Day family newsletter - April 2011

May 1, 2011
DAY FAMILY NEWSLETTER – APRIL 2011
Easter weekend was extra nice this year. We hosted a brunch and Easter egg hunt in our backyard, and the kids enjoyed gathering up the plastic eggs and then opening them to find surprises of candy and coins. Everyone brought something yummy to eat and/or extra eggs to hide for the kids. Even the weather cooperated, and all the snow was gone, and the skies mostly clear – temps in the 50’s. Stephanie and her kids slept over the night before, and it was fun to wake up to kids all excited about the Easter bunny visiting. Jessica (now 8 yrs. Old) accompanied me to the grocery store a few weeks ago when I picked up some candy and a stuffed toy for Linda’s basket. I had to explain to her that it was sometimes necessary for grandparents to help out the Easter bunny that was quite busy with kids on Easter morning. Then on the night before Easter, when everyone was supposed to be in bed, Jessica came upstairs to get a drink of water and found Grandma putting stuff in Grandpa and Grandma’s baskets and asked why. Linda explained that sometimes we had to help out a busy Easter bunny. And on Easter morning, when Jessica saw a price tag on one of her candies, said “Well, this sure didn’t come from the Easter bunny – it came from Smiths grocery store”. So perhaps the Easter mystique is over for Jessica.
I tried golfing two weeks ago, but when one of the foursome showed up in rain gear, a head stocking and winter gloves, I realized we had probably made a mistake. After the chilling round of golf, I decided to forgo future rounds until the highs were at least in the 60’s. It was kind of like going swimming in a wet suit to fight off the cold.
I finished reading Water for Elephants, a real good read about train circus life, love and old age. I also finished reading American History for Complete Idiots – a real good historical read about our country. I wish I’d paid more attention to history in school.
Linda wanted to spend a few days in Wendover for her birthday, so we booked a couple of nights and enjoyed a wonderful trip. We had a delicious meal in a fine dining atmosphere, actually came home with a few more dollars than we started with, and met all the kids at a restaurant on the way home for a family birthday celebration.
Our cat, Pumpkin, continues to take over our lives. Linda now leaves glasses of water on the kitchen counter, as the cat prefers drinking out of a glass? And my arms are still a mass of wounds, scars, scratches and blood stains from nightly attacks. I have to wear long sleeve shirts to work to hide the abuse I receive at home.
We went to see HOPS, an Easter Bunny show at the movies with the kids one afternoon. It wasn’t bad. We went out to dinner with Bruce Baird and some friends we’ve known from before we were married. Curt, just retired, fought and won a battle the battle against lymphatic cancer 2 years ago, but now has pancreatic cancer. When I goggled it, the life expectancy after diagnosis is just 4 months. Curt was told by his doctor to do his bucket list. We are so lucky to have our health, but also realize you just never know what’s around the next corner in life.
The snowmelt is our mountains is at record levels this year, and with all the cool weather we’ve had up until now, it is forecast that flooding is pretty much a sure thing this year when the temps finally warm up. On Saturday, April 30th, we awoke to 5 inches of new snow on the lawn I mowed Thursday!
Stephanie volunteers at Jessica’s school, and got to teach an art fabric class where they made wall plaques. She says she now has a bigger appreciation for teachers and their responsibilities. Stephanie is also enjoying her new job working in nutrition for juvenile justice in the State health department. Katie is just a week away from returning to work and thoroughly enjoyed bringing Sophie into the world and spending the past few months with her. Bill and Katie are going to continue to spend working a few days from home each, with Bill’s retired parents taking the kids one day. They have enrolled Jack part time in a day care so Bill can get his work done when he works from home. Wiggins oldest daughter, Blair, is getting married on Mother’s Day – her future husband is in the military. Jackie and Wiggins continue living in their motor home at a motor home park saving money for a house. Jackie started helping teach part time on Saturdays at the police academy, so she stays plenty busy working full time in the office for the West Jordan police, working a couple of part time shifts at Pennys, and doing the police academy thing on Saturdays.
I was debating on mentioning our legislative activities – let’s just say that several bills were passed that cost the state revenue, or add expenses to our government from challenges in the court system about their constitutionality. And all this amidst efforts to find enough money to fund the budget. The one that mystifies me most is the effort to close several liquor stores that showed 15 million in profits in order to save money. I’m surprised there wasn’t a bill closing churches to “save souls”, or a bill to close roads to” save transportation time”, or one to close schools to “save the education of our children”. Rather than people being concerned with someone’s birth certificate, we ought to require our legislators show proof of their level of education – whether it is elementary, junior high, or high school.
The previous commentary is the sole content of Tom, and does not represent the views of anyone else in the Day family or close associates. And that’s the news, the whole news, and probably more than you wanted in news from your hometown of Salt Lake City, Utah.
Love, Tom & Linda

PS: What great news tonight that Osama Bin Laden has been killed nearly ten years after 9/11.

Day family newsletter - March 2011

April 1, 2011
DAY FAMILY NEWS – MARCH 2011
Our cat, now 6 months old, continues to solidify its place in our household. In actuality, it wears the pants in the family now. It lays on the newspaper while we read it, has us leaving faucets dripping for it, takes over the bed at night, and when we lock it out of the bathroom, it lies on its back and puts its paws under the door to let us know he’s there. Even though he’s “snipped”, he still is quite aggressive and bites me on the arms on a regular basis. With Linda, however, he mostly just lies on her lap quite passively. The grandkids love him, I think even more than grandma and grandpa.
Part of our backyard fence blew over in a strong wind storm in February, and I am looking forward to getting it repaired as soon as the ground dries out a little. The snow is gone today, but there is more coming on Sunday.
The legislative session is over, and the governor is in the middle of signing hundreds on new bills into law, but he did veto the bill to put state employees back on a 5 day work schedule, thank goodness. Like all states, Utah is hurting because of the downturn of the economy, but in our legislature’s wisdom, they are closing 6 or 7 liquor stores that bring in 1 to 2 million profit each. This to save costs they say. If business were to follow their lead, I guess every business that was profitable would close to trim costs????
Our grandson, Cole, who is a master mechanic, offered to fix my truck’s oil leak which saved me hundreds of dollars. This is the second time he has helped me out, and I sure appreciate him. Wiggin’s father died of cancer this past month, and Jackie and Wiggins and Wiggin’s kids all went to Blanding for the funeral. Wiggin’s father had originally come to the hospital in Payson to have his shoulder operated on, and it was only after being there for a week that they discovered the cancer. He died a month later.
I broke down and joined facebook last month in order to stay in touch with the rest of the world. It seemed that I was missing out on things, relying just on email. Jessica also joined facebook, and it’s fun to communicate with her. I went to Orem to put up a diabetes chart on Danny’s kitchen wall to help him identify when a blood sugar reading was good or bad. Danny says it has helped him a lot, and doesn’t get as worried anymore. Karin agreed to have Danny come down later this month for about 6 days, and Danny is excited to visit the Rheads in Mesa. We enjoyed going to Jack’s (Katie and Bill) 2nd birthday party. Katie hired a lady to come in and she brought a turtle, a parrot, a frog, an iguana, and a 25 lb. rabbit for kids to see and learn about. It was fun for the kids and adults! Stephanie got a new job, still with the State of Utah, but at the department of health working with nutrition for kids. She gets off work a half hour earlier, which helps quite a bit with picking up the kids from day care in time.
Linda watched Kaylee while Debbie and I went on a daddy/daughter date to see a play at the U of U. We saw The Diary of Anne Frank. Loved it –very moving. Linda and I had breakfast one morning with Bruce Baird – he is doing well since his wife, Jackie, died 1 ½ years ago, has retired for the second time, and is enjoying life and keeping busy. Stephanie took some of her tax return and took a 4 day 3 night trip to Disneyland with Jessica. Linda and I watched Sarah and Taylor while they were gone. Steph and Jessica said they had a great trip, and stayed at a hotel right on the ocean. Steph decided to take Jessica this year, and she’ll take the other two next year.
Debbie called that same weekend and suggested we go to the Festival of Colors in Spanish Fork at the Hindu Temple, a yearly celebration of spring and fundraiser. It was quite an experience, as everyone buys bags of powdered chalk in different colors, and every two hours, everybody gathers together and throws the chalk up in the air. The result is very colorful, and you also get colored, sort of like getting your whole body tie dyed. Linda and I kept in the rear area so we didn’t get the full effect, but now my shoelaces on my new sneakers are pink. While there, I went into the temple, and talked to a Hari Krishna (sp?) man who tried to explain the Hindu Gods on display. This man was foreign, and about the only word I understood was reincarnation. So I’ve done my temple work for this year.
I’ve read The Man Who Loved Books Too Much, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest, and am now reading the complete idiots guide to American history. Linda is reading a Grisham book. We’re both looking forward to watching the 3rd season of True Blood that comes out at the end of next month. Stephanie came up for St. Patrick’s Day dinner and we enjoyed the yearly corn beef and cabbage meal that Linda fixed.
And that’s the news from the Days. Love, Tom & Linda, & Pumpkin the cat.

NEWSLETTER FOR FEBRUARY 2011

March 3, 2011
NEWS FROM THE DAYS:
Most of the kids came over for the super bowl and we enjoyed the game and eats. Throughout the month, even though I’m a Ute fan, it’s been fun seeing the state and even the country get Jimmered up about BYU basketball. Too bad about their big man getting booted off the team a few days ago – hopefully BYU’s performance against New Mexico is not what this team is all about and they go on to do well in March Madness.
Big news of the month is Katie and Bill’s little Sofie who arrived on Feb. 13th at 8:59 AM, 7 lbs 7 oz. Katie was able to have her naturally this time, and it went pretty fast – left for the hospital at 5 AM and had her 4 hours later. She’s a doll, and Jack, her almost two yr. old big brother has taken pretty good to her. Linda and I took over dinner one night and thoroughly enjoyed playing with Jack and holding little Sofie. You should see Jack’s new bedroom – a blackboard wall on one side, hanging airplanes, Katie and Bill really know how to decorate cute!
Later that week, the whole family met at a local McDonalds to celebrate Sarah’s 5th birthday (this would be Stephanie’s second oldest). She is really growing up, and we enjoyed watching the kids do the play land thing before doing cake and ice cream and presents.
Our dryer started destroying some of our clothes, and upon hearing the repair cost of this plus the repairs also needed on the washer, it was time for a trip to RC Willey for new ones. Our new dryer has a steam cycle, so perhaps we can stop ironing all together.
Linda saw some new crochet patterns she liked one day, and has started doing some real neat stuff that is fancier and different from what she’s done for years and years. We attended a play at the U of U called “In” – I thought it was OK – Linda wasn’t so sure. But we agreed that our week long trip to St. George at the end of the month was great. Not a lot of doing stuff, but great relaxing, reading, seeing some movies and enjoying eating out every day. And we did make it down to Mesquite, Nev. One night and enjoyed that as well. Speaking of movies, we saw one that you probably shouldn’t attend called “Drive Angry” with Nicholas Cage. Let’s just say that if you do go to see it and sit all the way through the movie, you probably won’t be eligible to enter the celestial kingdom anymore. We went on a Monday night at 7PM and we were the only two people in the theatre?
I finished reading the book I got from Annette’s condo called Anna Karenina by Tolstoy – pretty good. But then I picked up a book by a fellow Swede, Stieg Larsson, called “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”. This was perhaps the best fiction book I have even read! Wow! So I picked the second one in the series, “The Girl who Played with Fire”. Again, Wow! These wouldn’t sell in Deseret Book likely, but Wow!
Our legislative session in full swing, and I’ll give you a full report on the comedy next month. Our legislators are kind of like the TV series “All in the Family” – each year gets better and better, that is if you like humor, real life prejudice, hypocrisy, down home sincerity, drama – in other words, an All in the Family episode. Until next month, Love, Tom & Linda

Day family newsletter - January 2011

February 1, 2011
NEWS FROM THE DAYS:
Linda got an elliptical so she could start exercising – better for the knees. I’ve started using it once in a while instead of doing the treadmill or walking outside. And I’ve added some dumbbell weights that I got for Christmas as well.
Linda and Stephanie put on a great baby shower for Katie – there were a good 20 people there and Katie just loved all the attention, good food and nice gifts for little Sophie. She is due this Thursday, so we’re looking forward to our 8th grandchild.
Linda and I saw a couple of movies this past month – The Tourist and No Strings Attached. The first one was good – the second a little too edgy for us. We also enjoyed see another play, Black Comedy at the U of U Pioneer Theatre. A cute comedy about an engaged couple trying to impress her dad when there’s a blackout, and most of the play is in the dark – but of course, the lighting is reversed – so that it is dark on stage for about 5 minutes when there is light, and when the lights go out in the play, the lights go on for the play – comprenda? Anyway, it’s not a comedy about Barack Obama.
We took our cat, Pumpkin, over to the Vet to have his, well, to take care of him, or should we just say nuertered - yes that's the nice way to say it. Have his claws taken out - well that is outright cruel - but have his you know what taken out, and hey, that's perfectly OK. Anyway, he survived - what choice did he have? And got some more shots, an implant put in so he could be scanned for ID, and is recovering from everything alright.
Jackie and Wiggins have moved into a motor home in a motor home park out in Draper for the next several months saving money so they can purchase a home and be out of any other debt. They had a terrible start when the water pipes froze, and they had no water, and the furnace quit working (which is probably why the pipes froze). Anyway, after a couple of stressful days, all was fixed, winterized and life kind of back to normal. All their stuff is in storage, some in our basement, and hopefully they will survive living in a motor home for 5 or 6 months! Jackie celebrated a birthday and we all met at The Spaghetti Factory and had a nice dinner/party.
I drove down to Danny’s to sign another year lease and be there for the hookup of cable in his exercise room so he could watch TV while on the treadmill.
We hosted a dinner at our house for Christopher who was in town on a 2 week leave from North Carolina. Everyone chipped in with different dishes/goodies, and we also had fondue with shrimp, steak and a cheese fondue with veggies and bread. It was nice to have Christopher here in person instead of on Skype. I helped Debbie one night with a jump for her dead battery, and another night helped Steph look for her missing cat that jumped off her condo deck and didn’t return. Linda has gone to the doctor office visits with Katie the last couple of weeks and loves watching little Jack and helping out. Jackie came over one night to do laundry, and we enjoyed having her over to just talk and have dinner while Wiggins was at work. A pretty tame month overall. I finished reading Decision Points (George W), and am about halfway thru reading Anna Karenina, by Tolstoy (the book I inherited from D & A’s condo).
And that’s the news from the Days in Zion. Love, Tom & Linda

Day family newsletter - December 2010

Dec. 31, 2010
NEWS FROM THE DAYS:
Sarah, Stephanie’s 4 year old, stayed overnight one night with her sister Taylor. Sarah read Grandma a book by holding up her hands like a book, and turning the pages as she told her own story. As she turned each page, she would make a “swish” sound so Grandma knew she was turning the page. Cute! She calls me Popee – don’t know exactly why, but Taylor calls be papa, Kaylee (Deb’s 5 year old) calls me Papa too. The other grandkids call me Grandpa. Linda has several different names for me, depending on what I’ve done.
Our cat, Pumpkin, is about 3 ½ months old, and is a vampire. I say this as he loves to bite me with his eye teeth and draw blood. I am a mass of scars on my hands and arms, but so far he has left my jugular alone. But his eyes! He definitely has vampire in him. We took him to the Vet for his first shots, and the Vet confirmed he is vampire/tabby mix. He suggested we keep him locked in the basement during his waking hours when the sun goes down. That’s helped, but it scares us when we discover werewolf tracts in the snow out back by the basement windows.
Brian David Mitchell, the man who kidnapped Elizabeth Smart, was found guilty and will go to jail finally, eight years after the crime. He’s been a mental hospital all this time. I’m disappointed, as he was going to battle the anti-Christ and save mankind, but with him being in 24 hour lockdown, it could hamper the possibility of that battle. Perhaps they could do it right in his cell and put in on cage fighting on PPV?
We all spent an evening at Debbie’s in Herriman celebrating her birthday. Another night we met at Gateway to have a birthday dinner for Taylor’s 3rd. One Saturday, we attended Jessica’s baptism and confirmation. The couple who had been teaching Jessica in her home knew Derek Farnes when he walked in – they had been in New Mexico 6 years ago on a mission when Derek was there on his mission. Linda and I enjoyed White Christmas, the play, at the U of U one night. We went to a nice Christmas dinner one night with people at Linda’s work. We dined at Ruth Chris Steak House – what a nice Christmas present!!! And we enjoyed watching the football bowl games, even though the outcome wasn’t the most desirable for the Utes.
At Halloween time, Linda had bought a plastic pumpkin about the size of a basketball. I decided it would look good in our backyard sitting on the bird feeder. An unexpected bonus – when it rained or snowed, the pumpkin floated and turned around when the wind blew. I got our grandkids almost convinced the pumpkin was alive when they saw it turning. Now I’ve replaced it with a Santa Claus, mostly cotton, about the size of a soccer ball. I’ve been in a battle with a squirrel that comes around and knocks it off the bird feeder and steals cotton from it. I found a counter attack – we had a spool of very fine wire, and I’ve wired it all together thru the body, head and hat, and it is secured by its hat to the trellis above the bird feeder. I think I’ve won this battle. My defense is better that the Utes.
Finished a very hard read for me – the Idiot. I’ve enjoyed another book Debbie gave me called the 7 miracles that saved America. Mostly history -the little turning points that decided which way major events turned out. A very good read. I expect the authors will have to come out with a reprint in two years entitled “The 8 miracles that saved America”, Obama being the 8th miracle. I guess because I was precinct chair for our local democratic district last year, I’m on the mailing list now for Obama’s Christmas card. It was a nice surprise to get a card from the White House and signed by the Obama’s, their two children and the dog. Linda finished her True Blood book series – eight of them in all.
It was nice to have Danny up for Christmas this year. Santa broke down and bought him a new HD flat screen TV (26”) that fits in his entertainment center. I got in all installed in his apartment and Danny is going to use his old TV in his exercise room to watch while on the treadmill. Linda got a present that absolutely delighted her – we had the diamonds from her old wedding ring, her mom’s dinner ring and an old anniversary ring I had given her combined into a new setting. WOW, how it sparkles. We took Danny with us to the Zito’s annual X-Mas Eve gathering and buffet, to Bruce Baird’s house for drinks after, and then home to get in our Pj’s and open one gift. The kids all came over Christmas afternoon for a ham/turkey sandwich buffet and gift exchange. Debbie downloaded Skype’s on Linda’s lap top and Christopher (currently stationed in North Carolina) was with us as we played a sort of charades game. Debbie would type in the word for Christopher when it was his turn, and he took turns along with everyone else playing the game. Debbie just held him on her lap at the end of the circle (well, him “in” the laptop). Amazing technology – the first time we’ve actually used it. Danny helped me cook quiche Christmas morning, and I took him home Sunday. He got more than one large stuffed dogs for his apartment. This in addition to the large stuffed dog he’d bought just the day before I picked him up for the Christmas trip to our home.
I wrote an op-ed article and submitted it to the Tribune, and they decided to publish it. You can view it at sltrib.com on Dec. 26th, 2010. It’s entitled “U.S. needs immigration workers”. The next day, I mentioned it to Debbie, and she informed me that people make comments on-line on these op-ed pieces. After logging onto my article one day after it appeared, there were 44 hate comments blaming me for everything from the bad economy, to traitor, commie pinko, low life and much more. Overall, I was blamed for more ills than Obama. Perhaps I’ll think twice before I make my views known in a public forum. Believe it or not, I got, and have started to read, George W. Bush’s book, Decision Points.
We’ve had a LOT of snow this month – over 100” for snowpack at the ski resorts – and I’ve snow blowed the walks more than the last two years combined. We’re going out for a nice New Years Eve dinner with friends, and are looking forward to a great 2011. Love,

Tom & Linda

Day family newsletter - November 2010

December 1, 2010

NEWS FROM THE DAYS:

Jessica turned 8 years old this past month, and agreed to let me celebrate my birthday with her. We went to Fat Cats where you bowl and eat pizza – a lot of fun. Earlier that day, Linda and I accompanied Stephanie in hosting Jessica’s friends at a birthday party at the local recreation center. Wall climbing was the activity, and after watching Jessica go to the top of a 40’ wall with ease, I strapped on the gear and tried it. After getting up about a third of the way, grandpa decided that was enough and repelled down. Still fun. Linda got me a new computer with a gazillion megabits for my birthday and it sure is nice.
We got to have little Jack (Katie and Bill’s) over for two nights this month while mom and dad went to a cabin with friends to celebrate Bill’s birthday. This was Jack’s first overnight trip to our house, and we thoroughly enjoyed having him over. He’s a riot! And smart! And cute! He loved the cars grandma got him, enjoyed watching the birds eat peanuts off our windowsill out back, liked running and jumping in the leaves in the backyard that grandpa raked up, and enjoyed playing with our new baby kitten.

Yes, we got a cat – originally an overnight stay when Stephanie asked us to help out with a stray found at their condos. But we fell in love with this (about 8 wk old) tabby, named him Pumpkin, and even paid the owner a small fee when he replied to Stephanie’s lost kitten notice posted at her condos.

I spend two Fridays with Danny trying to find additional employment or volunteer opportunities. He’s applied at 4 or 5 grocery stores, the DI, and at the Lindon Bishop’s Storehouse. The Storehouse Mgr. agreed to have Danny come down as many mornings as he likes from 8 AM to 10 AM to help sort and portion bags of various produce for their customers. Danny started going to the Bishop’s Storehouse on Nov. 30th, and will volunteer twice per week (Mon. and Wed.). Shelley took time off work to accompany Danny the first day to make sure he got all his paperwork done correctly. And para-transit agreed to get him there and back. I also got Danny signed up at the Orem Senior Center and he’s been over once for lunch (just a $2 donation) and is going on a ½ day trip on a bus to the Festival of Trees on Dec. 1st with them.

I thought nothing could top the spanking the democrats took in the elections until Utah played TCU and got spanked even worse. Then losing to Notre Dame! But truth prevailed when they came back and beat both San Diego and that school south of the border (Utah County border, that is).

The morning after Jack and I played in and raked up the leaves in the back yard, we awoke to the first major snow of the year – one foot deep on our back yard patio table. Winter has arrived. And it’s basically never stopped snowing ever since.

It’s been interesting listening to the daily news accounts in the trial of the Elizabeth Smart kidnapping case. Mighty weird goings on there, but hey, this is Utah after all…. I got another letter to the editor published – another ranting about balance of politics here in Utah. Linda, Stephanie and Katie went out at 5 AM on Black Friday for their annual shopping spree. Stephanie sold her car and got a van with three rows of seats. She finally has the room she needs for the 3 kids. Katie and bill traded in their Audi for a Subaru SUV that likewise has more room with their Sophie just 3 months from being born. Debbie reports that the big fire in Herriman didn’t get near her home, but there was tons of smoke in their neighborhood. And she enjoyed having Christopher home for Thanksgiving week. He’s stationed at Ft. Bragg in No. Carolina and recently was assigned funeral duty where he goes to funerals certain months of the year and plays the bugle (although there is a recording in the bugle that actually plays – he just has to pretend to play it). This is just a part time assignment in addition to his normal duties.

We had a great Thanksgiving, hosting all the kids/grandkids for a total this year of 19! Linda cooked her normal great Thanksgiving dinner, the kids all pitched in and brought something to help out, and little Jessica said the prayer for us. She’s getting baptized on Dec. 4th, and was glad to say the blessing. We also celebrated little Taylor’s 3rd birthday party at Thanksgiving as well as Bill’s 40th while we were all together. Christopher had flown in from his army station at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina for the week, and it was special to have him here. Two of Wiggin’s children, Blair and Page also joined us. And our little great grand daughter, Emry was here with Cole and Jessica as well.

And that’s the news from the Days. Tom & Linda

Day family newsletter - October 2010

November 2, 2010

DAY FAMILY NEWSLETTER FOR October 2010

We're celebrating my birthday this coming Saturday and sharing the celebration with Jessica who is turning eight. Stephanie is having a kid's birthday party for her earlier in the afternoon at their local community rec. center, and that night we're going to dinner. Jackie, Katie/Bill/Jack joined Linda and I for a nice dinner last night as they couldn't make the dinner on Saturday. I received my Medicare card in the mail last month, and I'm officially on government health insurance along with all you older ones. Linda paid for my wedding ring to be resized so it wouldn’t keep slipping off. Because I started exercising one year ago and watching my diet, I have lost 26 lbs. My original goal was 30, so I’m close, and will continue with the program. I may even go for 35 lbs.

Jackie and Wiggins hosted a Halloween party this past weekend. They had their place decorated to the hilt and we had fun taking the kids trick or treating around their neighborhood. Other activities surrounding Halloween included going to see Dracula at the U of U Pioneer Theatre. Katie and one of her friends joined Linda and I to see this play. And the week prior to that, Jessica accompanied Linda and I to see Thriller, a dance program put on by a local dance company. We saw it last year, and it was soooo good, we returned this year. Jessica loved the dancing, as that is her forte.

Linda got me a new computer for my birthday - WOW! No more waiting around. The guy tried speeding up my old computer, but he said it was so old (256 K) that there wasn't much that could be done. And a new monitor and printer/fax/copier/scanner!!! When I learn how to work all this new stuff, I'll be up to date.

I saw an obituary in the paper for Edith Mathiesen (they lived right behind us on Hollywood Ave.). I attended the viewing and saw my old friend, Steve Mathiesen. I don't know if you remember him, but his dad, Axel had a basketball court put in their back yard (half court), and that's where we played basketball for years, right across the alley from our backyard. After seeing another childhood friend, Tom Smith at his Dad's funeral, we decided to all get together for some golf. In the old days, the 1960's, Mathiesen, who was one or two years older and could drive, would drive us up to Bonneville golf course where we lall earned to play golf. And we used to play over-the-line at the church baseball field down in the gulley a lot, as well as just hang out, play pool, go on camping trips, and all the normal guy stuff. And I was really shocked to see an obituary for an old friend, Wayne Leighman, in the paper last week. Linda and I picked up Bruce Baird and we all attended his wake. Wayne was in the original Cabin Classic golf group where we all get together for an annual golf outing with the guys. He was married to Jackie's Baird's close friend, Carolyn Davis who attended nursing school at Holy Cross with Jackie. In fact, before anyone got married, I dated Carolyn a few times.

Linda has really gotten into reading the series of books that are used for the HBO True Blood series. She's already on the 7th book of 8. We watched the first two seasons on CD and got hooked. And Linda recently got some new reading glasses, as this is about the only vision problem she has encountered after her cataract surgeries.

We voted this year by mail, and have signed up to do so every year in the future. It is really nice avoiding the lines and parking when you go down in person to vote. Today is the election, and I'm sure there is joyous celebration in several of your homes with the republican wave this year. But it will be a good reminder of the failures of the past that got us into the mess we're in. And things will swing back again, and all will be good.

Major car repair was needed on my little truck, and I almost went out and bought a new car. But then I decided 4 months of the new car payment would pay for the truck repairs…..I’m still driving the truck ):

Shelley joined me this week to attend Danny’s SIS meeting where the State of Utah DSPD rates him on his various life abilities. This is done every 3 years and is used to base the amount of funding they give Tri-Connections/TURN for Danny. It was an interesting meeting and came out OK. Danny recently had his hours at Fresh Market cut to 4 hrs per week (one day), so Shelley and I went over and met Danny’s boss, Rick, and discussed the situation. Bottom line, their business is down (they took over the Albertsons in Utah), the bagger budget has been cut, and Fresh Market just closed the location on Parkway in Orem/Provo, and two baggers were transferred to Danny’s store. Rick, the Front End Manager, was told to utilize the most productive baggers to still get the job done. Because Danny is the least productive bagger, his days were cut from two to one. They had already been cut a few months ago from 3 days to 2 days. Two other baggers were laid off. So I’m going to start a search in the next months on Fridays when I’m available for possible new employment for Danny…..or even volunteer work, such as the Bishops Storehouse (or warehouse). Derek, could you check into this for me? (Deon, if you would forward this to him – thanks). In fact, if any of you nephews/nieces in the Orem/Provo area could check possibilities for Danny, I would appreciate it. Danny seems to want to make a change, not necessarily from a baggers job, but from the location he is at. He let me and Shelley know he does not want to go bowling with RAH, as the noise level and crowds there are too much for him. I’m also going to contact RAH about other activities he might enroll in. They all cost.

And that's the news from the Days. Tom & Linda

November 2, 2010