Reflections...
14 years ago
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Daniel's Summit
Greg and I took the bike to Daniel's Summit this past weekend. Daniel's Summit Lodge is a wonderful place, complete with a great restaurant and general store. Located directly off US 40, close to Heber, it is a great place to enjoy nature both in the warm months and in the winter. It is famous for its snowmobiling trails! I would love to do that sometime. I'm permanently afraid of ATV's because of a freak accident a few years back, when I shattered my nose and de-gloved it from my face, requiring extensive surgery to make it look OK. But I think I could muster the courage to get on a snowmobile and ride it. And what about those Rhino's? They look like miniature jeeps, but have all the get up and go of an ATV, except you can carry passengers and cargo! Then I wouldn't have to drive! I got a picture of one as a couple came in from off the trails. They left their friend outside with water and food. He was as good as gold!
We ate at Daniel's Summit Restaurant. Greg had the Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich and I had Southern Chicken Salad with sugared pecans, red onions and avocado! Delish!
The leaves were just beginning to turn and should be in full force by this weekend!
This Little Boy Has Some Potential!
I went to my nephew's first soccer game of the season recently. He's a precocious 4-year-old and has lots of energy and he left it all out there in the field. for sure. He got at least 3 goals and led his team to victory! Right, Mom, isn't that how it went? Pretty sure he was the star player! Ha Ha!
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| Setting up the next kick! |
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| In Thoughtful Contemplation |
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| Going off the field for a drink of water |
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| Can't Take my eyes off the ball! |
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| Hey Guys! I've got something here! |
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| I THINK it was this ball that's in play! |
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| Team Support! |
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
The Miss United Nations Pageant!
This past weekend I attended the first ever Miss United Nations Pageant at UVU (Utah Valley University) in Orem, UT! I went at the invitation of my friend, Patti, who knows one of the contestants personally! I had actually met Nilli once as well. Her full name is Nilufur Sherzod and she is from Tajikistan. She lived with Patti as a renter for about 2 years! She is very talented and absolutely gorgeous! As one of the main drivers of the UVU International Modeling Club, she was a very prominent part in also getting this pageant started.
The two MC's of the pageant were KSL radio personality and Mormon Tabernacle Choir member, Nikoyo Iyamba and popular performer/singer and also Tabernacle Choir Member, Alex Boye'. They were great together and their rhetoric was sometimes very funny, as Alex can get very animated!! He did some hilarious comedic interpretations of pageant contestants, black audience members, as well as poking fun of himself a lot! Ms. Iyamba has her own line of couture clothing, Nkoyo Bridal, which was modeled during the program. Mr. Boye' performed and handed out copies of his new CD!
It was really fun to see the 9 contestants walk out in native costumes! I wondered what Miss US would wear! Unfortunately, she wasn't represented b/c of a personal tragedy. It must have been a truly tragic event for her to miss out on a chance to win the first Miss United Nations at UVU! I hope everything goes well for her.
Here are some of the fun native costumes!
We were then entertained by each of the contestants in the talent competition and they were very talented! I loved some of the native dances! We saw Flamenco, and various dances from Brazil, Africa, Japan and others. There was one pianist and one singer. They were very brave! Many of these young women had only just learned English within the last few months. They were truly international, coming right from their countries of origin.
Voice of Africa performed some riotous dancing and drum solos!
And the winners are:
AND THE WINNER OF THE $2000 SCHOLARSHIP FROM PAUL MITCHELL SALON IS:
Yes, it was Nilli, Patti's friend from Tajikistan! What a fun thing for her!
The two MC's of the pageant were KSL radio personality and Mormon Tabernacle Choir member, Nikoyo Iyamba and popular performer/singer and also Tabernacle Choir Member, Alex Boye'. They were great together and their rhetoric was sometimes very funny, as Alex can get very animated!! He did some hilarious comedic interpretations of pageant contestants, black audience members, as well as poking fun of himself a lot! Ms. Iyamba has her own line of couture clothing, Nkoyo Bridal, which was modeled during the program. Mr. Boye' performed and handed out copies of his new CD!
Here are some of the fun native costumes!
Voice of Africa performed some riotous dancing and drum solos!
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| Miss Congo Republic wins 2nd Runner-up! |
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| Miss Japan is 1st Runner-up! |
Her mother came all the way from Tajikistan just to see her participate in the pageant! I think she got her money's worth! I know I did!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Our Hike To Dog Lake
My son Eddie and I took a hike (roundtrip 6 miles) to Dog Lake, actually a watershed area located in Big Cottonwood Canyon. First of all, I don't know why they call it 'Dog' Lake, because no dogs or horses are allowed because of the watershed status.
I almost quit towards the first part because this was meant to be a leisurely hike, nothing major. It was on a Sunday after all and I really try not to do hard physical labor on that day. However, on other days, all my efforts to do hard physical labor are mostly in vain as well! But what do you know, after the first 100 feet, we ran into a very steep incline and it seemed to go on forever. I panted and gasped and stopped for air and of course, Eddie was ready to bound up the hill like a gazelle. But he was a nice son and waited for me. He asked some hikers on their way down if it was uphill all the way and they basically said yeah. I told Eddie I would go for 15 more minutes like this and then if it didn't improve, our hike was over. Fortunately, it did improve and it actually was very mild from then on out!
During the incline part of the hike, we had to stop often, due to Mom's lack of physical stamina and energy. But we had a diversion and that was my camera. We took quite a few silly shots. I had the idea that we could pose in some beautiful ferns. I hope that the difference between my pose, and Eddie the Yettie's pose is vastly different....
The scenery, as we wound our way now more gradually up the incline, was truly beautiful!
The leaves were just barely starting to turn! I couldn't believe it, one older man when we asked about how far the lake was, actually thought that Eddie and I were brother/sister, girlfriend/boyfriend, husband/wife. Poor Eddie. I don't think he took that too well! I told Eddie that he looks a lot older than he really is, and that the poor man must be losing his visual clarity in his declining years. Plus, I am really immature looking. What else could I tell him? (I was secretly loving it!)
We ran into some Moose (or is that Meese?) grazing along the trail. I was kind of nervous because I've heard that Moose are dangerous animals known to charge annoying people hiking by in their territory. But Eddie the Yettie welcomed the opportunity to get as close as possible to take a few shots. Believe me, I had some trees sighted in to run behind just in case things got dicey! We even saw a Mother and Baby moose quietly grazing in the forest!
We finally arrived at Dog Lake and it is certainly not anything to brag about. I might even be tempted to say it's a real dog! It's just a tiny little body of water with a sandy shore on all sides. But we were excited to have reached our destination and be on our way back. Of course we took a few more pictures because that's what you do when you have a blog to put them on!
I almost quit towards the first part because this was meant to be a leisurely hike, nothing major. It was on a Sunday after all and I really try not to do hard physical labor on that day. However, on other days, all my efforts to do hard physical labor are mostly in vain as well! But what do you know, after the first 100 feet, we ran into a very steep incline and it seemed to go on forever. I panted and gasped and stopped for air and of course, Eddie was ready to bound up the hill like a gazelle. But he was a nice son and waited for me. He asked some hikers on their way down if it was uphill all the way and they basically said yeah. I told Eddie I would go for 15 more minutes like this and then if it didn't improve, our hike was over. Fortunately, it did improve and it actually was very mild from then on out!
During the incline part of the hike, we had to stop often, due to Mom's lack of physical stamina and energy. But we had a diversion and that was my camera. We took quite a few silly shots. I had the idea that we could pose in some beautiful ferns. I hope that the difference between my pose, and Eddie the Yettie's pose is vastly different....
The scenery, as we wound our way now more gradually up the incline, was truly beautiful!
The leaves were just barely starting to turn! I couldn't believe it, one older man when we asked about how far the lake was, actually thought that Eddie and I were brother/sister, girlfriend/boyfriend, husband/wife. Poor Eddie. I don't think he took that too well! I told Eddie that he looks a lot older than he really is, and that the poor man must be losing his visual clarity in his declining years. Plus, I am really immature looking. What else could I tell him? (I was secretly loving it!)
We ran into some Moose (or is that Meese?) grazing along the trail. I was kind of nervous because I've heard that Moose are dangerous animals known to charge annoying people hiking by in their territory. But Eddie the Yettie welcomed the opportunity to get as close as possible to take a few shots. Believe me, I had some trees sighted in to run behind just in case things got dicey! We even saw a Mother and Baby moose quietly grazing in the forest!We finally arrived at Dog Lake and it is certainly not anything to brag about. I might even be tempted to say it's a real dog! It's just a tiny little body of water with a sandy shore on all sides. But we were excited to have reached our destination and be on our way back. Of course we took a few more pictures because that's what you do when you have a blog to put them on!
Monday, August 23, 2010
The Family Pie
We are influenced by news that we hear and read about. National and World events are happening at an ever-increasing rate of speed! Often I count on my husband to update me on major happenings in the world. I want to make sure I am getting the right story and the right take, though. For me, the best way to understand an event is to recount my understanding of what happened.
So, how concerned are you about property or money settlement issues within your extended family? I know it can be a sore spot. When a parent or relative gives out holdings in an unfair way or in a way that people don't agree with, tensions within families can mount. But is it worth killing your own family over? C'mon, that is going waaaaay over the line in terms of my own understanding. I say, just let them have the heirloom china and wish them good luck with it. You can't take it with you anyway!
But that is exactly what happened over the weekend in Louisa, VA. A man shot and killed his own son and nephew in an ongoing dispute over a piece of property, not to mention the 4 others that were wounded in the fray. Then police shot and killed him after he fired on two deputies and released his pit bull on them. Apparently, this 1.5 acres was a real hot commodity among family members. Police were called on multiple occasions to settle property disputes amongst the clan. But it never got violent until yesterday. Well, sir, I hope you are happy. You're dead, your son is dead, your nephew is dead and that ought to be a fun little party on the other side! And who gets the 1.5 acres? I guess whoever was left alive! I hope the remaining relatives will be a little more wise. Wow! I used to live in VA. I'd have to say you might be a redneck if... you bring out the .22 caliber when your limited vocabulary of "Thisheer is ma land, ain't no one else's!" fails to bring about a unanimous agreement!
May I suggest a few ways to insure a peaceful estate settlement when the time arrives?
1. Only involve the individuals who are named in the will or trust. The fewer outsiders and outside opinions, the better! Spouses and children who are not directly a part of the settlement don't need to be involved.
2. Start the conversation! Many times it is awkward to even mention that someone won't be around forever. Many times people are afraid that they will sound greedy talking about estate affairs. A possible good start to this conversation might be: "Mom, Dad, I know you love us. You have taught us how to be thoughtful, caring people, by example. I am reasonably certain that you want us to care for you in your old age and for each other when you are gone. You could do a lot to keep the spirit of our family alive and healthy after you are gone by talking to us now. You could make it immensely easier on all of us by giving us some information about your wishes and plans. This is not about money. It is about relationships and trust and responsibility.”
3. Establish trust between family members - Family history and child rearing methods of prior generations can foster distrust between siblings. Competition among siblings is common. Although it might not be the easiest time, it is a crucial time to build trust among family members. Do so with open dialogue and transparency of intent. Now is not the time to have hidden agendas.
4. Learn as much as possible - Usually there is one primary executor but if the work is shared, not only is it easier on the executor, the beneficiaries will also have a better understanding of what is involved and have a greater stake in the best resolution for the whole family.
5. Create Unity by: Assuming the positive intent of others, not the negative, being openminded and knowing that everyone doesn't see things in exactly the same way, not allowing bullying, keeping things confidential between those involved, stay involved in the decision-making even though it may make you uncomfortable, have a sense of humor and stay connected in between official meetings.
6. Have regularly appointed meetings to keep everyone abreast of developments and decisions. It can be done in person, with conference calls or whatever way is best suited to your situation.
7. Have fun in the process! Make mundane things like moving the folks into the board and care home an adventure. Have events where everyone can have fun interaction. Great memories imprinted on the mind and in the heart make a solid foundation upon which to build your relationship bridge from Generation One to Generation Two.
Hopefully this will be a guide so that when you have to divide up the assets from the sale of the family home, you'll know exactly what to do!
So, how concerned are you about property or money settlement issues within your extended family? I know it can be a sore spot. When a parent or relative gives out holdings in an unfair way or in a way that people don't agree with, tensions within families can mount. But is it worth killing your own family over? C'mon, that is going waaaaay over the line in terms of my own understanding. I say, just let them have the heirloom china and wish them good luck with it. You can't take it with you anyway!
But that is exactly what happened over the weekend in Louisa, VA. A man shot and killed his own son and nephew in an ongoing dispute over a piece of property, not to mention the 4 others that were wounded in the fray. Then police shot and killed him after he fired on two deputies and released his pit bull on them. Apparently, this 1.5 acres was a real hot commodity among family members. Police were called on multiple occasions to settle property disputes amongst the clan. But it never got violent until yesterday. Well, sir, I hope you are happy. You're dead, your son is dead, your nephew is dead and that ought to be a fun little party on the other side! And who gets the 1.5 acres? I guess whoever was left alive! I hope the remaining relatives will be a little more wise. Wow! I used to live in VA. I'd have to say you might be a redneck if... you bring out the .22 caliber when your limited vocabulary of "Thisheer is ma land, ain't no one else's!" fails to bring about a unanimous agreement!
1. Only involve the individuals who are named in the will or trust. The fewer outsiders and outside opinions, the better! Spouses and children who are not directly a part of the settlement don't need to be involved.
2. Start the conversation! Many times it is awkward to even mention that someone won't be around forever. Many times people are afraid that they will sound greedy talking about estate affairs. A possible good start to this conversation might be: "Mom, Dad, I know you love us. You have taught us how to be thoughtful, caring people, by example. I am reasonably certain that you want us to care for you in your old age and for each other when you are gone. You could do a lot to keep the spirit of our family alive and healthy after you are gone by talking to us now. You could make it immensely easier on all of us by giving us some information about your wishes and plans. This is not about money. It is about relationships and trust and responsibility.”
3. Establish trust between family members - Family history and child rearing methods of prior generations can foster distrust between siblings. Competition among siblings is common. Although it might not be the easiest time, it is a crucial time to build trust among family members. Do so with open dialogue and transparency of intent. Now is not the time to have hidden agendas.
4. Learn as much as possible - Usually there is one primary executor but if the work is shared, not only is it easier on the executor, the beneficiaries will also have a better understanding of what is involved and have a greater stake in the best resolution for the whole family.
5. Create Unity by: Assuming the positive intent of others, not the negative, being openminded and knowing that everyone doesn't see things in exactly the same way, not allowing bullying, keeping things confidential between those involved, stay involved in the decision-making even though it may make you uncomfortable, have a sense of humor and stay connected in between official meetings.
6. Have regularly appointed meetings to keep everyone abreast of developments and decisions. It can be done in person, with conference calls or whatever way is best suited to your situation.
7. Have fun in the process! Make mundane things like moving the folks into the board and care home an adventure. Have events where everyone can have fun interaction. Great memories imprinted on the mind and in the heart make a solid foundation upon which to build your relationship bridge from Generation One to Generation Two.
Hopefully this will be a guide so that when you have to divide up the assets from the sale of the family home, you'll know exactly what to do!
Friday, August 13, 2010
Meteor Shower Debaucle
We decided at 12:00 am last night to head up the Canyon with our dog to one of the parks there and watch the Perseid Meteor Shower. The Perseid Meteor Shower happens every year as a result of the super comet, Swift-Tuttle, and it's minuscule remains rocketing through the sky at incredible speeds. It was at its height last night, averaging 40 - 50 sightings per hour. Tonight will still be a good night to view it, although sightings will be down to 20 per hour (possibly higher in the northern hemisphere)!
Apparently, people are very much aware of this phenomenon and the parks were full of expectant observers. We scouted out the park and found a wonderful spot to view the night sky. We first put down a tarp, followed with two sleeping bags to lay on with two blankets on top and 4 pillows. We were set! It was so warm and comfy looking up at the night sky. There must have been at least 150 people spread around the park, mostly younger, since midnight is a little hard for most folks to herd small children out to watch night spectacles like this!
Every time a comet made a path across the night sky, there were exclamations, yells, screams, applause, you name it. This was a very enthusiastic crowd. I wasn't above making a few appreciative exclamations myself! I was prepared to spend several very enjoyable hours watching this, as our dog Evee curled up on one side and DH on the other.
All of a sudden people started yelling and screaming, only this time it wasn't because of any fireworks in the night sky. The sprinklers had come on. These sprinklers weren't just little sprayers either. These were geysers, shooting water 100 feet in all directions. We were right in the path of two of them. I immediately shot up, grabbing my two pillows and flip flops. Greg, on the other hand lay there, covering his head with the blankets. I told him to "Get up! Grab the stuff!" A few seconds later he did. But not before the water had soaked our spread pretty thoroughly. His reasoning was that at least he was dry!
We took stock of the damage and being the survivors we are, decided to rearrange our pillows and blankets elsewhere where the sprinklers weren't on, as did the other observers in the area. We found that if we flipped the tarp, blankets and pillows, they were still fairly dry. So back down we went, thinking, "Wow! The county might have known people would want to watch this...."
It was a beautiful 10 minutes....because that's all we had before the next set of sprinklers, in the path of which we were, went on full force. This time, I just stayed there keeping my head under the blankets until the full force of the water made a pass. Now, everything was totally soaked and my night was done. I was DONE.
So much for watching the beautiful display in the comfort of our makeshift observatory in the company of DH, maybe falling asleep in the warmth of his arms. We had to cut bait and run! This is one where the story is better than the actual experience! I believe Greg has his own version here! (Hopefully our versions match!) Have a great day!
Hugs,
Helena
Apparently, people are very much aware of this phenomenon and the parks were full of expectant observers. We scouted out the park and found a wonderful spot to view the night sky. We first put down a tarp, followed with two sleeping bags to lay on with two blankets on top and 4 pillows. We were set! It was so warm and comfy looking up at the night sky. There must have been at least 150 people spread around the park, mostly younger, since midnight is a little hard for most folks to herd small children out to watch night spectacles like this!
All of a sudden people started yelling and screaming, only this time it wasn't because of any fireworks in the night sky. The sprinklers had come on. These sprinklers weren't just little sprayers either. These were geysers, shooting water 100 feet in all directions. We were right in the path of two of them. I immediately shot up, grabbing my two pillows and flip flops. Greg, on the other hand lay there, covering his head with the blankets. I told him to "Get up! Grab the stuff!" A few seconds later he did. But not before the water had soaked our spread pretty thoroughly. His reasoning was that at least he was dry!
We took stock of the damage and being the survivors we are, decided to rearrange our pillows and blankets elsewhere where the sprinklers weren't on, as did the other observers in the area. We found that if we flipped the tarp, blankets and pillows, they were still fairly dry. So back down we went, thinking, "Wow! The county might have known people would want to watch this...."
It was a beautiful 10 minutes....because that's all we had before the next set of sprinklers, in the path of which we were, went on full force. This time, I just stayed there keeping my head under the blankets until the full force of the water made a pass. Now, everything was totally soaked and my night was done. I was DONE.
So much for watching the beautiful display in the comfort of our makeshift observatory in the company of DH, maybe falling asleep in the warmth of his arms. We had to cut bait and run! This is one where the story is better than the actual experience! I believe Greg has his own version here! (Hopefully our versions match!) Have a great day!Hugs,
Helena
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Family Day At Lagoon!
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| These are selfless parents! |
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| Aunt Alicia carrying someone else's floatie! Also very selfless! |
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| Joseph and Brandon |
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| Show me where to go, Dad! |
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| I know what you're up to! |
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| Uncle Leland getting some sun |
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| The Thomas Family Darn it, I was there, but didn't come up with any photos of myself!? Maybe that's because it's my blog and I don't have to put photos of me in swim attire unless I want to! My Blog, my say! Mwaa ha ha ha ha! |
Little Karissa
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