July 2020, a month to celebrate and remember....a little nostalgia
![]() |
Jenna and Johnny Hickey are a fun family in our ward |
![]() |
Jessie and Elsie listening to the carillon hymns and songs |
Much has changed dramatically since the university's beginning in the late 1800's (including the loss of the high dome/tower in the church toppled during the 1906 earthquake). The acres of apricot, prune, and pear orchards and farmland I knew as a child in the mid-20th century have been replaced with homes, businesses, especially high-tech companies of Silicon Valley, connected by freeways with lots of traffic. But our valley is still beautiful, the climate is about perfect. The schools and cultural opportunities are excellent, and the cultural diversity is enriching.
![](https://scontent-sjc3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/s960x960/76751744_10212130558018562_1424044304464084992_o.jpg?_nc_cat=103&_nc_sid=825194&_nc_ohc=JMmCxEgY_w0AX8bhDai&_nc_ht=scontent-sjc3-1.xx&_nc_tp=7&oh=107453ca8176c87ba8b813c7b33a3683&oe=5F2562BF)
![]() |
Roble Hall was freshman dorm for my mother and for my generation female students. |
![](https://news-media.stanford.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/24143549/T894-5-375x250.jpg)
Local artists have created a BLM mural on the street in front of the Palo Alto city hall...some letters are controversial.
![]() |
Most countries have sacrificed and fought, and we must continue to to fight for justice and independence and
Liberty, Equality, Fraternity.
July 24 is Bastille Day, or la fete nationale in France.
I enjoyed the video presentation hosted by the French Ambassador to the U.S.(below), honoring the 200,000 French citizens who live here, many of whom have made great contributions during Covid, as first responders. The long history of support and cooperation between Americans and French was applauded. Leading French athletes, chefs, astronaut, musicians, leaders of the 10 French consulates spoke! I have many fond memories of watching Bastille Day Parades with my student groups before I retired from teaching French in 2006!
Early members of the Church of Jesus Christ left homes and sometimes family in Europe and New England, to make the arduous, dangerous trek on foot, by handcart and covered wagon to escape persecution and discrimination. Thousands died, many lived, as they settled in the west, areas with desolate lands unwanted by others. We celebrate their sacrifice and faith each year as we commemorate their arrival in the Salt Lake Valley on July 27, 1847. They made the "desert bloom as a rose." They have now spread across the world. Of the 16,000,000+ members today, more live outside the United States, all united as they live by faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the knowledge that we are all brothers and sisters, children of a Heavenly Father.
![]() |
Happy Pioneer Day! Thanks to all pioneers, immigrants, for your legacy!
As present day pioneers, (including the men and women throughout the world) we must set the patterns by teaching and exemplifying the principles we want future generations to live by.