Susan Hemmingsen (Marchant)

One  Bad Poem, but Hey, I Fill Inspired to Share to Help Your Day Today-

SEVENTY-FIVE

Seventy-five, seventy-five, did we ever think we'd survive?

I knew for sure I liked eighteen, or 22, it too would do.]

3-Quarters of a century, for all those in the know

My dauther-in-law says, is one truly lucky show.

Well, I can't tie my shoes, nor run to the john,

Hell, can't easily put my own stockings on.

My teeth I still have, but expensive it is,

As the dentist and I are not relatives.

My hair is pure white, but not my ole teeth

The Justice in that? Just brings me grief.

Calls to invest in a funeral plot

I endlessly hear, yes rather a lot.

If that's what you call quite a grand show,

I'll pass daughter-in law, this I do know.

Don't get me wrong as I groaaan and I wail,

The alternative, worms n' all, I'll pass on, full scale.

God I'm not sure of, nor angels and such

So I'll stay around moaning, thanks very much.

Seventy-five, ole seventy five, Ain't it just grand to be alive?

Judy Granger (Bell)

Very talented sweet lady.  Thanks for the wonderful poem.

Susan Hemmingsen (Marchant)

Hi Judy,

Very nice to hear from you.  Thanks for the compliment---you are kind and you lie too, but hey, who doesn't?

I am envious of you in St. George....SLC is too cold.  Still hope one of these times for Shauna and I to visit you

you and take in a play and lunch and memories.  Take care of yourself----we've made it this far, right?

Peace and love to a Beautiful South High Graduate,

Susan

Judy Granger (Bell)

Thank you right back!  I would love that so much.  I really miss SLC & my friends & family.

Susan Hemmingsen (Marchant)

Hi there Cubs, or is it now Elderly-Grizzly-Bears?

Is everyone as tired of the Covid 19 quarantine as I am?   BUT,  I do realize that I am lucky to be able to complain as covid has not found me, at least so far. 

Quite the year so far......the earthquake that hit in the Salt Lake Area which I was positive would redesign my condo, bringing down the second floor above me with the eirie, very loud noise and very scary shaking that woke both my daughter and I with a jarring jolt.  My condo was built in 1960, and according to those in the know, this condo fits the category of "they don't build them like they used to!"  Thank you!  Thank you!   My daughter and I were safe, hugging and crying, with her declaring, " I left California for this?" 

Another event also delivered a severe jolt making Utahns wonder if they had been transported to LA or New York City as peaceful racial protests became angry and violent.  What was happening?   Had the Mormon end-of-the-world prophecy arrived? 

Yep, it has been quite the year, and not even half over.  I am sending sincere and heartfelt condolences for those Southerners who have passed away,  along with sincere and heartfelt wishes for those of us remaining to seek harder for answers to the very difficult and challenging problems facing all humanity - our children, or grandchildren, friends, the stranger in the next city over, and on and on.

Hang in there, keep hope alive, and never say die, say damn!  Peace to and for all,

Susan Hemmingsen Marchant

Judy Granger (Bell)

You are very talented in writing,  this was a wonderful message.  So nice to hear from you Susan.  It would be fun to have an outing again.  Glad to know you are well and safe. We have been lucky not to get the virus. Life is good we are so blessed.  I send my love to all of my Cub family.  Be safe❤️

Nancy Pratt (Moss)

It was good to hear from two of the beautiful women at South.  Both Susan and Judy have made my day thinking about how long we have survived, and hoping that none of our class of 1962 has suffered this awful pandemic.  Going a little crazy here in Texas as the heat has arrived a little early this year, my arthritis is a real pain in my back (and lower regions).  I miss going to church to see my friends and know that they are all okay.  Oh, well, it is fun to hear from all and any of you.  I still have wonderful memories about marching onto the field or on the basketball floor waving those pompoms and singing "On South High" when life was simpler and we were all young and agile - we are now mostly only young at heart and definitely not agile.  Seventy-six years is here I used to think that was "ancient" and now most of my friends are there or past there.  I really enjoy reading messages from all of you - 

Nancy Pratt Moss

Stan Roberts

great post! What's happening now is chump change compared to the real elephant in the room; CLIMATE CHANGE!

Regarding the current crisies, theres one solution; VOTE!!!!!!!!!

Susan Hemmingsen (Marchant)

So enjoy hearing from you (Judy, Nancy and Stan). 

I relate, dang it all, to the arthritis Nancy, and it is ONE BIG PAIN!  Did we march tooo much and tooo long, or can I blame mine on genes? or maybe both?  My dad's sister was crippled badly with arthritis- hands, hips, knees, feet and who knows where else.  No operations were available way back then, she attempted to walk with one crutch and one cane, and seemed to always wear a smile.  What the?.....my arthritis, Aunt Annie, was not packaged with that "always smile" deal.   Aunt Annie, who always had a quilt she was making set up in her huge country-home- kitchen, for someone who might need it.  I bet if we could find those quilts we might also discover a few blood spots and who knows, maybe even some dried-up tear spots.   Plus, this grand lady was right there helping my mom who had to make it on her own because Aunt Annie's brother had deserted his wife and kids.  She never failed to send us home without fresh eggs from her South Jordan farm, orange chocolate sticks for my bro and I's sweet tooth, and money in an envelope tucked in my mom's dress pocket as we went out the door.  She was a wonderful example in my life of what true kindness and love looked like.     

Stan, I agree that our climate is in crisis and, I would add, our American democracy.   I believe changes in how our elections operate must be made.....large corporations (money, money and more money) must be kicked out.    In 1993,  when I went back to university, one of the professors in my anthropology major voiced her deep concerns with many of America's actions.  One concern she especially worried about was how we were out-sourcing; she said jobs need to stay in America, both for pride of the people and work for the hands and minds of the people.  This teacher, like my Aunt Annie, was a person I respected and learned so much wisdom from.

Judy, I too hope that we can do a road trip together.....you, Shauna, and myself.....one of these days!  Like Thelma and Louise, without the sad ending of course.  So good to hear from you, and glad you are doing well.   (maybe more like, all right, super, lousey, fair?  take your pick)

Talk to you later -

Susan 

Gwen Aupperle (Koehler)

Hi Susan,  Joining your fan mail responses.  You are, indeed, an entertaining and clever writer.  I am also a member of the "How many parts are replaceable club"---finger joints and now another knee.  My right knee is 6 years old and my left one is 5 months.  My mortality watcher will be really confused when calculating the time of my demise----really, how old is she?  Isn't the warranty up yet?   Not a fan of Mr. Arthur Itis.

I think the biggest disappointment with all that the virus has brought into play in my world is that our usual trek to Canada to the family cabin on an island in the lake for the summer is not likely to happen. Canadian border is closed until at least end of July.  This is the place my grandparents acquired in 1934 and I have missed very few summers there since I was year old.  Really need the isolation, serenity and inability to watch nightly PBS bad news (no electricity/TV there).  Yes, I know, I don't HAVE to turn on the TV here but it is like a moth to the flame as I hope for breaking news of a miracle cure or aliens abducting he, who must not be named.  Just hope the forest critters have not discovered we are absentee landlords and take up residence! 

Agree with Stan, everyone has to VOTE.  I think I am more scared of the two legged virus that is running things than the real virus I cannot vote away.    Have not been bored during this time, just deciding which mask to wear or what outfit to put on to take out the garbage keeps the mind engaged. I do mourn for all those who's lives have been flipped upside down or lost loved ones.

So sad I cannot attend the graduation ceremony for my beloved grandson here at Air Academy High School.  But can take the cue from this young man as he faces all this with aplomb.  Parents were just cleared to attend so the rest of the family; sister and both sets of grandparents will gather at my son's house to watch the proceedings on line then riotlessly greet him when he gets back home.   This grandma has to brag as he is graduating magna cum laude.  Not sure where on the family tree those genes came from.  He has set his  sights on going to Mars.  His mom cannot/will not watch the movie "The Martian".

The porch and it's rocking chairs call to me and my husband each lovely Colorado evening for a glass of wine and greeting of the neighbors as they stroll by---life is good.  Will be even better when the new knee tells me I can hit the hills on our nearby trails once again.  Colorado is a beautiful state to be in.

March on fellow Southern Belle

Gwen (Aupperle) Koehler

Susan Hemmingsen (Marchant)

Gwen!....grand to hear from you.  I have to ask how many glasses of wine gave you the go-to to write the  words "March on Southern Belle" when I am lucky to hobble?  The splendid image of "marching" anywhere will, hopefully, fill my dreams tonight.  Girlfriend, hang in there with that second knee....a time you can be thankful knees don't come in threes!   

I have one more knee to go----can't wait, ha, ha.  Planning on doing the deed this coming winter if all the stars line up.  Have never heard of "Mr, Arthur Itis" before.....clever.....but why, oh why, did he not practice social distancing on a grand scale, never coming near us Southerners?  My twin granddaughter, Sydney, at the lively age of five, did give me a title because of this arthritis thing, calling me "difrint".  It took me a while to decipher her writing (and drawing), so then I had to ask her how come I was difrint to which she replied because I walked funny, not like her other Nanny.   Also, she said I made her laugh.   I needed to get to the bottom of this, so I kept this questioning circle, well, circling.  "Do I make you laugh because I walk funny," I asked.   No, she replied, it's  because you say funny things to me like you love me to Pluto, the Black Holes, Falling Stars and back.  

I surely adore Grandchildren!   They have the talent to make dreary days sparkle, filling them with sugar, spice and untold and unexpected surprises.  I'm glad I had children so then I could have Grandchildren.! Just kidding children of mine.   And, I will TRY to give a pass to the forces that be (if they be) for creating arthritis because I have these wonderful Grandchildren in my life.  Gwen, congrats to you and your Grandson on his graduation, and I so wish you could be at the scene instead of needing to have photos be the spotlight.  Sounds like he deserves both your pride and your praise.  

And, adding another wish for you.  Here's hoping Canada happens this summer.  

Still have thoughts that one day I can visit you in gorgeous Colorado, Gwen.  I did not make it happen with the granddaughter Amada Anne who participated in the Quiz Kid Matches located in various Colorado locations (she has moved on to majoring in oboe at Arizona State University and this summer is working with a friend cleaning Lake Powell houseboats).   However, maybe it will be still be in the cards to get together as her brother is trying out for a competition soccer team which will be doing a bunch of traveling, mainly in the Colorado area.

Let's talk soon!  Keep safe everyone.

Susan....  (or how about Suzanna as this is the name I was supposed to be called until my dad, solo, and probably five sheets to the wind, had the person giving the baby blessing make the change without saying anything to my mom.   This same mixed-up, revolting dad said to my mom, upon my birth, and I quote, "Is this all the better you can  do?" ( he obviousley did not know his genetics)  Yep, I was just ANOTHER GIRL, six came before.   Well, my dad finally got his boy two years later.  You'de think this would have made for some much needed happy times but my dad, unable to  conquor his drinking addiction, was not  capable of being around for even this long awaited son.  

Judy Morris (Morgan)

Hi fellow cubs.     I, too, think about that marching thing!!   Must have been a big part of my impressionable youth!      Glad all of you are doing well, except for Arthur - he gets around!    We are well.   Missed a graduation and a great grandson baby blessing because of all this fun we are having.   But not like the Academy.  Congratulations.   Will also miss the lake this summer - every year for 50 now.    It will end.   I can't complain. A dear friend was in the hospital for 5 weeks (doing OK now, but not complete lung function).      I once teased a very dear friend, older by ten years, that I needed to make some younger friends or there wouldn't be anyone to attend my funeral.   I thought it was funny then -- not so much now.  Guess that's how life goes, but I treasure those older friends.   I remember linking arms and "marching" down the 2nd floor hallway, Susan.    We were so mature then (just old now.)  

Good to hear from all of you.  Take care.

Richard Jacques

Re: Stan Roberts:

"Chump Change, Stan?  Surely you don't believe that police brutality to the extent that mothers  and fathers watch their children beaten, even murdered, in our streets is "Chump Change."  Surely you don't believe that military force ordered to disband peaceful protesters with bullitts, tear gas, clubs & other weaponry is "Chump Change."  How about the millions of children who go to bed at night hungry and malnourished?  How about the aspects of our educational system that stimulates consummerism over civic responsibilty, humanity, and critical thinking. How about the political corruption that is destroying the fabric of our nation.  This list could go on and on, but I'll stop here...  Really Stan--You don't really believe that these issues are "Chump Change" (whatever that means) do you?

Nobody would sensibly argue that policies to protect and rejuvenate our climate are extremely important, but if the choice is to embrace and protect a suffering human being or a suffering tree--Well, mother nature will deal with the tree...

Nancy Pratt (Moss)

It as been very difficult to go through this pandemic - no lunch each week with my neighborhood ladies, no children coming to visit (of course, they are not crazy about the heat in Texas), not going to church - but have enjoyed the zoom devotionals every other week, and getting testimonies from our leaders in written form.  Usually we would be in Colorado at Winter Park area this week, but plan to go soon as we can - always a great treat and beautiful mountains.  

Speaking about knees, I had my first one in 2000, the second in 2003, and the first one was not pleasant, but the second one was so much easier - less pain, less disability, and lots of chance to "milk" the knee problem.  Our son, Robb, is 51 and just had his first partial knee replacement - was doing so well, and was walking around in about 2-3 days, and very glad to go back to work this week.  His soccer and hockey years have caused him to pay the price - 5 surgeries on one knee and will have his shoulder fixed this winter.  He played hockey this last winter - and still loves it.  Crazy boy!  That and the bad knees I guess run in the family.

Speaking of grandchildren - we are being blessed in our family with four new great grandchildren, making eight in all - no more grandchildren, I guess, so we welcome those four this year.  We are so far away from our children in Denver area and Salt Lake/Provo area, that our Sunday zoom meetings during this time have made it bearable. 

So very glad to hear from all of your - and we are planning to vote next month on the run-off election in our area.  It is such a privilege and I hope I never take it for granted.

Keep the positive attitudes I am hearing in our posts.  Makes me feel closer to all of you - and hope we can have a reunion in a year or two - 

Nancy Pratt Moss

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Susan Hemmingsen (Marchant)

Me again.  Yep, me again.  And, if you are sorry it is the case that I am posting, well......you don't have to read it!  Just turn it off or tune it out! 

I am writing to say that I discovered a wonderful pick-me-upper for the craziness created by Mr. Orange himself and his cohorts.  He is a lovealble genius who sings, "We are all gunna die!" (thanks to Trump).  I wanted to share my discovery of Randy Rainbow on YouTube in case you do not know about him (heads up, there is swearing, but I think it only adds to Randy's ability to capture the feelings and atmosphere he is going for). 

To me, we are living and caught in indeed ia "fucked up time" (in my not so humble opinion this word does the trick as only this word can, and so I deliberately chose to use it), a time when the President of the United States gets away with not wearing a face mask, infront of children no less (what an example he is!), shouting lie after lie after lie going on for year after year after year, bragging and smiling because he grabbed "pussy" and got away with it, saying he is "in love" with a Korean ruler whose tract recorder proves he is a base, evil dictator and killer, and on and on and on and on......... 

Hilarious, talented Randy Rainbow is my cure for nights (and days) when I was so tied up in knots over yet another U. S. Trump- caused-catastrophe that sometimes I felt completey frozen with hopelessness and despair, and not able to sleep.  Randy, for me at least, calls the shots with song and amazing humor and parody and cleverness and talent and enthusiasm and honesty, nailing this administration to the wall for their actions on issue after issue.  He says it like it is, with swear words in tow adding, in my book, emphasis and humor and realness (some teachers are using his productions with their students as a teaching aid, and the kids, with Randy as their lead, are understanding the issues, wanting to take action to help, and cannot wait for his newest hilarious piece to be made, actually choosing to listen in school,  participating with eagerness and enthusiasm)  Randy writes and creates his masterpieces himself, and then, of course, performs them.

Now my nightly ritual is to tune in and listen and laugh with Randy.  He always puts a smile on my face and a song in my heart.  I go to bed laughing - instead of crying or stewing or cussing!  Thank you, thank you Randy Rainbow for sharing your brilliant writing and mind with me, putting "it out there" and saying it in a way that resonates and moves my emotions and mind.

Laughter is indeed the BEST MEDICINE!     

Richard Jacques

Susan:

"Touche..."

Gwen Aupperle (Koehler)

Good morning, Susan, let's hear it for Randy Rainbow and all those speaking truth to power and to all the lies, denials, self promoting and aggrandizing from Lord Valdemort (aka POTUS) and those who have sold their souls to aid and abet him.   We live in scary times but humor, indeed, can help us cope until we can vote.

One of my favorite columnists in the NYT is Frank Bruni who wrote a great op-ed 2 days ago,  "Donald Trump is The Best President In The History of the Cosmos".  Check it out.

Oh, how I long to be on the island in Canada but realize I cannot run from this (and the smart Canadians still won't let us cross over!) and just have to have hope that next summer at this time I WILL be there, my new left knee will finally have followed my sorta new right knee into behaving, both viruses (the 2 legged one and the medical one) will be contained or gone, protesters will be doing their job peacefully and effectively and there will be peace in the land on the horizon.  Just call me, Pollyanna.

Hope and humor, good partners! 

Be well and safe, my "old" friend.

Gwen (Aupperle) Koehler  

Susan Hemmingsen (Marchant)

Jacques and Gwen....2 fellow allies!  Nice.  Randy Rainbow would smile.

I wish both of you lived around the corner so we could, over a cup-of-whatever, meet and laugh together as we tuned in (and tuned out of the grief) with RR, of course all the time being "socially correct" keeping 6 ft. apart (not under, thank you, Anana). 

Hey, have a terrific day doing whatever it is you plan to do.  As for me, today is filled with hopeful plans of de-boxing stuff and more stuff and still more crap that I stuffed in boxes when I hastily made the move to this Sugarhouse condo from a larger family home.  And, then.....did I stop and de-clutter?  Surely you gest,  I have become a "crazy hoarder", but, alas, never fear my friends, for I have found the solution to my sloth!  See, what I do is this.   Work for say one and a half hours and then!  reward myself for three hours.  It is working gr...gr...gr...great (as one of my favorite Winny the Pooh characters would say! 

Linda Bailey (Ogden)

It is inspiring to read your positive posts, Susan and Gwen. I find it difficult to get out of bed because my dreams are full of social interactions and adventures, day to day living alone in these virus days, is not. I am fortunate to have neighbors who are my quarantine buddies, but I miss real physical interaction with people. I might hug everyone I meet when (and if) this is all over. Gardening is my salvation and I do have a couple of dogs who demand being cared for, but truly I long for pre-virus days. Both of you take care of yourselves. Linda Bailey Ogden

Susan Hemmingsen (Marchant)

Shout out to you, Bailey......I don't recall ever being told I was "inspiring", so thanks!   Nice to hear from you. 

Years ago, toooo many now, I read a book to some of my children, had to have been in the 70's me thinks, which showed a very dismal,  dark, dreary world featuring dying trees and other vegetation, and human-looking- robots dressed in drab clothing and gas (face) masks.  The humans were wandering around looking lost and forlorn,  with huge dwellings in the picture.  I saw those same type of dwellings two weeks ago when I took a ride in Herriman and up to Rose Canyon.  These apartment complexes looked cold and uninviting like huge boxes stalked upon each other, and they wetn on and on.  Are there really this many people now in Utah to fill the endless buildings I see? 

The message of the book was that this is what things would grow (or not grow!) to look like if we humans continued to misuse the environment.

My assessment of the book at that time was that the situation was way exaggerated!!!  I certainly fit in theI  category of someone who awoke extremely late in accepting what the statistics and facts were showing us.  I have done my share of creating the mess we now face.   I do now think that I am doing an okay job of being part of the solution,rather than part of the problem.

Susan Hemmingsen (Marchant)

Hi Marilyn,

I myself think it is great to express one's opinion and have a site that it is okay to do this.  If there is something said that you don't like you do not have to agree or continue to read it.  The world would be a mighty boring place in my way of thinking if we all thought and acted the same.  

Sincerely.

Susan

Richard Jacques

Marilyn McKinnon's (Rupert)  response to Susan's points of view is vacant.  If Marilyn is truly interested in challenging Susan's  well documented references, then she should post something specific that is in opposition to what Susan posted.  Otherwise, Marilyn's comments are simply  whiny, mumpish,  and without substance...

Susan Hemmingsen (Marchant)

Here, here.

Gwen Aupperle (Koehler)

Some musings in response to all the recent posts.  Observations of behavior over the past 3 1/2 years, reading of bios and watching a documentary about the President's life and parenting of him by Fred and Mary Anne were behind the post and only partially responsible for my conclusions and positions.  The following quotes came to mind and offer some explanations but do not excuse those behaviors with which I take exception.

What is done to children they will do to society.  Karl Menninger

What a child doesn't receive, he can seldom give.  P.D. James

All that is needed for evil to triumph is for good men (and, I may add, women) to do nothing.  Edmond Burke

Cautionary words when putting someone into positions of immense power and influence.  This is not just in reference to one man, it can apply to many.  My opinion, no personal insults to anyone intended. 

I am scared about the future for so many reasons and my heart is full of love and concern for my grandchildred who face such an uncertain world.  They have been given a good start and are capable of so much and I would love to know a future for them will soon be a bit rosier before I leave the planet!

A thought for today and I quote, "Appealing to tribe, appealing to fear, pitting one group against another,telling people that order and security will be restored if it weren't for those who don't look like us or don't sound like us or don't pray like we do, that's old playbook.  It's as old as time.  And in a healthy democracy, it doesn't work.  Our antibodies kick in, and people of goodwill from across the political spectrum call out the bigots and the fearmongers, and work to compromise and get things done and promote the better angels of our nature."

I hope we can continue to speak our minds without rancor and with humor and humility.  Gwen

Judy Granger (Bell)

Very well put Gwen.  Sweet Marilyn, it isn't you, to offend. 🥰 peace & love to all of my classmates 🤗