After the talk I gave in church last August, I wasn't expecting to be asked to address the congregation any time soon. But, lo and behold, I was asked to give a talk this past Sunday, on the topic of Baptism on behalf of the Dead. This time I was given 15 minutes, so this talk is a bit longer than the other one. Enjoy! Something That has to be Done ... Continue reading »

I've wanted a treadle sewing machine ever since I visited my cousin in Apple Valley. We slept on the two twin beds in her room and played with the treadle, making the sewing head sing it's sweetly-oiled rhythm. A few years ago I found a 1906 Singer treadle for sale. But the cabinet was in only fair shape, between years of abuse and an ill-considered coat of gold spray paint. The ... Continue reading »

When I worked on designing submarines, I came up with the idea of making a cookie submarine. I baked a sheet of cookie dough (1/2 c sugar, 1/2 c butter, 1-1/4 c flour, molassas, vanilla, salt, baking powder). When the dough was nicely browned, I formed a cylinder by wrapping the cookie around a rolling pin, pushed cookie wedges into the bottom of sherbet dishes, and cut miniature sail and dive planes. Several ... Continue reading »

Goodness, it's been many months since I posted here. I read Mormon Enigma (both versions - the original, before they knew Mark Hoffman's documents were bogus, and the revision). I then re-read Rough Stone Rolling and In Sacred Loneliness, plus the bit of Mormon Polygamy: A History that deals with Nauvoo-era events. My hypothesis (that Joseph didn't consummate any of his 'marriages' to women other than his first wife, Emma Hale) is ... Continue reading »

A few weeks ago I was given the opportunity to speak at church, an opportunity I sought because I am trying to earn the Personal Progress award along with my daughters. I told Brother Zirkle I didn't care what topic he assigned me, or what week I might speak. He asked me to talk on August 22 about our duty to our kindred dead, suggesting President Henry B. Eyring's conference ... Continue reading »