May Report

This is a paltry year for blog posts. I'm hoping to improve on that - because I like doing it, and I like having the record of what I've done. Most posts this year are books I've read, which gives the impression that all I do is sit around and read. While I would like that to be the truth of my life, it is not.

What did I do in May? Ray and I went to Hawaii to visit my sister and her family. While there, we buried my mother's ashes at Punchbowl National Cemetery. Hopefully there will be a post about that coming soon. The rest of May was spent getting ready to go to Hawaii, and recuperating/getting back into regular life after going to Hawaii.

Here is where my goals fit in among those other activities:

1. First Things First: I have a colossal lack of self discipline when it comes to eating. I am working so hard on that, but this month wasn't great. Other areas in this goal are being maintained, but only just. Time to kick it up a notch!

2. Personal History: This goal is a lesson on how to modify a goal as you go. I have been working with my sister-in-law Orva on a project for Ray's parents. It's a surprise. Let's just say it involves lots of time with Ray's personal history more than mine. But, since Ray and I are a team, it's all the same. Sort of. Which means that currently I'm helping out more with someone else's personal history than my own. That works for me.

3. Temples: while I have attended the temple, we still have not ventured forth to a new one. I need to be in charge of making that happen. I need to get it on the calendar and plan it out.

4. Home Projects: Ha! (That is the phrase of the year in this area of my goals/life)
Cleaning: Living Room and yard. The yard is already out of control. We need to get the sprinkler system turned on and that will help. Although watering makes the weeds grow faster, they come out of the ground much more easily when it is wet. Also, in Seattle we never, ever watered our lawn. It might be dry for a month or so, but would bounce right back. Here in Utah that is not true. We've lived here nearly eight years now (!!), and we still want to think we don't need to water. Quick, aren't we?
Other: Keep updating emergency info. Let's just say that will roll over and be a goal in June. Again.

Goals for June:
Cleaning: Library and Music room, and the never ending yard work.
Other: see #4 above.

Photo Reflections

I ran across these pictures today, and I have had many thoughts running through my mind as I've looked at them over and over again. 

1. First of all, isn't this the cutest boy you've ever seen? It's my husband Ray, and I'm guessing he's about five years old in this picture, but I'm not exactly sure. He might be only four. 

2. I gaze at the picture, trying to catch a glimmer of one of my own children, or grandchildren in that face. I certainly see some of them in the physical features of his body. 

3. I wonder what experiment he is thinking of doing with that floatie. (I know how his mind works.)

4. I see his lifeguard future beginning here.  

5. This is Ray's sister Elna, and while I definitely see features of her children and grandchildren in this picture, what intrigues me is the background.
6. That is Ray and his mother - what is she saying to him? (By the way, a more beautiful woman you will not find. She still looks amazing.) Is he explaining to her what he wants to do?
7. I need to ask Ray where this pool is. He'll probably remember.

8. Now look at Ray and his mother in the background on the left. Has she asked him to put away the floatie? Is he still explaining what he wants to do? I wish I could listen back on the conversation and have a look into their relationship at that stage of his life.

9. Here he is, happy in the water. How many of you remember those play ponies on a stick?
10. I have seen that look on his face many times over the last nearly 40 years that I have known Ray.
11. Here's the big thought: I stare at these pictures and wonder at all the miracles that threw our lives together. I see the man I fell in love with in this little boy. What a blessing for me.

Burial Rites by Hannah Kent

Now here's a good book!

This is the story of Agnes Magnusdottir, who is accused of murder. She is sent to live with a local family until she is to be executed for the murder. Sounds depressing, but it's not really.

In these months that she lives with this family, we learn about her life, and their lives as well.  I love how the author brings us to new understanding of various characters as she weaves her story, and how she brings them to new understanding of each other as well.

The book takes place in Iceland, in the 1820's. I found it interesting to learn about what life was like there at that time.

All around a great book. I recommend it.

April Report

Where did this month go? I was going to use the excuse of having my gall bladder out, but that was last month. It's one big blur.  Here's the report on my goals:

1. First Things First: doing okay on this. I sure wish I had better self discipline for eating good foods and resisting sweets. Other parts of this are going well.

2. Personal History: still working on pictures. Although a minimal amount (if any) was done in that regard this month.

3. Temples: still no new ones. I've got to get on this! Warmer weather will help.

4. Home Projects:
Cleaning: Family Room top to bottom. Here's a win! I really cleaned my family room. I took out a disgusting, old area rug and replaced it with a new one. Ray mopped the entire floor (it's a big room) and I cleaned the rest of it. It looks great.
Other: Update emergency information. I did some of it. I need to do a more thorough check to make sure all of it is up to date now.

I feel like I've barely been hanging on. Things have been a whirlwind, and I've got to slow down somehow. Don't know how, but I'll have to review my life and see what I can cut out. I hate to give up the fun things!

Goals for May:
Cleaning: Living Room and yard. Summer is here as far as yard work goes. I start on Saturday!
Other: Keep updating our emergency information.