Dale's blessing day

Dale's blessing day
Cyril and Mazie Hicken family 1945

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Quotes on a Day



"Your mind can only hold one thought at a time. Make it a positive and constructive one."
-Unknown

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Thoughts on a Day: Driving Up Provo Canyon



A Topic of Conversation Which Came as We Drove Up Provo Canyon
Sunday 1991

There was a man fishing in the middle of the river. We saw him stamp his foot very hard as if he were angry. We determined he had either stomped on a fish or one had just gotten off his hook.
Perhaps it could be, he was fishing on the Sabbath day to get frustrations out of his soul. Maybe he should become active in catching the spirit of love of the gospel and stamp his feet firmly at Church rather than in a river. That would catch his soul and put it where it should be for the Lord who is the Fisher of Men.

We always drive that canyon in awe. The weather and seasons change the aesthetic view every time. We talk of the ruggedness of the mountains. Grandma Vay always spoke of those mountains as being formed and pushed up in Book of Mormon days during the tumult of the earth at the time of the crucifixion of the Savior. As we look from the lower parts to the majestic peaks, we think she could have been right. That makes us think of the blessings we have and the faith of those who survived that change in the earth.

We wonder if we could have been survivors. Or for that matter could we have been strong resilient pioneers? We know we believe in the gospel, but we have to get ourselves more dedicated and committed to not falter in the course we take.

-EHG

Friday, March 8, 2013

Thoughts on a Day: Vans Again



March 8, 1991, Vans Again

We went early to the Jordan River Temple. It was a beautiful clear day. We attended a pleasant session for Chris and Margo's wedding.

Following, we were free for two hours before the luncheon. We drove towards Dale's house. We decided we would go up there and drive their van. As we went along state street we were enticed by a flag-waving advertisement which was on some vans at Hertz rental.

We stopped, yes, I told the man we were looking for a van, and we agreed on two things. It had to be either red or blue. There were four vans: two red and two blue. We were surely impressed with the prices. They had been rentals and were discounted.

We chose red because the Volvo interior is blue, and it was Jay's turn for color. We drove it to the mouth of Parley's Canyon and needed no more decision making. We picked Steven up at his classes and returned to the lot to firm up the sale

.
Yea! We have a van, and we will enjoy it. Plymouth Grand S.E. Voyager, just like Dale's. That was incentive to drive to Texas. It was a long way but we thoroughly enjoyed the trip. It was not too hot or dry. 

March 24.

We were there for Marne's birthday. We had a very enjoyable two days. We returned through Colorado and Moab, Utah. Some storms came along the way, but we ignored them in our new comfortable van. It is not important to love temporal things, but we come close to loving that van. Kate calls it the "Band" All the children enjoy it too.

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Thoughts on a Day: Jay--My Brother



March 7, 1991, Jay--My Brother

Snow, beautiful snow. All is clean white today. How thankful I feel for each flake. Each icy drop which ensures we will have one more drought-less day. Drops of life giving water as they unitedly blanket the land.

Every moment we drink of some small drop for life. Yes, a drink of confidence from a pat on the back. A drink of friendship from a hug. A drink of comfort from a smile. Droplets of memories stirring up on a two hour drive with my brother. Lots of reminiscence mingled with mature outlooks.

We talk fast, there is not enough time to discuss all we have in mind. We skip across the surface of the subjective waves. We do not solve the world's problems. We do not conclude conversations, but we grow closer as we express the same goals, ideals, love, and hope for our families and their future. It is a pleasant journey. It feels good to spend a day and love with Jay--my brother.

(I rode with him to Price, Utah.)

-EHG

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Thoughts on a Day: On Taxes



March 6, 1991, Thursday
On Taxes

Special thoughts today are flooding my mind. l am trying to organize the bills for tax time. Every year I am doing the same thing with a renewed resolution that this year I will have everything filed as it should be, and I will not need to search for one lost entry. 

But no, last year's resolution has made things a bit more organized, Yet there are some statements misfiled or misplaced. Here is hoping they are not missing entirely. I should learn that misfiling takes twice as long because I put them away once hurriedly and do not take the time to find the proper place. Later I have to spend time re-finding, resorting, and refiling.

So many people complain about the necessity of paying  taxes. They complain about the Governor getting the taxes, which he doesn't. I thought how Jay always says as he moistens (he will not lick a stamp) and stamps the Tax envelopes. "It is great to live in a country which allows us to go and do as we choose. It is an honor to pay taxes for all the freedoms we do enjoy."

-EHG