Bon Voyage

Sometimes when you turn the pages to new chapters in our lives it can be joyful, yet sad in ways too. My good friend Phyllis and her husband are leaving for a while. Phyllis took me under her wing six years ago. She became a very dear friend despite the differences that we have had, and I'm going to miss her so much. I'm going to miss our tea parties, our Bible studies, and the prayers we prayed together. I'm going to miss going to lunch with her, and sitting in her living room with her, Dave, and John, drinking ice tea or hot tea, depending on the weather, having a good conversation. I'm going to miss listening to Johns stories, especially all his stories about Ireland. I am keeping them in my prayers and look forward to seeing them next summer. I am struggling with her leaving because she has been my only friend since I moved back to Blanding. But I know God always has a plan, and all will be well.

The Cello Look

Lindsey and one of her friends showing off their hair.

Fun Day at Needles

We went to Needles to do the laundry, and while we were there we took advantage and had a little fun. Lindsey and her friends had a good time climbing in the rocks.

This picture was taken at split top camp ground

Kids Crack Me Up

We were all at the third reservoir for Kinzies birthday. I looked over to check on Melany and Avena, since I was watching them for Nichole, when I saw these four hanging out and talking. They were carrying on the funniest conversation, and I just had to try and capture their expressions. Melany is more interested in having her picture taken

The camera caught their attention too

I don't think they wanted me to interrupt them.

As I was looking at the pictures I realized Meleny and Avena don't have cake

with them, but they had eaten theirs already.

Kylie

I love this picture of Kylie and Melany. I really cherish the time I was able to spend with Kylie over the fourth of July.
Spending time with my children is very important to me, so I really appreciated having that time to enjoy with her. I Miss her so much and now she's all grown up and graduated.
As I look at her beautiful brown eyes, a special memory comes back to me. When I am sad I think of this day, and it always brings tears of joy and makes me feel happy.
The Story:
It was the day before her birthday and I had become very anxious, not knowing what to do. I wanted to do something very special for her, but living in remote Round Mountain I just couldn't get anything real great in time, and our cash flow was very low. So, I looked around in all of my craft supplies and found a very pretty piece of material. It was green with yellow flowers, very springy to fit the occasion. So I went to work and sewed her a darling little skirt. We did a few other things as well.
I was awake before the birthday girl. I was a little nervous hoping the skirt would be a nice enough gift for such a special day. We all gathered around KyKy and I handed her the gift I made her first. She opened the box carefully and pulled the skirt out. She had the most beautiful huge smile on her face as she ran to her room to put it on, leaving the other gifts unwrapped. She danced into the living room and began twirling, round and round while watching the skirt flow out like an umbrella, with her arms swaying. Maybe a scene like this is one of those that is most precious in the eyes of the beholder. I will never forget it.
Then not too long ago I was sitting in the government truck in Moab waiting for Dave to come out of his meetings. I looked over toward the library where a little girl was dancing in circles, watching her dress fly up, with a huge smile on her face and humming. It brought tears of joy to my eyes again and I saw my Kylie doing the same thing several years ago.
I just say God bless her as she begins her life in the big new world.

An Evening in Monticello

We spent time at our home away from home this evening. We took a walk on the trail that goes around the lake.

This spot looked liked it could be very romantic. The bench over looks the lake.

There are also picnic tables with places to cook out along the trail.

Then we go lucky and found out that Sergio was playing ball, so we watched the game and visited with Nichole.

Nichole, Melany, and Avena were making plans for the kids to go play at the play ground.

On our way home we had a spectacular view of the sunset.

Unfortunately I wasn't able to use my cell phone to get the pictures

I took since we don't have cell service in the canyon.

Another lovely night.

The Beauty of Summer

This picture was taken on our way home to Needles.
Taking time with Grand kids to play at the reservoir.

Did you Know

What do you think of when you see a can of olives... or hear the word olive?
Have you ever noticed that when ever a can of olives is opened everyone runs to the can, eager to top every finger and both thumbs, then bites them off one by one with a huge smile on their face? Come to think of it, olives do have a magical ability to make you feel better.

The magic in olives is the mono-unsaturated fats. The omega-3 fatty acids can interact with the central nervous system to elevate your mood. So the next time you feel a little down, grab a can of olives and eat away. Worry about the calories later. :) Make sure you have plenty in your food storage.

The information obtained came from a Novel I'm reading called, "Home to Italy," by Peter Pezzelli. It has been a very fun book to read. You never know what you will learn just from reading a novel.