glenna’s blog

May was bright and eventful with our family visiting for Nessa’s graduation.  Plenty going on for her and all her great friends there in Blanding.  A houseful, a full heart, with a move inevitable and underway.  Along came Nick a very nice young man from Alaska cycling from Flagstaff to Washington state.  Said goodbye to my friends at the Blanding Library where I enjoyed working very much.

June was all about packing and moving.  Best forgotten.  Thank you to those who helped when our energy was spent that final day.  It was so hard to leave my Nessa behind!!!

July began happy to be reuniting with Danielle, Noel and Audrey.  We celebrated the 4th festivities in Logan and in Brigham City with the McConkies.  We then traveled to Vegas to visit with our family there.  Jeff, Michael’s brother, tragically passed away while we were there.  A sad and difficult time.   I am thankful for my belief that life does go on beyond this world and that Jeff is on to better things with the other loved ones who have passed on before.

Jeffrey Cass Merket

Feb 23, 1959 - July 15, 2008

Just never enough time with each family member there in Vegas and it’s hard to say goodbye.  Should be making fig jam with dad but we had to get on our way to Orem and get back to our job searching.

August began with more illness in our own family and now the untimely tragic death of three friends yesterday.  Farewell to Betty, too, I hope she’s free from age dancing and giggling with my mom again.  There have been good family gatherings as well  and Noel and Audrey are enjoying the Oregon coast this past week.  We crossed paths with  a nice young traveler, Joe from Wisconsin.  Tomorrow is only the 10th but summer is ending and we’ve got to get going on our new beginning.

Tonight I am hoping for peace and health and safety and guidance not just for me and mine but for all.

You make this world a better place.

So, the cat has caught on that we are moving yet again and seems to be on a hunger strike. She wins. Today I bought her expensive cat food to try to woo her back from the depths of depression.  Spin the bottle kitty, and prepare for a ride in your “tote” again.

My friend, Hiro, has kept in touch and I have documented his progress here. This begins with his first message from Nov. 2007 and the others are found below under “responses.”

I got an email from Hiro and he was in The Grand Canyon on Thursday, Nov. 15th. I hope to hear more from him as his journey continues. I wish that people along his way would take an opportunity to welcome him, meet him, and encourage him in his incredible quest.

See more info on Hiro Ozawa

Our kids got tickets for Michael to go to a play-off game between the Utah Jazz and the Lakers this weekend.  It was a wonderful time for him in Salt Lake City and the Jazz won on Friday night 104 to 99.  What noise, what a huge crowd, what fun.

Be so careful you don’t fall in one of the holes and don’t come knocking unless you bring a bucket of water with you.

She is graduating in a couple weeks and making her plans for college and life.   If I had one wish today, hers would all come true.  I’m so very grateful for my children and the dynamic people they are and for the friendships we’ve shared.  I would say that motherhood has been the greatest joy of my life.

I hate the IRS to the depth of more than I can express in words tonight.

Last Saturday, March 8th, Danielle and Nessa ran races in Moab, Utah. Danielle ran the 5 mile and Nessa completed the half marathon. It was exciting to be among all those people giving it their best. I’m proud of my girls.

Cheering Danielle on through the finish.

Danielle crossing the finish line.

Cooling down in the expo park.

Nessa Joy in the canyon.

Cheering Nessa Joy on through the finish.

Nessa Joy crossing the finish line.

The EMT and her family calling, “Nessa! Come back from the light!”

Here are some of my favorite photos (out of almost 700!) from her recent trip to Puerto Rico.