Family Barbeque

                My whole purpose for going to Utah in the first place was to see my sister’s family and that of my son, Ryan. Initailly I thought I would go at the end of July as Shelly and Shaylynn would have camp and Shelly would need someone to stay with the boys while Todd was at work.  Then I got word of an upcoming ward reunion for August 19^th. I somehow didn’t feel that I would be able to stay that long and declined the reunion. 

Later Shelly informed me that she was released from her calling and wouldn’t be attending camp after all – which gave me opportunity to make arrangements to attend the reunion after all.  And then Natalee (aka Sunny) called to ask if I’d be there this summer so that she could arrange for my sibs and I to get together.  She made arrangements for all of us to get together for a barbeque on the 18^th.  So my initial plan was to take the greyhound on the 15^th and arrive on the 17^th. 

We ended up going earlier and wished for Richard to come with us.  I felt fortunate that he decided to come get us.  He drove all day Thursday and arrived after 3:00 a.m. on Friday.  So he was there for my two primary purposes for being in town.  We kept his presence a secret from Ryan’s family and Shelly's.

The barbeque didn’t start until four or five but we had gone to my brother’s house early.  I don’t think Ryan was planning to attend initially but did arrive before Shelly and Todd.  They were all very happy and surprised to see “grandpa”. 

We had a really nice visit.  Of course we played games.  We started with a game of “spoons” outdoors but Mother Nature had other ideas and pushed us into the house before the night was over.  Such a memorable night.  Thank you all who attended!

SPRING Arrived Early

I realize that for each year that I've had this blog,  I have mentioned the crazy weather in Utah.  It's not just Utah.  It's my first February in Oregon, and so I really don't know any different.  Except I have asked and the response has always been "this is very unusual" about everything ever since our arrival.

          Jenna and I went for a walk last night (when the temperature had finally dropped from 76 degrees) and discovered blossoms and flowers and growth that we don't normally see for at least another month.  Thought I'd take pictures.

starting out

I love daffodils

Jenna has always liked these.  She would pick them when we lived in Kearns

I can't believe how quickly the trees have bloomed

Each morning the clouds hang low on the hills

This is often how it feels driving I5 from Myrtle Creek to Roseburg

actual pig that lives next door from this post

          

Earth and Sky Reverso

In 2012 I was introduced to Reverso poetry (created by Marilyn Singer) when Jenna and I checked out a book from the library.  The book is called Mirror Mirror by Marilyn Singer. (also beautiful illustrations by Josee Masse)
 Here is another attempt I have made in creating my own reverso.  Read the left column from top to bottom before reading the right.  Enjoy.

Without a coat                                              After so much rain

to keep me warm,                                        through my windows,

through clouds                                              sun is shining.

the sun breaks.                                               Today is beautiful.     

Yesterday                                                       The clouds hang low

it was raining buckets.                                  over the mountain.

The earth is so full of moisture                       It must be raining

the water forms lakes on my lawn.              in the hills.

In the hills                                                        The water forms lakes on my lawn.

it must be raining.                                          The earth is so full of moisture.

Over the mountain                                        It was raining buckets

the clouds hang low.                                     yesterday.

Today is beautiful!                                          The sun breaks

Sun is shining                                                   through clouds

through my windows                                     to keep me warm

after so much rain.                                         without a coat.

Snapshots

I suppose there have been things on my mind that I think I will post - and if I actually take the time to write what it is I think I want to say - it doesn't come out too great.  I realize I don't NEED to post, but sometimes I feel like I should.  

Today Jenna and I decided to walk to Millsite Park.  I took several pictures before we got there and even more when we arrived.  Here are some of them:

notice the sun-faded red with the mark of the arrow
in dark red - as it remained there for almost four mounths

typical sight all throughout the state

bridge over main street

amphitheater where bands perform music in the park