Picture Taking Safari to Moab

This winter season has be mostly filled with cold cold days with snowy nights. I know that in church and our prayers, we often ask for "moisture" because we live in a desert region. "Moisture" is another polite word for rain, or snow. Water is the staff of life in these parts.

So why am I complaining? Well, one day all that snow is going to melt, and bring good water or blessings to the land. It also will bring new discoveries, such as piles and piles of dog poop burried for the winter. We figure, well, its our dogs happiness but I abhor the contributions of our neighbors dogs who are let out to fertilize the neighborhood. The law says that they are supposed to pick up after their pets, but do they ever?

Well, this blog posting is not really about picking up dog poop but having a good reason to leave the cold and get out of town for a break. We decided to celebrate our 35th Wedding Anniversary by taking a picture safari. The real purpose is to get some good pictures for Jo to paint from. Since her works are getting quite good, she needs new material.

We planned the trip and set it up, but the weather didn't cooperate. On our drive down to Moab, it rained, sleeted, snowed, and fogged the whole time. We listed to a book on CD and enjoyed the trip. I drove, and Jo and Ipo dozed off. None the less, it was a pleasant trip.

We purchased an annual pass for the National Parks, and you can't get a better deal if you plan to see more than a couple of National Parks within a years time. Fortunately for us in Utah, there are several National Parks, I think four of them and several National Monuments (National Park wannabees). So, we figure on seeing as much as we can, not to mention when we travel in the summer.

After a short drop in to Arches National Park, we drove up the road to Canyonlands National Park. Just before Canyonland, we went to the Dead Horse State Park ($10 daily fee), but it was worth it and except for the cloudy overcast, we got to see some great sights.

Then it was on to Canyonland and the clouds were still there but we tried to get in as much of the sightseeing as we could before sundown. There are some really awesome views to see but the wind and cold air blowing made stops short. Even Ipo was weary about the cold temperature. At least she put up with the whole trip. When she got interested, we would put the window down for her to stick her head out and sniff the area. It wouldn't be long before she pull her head back in and start to lay down.

In Moab, there are several hotels that allow you to bring your pets, and the LaQuinta is no exception. We were pleased with the accomodations and didn't have to pay extra for Ipo.

On Saturday we visited Arches NP and took as many pictures as the sun would allow (with out clouds). The only problem with a car riding dog is that she wanted to get out at every stop. So where we could, we would get her out for a walk and sniff out the area. Pets aren't allowed on the trails. We still had a good time. One thing about visiting the park in the winter time is that there aren't as many tourist clogging up the park.

On our way home, we stopped in at Goblin Valley State Park ($7 fee). It was a unique park with the rock formations like little goblins (Galaxy Quest). We almost had the whole park to ourselves. If you get a chance, you should see it.

On our way home, we took I-70 to Salina. There are several view areas and great places to take pictures. At the Outlaw View point, Ipo got loose from Jo as she was getting out of the car. The view is has no fence to protect one from falling off the cliff so Jo screamed, scared Ipo and Me so finally Ipo slowed down where I picked up the lease and took her back to the car. The rest of the trip was sunny, windy, snowy, rainy and foggy. Ipo, Jo and I were glad to get home safe and tired.

So that's how we spent our 35th Wedding Anniversary.

Big Month of Feburary

On a university campus, perhaps just the same on many other parts of the country, getting the right Valentines gift is just as important as remembering your wedding anniversary or some significant date such as that. Being too busy to remember is identified as one of the top ten reasons that won't cut it in such a significant time of the year. So, from a clipping I found recently, a list of "What NOT to Give Her For Valentines Day" just read it for wisdom and perhaps a warning:

1. A box of chocolates, clumsily rearranged in an attempt to hide the fact you ate all the caramel ones.

2. Any food item with the words "diet," "light," or "high fiber" on the label.

3. Any video starring Sylvester Stallone or Jim Carrey.

4. Flowers from a hospital's gift shopp- - or worse, a mortuary's.

5. Any household appliance, power tool or other item from the harder side of Sears.

6. A gift certificate.

7. Cash.

8. Anything you could have bought at the gas station mini-mart on the way over, even if you didn't.

9. An apologetic look and the words "That was today?"

In almost 35 years of marriage, I certainly can remember or identify with the just shared list of blunders. Now, sometimes I find it hard to justify expensive roses, price driven up by the demand of the occassion, or perhaps jewelry, which I find has little or no utility, or some other stupid reason, however, it is better to bend to the will of the occassion and make some or alot of meaningful gesture in recognizing the occassion. In this case, for some, peace and well-being is a higher priority.

Now I have to commend the younger generation, such as those of our children's spouses and family. Last night, our grandsons who live nearby brought Valentine cards and a heart shaped sucker. That was really thoughtful.

On Saturday evening, we attended our Married Student Stake Valentines Dance. The band was great, music too loud, refreshments appropriate, and activity outstanding, if you're an under 30 or 20 something. Anyway, it was good to support them and we at least celebrated early.

Later, we get to celebrate our significant 35th Wedding Anniversary. How cool is that?

This is also a month of a couple of birthdays, Jason, Jesse, and Troy. Happy Birthday Sons.

Glad January is over with, Hello February

The month of January has been more than we cared to think about. Lately, our wether pattern has been snow day, day to dig out from snow, then watch more snow fall, and the cycle continued. Early in the month, we had cold temperatures, below 20's and near zero amost for two weeks. I find that to be somewhat a hopeful blessing as the cold freeze would hopefully kill off some of the pesky bugs that come out in the spring and summer. It wouldn't hurt to kill off a few dandelions also at the same time.

We recognize that the low temperatures here may seem a bit balmy for those of you say in "Why not, Minot" but in your case, you have no choice. Uncle Sam wills you the frigid temperatures as a test of your endurance and perserverance. Being cooped up indoors all day would tend to drive some people to behave strangely. Anyway, our sympathies to you all.

In gratitude to our son-in-law for taking our beater of a snow blower to the shop for a badly needed tune up. Now, it works and has been a back saver for clearing the driveway and sidewalks. Before it got fixed, Mark and the boys would come over and shovel the walks and driveway. Then George, Henry and Bubba would play in the snow.

Watching the news, I saw an article that snow should be removed from sidewalks within 24 hours after the fall. Thank goodness we have compassionate community officials who have not enforced this law. Bunch of slackers but they believe in the spirit of the law, rather than the letter of the law.

So, our routine here has been pretty much the same, watch snow fall, shovel or snow blow, revel in clean sidewalks, watch more snow fall. In the meantime, I've found our daily newspaper burried in the snow several times. I purposely cleared off the sidewalks for the delivery guy or gal, to place our newspaper at our front door on on the porch. What really happens is a driveby hit by the newspaper person and quick getaway. They probably don't want to get their Air Jordans full of snow or on the floor of the car, so the next obvious thing is to lower the window, and bombs away! This is more customer relations stuff.

On a more solemn note, with the passing of President Hinckley, many thoughts and expressions of grattitude and love have been shared by our children and friends. We wish to express our love to our Heavenly Father for placing such a special person to lead the Church during the past 12 plus years. Not only was he the living propher of God but a most kind and loving spirit to us all. "Peace be still, peace be still."

I cannot forget one instance when I took Jo to Salt Lake City for an early medical appointment. We arrive prior to the appointment and then I decided to wait in the car while she talked to the specialist. It also happened to be April 15th, and I was hurrying to complete our tax filing. While seated in the car and checking my figures, I noticed in my drivers side mirror President Hinckley exiting the hospital entrance and walking towards our car. I recognized him instantly and attempted to open my window but thought differently seeing the large stature of a man accompanying him. (Most likely his driver, and surely a descendant of the Nephite Warrior.) They were parked right next to me. So as President Hinckley got in his car, I waved to him and he acknowledged me with a friendly smile and a wave. He was so kind.

I've watched the news coverage of his life and comments from those who went to the viewing, and I cannot express to you, the great spirit of peace and love that is overwhelming. You can't help but feel the emotions and the great respect and love that he commanded as the most recent Prophet and leader of the Church. He will be missed.

I've taken the opportunity to review many of his addresses such as General Conference talks, BYU Devotional talks and other addresses he's made to the general public. They are all so clear and a voice of warning as he speaks in behalf of God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. I loved his counsel and also chastizement (to the brethren of the Priesthood.) What a great leader he has been in a time of so much confusion, dispare, greed, and hateThe funeral will be held tomorrow with other extended coverage on his life and ministry. I hope you all will have the opportunity to share in this broadcasts.

On another significant item, Feburary is the month of our wedding anniversary, our 35th. Wowzer. Five children four sons-in-law, one daughter in-law and fifteen grandchildren later we look upon you all with such joy and gladness. Your lives are a living testament of how much Heavenly Father has bless you all.

Our home has begun to change a little. Since there is no children living with us, only the Po doggie, Jo has retaken up her love for painting. It's been great to see her paintings. So instead of a quilt shop, we have a paint gallery. Maybe at a later time in the future, she will put on a display for the public. We also look forward to maybe doing more things together or sharing in each others interest. You laugh! But my take on this is that we would begin to take some trips to take pictures of the country and then she can express them in her paintings. That is our plan. Nearby, daughter Erin Noel Pualani has taken up doing portrait photography and doing really good work (of course with some of my camera equipment.)

So, as you contemplate a trip back to Utah in the near future, you must make time for a view of the art gallery, family photo shoots, and spending time with 35th anniversary newly weds.

Christmas at G Mountain

Christmas time below G Mountain is a specal time for us. We prepare long in advance to make this a wonderful Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. This year was no exception. The only thing that could have made things better was to have all our children and their families here to celebrate it together.
We have been blessed to have at least some of our family here in the past and this year, our daughter Erin and her family relocated back to PG. So now we have family close by, just down the street and up a block. For them, it was a welcome relief to have their home remodeling just about completed. They did a mavelous job on it.

So, in keeping with our family tradition, we celebrated Christmas Eve together, this time at Erin and Mark's home. As in the past, we had close family friends join us. For them, it most likely be their last time here in Utah Valley since they are selling their resturant and relocating to the deep south, Mississippi. It will be sad to see them go. We had a nice dinner and time spent together. After the dinner with program and singing, we came home to prepare for Christmas. The boys, George, Henry, and Teddy, were wound up. so after getting them down to bed and we started rearranging our living room for our Christmas gift opening. Jo relaxed by playing the piano as seen here while there was some last minute wrapping going on.

And so all the presents were laid out while the children rested in their bed with dreams of presents to be opened when they woke up.

We had fun putting presents under the tree by the light of christmas tree bulbs.

Here is a picture of Mark and Erin with their boys. Just enough to get them all together since the boys were very excited it being Christmas Eve.

Here is grandson Theodore wading through the presents on the floor. He finally got into the mood and was excited to explore the presents.

Ipo was very tolerent with Bubba, Erin and Mark's dog. He's fairly behaved and endearing. They got along well enough not to give us any concern except to let them out frequently to go potty.

As for Bubba, he's taken to Erin's family very well. That afternoon, George came down to our home to play games (PS2) and along came Bubba with him trapesing through the snow.

We want to wish all our family and friends a Merry Christmas season and Happy New Years. Thank you for those cards and letters at this time of the year. We are grateful to here from you and how you have been. We wish you all the best in the new year, joy and peace. Mahalo nui loa,

Sterling and Jo

Thanksgiving Celebration!



Now that the last of the turkey has been purged from our refrigerator, I have to say that we did enjoy again, another joyous feast. The most important part of the celebration was having some of our children and their family here for the visit. In all, it would have been better only if all of them had come, but where would we have put them.

If your used to these types of family gatherings, if everyone of our children and their family came, we would have asked to use perhaps the cultural hall at one of our meetinghouses (2, within 1 block of our home). Maybe there, we would have enough room for everyone.

Anyway, we had fun with the grandchildren and it was great to see cousins play together. The weather was unusally warm at this time of the year, and that made things more enjoyable. I can see that the little ones are begining to show their growth and how much more older they act.

Here is Christian, George, Anna, and Henry being called for dessert. They were having more of an enjoyable time on the Playstation 2 games.





Also on this weekend celebration was to celebrate our eldest daughter, Leslie's birthday. Again another milestone in our lives.

Here is Grandma, Leslie, and Anna holding up a wall hanging.

With candy in their mouths here is Anna, Christian, and George.










Another special moment, Grandma and Teddy.






Daughters Leslie, Erin, and Teddy.









Granddaughter Emily, Anna, and daughter Leslie. They are helping their mom open her birthday presents.

So, in all, it was a very nice time at Thanksgiving, celebrating Leslie's birthday, and spending time with family.

Who did it?

Which of these suspects do you think did the crime?

Or perhaps it was one of these suspects?

After questioning each suspect, it was ......................................... ?

Yes, you guessed it, Mrs. Peacock, in the library, with the KNIFE!

Case solved.

Halloween Happenings!

I am amazed at how much of a big thing celebrating Halloween can be, living in the center of Mormondom. With all the activity, let me clarify here, Church Activity, abounding in this area, we can't resist having a good time, just about for any reason. Let me elaborate, we celebrate all the major holidays observed by our nation plus an extra one, that being Pioneer Day. Of course, paying respect to the pioneers for coming to this valley in 1847. We celebrate patriotic holidays and religious ones to, that including Thanksgiving and Christmas. We profess to observe the "WOW" or word of wisdom, abstaining from tobacco, alcholol, and harmful drugs, while supposedly eating in moderating or if the price is right, eat out at places like Golden Corale and Chuck A Rama, plus a host of other places that really put out the spread.

Now back to halloween, most channels on the TV feature those haunted, gore, multiple psycho killing dramas, and people can never get enough of it. So, to make a positive statement, our local churches, or Wards and Stakes, usually have activities such as "Chilli Cookoff, or Ward Chilli Dinner plus dress up, keeping in mind to stay away from cross dressing, masked dress, and indecent attire that would be considered shameful. So, staying within the lines, we subject ourselves to such activities and sample some chilli that can be from one extreme to the other, or championship caliber chilli to rottgut chilli, in other words, you better bless it before consuming it chilli. At the dinner, since people dressed up, there must be a contest or judging of the best, most original, etc. All this culminates with the safe and proven easy way to go "trick o treating", in other words, "Trunk o Treat" in the parking lot of the meetinghouse.

Tonight was no exception and me personally, this is the second one of these within a week. I don't know if my stomach can take any more chilli, let alone the gradual buildup of gas. Let me regress a bit. On Friday, we went to my Married Student Ward for our Chilli Cookoff with dress-up and games. Seems like everyone brought chilli and we had more that enough. Jo and I were the judges, so dutifully, we tasted each chilli. Not good, I mean some of the chilli, but we bravely selected what we taught to be the best. Then we also judged the best costume and that was fun. Those young families, some are so creative. We had fun that evening.

Today at work, the building custodians took myself and some of my workers on a tour of the "Haunted House" located in "The Belly of the Beast" as they described it of the JFSB. Now this is a relatively new building and I hadn't heard of it being haunted or anything strange in it. Anyway, walking down the hallway of the basement where classrooms are located, there was one door that they opened that was not a classroom. Walking in it, we descended several steps to a dark hallway and into another room that my senses felt to be large and spacious. It was a very very large dark room with the sounds of mechanical equipment operating. We walked following out guide to the far reaches of this room and with the sudden blast of air pressure, the mist and spray of what felt like water, and the clanking of chains, this truely felt like a haunted room. Then we exprienced more creepy effects to our senses and of course the howling of so called creatures, and so it was, a very fun haunted house experience, down in the belly of the beast of the JFSB.

This evening, we went to our home ward for the annual Ward Chilli Dinner and were again subjected to Chilli. This time, most of the chilli was of a higher caliber. All I can say is that our home Ward Members have had more practice making chilli over the years and they proved it again tonight. There was the costume parade followed by the trunk o treat. All fun and now the tummy aches for the little kids from eating all the candy. Oh well.

I've sermized that living here amongst the Saints and observing their ways is a lesson in making the best of an otherwise no fun celebration. The people like to eat, so chilli is an inexpensive way to feed alot of people, especially if you have a large family. Candy is always a favorite and more fun to eat when they come in fun sizes, like for kids, even though the parents are the major eaters of the candy. So, keying off the halloween celebration, more candy is available during this time of the year for consumption. Since we observe the WOW, then coming to a ward chilli dinner function is our way of being in with the times, and reason for dressup. Of course, we get to carve pumpkins, decorate the house, and make your front yard look like a cemetary.

So, if you can convert them, join them.

Sound Off!

I guess at times we are naive to think that blogs are harmless rants and raves of twisted minds or the ill conceived posts of people just letting off personal thoughts and expressions. Perhaps its an opportunity to just let off some internet gas, politely and not have to look around and apologize in public. Harmless, innocent, just fun, but over the past year, it seems the fun family/friend blogs are falling victim to a few who deem to take its credibility and use it for abusive desires. Shame on those who use the innocent content of others to cause harm in any form, shame on you.

If you are one of these people of whom I'm referring to, how about giving it a rest? Whatever your intention is, just know that family/friend blogs don't need your contribution or abuse. Leave us alone, just go get a life.

Now for all those whom we communicate and confide with, I think the world of your blog contributions and entries. It helps to keep in touch and to enjoy your happy lives.

Some time ago, one of our family members felt the need to privatize access to their blog, and for good reason. I thought it was extreme, but over time felt better because it gave their content a select audience, of family and friends. Later, another family member decided to change the information/names of actual people in the household to protect identity and keep things on a more not to personal level. I certainly agree on this need to shield our loved ones from potential harm. Another family member expressed their decision to limit the access to their blog page due to miss representation and missinformation.

I know, we all don't live our lives only through and on blog pages. I barely have time to read them or check them once a day. However, when I get the chance, they are important to me and that perhaps is how I keep up with the goings on of people who mean alot to me personally. Keep the faith, let's "keep moving forward", from the video "Meet the Robinsons". Have a nice day.

Pics of Paradise

An old rock wall made of lava rock was decorated with some plants seen growing on its top.

Modern super roadways climb up the east side of the Koolau Mtn. range on Oahu.

Gigantic breadfruit tree with fruit in abundance growing on the side of the road on the Hamakua Coast.

Rain clouds approach Coconut Island in Hilo Bay.

Scene of Onomea Bay, once an arch on the Hamakua coast. The arch fell sometime in the late 50's but still a popular scenic spot.

Two old fishing boats layup on drydock perhaps to one day put out to sea again.

A couple pass the time away fishing from Laie Point as the waves come crashing against the rocks.

Trees grow over an old road, once the major roadway along the Hamakua coast.

Picture of a colorful plant that graced the front yard of a home near the roadway.

At a popular local fast food resturant, the menu is to die for if you like local food or grinds. Courtesy of Cafe 100, a landmark in Hilo dining.

A bamboo grove on the side of the old highway of the Hamakua coast.

Still popular to locals, this Queen Liliuokalani Park is a combination of several Oriental cultures captured in one spot.

Hope you liked the pictures. Enjoy.

Home To The Islands

It's taken me a couple of days to get over the jet lag and get back to the time difference from a visit to Hawaii. The trip was short but I got to spend time with our family and that was the most important matter. On Oahu, I loved visiting with Rachel and Jase and the children. They filled my time there with so much fun and enjoyment. The children have grown a bit and are a joy to be with.

They took me all over the island and it was great fun to see the different tourist spots. Both Klailea and Rykell are such sweethearts and they are so bright and funny.

This island hasn't lost its beauty or appeal, just lovely. Wow, how I miss the green lush color of the countryside. They only challenge was to get accustomed to the humidity and rain.

We got to see the Aloha Swap meet and shopped for all the goodies that are offered there.

We travelled throught the impressive H-3 Freeway and through the mountain several times. It's fun to look out the window of a fast moving van and take pictures of the mountains. Click, click, click, click. . . . . . Hope I don't get one of those light poles in the pictures.

Sometimes I wonder why we every left the islands. You only have to look at how crowded, how busy the traffic is, and then look at the price for just living there, then you get a sense of reality.

It is a blessing to have Rachel and Jase and the family there. Almost like a strategic Bed and Breakfast, or perhaps, a Bed and Luau, or a Bed and Tour Guide, or just family. How nice.

The beach at Sunset is always a popular place to stop at.

Then, you always have to get a dozen or so malasadas. This is a tradition and fixture.

At a park on the North Shore, the kids played hide and seek from Grandpa.

The picture tells it all. Klailea, Grandpa, Shae, and Rykell.