What a month was November...

 

Almost glad to have November over with all the election commotion and everyone unhappy about the results and filled with trepidation over what could be ahead. It's easy to get caught up in the hysteria and raw emotions as no one won this election that pleases everyone. But the democratic process which outlines a peaceful transfer of power instead of riots and civil unrest will prevail, then we can have another election to let the voice of the people be heard.

Will we ever come together as a United States of America? It seems doubtful at times as the divisions in our society are so deep. We need to remember that people who voted for either candidate deserve our kindness and understanding as we try to make sense of this election year. Prayers need to go up to heaven for guidance and protection of our elected leaders, and that our country can remain true to its founding values.

Visiting Family

The twins on break from college-so fun to see them and talk about their experiences

James the future chef is busy making a gingerbread house from a kit he bought.

Peeling the potatoes while the chef Daniel works on other veggies for the feast.

Daniel carves the turkey which was delicious, he's quite the cook and host!

 

Time to load up the plates, Nathan age 14 isn't shy about eating.

Grandpa and Heather are enjoying their Thanksgiving food-lots of it.

Time to feast after saying what we are thankful for...

Grandson Eddie came to visit Friday and enjoyed playing with Mr. Potatohead!

Grand daughters Heather and Lorien enjoy playing together.

Nathan and his dad Daniel and uncle Jeff are helping him with a talk for church

Over the hills...

We are off to Daniels home for Thanksgiving dinner. Love driving on the back roads and seeing the snow covered mountains...I love utah and seeing the twins again, home from college

 

GRATITUDE

Finding blessings in adversity

hunting for promises of growth

disguised in moments of anguish

frustration with expectations not met.

Welcome to life, a difficult journey

of learning filled with unnecessary detours

opportunities for new strengths to be gained

if we check in with our individual GPS.

That's God's protection system 

that guides us through obstacles

opens doors, gives meaning to each 

experience and blesses us eternally.

QUESTIONS to answer...

I'm genuinely curious to read other people's answers.

Four names I go by
-1 Lin
2. Mom
3. Grandma
4. Sister Floyd

Four places I have lived:
1. Provo, Utah
2. Fullerton, California
3. Bahia, Brazil
4. Madison, Wisconsin

Four things I love to watch on TV:
1. National Geographic Specials
2. Mormon Tabernacle Choir
3. Downtown Abbey
4. News-some days

Four places I have visited this year:
1. North Rim of Grand Canyon
2. Kanab, Utah
3. Salt Lake City, Utah
4. Little Black Mountain Petroglyphs

Four things I love to eat:
1. Pumpkin pie
2. Homemade bread
3. Fresh peaches
4. Coconut shrimp

Four favorite drinks:
1. Hot Chocolate
2. Banana Mango smoothie
3. Peppermint tea
4. Milk

Anyone can respond and will hopefully comment on my blog-
write it in a comment or on your blog or on facebook-copy and
 paste in your status then update with your responses.

Aftermath

I'm trying a new form of poetry cubes-that consists of three syllables for each of three lines in a stanza and 3 stanzas.

Elections...

we survived

but barely.

Angry folks

march about

lamenting.

The results

divide us.

Will we heal?

Weekend VISITORS

My son Daniel and my grandson James came down for the weekend to visit. We spent our time playing games, eating and exploring some nearby petroglyphs at Little Black Mountain Petroglyph site.

James age 10 loves to cook and wants to be a chef one day.

After a very rough road, we reach the petroglyph site

There was a nice path, bathroom and picnic site there.

You had to look closeup to see many of the petroglyphs

Lots of fun rocks without rock art to explore and hide in.

The weather was perfect- 70 degrees and cloudy.

Close up of symbols telling a story of their life in nature.

Click to enlarge and see the details.

So what does that say Dad?

Possible hunting story?

Lots of fun places to explore.

Fun with CARYN

Time to unwind after all the trauma of the election...my friend Caryn and I have been out and about.

Attending the outdoor amphitheater at  Tuachan was fun.

The featured performer was David Archuleta-LDS pop singer-what a voice!

Shopping is always fun on another day especially thrift and antique stores.

Lovely lunch of Quiche Lorraine at the Granery in Santa Clara

Off to the Labyrinth at Kayenta down this little path.

There it is a path to serenity and healing if you allow yourself the time.

Walking slowly on the labryinth can bring inner peace.

In the center is a place to sit and meditate for as long as you like.

Native American Culture

I find history fascinating and especially our interpretation of it.

Amazing all that can be surmised from pottery chards about peoples

Pots and baskets were so neccessary for daily survival/storage.

From the BLM Museum in Kanab, Utah-fascinating!