RIP Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton died yesterday.  She was 80 years old.  She was born the same year as Dad, 1946.  She was born January 19, 1946 and died August 25, 2026.  It is reported that she died of cancer.

Dolly was an American icon and was known and loved by most people.  She had a bubbly personality that resonated with everybody.  She was down to earth and never pretentious  She was always joking about her fake parts and plastic surgery.  She was also very wise and built an empire worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

I remember as a teenager sitting in my room in the basement at 192 listening to my Dolly Parton box set.  Yes, I bought the Dolly Parton box set as a teenager.  It was awesome.  I learned all her old songs along with the classics.  She had a distinctive voice and vocal style which I love.

Now she is reunited with her husband of 58 years who died last year and other loved ones.

Dolly is the second to last of the country star greats to leave us.  Only Willie remains now.

RIP Dolly Parton – January 19, 1946 - August 25, 2026.

You are loved and will be missed by many.

That's my two cents.

Seventh Annual Myron Hampton Stone Memorial 2 Mile Run – Photos

Another Myron Hampton Stone Memorial Run in the books.  Another success.  Fun was had by all.  And I know that Dad was with us smiling down on us and running with the runners during the race.

Thanks again to everybody who made it possible and who traveled near and far to attend.  We love and appreciate you all.

That's my two cents.

Seventh Annual Myron Hampton Stone Memorial 2 Mile Run

Yesterday we held the Seventh Annual Myron Hampton Stone Memorial 2 Mile Run at Eatonville high school track.  We had another successful race with Juliet breaking the women's race record coming in at 14:35.  It was also an exciting race between Preston and Elijah.  Elijah held Preston off as he was closing in towards the end.  But Elijah emerged as Victor with a time of 13:37.  It was a fun race to watch.

We came back to the house to have the awards and drawing.  The track was recently completely torn up and refinished.  We had a little bit of a fiasco with the powers that be but it all worked out.  But we were leery of doing the awards and drawing at the track, so we just came back to the house and did it.

Back at the house we have the awards and drawing and then everybody enjoyed the delicious hoagie lunch.  Michael and Elijah played guitar and sing a few songs which were awesome.  Kylee showed some artwork.  Then we all had a nice time visiting while kids were swimming etc.

After a while we all went down to the theater and watched the movie Stephanie made for Dad.  Then more visiting and a chuckwagon feast with smoked ribs and brisket, cowboy potatoes, beans, and fruit salad.  Plenty of ice cream all day for everybody and let's not forget about the homemade root beer!  It was so delicious.

The festivities winding down as the sun went down around 9:00 PM.  Then it was a sad goodbye to Preston, Stephanie, Weston, Dylan, and Amelia.  And Michael, Elijah, and Brandon.  Juliet and Kylee are still here visiting though.  For a few more days.  Then it's sayonara until we see you on the next lap.

Thanks to Derrinda for making an appearance for a little while.  Fun was had by all.  Thanks to all who came from near and far especially those who traveled from out-of-state.  It's always a fun get together and family reunion.  Lots of good food, lots of laughs, and many memories.

See you on the next lap.

That's my two cents.

Seventh Annual Myron Hampton Stone Memorial Two-Mile Run Results

Men's Results

1. Elijah    13:37
2. Preston    13:44
3. Brandon    19:35
4. Michael    19:35
5. Weston    completed six laps

Women's Results

1. Juliet 14:35*
2. Amelia    17:27
3. Kylee    20:02
4. Savannah    25:53
5. Stephanie    completed six laps

*Women's Race Record

Dad's Seventh Anniversary

Seven years.  I miss you so much Dad.

I can't wait to see you again.  Hopefully soon.  I love you!

God be with you till we meet again.

That's my two cents.

Seventh Annual Myron Hampton Stone Memorial Two-Mile

Just a reminder of the Seventh Annual Myron Hampton Stone Memorial 2 Mile Run.  It will be held on July 25, 2026 at 10 AM at Eatonville high school track.  We will do things a little different this year and have the awards and drawing at the house afterwards.

We will still be having our famous hoagies for lunch and lots of good food and conversation.  Swimming for the kids.  And hopefully a little entertainment by Michael.  And anyone who cares to share any talents with us, we would sure appreciate it.

Looking forward to it and hope to see you all there!

That's my two cents.

Happy 250th America!

Happy Independence Day everybody!  Today on the fourth of of July 2026 we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of our nation and Declaration of Independence.  I, for one, am very grateful for this wonderful nation in which I've been privileged to be born into and live in.  I treasure the freedoms we enjoy here.  I'm grateful for our founding fathers who founded this nation upon godly principles.  We are one nation under God.  I'm also grateful for the men who have died fighting for and protecting our freedoms and preserving our nation.

The Church has called for a special fast tomorrow to protect religious freedom in this great nation.  Religious freedom is under attack as are numerous other freedoms.  If you can, please fast for preserving our religious freedom tomorrow.

I know this nation has been blessed and protected by God these past 250 years.  He has guided the founding fathers and leaders of our nation through the years.  And continues to do so.  I'm Grateful for President Trump and all he's doing to preserve and restore our freedoms and bring us back to the golden age of America.

God bless America!

Happy Independence Day and Happy Fourth of July!

That's my two cents.

Happy Birthday Lisa

Today is Lisa's birthday.  Happy birthday Lisa!  Lisa is my angel.  She's been caring for me full-time for years.  She is a true angel on earth.  I don't know what I would do without her.  There is a special place in heaven for her.

We are only 18 months apart and have always been close.  I consider her my closest friend.  Thank you for all that you do for me, Lisa.  I really appreciate it.  I love you!  Happy Birthday!

That's my two cents. 

Lisa and Tammy  around 1975

Lisa and Tammy at BSS 2006
(I can't believe this was 20 years ago)

Tammy and Lisa in Tammy's photo studio around 1991

25 Years

25 years ago today I graduated from California College of Podiatric Medicine.  Class of 2001.  It's hard to believe it's been a quarter of a century since I became a doctor.

CCPM graduation May 25, 2001 San Francisco California

It was a special day with lots of family there to help me celebrate.  It was also the culmination of a lot of hard work.  Thanks to all those who traveled far and wide to come to San Francisco for my graduation.

Also, today happens to be Memorial Day.  Thanks to all those who have served and sacrificed to protect our freedoms in this great nation.  Especially to my dad who served in Vietnam and my grandpas and other ancestors and family members who served in the military.

That's my two cents.

Happy 81st Birthday Mom

Today would have been Mom's 81st birthday.  Unfortunately she left us four years ago.  But she's with Dad now so hopefully they can celebrate their birthdays together.  I miss her more than words can say.  Happy Birthday Mom!

All Mom's major events are within a week of each other.  Mother's Day, death day, birthday.  I wish they were more spread out.  So you get three posts in a row.  I love you Mom!  I miss you!  Happy birthday!  God be with you till we meet again.

That's my two cents.

Happy 80th Birthday Dad

Today would have been Dad's 80th birthday.  I miss him dearly.  He's been gone nearly 7 years.  I hope he's able to celebrate his milestone birthday in heaven.  Wish I could be there for that party.  Happy birthday Dad! 

This is how I remember  him.

I love you Dad!  I'm honored to be your daughter.  Happy 80th birthday!  God be with you till we meet again.

That's my two cents.

Mom's Death Day

I miss my mom.  She's been gone four years today.  I miss her so much.  It's really unbelievable that she's been gone for four years.  I think of her every day.  She was an angel on earth, now she's an angel in heaven.  It's kind of crazy to be an orphan with both of my parents gone.  Even though I'm old now myself, I still miss my mom.  I can't wait to be reunited with her again.  Hopefully soon.

I love her smile.

I love you Mom!  I miss you so much.  Happy graduation day.  God be with you till we meet again.

That's my two cents.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to the best mom ever.  My mom epitomized motherhood.  I am blessed beyond measure that she is my mother.  She exemplified what a mother should be.  She's been gone now nearly 4 years and I miss her every day. 

I love the pure joy on Mom's face in this picture.

I also love the big grin on her face and sparkle in her eyes in this photo.

Also Happy Mother's Day to all the other mothers out there today.  Motherhood is a privilege given to women by God.  It is a sacred experience.  A big thank you to all the mothers who take motherhood seriously and sacrifice so much to raise their children.  Today we celebrate you.

That's my two cents.

Prayer

“I testify that the Lord hears and answers the prayers of our hearts, just as He did for Alma and his people. We can follow His commandment to ‘pray always’ by having a continual prayer in our hearts. As prophets have taught many times in the past, you may not feel like praying or you may not know what to say, but God hears the secret prayers of your heart. The feelings of your heart and the love for our Heavenly Father and for His Beloved Son can be so constant that your prayers will ascend always.” —President Henry B. Eyring, General Conference, April 2026 

I am so grateful for prayer.  I love that we can speak directly to our Heavenly Father.  I know that He hears each and every prayer uttered to Him and answers them all.  Granted sometimes the answers are no or not yet.  But we must learn to trust Him and His timing.  For He knows all and knows what is best for us.  Even if we don't always understand it at the time.  He loves us and will always do what is in our best interest.

I'm thankful that I can pray any time and anywhere.  I'm grateful that I can have a prayer in my heart and that God hears those prayers as well.  I know that there is power in prayer.  I'm so thankful for a loving Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ who love us unconditionally.  I'm thankful for my relationship with Them.  And I'm grateful for the peace and comfort that prayer brings.

That's my two cents. 

Happy Easter

Happy Easter everybody!  What a wonderful Easter morning it has been.  I love it when Easter falls on General Conference.  I have thoroughly enjoyed watching all the sessions of General Conference so far.  It is truly edifying and uplifting for the soul.

I'm so very grateful for our Savior for His Atoning Sacrifice and Resurrection.  I am so looking forward to my own resurrection made possible by our Savior's Resurrection.  There are not words to express my gratitude for Him and all that He has done for us.

May we all remember Him on this glorious Easter day and try to emulate Him and be more like Him.

Happy Easter everybody!

That's my two cents.