Tuesday 4 - Relax!

Hello!  Welcome back to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4. 

You can join in at this link.

Do you keep busy all the time?  Many people don't take the time to smell the roses. What about you?

1. When was the last time you relaxed and allowed the weight of the world to melt away? 

When my husband and I go on road trips, especially to national parks and other beautiful places in nature, I feel like the cares of the world melt away for me.  I love being out in nature and a hike or even a walk outdoors can really help me relax.  The last time I was really out in nature was during our fall break trip to Yellowstone National Park when the above picture was taken.  

2. What things do you find most relaxing?  How often do you get to do these things?

I partially answered this question in question #1.  I love hiking and being in beautiful natural surroundings. I wish I got to get out and hike a lot more than I do. I also enjoy relaxing with a good book.  I’m not much of a movie or TV watcher, but sometimes, a good movie or TV show can help me relax and forget my problems.  I try to read and relax every night before bed. The picture above are two of the books I am currently reading. I always have multiple books going at once.

3.  What things wind you up and keep you from relaxing?  

Work and family drama get me wound up. I worry and have a lot of anxiety over such things.  Lately, the election and its aftermath, as well as troubling things going on in society in general, have also caused me to worry and have anxiety.  I need now to step away from too many podcasts and Youtube pundits, and focus on my faith, family and friends and the things that I have control over.

4. When was the last time you treated yourself to something, anything that is special?

Just yesterday, I ordered a mystery/suspense book recommended by my long-time blogging friend Billie Jo over at Afternoon Coffee and Evening Tea.  I also ordered a set of colored gel pens to use when I write in my journal.

That's all for now. Thanks for stopping by. Please join in if you want to and share some of the things you do to relax.

Until next time,

😊Deb💖

"Sometimes the most productive

thing you can do is relax."

~Mark Black

My Honest and Candid Thoughts About the Election

I think that we have all been thinking a lot about the election this past week. Some are upset about the results and others are ecstatic.  Now that we have all had a few days to sit with and process the results of the election, I wanted to post some of my thoughts about many of the things that impacted the 2024 vote.  I will be honest, I did not vote for the winner of the election.  I am currently a registered Republican, but after January 6, 2021 and the election denial that followed, I vowed I would never vote for him, and I did not.  An interesting thing happened however, as I listened to the cases made for each candidate, especially the one I planned to vote for. I realized that the Democrat candidate, (Kamala Harris) and her side of the political divide did not represent me, my views or interests any more  - probably less than the candidate on the other side (Donald Trump).  I tend towards the middle ground and don’t see the extremes on either side as helpful.  The extremes, both right and left,  are, from my perspective, dangerous.  Apparently, some of the things that became issues for me this election, were also issues for others, no doubt affecting the election outcome.

My faith shapes my world view and opinions, so I cannot agree with abortions at any and all stages of pregnancy - especially when the procedure is for convenience and not medical necessity.  I was an “unplanned” baby myself and I am eternally grateful that my birth mother did not consider me disposable for her own convenience.  Adoption is an infinitely better alternative than abortion. 

Gender is an immutable part of who God created us, as individuals, to be and  it cannot be changed.  I refuse to go along with the lie that females can become males and that males can become females.  I won’t use pronouns that affirm or validate something that is untrue and I believe the surgery and other hormonal treatments to “affirm” gender dysphoria are simply wrong. Men should not unfairly compete against women in sports just because they have changed their “gender identity.”   Similarly, men and boys, even those who “identify” as female, should never have access to restrooms and locker rooms where women expect privacy and are at their most vulnerable.  

I know that those in the LBGTQ community/Pride movement are very concerned in light of the election.  I get it.  I have family members in that category, but I will always stand firmly for traditional marriage and family.  No one should experience discrimination or mistreatment, but our society is stronger when we have strong traditional families.  Children need BOTH a mother and father.  I agree 100% with Biblical principles of marriage and family, even as I love and care about those not in such relationships. 

We are a country of immigrants and that is and always has been one of our strengths.  That being said, we need major reform so that our doors can be open to those most in need, while establishing and maintaining the rule of law. We simply cannot take in everyone who wants to come, all at once.  I am not sure at all how to do that, so there needs to be a lot of compassion, compromise and fair limitations.  

As far as the economy is concerned, prices have gone up - a lot. We have all seen it. My hope for the economy is that Trump will be able to sustain economic growth increasing affordability. The stock market had a robust week after the news of Trump's win, so hopefully that is a sign of good things to come.

I won’t pretend I don’t have concerns about the incoming administration.  I do.  I have disagreed with many things Donald Trump has said and done over the years.  I would very much have prefered another candidate on the Republican ticket.  However, I feel a sense of peace about the election that I did not expect to feel.  I am glad that the voting was decisive and that we can move forward without multiple court cases and false claims of voting fraud.   I expect that the transfer of power back to Trump will be a return to the American tradition of peace and goodwill. I hope that I am right and for that, I am extremely grateful.    Still, as I examine the policies and philosophies of each party, I cannot help but feel that I no longer align with an increasingly leftist Democratic party. 

My paternal grandmother had a picture of John F. Kennedy in her kitchen, and I was definitely raised in a family of Democrats.  The Democrats my parents liked espoused the values of the working-class American family. As I have thought about the choices of this election, however, I realized that the current Democrat party has gone so extreme that it has left many Americans behind. I am among them.  I believe that this is a big reason that the election went the way it did.

It is not my intent to offend anyone with this post.  I acknowledge that others don’t see things the same way I do.  I respect that and hope that we can always make room for other views without weakening our own.   As we enter a new era in America, I am praying for our country, all who lead it, and all of us who love this land.

Until next time,

😊Deb💖

“There is nothing wrong with America

that cannot be cured by what is right with America.”

~Bill Clinton

Gratitude on Election Week

Here are the things I am most grateful for this week!  I'm joining again with Susanne and friends over at Living to Tell the Story for Friday's Fave Five. 

😊  After Daylight Savings Time ended last weekend, I now have light for my morning drive to work.  The light makes me feel much safer as I drive and I am grateful for that. 

😊 Tuesday was, as everyone knows, election day and there was a huge turnout across the nation.  There was  a long line of voters at the community center just downstairs from the rec. center where Charly and I go to walk and work out.   I am grateful that so many Americans across the country voted and participated in our democracy. Voting is a duty and obligation of all citizens and it is heartening to see so many people invested in the election.   I am grateful to be an American and I am grateful to have the opportunity to vote and to have a say in what happens in this country that I love.

😊 We had some snow this week.  Most of the snow we have had so far has stayed in the mountains, but this week, the snow came down into the valleys.  I am grateful that our snowy season seems to be off to a good start, because we depend on snow for our water supply each year. 

😊 When it's cold and snowy like it has been this week, I am grateful that Charly and I have a warm and safe place to walk at our local community rec. center. 

😊 While I watched the election returns, I worked on our Jones Family Christmas Card for 2024, which I will be ordering in the next few days.  I am grateful to make progress on this annual project. 

😊 Wednesday, I took a personal day because I knew I would be up late Tuesday watching the election returns.  Because I had the day off, we went to see our attorney and sign our new revised will.  I am grateful that I could take the time off to get this piece of estate planning finished. 

😊 After signing the new will documents, Charly and I decided to have a little lunch date at our favorite Asian restaurant.  I am always grateful for a nice "day date" with my sweet husband. 

😊  After lunch, we went to a stone company to look at quartz for the new countertops we are planning to put in our kitchen within the next few months.  We looked at all the different quartz slabs and found just what we want at a price that is within our budget. I am grateful that we had the time to take care of this so we can start planning this home improvement project. 

Thanks for stopping by to share the good in my week.  There is always so much to be grateful for. Have a good weekend.  

Until next time,

😊Deb💖

"I am grateful for what I am and what I have.

My thanksgiving is perpetual."

~Henry David Thoreau

First November Weekend

 

Friday, the first day of November, was another cold day.  At school, we had a teacher meeting and training day with no students in attendance.  I was able to come home about an hour early, so we took advantage of a little extra time and ran some errands.  

One of the errands we had to run was get these Crumbl cookies to take to our granddaughter when we take her out to breakfast for her 6th birthday on Saturday.  

When we got home, I took the Halloween decorations down, but I decided to live my scarecrows up.  I like my little scarecrow collection, and after all, it's still fall. 

A little later, I went out for an afternoon walk around the neighborhood.  I met this little guy who seemed to be waiting on the sidewalk for me.  The squirrels in our neighborhood are super tame and unafraid of humans. 

Even though it was quite cold, it was a nice afternoon for a walk.  I enjoyed crunching the dried leaves as I walked. 

Saturday we got up about 6:30 a.m., and went to Utah Country to see our granddaughter and take her out to breakfast for her 6th birthday.  It was a nice but chilly fall day. We had a lovely morning with our daughter's family.  

Here's six-year-old Hattie having a piece of one of the Crumbl birthday cookies we took to her house. 

Hattie wanted to go Chick-Fil-A for her birthday breakfast.  Here she is with grandpa at Chick-Fil-A waiting for breakfast. 

Hattie had chicken fingers for breakfast. 

Hattie has a sweet tooth and she had a milkshake with her chicken finger. 

Here's Hattie and grandpa walking back to the car after her birthday breakfast. 

After breakfast, Hattie opened the presents we brought her.  Here are some pictures of Hattie with her birthday gifts. 

Here's Hattie opening her birthday card.

Hattie was so excited with the gifts we brought her.  She liked everything. 

Here's our daughter helping Hattie get her new birthday Barbie out of the packaging.  That's one of Hattie's friends watching. 

One of Hattie's presents was a "craft jar" with lots of fun things that she could make things with.  Both of our granddaughters love crafts and art projects. 

Here's our grandson, our daughter and Hattie checking out the "craft jar" we gave her for her birthday.  We had a very nice visit. 

As we were leaving the town where our daughter lives, the "low air" light went on in our car.   Fortunately, there was a Big O Tire store nearby, so we drove in to have our tire check.  Turns out there was a bolt in one of our tires, so we were grateful that they were able to fix the tire while we waited.  

After our tire got fixed, we went to some thrift stores in the area.  I found a couple of new scarecrow friends to join the scarecrow family celebrating fall by my fireplace. 

Sunday was cold and cloudy, but the spirit in our church worship service was warm.  I deeply grateful for feeling the unity of God's love in a time when there is so much division and contention in our nation.  Charly's younger brother came to church again and both Charly and I had brief but positive conversations with him.  We spoke with a few other friends after the service, then came home. When we got home, I had a nice text conversation with my grandson who lives about three hours south of here in Cedar City, Utah.  He is learning to be a heavy equipment mechanic.

I went on a Sunday afternoon walk.  It was cold and cloudy.  Josh called and I talked to him while I walked. 

I took a couple of duplicate books I had and put them in this little "Neighborhood Book Nook" which is a couple of blocks from our home. 

When I got home, we had some rain/snow mix for a few minutes, while the sun was shining, which was kind of weird.  At least the snow didn't stick to the ground.

After dinner, (which I forgot to take a picture of) we watched our scripture study master class, as we usually do on Sunday night.   After I post this, I plan to shower, get in my warm flannel jammies and read the rest of the night away.

As we go into the new week, I will continue praying for our country, that God will watch over the election and that it can be honest and peaceful in every way.  Charly and I voted last week the day after we got our mail-in ballots.  I encourage everyone to take seriously the obligation we have as citizens to vote for those who will honor and govern according to our Constitution.  PLEASE VOTE, then come together and remember that we are all Americans and want what is best for our country!!  GOD BLESS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!

Weekend Gratitude:

• Going to Tiffany's on Saturday and taking Hattie to breakfast.
• Having a nice visit with our daughter and her family.
• Getting our tire fixed so we didn't have a flat on the freeway.
• Hearing good messages at church.
• Talking to Charly's brother at church.

Coming Up this Week:

Tuesday - Election Day.

Wednesday - Taking day off to get will signed.

Friday -  Temple worship with two good friends. 

Saturday - Meeting with my cousin for breakfast.

That's it for this weekend.  Have a good week and please get out and VOTE!!

Until next time,

💖Deb😊

"Godliness makes a nation great, 

but sin is a disgrace to any people."

~Proverbs 14:34 

(New Living Translation)

Currently on the First of November

 

The weather has been much colder.  This was our sunrise earlier this week. If you look closely, you can see the snow on the mountains. Another foot of snow is expected in the mountains this weekend.  We have had and will have more rain, mixed with a little snow, down here in the valleys.  

I'm reading the novel Dust Child by Nguyen Phan Que Mai which is set in Vietnam and is the story of a young man born of the union of a black American soldier and a Vietnamese woman during the war.  I'm also reading the nonfiction book The Queering of the American Child by Logan Lancing and James Lindsay, which is a troubling look at some of the ideologies being taught in American schools today (and yes, I am seeing this in the public school where I teach).  

I've been listening to this audiobook, The Small and the Mighty by Sharon McMahon.  McMahon is a high school history teacher and podcaster who, in this book, writes about some of the lesser known, but admirable and important women and men in American history.  I'm not quite to the halfway point, and I am finding it quite interesting. 

We watched this movie, Girl Haunts Boy on Netflix.  It was quite good with nothing objectionable in it.  We enjoyed it.  We've also been watching the docu-dramas on The Civil War on Story TV. 

I've been working on cleaning out and winterizing my garden.  Earlier in the week, I pulled up all of the plants and vines and harvested all of the green tomatoes.  

I'm hoping that some of these little green tomatoes I harvested when I pulled up the tomato plants in my garden, will ripen in the house.  

I'm loving this cute picture of my granddaughters ready for trick-or-treating on Halloween. 

I'm looking forward to having the election over. It seems like it has been going on forever. I'm worried about the results and exhausted by the constant rhetoric and I just want it over.  No matter the outcome, I hope and pray that we can come back together as Americans and heal the division that this contentious election has created. 

That's all for right now.  Thanks for stopping by! Have a good weekend!  

Until next time,

😊Deb💖

"My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government.

To compel a man to subsidize with his taxes the propagation of ideas which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical." 

– Thomas Jefferson 

October Reading Roundup

I completed seven books in October, 2024. Only one was fictional, and only one got less than 4/5 stars on Goodreads. Here is a short review and my thoughts about each book.

When Harry Became Sally by Ryan T. Anderson ****

Genre:  Science/Social/Political

Format:  Paperback - Own book

This book was “banned” from Target and Amazon, so of course I had to get a copy and read it. The book is billed as a “response to the Transgender Moment” in our society.  The book is dense and not an easy read as it details the scientific, medical, social and political aspects of transgenderism and all it entails.  The author’s position is that it is literally impossible for boys to become girls and girls to become boys and he explains in detail that while it is neither possible nor desirable, it is becoming more and more commonplace in our society.   I  got this book about a year ago and started reading it, then stopped because it was so dense and difficult to get through.  I started it up again earlier this year and found that it was very interesting and informative and I am glad I decided to finish it.  I gave it 4 out of 5 stars on Goodreads. 

The Founder of Our Peace by John Hilton III *****

Genre:  Christian/Latter-day Saint/Mental Health

Format:  Hardbound - Own book

This is an excellent book by John Hilton III who is one of my favorite Gospel teachers. This is an excellent book that can help us both with our spiritual and mental health. The book is highly readable and interesting, and contains lots of stories and anecdotes from the scriptures, as well as followers of Christ dealing with anxiety and depression in our society today. I enjoyed and learned much from the book and highly recommend it for the Latter-day Saint reader. I gave it 5/5 stars on Goodreads.

Pagan America by John Daniel Davidson **

Genre:  Socio Political

Format: Audiobook - Libby Library App.

This book was recommended by a Christian podcaster I enjoy listening to. It is about what is happening to the United States of America as religiosity, especially Christianity, declines. Much of what is written about is clearly evident to anyone in our society today. What bothered me about this book was the severe negativity of everything. There was no hope in this book, right down to the prediction that all American Christians will be persecuted and even killed as part of the abandonment of Christian values and principles. I don't disagree with the voice of warning but it really seemed that the author was saying all is completely lost unless all Christians completely withdraw from society, take their children out of school, leave their jobs and go live in their own cloistered communities. I think the book is probably fear mongering at it's very best, so for that reason, I gave it 2/5 stars on Goodreads.

Charlotte’s Rose by Ann Edwards Cannon *****

Genre:  Historical Fiction

Format:  Paperback - Own book

This was a touching story about a young Welsh immigrant girl, Charlotte, who, with her father (her mother is dead), is crossing the plains to the Salt Lake Valley to be with others who had joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When a young mother dies on the trail leaving a newborn infant, and the baby's grief stricken father refuses to care for her, Charlotte volunteers to care for and carry the baby all the way to Utah. This was a lovely well-written story, and while it is a work of fiction, many of the events were based on the experiences of real Mormon pioneers. When I finished this book, I had a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye, and that means it gets 5/5 stars.

For Love of Country by Tulsi Gabbard ****

Genre: Society/ Politics/Biography

Format:  Audiobook - Library Hoopla app.

In this book,, Tulsi Gabbard, who served as a member of Congress from Hawaii, then later ran for president as a Democrat, explains why she left the Democrat party and just recently became a Republican.  The book is quite interesting, and Gabbard is good at articulating her positions.  I would consider voting for her if she ever decides to run for president again. She is only 43, so she may. If she really believes what she wrote in her book, she would be a breath-of-fresh-air from the current MAGA dominance of the Republican party. I gave this book 4 out of 5  stars on Goodreads. 

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt *****

Genre:  Social Science

Format:  Hardbound - Own book

I have read other books by social scientist Jonathan Haidt and have found most of his analysis to be spot on. This is the best of his books that I have read.  It explains how the advent of smartphone technology in the 2010s had a profound effect on our society, and that effect has been extremely negative for the mental health of young people, especially millennials (those born between 1981 and 1996)  and members of Generation Z (those born from 1997 to 2010). Haidt tracks the rise of anxiety, depression, suicidality and other anti-social behaviors and shows how they correlate to smartphone use, particularly with regard to social media, online gaming and pornography.  This is a well-written, fascinating and unsettling book that should be read by everyone who works with young people in any way, including parents, grandparents, teachers, counselors, clergy, therapists, etc.   This book contains important information for the future of our children, grandchildren and society.  Highly recommended.  I gave it 5/5 stars on Goodreads.

The Amplified Bible *****

Genre:  Scripture

Format:  Hardbound - Own

I have been working on reading this translation of the Bible for a while, but I finished it on the last day of October.  This Amplified Bible translation gave a slightly different and clearer perspective than the King James Version that I usually read. Of course, I gave it 5/5 stars on Goodreads.  

That's my Reading Roundup for October. What have you been reading in the past month? Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time,

📚Deb📚

"Reading is essential

for those who seek to rise

above the ordinary. ~Jim Rohn