Saturday, October 27, 2012

Trevor's Trip to Cabo

This year for Trevor's 18th birthday present, and a combined high school graduation gift, Dave and I took him and his finacee', Audra, to Cabo San Lucas Mexico with us in September for a week.  They were so excited.  It was their first trip out of the country.  They both worked and saved so they could afford to buy extras and do fun things.  Dave and I covered Trevor's airfare and the hotel and all meals.  We stayed at the Hacienda Encantada.  We were in the Presidental building, (meaning that the only thing between us and the ocean was one pool).

As part of our usual tradition, on our first night in town - we had dinner at The Shrimp Factory.  Lobster and Shrimp for everyone.  We were all so stuffed that it was a real effort to finish off the last couple of pieces of shrimp on the platter.  Most people fight over who gets the last piece, we were fighting over who HAD to finish the last piece - we were way stuffed.  Audra and Trevor signed the visitor's board, so someday when they return to Cabo with their grand kids, they can look for their names on the board, (just like Dave's son, Jared, will be able to).

Next, after a brief stop at the Giggling Marlin, Trevor wanted to see the famous Cabo Wabo.  He wanted to see what band was performing and look at the famous rock star pictures on the walls.  So, we entered in the back way, up the stairs through the restaurant.  First Dave, then Audra, then me, and lastly Trevor.  The security guard asked if we were there to eat and Dave said "no, we're just going down to the bar".  So, Dave, Audra and I go on, and the guard stops Trevor and asks for ID.  Trevor yells for us to wait.  The guard looks at the ID and says who is this?  Trevor smiles and says "me".  The guard shakes his head.  I walk back and ask what the problem is, and the guard explains that the photo doesn't match Trevor.  Trevor laughs and explains that he's gained 60 pounds and cut his shoulder lenght hair off.  I tell the guard, "this is my grandson, and he's 18".  The guard says, I have to call my manager.  The manager comes over, looks at the ID says "who is this".  Dave also explains that Trevor was only 16 in the ID and now he's 18 and he's cut his hair and grown up.  The manager shakes his head.  I say, "he's my grandson, he's 18 - it's OK".  The manager finally said "OK".  Trevor said "from now on I carry my passport everywhere I go down here"...  FUNNY.  Trevor and Audra liked the loud noise and dark bar.  They loved the many photo of rock stars who have visited the area. 

Audra and Trevor liked going down to the Pier to eat at the different restaurants.  They like seeing the boats on the water and talking to people.

 We took them parasailing.  Now, that was their favorite activity of the week.  I think at first they were just a little worried about what was going to take place.  But like everyone we've ever taken out, once you do it, they love it!!
They decided to to a tandem, rather than single, ahh young love - doing everything together.  When they came back down to earth you couldn't wipe the smiles off their faces all day.  And when asked at the end of the week their favorite part of Mexico, they always said parasailing.

 They always enjoyed trying out authentic Mexican food at all the different restaurants.  And I kind of laughed at the end of the week when I asked where their favorite place to eat was and Audra said Gardenias.  It was this little hole in the wall place on a side street that I've been going to for years.  A super cheap place, but very good.  She liked that better than even the expensive restaurants.  Trevor liked the Shrimp Factory.  He has Dave's taste for food.
I also made sure to introduce Audra to my annual tradition - a visit to the baby wild cats.  When she saw the little ones this year, she also fell in love with them.  This year I held a 4 week old Puma, named Eddie.  He was so small, only about 10 pounds.  An orphan. 

Audra held a 2 month old lion named Bella.  She fell in love instantly!!

How I would love to take these home with me.  But I say that every year.  I am so glad this organization is raising and releasing these little ones back into the wild.  They do so much good for their cause.

 We also do a fairly new tradition - a trip to Romeo and Julieta.  Imagine an Italian restaurant in Mexico.  But is is great food.  We sat inside this year, as the weather was just too hot and humid to sit outside on the patio.
Trevor and Audra were serenaded, in fact most of the places we went they were serenaded.  I guess people can see they are a young couple in love and about to be married.  When Audra mentioned that she liked coffee, Dave insisted on buying her a Mexican coffee.  It is mostly for the presentation.  At Romeo and Julieta's they add liqueur to the coffee, set it on fire, then pour the lighted coffee from one cup into another several times to burn off the liquor.  It is quite a show.  Audra loved the coffee.

"Audra and Trevor ventured off by themselves a couple of times.  One day they took the glass bottom boat tour around the marina.  This is their photo in front of El Arco.  The famous landmark arc -" where the land ends and the party begins" .  They saw the usual lover's beach, divorce beach, seal rock, pelican island, etc.  They had a good time.

We also spent one day and evening at the resort, just relaxing.  We had dinner at one of the resort restaurants over looking the ocean.  It was so nice not to have to go into town with the crowds.  The cart driver took us back to the door of our rooms.  Very little walking.  The Hacienda Encantada uses 8 passenger carts to shuttle the guests around the resort as it is built on a hillside and very steep. We spent time one night playing a favorite game of ours Catch Phrase, we had a lot of laughs.

Another day, Audra and Trevor ventured out alone to go ATVing along the beach.  They shared a double ATV and were gone for about 4 hours.  They said it was a lot of fun, and Audra even liked the thrills of the hills and dunes. 

Of course there was the usual shopping, walking the pier, sightseeing and sometimes just sitting in the pier restaurants and watching people go by and we tried to catch a cool breeze from a fan.
 
We hope that Trevor and Audra brought back good memories to last them many years.  And for their 5th anniversary, if they want to go back to Cabo - we are offering them our condo for a week.  They now know how to get around Cabo and their passports will still be valid.
 
We enjoyed our one-on-one time with them, and wished we could spend more time like this with them back home.

Saturday, September 1, 2012

My shot at Fame On the Theatre Stage !!

The first weekend in August, Dave and I went to St. George to see the Tuacahn outdoor plays with our friends George and Tammy.  That weekend on Friday night we saw Aladdin (a marvelous production), on Saturday afternoon we saw The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (very funny), and Saturday night we saw Hairspray (the singing and dancing was worth the trip).




 Just before the seating of the show "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee", I was in the restroom, when Dave decided to sign me up as a "volunteer" to appear in the show.  They took 6 names for 4 opening slots, (so my chances were pretty slim!!, you would think!!)....  After the initial interview, we were told that if we were chosen our names would be called and to come on stage.  Guess what, I was the 3rd name called. 
 So I joined the other 3 participants and the cast members on stage, took my designated place on stage and nervously awaited for my chance to spell the word or words that they would give me.  Hoping that I would not make too much of a fool of myself.  Let me tell you, when you are on stage you can not see anyone in the audience.  The bright stage lights and the darken theatre gives you the feeling that the people on stage are the only people in the theatre.
 There is a lot of interaction between the cast members and the volunteers.  But you have no idea what is going on.  They are singing and talking to you and all you can do is smile and nod your head.  When they dance, you can stand up with them, but you feel like a fool not knowing where to move or how.  The only thing in my favor was that they placed me in the middle of the bleachers behind another cast member, and I wasn't too visible to the audience.
 At least I wasn't to visible, unless the cast member leaned over, or got up and moved across the stage!!  And then that I sat, smiling like a fool.
 OK - so volunteer #1 got up and spelled her work correctly.
Volunteer #2, she spelled her word correctly..
Please dear Lord - don't let me look like a complete idiot when my turn comes to spell my word!!  My heart is pounding so loud, I know everyone can hear it!!
OH NO, it's my turn,  I walk to the mic, they give me the word...  What in the world is that word... I have never in my life even heard that word...  "would you please give me the definition of the word?"...   mmm that didn't help....  "would you please use the word in a sentence"....  OH GREAT,  that wasn't any help either....  Now what do I do??  OK, let's try sounding it out.  So I get to the last letter and I am stuck, does it end in "y", "ie", or just an "e" ?   I can't see anyone in the audience, so Dave can't help me.  I am frozen in time and space.  I stand there for what feels like eternity, but I know it's only a few seconds, then I go for it - "y"....

BUZZZZZZZ....Sorry  "ie"...  darn, I got shot down on the first word.  As the cast members sing "Good Bye" I am given my going away gift - a box of Juicy Juice and 4 passes to the Spelling Bee.  I hurry back to my seat to enjoy the rest of the performance.  Several audience members congratulate me and tell me that they also guessed it was a "y".  Dave said "good job"...




Afterwards I had my photo taken with all the cast members.  They are a really talented group of people and so friendly.  If I wasn't so nervous it would have been more fun.  I am definitely not ready to become a theatre actor anytime soon.  I will leave that job to my grandson, Ian.

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Riding Shotgun !!

During July I had quite a few company road trips out of town to do property inspections, and Ian decided that he would ride shotgun and keep me company.  It was more fun than sitting at home doing nothing but watching TV and playing video games.

Our first trip was right after the 4th of July to Escalante and Richfield - a one day trip, (YUP you read that right one day to Escalante and Richfield and back home).   We left at 6:30 am and we were at the Escalante property by 11:30.  Of course we had to stop in Panquich so Ian could get a couple of quick photo in front of the stage coach and old wagon.



During the 1 1/2 hours I was busy inspecting the Escalante property, Ian actually walked from one end of town to the other and stop in each little store to browse for a souvenir for his mom.  He found a shop that sold handmade lemongrass soap, (his mom's favorite), and bought her one.  Then our next stop - Ruby's Inn at Bryce Canyon for lunch.  Yummy - Ian loved the buffet lunch and we both came away stuffed.  Next stop, Richfield, (while Ian napped off his hugh lunch).  We made Richfield by 3pm and again while I did my property inspection, Ian browsed the local Wal-Mart.  He was fascinated by the flasks, (yea, that's right, Whiskey flasks).  So he bought 2.  He now uses them to hold his water and chocolate milk  :) .    He's decided to start collecting them.  He thinks their pretty neat items.

10 days later I had to do inspections in Southern Utah, (stopping in Beaver, Parowan, Cedar City, Hurricane, and St. George).  Again Ian was up and ready to go.  This would be a 3 day trip with an overnight stay in Cedar City and one in St. George.

First stop on the trip - Beaver.  while I worked Ian browsed the local Alco store and bought his mom a souvenir stuffed animal.  Then we stopped at the local dairy and bought some squeakie cheese to eat on the drive to Parowan.  While in Parowan, Ian walked around town, shopping the local consignment shop, (where he bartered for a briefcase), checked out the library and looked in the local shops.  Next we drove the Cedar City, (where I had 2 properties to visit).  Ian loved walking around the older downtown area, visiting the antique shops and souvenir stores.  We checked into the motel then got a quick dinner and back to the motel where Ian swam in the pool - his favorite part of the trip.

The next morning, we ate breakfast at the motel, (Ian thought this was great).  Then hit the road by 8 am for Hurricane.  Ian decided to just nap in the car for the next 1 1/2 hours while I worked.  When I finished and pointed out the museum across the street, he was pretty bummed out that he didn't go over and check it out.  He plans on doing that on the next trip.  Then on to St. George.  I had 5 different stops and at each stop, Ian would walk around visiting stores, meeting people, having a great time.  Near the end of the day, Ian stopped in one consignment shop and saw a silver ring he wanted to get.  He tried to barter, but the shopkeeper said she didn't barter on jewelry.  As Ian was opening up his wallet to pay, she asked him if he was pretty strong.  Ian said "yea, why?"  She then asked him if he wanted to work for 1/2 hour, helping to move boxes and some furniture in exchange for the ring.  Ian said SURE!!  So, I got a text telling me what he was going to do, where he was going to be and to come get him when I was done.  When I got to the shop, the shopkeeper praised Ian for being such a good hard worker.  She said he was such a big help.  (And yes, when Ian texted me, I called him right away and asked him if she knew that he was only 13 and he said yes he told her and she knew that he was with his grandma who was across the street at the XXX property.)  Ian was so proud of that ring and how get got it, and the shopkeeper also let him pick out a small stuffed animal for his little niece.  We then grabbed some supper, and checking into the motel.  This evening Ian swam twice.  He just loved the pool at the motel, it has a waterfall and the temps were 104 so the water felt for good. 


By night time Ian was starting to get a little homesick.  The next morning we got up at 7am and as I was showering, Ian got everything all packed up and ready to load in the car.  He was ready to hit the road for home.  We had breakfast at the motel, (he so loves those continental breakfasts).  Then loaded up and checked out.  He reclined the passenger's seat and that was last I heard from Ian until I pulled into Sandy, at his house.  He was so glad to be home, but he sure had a good time and had lots of stories to tell everyone.  He said he can't wait for the next road trip with grandma.  Grandma loved having the time with Ian - and she can't wait for the next road trip with Ian.

Thanks for going with me Ian - I really enjoyed your company and our talks.

Friday, June 22, 2012

Trevor Turned 18 !!

This evening the family (24 total) gathered together at Guadalahonky's to celebrate Trevor's 18th Birthday.  It is hard to imagine that this little boy is now all grown up!!  He has been through so many changes and he has become such a fine young man.  I am very proud to call him my grandson.   For his birthday /high school graduation present - Dave and I are going to take him to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico for a week in September.  We hope he's as excited about going as we are about taking him.  He has never been out of the United States, and there is so much that we want to show him.  It will be a blast.  We are also taking his girlfriend, Audra.  She is very excited about the trip.                                                     HAPPY BIRTHDAY TREVOR !!

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Hot Air Balloon Ride

On Friday, (June 15th), Dave and I took an adventure that neither one of us that ever done before, but both wanted to try.  We did an early morning Hot Air Balloon Ride.

Our pilot, (Kimberly), and her partner from the Morning Star Balloon Company met us at the historic Park City Hotel at 6:00am.  There Dave and I, along with a father and daughter, road in their company van over to "PC Hill"

Once there the basket and balloon was unloaded and everything hooked up and the balloon unrolled.  A large fan was used to initially fill up the balloon.

WOW - LOOK OUT !!  The jets are then turned on and the air is heated in the balloon as it is laying on it's side to completely inflate the large balloon.

Once the balloon is completely inflated, the basket is set upright and the tethers are all checked out.  That is one BIG BALLOON !!

We all climbed in.  I sure hope there's enough hot air to lift this thing off the ground, cause there's a lot of weight in this little wicker basket.  Are you sure this basket is safe for this many people.  Is the bottom going to hold this much weight???  So many questions, and no time left to change our minds.

OK - We're starting to get a little lift off of the ground.  Gonna' need a lot more hot air to get this baby up!!

OK now we're starting to get some more lift, we're about 100 feet off the ground now, but if we're going to clear that mountain, we need a LOT MORE HOT AIR!!

WOW, look how small our van looks from up here!!

The view of the valley is spectacular!!  And the sun is now up over the mountain and so are we.  The air is not to cold and it is so peaceful up here, (except for the occasional burst of fire into the balloon, for more hot air to lift us into the jet stream).  It's like para-sailing.

Dave and I, up in the clouds

Look at this guys ranch !!   He must think he's a Ewing and this is Southfork.  For those of you who are too young to remember, that was a TV show in the 80s.
What can I say, but WOW, so beautiful and peaceful.  Everything looks so different up here.


Another view
 We are now over in Kimball Junction, and the winds have died down, so it's time for us to land.  There's a field, but maybe we can get closer to the road for the van to pick us up.  I would sure hate to walk that far over to get to the road. 
OK now we're getting closer to the road, the grass is greener, and looks like it won't be too much of a hike.  I see houses around us, so we are in the middle of civilization.

HEY LOOK AT THIS LANDING - right on the sidewalk next to the road !!  Is Kimberly a good pilot or what??  The local residents are all out in their yards watching, kids come out on their bicycles to see the balloons.  We are the highlight of their Friday morning.  And our van is parked right there on the street waiting for us.

 Time to get the air out of the balloon and roll it all up.
All the air is out and it's time to roll up the balloon and put it back in the canvas bag.  The neighbors can see the thrill is over and start heading home for breakfast.
As all balloon pilots do upon a safe landing, Kimberly opens a bottle of Champagne to celebrate our victory.  She then tells us the history of hot air ballooning and before sending us on our merry way, she leaves us with the "Balloonist's Prayer": The winds have welcomed you with softness.  The sun has touched you with his warm hands.  You have flown so high and so well, that God has joined you in your laughter, and set you gently back into the loving arms of mother earth.    

We were then each given a "Certificate of Ascension" that declared us an adventurous soul, dated and signed by our pilot Kimberly Whiteman.

Dave walked away with a large grin on his face.  He finally got his balloon ride.

We then went to a hearty breakfast and came home to finish our sleep.  It was a good morning adventure that we will truly remember.

Our Garden

Our neighbors and friends are always asking, "How's the garden doing this year"?? Last week, I took a few photos and thought I'd bring everyone up to date:

 This is the 2nd year for our strawberries and they are doing pretty good.  I keep them covered with netting so we don't have to share them with the birds.  Last year we lost most of the crop to the birds.
About twice a week we get a handful of strawberries from our patch.  We are using them on our morning cereal and in smoothies. 

The lettuce is doing very well this year.  Last year we didn't get any lettuce.  The cabbage and broccoli is also doing much better.  Dave added soil amendment to all the beds which was a BIG help.

The cucumbers are just now starting to sprout.  I started most everything from seed, so my garden is about a month behind everyone else's.  I waited until I was absolutely sure the frost season was over before planting my seeds.  A couple of times I still had to cover the beds the last week of May to save my plants.




 The peas are doing fabulous.  They are taller than me.  And this morning when I went out to check the garden, looks like I will need to harvest fresh peas this week.  Dave will love this - his favorite is fresh peas.  I picked one and popped it in my mouth, it was so sweet and delicious.
This year I decided to try growing tomatillos.  The plants are doing very well and this morning I have little tomatillos on the plants.  Can we say yummy green salsa in about a month?!!

The tomatoes are also doing so much better this year, and I noticed this morning that I now have baby tomatoes.  We will also have some fresh garden tomatoes in about a month, if all goes well.  My favorite is to pick a tomato out of the garden, sprinkle some salt on it and eat it while it's still sunshine warm.  mmm so good.




 The green peppers are still small and struggling, but I noticed that they have blooms.  So there is still hope for them.  Maybe a shot of Miracle Grow if they continue to struggle much longer.  I try my best to be organic, but sometimes the little guys need a shot in the arm to get growing.
The darn birds got to my green beans and dug up most of them, so a couple days ago I had to replant 2/3 of the section again.  The good thing is green beans are pretty quick to sprout.  The first planting of corn did not come up at all.  I think my seed was just too old and the weather was too cold.  I purchased new seeds and replanted this week.  It takes 63 days till harvest, so that will put me at mid September with corn, if I'm lucky.

Now my potatoes are just going WILD this year!!  In fact 1/3 of the planter box was volunteer plants from last year!!!  I thought we dug up all those potatoes, but I guess we missed a couple.  I planted just a few carrots, but they are covered over by the potato plants.  Once I harvest a few potatoes, the carrots will really take off.  When I looked this morning both potatoes and carrots were doing very well.  I will probably do a test dig next week to see how the potatoes are doing and harvest a few new potatoes for dinner.
 All in all I think my garden is doing much better than last year.  And as with all gardens, they are a work in progress.  It took about 5 years at the other house before we had our garden producing the way we wanted.  We are already far ahead with this garden.
Of course where would I be without my trusty little pot of basil. My old basil plant finally gave out and went to "basil heaven" after more than 4 years.  So I am now starting a new one. I always keep this on the patio just by the door, so I can always step outside and snip a handful for cooking.  I can't think of anything that taste more wonderful than fresh tomatoes, basil, mozzarella cheese with just a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar... oh my gosh!!

Dave and I purchased a couple of raspberry bushes and planted them this spring.  We have already gotten a few berries to taste, very yummy.  In a couple of years when these grow and really start producing, we will have some good tasting treats.
Well that's the update on the garden this year.  Dave will be surprised when he reads about the baby tomatoes.  I haven't even updated him about those.