Summer is Gone

Wow!!  Where does time go?  How can one be so busy that life just speeds on by?  And how on earth did I ever accomplish anything when I was working full time?  This has been a wonderful summer of activity, but nothing real earth shattering and no long trips -- just a few day ones.  Maybe someday the economy will turn around and allow us to go further than an hour or two away.  But until then, we will enjoy what we are blessed with right here in our own backyard.

I know I've said it before, but it is worth repeating, "I love sweater weather!"  And we are finally back in that season for which I am very grateful.  But there has been a lot of things that have led up to it and that it what this is all about.  So here it goes . . .

Cole turned eight years old on the 29th of June and was baptized on July 2nd by his father (our son) Shawn.  It's so fun to see these little milestones in the grandchildren's lives.  Shawn and Brook had a little dinner after the baptism and we enjoyed the evening very much.  Teauna and her family were at the baptism but couldn't stay to eat so Cole had a very nice support group from both sides.  A nice day.

I was involved in the Relay for Life again this year.  A little more than in the past and so was part of raising money for our team.  We put together a cookbook that we sold and had our own "mini" relay that included a walk, baked food sale, yard sale, and other fundraising activities.  We had a great turn-out and raised the money we needed to walk in the big event in Pocatello.

I was in charge of the baked food sale and this was our little shop.

Then there was the "big event".  Both Brad and I walked as survivors this year.  Kind of strange to be both of us, but there were quite a few other couples that were sharing the same honor.  It seems that cancer is just popping up everywhere.  Missed that Treena wasn't able to be there walking with us.  This time we were walking for her.  And it would turn out that not much later she would pass away and no more walks make.  Miss our talks.  Well, anyway, the walk was fun, but the night got awful cold and windy so we headed home about 5 am and went to bed for a while to sleep and get warm.  We almost made it the whole time and will be better prepared next year.

 Love the support of the family.

Teauna, Brad, Kathy, Kenz, Bradey, Mike

 Brad and Kathy hand prints on a quilt that bid way higher than our budget.

 Getting our survivor medals together.

 Kathy, Tea, and Brad

 The team walking a lap together.

 The luminaries lining the track as we made a lap in total silence.

 Unlike last year, we have made it to the camp site quite a few times this summer.  Bradey and Kenzie like to join us and we always have such a great time.  They made some Indian costumes and decorated with beads and bodies decorated with mud.  Camping is such an adventure!!

 We installed a new fire ring down by the creek.

 Playing in the ice cold water on a hot day.

 Lounging in chest waders. Make any sense??

Bradey in all his glory!!

We took a day trip to the fish hatchery at Grace.  No one was around, just us and we were able to feed the fish with a bucket of food they left for us to use.  We went to Grace and ate a nice lunch and stopped at an ice cave and took a peek inside.  It was a nice day and an informative one.

 Checking out the fish and wishing for a pole.

 Feeding the fish not in the runways.

Not prepared for an ice cave adventure -- no flashlight or coats.

My summer has been busy with my small little garden.  Brad raised it up for me in the spring and I planted and it has produced very well.  I have been able to share produce with a lot of friends and neighbors.  I just love fresh, vine-ripened tomatoes.  Especially the yellow ones.  So, so yummy!!  We have had peas, beans, cabbage, corn, carrots, beets, swiss chard, lettuce, zucchini, cucumbers, tomatoes, and radish.  And my herb garden is flourishing as well.  I have dill, chives, lemon-thyme, thyme, mint, basil, lavender, rosemary, parsley, sage, and oregano.  I may be missing a few, but my mind just went blank.  It is so much fun to just take the scissors out and snip fresh herbs when I need them.  Love it!!

Now here is some yummy stuff!!

And, probably the most important event that took place this summer was the passing of Kay, my mother-in-law.  She was 80 years old and her heart valves were just all worn out.  We knew it was coming, but even then it is a shock and a sadness that must be worked through.  Wayne is dealing with it in his own way and we all worry about him.  His devotion to her has been his whole life these last few years.  Now he is so lonely and lost.  I am grateful for the Gospel and my beliefs.  It brings so much peace to know that Kay is fine, out of pain, and busy with those she loves who have gone before her. 

Well, I suppose this is about all the news I can cover in one post.  I should be better at keeping them done, then it wouldn't take hours to create one.  So, until next time . . .  love ya lots!!!