Saturday, December 13, 2008

The Beginning of Our Holidays

It started off well with Sherri picking us up to take us to the airport to begin our two- week Christmas vacation in Utah and Idaho. We were only about 15 minutes away from the airport when we got a call from Delta that our flight was delayed. We heard that message about every 20 minutes after we had gotten to the airport.

Our flight was scheduled to depart at 12:20 and arrive in Utah at 1:30 or so. Instead, we arrived at 5:00.

Things didn't improve much in the Salt Lake Airport either. We were there over an hour looking for our luggage which had been placed somewhere different than we were told.

Lisa, bless her heart was already helping us by being at our home seeing to it that the Comcast technician could get in to re-connect our TV cable, which was on vacation mode. Now was needed at the airport to pick up up. Chris was planning to do that but couldn't because we were late. She and David had a family party that evening several hours from where they live.

Lisa was already feeling stressed because of the Cable guy, then got stuck in traffic due to a car accident on the freeway. She could only go 5 miles an hour for about 15 miles. She and Mike had many cell phone calls to each other, and she let him know that she would be late. It didn't take long for him to let her know that we were running late because he couldn't find our luggage.

We were ready about the same time and were finally on our way home.

Next problem was the cold, but that was already expected. Not fun though.

I was late for a friend party with my Riverdale girls. The party was scheduled at 6 and it was already going on 7. More on that later. I'm on Mike's lap-top, and the battery is low.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

A Dinner Out

Have you ever been to a buffet? You know, the Old Country Buffet, or Golden Corral...heck even the chinese buffets have the same customers. Now, honestly, I'm not unhappy with people eating where or what they want, I'm just amazed that every time we are in a buffet the majority of people should seriously look into some weight loss products! We were at the Golden Corral for a family dinner tonight, and I have to say--I LOVE this place. The salad bar is second to none, and the hot from the oven dinner rolls are to die for. But if you are looking for a slice of meat...be prepared to stand in a mile long line behind people coming up for thirds or fourths! I was NOT happy about that part!

Monday, December 01, 2008

Christmas Ideas!

I was over at my in laws this evening, and as the conversation lulled I started asking them what kind of things they would like for Christmas. I'm always at a loss for anyone, let alone them. They LOVE coffee, so I was thinking a nice shiny new capresso coffee maker would be nice, turns out...they already have a new one. In fact, they just purchase 3 new appliances--2 of which won't be used any time soon. Why not save the cash, hold off for Christmas and give them out as ideas!! I would so totally have been happy to get them a slow cooker for Christmas---but NOPE, they just had to have one today, to sit on their shelf until mid-January!

So I guess I could think of something a bit more personal--but honestly, who in their right mind gives their in laws something personal??? Or is it just me?

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Security/Snooping/Stopping

Have you ever watched the real life crime shows on TV? It seems like they always have access to security cameras after robberies, but the picture is so grainy, or the assailant is wearing a mask. Are they really that helpful? So we get to see what happened, but do they lead to crime solving? Are they a deterent?

We live in a really quite area, and most of the people in our complex are retired. None of us live high on the hog, and many have sufficient for their needs without being flashy. The other night our neighbor on the next block over installed a camera. What crimes are being committed over there we asked--none! He's got a neighborhood dog pooping on his yard, and he wants to catch it in the act and take the video to the owners.

What a great idea! I never would have thought of that!

Anyone Need A Couch?

We have been talking a lot lately about whether or not we are going to take our current furniture into our new house. The couch we have is so comfortable, and with the recliners out, it makes watching movies just a little more luxurious. Kind of like home theater seating to the max!

The colors should be close enough to get away with, and most of all, it's hard to toss out a perfectly good couch!

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Rising Costs All Over

We have moved across town. Yes, it's a new city, but still, it's like 20 minutes away from the old house. And with this one little move, our car insurance is jumping up by $300 per year. This is the opposite effect of our move here, we actually went down by several hundred.

It doesn't stop us from moving, or being happy with our new area, it just adds a little bit more to our budget that we really hadn't thought of before today! I guess we should look into our cable and internet prices too. I just assumed they would stay the same too, we'll see!

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Health Concerns

I have been going through some of the symptoms of "the change" for quite a while. I was thinking today, that this really isn't the time to be without health insurance. I know that there are certain cancers that a woman can get when the progesterone and estrogen levels are low, and that is a sentence I'm not ready to live with.

I really haven't been taking care of myself as I should be, and starting tomorrow...that's going to change! It's time to take this bull by the horns, and get things heading right! I'll have to let you know how that goes!

Monday, November 17, 2008

Feeling vulnerable!

We feel very vulnerable and are putting our faith in God to help us sell our home.

It looked like it was going to be a piece of cake, but hasn't turned out to be so.

It's a little disconcerting, to say the least!

It would have easily sold by now if we didn't have the price set so high.

Maybe we are just being greedy, and unrealistic.

What bad timing for the housing bubble burst! At any rate, we will keep the price where it is and make changes as we go.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Our New Home

Our new home which isn't new except to us is 7 years old. The same age as the home we left in Clinton. We love our home. It's cozy and seems new since it's newly painted, newly carpeted, has nice cabinets, used cisco, and is filled with new furniture. I miss our fireplace, but it's been replaced by the sun. No problem there!

It seems like the previous owners harvested most of the grapefruits though. Although, I can't remember how many were on the tree when we bought the home. They're still green and we were told they would be ready by the time we got here. We're too curious and impatient and have just picked our first grapefruit. Wow! it's sweet. That's unbelievable!

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Missing Clinton already

On heading out from Utah I began to re-evaluate my move. We know we'll love living in Arizona during the winter months, but it is sad leaving our beautiful home we've enjoyed the past seven years. Many wonderful memories surround our home and neighborhood. We'll miss our family, friends and neighbors very much.

Neither of us have lived anywhere else but Utah except for a short time in Los Angeles where I was born and lived for a year, and Mike lived in LA for 3 years during the 1970's. He lived in England for 2 years while serving a mission, but other than that Utah is all we've known. This will be quite an adventure for us.

Going Away Party

Mike finally retired! Yeah!

He chose Home Town Buffet as the restaurant for his celebration. It has a private room, large enough for the 60 people he's expecting. A buffet is a great idea because everyone can choose the food items they want, eat as much as they want, with no need for Hydroxycut hardcore, all for a very affordable price.

Mike brought down the house when he was introducing his large family. He actually wrote them down. You think that's funny? Well! We have a large family.

Whoops! When you write things down it's possible to forget someone. He did. He forgot Lisa. She was hard to miss sitting right across the table from him.

Suddenly, we here a yell, "hello, you forgot me! Lisa, your baby daughter."

She didn't let him forget that for quite a while. I kept telling her that the reason he forgot her was because he wrote everyone on a list.

That didn't seem to help!

What I was trying to convey was that if he hadn't made a list and followed it, but rather just glanced around at the people and mentioned them individually, he probably wouldn't have missed anyone.

The party was a great success!

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Real Estate Agents & Services

I sold Real Estate for 15 years in Ogden Utah, and thoroughly loved it! I have been retired now for 13 years (hard to believe it's been that long) and If you are looking for a commercial real estate agent, there are some great ones out there!

Buying and selling homes can be a tricky business and these major life decisions are at the top of the list when it comes to stressful decisions. GMAC Real Estate Agents and Brokers can provide you with the service, expertise and advice you need and deserve, in making these important decisions. They will take care of your personal home or property with kids gloves, and they take all the care necessary in order for you to have a smooth transaction from beginning to end.

This service is especially good if you are a first time home buyer who has very little knowledge or experience in this field.

It's also good for those of you who are relocating. Even experienced buyers have little knowledge about real estate laws in other states or countries. And this service is helpful when moving to a new area because the experts in that area can give you the advice you need concerning schools, jobs, and providing you with a safe environment to raise your family in.

It's a buyers market out there right now, time to take full advantage of it!

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

We Are Certainly Enjoying Our Family!

We've already enjoyed several occasions to be with our family and extended family members, and we're looking forward to being with our special friends.

We dropped in and had a visit with our friends Dubby and Carolyn, and had a nice visit. We plan to get together as soon as the weather improves, tired of hanging out wrapped in a heated blanket. So that hasn't happened yet!

We made plans to get with Paul and Colleen for lunch next Thursday, and I talked to Pam on e-mail and we plan to get together with Joan and maybe Jean.

I will get together with my other Riverdale Girls on the 19th. for dinner, and I hate to shock you with this news but I will be getting together with my high school buddies for our 50 high school reunion in June!

Oh my, am I that old?

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Most Recent Disaster

Actually, it wasn't a disaster, but it sure seemed like it at the time.

I had all my baking stuff out ready to begin some low fat banana-nut bread (no diet pill needed)when Mike let out a yell. I ran to the laundry room and found both of us ankle deep in water.

We looked into the sink expecting to see water like the last disaster, but it was empty. Within a minute I noticed water coming under the door of the water heater closet.

To make matters worse this door requires a screw driver. The water heater was in the process of pouring 40 gallons of hot water onto our floor. There was water in the hallway and onto the new carpet, and even more in the Arizona room.

We spent the next two hours mopping up water with towels and ringing them out into the mud-room sink. (Mudroom - same as Laundry room.) Mike called a plumber who saved the day.

The clean-up and repairs took all day. It was now 4:00 pm. In the meantime I made my bread and Mike (the plumber) kept saying how good it smelled. Afterwards we three sat in the Arizona room at the patio table and enjoyed banana-nut bread, apple juice, and good conversation.

When I first found myself in water I was understandably upset. But within seconds I realized we had been very blessed. It happened while we were at home. It happened during the day. Imagine the mess we would have had had we been sleeping or away from the home!

It was also a blessing that it happened during the morning hours so we could get a plumber before he had other obligations. He was on another job a mile west of us, but lucky for us he was almost finished.

Once a water heater starts spilling water there is no way to stop it. It empties the entire tank.

The second heating element might not have blown if we had the information in the plumbers head. Which is that if your water heater starts spilling water you need to turn off the electricity.

Not to the whole house but just to the water heater. That is if your water heater is electric like ours. Other wise I guess you turn off the gas. Our water heater has two elements. One at the top and one at the bottom.

When the tank began to empty it left the top element heating without being in water. It got too hot and fried, as Mike, the plumber put it.

Bottom line is that the elements were $10 a piece, and his total charge
was $85.00. A blessing I didn't mention earlier.

A new water heater and charges could have been $385.00

Monday, November 03, 2008

Happy Halloween!!

After this beautiful Halloween holiday, is anyone NOT in need of weight loss pills? I can't eat sugar, so I'm probably good but I know that with all of the neighborhood kids haul, that may not be the case for long.

This is my favorite time of the year. The trees changing. The weather warm, yet chilly. Just perfect enough for a light sweater. That's how Halloween night was here. The kids didn't need their parkas, although they all had a layer or two under their costumes. But still, even that was a little much at some point during the night. A good time was had by all!

Sunday, November 02, 2008

Phoenix Zoo

The second day was very very busy! We started the day down town Phoenix, and went to the capitol. We enjoyed the capital as we always do and after seeing the downtown sights and lunch we headed for the zoo.

Wow! What a nice zoo! Amy looked how the animals were all in their natural habitat. Instead of seeing a giraffe all by itself, there is a safari section where all the animals are together. Excluding the lions, tigers and bears of course. We don't want any animals offered for lunch there.

Mike pushed me around in a wheelchair which I hated to use, but was really very happy I did. They had one of those old fashioned popcorn machines on the midway and you could smell the freshly popped popcorn from miles away. It was a treat to enjoy!

My cousin Dee Anna insisted on me doing it, because if I had used up all my strength and energy for the zoo it would have been totally gone for the rest of their visit. Her words turned out to be true. I was really tired after seeing the capitol and the zoo even being in the wheelchair.

Nothing Is In It's Right Place!

Before we left to go back to Arizona in Oct, Mike and I spent a lot of time and effort going through everything thing in our closets, drawers, and cabinets making certain that everything was in it's proper place.

We had a storage unit that was storing some of our treasures from the time we sold our Clinton home. We were tired of paying monthly to store our stuff. We sold the larger items like an entertainment center and TV. We gave some things away, and brought the rest to the condo. Which is why we needed to re-organize everything. The condo looks so nice when we left.

After being in Arizona for a while, we decided it was time for a visit home! And since we'd heard there had been flooding, it was necessary that we get there to take care of everything. Luckily we had home owner insurance, because the reconstruction company have worked for four months to get it back to normal!

They've done a great job in restoring the beauty of the condo, but all our treasures that we in the right places are now boxed up and stuffed in closets, and not only is nothing in it's right place, but nothing is in the right box either.

They didn't pack boxes like an organized person who was moving would do. We found items from the kitchen, books from the den, bathroom stuff, etc, all in one box.

What a job!

Saturday, November 01, 2008

Jake Amy Emily and Ashley

We had only been home a few days and had more company at our door. We were really looking forward to this and had a wonderful time with them. And, boy were we busy!

Swimming was the first time on the agenda that day. The weather was perfect and we really enjoyed being in the pool with the kids. This was the first time we have been in the pool since last July. Unbelievable huh! We were busy the first few months we got here and then it turned off to chilly for me to want to go swimming during the winter. Even though it's very mild here during the winter, it has to be warm for me to enjoy swimming.

After we had lunch we took off for the mining town at the base of the Superstition Mountains. We looked at all the stores, panned for gold, looked at a ton of old Harley parts rusting out in the corral, rode the train around the town, gleaning the information from the engineer and learning about the town, plants, trees, gold etc.

We came home and had taco's for dinner and watched a movie. It was a perfect first day.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

I Almost died

This incident happened a year and a half ago. I didn't get it on the blog because I had it all written out and lost it! I want it on the blog as part of my history so it is out of order date wise.

We just got back from Arizona recently and I spent almost everyday at the heart hospital taking tests to see why my heart races almost every night. And lasts for 6, 12 and 18 hours.

This blog is a prelude to my recent heart problems so I'm writing this one first.

The problem with my type of food allergy is that it won’t show up in a blood test. I have to find out what I can’t tolerate by eating a food and seeing how my body reacts to it. People don’t eat just one food item at a time, and it took me a long time to figure out that I was allergic to both wheat and milk. I kept going off one but adding the other back into my diet. A second problem is that I can get away with eating wheat or milk and then the next time have a reaction.

When Mike and I came back to Utah our condo was empty. We had to re-paint the already newly painted condo and put new carpet in it before we could move our furniture and personal items from the storage shed that has housed them for the past six months.
I don’t know why I didn’t take the time to do some grocery shopping and put some nutritious food items in the fridge. It was probably because we had to dishes, or utensils. Everything we owned was in the storage unit.
The first morning after sleeping at Amy and Jake’s house we went and bought paint supplies and headed for the condo. I stopped and bought donuts for Pam and Joan who were going to help us paint. I ate an egg and fruit and maybe my cereal at Amy’s so I had had a nutritious breakfast, no need for diet pills there, but that was the end of nutrition for about 5 days. And for some reason I thought I could eat donuts too.
Bottom line: I ate several donuts that that, and in fact, they were lunch. Lisa brought pizza and Pam brought a salad for dinner that night. I ate both. The salad was made from ingredients I could eat, but the dressing was a no-no. All bottled dressings are made with soy, and I can’t have soy. I have found one bottled dressing since that I can have. It is the only one I buy. Otherwise I use olive oil and vinegar or lemon.
We painted all day into the night. Mike and I slept on a blow-up bed we bought from Cabellas the day before. Otherwise there was not a stick of furniture in the house.
I had nothing nutritious the next morning and probably had another donut. As the days went by we ate from Maple Garden, a Chinese Restaurant, and Souper Salad a restaurant I love. Problem that night was that I had the vegetable beef soup which is delicious, but has wheat in it. And I think I ate a bread stick which I absolutely never do. Go figure! When I crash, I really crash.
Anyway, four days later in the evening a sweet neighbor Pam whom we love and is moving, brought over two homemade cinnamon rolls. They were huge! Like 6 inches by four and three inches high.
I thought I was being a good girl after all the cheating I had done, and cut a 1 inch strip off and ate it. The problem with a 1 inch strip off a 6 inch cinnamon roll is that you still have a cinnamon roll, it’s just smaller.
Our painting was done, (well mostly, that is. Some of the white which is the 2-tone paint didn’t get done, and the kitchen never did get finished. It looks good though, and will probably never be finished.)
Our new carpet was laid, and our furniture and personal items were brought in and after nearly killing ourselves are mostly put away.
I gave it up at midnight and told Mike I couldn’t do anymore and was going to sleep. He was still putting the entertainment center together and said he would be a while.
At 2 AM I woke with a racing heart! I was disoriented and realized that I was also swollen, and like a dummy took a water pill. I went back to bed but couldn’t sleep and in fact, wouldn’t let myself go to sleep because I was aware that if I did I would never wake up again.
I go down on my knees and said a pray, got back into bed, and within minutes knew I needed to go to the hospital.
I went out to get Mike thinking he was asleep in the couch, but found him still working on the entertainment center.
I told him what the problem was. We said a second prayer and knew instantly that we needed to leave for the hospital.
It took 8 hours and lots of medication to bring my heart beat back to normal! And my potassium levels were 3.3. The doctor told me that people check out at 3.5. My heart was beating 150 beats per minute.
The first thing the doctor said the next morning was, “What did you eat last night?” I told him my story and he said that eating all that wheat, and sugar had sent my blood sugar up to diabetic numbers and quickly fell to hypoglycemic numbers, which in turn made my heart race.
That morning was our granddaughter Elyce Brown’s first birthday. I missed it because I was in the hospital and when I got home that day, I wanted my bed! Period!

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Mark Twain's Home In Connecticut





This is Mark Twain's home in Hartford Connecticut. This is the home is wrote all his famous books at, like: Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn, and many others.

We were not allowed to take any pictures of the inside of the home. It was very lovely. Too busy for me to live in though. They liked having a lot of stuff!

There are three floors besides the basement. We didn't go down to the basement but walked the other floors. The tour was worth it.

On the top floor is a billiard room, where Samuel Clemens wrote. He had a study on the lower floors until his children started arriving. Things got a little noisy and he moved up.

A Diet Pill Recommendation

My niece was recently telling me about her experience with a new diet pill called orovo. She isn't one that normally likes the side effects of diet pills, so I was interested to find that she didn't mind this one as much. She didn't have any of the problems (like the jitters) that you get with so many over the counter pills. What she did have a problem with were the things that she caused. There are two different types of pills. One with caffeine added and one without.

She was trying the caffeine one and found that if she got up too late in the morning to take her first dose early, it pushed her second dose back late enough that it disrupted her sleep. So while she's on it she just needs to try to be consistent about getting up early enough to not have her sleep affected. But overall, if you are looking for a good diet pill...she would definitely recommend this one!

Techno Fun

My grandkids have completely surpassed me when it comes to technology. Sure I shocked them with the fact that I have a blog--but after that...not so much. They all have ipods and game systems as well as computers and Blackberry's--of this kind of stuff...I know nothing.

I know what they do. But I don't know how they do it, and there are times when the brain is just too tired (or set in it's ways) to try to figure it out. I'm sure I would love having 1000 songs at my fingertips more than having to text people...but I'm just not there yet!

New Babies

With all of the babies hitting our family recently (all girls) it's no doubt there has been some stocking up on crib bedding. Each baby getting their own color, their own theme. There are so many fun new designs and textures. Each mom could shop at the same site--and still come out with something so completely unique and "theirs" that it's amazing. I was on BabyEarth.com today, and my favorite bedding pattern (for a boy or a girl) is the one called "Creme Brule". Of course, it's my favorite dessert, so that shouldn't be a big shock to anyone!

Such a fun time of life. Nothing is sweeter than new babies. We have been incredibly blessed these past months that each one has come to us healthy and happy, and their moms are doing great too. It's about time to upload some photo's of our four little girls (hint, hint) so that everyone who lives out of state can have a chance to see them! They are beautiful!

Friday, October 10, 2008

Heading To Vegas

Every time you drive from Utah to Phoenix, you get to drive through vegas. Even though we don't stop and spend too much time there, it's still such a fun site. This huge city with amazing buildings out in the middle of the desert, it's quite a sight to see. With family that lives there, we rarely make it to the strip so last year when we wandered downtown it was a lot of fun. Although we paid a fortune for dinner at the Venetian, and it really wasn't that great!

A New Look

I have a friend working in employment screening. She says that even though times are tough, there are still the same number of people coming through her doors. She was expecting a huge spike in business, but has found that not much as changed. I guess that's a good sign, or maybe an ominous one. But for most of us, we are just grateful that life has gone on, and that things are still really good for us.

Monday, October 06, 2008

Peace Of Mind

Especially at our age, term life insurance is something we wouldn't live without. It's just something that brings a little more peace of mind to our lives. There is no way we would leave this life being a burden on our children and their family. This is something that is so easy to take care of, it doesn't cost much, and the final outcome is nothing but a benefit to you and your family. We wouldn't dream of not carrying it.

Putting The Puzzles Together

Fixing up a house is always fun. Finding flooring, indoor lighting and hardware is something that takes quite a lot of time and decisions, but it's so fun to put the puzzle together that will become a new room or even the new house. We've put quite a few new homes together in our lives, and even now, it's one of the most fun things to do.

Monday, September 29, 2008

More Cancer?

I have to go back to University Of Utah this week. It looks to me like I have another cancer on my nose. Good Grief! When will it end?

I was told when I had the cancer removed almost three months ago that there was a 98% chance of it never coming back. Well, it's baack!

I can't say for sure because I'm not a doctor. But I'm pretty good at figuring it out by now.

I'll have to wait three more days to find out for sure.

Saturday, September 20, 2008

A -Fib

No, I'm not tattling on someone who is telling a fib. I am talking about my heart racing.

A-fib is short for Atrial Fibrillation. I've had this problem for at least 25 to 30 years. I used to take medicine for it and then it seemed to get better.

The previous blog is how I almost died with A-fib, although this is not supposed to be a life-threatening problem.The doctor put me on a new medication similar to the old one and is only used as a rescue pill.

. . .

We wanted to go back to Arizona for a while and check up on our home and yard. It's a good thing we did because the drip-system gets clogged up and we lost three of our plants and more were in jeopardy. We had an enjoyable month traveling between the states. We visited Bryce Canyon and stayed in a beautiful bed-and-breakfast in Kanab,Utah. We spent the afternoon in Sedona, Arizona on our way to Apache Junction. We stopped and visited Dee Anna and Hughie on our way home and went to Zion National Park, and then stayed at Steve Page's home in Fairview,Utah before heading home the next day. We also stayed a night at Steve's on the way to Kanab.

We had planned on only doing fun things while we were Arizona but my heart had other plans. It has been racing for two weeks before we left Utah. I had been taking pills almost every night. I needed my prescription refilled, but knew the doctor would make me come in and I never got an appointment made.

After we got to Arizona and I only had one pill left I told Mike we had better get to the doctor. I was lucky to get in with a cardiologist that very day. He didn't think that my food allergies could cause my heart to race, but did write a prescription and made an appointment with a specialist there in the center.

I spent the next two weeks going back and forth to the hospital for every test imaginable. After I told Dr. Chan what Dr. Lindon had said about foods not causing my heart to race, to said, "Oh yes they will!"

My allergies have gotten so bad that my heart races every time I get even the smallest amount of onion or wheat or any foods that I'm allergic to.

George and Nancy and Mike and I went to Applebees for lunch. I tried as hard as I could to order a salad that had nothing in it I couldn't eat. I made sure the dressing was only a balsamic vinaigrette, but there was onion in it, and my heart raced that night.

Then on my birthday, Aug 25, John and Sherri joined us at Outback. I ordered what I thought was safe, but my heart raced again. Since then Mike and I have only eaten at buffets where I can pick and choose my food items.

I passed all the tests with flying colors. There is nothing wrong with my heart. The problem is food allergies not my heart. But the doctor said I was at great risk of having a stroke, heart attack or dying. Allergies are not to be messed with!

He put me on a pill that I have to take morning and night. And then I still have to take the rescue pill if my heart starts to race again. Food allergies are a trigger, but not the reason my heart races. It has a problem even without eating foods I'm allergic to.

I haven't had any problems that I know of, but the nurses kept asking me if I knew when I was in A-fib. I thought that was a strange question and said yes, doesn't everyone? They said that not everyone knows it.

After we got back to Utah and had gone from a warm temperature to a cooler temperature and it was especially cool since it had rained that day, I got a cold in my chest wall. I headed for the doctor again. The Dr. in Arizona wanted this Dr. to take an EKG. He did and asked me if I knew I was in A-fib. I told him no. It turns out that I don't always know it either. He said it wasn't bad enough to worry about, but sent the EKG to Arizona to be looked at.

He said that my heart was not the reason for the recent discomfort but it was inflammation in my chest wall due to the change in weather. Boy, am I sensitive!

I have to wear a heart monitor for a month and have sent in several readings for the doctor to see what my heart looks like on the medication. I might need a higher dosage.

What's next???

Oh, I also learned that I have osteopedia. It is the beginning of osteoporosis. I take Boniva once a month, and more calcium and more vitamin D. I'm told that this is reversible, and I'm expecting good news in a year when we do the next test. I guess I'll there won't be any more cruises for awhile.

Cancer On My Nose

This is a blog that I wrote 5-1-2007. It was the first blog of many that I wrote about having cancer on my nose. I am letting you read what I wrote then so I can catch you up on what's been happening.

. . .

As if I haven't had enough health problems lately - now I have skin cancer on my nose. Actually, this isn't new. During the last few years Dr. Maughan has burned two skins cancers on the tip of my nose.
I was upset because it left a small divot, like an acne scar. When I went back and showed him a second cancer had taken its place, he empathized and said that there would now be a deeper divot, and sadly, there is.
During our winter stay in Arizona I noticed a skin cancer just above the divot. It grew, fell off, grew back, and fell off again. I knew I needed to get in and get it checked and actually planned on making an appointment with Dr. Maughan in February when we came for Quincy's baptism, but I didn't. Darn it!
By the time we got back home in April and I finally got to the doctor's office - it had grown - and now I have another divot that is quite large, but not as deep.
Now I'm worried because it's been a week and it looks to me like the cancer is growing back. It could be a scab, but I've never seen a yellow bumpy scab before.
I need to call Dr. Maughan's office and hope the doctor says everything is normal. I'm afraid that's really hopeful wishing!
Oh, I forgot to mention that Dr. Maughan burned a cancer on my wrist, and cut out another one on the top of my head. Oh, my goodness! I want this to stop!

. . .

It didn't. In fact, I've had two since then.

July 2007 I was told after a biopsy that I needed to get to the University Of Utah hospital and have Mohs surgery. What they do is cut and biopsy until the cancer is totally gone. They had to do this three times before they got it all, and like a dummy I asked for a mirror to see the hole in my nose. It was huge!

The doctor can't sew up a hole because there would be a crease, so he had to cut good skin from the top of my nose to the tip and under the tip to almost my upper lip. Like a dummy I asked for a mirror again! I almost passed out when I saw the scar. It was terrible!

It's been two months now and you'll be happy to know that my nose has healed. You can't even see a scar at all. My nose is still red, but just looks like I have a sunburn. I have to go back to U of U in three weeks and the doctor will do laser which will get rid of the red.

I'm happy with my new nose. It was disconcerting at first though because I would look in the mirror and was shocked at the lady looking back at me. It didn't look like me at all. My nose is more narrow than it was. And I was upset that my nostrils were showing more than they used to. The doctor said that my nose is very tight and will be for six months, and that my nostrils will relax. It is a pretty nose now. The doctor did a great job. He said I have a 98% chance of it never coming back. I sure hope it doesn't!

I'm really a very lucky lady! I could have died of cancer. They got the cancer. It shouldn't come back. And I was left with a very nice nose.

One of my friends who sold Real Estate with me had cancer on her nose, but she lost half her nose and there is a huge hole in her cheek. She has had skin grafts so there is no real hole, but there is a huge dip in both her nose and cheek. A niece of our sister-in-law lost her nose and has to wear a prosthetic nose for a year. It will take that long before the doctors can do skin grafts.

I'm very grateful and have to use my favorite saying: It's A Good!

Pregnant Daughters And New Babies



Mike has four daughters and they were all pregnant at the same time. Sherri is the only one that really looks pregnant. That's because she was almost due. Amy was due the first of June, but came early, Lisa and Chris were due in the last week in October. Amy came two weeks early. Lisa came a month early, and Chris came about two weeks early.

. . .

Mike and I went back to our Utah home mid-August to mid-September. We had a new granddaughter, Claire Lilyanna, (Sherri and Steve's) in April while we were still in Arizona. We missed her birth by a week or so. Amy and Jake had Brooklyn Michelle, in May while we were here, and we had two new more granddaughters on the way the end of September. Lisa told us before we left that we would probably miss her baby coming, because she comes a little early. Well, we missed it alright. Miya Jean was a month early, weighing 5 lbs 8 ounces. She went down to 5 even, but is gaining now, although she's still very small, as you can see by the picture. Chris had her baby a week ago, Mikayla Shirenne, who was 7 lbs 2 ounces.

The babies are in the order they came. We have younger pictures of Claire, who was born in April. These pictures of Claire and Sherri were taken while we were at the hospital the day Chris' baby Mikayla was born.

Next is two of Amy's baby Brooklyn, then two of Lisa's baby Miya Jean, and the last two are of Chris's baby Mikayla. Both Mikayla and Brooklyn Michelle are named after their grandpa Mike.

Wow! Are we lucky or what?







Thursday, September 11, 2008

The Love Of Horses

We were walking through the mall the other day and passed a little girl dressed in full Equestrial Regalia! Honestly, I had to look around the area for english saddles she was so out of place. We do live in the country so to speak, and there are many horse ranches around. But this was a first for me...and I have to say, aside from looking a spot out of place at the mall-she looked darling!

Health Care For All??

We have been spending the week looking into health plans. It seems that they went ahead and canceled our coverage for no apparent reason. With so many commercials on TV about affordable health care, I'm really hoping to find something better than what we had. It's just a real pain in the neck to have to start all over!

Monday, August 25, 2008

Snowbirding

We've just spent a week checking on our "other" home! It's funny, when we are there we miss this one, and when we are here we miss that one. Both homes are beautiful with fun upgrades, like the Grohe faucets we have here or the beautiful Gardenia trees we have there. It's just not possible to pick which home is our favorite, but we do have more family around when we are North for the summer!

Summer Time Sun

We have spent the summer out in the sun, something I've never had a problem with! In fact, I find the hot sun a wonderful acne treatment for my skin. With no make up or goop or glop on my skin, it's really able to breathe. Plus, the extra Vitamin D that comes from the sun being absorbed into my skin is a great health plus anyway!! I've never had terrible skin, but I was always happy to see the affect that the warmth of summer had on me1

Friday, August 22, 2008

Living The Life

We've really learned how to streamline our moves! Our original move required a truck rental, and I was kind of worried that moving back and forth every six months might require more room than our car offered. But maintaining two separate residences really doesn't require that much "stuff" making the move with us. Clothes and toiletries, books and movies are just about all we need to go back and forth. Life as a Snowbird really is wonderful!

More Babies!

There are grandbabies being born right and left these days. How fun is that? None of them are "firsts" so we don't have to throw baby showers or anything, as most of them have items they already need. Not that it isn't really fun shopping for babies anyway! Everything these days is so different than when my kids were babies. I'm thinking of picking up a new Bugaboo stroller--they are so cute, and look so convenient! Even if all of the parents are equipped in the stroller department, it's always fun for Grandma to have something for them at her house when they visit! However, with the streamlined usability of the Bugaboo and the fact that you can interlock different pieces for any need you have, I'm not sure this stroller won't go home with one of my kids while they leave me their big, clunky one!

Saturday, August 02, 2008

Found Another One

I would like to think that I've found one of the best diet pills on the market! I found it online, and I'm so hopeful! I will chart my progress as well as how it makes me feel, and if it works...I will give you all the link to it as well as a full glowing write up about it! If it doesn't, well then, we'll just keep looking! Someday I will be able to share my own success story, until then---we can hope! I know, a lot of my problem has to do with my lack of thyroid function, but still, being fat is no fun!

Modern Technology!

I think I'm the only person that I know who doesn't fully understand ipods! I've never really gotten it! Where do the songs come from? Do you have to pay for each and every one of them? If I have old CD's that I love, can I get songs from them too? See...you thought I was kidding! I know it's the hip, happenin' thing right now--but until talk radio shows up on an ipod...I have very little use for one! My husband on the other hand, would LOVE one!

Nature's Wrath!

I was just reading about people that live in the outer banks having to rush home to board up their homes a few years back when Hurricane Isabella was coming in. What a scary thing to have to do. Board up everything you have and then leave with only the hope that you'll get to come back home again! The outer banks really are beautiful but the fear of losing everything would probably keep me away! Good thing there is good NC health insurance and home insurance--I would still want to keep my very most treasured possessions in a box, easily removed during hurricane season!

Friday, August 01, 2008

Bridal Showers

I have three bridal showers coming up in the next few weeks. All trying to get married before the fall semester begins. I'm always left in a quandary as to what to get each of the girls! Do you give them Shirley of Hollywood lingerie? Towels? Kitchenware? These days you usually get a little card telling you where the people are registered, so I guess I can go out and deal with the crowds and get them something they need. Or maybe just a gift card to that store so that they can buy something they don't get later. I'm always at a loss for these things!

Passport Needed?

Does anyone know if you need a passport to cross into Canada and back? It used to just be a drivers license, but I'm not sure if they've gotten stricter. You used to be able to cross back and forth into Mexico just by stating your country of origin and now you have to have a passport. It takes a thousand times longer to get through the gates these days. You literally stand in line for 2 or 3 hours just to make the crossing. I'm happy for the extra security, but it does take a chunk of time out of your day!

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Prices, Prices, Prices!

It seems like all of the bills come due at the same time. From the car insurance to power bill. It's not always so bad, but there are months when they just pile on, one after the other. Prices are going higher and higher, but the income is staying the same. It's making for hard times across the country, not just here. I just wish there was something being done to stop it. I'm not sure the upcoming Presidential is going to help either, but we'll have to wait and see!

Monday, July 14, 2008

A Fresh New Look

We have recently had a little re-do with our living room furniture. Sadly by doing this it shortened up all of the audio video cables. We had to purchase a couple of HDMI cables in order to use all of our equipment again. It's not too bad because it's a pretty inexpensive fix. Luckily we didn't have to replace any of the "big" electronic equipment, that would have broken the bank!!

Wednesday, July 09, 2008

Hormones & Bad Skin

Speaking of health aids why is it that middle aged women are still desperately in need of acne treatments? I thought they were supposed to be finished with that kind of thing after they passed out of their teenage years. I'm sure it's all having to do with hormones, but honestly, some people have such terrible skin-they make teenagers look good!

Health Aids

I was reading an Anoretix review online the other day. It is so hard to know what is true with all of the information out there. Even the testimonials on some sites are just blatantly impossible. But I was interested in some of the different side effects (or lack thereof) when it comes to taking these pills. If I could find something that would truly increase energy, I would be happy to be an addict!

Monday, July 07, 2008

Paying For Television

Have you seen all of the commercials letting you know that come February 2008 your television won't work if you use an antenna? Does this mean that everyone has to have cable or satellite TV? If you can't afford this luxury, does that mean you no longer get to watch TV? That is a huge expense for some people! I'm not even talking about HDTV, just cable TV costs around $50.00 per month. I'm curious about who lobbied the government to create this fabulous (NOT) plan!!

Freedom Fight

This time of year you see everyone lounging in a hammock chair and watching the events of the July 4th holiday. How lucky we are to live in a country where we have the opportunity to take our freedom for granted! It really is something that we haven't had to think a lot about, they are just there. How sad for people around the world who don't share even a small percentage of the freedoms we do. We can call up a hotel on our cell phone and make a reservation and for most people in this country there isn't much of a hardship in paying for our stay. In Cuba, the government has just given their citizens the right to carry cell phones and to stay in hotels. Sadly, they are paid around $18 per year to live and the going rates at hotels or even for cell phones start at 5 times that amount. God Bless the USA!!

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Las Vegas Getaway

I have to admit, Las Vegas vacations are the best! We had the opportunity to visit last November and it really was so much fun. There's just an atmosphere there, and with friends and family around, it really couldn't have been better. Plus, we were there in late fall, and it was warm and the weather perfect...even when it rained it was just for a moment, and didn't make it humid at all. It was all around a perfect getaway, I can't wait to go back!

Cost of Living on the Rise

The cost of everything is going up! From food and gas to pet supplies and furniture. Soon we won't be able to afford to drive to work in order to earn the money to pay for everything that we work for! It seems to be a ridiculous cycle, but no one seems to be willing to put their foot down to stop it. We should be drilling for our own oil--it's there, we just can't get to it thanks to the stupid liberals people have elected. Now with the rice shortage coming...what's next??

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Shopping For The House

My favorite thing to purchase in the world is home furniture! Whether it's for the inside or the patio, I could shop and buy everyday. My niece and nephew just had a baby and have decorated the baby's room with all of the beautiful dark cherry wood furniture...it's so pretty with the pink and green bedding. Just another area I would love to be able to shop for!

No Such Thing As Quick & Easy

Lately it seems as though there is a search on for the best diet pill. No one really seems to be worried about diet and exercise, they just want the results quick and easy. I have a cousin who did just that and when on Phen Phen early in it's introduction and I have to say, she lost a lot of weight. The problem, she also suffers from some pretty serious heart damage that was only discovered after, at the age of 40, she suffered from a stroke. All due to this magic little pill that took the work out of weight-loss. This is definitely and area where "Buyer Be Ware" seems to fit perfectly!

Monday, June 09, 2008

PS2

Did you know there is a new "limited edition" PS3 coming out? In just a week or two, and they are already selling on Ebay for close to $1000! We've never ventured on to the PS3 as everyone in this house is perfectly happy with a PS2! We just got Guitar Hero I/II/III and I have to admit, it's pretty cool!

Finding The Best Price

I love that there are sites all over the internet that let you find the best buy on almost any product in one stop. Having to search 18 different stores is not my favorite thing to do, but to have everything at my fingertips with one checkout required...I'm all for that! From electronics and MP3 players to vacuum cleaners-all at the lowest prices around. Sign me up!

Skin Problems

Isn't it strange how the older we get, many of us are still suffering with the same problems that plague young teenagers? I know so many people that are searching for the best acne treatment to help with their skin problems. Since most outbreaks are caused by hormones, I'm just not so sure over the counter skin treatments will work. Most people are just trying to find something that works, and are willing to try everything!

Allergies Ahoy

My allergies have been acting up lately. I've relied heavily on my air-purifier, but it's just not getting the job done. I'm thinking of looking into a Blueair purifier to see if the extra power helps filter my air better. Asthma attacks are not fun to deal with on a daily basis-so it is necessary to get this air as clean as possible!

PJ's

I was looking through a catalog the other day and found some really cute jammies and things. No, they aren't the school girl costumes so many younger people are looking for today, but they were cute, and silky and comfortable. Is there anything better considering you are just going to snuggle down to go to sleep? I don't want anything hot or scratchy or uncomfortable at all, just silky and I'm good!

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

New Ideas

Have you ever looked into a computer rental? I've never needed to, but I have a friend traveling with small children and she found it cheaper to rent a computer for the kids to watch video's on and play games, than it was to buy a mini DVD player. She only travels once in a great while, so it's not like it's an expense she'll incur over and over. I think it sound like a great idea for trips away. Plus, it cuts down on the wear and tear of my laptop to use someone else's!

Friday, May 16, 2008

Memory Sticks

I wrote in an earlier post, that I was looking for memory for the computer. I finally found some online that is pretty inexpensive, and I'm hoping we'll soon be back to normal where computer speed is concerned. In addition to purchasing the memory, I've been looking into memory sticks. They let you download images and documents to these cute little sticks. Since I'm not too experienced with them, I would want to make sure you can't damage them. I would hate to put all of my photo's on them, delete the photo's off of my hard drive, only to have something go wrong with my stick! Anyone else notice any problems??

Pool Safety

With the warm weather coming on, more and more people will head to the pool. I'm always astounded at how many drownings or near drownings there are year after year. I was looking at some self defense products and found this really great pool alarm. It sits on the side of the pool, and the water level rises when no one is supposed to be in the pool, the alarm will sound. What a great idea! I just hope parents and pool owners will take steps like these to keep all kids safe around water.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Facial Feats!

Have you heard of Orovo detox? It's all the rage in Hollywood. It was originally created as an anti-wrinkle agent, but what others found while using it--it's a great weight-loss aide (as people are losing 10 pounds in 10 days) but even more strange it works really well to clear up skin problems like acne. It was featured on Oprah, and many of today's "Starlets" are scrambling for it. Hey, if it works...more power to them!

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Technology

I've been looking online for a memory upgrade recently. This computer is starting to run slower and slower,and with more and more family pictures to add, I can only imagine how sluggish it will be after that takes place. I love how technology brings everything to our fingertips, but when it slows down for any reason (even our own fault) it gets really frustrating! Not as frustrating as having to sift through boxes and boxes of pictures for the right one--but once you've been exposed to it's capabilities, suddenly you can't live without them!!

Thursday, May 08, 2008

Little Miss Clair

The many wonderful reasons we come home to Utah is to be with our children. And we have many children! We just had a new grandbaby in April, and were excited to get home and see little miss Clair Lilianna, Brown. I've spelled her name two or three different ways so far, and still haven't found out how Sherri and Steve are spelling Lilianna.

She is beautiful! And of course perfect!

Friday, May 02, 2008

We're Back To Normal Again

It took us three days to get the condo put back together again, and everything in it's proper place.

It actually took a week total because as I said earlier some of the furniture had to be replaced and on piece of furniture was a new bookcase. So the den had about four boxes of books sitting around until the bookcase was delivered and Mike could get it filled back up again. We still have one box sitting here that can't be put away, since we don't have room for the books. Mike wants to go through the box anyway, and send more off to be donated.

All in all, the condo looks nice and we're finally back to normal.

Sunday, April 20, 2008

We're Back In Utah

What a mess we came home to!

Last January a pipe froze in our condo and we had a water problem that amounted to about $12,000! Thank Heavens our insurance company covered all of it except $500.

Since we were in Arizona at the time, Mike had our daughter Lisa check the condo to make sure everything was okay. Well, it wasn't okay. She stepped onto the carpet and was ankle deep in water. She was sure the carpet would not have to be changed but was concerned about the pad.

Bottom line: April of 2007 the condo was newly painted, had new carpet and pad, and new furniture. When we got back here in April 2008 there was new carpet and some of the new furniture had to be replaced since there was water damage there too.

A nice thing that happened was that we got new flooring all around. I hated the vinyl in the kitchen, bathroom, laundry closet, and pantry, and was able to get new vinyl of our choosing.

We also have new counter-top in the kitchen because there was damage to the base cabinets that had to be pulled out and repaired, therefore, damaging the existing counter-top.

Our condo looks better than ever! We love it!

Thursday, April 17, 2008

We Have Lots Of Work To Do!

It seems like Mike and I are always working on our two homes. We are still in Arizona getting ready to go back to Utah, and we have been working hard on our yard. We have planted new trees and bushes and flowers and the yard is starting to look very nice.

The plants should be bigger than they are in my mind and I decided that they needed some food. We fertilized everything, and I hope by the time we come back in July (we are coming back for two weeks,) that the plants will be bigger and more lush.

We leave next week to go back to Utah and we have a lot of work ahead of us!

Friday, April 11, 2008

Plasma Mount TV's

I went through the home behind us yesterday with some of neighbors who have just bought their home but are now interested in selling the one they bought and buying the one behind me. I hadn't seen this home and went through with them.

Our neighbors Guy and Betty have the nicest plasma mount tv on their wall! I was really impressed! I asked if the tv would stay and they laughed at me. Well, it didn't seem such a silly question since it was mounted on the wall and seemed pretty permanent. I guess if our neighbors to the south buy the home home to the west of us, they will simply have to get on this site and find another plasma mounted tv.

Of course they will have to buy their own tv from some other place because this site carries plasma wall mounts for tv's up to 70 inches. And they have mounts for all the popular manufacturers. And you can get mounts for the wall or the ceiling.

Check out the site and see why you should buy from them. I did.

Mature Health Care

I have hit that wonderful age of needing mature health care. If you are in your golden years, or a senior citizen you may be interested in receiving a medicare advantage. This site is loaded with information on health insurance for people on Medicare that is both affordable and the site is very informative on all types of services we need in our later years.

The site explains the difference between Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. And will give all the information you need concerning Medicare supplements. And there's more. Check it out.

Garden Decor For All Your Needs

What a great website! I feel like i'm a different world. garden decor has so many cute and fun items for your garden. You will have to visit this fun site and see what's available.

We don't have a garden, but we've sure spent a lot of time in our yard this winter. Our neighbor just said the other day that we are the plantenest people she's ever seen.

We spend several hours in the yard today and will not get it done this spring. The summers here are too hot and we will finish it this fall.

Logo Designs Just For Your Business

If you have a business - you need a logo. Where is the best place to find a logo? logo design of course. Maybe you already have a design and want to improve the one you have, or maybe you have a new business that needs a logo, and maybe you need help in getting one. Help is at your fingertip. Just click on logo design and see what's available. This is a very creative website and you are sure to find what you're looking for.

The site offers a free logo design consultation, and there are testimonials singing the praises of the website. Happy hunting.

Our Third Day With The Alvords

Mike, Amy and Jake went to the temple and Emily, Ashley and I had a very relaxing day. We started the morning by Ashley coming into bed with me and snuggling for the longest time. Then we watched a video about a high school musical. It was 'Grease and Footloose' with a moral twist. I enjoyed it.

Then we had lunch in the Arizona room and then spent the remainder of the time making bird houses out of cardboard. We made two bird houses that turned out pretty cute if you ask me.

The day was relaxing and peaceful, and we enjoyed ourselves immensely.

Come back soon girls!

Sunday, April 06, 2008

Dallas

We had a very time visit with Mike's brother Boyd and his wife Lou in Dallas. They are always wonderful and so hospitable.
This trip was Easter weekend and we had a wonderful dinner with Boyd, Lou, their daughter Kathy, husband Ed, and sons Kenny and James.
Mike, Boyd and I went to the Dallas Temple on Saturday, and Boyd took us to a wonderful restaurant near by the temple where we ordered salmon, which is my favorite. I eat salmon every where we go and this was the best salmon I have ever tasted. The restaurant is called 'Natalie's' and I think it's a local restaurant only. Wish it was a franchise! It was wonderful.
We didn't see much of Dallas except for this day, but that was fine. We've seen the sights there many times, and only wanted to visit with them.

We left Monday morning and drove a very long drive back to El Paso, stayed one night again enjoying the chicken once more at Elmer's, and arrived back home at four the following day.

It was a very lovely trip.

Saturday, April 05, 2008

Austin Texas

The next day we took off for Austin and went to the capitol. I love capitols and this one was very interesting. There were pictures of both L.B. Johnson and Bush, naturally.

Afterward we visited the LBJ library. There is a gigantic archive library there. We learned later that the Johnson's copied every important book ever written and have the copies there. And the museum is very interesting!

We enjoyed seeing Austin as well and would like to re-visit it someday too.

Friday, April 04, 2008

San Antonio, Texas

The biggest reason that I wanted to drive through Texas was to see the beautiful city of San Antonio. I was certainly not disappointed. We loved walking around the river walk, and we took the boat ride which was very pleasant and informative. We ate on the river walk as well, and of course we went to the Alamo which I didn't realize was right next to the river walk. We didn't have enough time to spend at the Alamo as I would have liked, but we did see all of it. It's just that you could spend hours there just reading the history. I would love to go back there again someday, but if we ever do go back, we will fly. Texas is a big state!

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Texas

Three days after our company left we took a week trip through Texas. I had been to Texas three times up to this point but had always gone by plane and had never seen any city except Dallas and Fort Worth, and I wanted to see Texas!

We had a very enjoyable trip. We drove from Apache Junction, Arizona to El Paso, Texas and was very impressed with the city. I was expecting a small city in the desert, but it is quite large.

Mike mentioned that I would be able to see Mexico, and I thought he meant I would see the Mexico desert. I saw the city Juarez which borders Texas. You can see the city so well because it goes up a hill, and expands for miles. That was fun for me to see since the only city I've been to in Mexico is Tijuana.

We stayed in El Paso the first night of our trip and ate at a nice restaurant called 'Elmers'. They are quite popular there for their chicken, and I'm here to tell you it was very good.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

The Johnston's Came For A Visit

Our dear friends from Clinton, Utah arrived the very day that Sharon and Dale left. We spend five days running around with them and we ate out nine times in those five days.
They really enjoyed Arizona and especially the sunshine.
Mike and Dubby went golfing two or three times, and we had a fun time showing them around.
Carolyn and I had fun eating breakfast each morning while our hubby's golfed, and afterward went shopping. I don't think she bought anything but I had fun picking out a few clothing items I needed.
It was sad seeing them leave, but we are leaving in 8 days to go back to Utah and are looking forward to getting together with them.

Thursday, March 20, 2008

March was very busy!!!!!

My sister Sharon and hubby Dale came to visit the first week and a half of the month. We enjoyed them being here so much. She is always sick and this time had a little more strength to do things. We actually saw them about five times. That is a good number since last year I think I saw her three times, and she was pushing to do that. I could see the fatigue and pain in her eyes and face. I'm so glad she's doing better.

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Now Time Flys

We have been so busy and I have wanted and intended to write about out the things we've been doing, but time keeps getting away from me and we continue to stay busy! It's ridiculous!
I'm going to get this blog caught up. At least for the past two months which has not been our own.

Monday, March 10, 2008

Weight Loss

I don't usually have a problem with my weight, but recently I've gained 8 pounds that just don't seem to want to leave. If I ever gain a few pounds I've always been lucky that they come off just as easy and quickly as they came, but not this time.

I want to lose weight! My clothes don't fit right and last night I was at my sister-in-laws house and four of us were in the bedroom looking at family pictures on the computer, and there was a full length mirror in the room. It was very upsetting to me every time I caught my reflection in that mirror and saw the bumps and lumps that are not normally there. I need to do something about it!

Franchise Gator



Are you interested in buying or receiving information on a franchise? Then this is the site for you.

Franchise Gator loves the opportunity of putting you with other people who are interested in the same things business wise as you are. People working together is what makes our world go round.

Franchise Gator will offers help with both business and investment goals, and can help you get started in either direction.

We Love TVs

This is one website you need to check out if you are planning to make any purchases in the near future. You have the opportunity right now to take advantage of a $50 savings on one of your purchases. This can be done on your first purchase of $51 or more when using your new Revolutionary Card at www.buy.com.

There are so many items available on the website and right now a good saving is offered on a new viewsonic monitor.

Weight Loss - Acne - Muscle Builder

A great website to help you with answers to problems relating to weight loss, acne, or any health issue, is Orovo.

It's a very attractive site and best of all very informative and a convenient since you can do your shopping on line.

I'm not interested in weight loss or acne relief, but I was very interested in the section called 'muscle builders'. You'll need to check out the supplements at all three sections to see if they are for you. I haven't tried them yet, and can't give my own testimonial concerning the products, but there are many testimonials from other people on the site.

Beautiful Bathroom Vanities

I love beautiful bathroom vanities.

This site not on has a wide selection of bathroom vanities but also has a whole array of bathroom fixtures and accessories to make your bathroom the most exquisite bathroom imaginable.

I would love to replace the sinks and facets in both our bathrooms in our Arizona home. Arizona has extremely hard water and the toilets and sinks are stained and I can't get them clean. I've tried everything imaginable. Some of the harsh chemicals have helped a little but they also have left their own stains.

I would love to replace the facets with some of the beautiful facets you'll find at the site www.decorplantet.com. Have fun browsing!

Progesterone Cream

Hormones are vital to our health! And anyone who reads my blog knows how I love talking about health issues.

I am old enough to have been through most symptoms that are associated with hormones and the need for progesterone cream.

The odd thing is that I have never had a hot-flash in my life! I wonder if it is because I had a hysterectomy at age 28 and the doctor told me that I had just gone through early menopause. I did still have to take hormones though. Which I think is a second possible reason for not having hot-flashes, and the other symptoms that are related to needing hormones and progesterone cream. I was talking hormones and one of those hormones was progesterone cream.

Sunday, February 17, 2008

The Amazing Juice - Zrii

I have been writing about the new juice I'm drinking. I haven't really told very much about what the juice is, I've only told what it is doing for me. Just to enlighten anyone reading about it for the first time - I have food allergies, meinere's disease, and post polio.

People who have post polio experience pain in their muscles and I'm no exception. I drink two juices to help with the pain. One is tart red cherry juice and the other is juice from Amalaki trees. The trees grow in various places in the world, but the fruit that Zrii is putting out comes from the trees that grow in northern India at the base of the Himalayan mountains. Amalaki fruit is called the rejuvenating superfood! The fruit is wild-crafted, which means it is harvested from trees as they are found in nature and thus assuring the highest possible quality and potency. This region has not been affected by Western harvesting. There are no pesticides etc. And over the past 50 years it has been the subject of hundreds of scientific studies.

The fruit has an amazing ability to restore one's overall health, because it increases immune functions and increases energy, and vitality.

I mentioned in several blogs how much it has helped me. One of the problems I face everyday is avoiding foods I'm allergic to. If I eat wheat, milk, simply sugars etc, I go deaf! After taking the juice for two days only, I was able to hear better than I have been able to hear for years.

Now, if I continue to eat badly - I will go deaf again. The juice isn't a cure! It is a helper in restoring out bodies to good health, but we have to do our part and eat good food too.

The reason I have so much trouble staying on my diet is because wheat is good food! My brain just has a hard time understanding that I can't have something that is supposed to be good for me.

I have just today been able to hear good again after eating a tiny 2" square of cake. No more! I keep saying this, but I am sick of being deaf. It just isn't worth it. I didn't even like the cake in the first place, so it really wasn't worth it.

Zrii isn't just made up of Amalaki juice. There are other ingredients that are combined to give us all the nutrition we need in one ounce of juice a day. This, not being the only food we eat of course.

I have to take about 12 supplements a day to help support my systems that were destroyed from the polio virus. And after just two days of drinking the juice I was able to cut the dosage in half.

I have recieved a lot of comments on my other Zrii blogs. I love this juice so much that I am selling it. If you are interested in drinking it or starting your own business selling it - let me know. You will need to give me an email address or have a blog that I can leave information on. Actually, the email address is the best.

Monday, February 11, 2008

More On Zrii

These are the changes in my life that the new exciting juice Zrii has done for me.

Number one and is so because this is so big for me, is that after only drinking Zrii for two days, I can hear. Now, I can't hear as well as you do, and if I eat something I'm allergic to or if I get in the cold, I will lose my hearing again. But I can hear better than I have be able to hear for the past 8 years! I am loving it. I keep forgetting to put in my hearing aid because I really don't need it, until I get in a room where lots of people are talking at the same time. Actually, I can't hear then even if I have my hearing aid in. I should have worn it to church yesterday though. I heard most of what was said, but if someone talks with a quiet voice I really have to strain. But, believe me I am excited about how well I can hear!

The second thing I noticed was out of the 20 supplements I take to strengthen and support my systems that have been compromised by post polio and allergies, the dosage I was taking just got cut in half, and one of the supplements went altogether.

The third thing is that I have asthma and I can breathe more deeply into my lungs that I can ever remember doing.

The fourth thing is that it is helping me and my husband sleep. He doesn't have all the ailments I have but he does have trouble sleeping. I have been an incurable insomniac for years, and though Mike can fall asleep he wakes in the middle of the night and can't go back to sleep. We are both sleeping 6 to 8 hours without being disturbed in the middle of the night. We're loving it!

Fifth thing is that it helps with pain! I have pain with post polio and was having a hard time getting to sleep two nights ago even though the juice has been helping me sleep for two weeks now, but I decided to take more juice and see if it would help get rid of my pain and get me to sleep. It did. I didn't think it was a good thing to take it at night for this reason. See Sixth.

Sixth: It is giving everyone energy! I haven't noticed the great energy other people are talking about but have noticed that I have more than I had two weeks ago. I was afraid taking it at night would keep me awake, but it didn't.

Zrii

I was just talking about the new juice I taking in the previous post. It is called Zrii. Go to www.myzrii.com and learn all about it. I'm drinking it and selling it. It is amazing!

I was telling everyone in my last post that the raw diet and Zrii is making me healthy. Well, let me tell you that I noticed a huge difference in my body when I started eating a higher amount of raw than I was before. Five fruits and vegetables a day is not enough! My diet was about 25-50% raw before two weeks ago, when I started eating 80-90% of my diet raw. My body is loving raw, live-sprouted foods.

I was sprouting beans, lentils, nuts and seeds a year a half ago when we moved from Clinton to Arizona. I placed all my sprouting stuff on the top shelf of the pantry and there it has sat until last week that is. Now I have a virtual garden growing in my pantry. I plan to put my recipes on my blog so if you want to learn how to sprout you will have an opportunity to learn how to do it.

Meniere's Disase and Live Foods

Most of you who read my blog know that I write a lot about health and using natural, organic foods, and I use holistic doctors to help me with my health problems.

You've also heard me talk about my allergies, post polio, and meniere's disease. I believe my allergies are the cause of my meniere's disease. When I eat foods I'm allergic to I have ringing in my ears and I go deaf. I have permanent deafness and hear 80 decibals below, but it can get worse than that if I eat the foods I need to avoid. My hearing can get so bad that I can't hear the person sitting right next to me, even when I have my hearing aid in. My right ear isn't as bad as my left ear. The low tones are at 80 below, and the high tones are normal. My left ear the low tones are at 80 below and the high tones are 40 below.

Last October I was in the doctor's office and he told me to get a second hearing aid. I told him no. The reason I said no because if I eat the right foods I can hear. I had an appointment with my ear, nose, throat doctor, and I was excited to see what he might be able to do for me. Well, he put me on prednisone which helped. Although, I'm not into prescription drugs and I don't know that it didn't do more harm than good. But I will say that it helped.

That was right at the time that I got tested and we found many foods that were affecting me and causing my ears to fill up. I went off those foods and did what the doctor told me to do and when I went back to my regular doctor he was shocked to see that I could hear him perfectly and I didn't have my hearing aid in. He wears two hearing aids and said he wished he could just eat differently and be able to hear.

That was the day before we left to come back to Arizona and since we've been here I have experimented with lots of foods that I am able to eat to see which ones my body really loves.

The raw diet is the one it likes the best! I am loving my new diet and I don't even miss the good old American diet. Very often that is.

The second thing I found is a new juice out called Zrii! I went to a raw food luncheon and ate incredible foods that I was excited to get into my recipe book. I was very strong with the juice and can't wait to tell you all about it.

There are many juices on the market. Most of them come from concentrate, and are full of corn syrup, high fructose sugar and soy. These juices are very bad for us.

I have a juicer and love making my own carrot, apple, orange and grapefruit juice. Sometimes I make juice combining all four. It's delicious! We stopped at our ranch market to buy our fruits and veggies last week and the checker asked if we were going someplace. I was confused by the question but I guess she thought we had a motor home or something and wanted to stock up. I told her that those foods would be gone in a week and that we would be back. She was quite amazed. Well, I couldn't make my carrot juice today because I'm out of carrots. If you're wondering if I've turned yellow yet, the answer is no. I'll watch that though.

I'm excited to tell you about Zrii, but I need to run and get my carrots!

I'm back!

I haven't been blogging lately and everyone has been asking me where I've gone to, or what has happened. I was doing great until Christmas time. I even blogged on Mike's laptop while we were in Utah, and I hate writing on those things. That was the first seven days of our Christmas vacation and the last seven days I stopped and just took time to enjoy everyone. I guess I got out of the habit of blogging because when I got home I just couldn't get back to it.

I love journaling and talking to my friends on their blogs but somehow I felt I was losing myself spending hours writing ads. I felt like I didn't have a life anymore. Then Google killed my rank and I can't make the amount of money I was used to anyway.

I have a lot to tell everyone but need to run around and do a little shopping so I'll tell everyone later what I've been doing.

Thursday, February 07, 2008

Stephen's Friend Kyle

When I first arrived at the Stephen's funeral I had a stack of pictures that we had taken of Stephen last summer when we took him and our daughter Cari on a trip to Idaho and Yellowstone Park in Wyoming.

I handed Steve's sister Heather one of the collage of pictures. She was talking to a young man and he immediately asked if I had any extras, and that he was Stephen's friend and would love to have the pictures.

I had brought more than I thought I would need and could easily make more. I was happy to give the pictures to a friend of Steve's, especially since I could always make more copies for family members if needed.

The young man introduced himself as Steve's friend Kyle. He looked 20 years younger than Stephen to me and was a sweet, clean-cut, well put together young man.

Kyle didn't stay for the dinner and left soon after I talked to him.

After the funeral had ended and everyone was getting ready to leave the church I took the opportunity of going through the photo albums on the table. The table was filled with beautiful pictures and memorabilia of Stephen.

I got to the back of a photo album to his grade school pictures when suddenly Heather pointed to the boy standing right next to Stephen in one of the pictures and said, "see that boy. That is Kyle". I was shocked! I was under the impression that Kyle was a recent friend of Steve's, and as I said earlier he looked 20 years younger.

When I said that I thought he was a recent friend of Steve's Heather said that he was, and that he had had the same experience that I had. He was looking at the pictures and found himself! He was more shocked that I was!

Then Heather told me the things that Kyle had told her about how he and Steve had had a great time last summer getting high on drugs in motel rooms. I had fallen in love with this young man and now wanted to give him a good shaking!

I hope Stephen left this world with a good lessen to Kyle. I hope he learns that drugs are not fun, and can kill. I hope he turns his life around for good. He's not too far gone as far as I could see.

My friend Joan said that her son Todd who was a friend of Steve's vowed to change his life. He seemed to have grasped the idea how deadly drugs are. I don't think Todd does drugs, but he felt strongly about improving his situation and taking charge of his life.

Tuesday, February 05, 2008

Stephen's Funeral

I returned from Utah Monday evening. It was cold there and I was miserable! I wouldn't have gone except that our dear nephew Stephen passed away. He had diabetes, and seemed to have aged 10 years since his mother passed away 2 1/2 years ago.

Mike made copies of the pictures we took of Stephen last summer while on our trip to Idaho and Yellowstone Park. I hadn't noticed that he looked older until Melody mentioned it. I have seen him every few weeks since Jeri died and hadn't noticed the stark change.

It was heart breaking the way he died. Alone in an abandoned warehouse. We won't know for several months what the actual cause of death was. But it looks like he froze to death. It is possible that he died of a heart attack, or possibly there were complications of diabetes or something else, we'll have to wait and see.

The funeral was very nice. I think his brother and two sisters did a wonderful job in planning it and taking charge of it.

Heather wrote the obituary and did an excellent job of it. I was very impressed. It was truly beautiful.

It wasn't the traditional funeral. Rather we had a nice luncheon and had a microphone there for people to come up and offer their respects. Several people spoke, and my friend Jean Trimble told a few things about Steve, and read a letter that Steve had written to her husband who was Steve's bishop at the time.

We're very grateful that Stephen is home, happy, and well, and can now progress. He didn't have any kind of life worth sticking around for, and was taking two steps backwards with every step he took.

I believe the wicked man who murdered Stephen's father will be held accountable for taking Steve's life also. That also includes the problems that his mother had for almost forty years. Taking the father of this family caused every member of the family grief! It's a wonder that the other three children turned out so wonderful!

Good-bye Stephen. We love you, and look forward to seeing you again. We know where you are and that you will be warm and happy from now on. And I know when we see you next you'll have that wonderful huge smile on your face that we all adore.

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Stephen

Possibly a few of you Ogden, Utah people saw in the paper a few days ago concerning a man who froze to death in the old Madsen Furniture store. That man was my nephew Stephen Holbrook. He is my sister Jeri’s oldest son. She died two and half years ago, which is why he was left homeless.

He wouldn't have been homeless except that he had diabetes and had a difficult time working. He also had a drug problem, and that really stopped him from working.

Jeri had a difficult time while she was dying because she just couldn’t leave Stephen. She told me she had to fix him before she died. I told her teasingly that if she had the power to fix him would she please do it right now, and while she was at it would she please fix a few other people I know who are having problems while she was at it. She laughed and realized that no matter how long she was left on the earth she was not in control of what Stephen did. If fact, she hadn’t been in control of him since he was about age 6.

It has been a terrible tragedy to our family to know that one of our loved ones lived in such circumstances. I had just seen him a week earlier. He was resting on my daughter Cari’s bed.
It was ironic. I said to Stephen’s sister and I to my sisters that Stephen’s sisters and brother won’t take him in, his aunts won’t take him in, but the poorest member of the family, Cari, takes him in.

We tried hard to help Stephen. We offered to help him get a place in the same complex where Cari lives. She lives at 3158 Lincoln in what is called senior villa, where the elderly or disabled can live almost free if they don’t have money. Cari has cystic fibrosis and other problems and as I said, Stephen had diabetes. I pay $25 a month for her rent and thank Heavenly Father for the privilege of doing it. She gets food stamps and the utilities are free. It is a wonderful blessing to know that she has a roof over her head, that she has running water, the lights are on and she is warm or cool depending on the weather. And she has food. I pay an additional $25 once a year for her health insurance and feel this is a blessing also.

Cari told Stephen to fill out an application every time a place opened up there but he wouldn’t do it. She makes the joke that people are dying to get out of there. She just lost a friend there a few months ago and cried and cried. It turned out to be her neighbor and friend.

Stephen has been going from friend to friend and to Cari’s house ever since his mother died. It’s terrible! Cari could only keep him at her place for short periods at a time because otherwise he would have been permanent occupant and that was not allowed. She told him that there is a half-way house where they take people like Stephen in. He would have a warm bed, food, diabetic supplies, and they would have helped him get off drugs, and get a job, but he didn’t do it.
He stayed at the shelter a day after he left Cari’s, and told her that he was going back to stay with his friend. She knew he was lying because his friend was in jail, and someone else was living in the house where he had been staying. She told me she knew he was living in his car and she was very worried about him. She felt guilty for asking him to leave. I told her not to feel guilty, she had told him where to get help and it was his choice to do it. I told her that I could feel even more guilty because I had an empty home 3 blocks from where he had been staying. But if I had let Stephen live there I wouldn’t have had a home at all. He would have hocked everything in it to buy drugs and would have set up a meth lab in it and possibly have blown it up.

I’m grateful that he didn’t break a window and climb in. He knew we had left for Phoenix and knew where the empty condo was since he at our home for dinner last summer. I invited him over for Christmas dinner, but he didn’t come. I think he was too far gone at that time to come over.

I'm grateful that he is with his parents and grandparents who love him. And we know he's warm and happy now.

Friday, January 18, 2008

Mizuno Golf Clubs



We feel very blessed to live in sunny Arizona where people play golf all year round. It's actually nicer to play golf here in the winter than it is in the summer. In fact, I don't know how they play golf during the summer. They must take advantage of the early morning and evening hours I'm sure.

I don't play golf anymore, but my husband would love to have a new set of Mizuno golf clubs for a Valentine/Anniversary gift. Yep. We will be celebrating our 17th. Anniversary on Valentine's Day.

It's fun to go to lunch with the guys after they've played golf and see all the sunburned and suntanned faces while eating lunch during the winter months.

In 2003, Golf Magazine's Club tested golf clubs and Mizuno's MP-30 rated the highest rated iron in the test. Since then they have had a 4-year streak, and Mizuno has taken home best iron honors.

Auto Accessories


Car and truck accessories make life so much nicer. We were even excited this past Christmas to receive a steering wheel cover as an elephant gift at our annual family Christmas party. Just think how happy we would be to receive a nice gift like a tonneau cover shown above.

This site is your one-stop shopping store for all and any car, truck, SUV, or van accessory needs or wants. Want to hitch up your recreational vehicle and go? Well, you can buy the hitch here too.