tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82654174391977938502023-11-16T09:42:01.050-07:00Melethwen's MemoriesA Mother's ReflectionsMaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04166991260862313854noreply@blogger.comBlogger871125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265417439197793850.post-66746152260918032212020-09-30T10:40:00.006-07:002020-09-30T18:18:26.344-07:00September<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh20FdryL-HFnSAaqMboUMHKgrOtueTDrW648mE-H7V8Mw-s2PwWgWCDPN2ofm28Efx6v1AWCLAjS6rCraHsT-IfwK0RH-bCRHeCVaPT9f2LMxugskRC2Pt7A7N4OUpw53ZsfI4RgSYzvU/s2048/20200921_140354.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1638" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh20FdryL-HFnSAaqMboUMHKgrOtueTDrW648mE-H7V8Mw-s2PwWgWCDPN2ofm28Efx6v1AWCLAjS6rCraHsT-IfwK0RH-bCRHeCVaPT9f2LMxugskRC2Pt7A7N4OUpw53ZsfI4RgSYzvU/w320-h400/20200921_140354.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">September 21, 2020: Celebrating the birthday of my friend, Debbie.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The horse was my gift to her, named "Buttercup."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">On the first day of September, I celebrated my sixty-sixth birthday. True, sixty-six isn't quite as thrilling as turning sixty-five had been. After all, last year's birthday meant eligibility for Medicare and the end of paying $925 out of my own pocket each month for medical insurance. Still, it was good to begin another year feeling well, starting my third year of retirement and being healthier than I'd ever dreamed I'd be at this age! And the best part was how so many more good things happened throughout my birth month.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzXPrkEzqrSacwzd4yZeW5HaSSiuRh7BAs7lwNcqFlgY_rFHMMIdKpwOMu9IIMM2VquAlNPqZ7I2pLEvIMPfu3rl4TRtKj9FApjijiP4HEcMIMRyt69V0hnmd2aCc_JLn3Q6DPRYImND8/s2048/20200901_134844.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzXPrkEzqrSacwzd4yZeW5HaSSiuRh7BAs7lwNcqFlgY_rFHMMIdKpwOMu9IIMM2VquAlNPqZ7I2pLEvIMPfu3rl4TRtKj9FApjijiP4HEcMIMRyt69V0hnmd2aCc_JLn3Q6DPRYImND8/w300-h400/20200901_134844.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">September 1, 2020: Debbie and me at lunch on my actual birthday.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Because of work schedules in our family, we didn't have our big party until three days after my actual birthdate, the following Friday, but I was still able to mark my big day, thanks to going out to lunch with my friend, Debbie. We first met thirty years ago, when I started teaching at Blue Ridge High School, where she was an instructional assistant in the special education department. Eventually, she became a high school teacher herself and accepted a position in Mesa. She retired two years before I did, and she still drives up each year to spend her summers here in the pines, in her summer home.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjFak6WMDkgxUHl3Lt9x77Yg0q-i2nwxIXR0ij3HuVHhgUjp10izEWS4wXia5xqtFOww-Fh9PTXEfC78hni7dN-p_qrZJ9ajwHpaY0OVVmnvL_OYqCszY9F5pG0Ikk56hyk7LupIcRt4Q/s2048/IMG_2088+X.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjFak6WMDkgxUHl3Lt9x77Yg0q-i2nwxIXR0ij3HuVHhgUjp10izEWS4wXia5xqtFOww-Fh9PTXEfC78hni7dN-p_qrZJ9ajwHpaY0OVVmnvL_OYqCszY9F5pG0Ikk56hyk7LupIcRt4Q/w400-h266/IMG_2088+X.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">September 1, 2020: My annual birthday selfie for age sixty-six.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I started the day of September 1st with my annual "old lady selfie," a tradition I started on my sixtieth birthday. However scary I may look today, I remind myself, I'll still look younger now than I will next year! Then Debbie came by to pick me up. She brought me more of her beautifully handcrafted seamstress work, including a plush handmade wallet with a matching face mask (being the year of covid-19 and all). We had a great lunch at Darbi's Café, where I enjoyed a yummy steak salad out on the deck and we felt the mist of a summer squall as it briefly passed through.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_-4UADN4sDb9m5-n4ox4qO93r2zOt06-s_RvDBDvuy4BbJTW3rMrByS_173t-ILEDTUbKAHKsPluAaLtXyh6-6oY_hri_BDA0wuaNDlqnDSF_GA9o38dtDaZmmZsHZGqLd-gx-yyjXA/s2048/IMG_2113.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_-4UADN4sDb9m5-n4ox4qO93r2zOt06-s_RvDBDvuy4BbJTW3rMrByS_173t-ILEDTUbKAHKsPluAaLtXyh6-6oY_hri_BDA0wuaNDlqnDSF_GA9o38dtDaZmmZsHZGqLd-gx-yyjXA/w400-h266/IMG_2113.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">September 1, 2020: Fun cards and gifts to start off my birthday month!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It also rained flowers on my birthday, or so it seemed. I came home from lunch to find a beautiful bouquet of blue roses and yellow daisies with a stuffed toy mallard from my son Jacob, and soon after that my daughter Sarah came by with a lovely bouquet of pastel daisies and a sweet note. Later that evening, my good friend Wyndie stopped over with a gorgeous bouquet of carnations and hydrangea, plus two sugar-free candy bars and a fun lightsaber birthday card (she knows my heart!).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgjbZ63Om5ftys8eC11PJWm27CKAFDAox8Kh2jdxiXd0oARr_camhgi8VjkgRhgJX53sxQr6Qf-0ktZQwEE92mNEVCbyRWUQvH8M63vVtMDCd6XUurcrQwt1UtsAA7nG_UnTN5efYtVg/s2048/IMG_2111.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgjbZ63Om5ftys8eC11PJWm27CKAFDAox8Kh2jdxiXd0oARr_camhgi8VjkgRhgJX53sxQr6Qf-0ktZQwEE92mNEVCbyRWUQvH8M63vVtMDCd6XUurcrQwt1UtsAA7nG_UnTN5efYtVg/w400-h300/IMG_2111.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">September 1, 2020: It was raining flowers on my birthday!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On Friday, we waited to start my party until almost 7:00 so Chris could be there, since he worked until 6:00 that evening. We enjoyed grilled steaks and burgers for dinner, plus potato salad. The best part was that my brother Darryl and his wife Tamera showed up while we were still preparing the meal and were able to join us for dinner. That's a big deal, because they'd driven all the way from their home in Missouri to spend a few days with us and to see our dad for his eighty-sixth birthday, which happened to be the same day as my party, September 4th.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Darryl is the youngest of us five Butler siblings, now age fifty-seven. Exactly one year ago, we weren't sure if we would ever get to see him again after he'd had a series of heart attacks (he thought they were panic attacks, since all he'd experienced was shortness of breath) and was told there was nothing to be done except prepare for the worst, while he wore a defibrillator vest around the clock.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR4DW_C-EpVnQn4EkUtRimmnJ_xbPL531s0nLbCbSsxdQNDVojwo6RtGxZVB2w3Yi8kDpQgvqF7v-o4Ce3_gRC_3Kt2tGluQT1E5Ya6hcNUh0pQeqgQd2x0bDGCwwpgfE47X9CN76p-NU/s2048/b-+5+Sept+2020+-+Darryl+%2526+Tamera+Butler+visit+us+in+the+White+Mountains+from+Missouri..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1462" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR4DW_C-EpVnQn4EkUtRimmnJ_xbPL531s0nLbCbSsxdQNDVojwo6RtGxZVB2w3Yi8kDpQgvqF7v-o4Ce3_gRC_3Kt2tGluQT1E5Ya6hcNUh0pQeqgQd2x0bDGCwwpgfE47X9CN76p-NU/w285-h400/b-+5+Sept+2020+-+Darryl+%2526+Tamera+Butler+visit+us+in+the+White+Mountains+from+Missouri..jpg" width="285" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My brother Darryl and his sweet wife, Tamera, came to town!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">September 5, 2020</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Fortunately, one of the top cardiac surgeons in the country agreed to review his case. He determined that there was one area that could be improved through open-heart surgery--the type where they saw open your breast bone and spread your ribs apart--that might improve his heart function and life expectancy. Thankfully, the surgery was a success. He improved so much that they were able to do a second procedure to place a stent in another area, and now he's feeling greatly improved--although he still has to be careful not to overdo. It's a reminder to us all that life can be so precarious.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNStCwrsH4CKn9Fhrv3b1eO-VWVjIC-IizgFCBKCs8XKpytn9vLbi9fDCo7PqrHXywF-OuFcoh8ocsD2xYyPxur7HumlhSk2lt80cXTGF-IEIohUY-MKPIltDkOOkRfqaoWq_DpVYELVQ/s2048/IMG_2151.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNStCwrsH4CKn9Fhrv3b1eO-VWVjIC-IizgFCBKCs8XKpytn9vLbi9fDCo7PqrHXywF-OuFcoh8ocsD2xYyPxur7HumlhSk2lt80cXTGF-IEIohUY-MKPIltDkOOkRfqaoWq_DpVYELVQ/w400-h266/IMG_2151.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Birthday presents from Sarah, Jacob, and Mark</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I don't for the life of me know how I overlooked taking a single picture during my party. Too busy preparing food and visiting, I suppose. I had made myself a sugar-free cheesecake and topped it with raspberries and sugar-free chocolate chips. We also made a delicious batch of sugar-free homemade strawberry ice cream. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Between dinner and dessert, we stopped to open presents. Every year, I think the kids have topped it all, it can never get any better, and every year they blow me away with their choices! (I remembered to take pictures of the presents, at least. But later...much later.)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sarah gave me a new Willow Tree figurine called Quiet Wonder. Over more than a decade, Sarah has given me thirty beautiful Willow Tree figures, and it's getting difficult to find new ones to fit the person she feels I am. When she mentioned the problem to the man at the store, he said, "Wait! I have something brand new, we just got it in!" And there it was!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I don't know where Jacob got the idea for the metallic rose, but it totally dazzles my eyes! No matter which way you turn it, it captures the light and reflects clear, prismatic colors every direction. It reminds all of us of the rose featured in the Disney version of <i>Beauty and the Beast</i>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEina0DISTv7YfxcsyOkAxD2qqiSMoSch8IvkgdKX2HkXdgouJyXXWQe0j7dymZUK9DTXWQVtnTa5QMSXD1hyphenhyphenmMgcWfIHJeGFaBJ5ahNY00jaBOkQRZzI1_oq8BrBwoC1x80Fh2p9-Alnvw/s2048/20200927_213746.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1638" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEina0DISTv7YfxcsyOkAxD2qqiSMoSch8IvkgdKX2HkXdgouJyXXWQe0j7dymZUK9DTXWQVtnTa5QMSXD1hyphenhyphenmMgcWfIHJeGFaBJ5ahNY00jaBOkQRZzI1_oq8BrBwoC1x80Fh2p9-Alnvw/w400-h320/20200927_213746.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My gift from Dylan and Jake: Three candles by Mythologie Candles.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Dylan and Jake had ordered my gift earlier, but they didn't receive it until a week after the party. It was totally worth the wait! Made of coconut-soy oil and hand-prepared, the guys chose three <i>Hobbit/Lord of the Rings</i>-inspired candles for me. "Bree's Spice Market" (Bree being a village east of The Shire, where Men and Hobbits live side by side) is, as one would expect, spicily sweet. "Double Breakfast" is a take on the food-loving Hobbits' customary practice of both <i>first</i> breakfast and <i>second</i> breakfast. Sarah and Mark say it smells like pancakes and syrup. To me, it smells like oatmeal with maple syrup. I love them all, but my favorite is called "King of the Wood Elves." I told Sarah, "If Legolas smells like that, I'd grab him with both fists by the front of his tunic, put my face right into the crook of his neck, and inhale deeply!" (And then kiss him passionately, of course...)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Mark ordered the Tac-Visor for me. I'm not sure how it works, since he hasn't installed it yet. I hope it does what it says. My eyes have always been sensitive to bright sunlight, although I do love the sun.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28s3iiS2JumnCq90zWBY2uTVo-mE4VfoyrwUfG5grHfA4R_pFpk7VGoCvk6opc3DX-BpVL3bj8VvSz09y2ik8YhmDo-siicNTuSW1eSs-F3aDF9-K5tjyCwgjs8W63El06EbHA0CHG_I/s898/a-+5+Sept+2020+-+Sisters-in-law+Tamera+Butler+and+Mary+Carter+together+with+family+at+Denny%2527s.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="718" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28s3iiS2JumnCq90zWBY2uTVo-mE4VfoyrwUfG5grHfA4R_pFpk7VGoCvk6opc3DX-BpVL3bj8VvSz09y2ik8YhmDo-siicNTuSW1eSs-F3aDF9-K5tjyCwgjs8W63El06EbHA0CHG_I/w320-h400/a-+5+Sept+2020+-+Sisters-in-law+Tamera+Butler+and+Mary+Carter+together+with+family+at+Denny%2527s.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sisters-in-law Tamera and Mary having dinner at Denny's.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On Saturday, the day after the party, my sister Karla and her youngest daughter Addison (the last of Karla's ten children still at home) came up from Mesa to join us. They stayed at my house, but divided their time between my place and visiting our dad (who lives two miles away). On Saturday night we all got together to visit some more and then decided to go out to dinner at Denny's.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicQ12ep_-u7Fba4HIpykF6fPkRyNSVoD-GNv9gDciyp6Hju5S5KMsDQnMeKdLJ455eUgMIbNMDd_0w3FBv8gZ5SY0wzT4vLUpERdaQdqKlfchRwst0jmU3ZUxwsb-VITlLxvEAejOqxu0/s2048/c-+5+Sept+2020+-+Butler+siblings+%25231%252C3+%2526+5+-+Mary+Carter+%252866%2529%252C+Darryl+Butler+%252857%2529%252C+Karla+Nogafsky+%252860%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1464" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicQ12ep_-u7Fba4HIpykF6fPkRyNSVoD-GNv9gDciyp6Hju5S5KMsDQnMeKdLJ455eUgMIbNMDd_0w3FBv8gZ5SY0wzT4vLUpERdaQdqKlfchRwst0jmU3ZUxwsb-VITlLxvEAejOqxu0/w286-h400/c-+5+Sept+2020+-+Butler+siblings+%25231%252C3+%2526+5+-+Mary+Carter+%252866%2529%252C+Darryl+Butler+%252857%2529%252C+Karla+Nogafsky+%252860%2529.jpg" width="286" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Three of the five Butler "kids": Mary, Darryl, and Karla.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">September 5, 2020</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It doesn't matter where we are, but being with our brother Darryl is always a raucous affair. To say he has an "irreverent" sense of humor is an understatement. He always has some wisecrack to make in every situation, and no one laughs harder at his jokes than he does himself! Darryl has one of those deep belly laughs that's so infectious, you can't help but join in. I'm sure by the time we left the restaurant, two hours later, the staff and other diners were glad to see us go!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTDREW5EBd0ihiK8xagm5TWgFSHCeUa9hN-a1Swmchf72R3x51fvzpAiEXC88T7bGdHwju2TKRIyLAKGwLUe8Q0qjTLeRr8T_CXp-BXDzoVzU-Yu9Q9Gvdhj60x16_aT8py8nkfy4CY9A/s2048/d-+5+Sept+2020+-+Butler+siblings+%25231%252C3+%2526+5+-+Mary+Carter+%252866%2529%252C+Darryl+Butler+%252857%2529%252C+Karla+Nogafsky+%252860%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1463" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTDREW5EBd0ihiK8xagm5TWgFSHCeUa9hN-a1Swmchf72R3x51fvzpAiEXC88T7bGdHwju2TKRIyLAKGwLUe8Q0qjTLeRr8T_CXp-BXDzoVzU-Yu9Q9Gvdhj60x16_aT8py8nkfy4CY9A/w286-h400/d-+5+Sept+2020+-+Butler+siblings+%25231%252C3+%2526+5+-+Mary+Carter+%252866%2529%252C+Darryl+Butler+%252857%2529%252C+Karla+Nogafsky+%252860%2529.jpg" width="286" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mary is eldest, Darryl is the baby, and Karla is the middle child.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It's been two years since all five of us Butler siblings were last together in the same place at the same time. Before that, it had been many, many years longer. As we get older, it only seems harder to make that happen. It's somewhat strange to realize that we're not the youngsters we used to be, and seeing each other as senior citizens or nearly-senior citizens requires a major shift in perspective. I (the firstborn) am sixty-six; LeRoy is sixty-one; Karla is sixty; Jeff is fifty-eight (a month away from fifty-nine!), and Darryl is fifty-seven. We just wish our 'tween siblings, numbers two and four, had been able to join us. We missed seeing LeRoy and Jeff.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOILSn1Zk4rxekGKEtZmZukdRLZW-cZiAQN7r3lWXc3Naq5WDQg3iyXxPKNjVfMLKqJryonEpykVSsm0h0SGxe-pdeuwF0qDrSd9ZX72-7g6SM_3g63t0yqB3DEUYakgKTWlSU0-KmrH4/s2048/f-+5+Sept+2020+-+Mary+Carter+%2528age+66%2529+%2526+Karla+Nogafsky+%252860%2529+with+sis-in-law+Tamera+Butler+%252861%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1463" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOILSn1Zk4rxekGKEtZmZukdRLZW-cZiAQN7r3lWXc3Naq5WDQg3iyXxPKNjVfMLKqJryonEpykVSsm0h0SGxe-pdeuwF0qDrSd9ZX72-7g6SM_3g63t0yqB3DEUYakgKTWlSU0-KmrH4/w286-h400/f-+5+Sept+2020+-+Mary+Carter+%2528age+66%2529+%2526+Karla+Nogafsky+%252860%2529+with+sis-in-law+Tamera+Butler+%252861%2529.jpg" width="286" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The ladies: Mary, Tamera, and Karla.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After our Denny's dinner, Darryl and Tamera returned to our dad's house, where they were staying. Early the next morning, they were off and on their way back home to Missouri. So sad to have them gone so soon, but they hope to return sometime in the near future, when they can stay longer.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtfiNrgugih7BJBox5AyjckVocwThWQD5xKgkxH1r4qBX72v9tiGB8MoxnFv-hGsEOKcoTzA2foj5_kn6tlRxjsVBc78PK6RZPlfAUopwmfzANoFr2xGXsCuBM84OGlTwWO2xDDDdQu1s/s2048/i-+5+Sept+2020+-+Mary+Carter+%2528age+66%2529+%2526+baby+bro+Darryl+Butler+%2528age+57%2529+w+Chris+%2526+Sarah+Kinsky.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1639" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtfiNrgugih7BJBox5AyjckVocwThWQD5xKgkxH1r4qBX72v9tiGB8MoxnFv-hGsEOKcoTzA2foj5_kn6tlRxjsVBc78PK6RZPlfAUopwmfzANoFr2xGXsCuBM84OGlTwWO2xDDDdQu1s/w320-h400/i-+5+Sept+2020+-+Mary+Carter+%2528age+66%2529+%2526+baby+bro+Darryl+Butler+%2528age+57%2529+w+Chris+%2526+Sarah+Kinsky.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Darryl with my family: Mary, Darryl, Chris and Sarah.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Meanwhile, Karla and Addison came back to my house with us after dinner, and we sat up quite late talking and getting caught up. Long after everyone else had gone home and Addison had fallen asleep on the couch, Karla and I lay awake in my king-size bed and shared a lengthy girl-talk like we hadn't had in many years. It was like reliving the seventeen years we shared a bedroom. Who'd have ever thought that we'd look back fondly on those days? Even when we woke the next morning, we just lay there talking for about two hours more!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_jupq5l14tNOUyXFSDREcDPPOnXpyZlRZ4lkmmi49BLGs0DLaK-W1aH1m-Y_WO4Qcmdm9FVDb8AmH2JizxPeX-6-qWAyuncZPrSvt3cGROyj3mR1iQKqe16sMvubznyqz5_U3LOuuss/s2048/IMG_2133.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_jupq5l14tNOUyXFSDREcDPPOnXpyZlRZ4lkmmi49BLGs0DLaK-W1aH1m-Y_WO4Qcmdm9FVDb8AmH2JizxPeX-6-qWAyuncZPrSvt3cGROyj3mR1iQKqe16sMvubznyqz5_U3LOuuss/w640-h360/IMG_2133.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">September 6, 2020: Sisters Karla and Mary hiking the Mogollon Rim Trail, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">a one-mile trail about two miles from my house.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The next day was Sunday, and Karla, Addison, Sarah, and I went to walk the Mogollon Rim Trail near my house. It was quite warm out (in the eighties), but it's always a beautiful and inspiring hike. That evening we had a final meal together of chef salads, and then Karla and Addison began their drive down the mountain toward home.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXine2bfhndvNSGoGwT1dsrXNzhjcPooTj5a-Bf8x4qCVoldOUqh7Z-Rd-wGro3Bn0L19S-LX4FzQNSZNDp1lLzpFfTdYhkgpmmET-AHddNC_d5wg-FaoII5Urzh7lhuNVb6IFJdq7qqo/s2048/20200906_151917.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1463" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXine2bfhndvNSGoGwT1dsrXNzhjcPooTj5a-Bf8x4qCVoldOUqh7Z-Rd-wGro3Bn0L19S-LX4FzQNSZNDp1lLzpFfTdYhkgpmmET-AHddNC_d5wg-FaoII5Urzh7lhuNVb6IFJdq7qqo/w286-h400/20200906_151917.jpg" width="286" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sarah (with Willow), her cousin Addison (my niece),</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and Mary, paused at the side of Mogollon Rim Trail.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The following weekend, we had a visit from my nieces Haley and Hayden (two of my brother Jeff's eight daughters--he and Dana also have five sons!). They came over after dinner at their Aunt Jona's nearby house on Sunday evening, and we had a great visit that lasted until 3:00 a.m.! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There was a specific reason for that, of course. The girls are quite excited about a supernatural thriller I'm writing (60,000+ words so far) called <i>Dark Moon Ascendant</i>. (I'm sure it has nothing to do with the fact that the main character's name is <i>Haley</i>, lol.) I agreed to read a few chapters to them and Sarah, who was also there to visit with her cousins, and their enthusiasm was so contagious that I ended up reading the first twenty-eight chapters aloud! They even came back for an extra hour the next morning to hear more before they headed back to the Valley. So nice to have fans before I'm even published!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0kFgsLIPJB5pnyOnmF0L-7Pu0-12NageWHIwBmQqFzCKEUhPuHkW5W-iCdA5S8q7u8f633gNk1UI4fAjzb-1870hxSrVK-fuUcDBwE1uV6H4AzyukxxiSBUc0Ar8hNeXRnyfqgw-W4mk/s2048/IMG_2141.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0kFgsLIPJB5pnyOnmF0L-7Pu0-12NageWHIwBmQqFzCKEUhPuHkW5W-iCdA5S8q7u8f633gNk1UI4fAjzb-1870hxSrVK-fuUcDBwE1uV6H4AzyukxxiSBUc0Ar8hNeXRnyfqgw-W4mk/w400-h266/IMG_2141.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My nieces Hayden and Haley (my brother Jeff's daughters) came to visit!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">September 14, 2020</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It was beyond wonderful to see so much family this month, and I hope we'll have many more opportunities to spend time together. I can't think of any better way to celebrate getting older than by spending it with the people we love. September was a very good month!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwg4LWnRT2ThEgRmkrvzOvN1z_OsAc_KkXVItkHYvki5Q_qKWbrE6B2bt287cZzw9cbnEzjf4KGtnwA8ljUoHudkiZXfd-teNzGNrV3blYI22AF0hKq2a9IR5cMFvgBq3Ze2ZIVPmFLg/s2048/20200915_162814.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1385" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwg4LWnRT2ThEgRmkrvzOvN1z_OsAc_KkXVItkHYvki5Q_qKWbrE6B2bt287cZzw9cbnEzjf4KGtnwA8ljUoHudkiZXfd-teNzGNrV3blYI22AF0hKq2a9IR5cMFvgBq3Ze2ZIVPmFLg/w270-h400/20200915_162814.jpg" width="270" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Handmade with love by my niece Haley!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><p></p>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04166991260862313854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265417439197793850.post-45882210397419883642020-09-29T02:00:00.008-07:002020-09-29T02:30:00.449-07:00A Tale of Two Puppies<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9LZGTRCxBx-mfan69VZUvNbt9ZSVcUTnb1DYKfOWBP-xmsalFj8rdx4GmSg1I73gs-9VU9MTsgbaSwYGeWPs3KxflWupmS2QC1TwNWduBI59euBbXUN0g3WZR-UlUzfe9MxZcUm261VM/s2048/IMG_3054.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1639" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9LZGTRCxBx-mfan69VZUvNbt9ZSVcUTnb1DYKfOWBP-xmsalFj8rdx4GmSg1I73gs-9VU9MTsgbaSwYGeWPs3KxflWupmS2QC1TwNWduBI59euBbXUN0g3WZR-UlUzfe9MxZcUm261VM/w320-h400/IMG_3054.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jacob's new puppy Cache with his sister, Sarah's new puppy Willow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Both five months old on September 20, 2020.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I have no grandchildren yet, but I do have an abundance of grand-puppies! While I choose not to have pets at this time in my life--preferring the freedom to come and go as I like without paying for kennels or pet-sitters--I grew up with a variety of pets from early childhood, ranging from cats, dogs, and birds to fish, turtles, hamsters, and hermit crabs. I've always felt that having responsibility for creatures who love and trust them is an important experience for children.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My own children have had pets since we bought our house in 1993. Sarah was three and Jacob had just turned two (Dylan didn't come along until four years later) when we got our first pet, a kitten named Kudu. A few months later, she was joined by a huge five-week-old puppy we named Rambo, who deserves an entire book of his own for the many adventures he introduced into our lives!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">They were followed over the years by many, many more cats (up to five at a time) and three more dogs (Cujo, Astro, Diego), as well as rabbits (Likki, Cocoa, Dusty, Rosie), hamsters, guinea pigs, a turtle, and a stint of chinchilla-sitting of the class chinchilla during a school holiday, when Jacob was awarded that honor. We watched the births of kittens multiple times; rescued feral kittens born under our house to a stubborn Manx whose owners we'd bought the house from; won ribbons for showing rabbits in 4-H Club; and sadly established a pet cemetery in our backyard as we mourned the passing of beloved pets through the years.</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVwqH8VsEpFpYcZ-Sd2aKuf11PMew4vt0GBfLmLZQtjcg62E1gHqgvogt_tYMShhEOKjBBpoT94brD871tuGY17d-s-4UEyUWZ6RrXqeti3668BkrL5zOjOTiJCCsj6hKTbD1Z8cMbBXU/s2048/b-+16+Oct+2018+-+Sarah+Kinsky+%2526+Jacob%2527s+dog+Lucky+enjoy+newly+refinished+backyard+pool.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVwqH8VsEpFpYcZ-Sd2aKuf11PMew4vt0GBfLmLZQtjcg62E1gHqgvogt_tYMShhEOKjBBpoT94brD871tuGY17d-s-4UEyUWZ6RrXqeti3668BkrL5zOjOTiJCCsj6hKTbD1Z8cMbBXU/w400-h225/b-+16+Oct+2018+-+Sarah+Kinsky+%2526+Jacob%2527s+dog+Lucky+enjoy+newly+refinished+backyard+pool.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oct 16, 2018: Sarah enjoys Jacob's pool with Jacob's dog, Lucky.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Little Razz is also in the picture, jumping up on Sarah, behind Lucky.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Lucky was about four then, so he must be six now.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It's safe to say that my kids' love for animals continues in their hearts today. I actually think Sarah's first complete sentences as a toddler were "Is your dog nice?" and "Can I pet him?" when we'd meet dog-walkers in the park. In nine years of marriage, she and Chris have had three cats and a beloved guinea pig, Frodo, who passed away recently. Soon after their wedding, they adopted our family dog, Diego, after my abusive second husband punched him in the muzzle and slammed his face into a metal door because Diego had scratched the door to be let in during a thunderstorm, which always frightened him. (Diego had been an indoor dog until I married the jerk, who banned him from the house.) Sarah and Chris now have two pooches, Diego and Willow, and a sweetly contrary calico cat named Rosie.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">When Jacob married six years ago, they acquired a puppy they named Lucky, who has an interesting look with his heterochromia (one eye is bright blue). After the divorce three years ago, Jacob got to keep Lucky. Then Jacob adopted a one-year-old rescue pup, probably a "chipin" (chihuahua and mini-pinscher mix), whom he named Razzmatazz. About three months ago, Jacob's newest puppy, Cache, made them a trio of pooches.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Meanwhile, Dylan and Jake had decided to remain without pets after the devastating, unexpected loss of their adored cat, Zelda, and their snake. It's heartbreaking to lose pets who've become family, especially when they're so young.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WrYJo-se1tI4fcEW9Ds2nU4RX4VnMjb-bgkbWyXuMhHi7Bybq4BLBIGNd_1R-nsoPwe4HWFYFLgfrsuUYOC3v-8ntivinhWilkkh-GhMC0PymjUBiE3IF8MGqGfv6tI1RL8plNZWVL0/s770/118825921_3916984234982781_2637308337751383827_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="526" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WrYJo-se1tI4fcEW9Ds2nU4RX4VnMjb-bgkbWyXuMhHi7Bybq4BLBIGNd_1R-nsoPwe4HWFYFLgfrsuUYOC3v-8ntivinhWilkkh-GhMC0PymjUBiE3IF8MGqGfv6tI1RL8plNZWVL0/w274-h400/118825921_3916984234982781_2637308337751383827_n.jpg" width="274" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">September 7, 2020 : Razz has a new home at age three.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He has the cutest little overbite you'll ever see!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">However, with three dogs on Jacob's hands now, Dylan and Jake volunteered to take Razz as their own. He's a tiny little thing, doesn't bark much, and was well-suited for apartment living. More importantly, Dylan and Jake had fallen in love with him during their frequent visits to Jacob's house in Mesa. Jake, who'd never believed he'd want to own a dog, felt a strong connection to this little guy. As you can see in the picture above, he loves his new home and family (although he still goes wild when he sees Jacob, too). Razz has become a favorite subject of Dylan's camera!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmTRghQbUyGnpS3NVRP9lmjAvSn0GzWXJZTqwqVTgceLcXAyi5l5a3QPVYCQ4MdlcDfjcFIFYxHi5uEnChWucSHoZv0hbiO_w0enrnDTFXrhmNfB2wkgFQ6KbFf4CvkgE2EcQ9LEEb8MM/s2048/IMG_1927.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmTRghQbUyGnpS3NVRP9lmjAvSn0GzWXJZTqwqVTgceLcXAyi5l5a3QPVYCQ4MdlcDfjcFIFYxHi5uEnChWucSHoZv0hbiO_w0enrnDTFXrhmNfB2wkgFQ6KbFf4CvkgE2EcQ9LEEb8MM/w400-h266/IMG_1927.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">June 7, 2020: Willow (in pink) and Cache at a stop in Payson, Arizona, en route to</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Willow's new home in Pinetop-Lakeside when they were seven weeks old.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div>Fast forward to June 7th, three months ago, when Jacob's neighbor in Mesa had a large litter of puppies to give away. One of Jacob's former roommates took one, and Jacob took two: a male for himself and the lone female of the litter to give his sister, Sarah. The next day, he put both seven-week-old pups in his Jeep and drove them three hours to my house, where he surprised the heck out of Sarah with her new fur-baby. Jacob named his cuddly ball of fluff Cache, and Sarah named her fuzzy little ball of energy Willow.</div><div><br /></div><div>The puppies' father is a German shepherd and the mother (owned by the same family) was also believed to be a shepherd, but apparently she has a few surprises in her. It appears that both puppies, especially Willow, have all the characteristics of a Belgian malinois, a breed that's very similar to German shepherds and also highly prized working dogs for the military and law enforcement. Several people have identified Willow as malinois, including Sarah's vet. (None of us had ever heard of that breed before!)</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOvQPcZsv9X5AmkFvxZsX7HxuDYNpyQ_cMZ5ZqGcHFpJL7FOoOv8COcBWauBJxTAEF_mYE0yl0vuyPtlViKYOqe4f6fCAovDmF4r4l-KFjA_uZBIsTk9HT4F9rJFyX6ddEQWay1UQY8aU/s2048/IMG_2030.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOvQPcZsv9X5AmkFvxZsX7HxuDYNpyQ_cMZ5ZqGcHFpJL7FOoOv8COcBWauBJxTAEF_mYE0yl0vuyPtlViKYOqe4f6fCAovDmF4r4l-KFjA_uZBIsTk9HT4F9rJFyX6ddEQWay1UQY8aU/w400-h266/IMG_2030.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">July 27, 2020: At three months, Willow was growing fast, but still a little gal</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">compared to her newly adopted big brother, Diego (who has the patience of Job).</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Most puppies grow quickly, but Willow seemed to double in size every time I saw her...and I saw her several days each week! Due to living so far away, I only saw Cache a couple of times over the summer, but I became a puppy sitter for Willow on the days that Sarah and Chris both had to work, until she was old enough to be left home alone (just three weeks ago).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Their first experiment in leaving Willow alone when she was about ten weeks old was frightening. When Sarah went home at lunch to check on her, Willow had gotten her head wedged between the house and the gate. A neighbor had to tie a chain to the gatepost and bend it away with his car to free her stubborn little head! Luckily, both the post and the pup were okay after the experience, but that's when I volunteered to puppy-sit temporarily. When Sarah tried leaving her again a few weeks ago, she destroyed a screen on one of the windows, trying to get inside, but she has since adjusted and seems to be taking mummy and daddy's absences in stride.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDZD5bC35aZ0RCqhgipGGQIMR89yGu41mYVFn5EJHSGFH0fiteD-bKfnZCkpl410EcpY6QdYEPuI07cMk4wKP2hC-hycXfBLo55EvimnNvf0Cf7s3o0WUcqOMXOZp5pVVlbBmJtgE8Sg/s2048/20200912_162942.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDZD5bC35aZ0RCqhgipGGQIMR89yGu41mYVFn5EJHSGFH0fiteD-bKfnZCkpl410EcpY6QdYEPuI07cMk4wKP2hC-hycXfBLo55EvimnNvf0Cf7s3o0WUcqOMXOZp5pVVlbBmJtgE8Sg/w400-h266/20200912_162942.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">September 12, 2020: Still a week away from being five months old, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Willow is 36 pounds and almost as tall as thirteen-year-old Diego.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Cache and Willow are five months old now, and last week they were reunited when Sarah and Chris decided to spend a weekend in Mesa to visit some family and enjoy a swim in Jacob's pool. At first Willow was afraid of her brother, but she soon overcame the fear in favor of scrambling around the house, chasing each other.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn7y3lTquszBxjqJBbW8Zws_lE3aMwmbfnvRfBLGEH509he0my0Hg0iKOB0tEBue5y352GakCrk0LYAnG6Ts15QmqhoG31llyJk3Lyx7QfKVBfcSqexPt_utS52T3WYEJI2SBaR1sol6w/s2048/IMG_3036.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn7y3lTquszBxjqJBbW8Zws_lE3aMwmbfnvRfBLGEH509he0my0Hg0iKOB0tEBue5y352GakCrk0LYAnG6Ts15QmqhoG31llyJk3Lyx7QfKVBfcSqexPt_utS52T3WYEJI2SBaR1sol6w/w400-h300/IMG_3036.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">September 20, 2020: Cache on the left, Willow on the right with the collar.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">They still look very similar. Cache is slightly larger and bulkier. Willow's muzzle is more pointed and her face markings are darker. Their personalities are still polar opposites. Cache is quite mellow and cooperative, whereas Willow is stubborn and has more energy than she knows what to do with. But they're both extremely smart and trainable.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Most of all, they're beautiful and they're loved. They have already become an integral, beloved part of our wider family of fur-babies.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQV1yMF1CSrsaG1SkoKJCVOO6kJJ8FL7qSyRuvA9-avRFernlEl_WrDLv2xg2jC_OGSagpP4OBNbJRaxQXlu60LuT689QNwV7NiNYNvFWBxCVqI-qXsZ-5PW9PUfkreqEUI28XLA6zq9Y/s2048/IMG_3048.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQV1yMF1CSrsaG1SkoKJCVOO6kJJ8FL7qSyRuvA9-avRFernlEl_WrDLv2xg2jC_OGSagpP4OBNbJRaxQXlu60LuT689QNwV7NiNYNvFWBxCVqI-qXsZ-5PW9PUfkreqEUI28XLA6zq9Y/w300-h400/IMG_3048.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">September 20, 2020: Cache in front, Willow in back.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04166991260862313854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265417439197793850.post-17095088043366885232020-08-31T18:18:00.004-07:002020-08-31T18:34:07.039-07:00My Techies<div class="separator"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNqX00f3qx_MWCfAlrjB2hAEvHWP5IwVbVoTWss10i59K6JvN7pYzB3bipGgi46QF5K42z799B5l4dqXHrKKi-_xheUJ03v64Nq42qn90b823RgmcqumEL3OfeCPHUWSThRwhTxR9MW74/s2048/IMG_2058.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNqX00f3qx_MWCfAlrjB2hAEvHWP5IwVbVoTWss10i59K6JvN7pYzB3bipGgi46QF5K42z799B5l4dqXHrKKi-_xheUJ03v64Nq42qn90b823RgmcqumEL3OfeCPHUWSThRwhTxR9MW74/w512-h342/IMG_2058.JPG" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">August 20, 2020: Dylan breads chicken tenders for family dinner.</div></div><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;">When it comes to issues of technology, my boys are my go-to guys. Jacob is helpful with cell phones and other problems, but since he lives three hours away, he can't just jump in the car and run to my aid when I'm frustrated and ready to throw the computer against the wall while sobbing hysterically. Therefore, Dylan and Jake get the honor of receiving those emotional phone calls at any odd hour of the day or night. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Recently, they did a big job for me, so we decided to combine the tech stuff with a family dinner, and it worked out wonderfully.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUwAjZgStlahDsBaurSQsPW6FuiDpCZvAdgYWLji3qx6ouZizQglUxSYeRz2rVHUbxWHJP-bQWsz0RT1yTYbgMxAorjz3MMnmOIgkqtTS7TuUvyvDp7qTBrQP_P6Wq7F7Vsb96Ru0NfwI/s2048/IMG_2059.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUwAjZgStlahDsBaurSQsPW6FuiDpCZvAdgYWLji3qx6ouZizQglUxSYeRz2rVHUbxWHJP-bQWsz0RT1yTYbgMxAorjz3MMnmOIgkqtTS7TuUvyvDp7qTBrQP_P6Wq7F7Vsb96Ru0NfwI/w512-h342/IMG_2059.JPG" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jake tends the tenders in the air fryer.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Dylan had asked for an air fryer for his birthday, almost two months ago, mainly because (he said) you can use it to reheat chicken McNuggets and they're as tasty as fresh-made by Ronald McDonald! Since his birthday, they've experimented with other dishes and really like it. They had offered a few weeks ago to bring over their air fryer and make chicken strips or nuggets for us sometime, and this seemed like the prefect opportunity.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFKzs35BgSfRtpNtUDZ0P_Ho2fE9WpYKNkpGnuIjjLg56WFYjI0RkEB_VbsDb4T5zVxu2Pkw3HKnDto_GG0vmoky654pgfHfynoTjc57E2ryd9wI5YUIVUkwFDF-1ffgj0-u6xF4yWGcA/s2048/IMG_2060.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFKzs35BgSfRtpNtUDZ0P_Ho2fE9WpYKNkpGnuIjjLg56WFYjI0RkEB_VbsDb4T5zVxu2Pkw3HKnDto_GG0vmoky654pgfHfynoTjc57E2ryd9wI5YUIVUkwFDF-1ffgj0-u6xF4yWGcA/w512-h342/IMG_2060.JPG" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The perfect chicken strips, especially dipped in a bit of ranch dressing!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">They did all the work, letting me just relax and visit. They even used ground pork rinds for the breading so I wouldn't have to cheat on my healthy eating. The strips came out beautifully, tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. It was a delicious dinner, with green beans served on the side. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I might buy an air fryer for myself, if only I had room for one in my little kitchen!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqFUwOkuISzGLErd0AIrPwpEjh-ZIKIbdFP_whuc-jfh9IIKCLsuF7FXFYfMeQ56JD4k4D_x-B9DV8I4ZqnjmY2TEi8CWhmnJIu2XgtU0WLwsGIT3k6Joi7YFLUvJXVWkP_n9kt2hUA14/s2048/IMG_2061.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1639" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqFUwOkuISzGLErd0AIrPwpEjh-ZIKIbdFP_whuc-jfh9IIKCLsuF7FXFYfMeQ56JD4k4D_x-B9DV8I4ZqnjmY2TEi8CWhmnJIu2XgtU0WLwsGIT3k6Joi7YFLUvJXVWkP_n9kt2hUA14/w410-h512/IMG_2061.JPG" width="410" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My new gaming computer...although that's not what I bought it for.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The computer I've been using is only three years old, but it recently started doing some glitchy things that spooked me. Plus it seemed to be less and less able to handle multiple functions at the same time, slowing way down despite attempting a variety of fixes. Dylan had been recommending that I get a gaming computer, due to their greater power. (He and Jake are huge gamers.) Still, I kept telling myself, "But it's only three years old!"</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">However, the last few glitches made me worry for the safety of thousands of photographs stored on my hard drive, and especially for the novel I'm writing. The idea of recreating the 55,000+ words I've written so far is a nightmarish scenario. And, yes, I have my photos and my novel backed up on external drives, but what happens if the computer somehow tweaks something when I'm moving files between the hard drive and external drive? I don't know if that's even possible, but I'm not going to wait to find out!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQ2VVBtYiVerm-BXUYmFyGRixyU6_GOHO_Cc3_lGbaHSbauteFyz6wSRg43vHAM0gnaQGVOodC4IOGpmLgPnERYyAPvXb2qMpmME09A8qCiBrKCdSwEu_H0pCpTzmN33spQECmKHI5jE/s2048/IMG_2062.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1638" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQ2VVBtYiVerm-BXUYmFyGRixyU6_GOHO_Cc3_lGbaHSbauteFyz6wSRg43vHAM0gnaQGVOodC4IOGpmLgPnERYyAPvXb2qMpmME09A8qCiBrKCdSwEu_H0pCpTzmN33spQECmKHI5jE/w410-h512/IMG_2062.JPG" width="410" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">People who know what they're doing can open it up and add or upgrade components.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So I called Dylan and said, "Okay, let's do this." He recommended a gaming computer that had the features I'd want, and then he ordered it for me. The new computer, a new curved monitor (never had one of those before), and a pair of speakers arrived about a week before our family dinner.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxywKIN7YQf0895PNirqYHc6QKZCORnfUP4G-OxI8apVvK25vHFUJzBDxmfIPWf73_PXloH-kB5kfM9uOQkh3YziC1UjysezkOEncPAjljx68zvuzIy0p2RyfSEhbT1fxNz6QMLMGXy0/s2048/IMG_2064.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxywKIN7YQf0895PNirqYHc6QKZCORnfUP4G-OxI8apVvK25vHFUJzBDxmfIPWf73_PXloH-kB5kfM9uOQkh3YziC1UjysezkOEncPAjljx68zvuzIy0p2RyfSEhbT1fxNz6QMLMGXy0/w410-h274/IMG_2064.JPG" width="410" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The fun part is how everything lights up colorfully!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Dylan and Jake make a great team. Dylan is the set-up-the-hardware guy and Jake is the set-up-the-software-and-programs guy. After our family dinner, Dylan got to work removing my old computer, reassembling everything on the kitchen table so I could continue to use it until I moved all my files over to the new computer. Then he un-packaged all the new components and got them up and running and arranged nicely in my workspace. I hung around and asked a lot of questions, of course. He patiently explained everything and showed me how things worked.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The student has become the master.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2g3YTb5tS0vTooo_FOizR5yFvc9c1dTgNRftSE2F8H84y3PEcSxb7ayi2zaI8esD3Q3XpOuAoYlizcQhShiPxx7pq5FnGyjs1fqrNVoOpjdtS64KWkpGy_bOrHj7d-olaA4DNERo43Ts/s2048/IMG_2082.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2g3YTb5tS0vTooo_FOizR5yFvc9c1dTgNRftSE2F8H84y3PEcSxb7ayi2zaI8esD3Q3XpOuAoYlizcQhShiPxx7pq5FnGyjs1fqrNVoOpjdtS64KWkpGy_bOrHj7d-olaA4DNERo43Ts/w342-h512/IMG_2082.JPG" width="342" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All set up in my office and ready to go to work!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">By the time he was finished, it was getting late. Dylan and Jake had a friend from out of town coming to visit, so we had to call it a night. They came back a few days later so Jake could make sure the programs I'd need were in place and everything was set up the way I like it. The timing was perfect. Since I couldn't use the new computer for those few days, I worked like crazy to reorganize my picture files so they'd be all neat and tidy when I transferred them over, a chore I'd been avoiding for years! It was so nice to have every photo in the correct file, at last, when I loaded up my new computer.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPdfYcbQtGNKbNB7a8FkQNBpZgU0DVdf2VUMv68-NRRjCOA85ZDloM0Ju05vVytPCo5qtx6mvanT-j_5hdi29ZYlzjSDx9mHFgEMZw9sfRQELWMAVkMEC5lgfGmCTxEteEbdH8qHS9hkk/s2048/IMG_2085+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1638" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPdfYcbQtGNKbNB7a8FkQNBpZgU0DVdf2VUMv68-NRRjCOA85ZDloM0Ju05vVytPCo5qtx6mvanT-j_5hdi29ZYlzjSDx9mHFgEMZw9sfRQELWMAVkMEC5lgfGmCTxEteEbdH8qHS9hkk/w328-h410/IMG_2085+%25282%2529.JPG" width="328" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is my view looking into the office from my bed at night.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So now I'm good to go, and I've been using the new computer for about a week. It's so fast, and I can listen to Spotify while working without bogging everything down! Best of all, I can work with peace of mind.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Thanks, guys! You're so good at what you do!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmji2wAzDtnQRWkVhAg_0y54AXfkNRfKWIHctSggG5SPg24wgGvwBxHj_MRZHjqrB7vbYc1szt5Lhuz_HWukhCMWsKB5xGxAQTZnwRlBwSQwheohooGrPXFO18ye7XuuEZBi1HrVF1IAY/s2048/IMG_2087.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmji2wAzDtnQRWkVhAg_0y54AXfkNRfKWIHctSggG5SPg24wgGvwBxHj_MRZHjqrB7vbYc1szt5Lhuz_HWukhCMWsKB5xGxAQTZnwRlBwSQwheohooGrPXFO18ye7XuuEZBi1HrVF1IAY/w512-h288/IMG_2087.JPG" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The new keyboard is pretty spectacular, like a glowing rainbow!</div><div><br /></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04166991260862313854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265417439197793850.post-79144856866913274872020-08-23T13:28:00.003-07:002020-08-31T17:00:42.302-07:00Three Weddings and Two Receptions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQqevokETLMDovxMKSchfybByxloS7nwIzLBDV1sYWGRVsMvSOUlgRV66veM2cQTPQmRg1IOF19Y23lwmDcVIxOFXgySBR09vEGM_AlRN_YIOCRTExs8lXaQPbZTLg1TXdeKmUE1HiK4/s2048/20200822_185924+%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQqevokETLMDovxMKSchfybByxloS7nwIzLBDV1sYWGRVsMvSOUlgRV66veM2cQTPQmRg1IOF19Y23lwmDcVIxOFXgySBR09vEGM_AlRN_YIOCRTExs8lXaQPbZTLg1TXdeKmUE1HiK4/w400-h267/20200822_185924+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">August 22, 2020: The Carters with the Bride and Groom...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mark, Sarah, Dylan, Spencer, McKinley, and Mary.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">As restrictions gradually ease up over the covid-19/coronavirus madness (in Arizona, at least), three newlywed couples were finally able to gather with friends and family to celebrate their new marriages, and we were thrilled to celebrate with them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Yesterday was a second reception for Spencer, the son of our friends Joshua and Karen Hall, and his bride McKinley. They were married on July 31 and had their main reception in Utah at that time. McKinley is from Alaska (named after Mt. McKinley!) but her family has many relatives and friends in Utah. This second reception was for their family and friends here in Arizona. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkAtNBbi92c9jM7XjXUMvWG4gGu_RxyLK-HrCrLlAB1MsZ9s0bEDzujHTv4jg0T-RexESWStWSiWcjanVzs7bfVjauZ9FXiJ6OWkf0GWGarv62rOPM19FL13yWqFU9ItNdikRv39xz4ws/s2048/20200822_175840+%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkAtNBbi92c9jM7XjXUMvWG4gGu_RxyLK-HrCrLlAB1MsZ9s0bEDzujHTv4jg0T-RexESWStWSiWcjanVzs7bfVjauZ9FXiJ6OWkf0GWGarv62rOPM19FL13yWqFU9ItNdikRv39xz4ws/w400-h225/20200822_175840+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The tables are all set up just before guests begin to arrive at 6:00.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I had the honor of arriving an hour and a half before the reception began, to help finish up the preparations. Held in the family's lovely forested back yard, there were fifty chairs that needed burgundy tulle ribbons tied on the backs of each, and I tied about thirty of those ribbons. It takes a lot longer than one might imagine!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6vi8juW49oPgbhskwkEXii158iUwGG20o2yzNyCIB_mc7t4PQ77Nwrd4cpxMIciJSRHNZOTSP7bztZpJUI811D5Ezllo_Yk0_UHnuGqdnRRfsDrqOF6aiZ2lpoVz0Na30_SG5P-QVevI/s2048/20200822_175820.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6vi8juW49oPgbhskwkEXii158iUwGG20o2yzNyCIB_mc7t4PQ77Nwrd4cpxMIciJSRHNZOTSP7bztZpJUI811D5Ezllo_Yk0_UHnuGqdnRRfsDrqOF6aiZ2lpoVz0Na30_SG5P-QVevI/w400-h267/20200822_175820.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Beautiful centerpieces with fun photos of the happy couple.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Guests started arriving promptly at six o'clock and found a delicious buffet set out for them. Chicken cordon bleu, baked potatoes with butter and sour cream, garden salad with ranch dressing, buttered rolls, and big fluffy slices of cheesecake with whipped cream were set out for our dining pleasure.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8PhPla52WhdRYaAhcZnbL9eCu-2a8H1hyphenhyphenGgruMq22zNzklNzc5LU8IHD_g5ZUeF7EWXrpBj9JbJ_A-8RaCx-sw6Fb1P96TnyNXzGmzPw1DQoAoqDbE_gQGiJ-vDR1OfAtxWt_wgAh0Kk/s2048/20200822_181718+%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8PhPla52WhdRYaAhcZnbL9eCu-2a8H1hyphenhyphenGgruMq22zNzklNzc5LU8IHD_g5ZUeF7EWXrpBj9JbJ_A-8RaCx-sw6Fb1P96TnyNXzGmzPw1DQoAoqDbE_gQGiJ-vDR1OfAtxWt_wgAh0Kk/w400-h267/20200822_181718+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Guests begin gathering to visit with the wedding party in line.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I hear the food was all delicious. Sadly, in my never-ending quest to eat healthy and lose weight, I had to settle for a big plate of salad. Nonetheless, visiting with friends we haven't seen in ages due to five months of "shelter-at-home" nonsense more than made up for my lack of chicken cordon bleu! I was interested to note that there wasn't a single mask in sight, even among the folks my age and those ten, twenty, thirty years older. A few of us even dared to hug in greeting.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">If we lived in Los Angeles, our friends would have their water and power cut off as a punishment for hosting this gathering. I've never been so glad to be an Arizonan!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLN-OPVQ9g3U0UJyE0A8LSBVtEEJXx2IIsYhyphenhyphencapEZKoF8ZLfJ3CdnkPKUK9EviTZB-gfM6fzFZhkbN5clc1ekpo6txmU_PR006rqk7Vh_EHO2-wW00KomUMKhRw9oCLsRrWaD8lLtnlc/s2048/20200822_185939.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLN-OPVQ9g3U0UJyE0A8LSBVtEEJXx2IIsYhyphenhyphencapEZKoF8ZLfJ3CdnkPKUK9EviTZB-gfM6fzFZhkbN5clc1ekpo6txmU_PR006rqk7Vh_EHO2-wW00KomUMKhRw9oCLsRrWaD8lLtnlc/w400-h267/20200822_185939.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Good friends since childhood, Dylan Carter and Spencer Hall.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">It was good to see my son Dylan with his friend Spencer again. During the disastrous three years of my second, abusive marriage, the Halls' home became a safe refuge for Dylan. Karen and Joshua became like his second parents, and Spencer another brother. I'll always be grateful to them for that.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0izr2a7LpzqxbUfHdQ4MJuJHdFvJ8vRzf5MOGWFhjcEVNnQK5uWWMaI4VvZmk0dNbg91wr6MeVTaSIbn-C1jTzCYLZEaw_7omFw0UWp1gK367_hEbn3DTJBfMAfExSAUVLVYdLMjOzZc/s2048/20200822_185307+%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0izr2a7LpzqxbUfHdQ4MJuJHdFvJ8vRzf5MOGWFhjcEVNnQK5uWWMaI4VvZmk0dNbg91wr6MeVTaSIbn-C1jTzCYLZEaw_7omFw0UWp1gK367_hEbn3DTJBfMAfExSAUVLVYdLMjOzZc/w400-h267/20200822_185307+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gifts begin to pile up on the gift table.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuExWT_VLKlUehYFmgmcX243dlbvjEz2HXJEU35eHDz1_tszZ6TfQHvFmfyz0vfNeJ24GHxS4PkVXT9IKhcyxQnPsHArwiHaI1_sjf4c3STuAOzBth1WIDI2hNe3AuWbkCTfBlO4XZn74/s2048/20200822_193311.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuExWT_VLKlUehYFmgmcX243dlbvjEz2HXJEU35eHDz1_tszZ6TfQHvFmfyz0vfNeJ24GHxS4PkVXT9IKhcyxQnPsHArwiHaI1_sjf4c3STuAOzBth1WIDI2hNe3AuWbkCTfBlO4XZn74/w400-h225/20200822_193311.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Spencer and McKinley perform a sweet dance for their guests.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">And that's not all! Exactly one week earlier, on August 15, we attended another reception. This event was actually for a sister and brother who married their sweethearts about six weeks apart, but both couples had to wait to gather for their wedding celebrations.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQKF00T_12yqoVTEBfUn0YBxhPlpTjUV8StJInsqgZ8Vp37CwlvSx8vSJwBULy7mXgLoJOvW53fvxGYVYwQ5DJlciMuKRMaKkQyNMyOsTtQo9B4F8vvmXLtHmiUGLG9_0HDAPdjBGZ2eI/s2048/20200815_194828.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQKF00T_12yqoVTEBfUn0YBxhPlpTjUV8StJInsqgZ8Vp37CwlvSx8vSJwBULy7mXgLoJOvW53fvxGYVYwQ5DJlciMuKRMaKkQyNMyOsTtQo9B4F8vvmXLtHmiUGLG9_0HDAPdjBGZ2eI/w225-h400/20200815_194828.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another happy Bride and Groom: Monte and Sydney.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Monte is the son of our friends Eugene and Wyndie Prestwich, and his bride Sydney is the daughter of our friends Newell and Becky Belnap, both families being in our church ward. Sydney, in fact, is a former student of mine, who took a few of my classes over the course of her high school career.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkzCOUxfLLWigx7CEtUzQbmZBGySjXD5sTzxL2s3KLEH7hyphenhyphenQ6UBLuPLctV0_4tAz9zVhZwZkLn9qoqjvRSPBApZy09zjGqBL0zW4nsyFrpX5xyLqOBNK2XPIMt3x47FiHvn93w7ZAInk/s2048/20200815_191258.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkzCOUxfLLWigx7CEtUzQbmZBGySjXD5sTzxL2s3KLEH7hyphenhyphenQ6UBLuPLctV0_4tAz9zVhZwZkLn9qoqjvRSPBApZy09zjGqBL0zW4nsyFrpX5xyLqOBNK2XPIMt3x47FiHvn93w7ZAInk/w400-h225/20200815_191258.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Two gorgeous wedding cakes for this reception.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">As it turned out, Monte and Sydney got engaged first, and then her brother Spencer (yes, another Spencer) became engaged to Breezy some time after. However, Spencer and Breezy got married first, about six weeks before Monte and Sydney, who were married on May 30.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNA8UtEE-j30TW1gYQsDokVDQxNIR30Wum8vECJw9f_hYaKoYDS3g_8hfaTNWmI8rI4cqcPnoNn1TEVi2D3WubNylUPmQWe-bBw6NVTADorPgLpq0j5BGaSV1gKBiHdo8STXilSVQaI78/s2048/20200815_191544.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNA8UtEE-j30TW1gYQsDokVDQxNIR30Wum8vECJw9f_hYaKoYDS3g_8hfaTNWmI8rI4cqcPnoNn1TEVi2D3WubNylUPmQWe-bBw6NVTADorPgLpq0j5BGaSV1gKBiHdo8STXilSVQaI78/w400-h225/20200815_191544.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Monte and Sydney cut their wedding cake first.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Spencer and Breezy will have their main reception in Idaho, where the bride's family is from, in a few weeks. Meanwhile, Monte and Sydney sweetly agreed to have them share their long-awaited reception so that their Arizona friends and relatives could celebrate with both couples (and make it a bit easier on Sydney and Spencer's mom and dad!). The planning of the backyard reception, however, was all according to Sydney's design.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimWIKCMtYmY8KlcR-GQ6yK-spe_3Ju1k05zJdI8oJQCB-ItEDj5iN2C1qop3t1fPMo_w13_NQymsSgWZew4K-265Y3fTToA49ZeHhU9AubtfN1upH5UPw830YuH4z-Z7d89KxawLeYCwg/s2048/20200815_191650.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimWIKCMtYmY8KlcR-GQ6yK-spe_3Ju1k05zJdI8oJQCB-ItEDj5iN2C1qop3t1fPMo_w13_NQymsSgWZew4K-265Y3fTToA49ZeHhU9AubtfN1upH5UPw830YuH4z-Z7d89KxawLeYCwg/w400-h225/20200815_191650.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then Sydney's brother Spencer and his Bride Breezy take their turn.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Sydney, a sweet young lady with a definite will of her own, is passionate about her kindergartners and looks forward to getting back to her classroom. Meanwhile, she thought it would be fun to have her reception refreshments resemble a kindergarten snack break. An adorable idea! Thus, the guests were served little pint cartons of milk and HUGE chunky chocolate chip cookies served in individual plastic bags.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Again, I'm told the cookies were delicious, but I managed to walk away without giving in. Of course, Mark more than made up for it by eating FIVE of them himself. Not even kidding!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFNLfgXDF1EtB7sDdA15i6Vfnl29iR00_73MOfwif1u0J2x5thxQOcNkK9nmrRViWq8Lt6JVvq7VCyzqCORra4QAq4HqTUnIsRKhb-4WEjb0fdsBJBAYUj6EV0PLYAdTyhS7JF2x1VO-w/s2048/20200815_194625.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFNLfgXDF1EtB7sDdA15i6Vfnl29iR00_73MOfwif1u0J2x5thxQOcNkK9nmrRViWq8Lt6JVvq7VCyzqCORra4QAq4HqTUnIsRKhb-4WEjb0fdsBJBAYUj6EV0PLYAdTyhS7JF2x1VO-w/w267-h400/20200815_194625.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A gorgeous photo of Monte and Sydney among their gifts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The reception was quite well attended, the first such large gathering I'd been to since early March. I observed a few people wearing masks and a few others with masks dangling from their ear, chin, or hand, but the large majority were mask-less and visiting freely. It was a wonderful night.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I look forward to a day when the world resumes its sense of sanity. In the meantime, it's great to know that the love and friendships we feel for each other endure, and that we're always ready to celebrate together in the start of young married lives!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZsq5EeS7df73wQvnptqKsZnmrh4L3zigyVXbF90iIpL89uxV0iI-MUB5USG3BTUWy6Y100yvz_ofnLx7dbMXwpvCr3C9TCL_489qUdDr3jZaGrlZdEGq1KnXJ5oqSZYunOE8eeReaco/s2048/20200815_194528.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZsq5EeS7df73wQvnptqKsZnmrh4L3zigyVXbF90iIpL89uxV0iI-MUB5USG3BTUWy6Y100yvz_ofnLx7dbMXwpvCr3C9TCL_489qUdDr3jZaGrlZdEGq1KnXJ5oqSZYunOE8eeReaco/w400-h267/20200815_194528.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A backyard filled with guests to celebrate two marriages in the family.</div></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04166991260862313854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265417439197793850.post-64093048336864111092020-07-19T17:00:00.012-07:002020-07-19T17:29:29.388-07:00Perfect Angel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRlKShB25Y38-o60D5UOyGEsMWZcYVVfCBMhMJCFkUm4BpYwRJcppg1XX5R1jeZsno3W_7Jr3M84hnXRWlkdIwY1AfmQvekjHikq4mAlrHIVhGdsJI1J6CflouZ_h_A0vYMDfqiJrl4cY/s1600/Scan_0014.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1043" data-original-width="834" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRlKShB25Y38-o60D5UOyGEsMWZcYVVfCBMhMJCFkUm4BpYwRJcppg1XX5R1jeZsno3W_7Jr3M84hnXRWlkdIwY1AfmQvekjHikq4mAlrHIVhGdsJI1J6CflouZ_h_A0vYMDfqiJrl4cY/s400/Scan_0014.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
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Sweet baby Aubany Grace . . . until we meet again.</div>
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On Wednesday of this week, Sarah and I traveled to the Valley to attend funeral services for little Aubany Grace, the stillborn daughter of my nephew Justin and his sweet wife Jessica. The loss of any child is one of the greatest tragedies of this life, and Aubany's loss was doubly difficult under the circumstances. Justin and Jessica each brought a child to their marriage, Jessica's daughter Austyn and Justin's son Aiden, and they were ready as a family to welcome a new baby together. After several miscarriages, Aubany was conceived and all seemed to progress well. She was scheduled to be delivered on July 17th.</div>
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On July 7, just ten days before the planned due date, Justin was on his way home from a job in Texas and Jessica was at a family birthday party in Arizona when she realized she hadn't felt the baby move for an unusually long time. She went directly to the hospital, where the nurses were unable to find a heartbeat. It was later determined that the umbilical cord had become wrapped around the baby's neck. Justin was still five hours away when he received the news, pushing on through the night to be with his wife. Labor was induced and Aubany was delivered at 10:58 on the morning of July 9th, 6 lbs 5 oz and 19.5 inches long.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2ggQK9LE6Ox6gVXiDByA6LY33y95I1Pb2yzvhSOkgN4xNlFXv9uRxEdyfX2C09omDy7ogdvKpe7vqKe9DOPk38qEJ-6HqL_hH5jJTU23SVGr5IXhYIDVk7ZShK38EVB7B319s7hxOtc/s1600/Scan_0013.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2ggQK9LE6Ox6gVXiDByA6LY33y95I1Pb2yzvhSOkgN4xNlFXv9uRxEdyfX2C09omDy7ogdvKpe7vqKe9DOPk38qEJ-6HqL_hH5jJTU23SVGr5IXhYIDVk7ZShK38EVB7B319s7hxOtc/s400/Scan_0013.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm so grateful that medical professionals now understand the importance of closure for parents of stillborn children. After Aubany's delivery, the hospital provided a little pink dress and allowed the family time to hold and snuggle her. They took many photographs to capture the short time they had with her as a family.</div>
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It wasn't always that way. After I was born, my mom suffered three miscarriages before she finally had a full-term pregnancy four years later. On the morning when she started labor, March 13, 1958, she felt the baby suddenly stop moving as she sat in her doctor's waiting room. Immediately after my brother Gerald was delivered, the nurses whisked him away. My mother never got to see him or hold him. I suppose they thought it was kinder that way. My dad saw him briefly and described him as perfectly formed, with golden hair. They never discovered why he passed away just hours before his birth. I always felt it was a tragedy that my mom never got to cuddle the little son she'd felt moving inside her for all those months.</div>
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For my four younger siblings and me growing up, Gerald was a very real presence in our home. He was as much our brother as each of us were siblings to each other. As a family, we spoke of him often. When Mom passed away, we knew she was rejoicing in her reunion with him. We know that when we're all united beyond the veil one day, Gerald will be there to take his place among us. And I know that Aubany will continue to be a part of Justin and Jessica's family in the same way.</div>
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Justin wrote this of the time they spent with Aubany: <font face="times">"</font><span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><font face="georgia">We love her so much even though we have to say goodbye to her so quickly. She is beautiful and precious. Despite the loss, we have felt peace and happiness to have been blessed to have her in our lives, no matter how short it may have been. The spirit has been in the room with us constantly since her delivery."</font></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir7lhw8v-bLarPv4fst1WOEeRjahw7VsSJ0tnOeVhrxR5wfLi2VhOgdul8xhBQkRi00HvAF2t9ik4-J9a_BaucW2qndlYR_1xTZdUCD7DlzhVJD6hmQQmoHEmOPNSv3E5UmyFEFvEKXos/s1600/IMG_1993.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir7lhw8v-bLarPv4fst1WOEeRjahw7VsSJ0tnOeVhrxR5wfLi2VhOgdul8xhBQkRi00HvAF2t9ik4-J9a_BaucW2qndlYR_1xTZdUCD7DlzhVJD6hmQQmoHEmOPNSv3E5UmyFEFvEKXos/s400/IMG_1993.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Justin and Jessica with tiny Aubany at the viewing.</div>
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When we arrived at the memorial park, we were ushered into a small room that was already filled with family, although the facility limited gatherings to fifty people, due to covid-19 mandates. It was a bit surreal, with everyone wearing masks. It wasn't always easy to recognize even nieces and nephews I've known their whole lives.</div>
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Little Aubany was cradled in a small bassinet, looking tiny and perfect amidst the lacy frills and pink blankets. Too soon, it was time to place her fragile little body in the small casket in preparation for the graveside service. It was a heartbreaking moment, watching her parents tenderly carry her to her resting place and arrange her carefully inside. Tears rolled down their faces as they steeled themselves for the final goodbye.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLhmmcpSBiBJdY2e905ORYZS2rLs0BnJfzPatvGqIgcpjCIG6R-4uUTYZGFgHWzeoBbYNyaQnd6z2hQkrMwr7V4N7Tn0B97AU0xLvNJWpzXHe3GQk4LvbnlacSqdoicdYAlnZmYwFgwMI/s1600/IMG_1994.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLhmmcpSBiBJdY2e905ORYZS2rLs0BnJfzPatvGqIgcpjCIG6R-4uUTYZGFgHWzeoBbYNyaQnd6z2hQkrMwr7V4N7Tn0B97AU0xLvNJWpzXHe3GQk4LvbnlacSqdoicdYAlnZmYwFgwMI/s400/IMG_1994.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The comfort of family in a time of sadness.</div>
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Family members comforted each other and said their farewells, some touching Aubany's tiny little fists and cheeks for the last time on this side of the veil. The grief and tears of Aubany's sister, Austyn, were heart wrenching. Her deep love for this little sister she'd waited so long to hold was beautiful to see.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEwsbfuHfamn-aIJsYaI-7MPG9bQiVXplwRY-qs3dKj8-vyhor9IuE5ArbYiQxWaBV8uLFJHrLQtstPjHYakFbWDeJwUhGVB2sqHTIAONJIqGoxWDqbbv8TVZedP7uJcQ9yBHTsCU0ww/s1600/IMG_1996.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEwsbfuHfamn-aIJsYaI-7MPG9bQiVXplwRY-qs3dKj8-vyhor9IuE5ArbYiQxWaBV8uLFJHrLQtstPjHYakFbWDeJwUhGVB2sqHTIAONJIqGoxWDqbbv8TVZedP7uJcQ9yBHTsCU0ww/s400/IMG_1996.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The graveside service for Aubany. The grounds of Gilbert Memorial Park</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">were wide and beautifully kept. It's a fairly new cemetery.</div>
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A friend and family member, Matt Beeler, gave a short, uplifting talk, reminding us of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the plan of salvation that allows us to be reunited as families when we depart this life. My brother Jeff, Justin's father and Aubany's grandfather, dedicated the grave in beautifully touching words.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7KvVac4k8hOSB5BJl6f3mJQ9I5YhcLri9g922GDwvai_jtF4nrY_A5nHyiSM8rbGXHVYO2S8XyFRfPHjaqp7l1kf41-fsab5iHee1TcSivbuC6bL1lCB13WyjnEVRdw5WVK3J5EcUEhk/s1600/IMG_1997.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7KvVac4k8hOSB5BJl6f3mJQ9I5YhcLri9g922GDwvai_jtF4nrY_A5nHyiSM8rbGXHVYO2S8XyFRfPHjaqp7l1kf41-fsab5iHee1TcSivbuC6bL1lCB13WyjnEVRdw5WVK3J5EcUEhk/s400/IMG_1997.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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A tiny casket made with love by family members working together.</div>
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After the service, I was amazed to learn from my sister-in-law Dana that the sweet little casket was handmade as a labor of love by several family members. I don't recall all the details, but they purchased the hardwood and hardware, designed and constructed the box and lid, and added small, fine details. Jessica herself applied the gold leafing. Then the entire family wrote little love notes on the wood in the bottom and inside the lid before the padding was added.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFavWjj01gSUUgJAQcxgMvco3N4O3HG0SNwL00JXACAqttDpA-KdpAJ0OQiiv9lAuLWHJPTukvj_-tj19oWxNYbAKbNTasas2PmdMnwjm1hZUJk2f4DFjVAEtTLFeFHABaDCYObsGujBc/s1600/IMG_1999.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFavWjj01gSUUgJAQcxgMvco3N4O3HG0SNwL00JXACAqttDpA-KdpAJ0OQiiv9lAuLWHJPTukvj_-tj19oWxNYbAKbNTasas2PmdMnwjm1hZUJk2f4DFjVAEtTLFeFHABaDCYObsGujBc/s400/IMG_1999.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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Writing messages of love to Aubany.</div>
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Even after the service, many of us lingered for about 45 minutes, enjoying the comfort of family and the sharing of feelings to ease our grief. The memorial garden invited everyone to write messages on both sides of a large black stone near the building, which many people did. Such an outpouring of love and emotion!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mOBVjSx32rOuVYPHrObffW1NchU-kF5aorV7a89UdNGAenAQli5TNqz-PFCUuj1pCWGqjaCVZYjsPCrdcQ66t9aZYFdJiM-EUJZ9qgoC1kS3TgB6ddGVxoIHwzvX_cxX1j14kOvIvjA/s1600/IMG_2001.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mOBVjSx32rOuVYPHrObffW1NchU-kF5aorV7a89UdNGAenAQli5TNqz-PFCUuj1pCWGqjaCVZYjsPCrdcQ66t9aZYFdJiM-EUJZ9qgoC1kS3TgB6ddGVxoIHwzvX_cxX1j14kOvIvjA/s400/IMG_2001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Justin shields Jessica from the sun while she writes a love note to her baby girl.</div>
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Eventually we were driven indoors, though, by the extreme heat. When we went back out to my car, it was registering 114 degrees. (A few hours later it hit 118 before it began to drop again.) From the cemetery, we headed over to Jeff and Dana's church building for a luncheon. We spent more than an hour there, appreciating the air conditioning, good long visits with family, and a lovely lunch of pulled-meat sandwiches, salads, and cookies.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjuY4FKzfUfaf-8godIC9YrAm1XeS0-jrr55JpiM5JSVktb61YLi40TYSDXDFeRcZqf2XGDuf50xxzAFEF-8olXTt2W6859eG2w-Y198fX1yrmqulqVqBM-9FZSVM1deJ8JWkSrjwl12g/s1600/IMG_2002.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjuY4FKzfUfaf-8godIC9YrAm1XeS0-jrr55JpiM5JSVktb61YLi40TYSDXDFeRcZqf2XGDuf50xxzAFEF-8olXTt2W6859eG2w-Y198fX1yrmqulqVqBM-9FZSVM1deJ8JWkSrjwl12g/s400/IMG_2002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Three of five Butler siblings: Karla, Jeff, and Mary at luncheon after the services.</div>
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It's hard to fathom the pain of losing a child. My own experience in loss can't compare to what my nephew and his wife have just suffered through, but it does help me to empathize with the heartrending, bittersweet mixture of grief and joy. My first pregnancy ended in a miscarriage at twelve weeks, after about a week of unexplained bleeding. I remember my overwhelmed emotions when contractions finally pushed the tiny little figure out, and the feeling that I might just die of grief as I held my child in the palm of my hand. </div>
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For three months, I felt that the grief would tear me apart. It reached a point where I started to think about going to sleep and never waking up. When I found myself sitting on the edge of the bed with a bottle of pills in my hand one day, wondering if that would stop the pain, I woke up to what was happening and cried out for help. The answer to that prayer was immediate and dramatic, and I know it saved my life.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGV_rMWP95x4njZrIq9lRUiGEBiZzk7qDhYniUCsP8-bTmRcgXJ5bhDds9XtyFLU32SPEJFi7R7jGEZX9YZ9aZBPn2FfGZlX-hxnvvbsSjIP2ywrQU8xL7FkEC-U_6SLtObcOIpMTWsac/s1600/Human_fetus_10_weeks_with_amniotic_sac_-_therapeutic_abortion.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1204" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGV_rMWP95x4njZrIq9lRUiGEBiZzk7qDhYniUCsP8-bTmRcgXJ5bhDds9XtyFLU32SPEJFi7R7jGEZX9YZ9aZBPn2FfGZlX-hxnvvbsSjIP2ywrQU8xL7FkEC-U_6SLtObcOIpMTWsac/s400/Human_fetus_10_weeks_with_amniotic_sac_-_therapeutic_abortion.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A 10-week fetus, still in the amniotic sac. This is what my baby looked like.</div>
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The pain remained, but it began to soften and allowed a spark of hope to seep back in. I still cried myself to sleep at night, yet I was able to start working through the grief. I finally realized that the depth of our grief in loss is a tribute to the depth of our love for the one who was lost, even if that loss is only temporary during this time of mortal probation.</div>
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During those long, sleepless nights, I began composing a poem in my head about the evolution and purpose of my grief. Eventually, I knew I had to write it down. Many years later, in 2004, it became the only work I've ever had published (so far), in a book of poetry that I'm sure very few people have bought or read. But I was honored that they chose my poem to be on the first page of the collection.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSScykuT6zpy3sKSFO_8ZwAYnCbWzNAScUtBQq7cjOi-wHZISKyXz1Ir5JITBnJqu0qds4qYiYofEIIB1za87zelBGsHH8iyOK8SD_6roTqwpCJODbYItkrKTwqrB87aeMwrmkMpNVvfI/s1600/IMG_2003.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSScykuT6zpy3sKSFO_8ZwAYnCbWzNAScUtBQq7cjOi-wHZISKyXz1Ir5JITBnJqu0qds4qYiYofEIIB1za87zelBGsHH8iyOK8SD_6roTqwpCJODbYItkrKTwqrB87aeMwrmkMpNVvfI/s400/IMG_2003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">Loss<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">The wrenching torment has gone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">No more am I swallowed up<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">In sorrow beyond voice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">The anguish raging past release <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">Has inscribed a memorial on my soul<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">And moved on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">It leaves behind an open wound,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">A circle of emptiness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">There is no numbness to give comfort.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">The edges of the void<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">Have become tender with sadness,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">Soothed only by slow, haunted tears.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">A gentle pain,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">This soft touch of grief.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">Enough to remember loss.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">A quiet reminder<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">Of the child I barely knew.</span></div>
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I'll end with another poem, this one written nearly fifty years before my loss. I came across it by accident one day, about two months after my miscarriage, printed on the back side of a recipe I'd torn out of a magazine long before. I don't even recall if the title is actually "Tribute" or if that's just the name I gave it because the title was missing. </div>
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I remember sobbing for a very long time after I read the poem. It evoked the full depth of grief I'd been suffering, but it also brought home to me how grateful I was to have had that tiny creature, son or daughter, in my life for even the short time I held him in my hand. It's a long poem, but I'll include only the portion that impacted me so strongly.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "edwardian script itc";"><b>Tribute</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-size: x-small;">by Elsie Robinson, 1940 </span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "edwardian script itc";">…And we who love
must also dare to keep the faith<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "edwardian script itc";">When those we love
are lost,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "edwardian script itc";">Lest weaker
spirits, watching, should cry out that<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "edwardian script itc";">Love’s not worth
the cost.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "edwardian script itc";">And so, my Father,
take my grief today as tribute to<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "edwardian script itc";">The glory you sent
away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "edwardian script itc";">I lay my little son
within your arms, safe now,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "edwardian script itc";">Forever, from the
hurt and harm<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "edwardian script itc";">He would have
known, had he lived.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "edwardian script itc";">I give him up. I drink the bitter cup reserved for<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "edwardian script itc";">Those who dare to
love and lose.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "edwardian script itc";">Forgive our fears!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "edwardian script itc";">There is a nobler
duty facing us than tears.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "edwardian script itc";">It is our proud and
shining mission to express<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "edwardian script itc";">Love’s rare,
abiding pride and loveliness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "edwardian script itc";"><b>We, only, who have
lost, can know that love is worth<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "edwardian script itc";"><b>Whatever it may
cost.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04166991260862313854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265417439197793850.post-18994710040270698252020-07-12T19:10:00.015-07:002020-07-12T20:58:53.139-07:00The Birthday Brothers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0xosf3K_UgiLF8Q5Eqhz4yhtcWMU-mDpWueMwV6elpVCPWpgm0GSQBKXcuNH_nVqwsfcntp-UvCMJeyNafEUFtAYqtipGcHe9YL_LM3T084CFljVnyLEbXePP_txnxt8w9LARVU-T0o/s1600/IMG_1980.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0xosf3K_UgiLF8Q5Eqhz4yhtcWMU-mDpWueMwV6elpVCPWpgm0GSQBKXcuNH_nVqwsfcntp-UvCMJeyNafEUFtAYqtipGcHe9YL_LM3T084CFljVnyLEbXePP_txnxt8w9LARVU-T0o/s400/IMG_1980.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Jacob and Dylan celebrate their 29th and 23rd birthdays together.</div>
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July 5, 2020</div>
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As I mention every year around this time, my boys have birthdays just five days apart: Jacob on June 26 and Dylan on July 1. Plus their dad's birthday is June 21, five days before Jacob's. Over the years, we often celebrated both Jacob and Dylan with one party, although I did give them separate parties whenever we could work it out. Now that they're adults and living three hours apart, though, a combined party makes more sense. And I think they like it that way now. </div>
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We had to wait a while to get both boys together this year, due to power-steering pump issues with Jacob's Jeep. We ended up having their party a week ago, last Sunday. However, Mark decided that one thing he wanted to do for his birthday was drive down to Mesa and have lunch at Golden Corral, so we did get to spend Jacob's actual birthday with him while we were there.</div>
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June 25, 2020: Ash-covered mountains left behind by the Bush Fire.</div>
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Since Mark's days off after his birthday were Thursday and Friday, we drove down the mountain on Thursday morning, the day before Jacob's birthday. We left at 9:45 and arrived at Jacob's place around 12:30. Beeline Highway (Hwy 87), between Payson and Phoenix, had reopened days earlier, after being closed for more than a week because of the Bush Fire. One northbound lane was closed for almost fifteen miles, thanks to damage along the highway in that area, but since that wouldn't affect us on our southbound trip, we decided to drive down through Payson.</div>
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Our view of charred mountains from the driver side.</div>
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I knew that we'd see remnants of the Bush Fire along the way, but the reality of it was still sobering, seeing how much land was affected. This was the fifth-largest wildfire in Arizona history, apparently started by a vehicle and destroying almost 194,000 acres. It wasn't as shocking <i>visually</i> as the forest fires that have hit too close to home in the last eighteen years, since we weren't seeing entire forests decimated and, let's face it, the desert doesn't have that much greenery to consume. In fact, most of the larger plants and cacti still stood tall, the damage seemingly invisible, including thousands of majestic saguaro. The long miles and miles of blackened earth and gray ash told another story, though.</div>
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View from passenger side, after coming off the mountain to the valley floor.</div>
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This desolation lasted for nearly forty miles, all along the highway's edge. It was especially disturbing while we were still crossing the mountains and foothills. The black and gray landscape stretched on over ridge upon ridge, as far as the eye could see. There were still hot spots where there were no flames, but tall columns of smoke rose from the hillsides. We passed a turnout filled with firefighters and their equipment, still monitoring the situation. Even after we reached the valley floor, the blackened devastation continued, now reaching over to the east side of the highway, as well. It went on for several miles past the Bush Highway turnoff, which stretches from the northwestern tip of Mesa, along Salt River, and past Saguaro Lake on it's way to join Beeline Highway. This is where the fire began on June 13 and from whence the fire got its name.</div>
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Golden Corral Buffet in southern Mesa.</div>
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Once we'd arrived safely at Jacob's house, we visited briefly and then headed over to Golden Corral for lunch around 1:00. From there, we went on to Bass Pro Shop, where I'd promised to buy birthday gifts for both Jacob and his dad. While there, I even found a cute red-white-and-blue flag shirt for myself.</div>
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An unexpected meeting with an old friend: Jacey and Jacob.</div>
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I love wandering around the Bass Pro Shops we come across in different cities and states. There's always a calm feeling there, similar to what I feel when camping and hiking. We had a fun surprise when we ran into a friend from long ago, Jacey Baldonado. When he walked up to me and cried, "Ms. Carter!" I had to make him take his mask off to see who he was!</div>
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Jacey's parents, Joey and Julie, were good friends of ours back when Sarah and Jacob and the older Baldonado kids were still preschoolers. Eventually, Jacey became one of my high school students. We spent some time reminiscing about how he used to get in trouble in school, but not so much in my class because I knew his parents too well! When the Baldonados moved away from the mountain a few years later, we lost touch, so it was extra fun seeing Jacey and getting caught up.</div>
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Jacob and his three birthday presents from Mom and Dad.</div>
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By the time we got back to Jacob's place, he had his gifts from Mark and me. He'd been wanting some camping equipment, so I got him a butane camp stove and a 12-inch Dutch oven. Mark gave him the little iron contraption that lifts the lid off a Dutch oven when it's too hot to touch.</div>
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Mark with his belated gifts from Pro Bass Shop, from Jacob and me.</div>
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The googly-eyed donkey card was from Sarah at his earlier party. He<i> loved </i>it.</div>
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Mark had gotten his presents from the other kids at his birthday/Fathers Day party on June 21st, but when I couldn't think of a good gift idea, I'd told him he could choose something when we shopped for Jacob in Mesa. Jacob bought his dad the Bigfoot tee-shirt and the Bass Pro Shop cap in the photo above. He also gave him the cool fish card, which I plan to hang on the wall in Mark's bedroom. From me, Mark chose the blue fish swim trunks and the dark red Bass Pro Shop tee-shirt.</div>
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June 26, 2020: Inside Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall on Jacob's birthday.</div>
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We had dinner at Carl's Jr. on Thursday night. On Friday morning--Jacob's birthday--we had deviled eggs for breakfast before we took off to spend the day browsing and shopping. Our first stop was the Walmart in Scottsdale. I'd left my camera's memory card in my computer at home, so I decided to buy a new one rather than continue using my cell phone for photos. I also bought Dylan's birthday present, to give him when we had our party the following week. And then...well, let's just say I made a major impulse purchase.</div>
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The three-story Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall is the largest mall in Arizona.</div>
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Almost two million square feet of retail space!</div>
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Not too long ago, Dylan and Jake brought over their new virtual reality gaming system, called Oculus Quest. They let me try out episode one of the game <i>Vader Immortal</i>. I was blown away! With the surprisingly comfortable headset on, I entered a whole different, very realistic world. I raved about our <i>Star Wars</i> adventure at The Void in Las Vegas a year and a half ago, but Oculus is a completely new level. The Void does have one advantage, of setting up the environment so you can actually touch the things you think you see, and I do miss that aspect. However, the VR graphics in Oculus Quest were so excellent that I kept wanting to lean my arm on that table, rest my foot on that ledge. It was astounding. And, believe me, when Darth Vader strides across the room to you, you do look <i>up...and up</i> at him!</div>
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The guys cautioned me that it was hard to get your hands on the system. They'd waited six months after they ordered theirs, because of pandemic restrictions, before they finally received it. It wasn't even available in stores. I assured them that I was in no hurry. And then, there it was, in a case at Scottsdale Walmart. As we walked by, Jacob noticed it first and couldn't believe his eyes. Dylan still can't believe there was one just sitting there on a shelf. I struggled with the decision...for about two minutes. And now it's mine.</div>
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One of the smashed windows in a vandalized mall shop.</div>
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When we were done at Walmart, we moved on to Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall. Jacob was the one who suggested it. None of us had ever been there before, and he was curious to see the one and only place in Arizona that had been hit by the rioting and looting spawned by Black Lives Matter and Antifa. Thank goodness we live in a state where such nonsense was immediately put down. SWAT teams responded quickly, sending the rioters running like the destructive cowards they are, and arrests were swiftly made. In other states where law enforcement was told to stand down, the violence went on for weeks.</div>
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Most of the stores and shops were open, either because they were missed by the looters or they'd already made repairs. The crowd of marauders wasn't enormous, the mall is incredibly huge, and law enforcement responded promptly, so there's no way the thugs had time to get very far in their criminal efforts. However, there were still several smaller shops boarded up, with smashed windows and shattered glass visible on their floors and display cases. We spoke to some shop owners, who described how they'd removed all their inventory in anticipation of the attacks.</div>
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I got these earrings half-off at Hallmark. (Those are Jacob's fingers!)</div>
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We arrived right at 11:00, when the mall opened. It was very quiet inside, so it was easy to practice social distancing. There were rarely more than two or three people within view at any time. Mark and I carried bandannas, knowing that Maricopa County had issued a mask mandate. I only put mine on a few times, when I made purchases from the cashiers in Hallmark and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory (dark chocolate almond bark!), but they assured us they didn't care. They only wore masks themselves because their employers required it, but I noticed they slipped them off when no one was close by.</div>
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At one point, we passed two police officers in the mall, and Jacob was nervous that someone had turned us in for not wearing masks. I told him we wouldn't get anything more than a warning (this isn't New York), but the officers just smiled at us as we passed and then ignored us. So did a passing security guard.</div>
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We checked in at Build-a-Bear to see when their Baby Yoda will be available.</div>
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Not until at least August, they said.</div>
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After nearly two hours in the mall, we had explored all three levels and visited any shops that piqued our interest. Jacob was disappointed that there was no Spencer's store, but I pointed out that Scottsdale is probably a little too high-class for such an unclassy shop. We were slowing down, getting tired of walking, when we stopped to rest at these massage chairs. For $1.00 each, all three of us got a wonderful three-minute massage, from ankles to scalp. It was hard to get the guys up again afterward!</div>
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Mark and Jacob enjoy a soothing massage.</div>
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Being June, it was quite hot in the Valley. While we were inside the nicely air-conditioned mall, my car was out in a parking garage. Even there in the shade, this was on my dashboard when we came back out a little before 1:00. The temperature topped out at 113 degrees that day. It was after 8:30 that evening when we left town, and the temp had only dropped to 105 by that time. Three hours later, it was so sweet to pull into my own driveway before midnight, where it was a cool 59 degrees outside.</div>
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My dashboard in the mall parking garage. Hot!</div>
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On our way back to Jacob's, we stopped for lunch at Chipotle's, and then we spent the rest of the day visiting and taking catnaps. I got caught up with things on my laptop, since I hadn't been online for two days. Jacob showed us his puppy Cache's newest tricks, like "sit" and "shake." Still just a fluffy, clumsy, cuddly pup, Cache's floppy ears were starting to stand up like the adult German shepherd he'll soon enough become, but he still had trouble controlling the one that keeps flopping sideways!</div>
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Love Cache's adorably crossed ears! But he'll outgrow it. </div>
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We went to dinner at El Pollo Loco with Jacob before we packed up the car, said our goodbyes, and headed out of town. Being a Friday, all the traffic tends to head north toward the cool country where we live, flatlanders trying to escape the Valley heat. So we decided to forego the route through Payson that would surely be bumper-to-bumper, especially with the one northbound lane being closed for so many miles. Instead, we took the road through Globe-Miami. It was a good decision. All the roadwork had been shut down for the weekend, and I doubt we saw even a dozen other cars on the highway during the entire three-hour trip.</div>
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Jacob's roommate's wolf-hybrid, Ghost, keeps watch out the front window.</div>
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Originally, we'd planned to have the guys' party on the day after Dylan's birthday, but as I mentioned earlier, we had to delay due to car issues. Instead, Jacob came up late on the 4th of July and we celebrated the next day, a Sunday. Since Mark had to work at 4:00, we got started a little after noon.</div>
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July 5, 2020: Dylan with his birthday presents, four days after his birthday.</div>
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Everyone pitched in to prepare the dinner Dylan had requested, Caprese Chicken. Once it was in the oven, Dylan was anxious to open gifts. He'd been waiting an extra four days for them! </div>
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Jacob had given him his gift already. Sarah gave him $30 cash hidden in a box of honey buns. Mark gave him a bag filled with Kit Kat bars and a $15 gift card. I gave him an air fryer, which he'd asked for after finding out that it can make even day-old chicken McNuggets taste yummy again!</div>
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Jacob tries to hide behind his gifts from Sarah.</div>
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Then it was Jacob's turn. Jacob and Dylan had already exchanged gifts a couple of weeks earlier. Sarah gave Jacob $30 cash, too, but hid his in a box of nutty-bar knock-offs. And he'd gotten his presents from Mark and me while we were in Mesa.</div>
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Two dishes of my Caprese Hasselback Chicken for dinner.</div>
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(I'd already removed mine from the right edge.)</div>
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Soon it was time to enjoy dinner. We had the Caprese Chicken with green beans on the side. I only recently learned that this method of slicing partly through and stuffing the slits in meat or potatoes is called "hasselback," from an old Swedish restaurant called Hasselbacken, established in the 1700s. I guess I'll have to rename the dish "Caprese Hasselback Chicken."</div>
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I love pics of all my kids together! Hiking Mogollon Rim Trail with pups:</div>
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Dylan, Jacob, Jake (with Razz), Sarah, and Chris (with Willow).</div>
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After dinner, Mark had to leave for work. Too stuffed for dessert, the kids all decided to take their pups--Sarah and Chris's Willow, and Dylan and Jake's Razz--to hike the Mogollon Rim Trail, just two miles from my house. I stayed home to wash up some dishes, but they sent me some fun photos.</div>
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When everyone returned, we enjoyed the ice cream cake Dylan had requested. His favorite is Oreo ice cream cake, but in this time of covid-19 when we're grateful to find toilet paper on the shelves, the ice cream case was pretty bare. I had to settle for a Reese's Peanut Butter ice cream cake, but it was yummy.</div>
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As always, these family reunions are much too short for my mother-heart, but I'm grateful for each opportunity to be together. Now we can look forward to coming family celebrations for more birthdays (mine and Sarah's) and the holidays!</div>
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Also on the Rim Trail, Sarah took this picture of the guys:</div>
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Chris (with Willow), Jake, Dylan, Jacob, and Razz in front.</div>
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Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04166991260862313854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265417439197793850.post-90322412438687318142020-06-21T19:41:00.000-07:002020-06-21T19:52:00.704-07:00A Fathers Day Birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUha-M3MczvPyi1BkPYLBMUL3cdHIWC9DJb812uFYLfSg0Y5dStMNd86zEOQ3xwLmIPfGZt0SWBpAKMFz8hOS1zNiwd2LbEfR-Td4B1gA2h3sZciWytBTemtUQIckm5KcZg_GE3lONxmE/s1600/IMG_1884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUha-M3MczvPyi1BkPYLBMUL3cdHIWC9DJb812uFYLfSg0Y5dStMNd86zEOQ3xwLmIPfGZt0SWBpAKMFz8hOS1zNiwd2LbEfR-Td4B1gA2h3sZciWytBTemtUQIckm5KcZg_GE3lONxmE/s400/IMG_1884.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Mark with our three kids: Jacob, Dylan, and Sarah.</div>
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I shot this on Mothers Day because I wasn't sure if Jacob would be here</div>
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today (he wasn't) or if I'd remember to get a group picture (I didn't).</div>
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May 11, 2020</div>
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As happens every several years, Mark's June 21st birthday falls on Fathers Day. This was one of those years, as he turned 52.</div>
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In honor of the double event, we had a little family party for him today. Jacob wasn't able to be here, although he plans to come up in a couple weeks to have a double celebration for his June 26th birthday and Dylan's July 1st birthday. And Chris had to work, so he couldn't join us, either. </div>
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Mark himself had to be at work by 4:00 today, so Sarah, Dylan, Jake, and I celebrated with him from noon until 3:30. We started with make-your-own sub sandwiches, featuring a wide selection including roast beef, chicken breast, Black Forest ham, turkey, provolone, cheddar, pepper jack, red onion, and tomato. Plus condiments, of course. Ruffles potato chips and toasted onion sour cream dip were served on the side.</div>
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Mark with his birthday/Fathers Day gifts. Dylan found it humorous</div>
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that the gift card and candy bar together spell out "Dad Satisfies."</div>
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We spent a lot of time before and after lunch visiting. One of the best things about our time together was that no one brought out their phones much. I didn't even request it, but it just happened. It seemed like we talked and shared a little more than usual. Or, as I told the kids, maybe I'm the one who talked and shared more...which is already quite a lot!</div>
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While waiting for our lunch to digest, Mark checked out his birthday/Fathers Day gifts. Dylan and Jake gave him a sturdy shelf to put Mark's TV on in his room (right now it's on a pair of stacked antique trunks). Sarah and Chris gave him a $50 gift card and a Snickers bar.</div>
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As for me, we may go to Mesa this coming weekend to be with Jacob on his birthday, which is on Friday. Mark has been wanting to get down to the heat, goodness knows why. Maybe to enjoy Jacob's pool? While there, I'll treat both Mark and Jacob to lunch at Golden Corral, and then we'll stop by Bass Pro Shops to see if there's anything there they'd like me to get them for their birthdays. They have some nice clothing there, among so many other things. Plus Jacob has been asking for some camping equipment.</div>
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Cake and ice cream for the family to enjoy.</div>
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At 3:00, we brought out the cake and ice cream Mark had chosen. Of course, nothing would do except the $20 triple chocolate Hershey's cake! Plus rocky road and cookies-and-cream ice creams. </div>
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Keto chocolate chip cheesecake muffins for me!</div>
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Last night I made myself some keto chocolate chip cheesecake muffins topped with raspberries and enjoyed two of them instead of the the sugary treats. I also passed up the chips and dip, and ate my sandwich stuffings on a plate with a knife and fork, without a bun. I lost 10.2 lbs in the first 21 days of strictly controlled low-carb eating, but this week has been a frustrating stall. Still, better to maintain until the loss kicks in again, than to start back up the scale. So I'm staying strong!</div>
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It was sad to have to end our party by 3:30, but Mark reluctantly got ready for work and we said goodbye to the guys. Sarah stayed until 6:00, when she had to pick up Chris from work. When we returned from dropping off Mark, we visited for about half an hour, but then Sarah and I both fell asleep in the comfy recliner-couch until just before six. Even little pup Willow slept that entire time. The excitement of our little party simply wore us out!</div>
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Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04166991260862313854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265417439197793850.post-63329970450846384882020-05-17T15:29:00.002-07:002020-05-18T10:12:40.645-07:00Mothers Day and More<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Sy60CNticRxGgOxJGktf43n7qJsnhyphenhyphenMNUNd9UvCWxJtuc5wpPLsAZ9MLW4gdFGy-ekBYwjhbd9R8746mnAUoNBq_fux3f0Gwd6xnKTEtRvkqJyPe7J6S4KOo76mAdYTq-_IzY2pvYUM/s1600/IMG_1878+x.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Sy60CNticRxGgOxJGktf43n7qJsnhyphenhyphenMNUNd9UvCWxJtuc5wpPLsAZ9MLW4gdFGy-ekBYwjhbd9R8746mnAUoNBq_fux3f0Gwd6xnKTEtRvkqJyPe7J6S4KOo76mAdYTq-_IzY2pvYUM/s400/IMG_1878+x.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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May 11, 2020 - Mom and her kids: Dylan, Jacob, Mary, and Sarah.</div>
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For the most part, April 2020 is a month I'd prefer to put out of my mind. It was the month of the covid-19 quarantine; the month of shutting down our nation's economy and destroying livelihoods; the month in which media-promoted fear overcame common sense; the month of oppressing liberties in portions of the United States; the month of Mark being underfoot every day after Denny's shut down on March 20; and the month when Sarah and I were forced to cancel our long-planned and long-awaited girls' getaway to Monterey Bay. To say I'm not a fan is an understatement. </div>
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If not for the anchor my family represents, I might have been overwhelmed by the constant emotional strain caused by concern for our nation's welfare; frustration with unnecessary restrictions and ongoing incidents of government overreach; anger at deliberate manipulation of information to promote fear; and bouts of mild depression from being denied my usual self-care outlets. I'm so grateful I was not alone in this.</div>
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I didn't post anything at all in this blog during April. Mostly it was because I struggled to get motivated each day. After all, I could barely remember what day it was, with no job to drive Mark to and no church on Sunday to help mark the days. My rebellion against the ridiculous "stay-at-home" concept is likely what saved me. Sarah and I took a day-long trip down Salt River Canyon and met Jacob for lunch in Globe one day, just to get out and enjoy some freedom and fresh air. I refused to avoid my children, despite being part of the at-risk class as a 65-year-old, and our weekly get-togethers gave me something good to look forward to. </div>
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My heart goes out to those who languished in hospitals for weeks, and in many cases even died, without the solace of family close by. To those who buried their loved ones without the comfort of friends and family to mourn by their sides. To the young people who weren't able to join with those closest to them to celebrate long-planned weddings and graduations and other meaningful events. For too many in this time of crisis, the fear of sickness and death made them choose to stop living in the now.</div>
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May 9, 2020: A dark storm system moves in the day before Mothers Day.</div>
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I took this picture from the Safeway parking lot.</div>
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Needless to say, I'm thrilled that May has come at last, with warmer weather, blooming plants, and the reopening of businesses and other activities of life...at least in our conservative-led state. Sadly, not everyone is so lucky.</div>
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The coming of May also meant the coming of Mothers Day...and another excuse to spend some time with my children! It also happened that, after weeks of a dry, warming trend in our mountain weather, a thunderstorm chose that same weekend to descend upon us.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV0j1lwoozbVHb069LtI__xj_96Hcf8-fCAj2gl18hOlcb6VwAdZy7r57dLT3W0SauOxk7mPa9sjYyx5KAdsisF2c27AuyJOX3wBkJBlLX9DpUq3KP1XEoqYhjaBN8MikHU3L9SSgJ2AE/s1600/received_2742511139300432.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV0j1lwoozbVHb069LtI__xj_96Hcf8-fCAj2gl18hOlcb6VwAdZy7r57dLT3W0SauOxk7mPa9sjYyx5KAdsisF2c27AuyJOX3wBkJBlLX9DpUq3KP1XEoqYhjaBN8MikHU3L9SSgJ2AE/s400/received_2742511139300432.jpeg" width="225" /></a></div>
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Jacob and Dylan take a selfie while grilling steaks and burgers</div>
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on Saturday evening.</div>
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Jacob even drove up on Saturday to spend a few days with us. As always, we enjoyed the visiting and teasing and laughing and wrestling and off-color jokes and general hilarity that ensue whenever all three of my kids are together.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizYKAy7KAWsg00dIqdU0ow-MfTGO0XoutO8hcWAyut3Eny7Bv0sc9Kp1cpx_vNE0NbWOidadcDKptFB6L0trBGAEdDZKlJ1pZXWuxLVIK0FKlsfV2PXlG0bcjxU4jQ6nLqbikvlbvcvWk/s1600/IMG_1854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizYKAy7KAWsg00dIqdU0ow-MfTGO0XoutO8hcWAyut3Eny7Bv0sc9Kp1cpx_vNE0NbWOidadcDKptFB6L0trBGAEdDZKlJ1pZXWuxLVIK0FKlsfV2PXlG0bcjxU4jQ6nLqbikvlbvcvWk/s400/IMG_1854.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Jacob mans the grill while Jake and Dylan keep him company.</div>
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On Saturday we had a delicious dinner of steaks and hamburgers, grilled by Jacob, served with chips and toasted onion dip, as requested by the guys.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJL_QShAx1e5n7Q4VU-EvKNvMU0SmCC1zeByB4vPIig69-vWowB7wPworIiz-Zilnpq9XPNIwJR3wNK3-cRsoewh25pkwIQYckEnBEwaLSQyaq4o8zNMUQg4TngQmy8c2QVn2AwTnt-9Y/s1600/IMG_1857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJL_QShAx1e5n7Q4VU-EvKNvMU0SmCC1zeByB4vPIig69-vWowB7wPworIiz-Zilnpq9XPNIwJR3wNK3-cRsoewh25pkwIQYckEnBEwaLSQyaq4o8zNMUQg4TngQmy8c2QVn2AwTnt-9Y/s400/IMG_1857.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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On Saturday night, Jake, Dylan, and Jacob play a few games of Jenga...</div>
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After dinner was cleared away, Jacob, Dylan, and Jake played a few games of Jenga while I took pictures, Mark relaxed in front of the TV, and Sarah watched the boys' game from the living room. Later, everyone headed home except Jacob, of course, who rode home with Dylan and Jake since that's where he stayed during his visit.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGNuYB1dTMb6Ztj5JYS_0AgWbkmrWU5dUbx_lZAja8e3PpIvIYfixzoKwUBsaFa7X1NwFEXikkhyu9KO40R3pzxlRSigCRyhCmz2hs5Xwh7GiczqGB5Epp7vaoaJAs57MUDNUgSzHDiE0/s1600/IMG_1858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGNuYB1dTMb6Ztj5JYS_0AgWbkmrWU5dUbx_lZAja8e3PpIvIYfixzoKwUBsaFa7X1NwFEXikkhyu9KO40R3pzxlRSigCRyhCmz2hs5Xwh7GiczqGB5Epp7vaoaJAs57MUDNUgSzHDiE0/s400/IMG_1858.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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...while Sarah watches from the love seat in the living room.</div>
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The storm moves into our neighborhood on Mothers Day morning.</div>
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Mothers Day dawned cool and wet, with rain preceding the thunderclouds that rolled into town around noon. While it wasn't a torrential downpour, the rain was nonetheless steady enough that we gave up on my idea to take family photos outside. I'd even put on makeup in honor of the occasion, for the first time in a full two months (what's the point of wearing makeup during a quarantine, after all?). So we put off the photo shoot until the following day, when my slept-in makeup wasn't quite so fresh.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0GTHyUyLBzZTiU5oz9gfpDlOtlTwjXwHT8F2IABhmKTUIl3_zwJu6hxIT2LGhT17HKq3lUhPcOwdhBdcfMW34dmPNelDmwWJGqfvi5njxmwFjmZyV7jlenr93Kp534pbQQGayb-hrBDo/s1600/IMG_1865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0GTHyUyLBzZTiU5oz9gfpDlOtlTwjXwHT8F2IABhmKTUIl3_zwJu6hxIT2LGhT17HKq3lUhPcOwdhBdcfMW34dmPNelDmwWJGqfvi5njxmwFjmZyV7jlenr93Kp534pbQQGayb-hrBDo/s400/IMG_1865.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Mothers Day gifts from my family.</div>
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As usual, my family made me feel special with lovingly selected gifts. Sarah gave me a huge, padded card filled with affectionate, personal thoughts and a pair of beautiful pink flowering plants to put on my porch. She also prepared a big batch of homemade chocolate-covered macadamias for me. Yum!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjguA31OCeUX3XPz6A4mxMHs2BGm70Wrr1iq3C41nixrpwQWJkKfQiIMQNX5588aNkyws3Usia4REI3_vVg-YEc-htS7e9xAWbrjd335sFPS99cYkalB0xGMi_OZ8Zu9vMsJuB2FRzazB4/s1600/IMG_1891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjguA31OCeUX3XPz6A4mxMHs2BGm70Wrr1iq3C41nixrpwQWJkKfQiIMQNX5588aNkyws3Usia4REI3_vVg-YEc-htS7e9xAWbrjd335sFPS99cYkalB0xGMi_OZ8Zu9vMsJuB2FRzazB4/s400/IMG_1891.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Sarah made me a dozen of these chocolate-covered macadamias. So good!</div>
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I loved the sweet way she decorated the bag she stored them in!</div>
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Jacob brought me a tower of gifts rising from a small vase, that included red silk flowers, a mini-heart "I love you" balloon, a small teddy bear holding a heart with "I love you" stitched on it, and assorted glitz and bows on a decorated package.</div>
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Mark gave me a card, along with a yellow daffodil and one of my favorite sugar-free candy bars.</div>
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A collection of sweet gifts from our bishopric (church leaders of our ward).</div>
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Other little gifts also arrived throughout the previous week. Our bishopric sent out envelopes containing a gift card for Dairy Queen, a packet of flower seeds, and inspiring messages in appreciation of women and the gifts they share with the world. Traditionally, our bishopric does something really nice at church for the sisters of our ward on Mothers Day, but since all church meetings were cancelled two months ago, they had to get creative!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ITVbPBlQThOd-mWVax-RWVCUizPCJ7Cd6xA9ooidbgKUsxdE1G7ASIQJgNhmAmF33MqcAJlm2jpke21vF1YxONSXSm_LJsU2I5Aug7kmwaxPGhmnGurkwQbQ2t1sff-nH6PMSNwB0PM/s1600/IMG_1837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1143" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ITVbPBlQThOd-mWVax-RWVCUizPCJ7Cd6xA9ooidbgKUsxdE1G7ASIQJgNhmAmF33MqcAJlm2jpke21vF1YxONSXSm_LJsU2I5Aug7kmwaxPGhmnGurkwQbQ2t1sff-nH6PMSNwB0PM/s400/IMG_1837.JPG" width="285" /></a></div>
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Flowers from the Johnsons...</div>
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And our friends from church, Jacque and Kendall Johnson, dropped off flowers a week before Mothers Day, and a plate of chocolate-covered strawberries on Mothers Day. There were actually five strawberries, but Sarah and I each ate one before I took the picture!</div>
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...and hand-dipped chocolate strawberries from the Johnsons.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcPGWSIXTb3GrtpwKwVWzsiusW0khW5dPjJJomLhwHwH6dwDcr4RrHG0VrbTGUXDMASHffeH7ntnQ120fayvR7Z_109ylFeqCoPrKOJt524wjCIwsy4l3TQcJTxlCA_l9b4H3dv8QrUxo/s1600/IMG_1862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcPGWSIXTb3GrtpwKwVWzsiusW0khW5dPjJJomLhwHwH6dwDcr4RrHG0VrbTGUXDMASHffeH7ntnQ120fayvR7Z_109ylFeqCoPrKOJt524wjCIwsy4l3TQcJTxlCA_l9b4H3dv8QrUxo/s400/IMG_1862.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I love how Sarah totally photo-bombs this picture of Dylan and Jake.</div>
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After the gift-giving, we went out into the drizzle for a bit, while Jacob checked out a bad brake-light in Sarah's Jeep. It was kind of nice outside, until the drizzle became heavier and drove us all back indoors. Even inside, though, the feel and smell of a rainy day is amazing! A while later the thunderclouds were overhead, with lightning strikes splitting the air and the rumble of thunder shaking the house. It lasted only a few hours, but it was exciting.</div>
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Dylan and Jacob during a hand of Skip-Bo.</div>
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We spent the afternoon playing games and enjoying the fun and camaraderie of getting silly together. It started with a couple hands of one of the kids' favorite games, Skip-Bo. I'm not really that much of game person. I'd rather just watch and enjoy the visiting that goes on, but I've been letting the kids teach me how to play this card game. It's taken awhile for me to catch on to the strategy, but I'm getting better!</div>
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Jacob and Sarah during the same hand of Skip-Bo.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZznrIQAzNzqSIUt4ooYXCqa4IbgufSWVHC_m-xDBpGN2Js6oRiF5BuVOCByY5Nh3gBm-V6QRWKsIjqgsV7HB0FNr_ob6l016KrJbcRKqOWgeoiM14onwxTDoZIFuMO7TWMx8RkkM1Peg/s1600/IMG_1871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZznrIQAzNzqSIUt4ooYXCqa4IbgufSWVHC_m-xDBpGN2Js6oRiF5BuVOCByY5Nh3gBm-V6QRWKsIjqgsV7HB0FNr_ob6l016KrJbcRKqOWgeoiM14onwxTDoZIFuMO7TWMx8RkkM1Peg/s400/IMG_1871.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Jake ducks the camera during Skip-Bo.</div>
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After Skip-Bo, the guys retired to the family room for some raucous games of Super Smash Bros. While it's probably not among their top-most revered games, all being the extremely serious gamers that they are, I do believe it's one of their top favorites for going head-to-head against each other. It gets pretty cut-throat.</div>
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When they moved on to the racing game Mario Kart, Sarah joined the boys. She can get pretty intense herself when it comes to racing games!</div>
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Next, into the family room for some video games.</div>
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Eventually it was time for dinner, and I didn't even have to lend a hand. Sarah totally took over, preparing her specialty casserole (one of our favorites), Mexican Chicken. On the side, she served chicken-flavored rice and Spanish rice. It was wonderful and we ate until we were stuffed. In fact, we were so full that when it was time to say our goodbyes, no one had room for yummy cheesecake. However, we enjoyed it when we got together again, briefly, the following morning.</div>
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My kids didn't think I'd post this cringe-worthy shot, but here it is!</div>
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The kids all came over again on Monday morning, before Jacob headed back to Mesa at 11:30. I had asked them to do a quick project for me. As you can see in the previous photo of the family room, painting supplies and 12-foot-long baseboards (for an upcoming painting project) were taking up the already-limited floor space. This is the room where I work out with Ring Fit Adventure on Nintendo Switch, and I needed more room to move around. Jacob and Dylan measured and pre-cut the boards for me so we could stand them up in a corner, and then I was able to move the rest of the supplies out of the way.</div>
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With that accomplished, Sarah suggested that we do family pictures, now that the storm was gone and the sun was shining. So we did just that. At times we got so ridiculous that we could barely stand up for laughing so hard. I'm sure our neighbors, who were working in their garage, wondered what we thought was so hilarious!</div>
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Finally, we shared the cheesecake and sadly said our farewells. Jacob set off for his valley home, I headed to my chiropractor appointment (Sarah joined me since she was waiting for the mechanic to finish her car), Dylan and Jake went back to their house, and Mark returned to raking up piles of pine needles in our yard. Back to life as we know it.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">And as for April:</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-iyiVU1VSpX5q84qBsP9dJ2QhB9Oc_SPCjoc3ZSUaL8HwNVHWuJzrynutjsulst5Kci-Z0r4lIOoki1WZQxvsVqiHiKzKrDaq2pWrcU0V5iMlPSJK9URvOaVkLru7ZVIh0GltH2GbVnA/s1600/20200409_220832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-iyiVU1VSpX5q84qBsP9dJ2QhB9Oc_SPCjoc3ZSUaL8HwNVHWuJzrynutjsulst5Kci-Z0r4lIOoki1WZQxvsVqiHiKzKrDaq2pWrcU0V5iMlPSJK9URvOaVkLru7ZVIh0GltH2GbVnA/s400/20200409_220832.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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April 9, 2020: More Skip-Bo at Sarah and Chris's house.</div>
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As I stated earlier, there were good things in April despite the pandemic madness. We had a wonderful Easter get-together on the Wednesday before Easter, since most of the kids had to work on Sunday. We enjoyed baked ham, mashed potatoes with country gravy, buttered corn, dinner rolls, and much later, pies. For some reason (motivation being in short supply during April), I neglected to take pictures to commemorate the occasion.</div>
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Cheesecake Bites are "to-die-for."</div>
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The very next evening, a Thursday, Sarah invited us all over to her house for games and goodies. This was the night I finally gave in and let them teach me how to play Skip-Bo.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqK0fI5nDcDimoST14vCMglNaap0i8z7kQzBfEgcJVEpWsYTEB0X6bzgDjNwK3RmFhveC6xcf-SJmsO1n4wMmtTvjQjvjR7_wJQPqV-VoLsLwXb62NH-de4Ekwlb-lUkzljHLnvtRoUVU/s1600/20200409_204433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqK0fI5nDcDimoST14vCMglNaap0i8z7kQzBfEgcJVEpWsYTEB0X6bzgDjNwK3RmFhveC6xcf-SJmsO1n4wMmtTvjQjvjR7_wJQPqV-VoLsLwXb62NH-de4Ekwlb-lUkzljHLnvtRoUVU/s400/20200409_204433.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Diego keeps an eye on our game. No cheating will be tolerated on his watch! </div>
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His 13th birthday was on May 6th.</div>
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April 16, 2020: Dinner-and-a-Game night at my house. </div>
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A week later, we got together again for family dinner. Afterward, we broke out Dylan and Jake's <i>Pirates of the Caribbean</i> version of The Game of life, which the rest of us had never played before. It was a lot of fun, getting to play as a pirate or a landlubber, sailing around the board on sailing-ship game pieces, buying or winning ships, and leading raids.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSd1v9hJI_5Jx6Z9hVnLHaOwoO8GsZ-cFTe-P71CpppDF_0q2h31Z00NkwQr6rpNyJS-ys3VxXAjSM5wlM0K1fiZoWYkVG6_EO6-wDsurndGDk_kFMu9386Wc1MFDW_wbYzxtqB93NO0/s1600/20200416_202158_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSd1v9hJI_5Jx6Z9hVnLHaOwoO8GsZ-cFTe-P71CpppDF_0q2h31Z00NkwQr6rpNyJS-ys3VxXAjSM5wlM0K1fiZoWYkVG6_EO6-wDsurndGDk_kFMu9386Wc1MFDW_wbYzxtqB93NO0/s400/20200416_202158_001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A close look at the <i>Pirates of the Caribbean</i>/Life game board and its sailing ships.</div>
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Birthday cake for Jake's 29th birthday.</div>
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Finally, the very last day of the month was Jake's birthday. We got together for a dinner of the spaghetti and garlic bread he'd been craving. Afterward, we had gifts and cake (yellow cake with chocolate frosting) and ice cream (Oreo cookies & cream). Since Jake wasn't feeling well that day, I didn't take many pictures, but we're glad we got to celebrate with him.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTtHpccXFn2oLEmMmnUVQy5LEI5R8pgbgJsPviDaooRMehot2lrnO0QxkulJO43eJKm6RVYBb43FoZemJkTdx2onXo61BnmeNvxme2KWpsQpBSCzQy9-d90IKKOWA9pMyaIZyvvyJqd-s/s1600/1-+Apr+30%252C+2020+-+Jake%2527s+gifts+for+his+29th+birthday.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTtHpccXFn2oLEmMmnUVQy5LEI5R8pgbgJsPviDaooRMehot2lrnO0QxkulJO43eJKm6RVYBb43FoZemJkTdx2onXo61BnmeNvxme2KWpsQpBSCzQy9-d90IKKOWA9pMyaIZyvvyJqd-s/s400/1-+Apr+30%252C+2020+-+Jake%2527s+gifts+for+his+29th+birthday.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Jake's gifts.</div>
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I gave Jake a succulent cactus in a cute little brown vase, plus some cash. Mark gave him a bag of beef jerky and a box of crackers with soft cheese. Sarah and Chris got him a big candy bar and a gift card. I'd had the plant sitting on my table for more than a week, praying it wouldn't die before I gave it to him. I was so happy when we finally got to see him open his gifts!</div>
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When it comes right down to it, these are the moments that make my life meaningful!</div>
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And a homemade cheesecake topped with fresh strawberries for Sarah and Me!</div>
<br />Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04166991260862313854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265417439197793850.post-31191602585285137022020-03-28T11:06:00.000-07:002020-03-28T11:10:49.696-07:00Chris's Birthday 2020<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifqbGgsFih2nWL9tFJndpLRMw0cfn9c_GXhrRszixXOopkVWu2VjnAvHjqoKCmTh6LdYUbkD4v-QEJpn3co55umbA85VNB4rC4LHVspztIW-eQjT3ShGrbWVST7_wG87Mn-Qpl5JW2yG8/s1600/20200326_192613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifqbGgsFih2nWL9tFJndpLRMw0cfn9c_GXhrRszixXOopkVWu2VjnAvHjqoKCmTh6LdYUbkD4v-QEJpn3co55umbA85VNB4rC4LHVspztIW-eQjT3ShGrbWVST7_wG87Mn-Qpl5JW2yG8/s400/20200326_192613.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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March 26, 2020: Chris with his birthday presents at his birthday party.</div>
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Today is my son-in-law Chris's 42nd birthday, and we got together for a little family party at my house on Thursday night to celebrate. With only Chris, Sarah, Dylan, Jake, Mark, and myself in attendance, we were safely within the government's no-gatherings-of-more-than-ten-people order to help slow the spread of the Covid-19 virus. What a strange time we live in!</div>
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Chris's birthday cake to celebrate his 42nd birthday.</div>
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The party started at 7:00. Sarah brought the cake and ice cream (rocky road and cookies-n-cream). After visiting a while, we started out with the opening of gifts. Sarah gave Chris a shirt and a $50 gift card to purchase the <i>Star Wars</i>-based video game he's been wanting to buy. I gave him another $20 to put toward the game. Dylan and Jake got him a 3-D standing puzzle of Olaf, the snowman from the film <i>Frozen</i>, one of Chris's favorite characters. And Mark gave Chris a model kit of a 1950 Chevy 3100 pickup.</div>
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Chris prepares to blow out his sparkler-candles after the Happy Birthday song.</div>
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Then it was time for ice cream and cake. I cheated on both, and I paid for it in hours of leg cramps later that night, which usually happens when I consume sugar. Why, oh why, don't I remember the painful consequences <i>before</i> I indulge?</div>
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We sang "Happy Birthday to You" in our comically (or tragically) mismatched, off-key voices, as always. When it came time to make a wish and blow out the candles, being mindful of the current coronavirus crisis, Chris tried to put out the candles by waving a napkin over them. Since Sarah had put sparkler-type candles on the cake, that effort was futile, so Chris quickly switched over to the traditional method of blowing out the candles with his own breath. That worked, but a couple of the candles reignited even then. One of them was particularly stubborn, even reigniting under Dylan's fingers as he pulled it off the cake!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmzGQ0ybnt0zDqUYxvObxFLJmyovam8AfwM9JyyOyAf8ch1EDC5sBbWl0znh_3VBXmxTeSuO0bNHzbszwpoVV9zuml8e_xojWg1tMupoQWAPvGESRoHHk8TRGzUBMZJsSEG8BGrhrH3Y/s1600/20200326_194644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmzGQ0ybnt0zDqUYxvObxFLJmyovam8AfwM9JyyOyAf8ch1EDC5sBbWl0znh_3VBXmxTeSuO0bNHzbszwpoVV9zuml8e_xojWg1tMupoQWAPvGESRoHHk8TRGzUBMZJsSEG8BGrhrH3Y/s400/20200326_194644.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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In view of the current coronavirus pandemic, Chris tries to blow out his candles</div>
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by waving a napkin over them. He soon gave up and did it the old-fashioned way.</div>
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The party was fun, as it always is when our family gets together. We enjoyed the time we spent talking and teasing and laughing. And then it was time to call it a night. I waved good-bye from the front porch as my kids drove away to their own homes. Having them around makes me so happy, every time!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Happy Birthday, Chris!</b></span></div>
<br />Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04166991260862313854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265417439197793850.post-31635519730889060932020-03-19T15:41:00.003-07:002020-03-19T22:39:44.558-07:00Gabby and JJ Tie the Knot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3k1csdU4xLccoRigC3J9BVBRVO2NejgtCUERkaQv2dW78VGEhPuew0-F7I3dzM_UMnq0GfJoOc9PSCwUyX3Dj_jOGpEUIPe9MHRhM1X6_wdStS2k8N9gN6085rRnY2TpjIgySDKZNUI/s1600/IMG_1651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3k1csdU4xLccoRigC3J9BVBRVO2NejgtCUERkaQv2dW78VGEhPuew0-F7I3dzM_UMnq0GfJoOc9PSCwUyX3Dj_jOGpEUIPe9MHRhM1X6_wdStS2k8N9gN6085rRnY2TpjIgySDKZNUI/s400/IMG_1651.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Gabby and JJ are radiant after their marriage and sealing in the Gilbert Temple.</div>
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March 6, 2020</div>
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Two of my nieces were married recently. In fact, their weddings were exactly thirteen days apart, which meant two trips to the Valley to celebrate with them. The second wedding took place on Friday, March 6th. The beautiful bride was my sister's daughter Gabrielle (Gabby), with JJ Elliott being the lucky man who gets to spend eternity with her (and vice versa, of course).</div>
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Unlike Emma's rainy wedding day two weeks earlier, Gabby's day was sunny.</div>
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However, it was very windy, which brought a whole new set of problems!</div>
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Despite the two weddings being held so few days apart, the weather couldn't have been any more different. Emma was married on a chilly February day with rain pouring down, which made the outdoor wedding photo-shoot a challenge. Gabby had a beautiful, clear, sunny day for her March wedding, except...it was quite windy, which posed its own brand of photographic turbulence. The bride's veil kept blowing off, and photo subjects with longer tresses often had to hold up the session to clear strands of hair from their eyes and mouths.</div>
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My sister Karla's two oldest grandchildren wait to open the temple doors for</div>
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the bride and groom, their Aunt Gabby and Uncle JJ. Both girls are 14 years old.</div>
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At left, Genevieve's daughter Brooke, and at right, Jeremy's daughter Analyce.</div>
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Regardless of the challenges, it was a lovely wedding, from the sweet temple ceremony uniting Gabby and JJ as husband and wife for eternity, to their getaway in a big truck at the end of the night. </div>
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Steve and Karla fooled us by coming out ahead of the newlyweds!</div>
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That's not an angry face; Karla is mimicking our disappointed expressions.</div>
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At last, the happy couple comes out of the temple amidst joyful cheers.</div>
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Karla and husband Steve join the bride and groom with all 21 of Karla's grand-</div>
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children (Gabby's nieces & nephews). And there's at least one more on the way!</div>
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Like our brother Jeff, who has thirteen children, Karla also has a large family with her ten children. However, she wins the prize for the most grandchildren (so far): twenty-one of them, and more on the way! Altogether, it made for some very large group photographs.</div>
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JJ and Gabby with Gabby's mom Karla and step-dad Steve.</div>
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Gabby and JJ with JJ's mom.</div>
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Gabby with her mom, my little sister Karla.</div>
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The bride and groom with all of their bridesmaids and groomsmen.</div>
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The Brinkerhoff kids and their spouses: Addison (the youngest at age 15);</div>
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Jeremy and Cami; Scott and Genevieve; Bryce and Brianna; Gabby and JJ;</div>
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Mariah and Dallin; Elyssa and Ross; Celesta and Riley; and Julien.</div>
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Karla and Steve with the bride and groom and nine of Karla's ten children. </div>
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Left to right: Jeremy, Addison, Genevieve, Brianna, Karla, Gabby and JJ,</div>
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Steve, Mariah, Elyssa, Celesta, and Julien. (Son Josh was unable to attend.)</div>
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Gabby gets lots of attention from her mom, sisters, and sister-in-law!</div>
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Gabby with all six of her sisters and her sister-in-law: Elyssa, sister-in-law Cami,</div>
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maid-of honor Addison, Gabby, Genevieve, Brianna, Mariah, and Celesta.</div>
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Gabby with two of her brothers, Julien and Jeremy.</div>
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Sadly, middle brother Joshua wasn't able to attend.</div>
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We managed to get some individual family group pictures between professional photos. This makes it easier to see which children (my grandnieces and grandnephews) belong to which parents among Karla's children!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHp3y2lw_4fuAlNP48Rxw3ZKBR1epokEZq5r5xxmA83X0QdKRYCgft7ensYCv1NBBEi-d7brWUUcptiRNHue01OsqC5YO6VL4avbqIgrb5ooCKbtrj-2UvcJ0dX1DlBneFTPeLZ0XS9V8/s1600/IMG_1655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHp3y2lw_4fuAlNP48Rxw3ZKBR1epokEZq5r5xxmA83X0QdKRYCgft7ensYCv1NBBEi-d7brWUUcptiRNHue01OsqC5YO6VL4avbqIgrb5ooCKbtrj-2UvcJ0dX1DlBneFTPeLZ0XS9V8/s400/IMG_1655.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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#1 child Jeremy: In back are JJ and Gabby, Analyce, Cami, and Jeremy.</div>
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In front are Makayla, Braxton, Lexi, and Jaren.</div>
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#2 child Genevieve: Left-to-right are Genevieve, Brooke, Max, </div>
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Gabby and JJ, Drew, Lila, Jaycee, and Scott.</div>
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#4 child Elyssa: Ross, Melanie, Gabby and JJ, Brydon, and Elyssa.</div>
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#5 child Celesta: JJ and Gabby with Riley, Levi, Celesta, and Lincoln.</div>
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#6 child Brianna: Jackson, Gabby holding Lydia, JJ, Carson,</div>
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Colton, Bryce, and Brianna.</div>
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#7 child Mariah: Dallin, Lucas, Oliver, Gabby and JJ, Mariah, and Hazel.</div>
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Sarah always seems to find a baby who needs cuddling! Lydia, in this case.</div>
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After we were done at the temple, we attended a wedding luncheon.</div>
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After all the picture-taking, it was approaching 1:30, so we headed over to a nearby church in Gilbert for the wedding luncheon, which was provided by JJ's side of the family. As soon as we walked in, we could see that everything was attractively set up and ready to go. I loved the table filled with welcoming signs for the newlyweds.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbWgKXt306eZh9jDNjxLgmwuvIKxVo2CcFnG5sOd6jKFxLKcv72oTElr3sqaghFrVb6noXOjBFWBjl6cN1cL2_CrA_EgzcLss5b7aGxjG8MdwNMpGeipI-TN-DX1fiH8pRctw117Vk18/s1600/IMG_1700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbWgKXt306eZh9jDNjxLgmwuvIKxVo2CcFnG5sOd6jKFxLKcv72oTElr3sqaghFrVb6noXOjBFWBjl6cN1cL2_CrA_EgzcLss5b7aGxjG8MdwNMpGeipI-TN-DX1fiH8pRctw117Vk18/s400/IMG_1700.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The luncheon was prepared by the groom's family, and it was wonderful.</div>
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The food was both plentiful and delicious, as evidenced by the picture of my full plate a little further down! The tables were decorated with springtime flowers in pastels (my favorites) and sprinkled with colorful chocolates. Not only did I weaken and enjoy one Kiss and one Reese's "egg," but I took a whole slice of Texas sheet cake, too!</div>
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The luncheon tables were decorated for springtime.</div>
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My lunch was this burrito and a side of Texas sheet cake.</div>
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We were able to help set up for the reception on Thursday, the day before.</div>
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Thanks to Sarah's and Mark's work schedules, we were able to drive down to Mesa the afternoon before the wedding, arriving a little after 5:30, which meant we were able to help get things set up for the reception. For me, that often includes filling in a little chalkboard (using permanent chalk) with information provided by Karla and the bride, meant to hang on a wall in the new couple's home. It's a tradition Karla started with the wedding of her third daughter, Celesta, several years ago. The finished product was displayed at the entrance to the reception (photo below). It's such an adorable way to capture courtship memories!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZ2GS7RRSkotbL939OvVRc5RqaIjMK7lIEbMtOgDRmH9YvLkTJb7utCozU3UrJstkFqFHjuUzSYHpqC-UcqLvNYfAshOd8ZyrnzAgYDZ2Fo0J8UlF6GwGzWPqr7kmzSc2QGxDlrEtzHg/s1600/IMG_1703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZ2GS7RRSkotbL939OvVRc5RqaIjMK7lIEbMtOgDRmH9YvLkTJb7utCozU3UrJstkFqFHjuUzSYHpqC-UcqLvNYfAshOd8ZyrnzAgYDZ2Fo0J8UlF6GwGzWPqr7kmzSc2QGxDlrEtzHg/s400/IMG_1703.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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We were greeted by this photo when we entered the reception.</div>
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After enjoying the good food and visiting at the luncheon, Sarah and I stopped by Fry's to purchase our Renaissance Festival tickets for Saturday, and then we returned to Jacob's house to join him and Mark for a lunch of grilled cheese sandwiches and french fries. I believe Pippin Took calls that "second lunch." Sarah and I already had our wedding gifts prepared, so a little after 6:00 we headed back to the church in Mesa where the reception was to be held.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2hFnwvFqTOTyaz6KM3Kl2HW5sUCBwo-bFEqGtZwFNaa0IGNbD-9vtVF3oDsPn9xu3O4HNIhW5dLLjsHcfJdtBfXNo8EbF1uKaMyIahBpJHBe-Y7Psn8UjzZg6_tdBTuZgd7FO3ajNDo/s1600/IMG_1704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2hFnwvFqTOTyaz6KM3Kl2HW5sUCBwo-bFEqGtZwFNaa0IGNbD-9vtVF3oDsPn9xu3O4HNIhW5dLLjsHcfJdtBfXNo8EbF1uKaMyIahBpJHBe-Y7Psn8UjzZg6_tdBTuZgd7FO3ajNDo/s400/IMG_1704.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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The guest book display...beautiful!</div>
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Courtship memories for the happy couple.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-r9ehYM9gKVcz0goff-jtqXzAT8RWludssl3zphhgSK2Up6u5tL491upLHirDRyIiU7M-EwrO60y5i5Ll3bFIYJ4snbn9xST295RUQFNOnfHY83vb0aGA2DsrF7RhB5ybYz_5F6k_zs/s1600/IMG_1705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-r9ehYM9gKVcz0goff-jtqXzAT8RWludssl3zphhgSK2Up6u5tL491upLHirDRyIiU7M-EwrO60y5i5Ll3bFIYJ4snbn9xST295RUQFNOnfHY83vb0aGA2DsrF7RhB5ybYz_5F6k_zs/s400/IMG_1705.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The lovely wedding cake, of course!</div>
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I didn't get a good picture of the huge spread of good food that Karla always provides for her daughters' weddings, but it was as wonderful as always. Croissants stuffed with her special chicken salad, pasta salad with bacon crumbles, cut fruits and vegetables with dip, and both lemon water and lemonade. It's always great, and especially helpful for those of us who are far from home. So nice to have one less fast food meal!</div>
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Wedding presents begin to fill the gift table.</div>
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Karla displays her official mother-of-the-bride corsage.</div>
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The traditional tossing of the bouquet for the single gals.</div>
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The bouquet was captured by Gabby's cousin, Callie (Jeff's youngest).</div>
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JJ prepares to collect the garter from his new bride.</div>
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He has to go deep undercover to gather the evidence...</div>
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And then the garter flies through the air toward the single menfolk.</div>
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All of the fun, traditional wedding elements were observed throughout the evening; there were lots of enthusiastic dancers on the floor; it was great to be with family we don't see nearly as often as we should; we enjoyed an evening of laughter and hugs and getting caught up on each others' lives; and it was just an overall awesome day of celebrating the beginning of something beautiful and lasting.</div>
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In the end, Gabby and JJ made their getaway in their truck, while we all waved sparklers and cheered them on at the start of their lifelong adventure and eternal joy together. We wish them a lifetime of amazing memories!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Congratulations, Gabby and JJ!</b></span></div>
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The cutting of the cake.</div>
<br />Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04166991260862313854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265417439197793850.post-61213337168082825082020-02-27T09:06:00.000-07:002020-02-27T09:27:55.752-07:00Next Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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February 23, 2020: Jacob, Mary, and Sarah at Riverview Park in Mesa.</div>
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After spending most of Saturday traveling and attending my niece Emma's wedding, luncheon, and reception, we were able to relax a bit on Sunday before driving back home in the afternoon. Jacob made us Egg McMuffins for breakfast--yes, I confess, Sarah and I did each have our eggs and sausage on a 100% whole grain English muffin--and then we headed over to spend a little time at Riverview Park.</div>
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Jacob and Sarah pose with their dad, Mark, at Riverview Park's lake.</div>
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We'd spent some time at this same park when we traveled to the Valley back on January 16-17, to take Jacob his Christmas presents and to attend Clair Ryann Crosby's concert. The kids enjoyed it so much then that they suggested we do it again.</div>
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Jacob, Mark, and Sarah check out one of Mesa's urban lakes.</div>
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The urban lake that now sits at the heart of the park is a huge, cement-framed body of water that is stocked for local fisherman with catfish and trout. It's very different from what it used to be when I still lived in Mesa, from March 1980 to July 1990.<br />
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One arm of the lake at Riverview Park. It's stocked with trout and catfish.</div>
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My brothers used to play baseball at Riverview Park's playing fields. We called it "Sewer-view Park" back then. Located near a water treatment plant, the odors that often wafted toward us when the breeze blew the wrong direction was, to say the least, putrid.</div>
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Now Riverview Park is the home of Sloan Field, the Cubs' Spring Training Facility!</div>
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The spillway at the eastern edge of Riverview Park.</div>
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When Mark and I were dating in 1988, we used to go to this lake together in the evenings. I would spread out a blanket and read a book while he fished. At first I thought this was romantic, but eventually I realized it was simply boring and, after the first hour, uncomfortable. I tried fishing with him a couple of times, but quickly decided it must be an acquired taste. Sitting there for literally <i>hours</i> with, most of the time, nothing at all going on is what Mark finds relaxing. I get that same benefit from spending hours reading, writing, or sketching. As they say, different strokes...</div>
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In those days, the lake at Riverview was more of a large pond without the cement sides, fancy bridges, and decorative fountains. The muddy little beach around it slanted right down into the water. I kind of miss that. It was more "real," like the lakes, streams, and ponds in the mountains and forests where we now live.</div>
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<b>Photos from our January 17th visit:</b><br />
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Mark, Jacob, and Sarah play in the Splashpad for a while.</div>
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January 17, 2020</div>
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Today, Riverview Park is modernized and filled with fun things to do. It's quite large. In fact, you can rent a motorized scooter to get you around the park in style. </div>
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On our last visit, my knee and especially my hip were causing me a great deal of pain, to the extent that I was walking somewhat like the Hunchback of Notre Dame. When the kids and Mark decided to walk all the way around the park, I told them to go on without me. They were gone a <i>very</i> long time. While I waited at a picnic table and enjoyed the quiet, I kept expecting to see them appear at the far side of the lake at any minute. Eventually I got up and wandered around, taking pictures and watching the ducks congregate. At last, they came back into view, but I still had to wait almost as long again until they made it back to the side of the lake where I waited!</div>
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Jacob started to climb this tower (white shirt, red shorts), but </div>
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he gave up when he realized flip-flops are the wrong footwear.</div>
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There are many types of playgrounds on the park grounds. Sarah and Jacob had a good time at the Splashpad during both of our visits, trying to push each other and their dad into the spray. Jacob tried to climb the tower in January, but forgot to bring sturdier shoes for our second visit. Flip-flops and bare feet just won't cut it on those narrow lines.</div>
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Mark, Sarah, and Jacob on the last half of their long walk.</div>
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Fishermen are found all over the lake, and Mark can't seem to stop himself from pausing beside each one to ask if they've had any luck, how long they've been there, what bait they're using, and so on. Trading fishing stories can go on forever. No wonder it took them so long to circle the lake!</div>
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This weekend, my knee and hip were doing okay, so we all walked around the lake together this time, although we took a slightly shorter route. No sense pressing my luck!</div>
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These ducks had swarmed all around a little boy they'd hoped had food.</div>
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Disappointed, they were heading back into the lake when I took the picture.</div>
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After an hour or so, we returned to Jacob's place and loaded up the car for our return trip. We stopped for lunch at Carl's Jr (Super Star lettuce wrap, yeah baby!) and then started the climb toward home at 2:30. Thankfully, the roads were clear and dry despite the previous day's heavy rains, and we pulled into my driveway before 5:30.</div>
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The Mogollon Rim is straight ahead after we leave Payson.</div>
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That's where we live, up there beyond the edge of the Rim.</div>
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For this latest trip, we ended up traveling to and from the Valley via Hwy 77 SW from Show Low to Globe-Miami, and then west on Hwy 60 to Gilbert and Mesa. That takes you through the stark, striking beauty of Salt River Canyon, along a heavily curving and slow-going road.</div>
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These final two pictures, though, are from our last trip, in January. For that trip, we drove both down and back up via Hwy 87 NE (aka, Beeline Highway) from Mesa to Payson, and then east on 260 from Payson to Show Low. I thought it would be fun to share some views of the roads we drive so often for the friends and family who've never been to this part of Arizona. The 3-hour drive (by either route) seems long and we never look forward to it, but at least the views range from interesting to beautiful to spectacular!</div>
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Charred remnants left behind by the Rodeo-Chediski Fire of 2002,</div>
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along the highway between Heber-Overgaard and Show Low.</div>
<br />Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04166991260862313854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265417439197793850.post-19338849950723499412020-02-25T13:51:00.002-07:002020-02-26T16:51:32.968-07:00Emma and Kevin Get Hitched<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMJ7m7fygkqzMTSj_pcTmUbdnnoW4q4eDalVU9Ty4JazrwWEbeMoeaxT92xhOfWLqXGffb8aoby59o-Bgks-gzrgvPicYLSTJBkrjuEb8YuC8P5onTY0XqikZ4NSAl9IRu9dGQyQ12ZTU/s1600/IMG_1552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1600" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMJ7m7fygkqzMTSj_pcTmUbdnnoW4q4eDalVU9Ty4JazrwWEbeMoeaxT92xhOfWLqXGffb8aoby59o-Bgks-gzrgvPicYLSTJBkrjuEb8YuC8P5onTY0XqikZ4NSAl9IRu9dGQyQ12ZTU/s400/IMG_1552.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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February 22, 2020: Emma and Kevin are now Mr. and Mrs. Hunt!</div>
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I've been blessed with a plethora of beautiful and accomplished nieces. Eighteen of them.<br />
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My brother LeRoy has one daughter, <b>Katie</b>. (Not to brag but...oh, heck...yeah, I'm bragging! Katie graduated just last week from the Naval Nuclear Program, described as the most difficult military program in the United States and likely the whole world. So proud of her!)</div>
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My sister Karla has seven daughters:<b> Genevieve</b>, <b>Elyssa</b>, <b>Celesta</b>, <b>Brianna</b>, <b>Mariah</b>, <b>Gabrielle</b>, and <b>Addison</b>.</div>
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My brother Jeff has eight daughters: <b>Ashley</b>, <b>Amber</b>, <b>Elsie</b>, <b>Emma</b>, <b>Haley</b>, <b>Hayden</b>, <b>Brinley</b>, and <b>Callie</b>.</div>
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My brother Darryl has two daughters, <b>Brittany</b> and <b>Savannah</b>.</div>
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I also have ten amazing nephews, but this post is about one of those lovely ladies, <b>my niece Emma</b>.</div>
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The Gilbert Temple still stands beautiful on a wonderful and drizzly day.</div>
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We were up before dawn on Saturday, February 22nd, so we could leave our mountain home by 6:30 and drive down to the LDS Temple in Gilbert, Arizona, for the 10:45 wedding. There, my niece Emma was to be married and sealed to her sweetheart Kevin for this life and for all eternity.</div>
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A ghostly drive through Salt River Canyon en route to Gilbert.</div>
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A storm system had moved into the state the night before, so we were a little concerned about the drive. Fortunately, the mountain snows didn't start until later that night. (Our hometown awoke to a couple of inches of snow on Sunday morning, but we were asleep at Jacob's place in Mesa by then.) However, we drove through heavy rain and some serious fog (poor visibility) from my house all the way to Superior, a little town at the base of the mountains. As we entered the valley floor, the rain eased a bit but was still pretty steady until later in the afternoon.</div>
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We made good time, arriving in Gilbert at 9:30. Unfortunately, I missed the turn to the temple and didn't realize it immediately. Even so, we arrived at the temple by 10:00, in plenty of time for the wedding.</div>
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The happy couple walk out of the temple, greeted by cheers.</div>
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The sacred sealing ceremony was accomplished a few minutes behind schedule but without flaw, and by 11:30 most of the bride and groom's family and friends were back outside, waiting for the newlyweds to exit the building. The atmosphere inside the temple is hushed and reverential, but outside the happy couple were greeted with cheers and loud congratulations.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNnpCofZsy21BDlT6TYE6j5Svjf_xD7bjhLVOhkKymNiNLeZeG3j10YlOwdAvSHWyHYeWIfPIki2WyVV33wKEG_EwWVLF0zdWjPlWghzyMFsUTtEnnZYeKmKPuFC4p1DbAVGNT2Mz5mXY/s1600/IMG_1551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1054" data-original-width="1600" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNnpCofZsy21BDlT6TYE6j5Svjf_xD7bjhLVOhkKymNiNLeZeG3j10YlOwdAvSHWyHYeWIfPIki2WyVV33wKEG_EwWVLF0zdWjPlWghzyMFsUTtEnnZYeKmKPuFC4p1DbAVGNT2Mz5mXY/s400/IMG_1551.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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One of the last photos where everyone's clothes were still dry!</div>
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Meanwhile, the drizzle continued until mid-afternoon, so most of the traditional wedding photos had to be taken outdoors in the rainfall. Not the most sought-after conditions for most new brides, but in years to come it will be part of Emma's cherished memories of this most special day. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PbDq4AsOz4HtgIYD6WGE4BRjhF0cXMvK8aB3-50oMAkieemX4tTnlT3By69FePkCaw4DsJxykrbYh5dMEyNdg2WRvk2iQqcfr78RlZqIYxU5sFjci-ITyFcLw_hfsmUO3l7GP0OogZI/s1600/IMG_1555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1204" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PbDq4AsOz4HtgIYD6WGE4BRjhF0cXMvK8aB3-50oMAkieemX4tTnlT3By69FePkCaw4DsJxykrbYh5dMEyNdg2WRvk2iQqcfr78RlZqIYxU5sFjci-ITyFcLw_hfsmUO3l7GP0OogZI/s400/IMG_1555.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Between pictures, we huddled under our umbrellas. Mine is the pink one.</div>
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The bride and groom with Emma's parents, Jeff and Dana; her twelve siblings</div>
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with their spouses/fiances; and all eleven of Emma's young nieces and nephews.</div>
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Kevin and Emma pose with her parents, Jeff and Dana, and with all</div>
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twelve of Emma's brothers and sisters with their significant others.</div>
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The bride and groom with just Emma's parents and siblings this time:</div>
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Front: Haley, Elsie, Jeff, Kevin, Emma, Dana, Callie, Brinley, and Ashley.</div>
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Back: Hayden, Micah, Burke, Amber, Justin, Marcus, and Jamison.</div>
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Kevin and Emma with the bride's parents: my brother Jeff</div>
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and my sister-in-law Dana.</div>
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Kevin and Emma with the bride's maternal grandparents,</div>
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Dee and Cheri Beal.</div>
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Eight sisters: Brinley, Hayden, Haley, Ashley, Emma, Amber, Elsie, and Callie.</div>
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[from left to right]</div>
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Emma with her five brothers: Burke, Jamison, Marcus, Justin, and Micah.</div>
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Bride and groom with official wedding party: groomsmen and bridesmaids.</div>
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Emma shares a light moment with her bridesmaids: Haley, Hayden, and</div>
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Brinley on the left; Elsie, Mallory (Emma's cousin), and Callie on the right.</div>
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Sarah, Mark, and I get to share a moment with the bride and her parents.</div>
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Photo by my talented niece Haley.</div>
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After the temple photo-shoot was complete, we headed over to Jeff and Dana's church meetinghouse, where we enjoyed a catered luncheon of tacos, beans, rice, and grilled cheese-stuffed jalapenos at a covered pavilion on the church property. Sarah and I managed to say no to the tortillas and rice, as well as a wide variety of yummy-looking desserts, but we enjoyed pork, beef, and chicken topped with guacamole sauce, pico de gallo, and sliced vegetables, along with a small spoonful of beans.</div>
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At the entrance to the wedding reception, from 6:00 to 9:00 that evening.</div>
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After the luncheon, we made the twenty-minute drive on to Jacob's house in Mesa and enjoyed visiting. As the time drew near for the wedding reception, Jacob joined us when we returned to the church where the luncheon had been held, which was now all lit up and decorated for the final celebration of the day.</div>
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A plaque for the newlyweds' home, with personal messages</div>
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written in by guests at the reception. ("H" for their last name, Hunt.)</div>
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The wedding cake stands tall amidst the buffet tables.</div>
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Colorful mints, chicken-salad-stuffed croissants, sliced vegetables with dip,</div>
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grapes and berries, donuts, cake, and cupcakes were abundant.</div>
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My sister-in-law Dana prepared a varied and delicious buffet. It was especially nice for us, since it meant we didn't have to eat out much during this trip. We were even able to keep it low-carb by eating the chicken salad without the croissants, the veggies and dip, and the berries: strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries. Sarah and I kept busy enough visiting with family and friends that we didn't even think about eating wedding cake or any of the other sweets available. After the reception had ended and we'd returned to Jacob's place, we enjoyed some sugar-free chocolates that I'd brought along for that purpose.</div>
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Newlywed Emma Hunt dances with her dad, Jeff Butler.</div>
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Emma and Kevin enjoy the traditional wedding dance.</div>
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Cutting the cake was a sweet moment...</div>
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...until the sweet was smeared all over Emma's face!</div>
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The evening began to wind down after the tossing of the bouquet.</div>
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The bouquet is visible at the very top center of the picture.</div>
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Cousins Haley and Sarah enjoy new little first-cousin-once-removed, Lydia,</div>
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fourth child and only daughter of their cousin Brianna.</div>
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Mommy Brianna with her new little one, Lydia.</div>
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Brianna is my sister Karla's daughter.</div>
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The evening ended after the newlywed couple braved the gauntlet of family and friends blowing bubbles at them, and then took off in their decorated car for their first night as husband and wife. Despite the wet weather, it was a day of joyful celebration, and we wish them a wonderful forever of love and laughter and togetherness through all of life's ups and downs.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Congratulations, Kevin and Emma!</span></b></div>
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Emma and Kevin left the church and made their way to the car,</div>
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surrounded by well-wishers and floating bubbles.</div>
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Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04166991260862313854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265417439197793850.post-33523920384559189592020-01-19T18:12:00.001-07:002020-01-19T18:33:53.076-07:00Don't Forget Your Purse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sarah with Claire Crosby and Claire's dad, Dave, after their concert.</div>
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January 16, 2020</div>
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At 8:45 Thursday morning, Sarah, Mark, and I started out on the 3-hour drive to Jacob's house in Mesa. We'd been waiting for a break in the snowy weather to coincide with days that both Sarah and Mark were able to get off work, so we could finally take Jacob his Christmas presents. He hadn't been able to join us here for Christmas, so his stack of seven gifts were still waiting under my tree.</div>
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Yes, my Christmas tree is still up. Don't judge me.</div>
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The purse I left behind. How I missed it!</div>
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[This gorgeous bag was handmade by my dear friend Debbie.]</div>
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As soon as I pulled into Jacob's driveway in Mesa, I reached for my purse in the space where I always keep it when I'm driving, but all my hand felt was empty air. Thinking someone had stashed it somewhere different when we'd loaded up the car, Sarah and Mark did a quick search. Nothing.</div>
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When I'd walked out the door of my house that morning, my arms were full and I was--as Sarah so tactfully put it--"grouchy." And apparently I hadn't noticed that my purse wasn't among the items I'd carried to the car.</div>
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There are no words to describe the awful moment when you realize your purse and all its contents are a three-hour drive away. First, I was horrified that I didn't have my driver license. I'd actually passed three highway patrolmen during the drive and, naturally, I was exceeding the speed limit each time...though, apparently, not fast enough to trigger a car chase. Then there was that sinking feeling when I realized my checkbooks, my credit and debit cards, my cash, were all tucked away in my purse. At home. Worse yet...no ChapStick. As any desert-dweller knows, having some sort of lip balm at hand is a necessity. (It's a dry heat...especially in the winter!) Thank goodness I'd walked out with my cell phone in my hand, so I at least had that.</div>
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We determined that Sarah could use her credit card for our needs during the trip and I'd reimburse her once we got back home (about $180 at the end of two days). Jacob and Sarah helped out with driving to reduce the risk of getting stopped while I was license-less. And a quick stop at Target took care of the ChapStick problem.</div>
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Jacob gets ready to discover what's inside his long-awaited presents.</div>
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Once we had all that squared away, it was time to enjoy the reasons we'd made this trip. We started with Jacob opening the six remaining gifts we'd brought him. Dylan and Jake had driven down to Mesa on the previous Thursday, so Jacob opened their gift to him at that time. They gave him The Lie Detector Game, which looks like some risque fun.</div>
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Jacob with his belated Christmas 2019 gifts.</div>
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Sarah gave Jacob the same things she'd given her dad and Dylan and Jake: an M&Ms candy bar with a Walmart gift card attached.</div>
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Mark gave him a gigantic Hershey bar, which made Jacob's eyes pop and also got the attention of Jacob's roommates, who offered to help him take care of it.</div>
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A closer looks at Jacob's gifts.</div>
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As for me, I went with a theme. Jacob loves wolves, so I gave him a black metal key holder for his wall, with the shape of a howling wolf. I got him a new shower curtain with a wolf motif and a pair of hand towels with a wolf scene on them. As much for myself as for Jacob, I also got him a set of wooden towel bars and a toilet paper holder for the master bathroom. He's lived in that house for a year and a half now, and it's time to get the toilet paper off the counter and to have clean towels hanging for his mom's visits!</div>
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A "Wolf Spirit" knife and holder.</div>
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Jacob's favorite of the gifts I gave him, though, was this beautiful knife in a cool holder featuring a wolf's head. The knife itself is decorated with paintings of wolves. It's quite a work of art.</div>
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Our first stop.</div>
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Jacob did the driving when we went out to lunch. First, we stopped at See's Candies to get a box of chocolates as a belated Christmas present for <i>me</i>. Mark had intended to buy me some See's Candy from the gift shop at our local hospital, the only place where See's is available in our entire area. Unfortunately, they were sold out of the sugar-free boxes when he stopped in at the gift shop before Christmas, and they didn't expect to get more in until January.</div>
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Their sugar-free dark-chocolate-covered walnut candies are the best!</div>
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So I stopped in at the hospital gift shop on Monday. They'd gotten in a new shipment, but the only sugar-free they had for sale was peanut brittle. I'm not a huge fan, so it's certainly not something I'd ever pay See's Candies prices to own. It <i>must</i> be chocolate! When I mentioned I was going to Mesa in a few days, the gift shop lady suggested I visit a See's shop in the Valley. And I'm so glad she did!</div>
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After lunch, on to Target for ChapStick!</div>
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We went to lunch at Carl's Jr. From there, we went on to a Target store, where I was able to get some ChapStick. Thank goodness the pants I was wearing had pockets, since I had no purse to carry it in! I was also able to find some socks I liked while I was in Target. I've been searching for months, but no one seems to sell turn-cuff socks anymore. Yes, I'm old school. Don'r judge me.</div>
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Sarah waits outside the venue for a Claire Crosby concert to open.</div>
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We dropped the guys off back at Jacob's house, and then Sarah and I headed to east Mesa to attend a 4:00 concert. Sarah is a huge fan of the Crosby family, and especially their 7-year-old daughter Claire. When she saw this concert advertised online a few weeks ago, she jumped at the chance to see them perform live.</div>
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A pond with koi fish and a turtle outside the Grand Ballroom.</div>
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I found the venue for the concert to be somewhat humorous. On the tickets it was listed as "TP Grand Ballroom," which made me chuckle since I grew up in an age when TP meant "toilet paper." After a little research, I found it stood for "TowerPoint," but I was still chuckling because now I knew that the "Grand Ballroom" was part of a senior citizens center inside a "senior living" RV park.</div>
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A better look at the turtle. He was so still, I thought at first he was a carving!</div>
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As we entered the RV park, we were stopped by a friendly man at the gatehouse, who directed us straight down the street to the ballroom's location. Along the way, we passed dozens of tiny mobile homes, squeezed closely together, with little picket fences around yards barely big enough to contain the usual flamingos, gnomes, and spinning sunflower wind-catchers.</div>
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Even the ladies' bathroom was pretty classy.</div>
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Once we'd arrived at the central plaza of the park, where the ballroom was located, it was an entirely different picture. The area was expansive and beautifully decorated, with an office and a restaurant and two pools, plus lots of nice, shaded seating areas. There were fenced off courts for a variety of games, such as tennis and shuffleboard, filled with lots of active people enjoying their retirement years. Even the ladies' bathroom was nice enough to rival any found in a swanky restaurant or hotel.</div>
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Inside the Grand Ballroom about 30 minutes before the concert began.</div>
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With the exception of a couple of families with children, the audience was mostly elderly folks. I often forget that I'm an oldster, too, now that I'm sixty-five, but in this group I felt almost like a youngster! The room wasn't packed, but it was pretty well filled by the time the concert began. The Crosby's had done two concerts the previous night in west Phoenix, and on this night they also did two concerts, one at 4:00 (which we attended) and one at 7:30.</div>
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A local comedian kicked off the night's show,</div>
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We didn't know there was going to be an opening act, but the show started with a local comedian whose name I missed. I think his last name might have been Cortes, and it seems like he said he lived in Carefree, just north of Phoenix. He was introduced as "the number one comedian in his price range!" He performed for about thirty minutes, and it was great. He was laugh-out-loud funny without being coarse or resorting to potty humor.</div>
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Claire Crosby opens the concert with "Part of Your World."</div>
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And then it was time for the main attraction. Dave Crosby came out on stage and told a little about his family's history, accompanied by a short slide show, and then he introduced his seven-year-old daughter, Claire. Claire's absolute favorite songs are Disney Princess songs, and her absolute favorite Disney princess song is "Part of Your World" from <i>The Little Mermaid</i>. So that was the song they opened with. [By the way, I posted clips of several of their numbers on my Facebook page.]</div>
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Claire with her mom, Ashley, on piano and her dad, Dave, on guitar.</div>
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While most of the performances involved Dave and Claire, the rest of the family got in on the act, as well. Claire's mom, Ashley Crosby, played keyboard for a few of the songs, and even Claire's two younger siblings put in an appearance. Little brother Carson participated in an onstage game that showcased Claire's and Carson's perfect pitch abilities, and even baby sister June came out briefly to wave and say "Hi" to the audience.</div>
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Claire plays the ukulele while singing "Can't Help Falling in Love"</div>
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Claire has been an internet sensation since she was three years old. When her parents recognized her natural musical talent and her love of performing for others, her dad filmed Claire singing with him and featured the videos on a YouTube channel he'd recently started. IT. BLEW. UP. </div>
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Her videos have now reached over ONE BILLION views. Ashton Kutcher, Nicki Minaj, Steve Harvey, and Ellen DeGeneres are among her fans. In fact, she's appeared on the Ellen DeGeneres Show six times so far and has had small roles in two movies. Not to mention deals with Disney and assorted TV interests.</div>
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Claire performs onstage, with her mom on keyboard.</div>
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After a great show, the Crosbys stayed around to greet fans. I was surprised that most of the crowd left the ballroom directly after the concert, but about twenty small groups stayed to meet Claire and Dave. Sarah and I were the next-to-the-last group to stop and talk with them. </div>
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The first thing Dave said was he liked my <i>Star Wars</i> shirt, so I told him I got it when we went to Disneyland a few months ago. Then Sarah told him we were at Disneyland the same day his family was there, but though she'd hoped we might run into them, we never did. He asked when that was, so she told him November 8th, and he replied, "Oh yeah, that was the last time we were there." </div>
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At that point, Sarah talked to Claire for a few minutes and gave her a necklace with a glittery treble clef suspended from a fine chain. Claire's eyes and smile got big and she eagerly reached out for it. Sarah showed Claire her own treble clef earrings and violin necklace, then told Claire she hoped the necklace would remind her to always keep her music close to her heart.</div>
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I mentioned to Dave that Sarah plays in our local symphony orchestra, so he indicated her necklace and asked if it was violin she played. She said it was. He asked if we lived in the Mesa area, so I explained where we lived, but I don't think he'd ever heard of either Pinetop-Lakeside or Show Low. Curious, he asked how far away we lived. When I said a three-hour drive, he seemed impressed that we'd come such a distance. After exchanging a few more pleasantries, we said our goodbyes and headed out to the car.</div>
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Jacob's new wolf-themed shower curtain.</div>
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After we returned, we visited with Jacob's roommates for a bit. Then Sarah, Jacob, Mark, and I went out to dinner at Boston Market.</div>
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Finally, we went back to Jacob's house to watch a little TV until we all started falling asleep on Jacob's comfy new sectional couch. At that point, everyone headed off to bed. Sarah and I were ready to doze off, but Jacob seemed to get a second wind and started installing his new stuff in the bathroom. Sarah got up to help him put up his new shower curtain. Once that was done, she crashed for the night, but then I got up and helped him install the new towel bars and the new toilet paper holder. When we were done, I was pleased to see how well the hand towels matched the shower curtain, and how well the shower curtain matched the moss-green walls of the bathroom.</div>
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It was 1:00 a.m before he and I finally crawled into bed. There's more to tell about the second day of our visit, but I'll save that for another time!</div>
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New hand towels on a new towel ring to go with the new shower curtain.</div>
<br />Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04166991260862313854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265417439197793850.post-38626665106122206582020-01-02T18:05:00.002-07:002020-01-02T18:24:13.951-07:00Evening in Bethlehem<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJNChOnse6R0-88HgEt8jV56ZsXRA9nttdB8ujLekHmG9vPObda0I0SIo5E0K6QRsfAZIi09yX7XiwAu8JWJOD3qFWPqcMOCBGmry02YIAJxDWwdkVCI_jgLx5GpUk_lny-cQIUUqxn7M/s1600/IMG_1371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJNChOnse6R0-88HgEt8jV56ZsXRA9nttdB8ujLekHmG9vPObda0I0SIo5E0K6QRsfAZIi09yX7XiwAu8JWJOD3qFWPqcMOCBGmry02YIAJxDWwdkVCI_jgLx5GpUk_lny-cQIUUqxn7M/s400/IMG_1371.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Wise Men make their way to Nazareth in search of the King.</div>
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Before the holiday season gets too far behind us, I want to share pictures of our ward Christmas dinner at church, held way back on the night of December 6th. It was called "An Evening in Bethlehem," to help us remember the real "Reason for the Season."</div>
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We arrive at the city gates.</div>
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When we arrived, we were met outside the city gates by a Roman centurion, who accepted our taxes (canned goods) and then gave us each a small cloth pouch containing about 40 gold beans representing shekels (tax refund?). With our coin-pouches in hand, we entered at the gate.</div>
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A peaceful stable located within the walls of Bethlehem.</div>
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On the outskirts of the town, we passed a humble stable occupied by a donkey and some sheep. Before long, we reached a marketplace lined with stalls selling various foods and goods. In the center of town was a well of water (bottles), surrounded by benches where townsfolk could gather and visit.</div>
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Market stalls selling breads, cheeses, and desserts on one side of the square.</div>
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Stalls selling lentil soup, roasted chicken, fruits and vegetables on the other side.</div>
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The village square featured a central well of cool waters.</div>
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Beyond the town square, a manger in a stable awaits the newborn King.</div>
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My dinner. Oh yes, I cheated. On desserts. And bread. And lentil soup.</div>
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See my gold shekels on the left? That's all I had left after shopping the bazaar.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Kpk6HU4b0LaEf74VdqUYR07gZvG3pIJaVTraxvdub6Cn3RjXMkJXz4w3F9VdB4xZ7NMAjJ0cEilskXlvLNgvekffzsOpJHjXhfueQuPsCif6U5WYrz9Wstka79OwIs1eoiPW8U7pR80/s1600/IMG_1374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Kpk6HU4b0LaEf74VdqUYR07gZvG3pIJaVTraxvdub6Cn3RjXMkJXz4w3F9VdB4xZ7NMAjJ0cEilskXlvLNgvekffzsOpJHjXhfueQuPsCif6U5WYrz9Wstka79OwIs1eoiPW8U7pR80/s400/IMG_1374.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The market stall where fruits and vegetables could be purchased.</div>
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The idea was to enjoy foods similar to what would have been served in Jesus' time. The meal started with lentil soup (very tasty) and moved on to an entree of roasted chicken. There were assorted fruits and vegetables, homemade breads served with honey-butter, and a whole booth dedicated to cheeses and hummus. Each type of food was purchased with a shekel from your pouch.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEgimHUSEKCFQYNXZHfEUxPuXKdKJIEZ22w_L4tWALeY0z0OexesLWbevFaxVQUhumC-13Eekg7xbOPpQJ4BYPuAUnD-0EuC2pccXoKSjfW-VYMuJyXgJ6ZuOvw1BCBRZDhQbFYB-SeQ/s1600/IMG_1375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEgimHUSEKCFQYNXZHfEUxPuXKdKJIEZ22w_L4tWALeY0z0OexesLWbevFaxVQUhumC-13Eekg7xbOPpQJ4BYPuAUnD-0EuC2pccXoKSjfW-VYMuJyXgJ6ZuOvw1BCBRZDhQbFYB-SeQ/s400/IMG_1375.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Our friends Amy and Joe sold breads and honey-butter from this booth.</div>
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There were also desserts available. While there may have been delicacies such as sweetbreads and seed cakes available to satisfy one's sweet-tooth in those times, I tend to be skeptical that they could have obtained lemon bars, brownies, chocolate cream pie, and chocolate chip cookies among the typical marketplace wares. But I'm not complaining...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4w1L3r67yshEgO3ulGpVn3yLga8GjOMlhnBW3rKHd0_5aw-HNuAzO9sQy4HE_xVUncZbch1Xgg2iJ4Z3x44TZxX7GYs_x5xTyEBwzvaumWscnuEAxD4Ca8B1AxFE6Fbu5jB2nGP4yqVg/s1600/IMG_1376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4w1L3r67yshEgO3ulGpVn3yLga8GjOMlhnBW3rKHd0_5aw-HNuAzO9sQy4HE_xVUncZbch1Xgg2iJ4Z3x44TZxX7GYs_x5xTyEBwzvaumWscnuEAxD4Ca8B1AxFE6Fbu5jB2nGP4yqVg/s400/IMG_1376.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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A variety of cheeses and hummus were available at this cheese shop.</div>
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Since I took my pictures as soon as I arrived, I didn't capture the throngs who wandered the bazaar that night, but the event was well attended. At one end of the hall were many long rows of tables set up, filled with people enjoying a humble meal in a peaceful setting. Despite being surrounded by chatting people and excited children, there was still a sense of hushed wonder throughout the evening.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvDz4MM3tGwmQZ7wZGzVbkkK9WncYAjWFgBUqU3dh_XUjEgPDkyTof2x5f85E-Qq_Gp0iR2WQvwNjyHemHmOBli1tD_C9ox-QfzsdlIeYRHIkriK1o131Sj4DjuDglqSINegaxECII8IE/s1600/IMG_1377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvDz4MM3tGwmQZ7wZGzVbkkK9WncYAjWFgBUqU3dh_XUjEgPDkyTof2x5f85E-Qq_Gp0iR2WQvwNjyHemHmOBli1tD_C9ox-QfzsdlIeYRHIkriK1o131Sj4DjuDglqSINegaxECII8IE/s400/IMG_1377.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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A variety of desserts were found at this sweets stand.</div>
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After the meal, Christmas music was enjoyed, hymns were sung, and the Primary children reenacted the Nativity, using the stable and manger set up on the stage. It was a sweet but fun reminder of why we celebrate the humble birth of the Savior of the world each year.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNiI0i9h7_RzWY9SVD0-qdT_UeuGm_jsfaYJOqp-aHRuv9ionhVz4YsjgGkRGUwI4-Vdg0fEKgKQOE-oVEschTALvLg2ZJVKw93gT620xVdAIvQ1-UtQ5XC1nox05_egy5AeKOSbGfpJ8/s1600/IMG_1382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNiI0i9h7_RzWY9SVD0-qdT_UeuGm_jsfaYJOqp-aHRuv9ionhVz4YsjgGkRGUwI4-Vdg0fEKgKQOE-oVEschTALvLg2ZJVKw93gT620xVdAIvQ1-UtQ5XC1nox05_egy5AeKOSbGfpJ8/s400/IMG_1382.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This young lady taught visitors a game using dreidels.</div>
<br />Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04166991260862313854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265417439197793850.post-2458445733476032542019-12-28T00:10:00.001-07:002019-12-28T00:37:29.995-07:00This Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8jCaEMjtjAC4PbMUrZBw-xBNKvso1O21hxnx22eE8bAiKTY_B0K-0zD65PDI0UmZsrjg99SzZYSXxc9SyIu1zGk-Cz1KOzt6GYGDO_zmfE_lRQku68A2z2Rpy1LNELG5TunJC1e7bL28/s1600/IMG_1413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8jCaEMjtjAC4PbMUrZBw-xBNKvso1O21hxnx22eE8bAiKTY_B0K-0zD65PDI0UmZsrjg99SzZYSXxc9SyIu1zGk-Cz1KOzt6GYGDO_zmfE_lRQku68A2z2Rpy1LNELG5TunJC1e7bL28/s400/IMG_1413.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Dylan and Diego are ready to open presents on Christmas afternoon!</div>
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The kids added their gifts for each other to the pile under the tree.</div>
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In a small Christmas miracle, we were all able to gather at noon on Christmas morning to open family gifts together. Everyone had the day off from work except Chris, who had to work from 2-10 p.m., so he did have to miss Christmas dinner. And Jacob wasn't able to make the trip to join us. Those two facts were what prevented it from being a BIG Christmas miracle.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihPpDsAtvOnPFBVS4q0l2wb13-Wn5X_gpz6yYResl9f5q0FMLBp-nnf33zNclfznlyo_JAxzryWXsoaeNLDL3VvDhQ-8Nyi1faMRLHNPz-Q5W0SYfs3R3HNuD1eqwyEHjN96ScKGw6D8U/s1600/IMG_1411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihPpDsAtvOnPFBVS4q0l2wb13-Wn5X_gpz6yYResl9f5q0FMLBp-nnf33zNclfznlyo_JAxzryWXsoaeNLDL3VvDhQ-8Nyi1faMRLHNPz-Q5W0SYfs3R3HNuD1eqwyEHjN96ScKGw6D8U/s400/IMG_1411.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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We had a White Christmas!</div>
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We also had a nice White Christmas, with a small snowfall in the morning, then some sunshine, followed by a little more snow in the afternoon. Pretty, but not enough to make driving unduly dangerous for careful drivers.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQT_hrJSzRtMr4KNu9Uv3LPUUUqfUcyk7NI1CIxwle1pN7wd0MveCs3bXdqH2NUnRWeK3n6C9txBVujzuDRrgRgWCcFCBZoy2v8BLmLrXwRd7R3zOutjGo0b-B1dIHkv8HGImHya-Bys/s1600/IMG_1406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQT_hrJSzRtMr4KNu9Uv3LPUUUqfUcyk7NI1CIxwle1pN7wd0MveCs3bXdqH2NUnRWeK3n6C9txBVujzuDRrgRgWCcFCBZoy2v8BLmLrXwRd7R3zOutjGo0b-B1dIHkv8HGImHya-Bys/s400/IMG_1406.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Even before Christmas Day, we enjoyed cards and gifts from friends & family,</div>
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like homemade candies from Prestwiches & homemade bread from Johnsons.</div>
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It had already been a wonderful Christmas season, beginning with David Archuleta's great Christmas concert, followed four days later by a lovely "Evening in Bethlehem" church dinner (I'll post photos from the dinner in a couple of days), and then Sarah's Christmas concert with White Mountain Symphony Orchestra eight days after that. There were a few other events that I missed due to a sinus infection that lasted almost two weeks, but the holiday spirit was everywhere. Along the way, we received beautiful Christmas cards and a few handmade gifts dropped off by good friends.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyPwNiydBwdXp8cnlIDcocBI8zDHPLVp2gqbFAkxgCHrBpabv0bK6UP_Vmc9YFLw_4VS-CNT4VG1EzKnsB1wgEm-ccAuTk5rs3cymAZxqVDIgeW4Kfqywb95-gl6Hsl8U8VCgCqx3P6bI/s1600/IMG_1410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyPwNiydBwdXp8cnlIDcocBI8zDHPLVp2gqbFAkxgCHrBpabv0bK6UP_Vmc9YFLw_4VS-CNT4VG1EzKnsB1wgEm-ccAuTk5rs3cymAZxqVDIgeW4Kfqywb95-gl6Hsl8U8VCgCqx3P6bI/s400/IMG_1410.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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Mark's and my gifts to the family were all under the tree by Christmas Eve.</div>
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But now, at last, Christmas Day had arrived! Due to the aforementioned sinus issues, I did most of my Christmas shopping online this year. That was a first for me, because I'm one of those rare people who doesn't mind shopping, and the bustle of seeking the perfect gift in a store filled with like-minded shoppers simply feels like Christmas to me.</div>
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Online shopping, on the other hand, was a little nerve-wracking. Each item is given a possible timeline for delivery, and the latest date listed for my selections was Saturday, December 21. That seemed safe. In reality, though, the predicted dates had little resemblance to the actual deliveries. Some arrived more than a week before expected, which was awesome. Others were well past their delivery windows. I held my breath until the last box arrived on the day before Christmas Eve.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGf4xD46lfQje_7EXFv5xZQvQKFqXPre2ZSWxYHsUsXjsoDqVwf3X4yFE2CKTsX9vQrr97_tkX6wXWHTdribvunAYu9DOImq8KSF0JgKwouC6T5WVeK9Az2sWR8_huAqNVdLCIA9Jp8eE/s1600/IMG_1433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGf4xD46lfQje_7EXFv5xZQvQKFqXPre2ZSWxYHsUsXjsoDqVwf3X4yFE2CKTsX9vQrr97_tkX6wXWHTdribvunAYu9DOImq8KSF0JgKwouC6T5WVeK9Az2sWR8_huAqNVdLCIA9Jp8eE/s400/IMG_1433.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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Because Jacob was unable to join us, a few gifts are still unopened.</div>
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So everything was in place when the kids arrived at noon, ready to see what they got for Christmas this year. We always open one gift at a time, going from youngest to oldest. First, Dylan opened his gift from his dad; then Jake opened his gift from Mark; then Sarah opened her present from her dad; then Chris and then me. Then Dylan opened his present from Sarah and Chris; then Jake opened his from Sarah and Chris; and so on. I like that it stretches out the fun and gives us all time to admire each other's new goodies along the way. When everyone just rips open their packages at the same time, it's all over much too fast!</div>
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Dylan had barely opened the first present when Jacob called us from Mesa to wish us all a Merry Christmas. We paused the gift-opening so we could enjoy a nice long visit with our absent family member. Dylan put Jacob's call on his iPhone so we could see Jacob and he could see us while we talked. It was the perfect way to start our festivities. Sadly, Jacob's presents are all still under my tree, but we may drive down next week to hand-deliver them to him. I like to be there when he opens them!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwOq-pf3ORhCymdiv7aUteyqaB4KdV2i8ywpK-iWHf5TZ9jPxfouS-7U_5LZyP3RJHEutzD-Jl4GHzI8VFrLMOiE0T8WjFM6882B2I6usqhmhnxtt3_GA31jmCQU5yLKFrIuwdHdXus48/s1600/IMG_1417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwOq-pf3ORhCymdiv7aUteyqaB4KdV2i8ywpK-iWHf5TZ9jPxfouS-7U_5LZyP3RJHEutzD-Jl4GHzI8VFrLMOiE0T8WjFM6882B2I6usqhmhnxtt3_GA31jmCQU5yLKFrIuwdHdXus48/s400/IMG_1417.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Dylan with his Christmas presents.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiheYdyRvIRUlbxdOsgwYSinnAgAb3yVyFzSdIY7YB0AFcvrRRuaeEJGGA3ViuNk5Ec_PSVafn_GSpA1CoLKiKZIM_OLlowqDJPMTKL7o7-E2flJvwN_vLVbJMyQTZetIr8m7Kb3TIaXP0/s1600/IMG_1416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiheYdyRvIRUlbxdOsgwYSinnAgAb3yVyFzSdIY7YB0AFcvrRRuaeEJGGA3ViuNk5Ec_PSVafn_GSpA1CoLKiKZIM_OLlowqDJPMTKL7o7-E2flJvwN_vLVbJMyQTZetIr8m7Kb3TIaXP0/s400/IMG_1416.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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So...here's what Dylan got for Christmas 2019:<br />
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Sarah and Chris gave him a $20.00 Walmart gift card, attached to a big M&Ms milk chocolate bar (embedded with lots of mini m&ms).</div>
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Mark gave him what appeared from the packaging to be a GIANT Kit Kat bar, but in actuality held about 30 regular Kit Kat bars.</div>
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I gave Dylan a "Make It Fancy" tee-shirt; a Mario Kart Monopoly Gamer board game; two of his beloved Terry's Chocolate Oranges; a $20 gift card to Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers; and ten $1,000,000 bills adorned with cool characters and items from the Zelda video games.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9GBIPg1a9H6xFUYxuGYeyqlKJoGdnZMsMmx3K9v4ljHChk1Pi2DxG-8at0aJOppY4k7ayOvJUb5cBO0DYk9iCm_APbMkV-IAIxkykBeY72ksOp-gCKpEFRdnKU3H5eswwuFy0t9RJ3Bk/s1600/IMG_1421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9GBIPg1a9H6xFUYxuGYeyqlKJoGdnZMsMmx3K9v4ljHChk1Pi2DxG-8at0aJOppY4k7ayOvJUb5cBO0DYk9iCm_APbMkV-IAIxkykBeY72ksOp-gCKpEFRdnKU3H5eswwuFy0t9RJ3Bk/s400/IMG_1421.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Jake with his gifts.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3cHpxv7saRitj0_ez9A3pmWPgyi5lFbufzxW8RmUMh4W3eU3uxPqCrtTa9sou1kl6mO5wJNPpLZilLZnjegTpPGeULub189A-syUW-Y-7mhcvo4Ji21tBKCVswxGLV8fHlzs7OXWRu_A/s1600/IMG_1420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1143" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3cHpxv7saRitj0_ez9A3pmWPgyi5lFbufzxW8RmUMh4W3eU3uxPqCrtTa9sou1kl6mO5wJNPpLZilLZnjegTpPGeULub189A-syUW-Y-7mhcvo4Ji21tBKCVswxGLV8fHlzs7OXWRu_A/s400/IMG_1420.JPG" width="285" /></a></div>
And here's Jake's take:<br />
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Sarah and Chris gave him a $20.00 Walmart gift card, attached to a big M&Ms milk chocolate bar.</div>
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Mark gave him a big Santa Claus-shaped Reese's candy.</div>
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I gave Jake a Darth Vader tee-shirt; a crystal ball surrounded by flying Dementors, resting atop a sculpture of Hogwarts; a framed bit of tee-shirt (more about that below); and a Special Collector's Edition of <i>Hollywood Spotlight</i>, "The Complete Guide to Star Wars."</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMHheJ6ea-T7HLWWeW6Wksxws2hi-08g-9da2aMzW5BfWUmZrgQNkzTQNl7gOKiq2nGe2p2vMCgxDQRaaajuOiBHhyphenhyphenO6MDxRcGWzTdNBVJYE5-YUx_n481jrl1cLKSB6-j_ux7iL6LPyw/s1600/IMG_1370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="820" data-original-width="614" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMHheJ6ea-T7HLWWeW6Wksxws2hi-08g-9da2aMzW5BfWUmZrgQNkzTQNl7gOKiq2nGe2p2vMCgxDQRaaajuOiBHhyphenhyphenO6MDxRcGWzTdNBVJYE5-YUx_n481jrl1cLKSB6-j_ux7iL6LPyw/s400/IMG_1370.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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After they got home, Dylan and Jake texted this picture</div>
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of them wearing their new shirts. Perfect fit!</div>
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Here's the story of the framed print, below. Back in July 2012, when we drove cross country to upstate New York to visit my then-husband's grandmother and other relatives, we also set aside three days to spend in New York City. While at Coney Island (part of Brooklyn, NY) on our last day, we came upon a vendor on the street, selling everything from parrots to cell phone cases (Dylan bought himself an OtterBox case for $5.00). The guy was also selling some very nice souvenir tee-shirts for cheap. I think I got six tees for $10.00.</div>
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Dylan wore his shirts all the time, for years, but he'd only worn this red one a few times before one of the shoulder seams unraveled. I folded the shirt and put it into my "mending drawer," where I put everything that needed a few hand-stitches...and where they lived the remainder of their lives because I never actually mended a single item from that drawer. Last summer, I cleared out that drawer. I threw away or donated every piece of clothing that was in there, except this shirt. I just loved the colors and how it named each place we'd visited during our long-ago stay in New York City.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6D7EFFMeJdqNGFXf2PE8aQsAxvm6BaOiLbGQYcBNdKBlyotkFb_GeE6HMR6ipp_eOIRcXu5AaWJ7-JZa4BPY6_Dmnwzi-ByGWa3kwbilVGp8NZ4hyun4ySeMRmoQFOk411WN6NgMEdSA/s1600/IMG_1386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6D7EFFMeJdqNGFXf2PE8aQsAxvm6BaOiLbGQYcBNdKBlyotkFb_GeE6HMR6ipp_eOIRcXu5AaWJ7-JZa4BPY6_Dmnwzi-ByGWa3kwbilVGp8NZ4hyun4ySeMRmoQFOk411WN6NgMEdSA/s400/IMG_1386.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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A closeup of the framed tee-shirt I made for Dylan and Jake.</div>
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I was pretty pleased with how it turned out.</div>
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Even if I mended it now, it was too late to be of use to Dylan, who long ago outgrew his 15-year-old self. Then I realized it might have sentimental value to both Dylan and Jake. Although they didn't meet until a few years later, Jake was still living in the Bronx (where he grew up) at the time we were there. When they compared where Jake lived and the places he frequented with the places Dylan and I visited while in the area, they concluded that they may have been close--maybe even passed by each other--at times during our stay.<br />
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Thus, I cut up the shirt and stretched the print to fit inside the frame, giving it to Dylan and Jake as a memento of a time when they were so close, never suspecting what the future held.</div>
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Sarah with her Christmas presents.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidaLc0LK1jM_d0VHFSoxcVJZr7-H6n3ZdvewcvRrsacmk2bToSQ6t-AmPR7aXUYk1LmAY1PEzM938nm29QZ-Ypkj-oU0IeYX6tj4N8kFrMb9dnxLtLDWjXj1Af2H_udmbjmXh1qrr9LX4/s1600/IMG_1418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidaLc0LK1jM_d0VHFSoxcVJZr7-H6n3ZdvewcvRrsacmk2bToSQ6t-AmPR7aXUYk1LmAY1PEzM938nm29QZ-Ypkj-oU0IeYX6tj4N8kFrMb9dnxLtLDWjXj1Af2H_udmbjmXh1qrr9LX4/s400/IMG_1418.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Sarah's surprises:<br />
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Chris gave her two heart-shaped necklaces with purple gemstones, her favorite color.<br />
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Dylan and Jake gave her an adorable Puppy Puzzle, and they also plan to get her some puzzle glue for it so she can display it later.</div>
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Mark gave her a pet-treat launcher and a bag of dog treats, which they had to try out right away, of course. Diego appreciated the treats!</div>
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I gave Sarah a Jim Shore sculpture of Simba, Timon, and Pumba walking across a log from a scene in <i>The Lion King</i> (we all had "Hakuna Matata" in our heads for the rest of the day); a Harry Potter version of the board game Clue; a leash hanger printed with "did someone say 'walk'?" to hang on the wall; and a fluffy fox key chain.</div>
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Chris with his gifts.</div>
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Chris's goodies:<br />
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Sarah gave him a new iPhone as an early gift after he dropped his in water at Disneyland and couldn't revive it.<br />
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Dylan and Jake gave him an external hard-drive for gamers, so Chris will no longer have to delete some of his games when he wants to play video games with Dylan and Jake, just to have to reload them all again later.</div>
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Mark gave him a box of Hickory Farms cheese, sausages, and crackers.</div>
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I gave Chris a small, portable Bluetooth speaker to use when he listens to his Spotify playlists on his phone; and, because Chris is gradually turning his small office at home into a Den of the Dark Side, I also gave him some Darth Vader and Stormtrooper vinyl clings for the walls and small action figures of Darth Vader and Kylo Ren for his desk.</div>
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Mark's Christmas presents.</div>
For Mark:<br />
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Sarah and Chris gave him a $20.00 Walmart gift card, attached to a big M&Ms milk chocolate bar.</div>
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Dylan and Jake gave him a small, portable Bluetooth speaker to use when he listens to his Spotify playlists on his phone. </div>
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I gave Mark a Metallica "Ride the Lightning" tee-shirt; a wireless phone charger for Mark's cell phone, which Dylan pointed out is too ancient to work on a wireless charger (oh well, Mark will be getting a new cell phone in a few months anyway); a $10.00 Walmart gift certificate; and a 2020 Muscle Car calendar. Mark always has one hanging by his bed and faithfully changes it to the next muscle car photo each month.</div>
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My gifts.</div>
For Mary:<br />
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Sarah and Chris gave me a sweet new Willow Tree figurine called "Love You." Love it!</div>
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Dylan and Jake gave me the Star Wars version of Monopoly. Can't wait to try it out!<br />
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Jacob told me he ordered my gift, but it won't arrive for another week or so. Wonder what it is!</div>
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Mark gave me an <i>Angel Has Fallen</i> DVD (I already own and love the first two DVDs, <i>Olympus Has Fallen</i> and <i>London Has Fallen</i>); a $20.00 gift card for our local WME theaters (I love escaping into films); and a pair of pretty, dangly blue earrings.<br />
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Dylan, Sarah, Jake, and I played a round of Harry Potter Clue</div>
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after we got dinner prepped and into the oven to bake.</div>
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After opening our presents, we got started on dinner preparation. Jake prepped the baking pans with heavy cream and basil pesto while Sarah shredded the Parmesan cheese. I stuffed six chicken breasts with fresh mozzarella and Roma tomato slices, and then Jake filled the mozzarella's spaces with fresh, crushed basil. Dylan took care of spreading the French bread with garlic butter, baking it until perfectly crispy, and slicing it before dinner. It was a family affair. Well, except for Mark, who took a nap. He'd had to be up at 6:00 and at work from 7:00 to 11:00 on Christmas morning.</div>
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While the chicken baked, Sarah opened and assembled her new Harry Potter Clue game, and we enjoyed playing a round. The "plot twists" were fun. Instead of solving a murder, we had to solve the mystery of a missing Hogwarts student, who happened to be Ron Weasley this time around. We could earn House Points, and there's an extra die that can cause doors to various rooms to lock unexpectedly, move hidden passages around, or bring a dark mark down upon our heads, as well as provide magical spells and items that might help defeat these obstacles. It was challenging and a lot of fun. Oh, and by the way, I won!</div>
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Dinner is ready: Caprese Chicken!</div>
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Then the food was ready, and we took a break to enjoy our Christmas dinner. It was delicious! The only thing that could have improved it would have been to have both Jacob and Chris there with us.</div>
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Dylan prepared the garlic bread and sliced it up.</div>
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After dinner, we sat around a while and moaned about how stuffed we were and how we just wanted to sleep, but then we gave ourselves a good shake and took out Dylan's new game, Monopoly Gamer: Mario Kart. This was another fun twist on the original. We could still buy property, based on locations in the video game, but all the money was gold coins. We could also drop banana peels on the track to stop our opponents and use various power-ups in different ways. My favorite part was the cute game tokens: little karts driven by Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad. Apparently you can separately purchase more karts for the game, with other characters, from Bowser to Yoshi.</div>
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Dylan and I didn't do so well with this game. I was the worst, with no property and only six coins left at the end of the game. I'd won a single race (out of seven) and finished with 60 paltry points. Jake and Sarah were the big property owners--they really battled it out--but in the end, Jake won with 400 points!</div>
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Dylan, Jake, and Sarah (and me, too) play a game of Mario Kart Monopoly.</div>
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I have no idea what Mark was watching on TV in the living room beyond us.</div>
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At the end of our Mario Kart Monopoly game, Jake was the big winner.</div>
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By the time we'd finished our lengthy game of Mario Kart Monopoly Gamer, it was almost 7:00 and time for some brownies <i>a la mode</i>. It was so decadently, chocolaty rich that it was hard to finish even one single brownie! We were all ready to call it a night by 7:30, so everyone packed up their gifts and some leftover brownies (plus some chicken and garlic bread for Chris to enjoy when he got home from work) and headed home to sleep off our fudge-brownie carb-crashes.</div>
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Except for Jacob' absence, we had a great night. I hope everyone else out there enjoyed a Christmas Day filled with the fun of family and friends, warm memories of Christmases past, and hopes for the joys of Christmases future.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3WP457S7AwAGv-z0QASYA6cycyv4dZElc9pAWJAQpVhXeIix3swEkMjFBuE_zXApWwJhkFj3Z6vRw2oVvugcKWmCLGAy9PZ5P4KPH5Dr5yUbq0OMzbIu5hR0Y8pGhuuxdQH5shcllzTQ/s1600/IMG_1430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3WP457S7AwAGv-z0QASYA6cycyv4dZElc9pAWJAQpVhXeIix3swEkMjFBuE_zXApWwJhkFj3Z6vRw2oVvugcKWmCLGAy9PZ5P4KPH5Dr5yUbq0OMzbIu5hR0Y8pGhuuxdQH5shcllzTQ/s400/IMG_1430.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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A closeup of the adorable little Mario Kart Monopoly Gamer tokens.</div>
<br />Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04166991260862313854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265417439197793850.post-793287367657519002019-12-15T12:45:00.000-07:002019-12-15T12:49:05.904-07:00Merry Christmas Concert<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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White Mountain Symphony Orchestra's 2019 Christmas Concert program.</div>
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December 14, 2019</div>
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Each year, we look forward to attending the Christmas Concert of White Mountain Symphony Orchestra, with whom Sarah performs on violin. We are never disappointed!</div>
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The orchestra opens with Mendelssohn's <i>Hark! The Herald Angels Sing</i>.</div>
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Unfortunately, Chris had to work from 2:00 to 10:00 that afternoon/evening, and the concert began at 3:00 in Snowflake. However, Chris's mom, Brenda, was there to support Sarah alongside Mark and me.</div>
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The Master of Ceremonies, Mike Bosley, narrates the program.</div>
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This year's program had some especially fun moments. Dr. Michael Solomonson, a professor at Northland Pioneer College, read "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" to a small crowd of young children who'd been invited to come up from the audience and sit around his chair, while the orchestra played musical themes to match each stanza of the poem.</div>
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One tiny girl kept walking back and forth at the start of the story, as if she weren't sure what to do, so the emcee joined the children on the floor and let her sit on his lap. I thought maybe she was his daughter, but after the number he announced to the audience: "Whoever that little girl's parents are, you really need to figure out a way to add unicorns to that Christmas story!"</div>
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I neglected to take a picture of this cozy scene, but I filmed a short segment of the beginning, which I'll post on my Facebook page.</div>
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Maestro Ted Vives pauses and speaks to the audience. </div>
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Sarah is the second face to the left of his right elbow.</div>
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Toward the end of the concert, young dancers from The Dance Academy, a local business, performed to selections from <i>The Nutcracker Suite</i>. It's always fun to see young people developing their artistic talents.</div>
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Young dancers from The Dance Academy perform to <i>Marche</i>.</div>
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When the concert ended around 5:00, we took Sarah to dinner at Dairy Queen. It's kind of our annual Christmas concert tradition to go out to dinner afterward. We so love our traditions at this time of year, both those of our family and those of our community!</div>
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Teens from The Dance Academy perform to <i>Danse Arabe</i>.</div>
<br />Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04166991260862313854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265417439197793850.post-49331051993212847932019-12-08T11:18:00.003-07:002019-12-08T12:43:57.846-07:00A Jedi Thanksgiving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Chris, Dylan, and Jake are locked in a three-way lightsaber battle!</div>
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December 1, 2019</div>
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Briefly, we thought we were going to have our Thanksgiving celebration on the actual official date of Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 28. Our two Walmart employees, Dylan and Sarah, each had schedules that would allow us to feast in the early evening of that day (that never happens!). However, Jacob wouldn't be joining us since he was coming up for the David Archuleta concert the following Monday, December 2, because he didn't want to stay that long or make two trips so close together.<br />
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Then, three days before Thanksgiving, Dylan texted me to say he and Jake wanted to go to the Valley to soak up some warmth, leaving Wednesday night and returning on Friday. Could we do Thanksgiving when Jacob came up on Monday? Ummm...NO. Now that I'm retired, it's much easier to be flexible, so the last minute change wasn't an issue. I hadn't even purchased a turkey at that point. However, I am <i>very</i> detailed-oriented, and there were a lot of specifics that needed to be sorted out for this to work.<br />
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<b>1)</b> I wasn't preparing and digesting a full Thanksgiving meal on the same day as a concert, especially since we had to leave at 4:45 for the meet-and-greet beforehand. Nope, not doing it. <b>Solution</b>: Dylan called Jacob, who agreed to come up early on Sunday instead.<br />
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<b>2)</b> Dylan was scheduled to work until 8:00 on Sunday. What's the point of waiting to get together when Jacob can be here, only to have Dylan absent? <b>Solution</b>: Dylan was able to switch shifts with a co-worker and got off work at 5:00 instead.<br />
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<b>3)</b> Biggest problem of all: a big snowstorm was coming in on Thursday, with the worst to hit on Friday, rendering travel difficult to impossible. But Friday was the day Dylan and Jake needed to return home so they could be at work early on Saturday. <b>Solution</b>: Jacob offered to drive up with them on Friday so his heavy four-wheel-drive truck would be available if there were any trouble, and they would use the southern route through Globe-Miami, which receives less snow.</div>
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The dinner rolls start to rise, early on Sunday afternoon.</div>
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Once Dylan had addressed all my concerns, we shifted our Thanksgiving celebration to Sunday. I did the bulk of my Thanksgiving shopping at 7:00 on Wednesday morning, allowing me to beat the worst of the last-minute-shopper crowds. My biggest issue then was that all the larger turkeys were sold out. I usually choose a 22-24 pounder (I love leftovers), but I had to settle for a 16-pound turkey.</div>
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It wasn't all smooth sailing. As the storm raged through, my stress level climbed higher and higher, worrying about my boys traveling under such dangerous conditions. Dylan called me on Friday morning, and we worked together to decide the safest options, given the expected snowfall and the numerous highway closures already in place. We agreed that their best chance was to leave as early as possible, in case the snow became so heavy that they would have to close Hwy 60 between Globe and Show Low.</div>
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They left Mesa around 9:10 and got to Globe a bit after 10:30. Dylan described the drive from Superior to Miami as being "like blizzard conditions." Unfortunately, when they arrived in Globe they found a traffic advisory warning that the highway from Globe to Show Low was closed. </div>
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We reviewed our options. A different route through Safford-to-Hannagan Meadow-to-Alpine-to-Springerville-to-Show Low was out of the question, not only because it would mean more than five hours of additional driving, but also because Hannagan Meadow and Alpine are at higher altitudes and often receive nearly as much snow as nearby Sunrise Ski Resort. If the road didn't reopen within a few hours, I told them they could get a motel room for the night and I'd reimburse them (I needed my boys to be safe!). Then they could come home the next morning when the storm had abated, but they reminded me that they both really needed to be home that night so they could be at work the next morning.</div>
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Thankfully, Hwy 60 reopened a little after noon, and they were on their way by 12:20. It turned out that the road had been closed due to an eighteen-wheeler accident rather than the snow. Dylan said the drive was stressful, yet not as bad as he'd expected. They were all safely home at Dylan and Jake's apartment within two hours. BIG sigh of relief!</div>
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A 16-lb turkey is in the roaster and the potatoes have been scrubbed.</div>
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(Notice Chewbacca's picture on the calendar above the roaster.)</div>
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The best part of the situation was that we now had Jacob with us for an entire four days, and we were able to have all seven of us around the table for our Thanksgiving celebration on Sunday. No empty place at our table or in our hearts.</div>
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Everything in place for that final hour of madly finishing all dishes at once!</div>
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I spent Sunday morning getting the pies in the oven, then moved on to getting the turkey in the roaster and doing as many ahead-of-time preps and assemblies as possible. I'm good at organizing everything, including the times each thing has to go in and come out in order to flow smoothly, yet somehow it never goes as smoothly as it does on paper!</div>
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Dutch Apple Pie and Razzleberry Pie (plus Silk Chocolate Pie in fridge).</div>
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Except for Dylan and Jake, who both had to work, everyone else was at my house by 12:30 to assist, but I already had everything done that it was possible to do by that time. The kitchen didn't get busy again until 3:30 (time to start the potatoes boiling), so we were able to relax and enjoy visiting. Dylan even joined us on his lunch hour around 1:00. Jake came over straight from work just after 3:00, so then all we needed was Dylan's return.</div>
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I think they're ready now!</div>
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That last hour is always madness in my tiny kitchen, as you remove one item from the oven just in time to put something else in, with three or four pans steaming on the stove top. In the end, though, it all came together and we were ready to eat right about the time Dylan arrived from work at 5:10.</div>
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Jake, Mark, and Jacob load up their plates in the kitchen.</div>
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On the menu: Turkey; stuffing (boxed, since I dislike stuffing); mashed potatoes and gravy, corn-on-the-cob; Green Bean Supreme (my low-carb replacement for green bean casserole); and dinner rolls. And, of course, pies with whipped cream for dessert.</div>
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Sarah and Chris at Thanksgiving dinner.</div>
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Jacob at Thanksgiving dinner.</div>
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Dylan and Jake at Thanksgiving dinner.</div>
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Mark at Thanksgiving dinner (with Dylan and Jake beyond).</div>
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Thanks to our recent California vacation and our visit to Galaxy's Edge in Disneyland, our day ended on a Jedi-Thanksgiving note. I'd invited Jake and Chris to bring their new lightsabers along, which they and I had hand-built at Savi's Workshop in Black Spire Outpost at Galaxy's Edge. I wanted to get pictures of all three of our lightsabers side by side, something I hadn't thought to do while we were still on vacation.</div>
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I also invited Dylan to bring over my new "grand-droid," a little black-and-silver-armored R2 unit he built at Droid Depot in Black Spire Outpost. Dylan named him R2-42 ("Fortoo" for short). I filmed a short video of Fortoo but neglected to take a still photo that I could post here. Suffice it to say, Fortoo is adorable as he toddles around, running into walls and beep-booping conversationally. Until I have actual flesh-and-blood grandchildren, I'll enjoy my new little grand-droid!</div>
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After dinner, we play eighteen rounds of Sabacc. Chris, Dylan, and Jake</div>
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plan their moves; Sarah, Jacob, and Mary are behind the camera.</div>
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Once dinner was over and the table was cleared, I got out the brand-new Sabacc Cards I'd purchased at Toydarian Toymaker in Black Spire Outpost (on the planet Batuu at Galaxy's Edge) and invited everyone to play a few hands. Only Mark declined, preferring to watch TV. </div>
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Sabacc is the gambling game by which Han Solo won his famous spaceship, the Millennium Falcon, from Lando Calrissian. The game is both fun and frustrating, thanks to a pair of dice that have the power to completely alter everything mid-hand. It also requires some basic math involving positive and negative numbers.</div>
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We end the night with an epic lightsaber duel (Dylan wields my blade).</div>
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At the end of the evening, right before we served up the pies, Dylan, Jake, and Chris staged a lightsaber battle for the camera. Dylan, having built his droid rather than a lightsaber, used my blade for the duel.</div>
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Mary, Jake, and Chris display their newly-built lightsabers from Savi's.</div>
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Originally, as we built our lightsabers, I had chosen a blue kyber crystal (which determines the color of the blade), while both Jake and Chris chose red kyber crystals. Later, we returned to Dok-Ondar's Den of Antiquities, where you can buy additional kybers in any of the six blade colors: red, blue, green, violet, yellow, and white. I purchased a violet kyber crystal to go with my blue one, and both of the guys bought green kybers to go with their reds. (Apparently there are also extremely rare black kyber crystals hidden in one-out-of-a-hundred red-kyber cases.)</div>
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Up until our Thanksgiving get-together, I hadn't even taken my violet kyber crystal out of its case, so the guys removed my blue kyber and installed the violet for me. It's a beautiful thing. Jake had his green kyber in his lightsaber, while Chris had his original red one in, so it was nice to have three different colored blades for the photos.<br />
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For the uninitiated, a lightsaber's blade color is heavy on symbolism:<br />
RED: Power and Evil (Darth Vader, Kylo Ren, Sith Lords)<br />
GREEN: Peace, through Force if need be (Luke Skywalker, Yoda, Qui-Gon Jinn)<br />
BLUE: Protection and Justice (Obi-Wan Kenobi, young Anakin Skywalker)<br />
VIOLET: Moral Ambiguity (Mace Windu, Mara Jade Skywalker)<br />
YELLOW: Intrigue and Pursuit (Jedi Sentinals)<br />
WHITE: Obedience and Service (Imperial knights)<br />
BLACK: Self-Obsession (Supreme Leader Snoke; called the "darksaber")</div>
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Our lightsaber blades: violet (mine), green (Jake), and red (Chris).</div>
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Another fun fact is that the three of us each chose a different style of lightsaber to build, and we didn't even plan it that way. There are four options: <b>Power and Control</b> (no surprise that Chris chose the dark-side, Sith-inspired type); <b>Elemental</b> (Jake agonized over his decision, but in the end he chose this Force-energy style); <b>Peace and Justice</b> (Old Republic designs); and <b>Protection and Defense</b> (related to the "ancient wellspring of the Force").</div>
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I wavered between Peace-and-Justice and Protection-and-Defense, but finally decided upon the latter. I'm very happy with my choice. I've never really seen myself in the role of peacekeeper or imposer-of-justice, but anyone who knows me well would never doubt the lengths I'd go to protect and defend those I love!</div>
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Our lightsaber hilts: Mine is a "Protection and Defense" lightsaber (at top);</div>
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Jake's is an "Elemental" (center); Chris's is a "Power and Control" (bottom).</div>
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After our Jedi fun and a few slices of pie, the celebration ended a bit after 9:00 and everyone headed home. I'm so grateful for my family and the fun we have with our shared interests. I have so much to be thankful for on Thanksgiving and on every other day of the year!</div>
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I do love my lightsaber!</div>
<br />Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04166991260862313854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265417439197793850.post-64494741457374915722019-12-03T22:14:00.000-07:002019-12-26T23:36:14.658-07:00David Archuleta in Show Low<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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David Archuleta and Sarah Kinsky, together again!</div>
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December 2, 2019</div>
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Last night, David Archuleta gave a concert here in Show Low, which is about a 15-minute drive from our Lakeside homes. It was his first time to perform this close to where we live, but it was Sarah's and my fifth time to attend one of his concerts. A little history...</div>
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<b>1. March 25, 2016 in Queen Creek</b>, AZ: Our first David Archuleta concert was exciting for our family (except Jacob, who was living in Utah then). We'd all been fans since David's American Idol days. Several of my nieces and nephews were also there that night. We sat near the front, but at that time we were just faces in the crowd.</div>
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<b>2. June 23, 2017 in Snowflake</b>, AZ: This was the day we met David in person during a small Dinner-with-David event prior to his concert in another small town located about 30 minutes away from us. He and Sarah really connected that day, partly over their shared love of music (he was impressed that she plays violin with our local symphony orchestra). After the concert ended, we were unexpectedly invited backstage, where we enjoyed talking more with David, and where the infamous "watch me nay-nay" incident occurred, leading to David talking to Dylan on the phone and then recording a personal video message to Dylan. No doubt that's what made us memorable!</div>
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<b>3. April 14, 2018 in Mesa</b>, AZ: Four months before this concert, we had run into David's manager Kara at a Nathan Pacheco Christmas concert in Snowflake. She'd recognized us and assured us that David hadn't forgotten our meeting, but by now it had been almost ten months. Sure enough, David immediately recognized us during the meet-and-greet sound check before this concert. He called to us from the stage, "Hey, I know you two!" When we posed for photos, he took a little extra time with us, and even asked Sarah if she still performed with the symphony orchestra. He remembered!</div>
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<b>4. December 6, 2018 in Mesa</b>, AZ: This was Jacob's first Archuleta concert. He and Mark joined us, and this time we didn't do the meet-and-greet. Our seats were at the far end of the third row, and that end of the stage was blocked by equipment and the bass player, so we doubted David would even know we were there. However, by some miracle, he saw us! His eyes locked on Sarah, and he got that "I know you!" smile and sang straight at her for at least 30 seconds. Jacob looked at me, wide-eyed, and whispered, "He's singing to Sarah!" And it didn't end there. For the last song, David squeezed between the bassist and speakers to stand right in front of us. He sang directly to Sarah and gave her a little wave with that twinkle in his eye. (Our row was several seats longer than the first two rows, so there were no seats between us and the stage, plus behind us was only an empty aisle. People were craning their necks to see who this girl was that David had singled out.) When the concert ended, after he'd touched the hands of fans lining the stage, David stopped in front of us and cried, "Hey, Sarah! I'm so happy to see you!" before hugging her and spending a few extra moments with her.</div>
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Sarah and her friend Emmi do a selfie before the meet-and-greet begins.</div>
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And then there was last night. We bought the meet-and-greet tickets again, this time for Sarah, Jacob, Mark, and myself (Dylan decided not to spend the extra money). We met outside the Show Low High School auditorium at 5:00, and then we were escorted into the auditorium at 5:15. The band was already set up and playing while the technicians did a sound check. Soon, David himself came out and began singing a couple of Christmas tunes, while pausing here and there to ask the techs to make adjustments, like adding a little volume or reverberation.</div>
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David Archuleta does a sound check during the meet-and-greet.</div>
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After the sound check, there was a question-and-answer session. Many of the questions were about David's experiences as a missionary to Chile several years ago (most of the participants were obviously members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as David is...and as we are). There was also the inevitable, "Why aren't you married yet?" That one always makes him visibly uncomfortable, and he murmured something about having a few heartbreaks before changing the subject.</div>
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Up until this time, David hadn't paid any more attention to us than the rest of the group. Then someone asked, "What's your favorite thing about Show Low?" He pointed out that this was his first time in Show Low so he was still getting to know about the town. Then David looked at Sarah and smiled, asking, "Sarah, you're from Show Low, aren't you?" She said she was (she and Chris lived in Show Low for seven years, until they bought their house in Lakeside last year), so he turned back to the crowd and said, <b>"My favorite thing about Show Low is Sarah!"</b></div>
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It was a great moment. Sarah is always a little surprised that he still remembers her name!</div>
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David and Sarah before the concert.</div>
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Next, it was time for pictures. David greeted Sarah with an open-armed, full-frontal hug. Sarah was proud of herself that, this time, David's presence hadn't rendered her unable to speak. She introduced David to her brother and her dad, and clarified that Jacob was not the brother for whom David had made the short video recording more than two years ago. David said he was wondering if he was finally meeting the Dylan of that experience, so he still remembered it!</div>
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The Carters with David Archuleta: Mary, Sarah, David, Jacob, and Mark.</div>
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As always, the concert was amazing. Not only does David share his voice in song, but he shares his voice to express learning experiences and struggles and triumphs. During this performance, he spoke about his lifelong struggle with depression and feelings of worthlessness. He shared what he's learned in therapy and how voices in his head still tell him his current success won't last, no one cares, he should give up. It's a struggle that so many of us can relate to, and by sharing our own issues, we not only help ourselves heal, but we touch and lift those around us. That's one of David's great gifts.</div>
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David Archuleta performs in his Christmas concert.</div>
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One sweet moment came at the end of the concert, after David had come out to perform two encore songs. Beth Loomis, a young lady with Down Syndrome and a former high school classmate of Sarah and Jacob, ran up to the stage with a big sign. I think it said something like "You are my American Idol." David stopped everything to meet her at the edge of the stage and talk to her. In a humorous moment, Beth snatched the microphone right out of his hand and announced into it loudly, "I love you, you are my idol!" (Or words to that effect.) After he leaned forward to give her a big hug, she spun around with a look on her face that said she'd just died and gone to heaven!</div>
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David Archuleta performs in his Christmas concert.</div>
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After that, David spoke about a recent tragedy that occurred to a local family, which he'd learned of upon arriving in Show Low. Bill and Trudy Rawlings lived not far from me for many years, attending our same ward at church with their sons, Daniel and Jay. Those sons are now grown with families of their own. On Friday of Thanksgiving weekend, Daniel and his wife, four children, and three nieces (Jay's daughters) were crossing a creek bed in a heavy truck on their way home from a holiday wilderness getaway, when they were struck by a flash flood. Three of the children--a 5- and 6-year old brother and sister, and their 6-year-old cousin--were washed away by the force of the waters. Even the truck was buried by the crushing force of the flood. The bodies of the little boy, Colby, and his cousin Austin were recovered the next day about three miles downstream. Sadly, his sister, 6-year-old Willa, has still not been found despite four full days in which hundreds of volunteers have searched tirelessly for her. The search will resume tomorrow.</div>
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This has been very tough for Sarah. A few years ago, both Colby and Willa were in Sarah's nursery class at church, so her tender heart is broken. She has a truly Christlike love for all small children, and especially those she has served. We were deeply touched when David Archuleta announced that a portion of the ticket sales and merchandise proceeds will be donated to support the search efforts and the Rawlings family at this tragic time.</div>
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As seen from backstage: David touches the hands of fans along the edge of the stage.</div>
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Emmi and Sarah are visible directly beyond and below him.</div>
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David dedicated his final two encore songs to the Rawlings family and those in the community affected by this tragedy. In a small town like ours, that's pretty much everyone. He started with "My Little Prayer," which he wrote after both the lyrics and the chords came to him in a dream. Then he finished the concert with "O Holy Night." It was a somber but special ending to a wonderful evening.<br />
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Thank you for blessing us here in our community, David Archuleta. Last night, YOU were our favorite thing in Show Low!</div>
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You can see me and my camera right behind David's "behind"!</div>
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As you can see, our seats were front and center.</div>
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Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04166991260862313854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265417439197793850.post-40541550261316192392019-10-27T16:05:00.003-07:002019-10-27T16:17:58.318-07:00THIRTY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sarah got lots of fun gifts for her thirtieth birthday this weekend!</div>
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I know that most women my age have children who are in their forties, but it still feels odd that my firstborn is now thirty...as of today, October 27th. We celebrated her big day with a birthday dinner and party on Friday evening, two days ahead of her actual birthdate. It was made even more special when Jacob arranged to come up and join us, so all three siblings could celebrate together.</div>
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A huge bowl of Navopache Chicken Salad for dinner.</div>
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He didn't arrive until about 7:15, but dinner was all ready to dig in when he got here. Sarah had requested a Navopache Chicken Salad, so-called because I found the recipe on the back of our local electric co-op (called Navopache) way back when the kids were small. It's a chopped cabbage salad with lots of shredded chicken, green onions, sliced almonds, and sunflower seeds thrown in.</div>
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Some sugar-free Crystal Light to mix with sparkling sodas.</div>
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For a beverage, she asked for a Crystal Light-and-soda blend. We had a gallon of strawberry-watermelon flavor drink to be mixed with a variety of sodas, according to each person's desire.</div>
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Sarah's stack of gifts, waiting to be opened.</div>
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After dinner, Dylan showed us a new video game, a very-much-updated version of the old Wii Fit. This one is called Ring Fit, and it's quite a workout! After Dylan demonstrated it, Jacob and Chris took turns, and they were both sweating! And moaning. And groaning. I think I need to own one of these, maybe after we get through the Christmas season. They assure me that I can set it for the less taxing "out-of-shape old woman" setting.</div>
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October 25, 2019: Sarah reads the sweet card from her dad.</div>
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Then Dylan decided it was time for dessert, so he urged Sarah to open her presents. And she did.</div>
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A better look at the cards from Mom ("30" on left) and Dad.</div>
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Gifts from Sarah's brothers and her dad.</div>
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Dylan and Jake gave her two boxes of Atkins Nutty Fudge Brownie Bars, which are delicious. She's really been sticking to eating better and has lost about fifty pounds already!</div>
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Jacob gave her a twenty-dollar bill, and her dad gave her a box of Atkins Peppermint Patties and a Bluetooth speaker she can use to listen to Spotify around her house. Chris, who is a trained masseuse, gave Sarah her annual birthday massage (but not at the party...).</div>
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My gifts to Sarah.</div>
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As for me, I gave Sarah a novel called <i>Mutts and Mistletoe</i>, which combines the two things she loves most in a book or movie: dogs and love stories. In fact, Jake jokingly called it a Hallmark-Movie-in-Book-Form. I also gave her a Jim Shore figurine of Lady and the Tramp, which is her favorite Disney cartoon-film.</div>
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The homemade cheesecake Sarah requested.</div>
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For dessert, Sarah wanted my homemade cheesecake with ice cream, so I baked the cheesecake on Thursday night and topped it on Friday. Both the cheesecake and our ice cream were sugar-free (with full-sugar ice cream selections for the guys). In fact, while Mark and I were in Mesa earlier this week, I snagged a tub of no-sugar-added Breyers Salted Caramel Swirl ice cream, which isn't available here in our community. We love it when we can get it!</div>
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When I tried to get a pic of my boys together at Walmart, Dylan ducked...</div>
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The fun continued on Saturday. Jacob decided to stay until Sunday morning, which meant another family dinner on Saturday evening (yes!). The kids had agreed upon a menu after the party on Friday, so Jacob and I drove to Walmart to get the needed supplies on Saturday morning. As we walked toward the produce section, Dylan ran up behind us, trying to surprise us. He'd just started his break and happened to see us as we came in the entrance.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin3j0FnK2bLTryIXJ9QJhsMA-NZpFU0P5-n2CJtwWWY0pf2_j3PEsfORV058P_kF6F4_LkeuJgjxi13pmgmQK0F-aVYeE82at7qg7SQHU9Xg51ANBENjP81dWjsyJzfT3XtxvvomfDts0/s1600/20191026_103922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin3j0FnK2bLTryIXJ9QJhsMA-NZpFU0P5-n2CJtwWWY0pf2_j3PEsfORV058P_kF6F4_LkeuJgjxi13pmgmQK0F-aVYeE82at7qg7SQHU9Xg51ANBENjP81dWjsyJzfT3XtxvvomfDts0/s400/20191026_103922.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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...and then Jacob hid behind his sweatpants purchase...</div>
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When we passed the men's clothing, Jacob decided he needed to buy a pair of sweatpants, since he'd brought only shorts with him and quickly realized it was too cold for that. He's become a "flat-lander" so quickly! While he shopped, I wanted a picture of both my sons together, but they made me work for it!</div>
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While we were checking out, Sarah saw us from her place in customer service and managed to grab a quick break to come over for a short visit. It's fun getting to see my kids when I go shopping!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaEcarHBoMXLTZhlpyBeizeAE1W1X5r48AunJaFABrziGIfTznM7GVH1DktQihzHyzXgSUEpugPj8s0WNARUoOGur8olJUkI-uDId__JhW2Deq4Vh5SRDg6gro6Ko55Xd8s_SH9MfFwkk/s1600/20191026_103926+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaEcarHBoMXLTZhlpyBeizeAE1W1X5r48AunJaFABrziGIfTznM7GVH1DktQihzHyzXgSUEpugPj8s0WNARUoOGur8olJUkI-uDId__JhW2Deq4Vh5SRDg6gro6Ko55Xd8s_SH9MfFwkk/s400/20191026_103926+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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...and then I managed to get them together!</div>
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We ended the day with a family dinner featuring a big baking dish of Chicken Parmesan and another of Jalapeno Popper Casserole. I made the first, Jacob made the second, and Sarah assisted us both.</div>
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It's true that building and preserving family relationships requires a lot of work and attention, as well as open communication, mutual honesty and trust, a willingness to apologize and forgive, and an effort to see the world as others do. It's not always an easy thing, but there truly is no other endeavor in life that pays more abundantly than this. Family is everything!</div>
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My two goofy boys, Jacob (age 28) and Dylan (age 22).</div>
<br />Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04166991260862313854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265417439197793850.post-57274242703807971702019-10-15T11:43:00.000-07:002019-10-15T11:58:49.935-07:00Side by Side<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4O3TWdwLRuEwfZWgEqqCRwmv0hMa5VJ0LriXYsVk6SBkyv3rzrDJaa40izcpkaAZWuun5Al5k0LX0dyjpXx-WAZCHhyG38OThjnyVfX1aUPJO4KprtlSh9MpQWTovv_yINGfKUvHIRJE/s1600/IMG_0581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4O3TWdwLRuEwfZWgEqqCRwmv0hMa5VJ0LriXYsVk6SBkyv3rzrDJaa40izcpkaAZWuun5Al5k0LX0dyjpXx-WAZCHhyG38OThjnyVfX1aUPJO4KprtlSh9MpQWTovv_yINGfKUvHIRJE/s400/IMG_0581.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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October 13, 2019: Jacob with his new truck, a 2020 Toyota Tacoma.</div>
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(It was pretty dusty after a weekend of driving on our dirt roads.)</div>
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My older son, Jacob, and one of his roommates, Antonio, drove up from his home in the Valley on Friday evening. He had three purposes for the trip: 1) to return a truck he'd borrowed two weeks earlier from our family friends, the Halls; 2) to install new bedroom and bathroom doors in my bedroom, which Dylan and Jake had been helping me renovate for the previous three weeks; and 3) to have a little fun with family in the side-by-side Jacob won earlier this year.</div>
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Jacob seems to be a magnet for car problems. It began with a snowstorm in Utah in 2016, when a woman driving past their house slid on the ice and smashed into the back of Jacob's Buick LeSabre. For some inexplicable reason, the woman's insurance company (Progressive) decided to total the car, leaving Jacob with about $1,800 debt on the car not covered. (He now makes sure to carry gap insurance.) He couldn't afford a new second car but needed transportation for work, so he ended up getting a bad deal for a used black VW Jetta from the dealership where they'd purchased Jacob's then-wife's Nissan Sentra. They totally took advantage of Jacob's situation and inexperience. [Meanwhile, Dylan bought the LeSabre from his brother/the insurance company, replaced the smashed taillight, and has been driving it without issues for more than three years now...thus, the decision to total it is a complete mystery.]</div>
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When Jacob realized how little of his payments had been applied to the principal after owning the used Jetta for more than a year, he decided to get out of that deal by leasing a brand new red Volkswagen Jetta in 2017, with an option to buy at the end of a three-year contract. This was against my advice, but he felt he was up against a wall and this was the only solution. Things seemed to be fine until he took the Jetta to the dealership for a tuneup four months ago. When the service techs discovered the Jetta had been driven more than a prescribed number of miles, suddenly everything changed, with extra fees to be paid and the option to buy now in question. No one had explained these limitations when Jacob leased the car, and of course he hadn't read the fine print before signing. This is why I don't lease. It's not as if leasing a vehicle is cheaper than buying, so if I'm going to invest that much money every month, the car better be <i>mine</i>, with no one else telling me what I can or can't do with it.</div>
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They agreed to let Jacob out of the deal without penalties, in return for purchasing a 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV in June. (Gosh, how generous of them.) Again, everything seemed fine...until August, when Jacob noticed a horribly noxious smell inside the Tiguan. It took the dealership a couple of weeks to figure out the cause. It turned out that Jacob had allowed a roommate's girlfriend to borrow the Tiguan so she could take her car's battery in to trade for a new one. Apparently, her battery overturned during the drive and poured a ton of battery acid into the back compartment, which then ran down into the spare tire compartment, under the third-row seat, and under the floor mats, where it was corroding everything it touched, including nuts and bolts under the floor.</div>
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I was surprised that Jacob's insurance covered the damage under "comprehensive." However, they spent 32 days investigating the situation before okaying the repairs, but only paid for Jacob's rental car for 30 days. This is why he needed to borrow a car. We were so grateful to the Halls for loaning Jacob their 2000 Toyota Tacoma for a couple of weeks so he could continue working while he awaited repairs (he travels all over the state for his sales job).</div>
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In the end, the damage was so far-reaching and expensive that Jacob's insurance company decided to total the three-month-old Tiguan. Fortunately, he now has gap insurance to cover the whole amount he owes. I'm not too thrilled that he's decided to once again lease a vehicle, with an option to buy at the end of the three-year contract, but he assures me that he asked more questions this time and won't have the same issues as before. He enjoyed the Halls' Tacoma so much that he chose a 2020 Toyota Tacoma as his new ride. He wanted something heavy enough to pull his trailer for his new side-by-side UTV.</div>
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I sincerely hope this will be the end of Jacob's issues with his vehicles!</div>
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Antonio and Sarah watch Jacob back his side-by-side off the trailer.</div>
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Friday night, October 11, 2019</div>
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At any rate, now that Jacob had his new truck, he needed to drive the Halls' loaner truck back here to the mountain so he could return it to them. One of Jacob's roommates, Antonio, came along so he could bring Jacob's new Tacoma. Since he was driving up here anyway, Jacob felt it was the perfect opportunity to bring along his side-by-side, which he'd been wanting to share with his family and try out in our rural area.</div>
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I'm the first to go for a ride with Jacob in the side-by-side.</div>
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On Friday, the guys arrived around 8:00 p.m. We were all here waiting for them, and Mark had grilled some steaks while Sarah had prepared a salad and I'd steamed some asparagus. We enjoyed a family dinner with all three of my kids and their spouses (plus a roommate) before Jacob unloaded the UTV and took us out to experience his new toy.</div>
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Sarah is next to take a night ride with her brother.</div>
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It was a lot of fun, but it was icy cold out! We'd been enjoying a mild autumn up until that very morning, when the temperature suddenly dropped to 28 degrees! It fell to 23 degrees the following morning, Saturday. So by the time Jacob drove me around the neighborhood and brought me back, even with a helmet and jacket, my teeth were chattering so badly that I could hardly talk!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipOjZVKbXGUrv2kXQ4kTV4qLKAru4w6YNPsDhSlbMtY204VE74vlGSXKwpIiJbxmImWdrzk4YbkaRfelxuzKiPQ1iYludNHqrxi1voLXvSv5GTKBMR7LXeJntUay5wT7X7cCrCQGkYEog/s1600/20191012_103226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipOjZVKbXGUrv2kXQ4kTV4qLKAru4w6YNPsDhSlbMtY204VE74vlGSXKwpIiJbxmImWdrzk4YbkaRfelxuzKiPQ1iYludNHqrxi1voLXvSv5GTKBMR7LXeJntUay5wT7X7cCrCQGkYEog/s400/20191012_103226.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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On Saturday morning, we load the truck with new doors for my bedroom.</div>
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We finished up the joy-riding before 10:00 p.m. so the neighbors wouldn't report us to the sheriff's deputies. Sarah and Chris and Dylan and Jake headed home, while Jacob and Antonio stayed the night here.</div>
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The next morning, Antonio kindly drove Mark to work for me. Then he took Jacob and me out to breakfast at Denny's, where we got to see Mark on the job. We also returned the Halls' loaner truck to them and then stopped by Home Depot to purchase doors, hardware, and trim for the job I'd asked Jacob to do. He'd agreed to install the two doors for me when he came back to Lakeside to return the loaner.</div>
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Jacob removes my old bedroom door on Saturday morning.</div>
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Once we had loaded our purchases in the back of the truck, we stopped in at Walmart to visit with Dylan while he was on break (he works in the auto center, installing tires and doing oil changes and such). Jacob also got to visit with some of his former co-workers from the two years he worked as a manager at our Walmart, 2013-2015. Finally, it was time to head back to the house and get those doors installed!</div>
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Jacob backs out of the driveway while Dylan waits his turn to take the wheel.</div>
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October 12, 2019</div>
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Dylan came over a little before 2:00 to spend time with his brother on his lunch hour. They took out the side-by-side for awhile. Dylan talked me into riding once around the neighborhood with him at the wheel so he could show me the thrills of "drifting." It was thrilling, all right! Yes, I had fun, but it's not an experience I'll plan to do again any time soon. [You can see a three-minute video of my experience on my Facebook page.]</div>
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That evening, we had the whole family together again for dinner. This time I roasted a couple of turkey breasts, which I served with green beans, mashed cauliflower, and mashed potatoes and gravy. The cauliflower (which will never really replace mashed potatoes for me) was for Sarah's and my diet, but it was unexpectedly popular with the whole family. It got eaten up rather quickly!</div>
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Before the kids returned to their homes at the end of the night, they took out the side-by-side again and had a great time. All in all, they only got yelled at two or three times by the neighbors for driving it around the area during Jacob's stay. (One neighbor accused them, inaccurately, of "throwing rocks at my house.")</div>
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The side-by-side UTV was a lot of fun for everyone, but I have to say that my favorite part of the weekend was being side-by-side with all three my children! I love life best when we can all be together.</div>
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With the side-by-side loaded back on the trailer, Jacob and Antonio</div>
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are ready to head back home to Mesa around 1:30 on Sunday afternoon.</div>
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On Sunday morning, Jacob and Antonio got the last of the trim up around my new doors. Sarah came over after church to spend a little more time with her brother. Then the guys collected their stuff, loaded up the side-by-side UTV, and headed back down the mountain. I'm always so sad to see Jacob leave, but this time I knew we'd be seeing him again in less than three weeks. That's when we'll be spending a whole week together for our family vacation to Southern California and Disneyland!</div>
<br />Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04166991260862313854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265417439197793850.post-19216795905760010002019-09-30T09:04:00.004-07:002019-09-30T09:30:23.100-07:00Come and Listen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp3CvDHNVlI74TuOkkc-68mnO3hkS4v_yetjCCa888i9fRK9Z_xPkX-jric9LAJtqmxol2vATtD1AseomgAbZW5-EDsvb2Idr4v0gT2dQgpbl-zTw72c3k667uv2BHOUiQCGGN1tAARAQ/s1600/20190914_194329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp3CvDHNVlI74TuOkkc-68mnO3hkS4v_yetjCCa888i9fRK9Z_xPkX-jric9LAJtqmxol2vATtD1AseomgAbZW5-EDsvb2Idr4v0gT2dQgpbl-zTw72c3k667uv2BHOUiQCGGN1tAARAQ/s400/20190914_194329.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor to our Prophet, Russell M. Nelson,</div>
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spoke to thousands during a devotional here in our area on September 14.</div>
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Here in the White Mountains, on a Saturday evening, we had the rare opportunity to gather and listen to a visiting leader, a member of the First Presidency of our church. Once upon a time, when I was a youngster, it wasn't that unusual to be visited in person by the general authorities of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but the membership has grown so large now (more than sixteen <i>million</i> members in more than 30,500 congregations in more than 160 countries) that it doesn't happen so often anymore.</div>
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The Church is organized with a president (whom we believe to be a prophet of God) and fourteen apostles (each one a prophet, seer, and revelator) to serve, inspire, and lead the Church and its members. Essentially, there are fifteen apostles in all, when you include the prophet and the two apostles he calls to be his counselors, along with "The Twelve" who have been called as special witnesses of Christ. There are other leaders called to assist in church-wide work, from Seventies to the Presiding Bishopric to Mission Presidents to localized Stake leaders and Ward Bishoprics.</div>
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Our beloved prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, has called as his two counselors Dallin H. Oaks and Henry B. Eyring, from among the apostles. It happens that President Oaks is the senior member of the apostles (meaning he has served in that capacity the longest, other than the Prophet himself), and is therefore likely to become our next prophet if he is still living when President Nelson is called home. Which isn't as much of a sure thing as one might suppose, given that President Nelson recently celebrated his ninety-fifth birthday. You see, the man is in excellent health, extremely energetic and active, regularly traveling the world to serve the membership and the Lord.</div>
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As President Oaks stated at the devotional that night, regarding our Prophet, "There aren't many ninety-five-year-olds of whom you can say, the best is yet to come!"</div>
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It was a beautiful, blustery day as monsoon season begins to wind down.</div>
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Saturday, September 14, 2019</div>
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Late on Saturday afternoon, Sarah, Chris, and I made the almost-hour-long drive from Pinetop-Lakeside to the neighboring towns of Springerville-Eagar, where the devotional was held in the Round Valley Dome. The Dome was built to house the local high school's football field, but it's also used for many civic events. In fact, when we were evacuated during the Rodeo-Chediski Fire in June 2002, we spent our first day in the dome with thousands of other refugees, until a local family opened their home to us for the rest of our week-long displacement.<br />
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A nice shot of Round Valley Dome in Springerville-Eagar, by Jill Adair.</div>
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Photo "borrowed" from ChurchofJesusChrist.org website.</div>
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The drive was gorgeous, weaving through the thick forests of the northern part of the Fort Apache reservation, but the heavens poured rain down, <i>heavily</i>, for half of the trip. We're approaching the end of monsoon season, and the clouds have been getting in their last licks.</div>
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My deliciously greasy burger at Trailriders Family Restaurant in Eagar,</div>
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Although the devotional wasn't slated to begin until 6:30, people began to arrive more than two hours early to get good seats. Parking at the Dome itself was closed, but there were nearby chapels where we could park and then be shuttled by school bus to the Dome. The shuttles started running at 5:00.</div>
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Since Sarah didn't get off work until 3:00 that day, it was nearly 4:00 when we headed out from my house. However, we made good time, arriving in Eagar around 4:45. We stopped at a restaurant called Trailriders, right across the street from the chapel where we planned to park and catch the "shuttle." The place was packed with people in their Sunday-go-to-meetin' clothes, grabbing dinner before the devotional, but the restaurant did a good job of getting everyone served quickly. We were done and out by about 5:30.</div>
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The crowds arrive and look for the best seating to see President Oaks.</div>
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The chapel parking lot was filling up by the time we arrived, but we found a space, parked, and hiked a short way to meet the bus as it arrived. It filled up while we were still waiting in line, though, so we caught the next bus, which arrived immediately after the first one left. It dropped us off at the Dome around 5:50. A police officer at the door quickly checked my purse, and then we were in!</div>
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There was still plenty of seating inside the Dome, but the crowds were huge. In these photos, you can see the many rows of chairs lined up on the football field in front of where we were seated. What you don't see are the football stadium bleachers behind me, which were also quite full. By the time we arrived, the seating choices were between the chairs on the field, where you would be closer but unable to see much over the heads of those in front of you, or sit farther away on the bleachers, where you'd at least see the speakers' tiny faces in the distance (plus, their faces were projected on large screens). We chose the bleachers, but sat on the lower benches toward the front, just high enough to see over the heads of the people on the field.</div>
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And more crowds. The choir was already seated up in front behind the stand.</div>
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It was easy to know when President Oaks arrived. The mild roar of thousands of voices instantly hushed. Everyone rose to their feet and watched respectfully as President Oaks and his retinue entered and mounted the steps to the speakers' stand. They took their seats, and then the crowd also took to their chairs. ChurchofJesusChrist.org reported that there were about 8,500 people in attendance from the seven local stakes [a stake is made up of several wards, with each ward a congregation of several hundred church members] that were invited to the event. I believe it!</div>
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Not everyone present was a church member, either. Many people invited non-member friends to join them, and civic leaders from the area were also in attendance.<br />
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Another good photo of the event from ChurchofJesusChrist.org, by Jill Adair.</div>
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The devotional lasted an hour and a half, with six speakers. First up was Raymond S. Heyman, a former mission president and currently an area Seventy from Arizona. He reminded us that, while we come from many cultures and speak many languages, "the language of the Holy Spirit is our common language." He was followed by his wife, Diane, who shared the story of her health challenges that began with a stroke while she and her husband were presiding over a mission in South America. During the ongoing, frightening struggles, she said, she learned that "God is in the details of our lives."</div>
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People started settling into their seats about 15 minutes before the meeting.</div>
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Next, General Authority Seventy Wilford W. Anderson (also from Arizona) spoke alongside his wife, Kathy. Together, they spoke about the importance of following the living Prophet. "Whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same." (Doctrine & Covenants 1:38)</div>
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Kristin Oaks, wife of President Oaks, took the stand after the Andersons concluded. Her remarks were brief and echoed the words of the previous speakers on the importance of hearing the words of God's Prophets, praying for personal confirmation, and then following. She also mentioned that this was President Oaks's first time to visit this part of Arizona, and how he was excited by the number of elk and wild turkeys he'd seen during his stay!</div>
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After they arrived, our speakers took their seats on the stand.</div>
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President Oaks then concluded the meeting by speaking to us for about twenty minutes. He reminded us of the importance of studying the gospel and praying "with real intent" and "with full purpose of heart"; that "faith means to trust in the Lord," as well as in His timing, His plan, His commandments, and His promised blessings. </div>
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He also spoke about the many "major initiatives" that have been implemented since Russell M. Nelson became our Prophet in January 2018, including: the merging of High Priest Groups and Elders Quorums; the move from three-hour church blocks on Sundays, to a two-hour block, with more emphasis on Church-supported but home/family-based gospel study; the use of the full name of the Church as established by the Savior Himself, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, instead of shortened nicknames; the upcoming change from church affiliation with Boy Scouts of America to new, recently-announced youth programs; and the replacement of traditional Home Teaching and Visiting Teaching programs with "ministering."</div>
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President Oaks and his companions wave to the crowd as they leave.</div>
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That last change is one that I've embraced from the start, although it's a tough one for me, given my social anxiety and fear of rejection. I love the idea that we should be serving each other out of love, as inspired by the Spirit, with less emphasis on duty and monthly visits and prepared/suggested lessons and checking items off a list. As President Oaks stated, we should focus less on "visits" and more on "results," motivated by love, compassion, and true charity, as directed by the Holy Ghost. He explained that the First Presidency is aware that most wards are struggling to give up the old "report-my-monthly-visits" mindset, and Church leadership is working on ways to guide us into the ministering heart-set. I look forward to it!</div>
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It was a wonderful, uplifting meeting, and I left resolved to do a little bit better, one step at a time. I'd like to be as President Oaks described President Nelson, our Prophet: he is "living in crescendo!"</div>
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Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04166991260862313854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265417439197793850.post-31695818619310419912019-09-29T08:01:00.002-07:002019-09-29T08:14:18.189-07:00Concert Night<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZyU3ZmbuaRQOyopItAUaKsHREoDZaTWLNXARvzKbcXp5ed1NNNqa3JIoevzwdzSZuf6PJyvKKEJmAJyE5OAlyGICfCs0PzB6qeAoN2i_qFochRRbq2mkRYfcLy87hPt3bnLvF-8NQ_w/s1600/Scan_0008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZyU3ZmbuaRQOyopItAUaKsHREoDZaTWLNXARvzKbcXp5ed1NNNqa3JIoevzwdzSZuf6PJyvKKEJmAJyE5OAlyGICfCs0PzB6qeAoN2i_qFochRRbq2mkRYfcLy87hPt3bnLvF-8NQ_w/s400/Scan_0008.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
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Program and ticket from Sarah's concert yesterday.</div>
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September 28, 2019</div>
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Yesterday, White Mountain Symphony Orchestra put on two performances, one at 3:00 and the next at 7:00. They'll also be performing in St. Johns on Monday. That meant Sarah got to take a three-day weekend from her job in customer service at Walmart, which made her very happy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHiME7vf-dPTwR1sh_aBavuL0ELdq7IcfJF78lkm4fAC20VJEDPeIL81jtZa7L_4xSg40uQlxu6FfhXYuoG-3PKuQRW8_D8UsQX-dDcjpfP6wIAmUhgXF8yIrODFwJ5rWz3v1g0G1yqds/s1600/20190928_145854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHiME7vf-dPTwR1sh_aBavuL0ELdq7IcfJF78lkm4fAC20VJEDPeIL81jtZa7L_4xSg40uQlxu6FfhXYuoG-3PKuQRW8_D8UsQX-dDcjpfP6wIAmUhgXF8yIrODFwJ5rWz3v1g0G1yqds/s400/20190928_145854.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The orchestra's maestro, Ted Vives, takes the stand to begin the concert.</div>
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Sarah is visible to the left (third violinist from Vives's elbow).</div>
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Mark and I attended the 3:00 concert with Sarah's husband and mother-in-law, Chris and Brenda. We enjoyed the fact that the concert was at Blue Ridge High School, from which all three of my children graduated and where I taught for twenty-seven years. Sarah and I both felt like it was a walk down Memory Lane, even though the Blue Ridge auditorium has been remodeled recently, giving it a feeling of strangeness, as well.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQqNzqx8FwiWlg2utqv_yjKfIYqxlhazXncTs7XGaB2lXTuGZAYxU8J2jHqgb4SJwc4lfsC5UGzhPXt5Dxy1G3vJRifO0V_eIDmpsfhfkbo5FaeRqB4UBeyvdXs8Cjp8IxES-ABI2nQ24/s1600/20190928_150434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQqNzqx8FwiWlg2utqv_yjKfIYqxlhazXncTs7XGaB2lXTuGZAYxU8J2jHqgb4SJwc4lfsC5UGzhPXt5Dxy1G3vJRifO0V_eIDmpsfhfkbo5FaeRqB4UBeyvdXs8Cjp8IxES-ABI2nQ24/s400/20190928_150434.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Concert begins with "The Star-spangled Banner" after Posting of the Colors.</div>
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I can't remember the last time the WMSO performed at Blue Ridge. The concerts are usually held in Show Low (fifteen minutes away) or Snowflake (thirty-minute drive). It was nice to have it five minutes from home this time. I'm sure their choice of venue was also influenced by the fact that this is Fall Festival weekend here in Pinetop-Lakeside. This means an annual influx of "flatlanders" crowding our highway, restaurants, and shops for three days so they can enjoy autumn's changing of the leaves, a big parade, the Race to the Pines car show (hundreds of beautiful vintage cars), and showings of arts, crafts, and quilts, among other things.</div>
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I admit, the increased traffic and crowds can be a major annoyance to those of us who live here. Even so, we remember why we chose to make our homes in this beautiful area, so we understand why they come. Besides, it's a financial boon for our local businesses, and brings in lots of potential concert-goers!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLxJGhT1Dcvi4AbDvz0RfmLDKzlfOdDFSU18M22gDmdWe3ijIsVGvo391gSpOImw63DIqApcV3lud-x6brZ-RNi3pUKxqGYbYsQLDLdyJHDPVgeR_UaApPTYjZVS8GNpLkLPyX4mO5ec8/s1600/20190928_150455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLxJGhT1Dcvi4AbDvz0RfmLDKzlfOdDFSU18M22gDmdWe3ijIsVGvo391gSpOImw63DIqApcV3lud-x6brZ-RNi3pUKxqGYbYsQLDLdyJHDPVgeR_UaApPTYjZVS8GNpLkLPyX4mO5ec8/s400/20190928_150455.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The entire White Mountain Symphony Orchestra on the Blue Ridge stage.</div>
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For once, we had a great view of Sarah from our seats and got to enjoy seeing her wield her bow throughout the concert. I was very angry at myself when I realized I'd left my camera at home, so I was unable to get any good pictures of her on stage. I used my cell phone's camera, but it isn't as nice as my Canon. Rather than a sharp image, Sarah's face looks washed out under the stage lights. Sigh.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtkakbC4km7LaniekDBGoRJzGsJzm3wFKZKEwJitI3b3I5UuuCr2GrsdG-zd8fbmlmk6FYih5BNr-YpXIjkmPPGqa5USXFhbnulZZjC01ZlSaem9loAmH3dKmBG0A8LF6V-OLaa1-4bJg/s1600/20190928_160738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtkakbC4km7LaniekDBGoRJzGsJzm3wFKZKEwJitI3b3I5UuuCr2GrsdG-zd8fbmlmk6FYih5BNr-YpXIjkmPPGqa5USXFhbnulZZjC01ZlSaem9loAmH3dKmBG0A8LF6V-OLaa1-4bJg/s400/20190928_160738.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Virtuoso violinist Theresa Dick performs violin solo from Schindler's List.</div>
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Another reason I was upset was because I knew Theresa Dick would be performing and I wanted to film her performance. Theresa has been the orchestra and band director at Blue Ridge for many years--was, in fact, Dylan's teacher in junior high and high school--and was also the maestra of White Mountain Symphony Orchestra for many years before she decided to step down and hand her baton on to Ted Vives. </div>
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Again, I had my cell phone and could have used it to film her, but for some reason my phone won't allow me to download video to my computer. Such a shame. Theresa's performance of the violin solo of the Theme from Schindler's List was simply perfection.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXOubBcYuOzpbtTlv8cBByj0bNPQK1AzdwMsFKLeyoqh-yP2lHz_Q8QyX6yIG0fEySsBp7DlrnxDCjJ4mURAzsMsITX2Jf2qg4fcKQRilXkBTi7GW4U5Xr_i4cZ2SsTrGTr7CB9EXrynY/s1600/20190928_173227+Protein+Plate+at+Darby%2527s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXOubBcYuOzpbtTlv8cBByj0bNPQK1AzdwMsFKLeyoqh-yP2lHz_Q8QyX6yIG0fEySsBp7DlrnxDCjJ4mURAzsMsITX2Jf2qg4fcKQRilXkBTi7GW4U5Xr_i4cZ2SsTrGTr7CB9EXrynY/s400/20190928_173227+Protein+Plate+at+Darby%2527s.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The "Protein Plate" at Darbi's was really quite good. Grilled chicken,</div>
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a boiled egg, cottage cheese, and avocado served with salad vegetables.</div>
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Sarah had a two-hour break between concerts, so we all piled into my car and went to have an early dinner at Darbi's. It's a good thing we were there before 5:00. The restaurant was already packed when we arrived, but we only had to wait ten minutes to be seated. By the time we left after six o'clock, the waiting area was packed and more people were waiting outside, since the Fall Festival shows had closed for the day to beat the approaching dusk.</div>
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As always, it's such a joy to see Sarah share her musical talent and to spend time together!</div>
<br />Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04166991260862313854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265417439197793850.post-48090003236861499452019-09-05T16:32:00.000-07:002019-09-17T13:37:21.292-07:00Major Milestone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi18QOlYfM6dOqGVDEoovKgMvMm24qw2ahaXx8eFVYtggHlu4SDY7EWEZyHsQN0nqz0A5TWlMLcfckqkAtP713fX2AjimfhMZlP-eGnu8IUVJauMHVOpdLoRQSXy85FZm3qyAUIoxrC3Zc/s1600/IMG_0446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi18QOlYfM6dOqGVDEoovKgMvMm24qw2ahaXx8eFVYtggHlu4SDY7EWEZyHsQN0nqz0A5TWlMLcfckqkAtP713fX2AjimfhMZlP-eGnu8IUVJauMHVOpdLoRQSXy85FZm3qyAUIoxrC3Zc/s400/IMG_0446.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Birthday cards for my 65th birthday. I love getting cards!</div>
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Most people I know would rather ignore a milestone birthday like their 65th, and possibly even pretend it never happened. My philosophy has always been that I'm going to be a year older whether I acknowledge my birthday or not, so I might as well celebrate, eat cake and ice cream, and gratefully accept lovely well-wishes, cards, and gifts from the people who care about me!</div>
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This year, there's a little more to it than simply that sentiment, though. Even more to it than the fact that I'm now eligible to be on a Medicare Advantage plan and save more than $750 per month in insurance costs. You see, I've become aware that it's a real privilege to be sixty-five years old. While it's true that reaching this age hasn't been a smooth ride, and "gettin' old ain't fer sissies," not everyone gets to enjoy this milestone.</div>
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My own mother died seventeen years ago, on April 7, 2002 . . . exactly 25 weeks (less than six months) before her 65th birthday. I remember thinking about that back on March 10th, on the day that was exactly 25 weeks before my own 65th birthday, and being hit with the realization of how young my mom really was when she passed away. So I am truly grateful to still be here, healthy and active and privileged to continue to be a presence in my children's lives.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6LO0D9k2p7n5R28k2K7wgQX9GOkLA9Ph8xwKCC97NEtQT0tWWnar6dMweGWUPUDCkgBeineA5GT7vZXafusLmsVUVtCrdZg9EwBmt3Pw0DU0APWh64e7cIQYFRjdkCxQu3mVS7ri6890/s1600/b-+29+Aug+2019+-+Mary+Carter+%2526+Debbie+Willis+at+Mr+Zeke%2527s+for+lunch+to+celebrate+Mary%2527s+65th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6LO0D9k2p7n5R28k2K7wgQX9GOkLA9Ph8xwKCC97NEtQT0tWWnar6dMweGWUPUDCkgBeineA5GT7vZXafusLmsVUVtCrdZg9EwBmt3Pw0DU0APWh64e7cIQYFRjdkCxQu3mVS7ri6890/s400/b-+29+Aug+2019+-+Mary+Carter+%2526+Debbie+Willis+at+Mr+Zeke%2527s+for+lunch+to+celebrate+Mary%2527s+65th.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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August 29, 2019: Lunch at Mr. Zeke's with my good friend Debbie.</div>
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There are so many great people in my life, from my children and their dad, to my siblings and extended family, to wonderful friends, all of whom enrich my world. I received dozens of phone calls (my sister-in-law Dana leading a chorus of nieces singing "Happy Birthday, Aunt Mary" was a definite highlight), texts, Facebook messages, and birthday posts, and each one truly made my day brighter.</div>
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The celebrating actually began a few days before my birthday, on Thursday, when my long-time friend Debbie brought me two handmade gifts and took me out to lunch at a relatively new restaurant in our area. Although Debbie and her husband live in the Valley, they come up to their summer home each year from about late May to late September, and Debbie makes sure we get together a few times every summer.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUI7rgKS-xN243N2PPeRfghChz-OAXubYuXDnf7uAtAn78bjvax6ch6vBNbheJfweRC-VrWCZrY1kcN2JY_9Esk9F8TvMRNqmV860yiW6Q_cP0gpKYJ-QFy9kjAuQ7yYlhWcBxLL3XjY/s1600/g-+30+Aug+2019+-+Roses+from+Wyndie+Prestwich+%2526+a+handmade+plate+%2526+pouch+from+Debbie+Willis.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUI7rgKS-xN243N2PPeRfghChz-OAXubYuXDnf7uAtAn78bjvax6ch6vBNbheJfweRC-VrWCZrY1kcN2JY_9Esk9F8TvMRNqmV860yiW6Q_cP0gpKYJ-QFy9kjAuQ7yYlhWcBxLL3XjY/s400/g-+30+Aug+2019+-+Roses+from+Wyndie+Prestwich+%2526+a+handmade+plate+%2526+pouch+from+Debbie+Willis.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Beautiful birthday presents from friends.</div>
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Debbie made the floral pouch and the fabric-enhanced plate in the above photo. I love them both! The texture of the feather-patterned cloth on the underside of the clear plate just fascinates my fingers, speaking to my tactile-kinesthetic side. The little purse is both pretty and practical, a winning combination for me!</div>
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While we visited over lunch, Debbie commented on a small cell phone purse she'd made and how handy it was on a recent cruise. In turn, I mentioned a small backpack I'd bought to carry bare necessities (and ditch my heavy purse) while visiting places like the Renaissance Festival, Las Vegas, and Disneyland. Suddenly, inspiration struck! The new pouch would be perfect to hold small items (lip gloss, credit cards, driver license, etc.) to keep them safe but easy to grab in the bottom of the backpack!</div>
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Now, imagine my happy surprise after I got home from lunch, pulled out the backpack, and saw what a perfect match it was to my new pouch (see photo below): both have black backgrounds, green foliage, and pink flowers! Debbie didn't even know how insightful she was in her fabric selections!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpNuht5EdSZncR_wMfEYKjK-uMlE7umDeuClpQ_lzkcSR6W1m18_KyioOB3riXF6zw3caj75Uz_aCWRRKQz6gBAg7JS4lffC75_LycxBMtULkHqwmNiR-ZiDUm4QhEqu8A-A4y6Z9aXE0/s1600/c-+29+Aug+2019+-+Small+pouch+Debbie+made+for+Mary%2527s+birthday%252C+a+perfect+match+to+her+backpack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpNuht5EdSZncR_wMfEYKjK-uMlE7umDeuClpQ_lzkcSR6W1m18_KyioOB3riXF6zw3caj75Uz_aCWRRKQz6gBAg7JS4lffC75_LycxBMtULkHqwmNiR-ZiDUm4QhEqu8A-A4y6Z9aXE0/s400/c-+29+Aug+2019+-+Small+pouch+Debbie+made+for+Mary%2527s+birthday%252C+a+perfect+match+to+her+backpack.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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They match!</div>
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On the day following my lunch with Debbie, I came home from shopping to find a dozen perfect orange roses lying on a table on my porch, a birthday gift from another great friend, Wyndie. The flowers even had that tangy-sweet natural rose scent. I immediately got them into a vase, and I've been enjoying them every day since.</div>
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A dozen lovely orange roses were left on the front porch.</div>
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The morning of my actual birthday, the First of September, began early with a 6:00 rain shower, which poured down heavily for 15-20 minutes. Early-morning rain is a rarity during monsoon season (when frequent rainstorms occur almost exclusively in the afternoon), and I couldn't help feeling it was a blessing God had sent to favor my birthday with an overwhelming sense of peace and, yes, even joy. I love all types of weather, but rain is one of my top three best-loved (snowfall and lightning storms being second and third). Only steady rain and gently falling snow can fill me with such tranquility.</div>
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My annual birthday selfie, a practice I started on my 60th birthday.</div>
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After the cleansing rain had finished, I got myself ready for church, then paused to sit in front of the dining room window and take my annual birthday selfie. Yep, right there in the harsh morning light. I'd never taken a selfie before my 60th birthday. I don't remember where we were going, but on my birthday five years ago I was in the car with my son Dylan. Just out of curiosity, I tried out the whole selfie thing, and it was kind of silly-fun . . . although it still feels awkward, trying to fake a natural smile toward an inanimate phone, thinking how foolish I must look. Anyway, it turned out okay, so I've been doing selfies ever since, on my birthdays and on vacations.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgbX4DllABo65jP4p7d-RaqOJPSqE1wrd__uU0yah7Vej-ceys_nr0dCqGBiexehXgk7xBbFB6MwjTcArlav5VV69pjz9y-sWndkOmp3W8GCV6JYOqCxBugvwFFCp7fvIHlK57rdD9Ms/s1600/IMG_0437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgbX4DllABo65jP4p7d-RaqOJPSqE1wrd__uU0yah7Vej-ceys_nr0dCqGBiexehXgk7xBbFB6MwjTcArlav5VV69pjz9y-sWndkOmp3W8GCV6JYOqCxBugvwFFCp7fvIHlK57rdD9Ms/s400/IMG_0437.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Sarah's specialty, her own version of Mexican chicken casserole, was such a</div>
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huge hit that this was all that was left of two pans by the end of the evening!</div>
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Since Dylan didn't get off work until 7:00, I had the rest of the day after church to relax. I didn't even have to plan or prepare dinner, since Sarah had asked if she could bring us her famous Mexican chicken casserole for dinner. As if she ever has to ask! She and Chris came over around 6:30 and, while she put the pre-made casseroles in the oven, I got the homemade strawberry ice cream ready to go. Soon, Mark had the ice cream freezer going, and it was steadily humming along when Dylan and Jake arrived a few minutes after 7:00.<br />
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While we waited for dinner to finish baking, we had a surprise visit from my sweet friend Karen, her husband Joshua, and their youngest son, Spencer, who was in town from college, visiting his parents for the day. We had a short but delightful visit, while Dylan and Spencer got caught up. They were good friends in high school, and they reminisced about the hours and hours they used to spend holed up in "the man cave" (Dylan's bedroom, now my den) playing video games.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0KeiPCc2sPXIyA8jHypqziGDA94yq-LlUyzx_eeOpsueJhZ9XQ8_X8unz_nEhxi8tS6WpzqEZNX3HpXCl3h7kJzUWexuqdpOJwPdm8kTBgAB3ziQLsNP8vqeVb1bw8DYHQoBHc_v1_Y/s1600/IMG_0439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0KeiPCc2sPXIyA8jHypqziGDA94yq-LlUyzx_eeOpsueJhZ9XQ8_X8unz_nEhxi8tS6WpzqEZNX3HpXCl3h7kJzUWexuqdpOJwPdm8kTBgAB3ziQLsNP8vqeVb1bw8DYHQoBHc_v1_Y/s400/IMG_0439.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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September 1, 2019: Opening cards and gifts on my 65th birthday.</div>
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Finally, dinner was ready. Sarah and I had planned to make a salad to go with the casserole, but then we decided there was no sense filling up on too much healthy dinner, when so soon after eating it we'd be wanting to fill up on desserts. Nonetheless, despite the fact that Sarah had made two baking dishes of her casserole for just six people, both dishes were very nearly polished off by the end of the evening. It was delicious. Obviously.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipsbzQdMGJ4R4ryGEnlhDuEex9K6829cBbDGmO3wRwHstupP8vrmeoUUj_rC-Ii0i585yegDezEUegBcYN_KtNrSIJFWA0ua7UaVj4p6vPWHnd9reXTEeyTq25FNAe65U6dhGtRnRdITA/s1600/IMG_0441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipsbzQdMGJ4R4ryGEnlhDuEex9K6829cBbDGmO3wRwHstupP8vrmeoUUj_rC-Ii0i585yegDezEUegBcYN_KtNrSIJFWA0ua7UaVj4p6vPWHnd9reXTEeyTq25FNAe65U6dhGtRnRdITA/s400/IMG_0441.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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A card from Sarah and Chris. Dylan was our photographer.</div>
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We just sat and visited for a while after dinner, until Dylan asked, "Is it time to open presents?" So I handed him the camera, someone else handed me the cards and packages, and I plunged in.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX_q_krAfC98608OwZKL2Q-FWS7Sq6_sbEJXNWBwPWpr02ncO-hmWyyPFr88zG5R9txN8kC12bXKpl9le4KS2I4JgDks4LVBb0-EMKVx3mkqZixXlhevGuxABPa4K9aLJf1bQmJOOePXc/s1600/IMG_0443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX_q_krAfC98608OwZKL2Q-FWS7Sq6_sbEJXNWBwPWpr02ncO-hmWyyPFr88zG5R9txN8kC12bXKpl9le4KS2I4JgDks4LVBb0-EMKVx3mkqZixXlhevGuxABPa4K9aLJf1bQmJOOePXc/s400/IMG_0443.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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Opening Sarah's gift: a Willow Tree figurine for my collection.</div>
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Sarah and Chris gave me a new figurine for my Willow Tree collection. This one is called "Butterfly." On the card it reads: "Resilient, determined, courageous and beautiful . . . You have the qualities to transform your world."</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0bpBiLqRvZhPWFQcA5cH8iY65y-yfthaXcNiATFVuguBhpMkqkZWWm5udOL0KQahNqwe73G_yF4XVlDRfDbpR-PVtnF85QKt0QNUwetAIQ2ap6ZonKQhx8c0zx7n8Wlt45sdlF76I2VE/s1600/IMG_0447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0bpBiLqRvZhPWFQcA5cH8iY65y-yfthaXcNiATFVuguBhpMkqkZWWm5udOL0KQahNqwe73G_yF4XVlDRfDbpR-PVtnF85QKt0QNUwetAIQ2ap6ZonKQhx8c0zx7n8Wlt45sdlF76I2VE/s400/IMG_0447.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Isn't she beautiful? This one is called "Butterfly."</div>
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It goes beyond coincidence and into mystic wonders that Sarah chose this particular figurine. Back in May, during my kidney stone issues, I'd wandered into the hospital gift shop to kill some time while waiting for an x-ray. There was a display of Willow Tree figures on a shelf, and I'd been especially drawn to this specific one. In fact, I'd picked it up and commented to the saleslady on how much I liked it. My daughter knows me too well! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHtfyLvj6hJwSQJ1DTqodryLL3pbFwOx_mn5uiI7LmorR5nn-5CXX8WDDm_s2LKspXd1HK9KcWfPHzo8jJU4UdpX1487b2e2A4zaCd5YD9o2l97_RjN1nR3ENHL1IIQ0siQk2BpTdjOU/s1600/IMG_0450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1281" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHtfyLvj6hJwSQJ1DTqodryLL3pbFwOx_mn5uiI7LmorR5nn-5CXX8WDDm_s2LKspXd1HK9KcWfPHzo8jJU4UdpX1487b2e2A4zaCd5YD9o2l97_RjN1nR3ENHL1IIQ0siQk2BpTdjOU/s400/IMG_0450.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love how she leans forward, as if to catch the wind.</div>
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Dylan got me set up with Photoshop on my computer, which I haven't the slightest idea of how to even begin to use, but he now owes me a crash course in the basics. I'm excited to learn how to utilize it for various projects.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYsTvtAPDj60yzJcxUuGFhONBwhWea301J6IO9w2ikoOjjnuFmCoddAEC3j73ILoNf2Nbd6ZHSFbNlQzAW4e7UWOKe3nPfq4FRQf6uJccUXBE-AYRTd2a0oZgFbOy3Q0_OIoAcS-Y4gns/s1600/IMG_0460+from+Jake+%2526+Dylan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYsTvtAPDj60yzJcxUuGFhONBwhWea301J6IO9w2ikoOjjnuFmCoddAEC3j73ILoNf2Nbd6ZHSFbNlQzAW4e7UWOKe3nPfq4FRQf6uJccUXBE-AYRTd2a0oZgFbOy3Q0_OIoAcS-Y4gns/s400/IMG_0460+from+Jake+%2526+Dylan.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This was my favorite book when I was eleven, in 6th grade (1965-66)!</div>
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A week later, Dylan and Jake came over and surprised me with a belated birthday present that Jake had ordered online and finally received. I was stunned when I opened the package (in Star Wars wrapping paper, haha) to find a copy a book called <i>Shadow Castle</i>, which happened to be my absolute favorite in sixth grade. I was deeply touched by Jake's thoughtfulness in choosing this particular gift for me.<br />
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At least six months earlier, Jake and I had reminisced about how we'd each learned to love reading when we were young. For me, it was inspired by my sixth-grade teacher, Mrs. Staub, who read classic children's books (<i>Winnie the Pooh</i>, <i>The Secret Garden</i>, etc.) to our class and truly brought them to life in my mind. My mom never read to us, but she also loved reading and filled our house with books. She allowed me to order from the monthly Arrow Book Club, and I soon had my own little library, including <i>Shadow Castle</i>. I kept that tattered old book for years, but somewhere along the way it disappeared.<br />
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I'm so amazed that Jake even recalled that conversation, let alone searched online for a book that I loved 54 years ago, so he could order it for me. Such a sweet thing to do!<br />
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Jacob just started a new job so money is tight, although thankfully he didn't fall behind on his bills during the interim. He was unable to join us for our birthday dinner, but he sent me a birthday post on Facebook, and then he called me during our little family party that evening. Connecting with my kids is always a gift.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdKRkAswenj5QKYng4RyZ7rR_AVrXDO9f6N_cWSp3EZjwuf4ryE4WrZDOabjLyh2-q2erNMFDogj5dFUkwYzaqeXAAHaInr-qeKkgX7cla6dloDmZ8IQ4jPL3SsKFe2ySznRbFCkmQMx4/s1600/IMG_0452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdKRkAswenj5QKYng4RyZ7rR_AVrXDO9f6N_cWSp3EZjwuf4ryE4WrZDOabjLyh2-q2erNMFDogj5dFUkwYzaqeXAAHaInr-qeKkgX7cla6dloDmZ8IQ4jPL3SsKFe2ySznRbFCkmQMx4/s400/IMG_0452.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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A practical gift from Mark, and a great idea!</div>
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Mark's gift didn't arrive until two days after the party, but it's an awesome product. He'd seen it advertised on television and remembered the website to order from. There's a narrow opening in the dashboard of my car that was a perfect little niche in which to stash my cell phone while driving, back when I had a smaller phone. However, since I upgraded to a newer, larger cell more than a year ago, this phone protrudes farther from the slot and slides all over the place when I make a turn. Sometimes it slides out of its niche altogether and falls to the floor.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNxKEBk8EmOLnDdFvyI3Ye_xiVB7apw3UNwTyQ0lu4Hi-s0TZnGSLbBoQqG2gqa5RhTDTHrkbMbRj0B_ByzkN0GZ2ieqgdLegHrTpWJK_XKFgcyM42QMSS_ibWpPMFuREM9sBsrX57rCA/s1600/IMG_0453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNxKEBk8EmOLnDdFvyI3Ye_xiVB7apw3UNwTyQ0lu4Hi-s0TZnGSLbBoQqG2gqa5RhTDTHrkbMbRj0B_ByzkN0GZ2ieqgdLegHrTpWJK_XKFgcyM42QMSS_ibWpPMFuREM9sBsrX57rCA/s400/IMG_0453.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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This little doodad fits into a cup holder in the center console, and now my phone slides right down into the adjustable slot, held securely in place in whatever position I choose. I don't make calls or text while I drive, but when the phone rings I do want to know who's calling. Then I can determine whether it's imperative to pull over and answer right away, or whether it'll wait until I reach my destination. This way I can know with just a quick glance, hands free. Very useful!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkOqLsMhWa_lLzHBHPWLJeG_seelGgfooKZZybrwI1qpTLoRA6dPxjcMPwCBuA5-FRVldJx-bQTHK_sh2RfVt3_geWFg6PgPEYKM8ESmD0XUf9ylAGnKF1ZB7eqcELDK-AFAzVRUFudPw/s1600/IMG_0435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkOqLsMhWa_lLzHBHPWLJeG_seelGgfooKZZybrwI1qpTLoRA6dPxjcMPwCBuA5-FRVldJx-bQTHK_sh2RfVt3_geWFg6PgPEYKM8ESmD0XUf9ylAGnKF1ZB7eqcELDK-AFAzVRUFudPw/s400/IMG_0435.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Homemade sugar-free cheesecake with raspberries and chocolate chips.</div>
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After the cards and presents were opened, it was time for dessert. I'd baked a cheesecake the previous night, so it was ready to go. All I had to do after church was make and spread the sour cream topping and then dot it with raspberries and sugar-free chocolate chips.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgehT_QWQRWKlmnIPwKmRxMGtGZhw7Ym6Cz9yH-8FuRfz9s5p3-oqjY5UUH6-qVTXQ4edb4XEtLJvkQRIvdwWrpTa_Xo8oEekxIsU5oXk3x8F6RW8VtBklad_fnVwBTSqV592dAuO6fX8U/s1600/IMG_0444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgehT_QWQRWKlmnIPwKmRxMGtGZhw7Ym6Cz9yH-8FuRfz9s5p3-oqjY5UUH6-qVTXQ4edb4XEtLJvkQRIvdwWrpTa_Xo8oEekxIsU5oXk3x8F6RW8VtBklad_fnVwBTSqV592dAuO6fX8U/s400/IMG_0444.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Homemade sugar-free strawberry ice cream, ready to eat. Yum!</div>
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Along with the cheesecake, we enjoyed some delicious homemade ice cream. I'm not that big on store-bought ice creams, but I truly crave the homemade variety! It's only 4.5 carbs per half-cup (does anyone ever really eat just a half-cup serving of ice cream?), but it's probably a good thing that we only make homemade ice cream two or three times every summer!</div>
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It really was a special day, filled with laughter and warmth and family and friends. There is absolutely no better way to turn 65!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHF7H7PMr2jmwOeYMX4pvwNWpxN8x_ieXgHzfNkbNA_dWbbqKq8VBZOVe9fVIq1f4I7dM-Fi1ev_bWeYHmiFQeT7ySRx7xn3DsTCNgJszU6wSy4NDpgFf5Vum4sTxtPFuSNTe38iFdpU/s1600/IMG_0445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHF7H7PMr2jmwOeYMX4pvwNWpxN8x_ieXgHzfNkbNA_dWbbqKq8VBZOVe9fVIq1f4I7dM-Fi1ev_bWeYHmiFQeT7ySRx7xn3DsTCNgJszU6wSy4NDpgFf5Vum4sTxtPFuSNTe38iFdpU/s400/IMG_0445.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Is there anything more scrumptious than this?</div>
<br />Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04166991260862313854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265417439197793850.post-51149939327789064132019-08-30T18:26:00.001-07:002019-08-31T07:30:21.351-07:00Old People Drivers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Z9XrV0u_6rNsI4gNbd07bQMQR2uxLQk5MRx9pf93IW5XN6fvRRpD_1ElrBgjfndpDFVl769rX5Q6eRiR6Uq4YjiZsNNwSJGgp9r-jx7Ck4HowSksZR_eS2AT9yMn6l84gSC88Dp-WVw/s1600/2019+Mary+Jane+Carter+%2528age+almost+65%2529+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="421" data-original-width="683" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Z9XrV0u_6rNsI4gNbd07bQMQR2uxLQk5MRx9pf93IW5XN6fvRRpD_1ElrBgjfndpDFVl769rX5Q6eRiR6Uq4YjiZsNNwSJGgp9r-jx7Ck4HowSksZR_eS2AT9yMn6l84gSC88Dp-WVw/s400/2019+Mary+Jane+Carter+%2528age+almost+65%2529+-+Copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It came in the mail this week: my first Old Geezer driver license.</div>
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It's official. I've joined the ranks of the old geezers terrorizing all those young whippersnappers on the road. In two days, I'll be 65 years old, which means I was required to update my current license.</div>
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I don't know how it works in other states, but Arizona doesn't have a whole lot of reasons that force you to get a new license. A name change or an address change, basically. OR AGING. Now that I've achieved Geezer status, I'll have to update every five years.</div>
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I about died of sticker-shock when Sarah got her first license. The expiration date stamped on it was her birthday in October of 2054. That's when she'll turn 65. Which happens to be exactly eight weeks after my 100th birthday. That was too large a dose of reality for me to swallow. I'm pretty sure I'll be a distant memory by the time Sarah gets her Old Geezer driver license!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFs4C_luvqfHl5CfmKutYZ_E9AqRiDcAxbocJmwP0ESgrtLwVX23rM04i0fj0535rpVLP7F-9fjp1GrENP9lK3y3x-08UNWLJch_SGWYXfb7QZNgLk7VMqEcetaddaWI2YqULi7kHCZ2M/s1600/1973+-+Mary+Jane+Butler+%2528age+almost+19%2529+-+only+her+second+drivers+license.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="874" data-original-width="1332" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFs4C_luvqfHl5CfmKutYZ_E9AqRiDcAxbocJmwP0ESgrtLwVX23rM04i0fj0535rpVLP7F-9fjp1GrENP9lK3y3x-08UNWLJch_SGWYXfb7QZNgLk7VMqEcetaddaWI2YqULi7kHCZ2M/s400/1973+-+Mary+Jane+Butler+%2528age+almost+19%2529+-+only+her+second+drivers+license.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This was my second driver license ever, when I was 18-going-on-19.</div>
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I look like a juvenile delinquent. I think they confiscated my first license.</div>
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Being born and raised in California, my first three licenses were obtained in that state. In those days, we were required to renew our licenses every four years and, I believe, we had to take the written exam each time. It was stressful, but it ensured that we were regularly updated on the rules of the road.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8zsCtsYrVzQqr3f5s_rj76cyOgCJcMLrmPI0uQEKlfYmtB0k1L-D3TRB3CGGgN9h5HZOFRw-wnmYnEOQZ9Hf5eq3cZqlj7Zq4RDGPXfYzEYHZ4TrjK1-V0PMYe26y9sJknZsswLRAezQ/s1600/1985+-+Mary+Jane+Butler+%2528age+almost+31%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="407" data-original-width="663" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8zsCtsYrVzQqr3f5s_rj76cyOgCJcMLrmPI0uQEKlfYmtB0k1L-D3TRB3CGGgN9h5HZOFRw-wnmYnEOQZ9Hf5eq3cZqlj7Zq4RDGPXfYzEYHZ4TrjK1-V0PMYe26y9sJknZsswLRAezQ/s400/1985+-+Mary+Jane+Butler+%2528age+almost+31%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This was my second Arizona driver license, when I was almost 31,</div>
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having obtained the first after we moved to Mesa in March 1980.</div>
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Apparently the Arizona rule was license renewal every five years at the time we'd moved to the Grand Canyon State. We didn't have to retake the written test every time, though. As time went on, the need to renew was relaxed more and more, right up until the 100-year shock I received when Sarah got her first license in about 2006.</div>
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(I used to think that potty-training was the worst nightmare of parenting. Then I had teenagers who needed to learn how to drive. Horrors!)</div>
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The next license(s) should have been in 1989 and/or 1990, when I got married and my name changed to Carter, and then a year later moved to the White Mountains and began teaching at Blue Ridge High School, but I don't have that one. I seem to remember that I renewed after getting married, and then they just stuck a sticker on the back of that license to show my new address.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG09JcWpWo8eiPc-5DiOZAISspLXG81T6pIw1KzC4oMz2sJIWO8t8xXgTz_FRLMo1CRO_cVKiespor_g4HZK2uajsbGFsUUHnYw8Km9RHmnVcC_mlHrCHSQ1YubcaZf6Yl6tusKhWuows/s1600/1996+%2528Aug+30%2529+-+Mary+Jane+Butler+%2528age+almost+42%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="1234" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG09JcWpWo8eiPc-5DiOZAISspLXG81T6pIw1KzC4oMz2sJIWO8t8xXgTz_FRLMo1CRO_cVKiespor_g4HZK2uajsbGFsUUHnYw8Km9RHmnVcC_mlHrCHSQ1YubcaZf6Yl6tusKhWuows/s400/1996+%2528Aug+30%2529+-+Mary+Jane+Butler+%2528age+almost+42%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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How I hated this picture. I was turning 42, Sarah and Jacob were six and five,</div>
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I'd been teaching for six years, and Dylan was born ten months later.</div>
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Obviously I wasn't much for smiling in photographs. Due to ridicule from key people early in my life, I believed I looked grotesque when I smiled. So I learned to keep my emotions off my face. Many people over the years (who later became friends) told me that their first impression of me was that I was cold and distant. In reality, I suffered from a crippling fear of rejection.</div>
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I think the MVD employee who snapped the above picture made me laugh just as she pressed the button. I hated it, but imagine my surprise when I had to show my license at the post office one time, and the worker told me, "That's the best license picture I've ever seen!" I could tell by his voice that he meant it. When I voiced my disagreement, he insisted that he loved how happy I looked, whereas the people in most license photos look disgruntled.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgvi0-mF25QVbX0Jljjo_jnElQuVMYAe1d7iC-qPP0flTPRPPBRXw40KnnagrPQnsSeJyoGYGuyDt0A-R8741TBn5-tE0Mf2Js0T4AmxkGWZicwJ9sdnzdAeOcxt9zjRfxGZ6MJt0j8_w/s1600/2010+-+Mary+Jane+Reynolds+%2528age+55%2529+-+After+remarrying+and+changing+last+name.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="1274" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgvi0-mF25QVbX0Jljjo_jnElQuVMYAe1d7iC-qPP0flTPRPPBRXw40KnnagrPQnsSeJyoGYGuyDt0A-R8741TBn5-tE0Mf2Js0T4AmxkGWZicwJ9sdnzdAeOcxt9zjRfxGZ6MJt0j8_w/s400/2010+-+Mary+Jane+Reynolds+%2528age+55%2529+-+After+remarrying+and+changing+last+name.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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New license when I remarried and name changed (temporarily) to Reynolds.</div>
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I probably would never have needed to renew my license again until I turned 65, but I blew it when I remarried in 2010. (Stupidest thing I've done in my entire 65 years.) Since I chose to change my name, I had to get another license.</div>
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Then when we divorced, after three miserable years and another seventeen months battling it out in court, I had to get another license to reflect that I'd returned to my previous married name. I toyed briefly with going back to my maiden name of Butler, but it made more sense to keep the Carter name my children share. The <i>last</i> thing I wanted was to bear the name of the man who hated and abused me and my children for three years.</div>
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I wasn't too thrilled with the picture below, either, so I wasn't too unhappy to renew my license this month. I prefer the current, top photo in this post...even though I now look like a geriatric delinquent!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDs1T4FWQau2-LY8e0QLozge3V3qZT0Yc3qB0Db-PfEXU2NlTAjl0hip4j_6P-XOU4b6irrH4WNiiWjmSgUytQYUWqDOAIcsxmOPw7Qp2mXLntJPW7m69Nz4A4epa0PrYd41ADIsnbYuw/s1600/2015+-+Mary+Jane+Carter+%2528age+60%2529+-+changing+from+Reynolds+back+to+Carter+after+divorce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="1007" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDs1T4FWQau2-LY8e0QLozge3V3qZT0Yc3qB0Db-PfEXU2NlTAjl0hip4j_6P-XOU4b6irrH4WNiiWjmSgUytQYUWqDOAIcsxmOPw7Qp2mXLntJPW7m69Nz4A4epa0PrYd41ADIsnbYuw/s400/2015+-+Mary+Jane+Carter+%2528age+60%2529+-+changing+from+Reynolds+back+to+Carter+after+divorce.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Going back to the Carter name was worth smiling about. Age 60.</div>
<br />Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04166991260862313854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265417439197793850.post-47210865945640775222019-08-28T14:08:00.001-07:002019-08-28T14:24:50.819-07:00Return to Owens Pond<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXCPXziZXawa3Zw3L1FPhUyHuK4TSovoHmM2NtP7eretk2NmIY21t1LaAb-7a6fvmQV2KDLHJDjUOQ_6WmeFlq-QsNGQ-cJAAxlxvM3CoxfmFJicHufAADFMRAszlj7_aUnYH9Us_OVQ/s1600/20190810_173712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXCPXziZXawa3Zw3L1FPhUyHuK4TSovoHmM2NtP7eretk2NmIY21t1LaAb-7a6fvmQV2KDLHJDjUOQ_6WmeFlq-QsNGQ-cJAAxlxvM3CoxfmFJicHufAADFMRAszlj7_aUnYH9Us_OVQ/s400/20190810_173712.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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August 10, 2019: Sarah and a young friend at Owens Pond.</div>
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A year ago, our church members gathered for a ward picnic at a local recreation area called Owens Pond. It was well attended and a lot of fun, so we hoped to get another good turnout when our bishopric announced another picnic for August 2019. </div>
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We were not disappointed. Despite an ominous weather report, a flash flood warning, and gathering dark clouds scudding in from the east, more than eighty people (probably closer to a hundred of us, but I lost count) showed up for fun in the water, good food, and great fellowship.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudNKMTn5fgypcZTAQiYptqexP4N99EjKcJyHSEWGj41VALfgcz5yDwwNFQ2r0hqF4bKwrNfiR24vwSFqoskU7aEYOU5EIShxlxRLzVpxfwgXG7UkKLV-3H9UYbiviRu0GYuQuDautRQY/s1600/20190810_162517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudNKMTn5fgypcZTAQiYptqexP4N99EjKcJyHSEWGj41VALfgcz5yDwwNFQ2r0hqF4bKwrNfiR24vwSFqoskU7aEYOU5EIShxlxRLzVpxfwgXG7UkKLV-3H9UYbiviRu0GYuQuDautRQY/s400/20190810_162517.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Gathering the picnickers for a blessing on the food before we begin.</div>
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Like last year, the bishopric provided water, burgers, hot dogs, and all the fixin's, while the ward members brought in side dishes and desserts, potluck style. Everything looked delicious, although I confess I didn't even bother to look at the dessert counter, since I knew nothing on it would be low-carb. (It's all good. I made a sugar-free cheesecake the next day to soothe my sweet tooth!)</div>
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I'd signed up to provide a green salad, which is what I ate, along with a bun-less hamburger patty topped with cheese and tomato. It made a satisfying lunch, but the real draw was the opportunity to relax and visit with friends.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw8ktraXyNJGOUe4pV72G50XGWeoSLnpwRAw0iQyZz1Zl5UMi0RS-hXhAV27BKZ8iXBfWu5rnOdIwZgpxf0raS6-b0GcLi8ZP0Z-r8RjP3teW9nr17dGgHTsxAEVvzXRFfqmf0pJ_p218/s1600/20190810_173516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw8ktraXyNJGOUe4pV72G50XGWeoSLnpwRAw0iQyZz1Zl5UMi0RS-hXhAV27BKZ8iXBfWu5rnOdIwZgpxf0raS6-b0GcLi8ZP0Z-r8RjP3teW9nr17dGgHTsxAEVvzXRFfqmf0pJ_p218/s400/20190810_173516.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The skies darken, thunder booms, and the water-babies begin to desert the pond. </div>
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On the right, Sarah and Chris walk down to the water with a friend's two toddlers.</div>
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I always start with good intentions, meaning to take lots of pictures of the activities at these gatherings. Dozens of youth and young adults were cavorting in and around the pond. Men gathered at the horseshoe pits to challenge each other. Younger kids were swaying in the swings under their parents' watchful eyes. Volunteers manned the enormous grills and condiment table to be sure everyone was well fed. Adults of all ages sat in groups all over the grounds, chatting amiably and eating their grilled fare.</div>
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The crowd thins after rain starts sprinkling on our picnic grounds.</div>
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However, as so often happens, I got so caught up in visiting with members of my church family that I totally forgot about the camera waiting under my hand. It's not like we don't see each other at church every Sunday or have ample opportunities to see each other at other events, both in church and out (small town and all). But we are often very busy at church-related events, so it's nice when most of us can just sit and enjoy each others' company. And we're grateful to those who volunteer to take on the bulk of the work so the rest of us can relax.</div>
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By the time I remembered to go capture some photos, the threatened storm had rolled in and started sprinkling on our heads. The kids wisely fled the pond when thunder began rumbling in the distance. Eventually, cleanup began and families started collecting their kids and loading up their cars. Surprisingly, the picnic that began at 4:00 didn't break up until 6:30, despite the weather, so I'd call that a huge success! </div>
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Thunderheads hang over the last of the picnickers to leave the area.</div>
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When Sarah, Chris, Mark, and I said goodbye and headed to our cars, the rain was pouring down in earnest. The little road passing over the creek at the entrance to Owens pond, which had been dry when we arrived, now had water from the creek below flowing over it. We knew then that it was time to leave, for sure!</div>
<br />Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04166991260862313854noreply@blogger.com0