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Joy Fields (Wardleigh)

I just got home from taking my sister to the airport.  This has been a completely fantastic, exhausting, and memorable month.  Nadine, came in on the 2nd and went the next day up to Santa Rosa to see "Kut ups".  It was a wonderful variety show put on by senior citizens rangeing from 50-86.  In the next few days we went to Costco an Sam's club, buying all the necessary thigs we needed for the Family Reunion.  I have never spent so much at one time on just food and supplies.   The weekend before the Reunion we went to see my daughter, Brenda who had a leading roll in "All Shook Up".  It was a high energy show based on Elvis Presley's music .  One of her solo's was "A Devil in Disguise". Then up to Placerville for the 2016 reunion.  Since it has been seven years, we spent a lot of time just getting to know the new family members. Some facts about the reunion are listed below. 

GLAD’S KIDS

 A Little Reunion Trivia

         July 11, 12, 13, were the days scheduled for the Reunion. 

•  One group went gold panning right in my brother's stream. 

• Monday there were 61 people in attendance.Tuesday there were 50. And Wednesday there were 34.

• The age range was Milton, 81 years and Faith 1 year old, unless we count Alexander who will be born in the fall.

• The married couples ranged from just over 1 year, John and Mikala to Jeanine and Milton who just celebrated 60 years.

• The farthest distance traveled was the Harlan’s from Illinois.The nearest were Brent, Jo, Tim, and Serena that live right there on the property.

• There were 15 white water rafters. (adventure level)

• High temperature was 105 degrees.

• Among the attendees there were 2 Milton’s, 2 Sarah’s, 2 Tim’s, 3 David’s, 2 Debbie’s,2 Matthew’s, 2 John’s, and 2 Mike’s.

• We had family from Illinois, Arazona, Utah, Southern California and Northern California.

• We had excellent performers encluding a cloging performance, original song written and sung by one of the neices, and, my two sisters and I sang "Sisters Sisters" from White Christmas.

• Of course there were smores around the campfire, and many daily crafts, games, and adventures.  The Funny Money "White Elephant Auction" was one of the highlites.We had our last formal meal at the "Waterfall Buffet" in the Red Hawk Cassino, where we had a room reserved.  It took a whole year to make all the plans and prepare for the event, and it was worth all of the work involved.  FAMILIES CAN BE FOREVER. 

Joy Fields (Wardleigh)

Dan, I am sure we won't NEED to eat, however we will do it for the enjoyment.  AND I know there is the food you mentioned, plus popcorn too. 

My house is like a big construction zone.  The  floor is being prepared as I sit here.  It's kind of wierd to me that the floor is being replaced BEFORE the valve that broke and caused all the damage is replaced.  It is only taking 4 -5 different business's to get back to normal.  I am just glad that I only have to pay the deductible on the home owners insurance.  I now have all the bathroom fixtures in my bedroom until tomorrow.  It is amazing what a little bit of water can do to destroy things. 

All my life before I was married, my Dad took care of all repairs, after I got married, it was my husband who took care of what ever needed to be done.  NOW; it's either my Home Teacher or I have to hire professionals.  At least I can change a light bulb by myself.  (If I can reach it).  I don't do ladders anymore. 

So all of you have a great day and Count your many blessings. JOY

Joy Fields (Wardleigh)

The water intake valve had a slow leak which wasn't noticed until the whole floor was like a wet sponge.  It was a $10.00 part that ended costing $1000.00 plus how ever much the plumer cost that isn't covered by the HO insurance. 

Oh I forgot to mention that we will probably still have clocks in Heaven.  The just won't run.  It will always be the same time.  We will pace ourselves by the spirit.  whadayathink???

Joy Fields (Wardleigh)

Well Dan, as I sit here waiting for the contractor to finish installing the new floor, I am inclined to respond to your last entry.  My sister, who is now a Catholic and I were talking about some of the very issues that you mentioned.  She too doesn't believe that God would (as you said) talk to himself.  She still believes that the Godhead is definitely made up of three different personages.  She didn't buy into the belief's of her new affiliation. 

Regarding the Amish, and the Mennonite sects, while on my Mission to Iowa eleven years ago.  I became acquainted with some of their teachings and values.  My Bishop, while there had a beautiful home built by the Amish.  While building his house and several others, they did in fact, use all kinds of modern tools, and power equipment.  Is that a double standard, I ask?  They also ride in cars and trucks, but don't drive them.  Hmm?  One day while visiting member families out in the country, I noticed the Amish men plowing their field with a horse drawn plow.  Across the road there was a farmer plowing his fields with a $200.00 John Dere tractor and plow.  Quite an interesting sight to see.

I agree that we have been given a gift of intellegance in order to use the modern technology to cure our illnesses.  We will have eternal progression.  I for one am so grateful for that knowledge, if not where would I be in eternity???

In our 13 Articles of Faith, it says "We believe the Bible to be true as far as it is translated correctly".  In other words there are mistakes in translating.  I also know that we are supposed to question.  That is how we learn.  We are NOT to just take everything on blind faith. 

Now for the last comment.  I am a Ward Missionary, have been a Stake Missionary, Fulltime Missionary and a Ward Missionary when I lived in Elk Grove.  I have been a member of the church all my life. I attende Seminary and Institute while in college. So, last Sunday when I was in the Gospel Esentials class as a Missionary, the lesson was on Chastity.  The teacher was talking about Adam and Eve, and the fact that they were not phisically equipped to procreate before she ate the forbidden fruit.  He said there was a physical change after the fall.  I have always been taught that they were inocent and didn't have the knowledge or desire to do what it takes to multiply and replenish the earth.  I have talked to several people who agree with me that it was a spiritual condition and not physical.    JOY

Joy Fields (Wardleigh)

Oh my word, the 3 contractors are here reinstalling the vanity in the bathroom.  It only took one to disconnect everything and remove it for the flooring man.They have been here for over two hours and they seem to be having problems.  They haven't even began to put the toilet back.  They might be here all day.  Oh well, what do I have to do that is so important?  I have been reading some of the class mates profiles.  Some of them are quite interesting.  I am amazed at the achievements of a bunch of kids from Ben Lomond High School.  Some of you don't say much (or anything at all) but I would bet you have interesting lives too. 

I was talking to my son yesterday about his career move.  He has transferred from active  duty to being a reservest.  He will retire in about four years.  He was also just hired by the city of El Paso TX to do what he loves, which is a mechanic.  He will graduate from desil mechanic school in October.  His son is also in the Army reserves, (just out of high school) and will be going to Virginia next for additional training. 

I guess while I wait I could go dust the furniture again.  Or maybe, wash the windows, or something like that.  I have to stay home until they get the job done.  HMMM?  What to do???  I know; I'll clean the oven. NOT!  It's self cleaning anyway.   YIPPIE!

Joy Fields (Wardleigh)

OK! Here's my response, yes I agree with most of it, and was not in schock.  However, I am fed up with the postal service sending me my neighbors mail, Lowes for sending me a bill when I paid it in full on June 24th, Chase bank (Amazon) for the late charge on merchandise that hasn't been delivered yet, (ordered on July 22) the people who dried out my flooded bathroom and never got me my copies of the contract, or the flooring installer who missed about a 2 inch place in the base board.  other than all that ____ I had a lovely day with my son-in-law going out to lunch and to costco to get him movie tickets so they could have a date night tonight.  He also pruned the neighbors tree that hangs over into my yard and cleaned it all up.  GREAT DAY!   I am going to go watch the opening ceremonies of the Olympics right now.  Man, I feel better........ JOY

Joy Fields (Wardleigh)

Well, maybe you are right on the clock subject too.  I just don't like being controlled by a clock that tells me when to get up, when to get hungary, when to go to bed and all the other things that clocks tell us.  I understand to have order we must have a clock that tells when to go to church, work, school, and all those everyday tasks.  Now that I am retired I only know what day and time it is when I look on the computer, and it tells me when to go to church, the Dr. or out to lunch with family or friends.  SO I guess we will still be controlled by the necessary evil of CLOCKS.  Actually the clock tells me it's time to go to bed right now, but will I pay attention? NO!  I will probably be up another couple of hours.  After all the only thing I must do tomorrow is to water my lawn and garden before 10:00 A.M. There ya go, another clock telling me what to do and when to do it...... HA!  HUGS, JOY

Joy Fields (Wardleigh)

Yes; you are right.

Janet Harris (Eller)

I do read all the messages and only occasionally add one.  Dan and Joy:  thanks for your BD wishes and for the lively discussions.  I confess to just being lazy.  I did attend USU because of Miss Neal's great mentoring.  I majored in English and in my writing class - on every paper - the comment from the professor was "could be developed".  Because it was so easy and fast to do all the work in my head, but so much effort to explain it all to anyone else that I usually just wrote the conclusion.  Finally, on one assignment, I wrote two papers: one the way my professor wanted it done - developing the entire process - and one the way I preferred to write:  just the "conclusion".  I got an "A" on one and a "C" on the other with a "could be developed" note.  By the way, I got an "A" for a final grade.  

As to the life after death idea, I have read a lot and listened to a lot of other people with different viewpoints.  I find it all interesting; but I have come to the conclusion (not final and still evolving) that NO ONE really knows - not even the Mormons who seem to think we have all the "truth" - that we have a pipeline to "God".  It's fun to speculate and I think if we all described what life after death (assuming you even believe that there is life after death) would be like, they would all be different.  

After over 40 years as a Mormon (aged 8 to 45) - not just in name, but in "walking the walk", I now believe that the Mormon Church,  just like every other earthly organization which calls itself a church, is a man-made organization.  Further, I believe that God did not create man; but that man created God (or gods).  I think that "god" is not a person but a concept.   "God" is a way of explaining the mysteries of what we do not understand.  "God"  is a way of comforting us when we are afraid or hurt or sorrowful.  "God" is a way for some men to give themselves power or influence over others.  "God" the concept has been used sometimes for good and sometimes for evil.  

Since the Mormon Church for much of its history was essentially a theocracy, some Mormons don't really make a distinction between what is THEOLOGY  or doctrine and what is simply cultural practice since they have had little close association with other cultures.  Also if you have been raised to believe that Mormonism is "the only true church" and must testify to that over and over in order to stay within the culture, it is not likely that many members are going to be maverick enouch to question that and certainly not bold enough to put it down in writing on this web site.  So, Dan, there you have my thoughts in more detail than I usually bother with.  I say of myself that I question everything and everyone, including "God"  and you can see how far that went.  

The life style and values and skills I learned by being active in the Church are still with me and I have no quarrel with the Church.  It is a positve force in the lives of many.  The Mormon Church, however, does not have a monopoly on positive values.  I am curious about what will happen after I die, willing to be accountable for my actions here in this life.   Wow - see what you started Dan Hutchinson?     Janet

Joy Fields (Wardleigh)

Janet, I just read your entry, and I am grateful that you spoke your true feelings, however I must say that I  disagree with many of your belief's.  I was raised  through the back door of religion.  It was a taboo subject in my home, because my Mother was less active, or in reality non-active, and my Dad was a non-member with a huge chip on his shoulder about the Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints.  As you know when we have something in our life that we embrace, we naturally want to share it with those we love.  Well my Dad got so sick of friends and family "pushing it on him" that it worked the opposite in his life, and  so it wasn't part of my early years.  We were sent to Church and Primary, but never had family support.  When we were in high school I went to Seminary all three years.  One day we had a testimony meeting on the lawn of the Seminary building.  I began to notice that their were only a few who hadn't shared their testimony.  I didn't want to be the only one who didn't share, but I didn't know if what we had been taught was true.  I said that I hoped it was true and that I hoped that some day I could know for myself.  Well; today I definitely say I know there is a God who loves us, and Jesus Christ is our Savior.  I know there is good in all churches, and I respect your's and everyone's right to worship (or not) however you want.  I have one sister who is Catholic, and a brother who is a Russian Orthodox Priest.  I love them both.  I also have a brother and sister who are Mormons. 

I was thrilled to serve a mission in Iowa 2004-5 and am so grateful for that blessing.  I was able to meet many wonderful people who do  not agree with the principles that are taught in my church.  The only thing I can do is be your's and their friend and wish you all well.  JOY

Janet Harris (Eller)

As I look at it, we are all on this fascinating journey through life.  I do realize that I am probably more thoughtful than most people.  Yes, I have read the Bible as most of us have.  I have also read innumerable other books both fiction and nonfiction about the ideas we're discussing.  One I really think anyone interested should read is "The High Mountains of Portugal" by Yann Martel.  It is such fine writing - contains so much deep thought and wisdom about this fascinating journey we're on.  Such things don't grab everyone's attention, I know.

Ruth Young (Adams)

​ Well folks,  I do not have the way with words like you do but I will add my 2 cents.  Janet...I do happen to feel the way you have expressed.  It has taken many years to come to this conclusion.   In the final results...as long as we do our best ...it's all good.   Also the church was a Wonderful way to grow up and to raise my family.   All my love to all my classmates!!!

Charlotte Stone

Ruth and Janet after years of reading, studying and "questioning everything",  I have come to a similar way of thinking. I do know "questioning everything" is positive and necessary step to develop, mature and become a fully functioning human being.  The process is difficult, enjoyable, wonderful, and enlightening  The on-going process is necessary to unlearn, change, learn, develop, analyze and synthesize. It is in "no way" a negative process. I cherish my freedom, independence, being open minded, grounded and easy going. I remain very thankful for great teachers like Miss Neal and a former philosophy professor at WSU,  Dr. Carl Jennings.....  And on the other hand, a Mound Fort algebra teacher in the 8th or 9th grade told my parents, "If Charotte would quit asking questions, he would give me a passing grade." 

Joy Fields (Wardleigh)

This is so fascinating to read.  It started out with Dan and I, light heartedly talking about food and clocks in the life after death, and it has evolved into a very interesting discussion about our deepest awareness of each other's beliefs.  I too have spent much time questioning, and I know we should not just accept without questioning.  We don't always come to the same conclusions, however, in order to have peace in our life, we need to choose, what we know to be correct, and live with our decision, making no apologies for our choices.  I personally choose to live according to the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  Love Ya, JOY

Janet Harris (Eller)

Just so you all know, Ruth Ann, Sandra Bramwell and Leona Sully (deceased) and I were in Primary class together - Bluebirds, Seagulls, Larks.   LynnTaylor must have also been in our ward, but I don't remember.  We attended church in what is now a bank (I believe) at the point between North Washington Blvd. and Harrisville Rd. - called Five Points.  

Charlotte, I think I may have had the same teacher.  His name, I think, started with "N".  Anyway, he was young and handsome; and very uncharacteristically, all I could do in his class is giggle.  As a result, he gave me an "N" in citizenship.  I think now that it must have been that I was going through puberty and didn't know how to respond to so young and handsome a male.  To this day, I am ABSOLUTELY, HORRIBLY BAFFLED BY MATH.

Dan, as to the Bible:  I look at it as a rare, valuable, historical picture of early civilization.  As time goes on, much more of this information is coming to light.  I am fascinated by it and read a lot.  I don't regard it as "revealed truth" or "scripture".  If you read it carefully (especially the Old Testament) it impresses one more as an intriguing glimpse into a prehistoric culture.  I've taken a few other classes and read books that do the same thing with civilizations other than the one described in the Old Testament.  The same is true of the New Testament.  Archealogical finds have revealed other "testaments" to Jesus - many more besides the four included in our scriptures.  They are fascinating.  I've also studied the history of how "Christianity" as a religion developed over the centuries.  One winter I read the diaries a pope from the 1500's. very interesting.    

Gotta go - doing a 2 hour shift at the food shelf.  Our local Elders also do a shift there, not on the same night but some time I will try to get assigned so I can work with them.  

Tod Maltby

Hear, Hear, Janet! Excellent posts! My thinking has evolved along somewhat similar line.

I believe Heaven and/or Hell is right here on Earth and we are responsible to determine which. Hmmm, not doing so good are we!

Joy Fields (Wardleigh)

Since we have been having a more serious discussion, I have been thinking about life and just what is important.  In "City Slickers" Curly said there is only one thing that matters.  For him and others maybe that's right.  For me, there are four things that matter.  The first being God. Second. family, next is my health, and after that my daily responsibilities.

In my world, God comes first, because God is the beginning and the end of all that matters.  This is why I choose to be an active member of my church.  I only miss when I am sick and not able to attend. Furthermore, God wants us to embrace our family.

When I say family, that includes friends.  I have found that I can count on family when I am in need or just want to be with them.  Friends come and go, moreover, they occasionally come back into my life. Just yesterday, I received a phone call from a dear friend that I haven't heard from in twenty-six years.  She found me through the grapevine of email.  Some of  you were out of my life for over five decades and now we have this fantastic web-site..   In my deepest pits of despair, it was family and a few special friends that saw me through the dark days of a marriage of twenty-nine years come crashing down.  When I had no idea of what to do and where to turn, it wad God, family and friends that helped me move on to a excting and fulfilling life.  They were supportive in every way, and as I healed they were there to celebrate my progress. 

As we age we have health issues that arise from time to time.  I know if I eat right and do the best to take care of my health I will enjoy life to the fullest, and be able to see my grandchildren grow and achieve their goals in life.  Being self-suficient is my goal for as long as I am alive.

My daily responsibilities are not necessarily for fun, however I do get satisfaction out of knowing that I can meet my financial obligations, keep up my home, and all of the little things that must be done on a daily basis.  So unlike Curly, I have four things that matter, the rest really doesn't matter.  What matters to you???  JOY

Janet Harris (Eller)

And from reading your posts over the years, I can tell that meant a great education, lots of opportunity to travel and meet interesting (and not so interesting) people.  I hope you are keeping your "memoirs" in a more permanent form than  here on the web site and sharing them with your family and friends.   Janet  

Joy Fields (Wardleigh)

Dan, 54 years?  You must have been just out of pre-school.... Thank you for your service.  You should be proud of ALL that you have done.   By the way, Thank you to all of you who have served our country.  My Son was in the Navy, then after Korea he transfered to the Army.  His son is in the Army Reserves too, in VA for some training.   AND; that baby, he is gorgeous.  I can understand just why you would show him off.  JOY

Ruth Young (Adams)

Oh MY!  Dan that baby is adorable with his little curly head.   I think I've had the most fun in life ..with my grandchildren.  I used to do such SILLY wonderful things with them.  My first grandson (now 27) was the one that played the "p lano" on the old tree stump, and we called the elephants to jump out of the trees.  He laughed so hard and loud that his father had to come outside to see what was going on..Oh the joy that I'm sure you grandparents can remember.  This young fellow at around age 6?  as we were talking about his parents divorce said  "Thats ok gram...God told me it would be ok"   Also one day he said  "don't worry old gram, I will never leave you"    I have said many times that grandchildren is our gift for getting old!                                

Janet.    Primary was a great way to grow up  right?   I am trying to remember to name of a teacher that took us to her house down on 2nd street to work on our  "bandaloes"  SP?    For some reason that class was one I remember.  I chose the morning glory for my flower.  I still have my Seagull book someplace.

Val it would be good to hear you Viet nam stories.   My cousin married a pilot she met over there while she was  working as a government contract specialist. 

As Dan has said there must be some stories out there to be told.  Please don't think that yours is not worth hearing....after all  ...look at the silly stuff I post!!!!!

Joy Fields (Wardleigh)

Oh Man! I just went to Costco and got there at 10:10 AM an there was NO parking at all. I didn't even get out of the car. I just came back home. It's a good thing that I have enough of everything to last until Tuesday when all those people go back to work.  My advice is NEVER go to Costco on a holiday weekend on the first part of the month. 

Dennis Lynn Taylor

Hi,

The discussions have been interesting.  Maybe now is a good time to add a bit since I am between things.

Re:  Coffee - They come up with a number of redeeming aspects, but it doesn't matter how many there are, they will not balance the pH factor which alone puts it in the area of "just-plain-bad-for-your-health".  I teach nutrition classes and have found in research that the one MOST IMPORTANT factor for good health (bar none) is the pH factor.  It is so important that it out-weighs everything else and all others combined.

If we take just that one factor, and eliminate all  of the items at the very bottom of the scale in order to make the body more healthy from a biochemical standpoint, I would eliminate (in order of importance, most damaging effects) soda pop/all carbonated drinks with or without caffeine, coffee, meat, tobacco, alcohol, tea, and the 4 whites.  Then, go to the other end of the scale and add many more of the things on the alkaline side to bring the pH into the healthy range such as vegetables and fruits.  Not only will this make you fell better and help lose weight, but will begin to reverse the signs of early aging in your body and appearance.  But at our age, there is only so much we can do.  I also will be teaching a longevity and reverse aging class that will generate a lot of interest in our age group.

Time's up.  Until the next time,

D. Lynn Taylor  (Dennis the Menace)

Joy Fields (Wardleigh)

Lynn, good hearing from you.   That was interesting about the ph balance, since that was one of our concerns when we had a swimming pool.  I didn't know it was connected to our body too.  I have just been taken off of a couple of meds. because of high potassium.  The discontinuing of the meds has brought it right back down where it belongs.  It seems that the Losartin wasn't doing any good anyway, because my blood pressure is right on target too.  Happy Day!  JOY

Dennis Lynn Taylor

Joy,

Thas is REALLY GOOD NEWS ON BOTH ACCOUNTS.  I bet few our age can say that about their health.  Sounds like you are on the mend.  That is wonderful.  And I can't even take credit for it.  I have many tell me that I came to them in answer to their prayers, so keep doing the right things. 

Regarding the meat issue,  all the others can be totally eliminated but maybe just a little meat instead of the 12 to 16 oz steaks all of the time.  Red meat is definitely the most acidic so I have pretty much eliminated it.  Two new studies indicate that red meat is much more carcinogenic that previously thought, and not just the processed type with sodium nitrite/nitrate.  Then every few months, I'll have a good pork chop and chicken more often and lots of fish, but I eat so many different types of nuts every day, I'm not humgry for meat like I used to be. 

Stay well and stay in touch.

Lynn

Joy Fields (Wardleigh)

Oh my; I have been hearing all about the tornado in Ogden today.  It sounds like there was a lot of damage to homes.  Do any of you remember when all the windows were blown out at BLHS?  I think it was 1960 or 61.  It was the only day my Mother would give me a ride to school.  Then the school was closed due to the damage.  There were roofs blown off houses and in some cases blown all to pieces.  Our house on 6th st. missed most of the damage.