Friday, November 20, 2009

Arches National Park


What a wonderful place!! Larry and I had a wonderful trip to Arches NP. We enjoyed hiking to see many beautiful arches and the geology of the park. We didn't hike as much as we are used to, but we did get in at least 11 miles of hiking. Our campsite was right on the Colorado River just out of Moab. We enjoyed that much better than being in the campground inside the park. We were able to take some time and go visit Canyonlands National Park. We definitely want to go spend more time there. We only did a small amount of hiking there. The little town of Moab is very cute and we enjoyed shopping and wandering around the town. We decided that Arches was a place we will visit more often and we know Eric and Erin would love it too!!

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Bryce Canyon

Well, I was right. The adult I was concerned about was a problem from the time we started until we got back. What a nightmare of a trip!!! The girls were very disrespectful, you had to ask them over and over (at least 8 times or more) to do something and then they would just look at you and go about their business. Some girls snuck in a DVD player and went into the bathroom at night to watch movies. One of the adults allowed the DVD player against my rules of no electronics. One of the girls mouthed off to me. I believe the adults/parents lied about the abilities of their girls just so they could go on the trip. One of the girls enjoyed fire a little too much. I had to take the ignitor away from her and she got mad at me. I guess I ended up being the bad guy. Sharing ... what is that? These girls didn't know what that was! I have never experienced this type of behavior on one of these trips, even from adults. At least it is over!!!

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Bryce Canyon

We are leaving in the morning for Bryce Canyon with 10 teenage girls. Should be interesting. There is one adult coming along that I am concerned about. She seems to be the "rebel" and I don't think she likes to follow directions and will probably do her "own thing." We'll have to wait and see ...

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Idaho Falls


Boy, what crazy weather!! This morning at 7:30 a.m. it was in the 80's and was beautiful. We sat on the deck reading the paper and enjoying the weather. It became muggy, went up to the 90's and then the clouds started forming. It looked like something from Ghostbusters. From the time Eric and I went into Target and back out (maybe 30 minutes), the temps had dropped to around 64 degrees and the clouds were thick and very very dark. By the time we drove halfway through the parking lot, the lightening and thunder was everywhere. By the time we got home (maybe 5 minutes later), the winds had picked up and the rain was getting heavier and so was the thunder and lightening. Crazy. That was less than an hour ago. Right now ..... beautiful blue skies, no clouds other than puffy white clouds scattered around and the temps are climbing back up to the 80's. The saying in Idaho Falls ... if you don't like the weather, wait 10 minutes!!!

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Trip to Monterey


I had a chance to fly to San Francisco a couple of weeks ago and spend a few days with Erin and Karl. It was a lot of fun. Erin and I started Friday off with a stop for breakfast at The Waffle Shop, shopping, riding the cable cars (we didn't have to pay!), walking around Fisherman's Wharf, eating shrimp cocktails along the Wharf, looking for Flair for Eric, having crepes at Pier 39 (we had strawberries with Nutello and whip cream ... yum), riding the Muni, and going to IceBee for self-serve yogurt. What a great day. Oh, we also went to Beverlys to shop for beads (I love making jewelry, especially watch bands). Friday night Erin made a fantastic dinner ... bacon wrapped and cream cheese stuffed chicken with zucchini that was baked with cheese and little tabs of butter on top, along with a caesar salad. It was SO delicious. On Saturday we took off for Monterey. I got to drive Erin's BMW. What a fun car!! We spent the day going through the Aquarium and shopping along Cannery Row. We ate at the Fish House (I forget the actual name) and enjoyed more self-serve yogurt. On the way back to Alameda, we stopped for dinner at In N Out ... what a treat since we don't have In N Out up here in Idaho (but it is getting closer now that it will be in Salt Lake City). We spent the evening playing with the Wii ... yes, I beat them at bowling!! Sunday, sadly I had to head to the airport and come back home. What a great weekend.

Bryce Canyon


We have spent the day getting the trailer ready for the Bryce Canyon trip. We are taking 10 Girl Scouts to spend 5 days at Bryce Canyon. The girls should have a lot of fun. Larry and I are really excited because Ramona and Ashley will be joining us there and we haven't seen them in over a year. We will be hiking down Wall Street and up to Bryce Point, along the rim, watch the sunset and the sunrise over the canyon. We will be spending Larry's birthday at the canyon. All that is left is to finalize all paperwork, do the food shopping, make maps, pack our personal things, and go. More to follow on our return ...

Friday, July 10, 2009

Margaret Fleeup


Today is the 3rd anniversary of my mother's passing. It is a sad day for me. I find that I constantly think about my mother and how much I miss her and our phone conversations on my way home from work. I have regrets of all the things I wish I had done for my mother. The pain still exists and I cry many times thinking about my mother. I know it has been hard on Eric and Erin as well. Erin especially, since she was so very close to her grandmother. I know she misses her very much. We talk of her often. Mom, I miss you terribly and wish you were still with us. With all my love forever, your daugther, DONNA.