Gathering at the Cabin

This weekend all the siblings met at Mary's cabin for a get together. It was really very fun. There were still some autumn leaves left and it was very pretty. The weather was perfect, in the low to mid 60's during the day. The cabin is very nice. Running water, plumbing, heat, big screen tv, nice beds and bedrooms for everyone.

Friday was mostly a travel day, but by night we were all together. We had a great dinner of home made ravioli prepared by Joni. We had a good night of talking. Shirley made copies of many photos in Mom's scrap books and gave them to all of us. It was fun going thru the photos. Saturday started with golf for me and Judy rode the quads. After lunch, I went with Judy riding on the quads for the balance of the day. Mom was an animal on the quads. She even had a wheel leave the ground when she hit a rut going a bit too fast. She hung on to the bike, but it slowed her down a bit. We found a natural hot spring on the ride. We were both very tired. After dinner we played games and had a great time just talking. We also celebrated Shirley's birthday. Sunday was another great day, but a travel day. After a huge breakfast, we left for home. We stopped in St George to see Allen and Patti Cannon.

It was a great weekend.

Thank Goodness September is Half Over

Most people don't know the significance of my title, because who cares about September anyway? Well I do. I had to pull out a picture of my wife to remind me what she looked like. I thought it was really "cool" that she was so willing to put everything aside and go to Brad and Amber's house to help out with the new born. In my mind I am thinking a week gone at the most. ( Of course my mind is very small ) In Judy's mind it meant spending a few days at each Colorado child's house. After all, "I am not going to travel all that way and come straight home", Judy said. ( If coming staight home is one week, then what is a weekend visit? "Might as well not even go" was the answer ). I soon discovered that the first week went by pretty quick because I was busy at work, had some evening meetings, and I had the pool tile cleaning to keep me busy. But then the second weekend hit and it was getting to be a long time. I was so bored at home that I went to all the ward church meetings I could find. ( After all, I was desperate and lonely and I figured I wouldn't into trouble doing that. ) My meal choices were running out too. How many times can you eat at IN & OUT anyway. Finally Monday night came and there she was pulling her luggage out of the airport because her plane got in early and I wasn't at the baggage site to meet her. Life got a lot brighter.

Judy had lots of stories to share with me about all the Colorado grandchildren. Everyone of them are precious to her. I guess that it is only fair that I share grandma with her grandchildren. I suppose that there will be quite a few more loney weeks ahead while grandma makes sure that the "treasure fairy" visits each of her grandchildren.

Jim's fishing holiday and Judy's Texas holiday

The first week in August was a real exciting one for both of us. Grandma went to Texas to be with the McDowell boys and parents. After spending a few days with the family, Jenny and Jeremy left for Arizona. It took a few days for Cody to warm up to Grandma, but then they became "best buddies". Screaming Cooper was fun to be with once Grandma got used to the screaming. Good news-screams, Bad news-screams, no news-screams. I think that Jenny's genes are playing a roll in Cooper. Caden was Mr. perfect. Willing to help Grandma any way he could. Of course the "Treasure Fairy" would always reward the boys for good behavior and Caden mastered that idea immediately. Grandma was really tired when she got back home on Saturday night, but she sure misses the boys.

While Judy was in Texas, Jim went to Canada's Queen Charlotte Island for 3 days of fishing. Canada was selected over Alaska because of the promise of many king salmon. However, that promise was proved to be unfounded. The salmon fishing was the worst it had been all year, even though 50 miles to the North the salmon fishing was "out of this world", according to the newspaper. Oh well. That's fishing. There were still fish to be caught. I brought home one large king salmon, two coho salmon, one snapper, one halibut and a bunch of cod. The trip was very scenic. The forests were very dense and multiple shades of green trees everywhere. Eagles were plentiful. We got in the middle of a pod of Killer Whales. The ocean varied from hugh swells to perfectly flat. The temps were cool to cold on the ocean. Much of the day I was in a heavy winter coat over multiple layers. The lodge was great. Wonderful food. One night we had fresh crab that we caught-all you could eat. All in all a wonderful time was had by all.

Grandma's Camp

It is summer in Las Vegas and that can only mean on thing -(not that it is hot) it is time for the "chosen" grand kids to come and visit Grandma's Camp. This year it was Kaylee and Brianne who got to come.

Grandma made sure that they would be worn out everyday. It started in the pool of course.

The first day included hours in the water, an afternoon movie and dinner with grandpa.

Day two was the 4th of July- more pool time, movie, party in the evening with fireworks and then back home for our own personal fireworks show. That night, the girls barely got to bed and they were fast asleep.

The next day it was off to ST George, Utah . Yes there was more swimming, dinner at a restaurant with the Cannons and then off to Touachan out door theatre for Les Mis. What a great production. We got to bed at 1 am . The next day it was riding "Quads" in Pine Valley. We got back to Las Vegas about 9 pm and everyone went straight to bed. Remember what I said about being worn out every day? All 4 of us were beat.

Monday, poor Grandpa had to go to work, but everyone else slept until 10 a.m. Can you believe it? Monday started with the pool (of course), another movie and then Circus Circus at night. Those girls are real gamers. I could not believe how good they were on the circus games. They won all kinds of stuffed animals.

Tues was the last full day and they were whipped. I think grandma was too. Another day of sleeping in and then a full day in (you guessed it) the pool and one last dinner out for Brianne's birthday dinner.

What a great time we had. It was really lonely around here after they left. We loved having them here. Who will it be at Grandma's Camp next Year?

The Black Hills of South Dakota

The first week of June found Judy and I in Keystone, South Dakota. It just so happened that the Ogdens and Harpers were there also with the cutest kids in all of the Black Hills.Our trip was timed perfectly with the weather. It had rained everyday before we got there. We landed and the rains stopped. We left, and the rains started the same day. It was very cool, in the 60's every day.

This is a place for kids of all ages. Mt. Rushmore is incredible. The walking tour gave the story of our nation through the lives of the presidents, whose faces are carved into the mountain. Very moving and patriotic. One fact that I learned and found very intersting. The artist who designed the monument, Borglund, was born in Bear Lake, Utah. The son of a polygamist Mormon who migrated from Sweden to Salt Lake. I never found out if he remained an active member of the church. His family moved to the mid west when he was young and his mother left the family once they were out of Utah.

We drove the wildlife loup in Custer State Park and found ourselves in the middle of buf

falo herds. We also saw, deer, turkeys and antlope up close. Up close. Did I say up close, then try wild donkeys sticking their heads right inside the car window. It was thrilling for kids and adults. 

From Custer Park we went to the Crazy Horse mountain carving. A mountain 5 times as big as Rushmore being carved into the Indian Chief made famous at the battle of the Little Big Horn. 

Then it was off to the Reptile Farm, Bear Country (free roving bears and other animals in a drive thru park) and a dig site for prehistoric mammoths. With all these man made and natural wonders it had to end with a theme park atmosphere. We spent the last day in a covered water park. What little energy we had left, we spent it in the water.Needless to say, the kids slept well at night. By days end, everyone was bone tired. It was truly a family event to remember for a long time to come.
Next weekend we are off the the happiest place on earth, Disneyland. Why? you might ask would two 60 something adults go to Disneyland. It is the Western Podiatry Congress meeting. It is a really good annual meeting that gives me the chance to reconnect with all the people that I used to associate with on a daily basis when we lived in California. It is also the same weekend of the marriage of Patrick O'Brien, a good friend of Brad when he grew up in Lake Forest. We are looking forward to our visit and a chance to spend some time with Brad and Amber too.

Early Father's Day Gift

Can you believe this? all these blog enteries by your dad, 3 new enteries on the same day. Something must be wrong with him you must be thinking. Well let me tell you that I finally have some time to myself and I am listening to old records tonight. I figured I may as well blog while I listen.

Yes I said listening to old records. How old you might ask? Some are from the 40's, some from the 50's, and 60's and 70's. Then you might wonder, how is he listening to these records? That is where the early Father's Day gift comes in . Your mother bought me the record player that she gave me at Christmas (of course I didn't ever get it because they were sold out when we got home from Colorado to buy it. I think that I got gyped out of a Christmas present.) and is calling it a Father's Day gift. Anyway, listening to these old records takes me back to my high school days. It is really cool. It has the ability to record records on CD's. I got a lot of old records from my mother and I will enjoy listening to them too.

Lori and Gavin's Visit

May was an exciting month for us because Lori and Gavin visited us twice. The first time was with Tyson too, but the second was without Tyson because he was on a business trip to Mexico. We got to know Gavin a lot better. He loves to sit by our toy that has spinning turntables that moves rolling things around and plays a song. He learned how to stop and start it. He could sit by that toy for hours and laugh and play it.

Lori thought she was coming to play in the pool everyday because it was 108 degrees when she arrived. However, 2 days later it was only 69 degrees for the high. One night I took Gavin out on the patio furniture when it was windy. He loved watching the trees bend and the wind chime make its noise. We sat out in the wind for about 11/2 hours before his mom came to get him for bed.

One night I watched Gavin while Lori and mom went to a movie. I was a little bit nervous about it, but we played with the toys all night until it was time for his bed. He went down without a peep. I was quite proud of myself. I changed his diapers and fed him dinner too. No problems at all.

On Friday Lori and Gavin and I went to Bonnie Springs. When we got there it started to rain and then changed to snow. We never even got out of the car. Well that is not entirely true because I took some pictures of the snow in May, just for the record. Since we couldn't do Bonnie Springs, we decided to go to Shark Reef at Mandaly Bay. I am not sure how much Gavin liked it, but Lori said he did. I got some good pictures, but you know me and the computer. If pictures show up with this addition, you will know that I did not do it, because so far it hasn't worked, even with Lori's written instructions.
We put Lori on the plane early Saturday am and left for Pine Valley. It was really a nice visit.

Reed's Memorial Service

Saturday was the day selected for the memorial service at the cemetary. I was surprised at how many people came to the service. By far, most of the people were from the Furness family. I think all of Carl's family was there. My aunt Margaret, cousin Mike Perterson and cousin Jim Monsen came representing the Monsen family. Mom and Reed's neighbors came too. It was exactly the same hour as a funeral for my cousin Barbara's husband, who died from cancer. Some of the Monsen family went to that funeral.

I conducted the service which started by Joni reading the Lord's Prayer and followed by the Utah Honor Guard playing Taps and displaying the flag. It was very moving. Carl provided a eulogy, Rob Furness spoke about "grandpa" and I closed the service with a benediction prayer. The entire service lasted about 25 minutes. It was just right.

After the service, we all gathered at a restaraunt at the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon. It was a fun gathering. Lori and Tyson, Rob , Tracy and two of their kids, plus my sisters and partners were there. It was a good lunch.

After all was done, Mom and I went to Lori and Tyson's house to play with Gavin until we left for the airport. That was actually the best part of the day.

Visitors have come and are still coming

The spring visitors have come in droves and even today we signed up more. Yes we are running the Fausett Bed and Breakfast. All we need to do is set a price list per night and then see how many continue to come. One night at MGM-$350., one night at Four Seasons-$450., one night at Fausett's- priceless.

Our first visitors were Brad and Amber. They arrived on a Thursday night and left of Monday morning. We got to celebrate Brad's birthday while he was here. Brad and dad went to Spamalot and Amber and mom went to Phantom. We all went to dinner at a restaurant at the Venetian Hotel. Brad and dad also figured out a way to play golf one day while Amber and Judy went shopping. It was a great visit. Too bad Brad and Amber had to leave sunny Las Vegas for cold, snowy Colorado.

Our second visitors were the Ogdens. We had a great time with the boys taking them to Bonnie Springs to see the cowboy shoot out and the petting zoo. Lexie stayed home with Kim and grandma. The whole family went to the park the previous day. We had lots of time in the swimming pool too. Those 3 grandkids are so precious. We loved having them here. Oh, we loved having Kim and Brett too. The visit was way too short.

The next visitors were my family. It was first time to all gather for Joni's birthday. We spent much of our time going through my mother's photos, etc. We all went to Tao's for a birthday dinner. We sat in a private area reserved for celebreties when they come to the restaurant. It was very fun and cheaper than I expected. We did not stay for the late night clubbing, but Judy wanted to. The next night we had dinner at our house. We grilled and sat around the pool taking the rest of the night.

Right now we have Lori and Gavin here with us. Tyson brought them down and then flew home until next weekend when he comes back to pick them up. Lori has been visiting her old high school friends and drumming up business for Tyson and his web pages. Gavin is just the cuttest little bundle of joy. He has chipmunk cheeks that beg for kissing. He drools like crazy because he always has his fingers in his mouth. We played tonight on the carpet with a little toy that kept him busy for hours. Maybe Lori will forget him and he can stay here.

Next month we have the Cannons, the Parks, and the Gonzalez's coming. And the reservations go on, but it will end with the first 100 degree days. Once all the company leaves, it will be time for Jim and Judy to start traveling to cooler zones.

Spring Time in Las Vegas Means Visitors

Yes the weather in Las Vegas is starting to warm up. It is such a great time to be outside. Temps in the high 60's and mid 70's. People are starting to arrive in Las Vegas by the droves. Our house is no exception. This month we start with visits from Brad and Amber. Brad will celebrate his birthday with us. We are going to the play "Spamalot". Judy and Amber selected "Phantom" to see. It should be fun. I am looking forward to playing golf with Brad.

The following week Kim and Brett and family come to town. We will have a great time taking the kids around the neighborhood park. It has lots of fun things to do for the youger set.

When April starts, we get visits from friends from California, my sisters are coming for a weekend, and then Lori, Tyson and Gavin come for a week. By the time Lori leaves, we will be in the 80's for temps. The swimming pool will get lots of use I am sure.

We will enjoy our Spring visitors because when the summer heat hits, there will be few visits. That is the time we leave too.

If It's Colorado Again, It Must Be A Baby Blessing

We are preparing for yet another trip to Colorado Springs. It is time to officially name our latest granddaughter for the records of the Church. I hope that her dad blesses her with lots of toughness to handle her two older brothers. I know her middle name is Judy, but how about something like "Rocky"or "Nails". In fact, I kind of like "Rocky" for a nickname. Kim, when I ask how Rocky is doing you will know who I am talking about. Let's practice. So how are the kids doing? Is Rocky holding her own against Cole and Trevor?

See you in Colorado (unless it is cold, then I may not go).

Summer Planning

It is time to plan the Fausett summer get together. This year it is going to happen in the South Dakota Black Hill so that we can visit those famous stone heads carved into the mountain side. There is a lot more to do there than I ever expected. Hiking, fishing, golf, bike and horseback riding, visiting historic sites and of course looking at Mt. Rushmore. We are looking into groups of cabins that will accomodate the entire family. It should be an exciting 4 days. in June.

Since this will be our 40th year of marriage, Judy and I are looking into what else we should do to celebrate. We need the imput of all to select the best spot to visit. Italy would be fun but maybe too expensive with the low value of the dollar in Europe. We are looking at Niagra Falls, Canada, Hawaii, or a cruise. Any ideas?, post them.

Year "End" Event

There are some things that no one looks forward to no matter how much they get to drink. And drink I did. My choice of cherry, grape, or lemon lime to flavor a mixture whose sole purpose was to rid me of every particle in my bowels. I was able to drink 1/2 gallon of this mixture and that was more than enough. If I ever get the notion to try collonics, just shoot me. Fortunatly, everything came out in the end. My exam was normal. Now I get the next 5 years to contemplate a repeat reamjob. Don't ever tell me that my job is a "bummer". I will look at feet forever, before considering switching to gastroenterology.