Halloween!

This is a picture of Jay,me, and Rocky Jay. It was in 1979 - our 1st Halloween with our 1st child. He was suppose to be a Cat.  We put black wiskers on his cute chubby cheeks. :)
  Oh, My!  How the time has flown since that 1st Halloween for our little family.  I still can't believe how old my children are now and that I'm a Grandmother of three.  I sure wish we could have seen them tonight (like we did last year) in their Halloween costumes.  But I'm sure they will send us some pictures.
   I was able to do 4 miles on the treadmill this morning.  But I feel like I've been eating all day - to make up for that good jogging.  What a pig I have been today!  I think also, because of all the candy around for Halloween.....Yes, I've had my fair share of Chocolate, lately. Oh,well.................................
Jay and I went on a drive and to a movie in Wenatchee this afternoon.
  Just because we weren't up to any Halloween parties tonight.  That's okay....we can be different now.  We can do what we want, right!  We are empty nesters!

A Good day....

Feeling pretty good today....no real reason , but I'm not walking or doing any exercising today. Mainly, because I feel a tickle in my throat- like the beginning of a cold. (sore throat).  I'm going to pamper myself so that it won't become a full blown cold or flu.  There has been a lot of talk about this 'Swine Flu'.  So many people have had it and yes, there have been some deaths.  It's definitely the flu of the season.
   So I've got my Sunday School lesson ready and I'm finishing some other odds and ends.  I'm on the last chapter of the book 'The Undaunted'.  Good book.  It's about a group (a little known group) of early LDS pioneers that were called to go settle 'The San Juan Valley' in southern Utah - near the 4 corners area.  They were nicknamed ' The hole in the wall group'  - because they went through a nearly impassable area that looked like a hole in the wall.  They went through a lot of areas that looked 'impassable'.  People today are trying to figure out how they got through some of those stone areas with all their wagons and livestock.
It makes you think of how amazing this people were - they wouldn't let anything stop them - even Indians and even if they were half-starving to death.  And they did reach their goal in the end. (truly 'Undaunted' people)

Tomorrow is "Halloween".  I don't think Jay & I will do much for it, because we don't have our grandchildren around.  But I will post some pics from last years Halloween - just to relive those memories. It was fun... .....   The above pic is of Analee and Weston ( the princess & Optimus Prime)

This one is Heidi and Greg ( the basketball star and the Arabian Prince!)

I'm really not sure what Jay is in this one.  But he has a fake Mustache on!

And this is me with little Kallista. Our youngest grandchild.

Staci, I'm sorry, I couldn't find a pic of you then. I know that Chad wasn't there, but how could I forget you! so sorry...

6 1/2 miles!

Yes, I went longer on the treadmill today than I thought I would.  YAY!  6 and 1/2 miles. It's because I got involved in a good movie. It was called, 'New in Town' with Harry Connick Jr. and Renee Zellweger. I really liked it. When Jay came in for lunch - I saw the ending of it with him.  And I could tell he liked it, too!


   I'm not going to dwell on that one, because I've gotta say more about the show we saw last night.  It was Michael Jackson's "This is it".  Now I really, really liked that one.  It was basically showing all that he went through to get ready for his big concert that he was going to put on in London. Of course, we all know that he died before it happened, but they had all this rehearsal footage and it was marvelous.  It made me appreciate him and his talent even more.  He really went through a lot in his later years and lost a lot of his fame.  But now I remember why we liked him so much  in the 80's.  That boy was so impressive. And he was just a loving, kind person, too.  I know he got quite eccentric and was looking pretty scary at the end.  But this movie erased all that for me.  I want to see it again.  I loved the music and wanted to dance right there in the movie theater.  Jay said my head was swaying and that I needed to stop and just tap my foot. (which I was already doing!!)  

Anyways, I'll stop now.  But I'm sure glad I went and that my husband even went with me!
     The pic above is just another random picture - it is from our Carribean trip in December '06.
My the time has flown.     Staci and her family couldn't be with us that year.

Definitely colder

Yes, it's the end of October and everyday seems definitely colder to me. I haven't been walking as much, because I'm in that limbo land of wanting to still walk outside (but it's too cold) and not quite ready to stay inside on the treadmill. (cause it's too warm :)
Oh, I'll try and get use to my treadmill again.....   I do like watching TV while I'm doing it. 
Today I go to Pilates again.  I think it helps, because it gives me some stretching and cross-training, too.
I walked 3 miles yesterday and tomorrow I will do 5.  So I still have something going, okay!

Here's a pic of

me before Greg & Heidi's wedding last year. It was in Oakland, CA.  What a great day for all of us!

I 've had a great day so far today.  A good friend of mine (growing up)- sent a note of some really kind words to me today.  That always makes you feel good. :)

Okay,

I'm posting some more pics of us in Russia this year. That's me standing by 'Putin' .    (j/k)

The others are of Jay & I in Red Square and a separate one of Heidi & Greg.

The reason why I published the one with the Monkey in the last blog - was because it was the only one I could find that had all of us together on our trip.

I got an e-mail from a guy called 'The Crap blogger' - who went on about how disgusting it was that I put up that picture of me & my friends(family) with a doped up monkey. It sounds like he was an animal rights activist. 

 Well, I really didn't mean to get anyone upset over that.  It did kind of shock me that anyone is even reading my blog.   I'm really doing it as a journal - so maybe I'd better put up some kind of privacy settings or something.  That's what happens when you are a baby boomer and not quite use to all this technology that we have.  And I do forget that -  anybody could be reading this.  Oh, well.....................

I really don't feel that I have anything to be ashamed of -or to hide.

We just happened to be at the circus and a nice person took a picture of us with that monkey. I don't feel that we were making any type of statement with that picture.           (okay, okay. - enough said.)

Today has been quite rainy here - so I procrastinated walking - I need to just get on the treadmill. But... I'm going to Pilates in a few hours so maybe the treadmill will wait  'til  tomorrow morning.

I'm just not that ambitious today..

I heard a beautiful song sung by Carly Simon on Good Morning America this morning.  It was called :

'The New Jerusalem.' I'm going to have to find that on itunes and buy it..  :)

This is just a random picture of  Jay & I, Greg & Heidi and the real live monkey at the circus -

in Moscow, Russia.  We went on a 17 day trip with Greg & Heidi this last June to Russia. It was actually a really good trip, but we learned that it is not easy to travel in Russia.  Greg went there for 2 years on a LDS Church mission (1999-2001). So he was our interpreter. There is no way we could have done that trip without him.  We were so reliant upon him for everything. Nobody around could speak a lick of English.  In all the other countries that we've traveled - we usually can find someone that speaks English to help us out.

Anyways,  we  learned a lot about Russia and I don't think we will be traveling back there anytime soon. (maybe never)  I was glad we had that experience, tho.  And Greg & Heidi are so fun and easy to travel with.  Next time we will go to a warm Beach!!

Well, I've had a really great weekend so far.  I just haven't done much walking or jogging. I'll have to get up early tomorrow and do something.  Yesterday I went to a funeral of a dear older  friend in Toppenish, WA.

Some of my favorite friends that I grew up with were there.  I hadn't seen some of them in years.  It was wonderful.  We had a great time visiting.  On the drive home, I realized what a wonderful group of friends I had growing up in Toppenish. I really didn't know how good I had it at the time.  But there are some deep bonds of friendship there.  And I have a superbly wonderful family, too. I'm so happy.

Today we had the Primary Children's program in church. I played the piano for it and for some reason I felt like crying the whole time. The kids all sang out so loud and beautifully. It really was heart-warming. And I wasn't the only one that felt that way.  Then I taught the Class for Relief Society (Us - older women).

I felt like it went well, it was one of those times where you really feel like you've connected with the other women there.  At least that was my feeling on it, so I'm basking in some really great feelings today!

  In an hour or so - I've gotta go back in to Church to play for the Choir Practice.  I hope I can keep those good feelings going!  Well, 'till  tomorrow........ta...ta...

Each Life That Touches Ours for Good

Today I've been thinking about 'Hymns'  (Yes, church hymns.) 
My Hymn for today is called, 'Each Life that touches ours for good'.

Here's the words:
Each life that touches ours for good.
Reflects thine own great mercy, Lord;
Thou sendest blessings from above
Thru words and deeds of those who love.

What greater gift dost thou bestow,
What greater goodness can we know
Than Christ-like friends, whose gentle ways
Strengthen our faith, enrich our days

When such a friend from us departs,
We hold forever in our hearts,
A sweet and hallowed memory,
Bringing us nearer, Lord, to thee.

For worthy friends whose lives proclaim
Devotion to the Savior's name
Who bless our days with peace and love,
We praise thy goodness, Lord, above.

Yes, I like that song.  I was able to hear some beautiful hymn singing in Utah - the first part of this month.
I went to our church's General Conference that is held twice a year in Salt Lake City.  You probably have heard of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.  Yes, they are fabulous.  I will put in a couple pics that I took while I was in the Conference center there before the meetings began. The big Tabernacle Organ's pipes are what you see behind all the seats of the Choir.  It's really a beautiful building - it holds around 23,000 people.
I felt so blessed to be there.

When a Child is born....Il Divo - Song of the day - Oct. 22nd

A ray of hope.....flickers in the sky.  A tiny star....lights up way up high. 
All across the land......dawns a brand new morn.....
this comes to pass.......when a child is born...
A silent wish sails the seven seas....the winds of change whisper in the trees......
And the walls of doubt....crumble.....tossed and torn.
This comes to pass......when a Child is born.

Yes, that's a good song.  It just seemed to be the right song to pick today for some reason.
I was able to walk at least 5 miles today, it may have been 6.  But it was a great way to start
the day and this is going to be a great day.   I can feel it!!

Didn't exercise today. No good excuse......so I will talk to you about my beliefs. :-)

Here's a sunset pic that I took while I was walking on the farm behind our house - sometime this summer.
I was trying to get outside and take a walk today, but it didn't happen.  I let the day go by and I went to a church ladies luncheon and I ate way too much.  Then I missed going to Pilates class tonight.  Just one of those days.  It still was a good day, tho. And I feel like I got some things done around the house.  Still I wasn't that productive.  Oh, well.............I've been doing a lot of reading and thinking for a lesson I have to give at church.  So I'm going to write here a little about what I've been thinking and somewhat of what I think about often.
Here goes:
I believe in God. I believe in Love.  And I believe our God is a very loving God.
When I die, I hope that those who know me- will  remember me as a loving,
kind soul that made them feel good about themselves.  That is very important to me.

Knowledge is good.  Working hard is good. (working for ourselves and others)
But the way we use our knowledge that we have and the talents, energy, time, etc. that we have-
 is  what matters most.
I feel like I have spent my whole life- learning the same lessons over and over again. When will I finally
 get it??  When will I have the emotional integrity that I want to have?  I keep making the same mistakes
and I notice that those around me are doing it, too!  We all have  a hard time expressing ourselves -
the way we want to or should.
I have learned so much from watching others and so then I think - what are they learning from watching me? I've got to be better.  I have had many blessings in my life.  I have had the time to think and see what I've done wrong and what others have done wrong in personal relationships.  Now if I can only apply what I have learned and  bring forth - love (in the right way) to heal my relationships with others.
This is what I'm here for - I know.
I know that we are all here for a reason. 
I do need to know how to use my time and energy in the best possible way for my life here on this earth.
I know that physically and mentally I can only handle so much.  And I do get frustrated at that, because I want to be able to handle so much more.  But this is my dilema and I must just work on it daily. (one day at a time)
Okay, now that I have talked about some deep stuff - on a lighter note - I plan to go on a long walk/jog tomorrow.  So now that I have written it down here - I know I will do it!!  Talk to ya tomorrow.

Better Days - GooGoo Dolls

Yep, that's the song for today.  'Better days by The Goo Goo Dolls' 

  'You ask me what I want I this year, I'll try to make this kind and clear,
    Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days'.........

   ' So take these words and sing out loud -'cause everyone's forgiven now!"
   ' Cause tonight's the night the world begins again.

Those are some of the words in the song.  Yes, I hope this planet has some better days.

I felt like today was one of those better days for me - just because I got the chance to walk part way around the river again in Wenatchee. It was a beautiful Fall day. I'm posting some of the pictures that I took on my I -phone. I know they don't do it justice, but you get the idea...

 This is a little stream that I walk by that flows into the river. Isn't it lovely?!

I just can't tell you how wonderful I feel on this walk.  Or wait! Yes, I guess I always do say how wonderful it is, don't I??  Jay, my husband, gets tired of hearing it. But I do feel like a more peaceful person - just because I'm able to do this. I will miss it this winter. The days are getting colder and I know I don't have many more chances left -on going to Wenatchee for my walk.

Well, I guess that's all I have to say about that. (Forrest Gump)

Saturday. Oct. 17th

Saturday....... in the Park........you'd think it was the 4th of July. (Chicago).  Okay, kind of corny.
But that's the only Saturday song I can think of right now. Oh, except the one the kids sing at church.......
Saturday is a special day....it's the day we get ready for Sunnnnnnnnday.
Yes, I've had a good morning. I was able to walk 5 miles on the treadmill. And while I was walking ...I watched a movie called, 'Ghosts of girlfriends past' (with Matthew McConaughy and  Jennifer Garner). It actually was a cute movie. It had the 'Scrooge" movie infiltered in it.  I've always loved that movie. There are so many different versions of it now......but each one is fun to watch. Even though you know how the movie will turn out.    Well, I'm kind of going off on tangents today!  It's a good Saturday and I feel so much better now that I was able to do 5 miles on the treadmill.  I hope to do a longer walk/run this week - maybe even outside.  It is suppose to warm up a little bit.

The above picture is just a random one I picked from my picture folder. It is of Jay and I in Bar Harbor, Maine. (July 2007).  One of our trips back east when our son, Rocky was there going to Medical school.

Oct. 14th

Well, I haven't been feeling real great, lately. I don't know if it's the weather change, but I feel so tired and no energy. I hope I'm not getting the flu. A lot of people are sick with the swine flu right now. (Don't want that!!)

I have been going to my pilates classes, though.  I just haven't walked in a few days. (not good)
I will be working at Columbia Basin Physical Therapy for the next two days - so I probably won't walk/jog
until Saturday. Oh, well.............. Life goes on. 
I just think I need a goal. (a race to look forward to) 
But the Holidays are coming and it is colder..... and......and.......  I know........excuses, excuses. 

Just thought I'd add a couple pictures of my grandkids. This one is from last Christmas and the other one was in April of this year.  Aren't they the best lookin' kids you ever saw!!  I just adore them. 

Weston is the oldest (5), then Analee (3), then Kallista (1).

Oct. 10th

Whoaaa....I can't believe it has been so long since I last posted. I was doing well in August and September, but now I'm starting to lag - I guess that's life, huh?? (ce la vie)
I've been gone for a whole week.  So that is my excuse.  Yes, I had a great time being with family in Utah and then going to Idaho Falls and being with Staci and Chad's family. I just love being a grandma - soooo much!  It was hard to leave.
I did walk a little bit - once with Staci - once with my Dad -and then once 4 miles on the treadmill.  So I'm trying, but I know I need to get in a better routine now.  I'm going to start up Pilates w/my friend LouAnn on Monday and Wednesdays.  And then I hope to do 4 miles - every other day - at least. 
Today, I did 5 miles outside.  It was cold, but I wore my warmer clothes and got through it!

I'm starting the song of the day thing again -  Today it is by Chris Daugherty - September.
The last sentence in the song is:  'It's worth it all in the end"  Yep, it's a good song.  Well, I've gotta get going and get some things done today. Austa la Vista........

Fall is really here.

Yes, I did my walk in Wenatchee yesterday. But when I got 1/2 way - I found the foot bridge was closed! They never usually close that until Winter!  That made me realize that I won't be walking over there much for awhile........boo..hooo....
And this is the first time in months that I had to wear a jacket, so I do realize that all good things must end.  But there still is the thought in my mind that - it's really not ending - it's only for a few months, and hopefully, in February, I will be able to start up again. I feel very lucky this year - that I was able to go over there so much. It was almost once a week for most of the summer.  I just loved it.  I've never felt so much peace as I have when I could go on  those walks around the river. I need to try to find a way to keep that going through the winter. For some reason, the treadmill just doesn't do it for me. :-)
  Anyway, right now I'm in a hotel room in Boise, Idaho. I'm going to Utah tomorrow. I will meet my parents for a couple days down there in Salt Lake city and then I will drive up to Idaho Falls, ID. to see Staci and Chad & my grandkids!  I'm very blessed to be able to take these kind of trips and Jay doesn't mind.  He will stay home and work!  But then he does get his Golf vacations with the boys!!

So I'm still going to try and walk my 4 miles -every other day or so.  I've gotta keep it going! right?