Book number 47 done!
The Eyre Affair is 48th
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Ahead of Schedule -- Yippee for me!
My life for the most part is boring. I don't keep a journal or a diary; that would just remind me about how boring my life is. What I do keep, however, is a book journal. I don't know why I started keeping one; it's like I woke up one day in 1994 and said, "I think I'll keep a log of all the books I read." Two years ago I lost the book journals. Well, at least I thought I did. Yesterday I found them tucked behind the photo albums on the bottom cabinet shelf. It has been fun to look at the list of books and reread some of the things I wrote about them. I can tell when I really liked a book because I would write, write, and write. The books that were so-so, sometimes just received a "meh."
My reading goal has always been at least one book a week. When the children were young that was achieved through our homeschool reading and educational materials. Okay, I know that is cheating, but at least I was reading something. Now that the children are out of the house during the day and I have lots of free time, I get to read more interesting material. This year most of my reading has been contemporary novels. That is something I thought I would never enjoy. I've tried to stay close to the classics, but recently have discovered I like a few of the newer authors too! Because of a very busy winter/spring I was unable to read my first book until April. Not a good start to my reading year! I am pleased to report, though, that I just finished my 45th book and it is the 43rd week of the year!
As always, all recommendations welcome.
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My reading goal has always been at least one book a week. When the children were young that was achieved through our homeschool reading and educational materials. Okay, I know that is cheating, but at least I was reading something. Now that the children are out of the house during the day and I have lots of free time, I get to read more interesting material. This year most of my reading has been contemporary novels. That is something I thought I would never enjoy. I've tried to stay close to the classics, but recently have discovered I like a few of the newer authors too! Because of a very busy winter/spring I was unable to read my first book until April. Not a good start to my reading year! I am pleased to report, though, that I just finished my 45th book and it is the 43rd week of the year!
As always, all recommendations welcome.
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Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Okay, I think it's official... I have become a read-a-holic. Samantha's friend Melissa gave me a list of books to read. (Afterall, I did post that I wanted input from people on books to read!) In the last week I read four books. I'm hooked! I ask everyone I know to suggest a book. My already long list is now even longer and I love it!
What I don't like, however, is if someone tells me anything about the book itself. If they tell me about it, then it ruins reading it for me. All I want to know is whether they would recommend it -- that's all! For me, knowing the plot of a book beforehand is like watching the last few minutes of a movie first then starting it over and watching it from the beginning.
Anyway, I'm still open for suggestions!
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What I don't like, however, is if someone tells me anything about the book itself. If they tell me about it, then it ruins reading it for me. All I want to know is whether they would recommend it -- that's all! For me, knowing the plot of a book beforehand is like watching the last few minutes of a movie first then starting it over and watching it from the beginning.
Anyway, I'm still open for suggestions!
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Crazy Weather ???
Last winter was mild; Spring was great; we had a late start to summer with three weeks of freezing rain in June; and now, September 30th, we got our first snowfall!
I'm sure the snow and frost will melt and we will get at least another month of sun (and warmth). Mother Earth just wants to let us know who's boss.
We aren't the only ones with crazy weather. I heard Colorado had a major snow storm a couple weeks ago.
I've lived in Utah for 31 years and the earliest I can remember it snowing in Cache Valley was October 8th, and I thought that was early. September 30th! Whew! and burrrrrr!
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This weekend we are preparing for freezing rain and snow. Garden is covered, play things put away, and the like...
I'm sure the snow and frost will melt and we will get at least another month of sun (and warmth). Mother Earth just wants to let us know who's boss.
We aren't the only ones with crazy weather. I heard Colorado had a major snow storm a couple weeks ago.
I've lived in Utah for 31 years and the earliest I can remember it snowing in Cache Valley was October 8th, and I thought that was early. September 30th! Whew! and burrrrrr!
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Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Aeneid by Virgil
Okay, maybe we bit off more than we could chew or at least comfortably eat in one sitting in choosing to read the Aeneid by Virgil. Normally Donna and I choose books we can read in at least a week's time, but I am now on week two with the Aeneid and I am only half way through it.
In order to understanding Virgil's history-mixed-with-myth writings, I have digressed into a history of Rome and a study of the Greek and Roman Gods and Goddesses. Virgil in the Aeneid writes about all of these things, and I was getting a bit frustrated trying to figure it all out.
After Aeneid we will be reading "Common Sense" by Glenn Beck and "Timeline" by Michael Crichton.
In order to understanding Virgil's history-mixed-with-myth writings, I have digressed into a history of Rome and a study of the Greek and Roman Gods and Goddesses. Virgil in the Aeneid writes about all of these things, and I was getting a bit frustrated trying to figure it all out.
After Aeneid we will be reading "Common Sense" by Glenn Beck and "Timeline" by Michael Crichton.
Sunday, September 06, 2009
Mysterious and Hilarious
I had the most wonderful experience at church today while at the same time being the most adamant and direct with the bishopric 2nd Councelor I have ever been with anyone in my life. After sacrament meeting Jeff (as my support) and I went to "talk" with him. I told him very directly and pointedly that I was NOT to be released from my current church calling. (Now you need to understand that nothing yet had been said about releasing me.) He looked at me with a big smile on his face and asked, "Have you been talking to the Bishop?" I replied, "No." He then told me that just two hours ago in Bishopric meeting they discussed that exact thing--and decided that, in fact, they were not supposed to release me from my current calling (Ward Emergency Preparedness Specialist).
I then looked him directly in the eyes and said, "I know what calling you ARE supposed to call me to in addition to my current calling."
"Oh, and what is it?" he asked with a big grin.
"I am supposed to be called as the Ward Genealogy Specialist and Teacher."
By this time he was laughing heartily out loud and he asked, "Have your ears been ringing this morning?" Then he took out his PDA scrolled down to his list of things to do this week and number four on the list was "Call Powells - Genealogy position." He then said, "You just saved me some time by talking to me first. How did you know?"
"I knew two months ago that I was supposed to have the Genealogy position in addition to my current position. I just needed you (meaning the bishopric) to figure it out. But I was getting impatient and didn't want to wait any longer."
He told us that there was a big discussion in bishopric meeting as to whether or not I should have both callings. Well, you know the outcome of their discussion! We all laughed at the irony of how everything turned out!
The Lord works in mysterious ways!
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I then looked him directly in the eyes and said, "I know what calling you ARE supposed to call me to in addition to my current calling."
"Oh, and what is it?" he asked with a big grin.
"I am supposed to be called as the Ward Genealogy Specialist and Teacher."
By this time he was laughing heartily out loud and he asked, "Have your ears been ringing this morning?" Then he took out his PDA scrolled down to his list of things to do this week and number four on the list was "Call Powells - Genealogy position." He then said, "You just saved me some time by talking to me first. How did you know?"
"I knew two months ago that I was supposed to have the Genealogy position in addition to my current position. I just needed you (meaning the bishopric) to figure it out. But I was getting impatient and didn't want to wait any longer."
He told us that there was a big discussion in bishopric meeting as to whether or not I should have both callings. Well, you know the outcome of their discussion! We all laughed at the irony of how everything turned out!
The Lord works in mysterious ways!
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Wednesday, August 26, 2009
A "Sort of" Book Club
Donna and I have been reading books and then watching the movie version of it. This week we read Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. We were able to find five different movie versions from the 1940's to 2003. We watched three of them in one day and two another day. It was funny watching one version because of the horrible script. We were constantly making fun of it and commenting on the important plot sections that were rewritten or removed under the guise of "creative license." Granted it can't be easy putting a 500+ page classic into a 2 - 3.5 hour movie, but at least staying to the plot should be a screenwriter's priority. It is sad in one way because the worst of the bunch was the hollywood version starring William Hurt. I don't think I can watch another movie starring him without remembering how absolutely horrible his version of Jane Eyre is.
We are open to book suggestions!
We are open to book suggestions!
Sprained Wrist
Okay, how does one sprain their wrist picking garden produce? I'm not quite sure myself, but I am the talented one who did it.
I think it happened when I twisted a zuchini from its stem and ended up twisting my wrist instead.
Processed food for 10 hours today. I'm tired and well stocked!
I think it happened when I twisted a zuchini from its stem and ended up twisting my wrist instead.
Processed food for 10 hours today. I'm tired and well stocked!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Pharmaceutical Company Pawns versus Health
For the last few years I have been living with a messed up thyroid, so 4 years ago I finally decided to get it tested. The normal range for the thyroid test is between 0.45 - 4.67.
Four years ago my result was 19. The doctor, without even consulting me, scheduled me for surgery. I found out about it when the hospital called the "day before the surgery" to tell me what to do to prep for it. I told them a mistake was made and I wasn't having any surgery. Needlesstosay I never went back to that doctor.
The next doctor I went to told me I needed to go on thyroid medication for the rest of my life. I told him I wouldn't do that and that I was going to try natural ways of correcting my thyroid. He told me I was an idiot. Needlesstosay...
I started researching and testing alternatives on my own.
Eighteen months later I decide to have another thyroid test to see how my alternative therapy was doing, so I had to choose another doctor. The doctor I choose was a new doctor with a brand new practice - a young women who I hoped would have some respect for women. Well, she ended up being a worse misogynist than most male doctors in town. When I discussed with her any other possible options for my condition, she would only discuss the various pharmaceuticals on the market. When I asked if there were any food studies relative to my condition, she actually yelled at me and said, "If you don't want to take a medication for your thyroid, why are you coming to see me?" Good Point! Needlesstosay...
Good news though - my thyroid test result was down to 9 - a drop of 10 points.
Obviously my alternative therapy was working. I stopped doing it about 8 months ago when I "felt" better. I wanted (no, I needed) proof for myself that my thyroid was in fact okay, so last week I had another thyroid test and the result was 4.59--in NORMAL range. The doctor I have now is respectful of my thoughts, concerns, and wishes, and is willing to work with me. So far he's been good.
So for all you doctors out there who have no respect for the healing properties of the human body, who have no respect for alternative therapies, who are only glorified pill pushers, and who won't work with their patients' specific needs I say it's no wonder why people are quickly losing respect for the medical profession!
Four years ago my result was 19. The doctor, without even consulting me, scheduled me for surgery. I found out about it when the hospital called the "day before the surgery" to tell me what to do to prep for it. I told them a mistake was made and I wasn't having any surgery. Needlesstosay I never went back to that doctor.
The next doctor I went to told me I needed to go on thyroid medication for the rest of my life. I told him I wouldn't do that and that I was going to try natural ways of correcting my thyroid. He told me I was an idiot. Needlesstosay...
I started researching and testing alternatives on my own.
Eighteen months later I decide to have another thyroid test to see how my alternative therapy was doing, so I had to choose another doctor. The doctor I choose was a new doctor with a brand new practice - a young women who I hoped would have some respect for women. Well, she ended up being a worse misogynist than most male doctors in town. When I discussed with her any other possible options for my condition, she would only discuss the various pharmaceuticals on the market. When I asked if there were any food studies relative to my condition, she actually yelled at me and said, "If you don't want to take a medication for your thyroid, why are you coming to see me?" Good Point! Needlesstosay...
Good news though - my thyroid test result was down to 9 - a drop of 10 points.
Obviously my alternative therapy was working. I stopped doing it about 8 months ago when I "felt" better. I wanted (no, I needed) proof for myself that my thyroid was in fact okay, so last week I had another thyroid test and the result was 4.59--in NORMAL range. The doctor I have now is respectful of my thoughts, concerns, and wishes, and is willing to work with me. So far he's been good.
So for all you doctors out there who have no respect for the healing properties of the human body, who have no respect for alternative therapies, who are only glorified pill pushers, and who won't work with their patients' specific needs I say it's no wonder why people are quickly losing respect for the medical profession!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Can't Judge A Book...
Many of you may remember three years ago when Jeff was rushed to the hospital with a suspected heart attack, and it wasn't a heart attack at all but a severe side effect of a medication he was taking. The doctors at the time gave him a clean bill of health (and believe me the bill was costly!). Well, Jeff just had blood work done--all the typical tests--hdl, ldl, triglycerides, thyroid, etc... and everything was in "normal" range. Let's be honest Jeff is a big boy and most people think that he would have some medical problem.
Let me turn the table... we have a good friend who is a competition bicyclist, a skiier, jogger, and avid swimmer and scuba diver. He is the most active person we know. He is trim and thin and most people would think he was very healthy. However... he has high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and has already had two heart attacks.
Jeff and our friend work in related fields (except Jeff's is much more stressful) and Jeff gets continual cardio exercise throughout the day while our friend sits at a desk.
Moral of the story: Being Large Does Not Automatically Mean Unhealthy!
Let me turn the table... we have a good friend who is a competition bicyclist, a skiier, jogger, and avid swimmer and scuba diver. He is the most active person we know. He is trim and thin and most people would think he was very healthy. However... he has high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and has already had two heart attacks.
Jeff and our friend work in related fields (except Jeff's is much more stressful) and Jeff gets continual cardio exercise throughout the day while our friend sits at a desk.
Moral of the story: Being Large Does Not Automatically Mean Unhealthy!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Transformation: PL&M ---- J&L's Pizza
This post is primarily for my siblings for they are the ones who will be taking the trip down memory lane. For the rest of you, especially family, you will learn something of our past.
When our parents' store PL&M
was sold it became a pizza and sandwich shop. It remained its original size and color for many years. However, this trip to New York we found that it had been added on to (two business offices available for rent) and it was painted beige with white trim. It was so different I just had to stop and see what the insides were like.
I was disappointed inside the store
because it was not a sit down restaurant--only a take-out place. Upon walking in, we walked right up to the order counter. However there were four stools where you could sit and wait for your order. We asked if we could eat there. This picture shows the front display windows of the store. They looked pretty much the same as I remember. As a young child I remember having to clean all those BIG display windows. Funny, they didn't look so big :)
This was Dylan's first meal in NY
--an authentic NY sandwich--well, afterall it was a sandwich and we were in NY. Sitting in front of those windows brought back a number of memories. And, yes, the sandwich and pizza were very good. Dylan gives his approval with a big thumbs up.
When our parents' store PL&M
was sold it became a pizza and sandwich shop. It remained its original size and color for many years. However, this trip to New York we found that it had been added on to (two business offices available for rent) and it was painted beige with white trim. It was so different I just had to stop and see what the insides were like.
I was disappointed inside the store
because it was not a sit down restaurant--only a take-out place. Upon walking in, we walked right up to the order counter. However there were four stools where you could sit and wait for your order. We asked if we could eat there. This picture shows the front display windows of the store. They looked pretty much the same as I remember. As a young child I remember having to clean all those BIG display windows. Funny, they didn't look so big :)
This was Dylan's first meal in NY
--an authentic NY sandwich--well, afterall it was a sandwich and we were in NY. Sitting in front of those windows brought back a number of memories. And, yes, the sandwich and pizza were very good. Dylan gives his approval with a big thumbs up.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Babies, Babies, Babies
Today is my 20th anniversary of delivering my first baby. I can't believe it's actually been that long. One of the boys I delivered is now on a mission for the church, so I guess it really has been that long.
I stopped counting after 70 deliveries and cut way back in order to devote my time to my own children, but I know now the total is somewhere in the mid 80's. Cool huh?
I know I am somewhat of a dichotomy because I can deliver a baby but I can't watch a needle penetrating the skin. Well, it's a darn good thing then, I don't work with needles!
Silly little announcement, but a milestone nonetheless.
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I stopped counting after 70 deliveries and cut way back in order to devote my time to my own children, but I know now the total is somewhere in the mid 80's. Cool huh?
I know I am somewhat of a dichotomy because I can deliver a baby but I can't watch a needle penetrating the skin. Well, it's a darn good thing then, I don't work with needles!
Silly little announcement, but a milestone nonetheless.
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Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Summer Pictures
Some of you have asked me to put up some pictures of my summer. Believe it or not I just downloaded the pictures from my camera since the beginning of summer. I had way too many--at least more than I really wanted to rename and catalog into the computer files I keep for pictures. But here are some for you.
Here is what my flowers looked like when I got home from my trip to NY and Pennsylvania. So you see that new flowers were sorely needed.
Here are my new flowers. (If you read the "relationship tag" (a previous post), you will understand about the flowers.) I almost didn't get them because Jeff thought it was too close to our anniversary and he didn't want them to be construed as "anniversary flowers."
Can you believe there are nine people on this raft. As you can see we had a very small raft this year. That contributed to some of the problems experienced.
Here is a group picture of those who went on the first run down the Snake River. (Front row: Melissa (friend), Samantha, Richard. Back row: Kim, Andrea, Jeff, Meghann, Dylan, Coltin (friend)).
This is a priceless shot. After everyone was safely out of the water and up the mountain at the truck, Dylan gave his dad this exhausted "glad to be alive" hug!
I'm still working on organizing all the pictures, so I will add a few from the NY trip soon. I am surprised how few pictures I took in NY and PA. I'll try to find some good ones for you though.
Here is what my flowers looked like when I got home from my trip to NY and Pennsylvania. So you see that new flowers were sorely needed.
Here are my new flowers. (If you read the "relationship tag" (a previous post), you will understand about the flowers.) I almost didn't get them because Jeff thought it was too close to our anniversary and he didn't want them to be construed as "anniversary flowers."
Can you believe there are nine people on this raft. As you can see we had a very small raft this year. That contributed to some of the problems experienced.
Here is a group picture of those who went on the first run down the Snake River. (Front row: Melissa (friend), Samantha, Richard. Back row: Kim, Andrea, Jeff, Meghann, Dylan, Coltin (friend)).
This is a priceless shot. After everyone was safely out of the water and up the mountain at the truck, Dylan gave his dad this exhausted "glad to be alive" hug!
I'm still working on organizing all the pictures, so I will add a few from the NY trip soon. I am surprised how few pictures I took in NY and PA. I'll try to find some good ones for you though.
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Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Plateau Broken--Let's Hope So This TIme!
Back on June 10 I told everyone that I had finally broken through the weight plateau I was on, well I spoke too quickly. I had one day where my weight fluctuated down one then went right back where it has remained until today. Yes, I know, I am getting my hopes up, but today, after nine weeks at the same weight, the scale was down two! Good sign huh? Goodness gracious I hope so. It's been crazy to think that my muscle gain and my weight loss have balanced each other out for so long. My muscles are starting to show which is cool, and I'm down one complete size probably more if I tried, but with my skin condition I can't stand clothing touching me so I wear everything big and baggy.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Relationship Tag
Sarah tagged me with this way back in April. I've been so busy I've neglected to read the blogs. Sorry!
1. What are your middle names? Beverly Lynne--that's why I use beverlynne as my blog name. It separates me from Beverly Joy. Jeffrey Irvin --after his grandfather.
2. How long have you been together? 35 years -- we first met in 1974.
3. How long did you know each other before you started dating? Right away. I was 13 and Jeff was 14 when we met so dating was not really an option. We "telephone dated" a little over two years and we saw each other every month at church stake activities until I turned 16 and got my driving license. After that we saw each other weekly on Sundays at the Young Adult meetings. (Even though we weren't technically Young Adults, we went to the meetings so we could see each other.)
4. Who asked who out? Jeff asked me. Even at 14 he knew what (and who) he wanted!
5. How old are you? 48 and 49. I'm not embarassed by my age. I deserve every grey hair I have!
6. Whose siblings do you see the most? Most definitely mine--specifically my sister Donna!
7. Do you have any children together? 4 wonderful children: Poco, Kika, Weedly, and Woogs!
8. Pets? Too many over the years to name them. My favorites are my pet ferret Bandit (died 1987) and Oreo our alpha male cat (13 years old).
9. Which situation is the hardest on you as a couple? communication (I'm not a mind reader.)
10. Did you go to the same school? Nope
11. Are you from the same town? Nope
12. Who is the smartest? Depends on the topic.
13. Who is the most sensitive? Outwardly-me, Inwardly-Jeff
14. Where do you eat out most as a couple? Wingers--I like their hot wings
15. Where is the farthest you have traveled as a couple? Germany
16. Who has the craziest exes? Jeff.
17. Who has the worst temper? both are about equal -- I can stew for days then blow up while Jeff blows up then stews for days.
18. Who does the cooking? me, but I don't enjoy it. On the other hand, Jeff enjoys cooking, but doesn't have the time.
19. Who is more social? Jeff
20. Who is the neat freak? Me when the OCD kicks in.
21. Who is more stubborn? me
22. Who hogs the bed? Jeff, but I hog the blankets.
23. Who wakes up earlier? Jeff
24. Where was your first date? Didn't really date--we just always were a couple. For my 17th birthday we got all dressed up and Jeff took me to dinner at Benihana's.
25. Who has the bigger family? me
26. Do you get flowers often? Every two weeks! We have a deal that Jeff is not allowed to buy me flowers on my b-day, valentine's day, or our anniversary, but I always want fresh flowers in the house. It is the only thing about me you could call "high maintenance."
27. How do you spend the holidays? At home with family.
28. Who is more jealous? Definitely me! If Jeff even talks to another woman, I want a full report of what was said.
29. How long did it take to get serious? About 28 seconds!
30. Who eats more? Jeff
31. Who does the laundry? me.
32. Who is better with the computer? For the home computer I'm better at complaining about it, Jeff is better at ignoring it, and Dylan is better at fixing it. (Jeff is on a computer everyday at work.)
33. Who drives when you are together? On short trips around town usually Jeff, but for anything out of town I usually drive so Jeff can sleep.
I tag Rabecca and Megs.
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1. What are your middle names? Beverly Lynne--that's why I use beverlynne as my blog name. It separates me from Beverly Joy. Jeffrey Irvin --after his grandfather.
2. How long have you been together? 35 years -- we first met in 1974.
3. How long did you know each other before you started dating? Right away. I was 13 and Jeff was 14 when we met so dating was not really an option. We "telephone dated" a little over two years and we saw each other every month at church stake activities until I turned 16 and got my driving license. After that we saw each other weekly on Sundays at the Young Adult meetings. (Even though we weren't technically Young Adults, we went to the meetings so we could see each other.)
4. Who asked who out? Jeff asked me. Even at 14 he knew what (and who) he wanted!
5. How old are you? 48 and 49. I'm not embarassed by my age. I deserve every grey hair I have!
6. Whose siblings do you see the most? Most definitely mine--specifically my sister Donna!
7. Do you have any children together? 4 wonderful children: Poco, Kika, Weedly, and Woogs!
8. Pets? Too many over the years to name them. My favorites are my pet ferret Bandit (died 1987) and Oreo our alpha male cat (13 years old).
9. Which situation is the hardest on you as a couple? communication (I'm not a mind reader.)
10. Did you go to the same school? Nope
11. Are you from the same town? Nope
12. Who is the smartest? Depends on the topic.
13. Who is the most sensitive? Outwardly-me, Inwardly-Jeff
14. Where do you eat out most as a couple? Wingers--I like their hot wings
15. Where is the farthest you have traveled as a couple? Germany
16. Who has the craziest exes? Jeff.
17. Who has the worst temper? both are about equal -- I can stew for days then blow up while Jeff blows up then stews for days.
18. Who does the cooking? me, but I don't enjoy it. On the other hand, Jeff enjoys cooking, but doesn't have the time.
19. Who is more social? Jeff
20. Who is the neat freak? Me when the OCD kicks in.
21. Who is more stubborn? me
22. Who hogs the bed? Jeff, but I hog the blankets.
23. Who wakes up earlier? Jeff
24. Where was your first date? Didn't really date--we just always were a couple. For my 17th birthday we got all dressed up and Jeff took me to dinner at Benihana's.
25. Who has the bigger family? me
26. Do you get flowers often? Every two weeks! We have a deal that Jeff is not allowed to buy me flowers on my b-day, valentine's day, or our anniversary, but I always want fresh flowers in the house. It is the only thing about me you could call "high maintenance."
27. How do you spend the holidays? At home with family.
28. Who is more jealous? Definitely me! If Jeff even talks to another woman, I want a full report of what was said.
29. How long did it take to get serious? About 28 seconds!
30. Who eats more? Jeff
31. Who does the laundry? me.
32. Who is better with the computer? For the home computer I'm better at complaining about it, Jeff is better at ignoring it, and Dylan is better at fixing it. (Jeff is on a computer everyday at work.)
33. Who drives when you are together? On short trips around town usually Jeff, but for anything out of town I usually drive so Jeff can sleep.
I tag Rabecca and Megs.
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We're Home!
Dylan, Jeff and I had a great time in both New York (Rochester area) and Pennsylvania (Harrisburg area) this last week. The trip originally was supposed to be for me to attend my 30th high school reunion, but we turned it into a graduation present for Dylan and did things that he wanted to do. One day we spent on a "walk down memory lane" and took Dylan around town and showed him the places from our childhoods. For Jeff that included places such as Charlotte Beach, walking the pier, Abbots icecream, SeaBreeze, Vic and Irv's diner, his high school, and his old neighborhood. We stopped for an hour and spoke with an old neighbor who was outside washing his car. That was fun hearing the stories he had to tell about Jeff as a youngster. For me it was Pittsford Depot, Pittsford Dairy, the house where my dad grew up, the house where I grew up, both of the Thornell farms and houses, my high school, and the "big Stone Road Hill."
We spent one day visiting church sites and siteseeing in Palmyra including attending Hill Cumorah Pageant on opening night. We stayed with my Aunt Alice in Palmyra. She is 99 1/2 years old and still going strong. As we were leaving she said she expects to see me again in two years (when Andrea finishes high school). I have no doubt she'll still be going strong!
In Pennsylvania we went to Hershey Chocolate World, took the Hershey tour, spent a whole day in Gettysburg with Dylan's Aunt Kim who drove up from D.C., and visited my father's cousin Karen who now has control of the "big Thornell Family Book." (Family members will be getting an email from me about this, so if you're family, check your email.)
All in all it was a great trip, but we're all glad to be home.
We spent one day visiting church sites and siteseeing in Palmyra including attending Hill Cumorah Pageant on opening night. We stayed with my Aunt Alice in Palmyra. She is 99 1/2 years old and still going strong. As we were leaving she said she expects to see me again in two years (when Andrea finishes high school). I have no doubt she'll still be going strong!
In Pennsylvania we went to Hershey Chocolate World, took the Hershey tour, spent a whole day in Gettysburg with Dylan's Aunt Kim who drove up from D.C., and visited my father's cousin Karen who now has control of the "big Thornell Family Book." (Family members will be getting an email from me about this, so if you're family, check your email.)
All in all it was a great trip, but we're all glad to be home.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Tidbit of Information ... Swine Flu
The swine flu is here and doing quite well for itself. Here is some information that most people do not know...
If you get feeling tired with fever and possibly other cold/flu symptoms such as headache, phlegm, and cough. Go to the doctor immediately--the first day of symptoms if possible--because there is an antiviral medication (Tamiflu) that alleviates and minimizes the symptoms of the swine flu. Tamiflu only works if you start taking it within the first 48 hours of symptoms. So timing is important.
It will not get rid of the flu only alleviate symptoms.
We personally know a number of people who have had the flu already. Some were able to catch it in time, take the antiviral, and get over it in 4-5 days while others did not and had it linger for up to 10 days.
Good luck and good health to all!
If you get feeling tired with fever and possibly other cold/flu symptoms such as headache, phlegm, and cough. Go to the doctor immediately--the first day of symptoms if possible--because there is an antiviral medication (Tamiflu) that alleviates and minimizes the symptoms of the swine flu. Tamiflu only works if you start taking it within the first 48 hours of symptoms. So timing is important.
It will not get rid of the flu only alleviate symptoms.
We personally know a number of people who have had the flu already. Some were able to catch it in time, take the antiviral, and get over it in 4-5 days while others did not and had it linger for up to 10 days.
Good luck and good health to all!
Monday, June 29, 2009
We Weren't the Only Ones!
When Jeff returned the raft and equipment to the USU ORC today, the person who checked in the supplies said that everyone who returned rafts had their own "hell" story to tell about their Snake River raft trip. Everyone said it was the worst they had ever experienced, most were capsized and shaken and called it quits in the middle of the river like our group did.
We were unable to find out about the raft of 20 that went down behind our raft. My guess is that they were all found or else we would have heard something about it. (Last we heard they were still missing 6 people.)
Just to let you know, the King of Powell-land and his royal subjects are already planning next year's river rafting trip with two major changes: go mid to late July instead of June and get the larger raft!
My love to all "survivors!"
We were unable to find out about the raft of 20 that went down behind our raft. My guess is that they were all found or else we would have heard something about it. (Last we heard they were still missing 6 people.)
Just to let you know, the King of Powell-land and his royal subjects are already planning next year's river rafting trip with two major changes: go mid to late July instead of June and get the larger raft!
My love to all "survivors!"
Sunday, June 28, 2009
GOING DOWN THE SNAKE RIVER
After eight years rafting down the river as part of our annual family vacation, "going down the snake river" has new meaning for us. It used to mean laughing and having fun rafting down the river. However, now it means "going down IN the Snake River."
When we got to the river to launch the raft the buzz story was how a scout leader drowned in the river yesterday. Apparently, he was thrown from the raft, dragged by the undercurrent to an eddy which held him down, and he drowned. Needless to say everyone on our raft took extra care. However, the first run down the river was fierce. The water was very high with very strong and dangerous undercurrents and numerous eddies. Even with the extra care and caution, if you ask the children, they will tell you they were scared beyond measure. (Remember, we've been going down this river for eight years, but this was worse than any other time!)
After lunch some in the group did not want to go down again; that is until they felt fully recovered from the first river run experience. (Yes, it really was that bad!) Well, seven others wanted to take a second run--a run that ended up disastrous and near fatal for more than one of them.
I was not on the raft. Thirty minutes after they launched (3:00 p.m.) I got a feeling that something was wrong and all I could do was wait--wait to see if they made it down the river, wait for someone to tell me there's been a problem, etc... At 3:30 Sammy comes running toward me panting, out of breath, screaming that the raft capsized. I'm getting bits and pieces of what happened in between her short breaths. And what I heard wasn't good at all.
Samantha (the self-titled heroine of the story) popped to the surface and grabbed two oars and the raft, spotted a dead tree sticking out in to the water (it was much closer than shore), directed Coltin to swim with the raft to the dead tree. She secured herself to the dead tree with one arm while holding the raft with the other. She took in a lot of water. She saved the raft from floating away. But there is much more of her story yet to be told...
Coltin (friend) came up to the surface close to the raft, he grabbed the rope, saw Sammy's head bobbing in the water, was in the process of helping her when he realized she too was holding on to the rope. He helped Dylan and Melissa on to the dead tree.
Dylan followed Richard's advice on how to get out of an undercurrent and shot up to the surface rather quickly; an oar smacked him in the face; he grabbed the raft rope; he saw an orange blob, which ended up being Melissa, and stuck an oar out to her and pulled her in to him and they swam to the dead tree. He lost his hat and his glasses (He is almost legally blind without his glasses.)
Melissa (friend) came up to the surface holding an oar and grabbed another one floating by. She couldn't see because water got in between her contacts, but she was able to see a blue blob which was an oar that Dylan used to reach out to her. She said later that if Dylan didn't do this, she probably would have been sucked into the next rapid and down the river.
Meghann wasn't just thrown from the raft, she was shot out. She landed further away from the raft, but luckily she held on to the lead rope and was able to pull herself to the raft then to the dead tree. She helped Samantha and the others on to the dead tree, secured the raft, and started calming everyone down.
While the five were clinging to the dead tree another raft came and helped them to shore.
Wait a minute. I told you there were seven people on the raft. Where are the other two? Well, that's exactly what the five were thinking. They were frantically calling out and searching the water for Stacey (friend) and Jeff. The Guide on the other raft asked them, "Where's your family?" They answered, "Two are missing." It was at this point they saw Stacey on the other side of the river on the bank shaken but safe. The Guide then asked, "Is one of them a guy?" "Yes" was the unanimous reply. It was then that they learned that another raft had picked up Jeff and was bringing him to where they were.
Now to tell you about Jeff and Stacey.
Stacey was thrown quite a distance down the river and traveled down river until Clint (friend in a ducky) pulled her out of the water and took her to the closest shore. She was able to rest here until Clint and Slade (friend) tied their duckies together and took her to the opposite shore to the rest of the group.
Jeff, well, he almost didn't make it, and I'm not sugar coating it. Right now I am glad I am not a widow! Jeff was also thrown quite a distance down river and into the next rapid. He told me that he went under more than eight times, the last time he said he saw lights, couldn't breathe, and all he could think about was if everyone else was safe. His friend Slade was frantically searching the water for him, couldn't find him anywhere. Finally, he saw Jeff bob up then down again, and was able to grab him the next time he bobbed to the surface. He got Jeff to shore where Jeff passed out for a few minutes. A raft then picked him up and took him to where the other five were.
The five (Stacey wasn't with them yet) decided that Jeff didn't look well--definitely not well enough to finish the river run! I now get to finish the "Samantha part of the story." Here they were stranded on the shore and the only way out (besides the water route) was to climb up the mountainside to the road and somehow get help. Sammy was chosen for the task. I haven't asked why, but she climbed the mountain with the six oars they were able to save and her life vest in hand. God only knows how she managed to do that. Once at the road, she left the oars and vest and started running the three miles to the campsite. She had taken in so much water while in the river that she had to stop and vomit a couple of times, but she continued running on. About a mile or so from camp a Park Ranger stopped her and asked her what was wrong--why she was running. He then drove her the rest of the way to the camp where she and her Aunt Donna got in the car to get me and Richard at one of the river look-outs. We then went down the road to where the others were stranded down the mountain. She jumped out of the car and ran back down the mountainside to be with the others.
Richard ran down to them, and with his vast knowledge of emergency medicine proceeded to make sure everyone was all right. He then assisted in getting raft and people to the top. Donna and I stayed on the roadside doing whatever we needed to do to assist in the rescue.
Doug (Stacey's husband) was already there and helping when we arrived. Apparently he got worried when he didn't see them on the river at the look-out where he was waiting, so he drove the road looking down at the water and by chance saw them stranded on the shore.
It took some effort and a lot of team work to get everyone and the raft up the mountain.
Back at camp Richard listened to everyone's heart and lungs. However, we were all worried about Jeff. He had taken in so much water, gone under so many times, and passed out for a few minutes I wanted to take him to the hospital for monitoring. (There is a high incidence of heart failure within 24 hours of survivors of near fatal drownings and the likelihood of respiratory infection.) However, he didn't want to go, so Richard monitored him closely for a few hours and we compromised that he would go to the Doctor when we got back to Logan. I was also concerned about Samantha--she nearly drowned, she climbed a mountain, ran for help, ran down a mountain, etc...--her energy was completely spent she started shaking.
We are now back in Logan and Jeff still can't take a deep breath without coughing. Sam seems to be doing well, but I am taking both of them to the Doctor in the morning!
Good News for all Powell-land... The King Still Reigns!
When we got to the river to launch the raft the buzz story was how a scout leader drowned in the river yesterday. Apparently, he was thrown from the raft, dragged by the undercurrent to an eddy which held him down, and he drowned. Needless to say everyone on our raft took extra care. However, the first run down the river was fierce. The water was very high with very strong and dangerous undercurrents and numerous eddies. Even with the extra care and caution, if you ask the children, they will tell you they were scared beyond measure. (Remember, we've been going down this river for eight years, but this was worse than any other time!)
After lunch some in the group did not want to go down again; that is until they felt fully recovered from the first river run experience. (Yes, it really was that bad!) Well, seven others wanted to take a second run--a run that ended up disastrous and near fatal for more than one of them.
I was not on the raft. Thirty minutes after they launched (3:00 p.m.) I got a feeling that something was wrong and all I could do was wait--wait to see if they made it down the river, wait for someone to tell me there's been a problem, etc... At 3:30 Sammy comes running toward me panting, out of breath, screaming that the raft capsized. I'm getting bits and pieces of what happened in between her short breaths. And what I heard wasn't good at all.
Samantha (the self-titled heroine of the story) popped to the surface and grabbed two oars and the raft, spotted a dead tree sticking out in to the water (it was much closer than shore), directed Coltin to swim with the raft to the dead tree. She secured herself to the dead tree with one arm while holding the raft with the other. She took in a lot of water. She saved the raft from floating away. But there is much more of her story yet to be told...
Coltin (friend) came up to the surface close to the raft, he grabbed the rope, saw Sammy's head bobbing in the water, was in the process of helping her when he realized she too was holding on to the rope. He helped Dylan and Melissa on to the dead tree.
Dylan followed Richard's advice on how to get out of an undercurrent and shot up to the surface rather quickly; an oar smacked him in the face; he grabbed the raft rope; he saw an orange blob, which ended up being Melissa, and stuck an oar out to her and pulled her in to him and they swam to the dead tree. He lost his hat and his glasses (He is almost legally blind without his glasses.)
Melissa (friend) came up to the surface holding an oar and grabbed another one floating by. She couldn't see because water got in between her contacts, but she was able to see a blue blob which was an oar that Dylan used to reach out to her. She said later that if Dylan didn't do this, she probably would have been sucked into the next rapid and down the river.
Meghann wasn't just thrown from the raft, she was shot out. She landed further away from the raft, but luckily she held on to the lead rope and was able to pull herself to the raft then to the dead tree. She helped Samantha and the others on to the dead tree, secured the raft, and started calming everyone down.
While the five were clinging to the dead tree another raft came and helped them to shore.
Wait a minute. I told you there were seven people on the raft. Where are the other two? Well, that's exactly what the five were thinking. They were frantically calling out and searching the water for Stacey (friend) and Jeff. The Guide on the other raft asked them, "Where's your family?" They answered, "Two are missing." It was at this point they saw Stacey on the other side of the river on the bank shaken but safe. The Guide then asked, "Is one of them a guy?" "Yes" was the unanimous reply. It was then that they learned that another raft had picked up Jeff and was bringing him to where they were.
Now to tell you about Jeff and Stacey.
Stacey was thrown quite a distance down the river and traveled down river until Clint (friend in a ducky) pulled her out of the water and took her to the closest shore. She was able to rest here until Clint and Slade (friend) tied their duckies together and took her to the opposite shore to the rest of the group.
Jeff, well, he almost didn't make it, and I'm not sugar coating it. Right now I am glad I am not a widow! Jeff was also thrown quite a distance down river and into the next rapid. He told me that he went under more than eight times, the last time he said he saw lights, couldn't breathe, and all he could think about was if everyone else was safe. His friend Slade was frantically searching the water for him, couldn't find him anywhere. Finally, he saw Jeff bob up then down again, and was able to grab him the next time he bobbed to the surface. He got Jeff to shore where Jeff passed out for a few minutes. A raft then picked him up and took him to where the other five were.
The five (Stacey wasn't with them yet) decided that Jeff didn't look well--definitely not well enough to finish the river run! I now get to finish the "Samantha part of the story." Here they were stranded on the shore and the only way out (besides the water route) was to climb up the mountainside to the road and somehow get help. Sammy was chosen for the task. I haven't asked why, but she climbed the mountain with the six oars they were able to save and her life vest in hand. God only knows how she managed to do that. Once at the road, she left the oars and vest and started running the three miles to the campsite. She had taken in so much water while in the river that she had to stop and vomit a couple of times, but she continued running on. About a mile or so from camp a Park Ranger stopped her and asked her what was wrong--why she was running. He then drove her the rest of the way to the camp where she and her Aunt Donna got in the car to get me and Richard at one of the river look-outs. We then went down the road to where the others were stranded down the mountain. She jumped out of the car and ran back down the mountainside to be with the others.
Richard ran down to them, and with his vast knowledge of emergency medicine proceeded to make sure everyone was all right. He then assisted in getting raft and people to the top. Donna and I stayed on the roadside doing whatever we needed to do to assist in the rescue.
Doug (Stacey's husband) was already there and helping when we arrived. Apparently he got worried when he didn't see them on the river at the look-out where he was waiting, so he drove the road looking down at the water and by chance saw them stranded on the shore.
It took some effort and a lot of team work to get everyone and the raft up the mountain.
Back at camp Richard listened to everyone's heart and lungs. However, we were all worried about Jeff. He had taken in so much water, gone under so many times, and passed out for a few minutes I wanted to take him to the hospital for monitoring. (There is a high incidence of heart failure within 24 hours of survivors of near fatal drownings and the likelihood of respiratory infection.) However, he didn't want to go, so Richard monitored him closely for a few hours and we compromised that he would go to the Doctor when we got back to Logan. I was also concerned about Samantha--she nearly drowned, she climbed a mountain, ran for help, ran down a mountain, etc...--her energy was completely spent she started shaking.
We are now back in Logan and Jeff still can't take a deep breath without coughing. Sam seems to be doing well, but I am taking both of them to the Doctor in the morning!
Good News for all Powell-land... The King Still Reigns!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
FINALLY!
I have been stuck at the same weight since May 11th. Talk about a weight plateau--a five week plateau is ridiculous. Well today it finally happened; the plateau spell is broken. I'm on my way 'down' again. Yippee!
I have also put on a bunch of muscle weight. Actually, I'm trying to bulk up my arms and strengthen my back, neck, and shoulders in hopes of undoing car accident damage. Even so, I'm finding it more and more difficult to open jars. (I hope to ward off the arthritis as long as I can, and it doesn't help being married to Mr. muscle--loose for Jeff is tight for me.) Getting old sucks!
I have also put on a bunch of muscle weight. Actually, I'm trying to bulk up my arms and strengthen my back, neck, and shoulders in hopes of undoing car accident damage. Even so, I'm finding it more and more difficult to open jars. (I hope to ward off the arthritis as long as I can, and it doesn't help being married to Mr. muscle--loose for Jeff is tight for me.) Getting old sucks!
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