British Star

“One life on this earth is all that we get, whether it is enough or not enough, and the obvious conclusion would seem to be that at the very least we are fools if we do not live it as fully and bravely and beautifully as we can.”

“Your life and my life flow into each other as wave flows into wave, and unless there is peace and joy and freedom for you, there can be no real peace or joy or freedom for me. To see reality – not as we expect it to be but as it is--is to see that unless we live for each other and in and through each other, we do not really live very satisfactorily; that there can really be life only where there really is, in just this sense, love.” – Frederick Buechner

Far Away Places

Advice From 90-year-olds:

Don’t buy stuff you don’t need.

Save for what matters.

Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present.

Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

No one’s in charge of your happiness but you.

Ask yourself, ‘In five years, will this matter?’

What other people think of you is none of your business.

However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

Your children get only one childhood.

Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back.

No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift.

Four Picket Fences

Army Lt. Jonathan David Rozier was 25 when he was killed in Baghdad July 19, 2003. His son Justin was only a few months old. Justin’s mom had to make a lot of tough choices; one of them was to let go of her husband’s black Toyota Celica convertible. She returned the car to Toyota, forfeiting the loan so she could afford Justin’s daycare. Last August she ran across the car registration in her desk, and it sparked an idea. What if the car was still out there somewhere? Wouldn’t that make a wonderful gift for Justin as he’s about to earn his driver’s license? She posted a plea on facebook and quickly found the Celica’s current owner in Springville. That’s when Kyle Fox, founder of Follow the Flag got involved. The non-profit group – with the help of eight generous Utah businesses – bought the car and fixed it up like new before presenting it to Justin for his birthday.

Duck and Ducklings

I can’t remember which stand-up comic used to say, “Of course penguins mate for life. It’s not as if they’re ever going to find a better looking penguin.” A couple of weeks ago we visited the aquarium and were pleasantly surprised to find it uncrowded. It’s the first time in months we’ve been able to get a good look at the penguins. (Why does everyone insist on watching penguins with noses pressed to the glass? If they’d back up a bit, three times as many of us could enjoy the view.) Along the north wall of the viewing area are photos of each penguin with their names and parentage. We were surprised to find two young penguins each had two fathers listed. The aquarium staff had noticed something odd and asked the UVU biology department to confirm their suspicions with DNA tests. They discovered penguins aren’t the paragons of fidelity we’d always assumed. How disappointing.

Picket Fence

“One of Heavenly Father’s most beloved tools in guiding His children is righteous grandparents. My father’s mother was such a woman. On an occasion that took place when I was too young to remember, my father was disciplining me. Observing this correction, my grandmother said, ‘Monte, I believe you are correcting him too harshly.’ My father replied, ‘Mother, I will correct my children as I want.’ And my wise grandmother softly stated, ‘And so will I.’ I’m pretty sure my father heard the wise guidance of his mother that day. Heavenly Father has many resources, but often He uses another person to assist Him. Daily He gives us opportunities to lead, guide, and walk beside one in need. We must follow the example of the Savior. We too must be about Heavenly Father’s work.” - M. Joseph Brough

Daylily

If there is a truly carefree perennial flower, it’s the daylily. Its botanical name is Hemerocallis, which means, “beauty for a day.” That pretty much sums it up. Most daylily blossoms open at dawn and are spent by sundown. Each scape can carry a dozen or more buds, so the daylily plant can keep blooming for several weeks at a time. Once a scape is through blooming the plant cuts it off, which makes deadheading effortless. I was very proud of the daylily hedge along the western wall of our last house. I’d meant to divide them to share with neighbors and to bring some with us when we moved here, but somehow in the chaos of moving it never happened. I’d like to replace the forsythia bushes near our mailbox with half a dozen daylily plants. And I would, if only I could figure out how to evict the forsythias.

Canadian Star

Mohamad Fakih is the CEO of Paramount Fine Foods, the fastest growing Middle Eastern Food chain in Canada. In 2016, when the first wave of Syrian refugees came to Canada, Mohamad committed to putting them to work in all of his 36 locations. So far there are over 80 Syrian refugees working in his restaurants. “When I came here as an immigrant,” he says, “I really was helped by a lot of Canadians. And if you one day — as I did — became successful, this is the time you want to give back.” After a shooting at the Islamic Cultural Centre in Quebec City, Mohamad offered to cover the funeral costs for the victims’ families. Paramount Fine Foods later raised over $100,000 for their families, and to help rebuild the mosque. "We help the Canadian community,” he explains. “We hire all Canadians regardless of where they come from and that is what we’re proud of.”

Stardust

Hoagy Carmichael was on the campus of his alma mater (Indiana University in Bloomington) with a tune in his head he couldn’t shake. At first he whistled it, then he dropped by the Book Nook to write it down. He “tweaked” the melody over the next few months until he was happy with it. He recorded his tune on Halloween in 1927 with the Dorsey Brothers and Emil Seidel and his Orchestra. The original name was two words: Star Dust, but most of the time it shows up as a single word. Like so many other jazz standards, the part of Stardust everyone knows is actually the chorus. It was meant to be preceded by a verse, but it almost never is. There are scores of recordings of Stardust, by almost every singer you can name. But my favorite is Nat King Cole’s; the one you hear in the middle of the 1993 movie Sleepless in Seattle.

Japanese Star

Two weeks ago my oldest son issued me a challenge. I don’t think he meant to. Actually, I believe he only meant to be funny, but that’s completely beside the point. Challenge cheerfully accepted:

Sauerkraut Cookies

2/3 cup butter

2 eggs

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 1/2 cups flour

1 cup sauerkraut, rinsed and well-drained

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

12 ounces chocolate chips

1 1/2 cups cashews, chopped

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup water

1/2 cup cocoa

Cream butter and sugar together; beat in eggs and the vanilla. In a separate bowl, combine all dry ingredients and mix well. Pour flour mixture into butter mixture and stir until uniform. Gradually mix in water, nuts, chocolate chips and drained sauerkraut. Drop by heaping tablespoonsful onto greased or parchment-covered baking sheets. Bake at 350F for about 15 minutes, or until set.

Four Hit and Miss Blocks

Lake Merritt is a large tidal lagoon in Oakland California. It’s home to striped bass, cormorants and snowy egrets. For years it was also Willie’s home. Willie slept in a stairway in the park surrounding the lake. Every day he biked to a particular spot where he’d sell his “antiques” and greet passersby. He never missed a day until July 22, 2016. Willie’s sudden absence sent a shockwave through the neighborhood. No one knew what had happened to him until an article about his disappearance was published in the East Bay Times. A witness came forward to say Willie had been attacked, robbed and nearly strangled to death. The assault had left him wheelchair-bound in a rehab center. One of his many friends got Willie a day pass to visit his old spot by the lake, where he was mobbed by fans. If he’s ever able to leave rehab for good, there are plenty of folk willing to lend him a hand.

Australian Star

“There’s a lot of commotion in the world. A lot of things are out of our control. Each of us has the power to be an agent of change starting where we are. No matter our circumstances, we can try to be the best person we can be. We can start in our families by being peacemakers, sharing love, and preparing ourselves for what is coming. We can do that by being instruments in the hands of the Lord. One lesson I learned from the difficult times in my life is to prepare myself and stay close to the Lord. It’s good to have a plan, but sometimes plans change. There’s much we can do that will help us handle whatever comes our way. By doing the small and simple things that get us closer to Christ in our everyday life, we will be prepared for the storms we may face in the future.” - Reyna I. Aburto, Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency

Hit and Miss

Three summers after graduation, Mike Park lost his Bingham High School class of 1981 ring. He was on Bear Lake with his family. “I hit a wake and it flipped us over and whoosh, away it went off,” he reports. “I was probably 200 to 300 yards from shore.” He knew he would never see the ring again. Thirty-four years later Neil Laser, an amateur metal detectorist (they also call themselves “diggers”) found it. Earlier this month Neil was combing the shoreline near Ideal Beach, three miles from the spot where Mike’s ring disappeared. He dug the ring up about eight inches from the surface. Neil posted a photo of the ring on a Utah metal detecting group page on Facebook. A member directed Neil to another group page for BHS class of 1981. Neil recovers four or five rings a year, but this is the first one (so far) that he’s been able to return to its owner.

Icelandic Star

Eight Things to Remember When Going Through Tough Times

1. Everything can – and will – change; both the good and the bad.

2. You’ve overcome challenges before. You will eventually overcome this, too.

3. Life is a learning experience. Pay attention to what it has to teach you.

4. Not getting what you want can be a blessing in disguise.

5. Allow yourself to have some fun now. Don’t wait for everything to be perfect, because it never will.

6. Being kind to yourself is the best medicine. Remember to take time to take care of yourself.

7. Other people’s negativity isn’t worth worrying about.

8. And there is always, always, always, something to be thankful for. – Source Unknown

Four Arrowhead Puzzles

Fiona Presly was doing some spring yard work in her garden in Iverness, Scotland when she nearly tripped over a queen bumblebee. “I put my hand down in front of her and she crawled onto it right away,” Fiona said. “I looked at her and thought ‘something’s not right here, she’s got no wings.’” Curious, Fiona called the Bumblebee Conservatory Trust and was told the wingless bee likely had a birth defect, the result of a virus. Unable to fly, its chances for survival were slim. So Fiona took Bee in. She built her a tiny private garden, protected from predators by netting. Bee quickly became comfortable with Fiona’s presence, grooming and even napping in her palm. In the wild, bumblebees typically live as long as a month. Queen bees generally live a little longer. Fiona’s tiny friend was in her care five months before passing away peacefully in her sleep.  

Italian Star

My favorite time of the year to cook is in the autumn, when roasts and stews and all manner of baked goods really shine. But my favorite time of the year to EAT is right now. I could live happily on nothing but fresh home grown tomatoes, melons, peaches, raspberries, cucumbers, sweet peas and corn. If only they were in season the whole year!

Cucumber Tomato Salad

Juice of 1 lemon

2 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 tablespoon poppy seeds

1/2 tablespoon Dijon

1/2 teaspoon minced garlic

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

2 cucumbers, peeled and sliced

2 cups grape or cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

Combine lemon juice, sugar, olive oil, poppy seeds, mustard, garlic, salt, and onion powder in a large bowl. Whisk well until dressing is completely combined. Add cucumbers, tomatoes, and onion to bowl. Toss to combine. Chill before serving.

Arrowhead Puzzle

Four years ago Kassie Bevier was sitting in a psychology class at Grand Valley State University, Michigan when the professor asked if there were any twins in the room. “Psychologists love twin studies,” she explains. She raised her hand, and so did Nick Lewan. Their eyes met, and Nick thought, “Oh, I’m in trouble now.” They exchanged numbers after class, and when they went on their first date their identical twins Krissie and Zack tagged along. Last year Nick, Zack, Krissie and Kassie took a trip to the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, where the brothers proposed and the sisters said yes. The girls are finishing their doctorates in physical therapy, while Nick pursues a master’s in mental health counseling. Zack is working in vegetation management for an energy company. They were married in separate weddings earlier this month, and the two couples will share a two-bedroom apartment in Fenton, Michigan. After a Walt Disney World honeymoon, of course.

Hawaiian Star

“We live in a day when the adversary stresses on every hand the philosophy of instant gratification. We seem to demand instant everything, including instant solutions to our problems. We are indoctrinated that somehow we should always by instantly emotionally comfortable. When that is not so, some become anxious—and all too frequently seek relief from counseling, from analysis, and even from medication. It was meant to be that life would be a challenge. To suffer some anxiety, some depression, some disappointment, even some failure is normal. Teach our members that if they have a good, miserable day once in a while, or several in a row, to stand steady and face them. Things will straighten out. There is great purpose in our struggle in life.” – Boyd K. Packer

Thirty-six Buckeye Beauties

If you're a teacher or if you have a child between the ages of five and eighteen, chances are there’s a drawer of dried-up markers somewhere in your house. Eventually they’ll probably end up in some landfill. Did you know they could all be shipped – for free – to Crayola to be re-purposed? Crayola is working with K-12 schools across North America to help kids learn the importance of protecting their environment. Here’s how it works: First you let your school administrators know you want to participate in the ColorCycle program. Next you set up a collection point at your school for used markers. When you’ve gathered up a bunch (it won’t take long) pack them into a cardboard box and go to http://www.crayola.com/colorcycle.aspx to print off a free shipping label. Crayola will pay to have FedEx Ground come pick up the box of markers. Pat yourself on the back for being a such a good role model!

French Star

Jadav Payeng is a 59-year-old farmer; a member of the Mishing tribe in Northeast India. Mishing have lived on the banks of the Brahmaputra for millennia. Early every morning Jadev travels two miles from his home to a small strip of land in the middle of the river. There he works a small farm. He also works to revive the ecosystem. His little island was attached to the mainland until shifting waters isolated it. “This was all sand. No trees, no grass, only driftwood,” he says. Every day for four decades, Jadav has been turning his island into a jungle paradise. “First with bamboo trees, then with cotton trees. It’s not as if I did it alone. You plant one or two trees, and they have to seed. Once they seed, the wind knows how to plant them.” When the trees became established, animal life followed; tigers, deer, monkeys, elephants, even rare white rhino have made this their home.

Don't Get Around Much Anymore

Duke Ellington and his “Famous” orchestra first played a tune they called “Never No Lament” May 4, 1940. Two years later lyricist Bob Russell added words to the tune and changed its name to “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.” Nearly eight decades later, the lyrics haven’t aged a day:

Missed the Saturday dance. Heard they crowded the floor.

Couldn’t bear it without you; don't get around much anymore.

Thought I’d visit the club. Got as far as the door.

They’d have asked me about you. Don't get around much anymore.

Darling, I guess my mind's more at ease, but nevertheless why stir up memories?

Been invited on dates. Might have gone but what for?

Awf’lly diff’rent without you. Don't get around much anymore.

Swiss Star

I love my weekly veg box – I really do. I have access to lovely produce at a store that’s half a mile away. I admire the jackfruit, Buddha’s hands, cherimoya and purple broccoli. Then I grab the same old fruit and veg I always get. My veg box forces me to be a little more adventurous. Last week, along with curly leaf lettuce, beets, mango, cucumber and spinach came six heads of garlic. Six. Heads. What can you do with six big garlic heads? I could only think of one thing. I peeled off all but one layer of the papery skin and sliced the top 1/3 off of each head. I laid the six heads on a single sheet of foil, drizzled them with olive oil and sealed them into a foil packet. The packet sat on high in my slow cooker on high for nearly four hours. Then we opened it and spread roasted garlic on crostini. Yum!

Twenty-five Buckeye Beauties

EIGHT QUOTES TO KEEP YOU MOTIVATED EVERY DAY:

1.   No one is going to push you but yourself.

2.   Always believe something wonderful is about to happen.

3.   Nothing is permanent in this world, including your troubles.

4.   Letting go isn’t easy, but it IS necessary.

5.   Don’t lose hope. You never know what tomorrow may bring.

6.   Life is tough, but my darling, so are YOU.

7.   Stop being afraid of what could go wrong and start thinking of what could go right.

8.   Work hard in silence. Let success be your noise.

Tanzanian Star

In this Church, what we know will always trump what we do not know. And remember, in this world, everyone is to walk by faith. So be kind regarding human frailty—your own as well as that of those who serve with you in a Church led by volunteer, mortal men and women. Except in the case of His only perfect Begotten Son, imperfect people are all God has ever had to work with. That must be terribly frustrating to Him, but He deals with it. So should we. And when you see imperfection, remember that the limitation is not in the divinity of the work. As one gifted writer has suggested, when the infinite fulness is poured forth, it is not the oil’s fault if there is some loss because finite vessels can’t quite contain it all. Those finite vessels include you and me, so be patient and kind and forgiving.” – Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Sixteen Buckeye Beauties

“May 26th 2003 Aron Ralston was hiking; a boulder fell on his hand. He waited four days, then amputated his arm with a pocket knife. New Year’s Eve, a woman was bungee jumping in Zimbabwe. The cord broke. She fell into a river and had to swim to land in crocodile-infested waters with a broken collarbone. Claire Champlin was smashed in the face by a five-pound watermelon propelled by a slingshot. Matthew Brobst was hit by a javelin. David Striegl was punched in the mouth – by a kangaroo. The most amazing part about these stories is when asked about the experience they all shrugged and said ‘Things could have been worse.’ So go ahead, tell me you’re having a bad day. Every year two million people die of dehydration. So it doesn’t matter if the glass is half full or half empty, there’s water in the cup. Drink it, and stop complaining.” – Rudy Fancisco

Spin Cycle

Lindsey and Alan McIver had just bought and installed a front-loading washing machine. They hadn’t had a chance to use it yet. Early the next morning they were awakened by their four-year-old son, crying so hard he could barely speak. His three-year-old sister Kloe had climbed into the new washer and he had shut the door and turned it on. Mom and Dad sprinted to the laundry room. “I could see she was inside,” said Alan. “The machine was starting to turn and it was terrifying to see her in there. I pulled on the door, but there’s a lock on it.” He had to find the “cancel” button before the lock would release. “I pulled her out and she was safe. She gave me a great hug.” Kloe was wet and bruised, but things could have been so much worse. The McIvers are sharing their story (and braving the inevitable parent-shaming) to save other curious toddlers.

Nine Buckeye Beauties

Today is National Ice Cream Sandwich Day. There are several excellent ways to celebrate. One – You could stop by you local grocer and pick up a box of pre-made ice cream sandwiches, like Klondike, Fat Boy, Nestle’s, Skinny Cow (my personal favorite), Blue Bunny or even Oreo. Two – You could buy a carton of your favorite ice cream and a box of cookies (Nabisco Chips Ahoy comes to mind) and build sandwiches at home. Three – You could go to a place that specializes in ice cream sandwiches. Cold Stone Creamery has an amazing assortment, but I’ve heard good things about The Baked Bear. Four – You could bake your own cookies and use them to sandwich scoops of home-made ice cream. Here’s where things start to get really interesting. If your fresh-baked cookies are ALMOST cool enough to handle, the resulting sandwich might just be the messiest, most delicious thing you’ve ever tasted.

Kiwi Star

Greg Work and his brother Gene were laying sod outside Greg’s Florida home when Greg suffered a heart attack. The Pasco County fire department came to his rescue. Greg and his wife Melissa were rushed to the hospital. Gene stayed behind to try and lay the remaining sod before the summer heat killed it. He was prepared to work through the night. Before long, though, the fire truck and ambulance came back. Seven firefighters and EMTs jumped out, put on gloves and helped Gene finish the job. “They didn’t know our HOA was going to fine us,” said Melissa. “They didn't know my husband pawned his favorite gun to pay for sod he thought was going to die. They simply saw someone in need and did this for us. They saved Greg’s life, and then cared enough to save our grass!”