Birds of a feather

A recent visit to a "city" farm was to give the kids a break away from the regular cycle of things. I feel it accomplished that and more. The find of the day was certainly the poor water snake that happened to be out when an inquisitive boy came by. Does he look like he is enjoying the moment -- Erik, not the snake!
It (the snake) was so close but did she really want to touch it? I'm not sure but Claire finally got up enough courage to reach out and touch someone, er, thing.

We were constantly in the company of birds (more on that later) but we also got to see some sheep, pigs, and certainly horses. The two older ones headed off to play in the tree house but Miss Cowgirl had to see the horses with grandpa. As you can see, Mr. Ed (a former TV show about a talking horse for you less cultured readers) had some things to visit with his little pal about down here on the farm.

We had a fun time and are thankful for those that have established "city farms" to make it easy to see the animals.

It wasn't until I was reviewing the photos of the outing that I noticed the beauty and diversity of the birds on the farm. They were just the usual geese, ducks, chickens that you see on a farm but they weren't just usual. I invite you to take a minute to pause at each of the following photos and look at the beautiful animals that God has created. Their form is varied, the colors run from somewhat plain to vivid. However, even on the "plain" ones, look at the colors around the eyes, etc. The pallet of variety is a beautiful sight to behold. Now, as you go out today, look out into the world around you. Enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells and thank Him for the experience.

A day in retirement

4:34 a.m. Eyes open and look at clock. Hmm ... 4 minutes until the alarm goes off. I might as well get up so the alarm doesn't wake Louise. I later found out that she woke up every hour but what else is new! I got up and headed off for swimming. It was a good morning and I swam my 1250 yards.

5:55 a.m. As I drove up to the house, I saw the entrance hall light on so I knew Louise was on the downstairs treadmill. Good for her. She is such a hard worker and takes good care of herself. I certainly married up.

6:25 a.m. I fixed oatmeal and toast for breakfast. Nothing fancy but we both enjoy that type of meal to get us going.

7:00 a.m. Louise is on her way to school. I did a quick review of e-mail (junk) then reviewed the merit badge list for the ward. I may sign up for a couple more as a counselor.

7:20 a.m. We are getting low on bread and I have never made it by myself so today is the day. I knew we had dough enhancer but it was not on the recipe so after a quick check on the internet I was ready to go. I ground the wheat, lined up the other ingredients, and away I went. I am still challenged to determine when it is done but I think it turned out OK. Note the Norwegian sign behind the bread -- "Giv os idag vort daglige brod" (Give us today our daily bread). Nice. I gave three small loaves away to the neighbors.

10:00 a.m. Time to get the pruning all done. I finished the apple trees last Friday but the dogwood and lilac still needed to be done. While I was at it I did a bit more on the apricot then topped our neighbor's pear tree. By the time I gathered it up and piled it in the front yard it was 12:20 p.m.

12:30 p.m. Lunch was home made bread covered with the leftovers from our Indian food from Saturday night. I about choked laughing at a Reader's Digest article on practical jokes. A guy saw a dead deer by the side of the road so he hurried home, got his Santa suit on, and went back and laid next to the deer. Just then a school bus loaded with kids drove by and they freaked out!! I thought it was really funny.

I also checked with two of my block captains (ward emergency preparedness) because they did not call in last night during my walkie talkie test. All checked out just fine.

12:55 p.m. I went out to the newly barbered (or butchered) trees and gave them their annual dormant spray. I want to get completely rid of that San Jose scale. I also did the neighbor's trees.

2:30 p.m. I was covered with the oil mist so once done spraying, I came in and showered.

3:00 p.m. I am low on dormant spray. I might want to give them a 2nd shot in a week so I headed to IFA and got it plus a new bag of Imidan (great apple spray -- only has to be done every three weeks).

3:30 p.m. I was going to do some things at the desk (turn piles into files, etc.) but I decided to remove two packages of zucchini from the freezer and made some soup. It will be a good supper.
I did not use MSG. No need.

4:30 p.m. I measured the garden and am now going to plan it out for the season.

Yes sir -- I sure am glad that retirement is such a laid back event. Actually, I am very thankful that I can be up and doing. Because I got the outside jobs done today, I am looking forward to spending all tomorrow morning in the temple.

Grandchildren are for loving

We (Louise and I) so much enjoy being with each of our children, their spouse, and our grandchildren. Each new experience adds to a great store of joy that I feel can only be gained by actually experiencing it. I feel bad for those that say the sweetest sight is the tail lights as the family leaves. I always learn something about those I am with or something about myself with each new visit. To illustrate, I will share four experiences:

Salvation Mountain, Niland, California
When I was visiting the family in February, I hard about Salvation Mt. near the Salton Sea so I loaded the kids and off the five of us went. Some call him the Desert Prophet. Hmmm -- sounds like a teaching opportunity. We had the opportunity of meeting Mr. Leonard Knight. He had been living in that area for fifty years -- the last thirty in a make shift camper. He started to build up his mountain (actually a hill) and it is in a state of constant expansion. Much of what you see are straw bales covered with adobe and paint that is donated. It was interesting to visit and to see the honor that he gives God.

A view of the kids from atop the mountain.

Mr. Knight has built a "cave" out of tree branches, bales, and his tree trunks are made out of stacked tires (tractor and truck tires on this large tree) covered with adobe. Colorful with nice messages but not a place to be during an earthquake!

The cave is on the right of the photo with the mountain taking the rest of the vista. He also has a tractor, two trucks, another car, and two motorcycles decorated with his messages. As we drove down the road at our departure, I asked "What is a prophet?". "A good person", "someone that teaches good things", "someone that can make good things happen" (i.e., by their fruits), then finally "someone that has authority to speak for God." We decided THE prophet lives in Salt Lake City.

Water Polo

Water polo is not for wimps. I watched them practice then participate in their matches in the 7.5 foot deep pool and decided it is a great way to get in shape. I appreciate their dedication and spirit of enthusiasm for the sport. Way to go kids!

That is Reagan being "blocked" by a competitor. This is not a sport for softies.

At Home

We are glad we have one family with grandchildren that live somewhat close so we can visit for a weekend. I wrote earlier how I learn something new with each visit. All you need to do is sit knee to knee with this little "I can do it myself" and you learn something! She is a sweetie and fun to read to and to go to the park to play. Being outside is a real treat to her.

Louise, as usual, took some fun things with us on our last trip -- this time was bubbles with a big wand. We had fun on the late winter day in the park with bubbles.

It just so happened that we were there for Janae's birthday. The party was attended by about 8-10 couples with their children so it was a noisy, fun time. It looks to me like it was a good time had by everyone. The friendships are genuine and oh so valuable. The help goes both ways.

The story goes that the young driver shown below was cruising down the sidewalk one day so it was decided that there would be a time trial (Olympics just having been completed) driving around orange cones in the driveway. It was truly a time for fun for everyone. Erik was the only child. Some adults did OK and some need to practice with a joy stick at some game console.

Native American Day

The kids were at our house for a few days so we took them to the Native American Day at the university. I have never seen so many different outfits as were worn that day. It was spectacular! I appreciate the culture that is being preserved through their dress, dances, and art work.

The women had two basic types of dress -- the bell dress shown here or one with beautiful shawls and bead work.

After about 45 minutes, Erik said "Well, it's time to go home." I like that directness -- no misunderstanding there. We did enjoy a Navajo taco, some fry bread, and souvenir shopping.

We had to stop at the store on the way home. Louise was in the store and the four of us in the car that quickly became too small. We had a contest of who could open the widest. Erik won!!

And on this side of the golf cart ...

On my recent twelve day tour of duty to the Indio area (68F is rough duty -- I even had to wear a jacket in the evenings), I was was taken to another world called Tradition Golf Club in La Quinta, CA. I knew that I was in for a rough time when I approached the club house and saw a car that I had no idea what it was but it looked expensive ( I found out that it was a Maserati). I walked into the richly dark stained wood office area and was invited to wait for my host who turned out to be my own daughter Heidi! OK, relax Martin. No one will know that you once had a Vega and you made your children drink powdered milk. Heidi and I had a great afternoon. She introduced me to her boss then we headed out for a golf cart and a nice afternoon of visiting and me saying "wow, look how beautiful this place is." We are pleased that Heidi can work so close to home and with a group of good people. It also doesn't hurt to be associated with the members of the board that, shall we say, have very influential backgrounds and contacts.

A tour starts with a good tour guide. She shared fun facts about the area, the people (no names, just info), and as always it was fun to talk business. We can always find something to talk about and business is often the default subject. She did a good job driving and we only got lost once but that is the same place she got lost last time she was out so she is batting, er, swinging, 100.

The front nine holes are landscaped as you see below although this flower display was the largest that I saw. The back nine is a desert landscape (dead looking is a more descriptive term for this old mountain boy). However, in defense of the Tradition Golf Course, these wasn't a "dead" twig or grain of sand out of place. The care of the grounds is truly spectacular. Between holes 9 & 10 there is a little restaurant where one can get some refreshments. I am not talking vending machines folks. Two people were ready to help so I helped myself with some ice cream then noticing that they had sandwiches, I had a laks (i.e., salmon) sandwich. Very good!

Heidi told me that there are more sand bunkers on two of the holes than are found on most 18 hole courses. They were covered in beautiful white sand that were waiting to swallow some innocent golf ball. By the way, that isn't a motel at the other end of the fairway, there are some very nice homes lining the course.

Yours truly is standing on one the beginning of fairway #17 (I think). How about that for a view -- the course, not me. This is not a course for a beginner but if you had the $$$ and no golfing experience, I guess the resident golf pro could get you some help. Off to the right is the beginning of a man-made stream that cascades down the mountain to the fairway where it is pumped back up the mountain (see the photo below).

I did have a good time with the Risks. There are a wonderful involved family. Water polo, science fair projects, etc., keep them busy. Reagan's and Tre's projects are shown below. Madison's and Joshua's projects were just as nice. Congratulations to the group for earning the right to advance to the next level for your science fair projects.

A thank you to the family for having a "birthday" party for me on the last night I was there. The lemon meringue pie (umm, Eagle Brand filling with graham cracker crust) was a wonderful treat.

Out with the old, in with the new ... floor

"Oh, don't worry Martin, you can do it yourself." That encouragement from neighbors sounded good so I decided to save the $1020 bid to remove the old floor and install the new laminate. After looking at 10-15 samples, we decided on one and our neighbor gives a "neighbor" discount (I knew the prices and it was a discount) so I placed the order and committed myself to do the job.

Jared was a great help on day one where the carpet was removed from the dining area (10 minutes) and the old wood was removed ONE PIECE AT A TIME with a chisel and hammer (12 hours total). Last look at the "old".

I saved some of those few sections that came up 4-5 pieces at a time. I am going to mount them on cork and use them as glass coasters.

We didn't actually mean to have it look like Utah but that's the way it happened as the last section was coming out.

Mike who sold me the flooring was very helpful. He came over when I first started and gave me several helpful hints on getting things lined up to make sure the area started off right. Dennis D loaned me his table and chop saws that were the core of the tools but others were borrowed from two other neighbors. I asked Mike how long it would take an experienced installer to do the job and he said likely one long day. Oh it was one long day allright --- to get the first eight boards installed! It took me five days to get the job done but at my wage it was a good deal.

The biggest challenge was in the bannister area in the entrance hall. I cut the piece below but couldn't get it around the post so I had to cut it (the cut piece, not the bannister) in one place. It still came out looking quite good. The entrance hall and dining area put stresses on the area by the coat closet so I had to glue some boards (it is an interlocking and free floating floor) to each other to get them to stay together.

As with many remodeling projects, once you start it there are areas that need to be also updated and this is no exception. I purchased 400 feet of baseboard moulding that now needs to be stained and sealed to complete the job. Having done that type of job in the basement, I can do that without too much problem.

For now, we are pleased with the new look. I think it will suit us just fine. Louise is finishing off the decorating with selecting some rugs to give it a completed look.

Let's see, where should we go with that $1020 we saved? Not to worry, it will be spent.

Eagle Eye Erik

I'll share the rest of the story -- or blog title -- a bit later. However, it sums up our past week with the Stephenson family. We had a delightful time going to Janae and Jeff's home to spend a few days with them. We always enjoy spending time with our family and since Erik and Claire still had one week of "off track" time left, why not spend some of it with them and their family!

The park near their home has a great little hill for sledding. While Megan took a nap, Louise and I went with Claire and Erik to test our endurance. No one could match flyboy Erik as he zoomed off of the jump. Actually, no one but Erik went off of the jump. Louise and I did not want to go to the InstaCare center with dislocated arms, legs, ... you get the point. However, that did not stop us from having fun on the sleds. As you can see, Louise is completely enjoying herself with the kids.

After sledding we went on a hike in the mountains south west of Daybreak with Janae, Megan and the rest of the crew. We spotted three eagles (Golden, a young Bald, and a mature Bald eagle) on the way to the trail head. Janae said they often see wild turkeys on the trail/road but not this time. Instead we were met with a lady, her two year old son, and two bouncing dogs. It was fun visiting with them -- well, with the lady, and petting her dogs.

We left for Cache Valley mid-morning on Monday (18 January 2010) and headed for Hardware Ranch up Blacksmith Fork canyon by Hyrum. We were only at about mile 3 of 17 when Erik said "there is a Bald eagle!". We missed it but he was sure he saw it in a tree by the river. Following our visit to the elk, it was still by the river so we turned around and I got proof of Eagle Eye Erik.

We had fun at Hardware Ranch. They weather was around 30F so it wasn't too cold. They had four wagons going so we did not have to wait for a ride and our driver was laid back and took his time when we were out in the 400+ elk. When Claire saw the drivers 4" long handlebar moustache, she said "look at his moustache!" It was quite impressive and made him look official.

After the ride, we went to the visitors center where they have pelts of a bunch of animals (Claire seemed to like the beaver best -- it was very soft). I couldn't get Megan to sit next to the cougar but Claire spread her wings but didn't come close to the wingspan of the golden eagle.

On Tuesday while Claire and Erik were at school with Louise, Megan and grandpa needed to shovel some snow. We stopped for a break and made a little snowman. We got to the stage where the body was made and Megan said we needed to give him a face. I got some chocolate chips and on went the face. However, when I started to shovel more snow Megan decided he didn't need a face after all and the chips went into her mouth! Janae later said Megan loves chocolate chips -- yep, she is right.

I swim with a fellow that has eleven goats and uses them for hauling his back packing supplies to the Windrivers, etc. The big guys can haul 40-60 pounds each and will eat most anything so they just tag along for the hike. He said he had just purchased two new week old goats in Cedar City so I got an OK for us to visit them at feeding time. Claire and Erik fed them a bottle and everyone was able to join them in their new home.

It was a great week. As usual, the children were a delight to be with and reflected the good upbringing they are receiving from two very good parents. We plan on doing it again during their Spring break. We thank all of our children and their many efforts to have eternal marriages and to be successful parents.