As many of you watched the debates, I watched my boss bib wine at the Outback Steakhouse in Nashville. We spent the evening discussing dog training, kid training and our respective failures in these areas. After dinner, I drove us back to our seedy little rooms at the local Comfort Inn. I thought of it as the fun house; the floors were uneven, carpet askew and the halls smelled like marijuana. I mentioned the odor to my boss the next morning. She hadn’t noticed.

Meetings on the following day went about as well as one could expect when one’s boss is present. Getting there is a lot like our appointments. I drive, she coaches. She said little about my driving this time, and I was grateful. On our trip to Buffalo in February, she made several negative comments, yet refused my repeated offers to take the wheel. Since she’s just sitting there, I suggested that she navigate. No-could-do. She can’t see out the windows while wearing her reading glasses, and she can’t read a map with them off. After our meeting in Nashville, I was to drop her off at the airport. Her flight back to Salt Lake left several hours before my flight to Boston. Needless to say, I navigated (without help) to the airport in great haste, and tore out of there to get some breathing room, sans boss.

After driving through some lovely wooded areas outside of Nashville, I filled the car’s tank with gas, and returned to the airport around the time my boss’s flight was lifting off the ground. It was going to be a long evening. I was headed to Atlanta, where I would then catch my flight to Boston. It seems that I never have a direct flight anywhere. The flight to Atlanta was uneventful. There’s not much that can happen in thirty-five minutes besides taking off and landing.

For an airport terminal, Atlanta’s E is about as good as they come. Generally, the important international flights arrive and depart from terminal E. In a way, this was the highlight of the trip. I found myself sitting somewhat close to the woman’s restroom. Within ten minutes, I noticed the sound of a broken suitcase wheel, loudly complaining as its owner pulled it along. Atlanta’s terminal E does not have much carpet, so the “clack clack clack” of the broken wheel seemed to announce its owner’s arrival. She was a well-dressed middle aged woman wearing a navy blazer and dress slacks. She was also visibly irritated by her disagreeable companion. She walked past me, and clack clacked her way right into the bathroom. I could hear her turn the corner, and I realized that her nasty little luggage was betraying nearly everything she was doing in there, even though she was well hidden from sight. Indeed, I thought I could tell when she turned left and right. I could hold it back no longer, and I began laughing uncontrollably. There was no TV in sight, nor book in hand. I must have been a sight in my own right. Distracted by my own laughter, I somehow lost the suitcase. It could no longer be heard trailing its unhappy owner in the ladies room. Just as I began training my ear towards the bathroom, the woman emerged, suitcase stuffed under her arm. She didn’t look any happier, and she surely wasn’t. The suitcase had complained without refrain or remorse, and had thus earned its free ride through the airport. As she exited, our eyes briefly met, and I looked away, ashamed. I had been a peeping Tom, or perhaps a listening Sammy. If this name were to catch on, I would be forever disgraced. Consider what I dug up out of Webster’s:

Peeping Tom, first recorded around 1796, has become a term for a voyeur, not at all a pleasant fate for this legendary fellow. As W.H. Auden has said, “Peeping Toms/are never praised, like novelists or bird watchers,/for their keenness of observation.”

I dislike overused clichés. Instead of using the all-too-familiar “squeaky wheel,” I’m going to use the “clacking wheel” in its place.
Sam: “Serves him right. You know what they say about the clacking wheel.”
Biographer: “Clacking wheel? I’ve never heard of such a thing.”
Sam: “Well then. I have a story for you…gets carried through the airport by its owner...keenness of whom has long been overrated

I think I’ve had enough fun for one night.

Sam

Cristie, Lizzie, Joe, and I watched the debates with varying levels of amusement, generally rising from youngest to oldest. (Lizzie's participation consisted mostly of a vacuous stare). Both the candidates tried to "shut the door on each others' faces", but I thought failed to deliver any knock out punches. While I thought Kerry was the clear winner in last week's debate, I give the edge to Cheney in last night's contest. I thought his shorter answers and "passes" mostly worked, especially the one where he passed on the opportunity to comment on the gay/lesbian issue.

Edward's inexperience was evident. His arguments also displayed a kind of empty passion somehow. Something he does with the corner of his mouth and his tongue also got on my nerves. I know I'm being petty and not focused on the issues with that observation, but hey, it got in the way.

I agree with Ed, Bush is in trouble. The momentum shifted with the debate last week and to get it back, he's going to have to come out swinging Friday night. He obviously was not prepared for the first debate. And Kerry surprised and impressed me with his articulateness, his handling of the flip flop criticisms, and his grasp of the issues.

Now, Melissa, I'm willing to consider Mr. Van Damn (heh, heh). I checked his website. Generic pablum. Where does he stand on the 2nd Amendment initiative? Gun control? Iraq? North Korea/Iran? Moving the state prison? (lol)

A writer in Newsweek compared the styles of the candidates. He says Bush is a "go with your gut" snap decision maker and Kerry might lean toward analysis paralysis. His conclusion is that the best presidents combine intuition with a deep knowledge of the issue at hand to make the best decision. Can we elect them both?

Well, I ran over a cat yesterday. I was driving Eddie to school. It just darted right out in front of me. Thump, thump went the minivan. I got out and looked under the van. Amazingly it was still alive. It hurriedly wobbled under the fence and into it's backyard.

I knocked on the door. A woman answered, and I told her "I hit your cat". asked me for my number so that she could send me the vet bill. I was incredulous and said so. "How am I responsible? I wasn't speeding, I wasn't doing anything wrong". "What, I am supposed to teach my cat manners" she exclaimed? Again, I was incredulous. "Lady, I'm not responible for YOUR cat!" She rebutted, "that is what your insurance is for... that is what my insurance is for too, but you can't expect me to pay for this". Then I dared her. "Okay, fine Lady(I really think I called her Lady). That's my house down there. Call the police, send me the bill. No one is going to buy it, because it's absolutely ridiculous! If I'm supposed to be responsible for all the animals on this street, whether I know they exist or not, then I get to say whether they can be outside or not". Of course she heard very little of this because she shut the door on my face saying that we shouldn't be arguing in front of her daughter. That was the start of my day....

Did anyone watch the VP debates last night? I'd be interested in hearing what y'all think. It seemed that they spent a lot of the time calling eachother a liar (in politically correct jargon, of course).

According what I heard on NPR this morning, they both were liars. Okay, maybe not straight out liars. But they muddled the facts, (or were confused about the facts) or gave misleading information most of the time.

Cheney seemed a little too comfortable sitting there. He passed up quite a few opportunities for rebuttle, which may have worked for him, I don't know. And Edwards, in my opinion, was less than impressive. It's a good idea to back up and fully support your presidential nominee, but come on. At least pretend that some of these opinions are built on your own convictions. One of these guys could become acting president in case the worst should happen..

OH, and for all you Utahns out there, consdier voting for Paul Van Dam for Senate!!! (Sam is groaning right now). Bob Bennett has a huge campaign budget (2.1 million spent on cutesy billboards), but no campaign or agenda. Don't let him win just because you see his name out there. Check out his website (and Van Dam's). He literally has NO PLANS. He thinks it's a free ride. This is a guy that votes for stuff in Washington. Vote for someone who acts like they care what you think, and would take their job and vote a little more seriously.

Just my humble opinion. (And you know I always have one).
Okay, I'm finally done now.

I've been looking forward to the debates all week. Although, I don't know if I've ever been more entertained by a political debate, than by the Gore/Bush debates. Maybe they just get funnier every election year.

What's with this 32 page "rule book" anyway? It will be interesting to see how well they do having taken all the fun out of the debate. No spontaneity? No questions from the audience? No moving from the podium? Aren't we having a difficult time as it is gaining interest from the American people? I say we should reduce the number of debate sessions down to one session. One that goes as long as they can remain standing. Then in place of the other debates, a special Fear Factor between the Bushs and the Kellys. And to finish it off: a good ol' fist fight. I'd bet we'd get more watchers and voters that way.

Speaking of betting, maybe a poker tourney in the oval office...

This from an editorial by John Hughes, Chief Editor of the Deseret News in today's paper:

'Kerry has been a practiced debater since prep school but comes across as wordy and pedantic. The London "Economist" calls him "damnably boring." The "Wall Street Journal" says his "meandering verbosity" is an "unclear, indirect style that sometimes makes it hard for (him) to connect with audiences and leaves his words open to parsing and ridicule." Bush has his own mangled confrontations with the English language. He cannot get his tongue properly around the word "nuclear." He's talked about "Grecians" instead of Greeks, and of "cocoa" production in Columbia instead of coca, and of "inebriating" when he meant exhilarating. But he pokes fun in an engaging way about his own "Bushisms," and he brought the house down at a Gridiron Club dinner in Washington when, after joking about his stumbles, he thanked reporters for their "horspitality." Bush is also no novice in debating, having out-pointed rivals when running for office in Texas, and been rated by audiences as more likable in his presidential debates with the sighing, eye-rolling Al Gore.'

After the Nixon/Kennedy debates in 1960, there were no presidential debates again until 1976. Don't miss the first of the three matches tomorrow night. It promises to be very entertaining.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALISON!

Neither have I become desensitized. I often listen to talk radio at night on and off because I don't sleep so well. Last night in a hotel room, I listened as the talk show host played the audio of a recent beheading of an American. I was sickened by what I heard and have been upset by it all day.

I think being sickened and saddened by the barbarity and wickedness of some of our brothers in Iraq is better than being angry, for anger is the emotion they are most trying to elicit. I agree with Kate; it is nigh to impossible for us to go after them. Our situation is similar to that faced by the Nephites and Lamanites with the Gadianton robbers. In one instance, it was the Lamanites who hunted them and preached the word of God to them until they were utterly destroyed from among them (Helaman 6: 37). It was only by persuasion, love and the word of God, or righteous living that neutralized wickedness. It is no different today. We must defend in righteousness, as Captain Moroni and his armies did. I often wonder how righteous our defense (and offense) is today.

On a lighter note, a friend forwarded this to me recently. I suspect it is an internet legend circulating in cyberspace, but it was a fun read anyway:

'As some of you may know, one of my sons serves in the military. He is still stateside, here in California. He called me yesterday to let me know how warm and welcoming people were to him, and his troops, everywhere he goes, telling me how people shake their hands, and thank them for being willing to serve, and fight, for not only our own freedoms but so that others may have them also. But he also told me about an incident in the grocery store he stopped at yesterday on his way home from the base. He said that ahead of several people in front of him stood a woman dressed in a burkha. He said when she got to the cashier she loudly remarked about the US flag lapel pin the cashier wore on her smock. The cashier reached up and touched the pin, and said proudly, "yes, I always wear it and I probably always will." The woman in the burkha then asked the cashier when she was going to stop bombing her countrymen, explaining that she was Iraqi. A gentleman standing behind my son stepped forward, putting his arm around my son's shoulders, and nodding towards my son, said in a calm and gentle voice to the Iraqi woman: "Lady, hundreds of thousands of men and women like this young man have fought and died so that YOU could stand here, in MY country and accuse a check-out cashier of bombing YOUR countrymen. It is my belief that had you been t his outspoken in YOUR own country, we wouldn't need to be there today. But, hey, if you have now learned how to speak out so loudly and clearly, I'll gladly buy you a ticket and pay your way back to Iraq so you can straighten out the mess in YOUR country that you are obviously here in MY country to avoid." Everyone within hearing distance cheered.'

There is nothing like home sweet home. Doug and I are very grateful to be home after escaping being held hostage by hurricane Frances. We had a wonderful vacation in Orlando with the girls. They were delightful to spend time with and had a great time at the theme parks. We really played hard the whole time. We knew the hurricane was coming, but we were scheduled to fly out on Fiday the 3rd, and the storm wouldn't be there until late Saturday. When we found out Thursday night that the Airports were closing on Friday, feelings of panic, frustration, anger and discouragement welled up within me. Why would the airports close when the weather was perfectly fine?? We had called earlier in the week to get an earlier flight home, but nothing was available then. We decided to kneel and say family prayer before Doug took off for the airport Thursday night to see what he could work out. When he returned, we had little hope of coming home any sooner than Tuesday of this next week. Nothing. So, we prepared to hunker down and witness our first hurricane. We reserved a hotel room for several more nights, and went to the grocery store for supplies and food. Everything in Orlando was closed down, all the malls, most restraunts and grocery stores were closing early on Friday, so we needed to be prepared. We were trying to think of anyway we could to get home. We thought of driving out of there on Thursday, but the roads out of town were gridlock, and little gas was to be found, so that didn't seem like a possibility. We played it cool on Friday, hung out at the pool, relaxed and tried not to be too discouraged - the girls were pretty much unaffected by the whole thing, they were having fun. I was missing my little boys like crazy, and hated having to arrange extra help when I was dying to be there with them. Firday evening as we were driving back from dinner ( we found a place open) we were listening to the radio, and heard that the roads were all clear, but there was little gas to be found. We started entertaining the idea of getting out of there. When we got back to the hotel room, we checked with the rental car company to see if we could drive to Atlanta- that worked out. We called Atlanta to see if there were any flights to Salt Lake Sat. morning- there were several so we booked one. We hit the road Friday night around 8:30 to make the 8-10 hour trek to Atlanta. We made it in about 8 hours, 4:30 a.m.- so we checked into a hotel and got a couple hours of sleep so we could make the 8:20 a.m. flight to Salt Lake. When we got to Atlanta, they told us that we were smart to drive out of there because they were already cancelling flights up until Thursday of next week, because it is such a slow moving storm. So, who knows when we would have made it home - especially after all the flooding and damages of the storm. When we boarded the plane headed for Salt Lake it felt too good to be true. It was another testimony to me of how our prayers are answered, but usually not in the way we expect them to be. It was a sweet reunion to see my two boys again. A huge thanks to Ed, Val, and Lizzy for stepping in. The house was beautiful, and my little ones were well taken care of. I have the greatest family in the world. My sweet sisters in law were such a big help as well, and Kathy had a cute sign and balloons to welcome us home. There is a touch of fall in the air, and it smells like back to school. I love home. I don't think I could ever get used to living in a steamy hot place like Orlando. It was fun to visit, we had a blast, but there's no place like home. I love you all. Alison

p.s. When we went to church in Orlando, the bishop greeted us and looked so familiar to me. Turns out to be Wayne Hales. I asked him how there family is doing. Jennifer lives there in the ward. I forgot to ask about Amy. Stacy lives in Idaho and just had her 3rd miscarriage, she has one little girl. Jada was visiting her, so I didn't get to see her. Merrilee is living in Mesa and has 3 children. It's a small world. It was fun to see him.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOIS!

to the very best mother-in-law a girl could ever have...we all love you so much.

I enjoyed the article Jerry. Very interesting. I read it with great interest because your first born seems to be having issues with his stomach these days. I also enjoyed reading about your walks. That sounds lovely. Before the twins, I walked along there with Eddie (in a stroller) a couple of times. Those are some pretty steep hills. Good for you!

I've noticed hints of fall as well. Last Saturday Sam and I went for a bike ride. It was a single track on a pioneer trail near Little Dell resevoir. The air was cool, the flowers were beautiful, it was a blast! We've since wondered why we usually pick going to the movies over this. So we are going to try to make it a standing appointment, to do something outside once a week.

I was determined to keep this vow and suggested we go "hike" to Donut Falls for family night.
We put on our jackets (it was lightly raining) and set out. Ada wasn't feeling too well.

Earlier that day Jackie got to the kid vitamins and learned how to press down and twist. I was downstairs at the time. Sometime afterwards he came down stairs as chipper as can be. He walked past me with a smile on his face. I noticed that he smelled like grape. "What are you eating?" I asked. "Bite-amins!" He replied with great pride, and opened his mouth revealing the gritty remains. Of course I panicked, which I'm sure is quite rewarding to observe as a child. "Oh no no no no, that's bad for you Jackie!" And I bolted up the stairs.

Looking frantically this way and that for the bottle, I see Ada. She's plopped down in front of the TV watching something on PBS. She's got the giant bottle nestled in her lap. Without taking her eyes of the television and without stopping to swallow her last pill, she pops another vitamin into her mouth like it's popcorn. I snatched the bottle and began to explain why she shouldn't eat these like candy. I'm sure it all sounded like high pitched rambling to her. If you've heard my bird do it, you know what I'm talking about.

So fast forward to family night. We're at the trailhead. It's lightly drizzling and so everything smells wonderful. Ada is slower than everyone anyway and is really struggling over the rocks. That doesn't surprise me so much and usually she's pretty patient with herself. Not on this hike however. She complained EVERY step of the way. Step, moan. Step "Hold Me". Step grumble. Step, whine. A couple of times I carried her so that I could catch up to the boys and she complained when I carried her. I decided that I would not have a child who didn't enjoy this sort of thing. Not only would she have to walk the rest of the way, but I decided I would bring her back later in the week and every week until she toughened up a bit. About 2/3 of the way there, I looked back and noticed that she was doubled over, clutching here tummy. "Owwww, my stomach!" she said.

And then I remembered the vitamins. She looked pale and sick. I realized why she was complaining so much and then the guilt sank in. I carried her and trying to show more compassion (the complaining was hard to bear). We made it to the falls just in time to turn around and head home. Ada claimed to have fun in spite of it all. The boys had a blast. Jack probably traveled twice the distance because he liked to rush ahead of the group. Then he had to run back and check on Ada often to make sure she was okay and still with us. It's sweet how often they think of eachother.

That's how the week started. It's been ladled with doctor's appointments, dentist appointments and other errands. All in all, it's a good life. Each day as I kiss them while they sleep, I realize that my children are my joy and sunshine.

It's fun to have Katie here. She's so fun to hang out with, I miss her often.

Click on the link below to read this highly entertaining article about peptic ulcers. As I read, it brought back from my childhood the infamous Sippy diet, chalky peppermint antacids, even licorice bark chewed for healing. My mother used to threaten that I would be subject to the dreaded surgery if I didn't follow Sippy and had another bleeding episode. I'd like to claim affinity with personality #3, but I think I was closer to the far less flattering #1.

Enjoy.

http://www.newcriterion.com/archive/22/sum04/daniels.htm

In the last couple of weeks I've taken to walking the Bonneville Shoreline Trail from Parley's Canyon to Foothill. It takes me about an hour with a couple of good hills, which seems reasonable. The last few days here, we've had cool days (60's and low 70's) and cooler nights (high 40's already). While walking today I noticed a few scrub oaks on Mount Olympus are already beginning to don their brief fall brilliance. It's August! Reminds me more of my days in Western Canada.

Today I also noticed a taggers spray painted attempt at offense on a concrete wall: "Mormans suck." Worth a chuckle.

8/6/04

Dear Family:

Mom, thank you so much for the packages you keep sending me. I love getting those surprises! Those grapefruit candies are especially delicious!

I'm skipping gym right now so I can write. Would you please tell Melissa for me that I am thankful for the letters she writes. I feel bad that I can't write her back, but I really do not have the time.

I really like my black suit; it's holding up just fine. There are three words that accurately describe the quality and condition of my green suit! PIECE OF CRAP!! Both pairs of pants are ripped! Already!! It's ridiculous! So, I took 'em into the place to get sewed.

I can't believe I'm outta here on Wednesday. Oh, I'll be calling from Chicago at...around 1:30 p.m. If you talk to Kate, tell her I'll be there. I write her, but I don't know if she got it.

Joe sounds like he's having a fun summer. Did he take my paintball gun?? He better not have. If you could Mom, please keep him outta that box. Now that I don't have music, I realized how much I love it. So I want it to be there when I get home. OK?

Thank you for sending the pictures. It was funny, when I opened my package,(he names a bunch of Elders) their eyes caught hold of Alison, and Elder Stucky said, "Dang! who is that?" in all seriousness. He really wanted to know!

"That's my sister," I said blandly.

"How old is she?" He said. By this time he and Elder Roberts are transfixed with the picture. Really, I'm not exaggerating.

"She's about twenty-five I think, and her family of four happens to be in the picture."

No more questions after that! Ali should be complimented. I think it's saying something when a bunch of 19 year old kids are curiously asking questions and saying the word, "Dang!"

Mindy's cinnamon rolls weren't so good. But don't tell her that! I told her I loved im'. I enjoyed the nice little letter she wrote a lot more. We'll put it that way. Talk about a surprise! I wouldn't have expected a letter from her in a million years! Anyway.

It's weird. I wanna cut my hair for the first time ever in my whole life. I want a hair cut! I never thought that would happen.

I guess you could say I'm a little burned out in the classrom. I know, I know, it's the first two weeks of a two year deal, but the only break I get from the classroom is to eat. So it's getting old. I'm excited to be heading out.

(He goes on to name guys in a photo he sent and say where they are from.)

I'll tell you what, I think I am guaranteed to end up with Romeo as my comp after a year out there. It's destiny, I know it. I'm really gonna have to bite my tongue to keep from arguing with that goof. I'll send a pic of him too. Really, he's more opinionated than I am, so we're bound to argue constantly. He's from Texas. It was funny, they say that the spirit world after death is here on earth, and we were disscussing it in class one day, and someone said, " I wonder where spirit prison is," and I said the first thing that came to mind. Texas. They all loved it, but Romeo. We are constantly arguing about states. I could write all day about it, so I'll just have to stop now.

Well, I love you all and hope all is well.

David

New Address:

Elder David Clark Carter
Canada Toronto West Mission
197 County Court Blvd. #203
Brampton, Ontario L6W 4P6

postage may be extra

Dear Family: 8-4-04

Dad, I just got your letter. I really enjoyed what you had to say. I'm outta here on the 11th, and I'm getting laid over in Chicago at O'Hare, so maybe I could rendevous with Katie. That would be fun.

Boy, what would I give to be playing poker!! That practically killed me when I read that! I forgot all about poker! No better feeling than taking one on a bluff. And I'd forgot all about it. So thanks dad! Dad, I doubt you"ll get called to the Quorum of the Twelve, but the 70 is a real possibility! How would that be! I read Alma 26 today after I got your letter. That's an awesome chapter. I love before it, when Ammon converts king Lamoni. Ammons willingness to serve really sticks out to me in that one. There is much to be learned from that.

So what's happening in the outside world? Iraq? Bush? Politics? Forest Fires? It was all smokey down here one morning; I didn't hear a thing. Terrorists could invade Salt Lake, and they wouldn't tell us about it.

The bathrooms here continue to disgust me. I decided to shower tonight to avoid all the disgusting people you see in the morning (for I lilke to start my day on a positive note, as you probably know) so I turned on the water, and to my surprise, thousands of tiny little mites, flies, fleas, bugs, whatever you call em, come pouring out of the drain! No joke, thousands! And we all know what kind of stuff goes into those drains. It's a shower for petes-sake! So that thoroughly grossed me out!

Nothing really new here. I wish I had some ritalin. I can't focus for the life of me. So I'm having minor struggles with picking up some of the stuff. And I'm not sleeping well either. I know this ain't nothing to what lies ahead.

I had to pay for a seventy-five dollar shot today! What a rip! And it wasn't from Merck. It was from Smith Klien or whatever. I was telling the lady that you were a Merck dude and I wouldn't support the other guy. She thought it was funny, But dad, if you could get them to buy your drug (it was for Hep) you would make bank. She said they give 10,000 shots down here a month or something. BANK! So look into that.

I tell you, the other day I was thinking how long two years is. It's forever! I got a letter from Brad. It made me good and homesick for awhile. It'll get worse too. So I'm, scared for the future.

Tell me how everything is going down there. What's Joe up to, what's going on? How is Lar Lar? I wanna hear. I love you guys so much. More than I ever knew.

Love, Dave

This is a letter that David sent last week.

Hey Family-

How are things going at home. Dad, I got your letter; thank you for all the encouragement. I appreciate it, and keep your chin up, for it's just two years.

Joe, you better get used to showerig naked, and in front of people, or else you'll hate the MTC. There are no secrets here! The other night some fat, really fat, hairy, really hairy guy used my towel after his shower! He dried himself off with it very thoroughly, if you know what I mean. Boy, I was mad!

But I love it here. My district is so awesome! All the dudes are the kind of dudes that I would have hung out with at school. They are hilarious, and they love hearing "Eldrito" (me) stories. So I'm having a blast. Really, the only time I'm not enjoying myself is when I'm sleeping, which hasn't been going well lately. I wasn't planning on coming down here and seeing my testimony grow as it has.

I had the coolest experience the other day....There is a place here called the "Refferal Center," and it's basically the place where nonmembers call to get a free book of Mormon, or what not. Either they call here, or we call follow-ups to make sure that they got their order, and if they did, to see if they read it, and if they read it, than we chat.

So I called this one girl named, well actually I called for a guy, and I forgot his name, but his wife Teresea answered the phone. They are from Tempe Arizona. I got to talking to this girl about religion, and it went like this, "So did you get your book of Mormon," I asked after introducing myself. "Yeah, I got it," she said, kids screaming in the background. I got excited. "Did you read it?" "No," she said laughing, "I haven't had the time." She went on to tell me the problems she had with our church. I talked with her for awhile, and I got on her good side. I got her to laugh. In the meantime, my whole district is huddled around my booth listening to the conversation. So I said, after bearing my testimony of the truthfulness of the book, "Could you go get your book of Mormon, I'd just like to share something with you before I go?" She said yes, and I waited for a few minutes, my district still spectating. "Ok," said I, when she got back on the phone, "turn to page 529. That is where Moroni's promise is. "Ok, could you read for me, from chapter 10, verses 3 through 5?" So she read em' and when she was done I went on to explain the verses, and the Spirit of Christ, and how it all works, and she says, "Oh, I know about the spirit." "You do!!" I said, wondering what she thought it was. By this time, I knew she was a pretty religious person, but I was still surprised to hear she knew what it was. "Yea, I've felt the spirit before," she paused, and I just listened, and she struggled for a minute. "But I've never felt it as strong as I am now."

Now, as you can imagine, I was absolutely stunned. I said, "There's a lot more where that came from in the Book of Mormon, and if you read it looking for God, I promise you'll find him."

So anyway, I got her to commit to me that she's read the book, and it was really cool. When the conversation was over, my legs were trembling!! It was awesome. The spirit was so strong, all my buddies from my district said they could all feel it. They were all hugging me and stuff, it was a choice experience. So remember Teresea, from Tempe AZ in your prayers, cause with a little luck she'll be our newest member.

So as you can see, I love it here, and have already had the opportunity to spread the word. That made me so excited to head to Canada!

The discussions are comig fine. Piglet told me the first two days he wanted to shoot himself. It hasn't been like that at all. Part of me wishes I could stay here, but not really.

Dad, for mutual, take the boys down to the referral center, for anyone can do it. You don't have to be a missionary. Seriously, it's a testimony building experience.

Well, I hope everything is going good. Again, Thanks for the letters, and keep em' coming. Mom, right now I'm listening to your favorite song, the one that says, "take my heart..." the Mo-Tab song. But I love you and miss your sweet affection. Joe, take advantage of it while you still can!!!

Love, Dave

7/30/04

Dear Mom and Fam--

Hey! Sounds like life just goes on around there, and that's good to hear. Mom, thank you for that package! You surprised me with it. You don't seem like the package type. The fudge is delicious. My district is loving it, though some refuse to try it.

There are quite a few people in my district. (then he goes on to name 12 guys) and last but not least our roommates, who are really starting to get on my nerves. My two roommates are the only two that would be a struggle for me to get along with. Both are lacking in personality.

There is this one named Elder Wiseman, and I can honestly say I've never met a more unique person. The kid, on the first day, said that he writes Shakespearean sonnets, and that he wins money and competitions all the tiime, and actually went further and compared himself to Shakespeare, calling himself better!! He's nuts. He's one of those drama types, I'm sure you are familiar with em', for dad is one! Just kidding, this kid is incredible.

When we are in class, and he gets asked to read a passage of scripture, he reads it like he's in Hamlet or something. We call him Romeo. He told me that he has ten girls from home writing him. They love him because he's sensitive, and can talk to em'. I'm starting to wonder about this kid, I truly am. He's from Texas.

Yes, I am taking pictures. They are getting developed right now, actually, so I'll send you a few when they are done.

Yea, my friends are writing me. Annie sent me cookies yesterday, so I'm getting plenty of friend support. I love getting mail. It's like a birthday every day.

Thanks for the pictures. It was fun to show my buddies a picture of me with curly hair. They were amazed. They hadn't seen my passport pic, and it's longer in that one. I miss that hair. I am also thankful for the picture of Mindy! That girl is one fine creation!

Well, I have the first two discussions down, and the second came really fast for some reason. We taught it last night, and did really well, so we moved on to the third, while the rest of my district is working on the second. For some reason, I can teach the principles in that one better. The main principle is faith, and my talk was on faith, so I was well prepared.

I'm halfway done with my MTC experience. I"m happy to be heading out, but very nervous also. Oh well, you got to do what ya got to do, right?

Tell Loo Loo not to junk my room, and tell her that I love her.

Since when could sisser draw so well?? That baby picture is amazing! Keep em' coming sisser.

I'm skipping gym to write this letter. I am so freaking busy. I'm not sleeping so hot, either. Last night I had a dream that my mission was over and I came home. I was like, "That was the fastest two years of my life!" Then I woke up to reality, and stepped into a cold shower, sandwiched in between two naked, ugly dudes. That's my life at the moment. It's so much better than my old life though, although I do miss the good ol' days. I miss a lot, but realize that I must progress.

Melissa wrote me a very nice letter, and Katie and Danny did too. They are all so great. I am so thankful for my family.

Well, I better wrap this novel up. I love you guys. Keep the prayers coming.

Love, Dave

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANNE MARIE!

HAPPY 19th BIRTHDAY DAVID!

Dear Ones,

Glad that you all had a nice time and that the lake didn't claim any of you. Thanks for the pictures, Gerald. It is so great to see them. My little Jack surely is the picture of his brother Eddie. I still think they should have named it bare lake. The surroundings seem so bare.

This is for Katie. Why don't you come to Japan with me? By now we would be on the waiting list, but we don't have to have all the money in until July 31st. If you decide that you want to, send me the pertinant information---name, address, b/date, phone# etc. and I'll send in the deposit with mine. You'll need to apply for a passport also. I have to also as mine as expired. That would be so much fun to have you go with me. The dates again are Sept.30th returning Oct 6th. Let me know soon, OK? Love to all, Grama

Congratulations to you Mary. We're all very proud of you.

A Big hello to you all!
Im in under grams idenity, I've lost mine.....literally. My purse and everything in it got left behind on my bus ride into work Monday...nice way to start the week off huh? Brings me back to just about 2 years ago when I was busy going here and there(mostly everywhere) regaining my idenity. Well, I'm at it again! But what I was mostly wanting to go on record here is that tonight was my last drunk class!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'll be heading off next week to DMV and to the court clerk with my completion papers....It was quite a long haul but I made it through. And better yet, if I keep doing what I did today(minus the drunk class) on July 3rd I'll be celebrating 2 years clean and sober. Man-oh-man am I grateful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm happier (and fatter) than I've ever EVER been and I do want to thank you all for your love and support. There's nothing like family. I sure love mine. Thanks for the latest fishing pics boys I loved 'em! looked you you caught some nice ones! hope you're all enjoying your vacation at Bear Lake, wish I could be there. I'm looking so forward to my trip to Wyomming and Montana in late july.
There is nothing I love more than the pines. It is definately my heaven on earth. Love you guys, Mary

Dear Ones,

To solve the mystery of where the word dobbie originated, it began with the Olsons. I don't know if Jerry is responsible for the term or if it was some sort of baby talk from Richard or Christena. As for the definition, I won't define it in this epistle. Love to all, Grandma

Dear Ones,

To solve the mystery of where the word dobbie originated, it began with the Olsons. I don't know if Jerry is responsible for the term or if it was some sort of baby talk from Richard or Christena. As for the definition, I won't define it in this epistle. Love to all, Grandma

I thought the exact same thing when I saw the movie. Couldn't get past it. I always pictured it spelled as "dobbie" for no good reason. Maybe it seemed a little less offensive spelled that way. And I remember it used in the singular form (as in "Laurel just deposited a dobbie in the pool").

I think my mother invented the word, but you'll have to check with her as to it's etymology. As to the meaning, it's better left unpublished on this here blog.

I'm sitting here watching Harry Potter 2 with Eddie. There's this skinny little freak named Dobby. Sure isn't the first time I've heard the word, though I almost always heard it in it's plural form.

Where in the world did it come from?

This alone is the most disturbing thing about the movie.

S

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEETIE!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MELISSA!

Dear Ones,
I just finished looking at the pictures from Mother's Day and the Green River. I love getting these pictures to catch up on all of you. It looks like the River trip was fun and that you caught a few beauties. Sam is looking too grown up. How the years fly by, and little Eddie looks so much like him. I didn't see a picture of Jack on the pictures. Aida appears to be quite the beauty.

We had Stake Conference today. Pres. Huckvale used the Jonah story in his talk. I can tell it much better than he did....Ha! Of course I have embellished it a bit. The choir sang beautifully. I sat by Corine Carter. She's looking like an old lady. I keep forgetting that I'm an old lady too, but of course I don't look like they all do. Just kidding.
I received another wonderful gift from the QVC Shop. I beautiful blouse. I love it. The print is gorgeous. My bracelet and ring are on my body every day.
Cristie, I think I'm going to Japan in September. Benihanas are offering a trip to celebrate 40 years of business. It's for one week and costs $999. That encludes air from L.A. and hotel for five nights and one big banquet with the head of Bennies. Why don't you come along with me? We'd have fun, but you'd have to take a little bit smaller steps. I'm still a good walker' but the legs are a bit too short to keep up with your stride. I love everybodies posts. Got quite a kick out of Sam and the poor wall. I think there must be a few of Jake Mani's genes floating around in his body.

Much love to all of you, Grandma
P.S. Mary just saw on the new that a women that she knew of was murdered and cut up by a man that she knew who had given her several rides. She's a bit shaken up. LOve aagain, Me

Dear Ones,
I just finished looking at the pictures from Mother's Day and the Green River. I love getting these pictures to catch up on all of you. It looks like the River trip was fun and that you caught a few beauties. Sam is looking too grown up. How the years fly by, and little Eddie looks so much like him. I didn't see a picture of Jack on the pictures. Aida appears to be quite the beauty.

We had Stake Conference today. Pres. Huckvale used the Jonah story in his talk. I can tell it much better than he did....Ha! Of course I have embellished it a bit. The choir sang beautifully. I sat by Corine Carter. She's looking like an old lady. I keep forgetting that I'm an old lady too, but of course I don't look like they all do. Just kidding.
I received another wonderful gift from the QVC Shop. I beautiful blouse. I love it. The print is gorgeous. My bracelet and ring are on my body every day.
Cristie, I think I'm going to Japan in September. Benihanas are offering a trip to celebrate 40 years of business. It's for one week and costs $999. That encludes air from L.A. and hotel for five nights and one big banquet with the head of Bennies. Why don't you come along with me? We'd have fun, but you'd have to take a little bit smaller steps. I'm still a good walker' but the legs are a bit too short to keep up with your stride. I love everybodies posts. Got quite a kick out of Sam and the poor wall. I think there must be a few of Jake Mani's genes floating around in his body.

Much love to all of you, Grandma
P.S. Mary just saw on the new that a women that she knew of was murdered and cut up by a man that she knew who had given her several rides. She's a bit shaken up. LOve aagain, Me

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARY!

Sam, I loved your entry. I could picture it perfectly. I hadn't heard that story before. I do keep up with the blogs, I just don't post any very often. I just don't feel like I have anything anyone wants to hear about. Next time something noteworthy takes place I will make sure to blog. I love you all. Ali

It's a good thing my tank is full! Questions: If everybody in the country avoided filling their tanks for one day, wouldn't they just have to fill them up the day after? How would that hurt the oil companies?

Here here!

How about walking into an open cupboard door face first in the middle of the night on the way to the commode? No violence, just a defeated return to my bed to stare at the ceiling with a throbbing nose, wondering how I could have left it open.

I’m jotting this down for Danny, Katie, Grandma and perhaps Teton Tom. Everyone else either witnessed, or heard me talk about kicking a hole through the wall. I didn’t think I was the type. I’ve never kicked or punched through a wall before, so I was as shocked as anyone when I did it. Fortunately, this happened in the old place that is about to fall to the ground anyway.

I don’t recall why I was opening the freezer, but the moment I did, the ice cream tub lurched out at me, and raced to the floor to smash my toe before I would have a chance to move it. The tub met its objective, and I bent over angry (and in pain) to shove it back in the freezer. I was looking forward to jamming the ice cream back in the freezer in a manner that would demonstrate my authority over unruly foodstuffs. As I rose with conviction and a sense of impending justice, I cracked my head on the freezer door I had left open.

I lost it.

Wild-eyed, I looked around the kitchen for something to destroy. There were no destroyables anywhere in sight, so I kicked the wall in frustration. In all honesty, I thought I kicked the wall about how Alison used to kick a soccer ball. I didn’t want to kick through it, but I did.

Talk about being the loser of the day. The freezer and ice cream had both ganged up on me, and had bested me outright. What do I do, I wheel around and kick the innocent wall. I should have taken that delinquent tub of peaches and fat and beat it flat on the front lawn with a hammer. You can bet I’ll do it right next time.

It was my own folly to stand proudly above wall punchers and bike throwers. I now stand proudly with them.

Somebody accepted my invitation to join our blog yesterday, and since I can't remember inviting anybody recently but my brother, I think Teton Tom is now amongst us.

Went fishing yesterday with the neighborhood fishermen. We fished on Church owned Deseret Ranch, with a "host" (as opposed to a guide)in some man made ponds stocked with big rainbows. I'm really not a float in a lake with a wooly bugger kind of guy, and I had to get up at 4:15 AM, but I had a good time with my friends and I caught a couple of huge fish. I'm guessing in the 4 to 5 pound range, and that's no fish story! The host caught a 7 pounder! We suffered through gale force winds in the afternoon.

Joe, Sam and I are looking forward to meeting up with Tom on our annual trip to the Green River next week. Dave backed out due to a date to the senior prom. Danny, we wish you were going with us.

Dear Ones,

I hope Eli had a wonderful day. Many think the twos are terrible, but I always thought it was a darling age. Katie thanks for your phone call. Your voice sounds so sweet on the phone. I wasn't home much the last few days. The doctor and I felt quite sure that Gerald was using up his last days. He is much better....eating again and seems in much less pain. He's getting very little morphine now. We never have figured out what was really wrong with him. He told me that he was in a "bad way". It still seems as if sometimes he is not really seeing me and then other times he is quite normal. It looks like he is going to be around awhile longer. I'm glad tomorrow is Friday. Wally, Gerald's brother, came to see him twice....Also Chris. Wally looks worse than Gerald. He had to cry when he saw Gerald. Gerald recognized him though. He kept telling Chris that he looked just like Chris and that he laughed just like Chris. Chris assured him that he was Chris, but I don't know if it every really registered. It's late and I'm going to hit the sack. Anne is visiting Jeff in Chicago. Congratulations on your home Mellissa and SAm. It will nice for the children to have the yard to play in. Love to all, Grandma

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELI!

Joe and David are off playing softball. Three girls just got through decorating David's room in response to being asked to Senior Prom. Liz is getting ready for bed. It's Jenny's birthday today as well. Laurel is out on the streets again. Jerry is off on a business trip for one day tomorrow. I have been busy and this spring weather is helping me see a lot of clutter in my house that has got to go.

My love to you dear hearts!

Well, we did it! We closed on our first home yesterday, Sam and I. It was a very stressful ordeal, and I have just realized that the stress is not going to end---ever. It is a cute little home, but there is SO much work to do! But I am so grateful to finally have a home to work on. I used to dream of the day when I would have to turn down a Saturday lunch "because I have yard work to do"... My kids have loved having a yard to play in, and now they are napping again which I love. We are in the process of moving and hope to be fully moved in by the end of the week. Then I get to clean this apartment (yuk), which I am not looking forward to.

Eddie, I'm glad school is going well for you so far. I bet the construction makes the commute even more difficult!

Hope everyone is well, Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Dear Gerald, I loved the pictures. It looks fun and like it was a cold day. I froze iin S.F. every time that I went up there except once when I was in nursing school in San Jose. I can't seem to pull up the Quiz so I'll get Anne to help me. I'll get her to pull up Danny's pictures too. Tom has a computor and would like to be invited to Blogger. I had new brakes put on the car today. $149.00. That's the first money that I've spent on it rather than oil changes. Tom's Email address is tetontom@wyoming.com. I didnt think it would go through, but it did. Love to all, Grandma

Dear Katie & Danny, Anne told me that you had called today and that you would like to go to DelMar in September. Yes the Condo is mine in September and yes you can go. Just tell me the
dates, I don't think that Danny has ever been there so that would be nice for you. The weather is usually lovely in September

I enjoyed Danny's blogg re: Ohio. I'd like to read it in its entirety. Hope all is well & that Danny is enjoying law school.

Much love, Grandma

Way to go Val!!

I just loved picturing Ed run around frantic. That was well planned and fun to hear\read about. I was laughing out loud. Love you guys. Alison

Great Gag Valerie!

Somehow the only one that looked a little shocked when Jerry announced after scriptures this morning that I was expecting another little one was Joe. After a lapse of 5 seconds or so Liz said, "yea, right." Dave said, "nice try, April Fool's." So, I guess we've used up all our mean little tricks, but I never get tired of thinking of a big fat lie/joke...all in the name of a holiday. Yes, this is one of my favorite days of the year and always has been.

My love to you dear ones. I am looking forward to conference and family time. I will miss the Nydeggers. mom

Dear all,

Lisa Zimmerman had a baby boy today. As far as I know all is well. Hope all is well with you.
Alan arrived at the big 21 today. Love to all, grandma

Dear Katie & Danny,
Kelly and I really enjoyed seeing the pictures from San Francisco. The boys have really grown alot. In one of the pictures Isaac looked so much like your brother, Eddie. Glad that you had a nice time and returned home safe. I hope you have many more birthdays to celebrate, Danny. Kelly says Hi. Well, I'm off to bed to study my R.S. lesson for tomorrow. Mary Anne and Bob are in DelMar landscaping the back patio. Mary enjoys hard physical labor. I wish you could see my back yard right now. She has it looking beautiful---Many flowes in bloom. Kiss the boys.
Much love, Gramdma

Happy birthday Danny. You're Mr. Holiday! St. Patricks, and now this! Is there no end to the excitement?!?

Happy Birthday Danny! I hope it's the best one yet.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DANNY! We love you and appreciate so much the sweetnesss that you bring to our family. All day long we will be thinking of you and your little family...wishing for an extra special day.

Dear Laurel,

I hope you had a wonderful 22nd birthday. I've been thinking about you all day. I have your present, just slow in getting it mailed. I started with a viscious migraine Thurday nite and didn't feel better until Sunday night. So I will get it mailed.

Tell your Mom that the condo is mine in July and September. So if your family wants to come and stay awhile I would be happy for you all to enjoy it. Mary and her boyfriend are going down to fix up the patios this coming week end. Anne and Alan were down there last week end weeding. There were even weeds growing out of the drains that the water drains out of the roof in.

I hope that you have many more happy birthdays and that we can get together this summer. I love you.....Always, Grandma

Dear Sam,

I did have that Radette. Dan Hirschi was visiting with a girl friend, yes, she was nice and pretty cute too. Ruth has one of those irons. That cheese was $l5. a pound. They cooked the cheese plain and then with a special kind of bacon. It was very good, but not good enough for me to buy that special iron. We had the potatoes too. Dan must have had that in Switzerland. Jim found the irons searching onf the computor. He and Johanna each bought one. Cost them $250. each. I really appreciate your research. The ones that I have found only make two at a time, but I think they are larger. The picture of the bratzalies looks the same as ours do.

Katie, those pearls were a personal wedding gift to you. I gave Alison and Laurel a piece of jewelery also. Sara and Lisa are both expecting this month. Lisa is having a boy and I can't remember what Sara is expecting. Sara has been feeling louzy most of her pregnancy. Strep throat, ear ache etc.

Sam you have a real gift for writing. Maybe you should take it up seriously. Your Dad does also and so does Cristie. When Mary was at Dixie her English teacher told her that she had potential also

Your Grandfather is really slipping. He complains of shortness of breath and chest pain. He responds very slowly. I don't know if he's overmedicated or if he' s slowly fading away.

I hope Jenny is making a good recovery and not in alot of pain. Got to get to bed. Love to all
Grandma

Here is a link where imported irons may be purchased:

http://www.shopswiss.com/bratzeli.html

For a real treat, buy one of these:

http://www.shopswiss.com/raclette.html

I only ate bratzelis once on my whole mission, and I spent plenty of time looking for them. It seems to be a Swiss tradition that is dying out. In antique shops I used to see old irons that were heated by coals. I didn't see any new irons, and the only Swiss company (Jura) that used to make the irons no longer makes them. Mom and dad have a Jura iron.

Raclette (second link) is a truly wonderful thing. Though none of you will likely run out and buy an iron, it would be a fun thing to try. Raclette is both the name of a cheese, and the name of a dish. When prepared on the streets, a wheel of raclette is sliced in half. The cut side of the wheel is melted next to a red-hot iron until the exposed surface begins to crisp and the layer below is melted. The street merchant selling the raclette will then scrape the melted layer of cheese on a plate of boiled red potatoes, ham, carrots, and other meats and vegetables. The plate is not complete until paprika is sprinkled atop the cheese, and two sweet pickles added to the side. With the home version, raclette is melted in little dishes, and the meat is grilled on top of the iron. If you want to try raclette in Switzerland, make sure to visit in the fall. The leaves begin blowing through cobblestone alleys, carrying the scent of roasted chestnuts and the coming winter. The Swiss call it the Foehn, and some of the older ones with glassy eyes will tell you how strange things happen when the Foehn begins to blow. There is nothing like this in the new world. Even at twenty-one, I knew this as I dreamt beneath a 730 year old roof.

S

Dear Sam, I loved your post, but don't shoot that dog. I am not aware of any previous problems with the heeler. Do they have a leash law in Salt Lake? If so jut call and complain and they will do something about it. Our neighbors were frequently called into court for Spot's escapes. He could climb over their 6 foot fence and impregnated many of the neighbor dog. There is still evidence of his genes in the neighborhood. As for your new calling you'll be able to do a great job. Some of the callings that we think we would like the least turn out to be a great experience. Heavenly Father always gives us what we need to do a good job. Unfortunately it isn't always comfortable to stretch to the occasion.

Mary Anne is still happy with her dental jobs and lucky that they are both close by. She's quite in love. I don't completely approve of him, but when did she or anyone else ever care about that?Anne is doing well at her job. It is really telemarketing. It's right up her alley. She can charm the spots off a snake.

Gerald is fading. He's been terribly confused, but still in the same place of confusion day after day. Yesterday he was completely straight. He had to sob when he thought about Wally Ord being dead. Maxine is dying also. It will only be days. Katie did I ever get you a bratzalie Iron? If not do you want one? Yes, Eddie I'm still working on yours. I Love reading the blogs from your all. Hope all is well with every one. Tell Laurel I love her. Love, Grandma

I have been too busy to blog much, or even think about things to write. Unfortunately, there is really not a whole lot of news to report. There is a relatively minor update in the saga with the heeler next door. He has come over to our place looking for trouble a total of three times. You know about the first time. The second time, I threatened to kill him. The third time (two days ago), he threatened to kill Henry. I started to research dog-killing laws, and discovered that it’s impossible to murder a dog. One message board I read said the following: “You can shoot dogs all day because they’re legally considered property… You can’t murder property.” I read a few other cases where unruly dogs were either the recipients of bullets or nasty shocks, and Utah’s dog statute gives any citizen the right to dispatch an aggressive dog.

So, I went to the gun store.
Gun store guy (Chuck): “Can I help you sir?”
Sam: “What load would you recommend for killing dogs?”
Chuck: “Has it really come to this?”
Sam: “I’m afraid so. What should I get?”
Chuck: “Well, that depends. Do you want to kill him on the first shot, or do you want to kill him with seven or eight shots?”
Sam: “Doesn’t matter. I want him dead.”
Chuck: “Well, I’d get the Glock model 22 in .40 S&W with hydroshock bullets. You’ll stop the dog in one shot (Chuck makes popping noise), and you’ll have extra rounds for the owner if he gets a little too upset, if you know what I mean.”
Sam: “Hmmm. But the dog’ll be gone, right.”
Chuck: Points finger like gun and makes popping noise again.

In all honesty, I took a few liberties with the conversation above, but it’s not all a lie. I’m going to leave it at that, and I’m not going to mention the heeler next door again. No, he’s not already dead.

On a note of eternal importance, they made me the Young Men President in our ward. This was a real shocker for everyone, especially me. I know our bishop pretty well, and I thought I had said and done enough to be considered a loose cannon. Everyone should know how much fun a loose cannon is. I made one once and nearly killed Brad Pack. We laughed for days. Anyhow, people are calling me now wondering what to do about this, and wondering if I can get the Young Men to do that, and I don’t ever have the answer. Last Sunday, I told someone to check with the Bishop, as he was the “real” president anyway. I have a lot of growing to do. Responsibility and growing are a lot alike. It’s stimulating to talk about, but it’s not that enjoyable, and it usually hurts.

Well, I’m off to scout camp tonight. Laugh it up.

S

*** This blog is dedicated to Grandma Lois ***

Dear Ones,

Great news Danny. I feel so proud of you. We've had some wonderful rain this week and I've really enjoyed it. Wally Ord died a week ago tonight. I was able to be wiith him some of his last hours and was grateful to say that the hospice nurses allowed him to die comfortably. His daughter Cheryl was with him. What a dear girl. His funeral was as nice as Jean Driggs'. Maxine propably won't last much longer. That cancer has been eating at her for years. She stayed alive to care for Wally. They are going to sell her house and move her to Pleasant Grove with Cheryl. We've got termites swarming in the house. I guess the rain drove them in. I'll have to do something about that!

Anne got a job this week. Not from the internet, Gerald, but from the newspaper. It's close and on my way to work. They raised her $2.00 an hour already since she started. Something in the food business. That ought to be right up her alley.

I'm trying to get Ruth & Dick & Dean to go on an Alaskan cruise with me this August. They all would like to go so I think that I may be successful. I haven't cashed in that CD yet.

Alan is going to be 21 next month and he is pretty excited about it. Jaimie's folks are giving them a trip to Hawaii. Her 21st birthday is today

I pray Laurel is safe , that you have all escaped the flu bug, and that all is well. No Blogs from Sam lately. I really enjoy his correspondence. Love to all, Grandma

Congratulations Danny! I love to get great news...especially on this snowy Utah day.
Katie I can really identify with your winter blues. I used to think if I could just make it through January and February all would be well with the world once more. Chin up dear girl and know you are loved.

Dear Ones,
Katie, Sara Zimmerman feels exactly the same way as you do about Michigan. She can't imagine who ever settled it why they ever did. We've had another lovely day here today--in the low 70's. The kids at school were pretty excited about Valentines Day. Anne & Kelly made some pretty heart cookies for me and fixed up cute Valentine bags for me to take to them and my teachers.

One of the teachers that has a complete class full of very disturbed children and many aids to assist him every day celebrates the holidays with a pot luck lunch. He is Hispanic and good looking and sounds exactly like Anthony Banderos. He made a big crock pot of chicken and veggies, and there were wonderful fresh green beans, a large green salad with every kind of veggie, Mexican food, delicious cheese cake, cupcakes, cookies and cold drinks. I think it's quite special of him to do this. None of the other teachers do anything like it. I get invited so Anne made that spagetti caserole that I made at the beach 2 years ago. They really liked it.

Anne has gone to the All Star game at the Staples Center, and Mary is off with Bob and
Jim and family are headed up to visit Johanna and kids. I liked living alone and didn't mind being alone, but now when everyone is off having fun I feel sorry for myself sometimes. It's dumb because I'm too tired to go anywhere anyhow.

It was great seeing you, Son. I truly love your quick visits. Sorry if I thrilled you too much with my driving. Everyday I pray that I won't hurt someone or myself.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY, AND I HOPE YOUR BIRTHDAY WAS THE GREATEST, LIZZIE,

Love always, Mom

I just received a letter from my grandmother. She usually writes one to the family each month. For those of you who don't know, my grandparents have been serving in the Missionary Training Center for the past year or so, and loving it.

My grandmother wrote of a story she heard at an MTC devotional the other night. I liked it and so I thought I'd share it:

"Elder Stone told about a talk President Hinckley had given to the general Authorities in the Temple. He said they had recently found a box of letters which included a letter he had written to his father when he was a returned missionary and working for the church. Elder Stone said he was probably at that time the one-man Missionary Department and the one-man Temple Department and Public Relations and Media or something else. Anyway, he had his acceptance letter to go to UCLA for his PhD and was excited to go. He went in to tell Elder Stephen L. Richards that he would be leaving his employment and Elder Richards said, 'Gordon, we just need you too much, please don't go.' [President Hinckley] was telling his father about his decision in a letter, and that his heart was pretty heavy about it, but that he had chosen to stay. He wrote to his dad, 'I wonder if I'll ever amount to anything.' Then president Hinckley said to the authorities, with his wonderful humor, 'I never got my PhD, but I've received 9 honorary doctorates from different universities, I've been all over the world, we have a wonderful family and a nice home, I even have a chauffeur to drive my car.' His message was 'Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added unto you.' Our decision will be different ones, and our outcomes different, but the promise is the same for all of us."

...from my journal today.

Got up earlier this morning than I needed to because I wanted to make sure I got here on time. My little routine when I come to the Bay Area is to stay at a downtown San Francisco hotel where I can enjoy the city the night before my meeting, and then take the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) from downtown in the morning to my meeting in Berkeley with the state. I like public transport. I'm less insulated from the city, feel more a part of it. And...I like to study the interesting characters.

I'm now in the McDonalds in downtown Berkeley. My meeting this morning is earlier than usual so I allowed myself extra time and got here too early.

Speaking of characters...downtown Berkeley must be headquarters. This McDonalds is always loaded with a bevy of freaks. One even works here, cleaning the tables and mopping the floors. I've seen her before and she's here this morning, using her spray bottle filled with cleaning liquid very liberally, eager to have any kind of conversation with the sane or insane customers, and if nobody is communicative, she has loud, colorful conversations with herself. I've seen other, mostly deranged customers yell at her for spraying them along with the table. I'll tell you, that can develop quickly into very spirited dialogue!

This morning I'm listening to a woman who looks like she's in her late fifties to early sixties tell a fellow seated behind me of an encounter she had with the cops last night. She peppers her description of the event with coarse profanity. I think she must be homeless because she refers to another guy who got beat up last night and then says "Wouldn't it be terrible to be educated and homeless?"

I wonder if, long after Cristie and I are gone, this is how Laurel might end up. From reading her journals, she is certainly capable of carrying on such diatribes as the one I've just listened to. And she seems to seek out friends similar to many who surround me here this morning.

But, I'd better go. The cleaning lady is working her way to my table and I'm not in the mood to be misted.

Nice to see you back on the blog, mother. Annie must have hooked you back up again!

I'll send you the pic of Cristie, Anna Lee and Bonnie when I get home. I'm in Scottsdale...have been here for three long days of meetings (and evening dinners). The weather has been nice. Cool and rainy. It's been nice to see a little sun after living in the inversion in Utah.

How is Kathryn feeling?

Hi
I did go to DelMar this weekend. It was wonderful and every time I finally get down there I wonder why I don't do it more often. The weather was wonderful and I could hear the waves at night before I took out my hearing aides. We went to TJ...Not many people buying & I saw very few carryinng packages. Down in Gomez's arcade about fifty per cent of the stores were closed..permanately it appeared. It was really quite sad. Cristie I found that store where you bought many of the dresses last time. He said he had only been able to get 9 of the dresses and he was asking $50. now. He said his wholesale pricce had gone up. We ate at a great Mexican restaurant in Old Town. I'm anxious to take you there. You can watch the ladies making the corn and flour tortillas there. Prices weren't bad and we really enjoyed it. Mary and I had been there the last time I was at DelMar.

Debbie's mom and a woman I work with were there with me. I said that I was going to church and I'd be gone about an hour and a half. They both wanted to come with me. We got there at 8 and it was stake conference. This was an earlier meeting for investigators and the newly baptized. I thought it was a great meeting for them. I hope that it planted some seeds. Bernice (the woman that I work with must have narcolepsy. She fell asleep instantly in the car, church, moviesl and at home watching TV. We saw the Movie The Big Fish, and she slept through so much of it she never did understand what went on. I enjoyed the movie very much. I think Albert Finney is a great actor, and his son reminded me of Jimmy Zimmerman (Eddie's Jim). I had to cry in the end partly from the story and because Albert Finney reminded me of Bob Stone. Well I've bored you long enough and I have to take me to bed. Gerald I never did get the EMail of Cristie and Anna Lee. Love your all, Mom

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas. We sure did. The snow was the icing on the cake - what a winter wonderland. My kids were also very fun and cute this year.

I don't know what everyone's plans are for New Years. It's that time of year again to share our family memories, and I thought it would be fun to do that on New Year's Eve before Katie and Danny head back to Chicago. Be thinking and writing. I love you all. Alison

This was in Vickie Smoot's talk on Sunday. I liked it so much I wanted to share it with you!

1. If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it.
2. If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it.
3. He sends you flowers every spring, and a sunrise every morning.
4. Whenever you want to talk, He listens.
5. He could live anywhere in the unierse, and He chose your heart.
6. What about the Christmas gift he sent you in Bethlehem, not to mention that
Friday on Calvary?

Face it. He's crazy about you!

My love to you dear ones.

Happy Birthday Joe! I can't believe you are 16! LIke I said last night, I was dating Sam when I was 16 and you were about Abby's age. Time flies....
Have a great day Joe! Hope it's the best birthday yet!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSEPH!

The big 16 is here! Move over world and get ready for another Carter driver. Although this one promises to slow down and be a little more careful than the preceding six. Yes, we must count Laurel and her little escapades as well.

Birthday dinner here around 6.

Say your prayers for Danny and Katie as they travel that long snowy haul from Chicago. My love to you dear ones.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY VALERIE!

Today promises to be another wonderful, hectic, cold December day here in Utah. Our party for Valerie begins tonight at 6. I made a big pot of soup and ordered some bread bowls. We will have Snickers cheesecake and possibly another cake as well. I will make the yummy winter salad receipe that I got from Katie last year.

Come prepared to play games and travel safely.

Nothing goes right around here.

Most of you know what happened to Ada on Thanksgiving morning. As usual, Jack was finding great sport in chasing our child with special needs around the house. She tripped over her own feet and landed chin first on the midget table. Once again, kid blood all over the kitchen floor. Melissa rushed her to the bathroom to survey the damage. I wouldn’t have cared if I hadn’t been nearing the end of my shower. Privacy is important when living with pointing kids. I grabbed a towel and asked Melissa what had happened. She explained every detail, including the little yellow globules of fat coming out of the wound. I waited nearly an hour in the InstaCare for every stitch that girl got in her chin. The doctor on duty had a good laugh when I told him that I tried to butterfly Ada’s slice. I did take some pleasure observing all the other grateful people limping and coughing in and out of there. Not one single person in that whole building wanted to be there, and I found that somehow humorous. Bad luck in concentrate is even funnier from an outsider’s perspective I would imagine.

Melissa is at the at the doctor’s office as I write. I tried to remove Ada’s stitches last night, and the wound looked infected to me. To her credit, Ada has complained far less about this whole ordeal than I have.

For the record (Grandma Lois), the doctor said it was fine that I remove her stitches on the couch.

I have to run.

I can't believe it is already December 1. Time is just flying by. Thanksgiving was wonderful and a relaxing time. It is always so nice to spend time with family. I am growing at an unbelievable pace. I have five weeks left in my pregnancy and I am feeling more and more ready the bigger and more uncomfortable I get. Carter is still in the crib, and all the baby clothes are still packed away. I'm sure I would be more prepared if I knew the sex of the baby. I don't know whether or not to unpack baby boy or baby girl clothes. If I listen to my mother and Abby it would be girl. Doug on the other hand is convinced it is a boy and I would have to say I am feeling like it will be a boy as well. I guess time will tell. I am sure looking forward to the holiday season and spending time with you all. I am excited for the Nydeggers to visit and to see Grammy again. I love you all. Thanks for the wonderful reminder Mom. I am going to do better. Love, Alison

Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don't judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someone's differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings, having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended when someone doesn't handle something the way we might have hoped. Charity is refusing to take advantage of another's weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us. Charity is expecting the best of each other. ---Elder Marvin J. Ashton

As we begin the hectic fun-filled month of December; I really liked Elder Ashton's reminder that the very best gift I have to offer is probably the one that is the very hardest to give. Luckily life gives us all ample opportunity to get better and better at offering this 'pure love of Christ.'

I am so thankful for my family. I love you and feel in awe of your goodness and desire and determination to improve and progress. We are moving in the right direction...I know because my joy is amazing and full. The Relief Society motto, "Charity Never Faileth" is as inspiring to me now as it was to those I have loved that have moved on. My prayer for us this December is that our faith will be increased and we will feel a deeper appreciation for our Father and His Son. Wear your seatbelts and say your prayers. :)

Hi Guys! Happy Thanksgiving to all! I'm over at Grammy's stuffed to my gills, and having a wonderful time reminiscing about old times with Uncle Tom and my brother Al. I thought I'd stop by the Blog for a minute and see how everyone was doing. Ed, congratulations on your acceptance to BYU! I'm so happy for you. That's just great! Are you excited? And Danny, I have to say you are such a great father. It seems like every time I get on here I read about you taking your children somewhere fun. That's wonderful! I miss you guys! I hope the all-you-can-eat was delicious! Sam, your stories constantly have me howling! And for the record, I was struck with the stomach flu this last week, and I don't ever remember being that sick! Thanksgiving dinner never tasted better! I hope this note finds everybody healthy and happy. I miss and love you all!!! Anne xoxoxoxo

As I read through the blog to catch up with everyone, I noticed a good deal of sickness making the rounds. As hard as I tried, I could not pass up the opportunity to complain about a cold that has become my constant companion. I have been sick since September 24th. That makes two honest months of watery mucus, and multi-textured phlegm. During this time, I have missed over two full days of work, and several other meetings and activities. This can all be officially verified in my planner. I conscientiously marked the 24th of September as being the first day of sickness.

Though the symptoms have waxed and waned over this period, sympathy on the home front lasted roughly forty-eight hours. That is a generous estimate, because I am allowing for the possibility of sympathetic sleep. To be fair, this is two full days of tender care Melissa didn't get after she ate Uncle Harry's sweet potatoes last year at Thanksgiving. When I should have been helping her out, I was busy making Uncle Harry jokes and rejoicing in my own health and vigor. I became a true believer in karma, because I was immediately slammed with the nastiest, most violent bug I had ever caught. It was a defining moment in my history of illness, and I knew up front that no care could be expected, and little would be given. That particular flu gave Melissa the uncommon luxury of instant revenge, and it cleared Uncle Harry's good name as well.

I hope everyone has a healthy and enjoyable Thanksgiving this Thursday. If you are traveling, drive safely, and avoid any eggnog that smells funny.

Kate, I know all about medical clinics and doctors in big cities at addresses that don't exist, but I've never had a crying sick baby with me when looking for one! I'm glad that worked out, and very glad to hear Eli is feeling beter. Joe is home from school today, Bishop Evans is home next door sick, so it's starting out to be a sickly winter season.

I woke up this morning remembering a dream, which I seldom do. In the dream, I was exasperated to find all the bathrooms in our house in use, so I hurredly went out to the toilet, sitting all by itself right next to the stairs in the garage leading to the kitchen area.

Seated to my task, I was soon exposed to the light of day, like a mole in a hole as the garage door opened (yes, I was naked). One by one, Alison and Doug, Katie and Danny, and for some unknown reason Cami Mcphee (Brasher) filed right by me into the house. Alison was horrified, Doug, Danny and Katie were quite amused, and Cami kindly avoided eye contact. I really could do nothing but sit until they had all passed. I wish I could remember what happened next, but that's it.

Dear Hearts:

I am feeling much better today. For whatever reason my head is swoony and heavy but Jer is the doctor and I'm sure I'll be feeling much better soon.

There's no place like home!

Yes I had an amazing experience in Africa. Yes I'm glad I went. But, even though it is cold and gray and the world appears to be in shades of gray...I am sooo happy to be home. Dear Lois, thank you for sending all of the medicine in anticipation of any illness that could arise. It wasn't until I got home that I needed to take something for the nausea, but was I ever thankful to have it. I thought alot of you on this trip knowing that you would love seeing and experiencing such a beautiful place. The people were so interesting, black, difficult to understand, kind, helpful, a little spooky only because we were the minority,...it's very hard to....well, picture this. It's Sunday and there are brightly colored umbrellas, every pattern that you could imagine, shading an African walker on their way to somewhere. It was a sight. Only one of many images that I hope to remember for the rest of my days.

Ed got accepted to BYU! What an example of goal setting and hard work!

Anyway, my love to you dear ones. I am so thankful to be home surrounded with meaningful work and responsibility. I love my man even more today than yesterday.
Sam and now Ed have treated us to two very amazing places in the world. You were both the very best guides and traveling companions and I will always treasure the bonds that I was able to solidify with your sweet wives. Life is very good to us. As you can tell I am feeling very thankful today.

Mary, good luck with the beau. Keep your eyes wide open:) It is good to hear that you are having fun and a reason to get all cutied up.

"As with all commandments, gratitude is a description of a succesful mode of living. The thankful heart opens our eyes to a multitude of blessings that continually surround us."--Elder James E. Faust

I am thankful for you. mom

If I could pick a place to serve, it would be in the primary.

Cristie is a bit better today. I think she might have caught an intestinal bug that has been making the rounds. Some in the ward have had it. I've felt a bit queezy my own self the last couple of days. If Cristie is going to be sick, I hate to be left out! But she's up and around this morning, albeit slowly.

Dear Ones,
So happy that you are home safe and that you had such a great time. I'm envious. Laurel called tonight. She sounds great and I was glad to hear that she still has her job. She told me that Cristie is feeling ill. If she's not greatly improved in a couple of days she'd better see the doctor. She might have picked up a bug over that and it would be best to treat it early.

Mary's romance seems to be progressing very much to her satisfaction. She had two dates with him over the weekend and phone calls every night. She says she feels very comfortable with him.

Laurel says you have a big storm on the way. It would be nice if we had a snow storm here. The last I can remember was 1949 and it snowed for 3 days. It was great.

Well I'm going to bed. Gerald doesn't seem to be feeling very well. He got new teeth and his mouth is very sore also complains alot about his back. He looks done in too.

Fell better, Cristie. Much love to all, Grammy

Danny, we liked both parts I and II of Frontier House. We watched them when they originally came out on PBS.

We arrived home last night at around 11PM. It was a long flight home and we're all still trying to get over jet lag. We had a full layover day in New York City, which sounds fun, but arriving at 7AM after flying for 17 hours took the play right out of us. Ed and Val took a bus into Manhatten for awhile, but there was a stiff November wind to contend with so they came back and joined us in the Crown Room at the airport.

I felt bad about missing Howard Eckersley's funeral. I called the family tonight. They said the service was upbeat and a celebration of his life. Howard had a dry, witty sense of humor and they said it came out in the remarks his two sons made.

South Africa is an amazing country. I was struck with how young it and all of Africa is. We think the U.S. is young, and it is compared to europe. But Africa is the next frontier.

Ed served as a great guide (his driving still needs work), introducing us to metropolitan Johannesburg, Pretoria, and most notably black townships.

Some of the townships are too dangerous to visit. Crime and poverty exist in all of them, but some are worse than others. We never felt in danger or threatened. Many waved at us and all were curious at the conspicuous carload of foreigners. A highlight for us was to have dinner in the home of a family Ed baptized. The "Mama" now serves as Relief Society president in the branch. Other highlights included attending the Johannesburg Temple and church in a township.

It was heartwarming and inspiring to worship with the black saints in their small building. It was odd to be singing Christmas carols with the hot sun blazing outside. A few of the children were barefoot. The parking lot was almost empty; Ed said many walk up to a half hour to attend. As I sat in Priesthood meeting, I could hear the children in another room in the building singing "Come, Come, Ye Saints", and it brought tears to my eyes. William Clayton, who wrote it was among the first company of pioneers to head for Utah, and that hymn is a part of our pioneer heritage. But as I listened to these sweet children singing in their interesting african accented english, I realized that they are the pioneers to the black people, the foundation of a very young church that will no doubt grow and flourish and become mighty. As a 5th generation descendant of those who crossed the American plains, I was humbled to be in the presence of latter day pioneers in Africa.

After visiting the Johannesburg and Pretoria areas, we headed for Kruger National Park. What a beautiful and exciting place it is. We stayed at two different camps in the park, in clean and well kept "family cottages." The camps were our base as we set out each day to see as many animals as we could. One of the goals of many is to see the "big five" which are the lion, leopard, buffalo, rhinoceros, and elephant. We were able to see each of those, in some cases many of them, along with giraffes, zebras, monkees, implalas, waterbucks, and many wonderful birds. It is a magical land and I am grateful to have had the chance to see it.

Dear Sam, Alison or Gerald if you are home,
Howard Eckersley died Tuesday. His funeral is tomorrow. I was going to fly up for it, but not knowing if you were back, Gerald, I decided that it would be too much of a hastle for Sam or Allison. If at all possible I would really appreciate it if one of you could represent the Carter family there. I am quite sure it will be in Sandy where they live. I don't know the time or place, but here is Connie's phone #. 944-3501. His heart just gave out..
I hope all is well with all of you and that the travelers have arrived home safe and well. Thanks so much if any of you can get there.
Love to all, Grammy
P.S. It was Gerald's birthday today. I don't know if he is glad or disappointed that he's 79--thought all day he is 80. He enjoyed your note, Gerald.

Dear Katie, It's awful to be cold. You know Montpelier is a very cold place. Mother said frost would be on our quilts in the morning from our breath. Our wet diapers would also be frozen. (They didn't have such a thing as a diaper pail in those days} It was a dry coldness, though, and when we would have visitors from Idaho after we moved here they would wsay they weren't that cold in Idaho. Your Mom used to complain of the dampness here also---in winter and in summer. I remember when you lived in PA. one year she had the thermostat tuned down so low that she wore a heavy jacket in the house. I think she said she saved about $300 on the heat bill and decided that it wasn't worth being cold all the time. You kids, however didn't get a cold all winter until things warmed up back there. When you came for a visit one winter it was cold here with a very cold wind blowing and I couldn't keep coats on you. I guess your blood had really thickened up. It sounds as though Danny is enjoying his classes and I'm glad. John Gates said that he endured three years of boredom. It sounds like an interesting neighborhood. Mary has a boyfriend. She has never acted as excited over one in her life. All the primping that goes on. I guess he treats her very nice and gentlemanly, so it's nice that she has something to look forward to besides AA meetings. Don't you like my paragraphing? Well I'm going to bed. Tomorrow is your grandfather's birthday---79. Pretty good for someone who was sure that he's nevery make it to 40. He told me that he'd like to die, but he doesn't know how. I told him that he'd know how when the time comes. Then about a week ago he decided he'd starve to death. I think that lasted about one day. Seriously, he hasn't been feeling very well and you can tell by looking t him that he doesn't. Take care---Love to all and I hope to see you at Christmas time. Tommy is marring Beverly the 19th of December.
Gramma

Dear ones, Anne finally got me back on Blogger. I received too much unsolicited help which completely removed me from all communication with you. I thoroughly enjoyed the last few Bloggs concerning canines. Shame on you Sam & Danny, although I must say that the sadist Carter humor gave me quite a chuckle. I'm closing with a poem that I cut out of the paper years ago. It touched my soul and I hope it adds food for thought for your day. Hope all is well with each of you.
"Young children use them with the hopes of adventure.The old use theirs for long happiness and love. And I use them in the respect and hope of remembrance of love and friendship. All of man is a prisoner of the wish." Dorothy Jean Hamilton Love to all, Grammy

There's nothing like being famous to yourself. I enjoy the luxury as well. I was about six when I kicked the mutt for fun. I had racquet balls stuffed in my shirt for muscles, and the little dog yelped and ran under the bed. Looking back, I was determined to kick something that couldn't tell, and Alison and Katie were already too old.

I babysat for a family that had a dog that looked like a crawling hairpiece. I saw the kids' dad whack the dog a few times with a newspaper, so I took all sorts of liberties when they were gone. That poor hairpiece couldn't do anything right.

It is no secret that I am not a fan of dogs. I frequently make fun of them, and I even kicked a little mutt once when nobody was looking. It would stand to reason that they would not like me either, but I figured the species to be too stupid to deliberately set me up as an object of ridicule. Looking back, I realize that I had fair warning. The neighbor’s dog barked all Saturday night, finally going to sleep as I left to worship his creator Sunday morning. I did little more than grumble a few choice words in a way that I hoped would not defile the Sabbath. Swearing on Sunday is sure to land one in hot water, especially right before church. All in all, I guess I had it coming.

It started like any other Monday morning. I was so busy thinking about work, I didn’t even notice the barking on the other side of the fence. Our neighbor was leaving at the same time, and we exchanged a few meaningless comments. At that moment, a heeler came tearing around the corner, and I instantly knew he meant business. There were sticks, trash, my neighbor and hundreds of other things that dog could have bitten. As soon as I saw him, I knew I was the only thing he cared about. He was baring his teeth and snapping as he charged. He didn’t even bother to look at my neighbor. I held out my hand to offer the proverbial olive branch. Had I left it there a second longer, I would have lost it. Branch withdrawn, I planted the best kick I could in his teeth. I was wearing Birkenstocks, so the kick was entirely ineffective. I had to “pull” my kicks to keep my shoe from flying off my foot. It was a dance I would have rather witnessed than performed. The dog had me bested, and he knew it. The owner finally showed up and gained control of the crummy little beast. I waited for the apology that never came, and she left without a word. Like owner, like dog, I guess. The worst part about it was the way that dog walked off. It was clear that he was completely satisfied with how his morning was turning out. He trotted back home, tail wagging in utter satisfaction.

Today is Tuesday. I wore sturdy shoes, and I kept the ice scraper close after cleaning my car. Perhaps the neighbor saw me take a few practice swings. I heard no barking, and I saw no dogs. Apparently the taste of a dog’s victory takes longer than a day to wear off. I’m nearly positive I will be caught defenseless when it does.

For the African travelers:

If you happen to get the chance to eat dog, be open-minded, and remember that they’re not eating the well-behaved ones.

For everyone else, I send my love.

oops! Her new AOL address is : loieatdelmar1@aol.com. Thanks!! Have a SUPER trip!! And make sure to enjoy all 24 hours of that flight!! Grammy wants me to tell you not to buy her a tanzinite because she already bought one yesterday. "But if you can fin a cute neclace with the animals carved on it, I'd love that!"

Uncle Bubby or whoever else can send invitations, can you please send Grammy another invitation on here because I'm over here right now and since Loie changed her AOL account to a new name, we can't have her password mailed to her. Thanks!!!

"We are all children, trying to spell the word 'God' with all the wrong blocks"
-E. A. Robinson

Thanks for the picture link, Danny. We all gathered around my computer this morning and enjoyed them.

Still snowing here. The kids tricked and treated last night in a wet snow. Numbers were down a bit, but the scones at Barkers have never been better.

Would one of you California bloggers please stop by and help Grandma get in to AOL? She called here for help, but since I don't use AOL (I wasn't here when she called), I doubt I could be of much help.

I stumbled on the following from Ed Abbey's Desert Solitare today. I read the book when I was about Sam's age and loved it. Abbey spent three seasons in Arches (before it became Arches) National Park, living in a trailer as a ranger, and wrote about his time there. By the time I read the book, I'd already spent a month of my life living primitively in the same area and developed a lifelong attachment to it's unique beauty and solitude. Re-reading this reminded me of why I love it there.

"What is it about the desert that distinguishes it from other landscapes? Is it the color, the grandeur, the spaciousness? Is it the silence, the simple clarity? Or is it the veil of mystery, the sense of something unknown, unknowable? The desert seems to be waiting---but for what? There is something about the desert that the human mind cannot assimilate. The best artists and writers have failed to capture it....Under the vulture-haunted sky, the desert waits---mesa, butte, canyon, reef, sink, escarpment, pinnacle, maze, dry lake, sand dune, and barren mountain. Even after years of contact.... this quality of strangeness in the desert remians undiminished."

"One can see, then, why 26 year old Everett Reuss, the author of On Desert Trails, disappeared into the canyon country of Southern Utah, never to return. Although living in cities has its advantages, and I do fine there, however, once I catch a whiff of juniper smoke, or a careless word or poem calls the desert to mind, I become as restless as a wolf in a cage."

On Monday, Cristie, Valerie, Ed, David and I are heading to a very different desert from those I'm used to. Stay tuned.

Hello, Carter family. Well, it seems that I messed up again. The list is revised, so please look it over again.

Thanks guys, sorry for being so confusing!

For all the Carter siblings, here is the list for Christmas this year. I just rotated the list from last year so that everyone would be giving to someone different this year. If you all want, I will continue to keep track and rotate it every year.

Sam gives to Dan
Melissa gives to Elizabeth
Alison gives to David
Doug gives to Valerie
Katie gives to Ed
Dan gives to Ali
Ed gives to Katie
Valerie gives to Joe
Laurel gives to Sam
David gives to Laurel
Joe gives to Melissa
Elizabeth gives to Doug


Let me know if this works okay for everyone!
Happy Day to you all!