Friday, September 4, 2015

The Last Rose of Summer or Is it?

I decided maybe I ought to assemble my blog as I lived it rather than trying to remember what happened when, etc., etc. So while this may not be the last rose of summer, it was sort of the last of summer busyness and fun.

While we were still at Park City, I was able to join my daughter and a couple of grandchildren on a hike/walk along the Silver Spur Trail. It is beautiful with quaking aspens and some of the maple is beginning to change color. I
've been wearing a Fitbit to try and encourage consistent exercise, and I wanted to see just how much exercise I was getting. I was pretty excited to finally achieve 10,000 steps and I did it before noon!The day prior to the hike, we had also taken some rides and I opted for the Alpine Coaster. I like being in charge or my speed and having a secure track. It was perfectly delightful!
Me getting ready to ride the Alpine Coaster


Me enjoying the view (and resting, too)
Jana followed by Merit, Davis, and Grandma bringing up the rear

Lot of fun things going on this summer. My trip to Park City was followed by a wonderful visit from some Oregon friends, Carl and Joanne Byers. Pat and Andy Hilverda joined us for a couple of days as well, but per usual fashion, I didn't get their picture. So great to see them all. One of the purposes of our rendezvous was to attend BYU Education Week It was full of classes, learning, good music (a fairly new trio, Gentri, was one of our favorites), and food. We drove to campus each day, parked at the Marriott and took a van to our first class, and then we walked and walked. I was able to get in my 10,000 step daily goal for several of those days.It was so fun that the first van driver we experienced was a former missionary to the Washington Federal Way Mission.  For Family Home Evening on Monday, we hooked up with some other former Salemites, Jim and Shauna Lee Hansen, for dinner, talk and some game playing.

Me and Danielle Mercate, missionaries in the Northwest

Me, Joanne and Carl Byers with a statue created by a CA friend of theirs

Jim & Shauna Lee Hansen, Joanne and me at the Hansen home

Lunch at the Sky Room at the top of the Wilkinson Center, BYU w Carl and Joanne
I had a great time re-connecting with the Clark Lake Ward Mission leader, Mike and his wife, Sue Smith. They were in town for some meetings and having a barbecue. Sue had been one of my walking buddies while on my mission.
Me, Sue and Mike in their daughter's back yard in Provo
I always love to visit with family and the next thing on my docket was a visit from John and Julie and family. John and Jacob arrived first...in time to make my breakfast for my birthday on the 24th of August, What a nice treat! Jacob is returning to BYU after his mission and will be living with me.
My sweet neighbor, Mary brought me a "cake" and a candle to celebrate

Emily was pretty happy to see her grandmother

Julie in our Island finery prior to our RS Luau

John, Julie and I took time to attend the Provo Temple...so beautiful
Just a few other photos that I wanted to include in the last of the summer 2015. My 2nd oldest grandson is now attending the Naval Academy in Annapolis. Even though I was an Army brat for awhile, we now say "Go Navy! Beat Army! It's also soccer season in Utah and I've been going to games and enjoying being able to see my grandchildren play! It's also the time to enjoy the fruits of the garden. I was able to do a batch of chili sauce with lots more tomatoes coming on. Yummm!
Joseph in his "blues" first day of school at USNA

Delaney and Grandma after her Freshman game! Water and phones essential
Chili sauce cooling on the counter
September 3rd was the third anniversary of Rog's leaving me for loftier heights. I was able to cut some roses from the bushes that were given to me by dear friends and planted in his memory in 2012. Thanks for wonderful memories. Miss you, Rog.
Beautiful roses for a wonderful husband, father and grandfather

I've enjoyed the summer and looking forward to a wonderful fall. I love the changing seasons...still not sure about the winter as a favorite but it has its possibilities. Wishing you all a Happy September!