My brother has a Buddhist friend who shared this advice with him, " Do not mourn for the past, worry about the future, but live in the present." My brother needed this advice at a time of turmoil in his life; he needed peace.
I recently read an article about the many times in our lives we may want to relive our glory days. Maybe days when we were healthier I do that sometimes, wishing I could walk normal-especially when I see a neat pair of sandals or fancy high-heel shoes. Or do you wish your kids were still at home; had a job; lived in a bigger house or different neighborhood; or just go back a few years when you were younger. "If only..." seems to be a game a lot of people play.
"You [should] not dwell on days now gone nor yearn vainly for yesterdays, however those yesterdays may have been. The past is to be learned from but not lived in. We look back to claim the embers from glowing experiences but not the ashes. And when we have learned what we need to learn and have brought with us the best we have experienced, then we look ahead." Jeffrey R. Holland
The article goes on to talk about being so dissatisfied with your present circumstances that you do nothing for your future. You stay yearning for the past.
What we're doing right now is what'll bring us peace and happiness. Not what we 'should-a, could-a, would-a' , as I always say.
What are we learning? What are we doing? What is making us happy? Are we going places?
It took me many years after my diagnosis with MS to pull myself out of the ashes and to move on. As you read in my last post , it also took me a while to get over moving away from my home state. Every time I go back, it is hard and it brings back a flood a memories, but that is all it is. They are 'glowing experiences' I can learn and grow from.
With my MS challenges, I went to writing school, took several gardening and advanced gardening classes. I volunteered for community and church groups. I was a camp counselor. I wrote children's books and now am compiling family histories for family members. I give gardening presentations to the community. I'm President of the Master Gardener's Association for our county. I've helped judged fairs and I've entered in fairs. I've taught preschool and helped out at my own kids' schools. I've traveled internationally and helped my husband with schools there. I've snorkeled and tried snowboarding (failed on that one, haha). I hike, camp, canoe, ATV, fish, garden, and all sorts of other activities other people would have said someone with MS shouldn't be able to do. I tell them-"Oh YA! Watch me."
I'm living in the present and am loving life.
Each new challenge in our life can be a learning experience, if we let it. It can bring growth and happiness, peace and comfort, in time if we work at it. It won't be easy. It can be brutal. But it will eventually be worth it. But like it says, no sense in dwelling in the past and mourning for the things that can never be again. No use worrying about things you have no control on in the future. Work on the things you can control, which in NOW. Make your own happiness by living in the present so you will have brighter days ahead.
Friday, October 25, 2013
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Decisions
I have been dwelling a great deal on how decisions play a role in our lives; how they have played a part in the lives of my children and my husband and how that has affected me and others. It's like a pebble thrown into a pond. It makes a small splash, and then, it ripples out slowly reaching all areas of a pond.
Over twenty years ago, we moved to the state of Utah from Montana. At the time, I wasn't happy. I'd lived in the state since I was about four. To me, it was home. I knew it backwards and forwards. My husband and I met there; my daughter was born there; I had many happy memories there. My husband likes to joke he dragged me from the state kicking and screaming, and my claw marks are still on I-15 to this very day.
We came here for Rick to finish up his schooling. Here, again, was another decision that was to change our lives. At the time, he was taking physical therapy at the University of Montana. It is a very competitive program. He worked hard for four years and applied around to be accepted for the remaining years of the PT program. It was something like 400 applicants at the time to most schools (U of M being one) and only 125 were being accepted. He was not excepted that year.
So we had to decide. Wait another year, continue with various schooling and try again; or move on. We moved on to start almost all the way over with something he totally loved doing-computers.
That decision and coming to UT has been one that has blessed our lives immensely.
Over twenty years ago, we moved to the state of Utah from Montana. At the time, I wasn't happy. I'd lived in the state since I was about four. To me, it was home. I knew it backwards and forwards. My husband and I met there; my daughter was born there; I had many happy memories there. My husband likes to joke he dragged me from the state kicking and screaming, and my claw marks are still on I-15 to this very day.
St. Mary's Lake-Glacier Nat'l Park
My all-time favorite park to visit each year
One of the many falls in Glacier National Park
We came here for Rick to finish up his schooling. Here, again, was another decision that was to change our lives. At the time, he was taking physical therapy at the University of Montana. It is a very competitive program. He worked hard for four years and applied around to be accepted for the remaining years of the PT program. It was something like 400 applicants at the time to most schools (U of M being one) and only 125 were being accepted. He was not excepted that year.
So we had to decide. Wait another year, continue with various schooling and try again; or move on. We moved on to start almost all the way over with something he totally loved doing-computers.
That decision and coming to UT has been one that has blessed our lives immensely.
Arches National Park-
Yes I have been here when I could still walk well
Bryce's Canyon
Spectacular! But also freezing cold in March
Zion's National Park-The Narrows
Watch for flash floods and do not go in the summer!
Best times to go with no crowds is Mar or Oct
Some of the great benefits: our son was born here in UT; Utah has great medical centers to help with my MS; the job opportunities have been great for Rick, enabling him to travel internationally and make great contacts he may not have been able to with a PT job; my kids were able to attend a Spanish Immersion program from the first grade on and are now fluent in Spanish. This has helped them both get jobs and converse with our Latino neighbors where others have not. Jess was able to get college credits and graduate with a different degree because of her Spanish knowledge.
It's here that I've learned my horticulture knowledge and been given an opportunity to attend seminars with great guest speakers on the subject. Back in MT, I did love gardening, but the season was short and that wasn't the avenue I was pursuing.
I guess what I am trying to say with my rambling is no matter where you're at or what life throws at you, you can make something of it. You can scrap the asphalt out of your fingernails and move on. You just need to stop feeling sorry for yourself. You need to see where those ripples spread and what can be done with them.
I am sure if we had never left MT, I would still have found something to do with my life. Rick would have finished up school doing something. Whether it was something he really loved, I don't know. But we were at a crossroads and needed to do something. It's when you don't decide, your life goes no where. You become stagnant. And a lot of times, you wither up and die.
My husband chose not to do that. I chose not to do that. I'm living each day to the fullest and, am hoping with the pebbles I throw into my pond, the ripples I cause will not affect others in a negative way.
Saturday, September 14, 2013
Things We Take For Granted
I wanted to call attention to the title of this blog-Ramblings. This is what it is for me. I post when things hit me that have to do with my MS and I think are pertinent and will help others in their life to carry on.
When I first started out, I had a ton of ideas I wanted to share. But as time went on, I had to think about it; dwell more on what may help myself and others. I may have lost followers, and that is okay. This is mainly for me and those that want to know what keeps me going after almost 18 years of this wonderful, yet dreadful disease.
As I woke up this morning, I had a long list of things I was planning to do. Here is a small portion of that list: thin the raspberry bed; pick the tomatoes; pick the rest of the peaches; finish drying the old peaches; can the tomatoes; make a fresh batch of salsa; freeze the peaches; make several batches of raspberry-pepper jelly; and then start dinner and relax in front of the TV with my husband while all these things simmered on the stove or oven.
Hahaha! That was the old days. As soon as I climbed out of bed and my leg seized up, I knew my list went out the window. So here is my list as of now at 11:37 am. I took a shower (without washing my hair since this would do me in for the rest of the day), grabbed a half Pop-Tart for breakfast (not my normal meal mind you), and headed out to the raspberry patch. I had to do SOMETHING on my list. I got 1/8th of it done and I was finished. Kaput! The end. My husband is now out there with my son working on the fall clean up for me.
So I am thinking of my yard and all the things I used to do. All the things I LOVED to do and took for granted.
But this is not to be a pity party. It's to make us think. What other things do we take for granted? Here's a list I came up with for me.
My family. My daughter came up for two weeks to help me with a huge project I was doing recently. I was really thankful she came. She left her husband and her busy life--no questions asked. She helped with my housework, my project, my sanity. Her husband even came up the day before the big event and help with the activity. My husband and and son are always there to help with the housework and yard work. They see when I have reached the end of my rope and step in. Both sets of parents are ones that are always there. They listen and talk to me when things get hard. We take fun trips together.
My health. I was never really sick until I was diagnosed with MS at 28. I was active, hiked, camped, hunted, and fished. I worked with youth groups and was a camp counselor. And until last year, I went to a girls' camp almost every year since I was 12. I loved it! I remember shooting my first deer and hauling it out all by myself, since the party I was with hadn't got theirs yet. The look on the men's faces as I dragged it down the hill was priceless. :) I went fishing in college with my roomies and our dates and I was the one showing them all how to gut the fish.
Now, I see a doctor almost weekly to make sure I am doing the best I can be doing. I am eating better than I've ever been (except the Pop-Tart, hehe). I take supplements and use essential oils, which have helped eliminate some of the medication I have to take. I still try to be active, just not as much as I used to be. I try to get small hikes in with my four-legged cane or walker but have to take lots of rests. Sad to say, my hunting days are over, although I still like to target practice. I like to fish and camp but not backpacking into the back-and-beyond to sleep on the ground. I have a nice trailer with a bathroom (a must for me).
Walking. Who would have every thought of walking as something we take for granted? I remember when I first started to lose the use of my right foot. I went with lighter shoes thinking that would solve the problem. But it didn't. I finally had to face reality and start wearing the brace on my leg. On good days, I can walk without my cane, although sometimes I still use it kind of like a security blanket. I hate falling. It really messes up the spinal system and I end up going to the chiropractor to get adjusted.
Children. Growing up, I always dreamed I would have lots of children. I narrowed down the number to eight--5 boys and 3 girls. Don't ask me where I got that number. Just thought it would be nice and boys always seemed so fun to go wild with. Rick and I have been friends since high school so when we met up again at twenty-two and decided to get married, we agreed eight was a good number.
About a year after we were married, we watched three boys for this couple who were gone for the holiday weekend. The ages were 5, 3, and 2. At first, it was fun. By the time, the parents got back, Rick and I decided to reduce our desired child-count to four or five.
By the time I was diagnosed with MS, we had Jessica (3) and Taylor (1). We were told we could have more children if we wanted. The chances of our children having MS would be 2%. It was explained like this: I'd be going to Las Vegas and having a 98% chance of winning. But during the time on conception, pregnancy, and nursing, I couldn't be on any MS or any other medication. It was for us to decide.
At the time, it was a hard decision. With pray and fasting (in my religion those are dear to us), a decision was made. At no time during these past years have we ever regretted it. Now, where I stand, with my health, I could not be raising children. My daughter is 21; my son, 19. I see other families in the community of various religions with kids still in school. I get tired just looking at them. I admire and love them. I help them when I can. I buy the activity cards, support the fund raisers, and try to go to their games.
Are there times when I wish I had my eight children? Yes! But the Lord knew what He was doing when he sent me my one beautiful girl and my one handsome son. So LOVE YOUR CHILDREN--WHETHER YOU HAVE ONE OR HUNDRED. THEY ARE A BLESSING FROM HEAVEN.
There are many more things on my list I've taken for granted. Things I think about everyday. Things I was born with; things I learned; things I acquired or were given; and now because of MS or because of some other circumstances, I no longer have or can do. I try not to be bitter. It won't help my cause. Some things, I've worked around and still do, camping and gardening are examples. Some things I have had to give up, hunting or playing masterpieces on my violin. But there are always other things out there in this world to learn and to try. That is what I am going to do--one tiny step at a time!
When I first started out, I had a ton of ideas I wanted to share. But as time went on, I had to think about it; dwell more on what may help myself and others. I may have lost followers, and that is okay. This is mainly for me and those that want to know what keeps me going after almost 18 years of this wonderful, yet dreadful disease.
As I woke up this morning, I had a long list of things I was planning to do. Here is a small portion of that list: thin the raspberry bed; pick the tomatoes; pick the rest of the peaches; finish drying the old peaches; can the tomatoes; make a fresh batch of salsa; freeze the peaches; make several batches of raspberry-pepper jelly; and then start dinner and relax in front of the TV with my husband while all these things simmered on the stove or oven.
Hahaha! That was the old days. As soon as I climbed out of bed and my leg seized up, I knew my list went out the window. So here is my list as of now at 11:37 am. I took a shower (without washing my hair since this would do me in for the rest of the day), grabbed a half Pop-Tart for breakfast (not my normal meal mind you), and headed out to the raspberry patch. I had to do SOMETHING on my list. I got 1/8th of it done and I was finished. Kaput! The end. My husband is now out there with my son working on the fall clean up for me.
So I am thinking of my yard and all the things I used to do. All the things I LOVED to do and took for granted.
But this is not to be a pity party. It's to make us think. What other things do we take for granted? Here's a list I came up with for me.
My family. My daughter came up for two weeks to help me with a huge project I was doing recently. I was really thankful she came. She left her husband and her busy life--no questions asked. She helped with my housework, my project, my sanity. Her husband even came up the day before the big event and help with the activity. My husband and and son are always there to help with the housework and yard work. They see when I have reached the end of my rope and step in. Both sets of parents are ones that are always there. They listen and talk to me when things get hard. We take fun trips together.
My health. I was never really sick until I was diagnosed with MS at 28. I was active, hiked, camped, hunted, and fished. I worked with youth groups and was a camp counselor. And until last year, I went to a girls' camp almost every year since I was 12. I loved it! I remember shooting my first deer and hauling it out all by myself, since the party I was with hadn't got theirs yet. The look on the men's faces as I dragged it down the hill was priceless. :) I went fishing in college with my roomies and our dates and I was the one showing them all how to gut the fish.
Now, I see a doctor almost weekly to make sure I am doing the best I can be doing. I am eating better than I've ever been (except the Pop-Tart, hehe). I take supplements and use essential oils, which have helped eliminate some of the medication I have to take. I still try to be active, just not as much as I used to be. I try to get small hikes in with my four-legged cane or walker but have to take lots of rests. Sad to say, my hunting days are over, although I still like to target practice. I like to fish and camp but not backpacking into the back-and-beyond to sleep on the ground. I have a nice trailer with a bathroom (a must for me).
Children. Growing up, I always dreamed I would have lots of children. I narrowed down the number to eight--5 boys and 3 girls. Don't ask me where I got that number. Just thought it would be nice and boys always seemed so fun to go wild with. Rick and I have been friends since high school so when we met up again at twenty-two and decided to get married, we agreed eight was a good number.
About a year after we were married, we watched three boys for this couple who were gone for the holiday weekend. The ages were 5, 3, and 2. At first, it was fun. By the time, the parents got back, Rick and I decided to reduce our desired child-count to four or five.
By the time I was diagnosed with MS, we had Jessica (3) and Taylor (1). We were told we could have more children if we wanted. The chances of our children having MS would be 2%. It was explained like this: I'd be going to Las Vegas and having a 98% chance of winning. But during the time on conception, pregnancy, and nursing, I couldn't be on any MS or any other medication. It was for us to decide.
At the time, it was a hard decision. With pray and fasting (in my religion those are dear to us), a decision was made. At no time during these past years have we ever regretted it. Now, where I stand, with my health, I could not be raising children. My daughter is 21; my son, 19. I see other families in the community of various religions with kids still in school. I get tired just looking at them. I admire and love them. I help them when I can. I buy the activity cards, support the fund raisers, and try to go to their games.
Are there times when I wish I had my eight children? Yes! But the Lord knew what He was doing when he sent me my one beautiful girl and my one handsome son. So LOVE YOUR CHILDREN--WHETHER YOU HAVE ONE OR HUNDRED. THEY ARE A BLESSING FROM HEAVEN.
There are many more things on my list I've taken for granted. Things I think about everyday. Things I was born with; things I learned; things I acquired or were given; and now because of MS or because of some other circumstances, I no longer have or can do. I try not to be bitter. It won't help my cause. Some things, I've worked around and still do, camping and gardening are examples. Some things I have had to give up, hunting or playing masterpieces on my violin. But there are always other things out there in this world to learn and to try. That is what I am going to do--one tiny step at a time!
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Baby Steps
Things have been difficult this summer. Trying to juggle work, church, home, and community activities. I often come home exhausted and wonder "What am I doing?"
In fact, the other day, as I was out picking tomatoes and hobbling back to the house, I had to laugh at myself. I started out having this huge bowl of tomatoes precariously perched on my walker and was trying to shuffle along with them as I worked my way back to the house. I gave up and left them out on the edge of the beds for someone else to bring in. It was then, as I was shuffling, I thought of 'baby-steps.'
In life, I think we all take Baby-Steps. Sometimes, when we are sick; when we are new at something; when we are afraid or unsure of ourselves; or maybe when we just have taken too much on our plate. And I think it is okay. It gives us time to think, clear our heads, breathe.
One of the things frustrating me with my MS has been my cognitive issues. Having a lot to juggle isn't helping the situation much, either. At my work, as a Horticultural Assistant, it helps to have information on the top of my head to whip out at a moments notice. I'm talking to people about their lawn or garden issues when all of a sudden-poof! The information in my head has been lost. I pause and smile and take that baby step--to the computer or book that helps jar my memory of the lost info to help the derailed train. I've got pretty good at covering and telling people I will have to do more diagnoses on their items. It saves one's face, you know.
Other Baby-Steps you may have to take in your life:
In fact, the other day, as I was out picking tomatoes and hobbling back to the house, I had to laugh at myself. I started out having this huge bowl of tomatoes precariously perched on my walker and was trying to shuffle along with them as I worked my way back to the house. I gave up and left them out on the edge of the beds for someone else to bring in. It was then, as I was shuffling, I thought of 'baby-steps.'
In life, I think we all take Baby-Steps. Sometimes, when we are sick; when we are new at something; when we are afraid or unsure of ourselves; or maybe when we just have taken too much on our plate. And I think it is okay. It gives us time to think, clear our heads, breathe.
One of the things frustrating me with my MS has been my cognitive issues. Having a lot to juggle isn't helping the situation much, either. At my work, as a Horticultural Assistant, it helps to have information on the top of my head to whip out at a moments notice. I'm talking to people about their lawn or garden issues when all of a sudden-poof! The information in my head has been lost. I pause and smile and take that baby step--to the computer or book that helps jar my memory of the lost info to help the derailed train. I've got pretty good at covering and telling people I will have to do more diagnoses on their items. It saves one's face, you know.
Other Baby-Steps you may have to take in your life:
- Going to the doctor and getting help
- Going back to school (first time or again)
- Starting a new job
- Getting married/divorced/widowed/separated
- Becoming an empty-nester
- Becoming a new-parent
- Starting over (with what ever life throws at you)
- New illness
- Getting out of debt
- Making a large purchase--ex. house or car
- Breaking a Habit
- Learning to do something
All of these take time. You can't do any of it in one giant leap. You can't do any of it in fast forward. You have to do it one step at a time-Baby-steps. We need the time to think, clear our heads, plan, and sometimes, breathe.
Thursday, July 18, 2013
RPM's and PJ'S
At a business retreat Rick and I went to, a yoga instructor told us she always did her RPM's in the morning. My husband quipped up, "Rise, pray, and meditate?" "No," She laughed. "Rise, PEE, and meditate."
I decided to add that to my morning routine but kept it Pray. RPM'S can be an acronym for whatever you want it to be--hers, mine yours. It was hard to do when I had kids at home. I felt like I hit the floor with the RPM's going from 0 to 60 in 2 secs flat. Now, I am more like an old jalopy, and I kind of like the feeling.
I rise after a decent night's rest (usually) and always start my day with prayer. I need to ask God to help me throughout my day. Some may scoff at the idea, and that's okay. It's their choice. But it's my choice to start my day this way. It helps me get going. My meditation is usually reading a good book-scriptures, news, or something I want to read. Something that fills my soul with happiness. I must say, not all news does this, but I like to keep up with what's going on in the world. I limit this to once or twice a week. This is done during breakfast and no more than 30-minutes. I have been known to spend too much time involved in a good book. :)
Now what are PJ'S? That's the bedtime routine of course-Prayer, Journal, and Scriptures. These are done in any order, and if I have already done scriptures earlier in the day, I sometimes read a church magazine, do a crossword puzzle or something else to wind down.
I've always been one to write in a journal. I have them going way back to when I was eight. I don't do the whole routine every night. It's always the P, but I usually save the J for once or twice a week. I don't have enough worth writing about everyday. I try to do the M and S everyday as I find taking time for me is very crucial.
Also, with journaling, I find it funny to read about me to my kids. They realize I was a 'real' kid and teen and had issues just like they faced, even in the 'old' days. It's good to read the stuff I'd forgotten I'd done with or to my siblings and about relatives who have passed away. I get to read about when I first met Rick back when we were fifteen and laugh about the fun times we had. He wonders why I wrote about all the crazy stuff. I am glad I did, because I would have never remembered it.
I guess this blog is also a kind of journal for me, too. It helps me unload some things I might not say otherwise. It is therapeutic just like my RPM's and PJ'S are.
I decided to add that to my morning routine but kept it Pray. RPM'S can be an acronym for whatever you want it to be--hers, mine yours. It was hard to do when I had kids at home. I felt like I hit the floor with the RPM's going from 0 to 60 in 2 secs flat. Now, I am more like an old jalopy, and I kind of like the feeling.
I rise after a decent night's rest (usually) and always start my day with prayer. I need to ask God to help me throughout my day. Some may scoff at the idea, and that's okay. It's their choice. But it's my choice to start my day this way. It helps me get going. My meditation is usually reading a good book-scriptures, news, or something I want to read. Something that fills my soul with happiness. I must say, not all news does this, but I like to keep up with what's going on in the world. I limit this to once or twice a week. This is done during breakfast and no more than 30-minutes. I have been known to spend too much time involved in a good book. :)
Now what are PJ'S? That's the bedtime routine of course-Prayer, Journal, and Scriptures. These are done in any order, and if I have already done scriptures earlier in the day, I sometimes read a church magazine, do a crossword puzzle or something else to wind down.
I've always been one to write in a journal. I have them going way back to when I was eight. I don't do the whole routine every night. It's always the P, but I usually save the J for once or twice a week. I don't have enough worth writing about everyday. I try to do the M and S everyday as I find taking time for me is very crucial.
Also, with journaling, I find it funny to read about me to my kids. They realize I was a 'real' kid and teen and had issues just like they faced, even in the 'old' days. It's good to read the stuff I'd forgotten I'd done with or to my siblings and about relatives who have passed away. I get to read about when I first met Rick back when we were fifteen and laugh about the fun times we had. He wonders why I wrote about all the crazy stuff. I am glad I did, because I would have never remembered it.
I guess this blog is also a kind of journal for me, too. It helps me unload some things I might not say otherwise. It is therapeutic just like my RPM's and PJ'S are.
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Friends
In fact, everyone should expect curve balls at some point in their career. For when those curve balls come and we hit for all we are worth (hopefully hitting some out of the ballpark), that is when we call the one or two good friend/s we have in our lives. These friends give us a base to go to; a home plate to come safely into. Maybe, we just want a cheerleader.
I, for one, don't want unsolicited advice or someone to tell me "I told you so." I just want someone to blow of some steam to; some to cry with; someone to help out; or someone to just listen. Maybe that is why people tell me I am a great listener. It is because I am hoping to be THAT friend to them.
I am sure we've all had someone come up to us and ask, "How are you?" or my favorite, "What can I do to help you?" and then, when you start to tell them, they stop listening or come up with all the reasons WHY they can't help you. These are not true friends. They are lip-service acquaintances. They want to give the appearance they care but don't really. So when they ask the questions, they're duty is done.
A few year's ago when I was down for a relapse with MS, I had a person ask me if I needed help. I thought it was a sincere offer. I asked for a simple task that needed to be done. A week went by and then, this person told me, "My house needed it done too, so I worked on it instead. Hope you don't mind." Really? Mine never got done. Why the offer if there was no intention?
Are we guilty of doing that? Do we offer lip-service? Are we what my mother-in-law calls fair-weather friends?
I have gone out of my way to try NOT to do that. If I am going to ask a person how they are doing, I want to know, and I stay to listen. If I am going to help someone out, I make sure I am willing and able to do whatever it is they MAY ask of me. You may never know, you could be someone's lifesaver just by simply stopping and taking 5 minutes to LISTEN or to help out.
The other day when one of those curve balls came, I was thinking of whom to call and help out. The list was few. I didn't want another lip-service person with 1001 excuses of why now wouldn't work. I needed a friend. I said a silent pray that my #1 Friend wouldn't be busy and could help. And he just happened to be free!. The Lord was with me--He always is.
I am so glad I am married to my #1 Friend.
 Our engagement photo 1990 |
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| At our 25th year HS reunion 2011 (yes, we graduated at same high school; no we weren't high school sweet hearts) |
My second friend I call when my husband is busy and can't be around is my mom!
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| This was at an honor dinner at Weber University in Ogden, Utah, for my Mother-Virginia Stevens. May 2005 (way young) |
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| Hiking in Zion's National Park Feb 2011 |
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| Zef and Jess Anderson Draper, Utah Dec 29, 2012 |
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| Dec 29, 2012 Reception of Jess' wedding |
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| Bobbi and I enjoying camping and friendship. Many Pines Camp Ground near Neihart, Montana ca. 1980 |
My friend since 7th grade-Cathy McGuire Kotzian
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| Cathy and I go way back. Though life may have put miles between us, we still keep in touch and we know we are there for each other! |
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| This is Cath and I about 1985. Bad pic but those were the days. Charles M. Russell High School, Great Falls, MT. |
This is me now :
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| Dec 29, 2012 Riverton, UT Daughter's reception I had many great friends who helped me out with this reception. My mother and sister where a great help. They were with me almost every step of the way. I couldn't have made it at all without the help of my #1 Friend at all-the love of my life who has been with me for twenty-three years now. And surprise of surprises, my friend since I was three showed up to help me, too. It was a three-hour long drive for her and her husband to get there, but they came and stayed until the bitter end. 
Teresa Lackner Chipman and I
Dec 29, 2012
Teresa Lackner and I with my little brother, Travis Stevens
1980 Great Falls, MT
Taken with an instant Polaroid
Got to love the quality-haha
Sometimes you meet great new friends, like I did at my daughter's wedding, and they help you out. Sometimes you have friends that will never let you down, like my long-time chum of 42-years. Most times, you will have those that will just want to give you a passing glance. It is those I hope we don't become. The world has too many of those.
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Monday, July 1, 2013
Bounteous Blessings
This is just a writing to finally show you my lovely garden beds built by my Darling Hubby and Super Son. I have been talking about this early in my previous posts and promised to show pictures.
While I was out taking pictures, I realized I needed to count my blessings of all the things I can and have done out in my yard. With the help of my family and the neighbor boy, I have done all you see below. Just remember, we live in second driest state in the Union (Nevada is the first). It is a battle to keep our grass green and the weeds down. haha
With all this surrounding me, I couldn't help but think of all the blessings I have. I can garden to my heart's content. I get to have fresh fruit and vegetables and nothing beats a red, ripe tomato. So the little trip around my back yard, through the morning heat of 90*F, helped me realize I do somethings after all, and I am blessed by my Heavenly Father in more ways than one.
While I was out taking pictures, I realized I needed to count my blessings of all the things I can and have done out in my yard. With the help of my family and the neighbor boy, I have done all you see below. Just remember, we live in second driest state in the Union (Nevada is the first). It is a battle to keep our grass green and the weeds down. haha
One of the three boxes built this year. We only has enough money to fill two and half
with enough soil. This one has Early Goliath Tomatoes, Pik Rite Tomatoes,
Nacho Macho Peppers, and California Wonder Bells.
I won 5 Blue Ribbons in the County Fair with all these varieties last year.
The start of something delicious! Can't wait.
A far off few of my garden from the corner of my yard.
I have 5 varieties of grapes growing around my yard. This one is a pink champagne-type grape
called Candice.
The Candice grape growing in this section. I have Concord, Himrod, Glenora, and an unknown variety.
My beautiful Hollyhocks that bring bees and butterflies.
My raspberry patch! I love, love this. When I would send the kids out to pick
these, I would never get what I was expecting. They would always
pick one, eat two.
The season is just beginning.
I have have six fruit trees in my back yard, also. The one above is an apple.
The one below is an apricot. I also have two peach trees and two cherry trees.
We lost a peach tree this year.
With all this surrounding me, I couldn't help but think of all the blessings I have. I can garden to my heart's content. I get to have fresh fruit and vegetables and nothing beats a red, ripe tomato. So the little trip around my back yard, through the morning heat of 90*F, helped me realize I do somethings after all, and I am blessed by my Heavenly Father in more ways than one.
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