A Fridge for Free & More

Thanks to some acquaintances that bought a new refrigerator, we got their old one for free.  It looks pretty new and spacious inside.  White is much better than the old gold one.  Best of all is the water and ice on the door.  We can't complain about one drawer that sticks, because overall we are so much better off than before.   

As you can see, the side wooden panel had to be removed because the bigger, newer guy just wouldn't fit in the old hole.  Jed and Allan took care of that.  They pulled off the panel, cut a short piece, moved the cupboard doors up and wa la!  You wouldn't even know if I hadn't told you.  Yeah, for ) expense changes.   A big thanks to Jed and Dad for cleaning the fridge from top to bottom, too.  That was a great Christmas present as well as the other terrific items our children so generously gave us that start with i & c.  What a great week it has been.   Much Thanks!

The Gift of Giving Christmas -4 Days

The Holy Family on an airplane?  Not your typical setting, but colorful and fun to imagine with an angel riding atop the ship.  This brighter than life artwork is definitely a one of a kind.  The perfect gift for a pilot, attendant or Christmas traveler.  

A generous gentleman in our town buys of hundreds of hand made nativities, from artisans around the world during the year.  He hosts hundreds of tours for locals to see the treasures he has found.  We are invited to buy or order at fair market value to provide a living for these talented artists.  No deals here, but good old fashioned service and love are in abundance.  He doesn't get commission and expects nothing in return.   

Set aside a certain amount of money this or next Christmas to give generously.  It will make you feel great and the recipient also. 

Crafty Corn Stalk Creche - 5 days to go

This corn stalk nativity reminds me of what the old country must have been like, when life was simple and slower.   Time was there for the taking and everyone knew their neighbors.  Young mothers with lots of talent, created collectibles from almost nothing.

Twenty plus years ago corn stalk dolls became the rage.  Every woman began making them in earnest and had at least one doll on their what-not shelf.  I bought the dried stalk stuff, but never got around to making them, because by then the dust was thicker than wool on all those fiercely fast makers of fritted fancy.  

I'm proud to say this is one of the many must makes, we didn't do.  For $2 I bought one, that graced our shelf until the top-heavy marm tipped over one too many times.  It got tossed.  

Ambitious makers in third world countries and perhaps even locally still make them to sell at Christmas supplimenting or providing their sole income.  Be generous when you see hand-crafted gifts and buy them.  You will be helping out on many levels. 

Six Sentimental Days of Christmas

Doing a Twelve Days of Christmas wasn't to be this year so enjoy our six sentimental days of Christmas.  Every year since the girls went to the Holy Land, we proudly display the carved olive wood ornaments they got there.  Although they can be found in every shop and street corner, knowing they originated from His home makes them special.  

Each tiny shape tells a story of love and sacrifice as it hangs from the branches of our tree.   Camels, shepherds, wiseman, sheep and most of all the Holy Family bring a warmth and feeling of what it was like so long ago to witness the birth of the Christ Child.  

Every tree in our family has these distinct wood ornaments that remind each of us of the great experiences Breann, Alicia, and Jennifer enjoyed traveling to that far-off land and walking the paths that Jesus walked.

Hail, Hail, the Gang's Almost All Here

 We remembered to get some pictures of the grandchildren, at least most of them this week, while visiting.  The boys all smiled and so did the girls, rare.  Maybe they didn't have time to think about being pouty. 

 Emma took to Brayle instantly, like super glue and wouldn't let go.  It was interesting to watch them together.  We are in second heaven with them here for the week. 

It's Time to Fall Back and Endure Election Day

Two great events to make one onery.  The change from Daylight Savings to regular time and Election Day.   Being swamped with candidate ads on TV, in the mail, phone call messages and newspaper ads for months has taken its toll on everyone.  Toss the mail, turn off the TV and ignore the phone.  Who else would be calling us?  

Most important of all get out and V O T E, with a capital V.  The polls are open until 8pm.  There is no excuse with mail in and early voting, not to get it done this year.   What a blessing to be able to do it.

Fall Back! Who me?  It doesn't matter if we are supposed to wake up later, our internal clocks take time to change.  Sleeping in an extra hour or going to bed early, makes no difference to our cycles.  No one can convince our little ones, to sleep longer, albeit early bedtime helps.  Aches, oneriness and adjusting is all we can do until we get used to the change. 

Now we have to listen to the numbers, opinions and theories from every candidate, reporter and swing state on the news all day long, until we are red or blue in the face. Don't fight it. Go to bed. We will see you in the morning.  It is the dawn of a new day, with new news.  Aren't we lucky to live in the USA?

Our Organic Halloween Ogre

These tall red-headed stalks seem to stand guard on the edges of our yard like ogres ready to attack.  Many people ask what they are called and say they have never seen them.  Amaranth is their name and come back year after year reseeding from the million seeds that fall.  Much like scarecrows with arms out-stretched, birds and such don't seem to like them.   It almost resembles the 'Venus Fly Trap' but in giant mode.

A perfect Halloween decoration with hairy arms and scraggley head, who needs ghosts and goblins?  Definitely organic with no plastic or party store preparations, here. 

Did it just say, 'He is coming to take me away, ha, ha! Repeat several times, and any child would hide behind their Mom to avoid this lanky beast afraid of being wrapped into its arms and gobbled up.  BOO!

Turn of Two Events

After years of taking early morning walks/jogs, I have gone several thousand miles and never once fallen down.  Except for the time I stepped into a water meter hole and landed up to my hip.  Often it is very dark, but street lights and passing cars illuminate the way. 

This week on the same morning within fifteen minutes of each event, I stepped on some uneven pavement edge and turned my ankle then fell flat.  Ouch!! Getting up and testing the injury, finding that I could walk, I set out again only to do the same thing within a half mile.   Scrapping up my knee the first time and arm the second, I considered it might be an omen.  Going another quarter mile, I decided it was best to not overdo it and headed for home making it safely back.  Yes, unfortunately, I cursed both times.  Funny thing is, I also forgot my phone.  Good that the ankle didnt' break.

I was grateful my 'turn of two events' wasn't worse.  Even though swollen and scrapped up, I'm glad it happens only once in a great while.  Looks like swimming and the stationary bike will be my mode of exercise for a few weeks. 

Brayle Bagged a Big One

 In the hills west of Grantsville last week a young gal, Brayle, accompanied by her family, left her home early to try her hand at deer hunting with a muzzle loader gun.  She was tired, it was very early, but this was a new adventure and oozing with excitement was how this gal felt. 

 Only the family knows how early they set out for the hunt.  Sneaking around quietly in the dark so as not to alert the 'deer' on patrol duty that morning, was not easy to do. 

  Dad with his years of experience gave helpful advice as he encouraged her along the way.  A loud 'Boom!!! rang out when the time was right.  Glad we all are for their patience and accurate aim.  Yeah Brayle and to the team!!

Sarah's Post Visit Garden

When little Sarah V. was days from going home, she wanted to plant a garden.  One evening we gathered all my packets of seeds and scattered them around our big dip in the front yard.  Early in the spring, Dad filled it up with soil.  It still needs more dirt, so nothing was growing there except weeds. 

 

We planted quite a variety of flowers, peas, cukes, herbs and more.  These are the only ones that germinated.  July 31st is a little late to be planting.

Because of our little gardiner, a big sunflower sways in the breeze and several peas popped up.  With blossoms growing we expect fresh peas soon.  Thanks, little visitor for leaving your green thumb legacy.

39 Years

Hard to believe it has been thirty nine years of marriage.    I have to admit that of 14,235 days, they have been mostly blessed and wonderful ones and a few tough ones, too.   A package came today in the USPS with the postage costing $13.39.  What a coincidence!  It is the 13th day of the month and our 39th year of marriage. 

Allan has been a great husband and father.  After this many years he is still my hero, sweetheart, friend, listening ear, shoulder to cry on, lover and example.  What a kind, gentle fellow he is.  I love you, Al. 

Our children are the best and we love them very much.  No one is as lucky or blessed as we are.  Here's to another 39 years, which will make us 99.  I don't think we will make it, but who cares. 

Parkway Passes the Putting Greens

Finally the Jordan Parkway has been extended to the north from 9400 South to 7th West. The golf course has opened their gates wide allowing a pathway through their property to 7th west.

The small white sign says not to leave the trail and no golfing without paying for it.  If you encounter a golf cart along the way, lookout because there isn't room for two.  They have the right-of-way.

 The end of the trail at 7th west is most inviting.  Looking back to the west over the fishing pond beyond the course is pretty drab.

  From there one can walk or bike north to the Midvale parkway on 8500 South.  The road is narrow with little room for riding on, but at least a route is now open to continue on for many more miles in either direction.   Hip, hip hurray, for the Parkway!

On The Road Again

Last fall A&D got the job to do collars and such for 7800 South.  Cold weather came and delays in completing the Bangerter Highway overpass at 7800.  Road construction is hard to determine when exactly it will be completed.  The guys waited all spring, but no word came.

  Summer was in full swing before they were told to begin July 19th.  Then another delay and we headed for Jenn's house.  The call came while enroute to Washington, to begin the work on July 27th and be done in twelve days.  We wouldn't get back until after that time.

Doug started with a crew on that day and we returned the 30th.  They used a temp agency and hired two willing men.  Working weekdays and weekends, they finally finished the job on Friday, August 17th.  Yeah!! !

Three Day Miracle Man & More

Dad is a miracle man.  In three short days he was able to complete the electrical, run the heating ducts, put up sheet rock, perfa-tape and sand the boys bedroom.  We left with the room just short of being paint ready.  

Mike had installed the new window and outside well, framed the walls and done some electrical.   Jennifer now needs to finish sanding, add molding, prep, paint, and carpet.  The boys could be in before school starts.  Yeah!!

Daddy Do, just doesn't get much time to play, when visiting his daughters.  What a gem he is. 

Little Emma loves to wear her pink tutu swiming suit.  She was definitely the best dressed gal at the community pool.

The children are ready for a night out during the Relay for Life at the high school stadium.  They are decked out in their "Walk" shirts and enjoying the fun relaxing a minute. 

Kade still fits in this make-shift swimming pool, but not for long. 

A Divine Decadence

We bought a nearly new king-size mattress from a friend.  After years of sleeping (or not) on a queen with no end in sight, this mattress, sleigh bed frame and dresser appeared on the horizon. 

Realizing that our bedroom set could become the guest accommodations, we decided to take a leap and change.  Everyday feels like divine decadence with so much room.  Are we at a hotel where reserving a king size bed became the norm?

Now to get some real sleep.  With all this space one cannot hear the person next to you snore or even  know they are there.  OOH,  AHH, S T R E T C H !!!

Bear Lake or Bust

The clan is going to Bear Lake this weekend after a year of dreaming about spending our reunion somewhere funner than a hike in the mountains.  It was Jory's idea and Breann was in agreement.   Not everyone will be there, but we tried. 

Due to some reservation complications, we almost had to stay on the beach. But, thanks to family that own property close by, we will have a place to hang our heads. Eating, swimming, riding four-wheelers, as well as floating around, fishing and game playing are scheduled events.

Then there's the Pickleville Playhouse and BBQ that promises to keep us laughing and lunching.  We'll enjoy the play, Forever Plaid, before or after depending on who wants to go when.   A stop at the malt shoppe for a famous raspberry shake and maybe even hit the Minnetonka caves.

We hope to see you there.  Bring your swimsuits and smiles. 

Pilgrim's Progress

In nine months or less, we hope to put the house on the market.  There is much to do between now and then.  The list is pretty long due to neglect and twenty-four years of living in it.  We need to paint several rooms, re-carpet the upstairs, re-roof, re-place counters and tile in both upstairs bathrooms, tidy up the landscape, fix the sprinkling system and more.  It definitely will keep us (Dad mostly) busy all year long. 

Yesterday we painted two rooms, Jory's and the playroom.  Do you recognize this bedroom with pink carpet? 

  Today, yes, on the 4th of July, we (Dad) will begin the roof.   I am the hospitality committee hauling drinks and other needed items to the handsome roofer.  The neighbors got three bids for their roof which were $8, 12 and $16,000.  We are getting a steal at $4k by doing it ourselves.   Pray no one falls off the roof.

Tomorrow, the swamp cooler will be removed with the crane and a new attic fan  installed.  If that doesn't bring rain, nothing will.    Hopefully our energy will hold out until the end of this potential goal. 

Portland and Points of Interest

We spent Memorial Weekend in Portland with Jenn and her family. The children are growing and changing so much, we try to see them every six months at least. What a beautiful city with giant size blooms on bushes. These are the same ones we have as flowering plants because they don't grow larger than twelve inches here.

Tillamook Cheese is a few hours west and the great sandy beaches. Cannon Beach with the Haystack outcroppings are dark fortresses full of bird rookeries. The Portland Temple, Saturday Market, the OMSI museum and Portland zoo were other stops we made.

This is definitely a city we need to visit again. A river runs through it and freeways and bridges crisscross in many places. Why don't you meet us there?

Tillamook Cheese Factory

Cannon Beach with a Haystack in the rear

At the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) predicting the weather

Portland Temple

Mad about something. 

Beautiful huge flowering bushes

Saturday Street Market Fountain

Do a Dodge

We have a newer truck 2001 Dodge Ram 3500 dually.  You know the kind everyone hates because of the big hips (four back wheels), so to speak.  Well that is just what Allan wanted to pull the heavy loads from all the concrete jobs coming up.  After he decided on the right truck, he came right home and cleaned out the old one.  The contents filled both the recycle and garbage can to the top. 

His old truck stood taller and acted much prouder having been emptied of its 200+ lbs and seventeen years of accumulation. The transformation shocked passersby, even. KSL and the roadside parking spot are touting the 1995 best side. The miracle is that we sold it in three days to a man in Vernal, meeting in Heber to make the transaction and getting paid in cash. Super Yeah! Farewell old Dodgee Podgee. Hello new one. 

Now we just needs some horns to put on that front grill.  Don't you think?  LOL!