Can you see it?

Grandma and I capped our 50^th Anniversary by traveling to Monticello, Utah. We left on Thursday and returned on Saturday. We stayed at the Blue Mountain Horsehead Motel, which was older, but our room had recently been remodeled with new carpet etc. The beds were great.

The view of Blue Mountain with Horsehead on its side was spectacular. The local people are passionate about Horsehead, and like I told my McKea grand-children, “If you pass through Monticello and mention Horsehead, you will be immediately accepted by those good people for it is something they are very proud of.

Horsehead is directly in the center of the above picture. The image is formed by evergreens on the face of the mountain.               Can you see it?  

Some 50 years ago Stan Bronson, a local cowboy folk singer, recorded a song called “Blue Mountain."  It is on his LP album called "Down from the Mountain."

Unfortunately, I couldn't find Stan's original rendition on the net, but I did find the following, sung by Skip Gorman.  So put the dog outside and turn up the volume.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rG3NlLYdyvk


Okay, fortunately I did found an original by Stan called "WHAT WOULD GEORGE WASHINGTON DO?"  

There is no reason to howl now, so you can now bring the dog back inside. 

 Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGoguRBC0X0

Tme of Crisis

In March we experienced a wind that must have gusted 70 mph.  It almost uprooted a 60 foot blue spruce tree in the back yard.  The roots had been lifting for several months and I knew that I had to act for safety's sake.  The question was when?

That question was answered when I came home after a Sunday mid-afternoon choir practice.  The roots were lifting about a foot above ground level with each gust.  There was nothing I could do but follow the internet minute-by-minute progression of the storm, and pray the tree would not fall.

The prayers worked and the next day I begin the process of getting bids.  The winds did break several fence posts on both the north and east sides of my property.  

The McKea kids helped move precious plants from the north side to the garden, where they were planted to keep them alive.  After the tree was removed, Mike and I replaced the broken posts on the east fence.  The Noorda boys helped mix and pour the post cement on the north.  Thanks to all my wonderful family for helping in this time of crisis.

The center tree is the one that came down.

No, this is not Mike in the tree, although I believe he really wanted to do the job.

THE TREE CAME DOWN.    

Afterwards the contractor went after the stump with a grinder.  

All smiles!

Okay!  Way back in March I was secretly invited, along with many other families, to a honors assembly at Eastmont.  Several students were to receive special student of the month awards.

But my eyes were were upon only one.

Rachel!   

The secret was so well kept that not even the students were cognizant of the occasion.  My goodness, they must have been wondering what was going on when they entered the auditorium and saw their families sitting on the front rows. 

Each of them received a trophy and a certificate from the Principal.  The Student Council helped each student to and from the podium.  They also organized the event.

Afterwards a reception was held for the honorees and their families in the school's faculty room.  Refreshments were served, and I got to talk a bit with the Principal, a most delightful, knowledgeable person.

Obviously I was really proud of her achievement.  I am always well-pleased when grandchildren accomplish good things.

Mommy & Daughter - all smiles!

And She Is!

Sorry for the late posting, but better late than ever.  

So, it was in the early part of the year in February when we made our way to Farmington to attend the blessing of Elaina.

It was good to see Brent, Carla, Vanessa & Garret there. 

Everyone was in a festive spirit for this occasion.  Needless to say the star of the day was Elaina - so charming and cute.

Kayla's two men, Forrest and Steven.  The blessing was special, and someday Forrest will have the opportunity to administer. 

Venessa has a winning smile.

Garrett loves this baby.

Both John & Bev think this baby is special.

            And She Is!

January Recital

January Recital

2017

  

This is probably the largest group of private students that Grandma has ever had.  A lively group for sure, but each one was very nervous as fingers caressed the keys of the grand piano. 

Back row L to R  -  Jake & Lena, Kaite, Lonnie, Naomie, Ben, Rachel, Erin, Jenna, Rebecca & Brook.

 Front row L to R  -   Lydia, Riley, Annie, Mathew, Natalie, Henry, Eli, and Matt.      

Erin

Jenna

Rachel

Matt

Afterwards we went with our family, Mike & Katie not shown, to the Iceberg restaurant for milkshakes.  They don't look overly excited, but all-in-all the apparent boredom turned into looks of happiness as food was delivered.