Wednesday, November 14, 2012

2012-11-08 Golfing at Willow Creek CCW

We golfed at Willow Creek CC in the wind prior to the coming storm with Doug Matsumori. Paula played great and had her best drive with a wind assisted shot on hole 8 - an impressive 210 yards off the tee. The next day the snow hit and I doubt we'll play again until Spring.

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

PERSONAL HEALTH Jane Brody on health and aging. The definition of an optimist: Someone, like me, who plans to get more done than time permits. Having failed to achieve the impossible, someone, like me, who is sure everything will somehow get done anyway. A more classical definition from the Mayo Clinic: “Optimism is the belief that good things will happen to you and that negative events are temporary setbacks to be overcome.” In one study, adults shown to be pessimists based on psychological tests had higher death rates over a 30-year period than those who were shown optimistic. No doubt, the optimists were healthier because they were more inclined to take good care of themselves. Unlike Voltaire’s Candide, I’ve yet to be stripped of my optimism, though there are clearly forces in this country and the world that could subdue even the most ardent optimist. I am a realist, after all, and I do fret over things I may be able to do little or nothing about directly: economic injustice; wars and the repeated failure to learn from history; our gun-crazy society; the overreliance on tests to spur academic achievement; and attempts to strip women of their reproductive rights. But I’ve found that life is a lot more pleasant when one looks at the bright side, seeing the glass half full and assuming that reason will eventually prevail. Not Just About Being Positive Murphy’s Law — “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong” — is the antithesis of optimism. In a book called “Breaking Murphy’s Law,” Suzanne C. Segerstrom, a professor of psychology at the University of Kentucky, explained that optimism is not about being positive so much as it is about being motivated and persistent. Dr. Segerstrom and other researchers have found that rather than giving up and walking away from difficult situations, optimists attack problems head-on. They plan a course of action, getting advice from others and staying focused on solutions. Whenever my husband, a dyed-in-the-wool pessimist, said, “It can’t be done,” I would seek a different approach and try harder — although I occasionally had to admit he was right. Dr. Segerstrom wrote that when faced with uncontrollable stressors, optimists tend to react by building “existential resources” — for example, by looking for something good to come out of the situation or using the event to grow as a person in a positive way. I was 16 when my mother died of cancer. Rather than dwell on the terrible void her death left in my life, I managed to gain value from the experience. I learned to apply her lifelong frugality more constructively, living each day as if it could be my last, but with a focus on the future in case it wasn’t. Yes, I saved, but I also chose not to postpone for some nebulous future the things I wanted to do and could, if I tried hard, find a way to do now. And I adopted a very forthright approach to life, believing that if I wanted something badly enough, I could probably overcome the odds against me. When I applied at age 24 for a job as a science writer at The New York Times, an interviewer said I was foolhardy to think I could be hired after just two years of newspaper experience. “If I didn’t think I could do the job, I wouldn’t be here,” I told him. It turned out to be just what he wanted to hear, and I was hired. Since what I loved most was researching and writing articles that could help people better understand science and medicine, I stayed focused on my goals and declined opportunities to move up in the organization by becoming an editor. Research has indicated that a propensity toward optimism is strongly influenced by genes, most likely ones that govern neurotransmitters in the brain. Still, the way someone is raised undoubtedly plays a role, too. Parents who bolster children’s self-esteem by avoiding criticism and praising accomplishments, however meager, can encourage in them a lifelong can-do attitude. With the right guidance, many of the attributes of optimism also can be learned by adults, Dr. Segerstrom and other researchers have found. Noting that it is easier to change behavior than emotions, she eschews the popular saying “Don’t worry, be happy.” Instead, she endorses a form of cognitive behavioral therapy: Act first and the right feelings will follow. As she puts it in her book, “Fake it until you make it.” She wrote, “People can learn to be more optimistic by acting as if they were more optimistic,” which means “being more engaged with and persistent in the pursuit of goals.” If you behave more optimistically, you will be likely to keep trying instead of giving up after an initial failure. “You might succeed more than you expected,” she wrote. Even if the additional effort is not successful, it can serve as a positive learning experience, suggesting a different way to approach a similar problem the next time. Framing Your Thoughts It’s important not to neglect the power of positive thinking. Both Dr. Segerstrom and the Mayo researchers recommend taking a few minutes at the end of each day to write down three positive things that happened that day, ending the day on an upbeat note. The Mayo researchers offered these additional suggestions: Avoid negative self-talk. Instead of focusing on prospects of failure, dwell on the positive aspects of a situation. In college, I would approach every exam, even those I had barely studied for, with the thought that I was going to do well. Time after time, this turned out to be a self-fulfilling prophecy. Regardless of the nature of your work, identify some aspect of it that is personally fulfilling. If your job is scrubbing floors, stand back and admire how shiny and clean they look. Surround yourself with positive, upbeat people. But be aware that if you are chronically negative and always see only the dark side of things, the optimists in your life may eventually give up on you. Focus on situations that you can control, and forget those you can’t. I would also suggest using voting power, money or communication skills to forward a goal that is beyond your personal control.

Friday, September 28, 2012

2012-09-17 Mary Lou Unice passed away

Mary Lou Unice Obituary 1928 ~ 2012 Our gracious and beautiful mother, grandmother (Grams), and great-grandmother, Mary Lou Dunford Unice, peacefully passed away on September 17, 2012, with her daughter Denise Unice Gibson at her side. She was born on September 13, 1928, in South Gate, CA, to Grover Cleveland Dunford and Hazel Irene Weaver (deceased). She was married to Dr. Charles Joseph Unice II in the Salt Lake City Temple for time and all eternity on June 14, 1949. She is survived by her son, Charles Joseph (Cheryl) Unice III; daughter Denise (Rockne Ted) Gibson; grandchildren, Cyndi Unice Both, Chira Unice Speers, Charles Joseph Unice IV, Heather Gibson Heywood, Mandy Gibson McFarland, Hillary Gibson Crump, Marla Gibson Grover, Rocky Scott Gibson and 16 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband ; son, Roger Dunford Unice, in 1993; parents, Grover and Hazel Dunford; brothers, Park, Jack and Ted Dunford Funeral services will be held Friday, September 28th, 12:00 p.m. at the Willow Creek 4th Ward, 2350 East Creek Rd. (8200 So) Sandy, Utah. A viewing will be held 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. prior to services. Interment at Redwood Memorial Estates, West Jordan, Utah. Mary Lou faced many challenges in her life with grace and dignity. She was strong and faithful to the gospel of Jesus Christ her entire life. She had many creative talents and skills and lived life to the fullest until the very end. By far her greatest joy was her eight grandchildren and 16 great- grandchildren who she "always spoiled then sent them home." She will be lovingly remembered by all who knew her. She was a great supporter of the Huntsman Cancer Center, in lieu of flowers or gifts, the family would appreciate donations to the Huntsman Cancer Center.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

2012-08-15 Daryl Broadbent gets a hole-in-one

Daryl made a hole-in-one at number 2 hole of Willow Creek. The ball landed on the hill to the right of the green and bounced down onto the green and rolled into the hole. This is the third hole-in-one I have seen. Greg Seal and Ray Goodson were the others.
We came home from golf and found a couple of deer in our backyard. Deer have eaten the Stubb's tomato plants, but they left our plants alone. They appear to be young bucks, and they left in a hurry when I came out to photograph them.

Monday, July 16, 2012

July 14, 2012 Nashville, Tennessee, USA Amanda de Lange, 51, born March 12, 1961 in South Africa, returned to her Heavenly Father at 10:48 a.m. CST, Saturday, July 14, 2012 in Nashville, Tennessee, USA. Amanda left this Earthly life with her favorite songs and hymns filling the air, and more than a dozen friends at her side - some who have known her from the beginning of Starfish in 2005; close friends in Nashville and loving parents of adopted Chinese children; and dear friends from her church family who have helped care for her the last few months in the United States. It was a beautiful, serene setting in which to bid our Amanda farewell. She was never alone; words of love and appreciation were showered upon her; messages from friends were shared with her; she was able to say farewell to her family by phone; friends prayed with and for her; gentle fingers caressed her head; and cool cloths, foot and hand rubs were plentiful - her signature, beautiful nails a soft pink. Amanda was enveloped in love as she left, and we have no doubt, wrapped in the arms of Heavenly Father with an even greater love as she arrived. So fitting for a woman who selflessly shared her passion and energy nurturing vulnerable orphans, restoring them to health, and preparing them for the loving arms of their new parents and forever families. As the Founder and Executive Director of Starfish Children's Service, operating the Starfish Foster Home in Xi'an, China, Amanda accomplished an incredible, loving feat in just seven short years. While she was in the hospital, Amanda reflected: "168 babies, nearly 250 surgeries, and 81 adoptions - that pretty much sums up my life!" There is so much humility in that one phrase - and even more impact. Eighty-one Starfishes with their forever families, and so many more ready for their turn, thanks to Amanda and the incredible Starfish team and volunteers. Amanda also reflected, "I was blessed beyond measure to be given the opportunity to found and direct Starfish. I love that I took the opportunity when it was presented. God was good to me. My work has been a testimony of God's love for the kids." Amanda also shared one of her favorite scriptures, Romans 8:28 from the New Testament: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose." Amanda certainly loved God and showed it through her actions, and she felt called to serve China's special needs orphans. She embodied this verse in her work. We will update the blog as the plans are finalized for the memorial service and celebration of her life so that all who desire will be able to travel to Nashville, Tennessee and share in the joy of remembering Amanda. The date for this is August 4, 2012. (One hint I can give you: per Amanda, no one is to wear black, and there will be chocolate!) There are also plans being made for a post-memorial celebration in Salt Lake City, Utah. The tentative dates being set aside for this are Sept. 13 or 14, 2012.

Saturday, June 23, 2012

2012-06 Flowers

This year our flowers have been more beautiful than usual. Perhaps it was the cool and wetter Spring. We've enjoyed the colors and fragrance.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Chris Hobson died

Sherlene Christensen Hobson 1935 - 2012 The light of our world dimmed on May 7, 2012 with the passing of our precious wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Sherlene Christensen Hobson died of complications from Melanoma. Chris was born July 18, 1935 to Raymond Earl Christensen and Harriet Susannah "Susie" Bullock in Marion, Utah. She spent her happy youth in American Fork. She married Richard Warren "Hob" Hobson, on March 4, 1955. They have been sweethearts and best friends for the past 57 years. They are the parents of three children. In 2004, they served in the New York, Rochester Mission and were currently serving as hosts in the Salt Lake Temple. Chris was a highly respected real estate agent and cherished the relationships she developed with her clients and colleagues during her 25 year career. Chris' grace, charm, sparkle, optimistic attitude, integrity, and winning smile were her trademarks. Her defining passions were her unwavering and complete love for her family, friends, and the gospel of Jesus Christ. She loved deeply and IS deeply loved in return. Words cannot express how much we will miss her. Chris is survived by her husband, Hob, and children, Paula (Bob) Bezzant, Blake (Diane Nelson) Hobson, Mona (Dan) Debenham, 13 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, and brother, Earl Christensen (Gerry). Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 12, 2012 at the Wilford Stake Center 1765 E. Gregson Ave (3080 S.). A viewing will be held at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary 3401 S. Highland Dr. from 6:30 to 8:00 PM and from 10:00 AM at the Wilford Stake Center prior to the funeral.

Diane Lawrence died

This is a cousin who died H. Diane Lawrence "Maudie" Helen Diane Lawrence passed away May 7, 2012. She was born March 28, 1953 to Don and Helen Heath Lawrence. Survived by her 3 children, Laurie, Shannon, Brian and their spouses; 5 grandchildren, Alexandria, Leonardo, Tyson, Mariah and Chloe; as well as 6 brothers and a sister. Graveside services will be held Saturday, May 12, 2012, 11:00 a.m. at the Taylorsville Cemetery, 4500 South Redwood Road. Arrangements under the direction of McDougal Funeral Home.

Saturday, May 5, 2012

2012-04 Hip Surgery

April 2012 was the month of the hip. Paula had replacement surgery on April 2 and spent the month trying to recuperate. The first few weeks were miserable and evidence that there is a conspiracy among those who've had the surgery to dupe candidates into thinking that this is easy. The next few weeks have been trying to manage pain and expectations. Paula can walk without a walker or crutches, drive, get around to support grandchildren, but she's a long way from being able to leap a short building with a running jump. In fact, jumping at all seems out of the question.

Monday, March 26, 2012

2012-03-26 Eat More Chocolate, Weigh Less?

This is news I like.



People Who Frequently Eat Chocolate May Weigh Less
By Brenda Goodman, MA
WebMD Health News Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD

March 26, 2012 -- People who are trying to lose weight may not need to bar chocolate from their diets.

A new government-funded study of nearly 1,000 healthy adults shows that people who frequently eat chocolate actually weigh less than those who say they eat it less frequently.

Study researchers say that people who reported eating chocolate five times a week had a body mass index (BMI) about one point less, on average, than people who said they ate chocolate less frequently. For a woman who is 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs 125 pounds, one BMI point equals about five pounds.

That’s despite the fact that frequent chocolate eaters also reported eating more total calories and more saturated fat than people who ate chocolate less often.

Researchers say that may mean that the calories in chocolate are being offset by other ingredients that boost metabolism.

“With modest amounts of chocolate, they may have the effect of being free calories or even better than free -- at least, the associations look that way,” says Beatrice A. Golomb, MD, PhD, an associate professor of medicine at the University of California, San Diego.

The study is published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

Friday, March 23, 2012

2012-03-20 Anders Pierce Heath


Anders will have his hands full with three older sisters. They like to touch his face and try to stick his binky in his mouth. Justin, Brian and I had only two older sisters, and it was a big struggle for us against the tyranny of sisters. Big brothers may also be a problem - ask Abby.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

2012-03-14 at Venice Beach


We took a break from our 'baby watch' with Natalie to ride bikes from Santa Monica pier to Venice Beach. Paula took a break to call Cleo Cohen in Hawaii while she enjoyed some relaxation resting on the sand. The tracks in the sand look like a truck ran her over.

2012-03-14 Buying gas in California


I bought gas in Thousand Oaks this morning and nearly reached the magical $100 for a tankful. While gas doesn't represent a large part of our discretionary spending, this is still alarming.

Sunday, March 11, 2012

2012-03-10 Paul and Geri Scherbel visit us in St George


Paul and Geri Scherbel visited us in St George and stayed a couple of nights in our home. Their second and younger daughter, Christy, married in the St George Temple. All the Scherbel children (8 in total) less their youngest, Jonathan, who is on a mission in Mesa Arizona, were in town along with 16 grandchildren. Their children and grandchildren stayed a variety of places in St George while Paul and Geri stayed with us. Paul Minson worked in Honduras for the US State department, but now lives in Daybreak in the SLC area and works for the church. Shelley, the primary planner of the wedding and reception, lives in SLC. Roland lives in SLC. Michael lives in Afton Wyoming close to Paul and Geri.

We enjoyed catching up with them after quite a few years without contact.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

2012-03-07 Amanda is in the US receiving cancer treatment

From the Deseret News

XI'AN, China — Amanda de Lange, the "heart and soul" of the Starfish Foster Home, has thus far been all about fighting for abandoned children and helping those children find families as well as get badly needed medical care.

The South African, a former Brigham Young University grad and winner of the university's Service to Family Award in 2009, has been busy changing diapers, spooning food into tiny mouths and trying to raise enough money to keep the doors open of foster home, the central mission of the Starfish Children's Services that de Lange founded.

She hasn't had time to think much about herself.

But now, at 51, she's fighting to stay alive as uterine cancer threatens to cut short a life of unselfish service and good.

Abdominal pain sent her to the hospital in late January. After multiple tests and biopsies, it was determined she has stage 4 b endometrial cancer, a diagnosis verified by oncologists and specialists from around the world.

Her first 26 days of chemotherapy started on Feb. 8. A second round is scheduled to follow.

"The results of this first phase of treatment will be one of the key metrics used to determine if we stay the course in Xi'an or seek options elsewhere," Patrick McLaughlin, Starfish board president, wrote on the Starfish website. "Amanda's spirit has certainly been tested but she remains upbeat and periodically treats the staff to one of her spicy verbal bullets. That is music to the ears for all of us that have been on the receiving end of that personality trait."

In the meantime, the staff at the foster home is rallying to protect and carry on her work. The cupboards are stocked, the staff has been paid and the children are all right, he said.

Patrick Belnap has been asked to represent the foundation in Xi’an. Belnap is fluent in Mandarin, has spent more than six years in China, has family in Xi’an, has an educational pedigree well-suited to the situation and he knows de Lange very well.

Maria Teresa Graells (known as “Maria P”) is running the foster home, an enormous task given that she is a volunteer.

StarfishDirector of Communications Deborah Coffey and her husband, Greg, of St. Louis, Mo., have been helping to gather and communicate information.

In the past seven years, Starfish Children's Services has facilitated more than a hundred surgeries to correct birth defects and successfully arranged the adoption of dozens of young children.

On a shoestring budget and virtually begging for funds, de Lange taught herself how to run the orphanage, gaining official approval of the project from the Chinese government in September 2005 — approval that surprised her after she'd found an abandoned baby boy left to die and decided someone had to help.

Working up to 18 hours a day, de Lange has been a hands-on CEO. She lives at the orphanage, pays the rent and buys food, medicine, clothes and diapers with money solicited from people all over the world for "her babies."

She has no savings, no resources of her own and no medical insurance. Her cancer caught her by surprise and threatens to shut her down. But the news has friends and well-wishers from China flocking to her hospital with an outpouring of love and financial help for her, Coffey said. Friends have also made donations on the Starfish website.

"However, it may not totally cover all the costs as her treatment will be extensive," Coffey said.

It's probable that de Lange will need to travel to the United States for more extensive care.

More than $60,000 has been donated to the hospital by Chinese residents, officials and dignitaries, but this money is earmarked to keep the doors open. Another $25,000 has been donated to help with de Lange's medical costs.

McLaughlin said he speaks with de Lange every day and she sounds better every time.

"She is clearly aware of the efforts being made on her behalf regarding both her health and all things at the foster home.

"I have had frank discussions with Amanda about the serious nature of the cancer. She understands that the path to recovery will be full of ups and downs and she is willing to take it on," McLaughlin said. "Amanda spoke of the overwhelming support that has buoyed her spirits over the past four weeks. She also told me that she will stockpile all of the positive energy and use it to weather the tough days ahead."

Coffey added that "prayers are always welcome and fervently needed" and contributions can be made at thestarfishfosterhome.org.

Friday, February 24, 2012

2012-02-24 Heath siblings

Here are some photos of my siblings.

We recently had a farewell party for Fred as he, Andrean and their son, Jackson, prepared to leave SLC for North Carolina. Their departure has been delayed because of problems with the buyer of Fred's home on Parkway Ave. I was sorry I didn't get a group photo.


I think this photo was taken about 1957.


This was taken about 1964. My father married Barbara Kitchens, a high school home economics teacher. They divorced after about 2 years. She wanted children; he didn't.


We visited SLC in March 1984 for Heidi and Holly's weddings. My face is sunburned from skiing.


We were together in St George for our father's funeral in July 1993.


This was taken at a family dinner in September, 2001



This was taken in September 2009 at a John F and Emma C Heath reunion.