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.