Hollywood or weird

This is WEIRD because after our Thanksgiving dinner we drove over to Calif. and got to Grammas at about 9 p.m. That was one big jam packed day. Our plan was to go to Universal Studios the next day, but we got a late start and decided to just drive to Hollywood and see the sights. First off we had to go see if we could find Rob and Big's house. It was up in the Hollywood hills about 5 minutes from Universal Studios. Rob and Big is a reality t.v. show that is kind of WEIRD but I liked it because he had a miniature horse and a bull dog at his house. The show isn't on anymore and the house is up for sale. But we still had fun finding it. Then we ate at Tommy's Burger and the memories of our teenage years came flooding back. That was one of the first dates Rick took me on when we were dating. It's a different kind of hamburger that they smother with chili. (Sounds Weird) Then we joined the masses walking up and down Hollywood Blvd. Saw Hollywood High School where all the famous movie star teens went to school. Steve Horvath even went there.
We saw lots of WEIRD characters walking around in costumes. Then we went back to Grammas and ate out with our good friends Shawn and Jane. The next day Rick went Motorcyle riding up in the mountains with Shawn and Kenzie and I went shopping at the Santa Anita Mall and saw "Twilight". We finished it off by enjoying a nice roaring fire at Gramma's place. We always enjoy going over to see the folks.

The Spread

I tried a couple new dishes for Thanksgiving. Stuffed mushrooms from my good friend Dolores.
She's 100% Italian from Massachusetts. Then I tried the 12 layer jello from my daughter in law Lachelle (it took all day to make). I loved both of these recipes and will keep them as a tradition. I always seem to try out new recipes I've never done before. One was the green bean casserole with water chestnuts and mushrooms. I liked it but not a big hit with the crowd. What everyone loved was the orange rolls from Gramma Green and the Sweet Potatoe Casserole I'm going to claim. Danny made a pumpkin pie that wasn't really pumpkin but butternut squash pie that tasted better than pumpkin. Ivette made her famous French Apple Pie. The turkey was cooked in a turkey roaster and in a turkey bag. I had it in there about 4 1/2 hours and it still wasn't done. Next year I won't stuff the turkey if it in the turkey roaster. Two ovens would really be a help. But you just have to bloom where your planted and make due.

Happy Birthday Jon

Happy Birthday to my son Jon who's 26 today. When Jon was born and we brought him home from the hospital there was a giant wind storm the night before. Tumbleweeds were piled up as high as cars. I remember my mom came over from Calif. to help. The next day my husband Rick had a marathon to run. It was so hard on him he couldn't walk from the car to our front door and he came crawling. I'm so glad I had my mom because now we had to take care of two babies! I guess you could call Jon a strong willed child. If he got something in his mind he wanted to do it was impossible to stop him. At Disneyland I had to put a leash on him so he wouldn't run away. He was always great at any sport, his favorite was soccer and basketball but he also was good at baseball too. Now he's into cycling and next week will compete in his first triathalon. He and Ivette have been married 2 years now. He runs his own company selling bank owned homes. He's a hard worker and also attends college. We love you Jon. HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Los Angeles Temple

Lately I've had the LA Temple on my mind alot since the recent protesting over Prop. 8 in Calif.
It sickened my heart to see the temple grounds treated in such a hateful way. The LA Temple has a special place in my heart since it was where Rick and I got married 30 years ago. A friend of mine, Marie sent me a letter from an LA Temple worker and I wanted to share it. It shows how nothing can come between the Lord and his Work.

My dear family, brothers and sisters, friends and leaders:

My heart is overflowing with joy and gratitude to our Heavenly Father for His tender mercies and mighty miracles in our behalf. I just have to share this with you. As most of you know, I am a Temple ordinance worker and work the morning shift in the LA Temple every Saturday. Today, I had the privilege of translating sister Martz-the new assistant Matron's-message during our devotional.

She started like this "The prophet Joseph Smith said that no unhallowed hand would be able to stop this Work from progressing. These past few weeks when mobs have combined and armies have gathered against the saints, the Lord has protected His house". She went on to say that those, like her, who were inside the Temple when mobs were surrounding it, did not realize how scary and terrifying this looked on TV to the rest of us, because inside the House of the Lord all was calm and there was peace abundant.

After Proposition 8 passed, the Temple began receiving threatening calls and mail from those opposing it. They were warned that more than 5000 people would come to the Temple and burn it to the ground, and stop Its work. The first Thursday when the mob came, the new LA Temple President called the Salt Lake City Temple Offices for instructions. He was instructed to call the local police and to insure the safety of those attending the Temple by closing the gates. The assistant Matron said today, that it was a tender mercy from the Lord that the mob chose that Thursday to come since they had only one person coming to receive his own endowment that day, which he received in time to leave before trouble started. The LAPD and the FBI responded quickly to the Temple Presidency's summons and patrolled the grounds and kept the mob from entering the same. Most of them had never been there before and expressed their surprise at how beautiful and peaceful all around was. They were invited to come back during the Christmas season to see the lights and they promised they would.

On Thursday, November 13th, sister Campbell, a secretary in the Temple, was opening the mail and upon opening a large manila envelope found inside a smaller one. When she opened this one, a white powder flew all around her desk. She thought this could be related to the demonstrators and feared the worst-ANTRAX. She contacted the President, who in turn called the Salt Lake City Temple office again for instructions. The FBI, the LAPD, and even the SWAT teams were once again in the grounds to investigate, and the Temple once again had to close from around 11:30 AM to 5PM. They closed the gates and were instructed to keep all the people there wherever they were found at the time. Those in the parking lot had to remain in the parking lot. Those entering the Temple had to remain in the first floor and those already upstairs were taken to the Celestial Room. Then, the miracles began to happen: A brother serving as a recorder that day is a Microbiologist by profession and used to deal with hazardous substances every day. He was the first to say the white powder in the envelope was only talc, and put everyone at ease.

Then the sister coordinator upstairs was impressed to call upstairs to the sealing area, and said "They said we can't go down but no one said we can't go up, and I have many people in the Celestial room with their ceremonial clothes on ready to work. Could they do some sealings?"

As it happened, there were four sealers present that day and they ran four sealing sessions nonstop while the Temple was closed. Downstairs, someone else thought to invite those in the=2 0Lobby to do some initiatories, which they promptly did for all those hours too, brothers and sisters alike. Among those waiting in the parking lot there was a large group of young men and women with their leaders who had come to do Baptisms for the dead, and who waited patiently all those hours and decided when the Temple was reopened to go ahead and fulfill their assignment instead of driving back home. The Temple reopened in time for the 5:30 PM session. The next day when recording the ordinances, they discovered that they had performed 2000 sacred ordinances on Thursday, only one less than the day before when three stakes had been visiting the Temple. Once again the assistant matron reminded us of the words of the prophet Joseph Smith, "No unhallowed hand can stop the Work from progressing...".

But, this is not all, a prophecy was fulfilled also. When the new LA Temple President was set apart by President Uchdorft of the First Presidency, he received a blessing and these words were pronounced: "The time has come for the LA Temple to come out of obscurity and become an Ensign for Righteousness to the world under your presidency." The pictures of the Temple have been shown on TV, newspapers and the internet, not only in this country but worldwide. People of other faiths have called and sent letters to the Temple thanking the Church for defending marriage and protecting the family, and commenting how impressed the y are by how beautiful and majestic the Temple looks . One minister of an African American church, who by his own admission had harbored ill feelings against the Mormons before said." I am impressed by your integrity and Christ like behavior, and even if I am not ready to consider you my brothers and sisters in Christ, we can be first cousins!". I asked the assistant matron if I could share her comments and she said to go ahead.

I can only add my own testimony that I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has the power and authority of God on earth. God Lives and Jesus, His only Begotten Son and our Savior is coming soon to redeem His people. I am grateful to know this and I pray we stand firm, steadfast and immobile while the prophecies of the signs before His Coming are fulfilled. "Be not afraid, only believe" He has said, and also " What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same." I testify that this is true and testify it in the Holy Name of Whom I strive to serve, even Jesus Christ. Be faithful and safe is my humble prayer.

Your sister in Christ,

Patricia H. Arnazzi

Tour De Tucson - Nov. 22, 2008

This is the big kahuna of all bicycle races in Arizona. This is the race where you train all year for.
109 miles of hills, bad roads, backed up traffic, bike accidents, lots of people cheering you on, crazy bikers with funny helmets, lots of police telling you where to go in more ways than one, riders from all over the world, some professional riders to the weekend warriors. 8,500 riders they said this year signed up. All you could see was a sea of colors streaming past you. Rick and Jon signed up to ride this year. It was Jon's first time and Rick couldn't remember how many times, maybe 7. We got down to Tucson Friday afternoon and signed in at the Convention Center. The whole center was filled with bicycle displays wanting you to buy or see the newest gadgets for bikes or taste the newest energy bar or drink to make you go faster. Rick had a meeting a 6:30 p.m. that all the Platinum Riders were to attend. These are the faster riders who get to go ahead of all the slower riders. They talked about the course and a policeman told them they would be out in force watching for anyone who was riding over the yellow line, and would give out warnings and citations if not obeying. This race is very competitive. All the riders get computer chips to put on their ankles to see who they are and what time they got when they crossed the finish line. The race started Saturday morning at 7 a.m. at the Convention Center. Some people started lining up at the start at 4:30 a.m. We got there about 6:30 and got into a pretty good position in the middle of the platinum riders. The excitement and energy was incredible. There was a group of about 5 people from Japan riding in it. I tried to speak to them but they couldn't understand English. Ivette and I walked back to the hotel after the race started and cleaned up the room and then we got a call from Jon that said he was sick and throwing up and to come get him. About an hour later we found him and he said he must have drank too much energy drink at the start. He usually reserves that drink during the middle of a long bike ride. It didn't agree with him and he just felt bad. So we picked him up and then went out to find Rick and see if he needed any more water. We caught up with Rick at about mile 75 and he was looking strong and in a good position. We passed off some needed water bottles and then helped another fellow bike rider who ran out of steam and drove him back to his hotel which was our hotel too. Rick's time could have been better if his legs hadn't cramped up again. That has happened to him before and he has learned not to push it and just back off. He still got a good time and we were all proud of him that he did so well and finished without too much trouble.

Olympic Opening Ceremonies

Young Women Of Excellence Night

This week was our wards Y. W. of Excellence Night. The theme was in honor of the Olympics this past year in China. So everything was coming up Asian. The place was decorated to the hilt, compliments of Louisa and Nettie. We had the leaders carry a big dragon and the girls marched in with their flags of the country of their ancestors and all the parents were waving banners at them. Carly lit the torch and Nettie said "Let the games begin". It was a sight to behold! We ate a great meal of fried rice, won - tons, and egg rolls, almond cookies, and fortune cookies. Then the girls and parents played fun games, like ping-pong, basketball relay, personal progress word puzzle, and a search and find relay. The girls displayed all their projects they have been working on in their Personal Progress Book. Kenzie passed off her Faith Project and made Faith Boxes. Everyone enjoyed themselves and we all appreciated the work that went into it.

My Freedom Fighters

America's Freedom Fighters

Being that it's Veterans Day today I wanted to mention my Dad, Lee T. Bashore who served in the navy in WWII as an Ensign on an LST #264 (Landing Ship Tank). He was involved in the D-Day invasion of Normandy on June 1944 (Golds Beach). Here is an excerp from his journal, "As dawn broke on the invasion beach about 0600, we were looking for our assigned anchorage while shells from the battle wagons roared over our heads and hundreds of allied planes continued to bomb and strafe the beach heads. Bodies of unfortunate soldiers and sailors floated by in the relatively calm sea. From horizon to horizon in every direction were ships of every size and description from all allied countries. Some were large (battleships) and some were so small one would not expect to see them out of their home harbors. The only planes we saw were allied with their freshly painted wing stripes of black and white which served to identify them......Shells illuminating us brighter than day and a German dive bomber buzzing around overhead waiting for the kill. Finally he was ready and although we could not see him, he could surely see us! The suspense of the long slow dive was the greatest of my life and I was sure that given these conditions he could not miss. He dropped two big ones and the explosions lifted the ship out of the water - but there was no fire and no screams of pain, just silence, dead silence. After a thorough inspection we discovered, to our amazement, that the only damage was in the galley - the cooks cakes had fallen"! (Thank goodness the cake was the only thing that had fallen, or I would not be here today). Ricks' father Frank Green was also in WWII as a top gunner on a B24 Liberator. His job was stationed in India from 1944 to 1945 flying eight missions over the hump into China delivering gasoline to bases. He had experienced some harrowing experiences too and severe sicknesses. Today I took my dad some flowers and told him he was a Great American. I'll always remember the biggest grin he got on his face and we both felt proud. Proud to live in this great beautiful country that stands for Freedom. God Bless America.

Friday Night Slide Show

Okay, I'm just trying out new things to do on my blog. This slide show looks kind of lame, but it's a start. Rick was gone overnight to do a practice ride with Jon in Tucson before the big Tour De Tucson in a couple weeks. So Kenzie wanted a sleepover with Amanda. The night started out with Ally and Dallin and Amanda wanting to go to Golden Spoon while I got some pizza's at Hungry Howie's Pizza and then we all went to get some movies at Hollywierd Video. It was fun taking crazy pictures with the movie stars. While watching the videos and eating pizza more friends (boys) showed up till around 10:30 and then all was quiet (thanks to Louisa). Amanda and Kenzie were pretty tired from entertaining and veg'd out in front of the tube. Rick called from Tucson Saturday afternoon and said they just finished the 100 mile practice ride. Jon "bonked", that means he "hit the wall", and that means he "ran out of steam", and that means he's really, really tired. Anyway, I'm sure it was an eye opener for Jon as to how hard this race is going to be. Rick's done it many times before and has been gearing up for this one race all year. So we shall see.....

Young Women Leaders Have More FUN

Happy Birthday!!
Young Women Leaders are out for their birthday luncheon in honor of Jane B. Taylor's birthday who is the 1st Counselor and works with me over Mia Maids. We had lunch near the Campus of ASU in Tempe.The place was named "House of Tricks", we don't know why but it sounded alluring. Food was excellent, I had the BBQ Chicken salad, yummy. We ate outside on the front porch on a gorgeous sunny day. Louisa was the organizer and did an excellent job as always. Nettie was there (our newly appointed President), Julie (our new secretary), who loves quiche..... Noel , Marisa and her daughter Brianna and baby Holly, Diane G. and Diane H. two of my favorite women who just got released from Young Women but will always be honorary leaders. I've been in Young Women for about 6 1/2 years now and can say I still am loving it. It's totally the leaders that make it so wonderful (and the girls too). I learn so much from everyone and look forward to the weekly lessons, Wednesday night activities, girls camp, Stake Dances, Firesides, Pioneer Treks, Stake Youth Conferences, Ward Youth Conferences, etc. etc. I guess you get use to the constant commotion, but hey - if it can keep me young. We had a great time, as always and like I always say, "Young Women Leaders Know How to Have Fun"! ( That's our job).

That Frightfull Night

Trick or Treat Kiss my Feet

This is my favorite time of the year. Just because the weather is finally giving us a break and you get out and see all the people you've missed seeing all summer long. Halloween is always one of my favorite holidays, because you get to dress up in a crazy or cool outfit and get lots of candy. Halloween Chili Cookout at our church is very simple and down to a science. People bring chili, I make mine especially hot and spicy for those dare "devils" and the best part is the Indian Fry Bread smothered with butter, honey and powdered sugar just dripping everywhere. Also a very
fine homemade root beer is served. This year was especially fun because all my family showed up even my parents who are 87 years young. And we had our darling baby Carson only 3 weeks old come and celebrate the evening too. We all had fun catching up with old friends we haven't seen since the last chili cookout. Around 6:30 everyone heads on out to go trick or treating the old fashioned way going door to door. It's one big happy block party with young and old enjoying the evening. We had a real headless horseman on a real white horse come down our street. This year I saw more and unique ways of travel. Our neighbors the Kellis' pulled a big long trailer with blinking lights that looked like the Beverly HillBilly's truck. We also had two remote control cars drive up with a trick or treating bag on top. The two boys driving them must have been 15 years old and looked like true nerds. One pregnant mother came up with her 5 children and held out a bag and said the candy wasn't for her but her "baby", yeh right. The weather was absolutely fantastic. Didn't even need a sweater. Things quieted down around 9 p.m. And the good part is I got rid of most of my candy so I wouldn't be tempted to pig out. This was probably the best Halloween we've had yet. Now it's on to Thanksgiving and then Christmas. Just take a deep breath and jump in. Ready or Not. Mostly Not.