The Gathering of Zion: The Story of the Mormon Trail

The Gathering of Zion: The Story of the Mormon Trail by Wallace Stegner

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I am a Wallace Stegner fan. I think I’ve given every one of his books that I have read 5 stars. But this one was different. It was non-fiction based on research he did on the exodus of the Mormons to Utah. His research was impeccable (especially considering it was pre-computer,) but some of his conclusions, erroneous.
I have to say it is a treasure to have a Pulitzer Prize-winning author who is not a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints writing about the church’s history in, what I’m sure he felt was an unbiased way. Doing a little research of my own, I found that this book has been quoted in the church’s general conference at least four times. It is a new perspective on an important part of the church’s history. But I felt it was a bit offensive in places and, much like the pioneers trek, a bit difficult to trudge through.



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Peter Pan

Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Though I have heard the story and seen the Disney version, I had never read the original Peter Pan. It was free on audible, so I listened to it. It was so well done! I’m sure it is full of symbolism, and though I am not sure I can decipher the author’s intents, I see symbolism. It seems that Peter Pan represents the iconic man that wants to stay young and keep playing and not accept responsibility or commitment and continue to have adventures. This leaves poor Wendy in his wake. But in the end, because of his choices, he is left alone- completely alone- well, except for Tinkerbell. That is the message to me. It is well-written and entertaining, and, as I said, very well done on audible.



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Blizzard of Glass

Blizzard of Glass: The Halifax Explosion of 1917 by Sally M. Walker

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


The author tells the story of the Halifax explosion of 1917- the largest man-made explosion before the atomic bomb. We visited Halifax a few years ago and explored the museum about this explosion. Before that, I had never even heard of it. Many were killed, wounded, and maimed. Many more lost homes and property. Mrs. Walker does a beautiful job of giving the facts intermingled with the personal, tragic stories. A good and memorable read.



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Where the Heart Is

I recently signed up for Netflix DVDs.  I LOVE it!  I cancelled it about four years ago when we went on our mission and have just never signed back up again.  Man, I've missed it.  I love that you can create a queue of movies you want to see on your computer.  Then you just put the one you want next on top.  And they are good movies. I guess this is a commercial for Netflix DVD!  

I recently watched this movie and really liked it a lot.  I read the book many years ago and loved that too.  This is a sweet story of community becoming family when someone desperately needs one.

To see other movies and shows we have enjoyed click here and come to the blog each Monday morning after 8:00 for movie Monday.

I Can Do All Things Through Christ Which Strengtheneth Me

This is a powerful mantra to repeat to ourselves when we have to do hard things.  I know it has helped a lot of people through hard times, including our daughter, Shonna. When her little baby had to have open-heart surgery.  She said repeating it to herself strengthened and blessed her..  Her sister, Kristen embroidered it for her and sent it to her as she was going through that.
Thinking we can is half the battle. And with Christ, we truly can do all things.


To see other possible mantras, click here

Precious and Grace

Precious and Grace by Alexander McCall Smith

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


# 17 in the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series. These books are always a good read. With each one, I like Precious, the traditionally built protagonist, a little more. I love how she always sees the best in people and gives them the benefit of a doubt. I don’t want to read these books all of the time, but one or two a year gives a break from more intense stories and plots. So, make yourself a cup of herbal tea, ease yourself into your favorite chair, and give this delightful series a try.



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WiFi is the New Running Water

About a year ago, we switched Internet companies.  Big mistake.  Our company raised it's rates, so we Ken decided to go with a different, less expensive company.  Big mistake.  It has been a battle since.  Our TDS internet is very slow.  Our WiFi printer doesn't work about half the time.  Everything is slow on the laptop and pc.  Our streaming tv buffers a lot.
Well, then the WiFi stopped working altogether.  For three days I had no wifi.

A few years ago, there was a water main break and we were without water for over two days.  It was rough.  I was able to shower at my gym, but it was a challenging few days.

I felt about the same without wifi.  So much of what I do needs the Internet.  I really hadn't realized how much I use it.  It was most revealing to me.  Wifi is the new running water, I guess.  Who knew?

One Special Night

How did I miss this gem from 20 years ago?  I think Julie Andrews is the quintessential actress and the unlikely pairing with James Garner was oddly perfect. It is a sweet, tender story. It is available on Amazon Prime.

To view other movies and shows we enjoyed, click here.

Breakthrough

Another movie with a Christian theme.   A young man falls through the ice and is under there way too long to survive . . .but he does.  It was indeed a miracle. I enjoyed googling it after we watched it to read the true story.  I ordered this one on Netflix DVD. 

To view other movies and shows we have enjoyed, please click here.

Finally Finished!

I set a goal in 2019 to clean out, by the end of the year,  Michelle's room which has become a storage room since she left home.  We used her closet for extra clothes and junk and stuff and more junk. It was packed so full of stuff that I couldn't find anything in there. The breaking point came when a friend called to borrow a musical instrument that I KNEW was in that closet, but I couldn't find it- too much junk!  All the surfaces in the room were covered with stuff.  I went through everything and put most of it to give to DI.  I organized and cleaned.  It has been a process that has taken months.  Slow and steady wins the race.  Now if you'll excuse me, I'm headed to DI with all of this stuff.

 

I started by piling all of the clothes on the bed.  I wish I had taken a picture of the overstuffed closet.  So I guess this is the before picture.

And I guess this is the after picture of the closet.  Everything has a place.  Everything in it's place. It's still a storage closet, but now I can find what I'm looking for.

Downton Abbey

We enjoyed the series.  The movie picked up where the series left off.  It was wonderful!  The cinematography was absolutely stunning.  I want to watch it again just for that.  We loved this one!

To view other movies and shows we have enjoyed, please click here.

January Diagnostic Mammogram Report

I am happy to report that my January diagnostic mammogram showed no signs of cancer. That is such a relief!  I have one more diagnostic in July and then, if it's clean,  I go back to just regular annual mammograms just like anyone else.  So one more hurdle to jump.