A Room with a View

2011-06-12T19:56:00.000-07:00

Beautiful cactus blooming in my backyard.

Snapshot

2011-06-08T19:44:00.000-07:00

My Friends

remind me, by their very steadfastness,

that truth, beauty, and goodness

exist in the world,

and that, no matter what,

there are and always will be

people loving people

through thick and thin.

-Kay Foley

Jungmee, Me, Karen
Cadiz, Spain '10

Birthday Girl

2011-05-16T10:53:00.001-07:00

A Class Act

2011-05-12T09:25:00.000-07:00

Last night my sweet Grandmother, Julie Memmott, passed away. She was one of the loveliest people I have had in my life. As we often do when a loved one passes on I started reminiscing about all the memories and wonderful times I shared with her. My earliest memory of her is her driving me past the hospital that I was born in. It was just down the road from her home and she told me about that day and how she was there and saw me born. That is really amazing considering it was 1963. She pointed out the window of the room where I was born in the hospital and told me my birth was one of the most beautiful things she had ever seen. She told me this story every time I would come to visit her and I never grew tired of it.

Some other fond memories:

She had the longest telephone chord I have ever seen. She could cover her entire upstairs with that phone.

She loved pretty things.

Fresh peaches in the summer at her house that were amazing.

She would say "Pardon my green gloves."

She had the really expensive, fancy jelly fruit slice candies and she would get the box down from a hidden spot and share.

She would sing "I'm just a little petunia in an onion patch". She would sing this as if she was the petunia crying her eyes out. It was hysterical.

She had a great laugh.

She loved Keds and had them in every color.

She gave great arm tickles.

I loved to go shopping in SLC with her. It was a day of shopping then out to lunch. I will never forget the time when I was in college and I went to visit her. She drove to the ZCMI Center and parked in the parking structure. When she pulled into the space and hit the cement pillar she threw the car in park and yelled we're here now lets go shop.

As a young woman she took me to meet Ardeth Kapp and had her sign a book for me.

She always encouraged me to practice the piano. She would say, "Some day you will live in a place where no one else can play the piano at church and they will need you." I didn't think that was possible but it did happen and I played.

She put butter on vegetables in very large amounts.

She had beautiful hands.

She made me feel like I surely must be the grandchild she loved the most.

She had a sign in her house that read' "Choose you this day whom ye will serve:..but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." And she lived it!

I love her and am blessed beyond measure to have her for my Grandmother.

Wanna Be a Photographer?

2011-04-25T18:54:00.000-07:00

Love this great little cheat sheet.

Source: None via Kristina on Pinterest

Good Book

2011-04-22T10:15:00.000-07:00

Hey, out there have you read any good books lately? Please share. I am on the hunt for a good read. I would love some suggestions so I don't have to plow through all the choices out there.

Don't be shy. Please share.

Sunday Snapshot

2011-03-27T20:39:00.000-07:00

Macro

2011-03-24T16:41:00.000-07:00

Trying out the new Macro Lens.

Not the typical Macro Lens.

It a Lens Baby Composer.

With Macro Kit

Here is a more Vintage look.

I have so many things I want to try with this lens.

Stay Tuned.

In the meantime check out their site.

Next on my list.....Fisheye Optic

To Kindle Or Not To Kindle?

2011-03-03T07:39:00.000-08:00

I love reading. I love books. I LOVE having a Kindle. I remember years ago when the hubby came home from work and told me all about a demonstration he had seen on digital cameras and the possibilities. I told him everything that was wrong with that idea. Well we know how right I was on that one, don't we? Much like the digital cameras, when I first saw the kindle and other eReaders I thought there is no way that these are going to catch on. Let's face it there is nothing like the feel and smell of a good book or the fun of browsing through the books store looking for the perfect book.

Then I was given a Kindle as a gift from my techie hubby. I have to say it has been one of my favorite gifts of all time. I will now address the questions I most often get when people find out I have one.

"Is it hard to read?" -- No, it is like reading a book but instead of turning a page you push a button. Oh and should the text be too small for your liking you can make it larger. Also best part about Kindle is that there isn't glare on the screen like on an iPad.

"Don't you miss the feel of a real book in your hands?" No, it is actually lighter and easier to handle than a book, especially if you are reading outside where pages would be flapping in the breeze.

I take it with me everywhere. I always have something to read. A book, a magazine or if I'm being lazy I can play a word game.

I have classics ( many are free), the scriptures, children's novels, Readers Digest and a lot of other books.

I browse books on Amazon and if I think I might be intersted in them I can save them to my wish list to purchase at another time. I have found that the books are fairly priced. I have only had two books that I wanted to buy that were not available on the Kindle. They were both books for my book club that are very old and somewhat obscure.

Because of a very unfortunate event I no longer had my Kindle and have been without one for about Three weeks. Today my new one arrives. Can't wait. I have been missing it. Where are you Mr. UPS? Oh and all my books that I had on my previous kindle are still in my Amazon account and will be reloaded onto my new Kindle. I wonder if it will remember what page I was on in "Someone Knows My Name". Well, if not I guess you can't have it all.

So do any of you have a Kindle or some other eReader. What's the verdict?

Fez Morocco

2011-02-28T11:42:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, ready for more travel log? I wanted to share some of my pictures from Morocco. It was an experience like no other. Before our trip Janet had hired a tour guide to take us to Fez, Morocco one of the four imperial cities. Our destination was to the Old Walled City. We had a few snafus finding the guide when the Cruise ship docked in Casablanca. We were only a tad worried when one of the taxi drivers pleaded with us not to leave the immediate area of the ship to find our tour guide because it would not be safe for us. (I believe him now). We didn't spend any time in Casablanca which is actually a very modern city. We headed straight to Fez just a quick 3 hours down the road, through the rain that came out of nowhere when we were well on our way, and didn't have proper rain gear with us.

This is one of the first things we saw when we arrived in the city. All these men out in the grassy areas exercising. It was strange. Also no women to be seen.

Jungmee and I enjoying the rain and getting ready to see the sites!

Interesting and beautiful architecture.

The entrance to the old city. It would be so easy to get lost in here and never find your way out.

An old vendor. Selling lemons, limes and other spices.

Eggs for sale. No cars can get into the old city because it is small alley ways. People use these carts and donkeys and horses to bring supplies in. Pedestrians must give right of way to them.

Inside the courtyard of the mosque. We had to wait for their prayers to finish before entering. You can see some of the people in the covered area who had just finished prayer. They wash their feet in the pool of water and then they also put some of the water in their mouth. When it is time for prayer music is played on loud speakers all over the city. You can hear it everywhere.

Here is the whole gang in the Mosque.

Marian, Angie, Florence, Janet, Me, Lori, Jungmee, Karen

This is our tour guide in his traditional clothing. Many people wore these. They have a white dress shirt and this covering that looks like a bathrobe. The hat is pointed and the hemline is just high enough that it doesn't get wet or muddy, then they wear dress socks and dress shoes.

Some of the shops....

We went to use a women's bathroom in a restaurant. The bathroom for women was on the top of the building. We had to go on the roof to get to it. This was the view from the roof. I guess they are all getting some TV time.

These are pictures from the leather district.

The smell here was absolutely unbelievable and not in a good way. This are the tubs that the leather is processed and dyed in.

These are some of the leather shoes that they make. The one thing I regret not purchasing.

These are large metal tubs from the metal district.

Something New

2011-02-25T14:38:00.000-08:00

I love PINTEREST! I have always felt a bit frustrated when I see fabulous pictures of all variety of things online and can't remember where I saw them. Solution: Pinterest. It is fantastic. I love it. It is addicting. You must try it.

So what is it? When you see something you love you pin it to your pin board. You have your own personal catalog of things you love in categories you choose. It is great because it gives proper credit where it is due. Those items you pin stay on your board. You can follow others boards and see what they love and are inspired by.

So please sign up here. Request an invite and then invite your friends.

Make sure you use the Pin It bookmarklet. It makes it so quick and easy to pin images from anywhere.
I love to browse the pins on pinterest and repin them to my boards. For example.....

someone had pinned this from MarthaStewart.com. I repinned it to my "For The Home Board". Now some day when I really get my act together and want to do this in my hallway I will know right where to find it.

Or how about this...A quote I liked

this from vi.sualize.us. Now it is on my thoughts pin board.

So please join.... and lets follow each other.

ps Click on pinterest in the left sidebar at the top of my blog and you will see my pin boards. Now you really want to join!

HICCUP

2011-02-24T07:49:00.000-08:00

That's right a big hiccup happened. I had great plans this month for the old blog but a big snafu happened. I won't go into the details I'll just say it is difficult to blog when you don't have a camera or a computer. Oh well, here's to starting over. I guess I will start by just posting an old picture since I am no longer the proud owner of the pictures from the last year of my life. Enjoy and come back soon. Maybe I'll get to some more photos of my European vacation. (I do still have those photos)

The Joy of Love

2011-02-01T15:21:00.000-08:00

Happy February. I am participating in a FREE 28-day lass from Willette Photography….the JOY of love!

Participants will receive daily email prompts/photo assignments with some tutorial/instruction built into the daily email lesson. It is that easy. She will email you every morning, and you follow the assignment/prompt if you would like. She has created a public flickr gallery where you can share if you so choose.

It's not too late to participate. Just click on the Joy of Love badge in the upper left corner of my page here and it will tell you how to participate.

The photo above is my day 01: What they do. It's a bit of a cheat since I took this picture last year. I need more people around this place to photograph. I guess I may have to get out more this month! I am thinking of doing all of my pictures for the class in black and white. Let me know if you decide to participate and I will look for your photos.

Inspirational

2011-01-30T13:50:00.000-08:00

This Saturday we were privileged to attend a performance of the Saints Unified Voices Choir directed by Gladys Night. The Choir - fabulous and inspiring. Gladys Knight shared her testimony and her story about how she became a Mormon. She is beautiful and she is on fire!

Watch this for some inspiration. How one Young man made a difference.

Click here if you want to know more.

Work It

2011-01-27T18:06:00.000-08:00

This is very important information. I have added a few new songs to my favorite workout playlist. You will undoubtedly want to add them to yours so here they are.

The Bomb by Pigeon John. You will recognize this from the new VW Commercial with the two guys in the back seat dancing because of all the leg room.

My Body by Young the Giant - This was a freebie on itunes. Love it.

Cooler Than Me by Mike Posner- Gets me movin'

And finally - not new by any stretch of the imagination I have to hear: Daft Punk Is Playing At My House by LCD Soundsystems.

What gets you moving on the treadmill?

No Bull!

2011-01-21T17:24:00.000-08:00

Malaga, Spain

This was the first stop on our cruise ( You know the one I took clear back in october). Malaga has a Castle

Cathedrals

and of course -- Shopping!

The main stop in Malaga was the Plaza de Toros La Malagueta

or for you Gringos - the place where the bull fighting happens!

This is inside the bull fighting ring

Nice comfy seating

This was a fantastic place and a lot of fun. When we first arrived we gave them our money at the door and just started exploring. Out of nowhere came a man who had an official looking uniform, not teeth and a whistle. He started blowing his whistle and telling us to get out of the ring. Then he told us we could get a tour and go to the museum. He took us to the museum and handed us over to a little tiny old man. He brought out a cape and let us all hold it. They weigh a ton! Janet asked him about the cape and he said it was his from when he was a Matador! Then he went in the office and got a picture of himself as a young Matador. Oh the ladies all went wild. He was a rock star!!!! I think he was very flattered by all the attention. The museum was amazing. These matadors are very tiny people. Their clothing is so elaborate and beautiful and smalllllll. The only thing missing at the Plaza de Toro was a bull. Well except for the one that I was able to tame so easily (and that's no bull).

Malaga is a beautiful lush city. The parks and walkways were lovely. They really know how to shade their walkways.

This photo would be much funnier if we really hadn't almost missed the ship. Yup leaves port at 7:00 pm and we were the last two on the ship at 7:01. Dang Americans.

Wednesday Wars

2011-01-16T18:53:00.000-08:00

Me and my Bro circa 1966

Air raid drills, vietnam, Martin Luther King, flower people, cream puffs, Bobby Kennedy, and Shakespeare all rolled in to a great story. The Wednesday Wars is a children's novel that took me by surprise. I loved this book that takes place in the 60's. It is for children ages 8-12 but I say ages 8-101. It is the story of Holling Hoodhood and his seventh grade year in Jr. high with a teacher who"hates his guts". She tortures him with pounding erasers and Shakespeare and just like Shakespeare at times the book is a laugh out loud comedy and at other times a tragedy. If you were in grade school in the 60's you will relate to the air raid drills and climbing under the school desks with your hands over your head waiting for the bell to ring. If you didn't grow up during that time then you will get a feel for what it was like. This book has some great laughs, great characters and inspiring moments.

National Clean Off Your Desk Day

2011-01-10T19:30:00.000-08:00

How does your desk look. Mine is not the worst ever but it is a mess. Ok here it is.

The thing is I went to the gym and did a spin class. The first time in a long time. I thought I was going to throw up, then I thought I was going to pass out. I actually made it to the end of class without either happening. My face was as red as you could possibly imagine. My head has hurt the rest of the day. How red well about THIS RED.

I made a million phone calls trying to find a place to put our company logo on a couple of Jerseys. How many phone calls A GAZILLION. Then I finally googled the perfect search words and found a local company that is going to do exactly what we wanted. Relief!!! My head still hurt.

Now I find out it's National clean off your desk day. It's 7:08 p.m.. my desk is a mess....or is it a mess? I have important things very strategically placed and filed. See what I mean

I think it's perfect.

Well almost! Now this is PERFECT!

How does your desk look?

The Happy Book Collector

2011-01-07T11:02:00.000-08:00

Once again Kohl's is offering a great deal on children's picture books. This time around it is an all time favorite Eric Carle.

The Hungry Caterpillar

The Grouchy Ladybug

The Mix-up Chameleon

The Foolish Tortise

At $5.00 a pop they are a steal. The plush toys are an added bonus at $5.00. All the money goes to a good cause which gives one more reason to make the purchase.

I don't work for Kohl's or get free books from them, or payment for promoting their cause. I just think it's a dang good deal.

FOR MY KIDS

2011-01-05T11:34:00.000-08:00

Time

This year in Primary we gave the children a 3 minute hour glass to remind them to read their scriptures each day for just 3 short minutes. Yesterday in my travels to return the last few things from Christmas I noticed hour glasses in the home decorations department of one of the stores. They were spiffy with special little stands to put them on. They were also expensive but that's another story. I've been thinking about time a lot lately.

How to use my time wisely.
What to do with my time.
Why has time gone so fast?
How much time is left?
What is most important to do with my time?
If certain things are worth my time.
Do I give enough time to important things?
Wishing I could go back in time and do some things differently.

Anyways you get the drift. I recently visited a website on Happiness. The writer states "The days are long, but the years are short". So true. How did all the years go so quickly and how did I get this old? So with the new year I am hoping to figure out how to best use my time. It may be a process. It WILL be a process. I know that I want to spend more time connecting with family and friends. I want more time spent improving myself spiritually & physically. I have an educational goal that I want to complete. I also want to take time to appreciate what I have and enjoy the moment that I am in.

What are you going to do with your time? Are you going to try something new or rededicate yourself to something you have already started? What would you do if someone gave you an extra hour every day?
Let me know what you think. It really won't take much time .....

HOUSEKEEPING: I was told by my kids that they like when I keep my blog up and going. I was going to scrap it. So here you go kids. This of course is probably only read by you so you must make comments. Show me the love!

WHAT'S THAT: If by chance someone stumbles upon this and is confused. Primary is essentially what most churches would refer to as Sunday School for the Children.

Happy New Year

2011-01-02T17:55:00.000-08:00

“You cannot put the same shoe on every foot.”

Publilius

Happy Holidays

2010-12-22T13:57:00.001-08:00

Home Sweet Home.

2010-11-12T07:34:00.000-08:00

I'm back.

This was my fist trip ever to Europe. (oh, and Africa)

I have had major jet lag.

I feel sorry for Ken, every time I sit down I start to fall asleep.

I missed Ken terribly.

I saw amazing places.

I was with wonderful friends.

I will post pictures of my trip in random order.

Because I feel like it!

I took all my photos from my teeny tiny Canon point and shoot.

I have no regrets about leaving the big Mother Camera at home.

This is Genoa, Italy.

One of the first wonders of Italy we discovered was their hot chocolate. Best way to describe it is hot pudding. The flavor was delizioso. This was breakfast along with a panini. Those Italians have got the breakfast thing right.

St Lawrence Cathedral in Genoa. This Cathedral was so interesting to me because of the black and white stone that was used to construct it. The color was so striking. Check it out.

Beauty in the details....

This is the main plaza. The three large buildings are essentially their post office, wall street, and the bank.

Oh look, me in the main Plaza. The buildings are fantastic.

These are the gates to the city. They are right next to the little, teeny tiny house Christopher columbus grew up in.

The home that Christopher Columbus grew up in. Very,very small! Three levels, each level the size of a average american bathroom. Four Euros to see. Hey, we want our money back!

My friends Florence and Angie in CC's back yard. Small house - Big yard - made the kid dream big and go out and discover a new world.

Some additional sights from Genoa. Ahhhh!

Random memories.....

"You want how much for the taxi?"
"Stay close together, its late and this isn't a good area!"
"Italy is always a good idea in the Fall."
"I need to get some Euros., NOW"
"Where can we get a bus ticket."
"We will just take our luggage and ride the train to Savona. No big deal it will be easy!"
"Janet, what's he saying?"

Love These Halloween Books

2010-10-20T18:58:00.000-07:00

First is The Hallo-Wiener written and illustrated by Dav Pilkey. This is a book that will give everyone a good laugh. The story of Oscar the Wiener Dog and his unfortunate halloween costume. By the end of the story Oscar will go from Wiener Dog to Hero Sandwich. The only other comment I have is WHAT WAS HIS MOTHER THINKING?

Next up Ghosts in the House! written and illustrated by Kazuno Kohara. I was first attracted to this little gem because of the illustrations. They reminded me of books from my childhood. This is a happy Halloween story about a very clever girl that knows how to take care of the ghosts. Adorable!

The FriendSHIP

2010-10-09T14:30:00.000-07:00

It's not far down to paradise

At least it's not for me

And if the wind is right you can sail away

And find tranquility

The canvas can do miracles

Just you wait and see

Believe me

It's not far to never never land

No reason to pretend

And if the wind is right you can find the joy

Of innocence again

The canvas can do miracles

Just you wait and see

Believe me

Sailing

Takes me away

To where I've always heard it could be

Just a dream and the wind to carry me

And soon I will be free

Fantasy

It gets the best of me

When I'm sailing

All caught up in the reverie

Every word is a symphony

Won't you believe me

It's not far back to sanity

At least it's not for me

And when the wind is right you can sail away

And find serenity

The canvas can do miracles

Just you wait and see

Believe me

A Day at Sea

2010-09-21T19:13:00.000-07:00

A beautiful day on the water. I wasn't sure where Cap'n Ken was going to take us. It was windy and sunny and warm the perfect combination for sailing.

Cap'n Ken at work getting us ready for the high seas!

There was a very cool water plane flying around. It would take off and land in the harbor.

We saw these beauties out enjoying the great weather. Now these are party boats.

San Jacinto

2010-09-18T12:15:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday

San Jacinto Mountains

Devil slide Trail

Shady Trail

All Uphill

At the Saddle

Nap Time!

Great Hike

Great Workout

Beautiful Day

Bought an Adventure Pass

We'll be back

Maybe we will hike it in the snow sometime

Why am I writing like this?

Because I feel like it.

Blankie

2010-09-15T18:51:00.000-07:00

I stopped at Gardner's Village when I was in Utah and picked up a Pattern for a baby Quilt. Vintage Baby Quilt by Yoyo Mamma Designs. I've never made a quilt like this but it looked like a fun project ( oh, wait, I've never made a quilt). Interesting supplies, huh?

I learned a few things along the way but I love the way it turned out. The colors are favorites and the blankie is very soft now that I have washed it.

I am going to give this to my friend Julie. She is expecting a sweet baby girl and I couldn't be happier for her.

I think any baby would be snug as a bug in this blankie. Now what will my next project be?

Beautiful People

2010-08-01T19:10:00.000-07:00

This last month I spent some time with family in McCall, Idaho. We ventured down to the lake for sunset and I took these pictures of these beautiful people in my life. I love looking into their eyes and their smiles. Each and everyone of them is a beautiful person in so many ways. I love being able to capture their spirit in a photo. As we have all heard before "the eyes are the window to the soul".

Graduation

2010-07-30T10:22:00.000-07:00

This is Sean in Kindergarten. Happy kid, huh?

This is Sean graduating from BYUI. Happy man, huh?

Look what else he got while he was away at college.

McKenzie is telling him she is proud!

Overcome with emotion.

This beautiful woman is his greatest fan.

Here he is with the scholarship committee. They are very happy and proud of him. He looks a lot like them. His nose comes from the woman with the bad bangs. The rest of his looks came from that really handsome guy on the right.

Under Construction

2010-07-28T17:21:00.000-07:00

No the baby is not under construction.

It was brought to my attention last week that if my blog was viewed on any browser other than Safari that everything was discombobulated. Wow, how long had this been going on? I don't know why and the only thing I can think of is that I tried out some new options that blogger was offering for downloading photos and apparently that also included options for new templates that I overlooked.

So how is it now? Is it looking a little more normal? I still have a few kinks to work out so it is in the Under Construction status.

Now for the good stuff... the BEST stuff.

On Sunday we joined together as family and friends to witness the blessing of our sweet little grand daughter McKenzie Mae. Sean pronounced a beautiful blessing on her. She was so adorable and sweet. She made just a little peep during the blessing so that we would all remember that she was there and listening. Stacey, her pretty momma, had her looking just as cute as could be. Then we all had a lovely lunch together. I was so happy to see this group through my camera lens. People I love the most!

The Kirtleys and the Hawkes Families

The Daddy and the Mommy. Cutest Family!

The Main Attraction

Finally ... Picture of the Grandma who is behind the lens usually. Love, Love, Love those chubby, kissable cheeks.

Thought for a Sunday

2010-07-11T20:58:00.000-07:00

I find the great thing in this world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving: To reach the port of heaven, we must sail sometimes with the wind and sometimes against it - but we must sail, and not drift, nor lie at anchor.

- Oliver Wendel Holmes

Not One Picture!

2010-07-05T10:24:00.000-07:00

We had a fabulous 4th of July weekend and I didn't take a single picture! It started Saturday with a Barbque-swim party with our amazing friends who are our chosen family. We ate, and talked, and swam, and ate, and ate, and talked and talked. It was sooooo good to see everyone. Sunday we were guests at Scott and Amanda's for dinner and great fireworks. Thanks guys - great show. It's very cool when the kids start doing the entertaining at their house. I am so grateful for this beautiful, free, country that we live in. God bless America!

Happy Birthday

2010-07-01T08:11:00.000-07:00

I guess we shouldn't be surprised that he has chosen to parachute out of a plane to celebrate 50 years.

No - I'm not worried about it - just excited for him. I will be there to watch, after all I am his biggest fan!

Happy Birthday Ken

Ironic

2010-06-29T19:26:00.000-07:00

Reflection of an advertisement for the new TV show Huge reflecting in the window of Forever 21(headquarters for skinny people clothes) at the mall.

Crafting

2010-06-27T14:03:00.000-07:00

Two weeks of staying out of the sun, no lifting, no working out, I am losing my mind.

I decided to dig into some craft items that I have had FOREVER.

Here is the mess.

I will show the results later.

It's a surprise for McKenzie and I wouldn't want to ruin it for her.

Art

2010-06-24T16:03:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Dani went with me to have my stitches removed. She didn't go with me to hold my hand but to make us carpool lane legal. Then we went to Blick Art Store in Old Town Pasadena. She needed to stock up on supplies for an art class she is teaching to some kids. Love Blick Art. Love Dani's Art.

Fathers Day

2010-06-20T13:52:00.000-07:00

A Happy Fathers Day wish to my Dad. He is a great guy who loves his family and would do anything for them. Here we are in our younger days. I am the little white, chubby, rolly-polly one on my Dads knee.

Fathers Day love also goes to the Father of my children. I love this guy. He has been and is an amazing Dad. I'm so lucky to raise these kids with him and they are so lucky to have him as a Dad.

He is smart

He is adventurous

He is fun

He is a good sport

He is generous

He is crazy

He is spiritual

and now he is also a Grandfather.

and he is loved by his family.

Coppertone and Anne Hathaway

2010-06-18T15:34:00.000-07:00

One of my memories of childhood is this ad. When I was a youngster my family lived in Florida on the beach . I remember this ad so well and I remember us using Coppertone. Sunscreen (I believe we called it tanning lotion back then) was nothing like it is today. I wouldn't be surprised to learn that it was pure oil back then. We used it but we were always sunburned.

I recently ran across this photo. This is where we lived in Florida. Now there were obviously kids with these moms if you take notice of the shoes and toys. We were surely playing in the water getting our suntan on. I guess that beach chairs hadn't been invented yet. The red keds are mine. I remember them. I hated them. I wanted boy style vans but got girl style keds, but I digress. That bathing beauty on the left is my mom. The woman who is covered head to toe is my Grandmother. When I first saw the photo I thought wow my grandmother looks like a barrel of fun at the beach all covered up like that. After this week I take back that thought and say "Wow she was a smart lady".

Here I am this week after having basil cells removed from my face. Yes it takes a good 20 to 30 years for all that sun damage to start taking over our skin. All I ever wanted as a teen was a good tan. Now all I want is my face not to be puffy and sore and scarred. Darn that coppertone look what they had promised us.......

Do I look younger? I am now going for the shade I affectionately call Anne Hathaway.

You must admit that she is a lovely shade of pale. Just look at the alternative.

Be Cool. Get Your Sunscreen On!

Sunday

2010-06-06T10:33:00.000-07:00

Sunrise

2010-06-02T18:06:00.000-07:00

"With each sunrise, we start anew."

This is a series of photos that I took while in Canyonlands National Park in April. Troy and I arrived before sunset. It was cold, and dark and then it was beautiful and amazing. As the sun rises the underside of the arch begins to glow. It almost looks like hot embers on a burning log. Enjoy.

Grandaughter

2010-06-01T16:32:00.000-07:00

Sitting there in your pajamas & all the time in the world & if I could keep any moment it would be this: watching you & holding my breath with the wonder of it all.

Brian Andreas

McKenzie Mae

May 15, 2010

9:00 pm

7 lbs 11 oz

Home Again

2010-05-31T18:54:00.000-07:00

Home from a great weekend getaway. I wasn't the only one enjoying Newport Harbor....

This is me

Happy Face!

Conclusion: A little sea, sun, and getting away from it all is good for you!

Weekend View

2010-05-30T16:30:00.000-07:00

Graduation 2010

2010-05-26T12:34:00.000-07:00

The pictures say it all......

Birthday Girl

2010-03-15T11:50:00.000-07:00

We celebrated a Happy Birthday with Danielle yesterday. 18 years. Oh the stories I could tell. Let me just say she is a wonderful girl and it's a joy to be her mother.

Little Things

2010-03-04T08:31:00.000-08:00

It's the little things that I enjoy. This is the google doodle today. Vivaldi Google. Celebrating the 332nd birthday of Antonia Vivaldi the Italian composer. This doodle honors "The Four Seasons," his most famous composition. And now for your viewing and listening pleasure.

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss

2010-03-02T14:52:00.000-08:00

Dr. Seuss was the very man who inflicted great torture on me as a young child. Ok, so he didn't actually come to my house and torture me, it just felt like it. As a youngster learning to read I guess Green Eggs and Ham and The Cat In The Hat must have been the only two books in my house. Every night my Dad would sit with me and I would have to read one of these books. I was struggling with reading. I hated these books. I wanted to scream at Sam I Am, "just answer the damn question so this book can be over with" (Did I just swear?). I wanted to take that Cat and beat the living daylights out of him and tell him to, "GET OUT". I would slowly plug along trying to get through those books each night. I remember crying about it and yelling I hate reading.

I want all of you that are wondering if I am still an illiterate to know that reading finally clicked in my head and then I was off and never stopped reading but it was no thanks to Dr. Seuss. I think it was actually spelling tests. I was very competitive when it came to spelling tests in the 2nd grade and also I wanted to be in the top reading group.

I have forgiven Dr. Seuss. Although, those two books are still my least favorite. It was years before I bought any Dr. Seuss books for my own kids and I was a collector of children's books. Those did not make the cut as necessary reading in our home library. I do remember the first time that the kids heard those stories they liked them and I was silently annoyed that they didn't hate them.

I will give a shout out to the following Seuss books - Are You My Mother? (Loved it). My all time favorite, Go Dog Go. Loved the dogs and the cars, the huge bed with a zillion dogs sleeping in it, and the question, "do you like my hat?".
So Happy Birthday Dr Seuss and please people--do not torture your kids with these books if they are a struggling reader. It just ain't nice!

PS. Oh Look, after posting the pictures I see that the books I liked weren't even Dr. Seuss books. So, thank you PD Eastman for saving me.

New Hobby?

2010-02-28T10:46:00.000-08:00

I signed up for a quilt class and started last week. The quilt I am starting with is hand appliqued. The hardest part is selecting fabric. The fabrics I chose are Konabay Asian prints. I know how odd. I just kept going back to them in the fabric store. They were calling to me.

I am looking forward to learning something new and different. I loved my first class. It was fun to meet the women in the class. Ken wanted to know if they were all really old. No - every age. They are all working on amazing quilts in all different styles. I love that there is a real revival with younger people doing hand crafts. Now I know I'm not younger by any stretch but so many younger women that I know are trying their hand at sewing, knitting, crocheting, quilting and other hand crafts.

Sunshine and Flowers

2010-02-26T08:06:00.000-08:00

I love me some SUNSHINE and FLOWERS. (The flowers don't even have to be real).

It's Her Time

2010-02-22T18:43:00.000-08:00

Congrats to my Natalie. She has been accepted to the BYU Counseling PhD Program. She is a smarty! To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose ( Eccl 3:1). Her time is finally here for this . Aren't we glad that it wasn't sooner so she didn't miss all the other great adventures that have come her way. So happy for my girl.

For Ken

2010-02-17T08:29:00.001-08:00

She has been looking at you like that for years!

A Perfect Valentines Weekend

2010-02-14T20:41:00.000-08:00

Perfect Weather

Perfect Place

Perfect Company

Perfect Flowers

Perfect Fun

Perfect Weekend

Love

2010-02-11T19:21:00.000-08:00

"Love is the irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired"

Mark Twain

Death and Rebirth of Mac Daddy

2010-02-08T07:30:00.000-08:00

I woke up Saturday morning only to discover that Mac Daddy had major heart failure. Ken opened him up and did a full heart transplant.

When I saw this I just about had complete heart failure. But of course ken is brilliant when it comes to computers and all was well.

A full recovery has been made. Thanks Ken!!!!! What a way to spend a rainy weekend.

Katey

2010-01-27T17:31:00.000-08:00

ps. i love her new hair cut...so perfect for her!

Ahh!

2010-01-23T09:50:00.000-08:00

Pause

2010-01-21T11:47:00.000-08:00

There was a brief pause in the rain this morning. This was the View

Todays View

2010-01-18T11:03:00.001-08:00

It's may be raining but the view is great! This is a blood orange off of our very own tree. It is soooo sweet and juicy. Yum.

Winter Getaway

2010-01-17T13:52:00.000-08:00

Last August when I was in Peru Ken bought tickets to a Keb Mo Concert at the Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach. This weekend the concert was finally here. The concert was fantastic. Keb can really sing and he didn't let us down.

The plan had been to Kayak Saturday morning but the weather forecast before we left home didn't look good so the Kayak stayed home.

Instead we decided to check out Torry Pines State Park in LaJolla. Of course the day actually was warm and beautiful. This is the view from the beginning of the hike. We actually hiked out to the rock in the picture to start out with.

Here is my hiking companion and pack mule.
There were many areas where the plants were being rehabilitated. Rehabilitated from what I do not know, it all looked good to me.
The view as we hiked further out. (looking north)

The view the other direction. (looking south)
At the end of the trail. The Pacific Ocean.

Blast From The Past

2010-01-14T09:59:00.000-08:00

Ken got a 35mm Digital Converter for Christmas. Yesterday I found the negatives from our wedding. (I am not going to talk about the HUGE manilla envelope full of negatives that I threw away several years ago because I would surely never need them again.) On facebook people are using retro pictures of themselves at their profile picture this week. Well if you want retro check these out.

This picture isn't our best. We both look like we are laughing. I wonder what was so funny. It was probably my hat.

Here is my retro family. Not too bad except for a few hair challenges.
My best friend Lynda and my brother Troy. Troy is smiling like this because he is thinking about how he just got home from Uruguay, his stomach is going to start feeling better, and his best friend just married his sister. What's not to smile about!
Jill looking good.
Sorry, Stephanie.... lame photographer only took this picture of you. At least he took one. He managed not to take any of Brandon.
Bob and Lynn win the totally retro award. I would be mad if I were Lynn because Bob is showing her up in the hair department here.
Retro cake. Please note arrows pointing to retro nuts and mints. We sure knew how to do refreshments back in the 80's. I think we should go back to weddings like this. Think of all the money we would save.
Retro car: Plymouth Horizon. It was a beauty. What you can't see is the paper cuttings that fill the inside of the car up clear to where the windows start.

Messing Around

2010-01-12T16:45:00.000-08:00

The original shot

Changing it up

Even Better
The original shot

Changing it up

The Original Shot

Photoshop can work miracles!!!!

Recovery

2010-01-11T09:34:00.001-08:00

Question and Answer time.

I write the questions.

I write the answers.

Q: Why haven't you posted anything for so long.
A: Um, I've been busy.

Q: What have you been so busy with, I thought you had a life of leisure?
A: Recovering from this takes time and effort

Q: So after you cleaned up that mess what did you do?

A: Put away the christmas decorations, cleaned, shined polished and scrubbed what was left. Next I returned unwanted, non-fitting christmas gifts which involved driving all over God's green earth. Then I worked on Primary making posters, putting together manuals, planning and prepping for the new year. Then just the usual gym, grocery shopping, more cleaning, cooking, hiking, laundry, cleaning the garage, running errands, etc.

Q: So now what?

A: More of the above I am sure and enjoying the warm California weather, learning how to use PhotoshopCS4, practicing taking photos with new camera (christmas gift!). Why? do you have any suggestions?

Q: Why do you have up a Valentines banner on your blog already.

A: Because I already made it and what the heck, why not, and no it isn't to put any pressure on anyone for a valentines gift because all I gots all I needs!

Q: Why are you talking to yourself on your blog?

A: Because no one else is.

Q: Why are you so lucky?

A: I don't know. I really am blessed. I have a family I love and adore, I live in a beautiful place, I am healthy, I have friends who are the best, and I know I am a child of God.

Q: Do you have a perfect life?

A: Far from it. That's why my New Year's Resolution list is so long, too long, exceedingly long, too long to even write it up here in my blog. But, my life is pretty darn good.

2009-12-31T15:46:00.000-08:00

December

2009-12-26T19:23:00.000-08:00

This month just flew by. Here are a few photos of December:

Natalie building gingerbread house.

Sean and Stacey

I made a quick trip to Rexburg. Stacey decorated their first Christmas tree.

Katey had appendicitis and just like that they took it out
Dani had her friends over. They hang out in the laundry craft room a lot.
They eat paninis a lot.
The Ho Ho Parade came and Katey and Sparky hit it off.
I made treats for the Primary teachers.

Dani made sushi for her friends.

It was rainy and stormy a few days.
Dani got a Zhu Zhu. She is in love.
Here are our girls on Christmas.
We had a wonderful Christmas. Sean and Stacey were missed but they were safe and happy so it's all good. Hope you all had a happy Christmas with your loved ones.

Merry Christmas to All!

2009-12-24T15:45:00.001-08:00

Oh Baby!

2009-12-21T08:01:00.001-08:00

Christmas - Just around the corner.

2009-12-19T16:01:00.000-08:00

I have tried to use this as my mantra for the past few days. I was feeling a bit behind on things but working at staying calm seems to have helped. I am determined to enjoy the season and keeping calm and carrying on is a great way to achieve that goal. Give it a try.

There's No Place Like Home For The Holidays

2009-12-07T19:50:00.000-08:00

I was working on uploading these pictures of my home at Christmas when I received the call that Katey was in terrible pain. A few hours later we had the news that she needed her appendix removed, and a few hours after that I was on a plane to Rexburg.

I am so grateful I have been here to help her and also to enjoy some time with Sean and Stacey. That being said, there really is no place like home for the holidays.

Hope you enjoy the pictures.

Christ: The Real Gift of Christmas

2009-12-02T17:54:00.000-08:00

Christ: The Real Gift of Christmas

Fancy Nancy Is Back!

2009-12-02T08:09:00.000-08:00

I love Fancy Nancy and she is back with a Splendiferous Christmas. Vocab Words: Aroma, Heirlooms, Delectable, Improvise and of course Splendiferous. I love, Love, Love the illustrations and it's a great story too.

Need an idea for an activity? Look no further than in the story itself. Make your own heirloom tree topper just like Nancy's.

Did I mention that I adore (that's fancy for like, love, and very fond of) the illustrations?

The Spirit of christmas

2009-12-01T08:19:00.000-08:00

The Spirit of Christmas written and illustrated by Nancy Tillman is a beautiful new-must-have christmas book. As with all her work the illustrations are beautiful. Even more beautiful is the message that the most magical gift of the season is when we spend Christmas with those we love.

Today is the day to start your Advent Calendars. Here are a few that I have seen that I love!

From Allsorts

Ok so that one is a bit ambitious, so try this one. I love it and I think your kids will too! They could each make their own. From Maya*Made

No time to make something? How about this cutie from Target.

Mr. In-Between

2009-11-25T08:29:00.000-08:00

Prayerful

2009-11-24T14:47:00.000-08:00

Thankful

2009-11-23T19:47:00.000-08:00

Grateful

2009-11-23T10:39:00.000-08:00

On Friday I noticed the light filtering through this tree in my backyard and snapped a couple of shots. I am glad I did. Today is a very blustery day and I am guessing there won't be many leaves left on the tree when the wind finally tops.

I also want to recommend a book. Grateful A song of Giving Thanks By John Bucchino, Illustrated by Anna-Liisa Hakkarainen. I love the sweet message of gratitude and the simple illustrations that have such rich colors. It is a celebration of all the seasons, nature and the joy one can have when living a life of gratitude. Also included is a CD of this song recorded by Art Garfunkel.

Happy Birthday Katey

2009-11-20T08:00:00.000-08:00

I love my Katey girl. She was the sweetest baby ever, so happy and content. She has the wackiest personality. I have piles of pictures with her pulling some of the goofiest faces ever. She has always had the most contagious laugh around.

Happy Birthday Katey I have enjoyed every minute of the last 20 years (mostly)! What a great age to be. You have a whole life of adventure ahead of you. Go for it!

I think I will get her a bag of Frito's for her birthday.

C.A.R.E.

2009-11-19T18:20:00.001-08:00

en did a presentation today at the Lifeway Church C.A.R.E. meeting. The group consisted of ministers and civic leaders in the community who are working toward helping their congregations and residents catch the vision of emergency preparedness. He spoke on the Emergency Preparedness and what the LDS church has done to prepare for disasters and emergencies. Of course, he did a great job. It was a pleasure to go and meet everyone in attendance. What a great group of people who want to put differences aside and work together to make a difference.

My Actress

2009-11-17T19:50:00.000-08:00

Here are pictures of "Julius Ceaser". Danielle gave a fantastic performance. I was so proud of her and all of the Drama Department. Well Done!

In The Spirit of Thanksgiving

2009-11-17T07:36:00.000-08:00

Random people on the streets of New York City share a variety of grateful responses to one simple question: What are you thankful for?

Prayer For A Child

2009-11-15T16:15:00.000-08:00

I love children's picture books. If you know me you already know that.

In this time of Thanksgiving and Gratitude I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorites that are in the spirit of the season. I picked up this little gem a while ago.

Prayer for a Child by Rachel Field, Illustrations by Elizabeth Orton Jones.

This lovely little book won the Caldecott Award in 1945. It is a sweet prayer that a child can offer. In Elizabeth Orton Jones Caldecott acceptance speech she said:

“

Drawing is very like a prayer. Drawing is a reaching for something away beyond you. As you sit down to work in the morning, you feel as if you were on top of a hill. And it is as if you were seeing for the first time. You take your pencil in hand. You'd like to draw what you see. And so you begin. You try ... . Every child in the world has a hill, with a top to it. Every child-black, white, rich, poor, handicapped, unhandicapped. And singing is what the top of each hill is for. Singing-drawing-thinking-dreaming-sitting in silence . . . saying a prayer. I should like every child in the world to know that he has a hill, that that hill is his no matter what happens, his and his only, forever.

I love these illustrations and I think part of it may be that they remind of so many of the picture books of my childhood.

Great Book Deal

2009-11-13T12:58:00.001-08:00

Kohl's Cares for Kids offers one of the best deals on children's books around. Every so often they take a popular children's author and publish and sell their books for $5.00. They are hardbound books! The fun part is they also make available for $5.00, stuffed characters from the books.

They are finding a way to make books affordable for children plus 100% of the profits go to support health and educational opportunities for kids.

In the past they have featured Dr. Seuss books and Steve Jenkins books.

Right now they have the Larua Numeroff books. You know... If You Give A Mouse A Cookie, If You Give A Pig A Party...

Hmmm.... Great idea for Christmas.

The Impostor!

2009-11-10T17:19:00.001-08:00

I had to stop by the mall to pick up something for the kid-do. I was walking down the street, turned the corner and there it was the IMPOSTOR, THE FAKE, THE PHONEY BALONEY.

That's right folks. They were putting up the Christmas tree. The very tree that every year I see looking all green and fluffy and shiny and sparkly is really a sad looking, thin limbed, excuse for a tree.

Please notice the piles of branches on the ground. Please notice worker man on lift nailing the branches into the tree so it looks fluffy, and thick and divine. Not in the picture (so you won't notice, but trust me) three workers sitting and watching the one worker man doing the work.

Now I expect the snow on the Santa house to have fake snow. I know this is So Cal. But the tree.........?

Maybe I shouldn't be so upset. I guess most of us are adding on, slapping on, rubbing on, spraying on, who knows maybe even nailing on, extras to make ourselves look better. Are we impostors?

I guess I will give Ms. Christmas tree a break. But I am not going back until she is finished. It's as if I saw her naked. (shudder).

p.s. if any of you want to see this travashamokery they will probably still be working on it tomorrow at Victoria Gardens.

To The Core

2009-11-09T19:33:00.000-08:00

On Saturday Ken and I attended a workshop on working out the core. It was offered at the gym and so I signed us up. They were only going to let 40 people attend and the list was filling up fast.

Five people showed up. Oh well it worked out great for us. We had personal attention from the master trainer and learned all about how to properly do core exercises. We learned five core exercises.

They had us do the exercises and watched to make sure we were doing them correctly.

I can now feel my core (which I was informed is what I would have left if my arms and legs were ripped off). OUCH! (that ouch is for the limbs being ripped off and for the pain in my core muscles).

I am hoping if I keep at it and really work my core that my figure will look more like an apple core rather than an uneaten apple.

Is that were they came up with the term? I'm sure it must be.

Hey if you were an apple what kind would you be. I think I would be a "jazz" apple. Yummy!

Food for thought:

The Family is of God

2009-11-08T15:45:00.000-08:00

Today was our Ward Primary program. The theme: The Family is of God. The children were adorable, it was the perfect length (meaning we ended on time), and nothing major happened. As a reward we gave the kids popcorn and let them watch a movie. Wow, now we know how to keep them entertained and quiet.

Here is a small sample of one of the movies we showed. The kids seemed to enjoy it. The actual movie is about 16 minutes long. It would be great for a family home evening lesson. Check it out. Oh and if you live near me and want to borrow it you know where to find me.

Pres. Uchtdorf shared this story of the stonecutter in a Conference talk - priesthood session- In November 2008. It was titled "Lift Where You Stand".

This is the synopsis of the film from Deseret Book as well as a clip:

There are two kinds of people in this world, those who choose to act and those who are acted upon. In 1856 John Rowe Moyle and his family chose to act by leaving their beloved England, crossing the plains with the Ellsworth handcart company to eventually settle in Alpine, Utah. Soon after their arrival John Moyle was called by Brigham Young to work as a stone mason on the Salt Lake Temple. For 20 years he walked the 22 miles to Salt Lake City to chisel his deepest convictions into granite. Even after and accident causes him to lose his leg, John continued his sojourn to the temple site each week until his death. Today his handiwork can be seen on the east side of the Temple and verbalizes the motto of John's life, "Holiness to the Lord."

Todays View

2009-11-01T18:02:00.000-08:00

My Grandchild!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

2009-10-31T17:08:00.001-07:00

Etiwanda Falls Hike

2009-10-25T07:40:00.000-07:00

My hiking partner. He sets the pace and it's a fast one.

Proof that I was there. The large lump on my hip is really a water bottle in my pocket -Honest!

Oh and since I am sure everyone is wondering. Hike 4.4 Miles, +948 ft. elevation, 20.5% grade, Maximum speed 4.4, Avg Speed 3.2, Duration 1 hr 21 min.

Halloween Time

2009-10-24T16:03:00.000-07:00

Halloween greetings from Witchypoo Lisa. Being Witchy is what I know best!

The real Ken finally comes out and the truth is I always did like a tough guy:)

My favorite kids. Danielle and friends as the Harry Potter Gang.

Holly as Hermonie Granger, Danielle as Ginny Weasley, Jake as Prof. Dumbledore, Breckan as Harry Potter, Victoria as Cho Chang. Here they are casting a spell on the Photographer that she will be 20 years younger and more beautiful than ever. Hope their magic works.

Danielle's friends from school. David was a smashing Sherlock Holmes and Stephany was a Cowgirl. I think they are the best and I'm so glad they joined us for our Ward Party.

North Etiwanda Preserve

2009-10-17T19:10:00.000-07:00

This morning Ken and I decided to hike the new North Etiwanda Preserve. It was a beautiful morning with clear blue skys. The loop is about 3.25 miles. We did make the little detour up to the water gauging station. The trail is very rocky most of the way. We could see poison oak but it was not close to the trail at all. We were amazed at the number of people who were out hiking. Next time. More water.

Going up

This is at the Panoramic view area. They have three panoramic signs that help you pinpoint different mountains, peaks and citites as well as a picnic area.

Going Down

Hmmmm?

2009-10-16T18:49:00.001-07:00

Say it isn't so......Women of the world we must unite and make sure these never leave the runway and hit the stores.

For Katey: I think you will need a dog like this. I can totally see this in your future.

Please promise me I will never see this when I come to your house as a little old lady.

Boomer, a 180-pound Landseer Newfoundland dog, drinks water from the kitchen sink at Caryn Weber's home south of Casselton, N.D. The dog measures seven feet from nose to tail. stands 36 inches tall at the shoulders, measures 7 feet from nose to tail, and weighs 180 pounds.
For Ken: I think that I may have found your next sport. Your Welcome!

Cusco - The Historic Capital of the Inca Empire

2009-10-14T19:36:00.000-07:00

Flying to Cusco. The Andes Mountains.

Cusco is about 12,000 feet above sea level. You really can feel that thin air the minute you get off the plane. I loved Cusco. The colors of the city seemed so bright and vibrant to me. The sky was the bluest blue.

I love this picture. The women carry all kinds of things but most often babies in these large squares of cloth they tie on their backs.

The Plaza de Armas - this is the city center. It was such a lovely place to sit and people watch and just enjoy the beauty of the city.

Some more of beautiful balconies

The Cathedral of Cusco

The Cathedral of Cusco faced the Plaza. Sitting on the steps in front of the Cathedral was one of our favorite places to sit and watch and talk to the locals. The locals speak amazing english. They are all selling something but they will stop and chat with you but in the end the last thing they want to say is will you buy?

The plaza at sunset. The Church of La Compania on the left.

Traditional Indian dress. These little girls and women would walk around and if you wanted to take their pictures you had to pay them.

This is one of the shops we stopped at and the people also lived above the shop.

This little guy was starting some weaving. He was making bracelets.
The Plaza again.
Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro officially discovered Cusco on March 23, 1534. This is the road that he first entered the city on.The spanish undertook new construction using the foundations of the old Inca city, replacing temples with cathedrals and palaces with mansions for the conquerers. The walls on the right side of the photo are the Inca constructed walls. The craftmanship was amazing. The wall on the left is Inca wall that was torn apart by the spaniards, because they thought there was gold in the walls, then they reconstructed the walls. Big difference. It is believed that the walls were all covered with gold and silver and the Spaniards took it all when they conquered the city.

A view of the city. They have an amazing history and they are so proud of their heritage.

Todays View

2009-10-13T13:52:00.001-07:00

"Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns."
- George Eliot

"Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting
and autumn a mosaic of them all."
- Stanley Horowitz

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower."
- Albert Camus

"Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn."
- Elizabeth Lawrence

The View Today

2009-10-12T17:32:00.000-07:00

making bread

picture found on my computer

Huacachina Lagoon

2009-10-10T09:23:00.000-07:00

this was Huacachina Lagoon. Our big adventure here was Sandy Buggys and Sand boarding. Janet scared us at first she kept saying we were going to bungee! Most of the ladies were in the large dune buggy , then Jung Mee, Janet and I were in the small one.

Jung Mee was feeling very cool. She watched carefully as our driver hot started the buggy just in case anything happened to him and she had to get us home.
Here are our buddies.

This picture doesn't do justice. This hill was so steep we had to crawl to the very top. Then when we looked over the edge it appeared to be dropping at a 90 degree angle.
Yes I had to go first. There are all my fearless (ha ha) friends at the top.

After sand boarding the sun started to set so our drivers took us to a beautiful spot to enjoy the sunset.

When we stopped it was picture time, make a call time, and have a smoke time.

I decided we needed glamour shots since the light at sunset is most flattering. Keep in mind these beautiful ladies have all been riding around with sand spraying them and sandboarding down steep hills and they still look this great!

Janet
Nancy and Elizabeth
Diane
Caroline
Sonja
Melvy
Patricia

I don't know what happened but I didn't get a sunset picture of Jung Mee and mine turned out blurry. So here were are in full on daylight. ( not nearly as hot as the other ladies).

Machu Picchu

2009-10-05T15:05:00.001-07:00

This is Ollanta train station. This is where we got the Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes, our last stop before Machu Picchu.

It was raining in Agua Calientes when we arrived.

These are the buses that took us to Machu Picchu. These are the only vehicles in Aguas Calientes. They were brought in by train and are the transportation to Machu Picchu.
The drive is back and forth along switchbacks. I just happened to snap a shot just as we came around a turn and there was Machu Picchu. Everyone's breath was taken away at the first sight of the mountain. It is difficult to see but the top of that mountain is it.
The walk into Machu Picchu.
First glimpse of the Majestic City of Machu Picchu, one of the seven wonders of the World.

Inka Prayer

Life comes from the practice of truth, honesty, and work.
Death comes from lies, theft and indolence.
Love and death depends upon us. Let us not forget

This is a fault line. The agrigulture was on the right side and the homes were on the left side.
At the top of this mountain in the picture below are more buildings. It is a 1-2 hour hike up to the top of it. It is called Waynapicchu. Next time I am getting a ticket to climb to the top of that mountain. You know next time when I have Ken with me.

The temple of the sun. The windows receive the sunlight on the Winter Solstice on June 21st and on Summer Solstice on December 22nd.

Our Tour Guide, Celio

Natural lawn mowers on the mountain.

It is really impossible to describe the beauty of this place. It is surrounded by beautiful mountains. The workmanship is amazing. At the bottom of this picture you can see the growth of trees and vines. Under all that growth is more of the city. They have decided to leave it as it was originally discovered in 1911.

The Food of Peru

2009-10-04T17:38:00.000-07:00

This was at a beautiful Peruvian Buffet and Dinner show. The Ceviche and Calamari was amazing.
Breakfast in the Condo. Our Housekeeper/cook brought us a traditional breakfast of tamales.
I can't remember what this fruit was called. It wasn't too sweet, you just spoon out the inside and eat. I had problems with the texture - it felt like slimy snot.
This was a lunch to die for. The presentation was beautiful and the food delicious.
Those are sweet potatoes. They eat a lot of them in Peru and they are so good.

This is the restaurant. It was overlooking the ocean.
Here is my drinkable yogurt that Natalie recommended we try. Jung Mee and I loved it.
We traveled out of Lima into the desert to get this food. Out in the middle of nothing is a row of restaurants (term used loosely) that serve Chicharron. It is cooked in these big pots on open fire. It smells like a big campfire.

They bring you these yummy rolls and you put the meat and onions and sweet potatoes on the roll.
Here is the Cocoa leaf tea. When you arrive in Cuzco the altitude is 12,000 feet above sea level. The hotel had cocoa leaf tea available to help with altitude sickness. It wasn't bad, especially with a couple of teaspoons of sugar added.

This is from another buffet we went to. Peruvian food is very pretty and a lot of work and preparation.

Our final delicacy was guinea pig. We had this in Aquas Calientes. It wasn't horrible but I wouldn't order it again.
Look at those little teeth!
So now for the cold hard truth. The food was great but about Day 7 something got to me and my Tummy. I think it may have been the corn and cheese we bought from the little indian lady on the street. I didn't eat much after that and I was very excited to get my hands on a plate of pasta at Machu Picchu. I won't be craving corn or potatoes for a while.

Tomorrow - Machu Picchu pictures

Birthday View

2009-09-20T08:03:00.001-07:00

Hijacked

2009-09-17T10:40:00.000-07:00

A few Saturdays ago I got a call in the morning from my brother Troy. I asked him where he was and he said he was in a fire lookout tower where he and my SIL, Connie, had spent the night. I couldn't believe that they could get reception. We decided it was because they were so High in the sky on top of the mountain. We had a nice chat and then I was jealous that he was in such a cool place enjoying the view, reading, and relaxing. I was doing Laundry.

Well now this. He posted these beautiful pictures on facebook and I have hijacked them so you can all see what talent he has and why I was having such envy over his location at the time of the call. Check them out

Here is the fire lookout tower they rented and slept in. Deadwood lookout somewhere in Idaho.

Here they are.. the famous photographer (now that all the millions of people who view my blog have seen them) and the best SIL (sis in law) ever! (All rights to these photos belong to Troy and his sneaky sister who infringed on all his right by posting them on her blog).

Joy

2009-09-13T10:18:00.000-07:00

Homecoming 09