Saturday, April 30, 2011

Saturday Centus Celebrates

Jenny Matlock, blogger/publisher is celebrating her 52nd week of Saturday Centus*. It's really intended for writers to help them get/keep their creative juices flowing. I, personally, have done my own spin on it, using it as fodder for my Saturday photo shoots.

Although the traditional gift for a first anniversary is paper*, since writing is not really my thing, I thought I'd give her a gift more representative of who I am.


Rocks with flowing water. Thank you, Jenny, for keeping the ideas flowing. And congrats on a good solid 52 weeks. I hope you keep it going.

Friday, April 29, 2011

Dog Day, Part II

Normally I wouldn't post twice in the same day, but the weather was so freakishly strange today that I couldn't resist. First of all, the temperature never got above freezing and it snowed on and off most of the day. Mind you, it's April 29, not January 29.

Second, I sat at my desk and looked across the valley where the sun was shining brightly and the sky was blue. Nothing unusual about that, except that I was looking at all this as it was snowing right outside my window. (Note the fresh snow on the roof beneath my window at the bottom of the photo. And if the second photo looks a bit grainy, it's because it was shot through the falling snow.)



And finally, it was a spectacular sunset which I couldn't resist sharing.


And so, while the royals in Britain were partying the night away, the weather here was simply a royal pain.

Dog Day

...or in other words, it's 30 degrees and snowing outside. So you know what that means, right? I'm inside playing with the puppies. They don't mind...well, maybe a little bit. They're like any other kids who are tired of having their photographs taken all the time and would rather be playing outside. Ha. Me too.



Thursday, April 28, 2011

My Favorite New Old Thing

Another sunny beautiful day...well, at least it started that way. (As I write, there is actually another storm moving in). As is our habit to do on nice mornings, we hopped in the car and headed out to take the dogs for a walk, always trying to find a new place to explore. On the way, I caught a glimpse of an old vehicle parked on a side street. I'm certain there's a story here...but if not, I like it anyway.



Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Perfect Day for a Call

The morning couldn't have been much prettier. Although the thermostat still read 30 degrees, it didn't feel that cold and it was perfect for taking the dogs for a walk. They romped and played while Robb and I photographed.











Overhead, pelicans spiraled upward on their journey over the mountains to the Great Salt Lake.

When we returned home, it was time to go to the post office. Luke's friend, Stefan, came along for moral support.

 

Drum roll please...the box was opened.


The letter was there.






Friends came to lend support and to hear what the letter would say. Even the dogs seemed eager to know what was going to happen.



And then finally....what we'd all been waiting for... the call.


Edmonton, Canada. 
About as far north as you can go in N. America and still find people. 
Congratulations, Luke. You'll be a terrific missionary. 

No Explanation Required

At the bottom of our driveway...

1/4 mile down the road.

Ogden River thundering down the canyon...






Glad we don't live on the river bank...

...well, actually there IS no bank at the moment.

Yes, that IS snow falling...falling hard.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Just the Facts, Ma'am, Just the Facts

Today's weather report (i.e. reporting as it is, not as it's projected to be)... rain with thunder and lightning, snow, a little more rain, a little sunshine, a little more rain, a little more snow, a little sunshine... OK, I think you get the picture.


Please note that our property still has several feet of snow, while the hills across the valley are turning green.


And the floor of the valley below us is ALREADY green.


We are getting more buds on our trees, though, so...YAY! HOORAY!


Not whining or complaining, mind you, just reporting the facts as they are.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Consider the Lilies


Matthew 6:28-34
And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.

Today was Easter. Today would also have been my brother's birthday. He passed away at a young age in January of 1990. I'm grateful that our reason for celebrating Easter is the same reason that I know I will see him again some day. There is an order to all things. All things in their own time. 

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Thump Takes a Stand

If you know Thump, you know that he rarely has much to say about anything. He's just kind of a shy bunny with a laissez-faire attitude about life.


But when he saw this week's Saturday Centus, he decided it was time to take a stand to defend the honor of his rabbit family and Easter. He doesn't claim to be any poet laureate, but here's what sweet Thump had to say:

I saw a dude all dressed in blue.
It made me think “Who?, just who?”
would do such a thing,
dissing my family with all that bling?

I’ve never been big on Easter hoopla,
But to this I really must say “poopa”.
Easter means much more to me
Than bunnies in blue and sweet candy.

Although Easter treats are sweet to the taste,
to only think of candy would be such a waste.
Remember that Christ gave His life for you and for me,
so that from our sins we would finally be free.

He left us His example of how to act,
to live our lives with dignity and tact.
He gave His life and so much more,
it would be impossible to even the score.

In the words of an angel, to us a gift was given,
“He is not here: for he is risen” (Matthew 28:6).
And thus we know we can live forever too,
if we strive to be like Him, faithful and true.

These are my words to all the girls and boys:
Enjoy the candy, be grateful for the toys.
But remember what Easter truly means
while you’re gobbling down your jelly beans.





Friday, April 22, 2011

Surrendering to Spring

Yesterday's storm brought winds of around 75 m.p.h. to the nearby town of Huntsville. The short but furious blast caused a number of stately old trees to simply snap and fall, including several surrounding the boyhood and adult homes of the former prophet, David O. McKay. Work crews today made short order of removing the remnants of the trees.



Nearby Snow Basin, where we ski, is now closed for the season. Although there is still plenty of snow on that beautiful mountain and the thermometer still registered a brisk 36, even it is showing signs of its surrender to spring. The mountain is now empty of the skiers who just a week ago dotted its steep slopes. The rich soil is making its appearance around the base of the many aspens and other trees. 




Small ponds and streams are filling and spilling over to feed and nurture the sleeping ground below. Ferns and other plants are beginning to stretch forth towards the sun and sky. If you look closely you can see a pair of ducks floating lazily in the sun.


Meadows once brilliant white are rapidly turning green. Bent branches stripped of foliage and devoid of color from their long winter rest are slowly awakening, new buds taking form and an occasional brave insect checking out its future food supply.



Jake and Albert (the latter having been born in the middle of November knows pretty much nothing but snow) seem almost giddy to explore the new sights, sounds and smells.


And I, well, I am excited to have the sun in my face, the wind in my hair and many new things to photograph over the coming months.