My Experience of the DMZ (Korean Demilitarized Zone)

With the Olympics being held in South Korea currently, it made me think back to March 2014. Rick and I traveled to Seoul, South Korea to visit for about two weeks with our daughter Hilary after she completed an 18 month mission in Seoul for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. One of the things I absolutely wanted to do was to see the DMZ, (Demilitarized Zone of the North and South Koreas) and the JSA (Joint Security Area). After going through all of the security requirements and going through several military security check points we got to go. It was an experience that changed me. I came from that more grateful for the freedoms we, as Americans may take for granted. The tensions the South Koreans must endure because of the madness of the North regime is very real. I have a greater appreciation for our Nation, constitution, military, and everything we are blessed to have. The Koreans have suffered so much throughout their history because of other nations wanting to take over their land and nation. I have such a respect for the South Koreans in every aspect of their culture and their way of life. They still hope for the reunification of their brother and sisters of the North. What happened in Korea in the past was a nightmare. And the North Koreans are continuing that very nightmare today.

Looking straight at the North Korean building

On the South Korean side looking at the North. South Korean soldiers standing like stiff cardboard cutouts. 

North Korean soldier, looking a bit malnourished.

Joint security area (JSA) building where negotiations take place.

With Hilary

Next to a South Korean soldier. I'm standing on the North Korean side of the building. The building sits right on the middle of the two countries. A lot of history in that small building took place.

Road to nowhere. This historic landmark is where Koreans could cross over to whatever side they wanted knowing that they could never go back. 

Feeling Grateful and Blessed

It's been quite awhile since I've posted. My life has been filled with so much that blogging has seemed insignificant. My husband of  37 years next month found out he had kidney cancer last November and had major surgery to remove the tumor on January 31 of this year.  But prior to that he underwent gall bladder surgery and then in May he had a disk in his neck fused. Most recently he had cataract surgery done in both eyes. The great news is that I have my husband and he is doing great. It's as if he never went through any surgery. He feels perfectly fine and has recovered well. His cancer was found early and he has a clean bill of health. No chemo or radiation needed. We are grateful and have been blessed through all of the prayers on his behalf.
Now we have his retirement to look forward to. November is when he'll be hanging up his hard hat from 35 years at Monsanto. I'll probably work one more year just to supplement until Rick's social security kicks in next year. But we are prepared and ready for this time in our lives.

A visit from Ryker sure makes you feel better. Jan 2017

Bryce Canyon -March 2017

Antelope Canyon- March 2017

Antelope
Canyon, Navajo Reservation- March  2017

Grand Canyon - March 2017

Sunset at Saguaro National Park- March 2017

Evening swim with friends at Encanterra Community, Arizona- June 2017

A wonderful visit from Madi, Gracie and Ryker at work. August 2017

Fun times- August 2017

Kootenay, Banff, Jasper and Yoho National Parks, Canada

Last June Rick and I took a fabulous road trip through several Canadian National Parks. We have been to Banff once before and fell in love with the magnificent rugged beauty. So we decided to go again; but to also stay longer and explore more parks. Needless to say it was a very good decision. We got to step on the Columbian Icefields in Jasper, walk on the glass bridge and see so much wildlife. We hope to get there again someday. It is so worth seeing many times over.

Idaho Canadian Border

Just inside Kootenay National Park

The Canadian Rockies are magnificent.

We were immediately greeted by the friendly Canadian black bear.

  Spectacular glacier water.

                               

    Banff National Park.

                                                       

Beautiful Lake Louise

View of Lake Louise from our hike.

Resting point on our hike.

The beauty never stops.

Almost to the top of our hike

Yeah, it was worth it. The high mountain lake Agnes.

So many beautiful lakes and mountains galore.

View from our condo in Canmore

I can't remember the name of this lake.

Athabasca Glacier, part of the Columbia Icefields

On the glass bridge in Jasper National Park. So cool. And yes, it was very cool even in June it felt like a bit of winter.

This was our favorite spot, Moraine Lake, in Banff.

Moraine Lake

These guys were awesome. I took this from the car. We stopped to watch them. I could have reached out and touched them, they were that close.

A Perfectly Perfect Wedding Day!!! April 9, 2016

The happy couple: Mr. and Mrs. Lee

Ian doing a good job enjoying himself.

My beautiful daughter.

Love this.

The very precious Cora.

All of my daughters are married!!

I'm so proud of these wonderful women; Cordie, Hilary, Lea, and Kelsey

Cordie's kids, Olivia, Andrew, Ian, and Will.

Jooheon (J) and Hilary

Lea's kids; Madi, Cora, and Gracie

Mother of the bride for the last time.

 The family

The whole group.

This is happiness.

Friends from missions, high school, and college.

They love their aunt Hilary.

The beautiful Ogden Utah LDS Temple

Kelsey's Ryker, he was less than thrilled.

That look.

Hilary's mission friends who also served in Korea.

Friends

They are happy for their aunt Hilary

Love these grandkids

Cousins

Always the photographer

Her inner and outer beauty shines.

Love her dress.

Gorgeous Mrs. Lee

Handsome William

Darling Cora

The brother-in-laws; Michael, Jeff, and Martin

At the reflection pond.

This day couldn't have been more perfect. We are blessed.