Ensenada Cruise

I've always told people that I have never been to Catalina. Our senior "ditch" day in High School was an outing to Catalina. We ditched the ditch day and went surfing instead. A decision I have NEVER regretted because it was one of the best days ever. I can write about that some other time.

Well, when we were on Catalina during this cruise we took a walk north out of town toward the old theater/casino. I got the strongest feelings of deja vu to the point where I wondered if I had gone when a little kid or as a young adult and forgotten. I still think I have never been before. But, it was uncanny.

Same thing at the Buffadora in Ensenada. Very strong feelings of deja vu. Weird.

San Clemente North 2017

We had a great time this last summer in Huntington Beach. There was one episode which I feel should be documented and is not included in the photos: Jensen wasn't able to come with us due to work obligations. She did have a little spare time. So, she went to visit Ailsa in Las Vegas for a few days. While there she received a citation because her license plate had been stolen or fell off. She was very concerned about driving back to SLC without a license plate. We went around and around with her and our attorney daughter explaining that they needed to report the loss to the Las Vegas police, get a case number and then if she was pulled over, just give them that info. They were convinced that wouldn't be good enough and that Jensen would be thrown in jail. As I recall they finally had Ameer call one of his police friends who told them to do exactly that. All issues were averted.

Laney Nightmare Talk

A couple of weeks ago we arrived at Church in our usual hurried bustling manner. We sent the kids to claim our pew and Lenore and I took up posts at the doors welcoming people and scanning for those we don't know or who are newly returning to our midst (we are Ward Missionaries.)

As the meeting started and the first hymn began we settled into our places and Lenore glanced at the written program. Laney was listed as the first speaker.

Nate Cox had asked me a while back. Originally, the week they wanted was the Sunday we were on our Ensenada cruise. After a week or so and some confusion he eventually did call just a day or two before we were supposed to leave and asked Lane for the week after our vacation.

So, of course we all forgot until looking at the program that ill-fated morning. This is the stuff of nightmares. I was afraid Lane might melt down.

After a quick second or two of thought, I pulled out my electronic device (which was supposed to be powered off) and started looking. For several years now I have digitized as much as possible of talks and lessons we have all given/done. It's not 100% complete but almost.

I quickly located a talk that Laney gave about 5 years ago. It was a little simple but, we weren't about to be choosy.

As the Sacrament was ending Brother Brown and the Bishop looked our way and I gave a very slight nod that, yes, she was ready and would be presenting a talk. They had noticed that she wasn't seated on the stand.

She took my phone up to the pulpit and gave a great speech, reading some from the old talk and also ad libbing where possible and needed. I knew if she could just get the first couple of sentences out, she would be fine.

I'm sure this is not the first time this has happened. But, this may be the best outcome ever for the situation. Some people in the congregation knew of the near fiasco. But, that was because we were scrambling trying to figure out what to do.

We try to always be prepared.