JUNE 2024 - Welcome Summer - FOOD - FRIENDS & FAMILY

 

ALPINE LOOP - BACKSIDE OF MT. TIMPANOGOS

SIGNS OF SUMMER 

I waited all month and the final week of June the flowers are all blooming.  The Lilly's are beautiful!  The cement edging that we poured last month looks really good and really makes a difference along the fence line.  

Emily's favorite sign of Summer is getting the pool ready and hosting Birthday parties for her kids.  It is a lot of work and this year as we were putting it up a big storm rolled through and  just about destroyed the pool - it had a battle with the chain link fence.  As you can see - it is up and running.  

We are also back to riding our bikes on the Murdock trail.  The first two days were rough to say the least but we are up to 10 miles a day and it is one of the highlights of our days.  

Summer in Utah means a lot of Parades.  Preslee cheered in the Orem Days Parade.  It was a really nice evening and fun to be a part of the community spirit.

Reward for all of her hard work - First Shaved Ice of the Summer. 

$6.50 for 1 snow cone - A big difference from the snow cones I got as a kid - paper cups with a scoop of ice and drizzle of flavor.  

Josh had a three day weekend before he started training in a new field in his employment.  He chose to spend it driving all day to our house and arriving just in time to have his favorite authentic Brazilian dinner at Pitada Brazil

It is located at 334 E 800 South in Orem.  The were just awarded the Best of State 2024 Award in the Brazilian Food category.  They have the best rice and beans I have ever had.  It is special to me to see how much joy it brings to Josh to relive the memories of his mission to Brazil.  

GIRL'S CAMP

Emily was called to be the Camp Director for the Young Women in our Church.  She was so excited to be a part of Camp and to be able to be with Preslee and the other Young Women.  Emily planned some really special activities and experiences.

The theme for camp was "This Girl is on Fire".  Emily did so many fun things.  Out Stake owns a camp in the Heber Valley and we had never been there.  The night before camp Russ, Emily and I drove up to the camp to see it and to set up some things.  Emily wanted it to be decorated and ready when they arrived the next morning.  We put up the "flames" and set out solar light paths.  It is a really nice camp with three small lakes, archery, zip line, canoeing, and many other activities.  It was a very successful camp and experience for everyone.

Each Ward had a free day where they planned their own activities.  They planned time in Park City at the Olympic Park, a Service project at the local Food Pantry and lunch back in Heber at Dairy Keen. We have passed it many times but have never eaten there.  So we needed to check it out so Emily would not have any surprises.  It is famous in the area for the best Ice Cream and Hamburgers.  It did not disappoint - the only disappointment was that we did not get any ice cream!  It is always a great experience when there is a train circling the entire ceiling of the restaurant.  

THE ARTS

We attended a faculty recital for our good friend, Janilyn Anderson at the BYU Music Bldg.  She is a vocal instructor at BYU and it was really nice seeing and hearing her perform about 15 numbers.  She selected songs of Spring from show tunes to classical and it was a really nice evening.

We had so much nostalgia as we listened to IMAGINE - Remembering the Fab Four at the Covey Center in Provo, UT.  They performed with the Utah Valley Symphony and it was Fabulous!  So many good songs and sing-a-longs.  The last song was sung and I said, "they did not sing Hey Jude".  It is not a night with the Beatles without it.  They returned for the planned ending and it was Hey Jude!  Perfect ending to the night.  Most of the crowd were people in their 60-70's and enjoying the memories.  A night to remember.

A new picture of our little town of LINDON.  It is on display at our City Building and it is a nice representation of town.  I think it will be made into a Dowdle Puzzle.  

ANNIVERSARY

June 20, 1975

We celebrated 49 years of marriage with a bike ride on the Provo Canyon Trail to Bridal Veil Falls.  It was a beautiful day and a fitting place for us to reminisce.  We had our engagement pictures taken in Provo Canyon about a mile below Bridal Veil Falls.  

We met a nice family from Minnesota who took our pictures and then we shared our suggestions for what would be good for them to see as they explored this area of Utah.   

We met at BYU in 1974.  We started dating in October and our dates were all things BYU - Football, Basketball, Baseball and lots of afternoon Star Trek.  I typed many papers for Russ as he was a Senior and finishing up his last year of undergraduate work in Eastern European History.  He graduated in April 1975 and immediately went to LA to return to work for United Airlines.  We were married in June and lived in LA for about 3 months and then returned to Utah.  We lived in Salt Lake City and worked for a year while Russ prepared for Graduate school.  We returned to Provo and BYU for him to get a Master's Degree in Travel and Tourism in the Geography Department.  I worked at Northwestern Mutual Life and was able to transfer to the Orem Office and to work for Roger Merrill.  Those were wonderful times for us.  We had two children while we were there and will always remember those Graduate School days.  Russ has enjoyed being back in BYU Territory.  We never imagined we would ever be back in Utah County and especially to spend our Retirement years here.  

FRIENDS

We have been so blessed to meet people from all over the world.  We have our Mission Family and our Cumorah Family that are forever friends.  We met Yevheniia (Ginger) in January 2023 at the Cumorah Academy.  She is a young women from Ukraine.  I found something special about her from the time we met.  I got to meet with her in interviews many times during the semester and got to hear her story and get to know her better.  She was a friend to everyone.  She was able to secure employment in Prague after the semester was over.  She began attending The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints while she was there.  She was baptized in June 2023.  She met a young man in Prague while she was there - he just happens to be a student at BYU and they fell in love.  She was able to get an extended VISA to come to the USA.  We were so grateful to be invited to attend the Temple with her when she went for the first time.  We were there with Kelly and Stacey Shepherd, Vladlena Kocheva a former Cumorah student and Ginger's boy friend, Ryker Webb.    She talked about marriage but just said it would be soon.   We had a fun breakfast at a German Bakery and Cafe and then said our good-byes.  Latter that afternoon she posted pictures of being in Provo Canyon being proposed to and receiving her engagement ring.  It was a very special day for Ginger!  

54 Years Ago Russ was serving in the Austria Mission.  He was assigned to serve in the city of Klagenfurt when he arrived on his mission.  One of the first people he met was Heinz Kaiser.  He was being taught the lessons by the missionaries.  He was baptized in July 1970.  From the first days of meeting Russ when he would talk of his mission he would always talk about Heinz.  He was a young man who had just finished his military obligation and was living back at home.  Whenever Russ would meet someone from Austria he would ask if they knew Heinz Kaiser.  When we returned to Austria on our mission 50 years later, we tried to find and visit him.  He was visiting in the USA two of his children who have immigrated to the USA.  We met a son and daughter-in-law and got his contact information.  When he returned to Austria he contacted us and we arranged to meet he and his wife the end of March.  Unfortunately, Covid hit and we came home and were not able to meet up.

Heinz contacted Russ a few weeks ago and said he was in the USA.  We arranged to have them over for dinner and WOW!  What a reunion.  I finally met the man behind the legend.  We pulled out Russ' mission mementos and found the monthly newsletter with the news of Heinz's baptism as well as one of his good friends who also was baptized the next month.  We found a photo of his baptism day and the letter Russ wrote home telling about his first investigator and his baptism.  It was so rewarding to have Heinz and Gerda in our home and to have them share their story and history.  It was a very special evening for Russ as he spoke German and shared so many memories.  

The Kaisers then invited us to an Austrian Dinner on Friday evening at their Son's home.  What a fun surprise to be with Bob and Diane Lake and The Wades - two couples who also served in the Alpine German Mission and had become friends with the Kaisers.  We had such a fun evening eating the best goulash with cheese spaeztle, cucumber salad and delicious apple strudel with cream sauce with old and new friends.  These are really special times in our life that we are so grateful for.  The people in our lives have always made the adventures memorable.

Gerda, Russ, Wades, Lakes and family Keiser

The month would not be complete without a visit from TEXAS friends - Tii and Mary Lolotai.  We always have a great time when they come and visit.  The time just goes too fast and we need more time.  We are so grateful they made time in their day to stop and have lunch and catch up with us.  We would love for more friends to come and visit - lunch is always available and a photo on the Blog!

SUMMER BEAUTY AND HAPPENINGS

We went to a wedding reception at Wadley Farm's for one of our neighbors.  It is a beautiful venue with a castle, vineyards and orchards.  As you enter the gardens for the outside receptions there is this sign.  It is a beautiful statement that filled my heart.

WADLEY HISTORICAL FARM AND VINEYARDS MISSION STATEMENT

"Progress, and improve upon and make beautiful everything around you.  Cultivate the earth, and cultivate your minds.  Build cities, adorn your habitations, make gardens, orchards, and vineyards, and render the earth so pleasant that when you look upon your labors. you may do so with pleasure and that angels may delight to come and visit your beautiful locations."   

                                                               Brigham Young, Deseret News, August 8, 1860

 

Wadley Farm Castle

My Lillies finally bloomed the last week of June.  They are beautiful and make me happy.  I love my yard and what it is becoming - we have worked hard to bring beauty and serenity to our little place on earth.  

    OREGON ROSE GARDEN

We got a call from Joshua that he had received a call to serve in the Bishopric of his Ward in Portland, OR.  In our Church we have a lay ministry so the call can come at any time.  He would also need to be ordained a High Priest in the Priesthood to hold that calling.  We had not planned a trip to Oregon, but when your children call - you go.  Russ was grateful for the opportunity to ordain Josh as a High Priest and then he was set apart at 1st Councilor in the Bishopric.  We drove to Portland and arrived Sunday morning at 10 AM just in time for 11:30 Church Services.  We had a very nice day with Joshua, Julie and family on Sunday.  We ended the day at a gorgeous Rose Garden Park.  It is so pretty in this area and the flowers are amazing all over the city.  

Shannon, Julie, Joshua and Russ

I loved the color of this Rose - Hot Cocoa.  Originally all roses had a scent.  Over time, rose breeders slowly bred smell out of the new varieties in favor of repeat blooms, color and disease resistance.  About 20% of modern roses do not have a scent.  in 2015 scientists identified teh gene for fragrance and breeders are now able to produce robust rose plants tht also have a wonderful scent.  It takes about 60,000 flowers, picked by hand to produce one ounce of rose oil used in perfumes.  

In anticipation of the 1905 Lewis & Clark Exposition Portlanders planted 50,000 Madame Caroline Testout roses on 22 miles of curbsides.  by 1917, thousands of these plants were blooming on 200 miles of parking strips.  By 1920, as a result of the mass plantings and annual rose festivals, Portland became known as the "City of Roses."

Cathedral Bridge

Have you ever watched the series, The Librarian?  It is a favorite of ours.  The building they use for the show is the base of Cathedral Bridge in Portland Oregon.  We walked all around the park and enjoyed the very interesting architectural features of the bridge and supports.  Even underneath the bridge is an architectural wonder.  

On our way to Portland we attended the funeral of Debbie Weston Stringham in Laketown, Utah.  She is a cousin of Russ and was also the Postmaster in Laketown for 30 years.  She was very loved and there was a 30 minute wait just to enter the building for the funeral.  It is a small community on the South end of Bear Lake - nestled in the foothills looking out over the majestic Bear Lake.  Russ spent many summer vacations as a young boy growing up and his Bear Lake cousins were always the favorite.  

The cemetery has been there since the 1800's and many family members are buried there.  Gathering as family is a special time even when it is for a funeral.  We don't see each other very often and it is always nice to see each other again.

We seldom get together with Russ's remaining family.  It was so nice to have his sister, Marcia and her husband Dave and oldest brother, Ken attend the funeral.  Always take the opportunity for a picture - they are few and far between.  

Marcia, Dave, Russell and Ken

We continue on our Wellness journey as Russ just completed 4 months into his program.  It has been a medical adventure that is producing great results for him.  I hope I am benefiting as well since I am putting a lot of work into it.  We actually  have enjoyed all of the new foods and recipes.  I will share recipes next month.  

Asian Sesame Slaw

Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos - Favorite

Cream Cheese stuffed peppers in Hamburger wrapped in Bacon

Protein Hamburger - 
The only way to go!

Breakfast scramble

Chicken Salad with grilled vegetables

Sausage stuffed butternut squash

We started and ended the month with Joshua.  Spontaneous Delight in my World.  None of the trips were planned and just fell into place and worked out.  We are always glad to be with family.  It does not happen often enough.  We have met new people and learned of their lives and experiences that have deepened my appreciation for my parents and the life I have been blessed to live.  Each person I have met along the way has left a mark on me and influenced my life.  We learned this month in the Book of Alma in the Book of Mormon about having a change of Heart.  I was reminded of our dear friend, David Duke who had the miracle of receiving a new hart - that saved his life - but it was several years after that he had a Change of Heart that saved him eternally because of his relationship with Jesus Christ.  

"And behold, he preached the word unto your fathers, and a mighty change was also wrought in their hearts, and they humbled themselves and put their trust in the true and living God.  And behold, they were faithful until the end; therefore they were saved.  And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God?  HAVE YE EXPERIENCED THIS MIGHTY CHANGE IN YOUR HEARTS?   . . . And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?"  Alma 5:13,14,26

Friends, now is the time to put our trust in the true and living God.  

Let Freedom Ring!

Russ and Linda

May 2024 - Family, Temples, Convention and Covid

 

Layton Utah Temple

Taylorsville UT Temple

  We had the opportunity this month to attend two Open Houses for new Temples in Utah.  We have watched the Taylorsville Temple be built since we moved here three years ago.  It had many delays during Covid with supply chain problems and other delays.  I have anticipated seeing the inside because the outside has a very historic design of the 1800's.  It did not disappoint.  The colors were so beautiful and the woodwork was rich, warm and elegant.  It was a refuge from the stormy weather outside.

We also visited the Layton Open House.  It was a beautiful day and a Sister Missionary was kind and took several pictures for us.  This Temple also had delays.  After it was completed they realized it was in the flight pattern of Hill Air Force Base and was too noisy.  They had to replace all of the windows with 

                                      sound proof glass so it could be the peaceful haven from the world that Temples 

                                      are.  

Taylorsville Temple

MAY

I just realized why this month is called May

It may rain,

It may snow,

It may be 70 degrees

It may be 20 degrees

We just about experienced all of that this month.  It did rain, it did snow, we did hit 80 a few days and we had lows in the 30's.  It actually snowed on May 24 and there is still 1 ski resort open.  It should be a good summer for us with enough water in the reservoirs for our supplies.  

WICHITA KANSAS

We had a wonderful trip to Wichita to spend a a few days with Brian, Beth, William and Nora.  It was a busy fun filled time at 3 soccer games, birthday celebrations, Mother's Day and the Zoo.

It is always an adventure for us flying and this trip was no different.  With weather delays and trying to make connections, we arrived in Wichita just in time to miss the Gifted and Talented Class play that William and Nora were performing in.  Nora was TRUTH and William was the Sound Tech for the performance.  We were just in time to get a final picture.  Nora wore her paper crown all day - she was happy to represent Truth - you don't get away with anything when Nora is around!

We were then off to the first Soccer Match on the indoor field.  It was fun to see how much their team had improved from last season.  

She had three games in three days.  The last one was outdoors and it was cold and rainy - but that is sports in May.  They were a little tired by the third game.  We certainly made up for not getting to see most of their activities in just a few days.  

We then celebrated Russ' 74 Birthday at Outback Steakhouse.  It was lowkey just like he likes it.  Great dinner with awesome people.  William can eat a bigger steak than all of us!

We had a really nice Mother's Day program at Church - even received my favorite Lindor Truffles as a treat.  Brian grilled Cheesesteak Sandwiches for dinner - what a treat to have him do the cooking!  We played games and just enjoyed being together.  

Monday morning we were off to the ZOO.  Nora wanted to stay with us and see all of the exhibits.  William found a friend and decided to hang with him and his parents.  We enjoyed the stingrays, the monkeys and gorillas, and everything in between.  We were glad it was not a huge zoo and a nice cooler day.  

Beth, Brian & William

William is growing up so fast.  He graduated from Elementary and is on to 6th grade in Middle School.  He is an accomplished piano player, loves all kinds of games and adventures outdoors.  

Jamie just completed 8th grade and finished middle school.  He will began 9th Grade at Grant High School in Portland Oregon in the Fall.  He is a Tuba player and enjoys being in the Band.  

MELALEUCA CONVENTION

Convention 2024 Theme

Tribute to America

Every May we attend Convention in Salt Lake City.  It is always a great experience and filled with so many memories.  The theme this year was GROW YOUR LEGACY.  It brought back so many memories of my Mother and Father who left us the legacy of Melaleuca.  They were leaders in their day and were examples and mentors to many people.  

On of the highlights every year is the Tribute to America.  There is always the presentation of the colors and the National Anthems of the United States and Canada.  This year they focused on what it means to have products that are Made in America and the free enterprise system.  Frank Vandersloot spoke about the history of the world and what has happened over and over in the world when countries were led by leaders who did not have a moral compass or integrity.  He talked about the importance of this country and and how blessed we have been to have the Constitution and our Founding Fathers and the blessing of no foreign powers to have declared war on our turf.  He shared how important it is to have leaders that will continue to lead with a moral backbone and integrity.  Ten years ago at age 93 my Dad was asked to be a part of the presentation of the colors as a retired Major in the US Air Force.  It will also stir my soul when I see the presentation of the colors and the singing of the National Anthem.  The singer, RED performed the two National Anthems this year and it was beautiful and stirring.  

Convention ended with this quote:  A LEGACY isn't what you leave, it's how you LIVE, it's how you LEAD, it's how you LOVE.  

I try to grow my legacy every day of my life and I am so grateful for all of the opportunities and experiences that help me grow.  

So - after three weeks of traveling and convention we ended the month with a 10 day quarantine  -

COVID followed us home.  At least we both got it at the same time and like most things in our life we did it together.

With three days left in the month we are finally feeling better and have enough energy to mow the lawn and other Spring yard work.  It always feels good to plant new flowers  to put the flag back on the flag pole until Veteran's Day in November.  

When I was at Flander's Field in Belgium last month it brought up the question in my mind of where my grandfather served in WWI.  We always heard the story of him contracting Tuberculosis and being sent to Denver Colorado to the new Fitzsimons Army Medical Center in 1919 to be treated for the Tuberculosis.  From being disabled he was given 200 acres of land in the mountains of Colorado by the government.  He met my grandmother at the hospital - she was one of his nurses.  They married and claimed their stake in the land and farmed there for 2 years.  They then decided to sell the land and return to Denver.  That is the story we were always told but never anything about his actual service.

I wanted to know more and after visiting his grave in Salt Lake City I came home and we researched his military records and found out he served in the 352nd Division A in France.  We found the field of battle he was in - not far from Basal, Switzerland and Freiburg Germany where we spent 1 year.  I am grateful he returned home and recovered from his illness and went on to leave a full life.  I can only assume he did not choose to tell us about his time in France - It had to be difficult as a young man and he chose to dwell on his life after that time when the love of his life came into his life.  

We were so excited to have our friend and neighbors, John and Debra McCurdy go to Cumorah Academy this month as Mentors.  We shared our story with them and they wanted to know more.  They applied and it finally worked in their schedule to go this semester.  Oh how we love the Cumorah Family.  

They left the following quote as their legacy to the students:

"Learn to discern how best to bless, with a heart to impart, not to impress.  In an attitude of gratitude and a desire to INSPIRE, use the gift to uplift, to raise others higher."

Russ is just completing 2 months of his Diabetes program and is doing amazing.  He has lowered his A1-C and the inflammation  in his body.  When you have a personal chef- ME - we are eating really good food and encouraged by the results so far.  I will share a few more recipes.

RECIPES

CHICKEN VEGETABLE SOUP

2 Chicken breast, cooked, shredded

1 cup fresh green beans, chopped

1 cup fresh carrots, chopped

1 medium onion, chopped

1 cup bell peppers, chopped

1 cup zucchini, chopped

1 cup squash, chopped (butternut, acorn, etc.)

6 cups Chicken Broth

1/2 tsp. Onion powder

1/2 tsp Thyme

1 tsp Parsley

Sea Salt to taste

Pepper to taste.

I use my InstaPot to prepare.  I put the Chicken and all vegetables except the zucchini in the Pot.  I added 4 cups of the Chicken Broth and spices.  I set to 10 minutes pressure.  When cooking completed let sit for 10 min. and then release remaining steam.  I then added zucchini and remaining broth if needed.  I then cooked for 3 min. more.  Let sit for 10 min. and release steam. 

You can also cook in a large stockpot.  Add cooked shredded chicken, all chopped vegetables (except zucchini) spices, and chicken broth.  Cover and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes.  Add zucchini and continue to simmer for 8-10 minutes.  Add salt and pepper to taste.

CHEESESTEAK SKILLET

2 Tbl. olive oil

1 yellow onion, thinly sliced

1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced

Salt and Pepper to taste

1 1/2 lbs. Riverbend Ranch Steak Strips or

1 1/2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced

1 1/2 tsp. Homestead Blend Riverbend Ranch Seasoning

1/2 tsp. smoked paprika

1 cup shredded Provolone Cheese

1.  Heat 1 Tbl. Olive Oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.  Add the onion, peppers, and plenty of salt and pepper.  Saute' the vegetables until they are very tender and then transfer them to a plate.

2.  Add the remaining Tablespoon of Olive Oil to the skillet.  Add meat in single layer.  Sprinkle with seasonings.  Let cook without moving it for a couple of minutes so that it browns.

3.  When the meat is fully cooked, add teh onions, peppers, and any juices left on the plate.  Stir everything together.  Top it with the shredded Cheese.  Cover skillet until cheese melts.

Serve immediately.  

Russ eats a Protein, Vegetable and Complex Carb every meal.  That is a little bit of a challenge for breakfast, but this BREAKFAST VEGETABLE SCRAMBLE HAS BECOME A FAVORITE.  

1 Tb. Olive Oil

8 oz. turkey sausage

1 Zucchini, diced

1 Carrot, pealed and sliced

1 Onion, diced

1 Red Pepper, diced

1 Sweet Potato, pealed and diced

1 Turnip, pealed and diced

Any other vegetables you like.

Put Olive Oil in Skillet.  Add all ingredients to skillet and stir fry until tender.  Season with Pepper and Sea Salt to taste.  Can add a little water and cover for about 5 min. and then uncover and stir fry till done.  

For being confined to Home for 10 days, we still managed to do a lot of things.  May closes the door on school days and rings in Summer.  We look forward to what the Summer will bring.  Hopefully we will get to see family and lots of friends.  You are always welcome to our home - a great stopping place in your travels.  

Good bye SPRING

Russ and Linda