M's Life, Such As It Is

A Beautiful Day in Riverton

2011-09-21T08:37:00.000-07:00

Got to talk to Victor this mornng as he awaited to board his plane, not for long, five minutes actually, but it was great. He called and talked to Jared, well tried his cell phone first (but J had it on vibrate in his room), so called the house phone, then caught dad at work, then grandparents (said after listening to grandpa on his soapbox about nuclear/coal plants for 10 minutes, he decided to move on) and finally called home, thought he had 30 minutes to talk, but had to get off after five. I'm still doing the happy-mom dance.

Funny: I sent him a calling card and he said that every time he dialed a number it cost $1 from his card (was a $10 card), so he got mad and used his debit card. What he doesn't know is that I checked his card to see if he had any overage charges for luggage and he got charged $16 every time he swiped his debit card to make a call. Ouch. Pretty much depleted his "emergency fund."

It's a gorgeous fall day. After my talk w/V, I went around my route of the neighborhood delivering some RS stuff. I'm now headed outside to do some weeding, which are definitely thriving. Since J has gone back to school and V has left on his mission, I don't have any guys to send out for their 30-minute daily assignment. Ouch again.

A Soon-to-be Graduate

2011-05-22T21:05:00.001-07:00

I'm sure that you already know and love Victor, but by way of introduction this picture speaks much.

Utes fan, as in the University of Utah

One heck of a basketball player.

Likes, nay loves, golf.

Angels Rally Monkey, his favorite baseball team,

oh,

and man of faith, going to declare the gospel of Christ within the Des Moines, Iowa, mission

and

soon to be a graduate of Riverton High School

We Love Our Missionaries

2011-05-22T21:02:00.001-07:00

Tony was days away from his half-way mark, so we signed a banner and got it in the mail, AND Victor received his call to serve in Des Moines, Iowa, leaving May 31. He had a bunch of his friends come over and had a pizza party.

Trip to Cali--April

2011-05-22T20:46:00.001-07:00

During spring break we headed off to CAli for a few days of R&R, much needed I must say. I did a pretty poor job of taking pictures of the people we love (slapping myself), but did manage to get a few, including Angela, Ethan and Liz. Sure do love these people.

Got to tour the Midway Aircraft Carrier--lots of fun

Not to mention a baseball game in San Diego, Padres vs. Phillies.

some time at the San Diego Zoo--we had to flex some muscles to get R to join us, but he finally relaxed and had a good time.

Ladies, heart be still. This is my son, my TEENAGE son, who has worked hard for these muscles and was glad that the sun came out for a few hours so that he could play in the water.

Jared burying Victor. We did the same to Jared.

Another evening at the baseball park, this time the Angels (Vic's favorite baseball team) vs. the Boston Red Sox (lost by a point), but we became enamored with the rally monkey.

Love Sunday

2011-01-23T15:49:00.000-08:00

Just a quick catch-up note. Yup, it's been way too long. It's January which means looking out the window while sitting at my desk (thank you Jared for cleaning the window yesterday so that I can see) brings beautiful blue skies (thanks for the wind yesterday which blew away the valley gunk) and white mountains--absolutely gorgeous.

Didn't go to church last week due to a case of bronchitis which threw me to the mat and kept me there long term, but I'm back and really enjoyed church even more today. I can't imagine spending my Sundays not worshipping. It's such a part of my routine, my life, my style and I'm grateful for that. Even though my day started w/7:15 ward council and still is going strong, it's a great day.

So Tony is doing well. I just wrote him his weekly email which he receives on Monday. He is headed into the city today (currently serves in rural Clinton) for a DL meeting tomorrow and then LTM Tuesday through Friday. Tony has a new companion, an Elder Adair from LA. They've been together for the past couple weeks and I think that they're doing just great together. Apparently Elder Adair is a Lakers' fan, so that's a reason right there for them to mesh, plus he's a Spanish-speaking elder. Oops--just tried to insert picture here and it's on top. Oh well.

Victor is working Saturday reffing Jr. Jazz. It gets him out of the house for most of the day and more importantly puts some bucks in his pocket. Bishop emailed me this past week stating that he gave V the codes for him to start his missionary application. Wow, I'm not ready for this.

Jared has really been growing these past few months. He's my gazelle, skinny w/long legs.

Well, I'm off for now. Got to go figure out something to feed my family. Got out a roast yesterday, but it's still frozen in the fridge, plus didn't have time to get it in the crockpot this morning, so... Anyway, my guys are lounging or sleeping, waiting for the maid (ugh, hate that) to take care of them. One day I'm just going to run away.

The Slow-Paced Life Of Castle Dale

2010-08-14T10:04:00.001-07:00

Am sitting here with my laptop (no paid work right now) in the rocker and my mom is napping on the couch with her foot propped up on a mountain of pillows. She had surgery Wednesday, spent the night in the hospital and then dad and I brought her home to CD with a waiting wheelchair and a crew to lift the wheelchair into the house. Poor lady--she has to be nonweightbearing for 6-8 weeks and it's tough on her, and quite honestly hard for my dad and me physically, as she needs help getting to and from the bathroom and she goes probably 20 times through the day and night. Let's talk sleep deprivation. Can't imagine leaving my dad here alone, so have extended my stay, busy doing emails and making arrangements. The good Lord willing, her foot will heal and she will be mobile this fall.

Jared joined Rafael and Victor last night w/the Priests to go see Bill Larsen (one of the Priest advisors) race his track at the drag strip. That should have been fun for them.

It's getting close to time for the boys to go back to school. Ooohh they hate that word.

Tony is settled in Oklahoma City. His companion is Elder Mortensen from a town about an hour from Las Vegas. They work w/a Spanish Branch and T says that the members are very generous and good to him. I think having the name Gonzalez is an added bonus. It has been very hot and typical Oklahoma humid and so this has been a change for T. When he first arrived, he was exclusively on his bike, as they have the sisters' car (evidently were in an adjoining area), but there was no mileage left. Now they use the car very judiciously and supplement w/their bikes. He says that he's understanding more and more the language, but struggles in being able to have the courage to jump in and create sentences, but he has a good attitude and knows that he is making progress. He loves the Hispanics and his letters are very positive. Just yesterday my dad brought in the mail from the post office and there was a letter from Tony, a four-page letter!! And to think that T said not to expect any communication other than a weekly email saying he was still alive.

Well, I'm really tired and I think I'll put this laptop to the side and maybe catch a quick 5-minute nap. Fingers crossed.

Tony Arrives In Oklahoma

2010-07-30T10:50:00.000-07:00

No pictures, but here's the latest:

Tony left the MTC on July 20 and he got to call from the airport. I actually didn't get to talk to him much, maybe 15 minutes max, but he did talk to Victor for a few minutes, but then V's ride showed up. I had him call back on my cell phone and he talked to Jared while I drove him to EFY, but then T's phone card died out before I could talk to him, so he ended up going to buy another phone card and getting some breakfast, called me back until it was time for the plane to board, which wasn't long, but it was great to talk to him. He's happy, excited, loved the MTC.

I did receive a letter, short, in the mail this past Monday. It was written the day he arrived. he had met with the mission president and also had instruction from the assistants.

"When I got off the plane, WOW! Hot! But inside is very comfortable." Welcome to humidity land my son. I keep an eye on the weather station on the desktop and it's always humid. Yesterday it said Riverton, Utah, 88 degrees, feels like 82 degrees; Oklahoma City, OK, 88 degrees, feels like 95 degrees, and this was noon before it even had a chance to really heat up. Poor guy. I'm glad he took some short-sleeved shirts.

Anyway, he would meet his new comp/trainer the next day.

I've been watching the email all week, but nothing. I've heard that P-day for this mission is Tuesday, so hopefully next Tuesday?? I'd better hear something next Tuesday!!

I did send off last Saturday a "greenie" package, but haven't written, so hope to get that done this weekend and a letter off. I did promise R that I would not send another package until T's b-day, which is coming up here soon, and then nothing for a couple months. He thinks I'm totally over the top. I think that if I were a missionary I'd be happy to receive a "greenie" package with lots of useful and practical green things, like a green marker, green sticky notes, green gum, etc., etc.

It's the Big Reveal

2010-07-30T10:44:00.001-07:00

Yessiree, yesterday Jared got his braces off!!!!

Before and well...

Here's the smiling kid w/Dr. Justin Parker who has done all my boys. He's quite the fun guy, lots of jokes. When it becomes reveal time, he turns off the lights, jacks up some music and turns on disco balls. It's party time!!

After.

Annual Bees' Game With Fireworks

2010-07-30T10:36:00.000-07:00

Every year in July I take the family to the Bees' game, it's a minor league here in Salt Lake, the farm team of the Major League Angels. We had two extra tickets and so ended up taking Victor's friend, Austin, and Brian Hume, Loke's son who was visiting for a few days.

I love going to the game, nothing like a warm summer (actually it was hot and there was no breeze that night) with a snow cone, plus I like being around the boys, whether or not they like being around me.

Brian had a great time, really got pumped when the music came on.

And who can resist an oversized stuffed animal?

Plus the fireworks at the end? And the best part, it was a fun game. The Bees won 16-1 over Colorado Springs.

Jared's Eyes Don't Work So Well

2010-07-30T10:31:00.001-07:00

When doing J's Scout physical last month, it became obvious that his vision isn't what it should be (and he had been complaining of vision problems), so the solution was a visit to the ophthalmologist, hence contacts. Jared was excited until...

he discovered that it's the eye's natural sense to close when an object comes toward it. After much time trying, I finally held his eyes open and popped in the contacts myself. That was a week ago, almost, and he still has not worn his contacts since, although he did make one attempt. I really need to work w/him before school starts.

Jared Goes to EFY

2010-07-30T10:21:00.001-07:00

Last week, from July 19 through the 23, Jared attended his first EFY. This was a stay-at-home EFY which is where they do the same activities as regular EFY, but go home to sleep and have breakfast. Jared was a little nervous and didn't want to attend a full-spectrum EFY, and quite honestly I was happy to have the significantly reduced rate. Here is a picture of the guys in his group on the last day.

BTW: Jared is wearing a blue shirt and is at the far left.

And here is the picture of the girls in his group.

And here is Jared as we left him the first morning. He was a bit nervous, was all by himself, but he loved it and definitely wants to attend next year. I'm glad that I went ahead and enrolled him, even against his protests, because he's been a bit bored this summer, doesn't extend himself too much to spending time w/friends, I have to push him out the door, so actually he was glad to have something to do. He got autographs from John Bytheway, one of the instructors and a very popular youth speaker.

MoTab's Pioneer Concert

2010-07-30T10:08:00.001-07:00

On Friday, July 16, the MoTab held it's annual Pioneer Day Concert, but this year was a bit different, as it was the 100th year celebration of the choir, and so it was a great concert, lots of video clips on the big screen explaining the history of the choir and recording history (very interesting), plus lots of great music from the various eras. Had to snap a quick picture of my dad visiting w/thee Lavell Edwards seated in front of him. For those who do not know, Lavell Edwards is a former BYU football coach, a legend, for whom the stadium is currently named, and a very nice and gracious man.

And here is our party, my aunt DoraDean Snow, my father's older sister; my aunt Val Moffitt, my mother's older sister, me (ya, the giant with the baggy eyes--some day when I have money I'm going to get an eye job); my mom and my dad. Jared was on a backpacking trip in the Uintas that night and Rafael and Victor were on an overnight camp trip at Utah Lake w/the Priests. Helen Wilberg, Mack Wilberg's mother (you know, the MoTab director) was at my parents' house the week before visiting as neighbors/friends and when my parents mentioned that they would be in Salt Lake, she said, "hey, I'll call Mack and see if he can get your some tickets", which he did and mailed to my house, so we had a great time.

President Monson spoke at the end, and it was just a wonderful evening for me to spend w/my parents and aunts.

This is the Place State Park

2010-07-30T09:55:00.001-07:00

Mid July my parents were in town and so the three of us went to visit This Is The Place State Park at the mouth of Emigration Canyon, where the pioneers first came into the valley. It's like stepping back in time and the first time that my parents had actually been there. They definitely want to go back and see more, as there was more than they could see in the few hours we were there. They were tired, slept like babies on the drive back to the house.

This the Emery cabin (from Emery, Emery County) on cabin row. It was built way back when? (pre 1869) and then abandoned when the father built a larger home for his family, owned by another family for a while, and eventually became the post office for the little town of Emery, but now has its place in history at the park. Interestingly, a lot of these buildings come from places I've never heard of, probably because those "unknown" places have died up or been swallowed by newer towns.

There are docents on site who go about their daily living. I've wanted to be a docent at this park since Tony was a babe in arms. It used to be a 4-hour shift and so I checked into it a couple years ago thinking that now I could find the time, but it's now a minimum 6-hour commitment once a week, plus w/travel time...anyway, am thinking maybe when I'm released as RS president??? Hope so.

Picture from the monument dedicated to the early pioneers, explorers, Indians in front of the entrance to the park.

A Tony Update

2010-07-04T20:47:00.000-07:00

From T's last email: "How lucky I've been to be here during the seminars." (It was new mission president training at the MTC)

There was a devotional: "Presiding was Elder Nelson" (then goes on to name another 7 of the 12 apostles), plus add'l 70s, presiding Bishopric, "ya power line up, but only Oaks spoke." "ONLY 5 ROWS FROM THE SIDE and spitwad range from Holland, which was crazy." Then goes on to say that Friday was one of the best days of his life because in addition to this powerful devotional he and the two elders also going to OK got to meet w/President and Sister Taylor, the new mission president also going to OK. He said he'd tell me all about it in the letter he was to have mailed Wednesday, so I'll keep my eyes open for that letter here soon.

America's Birthday

2010-07-04T20:38:00.001-07:00

So yesterday, the 3rd, was when Utah really celebrated the 4th (since the 4th fell on a Sunday). R and J (and don't forget me, the picture taker) went to the chuckwagon breakfast that Riverton hosts every year. We went down about 9, stood in line for a while, but had a really good breakfast. These two found a table in the sun (as this weekend a cool front went through and we were running about 20 degrees cooler than normal, which for me was a wonderful weekend, cool enough not to turn on the AC). We watched an ATV rodeo for a while and also some men's softball. Victor went down in the evening w/some friends to hang out, ride a few rides.

Oh yes, we all four went to the afternoon showing of Toy Story 3---really fun, really good.

and that evening my explosive-loving boys struck the matches and put on a show.

Lots of sparkles, plenty of booms.

My guys.

Abuelo Comes to Visit

2010-07-04T20:24:00.001-07:00

My father-in-law, Rafael (or affectionately known as abuelo), came to town last weekend as my Rafael aka Alex was ordained to the office of High Priest and wanted his dad to come perform the ordination. It was way cool, performed in Spanish. I am kicking myself for not getting a picture of my guys, my father and my father-in-law while they were all dressed up after stake conference so handsome in their suits, but at least I got a picture of Rafael at the airport on his way back home. He arrived carrying a jacket, but fortunately did not have to wear it since it was a hot weekend.

Because it was his birthday in the upcoming week, we were lucky enough to host cake and ice cream. A win-win situation for all. Rafael gave his father a new Spanish Bible complete w/the LDS footnotes, etc., and a missionary picture of Tony. We had homemade strawberry ice cream. I LOVE homemade ice cream, so having his birthday celebration was just a little bonus to the weekend.

Victor's Tourney in Beautiful Park City

2010-06-28T20:41:00.001-07:00

Last Thursday, after playing a terrific round of 75 the previous day in Midway, Victor went to the next round in Park City. I joined that day and walked the course. I soooo enjoyed the walk, as we were in the beautiful mountains and out of the heat of the valley (returning to 97 degrees). The above picture was when the boys were just about ready for the first hole. This was a qualifier to go to Michigan to play, sponsored by the Utah Jr. Golf Association. The kid in red was from St. George w/his dad as caddy (though that was against the rules to have a parent caddy. The kid in the foreground w/the khaki shorts was from British Columbia, some of his relatives living here in Utah. He was a nice kid, and so was his mother. Both of these guys come from money. The kid from BC attends boarding school in Boston.

Victor on the left and his caddy, Devon, on the right.

The resort (brings back memories, as I lived here one winter and skied those slopes). The spots that look like sand traps on the hill are actually mounds of unmelted snow.

Every hole had these beautiful benches, for which I was grateful. Five hours needs a few sits here and there. (When I walked w/Victor a couple weeks in the valley, there was not one bench the whole five hours).

This shot Victor made an amazing shot (was hole 18). He was out of the running and so what do I have to lose, and boy did he ever nail it. Instead of taking the cautious and probably judicious shot of placing shot 2 (was a par 5) before the water, he went for the gusto and smacked it over the water and right on the green. Got a positive reaction from all the players and spectators.

Life Is a Bowl Full of ....

2010-06-28T20:38:00.000-07:00

STRAWBERRIES!! They're on and we're enjoying them.

Week Five of MTC

2010-06-22T17:34:00.000-07:00

So Tony sent home a memory card and there were tons (amazing how many pictures can be taken with a digital camera) of pictures-- study desk, roommates' study desk, classroom, another view of classroom, classroom ceiling, classroom window, classroom carpet, teacher in classroom, empty classroom...books, room (can I say Tony must feel right at home--really, really messy room), flowers (yes, Tony took pictures of campus flowers), doors, hallway....anyway have no idea who this elder is w/Tony (my Tony is the Ute fan), must be one of the new missionaries who arrived this week and joined the district, but evidently they've bonded because the new guy looks like he's a basketball fan.

and here's the district (Tony=peaking head on back left), all Spanish speaking, some heading to New York, others to Mexico and three to Oklahoma.

An excerpt from T's letter: "After the firesides we have movies in various rooms in various buildings (also known around here as date night). They also rotate which movies they show week by week. So this Sunday we watched the Joseph Smith movie. That movie is awesome. Like I ALMOST!! teared up like 6-7 times, especially when it talked about the message shall be preached in every land and... Ya, that part has a totally new meaning to me now. "

I love knowing where he is right now, safe and sound.

Lake Powell

2010-06-20T20:25:00.000-07:00

Just a little earlier this month this teenage boy and the other Priests in the ward went to Lake Powell for their big summer activity. They had a blast. Rafael went with as a leader--left Wednesday morning and got back Saturday night. Bro. Brent Hansen has part ownership in a houseboat and so when he has a son in the quorum (right now Whitaker), he lets the guys use the boat. There were also two speed boats which the boys used for play. Good leaders, a good group of boys.

It's a pin-up boy!!

Summer Colds

2010-06-20T16:41:00.000-07:00

Here's a shot of Jared sleeping upstairs (yes, he's still sleeping under the stairs) so that he can have the humidifier by his side. Zoe, his cat, doesn't like to sleep by herself--this was Saturday morning. I was up and Zoe was in the hallway meowing (was afraid she'd wake up Rafael--that wouldn't be good), so I opened the door to Jared's room so that Zoe could have some company. I had just finished a cold that ran for 1-1/2 weeks and gave it to #3 son. Really zapped my energy level, but am glad that I'm back to normal and can get caught up w/life.

Gotta love being able to sleep without coughing.

Gotta love not going to bed at 6 p.m. because of fatigue.

Gotta love being able to swallow without the throat screaming.

Gotta love NyQuil.

State Am Qualifier

2010-06-20T16:21:00.001-07:00

The first part of June, Victor participated in his first "big boy" tournament. It was a qualifier for the Utah State Amateur Golf tournament. He was so nervous that he had a hard time sleeping. His friend was supposed to caddie for him, but slept in, so off we went (and no I did not caddie--how embarrassing to have a mother carry one's clubs, although I would have done so). I have never "walked" the course with him and am trying to be a better mother and supporter, although Victor did tell me to make sure I took pictures from a distance and that the flash was off--can't have any distractions from the crowd. It was fun. It was sunny, got into the low 80s and really quite ideal conditions. If I did this more often I'd drop some weight--five hours in the sun w/no breaks. Victor was nervous because he's a 17-year-old kid and only one of two teenagers who had signed up. No need to fear, he definitely did not embarrass himself. He was paired with a 40-something guy who has a son Victor's age who attends San Diego High School, a private Catholic school in Draper which recruits kids for athletics. Anyway, this guy lives in Draper and is a member of the country club in American Fork where this year's state am will be played. After the first couple holes, Victor whispers to me that he's a hacker (not Victor, this guy), puffing away on his cigs and sweating through his shirt. The other guy was a really nice guy, pretty quiet, but some friends showed up to cheer him on. He was in his later 20s. Victor shot a 36 on the first 9 (played great), but slipped on the last 9 (shot a 44), so 80 total. The other two guys shot 82 and 83, so Victor definitely did not embarrass himself. He missed the cut by 4, though. There were 67 men playing at this qualifier and the top 12 qualified. He'll try again next year.

The last picture is at the end of 18 with the guys shaking each others' hands and signing score cards. Victor got a nice compliment from the rich, country club guy saying that he (Victor) showed lots of maturity for a 17-year-old kid. I smiled. That's my boy!!

I'm Back

2010-04-28T18:36:00.000-07:00

Guess what I just found on my computer, this site!! Ya, I know. I've been really lazy. Actually got a new computer a few months ago, but haven't taken the time to reinstall some software for the pictures, or whatever. Don't have the time, or don't want to take the time.

So a recap of today, Wednesday, April 28, 2010. It's winter again, or at least tonight. Brrrrr. It will drop down to freezing tomorrow night. And that's why you don't plant your tomatoes until mid May.

Tony has three weeks from today until he enters the MTC. Unbelievable. He's pretty much ready, I think. He doesn't want any hand holding or looking over the shoulders. He talked in his singles branches last Sunday. He was pretty quiet about it and uninvited his family, but I still snuck in the back--hey, we share the same building at the same time. I missed the first part of his talk, but caught the end. He said a couple things that spoke peace to my heart.

Victor is at Mountainview Golf Course tonight, his only shift this week. He finally got his dream job. See, persistence does pay off.

Rafael is w/the Priests. They're running a 5K at the Jordan River Trail. He's the time guy with the drinks. He left with a coat and I think he should have taken hot chocolate.

Jared is home studying.

I should be working. There are actually some jobs, so I'd better be brief and switch back over. My eyes are extremely dry and the contacts are screaming to be taken out. Had presidency meeting this morning and then we took in brunch (rolls, fruit, juice and a blanket) to two sisters who had babies recently.

My neighbors, yes the ones with the dogs that I've wanted to strangle periodically over the years, moved out recently, actually finished Monday and yesterday I saw several men walking around the house inspecting and making notes. My new neighbors? It's got to be a bank foreclosure, so when does a bank send representatives so fast? All day several men have been over cleaning out the house and had a big dumpster filled by noon. I went over in the afternoon to find out the details. Turns out the builder of the house (which was the model home for the neighborhood) and all the homes in Kings Crossing held the contract on that house all these years and it has been a big headache. The builder, who has a reputation for being an honest, hard-working man, has bent over backward trying to help this man retain his home (and has been lied to and cheated). Anyway, Ron (the owner) has had calls in pretty much daily for payments (said at one time Dirk was as much as $15,000 behind. Well, long story short...had to hire an eviction attorney. I was curious, but didn't ask, so was secretly happy when he escorted me into the home as he had a few questions. The house is every bit as bad as I thought it would be. Unbelievable. Imagine what negligent people with five big hunting dogs (initially eight when they moved in) can do to the inside of a house?? Every door casing has had every bit of paint scratched off and the casings so bad that they will have to be replaced. The owner is having a new furnace installed, the swamp taken off, the damage from the leaking swamp repaired. All the carpets will be replaced, walls patched and repainted. Most of the doors had to be thrown out because of holes. I saw dripping water from unfixed leaks, cupboards hanging from hinges. Ron will hire a landscaper to clean up the yard. He'll get in electricians and plumbers....hooray!! Ron said that had a bank owned the house the Smiths would have been gone six or seven years ago. Wish the bank had owned the house.

Jared is practicing the clarinet and I'm headed to take out the contacts and make myselfl a hot chocolate. Bye all.

Victor Gets His Yes

2010-01-13T20:38:00.000-08:00

It's boys' preference this weekend and Victor last night put out the query...yes, that's right just last night (days before the dance) to Lexy. He told me his idea..was cute, something about little Army men and a camo poster...but the dollar store didn't have any Army guys and so he said he switched to a poster and Starbursts, something about stars...burst...I have no idea. Anyway, Lexy called to ask if she could get into his room and could I get him out of the house. Sure.

I made V go w/me to buy a new computer (he knew because R answered the phone while we were having dinner, "Yes, Victor's mom is here." No surprise there.

Anyway, when we returned there were little stars laid out down the carpet to his room. R wasn't impressed at all. He was the only left home to answer the door. I told him to be nice. R reported that the girls were way too giggly and he doesn't want any short blonds hanging around.

There was a poster that said:

Turn out the lights
So that you can't see.
Look to the stars
And the answer will be.
While lying on his bed w/the lights out, the stars glowed YES.

Welcome 2010

2010-01-01T09:19:00.000-08:00

You would think with today being a holiday I could sleep in, but no. Dang it. Got back from a week in California last night and have spent the morning doing laundry and trying to pretend that the Christmas decorations aren't up. Sure wish the Christmas fairy would have taken care of that while we were gone.

R is showered and in front of the TV watching a bowl game. I wish he'd go outside and get the snow shoveled. I am soooo not going to take care of that when I have four men living in my house.

Ah--a new day, a new month, a new year and a new decade!! Wow. My mind was wandering as I was lying in bed wishing I could fall back asleep this morning. My mind was all over the place, must have been thinking Bible stories as the phrase "go and sin no more" came to mind. So was that a thought to start this day anew and look to the future and forget about what's in the past?? I kind of had that feeling, a cleansing if you will. A new chapter. Now go and write a good story, one that will leave me feeling full and happy.

Okay, time to take a shower and get out of my PJs. I have grocery shopping to do. I think I'll make some soup for tonight. That sounds really good. What are your plans for the day?

Olvera Street

2010-01-01T09:04:00.000-08:00

When you have the name Gonzalez, you really can't visit LA w/o going to Olvera Street, which is truly the origins of Los Angeles.

It's only a block long, but filled with lots of vendors and shops. Surprisingly, the prices are very good, just like being across the border, and very colorful.

I didn't buy anything, though probably should have. Tony found a really good leather cover for his camera that had a clip on or slide through for a belt, plus a magnetic closure--really nice for only $7. Should have bought some sandles, but wasn't in the mood then. Only bought a horchata (a really good and refreshing drink) and a churro.
Okay, so I'm drawn to food. No surprise there.

Have no idea the story behind this cross, just thought it was interesting.

Mecca of Basketball

2010-01-01T08:52:00.001-08:00

We were on our way from point A to point B and Rafael announced that we would be driving on the freeway and if we were quick we might see the famous Staples Center. Why so famous? Well, it is home to the LA Lakers which is T's fave team (remember, the guy who has painted his room in Lakers' colors). Not only did we drive by, but we decided to take that exit and do a drive by. Quick take a picture of ESPN (probably on our TV more than any other channel). Hey look, a parking garage. Let's get out and walked over to "holy ground."

Mom: "It's just another basketball arena."

Boys: "Did you really say that?"

While this couch was meant for TV personalities, I told T and V to quickly slip in and I'd take a picture while security's back was turned.

Santa Monica Beach and Pier

2010-01-01T08:32:00.000-08:00

Went to the ocean one day. Why not? It's so close. Yes the water was cold, but so much fun for us land-locked Utahns. You would think we had never seen the ocean? That's right, we rarely do.

Tony in reflection, actually wishing those of us who took of our shoes to play would hurry up.

It was a gorgeous day, let me repeat that GORGEOUS day, and Vic was wishing he had worn his shorts and a T-shirt, as he was dressed a bit warm, well by Utah standards.

The walk to and from the parking garage was like paradise. Maybe Heaven is like this? Breathe in the warm air, touch the green grass, gaze at the palm trees, walk past the homeless (so sad), take notice of the gays (wrong choice guys).

We had lunch at Bubba Gump at the pier (remember that Tom Hanks movie?). Victor here had the "bucket of trash." We all love seafood and lunch was fun, expensive, but lots of fun.

And here at the end of the pier is also the end of Route 66 which runs across the nation. We really should plan a vacation when we can get to the beach in the summer.

Six Flags

2010-01-01T07:56:00.000-08:00

The Monday after Christmas we drove north of LA and went to Six Flags. Good game plan. The boys had a great time. This is an amusement park that caters to thrill seekers, as there are 12? roller coasters. We rode as many as we could. Tony was drawn to the 3-point contest where you have 12 balls, four each at three perimeter positions, in 40 seconds. There's an occasional 2-point ball for a possible 15 points if you make all 12 balls. The high score of the day (this was late afternoon) was 11. Tony went twice, each time scoring in the medium category. I think he was like 6 or 7 each time, which won him a UCLA bear and a USC bear, cute w/team hoodies.

Since Tony did it, then Victor decided he would part w/a few bucks and it paid off. He scored 9 and chose a Kobe jersey. See boys, all that practicing paid off. I had to add these pics, as they make me laugh. This was at the end of the day and a long wait in line to go on the X2 ride. It was awesome!! You're strapped in very securely and then transported lying flat on back up a very tall ramp and dropped backward, flipping forward and sideways, at one point hanging upside down (yes, feet dangling as you rush to the ground)--well worth the wait.

Look at Jared. That look is one of pure terror. You would think he would be in tears at the conclusion, but he loved it. I think we've created a thrill junkie. R was a good sport--hates amusement rides, so he would patiently wait while we got an adrenaline rush.

And that's all folks.

Christmas = Family

2010-01-01T07:33:00.000-08:00

Oh, which pictures to select?? Such a hard decision. Okay, here are just a few. I really should take some time and learn to do a collage, but not today.

Amy (love her--she took care of me, housed me, fed me, gave me sister talk), and Cynthia (R's cousin) and husband Cameron. They have the cutest little guy, but didn't get him in a picture that I chose. Oh well.

Here are Tia Mary and Tio Mago with their daughter, Liz, and son Moses, Moses' wife Diana and children, David, Sara and Jonathon. These people are goooood people, the kind who will hopefully put in a good word for me in Heaven.

This is the only picture I got of Kate, Ariel's daughter. She lives with her mother in San Diego, but we get to see her occasionally. She and Victor seemed to hit it off and I saw them on the computer making a Facebook connection, so it seems that they'll make an effort to stay in touch. Katy is a bit older than Vic and will be graduating this spring, supposedly has a boyfriend who will be attending the "U" on a swimming scholarship, so hopefully we'll get to see her more often.

From left to right: Aileen and Eleazar Doria, Mago Doria, Rafael, baby Flippin (think her name is Kylie), Keola and Barbara Flippin (isn't that the coolest last name?), and Mary Doria.

Little Ethan, now 4, really lonely with his brothers and sister on a mission, latched on to Jared the second he walked in the door, but also shared time w/Tony and Victor. He was quite cuddly w/Tony. Good to see. Ahh, wish I could have back some of that cuddly time, but alas the boys grew up and cuddles became memories.

Ahh, we spent time lounging. Note: My no-socks feet were very happy. Jared and Victor in shorts were definitely enjoying the warm sunshine. It was easily into the mid 60s, perhaps even warmer, so why were the Cali people wearing winter gear???

Here's grandpa (abuelo) with a few of his grandchildren. We're missing Aaron, Erica and Jake, but we were so glad that they've made the choice to spend this Christmas in the mission field. They all called home on Christmas, Erica for 3-1/2 hours!! Turns out Jake was snowed in and was enjoying Top Ramen. Now that's a memory.

My Uncle Glade

2010-01-01T07:03:00.000-08:00

My dad's older brother, Glade, recently died and Rafael and I made a quick trip home on Wednesday, December 23. The funeral made me think how I would like to be remembered. During the program, there was an inclusion for remarks by children and grandchildren. The first speaker, a son, got up and said "well my dad was stubborn and ornery..." and that pretty set the tone. Quite honestly, my memories of Glade are not of warmness and kindness. Therefore, it was good to hear and be reminded that his children enjoyed going fishing and that he sacrificed a beloved car one Christmas because the family was broke. Glade had 15 children and a couple chose not to attend. Makes me think about how I want to be remembered. hmmm??

This is my brother, Joe, and his wife, Maxine, my parents. My parents drove up from Arizona and Joe had just been down to Arizona helping them replumb their home (bathroom had a leak) and run some outside electrical outlets. Joe is handy in that regard and he worked really hard for several days. He's big and rough on the exterior, but actually has a soft heart.

The internment wasn't until late afternoon and the cemetery was in shadows when we arrived. It was coooollllld, probably mid teens. Let's just say that I've never seen a group of people disperse so quickly to return to the warmth of cars and a hot funeral meal back at the church.

Glade had military rites and it was definitely an honor to see the flag and hear taps. Incidentally, this is my Uncle Earl on the far right--quite a character and I really enjoy his company. My dad's cousin is second from the left, Phillip Nelson. The others I don't know. It was good of these men to attend.

The Wondrous Gift of Christmas

2009-12-13T19:01:00.000-08:00

Jared, my best bud, and I made it to the Conference Center last night for the yearly Christmas program, this year entitled The Wondrous Gift of Christmas. R was on call and T and V went to the Jazz vs. Lakers game (Jazz won!), so just the two of us went. It was soooooooo good. My cousin was going to join us, but ended up not going. Our seats were right in the front section on the floor, though to the side, but what a thrill. Featured guest was Natalie Cole and I have to say that she has gained a new fan. She has eight (count that eight) Grammys and truly has a rich voice. Also featured was David McCullough, twice a Pulitzer Prize winner, also a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom award, author of 1776 and John Adams.... Anyway, he was narrator and those two were so very gracious and warm. You add the Morm Tab, orchestra, bells, dancers. I can see now why these tickets are so valued, and to think I've made it through the lottery process two years in a row. What luck!! I was smiles the whole night.

It was so crowded downtown last night: 20,000+ at the Conference Center plus the Jazz game, plus those who went to see the lights on Temple Square, music events in the Assembly Hall, also the Nutcracker at Capitol Theater.... We took the Trax and it was quite a trip to get home. Fortunately, the rain didn't start until we got off the Trax which started turning to snow as we arrived home. This morning was a total mess, heavy snow and slipping and sliding because of the slush/ice underneath.

I heard "Margaret" while cued up to get into the Conference Center, turned around and saw someone waving at me who obviously knew me. I have to be honest as I was clueless. "Hi. How are you?," said I thinking "who are you?" She turned to her friend and said, "Margaret Nelson was my roommate in college." Ahh, yes. Now I remembered. She remembered my full name w/o any hesitation and I had to ask her name. I'm kicking myself. Fact: I had put up her homemade Christmas stocking just yesterday, the same one that she made for me all those years ago and it's such a treasure. It is hand knit (no pattern) with my name and Buon Natale, plus a Christmas tree covered in ornaments. I love that stocking. I think she went to Bolivia? on her mission and it seems like she was taught how to knit by the native ladies. They taught her well because she works magic with a pair of knitting needles. Anyway, I quickly got her phone number as we headed in the building and now we can do a reconnect. She also mentioned a former roommate, Nancy, whom I've tried to find in the past. Oh BTW her name is Susan Isom. Both Susan and Nancy never married, though I thought Nancy may have. Men can be such jerks. These are two exceptional ladies--college educated, returned missionaries, attractive, valiant in the gospel. I haven't seen or heard from Susan since college. She was in our aparment for only a couple quarters, then graduated, moved away and went to work. She majored in music therapy, but it turns out that after 10 years of that she moved into another direction and currently runs a nonprofits organization. I'll find out more when we connect.

The last time I remember being w/Nancy was shortly after I married. We both took a Saturday and went skiing. That seems like another life.

I'm feeling a bit drained tonight, probably getting to bed at midnight and getting up and out the door early . Good news: I get to sleep in. Bishop announced this morning that early meetings will start at 8 a.m. come the new year, and I only need to do that twice a month. I love my Bishopric. They are great men and I know that they meet early every week. Okay, it's off to the bathtub with a good book.

It's Cold When...

2009-12-08T15:58:00.000-08:00

You have to go out 15 minutes before time to leave to warm up the vehicle enough to be able to scrape the windows (and this was at 4 p.m. after the sun had been out all afternoon). I'd forgotten what a pain it is in the winter to have outside vehicles. I have my parents' Suburban right now so it doesn't get parked in the garage. Poor baby.

When this chunk of yuck that the van accumulated while driving Victor to school this morning came off in the garage and has stayed pretty much frozen for the entire day.

The thermometer is below freezing--and that's with the sun being out all afternoon! Tonight's low is predicted to be close to ZERO.

The good news? It looks like Christmas outside. It is so gorgeous right now with that clean layer of white everywhere. It doesn't hurt that I'm listening to Mannheim Steimroller Christmas as I record my thoughts.

I hear a cup of HOT chocolate calling my name. Catch you at next entry.

First Week of December

2009-12-07T07:54:00.001-08:00

So a few musings:

Hmmm?? Well it's my parents' anniversary today and Pearl Harbor Day. Who gets married on Pearl Harbor Day? My parents were married in the Salt Lake Temple. They tell me that it was a frigidly cold day and because of a huge snowstorm many of the invited guests could not get over Soldier Summit to attend. That's kind of sad. Actually, that's really sad, but you move on, right? None of my father's family could attend the actual wedding ceremony. They had to stay in the foyer of the temple and I can just see my Grandmother Nelson in tears. She went through the temple many years later, actually a couple decades, when the policy was such that women could go solo while still married.

Last Tuesday was the RS Christmas dinner/program. Really good. Very elegant. Sister Janice Nielsen and her married three daughters came and sang songs and talked about tradition. Oh yes, as RS Prez I closed the evening. Not my favorite thing to do, but it turned out just fine. We as a presidency hustled and got our sisters' Christmas done and passed out at the end of the program. Whew. Now, just have to get it out to those sisters who didn't show and those sisters who didn't pick up for their VTees. But in all, it was very well attended.

Thursday I had a stake RS Presidency Forum. Heard about how some of the other wards already have their assigned 2010 humanitarian projects outlined and have gathered monetary donations. We're having a switch at the first of the year w/our committee, so have put this on hold. Now I'm thinking we're going to be playing catch up. I need a vacation.

Friday was our ward Christmas party. Poor Chandra, our activities chair, has three on her committee and not one made it to the party. She had beautiful deco (hanging winter blue and white Chinese lanterns) which she had her HTers put up the night before. Really gorgeous. And she had her VTers help her w/the food. When I realized her plight, I volunteered, so did a turkey, baked a bag of potatoes and made a side dish. Well worth the work, as it was so nice not to be in charge but to simply show up and enjoy. Helped w/cleanup and gathered leftovers to take to a couple families later that night.

Again, the weekend highlights are listed on separate posts.

I need to run errands today to various parts of the valley. We got snow over the night, several inches, so I think I'll give it a few more hours for the roads to clear, although it's supposed to snow off and on today. Better drive slowly. There was a huge accident Friday night, actually accidents all over the place, but this particular accident was closer to Tooele on I-80. Involved several semis and 30 other vehicles, lots of people w/injuries, but a hard time getting emergency crews in and out because of the horrendous ice conditions. Not good.

First Presidency Christmas Devotional

2009-12-07T07:43:00.000-08:00

Ahh, sweet Christmas spirit. We made it through the lottery process and got tickets to go in person to the First Presidency Christmas Devotional. Do you see three men seated in the front right. That's right, the First Presidency.

The good news!!!! We all FIVE went. Thank you Tony.

And afterward I steered my little group of five through the crowds to get a few pictures. Such moaning and groaning. You would think my boys had come straight from the equator and had never experienced snow and cold before. Yes, it was cold (probably 15 degrees at this point), but all I was feeling was the warmth from the program and enjoying the lights. Some day I'm going to adopt myself into a new family.

But all my pushing and prodding worked. Look, here's a picture of the five of us.

And another picture. It's a Christmas miracle!

Thank you Jesus.

Festival of the Trees

2009-12-07T07:11:00.001-08:00

Ahh, where to begin to explain this amazing festival? Well it's a bunch of people who decorate trees and then they're bought by other people (who obviously have lots of money). The purchase prices are not posted, but I know a lady who decorated a tree (was on the simple side, probably not more than $200 total in supplies including tree, reinforced stand, add'l chair, etc.), and she sold it for $900. There are trees of all sizes including small table toppers, also wreaths, quilts, gingerbread houses, handmade gifts, sweets....

Okay, not everything is a tree. Here's an example of the door wreaths, which in this case includes the handmade mantle and deco. Gorgeous. This is when I fall asleep imaging that money is not an object, I have a to-die-for house and I go and purchase my holiday deco at the festival and have it all delivered and set up. Don't you have dreams like that?

Oh, and here's just another example of the beauty and elegance of so many of these trees.

ah, yes. These people you know.

Here's my friend Sue. Jared and I took her last year for the first time, as she had never been, had never even heard of this event. Are you crazy? You've lived here how long? She was totally amazed and joined us again this year. Where else can you be amazed with your jaw dropped for hours for only $4, well unless you buy a hot-from-the-oven cinnamon roll (or scone in my case). Oh, and don't forget the sweet shop for a homemade something or the other (of course, all handmade and donated for the benefit of the festival).

Then there are those whacked-out trees, which I personally love, like this upside-down Frightmare Before Christmas themed tree. Sue just shakes her head, "I don't get it."

There are always team trees. There were definitely more "Ute" trees than "Cougar" trees this year. I also saw a Bronco tree, which Tony would have liked. Victor told me to look for the Riverton tree because he had made suckers in his foods class. Never did find the tree, so I don't know if the suckers were attached to the tree or simply donated to the sweet shop. Sorry bud.

And the darling gingerbread houses!! I took pictures and then more pictures. But which to post? Should I go with the huge, need-10-weightlifters-to-carry house, or the elegant Victorian or the Eskimo igloo? I decided on this darling Up house.

FACTS:

Every single penny goes to the charity of Primary Children's Hospital.

Approximately 90,000 people attend over a four-day period raising a total of 1.4 million bucks from last year's event. Does that give you an idea of the enormity of this very successful event?

Holiday Weekend

2009-11-29T05:56:00.001-08:00

I'm slapping myself for not grabbing the camera and taking a few pictures...and it's so easy w/a point-and-shoot digital!!

So a quick review. Parents came into town on Wednesday and we all went to dinner at Buca de Beppo and then off to the Conference Center Theater for Savior of the World, a musical play about the life of Christ. Very well done, very professional and very appropriate for the holiday season.

Thursday was turkey day starting w/the ward's annual turkey bowl. I understand that the Gonzalez boys were responsible for 9 interceptions including one by Jared. He certainly came home w/a smile on his face. It was a gorgeous day, plenty of sunshine. I was up busy starting on holiday meal preparations. R got called out and was gone for nearly seven hours, but we pushed back dinner just a bit so that he could join us. I went w/mom and dad later afternoon to see Jeana and her new baby boy, Evan. Jeana had delivered Tuesday and got home from the hospital Thursday morning. We didn't stay long as it looked like she was tired, plus she got two carloads of company, so we headed back to the house. My dad was driving and I honestly don't know how we didn't get in a major accident. I think the guardian angels were doing double time. It shook my dad up so much that he decided not to drive up to visit Val, which had been the earlier plan. I offered to drive my parents, but they decided to stay home. R had been called out again and didn't get home until 11 p.m.

Ah, Black Friday. I was up at 3:30 to hit the JC Penney 4 a.m. opening. R decided that he would go out, too. Unbelievable. He has never done that. Anyway, because I chatted w/R I got away a bit later, but I got some clothing items at Penneys and then headed to RC Willey to get in line for the 8 a.m. opening. R went to the 5 a.m. opening at Target, got J's coveted iPod Touch and some DVDs. He then joined me later at RC Willey. Was kind of nice to have a bit of company. It was a really cold morning. I had him bring me over another blanket as I was cold--clear skies meant for colder temps. Anyway, was close enough in the line that we both got our $25 gift certificates and I got the voucher for a $50 iPod Nano which I'm going to load w/songs and give to my parents for Christmas. (and no my parents don't read my blog so no ruining their Christmas surprises). Oh ya, we got some cheap DVD player and the movie Up, both for $10. Sure, some say that getting up early and standing in line in the freezing cold isn't worth the doorbuster deals, but I say it's only once a year and I personally quite enjoy the planning and execution. Anyway, Dad likes to listen to my iPod, which I hardly use, so I should just give him mine...but for $50 he can have his own. R bought the flat screen for downstairs that he has been wanting. It will be delivered this week.

Finally, Saturday. Got a good night's sleep, which I so desperately needed. I was so tired Friday night that I could not make myself get dressed and out the door to a wedding reception which I really wanted to attend. Anyway, Saturday was great. Worked in the morning, ran errands in the afternoon and watched the huge rivalray season-ending game of BYU vs. Utah which once again went down to a close game with BYU winning by a touchdown over a field goal in overtime. Here's my one-and-only picture of the weekend activities of the game meal. Dang, the picture won't paste in here. See picture above. Let's just say R is ecstatic about the blue win, but I have some very sad red-loving boys. In fact, one of V's friends came over last night and spray painted the lawn with the letters BYU and the final score. LOL.

Now it's Sunday morning and the house is quiet. I have no early-morning meetings but R is long gone, got called out. BTW: He went the whole 12 hours yesterday of call being able to stay home and enjoy the day including the big game. I hate it when I have the chance to sleep in and I can't make it past 6 a.m. Maybe it's because I'm such a morning person, actually got up Monday morning at 3 a.m. (yuck, had to finish work by 7 a.m. and get J to the orthodontist in Murray by 8). Anyway, that's why I'm up and blogging. Probably should be reading my scriptures and getting into the spirit of the day----

New Moon

2009-11-23T20:52:00.000-08:00

Finally got to go see the newest movie in the Twilight series, which has been such a phenom, huge numbers everywhere, but especially here in Utah where the author, Stephanie Meyers, is a BYU alum. Even though it's a young adult novel about the love triangle among Bella, the human; Edward, the vampire; and Jake, the werewolf, it has grabbed my attention. Loved the books and almost wish I hadn't given them away. I'm in the mood for a re-read. Can't wait for the next movie to come out, which won't be until June-ish.

Concert #3

2009-11-22T17:05:00.000-08:00

Although I didn't get a picture of the half-time show, Jared reminded that this is the third day of music entertainment--the BYU Marching Band. Efrain asked us to join him at the football game against Air Force, which BYU won.

These two St. George, live-in-warm boys, Efrain and his very tall and very handsome son Matthew, could not get comfortable despite multiple layers and four-inch thick gloves. I felt sorry for them. They left just after the beginning of the fourth quarter, to go to Cabella's they said, but I think just needed a reason to get out of the cold.

Victor, yes the one wearing red, was a good sport. Although he would rather have a root canal than attend a "Y" game, he went because it was his b-day present to his dad. We all went out for b-day dinner at La Frontera after the game. It was great to visit w/Efrain and Matthew.

Concert #2

2009-11-22T16:56:00.001-08:00

On Friday, November 20, my parents, Jared and I went to Mahler's Symphony #2 in C Minor, the "Resurrection," conducted by Keith Lockhart of the Utah Symphony and Mormon Tab w/guest Nancy Maultsby, mezzo-soprano of the Washington National Opera. What a treat! The program was opened by remarks from President Eyring who is on the board of O.C. Tanner (the company who underwrote the program), also in attendance Pres. Uchdorf and Elder Nelson. The program was held in the historic Tabernacle. Jared clearly liked the program the night previous better, but was a good sport, actually a really good sport.

Concert #1

2009-11-22T16:51:00.000-08:00

Thursday, November 19, I took my favorite date, Jared, to the Mannheim Steamroller Christmas concert at Abravanel Hall in downtown SL. What a fun evening, great concert, terrific music.

At the end of the evening we got our CD signed by these very nice musicians. I felt like their gratitude at our attendance was genuine.

I'm Losing It

2009-11-19T08:29:00.000-08:00

Took a close look and tell me what these two objects have in common...go ahead.

Let's see, they're both earrings. Good.

They're both French drop backs (I think that's the correct term). Good.

They're both made out of stone, one torquoise and the other a brown stone (I'm such a gemologist).

They both somewhat similarly shaped, one is an oblong bear and the other is, well, just oblong.

Oh ya, I wore them yesterday, all day, around lots of people, in and out of the house, shopping, meetings, RS stuff, VTing...and not one person said anything about my mismatched earrings. I had a good laugh in the mirror when I took them off.

The Best Winter

2009-11-09T11:10:00.000-08:00

Back in the mid 80s I had an unforgetable winter, working and living in Park City during the ski season. It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon, unseasonably warm, me in my T-shirt walking next to the tourist from Florida in a coat, obviously too nice of a day to waste at home watching my boys watch TV, so up the mountain I went. I took a few pictures that bring back memories, so follow through on my reminiscing.

The restored Egyptian Theater was where I watched theee premiere of a movie (can't remember the name) during the indie film festival, Robert Redford's pet project called the Sundance Film Festival. We, some winter friends of mine, walked up and purchased tickets to the film and walked right in. We were feted to stirring discourses by the director and producer, also a few words from an actor or two. I do remember that Robert Duvall had a cameo in this movie. These indie people show their movies hoping that the big movie moguls will take notice and buy. I saw a few other movies around the theaters of town during this one-week festival. Now days people camp out overnight (in Salt Lake, too cold in PC) to get tickets to what has become a premiere festival, or is it just that the Hollywooders wearing their black designer clothes like to get out of the Southern California warmth and drink a hot chocolate where the snow flies? It's grown so large that the locals flee town during the time when the Hollywood designer-wearing people move in.

Scrooge's was a restaurant where I bused tables a couple nights a week for a some play money in my pocket. The owner looked like Santa, portly w/a white beard. He fished during the summer and worked seven days a week during the winter with never a day off. There was no paperwork, no taxes taken out and given to Uncle Sam (I wonder now, hmm??). Anyway, every night he would hand me cash for my time. He worked me hard, but paid me well. Now this is a fancy schmanzee restaurant, unlike the down-home restaurant that guaranteed good food and a lively evening (there was a bar). I remember that I had to wear either red pants or black pants in keeping w/the Christmas theme. There was always a Christmas tree in the corner. It was fun. One of the dishwashers became a bud. He even encouraged me down a black run. I was so not a black run skiier, but we did ski over and watch the World Cup from an upper hilltop advantage. That was fun. How else would a little country girl from Castle Dale have watched a World Cup? This building is on the historic register, over 100 years old, was previously a grocery store.

The banner says that this mining town that went to sleep in the 50s, almost to die completely, was reawakened in the 60s by the growing popularity of winter sports--anyway it appears that PC is celebrating w/125 candles on the cake. I think the miners were here before PC was legally established. As I turned the corner from PC earlier in the day to drive the few miles up to Deer Valley, I went through the section that Marva, the cook, told me was previously the red light district of town (Marva is an old timer, seemed old to me even back then). Anyway, the old wooden houses are now gone and million dollar condos are sitting on the very ground where the those ladies of night had to put up with stinky (at least I'm hoping they took a bath, donned some clean clothese and got shave before entertaining the ladies) men who just got paid.

Just a side view of PC. This is the PC that I love, nothing fancy. Notice the wooden stairs up the hillside. These stairs are all over the place. What do expect when a town is built on uneven ground? What else do you notice? NO SNOW, except for a few patches in the shade. This does not bode well, especially considering the fact that PC always hosts the first World Cup event of the ski season, which will be after Thanksgiving. Better break out the snow blowers and make some snow.

Was driving down the street and liked this shot, so took a quick shot through the window. Stay at this hotel and you can catch the lift from the foyer.

Ah, I called this place home for six months. It was the second lodge built in PC and is right at the foot of the slopes. It was not a fancy, schmanzy place when I worked there and it appears that it hasn't changed much. It was clean and homey. There were TVs, but no phones in the rooms, only a pay phone at each floor's landing. There was also a no-frills dorm type area on the first floor where money-strapped skiers would plunk down a few bucks for a mattress on a bunk bed (I think there were four to six bunk beds per section), a locker and shower facilities. Every night the owner would build a fire in the foyer. There was a round fire pit (think 60s movies) and we'd sit around and chat. Met lots of people that winter from all over the nation, the world even. I was finishing my student teaching at the high school in Price, wanted something temporary because I was planning a big summer vacation and didn't want to be tied down, was reading the BYU newspaper in the library and saw an ad. Turns out the owners are LDS and were recruiting LDS girls. Sign me up. I was one of the first to arrive, had my own room on the top floor (pays to arrive early). My job was to help Marva, the cook, with breakfast. I then had rooms to clean which took the remainder of the morning, but I was usually finished noonish and off to the slopes I went. I worked ten days straight, had a day off by the floater. My pay was $60 a week, room and board, and a season ski pass. Worked for me. I had no expenses, only needed some gas for my little red Toyota Corolla and some play money in my pocket. I banked the rest.

Close by the Chateau (my home) was the old PC high school, then sitting unused, but fortunately has been renovated and is now the town's library. There's a big open grassy field to the side of this high school and in front of the Chateau which will always be open area by law, so that's good. My grandfather Jones worked on the construction of this school when he was just a young guy, I'm guessing maybe late 1910s??

And this little beauty, which was my second place of love in PC, the library, was just down the road from where I lived. I went several times a week to check out books and read the periodicals. This library housed quite the art collection. Previously it was the miners' hospital. Speaking of reading, check out the thepioneerwoman.com. Just discovered it last week. Go down to the bottom and click on love story. I don't currently have a book to read and I've been totally immersed in this story. Too much fun.

End of memory lane. This was previously the Snowflake Inn, half way between PC and the Canyons Ski area, is now some type of school. Anyway, this is where R and I honeymooned for a couple nights before heading to CA.

The Navajos at Deer Valley

2009-11-09T10:49:00.000-08:00

Deer Valley is a prestigious resort up a side canyon from Park City, frequently ranked #1 in the nation, where the rich, and I mean deep-pocket rich, come to ski. Too bothered to carry your skis to the lift? Don't worry someone will take care of that for you, probably blow your nose, too. Got the idea? Okay, so I can't afford to even think about skiing here, but I can take a few bucks and support the Navajos as they come to show and sell their beautiful rugs. I knew I couldn't afford a rug (the one I really liked was $5000), but I had a $20 in my pocket which bought me earrings.

Wanted to take some pics, but asked a volunteer. Yes, if you buy one of their rugs.

Okay, I'll just pull a media picture from the net. Aren't these ladies beautiful? They're tiny, like talk to my belly-button tiny. Their art is giant. These elders live in remote locales in Arizona, sometimes w/o modern conveniences, and this money from selling their craft is vital to the family. One lady held up her hand showing five fingers (didn't speak English). Only $5? Her granddaughter asked for $10. I gave her my $20.

One of the volunteers was going around w/a big bag full of reading glasses making sure that these ladies got a pair or two. They would just nod their head at whatever was given to them as the volunteer tried to get them the right power. I had to laugh because later when I made my rounds they were wearing their reading glasses, working their wares and not one had taken the sticker off the lens.

It creeps, it crawls

2009-11-06T16:39:00.001-08:00

Ooh yuck. Wish someone would finish eating the last of the spiders (someone has been nibbling). These were really fun Halloween treats made of crunched pretzels and melted chocolate and peanut butter.

Wish someone would come make dinner. Is there a dinner fairy floating around?? Any chance that fairy will land at my house?? Oh well, I guess it's going to be open the fridge and find yourself something to eat. I made roast yesterday, very tender top sirloin, so there's plenty left. I met a friend at Cafe Rio, so I'm going to have the other half of my salad for dinner.

Why is it on Friday nights my eyes are tired and 6 p.m. feels like it's time to take a shower and get ready for bed? I'd say that I'm getting older, but hey I don't feel that old. Maybe it's just a mental aspect that it's the end of the work week--what? My work week doesn't end on Friday night.

Gosh, it's been such a beautifully gorgeous week, almost breaking temperatures the last couple days w/the windows open. I'd love to have this continue for a while...well maybe not. It's good to have the snow = water.

Night of Goblins and Spooks

2009-11-01T18:52:00.000-08:00

Saturday, October 31, turned out to be an awesome Halloween night. After a very heavy snowfall earlier in the week and frigid weather right up through Friday, Saturday dawned gorgeous and it was a warm and windless night, perfect for the tricker-treaters. I love Halloween. Actually, I just enjoy visiting with those who come around. We have had the tradition probably since we moved to Riverton to set up a fire for folks to warm their bodies and grab a cup of hot chocolate. The neighborhood kids are growing up and there aren't as many kids who come around anymore, but still enough to make it fun. Here's a picture of Jared with his friend, Landon, as they came in with their stash, a BIG bag of candy. Jared by this point was no longer donning his cloak, hat was off and wand put away, but he had a good time. There are those who ban their children from tricker-treating after they leave elementary school, but my rule is as long as you dress and are polite (which all the kids, big and small, were) then you're welcome to play. I didn't get a picture of Victor as he swooped in w/his Jayson mask and two carloads of teenage boys. They had hot chocolate and raided the fridge. Tony was at the University of Utah football game.

I took lots of pictures this year, but interestingly it's the teenager pictures that really grabbed a spot here including one of the girls from the ward and I have no idea who her zombie friends are, but don't these girls look great!!

I have no idea who these girls are, but I loved their costumes of Thing 1 and Thing 2 plus Bam-Bam and Pebbles. Very clever.

Ah, nothing like sitting in a chair. We always have hot dogs on Halloween roasted over the fire pit. Might as well since we're spending the evening outside.

It's Wednesday, Mid-Week

2009-10-28T10:07:00.000-07:00

It feels and looks like winter outside with a very wet snow fall yesterday. What snow didn't melt (on the grass only) isn't going anywhere today due to the cold temperatures and no sunshine. I was glad that R didn't have to drive up and down the canyon w/this storm. He had his first day at the new Riverton Hospital. When I pried him for details, he said that he had a formal tour, gave opinions on some instruments to be ordered, had some training, but didn't do a whole lot. I guess there was a mock run-through the day previous and they're trying to work out the kinks before next week's official opening w/real patients. He's back at TOSH today.

I went out to move the garbage cans to the curb this morning and told J that it would be wise to put on a coat, gloves and even a beanie. He went to the bus stop in a windbreaker and nothing else. I hope his hands (was carrying a book and clarinet case) froze so that he'll personally decide to dress a little more appropriate for winter. hmm?? Must be a teenager.

I had a class/tour of a health food store yesterday. Was very interesting and lots of fun. I even stayed and picked up a few items. I like nuts in general and there was a machine that takes almonds and crushes them on the spot into almond butter w/nothing else--no salt, sugar...anyway, I really like it. Can't wait to try cashew butter.

Get to go get a color job today. That's always a treat to come home w/the gray covered and it feels soooooo good to have someone else wash my hair, plus I get to sit and visit w/my hair lady. She works out of her basement and we can chat girl stuff.

Okay, got to back to work for a bit.

Last Soccer Game of Fall

2009-10-27T06:49:00.001-07:00

Jared had his last soccer game of the fall season this past Saturday. We split soccer so half is played in the fall and the second half in the spring. This fall has been perfect. Every Saturday we have had beautiful weather. This past Saturday was intermitten sun and clouds with a bit of a breeze, which meant it was too chilly to sit without a jacket. Jared has enjoyed playing with his team. There are five boys in the neighborhood who play on this team. This is J and his good friend, Landon, walking off the field.

I'm glad that soccer is finished because the bad weather is upon us. Mother Nature hasn't decided whether she wants to send snow flakes or simply rain, so it's kind of a slush going on outside right now. I got the last of the potatoes dug from the garden Saturday, but I still need to get the last of the squash gathered and in.

Keep the Squeaks to a Minimum

2009-10-22T07:41:00.001-07:00

Last night was SHMS's fall concert featuring Jared's orchestra. This is Jared's second year of playing in the school orchestra and he surprised me last year by stating that he wanted to try out for a chair in this year's orchestra. I'm glad that he enjoys music. In him I have an ally. He's actually holding the same clarinet that I played way back when (made of wood, unlike today's plastic instruments), although it had to undergo a major overhaul this past summer to get it into tip-top playing condition.

Regional Conference Sunday

2009-10-18T16:59:00.000-07:00

We had regional conference today and a few notes:

Pres. Costa conducted and spoke about a living prophet, that he gained his testimony as an investigator over 14 hours of reading from the JS pamphlet one paragraph at a time, pondering that paragraph and praying, then moving on to the next paragraph. Note to self: Occasionally take time to savor the scriptures/Ensign. From my patriarchal blessing: "Spend time in sincere meditation that proper interpretation will come unto thee in answer to thy prayers." I hustle through church reading assignments to get them done, frequently in record time, but what do I get from the reading when I rush? I'm just trying to get a tally mark in my to-do list.

Sister Matsumori: Having grown up here in the valley, she has members living in the "mission field" who remark how easy we have it here, close to many temples, w/i walking distance to the church building, can walk to do VTing.... However, Sister Matsumori said that not all is easy being in this valley. In fact, it's easy to get lost in the midst of Mormonism, easy to not create a personal testimony because the Gospel is everywhere prevalent here. The examples set by parents in the home will benefit our children and their direction. Note to self: Don't give up.

President Chamberlain, Jordan River Temple President: He talked about his 33-year-old mission president who was the most vibrant person he'd met. This was back in 1958. This president taught him how to be a missionary. The president interviewed him and gave him a temple recommend stating that this recommend would be his most important possession and to use it regularly. He then turned and reported to his former mission president, Pres. Monson, that he has gone monthly and even more often lately to the temple and testified of the blessings received. Note to self: Schedule regular temple visits (waiting for an open time just doesn't happen). I went yesterday morning and that was a good time--was alert and the temple session at 8 a.m. was full, even w/two new temples in the valley.

President Child, President of the Salt Lake Temple: Didn't write anything down (lights were off and I could put down scribbles in my notebook, but couldn't really see what I was writing), but I remember Pres. Child stating that my love for my children would increase w/temple attendance.

Elder Robert D. Hales: Testified that President Monson is caring and loving. He also emphasized that obedience is not limiting like the world thinks but allows for freedom.

President Monson: The prophet, in his gentle manner of stories and poems, taught of rescue and saving. He said that an inactive soul needs to have his fear taken away and to be shown the way to return. That is accomplished when eternal possibilities are explained and shown in such a way that desire is ignited and that ignition comes from a neighbor/friend. The catalyst is genuine love. Note to self: The sister missionaries want a list of my nonmember friends. I truly can't think of any nonmember "friends." I have acquaintances, but I don't know that they would classify me as a friend. They wouldn't classify me as a friend because I wave in their direction, but don't take the time to visit and socialize. I suck (hate that word so why did I use it?) as a friend.

A Walk? up Provo Canyon

2009-10-18T16:44:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, Saturday, was an absolutely gorgeous day and I had no work (unbelievable). I wanted to sing for joy (and will probably cry in a couple weeks when I get my meager paycheck). I announced in the morning to my hubby that I wnated to go for a ride and see the fall leaves. R announced that the canyon leaves peaked two weeks ago. Not to be deterred, I still wanted to go for a ride/hike and told him I'd be going so would he care to join me. Obedient husband that he is, he made the choice to join me and we went up Provo Canyon, turned off at Vivian Park (where the Heber Creeper Train stops/starts), drove up the canyon several miles and stopped at a park (complete w/grass, pavilions, etc.). We found an off-vehicle road and starting walking, walking, walking. It was good for me to get out and walk.

I liked this picture because it shows the snow-capped mountains in the back and on the return trip saw deer in the meadow. We also had hunters walking, riding bikes and even horses pass us on their way down as we hiked up the road. Run Bambi run!!

Fortunately we had one son who consented to join us. I think the offer of eating out after the hike was the enticing factor. V and T declined; they had a better offer to the Sky Box (sports restaurant) at the Gateway in Salt Lake where they watched the Utes football game

We crossed a few bridges and even went up the mountain on a trail to a spring. The air was crisp, the sky was clear and I was happy to get out of the house!!

The Witches are Out

2009-10-18T16:37:00.000-07:00

I love Gardner Village at any time of the year, but Halloween is tops. The witches, all quirky and whimsical, are out casting their spells.

This witch obviously had a bit too much of the brew and misjudged her landing spot.

This is one of my favorites, caught reading the paper in the loo.

I Have No Pumpkin on my Porch, ee gads

2009-10-18T16:29:00.000-07:00

No pumpkins? Well, let's go get some. Ethan didn't like having his picture taken at this particular moment.

Climbing on tractors? Well, that's much more fun.

There was a corn maze which fortunately was simple enough that I was able to navigate my way through.

Ethan still was not cooperating for the picture. You have to aim and shoot quickly to even get him in the picture.

Life of a 4-Year-Old

2009-10-13T10:14:00.001-07:00

I'd like to say that this very cute boy is mine, but I can only claim him as my nephew. He's gorgeous and he's welcome anytime he wants a change of scenery. Ethan and I got to spend a couple hours in downtown Salt Lake together--just the two of us, no mom to distract him from my full attention. What I learned, or had forgotten, is that little boys like big toys that dig holes and lift things. Through this construction window we counted SIX cranes working on the City Creek Project. I think I read in the paper recently that this project has hit "hump" day and is now on the downside of completion.

Little guys can always find something at McD to satisfy a hungry tummy.

This little guy does not like to dress up. It took huge encouragement to don the simplest costume available at the Church History Museum and I learned that I have to take a quick picture because that smile is soon in the next room.

Ethan likes babies. He was drawn back several times to the Nursery exhibit where he could take care of the little people. He rocked the babies and made sure that they didn't go hungry.

Oh, and Ethan has a wonderful family. He's lucky to have them. Of course, he doesn't know that yet, but some day.... His big brothers, Aaron and Jake, are headed off on missions leaving Ethan to have full attention of mom and dad. Again, there's always a welcome invite to come visit Aunt Margaret. She has decided that she likes this little guy.

Friday Frolics

2009-10-09T07:07:00.000-07:00

So it has been a week since I was down at Bryce Canyon w/J. Wish I could return. That was a lot of fun.

There's plenty of sunshine outside, although it's a bit on the nippy side. I'm dressed so ridulous. Am sitting here in shorts, but sporting a sweater. No wonder my legs are chilled. All the tender plants froze last week, so no more tomatoes. Don't know whether to cheer or cry. I had previously picked a bunch of tomatoes and made them into tomato soup last night. I thought it was good, but it appears that my family isn't into tomato soup.

The sister missionaries are coming for dinner tonight. They eat at 5 p.m., so we'll have to see how much of the family we have available at that time. One of the sisters has a gluten intolerance, which means I need to rethink the menu.

It's been a busy week for RS. One sister was in a MVA, but she's recovering well--nothing broken thank goodness. I took her some soup Tuesday. She's such a go-go bunny that it's hard for her to sit still and heal. Actually, I've had three sisters in MVAs during the past week. One actually rolled her family's truck four times off Bangerter, but no serious physical damage to her, again thank goodness. She must have a very busy guardian angel as she's getting married w/i the week and being in a full body cast would have made for more memories than wanted. Another sister's husband had surgery, donated a kidney. Turns out the donor has quite the recovery, one week in the hospital and a month at home before returning to work. Also, we had an enrichment night and an assignment at the Bishops Storehouse. After passing the sign-up sheet through the Priesthood, I first saw the sheet after church meetings and w/last week's general conference...well, anyone we sent out an email requesting help. The time slots not covered were at an ugly time: 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. Anyway, I looked at my work load and thought there is no way I can give that much time, but then there's no way I cannot help, so I compromised and went over from 4 to 6:30. Am glad I went, spent most of my time at the checkout counter. It's good to see this program in use--plenty of people in need. There was one last couple in the store after the 6:30 close time and the husband, so kind, came over and asked for some help reading what was written on the bottom. The RS president had written for a few clothing items including a woman's parka. Parka was an unfamiliar word, so I explained that it's a coat and went to the rack to help this pregnant sister try on coats. They both had heavy accents (I guessed Eastern European) and limited English. Turns out she's from Pisa, Italy, and he was from Spain. They were so cute, young. I was embarrassed that I can't speak the Italian language any more--understand some, yes, but speak it, no. That's what comes from 30 years of nonusage.

Victor had his state golf tourney both Monday and Tuesday--missed both days of school (which wasn't a displeasure for him). He made his goal of making the second day, not because he shot low enough to qualify as an individual, but his team surprisingly enough qualified as a team, beating out even Bingham who was the region champ and Copper Hills who took second in region to Riverton's third. The upset over Bingham was huge!! He was a happy kid Monday night. Monday's match was in freezing weather (I think the high was around 50) and at one time play had to be stopped because of inability to see due to sleet. R was finished by late morning Tuesday and T also was finished by mid morning due to slow work, so they both went and caught the last of the tourney Tuesday. Tony posted the final hole's putt on his Facebook. I don't know how to copy that image and put here, so...you'll have to check him out at tonygonzo277@hotmail.com

Oh yes, it was my anniversary yesterday. 21 years. We will celebrate tomorrow when we have some free time. I told R that he's in charge, as I did the footwork and prep last year. He can make the celebratory decision this year.

Speaking of R, he will have a job change at the end of the month. The new Riverton Hospital will be opening November and he will be working there three days a week and at TOSH two days a week, at least for now. He formally gave his two-week notice yesterday. Lately he has been driving to Park City (no more surgeries in Heber) up to four days a week. That means really early mornings and w/the winter around the corner.... Well, anyway I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I think it's a good thing, a really good thing, to have him working so close to home. The downside is that he's no longer w/the team that he has been working w/for over 20 years and now will be working general surgery with unknown staffing, plus we will be seeing less money on the income statement. Seems like we're always stretching the buck and now it will have to stretch even more, but if he can be happy w/this new change the stretch won't be that much of a sacrifice.

Enough already, I have laundry calling my name and reports to be typed.

Bryce Canyon

2009-10-05T08:12:00.001-07:00

I have found the perfect travel companion, my son Jared. While R was off backpacking w/the Priests in the Escalante area, just down the road from Bryce, over UEA weekend, J and I went to Bryce Canyon. He mentioned a few weeks ago that he had a report to do on this national park, so I decided that we should go. We haven't been there since he was too little to remember. We did not camp (I'm so past that when possible, plus Bryce is at a high elevation and it gets very cold this time of the year, mid teens the nights we were there), so we stayed at Ruby's Inn immediately outside the park. We arrived Thursday early afternoon and spent the rest of the day starting at the far end and working our way back, stopping at each lookout and taking the shorter hikes located in this area.

This is at the far end of the park at an elevation over 9000 feet. We hiked up to the top

lookout.

Jared was so excited wherever he looked, appropriately ooing and aahing. He took lots of pictures.

Here's one of the side canyons the second day in the park (Friday). Although it's a bit hard to see, there are two natural bridges in this photo. I had thrown in some old hiking boots into the trunk of the car, had forgotten that they were not the most comfortable the last time I worn them, anyway had left my regular shoes in the hotel room and had walked out in my socks, changing once in the park into hiking socks and the boots. The boots felt tight at the get-go (should have then gone back to the hotel, but figured that I'd be okay. Anyway, I have to remember that 20 years, lots of extra weight makes for a foot size change and I was definitely feeling it by the time we got to the canyon floor during a 3-1/2-mile hike. I stopped and added two Band-Aids to the heels, but still had a slow climb out, as with every step I could feel the blisters. J was soooo patient. He could not have been better. He took my hand and walked w/me. I had to stop lots, not only because of the ascent but especially because of the quarter-size blisters. Ouch.

Jared decided that he didn't like the canyon floor, as it seemed more like a forest and he gets plenty of that w/Scout camps. He liked being in the midst of the formations the most.

I made him go w/me to the dinner/show Friday night. He groaned, but he survived. This was a really good show, professional group called the Bar G Wranglers. They had plenty of variety and lots of funny bits, so I would highly recommend it.

Wednesday Warblings

2009-09-30T08:21:00.001-07:00

We did get the 30-degree temperature drop and w/it water from Heaven. What I want is some comfort liquid--a hot chocolate since I'm sitting at the desk still dressed for summer.

I ended up making four batches of zucchini bread Monday and threw out tons more grated zuchhini--enough already. R picked tomatoes yesterday and is taking them to a friend at work. I don't want any. It may freeze tonight.

V shot an 85 yesterday at Wasatch, not a good score, but still the best on his team. It was very windy and everyone's scores were up. State tournament starts Monday. He's one of six from his team who qualifies. His goal is to make the cut to the second day. I'd love for him to do that. No, I mean I would really love for him to make that cut. He has decided not to go w/the Priests on their campout this UEA weekend. He says that he has to stay home and practice, that the six players are going to the state tournament course Friday and he definitely has to go since he's team captain. I really wanted him to go to hike Jacob Hamblin's Arch w/his dad and the rest of the gang. Plus, I'm taking J to Bryce Canyon which will leave T and V home alone from Thursday morning until Saturday afternoon. I'm not terribly comfortable w/that, but have no choice.

Have way tons to do today. Am leaving here in a few minutes for presidency mtg. Need to go over early and check computer about records for a new sister. Have been typing and will type as much as I can today, since I'll be playing tomorrow w/very little typing.

Just noticed that I have a RC Willey voucher card w/$35 on it that will expire Friday. Since R and I will both be gone tomorrow morning, I suppose we had better mosey out tonight and see if we can buy something. An expired card would be like throwing away perfectly good money. Certainly don't want to do that.

Started The Lost Symbol, Dan Brown's latest book that just came out. I'm a big fan of Dan Brown--think da Vinci Code. I wanted to like the book more at the beginning, but I've hit the half-way point and I'm having a hard time putting it down. It kept me up last night for a bit, and I really needed to sleep. I am having to put the book out of sight so as not be distracted by it today as there's just too much to do to sit and read. I finished The Undaunted last week. That's Gerald Lund's latest book. I was really looking forward to it. It's about the San Juan Mission (think Four Corners area and Hole in the Rock fame). I'm familiar w/this event, as my great-grandmother, Margaret Ann MacElprang (yes, my namesake) was 6 years old at the time, plus I had read about this expedition in years past and we had traveled as a family to the Hole in the Rock a couple years ago. I'm not a fan of Gerald Lund because he moves tooooo slowly. I read the first book of the Work and the Glory years ago, and stopped at book one. I was 300 pages into this book and the conference to announce the mission and call the missionaries still had not occurred. Am glad to have finished the book, have a deep appreciation for those pioneers, and am especially grateful that it was one book, albeit tons of pages, and not a series.

Monday Musings

2009-09-28T12:05:00.000-07:00

Yes, yes there are still no pictures, but how about a few comments?

So it's absolutely gorgeous outside, but need to enjoy because Wednesday we're going to take a 30-degree drop and supposedly as much as a foot of snow will come to the mountains, possibly a frost here in the valley.

Jared complained about the smell on the front porch as he came home from school the other day. Yes, I could smell it, too, thinking that maybe some bulbs sitting on the porch had gotten wet and were molding. Went out today and dumped the bulbs and washed out a container w/some sitting water. The smell was there, even stronger than the other day. Ah, ha!! It's called five big dogs next door w/lots of doo-doo on the lawn (the hired doodoo-picker-upper hasn't been around for a while), lots of sunshine, and a gentle breeze blowing in my direction. It's so bad that I had to go shut the window. Gag.

The youth in our stake (not unlike other stakes) is losing youth. There has been a singles branch and the stake has followed church policy of 21+ w/18-20 attending home wards. The branch has met in our building for the past couple years and it's pitiful to see the attendance--really sad. Anyway, due to new directives for local leaders to implement program to better meet local needs, and through much thought and prayer, Pres. Nielsen (love the man) has directed that local youth 18+ who have graduated from high school will now attend the singles branch, possibly even combine w/the neighboring stake if need be for adequate numbers. I already knew about this and T has been attending the singles branch anyway for the last couple weeks (9 a.m. ward versus 1 p.m. branch hmmm?? ). This will be effective next Sunday. Thought about going ahead and making some VTing changes, as that needs to be done in the next couple days, but I think I'll wait for until the end of October, as I'm hearing some dissenting views and "they can't make me go." It'll be interesting to watch. I'm all for it, plus Pres. Nielsen talked about obedience and promised blessings.

I thought General RS conference Saturday was wonderful, really wonderful. It was a shot in the arm that I needed. We had a meal before the broadcast and a really good turnout, probably the most I have ever seen. Every seat in the chapel was filled, and that was w/bringing in portable chairs and having everyone fill in, finally opening the back and seating more sisters. We have a new stake RS presidency, brand new for the past month, and I think theyir PR work has been terrific. I'm excited to work w/them.

R interviewed last week w/the new hospital being built here in Riverton and to open by November. He's been driving to PC (Park City) three and four times a week for the past couple weeks and the commute is a killer, plus winter is coming, although it seems like he has had one day off every week, which has meant downtime and usually golf. I suggested this new hospital a couple months ago and now he's thinking it's a good idea. I'm a bit worried that he waited too long to get on the bandwagon. Hopefully he'll hear a positive response soon.

Okay, the first batch of zucchini bread is out of the oven and I need to go start another.

Went to dig up some potatoes today and the two plants I dug had tiny potatoes. Hmm?? I guess that's what happens when you neglect the garden. Those two plants were enough to provide tonight's dinner, though, and then some. Picked an OVERGROWN zucchini and grated it for zucchini bread. I've already made one batch and it looks like there are several batches more coming from the one zucchini. What else do you do w/overgrown zuchini?? Mostly I just toss them and let them return back to Mother Earth.

It's Fall--yes, yes, YES

2009-09-22T05:39:00.001-07:00

No pictures--am getting lazy, but just wanted to say that it's my favorite time of year. The day temperatures are pretty much perfect and it cools down at night, way down, even having to close some windows at night (40 last night), but not my bedroom window. I love to sleep in cool temperatures w/the room fan going. Sleep is so much better right now!!

The boys? Oh, the same. Victor and Jared are in school, V being really busy right now w/golf and had a match yesterday at Glenmoor which means he's gone from school half the day and doesn't get home until after dark. He's discouraged about his team as his coach is a "slacker," therefore the team suffers and he individually. He's getting ready for state tournament which is right around the corner. It's PT conferences starting tonight, so I'll be busy. J has an orthodontist appt. at 4:30 in Murray and I have a provident living activity group at the church at 7:00, so am trying to squeeze in an hour at least at the high school in between. Tomorrow night I'll catch J's PT conference as I won't be around Thursday night. T is working, watching TV otherwise. He was ordained an Elder on Sunday, so that's good news, actually excellent news.

Work? Same old, same old. It was really slow a month ago, probably the slowest my account has been in a year at least, maybe two. I was a bit worried as the paychecks were down, way, way down. I should have enjoyed the down time because I'm back to wishing I had some free time to play house.

RS? That never slows down. I feel like I don't have the time to really devote to it, but I do the best I can. I use email w/the Bishop and he gets back to me w/i 24 hours. Had a sister call yesterday to say her husband was just laid off and she's requesting a food order. I had to nicely tell her to hold the horses and I'll let the Bishop know and get his okay and direction. I'll be in the home today for an assessment and to do a "perishable foods" order, as this is a family that has food storage.

My biggest accomplishment recently? I canned two boxes of pears Friday, and that was after doing my "paid job." Started in the afternoon and watched a couple movies while I peeled pears (they're so darn time consuming, but my favorite food and the pears I got were soooooooo wonderful). Stayed up late and finished processing Saturday. R so graciously told me as he headed out the door w/V to go to the driving range not to worry about dinner. The fridge was full of food--only have to dish and heat in the microwave. I gave him the "if looks could kill" with pear juice dripping down to my elbows and told him that fixing his dinner was not my top priority, in fact not on the agenda at all. It was a bit chilly in the house that night.

Am looking forward to? Jared and I are going to Bryce Canyon over UEA weekend, which is right around the corner. R and V are going w/the Priests to Escalante to hike. Jared mentioned a few weeks ago that he is doing a big project on a national park, drew out Bryce Canyon and asked if he's ever been there. Felt the big guilt come on as we have not been there as a family since he was just a toddler, so on the spur of the moment I asked him if he would like to go. He loved the idea and I would love to get away from the house. Dang, if the boys get to play then why can't I? Of course, I have to take the laptop and work, but working at a different venue is way better than working at home. I've encouraged T to join us or better yet his brother and dad, but he says that he would rather stay home and work.

Okay, it's time to get off and do something productive, paid productive that is.

Jared Turns 14

2009-09-14T16:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Sunday, my little guy turned a big 14. There were no fireworks, just a quiet family celebration--welcome to being grown up. I think he was a little disappointed because there was no party w/friends. Maybe next year I can send him off with a friend or two to play?? Anyway, the night before we went to his choice of Cafe Rio (I felt like it was my celebration with getting out of the kitchen). It was a lovely night and we sat ourside to eat. I always fix the boys their breakfast choice. Fortunately, Jared chose something very doable--sweet rolls and Orange Julius. I got up at 5:30 and pulled out the bag of thawed rolls, put them on the pan to warm and rise a bit and got a cake in the oven, set the table for a celebration, did a little RS stuff, quietly dressed and managed to be out of the house before 7:30 (everyone still asleep) w/hot rolls out of the oven, oh and cut-up cantaloupe and Orange Julius in the fridge ready to be blender pulsed. Was rather proud of my efficient early morn and Jared was grateful when we finally met up later in church.

Jared was advanced in the Priesthood (that was cool to have happen on his birthday) and I was touched as the Bishop had Victor stand in the circle. Jared bore a lovely testimony. He's a great kid (oops youth). He wants to be valiant and that warms my soul.

We all ate leftover Cafe Rio after church and then I had some visits, but returned and played some boardgames w/Jared. We ate a light dinner and then R, V and I went to the trek fireside, didn't get home until 9 p.m. (Jared was bummed that it took so long). However, we gathered together and sang him the birthday song and ate his favorite cake. I felt like a dunce, as I could only find half his present (had stashed too well, or I'm losing my mind??), so he only got some teenage snacks, but today I found the DVDs, which he is now watching. Yes, it's true that we're behind and don't have the latest and greatest Harry Potter Order of the Phoenix, but now it's in J's collection and he's happy.

Today we got some rain (yes, after many weeks of very dry weather). In fact, it's cool enough that I turned on the oven--went and got some Papa Murphy Pizza after I dropped off V and his friend at the golf course. I love the smell of rain. It's only Monday, but pizza tonight--don't want to cook. I'm a bit run down. I had to get up 4:30 this morning to finish up Friday's dictation and then drove a sister to a doctor's appointment.

Look at that grin. Oh, I just paid off the braces this past week. That right there is reason to smile.

What's Small and Comes From Singapore?

2009-09-11T07:32:00.000-07:00

Jared, my sweet Jared, has been on a quest for the last couple months to find a certain toy and locally has had no success. I don't really get it, but then I'm just an old "fogey." Anyway, he has discovered eBay and has bid a few times, finally getting his bid accepted. After weeks of anticipation, his special whatever, I think it's called a digimon??, came, having traveled all the way from Singapore. After carefully removing several layers of packaging, but keeping the way-cool stamps, he has his latest and greatest.

Speaking of Jared, he now has a late start on Friday, being able to sleep in two extra hours, but this morning had to get up extra early as it is 9/11 (aka Patriot Day) and do flags, his last time as a Deacon. At 6 a.m. it is still dark outside, but the flags throughout the neighborhood are up and flying (well, not really flying as it's so still outside with no discernible breeze). He didn't go back to bed, is in his room playing with this new gadget.

Utah Territorial Statehouse

2009-09-07T19:07:00.001-07:00

After a couple rounds of golf, we met my parents (after they finished their missionary shift at Cove Fort) for a late lunch in Fillmore then send my parents back home to rest and we went to the Utah Territorial Statehouse. U.S. President Fillmore appointed Pres. Brigham Young to be the governor or the Utah Territory, which at that time had significantly larger boundaries than today's state, so BY decided on a central location to build w/the $20,000 sent from the nation. Of course, the town that sprang up around the courthouse was named Fillmore. Construction occurred in the mid-1850s, but because $20,000 wasn't much the building was kept small (the U.S. wasn't crazy about the Utah Territory and was very stingy in sending money this way). Only a few legislative sessions occurred in this building, as it's location was central, but not amenable to success. There was little to no population base here because this was desert w/poor farming/ranching possibilities because of the scarcity of water. The center of government was shortly thereafter moved to the populated area of SLC.

I don't remeber ever visiting this place, although may have as a child. I was a bit disappointed. There isn't much here. This is a picture of the top floor. The middle floor had some rooms which now is a museum, but it isn't much of a museum, a few artifacts w/poor informational charts and the basement houses the same. At least I can say that I have visited Utah's first state park, so designated in the 1920s.

Labor Day Golf

2009-09-07T18:58:00.000-07:00

Okay it's Labor Day and we're away from home so what's on the agenda, well golf OF COURSE!! We went to the golf course in Fillmore and played two 9-hole rounds. I walked the first round w/the boys and took care of camera duty. It was a beautiful morning and was really nice to get out and walk, but I have to admit that I was bored. These Gonzalez boys don't say a lot--I thought there would be some friendly banter. I took my clues and kept my mouth shut and stayed inobtrusive in the background. R was very supportive and positive toward J and I appreciated that. Jared does just fine, hits the ball straight down the fairway, but doesn't have the power swings that his brothers have, so it takes him more hits. He had fun and that's the game is all about. I witnessed clubs shoved into the bags after a not-so-successful swing and even a broken club. Didn't say anything, but just kept on walking. I opted to spend the second round w/a book.

Cove Fort

2009-09-07T18:45:00.001-07:00

The heart of the home, back then and now, is where mom spends her time, although in my case I have to say that I'm trying to spend less and less time in the kitchen, slowly trying to wean my family from the idea that I'm the chief cook. Actually, I love to cook and bake, but on my schedule!!

My dDad is explaining outside the blacksmith shop about Mormon hobbles.

Hardwood trees from the East, black something, not native to Utah. I probably should have paid more attention to the tour and not taking of pictures??

Drove down to Cove Fort (a little north of Beaver, Utah) yesterday afternoon. Silly me, but I didn't get a group picture and this is the only picture where both of my parents, Elder and Sister Nelson, are looking into the camera. Cove Fort was built by President Hickley's grandparents. His father, Ira, was born and raised at the fort. At one time, there were 140ish Mormon forts (every settlement had one), but most were built of wood and are no longer standing. This is the only Mormon Fort built of rock that is still standing.

From Five Starts

2009-08-31T19:59:00.001-07:00

Not long ago IFA was giving away five free bare root strawberries, so I picked them up and gave them to Jared and now we have lots of strawberries. Went out to do some weeding and picked a bucket of these little red sweeties, throwing away as many because of being overripe or the birds/ants having feasted. Now what to do w/them? I think we might have strawberries w/milk for breakfast. That would mean having to wash and hull them...okay I can do that.

And what are you having for breakfast?

Saturday, August 29, 2009

2009-08-29T06:16:00.000-07:00

Went to Julie and Julia last night (a movie) and loved it!! though a few words could have been expunged. I had read Julia Child's My Life in France just recently and thought it absolutely charming...such a witty, personable, upbeat character. The character of Julie was upset in the movie because the her idol Julia was aware of the blog and found it distasteful and disrespectful that Julie was working through Julia's cookbook in a year and blogging about the experience (totally confused w/the Js?). "But that's the purpose of a blog. It's supposed to be all about me, me, me."

I tend to forget that I'm writing for me and phooey on all the rest of you. If you happen to tune in, so be it. If you're put asleep after a sentence, too bad, don't read.

I'm in a good mood this morning. The air is still cool before the day's heat. T just left for work. Gave him a cheerful bye--no reply back. Like that's news? R, V and J are still asleep. J starts a new season of soccer today. I'll try to post a pic later.

Morning Nectar

2009-08-28T06:05:00.001-07:00

I put up a hummingbird feeder a couple months ago and it has been a big success. It's right outside my work window and so I get to watch these amazing birds. They'll come right up to the window as though they're looking in. Funny thing--I was warned that they're not terribly friendly w/each other and it's soooo true. There are four feeding spouts and I have two birds vying for position on a regular basis (occasionally three), but will they share?? Are you kidding? They buzz each other, have aerial fights and you can actually hear them yelling (bird chatter) at each other.

This morning as I sat down to work, I noticed that the nectar was empty (they've been really hungry lately--maybe filling up for their impending flight south?) so I refilled and w/i seconds they were back. BTW: Don't buy the premade expensive hummingbird nectar at the store. Just make your own w/1 part sugar and 4 parts water heated, bring to a low simmer just enough to dissolve the sugar. Keep extra stored in fridge. Simple.

My Baby You'll Always Be

2009-08-23T10:52:00.000-07:00

You may be 19, you may be taller and you may be the eldest of the sons, but my baby you'll always be (born August 22, 1990). You were the smallest of my babies at 7 pounds 12 ounces and the longest at 22 inches and look at you today!!

For the boys' birthdays, we went out for Chinese Friday night. I felt like it was my celebration. Anytime that I don't cook and do dishes is a red letter day in my book.

Good job Tony!! He told me that he got his final grades this week and he passed his three summer classes, thus he now has an associates degree, or will have once he officially applies.

My Guys at Last Month's Trek

2009-08-21T16:36:00.000-07:00

Okay, I went w/R to a post trek BBQ for the leaders of last month's trek and the photographer told us the website and password to get in and look at the photos, so have been spending a HUGE amount of time looking through all the many pics to find some of my guys and here they are...R on his trail horse (he was the medic).

Victor (blue shirt) and Connor Blauer pulling the handcart.

V at the front of the rope pull over the Sweetwater.

Victor pitching a rag ball during a gaming session.

R on the Sabbath donig a little reading.

and R again (love that tie!!) on the Sabbath. How did a guy by the name of Gonzalez from south of the border end up in Wyoming dressed in this garb?

And This is What 17 Looks Like

2009-08-21T08:10:00.000-07:00

Ah, to have the vitality of this kid who is now officially 17. Strange-looking cake, I know. In our household, pie is more commonly the dessert of choice, in this case a cherry pie. Victor enjoyed his birthday playing golf, what else? He had his last tourney at Riverbend, placing second and earning a towel for the day. A towel? queried I. Turns out he was going to buy one anyway, so a good prize. He then played his second match w/his high school team at Mountain View, his team coming in second again to arch-rival Bingham but not bad considering there are six teams in the region.

Ahh, Private Sleeping Quarters

2009-08-14T07:33:00.000-07:00

Finally, all three boys are sleeping downstairs, each to his own area. Jared has a cot under the stairs and was the first to make the move down. Victor reminded him last night, "What do you expect? You've taken over the storage area" when J was heard to voice a dislike. Sorry J. Am hoping he soon moves up, as I's not sure where I'm going to put the Christmas deco.

Ah, V's bed arrived yesterday. We purchased this gently used item from one of R's friends. V is in padded heaven after what he's put up with of late.

And Tony. I told the big T that I need to think about window treatments and get him a comforter so that I can take back my quilt. He told me to consider the quilt my gift to him. Ya, right. Think again big guy.

Lone Peak

2009-08-06T06:51:00.001-07:00

A week ago the Priests took a hike, turned out to be a very steep, strenuous, all-day hike to the top of the mountain (Lone Peak) overlooking the Salt Lake Valley. They left at 6 a.m. and didn't get home until 10 p.m. Both were very tired and very dirty. V said it was the hardest physical thing that he has ever done. R, who is an adviser, went and was struggling so didn't do the last couple of miles. I'm glad that he chose not to do more than his body would take, thus having to be carried off the mountain or worse flown off via LifeFlight. I would have been dead at the bottom of the trail. Sure am glad that I have memories of when I used to do hikes like these. Last night at mutual V received a CD w/a bunch of pics, so here is V at the top.

V is in the red cap w/some of the guys. Gotta love his "farmer's tan."

And yes there is still snow in some spots. V said it was very REFRESHING to take a handful and put it under his cap to cool off a sweating head. They're all good kids and I appreciate their leaders taking the day to be w/these boys.

Out of the City

2009-08-05T10:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday evening I drove up to Midway, which is by Heber City (think Park City area). I did not think to take any pictures, but here is a picture of a home for sale (a 3B2B) in the development for $500,000. The home in which I visited was a three-level, seven-bedroom, nine-bath with two full kitchens, two full laundry rooms, and a sauna room w/a view of the valley. It was gorgeous. It was totally my dream house. The development had a Swiss theme (Midway was settled by Swiss immigrants) and the homes have lots of wood beams. This house was decked out in top workmanship--wood, granite, tile....

My girlfriend from CA is here for the week w/three other friends from CA. They're having a girls' week. They're all down-to-earth, common folk like me and Shawna, living from paycheck to paycheck (in fact, one lady when she heard that another lady's mission president raised the monthly allowance from $400 to $580--I know that's another story, she burst into tears wondering how she would be able to afford her son's upcoming mission, contemplating getting a part-time job, so in essence "common folk"). The owner of the house was one of the ladies. She actually co-owns the vacation house w/her sister. You would never know that she has a rich daddy. She doesn't look or dress like money. It was a gift from their father a couple years. He owns Amsco Windows Company. In addition to buying the home, he gave them a million dollars for any upgrades, decorating and furnishings. She didn't tell us that--Shawna told me later.

It was sooooo peaceful and quiet up there. I did not want to come home. The ladies could invite a friend for the evening. Two ladies had guests. Lucky me!! It was really fun. I could live that like every day--no work, just good conversation and food. I felt like my BP dropped a good 20 points last night. It has always been my dream to live out of the valley and up in Midway, but definitely a dream.

Here's a random picture on the internet of the Midway Valley, which was representative of the view on the deck as we sat and ate. Remember that when the sun goes down up there, it's a good 15 to 20 degrees cooler than here in the Salt Lake valley. A perfect place to live in the summer.

A Little Sugar for Breakfast

2009-07-30T18:09:00.000-07:00

Look who I found having a little breakfast cereal? What got me laughing was the bowl (and for the record there were regular-sized bowls in the cupboard). I guess he grabbed one that was convenient and held a bit more than the average size. And you have to wonder why we're always running out of cereal.

From Cement to Soft Flooring

2009-07-30T08:58:00.000-07:00

Carpet was laid yesterday, yeah!! and surprisingly Jared was the only one to sleep downstairs last night. He threw a blanket on the floor and shared the basement w/his cat, Zoe, who was a little zany. Don't know if is the funny feel of the carpeting or the cat was just simply high on glue fumes? Victor said that he's going to start moving some stuff downstairs today, but it won't be much, as we have no furniture for him. We've bought a bed from R's friend in Heber who won't be working down in the valley for a couple weeks, so V will just have to go w/o a bed for a bit, plus we don't have a dresser for him, although he could use the shelves in the closet for clothes for now. R has tomorrow off, so I think he'll go ahead and install the rods. We haven't yet painted the closet door or the any doors for that matter...as we get to it.

24th Fireworks

2009-07-27T07:41:00.000-07:00

The boys like to play w/incendiaries and had quite a stash, mostly tanks, but also blossoms and regular firecrackers. Fortunately, no one lost a finger, which is always a worry to mom, although I did find my water can thrown in the garbage a couple days ago and finally T admitted that he had blown it apart. "I'll get you a new one." I think I'll go buy my own and hand him the bill. What I wanted to do was have a family picnic in the mountains out of the valley and away from the house and phone, which I voiced quite clearly the week before at planning. What I got was time working at the computer and doing domestic chores, making dinner (nothing fancy, some hotdogs, potato salad and watermelon) and taking in a dollar movie, Angels and Demons, which I loved because I'd read the book and the whole movie takes place in Rome.

The 24th? Well, it's a state holiday, quite a big holiday actually. Historically it's the entering of the first pioneers into the valley, so sometimes it's simply called Pioneer Day. Don't all states have a holiday? I thought so until yesterday when visiting w/a new sister from Washington State who said that her native state doesn't have a statehood day. hmmm?

Victor Returns from Trek

2009-07-24T09:41:00.000-07:00

Went to the stake center to pick up my pioneer son. Fortunately, he made it back on the first commercial bus (the other two were going to be up to an hour later because of being late picking up kids and an accident in Parley's). It was a hoooooottttttt afternoon. R made it down in the van a little later.

V had us laughing at dinner last night. These kids were supposed to experience a somewhat realistic pioneer adventure sans electronics and goodies, so there was actually a contraband check prior to leaving. His friend, Connor Blauer, ended up in his family (Connor is from a neighboring ward and the two of them play BB together). It turns out that Connor had taped candy to the inside of his sleeping bag, which when opened and shook still remained hidden. Also, Connor had a 2-liter bottle of Mt. Dew in the middle of his rolled-up bag, so when V passed his check, Connor managed to pass it off to V w/o getting caught, which meant the two of them didn't lack for sugar. tsk, tsk boys. Also, it seems that the two of them, in a moment of boredom, went to the girls' porta-potties, got inside and then when they would hear a girl approach started to grunt really loud.

V's favorite time: Crawdad fishing and eating, then taking the skeletal heads, placing them on fingers and putting their arms around the girls trying to frighten them.

Now if only R had a blog, he could post some pictures.

Carpet's In...

2009-07-24T09:38:00.001-07:00

the garage!! The carpet was delivered two days ago, Wednesday. Although the pad and tack strips are downstairs, the carpet only made it to the garage, as the installer wasn't too crazy about minimal lighting and electricity. My contractor made it over and got to work on the electrical (has been going to get it done for the past two weeks), but it was too late and so now the installer will return in a week. Oh well.

Trek 2009

2009-07-20T11:50:00.000-07:00

R and V headed off to stake trek this morning. R loves doing these adventures. He's the "medic" and drove himself (location in Wyoming) because of the supplies he's transporting. V went with the other youth and leaders in three commercial buses. V wasn't too excited about going because he'll miss a couple days of playing golf, plus he's getting to that age (almost 17) where the excitement is fading, but I think in the end he'll have a great time. I'm not too worried about him. I made sure they had a filling, manly breakfast. I, on the other hand, got up at 4:30 because I'm loaded w/lots of work and am trying to hold down the home fort. I need a vacation!!

Prepping for Carpet

2009-07-20T11:46:00.000-07:00

I put T and V to work last Friday on pulling the carpet on the stairs. New carpet is arriving Wednesday. I couldn't figure out why the picture quality was so poor, until I noticed the heavy covering of dust on the camera. Anyway, this was last Friday. I finished the baseboards Saturday, but still have about half the doorframes to finish today, although my worker is back grouting the tile today, so I've lost my light. Hopefully will have enough energy left tonight to make myself climb down the stairs and pick up a brush.

An Overload of Color

2009-07-16T07:06:00.000-07:00

We must have been crazy when we decided to do our own painting. The bad part: We're amateurs and there is lots of DIY evidence that will become permanent. The good part: We saved ourselves approximately $5000 dollars that a professional would have charged. What were we thinking? Especially where two colors meet in a corner, and especially where we've had problems w/the blue tape pulling off the primer.

R reminded me that I haven't taken any pics of the basement lately, probably because I'm getting tired of this project and would like it to end. Here's our family room. I like the green. I narrowed the color choices to several and R picked this one.

The bathroom is kind of a yellowish-orange color (we were going w/the Southwest theme). No lights are hooked up yet and so this was taken w/the twilight/flash mode of the camera. Therefore, it's a bit hard to get the real hues. Tiles are down and grout will be the next step (which reminds me, I need to run The Home Depot today and get the grout).

Here are yet two more colors--my craft room. The lighter color also is used for the hallway which will carry up the stairs, someday (which I think I'll try to get a professional to do, as we have high ceilings). The darker reddish/brown color Jared took and used to paint under the stairs (he was feeling a bit left out in not having a room downstairs and has decided to claim the area under the stairs (which we've always used for storage). It's a small space and with this dark color on the walls it feels very cave like. He's going for the boy-who-lives-under-the-stairs theme, as in Harry Potter.

And still more color. This will be Victor's room and he's going w/Utes colors. We still have to paint the middle stripe (what's showing is the primer).

Any Lakers' fans? This will be Tony's room. We will be putting a black middle stripe to connect the purple and yellow. Oops, Tony reminds me that it's royal gold.

Today I will be working on baseboards (have already been up typing). Jared is at Scout camp this week. Victor has a golf tournament today, Tony has the day off (am hoping to get some help from him??? especially since the old carpet needs to be pulled from the stairs), and Rafael will be going to Jared's Scout camp in the Uintahs after he gets off work in Heber.

The carpet will be laid a week from yesterday, which incidentally does not match the Utes and Lakers rooms, but it's extremely challenging to pick a carpet that will coordinate with all these NINE colors. Anyone doing a painting job soon? My advice: Hire a professional if you can and pick ONE color.

Someone Loves Me

2009-07-13T09:20:00.000-07:00

Okay, so Jared went to Scout camp this morning, leaving at 6 a.m. I got him up and made him a little breakfast, walked him down w/his foam pad and fishing equipment to the rendezvous point. Got back and noticed a little letter on my desk. He's really a compassionate kid, sensitive to my ups and downs. He was a little "bummed" that he couldn't go see the new Harry Potter film on opening day because of camp, so I promised him that I'd take him Saturday night. Tried to talk the family into going together, but no takers. I think I'll take my date out for ice cream after, a little kindness in return.

My Son is a(an) ____________

2009-07-12T19:31:00.001-07:00

Victor went to Scout Camp for a few days this past week, getting home yesterday. They were at the stake property, a couple hours away in the mountains (you know like pine trees, stars at night, where I'd love to be pretty much year around). The boys like to take their air soft weapons for play and someone dared Victor to shoot himself, so he did. In fact, he did it several times and made a "smiley" on his biceps. He asked me if I wanted to see his tattoo when he got home. Some day I'm going to show this to his prospective bride..."and this is the man you want to marry?" Actually, I think he'd make a great Scout leader, a boy in a man's body.

R arrived at the airport Thursday from his OSI trip to Nicaragua at midnight. He had a great time, lots of adventure. Ask him some time about the trip from the big "boat" back to shore. I drove home (eyes burning from wanting to sleep) and R got up and went to work, then off to Scout camp in the afternoon.

We both worked in the basement late yesterday afternoon/evening. Our focus is a bit different. Let's just say I'm the quality-control person and he's strictly quantity. I wish I could have gotten it all finished while he was gone. Don't know if the unpleasant person working downstairs was more because of tiredness or just simply the real Rafael. I thought I'd do something nice for him, as he was on dinner duty today (once every four weeks), so I put a roast in the crock pot and fixed dinner, and I've had a busy day, first one up w/meetings, visits, no nap, cooking/baking, lesson for FHE....but I don't think he even realized it was his turn, even though it's written on the family calendar. At least a thanks for dinner would have been nice.

So, we have a black raspberry pie sitting on the stove right now. R and V went to Castle Dale (stake property is close to Price) to pick some raspberries and to bring back my parents' Suburban. Anyway, the funny thing is that Victor thinks he picked the raspberries (which is like his favorite food) and then forgot and left them sitting in CD. He doesn't know that the berries came back, I washed them, bagged them, put them in the fridge, and used some to make a pie. He probably thinks it's a cherry pie, of which we made a bunch last week and threw in the freezer. He was taking a nap while the pie making was occurring, so he should be surprised because he was in such a grouchy mood this morning when he couldn't have a bowl of berries for breakfast.

4th Celebration

2009-07-05T17:33:00.001-07:00

The birthday party started early at 6 a.m. w/Jared and Scouts placing flags at each home in our neighborhood. He returned to pancakes with red and blue fruit sauce and a sack w/a new Bees shirt. The boys did what all teenage boys do very well--sleep. I worked downstairs for a good portion of the day. I sent all three boys out in the afternoon to work the yard--mowing, weeding and then to clean the upstairs since I was busy down. They are pretty good workers when mom turns the screws.

Finally, it was time to go play. We did what has become an annual trip for us, the Bees game. We have a minor league here in SLC which is sheer pleasure to go sit in a seat, view the Wasatch Mountains in the back, and enjoy a cold snowcone. The weather was absolutely perfect. We've had some evening stormstorms lately, but last night was definitely a 10! Here's a picture of the opening play (we had really good seats this year, but had to purchase tickets many months ago).

My boys in profile.

It was a great game, lots of hits, runs and even a major argument in the 8th. The umps failed to make a call with the players looking at the umps, the umps looking at each other waiting for someone to make the call, and then the Tacoma Rainers' pitcher and manager in the umps' face venting steam, a hat thrown, several ejections--what entertainment!! A big dude from the Rainers hit a homer at the top of the 9th which tied the game sending the game into MANY extra innings. Please, someone just make a run...ANYONE. Finally the game finished almost two hours behind schedule with the Bees losing by 2. By that time I could have cared less. I was tired and just wanted the fireworks to start so that I could get to bed.

I crawled into bed a couple hours after America's birthday was officially over here in the Mountain West time zone. My alarm was NOT my friend this morning. Thank goodness to much-needed Sabbath nap.

June Flowers in July

2009-07-03T18:34:00.000-07:00

One thing I really enjoy is to garden. I would much rather be outside working in the dirt with the bugs and worms than sitting at my desk typing. Because of the cooler, wetter June we're a good two weeks behind our normal, so we still have flowers in bloom. I took a dozen pictures, but for space sake, and your sanity, I posted only a few. Above is a clematis vine.

The colorful pinks and reds are sweet pea, very fragrant. They're an annual, but they drop their seeds and tend to take over.

The blue flowers are bachelor buttons, I guess 'cause the men would snap one off and put in their lapels when courting?? The plant in the forefront that looks like some type of grain is actually a weed, which tend to grow taller than the flowers, especially when I don't have the time to get outside and work.

White daisies and orange lilies.

My favorite, which reminds me of an old-fashioned grandmother garden (I guess I'm getting there in age so I'm allowed), is the tall hollyhock.

I sent Victor out earlier to start cutting back the poppies, as they're long gone and I sent Jared out to pick a bucket of weeds. He took a shovel and got an unwanted sunflower, so technically he got his bucket full. Drat I hate his reasoning.

Operation Smile Teams With US Comfort

2009-07-01T05:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday R left for one of his regularly, usually annual, volunteer medical missions. He is affiliated with an organization called Operation Smile which sees primarily to the needs of small children w/cleft lips and palates, although sometimes the organization also addresses adults w/plastic surgery needs such as contracture burns. His first mission was to the Philippines when I was pregnant with Tony. This is his second trip to Nicaragua, although this time there is a twist, as OSI (Operation Smile) has teamed with the United States. The US Comfort, a floating military hospital, is at the tailend in a four-month humanitarian "cruise." This former tanker, converted to a hospital, is three football fields long and 10 stories high.

Casablancas and the MTC

2009-06-25T06:35:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was a day filled with the spirit of missionary work as I have not felt in such a long time. What a treat!! Pictured above are the Casablancas (Sister Lucy Casablanca in the white jacket with the name badge and her husband President Justo Casablanca at my side), Bro. and Sister Seda in front, the Gonzalez's, and I'm so sorry but I can't remember the name of the brother and his wife closest to us (but he's a professor at BYU and they have 12 children), plus Frances (the classy lady in green) and Hank (a top exec w/Wells Fargo). They were all wonderful. Anyway, Rafael taught Justo on his mission in Puerto Rico and Bro. Seda (then the branch president) baptized Bro. Casablanca--fast forward all these years and Lucy and Justo are now headed to preside over the Columbia Bogata South Mission. They were allowed to invite eight people. They have been serving for the past two years teaching welfare principles in Argentina, Paraguay and Uraguay, then he was called to be the executive secretary to the area presidency in that part of the world, then was interviewed and called by President Uchdorf for this latest mission.

Here's a picture with Elder Todd Christopherson and Elder Marino (who will be serving in the area presidency where the Casablancas will be serving). We also saw Elder Hinckley and Elder Oaks. Incidentally, these general authorities were still giving hugs and shaking hands, although the other MTC personnel were doing the "virtual handshake." Utah has been hard hit with the swine flu, perhaps more so than any other state?? In fact, we have it in our neighborhood. A lady just a handful of houses from mine tested positive this past Sunday and is quarantined to her room. Two new deaths occurred this past week here in the valley. The MTC has been very diligent in separating the missionaries so as to prevent the spread of the virus. In fact, these new mission presidents are in an entirely separate area from the missionaries, eat separately and will not be mingling at all so as to keep them healthy. They entered yesterday, Wednesday, and will depart for their missions on Monday. The Casablancas took us all for an early dinner where we all chatted. What fun.

R and I slipped down the hall and took a quick picture in front of the big map that is well known to all missionaries who have passed through the halls of the MTC.

A Return to the Past

2009-06-21T20:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, after lots of painting, R and I headed off to the temple. Turns out our local temple was closed, so drove to SL in pouring rain. Am really embarrassed to admit that it has been maybe 15 years since I've been in the SL Temple for a session (marriages, yes). After all it's so far away!! Anyway, what what a sweet experience. Was reminded of the beauty and significance of this temple. Maybe because of the rain outside, there were not that many in the 7 p.m. session, perhaps 30, but surprisingly the Jensens from our ward and their soon-to-enter-MTC son walked in after us. In the Celestial Room was an adorable couple, small (very small) with dark skin. R thought his tag said Merida, so struck up a conversation. Turns out they're from Guatemala, visiting a son and daughter-in-law, have 12 mission-serving, temple-attending children. They were so sweet and she gave me a hug and a Latin kiss on the cheek. It was sweet.

Then I took R to my favorite downtown restaurant, Settebello, which opened a couple years ago, is a true Napolitano pizzeria. The brick oven, all ingredients and even the head pizza maker are imported from Naples. Naples is the birthplace of pizza and trust me Italian pizza is totally different from the pizzas we know and love.

A full, but very good day.

The White is Blinding

2009-06-21T18:12:00.001-07:00

Yesterday R and I spent the day (almost literally) downstairs priming all the surfaces. Went through 15 gallons and probably should have put on a heavier coat, oh well. We ended up putting up the doors and very carefully giving them a priming coat. I took a picture of V vacuuming in getting ready for the painting job, but he promised to lynch me if I posted his picture 'cause real men don't vacuum. Okay, have it your way--I'll just text that REAL MEN DO VACUUM. We had use of a spray gun, otherwise we'd still be down there.

Stopped for lunch, plus we needed to go buy another bucket of paint. Even though we wore protective gear over the hair, safety glasses over the eyes (or glasses in R's case) and dust masks, we were still covered in paint.

Moroni is Black?

2009-06-15T18:57:00.000-07:00

An interesting occurence happened over the weekend. Our newest temple close to the house, The Oquirrh Temple, was hit by lightning (we've had some really strong thunderstorms roll through the area of late). Turns out this is a good thing. There is a lightning rod built into Moroni that attracts any electrical activity during a storm and conduits it safely to the ground, thus protecting the temple and keeping it from burning. So Moroni not only is a relgious symbol to we Mormons, Moroni is also a physical protection. Interesting, huh?

April Showers Bring May Flowers--Except It's June!!

2009-06-10T12:30:00.000-07:00

I was heading outside to plant some herbs, but then it started to sprinkle, which it has been doing off and on for many days, and then started to really pour and finally turned to hail. My poor baby plants that I put in yesterday, ohh. They're like totally submerged under water and a layer of hail.

I took two movies on the camera, but I don't know how to get the movies from my camera to the computer and then to this blog site. Hmmm??

A Road Trip for the Graduate

2009-06-10T11:56:00.000-07:00

Tony left on a road trip with his friends, Haley and Derek, this past Monday early, try 4:30 a.m. I was up at 4 to work, so of course I had to run outside and snap a picture and hand off a bag of homemade cookies. I was relieved when Tony called at 4 p.m. to say that they were checking in. Derek's grandfather rented a condo for him for the week as a graduation gift. I just talked to Tony (Wednesday afternoon). They were at Sea World and had just finished the Shamu show. They're having a good time, spent yesterday at the beach and will probably go back to the beach this evening. I told him that I love him and to take lots of pictures.

A Successful Game

2009-06-10T11:49:00.000-07:00

The end of the game, the end of the season and almost the end of J's soccer career. Jared likes the socialization of Saturday soccer, but....anyway mom and dad weren't too eager to sign him up again and so didn't, but then when he found out that his friend from another team was moving over, plus the coach came over and told Jared that he'd miss him and there was still a spot on the roster, well...let's just say that Jared will be back in the fall.

Jared made the first goal of the game, one of two. I think the score was 2-1. It was a cloudy and chilly day, as it has been for the past almost 10 days. We've had rain almost daily, sometimes pouring. I was going to go outside and plant a few herbs, but it started to rain again, so I'm waiting out the storm and thought I'd do a little blog posting.

Let's "Rock"

2009-06-10T11:40:00.000-07:00

The full-term vernacular is sheetrocking, but I've been around the men talking and evidently to put up the sheetrock is to "rock." Here's a pile, one of many, of some sheetrock that was hand carried to the basement, some as long as 12 feet, by a crew of three. It took them 2-1/2 hours. It was not for a weakling, each man carrying by himself one to two sheets--very physical work. I told my boys to stay in school. "You do not want to have to do that job on a day-to-day basis."
The actual "rocking" was done in a little over a day by a crew of three Hispanics. The boss spoke English. They worked really hard. Because of a slow economy, they're happy to be working, even if it's only a day or two each week.

We're coming to the end of the mudding and sanding portion done by Lee and his partner. They come in for a couple hours at the end of the day (they've been working on a big house up in Park City during the day) and sand then put on an add'l coat of mud. It won't be long before it will be time to start painting.

Sunday, Time to Catch Up

2009-06-07T17:46:00.001-07:00

No pics today, just the written word.

Have I mentioned how wonderful this spring has been? No? Well, let me tell you that I'm absolutely gushing about the periodic rains and cooler temperatures. My boys: "This summer sucks." That's when I remind them that it's not officially summer until the 21st. Victor looked at the weather forecast in the paper today and whined about the week. I looked at the cloudy forecast and 70-degree temperatures and shouted hooray!! Right now it's in the mid 60s, which is the high for the day. I actually turned on the oven and baked cookies. I try really hard not to use the oven during the "warmer" months.

Work: Overloaded. I had to tell my super (via messenger) a couple days ago when I got dumped on that I simply will not be able to keep TAT (turnaround turn), not when I have graduations, etc., and get 3+ hours of dictation in a day. Got home from graduation and noticed that 40 jobs had been pulled. That helped a lot. I thought that I had communicated to her to permanently take one of the docs and give him to someone who wanted more work, but I see that Friday's dictation from this particular doc didn't get moved. I got off Friday night w/only 31 minutes. Yeah, but then yesterday checked and there were 2 hours and 45 minutes (late Friday night dictation). I wanted to scream. I still worked outside for a couple hours in the morning and went to soccer in the afternoon, then I worked yesterday evening for at least four hours and will need to get at it early tomorrow morning. I don't work on Sunday and that has been my firm rule like forever. I think I'll have to give Holly a call and state my case.

Basement: Hey, now that's moving along just fine. The first coat of mud went on yesterday. I think the guy said that there will be five coats (?), but throughout the week there will be sanding, mudding, sanding....

Church: Wish I had more time to give to my calling. I try to be efficient in delegating and planning, but I do wish that I could spend more time doing compassionate service and visiting ladies, particularly those I know need a little TLC or a personal visit. I didn't do visits today, but do most every Sunday. I'm going out w/my secretary Tuesday night. We take a RS birthday item (a cute stamped and painted image on a small tile that says I'm a Child of God w/a magnet on the back tucked inside a birthday cardstock) to each sister, on Sunday or during the week depending on the sister and whether that sister will be more amenable to the "church ladies" in Sunday dress or the "church ladies" in Levis and flip-flops. I gave the presidency message today. I loved prep'g it--was from the last General Conference...Sacred Temples, Sacred Homes. Gave me much to think about, plus now I have the basis for my FHE lesson tonight.

Okay, I'd better go. It's close to FHE time.

Tony Graduates

2009-06-05T07:24:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, June 4, Tony graduated from high school. Here's a picture of him at the beginning of the program. Each student had a flower to give to his/her family in appreciation. The other shots taken during the program weren't that good due to poor lighting and distance. Oh well. The graduation ceremony was great, so much better than the local Riverton High School--much shorter and more intimate.

Tony and his friends, Derek and Haley, with the Thanksgiving Barn in the background.

Happened to pull alongside Tony on the way home from the restaurant.

Tony shows his appreciation when he got a golf certificate to one of the area's most prestigious courses.

Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple

2009-06-03T08:48:00.000-07:00

The California Gonzalez Family (one of them) came to Utah a few days ago to officially bid Erica adieu as she heads to the MTC for her New York South Spanish-speaking Mission. Last night we all joined in dinner (including a family from our ward because Derek, their son, will also be going to the same mission here shortly) and then we went to the temple open house, just its second day, yesterday. Good timing!!

On October 1, 2005, the First Presidency announced construction. President Hinckley conducted the groundbreaking on December 16, 2006. This is the 130th temple and the 13th in Utah. The name Oquirrh was taken from a Goshute Indian word meaning "wooded mountain," which is also the name of the western mountains in the Salt Lake Valley. This temple will serve approximately 83,000 members (ironically not us, as we live on the east side of Bangerter Freeway, even though this temple is really close to us). And here are those handsome young "Sons of Helaman" in the intro tent for a movie about temple worship.

Like mother, like daughter--both missionaries, then and now. Amy and Erica.

Rafael, Jake, Jared, Margaret, Erica, Ethan, Amy, Jaime, Aaron, Victor, Tony Gonzalez.

The reception tent after the tour for a refreshment, beautifully decorated with furnishings and pictures--basically a portable visitors' center.

Jared, Tony, Victor

Just a bunch of teenagers, very good teenagers.

From the front of the temple overlooking the southwest quadrant of the valley. Look closely and you can see the lights of the Draper Temple shining back. I read (or heard) that this land was donated to the church when the area was opened up for development. It is beautifully perched on a knoll and if I walk up the road a block from my house, I can see it. Dang--wouldn't it be cool to actually look out one's window and see the lights of the temple at night?? Oh well, I guess I'll just have to spiritually direct my tent opening to the temple.

Pizza Marguerita at Settebello

2009-06-01T11:21:00.000-07:00

Friday I met up w/my dear, dear MTC companion Shawna and her hubby Dan, visiting from California (their daughter, Carrie, has been at EFY BYU for the past week) and Shawna's companion Kathy, who married Shawna's cousin, Kevin. Keeping that all straight? We had AUTHENTIC (oven, all ingredients and cook imported from Naples) Napolitano pizza, insalata and ummmmmmm gelato. So, so good. Let me say that again. Soooooooo good.

Hope The Wires Don't Spark and Burn the House Down

2009-05-27T15:24:00.001-07:00

For the most part, the wires are now in, threaded all over the basement ceiling and walls, just a bunch of spider-like webs. And this is why we say prayers at night, to keep the sparks from flying.

Yesterday the shower pan was laid, meaning a layer of quick-set cement was mixed and poured, carefully sloping down to the drain, a heavy plastic laid over the top and then another thin layer of cement over that--all left to dry overnight, except that the cat left her prints. No problem--the tile will be going over the cement.

With Only a Screwdriver and Pliers

2009-05-27T15:16:00.000-07:00

For a couple years there has been a box in the basement containing the parts of this charcoal grill/smoker. Rafael received it as a work-based incentive program. Anyway, I put it together on Memorial Day--took me a little longer than the average Joe and I did come out ahead 6 washers and 6 screws (?), but I conquered.

So how were the ribs? Well, okay but not great. Problem: Because it took so long to put the dang thing together I was behind schedule in getting the meat going, plus I think that I didn't get enough charcoal going because it didn't register hot enough, so in essence needed a hotter coal, actually more hotter coals, and a longer cooking time, but there's always next time....just need to practice.