Dear Kids,
Last night Dad and I went bike riding in the dark. It had been terribly hot during the day, but once the sun went down, it was perfect bike-riding weather. We scoped out an accident at the intersection of 40th West and 4100 South, where three cars were smashed up. Then we rode over to Bangerter and rode up over the overpass, and we stopped in the middle to look down at all the cars. (Remember the overpass on Redwood Road, and making the trucks honk at you?) Then we rode around the parking lot of Granger Medical Center. It was a great night to be out. Lots of Mexicans out and about, too. You’ve gotta love West Valley on a summer night.
Today Dad and I are having a very quiet 4th of July here at the cabin. Tom and Kim and their kids have gone to Jacob’s Lake to visit Kim’s sister, McKenzie, who’s working there. Donna and Bevan are “house and dog” sitting at Donna’s boss’s house (where the dogs love Bevan). John and his two boys came by earlier in the day to borrow our truck to go buy a swing set in Salt Lake. I haven’t heard any magpies squawking at all. I guess the sight of Bevan running across the yard with a pellet rifle has scared them away. Whatever. I offered a $5.00 bounty for any magpie carcasses, but so far nobody has brought any in.
Yesterday I visited Grandma and Grandpa, and since I was coming from the cabin, I had Oreo the cat with me. First Grandma pronounced him one of the ugliest cats she had ever seen. Then she and Grandpa spent the next couple of hours watching him play in their back yard. He jumped around in the ivy, crawled under the deck, climbed the tree, and chattered at birds. They were totally entertained. I think they really miss having a cat, and even an “ugly” one is a treat for them. (Personally, I don’t agree that Oreo is ugly. His back legs have gotten really long, and he has that “stringy” look of a young cat, but I think he’s delightful. Kara McGettigan still likes him, too.)
There’s going to be an Allen Family Reunion on August 9th. Here’s some information that Bonnie sent out: It will be at the same park as last year (across from the Riverwoods Mall) We have the park from 10:00 to 3:00 so bring your lunch and maybe a dessert to share with everyone and plan on just relaxing and enjoying each other's company. We will set up the water slide again, so kids can bring swimsuits. I hope you all can come if possible, even if you can just be there for a little while it would be great to see everyone!
I’ll be cooking Sunday dinner on July 13th. We’ll eat at 5:00 pm. Let me know if you want to come!
Lots of Love, Mom
Friday, June 27, 2008
Dear Kids,
I’m at the cabin today, and I’ve been working outside with Bentley and Emma. We’re digging a big hole for the foundation of the bunkhouse. Does anybody remember the summer of 1984, when I excavated the basement of the add-on to our house? John, you’ve gotta remember pulling the wheelbarrow up the ramp with a rope, don’t you? This is deja vu for me. Except that the hole will only be half as deep. Originally Lonnie Yeaman was going to bring his equipment and excavate for us, but last time I asked him about it he was very vague about when he might be able to come. Family vacation, and such. So, always being a digger at heart, I thought it might be fun. So far it’s going OK.
Here’s some information about the family reunion: It will officially start Monday, the 28th of July, at the main pool at Lava Hot Springs, at 11:00 am, when the pool opens. (You can find it on google earth at 42°37'17.45" North, 112°00'53.31" West.) If anybody wants to come to Pocatello on Sunday, Vanessa will find a place for you to stay over. (Dad and I are going Friday, so we can watch the Spudman in Burley on Saturday.) We’ll be giving out food assignments, and Dad and I will provide the makings for hoagies. The pool is open until 8pm, so you can stay as long as you want. There are big grassy areas by the pool for family reunions, so we hope to stake out a good place. We’ve gotta have some fun family reunion activities, so could every family think of three “Ackerson Family” trivia questions (sample, “How did Mr. Knightly die?”) and prepare one charade from our family’s past, to act out. (Such as John trying to sell you something. You get the idea.) It should be lots of fun. I’m really excited to have our first official Ackerson family reunion.
Monica, Lopeti Misinale said to tell you Hi. He’s a tech for the cardiologist I went to see.
Paul is still busy and working hard in North Carolina. Last Saturday, he did 4 installs in one day.
I’m going to start a chess club at the Harmon Home, you know, the senior citizens center at the corner of 4100 S. and 3600 West. I figure that’s more productive (community service!!) than just playing chess on the internet, and losing all the time. We’re going to start the first week in August. 1pm, on Wednesdays. (Just so it didn’t conflict with Bingo). It should be lots of fun.
I’m looking forward to see you all soon. Love, Mom
I’m at the cabin today, and I’ve been working outside with Bentley and Emma. We’re digging a big hole for the foundation of the bunkhouse. Does anybody remember the summer of 1984, when I excavated the basement of the add-on to our house? John, you’ve gotta remember pulling the wheelbarrow up the ramp with a rope, don’t you? This is deja vu for me. Except that the hole will only be half as deep. Originally Lonnie Yeaman was going to bring his equipment and excavate for us, but last time I asked him about it he was very vague about when he might be able to come. Family vacation, and such. So, always being a digger at heart, I thought it might be fun. So far it’s going OK.
Here’s some information about the family reunion: It will officially start Monday, the 28th of July, at the main pool at Lava Hot Springs, at 11:00 am, when the pool opens. (You can find it on google earth at 42°37'17.45" North, 112°00'53.31" West.) If anybody wants to come to Pocatello on Sunday, Vanessa will find a place for you to stay over. (Dad and I are going Friday, so we can watch the Spudman in Burley on Saturday.) We’ll be giving out food assignments, and Dad and I will provide the makings for hoagies. The pool is open until 8pm, so you can stay as long as you want. There are big grassy areas by the pool for family reunions, so we hope to stake out a good place. We’ve gotta have some fun family reunion activities, so could every family think of three “Ackerson Family” trivia questions (sample, “How did Mr. Knightly die?”) and prepare one charade from our family’s past, to act out. (Such as John trying to sell you something. You get the idea.) It should be lots of fun. I’m really excited to have our first official Ackerson family reunion.
Monica, Lopeti Misinale said to tell you Hi. He’s a tech for the cardiologist I went to see.
Paul is still busy and working hard in North Carolina. Last Saturday, he did 4 installs in one day.
I’m going to start a chess club at the Harmon Home, you know, the senior citizens center at the corner of 4100 S. and 3600 West. I figure that’s more productive (community service!!) than just playing chess on the internet, and losing all the time. We’re going to start the first week in August. 1pm, on Wednesdays. (Just so it didn’t conflict with Bingo). It should be lots of fun.
I’m looking forward to see you all soon. Love, Mom
Friday, June 20, 2008
Dear Kids,
Dad and I are hanging out at the cabin, doing a little bit of work, mainly watching for magpies. There’s a ham hock as bait, out on the wellhead. Tom is broadcasting magpie squawks from his ipod, through speakers out the greenhouse window. The air rifle is pumped and ready to go. We’re just waiting for them to show up. I’m offering a bounty of $5.00 per magpie carcass, and I’m ready to pay. Anybody else want to come here and take a shot at them?
It’s my second trip to the cabin this week. Wednesday I came with Grandma Allen and her sisters, and we all had a great time. On our way here, we stopped in Heber to have lunch at the Dairy Keen. Naturally I had a train burger. They all ordered shakes. Then we drove up here, and Nora and Heather were here with their kids, so I had fun going on a hike with them, while Grandma and the Aunties watched a movie. Later, the four of us grandmas went to dinner at the Gateway Grill in Kamas. Then, back here at the cabin, we sat in the greenhouse and watched birds through the binoculars. One elegant yellow fellow sat still for at least an hour, preening his feathers. We were delighted. But the next morning, when I went out to spray weeds, the same bird had three magpies after him. I think he got away, but those horrible magpies have to go. We’re ready to take them out. (Oh, there’s one out there now. He came to investigate the ham, and now he’s flying back out to the bushes on the hill.)
Cathy was here for three days, for her friend’s wedding, but she’s flying out this evening (to another wedding.) It was fun talking to her and catching up on her life.
Paul’s job is going really well. Last time I talked to him, he had done 15 installs for the week. But the end of June, they’re packing up their whole office and moving to Fayetteville (North Carolina.) Sort of like when the missionaries have worked over an area completely, and move on. Apex security does that, too. Go, Paul!
I heard a rumor that John was selected as young optometrist of the year, but I googled ackerson and young and optometrist, and I didn’t find anything. Dad was the one who talked to him. I’ll have to find out more.
I have a new church calling, as a result of our 4-ward shakeup. I’m 2nd counselor in the Relief Society, and Marie Searle is president. We’re going to have lots of fun! And I’m being released as ward organist, after four years. I’m not crying one bit. Our chapel got a new organ, and I hate it. I haven’t been able to make it sound good, no matter how many settings I’ve tried. So I’m glad to move on.
Our family reunion is coming up next month, and I’ll write what I know next week. Lots of love, Mom
Dad and I are hanging out at the cabin, doing a little bit of work, mainly watching for magpies. There’s a ham hock as bait, out on the wellhead. Tom is broadcasting magpie squawks from his ipod, through speakers out the greenhouse window. The air rifle is pumped and ready to go. We’re just waiting for them to show up. I’m offering a bounty of $5.00 per magpie carcass, and I’m ready to pay. Anybody else want to come here and take a shot at them?
It’s my second trip to the cabin this week. Wednesday I came with Grandma Allen and her sisters, and we all had a great time. On our way here, we stopped in Heber to have lunch at the Dairy Keen. Naturally I had a train burger. They all ordered shakes. Then we drove up here, and Nora and Heather were here with their kids, so I had fun going on a hike with them, while Grandma and the Aunties watched a movie. Later, the four of us grandmas went to dinner at the Gateway Grill in Kamas. Then, back here at the cabin, we sat in the greenhouse and watched birds through the binoculars. One elegant yellow fellow sat still for at least an hour, preening his feathers. We were delighted. But the next morning, when I went out to spray weeds, the same bird had three magpies after him. I think he got away, but those horrible magpies have to go. We’re ready to take them out. (Oh, there’s one out there now. He came to investigate the ham, and now he’s flying back out to the bushes on the hill.)
Cathy was here for three days, for her friend’s wedding, but she’s flying out this evening (to another wedding.) It was fun talking to her and catching up on her life.
Paul’s job is going really well. Last time I talked to him, he had done 15 installs for the week. But the end of June, they’re packing up their whole office and moving to Fayetteville (North Carolina.) Sort of like when the missionaries have worked over an area completely, and move on. Apex security does that, too. Go, Paul!
I heard a rumor that John was selected as young optometrist of the year, but I googled ackerson and young and optometrist, and I didn’t find anything. Dad was the one who talked to him. I’ll have to find out more.
I have a new church calling, as a result of our 4-ward shakeup. I’m 2nd counselor in the Relief Society, and Marie Searle is president. We’re going to have lots of fun! And I’m being released as ward organist, after four years. I’m not crying one bit. Our chapel got a new organ, and I hate it. I haven’t been able to make it sound good, no matter how many settings I’ve tried. So I’m glad to move on.
Our family reunion is coming up next month, and I’ll write what I know next week. Lots of love, Mom
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Dear Kids,
Yesterday morning it was snowing in the mountains, but I think today it’s finally spring. I’ve been planting our garden here a little, and there a little, and I needed some more seeds for bush beans. Funny, our Walmart didn’t have any. Or the Walmart in Orem, where I took Grandma and Grandpa today. So I asked the garden guy, “Where are your seeds?” He said, “Oh, they’ve been recalled.” I said, “You mean they were bad??” and he said, “No, it’s seasonal. They’ve all been sent back.” So, planting season is over? Hey, this it Utah. Springtime in the Rockies. The pioneers planted corn on the 24th of July, when they first came into the valley. Lucky they didn’t have to get their seeds at Walmart.
On Sunday, we met with our new ward for the first time. It was lots of fun. All those people in our neighborhood that used to be in 16th Ward . . . they all came trooping in, and there was lots of hugging and back-slapping. We were introducing each other in Relief Society, and I found a new-snowboarding friend! (Peggy Hall) She said she needs help with her heelside turns. I’m delighted. We had no Relief Society president, but two second counselors (Marie Searle is one!) and a secretary. There are lots of piano players! In young women, they had 14 new girls come in. (I think they were down to about 4, before). So overall, its’ going to be very good. I know they have at least one good organist (LaRene Carlson,) and they’ll need her, because I think my time is about up. Our chapel got a new organ, and it makes some electronic buzzing noise that drives me insane. Brian Parker said maybe it can be fixed. If not, somebody else will be playing it, not me.
What’s this Triathalon frenzy that’s hitting our family? Nora is planning to do the “Jordanelle Triathalon” on August 23rd. Anybody heard of that one? They swim half a mile in the Jordanelle Reservior, ride bikes up the hill to Kamas and back, and then run around the Rock Creek State Park. Dad and I have seen the bicyclers in Kamas, in past years. They rope off the whole town. (Doesn’t take much rope.) I never knew it was part of a Triathalon.
For Fathers Day, this coming Sunday, Dad and I will be mostly home, except for a couple of hours at Nora’s house for dinner. So if you want to call Dad or come by, you’ll know where to find us. With Fathers Day coming right after his birthday, it’s always a challenge, but I just bought him a new bike lock. I think there’s no end to biking gear. Richard calls it “the vortex.” It sucks you in. (But not me. I’m a bare bones cyclist. Probably bare skinned, if I hit the ground one of these days.)
I love you all! What a family we have! Mom
Yesterday morning it was snowing in the mountains, but I think today it’s finally spring. I’ve been planting our garden here a little, and there a little, and I needed some more seeds for bush beans. Funny, our Walmart didn’t have any. Or the Walmart in Orem, where I took Grandma and Grandpa today. So I asked the garden guy, “Where are your seeds?” He said, “Oh, they’ve been recalled.” I said, “You mean they were bad??” and he said, “No, it’s seasonal. They’ve all been sent back.” So, planting season is over? Hey, this it Utah. Springtime in the Rockies. The pioneers planted corn on the 24th of July, when they first came into the valley. Lucky they didn’t have to get their seeds at Walmart.
On Sunday, we met with our new ward for the first time. It was lots of fun. All those people in our neighborhood that used to be in 16th Ward . . . they all came trooping in, and there was lots of hugging and back-slapping. We were introducing each other in Relief Society, and I found a new-snowboarding friend! (Peggy Hall) She said she needs help with her heelside turns. I’m delighted. We had no Relief Society president, but two second counselors (Marie Searle is one!) and a secretary. There are lots of piano players! In young women, they had 14 new girls come in. (I think they were down to about 4, before). So overall, its’ going to be very good. I know they have at least one good organist (LaRene Carlson,) and they’ll need her, because I think my time is about up. Our chapel got a new organ, and it makes some electronic buzzing noise that drives me insane. Brian Parker said maybe it can be fixed. If not, somebody else will be playing it, not me.
What’s this Triathalon frenzy that’s hitting our family? Nora is planning to do the “Jordanelle Triathalon” on August 23rd. Anybody heard of that one? They swim half a mile in the Jordanelle Reservior, ride bikes up the hill to Kamas and back, and then run around the Rock Creek State Park. Dad and I have seen the bicyclers in Kamas, in past years. They rope off the whole town. (Doesn’t take much rope.) I never knew it was part of a Triathalon.
For Fathers Day, this coming Sunday, Dad and I will be mostly home, except for a couple of hours at Nora’s house for dinner. So if you want to call Dad or come by, you’ll know where to find us. With Fathers Day coming right after his birthday, it’s always a challenge, but I just bought him a new bike lock. I think there’s no end to biking gear. Richard calls it “the vortex.” It sucks you in. (But not me. I’m a bare bones cyclist. Probably bare skinned, if I hit the ground one of these days.)
I love you all! What a family we have! Mom
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Dear Kids,
They reorganized our 4-ward area into 3 wards, and the boundaries were exactly what we predicted. The old neighborhood (Ricketts, McGettigans, Kilburns, etc.) was sliced off and added to 8th Ward. The other side of our neighborhood, which used to be part of 16th ward, was added on to us. 16th Ward was dissolved, and everything on the other side of Bangerter is now 6th Ward. Chick Little is now bishop of 8th Ward, and Mike Higginson, who was bishop of 16th Ward, is now bishop of 6th Ward. Our bishop is Ken Wilde. 8th Ward goes to the Lighthouse church, so we won’t even see McGettigans in the hall any more. Dad and I will have to make lots of bike rides down to that neighborhood to visit our good old friends. Jana McGettgan called yesterday, and I didn’t recognize her voice right away, because the microwave was running. She said, “You forgot me already?”
Last Saturday, Monica did the Deuces Wild Triathlon in Show Low, Arizona. It’s just a stone’s throw from Snowflake, where Grandpa Allen’s grandparents met and fell in love. In fact, lots of our ancestors lived in that area. You guys probably have lots of third and fourth cousins there. Well, anyway . . . . the Deuces Wild Triathlon advertises a swim in “beautiful Fool Hollow Lake, surrounded by fresh mountain air and Ponderosa pines.” In reality, the lake has so much algae, according to Monica, that you wouldn’t want to put your face in the water. She mostly swam the butterfly. Then there’s the bike ride: “Hop on your bike for a one-loop ride around the outskirts of Show Low.” There was so much mud, Monica says, that her tires were lugged down. Then, the website says, “Finish with a run through the pines.” Monica said she was grateful just to finish. Period. I guess there were lots of hard-core triathlon nuts there who loved the challenge. Monica loved when it was over. Go, Monica!
I spent Tuesday and part of Wednesday at the cabin, working mostly on outside projects. Of course it rained. The place is so green, it looks like Ireland! Donna and I have about 150 pots of wildflowers to plant. So, besides being green, there could be a riot of color, too.
I’m fixing Sunday dinner this coming Sunday, June 8th. We’ll eat at 4:30 pm, or thereabouts. Let me know if you’re coming!
Lots of Love, Mom
They reorganized our 4-ward area into 3 wards, and the boundaries were exactly what we predicted. The old neighborhood (Ricketts, McGettigans, Kilburns, etc.) was sliced off and added to 8th Ward. The other side of our neighborhood, which used to be part of 16th ward, was added on to us. 16th Ward was dissolved, and everything on the other side of Bangerter is now 6th Ward. Chick Little is now bishop of 8th Ward, and Mike Higginson, who was bishop of 16th Ward, is now bishop of 6th Ward. Our bishop is Ken Wilde. 8th Ward goes to the Lighthouse church, so we won’t even see McGettigans in the hall any more. Dad and I will have to make lots of bike rides down to that neighborhood to visit our good old friends. Jana McGettgan called yesterday, and I didn’t recognize her voice right away, because the microwave was running. She said, “You forgot me already?”
Last Saturday, Monica did the Deuces Wild Triathlon in Show Low, Arizona. It’s just a stone’s throw from Snowflake, where Grandpa Allen’s grandparents met and fell in love. In fact, lots of our ancestors lived in that area. You guys probably have lots of third and fourth cousins there. Well, anyway . . . . the Deuces Wild Triathlon advertises a swim in “beautiful Fool Hollow Lake, surrounded by fresh mountain air and Ponderosa pines.” In reality, the lake has so much algae, according to Monica, that you wouldn’t want to put your face in the water. She mostly swam the butterfly. Then there’s the bike ride: “Hop on your bike for a one-loop ride around the outskirts of Show Low.” There was so much mud, Monica says, that her tires were lugged down. Then, the website says, “Finish with a run through the pines.” Monica said she was grateful just to finish. Period. I guess there were lots of hard-core triathlon nuts there who loved the challenge. Monica loved when it was over. Go, Monica!
I spent Tuesday and part of Wednesday at the cabin, working mostly on outside projects. Of course it rained. The place is so green, it looks like Ireland! Donna and I have about 150 pots of wildflowers to plant. So, besides being green, there could be a riot of color, too.
I’m fixing Sunday dinner this coming Sunday, June 8th. We’ll eat at 4:30 pm, or thereabouts. Let me know if you’re coming!
Lots of Love, Mom
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Dear Kids,
Dad and I have settled back into our non-vacation at-home lifestyle again. Right now Dad is fixing the dryer, and I’ve been chasing that wretched little cat Oreo, trying to lock him up in his little cage. He’s at that unpleasant in-between stage where it’s all about fighting and biting. Kara tells me he’s not a kitten any more, but a young cat. We need to get him vaccinated so I can toss him outside with the other cats. He’s already had a lot of boxing matches with Xena, through the patio door. That’s with the door closed. They fight anyway. Such tough kitties.
My sister Barbara has changed her wedding date to Saturday, June 28th. It’ll be at 11:00 am in Nancy’s back yard. She’s not sending out formal announcements, so consider yourselves invited.
Sunday, June 8th, I’ll be fixing Sunday dinner. We’ll eat about 4:30 pm. Let me know if you want to come.
Jake and Dierdre are expecting twins! It used to be a secret, but now Dierdre has posted the ultrasound pix on her blog. I forgot when the due date is.
Oreo just showed up here at the computer, and now he’s biting my fingers as I’m trying to type. Remember when Tom was a little kid, and he asked, “What are cats for?” I wish I knew.
Last time I wrote about Paul, he had been transferred from Jacksonville, Florida, to Ft. Lauderdale. Now he’s in Wilmington, North Carolina, soon to be transferred to Fayetteville. He has put lots of miles on the Sable and has spent $600 on gas. Go, Paul. He keeps getting transferred because the sales reps aren’t selling enough to keep the installers (like Paul) busy. There’s more crime in Fayetteville, however, so let’s hope the grass is greener there.
Last Sunday, in church, Bishop Little announced that next week there will be a special meeting of four wards (5th, 6th, 8th, and 16th) where they’ll slice us apart and put us back together into just three wards. So of course now everybody’s speculating where the new boundaries will be. And crying. There’s probably no chance that McGettigans will be in our new ward. Or Ricketts, or Kilburns, or anybody from that neighborhood. We think they’ll be sliced off and added to 8th ward. All the bishoprics will be changed. I probably won’t be playing the organ any more. But I’m sure they’ll keep me in nursery, wherever we end up. We’re speculating that our neighborhood will be put back together. It’s been 29 years since they sliced us apart. There are some great people over there. I just wish we didn’t have to lose any of the old-timers.
Ah, life goes on. I love you all. Mom
Dad and I have settled back into our non-vacation at-home lifestyle again. Right now Dad is fixing the dryer, and I’ve been chasing that wretched little cat Oreo, trying to lock him up in his little cage. He’s at that unpleasant in-between stage where it’s all about fighting and biting. Kara tells me he’s not a kitten any more, but a young cat. We need to get him vaccinated so I can toss him outside with the other cats. He’s already had a lot of boxing matches with Xena, through the patio door. That’s with the door closed. They fight anyway. Such tough kitties.
My sister Barbara has changed her wedding date to Saturday, June 28th. It’ll be at 11:00 am in Nancy’s back yard. She’s not sending out formal announcements, so consider yourselves invited.
Sunday, June 8th, I’ll be fixing Sunday dinner. We’ll eat about 4:30 pm. Let me know if you want to come.
Jake and Dierdre are expecting twins! It used to be a secret, but now Dierdre has posted the ultrasound pix on her blog. I forgot when the due date is.
Oreo just showed up here at the computer, and now he’s biting my fingers as I’m trying to type. Remember when Tom was a little kid, and he asked, “What are cats for?” I wish I knew.
Last time I wrote about Paul, he had been transferred from Jacksonville, Florida, to Ft. Lauderdale. Now he’s in Wilmington, North Carolina, soon to be transferred to Fayetteville. He has put lots of miles on the Sable and has spent $600 on gas. Go, Paul. He keeps getting transferred because the sales reps aren’t selling enough to keep the installers (like Paul) busy. There’s more crime in Fayetteville, however, so let’s hope the grass is greener there.
Last Sunday, in church, Bishop Little announced that next week there will be a special meeting of four wards (5th, 6th, 8th, and 16th) where they’ll slice us apart and put us back together into just three wards. So of course now everybody’s speculating where the new boundaries will be. And crying. There’s probably no chance that McGettigans will be in our new ward. Or Ricketts, or Kilburns, or anybody from that neighborhood. We think they’ll be sliced off and added to 8th ward. All the bishoprics will be changed. I probably won’t be playing the organ any more. But I’m sure they’ll keep me in nursery, wherever we end up. We’re speculating that our neighborhood will be put back together. It’s been 29 years since they sliced us apart. There are some great people over there. I just wish we didn’t have to lose any of the old-timers.
Ah, life goes on. I love you all. Mom
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Dear Kids,
Dad and I are having a great time on our vacation. Saturday morning we left Great Falls, Montana, and drove up along the east side of Glacier, and who knew it would be an Indian reservation! In the town of Browning we saw a Subway, and it was lunchtime, and we were hungry, so we decided to take our chances. Even through the glass door was cracked, even though it was STILL LOCKED! They unlocked it for us, but we should have worried, being the only customers so far that day. Their toaster oven didn’t work, or their microwave, either, and their meats looked like they had been sitting out for a very long time. But we were hungry, so we ordered anyway. And took our food and ran. We drove to a wide spot in the road that was littered with beer bottles, and we ate our food. And waited to get sick. But we didn’t. Miraculously! We crossed the border into Canada, and drove to Cardston, so we could go to the temple. It’s one-of-a-kind! Lots of dark wood inside, very different. Of course we enjoyed it a lot. And then later we drove on the Calgary, where we’ve been having a great time at Rich and Jeanne’s house.
Sunday morning we went to Church, which is pretty much the same everywhere, except that Richard is the 1st counselor, and he was conducting. Then, after dinner, we took Jack (their Jack Russell terrier, he looks like “Wishbone”) to the dog park! As soon as Richard let him loose off his leash, he shot off like a bullet, running wide circles around us. The rest of the dogs were walking sedately by their owners, but Jack went crashing through them. He hates wiener dogs, and he knocks them over. We walked 2½ miles, and Jack probably ran 20. When we got home, we all had long naps. Even Jack.
Monday was a holiday, Victoria Day, and Richard was off work, so we drove up to Banff. All I can say is, it’s the Canadian Rockies. Lots of snow, and spectacular high peaks. In the town of Canmore, (it's like Park City) we walked through a condo project that Richard’s company is building. Farther up, in the park, we went to the old castle-like hotel, Banff Springs. It looks like Hogwarts. We ate lunch in a medieval-looking room, with big windows overlooking the river. Later, we walked down to the falls. And it rained on us. After all, it’s springtime in the Rockies. We drove to Lake Louise, and it was still mostly frozen over, but we wandered through the hotel. There were people from all over the world, and lots of orientals wearing face masks. It’s a strange sight. Richard says Banff has probably the cleanest air in the world.
Back in Calgary, Richard took us to see a condo tower they’re building. Only now it’s just a hole in the ground. It was 70 feet down, till they started filling it in with parking levels. It’s going to go up 27 stories. You can see Richard’s company does things in a big way. He's the senior vice president there.
What else? Yesterday afternoon Richard took Dad and me on a bike ride along the river. It goes for miles, but we only did 12. I rode Jeanne’s road bike. OK, I’m converted. I wanted to go back today, but it’s raining and blowing.
We’ve eaten lots of great meals, slept a lot, taken lots of walks, and ridden lots of miles. We're heading home tomorrow. Love, Mom
Dad and I are having a great time on our vacation. Saturday morning we left Great Falls, Montana, and drove up along the east side of Glacier, and who knew it would be an Indian reservation! In the town of Browning we saw a Subway, and it was lunchtime, and we were hungry, so we decided to take our chances. Even through the glass door was cracked, even though it was STILL LOCKED! They unlocked it for us, but we should have worried, being the only customers so far that day. Their toaster oven didn’t work, or their microwave, either, and their meats looked like they had been sitting out for a very long time. But we were hungry, so we ordered anyway. And took our food and ran. We drove to a wide spot in the road that was littered with beer bottles, and we ate our food. And waited to get sick. But we didn’t. Miraculously! We crossed the border into Canada, and drove to Cardston, so we could go to the temple. It’s one-of-a-kind! Lots of dark wood inside, very different. Of course we enjoyed it a lot. And then later we drove on the Calgary, where we’ve been having a great time at Rich and Jeanne’s house.
Sunday morning we went to Church, which is pretty much the same everywhere, except that Richard is the 1st counselor, and he was conducting. Then, after dinner, we took Jack (their Jack Russell terrier, he looks like “Wishbone”) to the dog park! As soon as Richard let him loose off his leash, he shot off like a bullet, running wide circles around us. The rest of the dogs were walking sedately by their owners, but Jack went crashing through them. He hates wiener dogs, and he knocks them over. We walked 2½ miles, and Jack probably ran 20. When we got home, we all had long naps. Even Jack.
Monday was a holiday, Victoria Day, and Richard was off work, so we drove up to Banff. All I can say is, it’s the Canadian Rockies. Lots of snow, and spectacular high peaks. In the town of Canmore, (it's like Park City) we walked through a condo project that Richard’s company is building. Farther up, in the park, we went to the old castle-like hotel, Banff Springs. It looks like Hogwarts. We ate lunch in a medieval-looking room, with big windows overlooking the river. Later, we walked down to the falls. And it rained on us. After all, it’s springtime in the Rockies. We drove to Lake Louise, and it was still mostly frozen over, but we wandered through the hotel. There were people from all over the world, and lots of orientals wearing face masks. It’s a strange sight. Richard says Banff has probably the cleanest air in the world.
Back in Calgary, Richard took us to see a condo tower they’re building. Only now it’s just a hole in the ground. It was 70 feet down, till they started filling it in with parking levels. It’s going to go up 27 stories. You can see Richard’s company does things in a big way. He's the senior vice president there.
What else? Yesterday afternoon Richard took Dad and me on a bike ride along the river. It goes for miles, but we only did 12. I rode Jeanne’s road bike. OK, I’m converted. I wanted to go back today, but it’s raining and blowing.
We’ve eaten lots of great meals, slept a lot, taken lots of walks, and ridden lots of miles. We're heading home tomorrow. Love, Mom
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)