Trends

You may have noticed a trend.
When I’m at home I write more and more often.
Being at work nine hours has become extremely draining for me. I'd rather be shoveling snow that plowing through the blizzard of paper that is my job. And during this past week it has been more intense. I’m training my replacement. She’s a buyer and still has her full load to deal with, so each day I bring her over for an hour or so in order to introduce another major part of the job. I try to do it in a manner that she gets a little hands-on time as well as having a training session with real learning points.
Yesterday we attended the funeral of an acquaintance. He had been a welder at the shipyard in the nuclear area and according to all reports extremely talented. And extremely well liked. The chapel was full as well as the first overflow.
We sat behind the first counselor in the bishopric and his wife. He glanced back a couple times which got my curiosity up. We had earlier gotten up to put out additional chairs as the hall filled up. What was it this time?
Finally he leaned back and in a quiet voice said, “You know those times you asked me to speak at the prison? Don’t you think that counts for something?”
“Yes,” I responded.
“You remember that we canceled the Sunday of the Christmas program?”
“Yes.”
“And that we put the Christmas program on the following Sunday and pushed back the schedule?”
“Yes.”
“Dan was supposed to…”
“Where is this going?” I said.
“We need speakers tomorrow – will you give a five minute talk?”
I spoke for seven…

Below is the talk that I put together while taking a break from preparing my priesthood lesson. So as it turned out the Gospel Doctrine instructor and the High Priest Group instructor spoke today in Sacrament Meeting. We are the Minute Men.

In the closing chapters of Second Nephi the prophet writes of the Doctrine of Christ:

“And I heard a voice from the Father, saying: Yea, the words of my Beloved are true and faithful. He that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved.
“And now, my beloved brethren, I know by this that unless a man shall endure to the end, in following the example of the Son of the living God, he cannot be saved.
“Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.”

In his talk entitled “Behold, We Count Them Happy Which Endure,” Elder Robert D. Hales tells the story of a marathon runner by the name of John Stephen Akhwari.

Mr. Akhwari represented Tanzania in 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City.
“A little over an hour after the winner had crossed the finish line, John Stephen Akhwari … approached the stadium, the last man to complete the journey. Though suffering from fatigue, leg cramps, dehydration, and disorientation, a voice called from within to go on, and so he went on.”
Bloodied and bandaged from a fall early in the race, Akhwari hobbled through the final lap in Olympic Stadium, crossed the finish line, and collapsed.
“Afterwards, it was written, ‘Today we have seen a young African runner who symbolizes the finest in human spirit, a performance that gives meaning to the word courage.’
“For some, the only reward is a personal one. There are no medals, only the knowledge that they finished what they set out to do.”
Bud Greenspan had interviewed Mr. Akhwari and asked the question perhaps on the lips of every one of the remaining few in the stadium that night: why he would complete a race he could never win? To which Akhwari replied,
“You don’t understand. My country did not send me 5,000 miles to start the race; my country sent me to finish the race.”

“He knew who he was—an athlete representing the country of Tanzania. He knew his purpose—to finish the race. He knew that he had to endure to the finish, so that he could honorably return home to Tanzania. Our mission in life is much the same. We were not sent by Father in Heaven just to be born. We were sent to endure and return to Him with honor.
“Dwelling in the world is part of our mortal test. The challenge is to live in the world yet not partake of the world’s temptations which will lead us away from our spiritual goals. When one of us gives up and succumbs to the wiles of the adversary, we may lose more than our own soul. Our surrender could cause the loss of souls who respect us in this generation. Our capitulation to temptation could affect children and families for generations to come.”

In the June 1989 Ensign President Monson – then Second Counselor in the First Presidency – authored the First Presidency message entitled “Finishers Wanted.”

One afternoon while on a break, President Monson went window shopping and paused in front of the window of a furniture store. A small sign that had been placed at the bottom right-hand corner of the window caught his eye. "FINISHERS WANTED."
What came to his mind was not those skilled in applying the final touches to furniture but those able and willing to complete what they set out to do.
President Monson wrote:

Times change, circumstances vary, but the true marks of a finisher remain.
Note them well.

They are: Vision, Effort, Faith, Virtue, Courage and Prayer

1. The mark of VISION.
It has been said that the door of history turns on small hinges and so do people's lives. We are constantly making small decisions. The outcome determines the success or failure of our lives. That is why it is worthwhile to look ahead, to set a course, and at least be partly ready when the moment of decision comes.
True finishers have the capacity to visualize their objective.

2. The mark of EFFORT.
Vision without effort is daydreaming; effort without vision is drudgery; but vision coupled with effort will obtain the prize.
Needed is the capacity to make that second effort when life's challenges lay us low.
Stick to your task 'til it sticks to you;
Beginners are many, but enders are few.

3. The mark of FAITH.
Long years ago the psalmist wrote: "It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes."
Recognize that faith and doubt cannot exist in the same mind at the same time, for one will dispel the other.

4. The mark of VIRTUE.
"Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly."
This counsel from the Lord will provide staying power in the race we run.

5. The mark of COURAGE.
Have the courage…
To dream the impossible dream,
To fight the unbeatable foe,
To bear with unbearable sorrow,
To run where the brave dare not go.
To right the unrightable wrong,
To try, when your arms are too weary,
To reach the unreachable star!
And you will, thus becoming a finisher.

6. The mark of PRAYER.
When the burdens of life become heavy, when trials test one's faith, when pain, sorrow, and despair cause the light of hope to flicker and burn low, communication with our Heavenly Father provides peace.

These, the marks of a true finisher, will be as a lamp to your feet in the journey through life.

And again from the prophet Nephi, in the thirty-second chapter of Second Nephi:
“If ye will receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do. Behold, this is the doctrine of Christ…”

Heavenly Father sent us here to be Finishers – with his help we will be.

That we with Paul may say:
“I have fought a good fight,
“I have finished my course,
“I have kept the faith…”
is my prayer in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen

D&C 3:1-3

The works, and the designs, and the purposes of God cannot be frustrated, neither can they come to naught… Therefore his paths are straight, and his course is one eternal round. Remember, remember that that is not the work of God that is frustrated, but the works of men. D&C 3:1-3

The loss of the 116 manuscript pages of the Book of Mormon did not thwart the Lord’s plan. He who knows all things knew where the manuscript was and who had taken it. He had also made provision for that eventuality in his direction to Nephi more than two thousand years earlier (1 Nephi 9:5-6). From the pre-mortal Council in Heaven through the beginnings of mortality and forward to today, those who desire to ruin God’s plan have sought for gain as they worked to tear down the standard of truth. It will ever be so until the Lord returns to reign in millennial glory. We need only remember what the Lord has said: “I will not suffer that they shall destroy my work; yea, I will show unto them that my wisdom is greater than the cunning of the devil” (D&C 10:43). Despite the dark deeds of enemies of righteousness, the Lord and his great plan of happiness will not fail or falter. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 13)

D&C 2:1-2

I will reveal unto you the Priesthood, by the hand of Elijah the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. And he shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their father. D&C 2:1-2

When Moroni appeared to Joseph Smith on the evening of 21 September 1823, he quoted many Old and New Testament passages of scripture. Some of these he quoted quite differently from the King James text. For example, Moroni’s rendition of Malachi 4:5-6 sheds a brilliant light upon an otherwise little appreciated doctrine: Elijah the prophet would be sent to plant within our hearts the promises made to our ancient fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – the promise of the gospel, the priesthood, eternal lives, and a land of inheritance (Abraham 2:8/11, 19).This prophecy was fulfilled on 3 April 1836, when Elijah visited the Kirtland Temple with Moses and Elias to confer the keys of the kingdom upon Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. Because Elijah came, there comes into the hearts of God’s latter-day covenant people a desire to have every blessing promised to the ancients. These blessings come only through the sacred ordinances of the house of the Lord. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 12)

D&C 1:39

For behold, and lo, the Lord s God, and the Spirit beareth record, and the record is true, and the truth abideth forever and ever. Amen. D&C 1:39

God is the standard against which we measure good and evil. Jesus himself stated that “there is none good but one, that is, God” (Matthew 19:17). Thus, our beloved Father could not do other than call us to the standard of perfection (Matthew 5:48; 3 Nephi 12:48). At the same time, our perfect Lord is fully aware of the faults and foibles of his imperfect children. In that sense, as the Prophet Joseph Smith declared, “God does not look on sin with allowance, but when men have sinned, there must be allowance made for them” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 240). The gospel of Jesus Christ, the plan of salvation, has been provided to us as a means whereby we can confront our sins and be sanctified from the effects of them. We can, through the mediation and atonement of the only perfect Being to walk this earth, thus become qualified for association with holy beings. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 11)

D&C 1:38

Thursday, January 08, 2009
What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same. D&C 1:38

In his second epistle, the apostle Peter indicated that “prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved upon by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:21). When a servant of the Lord speaks under the direction of the Holy Ghost, he is, in actuality, speaking the words of God. It is as if the Lord were himself present, telling us what he would want us to know and do. The Lord’s authorized representatives are his agents, surrogates, teachers, and spokesmen; however, unlike the Lord. Who is perfect in every way, these servants are themselves imperfect and striving to overcome the world – like each of us. Nevertheless, they have been called by inspiration and magnified in their callings by the Lord. Thanks be to God, who speaks to us today as in times past by the voice of his servants. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 10)

D&C 1:30

Those to whom these commandments were given, might have power to lay the foundation of this church, and to bring it forth out of obscurity and out of darkness, the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth, with which I, the Lord, am well pleased. D&C 1:30

We need only become acquainted with individuals of other religious persuasions to recognize their goodness and the truths that they possess. It would be blatant arrogance to suppose that Later-day Saints are the only good people on earth with whom our Heavenly Father is concerned or to whom he seeks to make known his mind and will. God loves all of his children on earth and seeks to teach all that people are prepared to receive (Alma 29:8). To state that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth is neither a denunciation of others nor a denial of their truths but rather a declaration that the Latter-day Saints are custodians of divine priesthood authority and the fulness of the everlasting gospel. With those consummate blessings comes the responsibility to share, not judge or demean those of other faiths. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 9)

D&C 1:23

That the fulness of my gospel might be proclaimed by the weak and the simple unto the ends of the world, and before kings and rulers. D&C 1:23

Some wish aloud, “If only we could convert a movie star, a famous athlete, or a prominent religious leader, then people would surely pay more attention to us.” In fact, never has the divine truth been carried principally on the backs of the mighty and great ones of the earth. “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things that are mighty” (1 Corinthians 1:26-27). We who see through a glass darkly must be reminded occasionally that the Almighty has his own timetable and his own plan for how his gospel is to be presented; he is able to do his own work (2 Nephi 27:20). . (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 8)

More Snow

We didn’t expect more snow. We were supposed to get rain mixed with snow. But yesterday afternoon Kathy looked out on the deck and there was a light dusting of snow. Not rain. Not rain mixed with snow. But snow.
That dusting turned into about six inches by the time Kathy went to bed and it was still snowing. I couldn’t see how much there was when I was forced to go to bed by absolute darkness. The power had gone out. (Yes, our trees shed more limbs.)
This morning when it was still there instead of having been washed away by the rain as “KING TV’s resident meteorologist” had promised, Kathy announced that we were on a two hour delay.
“That’s fine,” I muttered. “We’ll just work until 6:00.”
To which Kathy replied, “I’m getting in the shower now.”
The roads were wet with very little slush. We were at work by just before 7:00 to start a hyper-typical Monday.
We are so lucky to have global warming. Can you imagine what the past two and half weeks would have been without it?

D&C 1:16

They seek not the Lord to establish his righteousness, but every man walketh in his own way, and after the image of his own god, whose image is in the likeness of the world, and whose substance is that of an idol, which waxeth old and shall perish in Babylon, even Babylon the great, which shall fall. D&C 1:16

We need not bow down to deities of wood or stone to be guilty of idolatry. Idolatry is a sin that takes place when individuals trust themselves and devote their lives to anything other than the true and living God. In our modern age, idolatry can take the form of inappropriate hero worship, entail the inordinate quest for popularity, or be manifest in the acquisition of financial portfolios and real estate – in general, being possessed by possessions. People who can worship cattle or crocodiles or cedar posts are entitled to all of the blessings such gods can confer here and hereafter. The only way, however, to obtain peace here and eternal life in the world to come is to know and worship the God of all creation, that Holy Being the knowledge of whom brings eternal life. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 7)

WILLAMETTE FALLS

As we drove between Milwaukie and Newberg Friday evening we noticed that the Willamette was flooding. The park at the confluence of the Willamette and the Clackamas just north of Oregon City was completely gone. And so we decided that we wanted to take a better look at the river on our way out of town Saturday afternoon.
Kathy and I both grew up in Milwaukie and southeast Portland and remember the Willamette and Johnson Creek flooding. Johnson Creek was such a common occurrence that we expected it to happen. Flooding was part of life. And despite the danger, from the time I was in grade school, I and many of my friends played along the creek. Over the years several of them died because of it. If not the creek then the gravel pits. They were the most dangerous with sloping sides and loose gravel.
Muskrats lived along the creek and in the pits. Guys tried to trap them. The brother of one of my friends actually made money doing it. He died when I was in Junior High. Barnhardt was the best of all the trappers I knew.
When I was in High School I lost my close attachment to the creek. Still every morning on our way to school after seminary, my friends and I would make sure we checked out the house above Johnson Creek to the west of River Road where it meets McLaughlin Boulevard. I don’t understand why anyone lived there because it got flooded every year. How did we determine just how bad the flooding was? Could we still see the windows on the side of the house.
That house is gone now, so from that perspective it is hard to make a comparison but what Kathy and I saw Saturday when we stopped at the viewpoint on I-205 overlooking Oregon City matched anything from 40 years ago. Willamette Falls looked to be almost as high on the downriver side as it was on upriver side. It was more like a rapids than a falls. But you take a look and tell me what you think.

D&C 1:14

And the day cometh that they who will not hear the voice of the Lord, neither the voice of his servants, neither give heed to the words of the prophets and apostles, shall be cut off from among his people. D&C 1:14

Some fail to hear the words of the prophets and apostles because of sin. Some are deaf because of fear, and others because of worldly preoccupation. Whatever the reason, it is a kind of pride. All who ignore the words of the Lord’s servants will come to regret their deafness. If they close their hearts to prophetic counsel, they will be cut off from the Lord’s promised blessings to all who humble themselves before him in righteousness. They will be cut off spiritually from the growth that comes to meek followers of Christ. They will be cut off from the abiding peace and everlasting joy that come to those who heed the prophets and turn their hearts to the Lord. Too much is at stake to treat prophetic words casually, or worse, to reject proudly the words of the prophets – ancient or modern. May we heed the admonitions of the Lord’s authorized servants and sustain them with full purpose of heart. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 6)

A Quick Trip to Portland

Kathy and I made a quick trip to Portland to see my mother and to see Cassie swim at the Chehalem Swim Meet.

We had intended to go the Portland at Christmas but were delayed by the weather. You probably remember the snow. And then work got in the way. Well, finally we got Grandma Beecher’s Christmas presents to her. She is still having difficulty with her short term memory and had to ask the same questions several times within the span of a few minutes. I’ve been concerned about the possibility of Alzheimer's and have tried to become more aware of the differences between normal age-related memory changes and possible warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease

The Alzheimer's Association has developed just such a checklist to help in recognizing these differences. I’m attempting to watch for these each time I talk to my mother.
1. Memory loss.
Forgetting recently learned information is one of the most common early signs of dementia. A person begins to forget more often and is unable to recall the information later.
What's normal? Forgetting names or appointments occasionally.
2. Difficulty performing familiar tasks.
People with dementia often find it hard to plan or complete everyday tasks. Individuals may lose track of the steps involved in preparing a meal, placing a telephone call or playing a game.
What's normal? Occasionally forgetting why you came into a room or what you planned to say.
3. Problems with language.
People with Alzheimer’s disease often forget simple words or substitute unusual words, making their speech or writing hard to understand. They may be unable to find the toothbrush, for example, and instead ask for "that thing for my mouth.”
What's normal? Sometimes having trouble finding the right word.
4. Disorientation to time and place.
People with Alzheimer’s disease can become lost in their own neighborhood, forget where they are and how they got there, and not know how to get back home.
What's normal? Forgetting the day of the week or where you were going.
5. Poor or decreased judgment.
Those with Alzheimer’s may dress inappropriately, wearing several layers on a warm day or little clothing in the cold. They may show poor judgment, like giving away large sums of money to telemarketers.
What's normal? Making a questionable or debatable decision from time to time.
6. Problems with abstract thinking.
Someone with Alzheimer’s disease may have unusual difficulty performing complex mental tasks, like forgetting what numbers are for and how they should be used.
What's normal? Finding it challenging to balance a checkbook.
7. Misplacing things.
A person with Alzheimer’s disease may put things in unusual places: an iron in the freezer or a wristwatch in the sugar bowl.
What's normal? Misplacing keys or a wallet temporarily.
8. Changes in mood or behavior.
Someone with Alzheimer’s disease may show rapid mood swings – from calm to tears to anger – for no apparent reason.
What's normal? Occasionally feeling sad or moody.
9. Changes in personality.
The personalities of people with dementia can change dramatically. They may become extremely confused, suspicious, fearful or dependent on a family member.
What's normal? People’s personalities do change somewhat with age.
10. Loss of initiative.
A person with Alzheimer’s disease may become very passive, sitting in front of the TV for hours, sleeping more than usual or not wanting to do usual activities.
What's normal? Sometimes feeling weary of work or social obligations.

Mom is beginning to get check marks on more of these. More are beginning to fit. I hope it’s just me overreaching the reality of her situation. Like self diagnosing nursing students who seem to recognize in themselves the signs and symptoms of a new disease or two each time they study a new body system. I hope it’s only that. Still we’ve got to come up with a plan to prove or disprove the diagnosis just in case.

The second reason for going to Portland was to see Cassie swim and we almost missed it. Because of weather – it snowed from Olympia to Vancouver – and traffic - multi-car accidents in the south bounds lanes of I-5 on both side of the Interstate Bridge – and being introduced to family member I was unaware of – Karina’s daughter Gabby - we were late getting to town. Since the meet didn’t start until 5:00 p.m. we thought it won’t hurt if just a bit late. It does if what you want to see is the first heat of the evening. Cassie took part in the very first heat. We wouldn’t have seen her had it not been for her getting a chance to swim again as part of a team swimming the last heat of the evening. So we did get to see and capture on video what an excellent athlete she has become.
That was Friday evening. Yesterday, Saturday, she qualified for State in the Girls 800 Free-Style Relay.

Congratulations, Cassie!!

Errata: Actually Cassie qualified with two relays for the state meet - the 4 X 200 freestyle and the 4 x 400 IM with the freestyle leg.

D&C 1:6

Behold, this is mine authority, and the authority of my servants, and my preface unto the book of my commandments, which I have given them to publish unto you, O inhabitants of the earth. D&C 1:6

Doctrine and Covenants 1 is the Lord’s preface to his latter-day commandments. A preface often alerts the reader to the significant points that will be covered and summarizes the important issues that will be raised. In a revelation given 1 November 1831, the Savior describes the state of things in the days of Joseph Smith (a time when the fulness of the gospel had not yet been made known), as well as the plight of humanity because individuals had chosen uninspired paths to happiness. It also contains the Lord’s prescription for a generation that now wanders in darkness – the call of a modern prophet, the teachings that flow through him, and the blessings that accrue to those who heed the prophetic word. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 5)

D&C 1:4

And the voice of warning shall be unto all people, by the mouths of my disciples, whom I have chosen in these last days. D&C 1:4

In the first verses of the Lord’s preface to the doctrines, covenants, and commandments given in this dispensation, the Lord sounds the voice of warning to all people. His revelations will sound in every ear, proclaiming the new and everlasting covenant, admonishing each one to exercise faith, repent, and come unto Christ and his true and living Church (D&C 1:30) The Lord’s authorized servants who are endowed with priesthood keys and sacred stewardships are known to the Church. They do not operate in the dark; they do not hide in the shadows. Fearlessly, these “weak things of the world,” the Lord’s anointed prophets, proclaim the truth of the gospel (D&C 1:19); boldly they declare the Lord’s message of salvation (D&C 1:32); humbly they go forth with confidence in the commands of the Lord who watches over all (D&C 1:5). The Lord's warning voice will go throughout the world in preparation for his glorious second coming. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 4)

A Good Time Was Had by All

The Beecher Bunch went out to lunch
The object to have tamales
On New Years Day’s good luck they say
So we met at Josefina’s

To those unable to be there - we missed you!

If Josefina's is still standing, we'll be there again next year.

Hope to see you then!

*

In the year to come...

For verily the voice of the Lord is unto all men, and there is none to escape; and there is no eye that shall not see, neither ear that shall not hear, neither heart that shall not be penetrated. D&C 1:2

God’s voice is unto all men and women in these last days. The Doctrine and Covenants, the Book of Mormon, the Pearl of Great Price, and the inspired utterances of latter-day prophets and apostles – these messages are delivered directly to the Latter-day Saints but have relevance and application to all the world. Our Heavenly Father is the Father of the spirits of all people, and thus his divine directives are intended for persons of every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. All who hearken to the light of Christ within them will be led, whether in this life or the life to come, to the higher light of the Holy Ghost that comes through the gospel covenant, the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The message of salvation is now being sent forth into all the world, and the day will come when no one can profess ignorance of these saving truths. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 3)

This next year we will be studying the Doctrine and Covenants. I will attempt to share with you this little book. I would ask that you read these excerpts and take the message but not the text. Please do not copy or forward the the extracted text. Thanks for understanding.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

One last thought before the old year creeps out the door.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” ----from A Return to Love, by Marianne Williamson.

I wish you and yours a pleasing and prosperous new year

PUNISHMENT

1. A vulture boards an airplane, carrying two dead raccoons. The stewardess looks at him and says, "I'm sorry, sir, only one carrion allowed per passenger."
2. Two fish swim into a concrete wall. The one turns to the other and says: "Dam.”
3. Two Eskimos sitting in a kayak were chilly, so they lit a fire in the craft. Not surprisingly, it sank, proving once again that you can't have your kayak and heat it too.
4. Two hydrogen atoms meet. One says, "I've lost my electron." The other says, "Are you sure?" The first replies, "Yes, I'm positive."
5. Did you hear about the Buddhist who refused Novocain during a root canal? His goal? Transcend dental medication.
6. A group of chess enthusiasts checked into a hotel and were standing in the lobby discussing their recent tournament victories. After about an hour, the manager came out of the office and asked them to disperse. "But why?" they asked, as they moved off." Because," he said, "I can't stand chess-nuts boasting in an open foyer."
7. A woman has identical twins and places them for adoption. One of them goes to a family in Egypt and is named "Ahmal." The other goes to a family in Spain; they name him "Juan." Years later, Juan sends a picture of himself to his birth mother. Upon receiving the picture, she tells her husband that she wishes she also had a picture of Ahmal. Her husband responds, "They're twins! If you've seen Juan, you've seen Ahmal."
8. These friars were behind on their belfry payments, so they opened up a small florist shop to raise funds. Since everyone liked to buy flowers from the men of God, a rival florist across town thought the competition was unfair. He asked the good fathers to close down, but they would not. He went back and begged the friars to close. They ignored him. So, the rival florist hired Hugh MacTaggart, the roughest and most vicious thug in town to "persuade" them to close. Hugh beat up the friars and trashed their store, saying he'd be back if they didn't close up shop. Terrified, they did so, thereby proving that Hugh, and only Hugh, can prevent florist friars.
9. Mahatma Gandhi, as you know, walked barefoot most of the time, which produced an impressive set of calluses on his feet. He also ate very little, which made him rather frail, and with his odd diet, he suffered from bad breath. This made him... A super callused fragile mystic plagued by halitosis.
10. And finally, there was the person who sent ten different puns to his friends, with the hope that at least one of the puns would make them laugh. "No pun in ten did."

IM BUCHWALD

It seems that Stephanie has discovered that the “treasure” is a house in Stuttgart, Germany. And she asks, “What is that house?” To which I reply…

Loosely translated to German the name of my blog is Im Buchwald.
That name is significant to me because I lived im Buchwald. More specifically, I lived im Buchwald at Waldmeisterweg 30. That house is Waldmeisterweg 30.

To give you a perspective of where it is situated, on the aerial photograph you will find things marked as staffel. A staffel is stair-stepped trail. The Ginsterstaffel, the one we used most frequently, leads up through the gardens and weinberg to Im Buchwald a small village-like area above the larger village-like area of Gablenberg. I was assigned to work there twice. First as a German-speaking missionary and then months later as an Italian-speaking missionary. It was the second time in Gablenberg that we rented the room im Buchwald.
The house at Waldmeisterweg 30 sits on a hillside facing north. Our room in the daylight basement looked out over the garden at the back of the house. In the autumn it was comfortable almost to the point of being enjoyable. But in winter it became very nearly unbearable – obviously something we had not anticipated. It was an un-insulated space with walls of stone and concrete. And although the interior walls were finished nicely they conducted heat and cold much too efficiently.

I started to think about that basement room overlooking the garden as I huddled under my federdecke earlier this month. It was chilly in our bedroom at home but nothing like the chill my companion and I woke up to each morning in our ‘garden apartment’ there on Waldmeisterweg. Our room was heated by a single ceramic-tiled coal stove. We took turns getting up a bit early to make the fire each morning. And with only $75.00 each a month - $75.00 for rent, food, clothing, transportation, and whatever else was needed – we didn’t feel it wise to heat the room when we weren’t there and tried to make coal last longer. So we burned one or maybe two bricks a day. One in the morning and maybe one in the evening if we hadn’t adjusted the draft right in the morning to keep it burning slowly all day. Think winter scenes in Doctor Zhivago.

We weren’t the only people heating with coal. It was pretty much the norm – everybody burned coal. In fact so much was being burned in Gablenberg that as we went down the Ginsterstaffel each morning, we could just see the tip of the steeple on the Lutheran Church peeking out above a sea of brown coal smoke. The air was full of soot. I always wondered why we were able to breathe that air. In fact the air was so bad that we wore scarves more to keep our collars clean than our necks warm.

Water for the morning wash-up was heated in a pot on a one burner hot plate. One of us would study while the other washed. (Real bathing was done once a week at the public bathhouse in a small room with a timer on the door.) Our water source was a faucet resembling a gas spigot with stepped sides and was located in the unfinished area toward the front of the house by the coal bin.. If I turned it too far, the outer portion would fall off. As you can imagine getting it back on would mean a thorough soaking. Not at all pleasant on an arctic morning. Or any other time for that matter.
Breakfast was cooked on the hot plate after we had dressed and studied. Our breakfast diet was simple and consisted mainly of some variation or combination of milk, yoghurt, bread, cheese, jam, and oatmeal. Germany is where I became an oatmeal gourmet. There were many kinds and I knew them all. What was best for cooked cereal and what made the best Muesli. I have since become more accepting of poorer brands and varieties. But when one is forced into a situation of limited choices, optimization of what remains feels like a real luxury.
This is about the time we learned to make bread pudding because Sister Fetzer, the mission mother, told us we needed to have more variety in our meals. Pasta salads/casseroles were also added about this time. The great variation being whether we added cheese or tuna. We ate or drank a lot of soup as well. I never thought of it as excessive but we must have answered “Soup” to the question “What did you have for supper?” once too often. One of the families we were teaching commented on it frequently by offering dinner invitations. The mission rule was not to eat with members or friends. Although our diet must have given some the impression of being monotonous or inadequate, we thrived. And it really wasn’t one of the important things.

Still to come is:
Stammtisch, Frauenkopf, Fernsehturm, and Evening walks under the Beeches.
And still later more numbers.

WRESTLING WITH RETIREMENT

Well, tomorrow I go back to work. I haven’t been to work since the afternoon of December 17.
Going back will be hard. I am becoming more and more accustomed to being at home. I really am ready to retire. Or at least do something besides work for the Navy – or maybe just not something associated with the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard.
I thought it would be hard to walk away. That I had a lot invested in the job. Surprisingly it hasn’t bothered me being away. I don’t care if someone has messed with the programs I wrote. Just if I have to go back and undo their messes in order to do my job for the last two months. Then I’ll be put off.
So tomorrow I will call the human resources office about setting my date. I’m hoping for the last day of February.
I can’t say that I’m not apprehensive. I am. It’s a change. A big change. But I keep telling myself that I retired once before without any real problems. And we still had kids at home. I can do it again. That’s what I tell myself.
Now I have to believe it.

The gospel doctrine lesson today was a discussion of the last chapters of Moroni. And more specifically the verses dealing with faith and hope. The priesthood lesson was Teachings for Our Times taken from President Uchtdorf’s talk entitled “The Infinite Power of Hope.”
One of the quotes used by the gospel doctrine instructor was from “The Doctrinal New Testament Commentary” by Bruce R. McConkie.
“As used in the revelations, hope is the desire of faithful people to gain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God hereafter. It is not a flimsy, ethereal desire, one without assurance that the desired consummation will be received, but a desire coupled with full expectation of receiving the coveted reward.”

And from “The Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon” by Joseph Fielding McConkie, Robert L. Millet, and Brent L. Top:
“To have hope in Christ is to have the peaceful assurance that one is on course, the quiet confidence that in general terms the Lord is pleased with one's efforts, the anticipation of happiness here and glory and honor hereafter. ”

Can I make application of that principle in my ordinary personal everyday life?
Can I have a peaceful assurance that I am on course and anticipate a future of happiness in this life? Can I have hope for a comfortable life after retirement?

The scriptures state that without faith there can be no hope. So what or who is it that I need to have faith in?

And James wrote, “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” And so what is the work that I should be anxiously engaged in?

The Lord has said, “If ye love me keep my commandments.”
It is also true that if I love myself I will keep the Lord’s commandments. As this is done, happiness and success will follow. Remembering always that the Lord has promised if we walk “in obedience to the commandments, [we] shall receive health in [our] navel and marrow to [our] bones; and shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures; and shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.”
And again He has promised that He “will rebuke the devourer for [our] sakes.”

And as President Hinckley so often reminded us, “if ye are prepared ye shall not fear.”
These promises were made without respect to time of life.

Death of a Snowman

First my apologies to Arthur Miller.

The death of a snowman is not a pretty thing. A slow and messy process. In reality not at all what King Arthur described in Camelot. If you will allow that stretch.

I'm happy to see the temperatures climb above freezing, however, the calming beauty of a landscape blanketed in white has added to my Christmas experience. Suddenly dropping me in the middle of a Currier & Ives print. I could almost hear the sleigh bells. Which would be wonderful, since I’m finding it progressively harder to hear any kind of tinkling.

But still there has been the reality of what is involved in living so close to nature. There is a responsibility to the world around me. Not only that which I have added to it – caring that the cover over the car so that it doesn’t collapse under the weight of the snow - but also to the creatures sharing this little corner of the world.

Small example: we started putting out food for the squirrels and birds. And now we’ve done it often enough that we have to continue. Not only that but we need to be sure what we’re putting out won’t be detrimental. If we don’t provide the type of food required for their survival we could unwittingly be the agent of their demise.

But now turning to something I wrote about on December 15.

That was the “treasure hunt.” Here’s an easier way to find 48°46’17.76”N 9°12’36.79"E

Use the tool at: http://tools.freeside.sk/geolocator/geolocator.html and copy and paste the coordinates in the box provided.

Then zoom in and let me know what you find and I’ll give you the story – my story - behind it.

Boxing Day Denial

It’s time for me to be in bed but I thought I should tell Matt and Tim and their families thank you for the enjoyable day and the nice presents. And with your help, I did manage to get all the pictures off my camera and onto my computer.

Mom and I got home without incident. And after getting something to eat and a little procrastination, we decided to open the presents we had wrapped for ourselves. Although at first I think Mom wanted to put it off until tomorrow and have a second day of Christmas, she gave me the choice and I just couldn’t wait. I would give you a list of all the “presents” but it would be quite a lengthy list - essentially anything we bought during December. We were fittingly surprised.

And just a follow up on the Crazy Quilt series: I’m putting together a small trunk with a crazy quilt, a cinnamon bear, and a silver star as an under-the-tree Christmas decoration for each of the four families. That should be to you by Three Kings Day.

Love to all.

Amazing Lights

Since most of you probably won’t be going to Peacock Lane or some other well known street to see the Christmas decorations, here’a something Alex sent out for our pleasure and amusement. Christmas lights dancing to 'Amazing Grace'

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

You may have guessed I was up late last night – early this morning – I was waiting to see what kind of weather was coming thinking I might need to do something. By 1:00 a.m. the temperature was just below freezing. About 30°F and I was tired. Three days straight of shoveling snow, shaking bushes, chopping wood, and digging cars out had worn on my back. (Thanks be for Motrin and Icy-Hot Patches!) So I went to bed convinced that we were going to have an uneventful Christmas Eve. I wouldn't have to stir from home. The gifts to neighbors were delivered yesterday. The temperature would be going up and there would be no more snow to deal with.
I woke to hear WHUMP and see Kathy’s constant companion, the television, go black.
“So,” I thought, “No power.”
I was ready. I grabbed my Federdecke and gave it a good shake to fluff it up and turtled it. Nothing but the top of my head showing.
Then I heard Kathy say, “Oh, the TV just turned off.” And she got up and turned it on.
Ten minutes later the power was gone and this time for several hours.
It has warmed up. 33°F. It did snow. Two to three more inches. Wet and heavy. Tree limbs already stressed to the breaking point are… breaking.
We’re back on and Kathy is prepping the turkey for roasting. It may be finished on the grill. Good thing it’s only ten pounds. Kathy the optimist.
I’ve had my oatmeal, banana and cup. The cell phone is charged. The radio is cranked up. Plenty of dry clothes stacked up. Kathy’s in the shower. So I’ll just wait it out.
Oh! And by the by, here’s the last episode of Crazy Quilt.

And the merriest of Christmases from our little cabin in the woods. Warmest wishes and our love to you all on this most joyous of all seasons. God bless you all. May all your dreams come true.

Crazy Quilt Dragon 26

EARLIER TODAY - .It’s nearly Christmas now and the intact star is back with Judy and Jimmy. They are anxious to return to their home. Crazy Quilt wants to remain at the North Pole but the children and Paddy are to return in Santa’s sleigh. Jimmy asks Crazy Quilt to hold the star as he climbs into the sleigh. When turns to ask the dragon to hand him back the shiny ornament, our friends discover he’s gone… running away as fast as he can! AND NOW…

Crazy Quilt Dragon 25

YESTERDAY – Back in Santa’s office things become clear. Melissa has warned that Wintergreen Witch has escaped from her exile and has headed for the Snow Country. Reinforcements are sent to the soldiers battling the witch. In the meantime, Santa takes his visitors on a tour of the North Pole workshop. Then comes word that Captain Tintop has returned victorious… and with the star! AND NOW…

DREAMING OF A WHITE CHRISTMAS

We’re home from the battles.
Earlier I sharpened my axe and cut up the larger limbs – 4 to 6 inches in diameter – that were at the end of the driveway into manageable lengths and stacked them for anyone who wanted it as firewood. The green I raked to the side to wait transport to the burn pile. JD and I will get the maintenance truck later next week.
When the temperature warmed up to 34°F we ventured out for groceries. Kathy needed shortening in order to make filled cookies, so we plussed-up our stocks in other areas as well.
The main roads are fine. It’s just when you turn off onto streets like the one leading into Lake Holiday or the streets leading into parking lots in the Gig Harbor commercial area that things get a bit dicey.
We expect another storm this evening but are still uncertain what we will see here in our neck of the woods. Here’s what ‘s in the forecast.
“By late tonight night another weather system will approach the state spreading snow into Puget Sound around midnight. Accumulations of 1 to 3 inches are possible by the commute on Wednesday morning. Snow will continue most areas through the morning with another 1"-2" possible. Showers will continue during the day on Wednesday but will be more mixed snow and rain for much of the area as temperatures warm during the day. There may still be some afternoon accumulations on the Kitsap Peninsula and in the convergence zone from about Seattle northward to Everett.
“Another, slightly colder weather system will move in early Christmas morning for another chance of snow. Another 1"-2" of snow could accumulate mainly during the early morning. Again in the afternoon it will turn to more of a mix of rain and snow showers with only spotty accumulations mainly north of Seattle in the afternoon. Only a few scattered rain or snow showers should linger into Christmas night with no new accumulations.
“Friday should see increasing rain and snow spreading into western Washington in the morning. This storm should warm temperatures enough to turn the precipitation into rain everywhere. The rain should continue off and on through the weekend with high temperature into the low 40s.”
Sound like we may have a white Christmas? And after all that we've been through I'll be disappointed if we don't.

Crazy Quilt Dragon 24

YESTERDAY – Jack Frost raises the window in time to spot the Bad Dolls dashing away with the star. Santa orders out the detachment of tin soldiers to pursue the dolls. But bad news, Captain Tintop radios back that the troops are encountering difficulties. A strange creature, never before seen in Snow Countery, is aiding the Bad Dolls. AND NOW…

HOT WATER

My atomic clock and wannabe weather station tells me that it is 32.3°F on the east side of our house. It’s after 5:00 p.m. and it’s getting dark. The sky has been clear most of the afternoon and the temperature was above freezing a good portion of the day. Not a good mix for driving to work in the morning. But I’m not saying a word. That decision is Kathy’s.
As you see below I said I was off to get a shower this morning.
Problem: There was still a power issue with well #1 and we had no water pressure. So while I waited I went out and shoveled yesterday’s snow off the walks and deck. Cleared the hedges. (It’s fun to climb inside and shake up my own private snow storm.) Clean the cars. And drag limbs. Yeah. They were ours.
I walked down to the association office to make arrangements to have the limbs picked up only find out that the maintenance man had quit. (My next “career?”) So what could I do? Well, since the porch and walk were woefully in need of shoveling, I shoveled. As I was finishing, the office manager poked her head out and said, “Mr. Beecher, we’ve lost power again.” So I walked back up the hill to let JD know why the roads hadn’t been sanded. “Maybe I’ll take the job,” I told him.
As I turned to go home a Saturn Vue crested the hill and we stepped back to see the back end swinging our way. All wheels were locked. Slowly the front wheels turned toward the opposite side of the street and back end crept closer to the car parked in front of JD’s.
“Turn the wheel the other way!” I yelled. He did and things got a bit better. But back wheels were still sliding.
“Take off the brake!” I yelled. And they started rolling straight down the hill. But I guess panic set in as the speed increased and all wheel locked up and they were sliding again.
“Don’t brake! Don’t brake!” I yelled.
They rolled down the hill and out the gate.
I was walking up the driveway and JD called to me. “You work for the highway patrol?”
“No,” I said, “they got openings, too?”
So now the power’s back on again and this time I’m getting in the shower.

POP GOES THE POWER...

I got the Crazy Quilt up as soon as I could. Well, I guess I could have done it at 5:00 a.m. but since Mom wasn’t going to drive to work I put off dragging myself out until a bit later. Then there was a flash – it wasn’t lightening – then the UPS was calling me. I have a nice Belken that comes with software the shuts down the computer. All I have to do is turn off the beep. So we lost power.
There is a big limb – fir bough as we used to say – in the street in front of our house. I’m not sure if we or our neighbors were the culprits so I’ll just blame it on the snow.
Obviously we’re back up so it didn’t last long but still I’m off to get a shower just in case.
Oh, and the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard actually closed due to weather! That is historic!!

Crazy Quilt Dragon 23

YESTERDAY - Santa makes the group welcome and orders up his reindeer to take the four adventurers to the shop of Jack Frost, who quicker than quick, repairs the silver star as good as new. He puts it on his window sill to get good and cold, but when they are ready to go they find it missing! AND NOW…

Crazy Quilt Dragon 22

EARLIER TODAY – It’s a flying hat and they take off for the Snow Country. There, on Melissa’s instructions, they hunt for someone known as Nicky Froodle. A W.C. Fields sounding snowman directs them to a nearby castle and the little elf named Nicky. He tells them that he will take them to someone who can help them mend the broke star. None other than Santa Claus himself. AND NOW…

Crazy Quilt Dragon 21

This is a little late today. I was out shoveling snow. It seems that we dodged the bullet. No wind - just a lot more snow. I got the walks and the deck shoveled. My home teacher was out before I was and he did the front. So now it's done except that it has started to snow again. But on to the story... YESTERDAY – A still angry witch is about to turn our friends into bullfrogs but discovers Queen Melissa has taken away her magical powers. The Grand Wonky reappears and forces the helpless witch to return the star. On the queen’s orders the witch is taken away in the Grand Wonky’s custody. Tired, the adventurers fall asleep under a tree. When they discover a huge silk hat. AND NOW…

STORM STEW...

Well, I won’t need to do anymore work on my lesson and I won’t need to print agendas. I just got “the call” followed by an email (There will be no church services for the Key Center Ward tomorrow, December 21, due to the storm conditions.) That means the Stake Christmas Devotional will be canceled for the second week in a row and unless performed after Christmas won’t be presented at all.
The storm conditions referred to were described by KOMO-TV in the following write-up from their web-site:
"Snow has been falling steadily across most of Western Washington since Saturday afternoon, and was forecast to continue to fall through the night. Meanwhile, gusty winds were reported in the Cascade foothills, but it appears the wind gusts won't be as severe as originally forecast. The areas like North Bend, Sultan, Gold Bar, Black Diamond, Maple Valley and Enumclaw could still see sustained winds of 30-40 mph with gusts as high as 50-70 mph. A winter storm warning remained in effect for most of the Western Washington lowlands through Sunday morning for as much as 2-8" of snow -- with higher totals as high as 12" expected along the far western Kitsap Peninsula and Southwestern Washington. As of now, forecasting models suggest the brunt of the storm will head into northern Oregon and southwestern Washington. Areas south of Olympia could see as much as 6-12" of snow with this storm before changing to rain or freezing rain. Travel is strongly discouraged and should be put off until Monday."
So we are staying put.

Tim’s phone called me twice and all I could hear were voices not clear enough to distinguish words. The tone and timbre was of urgency – many different voices speaking hurriedly in a strident pitch. So I called back. After two attempts it connected. He was at a friend’s home helping with flooding. The cold temperatures have that effect on pipes. I don’t want to tempt trouble and I do hope the warmer weather returns soon. We know that it will warm up eventually.

COLD DAY

When I got up this morning at 7:30 (I know I was lazy) the temperature was 22° F. Now at 1:30 it’s up to a balmy 25° F. The coldest I remember at home in Milwaukie, Oregon, is 14° F. Remembering winter days of my childhood that was one dark morning long ago but typical of our lives.
My mother had got me up for breakfast and a surprise. The radio was tuned to KWJJ and what we would now call Classic Country was brightly spilling all over the kitchen. My impression is that we still had the wood cook stove and the water heater in the kitchen, so the house was warm by those standards. The back door separating us from the outside was a raised panel door the top third of which was a single glazed window. It was that window that my mom wanted me to see. Jack Frost had painted a full half of it, beautifully spreading plumes of ice crystals across it in. Almost a paisley pattern in translucent white.
That was about it. “Look. Jack Frost was here.” Then it was on to the preparations for the day. Dad’s lunch of sandwiches wrapped in wax paper, a thermos of hot coffee and other home made foods in jars crammed the lunch pail, a rectangular box with a domed lid that held the thermos by means of wire retainer and closed by two chrome latches. That was it except for those special times when there was left over cake or pie. Then a piece was wrapped carefully in wax paper and placed on top of all the rest.
What happened next was my scrubbing. We did not shower daily. We scrubbed stripped to the waist in front of the sink. On cold days that was an onerous task. As a small boy I wasn’t at all attracted to water except in mud puddles. Mix it with soap? It would be something straight out of Calvin and Hobbs. And so what I started was always finished by my Mom. But better her than my Aunt Amy who must have had nanny training in Teutonic torture. Somehow I survived and I always felt warmer getting dressed after the ordeal by water. But I’m sure my friends wondered how I got sun burned in the middle of winter.
The rest of the day was school for me. What went on at home during my absence? I don’t know. But after school even though it got dark early we managed to play in the yard. And there were two or three 15 minute radio programs to listen to. Although grade schoolers didn’t have homework my Mom would have me read from the readers she had bought. There were chores like filling the wood box or taking out the garbage - table scraps and the like were buried in the orchard as a soil amendment. Then my Dad might read aloud from one of the books he was reading. To bed by eight and in the morning we would start again.
I guess that by today’s standards it may seem to have been a bit bleak but we were happy. And happy is important.

Crazy Quilt Dragon 20

YESTERDAY – It’s only Chief Cukenbotelwasher, who has been attracted to Crazy Quilt's pelt, which he wants. But Judy persuades hime to take her pocket mirror instead. Just when they reach the Golden Grove the evil Wintergreen Witch reappears. She demands the broken star and since Judy no longer has the protective pocket mirror, Jimmy is forced to surrender the pieces of the star. AND NOW…

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FOR A SPECIAL BOY…

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, COLIN!!!
At Thanksgiving Colin and I talked about his birthday. I told him I thought he should have vacation on that day. He looked at me with that quizzical Colin look. Thinking he might not quite understand “vacation” I said “a day off from school.” His immediate protest proved he knew all too well what a vacation is and he was having no part of it. Now the failure to understand was all mine. And after a couple more exchanges I understood the why. “There’s special stuff on my birthday, Grandpa!” And because of the special stuff Colin needed to be at school. I’m still uncertain what all the special stuff is but to Colin it is important and that’s enough for me. Now from the reports I’ve been hearing Newberg schools have been closed for the past few days. For Colin’s sake I hope that whoever is in charge will relent and allow Colin to be back in school for his birthday and his Special Stuff. If not, Colin remember you’re special! You are a very special boy and always will be!

Crazy Quilt Dragon 19

YESTERDAY – As they are about to sink beneath the mud, our friends are rescued by the Cockle Burr Cowboys. The wranglers, fortunately, work for Melissa, and through them the children speak to the queen again. She is sympathetic and gives them new directions. Leaving the cowboys behind they set out across the Purple Plain toward the Golden Grove, where they are to find a further clue. But horrors, they hear bloodcurdling war whoops. Indians! AND NOW…

Snow Days

Snow days. Strange isn’t it that something so inherently cold brings to mind such warm memories. For me one such memory is sitting in Mr. Emberlin’s sixth grade class room watching snowflakes the size of small snow balls descend on the lawn in front of Wichita Grade School on King Road. All I could think was, ”Please stick. They’ll have to let us out if it sticks.” I don’t remember it did or not. The anticipation of a snow day was always greater than the event itself. Like hunger being the best cook, anticipation raised any future to a level of greatness. Planning the snow fort - between the Dogwoods in front of the house of course - this year’s would be bigger and better with a roof and a place to store snow balls and a hole to pop up out of to attack from and… It didn’t matter that no one else in the neighborhood built a snow fort. We were ready, Ross and I. And after a year or so we didn't waste snow or energy on snowmen unless it was as camouflage and diversion. We made plans for counter-measures (of course we didn’t call them that), flanking movements, direct assaults, and countless other battle strategies. And all this against an enemy that was yet to be realized. But we were ready. And the joy that brings back to my memory is beyond my ability to express. I guess as anticipation raises the future to greatness, moving back through time to a more innocent era on the magic carpet of memory does the same for the past. And that is a journey I make with fondness.

Crazy Quilt Dragon 18

YESTERDAY – The only way to rescue poor Cinnamon Bear is to use up the only wish allowed them. Wearily Judy, Jimmy, Paddy and Crazy Quilt trudge back to see Melissa for fresh instructions. But they come to a river of mud and the awful Mudlers, who toss our friends into the quagmire. AND NOW…

Crazy Quilt Dragon 17

YESTERDAY – It turns out that the crocodile is nearsighted but can absorb the contents of any writing by eating it. He tells them that Melissa’s note tells them to go to the Wishing Well. Enroute they meet Oliver Ostrich, a Cockney fellow who loves eating alarm clocks and bacon. Eventually they reach the Wishing Well but alas Paddy leans over too far and falls in. AND NOW…

Crazy Quilt Dragon 16

YESTERDAY – Queen Melissa writes special instructions and seals them in an envelope, telling Judy and Jimmy that they will help them to restore their precious silver star. But the instructions can be read only in complete darkness. The Grand Wonky suggests they might find total darkness in the Wishing Woods and directs them. Just inside the woods they encounter bathtub singer, Snappersnick, the Crooning Crocodile. The friends are horrified when Snappersnick swallows the instructions. AND NOW…

Where are you... ?

Here's a game for anyone who wants to play.

It’s a treasure hunt of sorts.
Using Google Earth go to 48° 46’ 17.76” N and 9° 12’ 36.79" E.

Or here is a tool you can use:
http://tools.freeside.sk/geolocator/geolocator.html

Tell me what you find.
You may discover you’re already there.
Does that make sense?

Crazy Quilt Dragon 15

YESTERDAY – The dragon suggests they go to the castle of Queen Melissa to get help in repairing the star. The Grand Wonky, the royal attendant, ushers them into the presence of the beautiful and kindly queen. AND NOW…

Crazy Quilt Dragon 14

EARLIER TODAY – The dragon manages a feeble sounding peepfor help and Fee-Fo arrives to rescues them. He is too large to return with them through the picture frame. The four adventurers confront the witch in her home. Not only does she refuse to return the star but she also threatens to transform them into all manner of horrible things. She is horrified, however, at her own reflection in Judy’s pocket mirror and gives them back the star. The children foolishly let Crazy Quilt put the star in his hip pocket. And when they return to Maybeland from Obi the dragon sits down and crushes the ornament into glitter. AND NOW…

Crazy Quilt Dragon 13

YESTERDAY – The lights are really Crazy Quilts eyes. The witch has put him in a trance. When they wake him the three friends learn to their dismay that Wintergreen has stolen the star from Crazy Quilt. Anxious to return to the witches home but lost in the woods Jimmy recalls the whistle given him by Fee-Fo. Three blasts on the whistle will bring the gentle giant to help. But when Crazy Quilt tries he inhales too deeply and swallows the whistle. AND NOW…

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LINZI!!!

There's that smile! This is your Lucky 7. I hope this day was especially happy for you. That all turned out the way you dreamed it.

Crazy Quilt Dragon 12

YESTERDAY – The giant Fee-Fo is huge but gentle and a real friend. He takes Jimmy, Judy, and Paddy to the Goody Good Grove where they have an elegant banquet. As night falls suddenly on the Magic Forest they spot two very scary yellow lights in the darkness. AND NOW…

Crazy Quilt Dragon 11

YESTERDAY – Paddy, it seems, crossed an invisible boundary line. And so do the children reuniting the group again. An educated owl, Professor Whiz, tells them that he’d spotted Crazy Quilt run into the nearby home of the feared Wintergreen Witch. They follow but find the home empty except for a magical picture of a great forest. Stepping through the frame of the picture and into the woods they meet Fraidy Cat, who in a wee voice tells of a great giant who lives there. The trio and the kitten try to run when the giant approaches. AND NOW…

Crazy Quilt Dragon 10

Well, I’ve got myself in somewhat of a dilemma. These past few days have been dedicated to my children and their children. An attempt to share something significant from my childhood Christmases. That should be light and fun. But what I’ve gone through in the last week has been anything but. My dilemma? Should I talk about the un-fun stuff? Well, just so you'll know. I haven’t been to work since last Wednesday or Thursday. Most of Sunday was spent at Madigan after missing the ward Christmas party the evening before. I had gone to the Festival of Trees to see Tim’s effort for this year’s Abbott Construction entry. It received the People’s Choice Award and the Children’s Choice Award. As we were waiting for Matt and Honor and the girls we sat on an aluminum bench - which is a wonderful heat sink. We saw all the beautiful trees but by the time everyone was ready to leave I was suffering from a chill that that seemed to only deepen regardless of what I did. So here I am. Having been seen by a physician that can’t do follow-up and now can not or will not refer. At least I have medication. STILL REMEMBER YESTERDAY? YESTERDAY - The pirates give them a small boat to row to shore and sail off. But a magic wave prevents them from getting through the surf. They try again a few hundred down the shore and find the water calmer. Landing n the beach they return to find the Rollie Pollie Policeman but the star is gone from his chest. The Irish-brogued constable explained that a friend of theirs came to collect the star and then ran up the beach in the opposite direction. From the policeman’s description it could have been none other than Crazy Quilt. Our group follows but as they are running along the sand Paddy O’Cinnamon disappears. AND NOW…

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CRAIG!!!

Craig, you may wonder why I chose this picture of you. To me it says a lot about you. When I fist saw it I thought, "Craig has got a lot of confidence to do that. He must have really stood out to have been chosen!" And stand out you do. Soon you will receive the Aaronic Priesthood and join a choice group of young men. Remember that the Priesthood is given that we might serve one another. And just as you stood before that group of Boy Scouts as an example of what is required to fly in a jet aircraft miles above the earth, you will now stand as an example to all those around you of a Christ-like life. I love you and look forward to being with on Sunday for your ordination.

Crazy Quilt Dragon 9

YESTERDAY - Crazy Quilt flees again and the rest of our friends are hustled into the buccaneers’ longboat. As prisoners they are taken aboard the anchored pirate ship the Suzy Q. There they learn from Captain Tatty that their supposed captors are the Candy Pirates and friendly indeed. The pirates agree to sail to Obi. As they approach the island’s shores they see a big Rollie Pollie Policeman patrolling the beach. And on the lapel of his uniform is pinned their silver star. AND NOW…

Crazy Quilt Dragon 8

YESTERDAY - Crazy Quilt swims our friends ashore to dry out. They meetan incompetent magician, Mr. Presto, who in demonstrating his magical prowess mistakenly pulls Penelope from his hat. The angry bird complains that when the magician so rudely summoned her she droppedthestar while flying over the Island of Obi. The group looks along the shore for a boat to take them to Obi. They discover instead a treasure chest and moments later they are surrounded by a band of pirates. AND NOW…

Crazy Quilt Dragon 7

To keep up with the schedule I was supposed to have posted twice on Sunday. But since I spent the entire afternoon and into the early evening being diagnosed and treated fo pyelonephritis it was postponed until today - didn't feel like anything but going to bed. So... EARLIER TODAY - The Wailing Whale explains in song why it enjoys ill health. Crazy Quilt hits on the idea of tickling the polka-dotted Wesley until he coughs up the star. It works but the star is in turn caught by Samuel the Performing Seal, who insists on juggling it on his nose. One final toss of the star into the air, however, attracts Penelope the Pelican who catches the shiny bit in her beak and flies off. AND NOW…

Crazy Quilt Dragon 6

YESTERDAY - The execution is delayed when it’s discovered that the royal executioner is off for the day and his assistant can’t recall the exact wording of the ceremony. While the Inkaboos debate what to do, Crazy Quilt returns with the Scissor Soldiers who engage the Inkaboos in battle. In the turmoil our group escapes on the back of the dragon who swims out to sea and safety. Judy spots the silver star floating on the surface of the Root Beer Ocean. AND NOW…

Crazy Quilt Dragon 5

YESTERDAY - Jimmy, Judy, Paddy and Crazy Quilt are approached by a most peculiar group of people. They are the Inkaboos, the blotter people who are a bit touchy about their boundary lines. After a brief struggle, Crazy Quilt escapes but our three friends are made prisoners. They are taken before King Blotto and charged with trespassing. The penalty for which is to be thrown into the Immense Inkwell. AND NOW…

Crazy Quilt Dragon 4

YESTERDAY - The stork reappears apologizing for causing them problems and offering to fly them to the top of the cliffs which overlook the Root Beer Ocean. There they discover Crazy Quilt with the star and sound asleep. They wake him with a BOO. The frightened dragon falls over the cliff into the ocean below. After he swims ashore Crazy Quilt explains in a song why one must “Never Say Boo to a Crazy Quilt Dragon.” He apologizes for succumbing to the temptation to steal the shiny star. Unfortunately however, he cannot return it for he lost it when he fell into the Root Beer Ocean. AND NOW…

Crazy Quilt Dragon 3

YESTERDAY - Paddy shows Judy and Jimmy how to de-grow, that is shrink to his own four-inch size, so they can fit into his very own special airplane and they set out for Maybeland. Shortly after take off they are overtaken by the old stork, Weary Willy. Terribly thirsty the bird taps into the plane’s soda pop fuel tank. Out of fuel our adventurers are forced to land at the bottom of Looking Glass Valley the sides of which are so steep that no escape is possible. AND NOW…

Crazy Quilt Dragon 2

YESTERDAY - The Barton twins, Judy and Jimmy, discover the silver star, which goes on the top of their Christmas tree, is missing. It is recalled that Uncle Ned took some of the holiday decorations up to the attic last year. After some pleading with their mother the twins are permitted to go up to search for it. They don’t find the star but do discover a number of interesting things including a tiny, four-inch-tall teddy bear with a green ribbon around his neck. Jimmy looks through the old seaman’s telescope and sees the little bear move. He introduces himself with his own song, “I’m the Cinnamon Bear with the Shoe Button Eyes.” Paddy O’Cinnamon, for that is his proper name, tells the children their star has been stolen by the Crazy Quilt Dragon and offers to help them get it back. AND NOW…

Crazy Quilt Dragon 1

YESTERDAY – I promised something that I thought I was prepared to deliver but only to discover that my technical understanding of how to post information from one website to another was seriously deficient. It was an agonizing afternoon of attempts, false starts, and failures. Complete catastrophe was not an option, so I was prepared simply to direct you to a site – another blog – where you could listen to the story. But I already have one blog that I ignore so why start another for just twenty-six days of the year? But for you I was willing. All that is now as they say “water under the bridge.” I finally figured it out! AND NOW… as promised… the Cinnamon Bear...

Crazy Quilt Dragon

When I was a grade schooler and maybe before, the time just after Thanksgiving Day and before Christmas became magical. Every afternoon we would watch the clock waiting for what we called “Crazy Quilt Dragon.” The real title of the radio program was and is “The Cinnamon Bear.” It may sound a bit corny to the post-modern ear but remember this is from a more innocent era. From a time when we didn’t lock our doors at night. A time when “please” and “thank you” came naturally to all. When leaving the evening table you would thank your mother for the meal as you stood up. And a time when imagination was the best screen. I offer this now to all my family.

Happy Birthday, Tessa!!

We (Mom and I) are going over to wish Tessa a Happy Birthday. And since I had some room left on this page, I thought why not also here.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TESSA!!

On the Road Again

I’ve been off the bike for about three weeks the result of something that has been hard to categorize. Not a cold - no sneezing red runny nose or fever. I did a great Wolfman Jack impression and people at work would stop by my desk just to hear me talk – or was it to see if I could talk. Like I said three weeks off the bike.

Yesterday I just couldn’t let the weekend go without a short excursion. I would have gone Friday but I was still a bit… whatever it is. Sunday… I don’t ride on Sundays. Saturday evening – 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. is Stake Conference. So it has to be Saturday morning. Well, before noon anyway. Mom (Gramma to some of you) wants to go Low-Tiding – that’s at about 11:00 a.m. at Penrose Point State Park about 13 miles away.

My condition is such now that Wolfman has left me and whatever this thing is bedevils my morning hours with coughing spells. Sometimes almost uncontrollable. After I’m finished with that, it is uncertain just how far my lungs will take me. So I need an outlet. Ride to where Mom is and then decide. That then dictates when I will ride

Getting ready to ride was like being a kid again. Can’t wait to get on the road though there is some apprehension as to just how good my legs will be. How much burn after such a long holiday? And my lungs? Will I end up on the side of the road retching through the coughing fits? And more. But it doesn’t out weigh the joy of knowing I’ll be back on the road. And after the usual preparation I glide easily down the drive and out onto the street. All is at peace and I comfortably make the 13 miles out to Penrose. I do, however, notice that getting down to the bay requires a steep descent. A very steep descent. A very, very steep descent. Riding back means….

When I arrive at the park and find a table at the water’s edge (well, it is when the tide is in) I can see Mom half a mile out on the spit. Wandering slowly side to side looking for treasure and oblivious to me. So I sit down to make myself comfortable – pull off my helmet, shoes and socks and drink my Endurox. By the time Mom makes it back to the table I’ve retreated to the shade of a nearby oak tree. She shows me the days gathering of shells and agates and asks if I want to eat. If I do, she’ll get the lunch out of the car.

After lunch – peanut butter and jam sandwich – I fill my water bottles and make the slow ascent out of the park. There’ll be couple of stair steps back down to the bay then that climb – that steep climb back up to the highway. Thankfully it’s in the shade and miraculously (with the help of proper gear selection) I spin up it like a pro. The ride home is hot but so… fulfilling? I don’t know – it just feels good to ride again even though I had to take a nap before going to my meetings. And the bed felt so good last night.

Shearing Joy...

Without exertion I remember few things about my one year at BYU. Some things, however, come with ease and joy. One such is a midday concert by George Shearing. My music choice in the late 50's and early 60's was easing toward jazz. Not the raucus thing that it seems to have become but a well considered, although at times immediate and spontaneous, style of music. I had sung with a double octet called the Pony Pipers. It was a group formed out of the Milwaukie High School acappella choir. Most of the things we sang were popular songs. However none were jazz songs. My impression was that jazz was intrumental. Jamie Crandall one of my roommates at the Y corrected that error by introducing me to Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross. And when I got back to Portland I was singing Sermonette as a solo. Of course my enduring devotion is to The Great One, Dave Brubeck. Back from my mission I found Jerry Mulligan. My favorite recording, Feelin' Good, has been lost. I do still have a recording of Brubeck and Muligan together in Mexico. And there were so many others... Now my voice is gone but the music goes on.

In Solemn Assembly

In our upper room we stood together unified with all those of our quorums and the rest of the church. Tears filled our eyes in gratitude for the opportunity to pledge ourselves to the support of the men called by the true head of the church to serve as our leaders. And as Tassie and I stood in our turn I reflected on the wisdom of one Bishop following inspiration in one ward of the church to prepare those he has been called to serve. And it became clearer as the conference progressed how we unite ourselves. Of note are the remarks of Elder Russell M. Nelson, Elder Kenneth Johnson and Sister Cheryl C. Lant.

Cry with one voice unto the Lord...

Today was a comfortable Sunday. Testimonies were just that. Sunday School was instructive. And third hour found us in the company of our Bishop and his inspired message.

He spoke to us about the world in which we find ourselves and the assault upon us and our beliefs and made a comparison to the Lamanite’s attack on the Nephites in the forty-third chapter of Alma. Although the Nephites were better prepared for battle, having armor and shields, there came a point in the battle that the fierceness and anger of the Lamanites caused them to doubt. They would have given up had it not been for Moroni who plucked them from disaster and caused them to stand their ground. “And it came to pass that they turned upon the Lamanites, and they cried with one voice unto the Lord their God… And they began to stand against the Lamanites with power…”

In this world where the assaults upon us are mostly individual and seldom seen as an organized attack upon us collectively, the question is how do we “cry unto the Lord with one voice”? How can we accomplish that as families and as a church?

The answer to that is something I’d like you to consider and ponder upon. Perhaps make it a question to bring to a family home evening. And if you wish share your thoughts with me.

Here's your 2008 baseball schedule... !!!

Rainiers Baseball 2008

Date Opponent Time Event
Thursday, April 3 // Sacramento // 7:00 pm-Opening Night // Opening Night & Free Scarf
Friday, April 4 // Sacramento // 7:00 pm // Fireworks Opening Weekend & Free Scarf
Saturday, April 19 // Colorado Springs // 7:00 pm // Summer Saturday Night
Friday, May 2 // Oklahoma // 7:00 pm // Fireworks
Friday, May 16 // Tucson // 7:00 pm // Fireworks
Friday, June 6 // Fresno // 7:00 pm // Fireworks Free Hat
Saturday, June 7 // Fresno // 7:00 pm // ZOOperstars & Free Hat
Friday, June 27 // Salt Lake // 7:00 pm // Fireworks
Thursday, July 3 // Colorado Springs // 7:00 pm // Fireworks
Friday, July 18 // Tucson // 7:00 pm // Fireworks Rhubarb Bobblehead
Friday, August 1 // Round Rock // 7:00 pm // Fireworks
Friday, August 15 // Las Vegas // 7:00 pm // Fireworks & Rhubarb Bobblehead
Friday, August 29 // Portland // 7:00 pm // Fireworks
Monday, September 1 // Portland // 1:30 pm // Labor Day & Last Game of Season



Same seats as every year and we have season ticket holder status. You'll notice that we have opening night and last game of the season as well as Fourth of July, ZOOperstars, hat nights and lots of fun ahead . I've talked to the people in the office and they expect this year to be better than last in respect to stuff for the fans.


I'm excited.


I'm ready for baseball.


All together now...


Take me out to the ball game
Take me out with the crowd
Buy me some peanuts [cracky-wackies] and CrackerJacks [I'd prefer a hot dog]
I don't care if I never get back
Let me root, root, root for the home team
If they don't win it's a shame
For it's one, two, three strikes you're out
At the old ball game.


Nothin' like it!

When chased by a cow...

One of my earliest recollections is being chased by a cow. To me - as it appears in movie of my mind – it’s all head and getting closer and closer. Not just once but over and over it seemed to me. How I escaped I’m not sure. That I did is a certainty. My mother, one of my aunts, or even my grandmother plucked me from disaster each time.

How is it possible that a cow would suddenly appear in my cousin’s yard in suburban Milwaukie, Oregon? First of all the Milwaukie where I grew up and when I grew up was not at all suburban. Sub-rural maybe but not suburban. We lived on a half acre that abutted the half acre belonging to Ross and Ada. And to their west that of George and Orvilla Smith. The land had been bought from the Glover ranch. In fact all the land around us had been part of the ranch. The ranch house and the out-buildings stood for many years just east of Forty-first Street and just west of the airport as we called Wells’ landing strip. What is now Forty-third Street was during my childhood Glover Road. It started at King Road and ended at the entrance to the airport just behind the ranch house.

The Smiths had a cow. And they were not good at building fences. I suppose the cow saw Ross’ place as greener pastures and me as something to follow. Chasing me was the result, I’m sure, of my fright at seeing the monster and running from it. Something in the recesses of my mind says I had been told that cows follow things that run. But run I did as fast as my pre-school legs would carry me.

Now it doesn’t seem to be as frightening as it was then. I suppose the lesson to be learned was to stand my ground. That’s easy to say when you’re not face to face with a mad cow.

In the beginning...

Sunday last I made a comment to my son, Chris, about something he had written in his blog. Essentially what I said was that it didn't accurately describe my situation at a particular point in the Solvang Century. His response was "Get your own blog." So now I have and now it doesn't seem so important to give an accurate account of that moment in cycling history. I do, however, reserve the right to revisit the story at my discretion.

Every blog seems to have a theme. And when it was suggested to me earlier this year by my daughter-in-law that I start a blog to which I said "What would I write about?" She said, "Write about your favorite team or..." My reaction was that I would quickly run out of material. Although I do have a favorite team I don't follow it very closely. That's when it struck me. I can do a "Seinfeld" blog. I can write about nothing.

So I am beginning.