The Closing Of A Era

Saturday, July 25, 2009 was the day Effie Louise McKea took her last breath. She just went 'home' while sleeping. She was 26 days short of her 103 birthday!! She never dreamed she'd live so long; she's the last of 11 children - and not the youngest. What an elect lady she was! She was a perfect grandma; sleepovers at her house often meant breakfast in bed! There were' jewels' to play with, little knickknacks to wash, a coin purse filled with a bill and some change for a "shopping spree" downtown. What a generous soul. She always paid her tithing on her very modest retirement, adding a dollar or two for missionary work and a dollar or two for the Book of Mormon drive during President Benson's time of service. She helped our children have a little' seed' for college and a modest gift came to help with wedding expenses. She has faithfully read her scriptures and the hymn book until her eyesight failed. She has earned her crown. Heaven is a more cheerful place with her there!!

Now In Style!

As of Pioneer Day I am the somewhat tentative owner of a new cell phone! I can't believe that I finally slipped into communication fashion; I have truly resisted for years! I think I am loving my phone, however. I have a bit to learn, but I can add contacts, send messages, take pictures, adjust the ring tone and place a call. Can you believe it??

We had a pleasant July 24th by taking Subway Sandwiches to the Draper Park and watching Mike and Katie's children play. John, Mike and the little ones played a game of "kerplunk" (here it's called Bocce'), which Matty at age 2+ won! Easy, restful and pleasant company.

I honor those early pioneers; Sher, Jeff and Greg, Nick and Jason have a new appreciation for them by having survived a Stake-sponsored Trek. Great going, everybody!! :-)

Happy Fourth of July!

Well, we had two dozen wonderful family members (if you count all of the in-laws and out-laws) for a potluck picnic. I just cannot believe we are so blessed to have such nice folks to call family.

Sherry made two batches of home-made ice cream - vanilla, my request and mint chocolate chip...everyone's favorite. Not much of it left. We had steak and salmon (no burgers!) and a couple of hotdogs for the little ones. Lots of yummy potluck treats and a great fireworks show after dark.

Kids (young and younger) had a basketball contest - lots of smiles and one injury. Mike did a number on his right ankle. Hope it heals well; he injured it in high school, too. Since he has to walk a lot on the job, he was told to take a few days off to heal. Kids and Katie love having him around. He's lots of fun to be around. No dull moments with him.