The 1940s/1950s

What fun to remember the 1950s! I remember watching Howdy Doody with my cousins when we glued ourselves to their television on winter afternoons. At my home, we did not have television. My grandmother thought that, if we had one, we would never get our homework done. She was a teacher and had work to do in the evenings and I always had homework though, even without a television, I was not always that great about getting my homework done in a timely manner. 

I am thankful that I grew up in the 1940s/1950s world. I enjoy being reminded of the "good old days" when I was a kid and a teenager. It is sort of surprising to wake up one morning and find out that you finally grew up and you are old! I'm always older today than yesterday and younger today than tomorrow. So is everyone else. Hehehe.

Copycat Recipe of Baker’s Square Pie

Gordon wrote: Myrna,

Last year you sent me this recipe.  It calls for a cup  of frozen whipped topping, thawed.  However, in the directions, it
never tells what to do with the topping.  Is it to put on top, or is it to be folded into the cooked mixture?

Love,

Gordon


Myrna wrote: Sorry about that. I guess I just cut off the last sentence.

The BEST CREAM PIE Ever
Darla Tooley (My friend and a sort of Petty relative.)

This is a copycat recipe of Baker’s Square pie

Baker’s Square is famous for their pies, especially in the Midwest. This is one of their best! You can make this home made pie at home, it isn’t too hard!

Bakers Square Old Fashioned Coconut Cream Pie
3 cups half-and-half
2 eggs
3/4 cup white sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup flaked coconut, toasted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (9 inch) pie shell, baked
1 cup frozen whipped topping, thawed

In a medium saucepan, combine half-and-half, eggs, sugar, flour and salt. Bring to a boil over low heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, and stir in 3/4 cup of the coconut and the vanilla extract. Pour into pie shell and chill 2 to 4 hours, or until firm.
After pie is chilled add 1 cup of frozen topping to the top of the pie and sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup flaked coconut.

Gordon wrote: Thank You!

Sad News About Steve Hermanson

I hate to be the bearer of sad news, but I am. Dad wants you all to know that Claire Hermanson (Aunt Marie and Uncle Ed Bench's daughter) has suffered a shocking and sad loss. Her husband, Steve, shot himself in the head. He is brain-dead but is being kept on life support because he wanted to be an organ donor. I am not certain when the funeral will be. It depends on how long it takes for all of this to be done. Because he was alone at the time of death, there will also need to be an autopsy. Auntie Helen, who has been staying at the hospital with Claire, was not certain how that was to be accomplished.

The organ harvesting team have already determined that his heart cannot be used. Claire was surprised to find he had advanced heart disease and would likely have died of a massive heart attack in two years. He had severe blockage on one side of the heart and clogged arteries on the other. He had passed his physicals and was a runner. It makes me wonder if he would have continued to pass those exams needed to be a fireman and would then have just suddenly died.

Steve had been in a mental hospital for a short time because he was suffering from severe depression. He was released a day or two before he shot himself. He was to start back at work the next day. Claire was at work and came home to find him barely alive. She called the paramedics and they transported him to the hospital. Auntie said that the EMTs arrived very quickly. While Claire was at the hospital, Hazmat came in and cleaned her home so that she would not have that horror facing her.

Claire does not want flowers for the funeral. She would prefer money donations. Because Steve took his own life, insurance will not cover the expenses. He was a Salt Lake City Fireman and Paramedic. Hopefully, his fireman buddies will raise money for his hospital and funeral expenses. I know that they do things like that.

Who and Why?

Just concerned,  Thought to write that earlier in hopes to scare off rather than alarm.  Hope all is well.  Its a gloomy winter day,  but the weather is actually warmer than it has been.  Wally did well on his testing and we were just in Utah for 42 hours.  That included the Dr. appointments, a stay over and dinners at Markays, a visit with cousin Stu who lives in Farr West and road time to and from Boise and SLC.  An unusual storm for Utah, coming from the south hastened our time to return.  The roads were not good and only about 30 miles of all the travel were dry.   Enjoyed the music and messages you sent out on Face Book.  Like to share, feel free, I will not make exposure again.  This world is filled with the weird and to contain such is perhaps a reason to expose?  Do you remember Ardith Thygerson?  She lives in Provo and went to school with Wally.  Class of 61 was sent a post card in regarding a summer reunion in Price, but nothing since last Oct has been undated. Think she organized their last one. Stuart Wallace, Wally's cousin graduated in "61 as well.  Feel worried about Jay and Alice Hall in Australia and his homeland is New Zealand.  Plaxo seems less unless you pay more, do you?  Hope to hear from them.  Laurel and Tom have the tiny girl, they are so thrilled.  Any babies yet at your place?  Take to Care.  Love and Hugs,  Charlotte

Another Week in the LIFE

Yet another crazy week has gone by in the week of the dear Elder B. This week was rather eventful compared to the past few weeks. I was going to baptize a family this month, yet we had to put the date for the 5th of March. Sad but good at the same time. Highlight reel of the week: met Korihor/Jack Sparrow/Professor Trelawny, met a Catholic woman that wants to be with her husband forever but will not get baptized and knows that our church is the church of Jesus Christ, decided what I'm going to study/not going to be in the future, started making reports of my area and district and other fun things, and I had some fun traveling to a little community and working with some of the members of my district.

This week I went to a community in this province, Leon, called Momotombo. It's tiny and the people are very simple, a lot like the people from Puerto. I went out there with one of the Zone Leaders so that we could do divisions and do interviews with some of the investigators of the Momotombo Elders. The first "investigator" was a crazy man that tried to teach us a lot of interesting doctrine that he could not back up nor explain very well. For instance, Satan killed God (in his PHYSICAL BODY) before this life and in doing so gained the name of Father and earned half of the inheritance of heaven; so when we pray to the Father or baptize in the name of the Father we are really doing it in the name of Satan. I was getting very frustrated. This "meeting" was one of the few moments that I have almost lost my cool on my entire mission. The man was insane. Poor guy. He tried to condemn me for testifying that I knew that what he was teaching was false because God revealed to him in various ways. Fishy.... Okay the crazy woman was after that. We went to go speak to a woman who is married to a member but has never gotten baptized. We spoke to her for a while about her family and her husband (who is also rather odd). Her husband is inactive and we thought maybe visiting his wife would be a good idea, but she doesn't really want anything to do with the church. She has read the Book of Mormon and knows that it is true as well as recognizes the need to have a prophet on the earth. She wants to be with her husband and family forever. Perfect investigator, right? Well one thing, she doesn't believe that she should be "Mormon". She was born Catholic and wants to die Catholic, like her mother. She also does not need to repent. She has no sins. All in all, that was a very productive two days in the middle of nowhere.

My companion and I started studying Spanish together this week and we ended up discussing how we do not to be NOTHINGS in our lives, how we don't want to be like some of the people here in this country who "work so hard" every day walking around selling fruit or ice cream for 4 hours. I think, "Wow. I walk around offering eternal life for free every day for about 10 hours and get hot and sweaty but keep working. Yet, you get too hot and tired in 3 hours in your own country, of selling to earn somehting that will keep you alive for just another week." I still have to pray about the decision, but once approved I shall inform you all.

Got another short haircut. Yay for the heat of Leon! Seriously sometimes I am so hot that I cannot even think properly.

I am having fun, working hard and really excited for whatever the Lord is preparing for me not only in my time here on my mission, but in my life. I used to fear some of the "blessings" that the Lord has laid us in store for me according to my faithfulness and hard work; however, right now I am learning to accept and look forward to such blessings. The things that I am learning here are going to help me so much in the rest of my life and I know that I can be a more effective tool in the hands of the Lord thanks to all that I am learning, applying, and become here in the mission. I am happy. I love all that I am learning and doing. I want you all to know that.

I still need to send letters to like a million people. Problem #1: Time (regard Post Office scheduling, as they close whenever they want). #2: Money...a dollar to secure a letter to the states, in other words, if I want to be sure that the letter gets to the place I send it to, i have to pay 50 cents more. Lame.

I am excited for this week and the baptism that we're going to have. You shall have photos next p day...when I turn 20 YEARS OLD. WIERD. I am making plans to go out with this family in my area and see some cool things in the city. I am going to take them out to eat, I think. They don't have very much money, but they work so hard for the church here in this part of the vineyard. I want to reward some very humble people for their faithfulness. Also, if any of you want perfume or cologne...it's super cheap here. $80 for a bottle of 200 mL Givenchy, Elizabeth Arden, Paris Hilton, etc. Also, shipping is approximately $2 or $5. Just because I love you all.

Hasta ver!
Elder B

RE: Who and Why?‏

Myrna wrote to Charlotte: It has been an eventful week for us. Two of our friends in Nephi died. Then one of our friends at the temple died of a sudden stroke. The final death occurred when my cousin, Eva Jane Smith, died. We went to Springville to the funeral. She was a quiet, capable and sweet woman. She was 16 years my senior. Eva Jane treated me, kindly and with gentleness. In addition, she and her husband, Leon, came to every wedding of my children. She had a beautiful singing voice, like most of the Smiths and, in the last year, as her mind was slipping, the one thing she could still do was sing hymns. She was on tune and remembered every word. Her father, Tom Smith, sang with the Mormon Tab for many years. For that reason, music was always very important to her.

I guess you heard the news that Kirsten is expecting again. Her baby will be born in September right around our 50th wedding anniversary (Sept. 9). So we will have quite a nice present, right? Julie's little son, Jens Luke Jones, is to be born on May 10. That means we will have 33 grandchildren by the end of the year. We are quite excited! We also have two high school graduations this year. One is in Ohio and one in Mass.

I guess you can do it.‏

Myrna wrote: I guess it can be done. I ran across this when I did an internet search: "How to Record From DVR to DVD" By an eHow Contributor.



Kirsten wrote: Did you have an S-video and DVD player/recorder?  Or did you choose the record live newscast from internet option?  I remember they used to record our newscasts, but they had special software for that... Kirsten


Myrna wrote: I don't have a recorder. I do have the cord I need, thanks to David, but I can't record. My DVD player is just that--a player. I recorded it on DVR just in case I can find an inexpensive recorder. I used the record live newscast from the internet option. However, of all those choices, I think using the link KSL provided and going to KSL.com for the story is the best idea. I told her to contact her stake tech and have them help Brandon show if from KSL.com. Each stake is supposed to have a tech and she said she did have one. So I have a DVR and an internet download. I've got copies all over the place that are, basically, no good to anyone at this point.

KSL did say that Carole was going to do a full hour report between conference sessions in April. I think it is safe to say that by then we will all know what we are doing.

Meanwhile, I think I will check YouTube and see if someone has done the work for us.

My mother's cousin, Eva Jane Smith Bjarnson

Eva Jane Smith Bjarnson

1924 ~ 2011

Eva Jane Smith Bjarnson, our sweet wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away quietly at home with family on Friday, the 18th of February 2011. She was a valiant strong lady in life and still continues that quest. She was born on the 19th of August, 1924 to Sydney Thomas and Dolly Grey Lewis Smith in Springville, Utah. She was very proud of her heritage.

On the 12th of June, 1946 she married her sweetheart Leon Gourdin Bjarnson. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple, on the 25th of June, 1954. They raised four children with the goal of an eternal family.

She dedicated herself to her family and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She spent many years in church service with Primary and Relief Society. She and Leon served as guides in the Provo Tabernacle. They also enjoyed service in the Provo Temple. A highlight of her life, second only to marriage and family, was a mission they served together in the Hawaii Visitors Center. They saw many people there and she loved bearing her testimony of the Savior and His church.

She graduated from Springville High School and attended BYU. She enjoyed many hobbies through the years such as reading and sewing. She grew to love dance and music through her parents. One of her great loves was music. She enjoyed outings and trips with Leon for many years. In all her years she loved being with and watching "the little ones", her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The theme of her life was her testimony of her Savior, Jesus Christ. She loves Him and has earned her sweet rewards. She will be missed by all and we look forward to a happy reunion someday.

She is survived by her husband Leon of Springville, Utah and four children; Linda Craig (Jim) of Mesa, Arizona; Karen Miner (Sherl) of Springville, Utah; Diane Poulson (Alan) of Springville Utah; Steven Leon Bjarnson (Margo) of Mapleton Utah; 21 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren; and her sister Dolores Anne Bahr of West Valley City. She was preceded in death by her parents Tom and Dolly Smith and a grandson Marcus Ash.

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation and love for those special people who treated her like a princess in her last months; Community Nursing Services and Hospice of Utah and especially Virginia and Becca. They were unselfish and tender.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday the 26th of February at 11 am in the Hobble Creek West Stake Center, 555 South 600 East (Averett Ave) Springville, Utah. A viewing will be held Friday evening, the 25th of February, from 6-8 pm at Wheeler Mortuary, 211 East 200 South, Springville, and at the church prior to the service on Saturday morning from 10:00 am to 10:40 am. Burial will be at the Evergreen Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent at www.wheelermortuary.com

About Eva Jane Whom We Loved

Myrna wrote: Dear Gordon: Thank you so much for letting me know about Eva Jane. I might have missed the obituary because I have been so busy. I will need to talk to Leonard because we work at Manti Temple on Friday night and Saturday afternoon. We will need to see if we can work out our schedule or find a sub and which would be the best day to do that on. He isn't home right now he is babysitting AnnMarie's kids. She had a DUI case to prosecute today and I had county commission meeting to attend.

I so loved Eva Jane. Deloris told me, in her Christmas card, that Eva Jane had had some rough patches but I did not think they were that rough. What happened? (Other than the fact that she was 86.) 

Eva Jane had that same dark coloring that my mother had in the few photos I have of her. For that reason, she always reminded me a bit of my mother or of what she might have looked like if  she had been given the opportunity to age. Aunt Renee, always told me that Mother Elaine was really like Grandma Vivian as far as personality is concerned. Your mom always said that and then added that so was I.

I am having two new grandchildren this year. If I live to be 86, IF, they would only be 16. It is hard to believe. I just don't know where the time has gone.

Gordon wrote: Eva Jane has had dementia for some time.  She also had some other health problems.  She has not been doing very well for some time.

Myrna wrote: We were able to get subs for our Saturday shift at the temple. We will be at the funeral. I am so happy that we can attend. THANK YOU for letting us know early so that we could make arrangements. You are a wonder!

Melanie wrote: I think we all loved Eva Jane. She actually attended a lot of our family gatherings. I am not sure Gordon knew that.  
Mel

Myrna wrote: You are probably right, he likely doesn't know. I will tell him that. As you can see, I was nearer in age to some of my mom's cousins than she was. I guess it would be like Siovhan and the new little ones. They are cousins but it is fairly certain that the babies being born will have more in common with her kids.

How to read the Times-News Online

Well, now we know that my coping the newspaper to pdf for you doesn't work. I can't send you the pdf file unless I can figure out another way. You have to go to www.nephitimesnews.com/

You have to have the password: groundhog (This month, that is the password. It changes every month.)

Follow the instructions below. I have to download the file holding down the option key and save the file. Then I have to drag it to the Abcrobat Reader icon and drop it in. I then have to use the password. I KNOW there has to be an easier way. Allan's instructions follow:

Window users, please press the control key and click the link below or right click and chose save file. Macintosh users, press the option key and click the link.

Kirsten wrote: Also, if you have a Mac, you have to use Firefox and Not Safari.


Myrna wrote: I did get it to work with Safari. But I had to download Adobe Reader. Honestly, do you want me to go back to having the paper delivered?

Todd wrote: I can see them just fine with the login he provides us.