Thankful Me

  Though stormy skies threaten rain, a white lilac shows off beautiful blossoms Going to wax philosophical today, and the above photo illustrates my thoughts and feelings well. The dark sky in the background was, in this instance, an approaching storm. Viewing the clouds on that day, the interplay of light and dark was mesmerizing, and I was curious to see if we would get precipitation. But even though I didn't particularly want to get caught in a downpour, my beautiful, very fragrant lilacs were blooming, and there was no place I wanted to be more than outside, with my nose in the lilac blossoms. The sight and scent brought me joy that not even the threat of an imminent storm could dampen.  Life is like that. The "weather" changes, sometimes suddenly and without warning. Othertimes, we can anticipate the change. But even in the rain--whether it be a short cloudburst or an entire monsoon season--we can find joy, beauty, and gratitude.  Looking back over the past week, I a...

  Christus statue by Bertel Thorvaldsen shows the resurrected Jesus with outstretched arms Happy Easter! Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, the hope for the world. Easter celebrates the fulfillment of His earthly mission, His atoning sacrifice that provides a way for each of us to have peace and joy even amid the challenges of life. Everything is possible because of Him.  This weekend is also General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am thankful for the messages given and the reminders of how strengthening our relationship with Jesus Christ allows us to more easily recognize and feel His power in our lives: 1. "Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray, lives, knows us, watches over us, and cares for us. As we pray continually, no matter the circumstances of life, the Lord will offer us His peace and abiding support." (Henry B. Eyring) 2. "As we follow, love, and serve the Savior, we gradually focus less on our own desires and inte...

  John and I stand outside the Lindon Temple  When my kids were little, I baked muffins frequently. I had that recipe memorized and could whip up a batch in no time. Now that I'm an empty-nester, I don't even remember the last time I baked muffins, let alone remembered the recipe. I almost feel that way about blogging; I've been so sporatic of late that it seems a much bigger job than it really is to sit down and compose a post--and don't even get me started about the hassle of getting photos off my phone and onto my computer! (Why my devices aren't playing nicely with each other I really don't understand. Fortunately, I do remember my workaround.) However, I actually do enjoy blogging even if I haven't been making time for it of late, and how could I not think of things I'm thankful for on Palm Sunday? So, here I am! Since my last TToT post, I've taken a weekend trip to visit my sister, gone on a cruise to the Caribbean and Central America with John...

  The full moon, with a halo,  in the sky above the Mt. Timpanogos Temple early in the morning on February 2, 2026 With a few (notable) exceptions here and there, I've been reliving Groundhog Day over and over again this month. John's parents have moved out of their house and in with his sister, so John and I have spent nearly every day since February 2nd at his parents' house: sorting, packing, and cleaning. Each of his siblings is contributing in their own way, and this is the best way for us to help right now. We're happy to be doing it, though it has been a long time since we have experienced this level of routine to our days.  1. I'm thankful for John's parents. We see evidence of their kindness and love of family all over their home. 2. I'm thankful for John's siblings. Everyone has their own responsibilities and challenges,  yet all are willing to do what they can for their parents.  3. I'm thankful (for many reasons) for our son and his girlf...

  A puzzle of the United States of America The past two weeks have been busy. We drove from Oregon to Utah (staying overnight at the halfway point in Boise, Idaho.) After one restful night at home, we drove to California (passing through the tiniest corner of Arizona and then Nevada). After a couple of nights there, we returned to Utah. I get to be home for a week before I fly out to Oregon next weekend. It's all good, though. I'm thankful: 1. My mom's recovery continues to go well. Next weekend's visit is a planned-before-her-injury family reunion: just my parents, siblings, and myself. It should be lots of fun! I should be reading the Scrabble dictionary in preparation, because I know there will be at least one game.  Scrabble tiles (A, O, I, F, E, blank, E) on the rack. I was wishing that first names were valid Scrabble words, and sent this photo to my friend who has a daughter named Aoife.  2. The weather in Oregon, unlike the first January visit, was sunny and dry....

  Photo of a business center in a hotel. A white electrical cord is plugged into the wall, and the cord disappears underneath the carpet. John noticed this while we ate breakfast this morning. We returned home to Utah at the end of last week, took care of some things at home, then came back to Oregon to assist my parents when my mom was released from the hospital. She is doing great--moving around easier and faster than she was even a week ago.  1. I'm thankful for safe travels. With the exception of some icy and foggy patches in eastern Oregon, roads have been clear.  2. I'm thankful for reliable transportation. We got back to Utah just in time for the final "covered with the purchase of the car" service appointment. Nice to have that done, even if the next oil change is on us.  3. I'm thankful for parents. We took John's parents for a drive out to Antelope Island, and although we didn't see the resident bison herd this time--(were you expecting me to say...