This Morning I Was Reminded!

One of my usual things for Sunday Morning is turning on the TV at 8:30 am and enjoying the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Spoken Word. When I was on my Mission I use to walk over to the Tabernacle to attend the broadcast when the weather was good. Of course it was always on TV there as well. Rather an uplifting way to start the Sabbath.
Well, this morning as one of their numbers they sang: "The Sound of Music". What a flood of memories that brought back to my mind. Oh, I had taken the kids to see the Movie when it first came out, all those many years ago, but that wasn't what sturred the memories. No, it was something even more moving than that.
Jay and I served in the Family History Mission from Novemeber 1991 thru October 1992. The usual custom in the Mission is to have a "Thank You" luncheon just before the Missionaries who have completed their service are to leave. I had the pleasure of being in the Elijah Choir of the Mission while I was there, and on occasion had been asked to render a solo for the morning devotional. The most requested had been: "Oh, My Father". However as the program for our Farewell Luncheon was being planned, I was asked to sing: "The Sound of Music". I found the sheet music, got copies for myself and the pianist and we set up a schedule for practice. Most of these were done in the Chapel of the Church Office Building. It had never crossed my mind where the luncheon would be held, and practicing this moving song in a Chapel setting was not all the emotional. When the reality of the setting was brought into full focus, it was nearly overwhelming.
The day arrived. We put on our best "bib and tucker" and made our way to the 26th floor of the Church Office Building. I know this writting will not be able to convey the view one gets at that height in Salt Lake City, but trust me it is breath taking to say the least. It is late in October and the "hills" which are really mountains were covered with snow. Even on the 26th floor the size and scope of the view was a knock out. Being busy with the affairs of the luncheon, I was not able to really evaluate what was really before us, that all changed when it came time for me to "perform". As I walked to the piano with my Sister Missionary along side, I was struck with the amazing view I was standing before. The Audience was lost in the scope of the view through those hugh windows. I swallowed hard and prepared to do my very best. Somehow, I got through the song, and realized I had been more expressive and envolved than I had been at any other time. The room was filled with the Spirit and there were tears all around.
I remembered that this morning when I heard the Choir singing the song, and realized they could not see the "hills" around them, but they are there, and certainly are brought to mind. In Salt Lake no matter which direction you look, there they are. With the Choir and all the other programs that are performed in the Valley, certainly it can be said: "those hills are alive with the sound of music." For one brief, and rather stirring few moments, I was blessed to add my voice to the thousands that have reached to the skies to pay loving respect to that special place.
I am quick to say: "you have never experienced Christmas until you have one in Salt Lake City".
I can just a easily say: "you have never experienced the beauty of that song until you have sung it or heard it on the 26th floor of the Church Office Building in full view of those Mountains, snow capped or not".
What a great blessing to have been given that assignment on that special day, and how greatful I am for being able to hold the emotion to follow through on the request. One of those moments not often brought to mind, but when it is, what a thrill it brings to mind. The moment is gone, but the "melody" lingers on.

Written this 25 day of April 2010
by: Eileen C. Rosenberg

Oh, your just old!

I wondered about that. Paul said his doctor told him not to think of himself that way. How do you not think of yourself 'like that"? Your "get up and go" just got up and went. Your eyesight is not as clear as once it was. Your knees, hips and ankles no longer want to do what they use to, and your energy level has fallen below the "refile" mark! No filling stations for that one. Your not in the "swing" of things. Life seems to pass you by. Friends are dropping off the scene of history, and opportunity isn't knocking at your door anymore.
Not "think" your old. Why that is like telling you not to worry that you can't "keep up" anymore.
Everyone seems to hit this level at some time along the road to "forever". I don't believe it is an absolute at 60 and maybe not even at 70, but when you hit that big 80 you had better start getting ready for the truth of the matter - old gal, you ARE OLD.
Now that is not to say you haven't anything left. Why I could keep up a great pace for at least 5 minutes anyway. But then, no one has been asking me to do even that lately. Life is what you make it. The old body may be wearing out and the energy levels may have pulled back a few hundred yards, but what the heck, life is still beautiful and this to: "came to pass".
How greatful I am that I have made it this far. Why I have lived through a number of near misses and kept plugging along - birthdays are not all that terrible. Somewhere I heard that I could live forever and that is the aim or my goal right now. I read where there are a number of folks making it to 100. I don't think I would care to go that far. I am happy to take what I am given and realize that everyday is a gift that allows me to do "something". It may not be great, but it is an accomplishment at my age. After all, no one said I had to be "outstanding" at this age now did they?
Well, I may be "growing" older, I may even have reached the level of "being old", but I downright refuse to believe that means I am ready for the shelf. No boring setting around and doing nothing for me. I hope to keep pushing the limit, even if it is closer to me than once it was. There are no requirements I have found that says giving it your best won't do even at my age.
Now I do have to admit that my best may fall way short of what it once was, but hey, I feel everyday is a blessing. Keep moving and don't waste time on what was. The best is yet to come.
If anyone asks you, remember I told you - it is worth it, and I wouldn't care to fall short of the goal I have set for myself, even at this "ripe old age".

Written this 23rd 2010
by: Eileen C. Rosenberg

Honor the Name

I have given this some thought over the years, and have a copy of great examples that I would like to share. I guess what started all of this was the fact the Lord has asked us not to take His name in vain. We all like to have our name remembered "correctly" and not misued or abused. I find that some names have slipped into a rather abused catagory and wondered why when I had learned where the name originated and what it really stood for. Lets see if you have the same idea when you have learned a little more.
The first name is Dorcas. Today it has a meaning so foreign to what it really means or stood for that it annoys me greatly. If you take time, not that you have to of course, you can read in the New Testament in the Book of Acts chapter 9 verses 36-42 about "Tabitah" which is the Greek for the Arabic name Dorcas. Now the first name mentioned has no harsh useage today, but Dorcas does. So, who was Dorcas? She was apparently a very lovely lady who lived during the time of the Apostles and who went about doing good to her neigbors and friends. When she passed away her body was lovelinly cared for and as the Apostle Peter was in a near by town, two friends were dispatched to have him come. When he arrived, he was taken into the room where Dorcas lay and seeing so many morners bearing the garments she had sewn and hearing of her many good works, Peter cleared the room. When he was alone, he knelt next to the bed where Dorcas lay and prayed to the Lord in her behalf. Her eyes opened, and she was returned alive to her friends and neighbors. Tabitha or Dorcas is also translated gazelle. In the English that means a small, graceful antelope. Hardly the image of something that would be classified in todays vanacular as a "Dorc". We need to treat the name of others with respect, and not allow ourselves to be brought into the crowds that know little about what they speak.
On the male side, I would like to discuss a word, that has been reduced from the name of some one who has made our everyday lives more bearable because of his great inventive mind and hard work. That word is "crap". You see it has been shortened from Crapper. Mr. Thomas Crapper was the inventor of the modern flush toilet. He was born and lived in England, and did his great work during the Victorian Era. He walked 165 miles when he was only 11 years old to be endentured as a plumber. Boys during that time, the 1830's, would have gone to work normally at age 9. Mostly in the mines. He traveled the distance to enter into his profession.
Plumbing at the time he started working with it was far from the sanitary condition we know today. The sewage systems were very primitive, and Thomas Crapper was a pioneer in developing a "water closet" that would flush away waste and save water. It is his invention that is used in every toilet used today. His inventions are too numerous to mention in this short writting, but he even worked on the porcelain toilet and at one time had a raising seat on some models for convience. He is responsible for the automatic flush used more widely today with the modern technology of the electronic eye.
The name "Crapper" was stamped on all of the products that Thomas Crapper produced, thus the name became a "word" and eventually reduced to slag in our language today. I doubt most people even know how the "word" originated.
There are no living family members of the Thomas Crapper family today. His last living relative was a female, a neice. She is now gone as well. Never married and had no children.
I guess the purpose of this writting is to help make us more aware of the dignity we should give to our own name, and out of respect give to others names as well. I only learned these facts when I was an employee of Fluidmaster who make the very flushing equipment that Mr. Crapper had invented so many years ago. I have a book about his life and inventions complete with pictures and details of the many things he made possible for our daily comfort. Why he even invented the stair runners that have saved many a slip on staircases all over the world. He was a very gifted man and certainly should have the respect and appreciation he deserves for the things he left for everyone in this world.
I guess this kind of fits into the same thought pattern as keeping the law. If you can keep the laws of God, you won't have any problem keeping the laws of the land. So it follows, if we honor the name of our Father in Heaven and His Son Jesus Christ, we should not have any problem with honoring the name of anyone from any age. Something to think about and hopefully become more aware of as we go through daily routines.

Written this 20th day of April 2010
by: Eileen Rosenberg

Elder Hosteling

Something I believe everyone should do at least once in their lifetime. I realize it is for the more
aged folks, but it is certainly something to look forward to. A chance to visit interesting places and learn while you discover something new.
I learned about Elder Hostels in a book about "Free Things for Seniors". Of course you can see their catalog in any public library as well. Not that it is Free, but it certainly is something that peeked my interest. I talked Jay into giving it a try. He didn't want to travel too far, so our first adventure was in St George, Utah at Dixie College. The Theme was Ghost Towns. Well we really saw a lot more than the Ghost Towns around the Silver Mines in the area. First off when we arrived, we were introduced to the Leaders for the week, and then given our room assignments in the Dorm. A small room that slept two with the communal bath down the hall. Well the one for the ladies was down the hall, the men had to go upstairs for theirs.
We ate our meals in various places. Breakfast for instance was in the foyer. Lots of choices, all cold. Lunch was in the College Cafeteria, and Dinner would either be their or on some site in town. A lot of variety.
They had a vender with Indian Jewelry come in one night and talk about how things were made and showed us various items, many that we could purchase after the seminar. We enjoyed a dinner in the Park. A local Police Officer and his wife treated us to a great Dutch Oven dinner. We had been to visit the city Cemetery to expore pioneer history from Dixie Country. As we Latter-day Saints (Mormons) know that was the Cotton Mission of the Church in early Utah History. We explored the setting of the Movie Makers who used the St George Scenery for many of their Movies. In fact the local eatery was a hang out for John Wayne when he was in town for a "shoot". Everyone said he was very gracious and enjoyed spending time with the locals while he was there. Rumor had it John Wayne may have picked up his weakness to Cancer with so much time spent in the wilds outside of town. His co-star Susan Hayward was aslo concidered a victim of the radiation from the area. Who knows, so many stories flurry around such stars.
We enjoyed the experience so much that we attended a number of other sessions around Arizona, Utah and Colorado. I think the one that stands out for this writting was the one we took to learn about Yellow Stone National Park. Now you should know we planned that for June, but strange as it may sound, it snowed everyday while we were there. Not enough to slow the group down, but enough to make it interesting.
I think the thing that ment the most to me was one series of lectures by a Naturalist who had worked in the Park and had been moved to find out about the only grave that is still in the Park.
Her name was Nan Weber. She had written a book about her discoveries. I would like to share just a bit about what she learned, and how it made a difference to me.
While picnicing before she became employed in the Park, she found this lonely grave back of a modern joint/gender out house. Strange to find such a lovely headstone over a single grave. If you go to the Park, you can still find that grave. Now it has been surrounded by a rale fench to keep the wild animals from knocking over the headstone. When Nan first found it, it was unprotected. You might find one single red rose laying on the grave as well. Nan and some others quite often lay a rose on the grave when they are in the area.
Who is buried there? Martha Jane (Mattie) Shipley Culver. Oh, something you should also know, all those who had been buried in the Park have since been removed to a proper Cemetery outside the Park. Only "Mattie" was never moved. Nan wanted to know who this person was, and why she alone remained. Elery Culver had worked in the Park for years, and at one time managed a hotel that use to set in that part of the Park, in fact history has it that Mattie died in child birth and was laid to rest in back of the Hotel. Some years after, Elery had sent to Seattle, Washington and had the headstone made and shipped and placed on the grave. Who put the idea of an outhouse just in front of the grave may remain a mystery. At least it brings attention to the grave.
Nan spent years investigating Mattier and found she was a very interesting person. She traveled a great deal and had her name in the paper quite offen telling of her life while she lived in Yellow Stone. She had first come, as many did, to help with her health. Mattie suffered from TB which she had fallen heir to, with many years of working in the mills in Massachusetts following her coming to the United States from England with her family. Everyone worked in the Mills it seems. Her father, anxious to become a citizen, left his family to join the Union Army in the Civil War. Unfortunately he died from wounds and the children who had been abandoned by their mother were left to fenn for themselves.
After spending a week with Nan and her great adventure in finding out about the family of Mattie Shipley, I asked her if she had done anything with that information. She admitted that she had not, but understood the Mormons were gathering family histories and putting them on line. I offered to contact a family of Culvers in our area to see if they had any connection. They were not sure, but felt it would not hurt to put what I had gleaned on line so others might make connections. Sad to say the child Mattie and Elery had was a girl and she died shortly after graduating from high school in Seattle, Washington. So there was no one on that line to do anything for them. The only brother, went to California in search of gold and was killed accidentally without being married, or having any children. One sister married and those are the only decendants of the family to carry on, only none with the Shipley, or Culver names.
I am happy I have been able to put the family in Ancestry.com and hopefully someone from the Culver family will be able to link Elery and Mattie as well as Theda the daughter into their line to complete a family link.
Elder Hostels are a great way to expand your knowledge and learn new and exciting things. We loved everyone we attended, and would have gone to more I am sure if Jay had not been so ill the last few years of his life. I would go now, only I don't enjoy doing things alone. I believe, however, I will stop by he library soon and take a look at an updated catalog and see just what is offered locally. Maybe I could do something close to home.
We never outgrow our need for learning. For stretching our minds and broading our horizons. I know times and things change for us, but we should always be ready to strike out into new adventures that can bring into our lives things that will help us appreciate all that we have and how very much our Father in Heaven wants us to learn while we are here on this earth. So many advertisements today charm us by saying "expect" something or the other. I believe that is one of the things we should be doing, "expecting" for their are more things out there than we can dream of, and most are close at hand. We need to reach out and take a new look. We could be pleasantly surprised at what is waiting for us.

Written this 18th day of April, 2010
by: Eileen Rosenberg

Spring has Sprung, can Summer be far behind?

It simply amazes me how everything sheds leaves, and green in the fall, then when the rains and cold seem to be past, here comes the new green and growth that makes Spring such a wonder. I look out my window and see the roses that I cut "way back" at the first of the year now full and starting to blossom. The yard will soon be a show place again, and the fragrance will be enough to "knock your sox off". Nature certainly nows how to put on a show!
I enjoy the sights and the wonder of it all. What a blessing to be able to enjoy it. I can see the lovely blue sky with those puffy clouds I so love, the freshness of the air and the glory of the change that is taking place all around, it's magnificent. I look forward to the many colors that will soon start showing in and around the neighborhood. The sound of the kids going and returning from school. The birds are flying making their nests and sounding out their song for everyone to hear. I especially enjoy the wild canaries that seem to show up every year and of course those busy humming birds that flit in and around the many blossoms the yard produces.
Spring with all it's wonders is soon followed by the heat and challenges of Summer. When I was a kid, I use to look forward to the time when we would be out of school and be able to play all day with friends. Now that I am "ancient" in age, I don't really enjoy the heat as much. Once I would rejoice in the opportunity to go to the beach, but now the sand is too much to cope with. The surf is "dirty" and not the least bit inviting. Years ago, none of that mattered. We would take our picnic and go to the coast to enjoy the day of cool breezes and a spash in the "blue Pacific". Once I use to love to go swimming. Now I avoid even the thought. Like the whale that would love to hide. The best way at my age is to stay our of a bathing suit. Who needs that kind of "sight"?
Never the less I do love seeing the young people having fun doing all of those things that once I too enjoyed. Age does not dim the memories of such good times. Picnics, running and playing even the simplist games with cherished friends. Getting together with family for the day and doing whatever fancy you might have at the moment. Bar-B-Ques with "burnt" hot dogs to which we add relish, mustard and lots of onions. Oh my! Of course it is much improved if we have a large scoope of Dawn's Potato Salad to stuff in our face as well. Good times are few and far between it seems. Never the less the thought of the time and the things that might come along still tickle the tought process and make one greatful they have survived another Winter to have another Spring and Summer to revel in.
Once I was a young and slender thing that took advantage of all the things this time of year has to offer. Now a slow, portly and grey haired old doll, I enjoy setting quietly and watch the rest of the family doing what they enjoy. You would be amazed at how much pleasure that brings. The smallest ones seem to be totally unaware of the marvel it all is. The teenagers seem to take it all in stride. The young adults are ever fussing with their outfits, hair and surroundings. Then we find the young parents eager to help their little ones learn new skills. Grand Parents usually are busy making things comfortable for their families and the Great Grands are content to be observers. How fortunate the family has all the ages to enjoy the same things. If they are the least bit curious they would see how life, at it's various stages has a great deal to offer anyone.
Enjoy the time, enjoy the people and most of all enjoy the blessings such things bring into life. No one really misses out. We take what we can from each experience and relish it. The trick is to not miss a thing in the passing. Life has so many wonderful stages, and each one has so much to offer. One does not miss out because they can't do what others do, they miss out only when they are not eager to take from each stage the blessing it affords. I can't run, but I can delight in those who can. Not being able to do what others can do is not "awful", it is the time we are alotted to glean from those who are able to do it. Of course, I never was good at hitting a ball, but that doesn't stop me from cheering for those who can, and do. In fact I think watching my Grand Children and now my Great Grand Children excelling in things is a greater pleasure than anything I accomplished myself.
Take from this life what it has to offer, when it is offered. Don't complain about what you can no longer do, but look to the ones who are now doing it, and enjoy their accomplishments. Particularly let them know how proud you are of their effort and how much seeing them being good at what they do means to you. These days come and go so quickly, at times it appears that life has flown and how that happened is amazing in itself. Once I was young, now I am, well we won't go there. Just know that I am greatful for every stage of life. Being slower, older or even a bit forgetful isn't all that bad when I realize I had my day, and now it is time to let those who can, do. They seem to be so good at it.
The sun is shining, the birds are flitting by the window and I am setting here at this one eyed monster clicking away on these keys as if I had something of real value to share. You be the judge. I love you all - Bless you in all you do.

Written this 15th day of April 2010
by: Eileen Rosenberg

My Mothers Pearls

When I was about 13 years old my Dad bought my mother a beautiful string of cultured pearls from Raff's Jewlery Store in Huntington Park. That was a luxury back then. Dad was always buying nice things for Mom. I remember his buying her a new fur coat. Really, who needs a fur coat in California? Well no matter Dad wanted her to have one and so she got it. Back to the pearls. They were beautiful and I learned the way to keep them that way was to wear them, especially against your skin because they absorbed the oil from the skin and that kept them shiny. They are lifeless if they are kept in a box. Only by wearing them often do they keep their luster.
I don't remember when Dad bought Mom the three strand, but I do remember when he did, I got the single strand of Pearls for my very own. I loved those pearls and wore them when I got dressed up, and gave them a great amount of care. They were kept very speical until the time when I presented them to my daughter. I believe she wore them for her Senior pictures as I did when I graduated from High School. I don't recall seeing her wear them since then, but I am not with her all that many times either.
Our oldest grand daughter was born in June and of course that is the month the birthstone is Pearl. This naturally brought forth the idea that that single strand of pearls would be given to her, Keara when she, at least, was ready to graduate from High School. Many years have passed since then, and I am sorry to say the passing of those very special pearls has not taken place, or at least not to my knowledge. I am sure Mom would love to see Keara have them, and I pray the day is soon at hand when that transfer can be completed.
Mom wore those pearls when she was President of the Navy Mothers and PTA President of all the Schools we kids attended, in fact she wore them to a number of PTA conventions when she was an officer in the National Association of PTA. The three strands of pearls Dad bought for Mom still lay in my safe. They need to be restrung for their safey or I would wear them even today. They should go to our Daughter, however I may have them restrung and give them to Keara. I believe she would love and appreciate them even as I do.
A side note about Pearls. Dad bought Mom a Wedding Ring Set with Pearls. The engagement ring had one large Pearl with three smaller Pearls on either side. The wedding ring had 7 small pearls. After Dad passed away she took the wedding ring back to Raff's and asked them to have another made like it so she could have one on either side of the larger ring. They sent it off to have the duplicate made, only the shipment was lost or stolen in the mail. They couldn't duplicate the loss, so they gave Mom a Gold Ring Guard to wear with her Engagment ring. She never was happy with it after that. I don't blame her. Just one of those disappointments in life. So much for the Pearls in our lives. The engagement ring was given to Jeannie Kathleen Smith Mireles Onimus when Mom passed away. Her only June Grand daughter.

Written this 10th day of April 2010
by: Eileen C. Rosenberg

Home Economics at Gage Junior High School

Hey, this goes a long ways back. I have no idea if this will be of any interest, but it crossed my mind, so here goes! One of the subjects we were required to take was Home Economics. Half of the year was sewing the other cooking. While we were in Sewing we were required to make an apron and (uck) hat, which we embroidered with our name. When we went into Cooking class we naturally wore them. The apron wasn't so bad, but the hat, well that was nothing more than a flat piece of material that we tied around our head when we were cooking. Pretty dorkey if you ask me, but who did?
In sewing I made a dress. I hated it, and never wore it, but got a decent grade for it. Cooking was something I really enjoyed. My favorite thing was broiled grapefruit. I still make it, when I buy grapefruit that is. Our cooking teacher was nice, and I liked her a lot. We learned how to cook a variety of things and of course we ate whatever we cooked that day. I am not sure if they offer such classes today in the schools. I think for some of the girls it would be helpful indeed. At our house, Mom was always showing me how to do things. The one thing I never learned how to do was make pie crust. Mom did a great job, but I was never that lucky.
I think the neat thing about cooking class was we learned more about measuring. Something Mom never did much of. She cooked from memory. About the only time I saw her use a recipe was for something others made and she had to follow the book. I have never been much for following recipes myself. I guess it is because I learned pretty much from watching Mom do things. I felt a bit held back by having to follow a book to get something on the table. Fortunate for me, but something I am happy to say did not incumber my daughter, or her daughters. They all seem to use any number of recipe books in their kitchens.
I laughingly tell how Jay was willing to try anything at least once, but if it wasn't to his liking he would always say, "it was alright, only don't do it again!" I learned from that. I do believe those cooking classes molded my liking for kitchen duty - well all but doing dishes that is. Yes, we did learn the proper way to do those as well. You must remember - this was before household dishwashers were available. I guess it was pretty important back then to know about measuring cups and spoons, pots and pans and such. The kitchen had some pretty up to date equipment, in fact I am sure some homes were not as well equiped. What ever, it was a time to learn and to do in a way most of us girls had not experienced. Did it make any of us "good cooks?" I don't think it did, but it certainly opened up out thinking about what lay ahead for girls of that day. Housewives and mothers. Today I don't believe that is the center of education for girls. In fact I believe much more emphasis is put on learning more competitive things.
Every girl should know how to sew, just as every girl should learn the basics of cooking. Not to mean she has to be proficient in these things, but just so she can be comfortable with the use of the things required to do either.
I am only sorry they did not cover some of the other refinements such as knitting, crocheting and tatting. Many young women never learn these things, in fact a great many have never had experience in quilting either. I admit I didn't get envolved in the last two until I was much older, but have enjoyed doing both since I learned how. As was once told, Grandma had to learn all of these things and of course had her own "hope chest" filled with the lovely handmade things she would start her own home with. I don't believe many girls of today are doing that these days. A pity because it has much to add to their future lives. Lovely handmade things aren't the norm in most homes these days. Oh well, such is the changing of times. Who is to say what is the right way?

Written this 10th day of April, 2010
by: Eileen C. Rosenberg