Will We Ever Learn the Value of Restraint?

Yesterday was a slow day.....for Chuck. I delivered equiptment for our Relief Society Kick-off party, picked up a kareoke machine for the skit, had my roots colored, and headed home. I was ready to kick back and relax, but Chuck, the action man, wanted to take the dogs for a run behind the 4 wheeler, and not just around the neighborhood. There is a great off-road trail about a mile up the main road, so I agreed to transport the dogs in the back of the truck and Chuck would follow after we were out of sight. Travelling at about 20-25 mph I slowly made my way to the turnoff, constantly watching the rearview mirror to keep an eye on the dogs. I don't know what happened next.....did I hear a thud?.....did I hear a bark? I don't know, but I knew something had happened.

I looked in the mirror and saw only one head, Annie's. I pulled to side of the road and jumped out of the truck in time to see Cody jumping up from the middle of the road. He was limping and looking for cover. Several cars were now stopped and were waiting to see the direction he would run. I called to him and he immediately ran toward me and jumped into the backseat.

He had blood dripping from several places on his head and one leg, but no other visible injuries.

Chuck, by now, was coming around the bend in the road and pulled up behind the truck. We determined that it was not necessary to take Cody to the vet, but returned home to tend his wounds. We washed them carefully and applied Neosporin. He had also scrapped much of the skin from the bottom of his muzzle. Amazingly enough, there was no whinning or crying...no pulling away. We believe that he probably heard the sound of Chuck's 4 wheeler and leaped to join him. He runs behind Chuck's 4 wheeler each evening, playing retriever games, and receiving lots of attention from his master.

We see dogs in the back of trucks every day in this valley. Some of them even lying on flat bed trucks, some on tall piles of building materials. Our landscaper brought his dog to work each day transported on the flat bed of his truck. That dog layed around quietly all day while his master worked. But.....we have also read that dogs should be restrained, even when travelling inside the truck. Cody is only 16 months old, eventhough he looks full grown, so he hasn't learned to sit quietly while travelling. Have we learned our lesson? I hope so.

Sorry, Cody!

We'll try to become more responsible pet Owners.

FUN IN THE ARIZONA SUN.....PART 2

Our little Girls love to order Strawberry Daiquiris at the Pool

The only thing missing in this picture is our other little Girl

Birthday Dinner with our Children

Thanks!

Arizona first and second Cousins

Three Musketeers

Sisters have lots of Secrets

Lunch at Joe's Farm

Believe it or not, this is the best fried shrimp I have ever Eaten Anywhere

This young lady is one of the kindest and most helpful children I Know

Roy, our family appreciates your service to our Country

However, we most appreciate, the love that you have for your wife and Daughter

This picture was take by "George"

The Majestic Symbol of Freedom

An armful of Babies

Kris, we love you and your Family

We love our Boys

The only thing missing in this picture is our other little Boy

Chuck and David's Children and Grandchildren

Chuck sharing his wisdom with Stephanie, Emery, and Robert

There's a Little Kid in all of Us

We love you Karen

Chuck has finally found himself a Team

Lunch Table

Look closely and you will find a number of Interlopers

FUN IN THE ARIZONA SUN............113 Degrees!!!!!!!

Chuck and I recently visited three of our children and their families in Phoenix. We have been fortunate this summer to have had numerous visits with all of our children and their families. We have watched them run races, water ski, swim, fish, ride bicycles and little cars, swing, eat, run, ride wave runners, and laugh.


Below is the first of two posts concerning our visit to Phoenix. It focuses on each family. Tomorrow the post will focus on pictures which don't necessarily relate to each other. These photos were culled from over a 1000, so I have spent hours to bring you my very best.

CHARLES AND JENNY

JENNY AND SKYLER

LIKE MOTHER, LIKE DAUGHTER

CHARLES AND CHARLIE

LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON

JACK AND JENNY

LIKE MOTHER, LIKE SON

JENNY MADE THIS DONUT CAKE FOR JACK'S 2nd BIRTHDAY

THE KAREN AND ROY MONTGOMERY FAMILY

ROY AND KAREN

PAIGE AND POPPY

A QUIET TIME FOR READING

ROY

GRACIOUSLY TOOK US OUT TO LAKE SAGUARO FOR THE AFTERNOON

ROY AND KAREN

THANKS FOR SHARING THE WONDERS OF YOUR BEAUTIFUL STATE.

WE SAW A BALD EAGLE PERCHED ON A HIGH CLIFF.

PAIGE

WHAT AN AMAZING LITTLE GIRL!

THE JENNIFER AND CRAIG REES FAMILY

JENNIFER AND CRAIG

EMILY

A FUTURE NATURALIST- LOVES ANIMALS

PEYTON

PERSONALITY PLUS

LOGAN AND CRAIG

LOOKS LIKE A LITTLE CRAIG TO ME

JENNIFER AND BROOKLYN

TWO LOVELY LADIES

CELEBRATING 3 BIRTHDAYS

JENNIFER, JACK, AND ME

A Toaster is a Toaster, is a Toaster.......Not!

GOOD DESIGN VS. PERFORMANCE

As many of you know, I love and appreciate good design, whether it is in home decoration, architecture, shoes, clothing, or large and small kitchen appliances. Several years ago, Architectural Digest discussed the impact of good design in every aspect of our daily life. They showcased potato peelers from Target, and a simple vase from Crate and Barrel. They made it clear that a hefty price tag did not guarantee good design. They glorified the design of the Dualit Toaster and compared it to the exquisite design of an Airstream Trailer. I agreed with their observation and purchased one for our new home.

But, alas, its performance has not lived up to its design. The toast did not pop-up. I burned more Eggos than I care to count. But, I did not give up on good design. I did not bring out the old Delonghi from Pasadena, nor did I rush out to Target and buy a Sunbeam for $12.95 which toasts a perfect slice of bread every time. I kept the course! The problem had to be me. I simply wasn't figuring the time correctly. However, after three years, I am done!!!!!

And, when I pleaded for a new toaster for my Birthday, Chuck agreed that something had to be done and one was purchased.

Jenny suggested that I give Brevel a try, but I was not a fan of the design and have returned to the Airstream. I have high expectations for this toaster because it was made in ENGLAND as you can see on the box. This is the land of the Rolls Royce. These people know about good design and performance. They have even labeled it THE TOASTER. As far as they are concerned, there are no other toasters on the planet to be considered.

The Airstream and Rolls Royce of Toasters

As you can see, it has more "bells and whistles" than my old toaster. I am confident that Dualit has corrected the defects in THE OLD TOASTER. I am somewhat concerned that Williams-Sonoma no longer carries the Dualit. You will, however, find Brevel on their shelves. But, as far as I am concerned, good design will beat out performance any day.

WE LOVE THOSE SUMMER SHEETS........

Summer and her family have been vacationing in Deer Valley this week and so have spent part of the last two days with us. Summer is Karen's childhood friend, but we also love her and enjoy our time with her and her family.

Tom and Summer were high school friends. They now have two children and live in California. Their home is a hop, skip and a jump from the beach. Lucky them!! Riley and Braden both enjoyed riding the electric cars.

Tom is a fine fisherman and as a result, nine fish were caught by him and his friend Kevin. Four of them weighed almost 2 lbs. each.

Fortunately, Riley was along for the day and was able to relieve Chuck of driving duties while he was orchestrating the fishing. She was a real trooper on the boat and kept me entertained with songs and the cute antics of a four year old.

These beauties are rainbow and cutthroat trout. They are delicious panfried with cornmeal and olive oil or sauted in butter and garlic. I understand that Summer was planning to make fish tacos tonight. I wonder how they turned out. Summer.....send me a comment. Hope the rest of your vacation is fun and relaxing. We love you....Chuck and Rebecca

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JENNIFER

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

You are beautiful in every way.

You are a loving mother to your children.

You give generously to your family and friends.

You teach your family well.

You are everything that a parent wishes for their child and we are happy that you are our daughter and that we are your parents.

We love you,

Mom and Poppy