Simply said... I love and deeply miss my mom and dad. (Easter 2011)Saturday, April 30, 2011
Our Could Have Been, Might Have Happened Brush With Royalty
I took Corey to England with me in July of 2000 when he was 17 and about to enter his senior year of high school. His dad didn't want to come along and so we left him behind. We were going to stay with friends of mine who live in northeastern England, but I wanted Corey to experience the things London had to offer. It was my third trip there and Corey's first and we spent the first day there doing the normal "touristy" things. In celebration of the wedding of William and Kate, here are only some of the pictures I took showing that Corey and I traveled the same route as the wedding procession did today.
First stop was to Buckingham Palace and we watched the changing of the guards. We just knew someone royal would come out and visit with us. Corey is standing where the throngs of people stood around the center fountain outside the palace to watch "the kiss" from the balcony today.
Checking out Big Ben... 
And going to Westminster Abbey where the royal wedding took place.
We were just 11 years too early for the wedding.
First stop was to Buckingham Palace and we watched the changing of the guards. We just knew someone royal would come out and visit with us. Corey is standing where the throngs of people stood around the center fountain outside the palace to watch "the kiss" from the balcony today.
Checking out Big Ben... And going to Westminster Abbey where the royal wedding took place.We were just 11 years too early for the wedding.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Spring? April 29 Snow.
Here it is April 29th. Doesn't Mother Nature know that spring was officially listed on the calendar back on March 20th? That was 40 days ago! And we had snow the majority of the day and expecting more in the morning. At least it didn't stick to the streets or sidewalks. 
Look at the snow on the table and on the chair and it got even deeper before it was stopped snowing. I referred back to a blog from last year and found out that we had snow up until May 5th last year.
I keep seeing commercials on TV about summer movies, summer sales, summer shoes, etc. I'm just waiting for spring to spring so we can get out and do a little exploring. I'm chomping at the bit and ready to go!
Look at the snow on the table and on the chair and it got even deeper before it was stopped snowing. I referred back to a blog from last year and found out that we had snow up until May 5th last year.I keep seeing commercials on TV about summer movies, summer sales, summer shoes, etc. I'm just waiting for spring to spring so we can get out and do a little exploring. I'm chomping at the bit and ready to go!
The Royal Wedding
I was one of the nutty people who got up to watch the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton this morning. I was up at 2:30 a.m. Wyoming time which was really early when you think about it. (And, yes, I was present that other early morning for the wedding of Princess Diana and Prince Charles).
I was prepared though. I had gone to the Dollar Store to purchase myself a tiara so I could be fashionably dressed. I got lucky...my tiara also came with a matching pair of earrings. I purchased several extras and delivered them to friends whom I knew was also going to be watching the wedding live.
The following pictures were taken during the wedding. It's almost like I was there. I do consider myself fortunate that I have been to Westminister Abbey, Buckingham Palace and all along the parade route on several occasions.
Anyway, back to the wedding. I got up early enough to see many of the guests arriving and one of my favorites was seeing Elton John. He appears to be showing his ticket to someone to prove that he is indeed Elton John.
Here's Prince William looking out of the corner of his eye at me. I just know he was glancing with admiration at my tiara and earrings. 
I love this picture. Kate looks like a princess here and I love seeing her walk in with her father and having her sister as a bridesmade. Aaaaahhhhh! 
Aren't they just such a cute couple? 
I was sitting there poised to take a picture of the much anticipated kiss and just after I'd taken this picture, they kissed and I missed the picture! Bummer. I even missed a picture of the second kiss since it was not anticipated. I think they needed a little longer and more lip locking and then I would have captured the moment.
Shorty after the walked back into the palace, I walked into my bedroom and went back to sleep.
I was prepared though. I had gone to the Dollar Store to purchase myself a tiara so I could be fashionably dressed. I got lucky...my tiara also came with a matching pair of earrings. I purchased several extras and delivered them to friends whom I knew was also going to be watching the wedding live.
The following pictures were taken during the wedding. It's almost like I was there. I do consider myself fortunate that I have been to Westminister Abbey, Buckingham Palace and all along the parade route on several occasions.Anyway, back to the wedding. I got up early enough to see many of the guests arriving and one of my favorites was seeing Elton John. He appears to be showing his ticket to someone to prove that he is indeed Elton John.
Here's Prince William looking out of the corner of his eye at me. I just know he was glancing with admiration at my tiara and earrings. I love this picture. Kate looks like a princess here and I love seeing her walk in with her father and having her sister as a bridesmade. Aaaaahhhhh! Aren't they just such a cute couple? I was sitting there poised to take a picture of the much anticipated kiss and just after I'd taken this picture, they kissed and I missed the picture! Bummer. I even missed a picture of the second kiss since it was not anticipated. I think they needed a little longer and more lip locking and then I would have captured the moment.Shorty after the walked back into the palace, I walked into my bedroom and went back to sleep.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Time Marches On
I can't believe it was time to get my license plate renewed again! I can't believe I've spent my third winter here and I didn't get stuck in the snow, didn't slide into anyone or anything and the third spring is almost upon us. Wow, where is the time going?!
Trip To Denver
We made a trip to Denver in March. Joe had been referred to the University of Colorado Hospital as a possible kidney transplant recipient. We had to go down there to have a panel of doctors, surgeons, financial, social workers, phlebotomists, etc. do a thorough screening of Joe.
This was very exciting news for us in many ways - a possible new kidney for Joe, the chance to stay in a hotel and the opportunity to eat in restaurants we don't have in our town. We would also be able to get out of Casper. Since Joe's heart attack in July, we had only left town twice and that was to visit the kids in Utah. Now we were going somewhere different. It wound up being a five hour drive for us as the hospital was on the southeast side of Denver. We checked into our hotel and then went to find the hospital since we would have to be there early the next morning for the appointment.
Our hotel room was a complete kitchen studio apartment setup and very nice. We were fortunate that the hospital had sent a listing of lodging and many of them, just as the Homestead Suites, gave special rates for people who staying because of appointments at the hospital.
Yes, part of the excitement of going was eating at some place different, some place that we'd not eaten at in quite awhile. Living in Casper does not afford us the opportunity to drive to another city/town to check out another restaurant. That would entail about a 2-3 hour drive to do so. We decided to have dinner at Joe's Crab Shack. It had been over four years since I'd eaten at one and though it was good, it can be another four+ years before eating at another one.
We headed to the hospital early morning and hit the "going to work" traffic of Denver almost like Atlanta with all the interstate systems coming together. Wow, that was a rush seeing that much traffic since we don't have anything like that in Casper and it's been almost a year since I've driven in Atlanta traffic.
The meeting with the transplant committee panel lasted for several hours and the staff was very accommodating and helpful. At the end of this pre-screening, we were given a list of items they would required before the panel convened and we left. We headed straight to Sweet Tomatoes to get our lunch. We love this restaurant and it had been several years since we'd eaten at one. My favorite foods here...Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup, Chocolate Brownie Muffin, Wildly Blue Blueberry Muffin, Wonton Chicken Salad, Joan's Broccoli Madness Salad, Garlic Asiago Focaccia - I'm starting to salivate just thinking of all this.
After eating we set out on a search for Popeye's and Church's Chicken. We knew there were supposed to be somewhere relatively close to where we were staying. We found them, ordered freshly fried chicken, placed it in a large thermal bag and put it in the refrigerator in our hotel room. When we returned home, I shared with a friend and put the rest in freezer bags and it's out in the freezer waiting for a day I NEED some great fried chicken.
When we were heading home the next morning, we spied an advertisement for a Cracker Barrel. We got off and went and had us a good ole-fashioned southern breakfast. First time I'd eaten at one of those in over three years.
So, we had a great trip in so many ways. It was so nice to get out of town and do something totally different and we so enjoyed ourselves. We tried eating our way through Denver and did good in the amount of time we were there. So many restaurants, so little time!
This was very exciting news for us in many ways - a possible new kidney for Joe, the chance to stay in a hotel and the opportunity to eat in restaurants we don't have in our town. We would also be able to get out of Casper. Since Joe's heart attack in July, we had only left town twice and that was to visit the kids in Utah. Now we were going somewhere different. It wound up being a five hour drive for us as the hospital was on the southeast side of Denver. We checked into our hotel and then went to find the hospital since we would have to be there early the next morning for the appointment.
Our hotel room was a complete kitchen studio apartment setup and very nice. We were fortunate that the hospital had sent a listing of lodging and many of them, just as the Homestead Suites, gave special rates for people who staying because of appointments at the hospital.
Yes, part of the excitement of going was eating at some place different, some place that we'd not eaten at in quite awhile. Living in Casper does not afford us the opportunity to drive to another city/town to check out another restaurant. That would entail about a 2-3 hour drive to do so. We decided to have dinner at Joe's Crab Shack. It had been over four years since I'd eaten at one and though it was good, it can be another four+ years before eating at another one.We headed to the hospital early morning and hit the "going to work" traffic of Denver almost like Atlanta with all the interstate systems coming together. Wow, that was a rush seeing that much traffic since we don't have anything like that in Casper and it's been almost a year since I've driven in Atlanta traffic.The meeting with the transplant committee panel lasted for several hours and the staff was very accommodating and helpful. At the end of this pre-screening, we were given a list of items they would required before the panel convened and we left. We headed straight to Sweet Tomatoes to get our lunch. We love this restaurant and it had been several years since we'd eaten at one. My favorite foods here...Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup, Chocolate Brownie Muffin, Wildly Blue Blueberry Muffin, Wonton Chicken Salad, Joan's Broccoli Madness Salad, Garlic Asiago Focaccia - I'm starting to salivate just thinking of all this.
After eating we set out on a search for Popeye's and Church's Chicken. We knew there were supposed to be somewhere relatively close to where we were staying. We found them, ordered freshly fried chicken, placed it in a large thermal bag and put it in the refrigerator in our hotel room. When we returned home, I shared with a friend and put the rest in freezer bags and it's out in the freezer waiting for a day I NEED some great fried chicken.
When we were heading home the next morning, we spied an advertisement for a Cracker Barrel. We got off and went and had us a good ole-fashioned southern breakfast. First time I'd eaten at one of those in over three years.So, we had a great trip in so many ways. It was so nice to get out of town and do something totally different and we so enjoyed ourselves. We tried eating our way through Denver and did good in the amount of time we were there. So many restaurants, so little time!
Our Home Teachers
Joe and I have been blessed with the most loving, concerned home teachers, Cordell and Michelle Wistisen, in the last few months. Both of us have been fortunate to have received wonderful, strengthening priesthood blessings from Cordell. We know that they are there for us if we need them. What a blessing it is for them to come visit us and enjoy the spirit they bring into our home.
General Conference - The End and Icing On The Cake
After having my heart and mind filled with a couple of talks that seemed to be just meant for me, Jeffrey R. Holland made a very profound statement. It was as though he looked me in the eyes and spoke directly to me...
"If we (meaning the speakers) teach by the Spirit and you listen by the Spirit, some one of us will touch on your circumstance, sending a personal prophetic epistle just to you".
Wow, what an answer to my pre-conference prayer with Joe and an answer to the longings of my heart.
"If we (meaning the speakers) teach by the Spirit and you listen by the Spirit, some one of us will touch on your circumstance, sending a personal prophetic epistle just to you".
Wow, what an answer to my pre-conference prayer with Joe and an answer to the longings of my heart.
April General Conference 2011 - Second Talk For Me
This talk was delivered by Paul V. Johnson of the Seventy. I thought it spoke to the many trials and challenges that Joe had gone through in the past months. Though I was not experiencing his physical pain, I was a witness and also a participant to all that was occuring. My trials and challenges were just as important to me and I also had to come out on the other side and hope and pray that things would someday return to some sense of normalcy. I knew that my Heavenly Father was trying to teach me something - I just had to figure out what it was and understand that all this was happening for a reason.
Earth life includes tests, trials, and tribulations, and some of the trials we face in life can be excruciating. Whether it be illness, betrayal, temptations, loss of a loved one, natural disasters, or some other ordeal, affliction is part of our mortal experience. Many have wondered why we must face difficult challenges. We know that one reason is to provide a trial of our faith to see if we will do all the Lord has commanded. Fortunately this earth life is the perfect setting to face—and pass—these tests.
But these trials are not just to test us. They are vitally important to the process of putting on the divine nature. If we handle these afflictions properly, they will be consecrated for our gain.
Elder Orson F. Whitney said: “No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. … All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable. … It is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire.”
Recently a nine-year-old boy was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer. The doctor explained the diagnosis and the treatment, which included months of chemotherapy and major surgery. He said it would be a very difficult time for the boy and his family but then added, “People ask me, ‘Will I be the same after this is over?’ I tell them, ‘No, you won’t be the same. You will be so much stronger. You will be awesome!’”
At times it may seem that our trials are focused on areas of our lives and parts of our souls with which we seem least able to cope. Since personal growth is an intended outcome of these challenges, it should come as no surprise that the trials can be very personal—almost laser guided to our particular needs or weaknesses. And no one is exempt, especially not Saints striving to do what’s right. Some obedient Saints may ask, “Why me? I’m trying to be good! Why is the Lord allowing this to happen?” The furnace of affliction helps purify even the very best of Saints by burning away the dross in their lives and leaving behind pure gold. Even very rich ore needs refining to remove impurities. Being good is not enough. We want to become like the Savior, who learned as He suffered “pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind.”
The Crimson Trail in Logan Canyon is one of my favorite hikes. The main part of the trail creeps along the top of tall limestone cliffs and offers beautiful vistas of the canyon and valley below. Getting to the top of the cliffs isn’t easy, however. The trail there is a constant climb; and just before reaching the top, the climber encounters the steepest part of the trail; and views of the canyon are hidden by the cliffs themselves. The final exertion is more than worth the effort because once the climber is on top, the views are breathtaking. The only way to see the views is to make the climb.
A pattern in the scriptures and in life shows that many times the darkest, most dangerous tests immediately precede remarkable events and tremendous growth. “After much tribulation come the blessings.” The children of Israel were trapped against the Red Sea before it was parted. Nephi faced danger, anger from his brothers, and multiple failures before he was able to procure the brass plates. Joseph Smith was overcome by an evil power so strong that it seemed he was doomed to utter destruction. When he was almost ready to sink into despair, he exerted himself to call upon God, and at that very moment he was visited by the Father and the Son. Often investigators face opposition and tribulation as they near baptism. Mothers know that the challenges of labor precede the miracle of birth. Time after time we see marvelous blessings on the heels of great trials.
When my grandmother was about 19 years old, she developed a disease that caused her to be very ill. She later said, “I couldn’t walk. My left foot was all out of shape after I had been in bed for several months. The bones were soft like a sponge, and when I touched my foot to the floor it felt like an electric shock.” While she was confined to bed and at the height of her suffering, she obtained and studied pamphlets from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was converted and later baptized. Many times a particular challenge helps prepare us for something vitally important.
In the midst of problems, it is nearly impossible to see that the coming blessings far outweigh the pain, humiliation, or heartbreak we may be experiencing at the time. “No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.” The Apostle Paul taught, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” It is interesting that Paul uses the term “light affliction.” This comes from a person who was beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, imprisoned, and who experienced many other trials. I doubt many of us would label our afflictions light. Yet in comparison to the blessings and growth we ultimately receive, both in this life and in eternity, our afflictions truly are light.
We don’t seek out tests, trials, and tribulations. Our personal journey through life will provide just the right amount for our needs. Many trials are just a natural part of our mortal existence, but they play such an important role in our progress.
As the Savior’s mortal ministry came to a close, He experienced the most difficult trial of all time—the incredible suffering in Gethsemane and on Golgotha. This preceded the glorious Resurrection and the promise that all our suffering will someday be done away. His suffering was a prerequisite to the empty tomb that Easter morning and to our future immortality and eternal life.
Sometimes we want to have growth without challenges and to develop strength without any struggle. But growth cannot come by taking the easy way. We clearly understand that an athlete who resists rigorous training will never become a world-class athlete. We must be careful that we don’t resent the very things that help us put on the divine nature.
Not one of the trials and tribulations we face is beyond our limits, because we have access to help from the Lord. We can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us.
After recovering from serious health challenges, Elder Robert D. Hales shared the following in general conference: “On a few occasions, I told the Lord that I had surely learned the lessons to be taught and that it wouldn’t be necessary for me to endure any more suffering. Such entreaties seemed to be of no avail, for it was made clear to me that this purifying process of testing was to be endured in the Lord’s time and in the Lord’s own way. … I … learned that I would not be left alone to meet these trials and tribulations but that guardian angels would attend me. There were some that were near angels in the form of doctors, nurses, and most of all my sweet companion, Mary. And on occasion, when the Lord so desired, I was to be comforted with visitations of heavenly hosts that brought comfort and eternal reassurances in my time of need.”
Our Heavenly Father loves us, and we “know that whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day.” Someday when we get to the other side of the veil, we want more than for someone just to tell us, “Well, you’re done.” Instead, we want the Lord to say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”
I love the words of Paul:
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? …
“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”
I know that God lives and that His Son, Jesus Christ, lives. I also know that through Their help, we can be “more than conquerors” of the tribulations we face in this life. We can become like Them. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Earth life includes tests, trials, and tribulations, and some of the trials we face in life can be excruciating. Whether it be illness, betrayal, temptations, loss of a loved one, natural disasters, or some other ordeal, affliction is part of our mortal experience. Many have wondered why we must face difficult challenges. We know that one reason is to provide a trial of our faith to see if we will do all the Lord has commanded. Fortunately this earth life is the perfect setting to face—and pass—these tests.
But these trials are not just to test us. They are vitally important to the process of putting on the divine nature. If we handle these afflictions properly, they will be consecrated for our gain.
Elder Orson F. Whitney said: “No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. … All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable. … It is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire.”
Recently a nine-year-old boy was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer. The doctor explained the diagnosis and the treatment, which included months of chemotherapy and major surgery. He said it would be a very difficult time for the boy and his family but then added, “People ask me, ‘Will I be the same after this is over?’ I tell them, ‘No, you won’t be the same. You will be so much stronger. You will be awesome!’”
At times it may seem that our trials are focused on areas of our lives and parts of our souls with which we seem least able to cope. Since personal growth is an intended outcome of these challenges, it should come as no surprise that the trials can be very personal—almost laser guided to our particular needs or weaknesses. And no one is exempt, especially not Saints striving to do what’s right. Some obedient Saints may ask, “Why me? I’m trying to be good! Why is the Lord allowing this to happen?” The furnace of affliction helps purify even the very best of Saints by burning away the dross in their lives and leaving behind pure gold. Even very rich ore needs refining to remove impurities. Being good is not enough. We want to become like the Savior, who learned as He suffered “pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind.”
The Crimson Trail in Logan Canyon is one of my favorite hikes. The main part of the trail creeps along the top of tall limestone cliffs and offers beautiful vistas of the canyon and valley below. Getting to the top of the cliffs isn’t easy, however. The trail there is a constant climb; and just before reaching the top, the climber encounters the steepest part of the trail; and views of the canyon are hidden by the cliffs themselves. The final exertion is more than worth the effort because once the climber is on top, the views are breathtaking. The only way to see the views is to make the climb.
A pattern in the scriptures and in life shows that many times the darkest, most dangerous tests immediately precede remarkable events and tremendous growth. “After much tribulation come the blessings.” The children of Israel were trapped against the Red Sea before it was parted. Nephi faced danger, anger from his brothers, and multiple failures before he was able to procure the brass plates. Joseph Smith was overcome by an evil power so strong that it seemed he was doomed to utter destruction. When he was almost ready to sink into despair, he exerted himself to call upon God, and at that very moment he was visited by the Father and the Son. Often investigators face opposition and tribulation as they near baptism. Mothers know that the challenges of labor precede the miracle of birth. Time after time we see marvelous blessings on the heels of great trials.
When my grandmother was about 19 years old, she developed a disease that caused her to be very ill. She later said, “I couldn’t walk. My left foot was all out of shape after I had been in bed for several months. The bones were soft like a sponge, and when I touched my foot to the floor it felt like an electric shock.” While she was confined to bed and at the height of her suffering, she obtained and studied pamphlets from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was converted and later baptized. Many times a particular challenge helps prepare us for something vitally important.
In the midst of problems, it is nearly impossible to see that the coming blessings far outweigh the pain, humiliation, or heartbreak we may be experiencing at the time. “No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.” The Apostle Paul taught, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” It is interesting that Paul uses the term “light affliction.” This comes from a person who was beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, imprisoned, and who experienced many other trials. I doubt many of us would label our afflictions light. Yet in comparison to the blessings and growth we ultimately receive, both in this life and in eternity, our afflictions truly are light.
We don’t seek out tests, trials, and tribulations. Our personal journey through life will provide just the right amount for our needs. Many trials are just a natural part of our mortal existence, but they play such an important role in our progress.
As the Savior’s mortal ministry came to a close, He experienced the most difficult trial of all time—the incredible suffering in Gethsemane and on Golgotha. This preceded the glorious Resurrection and the promise that all our suffering will someday be done away. His suffering was a prerequisite to the empty tomb that Easter morning and to our future immortality and eternal life.
Sometimes we want to have growth without challenges and to develop strength without any struggle. But growth cannot come by taking the easy way. We clearly understand that an athlete who resists rigorous training will never become a world-class athlete. We must be careful that we don’t resent the very things that help us put on the divine nature.
Not one of the trials and tribulations we face is beyond our limits, because we have access to help from the Lord. We can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us.
After recovering from serious health challenges, Elder Robert D. Hales shared the following in general conference: “On a few occasions, I told the Lord that I had surely learned the lessons to be taught and that it wouldn’t be necessary for me to endure any more suffering. Such entreaties seemed to be of no avail, for it was made clear to me that this purifying process of testing was to be endured in the Lord’s time and in the Lord’s own way. … I … learned that I would not be left alone to meet these trials and tribulations but that guardian angels would attend me. There were some that were near angels in the form of doctors, nurses, and most of all my sweet companion, Mary. And on occasion, when the Lord so desired, I was to be comforted with visitations of heavenly hosts that brought comfort and eternal reassurances in my time of need.”
Our Heavenly Father loves us, and we “know that whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day.” Someday when we get to the other side of the veil, we want more than for someone just to tell us, “Well, you’re done.” Instead, we want the Lord to say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”
I love the words of Paul:
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? …
“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”
I know that God lives and that His Son, Jesus Christ, lives. I also know that through Their help, we can be “more than conquerors” of the tribulations we face in this life. We can become like Them. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
April General Conference 2011 - First Talk For Me
"What an incredible day! Beautiful snow falling and listening to General Conference. I feel so blessed. Joe and I had a prayer before the conference began this morning that we would hear something that would touch us directly. Boy did I get my wish. I am still crying - my heart is so full. Thank you Heavenly Father for today". (excerpt from my Facebook entry of April 3).
I had and needed to hear something from the conference addresses that Sunday morning. I wanted to feel as though there was a special message that was going to be delivered that was meant just for me. I wanted and needed something that would bring peace in my heart and mind. My prayer was answered.
This is a talk given by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf...
One of the most remarkable events in the history of the world happened on the road to Damascus. You know well the story of Saul, a young man who had “made havoc of the church, entering into every house … [committing the Saints] to prison.” Saul was so hostile that many members of the early Church fled Jerusalem in the hope of escaping his anger.
Saul pursued them. But as he “came near Damascus … suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
“And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?”
This transformative moment changed Saul forever. Indeed, it changed the world.
We know that manifestations such as this happen. In fact, we testify that a similar divine experience happened in 1820 to a boy named Joseph Smith. It is our clear and certain testimony that the heavens are open again and that God speaks to His prophets and apostles. God hears and answers the prayers of His children.
Nevertheless, there are some who feel that unless they have an experience similar to Saul’s or Joseph Smith’s, they cannot believe. They stand at the waters of baptism but do not enter. They wait at the threshold of testimony but cannot bring themselves to acknowledge the truth. Instead of taking small steps of faith on the path of discipleship, they want some dramatic event to compel them to believe.
They spend their days waiting on the road to Damascus.
One dear sister had been a faithful member of the Church all her life. But she carried a personal sorrow. Years before, her daughter had died after a short illness, and the wounds from this tragedy still haunted her. She agonized over the profound questions that accompany an event such as this. She frankly admitted that her testimony wasn’t what it used to be. She felt that unless the heavens parted for her, she would never be able to believe again.
So she found herself waiting.
There are many others who, for different reasons, find themselves waiting on the road to Damascus. They delay becoming fully engaged as disciples. They hope to receive the priesthood but hesitate to live worthy of that privilege. They desire to enter the temple but delay the final act of faith to qualify. They remain waiting for the Christ to be given to them like a magnificent Carl Bloch painting—to remove once and for all their doubts and fears.
The truth is, those who diligently seek to learn of Christ eventually will come to know Him. They will personally receive a divine portrait of the Master, although it most often comes in the form of a puzzle—one piece at a time. Each individual piece may not be easily recognizable by itself; it may not be clear how it relates to the whole. Each piece helps us to see the big picture a little more clearly. Eventually, after enough pieces have been put together, we recognize the grand beauty of it all. Then, looking back on our experience, we see that the Savior had indeed come to be with us—not all at once but quietly, gently, almost unnoticed.
This can be our experience if we move forward with faith and do not wait too long on the road to Damascus.
I testify to you that our Father in Heaven loves His children. He loves us. He loves you. When necessary the Lord will even carry you over obstacles as you seek His peace with a broken heart and a contrite spirit. Often He speaks to us in ways that we can hear only with our heart. To better hear His voice, it would be wise to turn down the volume control of the worldly noise in our lives. If we ignore or block out the promptings of the Spirit for whatever reason, they become less noticeable until we cannot hear them at all. Let us learn to hearken to the promptings of the Spirit and then be eager to heed them.
Our beloved prophet, Thomas S. Monson, is our example in this regard. The stories of his attention to the whisperings of the Spirit are numerous. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland relates one such example:
Once while President Monson was on assignment in Louisiana, a stake president asked him if he would have time to visit a 10-year-old girl named Christal, who was in the final stages of cancer. Christal’s family had been praying that President Monson would come. But their home was far away, and the schedule was so tight that there wasn’t time. So instead, President Monson asked that those who offered prayers during the stake conference include Christal in their prayers. Surely the Lord and the family would understand.
During the Saturday session of the conference, as President Monson stood to speak, the Spirit whispered, “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.”
“His notes became a blur. He attempted to pursue the theme of the meeting as outlined, but the name and image of [the little girl] would not leave his mind.”
He listened to the Spirit and rearranged his schedule. Early the next morning, President Monson left the ninety and nine and traveled many miles to be at the bedside of the one.
Once there, he “gazed down upon a child too ill to rise, too weak to speak. Her illness had now rendered her sightless. Deeply touched by the scene and the Spirit of the Lord … , Brother Monson … took the child’s frail hand in his own. ‘Christal,’ he whispered, ‘I am here.’
“With great effort she whispered back, ‘Brother Monson, I just knew you would come.’”
My dear brothers and sisters, let us strive to be among those whom the Lord can rely on to hear His whisperings and respond, as Saul did on his road to Damascus, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?”
Another reason we sometimes do not recognize the voice of the Lord in our lives is because the revelations of the Spirit may not come directly to us as the answer to our prayers.
Our Father in Heaven expects us to study it out first and then pray for guidance as we seek answers to questions and concerns in our personal lives. We have our Heavenly Father’s assurance that He will hear and answer our prayers. The answer may come through the voice and wisdom of trusted friends and family, the scriptures, and the words of prophets.
It has been my experience that some of the most powerful promptings we receive are not only for our own benefit but also for the benefit of others. If we are thinking only of ourselves, we may miss some of the most powerful spiritual experiences and profound revelations of our lives.
President Spencer W. Kimball taught this concept when he said: “God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other.” Brothers and sisters, we each have a covenant responsibility to be sensitive to the needs of others and serve as the Savior did—to reach out, bless, and uplift those around us.
Often, the answer to our prayer does not come while we’re on our knees but while we’re on our feet serving the Lord and serving those around us. Selfless acts of service and consecration refine our spirits, remove the scales from our spiritual eyes, and open the windows of heaven. By becoming the answer to someone’s prayer, we often find the answer to our own.
There are times when the Lord reveals to us things that are intended only for us. Nevertheless, in many, many cases He entrusts a testimony of the truth to those who will share it with others. This has been the case with every prophet since the days of Adam. Even more, the Lord expects the members of His Church to “open [their mouths] at all times, declaring [His] gospel with the sound of rejoicing.”
This is not always easy. Some would rather pull a handcart across the prairie than bring up the subject of faith and religion to their friends and co-workers. They worry about how they might be perceived or how it might harm their relationship. It doesn’t need to be that way because we have a glad message to share, and we have a message of joy.
Years ago our family lived and worked among people who in almost every case were not of our faith. When they asked us how our weekend was, we tried to skip the usual topics—like sports events, movies, or the weather—and tried to share some religious experiences we had as a family over the weekend—for instance, what a youth speaker had said about the standards from For the Strength of Youth or how we were touched by the words of a young man who was leaving on his mission or how the gospel and the Church helped us as a family to overcome a specific challenge we had. We tried not to be preachy or overbearing. My wife, Harriet, was always the best at finding something inspirational, uplifting, or humorous to share. This often would lead to more in-depth discussions. Interestingly enough, whenever we talked with friends about coping with life’s challenges, we often heard the comment “It’s easy for you; you have your church.”
With so many social media resources and a multitude of more or less useful gadgets at our disposal, sharing the good news of the gospel is easier and the effects more far-reaching than ever before. In fact, I am almost afraid that some listening have already sent text messages like “He’s been speaking for 10 minutes and still no aviation analogy!” My dear young friends, perhaps the Lord’s encouragement to “open [your] mouths” might today include “use your hands” to blog and text message the gospel to all the world! But please remember, all at the right time and at the right place.
Brothers and sisters, with the blessings of modern technology, we can express gratitude and joy about God’s great plan for His children in a way that can be heard not only around our workplace but around the world. Sometimes a single phrase of testimony can set events in motion that affect someone’s life for eternity.
The most effective way to preach the gospel is through example. If we live according to our beliefs, people will notice. If the countenance of Jesus Christ shines in our lives, if we are joyful and at peace with the world, people will want to know why. One of the greatest sermons ever pronounced on missionary work is this simple thought attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi: “Preach the gospel at all times and if necessary, use words.” Opportunities to do so are all around us. Do not miss them by waiting too long on the road to Damascus.
I testify that the Lord speaks to His prophets and apostles in our day. He also speaks to all who come to Him with a sincere heart and real intent.
Do not doubt. Remember, “Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” God loves you. He hears your prayers. He speaks to His children and offers comfort, peace, and understanding to those who seek Him and honor Him by walking in His way. I bear my sacred witness that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is on course. We have a living prophet. This Church is led by Him whose name we bear, even the Savior Jesus Christ.
Brothers and sisters, dear friends, let us not wait too long on our road to Damascus. Instead, let us courageously move forward in faith, hope, and charity, and we will be blessed with the light we are all seeking upon the path of true discipleship. For this I pray and leave you my blessing in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.
This is what I needed/wanted to hear. And then there was a second talk...
I had and needed to hear something from the conference addresses that Sunday morning. I wanted to feel as though there was a special message that was going to be delivered that was meant just for me. I wanted and needed something that would bring peace in my heart and mind. My prayer was answered.
This is a talk given by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf...
One of the most remarkable events in the history of the world happened on the road to Damascus. You know well the story of Saul, a young man who had “made havoc of the church, entering into every house … [committing the Saints] to prison.” Saul was so hostile that many members of the early Church fled Jerusalem in the hope of escaping his anger.
Saul pursued them. But as he “came near Damascus … suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
“And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?”
This transformative moment changed Saul forever. Indeed, it changed the world.
We know that manifestations such as this happen. In fact, we testify that a similar divine experience happened in 1820 to a boy named Joseph Smith. It is our clear and certain testimony that the heavens are open again and that God speaks to His prophets and apostles. God hears and answers the prayers of His children.
Nevertheless, there are some who feel that unless they have an experience similar to Saul’s or Joseph Smith’s, they cannot believe. They stand at the waters of baptism but do not enter. They wait at the threshold of testimony but cannot bring themselves to acknowledge the truth. Instead of taking small steps of faith on the path of discipleship, they want some dramatic event to compel them to believe.
They spend their days waiting on the road to Damascus.
One dear sister had been a faithful member of the Church all her life. But she carried a personal sorrow. Years before, her daughter had died after a short illness, and the wounds from this tragedy still haunted her. She agonized over the profound questions that accompany an event such as this. She frankly admitted that her testimony wasn’t what it used to be. She felt that unless the heavens parted for her, she would never be able to believe again.
So she found herself waiting.
There are many others who, for different reasons, find themselves waiting on the road to Damascus. They delay becoming fully engaged as disciples. They hope to receive the priesthood but hesitate to live worthy of that privilege. They desire to enter the temple but delay the final act of faith to qualify. They remain waiting for the Christ to be given to them like a magnificent Carl Bloch painting—to remove once and for all their doubts and fears.
The truth is, those who diligently seek to learn of Christ eventually will come to know Him. They will personally receive a divine portrait of the Master, although it most often comes in the form of a puzzle—one piece at a time. Each individual piece may not be easily recognizable by itself; it may not be clear how it relates to the whole. Each piece helps us to see the big picture a little more clearly. Eventually, after enough pieces have been put together, we recognize the grand beauty of it all. Then, looking back on our experience, we see that the Savior had indeed come to be with us—not all at once but quietly, gently, almost unnoticed.
This can be our experience if we move forward with faith and do not wait too long on the road to Damascus.
I testify to you that our Father in Heaven loves His children. He loves us. He loves you. When necessary the Lord will even carry you over obstacles as you seek His peace with a broken heart and a contrite spirit. Often He speaks to us in ways that we can hear only with our heart. To better hear His voice, it would be wise to turn down the volume control of the worldly noise in our lives. If we ignore or block out the promptings of the Spirit for whatever reason, they become less noticeable until we cannot hear them at all. Let us learn to hearken to the promptings of the Spirit and then be eager to heed them.
Our beloved prophet, Thomas S. Monson, is our example in this regard. The stories of his attention to the whisperings of the Spirit are numerous. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland relates one such example:
Once while President Monson was on assignment in Louisiana, a stake president asked him if he would have time to visit a 10-year-old girl named Christal, who was in the final stages of cancer. Christal’s family had been praying that President Monson would come. But their home was far away, and the schedule was so tight that there wasn’t time. So instead, President Monson asked that those who offered prayers during the stake conference include Christal in their prayers. Surely the Lord and the family would understand.
During the Saturday session of the conference, as President Monson stood to speak, the Spirit whispered, “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.”
“His notes became a blur. He attempted to pursue the theme of the meeting as outlined, but the name and image of [the little girl] would not leave his mind.”
He listened to the Spirit and rearranged his schedule. Early the next morning, President Monson left the ninety and nine and traveled many miles to be at the bedside of the one.
Once there, he “gazed down upon a child too ill to rise, too weak to speak. Her illness had now rendered her sightless. Deeply touched by the scene and the Spirit of the Lord … , Brother Monson … took the child’s frail hand in his own. ‘Christal,’ he whispered, ‘I am here.’
“With great effort she whispered back, ‘Brother Monson, I just knew you would come.’”
My dear brothers and sisters, let us strive to be among those whom the Lord can rely on to hear His whisperings and respond, as Saul did on his road to Damascus, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?”
Another reason we sometimes do not recognize the voice of the Lord in our lives is because the revelations of the Spirit may not come directly to us as the answer to our prayers.
Our Father in Heaven expects us to study it out first and then pray for guidance as we seek answers to questions and concerns in our personal lives. We have our Heavenly Father’s assurance that He will hear and answer our prayers. The answer may come through the voice and wisdom of trusted friends and family, the scriptures, and the words of prophets.
It has been my experience that some of the most powerful promptings we receive are not only for our own benefit but also for the benefit of others. If we are thinking only of ourselves, we may miss some of the most powerful spiritual experiences and profound revelations of our lives.
President Spencer W. Kimball taught this concept when he said: “God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other.” Brothers and sisters, we each have a covenant responsibility to be sensitive to the needs of others and serve as the Savior did—to reach out, bless, and uplift those around us.
Often, the answer to our prayer does not come while we’re on our knees but while we’re on our feet serving the Lord and serving those around us. Selfless acts of service and consecration refine our spirits, remove the scales from our spiritual eyes, and open the windows of heaven. By becoming the answer to someone’s prayer, we often find the answer to our own.
There are times when the Lord reveals to us things that are intended only for us. Nevertheless, in many, many cases He entrusts a testimony of the truth to those who will share it with others. This has been the case with every prophet since the days of Adam. Even more, the Lord expects the members of His Church to “open [their mouths] at all times, declaring [His] gospel with the sound of rejoicing.”
This is not always easy. Some would rather pull a handcart across the prairie than bring up the subject of faith and religion to their friends and co-workers. They worry about how they might be perceived or how it might harm their relationship. It doesn’t need to be that way because we have a glad message to share, and we have a message of joy.
Years ago our family lived and worked among people who in almost every case were not of our faith. When they asked us how our weekend was, we tried to skip the usual topics—like sports events, movies, or the weather—and tried to share some religious experiences we had as a family over the weekend—for instance, what a youth speaker had said about the standards from For the Strength of Youth or how we were touched by the words of a young man who was leaving on his mission or how the gospel and the Church helped us as a family to overcome a specific challenge we had. We tried not to be preachy or overbearing. My wife, Harriet, was always the best at finding something inspirational, uplifting, or humorous to share. This often would lead to more in-depth discussions. Interestingly enough, whenever we talked with friends about coping with life’s challenges, we often heard the comment “It’s easy for you; you have your church.”
With so many social media resources and a multitude of more or less useful gadgets at our disposal, sharing the good news of the gospel is easier and the effects more far-reaching than ever before. In fact, I am almost afraid that some listening have already sent text messages like “He’s been speaking for 10 minutes and still no aviation analogy!” My dear young friends, perhaps the Lord’s encouragement to “open [your] mouths” might today include “use your hands” to blog and text message the gospel to all the world! But please remember, all at the right time and at the right place.
Brothers and sisters, with the blessings of modern technology, we can express gratitude and joy about God’s great plan for His children in a way that can be heard not only around our workplace but around the world. Sometimes a single phrase of testimony can set events in motion that affect someone’s life for eternity.
The most effective way to preach the gospel is through example. If we live according to our beliefs, people will notice. If the countenance of Jesus Christ shines in our lives, if we are joyful and at peace with the world, people will want to know why. One of the greatest sermons ever pronounced on missionary work is this simple thought attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi: “Preach the gospel at all times and if necessary, use words.” Opportunities to do so are all around us. Do not miss them by waiting too long on the road to Damascus.
I testify that the Lord speaks to His prophets and apostles in our day. He also speaks to all who come to Him with a sincere heart and real intent.
Do not doubt. Remember, “Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” God loves you. He hears your prayers. He speaks to His children and offers comfort, peace, and understanding to those who seek Him and honor Him by walking in His way. I bear my sacred witness that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is on course. We have a living prophet. This Church is led by Him whose name we bear, even the Savior Jesus Christ.
Brothers and sisters, dear friends, let us not wait too long on our road to Damascus. Instead, let us courageously move forward in faith, hope, and charity, and we will be blessed with the light we are all seeking upon the path of true discipleship. For this I pray and leave you my blessing in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.
This is what I needed/wanted to hear. And then there was a second talk...
Helping Joe "See" Better
In order to help Joe "see" a little bit better, I've been marking some items using some clear bumps provided by an agency here in Casper.
It became necessary to incorporate these helpers because many times Joe would turn the thermostat up excessively high and the temperature would almost melt the paint off the wall! Now he only has to line up the two bumps and not move the bottom one any further to the right. It works!
A bump had to be added for the dryer also. There were times he would turn it to a setting and I thought the clothes were going to catch on fire! Now he just aligns the black mark across from the bump. I put it where the permanent press setting is located so hopefully nothing will get too hot and it will eventually automatically cut off. I may have to add a bump on top of the mark also so he can line these up just like the thermostat when he can no longer tell where the mark is located.
It became necessary to incorporate these helpers because many times Joe would turn the thermostat up excessively high and the temperature would almost melt the paint off the wall! Now he only has to line up the two bumps and not move the bottom one any further to the right. It works!
A bump had to be added for the dryer also. There were times he would turn it to a setting and I thought the clothes were going to catch on fire! Now he just aligns the black mark across from the bump. I put it where the permanent press setting is located so hopefully nothing will get too hot and it will eventually automatically cut off. I may have to add a bump on top of the mark also so he can line these up just like the thermostat when he can no longer tell where the mark is located.
Joey's Home
Here he comes home from dialysis by way of the CATC bus which picks him up and takes him wherever he wants to go for a very minimal fee... 
Monday, April 25, 2011
Three Year Old Comparisons
Derek at three years of age...
Corey at three years of age...
This is Corey's first "official" daycare class he attended at First Baptist Church. His teacher was Vickie Davis and he loved her. The little girl seated on the far left is Karla Bryan who lived near us in Omega. She and Corey went through their entire school years together.
Corey at three years of age...
This is Corey's first "official" daycare class he attended at First Baptist Church. His teacher was Vickie Davis and he loved her. The little girl seated on the far left is Karla Bryan who lived near us in Omega. She and Corey went through their entire school years together.
Our Official 2011 Easter Picture
We had no egg hunts, we had no Easter baskets, no Easter ham, no Easter bunny, but we did have a beautiful Sabbath day to go to church and then ponder on all our many, many blessings we've received.(As for Joe's wooly face, we still don't trust him having to shave his face on a daily basis as he still could bleed to death if he nicked the wrong place).
Winter Is Still Here
After dialysis last week, Joe said he'd like to ride to the top of Casper Mountain and see if there was still some snow. So up we went into our 20 degree colder temperature at the top. I think there was still some snow left.
Looking down on the City of Casper. Our home is near the right hand edge of the first picture. 
It's like you can see forever or at least all the way to Colorado.
Looking down on the City of Casper. Our home is near the right hand edge of the first picture. It's like you can see forever or at least all the way to Colorado.
It may be still snowing outside, but I can bring some springtime feeling into the house.
One Year Ago - 2010
About this time last year Joe and I had just attended the show presented by Bill Cosby at the Events Center here in Casper.
About this time we were getting ready to attend out first (and only since then) ranch wedding out in the middle of some spectacular scenery. The new bride who was Joe's doctor is now expecting her first baby.
Oriental Jackpot
One of the things I discovered during our visit to Cheyenne was an oriental grocery store. I made a U-turn and went back and came out with a few things. It was like oriental paradise for me as I found items I'd not seen in a very long time. I developed a taste for these items while we lived in Japan from 1961-1965. 
My favorite items are a type of Japanese rice crackers known as Senbei (煎餅. They come in various shapes, sizes, and flavors, usually savory but sometimes sweet. Senbei are often eaten with green tea as a casual snack and offered to visiting house guests as a courtesy refreshment.
Senbei are usually cooked by being baked or grilled, traditionally over charcoal. While being prepared they may be brushed with a flavoring sauce, often one made of soy sauce and mirin (rice wine similar to sake). They may then be wrapped with a layer of nori (edible seaweed). Alternatively they may be flavored with salt or so-called "salad" flavoring.
My least favorite senbies are the ones totally wrapped in the seaweed and I never have cared for the dried peas like the ones shown in the picture.
My first recollection and exposure to senbie crackers came the night we landed in Japan. The military assigned a family who would be our "sponsors" kind of like your mentor to show you around and help you out. Our sponsors picked us up at the airport in a car similar to the picture as I remember it.
Susan, Nancy, Jimmy and I were put into the back end of the car - the trunk area. I remember that the lady gave each one of us kids what I thought as a cookie. It was something about the size of a chocolate chip cookie. We thanked her for the cookie and then I took my first bite. It was horrible! It tasted nothing like a chocolate chip cookie. It tasted hot, it tasted spicy and there was no way to wash the taste down. My siblings all had the same reaction as I did. What were we going to do with this "cookie"? They looked to me for the answer as I was the big sister and had the answers to everything, right?
This car had large spaces around the tires and called "wheel wells". The only thing I could think to do with the senbies was stick it down as far as I could into the closest wheel well. Everyone else followed suit. A short time later we were offered another "cookie" and we graciously took it, thanking her for it because our mother had taught us to have good manners. In my mind it would have been impolite to refuse another one. We each took another bite of our individual senbie and then proceeded to once again stuff it into the wheel well. No more were offered to us - thank goodness.
I have often wondered if these eight senbies were ever discovered and if they were did they realize who had placed them there?
During the course of the next four years though I did develop a taste for, no, a love for senbies. They could be purchased for about 1 yen each which would have been like buying penny candy. I have my favorites and I definitely have some I would never want to eat again.
So, it was exciting for me to go to the oriental grocery store and select several different types, as well as noodles and spices. Now I'll just have to find my chopsticks.
My favorite items are a type of Japanese rice crackers known as Senbei (煎餅. They come in various shapes, sizes, and flavors, usually savory but sometimes sweet. Senbei are often eaten with green tea as a casual snack and offered to visiting house guests as a courtesy refreshment.Senbei are usually cooked by being baked or grilled, traditionally over charcoal. While being prepared they may be brushed with a flavoring sauce, often one made of soy sauce and mirin (rice wine similar to sake). They may then be wrapped with a layer of nori (edible seaweed). Alternatively they may be flavored with salt or so-called "salad" flavoring.
My least favorite senbies are the ones totally wrapped in the seaweed and I never have cared for the dried peas like the ones shown in the picture.
My first recollection and exposure to senbie crackers came the night we landed in Japan. The military assigned a family who would be our "sponsors" kind of like your mentor to show you around and help you out. Our sponsors picked us up at the airport in a car similar to the picture as I remember it.
Susan, Nancy, Jimmy and I were put into the back end of the car - the trunk area. I remember that the lady gave each one of us kids what I thought as a cookie. It was something about the size of a chocolate chip cookie. We thanked her for the cookie and then I took my first bite. It was horrible! It tasted nothing like a chocolate chip cookie. It tasted hot, it tasted spicy and there was no way to wash the taste down. My siblings all had the same reaction as I did. What were we going to do with this "cookie"? They looked to me for the answer as I was the big sister and had the answers to everything, right? This car had large spaces around the tires and called "wheel wells". The only thing I could think to do with the senbies was stick it down as far as I could into the closest wheel well. Everyone else followed suit. A short time later we were offered another "cookie" and we graciously took it, thanking her for it because our mother had taught us to have good manners. In my mind it would have been impolite to refuse another one. We each took another bite of our individual senbie and then proceeded to once again stuff it into the wheel well. No more were offered to us - thank goodness.
I have often wondered if these eight senbies were ever discovered and if they were did they realize who had placed them there?
During the course of the next four years though I did develop a taste for, no, a love for senbies. They could be purchased for about 1 yen each which would have been like buying penny candy. I have my favorites and I definitely have some I would never want to eat again.
So, it was exciting for me to go to the oriental grocery store and select several different types, as well as noodles and spices. Now I'll just have to find my chopsticks.
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