September 2025

 September was pretty un-interesting.  First day of September every year is another year in a house that I really don't like.  I actually found this picture on the internet and it even has my van in it.  How it got there I have no idea.

It has been two years since I left Las Vegas and moved to Cedar City, Utah.  I have to say that it is beautiful here.  I love the mountains and the trails.  I have had a miserable two years and have come to realize some (I am sure there are more) of the mistakes I made in the purchase of the house and it just makes me sadder so I need to find a way not to think of it.  When the time comes to be able to sell it, I won't make those same mistakes again.  I am grateful to be in a house, even if it is a money pit.  I continue to tell myself that I need to rely on Heavenly Father and his plan and stop being so negative about it all.  I do try--not that successful so I need to try harder.

Gimlet is my little friend at home now.  This dog was born and raised to work and pretty much she just lays on her blanket downstairs or on her bed in the bedroom.  Poor thing.  She does get excited when Ambur comes home but it is short lived.  It is difficult to just watch the energy and spirited attitude just drain right out of her.

I wanted to share the feelings that Ambur shared on Facebook here.  I think they are so genuine.

"After 6 years and 10 months the time has come for Gimmie to retire. She has been the best first guide dog I could have asked for. My constant companion, my guide, my best friend, and the one who has literally saved my life more than once.

Although I knew this time would come, this process has been a lot harder and a lot more emotional than anticipated. I’m learning how to navigate around work without her just using my cane and it’s quite the adjustment.

Thank you to everyone who has supported Gimlet and I throughout the years even during the months waiting to get Gimmie girl! We may be separating so that she’ll have space to play and enjoy retirement, the memories will last forever."

We have had some really sad days just watching how lethargic she has become. Once in a while she will get in the car for a ride, but she makes it very clear she is not going to allow the halter to be put on. Ambur probably didn't really need to be reminded how important the dog is in her life, but as she walked home from work, she got the reminder when she missed a crack in the sidewalk with the cane and she fell. This is the result. I felt so bad for her.

One of the projects I have been working on for a long time is coming to an end.  All the discs in this book are documents and pictures I have taken and scanned and I have finally finished labeling them and getting them all into one place along with any other pictures I have.  It is such a good feeling and although that is only one step, it is a big one and I finished it.  101 discs and 10,399 pictures everyone looked at.  So glad to be completed with that step.  

We saw our first Halloween decorations and this lovely witch inside a business.  I just love it.  We also saw the first outdoor decorations and this house was phenomenal.  We went driving around a little for our family dinner night, no sign that Blaine has any intention of coming back to them so I sent a notice to let them know I won't be planning them any longer.  It is sad, but our lives move on and my journey right now is to surround myself with positivity and not the negative feelings that exist and I am getting better and better at it.  When it comes to Halloween decorations,   I always think about putting it away and how I would hate it, so not much goes up at my house.  But I sure do enjoy it all.

I got new insurance on my van and I have to be monitored through my phone so I have to leave blue tooth (which I rarely use) on all the time.  I got a good score so I need to keep it at 90 or higher for three months and then I will get a discount when it comes due again.

Ashlyn had another dance with her 'boyfriend' Tegan and I got a picture from Facebook.  I love that even though they haven't gone to church to learn much, she makes the good choice of dressing modestly and no make up.  She is true to herself and doesn't have to try to look different or act different that is who she is.  I love her so much and I am glad she had a good time. 

In cleaning out some boxes, I found this book that was given by Intermountain Healthcare a long time ago and I am going to save it now to use for 2026 and have a 'weekly Lift'  I have used it before and been very successful.  I need all the positive reinforcement I can get so I don't feel so down myself.

You have to know there is some strong boredom going on when you roast a marshmallow on a fork over your stove.  But I will tell you it surely did taste very good! 

I also read more conference talks and the Come Follow me manual I just can't seem to get back to the scriptures but I pray continually that I will, I feel Heavenly Father's love and I am grateful for the ability to have that feeling and I know he knows me and will continue to help me be strong.  I am blessed and a very grateful person.