Happy New Year!

Have a safe and happy 2007!

Happy Birthday!

To Nanners, on her very first!

A Christmas Announcement

Nubbin #14 is on the way, due to join our family in August. This little nubbin was something of a surprise to everyone, including its parents. After all, they produced Nubbin #13 just 8 1/2 months ago.

Good luck and God Bless, you will definitely need it!

It's a Christmas Miracle

So, several months ago my youngest brother bought two Norwegian Dwarf bunnies and last week he was cleaning the cage when they made their escape...outside.

So, after spending all day last Sunday in the wilds of my folks backyard, my Dad was able to recapture one of the bunnies; the other, it seemed, was lost forever.

This morning a bunch of us were sitting around talking when someone left a package on the porch. My Dad went over, opened the door, and lo and behold what was sitting in the driveway, but 1 cute little bunny.

My brother slipped out the back; I started over from the porch and after a 15-20 minutes bunny hunt we were victorious. After spending an entire week convinced that the poor little escapee had succumbed to either the cold or a neighborhood cat, Bunny #2 is safe, warm and fed (even with a delicious apple treat). It's a Christmas miracle!

Quote of the Day

"At the focal point of all human history, a point illuminated by a new star in the heavens revealed for just such a purpose, probably no other mortal watched--none but a poor young carpenter, a beautiful virgin mother, and silent stabled animals who had not the power to utter the sacredness they had seen. Shepherds would soon arrive and later,wise men from the East. Later yet the memory of that night would bring SantaClaus and Frosty and Rudolph--and all would be welcome. But first and forever there was just a little family, without toys or trees or tinsel. With a baby--that's how Christmas began."

Jeffrey R. Holland, "Without Ribbons and Bows," New Era, Dec. 1994, 6

Super Secret Enchilada Party

Tonight was the 1st ever Super Secret Enchilada Party and if you got an invitation then you are totally one of the "cool kids". Or, someone who succumbed to the idea that hanging out with like-minded co-workers whilst drinking, eating, and watching basketball on the restaurant big screen was better than the formal company party. Either way...there were margaritas, beer and oh yeah, enchiladas!

A Weekend Away

I love The Huntington. It is my very favorite place on earth and I would go there all the time if I could. The first phase of the Chinese Garden in open, but still heavily "under construction", but it will be stunning when finished. They've opened the Conservatory


and the Children's Garden

since I was there last and both are amazing.

The Japanese Garden continues to be my favorite spot in my favorite place on earth:






I spend the whole day without ever venturing into the museum. Museum going I reserved for The Getty.

I've Moved

Not that you would necessarily notice, but I'm the new Blogger Beta. It took some work to get everything looking sort of the way I want it, and I'm still not quite sure about some of the new stuff, but at least I'm up and running!

Mexico--The Rest

We had lunch at Cookies, Stephanie met her true love, hung out at a pool hall, and had another stream of visitors hoping to see Ana and Lola before they left.

Carmen gave me a beautiful salt and pepper shaker set to remind me of her and my time there. She told me that I was always welcome in her very humble home, and made me cry. Shouldn't I be giving her the gift? I was treated with nothing but kindness and hospitality by everyone I met. They were all so great to me. I mentioned to Ana that I didn't know most of the extended families names, but had been hugged and kissed by more than half of them. Total acceptance...you can't argue with that.

We left early Sunday afternoon, after yet another go-round of family visitors. Ana's brother works in Juarez, but his family lives in Chihuahua were they take care of his mother-in-law who has terminal cancer. Albert comes home on the bus every Friday night and takes the 6 hour bus ride back at midnight on Sunday. This means, he gets off the bus and heads right to work. Ana suggested that he ride back with us, and he took her up on the offer. We stopped at a little (but very busy) cafe for lunch and finally got to the Visa checkpoint. There were some technical difficulties with the computer system that made the people in line behind us none to happy. We sat through a mini-revolution, where the checkpoint agent ended an argument with the growing crowd by slamming and locking the booth window, and after 45 minutes we finally got out of there.

We made it to Juarez around 7:00, made it over the bridge and back on American soil around 8:00 and rolled into Albuquerque around midnight. We collapsed at the hotel where we were rudely awakened by someone, and I am not kidding, jumping off the bed and repeatedly running around their room above us at 5:30 a.m. It didn't make any of us very happy, but it did get us up and going. Then there is the rest of the very, very long drive home. You know, the part where if you don't get out of the car RIGHT. NOW. you will kill all your traveling companions even if you do really like them.

All in all, I had a wonderful, spectacular, fabulous time in Mexico. It was a lovely experience. There are a lot of things that are different about their lifestyle, but I truly believe there are a lot of things that are superior to our way of life. I hope I get the chance to go back again.

Mexico--Day 6 and 7

A lot of driving!

We left Parral and met up with the cousins and the turnoff to Guachochi. The drive to Guachochi was pretty winding, but we arrived without incident. Nick had informed us that the Sinforosa overlook was the "pretty part" of the canyon and that El Divisadero in Creel was just a more accessible (and therefore) more visited canyon.

We drove for 1/2 hour or so up a dirt road, through small streams, etc. to get to the Sinforosa, and it was spectacular.




There is a tiny village where they stage competitions to see how fast they can run, climb, whatever, out of the canyon.


After the Sinforosa was went back to Guachochi for lunch, where everything was closed because 1) it was 2:00 p.m.--Siesta Time, and 2) a holiday. We ended up at a very nice hotel dining room, where the waitstaff was slightly mortified that they were out of the chicken flautas that I had ordered. Now even though I don't speak Spanish, I'm certain I was referred to as the Queen of England, but whatever, this Queen will eat a quesadilla, no problem.

From Guachochi we drove through the Sierra Madre mountains to Creel. It is truly a lovely drive. It is also very steep, lots of up and down, in and out of canyons, and a LOT of hairpin turns. The total drive took a good 4-5 hours, but it was beautiful. On a side note, there is nothing around. A very occasional 3 house "village", but really nothing. However, we were constantly passing people, donkeys, cows, dogs, etc. on the road. Where are they going? And where did they come from? I still don't know the answer.

In Creel we stayed at Margarita's restaurant where I ended up in the only room with heat (I even had a thermostat) and hot water. I say sometimes it pays to be the only white girl in the group.



and yes, they used real, actual keys for the rooms.


In the morning, we stopped at a cave dwelling just outside of town. The mother has a job in town, and the grandmother stays with the kids where they supplement their income by charging a couple buck to let people in. It was overwhelmingly sad. Although, I was told that they choose to live there...it stills seems so harsh.




We drove another 2-3 hours through canyon to see the Cascada de Basaseachi,


and the Birthplace of the Revolution
.

When we finally got back into an actual city, we stopped for a late lunch. When we got there they were playing a Mexican radio station, but by the time we were seated a Garth Brooks CD was on. It amused me to no end...and it was really just nice to hear English.

When we finally made it back to Chihuahua we were all exhausted!

Mexico--Day 5

We got a really late start...everyone slept in until about 9:00 a.m. then we got up and ready to head to Santa Barbara. Carmen and Lola had been born and raised in Santa Barbara, and it was were Ana was born. We hooked up with Ana's Aunt Amelia and her cousins, Cookies, Nick and Blanca, who were joining up for the road trip.

Santa Barbara is a couple of hours away from Chihuahua and when we got there it was starting to get dark. The cousins still have family in Santa Barbara's sister city (both old mining towns) and they suggested we spend the night in Parral, while they caught up with their side of the family. Nick is retired military and he used to patrol the copper Canyon and is familiar with the roads. He thought given the steep and winding nature (and the fact that there are cows frequently on the road) that we shouldn't attempt it at night. Sounded good to me!

We stopped at the old Santa Barbara cemetery to decorate the graves of Carmen and Lola's father and brother, the headed into the city proper. We drove around Santa Barbara with Carmen and Lola chattering about their childhood, the boys they used to date, the friends they had, the places they went, etc. Along the main road the Day of the Dead altars were up and it seemed like the whole town was there. We pulled over and explored as well.



We wandered around, ate some Dead bread and candy, took photos, and (I) drew some attention. Word quickly spread that I was 1)white, and 2) an English speaker. Most of the altars had been assigned as a school project and as I walked up to one a couple of girls (12-13 years old) came up and asked if I spoke Spanish. When I replied that I didn't, one hesitantly asked, "How are you?" We were immediately surrounded by a whole big group of school kids who have been learning English in school and were delighted to have someone to practice with.

We drove back to Parral to find a hotel and ended up in the American Inn a very nice, well priced, safe, hotel that caters mostly to foreign business travelers. The owner is Swiss (go figure), and he gave us good restaurant recommendations, and sight-seeing suggestions. We took his restaurant recommendation, ate, and pretty much, fell into bed.

Mexico--Day 4

El Grutas--The caves. It might actually be Las Grutas, but I don't remember. The caves are just outside the city and once inside it is HOT and HUMID. 1 2/2 kilometers of steep steps, up and down, and (did I mention) HOT and HUMID?! They do have spectacular formations, The Hawk, Pancho Villa, etc. (which, again, I did not take any pictures of). The "kitchen" is considered the most spectacular "room" sporting the Leaning Tower of Pisa (it does look just like it...leaning and everything).

Lunch is big deal in Mexico, the main meal of the day, but since we were going on a road trip the next day we settled for leftovers for lunch. I had a yummy grilled chicken salad (with fresh tortillas, of course). After lunch, we went back downtown so I could finish up my shopping for the nubbins, and to see if they had started erecting the altars for Day of the Dead in the cathedral square.

Since we were going out of town, we took Carmen and Lola to the cemetery to decorate their Mother's grave. Later, we dropped them off and headed back downtown to watch the dancing fountains (no pictures!), see the angel monument and drove back past the Cathedral...still no altars.

Mexico--Day 3

We drove into downtown Chihuahua and stopped at the Cathedral. Here's something I don't understand, maybe a Catholic reader can help. We Mormons don't really focus on the actual crucifixion. We don't wear crosses, we don't have a lot of cross related artwork. Instead our focus is Gethsamane and the Resurrection. So, why do Catholic churches all have to have the creepy statues of Christ on the cross with blood and suffering? Seriously, it creeps me out...maybe because I didn't grow up seeing it, but still...*shiver*

Surrounding the main square there were statues of Chihuahua dogs all painted with different themes. I cannot believe I didn't take any pictures of the dogs! My favorite was painted black with the constellations spread out across its body. We found out from Ana's aunt that Chihuahua had recently had an International Festival and the dogs were part of it.

We did a little Day of the Dead shopping (several of Steph's friends had requested a souvenir sugar skull), stopped at the bakery for Mexican cookies and Dead bread, then headed back to Carmen's.

Carmen was preparing a fantastic lunch of chicken (especially for me), veggies and rice so we ran to the tortilla store while she finished up. The tortilla store is basically around the corner and it was a big room with a counter. Behind the counter was an enormous tortilla makin' machine and that was it. I found that to be pretty typical of specialty stores. No fuss, no muss, just what they sell...and Coke (Coca in Spanish)...everyone sells Coke! So we took our still hot tortillas home and enjoyed a fabulous lunch.

After lunch there were more visitors. After dark there was a trip to the overlook where you can see the how big Chihuahua is. This picture shows about 1/4 of the city.

2006 Book Update

The last time I posted about books was way back in September, so I've read a few since then.

Devil in the White City, Erik Larson
While the greatest temporary city in America was being created for the Chicago Worlds Fair a serial killer was building a hotel so his victims would never be more than a flight of stairs away. I loved the contrast between trying to make a name for Chicago as the greatest place on earth, while young women are simply disappearing from the face of the earth. How could it be that so many went missing, and nobody suspected a thing? I would definitely recommend.

The Futurist, James P Othmer
This was just an okay book. A man who is supposedly capable of predicting what and how the world will embrace loses confidence in himself, takes a questionable job with a group of shady characters who are trying to kill him and falls in love. I don't recommend this one at all.

The Book Thief, Markus Zusak
This is one of the best books I've ever read. I originally heard about it from Hilary's Mom and she was right...it is fantastic! Takes place in a small German town during WWII, narrated by Death, focusing on a Christian girl who is an occasional thief. You really have to read this.

The Devil Wears Prada, Lauren Weisberger
A boss from Hell, in the fashion industry? No way, right? I don't know if my dislike of this book stems from reading it right after such an amazing book, but maybe the movie is better. Not recommended.

The Two Minute Rule, Robert Crais
If you are going to rob a bank, you have 2 minutes inside before your chances of being caught skyrocket. Bank robbers spend way too much time inside and instead of capture they choose death being shot down in a fire-y blaze of glory, but when 4 police officers are gunned down several months later the ex-con-bank-robber-father of one of them is determined to find out who killed them, how it relates to the bank robberies, and if his son was a bad cop. I liked this book; nothing super-fabulous, but a nice quick read.

The Tenth Circle, Jodi Picoult
Do people ever really change? Or do they constantly change, never to be the same person again? Should there be another level of hell for those who practice self-deceit? Is rape still rape if you don't say anything, but clearly don't want it? I love Jody Picoult, the way she writes, the way she describes feelings. I really enjoyed this book...and it has a secret message embedded in certain pages. I really love a treasure hunt. Recommended.

Next up:
Sleeping With Fear, Kay Hooper

Happy Thanksgiving!

This year I've got plenty to be thankful for, and I spent the day remembering each and every blessing in my life.

Mexico--Day 2

After spending an incredibly restful (no, I'm serious, that was one comfortable bed) night in the Residence Inn El Paso we got up bright and early so we could be in Chihuahua by afternoon.

Breakfast was provided by the hotel, and when I discovered the waffle maker I just couldn't resist!



We got the green light *HOORAY* crossing the bridge. I guess we didn't look much like terrorists or smugglers. After a short drive through Juarez, and lots of comments about me falling through the looking glass we were on the PanAmerican highway headed to Chihuahua.

It's about 350km from the border to Chihuahua and the first order of business was stopping at the Visa Checkpoint. We provided our passports/birth certificates and got the car approved. I was told that since there weren't many places to stop I should use the restroom there, but let me tell you. I will never, never (and I mean NEVER) complain about the state of a public restroom again! I found it all too common for there to be no toilet paper, no soap, no paper towels, and sometimes no toilet seats. It looked like those bathrooms had never, ever been cleaned. Thank you very much, I'll wait.

On the way to Chihuahua there's a tiny town that used to be a major stop on the rail line. Lots of tiny shops lined up across the street from the train station. We stopped, bought some Cokes (Coca in Spanish) and some cheese and stopped at a little restaurant that supposedly had clean bathrooms. They were marginally cleaner than the checkpoint and I went ahead and used them, but *shudder* it was not good.

Since they had no soap, I decided to get the Purell out of my bag in the trunk. That was a very unfortunate decision because I cut my hand...badly...on something in the trunk and bled profusely for the next 200 kilometers. When the bleeding had subsided enough for a Band-Aid I dabbed some of the Purell on the wound (Oh you should have heard the profanity that escaped my lips, but that stung like a m@#$!*-F$%^&*!!!)

When we finally arrived in Chihuahua it was about 1:00 p.m. Carmen made us a lunch of barbacoa (it tasted kind of like potroast) and marcaron. I found (somewhat suprisingly) that rice is not that prevalent. After lunch there was napping, reading, and a lot of reminiscing, followed by what felt like a thousand visitors from Ana's extended family.

I went to bed very early, very tired from all the driving, all the Spanish and the total, fundamental different-ness of Mexico.

Mexico--Day 1

Day 1 doesn't actually involve Mexico at all...it started with a really, really long drive to El Paso. (If anyone who has any sort of highway building clout is reading...Please Please Please build a freeway between Spanish Fork and Albuquerque...I'm begging you!)

Seriously, we stopped in Moab around 10:00 for breakfast and basically didn't stop again until we hit El Paso around 9:30 (for a total of 15 hours, people). Ana had arranged for her Uncle "Bob" (actually Roberto, but everyone calls him Bob) to catch the Chihuahua/Border bus so the next day he could accompany us on the rest of our journey.

Stephanie (Ana's 18 year old daughter) had been sick the last part of our drive (I chalked it up to the fact she pounded down 2 pounds of beef jerkey, but whatever) and just wanted to check in to the hotel and be done. But since Bob's bus was supposed to get in around 8:00 p.m. Ana thought Steph could suck it up long enough to retrieve him. When we got to the bus station, Bob was nowhere in sight. Very unusual I was told, but Ana checked with the ticket people and another bus was due in at 10:00. Given the extra 1/2 hour, we decided to check-in at the hotel, get Steph and Lola (Ana's Mom) settled and then Ana and I would come back to the bus station.

We got back to the bus station about 10:15 and still, no Bob! Apparently, there is more than 1 bus station that services the border so we (not yet really worried) drove to the 2nd station. It was just closing down, no Bob, nobody at all actually. Ana asked the proprietor if anyone had come in on the last bus. He said yes, 2 young kids. Bob is in his 70s. So back we drove to the Greyhound Station. Now Ana was really worried, wondering whether something had happened, if he even got on the bus.

Ana called her Mom back at the hotel with the directive to call her Aunt Carmen and see if Bob even got on the bus. Lola's response, "I don't want to call and worry her." Yeah, seriously, he's now 2 1/2 hours late, so it's time to spread the worry around, I'm thinking.

When we made it back to the Greyhound Station Bob was waiting for us...YAY!! Apparently his bus broke down somewhere between Chihuahua and Juarez and they had to wait for a replacement. (And now, speaking from experience...there is pretty much NOTHING between Juarez and Chihuahua.) Then as they were crossing the bridge another bus broke down in front of them and they couldn't pass. Eventually they pushed the other bus out of the way....and one of the two "young kids" totally Bob.


Uncle Bob

Update on Mexican Vacation

I've managed to get *most* of the photos edited and posted on Flickr. Hopefully, tomorrow I can post a word or two about the actual trip. However, I'm off to Los Angeles on Friday (a birthday present to myself!) for a couple of days so I'll still be trying to catch up all next week.


Cascada de Basaseachi

I'm Back

And I had a lot of fun...but I'm also very tired so until I have time to upload the vacation photos, here is one of my favorites...

I'm Off

Very, very early tomorrow morning I will be heading down to Mexico for food, fun and 2 things on "The List".

See y'all in a couple of weeks!

Seen on Erin-Go-Blog

HowManyOfMe.com

There are: 0 people with my name in the U.S.A. How many have your name?

Yeah, I'm not really shocked...

500 Places

Sunday:
We got breakfast, took some photos of Jackson, did a little more shopping, and headed out to Amangani to see a wildly disappointing item on the list.


We stopped in Park City to snap some photos for the list (We've both been to Park City before), and L wanted to stop at the Old Navy Outlet for some cute little boots for her daughter.


We grabbed dinner in Salt Lake to celebrate the end of a delightful trip to Wyoming.

500 Places

Saturday:
We left Salt Lake Lake around 10:00 a.m. driving up through Evanston to Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park. The drive itself was pretty boring, except for the hundreds of cattle lining the road...being moved to their winter pasture.

We rolled into Jackson around 3:00 p.m. and decided to check-in at the hotel and grab some lunch before heading on to Grand Teton.

We stayed at the Trapper Inn and it was deluxe. It was supposed to be under construction, but both new buildings were completed and they were very, very nice. If you find yourself in Jackson, I'd recommed staying there.

After lunch we headed out to Grand Teton National Park



We drove the scenic loop, saw a herd of elk,


and a lot of other beautiful scenery.


The day was perfectly timed with us arriving back in Jackson, just as it was getting dark. A little dinner, a little, souvenir shopping and back to the hotel for bed.

Weekend Plans

I just made plans to spend a couple of days in Jackson Hole/Grand Teton National Park this weekend. I am SO looking forward to it.

Especially since it'll cross 3 places of the list, and I just spent $600 so my car would pass the safety inspection. I definitely deserve a little break.

You know...before my other vacation. :)

Photo Favorites

Mexico = Anxiety

So, my Mexico trip is fast approaching and I freely admit to both excitement and a generalized anxiety about said trip. When I spoke with A, my friend who is from Mexico and organized the trip, she...well, made fun of me.

A: Why are you worried?

ME: Not so much worried as anxious.

A: About???

ME: Nothing in particular, just that it may be a little too...authentic for me.

A: *General Amusement and Laughter*

Let me first say, I'm sure I'll have a wonderful time. By all accounts her mother (whom I met tonight and who is delightful), her aunt (we'll be staying at her house), and everyone else in Chihuahua is very, very friendly and *more importantly* difficult to offend.

That said, I'm the type of girl who goes on a cruise to see a country for the first time or who stays in an American hotel and knows before-hand where the American restaurants are...just in case. So, you can understand why I'm generally anxious about staying in a tiny house with non-English speakers for a week. I'm worried about what I'll eat (I have numerous and very specific food-quirks), and whether or not I'll offend the hostess by doing or saying anything stupid. A and her mother have both assured me that they have plenty of cheese, chicken and tortillas so I won't starve, and that the Aunt is very difficult (if not impossible) to offend. But still, you know...I'm anxious...and excited, definitely don't forget the excited part!

Update

Decision made, and once it was, I was all kinds of relieved. I think I made the right decision and everything will work out ok.

Also, this is the best ice cream ever!

Decisive…or Not

I’m the kind of person who makes decisions instantaneously. Big, small, doesn’t matter, give me 3 minutes to sort the pro vs. con and I’ve made a decision.

I've moved out of state, I've bought (and sold) a house, I've changed jobs, boyfriends, any and everything. Three minutes...and that’s for the big ones. And in all this snap decision making I’ve rarely (and I mean rarely) regretted one.

But this decision I’m trying to make now...it’s got me thrown for a loop. I’ve thought about it for a couple of weeks and no answer, no gut feeling, no just knowing what the right thing for me is. This morning I’ll give my decision and as of now...I have no idea what it’ll be.

Snow in September

Yes siree, we are supposed to get snow at 6000 feet today. It won't hit the valley, but I bet Park City is covered in white.

Seriously, the leaves haven't even changed yet. Crazy...

Music for the Soul

Have you ever heard a song so beautiful it makes you cry?

Where Were You?

I woke about 5:30 a.m. and immediately it was clear...I was sick. I reached for the phone, called work, and left a message telling my boss I wouldn't make it in that day. Then I fell back into a fevered sleep.

I woke again at 6:50 a.m. when the alarm I failed to turn off earlier jerked me into consciousness. As I slapped it silent I heard something that didn't make sense. A plane had crashed into the World Trade Center; I fell back into fevered and delirious dreams thinking a small plane had accidentally crashed.

I woke again about 10:15 a.m. and turned on the radio, the local DJ was saying a tower had collapsed. I could barely remember hearing that a plane had flown into the World Trade Center and now he was babbling about a tower collapsing. "What tower?" I thought to myself. I turned the radio off and picked my way to the kitchen for a drink of water, turning on the TV as I walked passed. When I returned to bed I was jarred by the image of the 2nd tower collapsing, people running for safety, a blonde reporter with glasses (I can't remember her name) trying to report the facts and reach safety.

I, like so many others, spent the day glued to the news; watching the horrific events play out on television; watching the terrible video over and over of the towers on fire, a plane crashing into it, and wondering if other planes would be crashing into other buildings.

500 Places

#5 Yellowstone

In 1982




And in 1992



#6
Bryce Canyon







#7 and #8 The Las Vegas Strip and The Bellagio

500 Places

#3 Zions Canyon National Park





#4 Grand Canyon

2006 Book Update

The Messenger by Daniel Silva
After Gabriel Allon had his identity revealed to the world can he still operate in the secret, undercover world of Israeli intelligence?
The answer, of course, is yes, but it is still a pretty thrilling ride.

The Ruins by Scott Smith
“Vine on a Hill” would have been a more appropriate name for this waste-of-time-give-me-my-life-back-piece-of-trash book. Please, please...if you have any regard for me at all….DON’T READ THIS BOOK!

Lost and Found by Carolyn Parkhurst
As you may recall her “Dogs of Babel” is one of my favorite books, ever! This novel which follows fictitious reality-show contestants during a RaceAroundTheWorld where they have to find objects and pack them around until the finish line is one of my favorites for the year, but not for all time.

Two Little Girls in Blue by Mary Higgins Clark
Um…I’ve become disillusioned with Ms. Clark; it seems she hasn’t had a really original thought for quite some time, and the story line and dialogues become more unbelievable, awkward and downright corny, but I continue to read each new release. Luckily for me, I didn’t actually purchase this one.

Judge and Jury by James Patterson
I don’t usually care for Mr. Patterson’s “not-Cross” books, especially those co-authored by Andrew Gross, but I have to admit I really liked this one. Not exactly prize-winning, but definitely fun and entertaining…except, of course, the part where the jury bus gets blown to Kingdom Come and her little boy dies…but, you know, it just comes with the territory.

Labor Day Weekend

Friday:
Although I should have stayed home, done laundry, and packed for the weekend I ran down to UC to see my folks (who were not home). My sister and her nubbins were at my folks, so we grabbed dinner (after a very long wait) at the Purple Turtle.

Saturday:
A&B picked me up around 7:30, and after a quick breakfast stop in Lehi we were headed down south. We stopped in Cedar City to pick up the rental car (better to put miles on it) and B continued on to St. George. A & I made our way to Kolob Canyon (on the northern edge of Zions National Park) and purchased a National Parks Pass.



Let me say a word about the National Parks Pass...it is a total bargain at just $50 it covers entrance for everybody in the car with the pass holder to any and all federal fee areas. Just this trip alone paid for it, and it is valid for a year from the end of the month it was purchased.

Kolob Canyons has a 10-miles round trip scenic drive with pull-outs and view points all over the place, and (I've been told) is pretty much never crowded. From Kolob we drove to Springdale, had lunch at the Bumbleberry Inn, and caught the shuttle to the Zions visitor center. Cars are no longer allowed through the canyon, but they are allowed up to the Visitor Center. However, their parking lots generally fill up by 10:00 a.m. and the free shuttle is a pretty good way to go. Once at the Visitor Center, I flashed my pass and we were off to catch the shuttle through the canyon. The shuttle takes a not very spectacular route (you can see Angel's Landing *shiver*) and drops you off at not very spectacular trailheads. You have to hike to see anything of note. Some trails are relatively easy, some extremely difficult; regardless, come prepared with good shoes and lots of water!!

After a trip through the canyon, we headed back to town and stopped at Bumbleberry's for a slice of their famous pie. Yummy! A fairly quick trip to St. George brought us to A&B's house and a total collapse of exhaustion. Luckily, B grilled steaks before we completely collapsed.

Sunday:
We left the house around 9:00 a.m. for the 2½ drive from St. George to the Grand Canyon's North Rim. The quickest way is to travel over the Arizona border through the twin cities of Hilldale, Utah and Colorado City, Arizona both of which have been in the news quite a bit as of late. They are the polygamous cities belonging to the FLDS church and their leader Warren Jeffs...a top 10 most wanted federal fugitive captured just days before our trip. We didn't see a soul in either city; no people, no animals, no movement what-so-ever, and they were both run-down, oppressive little towns.

We were also surprised by the Fredonia, Arizona Marshall just waiting to catch someone speeding through their tiny hamlet, but on closer inspection he turned out to be rather stiff. We nicknamed him Officer Stiff-y.



After the Grand Canyon-Lake Powell split the landscape becomes more and more forested and uninhabited. By the time we reached the Jacob's Lake turn-off the country store and inn was a very welcome site. Jacob's Lake sits in the Kaibob National Forest which borders the Grand Canyon.



At the North Rim entrance, I again flashed my pass and we drove straight through until we reached the lodge. Lots of trailheads and the little cabins that look exactly like life-size versions of the Lincoln Log cabins we would build as children. If they only had yellow chimney's I'd have sworn they were a giant's toy. We walked out to Bright Angel Point along a trail with no handrail and alternately up and downhill (both very, very steep), but the walk is fairly easy and the view is spectacular. We hung around marveling at the grandeur and then headed back home.



We stopped at Jacob's Lake for lunch, took pictures of Officer Stiff-y in Fredonia, and when we reached Pipe Springs National Monument on the Paiute Indian Reservation (entrance fee totally covered by the National Parks Pass) decided to stop. Let me say, I didn't think the "fort" was either interesting enough or well preserved enough to merit a special trip, but if you are so inclined to stop it won't kill you. The fort was built into the hillside on top of a spring that was flowed under the floor boards of the living room, underground across the courtyard, and into a trough in a room that served as the fridge for the milk and butter produced by the dairy farm. It was also set up to continue through a tiny door in the bottom of the wall, down the hill and into 2 big, man-made ponds just below the fort. Pretty cool set-up, except that about 6 years ago there was a very minor earthquake or other geological event (they aren't really sure) that caused the bedrock to shift just enough to cut off the spring. If it still existed the visit would have been much cooler!

Monday:
A very long drive back to Salt Lake with a stop at the Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork,



and a BBQ with my folks where we reviewed the prints from our recent family picture photo-shoot. We picked out the best of the best (our photographer did a great! job), and ordered them all. I am getting pictures of the whole family (all 28 of us), the 4 sisters, and all 13 nubbins.



So, 3 days and 2 more places down...with another 4 places (all in Mexico) planned for the next couple of months