What can I say. I have been refitted. Sketcher shoes (no more Costco Tennis Shoes, Gap Bluejeans and Geoffrey Bean (did I spell that right?) shirt. Now if I could just grow some more hair all would be well. Well, not quite. I am starting to lose the twenty pounds I desire to lose once again. One day at a time.

Time is moving on. General Conference Weekend came upon us last weekend at a most opportune moment in history. Our economy is weakening by the day and those who find themselves overextended are beginning to feel the squeeze. Many of the Conference messages dealt with finding peace through the Gospel and how to move through times of stress and difficulty. Ernest pleas from our prophets and leaders urged those who have strayed to return to the fold and those who are at odds with the doctrines of truth to come back and feast once again at the banquet table prepared by the Master. I did (and do) feel the peace of trying to live a more righteous life. So much counsel was given to help us on the Celestial pathway and I am grateful to be able to relisten to each talk on my ipod. President Monson has asked us to pray once again for the leaders of nations that do not presently recognize the Church or allow the missionaries to proselyte. President Kimball issued that plea some 30 years ago and as President Monson proclaimed, "Miracles happened". The hand of the Lord will move ever more visibly across the Earth allowing all of Heavenly Father's children the opportunity to hear the Gospel Plan of Happiness if we as a church will pray a little more earnestly.

Right now, Jan and I are visiting Jamie and Anita and grand kids in San Diego. The blessings of the Lord have been poured out upon them in abundance over the last little while. With all the negative economy going on, they were able to sell their condo in Stanton almost immediately and still make a tidy sum. Just earlier this week their offer was accepted on a two-year old 3500 sq ft 5 bedroom (mansion) in Franklin Tennessee!!! They will be moving in mid November to a new life of ample room and to spare. Many little things have happened to get them to this point, but it is clearly evident that because of their faith, the hand of the Lord has guided them every step of the way. From a parental perspective, it is most humbling and gratifying to see these events unfold and to know that it is all because of keeping the commandments and keeping the Spirit close in their family. Of course this is not to say that there will be no problems or challenges and that everything will always come up roses for everyone, but the message is clear, if we follow our leaders we will be ok and need not fear.

Josh and Robin are likewise doing very well and are thriving in Ithaca New York. Jan and Nana are flying out to visit them at the end of this month and are looking forward to the journey.

Scotty and Kiana are also blessed with the good news of their first child. Craig is highly blessed to be able to pursue his education and he is enjoying the journey.

As I take a step back and look upon all the events taking place, it is so easy to see the hand of the Lord reaching out to bless my family, a hand to which I give great thanks.

Jan and Papa celebrated respective birthdays this Tuesday and we enjoyed a dinner at the Olive Garden. It is no stretch to see from whence many of my blessings flow. After 33 years of marriage, I am still trying to get it right and I could not have a better partner to help me.

I am so fortunate to have a business that continues to provide income. We even had a better month last month with revenues up 10% over the past few months. So, we go on.