Sunday, August 25, 2013

Dear Kids,
          We’ve had a lot of rain here at the cabin, and we’re expecting more. It’s really odd, since we had such a long hot dry summer. I’m glad for the change. 
          Sharon and Seth left for home on Wednesday. We didn’t see them much the last 2 1/2 weeks they were here because they were off visiting everybody else, in our car, which we were glad to lend them. (Sharon wrote on facebook that they traveled 2,000 miles while they were here. Our Sienna was up for it!) So Dad and I drove the truck during that time, and had some good adventures. One afternoon we went up the canyon looking for hiking trails, and decided to check out an area called Cedar Hollow. We took off on a little road, thinking it would take us to a trail head, but it WAS the trail–a 4-wheeler trail. It got steeper and rockier, with a cliff off one side and a mountain on the other. Naturally we couldn’t turn around or back up, so we kept going. Eventually we came to a turnout with several other trails coming off it. Long story short: we turned around and got back down OK. Now we can say we’ve been 4-wheelin’ in a Chevy truck with 2-wheel drive.
          Our new house is still just sitting there, but we have some indications that Fieldstone Homes might be willing to finish it up. I’m not very eager to actually live there, but I really want to move our stuff in and sort it out. Where are my winter clothes? My sewing supplies? Where’s my colored cardstock? Those sorts of things. Besides, there’s at least one dead mouse under our furniture in the greenhouse. Maybe more. I’m anxious to move everything out and clean up the detritus before winter. 
          If you drive past our old house in West Valley, along 4100 South, you can see that the Salgueros have planted corn in the back yard. It’s taller than the fence. Go, Guatemalans!
          We’re doin’ great and lovin’ it. Hope you all are too!
          Love, Mom

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Dear Kids,
          Sharon and Donna put on a fun party yesterday here at the cabin. They showed up with their husbands and kids, and Holly and Tim Fower (Sharon and Seth’s old friends from way back) with their four kids. Right in the middle of the party a big storm blew in (Lucy said it was "very thundering") and we had a great downpour. So it was the best possible afternoon.
          Dad and I had spent the morning laying sod, dead sod, actually, on the sledding hill. We’ve been working on that project most of the summer. I put down dead sod about four years ago, but it didn’t hold up to the climate here, and the deer. This time I’m overseeding it with sheep fescue and watering it to get it going. We picked up our current batch of sod on Friday, at Donna’s work site high up in Deer Crest. No wonder she likes her job! The view over the Jordanelle is incredible. Plus, she’s "outside," planting trees and shrubs, driving a truck around . . . what’s not to like?!
          Dad and I are still going to the Heber Senior Center on Thursdays, (the Wasatch Center), enjoying their great meals and getting our chess club started. We always have at least one person show up, but it seems to be somebody different every week. Last Thursday we had two 12-year-old twin boys who just moved here from Burley. They love chess, and they said they want to come every week. They told us they don’t mind hanging out with "old" people. Fortunately we don’t mind hanging out with 12-year-olds. We had a lot of fun.
          The comedy of our new house goes on and on. It’s been nearly nine months. Right now they’re still waiting for the right garage doors to come in. (They gave us plain doors, when we paid a lot extra for doors with windows at the top). But if they were really serious about finishing and closing, you’d think they would have everything else done and be ready to go. But they still haven’t finished leveling the lot across the street and removing the debris, which our contract says they will do. And they haven’t done the final paint job, including all the outside doors. Dad and I haven’t been inside for three weeks, because it’s all locked up now, so we don’t know what else hasn’t been finished up. I try not to think about it too much.
          Nevertheless, life is good. I love you all! Mom

Monday, August 12, 2013

Dear Kids,
          Dad and I are still recovering from the excitement of the family reunion. Thanks to all of you who made it happen! The Tetons are always beautiful, and it was great having nearly all of our family together. Almost anything you do with that many people is bound to be fun.
          Speaking of fun, Sharon and her kids were here until Tuesday afternoon. On Monday, Dad and I needed to go to Home Depot, and we took everybody along. Surprisingly, it turned out to be lots of fun. The kids and I checked out playground kits in the back of the store, and they each took one of the booklets showing all the swings and slides and pirate accessories. They walked through the store looking at the pictures of forts, while Dad and Sharon and I looked at refrigerators and washing machines and flooring. Later, at home, we planned the fort we’re going to build next summer when the Thacker kids come back. (Any other grandchildren who would like to help will be welcome.) This fort is going to be at the new house, of course. (Assuming that Fieldstone Homes is every ready for us to occupy it.) Besides the fort, we’re going to have the big swings, an airplane teeter-totter, a sand digger, and a grown-ups bench. It will be a real playground. I pointed out to Sharon that we’re slowing down on grandchildren, so maybe we shouldn’t be so extravagant with the play equipment, but she said there will always be more grandchildren. 
          Besides our trip to Home Depot, we also had fun playing in the river. I don’t remember it ever being so low, and it might never be this low again. A couple hundred yards down from the bridge, it’s only rocks, with water running around them. Conrad was totally thrilled, wading around and sitting right down in the little pools. Charlie found a pool big enough to fall into. Everybody who wanted to get wet, did. Having that much fun in the river made me realize that the best times are often the most spontaneous and cheapest things you can do.
          Last night Dad and I drove to Logan for Stefanie’s brother’s wedding reception. I know, Brad was totally single when Paul and Stefanie got married in April, and he didn’t even catch the garter when they threw it. (Dave Michelson did.) But one of his former girlfriends came home from a mission to Spain, and their romance took off like a rocket. Dad and I really enjoyed seeing all Stefanie’s family again, and we had a good time visiting with Paul, while Stefanie and her friend Ann were out decorating the car. The Riebens are happy to have all their children well-married now, although they never expected to have TWO weddings in four months.
          Summer is sure winding down fast. Autumn comes early here at the cabin, but we’re up for it! Winter, too!
          Lots of love, Mom

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Dear Kids,
          Dad and I are still recovering from the excitement of the family reunion. Thanks to all of you who made it happen! The Tetons are always beautiful, and it was great having nearly all of our family together. Almost anything you do with that many people is bound to be fun.
          Speaking of fun, Sharon and her kids were here until Tuesday afternoon. On Monday, Dad and I needed to go to Home Depot, and we took everybody along. Surprisingly, it turned out to be lots of fun. The kids and I checked out playground kits in the back of the store, and they each took one of the booklets showing all the swings and slides and pirate accessories. They walked through the store looking at the pictures of forts, while Dad and Sharon and I looked at refrigerators and washing machines and flooring. Later, at home, we planned the fort we’re going to build next summer when the Thacker kids come back. (Any other grandchildren who would like to help will be welcome.) This fort is going to be at the new house, of course. (Assuming that Fieldstone Homes is every ready for us to occupy it.) Besides the fort, we’re going to have the big swings, an airplane teeter-totter, a sand digger, and a grown-ups bench. It will be a real playground. I pointed out to Sharon that we’re slowing down on grandchildren, so maybe we shouldn’t be so extravagant with the play equipment, but she said there will always be more grandchildren. 
          Besides our trip to Home Depot, we also had fun playing in the river. I don’t remember it ever being so low, and it might never be this low again. A couple hundred yards down from the bridge, it’s only rocks, with water running around them. Conrad was totally thrilled, wading around and sitting right down in the little pools. Charlie found a pool big enough to fall into. Everybody who wanted to get wet, did. Having that much fun in the river made me realize that the best times are often the most spontaneous and cheapest things you can do.
          Last night Dad and I drove to Logan for Stefanie’s brother’s wedding reception. I know, Brad was totally single when Paul and Stefanie got married in April, and he didn’t even catch the garter when they threw it. (Dave Michelson did.) But one of his former girlfriends came home from a mission to Spain, and their romance took off like a rocket. Dad and I really enjoyed seeing all Stefanie’s family again, and we had a good time visiting with Paul, while Stefanie and her friend Ann were out decorating the car. The Riebens are happy to have all their children well-married now, although they never expected to have TWO weddings in four months.
          Summer is sure winding down fast. Autumn comes early here at the cabin, but we’re up for it! Winter, too!
          Lots of love, Mom
Dear Kids,
          Dad and I are still recovering from the excitement of the family reunion. Thanks to all of you who made it happen! The Tetons are always beautiful, and it was great having nearly all of our family together. Almost anything you do with that many people is bound to be fun.
          Speaking of fun, Sharon and her kids were here until Tuesday afternoon. On Monday, Dad and I needed to go to Home Depot, and we took everybody along. Surprisingly, it turned out to be lots of fun. The kids and I checked out playground kits in the back of the store, and they each took one of the booklets showing all the swings and slides and pirate accessories. They walked through the store looking at the pictures of forts, while Dad and Sharon and I looked at refrigerators and washing machines and flooring. Later, at home, we planned the fort we’re going to build next summer when the Thacker kids come back. (Any other grandchildren who would like to help will be welcome.) This fort is going to be at the new house, of course. (Assuming that Fieldstone Homes is every ready for us to occupy it.) Besides the fort, we’re going to have the big swings, an airplane teeter-totter, a sand digger, and a grown-ups bench. It will be a real playground. I pointed out to Sharon that we’re slowing down on grandchildren, so maybe we shouldn’t be so extravagant with the play equipment, but she said there will always be more grandchildren. 
          Besides our trip to Home Depot, we also had fun playing in the river. I don’t remember it ever being so low, and it might never be this low again. A couple hundred yards down from the bridge, it’s only rocks, with water running around them. Conrad was totally thrilled, wading around and sitting right down in the little pools. Charlie found a pool big enough to fall into. Everybody who wanted to get wet, did. Having that much fun in the river made me realize that the best times are often the most spontaneous and cheapest things you can do.
          Last night Dad and I drove to Logan for Stefanie’s brother’s wedding reception. I know, Brad was totally single when Paul and Stefanie got married in April, and he didn’t even catch the garter when they threw it. (Dave Michelson did.) But one of his former girlfriends came home from a mission to Spain, and their romance took off like a rocket. Dad and I really enjoyed seeing all Stefanie’s family again, and we had a good time visiting with Paul, while Stefanie and her friend Ann were out decorating the car. The Riebens are happy to have all their children well-married now, although they never expected to have TWO weddings in four months.
          Summer is sure winding down fast. Autumn comes early here at the cabin, but we’re up for it! Winter, too!
          Lots of love, Mom
Dear Kids,
          Dad and I are still recovering from the excitement of the family reunion. Thanks to all of you who made it happen! The Tetons are always beautiful, and it was great having nearly all of our family together. Almost anything you do with that many people is bound to be fun.
          Speaking of fun, Sharon and her kids were here until Tuesday afternoon. On Monday, Dad and I needed to go to Home Depot, and we took everybody along. Surprisingly, it turned out to be lots of fun. The kids and I checked out playground kits in the back of the store, and they each took one of the booklets showing all the swings and slides and pirate accessories. They walked through the store looking at the pictures of forts, while Dad and Sharon and I looked at refrigerators and washing machines and flooring. Later, at home, we planned the fort we’re going to build next summer when the Thacker kids come back. (Any other grandchildren who would like to help will be welcome.) This fort is going to be at the new house, of course. (Assuming that Fieldstone Homes is every ready for us to occupy it.) Besides the fort, we’re going to have the big swings, an airplane teeter-totter, a sand digger, and a grown-ups bench. It will be a real playground. I pointed out to Sharon that we’re slowing down on grandchildren, so maybe we shouldn’t be so extravagant with the play equipment, but she said there will always be more grandchildren. 
          Besides our trip to Home Depot, we also had fun playing in the river. I don’t remember it ever being so low, and it might never be this low again. A couple hundred yards down from the bridge, it’s only rocks, with water running around them. Conrad was totally thrilled, wading around and sitting right down in the little pools. Charlie found a pool big enough to fall into. Everybody who wanted to get wet, did. Having that much fun in the river made me realize that the best times are often the most spontaneous and cheapest things you can do.
          Last night Dad and I drove to Logan for Stefanie’s brother’s wedding reception. I know, Brad was totally single when Paul and Stefanie got married in April, and he didn’t even catch the garter when they threw it. (Dave Michelson did.) But one of his former girlfriends came home from a mission to Spain, and their romance took off like a rocket. Dad and I really enjoyed seeing all Stefanie’s family again, and we had a good time visiting with Paul, while Stefanie and her friend Ann were out decorating the car. The Riebens are happy to have all their children well-married now, although they never expected to have TWO weddings in four months.
          Summer is sure winding down fast. Autumn comes early here at the cabin, but we’re up for it! Winter, too!
          Lots of love, Mom
Dear Kids,
          Dad and I are still recovering from the excitement of the family reunion. Thanks to all of you who made it happen! The Tetons are always beautiful, and it was great having nearly all of our family together. Almost anything you do with that many people is bound to be fun.
          Speaking of fun, Sharon and her kids were here until Tuesday afternoon. On Monday, Dad and I needed to go to Home Depot, and we took everybody along. Surprisingly, it turned out to be lots of fun. The kids and I checked out playground kits in the back of the store, and they each took one of the booklets showing all the swings and slides and pirate accessories. They walked through the store looking at the pictures of forts, while Dad and Sharon and I looked at refrigerators and washing machines and flooring. Later, at home, we planned the fort we’re going to build next summer when the Thacker kids come back. (Any other grandchildren who would like to help will be welcome.) This fort is going to be at the new house, of course. (Assuming that Fieldstone Homes is every ready for us to occupy it.) Besides the fort, we’re going to have the big swings, an airplane teeter-totter, a sand digger, and a grown-ups bench. It will be a real playground. I pointed out to Sharon that we’re slowing down on grandchildren, so maybe we shouldn’t be so extravagant with the play equipment, but she said there will always be more grandchildren. 
          Besides our trip to Home Depot, we also had fun playing in the river. I don’t remember it ever being so low, and it might never be this low again. A couple hundred yards down from the bridge, it’s only rocks, with water running around them. Conrad was totally thrilled, wading around and sitting right down in the little pools. Charlie found a pool big enough to fall into. Everybody who wanted to get wet, did. Having that much fun in the river made me realize that the best times are often the most spontaneous and cheapest things you can do.
          Last night Dad and I drove to Logan for Stefanie’s brother’s wedding reception. I know, Brad was totally single when Paul and Stefanie got married in April, and he didn’t even catch the garter when they threw it. (Dave Michelson did.) But one of his former girlfriends came home from a mission to Spain, and their romance took off like a rocket. Dad and I really enjoyed seeing all Stefanie’s family again, and we had a good time visiting with Paul, while Stefanie and her friend Ann were out decorating the car. The Riebens are happy to have all their children well-married now, although they never expected to have TWO weddings in four months.
          Summer is sure winding down fast. Autumn comes early here at the cabin, but we’re up for it! Winter, too!
          Lots of love, Mom
Dear Kids,
          Dad and I are still recovering from the excitement of the family reunion. Thanks to all of you who made it happen! The Tetons are always beautiful, and it was great having nearly all of our family together. Almost anything you do with that many people is bound to be fun.
          Speaking of fun, Sharon and her kids were here until Tuesday afternoon. On Monday, Dad and I needed to go to Home Depot, and we took everybody along. Surprisingly, it turned out to be lots of fun. The kids and I checked out playground kits in the back of the store, and they each took one of the booklets showing all the swings and slides and pirate accessories. They walked through the store looking at the pictures of forts, while Dad and Sharon and I looked at refrigerators and washing machines and flooring. Later, at home, we planned the fort we’re going to build next summer when the Thacker kids come back. (Any other grandchildren who would like to help will be welcome.) This fort is going to be at the new house, of course. (Assuming that Fieldstone Homes is every ready for us to occupy it.) Besides the fort, we’re going to have the big swings, an airplane teeter-totter, a sand digger, and a grown-ups bench. It will be a real playground. I pointed out to Sharon that we’re slowing down on grandchildren, so maybe we shouldn’t be so extravagant with the play equipment, but she said there will always be more grandchildren. 
          Besides our trip to Home Depot, we also had fun playing in the river. I don’t remember it ever being so low, and it might never be this low again. A couple hundred yards down from the bridge, it’s only rocks, with water running around them. Conrad was totally thrilled, wading around and sitting right down in the little pools. Charlie found a pool big enough to fall into. Everybody who wanted to get wet, did. Having that much fun in the river made me realize that the best times are often the most spontaneous and cheapest things you can do.
          Last night Dad and I drove to Logan for Stefanie’s brother’s wedding reception. I know, Brad was totally single when Paul and Stefanie got married in April, and he didn’t even catch the garter when they threw it. (Dave Michelson did.) But one of his former girlfriends came home from a mission to Spain, and their romance took off like a rocket. Dad and I really enjoyed seeing all Stefanie’s family again, and we had a good time visiting with Paul, while Stefanie and her friend Ann were out decorating the car. The Riebens are happy to have all their children well-married now, although they never expected to have TWO weddings in four months.
          Summer is sure winding down fast. Autumn comes early here at the cabin, but we’re up for it! Winter, too!
          Lots of love, Mom
Dear Kids,
          Dad and I are still recovering from the excitement of the family reunion. Thanks to all of you who made it happen! The Tetons are always beautiful, and it was great having nearly all of our family together. Almost anything you do with that many people is bound to be fun.
          Speaking of fun, Sharon and her kids were here until Tuesday afternoon. On Monday, Dad and I needed to go to Home Depot, and we took everybody along. Surprisingly, it turned out to be lots of fun. The kids and I checked out playground kits in the back of the store, and they each took one of the booklets showing all the swings and slides and pirate accessories. They walked through the store looking at the pictures of forts, while Dad and Sharon and I looked at refrigerators and washing machines and flooring. Later, at home, we planned the fort we’re going to build next summer when the Thacker kids come back. (Any other grandchildren who would like to help will be welcome.) This fort is going to be at the new house, of course. (Assuming that Fieldstone Homes is every ready for us to occupy it.) Besides the fort, we’re going to have the big swings, an airplane teeter-totter, a sand digger, and a grown-ups bench. It will be a real playground. I pointed out to Sharon that we’re slowing down on grandchildren, so maybe we shouldn’t be so extravagant with the play equipment, but she said there will always be more grandchildren. 
          Besides our trip to Home Depot, we also had fun playing in the river. I don’t remember it ever being so low, and it might never be this low again. A couple hundred yards down from the bridge, it’s only rocks, with water running around them. Conrad was totally thrilled, wading around and sitting right down in the little pools. Charlie found a pool big enough to fall into. Everybody who wanted to get wet, did. Having that much fun in the river made me realize that the best times are often the most spontaneous and cheapest things you can do.
          Last night Dad and I drove to Logan for Stefanie’s brother’s wedding reception. I know, Brad was totally single when Paul and Stefanie got married in April, and he didn’t even catch the garter when they threw it. (Dave Michelson did.) But one of his former girlfriends came home from a mission to Spain, and their romance took off like a rocket. Dad and I really enjoyed seeing all Stefanie’s family again, and we had a good time visiting with Paul, while Stefanie and her friend Ann were out decorating the car. The Riebens are happy to have all their children well-married now, although they never expected to have TWO weddings in four months.
          Summer is sure winding down fast. Autumn comes early here at the cabin, but we’re up for it! Winter, too!
          Lots of love, Mom
Dear Kids,
          Dad and I are still recovering from the excitement of the family reunion. Thanks to all of you who made it happen! The Tetons are always beautiful, and it was great having nearly all of our family together. Almost anything you do with that many people is bound to be fun.
          Speaking of fun, Sharon and her kids were here until Tuesday afternoon. On Monday, Dad and I needed to go to Home Depot, and we took everybody along. Surprisingly, it turned out to be lots of fun. The kids and I checked out playground kits in the back of the store, and they each took one of the booklets showing all the swings and slides and pirate accessories. They walked through the store looking at the pictures of forts, while Dad and Sharon and I looked at refrigerators and washing machines and flooring. Later, at home, we planned the fort we’re going to build next summer when the Thacker kids come back. (Any other grandchildren who would like to help will be welcome.) This fort is going to be at the new house, of course. (Assuming that Fieldstone Homes is every ready for us to occupy it.) Besides the fort, we’re going to have the big swings, an airplane teeter-totter, a sand digger, and a grown-ups bench. It will be a real playground. I pointed out to Sharon that we’re slowing down on grandchildren, so maybe we shouldn’t be so extravagant with the play equipment, but she said there will always be more grandchildren. 
          Besides our trip to Home Depot, we also had fun playing in the river. I don’t remember it ever being so low, and it might never be this low again. A couple hundred yards down from the bridge, it’s only rocks, with water running around them. Conrad was totally thrilled, wading around and sitting right down in the little pools. Charlie found a pool big enough to fall into. Everybody who wanted to get wet, did. Having that much fun in the river made me realize that the best times are often the most spontaneous and cheapest things you can do.
          Last night Dad and I drove to Logan for Stefanie’s brother’s wedding reception. I know, Brad was totally single when Paul and Stefanie got married in April, and he didn’t even catch the garter when they threw it. (Dave Michelson did.) But one of his former girlfriends came home from a mission to Spain, and their romance took off like a rocket. Dad and I really enjoyed seeing all Stefanie’s family again, and we had a good time visiting with Paul, while Stefanie and her friend Ann were out decorating the car. The Riebens are happy to have all their children well-married now, although they never expected to have TWO weddings in four months.
          Summer is sure winding down fast. Autumn comes early here at the cabin, but we’re up for it! Winter, too!
          Lots of love, Mom