Baseball Again

To make summer special, you've got to do fun things.

For me that means make a plan to do fun things so you don't end up sitting around outside doing nothing, or, even worse, sitting around inside doing nothing.

(Unless of course you planned to sit around inside doing nothing. Then that's relaxing.)

Jacob had a baseball playoff game at Bywater Park where Nick played in for a couple of years.

Dan and I rode our e-bikes which was a blast, and also freezing on the way home 

(50* is too cold for summer!)

Loved catching up with Katie and cheering Jacob on.

He had two fantastic hits, got an RBI and scored at home both times.

Both teams were pretty good, so super fun to watch. And Jake's team won!!

Those baseball years were some great ones for our family. Busy, but some great memories.

What a view!

Tried to get a pic of us on our ride home but it was trickier than it looked.

Indoor Memorial Day

This rainy Memorial Day weekend has felt more like winter than summer

(especially with 6" of new snow in the mountains),

but we made the most of today with a lazy morning chatting in bed

while Marty and Nick had a 6:00 a.m. brother bonding exercise sesh at Xcel.

Hot tub in the rain after we worked out.

Nick and friends went golfing at Mick Riley arriving at the end of the last heavy shower.

I made two batches of homemade granola (first time ever) -- 

one online recipe and the other Lizzie's Mom's recipe. Both were a huge hit.

Two rounds of Rummikub while it baked.

(Documenting: Last night the five of us played Ticket to Ride and I won!)

Grilled brats for dinner with mustard and relish from my homemade pickles, watermelon, 

caesar's salad, parmesan grilled potatoes and chips. 

Marty's left back to Denver, Lizzie has gone back to her house, Nick is out with friends.

Dan and I are sitting on the poolhouse couch where we can be outside but also stay dry.

Rain has stopped, its cold, but we're under blankets. Birds are flitting about, happily chirping.

Feels good, smells good, sounds good. 

Quiet, slow, wet and rainy day but we made it fun.

Chris in Morocco

Photo update from Chris -- this weekend they're in Morocco

We fresh squeezed some oj for breakfast after seeing this pic.

Top Gun Maverick

All the nostalgia at Top Gun Maverick last night.

Eric R. even wore his bomber jacket.

Tonight we watched the original with Marty and Lizzie--in the basement to maximize our screen and sound system. Nick and friends reconfigured the couch so it was like movie theater la-z-boy seats.

Might have to go to Maverick again just so I can properly appreciate 

the Penny Benjamin reference.

Errand day to TJ Maxx Homegoods stocking up on Pagosa needs (primarily lamps),

and Costco to fill the poolhouse fridge.

Burgers outside when the rain stopped and the sun came out to officially welcome summer.

 

We've Arrived

Twenty-two years of setting a morning alarm so we can make breakfast and lunches 

and see a child/children off to school has come to an end. 

Next week is the last week of school but Nick doesn't have to go early. Who knows if he'll even go.

And next year he doesn't have first period.

Funny how we're so glad to be done getting up, 

but now I'm feeling a little sad too. All these years of parenting in this way coming to an end.

Transitioning to a new phase is so bittersweet.

It was always important to me to see my kids off in the morning.

Make them breakfast (Dan) and make them lunches (me). 

I have friends that think its important to have them learn self-reliance by making their own lunch/breakfast. Or who don't get up when their kids leave.

But I'm glad I did it my way.

They hugged me on their way out the door clear into high school --

much longer than I ever expected to be getting those goodbye hugs. 

I hope it mattered to them. It sure did to me.

Nick was not happy to have Calculus busy work after the AP test was over.

But he still gave it his best effort which is one thing that impresses me about him.

Effort and Dedication. Two words that describe him in so many ways.

Another word is Kind. Because when he went to his yearbook signing stomp tonight,

we found out I forgot to order him a yearbook! And he was very sweet about it.

How did I FORGET? We've been getting reminders for the last several months and I never even checked to see if I bought it or not (obviously) because I don't forget these kinds of things.

I double-checked that I bought the AP test several times. 

So the youngest child didn't get a yearbook this year.

Gorgeous day to work by the pool.

And take a break in the pool.

I jumped up and ran to the river when I heard happy shouts.

These cute girls ran the river twice. 

I don't know them, but was happy to let them cut through the yard.

(And text their moms a photo.)

Yay! Summer's Arrived!

Look at these clematis blooms!

 

We Must Do Better

Today, after the Uvalde shooting yesterday and Buffalo last week,

 I called my Congressman (John Curtis) and both Senators, (Mike Lee & Mitt Romney)
to voice my opinion on gun control. It took under a minute, an intern answered for Curtis

and I got voicemail at the Senators. 

You say your name, your zip code and if you want a response or not. 

It was easy and really the only difference I can make, but an important one.

We must do better.

I've never called my legislator before, but I was encouraged that it was not only necessary, but welcome, by the various social media feeds like SharonSaysSo and AmericanMoms.

I've appreciated reading their posts and others that have helped me clarify my thoughts 

for what legislation I wish our country could pass.

1) Why, why, why do we allow automatic rifles? Why? It makes no sense to me.
There is No. Reason. anyone needs one. 
2) Raise the age limit to purchase guns to 21. I'd even like to see 25. 
You can't rent a car unless you're 25. Seems like similar reasoning would make sense for gun ownership.

3) Background checks and licensing and testing required for gun purchase and also ammo purchase.

4) Title and registration accompanying a gun similar to cars.

I love what Sharon says in response to "guns don't kill people, people kill people."

Guns are tools that make it easier and quicker for people to kill people.

Like Dan said, "If he had to kill with his bare hands, he'd probably think twice about it."

This:

Life's Been Good To Me

Such a fantastic concert!

"No smoke, no light show, just a bunch of guys playing guitars."

--Don Henley

After they played the whole Hotel California album, they took a short break saying,

"When we come back we'll play everything else we know."

Dan and I went to a Joe Walsh concert at Park West when we were first married.

Love these all these performers (thinking of Eagles, Elton John, Air Supply) 

who've been touring for 50 years. Amazing talent.

Life's Been Good To Me is such a classic.

Walsh said, "I had a lot more fun when I was 20 in the 70's then being 70 in the 20's.

But he could still jam. 

Vince Gill has been touring with them singing Glenn Frey's songs. 

Great night singing along to all our favorites.

Quick Trip

It was a quick trip, but plenty of time for the most important things --

moving outdoors, good food, beautiful scenery, time to talk.

Morning hike. Lots of good talks.

Album Cover

KT isn't afraid of snakes and caught one to show us how nice they are.

Me: Not a fan of snakes.

Coconut Mist from Quench It.

Hours poolside. More pep-talks and therapy sessions.

I need to remember that I need trips like these. It's good for my soul.

Dinner at Pizza Factory and drove home with Edie and Jenn.

Lots of belly laughs, car massager, comparing singing time notes,

and the lady who was suspicious that Jenn was abusing Edie in Iceberg when she flicked her.

But in reality Edie had guessed the one flavor Jenn had in mind 

and we split a large Reese's shake three ways.

Arriving back home by 10:30,

Edie's bee sting is not looking good. But the two nurses agreed it should improve in 48 hours.

Girls Trip St. George

Edie and I met up with Jenn in St. George last night, 

KT, Andrea & Jennie S. arrived this morning and we met them before our bike ride. 

It's a quick trip, but we packed so much in we've made the most of our time together.

Jenn started the morning with a little oversight, but that's nothing compared to 

her hip replacement recovery, so we're glad she's on the go in every way. 

E-bikes through snow canyon. We loaded two in the back of my car and borrowed two from Tiff.

Two of us took turns walking along the trail while the other four rode to the top of the canyon and then we switched. 

I ran over a snake. Didn't notice it until I was on top of it. KT was behind me and saw it tangled in my tires but it slithered away, so it survived the trauma, as did I.

The beauty of the red cliffs is stunning and new all over again, no matter how often you've seen it.

Actually, I haven't been here for a few years. It's good to be back.

Picnic in the park after the rides.

Quench It for drinks -- Coconut Mist was everyone's favorite.

Then straight to pickle ball.

KT's still on the mend from Covid, so after the early morning and long drive from SLC,

then biking, she opted for a rest in the shade instead of heading to the court.

Home by 3:00 with a couple of hours poolside,

then dinner at Angelica's before Mary Poppins at Tuacahn.

I introduced everyone to BeReal.

We were short a spot in my five-person car, but rather than drive in separate vehicles,

we took turns riding in the back. (Much to the chagrin of Edie, wife of a cop.)

Can't get a more amazing backdrop for an outdoor event than 

the red cliffs of Tuacahn. 

Home after midnight, two of our group headed to bed, but the rest of us were determined to finish cramming everything in to one day with hot tubbing and s'mores.

It was a challenge to figure out how to light it up -- 

I can't read fine print anymore and Jenn can't pull the trigger on the lighter because of tennis elbow.

But were determined to figure it out, and yes, the marshmallow was worth it.

Things to remember: 

Car massager for ride down. Edie was in heaven.

Coconut Mist at Quench It; BeReal; Wordle; my spiced nuts were a hit;

time flew by on mine and Edie's drive down;

snakes and lizards; getting going from Tiff's to Snow Canyon to finding a meeting place was a little disjointed, but isn't that always the case with a group? 

At Richards' picking up the girls who just drove in and the e-bikes...

KT: Can I change into biking clothes in the house?

Jenn: Just do it here in the garage. No one's home.

KT changes in front of the door, has her shirt half-way off when Dave opens it up.

Hi guys! We got back early from boating!

Jenn sees something on Edie's arm in hot tub...

Jenn (whispering): Edie, slowly lower your arm into the water.

Edie: Why?

Jenn: Just do it slowly.

Edie (lowering): OW! I was just stung by a bee!

Jenn: Oops! I thought it was a fly.