The pictures show the crowding that ensued.
The hallway
The upstairs bedroom
Additionally, the family room was emptied to receive new carpet also (except for the computer desk).
The downstairs bedrooms and the utility area were used for storage.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Home update continued
We have started the next phase of the renewal process. All of the furniture and pictures were taken out of the front room and put in the dining area, the hallway and the back bedroom. The ceiling and walls were painted and new carpet was laid down.
The pictures show the crowding that ensued.
The hallway
The upstairs bedroom
Additionally, the family room was emptied to receive new carpet also (except for the computer desk).
The downstairs bedrooms and the utility area were used for storage.
The pictures show the crowding that ensued.
The hallway
The upstairs bedroom
Additionally, the family room was emptied to receive new carpet also (except for the computer desk).
The downstairs bedrooms and the utility area were used for storage.
Play the music fantastic
Sarah gave Mary a great birthday gift, that we used on November 13. She gave her two tickets to the TransSiberian Orchestra Holiday Concert in Salt Lake City. I developed an eye condition, we just couldn't "see" staying at work in the afternoon (still it was taken as the necessary vacation hours). John and Maria came down for the concert also. With Sarah's date, the six of us went to a great dinner at the Market Street Grill, near Sarah's apartment. Following the dinner, we drove to the concert, with several other hundred cars trying to arrive just-in-time.
The concert was fabulous. The music and musicians were outstanding. The staging was wonderful. The light and laser show added to the magic. I was entranced with the great story being told by music and by the engineering necessary to bring the show, instruments and voices to life. It is definitely a show worth going to each holiday season.
Thank you, Sarah, for such a great gift!
The concert was fabulous. The music and musicians were outstanding. The staging was wonderful. The light and laser show added to the magic. I was entranced with the great story being told by music and by the engineering necessary to bring the show, instruments and voices to life. It is definitely a show worth going to each holiday season.
Thank you, Sarah, for such a great gift!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Moab vacation
Clark, Chelsea and Pearce flew in to Salt Lake on Friday, October 10th from Alaska for a vacation. Mary and I joined them, and John, Maria, Angela, Emma, and Keller, for a weekend in Moab. Mary and I were the base camp with our tent trailer. The evenings were cool, so the heater in the trailer was very welcome. Most of our meals were cooked outside and eaten in the trailer. I even did some biking in Moab ( on the paved roads, not on the trails - my bicycle is not a mountain bike). We left on Monday, October 13 to return home. A few pictures from the trip are below. More photographic evidence is available on my children's blogs. All in all, we had a WONDERFUL time. We hope to do it again next year over Columbus Day.
Mom and Dad at Delicate Arch in Arches National Park. This natural arch is on one version of the Utah license plates.
The cooking area next to the tent trailer.
The tent trailer, our home away from hard ground camping.
Breakfast in the trailer for Angela and Emma on a cold morning.
A lookout point that we rode our bikes to, from the base camp (after all, it was almost a mile away.
Views at sunset.
Mom and Dad at Delicate Arch in Arches National Park. This natural arch is on one version of the Utah license plates.
The cooking area next to the tent trailer.
The tent trailer, our home away from hard ground camping.
Breakfast in the trailer for Angela and Emma on a cold morning.
A lookout point that we rode our bikes to, from the base camp (after all, it was almost a mile away.
Views at sunset.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
New tile floor
We have started work on replacing the linoleum, carpet and tile that were in our entryway, dining area, kitchen, and one-half bath with a new porcelin tile. The pictures that follow are the work in progress. Scott Bowman has the tools, knowledge and will power to get the job done and look great. I am excited for the final look. The first picture also shows the new front door.
As Keller says, "It's a funny house with the refrigerator in the living room.
A view to the kitchen.
Here is a closer look at the tile, looking towards the front door.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Summer 08
I was hoping that the pickup would have another post. Based on the current entries, it has the most active life in this household. So, I have decided to tell some of the activities that Mom and I have been involved with this summer.
As usual, Mary taught summer school at Firth Elementary School (for the 17th consecutive year). It is a one-half day program, Monday through Thursday, for four weeks. Fortunately it is considered overtime. The funds where needed to help with a special activity to be reported on in part 2.
I finally took the advice of my children to start an exercise program. My choice was to buy a new bicycle. It is a big frame with 18-speeds. The seat has a spring cushion in the post. I find it to be most comforting. I also purchased a new helmet, riding gloves and a backpack. (Maria said that she had never seen a bike helmet that was so big. It is true, I have a big head!) I started riding the bike to and from work. It is 3.5 miles to work and 4.5 miles back. The difference is that I take the less traveled and slower side street to maximize safety.
You can see from the picture (maybe) that, as Mary describes it, I am the two-wheeled equivalent of a Mac truck. Amazingly enough, I feel better and have lost a few pounds. (I know, I can't see where either, but my waste dropped a couple of inches!) It is tough to admit that adult children can also have good ideas about life.
As usual, Mary taught summer school at Firth Elementary School (for the 17th consecutive year). It is a one-half day program, Monday through Thursday, for four weeks. Fortunately it is considered overtime. The funds where needed to help with a special activity to be reported on in part 2.
I finally took the advice of my children to start an exercise program. My choice was to buy a new bicycle. It is a big frame with 18-speeds. The seat has a spring cushion in the post. I find it to be most comforting. I also purchased a new helmet, riding gloves and a backpack. (Maria said that she had never seen a bike helmet that was so big. It is true, I have a big head!) I started riding the bike to and from work. It is 3.5 miles to work and 4.5 miles back. The difference is that I take the less traveled and slower side street to maximize safety.
You can see from the picture (maybe) that, as Mary describes it, I am the two-wheeled equivalent of a Mac truck. Amazingly enough, I feel better and have lost a few pounds. (I know, I can't see where either, but my waste dropped a couple of inches!) It is tough to admit that adult children can also have good ideas about life.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Las Vegas from 36,000 feet
NO pictures for this experience and the only time my pickup spent was taking me to the airport and picking me up at the end of the trip.
On May 12th, I left Idaho Falls on United Airlines for a workshop in Las Vegas. (I know, I know - but some people actually go to Las Vegas for work.) The flight left on time from Idaho Falls. When I arrived in Denver, I checked the flight status board where my flight was listed as DELAYED. These were not the words that I needed to read. The flight was supposed to leave at 8:05 p.m. The airplane was still on the ground in Las Vegas due to a "mechanical condition." I appreciated that the airline wanted safe jets to ferry passengers. During our wait, the terminal agents seemed reluctant to share any news, good or bad. As a result, feelings of frustration increased in most passenger in the waiting area, based on the conversations that were easy to hear.
The jet was fixed and arrived at 9:30 p.m., which was after the 9:05 p.m. flight from Denver to Las Vegas had left. Once the aircraft arrived, we the waiting passengers were "urged" to get seated quickly so the flight crew would not become "illegal." (I took this to mean that the flight crew may be in a working status longer than the FAA allows.) As such the door of the aircraft was closed at about 9:58 pm. Loading of luggage continued for another 10 minutes. After the aircraft left the gate, it took its position in line on the taxiway for departure.
The jet had a new feature (at least new for myself). Channel 9 on the audio system allowed the passengers to listen in on the exchanges between the pilots and air traffic control. A thunderstorm was moving over the Las Vegas airport (LAS). the pilot was directed to a holding pattern over Bryce Canyon. However, according to the pilot, there was insufficient fuel to go into a holding pattern over Bryce Canyon, UT, while waiting for weather conditions to improve at LAS. The pilot requested and received a heading and altitude for diverting to Los Angeles. I appreciated the pilot's choice to reach a safe destination with sufficient fuel to land safely.
Based on the information from Channel 9, the flight attendants were given incomplete information to pass on to the passengers once the decision to continue to the alternate destination (initially announced as different than LAX). Once at the terminal at LAX (arrived at the terminal at 12:30 am), the agents were efficient at rebooking passengers onto the next available flight. I believe I saw six representatives helping passengers.
We were strongly encouraged to retrieve our luggage from the baggage claim area. About one-half of the passengers did so, of which I was one. The other group stayed in the boarding area and were eventually provided pillows and blankets. Those who retrieved bags were unable to return to the boarding area since the TSA clearing area was closed for the night, to reopen at 4:30 am. There were few places to sit in this area, and no blankets or pillows were offered. The temperature seemed to drop through the night to about 65 degrees. For those passengers dressed for arriving in Las Vegas heat, the temperature was uncomfortably low.
Pink slips were provided for a "discounted rate" at nearby hotels. When one passenger found that the discounted rate at the nearby Travelodge was $113 plus tax, the discount seemed to be inadequate. This contributed to my observation that the representatives who were helpful in rebooking flights seemed uninformed and unwilling to help the many passengers with obtaining minimally acceptable sleeping arrangements. Some concern and courtesy after the rebooking was completed would have softened this weather-related event.
I found a bench to try to get some rest. The cleaning crews were working in the same area. The powered floor scrubber and the powered buffers were incredibly noisy. The cleaning crews were wearing the same ear proctection that the people use when directing an aircraft to the unloading ramp. So at 4:00 a.m. I joined the line to recheck my one bag for the 6:30 a.m. flight to LAS. At 4:30 the TSA screening area opened. By 5:00 a.m. I was back in the boarding area.
The McDonalds opened early and I had a two breakfast burrito meal with orange juice. Somehow my energy did not improve with this meal. I arrived in Las Vegas just before 8:00 a.m. Yes, this one and one-half hour direct flight from Idaho Falls to Las Vegas on Allegent Airlines turned into a flight "that would never end." After getting the rental car, checking into the hotel, and showering, I arrived two hours late for the workshop.
The return flight was much less eventful, even arriving in Idaho Falls 30 minutes early.
I filled out a satisfaction survey on the United Airlines web site. Additionally, I sent an e-mail to their Customer Relations link with the following conclusion. "However, for me, this event has convinced me that I would never fly on United Airlines again. If I find that UAL is the only airline to a required destination, I will first consider a nearby location and obtaining alternate methods to complete the trip (car rental, train, bus, boat, etc.) Additionally, I plan on sharing my experience with my colleagues and family. I have not had the opportunity to fly on your airline for a number of years. As such, I had no store of positive experiences to counter this one negative experience."
To my complete surprise, I received a response from their customer service group the following morning. They apolozied and accepted responsibility for the unfortunate treatment in Las Angeles. Additionally, they promised to send a voucher good for $150 for future travel on the airline. The voucher arrived in the mail a week later, true to their word. Dang, I may have to give them another chance.
On May 12th, I left Idaho Falls on United Airlines for a workshop in Las Vegas. (I know, I know - but some people actually go to Las Vegas for work.) The flight left on time from Idaho Falls. When I arrived in Denver, I checked the flight status board where my flight was listed as DELAYED. These were not the words that I needed to read. The flight was supposed to leave at 8:05 p.m. The airplane was still on the ground in Las Vegas due to a "mechanical condition." I appreciated that the airline wanted safe jets to ferry passengers. During our wait, the terminal agents seemed reluctant to share any news, good or bad. As a result, feelings of frustration increased in most passenger in the waiting area, based on the conversations that were easy to hear.
The jet was fixed and arrived at 9:30 p.m., which was after the 9:05 p.m. flight from Denver to Las Vegas had left. Once the aircraft arrived, we the waiting passengers were "urged" to get seated quickly so the flight crew would not become "illegal." (I took this to mean that the flight crew may be in a working status longer than the FAA allows.) As such the door of the aircraft was closed at about 9:58 pm. Loading of luggage continued for another 10 minutes. After the aircraft left the gate, it took its position in line on the taxiway for departure.
The jet had a new feature (at least new for myself). Channel 9 on the audio system allowed the passengers to listen in on the exchanges between the pilots and air traffic control. A thunderstorm was moving over the Las Vegas airport (LAS). the pilot was directed to a holding pattern over Bryce Canyon. However, according to the pilot, there was insufficient fuel to go into a holding pattern over Bryce Canyon, UT, while waiting for weather conditions to improve at LAS. The pilot requested and received a heading and altitude for diverting to Los Angeles. I appreciated the pilot's choice to reach a safe destination with sufficient fuel to land safely.
Based on the information from Channel 9, the flight attendants were given incomplete information to pass on to the passengers once the decision to continue to the alternate destination (initially announced as different than LAX). Once at the terminal at LAX (arrived at the terminal at 12:30 am), the agents were efficient at rebooking passengers onto the next available flight. I believe I saw six representatives helping passengers.
We were strongly encouraged to retrieve our luggage from the baggage claim area. About one-half of the passengers did so, of which I was one. The other group stayed in the boarding area and were eventually provided pillows and blankets. Those who retrieved bags were unable to return to the boarding area since the TSA clearing area was closed for the night, to reopen at 4:30 am. There were few places to sit in this area, and no blankets or pillows were offered. The temperature seemed to drop through the night to about 65 degrees. For those passengers dressed for arriving in Las Vegas heat, the temperature was uncomfortably low.
Pink slips were provided for a "discounted rate" at nearby hotels. When one passenger found that the discounted rate at the nearby Travelodge was $113 plus tax, the discount seemed to be inadequate. This contributed to my observation that the representatives who were helpful in rebooking flights seemed uninformed and unwilling to help the many passengers with obtaining minimally acceptable sleeping arrangements. Some concern and courtesy after the rebooking was completed would have softened this weather-related event.
I found a bench to try to get some rest. The cleaning crews were working in the same area. The powered floor scrubber and the powered buffers were incredibly noisy. The cleaning crews were wearing the same ear proctection that the people use when directing an aircraft to the unloading ramp. So at 4:00 a.m. I joined the line to recheck my one bag for the 6:30 a.m. flight to LAS. At 4:30 the TSA screening area opened. By 5:00 a.m. I was back in the boarding area.
The McDonalds opened early and I had a two breakfast burrito meal with orange juice. Somehow my energy did not improve with this meal. I arrived in Las Vegas just before 8:00 a.m. Yes, this one and one-half hour direct flight from Idaho Falls to Las Vegas on Allegent Airlines turned into a flight "that would never end." After getting the rental car, checking into the hotel, and showering, I arrived two hours late for the workshop.
The return flight was much less eventful, even arriving in Idaho Falls 30 minutes early.
I filled out a satisfaction survey on the United Airlines web site. Additionally, I sent an e-mail to their Customer Relations link with the following conclusion. "However, for me, this event has convinced me that I would never fly on United Airlines again. If I find that UAL is the only airline to a required destination, I will first consider a nearby location and obtaining alternate methods to complete the trip (car rental, train, bus, boat, etc.) Additionally, I plan on sharing my experience with my colleagues and family. I have not had the opportunity to fly on your airline for a number of years. As such, I had no store of positive experiences to counter this one negative experience."
To my complete surprise, I received a response from their customer service group the following morning. They apolozied and accepted responsibility for the unfortunate treatment in Las Angeles. Additionally, they promised to send a voucher good for $150 for future travel on the airline. The voucher arrived in the mail a week later, true to their word. Dang, I may have to give them another chance.
Friday, May 30, 2008
My first try for going to Alaska
As you have noticed, my truck has more fun and travel than I do. However, that changed for a weekend during the first six days of May. Mary and I took three days of vacation to travel for a wonderful experience. On May 1st, we left Idaho Falls at 6:00 p.m. on an airplane bound for Anchorage Alaska. Awaiting there was our new grandson Pearce, the son of Clark and Chelsea.
Here are proud grandparents holding Pearce.
This was on Friday after we arrived. He is a real keeper.
On Sunday, we shared the second reason for going up to Alaska. We were able to watch Chelsea graduate from the University of Alaska - Anchorage. Mom and I are extremely proud of her for this accomplishment. We are grateful that Clark supported and encouraged her to complete the Bachelor of Arts degree. What a young woman!!! and a great new mother!!!
Chelsea's parents were there at the same time and shared in the experience. We spent some quality time with Clark, Chelsea and Pearce. It was good to visit with them, feel and see the love that they have in their expanded family, and feel the Spirit of Peace and Love that was present. It is the sme feeling that I have when I visit John, Maria and the grandchildren here.
It still amazes me how my capacity to feel love for each and every new addition to our family just grows and grows and grows.
Mom and I had to leave at 0-dark-thirty in the morning (1:00 a.m.) on the 6th to return home. We brought some precious memories with us. Being a grandparent is worth the time and experience it took to reach this point in our lives.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
the truck speaks again
i just wanted to add a few more pictures from my recent adventure to moab... thanks again for letting me go dad! but golly-jeepers (ha ha) it's good to be home!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
The truck speaks
hi. me name is chevy. i am the silverado that dad drives around. recently, i took a trip to moab where i helped support 10 people on the white rim trail. i had so much fun! the trail was pretty bumpy, but i knew i could handle it. i didn't even get carsick! (no pun intended... ha ha...) i can't wait until i can support the whole family on the trail. that will be a fun time, especially if the grandkids ride in me! check me out! not only did i carry a hefty load and rode behind the bikers for support, i was also a wind block, and sun shade! thanks for letting me go, dad! sarah even took me to the carwash and so i sparkle again... though, i'm afraid, some red sand may never go away. once you're in moab, it stays with you forever.
Forced Joining
so after talking to dad about him setting up his own blog, and him refusing... i took it upon myself to start his own blog. mom, dad, i've done the hard part... all you have to do is write stuff on it occasionally! you'll find it is quite fun, and handy! but don't worry, this won't replace any amount of phone calls or recipe questions, or random things i want to say to you... i think i speak for all of the children on that... so here is your blog mom and dad!
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