June is a fun month!

 June is a Fun and Busy Month! The roses are at their peak, some trees are still blossoming, and tiny pears, apples, cherries are appearing. The tops of the mountains got a dusting of snow this week, which has since melted...

It was fun to attend a bridal shower for Francesca (center), soon to be daughter in law of Nicole Ricks (back center), daughter of Hank and Colette (right)Taylor. Most here are cousins and aunts.

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The Provo recreation center was a fun place on a hot day for 4 of my grand daughters          ***************

                                                                     
Rodeos are a tradition with my daughter Julie's in-laws and cousins. 

The kids are racing to see who can grab a dollar bill from the bodies of two cows! Crazy events! It rained off and on, but did not stop the roping, barrel racing, the bucking bronco and bull (very dangerous!) riding...

    My twin granddaughters Stephanie and Elise and cousin Christian

      This huge flag was brought out by and to remember and to honor          veterans, first responders and others who have sacrificed much.

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I hosted a farewell lunch for Jim and Deanne Welch who will be leaving this week (after two years' delay thanks to the pandemic) to serve as tour guides, organist and music leaders at the BYU Jerusalem Center. Unfortunately Jim, Deanne, son Nicholas, and a few others left before I thought to take a photo of our Palo Alto friends!

Pictured below: Paul Gilman, Hank Taylor, Mike Buckner, Yoko Buckner, Colette Taylor, Sara Gilman, Katy Taylor

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Some of our Relief Society (church women's organization) enjoyed finger foods and conversation at Jill Moulton's beautiful home around the corner from mine. We are of different ages, situations, political views, etc. but I love and appreciate these new friends in my ward.

Laurie King, Stephanie Collette (RS pres.), Kathleen Ianziti, Jill Moulton (hostess), Cassie Kennedy (my next door neighbor)

                    Kerstin Grimmer, Ann Olsen, Elaine Smith

Elaine Smith, Gloria Westphal, Shelly Massey, Diane Buckley, Laura Nixon

Nancy Austen, Laurie King

Marty Evans, Brooke and Becky Hill, Lisa Hoelzer, Michaela Shallenberger    

            Ramona Miller, Gae Rose, Kristin Rose, Cassie Kennedy

                     Ramona Miller, Wiebeke Larsen, Marty Evans

    Susan Hoelzer, Kate Patterson, Kathleen Ianziti, Meredith Stanley

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Juneteenth is now an official holiday celebrating the final end of slavery in 1865, 2 1/2 years after the Emancipation Proclamation. But we must continue to make better efforts to treat all with respect and compassion. As we approach our Independence Day, July 4th, let us work to be more united and grateful as a country. Most of us are so blessed. And we need to try harder to understand those who struggle.

The January 6, 2021 capitol insurrection hearings, racism, gun violence, abortion rights, floods, tornadoes, draughts, fires, immigration injustice, and the continuing war in Ukraine remind us that much needs to be resolved, that life is filled with ongoing challenges and suffering. We need to speak out and stand for justice.

With all the sobering and tragic events happening to people around the world, I am grateful to believe all will be resolved eventually. God is mindful of each and every one of us, whoever and wherever we are.

I am grateful for small daily miracles. Let us not lose hope that we can find peace, that we can remember precious moments and people in our lives, and look ahead more often than backwards, go forward with optimism, feel more empathy, and bring others into our circles.