On the Road to Bethlehem

Looking through some pictures, I ran across Joseph, Mary and the sacred nativity.  They look so happy going about doing the work of the Lord. 

Mary even had time to comfort a baby lamb.  She must the best at showing love and charity.  What a bright smile and loving heart. 

Joined by a shepherd boy or perhaps even a wealthy, wiseman, the beloved family enjoys spending time together. 

Booking It to Bluebell And Back

Allan had a six hour crane job in Bluebell, Duchesne County.  With a three hour commute each way, he thought I could keep him company.  I was happy to ride along taking pictures and enjoying the scenery.  Crossing three bodies of water, Deer Creek, Strawberry Reservoir, and Starvation.

We finally arrived in Duchesne about 1pm.  An eye appointment prevented us from leaving earlier.  Twenty more miles to Bluebell and a wrong destination by the Garmin, we called the contractor who met us in town, ten more miles down the road. 

Cold temperatures and occassional wind slowed the work.  They had to hussle because daylight closed in shortly after 5pm.

These men were perfectionists and had to get every truss on the exact mark, before going to the next batch.  Allan worked on the crane from 2pm to 9pm straight barely getting a bit to eat and bit of drink. 

After dark, the men pulled their vehicles up to shine on the site so they could finish the job.  It was bitter cold, but they worked into the night to complete the job.  These pictures are from warmer days.  A major storm was to hit the Wasatch Front later that night.  We pulled in our riggers and headed home at 10pm after stopping for a potty break in Duchesne.      We arrived home at 1am thankful to just hit patches of snow along the way, light traffic and a cozy bed.  Next day we woke to six inches of snow.  More fell in the Uintah Basin with below zero temperatures since the day we completed the job.          

An Apple A Day

We harvested an abundance of apples this year.  They were so crisp and delicious.  I shared them at work, gave to family, friends and everyone I could think of.

I made pies, desserts, applesauce and more.  I even sold some to a lady at work that said when I first took some, she didn't like apples.  There is still a bunch left.  In fact, I think they doubled in number after being picked. 

Sad to say, the crispness is gone and they are getting soft.  Next step is to not only get the fruit dryer out, but to bottle, bake and barter even more.  What a blessing. 

Gertrude Gladiola

i have a new name as of recently when I wore this old but beloved dress on Halloween.  I'm still trying to get my money's worth out of it after the styles changed. 

I was glad this pink hat I bought years ago matched it perfectly.  Now I just need to come up with some kind of cute skit to perform.  Maybe the place to preview it would be You Tube.  Who knows I could be the next copy-cat Carol Burnett act.  Time will tell

Henry Has a Halloween Dilema

Trying to decide what Halloween costume Henry should have, his mom bid for and got a Pea in a Pod fleece outfit from e-Bay.  The same day the 'pod' arrived, another package came in the mail from Aunt Alicia.  A black and white penguin outfit was among the goodies she sent.

  Both outfits were tried on and modeled by our little angel.  Which one shall he wear?  Maybe he will make it a duo and sport one in the morning and one at night. 

 

Isn't this young man, penguin or pea pod the most darling thing you have ever seen?   Henry has a dilemma, but will work it out somehow, between naps and such. 

Who Does Halloween Best?

I admire people that consistently set up yard decorations for holidays.  Where do they store these things?  I snapped a few photos to get my fix for the year.  The blow-up decorations are fun and friendly.  Looks like Casper came to see these guys. 

The Grim Reaper with witches and goblins attacked this house and never left.  What about that great spider by the front window?  Gotta love it. 

The painted wood decorations on the roof of this home are set up year after year, with a sign at the top of the street saying "Halloween Display" directing local folk over to them.  Great job guys!

No Halloween is complete without some pumpkins, straw and corn stalks.  The last two sure make a mess and have to be swept up daily.  Happy to enjoy them from others displays. 

My favorite scene at Gardiner Village is the witch riding the bike in the sky.  Shall I add that to my bucket list?  Years ago when I played a witch in a stake roadshow, I was voted best witch and cackle of all time.  Would you  like to hear my cry?  Go to thecrankycrane.blogspot.com for more haunted scenes.

Potato Picking and Packing

A trip to American Falls, Idaho, to see our cousins resulted in caching in on 400 lbs of freshly dug russet potatoes, so fresh we could see the trucks driving straight from the fields and dumping their staples in the hoppers then return for another load.  That fresh earthy smelled floated up to our nostrils making us feel part of this great earth. 

Attempting to grab the perfect spud off the conveyor belt to toss into our crisp shiny white bags was harder than it appeared.  From fist size to chubby foot size we grabbed to our hearts content.  It only took two giant potatoes to finish preparing our meal of roast, carrots, and onions for Sunday dinner.

Touring the 80,000 bag storage huts to see how the potatoes are kept the perfect temperature until needed during the coming year, was a real eye opener.  The metal tubes at the bottom of the pile are spaced ten feet apart the length of the shed and stretch from side to side.  The holes emit cool air pumped under the potatoes to keep them the ideal temperature. 

Daniel Who for Halloween?

We tried this cute racoon hat on Henry, but he didn't like it one bit.  He seems to be saying:

"Mom, If I said it once, I said it ten times.  I mean it, I don't want to be Daniel Boone for Halloween.  It's Daniel Craig I want to be.  You know, Agent 007."

This is just the beginning of many exciting Halloween holidays and costume's for this little guy and his parents.

Very Into Volleyball

Brayle is on the freshman volleyball team.  We attended a tournament this weekend to see them play.  Henry, Breann, Jory, Sarah and the whole clan attended.  This fast moving game has changed since I was a girl. 

 Many rules have changed and others remain the same.   A point is scored every time the ball is served whether it is played or not (new).  A served ball can hit the net and still be played (new).  No one can touch the net while playing the ball (old).  The winning scores are 25, 25, 15 and the winner is still the best two of three games. 

Their team won some and lost some.  It was fun to try to snap a photo before she moved to set-up, spike or serve the ball.  Clearly my camera wasn't fast enough.

40 Fine Ones on Friday the 13th

We celebrated our 40th anniversary on Friday the 13th by staying at the Atomic Chalet Bed and Breakfast and feasting at the Huntsville Barbeque Company just ahead of the crowds.

It's hard to imagine forty years together.  I love you Al.  You are terrific.

It was fun to stroll around the quiet streets, admiring yards with lawns bigger than most parks, count sand hill cranes, geese and herons at Pineview Reservoir and pedal these rustic bikes down a quiet lane stopping on this old bridge to snap a few pictures. 

Our Newest Member

August 31st Kade was baptized as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by his father.  Grandpa Allan confirmed him.  A small group attended the service from our family, but the important part was that his special day finally came.  No one was more excited than he was to have this ordinance performed since his birthday in May. 

We were able to travel there to be with the family for the special occassion.  Congratulations, Kade!

 Look at these great picture he posed for at our family reunion in August.  I can't say he doesn't smile or cooperate for photos.   Just look at this one goofing off with brother. 

 It is hard to believe he is eight.  A great student and athlete, he's a real sharp kid.  We love you. 

Siblings Smiling Together? Rare!

 With full tummies and expert photographer, Sarah Schmidt.  Add to that Jory saying just the right things, we captured some amazing smiles from these favorite siblings.

 Henry said, "No way am I going to smile.  Someone has to be cranky." 

Little Joshua and Grandpa spotted some horses by the Water Conservancy Park. 

Craving a Cuke? Come on Over!

My lemon cucumber bush is taking over the back yard.  The seed packet said to plant 3 to 5 seeds per hill, then choose the two largest that germinate eliminating the rest.  I failed to snuff out the others.  Now I have a plant/s taking over the whole garden spot. 

These plants are awash with blossoms and now fruit.  It was foolish to think the two of us could eat all 100+ of them.  The good news is that I love lemon cucumbers.  Fortunately, many others find they like them too, when sharing the tasty healthy treat.  "Just eat them like an apple," I say.  No need to peel or even cut them. 

Some were missed on previous pickings, making them very large and unappealing when I came across them.  I was glad they also disappeared from my basket at work.  Skip the crackers, chips and candy come on over for a cute little cuke.

Ten Angels Together

Ten angels took a ten minute break from four-wheeling, exploring and playing to try on some blue duds I selected and let us take their picture.  We rounded up a few more at another location for this bear bench photo, too.  

Grams was in grand (angel) child heaven and will cherish these precious pics forever. 

Pre-Parade Party

We went to the free Days of '47 Parade float show a the Expo Center that Okland Construction sponsored.  We selected and voted for our favorite one.  The theme was "Our Anchor for the Future".

Games and prices were offered at many to collect more votes.  What talents the people of Salt Lake Valley have. 

 This is the West Jordan Stake float that won the Legacy Award and the one I  voted for.  I liked the farm theme and the crowing of the rooster. 

  This float had the children already on it smiling and happy while on display.

Allan voted for the Riverton Utah Stake Noah's Ark float you can see in the distance.  The ark swayed back and forth and represented how the prophet Noah's example anchors our youth.  It was dedicated to the memory of their late stake president, Jim Mickelsen, who died of cancer last year.  People kept walking in front of me as I was ready to take pictures.  It was very crowded. 

Henry's Blessing, A Bit of Heaven

We spent the weekend at Jed and Breann's for Henry's baby blessing.   She has the touch with this little guy, as we get ready to head off to the church for the big event. 

 

'Yes, Henry, we do have to comb your hair', says mom.  'Today is your baby blessing and you want to look amazing. See how handsome you are.'

 

  'Yes, Henry you have to sit in a car seat to ride to the church.   You are lucky to have a nice new seat to enjoy and keep you safe.   Now, Mom, needs you to be a good boy and not fuss during the blessing.'  He cried, but Dad gave him a bottle afterward to help quiet him down and sleep the rest of the time. 

Here is the star after his blessing in his special white knit outfit looking content at Grandma & Grandpa Bartschi's house, as Dad patiently swings him in the old tire swing that he spent many hours in as a boy.   He has his eyes on his hero and may they spend many special times together.

 

 Here is the sign greeting all to the beautiful lake your parents love  and named you for. 

Best wishes little angel.  May you bring joy and happiness to your loved ones.