive.
I'm off to a good start since it's nearly 11 a.m. and I have yet to get dressed. Woo Hoo Freedom Week has begun!
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
My life's about to change
As of 2:45 this afternoon, my life has changed big time.
I accepted a full time job.
My first full time job since my late 20's.
I've been a SAHM for many years now and although I've had a variety of part time jobs over the years, being a mom was always my priority.
I'm not gonna lie, being a mom is still my priority, but the kids have all flown the nest.
And so, I'm back in the work force!
Looking for work after years of being a SAHM and working part time jobs is ROUGH.
It really made me feel like crap when I would apply for jobs that I KNOW I can do and then I don't even get a call.
Not even a single peep.
Then when I did get calls, I would find myself interviewing with a 20 year old kid.
It was not very much fun.
I would look at most jobs and think "I could definitely do that job" but I don't know how to prove that I can do that job. On paper I am not very impressive.
Anyway, someone hired me and I said yes.
And next time I am looking for a job, I will have something at least a little more impressive on my resume.
But hopefully I will love this job and they will love me and I won't be looking for anything anytime soon.
Now I'm trying to come to grips with the idea that I will soon be wearing "business casual" every day and leaving the house by 7:30 a.m.
Yay
Kinda
P.S. Who am I kidding? OF COURSE they will love me. Ha!
I accepted a full time job.
My first full time job since my late 20's.
I've been a SAHM for many years now and although I've had a variety of part time jobs over the years, being a mom was always my priority.
I'm not gonna lie, being a mom is still my priority, but the kids have all flown the nest.
And so, I'm back in the work force!
Looking for work after years of being a SAHM and working part time jobs is ROUGH.
It really made me feel like crap when I would apply for jobs that I KNOW I can do and then I don't even get a call.
Not even a single peep.
Then when I did get calls, I would find myself interviewing with a 20 year old kid.
It was not very much fun.
I would look at most jobs and think "I could definitely do that job" but I don't know how to prove that I can do that job. On paper I am not very impressive.
Anyway, someone hired me and I said yes.
And next time I am looking for a job, I will have something at least a little more impressive on my resume.
But hopefully I will love this job and they will love me and I won't be looking for anything anytime soon.
Now I'm trying to come to grips with the idea that I will soon be wearing "business casual" every day and leaving the house by 7:30 a.m.
Yay
Kinda
P.S. Who am I kidding? OF COURSE they will love me. Ha!
Thursday, July 13, 2017
An oldie but a goodie
I bought this little side table at a garage sale for $10.
It's possible that I might have overpaid.
Here it is sitting, fresh from the garage sale, in its future home.
It's a cute table at first glance (or if you don't look closely) which is why I bought it. But it appears that just about everything about this table was broken at one time or another and then some of the things were fixed...badly.
I knew it had a broken leg when I bought it.
When I got it home I found a second broken leg that had been fixed possibly with gorilla glue or some other glue that expands and goes all over the place. It was definitely not the proper wood glue that should have been used.
It is not only broken where it attaches to the base, but also split!
Oy.
That glue looks oh-so-pretty.
Also the drawer, which I thought was fine, is very broken. I was sad about that.
It's also been glued in some places but just remains broken in other places.
I will need to shore it up so the bottom doesn't fall out and then somehow fix the side where all of the tongue in groove is just plain missing.
Since it is in such bad shape, I will probably paint it...at least the legs.
I hope to refinish the top.
But I don't think I have the skills to fix the legs and be able to stain them.
The legs on this table are so pretty with lots of detail.
The top, though dinged up, looks pretty nice.
And I like a few dings to show that this table had a life.
That's my latest project, so stay tuned for the finished product sometime in the near future.
Thursday, July 6, 2017
More projects around here
I did a little sewing project on the 4th of July. It was super hot and I didn't feel like gardening anymore (really though, when do I feel like gardening?) so I decided to make a new drying pad for my dishes.
I bought the one I have now and it's too small so I always end up adding towels all around for the dishes that don't fit. It's also the wrong color. I can't seem to find a picture of it though..but, really, who takes pictures of your dishes drying on the counter? I thought the answer would be ME but I don't know where it is.
Anyway, I got some fabric that was more neutral with some green in it for the new one. I also made it the exact size of the small countertop by my sink.
Here's my confession: I did a crap job.
It's wonky...not square. It doesn't lay flat. The fabric pattern is slightly askew.
You'd think for someone with OCD tendencies, that I would be more conscientious and make sure things are straight since I know they will bug me later. But no. I tend to kind of wing it especially when I am sewing.
When there are no dishes on this towel I can fold it up and put it in the drawer.
But, let's be honest, there's almost never a time when there are no dishes on this towel so it'll be out in perfect view.
It will also have dishes all over it though, so I doubt the imperfection will bug me much.
It's just a dish pad for goodness sake!
If it does bug me I will just ask my perfect sister to make me a new one that isn't as sucky.
Because she, unlike me, actually knows what she's doing with a sewing machine and it will come out perfect.
_____
I also recently finished repainting my bookshelf.
This is the piece of furniture that used to be a TV armoire that I cut in half and made into a bookshelf. It's funny how attached I am to the furniture that I have worked on. It's just a bookshelf and yet I rearrange to make sure there is a place for it...and for the other things I've worked on.
I originally painted it an antique white about, gosh, 12 or so years ago I'd guess. It's been a long time. It was past time for a refresh!
It's made of pine and there were lots of knots showing through and the paint had yellowed over time.
This time I painted it a bright white, the same color as my kitchen cabinets.
I didn't wait for good lighting to take this picture though.
I can't decide what to put on it now though.
Should I make it a useful place? Put cookbooks and such on there? I've done this in the past.
Should it be mostly decorative? I have a big(ish) collection of 50's glassware that was my grandmother's that is hiding away in my cupboard. I think it would be fun to bring that out into the light of day.
I could also do a combination. Cookbooks on one shelf (I don't have that many) with miscellaneous stuff on the other shelves. I've done this before too.
At Christmas time it's full of nativities. That is my favorite! It should just be Christmas all year.
_____
My next project is the curtains in the family room/eating area/kitchen. I'm still looking at fabric swatches so it's a little up in the air.
I'm going to use electrical conduit for the rod, like I did in the front room. So I've got some work to do to get that all ready.
I keept thinking I will go outside and get started and then I open the door and remember that it's 100 degrees out there.
So the curtain rod will have to wait!
Guess I'll go read a book...
I bought the one I have now and it's too small so I always end up adding towels all around for the dishes that don't fit. It's also the wrong color. I can't seem to find a picture of it though..but, really, who takes pictures of your dishes drying on the counter? I thought the answer would be ME but I don't know where it is.
Anyway, I got some fabric that was more neutral with some green in it for the new one. I also made it the exact size of the small countertop by my sink.
Here's my confession: I did a crap job.
It's wonky...not square. It doesn't lay flat. The fabric pattern is slightly askew.
You'd think for someone with OCD tendencies, that I would be more conscientious and make sure things are straight since I know they will bug me later. But no. I tend to kind of wing it especially when I am sewing.
When there are no dishes on this towel I can fold it up and put it in the drawer.
But, let's be honest, there's almost never a time when there are no dishes on this towel so it'll be out in perfect view.
It will also have dishes all over it though, so I doubt the imperfection will bug me much.
It's just a dish pad for goodness sake!
If it does bug me I will just ask my perfect sister to make me a new one that isn't as sucky.
Because she, unlike me, actually knows what she's doing with a sewing machine and it will come out perfect.
_____
I also recently finished repainting my bookshelf.
This is the piece of furniture that used to be a TV armoire that I cut in half and made into a bookshelf. It's funny how attached I am to the furniture that I have worked on. It's just a bookshelf and yet I rearrange to make sure there is a place for it...and for the other things I've worked on.
I originally painted it an antique white about, gosh, 12 or so years ago I'd guess. It's been a long time. It was past time for a refresh!
It's made of pine and there were lots of knots showing through and the paint had yellowed over time.
This time I painted it a bright white, the same color as my kitchen cabinets.
I didn't wait for good lighting to take this picture though.
I got some new hardware at a garage sale (50 cents baby!) that I put on the doors. I just had wood knobs before.
I can't decide what to put on it now though.
Should I make it a useful place? Put cookbooks and such on there? I've done this in the past.
Should it be mostly decorative? I have a big(ish) collection of 50's glassware that was my grandmother's that is hiding away in my cupboard. I think it would be fun to bring that out into the light of day.
I could also do a combination. Cookbooks on one shelf (I don't have that many) with miscellaneous stuff on the other shelves. I've done this before too.
At Christmas time it's full of nativities. That is my favorite! It should just be Christmas all year.
_____
My next project is the curtains in the family room/eating area/kitchen. I'm still looking at fabric swatches so it's a little up in the air.
I'm going to use electrical conduit for the rod, like I did in the front room. So I've got some work to do to get that all ready.
I keept thinking I will go outside and get started and then I open the door and remember that it's 100 degrees out there.
So the curtain rod will have to wait!
Guess I'll go read a book...
Wednesday, July 5, 2017
Book shopping
I used to buy a lot of books but for awhile now I have been using the online library and checking out e-books that I read on my iPad.
I really love using the library because 1-it's free and 2-I find that I read things that I wouldn't have chosen when browsing a bookstore.
Sometimes I go to the "available now" section and just pick the first book that comes up (unless it is a romance novel...I skip those). I have read a variety of both fiction and non-fiction books that I have really loved by choosing this way.
Another thing I like to do is to look at the books when I go to Costco. If a book strikes me as interesting I will snap a picture of the cover to see if it is available at the library.
Here are a couple of books that recently caught my eye. I haven't read either of them yet.
A few years ago I read a good book that I found in the "available now" section. I really enjoyed it.
Later I saw a book at Costco that had an interesting cover. I didn't read the back or anything, just snapped a picture of it based on the cover art. It turned out to be available at the library so I checked it out. Part way through I realized it was familiar but I kept reading because I couldn't remember the ending. I did remember the ending before I was done but I finished the book anyway because it was a good book. You guessed it, it was the same book.
And then, some months later, I saw a book in the library list that looked interesting. I checked it out. Unbelievably it was the same book! This time I realized it earlier in my reading but not until I started reading...you'd think by this point I would recognize the title or author! It did have different cover art so maybe that threw me? I don't know. Anyway, despite recognizing the story, I read the book again. I am one of those people that doesn't mind re-reading a book or re-watching a movie, or eating the same thing day after day for that matter...you get the point.
You will be pleased to know that I now have that book, the author, the title and the storyline firmly in my memory bank. I don't think I will accidentally read it again.
For curious minds: State of Wonder by Anne Patchett
Telling this story did make me think that I should find some other books by this author to read because, obviously, I really liked this book!
I really love using the library because 1-it's free and 2-I find that I read things that I wouldn't have chosen when browsing a bookstore.
Sometimes I go to the "available now" section and just pick the first book that comes up (unless it is a romance novel...I skip those). I have read a variety of both fiction and non-fiction books that I have really loved by choosing this way.
Another thing I like to do is to look at the books when I go to Costco. If a book strikes me as interesting I will snap a picture of the cover to see if it is available at the library.
Here are a couple of books that recently caught my eye. I haven't read either of them yet.
A few years ago I read a good book that I found in the "available now" section. I really enjoyed it.
Later I saw a book at Costco that had an interesting cover. I didn't read the back or anything, just snapped a picture of it based on the cover art. It turned out to be available at the library so I checked it out. Part way through I realized it was familiar but I kept reading because I couldn't remember the ending. I did remember the ending before I was done but I finished the book anyway because it was a good book. You guessed it, it was the same book.
And then, some months later, I saw a book in the library list that looked interesting. I checked it out. Unbelievably it was the same book! This time I realized it earlier in my reading but not until I started reading...you'd think by this point I would recognize the title or author! It did have different cover art so maybe that threw me? I don't know. Anyway, despite recognizing the story, I read the book again. I am one of those people that doesn't mind re-reading a book or re-watching a movie, or eating the same thing day after day for that matter...you get the point.
You will be pleased to know that I now have that book, the author, the title and the storyline firmly in my memory bank. I don't think I will accidentally read it again.
For curious minds: State of Wonder by Anne Patchett
Telling this story did make me think that I should find some other books by this author to read because, obviously, I really liked this book!
Tuesday, July 4, 2017
I worked in the garden. It's a miracle.
July 3
Today Frank and I did an amazing amount of yard work.
Frank often works in the vegetable garden but I am not usually found working outside.
Today I decided that I would get serious and work on the front flower garden.
The most exciting addition to our yard is our cute little peach tree!
I'm so excited to have a peach tree because I love peaches SO MUCH.
We won't get any fruit for 3 years but I will be anxiously waiting and watching and talking nicely to that tree.
I have a whole plan for my front garden area but I've been slow at implementing it.
Mostly because I hate working in the garden.
I bought the bushes for under the window
and then I also bought some annuals to add some flowers and color to the area.
I weeded and weeded and weeded.
We put mulch down so until the new weeds emerge, it's looks awesome.
The trick will be to pull the weeds as they come up.
Yep, that's the trick.
Frank worked like a dog in the backyard.
He planted the peach tree.
He put down mulch and tilled the entire planting area by the back fence (preparing it for raspberry bushes! Yay!)
plus he mulched and tilled the strawberry patch. We are planting new plants there that will give us bigger berries for a longer period.
The most important fact to note is that it was 97 degrees outside today. Oh man, it was hot.
But we just took short breaks when needed ( in the shade) and got back to work as soon as possible.
I was pretty impressed with myself.
Sadly I only got one of my two flower beds done so I have more work tomorrow...
July 4
Update: I got up bright and early before it became as hot as the sun outside (Arizonans can just keep their opinion to themselves here) and planted my marigolds and also some ground cover under the big cherry tree. I didn't buy enough of the ground cover so I will have to get more tomorrow, dangit.
I still have the second flower garden (south side) to do and just looking at it makes me depressed! So much weeding to do and I really need to move some of the plants because that side is really shady once the tree leafs out and the plants aren't too happy. And the whole area just looks bad!
This area is in the shade for the most part so, in theory, I could work on it all day if needed. Of course it is still supposed to be 100 degrees in the shade so that sounds awful to me.
Today Frank and I did an amazing amount of yard work.
Frank often works in the vegetable garden but I am not usually found working outside.
Today I decided that I would get serious and work on the front flower garden.
The most exciting addition to our yard is our cute little peach tree!
I'm so excited to have a peach tree because I love peaches SO MUCH.
We won't get any fruit for 3 years but I will be anxiously waiting and watching and talking nicely to that tree.
Its so little!
I have a whole plan for my front garden area but I've been slow at implementing it.
Mostly because I hate working in the garden.
I bought the bushes for under the window
and then I also bought some annuals to add some flowers and color to the area.
I weeded and weeded and weeded.
We put mulch down so until the new weeds emerge, it's looks awesome.
The trick will be to pull the weeds as they come up.
Yep, that's the trick.
It just looks like a lot of green in these pictures but I promise there is some color here...
I planted some purple petunias
(they look droopy here but it was right after planting and they perked up)
Daisies! I love daisies and I'm excited to have them year after year.
Marigolds are going in tomorrow.
I was just too dang hot to keep going.
These pink cuties are called Cranberry Lace
I also planted some ground cover to help with weed suppression. I bought them without doing any research though and upon further inspection it appears I may have planted an aggressive plant that I will regret later. Hmmm.
Frank worked like a dog in the backyard.
He planted the peach tree.
He put down mulch and tilled the entire planting area by the back fence (preparing it for raspberry bushes! Yay!)
 |
| Carter, learning how to use the tiller |
plus he mulched and tilled the strawberry patch. We are planting new plants there that will give us bigger berries for a longer period.
The most important fact to note is that it was 97 degrees outside today. Oh man, it was hot.
But we just took short breaks when needed ( in the shade) and got back to work as soon as possible.
I was pretty impressed with myself.
Sadly I only got one of my two flower beds done so I have more work tomorrow...
July 4
Update: I got up bright and early before it became as hot as the sun outside (Arizonans can just keep their opinion to themselves here) and planted my marigolds and also some ground cover under the big cherry tree. I didn't buy enough of the ground cover so I will have to get more tomorrow, dangit.
 |
| The north garden spot after planting marigolds. I've already seen lots of bees and a few butterflies!! |
 |
| My petunias look happier today |
 |
| bad picture but if you squint you can see the new plants under the tree |
I still have the second flower garden (south side) to do and just looking at it makes me depressed! So much weeding to do and I really need to move some of the plants because that side is really shady once the tree leafs out and the plants aren't too happy. And the whole area just looks bad!
This area is in the shade for the most part so, in theory, I could work on it all day if needed. Of course it is still supposed to be 100 degrees in the shade so that sounds awful to me.
 |
| ugh! |
Saturday, July 1, 2017
Something to be thankful for: June 2017
June 1: Carter! Because it's his birthday today and because he's a fun, nice, pleasant guy.
June 2: I started back at my volunteer job in the temple today after taking a few months off. I'm glad to be back and thankful that I can go there each week.
June 3: I'm thankful for garage sales with friends.
June 4: Ryan! Because it's his birthday and because I love him. He's funny and cynical and sweet (yep, I said it Ryan...you are sweet! Especially with kids. So good with kids) and I miss having him around.
June 5: Thankful that Frank was willing to paint the big wall tonight.
June 6: A good visit to the headache doctor and a fun lunch with Beverly. Good day.
June 7: I canned some amazing home made bone broth so now, of course, I feel like a superstar.
June 8: Cousins lunch! I really love my family and that includes my extended family. If I could do family stuff every week I would totally do it. These gals are fun and funny and I love spending time with them.
June 9: Being available to help my dad and spend time with my mom. It's a good thing.
June 10: We had a fun outing with another couple in the ward...we did frisbee golf followed by ice cream cones at the Purple Turtle. Yay for friends!
June 11: Thankful for a really good Relief Society lesson on marriage.
June 12: Carter and Harley and I went to see Pirates of the Caribbean tonight and it was a fun time together!
June 13: I'm thankful that Frank got the propane cooktop all set up before he went out of town so that I could can all of my latest batch of beef broth without having to do anything but jars. I hate dealing with propane or lugging heavy things. Canning is enough work without all that! ha!
June 14: I'm thankful that I could spend several hours doing NOTHING today.
June 15: I'm thankful for a reliable car so I can drive to Logan without stressing.
June 16: Today is freshman orientation for Carter at Utah State. I'm thankful he will be within driving distance when he's in college. I hated sending my other kids across the country.
June 17: Had a fun time at Diane's house celebrating Chantel's birthday and getting to see Daren and family.
June 18: I asked some of the Dads of the kids in my sunday school class to come in and give stories from their lives where they learned about the gospel. It was so great and a spiritual lesson for me (and hopefully for the kids as well!)
June 19: Carter fixed us one of his favorite snacks from Japan. I can't remember the name now but it was tasty...a sausage mixture with veggies inside a roll and then steamed.
June 20: I had to talk myself into going to the Relief Society activity tonight but I did it...and it was so much fun! I really enjoyed myself. I'm sure thankful for the people who put so much time and effort into activities like this.
June 21: Happy Birthday to my dad today! I'm thankful for him.
June 22: I was able to go over to my parents house and help them with a couple of things. I fixed the Netflix which had signed out, I got them signed up for automatic payments for their cell phones and I cancelled the old cell service. I'm so glad I'm close enough to be helpful now!
June 23: I got to spend some time with my old friend Jennifer and also got to see her husband and some of her awesome kids. She is one of my forever friends and I love it when I get to see her!
June 24: I got out of work early ;-) haha just kidding, sort of. I do love the people I work with but I wasn't disappointed to go home early and enjoy the nice day and get some things done. I also went on a date to see the new Pirates of the Caribbean with my hubby.
June 25: I love walking to church on a nice day.
June 26: We had dinner with our good friends from Pennsylvania tonight. There were a few of our old friends there and it was such a fun night! The Petersons are headed off to be mission president for the Houston mission (the same mission Frank went to). So proud of them.
June 27: I had an unusually fun day at work! yay! I was also able to give blood. I'm grateful that I am able to do that when I have seen first hand what a difference it makes!
June 28: Just a totally relaxing day today. Yes, I'm thankful for days like this!
June 29:I got to spend time with my parents today. We went to lunch at Costco and then mom came over for a movie. We watched Beauty and the Beast and she loved it. Then we just enjoyed the lovely back porch for a bit before taking her home. It was nice.
June 30: I was able to help out a woman in the neighborhood. She is having lots of trials but when I dropped her back home, she was the one inspiring me! She told me that she loves to serve and to call her anytime. What an amazing example she is to me!
June 2: I started back at my volunteer job in the temple today after taking a few months off. I'm glad to be back and thankful that I can go there each week.
June 3: I'm thankful for garage sales with friends.
June 4: Ryan! Because it's his birthday and because I love him. He's funny and cynical and sweet (yep, I said it Ryan...you are sweet! Especially with kids. So good with kids) and I miss having him around.
June 5: Thankful that Frank was willing to paint the big wall tonight.
June 6: A good visit to the headache doctor and a fun lunch with Beverly. Good day.
June 7: I canned some amazing home made bone broth so now, of course, I feel like a superstar.
June 8: Cousins lunch! I really love my family and that includes my extended family. If I could do family stuff every week I would totally do it. These gals are fun and funny and I love spending time with them.
June 9: Being available to help my dad and spend time with my mom. It's a good thing.
June 10: We had a fun outing with another couple in the ward...we did frisbee golf followed by ice cream cones at the Purple Turtle. Yay for friends!
June 11: Thankful for a really good Relief Society lesson on marriage.
June 12: Carter and Harley and I went to see Pirates of the Caribbean tonight and it was a fun time together!
June 13: I'm thankful that Frank got the propane cooktop all set up before he went out of town so that I could can all of my latest batch of beef broth without having to do anything but jars. I hate dealing with propane or lugging heavy things. Canning is enough work without all that! ha!
June 14: I'm thankful that I could spend several hours doing NOTHING today.
June 15: I'm thankful for a reliable car so I can drive to Logan without stressing.
June 16: Today is freshman orientation for Carter at Utah State. I'm thankful he will be within driving distance when he's in college. I hated sending my other kids across the country.
June 17: Had a fun time at Diane's house celebrating Chantel's birthday and getting to see Daren and family.
June 18: I asked some of the Dads of the kids in my sunday school class to come in and give stories from their lives where they learned about the gospel. It was so great and a spiritual lesson for me (and hopefully for the kids as well!)
June 19: Carter fixed us one of his favorite snacks from Japan. I can't remember the name now but it was tasty...a sausage mixture with veggies inside a roll and then steamed.
June 20: I had to talk myself into going to the Relief Society activity tonight but I did it...and it was so much fun! I really enjoyed myself. I'm sure thankful for the people who put so much time and effort into activities like this.
June 21: Happy Birthday to my dad today! I'm thankful for him.
June 22: I was able to go over to my parents house and help them with a couple of things. I fixed the Netflix which had signed out, I got them signed up for automatic payments for their cell phones and I cancelled the old cell service. I'm so glad I'm close enough to be helpful now!
June 23: I got to spend some time with my old friend Jennifer and also got to see her husband and some of her awesome kids. She is one of my forever friends and I love it when I get to see her!
June 24: I got out of work early ;-) haha just kidding, sort of. I do love the people I work with but I wasn't disappointed to go home early and enjoy the nice day and get some things done. I also went on a date to see the new Pirates of the Caribbean with my hubby.
June 25: I love walking to church on a nice day.
June 26: We had dinner with our good friends from Pennsylvania tonight. There were a few of our old friends there and it was such a fun night! The Petersons are headed off to be mission president for the Houston mission (the same mission Frank went to). So proud of them.
June 27: I had an unusually fun day at work! yay! I was also able to give blood. I'm grateful that I am able to do that when I have seen first hand what a difference it makes!
June 28: Just a totally relaxing day today. Yes, I'm thankful for days like this!
June 29:I got to spend time with my parents today. We went to lunch at Costco and then mom came over for a movie. We watched Beauty and the Beast and she loved it. Then we just enjoyed the lovely back porch for a bit before taking her home. It was nice.
June 30: I was able to help out a woman in the neighborhood. She is having lots of trials but when I dropped her back home, she was the one inspiring me! She told me that she loves to serve and to call her anytime. What an amazing example she is to me!
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