OLD AGE IS A PAIN IN THE LEGS!

MONDAY, 22 JUNE 2915

Our Stake Conference was very informative.   Elder Todd Hansen from Gilbert, AZ was our Presiding Authority.

He counseled us to keep the Sabbath Day Holy.  He promised us if we faithfully did so that faith will increase throughout the earth and we will be blessed personally for our efforts.

President Gray asked us to look for those sitting alone in our meetings and friendship them.  The Saturday night meeting left me pondering.  The Holy Spirit was abundant in that meeting and it carried over to the Sunday meeting where Elder Hansen spoke of his own Father on this Father's Day weekend.   Thank you Elder Hansen for coming on this weekend to be with our congregation.  Hopefully you arrived back in Arizona in time to enjoy a Father's Day dinner with your family.

A sportscaster on our local tv channel was killed in a scooter, car accident on Friday Evening.  His name is Bob Barry Jr.  It has put the whole state in mourning for family.  They are in our prayers.  His funeral will be on Friday...so sad.  He went Home on Father's Day weekend, since we all knew
his Father, that is an interesting departure.

Highlights of Grandpa Arthur's Father's Day weekend:

He mowed the lawn on Saturday and then got in the pool for his first swim.  I doubt that he has even been in a swimming suit for ten years...Ha..  Of course Luke saw Grandpa in the pool and had to try and dunk him...

Then Grandpa had to have a ping pong game with Jake.  He used his new sandpaper paddle and Jake had to move quickly to hit the ball back...good game Jake!

I enjoyed watching the bantering going back and forth and even Maya, the Hansen's dog, & Leif had a smile on their faces!

Sunday was our son Ryan's wedding anniversary and they had us over for dinner.  Ribs and twice

baked potatoes were enjoyed by all.  Here the grandchildren are trying to teach Rachel to blow a 

bubble with their gum.  Someday she will figure it out, but not tonight.

They served a nutella dessert that  was yummy!

 Grandpa & I had two meals on Sunday.  Heather fed us baked Salmon after our Sunday Conference.

Yes,  we enjoyed both meals...shame on us...both meals were delicious!  Thank you Hansen's and Bushman's.

Here are some pictures of flowers in our yard.

 This magnolia usually only blooms in the Spring, before the leaves are on.

 This Father's Day the top of the tree is covered in blossom's....this is a tree my good friends

gave me when my mother Fay passed away.  Thank you Heavenly Father for all the blooms on Father's Day!

I promised Luke I would take them to the Skate Park on Monday.  Grandpa Arthur accompanied me.  It was very hot, but there was a comfortable breeze blowing and the three little ones had a good time.  This park is great...Thank you, Edmond Community, for all the parks and recreation the city provides for its residents!

So, I called Mercy Heart Hospital today to check on my leg surgeries.  Medicare approved the surgeries.  My first surgery is scheduled for 12th of August at 11:00 AM.  So I will continue to ache and be nervous for a couple of months.  I just pray this surgery brings some relief to my aching legs. 

So thankful for Doctor's and modern medicine.  Then it will be several months before I can swim again.  That will be the worst!
TUESDAY, 23 June 2015
 I got to the Y at 6:45 this AM.  So it is scorching hot already today.  I am going to try to do some unpacking in the storage room today.  I have really had a hard time unpacking this move when returning to our house.  I think I am afraid I will just get settled again and have to turn around and move again.  The only good thing about all these moves is when or if I must go to a nursing home to reside, at the end of this exam, I have no qualms of leaving everything behind...I have overcome the compulsion of "things".  So yesterday when the earth shook again, for the third time this week, I just sighed and carried on...earthquakes, flood's, tornado's, wars and rumors of wars...bah humbug, the Sun is shinning and this is a beautiful day!  "Let us be glad and rejoice...Revelations 19:7"
WELCOME TO THE PROMISED LAND!
Emergency:

"The ground is trembling underneath the feet of Oklahomans at a record pace this year and by a wide margin, but the jury remains out on whether recent mitigation measures on injection wells will curtail the troubling trend.
Through April 2015, the seismically active region centered in Oklahoma has notched 468 earthquakes of magnitude 3.0 or greater. That figure is a leap of nearly 90 percent more than the 248 temblors of that strength experienced in the first four months of 2014, which went on to become the state’s most seismically active year by far, with 997 quakes.
The 2014 final figure was a leap of nearly 500 percent from 2013’s record total of 172 temblors of magnitude 3.0 or more."

"Shake rattle and roll"
Our Grandson, Cannon, ended up at the ER at Children's Hospital last evening.  We thought he might need surgery, but the doctor's put him on a high dose of antibiotics and sent him home.  Scary times for our Grandson.  We are praying for you Cannon.  Get well soon!  Remember, you are sick
don't ride your bike!  Aggghhh!

Wednesday, 24 June 2015
The heat index is 100 today!  I went swimming this morning and it felt so good to get in the pool.  It is too hot to do much so I returned my library books, and went and visited Cannon.  His Mother is having a tough time getting him to rest!  Boy's!
Saturday, June 27 2015
Today is the day Joseph Smith and Hyrum were killed.  Yesterday the Supreme Court ruled same sex marriage is legal in all States.  I swam in Heather's pool this morning and ignored all the sadness in the world and listened to the sounds of nature.  Grandpa Arthur washed my car and vacuumed it, so I vacuumed out his truck. we worked on some scripture study and enjoyed a peaceful morning.
Around 4:30 we drove to the library and returned a movie I had rented about King Arthur!
we drove to the Edmond building for an ADOPTION EXTRAVANGANZA.  Two of our former bishops children married about 6 years ago.  They were not able to have children of their own, so became foster parents.  After years and years of caring for babies the courts granted them adoption rights for 5 children they have been caring for.  They held a huge celebration party.  I was so moved by their devotion to these babies.  It was truly an honor to attend their party, we served with the great- grandparents on our mission in New York.  Our love and prayers are with these blessed children and their family....now this is truly a blessing for all to enjoy...no sorrow here...just lots of service and sacrifice and sweet hug's!

Our grandson, Jacob, returned home from Scout camp last night.  He earned four merit badges at camp..way to go Jake!

Our tomato plant is sort of surviving the heat of this week.

Our daughter had a swim party last evening, we counted 16 children in the pool at one time.

we went over just before dark so we could see the laser show.  The lights ere fantastic!  It was also noisy with all the children...ha!

we went inside and looked at our son-in-law's fish tank

So I told this chicken about the Supreme Court ruling this week...really? really.

SUNDAY,  28 June 2015

Today we gave our homecoming talks in Sacrament Meeting.  It was a great day to talk about The Atonement of Jesus Christ and the clear window in the Palmyra Temple that looks out upon The Sacred Grove and the Joseph Smith Homestead.  It was a great mission and a wonderful place to live for a year.  May The Lord's blessings be with all the residents of Palmyra, New York.

Later that evening we enjoyed Sunday Supper with our 11 family members that reside by us...lovely way to begin the last week of June.  

MONDAY, June 29, 2015

The best day ever!  I went to the Y to swim this morning and the barriers in the center of the pool were gone and I got to experience the Olympic lap lanes...this was the best.  Even this ol' lady's body survived this marvelous exercise.  Hurrah for Mitch Park YMCA Pool!

My aching legs thank you!

Blessings to each of you.  May your week be a pleasant one and may your tomorrow's be healthy and filled with peace and joy.  Remember to tell your children you love them and give them hug's.

Grandma Gene and Grandpa Arthur

Arthur & Gene

FATHER'S DAY

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY, June 21, 2015, TO EACH OF YOU FATHERS WHO READ THIS!
TUESDAY, 16 JUNE, 2015

WE Safely arrived back to our cave after traveling to Arizona.  It took us a day to get to Joseph City and we stayed a couple of days and then trekked back to Oklahoma yesterday.  The temperature stayed perfect in Arizona....except right after the reunion picnic, then we had a storm and wind, but it only lasted about 20 minutes...so we were blessed.
Our first item of business, once we arrived in Arizona was to take our sister in law Karen and her daughter Nancy to dinner.  We drove into Holbrook to Romo's Mexican Restaurant.  It was a quaint little home town restaurant.  I don't know if we just ordered weird or what, but it took over an hour to get our food, so we weren't too impressed.  The food was good but I still wonder why it took so long to get it to us.

Our niece Nancy enjoyed being out and greeted many at the restaurant that she knew.  That made the wait bearable.

Saturday we began the day by attending a viewing for Nellie Dalton Bushman.  She passed away at almost 85 years of age.  Her birthday is in August.  She and her husband had 8 children and a slew of grandchildren.  She has 94 great-grandchildren!  It was fun to visit with several of her family.  Her husband Virgil was the Scout Master for over 45 years!  All Grandpa Arthur's brothers and him enjoyed camping and hiking with Nellie's husband.  Now after many years Virgil and Nellie are together again...nice.

We then went on up to Holbrook to the 1960's Holbrook High School  reunion.  The picture below was taken at the Holbrook Petrified Forest Store.  I told Grandpa Art that we were about to be visiting with all his dinosaur friends...so we enjoyed seeing these statues!

There were so many homes that had hollyhock flowers surrounding them.  They were just beautiful.

When we got to the reunion and were visiting Jon & Nancy Clark showed up.  Both Art and I were thrilled to visit with them.  Nancy wore Jon's old letter sweater and that was a big hit with everyone!  Jon's oldest daughter's daughter just made Jon a great grandpa and he was just thrilled to be telling about that new little baby boy!  Just a note Jon had cut two of the tips of his fingers off with his saw blade.  He had to have skin grafts etc.  They looked really discussing, but Jon can still use his hand.  Just like our son in law, Michael, Jon no longer is allowed to use that saw!  Too scary!

This is the back of the sweater Nancy wore.  It was so fun to visit with Nancy.  At least I knew someone that was at this reunion!  Thank's for attending the reunion Nancy and Jon, it was so good to see you both.

Art ordered us both t shirts to wear.  The background is really blue....not gray like it looks here.

Anyway, it was fun to be a part of the roadrunner logo and enjoy Grandpa's old memories of years gone by.

This is the roadrunner baseball field...right at the base of the canyon hills.

While we were feasting at the luncheon, this bird flew down and brushed through my hair.  At first it freaked me out, but he landed right next to us on the table and just stayed there for about ten minutes. Everyone tried to feed him, but he just sat there.  Then when the wind came up and the storm started he flew quickly away.  That was an interesting moment.

We went to church with Karen and Nancy on Sunday.  They are members of The Midway Ward.  Karen taught the best lesson ever in Sunday School "Inherit the Kingdom Prepared for You."  You are a great teacher, Karen, and it was so good to be a student in your class.  Both speakers in Sacrament and our Relief Society teacher were speaking in front of the congregation for the first time.  They all did such a great job.  Precious memories were shared.  During the talks, on family, in Sacrament meeting, I heard my dad say, "remember your little brother".  I thought that a interesting thought.  Immediately I knew, I had forgotten that today was my little brother Terry's 59th Birthday.
Terry had thick curly blond hair as a boy!

 This is a picture of he and his wife Jill at their youngest son's wedding.  Happy Birthday Terry and Happy Father's Day to you too.  You are loved here and here after!  We hope you had the best Birthday ever and the coming year brings you health and joy, love you & Jill too.

 Karen gave me an instrument to help me to be able to open jar and bottle lids.  She is such a generous and kind Sister in Law.  Thank you for your example, Karen.
My brother, Terry's birthday is on flag day.  Karen Bushman has a flag pole in front of her home.  She raised the flag every morning for years.  She is in her 70's.  Her daughter, Joyce, gave her a light for the flag.  She really enjoys her flag and the light.  All the neighbors like the pole flag too.  It looked beautiful in the evenings.

We returned home on Monday.  Grandpa Arthur woke me at 3:15 AM and we drove back to Oklahoma.  We got stuck in Albuquerque, New Mexico for over an hour and so it was a 12 1/2 hour ride home.  

 I picked my first New York tomato off the plant I so carefully brought from our mission.  It tasted delicious.  The vines are not doing well in this heat, however, and
I doubt we will get much of a crop off them.

Out by the gully, in our yard, there was this dinosaur tree branch...ha.  So I went to investigate which

classmate had followed us home?  There was a huge tree that had fallen in the gully and this was the part that landed on our yard.

This picture doesn't do justice...it sort of looks like an open mouthed snake!  Needless to say, Grandpa Arthur was thrilled that the rest of the tree is mostly in the gully, so he won't have to saw much of it.

I was able to read four books as we traveled.  I loved reading about "The Women Who Pioneered Oklahoma" edited by Terri M. Baker and Connie Oliver Henshaw.   So many of the first pioneers of Oklahoma lived in dug outs....I kept wondering what they would think of our "dug out" that we reside in.  It tore at my heartstrings to read and ponder the hard life these women survived in and some who gave their lives trying but lost this battle.  It is a story of those who came to this area over the Trail of Tears, land runs, in wagons, on foot, in barges, and in trains.  They truly were an inspiration and because of their faith and determination I was blessed to raise Grandpa Arthur's and my children in this choice land.
"If wisdoms ways you wisely seek,
Five things observe with care,
To whom you speak, Of whom you speak,
And how and when and where."
--Caroline Lake Ingalls
This quote is profound and I am so glad it was included in this book.
I ALSO READ "OKLAHOMA IS WHERE I LIVE" by a Dr. Gary D. Conrad.  He lives here in Edmond, OK  The book was published in 2013.  Dr. Andrew Weil expressed my feelings about this book, so I include his words.  "Gary Conrad is a storyteller in the Oklahoma tradition of Will Rogers.  He shares his very personal experiences and the insights and wisdom he has gained as a compassionate physician and spiritual seeker. A satisfying read.  Happy Father's day Doc Conrad!  This is a good book to read and ponder.  I am a biased OKIE... I loved this book.
A light fun read: "Old Maid of Honor" by Heather Horrocks 2012; Humorous and compassionate.
Finally, "The Message " by Lance Richardson 2000  This is an Idaho Falls, Idaho gentleman who died and came back to life.  His story is totally what I expect to happen when I pass from this life on to the next sphere...if I don't get to twinkle.  This book brings understanding of why I even take the time to blog.  This life is a test...how are each of you doing as you take this difficult exam?

My lovely friend, Laurie Bithell had a birthday.  She sent me a gift.  I get a visor...she got a card.  Thank you Laurie...you are a great friend and I love you!

WEDNESDAY, 17 June 2015
"Bill" the current storm is rising from the coast of Houston and is coming up to our area today.  This area is going to get saturated.  Our yard is going to love it.  Our home, not so much.  Our leak will be tormenting us for the next couple of days.  Right at the moment, it is a beautiful misty rain.
Last evening, the Hutto's phoned and asked if a medical student they help could stay at our home.  Their son, Joseph, and his family left Nauvoo and came to the Hutto's for the evening.
So Ben Roberts a Ear, Nose and Throat intern hunkered into the cave and spent the evening here.
He has 4 children and he and his amazing spouse have been residing in Tulsa for the last seven years.  He has 2 more years left in his residency.  Blessings to you and your family Ben.  Glad to have met you!
I did my laps at the Y this morning and Grandpa Art ran on the tread mill and cut more of the tree into logs.  It is a cloudy, misty, beautiful day in Edmond, OK for a couple of old Okies!

Grandpa and I took a few minutes this morning and drove up the road to Providence Farms.  I have been meaning to go there for awhile.  Farmer Chris was out in the yard with his three children.  He and his wife Jennifer have 2 boys and a girl.  Chris is obviously raising children more than a garden and I enjoyed watching them all helping their dad.  One son was out hoeing weeds in the corn..which Grandpa thought we should return for as soon as it is ready.  Grandpa asked Chris how he keeps all the critters and deer from eating his produce.  I liked Chris's answer, "I plant enough that I can share with them too!"  Happy Father's Day to Chris.  May your children realize the blessing they have in parents like you.  Thank you for opening your garden to the public too.
Chris and his daughter.

Purple potatoes?  This Idaho girl had to purchase some of those too.

Grandpa helped me wash our purchases.  The purple potatoes and turnip are in the crock pot and
the vegies will be cooked this evening.   we popped the ends off the beans and will enjoy those this evening too....yummy


As we drove up to the cave from the farm...a hibiscus greeted us!
Our yard is looking good...

Thought I would check on Heather's family today.
Lily went to soccer camp.
Leif was going to his first cub day camp...yes, he was excited...had on the hat Aunt Allyson sent to him.  He looks great! He said he loved the camp!

Can you tell Dad is a dentist and loves his children?  Happy Father's Day Mike!  Ha, ha, I love the headgear!

THURSDAY, 18 June 2015
Tropical "Bill" misted here all morning but the sun kept trying to appear in the afternoon.   Had the best Relief Society meeting tonight...on visiting teaching.
 I watched  a video that was perfect for Fathers Day.  I Believe Our Heavenly Father created a most magnificent planet for us to reside on.  If you believe, please watch this great video! http://www.andiesisle.com/creation/magnificent.html
FRIDAY, 19 June 2015
Grandpa and I spent the first part of the day doing ordinances in the temple.  It felt good to be back within the walls of the Oklahoma Temple.  Our life revolves around the temple and we have missed it.  Helping others to become forever families is just a good work to do.  I hope those of you who read this make time to visit the temple.  "I love to see the temple...."  "This is Our Father's House..."
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO OUR HEAVENLY FATHER

SATURDAY, 20 June 2015
Beautiful sunny day and Grandpa Art has about finished mowing the lawn again for about the third time this week and it looks awesome!
This evening we have the adult session of Stake Conference.
To end this blog I would like to pay tribute to the other fathers in my life.  First is my father David.  He passed away at age 41, way too young to spend much time with his children.  I love him dearly.

Grandpa Arthur's father Elwin was a powerful influence on us both and he also passed away before our children got to know him.  Because of his example we have been blessed to serve in the temple.

Malcolm was one of the step-fathers I have been blessed with in this life.  His self portrait (before cell phones) says it all.  He is unique and I find he endeared himself to our family.  I'm sure he is enjoying being in the realms on high!

Grandpa Arthur has been such a devoted father to his children and grandchildren.  Grandpa is truly loved by each of us.  Happy Father's Day to the wonderful man I married.  He gave me the honor of being a mother to each of our beloved children.  No greater glory could be mine.
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY ARTHUR VERN BUSHMAN 

Happy Fathers Day to each of my sons!  Our hearts rejoice this great weekend.

Last, but far from least. June 21st is my mother Sharlene's birthday.
She is responsible for giving me hope and understanding as I dwell on this earth with all of you.  She died before all her grandchildren got to know her too...but as summer begins, each year, her children remember her and call her blessed.  I love and miss her too.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOTHER !
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!

Children & Grandchildren, remember you are never alone.  You have heavenly parents and grandparents who love you and are watching over you, in heaven, even as I write this.  "You are a heritage of The Lord".
Oh, Happy Anniversary on the 21st to our Ryan and Sarah too!

Two Okie's say, "what a week this has been".  Enjoy your families and remember to tell your children you love them.
Hug's,
Grandpa Arthur & Grandma Gene
Art & Gene