*Monday Memos* 8-17-2020

*MONDAY MEMOS*

   

 (If pictures are too small, just click to enlarge) 
Weekly recap of my rather crazy, insane, but fun and rewarding life!

dear monday, today I got in a five mile walk. Walking five miles is so much tougher than running it because it never ends!  I would much rather run five miles than walk it. It gets so boring too. 

It is VERY obvious we are living during a pandemic!

I did find some coins though. Among other things. When I got done, I went and picked up Chayden and Carson and brought them over here. Sky and Sarah had to leave at 4 a.m to go to Lindon to do FIRST LOOK photos. I figured the boys would be alone and bored all day and so I brought them here. I made them Funfetti pancakes and Chayden made eggs. Carson painted a wooden car craft kit I had and Chayden played video games. It was pretty hot outside and so staying in was the best plan. Sky picked them up before lunch. They were good kids. I got one blog post published! I am so behind!  

dear tuesday, I got up early and practiced the harp. I got in almost four hours practicing today because I practiced for a long time after my lesson too. I am so excited I am learning Petite Etude!  I have wanted to play it forever but wasn't sure I would ever be at that level. I have made it!  Now to master it. Well, to learn it first!  hah  I put together treats for the Sunbeams.  I also made zucchini bread for my ministering sisters. Dave was off today but busy with the yard all day. I delivered the bread to all my sisters. Not one was home. Go figure.  I ran some errands and as for the rest of the day I have no clue.  Sarah added eyes to the cow potato. Hah

dear wednesday, I got in three miles this a.m.  I rushed home to get ready to deliver treats to our Sunbeams.  I got some mini gummy bears and printed out the Come Follow Me pages. I picked up Pat and we were able to see Liam, Felix, Ever, and Sawyer.  We missed Eden and Adalyne.  We also took one to the new little girl named Ona. She is adorable. It was fun seeing them. They are all getting big!  

My goal was to get a full week done today of this blog. I was able to finish one but it is a slow go!  Ugh I am about six weeks behind. And I can never seem to catch up. It's like the laundry. Even if you are caught up you are still behind because you are wearing clothes that need washing. Every day I am living another day and it needs recording!  hah  But hopefully I will find some time and be able to get it caught up within a couple weeks. Sigh.  Carson and Sky stopped by for a short visit. 

Guru Gary sent me this today.  He sent me another one on Friday but I will post them both here.  I am baffled he would go to all that trouble and time and effort to do this! I was laughing out loud reading what he wrote to go with the photos. It brought back such great memories of all the crazy things I have done!  Who does that?  He is the nicest person! 

*With the NEW Blogger I can't get this one to enlarge so you will have to click on it. The other one did.  Everything is SO SO SO messed up!!!!


I am trying to get a shower planned for Sarah but didn't get too far on it today. Ugh.  I am also stressing about the wedding cake!  By the time this gets posted the wedding will probably be over!  That is crazy!  

dear thursday, the internet guy showed up this morning to try and figure out why our internet is always going off. It's so frustrating! #firstworldprobs I had to stick around until he was done and so I got out on my walk later than I hoped. I almost bagged it but decided I would feel better if I did. I got in three miles. I ran a little ways, but not much. Saving up the ankle for my Saturday run. McKay is still really sick. Poor guy. Dave gave him a Rocephin shot. He is worried his tonsils are so huge they will shut off his airway. He is a tough kid and never complains. I have the best boys. I ran some errands and then got Dave's parents dinner ready. I chatted with McKay while I made a salad and biscuits etc. Dave got home in time to drop it off.  I have been watching Shark Week all week. I can't get enough!  LOL I usually fall asleep watching it once I am in bed. Not sure why I love it so much!

These guys made a visit today....

dear friday, I got out on a walk this morning.  The air had a chill in it. Fall is not far away. I got in three miles. I saw this woman pushing a wheelchair surrounded by this stuff and then she took off and left it. Not sure what she is doing. Weird.  

Haylie asked me to borrow some stuff for her party for Brinlee tonight. She said she was stressed and not sure how she was going to get it all done. I offered to help in anyway I could. I took some stuff over and her mom came after I was there a bit. Before I left, Haylie said Brinlee probably wasn't going to get a cake because she had so much to do. I said, "How about I bake the cake and you decorate it?"  She was up for that. It was a ghost cake (she wanted a spooky party!) and so I came home and baked it. It was a four layer 6" cake with each layer a different color (purple, black, green, orange). I figured it wouldn't be too difficult. I had to carve the top one to the shape of a ghost head. But of course one of the layers crumbled on the side when I removed it. I was mad I didn't Crisco and flour the pans.  Will I ever learn?  But I managed to repair it with icing. That is one thing I am a pro at. Repair work!  I have had lots of practice!  It ended up being great and so I took it over. She was still stressed but I left it to her to finish. 

I got all dressed up in my WITCH costume. I wore my new apron thing I bought at the Grand American last year at our Witch's Tea. It is so cute! I wore the torturous shoes too!   The outside pictures shows the true color of the apron. I love it!  I got the hat there too.

I gave Brinlee a tea party coupon for part of her bday gift with a cute teacup I found at the DI. 

Haylie requested no toys *unless educational and no clothes. So, I got her books, a towel, a sparkly purple backpack, bath bombs, treats, a teacup and saucer and a coupon for a tea party with me, cupcake kit, workbooks for school, etc. I am not sure she liked it too much.  Next time I think I will get her clothes. It was fun. I dressed up like a witch as did Haylie and her mom and Brinlee. It was cute.  Sarah showed up dressed like Maleficent. Carson was dressed like Carlos.  Sarah brought a crown for my mom.  It was a small party. Just us, my parents, Sarah and her boys, and Haylie's mom and brother and wife and kids. Liam was cute as always. Brinlee kept hugging me and it was so sweet.  Love that lil' thing to pieces.  Sarah made some super cute spooky treats. Her house was all decked out in Halloween decor. Brinlee requested her birthday party be spooky. Maybe I should put  mine up now too!  Haha  We had cake and chatted and Dave headed out and I stayed a bit later. 

Fabio!  haha  He does kind of look like him!  Only Bryce is better looking!

Bryce played baseball with Chayden for a long time. Liam can really throw the ball! He has an arm. Sarah took me home after Haylie and I looked at all of her First Look pix. Wow! They are amazing! SO amazing!

Sarah told me Carson woke up this morning in a grumpy mood and said, "The only thing that makes me happy is making potions!  And Jodi!"  Ahhh.... He is the sweetest!

dear saturday, today Chayden wanted to go with me on a walk but he changed his mind so I hit the high school and did the track and surrounding areas. I ran the whole time (well a few walk breaks) and got in three miles. I was pretty happy about that since I haven't run much lately. 

I even found a penny!  Hey to you too, Tyson!

I took some shark cookies to Chayden and Carson this afternoon from Crumbl. It is Shark Week and I have been watching lots of the new programs. I can't get enough!  I chatted with Sarah for quite a while. Sky was there at first but had to go to some appointments. They stopped by later tonight so we could tell Chayden goodbye since he leaves tomorrow morning. Carson spent the night so he didn't have to get up at 5 a.m to take Chayden.  He took a bath and we had to improvise for PJ's and underpants since he wasn't planning on spending the night. I found one of Tyson's silky shirts that Tyson loved to sleep in. And some oversized Grinch boxers!  LOL Tyson was watching down with a big smile on his face I am certain. We watched some show and then I had to hit the hay. I was so exhausted! Oh this boy makes me happy!

dear sunday, Carson and I snuggled this morning in bed for a while. He is the cutest thing ever. We made his Build a Bear panda this morning. He sewed it all himself. It was fun. 

Dave made us German pancakes that were to die for! They are my favorite breakfast food I think. We even had a fresh peach to go with it!  Mmm.... Peach season is coming fast! I can't wait! 

We had church again today. Only the second time in five months. Dave sat on the stand so it was just Carson, McKay and me. Dave spoke for about five minutes at the end. We had a lot more peeps there this time than last. It still is strange seeing everyone in masks. McKay wanted to get home and so I didn't get to visit with anyone.  When we got home Sky and Sarah were here. They stayed a bit and then went home with Carson. They came back a bit later for dinner. We had ribs and baked potatoes and a jello salad I made and some bread sticks I made super quick. They were so good. 

Aubrey, Mickey and Sam ran over for a bit. Aubrey gave me a book she made of the girl's cabin trip for my birthday!  I loved it.  That's my quote on the second photo.

Carson was very happy to see them!  hah

We were laughing so hard while we looked at the pix. I shared bread sticks with them. It was fun.  When Carson heard they were coming, he hurried and made Micky a present and wrapped it. It was artwork and a card. He is so thoughtful!

Carson and I went out back and sat in the swing for a bit. The baby deer came down. I got the best video of them. 

Sky and Sarah were playing a game. It is cute how they always do that.  They headed home and I went up and watched the last night of Shark Week. Kind of sad it's over. 

dear random, this is a photo of my Grandma Helen (my Dad's mom) with some of the Raggedy Ann dolls she made!  Can you spot mine????  

Yep!  Mine is the only purple one!! I still have it!
She was such a cute and talented lady. I sure miss her.

I got my Homemaker's invite done!

My mom's famous Strawberry Danish Dessert Delight recipe!  I thought I better preserve it here!

Little Miss Kailani!  I miss her!

I’m Not Ignoring COVID

July 22, 2020

Mike. In a recent post, you said you’ve been to Tennessee and Georgia, giving speeches and filming for your new show. Before that, you were on the road shooting for Dirty Jobs. Is it really so important to film a television show in the midst of pandemic? Is it responsible of you to encourage this kind of behavior when infection rates are spiking? Don’t you watch the news? More and more cases every day – aren’t you concerned? Darlene Gabon

Hi Darlene

Of course, I’m concerned. I’m just not petrified.

On March 15th, the day after my part of the country was locked down, I posted a link to an interview with Dr. Michael Osterholm. I’m posting it again, because I believe you and everyone else in the country would benefit from listening carefully to what he has to say. https://youtu.be/E3URhJx0NSw

Dr. Osterholm is the Director of Infectious Disease Research and Policy. This is the same epidemiologist who ten years ago, predicted a coronavirus would come from China and turn our country upside down. In his book “Deadliest Enemies,” he described the utterly irresponsible way in which the media would report on the situation, the completely opportunistic and shamelessly political way our leaders would likely react, and the unprecedented chaos and confusion that would arise from all the mixed messages from the medical community. His resume is unexampled, and his analysis of the situation is the most logical and persuasive of any I’d heard so far. He’s also the only expert I know of who hasn’t walked back his numbers, reconsidered his position, or moved the goalposts with regard to what we must do, what we can do, and what he expects to happen next. I say all of this because Dr. Osterholm also predicted that we could easily see 100 million COVID cases in this country, with a very strong possibility of 480,000 fatalities – even if we successfully “flattened the curve.”

It took me a few weeks to accept this scenario, because 480,000 fatalities is a frightening number, and lot of other experts were saying lots of conflicting things. But eventually, I came to the conclusion that Dr. Osterholm was probably correct, and quickly navigated the four stages of grief that usually precede acceptance – denial, anger, bargaining, and depression. By late April, I had come to accept Dr. Osterholm’s predictions as a matter of fact. Since then, I’ve had three full months to come to terms with the fact that, a) I am probably going to get COVID-19 at some point, b), I am almost certainly going to survive it, and c), I might very well give it to someone else.

I hope that doesn’t sound blasé, or glib, or fatalistic, or selfish. Four-hundred eighty thousand deaths is an obvious tragedy, and I’m deeply sympathetic to all who have been impacted thus far. I’m also very concerned for my parents, and everyone else in a high risk category. But when Dr. Osterholm says that COVID can be slowed, but not stopped, I believe him. When he says a vaccine will not necessarily hasten herd immunity, I believe him. And when he says that “flattening the curve” and eliminating the virus have nothing to do with each other, I believe him.

Thus, for the last three months, I’ve been operating from the assumption that this is a year-round virus that’s eventually going to infect 100,000 million people and kill roughly 1/2 of one percent of those infected. I’ve gotten used to those numbers in much the same way I’ve gotten used to the fact that 40,000 people will likely die on the highways this year. That’s why I’m not panicked or surprised by tens of thousands of daily COVID cases; I’ve been expecting them. Unfortunately, many others have not. Every day, millions of people watch the same breathless coverage by the same breathless journalists, who seem determined to do all they can to foster uncertainty. And so, millions of people are still paralyzed by fear, because they haven’t been given a chance to digest the truth, (or, what I believe to be the truth.) Fact is, we can accept almost anything, if we’re given the facts, and enough time to get our heads around them. But if we don’t have an understanding of what’s really happening, we simply can’t get passed denial and bargaining, where so many seem to be stuck, understandably so.

Imagine for a moment you had no idea how many people would die in car accidents this year. Now, imagine that every single accident – over six million a year in the US alone – were reported on the same way that every new COVID case is reported today. Imagine every day you were told in hysterical tones, that another 16,000 accidents had occurred, resulting in another 90 deaths per day. What would that do to your willingness to drive? Six million accidents is a lot of accidents, and 40,000 annual fatalities is a lot of death – especially if you don’t know how high that number could get. But we DO know the dangers of driving, and we’ve accepted those numbers. Consequently, we’re able to make a grown-up decision about whether or not we want to assume the associated risk of operating a motor vehicle.

Again, don’t misunderstand. I’m not ignoring COVID, and I’m not pretending the risks at hand aren’t real. I don’t want to get this disease and give it to someone else, any more than I want to be in a car wreck and hurt someone else. So, I take precautions. I get tested often. If I can’t distance, I wear a mask – especially around higher risk people. I also wear a seatbelt, obey the speed limits, and check my mirrors before changing lanes. I’m aware that we’d all be a lot safer if we kept our cars in the garage. I’m also aware we’d be a lot safer if we all kept ourselves in the house. But that’s not why cars, or people, exist.

Anyway Darlene, that’s a long way of saying that I have accepted Dr. Osterholm’s numbers, and now, after three months of acceptance, I’ve made a decision on how I wish to live my life. Sooner or later, you will too. We all will.

Mike

PS. My foundation is selling masks to raise money for our next work-ethic scholarship program. They’re going fast…mikeroweWORKS.org/Shop
Mike’s Facebook Page

*Monday Memos*

*MONDAY MEMOS*

   

 (If pictures are too small, just click to enlarge) 
Weekly recap of my rather crazy, insane, but fun and rewarding life!

dear monday, I baked Taylor's cake (and a mini one for Carson) this morning.  Then I got out and hit the track. I wanted to run again but after I started I could tell it wasn't a good idea. So, I decided to try out the run/walk Galloway Method. I ran for 3 minutes and then walked for 1 minute.  That went well until the last mile or so and I could no longer run on my ankle. So discouraging!  BUT, I am not giving up!  I think it is what I need to do in order to get back to regular running. Well, it will be run/walking but who cares!  Dave picked a bunch of berries for me to take to my lunch at Cindy Parry's today. YUM!

I headed to Cindy's house for a luncheon with her and Sally B. Cindy went all out just as I knew she would!  She told us it was going to be simple and light and easy. Well, she made us the most incredible salad (a work of art itself) as well as chicken salad croissants (not easy) and then yummy cut up fruit, chips, and a dessert that was to die for. It was a lemony one. Simple? Easy? Light?  None of the above!  But it was fabulous!  She is amazing!  I want to be her when I grow up!  

THEN she had a craft for us to do!  Did I mention she is amazing? Who does that?  No one I know!  Hah  It was a cute craft too!  

We went out in her backyard to spray them and chatted awhile. I loved the whole thing. It was fun having conversation with friends finally. I really haven't had much of a social life the past going on five months. Sally is fun and also an amazing women. It was a great afternoon. We were there for over three hours!  Cindy is the most positive and upbeat person. She is truly one of the most amazing women I have ever met and I feel so blessed to call her friend.  I took her some jam and I felt like I should have taken her more.  We want to do it every three or four months. I am excited!  Sally will host next time. 

I'm not sure why I am leaning so forward in this pic.  I guess because it was my phone on the timer and I was trying to rush back to get in the photo. LOL  

She also loaded us up with other little things as well. She is truly one of a kind!

I had to hit Kent's for some frosting for Taylor's cake. He is obsessed with Funfetti and so I am filling his cake layers with that. I also hit Ace to get some bug spray. Cindy said they used it at her friend's house that was infested and it worked. I am desperate!  UGH!  They are really getting to me! 

I didn't allow myself enough time to finish the cakes.  I was scrambling to get them done when everyone showed up. I wish I could just decorate a cake fast and easily without running into any issues. I noticed I don't have the patience I used to have on them and I am not sure I even the skill I used to have. I feel like I have lost some of that. If I did have it I wouldn't have so many issues!  Mainly the issues are the frosting of the outside to be smooth. I think that is mainly a tool problem though and I need to invest in a great cake smoother as well as an acrylic top.  Maybe for my birthday.

 I think it turned out pretty well considering.

  I only literally five minutes to do Carson's!  People were here for the party! I didn't even smooth the sides I was in such a rush. Oh well, I am making him a three tiered Spiderman one for his bday party with his friends in a couple weeks so I didn't feel bad. Besides, it was a mini cake! He actually gasped when he saw it and was so excited. LOL 

 These two....

And these two...

 And these two...

 And these two...

 This ↓ little guy cracks me up...
That hat though...

Taylor got new golf clubs for his birthday!  He was pretty excited!

Sky testing out Taylor's new clubs!

dear tuesday, harp lesson was cancelled due to the Pioneer Day which isn't until Friday. Hmmm.... Not sure I get that but whatever.  I did however get up and practice early for a couple hours. I am working on Minuet 2. It's the hardest song in Book 2 and I want to learn it fast so I can get on to the next one.  The guys are heading to Alaska in the morning and I get to take them at 4 a.m.  Fun fun!  I went to the track pretty late this morning and got in 3 miles. It was hot!  

I do not really remember what happened today. Ugh. I'm catching up too late. The boys packed and got ready for their trip. I organized the medicine/etc cupboard. It doesn't really look that good, but it will be so much easier to get to the stuff and have easier access. I forgot to do a before picture.   

 I do remember Scott came by while they were trying to finish getting ready. 

dear wednesday, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO TAYLOR!!!  

 Here is my FB post: 
♪♫•Ⓗⓐⓟⓟⓨ Ⓑⓘⓡⓣⓗⓓⓐⓨ!♪♫• to my work hard, play hard son Taylor Wilding who is rarely home to celebrate on this day and this year is no exception so we celebrated a bit early. He is in the air right now on his way to Alaska for another one of his many adventures living his life to the fullest as he always does. What an unexpected gift it has been for us to have him home from med school for the past several months while doing online classes due to Covid. We have so loved this time we otherwise would not have gotten and it has been such a blessing and so much fun! He is a total blast to be around as well as an amazing, talented, hard working kid and we couldn't be more proud of him! •★ * Feliz Aniversário!!! •★ *

Today I got up at 3:30 a.m. to take the guys to the airport for their Alaska trip. They made it there on time even with the Covid extra stuff and got on their flight. I felt bad Taylor had to be traveling on his birthday!

I came straight home and actually laid down for a bit. I was so tired. I then went out on a walk. It was hot.  I came home and organized the utility closet. It wasn't too bad, but anything I do makes it better.  

 I took Mr. Cat to his vet appointment for his annual shots. He was not happy. He gets scared. It's so sad. I feel so bad for him. I got another new doc which seems I always do every time I go in. This one had all kinds of suggestions and ideas for what might be wrong with him (his intestinal issues) but most were very expensive and didn't seem to make any sense to me. She thinks we should do all this blood work and the list was long of her other ideas. She also said he needs a dental cleaning because he has lost two teeth. I am still not sure how they know that because the new trainee, checked his mouth but did not even look inside. Hmm....  But no biggy, it's only $500!  Yep!  Because he needs xrays to be sure there is nothing else going on. Hmmm....I felt like she just wanted my money. I will go to a different place next time. She rubbed me the wrong way.  I got him back in the car and he relaxed a bit. He was so happy when we got home!  

He is not in his happy place... 

I had an ortho appointment this afternoon. It went well. I came home and did more cleaning. I worked on Dave's office and papers. It's a big job! I also did under the sink.

Sky asked if I would watch Carson while they went line dancing. I told him to just let him sleep over and I would take him to school tomorrow. He came and we had fun. He made potions and then he helped me shuck the peas. I think it's shuck the peas. Prob not, since that is corn. Well, whatever it is, he helped me!  LOL  

I made him dinner and then we watched a movie called Mega Mind or Brain or something. It was good but it got late and we had to turn it off. We didn't get to sleep until after 11!  He is so cute though. Just love that little guy. He makes my heart happy.

Vacuuming up the Elm Seed bugs that just won't leave!  

 The airline gave Taylor a picnic box full of food cause it was his bday. I text CJ and told him to tell the stewardess. I think Dave did too. That is the best present for him!  They made it safely to the cabin in Alaska!  They bought him a cake and had a steak dinner!

dear thursday, Carson woke up at 6:30 and I told him to sleep for another 15 min. but he ended up still asleep when he needed to get up so I had to wake him up. He took a bath and I fed him breakfast and then I ran him to school. He is so dang cute! I decided to go to The Container Store today since I won't be able to get some of the stuff I need for the linen closet until quite a while. It is clear in Murray and took me over an hour to get there. Wouldn't you know it?  The three things I went for, they were out of stock!  Ugh!  But I did get some other pretty cool things. I found these divided things that I love!  In my happy place!

Sky called me while I was shopping and I could not concentrate because I had to do calculations at that store. It takes brain power!  LOL  I then left and went to Bountiful to return some things to At Home and then I hit TJ Maxx and then went to Station Park and returned some things to Home Goods. I didn't buy hardly anything there. Shocker. LOL  I then went to Target in Layton to return some things and then to O town. I was going to hit Costco but decided to wait. I did go to Real Deals and got a top and then went to my parents to visit them even though it was already after 5.  But, I had no one home and so I felt totally free to take as long as I wanted. I was there until almost 7. I was pretty tired. 

dear friday, Happy Pioneer Day!  Today I met Robin and Sherrie in Mantua. I brought Sherrie a PB and honey sandwich because she forgot her fuel and she had already ran 13 miles before she met Robin and then another 5 after than and then another 5 once I joined them. She is a machine!  I am still nervous running down the canyon even though it was only about two miles. I was praying for our safety. It's a little unnerving when you see lots of hubcaps, tire shred, metal parts, and tons of other stuff that could easily fly off any car and hit you. Not to mention the car could hit you.  But we made it down safely.  I did well. Robin struggled a bit and needed to walk for a few minutes. We started back up and I was feeling great. We ended at their house with 4.30 and so Sherrie ran .70 with me so I could get in five miles total. I did it!  I actually ran five miles!  My ankle was feeling pretty good.  We took a bunch of photos with our new social distance medal. It also came with a neck gaiter and so we had to get some funny shots of that too. Sherrie's son took them. We even did a jumping pix!  We are silly but it was so fun. 

Here is my FB post:

2nd awesome Virtual Run🏃‍♀️ with these hilarious ladies this morning! 😆 We earned our "Social Distancing" medal🏅 (and mask) 😷 in honor of "all the un-run races" this year.🙁 I joined up with them the last part of their run and was able to actually run FIVE MILES! 5️⃣ I haven't been able to do that distance in over 19 months! #grateful We had a little too much fun after taking silly photos. 🤣These gals always put the 😁 fUN in rUN!🏃‍♀️

#socialdistancingrun #bandits #virtualrun2020 #pioneerday
#progress #injury #lovetorun

 Charlie's Angel bandits

Step by step how to do a jumping picture:

I came home and worked on my toes for a bit and then I sprayed the bugs all around the house outside. I even got on the roof!  Probably not the smartest but the ladder was already out there and I put it on the stairs to the mudroom and crawled up and sprayed the boy's bathroom window on the outside because they are horrible about getting in there. Hope it works.  I worked on Dave's office some more. I made dinner for Dave's parents. I made stuffed green peppers, biscuits, fresh raspberries and blackberries with cream, and chocolate chip cookies. No pix...

I took some packages to Sky's and asked Carson if he wanted to come with me to deliver dinner. He had a friend over, but she left and so he did come with me. He was anxious to get out of there though. I came home and my mom called and asked if I wanted to meet them at Maddox (drive in). It was later, but I still went even though I had already eaten. I had a bit of their chicken basket. We sat outside on the table and got blown away!  It was fun but I was so beat. I came home and hit the hay. 

Scary pix (the wind was blowing like crazy!):

dear saturday, I didn't sleep too well last night. That seems to be the norm when I am alone. But that's okay. I still enjoy my alone time. I headed out on a run this am even though I was super sore from yesterday's run.  I haven't ran that far in over 19 months and so I should have expected it. Plus a lot of it was downhill. Saw some love notes from heaven:

I have just felt so tired lately overall. Not sure why, but I have noticed a change.  I got in three miles and then came home.  I text Bryce to see if he would come help me take down the big kitchen wooden light. He never responded.  While I waited for him to respond I ran some errands, but he never did. Sky was working all day. SO....I decided to tackle the entry way coat closet.  I thought it would take me two hours tops. I have learned when it comes to organizing projects, they always take MUCH longer than you plan!  It ended up taking me a good four hours. Mainly because I got through EVERY thing.  I do enjoy doing it though. At least for the most part. When it comes to deciding where to put things and what containers to use, I always get a bit overwhelmed and frustrated but then it all comes together and I am always so excited. I got rid of a ton of coats and other things.  It feels so good to have order in that closet now. I forgot to take a BEFORE until I had already started, but here is the what I got:

 Here is the after:

Sarah and Carson stopped by while I was in the middle of it. We chatted for a bit and then after they left I finished. I ended up with a bad headache and wasn't really wanting to keep going, but I did and I finished it. I also re-did my running holding stash on the door.  Then I decided to do my running drawer. I forgot a before of it too.  Dang. You would think by now I would remember to do that. It's always so much better to see the before. 

I also did this a while ago:

I am now up to 19 completed organizing projects since the pandemic started.  Here is the list I have so far:

• Video tapes organized and transferred to DVD's
• Blog transferred to books
• Family Newsletter done (shouldn't count this but I am going to anyway!)
• 72 Hour Kits updated
• Entry way under the stairs
• Laundry room side cupboard
• Garage cupboards (two)
• Wrapping paper (under bed)
• PANTRY
• Baking Center
• Spice cupboard
• My closet
• Boys baskets in laundry room
• Clean garage (still in process......forever!)
• Entry way game/etc closet
• Medicine cabinet above microwave
• Utility closet
• Under kitchen sink
• Dave's office (papers)
• Entry way coat closet
• Running drawer

I don't have photos of all of them,  but here is some I actually took:

I think I might be forgetting a couple. I did under the sink in the boy's bathroom too but that was already mostly organized and I just mostly re-organized it. 
On my list, I still have over 21 MORE to go (not including the basement which will be it's own list!).  If I keep going while I have the momentum, I hope I can get it all done before Christmas.  Actually, before Halloween would be better because once November hits, I will be too swamped with Christmas and I will probably stop doing it and then the momentum will be lost. There is something to say about momentum!  I am gearing up next for the linen closet. It is organized now, but I want to do a completely overhaul and new system.  I wanted to get it done while the boys were in AK but my containers won't be here in time. I should have thought ahead on that one better so they would be. It's going to be a full day or two project.  And then the laundry room. I have a big laundry room. It's also a craft room and has all my paper files, books, office stuff, AMI stuff, scrapbook stuff, photos, sewing stuff (fabric, patterns, etc), craft stuff, etc. It's going to take a week I'm sure because I will have to go through each drawer and cupboard. My corner cupboard is going to be tough. I have been giving it a lot of thought and still haven't come up with a solution other than have Dave install a shelf or two in it. That would help immensely!  

I enjoy organizing. Skyler thinks I need to start my own professional organizer business or the very least Instagram account on ideas and projects. He thinks there is a great need for people with the skill and he says I would get tons of followers.  I told him that is all great and all, but then what?  If I made money from a lot of followers, that would be great, but I don't think I want that kind of commitment to just followers and free perks here and there. Maybe 20 years ago, I would have, but my time is too valuable now for something like that. As far as being a professional organizer and going into other's homes, I would like that, but there again I am not sure I want that kind of commitment and being tied down. I wouldn't mind doing it here and there, but I think it would become a huge job and not sure I am up to that when I am about to turn 59...knocking on 60 when most people are thinking of retiring not starting a new business. Hah.  Maybe even five years ago I would have but lately I just feel more tired and less energetic than I used to. Maybe it's just today. Who knows?  

Found out my brother is moving back to Utah!  So glad. He needs to be here at the Huntsman. They are the best. And that is why they are heading home.  SO excited. I didn't really get much else accomplished other than vacuuming bugs up a million times. They are getting less, but they are still getting in!  Ugh! 

dear sunday, it was very peaceful today. Other than I woke up with a headache and sore throat. I decided I better take my temp just in case. It was normal. Pretty sure that means I am Covid free. Let's hope. I still felt like crap though. I had big plans to get a big chunk of this caught up, but to no avail.  I do enjoy my alone time though. Immensely actually!  I need more!  hah
Sky and crew came over and Sky and Sarah cooked me dinner. How nice is that?  It was so yummy to!  I made a loaf of rustic bread to go with it and it turned out pretty tasty!

dear random, these were pix on Dave's phone that he just gave me. Totally out of date and order, but oh well. 

The boys golfing...

 The boys working in the yard.

The boys working at the cabin on the roof fixing the bat issues.

 Me at the physical therapy gym when Dave stopped by...

 Random pix of me baking etc. he took...

At Dave's parent's house when Julie and Sara were here.

Some oldies (from FB memories)

Carson and friends at a bday party.

Life cycle of a blackberry....

dear quotes,

David Jay Webber

JstnuuSpealhoyns orend11r

What might CS Lewis say of our new COVID situation? ... Here’s what he said in 1948 about the mental shift required by living with the threat of the atomic bomb:

In one way we think a great deal too much of the atomic bomb. “How are we to live in an atomic age?” I am tempted to reply: “Why, as you would have lived in the sixteenth century when the plague visited London almost every year, or as you would have lived in a Viking age when raiders from Scandinavia might land and cut your throat any night; or indeed, as you are already living in an age of cancer, an age of syphilis, an age of paralysis, an age of air raids, an age of railway accidents, an age of motor accidents.”

In other words, do not let us begin by exaggerating the novelty of our situation. Believe me, dear sir or madam, you and all whom you love were already sentenced to death before the atomic bomb was invented: and quite a high percentage of us were going to die in unpleasant ways. We had, indeed, one very great advantage over our ancestors—anesthetics; but we have that still. It is perfectly ridiculous to go about whimpering and drawing long faces because the scientists have added one more chance of painful and premature death to a world which already bristled with such chances and in which death itself was not a chance at all, but a certainty.

This is the first point to be made: and the first action to be taken is to pull ourselves together. If we are all going to be destroyed by an atomic bomb, let that bomb when it comes find us doing sensible and human things—praying, working, teaching, reading, listening to music, bathing the children, playing tennis, chatting to our friends over a pint and a game of darts—not huddled together like frightened sheep and thinking about bombs. They may break our bodies (a microbe can do that) but they need not dominate our minds.

— “On Living in an Atomic Age” (1948)