The ghost of Nurse Martha

Who in the world is Nurse Martha you ask? It all goes back to the Lava Hot Springs hospital built just after the turn of the century where we stayed on Monday and Tuesday. Well OK, it is not a hospital anymore but is now the Lava Hot Springs Inn. We were told that the Inn is haunted and seen by at least the ghosts of the nurses, specifically guests have claimed to see Nurse Martha, that formerly worked there. No, we didn't see them but we did meet some interesting characters.

Let's just say that life is different in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho. With a population of 700 and in the middle of nowhere, life is a bit slow in the winter. Also, from the residents that I met, their philosophies are on the left side of the scale (i.e., a blue city in a red state). Anyway, let's start at the beginning.

Louise and I needed to get away from it all for a couple of days so we took a look at Lava Hot Springs. I searched around and it seemed that the Inn would be a good place to stay. Bottom line after staying there -- I think we made the right choice. I booked the reservation then left at 10:30 a.m. on Monday for the 80 mile drive. We turned off I-15 at McCammon and drove eleven miles to Lava Hot Springs (middle of no where). I was quite impressed with the Portneuf River as it meandered through the valley -- perhaps some trout reside there. Anyway, we arrived and walked up to the entrance. OK, some paint was chipped off the door and the wood was a bit split but we walked up the stairs and it looked "like the Bates' Motel!" The 50s something owner greeted us and the check in process was rather standard other than her conversation that was punctuated with some profanities that seemed part of her everyday word usage. Hmm, oh well, nothing that I didn't hear from my uncles as I grew up. We had an old fashioned key to unlock the door, however, the key did not work from the inside. Perhaps Martin could lock the door, then climb through the window? After several jigglings, we got it to lock. The room was mostly fine -- comfortable bed, nice fancy tub -- but the "bathroom/toliet" was a nook with no door. At least we could turn up the TV. Oh yes, the TV. I tried out the TV and the VCR/DVD worked just fine but I couldn't get the cable TV to work. I muttered something about where is Jared when I can use him. I went out to Ms. Owner to ask for help and she said she did not know how it worked. Nice service. After considerable effort, I finally went in to "Setup" on the TV and moved the indicator to "Antenna" and presto, we had 100 stations. All was well. Louise was able to watch the Weather channel.

Restaurant recommendations/Dinner -- We asked Ms Owner where to eat that evening. "Oh, I hope you didn't come here to find decent food. You might want to try the deli at the supermarket or a pizza, there isn't much else." As you know, I am not one to go to fancy places, but I was hoping .... . Well, we took a walk around town (10 minutes down one side of Main and back up the other). Sure enough, they have a supermarket. I told Louise it reminded me of a slightly enlarged convenience store. We did go into the Chuckwagon Diner because it may hold some hope of a non-supermarket/pizza supper. We went back to the Chuchwagon that evening. Louise ordered a scone and a bowl of chili and I ordered a meatball sandwich (the special) with a green salad. I received my salad with the raspberry vinegaret side dressing (well, it was in a squeeze bottle like ketchup but it is more economical that way, you know, no waste in those little cups where you don't use all of it anyway!). Louise's chili was fine. After about 35 minutes we finally got our main course. It does, you know, take some real finesse to carefully open up a hoagie roll and pour sauce and meatballs over it and drop on a couple of slices of processed cheese. Louise's scone, unfortuatelly, was a bit crisp on the outside and sort of done on the inside. Maybe the deli wasn't such a bad recommendation. Truly, dinner was OK but we have had better. We were told by several guests that there was a great Thai diner in town but it was closed on Mondays. Great.

The pools -- This was all good. They have five pools ranging from 44 degrees (a small cold pool that we did not get in), two small hot pools, one medium hot pool, and one large (20' X 80'). The hot pools ranged from 100-107 degrees. We enjoyed them in the afternoon, the evening, then again Tuesday morning. While in the pools, we had conversations with a local (the resident massage therapist who was clearly one of the blue residents in this blue town) who was pleasant, and a fellow that lived near by who told us they drain the pools twice a week to clean them (bleach spray then rinse) so they don't get slimy (that's good). Louise had just told one lady that because we couldn't be in Costa Rica we came to Lava when two guys wandered by us (I had heard them speaking Spanish). Louise asked the one where he was from and he said Costa Rica! "Pura Vida!" We (mostly Louise) had a fun time visiting with him and his friend from Salt Lake City (originally from the Yucatan area of Mexico). We expressed how much we enjoyed Costa Rica and the Cancun areas. I was visiting with another couple who were from Idaho Falls and I mentioned that we lived by Logan. She said that they go occasionally go to Mendon to visit her uncle. Upon inquiring, her uncle is Wade Quinlan who was my Priest advisor. I told her how much I look up to Wade and that I frequently see him as he is a temple worker. Small world. Even though the air was around 30 degrees, we could soak then sit on the edge and feel fine with the warm vapors swirling around us. The next morning we were visiting with a couple that had been soaking at 10:30 the previous evening. They said the maintenance guy came out and without saying anything, pulled the plug to drain and clean the pool as they sat in it! They decided to get out before they got sprayed with the bleach solution!

Breakfast -- It was advertised that the Inn serves a nice cooked breakfast. It is posted that it is from 8-10 a.m. but Ms. Owner said it would be at 9:00 a.m. OK, I can live with that since we had some treats to hold my regular 7 a.m. breakfast stomach over to 9:00. We went downstairs at 8:55 a.m. and the kitchen and dining area were dark! Hey, even though I am on vacation I have a schedule to keep! (I'm hopeless). By the time Ms. Owner drove in at 9:00, a gaggle of guests were starting to form in the serving area. She flew into the kitchen and started to fix scrambled eggs. This lady has no concept of multi-tasking. She fixed the eggs, then did hash brown potatoes and put them on the warming trays that were plugged in but didn't work. She then mixed up some waffle mix and put those in. By now the eggs and potatoes were gone but gee, we need to wait for the waffles to be done. Once the waffles were out, she did not refill the grill but did some eggs. In the mean time, the juice and milk were out so one of the guests refilled them! Oh yes, the waffles need to be done and as she realized that the batter was out, Louise saw her use her finger to scrape the last of the batter out of the bowl! No wonder they tasted good. Actually, Louise said they were very good with a applesauce and nutmeg or cinnamon base. We did get through breakfast and were well filled but it was more of an experience that we had planned. After, we went out for a soak just to relax.

We did have fun. I don't know that we will go on July 4th when the population swells to 24,000 so the SE Idaho folks can see the fireworks come off the mountain. The fellow that told us about the event said the grass on the mountain side catches fire but it "just burns up to the rock wall so it is OK". All that happens in this little blue town in a red state. For interest, "The Inn" is featured in Sunset magazine in January 2009.

Ghost Nurse Martha's residence (The Inn) with fireworks hill in the background

Louise acting brave

Martin & Louise enjoying the soak The big pool (we did some laps in this pool)

Sources of light

25 December 2008

Louise and I enjoyed last evening with the Reeses in Benson. Visiting, good food, and a reinactment of the first Christmas using Chad and Janet's children as the key cast members complete with numerous songs made for a special evening. After a short stop at home we headed to the church for the 11:00 pm Lynn Thomas organ recital (5th annual). We got to bed at 12:20 am. I woke up at 7:00 then drifted off until 7:25. I got up to leave sleeping beauty additional zzzs and wandered around the house.

The early morning light was just starting to drift in the house. I picked up my trusty Nikon D300 and started to look around the house for sources of light. Some sources were common to everyday and others were united with our Christmas season. All merited my attention and I captured the images of some of them. I share them and some photos that I took yesterday as I made my daily trip to the post office.

Yep, it's still winter. Thanks for the moisture, we will need it next summer. Well, good Christmas morning Hyde Park!

How about that for a view out of the Post Office window. Yes, it is cold but no flies for a few months almost makes it worth it.

This is a free work of art. The sun, a very reliable source of light, made this ordinary weed a beautiful thing to behold.

The flag caught my attention as I left the Post Office. Not only is it a beautiful image but as citizens of our great country, it represents something, a type of light, from within us. It is sometimes difficult to describe, but we know our patriotism is real and represents a great cause.

As I was looking for sources of light this morning, I looked at the snowflake (using reflected light to look nice), and the ornament with a nice message (Let There Be Light), but I needed something more.

Once I saw the candle, I thought, "Now I am getting somewhere on this "sources of light" thing. It is giving off its own light. We need that in our lives.

I went from the kitchen to the living room. The peacefulness caused me to pause and take the sight in. It was pretty with its sources of light but even more it was loaded with memories and those things things that make seeking the true light worth it.

I looked at the tree then ....

Then I looked at what was just behind the tree and rediscovered this early Christmas morning the meaning of Christmas and the true source of light and happiness.

OUR FAMILY

The most meaningful present to tie all things together...

The Savior Jesus Christ

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2008

Mice for snacks

Here are the mice. Barbara Darley did the cherry/candy kiss one and I made the truffle ones.

Winter here and food could be scarce --- but it isn't. I have been making treats to take to the ward social this evening so I used my handy dandy "Taste of Home Simple & Delicious" book and created some mice.

It has been a varied week (pause, I need to put some clothes in the dryer and start another washer load) -- there, now where was I. Oh yes, this week. I had a great day yesterday being a consultant to Rex Spendlove's company. They are gearing up for a customer audit next month so I led them through a mock audit. They have some work to do. They said it was the most useful audit they had ever had so I made my point. I also pointed out that I had just skimmed the surface and I could help even more. I then said this was an introduction of me to them but future visits will cost them. It will be interesting to see if I am invited back.

Jared did a good job completing four home study classes and obtained good grades. He will be busy with five classes next semister but all on campus. We will miss him Christmas Eve but he will be on the Kotter farm west of Tremonton with Lisa's family.

Louise is due for a two week rest! She is wrapping up a busy December today with the junior people.

We certainly enjoyed our trip to California and Steve's visit. Some photos follow:

Sunset in "no-where" California.

The group at General Sherman.

Anyone seen Joshua?

Now that is a tree trunk!
This guy did not eat us but those yellow eyes were checking us out. (a coyote)

Steve with the family. Terri is recovering very quickly following a knee replacement.

A view from our kitchen window a little while ago --- Jared will be doing our sidewalks while I head up to do a widow's that I home teach and then help at the church. Ah, the joy of the season.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Summer has ended

I was inspired to write a bit after reading Lindsay's latest blog entry and laughing until tears came. Oh Lindsay, you are such a good part of our family! I am thinking of fishing tomorrow but it will be only the fourth time this summer because of high water then one project after another. Today was typical of my days: 5:30am worked on my Sunday School lesson for this Sunday. I fixed waffels for the family's breakfast. My outside projects included foam insulating along the foundation any possible opening that would let cold air into our home, picking all of the plums (2 X 5 gal buckets) and Johathan apples (2 bushels), cleaning up gravel along the edge of the new sidewalks (thanks to Jared for joining me) then cleaning up dirt on the lawn from digging out the grass for installing the sidewalks. I also harvested the pumpkins (4 X 15 lb), squash (24 X 5 lb), and cucumbers. I will harvest the tomatoes and peppers tomorrow because of 25F temperatures that will arrive on Friday. I will harvest the Red Delicious and Yellow Delicious apples on Thursday. The outside projects are coming to an end --- finally.















We had my Mom in the hospital for two days last week but she is doing much better. A bacterial kidney infection took her down.

We enjoyed conference week end. Richard had a hamburger fry so Rich, Robert, Dad, Nick, Jared, and I attended the Priesthood session in Mendon. Guys can bond too.

Well, some photos and I will sign off.













Janae covered the trip to Arches but I just wanted to add that I very much enjoyed the outing. I very much enjoy being with the family.














Mike Grunig, Gary Andersen, Dennis and Lee Darley and others helped with the finish work. It looks quite nice.














Logan Canyon by the Tony Grove turnoff. There were a few nice Cuts for catching.

This made me think of Jeff

More of Paris

A few more vacation photos:

Happy Father's Day 2008

15 June 2008

I wish to me, my good father, the fathers of our grandchildren, and all others who are fathers a Happy Father’s Day. It is a wonderful opportunity to be a father. I am so thankful for the sweet mother of our children – Louise is a beacon of strength to me and our family. I have had great joy in seeing our babies grow and develop and especially develop testimonies of all that is composed of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

It has certainly been an emotional roller coaster week. It was on the 7th when we found out about Janae’s ALS diagnosis. It was Sunday evening when Steven said to both Louise and I that we needed a blessing. At that point I have told some that I felt 80 years old and had a 150 pound weight on my back. I welcomed the invitation. About two-thirds the way through the blessing, I felt the weight lifted and replaced with assurance that God knows what is going on and His Son has experienced the pain of our suffering so they will take care of our family. Thanks to Steven for bearing and honoring the priesthood. It is interesting that Kristen has shared with us that as she entered the Stephenson home on the 8th (Sunday), the turmoil that she had been feeling was replaced by a calm and that all would be well. She does not know exactly what is “well” but she does know that it will be His will.

Lindsay and Brynn took us to the Frankfurt airport, we thankfully had an uneventful trip home on Monday, Carleton picked us up at the airport, and then we drove to Jeff and Janae’s home. We had a nice one hour visit where we were able to visit with Janae and Jeff and reassure them that we love and care for them. Janae is a very caring and a spiritually sensitive woman. The visit reassured us that “all will be well”.

I had some teary moments at work as I shared with some friends about Janae’s condition. I do appreciate the care and concern that has been shared by many of my co-workers, our friends and neighbors. I don’t even ask God “why”. Janae has led a very healthy life style, is an excellent athlete, has a young family, is way younger than average to get ALS – I do not believe that it is going to do any good to ask why. However, we are asking for a miracle. We don't know whether it will be with Janae’s health or our family’s spiritual well being and ability to be united in the challenge that lies before us. The miracle will come so we need to recognize it.

We are thankful that Charles and Kristen were able to arrive with their boys on Sunday. We enjoy them and appreciate experiences that we have with them. The Stephenson’s came up on Thursday and Friday. We all went to Bear Lake on Friday. It was cool, as was expected, but we did enjoy playing with the children in the sand and visiting.

I had the memo announcing my retirement on 30 June distributed on Tuesday. I started two years ago to seriously plan for that moment. I assembled my spreadsheets and I felt late last year that the cash flow numbers were still satisfactory as I looked out past age 70. I recommended the date and conditions in early February and they were largely met. I feel my departure is a win-win for me and my employer.

Prior to going to Europe, Jared pulled me aside and asked how I knew when I loved Louise enough to ask her to marry me. Oh how being with Lisa has changed our Jared! He has come out from his shy shell to begin to become the man that I knew would emerge. He is caring and does things that show his care and concern. While we were gone they purchased rings. Although I have not yet visited with him this morning, Jared’s plan was to last night officially ask Lisa to marry him as they went on a picnic in Salt Lake’s Red Butte Gardens. The family is happy for him.

Mother's Day, 11 May 2008

Come eat with us at the Indian Oven!! No more funny little tables but a real restaurant.











Thoughts on Mother's Day by Martin:

11 May 2008

Martin Peterson

It is a quiet, beautiful Sunday morning in Hyde Park, Utah. The green lawn is refreshing in concert with the pansies that Louise has in a planter on our patio. The apple trees are just starting to come out in bloom as is our neighbor’s pear tree. My radish and lettuce seeds and onion sets that I planted almost two weeks ago are up. I will likely plant the rest of our garden this week.

It is Mother’s Day. I have put the beef roast, carrots, and potatoes in a slow cooker for our supper. I have also made some brownies for us as well as to take to my folks this evening. I am so grateful for my mother and the mother of our children and our mother daughters. I consider myself to be very blessed to know that an unending eternal chain exists between those generations. I am eternally grateful to a loving God who made all of this possible.

I have gained so much from the women in my life. My mother taught me to work, to respect and work with others, and to have self-confidence. My sweet wife is a ray of sunshine in and outside of our home. I read today in the Church News that the word enthusiasm has a Greek root in entheos (in god) meaning “having God in us” or “being inspired by God”. Louise is the epitome of enthusiastic diligence. Our daughters (including Lindsey) are good mothers in every sense of the word and I am very proud of them.

Sheri Dew and Julie Beck, the current Relief Society president, are two women that I learn from every time I read their talks. Sister Dew spoke in the recent Women’s Conference at BYU on women’s influence for good. The five principles women need to understand are (1) Women have more influence that they think, (2) Righteous influence is a spiritual gift, (3) Having influence is not about elevating self but about lifting others, (4) It isn’t possible NOT to have influence, and (5) Women of God have influence that has no limit and no end. If I have the opportunity of sharing parting thoughts to a group of ThermoFisher employees, I am going to say that item #3 applies in the workplace and to my future activities.

My current work path is set. I signed and submitted an agreement this week. It is not yet public (Louise and our children’s families are the only ones that know) but June 30 is my last day. My work activities are becoming fewer all of the time so I saw a need this last Friday of a critical and rather visible project so I volunteered to head it up. I will be able to complete it by the time I leave. I believe an honest employee means an involved employee.

Other -- Well, I am prepared to teach my Gospel Doctrine class about Mosiah 7-11 (role of a seer, importance of remembering God in all that we do, and recognizing the blessings that come to us when we listen to the prophet). We will likely visit with Liz Allred this evening about what to see while we are in Paris with Steve’s family the first week of June. I spent yesterday teaching fifteen boy scouts about the Personal Management merit badge, mowing Berry Foster’s lawn (recovering from where he tore his quad muscle from his knee), and going to a community play with Louise.

Steve and Lindsay Beach Videos

Here are the videos that Lindsay put on Youtube of Brynne at the beach.

Steve and Lindsay

This is from the recent Email Steve sent out.

USS Reagan

Yes, we visited the USS Reagan. DJ, Reagan, and I went on a field trip (USS Reagan, Reagan Elementary, and Reagan Risk--the name was well represented). We saw everything from the flight deck to the bridge to what we THOUGHT were the missiles (but were really extra fuel tanks).

California Risks

Martin's thoughts at 15/60

29 February 2008

It is not often that I get to use a 29 February date. I have always had fun with my birth date and this year was no different. I used the “I am 15 today” several times and waited for the light to turn on with some until they realized what I was saying. I remember when Jared and I were twelve in the same year (1996) and Reagan and I will be sixteen in 2012. However, I am also sixty today and hopefully one year wiser. I thought sixty year olds were “old” but I don’t feel a lot different that I did twenty years ago. OK, so I can’t throw a ball as well or run a 100 yard dash as fast (blasted Achilles tendon), but I feel good and awake each day ready to get something accomplished.

If the past year had a theme for me, it would be “Evaluating life’s priorities”. As each quarter came and went and my PSA reading would be less than detectable each time, I breathed a sigh of relief and felt my gift of life was extended. I have had to ask myself “extended” for what? We have achieved our financial goal but I know that could be wiped out almost overnight so I am not holding that as fulfilling my life’s accomplishments on that theme. Besides, with each passing month I am more convinced that all of our stuff is just that so I am trying not to stock our shelves with things.

What else might it be? As I watch my parents age, as I am sure our children are doing with us, I must ask myself about my relationship with my parents. I know each time that I am with them or am visiting with them on the telephone, I welcome those moments. I still learn from them and often it is something I am discovering about myself. I still want to obtain a more complete history about Mom so I am hoping that can be accomplished in the near future. Mom continues to be hesitant so I hope that some day it isn’t too late.

Late last year I finally assembled several hundred of our photographic slides and sent them off for duplication. I have many more to do but it is something that must be done. I hope my family has the same experience as I did as I was reviewing them. I experienced joys and thoughts of time gone by but not lost. I moved from my mission years to our early marriage to some slides in the mid-1990s. I need to assemble about two more shipments but now I will be able to share the record with all of the children. I think it is good that we cannot view our individual lives in the future because that would interfere, I feel, with our God given agency. However, we all have plenty of guidance on those things of most importance to give us a good road map for joy and fulfillment in the future. All that needs to be done is to exercise the faith necessary and listen to the whisperings of the Spirit to move confidentially forward.

My best presents came with the hug from Louise and a visit from all of the children. As I see my relationship with Louise deepen and watch our children and their families grow and develop, it is truly pay back time. It is deeply satisfying in knowing that, as I received in my Patriarchal blessing, that my joy would be in seeing my children saying and doing the things that I would desire them to do. I appreciate my replacement for my worn out slippers, new shirt and pants, cologne, bag of Fritos, and the I Fly experience where I floated along in an 80 mph wind as if I were free falling. It was a fun experience – I am not going to throw myself out of a perfectly good airplane so that was my free fall experience.

What does the future year hold in store for me. I certainly do not know but I am making some strategic plans for my retirement. It will not just be a time for leisure but I intend on actively learning new things, developing skills and enlarging talents, and doing a great deal of service. I intend on leaving this world a better place than I find it in 2008.

Martin W. Peterson/Martin/Dad, Hyde Park, Utah

Superman Martin at I Fly

I had a great time at I Fly last night! Thanks to all. Louise and the Stephensons also got into the action by doing some great bowling -- Louise is the champion!

Now for the video.

Visit to the Stephenson's

20 Feb 2008

I am experimenting in posting a note but thought a couple of photos from our visit to the Stephenson's this past weekend would be useful. We did enjoy the excellent concert from the BYU group Living Legends with their beautiful costumes and dance from the islands of the Pacific as well as Latin and US America.

We enjoyed the visit with Janae, Jeff, and family.

Dad/Martin

Welcome to Peterson Times -- blog version!

Instead of the paper version, I thought that a blog might be more convenient for all of us. It will enable better sharing of photos, thoughts, and whatever you would like to share. It will be a private blog. Initially, I would like to see just our family (Martin & Louise clan) as members.

Anyway, I do hope it will encourage sharing and most importantly, continued appreciation for the tremendous strengths that are available to all of us as we share.