OK- I am not really a "resolution" type person to write down goals, but here are some things I would like to make some progress on.
FAMILY HISTORY- in particular, for John Eilenberger, my grandfather's brother. Somehow I don't have any photos to speak of of my grandfather- perhaps Aunt Berta has them all- but Mom had the high school photos of the Middleton High School football and basketball teams (1910-11&12),sitting on the steps of the high school, with John in the group. I have inherited the three photographs which now hang in the guest bathroom. John and the rest of the team are very polite and look straight ahead while the restroom is in use- they are proper New Englanders. I must say, they are some fine looking young men. And yes, I DO know which one is John. Here is what I know (off the top of my head).
John is in the middle of the photo under the man.
My grandfather (Charles) was the oldest of 3. He and John were both in WWI. I believe they were both officers, as they had both attended Cornell University and I think had graduated. Charles was an engineer. John was training to fly airplanes and had been in Europe when he contracted Influenza and was sent back- for s
ome reason I think it was to California? (would that make sense??)- and died in the states. I have two beautiful certificates of recognition from both the US and French government. They also had a sister- Nellie ? who had contracted TB as a young adult (before the war?) and as a young adult had been sent to Arizona to a sanitarium, but she ended up dying from it anyway. So my great-grandparents had 3 children who had lived to adulthood and 2 of them passed away from different illness. Were there other siblings who had perhaps died as infants or toddlers? It would seem like it could very well be likely, but these are the only ones I know of. I guess I should include the rest of the family in my quest, as there is certainly more to learn of them. Oh, by the way, their father, my great grandfather, was a locomotive engineer and drove a line between Middleton and some other city. My mother always spoke so happily about her family- it w
as evident that she felt well loved by both sides of her family. Anyway, as you can see I have several items that I cherish, which keep them close to my heart, but I would really like to connect them together.
Charles and John Eilenberger's parents
visit the California Redwoods- it must
have been an exciting trip from NY!
Other Items to Work On:
READING- There are a number of books I would like to read. With the DISH TV there are so many cool things to watch on tv- the History Channel, Food Network, HGTV, Discovery, Travel Channel, etc. it gets easy to just want to veg out with the tv. Amy and I read the first two chapter of The Chosen last night- I had bought it when Shelly and I were going to Israel. After starting it, I realized I had read it a few years ago, but since we have started it, will read it again. Here are the books currently sitting beside my bed:
Pride and Prejudice- Jane Austin
The Call of the Wild- Jack London
The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner- David Bach
Why Would Anyone Join the Mormon Church?- Brad Brase
Holy Land- Whose Land?- Dorothy Drummond
Motzar's Brain and the Fighter Pilot- Richard Restak
Ebay Business-2nd Edition- Greg Holden
I also want to read the last of the trilogy A Banner Is Unfurled written my Marcie Gallacher and Kerri Bobinson- these sisters were in my stake when we were growing up, and Kerri was even my roommate at BYU.
Books I have recently read:
Starbucked- Terrific! Cami brought it home from the library and I found it extremely interesting and highly recommend it! I don't remember the author's name, but he has a great style that is very accessible and turned a subject that could have been boring into a fascinating read.
Twilight- Tina's boyfriend, Mike was reading it while we were in Park City for Christmas. He finished it and passed it on to me. It's ok, but I am not sure how it became such a best seller. As Cami said, too much writing about "smoldering eyes", etc.
So, what good books have you read recently??
LOSE 10#'S
Isn't this a perennial? The Nurti-System is coming soon- just in time to help me break free from the Reece's Peanut Butter Cups addition which I have been gobbling up (left overs from the homemade ice cream Tina made last week). Of course this morning I read that people aren't supposed to eat anything with peanut butter/nuts right now while they get to the bottom of the Salmonella poisoning. I am happy to report, the package of Reece's I ingested were just fine- no problem with that bag! (all in the name of science, you know!).
BECOME AN E-BAY SELLER
Tom has stuff all around the house he has bought and decided he doesn't need/want. He suggested that I start putting the stuff on E-Bay. The hard part will be that I don't know what a lot of the cords/electronic/gear/stuff is for or does. Can I really sell this junk? It would be great if I can!
I have had these Nike boots since before Tina was born, so at least 27 years, and they have finally broke down. They have served me incredibly well.
The "chains" up to Angels Landing in Zion's Nat'l Park
A peek over the edge on the route to Angels Landing while hanging on to the chains
View into Bryce's Canyon
Are We Having Fun Yet?
My Sister's daughter Kristin Dirkmaat 
My sister Marian's kids Casey and Kimberly (from OR)
An informal photo of our last chick getting ready to fly the coop
My Sister's daughter Kristin Dirkmaat 
My sister Marian's kids Casey and Kimberly (from OR)
An informal photo of our last chick getting ready to fly the coop
