Monday, April 23, 2012

Entropy and Stuff

"Everything is heading toward entropy." Anyone else remember that from high school science? I think it means something like we're all in a state of energetic chaos and heading toward more of the same unless we expend some energy to refocus. Probably not even close. But oh well. I don't really care that much. haha

Lately some moments feel a bit chaotic, but a large supply of chocolate gets me through to the next...dose. I probably am addicted. But again, not caring so much. Easter was Fast Sunday in my ward, and I have to say, I missed the regular Easter messages. We got them the next week, and it was a real shot in the arm. Another much-needed shot came from my dad who reminded me of a quote from Joseph B. Wirthlin: "Come what may, and love it."

In early March, I spent the bulk of a week in Hawaii enjoying a monsoon. Not really, but they had record-setting rain, school-closing floods, news-making hail and lightning, three days/nights of thunder and lightning, and coincidentally our convention workshops were very well attended. I did love the POG and fresh fruit, the everpresent greenery, the views, the birds, the chance to stand in the ocean (just for a minute) and the museums at Pearl Harbor. I hope to return another time with my husband and go see a lot more. I did get a sunburn my one free afternoon (the sun shone mixed with wind and sprinkles) and I have to say UnBurn is a lifesaver.

Work seems to be in a constant state of flux. New leadership, changes, reorganization, moving to a new building later this summer. I'm still here. Most of my friends are too... If I had a large savings account balance, I would consider all options. I might make a good hobo.

The warm weather has brought out the yard beast in Jim. He's been cutting down trees and clearing the back hill and laying sprinklers to beautify our property. Hooray! Our dog loves all the playtime, but he gets in the way...always wanting to fetch no matter what else is going on around him, including swinging axes and falling trees. Luckily he's ok so far.

I have already felt envy or jealousy or one of those other deadly sins as I drive around and see the masses jogging happily down the street. I am relegated to dullish walking or the elliptical (which I do enjoy, but which lacks sunlight or any nice scenery) or biking (soon). My back is evil.

Jon has the most right to complain in our household, though he isn't. He broke his nose Saturday tackling a rugby opponent (three cracks). He'll have to get it re-set in a couple days when the swelling has gone down. YEEOWWWCH! Should be pretty black and blue for prom pictures Saturday...

Keep trying to control that chaos.
Happy Spring! Aloha.



On the deck of the USS Bowfin in Pearl Harbor

Love the palms!

Owen Wilson, Liam Neeson, look out!!

Look who the Easter Rabbit brought us

Maddie & Miriam

Can't let these good coals go to waste!

Further signs of entropy

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

This Old Man































































My sweetheart woke up to a terrible charlie horse in his leg Saturday. No doubt a cruel prank played by his body, which was after all now five DECADES old. I pitied him then reminded him that he was indeed the big 5-0 now. Then I did my best to massage the naughty meat-calf.


I decided a few weeks ago that I had to clue him in to the plans for the celebration instead of being secretive. I guess the calf part was still a surprise to us both, haha.


We went to dinner with several fun friends and enjoyed a great meal and wonderful visits. Then we went home and found lots more friends and family at the house--along with many black balloons and some black streamers... and PIE. Everyone got a little sugar, except for Julie, who has more self-control than anyone I know. And it shows.


It was a fun day. I love Jim, no matter how old or young he is.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Christmas Break

It was fun to get together with family and friends this Christmas break. We played and ate and laughed a bunch.





Here's a glimpse at some of the fun...






















































































































Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Photos Are Phun!

More pictures from the NY trip/party...

Sunday after church we went to the cemetery to spend a few peaceful minutes as a family with those who have gone ahead. We sang a few songs.

We drove by FHS after that and visited the memory grove there. It's very nice. Way too many trees though. The J girls hiked the old sledding hill, which looks awesome.

Sunday night was the party at the church with refreshments and photos and mini decor. E3 wrote Grandpa some nice notes as did some older friends.

Apparently the primary kids had learned about the creation recently and posted their artwork on the wall. One of them particulary struck us both for the green monsters and the filters. Very funny!


























































































































Monday, October 17, 2011

New York Trip--Saturday on the Lake

After a little work in the woods (hauling logs, moving brush, trimming dead branches, extracting old trailers), we spent a peaceful 90 minutes or so on Canandaigua Lake, one of the Finger Lakes. We floated aboard the Canandaigua Lady, a two-paddle paddleboat, and took in the first of the fall colors along the shore. We wore our matching shirts (nerd alert) and soaked up some rare sunshine. There was even a little romance at the back of the boat...

Can you spot the winter socks?























































Friday, October 14, 2011

Dad Turns 75

Dad had a birthday, shout "Hooray!" All eight daughters (and three sons in law and four grandkids) flew to NY for the celebration. We worked in the morning (painting, cooking, at the storehouse, etc.), went to lunch together and enjoyed a nice dinner at Mario's. Dessert was homemade lemon meringue pie--one of Dad's very favorite things in the world! Our cousin Carol and her husband joined us for dinner. It was great to see their family again!

P.S. Baby Owen is the cutest, sweetest lil boy!