Happy Anniversary 

It is two years today since Reid Brinton and I were married.

It's been a busy, happy and often challenging time yet we feel so blessed to be able to have someone to share all of the 'above' with! 

Reid is a very kind, thoughful man and a darn good sport, despite dealing with some health issues this year.  He is 'new' to the Bear Lake Rich family madness and yet has survived and loves my family as they do him.  

I am very grateful we've not been sick during the COVID 19 pandemic which is ongoing.  With luck, love and blessings, we will live to enjoy many more years together!

Love to you!

CATCHING UP!!!

Well everyone, it's 2020 (March to be exact) and it just came to me as I was visiting with a friend from High School that this blogspot has been sorely neglected.  I made it through the 'Saga of Sid' and into 2018 with my wits in place.  We added our 18th grandchild, Tate Welch

Tate Welch - October 13, 2017

to the clan and all is well with our children and grandchildren, with perhaps a few ripples now and then in the tide of life.  At this writing, with many prayers answered, I now have begun my new life with the man that the Lord wanted me to spend the rest of my earthly life with.  He was sent straight from heaven with, I'm certain, the help of his late wife Vicki and my Jim.  They new we would need 'help meets' (much as I don't love the expression) and that we would be the perfect blessing for each other to enjoy the rest of our lives.  It all went pretty quick, as you will see:

Our first date and went like this:  May 15th - lunch at Olive Garden and....I liked his smile.  May 18th - the Sally Brinton Bytheway (his nephew's wife Sally Brinton's) Corale  where he asked if he could hold my hand and....I liked it!!  May 20th - Copperton Park (he tricked me into sitting close so he could kiss me and....I really liked it!!!  May 21st - he visited me at the JSMB on my Monday night shift and followed me home where we did more of the 'above' and.....I LIKED it!!!!!  Before we parted for the night, he said that someone should say 'I love you'!   I told him to go first and I followed and the next day, Tuesday May 21st, he officially proposed, offering me (on slightly bended knee) his Summit High School class ring as a symbol of his sincere intentions and I SAID YES!  

The Rich and Brinton families in Lindsay's garden July 7th 2018

The Wedding

Reid and I were married 6 weeks later with all our families and friends gathered together in the Lindsays Garden - a setting I'd always longed for which was generously offered by our dear friends.  The rest of 2018 included a honeymoon in Mexico -

Nueva Vallarta Mexico

An Alaska Cruise with all the adult Rich kids in September,

Alaska with the Rich kids September 2018

a trip to So. California to play tennis with his brothers 

Reid, Merrill, Duane

coupled with a flight from there to Quebec and then New York state to visit Reid's son Chauncy and family Kirsten, Clark and Arlo.

Chauncey, Kirsten, Clark and Arlo Brinton October 2018

2019 began with a trip to Scottsdale in January to drive Reids son Pack to his new job. 

In Scottsdale finding Pack a place, January 2019!

In March we flew Hawaii with Kalle and Merrill to take advantage of a Marriott timeshare!

The Merrill and Reid Brintons in Hawaii March 2019

                 Then of course many gatherings at my favorite summer place.......Bear Lake,

                        a few visits to Bob's family in Kimberly Idaho,

          and a camping trip with some of the Rich gang to Capitol Reef.  

BACKING UP....on JUNE 6th, 2019, we made the big move from our beloved PLUM CREEK LANE home of 27 years.  Reid convinced me that we needed to create our own new memories and so we bought a new home on Maple Avenue, a neighboring street in the Valley View 6th Ward where I grew up.  It was a bit like coming home and we are enjoying it.

1503 Maple Avenue with Reid and Rosie

AUGUST put Reid in the hospital with some serious health issues (blood clots in the lungs) which we're hoping will resolve soon!  He is a really good sport about it all, even though it's caused him to slow down and now quite be up to par.  Still, he hums and sings and entertains me and I am so grateful for his attitude, patience and love.  He is a great example to me.  On top of that worry, we also lost my beloved ROSIE to a sudden illness in October.

Rosie Rich - 2009-2019

I rescued her from a shelter in June of 2013 and she rescued me after Jim died.  She was truly a great comfort to me for the 6 years I was lucky enough to have her.  I think she hated to leave the Plum Creek home but she also loved our new home with all the squirrels and of course, being with us.   I still miss her.  

           In October we were able to get all our RICH GRANDS together for a photo shoot!

 

With different family dynamics and new loved ones to call OURS now,  we are still in love

The NY Brintons

The Salt Lake Brintons minus Pack 

and adjusting (it is an adjustment) pretty well to our new life together.  Reid is a joy to be around, although he seems to think that being 'at home' is better than anything and I am always wanting to go...go....go!  But, since we seem to be currently in the midst of a world pandemic of the Corona Virus, traveling isn't prudent anyway.  It's a CORONACATION, says Coby!  

THE CORONOVIRUS PANDEMIC - Covid 19 (or the DAMN-PANIC of 2020 as I like to call it)! 

WEEK ONE:  Unsuspecting!

We are all at home, even the dads are working from home and the children are out of school for who knows how long with online studies.  Reid and I go out for an occasional 'curb side' pick up meal but are mostly home, trying new things to occupy our time.  Reading, games, puzzles, coloring, painting, neighborhood walks, sitting on our sunny porch (when the sun shines) is a favorite and lots...LOTS of TV.  The stock market has gone to pot because the country is literally on lock down with trying to keep personal contact to a minimum.  Grocery stores are empty shelved for many essentials like TP, cleaning products and sanitize rs, even staples that we have been told to stock our whole lives.  People are listening to the NEWS to get the latest but I find it doesn't help my psyche so I let Reid brief me.  Then on top of everything else, yesterday there was a 5.7 magnitude earthquake in Magna that popped us straight out of bed and sounded like a freight train running through the house.  It was 16 seconds of SCARY with aftershocks the rest of the day.  All church meetings are now held at home with priesthood holders blessing and passing to their families and our April General Conference will be held in small assembly rooms with only those speaking in attendance and music pre-recorded.  It is really CRAZY and HUMBLING to be going through this but hopefully, we will all learn many things that I believe will be helpful.  Maybe it's just a way to SLOW US ALL DOWN!  Hopefully the spread of this vicious virus will pass quickly and have less impact on all of us who are obedient and keep our distance from groups.  Prayer and laughter are essential!!!

WEEK TWO:  Wondering!
Week one of the home quarantine over, we are surviving but it's lonesome.  I think Reid really likes this self  containment but I am antsy.  We've been to the grocery store but now that we can conveniently pick it up, that isn't a problem except for the social aspect for one (me) who needs to be around people.  Luckily, we can still get curb-side meals so that we aren't cooking all the time and we enjoy our front porch (a little haven) when the sun is out.  Snow is expected this week as is my 70th birthday which will be spent at home except for 'virtual' songs over the phone.  What a world!!!  The news is still saying that people are dying and that's with a supposed lock down in homes.  Italy has been especially hit and NY, NJ and California are completely shut down.  I know that these are signs of the times and we're all anxious to hear what our Prophet and Apostles have to say at Conference, the 'One Like No Other' that they told us to expect clear lasar.  We are feeling good and trying to exercise and stay active but it's hard when you are home and there are good things to eat.  Good things to eat are also important for the psyche though, yes?  
We did have a fun family chat on a website called 'Hangouts' last night - all but Ben's gang.  It was sort of a 'take your turn' tell all about each others week.  I know this will become something to look forward to since we can't physically see loved ones right now.  It will be interesting to see if these lock downs actually help the virus slow down, but so far, it doesn't seem to be slowing, especially in high populated places.  We pray and have faith that Heavenly Father will help those with the right knowledge come up with things that will save lives and help reverse the effect of this new virus caused by someone apparently eating a BAT in China.  STUPID!!!

WEEK THREE:   Hunkering in place!
Well, as far as I know, no one has 'lost it' in our family yet, although last night was a close one for me.  Utah has been on lock-down as well!  Life with my darling Reid is interesting, especially at night!  Las night was having sleep-talking night (that's when I know I should go to the guest bedroom in case there is some flaying of limbs in my direction)!   Just as I was getting to sleep, he sat up and let out a blood curdling SCREAM, which make ME scream (and hit - my first response).  I was just getting to sleep and it scared the freaking daylights out of me and when I screamed back it scared him.  Immediately it was my fault since he thought I'd screamed first and why would I scare him like that?   I was so tired and upset that he didn't even get that it was him that started it all -  that I started to cry - which made him feel bad and leave the room.  It was rough getting back to sleep but I made it, waking up with a bad head-neck ache from too my 'puzzling', knitting and reading.  Harder to get out this week since the weather has turned colder, but we walk every day and try some kind of exercise (sweating to the oldies or the stationary bike is my gig?  Reid can't play tennis right now so he lifts weights and stretches).   It's supposed to SNOW tomorrow for my birthday.  I remember my snowy birthdays - about half of them.  The other were very spring-like with parties in the back yard.  
I long for sitting on the grass with my kids and visiting and watching the kids play with each other.  Guess it will be a VIRTUAL birthday this year.....very trendy right now.  There are even drive up weddings.  What a world....what a world!!!
My 70 birthday began with Coby's family waking me up with cupcakes and a gift at 7:30 a.m - a highlight of the day.  I was on the phone all day with well wishers and was glad to have the day end.  I know it's a milestone but was glad it wasn't marked with too much pomp and circumstance.  Just another birthday - just a year older!!!

WEEK SIX:  Reality check!
We all are getting more 'real' about the gravity of this pandemic (different that epidemic).  It has literally crippled our economy so far (all losses gained back from 2008 now lost or less)!  Thousands of lives lost, thousands infected and thousands of small business suffering or broken.  There has been government payouts to help those truly in need and most people have shown their best selves such as caregivers, grocery workers, restaurant workers, truckers, delivery persons, neighbors, family and even entertainers have given 'virtual performances' on line or TV!  Everyone has found that they can dig deep for their best when called upon, sort of what like happened in war-times I suppose.  Still, we are only beginning to 'peak' with virus cases and lives are lost daily.  Utah has been saved major injury from it but states like NY and California, Wisconsin and Washington have lost thousands of lives.  I think we hit 21 yesterday.  President Nelson has asked us twice to have a worldwide fast and happily, he is completely optimistic about the future of our country, saying our church will continue to strive and grow; hat there is still much to do before the second coming!  SO.......TAKE HEART!

Reid and I are on our forth puzzle, third (or forth) book and are staying reasonably well.  I'm pulling out long filed away photos and putting them in books or giving them to the kids, cleaning cupboards and just to keep optimism alive, working on a plan to get ready for the summer months at Bear Lake.....IF we are going to be able to gather together by then.  I stay HOPEFUL because that's what we're supposed to do, although I admit I am starting to get pretty anxious for this to end. Pat has been filming doctors at IMC and I worry for his exposure,  I worry that I have aches and pains but mostly because I'm trying to exercise and I am now 70....so it hurts more.  All the dads continue to work at home and the Moms and Dads are schooling the grands through the rest of the school year.  Everyone is pulling out the stops on creative things to do AT HOME and one of the interesting outcomes of all this is that the kids are LONGING to go back to SCHOOL.  Reid continues to be a comfort with his humor, tenderness and kindnesses and is in status quo shape with his lung situation.  We won't have another appointment with his doctor to discuss possible surgery until mid-May!
He is pretty strict about where we go and what we do but at least isn't against eating the curb-side meals that are delivered right to our car in many restaurants.  We're now also having groceries delivered to the house by 'insta-cart'!   Some things are nice and we are feeling very blessed that along with us, all our children and grands are well.  Weather has been mild to get out and walk and read on our little front porch (love it) but I LONG to drive to Bear Lake or even Heber!  I NEED to get out but want to stay safe.  I know more than ever how important people are in my life.  I need social interaction and even find joy in waving to neighbors who pass by or visiting with those who deliver food to us (maintaining the 6 foot social distancing rule that has been in place since the beginning).   The weekend is here.....always HOPING FOR A MIRACLE?

WEEK 7:
 Trying to get up the ambition to get rolling on my little Grandma books. Marianne says I shouldn't waste time doing puzzles when I could be being creative.  I need to check into how to go about the  process of getting something printed not to mention figuring out how to put the art to the words.  
Reid is seriously contemplating his surgery and by next week we should know if that is the decision after talking to the doctor again.  We both feel it would be a life changing move for the better but still don't know all the particulars.  Will he be much better, will he be OK to not have it - or get worse?  All our little families seem to be surviving in good form.  I know everyone is getting antsy, including me, wondering if we'd be just a well off to get our economy going.  It is getting pretty scary what is happening to it and many businesses may be lost for good.  Makes you wonder if we really are in the 'seventh seal' that the scriptures talk about.  Reid has been reading about it and many things have already happened leading up to it.  Don't know whether to be too alarmed as my Dad always said that it took millions of years for the Lord to create the earth and it will take many to have it destroyed by....all of us, I guess!

The weather has been beautiful and we've been up to the lake.  We're all getting anxious to get up there and have SUMMER, but as it always has been, not the new normal.  I've always dreamed that it would be a safe haven for us but I'm not sure that we've prepared as we should with provisions to keep us all there and safe.  Is anywhere safe if we're in the last days.  I guess if we keep the commandments we've been promised we will be so here's hoping!!!
The news continues to be alarming in numbers of cases and deaths and it doesn't seem to be coming to a halt, although we are better off that most states.  Beef and chicken are becoming scarce since the epidemic has reached the employees of the factories that process it.  We've been warned of all these things and haven't been as diligent at heeding them as we should have.
Potatoes and lamb and many of the things that restaurants order regularly are being hit hard since restaurants aren't really open for business.  It is pretty scary really and we all just keep praying that our life will return to normal at some point.