Thoughts From a Frazzled Mind

Memories:  These vintage pictures surfaced this month.  I just love looking at old pictures remembering how things were - especially when the pictures are of loved ones who are no longer with us.  I love seeing Grandpa and Grandma surrounded by family.  They loved being with family!  This made me smile. Top:  Tasha, Grandpa Olsen, Grandma Olsen, Abby (?) Shandra, Natalie, Mickel, LaurieJo Bottom: Stephanie, Jan, Casey, Grandpa, Doug, Grandma, David, Ben, Justin Dennis, Barbara, Kim, Jody, Alicia Kalel Birthday:  Covid is still a constant threat, and I'm still working from home.  However, we did feel safe in having a family-only party for Kalel's birthday.  There is a new place here in town called Half  Axed.  We left Little Miss with Joey because we felt it would be just a little too dangerous for her and went to try our hand at axe-throwing. We had a marvelous time!  So much so that Kim has decided that he wants to build our ...

  November 22 - Isn't crazy how just when you feel that things can't get worse, somehow they do!  Actually, I'm just talking about the Coronavirus right now.  It has now been 9 months that this small little virus starting wrecking havoc all over the world.  I remember in June thinking that it was scary and so horrible that my state had gotten to the point when there was an average of 300 new cases diagnosed in a day.  This month we are now averaging over 3,000 new cases a day!  Of course, we are doing a lot more testing which accounts for some of that rise in new cases.  However, at this point, most of the hospitals in the state are over 85% full, especially in the ICU's, because of COVID cases.  In fact, they have started designating other facilities to be used in case overflow space is needed.  Healthcare workers are working an insane amount of hours.  To help combat this, the state just approved a Nursing Apprentence license to be giv...

General Conference was held virtually again in October due to Covid.  I really enjoyed the talks.  It is always so special to hear our dear prophet, Russel M. Nelson, and other apostles speak.  I'm looking forward to reading the talks again. Our stake is finally allowing us to start going back to church every week, still with many restrictions.  We have to sit 2 rows apart, everyone has to wear masks, and the sacrament service is held after the main meeting because it is not broadcast.  They are still broadcasting the main meeting for those who can't or don't feel comfortable returning to the church.  We have also started having relief society, priesthood, and Sunday School meetings again, but those are still virtual.  It is so great to return to the chapel!  I love seeing all of the faces (at least their eyes since they are wearing masks).   A while ago, we sisters talked about our cousin Bob, who lived with us as a teen and has been an...

Sad News:   My cousin, Vaun Waite, suddenly passed away on September 4 from an apparent heart attack.  He was only 52 years old.  I feel so very sad for his family who is grieving so hard right now. I am so sad that we were not able to get together for our "Summer Thanksgiving Reunion" because of the stupid COVID restrictions.  However, I am grateful that my sisters and I were able to give monetary help that was desperately needed.   Vaun's Funeral was very nice.  It was just a graveside service, but there was a large crowd that traveled to attend.  They opened it up for people to share memories of Vaun.  Vaun was a racehorse trainer and many of the people who attended were associated with the horseracing world.  Numerous people stood and told stories of how hardworking, kind, and service-oriented he was.  It really got me thinking.  I have said this many times, and I truly mean it, I am so glad that I do not have to be a judge...

COVID-19 cases going up in much of the nation.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints Utah area presidency counseled all church members to wear masks.  The Utah state governor has stated that if schools open in the fall, all students and staff should wear masks (I wonder how they are going to keep masks on the kindergarteners...)  It is amazing to listen to people complain about wearing masks.  They are complaining that it is a health hazard, which makes me wonder (with tongue in cheek) how surgeons and other medical personnel have survived so long since they were masks every day?  Many people are totally ignoring the counsel and are refusing to wear masks or wearing them incorrectly so their nose and sometimes mouth are uncovered.  Many people are refusing to social distance and acting as if there is no virus at all.  My family has chosen to follow the advice of our church leaders, so we wear masks anytime we are out of the house.  The...