Picture Perfect at 'The' Parade

Every year Grandma Crane watched the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year's Day, so we watched it, too. She went to see it years ago when she had the traveling bug. I must be getting old, because I wanted to watch it live as well. The parade begins with the Master of Ceremonies riding in a classic car (only 7 in the world) covered in blooms. I have included some of our favorite floats or masterpieces. The first float, Trader Joe's is one that Jim Crane Jr. and his daughter helped decorate. Our VIP stadium seating was amongst the media, relatives and moguls of the Tournament folk. One of the photos, Allan, in his hat is coming up the stairs.

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.