What's So funny?

I can't believe it has been so long since I blogged. I guess I fail to see too much that would interest anyone. I guess I don't think about my life too much from day to day-I just try to keep busy and get things done along with trying to learn something new each day.

At any rate, this week I have the privilege of sorting fruit for S & R Fruit. I think it's great fun. Yesterday was my first day and when I was through, I was talkative (Jeff, Rachael and Zak thought it was pretty funny). But what started my talkativeness was a text message I received from Devan in Texas. He asked me "If you could have anything for Christmas, with no exceptions, what would you want?" I didn't know how to text him back so I called. He was at work but Heather wanted to know what I would answer.

I told her I would have their family move back to Utah. I then asked if that was the answer they expected. She replied, "Devan will call you back tomorrow." I then told Heather that Devan would have to call me back earlier than 1:30 because "I have to go to work." It was at this point that Rachael (who was listening) about busted a gut laughing. I didn't realize that I had said anything funny. Heather questioned, "You have to go to work? You have a job somewhere else besides Ben-Crete?" Rachael quickly said through her laughter, "That hit me so funny. I've never heard you say you 'have to go to work!'"

I think all of us must be bonkers to have something so trivial make everyone laugh so hard. Jeff got home about this time and asked what was going on. I told him about my conversation with Heather and how I had told her to have Devan call me before I had to go to work and Jeff started laughing, too. I guess the only thing funnier would be if I had to dress up and announced that I was going to work and the work away from home was permanent and not just a four day job.

I don't know who needs to get a life more--me or the ones that had a good laugh over something so non-funny.

Never hike alone.

Rachael has been pestering me to share this experience I had while at the Bennett Family Reunion. A group of us (woman and children) hiked up Timp's trail about 2 miles. We were going to see some impressively glorious waterfalls. We had arrived and enjoyed the falls and rested while eating granola bars and drinking some water. It was at this point I realized I would soon need a restroom. I told Jillene that I thought I had better start back for a bathroom after inquiring whether everyone was ready to start back and she told me "no." I said that I must go then and jokingly said, "If you see me laying along the trail, pick me up and drag me back to camp." As I turned to go, the thought came, "You shouldn't go alone." So I turned back to Jillene and asked, "Do you think there is anyone else that needs to go now, too?" She responded, "No, go ahead."

I then had the dismissing thought, "Jillene is always alone. She would not think twice about going alone." So with that thought, I turned and went on my way with a quick prayer in my heart that I would be okay. I found myself analyzing how I was walking and what could happen to me while going down this good trail alone. I told myself to take my time and to step carefully.

Along the trail there are several waterfalls that cross it. Coming up the trail I was able to cross each watery area by stepping on stones. This was my plan for going down the trail too. As I came to one such waterway I saw a large boulder to step on. I thought, "This crossing will be easy enough. Just one step on the boulder and I will be across." As I stepped, however, the boulder teetered and as quick as a flash, I was toppled over the side of the mountain. It happened so fast I had no time to grasp for anything. Just...down I went. My little back pack purse cushioned my fall and caused me to stop--with my head down hill and my legs and feet uphill! I was in a predicament for sure for the mountain was very steep and each time I tried to right myself I started sliding down the mountain more. Remember, too, that I was laying in a waterfall's path. (It's pretty comical to me now but at the time I was scared and shaking and had to use the bathroom badly.)

I gradually maneuvered myself around so that my head was upright (I quickly realized that I had to move slowly or I slid further down the mountain), and then I was able to get footing on the side away from the waterfall's trail and climb up and onto the trail. Wet, shaking, thankful that I was not 200 feet down the side of the mountain and alive and relatively well for such a fall, I started back down the trail--needing to use the restroom worse. (Many people have asked me why I didn't go in the trees. Know this dear reader, the next time I would!!!)

Starting down the trail again, I saw moose tracks and remembered that Dale Chadwick had seen a baby moose and its mother 2 days before and then I remembered that moose are very threatening--especially with their young.

On top of this thought, I remembered that it was in this area last year that a little boy had been dragged from his tent and killed by a bear.

My thoughts were now to get down the trail as quickly and safely as I could. I wanted to run but I couldn't because I knew it wouldn't be safe and because I had an elbow that was throbbing and an ankle that hurt if I stepped on it at a wrong angle.

I decided to sing right out loud because I had remembered hearing that animals don't like to be startled. I figured if they heard my singing they would know to leave. And, for me, singing brings peace and comfort. So, for probably 2 miles I sang and raced down the mountain as fast as I dared with my aching body.

I made it to the bathroom with great relief (No pun intended). Can you believe there was no toilet paper? My back pack came to my rescue again. I had a couple of packages of tissue in it. Before finishing my hike to our campground, I washed my face, combed my hair and drank some water.

By this point I could hardly wait to get to my motor home, eat lunch and take a nap.

On the short distance back, I took one wrong path and had to retrace my steps in the Timpanoke campground. Then when I was a short distance from our camp, I saw a leather-clad, long-haired motorcycle man come up and out of the area I was headed for. I just about turned and went another way but then the man saw me. So I went straight toward him. He crossed the road and leaned on his motorcycle and watched me. So I turned toward him and said, "hello." He smiled and greeted me back. I then went down from the road onto the trail and hurried to camp. I didn't look back until I was far from motorcycle man. He still leaned on his bike watching me.

May I just say that I was grateful to get back to my motor home! I went in, locked the door, ate a sandwich and lay on my bed. This was at 12:30 and at 4:00 Rachael knocked on the door and I woke from a deep sleep.

I have thought about this experience and realize how blessed I was to make it back safely. No one should ever go off alone on a mountain trail. I could have fallen a couple of hundred feet and no one would have found me very easily. No one came back from the hike to our campground and checked to see if I made it back safely. (This should be something for me to remember.) The simplest, unsuspecting thing can happen (a boulder rocks beneath your weight & topples you over the side of the mountain even when you are being very cautious) and your life can change forever. I realize I was not alone, however, because I had prayed as I started the walk down the trail and asked Heavenly Father to protect me. He allowed a lesson but he did protect me. I am still amazed that I wasn't hurt worse.

Catching up while at the hospital

Michelle and I are sitting in the family resource center at Primary's blogging. I haven't been on my computer in days. Rachael helps me out once in a while by posting a birthday wish or something because I am running here and there it seems. We never realized how much she would be needed for other things besides office work. She does so much for us all. We have the best "Aunt Nannie" in the world. I wish a big vacation on her--some time to call her own. I know she wonders sometimes if she has time for herself because she is always being asked to step up to the plate to tend or run an errand or feed the farm animals. I don't think she realizes that I know she must feel like she is on call 24/7--always at work and asked to do any or all that Jeff and I can't get to. And then, siblings ask for help and her routine is interrupted by change with their kids and holidays, and summer vacations. So, Rachael, I wish you a wonderful trip to India or Africa. And may it be for at least a month. No, wait, I would miss you too much.

At any rate, we have been to the University hospital this morning for Joe's kidney test. There is such a drastic difference in the atmospheres of both Primary's and University. Michelle giggles and laughs a lot at all of the differences. Smells are different, dress is different, eating and drinking styles are different. But, wherever you go, people are usually so very kind and helpful.

Someone just asked where the Urology Dept. is here at the hospital and Michelle (a walking hospital directory and nursing advisor now) was able to tell them where to go. The Staff worker (saying she has worked here 15 years) didn't even know where it was. Michelle thought that was pretty sad that she knows so much about this hospital by now. I think it's great that she has such a good memory.

A Lovely Morning

I've been under the weather the past few days and couldn't find the energy to do much. This morning I decided I could at least read some of my favorite blog spots. They were so enjoyable to read. Thank you to everyone--sharing some of your heart-felt feelings and ideas helps me to feel like I can hang on. Don't get me wrong. I just have a bug of some sort==sore throat, tightness in my chest, dizzy when I get up, achy, and very, very tired. When I feel this way and see Jeff working from the time he gets up until he goes to bed, I feel really useless. Thank goodness we're not sick at the same time.

Anyway, thanks for GREAT blogs. The time you put into them is appreciated. I see great writing talent being shared. All the blogs could be compiled into a lovely book.

The good and the not so good

Yesterday we got up at 3:30 a.m. and made the 2 hour drive to LaMar Valley. Our efforts were rewarded! We saw a moose, a grizzly bear, a black bear, a big horn sheep, and at least 14 wolves. It was so exciting to see the wolves taunt the buffalo and elk. After leaving the first 3 wolves, we saw others and then returned to the first ones. They had taken down a buffalo. Wow!!!

We got a book on the Yellowstone and we have decided that we have seen a large majority the different types of animals in Yellowstone with the exception of the very small critters.

We watched a coyote dive in the snow head-first and catch a rodent and eat it. We loved see the heavy bison meander down a trail to the river's edge and drink to its heart's content. We went to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and looked for mountain lions that we were told lay in the sun on the cliffs in the afternoons. We didn't find them but we were amazed to spot a huge stick nest on the point of a cliff with an osprey in it.

Jeffrey and Macee get up in the morning and chorus: "Let's go find animals!!!" And off we go. The days have flown by. I thought by now I would be ready to head for home but we are still talking about getting up at 3:00 a.m. and going back to the LaMar Valley on one of remaining 2 days. My thoughts are with Joey and Michelle and dear Little Joe today. It's hard to feel good about having fun when I think about him at the hospital having his heavy chemo today thru Saturday. Thank goodness for Rachael being willing to step in for me since I got the days of this vacation mixed up with next week. Rachael is our right-hand person that is always so willing and capable of taking care of things while we are away. I am always amazed that the cows get out when she's in charge of things. Thanks to good neighbors and dear grandpa and grandma B for helping her get them back in. And again, thank you, Rachael, for all you do and all that you are.

3rd Time is the charm in West Yellowstone

It's like deshavue (spelling?), or maybe a dream repeating itself--I'm back for the third time in a month at our West Yellowstone Resort. The only differences are the snow has melted a lot and it's much warmer. It's surprising what two weeks of sun can do to change the appearance of the land.

Jeff, Shaun and his family and I are having a wonderful time here. Yesterday, we went into the North part of Yellowstone. Much of the snow has melted causing the grasslands to be flooded. Animals abound at almost every turn indicating that they are rejoicing that a long, hard winter has passed. Baby bison tag behind their mothers, anxiously waiting for a chance to nurse. Wolves are helping the animal populace with their killings--especially golden eagles, ravens, ospray, coyotes, and smaller preditors. Wolves take their prey down (elk) along riverbanks. Three wolves had done this yesterday and we were able to watch the small preditors feast. Also, at a different location we were told that a bear and a wolf had a squirmish over the recent elk kill by another pack of wolves.

The wildlife we have seen are (I hope I can remember all of them): a black bear, 3 grizzles, antelope, herds and herds of buffalo, elk, wolf, coyote, bald eagles, golden eagle, ospray. I'm still looking for a moose and Shaun wants to see a beaver. We think we saw a beaver in the lake but it was so far away we could not confirm it.

Jeffrey and Macee are regular little travelers. They have the routine down. We stop, get out and enjoy the site and then back to the car, buckle up and "watch for animals!" We sing, I tell stories. They beg me over and over to repeat "One day when I came home from school my mother met me at the gate..." They giggle and giggle and squeal, "Again!" My throat gets so sore. But I'll do anything I can for little children or is it for me so that I can hear their joyous laughter? When I am in the presence of children I feel "true joy."

The 3rd time here is really the charm. We are having a wonderful time and I wish everyone could experience the wonder of it all.

Friends

I have been thinking about my friends. Why have I been so blessed to have the wonderful people I know--in my life? I don't believe it's because I am a good friend. I want to be a good friend but that's a whole other issue. Sometimes I wonder if Heavenly Father is going to say, "I gave you the very best, Lori. You know that. You have nothing to complain about."

May I just say "thank you" to all my friends. You know who you are. Thank you for special walks, special talks in my living room, long talks with listening ears over the phone, homemade cards in the mail with very special sentiments, surprise visits, big hugs, shedding tears of joy or sadness because I am shedding tears, too. Dear friends, thank you for special e-mails, temple outings, visits over FOOD, visits at the hospital, teaching moments, for all that you share with me. And may I just say, because of the teachings of Jesus Christ, I am thankful that I have friends that I can talk to about Him, whom I love. Whether you are my friend in my family circle or my friend because we have developed bonds, I am forever grateful to know you and love you.

"A Glorious Day!"

I don't believe I shall ever get over the beauties of a Spring Day after a long, hard winter. I love every single miracle of Spring--from baby cows and sheep in the pastures, to extremely fragrant lilacs that sneak out of existence as the heat increases. I even like the feel of squinting my eyes because of the brightness from the sun. In spite of all that's wrong in the world, Springtime is a reminder that there is much right and good, too. I choose to dwell on this.

Today, Rachael and I went to Fountain Green to see my parents. My Dad is not feeling well at all. He has no energy to get out in the sunshine. He insists that all the blinds stay closed. He seems to be pretty smiley as one talks to him, but there is not the confidence that he used to convey. I keep asking myself what I can do for him. He is still of sound mind and with Mom's help they both do okay. When does the adult child step in and say to the adult parent, "I think it's time some changes are made."? Mom does well but her stroke took a toll on her confidence, too. I know that know one knows what she has been through with the stroke and then trying to take care of Dad. I would welcome any advice. Someday, I will look back at see all of these experiences as opportunities for learning and understanding.

I meant to stick with my title. In spite of my worries, it has been a glorious day. The fact that I can even see my parents (both of them) is a glorious miracle. The fact that they are independent is amazing. The fact that they live in very favorable circumstances at their ages is a blessing. Yes, in spite of challenges, it is a glorious day and I know there will be many more to come no matter what life hands out. Now, go outside and have a glorious evening!!!

Where does the time go?

Many years ago, today, I gave birth to my first child, Rachael. Little did I know the joy I was in for. Now, I am not saying that joy was all I experienced but I am saying that because of the opportunity of teaching, urging, exercising faith, trusting, exercising more faith, patience, etc., I now look at Rachael with joy in my heart because she is a loving and caring daughter, granddaughter, mother, wife, sister, aunt, and friend. She devotes "all" of her time to the building and lifting of others. In fact, she is not happy if she thinks anyone else is not happy. (And I believe this includes those she sees as "people that do not like her.") Rachael came as a "Ray of Sunshine" (her 1st Bishop dubbed her as this) and when the clouds cover her smile, all in her world are sad.

It seems like just yesterday I held her in my arms as I sat on our family room floor. I was brushing her downny-soft hair and talking to her. She was just barely a month old. She looked at me with her trusting, big blue eyes and I felt like she was trying to tell me something important. She smiled a great big smile and then, over the radio I heard that all worthy male members of the church could now hold the Priesthood. I said to Rachael, "Did you know that? You are alive on this special day!" Rachael smiled all the bigger and I held her close and knew that life would be special with her.

I don't know where all the time has gone since that special day. I do know that I would not trade it! I have learned much from Rachael and my 3 other very wonderful children. Almost, I can understand what love our Father in Heaven has for His children when I think about how much He must love me to send me here to this earthly school and to have allowed me to be the mother of such wonderful "individuals." I know that not everyone gets the opportunity to be a mother but I trust that there is a Divine Reason for this and that someday we will all understand that life is much more than just here on earth. My experience tells me that those who do not bear children on earth are usually more nurturing and caring than those of us who must learn through the bearing and rearing of children. I have the highest regard for those who have not bourne children but continue to bear the burdens of others. May you be blessed because you bless our lives.

It's green in Moscow

After a lovely, l-o-n-g ride, we are finally in Moscow. It is greener than last week. In Montana, it's whiter--meaning there is a lot more snow. This time through we saw the huge elk herds that my Dad said we would see last week. We saw moose, fox, geese, deer, buffalo, antelope, big blue skies, cloud-framed, pine dotted mountains, overflowing rivers, budded trees, freshly plowed & rolling hills. Ahh, the beauties of Spring!

Last night we had fun with Kari, Kurt and their family. We went to a baseball practice, came home and ate snacks at 7:30 p.m. and then had grilled pork loin and fried potatoes at 10:30 p.m. Kari commented that she had tried to allow her day to be spontaneous and that she enjoyed it. I enjoyed it too. How long has it been since I was this spontaneous?

This morning after listening to my Book of Mormon on the i-pod, I lay in bed and listened to my Bobby Goldsboro music. It was most relaxing and a nice start to the day. I found myself composing my own songs in my head and I think I will try to get some of them down on paper. There must be something to spontenaiety.

We'll leave for the Spokane Temple this afternoon. I just know it's going to be a nice day.