June 13, 2023

Wendy McKinley drove me out to the airport on Tuesday, June 10 and I flew to Kelowna, as my family here were all at work. Ladene Rempel picked me up in Kelowna, as all the Burgess family were at work. Thank goodness for friends. I had a nice visit with both of them. As Ladene dropped me off I received a video call from Bryson. We had a nice and unexpected visit. I took the family out for dinner that night and settled in, minus my little “pup” who was staying at the Hardy home. I worked at my Temple and other responsibilities the next day before getting a drive with the Lexus shuttle to the dealership where I took care of all the paperwork, insurance and had my orientation to the car. They were all very nice but somehow had me spending more money. I drove back home the next morning by myself in my brand new car. We were hit by a few bugs. I felt calm and didn’t get tired - a miracle. I know I was blessed and had my “angel” with me. The car is lovely and now I have to get the Tesla ready to return. 

I went to the Temple this morning to do some LOW training and attend a session. Jean is coming over tonight for me to prepare her for our very busy day at the Temple tomorrow as she will be helping with three new Mandarin sisters that will be coming for the first time. I am praying that everything goes well and the angels jump in to help us provide a good experience for our total of 8 Own Endowments throughout the day. I am sure it will be fine.

Cindy took June 6th off work (the anniversary of Tom’s passing) to be with me. We went to the cemetery, cleaned the grave site and brought a plant. It looked very nice by the time we left. We went for brunch at the Saba bakery and then picked Kona up and headed for West Vancouver and visited my parent’s grave. We cleaned it and left plants too. We ate A+W at my house in the evening. My dear friends Melanie and Mary both left flowers at my door during the day. I have such wonderful people in my life. Kelly Groom also called and DeEtte messaged.  I am so surprised that people remember. I love Tom so much. I miss him with every breath I take and I pray for him always.

Breya and two friends arrived on Friday too and went to an outdoor concert. They stayed overnight at my place and left in the morning and had some Vancouver adventures before driving back to Kelowna.

I finished my Temple Preparation classes with my currents group on Sunday and then attended the Temple Workers Devotional Sunday evening. It was a beautiful hot spring day. Lost a pair of sunglasses.

I walked with Mary on several days last week and had my house and windows washed one of those days. She looks good and is doing better but just feels she is missing energy.

My friend Barb has been recovering from pneumonia and asked what I have been doing lately. She thinks my life is very busy and it is. I am a little weary tonight and still have “miles to go before I sleep”.

I am grateful for my busy and my blessings.❤️❤️

June 3, 2025

 Time seems to go so quickly and I am late getting this written.

I am preparing to turn my Tesla in and travel next week to Kelowna where I will pick up my new Lexus NX 450 plug in hybrid. I will fly up on Tuesday the 10th, pick the car up on the 11th and drive home on the 12th. I am working to get my finances in order to make the purchase. I found that I did have an investment in TD bank that I didn’t know I had and I have been working with Grace at the bank, to set it up in my name alone. I am hoping that it will be in place in time for me to use it for the car but if it is not ready, I have another investment coming due this week too and I can use it. I feel like I am being blessed thru this process as things seem to be in place at the right time. I thought I had ordered and RX but I started feeling like I should have ordered a smaller NX. When the dealership called to review my purchase, they said I had an NX coming in. I had felt that somehow I was going to get an NX and everything would work out and here it was. The Tesla lease was due at this time, the TD investment showed up and my other investment came due as backup. I am being blessed and I know Tom is involved too.

Cindy came and cleaned my garage, I power washed the driveway and sealed the back patio. I have a company coming to clean the windows and wash the outside of the house. I cleaned the yard trunk out following our raccoon nesting experience. I am getting my big spring cleaning needs done and I am enjoying the beautiful new fence our neighbor Kirk and his family ordered, stained and installed for Marie and I.  I had Kirk and his family along with Jean and Marie for lasagna dinner as a thank you for their kindness. Jean and Marie got them a lovely potted flower arrangement. I helped with flower planting at the Temple yesterday so I am trying to help get the Temple set for summer too. 

Mary Harvey had sever some pain and they discovered that she had a blood clot in her right lung. She is off her chemo medication now too. I went for a walk with her as she needs to move when blood clots are an issue. Wendy is still dealing with her health concerns and Karen Shirley ran into a door frame injuring her head and ending up in the hospital. I was to have lunch with Karen and another friend and that had to be cancelled. Lots have health concerns in our ward and we had a ward fast on Sunday for everyone’s various and serious needs.

I took the Hardy family out for dinner before Jack’s return to Lethbridge. He worked remotely for John Layton while he was here but managed to do some fun things with his family and friends too. I think he was missing Annika.

Liza’s family came on the weekend for a Temple trip. Keaton was already here for rugby and drove home with them. They left on Saturday evening as Liza had to teach a class on Sunday.

I am still teaching the Ward/YSA Temple Prep at the Temple View chapel and will finish this round of lessons on Sunday. I have six ward students and two YSA.

Got my second monthly bouquet of flowers from my kids as my Mother’s Day gift. I am blessed and I am well aware of it. Miss my boy❤️❤️.

May, 15 2025

 The Walkers’ new home is large and lovely. The whole downstairs is dedicated to Trevor’s gym and there is a lot of equipment. They have been busy setting that up and Trevor’s office up. Tammie has the kitchen organized and other areas of the house are getting settled but she has also been busy doing things at their old home as requested by the new buyers. Their new neighborhood has a lot of construction going on. We celebrated Tammie and Jadyn’s birthday while I was there. Trevor took us out to dinner on Jadyn’s birthday and I took them to dinner at the Italian restaurant where Trey works while he was working. We did some shopping, exploring of their new neighborhood and we attended Trey’s flag football game and church. Jadyn is doing well in Utah at her job counseling children and she is just ready to start Graduate school online from Arizona State University. Trevor and Tammie have two new little, miniature schnauzer puppies Bailee and Bentlee and they still have Pali - all females. It is a busy house. I tried to do some cleaning to help out and I bought a plant arrangement for their front door. I had a direct flight home on Monday, May 5. Tammie was not feeling well when I left and was in bed. I am sure she is exhausted.

I jumped back into my activities when I got home. It is always lovely to get to the Temple. I got my hair cut, picked up groceries and went for brunch with Cindy as a birthday gift for me. I drove Wendy to dialysis at the hospital. I also visited the plant nursery for more plants, ran errands and checked in on friends.

Then came the weekend and Ronda the Raccoon. I served in the Temple on Saturday and some time, after returning home, I went out to pot the new plants I had bought. When I lifted the lid on my yard bin to get some potting soil, I was greeted by a large raccoon hissing at me. I quickly put the lid down and went for help. Kirk came but was just leaving with Krista to go somewhere and couldn’t do much. I decided to get a ladder set up by the bin, go up the ladder so I would be a distance away, and then raise the lid with a rake. I asked Marie to come spot me. The raccoon ran, as I had hoped she would, but she went directly under my deck. Marie brought her two dogs and they successfully sniffed the raccoon out but came out from under the deck only long enough to confront the dogs before retreating to safety. I put a weight on the bin so she could not return, poured vinegar under the deck and placed a spotlight under the deck, all in an attempt to get her to leave my yard. The next day was Sunday and after I got back from church, Kirk wanted to spread cayenne pepper around my bin. He came into my yard while I was walking Kona and then ran to meet me just as I was returning and just as I was coming face to face with the raccoon, who was now sitting on the Chabot’s front porch, looking worn and weary, having relieved herself all over the step. Kirk quickly informed me that there were two babies in the bin and we realized then that this valiant mother was going nowhere no matter what deterrents we threw at her. Wildlife suggested we clear the area and allow her to retrieve her babies. We braced the bin lid open and left. I went to Cindy’s for Mother’s Day High Tea which was lovely. When I returned later the babies were thankfully gone and we are all hoping that Ronda has found a safe place for them. In talking to another neighbour, I learned that their home had recently been damaged by an animal which resulted in further interior water damage. I am sure that it was Ronda trying to find a place to nest prior to her finding my bin. I feel terrible for separating her from her babies and I am praying for her and her little ones. What an experience! We have displaced these animals from their habitat and they don’t know where to go or what to do.

Kona was groomed this week, I had my blood pressure checked by the doctor’s nurse after I took it by myself for a few days and I had the furnace and gas fellow come to check things out in that area today.  Kirk and his father in law are replacing the fence between my yard and Marie’s this weekend so I am feeding everyone dinner on Saturday. I have most of the meal made and in the freezer. Jean and Marie a going together to get a plant arrangement to thank them for all they have been doing for the three of us. They are so kind. Always a busy week.

I am blessed❤️❤️. Cindy delivered the first of my monthly flowers from all four children for Mother’s Day.

May 1, 2025

 I am in Tennessee, as I write, visiting the Walker Family. I arrived on Tuesday and Jadyn, who is also visiting from Utah, had arrived earlier. It was the 29th of April and Tammie’s birthday. I had flown to Calgary, where I got slowed down in a long line at immigration until I realized that they had a Nexus line, and then on to Nashville where Trevor picked me up. My children are always there for me and I appreciate it. 

I have been working on my taxes the last week or so with Phil and finally have them in and paid. He was wanting me to get T5 forms from TD bank and I told him I thought Tom had closed that account but just to make sure, I went to TD bank to inquire and yes, we have a significant Waterhouse USD investment there and they gave permission get the T5s and information about the account.  My name is on it too. It was a blessing that Phil inquired because it revealed this information to me and it will make a difference to my financial planning in the near future. Interestingly, Phil found out afterwards that he already had the T5 information and hadn’t needed my investigation after all but I needed it.

I received my covid shot, visited the cemetery to see how conditions were there, picked up plants from the nursery, made the VT posters with routes on for the presidency, hosted Cindy’s family for Easter dinner, Liza’s family overnight for a Temple trip and went to Cindy’s for Last supper dinner and to an Easter movie with the Hardy family. Jeff has returned to Wagner Hills and we are all praying that, that goes well. I went out after my Temple shift to take him the two bags of clothes that he left at my house. He seemed good and had enjoyed his two weeks at Jennifer. Marie and I had decided that we would replace the fence between our houses this year and Kirk, our neighbor, is insisting on ordering the sections and installing them. They are such a kind family.

Always busy, always grateful but always missing my boy.❤️❤️

April 17, 2025

 Jennifer drove down from Kamloops and picked Jeff up on Thursday, April 3. Jeff and I had gone that day to see a Sportage that Omar brought in and then to the Lexus dealership in Port Moody. I am considering at a Lexus plug in hybrid. It has been helpful to have Jeff with me for support and to talk me thru things. He is a very sweet boy and wants so badly to move forward with his life in positive ways and I am praying for his success. After they left for home, I phoned back to Kevin at Lexus to tell him to put my name on a 6-12 month wait list for the Lexus I thought was appropriate for me and I told him I would return to put money down on it. I then felt I should give the Lexus dealership in Kelowna a call as they kept popping up when I checked Lexus cars online. I asked the girl if they had any inventory in what I wanted and she said they could get me one the beginning of June. That was perfect for me as that is when I would be preparing to turn the Tesla in. She said they distribute cars mainly for people in their area but with Liza’s address I could get on.  I put money down and it was settled in about ten minutes. I even had a choice of colors. I felt like I had been directed and I felt very blessed. This is a huge decision that has been weighing heavily on me and it was a big relief to have it finalized. Now I must get the Tesla ready for it’s return to the company.

We experienced a wonderful General Conference and I felt like I needed that slow down to listen to our leaders in these tumultuous times. I pray for my family and for the world and I pray for me. Cindy’s family had me over for dinner on Sunday after the last session.

Jean Ward and my friend Ruth Bohemer served as missionary companions in Hong Kong years ago and Jean wanted to get together. When Sabina heard Jean was coming out here, she asked to come visit me so I had them all over for an afternoon tea at my house. I served apple cider and treats. We had a nice time and it was good to reconnect with Sabina. Jean and Ruth are now reconnected as well and can set up other times to get together.

Later that week I had Camille and her family come to stay with me and visit the Temple with their ward. I made bran muffins and hamburger soup before their arrival. They came Thursday evening and left Saturday afternoon. Their ward and our stake provided child care for the three children at Temple View Chapel while they attended the Temple, so that was nice for them and helped me out as well. They went to visit friends Friday evening. I went that day to take soup and muffins to Cindy’s family.

I seem to have visitors coming and going on a regular basis and that is good and one reason that I keep my house. It does, however, mean that I am frequently changing beds and cleaning guest bedrooms and bathrooms. That is probably good for me too. I am happy to share and to help if I can.

Cindy seems to be doing well with her recovery from her hysterectomy surgery and she trying not to rush it or do too much. I am hoping she feels much better, with enhanced capacities having put these struggles behind her.

Aksel and Hansen have both experienced their first birthdays and Max wrote his final CPA exam. I am proud of my grandchildren as they and their families move forward in positive ways.

The days have been warm this week and I am trying to get the yard taken care of and the back deck cleaned.

Life goes on and the world continues to turn. I am blessed.

April 2, 2025

 It is Kona’s 3rd Birthday today. She was four months old when she came to me. She has been a companion and a help to me during the most difficult time of my life. Her name, in Hawaiian, means “Lady” and  “safe harbour”. She is a lady and she has provided me with a safe harbour. She has kept me moving and she has not allowed me to be still for very long or to feel sorry for myself.

I have Jeff with me this week. He had to leave Wagner Hills because he was smoking and he has been at another facility which he didn’t like and he left. Cindy and Paul picked him up from a hotel in Abbotsford on Sunday and I have had him here ever since. He is trying to get back into Wagner Hills again but it will be at least be two more weeks. Jennifer is driving down from Kamloops tomorrow and he will stay with them until he can come back. He would like to upgrade his first aid ticket while he has time or do something like that. He is a sweet boy but has just struggled with these concerns. I pray for him.

I had Miss Sayde last week as she was on spring break and her parents were both working. Keaton is on his school exchange in France and that would have left Sayde alone. We had a quiet but good time. Cindy and Paul drove to Lethbridge to visit Jack and Sam was here on his own. He spent some time with us and he came over to “hang out” with Sayde when  I was in the Temple on Tuesday and Saturday. I tried to get Sayde out for a walk each day. Liza and Brendon drove down last weekend to pick her up.

I did makeup Temple Prep lessons for two YSA students on Sunday and substituted for Sam Moore teaching primary as well. Lahina and I went to visit Sam during spring break when she took some time off to be with her son Weston. I have had my stove oven panel repaired, Kona groomed, attended a Muir dinner in WhiteRock with Cindy, went to Gayleen McLough’s funeral in Burnaby and shopped for new a new car with Jeff. I made dinner for the Hardy family last night as Cindy had a hysterectomy on Monday and just arrived from the hospital yesterday. She is doing well but her shoulder has been in pain as a result of the gas pumped into her during surgery that can lodge in your shoulder. I trained two new LOWs on the Thursday evening shift. It has been a full couple of weeks.

I am blessed.

March 12, 2025

 It is my 75th birthday in a few days. I have no idea how I arrived at this point in my life so quickly. I have had a very blessed life and though I hurt from loss and grief, I have nothing to complain about. I was raised in a wonderful family, with a heritage to be grateful for and proud of. I wisely married a remarkable man who has loved me through life, cared for me and truly raised me up to be more than I could be without him and I adore him.  I have been blessed with wonderful children and grandchildren who continue to both challenge me and bring me joy. I have had outstanding friends and people in my life and opportunities to grow, serve, learn  and experience. I have lived in a beautiful and free land under favourable circumstances. I have had the Savior and His gospel in my life every step of the way. How blessed am I!

Now, I have also had challenges - some big and some small. I pray for abilities to care for my needs, my home and my affairs and I pray for my home and belongings but I have had a few concerns lately. My fridge door spring broke, my garage door spring broke, my oven is not working and I have a flat tire with a nail in it.The garage door is repaired, the Tesla roadside service is coming tomorrow and I am still sorting my fridge and oven problems. I had two lesions removed from my face and that cost a few hundred as it is considered to be cosmetic. Everyday has its challenges and costs.

Our niece Annie is coming for the weekend to attend her daughter Reece’s basketball tournament at UBC. Liza called and is bringing Sayde to stay with me next week as it is spring break and Keaton is going on exchange to France and she and Brendon are busy working. Cindy and Paul are going to Lethbridge to visit Jack and Sam may remain home, so I will have him nearby too.

The challenges in our world continue with Trump trying to bring down Canada with trade wars so he can annex our country - not a joke. We are all scratching our heads as are all free nations of the world. He seems to be connecting himself to Putin and Russia. Liza asked me why the church leaders are not hoisting the Title of Liberty and rallying us to fight. As I drove to the YSA building on Sunday to teach my last Temple Prep Lesson, I passed by the Temple and looked up at Moroni. He is not the first Captain Moroni in the Book of Mormon who hoisted the Title of Liberty, but he is the second, also a warrior and great leader but known best as the final contributor to the gold plates and the one that protected them with his life for decades before burying them and then finally turning them over to Joseph for translation. A banner has been in fact been raised up as the Book of Mormon goes forth and Temples are spreading throughout the world providing insight and ordinances that teach us of Him and His great atoning love. My mother always said that love is the solution to all problems and the Savior is the personification of love. He is the Standard of Liberty, the Standard of Truth, the Standard of Freedom and Right, the Standard of Love. The Standard has been raised up in these days and He was raised up long ago. We need to look to Him and rally to the Standard of Righteousness and Love. He is the solution.

“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Mom’s favourite)