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. 

First Stadium of Fire on the Fourth

I was determined to see Stadium of Fire this year purchasing the tickets in April, so as not to change my mind.  Good seats, early arrival, great parking spot, a nice picnic and a nap too, helped launch this celebration on the right track. 

The amazing acts of Cirque du Soleil "Zarkana", Kelly Clarkston, Carly Rae Jepson, The Strike 'winners of the talent competition', Rockwell Skydivers and the Stadium of Fire dancers made for a great night.  Not to mention the out of this world fireworks show. 

 Outside the stadium one hour before the performance, drinking our water and getting ready to enter, as we watch the lines and stash our loot. 

The stands beginning to fill up at the LaVell Edwards Stadium.  

 With our binoculars at the end zone.  The stage is at the far end with the fireworks set up behind that ready for the big show. 

 One of the Rockwell Airtime Skydivers holding a flag passing the Jumbo-tron on the way to landing on the field.  I was pretty excited to snap this photo at the perfect second. 

 Another skydiver with a smoking trail landing perfectly. 

 The Stadium of Fire dancers was made up of young girl (12-18) dance groups from all over the state.  The metal cylinders (like a slinky that closed to 18" or stretched open to five feet) were also dancers that moved, swayed and performed to the music.

  The firework show lasted about forty minutes with amazing never before seen pyrotechnics.  I only snapped a few, but loved the firefly ones the best. 

Checking this off my 'bucket list' felt good.  This is something you have to attend some day.

We Share a Birthday

While in Portland recently I saw this great date on a building. Okay, so it was the sewage plant. We share the same birthday.  It will probably be standing much longer than me, but yeah for industry.   Just think what a mess the city would be in without it. 

A Mellow Yellowstone Weekend

A herd of buffaloes barricaded the East entrance to Yellowstone Park, causing an hour delay. When traffic backed up beyond the entrance, the rangers raced to our aid two miles inside, honking horns, shoeing them off the road and screaming at the tourists to 'Move on!'

While waiting we had an event with car sickness and no shoulder to pull on.   Those behind us could see our dilema moving over for us to back-up a half-dozen car lengths to the last pull-off, causing a traffic jam of our own and quickly jumping out for the upchuck of the day. 

Mammoth Falls and the boys.

Railing in the Yellowstone Lodge.  Touring the old lodge, climbing to the highest balcony, checking out the gift shop and tree-branch settees; we made our way to the crowds mulling around for the next spouting of Old Faithful.

Mammoth Falls, the Petrified Tree, Paint Pots, four bears, that's right four, elk, a coyote and steaming bubbly pools were just a few of the exciting wonders enjoyed.  Can't forget that herd of buffalo and a thousand more just like them.

 Sure enough on cue, the famous geyser blew sky high. Many smaller ones further north on the boardwalk followed suit keeping the show going.

Did I mention the weather was mellow in Yellowstone for this time of year ensuring a great visit.