Traces of Time . . . November 11-17, 2024

 TRACES OF TIME . . .                           {Last week: Scroll to end and click "Older Posts" at bottom right.} 

 "Time moves slowly, but passes quickly.                               The Color Purple” by Alice Walker, 1982

"The magical, supernatural force 

that is with us every second is time.

We can't even comprehend it.

 It's such an illusion, 

it's such a strange thing."

— Anthony Hopkins 

 Note from Eileen: You will notice I call                              

my blog: "Traces of Time..."

On this blog I share with family and friends my daily thoughts, doings, what interests me, and--at times--tributes to my eternal sweetheart, Walt, who graduated to heaven on 8-21-2020.

Dedicated to our seven children--Janie, Gary, Steve, David, Julie, Brian, Jen...

 ...their spouses-- Shawn, Julie, John, Jennifer, Jerry--our 39 grandchildren--9 spouses of G-C, and 7 great-grandchildren, with one on the way in December--for a posterity of 70.

Week of

November 11-17, 2024

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2024

Family is Everything….

     Sunrise: 7:01 a.m. 

    Sunset:  5:20 p.m.

Comparing it 4 days

later - Thursday:

Veterans' Day

My Dad -- Arnold Albertson --

{1912-1982}

served his country

during World War II

by building ships at the

Long Beach Ship Yards

1941-1945

 My Dad's brother -- my

Uncle Tom Albertson

in Navy in World War II

{1920-1999}

 My Mom's brother - my

Uncle David Huffaker

Pilot in World War II

{1918-1999}

My Mom's brother -- my

Uncle Don Huffaker

Marine - 1946-1949

1928-age 96 now

My husband -

Walter Ray Petersen

Coast Guard Surgeon

in 1964 on the

Coast Guard Cutter

The Chatauqua

{1934-2020}

Michael - Air Force

Daniel - Air Force

Kimble - Coast Guard

My Dad's Paternal Grandfather

Charles Albertson

In Civil War - Aug 1862-June 1865

{5 Apr 1845-15 Mar 1911}

On August 1, 1862, Charles volunteered as a soldier in the Union Army. He was enlisted in the 31st Iowa Infantry, Co. H., 8th Army Corp on September 15, 1862 in Davenport Iowa. At the time of enlistment he stated his age as 18 years old,; he was actually 17 years old. He was 5’11 1/4” tall, had brown eyes and dark hair (6). He was at the siege of Vicksburg, at Chattanooga, at Lookout Mountain (where he captured 5 rebel soldiers and marched them into camp (5) ),at Missionary Ridge and with Sherman on his march to the sea. He was wounded in his left leg at Arkansas Post. He was mustered out of the service about two months after Lee’s surrender,* receiving his discharge at Louisville, Kentucky. He reached home on July 4, 1865, and was paid off at Camp Heron in Davenport, Iowa (2).

[*The South's surrender in the Civil War, marked by General Robert E. Lee's surrender to Ulysses S. Grant, took place on April 9, 1865 at Appomattox Court House, Virginia. ]

 We honor all those who keep us free.

*** *** ***

*** *** *** *** *** *** ***
*** *** ***

Gary drove me to my

podiatrist appointment.

Brandon

Dr. Rogers...

Oakley

Kayla

*** *** *** ***  *** *** ***

THANKSGIVING pOINT

Garden of Gratitude

How Alan Ashton's side project to support his family produced an international company and a local landmark.

In the late 1970s, Karen and Alan Ashton were expecting their eighth child, and money was tight. Alan had a job as a computer-science professor at Brigham Young University, but Karen had to push his salary to its limits, devising ways to feed their growing family with a pound of hamburger. The couple brainstormed ways to cut corners on spending and supplement the family income, weighing whether Alan should take on consulting work. But then Alan remembered a dormant idea.

Alan and Karen Ashton channeled their generosity into a 55-acre garden and patronage of the arts.

In 1966, Alan had graduated from the University of Utah and begun his doctoral studies in the university’s brand-new computer-science department. He had submitted two options for projects to his professors: one centered on music, and the other on word processing. He received grant money for the former and went with that. But in their moment of financial crisis, Alan dusted off his word-processing idea and began to draft the designs for an invention that would fundamentally transform the way we write.

Early word processors had very clumsy features. Some required special computers in order to function. Others made users memorize a series of keystrokes for commands, and letters within words could be mistaken for commands. In one system, the mischievous letter “k” meant “kill” and would erase everything in a document.

Ashton set out to create simple and easy software that could run on a personal computer of any kind. He recruited a star student, Bruce Bastian, to help with design, and a secretarial pool from local government to road-test the product in realistic working conditions.

What emerged eventually became WordPerfect Corporation in 1982. WordPerfect software equipped writers with a host of useful tools. Ashton and his team aimed for “WYSIWYG” (what you see is what you get)—which means writers see words on a screen the same way the words display on paper. Text could be centered, italicized, and bolded; and, in later versions, font size and style, sophisticated graphics, and tables were possible. The program included a spellchecker, thesaurus, and word count. In 1986, it was the bestselling software application, and in 1987, Ashton left BYU to lead his company full-time.

Meanwhile the Ashton family kept growing, until the couple had eleven children (who have by now produced 64 grandchildren). Karen said she knew she was comfortable financially when she could buy anything she wanted at the grocery store.

By 1994, WordPerfect had more than 5,000 employees worldwide. That year, Ashton and Bastian sold the company to Novell, another Utah tech company. 

Giving thanks 

Alan says that giving thanks “is a wonderful way of quenching greed. It refines your character when you are truly grateful.” “It would be difficult for anyone to earn what has happened to us,” Karen adds. “We thank God for his generosity to us.”

As devout members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Ashtons kept in mind Brigham Young’s warning when the pioneers first entered their region: “The worst fear that I have about this people is that they will get rich in this country, forget God and his people…. My greater fear for them is that they cannot stand wealth.”

As the Ashtons’ finances improved, the couple vigilantly focused on family and faith to guard against the pitfalls of prosperity. Alan made it a priority to spend each evening with his family, even if that meant putting in extra time at odd hours for business calls and assignments. The Ashtons made a point of studying the Scriptures daily together, observing morning and evening family prayer, and taking Sunday as a day of rest without work. Karen committed to follow direction from her leaders and accept volunteer assignments: “Whenever they asked us to do something, we would do it immediately.”

Alan kept a monthly tally in his pocket planner of the money each of his children earned from allowances and chores. He would often sit and ask them how much they would like to contribute as a “fast offering,” an amount in addition to their 10 percent tithe. Early in their marriage, when the family struggled financially, Karen remembered hearing a leader ask members to consider giving as a fast offering over the cost of two skipped meals “much, much more—ten times more where we are in a position to do it.” Karen determined to follow this counsel even though it was difficult. She increased her offering until she felt a stretch—then the offering was a true sacrifice.

Giving thanks for the Ashtons took a distinct turn in 1993. Karen was serving on the general board of the Primary, an organization that provides religious education and activities for children 18 months to 12 years old. She would travel to congregations near and far to instruct teachers and children. On one of her visits, she noticed a plot of farmland in Lehi, Utah, south of Salt Lake City. The empty, undeveloped area along the old Pony Express route spoke to Karen as the right place for a public garden. 

After having her last child, Karen suffered from postpartum depression and found nature nurturing and healing. She felt better when she was outside, enjoying her colorful gardens at the end of the day. She pictured the undeveloped land as a garden where people who hurt could come and relieve their suffering.

After WordPerfect’s sale, Alan bought the plot of land Karen identified and gifted it to her. The Ashtons named the property Thanksgiving Point. In 2000, the gardens opened to the public with mature trees, blossoming flowers, manicured lawns, and one of the largest man-made waterfalls in the Western hemisphere.

Each spring, landscape artists import more than 250,000 tulips and 50,000 other floral bulbs from Holland and plant them in playful displays throughout the 55-acre gardens for a Tulip Festival.

Strolling couples and countless moms with children meander through botanical mazes, even a replica of the Secret Garden from the classic book.

Stemming from her love for children’s literature, Karen founded the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival as a fundraiser for the children’s library at her local public library, and she initially held the event in tents in her backyard. Now in its 31st year, the festival is held at Thanksgiving Point the week after Labor Day weekend and draws about 25,000 guests, along with esteemed authors and presenters, making it the largest storytelling festival in the western United States. 

Patrons of the arts 

Twenty years ago opera singer Angela Johnson left her singing career to become a sculptor whose work focuses on spiritual themes. Her Light of the World Garden features larger-than-life-size bronze sculptures of the miracles, parables, ministry, and sacrifice from the life of Jesus Christ.

In 2008, Johnson attended a women’s leadership conference held at the Ashtons’ cabin. When Karen learned that the artist hoped to find a place for her bronze statues, she was immediately interested. Johnson eventually completed 35 figures that comprise 15 scriptural scenes in a permanent exhibit at Thanksgiving Point {opened in Sep 2016}. Besides providing a home for these works, the Ashtons sponsored the bronze “Lazarus Come Forth.”

When aspiring artist Thomas Holdman returned from a two-year mission, he wanted to begin a career in stained glass. He did not gain entrance to his desired formal art program, so he began researching, bought tools, set up shop in his parents’ garage, and saved money to travel to Europe where the intricate designs of jewel-colored windows inspired him.

Holdman had attended high school with the Ashton daughters and struck up a friendship with their parents. As a result of their first meeting, Karen commissioned him to complete a stained-glass window around the theme “What e’er Thou Art, Act Well Thy Part,” a saying with particular importance in Alan’s family history. Since then, the Ashtons have commissioned Holdman to create art glass that embellishes religious and secular buildings. Eventually the artist moved his workshop into a 10,000-foot building at Thanksgiving Point and has now crafted glass for structures in all 50 states and in 30 countries. The largest work created here consists of more than 60,000 individual pieces of glass. He now employs 80 craftsmen. Richard Oman, founder of the Church International Art Competition, calls the Ashtons “modern-day Medicis” for their patronage of lasting art the public can enjoy.

With the boom in local tech development, the Ashtons’ landmark Thanksgiving Point has helped put formerly sleepy Lehi on the map and transformed the surrounding area. The attraction has grown to include not just the gardens, but a natural history and a dinosaur museum, a petting farm, a butterfly biosphere, and more.

Alan and Karen Ashton are dedicated donors to many other causes as well, from libraries and cultural attractions to mission work to humanitarian aid to local universities to a lead gift to Utah Valley Hospital’s capital campaign.

But to the Ashtons, their prosperity connects to the fast offering as described in the book of Isaiah—a sacrifice to the Lord followed by blessings: “And thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.”

More History...

Thanksgiving Point was founded in 1995 by Karen Jackman Ashton and Alan C. Ashton.^[5] Alan Ashton co-founded the software company WordPerfect with Bruce Bastian in Provo, Utah in 1979. In 1994, WordPerfect was sold to Utah-based Novell for nearly a billion dollars.^[6] After the sale, Alan purchased farmland in Lehi, Utah and gifted it to his wife Karen as a Valentine's Day gift on February 14, 1995. 

They planned to build a community garden and farm experience. The name for the project, Thanksgiving Point, was chosen to express gratitude.^[7] Thanksgiving Point Institute registered as a 501(c)(3) organization in 1997.

The first venue to open to the public in 1996 was Farm Country. Farm Country's exhibits demonstrate the origins of the food supply in a working farm environment.

In 1997,^[8] Thanksgiving Gardens (renamed Ashton Gardens in 2016)^[9] partially opened to the public for its first season. In 2000, the gardens fully opened as a flagship 55-acre experience dedicated to offering the community a reflective and peaceful place.^[10]

In 2000, the Museum of Ancient Life opened ^[11] with a travel-through-time dinosaur walk through a 30,000-square-foot venue.

The 45,000-square-foot Museum of Natural Curiosity opened in 2014.^[12] The family science museum offers four indoor galleries and a 3-acre garden gallery.

In 2019, Butterfly Biosphere opened as Utah's first insectarium. A 10,000 square foot USDA certified conservatory has a path through hundreds of exotic butterflies from around the world.^[13]

Ashton Gardens[edit]

The gardens opened to the public in 1997 as Thanksgiving Gardens. The master plan was developed with Salt Lake City landscape architect Leonard Grassli. The gardens cover approximately 55 acres and include 15 different themed gardens, including a replica of the garden described in Frances Hodgson Burnett's 1911 book The Secret Garden. 

Other themed garden rooms include a Monet pond, Rocky Mountain landscapes, and a rose garden growing 60 different varieties.

At the opening of the 2016 season, Thanksgiving Point renamed the gardens "Ashton Gardens" in honor of the contributions and vision of Alan and Karen Ashton and the Ashton Family Foundation.^[14]

Community horticulture courses are offered by Utah State University master gardener volunteers. Commonly offered courses include square foot gardening and perennial plant landscape design. Some gardens demonstrate water-wise gardening techniques and the irrigation and water features work as a vast water reclamation system.

Alan and Karen Ashton Honored as “Contemporary Pioneers”

Contributed By Casey Adams, Church News staff writer

• 23 February 2017

Alan and Karen Ashton accept the Pioneer in Leadership

 Award presented by the Brigham Young University

 Management Society during a gala held February 15,

 2017.  Photo by Glen Ricks, Glen Ricks Photography.

• re 

• Alan and Karen Ashton were honored with the annual Pioneer in Leadership Award.
• Brother and Sister Ashton founded Thanksgiving Point as a way to give back to the community.The Brigham Young University Management Society, Utah Valley Chapter, honored Alan C. and Karen J. Ashton during the 9th Annual Pioneer in Leadership Award Gala scholarship fundraiser held on February 15.

The award recognizes individuals who are “contemporary pioneers” in their communities, with past recipient that include President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, LaVell Edwards, Glenn Beck, Dr. Stephen R. Covey, and Bill and Donna Marriott, to name a few.

Brother Ashton cofounded the WordPerfect Corporation after serving as a professor of computer science at BYU for 14 years. In 1994, Novella Inc. acquired WordPerect. The next year, Brother and Sister Ashton founded in Lehi, Utah, Thanksgiving Point, a farm, garden, and museum complex with a restaurant, deli, gift shop, theaters, and other recreational features that appeal to families.

“We wanted to create something for the people around us,” Sister Ashton said. “We’ve been blessed financially and with a large family. We wanted to give something back to the community and the families in our area.”

Sister Ashton, a recipient of the Senator Arthur B. Watkins Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Cultural Arts, also is credited for establishing the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival, one of Thanksgiving Point’s most popular annual events.

The award sculpture was created by New Zealand artist Leroy Transfield and depicts two pioneers diligently pressing forward as they put their shoulders to the wheel of a wagon.

The artist wanted to depict “how the human spirit can overcome all obstacles through tenacity, hard work, teamwork, and great leadership, both individually and as a group,” according to the artist biography in the event program.

The BYU Management Society works to be of service to the community and provides scholarships for outstanding local students attending the BYU Marriott School of Business and the Utah Valley University Woodbury School of Business.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve, at left, visits with Pioneer in Leadership Award honoree Karen Ashton during the award gala presented by the Brigham Young University Management Society held February 15, 2017. Photo by Glen Ricks, Glen Ricks Photography.

     

  Our trip to Thanksgiving Point         Monday, Nov.11, 2024

Harvest Restaurant...

Thanks, Gary...

Waitress asked me how the

Chicken Pot Pie was. When I told

her that it wasn't so good, she

said the Chef had done a new

recipe. The one they used

to serve was better.

In fact, this was the

worst chicken pot

pie I have ever had.

Don't order it.

Lovely table decor...

Menu

Warm loaf of bread...

Gary and I liked

everything else...


Outside they were taking

down cornstalks to

put up Christmas

decorations.

TRee of life
...opened Oct 2024

Gary rendezvoused with

a friend, Corrine.

The 130 statues are

something everyone

should have a chance

to see at least once in

their lifetime!

Gathering Israel throughout...

Great and Spacious... 

...Building has some

scary creatures...

An app explains almost

every statue...

The Tree of Life...

...is life's goal.

We had a nice warm day

to do this amazing

tour.

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2024

Family is Everything

No Institute till

January 6, 2025

*** *** ***

Back on Oct 8--

Natalie, thank you for

cutting my hair today.

So 5 weeks ago today...

Hot chocolate hits the spot...

...on a chilly morning!

I am always happy to wear the Rose Stone that Walt got me in Argentina. He bought me a genuine gem stone in each country we served.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2024

Family is Everything…

This 

*** *** *** *** *** *** ***

 Lunch Bunch was 

cancelled today for

Julieta Toloza Lagman-Beloy 

Benson's funeral.

1929       Julieta    2024

Julieta B. Benson

December 24, 1929 — November 6, 2024

Saratoga Springs

Behind every journey is a story. Our story is intricately connected to our mother’s, a beautiful woman of faith, who is “the wind beneath [our] wings.”

Our beloved mother Julie peacefully crossed the veil at the age of 94 in Saratoga Springs, Utah, accompanied by heartfelt tributes and goodbyes from each of her 7 children.

Julie or “Nanay Julie” or “Aling Julie” was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother who touched the lives of everyone in her own special way. Julie’s life was marked by her unwavering dedication to her family, church, and community. She was beautiful, kind, courageous, highly intelligent, helpful, generous, resourceful, forgiving, and most of all, loving. Her gardening and cooking brought joy to many as she shared the bounty of her garden and her delicious dishes. 

At this tender moment, each one of us feels that a VERY big piece of our hearts is missing. And the little piece that is left is hurting SO badly. Nevertheless, our mom, a true believer who taught us to look up to the Savior in every thought, and to “doubt not, fear not,” is lending us the strength of her faith in the truth that families can be together forever. 

Julie is loved by her children Maria Elizabeth (Ernest Charles Bradley), Jenneth Victoria (Rene Doria), Judith Ann (Roland Arcansalin), Faith Lourdes (Gerry Bayona), M. Lelinneth (Nathan Novilla), Ruth Liberty B. Jones, Nolan Ronald Keith L. Beloy (Diane), grandchildren Maria Nina (Deejay Dellona), Jerenneth Lei Aloha (Tol Koim), Jillian Leilani (Yuya Ogawa), Rene Romney (Sherriza), Ronald Stephen (Auna), Russell James (Daniella), Julie Ann, Julia Jamie, Jan Mahana (Brian Capulong), Joelle Marie (Mahonri Penafiel), Jay Randall, Jannelle May (David Luna, Jr.), Louise Joy, Deborah May (Leonel Molina), Jerome Abraham (Amanda), Megan Marielle (Dan Thai), Michaela Anne, Lynneth Kirsten (Austin Dorman), Nathan Kenneth, Kristoffer Nolan, Kennith Nicholas, Dominique Danielle Therese, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, who will cherish the memories of the time spent with her. 

A viewing will be held on Monday and Tuesday, November 11 and 12, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Sundberg-Olpin Funeral Home, 495 S. State St, Orem, UT 84058). 

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, from 11:00 AM to12:30 PM at the Saratoga Springs chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 49 E. Centennial Blvd, Saratoga Springs, UT 84045, followed by the burial at the American Fork Cemetery, 26 W. 600 N. St, American Fork, UT 84003, the cemetery across from the Alpine School District Office.

Condolences for the family may be expressed on this page.

For those unable to attend the services, they will streamed starting at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 13th, via Facebook Live at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/sundbergolpinfuneralhome

 Great grandchildren sang a medley of primary songs.

Most of her  seven children spoke, plus the missionary who baptised her and her children in the Philippinesn in Aug 1975.

Her husband had died two years earlier

at age 43 when she was age 40.

She raised their 7 children as a widow.

They all got college degrees, and

most advanced degrees in

medicine, law, and on...

Children and grandchild sang 

"As I Have Loved You"

Bishop Cheney closed with a quote from Hugh Nibley

 Lunch Bunch gals...

Eileen, Kathie, Nadine,

MaryAnn, Sharon...

and Nadine's husband, Dean.

Ready for luncheon of

soups, salads, rolls...

...and cookies.

Sharon is a wonderful

compassionate leader over

these funeral luncheons.

It was a long, but

meaningful funeral.

Dean & Nadine...

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2024

Family is Everything…

Thank you to, Kathie, my

ministering sister, for driving

me to and from the funeral of

Julieta Toloza Lagman-Beloy Benson.

What we didn't know at this time:

My other ministering sister,

Jeanie Larsen, had fallen at

the beauty shop and had

fractured her R femur.

Jeanie had brought me a

"Get Well" bag of goodies

the week before when I'd had

that Mohs surgery on my scalp.

(Which, by the way,

 has healed very well.)

*** *** ***

Updates on Jeanie:

JEANIE LARSEN – Wed., NOV. 13, 2024 –

FELL AND BROKE THE FEMUR IN HER RIGHT LEG

Facebook post on Thursday, Nov. 14…by her daughter Stephanie.

Please keep my amazing mom in your prayers! She fell and broke her femur yesterday {Wed, Nov 13}. She's having surgery in just a couple hours. I was sooo touched at how all of the family went to the hospital to visit her as soon as they could after work. My dad and 3 of our boys gave her a blessing. I'm so very thankful for the power of the Priesthood and how it blesses our lives! We all love you mom! You're so strong and we know you can pull through this! Prayers for a quick and smooth recovery!

*** *** ***  

Jeanie Larsen x-ray of the broken femur.

With Steve in hospital...

IHC - Murray 

Steve and grandsons gave

Jeanie a Priesthood Blessing.

Jeanie with her two daughters...

Jeanie with granddaughter, and I think great-granddaughter...

...and several other grandchildren 

came to be with her...

Thursday, Nov. 15

Surgery

Faye's text:

She got out of surgery about 7:45 they didn't take her back until 6. She's in recovery.

Faye's text:

This is how it looks--the lower bandage is where the rod is secured and the upper are the bolts .  Fun fun .  They tried to get her up but she was ready to faint.

STEVE & JEANIE'S DAUGHTER, STEPHANIE'S  POST  - FRIDAY, NOV 15....

Visited mom and dad tonight at the hospital. Surgery went well. Recovery is going pretty good but her blood pressure is pretty low so she's too dizzy to get up and try to walk. She'll need to be able to do that before she can leave. So prayers for that!

I had dinner with her. The cafeteria had a yummy turkey Cranberry sandwich

Then I did her hair for her. Not too bad I would say so myself

Love you mom and dad! I enjoyed my visit!

 Steve Larsen comment:

Thanks for coming Stephanie and being mom’s hairdresser. The last time she was with a hairdresser didn’t turn out too well, not the hairdresser’s fault though. 

[It was at the hairdressers where Jeanie tripped and fell on Wed, Nov.13.]

Stephanie did her Mom's hair...

Faye Fackrell posted:

Pretty cute

Shauna Bilsborough Devenport

This is a testament to the kind of person Jeanie is What a nasty break! How did surgery go?

 Jeanie Burgener Larsen 

Shauna Bilsborough Devenport good.

*** *** ***

 My comments to her – Friday, Nov. 15, 2024

Eileen Petersen

Jeanie, you have been in my prayers, the Lunch Bunch prayers, and many others' prayers. You are famous --165 likes, and 82 comments on your fb page. It shows how loved and precious you are! And in tribute to your husband and other Priesthood holders in your family, they were ready at a moment's notice to give you a Priesthood Blessing.

*** *** ***

Jeanie's post: 

Jeanie Burgener Larsen 

Thank you my sweet friends! 

 It has been a few crazy days! Hopefully I'm on the mend.

Her daughter Stephanie's face book post on Sat., Nov 16:

 "Beautiful day at the temple today with Kam!                       And then we went to Rumbi for dinner and then to see mom and dad at the hospital

Mom had a much better day today! She was able to do physical therapy with the PT. She said it was painful but it gave her the hope that she needed today. Her blood pressure is still low so we're praying that it gets better and stays better so that she can go home Monday and not to a Rehab!

Thank you all so much for the thoughts, prayers, comments, messages it's meant so much and we know it's helping!"

Jeanie with Stephanie and her husband.

Jeanie with her grandson, Kam.

All Likes: 44 -- 7 comments

Angelina Raymond Lewis

Sending you love & healing prayers! 

Jeanie Burgener Larsen

Thank you all for your love, prayers and support! It means a lot! 

Joan E Birch

Continued prayers 

 Faye Fackrell

So happy you had a better day . It will be great when you get to come home.

Julie Edwards

Keep up the hard PT; it is so worth it later as you continue to heal. We are praying you can come home soon (it’s the best place, right??). Love you & your family so much Jeanie!!

 Julie Edwards

I saw Stephanie yesterday in the temple. They come in most Saturdays to have us print their cards. I’m enjoying serving there as Ron is a sealer at the same time on Saturdays. Certainly nice to see them!!

 Eileen Petersen

Jeanie, please know that the Lunch Bunch gals continue to pray for you to heal and be able to come home soon.

Jeanie's post:  Jeanie Burgener Larsen

Thank you all so much! I feel of your love 

*** *** ***...

That's all we know as of Sunday, Nov. 17.

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Wednesday November 13, 2024

Our movie night was moved 

to tomorrow night bc

Gary was invited by

friends to a Colonial Dance.

 

It will be The Classics....  {11}

Little Women - 1949 version

with June Allyson as Jo

Wednesday November 20, 2024

will be The Classics...  {12}

Little Women - 1994 version

with Winona Ryder as Jo...

 After the 1933 sound version came the 1949 Little Women, with June Allyson, Elizabeth Taylor, and Peter Lawford, the 1994 film Little Women, starring Winona Ryder, and the 2019 film Little Women, featuring Saoirse Ronan.

Wednesday November 27, 2024

will be

Happy Thanksgiving Eve

in Rexburg 

Wednesday December 4, 2024

will be The Classics...  {13}

 

a cHRISTMAS cAROL - 1938 VERSION

Reginald Owen as Scrooge

Wednesday December 11, 2024

will be The Classics...  {14}

a cHRISTMAS cAROL - 1984 VERSION

Geroge C. Scott as Scrooge

Wednesday December 18, 2024

will be The Classics...  {15}

a cHRISTMAS cAROL - 1999 VERSION

Sir Patrick Stewart as Scrooge

Wednesday December 25, 2024

will be

Christmas...

Merry Christmas in Rexburg

Wednesday JANUARY 1, 2025

will be 

Happy New Year

Wednesday JANUARY 8, 2025

movie night will resume....

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2024

                       Family is Everything…

A mid-week look at the 

weather forecast...

Jayden did my home health

physical therapy today.

She just has one more

time to come.

A nice November day...

Olivia posted this

on face book today...

Olivia with Jennifer, her Mom.

Jenn & Brian were

 here last weekend from

Tennessee.

She has been married to 

our son Brian for 6 years now.

*** *** *** *** ***

This is part of another

post I saw on facebook.

Don't know the author.

                       

                                                            Happy Life =

Breakfast like a KING,

Lunch like a Prince &

Dinner like a pauper.

Live with the 3 E's--

Energy,

Enthusiasm &

Empathy.

Play good games.

Read more books than 

                       you did in 2023.

Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes 

            each day.

Sleep for 7 hours.

Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily 

And while you walk... Smile.

Don't over do. Keep your limits.

Don't take yourself so seriously. 

          No one else does.

Don't waste your precious 

           energy on gossip.

Dream more while you are awake.

Envy is a waste of time. 

You already have all you need.

*** *** *** *** *** *** ***

Movie night tonight

with Gary... 

 The Classics....  {11}

Little Women - 1949 version

with June Allyson as Jo

Movie night tonight

with Gary... 

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2024

                 

Family is Everything…

  

Today 

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.” ( A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens)

[A Tale of Two Cities, novel by Charles Dickens, published both serially and in book form in 1859. The story is set in the late 18th century against the background of the French Revolution.]

Life is never entirely one thing; joy and sorrow, wisdom and folly, hope and despair often walk side by side, mingling in ways that feel both perplexing and profound.

It’s in the brightest seasons of light that shadows may linger, and in the darkest hours, there often blooms an unexpected hope, a whisper of possibility.

We live in an age of rapid knowledge and reckless decisions, where belief in progress coexists with doubt and disillusionment. In every era, every person experiences their own “spring of hope” and “winter of despair,” a constant dance between triumph and trial. Yet it is precisely this blend of contrasts that gives depth to life, urging us to find beauty in the contradictions, strength in the struggles, and wisdom in the lessons both light and darkness bring.

 *** *** ***

In honor of...

...the Pilgrims

And it has begun…in honor of 404 years 

since the Pilgrims’ 

first Christmas in America 

after the Mayflower landed 

at Plymouth Rock Dec. 16, 1620...

My Christmas tree is

going up early this year...

Thanks, Jackson and

Julie for doing this.

*** *** ***

Special super

full beaver moon 

tonight...

Nov. 15

November's Full Beaver Moon will rise on Friday (Nov. 15), just in time for those willing to stay up late for some weekend skywatching. The moment of full moon occurs at 4:28 p.m. EST on Friday  [6:28 p.m. here], but the moon will appear full for most observers for a day or two prior to the moment of exact fullness.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2024

  

                    Family is Everything…

  I just saw

BYU COUGARS vs KANSAS JAYHAWKS 

KICKOFF 8:15 

LAVELL EDWARDS STADIUM

NO. 6 BYU FAVORED BY 

ONLY 2 1/2 POINTS.

...and we lost,  13-17breaking the 9-game 

winning streak. 

No joy in Mudville tonight.    

SUNDAY, November 17, 2024

                     

Family is Everything…

Saratoga Springs 3rd Ward

The speakers today were 

Kylee Ballantyne and

Stuart Harper.

The 17-member Ward Choir...

sang a Thanksgiving medley...

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Stuart grew up in South Africa and

has a charming British accent.

Stuart Harper spoke about

"The Word Which Healeth 

     

     the Wounded Soul."

We appreciate... 

 Gospel Doctrine Class taught

by Camie Williams

We

We

We

We

President Nelson is preparing us...

for the Second Coming of the Savior.

 

 We gather each Sunday to become

closer to the Savior.

We can find peace in the Savior when 

we are on or near stormy seas.

Painting by Camie Williams

Today we learned more about

the Savior's love for us.

 Camie asked Julie to share 

her journey back to activity 

in Church... 

...after several years 

being less active.

Camie taught and 

Stuart spoke by

the Spirit today...

...about the Savior's compassion 

and love for each one.

Thank you for bringing us 

closer to the Savior.

        

I didn't get a photo of many

class members today...

Sunday afternoon...

Another delicious Sunday

Roast Beef Dinner...

Remembering our three years

serving in the new San Salvador

El Salvador Temple

as Temple President

and Temple Matron...

July 2011-Nov 2014

** *I am so thankful for The Plan of Salvation and the Atonement of  Jesus Christ that makes this

 Great Plan operational.

At the end of this 

November 17th,

I pray you have had a                           restful , peaceful, and                     spiritual Sabbath Day...

I share these truths as                                my testimony to you...

Heavenly Father lives and knows us each by name. He loves us and wants us to return to Him and Heavenly Mother when we leave this mortal existence.  He loves us just as we are at this very moment.

Daily Scripture: Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord. - Psalm 150:6

Daily Quote: I think the Latter-day Saints have a great obligation pressing in upon them to rejoice in the Lord, to praise him for his goodness and grace, to ponder his eternal truths in their hearts, and to set their hearts on righteousness. - Bruce R. McConkie

*** *** ***

Jesus Christ came to earth as The Only Begotten of the Father and fulfilled the Atonement. He is the Redeemer of all. 

*** *** ***

*** *** ***

I am thankful for the guidance of the Holy Ghost as the third member of the Godhead. 

Walt said to me once: "I look forward to thanking the Holy Ghost in person when I get to Heaven. I don't think we give Him enough credit for all He does."

Daily Scripture: And blessed are all they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost. - 3 Nephi 12:6

Daily Quote: We have been promised the constant companionship of the third member of the Godhead and hence the privilege of receiving revelation for our own lives. - Sheri L. Dew

***  *** *** *** ***

Joseph Smith was foreordained to be the Prophet of the Restoration.  He is the Restorer of all things.

*** *** ***

President Russell M. Nelson is the Living Prophet today for all the world. 

*** *** ***

The Bible is "the Word of God as far as it is translated correctly" and is a Testament of the Divinity of Jesus Christ.

*** *** ***

The Book of Mormon is the Word of God and is Another Testament of Jesus Christ. It is the most correct book of any book on earth.

*** *** ***

Daily Scripture: This life became a probationary state; a time to prepare to meet God; a time to prepare for that endless state which has been spoken of by us, which is after the resurrection of the dead. - Alma 12:24

Daily Quote: I invite you to diligently learn about and appreciate the eternal importance of temple covenants, temple ordinances, and temple worship as you strive to come unto the Savior. - David A. Bednar

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the True Church on the earth today.  Because of the restored Temple Ordinances families can be sealed for eternity.

*** *** ***

Of these truths I testify in the Name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Eileen Petersen

November 17, 2024

Next week November 18-24, 2024

November 2024 — Sun in City of Saratoga Springs

Sunrise/Sunset

4						7:01 am ↑ (110°)	5:20 pm ↑ (250°)
11			7:09 am ↑ (113°)			5:13 pm ↑ (247°)
18		7:17 am ↑ (115°)		5:07 pm ↑ (245°)
25	7:25 am ↑ (117°)		5:03 pm ↑ (243°)

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TRACES OF TIME . . .                           {Last week: Scroll to end and click "Older Posts" at bottom right.} 

 "Time moves slowly, but passes quickly.                               The Color Purple” by Alice Walker, 1982

"The magical, supernatural force 

that is with us every second is time.

We can't even comprehend it.

 It's such an illusion, 

it's such a strange thing."

— Anthony Hopkins 

 Note from Eileen: You will notice I call                              

my blog: "Traces of Time..."

On this blog I share with family and friends my daily thoughts, doings, what interests me, and--at times--tributes to my eternal sweetheart, Walt, who graduated to heaven on 8-21-2020.

Dedicated to our seven children--Janie, Gary, Steve, David, Julie, Brian, Jen...

 ...their spouses-- Shawn, Julie, John, Jennifer, Jerry--our 39 grandchildren--10 spouses of G-C, and 7 great-grandchildren, with one on the way in December--for a posterity of 69.

Week of

November 18-24, 2024

MONDAY, NONRMBER 18, 2024

Family is Everything….

MONDAY, NOV 8, 2024 – STEPHANIE’S POST 10:15pm       Thank you everyone for your prayers!! Mom was able to come home today! I'm so proud of her for doing what she needed to do to come home! It was hard but hopefully worth it!! Its all uphill from here!

We enjoyed eating dinner with her and visiting my little brother who came to visit for a couple days

Son came from California to visit.

So happy for Jeannie to be home. 

"There's no place like home."

*** *** ***

*** *** ***

     Sunrise: 7:17 a.m. 

    Sunset:  5:07p.m.

General Conference...reminder:

*** *** ***

*** *** *** *** *** *** ***
*** *** ***

*** *** ***

 

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2024

Family is Everything

No Institute till

January 6, 2025

*** *** ***

Happy Birthday,

Isaac  “19”

November 19, 2024

19 on Nov 19 = Your Golden Birthday!

Birthday greeting attached below.

Love,  Grama Petersen

  …and Grampa Petersen from heaven

 *** *** ***

*** *** ***

Attendance at sacrament meetings adds oil to our lamps, drop by drop over the years. Fasting, family prayer, home teaching, control of bodily appetites, preaching the gospel, studying the scriptures —each act of dedication and obedience is a drop added to our store.   –President Spencer W. Kimball

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2024

Family is Everything…

Lunch Bunch was at Sabaidee

*** *** *** *** ***

*** *** *** *** *** *** ***

Wednesday November 20, 2024

will be The Classics...  {12}

Little Women - 1994 version

with Winona Ryder as Jo

 . After this 1933 sound version came the 1949 Little Women, with June Allyson, Elizabeth Taylor, and Peter Lawford, the 1994 film Little Women, starring Winona Ryder, and the 2019 film Little Women, featuring Saoirse Ronan.

Wednesday November 27, 2024

will be

Happy Thanksgiving Eve

in Rexburg 

Wednesday December 4, 2024

will be The Classics...  {13}

 

a cHRISTMAS cAROL - 1938 VERSION

Reginald Owen as Scrooge

Wednesday December 11, 2024

will be The Classics...  {14}

a cHRISTMAS cAROL - 1984 VERSION

Geroge C. Scott as Scrooge

Wednesday December 18, 2024

will be The Classics...  {15}

a cHRISTMAS cAROL - 1999 VERSION

Sir Patrick Stewart as Scrooge

Wednesday December 25, 2024

will be

Christmas...

Merry Christmas in Rexburg

Wednesday JANUARY 1, 2025

will be 

Happy New Year

Wednesday JANUARY 8, 2025

movie night will resume....

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2024

                       Family is Everything…

                        

                                                            Happy

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2024

                 

Family is Everything…

  

Today 

Jackson performing on the

UVU Ballroom Team

*** *** ***

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2024

  

                    Family is Everything…

  I just saw

SUNDAY, November 24, 2024

                     

Family is Everything…

Saratoga Springs 3rd Ward

Primary Program

** *I am so thankful for The Plan of Salvation and the Atonement of  Jesus Christ that makes this

 Great Plan operational.

At the end of this 

November 24th,

I pray you have had a                           restful , peaceful, and spiritual     Sabbath Day...

I share these truths as                                my testimony to you...

Heavenly Father lives and knows us each by name. He loves us and wants us to return to Him and Heavenly Mother when we leave this mortal existence.  He loves us just as we are at this very moment.

Daily Scripture: Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord. - Psalm 150:6

Daily Quote: I think the Latter-day Saints have a great obligation pressing in upon them to rejoice in the Lord, to praise him for his goodness and grace, to ponder his eternal truths in their hearts, and to set their hearts on righteousness. - Bruce R. McConkie

*** *** ***

Jesus Christ came to earth as The Only Begotten of the Father and fulfilled the Atonement. He is the Redeemer of all. 

*** *** ***

*** *** ***

I am thankful for the guidance of the Holy Ghost as the third member of the Godhead. 

Walt said to me once: "I look forward to thanking the Holy Ghost in person when I get to Heaven. I don't think we give Him enough credit for all He does."

Daily Scripture: And blessed are all they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost. - 3 Nephi 12:6

Daily Quote: We have been promised the constant companionship of the third member of the Godhead and hence the privilege of receiving revelation for our own lives. - Sheri L. Dew

***  *** *** *** ***

Joseph Smith was foreordained to be the Prophet of the Restoration.  He is the Restorer of all things.

*** *** ***

President Russell M. Nelson is the Living Prophet today for all the world. 

*** *** ***

The Bible is "the Word of God as far as it is translated correctly" and is a Testament of the Divinity of Jesus Christ.

*** *** ***

The Book of Mormon is the Word of God and is Another Testament of Jesus Christ. It is the most correct book of any book on earth.

*** *** ***

Daily Scripture: This life became a probationary state; a time to prepare to meet God; a time to prepare for that endless state which has been spoken of by us, which is after the resurrection of the dead. - Alma 12:24

Daily Quote: I invite you to diligently learn about and appreciate the eternal importance of temple covenants, temple ordinances, and temple worship as you strive to come unto the Savior. - David A. Bednar

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the True Church on the earth today.  Because of the restored Temple Ordinances families can be sealed for eternity.

*** *** ***

Of these truths I testify in the Name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Eileen Petersen

November 24, 2024

Next week November 25-

December 1, 2024

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