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.  

Catching up

Catching up is not an easy task and so it is with these crazy blogs - once one gets behind it is hard to catch up.  However the fall photos are so spectacular that I must make an attempt.   

FALL COLORS

Quaking aspens at Solitude Ski Resort. 

Solitude condos

Cabins at Brighton Ski Resort

Red quaking aspens at Brighton


RACHEL'S FALL CONCERT

The concert was held at Eastmont Middle School in Sandy.  Rachel was calm and collected as she waited for the muster call.  It was also a good time to show off her beautiful long hair.

The Clark boy was also involved in the concert.  He is from a real nice family that lives in our neighborhood.

Naomi, also a neighbor, performed on the marimba. She is one of Grandma Zucc's finest piano students.

Rachel sat in "first chair."  She was awesome.

LAST CHRISTMAS

Our little grand-kids came over to help us set up our new tree.  They were so willing and helpful.  

Rachel

Jenna

Erin

Matt - still a true believer.

As usual, Grandma makes sure the right ornaments are used.  

A Willing Crew

A couple weeks ago, a willing crew of offspring plus one showed up to help us old folks with the autumn yard clean up.  

Erin, Greg, me, Sam, Rachel + Riley, Jenna, Grandma and Matt on the bags.

In just two hours, this crew did what it would have taken me five days to accomplish; but the real action was across the street.  A huge crane arrived and began to lift the trusses onto the house.   

Riley was especially interested in the remodeling since it was being done on her house.  The new construction will easily double the size of the house. 

Bingo!  At the end of the day, the trusses were in place and ready to be crowned with roofing.

As a reward, we provided Little Caesars pizza.  

Something is up with these two.