Room in Helsinki

At this hotel, the common areas were lovely in their simplicity. I loved our view into the trees--something you get everywhere in Finland.

I especially liked the way the beds were made. The upper white layer is the duvet, with the sides folded under to make it fit on top. To sleep, of course you spread it out to its full size. The second white layer is the "mattress," covered in a clean sheet. The dust ruffle is tailored from a coarser weave. The red blankets are thick, soft fleece, manufactured in Germany.

Figasa

Grandma Daisy is gone. I think about her and miss her.  Why has it effected me so much? I didn't live near her. I didn't always agree with her. I couldn't really say we were close, whatever that means. So what is it that I'm feeling?

I can say that I learned a lot from her through the years. I appreciated her generosity and support.  More recently, she was all that remained in San Carlos to represent my married life and its roots. But there's still something else.

I think it's this: She felt like a mother figure to me--not exactly a mom, but a representative of the older generation--the wiser, more experienced vanguard. Now that she's gone, I feel like I'm IT.

(Of course, my little mother is here, but her role has changed gradually.)

Mary Pack

Our sister/sister-in-law, Mary, chose a beautiful time of year to leave this life. We're sure she will be welcoming the Resurrection. She is just one more reason we will welcome it, too!

As time goes by

I've been meaning to write this for several years. Parents teach while children are at home, but there's no clear cut formula for giving tips to children who are 30-40-50.

1. Take vitamins. You'll have to do your own research. People push everything from Noni juice to bee pollen. However, medical studies do support taking vitamin E. It really does help thinking and brain cell maintenance. It's what you get from eating salmon. In addition, women need calcium. I like a vitamin/herb supplement. I don't know which of the magic ingredients help (bee pollen? ginko?) but I like the results (from the $1 Store).

2. Exercise. At twenty we're driven to it. By thirty it's an effort. At forty, more of an effort. In the 1950's GG did sit-ups on the living room floor. I remember Great-Grandma Rachel at 90 slowly getting up and opening a drawer to put an elastic around cards. I could have done it for her quickly, but she knew she needed to keep moving. Even in bed she would lift and exercise her little legs.

3. Do Brain Exercises. Whatever works. Don't panic if you feel a little forgetful. You were forgetful when you were young, too. Great Gram again: In the rest home, she had a routine every morning of going over significant dates, everyone's names, birthdays, etc., so she wouldn't be caught looking out-of-it: "Now let's see, you're the youngest, right?"

4. Resist. Something may be telling you that you-are-what-you are at 40. You've had your chance. You're essentially done. Of course, not. You may not feel the same surge of energized enthusiasm you had earlier, but you'll have plenty to begin something new. (We had to fight off those feelings to start desktop publishing--both over 40.)

5. Groom. You know those old codgers you see with nose and ear hairs? Well. They make grooming tools. Women, too. Some can get peach fuzz later on.

6. Eat Well. Pay attention to your body. It will tell you if you're not really hungry for that extra butter or sugar. Each person is different. At some stage you might find that dairy makes you tired and you have to curb the milk and cookies. Red meat may not agree with you. Don't worry. There's still plenty of great food to eat.

Love, Mom

New Address

We're still posting, but from the other side of the world--literally. Find us here.

Packing

No more blog posts, I can see. We'll either set up another blog or do emails.

Meanwhile, check out Roger's announcement of the coin jar winner.

Love you all.
xoxox Mom

Win $100 !

For anyone who may have missed the message, Grandpa Mac is offering $100 towards a Mission Savings account to whoever comes closest to guessing the total coins in this jar.

Anyone who has lived in this house has probably helped themselves to coins from time to time. I know I did in a pinch, and Alan claims he's gotten the price of a ski pass out of it. In any case, the guesses so far are Daniel, $100, and Christina, $324.

(Coincidentally, Grandpa Ralph Stanley had a similar jar in their San Carlos kitchen where he deposited his change.)

Dasvedania

We've been making farewell visits. Kathy and Ken Freeman, VNHS friends, hosted us for a night on their 150 acre forest between Reno and Tahoe. Their driveway through the tall pines is 1/2 mile long. They served taco salad with little name plates: St. Petersburg Tomatoes, Ural Bear Meat, Iceburg Lettuce, etc. Ken told her it was dorky but we loved it.
Last night Roger's basketball buddies held a roast in his honor at a cookout in Logan Canyon. The humor ran along these lines: "He's not himself lately. Have you noticed the improvement?" and "He's so narrow minded he only has one eyebrow."

 

 

 

добре

утро!

Hi All. We're at USU learning to post on the blog straight from Word 2007.

August 25 is fast approaching and July has sped by. Pack Reunion at Heber Camp was great! Megan and Salem and family moved in and we're enjoying having little boys around! Blairs came for two days. While they were here we rock climbed (Megan was a champ) and then we went to Fawsons. Little time for blogging, but love to all.
xoxo Mom