Wednesday, September 23rd, 2026: Up @ 3:52, Isaiah takeaway: "Don't be discouraged, the Savior has overcome all for you", Elder Wilhelm home, BM a blessing, Desert Title, Wlmrt, Dawn's card mailed, DWTS, printer problems

 

Antofagasta, Chile

Temple #207.

I was up at 3:52 this beautiful fall morning. This is my Isaiah takeaway: "Don't be discouraged. The Savior has overcome all for you." 

Some exciting new in Vernon today. Elder Zemira Wilhelm is home from the Newport Beach, California mission. We are all so proud of him for serving an honorable mission. I had him in Primary for at least two years. One of the quieter Wilhelm's, at least back then. 

Kim reads the Book of Mormon every month. She has inspired me to want to do the same thing. I'm going to start on October 1st using her plan. I will be using the audio version. I am now reading with James in Helaman. We read it every year together. I am also reading in 1st & 2nd Nephi right now looking for names of Christ. Brother Hall in his conference address said there were over 60 names of Christ in 1st & 2nd Nephi. Kim and I are on a quest to find them. What a blessing the Book of Mormon is!

In Isaiah 25:6 it says there will be a "feast of fat things and all nations will be invited to partake." In the commentary I am reading "The Old Testament Study Guide Start to Finish" with Thomas R. Valletta as General Editor it has this to say about this scripture:

Isaiah's words allude to a time where all nations will be invited to partake of the blessings of the gospel. This time is in preparation for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. In "Mount Zion, which shall be the city of New Jerusalem" (D&C 84:2), the Lord "promised to prepare a feast of fat things....This invitation is to be given first to the rich and learned, the wise and noble - classes who do not readily embrace the Gospel and then in the day of his power, the poor, the lame, and the blind, and the deaf, should come in unto the marriage of the lamb. In this manner the parable of the great supper (Luke 14) will be fulfilled." (Smith, Church History and Modern Revelation, 1:195). See also D&C 58:6-13.

I find this scripture to be very interesting. It is the poorer class of people who have so readily accepted the gospel in countries in South America and Africa. The Second Coming may be closer than we think.

I am so grateful for this gorgeous overcast fall morning, even though the elk are no longer bugling here. They have moved because someone close by is drilling a well and it is very noisy. 

Information given to me by my sweet husband: 

Vice President J.D. Vance was responsible for getting over 100,000 illegal aliens who have committed fraud against the government deported. A return LDS missionary exposed government fraud in Minnesota, California and New York causing large numbers to be deported. Thanks, honey, I'm glad someone is doing something about this problem in our country. 

We went in to Show Low today to sign some papers for Dave & Wendy Elkins regarding the sale of our land to them. Of course we went to Desert Title. We got Cody Nicks, again as our Notary. When I told her we knew some Nix's she explained this connection. Her uncle, Barry Nicks, coached girls softball with Carl Nix (Chelsea MacArthur & Ashley Umphress's dad). Two coaches with the same last name only it's spelled differently. There is also another coach Nix, Joe Nix who was James wrestling coach in college when he went to Mesa Community College. 

James immediately put the documents we signed in a large envelope and mailed them directly to Apache county. UPS wanted over $40 to mail the envelope so he went to the Show Low post office and mailed them for a dollar fifty.

We also mailed Dawn's birthday card and went to Walmart to get some non-motion pills for James, the generic for Dramamine. While in Walmart I met Kevin and Nalda, my cashier. 

I watched "Dancing with the Stars" this evening. Danielle's partner, Ezra Frech who has a prosthetic leg is absolutely amazing on the dance floor. 

Our printer is kaput. It keeps getting paper jams and now it's saying no internet connection. Time to get a new one.

The cookies Autumn made for me are in Phoenix. They should be in Vernon tomorrow or Friday.

"Every promise of redemption, every hope of resurrection, and every assurance of eternal life flows through Jesus Christ."

- Elder Chi Hong (Sam) Wong

Look to God and Live

This is the guy who got me started in the

stock market.

He is so amazing!

  

Tuesday, September 22nd, 2026: 2:30am love my new colored lights, DTC "The Character of Christ", Christmas vs Thanksgiving, James has vertigo, 1st day of fall and the elk are bugling

 

Syracuse, Utah

Temple #206.

Up at 2:30 with Tom. Shower, breakfast, devotional and gospel study. I listened to D. Todd Christofferson's talk "The Character of Christ." I learned about meekness, the Christlike attribute I am studying this month. "The meek are models of self-control."

When James got up this morning, I mentioned to him that Kim would be putting the Christmas tree up before Thanksgiving weekend because the Gonzales's would be here on Thanksgiving. His response: "I don't like it when Christmas interferes with Thanksgiving." Me: "You aren't thankful for the Savior and Christmas?" J: "Yes, but a tree is so commercial." Me: "The tree represents the Savior and everlasting life. It could also represent the Tree of Life or God's love for His children." J: "But the ornaments are so commercial." Me: "You mean the star or the dove?" J: "No, the round baubles." Me: "The course of the Lord is one eternal round." Me: "Do you remember Lannie Gilliespei's talk where she said everything around us should remind us of Jesus Christ and his love for us? Look for Christ in all of the symbols of Christmas." "I give blankets because they can represent comfort and love. The candy cane represents the shepherd's staff, the dove peace and joy, the star, the star of Bethlehem. There are many more. Christmas is a wonderful, joyous occasion when we can share the Savior's love with others. 

Another kitchen conversation with James this morning:

J: "I've never fallen off a ladder. 1.) Tom Howard pulled it out from under me, accidentally, of course.

2.) I was putting up the Starlink receiver when my hi-tork Whole Hog drill hit a nail and threw me and the ladder down. I broke my leg above the ankle.

3.) 2013 - I was caulking the logs inside the house. The ladder slipped on the floor. I broke my right leg and had 2 rods put in and 2 plates.

4.) 2026 - Outside on the front porch. The ladder slipped on stain, slid around and flipped, dropping me 15 feet down. Broke my right leg in two places, fractured my pelvis, and broke 8 ribs.

My response to, I've never fallen off a ladder. "All I know is you went from being on the ladder to being on the ground in a matter of a few minutes. No matter how it was done, it's the same result."

James had vertigo today. I texted Dennis for advice and Kim because she has had vertigo lots of times in the past. It is very frustrating to James when he can't hurry around and get the things done that he wants to. Today he had to take it easy and slow and lie down when he felt dizzy.

We paid Susan Crane $80 for use of their dumpster. The charge is $20 a month so that will cover us through January.

Today is the first day of fall and the elk have been bugling for awhile. This is James's favorite time of year and I think it's mine too.

"If we are to succeed in developing a Christlike character, we must possess His motivations - His thoughts, desires, and intents of the heart."

- President D. Todd Christofferson

His back hurts. I remember his dad doing

this very same thing.

I love his back feet. On his back this time.

On his stomach but his feet look the same.

Arby's steak and cheese sub

Monday, September 21st, 2026: Up @ 1:30 Tom, shwr, kept busy all day & never really got tired until abt 7 this evening, Denise's bday, James cleans grill, lunch @ Licano's for Denise,

 

Abidjan, Ivory Coast

Temple #205.

I got up at 1:30 this morning. Don't ask me why. I tended to Tom and then took a shower. When I got out of the shower Tom was waiting for me to let him outside. I kept busy all day and never really got tired until about seven this evening.

James cleaned the grill on the kitchen stove today. When he cleans the grill, he does a really great job!

A real transformation!

Autumn's favorite pop song is "Travelin' Soldier" by The Chicks. I asked Scarlett to sing it for me. She did and Autumn made a video and sent it to me. I wish I could share it here but videos don't work when I try to download them. Let me say this, Scarlett did a great job and I am so proud of her!

We joined Denise, Dennis, Harold, and Vickie at Licano's for Denise's birthday lunch. Janette was our waitress and she was great. I ordered a grilled chicken breast and a salad. Vickie suggested I ordered green chili sauce to go over my chicken, so I did. Wow! I am so glad I did, it was amazing! James had a fish taco. Harold & Vickie paid for everyone. Thank you!

I did not realize what connections my family have to the town of Durango. Eric, Kyle and Tyler lived there and so everyone visited quite often. Dennis has a Durango sweatshirt he says I can have. Vickie was born in Durango. Her mom worked at the Strater Hotel at the age of 14. Vickie has lots of Towel cousins who live there. When Dennis's boys lived there Eric taught high school. Kyle and Tyler worked at the ski run. They also told me a place that sells honey called Honeyville where you can even buy chocolate honey. Hmmm, that does not sound good to me.

Dennis did not feel well. He is suffering from vertigo and just wasn't his usual friendly self. I told him how sorry I was and gave him a big hug. 

I love getting together with these people:

Dennis, Denise, Harold, Vickie

After lunch James and I headed for town to do errands and some shopping. James dropped me off at Walmart while he went to Goodwill and Circle K. We also stopped at the Vernon post office to pick up an order from Amazon: AlgaeCal, pen refills, book "Girl of the Limberlost", Halloween lights, and a picture of the Savior and the Lamb.

I gave cash to a woman and her husband today, Sally & Paul. Paul has polio. His legs are not fully formed. I wanted to give them more.

Well, James used scaffolding and a ladder to get on the roof today. What can I do?

I prayed he wouldn't fall. What else can I do?

I cleaned out the big freezer today and put all of my Freeze Paks in there. They will be ready when I need them. 

I took a nap this evening at seven. Weird. 

Strater Hotel

Halloween lights

The greatest nap taker of all time

My mom loved this book

  

Sunday, September 20th, 2026: Up @ 2:38, Happy Bday Kacey! started packing, everything loaded, Foothills ward, 1st spkr Luke Lambson Burl's grandson, SS & RS, Lunch @ D&T, home in Vernon by 6:30

Nairobi, Kenya

Temple #204.

Up at 2:38 to study, pray, write in my journal, and eat. I started packing and when James got up to take a shower, I had my prayers. After James was dressed, we went out and I showed him how I wanted the car loaded. We got everything loaded except for the stuff I need to get ready for church and my small suitcase. We checked out of the hotel a little before 10 and headed for the Foothills ward, at the building next to the temple.  We told Darrel we would meet them at the church. We were early so while in the car we watched part of John Hilton's Master Class on Isaiah. We went in around 10:25 and found a row on the right side in the back. Darrel, Trina, Ruby, and Lola came and sat by us. A little cozy, but we made it work. Ruby's friend Rhese blessed the bread. James said he was a little loud. I hope Ruby didn't here. Their bishop's name is Haws. His counselors are Brother Giblet and Brother Johnson who is Rhese's dad.

The first speaker, Luke Lambson, a youth speaker. He is Michael & Nichol's son and Burl's grandson. Burl is James's cousin. Luke spoke about the Savior and his mother's recent stroke. "Wherever we are, Jesus Christ is our strength." Good talk, handsome young man. 

Sister Winters was the next speaker and I loved her. "Your commitment to Jesus Christ will help you change others one person at a time." When we were in Bulgaria the elders gave socks to the homeless men in the area. When their missions were finished and they left to go home, they gave these men their old clothes. On Christmas Eve the missionaries went out and gave socks to homeless men. They came back to the mission home at Christmas dinner and reported. "Thank you for asking us to do this. This is the most spiritual experience I have had in a long time." Heavenly Father will tell us who needs a tender mercy. The Savior's heart centered on the individual. Let Christ's light shine through us every day. Do a good turn daily.

This is just part of this sister's talk. I believe her husband was supposed to speak but was not able to be there. Sister Winters filled the time beautifully.

A sister who seemed very knowledgeable taught Sunday School. We were in the back and could not hear very well. It's time like these that I really appreciate Kerri Halcomb and how she sets up microphones in our ward during Sunday School, Relief Society and Elder's Quorum.

Darrel pointed out to me that the sister who taught has two prosthetic legs. I would never have noticed on my own, I don't think. 

Elder Stevenson's talk, "Fruit to Make One Happy", was discussed in Relief Society. The sister who taught used power point and I was impressed. I spoke with her afterwards and come to find out she teaches at the local college so she is very acquainted with power point. It made me want to try to use it in some of my lessons. 

After our meetings we all went home and had lunch together. It was a beautiful sunny day, so we sat outside on the patio and talked. I tried to finish my interview was Ruby. One of her goals for the future is to visit all 63 (Lola looked it up) national parks in the United States. Well, I just looked them up and guess what. They just added a new one on October 20th. It's Chiricahua National Park in southeastern Arizona.

I asked Darrel if he preferred working in a hospital over a pharmacy in a store and this is what he said: "A hospital is so much better than working retail where you have to deal with insurance." 

We visited until about 2:30 when we left for home. We will gain an hour going home. We got home at 5:30 and put everything away and were in bed by 9. Thank you, Kim, for staying and taking care of our animals. 

Rhese asking Ruby to Homecoming

Ruby's Answer:

Ruby works at Chikfila and they are supposed to say:

It would be my pleasure to serve you.

Her sign here says It would by my pleasure to

go to Hoco.

Proud packer of the car

My bag from the Christmas shop

Sunday School class and map of the missionaries serving from

this building or stake, look how many there are!

James wanting to go in and see his cousin Burl.

Probably looking for something for me

Darrel and his girls...except for Addy

Lola's writing on the wall, no it's actually on paper.

Trina

I told Ruby she should get this poster for her wall.

She said it would make her hungry.

 

 

Saturday, September 19th, 2026: Up @ 2:14 used flashlight, read & studied 5 hrs, left around 8:30, Wlmrt, Darrel, Lola, James & I head to Shiprock for Ruby's cross country race, Ruby gets 1st place, on to Durango,

 

Auckland, New Zealand

Temple #203.

I got up at 2:14 this morning with a desire to start my day with prayer and gospel study. I used my flashlight on my phone, so I didn't have to turn the light on as my study area is in the same room as where James is sleeping. I wrote and studied for almost 5 hours. It was wonderful and the reason I love getting up early. 

Around 7am James got up and showered. I like this room because the shower floor is flush with the bathroom floor. The shower controls are not under the shower head. The bed is low. There is a microwave and refrigerator. The thermostat easily goes from cool to heat, cool at night for when I go to bed and heat in the morning when I'm up at 2 am. 

We left around 8:30. I Mapquested Walmart and we were sent to a different Walmart than we went to yesterday with Trina. I guess this one is in the "hood." James saw a McDonald's and wanted something but since I wasn't eating he refused to go. The Walmart was clean and had very few customers. These are the items we bought: Hazelnut Uncrustables for Lola & Ruby, more Freeze Paks for" Linda checked us out. I told her where we were going and she ask what school Ruby runs for. I said I didn't know the name but it started with P & V. "Piedra Vista." Thank you Linda. Linda had to leave her home at 4:30 to make it to work by 6. I told her I was an early riser and thanked her when she gave me $60 back. 

On to see Darrel & Lola and ride with them to Shiprock to the cross country meet. We put our Freeze Paks in Darrel's freezer. I gave Lola the Uncrustables to put in the freezer. She was excited. 

Off we go in "Trooper" to Shiprock. Trina is at work at the Navajo Nation Medical Center, or the Shiprock hospital. It's a gorgeous, sunny day, perfect for a cross country race. Last week Ruby ran in Albuquerque. She lost one of her shoes during the race and so she kicked the other one off and crossed the finish line barefoot. 

Some of the first people we saw when we arrived at the Shiprock Chieftains Track & Field were Trina's parents, Bob & Suzy Case. They stayed in Gallup last night where the electricity was off until 10pm because of a storm. Bob's dad was born in Thoreau, New Mexico and Bob wanted to visit where his dad came from. This of course, allowed him to also come to Ruby's track meet. They also did some exploring of the area, including visiting Inscription Rock. At one point while visiting with Suzy I looked over and saw this:

Bob had some breakfast sandwiches from McDonald's

and he shared one with James. A wish come true. Our hotel doesn't include breakfast which is one drawback, and I thought every hotel included breakfast in this day and age.

Just before the race started Darrel got a call from Trina. Someone stole her phone and debit card. She got the phone back, but not the debit card. This is what Darrel's focus was on when Ruby's race started. Trina asked him to call the bank and put a lock on the card.

The good news is they caught the guy and Trina got her card back. 

Everyone else is following the race.

Ruby was ahead from the beginning. At one point she got a little off course and someone else went ahead for a few minutes until Ruby got back on track. This is a very difficult course and soon we see the runner running across a distant hill. They look like ants. It's 3.12 miles, the same distance as a 5k. Ruby won the race with a time of 19.31. Second place was a whole minute behind her. 

We sat in the stands next to a woman named Anna and her little dog, which she calls, "my little Buddy." 

Anna and "her little Buddy."

Our view while waiting for the awards ceremony to start.

Ruby at the end of the race

Notice there are some runner still on the hill in the 

background.

No one else is even close.

And the winner is:

Ruby - 1st Place!

After the awards we grabbed Ruby and we all got in Trooper and headed for Durango where we are going to have lunch and spend the afternoon. I try to interview Ruby as we are driving along. I interviewed Lola earlier just as I interview Charlie and Scarlett when I was in Texas. It's a little difficult because we are in the backseat of the truck and Lola sits between us. Before my interview we listened to Scarlett's favorite song, "Travelin' Soldier" by The Chicks. Lola said she liked it but her favorite songs are "Uptown Girl" and "Piano Man" by Billy Joel. I told her she was an old soul and she laughed. Lola's favorite church song is "I Am a Child of God." 

I start my interview with Ruby but we don't finish. Her favorite church song is the same as mine, "I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus." Well, that explains a lot about Ruby. Her favorite scripture is 1 John 4:19 - "We love Him because He first loved us." Oh Ruby, I love you!

We stop at a Maverick in Cortez, Colorado on our way to Durango for a potty break and to get more drinks and snacks. I bought a diet Coke from Cole and told him I liked the name Cole, that I thought it was a cool name. 

When we get to Durango, the issue is, where to park "Trooper." Darrel gave Trooper an owie, kind of like the one James gave my car, by hitting a parking meter while trying to parallel park. We find a spot somewhere else, within walking distance of Steamworks Brewery where we want to eat. Lola has eaten there before and she says it is good, and then she said, "I am a Foodie." I said to her, "So am I."

While waiting to cross a street on foot Darrel texted Trina and told her about his accident. He had already a replacement tail light on Amazon. I'm impressed.

The taillight looks fine to me but

evidentally it's not.

At Steamworks Jessica is our waitress. Our orders: Darrel a whiskey burger & fries, Ruby wings with bbq sauce, Lola spaghetti w/ chicken & broccoli, without the broccoli, James chicken parmesan, and I ordered a cheeseburger with fries. They forgot the cheese but it didn't matter because the burger was delicious! 

Two pictures of James instead of

one of me.

When we were finished eating we headed for The Rocky Mountain Candy Factory to get a chocolate covered banana for James. Trina's mom told us about them. 

Our walk to the chocolate factory:

Vickie says her mom worked at this hotel as a young girl.

Lola and Ruby met a friend along the way.

I guess today was National Pancake Day

Ruby couldn't explain the color of blue she likes,

until she saw this truck. 

"This is it!"

I call it a slate blue.

A craft fair is going on.

Interesting mountain in the background.

When we arrived at the Rocky Mountain Candy Factory and asked for a chocolate covered banana, we were told that they were only available in the summer. Bummer. James and I bought truffles and a dark chocolate pecan cluster. Here are the truffles we bought: lemon, hazelnut, cherry, and vanilla bean. Lola got a caramel apple. I shared my truffles with James and we both agreed that they were delicious!

Next door to the chocolate shop was a Christmas shop. I asked James if I could go in and look. He hesitantly said yes. I strike up a conversation with Victoria who is minding the shop today. Victoria moved her five years ago from San Tan Valley, Arizona. She grew up in Tempe. We chat while I shop. I buy two glass snowflake ornaments, one cardinal (bird) ornament, and one penguin ornament. 

As I am checking out Lola finds a pickle ornament. I have to have it to go with my mug I got at Hobby Lobby, "No Big Dill" as part of one of my gifts for our white elephant gift exchange. 

The drive back to Farmington is so beautiful. I could live her. Green rolling hills with trees, and a river, and cute farm homes. 

When we get back to Farmington I remember to get the Freezer Paks out of Darrel's freezer. We say goodbye to Darrel, Ruby, and Lola and ask what time church is tomorrow. It's at 10:30 and it's the building next to the temple. Great! We will see you tomorrow.

We got back to the hotel at 5:30. James took a nap and then at 7 we made a trip to Sam's Club to get a blanket for Mason like the ones I got for Charlie, Scarlett, and Benson, only Mason's will be green. We also bought a large black bin with a yellow top for only $6. Most places they are $9.98. I wanted to get two but was afraid we wouldn't have enough room in the car. I also got some facial wipes, we got some gas at Maverick and then we went to take pictures of the temple before going back to the hotel, room 104 and going to bed by 10. We had scriptures and prayers before going to bed. What a day!

Nathan & Lily's twin girls

Pres. Oaks at the Washington

National Cathedral