06/28 #OTDSD

OTD: On This Day

DSD: Delmar Derricott

1957

Went downtown & went to "Johnny Tremain" (Walt Disney).  Had a nice long meeting with Mr. Henry & his friend Mrs. Reynolds & her son Robert...very nice people - I gave a G.H.  He wanted to give us more money...couldn't see why a bit - & couldn't believe it - a very nice fellow...Got a C.B. for an Apost. The Johnsons were nice - but he talked up a storm after getting up - so we didn't leave a lesson.

1958

It's 9:30...he's on the bed slowly making out the report.  I'm all ready & have been for over an hour - even though we got up late - we finally got to bed - he goes to bathroom for so long & I told him I was tired - then he made a sandwich and ate that before prayers - I'm able to have a lot more patience than I'm used to - thanks to Elder Hall - yesterday I got a nice note from Mrs. Sims - that they were sorry they couldn't make it to Conf - have visitors ~ He sure wasted time again this morn! I just don't understand it! I got a nice note from Wendell - he said he really liked U.S.U. & that he lived with John Morgan. I wrote for their address...I'd like that I think. He suggested writing to Ross Menion & so I did...asking a few questions. Got a nice letter from "Bonnie" (Mrs. Belden) said the more she reads the B.M. the more she can see the truth & the Lords teaching in it...said they'd always have a "warm spot in their hearts" for me. Nice! Finally got a letter from folks - Mother - pretty busy I guess - sent some money to buy sleeping bag - thought it a good idea - now I sort of wish we'd do it - but...??  I wrote to Mr. Belden - nice long letter - to folks - they are again trying to get my drivers license. It's clouded up - I finally said - "we'd better go out - hadn't we?" He said "yuh" & finally got up from cutting out the Era & said he'd have to have a sandwich - then asked if I wanted anything. It's now 1:30 & he's just putting the soup in the bowls. I imagine he'll stall a little longer to. Just barely had enough money to pay the rent. Had to take some out of the kitty. Decided that on it looked like rain - we'd go & get the car washed. Did - then helped Bro. Getz wash his - helped Sis. B. get dinner ready and lunch for tomorrow - "I'd like you for a brother!" Sharon said "Because your nice to have around!" It about floored me!! Had a lot of fun - a nice cool supper - ate too much - all of us. Watched T.V. then came home early - took shower and got ready for the trip tomorrow.

06/21 #OTDSD

OTD: On This Day

DSD: Delmar Derricott

1957

Longest day of year. It's 10 months today that I left home...Boy!  What a wonderful day! 9 1st meetings that kept us really hustling! (Negro) Met a lot of very nice people. A lot of Catholics such as the Grants - (he - she not) he's pretty strong & didn't want to listen but we had a very long discussion & I finally got them to take the B.M. - C.B. later - "It's against what my Priest tells me!" Mrs. Cory, next door - very nice & yet didn't want a copy until she told her husband. Mrs. Benano - very nice - all these on Myrock Ave - I've changed it's name to My-gosh Ave! Mr. Hemry was just coming home - I seem quite impressed of him - he seems quite honest & sincere...he said, "I'll make it a pt. to be here next Friday." Lost his wife 2 yr. ago...was very happy we stopped...The Dunbars - were quite a rowdy family - a little unusual - but nice & were interested in spite of several disturbances. I finally got through lesson & B - CB - being as we would not take donations they we having refreshments when we go back on July 1st. Have a very nice looking daughter - one or 3.  The Johnsons this morn - very, very nice. $5.00 for B.M. & build. fund. "You forget your change this morn!" He'd been to Idaho Falls - very impressed...He's a M___ & they seemed quite interested in the B.M. C.B. Another place next to them - a young girl - mother-in-law and friend - who started giggling & it was very rude...I got a little peeved, but I doubt if it showed...65 h. this week 32 meetings! 28 1st! Our best - Went to the Harris' - took D&C - & her bapt. gown - Eternal Marriage - Finally got her to read some scriptures. She's going to be a fireball - Mr. Belden - fell while del. a package today & is in hospital - skull fracture.

1958

First day of summer - hah!  Didn't rain & we could have gone out - but it was surely black & dreary...Got a nice letter from Sis. Longworth in Humidity Haven! Is keeping my shirt for exhibition! Sunday same "you know what?" - Sis. Jacobs wrote with Newport news. They've really got a changed organization - said they miss me.  We went to "The Sheepman" - very good!  Got back & there was a note on the car that was packed in front of the chapel. It was from Bro. Barker and he wanted to see us - so we went right over - they finally talked us into having supper there - Si. B. is a wonderful person - I had a good talk with her again...She thinks I'm a pretty good guy.  Bro. B . said in the Army he'd go to the Chaplain but here he goes to the Elders - has to work Sunday morning & didn't like it - has a few funny ideas - wants one of us to take his S.S. class Bro Betz called me for a 2 1/2 min. talk.  Watched T.V till after the late show was over! Got a 97 cent sport shirt at Newberry's - fair!

06/18 #OTDSD

OTD: On This Day
DSD: Delmar Derricott

1957

Boy!  This heat takes everything out of you - went on Pequot...no luck.  Met Mrs. Newlin - from Kansas - she had a fair knowledge of coming forth of Mormonism - can't read so wouldn't take B.M. Sure a lot of people down at beach - it looks like a Carnival - all the umbrellas.  Walking in the air is stifling!  Went out Waterfowl way...on Willets. had a couple meetings.  Met one lady...she listened...don't know if she understood all...C.B. Eve though - "New London's a ghost town". Met Mr. W James Evans from Wales!  Elder Evans folks came from there too.  Went to call on the Richie family - not home - stopped at Sis. Smith's for a few min. then went to Nichols'. Spike will show us how to get out to Maguar's Sat. Watched T.V. & got home late.  Judy and Spike got in a pillow fight...I died laughing.

1958

It's 9:00 & we just got breakfast over with - I've been reading up on the U.S.U. catalogue & guess I'll write to Eddie & Wendell - Wrote also to folks - talking about getting a sleeping bag to sleep in on the way...sounds like a pretty good idea - but maybe it would be better to get a Motel - Hotel room - & have a place to clean up.  Elder E. mapped the trip approx. 2511 mi to Sugar City - going through the North. Route - Dakota badlands & Yellowstone Pk. about 4 1/2 days. We took the books to the Vet. Library this aft. & went riding - ended up clear down in Apponoug!  Got nice letter from Sis. Bender - she went down to Penn. for an interview - hopes she gets something. We haven't done a thing today - I feel a lot better though.  Went to a show - home late again - stopped & got a or. of pants - Broadway Raill

06/14 #OTDSD

OTD: On This Day
DSD: Delmar Derricott

1957

Elder E. sick again...didn't do much I can think of...met a Mrs. Langdon who couldn't have us come in she was all upset in the house - had a nice long meeting with her - she invited us back to meet her sis next week...very nice...Things are going pretty slo - not much work at all!

1958

It's a lovely, clear morning - & not humid - a gentle breeze blowing & would be wonderful cont. weather - but he's still in bed - it's 9:15!  I got a note from Elder Hall - he's up in Canada, I guess - said that it was needless that we were together again! (Elder E. & J.) I wrote to calm his worry.  I did a lot of typing - no word from Falk's this week...got my Era - it came to Paradise, R.I!  Mrs. Dodge came in with some bananas & I made a cake out of last ones she brought...then took her about 1/4 of it - later she slipped in with some Vermont maple syrup & rice pudding...a gave Elder E. a huge runny steak!  Biggest I've ever seen!  She's so nice to us...I overheard her talking to herself - about she'd like to die - but then she wouldn't - I feel sorry for people like that who have to amuse themselves by talking to themselves.  Went to another show - again!  Got some lib. books for the Vet. Hospt. & was reading a sermon out of "Mess. of Inspiration" - BE YE CLEAN - which certainly was a good one - I'm entering Pillsbury's recipe contest!

T-09 : PhilosoComediCartoonish Truths

There's a TaxAct commercial running on some of the podcasts I listen to currently that included the phrase, "...recite the wisdom of philosophers, late-night comedians, and cartoon characters at just the right moment...".  I think that describes who I aspire to be.  I believe that all truth is circumscribed in one whole.  I believe that philosophers, comedic writers, and cartoonists all have access to such truth.  I believe that we can ascertain these truths from philosophic, comedic, and/or cartoonish angles.  Last Sunday in Sacrament Meeting I bore testimony to the fact that, not only could we seek out of the best books words of wisdom - as prescribed in D&C 88:118 - but that we could seek this type of wisdom from other sources, too.  I believe that philosophy, comedy, and cartoons are just 3 more examples of types of places we can look for some of those little nuggets.

T-10 : Television Midstreaming

It seems like one of the hot buzzwords these days is "streaming", especially as it relates to video.  I realized tonight as I stumbled across a documentary about One World Trade Center on PBS that I am also a fan of what I'll call "midstreaming", or finding an interesting show after it's already started and watching it through to the end while trying to put the pieces together as to what you might have missed in the opening portion.  Don't get me wrong.  I'm not such an old dog that I don't also enjoy "rewinding" YouTube videos or NetFlix shows to catch what I missed.  There's something a bit nostalgic about the way it used to be, though, when we didn't have that luxury.  I like to think I'm at a point in my life where I can enjoy the ways of the past and the future.

T-11 : Condescension Conundrum

Today's devotional referenced the condescension of God as referenced in 1 Nephi 11.  It's a beautiful concept now that I'm beginning to understand it more.  In this context it's not the negative connotation that one tends to think of when referencing a dictionary:

Definition of condescension (n)

Bing Dictionary

• con·de·scen·sion
• [ kòndə sénshən ]

1. snobby and pretentiously kind manner: behavior that implies that somebody is graciously lowering himself or herself to the level of people less important or intelligent

...but rather the following meaning, in this case gleaned from MormonWiki.com:

Condescension the act of descending to a lower and less dignified state; of waiving the privileges of one’s rank and status; of bestowing honors and favors upon one of lesser stature or status. Thecondescension of God is the descent of Christ below all things. He came to earth to dwell as a man, and suffered more than any man who has ever lived in order to redeem the children of God, that they might inherit His kingdom.

 What do you think?

T-12 : Giving Taker

“Blessed are those who can give without remembering and take without forgetting.” – Elizabeth Bibesco

Are you a giving taker?  I want to be.  I'll help you if you help me.  Seems like a good balance to seek for, doesn't it?

T-13 : Lava Hands

I've been getting cold at work lately.  It used to be just certain meeting rooms that weren't as warm as others.  I bought a sweater that I'd leave hanging in my office then carry it with me when I needed to attend a meeting, just in case.  More recently I've taken to wearing it all day long.  Maybe I'm cold blooded...but I'm no killer!  One trick I've found - especially for my mouse-wielding hand - is to use my lava lamp for a quick heater.  It does get pretty hot.  But a few seconds of my frigid hand wrapped around it do wonders.  How's your office?  Do you have any tricks for warming up or cooling off as the case may dictate?

T-14 : Bishopric Beginnings

Bishopric, Broncos, Seahawks, Downton, Sherlock...it's been a full day!

Friday night we got a phone call from the Stake Executive Secretary asking us to meet with the Stake President at 9:00 AM on Sunday morning. Of course we gladly agreed. The next day and a half was a mental fight not to speculate on what he might want to visit with us about; a calling for me, a calling for Tara, missions for the boys? We tried to fill our time as much as possible with regular activities and let Sunday morning roll around in its due time.

Sunday morning we arrived at the stake offices around 8:45.  If you're early, you're on time; if you're on time, you're late...right? We sat there and waited while we listened to the nice orchestral hymns playing softly through the overhead speakers. 9:00 came and went. But what better place to sit and ponder and practice patience than in a church building listening to inspirational music. Not long after 9:00 the entire stake presidency walked in the door to the offices from outside. Only later would we learn where they'd been. We stood up to greet them and shake their hands. We were then promptly invited into the stake president's office. Both counselors surprisingly followed. That was our first clue that it was something of import. When the stake president asked his counselor to tell us why were there - then the counselor immediately turned and began addressing Tara - I began to suspect that she was going to get a stake calling. When he went on to explain that there were going to be changes in our ward my mind shifted. When he said that our bishopric was being reorganized and that the new bishop had requested me as a counselor I got emotional.

The rest of the day was filled with gradual goodness. I felt warm and welcomed. I'm excited for the new opportunity to serve, learn and grow. In matters of less-eternal import, my Broncos and my Seahawks both won their conference championship games. This means that the Super Bowl I've dreamed of since the Seahawks moved from the AFC West to the NFC West is finally going to happen. Then, after the championship games, I was able to watch two of my favorite shows with my family: Downton Abbey and Sherlock.

All in all it was a good and memorable day. I pray that I can continue faithful and true in my quest to bring myself, my family, and now - even more than before - the members of my ward closer to Christ. I hope that you'll do your part in your sphere, too.

T-15 : Seating Silliness

Last night Tara and I went to the temple.  I pondered on the seating arrangements.  For those who don't know, the closer you sit to the front during an endowment session the quicker you get done.  It probably doesn't have any deeper meaning.  But, I thought this was an interesting juxtaposition to how we usually sit in the chapel, in Sunday School, or in a regular school setting.  In those settings it seems that most folks feel more comfortable sitting in the back.  A few will migrate to the front if they're extra-motivated or if they come in late and can't find a seat elsewhere.  I suppose the front row is preferable at ball games, though not always at movies.  I just notice things like that sometimes and wonder if they have any larger part of the great whole of knowledge.  It probably also doesn't mean anything that there actually is a locker number 666 in the temple, right?

T-16 : Golf 71

Today I finally used my golf course gift card that I got 2 Father's Days ago.  The planets finally aligned to where I knew the exact price for green fees was $7 -- based on the advertisement on the outside fence -- and I had a reasonable idea that I could go alone without having to be paired up with anyone.  What's more, I shot a 71!  Golfers will know that's a good score; usually 1 under par!  As a matter of full disclosure, though, I must admit that it was only a 9-hole course.  That's pretty good for a beginner, though.  Now I'm committed to going each Monday throughout the Summer as I try to improve my game and get a bit of exercise in a way funner than running.  So, now I'll have this schedule:

Monday	Golf
Tuesday	Soccer
Wednesday	Jog
Thursday	Bowling
Friday	Soccer
Saturday	Jog
Sunday	Rest

Wanna play?

T-17 : Wagon Trailers

As I was mowing the lawn tonight I saw a number of cars go by.  Our house is on the corner of our cul-de-sac and a major crossroad.  It was the last lot to sell in the neighborhood.  I suppose the general notion is that folks don't like living near the traffic.  I admit it seemed loud when we first moved here.  But, I've acclimated.  Anyway, what struck me tonight is the moment when I saw two cars slowing down from the major road to turn onto our road.  I recognized both cars as belonging to two different folks who live down the street.  The point is that I wondered how long they'd followed each other and if either the leader or the trailer noticed the other.  I often do notice when the car just in front (if it's a slow guy) or just behind (if it's a fast guy) are familiar.  When I recognize them I think I drive differently.  I suppose that's a form of positive peer pressure.  Maybe I should practice it more often, then.  What do you think?  Have you ever driven just behind or just in front of me and been nervous or frustrated?

T-18 : Roy Braver

Today I found out that my friend, Roy, passed away overnight.  When I found out, I was shocked and saddened.  I cried.  He'd contracted cancer a few months back.  He's about the same age as me.  I never imagined that the cancer would be something he couldn't nor wouldn't conquer.  Anyway, as part of my method of coping, here are a few of my remembrances of my Brave Buddy.

• His southern twang
• His goatee
• His Atlanta Braves fanaticism
• His zeal for the Gospel of Jesus Christ
• His love for his wife, adopted son (who didn't seem adopted), and blood daughter (who wasn't supposed to be possible)

Roy was braver than me.  I'll miss you, buddy.

T-19 : Moo Vibrations

The other night after a Relief Society temple activity we met Tara at one of the other sister's house for root beer floats.  I had been to the Library Foundation meeting and so arrived at the house a few minutes ahead of time.  As I'm wont to do, I pulled out my phone and checked for WiFi.  I shouldn't be surprised that there was none there.  It's a very nice house but the couple who live there are mature and probably only have a simple computer connected to the Internet for purposes of keeping in touch with family.  This should have been my first clue as to the minor mystery that evidenced itself later in the evening.

As the activity progressed Jacob and I happened to be over to one side of the room enjoying each other's company; but mostly enjoying the root beer and ice cream.  I kept hearing a buzzing sound.  At first I thought it was my phone.  I almost always keep it on "vibrate".  When I realized it wasn't that I assumed for the moment that it must be one of the ladies' phones.  As I continued to listen, I could sense it was coming from a different direction than the crowd was.  After not too long I virtually slapped my forehead when I realized that it was indeed the mooing of cows.

So, this is what I've become.  Nature sounds appear to me to be secondary to technological blips and bleeps.  How the bleep do you feel about that?

T-20 : Book Backage

Recently I've been called on to help Emily with her 7th-Grade math.  I think it might actually be 8th-Grade level or pre-algebra or something.  At any rate, I'm intrigued by a couple of things.

First of all, I like the fact that the answers to the odd questions are in the back of the book.  I wish more of life were like that.  It's nice to figure out what you think the answer to the problem is -- or at least get a good way toward a resolution -- then have a definitive source to look to for confirmation.

Second, I finally realize how applicable all those math skills are to my current profession.  Mr. Golightly was right.  All the times we pressed him to convert to our way of thinking that we'd "never use this stuff in real life"; I now see I was wrong.  I don't know if it's that way for everyone.  But I imagine the problem-solving skills could certainly be useful to someone outside the realm of Information Technology, as I am, too.

What do you say?  Have you used any of the skills that you learned in high school that you thought you'd never have need for?  Do you have a good source for answers to everyday problems?

T-21 : Divine Pings

I heard in a podcast today the phrase, "...'come to Jesus' moment...".  It's not that I haven't heard the phrase before.  But today it struck me in a way that I realized that I'm not sure exactly what it means.  I have a pretty good idea.  But the fact that the phrase exists in popular culture makes me want to venture out and find some more definitive facts about the phrase.

Forbes magazine (http://www.forbes.com/sites/brettnelson/2013/04/03/come-to-jesus-moment-is-the-most-annoying-business-expression-on-earth/) calls it "annoying jargon" and even gives it it's own acronym, CTJM.

Answers.com (http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_does_come_to_Jesus_moment_mean) defines it as "...based on the "concept" of the moment at which you decide to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, but it has a secular meaning. A "come to Jesus moment" refers to a dawning, epiphany or agreement following a disagreement. It refers to when the light bulb comes on and you understand something or make a critical decision.".  There's even a whole website devoted to the moments, http://cometojesusmoments.com/.

So, odd as it may seem as a phrase, I believe that we all ought to have CTJMs as often as possible; no disagreement precursors necessary.  Some people might even simply call them "aha" moments.

T-22 : Brace Yourself!

Before After

Hopefully it's worth it.
Can anyone who put their child in braces say that it wasn't, eventually?
What's $2,500, anyway, right?

T-23 : Dutch Care

Today in church one speaker compared our lives to that of a dutch oven.  I don't know a lot about the things.  But the way he explained it made a lot of sense.  Like a dutch oven we each need individual seasoning and care to keep from getting rusty and cobwebby.  We must know the proper time to "grease" ourselves.  We must take care to use the proper methods; apparently soap and water are not a good thing for cast iron.  This is where the analogy should stay analogous and not literal, stinky.

Later today we read an article together about the power of stories and analogies to convey meaning.  If we're not careful we can try to ingest too much information; even if it's all good.  At some point we have to put that information into practice as opposed to just blathering on and on about how wonderful certain profound thoughts might be.  I believe I have a lot to learn in this arena.  I do post a lot of ideas in snippets.  It's fun to get comments and reactions but a big part of the reason I do so is to collect them for future reference.

So, take what sources you can to learn truths and put as many of them as you can into action.  And stay seasoned, my friends!

T-24 : Yellow Stones

Today was Fee Free Day in Yellowstone.  We like free.  We're starting to realize that some free things come at different costs.  This one, however, worked out well in our favor.

For starters, we were able to stop in to see Uncle Vance.  He'd called the other night and we owed him a call back. This was one step above and beyond.  Family is important.

In the park we saw elk with radio collars, bison charging from the river toward our van, canines (most likely coyote; but we thought they were wolves until a park ranger burst our bubble), osprey diving for fish, and many geothermal features.  We often thought our names for the hot spots were better than those that they were dubbed by the geyser namers.

The most important thing is that we had fun and made some good memories.  So, if "time is money", "the best things in life are free", and "family...isn't it about...time?"; then we were richly blessed by having this day.