Serious Growth

It had been more than a couple of weeks since I had mowed the lawn.  It was in desperate need of a mowing as there was some serious growth there.  I went out this morning, fired up the mower and started cutting through the tall grass.  It was a job that's for sure.  I can no longer keep my eyes open.  I'm out.

Home Again

The day started early.  I was in the car before 7 and arrived back in Cedar a little more than 4 hours later.  There was virtually no traffic in the Salt Lake valley and Provo was fairly clear as well.   The drive went well and now I'm ready to fall asleep.  I have to close. 

Schatz Wedding

Yesterday afternoon, Friday afternoon that is, I hit the road for Treemonten and arrived at Laura and Nigel's house a little after 9.  The drive went well even with some tired eyes and a couple head bobs.  I started an audio book that was putting me to sleep.  It wasn't a Reacher novel which start fast and keep moving.  Anyhow I made it and had fun with Shey and Donny for a bit before they had to go to bed.  Then stayed up late talking with Nigel and Laura.  It was good to visit with them. 

This morning I headed out to Logan and headed to the Temple for my weekly visit.  That was my first time at the Logan temple which is a stunning building on the outside.  It was good to be there and enjoy the spirit of the temple.  The person who I went through for shared the same birthday, it was 72 years earlier but same day. 

Following that visit I headed to the luncheon for Nick Schatz wedding.  I guess I should note that on my way to the temple I was parked at an intersection when I heard a guy in a truck next to me yelling at the car in front of them.  I looked over at that car and there was Nick Schatz with his head out the window trying to get my attention.  It was pretty cool.    Anyway,  the session ran long and then I got lost so I missed a bit of the luncheon but got there and enjoyed seeing my dear friends and Florida family. 

I hung out with the Schatz family for the rest of the day.  I enjoyed conversation with each of them.  Got to visit with Grandma Bobbie Lake who looks great and is doing well.  I also saw many of Nicks friends from Lakeland.  They are all grown up,  living and working in Salt Lake.  It was neat to see these boys after 4 years.  It was also fun to see Brit, Julia, Sarah and Carter oh, Nick of course and his bride Vonnie.   It was a neat day for John and Kathy and their family.  I was glad I could be there. 

One of these days the kids and I need to take a trip back to Florida. 

Up DATE

I've written a lot about this date thing this week.  It is only fitting that I close this loop.  Perhaps close this loop suggests the wrong idea like we had our date and we're done.  That is not the intended intended message.  The date was good and I am glad that I was ale to share some time with her and get to in know her.  I had a good time and I believe we are going to go out again, next week...

Beat

You know what, the cancellation of the date was probably a good thing.  It was a full day for me that started at 6 AM and didn't quite end until just shy of 11 PM.  I am beat, wiped out,  pooped and whatever else you can think of to describe your body being spent of its energy.  Had we actually gone on the date I would have been very tired and that would not have been good!  Things have been crazy this week and I'm feeling it.  Looking forward to some sleep and a great lunch date tomorrow.  

Blaze of Glory

I received a text tonight right when I sat down to call this mysterious woman I've talked about the last couple of days.  It was from her.  We had pretty much set up a date for tomorrow evening and I was calling to officially ask her out on said date and work out some specifics, that and chit chat some.  Well, the call never happened.  Her text let me know she was cancelling.   She has an appointment at 7:30 she had forgotten about.  She did start out with a "you're going to hate me", I don't know about that, hate is a pretty strong word. 

At this point I could hear Bon  Jovi singing "shot down in a blaze of glory!!  That seemed appropriate. Not to worry, I wasn't going to let everything fall apart . Rescheduled for lunch Friday... the blaze of glory!

Jazzed

In Utah we love our double ZZ's.   Actually some of us don't but I've only lived here for a few years and frankly this post has nothing to do with the Utah Jazz or Buzz or Beezz or whateverzz.  Utahnzz get a little crazzy with the double ZZ's sometimezz.  At least they used to.  Perhapzz it izzn't azz popular azz it onzze wazz.   Rediculouzz. 

Actually Dave and I ran to New Harmony and picked up a Jazzy wheelchair from Susan.  It's for pops who had a little fall in St. George today.  It involved an ambulance and a trip to the emergency room.  He lost his balance trying to climb into the car and fell flat on his back and slammed his head on the ground.  His head was cut open and he needed a stitch.  Yep, stitch in the singular.  Throughout it all he keeps his sense of humor and positive attitude.   He's scheduled for open heart surgery on July 10th.  Not from this fall mind you.  It was the reason the folks were in St. George, to schedule the surgery and get other details.  It will only be 6 bypasses or is that bypazzezz?  Anyhow the Jazzy has been delivered.  We searched for batteries but were unsuccessful with the establishments that were open.  There is a battery depot we will try tomorrow.

In other newzz.   I have been jazzed all day with the message received from this certain woman friend in regards to going out sometime.  I had floated Thursday as a day I was hoping to go out with her and received a message back that she is available.  Sweet!    

Trying to Date

Well you see there is this woman, this beautiful woman that I would like to get to know.  I tried calling and got no answer, twice.  I'm thinking it is the unknown number, hoping anyway.  How many times does one call without an answer before it gets creepy?  I don't want to be creepy.  

In this day of modern technology I decided I would send a text to attach my name with the number.  I also mentioned I was calling to ask if she would like to go out sometime and asked when a good time to call would be.  I don't want to fall back to texting everything but for this shy guy it is way easier.  The phone scares me to death but I have to be brave, right? 

I debated sending the text but ultimately decided to send it.  There was no immediate reply.

I fell asleep last night before finishing this post.  This morning I woke up when my phone rang out with a new text notification.   She responded!  She is traveling for work, wanted to get back to me and, wait for it... said she would like to go out sometime!  Sweet rejoicing!  She will be back in town tomorrow evening.   So now I have a time to call and I even have a tentative date plan in mind. 

Perhaps it is a silly thing to pray for help in asking someone out on a date, but I did and I am.  This stuff is not easy for me so a little extra help with my self confidence is required. 

Not Walking

Last night after the temple I came home and pulled a walker (wheel and handbrake and seat style walker) out of the attic, dusted it off and took it to the folks.  It belongs to Sara's family but I'm sure they won't mind pops using it.  He was looking a little shaky yesterday afternoon and I thought it might help.  After church today I went over and mom answered the door.  Pops was asleep in his chair and mom told me he couldn't walk today.  He kept falling over.  He began using the walker and that kept him upright.   I'm glad it was here and we could get it over to him. 

Tuesday he will know more about the open heart surgery.   After that we will find out about back surgery.  There is a lot happening there.  Prayers are welcome on his behalf.

Got to talk to the kids tonight.  They are doing well.  Sure do love and miss them. 

In the Morning

I am not going to fight sleep tonight.  I will write in the morning.

Okay, it's the morning.  It was almost a losing battle to write what I did last night but I managed to pull it off. 

It was a busy day though I don't know that I accomplished all that I wanted to.  There was yard work and laundry and checking on things at the Brick House.  I went over to see the folks for a bit, they were preparing to leave for the temple.  I knew they were going but had not talked with them since the procedure on Thursday so wanted to stop by.  It was a quick visit and I learned they were on a leave of absence from the temple because of the medical challenges.  They were going to do a session.  I could have gone with them as I had it in my plans to also go down but wasn't ready right then.  Anyway, they love serving in the temple and plan to be there as much as they can before pops goes in for surgery.  Grateful for their love for the Lord and their lives spent in his service.

I did go down to the temple and got in on a special deaf session.  It was a little different and neat to experience.   I was glad to be there. 

I listened to conference talks as I drove.  President Uchtdorf spoke about being grateful to the Lord in all things not just for things.  When we go through trials and challenges we don't wait and only express thanks to the Lord only when those things have passed.  That can sometimes be hard to do.  I think the adversary would have us believe during times of trial and heartache that we are on our own, that the Lord is not there.  He wants us to be discouraged and to shake our faith.  I know that when we press forward with steadfastness in Christ, remembering him, doing the things he has asked us to do with a grateful heart, we will feel his losing arms around us, we will know that he knows us personally, he knows our pains, our sorrows, our weaknesses.  Our grateful hearts help us to recognize his love for us especially in the midst of a trial.  It gives us strength to press forward and power over the adversary. 

Well it's the morning of a new day and there is much to be grateful for.

Looking Down

Today was a day for hiking in some beautiful country.  For the scouts it was day 5 and the last 10 miles of their 50 miler.  For myself and the 11 year old scouts it was day one.  Everyone did really well. 

We drove to our starting point and then we dropped down for a ways on a fairly rocky road.  At the bottom we gathered at a drinking hole and got to experience the community cup that hangs on the fence there.
As we were preparing to continue on I was asked about my first aid kit.  It was only a small backpacking kit I had put together with a few bandages, some moleskin and a few other items.  Turns out one of the boys was chaffing and Bro Thorley had forgotten his pack at camp.  There was nothing in my little kit for chaffing but I brought my chaffing stick in my bag.  The scout used it and was able to continue hiking the rest of the day.  Later another scout had the same problem and then another.  I donated the stick to the troop.  In my mind a community chaffing stick is not something I'm real interested in.  I highly recommend them though and will go pick up another "personal" stick.  I also suggested to Borden Jenkins that they add that item to their list of things to bring. 

We were hiking to the edge of the Narrows.  It was hot, it was dry and it reminded me why I prefer hiking in the water and in slot canyons but it was fun nonetheless.  Looking Down in the canyon was pretty amazing.  It is hard to capture that on film but I tried anyway.  We had lunch on the edge and that was pretty neat.  I thought so anyway. 

The 11 year old scouts made it.  There was some questioning as to why we had to do it but they all pulled through and did a good job.  It was good to be around the older scouts and to see them accomplish this 50 miler.  We came back to a great meal at camp that the scout committee took care of.  Families came up for it also.  It was a good time and a good finish to the day for me and the week for the scouts. 

Thorley's Scout Camp

Yesterday's post, couldn't post.  Up on Cedar Mountain with no service.

This afternoon the 11 year old scouts and I packed up the car and drove up the mountain.   We came up to Howard Thorley's property to join the scout troop on their 50 miler.  We will camp tonight and then we'll hike with them tomorrow.   I am a fan of the plan they put together for this.  They have a base camp at Thorley's property, not in his cabin tough it is down the road.  Each day they go out and tackle a loop of 10 miles and see different areas.  This is beautiful country overlooking Zion National Park including the backside of Kolob and the 5 fingers.  Tomorrow we hike the Virgin Flats to a rim that looks down on the Narrows.  I'm looking forward to it.  Howard took me up to the lookout where I could see what I just mentioned.  It is stunning.  I've attempted to attach the photo I took at the lookout of Zion.  Hope it works.  Beautiful Country.

In a quick follow up to yesterday's post Fasting.  The procedure seems to have gone okay.  Unfortunately they were not able to put in stints and pops will have to undergo open heart surgery.  He will learn more next week.  Not our first hope but it is what needs to happen.  We will press forward with faith.

Fasting

The following is Wednesday's post.  I fell asleep in the middle of it and it saved as a draft.  Last night I was up Cedar Mountain with the scouts and without service.

We spent the day fasting for padre.  He is going in tomorrow morning for a procedure where they will take a closer look at his heart.  They found some irregularities last week.  The hope is that they will be able to put stints in while they are in there and he can avoid open heart surgery.  When I say we fasted I speak of the siblings who are able, spouses, whomever wanted to join in.  Anyhow, we fasted and then after pep Dave, Amy, Dan and I met over at the folks and Dave,  Dan and I gave pops a blessing.  It was a good day and a good moment there.  Grateful for the blessings of fasting and of the priesthood and of faith.

Stairs

I have been working on the stairs for the past 5 days.  It is a fun project.  When I ripped out the living room carpet I decided I would do the stairs and upstairs hallway as well.   I installed the flooring before we moved in but the stairs themselves have been slow going.  I had staples to pull out, tack strips to remove, nails to contend with and some sanding.  I had finished most of that and last Friday I did the last of the sanding then I stained every other step up and down.  So for the last five days I've been skipping over steps.  It is pretty adventurous.   It is definitely a project that was best to do while the kiddos are in Alaska.  

The first set of stairs were finally dry this morning, meaning both the stain and the polyurethane coats.  This morning I stained the other half.  That stain was still a little tacky so the poly coat won't go on until tomorrow.  At least I hope it will go on tomorrow.   Once that is complete I can begin painting and trim work.  Hopefully I can get what's in my head to actually turn out.  Anyhow, fun times for sure.

Conference Walks

I enjoy going out for a good walk.  I also enjoy listening to conference talks.  There is so much good in Conference talks.  I love the messages.  I am sorry, I am quite sleepy and brain isn't working.  It is time to close the day.

Padres Day 2014

It was quite a nice father's day today.  Naturally my father's days are a bit on the lonely side as the kids are up in Alaska at this time of year.  Fortunately I got to speak with them on the phone.   The call came during Priesthood meeting so I bailed out to take it.  I enjoyed talking to them and got to hear a lot about computer minecraft.   Not something I am a big fan of but I am a big fan of my kids and I like hearing what they have to say.  It was great.  I did get an e-card from Natty that made me laugh.  It said "Dad, you've always been like a father to me".  Fun stuff. 

I am humbled and grateful to be a father.  I know I struggle and make mistakes and am so very thankful for a Savior who makes it okay, who loves me and carries me.  Well, I am rambling and I'm tired,  it is time to close.

Staining Stairs

Last night I was working on the new step I installed down to the dining room as well as both sets of stairs.  I sanded, pre-treated the wood and the stained it.  The staining of stairs takes some planning.  There is need to be able to go up and down and so I stained every other stair. That works out alright.  I was hoping we would be in position to stain the others tonight but not the case.  Still waiting for it to dry.  Oh well, I must rest. 
.

Lights Out

I've been a bit tired today.  That hasn't stopped me.  Got stuff to do.  I went on a walk tonight, got home a bit before midnight whereupon I took care of a few things.  I sat down on the bed and relaxed a minute before writing.  Lights Out!   I was out.  I'm up now and j just about done.  It's lights out time for real.

Mowing in the Dark

I was hanging out at the Brick House after a dinner rush and I remembered that I was going to mow the yard today.  I got home just before nine and started mowing.  It was great.   Sorry I am falling asleep.  Will cover more tomorrow.

Southbound

I am back home tonight.  I am extremely tired right now.

In Sandy

Today I traveled to Sandy for a food show.  The show was good.  I found most of the things we were looking for.  There was a customer appreciation meal/ concert this evening.  I went for a few, the food was interesting as was the entertainment.   There was a lot of drinking which is not my scene at all so I hit the road.  I ran up to our old neighborhood and looked at our old houses.  That is fun and brings back some wonderful memories. 

I plan to visit the Temple while I am here.  Originally I thought I would go tonight but I am pretty tired and didn't want to fall asleep in the session so I am going in the morning.  I drove up to the Draper Temple just to check it out.  It is a beautiful building.  I was also quite amazed at how much Draper has grown in the last 28 years. 

I also took a drive up to see Grandpa Al and Grandma Vi's gravestone.  That is also a place of memories, a special place.  I am grateful for the lives of my grandparents and for the influence they have had on my life. 

It has been a nice visit to the area.  I will head home tomorrow afternoon.  Glad I was able to make the trip.

Forgot Something

I wrote that post last night referencing sitting and failed to note two with whom I sat and visited with.  Had a great visit with the folks last night.  It is not easy to express what that relationship means to me, a child with his parents.  I don't have words just very tender feelings and gratitude for them.  I have had moments when I have felt like a great disappointment to my family but those feelings are not real.  I have complete support from them.  I am so grateful for parents and siblings who have been there for me, who stand in my corner and encourage me to fight the good fight.  It is humbling.  My heart is full.  I love my family. 

Sitting

l arrived at Sacrament Meeting a couple minutes early at the Cedar City Singles Ward today.  I was sitting by my lonesome on a pew when someone touched my leg in kind of a quick hello kind of way.  It was my friend Collette,  yes, the same Collette who was my teammate at the ward party last week, the ringer.  Truly it made my heart happy that she came and sat by me. 

The meeting was about to begin and the brethren at the Sacrament table caught my eye, they needed help.  30 minutes prior I had popped in and let Bishop Elison know I was attending the singles ward whilst the kids are in Alaska and that I would still be at our Sacrament Meetings.  He said that was good and said he had heard they needed a little priesthood help.  So when the brethren were looking at me I knew I needed to go.  I stepped away from my pew partner,  my teammate knowing I would soon make my return.  It was an opportunity to serve in a manner that I have loved since turning 12 and becoming a deacon and I was needed. 

Following the Sacrament being passed I was walking around the pews as I made my way towards my pew and my pew mate.  Pew, funny word.  What was my surprise when another brother who participated in the blessing of the Sacrament picked up his things from a couple pews in front of my pew and sat down in my spot.  It was a crushing blow and secretly I wept a little.  Okay not really.  I sat down in the lonely pew in front of that pew.  It was, well, lonely.  Such is the story of my life.

In other news, in my regular 8th Ward meeting I visited with my dear friend KB for a moment before the meeting started.  He wasn't doing real well.  His hands are bothering him.  He told me he was struggling and couldn't zip up his zipper, that Georgia had to do it.  When we went out with Jack and Andy to see the train he had shared with me how hard it was for him not to be able to take care of himself as he was used to.  Today he was a bit shakey and talked about giving up.  My heart was breaking for that sweet man.  I decided I would stop by after the singles ward meetings and bring him and Georgia a lemon cream pie.  They love them and I had just made 8 yesterday so I had one ready.  Jay and Sara had some chairs to pick up at the Brick House so when they met me there I told them I needed to drop off that pie and they should come see Ken.  He wasn't home when we got there so we visited with Georgia.  He got there a few minutes later and we had a good visit.  He was doing a lot better. 

I sure am grateful for these good people.  It was good to sit with friends that I love today, even if one was only for a moment.

Workin

Had a long day of work.  Made some pies, made some cheesecakes - actually, researched some no bake cheesecake recipes,  got a feel for how they are made and then created my own that yielded 4 pies.  Letting them set tonight and will test tomorrow.   I think they will be pretty dang good. 

I am about to pass out.  Calling this long day over.

Movie Night

Captain America opened at the Historic Cedar Theatre tonight so l decided we should see it.  Talked to Dave and Padre, both were game.  Talked to Amy and Dan, they were in.  Called Jay, they were coming to town, he was in.  Good stuff. 

The movie was quite good, quite good.  Yes, l said quite good twice in a row.  l liked it a lot more than the first one.  It was entertaining and action packed.  They certainly set up the next one. 

It was like old times with the group.  l say old times, Jay and l were just discussing the last one we went to see, Jack Reacher.  Not real old on those old times.  Anyway, always enjoy movie night.

Love to See

I love to see the temple, I'm going there some day, to feel the Holy Spirit, to listen and to pray...

I made a trip down to the temple tonight.  So glad I could go and feel the spirit that is there.  I did an endowment session and tried to focus on the Savior.  I am grateful for his love for us and his willingness to atone for our sins.  It is quite humbling to consider his life and the things he went through for us.  I am so very grateful that through him I can be made clean and whole.

Anyhow,  the temple is a place of spiritual strength.  I am grateful for that spiritual strength.

Homesick Boy

I had a message from Natty to call when I could that Jack needed to talk to me.  I called when I got the message and 50 minutes later Jack was doing just fine.  He was in tears and was doing a lot of whimpering.   He misses his dad and his home in Cedar City.  This call happened a little earlier this year.   We got 10 days as opposed to a month.  He got on the phone and said "I've reached my limit, I'm done with planes except for my slow stick".  I tried to talk to him and encourage him to be brave but he just cried and wanted to come home.  I started asking him questions about what he was doing in Alaska and next thing I knew he had talked for quite some time.  In the end he was doing just fine.  He was not talking about coming home anymore but had plenty of other things to do. 

Honey Grilled Jalapenos

Did I post something about this previously?   I don't remember.  If I did that is okay, just know that they are delicious and worth repeating. 

One of our employees told us about these honey grilled jalapenos he accidentally discovered one day when he was on his mission.  He enjoyed grilling jalapenos and one day did so in a pan his companion had previously used to make a honey chicken.  The pan was still dirty but he didn't care just cooked his jalapenos in it and they are awesome.  We use them on the Brick House Burger.  Delicious!

Painting Again

Tonight I found myself with a paintbrush in hand.  I had a couple hours and a couple rooms that needed to be painted, well, the finish work at the ceiling.  Got it done and it made a difference. I suppose I could write more but I am a skosh tired.

Family Time

Just erased my post content with a slip of the finger.  Mildly irritating.   Anyhow, I was sitting in fast and testimony meeting this morning when my phone buzzed.  No worries, it was on vibrate only so I didn't disrupt the meeting.  It was a text message from Natty that read "I just sat down, it's your turn".  Oh she is a crafty one.  She was trying to make like she had just shared her testimony so I should do the same.  She told me she didn't really do it but wanted me to.  Funny girl.  We've had some fun messages back and forth today.  Miss those kids.

Had dinner at the folks tonight with the folks, Dave & Dani and the Griff, and Amy & Dan.  Quite a delicious meal.  Ribs, twice baked potatoes, corn, salad, rolls and a peach cobbler.  We also played 5 crowns after.  Actually I slept through half of the game but enjoyed the second half.  Grateful for that family time.