Jayden took this picture of himself

At the Instacare

Jayden's banged up face

Jayden Head first into a cement wall

Saturday, December 27, 2008 Today started out as a ho hum nothing sort of a day. Judy went shopping with Niki and her kids. They needed to buy a gift for Wendy Rhodes wedding shower and then they went to the shower. I dinked around the house doing nothing. Later, Corey, Jayden and Bailey came over to borrow Niki’s snowboard and set up the bindings to fit Jayden. He is quite the athlete and has been using a kid’s wakeboard as a snowboard. This real one was hoped to be better. I decided to go to the amphitheater in Eagle Mountain and watch them use the hill, especially Jayden on the “new” board. A couple of days ago, before yesterday’s icy cold front with it’s new snow came through, Judy and I watched them slide down the same hill. It wasn’t too slick and almost everyone came to a stop well before the bottom of the hill and especially without hitting the cement wall at the bottom. Today was different. The snow was packed solid and was icy slick. Jayden decided to use the old wakeboard first to get used to the hill. He did fine and walked back up to top of the hill. Bailey talked Corey into going down tandem with her using their two round; one blue and one green dish shaped sleds. Corey sat on one with his feet on the other. Bailey sat on the one Corey’s feet were on and down they went. They hit into the cement wall but Corey was able to control everything so that they were fine. When Corey and Bailey got back to the top of the hill, Jayden jumped on one of the dish shaped sleds and down he tore. He slammed right into the cement wall face first. Corey and I watched it happen in what seemed to be slow motion. There was nothing we could do about it. Corey went to the bottom of the hill as fast as he could while still keeping his balance. To me it seemed to take forever. By the time he got there, there were a couple of other parents hovering over Jayden. He was up and walking but his face was bloody and he had a doosy of a goose egg on his forehead right between his eyes. He had hit his forehead, his nose and mouth. He was bleeding from his nose but that soon stopped. He cut the inside of his upper lip but not too badly. The two adults who got there first asked him his name when his birthday was and other questions, trying to determine if he had gotten a concussion. He responded positively. As luck would have it, a dentist, someone Corey knew and had just signed up for credit card processing was in the parking lot at the top of the hill when we reached it. He looked Jayden over and thought he would be ok, but at my encouragement we decided to take him to the Instacare facility by Café El Lago in Saratoga Springs. Corey dropped me off at home first so I could get my wallet, then we drove separately to the Instacare. About half way there I found myself crying. I have really gotten to be a softy in recent years; i.e. more so than I used to be. I guess I always have been somewhat of one. By the time he got in to see the doctor the knot on Jayden’s head had gone way down and by the time we were eating at Café El Lago later it was hardly noticeable though you could still see the scrapes and abrasions up and down his face and he was able to laugh about himself and all that had transpires. As a side note, while we were waiting for his turn to see the doctor, a lady came flying through the door carrying a child who was or had been unconscious. They of course took him right in and a few minutes later carried him out and headed for the emergency room. As it turned out, he did the same thing Jayden did and on the same hill. Corey knows someone at city hall and is going to get hold of him and see if they can put some stray or hay bails or something else in front of the cement wall to protect other sliders.

My son Corey's family sleding and Jayden boarding

The Light in the Piazza

Monday, December 08, 2008 Last night, Judy and I and a couple in our ward, Len and Judy Pavia went to dinner at the Market Street Broiler by the University of Utah and then to Pioneer Memorial Theater at the University to see the musical, The Light in the Piazza. A good time was had by all. Eating at a table near us was Jerrold and JoAnn Otley. Jerrold is a former director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. As they were leaving, I asked him if he brought along his baton. He said, “No, I’m letting it rest.” The play was about a mother and a somewhat retarded twenty-six year old daughter who went to Italy. While in Florence, the daughter fell in love with a twenty-two year old Italian boy named Fabrizio. At first the mother tried to steer her daughter away from the relationship but while in Rome she had a change of heart and took her daughter Clara back to Florence and eventually after many complications the two were wed. It was a very enjoyable evening.

Cozumel - Belize Cruise

Sunday, December 07, 2008 Well, Judy and I got back from our cruise last night. Last Saturday morning we flew from Salt Lake, made a connection in Atlanta and flew on to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The cruise left on Monday but the flights didn’t look that good on Sunday and we needed to get there too early on Monday to leave home on that day. We spent two nights at the Ramada Inn a mile and a half from the port. It wasn’t the fanciest hotel in the world, but the price was right and it did have a certain charm including a charming poolside bar which served food. The food was quite good and there was a wide variety of excellent courses. I especially liked the restaurant. Monday around noon the hotel shuttle took us to the ship. For the first time we had a mini suite. It was really nice. It even had a walk-in closet and more shelves and room to hang up clothes than we could possibly ever use; maybe if we were on a month long cruise and didn’t want to wear the same things twice. The Navigator of the Seas was the second in this series of ships for the Royal Caribbean International Cruise Line that we have been on. It had a promenade. At 8:30 PM we went to the Nutcracker dining room where we dined with Ron and Sharon, Mike and Judy and Paul and Mary Ellen; an eclectic group of nice and fun people. We were probably closest to Ron and Sharon and sat with them several times at different affairs. They weren’t Marty and Kathy, a couple we met several cruise ago and with whom we have corresponded with and even flew to Houston to visit, but they were enjoyable. The first day of the cruise was spent a sea and we mostly sat around the pool in the solarium. The next day we were docked at Cozumel, Mexico, an island off the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula. We went ashore but only looked around the shops dockside. The second day we tendered at Belize City, Belize, C.A. I assume the C. A. stands for Central America. I quite enjoyed Belize. There was a lot more to see in the immediate area of where we disembarked the tender and we took a bus tour of the city with an airboat tour in the middle. This was on an airboat like those used in the Everglades. They made it a point to give us some high speed sharp turns and took us down some narrow passageways to open lagoons where we saw many different kinds of birds and even several alligator noses sticking up out of the water. Judy and I got the two front seats on the airboat. I would like to do that again. To me that was the highlight of the trip. Anyway here we are at home safe and sound.

FOR BETTER VIEW CLICK ON VIEW ALL IMAGES

TEARYEYED

Sunday, November 23, 2008 A while back, my niece Janette said in an e-mail that she and her family were going to be in town from Roseville, California this week. I don’t remember if I mentioned it to Christina, another niece, or not but anyway, she sent an e-mail saying that we; all of Clair and Lila Jepson’s descendants should get together. My Niki took over and before I could take a deep breath it was in the organizing stage. It all culminated this afternoon and evening at our house in Saratoga Springs, Utah with everyone bringing something and Judy and I providing the meat, the deserts etc. Our four children came early and did the preparations of the food, setting up tables and chairs and all the other necessities. If Judy and I had, had to do it all by ourselves we would have been a coma by this hour. There were at least three nine-year olds and three seven-year olds; I think four, and in no time the place was a mad house with kids screaming and running up and down the stairs. My brother Brent was especially good, playing tag with the kids and whatever else they were doing. It was a wonderful success and I got teary-eyed when I knew it was about to end and everyone was getting ready to go home. Several people said that we need to do this on at least an annual basis. I agree though I’m glad there is plenty of help putting it on. In attendance were: Fred & Judy Jepson, Chris and Sierra Jepson, Jim, Diane, Austin & Molly Jepson, Corey, Stacey, Jayden & Bailey Jepson, Niki, Alexa & Gavin Chazen, Brent & Linda Jepson, Christiana & Kyra Schmutz, Janette, John, Erik, Nina, Adam & Kate Johnson and Mike, Nikki, Ryan & Mathew Jepson –twenty nine in total if I counted correctly. Hope I didn’t leave anyone out. Following is a slideshow if I can figure out how to do it. Thanks again everyone—I love you all!

SO MUCH FUN

Friday, November 21, 2008 Among other things I did today, I babysat Alexa at Chazen’s while the ladies went to see Twilight, the movie based on the vampire book written by Stephanie Meyers, an LDS lady who lives in Mesa, Arizona. Alexa and I had a good time including a nap which lasted over an hour and a half. Later this evening Niki sent me the following instant message: “Just had to tell you how much fun A[lexa] had today. She keeps talking about it and just told Greg on the phone, ‘I played with Grandpa Fred today it was SO MUCH FUN’ in the most excited high pitched voice. Funny” Niki saw the film at midnight last night so this was twice in less than fourteen hours. Judy, Jim, Austin and I saw it last night at 12:10 am at the Gateway. Diane and Molly saw it at the same time at a different theater.

"Grandpa, I'm going with you"

Thursday, November 20, 2008 Last night Corey and his family came over for dinner. Jim was here too. Corey made the Gorgonzola and Mushroom-stuffed Beef Tenderloin with Merlot Sauce that everyone else loves but I hate. He wasn’t far into the process when it was realized we had the wrong kind of cheese and I was asked if I would go to Smith’s and get some Gorgonzola. I grabbed my keys and headed out the front door towards the circle where my car was parked. I barely got around to the garage when something inside said, “Jayden” my nine year old grandson, “is coming with you.” Almost immediately the front door opened and I heard, “Grandpa, wait. I’m coming with you,” and another voice, my son Corey yelling, “Wait Dad, Jayden is going with you.” Jayden is not only quite the extrovert talking to everyone; we saw some ward members, but he is at a stage where reading is really meaningful and he is reading everything in sight. Corey called while we were in the store and asked us to get some butcher’s twine so we went to the butcher counter where Jayden read the sign that said “ring for service” and reached for the call button. Unfortunately I had to stop him since I had already pushed it. Jayden made a point to have me follow him to the candy isle were he grabbed a bag of miniature Snicker candy bars. As we were walking to the car he suddenly exclaimed something to the effect of, “Oh no, I hope I didn’t get the dark chocolate!”

One at a Time Please

Thursday, November 13, 2008 I did the Jepson from 2:10 ‘til 3:10 pm today. The temperature of the pool was 96 F, too hot for working out hard in plus I am still not feeling well, so I stayed near the shallow end where my chest was in the cool air and jogged, much of the time without pumping my arms. I have been fighting a head and chest cold for three weeks or so. I don’t remember exactly. I was feeling really bad last night, so this morning I went to the Saratoga Springs InstaCare by Café el Lago. When the nurse asked me to step on the scale I jokingly said, “The last time I got on one of these, it said, ‘One at a time please’”. Doctor Abbinanti was sitting nearby and he started giggling, and giggling and giggling. Ten minutes or so later when he walked into the examination room to see me, he was still giggling and said, “One at a time please. I like that.” I told him that as far as I know I had coined the phrase. He asked; jokingly, if I had gotten a copyright on it. When I laughed and said no, he said, “Good, I want to use it.” I gave him permission to do so. After listening to my chest he told me I had bronchitis and thought I may have the beginnings of pneumonia and ordered x-rays. Later he told me he was going to send them to the hospital for the radiologist to check out to make sure. He gave me a three day horse pill size prescription for some Azrithromycin and sent me on my way.

leprosy

Sunday, November 09, 2008 Corey and his family came over this evening for dinner and to watch Kung Fu Panda, a cartoon movie they had rented. They had already seen it but wanted us to watch it too. So we did. It was a fun movie. Just before turning the movie on, nine-year old Jayden asked me what the symptoms of leprosy are then went on to explain them to me. I guess his primary teacher had asked his class that same question. According to Jayden or Corey, I forget which; Jayden raised his hand and told the class. I asked him how he knew and his response was: “Sometimes I have dreams.” I mentioned this to Corey and he dismissed it as an overactive imagination, but when I asked him how he thought Jayden knew the answer he couldn’t come up with an explanation. I would at least like to believe Jayden was saying the truth. I sometimes have “out of the ordinary” dreams.

Der Music Meister

Sunday, November 09, 2008 I just received a phone call from Sister Marilyn Roberts who is over the singing in Primary in our ward (church). She said that they are having trouble getting the children enthusiastic about learning the Christmas songs they need to learn for a Christmas program in sacrament meeting. She says she has a German outfit she would like me to wear including a baton, and would like me to walk in on their practice and jokingly have me act like the strict German Music Meister and say and do whatever is necessary to get them to sing loud and learn their songs. I led the music, including teaching new songs in primary in our Bennion (Utah)ward many years ago. I enjoyed it and think I did it well . It should be fun. I will start next Sunday at a little after noon.

Chris' birthday

Today is my son Chris' birthday. Oh my gosh, I guess he is 40 years old. Born 7 November 1968. Oops, where have the year flown? I'd forgotten I was over 40. Yikes Anyway, happy birthday Christopher Michael Jepson! I love you!

YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE

Friday, November 07, 2008 I awoke this morning with a song in my brain. My mother used to sing it to me when I was little. You are my sunshine, My only sunshine. You make me happy When skies are grey. You'll never know, dear, How much I love you. Please don't take my sunshine away. The other nite, dear, As I lay sleeping I dreamed I held you in my arms. When I awoke, dear, I was mistaken And I hung my head and cried. You are my sunshine, My only sunshine. You make me happy When skies are grey. You'll never know, dear, How much I love you. Please don't take my sunshine away. My mother also started singing this to me on occasion when I would visit her in her “dying Years.” Once in a while in those later years, she would also sing/say, “You’re the one I give my good-night kisses to.” I’m not sure where that one came from.

DARK TIMES AHEAD

Tuesday, November 04, 2008 Well, I got up early to take Jim to the airport, he is headed for Houston, then I came home and did my civic duty…in vain I suppose. Since I felt it would make no difference in Utah, I voted my conscience and wrote in Mitt Romney for president of the United States. I voted for Huntsman/Herbert for governor of the State of Utah. Those were the only races I have a strong opinion on. I voted for Jason Chavez for the U.S. House of Representatives though I am not sure if he is the best candidate. He seems to have the most “press” in our area. I also voteed not to retain the current judges etc…I do that every election…one of those things. As for the presidential race, I am afraid, very afraid. I think our nation is in for dark times. I think I will be praying with greater fervency.

Chris and Sierra's new Home

Chris and Sierra have moved into their new home today. Well, Sierra went to school so she didn’t do any of the moving in. The back two rows of seats are out of our mini-van and last night we loaded it and Chris’ Jeep up with the stuff they have had here at our home. Since they have lived with us for the last year when Chris’ has been in town there was quite the accumulation. This morning Chris took the van and after dropping Sierra off at Bennion Jr., he unloaded the van into their new place. Later, I drove the Jeep, and at 9:00 a.m. met Chris at his storage unit on 5400 S. just east of Kearns High A short time later two movers with a large van showed up and we (mostly the two young Mexican gentlemen) emptied the storage unit, drove to the new house and unloaded the van into it. Boy was it a relief to have to two strong young men to do the heavy lifting. The new home is really nice. Chris put a lot of extras into it including hardwood flooring throughout, a fridge that is rated second best on the market if I understand correctly. He has a super nice gas range and an exotic brand oven that I can’t remember the name of. There is a lot more on the extras and upgrades list but you’ll have to get the details from him.

DELTA OLDTIMERS LUNCHEON - RAGSDALE CHILDREN

Today I went to my first Delta Old-timers Luncheon at the Golden Corral Restaurant at 3399 W. 3500 S. in West Valley City. I don’t know why, but when I walked into “our” designated room there were snickers and laughter. I wonder. All I did was walk in. Oh well! They do this once a month (not the snickering part), though since November’s date is so near Thanksgiving, we are skipping it and doing it again in December. I wrote the following e-mail to Phil Greener, one of the big-wigs of the shin dig. (Hey, that sort of rhymes.) "Hey Phil, It was fun to see all the old faces at the luncheon today. Boy it was interesting. I am the only one who hasn't aged. I thought I recognized a lot of people but wasn't sure. And it has only been two and half years since I say some of them. Scott Holje was only a year ago or so ago. Wow! Then again like they say there have only been two of us born perfect on this earth." ******************************************** On another note, this morning I went to see my chiropractor in AF (American Fork). I had hardly walked in the door when an older lady and two little boys came in. The last one to walk in, Carter, had the heavy door shut on his hand. Luckily it shut slowly and didn’t slam on it, and he was OK. I was the one to jump to his rescue and open the door. I picked him up and before the half hour or so was over he was in my arms regularly and calling my Grandpa. Dr. Campbell, the chiropractor informed me that they were the children of Kristy Ragsdale, the lady who was shot and killed in their church parking lot here in Lehi, by her husband. The older woman with them was her mother and the grandmother of the kids. Dr. Campbell told me that Grandma was standing nearby and witnessed the shooting. Grandma happened to be here from the state of Washington where she lives. She has been here taking care of the children in their home ever since. She has just recently been given total custody of the children and will be taking them home to Washington to live with her and her husband. Carter is now three years old. His older brother is named Brandon. He must be five years old or so. Cute kids!

LIFE IS GOOD

Sunday, October 19, 2008 Today our son Jim who is staying with us for a while went to church with us and I introduced him in Priesthood Meeting. Later we had spaghetti and meatbulbs (meatballs), salad and Asparagus. Knowing that Chris would be in town today, Corey invited Jim to spend the night at his house. Jim and Chris were using the same bed here. Jim will leave for Tennessee tomorrow afternoon. I’m not sure how long he will be out of town. Chris’ house should be ready to close on in a few days and he and Sierra will move in after that. There are still a couple of touchup things that need to be done in the meantime. I haven’t felt too well for several days though not bad enough that I couldn’t spend time over three days winterizing the yard and planting a few tulips. In spite of everything, life is good. Let's see, I've mentioned all my children except Niki who lives in Phoenix. Hi Niki, I love you! Dad

More Disney Pictures - Boat Island etc

Jepson Disney Slideshow

A few Disney Pix

Disneyworld and the Bahamas

(I am goofy tired so please excuse my mistakes.) Well folks, we are back from our whirl wind Disney vacation with the whole family; our children and their families including Chris’ girl friend Lynn and her two darling boys Wyatt and Cade. Unfortunately they had to get back to Houston after we only had the chance to be with them for two days. Fortunately for them, they got to the Magic Kingdom a couple of days before we did and were able to have a good time, just the five of them; Lynn, Wyatt, Cade Chris and Sierra. I am afraid it is all a blur, so don’t ask me which ride we went on when; besides often we split up, different groups going their own way and meeting up only for meals though even when we did split up we were continually running into someone in the group somewhere in our travels. After three or four days in the Disney parks, we hopped on a mini-bus and drove to Port Canaveral where we boarded the Disney Wonder cruise ship for a three nighter in the Bahamas. The first full day we were in Nassau. After an hour or two in and out of shops on Main Street (or whatever it is called) Judy and I and Corey and his family took a cab to the Atlantis Hotel, a luxury complex and looked around the lobby and in and out of the shops as well as looking at the part of the hugemungous aquarium that you can see for free. The kids of course were mesmerized by the ship. (For Niki’s viewpoint of this and the trip in general including a slide show, see her blog @ http://gregandniki.blogspot.com/ ) The second full day we spent on Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay where some of us including nine-year-old Jayden went snorkeling in the bay. There was a variety of activities to do or one can just lay out, which Judy and I did a lot of the time in beach chairs in the shade of palm trees. A barbeque lunch is included on the island so no one has to go back to the boat to eat. It is included free of charge. It started to pour rain around 3:00 if I remember correctly but we had been on the island for five or six hours and were ready to leave anyway. It rained so hard that I was completely cleaned of all sand and salt water. I’m sure I was a sight, parading along in nothing but my orange swim suit. The food and the shows on the boat were wonderful though by the last night I had to force myself to go to the show. I was dead tired. Our dinner seating was at 5:45 so our show time was at 8:30. I know it doesn’t sound late but after a long day… After three nights on the boat it was off to the Pop Century Disney Hotel for two more nights and two more days in the park. I though I was doing well, keeping up with the gang but later on, on the last day I became extremely tired and ached badly from my knees down. Judy wasn’t doing too well that way either. We had a wonderful time but it sure is good to be home to my own tub/shower and bed etc. As a note of interest, I turned sixty-five on the boat (3 Oct) and was sung to at dinner as well as being given a shiny paper crown, a pair of glitzy sun-glasses etc… it seems like there was something else. Oh yes, Judy bought a set of party lights that read “Happy Birthday” and strung it up in our state room.

MY FAIR LADY

Tuesday, September 23, 2008 Last night Judy and I enjoyed My Fair Lady and the Pioneer Memorial Theater at the University of Utah. It was very well done. As usual we had dinner beforehand and as we do most of the time, we ate at the Market Street Grill; just a block away from the theater. They have the world’s best clam chowder. Elder and Sister Dallin H. Oaks attended the play, and of course I had to say hello and shake his hand. He looked older than when I talked to him two and a half years or so ago.

Doing the Jepson

Friday, September 19, 2008 By the way, I just got back from the pool. Last night our home teachers, Peter Leukel and Rick Bos came over for their monthly visit. They are very consciences (is that the right word?) about doing their job. Before sitting down and doing the “long” visit which comes before the lesson, Rick mentioned that he had been at the pool doing “The Jepson.” Now, be aware that is not an anomaly. Since I am at the pool jogging for an hour on a regular basis, most of the older sisters in the ward and others have started jogging and are now calling it, “Doing the Jepson” or “Doing my Jepson”. It started with Janet Wolsey, wife of Terry Wolsey the High Priest group leader. Of course I am flattered.

Buffalo Trees

Friday, September 19, 2008 Speaking of doing “The Jepson.” There is a row of old-very large Cottonwood trees lining the south side of Saratoga drive next to the fence that borders the pool, pavilion, boat harbour etc. When I do “My Jepson,” I generally jog back and forth across the pool at the line that divides the shallow end from the deep end. It is just the right depth for me. As I am at the west side of the pool facing east and looking to the north and east, there are five Cottonwood trees that look as if there are four trees and to me at least look like a giant buffalo with its back raised in a humped stance. It is facing east with its head turned slightly to the south as if it were looking out across Utah Lake. It has a buffalo’s beard and there is even a hole the right size and position for an eye. It even has four legs (tree trunks) in just the right places. Quite remarkable to someone with an imagination like mine. It helps the time go by as I gaze at and admire, “My buffalo” as I parade back and forth across the pool for an hour. I have always been the sort who sees images in the clouds and marbled tile etc.

UTAH STATE FAIR

Yesterday I picked up Judy after she got off work and we went to the Utah State Fair. Our main objective; or more correctly Judy’s main objective was to eat our way around the fair. I wanted to see the baby pigs which I never got to do. Oh well! We managed to get the handicapped parking spot that was closest to the main entrance which was nice. From there we made our way around the entire Fair Park once first, snooping out all the eating establishments, and then started the actual pigging out. (Get it; pigging out?!) First we had an ear of roasted corn smothered with lemon butter. Yummy! From there on it gets a little hazy but we had a gyro, a polish sausage prepared corndog style, fudge, kettle korn, roasted pecans and cashews, lemonade, and a Frenched pork chop that we held with a paper napkin wrapped around the Frenched bone end. While we were there we ran into my cousin Rick Jepson and his wife Sandy and their great-granddaughter. I was amazed to discover they had a great-granddaughter as Rick is nine or ten years younger than I am. I think my (Chris’) Sierra will give us our first great-grandchild and she is only fourteen, so it will be a while.

The Butchart Gardens

more Painter's Lodge

Painter's Lodge, Campbell River, BC

Minnesota and British Colombia

Wednesday, September 03, 2008 We got home last night from a five night whirlwind visit of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. o The Minneapolis part was planned months in advance. It was for our nephew Mathew Dean’s Wedding and reception dinner. The Canadian part was last minute. Last Wednesday Robert Wilson in our ward called and asked if we were free to go to Campbell River, BC in a couple of days. They had a pre-paid vacation planned and couldn’t afford the airfare, gas, food etc to get away. It was for two nights at Painter’s Lodge and another two nights at Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island. It included a wilderness excursion at Painter’s Lodge. They said they would give it to us for free, which still cost us around $1000.00 as they warned us. We couldn’t be there for the Qualicum Beach part and there was a conflict for one night on the Painter’s Lodge part, so we asked if that part could be moved one day which, after a phone call we were told it could. Of course we said yes. As it turned out when they changed it the one day, instead of changing it, they added another day and didn’t charge us for it. Darn! We didn’t say no to that! When we arrived at the Vancouver airport from Minneapolis Saturday we rented a black Ford Edge SUV from Budget Rent-a-car, plugged in our Tom Tom and headed for Horseshoe Bay to take the ferry across to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. At Horseshoe we paid $75.95 for the ferry ride then qued up and sat in the car for an hour and a half or so to board the boat. The boat ride itself took an hour and forty minutes. There is a nice gift shop and three or four places to dine and comfortable seats by large windows. We ate on the ferries in both directions. The drive from Nanaimo to Campbell River is on a four lane divided highway; two lanes in each direction and took an hour and a half to two hours. It is 97 miles through beautiful scenery. We checked in at Painter’s Lodge and went to our room. When we checked in we asked when the wildlife tour was. We were told it was at eleven. I wonder if the girl thought we were asking when it was over because at eight the next morning we got a call telling us that it was at eight. We threw ourselves together in about two minutes and ran for the marine center and hopped in the Hurricane Zodiac with another couple and roared across Discovery Passage to April Point Resort on Quadra Island, where we picked up two other couples and off we tore again to see the wild life. April Point Resort is their sister lodge. We were back and forth between Vancouver Island and Quadra Island pulling in near the shore and stopping when Jeff our guide and driver spotted animals. We saw a large Cinnamon bear on the rocky shore overturning rocks looking for grubs, and watched him/her for ten minutes or so then we were off again. We saw several black bears, three seals, deer and bald eagles. Finally, Jeff heard on the radio that a pod of Orcas had been spotted and off we raced, I think, as fast as the boat could go which had me hanging on to the hand rail until we reached where they were, then we cut the throttle and slowly moved in to within a hundred meters of them which is considered the best distance for viewing without disturbing their activities. They were beautiful to watch, their black and white backs and tails rising up out of the water then diving back down again. We stayed with them mesmerized for quite a while. The pod consisted of a sixty-seven year-old female and seven of her grandsons. Both resorts have excellent restaurants, coffee shops and bars. We ate in three different restaurants and bars, twice outdoors on the veranda. The food was fabulous including the best sashimi I have ever eaten in the dining room at April Point. Monday we drove to Victoria on the south tip of Vancouver Island to visit The Butchart Gardens, I have wanted to go there for twenty or more years and it lived up to every expectation except I envisioned it to be larger than it is. Still I was not disappointed. It cost $26.50 a person admission. We bought a DVD of the gardens to take home. The trip was about 170 miles each way so it took up most of the day. Unfortunately Tuesday morning bright and early we were up and on our way home reversing the route we came. It was enjoyable but uneventful.

STONE SOUP

Monday, March 25, 2002 The cupboard is full of nothing to eat The fridge in stocked with condiments. If I had some bacon I’d have bacon and eggs, —if I had some eggs. My father used to speak of hoboing during the great depression. He would jokingly tell of going to a farmhouse and asking the lady in charge If he could use her stove and a pot to make himself some Stone Soup. He would take a stone out of the yard, wash it clean, and put it in the pot. “Could I ‘borrow’ a carrot to give it a little flavor?” The woman is really curious by now. “How about a potato” “Some salt?” The list went on and on... “Maybe a small piece of meat?” When he was finished he would throw away the stone and eat the soup. He would offer some to the kind woman, Tip his hat in ‘thanks’ and be on his way.

LYNN IS IN TOWN

Saturday, August 23, 2008 Last night we finally got to meet Chris’ girlfriend Lynn Shoemaker. She flew in, Chris picked her up and they drove to Snow Bird. She wanted to see the mountains. Later she and Judy and Chris and Sierra and I had a good visit. This morning the three of them; including Sierra drove the Alpine Loop and were going to have brunch at Sundance Ski Resort but that didn’t work out so they waited for lunch. They had problems in the kitchen and lunch got delayed. I asked Sierra when Lynn and Chris were going to get married. She said after the court stuff is over in Houston. I asked her when that would be and she said October. Sunday, August 24, 2008 This morning in church as well as singing the prelude, our choir which Judy leads, sang Consider the Lilies as a rest hymn. Chris, Lynn and Sierra were there. Diane, Austin and Molly as well as Corey and his family came over for dinner tonight and of course to meet Lynn. Jim is in Baltimore working. I think all are favorably impressed with Lynn and she is already acting like one of the family. She acted quite apprehensive when Judy and I first met her. I think she wanted to make a good first impression. Little did she know that she just has to act herself around the Jepsons.

Hot Rod Driver Angie

Friday, August 22, 2008 Last night after dark, Judy and I were putzing around upstairs when the doorbell rang. It was my cousin Sherilyn. I invited her in but she seemed quite frustrated. She asked very strongly if I would go out to her car with her. Her youngest, sixteen year old Angie was behind the wheel. Sherilyn said that Angie “has her driving test tomorrow and is afraid she won’t pass the parallel parking portion.” They had been in the parking lot of the church, behind our house practicing parallel parking between two cones they had taken with them, and had finally given up in frustration. That’s where I came in. Sherilyn asked if I would teach Angie how to parallel park. I reluctantly agreed. I have never been the type to tell others what to do or how to do it. Sherilyn got in the back seat of their huge-mongous White Ford Taurus and I got in the front next to Angie. Poor little Angie, as cute as she is, is not the tallest girl in the world and could hardly see over the steering wheel. I could hardly see over the steering wheel! We set up the cones; too close together at first, and I stood outside next to the front cone because it was so small she couldn't see it. She drove around and approached them from the rear and I gave her instructions and encouragement through the open windows and she tried over and over, some times sort of good and other times not so good, but eventually after enough tries she got pretty good at it. To show how hard it was in the huge car, I even tried it once and did a poor job. After a half hour or so of her getting bitten by mosquitoes, we quit. I told her that she should be fine in the smaller car she would be taking the test in. After getting her e-mail address from her I sent her the following. So Angie, how did the driving test go today? I hope you passed with flying colors! Crazy Cousin Fred She answered with: Hey!! You were able to read my hand writting. I am very impressed!!!! My test was good. I passed!! Thank you so much for your help!!!!!

You've got to be kidding!!!!!

Thursday, August 21, 2008 Now remember, I jotter-wog (water jog-I made up the term jotter-wog) on a regular basis and twist and turn and try to stay loosened up, and I even push it pretty hard, but this is nuts. Tuesday at a little after seven in the morning, I happened onto Wendy Granata’s water aerobics class at our community pool. Big mistake and even stupider, this morning at seven I forced myself out of my comfortable bed and went over and did it voluntarily. That woman is trying to kill us. I explained to her that she is not in my will and would gain nothing materialistically out my death but she just laughed and pushed us on. I can’t believe that anything that looks so mild mannered can be so exhausting. Even the warming up at the beginning and the cooling off at the end hurt. Oof. After stretching and pulling and walking fast against resistance and every other known legal form of torture, I dragged myself out of the pool, didn’t even do a decent job of toweling myself off; went home acted macho long enough for Judy to tottle off to work then plopped myself onto the bed and fell unconscious for two hours. We have been instructed to bring our “noodles” to class next time; next Tuesday. My mind is imagining what she intends to do to us with noodles. I do remember the phrase: whipping you with a wet noodle. I am afraid; very afraid!

Oh memories - part of getting old

ASPIRATIONS Fred Jepson Friday, August 15, 2003 This place reminds me of my youth And tender times so long ago When I would wander through green fields Before the coming of the snow. But snow did come and I grew old And summer days gave way to storm The wonders of a young man’s dreams Became less bright and not so warm. The dreams I held of conquering all Were shelved in some forgotten hole The labors of a working man In years to come soon take their toll— I’ve run across them once, or twice; Those dreams I had in bygone years. I searched them close then gave a sigh For things that once I held so dear. And after I had read my fill I folded them with tender care And put them back into their place And sank back in my rocking chair.

This party or that party

Saturday, August, 16, 2008 Today Judy and I had the choice of either going to a neighborhood party at the pavilion, put on by the ward or going to a party/dinner put on by our old ward with previous members being invited. I preferred to go to our neighborhood party but Judy wanted to go to the other. As usual we did it Judy’s way. It was ok and it was nice to reacquaint ourselves with old friends but I still wish we had done the other. What would have been best of course is if we could have done both; it having had been on different week-ends or some such. In church today I had two people come up to me and ask why we weren’t there and said they missed hearing me sing to the karaoke machine. One of them said that I was the best doing it last year. Like I said, I wish we could have done both!

emotional good-bye

Saturday, August, 16, 2008 Alexa, Gavin, Greg and Niki left today on a plane to go back to their home in Arizona. I think it was a blessing for Judy and me that we had them at our place first and that they left from Greg’s parent’s after a good long visit with them. That way it wasn’t such an emotional shock for us as it was for Lynn and Dave. They; Lynn especially were in tears even before Judy and I showed up to take the kids to the airport. At Niki’s discreet suggestion, Judy and I got back in and waited in the mini-van while they said their final goodbyes, though they followed them to the car and the emotional good-byes continued in the driveway. Judy and I held our composure which, I hope at least, made it easier on them to say good bye to us at the airport. It is not so traumatic for us as we can fly free whenever we wish and can drop in on them time to visit. For more on their visit see their blog listed to the right.

Kids at the pool

At 3:30 or so Corey and his family and Niki and her kids came over for a barbeque and visit. Greg came a little later after an appointment in Orem. Corey cooked hotdogs and hamburgers on the grill and Judy made the accoutrements. I had earlier boiled potatoes and eggs for potato salad. After dinner we adjourned to the pool. I think our nine-year-old grandson, Jayden must not have been feeling very well; at least he wasn’t later in the evening. After just a short time in the big pool, he went to the kiddy hot tub and was there until we all got out to go home. At one point Stacey went to check up on Jayden. When she said something to him, he made a motion with his head for her to go away and then made another head motion toward the cute little girl he was sitting next to and I guess having a conversation with. Stacey took the hint and left. She told the rest of us what had transpired and after a good giggle we decided not to go home for an extra fifteen minutes or so. When he and Corey were in the shower afterwards, Jayden said, “I was that close!” Interestingly enough just a short time before; the day before or so, he asked his parents when boys start having girlfriends. They responded, “In the third grade!” knowing he was going into the third grade starting next week. Later at home they talked to him about how the church says you should not date until age sixteen. Greg and Niki’s two-year-old Alexa is starting to feel comfortable in the pool. Before, she pretty much clung to her mom or dad. At the very end today she was jumping off the edge. Greg’s roughhousing with her helped her open up I think. Bailey made sure she got her share of roughhousing with Greg also. .

MURKY WATERS

I think I will start throwing in poems I have written...one or two...here and there 08/31/1995 So you think you are a poet? You can make two verses rhyme. You are giddy and you’re singing. And you’re happy all the time. You think you are a poet? You think the world is yours? You think the sun is shining, Through perpetually open doors? I’ll tell you something fellow, Before you’ve gone too far; Before you are committed, Before your soul you mar; Poetry is awful, It’s reflecting on the past, It’s peering in the future, It’s the storm before the mast. It is wading in new waters, They are murky and they’re black; And the tide will draw you under. And you’ll never more look back. It’s reliving your past failures. It’s hoping you are sane. Poetry is suffering, Poetry is pain..

Longing for the open places

Well here it is August 2008 and I haven’t written a poem for years. I have not felt inspired…just sitting here wishing I lived in or at least had a second home in West Yellowstone or Island Park or Brian Head or some such. I fear I will never be happy in “civilization” But what to do when the spouse you love is a “city” girl. Alas I keep praying for wealth enough to help the kids and have enough left over for a second home but I also pray, “Thy will be done!” Maybe happiness for me, in that sense is to be in the next life. I’m going to continue praying though.

Gavin's Blessing

Monday, August 11, 2008 Yesterday was our grandson Gavin’s blessing. His father Greg did the honors in Gavin’s other grandparent Chazen’s home. The Chazen’s bishop presided and afterwards told Greg that it was perhaps the best blessing he had ever heard. After the blessing we had a taco bar provided by the Chazens extended family then the youngsters played volleyball. Judy and I didn’t eat a lot. Tupo Falou’s homecoming was yesterday also and they had a luau type buffet at the clubhouse afterwards so we weren’t very hungry. We ate a little bit at each. Jim and his family came Saturday afternoon and stayed the night. They went back home last night. They took Sierra with them as Chris was leaving for Houston on a 6:00 a.m. flight meaning leaving here at 4:00. Suddenly it was so quiet here I broke down and turned on the TV. Shame on me. Corey and his family of course were at Chazen’s too.

Good night's sleep

Thursday, August 07, 2008 Niki, Alexa and Gavin are in town and until this morning have been staying at our place. (Greg flew in today so they are now staying at Chazen’s.) Everyone has been over to seen the little ones; most of the time it was all at the same time; total chaos. Last night we all went to Tepanyaki in Lehi for dinner. Alexa was a little frightened at first but soon warmed up to the fire and the noise etc. After dinner Diane agreed to take Judy to the airport. She is off to Indianapolis for Drum and Bugle Corp with her mother. She went to get on the midnight flight to Atlanta to make a connection. I was off the hook. I didn’t have to make the trip to the airport. Oh yea! Though I was going to have Austin, Molly and Sierra over night along with Alexa and Gavin, I was sure I would get a good night’s sleep. Wrong! At midnight, Judy called and said the flight was full and she didn’t get on and asked me to check flights in the computer. We finally decided it would be best for her to take the 6:00 a.m. flight to Atlanta and connect to Cincinnati and get a rental car their. That meant I had to get a rent-a-car which, through her coaching, I did on Alamo. Then she thought she needed her Tom Tom to help her navigate to Indianapolis and the hotel there so she asked if I would take it to her. Reluctantly I agreed. Big of me. She met me as I drove up, climbed in and said, “I can’t get through security. How about if I get in and we find a dark spot in the parking terrace and we can sleep in the car until 5:00?” She slept. I twisted and turned until 4:30 when Judy received a text message from Jim asking if she got on the flight. To make a long story short, I got home and into bed at about 5:30, tossed and turned until 7:30, then the kids woke up and started making noise. Such is life.

All together

Monday, August 04, 2008 Niki, Alexa and Gavin are here from Arizona. Chris and Sierra are here so we had to juggle bedrooms. Niki thought it would be best if she and the kids use Sierra’s bedroom upstairs with the trundle bed, so Chris pumped up an air mattress on the basement floor. Saturday night we all went to dinner at the Mayan. Alexa was especially interested in the high divers. All the older kids were fighting over Alexa and Gavin. The whole family was there except Greg. Jim, Diane, Austin and Molly were there as well as Chris and Sierra, Corey, Stacey, Jayden and Bailey and of course Niki, Alexa and Gavin. Don’t forget Judy and me.

Deja vu

Thursday, July 31, 2008 It happened again last night. Chris and Sierra went to the pool yesterday afternoon. Later Corey and family came over and we all went to the pool again. Jayden and Bailey and I went in ahead of everyone else. Merlin Smith was in charge of checking in, and when he saw me he said something to the effect of: “Your son was here earlier. He sure has a good looking wife!” I explained to him that Sierra is his fourteen year-old daughter. Corey and Stacey came in shortly after that and Chris and Sierra followed. I told them what Merlin had said and we all had a good laugh.

Oui, Oui

Our son Chris who has been divorced for some time and who has dated a number of girls over the years related the following funny story about flying home from his and Sierra’s recent Paris trip. One of his fellow flight attendants; probably the only one on this particular trip who didn’t know that Chris was with his daughter, was working first-class, where Chris and Sierra were sitting. He has Parkinson’s disease and he shakes a little. He was looking at Chris and Sierra while he was making the on-board announcements. Later in the galley he was talking to some of his fellow flight attendants and said, “I really like Chris but I think this time he’s gone too far!” thinking that Sierra was Chris' latest girlfriend. The others explained things to him and everyone including Sierra had a good laugh.

Rain and well needed

Sunday, July 27, 2008 Jepsons in church. Today Judy Jepson played the organ, led the choir and said the opening prayer in sacrament meeting. JD Jeppson, a high councilor was one of the speakers. I gave the benediction in Sacrament meeting, the closing prayer in Sunday school class and said the prayer to consecrate some oil in priesthood meeting. Funny! This afternoon and evening we got/are getting some well needed rain. I went for a drive in it and enjoyed it very much. While I was driving in the Cedar Fort area I got the impression I should call our fourteen year-old grandson Austin. I did and asked him how he was doing. He said he was ill. He has a bad cough and feeling “very, very weak.” I told him to take care of himself and let him know I loved him.

Parenting again at our age

Saturday, July 26, 2008 We had Jayden and Bailey overnight and to my relief all went smoothly. This morning Judy, the kids and I drove to Bennion Jr. High for a fundraiser yard sale for the cheerleaders i.e. Sierra and gang. This was the second week they have done this. Things were slow and as we were driving up they were starting to pack up everything to quit an hour early. Sierra was walking up to the corner of 6400 S and 2700 W to tell the two girls who were holding signs directing people to the event to pack it in and come back. The girls have only made about half of what they need for Cheer camp or whatever it is for. Jayden bought a wakeboard and Bailey a 1996 Disney snow globe. Jayden insisted that it was a snowboard and tried to call Greg to see if he wanted to go boarding with him. Later Corey came over and we all went to the pool; again. Jayden and Bailey and I were already in the pool when Corey got there. He came from getting a haircut.

PATIO FURNITURE AND SWIMMING

Thursday, July 24, 2008 Stacey’s sister Amy’s clothes dryer went out recently, so Stacey and Amy’s parents bought them a new one. Since they spent $300.00 on Amy and family, they offered to buy Stacey and Corey a set of patio furniture or rather put $300.00 towards it. Corey and Stacey found a set at Wal-Mart they liked. Half of it, a dining set was $399.00 marked down to $200.00 at the Wal-Mart in Springville and a matching sitting area set at our Wal-Mart in Lehi/American Fork for the same price; $399.00 down to $200.00. Corey and Stacey picked up the part in Springville but didn’t have enough room in their van for the rest so Corey called me and I met them at our Wal-Mart and I picked up and delivered the rest. They were up into the dark of night putting up the dining room part. It was in two boxes and needed assembling. At that point Judy and I left to go home. It will be interesting to see it all put together and in place. Corey and Stacey charged it and Stacey’s parents will put $300.00 towards their car payment. In the middle of all this they with Jayden and Bailey came over to our place for a taco dinner and a trip to the swimming pool; the third time in four days if I remember correctly. The kids enjoy it.

TRI-TIP ROAST

Wednesday, July 23, 2008 Jim was in town yesterday so we invited them over for dinner. Corey and his family came over too. I cooked two tri-tips in the rotisserie grill and boiled potatoes and eggs for potato salad. After dinner, Austin, Molly, Corey and his family and I went to the pool for an hour. Jim needed to be at the airport at six this morning and wanted to leave our place no later than ten. I got Austin and Molly out of the pool at ten but as it turned out Diane and Jim visited with us until at least ten thirty. Jim and Diane did not swim, and since they had been swimming the last two days and several times last week Corey and Stacey didn’t really want to either I think, but they did for the kid’s sake. I was glad I didn’t have to try to keep my eye on both Jayden and Bailey at the same time especially with all the attention Molly demands of me. I am glad she does of course. As it turned out Austin and Molly slept over so Jim and Diane could have gone home earlier. Oh well! Judy took the kids home on her way to work this morning. On another note, recently Molly did a telephone interview with a Christian radio station from back east. Later they e-mailed Jim and told him how impressed they were with her. It was about her roll in her movie, The Last Sin Eater.

TEARS & JOY

Tuesday, July 22, 2008 Yesterday my barely nine-year-old grandson Jayden decided he wanted to go swimming at Grandma and Grandpa’s so he thought he would sway his mother by cleaning the house while she was at work. He did a very good job and spent a lot of time at it. I got there a little before Stacey did and Jayden was still working. He was a little fearful that his mom might still say no since they swam just the day before but he was hopeful. When Stacey got home, Corey told her what Jayden had done and of course she was very pleased. When she talked to Jayden about it though, she said something that he mistook for a “No”. He welled up in tears. He and his mother were wiping away his tears and I was wiping away mine. Of course they came and swam. On a lighter side; while Jayden and Corey were in our bathroom putting on their suits, Jayden noticed my suit in there also. He exclaimed, “Is that Grandpa’s suit?” and fearing I might walk in and change while they were still in there, he said, “I don’t want to see an old man’s private parts!” I guess Corey said something humorous for Jayden then said something to the effect of, “Why would a young kid want to see an old man’s private parts?” They have been here swimming a lot in the last couple of weeks and both Jayden and Bailey have gotten to be good swimmers even swimming down ten feet to the bottom of the deep end, to retrieve diving sticks. Bailey finally realized just last night that she can really swim, and took off like a fish. Before that she would dive off the board but head right for the stairs nearby. Now she is totally carefree. The four of them got snorkel gear a week or two ago and have been practicing for when they are on Disney’s Island on our cruise at the end of September and first of October.

Much ado about nothing

Wednesday, July 16, 2008 Not a lot to report. Corey and I have worn a path between Corey's and Lowes in American Fork. We and the employees there are nearly on a first-name basis. We're still getting more pea-gravel for a paver base and getting edging so the pea-gravel doesn't spill out from under the pavers at the edges causing them not to stay in place. I am still getting worn out watching Corey work. It is going a little slow because Corey is doing all this after a full day at the office but I/we are getting excited that we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Stacey took pictures of the next-door neighbor's (which is identical to theirs before they started on it) and how there place looks like now and I will instruct them/or I will take updated pictures including the finished product. I also gave Corey instructions to forward the pictures to Niki who is a little out of sorts over being the only one still living out of town.

MY ACHING BACK

Monday, July 14, 2008 I got up bright and early this morning and got the last eighteen pavers at our Lowes, delivered them then got the last twenty at the Lowes on University Parkway in Orem. Later Wayne, Ginnie and I got forty at Lowes in Riverton, near Greg’s parent’s house. We each took twenty, twenty in Wayne and Ginnie’s Blazer and twenty in my Town and Country. The employees at Lowes did most of the work at their end and Wayne and Corey did most at the other. I mostly watched and I am still dirty, stinky and beat. I can really work up a sweat watching others work. Whew! Later Judy and I shared fajitas and a side of ribs at Chili’s.

BIRTHDAYS AND PATIOS

Sunday, July 13, 2008 I showed up at Corey and Stacey’s around 9:30 yesterday morning to help him with their back yard. They have approximately a 16X26 foot area; just enough for a patio. We did some digging down and leveling so we could lay pavers. Then we went to Lowe’s and bought nine sixteen inch pavers and some pea gravel as well as a few smaller pavers and some weed barrier cloth to get started. I took over my leftover 2X4s, my miter saw a rake, a mallet and a few other odds and ends. We got far enough along to lay the nine pavers. They look nice. Corey figured out a nice plan as to how to lay them. By five or so in the afternoon we were beat but had accomplished a lot though mostly preliminary. Today Wayne and Ginnie, Stacey’s parents went over and helped. They made several trips to Lowe’s, and in total laid an additional nineteen pavers if I remember correctly. Now, it is really looking nice. We are approaching the halfway mark in pavers and much of the initial prep work is done for the rest. Looking nice guys. Last night we had a second birthday party for Jayden at our house. Diane, Austin and Molly were there. We ate hotdogs and hamburgers then went to the pool and swam. After going back to our place we ate cake. Among other things, Jayden got a tool kit. I knew he was into such things. It was rather all inclusive. As of this evening he was still pounding nails and drilling holes. Bailey is jealous and keeps getting mad when he doesn’t hand over the tool he is using right now! His birthday was Thursday the tenth. He had a party at their place for Stacey’s side of the family. They then came to our place to use the pool.

POOR SIERRA

Friday, July 11, 2008 This evening Sierra came up to me and said, “Grandpa, I have a dilemma. I’m going to Paris tomorrow for five days and I only have two pair of pants, one long black pair and a pair of jeans.” Of course she has a wardrobe here and another at her mother’s. Later I asked if she wanted to go to Wal-Mart but she had gotten hold of her dad, Chris and he said they would get something in the morning before their flight. Their plane leaves at 10:00 with a layover in Houston. I should have such a problem. Just kidding. Sierra is barely fourteen and she has been to Paris how many times plus other exotic places in the world. Oh well. Maybe she’ll bring me back a T-shirt that reads, “My son and granddaughter went to Paris and all I got was this stupid T-shirt!”

Beautiful Sierra

Yesterday Judy and I were commenting on how beautiful our fourteen year-old granddaughter Sierra has become. She is also most expert at applying makeup and doing her hair etc. I said something to her about how I could see boys fighting over her and she said, “Oh they did that in the sixth grade. One of them got suspended (from school).” Oh boy!

Shopping with Alexa

Sunday, July 06, 2008 We were in Phoenix Thursday, Friday and Saturday. After seeing WALL-E at the theater, we went to the Disney Store nearby; seemingly for hours. While we were in the Disney Store our granddaughter Alexa grabbed two outfits off a rack, holding them by the hangers she stuck one and then the other out towards me and asked, “This one or this one Grandpa?” Gee, I wonder where she learned that line. She’s only two years old.

A day at Cub Scout Camp

Yesterday Corey took Jayden to Cub Scout day camp up Springville Canyon with Jayden’s new friend Artemis. Artemis’ dad drove. Jayden came home with a big grin on his face and enough dirt on his face to match. He couldn’t stop talking about the fun he had. He got nine beads, one for boat racing, one for tying knots, one for another kind of boat race, one for picking up two piles of trash ten pieces each, one for learning about Marco Polo; he chronicled the spice route to China, one for bow and arrow and one for B.B. gun shooting, one for “art scratching”, (rubbing). Actually for one of the boat racings he got a camouflage wrist band. His cub leader gave him an extra bead just because. His dad bought him a pocket knife that has a blade, a fingernail file, tooth pick and tweezers. “Then we went to prayer and that is all that really happened.” He looked so cute in his blue shirt and shorts with beads and badges etc.

Longings

I have been rereading Hugh Nibley’s The Ancient State. In the second section Tenting, Toll and Taxing it brings me some sense of satisfaction in my perpetual feelings…knowing it is human nature i.e. All my life I have had the sense that, no matter where I am or what I am doing, I should be somewhere else and doing something else. For example when I am at home doing one thing I have a very strong urging to get out and go somewhere else and do something different yet when I get to the place I have decided to go to, to appease that urge I get another strong urge go somewhere else, and not necessarily somewhere specific. It seems that this yearning in me is stronger now that I am older though perhaps I don’t remember just how pulling that yearning was in the past, do to the fact that the “hear and now” is overshadowing the past. I am reminded by Nibley that we are strangers here and have an innate longing for a long lost home. Long drives, especially in the mountains to a degree bring an easy to my suffering but only to a degree!

"I went pee pee on the potty - EEEEE

Three or four times in the last couple of days, our two-year-old granddaughter Alexa called from Queen Creek, Arizona; with the assistance of her mother,Niki,and announced with a loud happy voice, “I went pee-pee in the potty” and jabbered on about other stuff, some unintelligible. She has to tell me and “Grandma.” After telling me, she yells out a loud “EEEEE” or however you spell a loud funny yell. She expects me to “EEEEE” back to her. She laughs when I do. It is something I taught her on one of my trips to Arizona to visit them.

crazy lazy hazy daz of summer

Last night Corey, Stacey, Jayden and Bailey came over to eat and swim. Judy bought barbeque on her way home from work. Jayden and Bailey are really getting to be good swimmers jumping and diving off the diving board etc. Jayden is even diving down and touching the bottom in the deepest part of the pool. And just a short time ago Corey and especially Stacey was nervous about letting them take their life vests off. While we were in Las Vegas last week, Stacey and the kids went to Pineview Reservoir for five days and four nights. The kids got to do a lot of things they don’t normally get to do including fishing and cooking and eating over a camp fire. They slept in their other grandparent’s camper and Stacey’s sister Amy and her husband Dirk and their two boys Damian and Hunter were there too. Jayden and Bailey are very close to Damian and Hunter. This morning I went for a two mile walk in lieu of my hour jogging in the pool. I caught up with Raleigh Huntsman and visited with him the last two thirds of the way or so. I may yet do my pool jogging. As we speak, Corey, Jayden and Bailey are here at the house. Corey had to do some work stuff and school work here because his phone and Internet aren’t working at his house, plus he needed to use our scanner.

Moving In to Eagle Mountain

Wednesday, May 07, 2008 At six Sunday morning Niki drove me from her place in Queen Creek, AZ to the airport for a Southwest flight to Albuquerque. Corey picked me up after church and took me back to his place. They, especially Stacey had been packing stuff up for weeks and their whole downstairs was lined with boxes. At eight or so the next morning Corey and I got the Budget rent-a-truck and he and I and four missionaries, loaded it up. At 10:15 we were finished so we took the missionaries to McDonald’s for breakfast after which Corey and Stacey and I went back to their place, I got in the truck and was off. Bailey’s kindergarten class had a going-away party planed for her but because we were ready to go so early, they picked her up early. Stacey brought cupcakes. Bailey told me over and over again about the group hug she got from her classmates. Jayden not only said goodbye to his class but also had to go see Miss Zunigga his kindergarten teacher from two years ago. They are still close friends. She had kept a paper he had drawn and written on back then and had it laminated. She gave it back to him as they were saying their goodbyes. On it was typed…”At 2 o’clock I” … and Jayden filled in the blank …“met a dragon”. Below that, he drew a picture of a dragon. She thought it was special and had kept it. On their drive towards Salt Lake, Jayden got sick and had a fever of 103. They stopped at Wal-Mart in Farmington, New Mexico and got him some Tylenol which helped for a couple of hours but he is still not feeling well and still taking the Tylenol. Knowing where they were and knowing Jayden’s condition, as I was approaching Moab I decided to get two rooms. It was only 7:30 but they were two-two and a half hours behind be. I got two rooms at the Sleep Inn, took at net etc. I called Corey later. They were in Monticello and he thought they would be in Moab in about forty-five minutes. As a side note, one of their two cats was sick and threw up several times along the way. Between that and Jayden they lost a lot of time. Tuesday morning we ate the continental breakfast at the hotel and off we went. Actually I left a few minutes before they did but I expected them to overtake me any minute. They never did. They told me later that Stacey left her cell phone in their room and had to go back to the hotel and get it. That afternoon at 1:00 they met with the general contractor to do a final inspection. I tagged along. I think Stacey was in shock. Bailey was bouncing off the walls literally. They spent the night at Stacey’s parent’s place. Thursday, May 08, 2008 This morning Corey had to go back to the title company and sign some last paperwork. At 1:00 there were able to get their keys and start moving in. Jim showed up as well as Stacey’s parents, Wayne and Ginnie Bingham. I understand that a couple of men from the neighborhood helped as well. They unloaded the first two thirds of the truck in record time and would have done the rest except Dirk, Stacey’s twin sister Amy’s husband had arranged to take Friday off work and they felt guilty not having something for him too do especially after driving all the way from Grantsville. Jim brought all his fancy tools. With them along with his know-how the installing of the blinds, curved shower curtain rods and a wire shelve above the washer and dryer was done in no time. I was amazed. Jayden is still sick. Diane, Austin and Molly came out a little later. Bailey was thrilled to see the kids and after a little while I took Bailey and Molly to two playgrounds nearby. Austin ran and met us at the second one. Friday, May 09, 2008 Dirk and Amy and their two boys Damien and Hunter came in their truck loaded with the washer and dryer which has been stored at Stacey and Amy’s parent’s house for years. Side notes: On the way home Corey mentioned that Stacey told him: “Your Mother!” paused then said “I really love her.” And went on about how nice and how generous she is. Saturday, May 10, 2008 This morning I drove to Corey’s and picked up the Budget rent-a-truck, filled up the tank at the Mobile station on American Fork’s fifth east then turned the truck across the street at the Budget dealership.

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Kids are fun

At about 5:20 the doorbell rang and when I answered it, Samantha Stott, Morgan Davies and Josh Erickson were standing there. They are kids in our ward. Sam is age 12, Morgan is 13 and Josh is 14. I invited them in and we sat and shot the breeze for ten or fifteen minutes and then they left. They didn’t have any particular agenda. I guess they just thought to stop in on the spur-of-the-moment. They are all good kids. Sam looked at a picture of Nik and Greg and Alexa and commented: “Your son-in-law looks like John Travolta!” I make it a point to befriend all the youth in church wherever I see them.