Saturday, October 30, 2010

EARLY MORNING IN THE HEBER VALLEY


Mt. Timpanogos
10:00 AM
Cloud bank still hasn't burned off. But, Timp glistens in the sunlight.




MT. TIMPANOGOS
7:45 AM
When the sun is just peeking over the horizon, Timp is a brilliant shade of pink. Notice the thick cloud bank hovering over Deer Creek Reservoir in the mid ground.

Chuck has become a fanatical fisherman and heads to Strawberry at least once a week. He is not able to load and unload the pontoon boat alone, so when he is without help, he takes the 17 foot fishing boat. Last Tuesday he was alone when he rounded the curve to the marina, and saw nothing but thick fog covering the lake. Most sane people would have turned around and headed for home. But, Chuck decided to offload the boat anyway, believing the fog would burn off, as it usually does, within the hour. However, such was not the case. He puttered out into pea soup and before long, he could not see the marina, or any other boats. He was able to see less than 10-15 yards in any direction. But, diehard that he is, he put out his lines and caught 5 fish, all of which had to be released. Before long he did not know which way was shore or the direction to the marina. Around noon, the fog finally lifted and he was able to make his way back to the marina. And, he wonders why I don't like him to fish alone. The man has no fear!

Thursday, October 28, 2010

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KAREN



Poppy and I wish you a happy, Happy Birthday




You are the quintessential Mother.




A night time visit with five of your nine nieces.
You are the aunt every child wishes that they had.


The many children that you taught benefited from your educational expertise. Those skills will serve your children well. You are a loving sister to your siblings. Poppy and I feel blessed to be your parents. We love and appreciate the person you have become.




Keep scrolling for another October 29th, Birthday.
Happy Birthday Hayden!!!!!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HAYDEN


Happy Birthday Hayden
Today you are 6 years old and you are in Kindergarten



You are learning to swim and you enjoy all ball games...soccer, baseball, and basketball.
You enjoy riding your bicycle and your scooter. Hayden especially enjoys playing and watching football. He is a big BYU fan and I have no doubt that, as athletic as he is, he will one day play for the Cougars. "Go, Tueller!"




You love your family.

You are helpful to your mother and you tell her how thankful you are for all the things she does for you...cooking dinner, taking you places, and helping you when you need help.
You are happy when your Dad holds you on his lap and kisses your cheek.
You enjoy playing with your brothers and sister.




Poppy and I love you and wish you a Happy Birthday!

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW


Wasatch Mountains

This picture was taken from the west end of our property.



Blue Spruce

Coming around the bend of our Driveway



West side of our House


The snow is melting fast, but is expected to be back by Sunday. All ski resorts will be open by December 10th. So........all you skiers, make your flight reservations.

Southwest Deals
Two days left for these deals... expires October 28.

Fly between Dec.1-15 Jan. 4-Feb 16. No fly Sunday
LA-SLX...............................$60 each way
PHX-SLX...............................60 each way
HOU-SLX..............................90 each way
Boi-SLX.................................30 each way (Let's all go to Boise...)

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

LAST DAYS OF AUTUMN


Crabapple Trees behind our House



Aspen
Note that one is green, one red, and several are yellow. They tend to turn at different times even when they are right next to each other. Note the wire around these trees in the foreground. All of our trees with exposed trunks are wired. The bucks rub their antlers against the tree trunks when they are in the rut.



Front entrance and Drive



Mt Timpanogos from our Front Yard


This view has looked quite different the last two mornings. It rained buckets all the way home from Boise on Sunday night. Morning morn I peeked behind the drapes to see a winter wonderland. Every field and tree was covered with snow. Before we went to bed last night, it had started snowing again. We headed down to Provo this morn, but got only as far as Sundance. We had lunch and headed home where we have spent all afternoon in the office reading, dozing, and looking at Airstream trailers on the computer. Carl we still appreciate your email updates on Airstreams. We're only interested in trailers 23 ft. and under.
The snow has melted for today, but the colorful pictures above are probably the last. The next nature shots will be of snow, snow, snow.


Sunday, October 24, 2010

WEEKEND IN BOISE.....


Chuck and I watched Brendon play the last game of the season this weekend and perhaps the last game of his career.



Brendon is number 10 in this photo. He is an extremely fast runner and enjoys carrying the ball. He scored two touchdowns this season.


Boys play in this league until they are 12 years old. There is an league for older boys, but Brendon has decided to concentrate on baseball, his favorite sport. His family gives him 100% support.



Chuck enjoyed watching and talking football with Brendon.




BOISE PHILHARMONIC
plays

JOHN WILLIAMS


Nicole loves Music

Alisa, Nicole, Chuck and I attended a performance of the Boise Symphony on Friday Night. I will admit that I did not recognize the name John Williams when Alisa suggested that we get tickets for this event. This artist composed the music for all three Star Wars movies, ET, Superman, three Olympic Fanfares, Shindler's List, Saving Private Ryan, and the second Harry Potter movie. The symphony performed all of the above and was accompanied by four local college choirs for about half of the pieces. The conductor was competent and entertaining. If you think that Boise is a cultural backwater, you are mistaken. Thanks Alisa for arranging this special evening for us.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

CHECKERS......FOR A QUIET AFTERNOON


Brendon deep in Thought



Parker....as Well.





Looks Even
Parker 13 yrs and Brendon 12 yrs are our two oldest
grandchildren. They have a lot of fun together when Brendon comes to Utah.

Monday, October 18, 2010

SWEET PEYTON REBECCA.....



2 1/2 Years Old
Perfectly Proportioned Face
Strong Personality





Naturally Curly Hair
Brilliantly Blue Eyes
Big white Bow adds to her Charm
She wears it with Confidence




In yesterday's post, Peyton was unable to identify herself and kept pointing to Paige and thinking (hoping?) it was her. Jennifer kept saying no....no...no. I suppose she was unable to recognize the back of her head in the rearview. I did not have a front shot of her in one of the little cars. So..............today she has a blog of her very own.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

WATCH IT BUDDY.........


Wata ye mean I was speeding?



What are they doing?
Do they think we wanna wear those hand-me-downs?




Look buddy,
I don't have time for this foolishness.



We're already late, so move it.



What's with these women?
I'm taking it easy and minding my own business.


Thursday, October 14, 2010

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MACY








HAPPY BIRTHDAY MACY
Today you turn 6 years old and you are in Kindergarten



You are Talented
You play the piano, and Dance
You swim and turn flips on the Trampoline


You are a kind Person
You are a good friend, a helpful daughter and loving Sister.



Poppy and I love You
We wish you a happy Birthday

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

WE CANNOT TELL A LIE........


Chapter 5

While mom dressed Jack and Dad worked on the computer, Charlie and Skyler were in the play room talking about going to the pet store. Were they going to get a bird, or some goldfish or a dog. Oh, they hoped it would be a dog. But, what kind?

As Charlie chattered away, Skyler was deep in thought. "Charlie," she said, "Something is bothering me." Charlie turned and looked at her.

"What?" he stammered.

"We didn't tell Mom the truth about why we were late. Mom trusts us to always be honest and we were not honest. And, it makes me sad. I can't be happy about getting a new pet when I know I told a lie."

Charlie looked at Skyler and said, "But Skyler, if we tell the truth, Mom and Dad won't buy us a pet."

"I know Charlie and that makes me even sadder."

Charlie knew that she was right. He hadn't actually lied to Mom, but he had not said anything when Skyler told Mom that the bus had left the school late and that was why they were late getting home. He also had not told Mom that he had missed the bus and had walked home. Now, Charlie felt sad, too.

Skyler and Charlie looked at each other and both knew what they had to do. With their heads down, they walked into the kitchen and said, "Mom..Dad we have something to tell you.

Monday, October 11, 2010

A STORY FOR CHILDREN





Chapter 1

As the bell rang, Charlie, picked up his backpack and headed for the classroom door. This had not been a great day. The teacher had announced after lunch that the Cherokee Elementary School would be having a pet and hobby show the last Friday before Thanksgiving vacation. All the children in his class had been excitedly talking about their hobbies and which of their pets they would enter in the show.

Charlie had no hobbies and no pets. He had asked for a pet about a zillion times, but the answer was always the same. Turtles carry diseases, birds are too messy, and fish tanks have to be cleaned. But, maybe when you are older and can take responsibility for a pet, we will consider getting a dog as a family pet. But, Charlie felt he was older now and had promised to feed a dog and clean up after him everyday. But, nothing ever happened. Charlie still had no pet for the pet show. He walked sadly out of his classroom toward his bus.

Skyler was already on the bus and was saving a seat for Charlie, but when the driver finally closed the door, Charlie was nowhere to be seen. Skyler left her seat and told the bus driver that her brother was not on the bus, but the driver said he could not wait and that Charlie had probably had to stay after school. Skyler was scared and worried about her brother.
When the bus finally stopped on their street, Skyler got off the bus and sat down on the curb. She felt sick. What would she tell her mother? She felt responsible for her brother and was worried that something had happened to him.

Chapter 2

Charlie took the long way to the buses, crossing the playground, stopping for a drink of water and watching the older boys practicing football plays. By the time he got to the bus pickup, Bus 13 was nowhere in sight. Charlie didn't know what to do...should he go back to his classroom, or call his mom...? He thought for a minute and finally decided to walk home. He had never walked home before, but he knew exactly how to get home from school. He had ridden the bus back and forth for the last two years.

Leaving the school grounds was a little scary, but as he began to recognize streets and houses, he felt less afraid. As he crossed Mockingbird Street he saw the park up ahead, and standing on the grass was a big black dog. Charlie wasn't afraid of dogs he knew, but he had never seen this dog before.


As he got closer, the dog seemed friendly, but then suddenly he turned and chased another dog which had appeared from across the park. Charlie stood and watched as the two dogs ran and tumbled all over each other. In his mind he wondered who they belonged to. He didn't see anyone nearby.


All of a sudden Charlie realized that it was getting late and that his family might be worried about him. Forgetting about the dogs, he picked up his backpack and started running. At the corner he turned onto Invergarten and raced for home. When he got to his bus stop, he saw Skyler sitting on the curb and his mother's car with Jack in the carseat coming through the gate. He knew he was in trouble.

Skyler jumped up with tears in her eyes and shouted at him, "Where have you been? I was so worried and Mom is going to be mad at both of us.

Charlie hung his head and said,"I'm sorry Skyler. I missed the bus and decided to walk home.
But, I have a secret to tell you."

Just then, Mom got out of her car and said, "Why are you guys so late? And Skyler why are you crying?"

Skyler wiped her eyes and said," Oh, it's nothing, the bus was late leaving school and I was afraid you would be mad and worried about us. We're okay." Skyler looked at Charlie and with her eyes said, you owe me one. You almost got us into big trouble.

Chapter 3

When they got home, Charlie told Skyler about the dogs he had seen in the park, and promised to show them to her later in the day when the babysitter came. Jane, came three afternoons a week to help out while mom was working on a project in the office. When she walked in the door, Charlie rushed up to her and begged her to take Skyler, Jack and him to the park. Ten minutes later, they were on their way. Mom yelled from the office, "You guys be careful and be home in an hour."



As they approached the park, Jane headed for a park bench with her magazine and told Skyler to watch the kids and not to play out of her sight. Charlie saw the dogs and whispered for Jack and Skyler to get down behinds some bushes to watch the dogs playing. They noticed that a man was near and that when he called to the dogs, they run up to him.




Charlie's heart hurt as he watched the man playing with his dogs. He wanted a dog of his own....a dog that he could take to the Cherokee Pet and Hobby Show. As Charlie watched, he made up his mind. Mom and Dad had said that we could have a dog "one day." Well, I think that today is the day. I just have to convince them that I will be responsible. All the way home from the park, Charlie talked to Skyler about his plan and she agreed to help him convince their parents that she also would be responsible for a new dog.



Chapter 4
That night, Charlie and Skyler approached their parents who were sitting in the family room. Dad was reading a book to Jack and mom was relaxing after getting things ready for the
next day. As Dad finished reading to Jack, Charlie said, "Dad, Mom...Skyler and I have something we want to talk to you about." Their parents stopped and turned to listen.

Skyler said, "Today at school the principal announced that the last Friday before Thanksgiving that there would be a hobby and pet show at Cherokee."
Charlie chimed in and talked about all the pets that would be entered and why couldn't they get a dog.....you promised that when we were older we could.....and I'll take care of it everyday....and Skyler and I will do it together and help each other...and we will be responsible and .........

Dad and Mom looked at each other and then at Charlie and Skyler. "We have noticed that you are being more responsible," Dad said. You are making your bed each morning, you are being helpful without being asked, you are both doing well in school, and we think that now may be the time to bring a new member into our family." Mom smiled at her children and said, "Dad and I will talk about this tonight and then talk to you in the morning." Charlie, Jack, and Skyler were smiling from ear to ear.

The next morning at the breakfast table, Charlie and Skyler sat quietly as they ate their eggs and pancakes. They were too afraid to look at Mom or Dad. What if they said "no."
Finally, Mom turned to Dad and said, well Charles how shall we spend our Saturday? Dad turned to Charlie, and Skyler, and Jack and said, I think we will first stop by the Pet Shop. Charlie, Skyler and Jack started screaming, and jumping from one parent to the other.
Charlie turned to them and said, "You are the Best Parents ever and we love you."



Sunday, October 10, 2010

WELCOME TO OUR HOME



8:00 On a Sunday Evening

These impatiens have been on our porch since early summer and are actually doing better with the cooler weather. Though we have had frost, they seem to be unaffected. The Endless Summer hydranga is still blooming and has bloomed all summer. This plant truly lives up to its name. I am going to plant them in the ground by the end of the month and hope that they return next year. The iceberg roses are out of sight behind one of the columns, but they will also go into the ground. In previous years, I have allowed them to die and just replaced them the following year. But, I'll plant and hope for the best.



Reworked Costco Wreath

I am recycling my three year old Costco wreath this year. I purchased a larger size twig wreath from Tai Pan and wired the old onto the new. The ribbons are what I love most. Several years ago, Chuck and I travelled to San Antonio for a little get away with Judy and Carl. When I visit a new city or town, I like to cruise through the most "chi chi" neighborhoods and check out the landscape. San Antonio definitely had a lovely Tex/Mex feel which I appreciated, but was nothing I had not seen in California. Until.......I noticed trees and hoops and other objects tied with multi-colored ribbon. The ribbon is gathered together in one hand with the lengths equal or different. Judy said that this was their way of celebrating a party, or a special event in their family. They were magnificent. Some tied high in the beautiful oak trees with the ribbon hanging 3, 4, or 5 feet long. I loved it! It was such a simple idea, and gave me such an uplifting feeling. Hence, my wreath. When I first tied it onto the wreath, it was hanging straight down, but after a gusty wind it spread itself all over the wreath, and I like the look even better.

Saturday, October 9, 2010

LIVING OFF THE LAND................AND WATER



These trout were caught at Strawberry Reservoir. The corn and tomatoes were grown in my garden.



This trout was pan fried in butter and garlic and then covered with a lemon butter sauce with capers. The tomatoes and slivered peppers were grown in my garden. The pots of rosemary were given to me by Jenny. From time to time when I am "feeling gourmet" I snip a little off to favor lamb, or pork. My garden is no longer and the remnants have been tossed into my compost pile.

The fish are not biting well at Strawberry, even though Chuck has purchased every lure and line sold at Cabelas. Part of the problem is that he has to release any cutthroat trout between 15 and 22 inches. Each fishing trip, he releases two or three 18-21 inch fish. It kills me, but these fish eat the chub (trash fish) that would take over the lake if allowed to multiply. He can keep any size rainbow trout as long as his total for both is not over 4. Actually 8, because he can keep four more on my license. I am usually reading, sleeping, or running errands (bring me the knife, ruler, pole, lure, sandwich, coke, jacket, or net. I am not the best "netter" and he is usually in a fit by the time the fish is actually in the net). I am sometimes requested to steer the boat and warned not to venture into depths less than 50 feet. If I am not paying attention and go below 50 feet, all the special gadgets on the downriggers are torn off by the rocks on the bottom. This happened while we were at Flaming Gorge and he was none too happy. But, he knew better than to scold me.

Though I am not a fisher lady, I do enjoy being out on the water and even more I looove....eating trout fried in cornmeal. Now, if I had a "mess of okra" to fry with my fish, I would be in "hog heaven."