I do enjoy following our family on the computer and reading and seeing what they put there.  I am becoming used to this relatively modern convenience and find it not only useful, but delightful.  I admit that there are times when it brings bad news and information that I could get along without.  But it defines life the way that it is in 2011 and I am happy to be alive in this here and now.  I guess that I could list lots of things that are different for the 2nd and 3rd generation of our family.  I have even come to the point where I take them for granted.  But when I take time to reflect on them I am quite amazed at the way that things are now.  I hope that you realize a little of what you have that we did not  have when we were growing up.  Then I see that all of this isn't necessarily good.  (It isn't necessarily good or bad on its own.)  But there sure are a lot of problems that can come with all of this progress.  And even though we are pretty much done with the raising of our family we are not separate from them either.  We see Zach's dental surgery in the morning and, of course, Colton's surgery on Friday and it concerns us.  At the same time we know a little of how that affects the parents and the rest of the family.  We are just not 'separate' from any of you.  I wonder is it might not actually be more difficult to see those things happen from a distance, because your concern is actually expanded to include more and more people and circumstances.  No, the lot of being a grandpa is not an easy one, nor a grandma either.  You'll see when you get there, and the way time flies by it won't be very long either.

It seems like several Saturdays since we had one all to ourselves.  What with tending and other stuff we have been doing other stuff then just being us.  In the newspaper Sheila read a story about how to deal with being empty-nesters as if it were a bad thing, but we don't see it that way.  We like it.  I did go into today with a lot on my mind.  I had to be up and get stuff done for Richard and for Charles and other office stuff that needed doing, but I was able to finish all of that by 2 and left the office for the day.  I did some 'pondering' (part of the time with my eyes open) and waited for Sheila to get back from grocery shopping.  Then we actually made it to the temple on the last day of the month before it is closed for 2 weeks.  During the session I heard this coughing and it sounded so familiar.  She had cough drops handed to her and the # 2 lady actually brought her a cup of water.  She did make it through but described the cough as being 'weird' and 'deep'.  Me, I just described it as familiar.  The guy I went through for was born in Chenango, New York in 1805.  I just googled it and it was possible that he heard of Joseph Smith at some point during  his life  (An interesting thought) because they were sorta close, especially to the Susquehanna River area.  Oh, I really broke my Saturday routine by doing the whole shower and shave bit, and not on a Sunday.  Means I can sleep in just a bit in the morning.

Success is the progressive realization of a worthy ideal.  I memorized that decades ago and I still have it come to my mind when I want it.  I checked it out today to see if I remembered it correctly as well as who originally said it.  I wasn't sure, but it was refreshed quickly.  It is a quote of the late Earl Nightingale and has been repeated by lots of other folks since he first said it.  I believe that it is the best definition of success that I have found.  It fits the world and it fits the gospel.  I guess one way to improve it in the sense of the gospel might be to just change one word:  Success is the progressive realization of THE worthy ideal.  Either way it works with every day circumstances and helps to see progress as I plod along. On a daily basis I find myself seeing small steps I can define as progress on my journey to that worthy ideal.  But is also sets a context that is forgiving and gently because it allows for a time frame that suits the task, in my case: eternity.  Even me, given that time frame figure I can accomplish whatever I really desire to accomplish.  Ponder about it, memorize it and it will be an effective servant in your own personal pursuit of your worthy ideal as well as 'the' worthy ideal.  Again:  Success is the progressive realization of a worthy ideal.

Sheila has had a little stress in her life the last few days.  She had talked to Sally Murphy (a sister in our ward who supervised and advised her district kitchen job this past school year and who she wants to work with full time [5 hours per day] when the new school years starts).  Sally told her that the particular job that she wants requires an application an interview and letters of recommendation along with a resume'.  So Sheila has had to ask for letters along with all of the other stuff.  She may be going to a class in the morning to help with the resume' and she has to wait for the job to be posted, probably next Monday to apply and be interviewed.  But she has gotten at least 2 letters given from Sister Chapman (her supervisor at the temple) and our Bishop.  I read both and teased Sheila a little about how positive they are.  One might think that she is perfect!  And thinking about that I realize that she IS perfect, and she is MINE (not in a possessive maniac sort of way, but in a 'I am very blessed' sort of way). She is so very special to me, and I realize that my 'job' is to continue being grateful for that and to live a life consistent with showing  that gratitude.  She won't be comfortable with what I am writing, but then that is part of the package too.
She is what she is and I am so much the better for it. 

I received a request from Brooklyn to mention the passing of her pet crab Hermee.  Hermee lasted much longer then was expected, but on 
Sunday last Hermee was found having passed away.  I received no information as to the memorial service, but I am sure that the Porter family showed proper respect for such a long time family pet.  
Nicholas came down and worked hard helping us out with two trips to D I and then a full truck load to transport to Kaysville for Shelli's sale in August.  He was to give Spencer a box of cards per my deal with Spencer and we agreed to get a particular poster to Cortney.  I expect to hear some positive feedback about those two gifts.


I had a 'body guard' on my church rounds tonight.  Zach is here for the night and tomorrow Shelli will come get him to be with her until Saturday when Sharon gets back from girl's camp.  I feel good about my day.  But what good is one day without the day before and the day after.  So I look to tomorrow to validate what I did today, and then I will look to the day after that.  That is the way that it works.

I have fully transitioned back into the work-week.  And I found that I do quite like it.  I like to be able to work and get things done.  You know, progress, success, accomplishment.  It seems to be a very human state to wish you had a day off during a working day, and during a day off you get a little bored and wish for something more to do.  I just got back from the church run and it felt so good.  There was a breeze and it was cool and quite pleasant. But I do have one complaint:  during the morning I have to force myself a little bit, because I don't feel  quite 'into' my day.  Then when I finally do feel 'into it' its night time and the day is virtually over.  I guess I just need something to complain about.  My day is full of so many different things and there is always something that went right.  But I still haven't had a day when everything went right.  Maybe that is reserved for another time and place (another life, perhaps).   I wonder if my standard is too low, like I am happy with only doing a few things throughout the day, or is it my energy that is lacking, as in I only have energy enough to do a few things.  I just can't go full speed all day long.  I just looked at some family pictures on Sheila's Facebook of some of the grand kids from some years back.  I enjoyed remembering them as they once were, but I do like it now when most of them are much older.  I wonder what tomorrow will bring.

A big thank you to the kids who gave 'me' a couple of gift card last Father's Day that I used today to take my wife to a movie and to dinner.  We went to the Harry Potter movie over here at the new Cinemark theater in Draper.  Then we drove almost 2 blocks to the Goodwood restaurant for our dinner, mostly on your dime.  We both had prime rib.  And we shared a strawberry shake as well.  Our morning was well spent just being together and mostly talking.  It was a really nice time.  Our evening was spent, her upstairs and me downstairs with a few trips to the bathroom, but it was nice to wind down our day and get ready for early morning Tuesday.  I realized how much I enjoy just thinking good thoughts and it is even better when we think together.  Anyway, that is hard work too, and I am well spent for this holiday.  I am ready for some more reflecting (new word for thinking, pondering and contemplating) before I go to bed.   (I guess 'edifying' would be another good word)  And then it is back to work tomorrow.  It will be a shock to my system to get back to that, but I've done that before too, so I will be able to do it.I do fret with all the worries that you have.  I have so to fret over for myself, but I don't see them as much to really fret over.  They just are, and life will go on in spite of them.  I just enjoy what seems to be a real rock solid positive attitude (with gratitude) and I just engage the day as it presents itself.  I know what I can't control,  I accept that, I know what I can control and I try to do that as best I can, and I thank Heavenly Father for the opportunity of both.

I hear fireworks going on all around the place.  None in our immediate neighborhood, but plenty that we can see and here for our place.  Ah, to be younger and interested in such things.  Now, not so much.  I am, however, planning on a wild holiday tomorrow with my cobber.  (Wild to me means maybe a movie and going out to dinner!)  I complained to Shelli today that we couldn't afford it, but she caught me as I knew she would knowing that we still had gift cards for just such a thing from my Father's Day present from my wonderful children.  She also said that because Phil had to work that it wasn't going to be a holiday for them.  Too bad, so sad!

I am still in kind of a state of euphoria because of my Priesthood lesson today.  I figure I had a nice inspiration in my plan and it went off even better then I had hoped.  It is kind of a funny irony though because while I was learning and teaching some wonderful stuff I was learning some interesting stuff about myself that left me seeing quite clearly my flaws and weaknesses that I need to work on to pursue the wonderful stuff I was teaching.  Kind of like an epiphany within a revelation within inspiration.  It did and still feels quite warm and fuzzy and yet quite strange at the same time.  One day when I get the guts to write some of what I have been thinking--well, it is some interesting stuff going on with me.

Steve and Ellen came by this afternoon and left a check for Shelli as a donation for Colton.    That was a real nice thing for them to do.  Here we were feeling a little negative towards them and there they go and do that.  That kind of thing has happened to me a lot.  I am constantly amazed by the goodness around me that I overlook all too often.  That's if part of my 'interesting stuff':  a whole new way to see the people around me.  Change my attitude and change my world!

I can't even remember the last time that I was able to go to bed this early.  I am not trying to make Sheila mad at me, because she can't do it too because she has so much more to do and is also expecting some overnight guests in a couple of hours.  And when I mentioned my plan to her she wasn't the least bit bothered but just wished me well.  That's the kind of person that she is.  She has been working so hard all day since she got up before 7 to help Sharon with her yard sale.  Today did go better for the sale, but it was still hot and hard work for Sharon. Linzi and Zach (and of course Sheila).  Long about 3 I made a choice to go out and help them clean things up.  I knew it would be hard on this old man, but I also knew that it was the right thing for me to do.  And I was right ( it was very hard on me, and it was the right thing for me to do.  With all of the stuff that we put aside for D.I. and for Shelli's yard sale next month you might think that Sharon hadn't sold anything,  But it just show how much they started out with, because they moved a lot of merchandise in the last 2 days. 

My Saturday turned out alright as well.  I got some good things done including the lesson preparation for tomorrow that I have been preparing for for weeks.  I hope that it is okay and that I will have a good experience tomorrow.  

With Monday being a holiday I am still trying to figure out the deal between my 'bucket list' and the 'one thing you have to figure out for yourself' deal that has bothered me for several days.  If you have no idea what I am talking about then I guess I will have to explain it all to you, that is, when I get it figured out for myself.

I am searching for the right amount of 'gentleness' that I should have for myself.  As I was writing that sentence I remembered the little refrigerator magnet craft the Sheila has on our fridge that says "Be gentle with yourself".  It fits the question that I am asking myself.  What standard should I use to critique myself.  After all, I have quite the unfair advantage knowing myself so well that I can't fool myself, or at least I hope I can't.  But what should I think.  Can I allow myself some time off to just sit and watch TV, or am I old enough that I should hold myself to a higher standard and expect more work and less--not play, because I don't play much, but 'un-work'.  If I a so serious about what I desire now that I really understand why I here and where I can be going, can I let down at all?  I have a hard time figuring out what I feel about that.  I feel guilty then I don't.  I feel justified, then I don't.  I want to be able to do more, but we're supposed to be able to 'enjoy the journey' too.  I wonder if I work as hard as I used to.  Then I wonder if I should taking into account my age and the work that I have to do.  The hardest question that I ask myself is whether I should or could be doing something else.  Am I afraid of that kind of drastic change or am I doing what I am supposed to be doing.  Maybe the LDS Super Mom idea isn't the only 'super' that we need to avoid.  I really need to give this subject some serious time and even prayer.  I feel like I really need to understand myself better.  Any ideas?

I had just returned from my church check when I paused for a moment to think about turning on some light and how Sharon and Linzi and Zach would get in when they got here.  Just then they drove up.  Linzi was driving and Zach was barely visible underneath another pile of stuff they brought for the giant yard sale that starts tomorrow.  They got here tonight and will stay over to get an early start in the morning.  Zach just walked over to me to say 'hi'.  Sheila and I have talked some about this and she said that it was 'Sharon's party' so we probably won't have much to do with it, but you know Sheila.  She'll dive right in and help out wherever possible.   I don't think I will or would be too much help, but we'll see how it goes.  

I was thinking on the walk back home that there was a time when I tried to keep on top of everything, especially whatever had to do with our family.  But now there is just too much going on for me to keep track of it all.  When I think about it I am bothered that so much goes on that I don't even know about.  But, alas, that is just the way that it has to be.  In fact, I realize that the business that does affect me directly has gotten more and more complicated anyway.  So I am never at a loss as to having something to do.  I even feel guilty when I slack off, but I know that it is required from time to time.  My sanity requires it.  And a nap now and again is required by my, dare I say it:  age!  There does seem to be constant pressure and as soon as I begin to get comfortable with the new level it increase on me as if to guide me to greater heights.  Perhaps that is just what it is doing.

All of a sudden I am feeling rather melancholy.  I was on the way over to the church to do my check and I realized that it is just under three months to my 65th birthday.  My first thought was what I would like to do or receive for my birthday.  I thought and I thought, but I could not come up with any good ideas.  That bothered me a little bit, because I should be able to think of something.  Then I started to see it as a milestone and a mark as to what I have done or become, and that was kind of empty too.  I don't know what it is supposed to feel like to be 65.  And I don't see anything or anywhere to look to find some sort of a standard.  I do know that I have been getting all kinds of junk mail about medicare and retirement and I am not ready for either one.  Thank heaven that I am in pretty good health so I figure that I am not quite done yet.  But I do admit that just the thought of it actually, finally happening is a bit unnerving.  I always thought that I would live until I was 100, but that was in a fantasy sort of way.  To see this particular milestone sneaking up on me startles me a bit.  I have always been a good observer.  I watch people and I see them living their lives and of course I play the comparing game even though I know better.  I don't get swept up in it too much, but it does give me pause to think about the questions that I mentioned at the top of this entry.  They do demand scrutiny and I figure that I will spend a lot of time now pondering on this impending event that is really quite remarkable.

I am overwhelmed by the things that go on in this world.  I am watching a TV show about nuns and they just did a story on a guy who claims that he is Jesus Christ.  It is so strange to me and so, so against what the scripture teach.  I can't figure how they can claim to be living according to the scriptures when what they say and do is so contrary to what the scriptures say.  I had the thought during my church rounds that it is a good thing to be skeptical.  One should not expect the pursuit for truth to be free and easy and without  pain, sacrifice and discomfort.  I know that the church has had much success with what we call the meek and humble, but in my experience they are seeking, thinking and keenly feeling people who seem to be searching in order to be true to something inside of them and they are not easily led about by 'winds of doctrine'.  I just overheard some nuns express the idea of being a virgin isn't necessarily an important thing.  Funny, they hold so fast to some things and yet ignore the majority of truths that the scriptures teach.  It amazes me that they can be so messed up and yet appear to be so pious.  My own ideas need to be continually readjusted, but to be built on a foundation of truth is a humbling thing.  I can invest my faith in what we have.  The goodness of the people is a real valuable factor.  It is also a real challenge to just keep on keeping on in the simple and yet so complicated gospel of the real Christ.

It is amazing how fast you can lose the tone or strength or momentum in some task or exercise if you miss a time of two (or several) in a routine that may even have become habit to you.  I am speaking specifically of my daily exercise routine that I have been faithful to now for years of an hour a day (6 days a week).  Lately as my push up routine has gotten more I have felt less of a need to do that hour work out.  I figure that being active as I can all day long on the simple things helps make up for it too.  If I have copies to make I will get up for each one rather then wait to get up for several.  Also, going up and down the stairs does add 4 seconds to the average life span, so I add an extra minute or 2 every day. (!)
On a day like today when I am busy from the time I get in to the office virtually all day long I figure I keep the engine revving all of the time.  I used up so much energy that when I finally finished the work I had to do I simply crashed for a while and just enjoyed the moment not even thinking.  It felt really good.  It also felt good to force myself into my full hour of exercise from 7-8, so in all facets I count my day has productive.  Sheila hasn't felt quite as chipper.  She has something and feels a little under the weather, but she says that she will still be up at 4, and off to the temple in the morning.   Me, I will sleep a little longer but feel blessed to have another day to enjoy my journey and hopefully accomplish something worthwhile.

We had a lot to do with family today.  Most of it was on the phone, but we did have AmandaRae and Aubree drop in for a short visit while on their way to the airport to fly 'home' to Phoenix, AZ. It is actually a new home as they have not seen it yet as well as the new cat that is now a member of their family.  Of course grandma fed them and we visited for a while before they continued on.  We talked to Phil about some possible new info that might be of interest to them and we talked to Shauni about going down there, but that was before the girls dropped in on us and changed our plans.  We also had a chance to talk to Sharon about their trek.  Seems that they had quite a neat experience on their trip plus a unique 'feeding the 3,000 sort of experience' with a stake there from Kansas.  I hope to learn more about that one and you ought to too.   I figure that AmandaRae and Aubree ought to be on the ground and near to or have left the airport on their way  home right about now.  Most all of the grand kids should be in bed except for Nicholas, Linzi and maybe Cortney.  I could be wrong and because it is summertime a lot more of them may have convinced their parents to let them stay up late. Me, I will be up for another 30 to 45 minutes but then its transition time again.  I need to transform myself into another person, because Monday requires it.  I will conform to the transform but not a second before I absolutely have to.

Shelli and Phil are here to pick up Colton.  They have been quite spoiled the last 2 1/2 plus days.  And we have been able to have the fritter here entertaining us and spreading our kitchen stuff all over the place.  They really packed in lots of stuff in their holiday.  From Harry Potter to golf, from the temple to the massage parlor.  But now their fairy tale is over and its back to their realty (times four!)  And as they go home to the 'times four' we get to go back to our reality which means kitchen stuff that stays in cupboards and toys that stay in playrooms and actually being able to go from room to room with out a 'tag'.  But just watch--I will miss him.  That's just the way it is.

Another week and another 1/2 of another month gone, just like that.
I am grateful for a Sunday to recuperate and boy do I need it.  But it is good for me to see grandma shine in her element.  She is so good with the grand kids, and not with them only.  She is actually great with everybody and all. and I am so blessed because of it.  (And I'm not too bad at it myself, for an onery old grouch!)

Shelli and Phil just left.  Colton will sleep in his own bed tonight and we all continue along as family, and so grateful for all of that am I!

I usually try to do my work with some particular person in mind so as to give it greater purpose.  You know, this task is for Richard or these papers I'm working on are for Marv.  I even think of Robert on some stuff although he hasn't been around this past week.  Well, today I thought of Shelli and Phil.  My work is to allow Sheila to do her work, and her work today was tending the littlest fritter so Shelli and Phil could enjoy massages and eating out and shopping and lounging around and right about now they should be at the new Harry Potter movie.  And that's all because of Me.  (not really, but I am playing a part.) It isn't much of a sacrifice for me, and even though Sheila is made out to look like the world's worst house keeper she is enjoying having Colton here.  Shelli was right though, he creates more mess then practically all of his cousins combined!  He is such a sweet thing.  He prefers his grandma, as do all of the grand kids, but he and I do get along pretty well too.  I did take several breaks throughout today to see him, but I have been extraordinarily busy.  Seems if you prayer for something (as in more work) you better be prepared to have your prayers answered.  So much for the statement I made (wrote) some time ago about being semi-retired, not so today, and all of this week for that matter. Its been slower for such a long time that I need to get back into an old and different mind set to meet this new work load challenge.  But like I said--if you pray for it.....

I got got!  And I got got good.  I was teasing her just the other night about her getting got by Robert by saying something like he was just being a Weaver.  And then she gets me tonight.  I am speaking of Kathy, mild timid (!) Kathy.  I'm sitting in my office when Zach comes in followed by Richard and Kathy.  (They are tending him until tomorrow night.)  Kathy walks by as if to go upstairs, then turns back and tells me that her birthday is next week and that Richard is not going to be working for me on that day.  No equivocation, no hesitation, but with conviction and determination.  I am speechless.  How can I argue?  I wither.  Some time later when they are gone and I go up and find that grandma hasn't put Colton to bed yet and I ask what day next week is Kathy's birthday.  Sheila chuckles a bit as she tells me that is is on Saturday!  Her chuckles increase and grow and she enjoys the moment almost as much as if she did it to me herself.  I have to call Richard and Kathy and express "touche!" you got me.  I fell for it completely.  So welcome Kathy.  You've been here for months and officially too, but now, now, well, what can I say?  I yield to you this time. 
But it ain't over, until its over.

Sheila tells me that Colton hasn't ever stayed the night with us before.  I thought he had, but she is right.  This will be his first time and Shelli and Phil's first time to be without him, that is, since he got through with all of that hospital stuff.  Tomorrow Shelli and Phil use the free get a way gift to spend some time on their own.  We are happy to help by having the little guy here with us for a couple of nights (and days).  Things should go smoothly.  After all, grandma does qualify.

Here we are in the heart of summer and I am beginning to fret about the time going by way too fast.  I watch where the sun rises in the morning when I go out and get my paper and  it has already started back toward decreasing sunlight and shorter days.  Before long it will be football season and then Christmas.  I don't want to think about that.  But. alas, the older I get the less difference it makes.  When its summer I stay inside because its too hot outside and when its winter I stay inside because its too cold outside.  I see all of the younger folks in our family and in our ward and they are active and doing things and going places.  Me, I don't do anything and I don't go anywhere, and I find that that is actually the way that I prefer it.
Just call me boring, but be glad for me because boring is what I like!

A couple of things came to us today.  Shelli told us that the insurance for Colton's surgery took a turn for the worse, and now they don't know what will happen.  Money is now a much bigger problem and they face some real difficult decisions and obstacles.  Then Sharon told us about "the ruling" that she has been waiting for.  Her first impression was that it wasn't what she wanted, but after more talk and reflection I believe that there is a general consensus that it is more favorable to her then she first thought.  The best part is that it will finally be final as soon as it is drafted and finalized.  

As for me, I have felt much better today.  Not only did I have more energy I had good work to do and I did it 'good'.  My numbers aren't great for the week, but it just might turn out tolerable by week's end.  I seem to be getting along better with myself, and hope that that will continue and even get better.  There will always be challenges, but we do see triumphs almost daily as well.  Always some catching up to do, but I have hope for good things.

Perhaps that getting along with myself is the central and best part of the whole thing, and where most of my hope is placed too.

I have been so tired today.  I don't feel sick, but it feels like something more then just being old.  The only thing that got me going was when I had the thought:  "I'm not dead yet, so I might as well do something."  That did keep me grinding away at one small task after another, but I never did feel like I was in a 'work mode' or 'groove' or in a 'zone'.  I just felt tired, but kept on moving.  I did get some good work done, I just never felt really good about it.

We had our FHE old folks get together for food and discussion time tonight.  It lasted until almost 10.  I left to go do my church thing and Sheila drove home and was here to let me in.  I know that I want to go to sleep, but I also know that I will sit up and ponder some too.  I'm close to feeling good about myself, but I'm not there yet.  I just need time to relax and put the world away for awhile so I can grow some positive thoughts.  It seems like I do this to myself every once in a while.  I let things bother  me and I forget all that is good around and about me, but all I have to do is be honest with myself to know how much I have going for me.  It is all there.  I just need to let it find me.  Watch it happen!

Already my week end is over.  It seemed to go by so fast.  Right now I don't want Monday to come, but I will deal with it as it comes so it will be all right.  I did take some time to relax and deeply think today so I can't say that I wasted my day.  Couldn't say that anyway because even when I did nothing I was doing something. 

I have to record a Sheila moment.  I am often telling her about someone we see on the TV as being someone that we have seen on another show or in a movie. Usually I am right but sometimes she is right too.  She got me last week sometime when we were watching  MEMPHIS BEAT and she recognized one Sam Hennings who was playing a detective as being Father Steed in the Work And The Glory movies. She had also seen the actor who played Joseph Smith playing a gay lawyer in another TV show.  I recognized  the guy who played John Groberg in the Other Side of Heaven playing a blind CIA agent in Covert Affairs and Anne Hathaway who played his wife in the Princess Diaries movies.  Tonight we watching Masterpiece Theatre and she recognized the host, Alan Cumming as a character in the TV show The Good Wife.  We were able to go on line and prove her to be right.  She said that we didn't need to do that because she knew that she was right.  I didn't doubt her, but hoped she would see the validation even though she really didn't need it.  Yes, we know that one of the women in the WORK and Glory movies stars in Desperate Housewives.  (Ironic isn't it?)

We were up and off by 10 am this morning.  It was a good thing that we left when we did, because we ran into one bad traffic accident and miles and miles of freeway construction.  But we arrived in time and enjoyed attending the baptism and confirmation of Chase Joseph Rosbach.  We were relaxed about lunch at Shelli's and didn't leave until near 2 pm about an hour later then we had supposed.  One very different thing about my routine that was different for today was that I had actually shaved for the occasion.  I haven't yet decided if I will skip that tomorrow, or will decide that I need a bit of a shave in the morning.  When we arrived at the church in Kaysville we saw Nicholas and found out what had happened to cause his obvious injuries.  He had a scrape on his right cheek, and his right eye was quite swollen.  His left had was scraped up a bit and the inside of his right ankle had quite an abrasion.  He had ridden a small motor cycle and took "too wide of a left turn" and crashed, hence the entry in his Facebook and the evidence on his person.  I'm sure that he will be quite sore for some time.  Oh, and he also injured his right should and bumped his head.  Of course, we hope that nothing serious developed and he will heal completely and before he leaves for college next month!

The rest of my Saturday was spent in leisure.  I was completely out of the mood to do any real serious work so I took advantage of the day and just hung around the house.  Sheila did make one trip to buy some magnets (you'll have to ask her about that) and took a lot longer because she ran into Kathy Garner.  Kathy is a friend from the old 35th ward days and Sheila was able to catch up some on her life story which has a pretty good ending, but some rough times as she got a divorce after 42 years of marriage.  Her ex played a role in my life during his reactivation many years ago in the ward, but was an example of what not to do in his subsequent years.  You just never know how things will turn out, and there are surprises around every corner.  I am still watching and waiting for that big adventure that may or may not happen in our life. 

Every Friday night I end up wanting to write the same thing. 
That is because Friday night's do feel different to me then other nights and Fridays do feel, well, like Fridays.  Perhaps the reason that they feel pretty much the same is because they are pretty much the same.  But there is one difference that last week and this week have that is different from the Friday nights before.  We did not go out to dinner those 2 times.  We stayed here and tonight my wife fixed me meat loaf and scalloped potatoes.  I don't remember what she fixed me last week.  Mostly Fridays feel like the end of a work week and usually the day after is relatively less pressure in schedule and work.  Tomorrow will be a little different because we will be up and off to Kaysville for Chase's baptism.  That will mean a suit and a tie for Saturday which is downright weird, not unheard of but rare enough to be weird.  But family, ah, family, what else really matters?  Without family life would certainly be empty.  (Maybe a bit more relaxed, but empty.)  So I actually feel a little pressure to get to bed even though I don't have to get up 'that' early.   This Saturday will be different, but certainly in a good way.

I guess that we are always connected to the kids no matter how old they get or how our circumstances might change.  I just got back from the church and the first thing that I did was to read Shelli's blog and then the 2 sites concerning Colton.  Shelli is mad about the changes to the deaf mentoring program, and, of course, whatever affects her affects me too.  Today Sharolyn called and talked with Sheila about a situation with her family that causes concern for me (nothing big or serious, but something to think about)  Sharon was here much of the day with Linzi and Zach.  And Richard was around this morning and then again this evening.  I hadn't realized just how much we see or think about them, but when I did I was surprised that it was so much.  I know that we are pretty much on our own, but that doesn't really describe the way that it is when it comes to our kids.  And come to think about it; it is a good thing that it is that way.  My life would be so much less interesting without that.  And that is just one of the many facets of our lives all of which coming together really fills up our time and demands our attention.  Its a good thing that I am semi-retired!

Each new day comes with its own music.  I really can't predict how it will go.  I do have a plan going in to each day, but it never is able to define the whole day.  There is always something to surprise me both in a positive way as well as a downer of some kind or degree most every day.  But on the whole I can't imagine another place that I would rather be.

It seems to me that I should work harder, do more and generally be a better person.  But as the day goes along I fall into a routine that has been my norm for years.  I have changed some things like my push ups and I have added to my routine a morning scripture reading time, but I worry that I should be doing more.  My emotions still go up and down as does my 'fret quotient' about my work. But usually I am able to relax and take what comes. My 'It is what it is" comes into play a lot and I am learning to live with it better then I have in my past.  I guess that I have learned what I cannot change and I am working on learning the things that I can change.  That apparently is the more complicated of the two and takes longer to learn.  So there is still hope for me.  I give Sheila credit for some thoughts that I am trying to 'ponder' now as she remembered a few talks from a visiting teaching message that we were able to find on the internet and print a copy for each of us.  It fits well with my effort at understanding 1 Corinthians chapter 13 subject:  charity.  I didn't spend any time on it today (except for my morning read) so I will try to do some time with it tonight before I go to sleep.  That may be hard because I am really tired.  I must have worked harder today then I thought.

I still feel a little soreness, especially in my calf muscles when I walk.  But my sunburn is still visible, but it doesn't hurt.  I did have energy today, but with Sheila waking up at 4 and me getting up just after 7 I figure a day or so more before I get back to normal.  I was pleased with the work I got done today but it was a good thing that my bar wasn't set very high.  I still have some catching up to do.  It will take another day or two there too.

I wasn't as pleased in all areas of my day.  I slacked off some and I did not do justice to my journey or to my progress.  But I did learn from it, and my resolve is to do better.  Hopefully this time I will.

Today I have been pondering on 'charity' and I have come to a new and better understanding of what it is.  My Bible Dictionary says that "Charity is the highest, most noble and strongest kind of love."  I believe also that "Charity is before, after and during DOING and that Charity and Doing cannot exist separately.  Doing can and does exist without Charity, but Charity cannot exist without Doing."  That's my quote and hopefully it will make sense to more then just me.

I have to admit that I out did myself.  I worked myself until I was exhausted and then I kept on working. I even lasted longer then Sheila did,  which was quite a surprise to me.  But I paid the price and now I have come to the end of my day and I am hoping to be in bed and asleep not long after 9, and surely before 9:30 p.m.  I worry about Sheila because not only did she 'work' like I did today; she has to get up at 4 am in the morning to be at the temple.  She told me that with today and the last 3 days that it will take the whole week for her to catch up.  I figure that tomorrow will be hard for me too.  I have expended and I have acquired.  (expended energy and acquired a sunburn)
Let me explain.  Today is the 4th of July.  We got up and had our breakfast over at the ward pavilion with Robert's family.  That took its toll because I was on my feet for nearly an hour before they got there.  Sheila and I were both visiting and enjoying our ward family, but I was ready for a nap by the time we got done, but instead we drove to Kaysville and spent about 5-6 hours, seemed like mostly walking, but all outside in the sun and a little rain and a lot of heat to be there for Colton's fund raiser.  It was a really exciting experience and the folks were just super nice to do all of that for Shelli and her boy(s).  With a valet job by Nicholas we were able to eliminate a 2nd 5 mile hike and get to our car and home ready to crash again before we got s Sonic summer snack for dinner.  So many memories, so much Colton and his sweet smile.  And lots and lots of family.  This has been the 1st time in many, many years that I have spent such a 4th of July outside exerting myself beyond limits and all I can say is that it was worth it!

Two days ago I coined a new phrase:  'energy expensive', when I was describing my activities and saying that it took a lot of my energy to do the work. Well, today was also 'energy expensive'.  I did have a chance to recuperate from this morning, but right now I am in need of recuperation from our family home evening.  We just said good bye to the last of the group (Cicily and Sharon) and I am in need of sleep to replace, restore and otherwise regenerate some energy.  Even sleeping in a bit doesn't seem to do the job.  I imagine sleeping until noon or something like that, but in my real world that will not happen.  I learned that we do have a breakfast date with Robert & family sometime around 8 so there goes my wild sleep in time anyway.

Today was quite fulfilling as well as tiring.  It was great to watch the kids and grand kids.  They really do get along well.  And they genuine do like each other.  I like them too even though I did have to actually spank a few of them today.  (One, I wasn't brutal, and two the parents approve of my actions because they know what a big teddy bear I am.)


There is much I'd like to write about Shelli's family experience last night, and about the apparent positive response.  But I'm sure that that will come over the next few days.  Suffice it to say that so far they haven't let their popularity go to their heads. (Much!)
 

I just saw my daughter & her family on TV

We knew that Shelli had an interview scheduled for this afternoon.  Then we got word that it would be aired on channel 5 during their 10 pm broadcast.  Of course, I knew that that was after my bed time so I wouldn't stay up that late.  Ha Ha!  Shelli just called and I'm talking to her now while I am writing this.  We were all quite pleased with the way that it went.  It is already on the internet in a couple of different places.  I am sure that it will get more interest as time goes by.  It isn't the best way for me to end my day.  I know that it will be harder for me to get to sleep tonight.  Darn!!!


Even if my day had been more fulfilling this still would have been the best part.  I was hard working and lazy at the same time.  Now I am looking forward to my Sunday. And then another 3 day weekend.

July 1st, 2011

The 2nd half of the year has now started.  Tomorrow will be 26 weeks or 1/2 of 52 weeks.  This morning I did 43 push ups and I thought about it being 4 and 1/2 years since I started doing my p.u.s.h. u.p.s. routine on January 1, 2007.  That sounds like so long ago.  I'm not even going to try to add up all of the push ups that I've done.  And as hard as it is to remain motivated each morning and night it does feel good when I do them.  And I have only had 3 times when I didn't do all that was scheduled because I had such pain from a problem with my shoulder.  Once I skipped it altogether, the other times I did most of them and once I think I found I couldn't do the last 1 or 2, so the next time I did 3 extra to make up for it.  It is funny that usually it is relatively routine and then every once in a while I get to tight that it feels like I can never finish.  My arms feel like lead and my body seems to scream in weakness and pain.  I don't know why it would be that way.  But sometimes it just is.

I am feeling my usual Friday night euphoria.  I was very busy today and I still have lots of work to go. But my target is mostly Tuesday morning.  I'm set for Saturday and I'm ready for a holiday (bus man's holiday that is) weekend.  (does anyone know what a bus man's holiday week end is, anymore?)  There is actually quite a bit of stuff ahead on this weekend.  It is unusual for us to have so much to do.  But we'll try to relax and just chill when we can and also do and enjoy the things that are kind of a responsibility for us.  They will be energy expensive but worth  it and we are looking forward to them.