Happy Birthday Dad.

Happy birthday my sweet dad on what would be your 91st birthday. I still miss you Dad. Even though it has been almost 20 years since you died, the hole hasn't been filled and the missing doesn't go away. I think of things I really need to ask you and I think of things you really need or would like to know. You'd be so pleased to know that Pat and I both drive with an eagle eye scanning the posted gas prices all around town so we can stay apprised of the best prices in the area. Of course, you just wouldn't believe that gas has been almost $4 all this year. It costs me over $60 to fill my gas tank. I know that would really get to you. You also wouldn't believe that a can of soup costs almost a dollar. Campbell soup! Isn't that incredible? See, when I think about these things, and notice how I react I realize I am definitely your daughter. You would have been scandalized by these high prices too. While you were pretty skeptical of technology Dad, it now totally pervades our life. I was a long-time hold out about getting a cell phone but pretty much everyone has them. And they are small. And really convenient. You can call someone while grocery shopping and have them remind you what you are suppose to get. And rendezvous are so much easier because you can call and coordinate by phone no matter where you are. We talk on the phone while traveling in the car -- no problem. When I am in Idaho I still easily receive phone calls from Texas on my little cell phone in my purse. And you would be dumbfounded to know that long distance rates don't really exist anymore. Wow, wouldn't that have saved you some money! For $50 a month, my phone bill, I can call and talk to LuAnn and Cherie for hours at a time and it doesn't cost me a penny more. It is so great to be able to stay in close contact with my family and not have to worry about what it is costing me. I am still behind the times with my phone because I can't afford a "smart phone". Those plans cost a $100 a month but wow, they can do incredible things. You can access information through something called the internet and it is like being able to quickly find information from a thousand HUGE libraries all at once. You can find maps, you can read the scriptures, you can listen to great music and it is all on the telephone. Who would have guessed! I think and I hope that you and mother are well aware of what is happening with your family. We have been so blessed. We have had the most beautiful spirits join our family -- we seem to have more boys than girls. Katie had triplets! I think you must know that. It is so incredible to see 3 beautiful babies. Lindsey has 3 boys that are so precious to me. I feel blessed to have been able to interact with them and get to know them. Not what I would have predicted but Michael is the one with the most grandchildren. He has 9 with a new one on the way just announced (I hope I have those numbers right). And it is like each one is cuter than the last. There was just a big family gathering at LuAnn's house. Did you get to visit or at least peek in on what was happening? Pat and I couldn't go but it sounds like it was so wonderful. And best of all, the cousins, your grandchildren, all really like each other and like to spend time together. I love love love hearing that they enjoy sitting and talking to one another and have really great relationships. You would be so sad Dad about what is happening with our government. I just get so discouraged. The different political parties have become more divided and working together for the good of the country just doesn't seem to happen. The abuse of power has always existed, I know, but it is such a problem with individuals becoming insanely wealthy while serving in elected positions. Corruption within both government and corporations is always in the news and no longer shocking. It seems that everyone is doing it and it is accepted until you get caught. We are trying as a family to honor what you taught us. We are all patriotic Americans and for the most part law-abiding citizens (sorry, I inherited my mother's lead foot, but Pat is a very safe and cautious driver just like you would want). We always include the American flag in our celebrations and love the fact that you taught us to cherish what it stands for. Thank you for being such a wonderful father to us, for all your sacrifices and for your desire to give us the best. We love you!! Carol