Current Notes - January 2024

I’m going to assemble various sundry bits of information for a while to bring this blog really current.

As usual, I’m sitting on top of a medical situation. Though I had extensive spinal surgeries (lumbar and cervical) in 2019, I’ve been re-diagnosed with bilateral spinal stenosis, and that my be the cause of the pain and numbness that’s now keeping me from driving and other activities requiring fine sensitivities and motor activities for the past half-year. I sincerely hope I’ll get good news about the possibility of getting this problem rectified without surgery. That would bring me back to where I left off with seeing my “girlfriend” for lack of a more appropriate term.

This is a picture of her, Silvia Montelongo, a few years ago. Hopefully she’ll soon be my fiancé. The offer has been made, but she hasn’t definitively responded. More to follow…

Preoperative Insomnia

First of all, I really want to apologize for letting three months slide by between posts. That's all I'll say on that subject.

I'm suffering from insomnia caused by the fact I'm facing imminent surgery to remove some excess bone from my foot. I am not nervous, not worried, just awake. So I thought writing this might make me tired, though it's now 4:00 a.m., and I'm due at the hospital in two hours.

I've watched four hours of BYU internet TV, hoping to put something in my mind to ponder while I drifted off to sleep, but that only served to stimulate my brain even more.

I will, of course, succeed in falling asleep about fifteen minutes before the alarm is set to go off. Oh well, I can really sleep later today when I get home after the operation.

By the way, Matt and Kristine have a new baby daughter - more on that after I get some pictures.

So, here I go, signing off and hoping this brief diversion has slowed me down enough to fall asleep for a little while, anyway. More blogging to follow...

Out of the Shadow

It is the curse of being the second in line. I've always been mindful of the fact that there are fewer pictures and videos of Payton, Megan's daughter. She's always had to share the spotlight with her older brother. It's not fair, but it's difficult to rectify. The usual photo ops occur when both of them are together, or little sister's taking a nap, or some other obstacle prevents Payton from getting her picture taken solo. (It doesn't help that she won't hold still for a picture). But I finally got a couple of shots recently, and thought I'd give her a turn, just by herself.

The Justice System Has Gone Hi-Tech

Well, here I am in the jury assembly room of the LA County Superior Court. It sure has changed from my previous jury service many years ago. First of all, they have Wi-Fi, allowing those of us who are otherwise bored to sleep a chance to spend the time productively (I've already been called, thanked and excused from one case). For those without a blog, there's regular internet, television, and the excitement of watching other people sleep, read, and talk to other people they will probably never meet again.

Most importantly, I no longer have to return every day for a week or more. The rule is "one case or one day." If my luck holds, I'll be back to work tomorrow. Well, maybe that's lucky - it depends on what's going on at work.

I'm still looking forward to this weekend's visit to Utah. I'm nearly counting the minutes until I can fly there. In the meantime, life goes on as usual. But some things don't remain the same, thankfully. The task of being a juror has been improved measurably. Now, if I can avoid being called on another case, I should be able to look back on this as a day relatively well-spent.

Cole to Celebrate First Birthday

Update on Mindy

Mindy continues to surprise everyone with the speed and scope of her recovery. She may even be home later this week. It appears all those prayers were answered (Mindy and Michael's unshakable faith has had everything to do with it as well).

For more details, click here.

"I Was A Four-Year Old Werewolf"

No, it wasn't Halloween, but Luc had this costume on, and it was a full moon - so I took this shot. Obviously, things haven't been so hectic that I can't have a moment or two of fun once in a while.
Speaking of fun, I'm busy getting my 10,000 tax documents together to assemble my annual income tax package. Maybe I'll take some action shots of that exciting experience!

My Latest Picture

Well, here I am with my new set of wheels... for all those who wondered what I looked like these days!

Bailey's Baptism Picture

Here's another photo of Bailey at her baptism. Thought I'd add it (not much else has been happening worth noting). More to follow... as soon as there's something to share!

From the Latest Trip to Utah

Just sharing a couple of pictures from my latest trip to Utah. The kids (Jay, Fiauna, son-in-law Aaron, Mindy and Benjy) and several of the grandkids. The trip was far too brief (just one day) but very enjoyable. Bailey's baptism was the center point of the day, but the hours of family time that followed were alot of fun.

Luc's Grandpa Mann Celebrates

A shot of Luc's Grandpa Mann celebrating his birthday. (Click to view full-size image).

The Allens of Kaysville - New Home

A couple of shots of Benjy and Amie's new house in Kaysville, Utah.

Do I Take After Mom or Dad? You Decide

The question has been asked as to which of my parents I more resemble. Actually, we've never been able to decide. I was fortunate, though, that I had two wonderful loving parents who saw my inner goodness.

One time, my parents met Xavier Cugat. He said I was the most adorable baby he'd ever seen.

Isn't it amazing how all babies are cute?

(For a more recent picture of me, go to July 2004 in the archives).

Just a Man and His Friend

Outside work one morning, I stopped an old friend and asked if I could take his picture. A World War II Veteran, he walks several miles every morning, navigating the mostly abandoned old tracks adjacent to my workplace.

I have known this man for several years. Every so often, I notice that his gait seems to have slowed a bit, and he takes more breaks to talk to his dog. Still, he walks every morning. His smile, and the friendly bark of the dog, welcome the hundreds of friends who pass him every day on their way to work. This picture for me captured the sense of a long life - and a long friendship - continuing the journey, not looking back.

Why Teenagers Shouldn't Drive

This is what happens to your car when a kid who just finished his Driver's Ed class at the local high school decides your street is NASCAR Boulevard. We mourned the loss of our once-nice car just long enough to be hit again, in the same spot, but with no parked car to slow yet another high school driver as he (and the three passengers with him) careened into our house... and that of our neighbors.

We are lobbying for a speed bump (or a stop sign) but with no success, as yet.

Would You Eat Here?

I snapped this photo of an actual sign posted at a local restaurant. (Click to enlarge). The employees couldn't figure out why I was taking the picture.

Nostalgia? Well, not exactly.

I was walking down the street and snapped this picture of my grandson. It turned out pretty good...

Luc at the Tree

It seems that just when you thought things might be going a bit wrong, a child's innocent smile -maybe that's an impish smile... anyway - a child's smile can remind you that things aren't all that bad! I hope everyone's holidays were wonderful, and that we may always have time to enjoy the company of our loved ones.

Thanksgiving at Sue and Keith's

A few of the pictures from Thanksgiving. The traditional good time was had by all, including the musical talent (this time including Max at the piano). More photos to follow...
Clockwise from upper left: Max, Mom, Sue, Kelley & Craig, Fred, Kathy, Robin (top) and Mary.

Green Dinosaur Frightens the Neighbors!

Luc on his most recent Halloween outing. Like a door-to-door salesman, very confident and persistent... promising personality traits.

Alot of fun to watch him filling up that pumpkin.