The peace and quiet of the back country.

We went camping to Lava Hot springs in Idaho last weekend. We found a great little camp spot away from the masses of people who were in the "improved" camp sites. It was quiet, beautiful and secluded. Quite....except for the fact we were unknowingly right next to a set of train tracks. We had a train pass us about every hour all night long! And every time its horn would go off. You can see and hear it in the video below.

Whip it! Whip it Good!

Steve once said the only thing redeeming about Midvale (where we live) was Murry (the neighboring town with the beautiful city park). I agreed! There is not much in Midvale to get excited about. Then one day I was on my way home from work....and saw this!

Could it be? My beloved Dole Whip right here in Midvale at the car wash/laundromat/coffee hut? It took us three attempts to find the little hut open and sure enough, they had Dole Whips! Okay, they were not as good as the original...not quite the creamy-wonderfullness I remember, but it gave me a little more respect for Midvale.

Capture the Moments....

I just read a heartfelt Father's Day blog from my friend Megan who lost her dad at about the same time I lost my mother. (to read her thoughts click HERE) She had an adorable photo of her and her father on the beach. I don't have very many photos of me and my mom because she didn't like her photo taken; didn't like the way she looked. If only she knew then how little that would have mattered now...So advice to all who read this: Don't be afraid to make and capture memories often, even if you are having a bad hair day or are tired of standing still for one last photo. In the end you will have no regrets.

Squeaky Clean....

Have you ever seen that 1963 movie The Thrill of It All, staring Doris Day and James Garner, where a bunch of detergent gets into the pool and fills the backyard with suds? Kind of reminds me of this....
The latch on our washer doesn't work so well and the other day it popped open during the spin cycle. Our laundry room floor is very clean now.

Winter Wonderland....in May!

After finally getting some warm weather, Steve and I were craving a good day hike. We read about a hike up to a lake in one of the Cottonwood canyons and decided to check it out. We ended up hitting snow, losing the trial, but in the end after some scrambling finally found the lake. Well, it was more like a sheet of ice but it was still beautiful and we were the only ones there....imaging that!

Fowl Play?

In loving memory of: Obrahma, Isabeau, Uncle Tom, Maya Angelou, Golden, and Princess Leia
8 April 2009 - June 6 2009

I guess Steve and I failed as god parents to Merissa and Jason's chicks. While they were out of town, the chicks disappeared and probably met an untimely death. After hearing about the tragedy, we did go over to the house to see if we could find our god chicks but had no luck. Here is a eulogy from the parents....

We regret to inform you of the death of our dearly beloved baby chickens. Jason and I were in Montana this past weekend, and between the time we left and when our friend came to check on them the next day, the door to the shed was opened and the chicks were gone. How the door got open we know not. Our neighbor saw a fox early Saturday morning near our house running off with something white in it's mouth (our favorite chick, Obrahma, no doubt). That wily fox probably came back and picked them off one by one until they were all gone. Fortunately the adult chickens were fine.

In lieu of flowers please just make an omelet or custard and while enjoying your tasty meal remember the good times with the chicks.

Love, Merissa & Jason

Never trust the weather man.

Last weekend, despite claims of thunder storms, my family and a few friends went camping in Heber. We debated going but couldn't pass up a camping trip even if it was going to be stormy. In the end we had great weather and a great time.

This was a luxury camping trip complete with cabins and a cooking pavilion. Nice!

Breakfast is always better outdoors with friends and family (with lots whipped cream), and my Dad cooks up some mean bacon...nice and crisp, just like I love it.

We spent the morning on the lake in paddle boats and canoes.

Hummm... That is one good looking husband.